Tony Blair - Historic Address to a Joint Session of the Irish Parliament free essay sample

Advocacy And People With Intellectual Disabilities Social Work Essay Essays

Advocacy And People With Intellectual Disabilities Social Work Essay Essays Advocacy And People With Intellectual Disabilities Social Work Essay Essay Advocacy And People With Intellectual Disabilities Social Work Essay Essay This essay will look at the function of protagonism in relation to stand foring the positions and involvements of people with rational disablements go toing a twenty-four hours service. It will briefly expression at the historical development of protagonism in general and so look in peculiar at corporate self-advocacy and citizen protagonism theoretical accounts and how these are employed for the societal inclusion of people with rational disablements. Day services for people with rational disablements are considered to be one of the major service suppliers but traditionally have contributed small to the publicity of societal inclusion and self-government ( Fyson and Ward, 2004:64 ) . Advocacy has a function in altering these services by working in partnership with service users to increase societal engagement and chances for mundane experiences such as employment and farther instruction ( Fyson and Ward, 2004 ) . From reexamining and reading literature on the subject it is clear that there is much argument as to what protagonism means. Bateman ( 2000 ) suggests that the different types of protagonism can all be interpreted otherwise and hence there is no cosmopolitan definition of protagonism. But all have a common subject ; assisting another individual obtain something from person with power ( Bateman, 2000:16 ) . The evolving of protagonism into the multi-model that it now is has come from citizen protagonism and the representation of citizen s positions ( Henderson and Pochin, 2002 ) . The cardinal rules within protagonism are regard for the client s position, as much authorization and as small dependence for the client as possible, facilitation of informed picks, the advocator to be independent and pick of protagonism for the client ( Woods, 2003:49 ) . A cardinal factor of protagonism is that it allows for the look of positions and wants of marginalised people who are frequently trusting on protagonism as a agency of making consciousness of societal issues but besides as a agency to measure their rights and entitlements ( Henderson and Pochin, 2002 ) . The attainment of rights is a cardinal portion of protagonism and that protagonism has a function in making consciousness of unfairnesss ( Bateman, 2000 ) . But in relation to people with disablements the rights are limited and are non enforceable by jurisprudence ( Lawson, on the Web, neodymium ) . A right can be defined as any claim that is morally merely or lawfully granted as allowable ( Final Report, 1995, cited in Forum for People With Disabilities, 2004:57 ) . Historically people with rational disablements have been socially excluded from society by bias and favoritism ( About Learning Disabilities, on the Web, neodymium ) . Social exclusion instead than societal inclusion was the norm where people with rational disablements were excluded from their communities by shacking in establishments outside the community and were non granted the same chances as others in the general population. Social inclusion in relation to people with disablements is to increase their engagement within society and to back up them to hold independent lives ( Office for Social Inclusion, 2003 ) . In relation to societal inclusion many administrations such as voluntary and community administrations have used the construct of recommending for their members to better societal inclusion and engagement ( Woods, 2003:21 ) . Traditionally the perceptual experiences sing people with disablements was to see the individual based on their sensed restrictions but that these were challenged by disablement groups that rights held by other citizens to besides be attributed to people with disablements ( Barnes and Mercer, 2003 ) . The European Social Charter ( 1996 ) states that people with disablements have a right to independence, societal integrating and engagement in the life of the community ( Lawson on the Web, nd:8 ) . Advocacy in relation to people with rational disablements allows that each individual has value ( Gray and Jackson, 2002:9 ) , which is in direct contrast to the historical position held by society of devaluating people with rational disablements. That people with learning disablements are citizens with the same rights and duties as other citizens ( Gray and Jackson, 2002:10 ) . The most effectual theoretical account of protagonism is that which matches the service user s demands but there is frequently the demand to use more than one type of protagonism where the general overall purpose is to advance the attainment of accomplishments for self-advocacy ( Woods, 2003 ) . In relation to the demands of people with rational disablements they can be considered to be the most complex in that the disablement may non merely hold cognitive reverberations but physical disablements besides. The scopes of the rational disablement that they are sing can ensue in lessened ability to pass on and cognitive ability. The complexness of their disablements can ensue in limited chances for self-government and being excluded socially from society ( Inclusion Ireland, on the Web, 2003 ) . A cardinal challenge for a individual with rational disablements is to be seen as an person that has the same rights and demands even though they have a greater dependence on their care-givers because of their rational disablement ( Inclusion Ireland, on the Web, 2003 ) . Self-advocacy Model Self-advocacy can be employed for people with rational disablements and that administrations need to back up chances for self-government in relation to their lives ( Inclusion Ireland, on the Web, 2003 ) . Self-advocacy is defined as a procedure in which an person, or group of people, speak or move on their ain behalf in chase of their ain demands and involvements ( Bateman, 2000:18 ) . Cardinal to self-advocacy is that the person should hold the accomplishments that allow them to stand for on their behalf ( Woods, 2003 ) . Harmonizing to Bateman ( 2000:18 ) the most influential signifier of self-advocacy is that of corporate protagonism where people with similar demands come together as a group to seek a peculiar result the amount of the whole is greater than the amount of the single parts . The corporate self-advocacy theoretical account has some of its roots in trade unionism where during the 1940 s corporate protagonism took topographic point during the World War II to dispute the public assistance system. Civil rights motions during the 1960 s in America drove corporate self-advocacy sing the rights for marginalised people ( Bateman, 2000 ) . As societies have modernised the construct of community has been lost to the importance of the person but corporate self-advocacy is continually used by groups to convey alteration on a macro degree ( Bateman, 2000 ) . Corporate self-advocacy is frequently the most effectual signifier for people with rational disablements in that for many as an single standing entirely the picks that they have are to hold to the services on offer or have none ( Whitehead and Hughey, 2004 ) . Group self-advocacy is of importance to people with rational disablements because it can supply the chances to derive accomplishments in communicating, increased assurance and to show their position in relation to their rights and wants ( Woods, 2003 ) . Shoultz ( 1992, cited in Woods, 2003 ) states that group protagonism can profit people who do non hold verbal communicating accomplishments to derive the assurance and accomplishments to recommend for the group and themselves. An illustration of corporate self-advocacy is People First, in Canada, People First have as a corporate self-advocacy theoretical account challenged that no individual with an rational disablement will be forcibly required to be sterilised ( Bateman, 2000 ) . Therefore in order to dispute favoritism that many people with disablements have joined corporate self-advocacy groups to contend societal unfairnesss ( Whitehead and Hughey, 2004 ) . The features of corporate self-advocacy are that the group portion experiences and cognition to work together to turn to unfairnesss ( Henderson and Pochin, 2002 ) . Corporate self-advocacy promotes action on a macro degree so that the huge bulk of the corporate group will profit from the corporate action that is being advocated for ( Bateman, 2000 ) . Woods ( 2003:36 ) supports this by saying corporate self-advocacy can straight alter services within an administration and can be a resource for covering with the daily issues of participants . An illustration of this in relation to the scenario of the twenty-four hours service could be that the persons together agree that a alteration in service bringing is required to heighten their independent life accomplishments such as larning to run the phones and take part as receptionists at the Centre as a agency to derive employment. There are different types of corporate self-advocacy but the most common are the groups based in services ( Woods, 2003:35 ) . This is where the group is within a Centre or service and by and large run into during a calendar month to discourse issues that are of concern to the group members. A cardinal worker or staff member may be needed to move as facilitator ( Woods, 2003 ) . A cardinal facet of self-advocacy in general is that it is driven by the individual and in this manner corporate self-advocacy groups frequently represent a peculiar issue or group ( Henderson and Pochin, 2002 ) . Administrations such as St. Michael s House and Enable Ireland have group self-advocacy within their administrations ( Woods, 2003 ) . Corporate self-advocacy can frequently be the land ledgeman in proviso of protagonism services within an administration ( Woods, 2003 ) . Corporate self-advocacy could be viewed as a agency to back up inclusion and engagement by promoting individual power to impact on service development in general and to advance alterations in societal policies ( Whitehead and Hughey, 2004 ) . In footings of engagement degrees group protagonism within an administration would be higher than other signifiers of group self-advocacy ( Woods, 2003 ) . A unfavorable judgment of collective or group self-advocacy in relation to people with rational disablements could be that the term self-advocacy implies that the individual is straight stand foring themselves. But that in world this is frequently non the instance as in order to self-advocate a individual with rational disablements frequently requires a professional individual to move as a support ( Bateman, 2000 ) . Besides in relation to group self-advocacy within a service a unfavorable judgment has been as to what grade are the picks made and available to the group members free from influence from the service and staff that may be easing the group protagonism meeting. Independent group self-advocacy off from the service has been suggested as a agency to take any possible service influence but that this may cut down the engagement as it is non based within the service that is being used. Another unfavorable judgment is that within the group self-advocacy that the focal point can be based on the positions and sentiments of the most verbally expressive service users and therefore may non reflect the group as a whole ( Woods, 2003 ) . Besides corporate or group self-advocacy although ab initio established to dispute for corporate demands or rights sometimes the group so becomes a service supplier which would dispute its objectiveness in relation to representation of wants ( Bateman, 2000 ) . Citizen Advocacy Model Another protagonism theoretical account that is considered to be effectual for people with rational disablements is citizen protagonism ( Woods, 2003 ) . Citizen protagonism relates to the persuasive and supportive activities of trained selected voluntaries and co-ordinating staffaˆÂ ¦ . working on behalf of people with disablements who are non in a good place to exert or support their rights as citizens ( Woods, 2003:40 ) . Citizen protagonism is considered to be supportive of people with rational disablements who are frequently more dependent on the services that they are using and frequently more dependent on other people to recommend on their behalf ( Walmsley, 2002 ) . Citizen protagonism developed in the 1960 s in America with the civil rights motion ( Bateman, 2001 ) . It was developed into the disablement sector as a consequence of parents with kids with disablements detecting that they received more relevant services when person acted on their behalf as an advocator ( Bateman, 2000 ) . OBrien ( 1987, cited in Bateman, 2000:24 ) suggests that citizen protagonism has at its nucleus the construct of the valued citizen who is non paid and is non a member of a service supplier administration. Woods ( 2003:40 ) besides supports the construct of the valued citizen as being person who does non hold a job acquiring heard, working with a individual who is discriminated against . Another component of citizen protagonism is that through citizen engagement actively recommending for the wants and rights of the individual that they are in bend ambitious traditional perceptual experiences of people marginalised within society to hold full inclusion and engagement as all citizens ( Forests, 2003 ) . The features of citizen protagonism are that the advocator is independent from the administration or service that the individual is utilizing or go toing, that the advocator is non a comparative and is non paid for recommending ( Forum of People with Disabilities, 2001 ) . The nature of the demands of a individual with important disablements would propose that citizen protagonism is best met when the advocator can back up in the long term ( Woods, 2003:41 ) . Peoples with rational disablements have changing degrees of demands and grades of rational disablement and citizen protagonism could be considered to be supportive of people with rational disablements who could be considered to hold greater demands ( Woods, 2003 ) . This theoretical account and has its foundation in standardization and societal function valorisation ( Walmsley, 2002:26 ) . Standardization being that people with disablements should hold chances to see mundane happenings ( Walmsley, 2002 ) . Examples of citizen protagonism are Ealing and Harrow Citizen Advocacy and the Galway Citizen Advocacy Project as cited by Woods, ( 2003 ) . The importance of citizen protagonism in relation to societal inclusion is that by working in partnership with the individual with rational disablements to hold every twenty-four hours chances as other members of the general population that it can cut down exclusion through its construct of giving value to the individual ( Fyson and Ward, 2004 ) . This can ensue in disputing the social position that with disablements are a homogenous group ( Butler and Forrest, 1991, cited in Bateman, 2000:25 ) . Citizen protagonism can be a agency of placing spreads in service proviso and challenge favoritism and soc ietal exclusion ( Bateman, 2000 ) . The advocator relationship develops over a long period of clip and that this creates chances to consistently back up the individual with rational disablements to construct their accomplishments and their self-belief ( Woods, 2003 ) . The citizen advocator has two maps one of stand foring the individual and secondly to move as a societal medium by the personal relationship that is established between the advocator and the individual ( Woods, 2003 ) . The existent volunteering of clip to make a relationship is an of import facet within citizen protagonism in that for many people with rational disablements the scope of societal chances available to them may be more limited than other people with disablements ( Woods, 2003 ) . A unfavorable judgment of citizen protagonism is that because of its voluntary nature that the advocator can be viewed by services to non hold the cognition or expertness to to the full recommend on behalf of the individual with rational disablements ( Forum of People with Disabilities, 2001 ) . Another unfavorable judgment is that struggle in footings of obtaining demands and rights can be an component of protagonism and that an inability to understand the map of struggle to make alteration can forestall citizen protagonism being effectual ( Bateman, 2000 ) . Some self-advocacy groups have criticised citizen protagonism that it is keeping the dependence prejudice that society assumes in relation to people with rational disablements ( Henderson and Pochin, 2002 ) . Citizen protagonism which is frequently employed as a theoretical account for people with rational disablements has in its application supported that people with larning troubles need the intercession of able-bodied advoc ators if their wants are to be taken earnestly ( Pochin, 2002:107 ) . But citizen protagonism could be considered to be supportive of societal inclusion by its construct of valuing all people and advancing community engagement ( Whitehead and Hughey, 2004 ) . Another unfavorable judgment is that citizen protagonism requires clip and committedness from the advocator and that a challenge is to happen citizens that have the clip available to give ( Forum of People with Disabilities, 2001 ) . Decision In decision protagonism should include that every person should be listened to and to hold an active portion sing the results of their life ( Woods, 2003 ) . Advocacy has at its nucleus the attainment of rights and demands ( Bateman, 2000 ) . Social inclusion could be considered to be supported by the rules of protagonism that promote authorization and pick for people with rational disablements ( Woods, 2003 ) . But for both protagonism theoretical accounts in relation to people with rational disablements the greatest challenge seems to be that of asseverating their right whether moral or legal to avail of the mundane chances that the general population can see ( Forum of People With Disabilities, 2001 ) . That society by and large inquiries the ability of a individual with rational disablements to self-determine and this has impacted on the development of protagonism theoretical accounts for people with rational disablements ( Gray and Jackson, 2002 ) . The proviso of protagonism se rvices for people with rational disablements although trying to dispute inequalities that unless people with disablements have a legalised right to services that protagonism is meaningless without rights ( Bateman, 2000:43 ) . That by non implementing rights sing services and no proper resort through the legal system because these services are non rights that protagonism can non be genuinely effectual in back uping societal inclusion ( Bateman, 2000 ) . That implementing rights to services would back up the client going the consumer and could be an effectual manner of utilizing protagonism to make societal inclusion ( Bateman, 2000 ) . A challenge for both theoretical accounts is the support required is frequently allocated to other supports and this can be contributed in some ways to the fact that protagonism is non universally defined and is non universally legislated for ( Bateman, 2000 ) .

Teacher Interview (Behavior) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Teacher Interview (Behavior) - Essay Example When students were not on good behavior, they would receive a warning for the first offense. Then, with the 2nd offense, the student would lose 15 minutes of recess and with the 3rd offense, they would lose 20 minutes of recess and receive a call home. The teacher believed that these problems occurred from students being bored or restless in the less structured time period of the transition. Interview 2 4th grade classroom In this interview, the teacher found that most behavior problems occurred during long periods of quiet, individual seat work. Examples would be during mathematics drill times or when working on book worksheets. The most common problems were talking, not being on task, being disruptive to other students and moving around the room. The classroom management system in places used positive and negative reinforcement to manage student behavior. The teacher modeled a checkbook system, which not only allowed children to become more knowledgeable about checks and checkbooks , but help them practice practically applied addition and subtraction as well. Students receive a check for $30 in the morning, each school day. Students who are not on good behavior receive a warning for the first offense.

The importance delivering a good prevention for teachers at risk of Essay

The importance delivering a good prevention for teachers at risk of voice problems - Essay Example In a study, 39.6% of the teacher trainees reported of voice problems in comparison to 32.6% females belonging to the general public (Thomas et al 2006). Similar results were noted in a different study when it was seen that teachers who were studying, 17.2% reported of problems with their voices. On the other hand only 9.7% of the people belonging to other professions which did not require vocal stress reported of vocal issues (Donders et al 2006). These vocal issues can be overcome with the assistance of different forms of treatment. It has been analyzed that if treatment is not sort, it can result in aggravating the vocal problems. Vocal amplification and vocal hygiene belong to forms of treatment modalities which prove to be useful for such problems. Vocal amplification is considered to be a superior procedure as compared to the vocal amplification. This was because the teachers felt more comfortable with this procedure and felt easier to comply with it (Roy et al 2004). Vocal func tional exercises also belong to a treatment option for vocal problems. A study has proved that vocal functional exercises serve as a more superior procedure to vocal hygiene for treatment voice problems. The teachers under the treatment of these exercises report better results and also present with higher satisfaction levels with this form of treatment (Simon et al 2001).

Investment Portfolio Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Investment Portfolio - Assignment Example Both children also have 529 plans established, gifted to them by their grandparents ten years ago. Therefore, college tuition is not considered a financial objective, as higher education will be essentially paid for through these particular savings plans. Finally, the investor has ten years left on a 30-year mortgage note, thereby paying off the loan ten years before he enters retirement. The monthly mortgage payment is approximately $1125. Since the couple looks at their residence as their dream home, they have no intentions of ever selling their property nor do they intend to purchase a second home. They do not foresee any other significant expenses on the horizon; however, they do have an emergency fund valued at $10,500 to cover any problems that may creep into their financial picture. It can be assumed, then, that their objective will not include constructing an emergency reserve. They can, and will, focus solely on retirement savings. I. Investment Policy: A study conducted by Klein and Iammartino in 2010 states that Modern Portfolio Theory supports the notion that there are three main factors that must be considered when selecting the various investment vehicles that will comprise a sound portfolio: diversification, risk tolerance, and time horizon. In this particular situation, the investor’s age and risk tolerance reflects a need for a moderately conservative approach to building the portfolio. While the investor still has some time on his side for wealth accumulation, stocks traditionally perform rather inconsistently, making it virtually impossible to predict what direction the securities will take on any given day. Of course, most portfolio profits are made by investing in securities, as their sheer nature is to grow money. But like anything in life, there is give and take. While highly lucrative, stocks are also highly volatile, which increases the risk that an investor could lose all money put into a particular security if the company is ch anging management, losing its competitive edge in the industry, or even worse, headed for insolvency. As times goes on and retirement inches closer, an investor will have less reaction time to deal with any of the above circumstances that are adversely affecting the portfolio’s performance. Consequentially, it makes good financial sense to build in shock absorbers to help alleviate any additional burdens the investor takes by putting money into equities. These absorbers are referred to as fixed income, which is a more secure asset class because these investments pay out through fixed interest rates for a pre-determined time frame and, in some cases, are insured, should the debtor become insolvent. Fixed income is mainly comprised of bonds and CDs. They are not as profitable as equities and can bring their own element of danger simply because more conservative investments typically cannot outpace inflation (think of your investments flying down a freeway with inflation as the highway trooper clocking the speed at which the money is growing). Still yet, they do provide guarantee, which gives the investor peace of mind that the money will never be lost. It can be said then that the aforementioned investor will need to allocate a certain percentage of his money to stocks, bonds, and finally, cash to provide necessitated liquidity in his portfolio, should there be another global downturn in

Genetically Modified and Organic Foods: Pros and Cons

Genetically Modified and Organic Foods: Pros and Cons Introduction Without modern food production methods, the world food shortage would be in even more of a crisis today. The controversial issue regarding organic and modern mass production methods such as genetic modification, chemical additives and irradiation is a big issue in the global food industry. The global food shortage crisis is gaining momentum as the world is exposed to environmental disasters and the devastating effects of global warming. A solution may come from the growing Genetically Modified (GM) food industry or are the long term effects of GM food too much of a risk. They are increasingly penetrating the market and are replacing the natural, organic foods. Technology has taken over our lives and lifestyles and GM foods are evidence of a desperate attempt to keep up with the crippling population growth worldwide and the lack of equal food dispersion thereof. The controversy of the issue is weighted by the reality of the global food shortage crisis. What are Organic Foods? Over the years the term has changed to accommodate the new species of crops and varieties of animals. The original definition would be food that has not been altered in any by the use of technology or man-made activities. The foods have been grown in naturally fertilised soil, meaning that there is an absence of chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides. The crops then grow naturally by photosynthesis and they are then harvested, processed (cleaning, etc.) packaged and distributed. There are very limited amount of chemical additives such as preservatives, colourants, flavourants despite popular beliefs but they are not exposed to irradiation or radurisation. In terms of livestock and animal produce, the animals are nurtured for in a natural environment such as one that resembles their natural habitat. They are free to roam around and salvage food such as free range chickens are allowed to roam and peck for food. The animal feed is not pumped with synthetic growth hormones or antibio tics or genetically modified organisms. Organic foods are supposed to be the biological, natural and traditional crops or animals that have been around since the dawn of time. Customary farming styles have changed but the organic principles have stayed the same. Fresh organic food This classifies food that has not been processed and is sold at produce store such as Everfresh, Fruit Veg City or small stales. The produce is bought from independent, small scale sellers that are usually the farmers of the produce. This usually categorises fresh fruit and vegetables but it can be used to classify fresh meat. However in todays technological society, fresh produce is not always organic. Loose fruit and vegetables are also in produce stores so the best way to identify organic produce is by reading labels. Another indication of organic produce is knowing what seasons the fruits or vegetables usually grow and are harvested. Price is also an additional indication. Organic produce is usually more expensive. Processed organic food These foods are found in grocery stores such as Spar or Woolworths. These foods have a high percentage of organic foods and do contain a limited amount of non artificial flavours or additives. The foods are preserved using natural preservatives such as high amounts of salt or sugar. They are also under strict restraints regarding their processing. They may also tend to be more expensive and have a shorter shelf life than non-organic processed products. Pros and cons of organic production The organic food industry has boomed by 70% worldwide and in some countries a higher percentage of people have tapped into the organic food industry due to health concerns and the alleged health benefits of organic food. The pros and cons are the issues that consumers are weighing every time they go shopping or order a meal or consume something. The organic food industry capitalise on the fact that their food is a lot healthier than GM foods or non-organic foods but that is not always the case. Pros of organic food production Organic food is generally good for the environment and our health but this varies according to the farm style, produce and scale of the farm. There are several reasons for this. Organic farms do not use synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides or chemicals when farming. This means that the crops can develop their own natural photochemicals via photosynthesis and protect themselves from insects and weeds. This means that they are naturally fortified with antioxidants, minerals and macro and micro vitamins. They have to fight off their natural predators and this environmental stress ensures that we will consume crops with more vitamins and antioxidants without the health risk of chemical residues. The use of manure and compost is economical and completely natural. The lack or minuscule use of artificial chemicals means that there is a much lower risk of contracting illnesses introduced by the unnatural chemicals. For example pesticides are known to have detrimental effects on our health ranging from minor discomforts like headaches to breast cancer. The chemicals are also damaging to developing foetuses (as the pesticides cross the placenta and their immune system is undeveloped) and pregnant women (as their organs and body systems are already under stress). They can also cause Parkinsons disease. Antibiotics are not used in animal farming feeds meaning that their meat or produce do not contain the antibiotics but they use their natural immune systems to fight diseases. The antibiotics can cause long term health complications. The antibiotics used are very similar to ones used for human use thus means that the body will receive an over dose will cause harmful bacteria in our body to evolve and mute into a new drug resistant species. Growth hormones are not used in animal feeds or pumped into their bodies. This means that they will develop naturally and mature when they are biologically supposed to. The health effects of these can only be truly seen in the long term but some are evident today. Girls and boys are maturing before their time and there are more random hormonal, birth and growth defects than before. Additives and preservatives such as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), hydrogenised fats, colourants and artificial sweeteners are not present in organic foods. They have been proven to be detrimental to human health. The lack of synthetic pesticides means that organic farming in not harmful to indigenous wildlife. It encourages vast range of biodiversity and a balanced ecosystem. Crop rotation promotes soil nutrition and a diversity of crops to grow. The nutrient demand varies according to the plant and this means that the soil has time to replenish itself or by the use of nitrifying plants or cover crops such as legumes and beans or clovers. They also introduce new, beneficial insects to the ecosystem to kill off pests. Crop rotation also promotes a stronger top soil therefore reducing soil erosion ad harmful chemicals from being washed into rivers and streams hence contaminating valuable drinking water and lower levels of heavy metals from polluting, clean drinking water. Animals are in a free range environment meaning that they will develop muscles and strong bones and immune systems and their natural diet will enable them to live healthy, normal lifestyles. Organic farms produce less waste and are more energy efficient and use less energy. Organic farms do not need highly skilled workers or very expensive equipment. Cons of organic food production Despite the numerous benefits there are some concerning problems with organic foods but they too vary according to the farm produce and the size of the farm. The shelf life of organic foods is much shorter than GM or mass produced products because the lack of additives and preservatives decreases their shelf life (especially fruit and vegetables). Organic foods are a lot more expensive than commercial or mass produced foods in some cases 50%-100% more expensive. The organic industry marketing is largely based on the health benefits of organic food so some products may claim to be organic but do not meet the standards and cheat people out of their money. The limited amounts of chemicals will still have detrimental effects in the long term. There is said to be no proven results that there is a substantial difference between nutritional benefits with organic foods and fortified commercial foods such as commercially grown cereals or juices. The natural manure used may contain harmful bacteria such as the E. coli bacterium which is fatal to human health if not treated. The farms also give off of gases (e.g. methane) that are harmful to the environment. Organic foods are not produced on a very big scale such as mass scale production so their yield is much lower and would not be able to keep up with high demand for food. Hence the expense. Organic foods may not look as appealing or appetising as commercially grown products or GM foods. Crop rotation is not subject to organic farming and it is not as energy efficient as it claims. No-till farming is a commercial farming technique and uses the least energy. (The process however uses herbicides to clear the land eliminating the need to till or manage the land.) The farming styles may be too outdated and need improvement to adapt to the changing environment. Organic farming may not ensure food security to a mass population or sustain food fashions or trends. It is heavily dependant on seasonal change and weather so supplies are inconstant. Organic farming is tedious and hard work and requires space. What chemicals are used to aid the production and supply foods? Additives and preservatives are used largely in mass production products. They are added to food products to enhance taste, colour, and texture or to preserve the food in order for it to have an increased shelf life. This makes the food more aesthetically appealing and or even taste better than usual. They are substances that are purposely added to food during the handling, processing or manufacturing stages of food. This is a selling gimmick but some additives are beneficial but they also have negative health effects. Examples of additives are Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most common additives in savoury foods and tartazine (E102) is a yellow colouring also used in a variety of products. They are known to cause or aggravate allergies or even respiratory problems like asthma. Functions that the chemicals perform MSG enhances the flavour and taste of savoury foods. It is a white crystalline substance that dissolves well into a variety of foods. It causes allergic reactions like swelling lips and vomiting. Tartazine (E102) is used to colour food yellow, like in margarine. It has been linked with asthma and hyperactivity in children. Additives generally: Are effective against combating a variety of microorganisms Are not toxic to humans and animals (if taken in the right dosage) Are Water soluble (dissolve well in water) Add nutrient value Are not damaged by temperature changes or bacteria Do not affect the natural components of food. (Flavour, aroma, etc.) Are economical What is genetic modification? Genetic modification is the process of technologically changing the genetic information of an organism to achieve a desired result. The biotechnology used or genetic engineering to create genetically modified crops or Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) entails extracting desirable genes from one organism and fusing them with another to create a new, improved breed or species of plant. The GM crops are then cultivated and introduced into the market. The traits make them more desirable and penetrate the market easily. They are therefore cheaper, last longer and have an enhanced nutritional value. In animals it enhances their productivity and quality of feed and produce (hormones, etc). Genetic modification is a complex practice laws need to be implemented such as the South African GMO Act (1997) that controls and monitors activity regarding GMOs. It is administrated by the National Department of Agriculture consisting of committee members from government bodies. GM was introduced to reach the high and strenuous demands for food because of the rapidly exploding global population. The food shortage crisis has however worsened over the years and people are turning more towards GM products as a faster and cheaper solution as opposed to conventional or organic products. There are concerns about health effects and are GM foods just as detrimental if not worse than commercial mass produced products. Is it the baddie that its reputation suggests? Despite the widespread support for GM foods there is a large community that strongly feels that they will cause more problems than solutions and that they are just prolonging the list of causes of human death. Arguments in favour of GM products: It is an advancement of traditional breeding to keep up with the increasing food demands. GM crops use fewer chemicals than commercially grown or mass produced crops making them just as health as organic foods. They have a high yield and their yield is constant. There is no sound evidence that GM production has an undesirable effect on the environment. Developing countries need the crops to feed their populations and are adopting the technology or receiving it as aid from first world or developed countries. It is quick, cheaper and less maintenance than wide scale farming or organic farming as it needs less space and fewer costs (chemicals, manure etc.) Arguments against GM products: There is a scarcity of scientific testing results of the short term or long term effects of GM products. There is not enough technology and funding in the world to sustain everybody in the long term. The GM foods may contain versatile toxins unknown to man at the present time. GM crops will lead to a lack of biodiversity and a decrease the indigenous crops or animals having a negative environmental effect. They could increase susceptibility to allergens. The alterations of genes could also alter genes in our own bodies and pass them on to further generations. There are major ethical issues regarding GM foods. It is unclear as to whether or not GM foods are as bad as they are said to be but they seem to be the only working solution so far to combat the food social shortage global crisis. The need for GM foods is clear but the risk of eating genetically altered food is too high. The luxury of eating new fruits like grapples is inviting but the price of future generations health is alarming. GM foods are becoming a hazard posing as a luxury but if their constraints are limited they could serve a beneficial purpose such as alleviating the food shortage crisis. Genetic modification could be a food fashion or fad but judging by its popularity it is here to stay. What is radurisation? Radurisaton, also known as irradiation is the treatment of food using very short light or radio waves. This improves the foods shelf life, safety and its suitability. Electromagnetic radiation is the umbrella term for the different types of waves used scientifically. The Gamma rays are the shortest waves in the electromagnetic spectrum and they are used to irradiate the food. The rays infiltrate deep into the food and kill bacteria or insects as their biological cells are sensitive to the radiation. The waves can also retard potatoes from sprouting. The waves are generated by a specially treated metal called Cobalt 60 that is encased between double layers of metal rods; because of the dangers of gamma rays the radurisation takes place under strictly controlled conditions. Different dosages are used according to the desired effect, if food is to be pasteurised than the dosage is less than equipment that needs to be sterilised. It is very popular and it is authorized by a number of international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the American Medical Association. It is locally supported by The Department of Health. According to Act 54 of 1972 (in South Africa) all irradiated foodstuffs must be labelled properly showing the Radura symbol and only if approved by the Minister of Health or the Director General. The maximum dosage is 10 kiloGrey, exceeding this will be violating international regulations. The Radura Symbol What foods are irradiated? There are a variety of foods that are irradiated especially raw or highly sensitive foods that can be contaminated easily. They are divided into different classes starting from 1-11; the higher the class the more complex the application (the table attached illustrates this). A few of the common food stuffs are: Wheat Maize Spices and herbs Fruits (e.g. strawberries) Vegetables (e.g. cauliflower) Meat (raw or frozen) Poultry Fresh garlic Honey Tubers, bulbs and roots (e.g. potatoes) What are the pros and cons of irradiation? Pros of irradiation: It eliminates or reduces the amount of disease causing organisms in the food and other harmful bacteria. (e.g. salmonella, E. coli, listeria, etc.) It replaces the use of potentially harmful chemicals used to fumigate insects from crops. Irradiation meets international and national quarantine standards. It extends the shelf life of food especially raw fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry. It is a safe and effective method for treating food. The food does not become radioactive. Cons of irradiation: There is a minor reduction in vitamin content during irradiation. It cannot improve spoilt foods Foods with a high percentage of fat change colour when they are irradiated. It does not improve or enhance the taste or appearance of the food. It can cause unpleasant flavours in certain foods. Skilled workers can only work with the equipment The equipment is expensive and needs regular maintenance Analysis of results Who was interviewed? I tried to choose a spectrum of candidates raining in age hence affecting their lifestyle choices. I surveyed: Parents Scholars Friends Members of the Ballito community Children The results that I acquired are more or less what I had expected. There was an equal balance between the questions as to whether or not people agreed with the statement but I was surprised to see that 5out of the 15 people did not think that there was a global food shortage crisis. A lot of people did not have a vegetable garden which I had thought was a fad and more and more people felt safer when they ate their own produce. 10 out of the 15 people knew what genetic modification was and the same results were obtained when 10 out of the 15 people choose the correct definition for organic food. There is a trend regarding people being more aware of organic food and how influential food labels are and the effect on the environment. 10 out of 15 people were willing to spend more money on organic foods which is more evidence that organic food is becoming a big part of peoples lifestyle choices. 0 out of the 15 people did not know what the Radura symbol indicated so it shows that there is a lack of consumer knowledge. Ultimately the general result regarding the controversial issue of GM foods relieving the food shortage crisis was that people strongly supported this theory with 10 people choosing yes, 4 people choosing no and one person choosing not applicable. The following tables and graphs diagrammatically represent a few of the results from the survey: What are organic foods? What is Genetic modification? Number of people who choose the correct definition:Â  10 Number of people who choose the correct definition: 0 Number of people who choose the wrong definition:Â  5 Total:15 Do GM foods influence your food choice? Do organic foods influence your food choice? Number of people who choose: Yes 7 Number of people who choose: No 6 Number of people who choose: Not applicable 2 Total:Â  15 Are you willing to spend more money on organic foods? Number of people who choose: Yes 10 Number of people who choose: No 5 Number of people who choose: Not applicable 0 Total:Â  15 Do you have a vegetable garden? Number of people who choose: Yes 6 Number of people who choose: No 9 Number of people who choose: Not applicable 0 Total: 15 Do you think GM foods could alleviate the food shortage crisis? Number of people who choose: Yes Number of people who choose: No Number of people who choose: Not applicable Do you believe that there is a global food shortage crisis? Number of people who choose: Yes Number of people who choose: No Number of people who choose: Not applicable Personal opinion The information is reliable and valid as people answered the survey individually and they were anonymous and so they felt more flexible and honest with their answers. The results were bias in that all the candidates where from a similar financial background and had access to more consumer information. The survey results did match with the literature results that I obtained. They were the same in terms of the lack of consumer knowledge and the growing trend of people moving towards organic foods for supposed health reasons. A lot of people thought that the organic farms had a good environmental impact but they were wrong so the information given to the public is not always fact making it misleading. Suggestions on how to improve the investigation The investigation was extensive and needed a lot of detail. I would survey more people and a wider spectrum ranging from a bigger lifestyle differences and income background in order for the results to be more accurate. The length and content of my survey/ questionnaire would be more specified so as to have a fair and set standard of what results should be required from the public. I would use a better organisational method of my information by mapping it out before is started my investigation in order to clearly know what I have to do. My time management would also need improvement in order to have more time to thoroughly go through my work and not be rushed for time. I would research more information in order to have more arguments regarding the investigation. Conclusion There is evidence of a global food shortage crisis and it is clear that people have chosen to show a blind eye to the situation or actively combat it. The two major concerns as to whether or not they will alleviate the global food shortage crisis are clear; Organic or Commercial mass produced food. There are counter arguments that there is enough food supplied from the earth but misdistribution and greed have caused food to become scarce. The environment is also more versatile than it used to be due to global warming so extreme disasters and weather patterns are changing landscapes and available or potential farming land is becoming a scarcity. The growing population is also exceeding the environmental capacity to cater for it as there in not enough space to farm as it is cultivated for farming and there is a higher demand for food than there is a supply. The recent recession is also another reason threatening food security and increasing oil prices threaten the transport of foods. Without the technological advances that man has created to bring about mass produced foods is a solution but a temporary one as repercussions are not yet evident but they will curb the success of mass produced foods. Organic foods do not seem half as damaging but they too cannot sustain the booming population. The question remains as to whether or not to choose organic or GM food but for majority of the worlds population that is not an option so they have to rely on GM foods. The world would be in even more of a crisis if modern mass food productions but they need to refine their methods and strive to be as close to organic quality as possible, GM is not the answer, more needs to be done.

GCSE English Coursework: The Crucible Essay -- Essay on The Crucible

GCSE English Coursework: The Crucible The Crucible. Arthur Miller, ‘The Crucible’ is a play based upon the events of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The story is about a religiously motivated town. The story is about a group of girls’ who are led by Abigail, who blamed witchcraft for their troubles. Being a strict Christian society the people of Salem believed in the girl’s stories. In conclusion this led into 20 people being falsely accused, and hung. The girl’s stories were easy to believe because of many reasons. Salem town was filled in a Puritanism belief. Everything they did was for God; they were doing God’s work. With this they believed that the bible was the ultimate answer to any question. When something went wrong they would automatically look into the bible and the teachings of God and anything it said they would abbey to it. John Proctor is accused of being a witch when he forgets his 10 commandments. He forgets to mention about not committing adultery. Proctor replies to this by saying, â€Å"I think it may be a small fault†, with Hale replying, â€Å"Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small†. Because they lived in a society that was strict and suspicious about everything because they were paranoid with fear. Hale suggests that because has forgot to mention adultery that Proctor doesn’t see it as a problem and will commit adultery. The people of Salem would swiftly blame the devil as when something bad or evil would happen. Towards the beginning of Act One we see this when Betty falls sick and Mrs Putnam says, â€Å"I’d not call it sick; the Devil’s touch is heavier than sick†, this shows us what a strongly religious society Salem was at this time. This makes the ... ...he liked her power. She likes to be in control. The society has a strong pride. With the people of Salem not confessing to the witchcraft. Because they didn’t admit they assumed that they did do the witchcraft, so the girl’s stories were easy to believe even more so. In conclusion the girl’s stories were easy to be believed because the society of Salem was an extremely religious. They were paranoid with fear, which made them venerable to small things: causing superstition. Another reason why the girl’s stories were easy to believe was because people wanted to believe them so they could end old grudges and claim land. People were scared to question the Bible because they would be accused of doing the Devil’s work and then hung. The Religious views about Christianity were taken too literally and as a punishment over 20 people were hung because of it.