Lost Boys by James Garbarino: A Review

Through the ‘Lost Boys, by Dr. James Garbarino discusses the phenomenon of youth violence in America, with emphasis on understanding its causes as a major tool for dealing with the menace. This essay seeks to explore the main points and arguments pointed about in the book, ways in which society has failed in curbing the disorder, and what can be done to INTRODUCTION: A TYPICAL SCENARIO A 15-year African American Ken lived in the inner-city trouble zone of Los Angeles, with parents who are both poor and uncaring. He grew up to protect himself, seeing the world as an unsafe place: He saw form his point of view, that life is unbearable and one must be aggressive to make your way through life, especially to possess the material things that mattered to him. He understood that he was not cared for by his parents, but seen as an outsider; he was detached. On many occasions when he was young, he had been abused by his father, bullied seriously at school and for that he developed an aggressive approach to living as he grew up. He also hated his father for his violent activities and unwholesome behavior of drinking and smoking. At his age, he got hooked up in a gang of five boys who called themselves ‘Fox Army’. Because of his dedication to these gang activities, his performance at school dwindled. For this, his father expresses serious harsh words on him, telling him he would never be anything good in life. In the whole of this picture stood a fearful mother who was always quiet and strictly aligned to the father’s opinion. Ken wondered on several occasions why he and his siblings were treated as such. He was ashamed of himself and his family. Having being threatened by his violent father with guns on several occasions, he felt the gun was a tool to silence enemies. In the gang, they all seem to share the same experiences of parental neglect and abuse, depression and confusion about the essence of living. They never felt any emotions nor did they perceive anything positive about schooling, family and other things around them. They share same schema of life: fight to protect yourself, enemies are out there in the world planning to eliminate you. The faster of us win to survive and see the light of another day. To see another to get others, use illegal means to make money and acquire material possessions in an attempt to use such things to eliminate the deep-seated feelings of worthlessness and shame. They were eager to make money by all means; so, they got into illegal drug sales. They also started smoking and drinking, adventures they felt would relieve them of the burden they carried. In no time, they had access to the guns of their parents for protection. Even with these, Ken did not make as much money as his friends. He got really frustrated and distressed because he needed the money to add up to that he got from his parents to stay in school. He woke up one morning by hammering slaps of his violent father who accused him of theft. He was guilty of the offence; yet, he denied it. His father started threatening hi with guns again. He left his bedroom and headed to the sitting where he kept his gun: he reached for it, and with it, killed his parents. In this vexation, he started saying all sorts of things like: ‘Fox soldier, go for the bait. Kill the enemy with sharpened teeth of the fox. Go and deal with the wicked world’ He kicked the main entrance door open and shot in the crowd of school children going early to school. He shot continuously, until he became so vexed and put the gun into his head, pulled the trigger and said, ‘it all ends here’. As the noise of the approaching cop intensifies, he pulled the trigger and shot himself. It was reported that five people died including Ken. The news was carried by a local newspaper. The only national daily that featured it described the teenager as ‘brutal’ and ‘horribly terrible’. And that was where it ended. Nobody wanted to know more. ‘WHAT IS NOT SEEN AT THE SCENE’ The main intention of the writer is to draw the attention of the Public to the menace of youth homicide with emphasis on understanding what is not seen at the scene, as a tool to stemming its tide. The scenario created above typifies the main point and arguments enunciated in the ‘Lost Boys’. The ideas launched in the text were based on statistical date from reliable sources, the experiences of those who have been affected in one way or the other by acts of youth violence and a ‘systematic’ approach to understanding what is not seen at the scene of the incident. He also drew ideas from the research and writings of other experts in the field to arrive at the following salient points: Youth violence is a major societal disorder that is quite extensive. However, it is obscured from its staggering reality by the national homicide picture which is reportedly stable. Lethal violence is common among the poor African-Americans and Hispanics, those who form the minority groups, with only few cases by Americans. These groups are concentrated in the inner city and suburbs of the South. As a result of those involved, the media and the general Public ignore ‘making sense’ of such crimes giving limited attention to it. This is claimed to be as a result of racism and class bias, as well as the perceived immunity Native Americans think they have. With the current tide of the menace sweeping to the abode of the ‘immunized’, he argues that no one is really immune. The current incidents recorded with new white faces awakened the Public to the reality of the issue: white teenagers are joining the train. With this pointed established, everyone sees a problem to be checked and it is easier to do. Having established that everyone is endangered, he seeks to lay a foundation for finding lasting solutions. First, he emphasizes the need to understand why the killers kill others and themselves. He believes that this would invariably be achieved by learning from the lives and experiences of those who have lived with it for the past two decades. Drawing form this point of strength where everyone’s attention is drawn, he shows that the accumulation of risk factors such as smoking, involvement in gang activity and illegal drug deals, access to guns, family history of violence, psychiatric disorders is central to the distorted behavior of killers.   He emphasizes that the causes of youth violence are complex and cannot be associated with a single factor. He notes that culprits are no animals but humans who have been strongly influenced by risk factors they grew with, and only live to bury their deep-seated shame by acts of violence; they are like Ken, who did not see any cogent reason for living. THE WAY OUT Having stated the reality of violence, the ‘Southern’ location of its prevalence because of prevailing factors and the lessons of the past, he then proposes ways of dealing with the violence: Both the individual and the community, are involved.   The individual needs proper parental care, protection, training and mentoring; these would help to build a strong self-image and create positive outlook to life. The home is the first community that is pertinent in building a good child: this should be stable, loving and full of positive affirmations for the growing child; necessary needs should also be met. The government has a major role to play; it should enact laws that reduce crime, promote community campaigns against violence and crime, provide funds for educational and health institutions. A credible and fair justice system must be on present. He particularly suggested a ‘Visiting Nurse Program’. He also emphasized good working relationships between professionals involved with the menace of youth violence. In conclusion, a society who fails to wake up to the roar of a wandering lion by getting hunters ready, should be prepared to dance to the music of the Vulture that would feast on their carcasses.   

A Character Sketch of Mustapha Mond in Brave New World

Mustapha Mond Character Sketch It is said that a great leader must always lead by example. This is not always true, a leader must sometimes partake in some negative activities in order to protect the interests of the populous. An excellent example of this is Mustapha Mond. When one first meets Mustapha Mond, it is obvious that he is distinctly different from the other alpha plusses; Mond is unique, wise, and authoritative. Mustapha Mond is unique in part because he reads prohibited literature. Unlike the other denizens of Brave New World, Mond has read the classic works of Shakespeare, the Bible, and other remnants of the old world.Additionally, he believes in the presence of god. This is a concept unknown to most of the populous, because society has made god unnecessary; when no one is ever alone or unhappy, they do not need to request things from god. Mond used to be an inquisitive scientist; he was smart enough to realize that the so-called science they practiced was not real inno vation, thus he started to experiment on his own or in Mond's words, † ‘I started doing a bit of cooking on my own. Unorthodox cooking, illicit cooking. A bit of real science' â€Å"(226).Doing things in private, let alone doing science in private is something unheard of in Brave New World. Although, being the only man in a world full of sheep, can be a good trait to a leader. Mond is wise, thus a good leader. He understands the big picture. One example of this ability, is that he recognizes that the high arts cannot exist without strife. The current society has nearly no pain, no sorrow, no loneliness, and none of the detrimental negative emotions that are necessary to understand works of high art, such as Othello.He recognizes that the populous would no longer understand classics like Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, he recognizes that however much workers may request for shorter hours, the truth is, they are happier working the longer work days. This is because, worke rs have nothing to do in their â€Å"spare time† as was exemplified by Mond, † ‘Ireland was put on to the four-hour day. What was the result? Unrest and a large increase in the consumption of soma' † (224). In fact, Mond claims that the Invention office is stuffed with labor saving ideas; however, for the sake of stability, he uses his authority as the ResidentWorld Controller to hold back change that would be detrimental to society. Authority is a requirement for people in positions of power, and as the Resident World Controller, Mond is not afraid to use his power. A stable society cannot have dissenters, thus, all nonconformists are sent to sub centers including Bernard Marx and Helmholtz. However, he does not allow John to leave Brave New World, with his fore mentioned friends Bernard and Helmholtz, because the experiment, being the introduction of a â€Å"savage† into civilization, must go on.Mond's authority is best summarized in his own words: † ‘I make the laws here, I can also break them. With impunity, Mr. Marx, Which I'm afraid you can't' † (219). In the words of Vincent Thomas Lombardi, â€Å"The leader can never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. † Mustapha Mond is an excellent example of this, Mond is a wise, unique, and authoritative leader with traits that distinguish him from the other alpha plusses. He is one of the few conscious people in a world full of glassy eyed automatons.

Multinational Fast Food Company KFC Research Paper

Multinational Fast Food Company KFC - Research Paper Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was established in Corbin, Kentucky by the able hands of Harland Sanders. He was conceived in a little ranch in Henryville, the United States in 1890. He enjoys cooking and concocting recipes. He attempted to blend eleven herbs and flavors with wheat flour, he was triumphant with his work and he had a mystery formula for cooking chicken. Amid the 1930s, he attempted to develop and got to be known. The State's senator named Harland Sanders a privileged Kentucky Colonel at the first run through. Second, he added to an exceptional, speedy system for spicing and weight on the grounds that he had opened a 142-seat eatery, gas station and motel. In 1950, he chose to close his eatery in light of the fact that the clients diminished, however, he put the first establishment in 1952 plus 105 USD with the mystery formula. He got shares for 5 percent every piece of chicken for copyright. In 1964, a speculator bunch purch ased Kentucky Fried Chicken and made an arrangement that Sander was Kentucky Fried Chicken representative for helping and offering a proposal to them. In 1971 Kentucky Fried Chicken together with Connecticut-based particularly in nourishment and in 1986 Kentucky Fried Chicken had a huge breakthrough that Soft-Drink titan, PepsiCo purchased Kentucky Fried Chicken for $840 million from RJR Nabisco. They arranged to discrete KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut to be another Corporation under the name Tricon Global Restaurant, and they had income.

Introduction and Outline on ;Measles Outbreak in America Research Paper

Introduction and Outline on ;Measles Outbreak in America - Research Paper Example This is an outline of some of the major areas in the research paper, Measles Outbreak in America. Reasons for Vaccination- These are identified as some of the main reasons why American parents should have their children vaccinated against measles, which also aids in taking care of mumps and rubella. It is a highly contagious disease, and for that reason, individuals must be vaccinated against it to prevent a pandemic from happening. Reasons against Vaccination- These surround the highly controversial issues that try to insinuate that the vaccine for measles is slowly giving American children other ailments, for example; autism. This is the biggest challenge when it comes to the vaccination process, where the public is ignorant of what is meant to benefit the entire population, and is slowing the process of eradicating this disease. Factors leading to the differences of opinion- Different research studies that indicate the MMR vaccine is harmful may be among the top reasons why the vaccine is under so much scrutiny. The lack of information also plays a herculean role in reducing the knowledge-base of most Americans when it comes to measles and the vaccine meant to protect the population against it. Recommendations- By identifying what needs to be done in terms of sensitization, the American public can be made aware of what is crucial for their survival, and those of their children. Measles is a killer disease and a high number of most cases can be solved if only the public was educated on the subject of vaccination. The health sector may have its work cut out for them, especially when the population is not aware that what they think is right may actually kill them in the end. Conclusion- Assuming that measles is non-existent does not make it so. People are being infected with this disease, because they chose to assume it was eradicated.

Light peak( high speed opictal cable technology) Essay

Light peak( high speed opictal cable technology) - Essay Example Light Peak is defined to as a new interface technology of peripheral which enable nodes to connect devices of peripheral or other nodes through an optical connector. Use of optical technology has been in the industry for quite sometime. Telecom companies have used it for networking for years. Light, instead of a wire, is considered much more efficient means of relaying enormous data over long distances. The challenge is optical modules used in conversion of the electrical signals into optical were exceedingly large and expensive. By use of the newly come technology, there is a possibility for the firm to produce affordable and compact optical modules. There are several outstanding differences between optical cabling and electrical cabling. However, the major advantage of using Light Peak technology is seen in optical cabling substituting electrical cabling. Use of copper wire in inter-device communication has its demerits. The level of signal distortion increases with the increase in the distance and speed of transmission. Consequently, the interruption becomes too much that there is no reliable signal transmission between the peripheral and the computer. This explains the reason as to why peripheral cables have fixed lengths. Optical signals do not reflect the interruptions experienced when copper wire is used in signal transmission. This implies that optical cables can extend to serve longer distances compared to copper wire. Additionally, optical fibers are much thinner enabling more flexibility in cabling compared to bundles of copper wire. A recommended cable of Light Peak is almost of the same size of a strand of human hair. These optical cables can be increased up to a length of100 meters that will effectively serve every place within a household as well as enough for businesses. Light Peak technology has a close comparison with the allied USB technology. Although USB

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Genetic and society - Article Example It benefits processors and farmers because its bruise resistance making it financially cost effective. The cons of innate potatoes are that, some researchers think that, though approved the technology is not regulated adequately as the methods used to suppress the genes are not well comprehended. Some of the substances important to the crop for pest protection and nitrogen use are also being suppressed. Consumers, restaurants and food companies have expressed health concerns by rejecting such crops for it may cause cancer. Simplot Company engineering the potato says the potato has genes such as bacteria and promises of its health benefits (Pollack, para.1-3, 9). In conclusion, the innate potato has both economic and health effects. The approval of this potato by the national potato Council has reservations. The food industry had been advised to reduce acrylamide levels by the F.D.A by issuing a guideline on potato handling from farm to cooking. Undoubtedly, many companies have adopted this measure and do not need the genetically engineered

Curriculum Based Assessment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Curriculum Based Assessment - Research Paper Example The research sought to establish the possibility of developing a formative assessment system. Teachers could use this system to grow their effectiveness in teaching learners with academic disabilities. Eventually, a comparative study showed that teachers were more effective on using this formative model. In this regard, the validity criteria and conventional credibility in writings, expressions, and spellings were emphasized. There were three key questions addressed in creating a curriculum based assessment procedures. This included the mode of structuring the activities of evaluation in order to produce adequate data, the parameters of measuring the results, and the possibility of using the data to grow educational programs (Stecker & Fuchs, 2000, P.130). These questions were answered using a systematic evaluation of three major issues relevant to each of the measures. The logistical feasibility of the measures and treatment of utility or validity of the measures were technically ev aluated. The procedures for developing the assessment have been specified and will be briefly discussed. Definition Curriculum is the content that is organized for delivery to students. It is done with respect to sequence and scope of methods and materials by intended learning results (Lemons et al, 2013, p.450). Curriculum based assessment is a term that is used to refer to school based assessment that evaluates student performance in accordance to what is being taught. Curriculum based test measures the functioning of student in relation to knowledge and skills as outlined in the curriculum. It is noteworthy that the curriculum-based measurement measures the progress and competency of a student in the basic areas of skill such as... This essay approves that curriculum based assessment is an approach to measuring the educational growth of each student. The main objective of the curriculum-based assessment is to assist teachers in testing the effectiveness of the lessons offer to individual students. Curriculum based assessment has both advantages and disadvantages. They are efficient and economical in that most of the important characteristics that are used in developing curriculum based measurement procedures are within the context of the ongoing instructions. This report makes a conclusion that the results of CBM research have provided a ground for developing standardized procedures of measurement used to evaluate the effects of modifying the students’ instructional program. A research on the student’s achievement effects on teachers of special education using these procedures proved that the effectiveness of instruction could be improved by the use of CBM in formative evaluation. The assessment of CBM focuses mainly on reading and math as a basic skill. The broad focus is on the measurement areas, basic skills, behavior and others. The basic skills of reading, spelling, math, written expression and critical thinking skills are assessed. Curriculum based assessment procedures focus majorly on special education planning and development. It is evident that response to intervention is nowadays common. This improves teaching and learning with regard to the effective component of RTI that requires particular attention from admini strators.