Sex Ed Reduces Teen Pregnancy Free Essays

string(85) " information about sexual intercourse; however, it incorporates a variety of topics\." We have all heard it, parents, teachers, and students, gossiping about the latest young girl to become pregnant in high school. They make comments like, â€Å"What was she thinking† or â€Å"Her parents must be so disappointed. † Did anyone question if she had been properly educated on the risks of sexual activity or if she had been provided with medically correct information? No one stops to think about the big picture; instead they choose to be judgmental and critical of other’s decision-making skills, or lack thereof. We will write a custom essay sample on Sex Ed Reduces Teen Pregnancy or any similar topic only for you Order Now That’s where sexual education comes in. Teenage pregnancy, along with sex education continues to be a highly controversial subject, especially with regards to when and where it should be taught. Much of the debate comes from the two types of education, abstinence-only or comprehensive, also known as abstinence-plus. Abstinence-only education promotes sexual abstinence until marriage, leaving out crucial topics like birth control and condoms. A comprehensive curriculum includes education on the use of contraceptives while maintaining a basis of abstinence. Although there has been a steady decline in the United States teen birth rate, it remains higher than many other developed countries. Statistics show that sexually active teens in the United States are less likely to use varying forms of contraception and are more likely to become pregnant, than those of other equal nations (Rubin). Partially to blame is the United States government, which supports the abstinence-only approach; therefore, most schools are not required to teach subject matter that surpasses that concept (Stanger). Media, although equally controversial, can play a vital role in opening the door for parents to engage in conversation with their children. According to Rachel Canter, executive director of Mississippi First, â€Å"An effective, comprehensive sex education program starts with a base of abstinence but includes medically accurate information about contraception and health† (Pettus). The research is proven; comprehensive sex education reduces teenage pregnancy. Not only are most schools lacking in the information that is covered in their curriculums, some are providing medically incorrect information to students. A recent report revealed that 30% of schools instruct that birth control does not prevent pregnancy (Rubin). In 2009, a lawsuit was filed against a Fresno county school district in California for violating state law by only teaching about abstinence, and for using textbooks that were not in compliance with that law, which requires medically accurate information be taught, along with methods to prevent pregnancy and diseases. With one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in California, parents were compelled to do something to protect their children (Watanabe). According to a recent survey, more than half of adults questioned feel that federally funded programs should offer more education about contraception and three-quarters of those wish education included information about both abstinence and contraception (Teens). If statistics prove that abstinence education is ineffective at preventing pregnancy and most adults are on board with a more comprehensive approach, maybe lawmakers should take that information into account when developing policies about sex education. A step in that direction would be requiring that curriculums include a more comprehensive style. Abstinence-only programs tend to leave out valuable information such as contraception, which some believe sends the wrong message to students (Stanger). Although abstinence programs play an important role in comprehensive education, there is little evidence to support that these curriculum alone help reduce teenage pregnancy. According to Lisa Wirthman, a Denver journalist, â€Å"By trying to scare and shame kids and withholding critical health information, abstinence-only programs treat teens like toddlers† (Wirthman). A report released this year by the Centers for Disease Control reveals that nearly 50% of pregnant teenagers denied using contraception. Furthermore, 30% were under the impression that they could not get pregnant, while others simply â€Å"misunderstood how one gets pregnant and the risk of becoming pregnant after unprotected intercourse† (Brakman). Therefore, it can be concluded that many young people are under informed about their sexual health and lack proper decision making skills regarding their sexual behaviors. Studies show that states that support the abstinence-only approach to sex education tend to have higher teenage pregnancy and birth rates as compared to those who support a more comprehensive approach. Nevada, having one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the nation, does not mandate that contraceptive methods and condom use be included in their curriculum (Stanger). Likely, if it is not required, most schools will not cover such aspects in its studies. The majority of supporters of these programs do not acknowledge that many students will become sexually active during their teenage years. It is inevitable that teenagers are going to have sex, choosing to ignore that fact by not teaching them the proper methods to protect themselves is negligent. Abstinence-only education fails at teaching students many important aspects of sexual health. Those included are, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy prevention and contraception. Much of the information provided in these programs is misleading and medically inaccurate, leaving students uninformed and at risk (Watanabe). The typical abstinence curriculum lectures that the only way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is to â€Å"abstain† from such behaviors that may result in either of the two. While this is truthful, little to no information is provided to students about how to protect themselves if they choose to participate in these activities, leaving them at high risk for unplanned pregnancy. . According to Congress, it was found that abstinence-only programs provide misconceptions of reproductive health and a lack of proper decision-making tools, therefore, promoting irresponsible behavior (Stanger). A study by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows that nearly 8 out of 10 teenagers believe they are properly informed on how to prevent pregnancy, yet confess to knowing hardly anything at all about contraception and condoms (Teens). As statistics like this show, young people are, in general, naive about many aspects of their sexual health and require a more all-encompassing education to be able to make appropriate decisions regarding their sexual wellbeing. A common misconception about ‘sex-ed’ is that it only includes information about sexual intercourse; however, it incorporates a variety of topics. You read "Sex Ed Reduces Teen Pregnancy" in category "Papers" These include, but are not limited to, anatomy, reproduction, body image, relationships, and safe sex practices. Comprehensive sex education, or abstinence-plus, includes a wide array of age-appropriate, evidence-based, medically accurate information to enable teenagers to make well-informed decisions about their overall health, while still advocating that abstinence is the only true method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (Wirthman). Not only does comprehensive education provide insight to multiple sex-health topics, it also stresses the importance of delaying sexual behaviors. To the disbelief of abstinence-only supporters, studies show that students that are taught comprehensive sex education are no more likely to be infected with sexually transmitted diseases, than those taught only about abstinence. Also contrary to pro-abstinence belief, those that are taught a more comprehensive approach have a lower risk of becoming pregnant teenagers (Stanger). One study revealed that of those who are taught more comprehensively, 40% waited to have sex and more than 60% used protection (Wirthman). It is obvious that the more educated students are about the risks associated with sexual activity, the better decisions they make. A recent survey revealed that 38% of teenagers are more influenced by their parents regarding their decisions about sex (Teens). As stated by Emily Pettus, some legislators argue that sex education, including contraception and condoms, should be taught at home, not by the education system (Pettus). This is also where much of the debate is centered. However, teenagers typically do not open up to their parents about sexual activity and many parents tend to bury their heads in the sand and act like it is not happening with their children. Often times, parents and teenagers are unsure about how to discuss the somewhat awkward subject of sex, so they do not talk about it at all. Therefore, education is often left up to teenagers’ peers and other typically inaccurate sources. One study revealed that nearly 90% of young people think if they could have open conversations with their parents about sex, it would be easier to postpone sexual activity. Also, nearly 80% of parents wish their kids would talk to them about sex so that they can provide them with the proper resources to protect themselves (Teens). Kathrin Stanger, professor at the University of Georgia states, â€Å"If teens don’t learn about human reproduction, including safe sexual health practices to prevent unintended pregnancies and STDs, and how to plan their reproductive adult life in school, then when should they learn it, and from whom? † (Stanger). Parents, along with the education system, can provide accurate, age-appropriate information to teenagers to help empower them to make healthy, responsible choices; however, when both of these options fall short, teenagers often turn to the media as a source of education. Many critics often accuse the media of promoting teenage pregnancy, and even glamorizing it. However, little thought is given as to what the benefit of these shows might be. The more teens are watching, the more producers are showing. Nevertheless, there might be some advantages to the influence media has on its young viewers, especially regarding pregnancy (Suellentrop). Although some parents believe the media creates a false sense of reality by glorifying teenage pregnancy, they often fail to realize that such television shows can actually help bridge the conversation gap between them and their children. Two of the television shows popular amongst high school students are MTV’s Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant. Both are reality shows that follow several young girls and their daily struggles as pregnant teenagers and young parents. A recent study by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy revealed interesting results when they asked teenagers their thoughts about such shows. The results revealed a surprising 40% talked to a parent about the show after watching and most agreed that becoming teenage parents would have an overall negative impact on their lives (Suellentrop). If watching these episodes results in teenagers talking to their parents about sex, then ultimately it can be a positive influence, not only by seeing the struggles that young parents face, but by giving parents and teenagers an opportunity to openly discuss their views and opinions about sex and relationships. Research shows that episodes such as these can be used in a positive manner to teach young people about the risks of becoming pregnant and how their lives could change drastically. Also, it seems that teenagers are willing to discuss these shows with their parents, allowing the opportunity to engage in educational conversations with their teenagers. Clearly, the media influences its viewers; however, advantage can be taken to properly inform today’s youth of the risks of sexual behavior while presenting information in an alluring way (Suellentrop). Although there has been a steady decline in the U. S. een birth rate, it remains higher than many other countries. Students are more educated and are therefore making more informed decisions about sex (Kann).    How can we expect teenagers to make appropriate, well-informed decisions regarding their sexual health if we do not give them the proper education and factual information to do so? The statistics show that â€Å"evidence-based sex education works,† so why go against the grain? (Wirthman). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more teenagers are using birth control, which has help lead the way to a record low birthrate, and the numbers of hose using contraception keep rising. Also leading to the decline, is â€Å"more effective† sex education, according to Leslie Kantor, vice president of education for Planned Parenthood (Tulumello). Hopefully in the future, additional school districts will adopt a more comprehensive approach to their curriculums, as it is shown to be much more effective in reducing teenage pregnancy than abstinence-only education. Telling a teenager not to experiment is like a meteorologist saying there is a 50% chance of rain. Yo u hope it does not rain; however, you bring an umbrella just in case it does. As much as we would like to believe that teenagers will not have sex, it is likely that they will engage in some type of sexual behavior in high school and providing them with accurate, age-appropriate information is vital. Sexual education can come from many avenues, including parents, schools, and the media. Comprehensive sex education will not stop the occurrence of teenage pregnancy 100%, but by adequately educating teenagers on safe sex practices, and providing them with medically accurate information, today’s youth are able make healthy, well-informed decisions regarding their sexual well being. How to cite Sex Ed Reduces Teen Pregnancy, Papers

Celta Pre Interview Task free essay sample

A. Error correction Each of the exchanges below contains a mistake. In each case: i) write the corrected version in the space provided ii) clarify your correction in simple English to explain the mistake Example Mr. Smith: â€Å"Do you have much experience in the restaurant business? † Giorgio: â€Å"Yes, I’ve been working as a chef since 10 years. † i) I’ve been working as a chef for ten years. ii) We use ‘since’ before a point in time – for example, since Tuesday, since 1992, since 5 o’clock. We use for before a period of time for example, for two weeks, for six years, for ten minutes. But in the verb ‘to record’ (e. g. ‘Elvis tried to record an album every year) the stress is on the second syllable ‘reCORD’ oO. In the following words, underline the syllable which takes the main stress, then put the word into the correct column below according to the number of syllables and the main stress. We will write a custom essay sample on Celta Pre Interview Task or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page examples: banana hospitality menu momentous bystander superb independent undeniable reliable computer burger ratio photograph photographer photographic oO |Oo |Ooo |oOo |ooOo |oOoo |ooOoo | |record (verb) |menu | |banana | | |hospitality | | |record (noun) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | D. Sounds Match the underlined sound of the words in column A to a word in column B with a corresponding sound. Note: the sound can correspond to any sound in the words in Column B. For example: advice goes with sip. Beware! The spelling of the sound may be different! Column AColumn B i. advicea. unit ii. adviseb. jump iii. dayc. eight iv. beachd. though v. lodgee. thick vi. thinf. sip

The Preston City Marketing Feasibility

Local Demographic The city of Preston is a potential market for Preston Outdoors. The current statistics on hunting and fishing in Preston is appealing to the firm. The population statistics on hunting and fishing activities gives a positive image of a potential market. The total population in the town as of 2011 was 5,230 people. This is a high number which demonstrates that market in Preston is potential.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on The Preston City Marketing Feasibility specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are around 1,743 households with an average of 3 people per household. In regards to hunting and fishing activities, one should mention that residents of Preston are mailnly involved in these two activities. The survey results obtained from 60 people give a clear picture on the percentage of people who like hunting and fishing constituting a high proportion of Preston’s population. The majo rity of the population shop in Preston 80% being local citizens while the remaining 20% are foreigners. This is a clear indication of the strong local market for fishing and hunting in Preston. Based on this statistics, a strong interest in hunting and fishing in Preston can be clearly demonstrated (CLRsearch.com 1). Growth Potential There is a high growth potential in Preston which translates to a bigger market size for outdoor hunting/fishing store. The current market size is projetected at 1,360 households. The 2011 census puts the population of Preston at 5,230 people. This is a good size which can help Preston Outdoors to attain its planned objectives. The number of people engaged in the conducting of the survey is only 1.38%, which is small compared to the population living in the town. It must be noted that the actual number of people interested in hunting and fishing activities is definitely bigger than the projected figures. There is a higher growth potential of Preston bas ed on the overall economic and social development. Infrastructural development and favorable climate form the basis for a large number of clients in hunting and fishing activities. The number of foreigners is expected to increase from the current 20% to over 30% in the coming months. The frequency of engagement in the fishing and hunting activities is high, meaning that there is the future for the industry development in the town. In particular, Preston Outdoors has a high growth potential due to the high number of people going for hunting and fishing activities. The high percentage, that is, 95% of the population is willing to buy at Preston being a clear indication of high growth potential of Preston Outdoors since it will attract the local market (Idaho.gov 1).Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Customer Benefit Preston Outdoors offers three primary customer benefits in cluding location, seasonal product, and bow tuning services. To begin with, the convenient location of Preston Outdoors will save customers’ time since they will not have to travel long distances. The business will benefit customers through the provision of seasonal products. The business will not only offer unique products for each season but also offer comfort to match customers’ needs. Bow tuning service will be beneficial to customers through the provision of more convenient services. Advertising, better environment, seasonal sales, customer’s guide, archery accuracy, service hour, and coffee will also be added to customers’ benefits. By providing these benefits to customers, Preston Outdoors will stand out as the best partner to the local customers in Preston (Nykiel 132). Works Cited CLRsearch.com. Lewiston, Idaho Demographics 2012. Web. Idaho.gov. Fish and Game 2012. Web. https://idfg.idaho.gov/ Nykiel, Ronald. Handbook of Marketing Research Method ologies for Hospitality and  Tourism. New York: Routldge, 2007. Print. This case study on The Preston City Marketing Feasibility was written and submitted by user Wolver-dok to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Essay Sample on Changing The Notions of Change

Essay Sample on Changing The Notions of Change Change is an ongoing process that involves the alternation of one state to another. However, the way individuals respond to that change is largely determined by their perspective, of how they see and understand things as well as their underlining psychological, social and ideological constructions. The process of change may be spontaneous and it involves pre-change, catalyst and outcomes. In studying â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi† by Melina Marchetta, this concept of change is shaped in terms of the central character Josie’s experience and lessons. Not only that, this universal theme is also observable in texts as diverse as â€Å"The Door† by Miroslav Holub, â€Å"American History X† by David McKenna, â€Å"My father began as a god† by Ian Mundie and â€Å"Student finds enlightenment in an embrace with her heritage†, an article out of the SMH written by Cynthia Banham. Collectively, various composers utilise a range of textual forms as well as stylistic techniques to convey the notions of change. Initially, the protagonist Josie of â€Å"LFA† takes a melancholic stance towards her position in the society. Her psychology is affected by her insecurity and confusion towards her cultural identity. â€Å"As far as the Italians were concerned, we weren’t completely one of them†¦We weren’t completely Australians.† The use of â€Å"we† brings the reader closer to Josie by speaking as if the responder belongs to her own social context, thus achieving empathy. Josie’s perceptions and ideology is shaped by her social background â€Å"At St Martha’sbrains didn’t count as much, money prestige and what your father did for a living counted†¦it makes me feel that I will never be part of their society.† First person narration is used in compliance with the confession style direct speech which effectively creates empathy as Josie never lies about her inner feelings. Being illegitimate and belonging to a lower-middle class , Josie’s ideology is strongly affected by the microcosm of a rich school society. Her envious tone conveys her self-discriminative feelings â€Å"Being stuck at a school dominated by rich people, rich parents†¦Anglo Saxon Australians who I cant see as having a problem in the world.† As can be seen, Josie’s initial confused perspective is effectively shaped by her psychological, social and ideological constructions. Progressing from the pre-change phase, Josie faces many catalysts initiated by herself and external influences. Her first encounter involves the entrance of Michael Andretti, her long lost father into her life. However, being neglected for seventeen years, she holds a mutually furious and confused attitude towards his presence. Her impulsive and angry tone demonstrates this:† How dare you think that I want to be in your life!† This however, contrasts to a later event where she utilises the external catalyst and initiates it as her own after she seeks Michael’s assistance with the Carly Bishop conflict. When Michael rescues her, she admits that â€Å"For a few minutes I knew how it felt to walk alongside one’s father, it was a great feeling.† her tone changes as she is no longer confused thus showing change, when self inflicted may lead to positive consequences. Another event which alters Josie’s perspective is the annual walkathon where she disregarded her responsibilities as the vice captain of school to lead the juniors. Her confessional tone conveys that she is maturing from the lesson â€Å"Deep down I knew I was wrong†¦I think my emancipation began at that moment.† Later on the day, she also discovers the truth about her captaincy that she was in fact voted the school captain. Her initial negative view about her social standings in the school takes a positive turn â€Å"and I was voted the school captain. Socially we weren’t as shitty as we thought we were.† One of the strongest catalysts which influence Josie is those of John Barton’s death. It effectively acts as the denouement of the novel, where the climax resolves all the conflicts. During the event Josie’s envious perspective on the rich and successful is challenged â€Å"How dare he kill himself when he’s never had any worries?† Her anxiety is resolved by her father that â€Å"A person doesn’t necessarily have to be happy just because they have social standings and material wealth, Josie.† John’s death is tragic but it allows Josie to mature from her naÐ ¿ve ideological perspective on the rich microcosm of the society. It can be therefore argued that change, whether initiated by self or external forces will allow people to positively progress. Every change has its outcomes. Josie’s confused perspective on her heritage is effectively resolved by â€Å"I’m an Australian with Italian blood flowing rapidly through my veins.† Her change of tone also shows the change of perspective when she initially mocks religion by reading a â€Å"hot pants† magazine in religion class. â€Å"It’s full of rubbish†¦do you think that they have a column named â€Å"are you a good Christian†?† the naÐ ¿ve and arrogant tone changes to a much more serious and mature one â€Å"I’ll believe in god and I won’t let any church rules take that away from me.† To allow changes to be easily observable, Marchetta uses chronological narrations where Josie’s life is told through the period of one year. â€Å"You know, a wonderful thing happened to me when I reflected back on my year, â€Å"one day† came because I finally understood.† Marchetta’s use of Intertexuality effectively highlights Josie’s emancipation â€Å"I’m not seventeen anymore, the seventeen where Janis Ian sang about where one learns the truth, but what she failed to mention is that you keeping learning truths after seventeen and I want to keep learning truths until the day I die.† This therefore conveys the notion that change is an ongoing process, not merely from point A to B. Miroslav Holub’s poetry â€Å"The Door† depicts the change as a process. The poem begins with the imperative â€Å"Go and open the door† which actively encourage the responders to explore change. â€Å"The door† symbolises the barriers which enclose and restrict people’s perspective to those of present. It also symbolises an entry into a new world of possibilities to gain a new perspective. The use of â€Å"Maybe† in italics and its repetition conveys that change has no certainties, but its results are dependent on the person’s perspective and interpretations â€Å"Maybe outside there’s a tree, a wood†. However, the use of an optimistic tone persuades the reader that â€Å"If there’s a fog, it will clear.† The use of figurative language describes the worst possibilities of change â€Å"even if there’s only the darkness tickling, even there is only the howling wind† then builds to a climax with a reductive sentence structure â€Å"even if Nothing Is there† This technique effectively forces the responder to read slower, until the last stanza, the coda which contains the theme of the poem â€Å"at least there’ll be a draught†. It shows that whatever the possibilities, whether good or bad, people will ultimately benefit from change. The similar notions are conveyed in â€Å"LFA† where the process of Josie’s change begins with obstacles, but she is able to successfully embrace change thus directing it to the best results, seen through her emancipations. Similar concepts of change are represented in the film â€Å"American History X†. The Protagonist Danny is brother to the leader of a fascist gang (D.O.C.), Derek who is imprisoned for the killing of a black American. Initially, Danny lives in a troublesome part of the America where racial tension is wide spread. Naturally, his psychological, social and ideological construction is based around white domination over the ethnic groups. His prejudice views however, radically changes as Derek is released from prison years later. His confrontation with Danny describes his experience in the prison thus highlighting that not one race is more superior. There are many techniques in the film that shapes meaning for change. The story, much like â€Å"LFA† is narrated in chronological order in the form of an essay. It effectively shows the processes of change as organised and structured. It also allows the responders to witness the perspectives of before â€Å"Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, those perils are polluting our beautiful country† and an after â€Å"we must be tolerant of each other’s differences, what separates us is not the culture, but good and evil.† Symbolism of swastika is highly effective in showing Derek’s initial fascist perspective towards the ethnics. However, later as he tries desperately to wash it off, it remains as it was tattooed showing Derek’s resentments for being a fascist. Changing perspective is evident in Danny’s act of ripping the Nazi flags off his room, which symbolises his movement away from the Nazi ideology. Intertexuality is employed to highlight Dannyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s change of perspective. Near the end of his film he quotes from Abraham Lincoln to convey his new perspectives â€Å"We are not enemies, but friends, we must not be enemies, though passions may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic cords of memory will swell when again touched as surely they will be by the angels of our nature.† Technique of denouement is employed to convey Danny’s final perspective, that of tolerance â€Å"Life’s too short to be pissed off all the time.† It concludes the film with the death of Danny by the gun of a black youth. The film conveys the notion that change is a process which will ultimately allow empathy into another perspective. However the outlook for further change is bleak for Danny whose process terminates at his death. This contrasts to Josie of â€Å"LFA† whose outlook is long and broad. Both texts explore the cultural crisis and universally convey that positive change of perspective needs to be self- directed to achieve greater balance in the society â€Å"My father Began as a God† conveys the notion of change through many ways. It is similar to â€Å"LFA† as it is narrated in first person chronologically. The responders are then able to observe the changes of perspective from the narrator from young to old. The first two stanzas describes the father in a toddler’s eyes, with figurative language and biblical allusion to Moses â€Å"My father began as a god†¦as if bought down from Sinai† Proceeding to the third stanza, an obvious change in tone shows the change of perspective of narrator to an adolescent â€Å"until by my time of adolescence, he had become a foolish small man.† This effectively contrasts to the previous stanza and allow the responders to empathise with the narrator of a gigantic god transforming into a small man. The arrogant tone changes as the narrator matures on the next stanza, reaching empathy â€Å"his faults and his intolerances, scaled away into the past revealing v irtues.† The process of change ends for the father, but continues for the narrator in the last stanza â€Å"how the deeper he recedes into the grave the more I see myself as just one of all the little men.† The empathetic tone conveys that change is an ongoing process, and perspective alters after experience thus reaching ultimate empathy. This poem contrasts to â€Å"The Door† as it represents change as a definite and predicative process, whereas â€Å"The Door† coveys change as a more ambivalent kind. The idea of outlook is bleak in this poem where it shows the ultimate outcome is death but the message conveyed in â€Å"LFA† as well as â€Å"The Door† is those of infinite possibilities for further change. Finally, â€Å"Student finds enlightenment in an embrace with her heritage† is a feature article that explores the changing perspectives of ethnical Australian culture. Thao Nguyen’s initial perspectives are shaped by her aspiration of childhood that she â€Å"prayed to God that one day she’ll wake up with blonde hair and blue eyes.† Living in a society where the white Anglo-Saxons claims majority, her ideology is shown in direct quote â€Å"You seem more accepted when you are white.† Her confused psychological state is highlighted by her â€Å"try to surround herself with only ‘white’ friends.† When she was young However, the catalysts for the change occur after she discovers on her passport that she is an Australian. Her thoughts were that â€Å"I thought Australian was white and I never called myself Australian.† Due to this revelation, her perspective begins to mature through time, especially after her humanitarian wor k in Vietnam. She claims that â€Å"It was a very enlightening experience and a turning point where I realised who I was.† It can be seen in this case that experience shapes new perspectives. The outcome of change is conveyed through the pull quote which is situated at the centre of the article, highlighting the theme â€Å"I wasn’t completely Vietnamese in an Australian society, nor completely Australian in a Vietnamese society. I was a hybrid of both and that was ok.† To a further extent, the result of change is positively portrayed by the photograph of Thao smiling, looking relaxed and attractive. The caption is integrated to convey the acceptance of change, of Thao being â€Å"Happy to be Australian†. The headline of the article also suggests that change is embraced. The final result is always dependant on the person’s ability to direct change to their advantage. This article makes some uncanny resemblance to â€Å"LFA† as both texts explore the cultural identity crisis. Although some psychological factors between Josie and Thao are different; where Josie has only â€Å"wog† friends and Thao befriends with the white Australians; Both characters are able to open â€Å"The Door† thus finding self definition. Therefore, although the styles and form may be different, both texts are able to sustain a universal theme of change. In conclusion, change is definitely a process that can sometimes be spontaneous in nature. However, different people’s psychological, social and ideological construction shapes their perspectives that reflect on the way they respond and direct that change. The different stages of change are universally shaped by different texts and techniques by characters like Josie in â€Å"LFA†, Danny in â€Å"American History X† and the personas/narrators in â€Å"The Door† and â€Å"My father began as a God† as well as Thao Nguyen in â€Å"Student finds Enlightenment in an embrace with her heritage†. It then can be said that change, although come in many forms all explores similar universal themes. You can order a custom essay, term paper, research paper, thesis or dissertation on Changing Perspective topics at our professional custom essay writing service which provides students with custom papers written by highly qualified academic writers. High quality and no plagiarism guarantee! Get professional essay writing help at an affordable cost.

Pro or cons of personal freedom such as public smoking or talking on Essay

Pro or cons of personal freedom such as public smoking or talking on the phone while drving - Essay Example In the U.S., laws preventing gambling and gay marriage fall into this category as well. There is, of course, a line drawn within this opinion regarding laws that include children. Consensual adults, however, should be free to choose how to live their lives as they please if it does not interfere with the personal welfare or property of others. Denying personal freedom is often justified and accepted as necessary but in the greater scope of human endeavour the acceptance of these ‘no harm’ laws leads the public to accept other such laws which slowly but steadily lead to further reductions of free will decisions by free peoples. The country was founded by people who believed this concept and wrote the Constitution to forever protect personal freedoms. This discussion will examine the history of how the concept of guaranteed personal freedoms became an American invention and offers a constitutional analysis of two hotly debated issues, euthanasia and abortion. To what extent personal freedom should be permitted is not the issue. Personal freedoms are an American birthright that is slowly but surely eroding over time. Whether or not the American people have the courage to protect and restore these freedoms is the real issue. The Founding Fathers displayed courage when they broke away from a tyrannical, oppressive King of England who ruled over the most powerful military at that time to establish a country where personal autonomy was considered the most precious commodity in a society. The seeds of the Founders’ concept of law and freedom emanated from Britain. The Constitution was inspired by the Magna Charta and British philosopher John Locke helped to lay the foundation for the Founders’ deep belief in personal freedoms. Locke defined each individual as having the right to â€Å"life, liberty and estate† (Locke, 1960 p. 448). These words have an almost identical mirror in the beginning paragraphs of the

Call of the Wild Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Call of the Wild - Essay Example Curly was the victim who was set upon by the rest of the pack when she could not get up on her feet. Buck learned one of the most valuable lessons in his life which the narrator records as; ‘The scene often came back to Buck to trouble him in his sleep. So that was the way. No fair play. Once down, that was the end of you. Well, he would see to it that he never went down.’ (London 13). This is an allegory on Social Darwinism. Buck’s survival depends on himself as his environment practices a system of laissez faire. He transforms to survive. Buck learns to steal food to compensate for his meager rations. The narration says; ‘ It marked his adaptability, his capacity to adjust himself to changing conditions, the lack of which would have meant swift and terrible death. It marked, further, the decay or going to pieces of his moral nature, a vain thing and a handicap in the ruthless struggle for existence.’(London 16). Buck steals food from his species and man alike. It is his competition for survival. When Buck steals food from his fellow compatriots, he is competing within his society of dogs. Buck competes with the different society of man too. This illustrates Social Darwinism. Buck retains his inherent genes which are unchanged with the passage of timeless generations. This is evidence that London supports neo-Darwinism. The narration says; ‘They (the ancestors) quickened the old life within him, and the old tricks which they had stamped into the heredity of the breed were his tricks.’ (London 17). However, London contradicts himself when he writes that; ‘His (Buck’s) newborn cunning gave him poise and control.’(London 17). Buck’s newborn cunning has evolved by the process of Social Darwinism in responses to his social environment. Buck shows his hereditary traits in the hunt for the snowshoe rabbit. The narration says; ‘All that stirring of old instincts which at stated periods drives men out from the

Jonathan Larsons Influence On Musical Theatre Theatre Essay

Jonathan Larsons Influence On Musical Theatre Theatre Essay To demonstrate how a practitioner influenced the development of Musical Theatre, there will be an in depth analysis of Jonathan Larsons works Rent and Tick, TickBoom, which will show how his style influenced other modern practitioners that got some of their ideas based on his works and how his works were influenced by other practitioners in the beginning. Jonathan Larson was indeed a remarkable writer and composer who had his own stories to tell. Although his death came too early, his success can still be seen in his greatest work, the musical Rent and it may be said that As an artist, Jonathan Larsons discovered his passion for music following Elton John and Billy Joel, but it was musical theatre that caught his eye while his parents introduced him to the musical Fiddler on the Roof. As he later on said by himself, he always wanted to write music that could incorporate all of these influences. The path lead him to a four year drama major, but it was the composing that was his main interest and soon enough he started writing music for school productions. During his college years Jonathan Larson got in contract with the composer Stephen Sondheim, who was also his strongest musical theatre influence and later on his mentor. Sondheim told him later that Never the less he didnt go on as an actor and took a step into the composing world,he was still a struggling artist who spend years living his life working as a waiter just to pay his bills, while writing numerous theatrical pieces with a poor success story. With the musical Tick, TickBoom, which was an autobiographical work of Larsons life and was reflecting his alter ego, he finally got recognized, but still not the way he wanted to. As Siegel describes the show in New York times The songs and stories were half-funny and half-bitter tales of bad readings and waiting tables. He addressed his disappointment with putting the sho w of in 1994. But there was still no reason for him to give up, especially when he got into collaboration with Billy Aronson, a playwrighter who played around with the idea of updating Puccinis opera La Boheme. The project didnt get started until 1991, when Larson felt the need to tell the story about his friends who were diagnosed with AIDS. Larson stated himself while he was still alive and that truly represent the path that Rent went since the beginning of the show till this day. Many links between the big success of the show and Larsons death have been made during the time, but it is not said for sure that his death is the cause for such a big success of the musical Rent. The only thing that can be said for sure is, that the show is popular as the numerous amounts of awards that the show won present. , said by Wilson Jermaine Heredi, an actor of the original cast from Rent, shows that Rent really was a new era in theatre. Never before was there a musical telling a story about HI V infected people, drugs and homosexuals. The reviews for the show were well received, as reported in New York times. But it was the audience who gave Jonathan Larson a chance and made Rent to what it is today, an award winning musicals. A musical that is different to others, because it represents Even though Rent is a parallel to Puccinis 1896 opera La Boheme, Jonathan Larson took the idea and collaborated with Billy Areson and transformed it into a contemporary story that was never told before. The audience can get the chance to watch two pieces back-to back in a one repertoire and see the show not only as a good composers work but as an artistic creation. Artistic creation which illuminates Jonathan Larsons brilliance, never the less Rent owes a lot to Stephen Sondheims work. Not that he was reproducing his ideas in his style, There are many similarities to Stephen Sondheims work Company, but they show the extreme contrast. The setting was changed from Upper West side to the Lowe r East side, as well as the characters which are presented as a poverty line of multicultural young people that are homosexual, drug addicts or over the top minded. It can be said that the shows are similar in the way how Stephen Sondheim and Jonathan Larson presented New York and their ideas. Not only did Sondheims influence reflect in Jonathan Larsons Rent in the comparison to Company, but also his musical Sunday in the Park with George. Theres a common theme in both shows which demonstrate a central character that has went away from finishing something that is important forbidden personal relationship. Both shows describe that Never the less, nothing can take Larsons accomplishment away. He was a great composer and writer who was able to take Sondheims ideas and recreate them with his own style. This indicates how big of an impact Stephen Sondheim made on Larson. In an interview for New York Times, Stephen Sondheim later spoke about Jonathan Larson and said that a great musical t heatre composer . Stephen Sondheim as his mentor encouraged him while he was still alive to get involved with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Jonathan Larson described it as , but he appreciated the experience later, because it gave him a chance to meet new composers and that gave him more confidence in his work. At the point when he has later written more material he said Rent is classified as a rock musical, because of its rock influence. Examples of such musicals are Hair and Spring Awakening, which are both linked to Rent. It can be said that Hair was a big influence on Rent, because of the impact it made in that era, when people werent talking about drugs and hippies. Hair made a big statement at that time as did Rent. Both musicals told a story of confusion in each generation. Both works may be seen as generational anthems. Not because of the protest, but of its finally, youthful enthusiasm, even when the youth in question is at risk. Hair can be seen as a mile stone for Rent, which later impacted on Spring Awakening. Although Spring Awakening was already written in 1891 as a play, it s shocking story of acknowledgement of adolescent sexuality broke ground aesthetically, going beyond naturalism to presage expressionism. Since times have changed and today society is more open minded to the ethnological, sexual, and all other controversial aspects of human life, the effects of Spring Awakening as well as Rent have changed. In Spring Awakening the characters are still experiencing their awakening spring of sexuality and a couple of scenes might still surprise the audience, but in general todays community is more used to that on stage now. As Rent made theatrical history with transporting Puccinis La Boheme to New York, Spring Awakening made its own kind of history by putting a modern spin on a controversial play. It can be said that Rent had its influences and went on passing that to other musicals. Although Jonathan Larson didnt get the chance to witness the success of his lifes work, he left behind two remarkable musicals, which are both in subject matter unmistakable. Similaritys in Tick, tickBoom, especially in the characters, for which may seem they are sometimes show that Jonathan Larsons work had a deeper meaning and a thought of memories of his lost friends. As a composer his answer to the acknowledgement that he has just lost people that he loves was to write something in response. He later on said,Despite the fact that he never got the chance to see how his words and music inspired people, the musical Rent still goes on filling theatres with his story and the affect that he left behind may be seen in new works appearing on the stage. Jonathan Larson wanted to give all a lesson about how to go on in the time of great loss and not anything for granted.