Racism in American Culture

One could say race has a poor relationship with America; that there is a strong connection between the two; or that they simply do not coincide with each other. Alain Locke, who is an American writer, educator, philosopher, patron of the arts, and “Father” of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote several works of literature which went against the oppression of African American men, women, and children. Another famous Renaissance writer, Langston Hughes, touches on the American Dream in his work . Both writers are trying to better societal views. Alain Lockes “The New Negro” and Langston Hughes’ “Let America be America Again ” both reveal the backwards and intolerable ways of this country.

Alain Lockes “The New Negro” is a term and work that was used during the Harlem Renaissance which implied outspoken advocacy of dignity and the complete refusal to submit to the practices of and laws of Jim Crow. These laws represented a formal, codified system of racial apartheid that dominated the American South for three quarters of a century beginning in the 1890s. The laws of Jim Crow consisted of the segregation of schools, public places, transportation, restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains.

During all of this absurdity, The Great Migration was in full effect. African Americans were taking a stand and boycotting the laws of Jim Crow which gave them power to escape the oppression they were facing. Most of them left their homes in the south and headed north in search of employment and a new beginning. This migration expressed the extent of their voice and gained power . Alain Locke said “..the mind of the Negro seems suddenly to have slipped from under the tyranny of social intimidation and to be shaking off the psychology of imitation and implies inferiority. By shedding the old chrysalis of the Negro problem were are achieving something like a spiritual emancipation.” By shedding this “chrysalis”, Alain is showing how the attitude and mindset of the negro is no longer shaken by inferiority and is now receiving spiritual freedoms.

Racism in America seems to be a universally known concept and Langston Hughes’ “Let America Be America Again” demonstrates his thoughts of the American dream. This poem also contrasts Hughes’ hopes for America with the reality of life for those outside of the socially and economically dominant racial, religious, and social groups. In the poem he says, “American was never America to me.” What he means is America was supposed to be where freedom reigns, where opportunities are available, and where equality was important. By saying “Let America be America again” Langston Hughes is trying to bring back the idea and desire to live in a place where everyones dreams could come true but unfortunately he is seeing that this entire concept is flipped upside down and inside out. This gimmick that was created fooled everyone especially African Americans looking for a new life with freedom.

These two works of literature show both sides of America through the lens of racism. In “The New Negro”, Locke shows that America has dug itself a hole and rid itself of its name “land of the free.” The African American people that were being oppressed by the white people of this country fought back because they realized that they had a voice and stood up for themselves and rejected that oppression which in a way shows the kinds of things America promised but tried to take away from a certain group of people because they were of another race. Langston Hughes essentially mirrors Locke with his poem “Let America Be America Again.” In his poem he shares what he thought America is about and how it lacks the aspect of the American dream it is so well known for; things like a better life, when they suck you dry, things like equal opportunities, and then discriminate. What both authors show is that America contradicted itself with so many things that people lost respect for the country and fought back.

Fortunately, in todays society, there are not a lot of oppressed people that need to fight back. Today people are more sensitive and accepting when it comes to anyone and as a democracy, we have the power to voice our opinion. One of the greatest leaders our nation had and was influenced by was Martin Luther King Jr. He fought for change and love and equality. In 1963, he wrote a letter called “The Letter from Birmingham” and in it he says “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affect one directly affects all indirectly.” Martin Luther is trying to convey the unity between us and how one injustice affects all of us even if it is indirect.

His letter was used to demonstrate how to fight back against racism in a nonviolent manner. Langston Hughes had a rather larger influence on Martin Luther King Jr. especially in his speeches. He would refer to Hughes’ poems in his speeches but would never utter the poets name to prevent havoc.

Langston Hughes and Alain Locke both influenced power of the people and that changed history. Both of these texts revealed how conceptions of race and its relationship to American culture have changed over time.

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The Problem of Smoking

Do you smoke? A question has been asked to most people at one time or another. The topic of smoking certainly requires a thorough analysis. Whether you smoke or not. It’s also an issue when it seems to polarize people. In this reading we’ll compare and contrasting viewpoints by two different individuals. As I present the arguments, I’ll dissect then truly understand their inner workings. Both Haviland and king touch on many subjects yet seem to ignore others. I think a balance must be struck when it comes to smoking, both through individual rights and a social responsibility.

“I’d Rather Smoke than Kiss.” Is Florence King’s very smart retort to anti-smokers. In this article she advocates for smoking as a simple enjoyable think to do. To emphasize this, she recalls her first smoking experience, which is for the most part very normal and unexciting. However, this account is irrelevant to the rest of the story. King quickly switches goes as she goes on the attack. In the first section she labels hatred of smokers as a form of misanthropy which she goes on to say is “the most popular form the closet misanthropy in America today” (King). This perspective is further augmented by the fact that she considers second-smoke an invention; a means for the “Passive Americans” (King), to justify prejudice towards smokers.

As she moves into the second section, she begins to document the hostility shown to smokers. Through her own personal interactions or through examples she views in newspaper articles. King really focuses on the subject of public perception, and while some examples validate he perspective, others do not. In her response we see to a Washing ton Post article, in which states that “the whole article has a die-damn-your undertow” (King). This perspective is perhaps a bit over the top and only serves to polarize her views, thereby alienating some readers.

This compounded by the next section with peculiar title of Health Nazis. In it, she likens the public service ads against smoking to political propaganda. Nevertheless, she touches on some strong points in regard to public perception and the media’s control over it. As we gone on to the final section, she begins to draw interesting parallels. She compares the attack on smokers as a form of class warfare, an even goes so far as allude to racism in the last paragraph. Indeed, she goes on to say that hatred against smokers is meant to “identify and punish the undesirables among us” (King).

On the other hand, we have Dr. Haviland’s “A Silence That Kills.” In this she speaks about society’s seeming complacency or disregard to the dangers of smoking. The structure of her essay follows a very scientific approach, and therefore concentrates on the facts of smoking. However, she addresses other issues throughout the essay that demand analysis. Dr. Haviland believe that society is not doing enough to address smoking and her restless tone reflects this belief. Tobacco according to her kills “more people each year than ADIS, suicide, murder, car accidents, and drugs combines” (Haviland). The dangers of smoking seem to be self-evident, yet Dr. Haviland asks “why is public silence so deafening?” (Haviland). This call-to-arms permeates thought-out the whole essay and is the focal point of her argument.

So, Dr. Haviland considers many factors including smoking as a stigmatized behavior. Not only does she recognize the stigma attached to smoking, but she realizes we must include their opinions as well. In this section she proceeds to also talk about personal liberties in regard to smoking. According to her, the choice debate “lacks a rigorous discussion of the power of the nicotine addiction and the role of the tobacco industry in supporting the concept of smoking is an adult choice” (Haviland). By addressing these three commonly overlooked details, Dr. Haviland’s argument benefits tremendously. In the same ways, she also addresses public, and government involvement. These last two sections serve to reiterate the points she’s made regarding smoking and public silence. She expresses discount with the lack of government intervention in the relation to smoking. On the public side, she urges society at large to rise up and confront the issue.According to Dr. Haviland, we have to “let our voices be silenced” (Haviland).

Both King and Dr. Haviland touch on these issues, but don’t respect their implications enough. I think we should respect a person’s right to smoke. At the same time, we should expect them to be well-informed on their hobby, including second hand smoke. Society has a responsibility to respect the right of an adult to smoke, but adults should respect society’s right to not smoke. We shouldn’t stigmatize people from smoking, because this only going to make them polarize against society. We should be keenly aware of nicotine addiction and how it can make it difficult for someone to quit. The smoking issue is very complicated and some of the arguments are beyond the scope of this essay. We should still obtain a balanced outlook if we consider the following: the fats of smoking, individual right, societal responsibility, and the stigma smoke. Haviland and King both right essays which obtain very important points but seem to contain a bias which me alienate some people. We should truly reach a consensus on the smoking issue, we must be willing to meet halfway. We should strike equilibrium between individual right and society responsibility.

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Cigarette Smoking: Causes and Effects

If we look at the life cycle of a cigarette we will see that it contains no 'magical' or 'enchanting' elements in it which can make a person addicted for life. For many smokers, quitting to smoke is like an impossible task, and unfortunately, this may be by design. According to FDA’s exploring ""How a Cigarette is Engineered"", researchers highlight some of the reasons why to quit smoking can be difficult. It's not just because cigarettes contain the addictive chemical nicotine, but also because the design and content of cigarettes continue to make them addictive and attractive to consumers. According to the surgeon general’s report on the health consequences of smoking, companies are making cigarettes more addictive engineering the tobacco crops holding the amount of nicotine in two times more, so it is delivered to smokers by 14.5 percent more than it would be naturally made.

Philip Morris Principal Scientist W. L. Dunn says, “No one has ever become a cigarette smoker by smoking cigarettes without nicotine.” Naturally nicotine is addictive, however manufactories make it extra addictive to make it harder for their consumers to quit. One of the examples who struggles from quitting the addictiveness is a former President Barack Obama, who calls himself a “former smoker” at his press conference. In the video “Obama’s Smoking Struggle” the president says, “I’ve said before that as a former smoker I constantly struggle with it” … “Have I fallen off the wagon sometimes? Yes. Am I a daily smoker. A constant smoker? No.” He also adds, “I would say that I am 95 percent cured, but there are times where … where I mess up” (Obama 0:48-1:00, 1:09-1:17). From this example we can see that quitting to smoke is a very hard task, however if human has great willpower and desire to crib smoking it’s possible and never too late.

Researchers argue that for increased cigarettes selling factories make cigarettes not only extra addictive, but make cigarettes seen more appealing and attractive to people. Economically, cigarettes are highly advertised, extremely affordable and accessible to practically anyone. As for the advertisement aspect in the sale of cigarettes, tobacco companies spend billions of dollars per year to advertise their brands. This money is spent on the actual advertisement, and also on manipulating the subconscious minds of teenagers (Reynolds, 1999). Billboards and magazines lure teenagers to smoke, by using teen idols and appealing photos in their ads. Cigarette advertisements generally contain hidden messages. The goal is to create a misconception of smoking. These advertisements tend to glamorize smoking. At first when people see the ad, they are not aware of these hidden messages, but they have already been influenced by them unconsciously.

The illusions of smoking have been presented to consumers as if they can make peoples' lives easier in every different perspective. During the 1040's and 50's smoking was popular and socially acceptable. Movie stars, sports heroes, and celebrities appeared in cigarette advertisements that promoted and heavily influenced teens. Influence also came from Television and other media sources. Many advertisements contain hidden messages which people cannot be aware of simply by a glance. The hidden messages are very persuasive in terms of the audience they are trying to appeal to. Instead of presenting the audience with false statements about smoking, the ads tend to lead the audience to a different perspective. This is the main goal of advertisement, to persuade people into buying their product without exaggeration or false statements to make more money on increased rating of selling cigarettes.

Despite the strong addiction and attractive advertisements of cigarettes people forget about actual harmfulness and causality of the cigarette smoking. People should know and think about how cigarette smoking is harmful to the health. Smoking is actually one of the major facilitators of health related disorders such as lung cancer, liver related problems among many more. This is because of the direct content of nicotine that is found in smoke thus causing extra pulmonary toxicity (Houtsmuller & Stitzer 150). Equally, it paves way for more infections because the tiny hairs (cilia) in the respiratory track are destroyed by the smoke and chemicals found in tobacco thus the fundamental protective mechanism destroyed. According to National Vital Statistics Reports in the article “Deaths: Leading Causes for 2014” Melonie Heron and Robert N. Anderson argue that the second most leading cause of death in the US is cancer, and about 87 percent of all cancer-related deaths are caused by smoking cigarettes. Deaths and percentage of total deaths for the 10 leading causes of death in United States during 2014.

Moreover, they state that malignant neoplasms or in the other words – cancer, caused 2 591,700 deaths in USA in 2014, or 22.5% of total death. The most significant aging factor especially on the face is smoking. It makes the facial skin to leather with deep wrinkles hence, a pure reflection of heavy and regular smoking habits. Equally, according to the American academy of dermatology it is true that smoking results to biochemical changes, which speeds up the aging process in humanity (Perkins & Carolyn 459). Diseases caused by smoking include, lung cancer, COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema (Pokorski, 45). American Lung Association states that more than 1,300 people die because of cigarette smoking, and about 400 kids become daily smokers each day in the United States. About half of all cigarette smokers die of tobacco related diseases and also, all tobacco users lose an average of 14 years of their lifespan. Medical experts state that cigarette smoking by pregnant women causes birth defects such low birth weight, premature birth, fetal abnormalities and other birth conditions that may hinder the development of the child. If look at Wikipedia and other sources there’re a lot of example of people of died from lung cancer.

According to Wikipedia Sean Morton Downey, a program director and announcer at radio station WPOP, and an American television talk show host, was born on December 9, 1932, and on March 12, 2001 dead from lung cancer caused by smoking. “In June 1996, Downey was diagnosed with lung cancer while being treated for pneumonia, and had one of his lungs removed”. When he finds out about his diagnose of being lung cancer, he comments: ""I had spawned a generation of kids to think it was cool to smoke a cigarette. Kids walked up to me until a matter of weeks ago, they'd have a cigarette in their hand and they'd say, 'Hey, Mort,' or, 'Hey, Mouth, autograph my cigarette.' And I'd do it."" (Wikipedia). In addition, British have concluded that smokers feel the taste of food is incomplete. They state that smoking suppresses taste buds and reduces appetite. Since the use of tobacco speeds up metabolism, it can cause weight gain. In general, most people know that smoking cigarette is harmful, and most of all causing lung cancer and death.

Scientists from the British University Queen Mary in London have found that 60-70% from the beginning to smoke become heavy smokers. The findings of the experts were published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research. Participation in the research which was attended by over 200 thousand people were not all directly related to smoking, some respondents constantly or occasionally smoked. Calculations show that the probability of acquiring a nicotine addiction after the first cigarette is quite high. Analysts compare the results with the use of the most powerful drugs used by people - cocaine and heroin. That is why, scientists believe, health workers of all countries should not be engaged in attracting attention from tobacco but pay attention to preventing primary use of nicotine. The researchers, among other things, found that heavy smokers were more likely to be followers of classic cigarettes than vapors.

According to Hayek’s research, the reason for this is a different composition of tobacco products. Its components, not yet known to scientists, but it’s on the way of development. Some doctors believe that a consensus on the nature of nicotine addiction lies in psychology. Their opponents insist on the physiological roots of the problem. One of the examples that cigarettes contain such a dangerous and harmful to the human body chemicals is in the “experimental” video by Rebecca Rollyson. In her YouTube video which is called “Trying my 1st cigarette!!! Almost passed out… Must watch”, Rollyson tries to smoke the first cigarette. However, it turns the way that at the end of the video she throws cigarettes away, because even after taking the first few inhales, she experiences the bad feelings and side effects on her health. She complains, ""Apparently my lungs didn't like it as well … my chest is on fire … I have heartburn” (8:01-8:04, 13:58-14:01). Afterall, the experimenter encourages her viewers not even try to start smoking, who has not begun yet, because of effects in the human body that chemicals produce after even first few inhales.

Looking at all of the facts that smoking effects smoker’s health there appears a good notion that warning can serve as important devices of communication to persuade and motivate changes in behavior if they are appropriately designed (Andrews, Netemeyer, Kees & Burton, 2014). Health warnings on cigarette packages can affect the health beliefs and behavior of smokers. As such, counter marketing programs aim at understanding the pathways that may drive thoughts on how to quit smoking and design the most effective counter marketing programs to induce smoking cessation. Therefore, it is vital to extend perceptions into how graphic visual warnings affect young smokers. This will facilitate the development of a better understanding of how graphic visual warnings can address smoking today.

Here appears question that if smokers have the significant harassments, what should people do and how should them quit smoking and then avoid health effects or even death? There is no one right way to quit. Successful cessation may include one or a combination of methods including using step-by-step manuals, attending self- help classes or counseling, or using a nicotine replacement. The factors that influence the progression of smoking, particularly among adolescents and young adults should be understood in a comprehensive manner in order to come up with ideal ways to help smokers quit the habit. This can be done through introducing bans on home smoking, appealing to smokers through graphic visual warnings on the negative effects of smoking on health, harnessing the contribution of psychiatrists in the treatment of tobacco addiction, or introducing of using a nicotine replacement during the cessation or quitting, and banning to sell cigarettes in general.

To begin with quitting - bans on smoking at home would greatly influence the progression of smoking among adolescents and young adults. A study conducted on the impact of home smoking bans identified development stages of smoking behavior into emerging adulthood and revealed the effect of home smoking ban on prevalence and transition of smoking among adolescents aged between 16-18 years (Mathur et al., 2014). The study also assessed the effects home bans across smoking status or parents. The outcome suggested that the effectiveness of home smoking bans and youth smoking was related to the smoking status of parents. It was noted that home bans on smoking had protective effects on the introduction ad rise of smoking behavior. A home ban on smoking during late adolescence reduced the proportion of young adults in the user proportion at a time despite the parental smoking status. Therefore, imposition of a home smoking ban reduced the prevalence and transitions of smoking behavior among individuals. This shows the importance of intervening at the environmental level, which can yield positive outcomes (Mathur et al., 2014). Therefore, home smoking bans may be an ideal way to attain lifelong anti-tobacco attitudes and behavior among individuals and the entire generation.

For stronger believe that smoking can be quitted, studies have concluded that home smoking rules reduce smoking at home (Mathur et al., 2014). However, it emerged that it is easier to restrict home smoking in homes with few or less addicted smokers than in households with many or heavily addicted smokers (Joseph et al., 2014). The average values of households with a complete ban on smoking were significantly less than the average values for households without smoking limits on their children. This however, can be affected by the attitude of smokers. People with pleasant and wise attitudes would be easy to comply with a smoking restriction than people with unpleasant and foolish attitudes. Smokers who try to quit should avoid places where people smoke, so it can prevent and even protect them from the desire to return to their habit - “to the old road”.

For the greater fear of starting smoking, manufactures should make large, “true” and “understandable” anti-smoking advertisements. According to news presented in Fox Business Network about 8.3 billion dollars is invested in marketing cigarettes to consumers. Although there has been considerable reduction in consumption of cigarettes and tobacco products in general since the 1980’s due to government’s vivid anti-smoking campaign and other advertisements advocating against smoking of cigarettes, the industry is still enormous in United States and gigantic in third world countries where not much attention is giving to public health. In an article published at “IndiaTimes” newspaper the reporter blames the modernized advertisements which shows smoking to be a “cool” social activity has led youngsters to be more inclined towards smoking. Once again, the blame goes towards the people who are making money out of cigarettes. People are ostracizing the use of cigarettes, the companies are using tactics and cunning manipulations to divert our brains from realizing the harmful effects of cigarette smoking.

Since quitting can be quite difficult for a lot of smokers, doctors designed nicotine replacement therapies that help heavy smokers to reduce amount of smoking cigarettes and then less painful to kick their habit. According to survey, asking about what nicotine replacement stand for, medical experts answer: “Nicotine replacement therapies are medications that provide nicotine without the other harmful components of cigarette smoke.” To be most effective, nicotine replacement therapy should be used with a cessation program that addresses a person's psychological dependence on smoking. By chewing gum containing nicotine or wearing a transdermal patch from which the skin absorbs nicotine, a smoker's withdrawal symptoms are significantly decreased or eliminated.

For decreasing the health problems and death caused by cigarette smoking stores should increase price for cigarettes, banning to sell cigarettes to children and teenagers, and limitation all kinds of cigarettes in stores. Dr. Amy Lukowski, clinical director of Health Initiatives Programs for the National Jewish Health Center in Denver says, “That’s really the ultimate goal – to have the world free from the death and destruction it causes, … How we do that? That’s the million-dollar question.”Cigarettes smoking have variety of implications both to the users and non-users. As noted earlier, cigarette smoking has serious health complications to the individuals inhaling the smoke. Cigarettes are not like alcohol or other drugs that only affect the user, there is no effective method to ensure that the smoke do not diffuse to the atmosphere, contrary, the smoke is freely released to the atmosphere and the people around the smoker inhale it involuntary. In the process, the non-smokers will be like the cigarette smokers because of inhaling the smoke, continuous exposure to such smoke may lead to development of health complications.

It is said that, the smoke released after smoking is more dangerous than the one inhaled by the smoker (Peruga, Armando, et al. 55). This means that, the non-smokers get to inhale the most and more poisonous. Some countries have gone ahead to ban smoking in public places in efforts to control the effects passed to non-smokers but the initiative is not enough to completely eliminate the negative effects caused by cigarette smoking. In some cases, the cigarette smokers may not abide by the regulations to only smoke at the allowed places and hence again endangering the non-smokers by public smoking. One of the anonymous people in the survey about should cigarettes be banned in stores or no, he responded saying, “We have known for a long time now that smoking is severely detrimental to health, it costs the country enormous amounts of money in medical expenses, it harms even those who are not smoking but are around smokers. We should be aiming to stamp smoking out of society altogether now. [Smoking] do nothing positive at all for the body.” Thus, banning sale of cigarettes will go a long way in controlling the number of non-smokers affected by cigarette smoking.

Cigarette smoking is a behavioral practice that is evidently common in most societies. Over the years, there have been various discussions on how best to control the negative impacts caused by cigarettes. At first, to quit smoking isn’t an easy task because companies make cigarettes extra addictive and make them seem more appealing. It’s important to quit smoking, because it causes big health issues and diseases. To kick the habit should be started at home, to prevent children from becoming smokers. Also, quitting should be directed in nicotine replacement therapy. Another equally important aspect for quitting is that made mandatory that all companies producing and selling cigarettes must have a disclaimer in their packaging about the harmful effects of smoking and then reducing the cigarettes at the stores. There is need to implement policies that will be highly effective in controlling the negative effects of cigarette smoking. Banning the sale of cigarettes will emerge as the good method because, the cigarettes will not be readily available as there is in the current world. I believe that smokers should be more considerate towards nonsmokers. They should realize the health hazards they are putting upon them and smoke their cigarette outside where the smoke can dissipate. It is very difficult to quit smoking, so it’s better not to start smoking than to fight this bad habit with all your strength and getting better with your “health effected conditions”.

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Why are People Still Smoking

Tobacco has been growing for about 8,000 years, but it has been 2,000 years since it began being used for chewing and smoking during cultural or religious ceremonies and events, according to the Cancer Council (2015). Contrary to popular belief, a correlation between tobacco and bad health was found much earlier than what some might think. The timeline of discoveries goes back over 415 years ago, meaning humans have known tobacco is not beneficial to our health for that many years. As one of the first examples, an anonymous English author discovered in 1602 was the possibility tobacco may have the same effects as soot, which caused illnesses for chimney sweepers. Then in 1795, Sammuel Thomas von Soemmering of Maine, Germany had reported that he was becoming more aware of lip cancers among pipe smokers (Cancer Council, 2015). Shortly after that in 1798, an American physician named Benjamin Rush wrote on the health dangers of tobacco. Things begin to escalate during the 1920’s when reports linking smoking cigarettes to lung cancer were appearing. However, according to Cancer Council’s information there were countless newspaper editors who would not report this information because they did not want to turn off companies who advertised smoking cigarettes as it was portrayed as being lavish and fancy.

Finally, in the 1950’s-1960’s there had been multiple major medical reports which did in fact prove that tobacco caused multiple diseases including various forms of cancer. Despite the growing awareness of the effects of tobacco and the decline of its use after acquiring this knowledge, people are still participating in smoking activities. People may still engaging in it because it is their coping mechanism to the stresses of their every day life in society leading to an addiction, they still have access to it because it is not illegal notwithstanding what it can cause to our health, social situations causing them to smoke, and they are also beginning new smoking trends under the impression that it is healthier.

All individuals experience stress throughout their daily lives and attempt to eliminate stress in different ways. As stated in our medical sociology class notes, stress is a state of imbalance within a person, elicited by an actual or perceived disparity between environmental demands and the person’s capacity to cope with these demands (Weiss & Lonnquist, 2017, Sociology of Health, Healing, and Illness). Stress can literally kill. However, so can some of the coping mechanisms people use in order to deal with it. The list of life events, small or big, that can cause stress are endless. People experience stress within their family, friends, financials, careers, marriage, and so many others. Some significant stressors can include the death of a loved one, divorce, moving to a new place, major illness/injury, job loss, and so on and so forth. It is no wonder some may feel obligated to resort to coping techniques that are not healthy, but ease the stress, therefore getting the job done.

Everyone can put all options into consideration and make their own decision as to how they want to alleviate certain things. One may choose to exercise after feeling stressed, another may sleep, and someone else may choose to smoke. Smoking is known to reduce stress, anger, and irritability. When people become addicted, smoking then maintains and strengthens homeostatic responses that regulate against a variety of stress-induced swings from a stable “reference level” (Howard Leventhal and Paul D. Cleary, 1977, p. 15). According to Leventhal and Cleary, there is substantial data showing that individuals have more difficulty quitting while they are coping with stressful jobs. Also, many smokers among blue collar workers quit smoking when they transition into a more stable time in their life, which means exposure to less work and less social stress. During a study, it was found that smoking is a strong predictor of material hardship independently of marital status (which causes great stress), lack of educational qualifications, low income, manual work, claiming welfare benefits, and social tenancy (M Siahpush, R Borland, and M Scollo, 2003, p. 60).

When there is less stress within a society, it is easier for those experiencing it to quit smoking because they are no longer trying to alleviate the cause. Furthermore, it has been found that smokers will show fewer signs of anger and irritability if they smoke during stressful tasks. For most smokers, it is confirmed that “indeed, smokers reliably report that they smoke more when they are stressed, angry, anxious, or sad and they hold the expectation that smoking will alleviate these negative moods (Jon D. Kassel, Laura R. Stroud, and Carol A. Paronis, 2003 p. 270).

When my brother had to have a surgery when he was just a baby, my non-smoking parents informed me that they each had a cigarette because they were so nervous and scared. Even though this one cigarette each did calm them down significantly, they did not become addicted because they knew the possible consequences that could happen if they did. However, my grandfather who was born in 1942 was not as lucky with this. He started smoking when he was just twelve years old because that was normal, and the dangers of smoking were not as emphasized as they are today. Throughout his career, he had very successful but challenging days, causing him to come home from a hard day of work and unwind by smoking a cigarette, or several. Although he did quit decades prior to diagnosis, he passed away due to lung cancer in 2012.

Furthermore, there is also a social aspect to smoking. People who practice social smoking are known as “social smokers”. Even if your friend is not “peer pressuring” you and practically forcing you to smoke, you still feel a certain obligation because you do not want to seem “uncool” around when your friends as everyone else is doing it except for you. It is human nature. So then, these individuals begin to smoke when they are around friends who are doing it, such as at a party or bar. In order to fit in or look “cool” they smoke just because everyone else it, but do not actually like to do it on their own. Unfortunately, there have been instances where people in these situations end up becoming addicted in the long run anyways. It hard to believe that some people still classify smoking as being perceived as cool and attractive.

People who know cigarettes have only negative consequences try to quit cigarette smoking may turn to different alternatives that they may view as being healthier, such as vaping. Or, they are just enjoying the trend. Since its popularity, there are younger people who have never smoked a cigarette before who are partaking in vaping. Vaping is a new trend, and anyone can see that it has grown tremendously within the past few years. It especially started becoming very popular when flavors of them came out. These are battery-powered devices that provide nicotine to the user and are known for being a less harmful alternative than smoking tobacco. However, there have been situations where people who begin smoking with vapes eventually try cigarettes. Because of this, it is possible that the “safer” alternative to cigarettes may actually lead people to smoke cigarettes. My uncle who used to be a social smoker in his college days and eventually became addicted, owns an electronic cigarette and uses it when he is experiencing significant amounts of stress. According to him, it apparently does the trick, however he did mention that it is a possibility it is all in his head. Because of this, I think about others who may be feeling the same exact way. They may want to quit and feel relieved when they discover this alternative, but how much more beneficial can it really be?

As stated in an article published by Addiction Research and Theory, toxic chemicals have been identified in electronic cigarette vapor but one review concluded that “electronic cigarette vapor is substantially lower in toxic content, cytotoxicity, associated adverse effects and passive toxicity exposure, when compared to tobacco smoke” (Frances C. Sherratt and Michael W. Marcus, 2015, p. 336). According to a report by UBS Securities LLC, sales from the e-cigarette market doubled from $250 to $500 million between 2011 and 2012. Personally, I know of so many non-smokers who now smoke vapes and electronic cigarettes daily. Yes, so this is really different than former smokers picking a more healthy version. This is people going from being healthy to a not-healthy habit. Additionally, people will do it anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes I will be sitting in the library and I will see a cloud of smoke coming from a desk not too far from me. Even walking around campus, clouds of smoke everywhere.

Smokers who turned to vaping mostly wanted to because electronic cigarettes were advertised a way technique to quitting smoking altogether and they had a realistic look, feel, and taste compared to traditional cigarettes. Along with the hope of it being a successful quitting mechanism, they were also marketed as being a cheaper and safer alternative. However, since vaping has become such a popular trend, people who have never even smoked a cigarette before are engaging and even addicted to vaping. The FDA has reported that e-cigarette cartridges and solutions contain nitrosamines, diethylene glycol, and other contaminants potentially harmful to humans. Even though people have been made aware of this, they still cannot quit their addiction cold turkey, and still find this alternative beneficial because it is slightly healthier. Regardless of the effects, they conclude it just must be better than lung cancer and other major illnesses. Add in info on marketing to kids and trends among teens and young adults?

There are some worries pertaining to vaping. It is a natural human instinct to become addicted to something. So, when one becomes addicted to electronic cigarettes, a non-smoker may begin to wonder what the real deal (tobacco cigarettes) are like. Because of this, there is a concern that the electronic cigarettes may encourage one to participate in tobacco smoking, rather than discourage. David C.L. Lam has suggested that inhalation of vapor from electronic cartridges has been shown to augment inflammatory changes and short-term usage of e-cigarettes has been shown to adversely affect lung function (2014, p. 945).

A government possesses the ability to attempt to ban anything. So, why hasn’t the government banned cigarettes as they are fully aware of the consequences? Most of us are familiar with the history of prohibition and how it was not very successful. Abolition “leads to a hard to control black market which requires significant government resources to suppress” (Lambert, 2006, p. 17). Black trade with illegal luxury goods is also a catalyst for organized crime-syndicates to form which then tend to commit various other crimes. There have however been several attempts to decrease the consumption of cigarettes including increased taxation (the prices of cigarettes have increased tremendously throughout the years), bans on advertising, promotion of cessation, and expansion of smoke-free spaces (Proctor, 2013, p. 127). It is hard to believe that there was a time when people could smoke on airplanes. In addition, it was not too long ago when you could also smoke in basically any location including restaurants which led to “smoking sections”.

Abolishing the sale of cigarettes would result in savings in the realm of healthcare costs, increased labor productivity, lessened harms from fires, reduced consumption of scarce physical resources, and a smaller global carbon footprint, to name a few. But cigarettes have become a massive industry. According to The Tobacco Atlas, estimates of revenues from the global tobacco industry likely approach a half trillion U.S. dollars annually. In 2010, the combined profits of the six leading tobacco companies was U.S. $35.1 billion. There are several reasons as to why the government refrains from banning smoking completely because they prefer gradually undermining the social acceptance of it as a long-term strategy.

First, there would be a massive amount of smokers who would demand their right to smoke. Being prohibited from it would therefore cause the possibility of people not voting for certain politicians solely because the politicians made aware to the public that they supported the ban Economically, there are many people who would lose their jobs if this industry were to come to an end. People who are employed within cigarette production would no longer have a job when their companies are forbidden from selling them. The World Bank (2004) estimates that tobacco farming employs about 33 million people worldwide. Having jobs in our communities and society is a very important social factor. Thus, no government wants to be responsible for job decline. Everything always revolves around money. The additional tax on tobacco products generates a significant amount of tax income. If smoking were to be banned, the income would disappear. This would then lead to cuts on government spending or a higher deficit, and no one wants that.

Increasing the prices only influences those who cannot afford them to want to steal, causing a whole other issue. The World Bank has recommended that “governments increase tobacco tax to about 65% of retail price”. Increasing tobacco prices also increases the chances of cigarette theft, smuggling, and counterfeiting. According to a report by Phillip Morris, “smokers are doing their country a huge favor by boosting tax revenue, dying early, and not drawing a pension” (Zosia Kmietowicz, 2001, p. 126). There is a possibility that governments may be under the impression that by not banning cigarettes, they are saving money caused by premature deaths of smokers. Areas they may save money in include healthcare, pensions, and housing for the elderly.

Smoking has been around for so long that it has become part of our culture. run-on We will unfortunately always have access to it whether it is legal or not. As someone who has never smoked anything in their life, it is hard for me to understand why there are people still smoking as they are fully aware of the consequences. In order to be more open-minded, I often think about what I do to alleviate any stress and I think about how much it helps me. Then, I can better understand how hard it might be for one to quit because I simply cannot imagine being able to quit ice cream, exercising, taking naps, and many other things I do to make myself feel better. I may also be so against it considering I lost my grandfather due to smoking, so I often wonder why anyone could continue to smoke knowing what it could mean for their health and lives. People are still engaging in smoking for many reasons.

To conclude a few, smoking may be a person’s coping mechanism to the stresses of their everyday life in society leading to an addiction, they still have access to it because it is not illegal notwithstanding what it can cause to our health, social situations causing them to smoke, and they are also beginning new smoking trends under the impression that it is healthier. Throughout research, I believe it is evident smoking (cigarettes, vaping, etc.) will not become illegal, at least not anytime soon. It is has grown to be too big of an industry. I will admit however, that I would not like to see so many people losing their jobs since it employs countless people. Society can only hope people take the dangers of their health more seriously and end their relationship with smoking.

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How Smoking Affects the Teenage Brain

Marijuana is the most widely used drug in the United States. Cannabis has also been legalized in twenty-three states, which has made it seem more acceptable. Despite the fact that there is an age limit to purchase and use this drug critics are still concerned of it being more accessible to young teens. Even though this drug helps some people with medical conditions including pain, muscle spasms, seizures, and helps cancer patients through chemotherapy. It still has effects on a developing brain. When you are young and healthy but want to be “cool” you’d think “oh if its legal and other people do it how can it hurt me?” Studies show that in the short term use of marijuana it has been shown to impair you in things such as attention, your memory, and Deion making and learning functions. Many would think that those effects only last while high but they would be incorrect, those effects can last for days after the high. In cases when teens have become heavy marijuana users they have been seen to outcome including poor school performance, high dropout rates. Many times when the charts go up on teen marijuana use so does welfare dependence, greater unemployment and a lower life satisfaction.

Many like to think that “it’s a plant and because its natural it cant hurt” but the reality behind that is that marijuana signature high comes from the THC or tetrahydrocannabinol and researcher Weiss says that THC is not at all risk free.

Staci Gruber,PHD a neurologist said while still in the adolescents stages the brain is still under construction, therefore it is very sensitive to drug use. Being that the frontal cortex is the last part of the brain to develop it also hold the most important things such as personality, Decision-making and judgement. Also immature teens is the endocannabinoid system. This system comprises the physiological mechanisms that responds to THC. Being that that system controls emotional control.

Many parents have reported that they have been warning there kids about the effects and harms of smoking marijuana as a teen or even as an adult for over a 100 years. And teens have been ignoring that for about the same amount of time. Someone who is more a a constant weed smoker Is often seen to get chronic bronchitis. However there are truly more short term effects then they’re is long term. Some more short term effects are altered judgement, increased sexual behaviors that can lead up to the transmission of STDs, and those are just a couple.

However it has been reported that addiction is found in 9% of users overall and 17% who begin use in teenage years. Also in this research I have learned many things such as why the day April 20th/ 420 is associated with weed. It is because in the year 1971 a group of California teens known as Waldo’s met to smoke outside of their school. They had chose the time 4:20 because they extracurricular had usually ended by then. And so then teens would say 420 as code for marijuana. I have also learned that in high school the peer pressure of smoking weed and fitting in is so big, but not only that but also most parents aren’t ok with this obviously so then there’s the pressure of hidings it from your parents but is found incredibly difficult because of the nasty smell of it. So many have gone to try synthetic weed that has no smell because its smoked like a vape. This is called spice, or K2. In Chicago Illinois 56 cases of severe bleeding and 2 deaths have been reported they all had to be hospitalized related to coughing up blood, blood in urine, bloody nose, bleeding gums, and that’s just the beginning.

Chase Burnett age 16 died after smoking synthetic marijuana. This is the first death in Georgia that has officially been linked to this drug. Even though the cause of death was drowning, he drowned while being under the influence of this synthetic cannabinoids, that made him unconscious. This kid was said to be in perfect health condition. It is still unknown how much he smoked to put him at this level if unconscioness.

I am aware that the paragraph above doesn’t have much to do with how smoking weed affects a teenage brain, but however it does have to do with a teen making one little mistake. Who know he could have done this often and wanted to do a little more to get the same high he did then first time… or it could have been his first time and he did to much. Regardless of what the case might be reading this genuinely has taught me that chases one small mistake cause his his life and a pain and whole in his families hearts.

While doing this research reading of the state of minds these kids are left in and how it could alter my brain enough to change even my personality, makes me never even wanna write another paper about this subject. I will admit I was always one of the people that was known to say that weed is just a plant and can’t harm anyone. Even the one to think that this won't affect the brain at all its a all natural herb. Apparently I was horribly incorrect. Considering people have lost a lot because they were “just going to try it once” some people didn’t lose as much as there life’s by doing this… but might as well have. People who used to be successful, hard working family oriented people have said they lost it all. These people were the ones that said if I try it once it won't hurt… ok once a month is ok… ok once a week can’t hurt to now doing it everyday multiple times a day. I needed up losing their jobs and families to be a full time pothead.

While in the process of this research I have learned that this not only harms and affects the teen brain development and should be prohibited and not as easy to access for teens but as it should also be for adults as well. I have had my eyes opened to how terrible this is and would never recommend it to anyone, who is trying to go somewhere in life.

However I can say that as many side effects and bad things I see that this drug can do, I could not disagree with the use of it as medicine for cancer patients. I have learned how terrible it can be and how much it can affect people's lifestyles and ways of being. I just would really suggest it be sold for the soul purpose of helping chemotherapeutic patients.

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Smoking Matters

"Smoking Kills". Two simple words to describe something horrible, yet millions of people in the world still continue to smoke. Smoking has plagued the world since it came out in the 9th century, and now the ever-prescence of cigarettes in the 20th century and new electronic nicotine vaporizers have made smoking more common than ever. Although the government views nicotine and tobacco as a legal drug, it still has many illegal sides to it; underaged smoking is at the highest ever with the introduction of electronic cigarettes. Smoking is seen in the world as ""normal"", but there is an underlying epidemic of nicotine addiction and abuse.

At a quick glance of this image, it seems like a normal cigarette advertisement with your usual ""Smoking Kills"" slogan on top. The focus is on the cigarette itself, as it is at almost takes up the entire photo. The angle of the cigarette is also important, as we can see what looks like bullets inside the cigarette paper. If the cigarette was shown at a horizontal angle facing away from us, we wouldn't have ever known there were bullets inside this cigarette.

The photo uses two very similary but different common items to portray one common message. There is a cigarette, and the cigarette is loaded with bullets. The advertisement persuades us not to smoke. The advertisement cleverly brings up a question in our mind; ""What happens if we smoke that cigarette?"" The answer is clear, when we light up that cigarette, the bullets will shoot inside us and cause our death. This is use of logos, the picture is clear in depicting you WILL die if you smoke that cigarette. The next time someone who sees this advertisement opens up another pack of cigarettes, they will remember this picture and think otherwise.

The intended audience for this advertisement is for both smokers and non-smokers. This will sway non-smokers from thinking about smoking, and for smokers it will make them think twice about smoking another cigarette. The advertisement also uses pathos to depict cigarettes. A bullet, something that is known to have killed millions of people, is put into the cigarette. This puts another perspective to cigarette use. Smokers will hopefully have a different feeling towards cigarettes the next time they light one up. The picture also uses ethics, that being the bullet in the cigarette. People behave quite scared when a bullet is mentioned, having that inside a cigarette will make smokers realize that tobacco can be as harmful as a bullet.

Critiques might say that this advertisement will not do anything to sway the opinions of smokers, but this advertisement is so much different than any other tobacco prevention ads. It puts emphasis that there is only two ways to this situation; either you smoke it and die or you leave it and live. Aliyana uses “Red Herring Fallacy”. She distracts the audience from “why smoking kills” but puts more emphasis on how it kills you.

Overall, this picture does a great job trying to divert smokers from smoking cigarettes. This advertisement will cause an emotionally appealing message; smoking is the same as taking a shot to the body. She takes the worthiness of cigarettes and puts it to shame, making cigarettes the equivalent to a gun with a loaded bullet. It’s just a plain white background with a cigarette and a common catch phrase for tobacco prevention advertisements, but there is so much more to this advertisement than to the normal eye.

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Smoking Ban in Public Places

Have you ever been out in public and notice someone smoking? Does it ever make you wonder if that persons’ smoking will have an impact on your health? According to Jacob Grier, freelance writer and bartender, smoking bans show no improvement in heart attacks. Many people may disagree with this statement but a lot of them follow what the media says and not the actual facts. Harvard Heart Letter published an article promoting the dangerous of being exposed to secondhand smoke. Many are led to believe that log exposure to secondhand smoke can put you at risk for many diseases such as heart disease and cancer. This topic is very controversial because the facts are not always portrayed. As Grier looked at in his research he noted that smokers are more in danger than those exposed to secondhand smoke. Since the mass media promotes the dangers of smoking and how badly secondhand smoke affects people’s health, who is right? So, the biggest question is what is the best way to balance people’s right to health against an individual’s right to smoke? There should be a commom ground that would make both smokers’ and non-smoker’s happy.

“Banishing Secondhand Smoke” written by President and Fellows of Harvard College, the authors stated the dangers of being around secondhand smokers. The article argues that inhaling secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as the smokers’ smoking. According to the article, secondhand smoke can lead to diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer and asthma. The article also state that some technology used to filter out smoke or clean air is found to be inconclusive. The authors suggest if you live with a smoker to ask them to quit, smoke in a designated room, or outside.

“We Used Terrible Science to Justify Smoking Bans” published in Slate by Jacob Grier argues that there is no real correlation that smoking causes heart attacks. Grier argues that some sample sizes in the studies were too small and proved nothing. The article also states that larger sample sizes still found no correlation between the two. The article notes that secondhand smoke is not as dangerous as the media has portrayed it to be. Grier also states that since the facts state that secondhand smoke is not as dangerous, that some laws should be eliminated, and smokers should have some rights back. The author emphasizes the psychological impacts that smoking bans have on smokers.

Both of these authors further explain their viewpoints on the controversial topic of smoking, secondhand smoke, and smoking bans. This topic may seem like it has an easy answer, but many people cannot agree on the right answer.

Grier’s article argues how smoking bans have no real correlation with the decrease of heart attacks. His article is showcased in the Slate magazine, which is a political and current events type of publication. The purpose of this article is to inform non-smokers that their exposure to secondhand smoke is not as dangerous as they have been told and to state the contrary evidence about smoking in the media. Grier is a freelance writer and a bartender. Grier discusses many studies that show no correlation of decrease in heart attacks from smoking bans. For example, Grier looks at the study in Helena, Montana, where six months after the smoking ban the rate of heart attacks decreased by 60 percent. Grier argues that the sample size was way too small to make a connection between the two. Grier notices a trend in the small sample size of these different studies. He argues that the decrease in heart attacks is coincidental. Grier’s ability to point out the flaws in the studies he’s discussed shows his reasoning on the matter. Harvard Heart Letter argues how dangerous exposure to secondhand smoke is and how they can help prevent it. This article is in contrast to Grier’s points about secondhand smoke. This article emphasizes the bad exposure to secondhand smoke. This article doesn’t have any scientific evidence to back up their claim.

Both Grier and Harvard Heart Letter agree that secondhand smoke can be dangerous. Grier states that secondhand smoke can potentially be dangerous, but the dangers are not as bad as portrayed in the media. Both articles agree that creating designated smoking areas for smoker would be a middle ground for party sides. Non-smokers would know to avoid these particular areas and would not be exposed to secondhand smoke. Smokers would have an area where they could freely smoke and not have to worry about backlash from smokers. Even though these authors have some similarities, there differences are much greater. Grier argues that long exposure to secondhand smoke is not as dangerous as it is portrayed to be. He states that people who are chronically exposed to secondhand smoke have rates of getting cancer is just 1.12-1.43 times that of actual smokers’ (Grier 4). This evidence is shocking to many, but many still refuse to acknowledge the truth.

Harvard Heart Letter argues that the dangers of being exposed to secondhand smoke increase your risk of heart attacks. Grier argues that the science has shown no correlation of decrease in heart attacks since smoking bans. While some studies do state this, Grier acknowledges that the sample sizes are too small and in some cases is just a coincidence. He also argues that those decreases may not even be related to secondhand smoke. On the other hand, Harvard Heart Letter believes that smoking bans will help make the environment healthy for everyone. Grier states that there is no clear evidence that states secondhand smoke causes many diseases. Harvard Heart Letter stresses the fact that chronic exposure to secondhand smoke causes many diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Grier argues that the evidence proves no correlation between decrease in certain illnesses following smoking bans. This leads him to believe that some bans on smoking should be lifted following the contrary evidence that was discovered. Harvard Heart Letter believes that smoking bans are important for the health of society.

Another major point that Grier stresses is the fact that smoking bans have a psychological impact on smokers. He states that smokers are never asked about their experiences or how they feel about the bans. Grier states that smokers’ habits are viewed as bad as illegal drugs. Many smokers feel they are being discriminated against.

The article I agree with most is Grier’s article. I believe that Grier is very knowledgeable and has lots of evidence to support his claims. I agree with the fact the secondhand smoke is not as harmful as it is portrayed to be. I disagree with the Harvard Heart Letter on its exaggeration of the exposure to secondhand smoke. Grier’s article appeals the most to me because he is introducing new evidence that I have never heard before. He looks beyond the research and states what the truth really is. I used to believe that secondhand smoke was just as dangerous as smoking, but after reading Grier’s article I realize that it is not as bad as it is portrayed to be.

I believe the best way to balance people’s right to health against and individuals right to smoke is to provide a designated area where smokers can smoke freely. I wonder if a designated smoking area would help solve some of the controversy between the two sides? I believe that the main issues with this topic is if non- smokers have the right to take away the rights of smokers and if smokers have the right to smoke freely anywhere they chose. I believe a middle ground should be put in place that will create a designated smoking area. Even though this seems like a simple solution I agree that this solution may not please everyone and may still remain a controversial issue. This would not expose nonsmokers to secondhand smoke and smokers would have a place they could smoke freely. This would help smokers feel a little more included in society.

In conclusion, Grier and Harvard Heart Letter discuss completely different points about smoking, secondhand smoke and smoking bans. Grier focuses on the truth that secondhand smoke is not as bad as it seems, and studies show no correlation of decrease in heart attacks since smoking bans. Therefore, he believes some laws should be eliminated and smokers should have some rights back. Harvard Heart Letter argues that secondhand smoke is terrifically dangerous and more smoking bans should be put into effect. Both authors deliver their points in different very different ways. Even after all the research the question still remains is secondhand smoke dangerous?

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Smoking Health Effects

Smoking has become a normal part of the lives of many, some can’t do without it, others smoke for the fun of it while some smoke because of the cold. “Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke from burning tobacco (nicotine) that has been encase in cigarettes,pipes and cigars” (Harmon, Angela; Boughton, Barbara ;2016) . All around us we see cigarette and marijuana smoking among people of various ages. Smoking may keep onewarm, but smoking literally “cooks” or “roasts” a smoker’s internal organ. Firstly, smoking endangers our lungs and reduces its ability in the respiration process. Instead of taking in smoke from any source, the lungs are designed in such a way that, they take in oxygen from the channels that lead to them and brings out carbon dioxide through the same channels. Smoke contains high amounts of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases which has a bad effect on a smoker’s internal organs.

Lung Cancer is one of the numerous effects smoking can have on an individual. The lungs could also darken from their continuous exposure to smoke and heat which could also cause wounds or inflammations in the channels where the smoke passes before it gets to the lungs. Smoking inthe long run may lead to death.Additionally, smoking is very lethal to the heart. Smoking cigarettes or anything else is very dangerous for the heart. The heart being the most important muscle in the body, we wouldn’t want to put it in any form of danger, but smoking does. Smoking darkens the heart just as it does to lungs with heat that is way more than the body produces. As the heart darkens due to the smoke and heat that comes with the smoke, its performance too decreases. Palpitations, heart murmurs, irregular heart beat rhythms and possibly heart failure and most likely loss of life could be associated with smoking. Smoking could also lead to blood cancer or Leukemia, since blood is also a component in the circulatory system.

Also, smoking is bad for the teeth and dental health altogether. Smoking changes the color of the teeth by continuous inhalation of the smoke through the buccal cavity or the mouth. The teeth enamel then discolors and minor injuries are also caused to the tongue, gum and the mouthtoo as a result of the continuous contact with the heat from what is being smoked. Bad breath follows the above. Bad breath comes with the smell of what the smoker smokes together with the reaction of the microorganisms in the mouth and saliva. That also leads to the formation of dark colored plaque. Soon the teeth could be decaying or looking crude because of the expansions the heat from what is smoked by the smoker.Smoking increases an individual’s chances of suffering a stroke.

Strokes are usually caused by a broken blood capillary or by lack of sufficient oxygen to the brain. The oxygen supplied to all parts of the body comes from the lungs. And when the lungs are supplying all parts of the body with carbon dioxide and other toxic gases, the brain is sure to be supplied carbon dioxide and toxic gases too. And since the brain controls all the movements the body does, when it’s not functioning properly, the body won’t function properly either. That could lead to death in the long run. It has been made known to the masses how dangerous smoking it to the health of pregnant women and their unborn child. Smoking does as much harm as it does to the mother to the unborn child. Pregnant women who smoke, damage their children’s ability to respire and as a result,reduce their unborn child’s lifespan just by “inhaling and puffing” (Lukasz37-38).

There sure is much to smoking than the “inhaling and puffing” since a pregnant mother could do that much damage to her unborn child simply by “inhaling and puffing” Smoking is indeed bad for an individual’s health. It’s funny how people go on to smoke even when the packet warns them not to. Others too are learned or they are informed on how dangerous smoking is to their health yet, they go on to smoke several “joints”daily. They might even smoke as much as the company produces by the end of the year. Well, for me, I’m not even trying one “joint’ ’Ifyou’re smoking to keep warm or just for smoking sake, you might want to reconsider the fact that you’re literally “cooking” or “roasting” your internal organ.

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Anti-Smoking Campaign

The image above is an older woman with a hole in her throat caused by smoking .The caption is Terrie saying “I Never Thought Smoking Would Do This.” The CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) released this advertisement to persuade people to quit smoking . Smoking is known to cause an array of diseases. Cigarettes cost a lot of money and does not contribute positively to the smokers health. The issue is that there are more and more people engaging in this lifestyle. The CDC created this advertisement to raise awareness of one of the brutal effects of smoking.Last but not least, this advertisement is helping smokers and non- smokers reflect on the consequences of smoking.

Smoking cigarettes can cause many diseases. Lung cancer is the most common disease associated with smoking. Lung Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. This is also the number one deadly result of smoking.According to the CDC, “People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke.” The woman in the picture may not have lung cancer but she has another illness that has changed her appearance and lifestyle dramatically.One can detect regret in Terrie’s quote. She says “I did not know smoking could do this”. This quote implies that if she knew the true effects of smoking then she would have taken a different route in life. This advertisement is brutally honest, it helps the reader reflect and ponder on whether or not they want to live miserably like Terrie.Another disease associated with smoking cigarettes, is peripheral artery disease, this is a condition in which blood vessels reduce the amount of blood flow in the limbs.“Any amount of smoking, even occasionally, damages the heart and blood vessels. Secondhand smoke also can hurt the heart and blood vessels, greatly increasing the risk of heart attack and death in adults (Azura).”The substances that are in cigarettes have negative effects on blood cells and their function.

The cost of buying cigarettes not only affect one's pockets but also their lifestyle. It cost a person 7.00 dollars or more to buy a pack of cigarettes , concurrently the cigarette manufacturing companies only spend cents to make the product.At today’s prices, if you smoke one pack of cigarettes each day for ten years, you’ll spend almost $99,000 – easily enough to buy a new car (or two) or put a deposit on a house ( Cancer Council Victoria).” When buying cigarettes or before considering buying , smokers should think of better ways to use that money. Smoking can drastically change one's lifestyle, like Terrie in the advertisements.

In the image, the older woman was diagnosed with throat cancer , this disease also affects her appearance .The hole in her throat is also use do grab the attention of viewers to either avoid smoking or quit smoking. “Many of the more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke also damage collagen and elastin, which are fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity (MFMER).” this begins to make your skin looks as if you are older than your age with saggy and unhealthy skin, this can also to lead to skin cancer. The CDC encourages people to quit because the effects of smoking can lead to more than one health problems.

Many people think smoking relaxes the mind and relieves stress ,the truth is smoking cigarettes could cause a mental condition which could cause people with anxiety worse. When a person smokes nicotine it reaches the brain and releases chemicals that makes a person crave the desire to smoke more and more. This could even control the activity of the brain and cause a emotion of anger and depression, Little do people know these feelings could lead up to more critical disorder such as bipolar disorders , which could lead you to be hospitalized. If a person was to view this advertisement they would think twice about smoking, they would even try to get help to quit their smoking addiction before it becomes worse, or even lead them to have the hole in there throat which has a negative effect on your appearance. This image has a positive affect and makes people motivated to not wanting to smoke or quit smoking.

In conclusion, this advertisement from the CDC is meant to discourage smoking. The image highlights one of the many effects of smoking. It changes a person's appearance, causes disease, premature aging , and costs the buyer lots of money. There is an increase the amount of individuals that smoke today so organizations like the CDC feel it is their duty to warn the public about the detrimental effects of smoking.

Works Cited

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

https://www.azuravascularcare.com/infopad/link-between-smoking-and-pad/

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/smoking-the-financial-cost

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/expert-answers/smoking/faq-20058153

https://www.mittalclinic.com/stop-active-and-passive-smoking-it-makes-life-miserable/b26

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A Key Issue for the Human Well-Being

It is essential to understand that what I am going to argue is not out of any sort of misplaced sense of self-righteousness, or in order to simply tell anybody what to do. It is out of a genuine and deep concern that I would like to see as few people become less addicted to a deadly substance and eventually die as a result of it. Smoking in public spaces should either be banned or not is the big debate. Many people are for and against the argument that smoking should be banned from public areas which I’m focused on: restaurants and bars. The “pro-smoking” stand against that argument because they claim that it is a violation of their freedom of smoking anywhere. The “pro-ban” believe that smoking in public spaces lead to unwanted health issues.

The adversarial audience (pro-smoking) could say passive smokers (second-hand smokers) can choose to breathe in another people’s smoke. And if they don’t want to second-hand smoke, they shouldn’t attend places where smoking is allowed. Many restaurants implement a certain time and space for smokers. Now let’s say a family with a child who is prone to get an asthma attack due to smoke and wants to eat out in this restaurant, and the only day and time they have are the same as the smoker. It would be reasonable that the smoker should step outside and smoke instead of inside even though, there is ventilation. And usually, the ventilation isn’t enough to clear out the smoke. The reason is that even though restaurants and bars have designated areas to smoke, the smoke clusters and spreads out (airborne nicotine). Another thing they can point out is that it is legal to smoke tobacco, so governments have no right to ban it.

My point is that I don’t want to ban it because people like to smoke, but I think it should be ban in restaurants and bars, where people would like to go without thinking about the smoke they will inhale and later get sick. Many say that a ban on smoking in public places would drive many bars and restaurants out of business since smokers wouldn’t attend to these places anymore. They are afraid revenues will drop, however, some studies show that smoking bans have no significant effect on overall profits. Another claim is that by implementing this ban it makes it feel like it is a demand that people should quit smoking altogether. They claim the ban is a violation of their freedom of smoking anywhere. The point across here is that smokers should smoke in places where it is designated for them like specific shops. No one is forcing smokers to stop but simply help them stop or lessen their use since they have the right to smoke. Lastly, many times smokers who are long-time users become dependent on the use of nicotine (smoking) and therefore, can’t stop if there were to be a ban. Like I said earlier, no one is forcing smokers to stop but simply help lessen their addiction.

It's no news that cigarettes are bad and can lead to a deathbed. Cigarettes cause various types of cancer and can complicate the well-being to both parties (smokers and non-smokers). Despite decades of falsified tobacco industry funded-studies, to the contrary, this has become common knowledge to a lot of people, so they continue to smoke. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance according to the Medicine Net, “people smoke many more cigarettes than they do marijuana”. It is the only major drug/substance studied in the world that has been proven as deadly and as addictive, and yet it is still legal. Not only is smoking bad for someone’s health but the fact there are countless cigarette butts that cause litter. Not one person in the world can say they have not seen a cigarette butt because, when you walk down an ally or the beach, or outside a restaurant or bar or even driving on the streets, basically wherever you go you will always find a cigarette butt/bud. Many of the times, smokers just toss the cigarette butt and by not looking back those still-lit butts can cause a fire. The health of an individual is the essential of life. Lessing the consumption of smoking in public will have health benefits for the user and lessen the risk of cigarette smoke health issues for the public. Therefore, creating a healthier populous.

A big step in public places especially (focusing) in restaurants and bars is to model exactly how it would go about banning smoking. Not just prohibiting or creating a policy as to what time or day people can smoke (like it is now implemented) but actually banning it completely. The model is that if security stops you for smoking, your first offense will be a warning, your second offense will be a fine, and then your third offense would be handled with an officer. I believe this is a very clear model that everybody can understand, and everybody can follow making it more effective than a first-police-encounter. Also, smokers should smoke outside of restaurants and bars. Smoking in public spaces (restaurants and bars) should be banned because it may lead to health risks to non-smokers.

Adopting this policy can reduce the health risks (second-hand smoke-a.k.a. passive smoke) of others. In addition to the model, business (bars and restaurants) will bring people’s attention into some information on existing programs of smoking such as flyers or other forms, because even though there are many ads and commercial about helping smokers to quit or lessen their intake, “too much is never enough” information/help. This is so that people have a chance to avail themselves of these programs and get on the road to quitting or lessen their use/addiction even though, it is extremely difficult for people to quit even if they wanted to. It is a key issue for the health of the individual in both parties.

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Why Smoking should be Banned

I believe that tobacco and cigarettes should be banned from the United States. Smoking is one of the top causes of deaths that can be preventable, not just in America but all around the world. Of course, it does not seem dangerous at first but after continuous use of these things, they can be very harmful to you and your body. The smoke is also dangerous because not only does it damage your lungs from breathing it in but it also harms the lungs of those breathing in the smoke you exhale that are around you. They cause cancer and have major side effects that will live with you your whole life. My grandpa’s father actually died of lung cancer. He started smoking at the age of 12. Some people I know have even started smoking younger than that. Tobacco and the other ingredients in cigarettes are toxic for your body. They are addictive which causes your body to rely on the substance. It also costs a great amount of money when you add in how much you spend on them. It is overall a thing that is not good for you and your health and can end up being deadly.

Tobacco and smoking cigarettes have been around for ages. Back in the 1800’s - 1900’s everyone smoked and chewed tobacco. Leading towards the 2000’s is when scientists really began to look at how bad for you it really is. The tobacco crop was first acknowledged around 6,000 B.C. and was originally found in the Americas. In 1492, when Christopher Columbus first set foot on what is now the North American continent, he was greeted by Indians. They brought the explorers many gifts, one of those gifts being a dried-up leaf of a tobacco plant. Back in those days, Native Americans smoked the tobacco leaves for medical and religious reasons. The addictive plant was always around but it became very popular in the 1770’s, during the time of the Revolutionary War.

Tobacco was used by the revolutionaries to pay back the loans they were getting from France (Tobaccofreelife.org, 2018). Now, it is used as a variety of things, most commonly it is rolled into cigarettes and cigars and is smoked. It can also be used as something you can chew. In 1906 the government created a Food and Drugs Act. This was the first food and drug law and was used to tax people for buying these certain goods. In the original act there was no reference to tobacco. However, when it was revised in 1914, they added that tobacco only be included when used to cure, mitigate, or prevent disease. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 included jurisdiction in cases where the manufacturer or seller has made medical claims with their products. In 1953, Fairfax cigarettes manufacturer stated that these particular cigarettes prevented respiratory and other diseases. Then in 1959, Trim Reducing Aid Cigarettes had an addictive tartaric acid inside them which was said to aid people in losing weight (CDC, 2012).

The Federal Trade Commission act of 1914 (which was amended in 1940) states that it is to “prevent persons, partnerships, or corporations … from using unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce”. Then from 1945 – 1960 the FTC finished seven formal “cease-and-desist” order or proceedings for health and medical claims. An example of one of these claims is in 1942 there was a countering of claims that Kool cigarettes provide extra protection against illnesses and could even cure the common cold. This then caused a rule to be made about being stricter when regulating the imagery and copy of cigarette ads and the need to get rid of explicit or implicit health claims with the product (CDC, 2012).

It was not right to falsely advertise that a product can cure something or benefit your health wise when in reality they are not good for you. Many companies did not know that at the time. In 1960 came the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act and then eventually in 1965 they added Advertising onto it. This act required the package to have a warning label stating “Caution: Cigarette Smoking May Be Hazardous to Your Health” (other health warnings prohibited). It also prevents the states or local governments from regulating or agreeing to cigarette adverting being able to promote them for health-related reasons (CDC, 2012). There are more and more Acts and Laws that stem from these original ones, far too many to mention. This is a good sign because it shows that the public know that cigarettes and tobacco use are harmful and dangerous. In 2018 they have started to even make electronic cigarettes put on a warning label about addiction and nicotine.

Many people and children are thought to have begun smoking cigarettes due to peer influence or to “look cool”. Kids seem to try it because they see someone they know doing it. My father, Mike Squires, started chewing tobacco when he was 14 and started smoking cigarettes at age 16. He says he first decided to smoke because it was the thing to do back then, everyone did it. He was influenced by his dad and his brother who was 5 years older than him (Squires, 2018). Whenever his brother and all of his friends started experimenting with cigarettes my dad did also. It was what the “cool” kids were doing and he didn’t want to seem “lame”. My dad now smokes cigars but they are still not good for you. They still contain tobacco and hurt your lungs throat, nose, and your overall body/brain function.

When interviewing my dad, I asked him if he knew exactly what was in cigarettes and he didn’t. Actually, many of the worlds smoking population don’t know exactly what they are smoking and how harmful they can really be. Cigarettes only have 600 ingredients in them, however, when they are burned the smoke is a toxic mixture of over 7,000 chemicals not good for humans. 69 of those toxins have been known to cause cancer, which in most cases has ended up fatal (Scrub, 2018). If I went through the whole list of chemicals produced by the smoke this essay would be 100 pages long. There as been a large controversy on if cigarette companies should put their ingredients on the packaging and still to this day many of them don’t. Although even if they did, the labels still will not tell you how dangerous they are once you actually light them and the ingredients mix together.

With all these harmful chemicals and ingredients, you would wonder why people would smoke cigarettes. In cigarettes and chewing tobacco there is a substance called Nicotine. It is a drug that effects your body and brain. Once taken in, it makes your brain release adrenaline which then creates a “buzzed” feeling, gives you energy and pleasure (Markou, 2008). The buzz leaves quickly once felt which causes you body to feel tired and your mood to feel a little down. Your body wants to feel the buzz again thus continues to go back to the substance you were intaking before. The immediate side effects that hit your body depend on the dosage. A low dose of nicotine causes a reduction of activity in the nervous system and brain. It also increases your alertness and concentration almost like a burst of energy (Martin, 2008). Like I stated earlier, it gives you a buzzed sensation, a type of relaxation. My dad said that he does not feel a buzz but he does feel an overwhelming sense of calm, and begins to feel relaxed in stressed situations (Squires, 2018). The nicotine also increases your blood pressure and heart rate.

While doing this, it is limiting your blood flow to your fingers and toes, and decreasing your skin temperature. The cigarette and tobacco itself will cause bad breath, dizziness, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headaches and coughing due to smoke irritation. It also causes a decrease in your appetite which can also make you sick. The high doses have the same side effects as the low doses except they are heightened because of the stronger intake. Confusion also becomes a part of it as well as a rapid decrease in breathing rate, seizures, and respiratory arrest (Martin, 2008). Your body can go into respiratory arrest when your lungs are over working themselves so you just stop breathing, which then ultimately leads to death.

The long-term effects are even worse. Tar coats the inside of your lungs and can cause lung and throat cancer. Your finger nails and teeth begin to have a yellow/ brown stain on them. Your whole body is running harder because it is not getting enough oxygen in which the brain, muscles, and heart need. All of this then leads the risk to a heart attack or stroke. You can develop eye cataracts and can lose the sense of smell and taste. Also, there are reports of losing the sense of hearing. Your teeth will eventually start decaying and you will experience shortness of breath, coughing, early wrinkles, heart disease, and back pain. Of course, you have even more risk of cancer in your nose, lip, tongue, mouth, stomach, and bladder. You can also get stomach ulcers. For women, can have a lower chance of fertility because of the damage to your insides and men can damage their sperm (ADF, 2012).

With all this information out there, there are still some people who say we should keep cigarettes and tobacco around because they are used to get off other habits. For example, a continuous drinker may decide to stay sober but instead of going cold turkey, he will smoke cigarettes to help take the edge off. People use cigarettes as a way to cope with stress. This has to do with the calming factor that the side effects give you. However, as I have said before that relaxing feeling is a temporary feeling, making you crave more which then causes you to smoke more. “People who quit smoking say that stress is the number one reason for relapse” (New Foundland Labrador, 2017). When actually smoking may cause more anxiety and tension within the body. In the effects mentioned earlier the cigarette actually causes your blood pressure and your heart rate increase which is actually something that happens to your body when you are in distress.

Your muscles become tense because of the lack of oxygen. And once this feeling of “relaxation” wears off, you will actually feel more stressed then you did before because your body will begin going through withdrawal. My father runs his own restaurant and stresses 24/7. He told me that when he stresses, he gets fidgety and needs to do something with his hands. So, he goes outside on a smoke break to relieve the stress and he did confirm that after the breaks his stress becomes more frequent and bigger. This then causes him to go on more and more smoke breaks. The only thing that keeps him from doing that is if he is constantly kept busy, then he has no time to stress let alone think because there is so much to get done. He does not notice the urge as much (Squires, 2018). There is no real evidence that cigarettes help with stress and get others off of other bad habits.

Everyone knows cigarettes and tobacco are harmful and deadly. One of the many reasons they still around is because of money. Because of the addictions, cigarette companies make a lot of revenue from continuous buyers. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that cigarette companies in the United States make close to $26 million dollars each day. This means the average smoker spends $29 a day on cigarettes and about $250 a year (CDC, 2017). In 2010 there was a count on how much the top six tobacco companies made throughout the year and the total number was $35.1 billion (Society, 2014). Squires stated when speaking with me that he spends at least $10 a week since changing to cigars, however, he does not smoke as often anymore and cigars are less expensive (Squires, 2018). Some of this money is being put back into the growing production, manufacturing and shipping of the product, as well as packaging.

The most part of the money is spent toward advertising. The government is also making a major profit off the cigarette market. At the end of the year 2010, the federal government made $25 million off cigarette taxes and the state governments made $10 million (Lauren, 2017). This is a money-making industry which is also why many people want to the toxic substance around. Companies and the government are taking in all the revenue from these addicted persons. But what the government need to realize is the health of their people matters more. In 2011, about 6 million people died from the continuous use of tobacco. This means that the tobacco companies real-in almost $6,000 in profit for every death that was caused by tobacco (Society, 2014).

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Intro to Environmental Racism, Environmental Justice, and Critical Race Theory

Environmental Racism, by definition “is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color (Brady). Minority groups are often forced to live in places with insufficient resources, more polluted air and/or water quality, areas that are generally unsafe and hazardous to an individuals health. There were many examples of looking at environmental racism using Critical Race Theory in A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki. Although all groups in Takakis’ text experienced some form of environmental racism, some of the more prominent groups were Native Americans, African Americans, and Latine Americans. These three groups, although vastly different, have experienced in some forms, similar experiences when it comes to environmental racism. Native American Context: Sydney Cook In Chapters 2 and 3 of Ronald Takaki’s book A Different Mirror, he discusses in depth the treatment of Indigenous people when settlers arrived. Settlers at the time believed the Indians did not deserve the “greater part of the land” as they were such uncivilized savages. They believed Indians did not know how to use the land for all of its resources. At first, they laid claim to small parts of the land, after the cultivation of tobacco took off settlers began claiming larger parts of the land and the most bountiful parts. This is a great example of how environmental racism is rooted in the history of this land and has always existed. In December of 1854 the Nisqually tribe signed the Treaty of Medicine Creek. Article 3 of that treaty stated that: “The right of taking fish, at all usual and accustomed grounds and stations, is further secured to said Indians in common with all citizens of the Territory.”

This meant that tribes could continue to fish for salmon to feed their families as they had done since time immemorial. As time went on promises that were made to the Nisqually and other tribes, were broken. The WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) began confiscating fishing nets and trying to push the tribal fisherman out. Nisqually tribal members knew that they were being denied their treaty rights. Activism and fishing wars began. Among the many tribal fishermen that were arrested for fishing in their homelands, was Billy Frank Jr. Billy was arrested more than 50 times in relation to fishing disputes. Billy took on an influential role in what became a movement among Indigenous people of the pacific northwest. He organized protests, demonstrations and fish ins. He was involved in many lawsuits against the state for not maintaining the signed treaties. This conflict would continue for decades. Billy as well as other tribal fisherman fought tirelessly, leading up to United States v. Washington, also known as the Boldt Decision. The Boldt Decision upheld treaty rights and awarded tribes 50% of the catch in their “usual and accustomed” fishing grounds. This restored and reaffirmed the livelihoods and frankly the way of life of many indigenous people.

While this was a great victory, indigenous people we still see environmental racism today regarding fishing in the pacific northwest. While the Boldt decision awarded 50 % of the salmon catch to indigenous people, what’s not taken into account is that non-indigenous people greatly affect the salmon population. Things like development, over population, dams, habitat degradation, expansion of oil refineries and open net fish farms directly affect the salmon run. Decisions about these factors are often made without any consultation with the Native American tribes of the area. Indigenous people in the pacific northwest still have to come together to organize protests against proposed projects like The Gateway Pacific Terminal and companies like Cooke Aquaculture who were responsible for the Atlantic Salmon disaster. Industrial and Corporate Pollution in an African American Context: Overwhelmingly, we see African American communities (specifically poor/ low income) being the target of environmental racism. We see their communities taken advantage of by larger corporations and industrial plants. These sites, when poorly maintained, pollute the land, air, and water, greatly affecting the health and wellbeing of the surrounding residents. This is an issue that is occurring globally. However, I will examine this issue within the context of the united states areas such as Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Chicago, Seattle, California, Texas, etc. I rely mainly on the story of residents of South Atlanta’s Lakewood, and Chosewood Park neighborhoods, affected by an old GM assembly plant, turned industrial recycling site.

The experiences of these residents are not uncommon, their story reflects many poor, minoritized communities' experiences when facing large industrial corporations. Not only do we see the degradation of residents’ health within close proximity to the plants, but we also see the collapse of the neighborhoods surrounding these sites as well. Antoinette Gomez, Fatemeh Shafiei, & Glenn Johnson illustrate this story in their article Black Women’s Involvement in the Environmental Justice Movement. Within the historically black community of South Atlanta lies the neighborhoods of Lakewood and Chosewood Park. These communities were once working-class white neighborhoods hosting employees of the nearby General Motors Assembly Plant which opened in 1927. In the 1990s the plant closed turning the community into a lower working- class diverse neighborhood. The General Motors plant turned into Mindis Recycling plant in 1991 after being declared a ‘brownfield’ (real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant by the EPA). “The first documented environmental concerns occurred in 1989 when General Motors reported sixteen toxic spills to the EPA.” The land then experienced groundwater contamination, soil contamination, and fires. (Gomez, A. M., Shafiei, F., & Johnson, G. S., 2011).

The facility is located in close proximity to fifty homes. In 1994, shortly after Mindis began operations, residents complained about foul odors in the air. This odor was peculiar and particularly strong in the late evenings and on extremely hot days. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and Georgia Department of Health (GDH) conducted a site visit in October 1994, to review the effluent and influent records for odor-causing compounds... Ammonia, amines, sulfur compounds, and various volatile organic compounds were found present in waste samples taken. “When they (Mindis) have a spill, you can’t stand the odor; the odor makes people sick and nauseated. The odor is so bad that people cannot work in their gardens, and the neighborhood school has to close [its] windows and at times the children with asthmatic problems had to be sent home. -Ella Trammel 1998 (Gomez, A. M., Shafiei, F., & Johnson, G. S., 2011). The Community responded in 1996 creating the Tri-Community Collaborative. The community rallied and protested yet “residents continued to suffer from health problems that were associated with the site as well as the odor nuisances.” Symptoms included Dizziness, nasal irritation, and being nauseated. “Older women complained of difficulty breathing when chemicals were emitted into the air. Several mothers commented that their children suffered from asthma that they attributed to poor air quality in their communities.” (Gomez, A. M., Shafiei, F., & Johnson, G. S., 2011).

The ramifications of the pollution do not just end with health. The neighborhoods started facing adversity. “The women rated drugs, crime and environmental degradation as the worst problems in their community. Mary King Stated “Drugs, crime, and a dump across the street [Mindis site] because once they moved in, we got, rats, roaches, and crime. But still with the junk over there it attracts rodents (King, 1998) (Gomez, A. M., Shafiei, F., & Johnson, G. S. (2011). The Question the residents ask is why them? “One woman stated that it is no accident that when decisions are being made over where a site should be placed, they are placed in poor and black communities Margie- Gay Peterson said, “Landfills and wastewater plants are put in poor and people of color communities because they are not politically involved to stop it.” (Peterson,1998) Ms. Powell responded that the placement of landfills in her community is part of “designed confusion,’ This refers to the planned genocide of people of color by whites.” “African Americans are victims of environmental pollution and disease, their communities are disproportionately “toxic dumps” and their bodies are “toxic sites” (Merchant, 2003) (Gomez, A. M., Shafiei, F., & Johnson, G. S., 2011). Latine Context: Mabel Miller Of the 3 million people employed in agriculture in the United States, one-third are undocumented farm workers.

The majority of these farm workers hail from Mexico, while others come from Central and South American countries. Farmworker rights connect directly to environmental racism because this minoritized group is forced to engage in the work that directly exploits the land they live on. The well-being of the environment is based upon the intersection of equity, sustainable ecology, a thriving economy, and overall human health. Not a single one of these needs are being met when it comes to the exploitation of Latine laborers in agriculture. Latine lives are put at risk through poor living accommodations, dangerous working conditions, including pesticides, and the exploitation of child labor. Agriculture is a very hazardous industry due to poor living accommodations. In Robert Gottlieb and Anupama Joshi's book, Food Justice, they discuss “where farm workers are housed has also become part of the system of abuse and unhealthy living conditions” (page 21).

They also noted that there are a “handful of studies that have linked substandard or overcrowded conditions to such health problems as ‘gastro-intestinal illnesses associated with the lack of a refrigerator and significantly elevated levels of anxiety and depression associated with poor living conditions’” (pages 21-22). If farmworkers aren’t granted the basic human rights allowed to other US citizens, they will continue to face harm from the dominant systems in society that oppress them. Working conditions, specifically pesticides, are also a major concern for agricultural laborers. “Soil fumigants such as DBCP are just one group of the many hazardous substances and routes of exposure when it comes to chemical inputs in the fields. Deaths and injuries from spraying, handling, and even inadvertent ingestion of toxic chemicals are a constant risk. Workplace exposures and community exposures are linked: workers bring pesticide residues home on their clothing and may live in homes adjacent to fields and exposed to pesticide drift; and water and air contamination turn these homes and their communities into an extension of the hazardous workplace” (Gottlieb & Joshi, page 25).

Once again, race and health are connected due to oppressive circumstances imposed by the commanding enforcers of social class. As if this wasn’t concerning enough, chemicals used in agriculture have also been associated with the development of Parkinson's disease as well as infertility. The chemicals that are introduced to their bodies and the land are clearly unhealthy and pose harm to both humans and the environment. Working conditions commonly found in agriculture are not only concerning but an issue of human rights. Children are also involved in the hazardous workforce of agriculture. While parents may not desire their children to partake in such an unsafe occupation, lack of documentation or other opportunities can force families into this field of work. “Children as young as fourteen years are allowed by federal law to work in agriculture, and children as young as sixteen years are allowed to perform field work defined as particularly hazardous, whereas the minimum age for performing hazardous work in all other industries is eighteen (and sixteen for non-hazardous work).” Often children as young as 9 or 10 accompany their parents to the fields with the only restriction being that such work not occur during school hours. Since 1938, exemptions in the federal child labor law, the Fair Labor Standards Act, have excluded child agricultural workers from many of the protections afforded almost every other working child. (Gottlieb & Joshi, pages 20-21).

With the next generation stuck doing work that abuses their bodies and overall well-being, how are they supposed to advocate for themselves, let alone the planet? Nearly all youth working between the ages of 15 and 17 are from Latine or other minority families. This is clearly an issue of race, for the black and brown youth of our country are not allowed the chances to complete work that isn’t harming their lives all while simultaneously destroying the planet they will one day inherit from their predecessors. Race and lack of social mobility are factors that often drive Latine folk into the agricultural workforce. This occupation works directly with the land and introduces harmful conditions on both humans and the earth. When it comes to food, a basic human need, our society fails to promote an equitable system and instead surrenders to the greed of the oppressive dominate groups. “The lessons are clear,” Gottlieb & Joshi conclude. “The exploitation and abuses of the dominant food systems have become essential battleground in how we grow and produce the food we eat” (page 38). Collective Story: Shannon Davidson It’s been years since I’ve seen smoke other than from my own fires.

At first, I thought it was storm clouds. Then, I heard the rumbling. The ground shook and I knew I wasn’t alone anymore. I ran to climb the highest tree as I sling my bow across my back. I climb the mountainous pine to find a machine long and dome shaped charging towards me. Almost as if someone mobilized an aircraft hangar. It had wheels like a tank and turrets to match. I haven’t seen another human being in almost a decade, and I don’t think this meeting will be very pleasant. After all the storms, heat, radiation, famine, flood, forest fires, drought, deforestation, etc. I thought I was the only one unlucky enough to survive, even if I couldn’t remember how.

The rumble grew louder as the machine grew closer it roared in my ears and raised the hairs on my arm. Why are they here? How did they find me? What do they want? My best guess? Resources. That’s pretty much what started it all. Things were hard before it all went down. The thing I miss the most though was my grandmothers' stories. I can still hear her voice in my head, and my mothers and my aunts, educating me about our home. The land our ancestors had lived and worked on for many years. That connection they had to the land, I craved it. I craved to have that sense of community. I wanted to live out my grandmothers' stories even though they weren’t even hers. These stories are the only thing that have kept me going for this long. I followed them to this land and made it my own. I have that connection to my land now, to our land. I will defend this place, this is my home and I’m the person who knows it best. Those assholes have no idea what’s coming for them.

Works Cited

Brady , Judy. “Environmental Justice & Environmental Racism.” GREENACTION, WordPress, greenaction.org/?page_id=420 Frank, Billy, and Kari Neumeyer. Tell the Truth: the Collected Columns of Billy Frank Jr. Salmon Defense, 2015. Gomez, A. M., Shafiei, F., & Johnson, G. S. (2011). BLACK WOMEN'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF THREE COMMUNITIES IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA. Race, Gender & Class, 18(1), 189-214. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/913374728?accountid=15006 Gottlieb, R. & Joshi A. (2010) Food justice. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Rainey, S. A., & Johnson, G. S. (2009). GRASSROOTS ACTIVISM: AN EXPLORATION OF WOMEN OF COLOR'S ROLE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT.Race, Gender & Class, 16(3), 144-173. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/218869762?accountid=15006 Takaki, Ronald T. A Different Mirror: a History of Multicultural America. Back Bay Books/Little, Brown, and Co., 2008. “Treaty of Medicine Creek.” GOIA, goia.wa.gov/tribal-government/treaty-medicine-creek-1854.

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I’m not a Racist Song by Joyner Lucas Analysis

I found a song about inequality which expresses different view points on racism and prejudice. It is the point of view from a stereotypical redneck and stereotypical young black thug. This song talks about racism from both sides and the how the myths people are fed lead to a continued cycle of racism, hate, and inequality. The song is called "I'm Not A Racist", it is sung by Joyner Lucas and written by Gary Lucas. The title "I Am Not A Racist" may throw you off but it is talking about the prejudice attitudes and racist behavior that white people still have because of their pre-conceived notions about blacks. Many white people think they are not racist because they have black friends yet still judge black people and consider them the cause of their own problems which is just one of the misconceptions this song approaches. The others are that black men today should not be as mad about slavery because they have never been slaves, all black men and women do is collect welfare and party, and the all too common myth that black men would rather sell drugs then get a job. Now here is the flip side view from a black man's perspective. He basically explains that the system is set up for them to fail and that it is not as easy for them to get a job because of institutional racism. In order to put food on the table they have to resort to selling drugs. He also touches on the fact that even though they say nigga to each other it does not give whites the right to call them nigga because they feel when a white man says it that it has a derogatory hidden meaning even if it is just done in a joking manner. The crucial point that got to me is when he says "Treatin everybody how you want and any way how" which to me is a slam to the fact that whites have always gotten away with treating different cultures and races any way they wanted for quite some time.

There has been conflict between blacks and whites for some time. However there have also been many changes for the better. Why does the conflict still exist? Why are blacks or any race still being discriminated against in our country? According to conflict theory it is this way because white people do not want to lose their economic security and dominance in this world(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems,9-4b). As you could see in the song I described both of those men could not see how the system had pitted them against one another and there is definitely a conflict of opinions. There is the white man afraid to lose his dominance over the world he knows, does not feel he is a racist, is angry at another race because he feels they are taking advantage of free resources and perpetuating crime in his nation. The black man has learned to get by in a world dominated by whites, has had to resort to drug dealing or other nefarious means to make money and gets immersed in a gang lifestyle because of segregated neighborhoods(if you are poor or a minority you live in the bad part of town). Minorities are not given the same options as whites and everyday when they walk out the door they know they will most likely be judged by the color of their skin. This is something whites might never experience , which is why the loss of dominance is such a threat to some whites. There is a line in this textbook which covers this idea perfectly " In addition, the “haves” perpetuate racial and ethnic tensions among the “have-nots” to deflect attention away from their own greed and exploitation of workers."(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems,9-4b). In the song the white man complains about taxes and the fact that the black man collects welfare and does not have to pay any which is a tactic used by the system to redirect the peoples anger towards each other and not at the way things are set up. There are many other ways the system achieves conflict between races, let's take a look at just a few them.

Stereotypes are an exaggeration about certain characteristics of a group(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems, 9-4c). Many think that people of Asian descent are very good at math and that Mexicans have large families. Stereotypes can be true but not always and many do not fit their stereotype but are discriminated against just the same. They can also be used as a way to pigeonholed a particular group and keep them from being seen as individuals. The stereotype of a black man who is never around to raise to his children is a typical one. Many don't stop to think that many young black boys did not have a father because he was incarcerated, got involved in drug dealing to support his family, or died in gang violence. As long as the stereotype of a deadbeat black man is perpetuated then the world will continue to see them as such, they will see themselves as such, and the self fulfilling prophecy will continue.

The white man in the song also does not understand what it is like to be the victim of Institutional Racism(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems, 9-5) and Institutional Discrimination(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems,9-6a). Institutional racism is when power, resources, and opportunities benefit whites and not minorities(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems,9-5). Institutional Discrimination is when policies and procedures result in unequal treatment of minorities and less opportunities(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems,9-6a)For example, say you are black and you see an ad in the paper for help wanted. You see the job and have some experience doing similar work in the past. You complete the interview but the likelihood you will get a call back is not the same as if you were white. Even though people say they don't discriminate in the workplace it still happens. White men are also more likely to get call back for a job if they have criminal record than if a black man with no criminal record were to apply(NAACP, Fair Chance Hiring Fact Sheet).

There are many in our country who dream of some king of Pluralism. Pluralism is when racial and ethnic groups keep what makes them unique but respect each other while having equal access to resources(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems,9-1b). At the end of my chosen song he sings " Can't erase the scars with a bandage I'm hopin' maybe we can come to an understandin' Agree to disagree, we could have an understandin' I'm not racist"( Joyner Lucas). To me when i heard this it made me think that this is what he meant, that one day we could all come to an understanding and agree to disagree while helping each other succeed. A country that has adopted Pluralism successfully is Switzerland(Mooney, Understanding Social Problems,91b) However the adoption of pluralism in our country is taking longer to be accepted. There are still many who choose to hang on to their racist ideologies and cling to their dominance. It could also mean problems for the government, corporations, and wars. Imagine a world where we were no longer fighting with each other over our physical differences and cultural beliefs. Imagine all the time we would have to solve world problems, end hunger, help the poor, protect our environment etc. We humans are our own biggest hindrance and our country's system is set up to reinforce that.

It may be difficult to see how the system pits us all against each other especially when it comes to different races. I found an article by Adam Kilgore which covers some racial disparities that happened between fighters Mayweather and McGregor. I learned that boxing has used racial conflict as a marketing ploy for quite some time(Kilgore,A.2017). The fighter McGregor has even been heard making racial remarks to Mayweather and a few other rude comments(Kilgore,A.2017). It is suggested in the article that Mayweather and McGregor are knowingly stirring racial tensions to sell their fight(Kilgore,A.2017). It seems to me that Mayweather and McGregor may have cracked the system and learned how to cash in on the worlds socially constructed prejudice and racism. The article even has a direct quote that backs up this idea "" it’s a selling point,” Cooney said. “There’s a lot of ignorant people in the world. So they want to hear it. They want something to put on their back and stand up for. It’s just a small group of those people. But it sells tickets.”"(Kilgore,A.2017). Take a moment and apply this thinking process to our world. Think about the people who run the system. They know racism is ignorant but they cash in on it because they keep the workers confused and tired and eager to find another group to take their anger out on so they can place blame when they can find no other outlet.

Many white people give the same argument "If you don't want your kids to be gang bangers and drug dealers then don't live in those areas"," If you don't want your children to fit the stereotype then make them finish school and keep them out of trouble". I have heard many comments like these in discussions about racial stereotypes and their validity. Most of the time the people I am speaking to do not agree with the fact that it is not as easy as they make it seem. First of all how do you not live in a bad area when it is all you can afford? How do you get a better house when the bank won't give you a loan because of your race? How does your son stay out of trouble if you are a single parent working two jobs, his dad is in jail, and your son is being influenced by what the media is telling him he should or will be? Most white people don't understand these struggles because they don't have to go through it. That is not to say that there are not white people in poverty, that are struggling, and have trouble keeping their kids out of trouble. However if your kid is getting in to trouble and there is black kid with him the black kid is more likely to look suspicious then the white kid. Even in California, a place considered highly liberal and accepting, there is a form of segregation in neighborhoods. After doing some research I learned that most neglected neighborhoods in California had many people of color(Teresa Mathew &City Lab). While collecting data on neighborhoods they apparently had not been looking at race as a factor before and were only looking at zip codes and socioeconomic status(Teresa Mathew &City Lab).

However race turned out to be the deciding factor in a neglected neighborhood(Teresa Mathew& City Lab). Neglected neighborhoods are living situations that can set the stage for ghettos to form. This is where low-income families of color get stuck because of low income, discrimination in the workplace, and segregation of their housing. If they want to get out they have to work 3x as hard to pull themselves up out of poverty."Across California, Asian and white homeowners have almost $25,000 more of their income left after paying for housing than African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Latinos. In San Mateo County, only 37 percent of the black, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations own the homes they live in, compared to the white population’s 67 percent home ownership rate."(Teresa Mathew & City Lab). This is just another way that the system sets people of other race's and cultures up to fail. So the next time you hear someone complain about someone of a different race who is struggling make sure you take the time to look at the obstacles in their way first.

With so much knowledge about discrimination, racism, and prejudice you wonder why it still continues. It is dumb for it to continue and many educated compassionate people have learned that for our world to get better all of our old concepts of race need to wash away. How do you do that though when the powerful are still using the struggling uneducated masses as a ploy in their game of greed and corruption? I think the best solution is to continue to educate people and promote diversity. If you live your life only ever around people that support your beliefs and look and act like you then that is all you will ever know.

Works cited

Kilgore, A. (2017, August 23). Racial conflict sells boxing matches. Mayweather and McGregor are its latest pitchmen. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/boxing/racial-conflict-sells-boxing-matches-mayweather-and-mcgregor-are-its-latest-pitchmen/2017/08/23/780e9bb6-876b-11e7-a94f-3139abce39f5_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a0af633fbc36 Fair Chance Hiring Fact Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naacp.org/fairchancehiring/ Teresa Mathew @_teamat Feed Teresa Mathew, & CityLab. (2017, November 22). These Maps Show the Extent of Racial Disparity in California. Retrieved from https://www.citylab.com/equity/2017/11/mapping-racial-disparities-in-the-golden-state/546149/ Mooney, L. Understanding Social Problems. Tenth edition

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Environmental Injustice and Racism in Flint Michigan

It is no secret, most Americans have heard of the avoidable and abject failure of government on the local, state and federal level; environmental authorities; and water company officials to prevent the mass poisoning of hundreds of children and adults in Flint, Michigan from April 2014 to December 2018. The Flint case is particularly intriguing on the grounds that there cannot be environmental injustice without racism playing a vital role. As has been very much pitched, an essential diver of the harming was a severity measure forced by the metropolitan Emergency Fiscal Manager (EFM). The EFM, obviously, was forced by Michigan's governor Rick Snyder in light of Flint's budgetary emergency. The story is critical as it is one of those uncommon moments when the public can really "see" the auxiliary idea of ecological prejudice, which, offers us an opportunity to move past exceedingly contracted originations of racism that have described the liberal and neoliberal times1. The ongoing harming in Flint, Michigan, is a ground-breaking case of both environmental racism and injustice.

The Poisoning of Flint In 2010 Rick Snyder was elected the legislative head of Michigan. In 2011 he proclaimed Flint to be in a money-related emergency and set it under control of the emergency management. He did this under Michigan's Public Act 436, which permits the governor to allocate an EFM to regions and school areas. EFMs render the typical forces of the civic chairman and city committee pointless, as their goal is to restore the city to financial dissolvability. In spite of the profoundly mythologized tradition of state principle in the US, it is not ensured. subsequently, 1López, Ian Haney. 2014. Dog Whistle Politics: How Coded Appeals have Reinvented Racism and Wrecked the Middle Class. New York: Oxford University Press. the burden of an EFM, in the expressions of one Flint resident, "thoroughly pulverizes vote-based systems"2, the meaning not staying true to democracy. Flint experienced four such managers from 2011 to April 2015, when Snyder declared that Flint's financial emergency was understood. By then, the city was swung over to a warning board. The topic of how precisely Flint moved toward becoming financially dissolvable is essential. A wide range of measures was sanctioned, including changing the water supply.The city of Flint utilized the Detroit River for its water3. Flint had a concurrence with Detroit that it tried to renegotiate at the beginning of the water emergency to bring down its expenses.

In spite of the fact that it was displayed to the general population as though Detroit was ending its concurrence with Flint, in all actuality, Flint's EFM rejected the renegotiated terms and subsequently looked for an alternative water source4. Flint distinguished Lake Huron as a potential water source, yet this would require the formation of another provincial water specialist and pipeline. The arrangement would spare the city $18 million more than eight years. The catch, in any case, was that the pipeline would not be finished for a long time, at some point in 2016. Not wasting time, then EFM, Darnell Earley, chose to utilize the Flint River. A sensible thing to ask now is, "For what reason did not they utilize the Flint River in the first case?" Well maybe since it is famously contaminated from GM's longstanding mechanical 2American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. 2016. “Here’s to Flint: Documentary on Flint Water Crisis.” March 8. Accessed December 5, 2018. https://www.aclumich.org/herestoflint. 3Craven, J., and T. Tynes. 2016. “The Racist Roots of Flint’s Water Crisis.” Huffington Post, February 3. Accessed May 5, 2016. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/racist-roots-of- flints-water-crisis_us_56b12953e4b04f9b57d7b118. 4American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. 2016. “Here’s to Flint: Documentary on Flint Water Crisis.” March 8. Accessed December 5, 2018. https://www.aclumich.org/herestoflint. action5. As one Flint occupant clarified, " ... everybody knows how gross the River is!"6. For different reasons, the Flint River is not just exceptionally contaminated but additionally difficult to treat. Therefore, no one viewed it as a reasonable wellspring of metropolitan water. At the point when the city of Flint changed its water source to the River, the GM offices in Flint at first did in like manner, as they were served by the same water framework. Be that as it may, GM before long whined that the water was so corrosive that it caused motor parts to rust.

Likewise, GM requested that city authorities be permitted to come back to the Detroit River and was allowed authorization to do as such7.This ought to have been a noteworthy warning: If the water was destructive to vehicle parts, may it not present an issue to people and other living creatures? State and neighborhood authorities ought to have promptly mediated in Flint residents' water supply. However, they did not do anything. At this moment we see not just how absolutely depreciated and expendable residents were according to EFMs, yet we additionally observe the power and rationale of a bigger arrangement of social relations which organize financial dissolvability regardless of anything else. The water tests, both their discoveries and the mystery encompassing them, uncover a stunning dismissal for human life. Testing demonstrated disturbing lead levels. A few tests discovered lead levels seven times over the government legitimate limit, while others were two thousand over8. The readings activated discussions between ecological authorities in Flint, the 5Carmody, Steve. 2016. “How the Flint River Got So Toxic.” The Verge, February 26. Accessed June 6, 2016

https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/26/11117022/flint-michigan-water-crisis- lead-pollution-history 6American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. 2016. “Here’s to Flint: Documentary on Flint Water Crisis.” March 8. Accessed December 5, 2018. https://www.aclumich.org/herestoflint.7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. State of Michigan, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Miguel Del Toral of the EPA was essential in revealing the extension and gravity of the toxic substance, its purposeful nature, and the concealment of the local and state authorities. when Del Toral saw the lead levels, he quickly asked about what sort of hostile to the destructive agent(s) Flint was utilizing. The city of Flint reacted to Del Toral's request by expressing that it was "improving enemy of destructive measures"9. The truth was that Flint had no measures set up. Underscoring the legislative issues of somberness is the way that, as indicated by CNN, including the agent would have cost $100 every day.

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Neighborhood Revitalization and Urban Renewal in Memphis TN

Have you ever thought or went into depth about the new things that have be being brought into your neighborhood/ city? Well, I have been gathering research about Neighborhood Revitalization and Urban Renewal in Memphis, TN. While doing the research, I have contributed a lot of thing like the example about “Explore Bikes,” and how it has helped the community in a better way for people who don’t have cars or people with cars and just don’t have the money for gas. However, I want to give thanks to my partner Aiyana Keys, for giving her input on the renewals that have been brought into our city like; Crosstown Concourse, the River front attractions that are being brought, the movie theaters, and the new Aquarium that is being built. I have also contributed my time, hard work, creativity, and my dedication into getting my work done and research in for me and my partner.

What did me and my partner consider in our project and why? For one reason I can say, we incorporated the good things that has been being built because it came from nothing and it is bring joy, money, and people together as one. We also choose the things we did because even with the things that are happening and be renewed in our city there are still things that are not being done and notice around the city. We also wanted to touch on the fact on have the renewals are getting the youth involved; especially, Crosstown with “Crosstown High” which prepares students for college, career, and life through personalized learning plans and project-based learning; exposure to a diverse community; and critical relationships with our community partners in Crosstown Concourse and beyond. I also planned and interviewed someone that works with the company that developed “Explore Bikes” and that was to give an inside view on have the bikes has and will help further more in the future.

What do I think personally? I really believe the renewals that are happening in Memphis are very well and they are targeting everyone in the city because this is where we live and how we will have to continue to live by making the live and places of where we live better every day. Neighborhood Revitalization embraces an integrated, collaborative approach to community development. It helps coalition with neighborhood residents and partners to address the many elements that contribute to a higher quality of life, including health care, safety and economic development, in addition to housing. Neighborhood revitalization is the way of the future and is an essential element of better living.

How was the Group Dynamics? My partner and I worked well together even if it was a little disagreements here and there; however we never shut each other’s ideas down and threw them out we found a way to make it fit inside what we were developing as a whole. The work was also not just on me and not just on her it wasn’t even 50/50, we work together throughout the whole thing and didn’t miss a beat. We help each other and promoted each other in the things that we brought to the table. By ending this reflection I want to give a special shout out and thanks to my partner Aiyana Keys.

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Summoned Identification and Religious Life in a Jewish Neighborhood

Iddo Tavory’s Summoned: identification and religious life in a Jewish neighborhood builds up on the understanding of readers regarding social life and interaction, culture, and mainly identity by studying one particular group- the Jewish orthodox living in the Beverly-La Brea, South east of Hollywood. It is an example of symbolic interactionist ethnography that express how the interaction of humans with their surrounding will help us understand human beings more. It can also be seen as an auto ethnography in which the author writes it from both field and personal experiences. One of the major strength of the book is how its construction engages well with its arrangement and coordination. This is clearly seen in the logically coordinated eight chapters of the book.

Even though the book is short, it consists of abundant evidences that are constructed professionally. It starts from the history of the neighborhood and continues to its current state focusing on organizational structure and current role in everyday summoning (p.13), to synagogue life in how religion gatherings and conventions help members get closer, to the distinction among the neighborhood Jews internally (p.79), to the differentiation of the non-Jewish people regarding work and other social life and finally to the way in which the Jews navigate their environment and its morally treacherous passages, such as button-operated crosswalks(p.127). Moreover, it emphasizes on how and when the orthodox Jews are summoned in everyday life and the unfolding of their interactions due to projects and summons of others (p.7). Their identity is constructed through their social life and experience.

Another Strength of the book lies in its auto ethnography nature in which Tavory takes the readers to the field by acting as a medium. This makes the unfamiliar place understandable and more relatable. He also provides an in depth analysis of the theme from interpersonal things like the furnishing and predictability of Judaism by cloth, manner and food (p.66-67, 82-84, 94-96, 139-140), to the changing of the neighborhood and the day-to-day practices regarding symbolic boundaries (37, 40, 129-132).Moreover, Tavory uses imagery and metaphor to make his writing delightful and to express how life was to the readers. In addition, his language usage and metaphors provides a better insight to readers and makes the book enjoyable and relatable. For instance, to explain the thickness of the life of the Jewish people while he was living there, he writes: “living an Orthodox life in the Beverly-LaBrea neighborhood was like swimming in honey” (p.3).According to Tavory, to be orthodox is not just a status, it requires a lot to be one. Tavory expresses life in the community as exhilarating but at the same time tiring and overbearing (p.3). He builds up on his argument by mentioning how people start their day early in the morning by praying and stay involved throughout their day in the Orthodox world; even the streets reminds them their identity.

The book’s main contribution is related with identity and social interaction within the clear boundaries as the setting. This is seen through Tavory’s unique building methods of his arguments and his setting choice. The main concentration of the analysis is that how the people live in a place with everything at opposite/odds regarding who they are both as an individual and collectively. The views of orthodox, a religious life that requires a lot, and Hollywood life, a life with fame and partying, is completely different. So how would it be possible to live in a neighborhood of 70%-80% of non-Jewish people and act as if this non-Jewish people are invisible to them? This is where summoning comes. Tavory explains the idea of summoning by relating it to Althusser’s juridical “interpellation” in which how the police officer in French shouts out telling you to turn around (p.6). This statement captures the idea in which people internalize culture and evoke them in our everyday life. Summoning can be both an emotional and labeling process. This idea of how the social environment affects our identity and the ethnographic genre is also studied under micro sociology, which studies about daily interactions of people at a social level and small scale and ethnographic genres including observation and interviews (you may ask yourself, 1). Even though tavory’s work was mainly on his observation, he also did 45 interviews as a way to support the ethnographic data regarding the neighborhood history and organizational structures.

Tavory used abductive analysis as his research method and he precisely explains it the appendix of the book. Abductive analysis is a way of “theorizing qualitative data from observation” (p.163). He applies this methodology by mentioning how he encountered surprises while observing and how the world would “normalize” the surprises (p.163). This involves induction (generalizing after empirical observation) and deduction (start with a theory then test and design empirical observations and the research) (you may ask your self,2). For example, he mentions how the Jews see and speak about the non-Jews, and how they avoided passing by a non-kosher food place but then a rabbi can pass by and moreover, the rabbi can also read what’s written. It is clearly seen how Tavory goes to generalizations by theorizing their chances of being related in intricate acts of meaning that occurs over a period of time.

I really enjoyed reading this book and was able to relate to most of the things since I come from an orthodox background. However, there were some things I hoped he included in his writing. Even though Tavory explained the summoning, culture, style social interaction, and ways of life, he didn’t stress the pain and resistance within the summoning. And also he didn’t mention the political conditions and history that made summoning possible. He refers back to an incident that happened while he was walking with a friend at Melrose. A passenger in the car pulled their middle finger out on them yelling “Jews!”(p.140). Tavor’s friend seemed really untroubled by this incident and he just thought of it as an ignorance. This might raise questions such as, “how did such kind of thinking and indifference came from?” in the reader’s mind. In addition, even if the setting is the most important part of the research, it has also it downs. Tavory only focused and analyzed summoning on a specific community making it homogenous even though the main occupiers of the neighborhood are the non-Jews people with different atmosphere vibe. This might have brought a slight change in the interpretation and analyzing of summoning.

In general it was a well written book in an interesting manner. It broadens ones point of view and perspectives regarding social life and interaction and how they shape an individual as well as a community. I believe its in depth analysis of summoning and the relationship between identities and communities in reference to space and personal practices will make it an interesting topic for students studying ethnography. Also, the book will help them built up on their theoretical skills.

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Online Dating and Racial Discrimination

Contents

Introduction
Racial Discrimination
Privacy
Appearance and Deception
Conclusion

Introduction

Over the recent years, technology has become a central point of everyday life. Within the last fifteen years, internet usage has gone from 400 million people to 3 billion (ICT Facts & Figures). With this mass integration of technology in the human experience, the human connection has also been affected. Online dating arose as a way for humans to connect romantically over the internet. Research from the Pew Research Center found that 15% of American adults have utilized an online dating application (Smith 1). An even larger amount, 41%, has reported knowing someone who utilizes online dating (Smith 3). The increasing popularity of online dating has come with both skepticism and credence. The ethicality of the methods to gain long-term relationships over online dating is questionable. The components that arise from online dating are racial discrimination, privacy, and deception.

Racial Discrimination

Racism is a prejudice against a race due to the belief that another (or one’s own) is superior. While research from Philipp Hergovich, with his Ph.D in Economics, and Josu© Ortega, a researcher at the Center for European Economic Research, finds that interracial marriages can be increased through online dating (29), racism is still prominent. Data provided by the co-founder of OKCupid, Christian Rudder, shows that Asian men are the most discriminated against (Rudder,“Race and Attraction, 2009–2014.”). When being rated by women, Asian men received the lowest rating, -15% (Rudder,“Race and Attraction, 2009–2014.”). Evidence also shows that Black women are the least preferred. When being rated by men, Black women recieved the lowest rating, -54%. Professors at the Institute for Social Research, Elizabeth Bruch, with her Ph.D in Sociology, and Mark Newman also found that Asian women and White men are the most preferred on online dating applications.

This racial discrimination gives an advantage to White men and Asian women in finding love and the entire process of online dating. Asian men and Black women are at a disadvantage and therefore may have unfair outcomes in relation to White men and Asian women. Online dating applications can also facilitate this. A research team at Cornell University, Javon Hutson, Jessie Taft, Solon Barocas, with his Ph.d in media, culture, and communication, and Karen Levy, a professor of Sociology reports that dating sites utilize “race-based filters and search tools or race-based matching algorithms” (2). These components of online dating allow users to filter out or search for specific races, which completely excludes entire races from potential partners. The excluded races therefore face an inequality that other people such as White men and Asian women do not have to encounter. This inequality may deter users from utilizing online dating for long-term relationships.

Although this racial discrimination is prominent, dating websites have begun to combat this issue. Grindr, an online dating app geared towards gay and bisexual men, has begun a campaign called “Kindr Grindr” (Kindr Grindr). “Kindr Grindr” is a campaign promoting inclusivity and fights racism on their app. For this campaign, Grindr updated their Community Guidelines, including a “Zero Tolerance Policy” for “discrimination, harassment, and abusive behavior.” (Kindr Grindr) Stricter moderation policies on user profiles have been put into place as well, to protect other users from discrimination. (Kindr Grindr) Taking measures like this may reduce racism and make users feel more comfortable, but research has not yet shown the effects of this campaign.

Privacy

With online dating, there is a risk of privacy invasion. As technology develops, it becomes easier for one to find out virtually anything about someone. This is no different in online dating. Researchers in the Security & Privacy Research Lab at the University of Washington, Camille Cobb and Tadayoshi Kohno reported an online dating user who described a time when she was discovered through something as simple as her last name. The man “used this to find her on Twitter, and followed links in her distant Twitter past to personal blog posts.” (5) The easiness in finding someone because of the internet became a dangerous thing. The user, once being rejected, began shaming the participant for her personal information (Cobb and Kohno 5). This type of harassment is the result of searchability becoming easier.

Many people choose to not disclose certain information that would make them easy to find on the internet (Cobb and Kohno 6). While this can prevent the privacy risks, there are still users who disclose personal information. In Kohno and Cobb’s study, half of the participants included revealing information like their job, and 42 revealed their school (6). As seen from previous evidence, disclosing evidence like this can bring dangers to the user.

Appearance and Deception

The process of online dating relies heavily on appearance. In research performed by Shao-Kang Lo, an expert in behavioral science, Ai-Yun Hsieh, a faculty member at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and Yu-Ping Chiu, an expert in the interaction between technology and humans, it is reported that appearance is the biggest factor that changes the demeanor of online daters (2). They report that users first look at potential partner’s photographs, and then their biographies. Furthermore, they report that 40.7% percent of the participants in their study create negative deceptions, making themselves seem less attractive, when faced with an unattractive potential partner, in order to deter these daters from matching with them (Lo, Shao-Kang, et al. 6). The bias against unattractive people can give these users a negative experience and disadvantage in online dating.

This emphasis on appearance can pressure users into conveying themselves as more attractive. Researchers of the psychology of communication technologies Catalina Toma, with her Ph.D in communication and Jeffrey Hancock, with his Ph.D in psychology, report that online daters who are considered unattractive are more likely to enhance themselves, using positive descriptions and retouched or flattering pictures (9). Lo, Hsieh, and Chiu’s report adds to this, conveying that users are more likely to deceive when faced with what they believe is an attractive profile (6). The emphasis of appeareance therefore pressures users to manipulate their online presence to seem more attractive. However, Toma and Hancock found that users looking for long-term relationships are less likely to lie about their appearance (9). If users have the intention of meeting in the future, and therefore be seen by the other partner, they are unlikely to lie about or enhance their appearance. Because of this, deception is not a major threat for people searching for long-term relationships in online dating.

Conclusion

As online dating increases in popularity, more people begin utilize it. In a study performed by the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, it was found that ? of modern marriages have arisen from online dating (Cacioppo, John T., et al. 4). As the pool of online daters increases and diversifies, the ethics of online dating comes into question. Dating apps are not made equal for all races. Racial filters, searches, and user preferences give certain demographics an advantage over others. While online dating sites have implemented ways to combat racial prejudice, it still occurs in modern online dating. There is a major emphasis on appearance in online dating that gives people that are considered unattractive a disadvantage. This preference for attractive people pressures “unattractive” people to enhance their appearance to appeal to potential partners. However, deception is less likely for people searching for long-term relationships. Privacy invasion such as cyberstalking is also a widely reported issue. It is now up to the companies behind these online dating sites to implement stronger rules to ensure the safety of all users. These rules must be inclusive for people of all races, genders, and incomes, so users have equal opportunities to find love.

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How Can Racism be Curbed in the United States

How can racism be curbed in the United States is an age-old question that may never be answered or solved. Racism in America has been a social problem since colonization this country. It started with the native Americans and has spread far, and wide Anglo-Saxon protestant whites assumed the position of superiority to all other races. Non-protestants, Irish, poles and Italians were subjected to xenophobic exclusion until the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. In addition, Middle Eastern American groups like the Jews and Arabs experience such racism and discrimination that some do nit want to identify with the white race. East and South Asians have also faced racism in the United States.

The major structured racial and ethnical institutions in the United States include Native American reservations, SLAVERY, segregation and interval camps. But SLAVERY is the racial social problem of the past that still receives the energy of prejudice on both sides of the races, White VS African American.

Thomas Jefferson, a pillar of America government, owned slaves himself. He advocated the abolishment of slavery even though he profited from running his plantation, Monticello using the labor and blacks of slaves. Even though he campaigned for the end of slavery, he had some very long reaching thoughts on the subject, he thought white Americans and enslaved blacks made up two separate peoples, two separate nations and who could not live peacefully in the same country, he also believed blacks were inferior and as incapable as children, along with the resentment and contingency between the races should result in the removal of blacks from America. Was he right? Seems the slavery issue can not be put to rest. Are the African Americans still enslaved by racial politics shown by the socio-economical inequality and stratification occurring in education, employment, housing, etc.

The 2010’s brought a new movement of a white nationalist coalition that wants the expulsion of sexual and racial minorities from the united states. Charlottesville, VA was the most recent demon station site for white supremacist groups intended to unite the different white fractions, a white supremacist drove his car into a group of protesters- injuring 19 and killing one during this “peaceful rally”.

There are prejudices on both sides of the line. Can these prejudices be overcome in our lifetime, or our children’s? It was thought that racism would be a thing of the past in this the twenty- first century.

According to www.pewresearch.org (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., the perception of racism as a big problem has increased since 2015. Pewreasearch also says “58% of Americans say racism is a BIG problem in our society while 29% say it is somewhat a problem in our society, but just 12% say racism in the United States is a small problem or no problem at all.” The majority sees the social issue as a Big problem – so why can it not be resolved- Feelings, emotions, prejudices start somewhere. Is it in the home where parents, grandparents, extended relatives voice their stand on politics, hatreds, prejudices and superiority? It doesn’t matter where it starts what matters is finding a way to end this world wide problem resulting from ignorance that separates people by their skin color.

The answer is yes- people learn to be whatever family, society or culture teaches them. Continuous education is a simple solution. This means parents must actively consistently teach their children not to be racist in order to prevent them from becoming racist, says Jennifer Richeson, a Yale University social psychologist. This is not the product of some deep sealed, evil heart that is cultivated. It comes from the environment, the air around us.” This education should be that for the white race however, but for all races. Feelings, understanding must be extended across that division line to each group- not just flowing from one to the other. But is it possible to teach people not to be racist? “The only way to change bias is to change what is acceptable in society. People today complain about politically correct culture, but what that does is provide a check on people’s outward attitude, which in turn influences how we think about ourselves internally. Everything we are exposed to gives us messages about who is good and bad.”

Eric Knowles, a psychology professor at New York University, who studies prejudice and politics agreed, “norms can serve as a check on expression of violent racism, but to challenge the deep-seated prejudices that shape our behavior, to unlearn our implicit biases, ‘we need contact’, he said. This is opposite of what Thomas Jefferson offered or what the white supremacist wants which is a segregated society. A segregated society would set this country back 200 years.

Can racism disappear over time? Jennifer Richeson says, “it’s a myth that our country will somehow become more progressive, and its equally a myth to think that our children will save us. Most of the all-right activists who sparked violence in Charlottesville were young white men… it’s simply not true that we just need to wait for the few old racist men left in the South to die off and then we’ll be fine. The rhetoric for racism is still in place. The environment for racism is still there. Unless we change that, we can not lessen racism.

Bibliography

pbs.org- (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Racism in the Us who’s responsible for… refrence.com (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. social studies what solutions are commonly proposed to solve pewresearch.org/factank/2017/08/29/views-of-racism-as-a...

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What is Online Dating?

The internet has become more popular in this generation. Now being able to keep in touch with people and chat online has led to online dating. The idea of meeting online can be exciting, but can also have many setbacks. Online dating should have its restrictions in order to keep people safe.

These days’ people have become shyer to the fact of having to meet face to face and have settled for online dating. Online dating comes with its flaws of people easily being able to lie about something as simple as their age. A MTV show called ""catfish"" hosted by Nev Schulman and Max Joseph bases their show on meeting people all over the country who have relationships online with people who they have never met or video chat with before. “It gives us a really good insight into why people feel the need to lie about themselves on the internet."" (Tanya Ghanremari) Prior to officially online dating there should be a way for you to do in depth research or at least video chat the person to make sure they are who they really who they claim to be.

Dating online can be convenient and exciting, especially having a variety so you’ll find the right one for you. In the mist of all that you may find yourself in bad situations. “57 perecnt of women and 21 percent of men has reported to being harassed through online dating.” (Survey by consumer research) Going into online dating people don’t think about the consequences of not knowing someone well enough. If the person doesn’t fit what you might be looking for and you end up trying to leave the relationship that has been built it may go wrong. Only seeing the person online doesn’t give you a clear idea of how they would really be if you had spent a real day with them. This could lead you into getting harassed or even stalked by this unknown person.

Video chat is a safe way to meet someone online and actually see who you are communicating with. At the start of the online dating there should be a way to video chat one another. In today’s society both androids and iPhone’s have ways of communicating through video, but many dating sites have chosen not to add video to their apps” Even if a business has the funds and capability to add videos to its service, there’s the concern of bad behavior”( Megan Farokhmanesh) Knowing that dating sites wouldn’t want to help their customers be sure of who their dating through adding a video option makes you wonder if the owner of these sites are okay with people getting “catfished”. On the other hand, there have been many successful online dating experience’s that have resulted in meeting who they were actually talking to online and may end up getting married. This may be due to the fact that they have done their research or have opted for the video chatting option. People believe that online dating is harmless and is a great way to find someone that matches your criteria, which may sometime be true. They may not realize that online trolls do exists and are out there ready to ruin someone’s online dating experience.

Online dating is a serious part of many peoples life’s knowing that their too shy to interact in reality, it is important to remember that online dating is best used as a resource to meet individuals for eventual face-to-face dating. Online dating without going through safety precautions can be dangerous and can lead to its setbacks. It is important that one makes sure that even if you believe the person on the other sides of the screen, it is still important to protect yourself and do your research.

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Racism in America Yet Still there isn’t Justice for all

"Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason...” (Heschel). Formidable words said by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel during a speech in 1963 in the midst of a monumental time in history, the Civil Rights movement. A movement which called for freedom and justice in America, for all men alike, and made great strides in its purpose. Yet still over half a century later America is still plagued with the prejudices of its ancestors causing conflict and resentment among Americans for simple reasons such as the color of one’s skin. For this reason, the social development of America has suffered and to some extent the economy has indirectly affected. The racism that still exists in America needs to end because it creates hate and divide, encourages intolerable behavior, and it is detrimental to society's advancement. Racism can be defined as the discrimination of, or prejudice towards, a person based on their superficial genetic characteristics.

The concept of racism emerged as early as 1902 as a policy imposed on Native Americans (Bowser 527). In the 1930s when Jews were tyrannized by Hitler and again in the 1960s when Martin Luther King Jr encouraged the fight against the persecution of African Americans, the perception of racism transformed and amplified. Over the years, though the blatant display of racism is perceived to be on a decline, it seems “... that racial inequality is still produced in a systematic way ...” (Bonilla-Silva 1363). Bonilla-Silva asserted that racism has formed a social hierarchy that creates an advantage for one group over another due to “... relations at a social, political, economic and ideological levels” (1360). This formed a network that is demonstrated by studies which show that African Americans are “12 times more likely to be wrongly convicted of drug-related crimes than [white Americans]” (Mercado).

As racism has created a systematic divide among Americans, it has fostered an environment of inexcusable and intolerable behavior. In the past year, there have been multiple occasions where the beast of racism has reared its ugly head. Instances where African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities are subject to racial biases nationwide. As a result, conducts such as racial profiling, which is “the use of race or ethnicity by law enforcement officials [and at times civilians] as a basis for judgment of criminal suspicion” (Hackney and Glaser 348), has become widespread. A conduct which Hackney and Glaser demonstrated was counterproductive and may actually cause further crime; in a controlled experiment of 229 students “... r?esearch participants given a task involving extremely difficult anagrams were given the opportunity to cheat. White participants randomly assigned to a condition in which two Black confederates were obtrusively singled out for scrutiny by the study administrator cheated more than Whites in a White-profiling condition and a no-profiling control condition, and more than Black participants in all three conditions.”

One could argue that acts like racial profiling helps prevent criminal activity (Hackney and Glaser 348) or that there are laws like Equal Employment Opportunity that are designed to give minorities an unbiased chance. Yet still minorities are still subject to unfair treatment. There should be no need to justify as to why racial profiling and racism as a whole, should end. “Racial profiling [and racism is unlawful] because it violates the civil liberties of minorities and leads to their overrepresentation in the U.S criminal justice system” (Hackney and Glaser 348). Mercado states “58% of prisoners are Black or Hispanic, despite making up 1?4 of the U.S population, Asian American homebuyers are shown 20% fewer homes than White homebuyers and in 2013, the unemployment rate for Black college [graduates] was almost twice as high as the rate for [graduates] overall.” This also goes to show that racism is prevalent and detrimental to society's advancement. This poses a threat to the future of all Americans.

The concept of race is the reason for the issue of racism (Bonilla-Silva, 1359) and because of this structural or systemic partiality exists. The racism that still exists in America needs to end because it creates hate and divide, encourages intolerable behavior, and it is detrimental to society's advancement. The ultimate decline and extinction of racism in America is essential for its social, political and economic advancement.

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Effects of Online Dating

Online dating has an influence on our everyday lives. Many people are finding online dating to be the new way to find a hook-up, relationship, or even true love. All they need to do is swipe right to meet their soul mates. Technology and the use of dating apps such as Tinder have developed easy access to potential partners in a matter of minutes. However, while online dating seems to be the easiest way to find a relationship, there are many risks and dangers that can come along with internet dating when people are dishonest in their profiles. Still, the popularity of online dating has changed the way people find romantic partners and the way they communicate.

Social media sites have increased audiences on social media sites that are being explored by the world today, such as platforms like Facebook or Twitter. In the study Smith and Duggan (2013) , reported that six out of every ten Americans navigate their past and present romantic relationships. Approximately 31% of SNN users have used sites to check one a significant other they use to date or in relationship with and 17% of individuals posted images or details from a date on social networking sites (Smith and Duggan, 2013). Throughout research findings online dating have become much more positive to some and the new norm. Yet 66% of online dating have dated someone they met through a dating site or app, leading with 23% of online daters meeting their spouse or long term relationship through social media.

Using smart phones or the internet to connect to others might be helpful for some people because they’re shy which happens to be different from the past when letters, seeing each other face- to- face, or talking on the phone was necessary. When chatting online people aren’t physical and it’s often a delay between message (Peters and Salzieder, 2018). In a study investigation it shows the effect of facial attractiveness and ambition measured of interpersonal attraction stimulate online dating. Both men and women ratings stimulated a higher percentage on interpersonal attraction when an autobiography describe an individual vs. less ambitious when an individual doesn’t give a description ((Peters and Salzieder, 2018). According to the Internet World Statistics over 218 million people in North America have use the internet access and a high increase of 103% since the year of 2000(Stevens and Morris, 2007).

Approximately 98% of individuals sampled stated they own a computer and have access to email and the internet with 51% reported they spend 1 to 3 hours daily; for an open avenue of communication and provide an outlet through relationships (Stevens and Morris, 2007). Online services are much faster and increasingly popular that include instant messages, chat rooms webcams and blogs. There have been a controversy regarding whether the internet has helped people to become more social and establish closer relationship. Significantly, in regard to age it argues that physical, social and psycho-social needs change while emerging adults grew older (Sumter, Vandenbosch and Ligtenberg, 2017). For an example: romantic relationships became more serious while at the same time having casual sex became common and increased as emerging adults became older (Sumter, Vandenbosch and Ligtenberg, 2017).

Tinder is one of the most popular online dating apps for iOS and Android that was introduced as a dating app, but it’s been called the hook – up or sex app (Sumter, Vandenbosch and Ligtenberg, 2017). The approach to having a Tinder account is straightforward. By creating a personal profile, you can log in through Facebook with the personal information given and select what details you want to import from Facebook to your Tinder account. Furthermore, there are options to search for potential matches that makes it possible through smart phone GPS to locate matches close to range (Sumter, Vandenbosch and Ligtenberg, 2017). Tinder is used more frequently by 25 – 34 year olds. The theory of Uses and Gratifications (U&G) research explains why emerging adults are eager users of Tinder but and in theory it was also challenged to successfully find and understand why people use social media for online dating (Sumter, Vandenbosh and Ligtenberg, 2017). In this theory it specifically highlights individuals to use certain types of mass media, fulfillment of needs and desire.

Although, the needs and desire can be a developmental stage or personality. In other views, it has been suggested that physical, social, and psychosocial gratifications stimulates users consumption of online dating applications (Sumter, Vandenbosh and Ligtenberg, 2017). Psychical gratification seemed to have relations to exercising or eating but also have a sexual pleasure of needs that were increasingly present during emerging adulthood (Sumter, Vandenbosh and Ligtenberg, 2017). Relating motivations to sexual pleasure were more likely to drive the use of dating apps like Tinder as previous research revealing similar motivates for the use of other dating apps.

While social gratification media relates to needs, such as establishing friendships and finding romantic lovers (Sumter, Vandenbosh and Ligtenberg, 2017. In between emerging adults theory has shown that they aim to establish their first long-term serious relationships and a increase in commitment as a characteristic of social relationships (Sumter, Vandenbosh and Ligtenberg, 2017). Last but not least, pychosocial gratification simple refers to the need to have psychological origin but have interaction with social variables. Pysychosocial needs have been reported to explain users consumption if dating media(Sumter, Vandenbosh and Ligtenberg, 2017). The use of social media platforms have been discovered that individuals that have a satisfaction of psychosocial needs related to self worth such as validating sexual attraction of his or her own appearance and feels better about self in general.Sumter, Vandenbosh and Ligtenberg, 2017).

Social media in general, and Tinder specifically, encourage people to present an online version of themselves that is perfect. The first initiative would be to first impress that may lead to interpersonal attraction.The beauty of swiping right on Tinder is that you will only know if they swipe right if you also swipe right. There are many known factors that an individual might have found their lucky match. Research states first impression are no longer face- to-face but instead it consist of one or multiple photos and brief autobiography (Peters and Salzieder, 2018). With the variety of dating apps and widespread of internet use online media has been used to connect a social relationship in individuals of all ages.

Investigator Whitty, interviewed within 30 women and 30 men who have experienced with online dating and she found that participants created online dating profiles in the manner of a performer (Peters and Salzieder, 2018). Individuals admitted to misrepresenting themselves with the goal of being perceived more attractive to others. In the mix of evidence there have been evidence regarding racial-ethnic difference in body type preferences.

Using online media to get offline outcomes can become risky. Meeting and arranging online partnership engaging in casual sex can lead to sexual transmitted long term disease. To understand online sexual behavior and experiences of people who use online dating may or may not address risk using online dating. But throughout the online dating market sexual transmitted infections are a major cause of long term illness, disability and death that substantially psychological and medical consequences for individuals dating online (Couch and Liamputtong, 2007). The internet has made it easier for body imaging and pleasure to climax sexting connection to have full control over self-impression. In many countries sexual transmitted infections have increased.

In Australia, in 2004 46,762 were infected with a STI notifications, while an increase compared 10 15,355 notifications in 1997 (Couch and Liamputtong, 2007). The increase of STI’s may have been due to the more sensitive diagnostic tests and increase in screening rates. Statistics of Tinder Use vs. Offline Encounters rates 23% of current and former Tinder users access the app on a daily basis around 20% used the app less than a month of have used it once or twice. Just about half of 45.5% gone on a date followed by a perfect match and 18.6% had a one night stand followed by a match app (Sumter, Vandenbosch and Ligtenberg, 2017).

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Digital Dating Love at First Click

Although some people consider it risky to meet people from the internet,?many are leaning towards online dating and apps in hopes of finding their soulmate. Digital dating has easily become a more convenient and accessible approach for busy professionals to find true love. Digital dating can also lead to long-lasting love/marriage and allows for long distance love connections.

Online dating has easily become the second most common way for heterosexual American couples to meet and the most common way for homosexual American couples to meet (Lebowitz, 2017). The convenience and accessibility of digital dating is attracting busy professionals at an extremely high rate. Many busy professionals today are struggling to maintain work-life balance, so add trying to date into the equation and its merely impossible to do; that is until the age of digital dating. With digital dating, singles can choose from a plethora of websites or simply download an app to their phone and immediately gain access to hundreds, if not thousands, of other singles on a quest to find their true love.

Communicating through some sort of instant messaging app or web service is allowing singles to make connections with others simply by swiping. If the other dater is interested, the getting to know each other phase starts in hopes of finding out if there’s any kind of real connection. If and when the daters decide there is a possible connection, the fun can really start with an in-person date. From that point, it’s either a yay or nay in terms of in-person chemistry. There are some studies that are implying that couples who meet online have a higher chance of being compatible compared to couples that meet in person. While research doesn’t directly relate stronger relationships to online dating, it does suggest that people who register for dating services are likely more interested in a relationship.

To date, online dating still receives a lot of mixed reviews. Based on statistics supporting the growth of digital dating, there is no denying that dating sites and apps are an fundamental part of single life. The annual revenue in the online dating industry has surpassed $3 billion dollars (Matthews, 2017). Created in 1995, Match.com was the first online dating service. Since its creation, Match.com now serves 25 countries in 8 different languages and ranks 648 out of US sites on the Alexa traffic ranking (Alexa Internet, 2018). Currently, singles on dating sites and apps can benefit from advance search features, online verification tools on some sites, and even broaden their search by utilizing international dating networks. A British study claims about half of British singles have never approached a fellow single in person asking for a date. Therefore, online dating can be a crutch, or saving grace, for singles that feel uncomfortable or not so confident about stepping to their crush. In 2017, The Knot surveyed more than 14,000 engaged or recently married individuals and reported that 19% of brides met their spouses online (Matthews, 2017). This is an increase from a 2015 poll that reported only 5%.

In the land of digital dating, many have begun to suspect that the users on these websites and apps are looking for nothing but a quick hookup, temporary fling, or even a rebound from a previous relationship that’s gone down the drain. Despite these assumptions, digital dating is still proving to produce success stories from members who have found long-lasting love and marriages. Based on statistics, dating apps are working, especially for those who are truly looking for a genuine connection. Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, and Bumble are three of the most popular apps suggested for singles (Drell, 2018). Coffee Meets Bagel and Bumble were both founded by women and both apps seem to market themselves as being female-friendly. Regardless of the app or website that singles are choosing, the main purpose is to connect people who’d likely never cross paths. While those connections are being made, some couples that meet online or through an app still dislike telling people how they actually met.

Some consider it awkward or afraid of judgment that may come from others. I can remember a time when online dating carried the stigma of being for people who were desperate for love or socially awkward individuals. Unfortunately, some still feel that way but as technology advances, it’s obvious that more and more people will realize and understand that digital dating can and does produce quality relationships. Online daters who marry are less likely to break up and are associated with slightly higher marital satisfaction than couples who met offline (Paul, 2017).

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The Dangers of Online Dating

Over the years the trend of online dating has increased dramatically. It has become more popular over the years due to all of its many benefits, like easy access to millions of people, the ability to talk to people with having to meet face to face. Unfortunately, every great thing comes with risks, and if you are not careful the risks can be life-altering. Will the risks of online dating outweigh the benefits? Commercials and advertisements only show the good side of online dating, but I feel people should be aware of the dangers as well.

There are many sites dedicated to online dating. Most sites try to appeal to a certain group of people. Sites like Christian Mingle appeal to Christians, while Farmers Only appeals to people who like to farm. Tinder is another site that usually appeals to the younger generation. There are many sites like these that appeal to people of certain backgrounds, sexualities, and hobbies. Other sites like eHarmony and Match.com appeal to no specific person. Every one of these sites still works the same way, you create a profile, you answer questions about your likes and dislikes, your hobbies, dreams, family, and education. After creating your profile, the site finds “matches”, which are people who you share similarities with. When looking through your matches and you find a person that you like, you start a conversation with them and hopefully begin to date. Online dating is very simple and that alone attracts many people to want to try it out, but what people do not realize is that there are many dangerous things that can happen to you when you choose to meet strangers online.

When meeting someone through an online site the only thing you know about them is what they tell you and what they put on their profile. This fact alone puts you at risk for many dangerous outcomes. One of the less dangerous risks is being catfished. Catfished is when someone creates an online profile but uses someone else’s pictures and information. The catfisher usually is a person who is uncomfortable with their own appearance, so they hide behind someone else’s pictures. They then befriend the victim and usually catch feelings for one another. MTV has a tv show that is named Catfished. When someone is in a strictly online relationship and think they are being catfished, they contact the show to find out the truth. Nev and Max set out to investigate the person in question and try to decide if they are real or fake.

They then take the person who contacted the show and brings them to meet the person they are dating. Sometimes they are telling the truth but most of the time they are caught trying to be someone else. In this tv show, most of the catfishers do not mean any harm but feel as if the victim would not have given them the chance if they knew what they really looked like. Sometimes there is a happy ending and the victim forgives the catfisher, other times it makes the victim feel like they cannot trust that person anymore, so they end the relationship.

Not every risk is as harmless as being catfished. Even though you talk to this person and feel like you know them does not mean you know what their true motives are. When talking to people online you are essentially taking the chance of talking to a con-artist, rapist, or a murderer. Con-artists like to manipulate people into doing things for them, like giving them money or doing a crime. The person who is being manipulated usually does not even notice until it is too late. By the time the authorities are notified the con-artist is long gone, and sometimes hard to trace if they used false information to make their profile. A lot of rape victims say they met their abuser online. Some rapists talk to the victim, ask them out on a date with the sole intention of raping them. Other times the rapists earn their trust, takes them on a date and tries to persuade the victim to have sex with them. When the victim says no, the rapists will continue anyways. Unfortunately, murderers think the same way. Sometimes the murder’s sole intention is to murder the victim. Other times the victim does something the murder does not like, which results in their death.

Carole Markin, whose children fell victim to rape after she met someone online, filed a lawsuit for dating sites to change their policies. The lawsuit resulted in Match.com, and other companies, doing background checks on every applicant before their account is approved. They are required to report any knowledge or suspicions of criminal activity to the Attorney General’s Office. They also try to verify the information given to them to create profiles. (Coleman) These procedures help to minimize the chance of falling victim to con-artists, rapists, and murder’s but it does completely eliminate it.

If you can look past all the possible dangers, or take extreme caution when meeting new people, there are several benefits to online dating. Online dating gives people who suffer from social anxiety and other social disorders. The chance to meet and talk to people who they would otherwise be too scared to talk to. Some people want to date but cannot seem to find the time to go out and meet new people. This is where dating sites come in handy. Online dating sites allow you to meet people without having to actually go out and find them, it also gives you access to people who you would otherwise never have access to. It connects you to people all over the world, not just your hometown. Another benefit of online dating is that the site matches you with people who share a common interest, lifestyles, etc. This prevents you from wasting time getting to know someone that you have absolutely nothing in common with. Online dating can be very useful, but it is always best to take precautions when you plan to meet someone off the internet in person.

The danger of meeting someone from the internet not only applies to dating sites but to other online sites like Craigslist. Recently I read a news article where a guy would advertise on Craigslist as a Santa for hire. Customers would hire him to dress up as Santa for parties and other events for children. He has done this type of work for 30 years. What people did not know was that he was a registered sex offender. Many unknowing families put their children in the presence of a sex offender without even realizing it. He did not try to hurt any of the children but what if he would have? That is such a scary thought.

When doing anything online whether trying to find the love of your life or trying to find someone to do a job for you always be mindful of the potential dangers. There is no real way to eliminate the dangers associated with online, you can only try to make sure you are not putting yourself in a dangerous situation. If you are going on a date, make sure you meet in a public setting and always let someone know where you are at all times. If you are looking to hire someone to do a job for you make sure to do a thorough background check and always check references, especially if they will be around children.

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Same Sex Marriage do you Think this Constitutional

Imagine if you had a child that love someone who has the same gender as them and wanted you to accept their love for each other by being there, would you attend the wedding? Some may say yes, and some might say no. Same sex marriage has been a controversy topic for the longest. Same sex marriage has been legalized since June 2015, this made a lot of people happy and some mad. This law struct down all state ban on same-sex marriage , legalized it in all fifty states and required states to honor out-of-state same-sex marriage licenses in the case Obergefell v. Hodges . Same-sex marriage is the practice of marriage between two men or between two women. Although same-sex marriage has been regulated through law, religion, and custom in most countries of the world, the legal and social responses have ranged from celebration on the one hand to criminalization on the other.

Ate doesn’t have complete freedom to decide who may and may not marry. The state’s involvement raises fundamental issues about equality of political and civic standing.

Same-sex marriage is currently one of the most divisive political issues in our nation. In November 2008, Californians passed Proposition 8, a referendum that removed the right to marry from same-sex couples who had been granted that right by the courts. This result has been seen by the same-sex community as deeply degrading. More recently, Iowa and Vermont have legalized same-sex marriage, the former through judicial interpretation of the state constitution, the latter through legislation.

All around the world, gay people are struggling to be approved legally and by society; however, their fight is definitely working, because this union is becoming more and more accepted globally. That doesn’t mean they should stop now, the battle for these rights is just beginning.

Homosexual activities and relationships exist since human origins. Primitive men often engaged in sexual relationships to show and prove their masculinity; the Egyptians and Greeks also practiced this doings openly, as a way of expressing love or trying to copy the high classes and Gods. “Evidence exists that same-sex marriages were tolerated in parts of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Artifacts from Egypt, for example, show that same-sex relationships not only existed, but the discovery of a pharaonic tomb for such a couple shows their union was recognized by the kingdom.” “Greek mythology records“same-sex exploits” by gods as high ranking as Zeus. And the epics of Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, contain poetic passages that suggested homoerotic love to the educated hearer.”

The point I’m aiming for at this moment, is to demonstrate that physical homosexual relations are a necessity for some, it’s an impulse stronger than their minds; early beginnings prove it. As humans we should not deny them the right to live freely and to be married, because this means you’re denying their right for happiness. Gay men and women should make their own decisions, without half of the world having something to say.

“As of July 17, 2013, 14 out of 194 countries allow same-sex couples to marry: the Netherlands (2000), Belgium (2003), Canada (2005), Spain (2005), South Africa (2006), Norway (2009), Sweden (2009), Argentina (2010), Iceland (2010), Portugal (2010), Denmark (2012), Uruguay (2013), New Zealand (2013), and France (2013). Same-sex marriage is legal in some jurisdictions of Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.” (https://gaymarriage.procon.org/). Having said that, it demonstrates how people is seeing the situation objectively nowadays, differing from the previous ten years. These countries catalogued themselves as first-world nations, implying the law is indispensable for social development. In other words, maybe not now, but at some point the country will need to approve the law if they seek for growth and expansion of their nation.

A usual point of discussion is the truth about their odd tendency. Meaning there’s a popular belief, in which some people claim to be homosexual as a scream for attention. To be honest, it could happen, but do you imagine someone taking that amount of criticism, oppression, alienation, and hatred only for attention? Not likely. The real cause for homosexuality lies between the genes and the person’s behavior; however it’s mostly biological. “Most researchers find that homosexuality, like many others psychological conditions, is due to a combination of social, biological, or psychological factors. According to a study done by Simon LeVay, the brains of a group of gay men differed from those of straight men. Specifically, the nucleus of the hypothalamus, which triggers male-typical sex behavior, revealed a small, but significant difference in the clusters of neutrons of homosexual men as opposed to heterosexual men.’’

Having the previous statement in mind, wouldn’t they deserve reconsideration? Should they be a little more understood, knowing it’s not the life they have chosen? Another reason that brings same-sex marriage a lot of rejection, are the children. The moment a couple consumes marriage, kids are born as a symbol of their love, unity and legacy. It wouldn’t be any different if a homosexual couple unites legally. So, will their children be bullied? Will they be unhappy and miserable? “The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) continues to claim that children with gay parents suffer severe emotional and mental abuse, even going so far as to argue that they are more likely to become child molesters than children raised by heterosexual parents.” (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/) It’s a tough reality, but it makes a ton of sense. Having gay parents condemns a child for a life of mocking and sadness; projecting a poor and unsecure future for them. Therefore, if gay marriage ever gets legalized, it should have some limits. Adopting children for starters.

Speaking about limits, if homosexual marriage does get permitted, the gay community should have a series of boundaries. As mention before, adopting should be the primary and most important limit. In Russia, same-sex union isn’t allowed, and the country possesses a high grade of discipline toward the topic. The country has voided the right (three months ago) to adopt or raise children by same-sex couples living outside the nation. “President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning gay and lesbian couples in foreign countries from adopting Russian children. The measure was one of a series adopted by Russian authorities in recent weeks that have been slammed by civil rights leaders as discriminatory. The Kremlin said in a statement that the measure is aimed at guaranteeing a harmonious and full upbringing for children in adoptive families. It also bans adoption by unmarried individuals who live in countries with laws permitting same-sex marriages.” (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/). Not marrying by the church should be another, because it is common by same-sex couples to demand the right to marry by the church; so that is definitely off limits. Signs of affection in schools, public offices, and churches should be forbidden.

The previous paragraph was stated with the purpose to maintain peace, and to try to keep the public happy, if and only if the law passes. The clear intention from every government is to maintain peace, and order at every moment. With the approval of the marriage, some people will strongly disagree and may cause troubles and issues; therefore, these limits should be enforced so the disturbers avoid all type of conflict. If same-sex marriage does get allowed, will gays be finally happy? Even though, they are approved legally, will they be approved and accepted socially? Alienation, discrimination, disgusting looks in the street; those attitudes toward the homos will never go away, it won’t disappear. Let’s talk facts, if only 14 countries out of 194 have legalized the union, it means that only 7.2% percent of the world “likes” them. So is happiness granted for them? Absolutely not, therefore the government should think twice before even bringing the topic.

From all the situations and possible scenarios mentioned before, society must occur. Positive impact: The legalization will definitely improve the way of living in many levels. No more riots disrupting roads, work, and the people’s health; more income: “Revenue from gay marriage comes from marriage licenses, higher income taxes (the so-called marriage penalty), and decreases in costs for state benefit programs. The Comptroller for New York City found that legalizing gay marriage would bring $142 million to the city’s economy and $184 million to the state’s economy over three years.” (https://gaymarriage.procon.org/). Legalizing same-sex marriage will not harm heterosexual marriages or family values, and civilization will remain the same and continue to function accurately. “Anthropological research supports the conclusion that a vast array of family types, including families built upon same-sex partnerships, can contribute to stable and humane societies. (Social Science Quarterly). The human race has the tendency to ignore or even like some things when they are used too; consequently, when citizens get used to the idea (the ones who disagreed), they could even accept them, seeing there’s no harm done.

Negative impact: Every good thing has flaws, so don’t get too excited if you are supporting this modern-times union. Undesirable things will occur, no doubt about it. The importance of the institution of marriage will decrease if gay couples are allowed to wed. “Traditional marriage is already threatened with high divorce rates (between 40% and 50%) and with 40.6% of babies being born to unmarried mothers in 2008. (https://gaymarriage.procon.org/). Adding to that, this odd union could present a danger for the involved parties in the making of the law, and the openly homosexual couples.

Not all religions, could commit such a radical act, but don’t forget about the Muslims and their volatile behavior. “Gay marriage is incompatible with the beliefs, sacred texts, and traditions of many religious groups.” (https://gaymarriage.procon.org/). Because of their inability to create offspring, marriage’s purpose will change forever. “Allowing gay marriage would only further shift the purpose of marriage from producing and raising children to adult gratification.” ((https://gaymarriage.procon.org/).This “new right” will damage the image of marriage; it will no longer be seen as sacred, and magical. The approval, will open up doors for another craze or obsession people will have. Drugs, public drinking, whorehouses, prostitution, will have the potential to be allowed. The nation will lose any kind of religion, and morals will be lower than ever.

It’s up to you to decide whether you go with the positive or the negative impact. Which decision will influence our society the most? Are you willing to handle the consequences? Both decisions will cause effects; the trick is to choose the one that will be worth suffering for. Stop thinking about every issue, every situation, and every trouble you are going through right now, and think objectively: Will the decision improve somebody’s lifestyle? Or will it harm it? Will it truly help your nation? Will it create a better place to live? Or will it be a hostile environment?

In conclusion, homosexual marriage should be legalized. It brings to the nation, more benefits that setbacks, and of course more capital. It might bring more happiness to certain individuals, than chaos for those who disagree. Maybe your nation isn’t ready, perhaps mine either; maybe isn’t the right time to say yes to the law. The point is, to be ready when the time comes, and it will be soon be sure of that. Perhaps one day our grandchildren will see this law, the same way we see today the discrimination of black people. Remember open your mind, be objective, and do what feels right.

Works Cited

“Statement on Same-Gender Marriage, September 20, 1996.” American Reference Library - Primary Source Documents, Jan. 2001, p. 1. EBSCOhost, proxygsu-sbib.galileo.usg.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct

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Same Sex Marriage Do You Think This Constitutional. (2019, Feb 05). Retrieved November 5, 2025 , from
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Neighborhood Data: East Harlem

Contents

Neighborhood Introduction:
Population Characteristics:
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:
Income Characteristics:
Housing Characteristics:
Health Characteristics:
Substance Abuse Characteristics:
Neighborhood Conclusion:
- Bibliography

Neighborhood Introduction:

The definition of neighborhood, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is, “a section lived in by neighbors, and usually having distinguishing characteristics, forming a community within a town or city. The area is surrounded by a particular place, person, or object, causing neighborly feeling or conduct”. Every neighborhood is different although, they can be categorized into high income neighborhoods, middle class neighborhoods, and low income neighborhoods. I believe the complexity of gentrification is often applied to lower income neighborhoods.

Developer’s chief focus is on improving the neighborhood, however, the improvement conforms to the middle class, and upper class expectations, not for the betterment of the lower class population. The negative results are typically an increase in rent, and property values, along with a change in the neighborhood’s culture. The outcomes of gentrification is negatively viewed, by the East Harlem neighborhood since there’s more cons then pros. In fact, the majority of East Harlem occupants central argument is how the allocation of Mayor De Blasio new rezoning housing development plan would do more harm to the neighborhood than good.

The neighborhood boundaries of East Harlem is located in “Upper Manhattan, it encompasses the area between the area north of the upper east side and 96th street to east 42nd street east of 5th Avenue to the East and Harlem Rivers. The East to West Boundaries: The East River to Third Ave. North to South Boundaries: The Harlem River to East 96th St.” (East Harlem NYC Neighborhood Guide - Compass. 2018) The East Harlem Neighborhood has several connectors such as sidewalks, streets, parks, trains, and bridges. The well-known streets for tourist’s attractions are, 125th and 116th street and Lexington Avenue. Both streets are popular for their shopping areas, restaurants and mall.

The famous connectors that are used as a form of transportation are, The Metro North train, MTA transit, Marcus Garvey Park, and the East River Pier’s (Esplanade), 15, 35, and 42. The other FDR Bridge, Randall’s Island, Wards Island and Central Park. Fifth Avenue is the cutoff point that separates East Harlem from West Harlem. The East Harlem neighborhood has a large amount of physical structures like offices, shelters, apartment buildings, playgrounds, laundromats, and precincts. The aforementioned places are used by the East Harlem population on a daily basis 24 hours, nonstop.

Furthermore, there are a variety of governmental acts centered on gentrification, which exemplifies, why the voice of the East Harlem residents needs to be widely heard throughout the legislative committees. This is where housing groups come in and currently advocacy groups are pushing for equitable housing market that they feel they’re entitled to. SBJSA coalition says Mayor DeBlasio Neighborhood Rezoning Plan is destroying historic heritage within the neighborhoods. The Movement for Justice in El Barrio, says

Population Characteristics:

The population of East Harlem residents, the workers, and the students occupying these entities is approximately 123,579. According to the Community Health Profiles of 2015, the race and ethnicity is 51% Hispanics, 31% blacks, 12% Whites, 6% Asians and 2% of population falls under “others” category. The following total number could be greater considering, if all illegal undocumented immigrants were reported in households, specifically, during the census data collection, which would produce a higher count percentage-wise.

Asian, and 2% of the population falls in Twenty six percent of people living in East Harlem were born in another country and 20% are limited in their use of the English language.

In terms of age, 22% of the population falls in the 0 -17 years range, 11% are 18-24 years, 32% are between 25 – 44, 23% are between the ages of 45 – 64, and 12% are 65 years and older. When it comes to education, 36% of the population are college graduates, 38% are high school graduates, and 26% have less than a high school education (King, Hinterland, Dragan, Driver, Harris, Gwynn, Linos, Barbot, & Bassett, 2015).

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:

The amalgamation of this Spanish Harlem neighborhood is very unfortunate when it comes to the adult education attainments. Only 60.4% of the population are college graduates. Exactly 87.2% have a high school diploma or higher, and 10.1% some college and no degree, and 12.7 % with Equivalency diplomas. Then there’s the 26% with less than high school education, 5.6% is for 9th to 12th grade level, and 7.2% is under 9th grade level. These education gaps, alone will cause a detrimental impact to human capitalism of the East Harlem neighborhood. In other words, the majority of the neighborhood would be uneducated about knowledgeable academics, necessary to productively compete in today’s economy and job market. The less education development the less chances they would have in being marketable for career opportunities. Human capital is the stock of knowledge, habits, social and personality attributes, including creativity, embodied in the ability to perform labor so as to produce economic value I think this will serve as an economical setback to weaken East Harlem’s human capital in neighborhood.

Income Characteristics:

East Harlem can be considered as a neighborhood in economic distress. Thirty one percent of residents are living in poverty, 12% are unemployed and 49% face a burden paying for housing. These amounts are significantly higher than in other areas around New York City (King, et.al. 2015). The Manhattan Community Profiles says the unemployment rate in 2016 were 5.5%

The median income of the neighborhood is $29,696. Medium income for the rest of Manhattan is $79,080 the federal poverty level is $25,100 for a family of four. This is true even through the majority of the population worked a full time, year-round job. In terms of age groups, those 75 years and older have the highest rate of poverty at 50%. The lowest age group for poverty is the 25 – 34 year old’s where the poverty rate is 22%. Considering the various levels of poverty, the largest number of those living in poverty are at 500% of the poverty level (U.S. Census Bureau, 2016). “PUMA states the poverty rate for East Harlem is 33.8% and median income is 31,268%”

Housing Characteristics:

Poorly maintained homes are one unfortunate component of East Harlem housing. While the city of Manhattan has 57% of its housing having maintenance defects, East Harlem has maintenance defects in 76% of homes. Almost 50% of East Harlem residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing (King, et.al. 2015). There are 45,905 total housing units in East Harlem. Within these units, 3,048 are vacant. Only 3,193 of the occupied units are owner occupied, the remainder are occupied by renters. The median rent cost is $1,575 a month (U.S. Census Bureau, 2016). According to The Furman Center the Homeownership rate is 23% and rental vacancy is 4.5%, (pg. 71) The PUMA data states the homeownership rate of “East Harlem PUMA, NY is 7.14%,”

After reviewing the Furman I found that “Real median gross rent in East Harlem increased from $681 in 2006 to $893 in 2016. Median asking rent — rent for units being advertised for lease — in 2017 was $2,218 in East Harlem, compared to $3,195 in Manhattan and $2,800 citywide. In 2016, 23.4% of renter households in East Harlem were severely rent burdened (spent more than 50% of household income on rent). The rental vacancy rate in East Harlem was 3.1%. In 2016, the homeownership rate in East Harlem was 6.6%. There were 109 property sales in East Harlem in 2017. Sales prices for all residential property types remained about the same in East Harlem between 2016 and 2017, compared to an increase of 1% in Manhattan and an increase of 8.3% citywide.”

Health Characteristics:

Health is another area that is a concern for East Harlem. Compared to the other areas of New York City, East Harlem is the least healthy. Only 70% of the population reports that their health is excellent, very good, or good. Of the total population, 19% are smokers, 34% have at least one sugary drink daily, 33% are considered obese, and 13% of adults have diabetes. Additionally, 24% of the population is without any form of health insurance. However, East Harlem leads the way in terms of having the most teenaged girls getting the complete human papillomavirus vaccine series and has the most adults getting tested for HIV. East Harlem also has an issue with prenatal care with 10.3% of women having live births having very late or no prenatal care (King, et.al, 2015).

HIV is an ongoing concern for East Harlem. For every 100,000 people, 46 of them are diagnosed with HIV. This is also the highest rate within the geographic area of New York City. High blood pressure is also an issue in East Harlem. There are 401 for every 100,000 people suffering from strokes. Lastly, there is the issue of mental health. Again, East Harlem has the highest number of people needing psychiatric hospitalizations. This number is 2,016 for every 100,000 people (King, et.al, 2015).

Substance Abuse Characteristics:

Drug and alcohol-related hospitalizations in East Harlem are more than twice the rate of all of Manhattan and New York City. For every 100,000 adults, East Harlem has 2,333 alcohol-related hospitalizations. For hospitalizations related to drugs, the area has 2,822 hospitalizations for every 100,000 people. For the much larger area of New York City, there are only 907 hospitalizations for drugs for every 100,000 people (King, et.al. 2015)

Neighborhood Conclusion:

Overall, East Harlem rates first when compared to other areas of New York City when it comes to areas of concern. Income is in the low making brackets while poverty is on an even higher scale. Thus, college education rates are the prime cause of lower income households in East Harlem. At worst, housing costs are significantly higher when compared to income, and housing in other Manhattan neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Battery Park, Sutton Place, and Alphabet City. These higher class neighborhoods demonstrate housing inequality and gentrification amongst neighborhoods. And Bill DeBlasio current Rezoning Plan only add more housing constraints instead of ameliorating them.

It appears that community development should focus on improving housing conditions. With 76% of housing needing maintenance, there is much improvement to be done. However, this has to be done with the expectation that housing costs will not rise as a result. This will just increase the number of people experiencing hardship in terms of paying for housing.

Other community development suggestions would be to create campaigns to push for government to use appropriate income criteria in the housing market area median income of income (AMI) whereby it’s truly an affordable amount of rent for all East Harlem residents, need to be steered towards college attainment, by promoting the importance of college education.

It would be prudent to teach the Latin American people and Black people in the neighborhood why it’s imperative they enroll in healthcare, wiser health choices is good for social mobility of the neighborhood. Educators in the neighborhood could introduce benefits of college, the more college enrollment, the m more people finishing college, income in the area will increase.

Today there are still unresolved housing disparities which needs to be reformed. Especially, a tremendous need to create a plan to decrease the significant burden on poor residents in the East Harlem.

It’s certainly time to reshape this gentrified East Harlem neighborhood who is overpowered by housing inequalities of increasingly high priced rents. What needs to be properly addressed, is the unwanted hardship displacement in East Harlem. Could be reduced and why the De Blasio Administration having effectively increased housing conditions that are in need of vast improvement. Why these things occur, will help the community to find effective solutions for improving these troubled, perpetuated aspects of the East Harlem neighborhood.

Bibliography

Atlas Statistical Graphs (2018) Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/

Community Heath Profiles (2018) Retrieved from https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/2015chp-mn11.pdf

East Harlem NYC Neighborhood Guide - Compass retrieved from https://www.compass.com/neighborhood-guides/nyc/east-harlem/

Krisel, B. (2018, September 17). Developers Plan Building Boom In East Harlem, Report Says. Retrieved from https://patch.com/new-york/harlem/developers-plan-building-boom-east-harlem-report-says

Fighting for a city for humans — not developer Retrieved from https://thevillager.com/2018/10/18/fighting-for-a-city-for-humans-not-developers/

King L, Hinterland K, Dragan KL, Driver CR, Harris TG, Gwynn RC, Linos N, Barbot O, Bassett MT (2015). Community health profiles. Manhattan Community District 11: East Harlem; 2015; 11(59):1-16.

Merriam-Webster. (2018). Neighborhood. Retrieved December 4, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neighborhood

New York City Planning. (2017, November 30). East Harlem rezoning project. Retrieved December 4, 2018, from https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/east-harlem/east-harlem.page

NYU Furman Center (2018) the Furman Center for Real Estate Retrieved from https://furmancenter.org/research/sonychan

The PUMA fact sheet of East Harlem Retrieved from https://datausa.io/profile/geo/east-harlem-puma-ny/

Richard. F, (2015) The complicated link between Gentrification and displacement retrieved from https://www.citylab.com/equity/2015/09/the-complicated-link-between-gentrification-and-displacement/40416

The New York Times retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/07/nyregion/inwood-rezoning-nyc-manhattan.amp.html

The New York Times retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/15/nyregion/segregation-new-york-city-and-de-blasio-affordable-housing.htm

Urban Dynamics in New York City-Federal Reserve Bank of New York retrieved from https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/epr/2005/EPRvol11no2.pd

U.S. Census Bureau. (2016). Community facts. Retrieved December 4, 2018, from https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF

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Neighborhood Data: East Harlem. (2019, Feb 05). Retrieved November 5, 2025 , from
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Effects of Neighborhood Discrimination on Depression

Because the effects of racism can be devastating for the lives of people of color, research has been devoted to determining the link between discrimination and psychopathology. Numerous studies have discovered a link between perceptions of racial discrimination and the likelihood of developing MDD among people of color (Russell et al., 2018). Because racism is integrated into many societal contexts, Russell et al. (2018) explored the effects of discrimination within neighborhood settings on the development of MDD. Understanding the impact racial discrimination within a neighborhood has on depression offers a number of clinical implications and opportunities for change. Methods The sample in Russell et al.’s (2018) study consisted of 499 African American females from Georgia and Iowa. Each participant was the primary caregiver for an African American child and had a mean age of 37 years at the beginning of the study.

Participants were interviewed every 2 to 3 years since the beginning of the study in 1997 for a total of five interviews. Samples were collected from racially and economically diverse neighborhood clusters that were based on data from the 1990 census. In sum, there were 21 neighborhood clusters from Iowa and 19 clusters from Georgia. (Russell et al., 2018). To collect data from the participants, a number of different questionnaires were administered via computer-assisted personal interviews to assess a number of different areas relating to characteristics of both the neighborhood and the individual. After each of the five waves of interviews, participants were given a diagnostic interview to assess for depression according to DSM-IV criteria. Once all data were collected, researchers ran a statistical analysis to highlight which environmental and individual factors are predictive of the development of MDD (Russell et al., 2018). Results Over the course of the study, 18% of the women in the study met symptoms for MDD. Experiences of racial discrimination in the neighborhood setting was positively related to the development of MDD and was found to be a more significant predictor of the development of MDD than individually experienced racism.

This finding suggests that the more pervasive racism is, the stronger the effects are on mental health (Russell et al., 2018). In terms of individual characteristics predictive of the development of MDD, relationship quality was negatively associated with the development of MDD. Positive relationships were found to minimize the negative effects of discrimination on the development of MDD even at the neighborhood level, suggesting that healthy relationships can offset the harmful effects of pervasive racism (Russell et al., 2018). One last finding related to the lasting effects of racial discrimination within a neighborhood. Since the study used a longitudinal approach to research, the sample characteristic changed over time. In fact, half of the participants moved from their original neighborhood over the course of the study. The negative effects of racial discrimination from the previous neighborhood remained with the individual even in their new setting, suggesting that perceptions of how one’s racial group is treated have long-lasting effects. Additionally, even when removed from the discriminative neighborhood, beliefs that one will experience racism may lead to a more negative outlook (Russell et al., 2018). Strengths Russell et al.’s (2018) study features a number of apparent strengths.

One strength is the size and characteristics of the sample. With just under 500 women, the size of the sample allows for a narrower margin of error, which allows any significant findings to be interpreted more confidently. In addition, because the sample was composed specifically of African American women, variations in results can be attributed to factors other than race or sex. Moreover, the study was longitudinal in its approach, which allowed for observations to be made at both the group and individual level. In addition, researchers could observe how the development of MDD is affected by the duration of living in neighborhoods characterized by discrimination. Another strength of the study is that the researchers removed women who, at any point in their lives, met criteria for MDD in the first round of interviews. Removing these women from the study created a sample that had a lower risk for developing depression (Russell et al., 2018). Because neighborhood discrimination contributed to the development of MDD in a low risk sample, the effects of discrimination can be considered strong.

Finally, the current study produced meaningful research that elaborated the findings of former studies. For instance, a number of studies have determined that racial discrimination increases the likelihood of developing MDD (Russell et al., 2018). The study conducted by Russell et al. (2018) takes previous research further by considering how racism within neighborhood settings, a more pervasive form of racism, affects the onset of depression. With the findings proposed by Russell et al. (2018), future researchers can build on this foundation in order to discover more about racial discrimination and its effects on mental health. Weaknesses While the sample had a number of strengths, there are a number of limitations to consider when interpreting the results. Since the sample looked only at the experiences of African American women, results cannot be generalized to African American men. Moreover, the sample was composed only of African Americans, so generalizing the results to other people of color may be out of line. Russell et al. (2018) acknowledge that because the sample was entirely from non-metropolitan areas of Georgia and Iowa, generalizability to other states and regions is limited.

Finally, all interviews were conducted via computer, which may miss important features of the participant’s response, especially for the diagnostic interview. It is possible that using a computerized diagnostic interview could have under or over pathologized the participants, and the diagnoses of MDD may have been inaccurate. Additionally, though there are benefits to longitudinal research designs, the effect of time resulted in half of the participants moving from their original neighborhoods. Though variables were created to detect the change in racism levels from the old to new neighborhoods, the careful selection of neighborhoods based on geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics was minimized by many of the participants relocating. The control of certain neighborhood-level variables was lost when participants relocated, and one should consider this when interpreting the results of the study.

Finally, though the sample was considered low-risk for developing depression, only 18 % of the women developed MDD by the fifth interview. Neighborhood racism was found to be a predictor of MDD on the grounds of pervasive racism, though in only a small number of participants. Russell et al. (2018) had a tendency to overinterpret their results, but one should remember that the findings of the study were only relevant for a small number of participants. This should be noted when applying the findings because this does not necessarily mean African American women have a higher rate of depression, just that neighborhood discrimination may contribute to the onset of MDD in African American females. Connection to Literature Since racial discrimination within one’s neighborhood is found to be a significant predictor for the development of MDD in African American females, ways to minimize the effects of neighborhood discrimination must be considered. Research conducted by Russell et al. (2018) suggests that healthy social relationships can lower the impact that neighborhood discrimination has on depression. However, one must refer to current research to develop additional ways to combat the effects of discrimination within the neighborhood.

Research conducted by Brown (2008) suggests that positive social relationships minimize the effects of racial discrimination through the promotion of resiliency. The link between positive relationships and the lower risk for developing MDD suggested by Russell et al. (2018) may lie in the resiliency factor, as resiliency promotes a number of positive outcomes. Further, a study conducted by Clauss-Ehlers (2008) discovered that cultural background and experiences related to diversity impact the development of resilience within an individual in a positive way. Keeping in mind that resiliency can help an individual cope with mental health afflictions, a further step would be to promote cultural pride and diversity enrichment in order to minimize stressors related to discrimination. Though responsibility for the development of MDD does not lie in the individual, establishing resiliency through their cultural background, African Americans may be able to slow the harmful effects of neighborhood discrimination.

This study contributes to Russell et al.’s (2018) assertion that positive social relations with one’s own racial group can help prevent or alleviate symptoms of depression, as cultural pride established through positive social relationships can promote resiliency. Clinical Implications The results of the study conducted by Russell et al. (2018) offer a number of implications that are worth integrating into clinical practice. Specifically, the findings suggest that societal factors, such as racial discrimination, contribute to depressive symptoms. As a result, a diagnosis that acknowledges the root of these disorders as environmental in nature would offer a change in the way clients view their symptoms. One such approach suggested by Russell et al. (2018) would be for clinicians to incorporate syndromes like “cultural dysthymia” into their vocabularies, as this terminology implies that the cause for the symptoms lie in the society or culture rather than within the client. Placing blame on the environment in which the person resides rather than the victim can improve their well-being by encouraging the individual that there is nothing “wrong” with them. Additionally, clinicians should find ways to minimize their own biases and prejudices.

When conducting therapy with a client, interacting with the individual in a way that promotes openness and safety could ensure that the client does not feel that the therapeutic relationship is contributing to their discrimination and distress. Moreover, the clinician should take the time to acknowledge the discrimination experienced by the client and take care not to illegitimate the individual’s encounters with racism, as not doing so could make the racism even more pervasive. Finally, the findings of Russell et al.’s (2018) study suggest that positive relationships can minimize the effects of racial discrimination. Clinicians have a responsibility to ensure that clients have healthy relationships within their social circles in an attempt to help clients combat the negative effects of pervasive racism. Subsequently, clinicians should focus time on clients’ experiences with racism but also allow time to talk about what sort of support they have in dealing with these encounters. Also, it may be beneficial to create support groups where clients can share their experiences with on another.

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Is same Sex Marriage Morally Right

When you look at a family portrait, what do you see? You see your parents, your siblings (if you have any), and yourself. There is nothing wrong with that, but let’s be more specific. Your parents are both the same gender. Does that change anything? Do you feel disgusted and/or sorry for them? Do you feel that the generation is now be threatened? For example, will there be a generation if everyone is ‘gay’ and can not reproduce? However you feel about this topic, you need to have the facts to back you up or your argument will be invalid. This essay will explain why same-sex marriage is morally right and why.

First we must know the definition of Same-Sex marriage. Same-Sex marriage is the marriage, in the full legal sense, of gay and lesbian couples. So, should homosexual should be permitted to enter legally sanctioned marriage? ( Vaughn 429) In 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act was passed which recognize same-sex marriages but allowed the states to choose if gay and lesbian marriages. In 2013, a federal judge and the Supreme Court threw this act away.

Same-sex marriage is something that will change how marriages are seen in the old days but, this is nothing new. Marriages has changed over the centuries. For example:

“The Court did not view marriage as an unchanging or fixed institution, rather: The history of marriage is one of both continuity and change ... [it] has evolved over time. The Court viewed the evolution from arranged marriage to marriage by choice as reflecting the understanding of marriage as a voluntary contract. The abandonment of the doctrine of coverture, which treated a married man and woman as a single male-dominated legal entity, was seen as reflecting a change in the status of women.”(HERMANN 373)

This is proof that marriages changes over the years. Also there are different types of marriages. Depending on your religion or region you were born there are traditions you do in those types of marriages. In a traditional wedding these days the bride wears white to symbolize purity. Before Queen Victoria in the 19th century, the favored color for the bride’s dress were red. If marriages can change back then, why can they not change now. In this time period, everything is different and has some way evolved from what it was.

Sexual orientation and gender identity has progressed throughout the years and now is letting itself known. Now it is going back to what the people want and knowing that everyone is different. Different people need different things. People need to listen to others and not just jump at each other throats when it comes to an issue. Everyone needs to try to get an understanding for one another. Always shooting down people and situations that they do not understand. When you fall in love with someone does it really matter in the end? Should their happiness be affected by your strict guidelines to having a great life? How can you tell them how to live if their lifestyle is different? “On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, making same-sex marriage the “law of the land" throughout the United States.”(Rains 191) The supreme court has already made the decision to let the gays and lesbians to be wed. This was declared over three years ago, so why is there still disputes? People bring their religious beliefs and apply it to others. Even though, this country was formed on having freedom to believe in whatever religion they want. It is wrong to push someone own religious beliefs onto someone else. Not everyone is devoted to such things like Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, and et cetera. Do not change people lifestyles just to fit your views. For those reason this essay will be on the utilitarian view and will use it as my evidence, since the other theories will group people into one lifestyle. A theory that condones same-sex marriages is Natural Law theory.

Natural Law theory does not like same-sex marriage since it is not ‘natural’. Natural Law theory really goes off of religious based arguments since he is catholic. Natural Law entails that God has given you everything you need and decides what best for us in his plan. Thomas Aquinas set this theory around being natural and being with the same-sex is not natural. But he is saying that being natural is based on a standard that set on a man with a woman. “When “nature” is taken in technical rather than ordinary usages, it looks like the notion also will not ground a charge of homosexual immorality. When unnatural means “by artifice” or “made by man,” one need only point out that virtually everything that is good about life is unnatural in this sense.” (Vaughn 440) This further proves of what do others know about being natural? Why do people rely on one person or theory to tell them what is natural and what is not? This also gives more evidence that gay marriage is moral.

His standards are based on his God. So this theory is pushing religious beliefs and someone life style on everyone else. Scalia goes through with this theory and tells his conclusion on a case: “Same-sex eroticism is only deviant if one believes, as Scalia's opinions suggest he must, that there is no such thing as gayness as an immutable characteristic, and that expressions of same-sex desire are immoral and can be made illegal. To Scalia, gay people are really straight but just don't know it and won't act like it.'" (Goetting 142)

Scalia is saying that there is no such thing as being ‘gay’. Scalia says that gay people are naturally straight but are confused. How does Scalia know how all gay people feel or act? Everyone is not the same. You can say, “...that one feature that distinguished people from most other animals is people’s ability to make over the world to meet their needs and desires, and that people’s wellbeing depends upon these departures from nature.”(Vaughn 440) What people’s reactions are and decisions to believe in whatever theory is based on them. Not one person or theory can make everything or everyone in one lifestyle. Utilitarian views everyone’s happiness. Utilitarianism is a moral theory that is on the results or consequences of our actions. Actions are looked at to see if overall gives your self or/and others happiness. Whatever action people do, at the end of it all, everyone wants to be happy. This is what drives our morality at the end of the day. In a utilitarian view on gay marriage if it can help achieve ultimate happiness for a large group of people then, it is morally acceptable.The gays and lesbians getting married does not negatively affect anyone in any way. If you have a religion that does not accept others as they are because of their sexality, then I do not see how it affect you. I remember someone would not sign off someone marriage because they were of the same-sex. If you have such strong beliefs that condone any marriage then, you should not be someone to sign off marriages. ‘Gay Marriage is a Fundamental Right’ gives, “the coalescence of three distinct legal principles asserted by the Court, and the reasoning undergoing them, that makes the Court's recognition of the fundamental right to marry for LGBTQ individuals inevitable.”(Goetting 138) These three principles are used to give out something like a set of rule on how they will give evidence to legalize same-sex marriage. On of these principles are:

“The right to many, and to marry the person of one's choice, is a fundamental right and a necessary aspect of human happiness. This has been an explicitly stated abiding principle since the Court used its power of judicial review to strike down as unconstitutional a legislature's definition of marriage in 1967” (Goetting 138)

This principle is most likely based on utilitarianism views. It shows how the everyone’s happiness is accounted for getting married instead of just heterosexuals. Now everyone is thought of.

A good thing that can come out of same-sex marriages is that they can adopt. Everyone and other theories might say that is a bad environment to be in because it will influence them to be not straight. Well, let's play devil's advocate then, shall we? If you are a christian parent and your child is christian, is that bad? Or it will be a different story if they were atheist, or islamic. Again things change if everyone looks at a different mindset. When you become a certain age you will have to make your own choices in life. So, being homosexual parent does not hurt the child ability to grow up and become a citizen. At the end of things, the child will have a good loving home to be in instead of being an orphan in child care their whole life. There are always kids that need good homes.

Same-sex marriage gives people the ability to love one another on the same steps as a heterosexual person. In the Obergefell v. Hodges case, it made same-sex marriage the “law of the land" throughout the United States. That means that everyone can marry whoever they want and they do not have to be a certain gender. Sexual orientation and gender identity has progressed throughout the years and now is letting itself known. We have to advance our minds for the future of humanity. Not only technology wise, but people wise too. People are different and everyone does not repeat someone in a past life. So, lets adjust to people wants and needs. Just because someone is different does not make them inferior to you. Just because someone believes in a God, Allah, or et cetera; do not let them influence yourself or your life choices. Let everyone be happy and marry for love not for others’ standards.

Work cited Goetting, Nathan. “Gay Marriage Is a Fundamental Right.” National Lawyers Guild Review, vol.70, no. 3, Fall 2013, pp. 137–144. EBSCOhost, b5-3.sum.tec.sc.us:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=94145322&site=ehost-live. Hermann, Donald H. J. “Extending the Fundamental Right of Marriage to Same-Sex Couples: The United States Supreme Court Decision in Obergefell V. Hodges.” Indiana Law Review, vol. 49, no. 2, Mar. 2016, pp. 367–396. EBSCOhost, b5-3.sum.tec.sc.us:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=112446383&site=ehost-live. Rains, Robert E. “Icing on the Wedding Cake: Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Objections--Is There an Accommodation That Will Make Everyone Equally Happy (Or Unhappy)?” Vermont Law Review, vol. 42, no. 2, Winter 2017, pp. 191–225. EBSCOhost, b5-3.sum.tec.sc.us:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&d b=a9h&AN=127797499&site=ehost-live. Vaughn, Lewis. Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues. New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2008. Print.

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My Teacher

Contents

Concept #1
Concept #2
Concept #3
Concept #4
Concept #5

The teacher I choose to conduct my analysis on is a professor that left an empowering impression on me. He made me question how a teacher could and should conduct a class. It was so encourage to bare witness to how he conducted his class that I found myself wanting to replicate his style if I ever found myself leading a class. This professor was of course, Andy Wood. I had the distinct honor of taking one of Andy’s class here at San Jose state. He takes each day with glee and enthusiasm that resonated throughout the class that everyone hangs on to his every word. He’s very entertaining to say the least. Andy’s teaching style and the personality he brings to class, is my ideal teaching style I would like to emulate in my classroom as an instructor. And when I found out that we needed to shadow a teacher lead interaction for this assignment, I knew exactly who I wanted to observe. Dr. Andy Wood is a professor in the SJSU Communication Studies department where he teach courses in rhetoric, visual arts, and media studies. His research focuses on omnitopia, which is an environment build for students, scholars, and anyone who recognizes the odd and frightening pleasures of urbanity (directly quoted from his website). In my analysis, I will incorporate concepts I found very relatable to Andy’s style of teaching from the 3 days I have observed him conduct his Humanities Honors class.

In order to understand who Andy is as a professor, I will also be incorporating and interview I had the honor of having with Andy. Q) How long have you been teaching? Since 1998 at San Jose State. Thought for 3 years prior while working on his masters and doctoral program. 23-24 years Q) What made you want to be a teacher? He came out of the navy and knew he needed to get a college education. The teacher he has in his public speaking class was inspiring, engaging, and overwhelming that he couldn't stop listening to her. And it was at that point he decided to become a teacher as well. Q) Is there a particular lesson that you’re planning on having and do you follow-up with? Not on this class. On my other classes, i typically have one. I have sovereign in my domain and I can decide what’s important in class. But general I try to stay on the path i’ve followed throughout the years. But Humanity Honors class, we are a faculty of 4 professors that take turn giving out lectures and it doesn’t work that way. And if I don't know what that lecture was, it’s a lot of impromptu. Now if you know Andy like I do, you’ll know that he loves to talk! This brings me to my first concept.

Concept #1

In chapter 5 of Dannel’s book, it’s mentioned in Research Guidance: Engaging Students, student engagement involves the use of humor in the classroom (p. 97) If you’ve ever taken one of Andy’s classes, you would know that Andy loves to talk! That’s one thing he knows he’s guilty of, but he does it in the most entertaining way that you can’t help but just hang on to every word he says. Either he loves it or hates it, this man can talk up a storm, jumping from one subject to the next. All the while building up support for whatever point he’s trying to make. He will occasionally speak in the 3rd party addressing himself from himself, but in a comedic way. Sometimes he’ll contradict himself from something he just said, or point out flaws he has about himself in order to catch the class’s attention. Whether people are actually laughing with Andy or at him, one thing is for sure, It’s catching people’s attention. And as a teacher, being able to capture and entire classes attention could be a difficult task on its own. Something I’ve noticed Andy has very little difficulty doing. Q) What do you like best about teaching? The life unexpected moment. When a student says, “I’ve never seen that,” that’s the moment I live for. I want to have that too. I want to create moments that I can be surprised. This brings me to my next concept I found relatable to Andy’s way of teaching. This is also my favorite attribute that resonated with me from meeting Andy and observing his class. Its that he admits to his vulnerability by saying he’s not perfect and we shouldn’t expect it from him.

Concept #2

In Chapter 7 of Rudick’s book, vulnerability can also be a powerful method of leading students towards cultivating a reflexive ethic (p. 84-85). Whenever Andy goes on a long lecture which incorporates himself as an example of a thought or lesson he is trying to drive across the class, depending on how relatable it is to himself, he does admit on his weakness and shortcomings. He admits in a few occasion that he’s not perfect and has his flaws, then turns around and ties it to a point he’s trying to make in regards to the daily lesson. By doing so, Andy makes himself more relatable. We all know we’re not perfect, and as student’s we’re not academically complete in that regard, but to under the guidance of someone who’s on the same level as ourselves is comforting. Andy does not come off as overbearingly superior to his students. One common phrase that I did find Andy saying more often than not, is, “_____ I didn’t know that,” It’s said many different variations, but always leading to the concept that he isn’t perfect and doesn’t know everything. And that’s something I feel some teachers fear admitting to their class in order to now lose their respect for them. Andy however keeps his communication, his attitude, and his personality to a level of relatable. And his constant admittance that he’s not perfect solidifies that. By exemplifying that he too can learn something from his students makes him relatable, and in return, students are more intrigued to what he’s saying during his lectures, thus their attention is more glued to his presence in the classroom.

Q) What are your greatest concerns about teaching? The fact that students don’t have time to do the things that I took for granted when I was a student. They’re willing to do the work and they grasp the importance of a higher education, but they are pulled in sort of different directions. Either they’re working 1 or 2 jobs, taking care of children, etc. They’re not going to come into class ready to learn because they’re exhausted. It’s unfair that students have to multitask things in a magnitude that I never had to when i was a student. I find myself genuinely respectful of how hard students work and i wish they had more bandwidth to enjoy their life and not just for the sake of the grade. Andy’s genuine care for the well-being of his students inside and outside of the class is obvious. You can hear it in his voice when he talks to you. This leads me to my next concept.

Concept #3

Chapter 9 of Dannel’s book goes over how teacher’s can make a difference. One particular concept that is exemplified by Andy Wood is Bell Hooks and Engaged Pedagogy. To teach in a manner that decenters authority and creates self-empowering conditions, teachers must be aware of their location in history and society and understand the relationship between power, ideology, knowledge, differences, and identity (p, 208-209). This concept was something I knew before actually observing Andy’s class that he had. But it wasn’t until actually having that one on one interview that my assumption was confirmed. Andy genuinely cares about his students. Having been a former student of one of his classes. I have personally witness Andy alter lesson plans, agendas, even test questions on the fly just to make sure that his teachings were fair and equal to everyone. He understands how difficult it could be for some students to not only study for a class, but to also manage their personal lives as well. Things are more hectic now with new generations. Andy is right, there are things we, as newer generation of students have to do just to get by that previous generations, such as Andy himself, might have taken for granted when they were a student. Q) What do you feel that students need to do to be able to communicate with you better? There’s really nothing else I would ask from them. I take students more or less as they are. I don't think I require that they need to translate their thoughts to professor friendly. And sometimes I will try to translate what they are saying to what is connected to the class.

So I’m willing to do that work. I would prefer that students, as they communicate with them, that they are honest. I have had students ghost the class and see their grades plummet and I would email them every week. I tell them that it’s nothing personal but you’re walking into an electric fence. If they communicate with me that they are having a personal problem and can’t quite negotiate the problem, I would tell them that I can’t solve their problems, but I can show them resources that can help. So when they communicate their problems or concerns with me, I take it as my first priority to see if I can help them. But if they don’t communicate with me, I can’t help them but see them suffer and wish I can help. Andy sometimes feels that he can only do as much as he can do in his position. As a professor, he can only do so much. Ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to reach out to him for help if they need it. This leads to my next concept.

Concept #4

In chapter 5 of Rudick’s book. “First, students should feel invested in the classroom. Relationships are not healthy when only one person is invested in making it work (p. 56-57). Each day I came to observe Andy’s class, he pays very close attention to the time when he can start teaching. Always waiting till the very last moment to give enough time for students who may be running late to get there in time and not miss out on any learning. He also occasionally does this at the end of class, when he states he only needs the last minute or two of class to delivery a message either about the content of today’s learning, or something regarding a lesson for later date. But regardless of what he is addressing, he’s always kept it on the time he’s promised. Andy makes sure that if students are there to learn, that they get the most of what they came for by using every minute of his class time to bestow knowledge upon them. I knew that Andy understands that he can’t force a student to be in class when they don’t want to. But at the same time, Andy genuinely concerns when attendance starts to affect a student’s grade. He can only do so much, but ultimately, can’t force someone to show up to class.

During my observations, I witnessed Andy making alteration on his schedule to allow students more leniency on their workload. A lighter workload from the class could help prevent students from omitting class attendance here or there just to catch up with class work. Q) What is your greatest disappointment and greatest achievement as a teacher? My greatest disappointment is, from the first semester on to today is learning student’s name. It’s a damn near impossibility for me. I remember a young lady from my first quarter, she expressed a deep seeded story of sadness and woe, and she’s experiencing pain. And i’m pretty good at being present and being performatively engaged. So I’m thinking we’re having a genuinely authentic moment. Where she’s sharing her concerns and i’m hearing and planning on how I can help her. But then she stops in the middle and said, “You don’t know my name do you?” And she was right. I knew she was a human being and I knew that I care, and I knew I was there to help. So name and faces has always been a nightmare for me. And i’ve always struggled with that. My greatest achievement are moments of serendipity, when students reveal things about the world that I didn't know.It happens enough that I want to keep doing this for another 10 or so years. The pleasure of the unexpected surprising experience where we can be teaching each other something is what keeps me coming back. And this leads me to my last concept that relates back to Andy’s way of teaching is exemplified each day he teaches. And that’s Making a Difference.

Concept #5

In Dannel’s book, making a difference is not about emulating your best teachers or rejecting your worse teachers. It is not about doing exactly what the research recommends or avoiding its cautions. It is not about blindly accepting one philosophy or turning away from another. Making a difference is about learning to be Michelangelo: chipping away the parts of the stone that not you and bringing what is left - your distinct gifts - to the classroom; teaching.... Out loud (p. 212). Each day of my observation, Andy speaks to the class like a symphony. Everyone hanging on to each one of his words as if it’s music. And by doing so, each word affects the student significantly. Either positive, or negative, that’s for the student to translate. But regardless of that, it sparks a change to the student. You’re left encouraged to do more than your fair share simply by how Andy speaks to his class.

During my observation, I witnessed students giving above and beyond speeches that more than fulfilled the assignment. Students felt compelled to really get into the subject, tackle it, and show more effort than what was required from them. At first I thought it may have been just the student’s natural strive to be an overachiever, but when multiple students started to show the same trait, it then becomes a reflection of the instructor’s teaching. When I asked andy what his greatest achievement was as a teacher, to which Andy replied, “...moments of serendipity, when students reveal things about the world that I didn't know…. The pleasure of the unexpected surprising experience where we can be teaching each other something is what keeps me coming back.” It was at that moment I myself came to the realization on why I choose Andy as the teacher I wanted to observe. As one of his former students, Andy’s teaching style resonated with me since day one. He didn’t just stand in front of the class giving lectures full of words, he gave ideas, concepts, perceptions, things that made you think not only about the content, but our own self actualization.

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Teacher Experience

As a first-generation child whose parents have completed education on a high school level, the emphasis on receiving a substantial, sufficient, and complete education was prominent throughout me and my sister’s childhood and beyond. Being raised in a household where education was held at the highest priority, my sister and I were continually reminded of all the sacrifices my parents made to come to the United States, and of all the trials and tribulation they have faced. With the lack of privileges and heavy discrimination they endured, my parents knew that they were not living the “American Dream” after all. They recognized that their dream of success and stability was tough to grasp; becoming unshackled from the chains of difficult, unfulfilling labor is unfortunately unattainable. It became clear that is fully up to me and my sister to live that dream. My parents believe that our lives would present less difficulties if we earned an education. Education has become a motivating and underlying force behind what inspires me and most of my beliefs I have gathered overtime as a student and future educator. I believe that education ultimately brings awareness of not only our role in society, but our rights as a human as well. The power of an education is strong, as it carries the ability to unify and enlighten society and generations to come.

Having the ability to create a welcoming, growing, yet challenging classroom is something I believe should be implemented in my classroom. A personal goal I have for my students is to challenge and observe them reaching their full potential, inside and out of the classroom. I desire to have the opportunity to take diverse students at diverse levels, and see them develop together for the improvement of each individual. I also ultimately believe it is important to help the students enhance their skills socially, and will do this with group work and activities. It is evident that group work is a crucial feature to having a successful class and is something I strongly value, especially with older students. As an instructor, it is important to not only to help the students that you are teaching, but also give them direction to help others. The influence of group work - when students communicate and assist each other - transforms not only the students, but also the atmosphere of the class as a whole.

In order to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, I believe that students should be able to explore and experiment with what they like or dislike. In my classroom, I additionally believe that students should have freedom that allows for innovation and imagination. Through this foundation, the curriculum is adjusted and catered to every student’s style of learning. I believe in educating pupils with clear-cut instruction, but does not fail to give them room to advance and develop individually.

From my experiences in high school, I am able to recognize the importance of reassurance and encouragement for the sake of a student’s personal motivation. One way I will aim to fulfill this goal of motivating students is through various supportive, yet challenging assignments and lessons. As a future English teacher, I truly aspire to aid pupils to understand literature on a deeper level. I additionally want them to continuously absorb knowledge regarding both the literature and the language. Additionally, I aim to prepare my future pupils to develop the abilities that are required for writing as an adult, in post-secondary education.

When discussing secondary education, it is reasonable for the educator to be the one to lead class discussions at the start of the school year. However, towards the end of the year, students will be able to put forward their own concepts and questions and answering the, independently. This aids in expanding the pupils’ knowledge and teaches them how to seek necessary information in a multitude of options. Being able to think independently and work for the answer are useful traits to have in periods where these students are learning how to be self-sufficient and individualistic. As a future educator, it is critical to remember to enjoy students and everything they have to offer. Sometimes it can be a struggle, but if something goes wrong, there is always a way to fix the problem. No matter what, there is always the power to make change.

Personally, I used to keep old elementary workbooks from when my school year would end because I thought throwing away these unfilled pages of grammar, spelling, or random math and science problems was like throwing away knowledge. Letting my little sister have access to this knowledge and teaching her the material that I previously learned is the most fulfilling and best thing I can do for her academically. Having the ability to also teach my parents more about the English language is also a rewarding experience; the ability of giving back to those who have given everything is exciting and something I value deeply. This idea of sharing knowledge and working together is what I believe is an absolute necessity when becoming an educator. This ideology of helping students, who will then help others, is able to unify individuals inside and outside of school premises.

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The Effects of Dating and Hookup Apps on the Formation and Commitment to Relationships

Contents

Emergence of Dating and Hookup Applications
Potential Reasons for Use of Dating and Hookup Applications
Recent Research Conducted on Dating App Users
Conclusion

As of 2016, at least 15% of adults have used dating apps and 70% of same-sex couples met their partner online in the United States, which suggests that online dating is a becoming a predominant factor in relationship culture. This is due in large part to location-based mobile dating services, more commonly known as dating and hookup apps, which serve the purpose of connecting users to potential romantic or sexual partners. These apps, which became popularized within the last ten years, vastly changed the landscape of relationships and dating in a post-modern western society by acting as a matchmaker. Over the past several years, these apps became a sort of “social intermediary” by eliminating the necessity for human matchmakers such as friends and relatives.

The increased popularity of such platforms also led to the development of “hookup culture,” which promotes commitment-free, and sometimes even anonymous, sexual activity between partners who connect through these applications. Because of the influences of dating apps, such as the loss of matchmakers and the rise of hookup culture, the way that people, especially younger individuals, develop interpersonal relationships is change. Several concepts such as ghosting and being “friends with benefits” are rising in the popularity, symbolizing an evolution in how romantic and sexual relationships operate.

Emergence of Dating and Hookup Applications

To recognize the influence of dating applications on relationships, it is critical to understand how they fundamentally operate. Some examples of the most popular applications include Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, OkCupid and HUD. Tinder, the most well-known and used dating application, made its debut in 2012. The app features both a free version as well as a paid subscription; according to a recent Bloomberg News article, as of 2018, Tinder possesses over 3.7 million paid users.

The app, which consumers typically use to find partners for both dating and hookups, popularized the “swipe culture.” The swipe feature, now popular across multiple platforms, allows users to swipe left on a person they do not have interest in, and swipe right on someone they do. Tinder, like most dating apps, allows its subscribers to include pictures of themselves as well as a short bio.

Another leading dating application, Bumble, shares the same swipe features as Tinder but places an emphasis on female users by only allowing women to initiate conversation in heterosexual matches. Bumble also markets itself as a platform for business, networking and friendships, in addition to dating.

Released in 2009, Grindr became the first hookup and dating application geared toward gay and bisexual men. Like Tinder and other apps, it also offers a paid premium subscription service for its users.

An app marketed entirely for hookups, HUD’s offers free services to all users while promising a “swipe-free, commitment-free” opportunity. HUD also describes itself as female friendly, claiming that “Online dating can be intimidating, especially for women. That’s why we have implemented a bunch of features to improve the female user experience.” Out of the five apps mentioned, HUD is the only application not considered in the studies examine due to its relatively new nature. However, further examination into HUD is necessary as it one of the very first (and most popular) applications to market itself exclusively for finding sexual partners.

Potential Reasons for Use of Dating and Hookup Applications

Some potential motivations behind the increased use of these types of applications could include the fact that they increasingly more socially acceptable, their functionality and mobility, photo-driven design, and social and romantic possibilities. Some other subjective advantages (or disadvantages) include the possibility of less emotional investment and less time commitment, as well as the perceived low risk of heartbreak. Another obvious expectation and alleged advantage of hookup is the possibility of sexual activity.

With advantages, of course, come disadvantages, some of which include less incentive to commit to a relationship, possibilities of being misled, risk of superficiality and dehumanization as well as the possibility of humans being portrayed as disposable.

Recent Research Conducted on Dating App Users

In a 2017 article titled “Liquid love? Dating apps, sex, relationships and the digital transformation of intimacy,” researchers Mitchell Hobbs, Stephen Owen, Livia Gerber in which they conducted two studies, one online and one in person, to investigate how dating and relationships may be experiencing a digital transformation. The authors of the study contemplate Zygmunt Bauman’s argument of “liquid love,” which suggests that online dating has led to the rise of individualization and social change, resulting in a transformation of romance and courtship into entertainment, where users can return to marketplace to “shop.” As Bauman put it, online dating “liquefied the solidity and security once provided by romantic partnerships and family structures.”

In their study, the primary research methods employed by Hobbs, Own and Gerber included online survey shared via twitter and Facebook featuring 365 participants and in-depth interviews conducted exclusively on only conducted on both past and present dating and hookup app users. The demographics of the online survey include: 58% women, 40% men, 73% heterosexual, 13.5% gay or lesbian, and 8% bisexual. In terms of age, the majority of those surveyed fell between 23- and 32-years-old.

The in-depth interviews, which took place in-person, only featured six participants: three women and three men, all between 24 and 34 years of age. Five out the six were heterosexual, and one participant was homosexual. According to the researchers, the combined results of both studies suggest that traditional views of dating and monogamy are still prevalent, but dating apps allow people to pursue multiple “matches” simultaneously, which offer users a sense of control. The breakdown in percentages reveals that 87% of participants believe these apps allowed more opportunities to find partners. Approximately 55% of those surveyed use online application to find dates, while 25% use them exclusively for sexual activity and 8% seek non-sexual friendship.

Overall, the study yielded mixed results but generally suggests that dating apps are not actively replacing monogamous relationships with hook-up culture; most people find that apps do not liquefy ideals of romantic love but act as a means to find partnership Furthermore, the majority of participants felt that the apps advanced their desires and abilities to make romantic connections, though the researchers believed that “some accounts of dating apps and modern romantic practices are too pessimistic, and downplay the positives of ‘networked intimacy.’” While this study does provide statistical data which somewhat suggests the development of relationships is changing due to the nature of social platforms, the researchers only collected responses from 371 people, making the study relatively limited in scope. Furthermore, this particular study is based out of Australia so may not necessarily reflect the values of other nations toward dating and hookup apps.

Another study conducted earlier this year by Leah E. LeFebvre, titled “Swiping me off my feet: Explicating relationship initiation on Tinder,” looked specifically at “how people engage in relationship initiation behaviors.” The study examined the relationship development process of Millennials, or people who currently fall within the 18 to 29-year-old age range. According to the researcher, the study surveyed this demographic as this age period is when people typically begin to look for their first long-term, serious relationship. LeFebvre conducted an online survey by gathering 395 participants from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, “Amazon’s online crowdsourcing platform that allows workers to complete human intelligent tasks.” According to LeFebvre, the utilization of this platform allowed for a diverse group of participants in the survey so as not to skew the data. The ethnic demographics of the study include: 70.6% white, 8.9% black, 7.8% Asian, 6.8% Latinx, 5.6% multiple ethnicities, and 0.3% Native American. Other data collected and surveyed include location (urban, suburban, etc.), sexual orientation, relationship status, and education level.

The conclusions of the study determined that participants, whose Tinder usage and preferences were surveyed, believed that in terms of their potential pool of partners in Tinder, 46.6% were better, 29.1% were the same, and 24.3% were worse than potential partners in the real world. The researcher ultimately concluded that pre-interaction processes in online dating, seldom discusses by researchers, has contributed to the changing scheme of online dating. According to LeFebvre, “initiating and experimenting processes occur on Tinder once a match is established; however, the pre-interaction processes constitute strategic behaviors, such as choosing mobile dating, determining personal profile appearances, and branding an asynchronous impression, all of which have not been previously been accounted for in the relationship development model.” These pre-interaction processes directly affect the formation of interpersonal relationships in a way that cannot occur in in-person contact. Although this research survey only included two dozen more than the “Liquid Love” study, the participants included a more diverse group in terms of ethnicity and sexual orientation, perhaps providing a more inclusive and accurate representation of dating app tendencies. This survey, however, did experience some limitations by only including Tinder users.

One final academic study released in 2018, titled “Attached to dating apps: Attachment orientations and preferences for dating apps,” examined attachment and trust issues in the use of dating apps. Researchers Kristi Chin, Robin S. Edelstein and Philip A. Vernon explored how attachment orientation, a psychological theory which studies “similarities between a child’s bond with his or her caregiver and subsequent bonds with adult romantic partners,” affects interpersonal relationship development through online dating app usage. They researchers hypothesize that:

Given that anxiously attached individuals desire affiliation (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007), we expect more anxious people to use dating apps because the purpose of dating apps is to promote relationships (Couch & Liamputtong, 2008). Although these anxious individuals desire relationships, they also fear rejection (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007). Dating apps avoid face-to-face rejection by allowing users to indicate interest in others online and only allow further contact if interest is mutual. Relatedly, people who are higher in rejection sensitivity (a trait that is associated with anxious attachment; Feldman & Downey, 1994) report that they use online dating sites (websites similar to dating apps) more frequently than those who are less concerned about rejection (Blackhart, Fitzpatrick, & Williamson, 2014).

This particular study differs from the previous two in that it is a psychological research study, whereas the other two examined communication issues. In this investigation, 183 participants, all of whom are currently single and from North American (United States and Canada inclusive), took an online survey regarding their dating app usage. The questionnaire results revealed that Tinder was the most frequently app used by the group, with OkCupid and trailing slightly behind. Their predicted hypotheses that a correlation exists between a person’s avoidant attachment and likeliness to use dating application proved to be true, as though with a higher avoidant attachment tended to be much less likely to download any dating apps. They also correctly predicted that those higher in anxious attachment were more likely to download dating applications than those with a higher avoidant attachment. The conclusions the researchers drew from their results on whether a correlation between attachment orientation and usage of dating apps exists, which “may shed light on the role of relationship-relevant personality traits in modern methods of dating.” In laymen’s terms, their psychology study suggests that those with anxiety may employ dating apps as a tool when searching for a relationship due to its online natures, which eliminates the need for an intermediary in developing an interpersonal relationship. The lack of in-person connection validating a person’s motivation for joining a dating application only strengthens the idea that romance and courtship are evolving in order to adjust to the digital age.

Conclusion

It should be noted that the academic research studies considered present only “western” viewpoints for the sake of clarity and length. More research outside of North America and Australia should be conducted and studied in order to determine if the rise of dating apps is a global phenomenon. More research into the effects of dating apps on homosexual relationships should also be explored, as hookup culture is allegedly more common among gay men than in any other type of relationship. Though the studies examined here present an inclusive view featuring most sexual orientations, many studies surrounding dating and hookup applications conduct their research through a heteronormative lens.

The results provided by the aforementioned studies suggest that the development of geologically-based mobile applications such as Tinder and Grindr are essentially changing the landscape of dating, as well as actively contributing to the rise of “hookup culture.”

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The Effects of Dating and Hookup Apps on the Formation and Commitment to Relationships. (2019, Feb 05). Retrieved November 5, 2025 , from
https://studydriver.com/2019/02/page/17/

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