new revisions of midterm

Becky Tobin

Professor Pope

English 101

April 9, 2012  

            The short story “Modern Love”, written by T.C. Boyle tells an interesting story which most people can relate to. A man takes a woman named Breda out on a date, which eventually leads to many more. He starts to have feelings for her, but the more he gets to know her the more he finds out he realizes that, she is a germaphobe.  She hates a lot of places, because they disturb her. On one date to the ice cream parlor, Breda brings up the different places. She starts off by saying, “ I can’t tell you what a strain it was for me the other night,” and then continues, “I mean Thai food, the seats in the movie theatre, the ladies room…”(Boyle 1). The man is confused, doesn’t understand what went wrong, but gives Breda time to explain. She goes on about the different diseases one can catch, and germs one can pick up. The man never had thought about it, but she made him more aware. Not wanting her germaphobia to get in the way, he slowly makes sacrifices for her.

            The man isn’t too worried about his surroundings; he is willing to follow her wishes. As the story goes on, and they have more dates, the connection they have becomes clearer. The man starts getting used to her and her craziness. When they get to the point of taking it to the next level, she tells him that he needs to wear a full body condom from Sweden to protect them from diseases, and he agrees to wear it. Weeks go by, and Breda tells him, “I want you to meet Michael. Michael Maloney.”(Boyle 6) The man replies, “Sure. Who’s he?” Breda replies, “My doctor.”(Boyle 6). The man, still willing to do everything for their relationship, follows through. But little did he know what he was getting himself into. He gets to the doctor’s office, and is given every possible test. Weeks progress and the man seems happier than ever. They spend day after day together, and he slowly forgets about his visit to the doctors, until Breda reminds him.

            Even though he had done everything for Breda, it didn’t matter in the end. He hadn’t heard from her in days, and he would call her day after day. She wouldn’t call him back or even pick the phone up. So he decides to call her cousin, and after preparing a speech, Breda ends up answering after all. Breda tells him that they can’t see each other anymore because he has athlete’s foot. The man is crushed he went so far for her, and in the end, it didn’t matter.

            This story gives the message that even as far as one goes, it may never be enough for that other person. It also proves the more aware one is of their surroundings the more one may get grossed out. Sometimes it’s better to just live their life instead of listening to what’s around you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

Boyle,T.C.(1998).“Modern Love”. The Collected Stories of T.Coraghessan Boyle Viking. (1-9).

Proposal

Becky Tobin

Professor Pope

English 101

April 22, 2012

Legalization of Women’s Prostitution

            Prostitution is defined as a sexual service in which there is a connection between the seller and buyer; this is illegal in many states. Everyone has a different opinion towards prostitution. It can be a disturbance to society, and can be a health issue. However if it was legalized in the United States, there would be many benefits. It would bring positive benefits to prostitutes, but most of all make society more safe and healthy. 

            Prostitution is looked down upon in society, but some women feel they have no other choice besides this career. Prostitution can cause concerns in society due to health issues, exposure to children, and exploitation of women.  Some women who have abusive partners, bad childhoods, and economic needs at times turn to this field.  Women, who do decide to go in this field, are aware of the dangers, but still go forward with it. It’s a women’s choice whether or not she put herself in this situation, however it’s some women’s last resort to gain some money to keep them alive. 

            In the article, “Why is Prostitution Criminalized? An Alternative Viewpoint on the Construction of Sex Work”, a study was done from Brazil.  Women sex workers were interviewed, and the results they found were 100% of these women used condoms while performing any sexual act and that only 16.5% ever contracted an STD (Hayes-Smitha & Shekarkharb, 2010). Although there are prostitutes in Brazil it is still decriminalized other words known as being treated illegal. In the United States the results are different because, prostitutes are more afraid to walk into a doctor’s office. They believe they will be judged or stereotyped.  Not only are they afraid of the image they perceive but they also feel as if they will be reported for committing a crime and, if they have children, they will be taken away from them.  If the legalization of prostitution was passed, and government allowed it to be a profession, women would be tested frequently for diseases. This would protect them, but also their partners who they are having intercourse with.

      Another health problem that is faced with prostitution is drug use. From an article called “Meeting of Professions”, it said “95 percent of prostitutes are drug users” (Harrison, 2005).  Most women prostitute to support their habit, and because they don’t get any medical help, they have no way to get clean. Drug use spreads diseases, such as AIDS and HIV.  If prostitution was legalized, women would be able to get the treatment to help guide them on the right path of living. 

            Although prostitutes put themselves in a dangerous position, some are raped and abused by their customers. It states that if prostitution were legalized, “rape in the USA would drop by 25% or 25,000 rapes per year” (Hayes-Smitha&Shekarkharb, 2010).  If a prostitute was put in this situation they are unable to get help from the police or press charges, because they are also committing an illegal crime. Not only do these women get abused from their costumers, but they also can be abused by their pimps. Legalizing prostitution can allow women to feel comfortable calling a police officer for help, and can drop the amount violence against women.  Most of all it will allow women to live stable lives. Women won’t have to fear being prosecuted for this choice of career.  Since rape acts go un-reported men are able to get away, because the prostitutes don’t call the cops.  So if they were able to call the police more rapists can be caught, and then taken off the streets before they can do more acts of this type.

             One way to make communities safer is to have managed zones for prostitutes. These zones would be located in different areas of the state, and they will be regulated by the government. This will protect the women living in them, making it safer, and healthier. In order to work in these zones, women will have to have license, and have medical checkups on a weekly basis.  If one is to fail a check up, and have a disease, they will not be allowed to work unless they get treated. If the government is monitoring these zones it will be less likely that any crime will be committed, and women will not be victimized.  The zones will have brothels (a house where prostitutes go) so women can feel protected, since they are being watched over, and not alone in the streets. Women who live in these brothels will have people who manage them. This will limit the chance of someone getting taken or even killed.  The communities will be cleaner once these women are taken off the streets. 

            The last reason why the legalization of prostitution could be a benefit of the USA is the money income. Our country is in a severe financial crisis, and any little jobs could help regulate the economy.  If prostitution were to be legalized it could help bring in an income to the country.  So many people are involved in this profession; pimps, prostitutes, and costumers, which means there is a large amount of money. If the government were monitoring this profession they would be able to take a large percentage of the income, and put it into the economy.  If prostitution were an actual job women will be able to help the economy, and allow them to make more money for themselves. A tax rate can be placed on this career. Since the government will be regulating this, they can take as much as long as they still pay everyone for their work. 

    Prostitution is looked down upon in many places in America, and some even see it as a social disturbance. However Nevada has a few counties that have different views of this crime. Although prostitution is illegal in Nevada, they have made it legal in some parts. It shows on a government website, ProCon.org each state laws regarding prostitution and the fees they have on the brothels that are placed in those counties. “Nevada has more than half of its counties that have legalized this act. Storey County in particular has made it legal, and has to pay $75, 000 towards the brothels each year.”(ProCon). This means that they still have to pay for the brothels, which means that the government gets some of the money. Legalization of prostitution can do a lot for this country, and as Nevada has already done, it is time to look past the cons of this work choice and think about the health and care for others.

    If the government were the ones to monitor and regulate prostitution, making it legal, many of the disadvantages of this profession would become an advantage.  These advantages would not only help those who are part of this profession but also those who are living in the communities which prostitution is taking place.  Studies show that health in these communities will benefit from the legalization, that crime, violence, rape and drug use will decrease. 

Revisions of Culture analysis

Becky Tobin

Professor Pope

English 101

April 28, 2012

Violence in the Media and its Effects on Young Children

            Lots of people remember being a child and wanting to play video games and watch television every second. They would wonder what “R” rated movies were like, and how they would get their hands on the new video game that was rated “T” for teen. But, do ratings even matter anymore? It seems that there is violence all over the television. Not only is it on television, but it can be found all over the media. Whether or not it is on cartoon shows, commercials or even in video games, everywhere one looks violence surrounds children.

The perception of violence has changed over the years. In the past, there was always violence, but people didn’t hear about it as much. The amount of violence in the media can corrupt a person’s mind, causing them to fear for their lives. At times, violence can occur in simple everyday activities, such as play dates, and going to school. Violence in the media appears in many different ways. People are killed every day, and it is reported on the news. The average reality television show usually has some type of violence, whether it is physical or mental. Violence has become second nature to children. Since they see it on television, play it in video games, and watch it in their households on a daily basis, they can’t help but to assume that violence is a part of life.

 In an essay called, “Teaching Our Kids to Shoot ‘Em Up”, Tina Sergio discusses the fact that there will always be violence in the world, but no matter how much there is, the amount being seen in the media can be monitored. She makes valid points, writing, “Unfortunately, violent entertainment survives on television because the audience has been conditioned to expect the harsher realities” (Sergio 204). People have become so used to violence that it’s second nature. Tina Sergio implies that parents have turned to television and video games to be their childrens’ babysitter, and on average, a child watches television and plays videogames 35 hours per week (204).  It isn’t healthy for children to be watching this amount of television per week; parents instead should be spending quality time with their children.

Not only is it the parents’ responsibility what content children see in video games, but video game manufacturers should be taking into consideration the  age of  children that tend to play these video games. Parents should be more aware of what their children watch while they are at home. They also shouldn’t be allowing them to play video games that aren’t appropriate for their age. Parents who watch their child’s television show and comment to them on the contents of the program will reduce some of the effects of violence on television. Parents who become involved can help children better understand what they see on television. This makes children more aware that the act of violence is real, and reduces the likelihood that a child will act out the violence while they play.

The Federal Communications Commission’s website provides some ways that violence on television can be monitored by parents. A technology called a v-chip allows parents or guardians to block programs that they don’t want to be seen by their children. The television industry has come up with many different ratings for television. Some of the different ratings listed on the website were for young children: TV-Y, TV-Y7, and more commonly, TV-G and TV-PG (“Federal Communications”). TV-Y is for ages 2-6 and TV-Y7 is for older children. TV-G is for general audiences; this applies to all of the public, and TV-PG is slightly different because it suggests having parental guidance (“Federal Communications”). They also have a rating system for movies. They are G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17. Parents with young children take their children to a “G” rated movie which is for the general audience or to a “PG” movie in which parental guidance is suggested.  These rating systems are what parents use to base their decision on. Having a system like this makes parents have some sort of guideline to follow.

In Tina Sergio’s essay, she also gives examples of different ways that children are exposed to violence in the media. She states, “Although South Park is an adult cartoon, some parents allow their children to watch it, mainly because it is a cartoon” (Sergio 205). This shows that parents aren’t always aware of the content of television programs. She also provides an example of a video game that contains explicit content. She writes, “For example, in the game called Doom, the players wander through the corridors blasting the guts out of their enemies. What effects do these games have on children when day after day they sit in front of the screens pretending to shoot and kill?” (205). She later states that some people may argue that this makes children lose touch with reality. In “Violence in the Media- Effects on Child Behavior”, Kelly Nault writes, that Dr. Barbara Wilson, senior researcher, states Younger children have difficulty distinguishing televised fantasy from reality. This is a problem because children will grow up thinking that death is something that exists in a fantasy world. Video games and television should be enjoyed by all different age groups, as long as they are enjoyed in a safe and non violent matter.

It is said that violence in the media has an effect on children. Some may argue that it doesn’t have any effect. In an interview on YouTube, Michael Morgan, a communications professor from UMASS, talks about his opinion on this subject. He supports a different approach to understanding violence in the media and the effects it has on children. He states, “ There are a lot more people that are victims of violence than perpetrated, and a lot more people suffer than initiate” ( Morgan). He states that there are five to six acts of violence that occur per hour on numerous channels, and 70% of characters on television each week are involved in violence. Violence can be found on channels, such as NBC and FOX. Professor Morgan supports the idea that if people were influenced to commit violent acts by watching violence, everyone would be dead. The reason why violence is so common on television is because it can be easily understood all over the world, because violence takes place everywhere. For example, a comedy may be funny to one culture and not to another culture. So, it’s much easier to sell violence than something funny. Morgan thinks that the effect on children who watch violence in the media will cause them to live in fear and be scared of violence more often than they become violent. After watching certain things in the media people become more aware of their surroundings when they are in public. 

In Kelly Nault’s article entitled, “Violence in the Media- Effects on Child Behavior,” the author writes, “…we’re living in a violent world, between news reports on terrorism, bullying at school, and violence in the media, our children are exposed to all kinds of aggression” (Nault).  In the study, she lists different outcomes and effects children can have from watching violent television. The list says, “[Children] become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, [they] have heightened fear in the world, and demonstrate increased aggression and violent behavior toward others…” (Nault). Not only does she discuss the effects violence has on children but she also gives ideas for limiting the exposure of violence in the media and what can be done to reduce the effects. A few of the different ideas she lists are, “Watch a minimum of one episode of every program…” (Nault). This is so that parents can get an understanding of what exactly the television show is about. There is even a healthier approach that parents can use. As stated in the same piece, Kelly Nault suggests that parents can “Reduce… children’s exposure to media violence… [by] introduce[ing] fun alternatives to TV” (Nault). Like playing outside, and bonding with their children. There are enough ways to stop violence from being seen by children. In the future, violence can become an even worse problem, eventually affecting more people.

Whether or not you are a child or parent who has children who watch  violence in the media can affect you.

 Lots of people remember being a child and wanting to play video games and watch television every second. They would wonder what “R” rated movies were like, and how they would get their hands on the new video game that was rated “T” for teen. But, do ratings even matter anymore? It seems that there is violence all over the television. Not only is it on television, but it can be found all over the media. Whether or not it is on cartoon shows, commercials or even in video games, everywhere one looks violence surrounds children.

 

A study done almost ten years ago gives evidence that violence in the media does affect children. The study was done over a 15-year period of time. It studied children since they were young up until they became young adults. They found many results for women who watched a lot of violence on television as children. They were more likely to have thrown something at their partner, in response to someone who made them mad by shoving, punching, beating or choking the person. They also found women either committed some type of criminal act, or committed a moving traffic violation. It was reported that, women were four times more likely than other women to have punched, beaten or choked another adult.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

Brandon, Lee E. “Teaching Our Kids to Shoot ’em up.” At a Glance: Essays. Belmont, CA:          Cengage Learning, 2012. 203-06.

“Childhood Exposure To Media Violence Predicts Young Adult Aggressive Behavior, Accord                  ing To A New 15-Year Study.” American Psychological Association (APA). Web. 10                         Apr. 2012. 

“Guide.” V-Chip. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. <http://www.fcc.gov/guides/v-chip-putting-restrictions-      what-your-children-watch>

“Professor Michael Morgan Interview Highlights on Media Violence.”YouTube.19 Nov. 2010.                 Web. 10 Apr. 2012. <ht tp://ww w.yout u

Literacy Narrative Final

Becky Tobin

Professor Pope

English 101

February 5, 2012

My Childhood Adventure of Reading and Writing

            Throughout our childhood we are expected to practice reading, and writing in school. For many people this comes easy to them, but for me I struggled with both. When it came to reading; I felt embarrassed, and insecure to read out loud, and when I would write I would never felt confident about what I wrote.

Growing up in preschool I remember reading two books “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and “Biscuit”. These were my favorite books at the time. I remember how I would go through the pages skipping through them, and pretending I knew what I was reading. The best part about me reading the books was, even if I didn’t know what the words said. I could easily just look at the pictures, and make my own story up. Having an imagination of my own I usually would make up a different story each time I would read through it. At that age a book can keep you entertained for what seems like hours. But this stage only lasted till I got to elementary school.

In elementary school I started off  by learning my A,B,C’s all over again, and then later slowing moving on to small words. By the time I got to the first grade I was expected to start reading sentences. I was embarrassed to read out loud, so I would always pretend I had to go to the bathroom, or say I had a stomachache, and escape to the nurse’s office. My teacher eventually caught on, and I was put into a reading group. The reading group consisted of about six or seven of us, and we would meet once a week with our reading teacher. Her name was Mrs.Weinheim. When I first started off in the reading group I was quiet, and always kept to myself. But as weeks progressed I become more familiar with what I was reading. I can honestly say being in that reading group made me feel more comfortable while I read. When we met on a weekly basis we usually played learning games. This was a secret way for us to learn while at the same time allowed us to have fun. I can’t remember me never wanting to leave class to spend time with my reading group. I even looked forward to my weekly homework of reading a book of any choice from Mrs. Weinheim’s room. Although I loved the reading group, it eventually came to an end, when I finished that year of school. By the time I got to the fifth grade I was reading chapter books. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to.

As time went on, and I was in the middle school I was expected to read novels in class. We would read them together as a group, but it wasn’t anything like my reading group in elementary school. We would read books that barely kept you interested for more than ten minutes. Some of the required books were more interesting than others, but I never seemed to really enjoy any of them. Since we did have to read in our English class, it took time away from me wanting to read for fun. At this time in my life, I still enjoyed reading, but I wouldn’t read as much as I should have been.

By the time I got to high school I barely even thought twice to read for fun. Little did I know that from the start of my freshman year all the way up until I was senior I would be required to read numerous books. We averaged about six books every year just in English class alone. Even though they were required books, I did enjoy reading a few of them. I liked reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Romeo and Juliet”. In high school reading wasn’t supposed to be just fun, but was also intended to teach us life lessons, and history.

As of today I still like to read, I haven’t read a book in months, but it isn’t because I gave up on reading. I can’t seem to find the time between work, and school I barely can get an hour for myself.

After all these years I’ve come to realize reading is in our everyday life. It isn’t only about books, but it is the words that surround us. People don’t realize how much they read, whether it is on their facebook, their text messages, or even on the magazines they pass by while doing grocery shopping. But I can say that I am glad that I overcame my fear of reading.

Midterm Rewrite: “Modern Love”

Becky Tobin

Professor Pope

English 101

April 9, 2012

“Modern Love”

            In the short story “Modern Love”, written by T.C. Boyle it tells an interesting story which can relate to most people today. A man takes a woman named Breda out on a date, which eventually leads to many more. He starts to catch feelings for her, but the more he gets to know her the more he finds out, she is a germaphobe.  She hates a lot of places, because they gross her out. On one date to the ice cream parlor, Breda brought up the different places. She starts off by saying, “ I can’t tell you what a strain it was for me the other night,” and continuing her statement saying, “I mean Thai food, the seats in the movie theatre, the ladies room…”(Boyle 1). The man confused, doesn’t understand what went wrong, but gives Breda time to explain. She goes on about the different diseases you can catch, and germs you can pick up. The man never thought about it, but she made him more aware. Not wanting her germaphobia to get in the way. He slowly makes sacrifices for her.

Although the man isn’t too worried about his surroundings he is willing to follow her wishes. As the story goes on, and the more dates they go on you can see the connection they have. The man starts getting used to her, and her craziness. When they get to the point of taking it to the next level, she tells him he needs to wear a full body condom from Sweden to protect them, and he agrees to it. Weeks go by, and Breda tells him, “I want you to meet Michael. Michael Maloney.” The man replies, “Sure. Who’s he?” Breda replies, “My doctor.”(Boyle 6). The man, still willing to do everything for their relationship follows through. But little did he know what he was getting himself into. He gets to the doctor’s office, and is given every possible test. Week’s progress and the man seems happier than ever. They spend day after day together, and he slowly forgets about his visit to the doctors, until Breda reminds him.

Even though he had done everything for Breda it didn’t matter in the end. He hadn’t heard from her in days, and he would call her day after day. She wouldn’t call him back or even pick the phone up. So he decided to call her cousin, and after preparing a speech that he would tell her cousin, Breda ended up answering after all. Breda told him they couldn’t see each other ant more because he had athletes foot. The man was crushed, he went so far for her, and in the end it didn’t matter.

This story gives the message that even as far as you go, it may never be enough for that other person. It also proves the more aware you are of your surroundings the more you may get grosses out. Sometimes it’s better to just live your life instead of listening to what’s around you.

Work Cited

Boyle,T.C.(1998).“Modern Love”. The Collected Stories of T.Coraghessan Boyle Viking. (1

Cultural Analysis: Violence in the Media and it’s Effects on Young Children

Becky Tobin

Professor Pope

English 101

March 28, 2012

Violence in the Media and its Effects on Young Children

            Lots of people remember being a child and always wanting to play video games and watch television every second. They would wonder what “R” rated movies were like, and how they would get their hands on the new video game that was rated “T” for teen. But, do ratings even matter anymore? It seems that there is violence all over the television. Not only is it on television but, you can find it all over the media. Whether or not it is on our cartoon shows, commercials or even in video games, everywhere one looks violence surrounds these children.

The perception of violence has changed over the years. In the past, there was always violence, but people didn’t hear about it as much. The amount of violence that can be seen in the media can corrupt a person’s mind, causing them to fear for their lives. At times, violence can occur in the simple every day activities they like to take place in, such as play dates, and going to school. Violence in the media appears in many different ways. People are killed every day, and it is reported on the news. The average reality television show usually has some type of violence, whether or not it is physical or mental. Violence has become second nature to children. Since they see it on television, play it in video games, and watch it in their households on a daily basis; they can’t help but to assume that violence is a part of life.

In an essay called, “Teaching Our Kids to Shoot ‘Em Up”, Tina Sergio discusses the fact that there will always be violence in the world, but no matter how much there is, the amount being shown in the media can be monitored. She makes valid points, writing that “Unfortunately, violent entertainment survives on television because the audience has been conditioned to expect the harsher realities” (Sergio 204). People have become so prone to violence that it’s second nature. Tina Sergio implies that parents have turned to television and video games to be their childrens’ babysitter, and on average a child watches television and plays videogames 35 hours per week (204).  It isn’t healthy for children to be watching this amount of television per week; parents instead should be spending quality time with their children.

Not only is it the parents’ responsibility what content children see in video games, but video game manufacturers should be taking into consideration the  age of  children that tend to play these video games. Parents should be more aware of what their children watch while they are at home. They also shouldn’t be allowing them to play video games that aren’t appropriate for their age. Parents who watch the child’s television show and comment on the program will reduce some, of the effects of violence on television. Parents’ who become involved can help children better understand what they see on television, and they will learn more about the person committing the violent act. It makes them more aware that the act of violence is real, and reduces the likelihood that a child will act out the violence while they play.

The Federal Communications Commission’s website proves some ways that violence on television can be monitored by parents. A technology called v-chip allows parents or guardians to block programs they don’t want to be seen by their children. The television industry has come up with many different ratings for television. Some of the different ratings I saw listed on the website were for young children; TV-Y, TV-Y7, and more commonly heard, TV-G and TV-PG. TV-Y is for ages 2-6 and TV-Y7 is for older children. TV-G is for general audiences this applies to all of the public, and TV-PG is slightly different because it suggests having parental guidance. They also have a rating system for movies. They are G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17. Parents with young children would take their children to a “G” rated movie which is for the general audience or to a “PG” movie where parental guidance is suggested.  These rating systems are what parents use to base their decision on. Having a system like this makes parents have some sort of guideline to follow.

In Tina Sergio’s essay, she also gives examples of different ways that children are exposed to violence in the media. She states, “Although South Park is an adult cartoon, some parents allow their children to watch it, mainly because it is a cartoon” (Sergio 205). This shows that parents aren’t always aware of the content their children see on television. She also states an example of a video game that contains explicit content. She writes, “For example, in the game called Doom, the players wander through the corridors blasting the guts out of their enemies. What effects do these games have on children when day after day they sit in front of the screens pretending to shoot and kill?”(205). She later states that some people may argue that this makes children lose touch with reality. “Violence in the Media- Effects on Child Behavior”, Kelly Nault writes that “Dr. Barbara Wilson, senior researcher, states ‘Younger children have difficulty distinguishing televised fantasy from reality.’ This is a problem because children will grow up thinking that death is something that exists in a fantasy world. Video games and television should be enjoyed by all different age groups, especially children, as long as they are enjoyed in a safe and non violent matter.

It is said that violence in the media has an effect on children. Some may argue that it doesn’t have any effect. In an interview on YouTube, Michael Morgan, a communications professor from UMASS, talks about his opinion on this subject. He supports a different approach to understanding violence in the media and the effects it has on children. He states, “ There are a lot more people that are victims of violence than perpetrated, and a lot more people suffer than initiate” ( Morgan). He states that there are five to six acts of violence that occur per hour on numerous channels, and 70% of characters on television each week are involved in violence. Violence can be found on channels, such as NBC and FOX. Professor Morgan supports the idea that if people were influenced by violence, everyone would be dead. But the reason why violence is so common on television is because it can be easily understood all over the world, because violence takes place throughout the world. For example, a comedy may be funny to one culture and not to another culture. So, it’s much easier to sell violence than something funny. Morgan thinks that the effect on children who watch violence in the media will cause them to live in fear and be scared of violence more often than they become violent. It can be a good thing that people see what goes on in the media, because once they are in public they have a better understanding of what occurs.

In Kelly Nault’s entitled, “Violence in the Media- Effects on Child Behavior,” The author writes  that“…we’re living in a violent world, between news reports on terrorism, bullying at school, and violence in the media, our children are exposed to all kinds of aggression” (Nault).  In the study, she lists different outcomes and effects children can have from watching violent television. The list says, “[Children] become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, [they] have heightened fear in the world, and demonstrate increased aggression and violent behavior toward others…” (Nault). Not only does she discuss the effects it has on children but she also gives ideas to limit the exposure of violence in the media and what can be done to reduce the effects. A few of the different ideas she lists are, “Watch a minimum of one episode of every program…” (Nault). This is so that parents can get an understanding of what exactly the television show is about. There is even a healthier approach that parents can use. As stated in the same piece, Kelly Nault suggests that they can “Reduce… children’s exposure to media violence… [by] introduce[ing] fun alternatives to TV” (Nault). There are enough ways to stop violence from being seen by children. In the future, violence can become an even worse problem, eventually effecting more people.

A study done almost ten years ago gives evidence that violence in the media does affect children. The study was done over a 15-year period of time. It studied children since they were young up until they became young adults. They found many results for women who watched a lot of violence on television as children. They were more likely to have thrown something at their partner, in response to someone who made them mad by shoving, punching, beating or choking the person. They also found women either committed some type of criminal act, or committed a moving traffic violation. It was reported that, women were four times more likely than other women to have punched, beaten or choked another adult.

Work Cited

Brandon, Lee E. “Teaching Our Kids to Shoot ’em up.” At a Glance: Essays. Belmont, CA:

Cengage Learning, 2012. 203-06.

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Activism Proposal

I am nineteen years old, which to me is the age where all you want to do is drink all weekend. But I still know that I’m not legally old enough. Everyone goes through this same period of time in their life, wanting to be of age. Yet still being at that “almost” age. In the past the drinking age was at eighteen and now its twenty one. This may not be so important to the rest of the world, but to me it’s interesting. When I was just in high school last year we would have troopers from the Navy, Army, and Marines, come in and try to get us to recruit. I looked at them, knowing I would never be willing to go, and thought to myself how old I truly was. I couldn’t imagine fighting a war and dealing with combat. I don’t feel old enough to be doing that. Why is it that an eighteen year old, once he or she graduates from high school can go fight for our country.  But not be able to drink in our country legally at the very same age. In other countries that we can go visit, we are allowed to drink at eighteen. In those countries  the legal age of drinking isn’t a problem, teenagers don’t feel they have to abuse it because they have the privilege to do it. Maybe our country would have the same result. You have to get trust to give trust.

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates

Reading about Connie and her life I can’t help but relate her to someone I know. One of my good friends is always being compared to her brother, who is always favored over her. She knows her mother loves her but it drives her crazy, when she’s constantly being compared. Although she is compared to her brother she is never told anything negative about her looks. Not like Connie’s mother who is constantly telling her, she isn’t pretty. If I was ever in Connie’s position I’m sure I would have a lot of insecurities. When your own parent puts you down it could be a horrible feeling.

When Connie went to the movies with her best friend, she left her to go eat with a boy. Not only does she leave to go on a date with a boy, but she also locked eyes with another boy who she spotted in his car. He  later became her stalker. While Connie caught glimpse of the boy in the parking lot, she gave him a look that would later make her regret she ever looked his way. The next day Arnold Friend, the boy in the car, showed up at her house begging her to come for a ride. She was freaked out but scared to not listen to his wishes, incase it would cost her families life. She ended up leaving her house to go on that ride that Arnold and his friend Ellie wanted her to go on.

If I were Connie’s position I don’t know what I would do. It’s hard to imagine that someone could know so much about someone, when the other person doesn’t know a thing about the other. Reading this makes me think about the different scenarios  that could happen in our life time.

“A Modest Proposal” by both Dr. Jonathan Swift and Daniel L.

I have read both of these versions of “A Modest Proposal” one written by Dr. Jonathan Swift and the other written by Daniel L. Both of these proposals are addressing the problems these men face in their society.

In Daniel L’s version, he discusses America and the major problem we face in the present day, with illegal immagrants. Reading this I can’t help but agree with some key factors he mentions, but at the same time it isn’t easy to forget about the fact that everyone has a life. America is about freedom, and most people come here to gain it because where ever they were, wasn’t doing them justice. However, Daniel L makes great points such as, giving the idea to make America take over Mexico’s land. This way none of the citizens would want to leave to come here, and they can take away the border which will free up many of our soldiers to address other issues we face in our county. He also makes the point that Mexico has many resources that have not been touched, that can help us get out of many economic problems we are facing today. They have gold, silver, lots of forests with trees that can be used for lumber, and the most important is  many Americans can get there jobs back that were taken by minimum wage illegal Mexican immagrants.

Dr. Jonathan Swift’s ” A Modest Proposal”,was also addressing the problems in society, but was much harder to relate. The proposal was from 1792, and was about Ireland. He proposes the idea that instead of children being a burden on their poor parents, they should be fattened up and fed to the richer people. After reading this, it kind of blew my mind that at one point people would think to do this. In todays society, if someone came up with this idea it would be frowned upon. He makes the point that most children aren’t fed or clothed, but that necessarily doesn’t mean we should eliminate the problem by killing them.

I enjoyed reading Daniel L’s version much more than Dr. Jonathan Swift’s version.

“I Have a Dream” and “Imagine”

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a speech called “I Have a Dream” and although this isnt my first time coming across this speech, it is the first time I read the whole thing through. The second piece which is a poem called “Imagine”, written by John Lennon is less familure to me.

After reading these two pieces it makes sense that we were given them both to read at the same time. They both touch on a lot of factors in life, and eventhough these were written years ago, it still can relate to our society today. It’s sad to know that these two men wrote these pieces, to make awareness of what went on, and it still hasn’t changed fully. This makes me realize that in the world that we live in today, not everyone will be able to get along like we wish they could. Everyone lives to grow up differently, and live different lives, but it doesnt necessarily mean there has to be tension, and hatred throughout one another. I also wish, like these two men that one day everyone will be able to get along, and except eachother for who they are, not for the color of their skin or the way they dress. The way I was brought up, was to give everyone a chance, unless they give you a reason not to. Life is to important to hold grudges, and certain feelings towards people. So you should live it for every moment, and  that includes meeting new people.