Fifth Child Essays - The Fifth Child, Family, Abnormality

Fifth Child ?The Fifth Child? In ?The Fifth Child,? Lessing contrasts society's idea of an ?ideal? family to the ?real? dysfunctional family in our everyday lives. Harriet and David's dream was to have the ?ideal? family. They made the mistake of setting standards too high for themselves and putting a front of an ideal family, which was just a cover for the real dysfunctional one. People in society tend to believe that the ideal family is what life is all about. They believe that as long as they can obtain the ideal family, this will bring them happiness. The reality is that this perfect family structure isn't obtainable. Bridget, for instance, comes from a dysfunctional family and goes to stay with Harriet and David's family to get a taste of their ?ideal? family. Even the family realizes that Bridget longs for this feeling of family togetherness. ?Bridget has to be told by you hat she is welcome.? She does not realize that Harriet and David's ideal family is just a picture they painted so others could believe this it is ideal. The picture they painted is of a big house, lots of kids, and big family parties. This doesn't necessarily mean that this is a happy family. David comes from what is thought of as the ideal family. He had everything anyone could ever ask for. Although, his parents were divorced, no one was ever around for him, and he set himself in solitude. ?My room-that was home.? The ?ideal? family that turned out to be the dysfunctional family; is what this is all about. The idea of a perfect family is the dream of a dysfunctional family. Harriet has a strong belief in this also; she and David's dreams create her ideas of the ideal family. Their dreams and wishes are irrational; they are what they want in life. Dorothy describes Harriet as having ?eyes bigger than her stomach.? Harriet wants more than what she can handle. She does not realize that what she wishes for cannot come true. Harriet and David cannot fulfill their fantasies; their idea of an ideal family cannot be created. Families aren't meant to be ideal; they are dysfunctional. All families have problems. This is what life is all about. Life isn't always what you want but what you put into it. Bibliography fifth child novel English Essays

Examination of the United States Position on the Kyoto Treaty essays

Examination of the United States Position on the Kyoto Treaty essays According to an article found in the journal, Harvard International Review, in 1997 one-hundred sixty nations from around the world met in Kyoto Japan to discuss global climate change and to implement a strategy for correcting the problem (Zepeda, 2004). As a result of this meeting the Kyoto Protocol was created. This protocol is actually a treaty that has since been successfully implemented (Zepeda, 2004). The treaty or protocol was designed to obligate the countries that sign the treaty to revert back to the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions standards of 1990 by the year 2012. In addition, the treaty required that 55 or more nations that compose 55% of worldwide GHG emissions to sign the treaty in order for the treaty to be effective (Zepeda, 2004). Schreurs (2002) asserts that at the time of the 1997 meeting there were great expectations for the development of an international treaty that would address the issue of global warning. The international community was also anticipating the support and participation of the United States. This anticipation existed because President Clinton and in particular Vice President Al Gore were known for their environmentally friendly beliefs and initiatives (Schreurs, 2000). Indeed at the time Gore was the greenest politician to be member of the White House in many years (Schreurs, 2000). In addition environmentalists had great expectations and there was also a great deal of fear among industry was also real (Schreurs, 2000). In addition there were indications that the Clinton administration would shift US positions on important global environmental issues. For instance, Clinton signed the Biodiversity Convention during his first Earth Day as president. In addition Clinton posited that the United States would voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2000 even though the administration initially remained opposed to legally binding targets and timetables (Schreurs, 2...

Teaching about Religions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 20

Teaching about Religions - Essay Example The course ids fit for high school students who need to gain familiarity with different ideologies and belief systems exhibited by different religions. Introducing the course at the high school level will produce students with open minds and who exhibit tolerance for the religious beliefs of other people. In order to successfully implement this project, there is a need for all stakeholders involved to approve the introduction of the course. This memo describes both the primary and the secondary audience, which comprises of different levels of stakeholders. The primary audience includes the board of the school, parents, teachers, and the students. The school board is the key decision maker in a high school setting. There is a need for the board to understand the potential outcomes of introducing a course that teaches students about the different religions and countries. The board comprises of people with professional experience and expertise, who have the vision of ensuring that the school registers a positive impact on the society. Evidently, introducing this new course serves to register an immensely positive impact. Moreover, the school board should consider the relevance of the course and determine whether the school has the required resources by offering the course. It is critical to consult staff and parents because of their position in the school’s decision-making process. The staff’s opinion is critical because they will actively participate in the delivery of the course content to the students. Parents need to be aware of what their children learn in school and should form part of the student milestones in the education system (Lester, 2011). Students from the ultimate stakeholders because they stand to benefit from the course. Therefore, it is significant to consider their opinion on the potential benefits of the course to their individual and social lives.

Perspectives on Hroup Conflict on the Iraq Conflict Essay

Perspectives on Hroup Conflict on the Iraq Conflict - Essay Example Chandra (2001) postulates that ethnicity is both fluid and it is influenced by external factors within the community. In this context, therefore, Chandra (2001) has criticized how constructivists view the notion of ethnicity and states that ethnicity is more suitable to political approach than any other approach. Achieving peace in Iraq seems to be an impossible element. The major reasons behind this notion lie in the fact that, the number of deaths that have occurred seems to be so high since 2003, and an additional 600,000 persons seem to have lost their homes and are displaced. The intense booming that happened few years back seems to torment most of the Iraq people. From the constructivist point of view the Iraq 2003 conflict, the whole issue can be viewed as social problem constructed within the society. According to Alexander (2009) the identity of the crisis is identity together with factors that drive the identification process, and that they are socially constructed. This pa per is organized from the first part that presents the view of nationalism, along with the notion of constructivist/ instrumentalist, primordial and ethonosymbolic. A closer analysis of how these prospects view the Iraq conflict, and the implications on how to manage these conflicts have also had a great part of this case study. Nationalism is an interdisciplinary factor that needs to be considered using different perspectives. This can be achieved by obtaining historic materials that are very important and understanding how political mechanisms work within different institutions (Brown, 2000). Thus political scientists have to share their ideas on how nationalism works. The theories of nationalist have developed as academic themes since the year 1980s. Political scientists have discussed the theories of nationalism to include; ambivalent strategies that focused on social theories and on the other hand, they focused on liberal, Marxist and conservative ideologist. They also state th at the primordial’s and modernist view the nation as an element that organizes the society. Currently instrumentalist have emphasized on shifting and politically contingent nature of ethnicity (Brubaker, 2004). The primordial’s point on the other hand, points out the high degree of correspondence between cultural and genetic makers (Salters, 2003). Ethno-symbolic constructed nature of ethnicity shows that ethnicity is strongly path dependent. They look at cultural bound such as language, race as old ways of demarcating boundaries and they fail to confine these to the modern period. Primordial approach appeals to emotions, personal constraints, so as to give explanations on ethnic issues. The instrumentalist or constructivist view ethnicity as a dependent variable, therefore, ethnicity is developed based on its strategic utility in achieving political gains within a given territory. Perennials view ethnicity as predating modernity. As indicated by Hechter and Okamato (2 001) primordial’s is not present in several literary materials. The primordial’s theory argues that the demand for a nation-state does depend on the societal ethnic self-

Rechargeable Batteries report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rechargeable Batteries report - Assignment Example 14). This paper is a report on the development of rechargeable batteries in terms of technology, uses, cost, size and environmental friendliness. Rechargeable batteries are electrochemical cells that produce energy through a reversible chemical reaction as defined by Li, Weng and Chan (2011). The potential of these cells to be recharged makes them fall under the group of secondary cells. Like other cells, rechargeable cells comprise of various sizes and are manufactured in various shapes. The diverse types of rechargeable cells are made though technological combination of various chemicals to enhance their effectiveness and energy output. Trevey and Bright (2011, p. 139) say that when compared to disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries are less harmful to the environment. Additionally, rechargeable batteries are less costly than the disposable ones. According to Lim (2010, p. 22), the development of rechargeable batteries was aimed at enhancing their use in the portable appliances such as mobile phones. In the motor vehicle industry, rechargeable batteries have commonly been used in vehicle starters. The development in the use of rechargeable batteries is parallel to the advances in technology which has led to innovations of various appliances, equipment and hardware. The development of light vehicles such as electric bikes and wheelchairs has also led to the application of rechargeable batteries in motorizing these vehicles. Li, Weng and Chan (2011) add that rechargeable batteries have found wide use in sports such motorizing golf carts. Cameras which capture sports activities also apply rechargeable batteries to enhance the experiences of the viewer which are related to the increased demands of consumers for the enhancements of technology. Rechargeable batteries are also finding increasing use within the computing environment. The advances in information and computing technology have led to the development of portable

Investigating The Age Of Criminal Responsibility

Investigating The Age Of Criminal Responsibility The following research attempts to explore and discuss the criminal age of responsibility in England and Wales. A questionnaire was given out to a sample population in order to gauge public opinion on and around this topic. Secondary data was gathered, such as books, journals and online resources, in order to discuss and explore different ways of dealing with juvenile offenders. Overall, the evidence indicates a strong argument for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised but insufficient evidence was gathered to determine clearly which juvenile justice approach is most effective. The age of criminal responsibility is the age at which a child can be considered an adult for purposes of criminal prosecution. In England and Wales, the criminal age of responsibility is set at age ten and is one of the lowest in Europe, with only Switzerland being lower at age seven. Countries such as Uganda, Algeria, China and the Russian Federation, all have political regimes that could arguably be considered as severe and excessive, yet, all these countries have set the criminal age of responsibility at over ten years, YJB [online]. In England and Wales the age of criminal responsibility has not changed since 1963, when it was raised from age eight to ten. Until 1988 a policy was in place to safe guard children between the ages of ten and fourteen; under this policy children were presumed incapable of forming necessary criminal intent unless proven otherwise by the prosecution, House of Commons Library [online]. In March of this year, Scotland raised the age of criminal responsibility from age eight to twelve years; England and Wales have no plans to change the age at present. YJB [online]. Therefore, evidence shows that there is no clear agreement on what is an acceptable age to be treated as an adult under the jurisdiction of the law. Literature review Morrison, Blake. (1997). As If. London: Granta Publications. Blake Morrison attended the trial of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson and in his book gives a sensitive account of the families involved in the Bulger case. Morrison describes a criminal justice system that is concerned with only facts and arguably lacks the understanding needed when dealing with such sensitive cases involving children of such a young age. Williams, John. (2010) ASBO Nation. Sociology Review. 19, (4), p2-6. Sociology Review is an academic magazine aimed at A-level sociology students. It covers a broad range of sociological topics including politics, education, and religion and of course crime and deviance. In this issue of the magazine it covered a topic on anti social behaviour orders, which proved useful when discussing juvenile crime. Children Young People Now [online] Available from http://www.cypnow.co.uk/Archive/1009000/Criminal-Bar-Association-chair-calls-rise-age-criminal-responsibility/ [accessed 19th June 2010] Children and Young People Now is a Journal available in print and on line. It aims to bring together children and youth professionals across health, social care, education, childcare, youth work and youth justice, to provide advice and guidance to managers and senior practitioners working with children and young people. It features many relevant news articles and current issues concerning children and young people and is a trusted source of information used by professionals working within this area. The Howard league for Penal Reform. [online] Frances Crooks Blog (updated 1st April 2010) Available from http://www.howardleague.org/francescrookblog/the-age-of-criminal-responsibility [accessed Saturday 19th June 2010] Frances Crook is the director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, the oldest penal reform charity in the U.K. She has been responsible for research programmes and campaigns to raise public concern, about among other things, young people in trouble. Throughout her career she has worked as a teacher in secondary schools as well as taking the position of Governor of Greenwich University. In 2005 she was awarded the Perrie Award which is awarded to individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the development of criminal justice or penal policy and practice. Therefore, Crooks long career working with children and within the criminal justice system gives her valuable insight into the most effective ways of dealing with child crime. Youth Justice Board. [online] Cross-national comparison of youth justice Available from: http://www.yjb.gov.uk/en-gb/ [accessed Saturday 19th June 2010] The youth justice board (YJB), oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. It works to prevent offending by children and young people under the age of 18 and ensures that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour. It enables access to reports and legislations and is a valuable and reliable resource concerning youth crime. Home office [online] Available from: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/ [accessed 1st July 2010] The home office is a Government department that deals with, among other things, drugs, policy, police and crime. During this research it proved useful as a guide to the workings of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. It is also linked to many surveys and statistics that were used within this research. Being an official Government department, the information is highly reliable. Rationale The media is awash with reports of juvenile crime with stories of anti-social behaviour to more violent crimes such as the murder carried out by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, Blake Morrison, (As If). In 1998 the Anti Social Behaviour Order was introduced, and since then the term asbo child has become part of the English language, Sociology review, vol 19, (p2-6). Gun and knife crimes are high and recent reports claim that the ambulance and emergency services in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, dealt with six hundred and seventy nine gunshot wounds in people under the age of twenty five in the twelve months leading to October 2009, BBC Newsbeat online. Therefore, the criminal age of responsibility is often the focus of much discussion. In light of the recent reports of Jon Venables being taken back into custody Guardian.Co.uk [online], the Childrens Commissioner Maggie Atkinson reportedly called for the government to raise the age of criminal responsibility, from ag e twelve to fourteen, Children and Young People Now [online]. This argument is supported by the Chairman of The Criminal Bar association, Paul Mendelle QC, who is reported as saying that he also believes that the age of criminal responsibility should be raised to age fourteen; he is also reported as calling for a return to the previous policy of Doli Incapax. However the Ministry of Justice maintains that children over the age of ten know the difference between bad behavior and serious wrongdoing, Children and young people now [online]. Therefore, evidence shows a lack of agreement concerning the set age of criminal responsibility. Consequently, it could be argued that the current system would benefit from research to help determine a more universally acceptable age to be held criminally responsibility. Aims The aims of this research are: To explore different ways of dealing with young offenders in England and Wales, to help determine ways that could improve the current system. To discuss whether age ten is a reasonable age for children to be held criminally responsible for their actions, within the jurisdiction of the law. To measure public opinion on whether the criminal age of responsibility should be changed in England and Wales. The experimental Hypothesis and null Hypothesis A majority of the public in England and Wales feel that the criminal age of responsibility should be set higher than age ten. This research predicts that the majority will feel that the age of criminal responsibility should be raised and therefore it is a one-tailed hypothesis. Under the null hypothesis we would expect no clear majority to be revealed on either side of the argument. Method An open questionnaire was used to gather qualitative, primary data (appendix A); eighteen participants were chosen from varied demographic backgrounds to help give a valid representation of the larger population, of England and Wales. Their ages ranged from eighteen to seventy four and consisted of both males and females and both parents and non-parent. The participants were verbally briefed on the nature of the topic and the questionnaire had a brief written introduction explaining the basic history and facts of the subject. They were told that all answers would be regarded as anonymous and that they had the right to withdraw their answers if they so wished. Using an open questionnaire enabled the respondents to be guided through the topical questions whilst still having the flexibility to fully express their feelings on the topic. Also, space was provided for any further comments the participants wished to make. After the interview participants were asked to sign a consent form giv ing their permission for the information to be used in sociological research (appendix B). Results Out of eighteen respondents, just under half felt that the age of criminal responsibility should be set higher than age ten. Just over half of the respondents felt that children of age ten do not fully understand the consequences of their actions. When asked should more responsibility be placed upon the parents of young offenders, all but one respondent felt that it should, thus supporting the idea that the current system in England and Wales does not work sufficiently. Contradictory to this evidence, when asked, do you feel that the current system works sufficiently, only two thirds of the respondents felt that it did not; many respondents felt that they did not know enough about the current system to give a valid reply. When asked for their ideas on improving the current system, respondents answers were varied and included: more discipline at home, stronger punishment for parents and more involvement from relevant bodies i.e. welfare workers etc. Therefore the questionnaire supports the original aims of the investigation. It was useful in gauging public opinion on whether the criminal age of responsibility should be changed and it enabled the respondents to express their opinions on whether age ten is a reasonable age for children to be held criminally responsible for their actions. Lastly it gave space for respondents to give any ideas they had concerning the improvement of the current system Discussion Overall the research indicates that there is a strong argument for raising the criminal age of responsibility; this is supported by both primary and secondary data. Many people feel that children of age ten do not fully understand the consequences of their actions. Also, evidence indicates that there is a strong feeling amongst the public that more responsibility should be placed upon parents; when asked, all but one respondent agreed that parents should take more responsibility for their childrens behaviour. Lastly, the primary data from this research indicates that many people feel that the current juvenile justice system does not work sufficiently in England and Wales. The results from the questionnaire support existing evidence; for example there is much evidence to support a change in the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales. One such argument was put forward by the childrens commissioner Maggie Atkinson; who when referring to the murder of James Bulger (James was murdered by two ten year old boys in 1993, Morrison, As If) is reported as saying Venables and Thompson should not have been tried for murder, at age ten they were too young to understand the full consequences of their actions Guardian [online]. Frances Crook, the Director of The Howard League for Penal Reform also supports Atkinson argument and compares the legal system of England and Wales with that of other countries in Europe. In her blog, Crook points out that the criminal age of responsibility in England and Wales is one of the youngest in Europe and she goes on to argue that children in these countries are not ignored if they do wrong but instead their immaturity i s recognized and the response is appropriate, Frances Crooks Blog [online]. This argument is also supported by the chairman of the criminal bar association, Paul Mendelle, who called for the age to be raised from age ten to fourteen. In an interview in the Telegraph Mendelle is reported as saying, a child of ten can know he or she is doing something wrong and not always appreciate it is criminally wrong children and young people now [online]. In his book As If, Blake Morrison again supports this attitude and suggests that children of ten are not able to act on their understanding of right and wrong with the same conviction as adults; he goes on to argue that, if children of ten know the difference between right and wrong then why not let them be jurors? (As If, chapter 5). Although there is much support for the criminal age of responsibility to be raised, it has been refused by the Ministry of Justice, which maintains that children of age ten and over can differentiate between bad behavior and serious wrong doing, Children and Young People Now [online]. Many people have similar opinions as the primary data of this research illustrates, just under half of the respondents felt that age ten is a reasonable age to be held criminally responsible for your actions. Other than public opinion, there is little evidence of a similar attitude; many high profile and academic people agree that age ten is not an appropriate age but other than the Ministry of Justice, no academic opinion was found to support the other side of this argument. Research illustrates two main attitudes towards dealing with young offenders: the welfare approach and the justice approach. The welfare approach emphasises paternalism and protection and therefore focuses on treating the root causes of juvenile crime; whereas the justice approach emphasises judicial rights, accountability for crimes and formal punishment, Cross-national comparison of youth justice [online]. It could be argued that most criminal justice systems can be traced back to either the welfare or justice approach but most are more varied and complex and include elements of both. According to the Home Office Youth Lifestyle Survey (1998/99) [online], key factors linked with serious and/or persistent offenders between the ages of twelve and seventeen was found to be: Drugs children that had used drugs within a twelve month period were almost fives times more likely to offend than those that had not. School children that were unhappy in school or were persistent truants were found to be more likely to offend. Family and peers children that had family and friends who had offended were found to be more likely to offend themselves. Also children that did not have sufficient supervision and guidance, and /or hung around in public places, were found to be more likely to offend than those that did not. Additional research into the reasons why children offend is beneficial to crime prevention agencies in addressing and preventing juvenile crime. Much research supports the idea that prevention is the cheapest and most successful way of dealing with crime; studies in America have shown that one dollar spent on early prevention will save seven dollars fourteen years later, young people and crime [online]. Therefore, the root causes of youth crime are of great interest to Sociologists and Governments alike. The following paragraphs aim to explore and compare two similar criminal cases, so as to determine ways that could improve the current system in England and Wales. The first crime took place in 1993 in Merseyside, England. Two year old James Bulger was taken from a shopping centre by two ten year old boys, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. Venables and Thompson wandered around with James for several hours before beating him and leaving him tied to a railway track; when the child was finally found his body had been cut in half by a passing train. The two boys, Venables and Thompson were tried and convicted of murder in an adult court which in contrast to youth courts allows public and media access and consequently spent eight years in custody before being released in 2001 with protected identitys, Morrison, As if. In 2010 Venables was taken back into custody but the reason has not been made clear to the public. There has been no news on Thompson and so it may be assumed that he has settled back into mainstream society with no major problems. A similar crime was committed in 1994, in the Norwegian city of Tronheim. Five year old Silje Raedergard was stoned and left to freeze to death in snow, by two six year old boys, BBC News, How Norway dealt with its Bulger case [online]. In contrast to the Bulger killing, the two boys responsible for killing Silje were not prosecuted or named in the press but instead were treated as victims, not killers. The boys were left with their families and returned to kindergarten shortly after the incident and welfare and psychological help was given to them. All that is known of the two boys today is that one has settled back into mainstream society and the other still has ongoing psychiatric problems. Therefore it could be argued that while these two cases were dealt with very differently, the outcomes are similar. One of the boys responsible for Siljes death has adjusted to normal life but the other still receives psychiatric help. Likewise, Venables has been returned to custody but Thompson so far has not. Little more is published about the boys or families concerned in these cases, which leaves many questions un-answered concerning the long term effects of both methods of reform. Statistics show (appendix C) that the annual total crime rate in 2002, in the U.K. is over 6.5 million compared to Norway which is just over 330,000; this could arguably be an indication that the juvenile justice system in Norway is more efficient than of that in England and Wales, The Eighth United Nations Survey [online]. Limitations of the methodology Keeping the focus of this research simple proved difficult because the subject of criminal responsibility is extremely vast. Finding Government reports and statistics that were specifically related to the topic was also difficult and time consuming. Also, gathering a sample that is representative of the wider population is challenging when time and resources are limited. Therefore the primary data gathered in this research was arguably limited and a larger population sample may have given more valid results. Not all of the questionnaires were returned and some people felt that they did not know enough about the topic to make valid comments. Therefore a more in-depth introduction or briefing may have been beneficial. Possibly a focus group would have been a more useful method of gathering primary data as it would of enabled the participants to fully discuss their ideas and thoughts on the subject before deciding on any conclusions. In conclusion, the evidence gathered in this research supports the hypothesis; there is much evidence both primary and secondary that suggests that the criminal age of responsibility should be set higher than age ten. Different ways of dealing with juvenile crime was explored and statistics were gathered to help determine which system proves to be most sufficient. Arguably, lower crime rates in Norway indicates that the welfare approach which is the most dominant factor in the Norwegian system is more effective than the justice approach, that is more dominant in England and Wales but as the comparison of criminal cases show, any difference is minimal and not sufficient to make any bold conclusions. Recommendations If further research were to be carried out, I would recommend that; More time is taken to investigate other juvenile justice systems, such as that of Norway. A larger population sample would be useful to gauge a more valid public opinion. A focus group would be useful to enable participants to discuss and answer any queries they have.

Why I Give Back to the Community Essay -- Community Service, Service L

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill I see community service as the key element to my future. I believe that each person should leave the world a little better than how they found it. Community service has held a huge part of my life already. I currently am very involved with a program called Candlelighters. Candlelighters is a program that works with cancer patients and their families. As a part of the Candlelighters program I have seen many children lose their lives to cancer. Each child has left a mark on my heart, and I am a better person for knowing them. All my life I have wanted to be an attorney. I had my whole life paved out. I knew what I was going to do and how I was going to get there. These children have taught me ...