Evolution of Computer Technology

Several centuries have been taken toward the development of inventions made by different people into modern forms. Single inventors rarely bring out modern invention. What we have now as electronic devices (the computers) are inventions of several scientists, mathematicians and engineers from different centuries. For the purpose of this mini research key terms like evolution, technology and computer shall be considered, not forgetting to take a careful look at the evolution of these inventions from different centuries/years to our present generation starting from the earliest known device.The characteristics of these devices from generation to generation and their classification according to sizes, functions and uses shall also be discussed. DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS Evolution: Evolution is a gradual development that occurs in a particular place or thing. Technology: This is the use of mechanical arts and applied science. Technology here refers to systems, methods of organization and t echniques. Computer:A computer is a programmable mechanical device that accepts information or inputs, stores and manipulates data and brings out the result or output in numerical format.COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM A general purpose computer has four major components namely: arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), control unit, memory and input/output devices. These parts are interconnected by buses often made of groups of wires. ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT (ALU) This unit carries out arithmetic and logic operations. According to Stokes (2007), the set of arithmetic operations that a particular arithmetic and logic unit supports may be limited to adding and subtracting or might include multiplying or dividing functions ( sine, cosine, etc) and square roots.While others represent real numbers with the use of floating point, some can only operate on whole numbers (integers) albeit, with limited precision. Arithmetic operation could be carried out by any programmed computer. Logic operation can be useful both for creating complicated conditional statements and processing Boolean logic. THE CONTROL UNIT The control unit which is often called a control system or central controller, manages the computer’s various components. It reads and interprets (decodes) the program instructions, transforming them into a series of control signals which activate other parts of the computer.In order to improve performance, the control system in advanced computer may change the order of some instructions. FUNCTION OF THE CONTROL SYSTEM It reads the codes for the next instruction from the cell indicated by the program counters. It decodes the numerical code for the instruction into a set of commands or signals for each of the other systems. Whatever data the instruction requires from cells in memory are read by the control system. Necessary data to an arithmetic and logic unit or register is also provided by the control system.If the instruction requires an ALU or specialized hard ware to complete, it instructs the hardware to perform the requested operation. It writes the results from the ALU back to a memory location or to a register or perhaps an output device. It could be observed that the sequence of operations gone through by the control unit to process an instruction is in itself like a short computer program. MEMORY The memory of a computer is seen as a list of cells into which numbers can be placed or read. Each cell has a numbered address and can store a single number.Anything such as numbers, letters can be represented by the information stored into the memory with equal ease. Software gives significance to what the memory sees as series of numbers. In almost all modern computers, each memory cell is set up to store binary numbers in gaps of 8bits or bytes. Each byte representing 256 different numbers (Stokes 2007). Several consecutive numbers may be used to store larger numbers. Computer memory is of two types or principal varieties: The Random Ac cess Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).Random Access Memory according to Inyang and Umoh (2003), is a part of primary memory that holds the programs being executed and the data to be worked upon. RAM also stores the result of a processed data, waiting to be transferred to output device or secondary storage device. It is a temporary memory and the content of RAM is erased when a computer is turned off and data stored in it can instantly be accessed. The storage of RAM is expressed in megabytes and its capacity or size limited. An area of RAM set aside for storage of most frequently accessed information is the CACHE memory.It is a temporary high speed data holding area between the memory and the central processing unit. RAM has four parts: the conventional memory which consist of the first 640KB of RAM, used by operating system and device drivers; Upper Memory Bound (UMB) located between 640KB and 1MB of RAM, used by device drivers: extended memory (XMS) which include direct acc ess memory above 1MB; and Expended memory: a special part of ram that is up to 32MB and exists outside the conventional memory. Read only memory (ROM) is preloaded with data and software that never changes, so the central processing unit (CPU) can only read it.ROM is typically used to store the computer’s initial start up instructions. It retains its data indefinitely. In a personal computer (PC), ROM contains a specialized program called the BIOS that orchestrates loading the computer’s operating system from the hard disc drive into RAM whenever the computer is turn on or reset. All of the required software may be stored in ROM in embedded computers which frequently do not have disc drives. Software stored in ROM is referred to as firmware because it is more like hardware than software. INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICEMeans by which information between the computer and outside world is exchanged is known as input/output. Peripheral includes input devices like keyboard and mouse, a nd output devices such as the display and printer. Hard disc drives, floppy disc drives and optical disc drives serve as both input and output devices. HISTORY OF COMPUTER Computer technology has changed today world to a global village. Since the field of computer is a vast sea, there are many options and benefits one can get from it. Internet is constant and rapidly growing source of information.People can get information or piece of required knowledge from any part of the world by just a few clicks on the websites. There is a rise in the need of more websites and knowledgeable sources as information is much easier to access. The early men counted by means of matching one set of object with another set. The history of modern computer begins with two separate technologies: automated calculation and programmability. The earliest known computing device was called ABACUS. It is the first counting device that was developed about 500BC (Umoh and Inyang, 2003).It is made up of wood and be ads. It has a role of any number of parallel wires, rods or grooves on or in slide of small beads or blocks. Strung beads which have different values were manually used to operate abacus. Bars were used in dividing the Abacus into two parts perpendicular to the rods. Bits moved in active position towards the bars and the ones towards the frame are ignored. Each bar signifies digits and least significant digits were on the right. Abacus was used in calculating (i. e. adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing) numbers by moving the bit complex.In the 9th century, the Persian Mathematician Abu, Abdullah Muhammad Bin Musa Al-Khwarizni developed the concept of a written process followed to achieve some goals, and published a book on the subject that gave us its modern name Algorithm. In 1623, Wilhelm Schikard, a German Scientist invented a machine that used eleven complete and six incomplete sprocketed wheels that could add and with the aid of logarithm tables, multiply and divide. M any inventions have taken several centuries to develop into the modern forms and modern inventions are rarely the product of a single inventor’s effort.Many people each added a small contribution towards the development of the bits and pieces of a computer (including the software). Each person in this work contributed a part towards the development of computers. In 1642, a 19year old French boy, a philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal invented a mechanical adding machine called a Mechanical Calculator. It is like a modern desk calculator and contains numbers of wheel and uses gear system to perform arithmetic operations. Computations are carried out by a process of integer counting.In 1801, Punch cards were invented by a French Weaver called Joseph Marie Jacquard. These Punch Cards allowed his loom to automatically weave intricate patterns. Different parts were used in storing different patterns of holes that produced different designs. Punch Cards are used in processin g information in computers. The fusion of automatic calculation with programmability produced the first recognized computers. Charles Babbage, British Mathematician and inventor, invented mechanical computing machine – Babbage’s Analytical Engine.In 1820, it carried out complex arithmetic operations and made decisions based on its own computations. It was self-controlled and had two important parts which are the storage unit with memory device and arithmetic unit known as the Mill. It was the world’s first digital computer. Babbage’s contributed the idea of conditional transfer which gave way to comparison of quantities and modification of programs. The idea of a sequence of punch cards to produce a more flexible design was borrowed from the Jacquard’s pattern weaving loom. It performed functions like additions, subtraction, division and multiplication.

Ethics Goes To Hollywood Essay

When we think of ethics with regards to Hollywood, some people might even question if there really are any left? With the growing number of moralists and critics that easily target Hollywood, ethics has become an important factor that seems to be set aside. Many of the movies that are being shown today presents violence, nudity and lack of values incorporated with the film. But there can always be an argument about how is ethics really perceived through the movie industry? Some might doubt but actually when we look pass through over-all violence and those unacceptable factors to moralists, some movies do posses ethics in them. Most of the time, those ethics are just overlooked by the over-all presence of the movie. When we analyze and breakdown a movie and study the characters there is a great opportunity to realize the moral fiber of the film. In recent memory, there are only a few movies that have produced an unusual style of presentation in the silver screen. One of those movies showed up during 2007 through a film titled â€Å"300†. It was based from Frank Miller’s graphic novel also named â€Å"300†. This movie adaptation of the novel is also based from the Battle of Thermopylae that was retold in a fictional sense. To further analyze the movie, the following paragraph will showcase the movie’s summary. Beginning with the presentation on a how a Spartan boy grows up and how he emerges to be king of Sparta, the movie was narrated by Dilios, a spartan soldier who was able to live and tell the tale. After years of being Sparta’s king, Leonidas received a messenger who was sent by the Persian ruler Xerxes. The messenger presented an offer that enraged king Leonidas, leading the messenger kicked down a seemingly bottomless pit. The message was sent clear, the Persian army is about to come, to invade Sparta and add it up to their growing territory. King Leonidas then consulted the Ephors, priests who consult the oracle for answers from the gods. Proposing a plan to block the Persian army by defending the Hot Gates of Thermopylae, King Leonidas was furious by the Ephors’ advice of not to fight because the oracle said that it was forbidden and the gods will get enraged if they do. Despite all of this, Leonidas stood strong with his firm decision to defend the Hot Gates. He gathered 300 of the greatest Spartan soldiers and assembled a party that would hold off thousands of Persians. As they have reached the Hot Gates, they defended it for days just to protect Sparta. King Leonidas courageously led the way by standing strong to his principles until the end. The number of the Persian army was too much for the 300 Spartans and eventually led to their deaths. Only one soldier was tasked to return to Sparta to tell the tale, Dilios, who forever made Leonidas and the 300 Spartans, remembered. LEONIDAS AND HIS VIRTUES The whole essence of the story evolved in Leonidas’ answer to his ethical dilemma that concerned with his decision to push through despite a number of people prohibiting him. One example was when he was discouraged by the Ephors or priests to pursue his plan because it was the time of the Carneian festival. His ethical dilemma would be is that if he pushes through with his plan, he would be disrespecting the Carneian but he would be able to salvage some time to defend Sparta. Despite the senate’s disapproval of sending the whole Spartan army, Leonidas faced his dilemma by standing strong with his beliefs and forming an army of 300 to continue his plan. Another example would be seen during the scene where the Persians were negotiating with Leonidas. First was during the arrival of the Persian messenger who offered Leonidas salvation of the Spartans from the Persian army if he yields. Another was during their stay at the Hot Gates, when King Xerxes himself talked to Leonidas personally and again proposed to have them spared if he yields to the Persians. Both of these instances presented a same result, Leonidas refusing to give up and standing strong to his principles. Choosing the side of what’s right than what’s wrong, suggests Leonidas’ firm ethical correctness and proper morality virtues. OTHER ETHICAL THEORIES PRESENTED Egoism is also depicted in the movie as seen in Xerxes’ motivation to rule and conquer the world. His actions towards self-interests boost his drive to invade and gain territories. In one instance, he even called himself the king and ruler of the world. A little bit of Egoism can also be attributed to Leonidas. His strong desire to win and his confidence to bring only 300 soldiers despite knowing that his enemy would be thousands in number suggests a showing of Egoism. CONCLUSION When we analyze the definition of ethics we easily incorporate it with what’s write and what’s wrong. Most of it solely depends on how we make that decision. The movie â€Å"300† despite its over-all violent nature still possessed that essential factor of morality and the integration of ethics through the characters, most especially Leonidas. Being the Spartan king, his decision to protect his kingdom by defending the Hot Gates despite disagreements by the senate and the priests caused his ethical dilemma. By overcoming this dilemma and choosing what he knows is right, it created a chain of events that lead to his popularity and immortality through the help of the story that’s still known up to today. Despite Xerxes’ tempting offers in order for him to surrender, Leonidas’ strong principles carried him all the way to legendary proportions. Driven by a king’s instincts, Leonidas died for the people of Sparta which caused them to be more inspired and more driven to defeat the Persian army that arrived pass the Hot Gates. All in all, despite Hollywood’s descending reputation in accordance with moralists, people can still find ethics in movies. People just need to look pass through and analyze the details to get the even bigger picture. References Mackie, J L. (1977). Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong. New York: Penguin Books. Simpson, R. H. (1972). Leonidas’ Decision. Phoenix (Vol 26, pp. 1-11).

Gangs in Our Society

Running head: GANGS: THE EFFECT ON SOCIETY 1 Gangs: The Effect on Society 2 Abstract Crime is a growing problem in cities around the United States. A big part of this problem can be attributed to gangs. The number of people who get injured or killed by gang violence continues to rise. Some people feel the criminal justice system is failing to control the growth and strength of gangs in communities and prisons alike. In today’s society, the age of gang members continues to decrease while the number of them continues to increase. As youth continue to age the chance that they will end up in prison increases. There will be focus on the relationship between prison and street gangs and how society is affected as a result of these gangs. It is important to look at how gang violence can be reduced if not prevented all together. Introduction and Background Gangs in America flourish in an environment where basic social institutions such as family, role models, and education are weak. Often found in ghettos and poor, lower class neighborhoods, gangs can also thrive in rural and suburban areas (Palmer, 2010). Before we begin to explore the various aspects of gangs, it is important to define what a gang is. There are many definitions and much debate about gangs among law enforcement and scholars. For this reason constructing a definition that represents all types of gangs becomes problematic and almost impossible. For this paper I will use the Ohio Revised Code definition of a gang which is, â€Å"Any organization, association, or group of persons, either formal or informal, which may have a common name or identifying sign or symbol, whose members or associates engage in activities Gangs: The Effect on Society 3 which include, but are not limited to: planning, organizing, threatening, financing, soliciting, or committing unlawful acts† (Steele, 2011). History of Gangs It is not known when gangs first came into existence but the word thug dates back to the 1200’s. Thug is derived from the word â€Å"thugz†, which is an Indian word that refers to a gang of criminals who would travel the country causing trouble (Padilla, 1992). Gang activity became most prominent in the United States in the 1920’s due to Al Capone, also known as Scarface. Due to Prohibition during this time, criminal gangs began to distribute alcohol on the black market. Capone influenced many would-be gangsters and by the 1950’s there were a number of cities with gangs committing crimes at an alarming rate. Street gangs have changed over the years with respect to their goals, the age of members, their commitment to delinquency, and the level of violence. Adamson (1998) attributes this change to immigration, population movement, economic transformations, racial and ethnic conflict and the changing fabric of neighborhood and family life. Methodology Information presented in this paper came from a variety of sources. Among them are interviews, review of literature, and gang training. There have been many residents of the correctional facility this author has worked over the years who are members of youth gangs in their communities. The majority of them have family members who are currently serving time in prison for gang related crimes. This author attended a gang training put on by the Ohio Supreme Gangs: The Effect on Society 4 Court Judicial College in which many of the speakers are experts in the fields they work in. Vinko Kucinic, a Security Threat Group Investigations Coordinator with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections provided a great deal of information along with insight as to the severity and seriousness of prison gangs. Literature review included books, journal articles, and websites. Objectives The objectives of this paper are to give a little background into the formation of gangs and how they got to where they are now. Gangs continue to grow due to the number of youth joining these gangs for various reasons. Youth who prefer the gang life may find themselves in trouble with the law, which will lead us to the relationship between street and prison gangs. After we explore the particulars about street and prison gangs we will look at the various theories that explain why people join gangs. The paper will end with what and how society and law enforcement can reduce or prevent the increasing number of gangs in our society. Data Results of Youth Gangs The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) performed a National Youth Gang Survey in 2007 that found there were more than 27,000 active gangs across the United States and more than 788,000 gang members, a 7. 7% percent increase from 2002 (Marion & Oliver, 2006). There are many reasons why youth decide to join gangs. Some of the reasons boys join include protection from the streets, access to illegal drugs, a substitute for Gangs: The Effect on Society 5 family, and they have family members who belong to gangs. Girls join because family and friends are involved and they want to get a reputation (Huff, 2002). According to Howell (2010) youth are at higher risk of joining a gang if they engage in delinquent behaviors, are aggressive or violent, experience multiple caretakers, have problems at school, associate with other gang-involved youth, or live in communities where they feel unsafe and where other youth get into trouble. When youth do not get love and support from their families, especially their parents eventually they will look elsewhere for it. The teenage years are often the most vulnerable, a time when they need guidance and acceptance in their lives. Gangs are viewed to many members as â€Å"family† because people care them, watch out for them, and will never leave them. Many youth who grow up in crime-ridden neighborhoods because of gangs may feel the only way to stay safe is to join a gang. Rival gangs often walk the streets coercing younger kids to join their gangs. Some may feel as though they have no choice but to join. Youth who have family members in gangs can sometimes feel persuaded or pressured into joining the gang as well. Deanna Rodriguez, gang bureau chief in New York says, â€Å"We’re seeing more children who are being exposed to the gang world because their parents are members† (Parks, 2011). From the time they are babies they are dressed in the colors and taught the signs with their hands. When children are raised in this type of environment from such an early age, it becomes the only lifestyle they know. Another reason youth join gangs is a much debated issue and is based on the media. According to Mike Carlie (2002) there are three main views of the effect that violence in the media has on children. Gangs: The Effect on Society 6 The first view is that children who are raised in violent environments get confirmation of that violence when observing it or gang activity in the media. The second view is that non-violent children who are not supervised growing up while watching violent television, playing violent video games, or listening to violent rap music, begin to mimic what they witness or hear. The last view is that violence in the media allows for the purging of negative emotions and feelings. Bill O’Reilly gives his perspective on the relationship between violence in the media and gangs. The excerpt from Dudley & Gerdes (2005) reads: The debasement of our culture, of which gangsta rap is a big part, has coarsened children in general and put high-risk kids in a dangerous place. Taking drugs, carrying guns and disrespecting human beings is now not only socially acceptable in many situations, it is downright glamorous. Prison and Street gangs It is estimated by the U. S. Department of Justice that the number of gangs totaled about one million in 2008. Of those 147,000 were documented gang members incarcerated in correctional facilities (Parks, 2011). Gang activity is a growing problem in America’s prisons. Gangs in prisons are known as security threat groups (STGs) because of the interference with prison discipline. The major threats that gangs pose include the smuggling of contraband, violence, and bribery (Newton, 2008). The top leaders of gangs in prison are the ones who have been imprisoned the longest and run the street gangs. The STGs have the same agenda as other gangs but instead of them starting on the street and ending up in prison, they organize in prison and take their activity out on the streets through the use of visitors and parolees. Gangs: The Effect on Society 7 Street gangs are exploited for money and other resources through prison gangs. This occurs in a number of ways. Family members often operate as messengers and drug couriers. They are normally given instructions by gang members during visits to pass on to members of the street gangs. Family members are also known to smuggle contraband in to inmates that can include cellphones, drugs, and money. According to the National Gang Intelligence Center (NGIC) and the US Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), cell phones smuggled into correctional facilities pose the greatest threat to institution safety (â€Å"2011 National gang†, 2011). These cell phones, including smartphones, give incarcerated gang members power over street gangs through text messages, internet access, email, and unmonitored conversations. Cell phones are used to plan or direct criminal activities such as assault, murder, and drug interactions. The main difference between street gangs and prisons gangs is their motivation for violence. Street gangs normally commit violent acts to terrorize its enemies; if a murder occurs it is usually of secondary importance. The prison gang uses murder as a specific act of revenge; the terror created by the killing is of secondary importance (Landre, Miller, & Porter, 1997). In many cases, the â€Å"wannabes† pose more of a threat in prison then do actual gang members. This is due to the â€Å"wannabes† carrying out numerous violent acts as they attempt to impress other members with their ability to be ruthless and to show support for the activities of the group. Aryan Brotherhood One of the top prison gangs is the Aryan Brotherhood (AB). AB is a white supremacist group that was formed in 1967, at San Quentin prison in California (Walker, 2011). They initially formed for the protection of whites against blacks in prison and have since become a Gangs: The Effect on Society 8 criminal enterprise. The AB is concerned with white-supremacy, and is known to murder those who oppose the system. In the prison system they are known for their control of the sale of drugs, gambling, â€Å"punk,† or male prostitutes. The only way to become a member of the AB is to abide by their philosophy of â€Å"Blood In- Blood Out† (Steele, 2011). This means that you kill somebody to get into the gang and die to part from it. Mexican Mafia Another of the top prison gangs is the Mexican Mafia. The Mexican Mafia was formed in the 1950’s within the California Department of Corrections, and is one of the oldest and most powerful prison gangs in the United States (Walker, 2011). They are well known for drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. They often use the number 13 as their gang identification, due to the letter â€Å"M† being the 13th letter of the alphabet. One unique characteristic of the Mexican Mafia is that a member of the gang itself may not be murdered without the vote of at least three members, non-members do not require a vote. Theories of Gang Membership There are numerous criminological theories that give explanations to the reasons why people become members of a gang. Social disorganization theory was first introduced by Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay in 1942. Prior to this Frederic Thrasher is credited with the research that led up to this in 1927 with his study of 1,313 Chicago gang youth (Howell & Curry, 2009). Thrasher felt that economic destabilization contributed to social disorganization, which in turn, led to the breakdown of conventional social institutions such as the school, the church, and most importantly the family (Wood & Alleyne, 2010). When families or schools were Gangs: The Effect on Society 9 ineffective in the socialization of children, the gang was there to fill the gaps. Furthermore, neighborhoods that lack organization ultimately lack the ability to provide essential services to the residents of the community. Shaw and McKay felt that personal ties among neighbors are what constitute community organization. Differential association theory The idea of differential association was introduced by Edwin Sutherland in 1939 (Conrad, Cox, Allen & Hanser, 2008). His approach combines principles of the learning theory with the idea that learning takes place in interaction within social groups. Sutherland recognized that criminal behavior is learned and that young people develop attitudes and skills necessary to become delinquent by associating with individuals who are â€Å"carriers† of criminal norms (Wood & Alleyne, 2010). The family is the primary point of learning social behavior, including deviant behavior. Individuals learn how to define situations as being law-abiding or law-violating behavior based on what they have experienced in life experiences. Strain theory There are several variations of the strain theory but the central concept is that society sets universal goals for its populace and then offers the ability to achieve them to a limited number of people (Wood & Alleyne, 2010). Albert Cohen depicts gang members as working class youth who experience strain resulting in status frustration. Status frustration can be resolved when the youth associates with others like them in order to get back at middle class ideals and standards. Gangs: The Effect on Society 10 This leads to the formation of a delinquent subculture where instant gratification, fighting, and destructive behavior become the new values (Wood & Alleyne, 2010). Reducing/Preventing Gang Violence Gang violence is a societal problem, and all parts of our society play a role in tolerating it and enabling it. The steady growth of gangs and gang-related crime presents a challenge for law enforcement and communities alike on all levels throughout the United States. There is evidence that some progress has been made however. The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative has focused on the most violent gangs, crimes of violence, and the apprehension of violent fugitives (Parks, 2011). As a result of this from 2001 to 2008 over 40,000 arrests and 17,000 convictions of gang members were made (Parks, 2011). Law enforcement is not the only ones who should be worried about gang activity and crime. The community is an important part of reducing and preventing gang violence. Community Involvement The most important thing a community can do to address gang problems is to prevent them from developing. Early intervention programs in schools can identify youth who are truant and/or who show signs of violent or disruptive behavior and get them assistance before it becomes too late (Alonso, Coles, & Fry, 2000). Schools can also encourage those youth to join extra-curricular activities whether it is sports or clubs such as drama, band, choir, and art to name a few. These activities can give a youth a sense of accomplishment and can also provide them with a sense of belonging. Gangs: The Effect on Society 11 Communities have also started imposing anti-gang ordinances known as injunctions. Injunctions vary from city to city but the idea is that they prohibit gang members from engaging in activities in â€Å"safety zones† (Parks, 2011). In these safety zones, gang members may not display gang signs, wear gang colors, associate or intimidate others. Violators are subject to fine and/or jail time. Parental Involvement Parents can be the most active players in preventing and reducing gang problems. Parents and other responsible adults need to learn everything they can about gangs and why youth join gangs as this can help keep children and neighborhoods safe. Chanequa Walker-Barnes, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina concluded from research that parents- especially those in African American families have a lot of influence over their children and can help them avoid gangs (Hamilton, 2002). What parents do not realize is that losing a child to the gang can be avoided. They need to show their children love, support, and acceptance before it is too late. Law Enforcement and Government Involvement Gang units and task forces are important in targeting gangs and have played a major role in mitigating gang activity in a number of US communities. Other efforts to control the spread of gang violence include RICO. RICO is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which increases penalties for various crimes, such as murder, arson, robbery, or extortion, when the offender belongs to an organized criminal group (Newton, 2008). Gangs: The Effect on Society 12 Gang Resistance Education and Training (G. R. E. A. T. ) is a gang and violence prevention program built around school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curricula (â€Å"Prevent youth crime,,† 2011). The main purposes of the program are to immunize against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership for children before they reach the age that gang temptation is rampant. Discussion The most interesting and intriguing thing learned in this authors research is that it is not easy to get out of the gang. One story by a gang member commented that it is not uncommon for members to be told they cannot ever leave the gang. Even if they are allowed to quit, they are often required to be â€Å"jumped out†, meaning they must undergo a beating by gang members. In addition to be beaten by gang members, someone who wants to leave the gang may be stabbed by gang members as well. It seems as though anything goes when it comes to being jumped out. Gang members don’t care if they are use fists, knives, guns, or if there are two or 50 members doing the beating. Membership in gangs is taken seriously and quitting is considered an insult and a sign of disloyalty. Relationship between prison and street gangs Before this research was started this author had the perception that street and prison gangs were two separate entities. The literature clearly proved that perception wrong. Prison gangs run the street gangs and control most aspects of the drug world as well. Gang members in prison control not only the street gangs but family members as well as prison staff. Corrections officers and parole officers are also known to smuggle contraband in for inmates. Prison staff Gangs: The Effect on Society 13 can play two roles in prison gang culture. As active participants they may provide alibis, take bribes or payments for their silence, and provide opportunities for crimes to be carried out. Passive participants may â€Å"overlook† situations long enough for gang members to do what they want. Prison staff is not immune to the violence of gangs. They may be threatened, physically or sexually assaulted and harassed. Youth gangs All the literature on youth gangs just reinforces how vulnerable children are in the early years. The number of youth who join gangs to find belonging and acceptance is unreal. One cannot blame a child for wanting to feel needed or to want protection when they are not getting that from the one place that means the most, the home. What is more heartbreaking are the children who do not get the choice of whether they want to be a gang member as they are born into it and that is the only life they know. Conclusion The prevalence of gangs and the number of crimes committed by gang members demonstrate that while gang activity may not be a new problem, it certainly presents serious issues. Youth gangs are an increasing problem in societies across the country and are the easiest time of a person’s life to prevent them from joining a gang. There are so many programs in schools and the communities that parents can access for their at risk youth. Prison gangs do not just affect the correctional systems as they control what happens on the streets. What is the prisons problems spill out to become the community’s problems as well. Several theories were looked at to help explain why people join gangs such as the strain theory, differential association Gangs: The Effect on Society 14 theory and the social disorganization theory. There are a number of ways given that parents and communities can help in the reduction and prevention of gang involvement as well as what law enforcement and government agencies are doing. Gangs: The Effect on Society 15 References Adamson, C. (1998). Tribute, turf, honor and the American street gang: patterns of continuity and change since 1820. Theoretical Criminology, 2(1), 57-84. Retrieved from http://journals. ohiolink. edu/ejc/pdf. cgi/Adamson_Christopher. pdf? issn=13624806&issue=v02i0001&article=57_tthataocacs1 Alonso, A. , Coles, C. , & Fry, R. (2000). Gangs, crime, and social deviance: a dialogue. Focus on Law Studies, 16(1), Retrieved from http://www. americanbar. org/content/dam/aba/publishing/focus_on_law_studies/publiced_focus_fall_00. authcheckdam. pdf Carlie, M. 2002). Into the abyss: a personal journey into the world of street gangs. Springfield, MO: Self Publication. Conrad, J. J. , Cox, S. M. , Allen, J. M. , & Hanser, R. D. (2008). Juvenile justice: a guide to theory, policy, and practice. (6 Ed. ). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Dudley, W. , & Gerdes, L. (2005). Opposing viewpoints: gangs. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Gangs: The Effect on Society 16 Hamilton, K. (2002 ). Gangbusters: Parents still play a key role in saving kids from the streets. Black Issues in Higher Education, Retrieved from http://www. highbeam. com/doc/1G1-89379977. html Howell, J. C. (2010). Gang prevention: an overview of research and programs. Retrieved from U. S. Department of Justice website: https://www. ncjrs. gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/231116. pdf Howell, J. C. , & Curry, G. D. (2009). Mobilizing communities to address gang problems. Retrieved from Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention website: http://www. nationalgangcenter. gov/Content/Documents/NYGC-bulletin-4. df Huff, C. R. (2002). Gangs in America iii. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Landre, R. , Miller, M. , & Porter, D. (1997). Gang: a handbook for community awareness. New York, NY: Facts on File, Inc. Marion, N. E. , & Oliver, W. M. (2006). The public policy of crime and criminal justice. (2 Ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Gangs: The Effect on Society 17 Newton, M. (2008 ). Criminal investigations: Gangs and gang crime. New York, NY: Chelsea House Publishers. Padilla, F. (1992). The gang as an American enterprise. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press. Palmer, O. (2010, May 27). Why the gang culture exists (a 3-part series). Retrieved from http://oceanpalmer. com/blog/? p=660 Parks, P. (2011). Gangs: Current issues. San Diego, CA: Reference Point Press. Steele, K. (2011). Gangs and security threat groups. The Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College. Walker, R. (2011). Gangs or us. Retrieved from http://www. gangsorus. com/prison_gangs. html Wood, J. , & Alleyne, E. (2010). Street gang theory and research: where are we now and where do we go from here?. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 15(2), 100-111. (2011). Prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement. Retrieved from U. S. Department of Justice website: http://www. great-online. org/ Gangs: The Effect on Society 18 (2011). 2011 national gang threat assessment: Emerging trends. Retrieved from Federal Bureau of Investigation website: http://www. fbi. gov/stats-services/publications/2011-national-gang-threat-assessment

The New Alternative Craft Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The New Alternative Craft - Essay Example ‘Do it yourself’ principle makes creativity worthwhile because of the limitless in boundaries of creation. The uniqueness of each object surpasses boundaries of taste, color and in many times ethnic boundaries. Through this, there is a big opportunity to reach out to more people and sell more. However, critics have come out guns blazing by questioning the intention of the alternative creators and their intentions. This study will demystify the alternative art and design in the context of the chosen examples. There are several avenues which people who have embraced alternative craft use to get their wares to the markets. These include technologically driven aspects of marketing such as the internet, the mass media, and general exhibition stalls. Some of these websites include etsy.com, from where the paper refers the objects of discussion and others such as getcrafty.com that displays hundreds of alternative creative artistic objects. Additionally, there are other avenues like fairs, markets and display exhibitions. The following segments will look at each of these segments and looks at the dynamics which each of the objects operates. This is one of the contemporary craft objects that not only is unique but severely artistic. The woolen knit i-phone case by Natalya has a design of the modern cell-phone handlers but uses a unique material and make to pass a message (Etsy.com, 2013). The maker uses wool and soft wood that does not incorporate any form of joints but through creative enjoinment. Natalya uses this design to pass a statement about fashion, creativity and lifestyle through unique settings. This design is personalized and customized using readily available materials. The main intention of the maker is to use material and design with alternative measure from the usual ‘

Research paper for art Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

For art - Research Paper Example s: Apr 11, 2014 – May 03, 2014.†4 These photos prove that society stages what the female body â€Å"is† through showing how they â€Å"should† act and look like.5 Sherman’s â€Å"1977-80 Film Stills† demonstrates that the framing of the female body in the media is a form of mechanical reproduction that destroys women’s autonomy over their identity because mechanical reproduction and its meanings reinforce repressive socioeconomic systems and gender stereotypes. Through reproducing familiar, general female movie images in photos, Sherman uses hyperquotationalism and irony to challenge social conventions that control and dominate the construction of the female self. Sherman uses film allusions because film, according to Walter Benjamin, reproduces images that destroy the aura of art, and in this case, film destroys the art of autonomy on womanhood by creating gender conventions. Film is considered as a product of its context, where it can reflect social values and practices or question it. In other words, society creates films that create society. Benjamin argues that mechanical reproduction destroys the aura or soul of art because â€Å"the technique of reproduction detaches the reproduced object from the domain of tradition. By making many reproductions it substitutes a plurality of copies for a unique existence.†6 The reproduction process is a detaching process, or a process that takes away the human element from the output. Film, in connection, Benjamin says, also destroys art because it is manipulated (i.e. through editing and other content and cinematic techniques) to represent limited or distorted perceptions of reality.7 Films fr om the 1940s to 1960s, even up to now, are full of gender stereotypes. By being constantly made and viewed, films, in effect, are promoting these stereotypes as female standards. Sherman uses photography to copy cinematic images that are â€Å"charged† with subjective meanings that decrease or make it hard to know difference

Berman vs department of interior case Term Paper

Berman vs department of interior case - Term Paper Example erman undertakes to bring the culprits to book by aiding POGO in drafting the draft Freedom of Information Act (â€Å"FOIA†) which allowed them to file for two qui tam actions in the United States District Court. As a result, they were paid $440m from the litigation. This was the value of the royalties owed by the oil companies. POGO had already promised to pay a third of the money they will be paid after the litigation and thus when the money was compensated, POGO sent a check of $383,600 to Berman and enclosed therein an indication that the money was an award for his dedication and not for payment of his services. Alter on, the Department of the Interior sued Berman for violation of ethical obligation and breach of fiduciary duty. The perpetrators in this case were the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) and Berman. The societal values they violated was the compensation of the $383,600 check out of the $440 million which was meant to be for the royalties which were underpaid to the federal and Indian lands by the oil companies. They should have given the money to them instead of suing it. Organizational values which were violated in this case were the payment of lump sum money to a government employee for tasks done for the government apart from the salary. Thus, POGO should not have given Berman the check since he was already doing his job. Berman’s ethical obligation concerning oil royalty matters was to deliver the paid money to the underpaid federal and Indian lands by the oil companies. There are competing obligations in this case since the money paid to Berman was meant to be an award for his decision for his work in the past decade while the punishment in this case should be applied to paymen ts given to government especially for future work (Denhardt, 1988). The obligation of the non-public officials in this case was to ensure there was no mismanagement of public resources or abuse of power. They owed this obligation to the public since they were

Racial Violence - The Case of George Zimmerman Essay

Racial Violence - The Case of George Zimmerman - Essay Example Racial violence is not like other types of violence because its primary cause is based on beliefs of superiority and hatred of other individuals or groups who are destined to be inferior due to their ethnicity; and due to their physical features like skin color. Racial violence takes many forms. It can be as subtle as teasing or pushing and can be severe as murder, physical assault, and genocide (Browne-Marshall 15-18). This essay analyzes a recent racially charged issue—the case of George Zimmerman, a Hispanic guard who killed a young black man, Trayvon Martin, allegedly as an act of ‘self-defense’. This case is analyzed in terms of the causes and effects of racial violence. The Role of Race in Zimmerman’s Case Although racial violence is more obvious, other types of violence are similarly destructive. There is an increasing number of evidence that continuous harassment negatively affects the health of its victims. It inflicts psychological and physical pa in which is passed on to subsequent generations (Gruber 1573). Being constantly anxious or fearful because one is racially different and continuous harassment are root causes of poor self-worth and mental disorders. People who are subjected to racial violence usually accept or embrace an identity with the undesirable images they are assigned to. Resistance at times results in greater and more severe discrimination and violence (Bonilla-Silva 22). The belief that everyone is created in God’s image is hollow when the identity one embraces is that of a lowly, insignificant individual. The death of Trayvon Martin compelled Americans, once more, to confront the nation’s tragic history of racial violence. Nevertheless, possibly because the death of Martin evidently resembles the death of a huge number of young black men in the past and recent times, the debate over the issue seemed historically inclined.