Violence And Pornography Essay Example For Students

Violence And Pornography Essay Pornography Sex or Subordination?In the late Seventies, America became shocked and outragedby the rape, mutilation, and murder of over a dozen young,beautiful girls. The man who committed these murders, Ted Bundy, was later apprehended and executed. During hisdetention in various penitentiaries, he was mentallyprobed and prodded by psychologist and psychoanalystshoping to discover the root of his violent actions andsexual frustrations. Many theories arose in attempts toexplain the motivational factors behind his murderousescapades. However, the strongest and most feasible ofthese theories came not from the psychologists, but fromthe man himself, ?as a teenager, my buddies and I wouldall sneak around and watch porn. As I grew older, Ibecame more and more interested and involved in it, became an obsession. I got so involved init, I wanted to incorporate into my life, but Icouldnt behave like that and maintain the success I hadworked so hard for. I generated an alter-ego to fulfillmy fantasies under-cover. Pornography was a means ofunlocking the evil I had burried inside myself? (Leidholdt47). Is it possible that pornography is acting as the keyto unlocking the evil in more unstable minds?According to Edward Donnerstein, a leading researcherin the pornography field, ?the relationship betweensexually violent images in the media and subsequentaggression and . . . callous attitudes towards women ismuch stonger statistically than the relationship betweensmoking and cancer? (Itzin 22). After considering theincrease in rape and molestation, sexual harassment, andother sex crimes over the last few decades, and also thecorresponding increase of business in the pornographyindustry, the link between violence and pornogrpahy needsconsiderable study and examination. Once the evidence youwill encounter in this paper is evaluated and quantified,it will be hard not come away with the realization thathabitual use of pornographic material promotes unrealisticand unattainable des ires in men that can leac to violentbehavior toward women. In order to properly discuss pornography, and be ableto link it to violence, we must first come to a basic andagreeable understanding of what the word pornographymeans. The term pornogrpahy originates from two greekwords, porne, which means harlot, and graphein, whichmeans to write (Websters 286). My belief is that thecombination of the two words was originally meant todescribe, in literature, the sexual escapades of womendeemed to be whores. As time has passed, this definitionof pornography has grown to include any and all obsceneliterature and pictures. At the present date, the term isbasically a blanket which covers all types of materialsuch as explicit literature, photography, films, and videotapes with varying degrees of sexual content. We will write a custom essay on Violence And Pornography specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now For Catherine Itzins research purposes pornogrpahy has been divided into three categories: The sexually explicit and violent; the sexually explicit and nonviolent, but subordinating and dehumanizing; and the sexually explicit, nonviolent, and nonsubordinating that is based upon mutuality. The sexually explicit and violent is graphic, showing penetration and ejaculation. Also, it shows the violent act toward a woman. The second example shows the graphic sexual act and climax, but not a violent act. This example shows the woman being dressed is a costume or being ?talked down to in order to reduce her to something not human; such as a body part or just something to have sex with, a body opening or an orifice. Not only does ?erotica show the entire graphic sexual act, it also depicts an attraction between two people. Her research consistently shows that harmful effects are associated with the first two, but that the third ?erotica, is harmless (22). These three categories basically exis t as tools of discerning content. Although sometimes they overlap without a true distinction, as in when the film is graphic in the sexual act and also in violence, but shows the act as being a mutual activity between the people participating. In my view, to further divide pornography, it is possible to break it down into even simpler categories: soft and hard core pornography. Hard core pornography isa combination of the sexually explicit and violent and thesexually explicit and nonviolent, but subordinating anddehumanizing categories, previously discussed. Soft corepornography is thought to be harmless and falls into thecategory known as ?erotica; which is the category basedon mutuality. In hard core pornogrpahy, commonly ratedXXX, you can see graphic depictions of violent sexualacts usually with a man or group of men, deriving sexualgratification from the degradation of a woman. You can also see women participating in demoralizingsexual behavior among themselves for the gratification ofmen. In a triple-X movie all physical aspects are shown,such as extreme close-ups of genitalia, oral, vaginal, andanal penetration, and also ejaculation. Much of the timeemphasis is put on the painful and humiliating experienceof the woma n, for the sole satisfaction of the male. Softcore pornography, or X-rated pornography, is less explicitin terms of what is shown and the sexual act is usuallyput in the light of mutual enjoyment for both the male andfemale parties(Cameron and Frazer 23). Triple-Xpornography is manufactured and sold legally in the UnitedStates. Deborah Cameron and Elizabeth Frazer point outthat other forms of hard core pornography that have to bekept under wraps, made and sold illegally in underground?black markets. These are ultraviolent, ?snuff, andchild pornography. Ultraviolent tapes or videos show theactual torture, rape, and sometime mutilation of a woman. ?Snuff films go even future to depict the actual death ofa victim, and child pornography reveals the use ofunder-age or pre-pubescent children for sexual purposes(17-18). These types of pornogrpahy cross over theboundaries of entertainment and are definitely hard core. Now that pornography has been defined in a fashionmirroring its content, it is now possible to touch uponthe more complex ways a community, as a society , views ordefines it. Some have said it is impossible for a groupof individuals to form a concrete opinion as to whatpornography means. A U.S. Supreme Court judge is quotedas saying, ?I cant define pornography, but I know it whenI see it? (Itzin 20). This statement can be heard atcommunity meetings in every state, city, and county acrossthe nation. Community standards are hazy due to the factthat when asked what pornography is to them, mostindividuals cannot express or explain in words whatpornography is, therefore creating confusion amongthemselves. Communities are left somewhat helpless in this mattersince the federal courts passed legislation to keeppornography available to adults. The courts assess thatto ban or censor the material would be infringing on thepublics First Amendment Right (Carol 28). MaureenOBrien quotes critics of a congressionally terminatedbill, the Pornography Victims Compensation Act, as saying?That if it had passed, it would have had severelychilling effects on the First Amendment, allowing victimsof sexual crimes to file suit against producers anddistributors of any work that was proven to have had?caused the attack, such as graphic material in books,magazines, videos, films, and records? (7). People in acommunity debating over pornography often have differentviews as to whether or not it should even be madeavailable period, and some could even argue this pointagainst the types of women used in pornography: ?A fargreater variety of female types are shown as desirable inpornography than mainstream films a nd network televisionhave ever recognized: fat women, flat women, hairy women,aggressive women, older women, you name it? (Carol 25). If we could all decide on just exactly what pornography isand what is acceptable, there wouldnt be so much debateover the issue of censoring it. The bounds of community standards have been stretchedby mainstreaming movies, opening the way even further forthe legalization of more explicit fare (Jenish 53). Inmost contemporary communities explicit sex that is withoutviolent or dehumanizing acts is acceptable in Americansociety today. These community standards have not been around verylong. When movies were first brought out, they wereheavily restricted and not protected by the FirstAmendment, because films then were looked upon only asdiversionary entertainment and business.Even though sexualimages were highly monitored, the movie industry was hitso hard during the Great Depression that film-makers foundthemselves sneaking in as much sexual content as possible,even then they saw that ?sex sells (Clark 1029). Filmswere highly restricted throughout the 30s, 40s, and 50sby the industry, but once independent films of the 60ssuch as: ?Bonnie and Clyde? and ?Whose afraid of VirginiaWoolfe (Clark 1029-30), both with explicit language,sexual innuendo, and violence started out-performing thelarger ?wholesome production companies, many of thebarriers holding sex and violence back were torn down inthe name of profit . Adult content was put into movieslong ago, we have become more immune and cant expect itto get any better o r to go away. Porn is here for good. .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db , .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .postImageUrl , .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db , .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db:hover , .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db:visited , .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db:active { border:0!important; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db:active , .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u4bce53b34d550a7c5868f71f300869db:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Triumphant Reconstruction EssayPornography is a multi-million dollar internationalindustry, ultimately run by organized crime all over theworld, and is produced by the respectable mainstreampublishing business companies (Itzin 21). Although thepublishing companies are thought to be ?respectable,people generally stereotype buyers and users ofpornographic material as ?dirty old men in trenchcoats,but most patrons of adult stores are well-educated peoplewith disposable income (Jenish 52). Porno movies provideadults of both genders with activities they normallywouldnt get in everyday life, such as oral pleasures ordifferent types of fetishes. Ultimately adultentertainment is just a quick-fix for grown-ups, asjunk-food would be for small children. Pornographys main purpose is to serve asmasturbatory stimuli for males and to provide a sexualvent. Although in the beginning, society saw it asperverted and sinful, it was still considered relativelyharmless. Today there is one case studie, standing outfrom the rest, that tends to shatter this illusion. The study done my Monica D. Weisz and Christopher M. Earls used ?eighty-seven males . . . that were randomlyshown one of four films?, by researchers William Tooke andMartin Lalumiere: ?Deliverance, Straw Dogs, Die Hard II,and Days of Thunder?, for a study on how they would reactto questions about sexual violence and offenders afterwatching. In the four films there is sexual aggressionagainst a male, sexual aggression against a female,physical aggression, and neutrality-no explicit scenes ofphysical or sexual aggression. Out of this study themales were more acceptable of interpersonal violence andrape myths and also more attracted to sexual aggression. These same males were less sympathetic to rape victims andwere noted less likely to find a defendant guilty of rape(71). These four above mentioned movies are mainstreamedR-rated films. If a mainstream movie can cause this kindof distortion of value and morality, then it should becomeevident that continuous viewing/use of pornographic filmsdepicting violent sex and aggression could lead v ulnerablepersons into performing or participating in sexualviolence against their partners or against a stranger. Bill Marshall, psychology professor at QueensUniversity and director of a sexual behavior clinic inKingston, interviewed one-hundred and twenty men, betweenthe years 1980 and 1985, who had molested children orraped women. In his conclusion he found that pornographyappeared to be a significant factor in the chain of eventsleading up to a deviant act in 25% of these cases (Nicols60). The results of this study should prove thatpornography obviously has a down side to it. According to Mark Nicols, a psychology professor atthe University of Michigan, Neil Malamuth, concludes quitecautiously that some messages combined with other factors,including the viewers personality type, in pornographycan lead to antisocial behavior and make individuals lesssensitive to violence. Dr. Marshall also quotes men inNicols article as saying, ?that they looked at pornographywith the intent to masturbate, but then became aroused,and decided to go out and assault a woman or child.? Menwho are drawn into pornography and use it frequently, havealso been proven to suggest more lenient prison terms forsex offenders? (60). If this previous statement is true,should we reevaluate how many men serve on juries forthese trials?Itzin gives possible support for these theories. Itcan be found in the case of an ex-prostitute who had herpubic hair removed with a jackknife and was forced by herpimp to be filmed reenacting what they had seen inpornographic movies; she was sexually assaulte d and forcedto have intercourse with animals, generally dogs. Anothersuch case is one of a woman who reports having metal clipsattached to her breasts, being tied to a chair, and beingraped and beaten continuously for twelve hours (22-24). The dehumanizing, degradation, and reduction of a womansbody isnt just a result of viewed pornography, it isoften inseminated into the production of a pornographicproject. During the making of ?Deep Throat?, a 1970spornographic film, Linda Marchiano (a.k.a. LindaLovelace), was presented to the public as a liberatedwoman with an ever present and unfulfilled appetite forfellatio. What isnt known to the general public is thatduring the making of the movie, she was hypnotized tosuppress the natural gagging reaction, was tortured whencaught trying to escape, and also held at gun-point by herboss, who threatened her with death (Itzin 22). Ms. Marchiano did escape and when her story was told, it wasrepeated by a number of women in the pornography business. According to DArcy Jenish many children are luredinto the pornography industry by choosing first to model. These young teens egos are boosted when they are told, and are asked ?if they workout. More often than not, they are told ?to take off shirts?, and then asked ?Do you feel nervous(36). These youngsters honestly dont know when too muchis too much, and what they dont know could put them inserious danger. Calvin Klein, once known for being a reputableclothing designer, is now known for his racy ads usingteens. Some feel he crossed the line when he chose thistype of advertising. Jenish observes that theseadvertisements ?featured an array of . . . teen-agedmodels dressed in loose jeans or hiked-up skirts, oneshowing bare breasts, others offering androgynous modelskissing? (36). If adults in positions of power act thisway, these youngsters cannot expect other adults to actany differently. Therefore they accept this type ofbehavior as normal. Diana Russell claims that tactics like these arebeing used more often in advertising and television, whichhas led media watchdogs and anti-porn activists to believethat this sort of masked imitation of pornography tricksmainstream television viewers into having an ?everybodysdoing it? attitude about pornography. She also feels thatthis attitude subconsciously leads them into seekingpornography out (39). We need to show the youngergeneration that everyone is not doing ?it, and that it isall right not to have sex if they feel pressured. Another problem anti-pornography activists believearises from regular viewing of pornography, is theacceptance of ?rape myths?. Rape myth is a termpertaining to peoples views on rape, rapists, and sexualassaults, wherein it is assumed that the victim of asexual crime is either partially or completely to blame(Allen 6). To help understand the rape myth a ?Rape MythAcceptance Scale? was established, which lists some of themost prominent beliefs that a person accepting the rapemyth has. They are as follows:1. A woman who goes to the home or apartmentof a man on their first date implies that she is willing to have sex. 2. One reason that women falsely report a rapeis that they frequently have a need to call attention to themselves. 3. Any healthy woman can successfully resista rapist if she really wants to. 4. When women go around braless or wearingshort skirts and tight tops, they are justasking for trouble. 5. In the majority or rapes, the victim is promiscuous or has a bad reputation. 6. If a girl engages in necking or petting and she lets things get out of hand, it is herown fault if her partner forces sex on her. 7. Women who get raped while hitchhiking getwhat they deserve. 8. Many women have an unconscious wish to be raped, and may then set upa situation in which they are likely to beattacked. 9. If a woman gets drunk at a party and has intercourse with a man shes just met there, she should be considered ?fair game?to other males at the party who want to have sex with her too, whether she wants toor not (Burt 217). Pauline Bart reports that studies held simultaneouslyat UCLA and St. Xavier College on students, demonstratethat pornography does positively reinforce the rape myth. Men and women were exposed to over four hours of exoticvideo (of varying types; i.e. soft, hard core, etc.) andthen asked to answer a set of questions meant to gagetheir attitudes of sex crimes. All the men were proven tobe more accepting to rape myths, and surprisingly, overhalf of the women were also (123). Once again, the womenin these films were portrayed as insatiable and in need ofconstant fulfillment. After so much exposure to women inthis light from films and books, it is generally taken forgranted that women should emulate this type of behavior inreal life(125). comment?Of all the studies and examples from real lifesituations connecting pornography with violent behaviorand sexual aggressiveness, none are more concrete than theactivities the Serbian military are part of every day nowin the Bosnian war. Part of th e ?ethnic cleansing?process the Serbs are practicing in Bosnia involves thegang-raping of all Muslim and Croatian women. AndreaDworkin states that it is mandatory for the Serbiansoldiers to rape the wives and female children of Muslimmen. Concentration camps are set up as brothels wherewomen are ordered to satisfy the soldiers in the mostpainful and dehumanizing ways imaginable. The women inthese camps are taped with cam-corders and the videos aredisplayed everywhere throughout the camps to lower thewomans will and need to resist. Were do the soldiers getthe inspiration to commit these crimes, from commercialpornography. Serbian troops are basically force-fed porn;it is present all through training and is made readilyavailable to (even pushed upon) the soldiers. They arebasically asked to ?watch and learn?. After the seed isplanted not much is needed to be done, because they arenaturally instilled with the desire to repeat what theyhave seen, and are not concerned with the feelings of thewomen. They have seen that some women have no feelingsand are meant to be used merely for sexual gratification(M2-M6). To add insult to injury, some of the tapes ofthese women being victimized have entered the blackmarket, being sold internationally, possible infecting theminds of millions. .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba , .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .postImageUrl , .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba , .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba:hover , .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba:visited , .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba:active { border:0!important; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba:active , .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1d8e9ce6725911c956a2c45dd700ddba:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Nu Wa Myth - Chinese Myth And Legends EssayPornogrpahy has enamored itself as a large part ofour modern society. It is seldom discussed and oftenhidden as a dirty secret, but porn still seems to play amajor part in the shaping of our morals and behaviors. Although some say pornography is relatively harmless, aconsiderable larger group seem to uphold the assumptionthe porn works in negative and disruptive ways on thosewho view it and participate. Nearly all the researchsupports this assumption, so it is evident the the topicis in need of much more examination and debate. Even though the majority of modern society viewspornography as objectionable and sometimes obscene, thereare some that do not agree with the assumption thatpornography is guilty of the defamation of women and theirsexual roles. Social observationalists, such as MaryWhite, at the University of Michigan often agree with herstatement on the part women play in pornogrpahy whichexplains that ?since most pornographic material plays upto male fantasy, women are usually the aggressors, hencewomen are given a semblance of empowerment. Also, themajority of these women in the material are veryattractive, therefore seen as the forms of beauty anddesire, something to be respected and worked for? (72). Although White may not realize it, this statementreinforced most of the arguments made in support of thenotion that pornography is subordinating and degrading towomen. By saying that being sexually aggressive gives awoman empowerment, she limits a womans ability to reachempowerment to sexual activit y alone, and by claiming thatthe use of attractive women in pornographic material lendsto a view of women being desirable, she inadvertentlyexcludes women that dont fit societys mold of the modelphysical female, (i.e. overweight, small breasted, short,etc.). Most of the arguments similar to Whites followthe same line of reasoning, and are easily broken down inthe same manner as hers. In regards to pornogrpahy perpetuating violent actstoward women, pornography defenders claim that the use ofpornographic material can act as a cathartic release,actual lessening the likelihood of males committingviolent acts. The reasoning is that the pornogrpahy cansubstitute for sex and that the ?want to commit sexualcrimes is acted out vicariously through the pornographicmaterial (Whicclair 327). This argument, however, doesnot explain the crimes committed by serial killers likeTed Bundy and John Wayne Gacey, who regularly viewedpornography during the lengths of their times betweenmurders and rapes (Scully 70). By saying that pornogrpahywould reduce harm to women through cathartic effects,pornography defenders display a large lack in reasoningbecause through their argument the rise in the productionof pornography would have led to a decrease in sexualcrimes, but as has been shown previously, that simply isnot true. Pornographers and pornography defenders proclaim thatthe link between pornography and violence is exaggeratedand that the research linking pornography to sexual crimesis inconclusive. They state that the fundamentals of sexcrimes are found inherently in the individuals and thatthe sexual permissiveness of American society cannot beblamed on the increase of pornographys availability(Jacobson 79). David Adams, a co-founder and executivedirector of Emerge, a Boston counseling center for malebatterers, states, ?that only a minority of his clients(perhaps 10 to 20 percent) use hard-core pornography. Heestimates that half may have substance abuse problems, andadds that alcohol seems more directly involved in abusethan pornography? (Kaminer 115). The statement made byAdams and the view that pornography does not contribute tothe act of sex crimes is heavily outweighed, however, bythe various studies connecting violence and pornography. Bill Marshalls observations on his patients and theexamp les of individual crimes originating frompornography, show this acclimation to be invalidated. Some also say that attacks on pornography merelyreflect the majority of feminists disdain for men,cynically stating that people who fear pornography thinkof all men as potential abusers, whose violent impulsesare bound to be sparked by pornography (114). ResearcherCatherin MacKinnon, says that ?pornography works as abehavioral conditioner, reinforcer, and stimulus, not asidea or advocacy? (114). However, this idea is proven tobe false by the use of pornography in and by the Serbianmilitary. This example shows that pornography doesadvocate sex crimes and that ideas of sexual violence areable to be stemmed from the viewing of pornography. Pornography has become to most just another one ofthose cold, nasty facts of life that cannot be stopped, sosome choose to ignore it. This attitude has to change. After reviewing the abuse and subordination delegated towomen as an almost indisputable result of the massinfiltration of pornography into modern society, it shouldbe impossible for someone not to want to do somethingabout it. What can be done is for those concerned to tryto spread the word and educate others as much as possibleto the dangers of this sort of material. If people knewthe roots of some of their more violent behavior, it couldbe deminished, thus protecting the future and health ofour communities. From its inception, in most cases, pornography is amedia that links sexual gratification and violencetogether. This fact can only lead a rational mind to theconclusion that a chain of events will begin, combiningsex and violence further in the minds of those who watchpornography and will ensure an unhealthy attitude towardswomen and their sexual identities. Only throughdiscussion and individual action can the perpetuation ofthe negative impacts of pornography be swept from theclosets and dark corners of the American household. Works CitedAllen, Mike. ?Exposure to Pornography and Acceptance of Rape Myths.? Journal of Communication. Winter,1995: 5-21. Bart, Pauline B., and Patricia H. OBrien. Stopping Rape:Successful Survival Strategies. New York: PergamonPress, 1985. Burt, M. ?Cultural Myths and Supports for Rape.? Journalof Personality and Social Psychology. 38 (1980): 217-230. Cameron, Deborah, and Elizabeth Frazer. The Lust to Kill. New York: New York UP, 1987. Carol, Avedon. ?Free Speech and the Porn Wars.? NationalForum. 75.2 (1985): 25-28. Clark, Charles S. ?Sex, Violence, and the Media.? CQResearcher. 17 Nov. 1995: 1019-1033. Dworkin, Andrea. ?The Real Pornography of A Brutal WarAgainst Women.? Los Angeles Times. 5 Sept. 1993,M2+. Itzin, Catherine. ?Pornogrpahy and Civil Liberties.? National Review. 75.2 (1985): 20-24. Jacobson, Daniel. ?Freedom of Speech Acts? A Response to Langton.? Philosophy Public Affairs. Summer 1992: 65-79. Jenish, DArcy. ?The King of Porn.? Macleans. 11 Oct. 1993: 52-56. ?Did Sexy Kalvin Klein Ads Go Too Far Macleans. 2 Oct. 1995: 36. Kaminer, Wendy. ?Feminists Against the First Amendment.? The Atlantic Monthly. Nov. 1992: 111-118. Leidholdt, Margaret. Take Back The Night: Women onPornography. New York: William Morrow and Company,Inc., 1980. Nicols, Mark. ?Viewers and Victims.? Newsweek. 10 Aug. 1983: 60. Russell, Diana E.H., ed. Making Violence Sexy: FeministView on Pornography. New York: Teachers CollegePress, 1994. Websters Dictionary. Miami Florida. P.S.I. Associates. 1987: 286. Weisz, Monica G., and Christopher M. Earls. ?The Effectsof Exposure to Filmed Sexual Violence on AttitudesToward Rape.? Journal of Interpersonal Violence. March 1995: 71-84. Whicclair, Mark. R. ?Feminism, Pornography, andCensorship.? Contemporary Moral Problems. ed. JamesWhite. Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: 1994. White, Mary. ?Women As Victim: The New Stereotype.? Spin. Apr. 1992: 60-65.

The Physics of Golf essays

The Physics of Golf essays As anyone who has played a round of golf will attest to, the sport is based around many fundamental principals of physics. These basic laws are involved with every aspect of the game from how a player swings the club to how the ball moves through the air on its way toward the pin. It is the challenge that physics presents to the golfer that has allowed the game, and equipment used, to develop so drastically over the past one hundred years. The first golf balls used were called featheries. They were made with a horsehide cover packed with wet goose feathers. When the balls dried they became extremely hard. The major flaw with the featheries was that they could not be used when the conditions were wet because they would soften again.[5] Despite the flaw of the featheries, they remained the only ball used up until the middle of the 19th century when the revolutionary gutta-percha ball was invented. The new ball, sometimes referred to as a guttie, was molded from the warmed, dried gum of the sapodilla tree.[5] These balls were cheap to manufacture and opened up the game of golf to a more diverse socio-economic group. This in turn made the game of golf very popular, which led to dramatic improvements in golf balls in the next decades. In 1900 a unique event occurred. Some claim that it can be called the first professional sports endorsement. The Spalding Company paid Englands Harry Vardon a considerable sum of money to come to the United States to demonstrate what he could do in winning tournaments using the latest ball design. He won the U.S. Open using the new rubber-wound Haskell ball.[5] This led to another major revolution in the design of the golf ball. Not only was this ball cheap to manufacture, but also it could be hit farther than any other ball previously used. The Haskell ball was such a success that it was not until 1968 that the two-piece balls of today emerged in the market. Obviously...

Marine Reserve Area (MPA) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marine Reserve Area (MPA) - Essay Example The term MPA is used in the generic sense covering all marine sites that meet the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources’s (IUCN) protected area definition â€Å"regardless of purpose, design, management approach, or gazetted name including marine reserve, sanctuary, and marine park† (UNEP-WCMC, 2008, p.18). â€Å"Historically, protected areas were established on an individual ad hoc basis rather than through a systematic, planned process† (UNEP-WCMC, 2008, p.13). In the case of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), from as early as 1988, the need for a global protective system was recognized at various important global conferences. The establishment of marine protected areas were to be consistent with international law, based on scientific information, and required the formation of a global network of Marine Protected Areas. While regional action and targets aimed to establish protected area systems by 2010 based on regional and environmental conventions and protocols, the Congress also recommended the establishment of MPA networks across 20 to 30% of the world’s oceans by 2012. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took into consideration all the recommendations, and responded by making it mandatory for all parties to establish protected areas as planned and managed as a system or network. Marine protected areas are developed for fulfilling multiple objectives. They take into consideration conservation of the biodiversity and genetic diversity of the area, preserving ecosystems and maintaining ecological processes, and sustainable use of natural resources. Further, MPAs protect commercially valuable species, replenish depleted stocks, provide protection from natural hazards, and undertake education and research in related fields. Marine protected areas also ensure benefits to society and the economy, and promote

What is the Bottom of the Pyramid approach, and why is it consider Essay

What is the Bottom of the Pyramid approach, and why is it consider controversial - Essay Example In this regard, the poor are seen to be resilient and enterprising in terms of managing their budgets with the meagre income they earn. In essence, the BOP concept has gained prominence out of the consideration of the over 4billion poor around the world who are ignored by multinational corporations, for instance. Consequently, BOP views this group to be significant in terms of influencing trade and growth. The proponents of BOP further suggests that market development targeting the BOP group leads to the development of new entrepreneurs, particularly, at the grass root level. While BOP approach appears controversial, it has opened up opportunities for multinationals to exploit and serve the BOP consumers effectively. For example, the establishment of micro-finance organisations in Kenya, for instance, has helped entrepreneurs in the informal sector to grow their businesses from small to medium sized businesses. While BOP approach has opened up market opportunities, it is considered that targeting the poor can result in wasteful spending of the already meagre income they earn. On the other hand, BOP considers spending by the estimated 4billion poor should be left free to decide how to use their earnings since they are value-conscious consumers. As such, they are the only ones who can determine how to maximise their utility. However, a free market ideology such as the poor’s right to maximise their utility tends to harm the disadvantaged in the society. This is because while the poor also can make choices just like the advantaged in the society, some of the decisions are not thought out properly. This approach is also controversial in the sense that, the poor are affected by numerous social issues and cannot be compared with the upper or middle-class population in terms of making informed choices. This is because a larger percentage of the disadvantaged in the society appears vulnerab le due to lack of proper education. They are also

The Effects of Specialized School Curricula on Children’s Art Experience and Knowledge Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Specialized School Curricula on Children’s Art Experience and Knowledge Essay Three approaches in early childhood education in Europe have been significantly increasing the conduct and practices of teaching in North America. â€Å"In elementary and early childhood education, three of the best-known approaches with European origins are Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia† (Edwards, 2002, n. p. ). These inspirational approaches provide an alternative method of teaching from the traditional education. Founded by Rudolf Steiner, at the core of Waldorf education is the promotion of peace and justice in society. It â€Å"aims to respect the essential nature of childhood, and in the early years, a secure, unhurried environment which provide a sound foundation for emotional, social and cognitive intelligence later† (Nicol, 2007, p. 1). Maria Montessori founded the Montessori school which offers multi-level approach to education with individualized instructions for students. â€Å"Montessori believed that children developed in stages and that each stage had its own unique characteristics and qualities† (Isaacs, 2007, p. 9). The similarity of Reggio Emilia’s approach with that of John Dewey cannot be denied in its emphasis on the relationship of the individual to the society. The approach can exist with other approaches, and â€Å"crossfertilization can happen between programs† (Fraser Gestwicki, 2002, p. 10). It may be said that all three approaches are similar in acknowledging the child as competent and resilient with rights that have to be upheld. As a substitute teacher, I have worked with kindergarten through fifth grade students in different content areas. I have discovered that student with advanced classes receive more enriching activities while those in lower functioning classes, the focus was mainly on English language acquisition and math skills. Furthermore, students who are given more responsibility and are included in the learning process seem to succeed more. The teaching methods of Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia are more student-centered and are more empowering. It was through this observation that I have conceptualized the current research study which aims to examine the effects of these three approaches. Specifically, it answers the question: Will using teaching methods from specialized school curricula of Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia benefit art experience and knowledge among children in New York City public schools? Chapter III discusses the methodology to achieve this objective while the succeeding chapter will discuss relevant literature related to the study. Chapter II Review of Related Literature Parents and educators alike have been asking, which among the three approaches is the best for the children. Experts however, agree that each have their own strengths and instead of picking out one, there is more benefit and creating interactions among the three. This paper examines how the specific teaching methods from the three approaches will benefit the students. Preschool education has been found predictive of higher level school achievement. Marcon (2002) found out that children who had an academically orient pre-school experience were less likely to be retained than others. Moreover, up until 6th year in school, there were no significant differences in achievement performance among three different preschool experiences. However, at 6th grade, â€Å"children whose preschool experiences had been academically directed earned significantly lower grades compared to children who attended child-initiated preschool classes† (Marco, 2002, n. p. ). It appears then that an active early learning experience where children were given more responsibility for learning enhanced later learning experiences. Prager (2001) examined how the Waldorf approach was successfully used in an arts curriculum in an urban public school to teach students of color. The approach was found to have enabled students to think critically and analytically, and allowed them to become well-informed. It â€Å"inspires urban students and teachers and prevents dooming them to what Weiner (1999) calls, â€Å"the custodial treatment of children† that unfortunately occurs in many city schools† (n. p. ). In a related article, Mollet (1991) describes how the Waldorf approach transformed his class. Using the â€Å"right time† method for introducing lessons, Molett was able to make the class engaged in fractions, a topic he chose according to their development stage. The Montessori school has also grown in popularity and is acknowledged as a powerful approach for individualized instruction. In a study by Shilt (2009) of 11 Montessori schools, teachers employing Waldorf method were able tailor instruction â€Å"to individuals’ skill levels and socio-emotional characteristics† (p. 10). In a related study, Sklar’s (2007) study noted that differences in administration of pro-social skills in Waldorf schools can be attributed to the number of years the school has been in operation. Start-up school differ in approach with established schools. In another study, Schonleber (2006) conducted a qualitative research among Hawaiian educators on the effectives of the Waldorf approach. Data revealed that the approach was congruent to their work lifestyles, values and beliefs, pedagogical practices and overlapping worldviews. The Reggio Emilia approach was evaluated by Warash, Curtis, Hursh and Tucci (2008) as a method facilitating developmentally appropriate practices. The literature concludes that the Reggio Emilia approach can be used in combination with behavior analytic model to address specific learning needs of learners such as those with disabilities and challenging behavior problems. The study of Katz and Galbraith (2006) provided additional support for the effectiveness of Reggio Emilia approach in inclusive schools. Children with disabilities and those typically developing were found to have appropriate times and venues for interaction during the classes. From the studies, all three approaches have been found remarkably useful in the classroom. This study will adopt different techniques from the three approaches and develop a curriculum that will enhance art experience and education of the students. The next chapter will discuss in detail how the objectives of the study will be achieved. Chapter III Methodology The sample and procedure in this study are discussed in detail to answer the proposed research questions: Will the implementation of a specialized curriculum, Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia significantly affect children’s art and knowledge among public school students in New York City? To best address the concerns that gave birth to the current study and the goals specified, action research was adopted for the design of the study. While there are many models for action research, â€Å"the basic process consists of four steps: identify an area of focus, collect data, analyze and interpret data, and develop an action plan† (Mills, 2003, p. 20). In this study, I will be examining the impact of the different teaching approaches to kindergarten students. Kindergarten students are between 5-6 years old. For this study, I will be creating lessons plans in the Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia tradition which I will be implementing during the student teaching experience. To measure the effects of the program, I will be evaluating the students’ participation, interest and work output. I will be using observations and journal writing as methodologies to achieve the research objective. Furthermore, I will also be using student portfolios as basis for any changes in students’ product while attending the sessions. To further validate the data I will be collecting, I will also conduct interviews with other teachers who are employing the same teaching approaches to compare results. Action research has been best approached through the use of qualitative data collection techniques. Action research employs the use of a triangulation matrix to identify three data sources for the issue being studied: observations, portfolios and interviews. The use of these three approaches increases the content validity of the results. References: David, M. (1991). How the Waldorf approach changed a difficult class. Educational Leadership, 49 (2), 55-56. Edwards, C. P. (2002). Three approaches from Europe: Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia. Early Childhood Research and Practice, 4 (1). Retrieved from http://ecrp. uiuc. edu/v4n1/ edwards. html Fraser, S. Gestwicki, C. (2002). Authentic childhood: Exploring Reggio Emila in the Classroom. Albany, NY: Delmar. Isaacs, B. (2007). Bringing the Montessori approach to your early years practice. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Katz, L. Galbraith, J. (2006). Making the social visible within inclusive classrooms. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 21 (1), 5-21. Marcon, R. A. (2002). Moving up the grades: Relationship between preschool model and later school success. Early Childhood Research and Practice, 4 (1). Retrieved from: http://ecrp. uiuc. edu/v4n1/marcon. html Mills, G. E. (2003). Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher (2nd ed. ) Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall. Nicol, J. (2007). Brining the Steiner Waldorf approach to your early years practice. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Prager, D. R. (2001). Three teachers in a Waldorf-inspired public elementary school: A case study of an effective urban learning environment. Retrieved from Proquest Digital Dissertations. (AAT 3033354) Schonleber, N. S. (2006). Culturally congruent education and the Montessori model: Perspectives from Hawaiian culture-based educators. Retrieved from Proquest Digital Dissertations. (UMI: 3216086) Shilt, D. T. (2009). Examining the nature of literacy activity in public Montessori classrooms. Retrieved from Proquest Digital Dissertations. (UMI: 3392640) Sklar, C. W. (2007). Fostering pro-social behaviors in urban elementary schools: a closer look at the Montessori approach. Retrieved from Proquest Digital Dissertations. (UMI: 3270869) Warash, B. , Curtis, R. , Hursh, D. Tucci, V. Skinner meets Piaget on the Reggio playground: Practical synthesis of applied behavior analysis and developmentally appropriate practice orientations. Journal of Research in Childhood Education,

Declaring Independence :: History

Declaring Independence On May 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The Congress dealt with the military crisis the colonies were in with England. It organized forces around Boston into the Continental Army and appointed George Washington to commander-in-chief. The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first major battle fought in the war. The colonists had made a fort on Bunker and Breeds Hills to fire on English ships approaching Boston. Thomas Gage ordered his British troops to attack the hills. He believed the task to be an easy one, but met great resistance. It took two British attempts to capture the two hills, which lead to many British casualties. The second attempt did run the colonists off the hills, but resulted in a greater colonial victory. Of the original 2500 Redcoats, only 1500 had survived the attack while only 400 of the Patriots had met with death. Although war had begun, the colonies still wanted to make peace with England. Only 1/3 of the colonists wanted to wage war with England. The people were afraid that if a major war was fought with England, that all traitors would be executed. The motives for the war were not against King George III. The colonies were rebelling against Parliament, not against the crown. The Olive Branch Petition was created in an attempt to persuade King George III to mediate for the colonies. King George ignored the petition and said to use full force against the colonies to crush the resistance to English government. Then in January 1776, Thomas Paine published â€Å"Common Sense† with stated that the American Colonies should be independent from England. This along with the King’s refusal to support the colonies caused the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The devastation caused by the Battle of Bunker Hill caused General Gage to be replaced with General William Howe. Howe ordered his troops to evacuate Boston and sailed his men to Nova Scotia to wait for reinforcements and to plan his next attack. How planned to isolate New England because it was though that most resistance originated from there. He intended to capture New York City and take control of the Hudson River. He also planned for an army, led by John Burgoyne, to march southward from Canada. Howe was successful in his attempts to capture New York City. General Howe’s victory in New York City began a repeating pattern for both himself and Washington.

Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone Brian Tracy, one of the top success speakers and authors in the world, has once said, â€Å"Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. † His point is that, when one steps out of her comfort zone it will be strange, difficult, or painful. However, one will only grow or learn from the experience if they accept the embarrassment, difficulties, and the awkwardness that come with trying something new. I agree with Brian Tracy because of my experience becoming a soccer player.It started in middle school when I decided to join my school’s soccer team. I would watch soccer matches with my family and I was comfortable with the idea of watching it, never playing it. Until eighth grade, when I decided to step out of my â€Å"comfort zone. † Growing up, I wasn’t the healthiest child and I knew that I needed to change my habits. Therefore, in middle school, I decided to join my school’s soccer team. I knew a majority of the rules and how to play different positions despite not knowing how to dribble a soccer ball.When I attended the soccer meeting, that’s when it hit me that there’s a huge difference between watching soccer on TV and actually playing. The other players on the team had played soccer since the age of four, and there I was, without soccer experience. After signing up for the team, I felt foolish, scared, and distraught because I didn’t want the other players to judge me. I didn’t want them to make fun of me because I couldn’t dribble or kick a soccer ball, but my inner voice was still telling me, â€Å" Don’t quit! Let the judging motivate you! Who cares if I can’t kick a ball, I will learn! My comfort zone was watching soccer whereas, trying to play soccer was me, stepping out of my comfort zone. During warm-ups in the first practice, I felt as if I was going to die! My legs fe lt horrible, and there were 2 hours left of practice. I wanted to quit, I was uncomfortable and embarrassed because I fell during an easy drill, was the slowest runner, and tired in the first 20 minutes. In the back of my mind I knew that I shouldn’t quit, I did soccer for me, to benefit my health and feed my anxiety and curiosity about the sport. On the other hand, if I were to quit, I knew I would be unhappy and disappointed with myself.Therefore, I stayed with soccer and I’m happy with my decision because I’ve made the greatest friendships and came out of my comfort zone. My middle school soccer experience has changed me in the greatest way, it helped me realize that I will face problems where at times I won’t feel comfortable and that I shouldn’t quit, no matter how difficult, strange, or painful. After playing soccer in the eighth grade, I decided to continue to play in high school; I wanted to continue my new healthy habits and my friendships that I made in middle school.From freshman year to senior year, I have played soccer for my high school team, junior varsity for my freshman year and varsity for my sophomore, junior, and senior year, and during all my embarrassing falls, crazy drills, and â€Å"psycho† coaches, I realized I love playing. Such a shift in my own paradigm was one of the hardest things for me to do however, I learned what it means to play with heart and passion, a team is a family, and new healthy habits. I grew because I was willing to feel awkward and embarrassed and as Kristen Wiig has once said, â€Å"When you go out of your comfort zone and it works there’s nothing more satisfying. †