Is Hydropower Really Environmentally Friendly Essay

Is Hydropower Really Environmentally Friendly - Essay Example Hydropower’s negative impacts on the environment are almost equal to its positive impacts, thus making its impacts on the environment a heated topic for debate. The positive and negative impacts of Three Gorges Dam on the environment will also be explored in this paper (Draper  7, 11; Honningsvag et al. 183; Moog 1; Gunkel 1). There is a possibility that fossil fuels are gradually decreasing and because the global warming is increasing due to their use, water is apparently a much cleaner source of energy. Moreover, unlike fossil fuels, water cannot be depleted. This is because when water evaporates from oceans and lakes, it is pulled back down to earth by gravity and back into these water bodies. There are many measures that make hydropower an environmentally friendly source of energy. These include changes that are made either to the hydropower plant or the area surrounding it. Trees can be planted on the land along the banks of the water nearest to the hydropower plant, in order to prevent erosion of the soil there. Fluctuations in the level of the water can be minimized by making sure they take place within the regulation height normally used instead of taking place between the whole maximum and minimum regulation height. This measure avoids many fishes from remaining stranded in the reservoir when the rest of them migrate to rivers or deeper water (Draper  7, 11; Honningsvag et al. 183, 204, 206). However, according to a quantitative study of several Austrian rivers, artificial fluctuations in water can have an adverse effect on the fish fauna and benthic invertebrates living in those waters. In the investigation, the breakdown of benthic invertebrates and fish fauna was calculated throughout the length of the rivers. The results showed that between 75 and 95 percent of benthic invertebrates’ biomass was found in the first few kilometers of river length. On the other hand, a decrease of between 40 and 60 percent of benthic invertebratesâ⠂¬â„¢ biomass, compared with areas undisturbed by fluctuations, was found within the following 20 to 40 kilometers. When the biomass of fish fauna was detected in the same length of river, the results were similar to the ones mentioned previously. This proves that hydropower plants can reduce the biomass of fish fauna and benthic invertebrates in the rivers that precede them (Moog 1). Another negative effect of hydropower plants, according to some new investigations, is that they do contribute to the emissions of carbon dioxide and methane, which are greenhouse gases. When reservoirs, which are part of hydropower plants, are in a eutrophic state, and trophic levels are high, anaerobic conditions are bound to occur with the emission of methane. The pathways for the production of methane include diffuse emission through the water-air interface, foaming, and degassing in the hydropower plant’s turbines and downstream in the reservoir spillway and the initial river length. High e mission rates of both carbon dioxide and methane are found particularly in shallow and tropical reservoirs. By calculating the energy density, hydropower capacity and ratio of the reservoir surface, it has been found that some reservoirs have a global warming potential that is more than that of coal use for production of energy. This investigation questions the labeling of water as a

Baroque Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Baroque Art - Essay Example Whereas it is sometimes the case that a sculpture or is also skilled with the use of oil and canvas, this was especially true with regards to Geon Lorenzo Bernini. Tying in with the discussion and analysis of the means by which many of the Baroque artists were sponsored and promoted by the Catholic Church, Bernini is an especially good example of this. Rising rapidly among the ranks of the many artists of the time, Bernini soon attracted the attention of the papacy who commissioned him to perform several works of art. Blown away by his skill and prowess, both on canvas and with marble, Bernini became something of an artist of court for several successive popes. With such a notion in mind, it is easier to analyze the implied meaning and means by which bring me the expressed strong overt and subliminal religious tones within â€Å"The Ecstasy of St. Theresa† (Wilkin 31). Many scholars have considered this particular sculpture to be the beginning of high Roman Baroque art. In eff ect, even the casual observer can note the means by which the sculpture approach rates how the divine is interacting with the earthly via a theatrical mechanism. This in truth and into the affairs of men create something of a sensual, some even say orgasmic, juxtaposition of both the divine and human. However, rather than understanding the sculpture in too much of a temporal mindset, it was doubtless Bernini’s intention to express the pure joy and bliss that mankind could achieve when in communion with the divine. Although thematic elements between Bernini and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, represented within his artwork entitled â€Å"The Crucifixion of St. Peter†, are quite disparate, the reality of the matter is that the ideas represented and discussed are both highly spiritual in nature. At first glance, the reader can note the fact that a painstakingly detailed and imaginative oil painting of the crucifixion of St. Peter is displayed. Beyond the fact that St. Peter is obviously the only face within the portrait that can be seen, beyond the fact that St. Peter’s body, although supposedly aged at the time it is crucifixion, is unbelievably toned muscular, the viewer is also illustrated with the subliminal understanding that the weight of this crucifixion, both physical and mental, ways most heavily upon the perpetrators. As can be noted from an examination of the painting, it requires three strong young men to carry the body of an agent St. Peter to his final crucifixion (Marcussen 75). Each and every one of them are weighed down event under the heft of both

Is Hydropower Really Environmentally Friendly Essay

Is Hydropower Really Environmentally Friendly - Essay Example Hydropower’s negative impacts on the environment are almost equal to its positive impacts, thus making its impacts on the environment a heated topic for debate. The positive and negative impacts of Three Gorges Dam on the environment will also be explored in this paper (Draper  7, 11; Honningsvag et al. 183; Moog 1; Gunkel 1). There is a possibility that fossil fuels are gradually decreasing and because the global warming is increasing due to their use, water is apparently a much cleaner source of energy. Moreover, unlike fossil fuels, water cannot be depleted. This is because when water evaporates from oceans and lakes, it is pulled back down to earth by gravity and back into these water bodies. There are many measures that make hydropower an environmentally friendly source of energy. These include changes that are made either to the hydropower plant or the area surrounding it. Trees can be planted on the land along the banks of the water nearest to the hydropower plant, in order to prevent erosion of the soil there. Fluctuations in the level of the water can be minimized by making sure they take place within the regulation height normally used instead of taking place between the whole maximum and minimum regulation height. This measure avoids many fishes from remaining stranded in the reservoir when the rest of them migrate to rivers or deeper water (Draper  7, 11; Honningsvag et al. 183, 204, 206). However, according to a quantitative study of several Austrian rivers, artificial fluctuations in water can have an adverse effect on the fish fauna and benthic invertebrates living in those waters. In the investigation, the breakdown of benthic invertebrates and fish fauna was calculated throughout the length of the rivers. The results showed that between 75 and 95 percent of benthic invertebrates’ biomass was found in the first few kilometers of river length. On the other hand, a decrease of between 40 and 60 percent of benthic invertebratesâ⠂¬â„¢ biomass, compared with areas undisturbed by fluctuations, was found within the following 20 to 40 kilometers. When the biomass of fish fauna was detected in the same length of river, the results were similar to the ones mentioned previously. This proves that hydropower plants can reduce the biomass of fish fauna and benthic invertebrates in the rivers that precede them (Moog 1). Another negative effect of hydropower plants, according to some new investigations, is that they do contribute to the emissions of carbon dioxide and methane, which are greenhouse gases. When reservoirs, which are part of hydropower plants, are in a eutrophic state, and trophic levels are high, anaerobic conditions are bound to occur with the emission of methane. The pathways for the production of methane include diffuse emission through the water-air interface, foaming, and degassing in the hydropower plant’s turbines and downstream in the reservoir spillway and the initial river length. High e mission rates of both carbon dioxide and methane are found particularly in shallow and tropical reservoirs. By calculating the energy density, hydropower capacity and ratio of the reservoir surface, it has been found that some reservoirs have a global warming potential that is more than that of coal use for production of energy. This investigation questions the labeling of water as a

Website Design for Interactive Environment Coursework - 1

Website Design for Interactive Environment - Coursework Example In its purest form, the 100% mobile device is an extension of the user not the other way round, extension of the device. Globally, mobile devices outnumber desktop computers 20-1. Given that, not every mobile device- especially phones- has the functionality to access the internet, however the turnover frequency for mobile devices is higher than that of the desktop devices. Mobile devices have brought a revolutionary omnipresence and it is vital to understand the meaning of the term â€Å"mobile web†. There are cases that call for the inclusion of protocols and standards such as SMTP, SMS, and IM in the definition of this term but this report adapts Colborne’s definition as the subset of HTTP content that has been optimized for and is accessible with a mobile device. Mobile web content is therefore less detailed, making it lighter than desktop web, due to the technical limitations posed by the technology. When using a desktop workstation to access the web, we connect using Ethernet over a leased line that has a rich infrastructure. If we opted to use Wi-Fi in place of the Ethernet, even on the same workstation at home, it comes with new complications into the equation. A close examination of the underlying technology that supports mobile web reveals the technical hurdles that a mobile device overcomes while connecting to the exact same data reservoir as the workstation or notebook PC. The mobile device connects over a less robust network whether it’s the faster and newer EDGE or G3 connection or slower and older GPRS. Once the connection has been made, it must be held through a call transfer from multiple cell-towers as the user traverses the coverage connection matrix of a given carrier. This makes the mobile devices extremely limited in terms of available bandwidth. Screen size is the most obvious difference a computer and mobile device. For years, the minimum screen resolution designed has been increasing. Similarly,

Gender Inequality Essay Example for Free

Gender Inequality Essay Gender can be defined as the socially constructed roles and duties society constructs, assigns and expects of males and females on the basis of their biological and physical characteristics. Gender is learnt, not permanent and differs from one community to another. Gender roles and responsibilities are found in all spheres of society be it economic, social, political or religious. Gender roles are affected by age, social class, ability, ethnicity and race. The gender roles help society to determine men and women access to rights, resources and opportunities. Gender in this perspective is not just a concept, but about perceptions and understanding concerning the affiliation between males and females in society and how gender influences their attitudes, behavior and responsibilities. Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment of men and women that are against the legal and constitutional requirement such as the human rights provisions as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 The Convention on the Eradication of all forms of discrimination against females (1979). Most countries have, however, fallen short of entitling human rights and freedoms to everyone in society regardless of their sex (Michael 12). Gender inequality varies from developed countries to developing countries. Also considering that the world is comprised of different tribes and races that have distinct values and beliefs, gender inequality will vary with the same intensity. Such inequalities include the professional obstacles that women encounter in their workplaces. It is evident that women’s lack of leadership positions because such roles are considered to be meant for men. Those who are mothers may be penalized or discriminated for taking time off to attend to their children. The controversial issue concerning gender inequality is the need to acknowledge the unequal power relations between men and women in society and to work for greater gender equality and the advancement of women. It does not only mean the identification of specific areas that are important for women’s advancements, but also attempts to introduce a dimension of gender in all activities. It also means there is recognition of how important it is to work with both men and women to change the existing gender relations. According to the United States Census data, there is a gender wage gap in which women earn 77 cents for each dollar earned by a man. The gap is a matter of concern that has prompted  President Obama to announce the Paycheck fairness Act on Equal Pay Day. However, according to the one of the lead economist the statistics behind the gender wage gap are flawed. The flawed statistics have acted hindrance and distracter to the legislator and concerned public from finding the solutions that would solve the real problem-the gender jobs gap. The Census data that give the 77 cents on dollar comparison is based on aggregate earning of men and women thus ignoring job choice, education, experience, industry, and other factors that contribute to a person’s wage. If a comparison is made between men and women with the same background such as education and experience, same employer, among other the gender gap disappears. The reasons why the gender job gap exists is the due to low number of female occupying high executive levels and director positions. Men also are earning higher than women despite being in the same senio r-level jobs. The choice of work is a major that determine potential earnings. Men tend to take relatively high-paying jobs in engineering and IT, while women take low-paying jobs like education and human resources. The gender gap persists because men and women choose to pursue different careers (Autor et al, 2008). The gender job gap can be closed, if women are encouraged to pursue high-paying career in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. Legislation should be formulated to bridge the gap in men and women career choice. An enabling environment should create in the workplace where women can be empowered and helped to rise to top executive positions. Comparing the job to job is not tenable solution in addressing the gender wage gap; more need to be done to bring women earning close to that of men (Juhn et al, 2014). Gender inequality also involves feticide and infanticide. For instance, in India and China, a male child is more appreciated than a female child. Parents have to find out the sex of the baby they are carrying so as to decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or kill the child after its birth (Kristoff, 69). One of my family members in China, my cousin who has a bias th at boys better than girls. I was very angry that he convinced his wife went to abortion because his wife pregnant with a girl when I knew he did that. He explained that China has the birth control policy and he just want to a boy to continue his family name. In the legal area at China, it wasn’t involve in crime for what he did. However, in the ethical area, he deprive his wife’s thought and the  baby who didn’t has chance come to the world. I think he against the humanity and nature. There are also a number of organizations in society that play key roles in the construction of gender. These organizations need to be gender sensitive so as to ensure they continue in the positive construction of gender equality. Such organizations include the family, the most imperative socializing proxy, school, media and religion. Several theoretical perspectives exist that tend to explain the origin of gender inequalities. Radical feminists argue that the gender inequalities arise from the biological differences among individuals that produce a form of social organization that equip men and women with the different roles they play in society. For example, women are handicapped by their biology in terms of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding that makes them dependent on men. This dependence creates an une qual power relationships and power psychology. They also argue that, in every society, a high value is placed on culture rather than nature. Through culture, supernatural forces can be sought in order to achieve success, hence it is considered a means by which humanity governs and regulates nature. Women are seen closer to nature than men because of their social roles as mothers and reproduction (Hekman 52). Men, on the other hand, participate in activities such as warfare, politics that involve culture. This makes them better to women. From a Marxist perspective, gender inequality arose during the earlier stages of development when there was ownership of private property. Men gained control over the women and property hence the patriarchal system of family where property was passed down through the male’s line. Marxists thought this would change with the capitalist system but women still continue to be disadvantaged compared to men. On the contrary, liberal feminists approached gender inequality in a more elaborate way. They argued that nobody benefits from the existing gender inequalities since both men and women are harmed by inequalities. While women do not get opportunities to develop their talents and become successful and skilled members, men are also denied the o pportunity of having a close relationship with their children. Gender inequality is caused by the general credence that males are superior to females; because of this idea, women have spent some significant amount of years suffering under their counterparts. Males also tend to be more emphatic and absolute because of their natal hormones or intuitive  intellect. Sexual discrimination is also another major cause of gender inequality where women are viewed by men as just sex objects rather than real human beings with standards and morals. Other general contributing factors of gender inequality include unequal power relations, assumptions about male and female behavior, insufficient laws against gender inequality, cultural, traditional and religious practices. I became aware of this problem through the campaigns that the government and other Non-Governmental Organizations have held. Their efforts are directed towards ensuring that gender inequality is minimized all over the world. Awareness is being created among women where they get to be educated on their rights and freedoms (Hurst, 96). The women are being empowered through sponsoring women projects as a way of generating income that makes them less dependable on women. The media is al so playing a vital role on the sensitization of ways of minimizing gender inequality in the societies. Higher education in universities and colleges also promotes women support and all levels of society. The government is doing everything in its power to increase the productivity of women by initiating income generating projects. However, they do not take into account that women are already overburdened with work, they do not control family budgets and many of them have difficulties of freedom and movement. It is evident that the informal sector has limited employment opportunities and these projects will not be taken with the seriousness it deserves despite having the ability to empower the women. It is also easy to mobilize individuals or groups for a specific goal such as a political action or assisting members who are in need. In this case curbing, the menace of gender inequality in the society will be of great help. This is because it has charged most nations more harm than good. Most people have depicted that certain duties and tasks are to be performed by certain persons making gender imbalance. Heavy duties are usually dedicated to men while the simple ones are left to the females creating a huge difference in genders. Until all these issues are addressed there is no way that the nation and the globe will ever achieve gender balance. Work cited Michael G. Peletz, Gender, Sexuality and Body Politics in Modern Asia. Ann Arbor, MI: Association for Asian studies, 2011. Kristoff, Nicholas D. (August 23, 2009). â€Å"The Women’s Crusade. New York Times. Retrieved February 16, 2011. Burstein, Paul. â€Å"Equal Employment Opportunity: Labor Market Discrimination and Public Policy.† Edison, NJ: Aldine Transaction, 1994. Hekman, David R.; Aquino, Karl; Owens, Brad P.; Mitchell, Terence R.; (2009) An Examination of How Racial and Gender Biases Influence Customer Satisfaction. Autor, D. H., Katz, L. F., Kearney, M. S. (2013). Trends in US wage inequality: Revising the revisionists. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 90(2), 300-323. Juhn, C., Ujhelyi, G., Villegas-Sanchez, C. (2014). Men, women, and machines: how trade impacts gender inequality. Journal of Development Economics, 106, 179-193.

Violence And Fear Created By Gangs Criminology Essay

Violence And Fear Created By Gangs Criminology Essay The term gang has instilled fear in communities and neighborhoods for decades. This fear is created by the violence exhibited by prison, street and motorcycle gangs. The media shows and tells the public that no one is safe and anyone at anytime could become a victim in the gang wars. This portrayal in the media causes parents, neighborhoods and communities to shut down in the fight against gangs. Gangs are able to survive and thrive off of this fear created not only by their actions but by the media as well. Knowledge is power in the fight against gangs as well as the prevention of membership. Should we be as concerned as this fear has lead us to be? Gangs: Should We Be Concerned? A gang is defined as a group of individuals that work or act together, particularly criminals or juvenile delinquents (Agnes, 2003, p.268). A gangster is defined as a member of a gang (Agnes, 2003, p.268). The term gangster was first used in the 1890s to label the Chicago thugs who used violence and other illegal methods to make sure their favorite candidates for political office were elected (Blackwood, 2002). The period that is most associated with gangsters is the 1920s. This is the period that the term gangster was used to also include criminals such as bootleggers, kidnappers, bank robbers, extortionists and hit men. The term has maintained popularity over the years and is still used to label members of a gang. Gangs in the 1920s and gangs now are similar in that both gained control of an illegal market. The liquor trade was controlled in the 1920s during Prohibition and the drug trade is currently controlled by gangs (Blackwood, 2002). This control of an illegal market also brings arrests, violence, weapons and money. Being a part of a gang then was about making money and today that is still the goal. Money, however, is just one factor in the desire to become a gangster. Gangs formed before the 1980s fit the traditional definition of a gang. These gangs began defending turf, however, grew into large organizations that became heavily involved in the drug trade and other criminal activity. Fists, chains and knives that were used in earlier gangs were replaced with automatic firearms and drive by shootings. The average size of a traditional gang is one hundred and eighty members and has distinct structure and organization (Sonder, 1996). Many cities such as Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia have a few of the larger organized gangs and even more of the loosely organized gangs. These gangs are considered neighborhood gangs. The newer, smaller gangs tend to be less involved with drugs and violence. These smaller gangs are more diverse and tend to have white, female, and even middle class members. Some of these gangs take names similar to the nationally known gangs and participate in graffiti, etc. but may not be overly violent or heavily involved in drug sales. Parents, police, and the community still need to be vigilant in combating these gangs as there is a possibility of more violence and criminal activity over time (Barbour, 2006). The statistics that back up the gang problem are eye opening. There were over twenty one thousand gangs identified in the United States and over seven hundred thirty one thousand gang members identified in 2002. In that same year, one thousand two hundred and thirty two homicides were attributed to gang activity (Barbour, 2006). The ethnic make-up of gang members is diverse. Forty nine percent are Latino, thirty four are black, ten percent are white, six percent are Asian, and one percent is other (Barbour, 2006). There are more Latino gangs, which include Hispanic, due to immigration, the need for fast money and the perception that there is a need for protection from other gangs. Gang experts advise there are multiple reasons individuals join gangs. These reasons include but are not limited to peer pressure, self esteem issues, poverty, yearning for excitement, survival, the want to make fast money, gain power, and attract members of the opposite sex. The main reason an individual joins a gang is to feel a sense of belonging and protection (Barbour, 2006). Many juveniles join gangs due to an unstable family environment that normally provides a sense of belonging and protection. For these juveniles, a gang is their family and serves the purpose of a traditional family (Barbour, 2006). For others, it is a rite of passage to join the same gang as their family members are already in. In the latter situation, gangs and the lifestyle of the gang is simply a way of life for these juveniles (Barbour, 2006). Juveniles enter the gang early and begin committing crimes immediately. Power and entitlement are other factors that encourage gang membership. Gang members are often individuals with high ambitions who have a fantasy about making fast money and gaining expensive cars and flashy jewelry (Sonder, 1996). Obtaining these items seems out of reach and would take too long to achieve so gang life seems the only alternative. Committing crime appears to be an easier method to obtain the fantasy of high achievement (Sonder, 1996). Gangs are a contributing factor in juveniles committing violent crimes in both small and large cities. Members of gangs are relocating from urban areas to suburban areas. This move expands the gangs control of drug distribution, money, new members, evading law enforcement and other gangs (National Drug Intelligence, 2009). A study of delinquent acts in Rochester, NY showed that gang members accounted for sixty eight percent of all violent offenses committed by juveniles. In Denver, a similar study reflected seventy nine percent of all violent offenses were attributed to juveniles that were members of a gang. Gang related homicides involving juveniles has increased by more than fifty percent according to Professor James Alan Fox, a Northeastern University criminologist (Barbour, 2006, p.17). Those statistics are a representation of juveniles and gang activity. Law enforcement officials have reported that eighty percent of criminal activity is gang related, involving both juvenile and adult members (National Drug Intelligence, 2009). As far as what type of gang a juvenile or adult becomes a member of depends, as there are several different types of gangs. According to the National Gang Intelligence Center of 2009 there are three types of gangs. There are street gangs, prison gangs, and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Street gangs that operate in multi jurisdictions across the country are a huge threat due to the control of such a large geographical area. Street gangs that commit criminal acts such as violence and drugs are the greatest threat to society. That threat becomes intensified as the street gangs migrate from urban areas to suburban and rural areas. Prison gangs are a major threat due to the control and influence over the street gangs in the community, even from prison. The structure of prison gangs is highly organized and acts as a criminal network within the state and local prisons. Members that have been released from prison also assist in the day to day operations of the prison gang. Released members generally return to their community and resume old gang affiliations. Once old gang affiliations are resumed, the member then recruits street gang members to carry out criminal acts for the prison gang. Prison gangs control the distribution of drugs within the prison but also in the community in some cases as well (Know Gangs, n.d.). Outlaw motorcycle gangs are also a public safety threat in the communities where they operate as they take part in various criminal acts, frequently use violence, and counter the efforts of law enforcement. Some of the criminal activity outlaw motorcycle gangs participate in are drug and weapons smuggling as well as violent crime. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are highly organized and structured. There are regulations on membership, conduct, and even criminal activity. The size of the gang ranges from a single chapter to hundreds of chapters throughout (National Drug Intelligence, 2009). The most widely known street and prison gangs are the Aryan Brotherhood, La eme (Mexican Mafia), Latin Kings, Gangster Disciples, Texas Syndicate, Crips, Bloods, and MS-13(Mara Salvatrucha). The most widely known outlaw motorcycle gangs are the Hells Angels and Mongols. Fear is the one thing that all of these gangs have in common. By putting fear into the community, they are controlling it. The Aryan Brotherhood originated in 1967 at the San Quentin Prison in California. This gang was originally formed as protection from black prisoners, however, it quickly turned into a lucrative criminal enterprise. Members have a white supremacist, Neo-Nazi mentality; however, have a working relationship with Le-eme (Mexican Mafia). Symbols of the Aryan Brotherhood are Shamrock clover leaves, swastikas, double lightning bolts, initials AB, and the numbers 666(Inside Prison, 2006). Members have a deep rooted hatred towards blacks and black gangs such as the Crips, Bloods, and Gangster Disciples. A violent act must be committed for initiation Blood in, Blood out). There is also a creed that all members must abide by: I will stand by my brother, My brother will come before all others, My life is forfeited should I fail my brother, I will honor my brother in peace and war(Inside Prison, 2006). This creed is evident during criminal prosecutions against members, such as the one in Santa Ana, California. In Santa Ana, California one of the largest death penalty cases was tried and involved four Aryan members. The trial revealed that the Aryan Brotherhood is a ruthless gang that murders anyone that opposes them, even their own members. Two of the members convicted were eligible for the death penalty due to their part in ordering a race war at a Lewisburg, Pennsylvania prison that resulted in the death of two black prisoners. Both members ended up with life without parole instead of death. The same two members responsible for the race war along with another accomplice also murdered another prisoner in 1989 (Inside Prison, 2006). La eme also known as the Mexican Mafia began in California in 1957. The day to day operations are of a paramilitary structure that includes a president, vice president, lieutenants, sergeants, and generals. Under these high ranking officials, there are soldiers, suppliers and associates. There is a twelve rule Constitution that must be followed by all members: Membership is for life, all members must be prepared to kill or be killed for the greater good of the gang, every member must be disciplined and work through weaknesses, never let the gang down, a sponsoring member is completely responsible for all actions of the new member and if the member turns out to be a snitch the sponsor must eliminate the new member, when disrespected by any person, all members must eliminate that person, maintain a high level of integrity at all times, never speak of la eme business, each member can express opinions, each member can organize, arm, and defend la eme, each member has the right to wear la eme tattoo, and the last rule is that la eme is a criminal enterprise and will participate in any and all criminal acts for monetary benefit(Inside prison, 2006). The symbol of the Mexican Mafia is the national symbol of Mexico, which is both an eagle and a snake on a circle with flames, along with crossed knives (Inside Prison, 2006). The Mexican Mafia was created as a way to gain more freedom over the prison underworld which was controlled by whites. The Italian Mafia was the template for the creation of the Mexican Mafia. Over a short period of time they began to control the narcotic traffic in the California prison system and develop their own trademark (Inside Prison, 2006). The Mexican Mafia has a specific manner in which contract murders are carried out that became their trademark. The manner involves kidnapping, binding, and gagging the victim with duct tape prior to putting bullets into the back of the skull. The body is then wrapped in a blanket and disposed of in a remote location. This method was demonstrated in the 1997 robbery on West French Place that did not go as planned. Five individuals were blindfolded and duct taped then shot several times in the back of the skull (Inside Prison, 2006). Gangster Disciples, also called Black Gangster Disciples was created in the 1960s by David Barksdale, leader of the Gonzanto Disciples and Larry Hoover, leader of the Supreme Disciples. These two groups combined and formed the Black Gangster Disciples. David Barksdale was the leader and Larry Hoover was second in command. David Barksdale died in 1972 and Larry Hoover took over (Know Gangs, n.d.). The Black Gangster Disciples use the six pointed star, Star of David, as their symbol. This symbol represents loyalty, understanding, knowledge, wisdom as well as love. Other symbols include an upside down pitchfork and a heart with wings. Members generally tattoo themselves with a top hat with a staff out of the top which is a pitchfork with the numbers three, six and zero along with an upside down cross at the bottom. Clothing may consist of the sports team Oakland Raiders and carry a black, grey or white bandana (Know Gangs, n.d.). The Gangster Disciples can be found in cities across the United States, however, Chicago is the location of the leaders and there is a strong presence in the Midwest. In the mid 1990s a federal task force was formed to investigate the involvement of the Gangster Disciples in multiple murders and drug trafficking. The result of the investigation found that the gang was making over one hundred million dollars a year in illegal drug sales. Multiple members were convicted and are now serving life sentences (Know Gangs, n.d.). Latin Kings first came about in Chicago in the 1940s. The Latin Kings gang was created by a few Puerto Rican immigrants as a way to defend and protect themselves from racism and prejudice. Their slogan was that they would rise above racism and prejudice and form an organization of Kings. After a period of time, the gang became involved in criminal activity and even though the first members were Puerto Rican, most members now are Mexican-American. Identifiers include the five point crown, which means represent love, respect, sacrifice, honor and obedience. Colors of the Latin Kings include yellow or gold. The head of the entire criminal organization is known as the Inca. Latin Kings have chapters also known as sets in states across the country, each reporting to a leader (Know Gangs, n.d.). The gang known as Texas Syndicate originated in the early 1970s at Folsom Prison in California. It was started as a direct result of the formation of other gangs in California prisons. Other gangs, specifically Mexican Mafia and Aryan Brotherhood, were targeting inmates that were Texas natives. The only symbols noted to identify members are tattoos with TS somewhere in the design. Some of these tattoos require intense observation in order to locate the TS. The tattoos are generally located on the back of the right forearm, however, have been located on the outside calf area, neck and chest (Inside Prison, 2006). The main criminal activities Texas Syndicate is involved in are drug trafficking, extortion, and internal violent discipline of members. Members in prison have communication methods with outside members through smuggled cell phones and coded messages. The Crips were started in 1969 in Los Angelos as a street gang by Raymond Washington and Stanley Tookie Williams. This gang has received the reputation on being extremely violent and aggressive. Stanley Tookie Williams faced the death penalty in San Quentin State Prison on December 13, 2005. He received the death penalty after being convicted of murdering four individuals during a robbery by shooting them to death with a shotgun in Southern California in 1970. Also, in 1979 Raymond Washington was murdered. The name Crip has different theories as to where the name actually came from. One theory is that a woman from the housing projects filed a police report on two teenagers for stealing. One of the teenagers was Raymond Williams. The description of one of the teenagers was crip with a stick meaning a disabled person with a cane. Another theory is that the name came from Crib, from the Baby Avenue gang in the 1960s. The Baby Avenue gang eventually became known as the Avenue Cribs as they were located in the Central Avenue, Los Angeles area (Inside Prison, 2006). Identifiers of the Crips gang are the colors blue, gray, orange, and purple. Handkerchiefs or clothing generally reflect those colors. Other identifiers are the six pointed Star of David, the letter B crossed out as the gang Bloods is their rival. Specific clothing choices can include tennis shoes, jogging suits or sports teams reflecting Los Angeles teams (Know Gangs, n.d.). British Knight tennis shoes are popular due to the B and K which represents Blood Killer. Communication between members is facilitated through hand signs, codes, and graffiti. Although there is no Constitution for the gang there is a book of knowledge that outlines all rules and regulations for the gang. The Crips gang is involved in criminal activity such as drug sales as well as trafficking, violent robberies and burglaries. Members of the Crips have been located in every city of the United States and even in a few foreign countries. Their rivalry with the Bloods often results in bloodshed and/or murder. The street gang known as Bloods was started in the 1960s. Neighborhood protection and as a force to combat the Crips were reasons the gang was created. Crips were becoming too powerful as they were allying with other street gangs. African American men called each other Bloods in the Vietnam War and that is where the name came from. Identifiers of the gang include a five point star and the color red. Clothing choices tend to be sports teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco 49ers (Know Gangs, n.d.). The Bloods are similar to the Crips in that there is no Constitution; however, there is a book of knowledge that outlines rules and regulations of the gang. The organizational structure for the Bloods is as follows: the first superior, this person is in charge of day to day operations of the set and in charge of discipline. The next in charge is the second superior who assists the first superior. The minister of information and defense are next and they are responsible for giving information and strategies to the Superiors. Head of security handles obtaining weapons for the set. The commanding officer is in charge of handing down orders per the superiors. Below those officers there is a captain, who gives information to the lieutenant. The lieutenant ensures orders are carried out and soldiers carry out orders. In the early 1980s MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, was created. After leaving the death squads of El Salvador, a number of Salvadorian immigrants settled in California and created MS-13. MS-13 was created as protection against rival Mexican gangs and is one of the most violent gangs in the United States. This gang is a highly organized, paramilitary one with some members formally belonging to the Salvadorian guerrilla forces. Members are generally heavily tattooed, can be identified by blue and black bandanas as well as specific tattoos of MS-13. Phrases that are specific to Ms-13 are La Mara which means gangs, Salva which means Salvadorian, trucha which means look out, and Eme Ese which means MS (Gang Awareness, n.d.). The motorcycle gang, Hells Angels, began in Fontana, California in 1948. Hells Angels was a term coined for bomber squadrons in World War I and II. Hells Angels have been linked to criminal activity such as drug trafficking, especially meth, assaults, weapon possession, and even murder. The most notorious plot that surrounds this gang are the allegations that they plotted to kill rock star Mick Jagger. Mick Jagger supposedly criticized the Hells Angels after one of its members killed a man at an event in which the gang was in charge of security. The victim pulled a gun and a Hells Angels member stabbed him. All charges were dropped and it was declared self defense (James, 2009). Despite the extensive history of the Hells Angels, still much is left unknown as what happens at a club meeting, stays there. Hells Angels can be identified by their leather or denim jackets with the red and white winged deaths head ensignia, the letter HAMC (Hells Angels Motorcycle Club), and the number eighty one (eighth letter in the alphabet is H and the first letter is A). Each members status can be located on the jacket by a patch, each specific meaning is only known to members. Hells Angels also wear a patch that has 1% on it which means they are part of the one percent that are willing to do anything, legal or illegal to accomplish their goals. Members have road names which are the only way they are known to other members (James, 2009). The Hells Angels are rivals with the motorcycle gang The Mongols. The Mongols are also a motorcycle gang that wears the 1% patch and is considered very dangerous. The gang consists of mostly Latin and Hispanic members as the gang was created due to the Hells Angels not allowing Hispanic members (Mongols Motorcycle Gang, 2008). Other names the gang goes by is the Mongol Brotherhood or Mongol Nation. The headquarters is located in California, however, there are chapters all over the United States, Canada, overseas and Mexico. The Mongols have been linked and charged in violent organized criminal activity. In 2008 a three year investigation over several states ended with at least thirty eight Mongol motorcycle gang members being arrested. The charges included murder, attempted murder, assault, as well as gun and weapons charges(Mongols Motorcycle Gang, 2008). According to the 2008 National Drug Intelligence Center there are over twenty thousand gangs that have approximately one million members that are criminally active in all fifty states of the United States and the District of Columbia. Aside from the nationally recognized gangs, there are also neighborhood cliques, crews, or posses. These groups usually consist of only twenty to twenty five members and are loosely structured. There is less graffiti, hand signs, and colors identified with them. The philosophy is similar to the national gangs: Live by the neighborhood, die by the neighborhood (Barbour, p.18). Gangs are not just in the streets, they are also in the schools. Public and private schools are both faced with the reality that gangs are in the schools. In 1994, a report stated that administrators of schools with an enrollment figure of more than twenty five thousand and principals of urban schools reported an increase in gang involved incidents. Even one in four elementary principals referenced an increase in gang related incidents (Kopka, 1997). In a study of six thousand sixth graders in eleven cities, eleven percent advised they were currently gang members and seventeen percent advised they belonged to a gang at one point(Barbour, 2006). Gangs are becoming a problem in areas that have not been recognized before. Recognizing the signs that a juvenile or family member is in a gang can start with asking. If there are still concerns about gang membership, look for these signs: change in behavior(becomes defiant), grades drop, truancy at school, new associates, calls from unknown individuals, money and jewelry appearing, preoccupation with particular colors or sports teams, hand signs, graffiti on books or walls, developing nicknames, and evidence of drug abuse. One of these signs alone may not be indicative of gang membership, however, more than one could be indicative of gang membership (Gang Awareness, n.d.). After parents determine their child is in a gang it is natural for them to feel anger and even jealousy towards the gang. Feelings that the child has been taken from them by the gang are evoked. Parents handle this information differently. Family first parents put the situation and the child first in an attempt to restore the core family unit. Rescuers minimize their own accountability and fear. Rescuers try to save the child. The rescuers can be successful in that there is family support, which assists the parents in dealing with the issue as well. Crusaders take on the task of saving their child and other children as well. These parents often suppress the core issues of their own child. The negators acknowledge that they have contributed to their child joining a gang. These parents tend to respond more negatively and deny personal responsibility of the childs poor social, emotional, and spiritual well being. The most extreme are the detached parents. These parents simply do not care and refuse to engage in any attempt to remove their child from the gang (Barbour, 2006). In certain instances, removing a child from a gang can be difficult and at times require moving away (Barbour, 2006). Parents can teach their children a critical lesson that can assist in the prevention of gang involvement. This critical lesson is for a child to face reality. This will teach juveniles to take responsibility for their actions as well as the choices they make (Barbour, 2006). And there must always be consequences to bad behavior. Parents should realize there is a difference between the behavior of their child and the identity of their child. Behavior is what a juvenile does and identity is who the juvenile is. When teaching choices, it must be taught that life is filled with actions and reactions. Juveniles need to know the choices made are in their complete control. Being aware of reality and facing it allows children to have control over their choices and assert themselves in a positive manner (Barbour, 2006). Most gangs are built on the premise Blood In, Blood Out. In order to get out of a gang, a member must shed blood, or do they? Solutions to get out of a gang may not mean Blood Out. Other suggestions include talking to high ranking members and expressing the interest to get out, ask for help from a relative, guardian or friend, go to the police, or even become an activist (Sonder, 1996). The solution to gangs is that communities as a whole must stand together. Far too often communities have viewed gangs as an inner city problem, something that would not affect them. Neighborhoods affected and plagued by gangs have been left to defend themselves without assistance. Now, no neighborhood or community is safe. Indiscriminate police sweeps in neighborhoods have had a negative effect on the way the community views law enforcement. Possible informants refuse to talk and gangs prey on young members that have nowhere else to go. Treating the gang issue as a law enforcement problem is not going to solve anything. Along with tough policing, the community must take action and not accept gangs in their neighborhoods. Society has failed to deal appropriately with the social root causes, like fatherless homes, which lead to young men seeking male role models. Popular culture also sends a message that lawlessness is cool as is violence whereas education and hope are not. To combat gangs every member in society plays a part; police, social workers, the church, friends and family members. Each and every person-in the attitudes that are kept, the choices that are made, and even items purchased-helps to shape the culture that must be joined together with the commitment to make communities and neighborhoods safer (Barbour, 2006). References Barbour, S. (2006). Gangs. Detroit, MI: Thomason Gale. Blackwood, G. (2002). Gangsters. New York, NY: Benchmark Books. Gang awareness guide. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2010 from http://www.state.nj.us/oag/gang-signs-bro.pdf Inside prison. (2006). Gang profiles. Retrieved November 2, 2010 from http://www.insideprison.com/ James, R. (2009, August 03) Hells Angels. TIME magazine. Retrieved November 4, 2010 from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1914201,00.html Know gangs: Gang resources. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2010 from http://www.knowgangs.com/gang_resources

The Many Faces of Pride :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

The Many Faces of Pride   Ã‚   Pride is idolatry, boastfulness, and the failure to recognize deficiencies (Peters 87).   With time, people have become more accepting of pride in their societies.   This progression of acceptance has led to alterations in the definition.   It is the slight tweakings of the definition that have allowed us to perceive pride as a deadly sin and simultaneously an essential for success.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The beginning of all sin occurred when Eve listened to the evil snake, in the garden of Eden, who told her that she could acquire God's knowledge (Peters 87).   God forbid Eve to eat the apple of knowledge, but she did regardless.   Eve committed the first sin of humankind in an act of pride because pride has been defined as "an attempt at human self-divination" (Peters 87).   Since she was only the second person to walk the earth, Eve had few examples of how to act.   It seems to be that it was her sheer curiosity and amazement with Eden that caused her to eat the apple, not an attempt to become like God.   Despite her intentions, according to the ancient definition of pride Eve sinned the first sin of self-divination.   Another example of ancient, religious pride can be seen through an ancient Jewish sect, the Pharisees.  Ã‚   These men claimed to be the most religious of the land.   Although they did not seek to be at the same leve l as God, they sought answers and results for their village among themselves when they should have been talking to God.   Often times, the Pharisees bent the rules of the Ten Commandments for themselves but forced the villagers to strictly obey them. To make matters worse, these men wanted to be rewarded for their good deeds of "helping their community."   The Pharisees refused to admit their faults and were condemned "proud" by Jesus (Yancey & Stafford 1125).   God gives us a final example that pride is a deadly sin. Lucifer was created to be one of God's right hand cherubs, "the seal of perfection"   (Ezekiel 28:12-15).   However, one day Lucifer decided that he wanted more knowledge and power than God.   When God found out, Lucifer was kicked out of heaven and fell to the earth, bringing one third of the stars (fallen angels) with him (Isaiah 12:12-14 & Revelations 12:4).