Category: Sociology 7256

Multidimensional Sexualities of Modern Youth

Human sexuality is a complex of emotional, social, erotic behaviors, and feelings that people express toward other individuals. According to Westbrook, such categories as sex, gender, and sexuality are& socially constructed systems, changing over time and varying across cultures (33). Given the intricacy of the relationships between these categories, sexual identity is not always directly determined by ones sex or gender, providing a variety of forms.

Homosexual and heterosexual sexual orientations have long existed within the binary framework, but recently the tendencies have changed to the acceptance of multidimensional sexualities. Callis claims that modern youth demonstrate a variety of sexualities that are neither straight nor gay and do not fall into traditional binary understanding (215). People identify themselves as bisexual, queer, pan- or omnisexual, or sometimes choose not to assume any identity.

Despite the growing variety of multiple sexual identities, people still experience self-identification dilemmas that are connected to the absence of the proper label or the stigmas in society. Many terms are restricting as they limit variations of sexual behaviors, so people prefer not to assume any recognized identity. A number of respondents from the research conducted by Callis identified themselves as queer, using the word as an umbrella term that includes all non-binary sexualities (218).

The study based on anonymous interviews showed that a significant proportion of individuals who identified their sexualities as non-binary did not find a suitable term to describe their preferences and felt that there was none. However, they had to assume a particular label to be understood by society. Callis explains that the reason for the variety of sexual orientations is the increased awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals that break down a binary framework (216). The reason why young generations are more open for the change comes with their active use of social media.

Factors that Influence Alternative Sexualities

Breakdown of Bisexual Stigma

The appearance of multiple sexualities suggests that people, especially the youth, are willing to accept that a person can be different from homo- or heterosexual. Multidimensional identities assume that there are many shades of sexual orientation, not only the two opposites. This idea strikingly contrasts with the binary framework of only two sexes (male and female), two genders (masculine and feminine) and two sexualities (gay and straight). Thus, modern sexuality tendencies show that people can be attracted to any sex or gender, including intersex or transgender individuals.

Pansexuality or omnisexuality are popular labels for the identities that assume the potential to be attracted to any gender (Callis 218). Such orientations break down the binary perspective of gender and sex, implying acceptance of every identity. As one of the respondents mentioned, pansexuality is about the person, not the genitalia (Callis 220). Although bisexuality is also a non-binary category, many people prefer to avoid this term as it is based on the dual perception of sexes, while people are not divided only into two groups. Moreover, bisexuality is often stigmatized because of the stereotype that bisexual individuals are polygamous and unable to marital fidelity.

Awareness of Transsexuality and Gender Fluidity

The existence of non-binary sexualities that are not bisexual would be impossible without the variety of sexes and genders. According to Westbrook, there is a direct connection between sex and sexuality as the variety of sexual orientation grows with the increase in the number of acceptable ways of being sexed (39). The acceptance of transgender and transsexual identities and their popularization in mass culture results in the shift in the discourse regarding sexuality.

Assuming that individuals can be neither male nor female and that other people can be attracted to them, the existing framework of sexual identities cannot be limited to homo-, hetero-, and bisexual. The growing number of people who call themselves pansexual or queer signifies that these people are aware of multidimensional genders and treat them inclusively.

While society becomes more accepting of transgender individuals, the category still causes much confusion and stereotypes. Ryan claims that the majority of people readily welcome transgender people who are explicitly male or female, disregarding gender complexity, multiplicity, and fluidity (126). As a transgender individual, Ryan explains that ones gender identity can be configured in many ways. It can be a combination of both male and female features, and the person should not necessarily fall into one of the opposite gender categories (Ryan 125).

The possibilities of gender identity expand beyond traditional cultural concepts of man and woman and include gender-diverse, gender-expansive, and gender-variant people (Ryan 133). Although society accepts transgender individuals more readily than some decades ago, people still discriminate against them when they do not correspond to societys expectations. An attractive, slim, and rich transgender woman as Caitlyn Jenner is more likely to gain social approval for becoming a proper woman that a person who is overweight, disabled, and who is in-between two sexes.

Implications of the Change

The change in sexualities shows that people are becoming more tolerant, assuming trans-friendly sexual identities. However, discrimination persists due to the limited understanding of sex, gender, and sexuality beyond the binary framework. Society has developed specific expectations towards transgender individuals based on dualism that result in the judgment of how well trans people fit into gender norms. According to Ryan, the problem is not that some people fit into traditional binary gender roles but the assumption that everyone can and should fit into such roles (131).

Discrimination leads to economic marginalization, workplace inequality, lookism, and weightism regarding trans individuals. Thus, the primary implication of multidimensional sexualities is that it demonstrates growing inclusiveness for multiple non-binary genders. Raising awareness promises that this discrimination can be soon reduced, as well as existing fears around transsexualities. Although the process is long and painstaking, modern youth demonstrates inclusiveness and friendliness towards humanity as the whole not only to specific gender characteristics.

Openness, freedom, and variety of sexual identities are not only about sex, gender, and sexuality but also about raising a more humane society of happy and healthy individuals. The growing diversity of sexual orientations, genders, and identities has positive implications for sexual education and education beyond the traditional heteronormative standards. Tolman advocates the emphasis on the development of the sexual well-being of young people instead of the imposed gender standards that make them correspond to the binary norms (140).

Ryan expresses a supporting idea, claiming that people need to understand that there is more to humanity than boy and girl, and ones attitudes should not be founded on sex or gender (134). According to Tolman, being comfortable with ones identity without shame or discrimination enhance the sexual well-being of a person (141). Thus, acceptance of gender variety is an essential step in learning how to be a sexual individual. Strong resistance to double standards leads to the recognition and respect of people who do not fit the typical framework.

References

Callis, April. Beyond Bi. Introducing the New Sexuality Studies, edited by Nancy L. Fischer and Steven Seidman, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2016, pp. 215-223.

Ryan, Joelle Ruby. From Transgender to Trans*. Introducing the New Sexuality Studies, edited by Nancy L. Fischer and Steven Seidman, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2016, pp. 124-135.

Tolman, Deborah L. Adolescent Girls Sexuality. Introducing the New Sexuality Studies, edited by Nancy L. Fischer and Steven Seidman, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2016, pp. 136-142.

Westbrook, Laurel. Transforming the Sex/Gender/Sexuality System. Introducing the New Sexuality Studies, edited by Nancy L. Fischer and Steven Seidman, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2016, pp. 33-40.

Introduction

Human beings have used pscychoactive substances to alter mood and induce pleasure since prehistoric times. The complexities of todays world have however contributed to the accelerated use of drugs and alcohol therefore leading to an epidemic of chemical dependency. The prevalence of this problem can to an extent be blamed on the widespread availability of drugs and alcohol as well as their popularization by the mass media.

As a result, there have emerged a class of people who are have a chemical dependency and seek to end this through treatment. However, these recovering users face the risk of relapsing into their former habits. This paper shall in a concise but informative manner discuss the importance of relapses prevention and recommend various methods a chemical dependency counselor can employ to help clients maintain sobriety.

Importance of Relapse Prevention

After completing treatment, it is of great importance to ensure that the patient does not relapse. Relapse is defined as a return to substance abuse following a period of abstinence and it occurs in users who have undergone treatment (Larimer et al. 1999). Considering the fact that two thirds of patients use their drugs of choice within a year of leaving treatment, relapse prevention is one of the most important aspects of chemical dependency treatment. Relapse prevention programs are designed with the assumption that treatment does not end with the discharge of the patient from a formal treatment institute.

Relapse should be avoided at all costs since it has many negative effects on the recovery process of the patient. If not properly dealt with, lapses by the client will be viewed as a failure and an indication of a lack of willpower. Larimer et al. (1999) states that lapses may cause the client to view themselves as morally weak and therefore lead to a self-fulfilling prophesy that the lapse will result in a relapse. Relapse also results in the patient increased tolerance and dependency upon the substance.

Methods for avoiding relapse

Management of cravings is a difficult but essential step in relapse prevention. Doweiko (1993) reveals that cravings can occur long after the drugs have cleared from the body as a result of the conditioning which was caused by pschoactive drug use. Medication assists in the reduction of relapse rates. For alcohol users, drugs such as Naltrexone and Acamprosate result in reduction in alcohol craving and reduce the reinforcing properties of drinking (Perkinson, 2002). A counselor can therefore encourage patient to take up medication to reduce the possibility of relapse.

Exercising has been demonstrated to be an effective way or countering chemical dependencies. Research indicates that exercising not only enhances the physical fitness of patients but it also increases their self-concept (Perkinson, 2002; Gary & Guthrie, 1972). Rigorous exercise also produces natural opioids which give a person a natural high therefore negating the need for drugs and alcohol. The counselor can therefore come up with a strong exercise program for the client so as to assist in development of a new sense of self-efficacy.

Relapse is known to occur when patients are experiencing high-risk situations. The counselor can help a client anticipate and plan for high-risk situations. This is based on the assumption that high risk situations serve as precipitators of initial alcohol use after abstinence (Larimer, 1999). For this to occur, the person must first identify the situations which may make him vulnerable to relapse. The counselor can through interviews get information about past lapses and hence from this adopt strategies to target weaknesses in the client and therefore reduce the risk of relapse.

Establishment of new relationships may help avoid relapse in the client. New relationships help the recovering person to get emotional support without the debt and guilt associated with old relationships (Vaillant, 1990). This new relationships can be fostered by the counselor by encouraging the client to join a sobriety program such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Such programs assist recovering addicts to recover by having them share experiences and hence derive strength and hope from each other.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of chemical dependency treatment is evident by a prevention of relapse in the recovering person and as such, a relapse point to an ineffectiveness of the treatment regime. From the discussions presented in this paper, it is clear that the role of the chemical dependency counselor in relapse prevention is great. By following the various methods recommended herein, the counselor can help a client maintain sobriety and hence lead a productive life devoid of the negative influence of addictions.

References

Doweiko, H. (1993) Concepts of Chemical Dependency (3rd ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.

Larimer, M. W., Palmer, R.S. & Marlatt, A. G. (1999). Relapse Prevention An Overview of Marlatts Cognitive-Behavioral Model. Alcohol Research & Health, Vol. 23, No. 2.

Perkinson, R.R. (2002). Chemical dependency counseling: a practical guide. Sage.

Vaillant, G. (1990). The Natural History of Alcoholism: Causes. Patterns, and Paths to Recovery. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

The choice of the topic for the research is justified by several factors. First, juvenile detention and the further rehabilitation and socialization of individuals acquire the top priority today because of the growing rates of juvenile incarceration. Statistics show that over the past decade, the number of young people with the given experience increased drastically and constitutes about 152 per 100,000 (Key facts about juvenile incarceration, n.d.). The given rates differ regarding race, ethnicity, and social status; however, the problems scope remains significant. Second, many persons representing the given cohort face multiple challenges when acquiring education in their later life preventing them from getting a job. It preconditions the growth in the crime rates as these individuals have a high risk of committing another crime or becoming a crime group member (Santrock, 2016). For this reason, the improved understanding of social factors preventing young people from acquiring education is vital for the creation of a practical solution to the problem. The proposed theme presupposes the in-depth investigation of the outlined problem, the background of people representing the given group, and peoples attitudes, which might be viewed as factors limiting access to education and reducing the chances to find a good job and rehabilitate. In such a way, the topicality of the selected problem is explained by the need to ensure a better quality of life for young people and provide them with the opportunities to contribute to the evolution of society.

References

Key facts about juvenile incarceration. (n.d.). Child Trends. Web.

Santrock, J. (2016). Lifespan development (16^th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

A subject that has been popular in the media in recent months is the controversy over the raid at the FLDS compound. The Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints is an off-shoot of the Mormon religion that practices polygamy and is widely regarded today as a dangerous cult. In Eldorado, Texas where their Yearning for Zion compound is located, police responded to a call from a 16-year-old girl inside the compound who was reporting abuse, claiming that she was forced to marry and consummate with an older man. The police and Child Protective services have since removed 450 children from the compound to the dismay and outrage of the mothers left alone at home. Now lawsuits made by some mothers have required the state to return several children to their homes. Though the reports that have come out of the compound of polygamy, underage sex, incest, and abuse are disturbing, the children who are not in immediate danger should be returned, otherwise, this is a major violation of the constitutional rights of those in the case who are verifiably innocent.

Though much of the United States population finds the reports coming from inside the FLDS compound to be disturbing, the police should not be allowed to remove the children without legal grounds of proven child abuse. The constitutions first amendment protects us from persecution based on religion and therefore protects the members of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints. Though they commit polygamy which is generally against the law, authorities tend not to prosecute unless there are allegations of abuse. The first amendment states that Americans have the given right to free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to peaceably gather. At the time of its inception, the first amendment protected those who had come to America to practice a religion that was in minority in England and had been exposed to much persecution, which transfers equally to the protection that the FLDS church deserves. The first amendment is not intended to protect the rights of those everyone agrees with. Laws protecting freedom of religion are necessary because they are, at times, the only defense for a legal but controversial group. Essentially, if the law can protect FLDS it can protect any law-abiding citizen from being wrongfully accused or imprisoned. If we believe in the constitution and seek to uphold the rights included in the first amendment then we should seek to protect these people and their rights.

Another reason the removal of the children was unlawful is that they were removed based on a single allegation of abuse that was never verified. The police responded to a phone call from an alleged sixteen-year-old girl inside the compound. In a letter to President George W Bush, FLDS supporters claimed that the campaign against the church is an attempt to create a media frenzy and push political motives. Officials have promoted and encouraged as part of their political agenda a flagrant disregard for the truth and have focused on sensationalism, sex, and vile accusations of every kind designed to promote prejudice and hatred (Jessop 2). The removal of the children was based on the fact that they could not locate the girl who made the report and therefore had to take all the children to investigate whether they had been abused or not. But the girl was never found and the original abuse allegation has yet to be verified. Because of this, the raid can be considered unlawful. While police originally conducted the raid legally, with evidence that children were in imminent danger, the grounds of the raid are unproven and the continuing separation of the children is unlawful unless additional evidence of abuse arises. In fact, in recent weeks the court has ruled in favor of the FLDS members. The state of Texas should not have removed children from a polygamist sects ranch because it didnt prove that they were in imminent danger, an appeals court ruled Thursday (CNN.com 2008). Because of this court ruling, the law states that the children are being held based on an ineffective raid.

In addition to the fact that the reason for the raid has fallen through, the children should be returned to their homes because the relocation and drastic change in living conditions are extremely traumatic for the children who have been separated from their families. Studies show that during childhood people need constancy, routine, and familiarity. The fact that these children have been taken from their parents and placed in a completely foreign environment has many negative implications for their futures. Children who are separated from their homes often face difficulties communicating and relating to others. Children need consistency, familiarity, and predictability& (Legalaid.vic.gov.au 2008). The plight of these children can be compared to an immigrant taken from his home country and propelled into a completely foreign culture. Adult migrants to the frontier and immigrants to big cities of a new country&could not and did not&leave their pasts behindthey always retained memories of family, friends, the millions of details that made up the familiar world of their origins [West, 1992, 32] (Corsaro 79). Even though we may feel that the lifestyles of the FLDS members are strange and undesirable, these conditions may be preferable for the children because it is the lifestyle they have grown up in and are accustomed to.

However, there are some exceptions to the rule; not every child among the four hundred and fifty should be returned to their homes. There are dozens of underage girls who are pregnant, which is unavoidable evidence of statutory rape. There is also evidence of child abuse and incest, and these children must be protected from their abusers as well. Though there may be many others who are suffering physical and sexual abuse within the compound, the authorities can only legally protect those who have confessed that they have been abused or have shown overwhelming evidence, such as the case with the pregnant girls.

While we may not agree with how the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints conducts its lives, the government does not have legal grounds to keep the more than four hundred children they have removed from their homes. The laws are meant to protect citizens for cases such as this, where public opinion may be against them. The reason we have laws that protect freedom of expression and religion is that there are many people in the United States who live drastically different lifestyles within the law, and though many may try to stop them, they should still be allowed to practice the religion they believe in without unlawful persecution. As long as we continue to uphold the rules that protect the people we do not agree with, we can rely on those same laws to protect us when we face our own controversy.

Works Cited

Age and stages of development in children. Victoria Legal Aid (2008). Online. Internet. Web.

Corsaro, William. The Sociology of Childhood (2004). Pine Forge Press: Thousand Oaks. 356 pages.

Court: Texas had no right to take polygamists children (2008). CNN.com. Web.

Jessop, William. Letter to President George Bush (2008). CaptiveFLDSChildren.org. Online. Internet. Web.

Outline

The paper begins with an introduction of Mexican immigration to US. It also talks about amnesty for illegal Mexicans entering into American territory.

The paper covers the following sub-topics: Impact of the amnesty to illegal Mexicans on US healthcare system and impact on infrastructure and on jobs.

The paper ends with a conclusion that restates the above points.

Introduction

Immigration in US is a serious issue that calls for world attention. It has exerted its predominant influence on the social and cultural life of that country. Considering its seriousness, US government has implemented strict actions regarding the immigrants and their rehabilitation process. Some of the immigrants get prosecuted by the US laws but majority of them escape to remote parts. The online article of CNN reports, between October 1996 and January 2000, the number of illegal immigrants grew from about 5.8 million to about 7 million, an increase of more than 300,000 annually. (Frieden).

It is the increasing number of the migrants that forced the American government to act tough, strictly denying amnesty to such intruders. The illegal aliens in US promote many social and legal issues and their identify itself is a matter of dispute. It was in the recent past that the US government granted amnesty to a group of Mexican soldiers. Pat Buchan illustrates the details of the Amnesty given to Mexican Army by the Bush administration.

According to him, U.S. immigration laws are being daily mocked and violated. (Buchanan). No one has any proper understanding of the actual number of immigrants. The paper analyses the impact of the amnesty for illegal Mexicans, especially how it affected the American social system and whether it has exerted its influence on various fields like, health care, education and the changes it caused in the basic US infrastructure.

Impact on health care system

Generally United States is regarded as the land of immigrants. A lot of immigrants are settled in America, among them Mexicans are the most. There are around 3 to 5 million illegal Mexicans living in U.S.A. Usually America forgives many offences committed by the illegal immigrants. Even when the immigrants violate any US law, they are often pardoned and granted permanent residence. Though they are not entitled to all the rights, they have the benefit of some protection from America, especially in matters of public education and emergency medical service. In the US, illegal immigrants are provided with good facilities for education.

Dwelling on the poverty among the American migrants John Mendez reviews, The poverty rate for Mexican immigrants is dramatically higher than that of natives or immigrants in general. (Mendez). Majority of Mexican immigrants bear lot of children as they lack education. Fortunately US government provides good education for them. In addition to this they are endowed with emergency medical services. If an illegal immigrant meets with an accident or any kind of disaster, US offers emergency medical services. Thus amnesty becomes a source of encouragement for illegal immigration than a cure of it. (Landis).

It may appear that US rewards the immigration offenders by offering them permanent residence and jobs to secure their lives. This has its negative impact in the country. Being not so well educated and unskilled, they lack productivity which reflects in their works too. This results in low productivity in United States. The immigrants do any sort of work which Americans hate to do and with cheap wages.

This creates a conflict between Americans and the immigrants in their trade. US would like to have brilliant, energetic and skilful individuals who offer benefits to the country and do not prove a burden. Amnesty for the illegal immigrants affects a lot the health care system of America too. The unprepared hospital staff has to make available emergency care to the patients who suffers from epidemic diseases. In fact, the increasing number of illegal aliens coming into the United States is forcing the closure of hospitals, spreading previously vanquished diseases and threatening to destroy Americas prized health-care system, says a report in the spring issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. (Invasion USA).

Impact on infrastructure

US has always been a favorite place for immigrants. Currently immigration has become uncontrolled and consists primarily of the illegal variety. In a personal interview, Jack Martin, the Director of Special projects and Policy for the Federation for American immigration Reform says, At 10-12 million illegal aliens residing in the country and thousands more pouring in every day, the problem is enormous in terms of job competition, depressed wages, and the fiscal impact on state and local governments, to name just several of the impacts (Interview). (The Effects of Illegal Immigration on Society).

The immigrants obviously remit their earnings out of country which has a high impact on local economy. Generally the illegal immigrants are not entitled to take medical insurance. Everyday hospitals are filled up with illegal immigrants who are in need of special medical care but are not covered by insurance and do not have the capacity to pay the bills. Across America, school systems are struggling to find adequate resources and finance to provide basic education to illegal immigrants. Because of these reasons, illegal immigration has turned out to be an important issue in the US. Illegal immigration has affected three main segment of society: These are Healthcare, federal, state and local economies and the K-12 public education system.

Impact on jobs

Illegal immigration becomes the most serious burden on federal, state and local economies. One of the prime motives of people migrating to America illegally is to secure a job in the US labor force. Usually the jobs could be given to local citizens or immigrants who have gone through all the necessary steps to get citizenship.

According to a study in 1996 of the costs of illegal immigration by Rice University economist, Dr. Donald Huddle, it was found that illegal aliens were displacing roughly 730,000 American workers every year, at a cost of about $4.3 billion a year. (Illegal Immigration). Illegal immigration has forced a number of American workers to leave their job which has caused a spurt in the US unemployment ratio.

However, many people point out that these illegal immigrants are taking up jobs which the Americans are not ready to do. An average illegal immigrant earns one tenth of his American counterpart and many businesses are more than eager to sign up cheap, acquiescent labor from out of illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants contribution in taxes is small at the same time making local governments pay the bills. Illegal [immigrants] sends large percentages of their United States earnings back to their home country  an estimated $23 billion last year was sent to Mexico alone. (Nemko, Marty) (The Effects of Illegal Immigration on Society). It would be very helpful for creating more jobs for legal citizens if this huge amount of money is invested back into American economy.

Impact on education

Americas public institutions are under terrible budget constraints these days. There are so many reasons behind this. We cannot ignore that one of the main reasons is the enormity of illegal immigration. The present US rules permit illegal immigrant to access a free k-12 grade public education. But there is no free education for citizens or other legal students. With 1.5 million illegal immigrants living in America as well as their 2 million American born siblings of school going age the effects of illegal immigration on education are massive. (Breaking the Piggy Bank).

Due to the continuous flow of illegal immigrants to the schools the size of the classrooms is growing all the time. This causes major fund problems particularly in regions of serious troubles, which must be resolved for the sake of good education.

The financial cost of educating illegal immigrant is very high. So the federal government should take necessary steps to control the illegal immigration; otherwise the government will be forced to spend millions of dollars on their education. The American education system never compromises with the quality of education. But recent research shows that there is possibility of fall in the quality of education with the effect of enormous illegal immigration. (Higher Education for Illegal Immigrants).

Conclusion

Even though, immigration may be very important to any country, illegal immigration creates negative impact on society. Today, numerous illegal immigrants acquire the benefits of being a US citizen but choose to avoid the legal requirements to get legal citizenship. The federal government must think about necessary changes in the immigration policy and enforcement procedure so that the unfavorable things that the illegal immigrants cause to society are minimized.

Annotated Bibliography

The website CNN.com/U.Ss article entitled INS: 7 Million Illegal Immigrants in United States reports, Between October 1996 and January 2000, the number of illegal immigrants grew from about 5.8 million to about 7 million, an increase of more than 300,000 annually. According to this article states that the illegal immigrants in America endorse many social and legal issues and their identify itself is an issue of argument. Illegal immigration has forced a number of American workers to leave their job which has caused a spurt in the US unemployment ratio. In my point of view, Mexican illegal immigrants are not taking the jobs away from the Americans they are only doing the work which the Americans not willing to do.

According to Buchanan his article entitled A Bush Amnesty For a Mexican Army recalled, U.S. immigration laws are being daily mocked and violated. According to me, this statement point out the loophole of American governance. They are not doing there duty to protect their boarders instead of making statements like this.

American migrants John Mendez article entitled Illegal Immigration: Mexicos Shame, reviews The poverty rate for Mexican immigrants is dramatically higher than that of natives or immigrants in general. The reason behind that Mexicans does not have the higher standard of education. Education really reflects their income and occupation that means either Mexicans getting lower skilled jobs or higher unemployment rate than other immigrants which is directly affect to their income.

The Andrew Mclndoes article The Effects of Illegal Immigration on Society revealed Illegal [immigrants] sends large percentages of their United States earnings back to their home country  an estimated $23 billion last year was sent to Mexico alone. (Nemko, Marty) this article states that the flow of dollars to Mexico is really affected to American economy. We can not stand the statement of Marty because the conversion rate of dollar to peso (Mexican currency) is much higher. So Mexicans are supporting their nations economy via sending their earnings to their nation.

The article entitled Breaking the Piggy Bank: How Illegal Immigration is Sending Schools in to the Red mentioned about the free K-12 education of illegal immigrants become burden for the American economy. Many illegal immigrants from Mexico blamed that they are not getting enough standard of education.

The article Higher Education for Illegal Immigrants talks about the financial cost of educating illegal immigrants and necessary step to control the illegal immigration. Government of America should take the necessitate action to overcome from the both crisis.

The evening edition of World Net dailys article Illegal aliens threaten U. S medical system says the illegal immigrants spreading diseases which is threatening to United States healthcare system. This is very serious issue and I totally agreed with this report. The government has to take strong preparation for protecting the health of Americans.

The book named Out Laws in the Promised Land Publisher: Grove Press (August, 1986)& describes about the contribution of illegal immigrants to the federal government of America which is very apparent.

Jason Din, his article The Environmental Impact of Immigration into the United States describes the environmental impact of immigration into the U.S. the high amount of immigration effects on nature of America such as hectic traffic jam, crime rates, healthcare and welfare system, job climate and economy.

The book of The Economic Consequences of Immigration By Julian Lincoln Simon,publisher University of Michigan Press, 1999 demonstrating that immigrants relocate fewer occupation than they generate, are well educated than the greater part of American workforce. And this book specially deals with the public-policy issue.

Works Cited

Breaking the Piggy Bank: How Illegal Immigration is Sending Schools into the Red. FAIR: Federation for American Immigration Reform. 2005. Web.

Buchanan, Pat. A Bush Amnesty for a Mexican Army. 2002. Web.

Frieden, Terry. INS: 7 Million Illegal Immigrants in United States: Mexicans make up nearly 70 percent of total, figures show. CNN./U S. 2005. Web.

Higher Education for Illegal Immigrants. Economics of Education: The Demand for Quality Education is Exceeding Supply. 2009. Web.

Illegal Immigration: A case Study by Congressman Randy Forbes: Virginias Fourth Congressional District: Economy. J. Randy Forbes: 4^th District of Virginia. 2009. Web.

Invasion USA: Illegal aliens threaten U.S. medical system: Docs journal reports hospitals being closed, previously vanquished diseases being spread. World Net Daily: Evening Edition. 2009. Web.

Landis, S. How Do We Stop Illegal Immigration? Associated Content: Business & Finance. 2009. Web.

Mendez, John. Illegal Immigration: Mexicos Shame: Mexicos Mass Exodus. American Thinker. 2009. Web.

The Effects of Illegal Immigration on Society. Andrew McIndoe. 2005. Web.

Introduction

The United States has always been a magnet for people from all over world, who regard our country as the place, where they can fulfill their potential and find a better life. Many of them became part of the community and obtained American citizenship. For a considerable period of time, the inflow of foreigners suited the government, because the state was in need of labor force, both high and low skilled.

However, the situation took a different turn in nineties: it became apparent that the US could not simply find room for all immigrants, and apart from that, at this point there is no urgent necessity for cheap workers. It is very difficult to give the most accurate and up-to-date information about the number of illegal aliens but according to most recent statistical date there are more than 11 million people, who have no legal status, and more than 70 percent of them which is approximately 7,5 million come from Mexico (United States Accountability Office, p 2).

Again, we have to stress the fact that these data may not be exact, because more and more people keep coming. In 2001, Bush administration proposed a new policy, according to which those illegal aliens, who come from Mexico should be granted amnesty. In other words, they can eventually become full citizens of the country.

At this point, we have to draw a distinct line between two notions: first, we are not discussing the consequences of illegal immigration in general; on the contrary, we will need to focus on the effects of this reform: its advantages (if any) and disadvantages. The immigration debate is complex with few, if any, right answers of how to both be pragmatic concerning the costs associated with illegal immigrants and compassionate with regards to people involved.

The issue lies squarely within the responsibility of the Federal government because individual states and local communities do not have the capability on their own. While analyzing this issue, we need to pay special attention to economics and labor market, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, because these spheres are most likely to be affected. Yet, at the very beginning, we should give at least a short historic overview of this question, as amnesty to illegal immigrants has only recently attracted attention of the public.

Historic Background

On the whole, it is quite possible for us to say that such policy is almost unprecedented for the US, because people in this country has a very strong aversion to any violation of the law, including illegal crossing of national borders. Therefore, for more than fifteen years since early nineties, the US has attempting to stop or at least to diminish the influx of people, coming from other countries and Mexico in particular. Moreover, we can stay that the government was often forced to accept the situation, and let illegal aliens stay within American borders. The thing is that even deportation cost are often very high and even such state as the US cannot afford to deport all illegal aliens (McDonald, p 7).

In 2001, the authorities of the US and Mexico announced some of their future plans especially the possibility of the treaty, according to which Mexican immigrants could obtain citizenship in the near future (Huelsemeyer p 3). In this regard, we have to discuss the so-called North American Union. This is a hypothetic multilateral treaty, which may be signed by the US, Canada, and Mexico. In part, this project is based the model of the European Union.

The major peculiarity of such international alliance is complete elimination of regional borders, which means that American, Canadians and Mexicans can move freely from one county to another (Huelsemeyer, 4).

This idea has been subjected to heavy criticism by economists and sociologists, who say that this union can exist only if every participants are at the same level in terms of economic development, social security, infrastructure, but the US and Mexico are clearly not equals, and in the future status quo will not undergo any changes. This is the reason why so many people resent the idea of Northern American Union and amnesty to illegal Mexican aliens. The pardon to illegal immigrants is an inherent part of this agreement.

Additionally, this reform has been criticized by many legal immigrants from other countries, because these people have to wait for years in order to obtain citizenship and they are clearly indignant with such policy of the American government because they do not understand what makes Mexicans so special. They believe that it is an example of discrimination. Even Spanish-speaking people do not approve of the amnesty as they think each person must deserve this right, and law violation is not the way to do it. In their opinion, this will erase the difference between law-abiding people and criminals.

Certainly, this decision was not fully implemented and one could hardly expect that it could receive approval. However, even now, this issue remains a subject of heated economical, sociological and heated debate, many sociologists believe that in this way the United States may lose its sovereignty, and many of them are firmly convinced that this amnesty would entail real invasion of the UN, thus, we need to discuss hypothetical outcomes of this reform.

Economics and labor Market

Possible adverse consequences

The opponents of amnesty advance an overarching argument that this policy will lower the standards of living in American citizens. First, they point out the legalization will contribute greatly to the overall population growth, which will subsequently resonate in health care, education and employment. In addition to that, they maintain that salaries will be driven down by illegal immigrants who will be willing to work for much lesser payment, especially in comparison with the citizens of the country.

And finally, it is the U.S. taxpayer who will have to fill the bill for their health care services, education of their children, social insurance and so forth. In addition, the large influx of illegal aliens burdens the already inadequate number of units classified as affordable housing and other welfare resources such as energy, water and land usage (Illegal Immigration, 2003).

It has been estimated that the added cost to the federal government will be more than $15 billion per year when the present illegal aliens become citizens and begin collecting welfare benefits (Rector, 2006). The proposed bill will add greatly to this number because it will encourage a new surge of low skilled workers through its guest worker program. Traditionally, immigrants to the U.S. were less likely than those born in America to collect welfare. This historic arrangement has radically changed over the past three decades. Today, immigrant families are at least 50 percent more likely to receive federal benefits than those born in this country.

Additionally, immigrants can adapt themselves and rely on the welfare system. To further aggravate the situation, when an illegal immigrant becomes a citizen, he can legally bring his parents who also have the right to become citi­zens. The estimated long-term cost of overall federal benefits could exceed $50 billion per year for the parents of the 10 million beneficiaries of amnesty. In the long run, the bill, if enacted, would be the largest expansion of the welfare state in 35 years (Rector, 2006).. Welfare use among this group and for low-skill immigrants granted amnesty is three times the rate for the U.S. born citizens.

Over the past two decades, about 10 million people who do not possess a high-school diploma have entered the country and predictably end up on welfare. Illegal aliens drain social services paid for by legal citizens, $2.5 billion from Medicaid, $2 billion from food aid programs and $2 billion in hospital care from the federal coffers in 2002 alone. States along the southern border pay out hundreds of millions of dollars every year providing social services for illegal aliens. This reasoning seems to be quite convincing as it indicates that the financial system of the United States will incur heavy losses, if the governments gives legal status to Mexican aliens. Naturally, we cannot pinpoint exact amount of money, but it would be very difficult to afford it.

Hypothetical benefits

Nevertheless, there is another side of this debate, which claims that by offering amnesty for illegal immigrants, the government may improve financial situation in the country. Their argument is mostly based on the assumption that illegal Mexican immigrants, who will receive American citizenship, will also become taxpayers. In other words, they will not only receive social support and subsequent services but they will also contribute to the well-being of this country (Oskamp, 55). It has to be admitted that the United States will hardly be able to deport more than seven million people to Mexico, and amnesty is one of the ways in the US can benefit by them.

Apart from that, we should not forget about hypothetical changes in the labor market. First, at the moment, many employers hire immigrants because these peoples are practically outlaws, who would agree on any terms, such as low salary, long-working hours, unsafe workplace conditions and so forth. Naturally, it is quite advantageous for those who employ them. Many scholars maintain that amnesty would force American companies to abandon such policies, because hiring immigrants will no longer be so profitable (Papademetriou). It is very unlikely that a person with legal status will be content with scanty earnings.

Furthermore, the pardon to undocumented aliens can bring more skilled labor force into the country. Among those, who come to the United States illegally, there are many individuals who have the diploma of higher education and they are quite competent in their profession. Many of them simply have to take menial jobs because there is no alternative variant. Thus, amnesty may create equal chances to find a job for all applicants, and companies will have to judge by the candidates skills and not only his or her wage expectations.

Nonetheless, we have to acknowledge that this policy (if it is ever put into practice) covers more than seven million people and we can hardly account for all its effects. Many economists believe that American has already passed through the stage when country was strongly dependent of immigrant labor, either legal or illegal (Schlafly, 1). At this stage, the state no longer requires the services of these people. At first glance, such statement can sound heartless or cruel, but this is the reality. America has always been perceived as some land of promise, a place where everyone has a chance for prosperity, but the United States cannot room all people.

The impact on infrastructure

Prior to analyzing possible impacts of this amnesty on the US infrastructure, we should first give clear definition of this concept. On the whole, it can be interpreted as a set of institutions and organizations, which support the functioning of the society (Likosky, 13). These institutions can deal with various spheres, such health care, education, transport, communications, and so forth. In this paper, we should pay special attention to education, and health system, because they are currently immensely influenced by the tide of illegal or legal immigrants.

Healthcare

The opponents of this policy state at present the overwhelming majority of American hospitals are overcrowded, especially if we are speaking about non-profit organizations. This question should be analyzed not only in terms of economics but also in terms of ethics. Naturally, medical workers cannot possible refuse assistance to those who need help, because this contradicts the core principles of their profession.

However, we have to admit that they cannot possible assist everyone, because their resources are exhaustible. Those people, who object to the amnesty, emphasize the fact that it may only overload the US hospitals. Again many scholars say that American currently faces acute shortage of medical workers, in particular nurses, the inflow of undocumented Mexican people will only make things even worse (Gorin, 225).

Many hospitals are currently underfinanced and even now many American citizens cannot obtain qualified treatment, mostly because they do not have insurance. If the number of uninsured people will increase this may eventually strike a very heavy blow on American health care system. Thus, on the one hand, it is quite possible for us to argue that the amnesty will have only detrimental effects on health care system in the US.

But we should take into account that even now many illegal immigrants receive health care services in American hospitals. It stands to reason that these people cannot cover their expenses especially considering the fact they are working for very cheap salaries. Provided that they receive legal status, they will have an opportunity to find well-paid or at least better jobs, and subsequently, illegal Mexican immigrants may be able to pay their fees. Again we have to discuss this question in connection with labor market. It seems that an employee, who receives more or less decent salary, will be able to take insurance.

Yet, we should bear it in mind that this cannot be accomplished in a relatively short period of time. The government has to remember that such large-scale reform can be carried out at once. Seven million people cannot accommodate themselves even if they have legal status. The major disadvantage of this policy is that it is too rash. Certainly, we cannot predict the exact scenario, but undoubtedly, the amnesty may spread havoc in the US health care system.

Education

The negative impacts of the amnesty for undocumented workers from Mexico will surely make American schools even more overcrowded. First, it should be pointed out that many children of illegal Mexican aliens have limited English proficiency and many of them can hardly speak this language. This will force educators to develop and launch drastically new training programs which may help these children to accommodate themselves, and no one can guarantee that these programs will succeed.

Many officials cry against this policy, because even now schools have extremely high drop out rates, and Hispanic students have rather poor academic performance due to several factors such as i, low income and limited English proficiency (Christle, 327). If there will be even more students coming, American schools will hardly be able to meet compulsory academic requirements. Even now teachers in public schools cannot cope with the amount of work, and the amnesty will only aggravate the situation.

Of course, every child, irrespective of his parents legal status has a right to receive free and appropriate education but it seems that the amnesty for illegal Mexican aliens may ruin education system in the country, because institutions simply will not perform their functions properly. The supporters of legalization try to convince the public that this is inhumane to reject them right for education, and that we should disregard their legal status.

Nevertheless, in this case, academic performance in the US will significantly drop, and we run a risk that school graduates will not meet the standards of colleges and universities. The question arises whether this is humane. We can observe a very curious paradox: by trying to be compassionate for foreigners, they reject this compassion to American citizens.

Conclusion

To conclude, in this essay we have tried to analyze the outcomes of amnesty for illegal Mexican immigrants. We have focused on economics, labor market, health care education. We may say that that legalization of undocumented aliens may have almost catastrophic effects on the United States. First, as we have previously noted this will definitely increase the states and expenses. Naturally, this is likelihood that this people will eventually become taxpayers but this can happened only after a long time.

As regards the impact on infrastructure, especially health care education we may say that this will only create more difficulties because even now these spheres are understaffed and underfinanced. Methods to stem the flow of immigrants such as building a border fence, deporting them, and implementing a federal identification system might appear severe to some but they are necessary steps in safeguarding America for Americans. Legislators should consider the net effect on society and encourage the immigration of high-skilled and well educated people who will contribute to the economic health of the nation rather than low or no-skilled workers who are a heavy economic and social burden.

The debate seems to go the way of the American example. It only makes sense that if immigrants, much as their forbearers work hard and assimilate into American society. In this case, they should be not only allowed but encouraged to stay. Its an American tradition that made this country what is today, the greatest economic power the world has ever known. Immigrants built the country but the country has changed immensely in the course of the twentieth century and there is no shortage of skilled labor force and educated people, and the United States cannot provide room to everyone.

Bibliography

Demetrios G. Papademetriou. The economic and labor market effects of immigration on the United States. National Forum, 1994, 3.

Erler, Edward J. Amnesty for Illegal Aliens. The Washington Times. (2004). Web.

Christle. C. School Characteristics Related to High School Dropout Rates. Remedial and Special Education, 2007. (28), 6, pp 325-330.

Gorin. S. Universal Health Care Coverage in the United States: Barriers, Prospects, and Implications. Health and Social Work, 1997, (22), 3, pp 223-230.

Huelsemeyer. A. Toward Deeper North American Integration: A Customs Union?. Canadian-American Public Policy, 2004, (59), pp 2-15.

Immigration Reform. Word Press. 2009. Web.

Likosky. M. Law, infrastructure, and human rights. Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Marshall, I. H. Minorities, Migrants, and Crime: Diversity and Similarity across Europe and the United States Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (1997).

McDonald, W. F. Crime and illegal immigration. National Institute of Justice Journal. Vol. 232. (1997). pp. 2-10.

Oskamp, Stuart Reducing Prejudice and Discrimination Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum (2000). P. 55.

Rector, Robert. The Wrong Course: The Senates Proposed Amnesty Will Cost a Fortune. National Review Online. (2006). Web.

Schlafly, Phyllis. No Argument Justifies Amnesty for Illegal Aliens. Copley News Service. (2004). Web.

Small, Dennis. Whats Behind the Hispanic Immigration Crisis? EIR Economics. (2005). Web.

United States Government Accountability Office. Estimated the undocumented population , 2006. Web.

Abstract

The paper under analysis provides research in the social sphere of relationships between people. Here the points on cohabitation are discussed, as a constant phenomenon in American society. The prospects of time and morality are projected in the paper in a form of arguments using authoritative sources as well as statistical data. The idea of the paper presupposes closer explanation of cohabitation and its reflections in society. Weighing all pros and cons the research intends to find out the objectives for such way of living and its opposition to legalization of relationships. A descriptive analysis used in the paper is supported with statistics within the last 10 years. Persuasive readings will make the achievement of positive evaluation of the research possible.

Introduction

The seriousness of life presupposes that a man grows up and his/her interests in personal life are developing due to the extent of morality in the society and upbringing in the family. In this respect the problem of cohabitation stands in opposition toward the family building. The main reasons provide assumptions that for people it is hard to point out their significant others. Time is the best helper for this idea, and people in cohabitation just see their differences and similarities in the way of household life and in an ability to project or reflect the emotions of each.

In fact, the research is intended to find out the explanation for such way of relationships. The primary thought of the reasons for this act within mostly young people is outlined. Furthermore, the objectives in the research are given in both positive and negative coloring, so that to provide weighty attitudinal approach of various researchers in previous times. The research also encompasses the current motivations of young people or those being nearly to unite. All in all, the theme and idea of the research are vital for the explanation of social and societal transformation being apparent today.

Discussion

Before analyzing the effects of cohabitation it is necessary to point out the reasons for people to unite and live together for a definite period of time. The idea that living in the society a man seeks for understanding, care, and love is predominant due to the natural intentions being essential in everyone. Thus, an individual is eager to define his/her interest in opposite side of mankind. As a result, the primordial motives drive the choices of people, which in turn may appear to be wrong or right. According to Thornton et al (2007) there are three major reasons for making first steps toward cohabitation, namely:

• living together would cost less than separately;
• it is a great opportunity to check the reliability and future outcomes of being together;
• It saves time for better perspectives, so that to cover expenses for marriage.

It is fair to admit that the well-being of two is a major impulse for making plans for further marriage. People are attempting to make life easier as possible at the time. This idea suggests that cohabitation is a sort of prerequisite condition for making life prospects more convenient. In particular, both parties of union urge to throw down the financial burden which could impede them if being married from the very beginning. Rouse (2002) insists on two main groups of reasons being significant for making decisions, namely: social trends and personal motivations. Both are vital, but the first group seems to be more significant, because living standards have a changeable character. The dynamics of social life presupposes division of the society into different strata. Thus, people are limited by their financial and material opportunities for building their own lives. Personal motivations are prior, but without material background seem to be almost trite.

Taking into account features about the reasons for cohabitation the reality displays the truth of such relationships and way of life in terms of consequences for people. In other words, there is a complex of effects of cohabitation stated in the statistical data and sociological researches. These readings promote an idea of how the situation with the social institutions transforms by means of the above-mentioned way to find harmony. In this respect the institution of family is outlined as a straightforward structure within which a discussion of cohabitation achieved positive publicity.

With regards to Hill and Evans (2006) the negative outcomes of cohabitation are supposed with two theories being rather striking and logical as of the society and Americans, particularly. One of them touches upon the idea that cohabiters are mostly those who are predominantly intended to have no serious relationships. A mere extent of so-called insurance exists in the minds, so that not to load their hectic life when everything seems to be onwards. The second theory outlines that time spent for cohabitation is supposed with late marital. As a result, psychologically as well as physiologically the further marriage loses its genuine importance.

Spending more time together is pointed out as the main reason for couples cohabiting in the United States. The rates of cohabitation in contrast to marriages have been increased recently, and the 2008 Census data registered 13.6 million unmarried couples of heterosexual orientation living hand-by-hand (Jayson, 2009). It is an outrageous statistic. In fact, it is a demonstration of marriage and family institutions decline. Effects may refer to no moral coloring in making relationships based on primordial standards prescribed even in the ancient scriptures. The theme under analysis is too deep to discover.

In previous statistics the situation already was critical as of cohabitation rates and the state of unmarried couples throughout the USA. Thereupon, in the year 2000, for example, the most unmarried parts of the country were North-Eastern region and South-Western along with State of Alaska: the Central part appeared to be the most concerned about marriages, especially in Utah (US Census Bureau, 2000). Today the situation is spread evenly in the Central parts of the United States with predictions to further faster tempos of increase.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The analysis of the cohabitation essence being apparent in the United States showed that the increase of unmarried couples is presupposed with both social trends and personal motivations of people living together. The idea of marriage and family on the whole seems to lose its primary significance for individuals apt to outline the seriousness of the relationships. Here the impacts of demoralization and lack of national programs on social affairs within educational establishments, first of all, played a great role. In this respect it is vital to provide social programs for the society aimed at the improvement of the genuine significance of marriage, as a prerequisite of living together. The first reliable step should touch upon the financial support of young people by the state power. In this a case, an element of encouragement should be represented, as a stimulus for marriage.

Reference

U.S. Census Bureau. (2000). Married-Couple and Unmarried-Partner Households: 2000. U.S. Department of Commerce. Economics and Statistics Administration. Hyperlink: Web.

Hill, J. R., and Evans, S. G. (2006). Effects of cohabitation on personal length and relational well being. Birmingham, Alabama: Alabama Policy Institute.

Jayson, S. (2009). Couples study debunks trial marriage notion of cohabiting. USA Today. Hyperlink: Web.

Thornton, A., Axinn, W. G., and Xie, Y. (2007). Marriage and cohabitation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Rouse, L. P. (2002). Marital and sexual lifestyles in the United States: attitudes, behaviors, and relationships in social context. London: Routledge.

Introduction

A norm can be described as a pattern of behavior expected within a particular society in a given situation i.e. the belief that is shared and accepted as normal, shapes and controls peoples actions in the society. People who do not follow the norms within society are considered rude and defiant and are often stigmatized. Important norms in society are called mores and their violations are punishable with severe sanctions and are often enforced by law.

There exist at least two important reasons as to why norms may not be abandoned within a particular society. The first reason is that people are educated through their socialization process to follow a norm and most of the people will not stand against the norm. Secondly, even if a person doesnt feel like following a norm, it may be in his/her best interest to follow it anyway because she/he may have no other choice.

In this research, I am going in the field to try and violate some two norms but taking caution not to break the mores to avoid landing myself on the wrong side of the law. In the process of violation of these norms, I do expect mixed reactions from the people who will be around to witness and even those who will have the privilege to get the news from those that will have witnessed. I do expect people to be surprised to a point of remaining speechless and others to laugh to a point of collapsing.

Methods

It was lunchtime and I was headed to the mess to have my lunch. I was in the company of several people, some of them my friends, with whom we were headed in the same direction. The road was busy with people moving in opposite directions. I was not talking to anybody and all of a sudden I broke into an animated conversation with myself not minding those people around me. Several people including my friends saw me do this, only a few people around could not see this because of the hurry in which they were. On reaching the mess, I ordered beef soup with a fork and immediately I started eating the soup using the fork. We were sharing a table with two friends of mine but I was trying the much I could not engage in any of their conversations. This happened three days ago.

Results

The moment I started my animated conversation, at first I did not draw anyones attention but after an interval of about one minute, everyone around kept quiet to comprehend what was actually going on. One of my friends asked me while wearing a very surprised face, whats wrong with you? Are you okay? Another person going in the opposite direction stood still, his eyes fixed on me even as I moved on. Another person commented on a serious note while trying to grab my hand, this person is sick, lets take the person for medical attention. But another friend of mine laughed and said that I was only joking which caused some argument between the two.

In the dining, the two friends on seeing me order soup and a fork only (and they had witnessed the animated conversation on the road) never took things lightly. They requested to know whether I was all right but I responded that nothing was wrong with me. An argument ensued culminating in I being forcibly grabbed and taken to a medical doctor for some close examination. While this was happening, the few in the room never made any comment or even show any facial expression. They were simply minding their own business.

Discussion

What happened during this experience was more than I could have expected. I didnt expect people to exhibit so much concern towards my behavior in the process of breaking the norms. I did not expect to get to the extent of being dragged to the hospital against my will. It never dawned on me that people would be overly concerned about my breaking the norm. On the other hand, I did not expect a particular group of people to remain callous despite seeing me behaving out of the ordinary.

From what I observed during my research, I realized that majority of the people in society get alarmed when they see someone violating a norm. Whenever a norm is violated within a society, the first reaction of the people around is getting overly surprised and later on seeks to know the reason and cause for this. They want to find out the cause of this extraordinary conduct. Interestingly enough, whether they find out the cause or not they will always seek to come up with corrective measures before the situation gets out of hand. My friends initiative of taking me to the hospital is a clear indication of peoples willingness in society not to appreciate the breaking of norms.

On the other hand, from my observation, I found out that in society there is a section of people who would not care if a norm was violated or not. This might come about as a result of the violator not being directly associated with these people. This is indicated in the case where my friends dragged me to the hospital while other guys were seated enjoying their meal in the dining room showing no concern. Also, some people might not react in any way whenever what is held by the majority in society as a norm is broken since they might be foreigners in that particular society and are unable to tell the violation of a norm.

Carrying out this research was not an easy exercise and needed a lot of sacrifice and dedication. It was not a comfortable task since it involved participating in activities I was not used to carrying out. Breaking a norm, especially when doing it consciously, makes you feel really uncomfortable. I was so uncomfortable during the process but the justification within me was that I was doing it just for a while and for a worthy reason.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my norm violating experience has taught me one main and very important lesson in regard to society. Norms are valued highly in society and breaking them becomes an issue of concern. Norms in any particular society closely relate to customs and have to be followed at all times. Violating a norm brings discomfort among people in society and they end up lacking peace in their mind until the situation is resolved. Therefore, it is quite important for individuals to avoid violation of norms in any particular society.

There are three predominant Latinx populations in the United States: Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and Dominicans. The populations were forced to flee their countries and become immigrants in the US, eventually facing an array of prejudices. The significant issues that led to their migration include racism and ethnic differences, discrimination in housing and education, and employment. However, the migration of Puerto Ricans is considered migration within one country since they were already U.S. citizens. Therefore, Hispanic and Latinx people in the United States overcame many challenges to obtaining the same opportunities as the rest of the population.

The first Dominican immigrants to arrive in the United States were all refugees and settled in the countrys Northeast part. Between 1961 and 1986, there were more than 400,000 immigrants in the United States, with another 40,000 entering Puerto Rico (Gonzalez 109). There was an increase in the number of Latinxs who entered the U.S. territory, with thousands of them as illegal immigrants. New York City itself had over 300,000 Dominicans at the time (Gonzalez 109). It was thought that by early 2000, over 700,000 Dominican immigrants in the city would make it one of the largest migrations (Gonzalez 109). Consequently, the Dominican ethnicity became more widespread during this period.

The first Dominican riot in the United States took place in 1992, where they protested the shooting of a Dominican drug dealer by a white police officer. Police brutality was rampant during this era to the extent that if a Hispanic person happened to look at a police officer and run, police would hunt down their families and shoot them. Therefore, people sat in their homes, waiting for the police to execute them. The same politicians and unresolved conflicts controlled the Dominican political life over the next 30 years. In 1961, after the rebels killed the Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo, the United States sheltered many Dominican immigrants (Gonzalez 111). Most immigrants during the 1980s were poor individuals coming from the working class who lacked a chance to obtain higher education. Thus, many Dominican immigrant youths used to have lower academic achievements than their American native counterparts and other foreign-born people.

United States central region was popular among the Guatemalans, Salvadorans, and Nicaraguans who had fled their home countries due to war and poverty. The U.S. government to an extent contributed to the war in the three countries by supporting their dictators (Geyer par. 4). The fact that the U.S. intervened in the three countries matters propelled the war, leading to most of its population fleeing the countries to seek refuge in the country (Gonzalez 120). Latinxs in the United States have been subjected to ethnic discrimination for a long period. They were denied equal opportunities in education and political representation, fuelling riots and demonstrations across the population.

In addition to social and economic disadvantage, Latinx immigrants received health care of worse quality. Inferior health care commonly results in poorer health outcomes and quality of life (Calvo 44). Due to lower incomes and education levels, the immigrants also had limited access to preventive care and medical consultations, which led to a lack of health literacy and more risky behaviors (Calvo 44). The situation made Latinxs more vulnerable to illnesses and death.

Considering the discrimination against the Latinxs in the United States of America, producing a female president from their group is a great achievement. It indicates that the country is evolving and that the Latinxs are getting fair treatment similar to their native counterparts across the country. The extensive oppression that they have faced over the years and their struggle against it has yielded results in the end.

Works Cited

Calvo, Rocio. Health Literacy and Quality of Care Among Latino Immigrants in the United States. Health & Social Work, vol. 41, no. 1, 2015, pp. 4451.

Geyer, Georgie Anne. U.S. Support for Brutal Central American Dictators Led to Todays Border Crisis. Chicago Sun Times, 2018. Web.

Gonzalez, J. Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America. Penguin, 2011.

Introduction

The idea of associating video games with violence has existed for almost as long as the medium itself. Many titles enable the person to enact a character that is encouraged to participate in violence against other people, both computer- and player-controlled, without suffering any consequences for it. In some cases, the person is encouraged to be creative in how they commit imaginary atrocities.

Moreover, there exists an enduring perception that video games are mainly intended for impressionable children and adolescents. All of these factors make it easy for a person who is unfamiliar with video games to believe the worst of them. However, the people who play them tend to oppose the viewpoint, conducting numerous studies to counter the narrative. This essay will discuss both sides of the debate and the claims as well as the evidence they provide.

The Argument for the Relationship

There are two primary arguments regarding the danger of video games, one of which applies worldwide while the other is more specific to the United States. The first is their influence on children and adolescents through continued exposure to violence. The claim is that eventually, they become desensitized to aggression and become less empathetic toward others (Sifferlin). This idea particularly applies to competitive games, which include many highly popular titles such as Call of Duty and Fortnite.

In them, the players are encouraged to kill each others human avatars, often with weapons designed to seem realistic. While there are age restrictions on many games that feature violence, they tend to be easily bypassable, letting children play them freely. As such, due to the immersion they provide and their availability, some people assert that video games affect childrens development adversely.

The claim is supported by some research, though it is currently far from producing conclusive results. Snider highlights a 2015 review by the American Psychological Association and a 2018 study that have both found a small but persistent in the aggression of children who play video games. However, Snider also mentions a lead researcher in the second paper, who suggests that violent children may be drawn to brutal video games and not the other way around.

Overall, it would appear that in a broad context, video games do not necessarily make a significant difference in childrens behavior. However, they may affect some particularly susceptible infants and adolescents and add to their issues. There is some cause for concern, but it does not correspond to the level of concern that video game violence has generated over the years.

The second argument involves the problem of events with large casualties, shootings in particular. They have some parallels with first-person videogames due to the latters tendency to try to appear real while omitting many inconvenient factors.

Players often have to plan their approach and weaponry so that they can eliminate all enemies, who will often be armed or otherwise dangerous. One can find some similarities between this process and a shooters preparation to kill as many people as possible. As Draper notes, some mass shooters have been known to play video games and mention them in their manifestos. As such, some people have established a link and claimed that shooting games serve as a variety of mental preparation. Shooters supposedly get motivated by the virtual violence that they commit and use games as a method to learn about potential tactics.

There is little to no evidence for the existence of the relationship, possibly due to the low number of cases that complicate scholarly analysis. Moreover, the shooter mentioned above made his motivations known in their manifestos or statements, and the issues he discussed are political (Draper). The tactics aspect is also compromised by Drapers note that the criminal explicitly warned like-minded people not to attack heavily guarded areas to fulfill your super-soldier COD fantasy, because doing so would be ineffective. Shooters will typically target defenseless locations such as churches or schools to incur the most damage before they can be stopped. There are only a few games that enact such a scenario, most or all of which have been heavily controversial.

The Argument against the Relationship

The argument that video games do not cause violence often struggles to become widespread and publicly acknowledged because of the difficulty of proving a negative. It is easier for the other side to generate publicity by citing cases such as shootings that attract attention already than to review them carefully and say that there is no such link afterward. To counter this tendency and prevent potentially harmful policy, the defenders of video games have conducted and compiled extensive research.

Numerous studies exist that refute both of the principal claims of the other side that have surfaced over the years and are typically cited in response. They do so by both producing different results for the same hypothesis and introducing additional factors for consideration. The responses to each argument are discussed in more detail below.

The claims that video games increase aggression have been contradicted both in general and in the context of minors, specifically. Azad mentions a study that found no link between time spent playing and aggressive behavior in adolescents and concludes that video games reduce violence by providing an outlet for such tendencies. Azads article also suggests that some studies may be skewed because boys, who are typically more aggressive than girls, also play video games more, further diminishing the small effect found. Overall, it would appear that studies that claim an increase in aggression in children are outliers that require additional exploration and supporting evidence. As such, it would not be reasonable to act on the current positive findings and blame video games for adolescent violence.

The situation surrounding video games and shootings is similarly inconclusive, with little scientific evidence to support the claims discussed above. Draper notes that with the number of shootings in the United States, some perpetrators, most of whom are men, would inevitably play video games, but their number is too low to be significant. Draper adds that the mental profile of the mass shooter, especially the difference that makes them commit atrocities unlike the numerous people who are similar to them, is still underexplored.

As such, it is unreasonable and dangerous to assign them a specific motivation such as videogame violence because their issues are likely much more complicated. Overall, there is too little evidence for any specific danger of video games, especially popular ones. As such, people often turn to discuss the reason why the debate has persisted for so long despite the advantage held by one side.

Both the protection of children and mass shootings tend to be topics that are highly popular with the media and politicians. Associated Press notes that there is no strong lobby behind video games, unlike other popular issues such as guns, and that games can look scary to someone who does not play them. As such, members of the two groups above can easily attract the attention of many people with an emotional appeal.

Regardless of their political affiliation, a politician can generate some publicity without strong backlash by speaking out against the seemingly simple issue. However, in recent years, the populations awareness seems to have increased, and President Trumps 2019 comments about gruesome and grisly video games were met with significant negative feedback, especially online (Draper). After almost thirty years since the release of the original Doom, the debate may be approaching a resolution.

Conclusion

Claims about the dangers of video games seem to appeal to emotion more than reason. While some studies support them, albeit weakly, a substantial body of research either refutes them or shows that the opposite tendencies exist. In particular, investigations that affirm the link may be ignoring confounding factors or mistaking the direction of the relationship, with violent people being attracted to violent games and not vice versa.

Similar claims about mass shooters are at least partially contradicted by the criminals themselves and appear to be generally irrelevant. Overall, it would seem that the only reason why the debate continues is the relative novelty of video games and their somewhat niche appeal. Politicians and the media exploit these aspects to capture the attention of uninformed people for publicity. However, this tendency may be changing, and defenders of video games appear to be approaching a decisive victory.

Works Cited

Associated Press. No, Theres Still No Link Between Video Games and Violence. Los Angeles Times. 2019. Web.

Azad, Arman. Video Games Unlikely to Cause Real-World Violence, Experts Say. CNN Health. 2019. Web.

Draper, Kevin. Video Games Arent Why Shootings Happen. Politicians Still Blame Them. The New York Times. 2019. Web.

Sifferlin, Alexandra. Violent Video Games are Linked to Aggression, Study Says. Time. 2015. Web.

Snider, Mike. Study Confirms Link Between Violent Video Games and Physical Aggression. USA Today. 2018. Web.