Letters / Globalization - an opinion letter in essay form [12]

I had to write a letter in essay form to a editor about my opinion on globalization. I had to clearly identify the topic in the intro and my opinion. in the body of the letter i had to state my 3 points, and 2 stories, and in my conclusion summarize it up with a statement. Could u let me know if i did the following, and if its organized. Also could you help me with my grammar and spelling, and anything else that needs to be changed...thanks soooo much

Dear: John Thomas

I'm writing a letter to express my frustrations and anger towards the way globalization has been shaping, and modifying our world. It appears this "New World Order" will only benefit the lives of rich individuals, but subdue the lives of the poor. Below, is a letter that demonstrates my beliefs and opinions towards this issue, including evidence based on the beliefs of anthropologists, sociologists and psychologists, as well as personal stories from those who are not benefiting from this system.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, "It has been said that arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity." His statement embodies great truth, since globalization appears to be a major phenomenon that has been being practiced from earlier times, but has recently become an essential factor of the way our world functions. Globalization is "the increasing integration of economies and societies around the world, transcending the boundaries of the nation state, particularly through international trade and the flow of capital, ideas and people, the transfer of culture and technology, and the development of transnational regulations" (Yara.200). It's said, globalization unifies humanity, linking all nations together, resulting in a single society where all counties form mutually as one. The argument of globalization begs two major questions: Is globalization an equal practice that benefits both the rich and poor societies within our world? Or is globalization a system that operates to better the lives of the rich, but to decrease the quality of life for the underprivileged? It appears globalization is inevitable, because it is a natural consequence of combining capitalism with advanced communication and transportation technology.

Globalization affects worldwide cultures, transforming the diversity of our world into "Westernized" civilization, as well as internationally increasing financial inequality. I personally deem globalization as the reason for disparity and poverty escalating in developing and non-developing nations, due to the advances in technology. Globalization is inevitable, but there are initiatives to preserve culture and prevent exploitation. Canada being a developed nation who has great influence in the world, should strive to mitigate the negative effects of globalization, if willing to do so.

Its said globalization was formed to create an enhanced world. However, this practice is commercializing humanity, since mankind is under the ascendancy of Western civilization. Internationally, cultures are being modified, and individuals are losing their cultural identities. The Western world is noticeably dominating the world, altering the connotation of multiculturalism. Culture is now being imported. It's a factor of capitalism, which can be witnessed by the craze of Bollywood movies in Western culture. Bollywood movies have an immense resemblance to the movies filmed in Hollywood. In recent years one can notice an alteration in how the movies are being created, the fashion, and the appearance of the characters.

Westernized civilization continues to dominate the world by using technology and provisions. However, globalization promotes multiculturalism, which is a global fascinating element. Individuals in Italy can try meals from Japan, while people in England can taste food from Brazil. Even though there is a pro to this factor, Western culture benefits the most, since franchises such as McDonalds are generally popular, and generate millions of dollars. McDonalds being an American company has opened 31,000 locations worldwide. However even though American businesses dominate culturally and economically, there remain millions of impoverished workers in The United States, establishing this structure reimburses those who are only prosperous.

There has been an increase in financial inequality internationally, between countries that are developed via non-developed nations. An example of financial inequality is: In Chile, a taxi driver had to quit his occupation due to him not making enough money to support himself. He later found a job at a chicken possessing plant in a small town own by Chileans, where he was required to process chickens to sell in Chile, as well to import to other Latin American nations, Europe and Asia. "To make a living he works in a freezing room, cracking open chickens that speed down an assembly line at a rate of 41 per minute." He greatly suffers, losing feeling in his hands after a few minutes on the job. His income is less then $200.00 a month and if he misses one day of work, he loses $30.00. However he is satisfied with his job. Also out of desperation when this job is hiring, numerous of individuals apply in hope to make money, even though they are not working in a productive environment.

This demonstrates the unfairness in our world. In North America this would never occur. Jobs in America, as well as Canada are suppose to protect and treat their employees fair. Individuals receive a well paying income, as well as benefits, and support. Here is a man who is struggling to make a living, who is victimized by globalization. He has no choice but to settle for an unjust job. He is financially unstable, and in danger at work, just to import these goods, so businesses in Asia and Europe can sell these chickens and make currency. This man has to suffer so another individual can receive financial stability. This is what capitalism is. This is an example of how globalization benefits the rich, while this poor man, struggles to live.

Globalization has caused economic issues. Even though globalization is recognized as enabling individuals in developing countries to be employed by wealthier nations, it creates a worldwide financial inequality between nations, exemplified by America who in fact tends to weaken the economies of the companies it offshores labour to. Counties such as America go to poor nations, and employ the people there to manufacture goods for them to sell to impose their businesses, which betters their economy. Western capitalism strictly depends on untenable practices and low-priced labour from non-developed nations to form a strong market economy. By them having the power to do this, they are able to obtain power, forcing laws and notions on individuals in non-developed nations. Professors Jeffery Alexander and Ron Everman believe those from Western culture tend to believe they are "better" than those from other poorer nations. Their poverty and predicaments seems justifiable, since individuals from the Western world are benefiting from it.

Nhep Chanada, a Cambodian, seventeen year old girl has no choice but to work daily combing through a dump for plastic bags and metal cans to sell. Nhep ends up getting cut, and her hands get caked with filth. Here is a young girl who is working harder than many people in North America, however she only makes approximately 75 cents daily. She hopes to work in a factory, but doesn't have an ID card to do so, to prove she is old enough. A New York Times columnist Nicholas Krisof discussed Nhep issue, and how we can abort sweatshops. Krisof states that there has been some change in the way countries in Asia have been treating civilians. Factories are hiring more girls and young women providing them with status and power. Overall, the concern of sweatshops relies on the United States. If America bans certain products from nations that are not willing to meet their international standards, jobs will be forced to move from desolate areas to substantial nations such as Malaysia or Mexico.

Globalization is responsible for the modification of particular cultures around the world, as well as the exploitation of other nations. The most acknowledged language internationally is English. Approximately seventy-five percent of the worlds mail, taxes and cables are in English, well approximately sixty percent of the radio and television shows worldwide are also done in the English language. Many individuals internationally learn English so that they can have a better opportunity at receiving employment, due to the economic discrepancy that makes it easier to earn a good living if you speak English. In this globalized world, nations are becoming clones of others, resulting in losing enriched cultural differences and specificities that contribute to our world's uniqueness.

Other ways nations can preserve their culture is by having cultural festivities, and creating documentations (film and writing) of their culture. By a nation having cultural festivities it will allow individuals to stay true to their roots. A festival represents all that is artistic in a society. Festivities hold great meaning that is rooted in the foundation of a cultural group, helping to build and maintain cultural identity, since they often infuse music, art, as well as food. By creating documentations of culture in literature and film, internationally the world can learn about different cultures from a practical point of view, not from a Westernized individuals perspective. Movies such as Slum Dog Millionaire in a sense exemplified true culture, by showing a realistic demonstration on what occurs in the slums within India.

The exploitation of certain nations is linked to globalization. Individuals from developed, industrialized nations are given the opportunity to offer workers from non-developed nations to work for an unjust salary, where they undergo long hours, and unsafe working conditions. The low costs of offshore workers have enticed big corporations to move production to foreign countries, where they can save money, and earn great profit. Methods to stop this would be to form a truly demographic international council, where all nations, no matter if they are developed or non-developed, can voice their opinions on what is occurring internationally. This would create an equal balanced world, so powerful countries do not take advantage of individuals from poorer nations.

Also imposing an international standard of living could influence the negative transition of globalization in regards to exploitation. For example if the cost of living in Canada is high, and the minimal wage is also high, it should be relative in every part of the world, meaning everyone will be paid the same amount of money. This would banish labour in poorer nations. Also an initiative to prevent exploitation would be the elimination of odeus debt, since it would relief pressure on those nations who are financially in debt. When a country is in a financial crisis, other countries that are wealthy are able to control them, forcing them into selling off their land, and natural resources for economical income.

Globalization is resulting in affluent counties getting wealthier, well poor nations remaining underprivileged. If our nation Canada used the elements taught to us about democracy and justice, Canadians could modify globalization, so developed nations, and non-developed nations both economically benefit from this system, which then would be unity. Globalization is responsible for altering the cultural diversity of our world into "Westernized" civilization, as well as globally increasing financial inequality. It is also to blame for disparity and poverty that continues increase in developing and non-developing nations. Globalization is inevitable but there are methods that can help change the course of globalization, allowing our world to be exposed to equal opportunity. If nations such as America and Canada believe in an egalitarianism world, and start removing sweatshops and labour internationally, it would influence our world to use globalization as a system to link our world as one, in fairness, not in corruption.

Writing Feedback / Outline-- Responses in relation to the attacks of September 11 [5]

Hello! This is my outline i need to submit for an essay, can you help me correct it-spelling and grammar Thanks!!

In Relation The University Response: Students found following the attacks of September 11, the staff and administration at their colleges and universities immediately provided the Muslim student body with various resources and a foundation of support. Many of the universities and colleges president/ or dean arranged meetings with the Muslim students to discuss particular concerns and to reassure students that they were safe on campus.

However, other Muslim students felt oppressed in class, and inferior to other individuals, due to them constantly defending to defend their religion, and to provide an explanation to why the events on September 11th occurred---they felt they became a voice and representation for the Muslim people. Because of this they wanted to feel more support and assistance from their university.

In Relation to the Community Reaction and the Student Response: Majority of the students stated that they did not feel safe in the New York City area, compared to their college campuses. Many of them were concerned about having to take public transportation after the attacks. A female undergraduate student at Hunter College stated that Hunter College was relevantly safe, however many Muslim females were subjugated and were faced with many ignorant looks from their peers.

The data collected from this examination demonstrated that numerous of the students who conducted in this survey encountered a range of negative responses, such as: "nasty looks," verbal harassment, and two students experienced physical assault. Some of the students did not feel like a personal target, but they were worried about the well being of their family, friends and other members of the Muslim community who were victimized by discrimination, violence or racism.

Peek was also able to understand that the Muslim community did not generalize all Americans as ignorant, based on the ones who were prejudice against them, which was established by a male undergraduate student at City College.

In Relation to the Response of Family Members: The parents of the students who attended these post-secondary facilities were clearly concerned about the safety of their children. The data gathered proposed that many of the parents wanted their children to leave school for several days, while others recommended to their children to quit school for the semester.

Participants also stated they felt pressured from their family members to alter their physical appearance, exemplified by male participants whom were Muslim that were approached by their family members, to trim or shave their breads to appear less "Muslim." Female Muslim participants stated their parents wanted them to start wearing their hijab in a less "Muslim" way or to just completely stop wearing it.

Many of the students involved in this survey felt emotionally distressed after feeling the pressure from their parents and other family members who were trying to change their physical appearance, so they would not reflect the typical "Muslim" representation. The female students were truly upset when asked to remove their hijab from their family, since it was a religious statement that allowed them to express their faith in God, and to visibly display their Muslim identity.

In Relation to the Emotional Response: A vast majority of the students who participated in this assessment expressed great sadness for the people of New York City, while others discussed particular fears in terms of their futures as United States citizens. Two female undergraduate students at City College, who are both Muslim, felt insecure, regarding their futures in America, since they were worried about how other citizens would perceive them, and if they would be expected as an American.

In relation to the Role of the Media: The participants were exceptionally dissatisfied with the methods the media used to discuss the attacks on September 11th. The media coverage of Muslims, Arabs and Islam, were in fact biased and discriminatory. Several of the students chose to not blame individual people, but to hold the media accountable for any of the unfairness and intolerance Muslims experienced, following September 11th.

Prior to the attacks on September 11th, Americans were unfamiliar with the Islamic faith, resulting in them relying on the mass media to provide them with an understanding about this religion. However, the media is what shapes society, and contributes to many individuals opinions, which explains why Americans decided to view Muslims as the "enemy." Students believe and agreed on the fact that the Media portrayed a misrepresentation of Muslims and of their faith. Some of the reasons stated by the participants for their condescension for the American media were:

ˇ The misuse of the term jihad-the definition of jihad is "to struggle, strive and exert effort,"--- but the mass media defined jihad as "holy war."

ˇ Participants also questioned the infamous "Palestinian tape," which displays numerous Palestinian children celebrating after hearing about the news of the attacks on the World Trade Centre towers. Most of the participants for the survey stated that the video was several years old, and that the news channels decided to run this video to created anger and division amongst Americans.

ˇ Students were also angered by the fact that the news anchors referred to Allah as "their God," making Allah appear as a strange figure. However Allah in Arabic denotes "God."

Overall the participants were rather critical with the medias coverage regarding September 11th. They were not satisfied with how Muslims were portrayed, as they were depicted as being the "enemy," who was America's rival.

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The Role of Ethnocultural Variables in Response to Terrorism, by Katrina L. Walker and Dennis Chestnut examined the events that occurred on September 11th, using an in-depth ethnocultural (gender, nationality, age and educational background) approach juxtaposed to The Reactions and Responses: Muslim Students Experiences on New York City Campuses Post/911, by Lori A. Peek that based her data collection predominately on the opinions of Muslim participants/students. Even though both examinations involved ethnocultural variables, Walker and Chestnut based the information they gathered on individual characteristics, such as gender and race, to gain a better understanding regarding the reactions of different people, concerning the attacks that occurred on September 11th. The information they received demonstrated that ethnic background; age and gender influenced fundamental explanations regarding the attack. The three issues they addressed were:

1. The influence enthnocultural variables had on Americans first reactions and current opinion, regarding the attack.

2. The influence ethnocultural variables had on individuals' perceptions' regarding the cause of terrorist attacks.

3. If there was a connection between ethnocultural variables and healthy coping mechanisms---praying, memorial events, donating to cause.

In comparison to Walker and Chestnut's examination, Peek's objectives for her study did not heavily rely on gender, racial identity, educational background and age, but mainly focused, as well as questioned the reactions Muslim students on college and university campuses in the New York City area (around the twin towers of the World Trade Center) encountered. Walker and Chestnut explored the reactions of a wide-range of ethnic backgrounds, via Peek who created a study that was targeted towards Muslim students. The issues addressed in Peeks study were:

1. Universities/Colleges support system for Muslim students on campus
2. The influence and reaction of the parents of Muslim students on their children

3. The support system Muslim students were receiving

4. To compare the responds of Muslim university students individually via, group, regarding the reaction towards the attacks.

Walker and Dennis's used a study instrument that contained 16-multiple choice and free format questions that asked for descriptions of the attacks, individuals first reaction, and perceptions regarding the attacks. It also asked to provide demographic information. It appears they chose to use a system that wasn't personal, and intimate, compared to Peek who decided to use focus groups and interviews as a method to gather data.

The method Walker and Dennis used was to focus their information on individuals who were not Muslim, to understand how the American public perceived the event on 9/11. Peek's study was more specific and technical, compared to Dennis and Walker who created a survey that was psychological-based. They were more concentrated on understanding the psychological aftermath on the non-Muslim society in America, which explains why none of their participants followed the Islamic religion or were of Arab decent. 38% of the participants were African-American, 55% Caucasian, 7% were members of other ethnic groups. In Peeks analysis majority of the participants were South Asian or Asian descent-37 students, 16 students were Arab American, and the remaining participants were of other ethnic backgrounds.

The demographics of both studies were mainly students who were presently attending a post-secondary facility. Walker and Chestnut also obtained data from church and civic group members, and individuals of the general community. Walker and Dennis had a larger group of individuals who participated in the study. They had a total of 224 participants compared to Peek that had 68 participants. In both studies majority of the participants were female--- Walker and Chestnut's study consisted of 62% of females and 38% of men, while Peek's study consisted of 50 females and 18 males. It was clear why Walker and Chestnut's study consisted of a larger amount of individuals, since they were trying to comprehend how this event affected America's society as a whole. Whereas Peek needed a large group of practicing Muslim students to understand there experiences subsequent to the attacks.

However, the final results for Walker and Chestnut proved that ethnocultual variables had little impact on how people reacted to the attacks. The only ethnocultural variables that appeared to influence individuals were ethnic background and age. Peek's study clearly highlighted the discrimination Muslims faced individually and has a community.

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The analysis In The Role of Ethnocultural Variables in Response to Terrorism, by Katrina L.Walker and Dennis Chestnut shared similar findings compared to study Reactions and Response: Muslim Students' Experiences on New York City Campuses Post 9/11 by Lori A. Peek. One similarity is that both studies clearly established many of the participants reacted with fear and anger regarding the attacks. In Peek's study many students who were Muslim were angered by the fact that in school they constantly had to defend their Muslim faith, and community. They were scared to take public transit and frightened for the well being of their family members, due to bigotry. In Walker and Chestnut's study, individuals responded with terror and anger. The reasons were not the same as the Muslim students to why they were scared and angry. However, both studies proved that the participants felt unsafe.

In Walker and Chestnut's study, the participants' perceptions on the attacks were primarily influenced by racial and ethnic background. They discussed religious beliefs, and immigration laws, which relates to Peek's results from her analysis that demonstrated the Muslim students faced racial tension from their peers. The results from both studies were essentially a reflection of the participant's racial and religious backgrounds. Muslim students felt that they would not be seen as an America due to the attacks. They simply felt exiled from American society. This relates to the data collected from Walker and Chestnut's study that explains whites discussed immigration laws. Both parties focused on immigration: One side wanting to be accepted amongst society, via the other that questions the laws of immigration.

In both examinations America, as well as the media was held accountable for proving false security, and false information regarding the attacks. In both studies participants clearly established that they did not feel protected by American society. It was clear majority of the participants involved in both studies felt they were betrayed by America. In Walker and Chestnut's survey, individuals felt America failed to protect its citizens from September 11, which relates to the information gathered from Peek that stated Muslim students felt portrayed from American media---- Muslim students did not feel support or protection from the public.

The individuals that participated in both studies both used coping mechanisms as a method to help overcome the attacks. The participants in Walker and Chestnuts study claimed to have suffered from nightmares, and emotional distress. Particular groups of individuals within this study stated that praying and attending memorial events helped them to control the negativity that stemmed from the attacks. Many of the Muslim students who engaged in Peek's survey also felt emotional distressed, predominately from the pressure of their parents, who tried to "Americanize" them, so they would appear less Muslim. The coping mechanism many of the Muslim students in Peeks analysis turned to was the support systems offered by university and college campuses, and each other.

In both studies the results basically demonstrated that the perceptions of the attacks stem strictly from individuals ethnic backgrounds. In Chestnut and Walker's study non-whites were more open-minded, and less judgmental in regards to Muslims, compared to whites that appeared to be influenced by racial stereotypes. They emerged as being livid towards the Muslim society, where non-whites did not see these attacks as a reflection of all Muslims. Peek also used race as a key element in her study, since most Muslims who were of South Asian decent, felt discriminated against by their peers and the American society.

Writing Feedback / Violence and the youth - two reports [3]

I had to write two reports before i wrote my essay on violence in youth culture...could u help me correct my two reports.

Report 1

In today's modern society, there appears to be a major phenomenon with violent and destructive video games, influencing young individuals to engage in aggressive behaviours. For instance, Grand Theft Auto, a videogame designed for the systems Play Station and Xbox remains a top seller. It consists of crimes, such as assassinations, pimping, street racing, and theft. Unconsciously, individuals who play this game, may end up being wrongly influenced, causing them to want to practice these crimes. Even though many chose to blame the violence occurring within the younger generations, Psychologists, Sociologists, and Anthropologists, all take a different approach when taking to discover why violence continues to transpire with the youth in our society.

Psychologists have discovered that high exposure of violent video games can be linked to delinquency, fighting at school and during free play periods, and brutal criminal actions (Anderson, C.A., & Bushman, B.J. 2007). Majority of parents believe that violent childish cartoons will not result in their children becoming aggressive. However a study conducted with college students demonstrated that fantasy like cartoons have a strong effect on young adolescents minds. A current study established major increases in violent behaviour by college students subsequent to playing E-rated (suitable for everyone) violent video games (Anderson, C.A., & Bushman, B.J. 2007). Its been proven by psychologists that violence is something that is learned and taught. According to a report conducted by the APA Commission on Violence and Youth in 1994 known as Reason to Hope, it becomes predictable by the age of eight if a child will end up displaying aggressive behaviour in school, how aggressive the child will be during their adolescence? And how he or she will act during their adulthood---if they will engage in criminal or violent activity (APA, 1996). Statistics demonstrate "juveniles between the ages of 12 and 17 are more likely to experience violence than any other age group except young adults age 18-24" (APA.1996). It is believed that a generation in America is at risk, due to the increasing rate of young individuals engaging in violence.

According to a sociological Analysis, video games might not be the only reason to why adolescents portray violent behaviours. In the winter issue of the American Sociological Association's Contexts magazine, sociologist Karen Sternheimer opposes the psychologists' views on violent video games. Sternehimer suggests that by placing all the blame on violent video games society pardons the child's environment, which may be the key element causing this child to display aggressive actions. She argues we must take poverty, instability, family violence, unemployment, and mental illnesses into consideration when studying adolescent violent (Sinha 2007). Sternehimer believes that by placing the blame on video games, it gives criminals excuses, exemplified by individuals who are raised in "good" environments that portray violent actions, and are frequently unpretentiously categorized in the media and by politicians to be "harbingers of a 'new breed' of youth, influenced by video games rather than by their social conditions (Sinha, 2007). Video games sells have been said to increase in the past recent years. However, juvenile homicide arrest rates fell 77 percent, which leaves Sternehimer to believe violent video games are not to be blamed for the youth's crime rate, but their social circumstances should be examined (Sinha, 2007).

Anthropologists took a different approach when examining this issue. According to anthropology, violence is connected to culture, and the upbringing of the child. The influence pop culture and the mass media has over younger generations may manipulate their young minds to be persuaded into employing themselves in violence behaviours (Rothenbuhler, Coman 2008). Anthropologists strictly observe the elements of youth culture, and cultural development to gain an understanding regarding how civilization affects adolescents in terms of violence ((Rothenbuhler, Coman 2008).

It's said that children and teenagers spend approximately forty-forty percent of their time watching television. This can cause them to becoming misled by the wrongful representations being displayed. Psychologists, Sociologists and Anthropologists provided three different findings to why young adolescents act out violent behaviours. . Even though the media and video games should be taken into consideration for reflecting the violence within the young generation. Society must also focus on the child's upbringing, environment, and parenting as well, which to may have a strong influence on the child's actions.

Report 2

On April 20th 1999, North America became awakened by The Columbine High School massacre that demonstrated even schools were no longer a completely safe environment for younger children. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, embarked on a rampage killing twelve students and a teacher. Twenty-one thers were injured , while three were injured while attempting to escape. This event rised debates regarding the usage of aggressive video games, destructive music, and violent films (Goldberg, 1999).

According to the National Centre for Education Statistics, Jr. High and High School students were victims of about 2 million violent crimes such as robbery, sexual assault, rape, and aggravated assault (cite). This erupts a debate that argues what causes these young individuals to participate in violent activities? Jerald Block, an American psychiatrist uses the fact that Klebold and Harris immersed in video games like Doom, a violent video again which desensitized them. It was said that when both young men played this game they appeared engaged and satisfied (Hartford Courant, 1999). Analysts argued that being exposed to constant violent imagery found in video games, audio and films might result in an obsession with these forms of media, causing depersonalization (Hartford Courant, 1999).

However, is it fair to blame the mass media for a child's violent behaviour? Studies show that eighty-eight percent of young boys in countries such as India, America, Canada and Brazil selected super heroes as their role models (Harding, 2009). In contrast to young girls who chose pop icons as individuals they admire (Hitti, 2005). The media doesn't reinforce violence on children, but it sets a standard for what may be considered ordinary and tolerable in our society (Huesmann, 2004). In the media, violence appears to be something natural. Children can witness acts of violence in cartoons, sports, and sitcoms, making them question if violence is a normal factor in the general public (Huesmann, 2004).

It's the obvious that popular media is a potential cause of aggressive behaviour. Children screening of vicious television shows, their recognition with belligerent same-sex TV characters, and their discernment that TV violence is pragmatic are all concurrent to later violent behaviour as young adults, for both males and females (Huesmann, 2004). A study suggests a number of steps parents and society can take to prevent or reduce this effect is co-viewing, and discussing the television show, or music with their child, to distinguish what is real and fake, as well as what is right and wrong (Huesmann, 2004).

The affect of violence portrayed in the media differs in terms of age, gender and personality. Studies demonstrated that boys were more influenced by negative portrayals publicized by the media, compared to girls (Hitti, 2005). Researchers stated, "growing up in a violent family and being a victim of violence or witnessing violence between others is known to have a strong effect on a person's predisposition to act aggressive" (Hitti, 2005). In the November issue of the journal Pediatrics, a study demonstrates kids in both America and Japan who reported playing numerous violent video games displayed more aggressive behaviour in later months, juxtaposed to their peers who did not occupy themselves with video games (Harding, 2009).

Dr. David Walsh, president of the National Institute on Media and the Family, a Minneapolis-based-non-profit, suggests the persuasiveness of violence revealed by the mass media has contributed to a "culture of disrespect," providing children with a wrong message that it is acceptable to treat another individual in an aggressive or discourteous manner (Harding, 2009). Walsh states that just because a child is interested in a violent movie or video game, it doesn't necessarily mean they are going to immediately become physical with another individual. He specifically believes that the constant portrayal of violence in the media is changing societies perception of what is correct (Harding, 2009). The impact violence in the media has is now shaping societies norms and attitudes, making violence a "realistic" element of our culture.

thanks

Writing Feedback / Essay about violence and violent behavior in the Media [3]

Essay is about Links between violence in the media and violent behavior

its almost done, i just have one more paragraph and a conclusion...can you help me with my grammer and my thesis (its bolded). Also can you let me know its organized and flows

thanks

At a young age, children's minds are sponge-like, absorbing everything that surrounds them, which makes them easy targets in terms of manipulation and victimized by the medias constant influence. By the time of adulthood, individuals are already under the influence of the mass media. Society appears to have a subconscious fixation with the mass media, resulting in individuals becoming desensitized to violence and to be detrimental effected. Psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists all obtain different beliefs to provide reasons to why violence continues to be a predominant factor in today's culture. The media promotes violence, and can be blamed for awarding violent behaviour like in the cases of Columbine and Virginia Tec, who both received tons of exposure. Violence is a primary component of several individuals lives, especially in the youth culture, as many turn to the media for a sense of direction, resulting in them resembling the images they view, shaping their behaviours.

Desensitization is a psychological development that has frequently been implicated in explaining viewers' unemotional reactions to the medias constant portrayal of violence (cite). Societies continuous exposure to the medias violence results in desensitization, which causes undermine feelings of concern, compassion, or empathy that individuals may end up having toward victims of actual violent acts (cite).The average child between the ages of eight to eighteen spends approximately forty-four point five hours weekly watching television, resulting in them transforming to remote-controlled mechanisms, being gradually brainwashed by misleading representations (cite). The Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that "the introduction of television in the 1950's caused a subsequent doubling of the homicide rate, i.e., long-term childhood exposure to television is a causal factor behind approximately one half of the homicides committed in the United States, or approximately 10,000 homicides annually " (cite). The article continued to acknowledge that if television technology was never developed, there would be 10,000 fewer homicides annually in The United States. It also persists to state there would be 70,000 fewer rapes, and 700,000 fewer injurious actions (cite).

The media doesn't force violence on children, but it sets a standard for what may be considered ordinary and tolerable in our society (Huesmann, 2004). In the media, violence appears to be something natural. Individuals can witness acts of violence in cartoons, sports, and sitcoms, making them question if violence is a normal factor in the general public (Huesmann, 2004). On Feb 28, 2009, pop sensation Chris Brown was allegedly convicted for the beating of Rihanna. However, nearly half of Boston-area teenagers say Rihanna was responsible for pop star Chris Brown's alleged Grammy night attack that landed her in the hospital (). The survey of 200 Boston youths age 12 to 19 found that 51% said Brown bore responsibility, 46% said Rihanna was responsible, and 52% said both were to blame for the incident (). It appears that the youth within our society have been taught that violence is an acceptable and appropriate response to a domestic disagreement (). The media is glorifying violence, for if Chris Brown is not held responsible for his actions, children with not see violence as utterly unacceptable, but as an suitable practice, due to them being desensitized by the violence displayed by the media.

Research has established that viewers who consume large amounts of media violence demonstrate less physiological reactivity to violent behaviour in other contexts (cite). Men and women who are exposed to sexual acts of violence in the media, also demonstrate less condolence toward individuals who are rape victims portrayed in other contexts (cite). Exposure to violence in the mass media results in desensitization and affects individuals mentally, causing them to believe that violence is a normal act in society, giving violent individuals power, and subduing victims of violence (cite).

Psychologists have discovered that high exposure of violent video games can be linked to delinquency, fighting at school and during free play periods, and brutal criminal actions (Anderson, C.A., & Bushman, B.J. 2007). The majority of parents believe that violent childish cartoons will not result in their children becoming aggressive. However a study conducted with college students demonstrated that fantasy like cartoons have a strong effect on young adolescents minds. A current study established major increases in violent behaviour by college students subsequent to playing E-rated (suitable for everyone) violent video games (Anderson, C.A., & Bushman, B.J. 2007). Its been proven by psychologists that violence is something that is learned and taught. According to a report conducted by the APA Commission on Violence and Youth in 1994 known as Reason to Hope, it becomes predictable by the age of eight whether a child will end up displaying aggressive behaviour in school, and how aggressive the child will be during their adolescence? The report also sheds light on how he or she may act during their adulthood---if they are likely to engage in criminal or violent activity (APA, 1996). Statistics demonstrate "juveniles between the ages of 12 and 17 are more likely to experience violence than any other age group except young adults age 18-24" (APA.1996). It is believed that a generation in America is at risk, due to the increasing rate of young individuals engaging in violence.

According to a sociological analysis, video games might not be the only reason as to why adolescents portray violent behaviours. In the winter issue of the American Sociological Association's Contexts magazine, sociologist Karen Sternheimer opposes the psychologists' views on violent video games. Sternehimer suggests that by placing all the blame on violent video games society pardons the child's environment, which may be the key element causing this child to display aggressive actions. She argues we must take poverty, instability, family violence, unemployment, and mental illnesses into consideration when studying adolescent violence (Sinha 2007). Sternehimer believes that by placing the blame on video games, it gives criminals excuses, exemplified by individuals who are raised in "good" environments that portray violent actions, and are frequently unpretentiously categorized in the media and by politicians to be "harbingers of a 'new breed' of youth, influenced by video games rather than by their social conditions (Sinha, 2007). Video games sales have been said to increase in the past recent years. However, juvenile homicide arrest rates fell 77 percent, which leaves Sternehimer to believe violent video games are not to be blamed for the youth's crime rate, but their social circumstances should be examined (Sinha, 2007).

Anthropologists took a different approach when examining this issue. According to anthropologist David Keller, violence is connected to culture, and the upbringing of the child. The influence pop culture and the mass media has over younger generations may manipulate their young minds to be persuaded into employing themselves in violence behaviours (Rothenbuhler, Coman 2008). Anthropologists strictly observe the elements of youth culture and cultural development to gain an understanding regarding how civilization affects adolescents in terms of violence (Rothenbuhler, Coman 2008).

Psychologists, Sociologists and Anthropologists provided three different findings as to why young adolescents act out violent behaviours. Even though the media and video games should be taken into consideration for reflecting the violence within the young generation, society must also focus on the child's upbringing, environment, and parenting as well, which also may have a strong influence on the child's actions. Each discipline took a different approach examining the affect violence obtains over our society. While, sociologists blame it on an individual's social surrounds, and anthropologists blame it particularly on cultural influences. It appears Psychologists have an accurate understanding, considering many individuals who are influenced by violence, are mentally desensitized and influenced to engage in aggressive behaviours.

On April 20th 1999, North America became awakened by The Columbine High School massacre that demonstrated even schools were no longer a completely safe environment for younger children. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, embarked on a rampage killing twelve students and a teacher. Twenty-one others were injured, three while attempting to escape. This event raised debates regarding the usage of aggressive video games, destructive music, and violent films (Goldberg, 1999). A similar act occurred in 2007 when Cho Seung Hui murdered 33 individuals at Virginia Tech, including himself, in the nation's deadliest mass shooting (Kass, 2007). Jerald Block, an American psychiatrist uses the fact that Klebold and Harris immersed themselves in video games like Doom, a violent video game that desensitized them. It was said that when both young men played this game they appeared engaged and satisfied (Hartford Courant, 1999). Pundit Jack Thompson has also blamed shooter Cho Seung Hui's actions on violent computer games such as Counterstrike (Gilbert, 2007). However the mass media is also being held accountable for glorifying these situations, giving publicity to the killers (Kass, 2007).

Millions of youths and adults engage in violent computer games and video games, without being encouraged to go on mass-killing rampages (Kass 2007). The Columbine killers demonstrated that one could develop into an immediate superstar by performing a heinously brutal act. Subsequent to their crime, the media saturated North America with the killers' names, glorifying them for eternity (Gilbert 2007). NBC News repeatedly played a videotape of Cho Seung Hui discusses his plans, which he evidently proved Hui was seeking fame, which was given to him by the media (Gilbert 2007). Professor Brain Bernstein supposes if killers believed they would die anonymously, not being acknowledged, receiving no post-mortem attention for their monstrous actions, it would diminish a major element of the motive for these acts (Kass 2007).

There appears to be a copycat effect aided by the media (Kass, 2007). If video games are held responsible for the detrimental state of mind of the killers involved in the Colombine and Virgin Tec massacres, then what inspired Charles Whitman? A US Marine who performed his shootings in 1966 (taking the lives of), when the first video game was still being completed (Gilbert 2007). The morally wrong choice to execute a catastrophic act is motivated by other aspects than a video game (Kass, 2007). The media continuously gives exposure to the killers, rather than the victims, making the killers utterly famous. Jeffery Doomer, an American serial killer, was acknowledged back in 1993 by the media as being one of the most famous individuals during that year (Gilbert 2007). Osama bin Laden rose to fame after the tragic incident on September 11th 2001 that took the lives of over two thousand individuals (Gilbert, 2007). It's the obvious that these horrible tragedies result in the glorification of the killer, rather than mourning about the victims, and families who have lost a loved one, for the media encourages violence, instead of peace.

The medias portrayal of violence has resulted in many individuals becoming fixated on violent productions, causing them to believe violence is a key factor within our society. Humanity is gradually accepting violence, due to the mess media desensitizing viewers, who are detrimental effected, but the negative imagery. Psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists all attain dissimilar viewpoints and objectives to why violence persists on being a major aspect in today's civilization. In several contexts, the media can be held accountable for glorifying violent behaviour demonstrated by the cases of Columbine and Virginia Tec, who both received a lot of publicity. If the media continues to use violence as a major element in cartoons, films, music and sitcoms, violence will continue to increase. More research should be done to understand this issue such as:

ˇ If violent videos games, and films, have a greater effect on individuals to be persuaded to engaged in violent behaviours or if their social surroundings have a stronger effect on them?

ˇ Any coalition between video games and violent crimes.
ˇ Look specifically at gun violence and random acts of violence, and what persuaded these individuals to engage in criminal activity.
ˇ Conduct a survey to see what levels of violence are believed to be appropriate. This should be done by surveying a child who grew up without a television, to observe if they are violent, and to understand their beliefs (what is and not acceptable in terms of violence), regarding violence compared to the actions and beliefs of a child was raised on television

The medias portrayal of violence appears to be an alarming issue in North America. Possible solutions to reducing the increasing rate of violence are:
ˇ Trying to eliminate violence, by using censorship in films, television shows, and music.
ˇ By not repaying incidents in the media. The reason for this is when a station repeatedly broadcasts a violent incident; it may encourage other individuals with a similar objective to engage in their crimes. To witness someone who committed a crime and received great exposure makes others who have the same motives and state of mind to become inspired for fame. The media should reduce the exposure, just by stating the basic details.

. Encouragement of parental involved, and increasing ratings on certain programs, such as cartoons where violence is depicted for small children to view. Ratings should go from G to PG.

Violence is a crucial constituent of numerous individuals' lives. In the youth culture it's a major factor that is resulting in an increase rate of criminal activity since society is manipulated by the imagery they are viewing, resulting in them mimicking the portrayals displayed by the media.