In a society where sex sells everything from food to cars, we should not be surprised by hearing that pregnancy seems to be the new trend for teenagers. Who or what is to blame for this? The media, one of the largest influences for teenagers, continues to glorify sex and ignore responsibility and therefore should be held partially responsible. The world’s view of teen pregnancy is constantly transforming, along with media’s representation of teen sex and pregnancy.
Teen pregnancy hasn’t always been as popular as it is today. In the 1970s and 1980s, teenage pregnancy rates in the United States reached all time lows due to the availability of contraceptives. But, between 2005 and 2006, teenage pregnancy rates began to increase again. This rise in sexual content on television is diluting teens’ morals and common sense. While teenagers having sex is realistic, they way it is portrayed on television is not. With well-known role models such as Bristol Palin and Jamie Lynn Spears getting pregnant at such young ages, teenagers see pregnancy as being more acceptable.
The biggest problem with media is the glamorization of teen sex and teen pregnancy. One popular television show among teens, Sixteen and Pregnant, shows documentaries of young pregnant girls’ lives. Some may argue that this show is sending a message attempting to prevent pregnancy, but how can that be true when MTV is paying these girls to be on their television show? If this program is sending any message to teenage girls, it’s more of a “Hey! Get pregnant, call us, and we’ll pay you to be on our television show!” kind of message.
Television shows are downplaying the effects of pregnancy by showing it as a “rainbows and butterflies” situation. These teens on television have children, and their lives somehow seem peaceful and perfect. They have a precious little angel to love and to hold whenever they desire. But why aren’t teens being shown that having a child is not easy? Is it fair to give them a fake idea? Are we at fault for the majority of millions of teen pregnancies each year for allowing media to continue with this mess?
Teen pregnancy is clearly an important issue today. We need to move past the moral panic and denial that often alter ideas of the issue and see that it is realistic for teens to be sexually active. We must quit showing teen pregnancy as fun and easy, and give an honest example for teens to learn from.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
thINK Assignment # 2
In the United States, drunk driving is the leading criminal cause of death. What are the consequences of drunk driving? Depending on the state in which the driver was caught, punishment ranges from a fine and license suspension to a short jail sentence of 2-4 days and probation for perhaps 3 years. While the punishments may seem to be somewhat severe, they certainly do not prevent drunk drivers from becoming repeat offenders.
One increasingly common device used to attempt to prevent repeat offending drunk drivers is the ignition interlock device (IID), which is installed into the driver's vehicle and requires a breath sample before the car will start. If alcohol is detected on the driver's breath, the car will not start. The IID may be effective in preventing the driver from driving his/her vehicle while drunk, but does that stop the driver from driving another vehicle while drunk? Absolutely not.
Does suspending a drunk driver's license prevent him/her from driving drunk again? NO. It was recently found that 50-75% of drunk drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive. So, how do we stop drunk drivers and how should punishment be intensified? Authorities have found that sobriety checkpoints and zero tolerance laws have decreased the number of alcohol-related fatalities. But, when a drunk driver is caught, serious action is not being distributed. More often than not, serious action against drunk drivers is not being taken until a life has been ended.
The punishment for driving drunk should be more harsh than it is now. Jail time for six moths, probation for 2-3 years, admission to a rehabilitation center, and license suspension for a year should all be included in the sentencing of a drunk driver. Some may say that these consequences are too harsh, but there is no excuse for driving drunk.
According to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Organization, in 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater). The worst part about this statistic? Every one of these accidents could have been prevented. If a person is planning on drinking alcohol, he could simply stay the night where he is or have a sober friend drive him home. Both of which could save his life and maybe someone else's.
One increasingly common device used to attempt to prevent repeat offending drunk drivers is the ignition interlock device (IID), which is installed into the driver's vehicle and requires a breath sample before the car will start. If alcohol is detected on the driver's breath, the car will not start. The IID may be effective in preventing the driver from driving his/her vehicle while drunk, but does that stop the driver from driving another vehicle while drunk? Absolutely not.
Does suspending a drunk driver's license prevent him/her from driving drunk again? NO. It was recently found that 50-75% of drunk drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive. So, how do we stop drunk drivers and how should punishment be intensified? Authorities have found that sobriety checkpoints and zero tolerance laws have decreased the number of alcohol-related fatalities. But, when a drunk driver is caught, serious action is not being distributed. More often than not, serious action against drunk drivers is not being taken until a life has been ended.
The punishment for driving drunk should be more harsh than it is now. Jail time for six moths, probation for 2-3 years, admission to a rehabilitation center, and license suspension for a year should all be included in the sentencing of a drunk driver. Some may say that these consequences are too harsh, but there is no excuse for driving drunk.
According to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Organization, in 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater). The worst part about this statistic? Every one of these accidents could have been prevented. If a person is planning on drinking alcohol, he could simply stay the night where he is or have a sober friend drive him home. Both of which could save his life and maybe someone else's.
Friday, November 12, 2010
thINK assignment #1
What would you do if your 11 year old child died from an asthma attack at school because the "zero tolerance" policy adopted by his school didn't allow him to carry an inhaler? Or maybe if your six year old child was suspended from school for 45 days for bringing a Cub Scout camping utensil to school to eat his lunch with?
Zero tolerance policies were created to promote safety by punishing both major and minor offenses severely. This severe punishment is usually suspension for a long period of time or even expulsion. Supporters of the zero tolerance policy believe that by treating minor cases ridiculously, students will frightened into conformity. One example is a honor-roll student who was expelled for possessing fingernail clippers in school.
Some may say that zero tolerance policies are required to create an appropriate environment, but that is certainly not the case. Many schools that have adopted zero tolerance policies are finding that the crime levels in the schools have remained the same for the last thirty years. But, the number of students suspended has nearly doubled, along with the dropout rates. Students often feel trapped, as if in jail, while attending zero tolerance schools. Also, with expulsion being the main punishment, it seems that dropping out school is the only option for a lot of students.
According to usatoday, "Even many supporters say the get-tough effort too often fails to differentiate between good kids who make the typical mistakes of adolescence and the unruly delinquents who can bring learning to a standstill." How can students learn from their mistakes if they are severely punished for something as small as having fingernail clippers at school? Students should be at least given a couple chances before being expelled from school. But, the unforgiving zero tolerance policies do the exact opposite.
Zero tolerance policies were created to promote safety by punishing both major and minor offenses severely. This severe punishment is usually suspension for a long period of time or even expulsion. Supporters of the zero tolerance policy believe that by treating minor cases ridiculously, students will frightened into conformity. One example is a honor-roll student who was expelled for possessing fingernail clippers in school.
Some may say that zero tolerance policies are required to create an appropriate environment, but that is certainly not the case. Many schools that have adopted zero tolerance policies are finding that the crime levels in the schools have remained the same for the last thirty years. But, the number of students suspended has nearly doubled, along with the dropout rates. Students often feel trapped, as if in jail, while attending zero tolerance schools. Also, with expulsion being the main punishment, it seems that dropping out school is the only option for a lot of students.
According to usatoday, "Even many supporters say the get-tough effort too often fails to differentiate between good kids who make the typical mistakes of adolescence and the unruly delinquents who can bring learning to a standstill." How can students learn from their mistakes if they are severely punished for something as small as having fingernail clippers at school? Students should be at least given a couple chances before being expelled from school. But, the unforgiving zero tolerance policies do the exact opposite.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Book Reviews
Being a super busy junior, I don't have very much time to set aside for reading. But, I try to read whenever I have a little bit of free time. This semester, the types of books I've read range from easy, entertaining reads to harder, more complex reads. Some that I have read are Willow, Change of Heart, Dreamland, and The Awakening.
- Willow, by Julia Hoban, is a simple yet emotional book that I couldn't put down until I was finished. This book is about a seventeen year old girl, Willow, who loses both of her parents in a terrible accident. Overwhelmed with guilt, Willow's only way to cope is cutting herself...until she meets Guy, who refuses to give up on her. Even through the extremely graphic cutting scenes, I was completely captivated by this book. I definitely recommend this book to everyone-teenagers, parents, teachers. It teaches many different important lessons about how people cope with problems differently and how you can help them to find a new way to deal with their emotions.
- Whenever I'm in serious need of a book, I just go searching for Jodi Picoult because she does an amazing job of telling stories. Recently, I finished her book Change of Heart and it's my favorite so far. One reason why I liked this book so much is because it is very similar to one of my favorite movies, The Green Mile. Also, it was told by three different characters which kept the book in constant motion. This story is about a carpenter, Shay Bourne, who killed June Nealon's police officer husband and young daughter. He is sentenced with the death penalty, and while on death row began to perform various miracles in prison. Soon after, Bourne became known as "the Death Row Messiah." Almost 10 years after the murders, June's daughter Claire is in serious need of a heart transplant, and Shay Bourne wants to do anything he can to give her his heart. Is Shay Bourne the next Messiah? And does he find a loophole through which he can donate is heart to the sister/daughter of the innocent people that he murdered 10 years earlier? (2 Books)
- Another book I read was The Awakening by Kate Chopin. It is a classic based on the struggle of a woman living in the 1800s who realizes that she isn't happy with her wife/mother only role in life. While it's usually hard for me to read classics, this one was very easy for me to read and understand. The It isn't a book I would recommend as a fun, entertaining read, but it is a book I recommend if you are trying to deepen your thinking skills.
- Dreamland by Sarah Dessen is about a girl named Caitlin who always lived in the footsteps of her older sister, Cass. Cass was perfect, two weeks away from going to college at Yale. Caitlin's sister had what seemed like everything...until one day when she ran away from home. Without Cass around, Caitlin began to find herself. She started dating a "perfect" guy, Rogerson, and slipped into a dreamland where nothing seemed real. I recommend this book to everyone, even though it is extremely depressing and very raw at times.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sentence 12
His sentence: I cleaned up their tent and rolled up their hammocks-they all slept in hammocks.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The hyphen connects two independent clauses in which the second clause clarifies the first one.
My sentence: She quietly slid out her window and took off running, not stopping until she reached the hill-the friends always met at the top of the hill.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The hyphen connects two independent clauses in which the second clause clarifies the first one.
My sentence: She quietly slid out her window and took off running, not stopping until she reached the hill-the friends always met at the top of the hill.
Sentence 11
His sentence: They were funny-looking people: long hair, strange clothes, weighed down with fancy earrings and bracelets.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
In this sentence, a colon is used to start a list of adjectives that described the subject of the first clause.
My sentence: They were incredibly creepy: dark blue cloaks, hidden faces, never talked.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
In this sentence, a colon is used to start a list of adjectives that described the subject of the first clause.
My sentence: They were incredibly creepy: dark blue cloaks, hidden faces, never talked.
Sentence 10
His sentence: When we die, if we have lived good lives, our spirits float free of the earth, cross the stars and galaxies, and come at last to a world at the other side of the universe-Paradise.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
This is a cumulative sentence, because it uses many parallel phrases, to build up to the ultimate end, Paradise. The dash before the word "Paradise" is used to make the word stand out.
My sentence: We got up early that morning, drove out of the town, continued for hours, and finally reached our beautiful destination-Florida.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
This is a cumulative sentence, because it uses many parallel phrases, to build up to the ultimate end, Paradise. The dash before the word "Paradise" is used to make the word stand out.
My sentence: We got up early that morning, drove out of the town, continued for hours, and finally reached our beautiful destination-Florida.
Sentence 9
His sentence: They were terrified of me...Darren Shan...a monster.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The series of periods quickly and vividly describe the character. In this case, a monster.
My sentence: They envied him...John Tucker...the womanizer.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The series of periods quickly and vividly describe the character. In this case, a monster.
My sentence: They envied him...John Tucker...the womanizer.
Sentence 8
His sentence: And before it snapped-had there been the slightest rustling sound, like something moving?
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The sentence begins with a conjunction and a dash to add to the fearful and confused thoughts of the character. The character is questioning what he thinks he has heard.
My sentence: But right before the phone rang-had there been a "thump" sound outside, like someone had stumbled by the living room window?
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The sentence begins with a conjunction and a dash to add to the fearful and confused thoughts of the character. The character is questioning what he thinks he has heard.
My sentence: But right before the phone rang-had there been a "thump" sound outside, like someone had stumbled by the living room window?
Sentence 7
His sentence: I'd always rather the truth-however unpleasant it might be-than a lie.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
The thought within the set of dashes is used to emphasize the importance of the truth; rather than being told a lie just to avoid unpleasant feelings.
My sentence: Eric would never tell his friends-no matter the circumstances-what he had done.
Sentence 6
His sentence: If I'd run away, the misery could have lasted forever: they might have lived the rest of their lives hoping I'd come back, searching, believeing I would one day return.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
The use of a colon connects two independent clauses. In the second clause, parallel structure is used, "hoping...searching...believing." This creates some stability in the sentence and also proves the relevance of the first clause.
My sentence: If he hadn't left, they could have been happy together: they might have continued on like normal, talking, laughing, and loving together.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
The use of a colon connects two independent clauses. In the second clause, parallel structure is used, "hoping...searching...believing." This creates some stability in the sentence and also proves the relevance of the first clause.
My sentence: If he hadn't left, they could have been happy together: they might have continued on like normal, talking, laughing, and loving together.
Sentence 5
His sentence: But ordinary humans...I could rip them apart in a second.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The series of periods is used to show the writer's pause in thought in order to put emphasis on the following clause.
My sentence: But my brother...I wanted to rip his head off.
From The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
The series of periods is used to show the writer's pause in thought in order to put emphasis on the following clause.
My sentence: But my brother...I wanted to rip his head off.
Sentence 4
His sentence: The goat would die in the end, if we left it-there was no cure for Madam Octa's bite-but we shall finish it quickly.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
The set of dashes interrupts the thought to explain what is going on; why the goat would die.
My sentence: We thought we would never get out-the haunted house was a maze-but we finally found our way to the much-anticipated end.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
The set of dashes interrupts the thought to explain what is going on; why the goat would die.
My sentence: We thought we would never get out-the haunted house was a maze-but we finally found our way to the much-anticipated end.
Sentence 3
His sentence: Mr. Crepsley produced a shiny tin whistle-he called it a flute-from his pants a blew a few short notes.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
The use of dashes interrupts the writer's initial thought, further describing the "shiny tin whistle" to make it easier for the reader to understand the instrument.
My sentence: Taylor got out an elaborate necklace-it was made of diamonds and white gold-from her purse and fastened it around her neck.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
The use of dashes interrupts the writer's initial thought, further describing the "shiny tin whistle" to make it easier for the reader to understand the instrument.
My sentence: Taylor got out an elaborate necklace-it was made of diamonds and white gold-from her purse and fastened it around her neck.
Sentence 2
His Sentence: The ladies who had hypnotized the wolf-man came out with two carts full of food: cakes chips, hamburgers, packages of candy and heads of cabbage.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan.
The colon is used set off a list describing a noun from the independent clause before it.
My Sentence: The girls who had skipped school to shop finally left the mall carrying shopping bags full of new things: shirts, pants, skirts, shoes, and accessories.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan.
The colon is used set off a list describing a noun from the independent clause before it.
My Sentence: The girls who had skipped school to shop finally left the mall carrying shopping bags full of new things: shirts, pants, skirts, shoes, and accessories.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sentence 1
His Sentence: I don't blame them: he would have sqaushed them flat as a pancake if he fell.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan.
The use of a colon in the sentence connects two independent clauses in which the second clause intensifies the first.
My Sentence: I didn't undersand: she always had the solution for everything.
From Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan.
The use of a colon in the sentence connects two independent clauses in which the second clause intensifies the first.
My Sentence: I didn't undersand: she always had the solution for everything.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
DESiGN...
What exactly is design?
Design is something that everyone does every day. We may not always realize it, but design has become a huge part of business. As Daniel Pink says in A Whole New Mind, "decent quality and reasonable price have become merely table stakes in the business game."
While design might be a good thing, it can also be negative. We, as people, often care more about the way things look than what we are actually getting out of a product. In our society, we only pay attention to the outside, and simply ignore the rest.
After reading the chapter on design, I pay more attention to what a product is going to do for me than what the product looks like. Just because something appeals to the eye doesn't mean that it is more useful than another product that is less appealing.
Design is something that everyone does every day. We may not always realize it, but design has become a huge part of business. As Daniel Pink says in A Whole New Mind, "decent quality and reasonable price have become merely table stakes in the business game."
While design might be a good thing, it can also be negative. We, as people, often care more about the way things look than what we are actually getting out of a product. In our society, we only pay attention to the outside, and simply ignore the rest.
After reading the chapter on design, I pay more attention to what a product is going to do for me than what the product looks like. Just because something appeals to the eye doesn't mean that it is more useful than another product that is less appealing.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
MY SOPHOMORE YEAR...
Whoah, this year has flown by!
My first year of high school is over. It's hard to believe that in two years, I will be out of high school, and kicked out into the "real world."
Although this year has been very stressful, with all the crazy homework assignments, we made it. The best part of ending this year is that I'm done with the most horrible class ever. Yep, you guessed it......chemistry.
I'm also very excited because my sister just graduated. In August, she'll be moving out and going to college. I'm sure I'll miss her, maybe just a little bit. But it'll be great not having an extra mom in the house.
Well, that's pretty much all I have to say about this school year. Hope you have a great summer!(:
My first year of high school is over. It's hard to believe that in two years, I will be out of high school, and kicked out into the "real world."
Although this year has been very stressful, with all the crazy homework assignments, we made it. The best part of ending this year is that I'm done with the most horrible class ever. Yep, you guessed it......chemistry.
I'm also very excited because my sister just graduated. In August, she'll be moving out and going to college. I'm sure I'll miss her, maybe just a little bit. But it'll be great not having an extra mom in the house.
Well, that's pretty much all I have to say about this school year. Hope you have a great summer!(:
Of Mice and Men..
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a book about George and Lennie, two traveling farmers during the depression. George is small and very intelligent, and Lennie is very big, mentally handicapped, and doesn't know his own strength.
After Lennie gets in some trouble, they have to run away from their last job, and find a new job on another ranch. All the while, they are trying to save up their money to get what they've always dreamed of, a place of their own.
Although the theme of this book didn't seem clear to me at first, I figured out it is a story of true companionship. Lennie is very hard to take care of. He is always causing trouble without intending to, yet George still sticks with him.
Of Mice and Men is a very short, easy read with a great story behind it. I definitely recommend it to everyone!
After Lennie gets in some trouble, they have to run away from their last job, and find a new job on another ranch. All the while, they are trying to save up their money to get what they've always dreamed of, a place of their own.
Although the theme of this book didn't seem clear to me at first, I figured out it is a story of true companionship. Lennie is very hard to take care of. He is always causing trouble without intending to, yet George still sticks with him.
Of Mice and Men is a very short, easy read with a great story behind it. I definitely recommend it to everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
