Age? 19
Sex? Female
What is your degree subject (both if joint)? Religious Studies and Philosophy
Does ‘Being Bad’ relate well to the other modules you are taking? Not really
If so, how? And if not, why not? Other than the session “Being Too Religious,” I didn’t really think the lectures were relevant to the courses I’m taking, although the thinking aspect of philosophy was obviously there.
Have you found ‘Being Bad’ too demanding, too easy, or at an appropriate level? Too easy, although I found it was hard to decide what the assignments required of me
Do you think the list of topics covered on the module was appropriate? Yes
Are there any topics not included in the module that you would like to see included? Obviously there are topics like murder which are bad, but they are un-debatably bad, so no
Do you think that the format for classes has worked well? No
What did you think of the module team? I thought the lectures were a little impersonal and disengaging
Do you think it would have been better to have had more:
Small group discussions? Yes definitely
Discussion and debate among the class as a whole? Yes
Information and talk from lecturers? Yes, this was what was lacking the most
The approach taken in the module is interdisciplinary (drawing on perspectives from English Literature, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies and Politics): do you think this a useful way of approaching the topics covered in the module? Yes
Do you think that interdisciplinary modules are a good idea? I suppose so
Do you think you have benefited from the interdisciplinary approach taken in the module? A little, yes
Would you like to see more modules that cover this kind of subject matter? Yes, possibly
Are you planning to take the follow-up module PH2004 ‘It Shouldn’t Be Allowed’ at level 2? Yes
Would you recommend ‘Being Bad’ to a friend? Maybe
Do you think that the blogs (web logs) were a good idea? Yes
What did you think of the other assessments (e.g. would it be better to have one longer assessment rather than two shorter ones?)? They were too short and the criteria was unclear, particularly with the rationale. I think in future, there should only be one assignment, and that should be one set essay question that everyone does
What have you learned from the module? Other people’s views
What parts of the module have you found most useful and why? Blogging
What parts do you think were a waste of time and why? The sessions!
Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding ‘Being Bad’? No
Thursday 10 May 2007
Wednesday 9 May 2007
Graffitti
Comments On Other People's Blogs:
http://markprestonsmind.blogspot.com/
I personally agree with the points Mark has put across here. Wherever you go you see in graffitti - on the sides of buildings, in public toilets, canal tunnels, bus shelters etc. The majority of the time, it is just mindless vandalism, which is often vulgar and offensive, but sometimes it can carry a message, and can be quite powerful in doing so.
www.graffiti.org
http://markprestonsmind.blogspot.com/
I personally agree with the points Mark has put across here. Wherever you go you see in graffitti - on the sides of buildings, in public toilets, canal tunnels, bus shelters etc. The majority of the time, it is just mindless vandalism, which is often vulgar and offensive, but sometimes it can carry a message, and can be quite powerful in doing so.
www.graffiti.org
Bullying
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Bullying doesn't just have to be physical, it can be mental and emotional too; often mental taunting can be the worst.
"Bullying can mean many different things. These are some ways children and young people have described bullying:
- being called names
- being teased
- being pushed or pulled about
- being hit or attacked
- having your bag and other possessions taken and thrown around
- having rumours spread about you
- being ignored and left out
- being forced to hand over money or possessions
- being attacked or teased or called names because of your religion or colour
- being attacked or teased or called names because of your sexuality." (http://www.childline.org.uk/Bullying.asp)
- being called names
- being teased
- being pushed or pulled about
- being hit or attacked
- having your bag and other possessions taken and thrown around
- having rumours spread about you
- being ignored and left out
- being forced to hand over money or possessions
- being attacked or teased or called names because of your religion or colour
- being attacked or teased or called names because of your sexuality." (http://www.childline.org.uk/Bullying.asp)
When most people think of the word "bullying," they usually associate it with the stereotypical scenario of a school boy with freckles, glasses and braces getting picked on in a playground by a group of older, bigger, rough kids. However, bullying can happen throughout life, victims and the bullies themselves can be any age. People get bullied at home by their own families, at school, and in the workplace. Whether minor or major, it happens all around is in our everyday life, and quite often, we are even unaware of it's occurance.
Although I disagree very much with bullying, often the bullies used to be bullied themselves or generally have an unhappy life, and so take their anger out on those more vulnerable. This does not justify such behaviour, but for nearly all bullies, there are deep-lying issues and reasons behind their behaviour.
Recently, an eleven-year-old boy killed himself not just because he was getting bullied by other children his age, but also because an adult joined in with the taunting, calling him explicit names, which led him to take his life due to being extremely unhappy. This was a tragic case of bullying, where the school did not intervene, and now the damage is done, and a life has been lost because of it. http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=61953
Tuesday 8 May 2007
Abortion
The new abortion law allows abortions to be carried-out up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, but in reality, many babies are born and survive at the same age.Does a foetus become a person when fertilized, when it’s heart first beats, when it develops a nervous system to sense the world around it, or when it takes it’s first breath when it’s born? All of these stages in the creation of life suggest that abortion is never anything but murder.
Personally, the only reason why I would ever have an abortion would be if I was raped, or if carrying on with the pregnancy could risk the life of both myself and the unborn child. Even though killing a foetus due to being raped is still a form of murder, it would not be a baby conceived out of love or affection, and I would probably end up resenting it because it would be a constant reminder of my rapist. Although an unborn child is not given equal human rights to that of it's mother, it still has SOME rights, and one person shouldn't be able to decide if another life can live or die for reasons such as the mother wanting to pursue a career, or it being unplanned as a result of not using birth control. The actual act of aborting the foetus can be done in a number of ways, depending on the stage of the pregnancy, but all of which I think are inhumane.
Comments On Other Blogs:
I agree with the comments on abortion on the blog http://sharni-tc.blogspot.com/2007/04/abortion.html, because life IS a gift, and if people feel they would have an abortion if they got pregnant by accident, then one solution to prevent the destroying of innocent lives would be to just not have sex at all.
A friend of mine had an abortion a couple of weeks ago, and although I told her my personal opinion on the matter and what I would do in her situation, I accept that it was still her decision to make, despite disagreeing with it. So many people have trouble conceiving, whereas others have several abortions in their lifetime, using them as a form of birth control and thinking nothing more of it. However, having an abortion can seriously affect a woman's life, both mentally and physically, because it can make some people unable to conceive again.
http://www.abortionfacts.com/
http://www.pregnancy.mb.ca/cpc-abo.htm
Monday 7 May 2007
Swearing
Personally, I hate hearing people swearing constantly, as I think it can be very vulgar. I'm not trying to be sexist, but I dso think that women and girls swearing does sound particularly bad and "common," but its often the female sex that swear more nowadays. However, I do think there are occasions when only swearing can portray certain powerful messages and emotions, and can also aid in comedy.
Admittedly, I swear, but not excessively, and I don't think I first started swearing until I was about 12 or 13 years old. Although I say the odd swearword in front of my parents, I would never say the "F" word or anything as bad as this when in their presence, mainly as a sign of respect. My parents don't say things like this in front of me, despit the fact that I'm a grown adult, so I don't either. There's a time and a place for swearing, and when you're younger, you often find it "cool" to swear, as it's a form of rebellion and a its also part of growing-up; part of the path to maturity. However, I do generally disagree with swearing, as it's impolite and rude, and is not an acceptable form of behaviour in public, especially if there are young children or elderly people in earshot.
Admittedly, I swear, but not excessively, and I don't think I first started swearing until I was about 12 or 13 years old. Although I say the odd swearword in front of my parents, I would never say the "F" word or anything as bad as this when in their presence, mainly as a sign of respect. My parents don't say things like this in front of me, despit the fact that I'm a grown adult, so I don't either. There's a time and a place for swearing, and when you're younger, you often find it "cool" to swear, as it's a form of rebellion and a its also part of growing-up; part of the path to maturity. However, I do generally disagree with swearing, as it's impolite and rude, and is not an acceptable form of behaviour in public, especially if there are young children or elderly people in earshot.
Sunday 6 May 2007
Body Modification
"One controversial objective of body modification is the attempt to resemble another race, such as Asians having their epicanthal folds modified supposedly to resemble non-Asian eyes or skin lightened with dyes (or even surgically), or suntanning," (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_modification).
The subject of body modification is often frowned upon in religions such as Christianity, Judaism and Islam, who believe that God is the creator, and so one should be blessed with what one has, not destroy it by changing what God intended for us to have.
Body modification does not just include piercings and tattoos, but also plastic surgery such as breast enlargements and teeth veneers. Personally, I do not think there is anything "wrong" with tattoos and body piercings, but I do think there is a point when one can have too many, and then I disagree with them, because they are taken to the extreme. Other than reconstructive surgery if for example someone has been burnt or lost a limb in an accident or through illness, I don't really agree with plastic surgery, because I think people should just accept themselves and worry about more impostant issues than their appearance. One problem that often occurs when people have plastic surgery is getting addicted to altering oneself, because it not only changes one physically, but also mentally and emotionally, and people often spend thousands of pounds changing how they look, and still not being happy with the outcome, because more is never enough.
However, there are significant risks involved in body modification, some of which include infection, nerve damage, keloids and dental risks. Therefore, body modification is a subject which should always be explored and researched thoroughly before making a decision to do so, as it can be a lifetime decision. http://ezinearticles.com/?What-are-the-Real-Risks-of-Body-Piercing?----Advice-for-Parents-and-Teens&id=2961
Friday 4 May 2007
Masturbation
I don't personally think that this is a subject matter that is either right or wrong, it's up to the individual whether or not they wish to do it. It's not an unnatural act, but in the past, it caused a lot of controversy and was very frowned upon, because when society was more religious as a whole, it was considered a grave sin, and religions such as Christianity still hold that view.
I was admittedly shocked to see pictures of the type of restraints people used to use to stop themselves from masturbating, and all involved equipment which would inflict pain if they tried. Notably, most of these restraints were designed for men, but it has been accepted in recent years than women masturbate too.
I don't think there is any harm in gaining personal pleasure, as long as it doesn't cause harm for anyone else, and generally, masturbation is an act purely for self-satisfaction.
Comments On Other Blogs:
http://donnie22.blogspot.com/
"The act of masturbation is one that in my opinion is down to personal choice. I don't believe that personal sexual exploration should be prohibited by religious organizations or other peoples opinions. Masturbation is a natural and pleasurable act which introduces one to sexual maturity and the thought of one not been able to act in such away seems to me silly. For a male it is very easy to become stimulated and to avoid masturbating is only depriving your body of what it wants to do. If we were not supposed to masturbate, like many animals, humans would have sex or 'mate' in seasons, but instead humans are easily sexually simulated through their lifetime; babies, not aware of what they are doing receive pleasure from playing with themselves. One may contend this statement saying that humans being able to reason and use self control shouldn't masturbate as it is not necessary, but at the same time being so easily sexually stimulated all the time is not necessary either!! Although masturbation is taboo in the UK; it seems that unlike sex, masturbation was not liberated in the 60's and onward, many countries in Europe accept masturbation as a natural act. Religion has a big impact on the religious when it comes to masturbation, 'they'll burn in hell' if they condone such an act!! I think this is wrong, there are some places religion doesn't belong and and when it comes between a man/woman and their hand it shouldn't be considered!!"
I think Adonis has some good points here, like it being a, "natural and pleasurable act that introduces one to sexual maturity." Freud's Oedipus Complex states that awareness of one's sexuality and sexual pleasure begins during infancy, and this develops through life until one is mature enough to identify themselves as a being with sexual needs.
I was admittedly shocked to see pictures of the type of restraints people used to use to stop themselves from masturbating, and all involved equipment which would inflict pain if they tried. Notably, most of these restraints were designed for men, but it has been accepted in recent years than women masturbate too.
I don't think there is any harm in gaining personal pleasure, as long as it doesn't cause harm for anyone else, and generally, masturbation is an act purely for self-satisfaction.
Comments On Other Blogs:
http://donnie22.blogspot.com/
"The act of masturbation is one that in my opinion is down to personal choice. I don't believe that personal sexual exploration should be prohibited by religious organizations or other peoples opinions. Masturbation is a natural and pleasurable act which introduces one to sexual maturity and the thought of one not been able to act in such away seems to me silly. For a male it is very easy to become stimulated and to avoid masturbating is only depriving your body of what it wants to do. If we were not supposed to masturbate, like many animals, humans would have sex or 'mate' in seasons, but instead humans are easily sexually simulated through their lifetime; babies, not aware of what they are doing receive pleasure from playing with themselves. One may contend this statement saying that humans being able to reason and use self control shouldn't masturbate as it is not necessary, but at the same time being so easily sexually stimulated all the time is not necessary either!! Although masturbation is taboo in the UK; it seems that unlike sex, masturbation was not liberated in the 60's and onward, many countries in Europe accept masturbation as a natural act. Religion has a big impact on the religious when it comes to masturbation, 'they'll burn in hell' if they condone such an act!! I think this is wrong, there are some places religion doesn't belong and and when it comes between a man/woman and their hand it shouldn't be considered!!"
I think Adonis has some good points here, like it being a, "natural and pleasurable act that introduces one to sexual maturity." Freud's Oedipus Complex states that awareness of one's sexuality and sexual pleasure begins during infancy, and this develops through life until one is mature enough to identify themselves as a being with sexual needs.
Wednesday 2 May 2007
Lying With Integrity
Comments On Other People's Blogs:
http://curly-sue7.blogspot.com/
"Well to begin with I wasn't sure whether the two words, LYING and INTEGRITY, could be linked together in the same sentence. Surely they contradict each other? Lying with integrity, the possession of firm principles: the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards? But we talked in the lecture about lying for the "right reasons", or "white lies" as we call them, lies that we tell for the good of others, or do we?
It is true that when a lie is told it is often difficult to determine who's best interest it is in. White lies are apparently lies which we tell to prevent our loved ones from getting hurt - or is it to save our own morals from being undermined? I believe that there are some rare examples of selfless lies, but I also believe that a lot of the time lies are being told for our own satisfaction. For example, if a four year old child's mother died of an overdose, it would be up to the family to explain to the child how his mother died, but they would have to use a euphemism and not go into detail on what caused the parents death. This to me would be a selfless lie, as it is in the interest of the child, because he is too young and innocent to possibly understand the circumstances of his mothers death.
Some lies can be completely selfish or even have the cover of being selfless when really they are not. Some lies can appear to be in the interests of others when really the teller of the lie is also receiving something from it. There are also malicious lies, lies which are told with the sole purpose of hurting someone. These type of lies I find unnecessary and evil, and I think they hold no real purpose except self gratification. For example, the protagonist of the play, Billy Liar is a complete pathological liar, who tells lies for his own good and lies that are completely nonsensical.
I have to admit that I have lied - but who doesn't? - and I still do in certain circumstances though I know I am no pathological liar, if anything i can be too honest at times, but i think throughout life lying is needed. There is no denying that lies, even of the "little white" variety still cause pain somewhere along the line - though there are the few that "slip the net", so to speak and are never discovered. Like my earlier example of the child who's parent had overdosed. The child will eventually discover how his mother died and will quite possibly resent the people who failed to tell him when he was younger. Some lies are an essential part of your survival kit through life. If your girlfriend asks you if you think she looks fat in her new dress, you reply "NO!" as if it is a reflex because you know what will happen if you don't! Honesty isn't always the best policy, but lying can sometimes be no alternative either! I think we just have to know where to draw the line."
http://blair-beingbad.blogspot.com/
"Lying is one of the qualities that separates humans from animals. Lying can come in a variety of forms. It can be simply getting things to go your way through deception; to conceal the truth from others; and to get someone to be more attracted to you through lies. The question that must be asked is is all lying bad?In most cases, we can say that by not telling the truth or modifying facts can be considered morally bad. Our consciences normally say that it was bad to tell a lie normally since further lies may have to be told to cover your tracks. The degree of severity of the lie is a factor. Cheating on a partner and lying about it is worse than saying you went to the dentist when you did not! But, there are certain circumstances where I believe it is justified to withhold the truth.For example, telling young children that Santa Claus exists to provide them presents at Christmas time is an obvious lie, since Santa Claus does not exist, and the parents provide the presents. The magic lies in telling them about this amazing man who everyone loves and provides presents for children every year. The naivety of children makes a better scenario than our parents giving us gifts.Lying could also be justified if it involves protecting yourself or others from serious harm. However, if it did involve breaking the law I would personally have to admit to the problem, even if it did mean serious consequences i.e. going to prison after committing an offence. Lying would only exacerbate the situation and make it worse.Lying is a defence mechanism, as described by Lister in Red Dwarf, but it is only justified in limited circumstances. Lying can be bad, and I do not like to lie, and when I do, it is not often. There are certain times I have lied in the past to get out of minor trouble but, I don't think I have ever had to lie to cover a major fault. I am a very honest person and as the famous quote goes "Honesty is the best policy..."Here is a link to an interesting article on the current war in Iraq and should George W. Bush be impeached for the reasons for going to war in 2003:http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/06/06/findlaw.analysis.dean.wmd/"
I think that these two blogs ironically describe lies in a truthful manner. Everyone has lied at some point in their lives, usually just minor lies that won'e necessarily harm anyone, but they have still told them for whatever reason. Lying is a part of human nature, and although it is often frowned upon, it is also an accepted fact. It is the people on the receiving end of lies, who are the victims of deciet, that lies hurt the most, even small white lies can weaken your trust in someone close. Lying is not morally "good," and this is particularly the case if it involves abusing the law and justice system, or if someone is adulterous. One small lie can create a web of indestructable lies, and this can become very dangerous. Everyone lies, but a line always has to drawn as to the extent one is bending the truth.
http://curly-sue7.blogspot.com/
"Well to begin with I wasn't sure whether the two words, LYING and INTEGRITY, could be linked together in the same sentence. Surely they contradict each other? Lying with integrity, the possession of firm principles: the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards? But we talked in the lecture about lying for the "right reasons", or "white lies" as we call them, lies that we tell for the good of others, or do we?
It is true that when a lie is told it is often difficult to determine who's best interest it is in. White lies are apparently lies which we tell to prevent our loved ones from getting hurt - or is it to save our own morals from being undermined? I believe that there are some rare examples of selfless lies, but I also believe that a lot of the time lies are being told for our own satisfaction. For example, if a four year old child's mother died of an overdose, it would be up to the family to explain to the child how his mother died, but they would have to use a euphemism and not go into detail on what caused the parents death. This to me would be a selfless lie, as it is in the interest of the child, because he is too young and innocent to possibly understand the circumstances of his mothers death.
Some lies can be completely selfish or even have the cover of being selfless when really they are not. Some lies can appear to be in the interests of others when really the teller of the lie is also receiving something from it. There are also malicious lies, lies which are told with the sole purpose of hurting someone. These type of lies I find unnecessary and evil, and I think they hold no real purpose except self gratification. For example, the protagonist of the play, Billy Liar is a complete pathological liar, who tells lies for his own good and lies that are completely nonsensical.
I have to admit that I have lied - but who doesn't? - and I still do in certain circumstances though I know I am no pathological liar, if anything i can be too honest at times, but i think throughout life lying is needed. There is no denying that lies, even of the "little white" variety still cause pain somewhere along the line - though there are the few that "slip the net", so to speak and are never discovered. Like my earlier example of the child who's parent had overdosed. The child will eventually discover how his mother died and will quite possibly resent the people who failed to tell him when he was younger. Some lies are an essential part of your survival kit through life. If your girlfriend asks you if you think she looks fat in her new dress, you reply "NO!" as if it is a reflex because you know what will happen if you don't! Honesty isn't always the best policy, but lying can sometimes be no alternative either! I think we just have to know where to draw the line."
http://blair-beingbad.blogspot.com/
"Lying is one of the qualities that separates humans from animals. Lying can come in a variety of forms. It can be simply getting things to go your way through deception; to conceal the truth from others; and to get someone to be more attracted to you through lies. The question that must be asked is is all lying bad?In most cases, we can say that by not telling the truth or modifying facts can be considered morally bad. Our consciences normally say that it was bad to tell a lie normally since further lies may have to be told to cover your tracks. The degree of severity of the lie is a factor. Cheating on a partner and lying about it is worse than saying you went to the dentist when you did not! But, there are certain circumstances where I believe it is justified to withhold the truth.For example, telling young children that Santa Claus exists to provide them presents at Christmas time is an obvious lie, since Santa Claus does not exist, and the parents provide the presents. The magic lies in telling them about this amazing man who everyone loves and provides presents for children every year. The naivety of children makes a better scenario than our parents giving us gifts.Lying could also be justified if it involves protecting yourself or others from serious harm. However, if it did involve breaking the law I would personally have to admit to the problem, even if it did mean serious consequences i.e. going to prison after committing an offence. Lying would only exacerbate the situation and make it worse.Lying is a defence mechanism, as described by Lister in Red Dwarf, but it is only justified in limited circumstances. Lying can be bad, and I do not like to lie, and when I do, it is not often. There are certain times I have lied in the past to get out of minor trouble but, I don't think I have ever had to lie to cover a major fault. I am a very honest person and as the famous quote goes "Honesty is the best policy..."Here is a link to an interesting article on the current war in Iraq and should George W. Bush be impeached for the reasons for going to war in 2003:http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/06/06/findlaw.analysis.dean.wmd/"
I think that these two blogs ironically describe lies in a truthful manner. Everyone has lied at some point in their lives, usually just minor lies that won'e necessarily harm anyone, but they have still told them for whatever reason. Lying is a part of human nature, and although it is often frowned upon, it is also an accepted fact. It is the people on the receiving end of lies, who are the victims of deciet, that lies hurt the most, even small white lies can weaken your trust in someone close. Lying is not morally "good," and this is particularly the case if it involves abusing the law and justice system, or if someone is adulterous. One small lie can create a web of indestructable lies, and this can become very dangerous. Everyone lies, but a line always has to drawn as to the extent one is bending the truth.
Bad Manners
I have worked in retail for about two-and-a-half years, and every day without fail there will be at least one customer with bad manners. Because I work in a shop part-time, customers seem to look down on me, and think they can treat me however I like, but when people are rude, it puts others around them in a bad mood too.
Most children are taught how and when to say "please" and "thank you," yet many of these children appear to lose these simple words from their vocabulary when they grow older. It's not difficult to be polite, but it does make a big difference to how people perceive others in society. If someone is rude, then other people tend to not make an effort with them in future, not because they have committed a serious crime or done anything terrible, but all because they couldn't be bothered to have simple good manners.
http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/1996/11/11/smallb3.html
Most children are taught how and when to say "please" and "thank you," yet many of these children appear to lose these simple words from their vocabulary when they grow older. It's not difficult to be polite, but it does make a big difference to how people perceive others in society. If someone is rude, then other people tend to not make an effort with them in future, not because they have committed a serious crime or done anything terrible, but all because they couldn't be bothered to have simple good manners.
http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/1996/11/11/smallb3.html
Tuesday 1 May 2007
Smacking
Personally, I agree with smacking as a form of discipline to children, because more often than that, it is the best way to teach a child right from wrong. There has been a lot of media coverage on the matter in recent years, with the idea that the Government could pose a ban on smacking of all forms. I disagree with beating children or smacking them with anything other than your hand, because otherwise it is just a form of physical abuse, which can emotionally and mentally effect children, particularly in later years. The Government put into force a new law whereby if a child is smacked so hard it leaves a mark, then they could face jail, which I think is a good idea, because a child should not be violently smacked. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4175905.stm
I often see children misbehaving in public, with their parents either ignoring what they are doing or just telling them to be quiet. However, to behave in such a way is not acceptable, and if they continue to be naughty, they should be smacked so that they learn never to do it again, or at least not for a while anyway, because they will remember the pain it caused at the time. Most people I know were smacked at least once when they were younger, and the majority of these don't commit crimes or do things that could be classed as "bad" in society, proving that smacking does not necessarily harm children, but can actually benefit them. Smacking a child just demonstrates to them that the parent has the greater authority, and that they should respect that - the child cannot do or say whatever they feel like.
Similarly, I think that re-introducing the cane into schools would be a good idea, because there are so many young criminals and people with youths with ASBO's nowadays that giving them the cane at school could be giving them vital diescipline that they may not be getting at home, and them treating them a lesson. People need to have respect for one another, but in today's society, it seems to be rapidly diminishing.
Monday 30 April 2007
Gambling
Gambling used to be a word associated with working class people, who would put a bet or two on horse racing in the hope to gain a couple of pounds. However, in today's society, gambling has become more elite and places like casinos have a glamorous wealthy edge to them, with many mutli-millionaires and top businessmen frequently being portrayed as the "face of modern-day gambling." For example, John Prescott has been recently campaigning to transform the Millennium Dome into a "super casino" in a bid to attract tourism and wealthy gamblers from around the world into Britain. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5010808.stm Gambling now has a certain upper-class quality to it, and this aspect of it often makes it seem much more appealing to a wider range of people.
Recently, I was watching a TV programme and it showed the true extent of how much and how often people gamble. Rather than gamblers being the stereotypical old men in flat caps, or young men in suits, the amount of female housewives turning to gambling is on the increase. Many women were ringing in to this TV show telling of how they have turned to internet gambling, with sites such as www.gambling.co.uk and www.bet365casino.com providing an easy way to try winning money whilst not even having to leave the comfort of your own home, which is particularly convenient when you are a stay-at-home mother with young children. Most of these women's partners had no idea of the amount of debt they had already occurred, and the women argued that because they were gambling with money off their credit cards, it did not seem like they were gambling with real money, and so the full extent of how much money they had lost did not become apparent until they received their bills. Then the reality hit.
When I was younger i sometimes used to go to amusement arcades whilst on holiday, and used to get quite addicted to putting my coppers into the slot machines! Losing just small quantities of money like this taught me that there are no winners in gamblers, only the gambling tycoons who run the businesses. It can be VERY addictive, and i think it is worse if someone wins the first ever time they gamble, because this spurs them on to continue, but more than likely they just lose large amounts of money. It can send many people into enormous debt, which can lead to problems like turning to drugs, theft or prostitution in order to pay-off this money, but this in turn can create a vicious cycle. Some people get so deep into debt that they have to declare themselves bankrupt, they may lose their family and friends because it is such a destructive addiction, and quite often, gamblers commit suicide to escape all this. Buying the odd lottery ticket or two is harmless, but any more than these can cause a great deal of irreversible damage.
Friday 27 April 2007
Domestic Violence
The Government defines domestic violence as "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality." This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic communities, such as so-called 'honour killings'.
People who abuse others via domestic violence always have their reasons, but none of which are ever acceptable. The harsh reality of it is that only a very small percentage of domestic violence ever actually gets reported, and the majority of these reports are from women. Although many men are also victims, many feel too ashamed or embarrassed to report it, as they do not want the shame of admitting they are beaten by their wives/girlfriends. However, all acts of violence are wrong, and therefore men and women should be treated equally by the authorities, and effective measures should be taken on both parts - both sexes should be prosecuted for such horrific crimes, it just takes courage and strength for the victims to come forward and put an end to it. For good.
Sunday 22 April 2007
Theft
After being a victim of card fraud whereby someone spent £350 of my money in Hong Kong, it made me think about theft in more depth.
Firstly, apart with being rather annoyed, the thing that effected me most about it was the fact that my privacy had been invaded. Someone had gotten all my details illegally and behaved in a malicious, dishonest way, commiting a serious crime. The person stealing this money knew it would directly harm others, and yet they still did it; in that respect, the person is worse than the crime they committed.
Monday 16 April 2007
Bandits and Outlaws
Comments on other people's posts:
http://melissa-naughty.blogspot.com/
"Can bandits and outlaws ever be considered 'heroes' or the 'good guys'?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary Online, the term 'bandit' is described as "One who is proscribed or outlawed; hence, a lawless desperate marauder, a brigand: usually applied to members of the organized gangs which infest the mountainous districts of Italy, Sicily, Spain, Greece, and Turkey." Considering this, one may come to the conclusion that a bandit cannot be a heroic figure of any kind. However, if we look back in history to figures such as Robin Hood, some evidence and opinions contrast this opinion. This character was famous for robbing the rich to feed the poor and fighting against injustice and tyranny...therefore this points to him being the poor peoples' hero!
Similarly Jessie James and "Pretty Boy" Floyd are figures revered by the poorer people in society, those who feel they had injustice done against them. Floyd has been referred to as 'a folk hero to the people of Oklahoma who perceived him as a "Sagebrush Robin Hood", stealing from the rich banks to help the poor eat by buying them groceries and tearing up their mortgages during the robberies.'
In modern use though, the term 'bandit' is associated with 'gangster', which has negative connotations in today's society, because it isn't focused upon the needs of the poor, but criminal activities that often have little justification."
"Can bandits and outlaws ever be considered 'heroes' or the 'good guys'?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary Online, the term 'bandit' is described as "One who is proscribed or outlawed; hence, a lawless desperate marauder, a brigand: usually applied to members of the organized gangs which infest the mountainous districts of Italy, Sicily, Spain, Greece, and Turkey." Considering this, one may come to the conclusion that a bandit cannot be a heroic figure of any kind. However, if we look back in history to figures such as Robin Hood, some evidence and opinions contrast this opinion. This character was famous for robbing the rich to feed the poor and fighting against injustice and tyranny...therefore this points to him being the poor peoples' hero!
Similarly Jessie James and "Pretty Boy" Floyd are figures revered by the poorer people in society, those who feel they had injustice done against them. Floyd has been referred to as 'a folk hero to the people of Oklahoma who perceived him as a "Sagebrush Robin Hood", stealing from the rich banks to help the poor eat by buying them groceries and tearing up their mortgages during the robberies.'
In modern use though, the term 'bandit' is associated with 'gangster', which has negative connotations in today's society, because it isn't focused upon the needs of the poor, but criminal activities that often have little justification."
I personally agree with this post, as even the terms of "bandits and outlaws" have changed in context over time, where in the past they were often associated with people who stole from the rich to feed the poor, but nowadays, they are words associated with crime and, very often, illegal drugs. <http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-OutlawGangsList.html>
''I wasn't the leader of any gang. I was for Billy all the time."
-- Billy the Kid to a Las Vegas reporter after his capture at Stinking Springs.
-- Billy the Kid to a Las Vegas reporter after his capture at Stinking Springs.
Saturday 14 April 2007
Alcohol
In small quantities, alcohol can be harmless, but if a large amount is consumed in any one time, such as binge drinking, it can even lead to fatality. There is a teenage binge-drinking culture in this society, and although many people may just view it as harmless drunken fun, the consequences of doing so will not become apparent for many years to come, and then the problems can become irreversible.
Whilst drunk, people can become very vulnerable, and many people are raped, drugged or beaten-up. Alcohol can give you an added confidence and can make you do things that you would not normally do. It is an addictive drug and can lead to liver disease and eventually death.
For Buddhists, drinking alcohol is the worst possible thing to do, because you lose control of your body and mind and can end up committing many sins which you may not have done if you were not under the influence.
Whilst drunk, people can become very vulnerable, and many people are raped, drugged or beaten-up. Alcohol can give you an added confidence and can make you do things that you would not normally do. It is an addictive drug and can lead to liver disease and eventually death.
For Buddhists, drinking alcohol is the worst possible thing to do, because you lose control of your body and mind and can end up committing many sins which you may not have done if you were not under the influence.
Wednesday 11 April 2007
Being Too Religious
I personally do not believe that anyone can be "too religious," as long as they do not try to impose their beliefs on other people. If someone wants to sit in a public place and read from the Bible or the Qu'ran, then I think that's perfectly acceptable, but if they decide to start chanting the verses out loud, then yes, I do think it is possible to be too religious, and in this instance, it is partly due to lack of respect for other religions. On the subject of imposing religion upon others, although one of the duties of being a Jehovah's Witness is to knock on people's doors and talk to them about their religion, I think this is being a little too religious.
Recently, there has been much controversy over people wearing religious clothing or symbols in the workplace. For example, British Airways tried to sack an employee because she wore a crucifix necklace as a sign of her Christianity, sparking a huge media debate over whether people should be free to wear religious items. However, whilst the necklace was very small and could be worn under the employee's uniform, there were a few Muslim employees who wore headscarves, which questions why some religions are discriminated against whilst other religious practices are deemed acceptable. Either way, I think all people should have the freedom to wear religious items of clothing if that is what their religion requests, or even simply to remind the individual of their beliefs.
Recently, there has been much controversy over people wearing religious clothing or symbols in the workplace. For example, British Airways tried to sack an employee because she wore a crucifix necklace as a sign of her Christianity, sparking a huge media debate over whether people should be free to wear religious items. However, whilst the necklace was very small and could be worn under the employee's uniform, there were a few Muslim employees who wore headscarves, which questions why some religions are discriminated against whilst other religious practices are deemed acceptable. Either way, I think all people should have the freedom to wear religious items of clothing if that is what their religion requests, or even simply to remind the individual of their beliefs.
Tuesday 10 April 2007
Prostitution
"Prostitution describes the act of sexual intercourse in exchange for money. However, its definition may be extended loosely to include any sexual act for any type of remuneration; depending on the location where the act occurs. In different regions around the world, punishment for prostitution varies from the death penalty to complete legality. A woman who engages in sexual intercourse with only one man for support is a mistress.
The term is used, loosely, to indicate someone who engages in sexual acts that are disapproved;[1] whether acts outside of marriage, or as a means to an affluent life style or the status associated with the customer. Cultural usage varies widely, and the use of the term as a pejorative indicates acts that are not formally considered prostitution in a cultural context."
The term is used, loosely, to indicate someone who engages in sexual acts that are disapproved;[1] whether acts outside of marriage, or as a means to an affluent life style or the status associated with the customer. Cultural usage varies widely, and the use of the term as a pejorative indicates acts that are not formally considered prostitution in a cultural context."
Although I think that prostitution is wrong, I can see why people turn to selling their body. If times get hard or money is scarce, it is an easy way to earn money if you are able to emotionally disengage yourself. If someone is homeless, they are unable to obtain a job due to having no home address, but as prostitution is illegal, no legal documents are needed. Earning money this way can often save someone's life, as they don;t have to go to sleep hungry.
However, many prostitutes often turn to drugs due to their lifestyle of living on the streets, and this can lead to a vicious cycle, often involving their sexual clients. The problems that prostitution initially solved are deepened as money becomes vital to pay-off drug dealers.
I think prostitution is especially wrong if the person has children, as this can have a huge impact on their lives and may eventually lead them along the same path. I read a magazine article recently about a married mother who prostitues herself because she does not feel wanted by her husband, but does not want the complications of embarking upon an affair. However, I think prostitution is much worse than infidelity.
Prostitution in adults is not always a voluntary choice, but it is not as bad as child prostitution, where the children are forced into it, and have no means of escape. Adults take advantage of their vulnerability, and it is a form of paedophilia, except worse, because the people actually pay to have sexual intercourse with children.
""For a great part of 1992 I lived in a beautiful apartment on Capitol Hill. I drove my expensive car. I bought lovely clothes and travelled extensively out of the country. For the first time in my 20 years as an adult woman, I paid my own way. There was no need to worry about affording my rent, my phone bill, all the debts one accumulates simply by living month to month. I felt invincible. And I was miserable to the core. I hated myself because I hated my life. All the things I came to possess meant nothing. I could not face myself in the mirror. Working in prostitution lost my soul."" Survivor interviewed by Debra Boyer, Lynn Chapman and Brent Marshall in Survival Sex in King County: Helping Women Out (1993), King County Women;s Advisory Board, Northwest Resource Associates, Seattle.
Thursday 29 March 2007
Shoplifting
From working in retail the past few years, I have realised just how big a problem shoplifting is to companies. I never knew that shoplifting is a very regular occurence in many shops - it makes you wonder how many dishonest people there are in society. In the past, when I had heard of people stealing from shops, I thought it was quite a rare thing to happen, and that it would mainly be petty theft by youngsters. However, there are many devious thieves who don't fit the stereotype at all - middle-aged women stealing leather jackets worth £100 for example. It is not always the youth who are to blame, although stores are more wary of their presence and focus their attention on the younger people, expecting them to be the next culprits.
Personally, I think that theft of any kind is wrong - it's committing a crime against other people, because whatever store you steal from, whether it be the local corner shop or a department store, it still effects the company, and therefore the staff and their wages. The less profit made in a shop due to theft, the less bonus the staff receive, despite it being no fault of their own.
However, I do not necessarily think it is wrong for a starving person for example, to steal a loaf of bread from a shop in order to survive. If 32p worth of stolen food saves a person's life, then I do not think it is as bad as someone stealing a pair of jeans to sell on the streets to make a bit of extra money. Shoplifting is stealing, and one of the Ten Commandments is "Do not steal," and by doing so, you are breaking this. By stealing, you are sinning and living a dishonest life.
Wednesday 21 March 2007
Puffing Your Way To An Early Grave...?
Personally, whilst drunk, I am a social smoker, although I do not know why, because when sober, I think it is a disgusting habit. It's also a very expensive habit, and I could not justify spending £5 on 20 little sticks that I burn in my mouth - it is quite literally setting fire to money, only affecting your health at the same time.
If people want to smoke, that's their choice, but I cannot stand it when they smoke right next to non-smokers and subject them to breathing in the air full of nicotine, as passive smoking massively increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease. The chemicals found in cigarettes are extremely harmful, causing illnesses that can be fatal, such as cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, and many different forms of cancer.
Recent studies have shown that smoking can have an affect on one's IQ. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4078841.stm
It is VERY dangerous to smoke whilst pregnant, as it can cause defects to the foetus, such as growth abnormality and immune deficiencies.
However, I do think that the recent "Quit Smoking" advertisements are pretty powerful in putting their message across, and I hope that they have encouraged many people to give up the habit. Showing the harmful effects can help show the frightening reality of smoking.
Wednesday 7 March 2007
Drugs
Like infidelity, taking drugs begins because of the thrill of secrecy and fear of being caught. Quite frequently, people who take drugs are those who smoke, or have smoked in the past, and the thrill of getting a nicotine rush can often start to fade, and they may want to get stronger "kicks," which can lead to experimenting with drugs.
It may begin with softer drugs like marijuana, but this can soon lead to cocaine and heroin. In order to fund such a habit, many people have to resort to acts of theft or prostitution, and this can lead to an unbreakable vicious cycle.
Taking drugs can lead to crime, poor attainment in education, thus resulting in unemployment and very often poverty. Being addicted to drugs destroys the individual's happiness, body, mind, dignity, and very often can lead them to their grave. Anyone can be a drug addict, not just the stereotypical mid-20's male living in a council flat; as soon as you start experimenting a little, you may get a taste for more, and then the drugs can take hold of your life - not all drugs are medicines, you can only be "cured" by not taking them in the first place.
It may begin with softer drugs like marijuana, but this can soon lead to cocaine and heroin. In order to fund such a habit, many people have to resort to acts of theft or prostitution, and this can lead to an unbreakable vicious cycle.
Taking drugs can lead to crime, poor attainment in education, thus resulting in unemployment and very often poverty. Being addicted to drugs destroys the individual's happiness, body, mind, dignity, and very often can lead them to their grave. Anyone can be a drug addict, not just the stereotypical mid-20's male living in a council flat; as soon as you start experimenting a little, you may get a taste for more, and then the drugs can take hold of your life - not all drugs are medicines, you can only be "cured" by not taking them in the first place.
Tuesday 6 March 2007
Infidelity
Infidelity nowadays seems to be a fact of life. Switch on any soap opera on TV and you will find infidelity. It is a common occurence in today's society, with most people having either had first-hand experience, or knowing someone else who has been the victim of it, but it's not a new development - Albert Einstein for example was a favourite of extramarital affairs! http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/article1171410.ece
However, I don't understand WHY people just seem to accept it when they hear about people having affairs. They may be shocked when they hear of such scandal, but unless you have been cheated on yourself, or a close family member has, most people do not understand just how destructive it can be - not just for the individual, but for their children and families also.
Reading some of the articles given out in the lecture, I realised that the people who embark on an affair tend to blame their partners for one reason or another; and that affairs generally tend to occur when a couple have been married for a few years, have a couple of young children and the sex life dies down a bit. They may get sexually frustrated and so find satisfaction elsewhere, but this is a problem on the individual's behalf, not the partner's. However, many of the partners of the unfaithful feel like it was their fault they first resorted to having an affair in the first place, as they say they didn't give their partner enough attention, or that their sex drive was lacking, etc.
Personally, I could never stay with someone if they had been unfaithful to me - if they have done it once, they could do it again. You have to have total mutual trust in relationships, and if this breaks down, the relationship has ended. To live in constant paranoia that your partner is lying and cheating is not living in happiness, which is what love and marriage should be all about.
However, I don't understand WHY people just seem to accept it when they hear about people having affairs. They may be shocked when they hear of such scandal, but unless you have been cheated on yourself, or a close family member has, most people do not understand just how destructive it can be - not just for the individual, but for their children and families also.
Reading some of the articles given out in the lecture, I realised that the people who embark on an affair tend to blame their partners for one reason or another; and that affairs generally tend to occur when a couple have been married for a few years, have a couple of young children and the sex life dies down a bit. They may get sexually frustrated and so find satisfaction elsewhere, but this is a problem on the individual's behalf, not the partner's. However, many of the partners of the unfaithful feel like it was their fault they first resorted to having an affair in the first place, as they say they didn't give their partner enough attention, or that their sex drive was lacking, etc.
Personally, I could never stay with someone if they had been unfaithful to me - if they have done it once, they could do it again. You have to have total mutual trust in relationships, and if this breaks down, the relationship has ended. To live in constant paranoia that your partner is lying and cheating is not living in happiness, which is what love and marriage should be all about.
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