Corporal Punishment Essay Example for Free

Corporal Punishment Essay Corporal punishment is a subject that has a lot of emotional opinions for me. The Collins English Dictionary describes corporal punishment as punishment of a physical nature, such as caning, flogging, or beating. The description of caning, flogging or beating should be enough to indicate that it is not needed for children. Corporal punishment has a tone that is too close to child abuse to be comfortable with any form of it. I suppose the clarity should be to try to define the line between discipline and abuse. Corporal punishment in my mind is abuse, not discipline. Discipline should not leave marks, bruises or cause lasting physical or emotional pain. It should be something that gets the child’s attention and offers correction, but too many parents or adults simply just don’t know where the line is and when they have so clearly crossed it. I realize that psychological marks or bruises maybe difficult to read but I believe that there can be some tell-tale signals that indicate how effective it was in a child’s upbringing or how ineffective it was in the same measure. Corporal punishment in families is a controversial practice in the United States and worldwide. (Zolotor, A. J. , Puzia, M. E. (2010). 229-247) Zolotor indicates that advocates of corporal punishment deem it to be a necessary practice for well-behaved children. He further states that it harms children psychologically and interferes with development. Ask any parent, â€Å"do you spank your children? † and, many will quickly admit that they do. However their definition of spanking and the reality of corporal punishment are often too close to each other to separate discipline from abuse. I grew up in a family that discipline meant instant harsh responses to someone’s disfavor of your actions. In my family, discipline could be dealt out by anyone your senior including aunts, uncles, grandparents, older siblings, older cousins, or just about anybody who would have a reaction to a child being a child and investigating their limitations and curiosities. When I think about whether or not corporal punishment is effective or not, I have to admit that I have a severely tainted view and opinion. It is not easy to see clearly how punishing a child for discipline sake and having hem scream, â€Å"I am scared† when they are about to be disciplined can possibly mean the same thing. As I sit here preparing to provide opinions or belief systems in my life that do not support corporal punishment, I think of the moments in my childhood that I remember most. I remember a sad day in my mother’s life when she, for some reason, asked me what I remember most about my childhood and I said, â€Å"The beatings, mom, I remember the beatings most†. I saw the pain in her eyes and it provided no consolation for me or peace for me. I realized in that moment, I probably hurt my mother emotionally more than she ever hurt me physically. I wasn’t trying to be dramatic or even trying to punish her for the life I led as a child. It was just the truth as it stood that day. I am almost fifty years old and I must admit that I still flinch when I am walking through a door and happen to have a woman walk in at the same time or behind me. My father used to smack the boys in the back of the head if we did not remember our manners and hold the door for women. He would scream some unusable obscenity and tell us to be a man of respect and manners and just about knock us to the ground in the process. The argument might be that it was effective because I will almost break my arm to hold a door open for a woman entering a room or a building regardless of the situation. I just think that chivalry is not dead and just do what is expected of a man who provides appropriate respect to women. Twenty-four countries have passed legislative bans on corporal punishment since the passage of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Coleman, D. , Dodge, K. A. , Campbell, S. (2010). This would seem to be sufficient information to indicate that there is strong evidence to prove that it is not a practice that can be tolerated or supported. If the leadership of twenty-four countries have agreed that this is not a proper way to take care of discipline issues with children, someone must have decided that there was enough evidence that proved children need to be protected from the ignorance of their parents. This statement holds a lot of credence for me because this had to be a subject that drew national and international attention at some time in the recent past. Someone brought up the subject of corporal punishment to the leadership of twenty four countries who all agreed that it was an ineffective form of discipline. I remember when I was a child in school at a small school in Arkansas, the principal, Mrs. Hewey, would have a conversation with my brother and me at least twice a week. The conversation was usually followed by the use of a two and a half foot long board that was about five inches wide and had holes drilled in it. Depending on our offense that day we would see anywhere from one to three good solid swats from that board and I swear that she would lean back all the way into the hallway to get a running start at the swing before it viciously collided with your backside. I don’t think this was really that effective but it usually took less than two days for my brother and me to be right back in her office for another try at that board. The only real problem was that every day we had this interaction, we were sure to get some more when we got home from one parent or the other and possibly both if the offense in school was strong enough. Children whose parents approved of and used corporal punishment were more likely to endorse hitting as a strategy for resolving interpersonal conflicts with peers and siblings. (Simons, D. A. , Wurtele, S. K. (2010) Reading this statement alone provides insight on the problems with relationships today. Whether it is factual or just opinion, it would seem that this is reason for other relationship issues that deal with conflict and conflict resolution. It would seem that we could easily expect to hear someone say, â€Å"if he hits you, hit him back† and this would be the fantastic wisdom they provide their children as they also are swift to find reason to administer swift punishment for simply being a child. I was once in a grocery store and overheard an overzealous father telling his son, â€Å"If he hits you again, you hit him back and if you have to do it when he is not watching, but you hit him and hit him again and again. He will certainly leave you alone if you do. † I immediately thought how awful this child’s youth and teenage years were going to be if he followed his father’s misguided advice. I must admit that in hearing just thirty seconds of a conversation, I felt sadness for the boy and disappointment and pity for the father. I thought that someday he is going to be one of those fathers who receives a phone call that says his son is in the hospital or worse because he followed his advice. He will never associate the situation with the advice he gave his son in his most impressionable years. He will just think evil of the people who harmed his son. HE will then respond in the only way he knows how, he will strike back too. Proving again that the discipline he received and the discipline he provided lacked wisdom and only invited sadness and loss in it. According to an article written by Hicks-Pass in 2009 entitled, â€Å"Corporal Punishment in America Today: Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child? † Hicks-Pass described findings that supported an intergenerational cycle of violence; parents who experienced frequent corporal punishment during childhood perceived its use as acceptable and frequently spanked their children. Basically, this means that whatever environment you are raised in will more than likely become a part of your belief system up to and including your approval of the use of corporal punishment. I have often that the exact opposite about some things as I look back on my youth and early parenthood, I found myself saying, â€Å"As a father, I refuse to repeat this behavior with my children† and worked very hard to recognize the responses in me that would have or could have led to the use of corporal punishment. I am a long way from perfect but there are a lot of ways that I have separated myself from the intergenerational beliefs systems that could have overpowered my desire to be different and in some cases better. Some of the ways that I believe a parent can discipline a child that are far removed from corporal punishment are: a) Communicating with them on their level and at a tone of instruction. Yelling is not allowed. This takes patience recognizing that a child doesn’t understand at the same pace or academic level as an adult. So it is one that requires parents to sit down and talk things out with the child explaining the right and wrong behavior and the expected behavior from the parent’s standpoint and then enforcing the change through limitations. b) Time outs that separate them from the situation completely and give them time to calm down and for the parent to do so as well. My children have a five-minute egg timer that we use when they need some time to stop and regroup. We have a place in their room where they have a chair and the egg timer. Once seated there, they cannot move until the ding of the egg-timer goes â€Å"bing†. Then they have to bring the egg timer and the explanation of the situation. Then as a parent, I explain to them the difference between what is expected and what they were doing and then ask for their confirmation of understanding. With five year olds, this takes patience because their attention span is so much shorter. ) Take aways – When my twins begin to argue about something it is usually because one of them has something the other wants and they both begin to fight for it. It is funny that they do not want it until it is firmly in the grasp of the other twin and then they begin to fight for position or possession. Here I just simply take away whatever it is they are arguing about until they can calm down and realize that it is not appropriate or fair to be jealous of someone else especially when they were doin g something that you had no interest in until they began it. This is usually over the use of the I-Pad, Computer, or some form of their homework or books in their room. Through it all, the idea is simple. If twenty-four countries have made corporal punishment illegal, then it would only make sense that we have to begin to educate those families caught up in the circle of violence that it more often than not follows. We have to also educate them with alternatives and coach them through it as they learn alternatives methods of providing discipline and guidance. I can’t remember how many times, my father was providing his discipline and was saying something like, â€Å"I told you not to do this and you are going to get it even if I have to beat it into you! † The fact is I don’t think I ever really got it and therefore have spent most of my adult life separating myself from it. If we start with ourselves and help educate others, we can make a difference but it will take generations to do so. It will not come quickly enough and many children with suffer the wrath of parents who have become their parents.

The Portrayal of Women in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay

Women have gained equality with men over the many centuries of the evolution of the modern western civilization. Hence, it cannot be overlooked that there still exist many literary examples of social disregard for woman potential. Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" exemplifies the Western patriarchal gender roles in which women are given the inferior status. Not only are women portrayed as being inferior to men, but Marlow's (the protagonist's) seldom mentioning of them in his Congo adventure narrative symbolizes his view of their insignificance. There is a total of five women presented in Marlow's narrative but only three of them are significant minor characters: Marlow's aunt, Kurtz's African mistress, and Kurtz's "Intended." The following essay will examine how the presentation of each of these three women in Marlow's narrative contributes to connecting events in the story. Despite the generalized view of women of his time, Marlow's narrative indicates a more specified view of the value of women which suggest that they are all naà ¯ve but with culturally dependent personas. In presenting female characters, Marlow may have intended to add more essence to his narrative. Nonetheless, each of their appearances and his descriptions of them served to be metaphoric, yet powerful contributions to the story line. From the beginning, Marlow sends a clear message to the reader regarding his position on the image of women. He relates how he "tried the women" after he found no man to help him achieve his travelling and trading ambitions. He did something out of the ordinary for his time; he went to a woman for financial aid. Because this woman is actually his aunt, one might argue that perhaps Marlow is not thankful enough to his... ...he associates her with having powerful qualities, she is still considered naà ¯ve for not having expected departure from Kurtz. She displays sorrow and grief as she throws her hands to the sky as the steamboat pulls away. Finally, Marlow uses Kurtz's Intended to support his view of women as being accurate. In order to save their fantasy worlds, Marlow argues that men can stoop as low as lying. In unique ways the three significant female figures influence the development of Marlow's story but they do not influence the theme of the story; which is Marlow's exploration of the darkness of the human soul. Preserving the "beautiful world" of women as Marlow suggests denies women journey into the Darkness. Their role is therefore limited to their cultural environment and their own world because they might not have the strength to handle all the difficulties and temptation. The Portrayal of Women in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness Essay Women have gained equality with men over the many centuries of the evolution of the modern western civilization. Hence, it cannot be overlooked that there still exist many literary examples of social disregard for woman potential. Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" exemplifies the Western patriarchal gender roles in which women are given the inferior status. Not only are women portrayed as being inferior to men, but Marlow's (the protagonist's) seldom mentioning of them in his Congo adventure narrative symbolizes his view of their insignificance. There is a total of five women presented in Marlow's narrative but only three of them are significant minor characters: Marlow's aunt, Kurtz's African mistress, and Kurtz's "Intended." The following essay will examine how the presentation of each of these three women in Marlow's narrative contributes to connecting events in the story. Despite the generalized view of women of his time, Marlow's narrative indicates a more specified view of the value of women which suggest that they are all naà ¯ve but with culturally dependent personas. In presenting female characters, Marlow may have intended to add more essence to his narrative. Nonetheless, each of their appearances and his descriptions of them served to be metaphoric, yet powerful contributions to the story line. From the beginning, Marlow sends a clear message to the reader regarding his position on the image of women. He relates how he "tried the women" after he found no man to help him achieve his travelling and trading ambitions. He did something out of the ordinary for his time; he went to a woman for financial aid. Because this woman is actually his aunt, one might argue that perhaps Marlow is not thankful enough to his... ...he associates her with having powerful qualities, she is still considered naà ¯ve for not having expected departure from Kurtz. She displays sorrow and grief as she throws her hands to the sky as the steamboat pulls away. Finally, Marlow uses Kurtz's Intended to support his view of women as being accurate. In order to save their fantasy worlds, Marlow argues that men can stoop as low as lying. In unique ways the three significant female figures influence the development of Marlow's story but they do not influence the theme of the story; which is Marlow's exploration of the darkness of the human soul. Preserving the "beautiful world" of women as Marlow suggests denies women journey into the Darkness. Their role is therefore limited to their cultural environment and their own world because they might not have the strength to handle all the difficulties and temptation.

The Causes of the Indian Mutiny

Assess the causes of the Indian Mutiny Throughout the Indian mutiny there were numerous factors, mainly due to British imperialism, that caused and had significant impact on the Indian nation. Through the course of the Indian mutiny economic, Cultural, Armies and the Enfield rifle incident caused the Indian Mutiny. These factors bundled together and impacted together which contributed to widespread uprising and the India Mutiny. British Imperialism caused economic and political strain on the Indian Community, which in turn placed the British already on thin ice with the Indians.The Doctrine of the lapse caused many incidences and was the first reason, of many, for the Indian Mutiny to begin. Under British rule the doctrine was introduced which declared that the lands of any Indian Ruler who died without a natural heir it would be forfeited to the Company. This frustrated numerous Indian princes and land owners. Which lead them to join the sepoys in the Indian Mutiny. The taking of Ou dh played a significant role in the contribution of the anger towards the British Rule. Governor Dalhousie annexed 250,000 square miles of land known as Oudh.To consolidate control in his new territory he introduced rail and road systems and postal and telegraph systems. This aggravated the Indians and only added to the frustration and retaliation necessity of the Indians. Along with this, heavy taxes were levied onto the Indian people. The amount taxed was more than the crops were worth on that land. In addition tolls were inflicted for the use of river ferries. The land revenue system introduced by the company ruined many peasant farmers. The anxiety and pressure that these economic and political elements contributed to the British demise.Through the spread of Christianity and the spread of religious customs and traditions heightened the emotions of the Indians. This spread of Christianity was the greatest concern for Indians; with the arrival of missionaries this created much une ase amongst the Indians. Christians disrespected and had little knowledge for the Hindi and Muslim religions. Originally the British promised not to impose their beliefs but it soon was gossiped that the British wish to convert the Indians, and western influences were brought to India. William Bentinck a Christian missionary rought reforms such as the abolition of child marriage and the suppression of Sati (burning of wives after their husband has passed) this convinced many Indians of Christianity being imposed on Hindu or Muslim Indians. This outraged and added to the British problems and ultimately led Indian civilians and sepoys to uprise against them. The Indian sepoys were largely victimised, as they had lack of promotions, low wages and had many threats to their caste made. Most sepoys were high-caste Hindus used to wealth and within the army and civil service it was extremely difficult to achieve promotions and high wages.The major concern within the army was caste. It rumou red through the sepoy regiments that the British were intentionally trying to make them lose their caste. There was talk of magical chapattis (yeast-less bread) that had been poisoned by the company. The Enfield rifle cartridge was also a major caste incident. This was short term factors that lead to the sepoys gathering and revolting against the British. Problems arose when a new Enfield rifle was introduced to replace and old rifle known as the musket.In order to load the Enfield rifle the end of the cartridge has to be bitten off the cartridge and then the cartridge rammed down the muzzle to fire. To make the bullet easier to ram down, the cartridge was heavily greased with animal fat. A rumour circulated that the fat was a mixture of cow and pig fat, cows are sacred to Hindus and pigs regarded unclean as a Muslim, biting this cartridge would break the caste of the Hindu sepoys and defile the Muslims. The British quickly stated that the grease was oil or bee’s wax.However the sepoys still distrusted the Company and the British word meant little to them now. The economic, political, force of religious beliefs and threats to caste added together on top of each other which lead to the British Company topple over and crumble. The British interference with religion and traditions that have been practised for centuries and it was this interference which led to the discontent of Indian sepoys that ultimately lead to the conflict. Britain attempt to conquer India was the cause of the rebellion and the Indian Mutiny.

A Day The Thackstons Went For Their Daily Run - 1583 Words

One day the Thackstons went for their daily run. Little did they know, it would be their last run. Josiah Thackston was having sharp pains around his liver and kidneys; he blew it off and just figured â€Å"Oh it is because I am running.† He later mentioned it to his wife Julie Thackston. She told him â€Å"Let us go to the hospital, and see what is going on.† So, they jumped into the car and as they drove, he started having sharp pains and began to tear up. The Thackstons arrived at the hospital and told them how he was feeling. Dr. Bennet had an idea of what was going on, but he wanted to run some tests first. Soon, Mr. Thackston would find out that he had stage four cancer in his liver and kidneys. He would only be around for another two or three months. He and his wife Julie asked the doctor what to do. Dr. Bennet said â€Å"There is a way to end it all quickly.† The Thackstons asked, â€Å"How doctor?† His reply â€Å"There is this aid called assis ted suicide; it is where doctors can give the patient a pill and he or she will die immediately. Some patients recommend the pill if they only have months to live.† Mrs. Thackston said â€Å"Don’t think about leaving me behind. I have family and friends to support me. So go ahead and take the pill.† Mr. Thackston said â€Å"Okay hon, I love you.† He asked for the pill. Dr. Bennet told him the pill would be there in one week. A week later, he received his life ender. He took it immediately! At two o clock that afternoon, Mr. Thackston was pronounced dead.