World Literature students did a great job researching and delving into a broad array of current events to develop their argument essays. The topics students selected reflect their interests in the world around them, and even prompted late-night discussions in the dorm where students from opposing sides of an issue tried hard to listen and recognize each other’s position. After selecting their topic, students used the library databases and other sources to research their subject more thoroughly. They incorporated this research in their essays, citing their sources, and completing a Works Cited page. They learned to employ counterargument and refutation or rebuttal as rhetorical devices to advance their position. With over a week of school lost due to snow days, World Literature students showed real perseverance and determination to finish this big project in the final days of the trimester! They learned to work in Pages and in Google Drawing as well as developed greater flexibility in converting files to PDF so they can be shared more easily. I’m proud of their hard work and final products. I hope you enjoy their essays! Ms. Waterman
2019 Recorded as the Hottest Year on Record By Zhen Xiang Ni Jiang '22 “ More than 150 species become extinct a day because of humans”, (“The UN warns that 150 species become extinct a day because of man”). These animals have disappeared forever on Earth because the global temperature is increasing. Our atmosphere is formed mostly by water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3). Without greenhouse gases, the average temperature of Earth's surface would be about −18 °C. The problem now is that human’s activities are producing a lot of carbon dioxide, more than normal. This caused the melt of the North Pole, animals are becoming extinct, and natural catastrophes are more frequent and stronger. Some people that live in rich countries think that the global temperature is not increasing while others are expecting serious problems with the increasing global temperatura, especially in countries with scarce water resources. In fact the global temperatures are increasing, all of us should recognize this because we have scientific proof in the rapid melting of the North Pole. “ Analyses by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed that global average surface temperatures last year were nearly 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the average from the middle of last century, caused in large part by emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases from the burning of fossil fuels”,(Henry Fountain and Nadja Popocivh).
Although it seems little the temperature has increased, in reality it is a lot. We have to realize that the average temperature on Earth should be about 16°C. Without the greenhouse gases the global temperature of the earth would be about -18ºC. These gases are mainly formed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone, and they function as a layer that retains heat in our atmosphere that gives us the sun's solar lights. The current problem is that due to human activities of producing many greenhouse gases when burning forests to obtain spaces for agricultural activities , but above all it is the burning of fossil fuels, which are oils, mineral coal, and natural gases. “A warmer atmosphere is a thirstier atmosphere”, ( Henry Fountain and Nadja Popocivh). This means that a warmer atmosphere is a dirtier atmosphere because greenhouse gases are the causes of the warmer atmosphere, and these come from the smoke produced by cars, industries and forest burning , in other words: pollution: “We have very significantly changed the atmospheric concentration of these gases”, ( Christina Nunez). Humans are increasingly producing more greenhouse gases because we used fossil fuel everywhere, in cars, buses, airplanes, heating, industries, and in many other human activities. Pollution and global temperature increase are some of the most serious problems. Another problem is that many animals are dying and extinguishing forever because human activities are changing their physical environment, either by pollution or by rising temperatures. An example is polar bears. They are beginning to be in danger of extinction because the North Poles are melting due to the increase in global temperature. Animals are extinct every hour, “The UN warns that 150 species become extinct a day because of man”,
(“ La ONU Alerta de que 150 Especies se Extinguen al Día por Culpa del Hombre”). That means that each ten minutes there is an animal that disappears in the Earth forever. The animals are dying because they have not been able to adapt to the brutal change in temperature or pollution: “ We are expecting the biggest wave of extinctions after the disappearance of dinosaurs. Every year, between 18.000 and 55.000 species become extinct”, (“ La ONU Alerta de que 150 Especies se Extinguen al Día por Culpa del Hombre”). That is the consequence of the increasing global temperatures. And if we continue like this maybe one day humans will also disappear from the Earth forever. We are already expecting that natural catastrophes are stronger. Global warming has also made natural catastrophes more frequent and stronger each time. When we heat water, it evaporates, and it dries if we leave it longer. Water is a fundamental thing for life, everyone needs to drink. It is also one of the most important facts that makes life possible on Earth. Global warming is causing a lack of water in many places all over the world more frequently, “ As in Australia, extreme heat in southern Africa has contributed to the region’s worst drought in decades”, ( Henry Fountain and Nadja Popocivh). Southern Africa and Australia are expecting serious problems with water: “Zambia and Zimbabwe are most affected, with millions of people suffering food shortage as production of maize and other grains declines by 30 percent or more”, (Henry Fountain and Nadja Popocivh). It is precipitating less because of the global temperature rise causing them less crop production. They are suffering from malnutrition because corn and other grains were their main source of food and energy. The inhabitants of these countries are suffering from malnutrition because the global increase in global
has caused it to precipitate less. If it is precipitating less, then the levels of lakes and rivers are also lower, “The countries’ electricity is also a risk, as water levels along the Zambezi, one of Africa’s major rivers, are exceptionally low”, ( Henry Fountain and Nadja Popocivh). Zambia and Zimbabwe get about half of their electricity from a dam on the Zambezi, now that the water level is lower they will have problems with lack of electricity. We can observe how global warming can affect the economy of countries. We are also expecting stronger catastrophes around the world: “At least 28 people have been killed and more than a million forced from their homes as Typhoon Lekima hits China '', (Typhoon Lekima: 28 dead and a million evacuated in China). The winds of the storms have reached 187 kilometers per hour, destroying everything in its path and causing huge waves that break the buildings near the coast. There are people who take global warming and its consequences for a joke. They don’t believe that it is true. But there is scientific evidence and data that states that there is a brutal change in climates during the last century. It has increased by 0,6ºC in the last century and in 2019 it increased 1.1ºC. Of course, one must recognize that it takes a long time for the global temperature to change and a lot of them can’t realize it. This does not change overnight and in fact it is slow. A person can’t say that the global temperature is not increasing when we have scientific evidence and datas. People of this mind are not considering what is happening to the inhabitants of other countries, especially in places where the water is scarce. They live in rich first world countries where water resources abound, they will never know what is really happening in these countries. They should know that polar bears are disappearing because the glaciers are melting!
Global warming is caused by human activities producing greenhouse gases. The global average temperature is increasing, 18.000 to 55.000 animals are extinct on Earth forever and natural catastrophes are more frequent and stronger. All of this because the human activity of producing greenhouse gases. We can control global warming and natural disasters by reducing the production of greenhouse gases. But we will never recover animals that are already distinguished. We are producing greenhouse gases because we all want to go in cars because they are more comfortable and more flexible in times than buses. And also because businessmen want to make money producing electricity by burning fossil fuels. We won’t ask you to stop using fossil fuels, just reduce their uses. We have many ways to do it. To reduce the consumption of fossil fuel by cars, we can go by public transport if we are not in such a hurry or go by bicycle to go to a place that is nearby. For the production of electricity we can use renewable energy instead of burning fossil fuel; such as solar, wind and hydroelectric energy. It is time to work together and collaborate all for a better world for us and the next generations.
Works Cited: Nunez, Christina. “ What is Global Warming, explained.” National Geographic. National Geographic, January 22, 2019. Web. 02/23/2020
Fountain, Henry and Popovich, Nadja. “ 2019 Was the Second-Hottest Year Ever, Closing Out the Warmest Decade.” The New York Times. The New York Times, January 15, 2020. Web. 02/23/2020
“ La ONU Alerta de que 150 Especies se Extinguen al Día por Culpa del Hombre”. El País. El País, May 22, 2007. Online Journal. 02/23/2020
“ Typhoon Lekima: 28 Dead and a Million Evacuated in China”. BBC News. BBC News, August 11, 2019. Online Journal. 02/23/2020
ITS YOUR BODY, NOT YOUR LIFE By Gabriela Galindo
“Kill me. Kill me. Mum kill me. I´m the baby in your womb that has no right to ruin you life, but you have all the right to end mine. Don´t worry about my future, don´t worry about my life. I know you would be a good mum, but you made a mistake and I will pay for it. Kill me.” The debate about abortion is very intense. Some people feel that women should be able to take away the life of their child, because it is not convenient or opportune. But at the same time, no one has the right to kill. Aborting is wrong in many ways which include: The fact that the baby has no voice in this, it's innocent a pure. Even though the foetus is not a completely formed human, its a living cell, and no one is capable of stating when it is or isn't ´alive´. Abortion is not the way to go; there are many other paths a woman could take rather than ending a pregnancy. Abortion means that the baby has no opinion; they baby can´t decide whether it should die or not. People might think it's not a person yet, it has no right to live, the mother should decide, but that doesn't make sense. No one should decide whether a person should be killed or not. The one affected in abortion is the baby, the blind victim, the unknown sufferer. The baby can´t give his or her opinion about it, an excuse many people use, but the fact that this faultless human being has to suffer for no reason, makes it even worst :“People feel particularly strong about abortion because of the fact that there is no way of getting a opinion from the foetus- the potencial victim- about this issue, the foetus csn easily be portayed as an entire inocent and defensive being” (“Introduction to the Abortion Debate”).
If it is thought in this way, murdering a deafmute person, when there is no way of knowing his or her answer, it's alright because the person is not opposing. Murdering is wrong, even if the victim is not denying it. Murdering is ending a person's life. Murdering is taking the right of a person. Murdering is wiping off someone's future, someone with his or entire life ahead. Murdering is irreversible. Once it's done, there is no way of going back. It is thought that abortion is not wrong because it´s the mother´s desicion to ruin her baby´s life, but this means that a mum could kill her child without being a crime. Abortion becomes an accessible way pof doing something wrong and killing lives: “Legalazing killing reduces people respect for life” (“Introduction to The Abortion Debate”). With abortion, the appreciation, gratefulness, admiration and valuation of life becomes unimportant for others. People stop being aware of the importance of life. The concept of a baby having the right to live after a couple of weeks, but not before is nonsense: why would it have more right to live as it grows? No one is adequate to tell that a baby can die two days after conception but not when its been in the womb for six months. That baby is always going to suffer, its always been alive and that´s why abortion is wrong.
“The idea that there is a precise moment Motherhood is part of life; responsibilities, when the foetus gets the right to live, which didn't trust, sympathy… are all factors that have to be have a few moments earlier, feels very thought about when becoming a parent. Some strange” (“When is the foetus alive”). Some people women are not ready to have a baby. Maybe claim that the baby becomes a person when it is they need economic support, medical support, born, but, at what point? When the head is outside or even emotional support, but what they don´t the mother´s body? When the whole baby is need is to end pregnancy. Abortion is not taking outside the mother´s body? Or when the placenta a problem away, its taking a life away. Killing a separates from the womb and the foetus has to rely human being is not women's rights, it's a crime. on its own resources to keep alive? There is no way If a woman needs help, she will get help, of knowing, just like the concept of the point the because ¨What woman need for equality is not foetus develops enough to be able to live. The free access to abortion, but to be given what fields of science, theology and medicine, have they need as mothers”. (“Woman´s Rights never come to a conclusion on when the stage of Against Abortion”). Abortion is taking over the the foetal development should be associated with world, allowing people to care less about lifes, the right to life, which supports the point. It is also woman´s lifes and babies´ lives. When pregnant presented that women need the foetus is no help, they don´t longer a cell, think there are and becomes a other options, human, when but in fact, there the first signs of are many ways ¨What woman need for equality is not free brain work are of facing access to abortion, but be given what they need as shown. But the pregnancy mothers”. (“Women´s Rights concept of the without killing brain being used the baby. With Against Abortion”) for the first time, the choice of does not affect ending on when foetus pregnancy, there becomes a is less bother on human. In fact, woman, caring “Brain activity at this stage is no more than a less and killing more. What this means is that precondition- it doesn´t demonstrate that the when the option of aborton is given to someone, foetus is actually ´conscious´. (“When is the foetus the needs of the mother are no longer important; alive?”). This is why the belief about whether the aborting the baby is the easy way out, but not baby can no longer be aborted when the brain the right one. Both the baby and the mother starts functioning is not completely right. From the should be looked after. “Some argue that moment that the cell is formed until the person abortion does not liberate woman, but allows dies, it's his or her life, and no one has the sociaty not to care about womans needs”. authority to take it away from him. The mum is the (“Woman´s Rights Againts Abortion”). The world one that carries the baby, but it's not the mum's should be more conscious about what it is done life, it's her son or daughter´s. If the mother is not while aborting, and think of other ways, capable or doesn't have the facilities, there are because, no matter the problem, there's always many other ways of solving that problems rather another solution to it. Abortion means not letting than abortion. a living cell enter the world. Not letting a living cell grow up. Not letting a living cell start a life.
It is understandable that some people argue that pregnancy can finish one´s life, depriving a college student to end her career, giving a hard working woman more trouble in her life, or an unstable family. Another person to take care of. But what they fail to recognize is that the mother ´s life might have completely changed, or even ended, but her life as a mother started, when she starts to learn about the sense of life, caring and taking care of others rather than yourself. Putting the person that completely depends and relies on you before you. Abortion shouldn´t be illegal though, in some cases like child rape and risk of the mother´s health, it is understandable that people think about it, but therer are other ways of facing this issues, and abortion shouldn´t be the first option. Also, illegalizing abortion, woman will think of many other ways to end the pregnancy, which puts their lives in danger. This argument is not about abortion being illegal, its about how abortion is wrong, and what to think about before making any desicion. Mothers are the best thing that happened to everyone; Your mum took care of you, gave her entire life to you, and that's because she was your mother, and you should think about that when thinking it's your body, your decision. It not only you who suffers, it's your baby, too. Abortion is a hard topic to discuss, keeping in mind that everyone has different opinions and priorities. It is proper to remember that everyone has the right to live and no one should take it away from others. The point when the baby is or isn't alive is not yet stated, which means that there is no right moment when the baby is allowed to be aborted, Since the moment the first living cell is formed, it is a new life, a life that should be respected and protected. Abortion is not the way out. Help in many different ways is always possible. Therefore, if you come across this situation, think about the life you are depriving, and the potential paths. Life is life, and you will learn how to live it once you make the right decision. The baby will always be grateful because it will have the life he deserves.
“If you give me a chance, I will make it up for you. Thank you for caring for me in your womb. Thank you for putting my life before yours. Thank you for making the right choice. You decided to give birth to a baby, to a baby with a future, and that baby is me. Thank you for giving me life, thank you for making me your daughter and making yourself my mum.”
Works cited “When is the foetus ´alive´”. BBC Ethics. BBC. 2014. Web. 18 February 2020. “Introduction”. BBC Ethics. BBC. 2014. Web. 18 February 2020. “Woman´s rights arguments againts abortion”. BBC Ethics. BBC. 2014. Web. 18 February 2020. “Introduction to the abortion debate”. BBC Ethics. BBC. 2014. Web. 18 February 2020.
My Body My choice By Brooke Larsen
Male politicians should
Its ok if you’re a
not have said what a woman
woman and decide on having an abortion. It's your
does with her body. “ 77% of anti abortion leaders are men.
body your choice and nobody else's concern as it
100 % of them will never get
doesn't affect them in any
pregnant” (77%). The bodies anatomy between men and
way. Nobody should have a say in what another person
women are TOTALLY different.
does with their body.
Men can not get pregnant and
There's also another side to the story abortion is murder. That statement
bring another life into this “I’ll never Be ashamed of my abortion”.
is a false statement;
world ever. So why should they have a say in what a woman does with her own
woman have abortion is
body? It's amazing how male
cases of incest and
politicians are so blind and
especially rape or just to
not educated about this topic but
terminate an unwanted
think it's ok to get into women's
pregnancy. This is a very
business.
controversial topic everyone has their opinions, however the only opinion that really matters at the end of the day is the person making the
Abortion is a constitutional right. A great example of this to
Sadly Norma lived in texas,
reference is the Roe vs. Wade
abortion was illegal in Texas at the time. Only exception to have
case which made it all the way
an abortion was to save the
up to the Supreme Court. The roe
mother’s life. Norma would then
vs. wade case in 1973 was a very
go on to be referred to Sarah
powerful decision. Some might
Washington and Linda Coffee
call the decisions a landmark
who were willing to try the case.
decision of the United States
Henry Wade would also then go
Supreme court rules that the
on the defend Texas saying that
Constitution of the United States
abortion was unconstional. As
protects a pregnant
president Obama declared, “Roe
woman’s right to choose
vs. Wade protects a woman's
to have an abortion
freedom to make her own
without executive
decisions about HER body and
government restriction. It slashed
her health, and reaffirms a
some of the U.S states and some
fundamental American value:
federal abortion laws. The debate
that the government should not
of abortion is still going on today
intrude in our most private and
now in 2020. Also, religion, and
personal family
morals were reviewed in the
matter” ( President Barack
decision making. The whole case
Obama). The government has no
sparked because of a woman
say in a woman’s or family’s
named Norma McCorvey,
private matters. The government
otherwise known as Jane Roe.
has much better things to do like
Norma became pregnant with her
catch criminals, or focus on
third child and decide she wanted
climate change, not a woman and
an abortion.
her private matters.
Humans are all smart to some degree, humans are capable of making good and right
It's very biased to the “the baby you abort could cure cancer”. All of the humans on the earth are
decisions. We have created a
working very hard to come up
lot of illnesses and made cures
with a cure for cancer.
for a lot of them. Humans today are very advanced, we
Abortion and wealth in some
have the technology and
instances is a vicious cycle.
resources to come up with
Some women have to make the
incredible things. All the
decision of giving up a baby due
human beings that are alive
to financial situation. It's not fair
contribute to world success.
to the child or the mother to
The most powerful quote ever
bring a life into this world and
is… “ThE bABy yOu AbOrT
have the mother live an
cOuLv’E cUrEd CaNcer. The
impoverished life, and not have
gay kid you bullied into sucide
given the child the same
couldve cured cancer.
opportunity other children
The 14 year old dead
have. Abortion is the U.S has
after a school shooting
become concentrated amoung
could have cured
poor women. The statistic state
cancer. The baby you
that 75 percent of woman
traumatized by putting
whom have an abortion are
it in a cage, could have
poor and have low incomes. 62
cured cancer. They all had a
percent of woman are religiously
heartbeat too” (feminist).
affiliated with a religion and 59
Without a doubt this is the
percent of woman who have an
most powerful quote ever.
abortion already have a family of their own.
The ages range from women in their twenties and teens. The last
Many woman who have an abortion have not regretted it. It
statistics is the races of women
might have been the right choice
who have an abortion; the
for them. The New York Times
percentage of women who are
website has a very powerful
white and have an abortion is 39
article about a woman who had a
percent, 25 percent of the women
abortion. The title of the article is
are black, 25 percent are
very powerful… “ I’ll Never Be
hispanic, 6 percent are asian, and
Ashamed of My
lastly 3 percent for any other
Abortion” (Gault). “ I want my
race. These statics state that
daughter to have the same agency
women from all ages, races, and
over their bodies as I did. I'm
social classes have an abortion.
worried they wont” (Gault, Ylonda). In this article Gault talks about her ethnicity, and being a woman of color, with a b sized cup, has flat feet and an oily face. Gault decided to have an abortion so she could give her two children (which she already had) the best possible life they could have. She then proceeded to talk about the Roe v.s Wade cases and how much an achievement it was.
She argues “ Nearly half a
this world. Furthermore, if the
century after Roe v.s Wade, we
child is growing up
must not allow some warped,
impoverished, or has a lot of
anti- feminist ideology to take
mental abuse issues; it does not
away our freedom” (Gault).
seem fair to the child. The child
Meaning that woman should not
did nothing wrong, but in the
be influenced about what others
long run will just continue to
will think. They need to do what's
suffer. It's easy to see where both
best for them at the end of the
sides are coming from.
day. Also referring to a growing
What many others fail to
number of anti abortion states,
recognize is that if its not your
more amoung the southern
body and you are not the one
states.
getting the abortion you have absolutely no say in what another
It's in fact true that when having
woman does with their body! In
an abortion, the pregnancy is
cases of rape and incest or just an
terminated, meaning the child
unwanted pregnancy abortion is
will be lost. Others will point out
OK!! It's ok if you’re a woman
“You’re killing an innocent
and decide on having an
child”. Yes, that is true but the
abortion. It's your body, your
child may not always be
choice, and nobody else's
“innocent”. In some cases a
concern as it does not affect them
woman could’ve have been raped
in any way. It's not the supreme
or been involved in a case of incest. In these type of cases it is completely unfair to the mother and the child to bring a child into
male court's decision, the male political, family member, president, mayor, or anybody else's decision but yours. Your body is your choice!
Should NHL Players be Allowed to Participate in the Olympics? By: Jack Madden ‘22 “It’s a great experience for everyone
The Olympics are more fun to watch with NHL players
involved. Everybody gets up for it.
in it. When there are no NHL’ers in the Olympics, one is just
It’s too bad that we’re not going.”
watching a bunch of college and Kontinental Hockey League
This is a statement by NHL
players play and the talent level is lowered. Wayne Gretzky,
superstar Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins when asked
arguably the best hockey player to ever lace up the skates, said
his opinion on the ban on NHL players participating in the
he and all the hockey world wants to see NHL’ers in the
Olympics. Ever since 1924 when the winter games first
olympics. This means that the greatest hockey player ever, along
originated, the Olympics have hosted the
with almost all hockey fans around the
world's best hockey players and now, all
world are asking for NHL players in the
of a sudden it’s being changed. The best
olympics. An ESPN reporter also talked
players are no longer allowed to play
about his feelings toward the ban as he
because the commissioner of the league
said “lately, I’ve been in the sunken place
and some teams do not want players getting hurt and it
looking around for Austin Matthews and
financially hurts the league. NHL players should be able to play
Connor Mcdavid.”(Wyshinsky). This reporter is talking about
in the olympics because the olympics are more fun to watch, it is
how all his current favorite players that he watches on a regular
one of the greatest honors a hockey player can have and the
basis won’t be at the olympics, and he will have to wait weeks to
olympics are supposed to have the athletes in the world and the
see them play again. He believes playing in the olympics is a
best hockey players.
great honor that should not be stripped away from a player.
Secondly, participating in the Olympics is one of
all dream of winning a Stanley cup and the next
the greatest honors a hockey player can achieve.
thing is literally right there: winning a gold medal
Many NHL players feel really strongly about
for your country.(Calfas). What Schiefele is
participating in the Winter Games, and they also
saying is that winning a gold medal is a huge
feel it is a great honor to
accomplishment that hockey
Type to enter text
represent their country. Some
players dream of and NHL
players, like Washington
players should have the
Capitals superstar captain
opportunity to go for gold
Alexander Ovechkin, have even gone as far as threatening the league. Ovechkin said he would
too. Lastly, the Olympics are supposed to feature
leave his team to play for team Russia in the
the best hockey players in the world, and the best
Olympics. This is a big issue for the NHL because
hockey players are NHL players. Lots of people
Ovechkin is one of the most popular players and brings in a lot of revenue for the league whether that's by
“Lately, I’ve been in the sunken place looking around for Austin Matthews and Connor Mcdavid.”(Wyshinsky).
are starting to discover a problem that's not too appealing. They are realizing that if their country’s don’t
people buying his jersey or going to his games. If
have NHL players on their rosters, they won’t have
other players follow his path, the league will find
a stacked roster and will have a much less chance
themselves in a very bad situation. Mark Schiefele,
of winning a medal.
a centerman for the Winnipeg Jets also has a strong opinion on this subject as he said,“ Obviously we
“If the average fan is given the choice
represent their country and have a shot at going for
between watching Team USA face off against
a gold medal. Shutting down the NHL for a couple
Canada or a meaningless game 40 of an 82-game
weeks is not that big of a deal anyway, they will
season, even for their favorite NHL club, the
not lose fans over it because hockey fans are
league may struggle to hold viewers.”(Story). This
hockey fans and will love to be watching the
means that the NHL season is a very long season
olympics during the short span where there is no
and missing a game or two is not the worst thing
NHL. Overall, we should be listening to the
for the hockey community
players opinions and not the
and many people will not be
NHL commissioner because
upset, so NHL players
this is their game and their
should be allowed to make a
lives.
return to the olympics because it will satisfy the vast majority of the hockey world. However, some may argue that sending
In conclusion, the NHL should allow players to participate because the Olympics are more fun to watch, they are supposed to feature the
players to the Olympics makes too much of a
best hockey players and the best players are
negative impact on the league. The league has to
NHL players, and it is one of the greatest honors
shut down for two weeks in February and that is
one can have.
bad for business, but what they fail to
Many NHL’ers have expressed their feeling
acknowledge is that the olympics bring in lots of
towards not being allowed to play and the league
revenue to cancel out the NHL’s loss and it is also
should start to listen to them because it should be
what the players want.(Nordlund). They love to
their decision to make.
The time is now to make the change and start to let NHL players play.
Works Cited Calfas, Jennifer. “The NHL Is Not Allowing Players to Compete in the 2018 Winter
Olympics. Here's What to Know.” Time. Time.com. February 14, 2018. Web. February 20, 2020. Cotsonika, Nicholas. “Plenty of reasons for the NHL to pass on Olympics.” NHL. NHL.com. April 3, 2017. Web. February 20, 2020. Story, Kalyn. “The best athletes in the world should compete in the Olympics”. BaylorLariat.com. February 15, 2018. Website. February 23, 2020. Nordlund, Scott.”Cool Financial Facts About the Winter Olympics.”moneywise.com. June 24, 2019. Website. February 27, 2020. Wyshinski, Greg.”Eight reasons the men's Olympic hockey tournament is still mustsee” espn.com. Feb 7, 2020. Website. March 2, 2020
Going Gluten Free Is Good For You and Me! By: Faith Majkowski
It is believed that an estimated 3.1 million people are
Medical evidence has shown that gluten can be a factor
gluten free today, that is about triple the amount of people
in heart disease, cancer, diabetes, celiac disease, etc.
it was in 2009. Some believe that going gluten free is an
Going gluten free can help reduce the risk of getting
overall great way to improve their lifestyle, while others
those and other illnesses. It is also said that going gluten
find it too hard and unnecessary to stick to such a strict
free “helps ward off viruses and germs as many foods
diet. Going gluten free is a healthier lifestyle due to all of
you will now eat will contain more antioxidants,
the positive outcomes that come from a non-gluten diet.
vitamins, and minerals”; as well as “improve the health
While eating gluten causes less than 1% of the world's
of people with irritable bowel syndrome and
population to get celiac disease, it can still lead to other
arthritis”(Sanders). Going gluten free is just good for
medical problems; such as diabetes, cancers, heart
people; it introduces higher quality grains, like quinoa
diseases, etc. As an example, a father of five children was
and brown rice, it promotes digestive health, and it
diagnosed with cancer and needed to make a dramatic
promotes healthy weight loss. Another example is “ if
change in his health and lifestyle; one factor being
you have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you may have
changing his eating habits by removing gluten from his
inflammation or damage to the intestinal tract. Eating
everyday life. By eliminating the gluten factor, it helped
gluten free can help reverse this damage and
him eventually recover from his stage four colon cancer.
inflammation”(Barry).
Going gluten free is a healthier lifestyle due to all of the positive outcomes that come from a non-gluten diet, and it helps prevent a lot of illness, allergies, and viruses.
Removing gluten played a major part of a father of five
Going gluten free can also lead to a healthier
kids journey to being cured of his stage four colon
and happy lifestyle. It “encourages label reading and
cancer. One critical part of his wholistic healing
more awareness of food,” helping people be more
program included following author Peter J. D’Adamo’s
observant and cautious about what they are putting into
book Eat Right For Your Blood Type. He learned about
their bodies (Barry). It also promotes healthy weight
the foods that were both good and bad for his health
loss and improves cholesterol levels (Sanders). Going
based on his blood type; he made the big change. It
gluten free isn’t always for everyone. People have to be
states in the book that wheat and other foods that
willing to stick to a very strict diet, which sometimes
include gluten are harmful to people with Type O blood
means losing your pleasure snacks. For most people,
type. One observation the father made was that his acid
this is really hard. For example a lot of people love
indigestion went away almost overnight and he wasn’t
pizza, but have to switch out the ingredients that make
as prone to allergies as he was before. He also had the
that pizza so delicious and desirable in order to follow
support of his family, who also tried going gluten free
the diet. If they can get past the first few months, it is
with him. Although they gave up, he stuck with it
smooth sailing, and people become more happy with
because he felt good. It would eventually help him, and
themselves and their food choices.
he knew that the cancer was still feeding away at him. Because he had the support of his family and friends and his faith in God was so strong, he was eventually cured five long awaited years later. This just goes to show that even adjusting one’s diet can sometimes lead to a happy ending, just like this one.
“encourages label reading and more awareness of food,”
Several people are skeptical of going on a gluten
It really depends on the person and how badly
free diet due to some of the downsides of the diet. One
they need to make the change; if the person is really ill
downside is that there is “a lack of fiber from traditional
and they know that there is a big chance that going
sources which can lead to digestive issues”(Barry).
gluten free will help them, then they should definitely
Another downside to going gluten free is that in some
go on the diet. If the person just wants to change their
cases it does lead to weight gain due to “higher levels of
habits, it might not be the best to start off by going
fat and sugar”, or due to “the intestinal tract recovering
gluten free right from the start. Slowly adjusting one’s
and beginning to absorb nutrients properly.(Barry)”The
diet and taking away certain foods is a smarter and a
last example of a downside of going gluten free is that it
more efficient way to go about the new diet. Just
“reduces carbohydrate intake”(Barry) which makes up
because it helps one person in one way doesn’t always
45 to 65 percent of the average person's daily intake.
mean it will do the same for others. The story of the
Those and some other reasons are why people tend to
father was just one lucky outcome of going gluten free,
steer clear of going gluten free. Some people think that
but that doesn’t guarantee that will always be the
going gluten free is more like a scam because gluten
outcome. It is just a good way to better one’s chances of
free products are so much more expensive than normal
getting any illness or virus that others who aren’t gluten
products. Why buy “healthy” and more expensive food,
free may be more prone to. Going gluten free also has a
when they can buy more delicious food for a much
better chance of preventing a person from getting a
lower price?
disease and it helps get rid of illnesses and viruses. In the end, going gluten free has had a positive effect not just on a life that means something to me, but others lives too, and going gluten free will clearly improve a person's health and happiness for the better.
Sanders, Jeff. “10 Surprising Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet”. Jeff Sanders. Jeff Sanders Productions. 3/11/13. Blog. 2/22/20 https://www.jeffsanders.com/benefits-of-a-gluten-free -diet/
Barry, Denise. “What are the pros and cons of a gluten-free diet?”. Outside. 9/28/11. Outside. 2/22/20 https://www.outsideonline.com/1770491/what-are-pro s-and-cons-gluten-free-diet
Sanders, Jeff. “10 Surprising Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet”. Jeff Sanders. Jeff Sanders Productions. 3/11/13. Blog. 2/22/20 https://www.jeffsanders.com/benefits-of-a-gluten-free -diet/
Barry, Denise. “What are the pros and cons of a gluten-free diet?”. Outside. 9/28/11. Outside. 2/22/20 https://www.outsideonline.com/1770491/what-are-pro s-and-cons-gluten-free-diet
Who Pulls The Trigger? By: Sahara Mckay
Gun control in Canada, some say we
Who pulls the trigger? Does the gun do it itself? No, it’s an inanimate object. The
need more some say we need less others say it
gun can’t fire on its own. It's the person who wields the object who pulls the trigger. Gun
should remain the same as the current laws.
safety is something that many believe should be taught at a young age. Along with gun
When the word “gun” is said people’s minds
safety, background checks are done and should continue to be done before being
often go to shootings, gangs, and violence.
licensed to own a firearm. “95% of all us gun owners believe that children should learn
People think of guns as something bad that
about gun safety. Guns don’t kill people; people kill people. And people need more
needs to be banned. They think of guns killing
education and mental illness screening to prevent massacres” (“Should More Gun
people, using guns only for crime. But a gun is
Control Laws Be Enacted”). The right safety training and adequate screening is already
just an inanimate object. It’s a tool really. They
done in Canada, making those who own guns safe to do so. So the problem is not the
don’t just kill people by themselves; it takes a
legal gun owners, but the ones who illegally purchase firearms who are the ones that
person to do so. Guns are not bad, they have so
harm others. Innocent civilians need to have the right to bear firearms, because the
many benefits that people brush off as
criminals are going to get guns regardless, and people need to be able to protect
unnecessary. People don’t often take into
themselves and know how to do so properly: “More gun control is not needed; education
consideration how innocent civilians use
about guns and gun safety is needed to prevent accidental gun deaths” (“Should More
firearms for good. Stripping people of the right
Gun Laws Be Enacted”). Proper education on gun safety could save lives not only from
to own guns means taking away the right to
accidental deaths but also in the event one needs to protect themselves using a
hunt and shoot for sport, things that so many
firearm. Exactly the safety protocol that you learn at hunter’s safety, which is why you
Canadians not only do for joy but as their
never hear of a hunter shooting up a school. They had to go through extensive paper and
source of food for the winter. Enacting stricter
practical tests, plus background checks to obtain their license. More tests than they
gun laws is going to hurt more civilians than
should even have to undergo. Hunters deserve the right to bear firearms, not only
what many people believe. Another example of
because they have been shown to act responsibly, which they have but because they
how taking guns from gun owners is not right is
rely on firearms in unique ways.
“The gun can’t fire that people would no longer be able to defend themselves from illegal gun use, a right that everyone should have the option to do.
on its own. It's the person who wields the object who pulls the trigger.”
Imagine being told that you have to give up the sport you are most passionate about, or no longer being able to purchase food from the grocery store. That’s what it would be like for hunters if their guns were to be seized from them. Taking away the ability to hunt means that hunters wouldn’t be able to hunt game, which in many cases keeps their family fed for the winter because many can’t afford meat at a market or superstore. It means that they would no longer be able to go to the range and have fun target shooting, something about which so many people are passionate. Hunters use their firearms to harvest game and to target shoot, not to shoot up schools: “ Most hunters own guns principally to hunt game. We use them safely and respectfully” (Ashe). Hunters don’t want guns for the purpose of harming other people, they just want to put good healthy food on the table that’s not full of steroids and chemicals. Also target shooting plays a very large role in many people’s lives.
Years ago in New Brunswick kids used to take guns to school safely locked up in the backs of their vehicles to go hunting after school. Teachers and principals even used to go outside to the parking lot to see a students new gun to see if they might like to buy the same gun for themselves next season, yet school shootings were never a problem. Even today it’s common for kids to take their guns to school cased in the back of their vehicles in rural New
It’s two in the morning and someone
Brunswick to go hunting after school. Shootings are very rarely done by people
hears banging in their kitchen, knowing that
like this, people who just want to hunt. Stricter gun control laws directly affect
they are home alone and don’t have the physical
hunters rights to bear firearms, the people who aren’t doing anything to harm
capabilities to fight off an armed intruder.
other people: “Gun control laws, especially those that try to ban “assault weapons,” infringe upon the right to own guns for hunting and sport” (“Should
Wouldn’t they feel more safe knowing that they More Gun Control Be Enacted”). Owning guns and hunting is just as much of a
could protect themselves with the gun in their
right as being able to go to the store or drive to the park, which are other things
closet? “79% of male gun owners and 80% of
that we either need to do for food or enjoy doing. How is owning a gun any
female gun owners said owning a gun made
different? Someone is more likely to die in a car accident on the way to the
them feel safer” (“Should More Gun Control Laws
grocery store than get shot. So why not ban cars? People should be able to own firearms. Much like the right to own a firearm for self defense.
Be Enacted”). Statistics show that people feel much safer knowing that they could protect themselves with a firearm from a criminal
“Hunters don’t want guns for the purpose of harming other people, they just want to put good
wielding a gun. Without owning guns more people would be injured or killed due to them not being able to defend themselves.
healthy food on the table that’s not full of steroids and chemicals.”
“ 2.5 million people use them
In 1966, the city of Orlando
each year to defend themselves or
responded to a wave of sexual assaults
their property” (“ Do Guns Make Us
by offering firearms training classes to women. Rapes dropped by nearly 90%
Safer”). Now imagine what could’ve
the following year”
happened if those civilians weren’t able to get ahold of the firearms used,
Many women would feel safer knowing they have a way to
2.5 million innocent people’s lives
protect themselves:” In 1966, the city of Orlando responded to a wave
would’ve been at stake. More lives
of sexual assaults by offering firearms training classes to women.
would have been in danger. Danger
Rapes dropped by nearly 90% the following year” (Guns And Crime
that could result in death, injury and
Prevention). This proves that guns can make people safer, and the
years of trauma. This was in America
world a better place. Because someone is more likely to decide to
where it’s okay to use a firearm for
commit a crime somewhere they know they aren’t going to get shot
self defense, in Canada if you use a
back at. If they know that these women are armed they will have a
firearm for self defense, you too could
reason to be scared to harm them.
face firearm charges. That is a prime example of why we should have the right to bear firearms for protection think of the 2.5 million Americans who saved themselves, so what do you think happens to the Canadians who can’t protect themselves?
Some might argue that there would be fewer shootings if guns were banned. However if someone plans and has intentions on killing other people, then they plan on doing something illegal. So what’s stopping them from going the extra step and getting a gun illegally? Just because certain guns have been used to harm people doesn’t mean we should ban them. If statistics show that the most reoccurring car in drunk driving accidents are Honda Civics for example, should we ban them from the roads? That’s what people say we should do with the guns that are most commonly used in acts of violence. It's not the car's fault that the driver hit someone. The same car might be driven for twenty years and not harm a fly. It’s the person who made the bad decision and got behind the wheel intoxicated, not the car.
The very same as can be argued about guns, where it’s the person who makes the bad decision to pull the trigger that kills someone. With the right training and precautions, none of this banning talk would be necessary. If a criminal is going to kill someone, they will find a way around everything. After all, drugs are illegal, yet hundreds of thousands of people do drugs everyday because they don’t care how they get them as long as they do.
It’s not the guns that are killing people, taking away guns is killing people too. In order to drop the number of shootings and make Canada a safer place we need to start teaching gun safety at a younger age than we typically do. This would ensure people knowing how to properly handle guns resulting in the the only people to legally own guns, are safe gun owners. Many legal Canadian gun owners agree that stricter gun laws are not the answer to reducing gun violence, but agree with making the punishment for committing a gun crime a stiffer penalty. So many people get out of prison in months with a slap on the wrist or a fine. Stricter penalties for those who commit a crime with the use of a firearm especially those with multiple offenses makes much more sense than stricter gun laws. That way legal guns owners would still have the right to own and operate firearms legally, which is exactly how it should be.
Work Cited “Should More Gun Control Laws Be Enacted?”ProCon.org. ProCon. Web. 8/14/2019. Date Accessed 2/19/20.
“10 Common Arguments For Gun Control, Debunked” The Federalist. The Federalist. Web. Date Accessed on 2/20/20
Turnbull, Jason “How America's gun laws compare to Canada's” CBCNEWS. CBCNEWS. Web. 3/7/18. Date Accessed 2/21/20
Vajagic, Jovana “6 Major Gun Control Arguments Debunked” Study Break. Study Break. Web. Date Accessed on 2/23/20
Ashe, Daniel “An Open Letter From Hunters About Gun Reform” Huffpost. Huffpost Web. 05/09/2018. Date Accessed 2/20/20
Clayson, Dennis “ Guns don't kill people, people do”. wcfcourier. wcfcourier. Web. 10/11/15. Date Accessed 2/21/20
“Do guns make us safer?” Harvard T.H Chan. Harvard T.H Chan. Web. Date Accessed on 2/22/20
“Guns And Crime Prevention” Gun Facts. Gun Facts. Web. Date Accessed on 2/27/20
“Gun control isn’t about guns, it’s about control. I’m pro gun, ask me anything” imgur. imgur. Web. Mar 14, 2018. Date Accessed On 3/3/20.
“Group of person illustration, Social media Audience Crowd Silhouette, crowd transparent background PNG clipart free download” Hiclipart. Hiclipart. Web. Date Accessed On 3/3/20.
“Smiling women wearing white dress shirt, Women Businessperson, smiling women transparent background PNG clipart free download”PNG GURU. PNG GURU. Web. Date Accessed On 3/3/20.
“Beginners Guide: Ways To Get Better At Target Shooting” Frozen Blog. Frozen blog. Web. October 17, 2019. Date Accessed On 3/3/20.
Miniter, Frank “In Defence Of Hunting” National Review. National Review. Web. August 9, 2018. Date Accessed On 3/3/20.
Straub, Steve “Restaurant Sparks Outrage And Support by Posting Pro Gun Sign” The Federalist Papers. The Federalist Papers. Web. June 21, 2018. Date Accessed On 3/3/20.
Anti Vaccine Culture And Why it is Wrong By: Nathan Coello Dantus ‘22 Between the years 2000 and 2017, vaccines saved a total of 21 million lives, and can save an average of 2-3 million lives every year. In the 20th century, an antivaccine movement was created, and people believe that vaccines causes illnesses in the children and that they are not safe for the humans. At the same time, there is the part of the society that believe that vaccines are completely safe for the people to use and that they do not cause any illnesses to the children. In fact, vaccinations that are also be referred as immunizations, are completely safe for the consumer and it is proven that it doesn’t cause any illnesses to the children. Vaccinations have been proven to be completely safe; in fact, most childhood vaccines are 90%-99% effective, but more important, getting the children vaccinated can save your family time, and money. Vaccines are not expensive; they can be purchased from a range of $1-$24 depending on the vaccine. Also, vaccines can help the children who got an infection or illness that can be easily treated with a vaccine. In the other hand, there is this true statement that says, “Vaccinations protects children from serious illnesses and complications” (“Importance of Vaccines”), and this statement is true because we can see how vaccinations are important and how they can truly save millions of lives.
There has always been this fact that the more people that are vaccinated, the fewer the opportunities a disease has to spread. Sadly, there have been outbreaks all around the world that have causes epidemics and people to die. For example, a few years ago, in 2005 there was a measles outbreak that occurred around a religious community that opposed vaccination in Indiana, and this epidemic caused many people in Indiana to suffer from measles, an epidemic that had been previously eradicated. The people can see how an unvaccinated community can lead to a complete disaster just for one person. There is an outstanding fact about the spread of vaccinations that say, “Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once in the USA” (“History of Vaccine Safety”). This fact only talks about the USA, but let’s focus on the outsides of the USA. All around the world vaccines are being applied every minute. In the majority of the countries, vaccines are proven to be safe and have been proven to keep the control on the spread of infectious diseases. There is this part of all the responsibility that vaccines have that help have a control over diseases. Now, and sadly saying, there have been many people that live in poor countries that do not have access to vaccinations that their children die at a very young age. That’s it is said, “Vaccines can mean the difference between life and death” (“10 Reasons To Get Vaccinated”), and this is because just a simple vaccine can save a regular person from having a mortal disease that can be cured with a vaccine, or that has been previously eradicated.
that can have an ineffective results. Even The anti-vaccine culture believes that though that percentage of error is so the vaccination that their children would minimal, that it can even be considered as receive will give them that disease instead of nonexistent. protecting them from it, and they are Still, even after all of this arguments completely wrong. Because the vaccines are there are still people that will continue to never meant to generate trouble in the believe that the vaccines are bad for the immune system of the people, they are just children, and as the flat-earth society, we meant, and as it was said before, to protect the should start to get used to them. Sadly, this people and to help to the prevention of the movement is increasing spread of the diseases. every day and there has While others will Between the years 2000 and been more outbreaks point out that 2017, vaccines saved a total of vaccinations are not safe 21 million lives, and can save an because of this lack of knowledge about for the children’s health, average of 2-3 million lives vaccinations. and that the vaccinations every year. Now it is clear that what causes more damage than we need to do now is it swears to cure, what create a new environment of correct this people are getting wrong in their point of knowledge about vaccinations that this antiview is that these people who generate this vaccine people are not receiving or are not thoughts that vaccines are not safe because wanting to receive for us to create a safer when they vaccinated their child for the first world for the children of the next generation time (if they did and they didn’t got the idea to grow healthy and for them to be safer in from anyone else) the child suffered what is general. Also, remember commonly known as a that vaccinations are reaction post-vaccine. That completely safe for public is a very common reaction use. If you believe that that it may cause fever, you need a vaccination, I pains, nausea, etc. and what invite you to get it. It happens is that parents react won’t affect more than it is to this reaction post-vaccine going to prevent. The next as a threat for the health and time that you cross word safety of their child. You with an anti-vaccine also have the other side of person, I invite you to the story where people base have a deep conversation to understand their their opinion on the vaccines on what they beliefs and use correct and proven have read on social media or what they have arguments to try and change their minds. heard about the vaccines but they do not have arguments to support their ideas, or in the cases that they have their arguments, but they are very poor or completely wrong. Now, and as it was said before, vaccines are effective from 90%-99% of the times, and the antivaccine people base their “knowledge” on that minimal percentage
Work Cited “History of Vaccine Safety History”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Oct. 2015. www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/history/index.html.
“Vaccine Safety | Vaccines.” Vaccine Safety, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, www.vaccines.gov/basics/safety. “CDC - Vaccination Laws - Publications by Topic - Public Health Law.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Feb. 2018, www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/vaccinationlaws.html. “Immunization.” Unicef, July 2019, data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/immunization. “Importance of Vaccines.” Vaccine Basics - Importance of Vaccines, vaccineinformation.org/vaccines-save-lives/. Kennedy, Allison M, and Deborah A Gust. “Measles Outbreak Associated with a Church Congregation: a Study of Immunization Attitudes of Congregation Members.” Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), Association of Schools of Public Health, 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2239322/. “History of Vaccine Safety History.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Oct. 2015, www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/history/index.html. “Cultural Perspectives on Vaccination | History of Vaccines.” The History of Vaccines, 10 Jan. 2018, www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/cultural-perspectivesvaccination. “10 Reasons To Get Vaccinated.” National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, 27 Nov. 2019, www.nfid.org/immunization/10-reasons-to-get-vaccinated.
Changing Yourself For Society: Gay Conversion Therapy, Friend or Foe? by Carlos Lopez 2022”
“It's not conversion 'therapy;' it's
legal procedure in most of the USA and all other the
conversion brainwashing.”
world. While some people think this is a grand thing that
DaShanne Stokes. Sexuality is one
helps people with their sexuality issues, many more
of the most interesting topics one could learn about.
believe that this is a dangerous procedure that will
What does sexuality consist of? What’s the difference
inevitably end in
between being bisexual and pansexual and so on. Being
psychological
LGBTQ+ is not being on cloud nine all the time. There
damage to the
will always be someone who will say that homosexuality
patient’s brain. We
is a sin, or that homosexuality goes against nature, or
should ban gay
even that just for being gay one will go to hell. While
conversion therapy not only in the USA but all over the
god is said to love everyone irrespective of their race or
world because of the threat it presents on the youth of
sexuality. Because of these homophobic individuals, a
the next generation, the dangers it possesses to the mind,
new type of therapy was made, said to be able to convert
and the lack of support it has from the IPA (International
anyone, regardless of their sexuality, into being
Psychologist Association).Gay conversion therapy, also
heterosexual. It´s basically hell on earth. This gay
called reparative therapy, can be done in many ways. For
conversion therapy has been used with several LGBTQ+
its majority, it is usually done in a religious way by
individuals. Some of them did manage to convert to
being centered in prayer treatment, but that is not always
heterosexuality; however,
most of the people who
the case. In some cases, they will use electroshocks and
underwent this procedure ended up suffering from
emetics([an agent that induces vomiting]“Emetic.”)
depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems.
(Reynolds).
That does not stop gay conversion therapy from being a
It is estimated that an estimate of 20,000 people between
birth, sexuality is a part of all of us that we have had
the ages of thirteen and seventeen have taken this
since we were born, it is not something you can control,
procedure (Reynolds) and Any type of conversion
let alone choose. I remember that a month after I had
therapy is based on “intolerant, inaccurate and outdated
come out of the closet to my mum, she asked me if I
assumptions about gender and sexual
would be interested in trying the therapy, and I could not
orientation”(Reynolds). It can lead to “a great deal of
be happier that I said no. gay conversion therapy can
psychological distress”, with feelings of isolation and
present dangers to young people, but it can also present
low self-esteem common. 52 percent of young LGBT
dangers to anyone in the world.
people reported self-harm either recently or in the past, compared to 25 percent of heterosexual, nontrans young people (Reynolds); This is an actual thing minors can
The conversion therapy can
“52 percent of young LGBT people reported self-harm either recently or in the past, compared to 25 percent of heterosexual,
be exposed, they will be inflicted with
present a great ordeal of dangers towards the human mind, not just minors, but most laws banning it go against minors taking part in
enough
it, but the procedure is far too dangerous to let anyone
psychological torture
take part in it. The mental health declaration of human
that they will start
rights says “No person shall be admitted to or held in a
doing self-harm and
psychiatric institution, hospital or facility because of
that is why the
their political, religious or cultural beliefs and
average is higher for LGBTQ+; This is an actual thing
practices”(“Mental Health Declaration of Human
minors can be exposed, they will be inflicted with
Rights”) so why is conversion therapy legal? why do we
enough psychological torture that they will start doing
have institutions that are basically just a camp that
self-harm and that is why the average is higher for
specializes in “getting rid of” homosexuality/
LGBTQ+. In conversion therapy camps, the staff will
bisexuality? Besides, there are still too many dangers in
tell the teens or adults that there was a moment in their
this procedure. many who undergo conversion therapy
lives that made them be like this. News flash, it's called
end up with long-term mental health problems: anxiety,
them to fit into society and the only thing it will result in
depression, self-image issues, and in many cases
is a change of sexuality; therefore, it should stay legal.
incidences of self-harm and suicide (Reynolds). Many
This is wrong because it will cause people to inflict self-
who undergo conversion therapy end up with long-term
harm, a procedure that will cause mental disorders like
mental health problems: anxiety, depression, self-image
depression and anxiety; moreover, who would agree
issues, and in many cases incidences of self-harm and
with a therapy treatment that isn't even accredited by the
suicide (Reynolds). Do you really think it is ok for
APA or IPA. it is a vile inhuman procedure that no
people to undergo the therapy knowing what it will do
human being should ever be exposed to, no matter what
to them? Do you really want to be the reason why
the conditions are.
people started to suffer from depression, anxiety, and
In conclusion, gay conversion therapy should be banned
self-harm? The worst part of this procedure is that it isn't
worldwide because it is a giant risk towards the young
even an accredited procedure, to begin with.
LGBTQ+ community, it can cause mental disorders and
In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association
provoke self-harm
(APA) asked all members attending its convention
and
to vote on whether they believed homosexuality to
accreditation from
be a mental disorder. 5,854 psychiatrists voted to
the
remove homosexuality from the DSM (Diagnostic
A PA . A l t h o u g h
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
some people
(burton), gay conversion therapy was created
argue that this
lacks
I PA
or
because homosexuality was thought to be a sickness, a
procedure is safe, it is clearly not.do we really want to
mental disorder, nowadays, we know this to false but we
expose our sons, daughters and non-binary kids to this
still allow this procedure to be used.
kind of treatment? Do we want them to change
Although some people may argue that gay conversion
themselves to fit into society? do we want their parents
therapy is good and it helps people that don’t want to
to force them into this because they are confused
live like this, as a homosexual. That it can actually help
according to them? We all have two options in this
matter; we can either act and stop conversion therapy, or we can just watch how the new members of the LGBTQ+ community suffer because of it.
Which will you do?
Work citation Reynolds, Emily. “The Cruel, Dangerous Reality of Gay Conversion Therapy.” WIRED, WIRED UK, 6 July 2018, www.wired.co.uk/article/what-is-gay-conversion-therapy. “Mental Health Declaration of Human Rights.” Citizens Commission on Human Rights, CCHR - Nonprofit Mental Health Watchdog, Scientology, 1 Jan. 1AD, www.cchr.org/about-us/mental-health-declaration-of- humanrights.html. burton, neal. “When Homosexuality Stopped Being a Mental Disorder.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 18 Sept. 2015, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/ 201509/when-homosexuality-stopped-being-mental-disorder. “Emetic.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, 2010, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emetic. “What Does DSM Stand for?” DSM - Definition by AcronymFinder, 2007, www.acronymfinder.com/DSM.html.
Cultural appropriation Is NOT Cultural Appreciation By:Mya Tucker
We live in a fast-paced world. We are constantly trying to catch up on the latest trends and movements. One thing that has always been a topic of conversation when it comes to social media and fashion and just overall lifestyle, is cultural appropriation. What is cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation is when one culture adopts one another culture. No matter what one's views are on this topic, there will always be two sides.The truth, and what others call the truth. Appropriating one's culture versus appreciating one's culture. Appropriating one's culture has affected so many people for thousands of years. Behind every item, there is history, but people have faced double standards when expressing their cultural rights and social media has affected real truth and meaning behind items.
There is history in everything, whether it be a hairstyle, a food, or a style of music, in some way shape or form, someone's culture is represented. But more recently, modern fashion has been using historical styled pieces and turning them into their own version. Many mainstream fashion designers have been accused of appropriating someone's culture with their designs. For example, Victoria's Secret was under fire when models were Native American war bonnets during their fashion show. War bonnets are worn to show and appreciate the immense amount of sacrifice and bravery someone showed, earning them a feather, (“Native American Headdresses�). Wearing a war bonnet would be like wearing a purple heart you didn't earn, all for 'fashion’. Another example is Madonna. She faced backlash for her 2018 Grammys outfit,
which was ‘inspired’ by the Amazigh culture
Another thing many people face is double
of North Africa (Quartez). In response,
standards. Men and women with natural hair
Madonna said, “I'm inspired and I’m
(hair that is naturally curly or in its natural
referencing others cultures, this is my right as
state) wear their hair in cornrows. Cornrows
an artist.” (“Acquaye”). But what information
are a protective style that preserves length
she lacks is that the culture she is “inspired” by
retention and helps protect from other
is worn typically by warrior women. In many
elements. When a person with natural hair
cultures from which ‘ideas’ are stolen, the
wears cornrows, they may be deemed as
people had to earn their respect, not buy it
“ghetto,” or “unprofessional”. But what
online. Madonna, trying to pay homage, failed
people fail to realise is that these styles have
to give credit to the original purpose of the
been around for thousands of years. During
design.
times of slavery, woman braided rice into their hair, so they could plant something to eat. Tribes braid their hair in specific patterns to
“I'm inspired and I’m referencing others cultures, this is my right as an artist.”
represent the tribe. Khloe Kardashian posted a photo of herself on instagram wearing a protective hairstyle called Bantu Knots. Khloe
(“Acquaye”).
captioned the post, “Bantu Babe.” Many people commented on the post on the fact that if she were someone of color, she wouldn't be respected the same as a white person wearing them.
Throughout my life, I have faced
Besides the immense cultural value, it is truly an art form.
many hateful comments on how I
When Kim Kardashian posted a photo of her wearing
wear my hair. My mom being
cornrows and labeled them as ‘Boxer braids' People came
African American and Native
to her, telling her that she did not invent the hairstyle and
American, I grew up learning how to
labeling it as ‘Boxer Braids’ diminishes the beauty behind
care for naturally curly hair. I have
them. What is appropriating someone's culture versus
learned the amazing significance
appreciating one's culture? Many people may think that
behind each hairstyle, whether it be
they are paying homage to someone’s culture by wearing
braids, locs, twist outs or even
a certain hairstyle or article of clothing, that is not part of
sleeping in a bonnet. I have learned
their heritage, but what they fail to see is that behind a
how time consuming it is to take
hairstyle or piece of clothing is someone else's culture.
care of one's hair. When I wear my
People see celebrities wearing a beautiful dress and want
hair in cornrows, I know the power
it, without knowing the thought process behind the
behind them. I appreciate them.
design. Wearing cornrows may look cute, but for many naturals, their hair is something they take pride in. It's a part of them. Taking the time out of their day to take care of their hair is spiritual. People lack the knowledge of understanding the strong cultural value of what they are appropriating.
Rod Waddington
There are many steps one can take to make sure they are appreciating a culture's beauty instead of appropriating it. One thing you can do, is ask. Showing respect for one's culture by asking them about the meaning is beautiful. Taking the time to learn is a powerful thing and it shows respect and interest. The second thing one can do is appreciate the origins of something. If one goes into a store a by a cute kimono that would look amazing this summer over some jeans, learn about what a Kimono is, and the significance of it. In conclusion, cultural appropriation is all around us and sadly, this will not end soon. It is important though to bring awareness to such a topic. Many people appropriate unintentionally so next time, take a minute to think about the meaning behind something and try to understand the amount of disrespect that culture would feel to know people were wearing something they took pride in, all for looks.
"Cultural Appropriation." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2019. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, 22 February 2020 Quartz, Jenni Avins. “The Dos and Don'ts of Cultural Appropriation.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 15 July 2018, Website, 21 February 2020 “Native American Headdresses: Facts for Kids.” Native American Headdresses: Feather and Horned Warbonnets, Porcupine Roaches, Beaded Headbands, Basket Hats and Other American Indian Headdress, Acquaye, Alisha. “White People Need to Learn How to Appreciate a Different Culture Without Appropriating It.” Teen Vogue, Teen Vogue, 23 Aug. 2018, www.teenvogue.com/story/cultural-a ppropriation-appreciation-kim-kard ashian.