Cultural relativism Essay

Cultural relativism is the view that all cultures that is beliefs, customs and ethics are relative the individual within his social context. It simply means what is right or wrong is culture specific because what may be considered moral in one society may be considered immoral in another. Therefore, because there is no universal measure to standards of morality in the society, no one has the right to judge the other on what is wrong or right (Martin 1950). According to Kenneth (1981) an anthropologists, no culture is superior to the other, for example you cannot be allowed to condemn a terrorist community or vampires or night runners as evil. Cultural relativism sees nothing inherently wrong or good in any cultural set up. Therefore, viewing one culture as immoral due to their moral beliefs could be seen as ethnocentrism. Cultures are diverse and even those with conflicting moral beliefs should not be viewed in terms of right and wrong or good and bad. We can therefore conclude that cultural relativism is being widely accepted in modern anthropology. Cultural relativism has touched on all aspects of life and computers and information technology has not been spared either. Computer revolution has necessitated the need for future global ethics or information ethics. Computers through information technology and the internet have created a global community. With the creation of global community and therefore giving rise to the need for unification of moral systems or what has been referred to as global ethics. Therefore, unifying ethical rules have to be constructed within a cyberspace that can serve a new global ethic. Cultural relativism has had great influence on computer ethics especially on information technology. The main affected areas are privacy, intellectual property rights and freedom of information. Information ethics could be looked at from cross cultural and inter cultural contexts. In cross cultural context differences exist between moral systems of different cultures which have very important implications for moral attitudes towards uses of information and information technology. In intercultural information ethics context we reflect moral questions regarding information technology and use of information on the basis of different cultural conditions. This should be focused comparative study of moral systems. Its overall aim would be to interpret compare and critically evaluate moral systems in different cultures regarding their moral attitudes and behavior towards information and information technology (Brey 2007). We need to specifically look into these three areas that is privacy, freedom of information and intellectual property rights whose ethics differ is relative especially between western and non western countries. These countries have different policies regarding the ethics governing those three issues due to different moral attitudes on information systems. Privacy of information is well instituted in some countries while in others there are no policies governing privacy. Privacy is an individual right, however such right may not be recognized in countries that belief in collective interests which take priority over individual rights. For example in non western countries like china Japan and Thai have no concept of privacy. So probably privacy laws let alone on information are not enacted (Martin 1950). For instance, what they refer as private sphere in Thai and Japan has different meaning in western countries (David 2006). In china, a word close to privacy is â€Å"yinsi† which means â€Å"shameful secret† and is associated with shameful things. In Japan, they have a word for private, â€Å"watakusi† meaning partial’, secret and selfish (Bao and Xiang 2006). Although these words have started to take the privacy meaning in the recent past due to western influence, the individual rights have not been well implemented in those countries. Japan, china and Thai have only recently implemented privacy laws; however though Thai privacy laws are hardly enacted may be due to western influence. This cannot be narrowed to those countries only, there are many more through out the world who believe in collective recognition due to their cultural beliefs (Brey 2007). Intellectual property rights are another issue characterizing the revolution of computers. This touches on those individuals and companies that develop soft ware and other applications and who feel that there intellectual property should be protected by for example copyrights. In the west the governments are keen on protecting such rights, unlike, taking a case study of china where due to communist rule such property is not protected by the government. To them all means of production like farms and factories are communally owned until very recently. However due to economic reforms and increased interaction with the west they have had to institute IPRs (intellectual property rights) only to harmonize Chinese economic systems with the rest of the world. China is still struggling with this concept up to date. In such countries which have communist culture, piracy cannot be labeled as crime but copyrights and patents are viewed as selfishness (Paul 1955). Freedom of information is another issue that has displayed an aspect of cultural relativism in computers. Freedom of information comprise two principles: freedom of speech which is expressing ones opinion or ideas in speech freely or in writing and secondly freedom of access to information. Freedom to express one self through publication can be viewed as the third principle (Brey 2007). In western countries freedom of information is basically a constitutional and inalienable right to every individual. The government can only be allowed to sensor information in extreme cases like hate speech and information undermining national security. In such countries people post all types of information on the internet and it is upon the parent and other individuals to protect their children from information that should not be accessible to the children especially pornography and bad eating habits (Paul 1955). On the contrary in other non western countries freedom of information is not a guiding principle and there are many practices interfering with freedom of information. This is because of their reserved culture or their religious beliefs. In these countries the internet, databases and libraries are censored especially when they are accused of disseminating â€Å"inappropriate† information to the society. Mass media being government owned, they see it as the right thing to do to protect its citizens and ensure they have access to the â€Å"right† information (Brey 2007). The values of privacy, freedom of information and intellectual property are central in analyzing cultural relativity in computer world and information ethics. In western world information is accessible to everyone and there is respect for individual information ethics and is not concentrated on morality that is the values that are central in western information ethics are not the values central in many non western systems of morality (David 2006). We can immensely conclude that cultural relativism is true for computers through information systems. In conclusion, cultural relativism touches on every aspect of human life and in the recent part it is becoming more widely acceptable. The value systems of different countries influence the way they perceive computer and information ethics. At least two different approaches to morality are found in the world; a virtue centered morality that emphasizes good for the community and are found in traditional cultures like southern and eastern Asia and in Africa, and rights center morality that that stresses value of individual freedom like the west. Despite the modern technology and some expected rules to play along like Christianity, cultural relativism is here to stay and it is really gaining ground despite its challenges. Reference: Bao, X & Xiang, Y. (2006). Ethics and information digitalization: Digitalization and global ethics Journal. (8), 41-47. Brey, P. (2007). Global information ethics and the challenges of cultural relativism. New York: SAGE. David, Wong (2006). A defense of pluralistic relativism. New York: Oxford University Press. Kenneth, E. Goodpaster. (1981). Relativism in ethics. New York: HBS Case Services. Martin, Gardner. (1950). Beyond Cultural Relativism. Ethics Journal, (1):38-45. Paul, F. Schmidt (1955). Some Criticisms of Cultural Relativism. Journal of Philosophy, (25):780-791.

North Korea Research Paper

North Korea North Korea is a country that is ruled by a dictator and has a communist government. A communist government rules all the land and gives the same amount of money and supplies to all the people in the country. â€Å"Daily Necessities were obtained from the Public Distribution System (PDS)† (95,Hassig). The PDS shut down in 1995 because foreign aid was cut off expect for Pyongyang, the capital city. In rural areas, a lot of the children were born as â€Å"no-count† meaning that when they were born they weren’t counted as part of the existing society and didn’t have supplies given to them.North Korea was once a unified country with South Korea until September 9, 1948 when it became a separate country. From 1910 to 1945 Japan had ruled all of Korea. â€Å"After World War II from 1939 to 1945 Russia controlled what is right now North Korea, and the United States controlled southern Korea. Three years after the war North and South Korea became indep endent countries. † (6, Haberle) The existing Cold War, the war between Russia and the United States, helped start the Korean War on June 25, 1950 when North Korea attacked South Korea. At the time Japan had control of all of Korea, then the U. S. ad South Korea and Russia had the North. This war went on for three years and afterwards, the Demilitarized Zone better known as the DMZ separated South and North Korea. North and South Korea became independent countries with very few allies. Picking North Korea as a topic is very board because there are many social injustices in North Korea. One injustice is the existing communism government they have there, because with what’s happening in North Korea, it shouldn’t be described as communism. Communism is described as a place where the government distributes an equal amount of daily necessities to all the people living there.When North Korea declared itself an independent country, it used the Public Distribution System until 1995, when foreign aid was cut off. Everyone still got the same amount of necessities in Pyongyang but necessities were cut off everywhere else. Rural North Koreans outside of Pyongyang are still starving and sick from the lack of supplies. People do get by with serving the military though. Men must serve the military for at least ten years then assigned lifelong jobs and are able to support their families with that. (95, Hassig) In North Korea all aspects of life are uled by the government, which essentially takes away human rights. North Koreans, rich or poor have this idea put into their head that their dictator is a supreme god. If someone had the idea of not worshiping the supreme leader in public, they would be sent to a labor camp. North Koreans who try to leave North Korea without permission may be shot on the spot or sent to a labor camp where they may never be released. In every house, no matter where you lived, there is a picture of the supreme leader that you pray to every day.When the supreme leader of North Korea, Kim Jong II, died recently, on December 17th 2011, there was a parade held that had mourners when the casket passed by. As the Supreme Leader’s casket passed by , the mourners were observed to see if they were actually crying. If they didn’t seem like they were sad enough they were sent to prison camps along with other North Koreans that didn’t join the parade. At these Labor camps imprisoned North Koreans are taught how important is to worship the supreme leader and sometimes kept there with their families for as long as they live.With all the money that the government doesn’t give to the people, they spend more than half on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is very familiar with the U. S government and the people stationed in South Korea. High ranking officers of the United States of Marines and Army have tours there, or work there. When asked about it most people talk about the men who stand the re ready for war looking at each other the whole time. There is a building that these men on both sides line up and look at each other to see what the other is going to do.In it is estimated that South Korea there is 20,000 soldiers that guard the DMZ and 1,000,000 people that protect in North Korea. The DMZ is 160 miles long and is the most heavily militarized border in the world. The border was built as a result of the Korean War. From way back during the Cold War to now, there have always been trust issues with North Korea because of the nuclear bombs they possess and their threat possible to the rest of the world. What really makes everyone scared of the nuclear threat is that North Korea is so isolated from the world, rest of the world that other nations don’t know whether or not they are just bluffing.North Korea makes nuclear weapons and threatens they will nuke the West Coast if the United States doesn’t trade with them. Since they started making nuclear weapon s, they have made allies with Iran, who are not allies with the United States at the moment. The world is deeply affected from the problems happening in North Korea. Worldwide, nations are either trading with them, or a huge threat to North Korea. The whole situation with North Korea is a worldwide, complex problem potentially affecting many countries many coutries but countries continue to try to help the people living there.Many charities offer support to children that live there including adoptions. The United States’ foreign policy towards North Korea is to not trade with them until they improve . North Korea doesn’t seem like its going to be around too much longer because of all the famine and the growing awareness in other nations. If North Korea remains isolated and keep their people suppressed, it will become a bigger problem around the world than it already is. North Korea is one of the last remaining communist countries and history has shown communist countri es don’t last long.

Grade Inflation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 119

Grade Inflation - Essay Example In relation to how people learn, Uva (n.d) asserts that grade inflation contributes to an asymmetrical positioning of students in class and also in the workplaces. In essence, student placement in classrooms ought to be based on performance. If the wrong picture is painted in regard to the performance of a student, then he or she may be placed in a class handling subjects he or she is not competent in. In so doing, students are exposed to more hardships in learning and thus are more likely to receive even lower grades. Grade inflation also gives the wrong impression to employers on the competency of individuals and therefore contributing to absorption of poorly skilled individuals in the job market. One of the assumptions that trigger the caveats surrounding grade inflation is that the work of educators is to rate students in order to boost expediency for the employers during the hiring process (Kohn, 2002). Therefore, less skilled individuals are absorbed into the job market whereas the more competent group is discarded unjustly. As an example of my personal experience, my disinterest in Sciences during the later years of my high school was largely contributed by grade inflation. As a junior in high school, my science teacher used to over-rate our exams and a result, I developed an undeserved interest in sciences. Subsequently, I joined more profound science courses. The hurdles I encountered in comprehending these advanced courses relating to sciences lowered my grades significantly and hence ended up lowering my motivation and interest in learning. This shows that grade inflation can lead to unearned or unjustified placement of students in the classroom and the job market as well. Grade inflation makes it impossible

Economic Growth Rate Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economic Growth Rate - Research Paper Example The budget impacts on the growth of the economy and allocation or redistribution of resources. The difference between budgetary spending and revenues is defined as the budget deficit. Budget deficit contribute in the level of national debt. A variety of problems can result because of budget deficit. Lower national savings rate, higher rates of interest and inflation are some of them. The federal budget is taking an unsustainable path. The debt levels of the federal are expected to grow with the size of the economy. The elevated budget deficit is the cause of increase in federal debt. This will shed its effects on economic downturn. The excess expenditure is financed through borrowing. The federal government takes the policy of issuing securities. The households can make up their budget deficits through loans and credit cards. Some of the measures to curb down the budget deficit are cutting expenditures, levee taxes or a strategy that will involve both. Thesis Statement Can budget def icit affect the economic growth? Economists generally agree that high budget deficits today will reduce the growth rate of the economy in the future. Why? Economists are of the opinion that sustaining large deficits can reduce the rate of growth. If the aim is to attain future gains in the standard of living it is necessary to curb down the levels of consumption and take the requisite steps in order to increase the level of savings. The deficit in the federal budget along with the low rate in the savings will cause a gap between the total savings and the investment. Spreading the foreign ownership of assets and mounting payments of investment will result in capital inflows (Wallich, 2012, p.78). The same reason can be accounted for the deficits in trade to occur. The trade deficits will keep on piling up with the continuation of capital inflows. The rate of interest is supposed to take the steep rising path if the investors turn down from providing capital in this kind of situation prevails. The value of dollar is likely to be depreciated. The assets of United States will be cheaper relative to the foreign assets and the investment rates will get curtailed with high rates of interest. The price of the imports will rise and the exchange rate will have the tendency to get low. The country will have to increase its reliance on foreign capital (Sanchez, 2010, p.523). The future generation will not be able to match with the expectations of the services from the government. The advancement in technology will get hampered and the standard of living of the country will feel the heat. Do the reasons for the high budget deficit matter? In other words, does it matter whether the deficit is caused by lower taxes, increased defense spending, more job-training programs, and so on? If the deficit is caused by poor governance then it is a matter of concern and calls for immediate appropriate steps. But if the deficits are caused by something that is believed to be productive for the future, then such deficits can be withheld for a certain point. If the deficit is caused by lower taxes, then people will have more disposable income and that might not be beneficial for the economy as a whole. But if the deficit is caused by increasing cost in defense services or increased spending in the job training programs, it is

International business Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International business - Movie Review Example The team shooting the documentary visited the largest U.S. landfill, known as Apex, based in Las Vegas, to show the viewers how landfills work. Then they travels to China, Beijing, and show the flip side or reverse of the story: looking into just a few of the hundreds of illegal dumpsites, which have emerged in the citys outskirts to deal with the rising waste produced by Chinas growing middle class (Hulu 1). The documentary leads to a report that is centered on advocating for recycling garbage, as well as the many opportunities it offers, whether it is plastic cans being remanufactured into textiles or waste foodstuff being repurposed into high-octane gas. According to the documentary, roughly 80% of what Americans discard into the waste system is recyclable. However, only 28% of these throwaways are recycled. This has lead to major destruction of the habitat as, for instance, waste is China is been thrown to major rivers that a used to supply water to the Chinese citizens (Hulu 1). Ways to solving these issues are easy and simply require individual effort. Each year, Americans throw plastic cups, paper, forks and spoons, which are enough to circle the equator a number of rounds. This is a lot of waste, which could simply be reduced by washing the dishes. Every American, on a yearly basis, uses approximately 1 billion shopping bags, leading to 300,000 tons of landfill waste (Hulu 1). A solution to this is through introducing reusable bags. Reusable bags will help curb this trend by reducing the 300,000 tons of wastage caused by these plastic bags. In the documentary, it was projected that 275 million tires were in unsold stocks (Hulu 1). This can cater as a breeding site for mosquitoes and a home for rodents as they keep heat. These piles also easily ignite, developing toxin-emitting, hard-to-put out fires, which can combust for months.

Impacts of Technology on Human Creativity Introduction Research Paper

Impacts of Technology on Human Creativity Introduction - Research Paper Example Technology has made it too easy for human to acquire the different necessities automatically without taking time to think of how different machineries work. However, technology entails inventing new designs and models, thus it requires some creativity. Additionally, advancement in technology results in emergence of new problems whose resolution requires application of creativity. For example, invention of a new machinery involves coming up with new ideas and it upkeep requires some sense of creativity. This paper will focus on the positive and negative impacts of technology on the human creativity. Use of technology enable us to multitask thus achieve several accomplishments in a limited period. Technology entails using different senses especially visual audio and perceptual at a go. For example, a simple task like typing a creative piece of work requires vision, use of hands, and rationality. Use of technology for purpose such as advertisement and digital imagery require creativity. For example, coming up with a catchy product advert require one to think of new ideas of making it appealing so that it can have a competitive advantage over other similar products (Boden, 2012). Another positive impact of technology is that it enables humans to combine several ideas at a go encouraging increased creativity. For example, a program like JAPE, which processes jokes, requires the user to be creative enough to combine different templates (Boden, 2012). Technology helps us save time that can be used to enhance creativity. A good example is in designing by mechanical engineering. Before the invention of computers, mechanical engineers had to use pencils and paper to draw designs. Designing a simple 3-dimensiom widget design required one to take not less than five hours. With the invention of CAD software in addition to the PC’s, designing the same process takes less than an hour giving mechanical engineers at least four extra hours to be creative (Desrochers, 2002 ). Technology has enabled first and easy access of a wide range of information and resources making creativity less costly. A good example is writing a manuscript or a book. Previously, doing such an activity require a lot of time doing the writing, editing, publishing, printing, and publicizing the material. However, using computer and printing technology requires less effort and time making it possible for writers to air their creative view and ideas efficiently (Boden, 2012). Technology has also enabled collaborative teamwork across different professionals. This enables sharing of ideas creating room for more creativity. For example, development of ultrasonic instruments for surgery required combining ideologies in medicine and engendering (Desrochers, 2002). Technology has also had it negative impacts. It has increasingly made students less creative, lethargic, and irrational. Most teachers and lecturers post their notes and assignments online and expect the students to give the ir feedback online. Students no longer go to libraries or refer to textbook but prefer taking the shortcut of copy and paste. In such cases, the technology does not help students learn more or come up with new ideas thus they end up becoming less creative as compared to using textbooks which requires attentiveness and rationality (Boden, 2012). Additionally, technological inventions such as mini cameras, graphing

Templeton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Templeton - Essay Example Since God is described as omnipotent and omniscient in most religions, then using science, He won’t be physically detected, measured, and studied. Shermer states that because of this, if we were to encounter such a being then it would be hard to distinguish it from an Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (ETI). Just like we have advanced in science and medicine, over the span of only half a century, then an ETI a few thousand centuries ahead of us would be able to create whole ecosystems and even universes (Templeton). According to Shermer, this is no different than what people might call God. If science were to discover a great being, then it would also be natural and limited by the laws of nature, not something omnipotent. That is why Shermer states that the belief of God can continue with science but the existence of God becomes obsolete. I think Shermer is right in saying that belief can coexist with science. However his views are a bit limiting towards God. Since God is viewed as omnipotent and omniscient then He can’t possibly be measured, detected, and contained, and just because science can’t calculate Him doesn’t mean that His existence becomes obsolete. Just like religions and beliefs, science also has its limitations and contradictions. For example, we can’t truly measure emotions like love and sorrow. However, just because they can’t be measured, doesn’t mean that only their belief is fine and their existence obsolete. Kenneth R. Miller does not believe that science makes God obsolete. According to Miller, science gives us more ways to appreciate and realize the vastness of God and His creation. God doesn’t have to be something that is in darkness and shadows. Why can’t He be the driving force of evolution, biology, and science? Miller states that God is real and instead of limiting Him to the remote regions of our

Personal affirmation leads to greatest triumph or worst defeat Essay

Personal affirmation leads to greatest triumph or worst defeat - Essay Example It is through personal affirmation then that he realizes his greatest victory or worst defeat. This notion is aptly illustrated in the two novels namely A House for Mr Biswas by VS Naipaul and The Old man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. A House for Mr. Biswas (House from now on) is a mammoth epic of nearly six hundred pages that illustrates one man's refusal to accept fate and to rise above the circumstances. It chronicles the life of Mohan Biswas who has just one dream all his life i.e. to win his independence by having his own place. He wants to be able to free himself from the clutches of the Tulsi family and while he dies at the young age of 46, he is one contented man having gained his independence. It is as early as in the prologue that we learn about Mohan's mission when we see that he is a sacked reporter who is dying at the age of forty-six in his own place "on his own half-lot of land, his own portion of the earth," on Sikkim Street, Port-of-Spain: How terrible it would have been, at this time, to be without it [a house]: to have died among the Tulsis, amid the squalor of that large, disintegrating and indifferent family; to have left Shama and the children among them, in one room; worse, to have lived without even attempting to lay claim to one's portion of the earth; to have lived and died as one had been born... In this he resembles Santiago of The Old Man and the Sea who is not an ordinary aging protagonist himself. From the very beginning Hemingway creates a portrait that alerts us that we are not dealing with an ordinary character when we learn that: "He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish" ( Hemingway 1952, 9). That Mohan's life would be extraordinary is clear from right from the auspicious time of his birth. He was born at midnight which according to Hindu myths was not a very fortunate time. The pundit prophesizes that Mohan would be a liar and lecher and the midwife feels he would be the cause of his father's death. As luck would have it, he inadvertently causes his father's drowning and is forced to live with strangers. It is during really tough times that he gets the brutal lesson of "ought oughts are oughts," which if we recall Lear's words means that "Nothing will come out of nothing." But Mohan is not the one to believe that. He was willing "to create himself and his world out of nothing." (Boxill, p. 37) The actual struggle begins when Mr. Biswas is dismissed from his position as a live-in pundit apprentice and from there on starts his solitary journey: "The neighbours had heard, and came out to watch Mr Biswas as, in his dhoti, with his bundle slung on his shoulders, he walked thr ough the village" (pp. 56-7). It is after some odd jobs that he finally lands a place with a powerful, conservative, land-owning family, the Tulsis who admire his sign-painting skills. Once inside their house, Biswas loses his independence completely. The Tulsis are a cunning lot who trap Mohan into marrying their daughter Shama because of his high caste. From their on,

Persuasive Speech Essay Example for Free

Persuasive Speech Essay I. Introduction â€Å"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.† This quote by Friedrich Nietzsche speaks volumes toward the importance of individuality and self-expression. It shows how conformity can lead to complacency and â€Å"corrupt† our most valuable resource, our youth. School uniforms do just that. The requirement of school uniforms can cause more problems than they solve ranging from elevated stress levels to legal issues. People will always have their opinions on the benefits of school uniforms though it’s important to consider both sides of the argument as well as considering other options such as the option of a dress code. Growing up in Salina, Kansas left me with only a few educational options; of three schools, two are public. Which public school you attend is determined by where your residence is in correlation with pre determined district zones. Having never been subject to uniforms I can’t personally speak for their pros or cons, I can however give insight into the liberty and self-expression I experienced by attending a public school that implemented the use of a dress code instead of a strict uniform policy. II. More harm than good A. As more and more people are beginning to associate with the opinion of school uniforms being a beneficial policy, they neglect to take into account how it individually affects each of the students. B. School uniforms are usually expensive and are often times, expected to be purchased by the student’s family. This can raise stress in the home environment due to economic strain on the household creating a less than satisfactory place to study. C. According to Scholastic Scope, another point to consider is that of vanity. Uniforms can be uncomfortable and less flattering to certain body types than others causing the student to become more stressed and anxious than before. D. In addition many researchers believe that uniforms inhibit self-expression and can cause more problems through students â€Å"acting out† (Lauren, Tarshis, 2011). III. Effect on Behavioral Problems A. It’s hard to pinpoint what makes a student behave inappropriately. What’s even more difficult is finding a solution for what’s causing them to do so. For years, people had thought school uniforms could be the solution to behavioral problems with in our academic system stating that they would make it an equal environment where a student didn’t have to worry about what they wore, and how they would stand out in a positive or negative way. B. Initially, in a study conducted from school years 1995-1997 at the elementary school level researchers found that after implementing school uniforms, behavioral problems within the schools studied actually declined. C. Though this argument seems logical, further research proved this theory to be incorrect. In a 1998 study, researchers D. Brunsma and K. Rockquemore found that when other factors were taken into account school uniforms had little to no effect on behavior within the school. They also found that uniforms had no effect on such things as substance abuse, school attendance, and crime within the academic institutions researched (Tanner, 2010). D. School uniforms do provide an equal setting to learn, that much is true, but the problem lies within. If a student feels suffocated by conformity, the student may act out in an attempt to individualize him or herself and stand out in the crowd. E. Without a proper foundation built on research, it’s impossible to say uniforms are beneficial. IV. Legality A. In addition to a lack of a strong foundation built on research, the requirement of school uniforms brings up a legal debate, one of constitutional rights. B. In the case of Tinker v. Des Moines, (1969) it was ruled unconstitutional to force the requirement of school uniforms on the public school system. This was ruled unconstitutional due to infringing on the first amendment right of freedom of speech. It’s stated that you have the right to express your thoughts and opinions on a controversial topic through the attire you choose to wear. (Tinker, 1969). C. A school uniform policy may also force someone to wear something that goes against their religious beliefs, adding fuel to the controversy. D. It’s important to keep in mind how wide of a variety of students attend public schools. If they are truly available to anyone, then you must make the policies flexible for everyone. V. Other options A. To allow for individuality as well as maintaining an equal learning experience for every student, there’s another option to take into consideration. B. One option is tightening dress codes within the school. Instead of a strict uniform based policy, this would allow students to express themselves and remain individuals while still being able to relate with one another, not alienating any student from the other. C. Some of the inner cities that have adopted the uniform policy are finding many students have difficulty paying for the expensive attire. This would also allow for students to have the option to purchase cheaper clothing, still within the dress code. VI. Other argument A. Though there isn’t a strong foundation for research of the subject, many remain convinced that uniforms are the best way to help our public school system. They believe how a student perceives their academic institution plays a major role in how the student performs. B. A students perception of their academic institution and the environment within them is referred to as school climate and is determined with the use of surveys categorized into subscales. C. The National Association of Secondary School principals conducted a study that with the use of surveys such as this, attempted to determine if school climate was better within schools that required the use of uniforms. D. The study proved uniforms to be beneficial with students reporting climate as more positive in 9 out of 10 subscales (Murray,1997). E. With that being said, a students perception of their schools environment is only a fraction of what makes an equal and efficient learning environment for the entire studen t body. VII. Conclusion As John F. Kennedy once said, â€Å"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.† Whether or not the requirement of school uniforms is a beneficial addition to the public school system will continue to remain a controversial issue though the true controversy lies within the uniform policy itself. Self-expression is an important aspect in shaping a person into who they are. So in order for our public school system and the pupils within it to grow and develop through success, it’s our responsibility to keep uniforms out of our public school system.

Politics and the English language by George Orwell Essay Example for Free

Politics and the English language by George Orwell Essay This is a statement from the Politics and the English language written by George Orwell. He says, A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation. The whole essay is mocking other writers on their language usage. He claims that the language is not used to its full extent. People use words the size of continents and in the end those big words say the same thing as a three-letter word. Those people also end up confusing them selves in the end. I do believe that language is changed by thought. After all it is the mind that is the one that thinks of the sentences and its thought that may corrupt the language. After all language does not write it self on a paper. The mind can basically create any thing with language. This is why every thing works in theory. But practically it doesnt. I do believe that man creates language to express our selves. Some might use it to corrupt other thoughts but isnt that why language is there. So we can understand each other and express our feelings, thoughts and to claim things, even though they are not true. Language according to the oxford dictionary is defined as: Language noun 1.Words and their use. 2.The words used in a particular country or by a particular group of people [from the Latin lingua=tongue] In a different dictionary it says that language is the system of human expression by means of words. Human language, as expressed by the voice, depends for its production on certain physical characteristics, which are not possessed by the apes. The left hemisphere of the human brain dominates comprehension and expression of written and spoken language. This might be  far searched but maybe this is why communists who believe in all things are equal are called the left wings usually. They are the ones who want to control every thing in life so maybe that is why they are called the left wings. There are more than 5000 languages, or dialects, which are classified in families, though the relationships are not all well established. For example, with a few exceptions, e.g. Basque, Finnish, and Tamil, all the languages of Europe and India belong to a single much diversified Indo-European family. Computers (using rules of language structure) can now translate technical documents with an 80%accuracy. This just shows the diversity of the modern technology. One problem with translating is that different people interpret the text differently. There have been experiments in Nevada USA to see if chimps have the same ability of creating languages that we understand, the scientist figured that since we where related that this could be possible, they found that chimps are not able to produce the human sounds. So at the moment humans are the only ones that have a language. It might be that other animals have languages as well. But the humans have yet to discover this. It has been discovered that animals do have some sort of communication but we cant yet speak dog or cat. Language can corrupt thought as well. A great example is the novel nineteen eighty-four. As part of a great totalitarian state the government creates one language, newspeak, where no emotion words are in the dictionary. With newspeak there is no way of expressing the true emotions, like hate towards Big Brother or love towards one and other. It is possible to disagree with the party by using double negation, or making up words. But the characters in the novel are to scared to do so, because if they do they are committing the act of thought crime, and for that they could be vaporized or worse. Communists set up the whole idea of Big Brother. So as mentioned before this might have to do with the fact that those people want to restrict the growth of the left hemisphere of the brain, as this is the part that lets us speak and write language. They probably want to restrict all things because that  would cause opposition to the party. This might lead to the political party to loose their power or sharing their power. This is something they want to avoid if they want to become a totalitarian state. The opposition might spoil that for them. I wonder in the future if the world will in a way become some thing like Big Brother. One language, every one alike and no one is allowed to be different. What a boring place that would be. I can imagine that one day the world would have one language so would avoid confusions in politics and this would make traveling much easier. Also a students life in high school would be so much easier if you did not have to learn three or four different languages. But language comes along with identity. Going to a different country and hearing a different language is something that might not be any more in the future. We might all be speaking English or a new language like newspeak might be introduced. Maybe the countries might keep their own language but that every country might have that universal language as a second language. But coming back to the point if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought, I do think that language can easily corrupt thought. Not to one self but if lets say, I tell you that the word believe has been taken out of the dictionary and you believe me and immediately tell all your companions this might cause a great confusion about language. I would be the one who spoilt the language, because what word could you use to replace believe? Synonyms of believe are: (according to oxfords Thesaurus.) accept, be certain of, be convinced of, count on, assume, conjecture, consider, gather, and guess. All of these words might be the same, but they cant really replace believe, because as all words, believe has a unique meaning that cant exactly be replaced. In conclusion to ascertain as to if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought, I totally agree. But I dont take the statement as serious as George Orwell does. He gives many examples of bad writing in the essay Politics and the English language, but I think I speak for everyone that one of those examples we use in our language every day. Does this make  us bad writers? According to Orwell we are. I know its just his opinion but he defiantly takes extremes and basically says that all essays, novels, political speeches that dont look like his own style of writing, are bad language.

Assessing The Capacity Of A Person With Dementia Social Work Essay

Assessing The Capacity Of A Person With Dementia Social Work Essay The aim of this assignment is to discuss how a social worker would assess the mental capacity of a service user who has been diagnosed with dementia. This essay will discuss the various meanings of the different types of dementia and how their mental health diagnosis affects an individuals ability to make important decisions in their lives. This essay will discuss how the Person-Centred Dementia Care (VIPS) framework written by Tom Kitwood (1997) is able to guide the social worker in applying theoretical frameworks and also by applying Law and assessing the specific capacity of a person diagnosed with dementia. This assignment will also discuss how the citizenship, social and medical models differentiate in their understandings and meanings of dementia. When assessing capacity it is important to distinguish what type of capacity you are assessing. This could involve assessing decisions based on financial issues, housing situation, personal or domestic care needs, the ability to asses s risk and safety, and also regarding their physical health care needs. The social worker is able to apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to provide justification and guidance when assessing the service users mental capacity. The social worker will implement their professional judgement and accountability as well as work in a multidisciplinary manner and liaise with the GP, psychiatrist, neurologist, community psychiatric nurse or community mental health team. This would enable the social worker to obtain more evidence and reports in determining the mental capacity of the service user. The social worker will assess the mental capacity of a service user diagnosed with dementia through any form of assessment of need i.e. safeguarding needs, support needs, housing needs etc. It is also important to work in anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive manner when working alongside service users. The Alzheimers society (2010) found that diagnosable dementia occurs in 5% of those aged 65 years and over and in about a quarter of those aged 85 years. Of those with dementia, 50-60% will have Alzheimers disease and a further 10-15% a vascular or multi-infarct dementia. There are many forms of dementias, which include potentially reversible illnesses, such as alcohol-related dementia and those due to structural intracranial lesions. Dementia progresses as a very variable illness; in the early stages patients with dementia can continue to live at home with the support of family and friends. As the illness progresses, this support needs to be supplemented with targeted assistance to address aspects of daily living such as maintaining nutrition, self-care and compliance with medication. Tom Kitwood (1997) was the first writer to use the term personhood in relation to people with dementia. Kitwood (1997) defined personhood as a standing status that is bestowed upon human beings, by others, in the context of relationship and social being, it implies recognition, respect and trust (Kitwood, 1997:16). The person-centred dementia care framework brings together ideas and ways of working with the lived experience of people with dementia that emphasised communication and relationships. (Kitwood 1997 cited Brooker 2007:14). The person-centred care involves four major elements, the first being valuing people with dementia and those who care for them, promoting their citizenship rights and entitlements regardless of age or cognitive impairment Drake (1999:19) asserts; Citizenship is more than consumerism, which is where the expression of power is limited to making choices or expressing preferences it is about equality of opportunity and process although the outcome may be limited by the abilities of any individual. There are many ways of understanding dementia which consist of the medical model, the social approach and the citizenship approach to dementia The citizenship approach to dementia is a new approach which concentrates on how people with dementia can help society in terms of political, and social rights, talking part in work, leisure, political debates and religious celebration. This approach is based on reciprocity, which is why this is a new development as nobody was thinking about the people diagnosed with dementia as being able to give as well as receive. ..dementia describes a group of symptoms which result from the destruction of brain cells. Although dementia is a physical illness, most of the symptoms and problems caused by the illness require psychiatric expertise and care. (Brotchie 2003 p. 2) Dementia affects peoples ability to remember things for more than a few seconds, make sense of the world around them, cope with daily living tasks and express their feelings. Other factors which affect people with dementia are being able to think clearly and solve problems, make plans, unable cope with an over-stimulating environment and find it difficult to behave in a normal way. Dementia is one of the main conditions which are a result of mental confusion, memory loss, disorientation, intellectual impairment, or similar problems. (Mace et al 2006). Brotchie (2003) found that different people may suffer from different symptoms of dementia, depending on their personality and their illness which lead to dementia. Brotchie (2003) outlines four most common symptoms of dementia which are memory loss, changes in personality, difficulty in communicating and loss of practical skills. Memory loss is often a sign which occurs earlier and highlights something is not right, however could be mistaken for forgetfulness brought on my stress or feeling low in mood. A person with dementia may gradually forget where they are and how to get home; therefore emphasising there is a cognitive problem. People who may have dementia show changes in their personality as people struggle to function with a limited thinking capacity and over-react with everyday situations and daily tasks. People who are know to be calm may become aggressive or abusive, alternatively a person know to be reserved before they became ill may lose all social inhibitions. Changes in peoples behaviour are caused by damage to the brain and are not something the person can control or prevent. (Brotchie 2003 p.3) This view of damage to the brain as a cause of dementia is supported by the medical model. The medical model concentrates on brain damage and state there evidence by its nature of becoming worse as time goes on. Jacques Jackson (2000 p.4) emphasise the amount of; tibbs 2006 p16 ..damage dementia does to the lives of sufferers and those around them. It poses an enormous challenge to health and social services and to the community as a whole. People diagnosed with dementia may struggle in making themselves understood e.g. forgetting the name of simple objects or familiar people. They may also find it difficult to make sense of what is being said to them as a result being unable to carry out instructions. People with dementia may forget things a few minutes after they have been told which is done by mistake and not intentional. Another symptom which may occur with a person who has dementia is having serious problems with carrying out simple tasks such as tying a shoe lace or doing up a zip, other tasks such as eating, dressing and washing become more difficult as the illness becomes worse. The majority forms of dementia are irreversible, there are limited treatments but the most help a person can get is from their family to plan for the best form of care in the future. It is vital for a doctor at this stage to be involved in the persons care and treatment (Brotchie 2003). Cantley and Bowe (2004) found that there can be oth er causes for these symptoms which may not be linked to dementia such as a general medical illness, drug toxicity or a life changing event. In the more advanced stages of the illness dependence increases and there is often the need for residential or nursing care. Issues of capacity and consent are important at many stages of dementia and particularly affect financial issues, ability to assess risk and safety, and also decisions over physical healthcare (British Medical Association (2009). Marshall Tibbs (2006) found that the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which followed the Adult with Incapacity Act 2000, means that we are more able to offer protection in law to adults who lack mental capacity, including people diagnosed with dementia. A major change to this law emphasised that presumption against lack of capacity, which means a person is now presumed to be capable of making their own decisions until proved otherwise. The second element from the person-centred framework consists of treating people as individuals taking into consideration their unique personality, physical and mental health, social and economic resources and that these will affect their response to neurological impairment (Brooker 2007:12). Marshall Tibbs (2006), have argued that this involves the presence or absence of Mental Capacity, which can be determined by two questions in order for the service user to have the capacity to make the decision they should be able to comprehend and retain the information which is material to the decision, especially as to the consequences of making or not making the decision in question. It is important for the social worker to take this into consideration when assessing a person capacity and making a professional judgment. The service user should also be able to use the information and weigh it up as part of the process of arriving at a decision (Marshall Tibbs 2006:34). The social worker sho uld take into consideration that an individual may retain capacity to make certain decisions such as, the choice of what to eat but, lack the capacity to make serious decisions such as managing their finances i.e. paying bills. According to the British medical association (2009) all adults are assumed to have mental capacity unless there is evidence to prove this is not the case. There are many factors which can affect a persons capacity temporarily, such as dehydration, infection, medication or fatigue however assumptions about impairment cannot be based on age alone or frailty. It is important for the assessor to talk with the person when they are at their best taking in to consideration any physical problems which could affect their cognitive ability. A wide spectrum of ability is found in people deemed to have impaired competence, including those living with dementia or with learning disabilities. It is important, therefore, to see each person as an individual. Disease or other factors can result in temporary, fluctuating or enduring incapacity. British Medical Association (2009:34). There are issues which need to be addressed before a person is assessed to have capacity or not such as, behavioural or cultural differences which are not indicators of impaired cognition. On the other hand, decisions which come across as being rash or unconventional are not indictors of impaired cognition either but can lead to the process of a formal assessment. It can become clear by talking to a person with dementia if they have sufficient mental capacity to make particular decisions; however, if this is not clear a GP or psychiatrist are often the best professionals to give a view, especially if the person has had previous contact with them. It is vital to understand in these circumstances an assessment cannot be rushed and time should be taken in looking at the person medical history and the decision for which the person is being assessed. An individuals appearance and behaviour needs to be taken into account e.g. if they suffer from a mood disorder or a mental illness. If a person has suffered from damage to the brain, such as a stroke, this can make verbal communication near impossible however it is not necessarily an indicator of reduced mental capacity. Similarly, long term memory loss is not an indicator of reduced mental capacity however being unable to retain information long enough to make a decision would invalidate it. British Medical Association (2009). If a person has to make a serious decision and there is still doubt about their mental capacity it would be advised for a formal assessment to be completed. If a person lacks capacity it is usually possible to assess their ability through conversation, but if they refuse assessment, it cannot proceed unless required by court. If it is clear a person lacks mental capacity and they havent given their consent decisions on their behalf are governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. According to Brown Barber (2008), the Mental Capacity Act 2005 begins, in Section 1, by emphasising five key principles to be followed whenever working within this framework of the Act. These are to work with the person with dementia with the assumption that they have capacity unless it is proved otherwise, not to treat the person as unable to make decision unless all the steps to help them to do so have been unsuccessful. The third principle of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 emphasises not to treat a person as unable to make decisions for themselves just because the person may make an unwise decision and a decision made, under this Act, on the behalf of a person who lacks capacity must be done, or made, their best interest. The final key principle of the Act is: Before the act is done, or the decision is made, regard must be had to whether the purpose for which it is needed can be as effectively achieved in a way that is less restrictive of the persons rights and freedom of action Brown Barber (2008:5-6). The third element of the person-centred approach is looking at the world from the perspective of the person with dementia, recognising that each persons experience has its own psychological validity, that people with dementia act from this perspective and that empathy with this perspective has its own therapeutic potential (Brooker 2007:63). The assessment process will consist of many areas that should consider their environment, such as their home and finances many individuals with early dementia retain the capacity to complete an enduring power of attorney which at a later date can be registered (Brooker 2007:67). The Mental Capacity Act 2005 includes the Lasting Powers of Attorney (section 9-12 and 22-23). A Lasting Power of Attorney in section 9 (1) as: a power of attorney under which the donor (P) confers on the done (or donees) authority to make decisions about all or any of the following- Ps personal welfare or specified matters concerning Ps personal welfare, and Ps property and affairs or specified matters concerning Ps property and affairs, and which includes authority to make such decisions in circumstances where P no longer has capacity. (Brown Barber 2008:41). The social worker will also assess safety and risk. Marshall Tibbs (2008:44) argue as dementia progresses the risk of self neglect, exploitation and wandering may determine a persons ability to live alone, while risks posed to other from driving and misuse of gas appliances may cause great concern still. In this situation the level of this would be too high for that person to continue to live within their home environment due to health and safety reasons. This may result in the use of the Mental Health Act 1983 for the purpose of permanent residential accommodation or 24 hour care by family members or carers. The Mental Capacity Act 2005, Section 2 refers to the diagnostic test which is narrowed down to the functional test in order to identify the smallest area of decision-making to apply for the incapacity test. Further in the Act, Section 3 provides the test which should be used to determine a persons mental capacity on a particular decision e.g. refusal of medication. The Section 3 test is to establish whether a person is able to understand information relevant to the decision and if they are able to retain to information. The person is also tested of their abilities to use or weight that information as part of the process of making the decision or if they can communicate effectively regarding the decision (by talking, using sign language, or any other way) Brown Barber (2008). According to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, anyone involved in the care or support of a person could have a say in the capacity assessment, which would usually include, family members, health and social care workers, but most importantly doctors, psychiatrist and psychologists assessments would be crucial. Typically the people who are responsible to carry out capacity assessments are nurse practitioners, social workers, doctors and neuropsychologists (Halton Council 2008). There five key principles of the mental capacity act 2005 have to be considered if a professional is to do an assessment with a person diagnosed with dementia. It is important that the social worker begins with the assumption that the person has capacity. It is also important for the social worker to understand a persons appearance or diagnosis is not a sign of a lack of capacity, therefore highlighting the need to document accurate information for considering that a person may not have capacity in relation to a specific decision. The social worker has to consider mental capacity issues throughout the assessment as they would risk and safeguarding issues, noting the specific areas which raise concern. The Mental Capacity Act 2005, Code of Practice states: Where assessments of capacity relate to day-to-day decisions and caring actions, no formal assessment procedures or recorded documentation will be required. (Davies 2008:8) The Mental Capacity Act 2005, Code of Practice, gives guidance on when there is a need for a clearly documented assessment. This is where a decision which needs to be made has major consequences, such as a decision to change accommodation or a decision to accept or decline support at home. Another reason for a clearly documented assessment may be if there is a dispute with the person, their family or the care team, as to the capacity of the individual. The person who may need the assessment may be subject to challenge therefore requiring an assessment for capacity or there may be legal consequences of finding capacity. (Davies 2008:9) One main reason for a person to have an assessment for capacity is to reduce the risk the person poses to themselves in terms of preventable suffering or damage (Davies 2008). Not all of these circumstances are exact and require professional judgement and ongoing supervision. Davies (2008) explains in some circumstances the capacity for an individual ma y be related to a specific decision at a specific point in time therefore, the need for an on-going assessment for capacity may be required. Brown and Barber (2008) discuss the concept best interests in regards to the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Act 2005 states that one crucial principle is that if a decision is made for or, on the behalf of someone else who lacks capacity must be done, or made in that persons best interest. This principle applies to anyone who is carrying out the responsibility for making the decision such as a family member, paid worker or carer, an attorney, a court-appointed deputy or health professionals. Brown and Barber (2008) assert the need for people who have the responsibility for making other peoples decisions, being familiar with the Acts new requirements for the checklist approach. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 new checklist approach is set out to contain common factors which should be measured on every occasion a decision is to be made. The Law Commission (1995, para 3.28) First, a checklist must not unduly burden any decision-maker or encourage unnecessary intervention; secondly it must not be applied too rigidly and should leave room for all considerations relevant to the particular case; thirdly, it should be confined to major points, so that it can adapt to changing views and attitudes. A person who has the responsibility to make decisions on the behalf of someone who lacks capacity should consider the following steps to ensure the best interest of that person. These steps are to firstly encourage participation, which is for the person making the decision to do their utmost to encourage and support the person with dementia to take part in making the decision, secondly identify all relevant circumstances, this is to try include all the things the person who lacks capacity would usually take into consideration if they were making the decision themselves. Thirdly, find out the persons views who lacks capacity such as their past, present wishes and feelings, any beliefs and values, and any other factors which the person would usually consider. An important factor is to avoid discrimination and not make statements about a person best interest because of their age, appearance or diagnosis. It is necessary to consider whether the person might regain capacity, if so can the decision wait until then? Finally, the person making the decision should consider if the decision concerns life-sustaining treatment, and should not make assumptions about how the person should or shouldnt live (Falconer 2007). The Mental Capacity Act 2005 also include consulting others an a key aspect of considering how a person best interest could be meet effectively. If it is appropriate to do so, discuss with other people for their opinions about the persons best interest, as they may have information about the person wishes and feelings. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 state the people that should be consulted are: anyone previously named by the person as someone to be consulted on either the decision in question or no similar issues, anyone engaged in caring for the person, close relative, friends or others who take an interest in the persons welfare, any attorney, and any deputy appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions for the person. (Brown and Barber 2008:34) If the decision is for an important medical treatment and there is no one to confer with then an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) must be consulted. In safeguarding concerns if a person is deemed to have no capacity involving a specific type of risk and decisions, and family members are deemed inappropriate, it is essential that a IMCA is involved in important safeguarding investigations in providing best interest decisions for the individual. The Independent Mental Capacity (IMCA) Service was a late initiative to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and has been available since October 2007. Section 35 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 highlights the main purpose of IMCA , which is to support and stand for the person concerned, to establish their wishes and feelings and to monitor that the Acts principles and the checklist are being met. The Mental Capacity Act 2005, highlights that a decision-maker does more than making a decision on someone behalf who lacks capacity, but also ensures the persons human rights are met. The Mental Health Act 1983 has a process whereby they are able to detain people who are mentally disordered which in specific circumstances would be an appropriate response, however the Mental Capacity Act 2005 have a different approach seeing restraint as deprivation of liberty. When a person is said to lack capacity it is difficult for them to decide about being in a particular place and is in effect deprived of their liberty, and there are several options which could be taken: scale down the level of restrictions to what would be seen as a restriction of movement rather than a deprivation of liberty arrange an assessment under the Mental Health Act with a view to using its powers make an application to the Court of Protection to make a personal welfare decisions follow the new Bournewood procedure consider short-term or emergency use of common law powers. (Brown Barber 2008 p.39) The Bournewood Judgement involved an NHS trust to remove an autistic man unable to speak and limited understanding from a day centre to an in-patient unit without his consent. In 2004, the European Court of Human Rights upheld the families view that detention under the Common Law of an incapable patient using the best interest argument was unlawful because it was too arbitrary (Marshall Tibbs 2006:43). If people are to be deprived of their liberty, there must be some lawful justification and some safeguards. For patients with mental illness, use of mental health legislation should be considered if the patients meet the statutory requirements. The Bournwood Judgment marked a significant step forwards in the recognition of the rights of incompetent individuals (British Medical Association 2009:87). It also enforced to the empowerment and rights of older people with impaired capacity. The fourth element of person-centred care is proving a supportive social environment, recognising that all human life is grounded in relationships and that people with dementia need an enriched social environment which both compensates for their impairment and fosters opportunities for personal growth (Brooker 2007:83). This is view of considering the social environment of a person with dementia is supported by the social model as it is based upon a person environment and social circumstance, considering dementia as an impairment which results in a person becoming unable to function as a normal person. This is a positive outlook on dementia as it can adopt a rehabilitation approach allowing chance for change and making the experience of dementia a better one, whereas, on the other hand the medical model which argues otherwise which is often a pessimistic view. Marshall Tibbs (2006) book expands the concepts of rehabilitation to include teamwork, working with families, prostheses, re moving causes of excess disability, learning motivation and focusing on what the main problem is which needs to be addressed. Whilst working with older people social workers must remember to work in an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive manner at all stages, such as, an assessment, planning and intervention. The person-centred framework enables a social worker who works alongside people diagnosed with dementia to understand there medical conditions and to provide a package of care at a deeper level and to provide them with many opportunities in leading a valued and fulfilling life. These standards are underpinned by values and ethics that must support the development and delivery of practice. These include a social worker demonstrating respect for an individual, maintaining trust and maintaining confidentiality. Other values consist of understanding and making use of strategies to challenge discrimination, disadvantage and other forms of inequality and injustice (Crawford Walker 2009). Butler Lewis (1973 p.30) argue: Ageism can be seen as a process of systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old, just as racism and sexism accomplish this for skin colour and gender. Crawford Walker (2009) argue that working with in older people may include people who are vulnerable, who may be oppressed and disadvantaged however, each person is individual and have their process of getting older (Crawford Walker, 2009:34) therefore it is important to treat each person individually. Whilst working with older people it is essential to consider a whole range of issues such as demonstrating awareness of the legal, policy, and political context of the work being completed, combined with an in-depth understanding of the experiences of that older person in their specific situation. The social worker must be attentive to potentially abusive situations, whilst at the same time working in a multidisciplinary manner with other relevant professionals and organisations. Social workers must work towards developing a holistic approach to assist their practice in working with older people as it allows them to take into account the persons situation in society and the values an d ethics of social work. Overall the main principle to assess a person diagnosed with dementia is to remember to assume the person has capacity if proved otherwise. Once an assessment is completed and the appropriate professionals are consulted and it is deemed that the person is deemed to lack capacity then it is vital to work towards the person best interest ensuring them of their human rights. This is done by using the checklist approach ensuring all the factors are covered before a decision is made. The person who has the responsibility for make the decision on someone behalf could be a professional, family relative, Power of Attorney or an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate. All these issues must be considered whilst working with someone who lacks capacity. It is crucial when assessing and determining a persons mental capacity to take into consideration all aspects of the persons life, health and important decisions that require to be made. It is also essential that the social worker has to take into consideration that a mental capacity is based on a specific aspect of a persons capacity for example managing finances, housing etc. Word Count: 4,740

Internet accessibility for people with disabilities :: Essays Papers

Internet accessibility for people with disabilities The Internet has quickly become one of the most beneficial tools in use today. With the click of a button, you can find information on practically anything. In fact, Internet use is so widely used, that it is no longer an eminent skill, but is an ability that is now expected of people. Unfortunately, due to a number of reasons, not everyone can take advantage of this useful tool. With over a half-a-billion disabled people in the world, there should be steps taken to make the Internet more disabled-friendly, which indeed there is. By taking advantage of adaptive technologies, using proper etiquette when sending email, and designing web pages with the disabled in mind, the Internet will soon become useful to more people than would otherwise be the case. One of the major advances in helping the disabled is the use of adaptive technology. Adaptive technology can be described as any hardware or software used to provide alternative methods of input and output. There are two distinct forms of disabled-friendly input devices on a computer, pointing devices and voice recognition. Pointing devices do the same job as a mouse; move the pointer to a certain location on the screen. This equipment comes in different forms, trackballs, oral fixtures, and eye-coordinated input devices are all examples of special pointing devices. The other form of an input device was voice recognition. This form does the job of the keyboard. The user talks into a microphone, and his speech is translated into text by the sound card. Though voice recognition has been around for a couple of years, it is just now getting to the point where a user doesn’t have to pause between words. Companies such as Dragon Systems, IBM, and Lernout & Hauspic, are the leade rs of voice recognition software. However, changing the output of a computer for disabilities is much more common than changing the input. The most common way of changing the output is by screen magnifiers, screen readers, and Braille displays. A screen magnifier is a program that follows the mouse pointer and magnifies that area. This is idea for people with limited or damaged vision. The software used to magnify will do so from about 1.5 to 20 times, depending on which program it is. Products such as MAGic, ZoomText, and InLarge are very popular right now, also Microsoft includes screen magnification in versions of Windows 98 and beyond.

Buffalo Soldier-Dreadlock Rasta? :: essays papers

Buffalo Soldier-Dreadlock Rasta? The Buffalo Soldier of the West and the Elimination of the Native American Race When black men first enlisted in the United States army, they were thought to be crazy. These were the men, who just a few years before, were being persecuted because of the color of their skin. Throughout time, the black man has suffered in more ways than we could imagine. The white man stole them from their homeland only for the sole purpose of making money. They were thought to be hard workers and very loyal. However, after the Civil War and the emancipation of slavery, there became some perceptions of the black man that had never been seen or heard before. Even though they were still thought to be inferior, they still gained some respect on the part of the white community. In 1864, the President of the United States, Mr. Abraham Lincoln wrote a statement concerning the black troops enlisted in the U.S army. With the sympathy of the president, this is what was written: The black soldiers in the Civil war had so heroically vindicated their manhood on the battlefield where, in assisting to save the life of the republic, they have demonstrated in blood their right to the ballot†¦." (Cashin and others 1969 p.i) This message was the forthcoming of a new perception of the black man. With the help of President Lincoln, the black man felt that they were on their way to freedom and equality. However, after the assassination of the "Great Emancipator" the black man’s hopes and dreams seemed to fade faster than they were built up. With the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, President Lincoln had given the black man one of America’s highest standards for being considered free. He gave them the right to vote. However, since the assassination, the southern black man could not vote because of the stipulations that the white southerners put on the voting system. Therefore, the black man could only hold on to the last shred of freedom that he was given the right to have. Because of their gallant efforts put forth in the Civil War, the black man was still allowed to serve in the United States army. In 1866 a bill was passed by Congress to allow the formation of an all black regiment. In all there would be several different regiments comprised of only black soldiers. The regiments were formed by the black enlistees and usually the duties were carried out by a white officer.

Social Network Service and Facebook Account

Ashley Ontiberos Amy Becker Eng103 Composition II November 17, 2011 The Facebook Addiction Did you know that approximately one in every thirteen people in the world have a Facebook account, according to Digitalbuzzblog. com. In 2010, Facebook was the most-searched term on the internet. With these statistics, I was surprised to learn that there is a disorder known as the Facebook Addiction Disorder or FADS. I didn’t realize Facebook was such a big problem until I began my research. With all the craze of Facebook or social networking, one can’t help but wonder what the ill effects of it really are. Today, In this cause and effect essay I want to inform you about how Facebook can have many negative effects on your job, free time and health. According to research done by Oregonbusinessreport. com, forty-five percent of employers screen social networks such as Facebook, before considering potential employees. This was research conducted in 2009. I am certain that the numbers have risen because of the number of people who regularly sign up as members of Facebook. When employers screen photos and posts they are looking for any kind or provocative and inappropriate photos. Additionally, bad-mouthing previous employers, poor communications skills is also another thing they look for before considering applicants for an interview or employment. Furthermore, even after a job has been granted, employers can still monitor their employee’s Facebook account. A recent example is of a New Jersey first grade teacher who lost her job over a post on Facebook. On March 28th, the teacher posted a status saying, â€Å"I’m not a teacher, I’m a warden for future criminals. † The status was forwarded to her school board and a judge ruled that she should lose her job because this comment was inexcusable. More people have lost their jobs over Facebook usage in recent years because most employers ban the use of Facebook at work. According to Royalgazetteonline. com, one third of employers say that Facebook is a major distraction at work. Most employers don’t block the site but it is a rule that employees are not allowed on social networking sites while clocked in to work. Based on research as indicated in this essay, Facebook has lots of negatives effects for employees if they choose not to control what they say. Forty-eight percent of Facebook users between the ages of eighteen and thirty-four, check their Facebook’s as their first priority each morning. About twenty-eight percent of that number, check it from their smartphones before getting out of bed, according to Digitalbuzzblog. com. According to Addictioninfo. org, Rob Bedi, a registered psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Victoria says, â€Å"There is a difference between procrastination and addiction, if you’re losing assignment time to Facebook use then it’s a problem. Facebook has become such an addiction to people that there are 155 Facebook Addicts anonymous groups on Facebook alone according to Addictioninfo. org. Hubspage. com also gives a list for people to read through that shows symptoms of Facebook addictions. Spending large amounts of time on Facebook is not what you would consider a â€Å"part-time hobby†. Many people are losing out on a lot of free time that could be use d more productively. People who are Facebook addicts choose not to go to the gym. Also they spend less and less time with family and friends to be on Facebook. Facebook addicts can definitely own up to lots of the examples given and have a very difficult time deciding when to log out. â€Å"Is Facebook turning teens into narcissistic, antisocial outcast? †, was a question asked in an article on CBSnews. com. A leading social network researcher, Dr. Larry D. Rosen, responds with a yes to the question. He believes that kids can develop greater empathy and it provides ways for shy kids to socialize but it also causes mental health problems. According to Dr. Rosen, teens who use Facebook show more aggression, mania, anxiety and depression. With these issues already occurring, it can lead to more serious health problems. Young people are turning down opportunities to socialize with their friends at the movies, malls and other hang outs. Instead they choose to hang out online. Recent health studies have also linked Facebook usage to Cancer. According to Dailymail. co. uk, Facebook can increase the risk of serious health problem by reducing the number of face-to face contact people have with people. The way in which Facebook users isolate hemselves from society can alter the way genes work, upset immune response, hormone levels, the function of arteries, and also impair mental performance, according to Dr. Aric Sigman. With these serious alterations, it could lead to more people getting cancer, heart disease, having a stroke or even developing dementia. I have informed you about some of the negative effects that Facebook can have on a person’s job, free time and health. It is so easy to access Facebook with smartph ones or laptops which offer internet usage almost anywhere. Facebook has invaded our lives in an unimaginable and unexpected way. When deciding whether or not to log into Facebook perhaps it would be a good idea to think more productive things you could do. Work Cited Associated Press. â€Å"Teacher should be fired over Facebook ‘warden’ post, judge rules . † Chicago Sun Times 08 11 2011. Chicago Sun-Times. 09 11 2011. Associated Press. 11/17/2011 . Daily Mail Reporter. How using Facebook could raise your risk of cancer. 02/19/2009 Mail Online. 11/17/11 . Digital Buzz Blog. Facebook Statistics, Stats & Facts For 2011 . 01/18/2001. 11/17/2011 . Grasz, Jennifer. 45% Employers use Facebook-Twitter to screen job candidates. 08/24/09 Oregon Business Report. 11/17/2001 . Hubs, Pages. Negative Effects of Facebook Addiction. 2011 HubsPages. 11/17/2011 . Jaslow, Ryan. Facebook tied to poor mental health in teens: What parents must know. 08/09/11 CBS News. 11/17/11 . Pope, Danielle. Potential Facebook addiction. 01/28/2008 AddictionInfo. org. 11/17/11 . Royal Gazette Online. It’s official: Face book is a major distraction at work. 06/28/11 Royal Gazette Online. 11/17/2011 .

Story of an Hour

Theme is the second aspect this paper will go over, which is the overall moral or idea meant to be taken away from the story. The final aspect will be the plot, which is the key points and what the entire story is based upon. Authors use literary tools to express certain feelings and or emotions; this paper will go over the mentioned earner and explain why each stood out. To begin, Kate Chopin uses different types of characters very vaguely in â€Å"The Story of an Hour†. The main character or protagonist is Mrs.. Mallard, while the rest of the characters can be considered antagonists.Though Richards and Josephine may not be considered to have been drawn into conflict with Mrs.. Mallard, they are not the mall characters and thus cannot be classified as the protagonist. The three characters In the story are not considered â€Å"stock† characters, as none of them can be considered a stereotype. All three however are flat characters, no background Is given for any of the t hem and all that is known is Mrs.. Mallard is the wife, Richards is the husbands friend and Josephine is the sister of the main character. Mr..Mallard, who is introduced in the final sentences of the story is very flat and is only used in he story for the development and climax. Each of the characters in the story are meant to be flat, as the story Is very short In length and any more time spent describing one or more of the story would reduce the effect of using flat characters In the first place. The use of flat characters is also important to the theme and plot of the story. Richards is only known as the husbands' friend, if more was known about him, it would result in a different moral to be taken away, and in the case of this work, the moral is meant to be vague and unclear.The same can be said about the elation to the plot, if more time was taken to give background information on each of the characters then the plot would be diluted to the extent of seeming uneventful. Additio nally, the theme and or moral of ‘The Story of an Hour† as In most stories are open to interpretation. The work is far from being an allegorical tale, as no specific or obvious moral is to be taken away from the readings and there are no parallel sequences or symbolic ideas given. The story is more of a microcosm as the entire work is a small world of its own which forces the small problems to be dealt thin the story.Themes that come to mind are that women are strong and able to overcome great costless aspect Pensacola Limitations, or Tanat men are villous In their intentions. Both are supported by the introductory sentence of the story, â€Å"Knowing that Mrs.. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble† (Chopin 80). As stated before, the theme relies on the characters descriptions, or lack thereof. If more character development was given then the story could be an allegorical tale, as more would be known of the characters and the reasons why they did everything they did ND why they reacted the way that they did.The theme also relies on the plot of the story to remain vague and only having the crucial events written about. If more detail was given to the events that occurred then again, the theme would be affected and given less of a hazy aspect to the reader. Finally, the plot is a unified plot as the entire story is told within a single day or in the case of â€Å"The Story of an Hour†, within an hour. An episodic plot stretches over days or weeks and is connected by transitional devices (Guy;an 14) and seeing this Tory does not have that characteristic, does not fall under that category.The dramatic structure of the story rises and falls only once and is combined with the climax of the story. The raising occurs within the sentence â€Å"Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her† (Chopin 81) and falls when the story is finalized with â€Å"she had died of heart disease-of Joy that kills† (Chopin 82). Th e story does not have moments of crisis, as the entire tale is a â€Å"Moment of crisis† from beginning to end. The plot relates to the characterizations and theme as there are no real leasebacks or foreshadowing.The use of flashbacks would affect the character development as we would have further knowledge of each character, thus resulting in â€Å"round† characters. The use of foreshadowing would result in a glimpse of the future and the motivations of each character which in turn would affect the moral or theme of the story. Throughout the entire work Chopin uses each literary device to perfection. If she had changed any parts of her characterization it would be confusing as to why such care was taken into character development and such vagueness was portrayed in the theme and plot. Story of an Hour Theme is the second aspect this paper will go over, which is the overall moral or idea meant to be taken away from the story. The final aspect will be the plot, which is the key points and what the entire story is based upon. Authors use literary tools to express certain feelings and or emotions; this paper will go over the mentioned earner and explain why each stood out. To begin, Kate Chopin uses different types of characters very vaguely in â€Å"The Story of an Hour†. The main character or protagonist is Mrs.. Mallard, while the rest of the characters can be considered antagonists.Though Richards and Josephine may not be considered to have been drawn into conflict with Mrs.. Mallard, they are not the mall characters and thus cannot be classified as the protagonist. The three characters In the story are not considered â€Å"stock† characters, as none of them can be considered a stereotype. All three however are flat characters, no background Is given for any of the t hem and all that is known is Mrs.. Mallard is the wife, Richards is the husbands friend and Josephine is the sister of the main character. Mr..Mallard, who is introduced in the final sentences of the story is very flat and is only used in he story for the development and climax. Each of the characters in the story are meant to be flat, as the story Is very short In length and any more time spent describing one or more of the story would reduce the effect of using flat characters In the first place. The use of flat characters is also important to the theme and plot of the story. Richards is only known as the husbands' friend, if more was known about him, it would result in a different moral to be taken away, and in the case of this work, the moral is meant to be vague and unclear.The same can be said about the elation to the plot, if more time was taken to give background information on each of the characters then the plot would be diluted to the extent of seeming uneventful. Additio nally, the theme and or moral of ‘The Story of an Hour† as In most stories are open to interpretation. The work is far from being an allegorical tale, as no specific or obvious moral is to be taken away from the readings and there are no parallel sequences or symbolic ideas given. The story is more of a microcosm as the entire work is a small world of its own which forces the small problems to be dealt thin the story.Themes that come to mind are that women are strong and able to overcome great costless aspect Pensacola Limitations, or Tanat men are villous In their intentions. Both are supported by the introductory sentence of the story, â€Å"Knowing that Mrs.. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble† (Chopin 80). As stated before, the theme relies on the characters descriptions, or lack thereof. If more character development was given then the story could be an allegorical tale, as more would be known of the characters and the reasons why they did everything they did ND why they reacted the way that they did.The theme also relies on the plot of the story to remain vague and only having the crucial events written about. If more detail was given to the events that occurred then again, the theme would be affected and given less of a hazy aspect to the reader. Finally, the plot is a unified plot as the entire story is told within a single day or in the case of â€Å"The Story of an Hour†, within an hour. An episodic plot stretches over days or weeks and is connected by transitional devices (Guy;an 14) and seeing this Tory does not have that characteristic, does not fall under that category.The dramatic structure of the story rises and falls only once and is combined with the climax of the story. The raising occurs within the sentence â€Å"Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her† (Chopin 81) and falls when the story is finalized with â€Å"she had died of heart disease-of Joy that kills† (Chopin 82). Th e story does not have moments of crisis, as the entire tale is a â€Å"Moment of crisis† from beginning to end. The plot relates to the characterizations and theme as there are no real leasebacks or foreshadowing.The use of flashbacks would affect the character development as we would have further knowledge of each character, thus resulting in â€Å"round† characters. The use of foreshadowing would result in a glimpse of the future and the motivations of each character which in turn would affect the moral or theme of the story. Throughout the entire work Chopin uses each literary device to perfection. If she had changed any parts of her characterization it would be confusing as to why such care was taken into character development and such vagueness was portrayed in the theme and plot.

Marketing Mix Essay

Product refers to the creation or design of a good or service. It is here that the process begins in the life of a product. In this part of the marketing mix the design is made, the name is created, and even the packaging of the good is decided upon. This is where a product needs to be created in a way that makes the product marketable for its intended target. (Manktelow, 2013) Place is the process in when it is decided where the product is going to be sold and how the product will be distributed. Many questions are answered in this part of the process such as â€Å"Where do buyers look for this product? , â€Å"What channels of distribution should be used? †, â€Å"Do we need to use a sales force, attend trade shows, or send samples to companies? †, and â€Å"What are competitors doing? † (Manktelow, 2013) For example, a company producing power tools would not want to distribute their goods in a boutique. The intended customer base is not likely going to be found here. The correct distribution would be in a store where power tools are sold like Home Depot. While having a great product is important, you need to get it to the consumer in the most efficient manner. Price is where the value of the product is determined. Pricing is just as important as the product itself. No matter how great a product is, it needs to be priced so that consumers will be willing to purchase it and so that it will make a profit that is worth investing in. Pricing also can offer a chance to get a leg up on the competition. In order to gain an advantage in market share a company may decide to price their product slightly lower than their competitor’s price. (Manktelow, 2013) Promotion is how a company creates their promotional strategy, advertising, and public relations. Promotion is extremely important in making the consumer aware of the product. It is also very important that the promotional strategy is aimed at the target audience. (Manktelow, 2013) For example, to promote a new basketball shoe advertising could be created featuring a professional basketball player and the product could be heavily advertised during basketball games on television when the intended audience is going to be watching the game. PayPal, Inc. is a payment processor that operates primarily in processing payments on the internet. In 2010 PayPal began to push a new motto of â€Å"Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow†. PayPal was taking their online payment services and moving them into the physical world. In order to achieve this PayPal began pushing their mobile payment services to develop products that would help to achieve this vision. PayPal required a product that would allow people to truly use PayPal anywhere at any time. In 2012 PayPal launched PayPal Here. PayPal here is a product that connects to a smartphone to allow merchants to accept credit card payments wherever their business may take them. To allow buyers the convenience of using PayPal anywhere, PayPal revamped the PayPal Mobile App. The PayPal Mobile App allows a person to send funds at any time using their smartphone. Whether it is sending money to a friend or paying for an item on eBay, the PayPal Mobile App allows buyers to use their PayPal account without having to be in front of their computer. The other product PayPal created for both merchants and for buyers is PayPal’s in-store checkout. In December of 2011 PayPal partnered with The Home Depot to unveil this new product and feature. Customers of the Home Depot no longer need to bring their wallet to the store with them. By simply entering their mobile number and PIN number they can pay with their PayPal account. Upon checking out the customer receives a text message and email receipt of their purchase. This video demonstrates the PayPal in-store checkout process. http://www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_detailpage&v=Q8P9qT9EIVk PayPal’s placement of the product was not as complicated as many companies selling a product like a hammer or shoes. The PayPal Here product is a way to use the PayPal Here service. Customers simply have to go to the PayPal website or PayPal Here App and request the PayPal here dongle. It is sent to the customer at no cost because the value is in the customer accepting payments using the PayPal Here service. This benefits PayPal in that they do not have to deal with major distribution channels in getting their product into the right store. They simply need to ship the product to the customer that asks for it off of the PayPal website. PayPal has structured their pricing to remain ahead of their primary competitor Square. PayPal charges 2. 7% per transaction to receive payments using the PayPal Here product. Square has a similar product and charges 2. 75% per transaction. The cost of the phone attachment for PayPal Here is free. This has allowed PayPal to keep up with their competitor. In order to effectively market this product PayPal needed to have a price that at least met that of their competitor in order to get people to use the product. PayPal decided to charge slightly less than their competitor in order to gain customers new to this technology and to sway some customers away from Square. Had the service not been available through a competitor, PayPal’s pricing may have been different. Having a price that meets or beats the competition shows that PayPal is marketing their product to not just to customers new to accepting mobile payments, but to those that are already accepting them which expands the market they are targeting. PayPal also offers other types of services other than just accepting payments on a mobile phone which creates more value for potential customers. PayPal has launched aggressive marketing campaigns through email and through banners on their website. PayPal has never advertised their products on television or radio and they did not start with the launch of PayPal Here. PayPal announced PayPal Here at a media event and let the media spread the word along with the advertising occurring through email and on the PayPal website. This helps PayPal save money in advertising and promotion while still promoting their product efficiently. PayPal’s intended targets for PayPal Here are small businesses and people who sell at events like trade shows, service (lawn care, plumbing, etc. ) who would like to be able to give their customers more options to pay for their services. The marketing mix is an effective way to help successfully market a product or service. It addresses every aspect that is needed in order to successfully prepare a product to be launched. The four P’s work together to help a company provide the consumer with what they want, get the product to the consumer that demands the product, sells at a price that benefits the company and the consumer, and will promote the product to the right audience. Without the proper use of the marketing mix a product could easily fail. A company could design a new product that may seem great, but if they do not market the product correctly the right people will not see it, buy it, or be aware of it. Without the sales, the life of a product can be short lived because of ineffective marketing. PayPal has shown an effective use of the marketing mix. PayPal identified a consumer need, PayPal designed a product and service that would meet the needs of the consumer, PayPal found an efficient way to deliver the product and service to the customer, PayPal provided a price that was slightly better than the price of their competitor to gain a market advantage, and PayPal effectively used word of mouth promotion and promotion through their own website to make consumers aware of this new innovative product that can meet their needs. It has been effective use of the marketing mix that has helped PayPal remain on top of the online payment processing world.