Position Paper: Harriet Jacobs

Harriet Jacobs is widely known for her feminist stand and courage to educate women with respect to freeing themselves from any form of slavery (Sherman 168). Harriet Jacobs powerfully speaks to her readers by offering description on the brutalities of slavery and the manner in which beauty lives can be destroyed by slave owners. Jacobs’s main agenda was to educate her readers and specifically women as her audience from the north region. AS though the readers have no experience or exposure to the pain experienced by slaves she offers detailed samples of the general lives of these slaves thus provoking a rather an incredible range of emotions. Jacob utilizes a number of well-developed techniques in her work to evoke emotions and to portray sense in every detail that she gives and she reaches her audience fully. Despite the fact that she is highly criticized for being a feminist she focuses on her audience and the issues that concern them fully. Jacobs work is unique as it fully overcomes the male spirited slave description genre in its customized viewpoint and particularly its emphasis on sexual mistreatment of the female slave (Sherman 170). Slavery is actually dreadful for men but it is more evil for women. Harriet Jacobs writing is intended to awaken sympathy by highlight facts while restoring a feeling of concern for all the enslaved women.

In my opinion, Jacobs work is particularly beneficial and her writing was bold and daring. Her work is to encourage not to encourage sympathy as she notes ‘’I do it to spark a blaze of sympathy in your emotions for my sisters who are still in bondage’’ (Sherman 170). Despite having to work in an environment that is dominated by men she never abandoned her feminist focus. Slavery according to Jacobs view is more direful for the female gender because, in addition to the challenges and brutalities that men endure under slavery, women are bound to bear the extra torment of being strained and withdraw from their children. To make this pain more concrete and humiliating, enslaved women were in most cases utilizes as bearers by being forced to give birth to more children in order to raise the stock for their bosses but never given a chance to be there for them (Jacobs 7). Such suffering is never ensured by a male since lust is subjected to female slaves who in addition to satisfying their desires are forced to bear offspring’s that they cannot afford to offer decent living (Jacobs 7). 

The domination of male gender had in most cases hindered most women writers from addressing some of the most pressing issues in general (Sherman 172). In that, the focus was mainly to try and avoid criticism which for Jacobs was not the case. She offers compelling advice and illustration to her women audience. In that, her subject of slavery was not just grounded on movement but other aspects in life such as marriage which mainly restrains individuals from achieving their best and focusing on self-growth. She emphasizes the importance of women and how domination should never be encouraged since there is no one gender that is primarily superior to another. She, therefore, encourages them to work beyond the set limitations and to achieve higher by freeing themselves (Jacobs 11).

In summing up, I do agree that slavery is not the restriction to the movement since other aspects of life have always restrained people from being achievers. Based on the male domination women are the most affected by such aspects of life. Her feminist stand is highly essential in empowering women as well as all those that might be restrained in a certain situation, hindering their capability to work efficiently.

References

Jacobs, Harriet A. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. , 2009. Print.

Sarah Way Sherman. Moral Experience in Harriet Jacobs's "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl". NWSA Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2 (Spring, 1990), pp. 167-185. The Johns Hopkins University Press http://www.jstor.org/stable/4316015

Journal Entry: Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

With respect to the chosen contemporary social issue of drugs and alcohol abuse that is the most significant in the United States and across the globe the organization that I would like to write to is the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The organization’s mission is grounded on advancing science in regard to the sources and consequences of addiction and drug abuse and then apply the gained knowledge in enhancing individuals and the public’s wellbeing (NIH, 2017). The organization will be useful in offering grants to investigate in regard to this issue in regard to establishing and effectively responding to the rising drug abuse tendencies as well as to create fresh and more effective treatment and prevention strategies to curb the increasing problem. The organization offers support grants, training and research investigation efforts across the country and globally (NIH, 2017). The organization will be essential in offering research support regarding drug and alcohol abuse based on the causes and effects and then develop a viable solution.

The solution that I propose is to implement education campaigns. In that, the public and particularly young individuals need to be taught in regard to the effects of alcohol and drugs abuse on self and the society. These campaigns will not only create awareness in regard to the severity of the issue but also familiarity will be achieved on ways to avoid and prevent addiction and abuse. For efficiency to be acquired policy developers should also be well informed to make adjustments to the existing policies to ensure that the suppliers are dealt with. The laws enforced should be uniform to ensure that the public is safe and for the campaign to work. Social learning theory and symbolic interaction theory are the most applicable models to this social issue. In that, the theories attempt to explain interaction and socialization and their impacts on individuals. Most of the current drug issues are learned through socialization and interactions with peers (Akers, 2011).

References

NIH. (2017). National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-drug-abuse-nida

Ronald L. Akers. (2011). Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance. Transaction Publishers.

Gender Socialization

Socialization occurs throughout lifetime and based on my experience the primary agents of socialization includes family, media, and peers. In that, these agents tend to communicate certain perception regarding genders thus leading to stereotyping (Miller 3). The beliefs, perceptions that I learned from these agents is that each gender is competent for certain activities and role and not for others. Growing up toys selecting by family members was made based on our gender which created the perception that boys and girls are fully different in regard to their roles and abilities. In that boys would always be associated with more masculine roles such as protecting their sisters who are widely considered to be weak. These beliefs have affected me significantly in regard to how a view certain career roles.

In my opinion, I believe that the way that the existing cultures socialize both girls and boys is negative. In that, this culture tends to emphasize that boys should be less emotional and stronger than girls thus shaping their perception that leads to some psychological issues (Miller 3). In that, men tend not to express their issues which might pile and affect their health while female settles for roles that are perceived to be female dominated just because they believe that they are different from boys (Miller 4). The best way to socialize a child as a parent is not to create ideas in them but allow them to make their own choices on what they desire and what to follow in general. I would do it in a different way from the way that I was raised for instance by allowing them to select toys for themselves without changing their perception. This would help them in focusing on positive perceptions that they are all equal regardless of their gender.

Work Cited

Miller, Cain Claire. Boys and Girls, Constrained by Toys and Costumes. 2015. New York Times.

Upworthy. Kids' assumptions toward gender roles are turned around at career day in school. 2016. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Aweo-74kY&feature=youtu.be

In Search of Respect

1. Bourgeois argues that structural oppression is the root cause of Primo and Caesar becoming drug dealers

Structural oppression can be associated to the mode in which culture, history, public policies, personal behavior, ideology, institutional practices, and the beliefs come together to maintain a particular hierarchy which is based on the gender, class, race, sexuality or other identities. This perspective gives the involved community the advantages and disadvantages which are associated with the involved oppressed, marginalized or targeted individuals to adapt and thrive from time to time. The rate of dealing drugs across the black community has gradually increased with the change in times (Bourgois, pg82). In New York City, most of the black people deal drugs than the whites making it very clear that this is a city of drugs and the dealers are black. From the time in history, the black community has been marginalized when it comes to offering social services such as infrastructure, educational facilities, and other social amenities.  Most of the people born in this neighborhood grow up believing that there is no life beyond the city they are born in especially the blacks. Blacks have been labeled as people who only deal drugs and nothing good can come from them.

Structural oppressions are the root cause of Primo and Caesar doing drugs. It is not a wonder that today if a white man sees a black man who is doing well in his life; he definitely concludes that he is a drug dealer. This is the notion that people have believed and it is affecting the lives of the young people doing drugs when they grow up (Bourgois, pg50). Some blacks would want to pursue other careers such as being in the white collar jobs but the level which they are about to fight against makes them be discouraged even before they start. The black community faces a lot of challenges growing up, from having the education to their homes. Education for the blacks is not a necessity but a kind of luxury which many would prefer to skip and look for something better to do. The blacks do not do drugs because they wish but because the challenges of getting a good job are minimal and what they are fighting for is survival. Many would prefer to get a good job but it is all about surviving and the only option is to do drugs (Bourgois, pg150).  For example, racism is the act of the day where blacks are oppressed through work and being subjected to hard positions with little pay. The black community has some going through schools, get a good job but they finally move back to the suburbs which are not something many people would want to pass through.  

There are cultural factors which practically forced Primo and Caesar to deal drugs. Such cultures can be rooted from the early years in history when African Americans were subjected to various levels of oppression such as being slaves and lack the freedom to express their concerns. The society is engulfed with some inner cultures which are very complex and which have shaped the people thriving in this city. The beliefs, customs, values, ideologies, and symbols including the way they interact have influenced a new culture that causes a change in the mode of survival for the members. Certain languages such as the use of terms like hip and other words influence the type of future a person will live in many cases. Agency is the capability of a person to be free and independent in making their own choices mostly about their lives which is what partly made Primo and Caesar deal drugs. Caesar and Primo are both individuals who have the desire to make something out of their lives and lead a happy life (Bourgois, pg76). The cultural norms such as being a black person in the city where everything is about either being rich or being a survivor makes them chose a path that is very illegal. Being a survivor is all about doing what you can to make the ends meet and this is the culture that forces many into drug dealing business. It is a business that is booming but also a wrong career that is illegal in most cities.

In the late 70s in the city of New York, there were very many industries that the black community and other ethnic communities used to go and seek employment. These industries acted as a source of livelihood for many but they were soon replaced by the service industries which required skills and education for people to be employed. The service industries brought in new challenges that the communities were forced to consider other options. Such options for Primo and Caesar included being drug dealers and operating a large network. Going underground and deciding to do what can make the community to survive and also fulfill personal choices, Caesar and Primo managed drug dealership which connected too many areas and in most cases forced them to become who they could never be in life (Bourgois, pg108). Drug dealing is a dangerous and illegal not forgetting a deteriorating path to life but the black communities have been left without a choice since surviving in the united states as an ethnic community requires strategies and the possibility of choosing survival over what is right.

Caesar and Primo prefer taking on the drug dealing business than being in a legal job. According to the author, Primo and Caesar spend most of their lives in the streets doing what they do best through manning the drug business and this is much better than the legal job setting. With time the drug business takes a good turn and they are now forced to become experts in doing the management but the fact that they have never been to any class setting makes them unfit for the positions. For example, Primo tries and finds a legal job only to be headed by a female and this makes it very hard for him since he cannot take orders from a female (Bourgois, pg120). This makes him to ultimately leave and go back to his lifestyle of drug dealing. The perception of a man not being ruled by a woman is one of the issues that make Primo not to join the legal business which will bring down his reputation and that of his manhood. Many people have the same ideology that they would rather quit than take any orders from a female boss. In another case, primo lands a good job but rejects it saying he cannot be measuring men as his work.         

2. In Search of Respect Bourgois discusses the politics of representation.

Bourgois in the section where he discusses what he terms as the politics of representation in some ways he does represent Caesar and Primo stereotypically in what he discusses. Caesar and Primo were both fighting for survival in a land where being black is like a curse. Through the struggles and subjections to poverty and lack of unreachable goals through education, they both find it comfortable to do drugs and make their lives better. Bourgois makes these actions seem like both Caesar and Primo were doing something that they wished for while the case is that they both were looking for a way out of their situation (Bourgois, pg13). Not many times that a black person will feel comfortable doing what they do although many have adapted but it is a case of do or die. Working in the underground economy is not for everyone and how one cop with the situation is the chances for them to survive. On the other hand, Bourgois does not misrepresent the two people since they had to look for alternatives in their display for survival. Through violence, gang rapes and other horrific actions which is considered part of being a gang member is just what Caesar and Primo had to go through to become fully gang members.

The choices and decisions that Caesar and Primo made are factual representations of what the black community specifically passes through in making the ends meet. Doing the right thing in the neighboring sources of employment subjects the ethnic community to racial discriminations and other challenges that make it even harder for the community to thrive. Rather than experience that which is a hard step in life, the streets offer a better option though not the right thing but they will survive out of being in the streets (Bourgois, pg15). Many would consider what Primo and Caesar did as the worst and label them as being selfish and disgrace to the world but the fact is that in such a situation all what kept them both alive were the chances of survival and if it means being drug dealers, then they had to become drug dealers. Comparing the legal or illegal field of income, drug dealing is recognized as a field that outdoes any other field. The analysis is very prone to lots of critics such as the idea of having recognized drug dealing as an acceptable source of living. Considering such activities such as how Primo left the education sector to deal drugs is overused making it seems like a legal option to education. Also, through the way Primo leaves the legal employment positions just to be an independent person makes the reader think that being a man and ruled by a woman makes you weak. Looking at the options of leaving the drug dealing business, there are numerous concerns on why this option is not a welcoming idea to Primo. These are some critics in the work of Bourgois in analyzing the case of Caesar and Primo. Bourgois work is convincing since it portrays the real challenges of a black child in the United States (Bourgois, pg17). Today, such cases of being discriminated at the workplace or even in schools are very evident. It is upon this work by Bourgois that many get to understand the real world of a black child living in United States whether with education or without education.

Reference

Philippe Bourgois. 2003. In Search of Respect, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press

Prejudice and Discrimination

Hidden figures.

According to Scott Plous in his book, Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination Prejudice refers to the inflexible and unsound attitude and the opinion held by a particular group of people about another team. Discrimination is a behavior which is directed against a specific group of individuals. Being prejudiced means that one has biased opinions and beliefs about the specific group of people. Prejudice can either be good or bad, but it remains bias. The prejudice that is negative often leads to discrimination although there is a possibility of being prejudice and not act on the attitudes. People who practice discrimination have the intention of protecting and retaining opportunities for themselves by denying access to those whom they perceive as less deserving of the same treatment as everyone. 

According to Margot Lee Shetterly ‘Hidden figures' narrate the true story of ‘Katherine G .Johnson,' ‘Dorothy Vaughan, and ‘Mary Jackson.' They are black women who worked at NASA's ‘Langley Research’ located in Hampton. The ladies mentioned above served an important role in the casting of the late astronaut John Glenn into space. The movie context is set in 1961, In Virginia where NASA center is located. The movie shows the discriminatory laws and policies that were practiced at the time. The abuses and disrespect both blacks living in Virginia and employees of NASA faced is well elaborated in the film. Segregation rules and formalities and the white Americans' attitudes towards blacks unfold with clarity in the movie.

According to the movie, ‘Hidden figures’ at the beginning of the film, the trio's car breaks down as they go to work. Dorothy encourages Mary and Kathrine not to panic because none of them has committed a crime, but Mary is worried because they are black. When the police officer asks for identifications, he is surprised by the fact that NASA hires women and black women for that matter. The white officer does not like the manner in which they answer his questions and wonders aloud whether it is a show of disrespect. This scene demonstrated the effects of prejudice and discrimination and the gender role of women in the society. The simple fact that one can be scared of a police officer just because of a car breakdown goes to show the extent of the prejudice. They were so used to the discrimination they equated a car breakdown with a crime.

Gifted women most of the times considered themselves lucky to get jobs as computers. As ‘hidden figures' illustrate, their jobs were not as secure as men's. The males still dictated to computers what to do and which problem they were to solve. The computers were paid less than their male counterparts even though they provided solutions to every mathematical problem. When the IBM computers were installed, most women would have lost their jobs as most of them worked as computers. Dorothy Vaughan predicts this looming danger and teaches herself FORTRAN, a programming language of the time. The book she uses to learn this programming language is from the ‘white section' of the library. She also teaches her team so that they can remain indispensable. The black women were discriminated against by men, and their skills were seen as obsolete when the new computer technology arrives. The prejudice is portrayed as they would lose their jobs while their male counterparts retained their positions even though they were had no other source of income.

According to Margot Lee Shetterly ‘Hidden figures,' there existed two kinds of women working at ‘Langley.' They were divided based on race. Black women contributed to the organization while sitting at segregated offices and going to colored bathrooms. They worked without any health insurance and for salaries which were lowered by their sex, race, and gender. Discrimination affected all female workers in NASA.

That is one of the leading reason as to why Dorothy Vaughan took a long time to be promoted to a supervisor. Men could supervise men and women whereas white women white and black women. Black women were only allowed to manage black women. Therefore, Dorothy could not be promoted to the level of a supervisor even though she qualified. As an experienced supervisor and programmer she supervised both black and white women. Black women were prejudiced and discriminated as they were in a building which was reserved for them only and other facilities they used were marked ‘colored.'

Another incident that shows discrimination and prejudice are portrayed when the NASA astronauts arrive at the center .the black women are separated from the rest of the scientists. It is only ‘John Glenn' who not only goes over to greet them but also stops to converse before being hurried along. The black women were sidelined and given the least priory in spite of being part of the NASA personnel. This is according to the movie, ‘hidden figures.'

According to ‘Hidden Figures' Paul Stafford, an engineer at ‘Space Task Group,' blocks Kathrine's request to attend an editorial meeting. He informs her that there is no protocol for her to attend. She responds by assuring him that there is no protocol for the man to go around the earth either and seeks official permission. To be present at the meeting was vital for Kathrine as it would make her computing work easier. Kathrine needed to be up to date with the changing decisions that were relevant to her mathematical calculations. Kathrine was not only looked down upon as a woman but as a black woman and personnel. She is denied critical information that would have made her work easier and she has to ask for permission for entry into the meeting. Discrimination and prejudice was the focus of the men of her department, but for Harrison trying to beat a deadline to put the man into orbit, realized he could depend on the Kathrine as she is brilliant at what she did and would assist in any way possible.

Discussion question: theoretical/conceptual frame work

 The conceptual framework for this study involves theories, assumptions and expectations that inform the research in employee. A conceptual framework is a written or visual product that offers an explanation in a narrative or graphical form the major aspects under study (Maxwell, 2005). The major concepts in this case include concepts and factors and the expected relationships between them. In this case, I apply the term in a wider sense to point out the real ideas and factors that relate to employee turnover. This is therefore, the idea context of this specific study. It is important to understand the conceptual framework as a primary model or idea of the available information that will be used in the study and what is happening with the issue in the industry.

The theory will the inform the rest of the study design which will help in assessing and refining my goals of the study, develop and address the related research question and selection of the right methods what is referred as research problem is part of this theoretical framework and the formulation of the research problem is, therefore, a major part of the designing this study. The research problem is normally a research problem since it highlights something that is occurring in the present world or environment whose consequences are problematic (Berman & Smyth, 2015).  The conceptual framework for this research is constructed by incorporating various pieces that have been borrowed from different materials and then build into a structure which is coherently built to properly present the issue at hand. The framework extends beyond the major concepts to the research questions and themes, methodology to be used and the implementation this study. The study results and analysis are also incorporated and eventually, the sensible and conceptual outcomes and their application in the relevant industry.

 Employee turnover is caused by various several factors and it has various impacts on the performance or productivity of an organization. The theoretical framework will be necessary in exploring the various factors that leads to employees’ turnover and the effect of employee turnover on productivity. The effects of employee turnover have received significant attention from the various levels of management including HR professionals, management and even industrial psychologists. It has been shown to be among the most possible intractable and costly challenge in humans resources that is faced by various firms around the globe (Hancock, Allen,  Bosco, McDaniel  & Pierce, 2013).  Since the doctoral study involves a high level of academic learning, the conceptual framework will be of great assistance since it will contribute in the presentation of a significant amount of knowledge on the employee turnover. 

 The framework will help in enabling a conceptual thinking of the greatest level and such thinking will be organized and accessible to interest individuals. In doctorial study, a conceptual framework is important in definition of a research problem, establishing the needed theoretical coherence and even in the organization of a research design and adoption (Berman, 2013). The framing of different conclusions will also be easy in the study on employee turnover. This will offer a chance for considering the relationship between doctoral thesis in this study and other research that may be available on employee turnover. This will make it possible to offer explanations with justifications for conclusions and relationship to other people’s research on the same issue.

References

Berman, J., & Smyth, R. (2015). Conceptual frameworks in the doctoral research process: a pedagogical model. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 52(2), 125-136.

Maxwell, J. A. (2005). Conceptual framework: What do you think is going on. Qualitative research design: An interactive approach, 41, 33-63.

Berman, J. (2013). Utility of a conceptual framework within doctoral study: A researcher's reflections. Issues in Educational Research, 23(1), 1.

Hancock, J. I., Allen, D. G., Bosco, F. A., McDaniel, K. R., & Pierce, C. A. (2013). Meta-analytic review of employee turnover as a predictor of firm performance. Journal of Management, 39(3), 573-603.

Money and Success: The Myth of Individual Opportunity

The American dream

There have been numerous arguments and representations which signify that the United States is a land where there is an opportunity. The United States is described as a state where any individual who feels like making it out of life will always come to this land and tries their luck which is almost positive as per their perception. The mythical idea of individual opportunity basically affects the younger generation especially the college and teenagers who think that they must do whatever it takes to get into America or while in America, do everything possible to make a living out of the place. Young individuals are perceptively ordained to the idea that if the career of a person is very prestigious, then there are no chances absolutely for failure. In many cases, this idea can be true but the fact remains that success is not measured in terms of how great someone’s career is but by how much effort and contribution one makes to make it a success. 

The current culture has been impacted very negatively by the idea of materials being the world measure. Looking at the history of other successful people in the society, success has been measured by various means which is an individual strive for success. Money, making history, and being a very hard worker is all that can comprise what success is to people. For example, looking at a case like that of African American hero who strived in every way to make it for his community, this can be an indication of success (Colombo et al., pg 295). From an article about serving in Florida, the servers were technically working as if there is no tomorrow. Many pulled out shifts no normal human being can ever be tempted to undertake. Causing a lot of harm to the body for the benefit of the future is not ethical. One should be interested in making today a starting point for tomorrow but for the workers, tomorrow is a word or a phrase they do not even remember. That is a part of the American dream for the workers who work tirelessly to make every minute count not knowing the dangers they are doing on themselves.    

Individual opportunity

Similarly, this myth of opportunity is very different to every person. In many occasions, it is referred to the American dream where different personalities have different ideologies on the idea of money and success. This perception many people it is associated with having a successful life, freedom and eventually being happy.  Coming from generation to generation to generation, the American dream has been changing and the current generation has the most signified type of explanation for the dream. This ideology has left many to not think of the dream as being successful, free and happy to be in possession of almost everything that can bring in more and more money. Possessions are what has been the indication of having a successful life. If a person has lots of money, then the ideas of being a hero or a figure in the society are very evident and close by. Education in the current times is viewed as a way of helping those who cannot access the good things in life. Education has been replaced by a person being rich and can afford everything precious in this life. In the current world, the young people have been led away from the main subject of getting an education. During the old days, people strived to make it to a school and even acquire some little education. This is not the case today where the world has been transformed to an online and mind challenging place where if you can make a small idea bought by people, then you are definitely on the right path for success. From the article the changing fortunes of the American generation, this is very evident. There has been a change from what one can call education to what is known as today as a process in life (Colombo et al., pg 305). Many have taken up the challenge of being educationally oriented to being the skillful and money oriented youths. 

The society today is all about the dream but not very many people think of it as a reasonable price to pay for success. The American dream is all about being happy and having a comfortable job with expensive items after a struggle but actually, this idea keeps fading away day in day out. Being rich has no standardizations and this is the same idea too many people in possession of big things in life. After achieving their dreams, not all can account for being happy for what they have. If money is termed as the American dream, then one needs a lot of it since the dream does not come easily and neither does it have a price.

Education versus riches

Money cannot be used to measure individual opportunity. One will need a lot of money to be presumed as a successful person in life. When it comes to the rich people, they are also not satisfied with whatever they have and since they are numerously observed fighting for more and more money. It does not matter how much money a person has or even own since there are better and even bigger things to consider as a success. Looking at an article from the book about aged Dick, it is an eye-opening article which also describes the American dream of being what one considers to be of great value to them. Reflecting on this article, the character moves through struggles and challenges from being so poor to being a very rich character (Colombo et al., pg 280). His background is basically one of the worst for a human character but this does not stop him from making it big in life. After gaining what he says is being successful, he immediately relocates to another town considered to be a nicer part of the city. In the real sense, this move is one of the best even though many do not agree but it shows progress from bad state to a better state. It might not satisfy the want but at least it is a change for the better since there are other nicer places than the city he considers nice.

Having a higher paying job position with lots of benefits and improved stock options are considered to be a dream for many. Advancement in technology has had physical impacts in the current society and more people are joining the industry in search of better opportunities in the field. The standards are practically going to be on the rise after every now and then since there will always be the act of having new technology in the market. In the society, competition is taking over and if the top party takes a break from the invention, then it does not stop since many are willing and waiting to take up more challenges than where one decided to reach (Colombo et al., pg 306). Working extra harder is always key for success but there are more things to be learned in the process. Rereading and being on the update is very crucial to ensure that there is less surprise in the world we are leaving in today. This need to keep up with competition and updates is what is causing many people who have the riches be less interested in enjoying what one owns.

Coping with the trends

The current Americans are not interested in success through education but more interested in celebrities and what they have to offer thereby copying everything they have from clothes to the kind of lifestyle they live. On one hand, the Americans are very interested in the lives of the celebrities but at other times Joneses is interesting (Colombo et al., pg 310). The generation today is so interested in other people’s success and wants to have the same for whatever it takes. For example, if one person sees his friend with a new machine, chances are that he is going to try every way to make it comparable with the friend. That is the life of a typical American.

Typically, the American kind of dream is still very alive in many people though it is still not what it was once years back and that is something I have personally had an experience with. Keeping up with the celebrities and Joneses is practically the fulfillment of their definition of what the American dream is in their own terms. Many try and keep it simple but the real idea is always about taking up the challenge and being better than the other. The current society is always being about possessing the best or equal to the best otherwise one will be associated with being in the lower class in the society (Colombo et al., pg 400). Being pointed at and being shown up is not the desire of any noble American in the current times. Everyone wants to be at the top and making it big in front of every concerned party mostly the media platforms. Americans are never satisfied with what they have and are optimistic of better days while other parts of the world where poverty is a norm whatever one gets, this is appreciated wholeheartedly. This can be regarded as a time when the Americans really accept what they have in possession and are grateful since the country has a lot to offer and everybody to live their dream. 

Work cited

Colombo, Gary, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. Rereading America: Cultural contexts for        critical thinking and writing. Macmillan Higher Education, 2016.

Personal Plan for Cultural Competence 

Self-assessment: Describe the level of competence you had when you started in your agency. What experiences within the agency have particularly shaped your views of your own culture and the culture of others? 

During the start of the agency, there were many challenges which are as a result of being in the agency. The level when starting the agency was highest in terms of the theory but average in terms of experience. This can be attributed to the fact that it was the first practical association with this agency.

What have you from your agency? Highlight succinctly things you learned while participating at your agency that are most meaningful for you. What aspects did you already know? What challenged your preconceptions? What piqued your curiosity and made you want to learn more? What questions were aroused in your mind that would merit further investigation? 

At the agency, one has a lot to learn especially with regards to the culture. The agency has embraced diversity among the children and these needs to translate to our culture and that of others. We should embrace and emulate each other as a way of showing support and concern to the other cultures.

What does this mean for your practice? What types of clients are you best able to help? Discuss how what you learned about cultures and families relate to your previous and current work experience. What groups and culture do you want to learn more about so that you might more effectively provide social work services? Describe any population with which it may be difficult for you to work, and analyze the reason for this. State whether this is something that you feel that you should overcome, and whether you should do something to make it easier for you to work with this population. 

While at the agency, the different kinds of challenges that affect the children assists us in identifying how different people are and the fact that we should all accept each other. Working at the agency has allowed the idea of acceptability stick in our minds and always be happy for one another. The aspects of living together as one family is a familiar aspect which basically involves being able to look out for your neighbor which is kind of what people should do. The idea of diversity in the agency had an impact on my part. In many cases, one expects that in such cases there will be a lot of lack of being a family and no love but while at the agency, everything is all about being a caretaker for your friend. This idea made me curious and made me want to do a deep investigation with regards to the issue. Questions such as how the families of these children live and how much they were willing to do for their children raised further curiosity which was something that needed answers.

Such experience allows the growth in the mind regarding how we can help one another and increase the probability of making the best out of each other. Basically, all types of clients offer the best for my part but the most exciting are those who learn that what the children go through is just physical challenges which can be eliminated through showing love for one another. According to the recommended standards and experiences for cultural competence, one has to be on their best behaviors for the purpose of learning. Getting to know about the different cultures needs contribution and the capability to understand diversity (Lum, 2010). From both the current and previous situations, it is all about sacrifice and being able to contain the situation as a trainer and a person who understands being competent at the workplace. The groups and cultures which one would want to identify more about are the African American type of culture and groups of people. This group of people in a huge way always shows love for their own and when it comes to taking care of their challenged children, they know how to do it better and it is a field which is excellent to offer social services. The population of children which always bullies and does not want to share with the others is population that is hard to deal with. In many cases, they cause trouble where there is peace and this is somehow a headache to approach. This population needs a lot of caution and care when dealing with since anything is possible. Such a population is hard to handle but as a social trainer, all that is needed is the capacity to allow for change and understanding that it is a process they undergo and which is not on their will or wish.

What more do you need to know? Describe what more you want to learn about other cultures and diverse families. Discuss some of the ways that knowledge could be effectively acquired. You may want to document your statement with information you have acquired about certain populations, societal needs, and resources for developing cultural competence. 

More learning is required on some cultures and their families. When dealing with the children, some families have been on the lookout about what happens with regards to their known traditions. For example, certain cultures regard removal of teeth as a tradition and there is a way to deal with removed tooth. In some cases, they throw above the roof and others between their legs. Such cultures are important to learn since this cannot be the only different thing they have from the rest of the population (Gay, 2010). Through the specialized knowledge and the capacity to understand diversity, one is able to acquire the knowledge of other communities with the likelihood of identifying the differences. According to the recommendations by the standard for cultural competency, one has to posses various skills for the learning and development into other cultures. Such skills are vital since they enhance the capability to learn and embrace other cultures.

Action Steps: List three to five actions that are reasonable and feasible for you to do that will increase your cultural competence.

Getting to know more about the communities involved in the process allows the growth in the knowledge of the services offered. Knowing the families and the relatives to the families involved increases the likelihood of connecting what the children want from the society in general (Lum, 2010). In many cases, children tend to learn more from home and bring the same idea to the school which eventually can affect the activities in school. Engaging the community is also a field that a person might want to focus on for the benefit of the community and the profession. Such actions increase the togetherness and love for one another.

References

Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. Teachers College Press.           

Lum, D. (2010). Culturally Competent Practice: A Framework for Understanding. Nelson Education.

Crime and Punishment 

Should Incarceration Serve As Rehabilitation or Retribution?

Introduction

 Sentencing is a process in the criminal justice system where offenders who violate the criminal law are penalized. Trail judges or juries are involved in the process with major goals of sentencing being retribution and rehabilitation. The goals play a significant role in that they reduced future crimes and discourage other criminal from committing crime. However, there is a big problem as it is difficult to reconcile the goals in the different form of punishment.  Focusing on retribution and rehabilitation in this research, it is important to evaluate rehabilitation in historical point of view. It is believed that offenders may be influenced to break the law by inherent defects. Thus, to deter crime and void future crime, the best method is to understand the defect whether physical, psychological or social and correct it.  In 1960s, rehabilitation was used as a form of punishment in U.S but in 1970s, public raised argument on ineffectiveness of rehabilitation program and shifted to retribution. However, the use rehabilitation had re-merged and it is an inclusive issue in the policy circles. On retribution¸ criminal deserve punishment and punishment is imposed with respect to the   degree of offense.  Given that the justice system has set goals which should be achieved in the process of sentencing, there is a big problem as these goals and mission are not achieved.  The justice system is complicated and the prison management system is flawed.  Thus, it is the high time to bring reformations in the post-industrial society by reforming the role of punishment

Historical overview

             Focusing on history and crime, the criminal justice system used harsh forms of punishment such as retribution and incapacitation. In the 20th century, the central practice in the justice system was confinement and this undervalued rehabilitation. In other words, criminal justice system justified punishment through retribution and rehabilitation but a greater weight was put on retribution. In the theories of punishment, John Howard introduced the rehabilitation though   research and studied report the rehabilitative efforts have not produced effects as expected (Hostettler, 146). On the other hand, retribution proponents   argue that offender deserve punishment.  Public derive the effectiveness of retribution from Aristotle who believed that punishment is effective in deterring crime. Aristotle also focused on the proportionate reprisal where judges use the proportional approach. Retribution is widely supported as public focus on the idea that punishment is imposed with respect to the degree of the offense (Hostettler, 147).  Thus, supporters argue that offenders should be punishment due to what they have done.  On the other hand, rehabilitation as a form of punishment   focuses on preventing the occurrence of crime in the future.  On rehabilitation, programs designed for treatment and training are developed and their effectiveness is achieved as criminals refrain from criminal activities to positive behaviors (Hostettler, 148).

In American society,   various forms of punishment are used toward  the wrongdoers but the criminal justice mainly follow the ‘just deserts’ rooted from early colonies. Since history, American use confinement, and other nations have adopted the concept of retribution as punishment.  In the past, U.S borrowed the concepts of justice administration from England where offenders faced short-term detention before facing the trail (Martin & Lee, 103).  Confinement was not a serious form of punishment and for this reason offenders experienced corporal punishment, they were murdered, humiliated, buried alive, and stoned among other ways. In other words, this was a form of  retribution  and  in modern days, America follow the traditional ways of imposing  aggressive punishment  as they believe that  offenders require  such kind of punishment to deter crime. A point to note is that in the past, wrongdoers were confined in the ‘house of darkness’ where they suffered from devastating condition characterized by sickness, diseases and death (Martin & Lee, 106). In fact, offenders were treated as indentured servant as they faced harsh penalties associated with corporal punishment. However, the American Revolution led to modification in that England concepts were avoided and   news forms of punishment was established. The new form of punishment was long-term confinement which led to positive changed in that offenders were given   a chance to repent and change behaviors. However, the Auburn model challenges the new system and   supported the need for congregate work, restricted interaction, harsh discipline and tight control (Martin & Lee, 107).

 In 20th century, the humanitarian reform raised an issue of concern based on retribution which was associated with ineffective and brutal punishment. Due to this reason, the humanitarian reformers proposed the use of rehabilitation and the policy was implemented.   During this period, many States implemented indeterminate sentencing laws and treatment programs to help offender change behaviors and abide to the law (Samaha, 20). However, despite the fact that many believed that rehabilitation would reform criminals, it did not work as expected.   In 1970s, reform discussion were rooted from the idea of ‘nothing works’ where States argued that rehabilitation was not an effective from of punishment. The purpose of reformation was to put severe penalties and return to retribution as a form of punishment in deterring the rising crime rates during the period (Samaha, 20). In 1976, California, the well known rehabilitation pioneer, shifted from rehabilitation as well as the indeterminate sentence.  The State legislature in California   stated that offenders deserve punishment and rehabilitation was a cruel form of punishment.  During this period, many liberals supported the use of retribution arguing that criminals deserve punishment to deter crime.   In 1980s, retribution and incapacitation become the widely used form of punishment (Samaha, 20).

   In the period before the 20^th century, the justice system was dominated by the Judeo-Christianity until 20th century. The positive things with the Judeo-Christianity as that justice system adhered to morals and beliefs but in modern world, the justice system is complicated when it comes to inflicting punishment. In western world, the justice system has shifted to longer sentences and harsh punishment and this raises a debate on the effective strategy to use in the justice system (O’Toole, 136).  However,   Garland, a world’s criminologist reported that   in since 20^th century, the nature of justice system is changing and the used concepts are rooted from Britain and Europe where crime control   was the main goal in sentencing.  Harsh punishment has been avoided and rehabilitation   has been used since the post-war years. However, there is a big problem in that the debate on retribution is immense as there is an argument that rehabilitation is not effective or in other words ‘nothing works’ (O’Toole,   137). Generally, there are many recurring problems in the justice system and solutions to these problems are not yet implemented.  The problem is that the justice system is not progressing due to its failure to achieve the mission and objectives.

Remarkably, the modern justice system has reformed especially the correctional systems in Australia.  Today¸ the justice system in Australia is meeting the needs of the society in that punishment is not the central goal of sentencing but rather corrections offer remarkable human services. An important point is that the punitive nature is no more implemented in the new system but what happens is that systems apply the humanitarian approach which put emphasis on rehabilitation (O’Toole,   138).  Note that in the past, the retribution was a kind of a coercive approach where offenders faced harsh punishment. Today¸ the justice system has shifted from corporal punishment to humane alternatives which values culture in terms of education, social welfare and more.  However, the historical concepts are not fully gone and it is the high time to restructure the justice system in the 21^st century in order to have a bright future (O’Toole,   140).

Argument in favor of rehabilitation

 Crime and punishments should serve as rehabilitation in that   it contributes to positive results not only to the individual but also to the society. Note that the main goal of rehabilitation is to reduce crime in future. Other important point offered by Goralski (1288) is that offenders are   compelled to perform a crime by psychological issues. For example, an offender may be suffering from mental problem and the role of rehabilitation is to offer a psychiatric care and vocational training. More importantly, the offender will change behaviors and adhere to the societal norms once he or she enters in the society. As stated above in the research,   the criminal system was founded under the Judeo-Christian values though a debate has been raised on failure of rehabilitation to reduce crime. The point is that focusing on the Judeo-Christian values in the past, inmates were allowed to evaluate the behaviors, repent and change behaviors. The main purpose of rehabilitation was based on repentance  which is followed by cost maximization which could be used in long-term incarceration.  According to Goralski, 1296, rehabilitation is effective method it me eths the needs of both the defendants and the society. Though other forms will meet the need, the point is rehabilitation will solve the root cause of the problem or in other words it aims at solving the cause of crime such as mental problems.  In this article, an important point stated is that incapacitation and rehabilitation have similar concepts in that by imposing a sentence, courts tries to prevent future crime. Rehabilitation has valid goals in that the court can determine the lengthy of imprisonment for rehabilitation with an aim of maximizing recidivism. In order to help the defendant and the society, it is important to value deterrence and incapacitation as dominant factors effective for reducing recidivism to (Goralski, 1298).

Raynor and Robinson provide a moral argument for rehabilitation. They state that rehabilitation is the best approach for the benefit of the offender and the society.  With respect to the social learning theory, offenders are empowered and they are allowed to make pro-social choices. The rehabilitation programs provide them with problem-solving skills, creativity skills and self-management.  The importance of these programs is that they recognizes the root cause of the problems and develops solutions (Raynor & Robinson, 3).  On the community, offenders become part of the community and the society creates social bonds which unites the offender with the community members. The author relates rehabilitation with restorative justice by asserting that the restorative procures provides social lesson which offenders apply in life to change behaviors.  Rehabilitation is reinforced by ‘strengths-based approaches’ where the offenders are assisted in developing the community   through positive contribution (Raynor & Robinson, 8).  By implementing the traditional Utilitarian, offenders will become useful members in the society. Effectiveness is achieved by implementing rehabilitative efforts which align with the society interest in social reconstruction and shaping behaviors.

Argument in favor of retribution

 Crime and punishment should serve as retribution in that criminals deserve punishment.  In this argument, retributivists consider the past choices of the offender and affirm that whether the punishment should reduce crime or not, the offender should   be penalized. The point is that offenders are guided to by personal choices to violate the law (WOOD, 303).  According to the utilitarian perspective, punishment is justified if it will produce the greatest good to the community.  In other words, retribution is justifiable if it will reduce future crime. WOOD states that deterrence justifies punishment by stating that punishment reduces future crime in that individuals who plan to commit crime will be aware of the consequences they will come across.  The purpose of retribution in this case is to inform the general community on the consequences associated with crime and the need to refrain. In favor of retribution, it is important to impose severe punishments to a point where the offender will refrain from committing a crime in future (WOOD, 304). The reason why the punishment should be severe is that it will reduce the higher rate of recidivism encountered in the society.

            According to Cole, Smith and DeJong, individuals who cause harm should be penalized.  In biblical view, the justice system should adhere to the concepts of ‘an eye for an eye’ with respect to the degree of the offense (Cole, Smith & DeJong, 313). In other words, individuals who violate the law should ‘pay the debts’. The author states that the main purpose of retribution is to meet the desire of the community as failure to do that will contribute to negative consequences and social chaos such as community revulsion.  A point to note the retribution serves an important purpose in reminding the general public the rules of law.   Since the offender harms the sociality, retribution serves as a response for the wrong inflicted (Cole, Smith & DeJong, 313).  According to Kant views, human beings have a sole responsibility and thus offenders   take personal and moral decisions.  For this reason, offenders deserve punishment   and in this case, the criminal law serves as an end.  This means that punishment is not done to create fair balance to the affected but rather its purpose is to help the offender adhere to the rule of law. Cole, Smith & DeJong,  (315) asserts that punishment does  not serve as a  mean  to the end but  it is a  way of reminding the general public  that  the system of rules exist.

Personal opinion

 According my opinions, I believe that crime and punishment should serve as rehabilitation.  The ‘get tough’ approach which is based on retribution does not deter crime but rather it expands the prison system, increases the government budget and recidivism in the society. The reason as to why I support rehabilitation is because; this is an effective approach in preventing future crime and to maximize safety in the community.  The policy of indeterminate   shapes the behavior of the prisoners by offering psychological treatment.  The role of rehabilitation program is to offer behavior therapy which focus on helping the offender change behaviors and engage in positive social activities (Raynor & Robinson, 5). From the research, I have learned that offenders are influenced by psychological problems to commit crime. With this idea, rehabilitation will serve a significant purpose in psychological development through counseling.  Rehabilitation program offer therapeutic opportunities where offenders   change behaviors for personal and community benefit.  Through rehabilitation, research is done to understand the root cause of the problem such as abuse, poverty and other risk factors that contribute to criminal acts. Thus, individual-centered approach, work programs and education can share behaviors (Raynor & Robinson, 5).  Thus, I recommend that rather than   using punishment as the goal of sentence, rehabilitation is an effective strategy to reduce crime and prevent future occurrences.  

 Conclusion

From the research,  the criminal justice system is grounded from  conservative, liberal and critical approaches where conservative and liberal  adhere to  traditional views  while  critical  approach  focus on  radical  approach.  The conservative model put emphasis on retribution as a form of punishment with respect to the degree of the offense. On the other hand, liberal approach put emphasis on rehabilitation where rehabilitation program for education, counseling and training are designed to shape the behaviors.  The critical approach put emphasis on the need to consider social condition such as homelessness, poverty and other social issues in the process of justice administration. Both retribution and rehabilitation serve significant purpose in that they prevent future crime through different methodologies. However, rehabilitation is the best approach in that it does not only prevent future crime in the society but it also shapes the behaviors of the offender and help them live a meaningful life.

Work cited

Cole F. George, Smith E. Christopher & DeJong Christina. Criminal Justice in America. Cengage Learning,

2016

Carlson, Peter M, and Judith S. Garrett. Prison and Jail Administration. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett

Learning, LLC, 2013. Internet resource.

Samaha Joel. Criminal Law. Cengage Learning, 2016

Hostettler, John. A History of Criminal Justice in England and Wales. Hook, Hampshire: Waterside Press,

2009. Print.

O'Toole, Sean. The History of Australian Corrections. Sydney: UNSW Press, 2006. Print.

Martin, Susan E, and Lee B. Sechrest. New Directions in the Rehabilitation of Criminal Offenders.

Washington, D.C: National Academy Press, 1981. Print.

WOOD, DAVID. "Retribution, Crime Reduction and the Justification of Punishment." Oxford Journal of

Legal Studies, vol. 22, no. 2, June 2002, pp. 301-321. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=44441696&site=ehost-live.

Raynor Peter & Robinson Gwen. WHY HELP OFFENDERS? ARGUMENTS FOR REHABILITATION AS A PENAL

STRATEGY. European Journal of Probation University of Bucharest www.ejprob.ro Vol. 1, No. 1,

2009, pp 3 – 20  ISSN: 2066 – 2203. Retrieved from:

http://www.ejprob.ro/uploads_ro/677/PRGR.pdf

Expat Women in Hong Kong

            Hong Kong is a global city and very absorbing to be. First of all, it is known to be as the safest place to be and every expatriate living in Hong Kong is assured of security. In terms of accommodation, expatriates find it easy to find apartments in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is also viewed as a peaceful place to be and most of the expatriates are satisfied with the level of security (Marcarian, 2015). Hong Kong also has high quality education and better travel options. However, expatriates face a challenge of cultural differences. There are many existing differences between the expatriates and the locals of Hong Kong. Even though the locals use English as their official language, their accent is far different from the American accent, thus, they may not communicate agreeably. When expatriates meet in Hong Kong, they prefer interacting amongst themselves. The cultural difference can come as a result of different languages. Thus the expatriates find it hard learning the local language. This makes it hard for them to make friendship with the locals of Hong Kong (Chakales, 2009). Thus, the locals of Hong Kong appear unfriendly for this case. There is also long working hours for workers in Hong Kong. This makes the locals spend many hours at work hence lacking time to interact with the expatriates. There is also a different eating culture in Hong Kong, which may not be easily adapted by the expatriates. Therefore, the problem with the spouses is failure to adapt the culture in Hong Kong (Chakales, 2009). This makes the expatriates view the people of Hong Kong as unfriendly, but it is because of their inability to communicate and agree. Hence, expatriates tend to separate and associate amongst themselves. In this case, the locals of Hong Kong are known to be so absorbing, but we realize the problem is with the expatriates. They have excluded themselves from interacting with the locals of Hong Kong and adapt the way of life in Hong Kong so that they can freely associate with them. 

            Interacting with other expat-families only, may not be a solution. First of all, expatriates are few in number and locals are the people to meet more frequently, thus by only depending on fellow expatriates, it can lead to a state of loneliness. Also, expatriates need locals at work place, for instance, for better cooperation; they need to have a common understanding. It is always insecure to live an isolated life because people need. It is always important to explore and embrace every culture we meet so as to be able to cope with cultural differences in life (Holdsworth & Courtauld, 2001). Additionally, there are so many things expatriates need to know about Hong Kong, and they can apply them in their local countries. Especially in this business world we are living in today, there is a need to learn how business is being run in Hong Kong and what makes people successful there. Implying, there is a need to interact with the locals so as to gain experience in various matters of life. As a result of not interacting with the locals, expatriates can meet various challenges, for instance, an expatriate may find it hard to attend a Chinese ceremony because of not knowing the basic way of life among the locals (Holdsworth & Courtauld, 2001). This implies that they both need to interact and know each other. Therefore, for any expatriate, the solution is not to only interact with fellow expatriates, but to learn the existing differences and find a way of getting along with the locals. This is the only way expatriates can feel at home while in Hong Kong.

References

Chakales, Sarah, (2001).Expat women in Hong Kong. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5Mk6o_QXlQ

Holdsworth, M., & Courtauld, C. (2001). Foreign devils: Expatriates in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Oxford University Press.

Marcarian, J. O. H. N. (2015). Expatland. S.L.: Longueville Media.

Research Paper Describing Cultural Difference

Abstract

            This research paper describes cultural differences, foundation and background of students in allied health, and how their education system deals to curb the existing differences. People of different cultures are different in various ways. Interpret things differently, think differently, and dress differently. These differences make it hard for a person from a different culture to interpret the same. People do encounter cultural differences in day today life, for example, the nature of business environment is multicultural. Misunderstanding of one’s culture in such environment may interfere with the entire operation of a business. Allied health and radiography was formerly known to be a feminist field for radiographers. The institution serves as many patients from different backgrounds, thus always important to meet the need of every patient. Diversity is one of the ways to ensure every culture is represented and being catered for. Allied health is focusing on training its stakeholders on cultural competence by giving policies, behaviors and attitudes that can help people to perform their duties effective in a cross cultural setting.

Introduction

            The definition of culture varies according to the focus of interest. It can be defined as the sum of beliefs, rules, behaviors that govern a given population. It is necessary to understand cultural differences in the current world where societies comprise of multi-cultures and people collaborate across cultural boundaries. However, it is typical that people view themselves with uniqueness hence exhibiting a sense of parochialism. Adler (1997, 10) defined parochialism as a state of analyzing the world using one’s own point of view. A person with such an outlook cannot recognize the differences that exist among other people. In the world we live in today, characterized with new communication technology, it has become easier for people to communicate beyond their cultural boundaries. However, in the same state, people have not been able to explore the cultural differences that exist amongst themselves. Thus, this paper will describe cultural differences in detail, backgrounds and foundations of students that are found in radiography and allied health, and discuss how these differences are being dealt with. Allied health is focusing on training its stakeholders on cultural competence.

The description of cultural differences

            There are different ways of analyzing cultural differences as many authors have done different timeframes.  According to Adler, Cultural differences exist in different dimensions. For instance, the nature of people can cause a difference between one group of people and the other. Some people may be known to be good or bad, some may be known of living a certain way of life different from other, thus creating a difference. Differences in cultures may also exist basing on how people relate to nature. There are cultures where people live in accordance to nature. They have no control over the environmental forces (Adler, 1997). There are others, where people have complete control over their environment. While in others, people are under the control of the environment and they have always to concur with the inevitable forces of nature. There are also differences in culture basing on how people relate with others. There are cultures where people are worth of themselves. Such people are known to be individualistic hence praise their personal achievements. Whereas, other cultures have people with a strong sense of oneness and they belong to particular groups say clans or tribes. In such cultures, people strive to achieve common goals and always define themselves as group members. There is also cultural difference based on the mode of activity. In some cultures, people strive achieving in life, while in others; people live expecting events to occur spontaneously (Adler, 1997). In such a dimension, you find one group active, while the other passive. Cultural differences do exist basing on people’s ways of life. There are people who look up to their past, others look up to their present, while others look up to their future way of living. Cultures that believe in their past, always have pride in their traditions and customs and they make all justifications by looking at their previous experiences. Future oriented cultures put all their focus on the future. They pay less attention on the past since their expectation is on a long-term basis (Adler, 1997). Cultures that are present oriented, put their focus on the near future benefits hence having a short-term time expectation.

            People encounter cultural differences in various circumstances in life. In today’s multicultural business environment, cultural differences exist and at times interfere with the success of the business operation.  These differences may result into misunderstanding within the unit. These misunderstandings may be caused by cultural factors like time differences, language barriers, religious and political diversity. Various cultural differences may cause conflict or even interfere with productivity (Hall, 1990). Ignorance about various mannerism and traditions may lead disruption of team work among the workers. For instance, different cultures have different perception on physical contact. Many Europeans freely kiss a business associate on both cheeks as a sign of greeting. Americans normally keep a distance from a business associate. While in other cultures, people always keep a short distance while speaking to another person. Political influence may affect the way a company operates (Anbari et al, 2004).  There are cultures with a strong sense of nationalism and such cultures may find it hard to conduct business with a company of differing culture. Thus, failure to understand all these may cause disagreement within a business organization

            Cultural difference may also act as a barrier to effective communication. People from a specific culture may have a specific way of hearing, seeing, thinking and understanding the world. This may not be the same for every other culture, even if they talk the same language. This implies that cultural differences affect communication in a business setting, or any other setting (Gudykunst, 1986). Say, in a business setting, it is always important to understand the mannerisms, customs, and gestures of those people you deal with. For instance, if a salesperson has knowledge of a given customer’s cultural background, he will apply his actions knowledgably to suit those of the customer. Thus, the two may come into a proper agreement.

            Cultural differences also exist at work places and these differences are attributed to education, work styles or disability. As far as education is concerned, there are employees who compare the academic credentials with success while others rely on on-the-job training for their career progression. Such differences may result in conflict because of the disagreement between theory and practice to achieve organizational set goals. For instance, an employee with a college degree may think of himself being capable of running well the duties, though he may not as capable compared to that with years of practical experience (Cole, 1990). Personal background can also attribute to cultural differences in the workplace. An employee from a small town may not approach her duty with the similar haste like someone in a large town. A job in a big city is handled with a lot of urgency compared to any other small city.

Foundations and backgrounds of students in allied health and radiography

            Allied health and radiography as any other institution of learning is a diverse institution with many students from varying backgrounds. Allied originally has been a feminized institution holding a large population of females than males. The field of radiography for many decades has not attracted male applicants and from 1920s, this field was only comprised of women and was known to be a feminized field. The field had many programs countrywide but typically consisting of female classrooms (Jacobs, 1999). Until in 1990s, the number of male applicants started increasing and with this, the gender make-up of radiography cannot be described as usual. Cultural difference based on gender describes the existence of sex segregation of the occupations based on, well paying occupation, technical occupations for women (Jacobs, 1999). Women are attached to low paying and less technical occupation. However, it is a challenging fact that women dominated this highly technical occupation for many decades. Radiography for many years consisted of gender based occupational consideration where women carried out radiographs and attended to patients, whereas men dictated the radiographs and ordered the exams.

            The work of nurses was highly undervalued and that is the reason why it was regarded as a feminized profession. This profession was well-known for patient care and the duty of nurses was to take care of patients as in bathing, feeding, bed making and feeding. Due to the increase in technological implementation, nursing profession has changed radically. Radiography has undergone extreme transformation due to changes in technology and now it is technologically sophisticated (Gurley and Callaway, 2002). As a dealer in various stakeholders such as patients, health professionals, and educators, allied health faces a challenge of cultural difference hence members need to be sensitized on cultural competence.

How the allied health education system deals with existing differences

            Allied health and radiography, as any other health care institution has taken a great deal of attention to train the health care workforce about cultural competence. In such institution, cultural competence may have different meanings to different parties involved such as the health care delivery system, health care professionals, patients, and educators (Carwile, 2003). Cultural competence is to provide policies, attitudes, and a set of congruent behaviors that can help agencies, systems and professionals to perform their work effectively in a cross cultural setting. Efforts are made to diversify the health care work force. It is believed that a diverse workforce will likely provide a competent care that will help to curb health disparities in the population.

            Training on cultural competence aims at increasing knowledge about populations, enhancing self-awareness of attitudes and improving communication skills. Health care professionals are being involved in learning of different cultures and understanding so that they can be able to handle patients from various cultures (Carwile, 2003). The allied health accrediting bodies are working hard to include cultural competence in the curriculum. I think it is also of sense to increase on the number of male applicants. This is because it helps to curb cultural differences

Conclusion

             It has evident that the world we are living in today is diverse, thus, it is so demanding for people to learn and have understanding of the diverse cultural practices so as to be in position work together in harmony without collision. Culture entails of many things concerning one’s life. For example, behaviors, values, attitudes, age, gender, language, and many others as experienced in our day today life. Therefore, to collaborate with one another, we need to have knowledge of one other’s beliefs work within them. Cultural differences exist wherever people come together as a team, either at the workplace, business environment, or in a learning institution. Disagreements normally occur because of not paying attention to each other’s culture. For example, people have a way of communicating with one another in a given place of work. It is always a duty for any member to go by that particular culture. Therefore, one way to cope with cultural differences is through encouraging diversity. In a diverse setting, people are able to learn and understand from various cultures. Thus, in every multicultural setting, respect of one’s culture is so essential.

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Assignment 5 Corrections and Victims’ Rights

The Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) reckons the privileges given to crime victims in regard to federal based situations. Based on this Act the Victims are linked with the following constitutional privileges (Beloof, 2012).  To begin with is the protection right from defendant since in most instances the defendant might feel the need to revenge on intimidating them to withdraw the lawsuits (Beloof, 2012). , comprehensive and when timed compensations based on what the law provides as payment to the incurred losses or damages should also be given. The payment might be associated with losses such as property damage, low salary and so on (Beloof, 2012). The victims are also entitled to the right to information that is necessary in order for the rights to be exercised fully and also to ensure, resources as well as services that might help in the defense. Also, the right to quick trials is also accounted (Beloof, 2012).

The right to participation in court proceeding equals to the right to the consistent provision of information in regard to the proceedings (Prenzler, 2009). In that, all the victims are entitled to the reasonable privilege of being given the chance to raise their views in trials (Davis, 2009). The participation is very crucial since it is the opportunity through which they can adequately defend their claim (Beloof, 2012). In that without defense then the case will not be fair since the defendant will have to be released for the lack of adequate proof in regard to the crimes that they conducted. On the other side, the victim is also entitled to the acquisition of announcements of events in regard to the important stages of the proceedings to ensure that they follow. Despite the fact that laws regarding the state might differ, most states believe that the victims should acquire information in regard to any postponement, proceeding, bail, dismissal, sentencing, discharge or judgment (Beloof, 2012). The general notification of the progress of the trial as well as the participation opportunity are almost equal and one cannot be effective without the other. One cannot adequately participate if they are not adequately informed in regard to progress based on the lack of idea on what might have occurred or their role (Prenzler, 2009). Therefore they should be informed first which is followed by their participation in order to offer an adequate defense to their claims.

In that, most authorities give the privilege that avoids any unrealistic postponement to ensure that their operations are not affected in any way (Davis, 2009). This is achieved through limiting the consistent trials proceedings postponements. It is required that the court should assess the effects of the proceedings postponement particularly on the victim Davis, 2009). Also, they are entitled to the right of acquiring treatment that is characterized by respect, caution, and appreciation. This offers them with the confidence to offer description to the event without fear and such descriptions can be utilized in decision making.

An impact statement that is given by the victim’s offers provision for the committed criminality that helps in making more informed decision based on the assessment of the cases. This statement can incorporate the monetary, psychological, bodily or even cognitive effects that were acquired due to the claimed crime (Davis, 2009). This information is associated with high value since a large number of judges will tend to utilize the information in determining sentences. On the other hand the parole committees can utilize the given information to determine whether the crime had severe effects and whether based on the effects the defender should be sentenced to parole supervision and if so the general terms that should be applied to guard the wellness of the victim and that of the offender (Davis, 2009). It cannot therefore, be denied that the statement adds value and also leads to satisfaction since the case is judged based on facts which helps in recovering easily and making the most suitable decision in regard to punishment. This trend has proved its efficiency in a number of events which helps to understand the situation and put the sentence on the offender.

Our Job Is Not To Punish

The principle of correctional facilities is described as the ethical approach and expertise behavior (Konrad, Völlm & Weisstub, n.d.). In that, the role of the staffs is not only to subject punishment but also to uphold ethical and professional standards that encourages change.

Legal Liability Issues

In general following and obeying the law for the correctional officers is crucial. They, therefore, have a lawful obligation to adhere and thus any conflict should be eliminated since all their operations should be guided by the constitution. They should thus act with ethics and professionalism (Konrad, Völlm & Weisstub, n.d.).

The Rules Don’t Apply

It is the responsibility of the correctional staffs to examine and project the general effects in regard to certain actions and create programs that fit this needs (Konrad, Völlm & Weisstub, n.d.). Creating them might necessitate extensive requirements and processes and if need permits the processes might be ignored.

The two primary strategies that can be utilized in ensuring that all correctional staffs adhere to the ethical code are knowledge provision and professional conduct policy setting (Davis, 2009). In that, the institution should mainly focus on providing the staffs with adequate knowledge and training in regard to the significance of ethical behaviors. In order to assess them, the policy should be set to limit those with negative intentions as well as penalize those that are found guilty of the violation. This can also be utilized as a reference in case certain issues that require ethical guidance occurs (Davis, 2009).

Victims similar to other individuals need to be guarded against anything that might affect their wellness in general (Davis, 2009). The legal system provides highlights on their rights that should be guarded to ensure that justice is asserted. Victims were highly forgotten in the previous decades but they have grown to be one of the essential aspects of the modern system of justice. During the legal proceeding, it is highly significant for the victims to be given a chance to offer an adequate defense to their claims in general. Having a chance to raise their opinions helps in asserting the effectiveness of the system (Davis, 2009). In that justice only works where the general rights of everyone are accounted and every individual is offered the opportunity to fully defend themselves. In that, the presence of the victim helps in offering proof which might not be acquired if they are denied the opportunity. This statement is utilized in judgment and assessing their vulnerability as well as the general risk that might be acquired if the offender is not punished. In other words having a say in the system helps in promoting justice in general.

References

Beloof, D. E. (2012). Victims' rights: A documentary and reference guide. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood.

Davis, R. C. (2009). Securing rights for victims: A process evaluation of the National Crime Victim Law Institute's victims' rights clinics. Santa Monica, Calif: RAND.

Konrad, N., Völlm, B., & Weisstub, D. N. (n.d.). Ethical Issues in Prison Psychiatry [recurso electrónico].

Prenzler, T. (2009). Ethics and accountability in criminal justice: Towards a universal standard. Bowen Hills, Qld: Australian Academic Press.