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Monday, August 24, 2020
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Transgender Students and the Learning Process Essay -- Essays Papers
Transgender Students and the Learning Process Presentation Character is a key factor of a person in the general public. Personality regularly is slanted in spite of the explanatory articulation: ââ¬Å"You are who you are.â⬠However, ordinarily a general public unwittingly endeavors to form the characters of people into homogenous items. The significant thing isn't to let yourself prejudge people or demonstrations of individuals since this makes a supposition that brings a shame against the person. Transgender individuals face the troublesome test of being acknowledged into society since they either don't fit a customary sexual orientation task to their sex, or they are not ready to indicate a specific sex perceived by society. The legal dispute that I will use to investigate transgender character is Doe v. Yunits. The instance of Pat Doe v. John Yunits includes a youthful, transgender understudy trained by school specialists. The school considers to be an expert on a personââ¬â¢s dress clothing while at the same time going to class. The court experiences a progression of derivations testing the opportunity of articulation, freedom in appearance, and the utilization of sex-class segregation. While the decision of the case brings consciousness of the presence of transgendered individuals, it is defamed by a predominant culture whose premise of the lawful framework ensures prohibited sexual orientation characters as opposed to the assurance of opportunity of picking different personalities. Furthermore, the court regarded that Pat Doe has an ailment that expects her to wear womenââ¬â¢s pieces of clothing. The ailment called Gender Identity Disorder says a lot about how society treats unrecognized contrasts with regards to diagnosing a sexual orientation articulation. The data of the legal dispute permits you to get em... ...aggy pants and a white-blender is day he neglects to maintain her actual sexual orientation personality. Judith Butler in Steinââ¬â¢s article best portrays this as ââ¬Å"[D]rawing upon the strange acts of drag, cross-dressing, and butch-femme, she [Butler] builds up an origination of sexual orientation as execution, and of sex spoofs as incendiary actsâ⬠(Stein 181). My inquiry that comes out of strange examination and the Doe v. Yunits, Why do individuals need to play out a sexual orientation act? Is it to declare a sort of sexuality, sexual direction, as well as rather generalized one? Is a transgender individual better to play out a sexual orientation act that is comprehended? On the off chance that the transgender individual plays out a demonstration in spite of sexual orientation they pick, is the individual a faker? Is my sexual orientation controlling me or I am assuming responsibility for my sex? I trust have endeavored to shake your contemplations and discernments , and maybe even fuck with your sexual orientation.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Conflict Resolution Skills for Healthy Relationships
Conflict Resolution Skills for Healthy Relationships Relationships Spouses & Partners Print Conflict Resolution Skills for Healthy Relationships By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on June 11, 2019 ONOKY - Fabrice Lerouge / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse Conflict is a predictable part of virtually all relationships. It can also be a significant source of stress. Therefore, with most conflicts, itâs important to find a resolution. This seems like a statement of the obvious, but many people suppress their anger or just âgo along to get along. Some think that by addressing a conflict, they are creating one, and simply keep quiet when upset.?? Unfortunately, this isnât a healthy long-term strategy. Unresolved conflict can lead to resentment and additional unresolved conflict in the relationship.?? Even more important, ongoing conflict can actually have a negative impact on your health and longevity.?? Unfortunately, resolving conflict can be tricky as well. Handled improperly, attempts at conflict resolution can actually make the conflict worse.?? For example, researcher John Gottman and his colleagues studied the way couples fight, and can actually predict which couples will go on to divorce by observing their conflict resolution skillsâ"or lack thereof.?? (Hint: Couples who are constantly criticizing their partnerâs character, or shutting down during arguments rather than working through conflict in a proactive, respectful way, should watch out.) For those who werenât born into a family where perfect conflict resolution skills were modeled on a daily basis (andâ"letâs face itâ"how many of us were?), here are some guidelines to make conflict resolution more simple and less stressful. Get in Touch With Your Feelings An important component of conflict resolution involves only youâ"knowing how you feel and why you feel that way.?? It may seem that your feelings should already be obvious to you, but this isnât always the case. Sometimes you feel angry or resentful, but donât know why. Other times, you feel that the other person isnât doing what they âshould,â but you arenât aware of exactly what you want from them, or if itâs even reasonable. Journaling can be an effective way to get in touch with your own feelings, thoughts, and expectations so you are better able to communicate them to the other person.?? Sometimes this process brings up some pretty heavy issues, and psychotherapy can be helpful. Using Journaling Hone Your Listening Skills When it comes to effective conflict resolution, how effectively we listen is at least as important as how effectively we express ourselves.?? Itâs vital to understand the other personâs perspective, rather than just our own if we are to come to a resolution. In fact, just helping the other person feel heard and understood can sometimes go a long way toward the resolution of a conflict. Good listening also helps for you to be able to bridge the gap between the two of you, understand where the disconnect lies, etc.?? Unfortunately, active listening is a skill that not everybody knows, and itâs common for people to think theyâre listening, while in their heads theyâre actually formulating their next response, thinking to themselves how wrong the other person is, or doing things other than trying to understand the other personâs perspective. Itâs also common to be so defensive and entrenched in your own perspective that you literally canât hear the other personâs point of view.?? How to Strengthen Your Listening Skills Practice Assertive Communication Communicating your feelings and needs clearly is also an important aspect of conflict resolution.?? As you probably know, saying the wrong thing can be like throwing fuel on a fire, and make a conflict worse. The important thing to remember is to say whatâs on your mind in a way that is clear and assertive, without being aggressive or putting the other person on the defensive. One effective conflict resolution strategy is to put things in terms of how you feel rather than what you think the other person is doing wrong, using âI feelâ statements. 5 Simple Steps to Assertive Communication Seek a Solution Once you understand the other personâs perspective, and they understand yours, itâs time to find a resolution to the conflictâ"a solution you both can live with.?? Sometimes a simple and obvious answer comes up once both parties understand the other personâs perspective. In cases where the conflict was based on a misunderstanding or a lack of insight to the otherâs point of view, a simple apology can work wonders, and an open discussion can bring people closer together. Other times, there is a little more work required. In cases where thereâs a conflict about an issue and both people donât agree, you have a few options: Sometimes you can agree to disagree, other times you can find a compromise or middle ground, and in other cases the person who feels more strongly about an issue may get their way, with the understanding that they will concede the next time. The important thing is to come to a place of understanding and try to work things out in a way thatâs respectful to all involved.?? Know When Itâs Not Working Because of the toll that ongoing conflict can exact from a person, sometimes itâs advisable to put some distance in the relationship or cut ties completely.?? In cases of abuse, simple conflict resolution techniques can only take you so far, and personal safety needs to take priority. When dealing with difficult family members, on the other hand, adding a few boundaries and accepting the other personâs limitations in the relationship can bring some peace. In friendships that are unsupportive or characterized by ongoing conflict, letting go may be a great source of stress relief.?? Only you can decide if a relationship can be improved, or should be let go. The 6 Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Analysis Of Ronald Reagans Challenger Addres - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 613 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/07/03 Category People Essay Level High school Tags: Ronald Reagan Essay Did you like this example? On January 28th, 1986, the Challenger exploded after launching with delays just days before. Media coverage of the mission was extreme because of Christa McAuliffe, who was going to be the first school teacher to go on a mission to space. Many people around the globe witnessed the destruction of the space shuttle on tv. Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Analysis Of Ronald Reagans Challenger Addres" essay for you Create order This tragedy called for President Ronald Reagan to address the issue. Through the rhetorical arrangement and style of his speech, Reagan expressed condolences to people who were affected by the event. The way the address was arranged allowed him to acknowledge what happened and advocate for future expansion into space. Reagan began his speech by empathizing with the pain that people are feeling: Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss. (see para 1). In this statement, he addresses his wife to deliver relatable speech. He then expands his viewpoint to all Americans. By delivering the speech in this way, he shows himself as a person that can empathize and relate to his fellow man. After this, the speechs arrangement follows along a path to explain to the public how things like this can happen. Although painful, disasters were normal and almost usual during dangerous rocket launches Another sentence states that, For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do the full impact of this tragedy (see para 4). He puts himself at the same level as family to show that his sympathy is just as heartfelt as the family of the seven. He goes on to talk about how the astronauts died a courageous death while doing something they loved; they died as pioneers. The wording he used when he expressed his feelings caused him to sound empathetic. Afterwards, he addresses the youth that were watching; And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttles take-off (see para 6). He acknowledges them because younger people are the next-generation of the U.S. Also by addressing the children, Reagan creates a sense of relaxation to the audience.Reagan assures everyone listening and brings them into his main argument, advocating for future space exploration: Well continue our quest in space. There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue. (see para 9). The president delivered his speech while in the Oval Office and with a calm and solemn speech pattern. These aspects helped to lend Reagan credibility as a leader and an empathetic person.The main point of his message was to deliver condolences to the people who were deeply affected by the accident and to remind us that this is just part of the process of exploration, and to push for future space quest. He supported this claim when he said, Well continue our quest in space. And also when Reagan says, Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue. He goes on to talk about the connection between Sir Francis Drake and the astronauts, to show that what they do is very important to discovery and even though it led to their death, was not in vain. It was a stepping stone for future exploration. Overall, throughout his whole speech he is empathizing with those affected by this event, while still getting his main message across. He indicates that we are hurt because of the loss but, we will move on from this event and look on toward the future.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Dna Analysis And Identification Of Missing Bodies Essay
Summer Assignment Topic :- DNA Testing On Putrefied Bodies Project Objective :- DNA Analysis and identification of Missing Bodies Methodology:- Review Of Literature And Important Case Studies. By:- Zoya Kalim B.Sc Forensic Science (Group 1) Year 2013-2016 What is Putrefaction? Putrefaction is one of the seven stages in the decomposition of the body of a dead animal or human. It is defined as the decomposition of proteins in a process that results in the eventual breakdown of cohesion between tissues and the liquefaction of most organs. It can also be defined as progressive loss of skin and soft tissues. Body flattens as the decomposition gasses escape. In terms of thermodynamics, all organic tissue is a stored source of chemical energy and when not maintained by the constant biochemical efforts of the living organism it will break down into simpler products. The breakdown of proteins in a decomposing carcass is a spontaneous process but one that is accelerated as the anaerobic microorganisms, already present in the animal s digestive tract when it was alive, consume and digest the proteins that comprise the creature s cells. Due to the digestion of the cells and the protein, the tissues of the body are left in a weakened state. Proteins are broken down into smaller components and these are excreted by the bacteria. The excreted components, which include gases andShow MoreRelatedTsunami : A Disaster Victim Identification1491 Words à |à 6 Pages(Thais: 1,972; foreign nationals from at least 36 countries: 2,248; and 1,175 of unknown nationality) and 2,817 were missing (Thais: 1,924).3,6,7 The international disaster victim identific ation (DVI) led by the Royal Thai Police in Phuket, Thailand in response to the Boxing Day tsunami was one of the largest and most complex in DVI history. Referred to as the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification (TTVI) operation, the group comprised a multinational, multiagency, and multidisciplinary team. Province DeathsRead MoreThe Skeleton Owner s Gender, Ethnicity, Height, And Age1697 Words à |à 7 Pagesgeneral age however the standards stopped at the age of 20; the bone doesnââ¬â¢t shift much past that unless its osteoporosis or something similar. FURTHER ANALYSIS Facial reconstruction is used as a last resort to identify remains by placing clay atop the skeleton in hopes of reconstructing what that person may look like to get a possible identification. They would gather average tissue thickness from the ethnicity, gender, and age (children, teens, and adults) and apply it to the skull according to theRead MoreThe Importance Of DPAA1250 Words à |à 5 PagesVietnam cannot come before we have achieved the fullest possible accounting of those missing in action. Why keep searching? The answer is simple. You never leave a fallen American behind. The United States has made a sacred promise to its citizens that it will bring home with dignity all those who have served. Providing a critical role in fulfilling that promise, DPAA is responsible for determining the fate of our missing and, where possible, recovering and identifying those who have made the ultimateRead MoreThe Victims Of A Disaster Victim Identification1998 Words à |à 8 Pagesand 125,000 injuries. Victim Identification was critical to prevent issues at cultural, humanitarian and legal levels for the surviving family members and friends. It could potentially risk living people and create mental problems for victim families until their loved ones are identified and brought home. I was part of the DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) team to identify victims, and based the process upon the international Interpol DVI guidelines. Identification by means of external appearancesRead MoreForensic Criminology : Forensic Anthropology1706 Words à |à 7 Pages A fo rensic Anthropology studies bodies and determines who the person is and they determines the cause of the person death. When someone dies they call a forensic Anthropology to finger out why this person die. When skeletonized remains are discovered, one needs to establish first if the bones are human. If so, the sex, race, age, stature, weight, and any pathology of the newly acquired skeleton must be established in order to make an identification of the remains, determine manner and causeRead MoreSolution And Solution Selection Process1548 Words à |à 7 Pagesthe entire criminal justice system. When DNA tests become invalidated, the test can no longer be relied on to be accurate. Forensics relies on the total accuracy of their test. When a testââ¬â¢s accuracy cannot be verified, it cannot be used as evidence. With all of the data that laboratories have to process, how can the accuracy of the data be checked? In 2009, there were an estimated 26 million Child ID Kits distributed by the National Child Identification Program alone. For the safety of their childrenRead MoreForensics Research Paper: Casey Anthony1173 Words à |à 5 PagesAnthonyââ¬â¢s body remains were found near the Anthonyââ¬â¢s house and the police took possession of Caylee Anthonyââ¬â¢s car; they soon began to search the car. They found a human hair in the trunk of the car, a smell of decomposition in the car, a stained paper towel as well as insect activity found in the car. Further forensics of this hair, found in the trunk of Casey Anthonyââ¬â¢s car, showed that the hair was in fact human, but there wasnââ¬â¢t part of the root, or DNA tissue so they identification could notRead MoreOn January 13, 2017, With Full Military Honors, The Body1886 Words à |à 8 Pagesfull military honors, the body of Corporal Luis P. Torres, who went missing in the Korean War and presumed dead in early 1954, was finally laid to reset at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The belated funeral was a relief to his family. Until last year, Luisââ¬â¢ brother had prayed for his miraculous return. Their mother firmly believed that Luis would return alive as his body was not found. His nephew has contacted with authorities and POW (prisoner of war)/MIA(missing in action) organizationsRead MoreThe Role of Dna Technology in Crime Investigation5441 Words à |à 22 PagesDNA profiling DNA profiling (also called DNA testing, DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting) is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals on the basis of their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a persons DNA makeup, which can also be used as the persons identifier. DNA profiling should not be confused with full genome sequencing. It is used in, for example, parental testing and rape investigationRead MoreLucille Johnson Murder Case Study1470 Words à |à 6 PagesLucille Johnson Cold Murder Case Jennifer Potts Friction Ridge Analysis/CJC-245-EK1 November 8, 2017 Surry Community College Instructor: Denise Sizemore The case that I will be discussing is the cold murder case of Lucille Johnson from Salt Lake City, Utah. Unfortunately, at the time of the murder the investigators didnââ¬â¢t take certain evidence serious in the case. The investigators thought that it was just evidence that had no meaning. None the less, it ended up convicting the murderer
How These Bible Verses Affect Me Free Essays
The Bible is a written collection of scriptures with divine inspiration to be lead and guided by the Holy Spirit. I can say that these Sacred Scriptures of God are representation of our life. ââ¬Å"Death and life are In the power of the tongue: and they that love It shall eat the fruit thereof. We will write a custom essay sample on How These Bible Verses Affect Me or any similar topic only for you Order Now â⬠Proverbs 18:21 Every word that comes out from our mouth is powerful enough to make an impact on our life. In my own experience, I have witnessed the agony and the pain that pinches my heart every time others utter vile words without considering my feelings. Deep inside, dejection and sadness swallow up my entire being alive. Sure, jokes are funny, but there are times that they have completely crossed the line. From then on, I told myself, ââ¬Ël must stand up and fight for myself. ââ¬Ë That is why every time see people bullied by others; I was like glaring at my own reflection. I know what they feel. Ergo, I should help and reach out my hand for them. Whilst on the other hand, I realized that I myself too should also be mindful and watchful of the words I say, for my actions, words, and deeds will come back to me. They will reflect on my personality and will describe who I really am. As stated In the Golden Rule: ââ¬Å"Do not do unto other hat you donââ¬â¢t want others do unto youâ⬠. ââ¬Å"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. â⬠Romans 8:38-39 As I venture my Journey, my life, obstacles keep on blocking my way. As I step farther, hurdles and trials hinder me from going to the right path. Along my way, I may often trip and even fall flat onto the ground; but I never give up, hence continuing what I ought to be. Life Is a coin with its two sidesââ¬âpleasure and pain. Only one can become visible at a time. However, remember, the other side has its turn. Problems may arouse, as well as sorrow and frustration may ramp on your elite. On the other hand, I believe that even In the darkest nights of my life, there Is always the brighter side that will help me seek for hope and give me the strength to persevere and overcome all of these. Nevertheless, they would not be possible without the presence of the love of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord. His unconditional love gives me strength, wisdom, hope, and the spirit to surpass all these hindrances that comes beneath me. My elite, bounded by in his spirit, is always present in our midst, thus, will never separate me from Him. He is the savior that will guide and save me from being lost. These two verses, analogous to what I experienced and learned, gave a huge impact in my life. I should respect the people around me and should treat each other equally. If you ask me, one should never hurt others; and never say words that will offend them. God is always there for me, guiding, helping and never leaving my side. No one can separate me from God, for being with Him is my destiny and that will be my way towards salvation. How to cite How These Bible Verses Affect Me, Papers
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Social Control and the Salem Witch Trials Research Paper Example
Social Control and the Salem Witch Trials Paper In life, individuals form groups to obtain a desired good more effectively. This good typically cannot be produced individually, and this particular goods availability is generally limited outside the group. Thus, it seems that it is in an individuals best interest to remain a part of this group and work effectively with other members to produce their desired collective good. However, when members are faced with two opposing courses of action, one which will benefit their individual end and the other that will benefit the group collectively, there are always group members that will choose to pursue the individual end. Using the factors that affect group solidarity it is possible to explain why deviants sometimes pursue their own individual self-interest, and conversely, what causes some latent deviants to remain reputable group members committed to the solidarity of the group. In his book Principles of Group Solidarity, Michael Hechter lists several factors that effect group solidarity. According to Hechter, group solidarity can be defined as each group members willingness to contribute to the interest of the entire group, or the public. Within the group, solidarity varies for two main reasons; the extensiveness of each individuals obligations, and each individuals compliance with their obligations. Dissecting each of these reasons Hechter concludes that an individuals extensiveness of their group obligations will increase when each group member is dependent on one another to produce their desired good. Also, an individuals compliance with their group obligations will increase when the group is effectively monitored, and when sanctions are properly levied. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Control and the Salem Witch Trials specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Social Control and the Salem Witch Trials specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Social Control and the Salem Witch Trials specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Thus, according to Hechter, a group will exhibit solidarity when the members are interdependent on one another to produce their desired good, and an appropriate system of monitoring exists that yields sanctions to deviants. Nevertheless, group solidarity is only as strong as the group member most willing to deviate from their obligations to the group and pursue their own self-interest. Hechter explains that the rational egoist will choose the course of action that, given the information available to them and their ability to process it, they think will produce maximum utility. (Hechter, 30) If the rational egoist chooses to pursue an individual end, rather than the collective interest of the group, this decision could lead to the eventual downfall of the group. Given this account, one would be led to believe that at any time rational group members would deviate from the group in order to satisfy their own self-interests. But as we are about to see, the factors outlined earlier exist to prevent latent deviants from pursuing their individual end. Furthermore, there are some cases when it truly is in the best interest of the individual to pursue the end that will benefit the group collectively, because in turn they will benefit greater from that course of action. We will now look at several examples to show what factors influence the solidarity of a group. Initially, lets consider a rotating credit association, in which a group of individuals contribute to a common fund that is held by each individual for a certain length of time. In order to form such an organization, group solidarity must exist. Each member of the group must feel a sense of dependence on the other members to comply with their obligation to regularly contribute to the fund. Ordinarily, members of a rotating credit association know a great deal about each other; where each member lives, what each member does for a living, etc. Therefore, a high degree of visibility exists among the members, which serves to strengthen the efforts to monitor the group and sanction deviants. In addition, the notion of reputation in the group plays an important role; the individual serves to protect their familys good name by acting in a reputable manner. Yet, there always exists the risk that an individual (a rational egoist) will run off with the fund while it is their turn in the rotation to hold the money, thereby causing the group to collapse and leaving the others without access to credit. In this case, one can reason that deviation is less likely because each member of the group is highly interdependent on one another. Also, unless the deviant planned on completely disappearing from society he would have a hard time making future business transactions. Word of the deviants action would spread making it very unlikely for him to get involved with another credit association or business venture. Thus, remaining in good standing with the rotating credit association is in the best interest of the individual. Now lets turn to another example, insurance groups. We will focus on two such organizations, British friendly societies and American fraternal ethnic associations. In essence these groups were the first formalized insurance funds. Their main purpose was to offer payments to their members in the event of sickness, death, disability, a bad crop, or temporary layoff. In addition to their role as benefactors the insurance groups provided their members with other collective goods. The British friendly societies fostered a social environment in which their members would be able to have a release from their daily routine. The groups often staged their meetings in taverns, and held summer picnics and other such events for the members families. Similarly, the American fraternal ethnic associations provided a means for recent immigrants to stay in tune with their native culture through music, dance, and sporting events. Also, the ethnic associations offered educational and linguistic resources to assist their members with assimilating into their new environment in America. As one can see the benefits of being a part of an insurance group were immense. However, keeping the insurance fund solvent was an equally immense undertaking. There were myriad problems the fund could encounter. If everyone in the insurance group was about the same age depletion of the fund would occur at or around the same time period. Thus, the insurance group had to maintain a steady flow of new entrants to guard against future collapse. If one or a few individuals had sole control over the insurance fund, fraudulent members could embezzle and figure that nobody will notice. Thus, selection of trustworthy and upright officers was important in order to maintain the fund and safeguard against improper distribution. These two problems represent issues that required monitoring, and also sanctions if the situation warranted such action. In order for group solidarity to exist group members had to take a proactive role in the decision making process of issuing insurance benefits. Deviants could easily file a false claim, steal money from the fund, demand more money than they should, or even exhibit more careless behavior than they otherwise would without insurance (a phenomenon known as moral hazard). Yet, generally speaking, most insurance group members complied with their obligation to regularly contribute and enabled the insurance fund to persist. Using the examples drawn from Hechters book in the form of rotating credit associations and insurance groups one can distinguish what factors affect some deviants to pursue their own individual self-interest. If an individual in a group feels as though the extensiveness of their obligations is too comprehensive they will no longer comply with the groups rules. The deviant may decide to free-ride, in which he collects the groups collective good without contributing. The deviant may leave himself open for an unfavorable response from other group members, which will eventually result in sanctions or removal from the group. The deviant may also decide to steal, or embezzle from the group, thereby solidifying their expulsion. The deviant may even decide to start a rival or competing group with more favorable conditions. Conversely, other factors cause individuals to remain reputable group members committed to the solidarity of the group. Basing this on rational choice theory it may be the case that an individual group members self-interest parallels the collective interest of the group. In this situation the individual is acting as a rational egoist in remaining aligned with the goals of the group. Pursuing the collective interest of the group maximizes the individuals utility. Undoubtedly, this is the major reason individuals form groups in the first place, to collectively obtain a desired good more effectively. Additionally, other factors including maintaining a good reputation in the community, and fear of sanctions, guide some latent deviants to pursue the collective interest of the group. They are better off as part the group. Going against the group will only serve to subject these individuals to undue hardship and ill-feelings from people whom they share common interests with. However, without some sort of social control or peer pressure, it is likely to assume that more deviation from the pursuit of the collective good would exist. This notion is exhibited through Arthur Millers portrayal of the Salem witch trials in the movie The Crucible. For our analysis we will consider Salem, Massachusetts, a community that exhibited group solidarity. The entire town worked together to maintain a certain standard of living for their families. Salem had a carpenter, blacksmith, minister, sheriff, several farmers, and servants, all who worked together to produce a collective good for the community; a comfortable standard of living. Despite the groups interdependence on one another, the system began to fall apart in the face of a crisis. When members of the community were faced with two opposing courses of action regarding communication with the devil, some chose to pursue their individual end, while others chose to pursue the course of action that benefited the group collectively. The predominant reason that allowed such a large faction to pursue their individual end revolves around the courts decision to believe Abigail Williams and her crew. By and large, these girls did not contribute to the welfare of the community; they acted as free-riders. For the girls, non-compliance with the groups obligations was easy. They were rarely monitored, and stringent sanctions could result in their families acquiring a reputation for producing deviants. Thus, most conflicts were pushed under the table or out of sight, to save face in the community. Furthermore, even the court failed to follow proper procedure. The trial consisted of the accused either agreeing to prior communication with the devil, or denying the accusation and facing the consequence of death. There was no middle ground, no logical though process, the girls had created hysteria in Salem. Several group members were hung based on the whimsical testimony of a group of deviants. Not surprisingly, Abigail and the girls initially picked on the group members with the lowest levels of status in the community including, beggars and peasants. By establishing their accusations on these unfavorable group members the girls were able to create a snowball effect, in which more and more people began to believe that certain members did in fact participate in communication with the devil. Before too long the girls were in too deep to ever admit guilt. In turn, they created their own group, with their own interdependence rested solely on the premise of not getting caught. At this point a traitor from within would result in death for them all. When Mary Warren, under the supervision of John Proctor, attempted to rectify the girls wrongs, Abigail led a flamboyant reprisal which made Mary Warren look like she had lost her mind. Eventually, once Abigail realized these trials could not persist indefinitely she decided to flee Salem and deviate from yet another group. During her rampage in Salem, Abigails relentless pursuit of her own individual end transformed the culture of the community. While Abigail and her crew of deviants broke down the community, others including John Proctor, and Reverend Hale gave their all to pursue the collective end most beneficial to the solidarity of the group. If we look back on Hechters factors that affect group solidarity (the extensiveness of each individuals obligations, and each individuals compliance with their obligations), we can see why these individuals fostered the collective interest of the group. Proctor, despite his relations with Abigail, represented the community member who looked out for the well-being of his group members. Proctor understood that interdependence of the group, and maintaining a good reputation for his family, would benefit the community and his family in the long run. When faced with the ultimate question, death with dignity or life with disgrace, Proctor chose the course of action that would eliminate these problems for Salem in the future. He took the ultimate sacrifice for the good of the community. Similar to Proctors course of action, Reverend Hale, realized that something must be done to suppress the deviants from creating any further problems. Having prior experience in uncovering witchcraft, Reverend Hale was initially called in to assess the situation and if the need existed, eradicate the devil from Salem. Unexpectedly, once he had a chance to fully analyze the situation it became clear that the girls who were allegedly suffering from witchcraft were the source of the problem. In an effort to comply with his obligations to Salem, Reverend Hale urged Judge Danforth to see beyond the girls deviant actions. He knew John Proctor was telling the truth, he knew Abigail was lying when she alleged Elizabeth Proctors spirit stabbed a needle in her abdomen, he knew the situation in Salem was out of control. Individuals were being put to death and Reverend Hale was trying his hardest to correct the situation. Relating John Proctors and Reverend Hales actions to Hechters reasoning, one would conclude that as the Salem witch trials progressed the extensiveness of their obligations to the community increased. These two men realized that the welfare of the community rested on their shoulders. In order for Salem to remain solvent in the years to come, free from the grips of the deviants who preached witchcraft, John Proctor needed to stand up against Judge Danforth and set an example. To John Proctor, his strong personal ties within the group, the cost of moving away from Salem, and the value he placed on his familys good name, were stronger than life itself. To Reverend Hale, the pursuit to benefit the collective welfare of Salem, his original mission, was of the utmost importance. As we have now seen through several examples, group solidarity varies for two main reasons; the extensiveness of each individuals obligations, and each individuals compliance with their obligations. When group members are faced with two opposing courses of action, one which will benefit their individual end and the other that will benefit the group collectively, the individual subliminally considers each variant and chooses a course of action. Based on factors including, the interdependence of the group, the visibility of each group member, the probability of getting caught (monitoring), and the probability of facing a sanction, the rational egoist choose[s] the course of action that they think will produce maximum utility. (Hechter, 30) Hence, in each group there exist members who will always be more inclined to deviate than others. The degrees to which these factors are employed within the group determine the actual level of deviation from the pursuit of the collective interest of the group. I am particularly happy with the way that I make sure each topic/example relates to the thesis and gives examples to substantiate the claim. As far as Im concerned the paper flows well from one thought to another. I didnt necessarily have any trouble writing the paper, although there were times when I did not think that I would be able to reach about 9 pages. Based on my outline, I figured Id have to cut down, or simplify the paper, but that proved not to be the case.
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