Personality & Attitudes on Revenge in the General Population of Scotland Essay Example for Free

Personality Attitudes on Revenge in the General Population of Scotland Essay Fantasies vary from person to person and are dependent on psychological condition. In a clinical population fantasies tend to last longer than in non-clinical populations. Although overall each fantasy has been reported to last relatively short periods of time, the frequency of which they occur is usually the factor that determines whether they are of concern or not (Gellerman and Suddath, 2005). There seems to be a limited quantity of research available on the general understanding of this topic however the literature that does exist appears to focus on three particular areas, sustaining fantasies as a means of coping with painful and stressful situations in the general population but particularly in the clinical population (Zelin, Bernstein, Heijn, Jampel, Myerson, Adler, Buie Rizzuto, 1983; Harder Zelin, 1984; Greenwald Harder, 1994; Greenwald Harder, 1995 Greenwald and Harder, 1997); aggressive fantasies for pleasure or satisfaction in the general population but more often than not habitually involuntary for the clinical population and generally violent, sexual and sadistic in nature (Gellerman Suddath, 2005; Egan Campbell, 2009 Selby, Anestis Joiner (2007), and finally, revenge fantasies concerning those who have experienced trauma (Mardi Harowitz, 2007). In search of material for this review surprise has it that homicidal fantasies on the whole is the one of which focuses on a more simple view of its apparent natural occurrence in natural surroundings of everyday life, and highlights the evolving acceptance that many normal law abiding citizens can and do have fantasies. Sustaining Fantasy From a study conducted by Zelin et al (1983) the Sustaining Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ) was developed to measure sustaining functions in psychiatric inpatients in comparison with non-patients. This questionnaire was constructed specifically to measure fantasies of death, withdrawal, restitution, suffering, God, closeness, power and revenge, admiration of self, competition and aesthetics. The questionnaire was then utilised to determine that psychiatric inpatients scored higher than non-patients on fantasies of death, withdrawal, restitution, suffering, God and closeness but fantasies of power and revenge, admiration of self, competition and aesthetics did not differentiate between groups. Thus, suggesting that the questionnaire was able to differentiate the groups by fantasy factors such as death, withdrawal, restitution, suffering, God and closeness and highlighted associations of power and revenge, admiration of self, competition and aesthetics with an independent measure of psycho logy. It is said that experiencing Sustaining Fantasies is a familiar, consistent and repetitive conscious fantasy adopted to help cope with feelings of a painful and stressful situation. According to Zelin et al (1983) the sustaining fantasy is a concept based on the observation that at times of extreme negative emotional states, caused by anger or narcissistic grievance, people often resort to this as a means of re-creating a more ideal situation than that of which stimulated the painful experience, fabricating a sense of satisfaction, restoring self-esteem and emotional equilibrium, and decreasing frustration. Ultimately, the sustaining fantasy is based on the assumption that such fantasies signify and demonstration the basic construction and processes that have evolved in the course of efforts to adapt to painful situations. We are reminded by Zelin et al (1983) that this fantasy is of a specific type called only into play when suffering increasing levels of stress, and should not be c onfused by those fantasies used as a disguised endeavour of pleasure or solutions to relatively un-stressful problems, such studies will be discussed later in the review. One year on, Harder Zelin (1984) furthered the study of Zelin et al (1983) accepting that the sustaining fantasy questionnaire was developed primarily with psychiatric inpatients, but recognising also, the potential for its use in testing correlates among a more general sample. Assuming that everyone uses sustaining fantasies to aid or support themselves through highly stressful periods in life and presuming the importance of this factor in the capability to manage adaptively rather than maladaptively, Harder Zelin (1984) extended interests and investigations into the personality functioning in the general population as well as with pathological persons. They did this by examining the relationship between the 10 types of sustaining fantasies reported by Zelin et al (1983) and two dimensions of self-concept self-derogation and stability of self-concept, suspecting that the type of sustaining fantasy that the person characteristically brings into play will be consistent with and in support of their self-concept, an important relation with psychological-social adjustment and even a potential determinant of psychological-social adjustment. Successfully, the results demonstrated that the Sustaining Fantasy Questionnaire was reliable not only to differentiate between groups of psychiatric inpatients from normal controls, as Zelin et al (1983) demonstrated, but also to distinguish the group of college students used in this study. Just over a decade later Greenwald Harder (1994) followed on from Zelin et al (1983), attempting to examine the expected associations between psychopathology, almost replicating exactly, apart from their use of a student population primarily from a middle-class backgrounds. In addition, Greenwald Harder (1994) questioned if the sustaining fantasy scales associated with weaker functioning, reflects a more general pathology factor as proposed in the data of Zelin et al (1983) or, whether each reflects a particular maladaptive style that is signified by an exceptional construction of associations with the MMPI clinical scales. Further support and reliability of Zelin et al (1983) is strengthened in Greenwald Harders (1994) findings that power/revenge, death/illness, withdrawal/protection and suffering are all related significantly to two of the MMPI measures of overall psychopathology, therefore four of the six fantasy types that imply psychopathology in the inpatients (Zelin et al, 1983) were too the indicators of pathology in the study using the middle-class students. Considering all of the previously mentioned studies (Zelin et al, 1983; Harder Zelin, 1984; Greenwald Harder, 1994) it seems fair to say that ample evidence has been gathered to show that definite types of sustaining fantasy ideas, characteristically used to comfort the self when experiencing feelings of hurt and stress, are associated with indications of psychopathological adjustment. The aim for Greenwald Harder (1995) was then to examine to what extent there are parallels between them and the degree to which such content ideas may well point out psychopathology. With reference to past research on daydreaming, where Singer Antrobus (1972) have suggested that particular collections of imagery content appear to propose less favourable styles, there seems to be similarities with the findings of Zelin et al (1983), although they did emphasise the difference between other fantasies such as daydreams and remind us not to confuse them. Contrary to this emphasis and that of Zelin et al (1983), clinical impressions have proposed that in more ways than one, the overall content of these two types of fantasies is rather parallel. As a result of this proposal, Greenwald Harder (1995) investigated whether sustaining fantasies generally show a strong similarity to the typical daydreams preferred by an individual, or whether there really is a movement from the content of ordinary daydreams to the familiar self-comforting ones that provide support during feelings of pain and stress. To do this they compared the Sustaining Fantasy Questionnaire and the numerous Imaginal Process Inventory (IPI) (Singer Antrobus, 1972) scales for correspondence in content and in their relationships to measures of psychopathology, and a great deal of consistency was discovered even when partialling for social desirability. It was concluded that there was in fact considerable overlap in the content and of correspondence between both, sustaining fantasy and daydreams, and furthermore, it was highlighted that three particular IPI scales were observed to give significant indications of psychopathology fear reaction, bizarre and hostile. Despite the delight in these findings Greenwald Harder (1995) speculated the possibility that rather than the findings being a result of specific content they may be the result of a broad level of association between the two scales. In pursuit of this speculation further analysis detected the average degree of correlation between SFQ and IPI characteristics in comparison to the level of association displayed by those relationships they predicted, finding that although there was no significance, there was a trend toward significance. Thus, suggesting that a general commonality between the SFQ and the IPI may have been a factor in contributing to the extent of their success in predictions for the study. On this note one should be reminded that for the purpose of reliability and validity, considering an underlying weakness alongside the success is vital for future study in terms of recognising the possibility for individuals to very well fantasize and daydream simultaneously in ordinary and/or stressful situations. It is now becoming apparent that sustaining fantasies are perhaps not quite as specific from other fantasies in particular situations such as coping with stressful matters, as was first thought, or, that if they are, they do not always emerge completely alone. Based on the results of this study Greenwald Harder (1995) propose the question of whether it would be beneficial to use the findings of their study, subsequent past research, to investigate clinical manipulation of the content and/or frequency of fantasy having therapeutic effects, bearing in mind the given definition of sustaining fantasy in Zelin et al (1983) at the beginnings of this extensive research. To address the proposed questions that emerged from Greenwald Harder (1995) they conducted another study in 1997 replicating the previously discussed studies and replicating reported relationships between coping behaviours and psychopathology however, this time they utilised measurement instruments that were developed by different investigators, presented different response formats, and were not developed to measure the same content areas as before. They assessed whether consistent relationships exist between the content of self-reported coping behaviours, sustaining fantasies, and ordinary daydreams and in addition attempted to identify coping behaviours associated with psychopathology, exploring any connections between coping behaviours, fantasies, and daydreams correlated with pathology. Pearson correlations indicated similar content between coping behaviours and the two types of fantasy and significant inter-correlations were found between sustaining fantasies, daydreams, and coping behaviours that, separately, were found to be significantly associated with psychopathology. In the process of this investigation, and with influencing thoughts created by the previous workings, Greenwald and Harder (1997) took into consideration the likelihood to expect there would be a consistency between the region of fantasy and behaviour, and that individuals would report thoughts and action in parallel ways but then again, consider also that it is also probable to anticipate that fantasies could serve as a substitute for action, and that a report of specific fantasy content might be inversely associated with behaviour that contains similar content. Growing in strength, again the results of Greenwald Harder (1997) were successful in that there is a significant association with regard to the content among self-reported daydreams, sustaining fantasies, and coping behaviours, even after controlling for social desirability. These results are found to be more influential due to the fact that they were obtained with assessment instruments that were developed by different investigators, used different response formats, and were not developed to measure the same content areas. Therefore, this information suggest that, while there may be some instances of fantasies and behaviours that relate inversely to each other, fantasies usually are consistent with behavioural coping styles. These findings then highlight that there is a complex of daydreams, fantasies, and behavioural responses that could be used to characterize individuals. Furthermore, to generalize the findings of this study it was recommended that future studies should be conducted with other subject populations that take into account age, culture, socioeconomic status and residence environment (Greenwald Harder, 1997), however, it seems appropriate to mention that perhaps at this point it is a good time to look at how the sustaining fantasy ideology has branched out to embrace other influencing factors. Aggressive Fantasies Egan Campbell (2009) expanded research on sustaining fantasies almost taking it to a new level by selecting a diverse population, as recommended by Greenwald Harder (1997), but more importantly taking into account other domains that showed potential to reveal relationships from another angle. Such were, sensational topics, general personality traits, and self-reported physical aggression. They found relationships between sensational interests and physical aggression, regardless of gender. Personality and the application of negative sustaining fantasies significantly forecast physical aggression. When the SFQ was reduced to three higher order factors; positive, negative, and narcissistic sustaining fantasies, correlations were found between neuroticism (N) and both positive and negative sustaining fantasies, although the association was stronger for negative fantasies. There were small associations between positive sustaining fantasies and indirect non-physical hostility although these relations were humble, and openness (O) was a stronger predictor. Narcissistic sustaining fantasies related to low levels of agreeableness (A), replicating associations between low A and narcissism generally. Ultimately proposing that aggressive and hostile persons are more stimulated by violent stimuli and that isolation is a further risk-increasing factor for aggressive interests. Following on from this conclusion of risk-increasing factors, attention was directed back a few years in literature to a study conducted by Gellerman Suddath (2005). They discussed risk-increasing factors in relation to questioning at what point would a health professional perhaps become concerned with a persons fantasy enough for it to become their duty to forewarn or protect others from potential dangerousness, or even attempt to protect the person from them self. In the health profession an evaluation of dangerousness includes not only asking about violent fantasies but also asking about physical and sexual content (Gellerman Suddath, 2005). Gellerman and Suddath (2005) looked at the conditions in which the disclosure of violent fantasies to a mental health professional may generate cause for concern and a duty to warn or protect other citizens. Reviewing legal cases in which violent fantasies were considered in the context of measuring potential dangerousness and the literature available on homicidal and sexually violent fantasies in both non-incarcerated and criminal populations was also examined. It was concluded that no dependable predictive relationship between violent fantasies and wickedly hazardous behaviour was reported in the available literature and suggestions of issues that mental health professionals may think about when gauging whether a particular violent fantasy is a sign for concern requiring rise to a duty in protecting others. At last, this paper is very interesting in that it is greatly unbiased and clearly discusses both the harmful aspects of fantasy as well as the innocent or un-harmful aspects, thus showing the importance of distinguishing between the two possibilities, which must be said, is something that is lacking in the papers previously reviewed. Gellerman and Suddath (2005) explained in detail the definition of violent fantasy for the purpose of their paper which must be credited as again, not many papers in this field have done so. They expressed their perception of violent fantasy as a thought in which an individual imagines physically harming a fellow human being in some way. They explain that the content of individual fantasies may vary from anything such as murder, sexual assault, or inappropriate sexual activity. It is emphasised that fantasy must be distinguished from an intention, in that the imaginary violence is not instantaneously designed to guide or prepare for action. On the other hand, it is said that any expression of intention to harm another person is when we should have cause for concern as this is without doubt communicating a threat rather than a fantasy. Gellerman and Suddath (2005) noted two important points in terms of distinguishing between fantasy being harmless or harmful, firstly, while not instantaneously aimed at guiding action, fantasy has been illustrated as serving a number of clinical functions, including control and relief of anxiety and substitution for action therefore harmless to others and at the same time very useful to the fantasizer, secondly, from a harmful perspective fantasy may also be preparation for action and it is from this perspective that concern should be heightened in the evaluation of dangerousness and the duty to protect. Gellerman and Suddath (2005) go on to give balanced examples of both harmless and harmful fantasies. In their comparisons of both sides and in both populations, un-incarcerated and criminal, together with their overall review of the literature they used, they suggest that as fantasies of murder were fairly common in general Western European and American populations, and a range of fantasies of aggression and sexual violence were less common, but were by no means rare, people should bear in mind that this high prevalence of homicidal and sexually aggressive fantasy can only make us question then, to what extent can such fantasies be considered deviant. In addition it should be highlighted that Gellerman and Suddath (2005) found that existing studies have evidently established that many more individuals have homicidal and sexually violent fantasies than act on them. The relationship between violent fantasy and behaviour in these studies was correlative at best, and no suggestions were given in attempt to identifying the minority of individuals with violent fantasies who may be at risk of acting them out. Altogether, it was concluded that predictors better than fantasies alone are the eminence of the fantasies, the concern with them, and the level of preparation and detail, and the history of any past violent behaviours all need to be looked at collectively (Gellerman Suddath, 2005). Another study of interest where aggressive fantasies seek personal pleasure but in a paradoxical way is that of Selby, Anestis Joiner (2007). They reported that suicidal individuals regularly report the reoccurrence of fantasy where they can visualise their death by suicide very clearly in their imagination, almost like watching it on TV. Selby et al (2007) found that many unremittingly suicidal individuals are thought to have a romantic affection for death and as a result, connect themselves in vivid fantasies or daydreams about the process and the after-effects. This somewhat idealistic thought process even appears to be a pleasant motion for them. In desperation of escape from torment and pain (Baumeister, 1990), it seems that the act of suicide is the answer and therefore thinking about the liberation that death would present, perhaps enables suicidal individuals to experience positive affects similar to that of non-suicidal individuals daydreaming or fantasizing about future life events such as holidays (Selby et al, 2007). This daydreaming may actually be a form of emotion dysregulation, in suicidal individuals, one that would appear, perhaps paradoxically, to increase positive affect yet may increase later risk for serious suicidal behaviour. This psychological state was also considered by Zelin et al (1983). Revenge Fantasies Suicidal behaviour, just like the fantasies they provoke, vary in content and from person to person however for the purpose of this review it should be mentioned that revenge fantasies among many other things, can often be the cause for suicidal behaviour (Mardi Harowitz, 2007). In one way the reason behind the fantasies are similar per se; feelings of rage shame guilt etc., but in another way very different; often unwanted and uncontrollable. Revenge fantasies are described as being beyond normal bitter thoughts and sometimes dangerous. The study conducted by Mardi Harowitz (2007) was an attempt to seek solutions to a hypothetical case demonstrating a problem existing in clinical practice. The method behind this is for the authors to review current data on prevalence, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment and ultimately conclude treatment recommendations. Again it is brought to attention that the quantity of literature addressing fantasy is limited, Mardi Harowitz (2007) pointed out at the beginning of their paper that revenge fantasies have been discussed in literature, however not adequately addressed, a problem common for most papers in this review. Like all other fantasies per se, revenge fantasies can provide a sense of reinstated purpose and regain of control in an otherwise traumatized life and purely for this purpose it is imperative to assist traumatized individuals in recognizing this. Mardi Harowitz (2007) split the scenario up into sections in sequence to how step by step the scenario would be assessed and addressed in a clinical setting. All important techniques and procedures were discussed such as, the importance of techniques in psychotherapy being put in place with the much needed interpretations and reappraisals and with careful differentiation of rational and irrational beliefs. It was explained that it is then, that the function of revenge fantasies as giving an illusion of strength can be interpreted. Mardi Harowitz (2007) suggest the fact that the results of therapy may be attenuation of symptoms, and revenge fantasies are deep-rooted, there is an important need for informing the patients that revenge fantasies are likely to return, and are frequently generated by things as simple as seeing a movie, being hurt, or entering an irritated mood as a result of fatigue. Mardi Harowitz (2007) go on to explain that the professional should help the patient plan a comeback, which can engage in reviewing a pre-established set of ideas, overall they express that their goal is to help the patient gain a sense of restored control, self-esteem, and self-coherence without resorting to the strong-me property of a revenge fantasy. Taking into account the apparent lack of topic specific resources that provide general information on the influences of fantasy in the general public, and the gaps that seem wide open between studies in fantasy, it seems fair to say that the beginning would be a good place to start. As a result the current study will seek to investigate attitudes of the general public toward fantasies, looking to find out what they think fantasies might be and to what extent they think it is normal for people to have them. It will be hypothesised that most people will believe that a fantasy is a mere thought of imagination detached from reality to satisfy emotional desires without logical or moral constraints and likewise most people will agree that it is normal to have fantasies. It is expected that more people will agree, than disagree, that it is ok and can be accepted as normal for people to have homicidal fantasies. Method Design A between-participants point biserial correlation will be used to analyse the data. The independent variables will be the self report personality inventory (IPIP-NEO) and the attitude measuring questions and the dependent variable will be participants score on the IPIP-NEO and the attitude score. Variables such as gender, age, marital status, housing tenure, regions, employment status, income bracket and criminal convictions will also be considered in relation to participant response to both independent variables. Participants According to G Power participant number should be 191, however, for an equal balance, it will be at least 100 males and 100 females. The male and female participants will be ages of or between 21 and 65, and split between four regions (Glasgow, Paisley, Edinburgh Dundee). Apparatus Participant information sheets (PIS) and consent forms will be given along with questionnaires that will be used to measure psychopathic personality traits (IPIP-NEO) and attitudes on aggressive revenge fantasies. Each participant will be given the same questionnaire to complete. The statistical analysis programme SPSS will be used to analyse and correlate the data. Procedure Each participant will be given a brief introduction of the study and asked if they are willing to take part, if they are willing then they will be asked to carefully read the PIS, sign the consent form, which will be detached from the questionnaire as they will be anonymous, and complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of a self-report personality inventory, the International Personality Item Pool NEO (IPIP-NEO) developed by Witt, Donnellan Blonigen (2009), of which permission for use was granted by Edward A. Witt. This 40 item inventory will measure the psychopathic personality traits of fearless dominance (20 items) and Impulsive Antisociality (20 items) to assess how high or low participants score in comparison with each other. A four-option multiple response (False, Mostly False, Mostly True, True) format and a Likert-type scale will be used (False = 1, Mostly False = 2, Mostly True = 3, True = 4) to measure the data. In exception, the 1st, 4th, 9th, 14th, 15th,16th and 17th questions of Fearless Dominance will be measured in reverse scale. The second part of the questionnaire consists of 10 questions regarding attitudes toward people having revenge fantasies. Again, a four-option multiple response (strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly agree) format and a Likert-type scale will be used (strongly disagree = 1, disagree = 2, agree = 3, strongly agree = 4) to measure the data. Reference Baumeister, R. F. (1990). Suicide as Escape from Self. Psychological Review, 97, 90-113. Egan, V. Campbell, V. (2009) Sensational Interests, Sustaining Fantasies and Personality Predict Physical Aggression. Personality and Individual Differences, 47, 464-469 Gellerman, D. M. Suddath, R. (2005). Violent Fantasy, Dangerousness, and the Duty to Warn and Protect. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatric Law, 33, 484-495. Greenwald, D. F. Harder, D. W. (1994). Sustaining Fantasies and Psychopathology in a Normal Sample. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 50, 705-708. Greenwald, D. F. Harder, D. W. (1995). Sustaining Fantasies, Daydreams, and Psychopathology. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 51, 719-726. Greenwald, D. F. Harder, D. W. (1997). Fantasies, Coping Behaviour, and Psychopathology. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53, 91-97. Harder, D. W. Zelin, M. L. (1984). Sustaining Fantasies and Self-Concept Among College Students. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 40, 743-748 Mardi, J. Harowitz, M. D. (2007). Understanding and Ameliorating Revenge Fantasies in Psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164, 24-27. Selby, E. A., Anestis, M. D. Joiner Jr, T. E. (2007). Daydreaming About Death: Violent Daydreaming as a Form of Emotion Dysregulation in Suicidality. Behavior Modification, 31, 867-879. Singer, J. L. Antrobus, J. S. (1972). Daydreaming, Imaginal Processes and Personality: A Normative Study. In P. W. Sheehan (Ed.). The function and nature of imagery. (pp. 175-202). New York: Academic Press. Witt, E. A., Donnellan, M. B. Blonigen, D. M. (2009). Using Existing Self-Report Inventories to Measure the Psychopathic Personality Trait of Fearless Dominance and Impulsive Antisociality. Journal of Research in Personality, 43, 1006-1016. Zelin, M. L., Bernstein, S. B., Heijn, C., Jampel, R. M., Myerson, P. G., Adler, G., Buie, D. H. Rizzuto, A. M. (1983). The Sustaining Fantasy Questionnaire: Measurement of Sustaining Functions in Psychiatric Inpatients. Journal of Personality Assessment, 47, 427- 439.

How Reality Telivision Promotes Teen Pregnancy Essay Example for Free

How Reality Telivision Promotes Teen Pregnancy Essay Reality television often has the tendency to present an unrealistic view towards issues regarding real life situations. Teen pregnancy is one of the most misleading topics presented on reality television. Tabloids feed off of the shows popularity by plastering the pictures of the teens on magazines and online, making them seem more appealing. Teen pregnancy as presented on reality television shows is irresponsible, dangerous and misleading by promoting an unrealistic view of young parenthood, encouraging pregnancy and glamorizing the consequences that result from such issues. Parenthood is the leading cause of girls dropping out of school. More than 50% of teenage mothers do not graduate from high school. The United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the western world. Bearing a child at any age can be difficult but for teenagers it can have substantial negative effects not only for the teen but also for their families. Since teenagers are mainly dependent on their parents or guardians this burden is pushed back on them as well. Studies show that 3 in 10 American teen girls will get pregnant at least once before the age of 20. Thats nearly 750,000 teen pregnancies every year and about 25% of teen moms will have a second child within two years of their first child. In some cases, children born from parents who are adolescent will have more behavioral problem and poorer education than those children born to more mature aged parents. Childbearing also costs U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars due to increased public assistance programs, foster and public health care. Despite these unfortunate facts, between 1991 and 2013,  the teen birth rate has decreased from 61.8 to 26.6 per 1,000 teens. Although the birth rate has dropped, the U.S. still has the highest birth rate compared to other developed countries. According to a report by the Guttmacher Institute, 82% of teen pregnancies are unintended. Teen Mom is a reality show aired by MTV that broadcasts the lives of teenagers who are dealing with parenthood. Besides their dealing with parenthood they also have to face the challenges of finishing school, moving out of their parents home, finding a job to support their child and possibly their higher education. While these are ultimately real life situations and challenges todays society has a more lenient view towards pregnant women that are not married. Although majority of teens deal with the same issues once they are faced with having a child there are some pieces of reality television that is not much of a reality which can cause teens to be less concerned with how realistic theses shows are. Majority of the mothers on these shows have the full support of their parents whether it be finding them a home, watching the child while the teen is working or at school, and even monetarily. Not every parent will be supportive of their child having a baby nor will every parent be willing to assist their child in any way shape or form. Unfortunately it is not common for the fathers of the children to be uninterested in caring for the child or being financially responsible for their child. However, not every father is represented or acts like a dead beat father but the way they are represented on these shows does not realistically present the same outcome for each family. Aside from misrepresenting young parenthood the shows aired by MTV are often criticized of glamorizing teen pregnancy. The stars of the show are given extra publicity by having their names and faces on magazines and articles online with things regarding their lives outside of their pregnancy. A study found that the teens who watch shows such as Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant have a skewed idea of young parenthood. Teens who watch these shows heavily are led to believe that the young moms have supportive partners, substantial income and an enviable lifestyle which is a completely  untrue reality for other young parents who do not lave camera crews recording their every move. In a high school survey of 185, researcher were able to link teens who watched these reality shows with unrealistic views of what it is like to be a young parent. The teens seems to believe that being a young parent was easy which might increase the likelihood that they would be less cautious of having safe sex, not being so concerned with the consequences that can stem from unprotected sex. While talking about teen pregnancy majority of comment and conversations focus on the negative aspects, but there are certain aspects that people can consider when talking about such an important issue. Although teen parents are having a child it does not make them fully mature, this leaves room for the teens to grow and develop along with their child. Having a baby is a life changing thing and often it leads people to want more for not only themselves but also their child. This realization can lead to being more responsible not only with their lives and their babys life, but with what they have going on around them such as being employed to support their child and even gaining or continuing their education to make a better life for themselves. Balancing school with parenthood can be easier than balancing with a career. Since school often has flexible hours, or at least hours you can choose yourself, which allows you to give yourself more time. A full time college student has an average of 12-15 hours a week to take classes, with another 10-12 hours dedicated to studying there would be a max of 30 hours a week dedicated to school work. On the other hand a career takes up at least 40-60 hours a week without the luxury to have such flexible hours. In young parenthood there are some upsides that can be beneficial to the parents and the child but the cons outweigh the pros by far. Not only does the teen have to grow up faster and have greater responsibility than they usually would they are faced with a lack of socialization. Not being able to hang out with friends, going to prom and engaging in normal teenage  activities can cause young parents to feel more alone. After understanding pregnancy from either experience or an actual realistic experience teens will realize that pregnancy is a very serious thing and is even harder when you are young and cannot fully and independently care for yourself and your child. Unfortunately, reality shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant only show partly what the teens have to deal with and even then it does not amount to the emotional aspects of dealing with such a life changing issue. Despite the seemingly positive results from teen pregnancy, there are more negative aspects in which reality shows try to glamorize which poses more levity to becoming a young parent. Should these shows be considered realistic when there are millions of teen parents who know what true parenthood is actually about?

Analysis of Inequality Reexamined by Amartya Sen

Analysis of Inequality Reexamined by Amartya Sen Harshal Bhoi Book: Inequality Reexamined Author: Amartya Sen The claims of equality in social arrangements are tested in Inequality Reexamined. Amartya Sen begins by identifying a common characteristic of virtually all the contemporary moral approaches to social arrangement. Amartya Sen studies thoroughly what equality and inequality are in different circumstances. The basic issue that divides the different approaches is not ‘whether equality’ but ‘equality of what’? Will a commitment to equality hide human differences? Let us consider some measurements on which equality may seem appealing such as rights, resources, achievements, and happiness. What’s more consider some of the facts of human diversity such as people differ in social circumstances, abilities and skills and preferences, and values. Diversity seems to cause problems for equality. The motive is differences along the latter dimensions do not include simultaneous equalization. Different skills and the differences of reward they command allude that equal rights will probably change into unequal material resources; differences of preference and value suggest that equal material resources will translate into unequal achievements. A blanket cling of equality, then, leads blindness to diversity. As an issue of human diversity, equality in any one area infers inequalities in others. One characteristic understanding of equality would oblige that individuals be guaranteed equal means for seeking after their disparate aims; a second would oblige that the distribution of resources guarantee everybody just as great results, similarly great lives. Amartya Sens Inequality Reexamined rejects both, arguing rather that individuals should face just as equally desirable life prospects-equal capability for working, to utilize his official terminology. Given the differing qualities of abilities, similarly attractive life prospects will oblige unequal means; given contrasts in what individuals make of their prospects, it will yield unequal results. Anyway, as indicated by Sen, it guarantees equality of effective freedom to accomplish prosperity. Inequality Reexamined covers numerous questions identified with inequality, its focal intention is to clarify Sens view that relevant egalitarianism calls for equality across individuals of abilities to function. Functionings consist of different doings and beings, for example, moving around, meeting expectations, being overall sustained, additionally more subjective states, for example, being happy and having sense of pride. Sens methodology from other egalitarian proposals essentially in two ways: 1 non-welfarist, as in workings other than satisfaction and 2non-resourcist as in the justness of a distribution cant be found out essentially by knowing the bundle of goods accessible to individuals. Sen advances the capability approach to solving a portion of the issues about which he is writing. The capability approach permits people the right and the ability to seek after their own particular prosperity inside their social orders. The equality Sen proclaims stems to a great extent from political and moral strengthening: It is a uniformity of chance. Sens capability methodology get conclusion to what people truly want. Sen wants to arrange his perspective as advocating equality of freedom to achieve as opposed to equality of opportunity, evidently in light of the fact that he discovers opportunity excessively related to a limited, formal conception. To complete the representation of the capability view, two capabilities concerning content and scope are vital. As to content: the necessity of equal capabilities for functioning does not oblige identity of capability sets. Unique capability sets may be just as great. Furthermore important, Sens intersection approach to the foundations of interpersonal correlations accentuates that matches of capacity sets may be incommensurable. Incommensurability emerges from the diversity of conceptions of the good. Incommensurability, and related limits on interpersonal comparisons of advantage, rises straight forwardly as an issue of the pluralism of conceptions of the good and the undesirability of resting correlations on a single conception; those points of confinement dont rely on upon epistemological or magical claims, or on natural gimmicks of extensive evaluative conceptions themselves. Assume we have full data and a set of conflicting conceptions of the good, each of which gives a complete ordering of capability sets. At that point, if we wish to find support within the diverse conceptions of the good for interpersonal correlations made for the reasons of a record of justice, we should face incommensurability. Anyway the wish to discover such support is itself one expression of the concern to accommodate diversity. An equivalent capability for functioning is a record of equity, not of the offset of political values. Despite the fact that Sen does not describe the full scope of political values, or their relative weight, he does note that equality of abilities is not a full account of justice. Consider two individuals who face the same limited capability set. In one case, then again, the limits reflect coercively forced legal restrictions; in the other they reflect internal weakness. In spite of the fact that this discrimination will go unrepresented in the space of capabilities, a conceivable record of justice cannot be for it. Thus, the capability perspective, central as it is for a theory of equality, cant be completely sufficient for it. There is a true need to acquire the demands of liberty as an additional principle. Any improvement in a specialists environment-cleaner water, for instance counts as a change capability for functioning: a change in water quality constitutes a change in the set of beings and doings that exist in an agents reach. However why does this change, separated from any further impacts it may have, constitute an increase in effective freedom? Improved water quality will probably reduce the amount of time that individuals need to use ensuring clean water, and that implies greater freedom. Be that as it may Sen goes further, demanding that the change itself constitutes an expansion of freedom, and not just a welfare gain. His reason is that the specialists would have chosen the change, and the idea of counterfactual decision what one would have chosen if one had the decision is relevant to ones freedom. Sens contention for the capability approach interfaces equality of capabilities to the naturally appealing thought of equivalent effective freedom. I agree with Sens stress on the estimation of effective freedom. Reasons behind being concerned with formal freedom are ordinarily also good reasons behind being concerned with effective freedom: in the event that we are concerned to guarantee formal freedom on account of its connection with the pride of individuals, or the importance of a public affirmation of equivalent worth, then we should likewise to be concerned about effective freedom with what people have the capacity do with their freedom. But Sen does not show a compelling case for the claim that ability for functioning explains the intuitive idea of effective freedom. Furthermore clearly capability is a more extensive thought. An additionally promising line of argument for the capability perspective proceeds by means of criticism of leading alternative accounts of equality. Sen argues specifically that the functioning perspective gives a superior interpretation of equality than equality of accomplishments or equality of means. Sens important focus in his discussion of equality of means is John Rawls. In A Theory of Justice, Rawls contends that justice commands the security of equal essential liberties and the maximization of the base level of earnings and wealth. Furthermore he urges that the fulfilment of these commands will accomplish the end of social justice, which is to increase the value to the slightest advantaged of the complete plan of equal liberty shared by all. The worth of liberty is a matter of what individuals can do with their rights-how beneficial the equal liberties are to them. As Rawlss emphasis on the worth of liberties indicates, then, he agrees with Sen that what matters for social justice is substantive or effective freedom. Where they disagree is that Rawls supposes that the worth of a persons liberty is determined by the level of the primary goods of income, wealth, powers, and authority at the persons disposal. That is why he thinks that protecting basic liberties and satisfying the difference principle-maximizing the minimum level of income and wealth-suffices to maximize the minimum worth of liberty. Sen, in effect, denies that primary goods are an adequate index of the worth of liberty: (e)quality of freedom to pursue our ends cannot be generated by equality in the distribution of primary goods. Human diversity suggests pervasive differences in the capacity of people to change target conditions (assets, primary goods, circumstances) into functioning. Furthermore that implies we shall not find anything such that balancing it ensures an interpersonal equalization of capability sets (something besides capability sets themselves). Or-accepting that those sets represent the extent of freedom nothing such that equalising it equalises the extent of freedom. Thus, on a fundamental level in any event, social assessment of equality, poverty, and justice should continue specifically as far as the extent of freedom as represented by capability sets and not regarding a subset of the components that focus the extent of freedom. Sens reactions of equality of achievement underscore its restricted power. Also his objections to equality of means specifically, primary goods-point as far as possible in that idea, as well. But the last criticisms are in the end less convincing. Sen is right in urging that justice requires a concern with the value of freedom; and, as cases of disability and desperation show, essential goods are at best case scenario an imperfect substitute for that worth. So there are some cases in which the concern for effective freedom committed to equality requires that we look beyond the distribution of essential goods. What is less clear is the way best to react to those limits. Both the essential goods view and the capability theory assume a capacity for individuals to take responsibility for their aims, and that obligation would require the individual to adjust their aims to the accessible scope of chances. On the off chance that this is correct, then given a background of far reaching opportunities, equal chances for individuals with equal abilities will significantly limit the scope of inequalities by the lights of the capability approach. In perspective of the instructive focal points of essential goods, we might use them CONCLUSION To finish up, Inequality Re-examined makes two key focuses: the first point is the truths of differences confuse our understanding of equality; and the second point is a conceivable origination of equality will have some association with the thought of equivalent access to what individuals have inspiration to value. What is less clear is that recognition of human diversity qualities obliges us, as an issue matter, to make examinations in regards to capabilities. Importance of incommensurability, restricted data, obligation, and the need-in any event as an issue matter-for a thought of seriousness recommend that essential goods correlations will suffice in the cases-separated from disability and desperation in which the capability methodology is generally dubious.

Argumentative Essay: American Have the Right To Bear Arms :: Argumentative Essays, Persuasive

Being a young American I have witnessed many problems with growing up in this great country of ours. We have homeless people who can't find work, rising inflation rates, an unbalanced budget, and more importantly, a problem with guns. Like every other good ol' boy, I am concerned about being the victim of a random shooting, but at the same time, I want to be able to take down a nice10-point buck during hunting season. Guns effect every one of us every day. They fill us with fear or they make us feel protected. My point is this: guns are a problem, but using gun control to abolish them isn't necessarily the best solution. In gun control I mean laws that keep firearms off the street by preventing their purchase. I agree that some form of gun control is needed, butwhat we really need to concentrate on is gun licensing and more gun safety. I believe in my constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and I don't feel that legislators should be allowed to take away that right. Gun control can be a good thing, but if it leads to gun prohibition I will fight it until the day I die. Â   Our country was founded on the basis of guns. The wars were won with guns and the people were protected by guns. Guns were so important that they were placed in the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution: Â   A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Amendment II Â   From this amendment it is apparent that the founders of our country knew in 1791 that guns did and would continue to play a role in the lives of Americans. Things haven't really changed that much. Â   Gun control was brought into play to protect citizens from criminals and lunatics who shouldn't have guns in the first place. But only 27 percent of the criminals who are in prison for crimes involving guns have obtained them legally (Henderson 23). If criminals can find guns illegally now, how is more gun control going to stop them from getting them later? Groups against gun control,the most dominant being the NRA (National Rifle Association), are afraid gun control is the first step in outlawing guns.

Solomon vs. Socrates :: essays research papers

Solomon vs. Socrates: what they thought wisdom was, where it came from, and how it was taught. Solomon and Socrates are thought of as the wisest men in history. Solomon was a man of God who wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Songs in the Bible. The great philosopher, Socrates, lived in the Classical Age of Greece. Their styles of teaching and perspectives on wisdom were very different, but they did have their similarities. While Solomon and Socrates had the same perspective on what wisdom was, they had contrasting understandings on where it came from. Solomon’s definition of wisdom was the knowledge of making wise choices. Proverbs 1:2-3 says, Wisdom is instruction in wise dealings with others. Wisdom is instruction in righteousness, knowing the difference between good and evil. Wisdom is instruction in justice, knowing how to do what is right. It is the simple learning shrewdness so that they are not taken advantage of. It is the young learning knowledge and prudence. For both the young and the old it is an increase in skill, understanding and knowledge. In Proverbs, he was trying to show his readers how to make wise choices. All of what Solomon wrote came straight from God, and he believed that the only way that anyone could get wisdom was if they got it from God. 1 Kings 3: 5-13 says, In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou has  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  t kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

Character Development in Edward Abbeys The Monkey Wrench Gang Essay

Character Development in Edward Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang    Search and Rescue, Utah State Police, and Bishops of the Church of Latter-Day Saints chase a group of bridge destroying, billboard burning, bulldozer mutilating eco-terrorists through the desert of the Southwest. The group known as the Monkey Wrench Gang consists of four very different characters: Seldom Seen Smith, also known as Joseph Smith, George Washington Hayduke, Doctor A. K. Sarvis, and Bonnie Abbzug. Each character has his own opinion of why nature needs to be saved. The group decides to make their mark on nature by "taking care" of the different machines, roads and bridges that are destroying it. With all the destruction the gang is causing, being caught is expected. However, the gang narrowly escapes the law numerous times. After finally giving in to the pressures of being good citizens and serving time in jail for destroying public property, the gang reunites for their final destructive mission: Glen Canyon Dam. Edward Abbey, author of The Monkey Wrench Gang (1975), uses language, appearances, actions and opinions to make each character likable to the conservative reader. Abbey uses his strong feelings about the beauty of the Southwest to shape the opinions of each of his characters. Doc Sarvis, a medical surgeon from Albuquerque, has no strong or lasting relationships. "His few close friends were always sent away, returning rarely, the bonds of affection no stronger than the web of correspondence" (12-13). Doc?s closest friend, and coworker, is Ms. Bonnie Abbzug. Doc and Bonnie spend most of their downtime destroying billboards with economic meanings, because "Somebody has to do it" (43). Such billboards worthy of destruction read "Marine Corps bu... ...ng nurse on the right buttock and shambled on shaky hind legs out the side door up the alleyway . . . into the padded darkness of the nearest bar" (213). With Smith being the logical member of the gang, "he listens with the concentrated intensity of a buck in hunting season" (337). When he finally hears something, "he stops. Suddenly. Doc, Bonnie and Hayduke stumble into his rear like the Three Stooges, three clowns in a silent movie" (336). While reading The Monkey Wrench Gang, many images appear in one?s mind. The uses of Edward Abbey?s skill of developing characters through language, appearance, actions and opinions make this novel more enjoyable to read. The shaping of each character persuades the reader to believe that, "Oh my desert, yours is the only death I cannot bear." Work Cited Abbey, Edward. The Monkey Wrench Gang. 1975. New York: Avon Books.

Epic of Gilgamesh and Hero Essay

People have been attempting to define the word â€Å"hero† for as long has man has existed on this planet. To define a hero one must first appreciate that there are many different types of hero’s. For example, a hero could be an epic hero such as King Gilgamesh, in The Epic of Gilgamesh, or a hero may a simple individual that serves his/her country or even a school teacher that devotes his/her life to the development of the youth. Hero’s come and hero’s go. Some hero’s even lose â€Å"hero status† over time; Adolf Hitler and Osama bin Laden were hero’s to followers during their lifetime. Hero’s come in many forms, a hero can be someone we look up to (father, mother, teacher). They can be a unique character passed down for thousands of years such as Odysseus, in The Odyssey. They can be someone we’ve never interacted with or someone by our side every day. They might be brave, courageous, truthful or dishonest. A hero could be male or female, black or white. A hero may be someone that simply affected a life in a positive way. One thing hero’s all have in common is that they provide drive and purpose for those the believe in them, they help some focus on dreams and they might provide a path when no path exists. In this paper will be defining a hero and the qualities an epic hero has with my definition. I will be using epic hero’s in, The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey to help shape my explanation. As noted before, there is no easy way to define what a hero truly is, as hero’s are often defined in the eyes of the beholder. Being a king or someone of status alone does not make a hero; nor does intellect, strength, or bravery. In short, a hero (as well as an epic hero) connect multiple heroic qualities . The Epic of Gilgamesh accurately defines this definition of a hero as he has numerous heroic traits. Gilgamesh is portrayed as a true hero through his abilities, intelligence, willingness to die for his quest, admiration, and his human qualities. We see examples of all of these attributes throughout this quest; starting with the introduction of Gilgamesh in The Epic of Gilgamesh; â€Å"He knew the ways, was wise in all things† (1.4). From the start one is awed and intrigued with this character as being â€Å"wise† and knowing the â€Å"ways†, these are attributes often associated with many people’s view/definition of a hero. Reverting back to the (hero) teacher analogy; as a child most of us had a teacher that we believed knew everything there was to know. We looked up to that person to answer any question we might have. We were young and impressible, not unlike the armies that followed Gilgamesh, but that alone did not make him a hero. A hero of today, like an â€Å"epic† hero, must also have abilities that appear super human. Hero’s can do things that others cant or wont attempt. The epic hero Gilgamesh had this trait as well, as noted in The Epic of Gilgamesh, â€Å"opening passes in the mountains, Digging wells at the highlands’ verge, Traversing the ocean, the vast sea, to the suns rising,† (1.39-41). It is this final line that one can compare a hero of today to an â€Å"epic† hero from long ago. In today’s war time climate members of the military are often portrayed as hero’s. These individuals â€Å"traverse the ocean† on a quest of their own. They leave family members behind, they face life and death, and like Gilgamesh, are often changed forever by the loss of a close friend. The comparisons of a hero today and the epic hero Gilgamesh continue. A hero utterly believes in what he/she is doing and is willing to die for that cause. Gilgamesh, like a public servant (policemen, firemen) of today is willing to die for a cause that is greater than himself. We again see an example of this in The Epic of Gilgamesh, â€Å"Your heart should be urging you to battle. Forget about death, He who marches first, protects himself,† (IV. 182-184). I compare these lines to the first responders of 9-11. These brave men and women, with no regard for their own safety, â€Å"marched† into burning buildings with the sole purpose of protecting others. They were on a quest of their own, and just like Gilgamesh, ignoring the dangers of the beast Humbaba, first responders of 9-11 ignored the fact the buildings were doomed. Responders of 9-11 followed their hearts into a battle of another kind altogether. Gilgamesh is not the only epic hero that shares attributes of the modern day hero. Odysseus in Homers The Odyssey, shared some of the qualities used to define a hero’s of today as well. Odysseus might not have the super human vigor, endurance, and powers as written about Gilgamesh, but Odysseus was a courageous and knowledgeable warrior as well a master strategist and athlete. His persistence was unmatched as Odysseus schemed, lied, cheated, and talked his way out of trouble for over ten years in his quest to return home. We know Odysseus was a master strategist by the skillful design and deception that his Trojan Horse played in the Trojan war. This sly act, which became Odysseus’ trademark, was born from Odysseus’ clever imagination. I compare this with a modern day hero, the late General Norman Schwarzkopf, who used deception and propaganda into fooling the Iraqi army into thinking the United States would be invading from the sea, forcing Saddam Hussein to move large numbers of his forces to protect southern Iraq (Connelly 2012). Right, wrong, or indifferent, many people today view professional athletes as hero’s. While I personally believe professional athletes to be role models and not hero’s, I also feel that an athlete can be a hero as long as his/her off field actions communicative heroic traits. Odysseus was a world class athlete but did not need to boast about it. He only showcased his skill after being challenged and provoked by Euryalus. Homer writes of Odysseus athletic capability in The Odyssey, â€Å"He jumped up, cloak still on, and grabbed a discus, Larger than the others†¦As the discus zoomed overhead and finally landed, Far beyond the other marks†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (VIII.205-213). Odysseus would never perform feats so bold unless it suited his purpose or cause. Unlike athletes of today, Odysseus was not one to brag, or show off in away; again as written in The Odyssey, â€Å"†¦I am not like The immortals, either in build or looks. I am completely human†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (VII. 221-223) This â€Å"quiet professional† trait is something the modern day athlete â€Å"hero† should be taught to emulate. Epic hero’s as well as modern day hero’s must take risks for a greater purpose. Odysseus was a risk taker in every sense of the word. A power example of this is during Odysseus encounter with Cyclops in Book Nine of The Odyssey, Homer writes , â€Å"We got to the cave quickly. he was out, Tending his flocks in the rich pastureland.† (IX.207-208). Odysseus risked everything by going into that cave. In his mind the risk was better than the alternative. His men needed food and taking the risk was worth the likelihood in confronting Cyclops. This event reminds me of a modern day hero named Chesley Sullenberger. This hero saved the lives of 155 people by landing a fully loaded, disabled plane into the Hudson river (Bomkamp 2010). Sullenberger was willing to take a risk for the greater good, and like the epic hero Odysseus, saved lives because he was willing to give his own life for a chance at saving his passengers. In conclusion, the definition of a hero will be different for everybody. Hero’s can be your wife, a friend, a teacher, or a fireman that chooses to walk into a building with total disregard for his/her own safety. Epic hero’s from a thousand years ago had many of the same characteristics that still define hero’s of today. We see examples of this in the text; whether that is the god like qualities as written of Gilgamesh in The Epic of Gilgamesh, â€Å"Surpassing all kings, for his stature renowned,† (I. 30), or the cunning and intelligent protector of his men Odysseus, as described by Homer in The Odyssey , â€Å"All right, Eurylochus, you stay here by the ship†¦.I’m going, though. We’re in a really tight spot.† (X. 291-293). In the end, epic hero’s of the past and hero’s of today all share the quality that everyone of us has; in the end they have human qualities. Hero’s battle emotions, hero’s change over time, and all hero’s are on a quest of some sort. A quest can be as simple as finishing a college education , completing a marathon, or attending a AA meeting. A Quest can be as challenging as battling the fierce monster Humbaba, or traveling ten years to return to a loved one. Everyone has the potential to be a hero, it just depends on the definition that is being used.