Adolescent Substance Essay Example for Free

Adolescent Substance Essay In my teen age, I was exposed to a different atmosphere from Mark Spencer’s. For example, my parents who were very strict about my welfare did not accord me any freedom as Spencer’s parents do. Further, my parents were very concerned about my associates and therefore never accorded me any free time to go anywhere without their permission. They tried to make sure that all their views were imposed onto their children. Due to their strictness, my siblings and I used to clandestinely slip to the neighborhood. We would then enjoy the little free time we acquired via sneaking. This phenomenon had a lot of significance with regard to what activities we engaged in as well as whom we associated with. Although we used to hang around with girls, I used to make sure that my parents never discovered this for such awareness could cause a lot of negative consequences to my wellbeing as well as to my relationship with my associates. If a familiar grownup met me in such funny corners, and I could make sure that they did not report me to my parents because it was suicidal to have been caught in such places. As time went by, I became rebellious to my parent’s so-called rules. I thus started to secretly take drugs at some funny hideouts until I got addicted l. Eventually, I could not hide my drug addiction any longer. Consequently, my parents tried to groom me by the use of the cane but this was of no use to me for I had been hardened with this kind of habit. My parents thus had to send me to a rehabilitation center but again, this action was not significant to me. After spending a year at the center, I pretended to be reformed and was sent back to my parents. At home, I joined some of my old friends and we started to rob people of petty objects. We could then sell such items so that we could sustain our drug habit. I was arrested and taken to child custody where I was reformed and thus became a good teen. At the age of 17, I had reorganized my life and could systematize myself well. The problem that is seen in Mark’s kind of world is that his parents are providing all that he asks for. They erroneously think that denying him some privileges can cause disaster. This is the reason why he is given a car and is allowed to go out on his own. Further, the parents are not aware of the kind of people that Mark is associating with (Steinberg, Fletcher Darling, 1994). Such parental oversight has caused him to indulge in drugs to the extent of bringing drugs into the house. Conversely, due to the strictness of my parents, rather than seeking appropriate ways to curb my defiant behavior, they caused my hardening. It is notable that my case only needed to be addressed with love, understanding, and support from my parents (Gallo Matthews, 2006). In my time, I could not do anything without first consulting my peers. I was thus always struggling not to displease them. In my world, I could not be allowed to go to any overnight party, a privilege which was awarded to Mark (DiClemente et al. 2001). The influence brought about by the environment that I was growing in made my life to change. I thus became a hard nut to crack. This development was brought about by the strict environment in which I grew. Due to Mark’s associates segregating him, because he does not associate with them, he feels rejected by the whole world (Coleman, 196I). This viewpoint makes him to have a negative opinion about all people a disposition that makes him to be very bitter. Further, Mark does not want to be under any authority. The act of purchasing a car for Mark by his parents facilitates him to get back to his friends. Moreover, he is willing to do anything so as to please the associates. Mark therefore starts to take drugs when his parents allow him the freedom to go out with his friends. Instead of the parents in both cases offering guidance to us, they started devising alternative mechanisms to curb our behaviors. This was just a straight way of strengthening our bond with our â€Å"good friends† who were teaching us the so-called â€Å"good habits†. In both cases, parental neglect caused failure in school performance since it made myself to be jailed, while to Mark, it seems boring to go to school (Mak Kinsella, 1996). This disposition has made Mark’s performance to greatly drop from an above average student to merely maintain an average of grade C. References Coleman, J. S. (196I). The adolescent society. The social life of the teenager and its impact on education. Psychoanalysis Quarterly, 32, 126-128. DiClemente, R. J. et al. (2001). Parental Monitoring: Association with adolescents risk behaviors. Pediatrics, 107, 1363-1368 Gallo, L. C. ; Matthews, K. A. (2006). Adolescents attachment orientation influences ambulatory blood pressure responses to everyday social interactions. Psychosomatic Medicine, 68, 253-261. Mak, A. S. ; Kinsella, C. (1996). Adolescent drinking, conduct problems, and parental bonding. Australian Journal of Psychology, 48, 15-20. Steinberg, L. ; Fletcher, A. ; Darling, N. (1994). Parental Monitoring and Peer Influences on Adolescent Substance Use. Pediatrics, 93 1060-1064.

Puritanism: The People, Religion, and Poetry Essay -- Religion History

Puritanism: The People, Religion, and Poetry Puritan literature began the American tradition. Though they followed the traditions of European poetry, later American poets continued this borrowing from Europe, until innovations led American poetry further away from the standards the Puritans had held for poetry. The poetry the Puritans wrote was characterized substantially by their religion. It affected their themes, taken from their everyday lives, but focused on faith and theology. Also, it influenced the degree of community and individualism, which bridged the older traditions of community to the growth of individualism down through American history. They also valued logic and considered it an important means to learning God's truth. It was this logic and their concepts of God and how he revealed himself to people, that gave them a strong belief in nature as a book to be read, containing the truths they already held. Reading the book of nature was one of the significant aspects of Puritan poetry that later poets followed unti l some began to question that there were any good foundations for doing this. Gradually, conceptions about nature and God and perception led poets farther from this Puritan tradition. By the time of modern poetry, understandings about nature, God, and people had been completely changed. Thus, Puritan poetry affected American poetry by providing ideas that could not only be followed, but could also be rejected. One of the results of reading the book of nature is the tendency to use metaphors to nature. Use of metaphor extended beyond nature, though. Many Puritan poets used metaphors and extended metaphor often. Their examples were English metaphysical and conceitists poets. Like these poets, the Puritan... ...American Poetry. Ed. Jay Parini. New York: Columbia University Press, 1995. pg 50. Taylor, Edward. "Upon a Spider Catching a Fly." Columbia Anthology of American Poetry. Ed. Jay Parini. New York: Columbia University Press, 1995. pg 49 Tenth Muse Lately sprung up in America, The . By a Gentlewoman in those parts. (London: Stephen Bowtell, 1650): 3-4. Representative Poetry On-line: Editor, I. Lancashire; Publisher, Web Development Group, Inf. Tech. Services, Univ. of Toronto Lib. RPO 1997.  © I. Lancashire, Dept. of English (Univ. of Toronto), and Univ. of Toronto Press 1997. available at http://www.library.utoronto.ca/utel/rp/poems/abrad1c.html. accessed 12/6/01. Winthrop, John. â€Å"A Modell of Christian Charity.† The American Intellectual Tradition, volume I. third edition. Eds. David A. Hollinger and Charles Capper. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.

Dirty Pictures (Film Analysis)

The film Dirty Pictures released on year 2000 is loosely based on the story of Robert Mapplethorpe and his photography in late 1980's. Most photos of the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe is actually uncontroversial however few of them– some sadomasochistic in nature– seem to offend. The inclusion of these provocative and seemingly offensive pictures in art exhibit has been highly criticized by the authority and feasted by the local media.Bennis Barrie, the curator of the Cincinnati Arts Center is inevitably accused of promoting pornography as he displays Mapplethorpe's naked images and graphic displays of homosexual offensive activities in Cincinatti art museum. Barrie initially knows that some of Mapplethorpe's photography may receive negative criticisms because of its provocative depictions of humans' mutual sensuality however as a curator he recognized that art encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations and emotions. He believes that an artist de serves a freedom of expression.However Mapplethorpe photographs became the center of controversy when these were exhibited at the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts. Dennis Barrie who is the Museum director was being accused and condemned by the right wing conservatives. The rest of the film revolves in public debate towards how freedom of expression should be applied. The character of Barrie in the initial part of the movie is being portrayed as a modest and ordinary man who have a simple lifestyle. However after the exhibit, he was suddenly thrown into extraordinary circumstances as he deals with the enormous pressures of ugly public debate.He faced personal intimidation since his reputation and career were at stake. Furthermore, the issue pressed against him affected the emotional aspects of his family. The film effectively illustrates the emotions of a couple struggling to decide and do the right thing while dealing with the political pressures brought by the issue of displayed sensua l photographs. Though Barrie comes off as a man sophisticated and knowledgeable about contemporary arts but he is a little bit innocent about his stand since he was faced with unreasonable political pressures.The involvement of big conservative figures made this issue highly politicized. As a result, the jury who are also heroes of this story, experienced personal pressures of their own. At the end however they manage to navigate their way to the right decision after Barrie made a profound kind of speech about freedom of expression. Even if Barrie was being acquitted in the film, the local conservative group believes that this trial would have a chilling effect on future art exhibitions.Since freedom of expression has been positively justified in the film, there is a great possibility that curators and artists will always make an excuse to not restrict them in any kinds of mode of expression since this is after all their right. However, the conservatives subtly stand that the author ity should give restrictions especially in displaying sexually explicit photos to avoid public intimidation. The film inevitably shows Mapplethorpe controversial photos. A number of the actual Mapplethorpe's photos that were the heart and reason of the controversy were used in production.Though the photos are shown in shortcuts but the film allows the viewers to have a glimpse to both the controversial photos and the extraordinary beauty and story of all the photos in general. Apparently, he is not only interested to capture humans sexuality but his portraits, photos of flowers and landscapes illustrate his love in beauty. Mapplethorpe's â€Å"The Perfect Moment† collections air different angles of expression. His photographs were not confined in nudity however the authorities only favored and noticed one side by giving obscenity charges against the curator.Since big people also offered their own perspective towards the provocative photographs, it seems that the issue became politically motivated. Meanwhile, the film also looks like a documentary one since the filmmakers highlights new interviews from cultural and conservative figures about their personal perceptions in the issue. Meanwhile the filmmakers in the movie also incorporated many inter cut scenes from the original events collected from the archives of the local media (e. g. the trial and that attempted closing down of the art museum).The movie demonstrates that the beauty of art depends on how people perceive it. Their level of appreciation depends on their personal tastes, values, cultural and social orientation. In the movie, the characters were obviously divided by two– those who are open minded who believe that any kind of art depiction even in a sensational manner is just but a manner of expression that is natural to the artist; and the conservatives who believes that pornography negatively affect the viewers as it arouse malicious intent and emotions.However the film with the cha racter of Barrie reminds the public to uphold their right of expression and their right to choose what they art they would want to see and appreciate. No matter how disgusting and offensive a particular art might be, it has its every right to be exhibited. Any contemporary or classic art form is not exclusive to elite. The film subtly emphasized that an average and ordinary person can understand and appreciate art and art definitely do not only belong to specific few.

Gun Control Is One Of The Most Debating - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 793 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/03/19 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Gun Control Essay Did you like this example? Gun control is one of the most debating and isolating issues in America. Other than historical deadly shootings, few recent shootings are Orlando nightclub shooting, Stoneman Douglas High school shooting, incident in Nevada by 64 years old stephen paddock, church shooting in Southern Spring, Texas and many more. All of these incidents are different from each other, and have different stories. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Gun Control Is One Of The Most Debating" essay for you Create order Despite of such differences, ease of purchasing guns are understandable by most of the people. As a result, some consider gun control as an effective way to confront these shooting and reduce the crime rate. However, gun control is not the best solution to resolve the problem of gun violence or control the crime. In fact, gun control is ineffective in reducing the rate of crime. Guns do not kill. Guns are used by people for mass killing. Therefore, people have to be controlled first. The reason of the any mass shooting is not only the Gun, but also it is the reason of any psychological, social or ethical problem. In the perspective of psychological issue, mentally sick person tries to find out a way to reduce his/her agony. Therefore, some of them select a violent way, which is more convincing in the society. Popular media convinces people with disorderly state of mind that their desire for attention would be satisfied if they killed people. As a result, psychopaths choose shooting as their method to get instant popularity or attentions. According to Shooting rampages, mental health, and the sensationalization of violence by Miguel Faria, evidence mounts that deadly rampages associated with sensationalization of mass shooting by popular medias. Besides,gun-controlling laws are unconstitutional as it violates the second amendment, which gives right to people to bear arms. This amendment was being created to ensure Americans secured life, and to protect them from military putsch. If the gun control laws get strengthened,undoubtedly, life of Americans will be in danger. Founding fathers of United States created this amendment in greater context by thinking about lowering the power of federal government, and strengthening the internal power of the country. Subsequently, it protects the country from any foreign attack. These are the indirect benefits of having gun, which are not easily understandable by gun control supporters. Each and every constitution has great values and deep meaning. Right of bear arms has given the second priority. Therefore, any kind of unconstitutional thoughts and proposition has to be taken into greater consideration before it get ratified. Gun control is not the best option to cut the crime, and to prove this claim, the best example would be Chicago. Chicago is one the major cities which has toughest gun laws in the country. In fact, Chicago had no gun shops; hands gun were completely banned until supreme court considered it unconstitutional in 2010. Despite of having strict gun laws, 4000 victims of gun related crimes were happened in Chicago in 2016. Does not Chicago proves that gun laws dont work ? After the deadly LA shooting, White House confronted the question about gun laws. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sander responded those question with a hesitation as White House does not believe in gun control laws. To enforce the opinion of White house, she also illustrates the conditions of Chicago,and its strict gun laws. Furthermore, pointing at the Chicago, press secretary,Sarah Huckabee Sander, implicitly conveys the proposition that gun laws are unworthy. Many people think gun control only reduces the crime rate and has no further consequences on the society. By focusing on gun-control law, supporters of this policy overlook the deeper problem of this. As it has serious economic disadvantages. In the report of CNBC, it states that annual revenue of gun manufacturing companies is around $1.5billion,besides,annual revenue from firearm store stands with a number of $478.4million profit. According to National Shooting Sport Federation, in total of 310,908 jobs are directly related with firearms and ammunition industry. In fact, the gun and ammunition industry was responsible for $51.41billion economic activity in 2017 according to NSSF. Therefore, gun industry has drastic impact on Americans. If gun-control laws get strengthened, thousands of Americans will lose jobs. In fact, the economy of United State of America will face catastrophic result of this. All in all, gun control has various aspects to it. Popular figures often try to take advantage of this for their own progress, some do not understand the deeper consequences of gun control law, and indirect advantages of bearing arms. By controlling guns might reduce the crime rate, however, it will create more economical and political tensions, which will lead to social catastrophes. In contrast, the crime rate will go high. It is for these reasons that I believe gun control is not an effective way to cut the crime rate.

The Creation of Womens Identities in the Color Purple by...

If we read The Color Purple with gender on the agenda as required we can identify how the form contributes to the impact of the narrative. The Color Purple is a story that unfolds through the writing and exchange of letters. Opening with the line You better not never tell nobody but God. Itd kill your mammy. A warning issued by the abusive father (later and importantly discovered to be step-father) of the central character Celie who indeed pours out her secret to God and later to her sister Nettie about her life and her pain. It is this epistolary form of storytelling that allows the characters introduced to the reader by the character of Celie to reveal themselves their roles and their culture in an authentic sounding way.†¦show more content†¦He abuses her because he can do so with impunity. Then on Mr.em_/emem, who beats her Cause she my wife. Mr./emem_/ems view of Celie renders her an object, no more important than an animal. It is through her continued writing of these letters that Celie finds an outlet for her pain and creativity and, with the help of Shug, and the example of Sophia, that she eventually finds, stands up for, and loves herself. Through the characters of Celie, Mary Agnes, Sophia, Shug and Nettie, we see the various positions - all still at the bottom of the totem pole- which the women hold (and during the course of the story, try to climb up from) in order to get through their lives which have been doubly proscribed by their gender and their race. Nettie, being quick and bright has found it easier to educate herself at least enough to avoid the fate that befell her sister. She teaches Celie to read and write in an example of sisterly love and tries to bolster her sisters non-existent self esteem in the process. When she writes to Celie her letters are well written and scholarly. Nettie represents the woman of colors aspiration to transcend race and gender in order to be her best most creative self. Sofia is viewed by Celie as unbowed and assertive, stronger than any of the male characters. She writes I like Sofia, but she dont act like me at all. If she talking whenShow MoreRelated Alice Walker Essay1482 Words   |  6 Pages Best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple, Alice Walker portrays black women struggling for sexual as well as racial equality and emerging as strong, creative individuals. Walker was born on February 9, 1944, in Eatonton, Georgia, the eighth child of Willie Lee and Minnie Grant Walker. When Walker was eight, her right eye was injured by one of her brothers, resulting in permanent damage to her eye and facial disfigurement that isolated her as a child. 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My Personal Experience With A Social Group - 951 Words

In the whole semester, we have studied lots of issues related to diversity in America through the textbook and the weekly discussions in this class. I’m born and grown up in the Eastern Asia, also the Asian who is studying college in the United States. Because of my identity and life experiences let me have interested in this course, I care about the diversity issues especially ethnicity issue. To be frank, I have never really known what is the difference between the word Ethnicity and Race. I thought this two word was the entirely the same meaning. According to the Oxford Dictionaries, ethnicity is more like a social group, they share a distinctive culture, religion, language, etc. The Race is more like physical symbolize, something like the color of the skin, or more distinct physical features, bone structure, etc. Now I think I understand what these two words means. In this essay, I will be using my personal experience to write ethnicity reflection. I think the ethnicity issues that we faced have always been an issue with people in different parts of the world, and different time periods. There are so many conflicts in many regions of the world that we have to try something and understand what’s the different cultures of the world. Gloria Anzaldua mentioned â€Å"If you want to be American, speak American. If you don’t like it, go back to Mexico where you belong.† (Anzaldua, 521) I think this behavior might still happen in our generation now. The behavior of differentShow MoreRelatedHow Does Power Affect The Development Of My Personal Development?934 Words   |  4 PagesThe processes associated with power, and privilege have shaped my relationship and greatly impacted the development of my personal identity; these influences have shaped me to be strong, independent, resilient woman I am today playing a huge role in my personal development. Power is defined as the ability to control. 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Moral and Ethical Dilemmas Essay Example For Students

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas Essay One of the most difficult trials I face in my life are ethical and moral dilemmas. They can be soul-wrenching and searching experiences that tax my character and cause me to really put my money where my mouth is. Sometimes Im quick to see ethical faults in others, but slow to see them in myself. Other times I see all to clearly my mistakes and wonder why I dont measure up. I believe one purpose for this life is to learn to act for ourselves. Learn to see a situation correctly and act righteously. In this paper I wish to discuss many of the thoughts I have had recently on setting a pattern for making ethical decisions throughout my life. I will present many of the traps I have fallen into or observed in others. Everyday Im faced with decisions of right and wrong, most of which are easily and correctly dealt with. Sometimes however, decisions need to be made that are not easy or clear-cut. They require thought and often prayer. I like to draw on past experience to make comparisons that help give insight to new problems. Many times, however past experiences cannot be related to present problems and can confuse and obscure possibilities. Even the opinions or actions of friends faced with similar dilemmas may not be helpful. Often you feel pressured by piers that say, its no big deal, or youll understand later. Its important that I understand why a particular action or resolution is correct or incorrect. If I cant or dont its difficult to feel Ive been honest with myself. That for me can be a good measure of ethical behavior, my conscience. The ideal way to deal with difficult questions is to have a foolproof formula. Find steps that will always lead to correct decisions. Unfortunately I do not yet have such a formula and often learn by hard experience right and wrong. Let me start by saying I firmly believe the formula exists, and is to be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The only way to live a perfectly ethical and moral life is to be Like Him. There is no other way. The entire world will experiment and try all other forms of self-indulgence and soul searching and will not be one step closer until they begin with His gospel. I heard it said once that he who picks up one end of a stick, picks up the other end also. No matter how hard you try or want happiness, you cannot pick and choose values and beliefs according to your tastes and wants. It really is all or nothing. That is why I will discuss my formula in a gospel light, because any other way is a waist of time. I believe that in order to make correct and righteous decisions you must first have proper perspective and motivation. The Apostle (), said that the true character of a man can really be seen when he is alone and no one will know. Many people, myself included, are motivated by responsibility or leadership. They ask, what will my wife, or kids think? or what will my ward think?. These are good motivations and the mantle of responsibility can mold a person, but they can also betray us and make decisions quite difficult. If you rely on pressure to make decisions, what will you do when a decision is unpopular, or when no one is looking? Still others weigh consequences or outcomes to aid in decision making. Rather than look at the question and judge it by its own merits, they want to see whos affected or what it would really cost. Its like putting a price on your character. If its small or doesnt hurt anybody, than it wont be a big deal. We can nickel and dime our moral piggy bank to death. Its the old, the ends justify the means. Criminals arent made in a day. Legalizing Prostitution EssaySome of the most unethical and unjustifiable behavior I know of has come out of our own political system.The very men who are responsible for making our laws have little or no regard for them.They live under the philosophy that Im an ethical person until I get caught and when their caught they exclaim that their human. Ethics has nothing to do with other people.Its called personal integrity and character and no one else will ever be my judge but me in that regard.An ethical person has character and personal integrity. What of the argument, Remember the SPIRIT, or LETTER of the law?I think all too often I use both of these arguments to justify myself.When I may not exactly follow a .