Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
My name is Kelly Hunter; I am the mother of a beautiful bi-racial son. My son is my light and my life; it is because of him and the rest of the world’s children that I am on a quest to help make positive change in my community and throughout the world. I have discovered that being a White-American living in the United States either works for you or against you depending on whom or what you are fighting for. Racism and discrimination is still as prevalent in almost every community in the United States as it was 200 years ago; so what can we do as a society and members of our communities to change this?
Recently a local African-American police officer was patrolling the streets of Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is a small town within Charlotte County, Florida where I am a resident. While driving through one of our lower income areas, the officer noticed that there was a noose hanging in a man’s yard. This frightened him so much that he reportedly got out of his car and started taking pictures of the hangman’s noose that hung just in front of an old tattered confederate flag. Much attention was brought to the man with the noose by local news media and other outraged members of our community. When I saw the story on the news late one night, I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. My first thought was “Are you kidding me, is this a joke?” My second thought was “What can I do to raise awareness about racism and help fight against things like this?” Katie Spinner, a local reporter for the Herald Tribune Newspaper, started her story out like this, “Beneath a drab and tattered Confederate flag, a noose drops from a tall wooden poll, just yards from the brilliant blues and yellows of a playground on Scott Street.” (Spinner, K. 2007). Carl Brooks, a local Baptist church pastor, and his congregation decided to take a walk by Michael Whiteaker’s home on Scott Street one Sunday morning after the story was brought to light, in order to view the noose for themselves. Pastor Brooks told Katie Spinner in an interview that “It brings to the surface what I’ve already know – that racism is alive and well.” (Spinner, K. 2007). I would have to agree with Pastor Brooks that racism is still out there and it doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon unless we as a community begin standing together and speaking up.
According to Mr. Whiteaker, he does not understand why anyone would find his noose display to be offensive and considers it to be a “harmless joke” and a conversation piece. (Spinner, K. 2007). I personally did not find this to be funny or harmless and quite the contrary, I was extremely offended. After turning off the news on that late October night, I was so upset that I had a great deal of trouble sleeping. The next morning, I decided that I was not going to sit quietly and I was going to raise awareness not only about this incident, but about all hate-crimes and racial injustices. I immediately began making phone calls to all of my friends and family members asking for their opinions on the matter. I was pleased to see that I was not alone.
I decided that the best way to address this unfortunate situation would be to host a unity march in my community. I immediately started making fliers; I ended up printing 300 fliers all together. I went through a lot of ink, paper, and money but I truly felt that this was something that needed to be done. I began contacting as many people that I could find on the Internet who lived in and around the surrounding areas of my community; the response that I received was so positive and inspiring. The following days, I hit the streets on foot to pass out the fliers for this meaningful event. I felt that if I were walking around the community that I would be able to talk to members of my community on a more personal and social level.
The response that I received from members of my community while handing out the fliers was extremely promising; all but one individual vowed to be in attendance. I was also contact by the GREP (Guerilla Republik) from Orlando saying that they would be coming down to show their support for my community; they were also bringing a political Hip-Hop artist and spoken word guru Madd Illz who was willing to perform for free if I could find a venue that would allow us to host a benefit show at their establishment. I was able to convince a local man who owns a cigar bar to allow us to utilize his business for free as well. Things could not have been going any better; this was going to be huge. I contacted every media outlet that I could think of to cover this occasion.
The morning of the unity march was here and I was so excited. A friend of mine called me early that morning to tell me that there was great news; the man with the noose had taken it down. I was thrilled with the news and decided to drive by his home to see for myself; the noose was gone. I thought to myself that this was a wonderful way to start off our unity march. As two of my friends and I headed to the designated meeting point for the march we grew more and more excited. After we arrived we got all of our protest signs out of the trunk; I had made about 20 signs in case people didn’t have their own. An hour went by and the only people to show up were a couple of my close friends, the GREP, and Madd Illz. We could not believe it; the news stations that had covered the story of the noose did not even show up. We decided to go on with our march anyway.
I learned a great deal that day about my town and the people who make up my community. I realized that the media truly only seems to care about stories of negative impact and not those of positive influence and change. Charlotte County is comprised of mostly White-Americans like me from every level of social class. However, there is quite a bit of cultural and ethnic diversity within my community as well. The following graph represents the percentages of the different ethnic groups that make up the population of Charlotte County, Florida.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ethnic Groups and Discrimination: European-Americans
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
The land that we now call the United States of America, once belong to the Native American Indians. These Native Americans came from many lands before settling in the continental region of North America; many came from parts of Alaska, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Explores started coming to the Americas long before people now known as Americans, began to emigrate here and before they began colonizing the land. In fact, some say that the first Native American group encountered by Christopher Columbus was in the year of 1492. They were known as the Taino of Boriquen; a land known to us today as Puerto Rico. (Native Americans in. 2007). “The European colonization of the Americas nearly obliterated the populations and cultures of the Native Americans.” (Native Americans in. 2007). “The White colonists prior to the Revolutionary War, though immigrants by one definition, did not consider themselves immigrants; rather, approximately 78% of the English population conceived themselves as Founders, Settlers, and Planters.” (White American Experience. 2007). The definition of a White American (not of Hispanic origin) is a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. (White American Experience. 2007).
Back in 1850, describing what a White American was, seemed fairly simple. Most of these people were considered to be of Anglo-Saxon or Protestant backgrounds. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that immigrants began arriving from Central and Southern Europe. These individuals spoke different languages and came from many variations of cultures, they were nothing like the people who had come before them. This would explain how the American people of today have become so diverse. Our ancestors came to this land thousands of years ago in search of religious freedom, and in search of a better way of life for their families. This is the very reason that so many people to-this-day still want to immigrate to the United States. Unfortunately, greed and the dislike of people from different backgrounds have been passed through generation after generation of American’s; this is known as xenophobia. Xenophobia, (the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners) led naturally to nativism (beliefs and policies favoring native-born citizens over immigrants). (Schaefer, R. 2006). The original “settlers” of this land wanted the Americas all to themselves, and had not planned on sharing it with the many immigrants that soon followed.
The Chinese would be the first immigrant group to experience the many restrictions that immigrants are still facing today. Before the year of 1851, official records show that only 46 Chinese people had immigrated to the United States. (Schaefer, R. 2006). That number would grow enormously to more than 200,000 Chinese immigrants during the next 30 years. The Chinese were lured to America through the discovery of gold and the many job opportunities that were opening up in the West. (Schaefer, R. 2006). Many other factors played a huge roll in the Chinese immigration to the United States as well, including overcrowding, drought, and warfare. The Chinese were considered to be a very valuable resource for filling manual jobs to the frontier lands such as California. (Schaefer, R. 2006). In the 1860s, railroad construction would provide the greatest demand for Chinese labor, that was until the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads were joined at Promontory, Utah, in 1869. (Schaefer, R. 2006). According to Richard Schaefer, “The Union Pacific relied primarily on Irish laborers, but 90 percent of the Central Pacific labor force was Chinese because Whites generally refused the backbreaking work over the Western terrain.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). Schaefer also states that, “Despite the contribution of the Chinese, White workers physically prevented them from attending the driving of the golden spike to mark the joining of the two railroads.” (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The Irish would also face the same kind of xenophobia as the Chinese had already encountered. According to Schaefer, “Roman Catholics in general and the Irish in particular were among the first Europeans to be ill treated.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). There were very few Catholics in early colonial settlements, and they were faced with many limitations concerning their religious and civil rights. The anti-Catholic agenda originated in Europe and was later brought to colonial America by the Protestant immigrants who settled on this land. The Irish faced mob like violence as well as having their Catholic churches burnt to the ground. African-American’s experienced similar xenophobia after the abolishment of slavery. “The Irish were worse than Blacks, according to the dominant Whites, because unlike the slaves and even the freed Blacks, who “knew their place”, the Irish did not suffer their maltreatment in silence.”, says Schaefer. (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The African’s were sold by their tribal leaders to European-Americans and shipped to the United States in order to work as slaves. As we all know, slavery was not abolished until the end of the Civil War. And it seems that as time has progressed, many of the ethnic groups who originally immigrated to this country thousands of years ago; have been slowly accepted into this country. However, it seems that the African- American’s, at least in my opinion, suffered the most where discrimination is concerned. This was the only ethnic group that had been sold and bought as slaves. All the other immigrants came here on their own will, but the African’s were made to come here. They had no civil or religious rights, and it wasn’t for many years after slavery ended, that they actually started receiving any kind of benefits as people of this great country.
There have been many ethnic groups who have immigrated to the United States, and it seems that all have experienced many forms of xenophobia from White America. This xenophobia has come in the forms of institutional discrimination, dual labor markets, double jeopardy, redlining, the fight against affirmative action, glass ceilings, glass walls, institutional discrimination, and environmental justice issues, just to name a few. The average White American or European-American has encouraged people to come to this land and do the work that they do not want to do themselves for the fraction of the acceptable pay for these jobs. It seems that once these immigrants fight for equality or fair treatment, many of us want to deport them back to their homelands and pretend as if they were never here. I would have to say that I identify with the United States mainstream culture and not that of my fellow ancestors.
Reference(s)
“Native Americans in the United States”. Wikipedia. (2007). p.1-15. Retrieved on October 6, 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States
Schaefer, Richard T., “Racial and Ethnic Groups”. Prentice-Hall. (2006). p91.
“White American Experience”. Fort Gordon Equal Opportunity Office. (2007). P.1-9. Retrieved on October 5, 2007.
http://www.gordon.army.mil/eoo/white.htm.
The land that we now call the United States of America, once belong to the Native American Indians. These Native Americans came from many lands before settling in the continental region of North America; many came from parts of Alaska, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Explores started coming to the Americas long before people now known as Americans, began to emigrate here and before they began colonizing the land. In fact, some say that the first Native American group encountered by Christopher Columbus was in the year of 1492. They were known as the Taino of Boriquen; a land known to us today as Puerto Rico. (Native Americans in. 2007). “The European colonization of the Americas nearly obliterated the populations and cultures of the Native Americans.” (Native Americans in. 2007). “The White colonists prior to the Revolutionary War, though immigrants by one definition, did not consider themselves immigrants; rather, approximately 78% of the English population conceived themselves as Founders, Settlers, and Planters.” (White American Experience. 2007). The definition of a White American (not of Hispanic origin) is a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. (White American Experience. 2007).
Back in 1850, describing what a White American was, seemed fairly simple. Most of these people were considered to be of Anglo-Saxon or Protestant backgrounds. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that immigrants began arriving from Central and Southern Europe. These individuals spoke different languages and came from many variations of cultures, they were nothing like the people who had come before them. This would explain how the American people of today have become so diverse. Our ancestors came to this land thousands of years ago in search of religious freedom, and in search of a better way of life for their families. This is the very reason that so many people to-this-day still want to immigrate to the United States. Unfortunately, greed and the dislike of people from different backgrounds have been passed through generation after generation of American’s; this is known as xenophobia. Xenophobia, (the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners) led naturally to nativism (beliefs and policies favoring native-born citizens over immigrants). (Schaefer, R. 2006). The original “settlers” of this land wanted the Americas all to themselves, and had not planned on sharing it with the many immigrants that soon followed.
The Chinese would be the first immigrant group to experience the many restrictions that immigrants are still facing today. Before the year of 1851, official records show that only 46 Chinese people had immigrated to the United States. (Schaefer, R. 2006). That number would grow enormously to more than 200,000 Chinese immigrants during the next 30 years. The Chinese were lured to America through the discovery of gold and the many job opportunities that were opening up in the West. (Schaefer, R. 2006). Many other factors played a huge roll in the Chinese immigration to the United States as well, including overcrowding, drought, and warfare. The Chinese were considered to be a very valuable resource for filling manual jobs to the frontier lands such as California. (Schaefer, R. 2006). In the 1860s, railroad construction would provide the greatest demand for Chinese labor, that was until the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads were joined at Promontory, Utah, in 1869. (Schaefer, R. 2006). According to Richard Schaefer, “The Union Pacific relied primarily on Irish laborers, but 90 percent of the Central Pacific labor force was Chinese because Whites generally refused the backbreaking work over the Western terrain.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). Schaefer also states that, “Despite the contribution of the Chinese, White workers physically prevented them from attending the driving of the golden spike to mark the joining of the two railroads.” (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The Irish would also face the same kind of xenophobia as the Chinese had already encountered. According to Schaefer, “Roman Catholics in general and the Irish in particular were among the first Europeans to be ill treated.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). There were very few Catholics in early colonial settlements, and they were faced with many limitations concerning their religious and civil rights. The anti-Catholic agenda originated in Europe and was later brought to colonial America by the Protestant immigrants who settled on this land. The Irish faced mob like violence as well as having their Catholic churches burnt to the ground. African-American’s experienced similar xenophobia after the abolishment of slavery. “The Irish were worse than Blacks, according to the dominant Whites, because unlike the slaves and even the freed Blacks, who “knew their place”, the Irish did not suffer their maltreatment in silence.”, says Schaefer. (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The African’s were sold by their tribal leaders to European-Americans and shipped to the United States in order to work as slaves. As we all know, slavery was not abolished until the end of the Civil War. And it seems that as time has progressed, many of the ethnic groups who originally immigrated to this country thousands of years ago; have been slowly accepted into this country. However, it seems that the African- American’s, at least in my opinion, suffered the most where discrimination is concerned. This was the only ethnic group that had been sold and bought as slaves. All the other immigrants came here on their own will, but the African’s were made to come here. They had no civil or religious rights, and it wasn’t for many years after slavery ended, that they actually started receiving any kind of benefits as people of this great country.
There have been many ethnic groups who have immigrated to the United States, and it seems that all have experienced many forms of xenophobia from White America. This xenophobia has come in the forms of institutional discrimination, dual labor markets, double jeopardy, redlining, the fight against affirmative action, glass ceilings, glass walls, institutional discrimination, and environmental justice issues, just to name a few. The average White American or European-American has encouraged people to come to this land and do the work that they do not want to do themselves for the fraction of the acceptable pay for these jobs. It seems that once these immigrants fight for equality or fair treatment, many of us want to deport them back to their homelands and pretend as if they were never here. I would have to say that I identify with the United States mainstream culture and not that of my fellow ancestors.
Reference(s)
“Native Americans in the United States”. Wikipedia. (2007). p.1-15. Retrieved on October 6, 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States
Schaefer, Richard T., “Racial and Ethnic Groups”. Prentice-Hall. (2006). p91.
“White American Experience”. Fort Gordon Equal Opportunity Office. (2007). P.1-9. Retrieved on October 5, 2007.
http://www.gordon.army.mil/eoo/white.htm.
Bilingual Eduation: Good or Bad?
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Freedom Road Socialist Organization
Joe Navarro is a bilingual education teacher who is frustrated with the many waves of assaults on bilingual education. According to Navarro, “Good educational theory and practices are officially and routinely undermined, while school district chips away at the bilingual program, shaving it down to nearly nothing.”(Navarro. 2007). Navarro also states that “Children are forced to transition into English-only learning without understanding English adequately.” (Navarro. 2007). According to Navarro, the bilingual educational programs were established in order to help the persistent struggle to defend the linguistic rights of all Latino and Asian students. Joe Navarro is quoted to say that “Educators are being pressured to abandon their beliefs in order to meet state mandates.” (Navarro. 2007). In 1998, Proposition 227, was put into affect in California. This ballot initiative convinced California voters to vote against bilingual education and put an end to all bilingual programs in the school system. This was based on misinformation, racist fear mongering, and anti-immigrant sentiments. (Navarro. 2007). It seems that the purpose of bilingual education has been misconstrued and distorted by government officials and many people in society. Navarro discusses these distorted views and says that, “Through a series of myths, such as the idea that the role of bilingual education is solely to maintain immigrant languages and prevent the learning of English, and accusations that Latinos and other immigrants simply refuse to learn English.” (Navarro. 2007). All-in-all, Navarro feels that English-only education comes with severe and irreversible consequences for many non-English speaking individuals. He feels that in addition to producing language-confused and undereducated people, this will also create certain barriers within families as well. Joe Navarro seems to be very passionate about his beliefs and support of bilingual education and feels that bilingual education has been victimized.
Navarro, Joe. Nine Years after Proposition 227: What Can We Do To Save Bilingual Education? Freedom Road Socialist Organization. (July, 2007). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://freedomroad.org/content/view/451/1/lang,en/
Banishing Bilingualism
It seems that in California the word “bilingual” is consider to be as bad as any “four-letter” word. This word has been banned from all schooling vocabularies in the state. The word bilingual has been replaced with words like “English-language learning”. It is also against the law in California to talk to or to instruct a student in their native language if their language is one other than that of English. According to Susan Katz, “In an attempt to remake a teaching force in California that lacks any memory of bilingual education and any skill in teaching to the strengths of non-English-speaking students, the board of education has decided to end the granting of the two major teaching credentials—CLAD (Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development) and BCLAD (Bilingual Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development).” (Katz. 2002). Katz goes on to say that “By the end of 2003, when 45 percent of the students in California public schools will be living in non-English-speaking homes, these credentials will be phased out.” (Katz. 2002). According to Ms. Katz, “The direction of today’s education policy in California largely derives from the English for the Children initiative passed in 1998, sponsored by millionaire conservative Ron Unz and upheld by the courts.” (Katz. 2002). It does seem that other states are beginning to follow in California’s footsteps, supporting these anti-bilingual acts. However, states like Colorado are in support of upholding all individual rights to linguistic diversity.
Katz, Susan and Kohl, Herbert. Banishing Bilingualism. The Nation. 275. p20. (December 9, 2002). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%253C
California’s Language Wars, Part II
Maria Mendoza, a 62 year old woman from Tucson, Arizona, began her quest to put an end to bilingual education back in the year of 1968. (Gorman. 1999). Mendoza decided to start her one-woman campaign after she had visited her child’s fourth-grade bilingual classroom. She was shocked to find that there were students in this class that were unable to read English. According to Siobhan Gorman, “In 1974, she sued the Tucson Unified School District, asserting that students in bilingual classes were being discriminated against by not being taught English.” (Gorman. 1999). Gorman goes on to state that “The suit led to a statute requiring the district to give parents a choice about placing their children in bilingual classes.” (Gorman. 1999). As far as Maria Mendoza is concerned, this was not enough and she feels that Arizona’s school board should ban any and all bilingual education. In 1998, Proposition 227 passed in California; this left Maria Mendoza will hope for success. She had hoped that the California test scores would provide her with enough ammunition to help gets laws passed by the year 2000. (Gorman. 1999). According to Gorman, “Recent polls point to strong public sentiment in favor of English-only education.” (Gorman. 1999). So while society seems to be largely in favor of putting an end to bilingual education, politicians like Al Gore have been very supportive of the continuation of bilingual educational programs. President Bush has also been said to be pushing for something he calls “English-plus”—which allows for the continuation of bilingual education, as long as test scores indicate that children are also learning English.
Gorman, Siobhan. California’s Language Wars, Part II. National Journal. 31.31. (July 1999). Retrieved November 1, 2007.
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252c%
Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education
According to James Crawford, “Whether to continue teaching LEP students in two languages is now a matter of public debate throughout the U.S.A.” Crawford goes on to say that “Since the mid-1980s, critics have won increasing support for the contention that this experiment, while well-intentioned, has failed to meet expectations.” (Crawford. 1998). Since the late 1990s, many of our policymakers are trying to come up with effective ways to limit or dismantle these different bilingual education programs. California, was the first state in the United States to choose to ban bilingual education in their school systems. According to Crawford, “Ironically, research provides considerably more support for bilingual approaches today than it did in 1968, when few program models existed and almost none had been evaluated.” (Crawford. 1998). As stated in this article, there have been new research findings that confirm that developing fluent bilingualism and cultivating academic excellence are complementary, rather than contradictory, goals. (Crawford. 1998). James Crawford also feels that it is not necessary to sacrifice LEP students’ native languages in order to teach them effectively in English. According to Mr. Crawford, “Politically speaking, however, the research findings are less encouraging and in fact, they support an educational rationale for bilingual instruction that is both complex and counterintuitive to members of the public.” (Crawford. 1998).
Crawford, James. Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education. Social Justice 25. no.3. (Fall 1998).
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/JWCRAWFORD/paradox.htm
Freedom Road Socialist Organization
Joe Navarro is a bilingual education teacher who is frustrated with the many waves of assaults on bilingual education. According to Navarro, “Good educational theory and practices are officially and routinely undermined, while school district chips away at the bilingual program, shaving it down to nearly nothing.”(Navarro. 2007). Navarro also states that “Children are forced to transition into English-only learning without understanding English adequately.” (Navarro. 2007). According to Navarro, the bilingual educational programs were established in order to help the persistent struggle to defend the linguistic rights of all Latino and Asian students. Joe Navarro is quoted to say that “Educators are being pressured to abandon their beliefs in order to meet state mandates.” (Navarro. 2007). In 1998, Proposition 227, was put into affect in California. This ballot initiative convinced California voters to vote against bilingual education and put an end to all bilingual programs in the school system. This was based on misinformation, racist fear mongering, and anti-immigrant sentiments. (Navarro. 2007). It seems that the purpose of bilingual education has been misconstrued and distorted by government officials and many people in society. Navarro discusses these distorted views and says that, “Through a series of myths, such as the idea that the role of bilingual education is solely to maintain immigrant languages and prevent the learning of English, and accusations that Latinos and other immigrants simply refuse to learn English.” (Navarro. 2007). All-in-all, Navarro feels that English-only education comes with severe and irreversible consequences for many non-English speaking individuals. He feels that in addition to producing language-confused and undereducated people, this will also create certain barriers within families as well. Joe Navarro seems to be very passionate about his beliefs and support of bilingual education and feels that bilingual education has been victimized.
Navarro, Joe. Nine Years after Proposition 227: What Can We Do To Save Bilingual Education? Freedom Road Socialist Organization. (July, 2007). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://freedomroad.org/content/view/451/1/lang,en/
Banishing Bilingualism
It seems that in California the word “bilingual” is consider to be as bad as any “four-letter” word. This word has been banned from all schooling vocabularies in the state. The word bilingual has been replaced with words like “English-language learning”. It is also against the law in California to talk to or to instruct a student in their native language if their language is one other than that of English. According to Susan Katz, “In an attempt to remake a teaching force in California that lacks any memory of bilingual education and any skill in teaching to the strengths of non-English-speaking students, the board of education has decided to end the granting of the two major teaching credentials—CLAD (Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development) and BCLAD (Bilingual Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development).” (Katz. 2002). Katz goes on to say that “By the end of 2003, when 45 percent of the students in California public schools will be living in non-English-speaking homes, these credentials will be phased out.” (Katz. 2002). According to Ms. Katz, “The direction of today’s education policy in California largely derives from the English for the Children initiative passed in 1998, sponsored by millionaire conservative Ron Unz and upheld by the courts.” (Katz. 2002). It does seem that other states are beginning to follow in California’s footsteps, supporting these anti-bilingual acts. However, states like Colorado are in support of upholding all individual rights to linguistic diversity.
Katz, Susan and Kohl, Herbert. Banishing Bilingualism. The Nation. 275. p20. (December 9, 2002). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%253C
California’s Language Wars, Part II
Maria Mendoza, a 62 year old woman from Tucson, Arizona, began her quest to put an end to bilingual education back in the year of 1968. (Gorman. 1999). Mendoza decided to start her one-woman campaign after she had visited her child’s fourth-grade bilingual classroom. She was shocked to find that there were students in this class that were unable to read English. According to Siobhan Gorman, “In 1974, she sued the Tucson Unified School District, asserting that students in bilingual classes were being discriminated against by not being taught English.” (Gorman. 1999). Gorman goes on to state that “The suit led to a statute requiring the district to give parents a choice about placing their children in bilingual classes.” (Gorman. 1999). As far as Maria Mendoza is concerned, this was not enough and she feels that Arizona’s school board should ban any and all bilingual education. In 1998, Proposition 227 passed in California; this left Maria Mendoza will hope for success. She had hoped that the California test scores would provide her with enough ammunition to help gets laws passed by the year 2000. (Gorman. 1999). According to Gorman, “Recent polls point to strong public sentiment in favor of English-only education.” (Gorman. 1999). So while society seems to be largely in favor of putting an end to bilingual education, politicians like Al Gore have been very supportive of the continuation of bilingual educational programs. President Bush has also been said to be pushing for something he calls “English-plus”—which allows for the continuation of bilingual education, as long as test scores indicate that children are also learning English.
Gorman, Siobhan. California’s Language Wars, Part II. National Journal. 31.31. (July 1999). Retrieved November 1, 2007.
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252c%
Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education
According to James Crawford, “Whether to continue teaching LEP students in two languages is now a matter of public debate throughout the U.S.A.” Crawford goes on to say that “Since the mid-1980s, critics have won increasing support for the contention that this experiment, while well-intentioned, has failed to meet expectations.” (Crawford. 1998). Since the late 1990s, many of our policymakers are trying to come up with effective ways to limit or dismantle these different bilingual education programs. California, was the first state in the United States to choose to ban bilingual education in their school systems. According to Crawford, “Ironically, research provides considerably more support for bilingual approaches today than it did in 1968, when few program models existed and almost none had been evaluated.” (Crawford. 1998). As stated in this article, there have been new research findings that confirm that developing fluent bilingualism and cultivating academic excellence are complementary, rather than contradictory, goals. (Crawford. 1998). James Crawford also feels that it is not necessary to sacrifice LEP students’ native languages in order to teach them effectively in English. According to Mr. Crawford, “Politically speaking, however, the research findings are less encouraging and in fact, they support an educational rationale for bilingual instruction that is both complex and counterintuitive to members of the public.” (Crawford. 1998).
Crawford, James. Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education. Social Justice 25. no.3. (Fall 1998).
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/JWCRAWFORD/paradox.htm
Wage Inequality: The U.S. Housing Industry
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Wage inequality is an issue that has affected every industry in the United States. The housing industry is no stranger to such issues. In fact, the housing industry has been dealing with wage inequality for over a decade and quite possibly longer than that. There are many factors that have caused wage inequality in the U.S. housing industry; immigration is one of those factors. The need for more productive labor is another factor. Technology has begun to replace hands-on labor and this is beginning to worry many workers and contractors in the housing industry. Decreases in pension and retirement plans are also a major concern when it comes to wage inequality. “Old- style pension plans from employers that promised workers a fixed sum each month in their retirement years are rapidly disappearing in favor of 401(k)-style savings plans that require active worker involvement and place the risk of financial loss on the individual” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 17).
Florida is one of the many states where workers are feeling the affects of wage inequality the most. This region was once known for its vast selection of affordable housing and even that is now a distant memory. Other set backs such as the rise in gasoline, an increase in property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, as well as soaring electric bills, have many workers on the edge of their seats in a panic. “In The State of Working America, the economist authors attribute the rising inequality in paychecks to a series of setbacks for lower-paid workers: The lack of movement in improving the $5.15-per-hour federal minimum wage” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 18). Healthcare benefits are also sky-rocketing; thus causing an increase of deductions from paychecks for those who currently have benefits and denying the ability to afford them for those who do not.
Education is also becoming an issue as well as a factor in wage inequality and is not necessarily a guarantee of prosperity or job security. Individuals with less schooling in areas of higher education really bear the brunt of our current economic crisis. “Blue-collar workers made up 43.4 percent of the long-term unemployed in 1989. Last year, their share was 29 percent and White-collar unemployed for the long-term rose in that period from 31 to 42 percent” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 19). Unemployment amongst individuals who possess at least a minimum of a four year college degree is said to be relatively low. However, individual’s who only have a high school diploma may find that they have a very difficult time finding a decent wage or any job at all during these current economic struggles. “While the time-pressed BlackBerry crowd is connected to the workplace around the clock, workers with less education are hard-pressed to find good jobs” (Trigaux. 2006.).
With many homeowners’ losing their homes and rental properties to foreclosure, the housing market is experiencing troubling times that do not seem to be going away anytime soon. With few people purchasing homes, builders are finding it hard to secure contracts. Relatively no one is investing in real estate at this time, let alone building new homes. In Charlotte County, Florida alone, there are many Spec homes that have sat unfinished for well over four years now. Contractors and builders are refusing to invest anymore of their money in homes that are not going to be sold. The question is, how long can these homes sit unfinished and unprotected before the framework and other elements begin to weather beyond repair causing further financial loss?
“We are in a watershed time in our economy, where technology has transformed how we work (and) globalization is changing the rules of the game for low-skilled, semiskilled workers,” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 23). The demand for more efficient productivity has increased the demand for newer technologies which in some cases bares a burden on those who do not possess the knowledge or experience needed to operate this more advanced equipment. In this industry, the more you know will most likely increase your chance of earning a higher paying wage. Immigration has caused a rift in wages due to the fact that many are willing to work longer hours for less pay. New policies will need to be put into place in order to stop this kind of inequality. Wages should reflect the work being performed and unfair as it is, it’s definitely a reality. “Human beings must have access to the goods and services necessary to support and sustain their dignity; for workers that means a wage adequate to purchase those goods and services” (Figart. 2001. ¶ 2).
Our economy has been spiraling out of control for quite some time and everyone from the rich to the poor has been feeling its strains. In order to fix the many issues that the housing industry has been struggling with, policy makers are going to have to make some much needed changes. Wage inequality has been going on for so long that it is going to take a great deal of work in order to get things back on track. Immigration, technology, education, and a failing economy are amongst the most significant factors contributing to this industry’s downfall. Only time will tell if Washington can get us out of this mess.
Reference(s)
Figart, D.M. “Ethical foundations of the contemporary living wage movement”. International Journal of Social Economics. Vol 28. No 10/11/12. (2001). Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://www.emerald-library.com/ft
Trigaux, R. “Wheel churns out new reality; (North Pinellas Edition)”. Times Publishing Co. (2006). P. 1D. Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://swtuopproxy.museglobal.com
Wage inequality is an issue that has affected every industry in the United States. The housing industry is no stranger to such issues. In fact, the housing industry has been dealing with wage inequality for over a decade and quite possibly longer than that. There are many factors that have caused wage inequality in the U.S. housing industry; immigration is one of those factors. The need for more productive labor is another factor. Technology has begun to replace hands-on labor and this is beginning to worry many workers and contractors in the housing industry. Decreases in pension and retirement plans are also a major concern when it comes to wage inequality. “Old- style pension plans from employers that promised workers a fixed sum each month in their retirement years are rapidly disappearing in favor of 401(k)-style savings plans that require active worker involvement and place the risk of financial loss on the individual” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 17).
Florida is one of the many states where workers are feeling the affects of wage inequality the most. This region was once known for its vast selection of affordable housing and even that is now a distant memory. Other set backs such as the rise in gasoline, an increase in property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, as well as soaring electric bills, have many workers on the edge of their seats in a panic. “In The State of Working America, the economist authors attribute the rising inequality in paychecks to a series of setbacks for lower-paid workers: The lack of movement in improving the $5.15-per-hour federal minimum wage” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 18). Healthcare benefits are also sky-rocketing; thus causing an increase of deductions from paychecks for those who currently have benefits and denying the ability to afford them for those who do not.
Education is also becoming an issue as well as a factor in wage inequality and is not necessarily a guarantee of prosperity or job security. Individuals with less schooling in areas of higher education really bear the brunt of our current economic crisis. “Blue-collar workers made up 43.4 percent of the long-term unemployed in 1989. Last year, their share was 29 percent and White-collar unemployed for the long-term rose in that period from 31 to 42 percent” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 19). Unemployment amongst individuals who possess at least a minimum of a four year college degree is said to be relatively low. However, individual’s who only have a high school diploma may find that they have a very difficult time finding a decent wage or any job at all during these current economic struggles. “While the time-pressed BlackBerry crowd is connected to the workplace around the clock, workers with less education are hard-pressed to find good jobs” (Trigaux. 2006.).
With many homeowners’ losing their homes and rental properties to foreclosure, the housing market is experiencing troubling times that do not seem to be going away anytime soon. With few people purchasing homes, builders are finding it hard to secure contracts. Relatively no one is investing in real estate at this time, let alone building new homes. In Charlotte County, Florida alone, there are many Spec homes that have sat unfinished for well over four years now. Contractors and builders are refusing to invest anymore of their money in homes that are not going to be sold. The question is, how long can these homes sit unfinished and unprotected before the framework and other elements begin to weather beyond repair causing further financial loss?
“We are in a watershed time in our economy, where technology has transformed how we work (and) globalization is changing the rules of the game for low-skilled, semiskilled workers,” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 23). The demand for more efficient productivity has increased the demand for newer technologies which in some cases bares a burden on those who do not possess the knowledge or experience needed to operate this more advanced equipment. In this industry, the more you know will most likely increase your chance of earning a higher paying wage. Immigration has caused a rift in wages due to the fact that many are willing to work longer hours for less pay. New policies will need to be put into place in order to stop this kind of inequality. Wages should reflect the work being performed and unfair as it is, it’s definitely a reality. “Human beings must have access to the goods and services necessary to support and sustain their dignity; for workers that means a wage adequate to purchase those goods and services” (Figart. 2001. ¶ 2).
Our economy has been spiraling out of control for quite some time and everyone from the rich to the poor has been feeling its strains. In order to fix the many issues that the housing industry has been struggling with, policy makers are going to have to make some much needed changes. Wage inequality has been going on for so long that it is going to take a great deal of work in order to get things back on track. Immigration, technology, education, and a failing economy are amongst the most significant factors contributing to this industry’s downfall. Only time will tell if Washington can get us out of this mess.
Reference(s)
Figart, D.M. “Ethical foundations of the contemporary living wage movement”. International Journal of Social Economics. Vol 28. No 10/11/12. (2001). Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://www.emerald-library.com/ft
Trigaux, R. “Wheel churns out new reality; (North Pinellas Edition)”. Times Publishing Co. (2006). P. 1D. Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://swtuopproxy.museglobal.com
The Economical Effects on the U.S. Housing Industry
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
By now it is common knowledge that the United States’ economy is at an all time low causing many homeowner’s as well as contractors and laborers within the housing industry to panic. Many industries have been greatly affected by this crisis and the U.S. housing industry has been one of the hardest hit throughout these unfortunate times. From unemployment to foreclosures, the housing industry has been on a downward spiral for many years now, causing concern and raising many important questions. Throughout this paper I will discuss several areas that have been affected within the housing industry that have many people concerned about what other obstacles may lie ahead for this particular industry. Supply and demand, positive and negative externalities, wage inequality, and monetary fiscal policies are the main focus of this paper.
Our increasing National and Foreign Trade deficits are having a major impact on every industry; especially the already struggling housing market. Increases in “short-term” interest rates have been substantial enough to cause alarm and have many wondering exactly how “short-term” these increases really are. “For example, a sudden increase in the interest rate, such as 2% (200 percentage basis points), would substantially impact most areas of our economy; it will impact the ability to make other positive changes in U.S. tax law, trade deficits, budget deficits, the housing market, and much more”(Levine. 2005). According to some experts, the actions of other foreign leaders may also have had a serious impact on the U.S. economy.
“Major foreign investors may determine that the sliding value of the U.S. dollar lessens real property values in the United States; terrorism remains an important concern in all areas, including its impact on economics; rising oil prices have damaged the hope for a trade balance; and other issues could potentially cause major upward changes in the interest rate”(Levine. 2005). The housing market has been affected very negatively due to many if not all of these factors. Employment rates have been affected mainly because the American people have lost their faith in the U.S. economy and fewer are buying real estate causing a decrease in employment within the housing industry itself. The price of real estate has gone down substantially over the past few years and homes that once sold for hundreds of thousands are now selling for as little as $28,000.00 or less in some regions of the country. These are prices that have not been seen for decades.
Production in this industry has decreased in such away that many houses and building structures sit unfinished and abandoned. The Federal government must increase interest rates in order to maintain and control the rate of inflation. “Wages and prices begin to increase if monetary policy stimulates the economy beyond the market capacity or when the money supply exceeds the real growth rate”(Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). Monetary policies have a tendency to cause a short-term increase in employment. However, on a long-term scale, unemployment begins to outweigh this increase. On the other hand, a decline in the housing market does not always mean a decline in the commercial sector of construction.
Employment may be decreasing on the private level in the housing industry. However, employment has remained relatively steady on the commercial level. Fiscal polices have had an effect on the housing market that has caused an increase in demand in commercial real estate. Many of us can drive down our local streets and highways and see that the commercial portion of the housing industry doesn’t seem to have been affected at all. Although buildings seem to be going up left and right, these spaces are not leasing out as quickly as many in the industry had hoped. This is a true sign of our current economic crisis, a crisis that does not seem to be going away anytime soon.
Other factors associated with the current struggle in the housing market include oil prices. “If the oil prices increase, the Feds will have to increase the interest rates to fight inflation which may cause further decline in the housing segment and the GDP” (Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). When American’s can no longer afford to put gas in their cars, it is obvious that they cannot afford to put their money into the housing industry either. Although most of us have seen a decrease in gasoline prices over the past couple of months, American’s are still worried that prices will sky rocket once again. Therefore, everyone from every classification of life seems to have a firm grip on their wallets. The housing market alone was a substantial carrier of the U.S. economy for many years and when an industry like this one can no longer hold itself up, further economic problems begin to arise and the tremendous set backs are felt throughout the entire nation and often times, the world.
It seems that negative externalities are the only thing surrounding the housing industry as of late. The days of low interest rates and the option for refinancing are becoming a distant memory. “Housing finance stands at the crossroads of savings and investment and, therefore, is at the very heart of economic development” (Waigel. 2000). With rapidly increasing interest rates, many individuals and families can no longer afford to purchase a home for their family to prosper and grow in. The old “Bubble” word is beginning to come up once again as well. A housing bubble occurs when housing prices begin to rise due to overgrowth in the market. According to reports, the riskiest housing markets included ten metropolitan areas in California. Boston, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Michigan are also areas where homes are extremely overpriced (Levine. 2005). Supply is no longer balanced with the demand for affordable housing.
Natural disasters although devastating to homeowners and renters alike, may have helped the housing industry to some degree. With millions left homeless after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Gulf Coast portion of the United States is where private home construction is seeing most of its contracts. However, if individuals and families cannot afford to rebuild their homes then where will the funding come from? Many non-profit organizations have stepped into help with the recovery efforts; however, fraud has played a major role in the decrease of Federal funding. “While about 95 percent of all IHP recipients of disaster relief assistance following hurricanes Katrina and Rita paid their federal taxes, tens of thousands owed federal taxes at the time of the disaster” (Tax Compliance. 2008). This factor alone has caused severe damage to our economy.
Wage inequality has also been an issue in every industry for quite some time and the housing industry has been no exception. “The middle class certainly has been affected, as the stagnation in wages put pressure on home ownership rates, but the big impact has been on the rental market, as both relative and real incomes fell for those at the bottom of the income distribution, the people who traditionally have been renters” (Schnare. 1996). If people are not making wages that can support their families, then they surely cannot afford to keep up on a mortgage payment or rent for that matter. There is a rapidly growing gap that separates the cost to operate an apartment or home and the ability for one to afford to rent property. “This has led to two problems, the physical decay we see in urban areas and an increased demand for government subsidies” (Schnare. 1996). If Federal funding is not available to organizations like HUD, then assistance cannot be distributed properly amongst lower income families. Reports indicate that the major problems with housing in urban areas can be related back to wage inequality.
Price elasticity is a measurement of how buyers respond to shifts in conditions of any given market. The housing market’s shift in price concerning real estate has caused a great deal of damage to not only the market but to the livelihood of society. Experts say that this is a buyer’s market, but is it really a good time to purchase a home? Mortgage companies and banks are going out of business by the dozens and what firms remain, are skeptical about lending out money. Our current deficits are said to be record breaking and if the government is in debt, the American population is in debt as well. The United States, once the richest countries in the world is now probably amongst the poorest; the War alone is digging us deeper into a hole.
In conclusion, the United States is in dire straits and economically speaking, we are falling apart at the seams. American people are losing their jobs, families are losing their homes, the percentage of homeless persons is increasing to astronomical proportions, foreign investors no longer want to put their money into our economy, and unemployment rates are out of control. Every market and industry across the board is suffering individually and as a whole. The American people no longer trust their government’s decision making process and job security has long been a thing of the past. There are no simple solutions to our current economic crisis that is for certain. In fact, the only thing that does seem to be for certain is that the American people are fed up with this unnecessary struggle. There are definitely no simple solutions to how we can pick up the pieces of what was once a prospering industry. The housing industry like many others, has hit rock bottom.
Our only hope seems to be that our new Presidential administration will help the American people rebuild our economy as well as our relationships with foreign countries and investors. The need to repair these relationships is apparent in order to strengthen not only our country’s economy but the global economy as well. Without foreign trade, our country will surely become one known for its long bread lines and severe poverty stricken people. In this day and age it is hard to wrap your mind around the fact that there are still so many underdeveloped countries. It would be a terrible shame to see a country once so powerful become amongst the weakest. Change is definitely our only hope and the only cure for this crisis. The question is, how long will it take for this change to come?
Reference(s)
Kalainesan, L., and Hoteit, T. “U.S. Economy 2006-2007 Forecast and Housing Market”. University of Dallas. (2006). Retrieved February 5, 2009.
Levine, M.L. “Budget Deficit, Trade Deficit, Savings Deficit and Monetary Policy Deficit: “Are We Ok?”. Real Estate Issues. (2005). Retrieved February 5, 2009. www.allbusiness.com
Lipsky, J. “The Global Economy and Financial Crisis”. International Monetary Fund. (2008). Retrieved December 11, 2008.
Povich, E. “Housing Industry Asks For Help With Hurricane Recovery”. Congress Daily. (2005). Retrieved December 17, 2008.
Schnare, A.B. “Income trends and the housing market-Special Issue: Earnings Inequality-Panel Discussion”. New England Economic Review. (1996). Retrieved December 30, 2008.
http://findarticles.com
“Tax Compliance: Some Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Assistance Recipients Have Unpaid…”. General Accounting Office Reports and Testimony. (2008). Retrieved February 12, 2009). www.allbusiness.com/government
Waigel, T. “Economic challenges to housing finance”. Housing Financial International. (2000). Retrieved February 12, 2009. http://www.allbusiness.com
By now it is common knowledge that the United States’ economy is at an all time low causing many homeowner’s as well as contractors and laborers within the housing industry to panic. Many industries have been greatly affected by this crisis and the U.S. housing industry has been one of the hardest hit throughout these unfortunate times. From unemployment to foreclosures, the housing industry has been on a downward spiral for many years now, causing concern and raising many important questions. Throughout this paper I will discuss several areas that have been affected within the housing industry that have many people concerned about what other obstacles may lie ahead for this particular industry. Supply and demand, positive and negative externalities, wage inequality, and monetary fiscal policies are the main focus of this paper.
Our increasing National and Foreign Trade deficits are having a major impact on every industry; especially the already struggling housing market. Increases in “short-term” interest rates have been substantial enough to cause alarm and have many wondering exactly how “short-term” these increases really are. “For example, a sudden increase in the interest rate, such as 2% (200 percentage basis points), would substantially impact most areas of our economy; it will impact the ability to make other positive changes in U.S. tax law, trade deficits, budget deficits, the housing market, and much more”(Levine. 2005). According to some experts, the actions of other foreign leaders may also have had a serious impact on the U.S. economy.
“Major foreign investors may determine that the sliding value of the U.S. dollar lessens real property values in the United States; terrorism remains an important concern in all areas, including its impact on economics; rising oil prices have damaged the hope for a trade balance; and other issues could potentially cause major upward changes in the interest rate”(Levine. 2005). The housing market has been affected very negatively due to many if not all of these factors. Employment rates have been affected mainly because the American people have lost their faith in the U.S. economy and fewer are buying real estate causing a decrease in employment within the housing industry itself. The price of real estate has gone down substantially over the past few years and homes that once sold for hundreds of thousands are now selling for as little as $28,000.00 or less in some regions of the country. These are prices that have not been seen for decades.
Production in this industry has decreased in such away that many houses and building structures sit unfinished and abandoned. The Federal government must increase interest rates in order to maintain and control the rate of inflation. “Wages and prices begin to increase if monetary policy stimulates the economy beyond the market capacity or when the money supply exceeds the real growth rate”(Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). Monetary policies have a tendency to cause a short-term increase in employment. However, on a long-term scale, unemployment begins to outweigh this increase. On the other hand, a decline in the housing market does not always mean a decline in the commercial sector of construction.
Employment may be decreasing on the private level in the housing industry. However, employment has remained relatively steady on the commercial level. Fiscal polices have had an effect on the housing market that has caused an increase in demand in commercial real estate. Many of us can drive down our local streets and highways and see that the commercial portion of the housing industry doesn’t seem to have been affected at all. Although buildings seem to be going up left and right, these spaces are not leasing out as quickly as many in the industry had hoped. This is a true sign of our current economic crisis, a crisis that does not seem to be going away anytime soon.
Other factors associated with the current struggle in the housing market include oil prices. “If the oil prices increase, the Feds will have to increase the interest rates to fight inflation which may cause further decline in the housing segment and the GDP” (Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). When American’s can no longer afford to put gas in their cars, it is obvious that they cannot afford to put their money into the housing industry either. Although most of us have seen a decrease in gasoline prices over the past couple of months, American’s are still worried that prices will sky rocket once again. Therefore, everyone from every classification of life seems to have a firm grip on their wallets. The housing market alone was a substantial carrier of the U.S. economy for many years and when an industry like this one can no longer hold itself up, further economic problems begin to arise and the tremendous set backs are felt throughout the entire nation and often times, the world.
It seems that negative externalities are the only thing surrounding the housing industry as of late. The days of low interest rates and the option for refinancing are becoming a distant memory. “Housing finance stands at the crossroads of savings and investment and, therefore, is at the very heart of economic development” (Waigel. 2000). With rapidly increasing interest rates, many individuals and families can no longer afford to purchase a home for their family to prosper and grow in. The old “Bubble” word is beginning to come up once again as well. A housing bubble occurs when housing prices begin to rise due to overgrowth in the market. According to reports, the riskiest housing markets included ten metropolitan areas in California. Boston, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Michigan are also areas where homes are extremely overpriced (Levine. 2005). Supply is no longer balanced with the demand for affordable housing.
Natural disasters although devastating to homeowners and renters alike, may have helped the housing industry to some degree. With millions left homeless after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Gulf Coast portion of the United States is where private home construction is seeing most of its contracts. However, if individuals and families cannot afford to rebuild their homes then where will the funding come from? Many non-profit organizations have stepped into help with the recovery efforts; however, fraud has played a major role in the decrease of Federal funding. “While about 95 percent of all IHP recipients of disaster relief assistance following hurricanes Katrina and Rita paid their federal taxes, tens of thousands owed federal taxes at the time of the disaster” (Tax Compliance. 2008). This factor alone has caused severe damage to our economy.
Wage inequality has also been an issue in every industry for quite some time and the housing industry has been no exception. “The middle class certainly has been affected, as the stagnation in wages put pressure on home ownership rates, but the big impact has been on the rental market, as both relative and real incomes fell for those at the bottom of the income distribution, the people who traditionally have been renters” (Schnare. 1996). If people are not making wages that can support their families, then they surely cannot afford to keep up on a mortgage payment or rent for that matter. There is a rapidly growing gap that separates the cost to operate an apartment or home and the ability for one to afford to rent property. “This has led to two problems, the physical decay we see in urban areas and an increased demand for government subsidies” (Schnare. 1996). If Federal funding is not available to organizations like HUD, then assistance cannot be distributed properly amongst lower income families. Reports indicate that the major problems with housing in urban areas can be related back to wage inequality.
Price elasticity is a measurement of how buyers respond to shifts in conditions of any given market. The housing market’s shift in price concerning real estate has caused a great deal of damage to not only the market but to the livelihood of society. Experts say that this is a buyer’s market, but is it really a good time to purchase a home? Mortgage companies and banks are going out of business by the dozens and what firms remain, are skeptical about lending out money. Our current deficits are said to be record breaking and if the government is in debt, the American population is in debt as well. The United States, once the richest countries in the world is now probably amongst the poorest; the War alone is digging us deeper into a hole.
In conclusion, the United States is in dire straits and economically speaking, we are falling apart at the seams. American people are losing their jobs, families are losing their homes, the percentage of homeless persons is increasing to astronomical proportions, foreign investors no longer want to put their money into our economy, and unemployment rates are out of control. Every market and industry across the board is suffering individually and as a whole. The American people no longer trust their government’s decision making process and job security has long been a thing of the past. There are no simple solutions to our current economic crisis that is for certain. In fact, the only thing that does seem to be for certain is that the American people are fed up with this unnecessary struggle. There are definitely no simple solutions to how we can pick up the pieces of what was once a prospering industry. The housing industry like many others, has hit rock bottom.
Our only hope seems to be that our new Presidential administration will help the American people rebuild our economy as well as our relationships with foreign countries and investors. The need to repair these relationships is apparent in order to strengthen not only our country’s economy but the global economy as well. Without foreign trade, our country will surely become one known for its long bread lines and severe poverty stricken people. In this day and age it is hard to wrap your mind around the fact that there are still so many underdeveloped countries. It would be a terrible shame to see a country once so powerful become amongst the weakest. Change is definitely our only hope and the only cure for this crisis. The question is, how long will it take for this change to come?
Reference(s)
Kalainesan, L., and Hoteit, T. “U.S. Economy 2006-2007 Forecast and Housing Market”. University of Dallas. (2006). Retrieved February 5, 2009.
Levine, M.L. “Budget Deficit, Trade Deficit, Savings Deficit and Monetary Policy Deficit: “Are We Ok?”. Real Estate Issues. (2005). Retrieved February 5, 2009. www.allbusiness.com
Lipsky, J. “The Global Economy and Financial Crisis”. International Monetary Fund. (2008). Retrieved December 11, 2008.
Povich, E. “Housing Industry Asks For Help With Hurricane Recovery”. Congress Daily. (2005). Retrieved December 17, 2008.
Schnare, A.B. “Income trends and the housing market-Special Issue: Earnings Inequality-Panel Discussion”. New England Economic Review. (1996). Retrieved December 30, 2008.
http://findarticles.com
“Tax Compliance: Some Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Assistance Recipients Have Unpaid…”. General Accounting Office Reports and Testimony. (2008). Retrieved February 12, 2009). www.allbusiness.com/government
Waigel, T. “Economic challenges to housing finance”. Housing Financial International. (2000). Retrieved February 12, 2009. http://www.allbusiness.com
The Housing Industry and Federal Taxation
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
It is now common knowledge that our country is in the midst of an economic crisis. The Housing Industry may be one of the hardest hit by our current economic struggles. Banks and lenders are going bottoms up at a very rapid pace; causing many American’s to lose their homes to foreclosure. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is an organization that may know better than any one, the harsh effects being felt by not only homeowners, but builders and contractors alike. “NAHB closely monitors new issues affecting housing, as well as long standing subjects like affordable housing and Smart Growth” (NAHB, 2009).
Interest deduction and the real estate tax deduction are areas of the federal tax code that are of great importance to homeowners. “The deductions promote home ownership and reduce tax liabilities for home-owning taxpayers” (Dietz, 2006). It has been said that itemizing taxpayers may lead to deductions on the state and local tax levels as well. All real estate and land taxes are levied on the consumer (homeowner) and not the producer (builder/contractor). Charlotte County, Florida, is located in the southwestern region of the state and currently we are ranked in the top five for having the highest unemployment rate throughout the entire state. If individuals do not have access to adequate paying jobs or in this case, have zero jobs to apply for, then how are they expected to pay their mortgages?
Supply and demand are tremendously affected by all of this and it is obvious to the eye when driving through the streets of Charlotte County. You can tell which houses have been foreclosed upon by how tall the grass is. Some houses, you can barely see in the windows and in the summer time that is a real hazard when it comes to mosquitoes. Sell-ability becomes a major issue and it is nearly impossible to sell a property when it is presented in this kind of condition.
According to the Herald Tribune (2009), a local newspaper, “Florida's growing foreclosure problems are wreaking havoc with the budgets of homeowner, condominium and community associations, according to a new survey by an industry trade group” (¶ 1). More homes than not sit empty and where jobs used to fill the pages of the classified section, hundreds of tax deed announcements have made themselves comfortable instead. Reports indicate that taxes will have to be raised in order to make up the losses felt on the local and state levels. Things are so rough economically now, the libraries cannot even afford to stay open more than four days a week. The Herald Tribune (2009) reports that “More than 60 percent of the nearly 500 associations surveyed said that banks and mortgage lenders holding title to foreclosed homes or units are not paying regular fees or other assessments” (¶ 3).
The equilibrium of price and quantity are widely affected because prices have gone down but people are still not investing in real estate. It seems that the American people have had a wake up call and the individuals with money no longer have faith in the market and the rest of us simply do not have the money to purchase a home. Prices in all other industries have sky rocketed due to the financial strain being experienced on all levels of corporate America which makes it close to impossible to afford to purchase anything, especially a home. “More than 40 percent said that foreclosed homes or units have been vacant for more than six months, with one in five saying vacancies have lasted more than a year, reported CALL, which represents 4,000 associations and cooperatives” (Herald Tribune, 2009, ¶ 4).
Florida is extremely susceptible to several tropical storms each year and in some cases, hurricanes have been known to make landfall during Hurricane Season which spans from June through November. According to David Muller, CALL’s co-executive director, “As the 2008 storm season approaches, strains on many community association budgets from the downward-spiraling mortgage foreclosure crisis could leave many communities vulnerable and ill-prepared to cover storm damage costs and rising insurance rates in the coming months” (Herald Tribune, 2009). In Charlotte County alone, more than 1,800 homes were foreclosed during the month of March, 2008. Those numbers are astonishing and reality that will continue to get worse over the next few years unless something is done and even then it still may been too late.
In conclusion, taxation on any level, whether it be local, state, or federal is necessary in order to help pay for certain things within our communities. However, a rise in property taxes and other real estate related taxes has caused many individuals to panic during these tough economic times. Yeline Golin, another CALL co-executive, states that “The Governor's HOPE task force and Florida state legislators need to address in particular the growing number of vacant mortgage-foreclosed units and homes and declining revenue collection that undermines the ability to maintain the health and general welfare of millions of Florida community association residents statewide” (Herald Tribune, 2009). The real task is finding a solution to this growing economic problem.
Reference(s)
Dietz, R., Ph.D. “Local Use of the Mortgage Interest and the Real Estate Tax Deductions”. HousingEconomics.Com. (2006). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
“Foreclosures cause woes for Property Appraiser”. The Herald Tribune. (2009). http://www.ccapraiser.com/record.asp. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
The National Association of Home Builders. NAHB. (2009). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
It is now common knowledge that our country is in the midst of an economic crisis. The Housing Industry may be one of the hardest hit by our current economic struggles. Banks and lenders are going bottoms up at a very rapid pace; causing many American’s to lose their homes to foreclosure. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is an organization that may know better than any one, the harsh effects being felt by not only homeowners, but builders and contractors alike. “NAHB closely monitors new issues affecting housing, as well as long standing subjects like affordable housing and Smart Growth” (NAHB, 2009).
Interest deduction and the real estate tax deduction are areas of the federal tax code that are of great importance to homeowners. “The deductions promote home ownership and reduce tax liabilities for home-owning taxpayers” (Dietz, 2006). It has been said that itemizing taxpayers may lead to deductions on the state and local tax levels as well. All real estate and land taxes are levied on the consumer (homeowner) and not the producer (builder/contractor). Charlotte County, Florida, is located in the southwestern region of the state and currently we are ranked in the top five for having the highest unemployment rate throughout the entire state. If individuals do not have access to adequate paying jobs or in this case, have zero jobs to apply for, then how are they expected to pay their mortgages?
Supply and demand are tremendously affected by all of this and it is obvious to the eye when driving through the streets of Charlotte County. You can tell which houses have been foreclosed upon by how tall the grass is. Some houses, you can barely see in the windows and in the summer time that is a real hazard when it comes to mosquitoes. Sell-ability becomes a major issue and it is nearly impossible to sell a property when it is presented in this kind of condition.
According to the Herald Tribune (2009), a local newspaper, “Florida's growing foreclosure problems are wreaking havoc with the budgets of homeowner, condominium and community associations, according to a new survey by an industry trade group” (¶ 1). More homes than not sit empty and where jobs used to fill the pages of the classified section, hundreds of tax deed announcements have made themselves comfortable instead. Reports indicate that taxes will have to be raised in order to make up the losses felt on the local and state levels. Things are so rough economically now, the libraries cannot even afford to stay open more than four days a week. The Herald Tribune (2009) reports that “More than 60 percent of the nearly 500 associations surveyed said that banks and mortgage lenders holding title to foreclosed homes or units are not paying regular fees or other assessments” (¶ 3).
The equilibrium of price and quantity are widely affected because prices have gone down but people are still not investing in real estate. It seems that the American people have had a wake up call and the individuals with money no longer have faith in the market and the rest of us simply do not have the money to purchase a home. Prices in all other industries have sky rocketed due to the financial strain being experienced on all levels of corporate America which makes it close to impossible to afford to purchase anything, especially a home. “More than 40 percent said that foreclosed homes or units have been vacant for more than six months, with one in five saying vacancies have lasted more than a year, reported CALL, which represents 4,000 associations and cooperatives” (Herald Tribune, 2009, ¶ 4).
Florida is extremely susceptible to several tropical storms each year and in some cases, hurricanes have been known to make landfall during Hurricane Season which spans from June through November. According to David Muller, CALL’s co-executive director, “As the 2008 storm season approaches, strains on many community association budgets from the downward-spiraling mortgage foreclosure crisis could leave many communities vulnerable and ill-prepared to cover storm damage costs and rising insurance rates in the coming months” (Herald Tribune, 2009). In Charlotte County alone, more than 1,800 homes were foreclosed during the month of March, 2008. Those numbers are astonishing and reality that will continue to get worse over the next few years unless something is done and even then it still may been too late.
In conclusion, taxation on any level, whether it be local, state, or federal is necessary in order to help pay for certain things within our communities. However, a rise in property taxes and other real estate related taxes has caused many individuals to panic during these tough economic times. Yeline Golin, another CALL co-executive, states that “The Governor's HOPE task force and Florida state legislators need to address in particular the growing number of vacant mortgage-foreclosed units and homes and declining revenue collection that undermines the ability to maintain the health and general welfare of millions of Florida community association residents statewide” (Herald Tribune, 2009). The real task is finding a solution to this growing economic problem.
Reference(s)
Dietz, R., Ph.D. “Local Use of the Mortgage Interest and the Real Estate Tax Deductions”. HousingEconomics.Com. (2006). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
“Foreclosures cause woes for Property Appraiser”. The Herald Tribune. (2009). http://www.ccapraiser.com/record.asp. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
The National Association of Home Builders. NAHB. (2009). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
Suicide in the United States
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
The leading cause of suicide in the United States is attributed to several different risk factors according to researchers. Although the majority of society would like to believe that inequality does not exist in our country, quite the opposite is said to be true. It has been said that suicide rates are higher in cities with larger populations due to the constant interchanging of people, residency, and frequent job change (McCall, Tittle, 2007). Gender, race, ethnicity, age, and social ranking also play a major roll in the cause of suicide (Maciouis, 2006).
The methods used by McCall and Tittle in this study of population size and urbanization in the United States were interpretive and critical, showing the interaction of society and inequality that exists within our diverse culture. Maciouis (2006) states that, “The reality people experience is variable and changing” (p. 14). Maciouis (2006) also goes on to say that “Social inequality causes conflict that leads to social change” (p. 14). This research shows that society and individuals need a consistent balance in order to properly function on a stable level.
With population size being a factor you would think that states like California and New York would have a high rate of reported suicides. However, these two states rank very low on this scale; with states like Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Wyoming ranking higher (Maciouis, 2006). According to research, the mid-west accounts for most of the countries suicide rates (Maciouis, 2006).
“Results indicate that an association between population and suicide is atypical and even when observed is highly sensitive to methodological specifications” says McCall and Tittle (2006) (¶1). With this being said, it is important for us to remember that we all need one another to survive and maybe getting to know our neighbors is long overdue.
Reference List
Maciouis, J.J. “Society: The Basics, Eighth Edition”. Prentice-Hall. (2006) p. 1-34.
McCall, P.L., Tittle, C.R. “Population Size and Suicide in U.S. Cities: A Static Dynamic Exploration”. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior. (2007) Vol. 37. Issue 5. p. 553
The leading cause of suicide in the United States is attributed to several different risk factors according to researchers. Although the majority of society would like to believe that inequality does not exist in our country, quite the opposite is said to be true. It has been said that suicide rates are higher in cities with larger populations due to the constant interchanging of people, residency, and frequent job change (McCall, Tittle, 2007). Gender, race, ethnicity, age, and social ranking also play a major roll in the cause of suicide (Maciouis, 2006).
The methods used by McCall and Tittle in this study of population size and urbanization in the United States were interpretive and critical, showing the interaction of society and inequality that exists within our diverse culture. Maciouis (2006) states that, “The reality people experience is variable and changing” (p. 14). Maciouis (2006) also goes on to say that “Social inequality causes conflict that leads to social change” (p. 14). This research shows that society and individuals need a consistent balance in order to properly function on a stable level.
With population size being a factor you would think that states like California and New York would have a high rate of reported suicides. However, these two states rank very low on this scale; with states like Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Wyoming ranking higher (Maciouis, 2006). According to research, the mid-west accounts for most of the countries suicide rates (Maciouis, 2006).
“Results indicate that an association between population and suicide is atypical and even when observed is highly sensitive to methodological specifications” says McCall and Tittle (2006) (¶1). With this being said, it is important for us to remember that we all need one another to survive and maybe getting to know our neighbors is long overdue.
Reference List
Maciouis, J.J. “Society: The Basics, Eighth Edition”. Prentice-Hall. (2006) p. 1-34.
McCall, P.L., Tittle, C.R. “Population Size and Suicide in U.S. Cities: A Static Dynamic Exploration”. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior. (2007) Vol. 37. Issue 5. p. 553
African-American Males: Prime Targets for Racial Profiling
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Many individuals in today’s society wonder whether or not racial profiling does in fact exist here in the United States. Some people believe that it does; while others argue that such a thing is preposterous and is not an issue in the U.S. Many African-Americans feel differently and believe that racial profiling does exist and many will tell you that they bare witness to these kinds of events daily. The ones who argue that racial profiling does not exist, might also argue that African-Americans are simply looking for one more thing to complain about. If racial profiling does indeed exist, then why are the very people who are supposed to be protecting and serving our communities able to hide behind the law and protect their own modern day “lynch mobs”?
Robin Engel (2008) states in her article that “Current racial profiling litigation is often based on claims of selective enforcement, which are litigated as equal protection cases under the 5th and 14th Amendments (p. 3). Engel (2008) goes on to say that “To be successful in claiming selective enforcement, the plaintiff needs to show “discriminatory purpose” and “discriminatory effect” (p. 3). Simply put, this means that the plaintiff must prove that the police officer’s actions were intentional and based on racial or ethnic biases, this would be the purpose. The effect would be when racial and/or ethnic biases are experienced due to the fact that persons in similar situations are treated differently than other groups or individuals regardless of the officer’s intentions.
To prove that racial profiling does exist here in the United States, a study was conducted in 2000 to test this theory. This particular study focused on 2,600 traffic stops in the Richmond area of Virginia, using the data from a 1990 census report as a guide (Vito and Walsh, 2008). According to this study and as stated by Vito and Walsh (2008), “the study concluded that African-Americans were disproportionately stopped (¶ 1). However, in this particular case, although African-Americans were more likely to be stopped by police, Whites were more likely to be ticketed and arrested. Does this mean that the police were unable to find any justifiable reason for pulling over the African-American drivers and due to the overwhelming media exposure had no choice but to let the drivers go? And if there were no justifiable reasons for issuing a ticket or arrest, then why were these people pulled over to begin with?
A similar study was conducted in Wichita, Kansas where it was proven that black residents were most likely to be pulled over, searched, and then arrested no matter what type of neighborhood they were in (their own or others) (Vito and Walsh, 2008). In Missouri, it was proven that African-Americans were 17% more likely to be pulled over than Whites and an astonishing 55% more likely to be pulled over than Hispanics. Some reports indicate that this is due to the possibility of minorities having more outstanding warrants which would lead to a higher rate of search and arrest tactics than with White drivers. This statement may raise a few questions of its own. For instance, “Are the police profiling drivers and running their tag numbers in order to have a reason to pull them over?”
No one is arguing that a police officer’s job is hard and often times grueling as well as coming with a low wage attached. Not to mention that these men and women are putting their lives on the line on a daily basis. And no one is saying that all police officers go to work everyday with ill intentions. We know that this is not the case and in fact most officers are here to serve, protect, and help in any way that they can. However, there are those individuals out there that are corrupt and who do have other agendas. There are officers who take their badge and their oath to mean that they are above the law and are more powerful than certain persons in society.
We hear the stories on the news and read them in our local news papers making it hard to not question certain tactics being used on civilians. It is alarming to learn how high the numbers are of African-American males who have been falsely accused and convicted of crimes. In fact the numbers are so high; most of us do not want to believe it to be true. It has been said that “Black men are more likely to be falsely convicted of rape than are white men, particularly if the victim is white” (Counting the Innocent, ¶ 6). It has also been said that juveniles are more likely to confess to a crime that they did not commit due to pressure from the police for a confession.
“The fact that false charges of rape are still more likely to be leveled at black men suggests the strength and persistence of racial stereotypes that date back hundreds of years” (Counting the Innocent, ¶ 7). Over the past 25 or more years, at least 74 men have been falsely convicted of a crime and later exonerated for that crime. In nearly every case studied over the years, each individual spent no less than 10 years of his life behind bars for crimes he did not commit. What does that tell you about our police departments and our court systems? These were men who
were sitting on death row waiting for the day that their lives would wrongfully be taken away. That is, in my opinion, a very scary thought.
I have experienced racial profiling in my own life, well actually not me personally but my husband has. This incident took place about a decade ago in New Orleans, Louisiana on a dark winter’s night. My husband, who is a tall thin black man, was walking home with a friend after work one night. To his surprise, the police pulled up to he and his friend; they did not ask them any questions, they instead got out of their squad car with guns drawn and yelled for the two men to get on the ground. My husband and his friend did as they were told and were not only charged with resisting arrest with violence (which they swear that they did not do), were arrested and charged with three counts of armed robbery.
Keeping in mind that there were no guns found on either of these men, they were charged with carrying a concealed weapon on top of the armed robbery charges. My husband and his friend were facing three life sentences if convicted and both spent over two months in jail waiting for their court dates. My husband’s mother had to take out a loan in order to afford him a good attorney and thankfully after two months of false imprisonment was released due to lack of evidence. On that night, my husband was arrested because the witness to the burglary (an elderly White man) described two boys, one of which was tall, thin, black, and wearing dark jeans, a white t-shirt, sneakers, and a puffy jacket.
My husband had on all of the clothes described and fit the description of the assailant. However, so did the majority of the African-American male population in New Orleans. Had the officers asked the two men where they had been and where they were going, none of this would have happened. They would have been able to provide the necessary information that would have proved them to have been at work during the time of the alleged robbery. To date, the real criminals have never been caught and the case is still open. Things like this happen every day, especially in more southern states like Louisiana.
There are opposing sides on the issue of racial profiling and it is an issue that is hard to control let alone stop. As long as there is ignorance being past down from generation to generation, there will be prejudice, racism, and discrimination. Police are only police when they are wearing their badge; otherwise they are as human as the next person. Unfortunately, not all of human kind views life in the same way as those who are open minded and not racist in thought or action. With the law and their fellow officers backing them up, paper work lost, evidence planted or tampered with, some cases become hard to prove.
All of these factors make it hard to prove that an individual has been falsely accused, convicted, or been a subject of racism and racial profiling. What can we do as a society to teach our children and other loved ones that racism should be left in the past in order for us to productively move forward as one? Personally, I think that we will see less and less of these types of situations and circumstances as our future generations take political office, become police officers, attorneys, or judges and view everyone in society as diversely beautiful and equal at least as far as rights are concerned.
Until that day comes, we need to figure out a way to deal with these types of human injustices. We need to hold police officers and other officials accountable when they engage in such unlawful acts of criminal behavior. We need to change some of our policies so that they will hold harsher punishment for those individuals who are found guilty of racial profiling; making an example out of these officers will hopefully discourage others from committing similar acts. We also need do more extensive psychological profiling and interviews with individuals who are joining the academy in order to weed out people with this kind of mentality.
It is hard enough to teach our children about self-respect and the respect for authority when they see police officers who are committing crimes and not being punished for them. It is also hard for police officers to gain the trust of adolescents when they see things like racial profiling and police violence in the news media on a regular basis. When I was growing up, I was always taught that if I need help, I could go to a police officer. This is not always the case in today’s current society and that is a sad thing that needs to change.
More importantly is the impact that racial profiling has on the African-American community. This type of racism will only ignite tensions between the black community and police which could bring about rioting like we saw in South Central, L.A. in the early 90’s. For people who have been wrongfully convicted, the effects are felt on an entirely different level. Jobs are lost creating financial burdens, not to mention the loss of a father and the break down of a support system for families with children. This causes embarrassment as well as the years lost in one’s life, and adds stress and worry for family members of the victim that are not necessary.
Racism in this form also sends a very negative message about African-Americans to society giving fuel to the fire of existing stereotypes and prejudicial discrimination. On top of all of that, this kind of behavior wastes the American tax dollars on feeding, clothing, housing innocent people as well as unnecessary expenditures for trials. If that is not enough, the worst part of this all is that it sends the message to the African-American community that society does not care about them and in fact we think that they are inferior to the rest of us. Clearly this is a message that I do not want to send nor do I want my children to believe considering that they are black.
Reference(s)
Counting the Innocent Among the Incarcerated. Too Sense. (2008). Retrieved April 5, 2008.
http://halfricanrevolution.blogspot.com
Engel, R. A Critique of the “Outcome Test” in Racial Profiling Research, Justice Quarterly, (2008), Vol. 25 Issue 1, p1-36. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
Vito, G. and Walsh, W. Suspicion and traffic stops: crime control or racial profiling. International Journal of Police Science and Management, (2008), Vol. 10 Issue 1, p89-100. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
Many individuals in today’s society wonder whether or not racial profiling does in fact exist here in the United States. Some people believe that it does; while others argue that such a thing is preposterous and is not an issue in the U.S. Many African-Americans feel differently and believe that racial profiling does exist and many will tell you that they bare witness to these kinds of events daily. The ones who argue that racial profiling does not exist, might also argue that African-Americans are simply looking for one more thing to complain about. If racial profiling does indeed exist, then why are the very people who are supposed to be protecting and serving our communities able to hide behind the law and protect their own modern day “lynch mobs”?
Robin Engel (2008) states in her article that “Current racial profiling litigation is often based on claims of selective enforcement, which are litigated as equal protection cases under the 5th and 14th Amendments (p. 3). Engel (2008) goes on to say that “To be successful in claiming selective enforcement, the plaintiff needs to show “discriminatory purpose” and “discriminatory effect” (p. 3). Simply put, this means that the plaintiff must prove that the police officer’s actions were intentional and based on racial or ethnic biases, this would be the purpose. The effect would be when racial and/or ethnic biases are experienced due to the fact that persons in similar situations are treated differently than other groups or individuals regardless of the officer’s intentions.
To prove that racial profiling does exist here in the United States, a study was conducted in 2000 to test this theory. This particular study focused on 2,600 traffic stops in the Richmond area of Virginia, using the data from a 1990 census report as a guide (Vito and Walsh, 2008). According to this study and as stated by Vito and Walsh (2008), “the study concluded that African-Americans were disproportionately stopped (¶ 1). However, in this particular case, although African-Americans were more likely to be stopped by police, Whites were more likely to be ticketed and arrested. Does this mean that the police were unable to find any justifiable reason for pulling over the African-American drivers and due to the overwhelming media exposure had no choice but to let the drivers go? And if there were no justifiable reasons for issuing a ticket or arrest, then why were these people pulled over to begin with?
A similar study was conducted in Wichita, Kansas where it was proven that black residents were most likely to be pulled over, searched, and then arrested no matter what type of neighborhood they were in (their own or others) (Vito and Walsh, 2008). In Missouri, it was proven that African-Americans were 17% more likely to be pulled over than Whites and an astonishing 55% more likely to be pulled over than Hispanics. Some reports indicate that this is due to the possibility of minorities having more outstanding warrants which would lead to a higher rate of search and arrest tactics than with White drivers. This statement may raise a few questions of its own. For instance, “Are the police profiling drivers and running their tag numbers in order to have a reason to pull them over?”
No one is arguing that a police officer’s job is hard and often times grueling as well as coming with a low wage attached. Not to mention that these men and women are putting their lives on the line on a daily basis. And no one is saying that all police officers go to work everyday with ill intentions. We know that this is not the case and in fact most officers are here to serve, protect, and help in any way that they can. However, there are those individuals out there that are corrupt and who do have other agendas. There are officers who take their badge and their oath to mean that they are above the law and are more powerful than certain persons in society.
We hear the stories on the news and read them in our local news papers making it hard to not question certain tactics being used on civilians. It is alarming to learn how high the numbers are of African-American males who have been falsely accused and convicted of crimes. In fact the numbers are so high; most of us do not want to believe it to be true. It has been said that “Black men are more likely to be falsely convicted of rape than are white men, particularly if the victim is white” (Counting the Innocent, ¶ 6). It has also been said that juveniles are more likely to confess to a crime that they did not commit due to pressure from the police for a confession.
“The fact that false charges of rape are still more likely to be leveled at black men suggests the strength and persistence of racial stereotypes that date back hundreds of years” (Counting the Innocent, ¶ 7). Over the past 25 or more years, at least 74 men have been falsely convicted of a crime and later exonerated for that crime. In nearly every case studied over the years, each individual spent no less than 10 years of his life behind bars for crimes he did not commit. What does that tell you about our police departments and our court systems? These were men who
were sitting on death row waiting for the day that their lives would wrongfully be taken away. That is, in my opinion, a very scary thought.
I have experienced racial profiling in my own life, well actually not me personally but my husband has. This incident took place about a decade ago in New Orleans, Louisiana on a dark winter’s night. My husband, who is a tall thin black man, was walking home with a friend after work one night. To his surprise, the police pulled up to he and his friend; they did not ask them any questions, they instead got out of their squad car with guns drawn and yelled for the two men to get on the ground. My husband and his friend did as they were told and were not only charged with resisting arrest with violence (which they swear that they did not do), were arrested and charged with three counts of armed robbery.
Keeping in mind that there were no guns found on either of these men, they were charged with carrying a concealed weapon on top of the armed robbery charges. My husband and his friend were facing three life sentences if convicted and both spent over two months in jail waiting for their court dates. My husband’s mother had to take out a loan in order to afford him a good attorney and thankfully after two months of false imprisonment was released due to lack of evidence. On that night, my husband was arrested because the witness to the burglary (an elderly White man) described two boys, one of which was tall, thin, black, and wearing dark jeans, a white t-shirt, sneakers, and a puffy jacket.
My husband had on all of the clothes described and fit the description of the assailant. However, so did the majority of the African-American male population in New Orleans. Had the officers asked the two men where they had been and where they were going, none of this would have happened. They would have been able to provide the necessary information that would have proved them to have been at work during the time of the alleged robbery. To date, the real criminals have never been caught and the case is still open. Things like this happen every day, especially in more southern states like Louisiana.
There are opposing sides on the issue of racial profiling and it is an issue that is hard to control let alone stop. As long as there is ignorance being past down from generation to generation, there will be prejudice, racism, and discrimination. Police are only police when they are wearing their badge; otherwise they are as human as the next person. Unfortunately, not all of human kind views life in the same way as those who are open minded and not racist in thought or action. With the law and their fellow officers backing them up, paper work lost, evidence planted or tampered with, some cases become hard to prove.
All of these factors make it hard to prove that an individual has been falsely accused, convicted, or been a subject of racism and racial profiling. What can we do as a society to teach our children and other loved ones that racism should be left in the past in order for us to productively move forward as one? Personally, I think that we will see less and less of these types of situations and circumstances as our future generations take political office, become police officers, attorneys, or judges and view everyone in society as diversely beautiful and equal at least as far as rights are concerned.
Until that day comes, we need to figure out a way to deal with these types of human injustices. We need to hold police officers and other officials accountable when they engage in such unlawful acts of criminal behavior. We need to change some of our policies so that they will hold harsher punishment for those individuals who are found guilty of racial profiling; making an example out of these officers will hopefully discourage others from committing similar acts. We also need do more extensive psychological profiling and interviews with individuals who are joining the academy in order to weed out people with this kind of mentality.
It is hard enough to teach our children about self-respect and the respect for authority when they see police officers who are committing crimes and not being punished for them. It is also hard for police officers to gain the trust of adolescents when they see things like racial profiling and police violence in the news media on a regular basis. When I was growing up, I was always taught that if I need help, I could go to a police officer. This is not always the case in today’s current society and that is a sad thing that needs to change.
More importantly is the impact that racial profiling has on the African-American community. This type of racism will only ignite tensions between the black community and police which could bring about rioting like we saw in South Central, L.A. in the early 90’s. For people who have been wrongfully convicted, the effects are felt on an entirely different level. Jobs are lost creating financial burdens, not to mention the loss of a father and the break down of a support system for families with children. This causes embarrassment as well as the years lost in one’s life, and adds stress and worry for family members of the victim that are not necessary.
Racism in this form also sends a very negative message about African-Americans to society giving fuel to the fire of existing stereotypes and prejudicial discrimination. On top of all of that, this kind of behavior wastes the American tax dollars on feeding, clothing, housing innocent people as well as unnecessary expenditures for trials. If that is not enough, the worst part of this all is that it sends the message to the African-American community that society does not care about them and in fact we think that they are inferior to the rest of us. Clearly this is a message that I do not want to send nor do I want my children to believe considering that they are black.
Reference(s)
Counting the Innocent Among the Incarcerated. Too Sense. (2008). Retrieved April 5, 2008.
http://halfricanrevolution.blogspot.com
Engel, R. A Critique of the “Outcome Test” in Racial Profiling Research, Justice Quarterly, (2008), Vol. 25 Issue 1, p1-36. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
Vito, G. and Walsh, W. Suspicion and traffic stops: crime control or racial profiling. International Journal of Police Science and Management, (2008), Vol. 10 Issue 1, p89-100. Retrieved April 5, 2008.
Modernization in America: Cause and Effect
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Modernization is a process that creates continual social change; this began during the early days of industrialization, serving as the link between the present and the past (Macionis, 2006). There are main characteristics that motivate this kind of social change, the decline of small (traditional) communities; the expansion of personal choices; increasing social diversity; the orientation toward the future, and the growing awareness of time. All of these elements have created a cause and effect experience in American society. There are consequences that go along with social change, some are positive and in other cases the effects are of more negative proportions.
Ferdinand Tonnies, a German sociologist, had a theory that explored the effects modernization has on society; his theory was called Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. Tonnies felt that modernization created a sort of loss or abandonment of unity within the traditional standard of what was then considered to be a “family” style community. The human community (Gemeinschaft) loses its value and togetherness when people begin wanting more than what they have and venturing into bigger cities searching for that “desire” that they couldn’t fulfill within their small village, town, or family. In Tonnies’ opinion, the Industrial Revolution, had a substantial impact on what was once a close-knit society and began creating a more “impersonal” society that seemed to only be out for self (Macionis, 2006).
Early on in the twentieth century, many portions of the United States began showing signs of Gemeinschaft when families that were accustomed to living in small villages in Europe immigrated to North America searching for religious freedom and a better way of life. A life of communal bonding experienced generation after generation would be lost to the struggle and strains of working long and grueling hours for minimal wages. “As Tonnies saw it, the Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money” (Macionis, 2006. p457). Time seemed to move slowly before the days of talking on the telephone and spending long hours watching television when neighbors and families would get together and entertain one another.
Religion has been the foundation of almost every society in our world present and past. Religious conflict has also shaped modernization throughout the world for centuries. “Beliefs and preferences emerging from religious adherence have often played a critical role in shaping how members in a society interact with each other in a variety of areas, from the market, to government, and family” (Bolzendahl and Brooks, 2005. p49). Factors such as the legalities surrounding abortion, the controversy over prayer in public schools, and the battle between employers and employees over religious rights, have all contributed to modernization in America. The impacts of these factors are felt globally and are not limited to American society alone.
One study focuses on the impact that religion has on society as a whole and the repercussions felt when people begin straying from more traditional ways of living. This particular study examined three theoretical accounts, the secularization theory, religious polarization, and stable religious influence. “In its simplest and most controversial form, secularization theory predicts the monotonic decline of religion, arguing that economic and social development reduces individuals’ level of religious commitment, subsequently leading to lower levels of religious influence over the behavior of individuals and the subsequent organization of societies” (Bolzendahl and Brooks, 2005. p49). In other words, when society began breaking away from the shackles of religion, people began making their own personal choices (some good, some bad) and this led to the search for tolerance on every level in society; this did not come without consequence.
The influence of ever evolving diversity also plays a major role in the process of modernization. The United States is a multi-cultural society that is made up of many different ethnic groups. Ethnic groups sometimes feel the effects of modernization the worst because in many cases, they are the minority. People have been immigrating to the U.S. for hundreds of years seeking a brighter future for their families. The foundation of a strong family is important to many ethnic groups and they rely heavily on one another for support in all aspects of life. However, the traditional values and beliefs that the family once practiced in their homeland can be lost or altered once they enter the hustle and bustle of American living. With the pressure to conform to American customs, these families’ often-times stop passing on their traditional beliefs and customs to their younger generations.
Modernization as stated before does not come without consequence and is not limited to the United States. Modernization is a continuous process that will most likely continue for generations to come unless society breaks away from its current cycle which does not seem to be leading us toward a brighter future. These effects are felt globally and as countries continue to develop social change and modernization will continue to exist within these countries.
Modernization is a process that creates continual social change; this began during the early days of industrialization, serving as the link between the present and the past (Macionis, 2006). There are main characteristics that motivate this kind of social change, the decline of small (traditional) communities; the expansion of personal choices; increasing social diversity; the orientation toward the future, and the growing awareness of time. All of these elements have created a cause and effect experience in American society. There are consequences that go along with social change, some are positive and in other cases the effects are of more negative proportions.
Ferdinand Tonnies, a German sociologist, had a theory that explored the effects modernization has on society; his theory was called Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. Tonnies felt that modernization created a sort of loss or abandonment of unity within the traditional standard of what was then considered to be a “family” style community. The human community (Gemeinschaft) loses its value and togetherness when people begin wanting more than what they have and venturing into bigger cities searching for that “desire” that they couldn’t fulfill within their small village, town, or family. In Tonnies’ opinion, the Industrial Revolution, had a substantial impact on what was once a close-knit society and began creating a more “impersonal” society that seemed to only be out for self (Macionis, 2006).
Early on in the twentieth century, many portions of the United States began showing signs of Gemeinschaft when families that were accustomed to living in small villages in Europe immigrated to North America searching for religious freedom and a better way of life. A life of communal bonding experienced generation after generation would be lost to the struggle and strains of working long and grueling hours for minimal wages. “As Tonnies saw it, the Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a businesslike emphasis on facts, efficiency, and money” (Macionis, 2006. p457). Time seemed to move slowly before the days of talking on the telephone and spending long hours watching television when neighbors and families would get together and entertain one another.
Religion has been the foundation of almost every society in our world present and past. Religious conflict has also shaped modernization throughout the world for centuries. “Beliefs and preferences emerging from religious adherence have often played a critical role in shaping how members in a society interact with each other in a variety of areas, from the market, to government, and family” (Bolzendahl and Brooks, 2005. p49). Factors such as the legalities surrounding abortion, the controversy over prayer in public schools, and the battle between employers and employees over religious rights, have all contributed to modernization in America. The impacts of these factors are felt globally and are not limited to American society alone.
One study focuses on the impact that religion has on society as a whole and the repercussions felt when people begin straying from more traditional ways of living. This particular study examined three theoretical accounts, the secularization theory, religious polarization, and stable religious influence. “In its simplest and most controversial form, secularization theory predicts the monotonic decline of religion, arguing that economic and social development reduces individuals’ level of religious commitment, subsequently leading to lower levels of religious influence over the behavior of individuals and the subsequent organization of societies” (Bolzendahl and Brooks, 2005. p49). In other words, when society began breaking away from the shackles of religion, people began making their own personal choices (some good, some bad) and this led to the search for tolerance on every level in society; this did not come without consequence.
The influence of ever evolving diversity also plays a major role in the process of modernization. The United States is a multi-cultural society that is made up of many different ethnic groups. Ethnic groups sometimes feel the effects of modernization the worst because in many cases, they are the minority. People have been immigrating to the U.S. for hundreds of years seeking a brighter future for their families. The foundation of a strong family is important to many ethnic groups and they rely heavily on one another for support in all aspects of life. However, the traditional values and beliefs that the family once practiced in their homeland can be lost or altered once they enter the hustle and bustle of American living. With the pressure to conform to American customs, these families’ often-times stop passing on their traditional beliefs and customs to their younger generations.
Modernization as stated before does not come without consequence and is not limited to the United States. Modernization is a continuous process that will most likely continue for generations to come unless society breaks away from its current cycle which does not seem to be leading us toward a brighter future. These effects are felt globally and as countries continue to develop social change and modernization will continue to exist within these countries.
Lawmakers and Voters Question the Use of Capital Punishment
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Lawmakers and voters are now questioning whether or not we should use capital punishment as a means to punish death row inmates. I for one am in favor of capital punishment. However, I feel that lethal injection is too mild of a punishment for career murders, rapists, and child molesters. I feel that the punishments for these crimes should be more severe since some studies have shown that capital punishment does not seem to keep individuals from committing these awful acts of crime. Many people and religious groups feel that since God is quoted in the bible as saying, “He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.”, that we should keep this kind of punishment in practice. And although I agree, it seems that some of the people in today’s society want to put God’s word into any topic of controversy. The unfortunate part is that there are too many people of different religious backgrounds that reside in this country to base our laws completely on that of the Christian belief.
According to reports, there has been an estimated 13,000 people that have been executed since the colonial era. The Supreme Court banned capital punishment in the year of 1972 and authorized the resumption of this practice 4 years later, in the year of 1976. Studies indicate that DNA testing has shown that over 100 inmates, who were on death row awaiting executions, were innocent. Studies have also indicated that the majority of people executed were poor, and an estimated 90% of these people were unable to afford council and had no choice but to rely on court appointed lawyers. It makes you wonder how many innocent people were put to death before DNA testing played a roll in our justice system. I still do not believe that this should detour us from using capital punishment as a means to punish deserving criminals. I think that this simply shows that our justice system needs a lot of improving; and more DNA testing needs to be done during these trials to insure that the defendant is indeed guilty of the accused crime.
In Canada, the practice of capital punishment no longer exists; although the countries population is still in favor of it. Some Canadian public opinion polls show that an estimated 70% or more of adult individuals are for the return of public hanging for people who commit first degree murder. In most cases under Canadian law, the most serious offenders are handed a sentence of life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years. And although most Americans are in favor of the death penalty; when given an option, they would also rather see criminals get life in prison without parole. It is my personal belief that we should not have to spend our tax dollars housing, feeding, or clothing guilty death row inmates. And it is common knowledge that criminals still have access to drugs and alcohol while incarcerated. Along with drugs and alcohol, they also have the means to receive an education as well as outdoor activities. People who commit murder, rape, or molest children, should not be allowed to do anything other than suffer just as their victims and their families had to suffer. I say, get rid of lethal injection and make capital punishment actual punishment instead of a sleepy time cocktail that you happen to not wake up from.
Lawmakers and voters are now questioning whether or not we should use capital punishment as a means to punish death row inmates. I for one am in favor of capital punishment. However, I feel that lethal injection is too mild of a punishment for career murders, rapists, and child molesters. I feel that the punishments for these crimes should be more severe since some studies have shown that capital punishment does not seem to keep individuals from committing these awful acts of crime. Many people and religious groups feel that since God is quoted in the bible as saying, “He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.”, that we should keep this kind of punishment in practice. And although I agree, it seems that some of the people in today’s society want to put God’s word into any topic of controversy. The unfortunate part is that there are too many people of different religious backgrounds that reside in this country to base our laws completely on that of the Christian belief.
According to reports, there has been an estimated 13,000 people that have been executed since the colonial era. The Supreme Court banned capital punishment in the year of 1972 and authorized the resumption of this practice 4 years later, in the year of 1976. Studies indicate that DNA testing has shown that over 100 inmates, who were on death row awaiting executions, were innocent. Studies have also indicated that the majority of people executed were poor, and an estimated 90% of these people were unable to afford council and had no choice but to rely on court appointed lawyers. It makes you wonder how many innocent people were put to death before DNA testing played a roll in our justice system. I still do not believe that this should detour us from using capital punishment as a means to punish deserving criminals. I think that this simply shows that our justice system needs a lot of improving; and more DNA testing needs to be done during these trials to insure that the defendant is indeed guilty of the accused crime.
In Canada, the practice of capital punishment no longer exists; although the countries population is still in favor of it. Some Canadian public opinion polls show that an estimated 70% or more of adult individuals are for the return of public hanging for people who commit first degree murder. In most cases under Canadian law, the most serious offenders are handed a sentence of life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years. And although most Americans are in favor of the death penalty; when given an option, they would also rather see criminals get life in prison without parole. It is my personal belief that we should not have to spend our tax dollars housing, feeding, or clothing guilty death row inmates. And it is common knowledge that criminals still have access to drugs and alcohol while incarcerated. Along with drugs and alcohol, they also have the means to receive an education as well as outdoor activities. People who commit murder, rape, or molest children, should not be allowed to do anything other than suffer just as their victims and their families had to suffer. I say, get rid of lethal injection and make capital punishment actual punishment instead of a sleepy time cocktail that you happen to not wake up from.
Juvenile Rehabilitation
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
As we all know, crime rates are at an all time high; and it seems that most of these crimes are being committed more and more by juvenile offenders. Whether these children come from two-parent homes, broken homes, abusive homes, or are children that have been left and lost in the system; you cannot deny that there is a problem. Rehabilitation for juvenile offenders is a necessary and almost scarce process, and is something that should start long before a child ends up in the criminal court system. It is up to us as a society to be there for our children, even if these children are not necessarily of our flesh and blood. These children are the future, and it is up to us to make sure that they enter this future with the necessary skills on how to survive without turning to a life of crime. All-to-often, children who commit these crimes are simply locked up in a detention center to serve out their time, instead of receiving a more positive feedback that will teach them that a life of crime isn’t their only option.
When asked what she would change about the juvenile system if she were in charge, Judge Nancy Hoffman said, “If I were in charge, I would like to have more intervention very early on without charging crimes”. (Juvenile Justice. 2007). Many people of authority agree that we need to teach these children different levels of respect; respecting authority, respecting school and education, and respect for alcohol and drug rehabilitation, just to name a few. They also suggest that we need to teach parents how to be better parents.
Children who grow up in urban areas, often times end up in gangs from the fear of not being accepted and are most times looking for a family type environment. “It should come as no surprise that many young people who join gangs have no functional family.” (Young People Join Gangs. 1998.) Children also turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with their problems. Susan M. Gordon states that “teenage drug abuse can be traced to several risk factors.” According to Gordon, these factors include teenagers’ psychological and genetic makeup, their performance at school, and their level of spirituality. (Gordon, Susan M. 2003.) If we could provide a more positive outlet for these young offenders and their families, such as sports teams, art classes, or other creative programs, that would help to teach these children and their families to work together; this would allow these children to open up to other possibilities.
Programs such as JRA, offer these young offenders the kind of treatment that
is necessary in providing them with the stepping stones to build a better future.
Their treatment does not end after they are released, JRA offers many types of
treatment programs after-the-fact; programs like Functional Family Parole is for
the entire family and helps to guide the family toward a more positive change.
JRA institutions receive the most serious of juvenile offenders in the system; 64%
of these children are suffering from severe mental illnesses; 81% are addicted to
drugs and alcohol; 40% are cognitively impaired; 30% suffer from sexual conduct issues; and the other 2% suffer from medical complications. (Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves. 2006).
There are many success stories of juvenile offenders who have gone through these different types of programs versus serving time behind bars, and have gone on to lead productive and successful lives. There are several counties throughout the United States that offer different programs for our youth and they all seem to have a huge success rate. Take for instance the Camden County Fire Watch Program, this is a program that provides early identification of at risk children and then responds with appropriate intervention services to address their behavior; this program has a 90% success rate. (Success Stories. 2006).
There is a program in Maine called Long Creek Youth Development Center. This detention center houses juveniles that range in age form 11 to 21; 193 males and 18 females; who have all been convicted of breaking various laws before turning 18 years of age. Long Creek is located on 40 acres of land in Portland and serves the state’s juveniles from the six southernmost counties. This institution was completed in 2002 and cost an estimated $34 million dollars to build. (Harrison, Judy. 2006). This facility offers housing, schooling, and various treatment programs. Caitlin Shetterly, an instructor at Long Creek, teaches the works of William Shakespeare to these young offenders. According to Shetterly, because the situations described and the emotions that are expressed by his characters are immense and, often times, overwhelming – the way many of these kids have experienced their own life. “Teaching Shakespeare to the youths at Long Creek is hands-on change.” (Harrison. 2006). Shetterly goes on to say that “We have seen boys –who at the beginning of a session can barely read or write – memorize and perform Shakespeare. We have seen them work through complicated emotions from within the safe place of acting, and finally laugh or smile for the first time since coming to Long Creek”. (Harrison. 2006).
It seems that the main goal of our juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate these young individuals; however, it seems that this process gets lost or side
tracked once these kids are behind bars. Some officials and individuals say that these juvenile offenders should simply be locked up and dealt with through the court system itself. Some think that these young criminals cannot be rehabilitated. Take for example, James C. Backstrom, an attorney from Hastings, Minnesota, who wrote and article titled “Criminal Youth Should Be Imprisoned”. In this article, Backstrom, discusses his opinion that juveniles can and should be housed with adult criminals in adult prison facilities. According to Backstrom, “Many juvenile offenders who have committed serious and violent crimes can and should be prosecuted as adults for their offenses, thereby eliminating the current legal restrictions concerning detention of these offenders in adult facilities”. (Backstrom, James C. 2006). James Backstrom also argues that this will be more beneficial to taxpayers, and suggests that local law enforcement officials should be given greater flexibility in making the decision as to when and under what conditions, housing serious and violent offenders in adult facilities is appropriate. (Backstrom. 2006).
The question we should all be asking ourselves is “Why are today’s children acting out in more violent ways than they were 25 years ago?” Law makers and officials as well as other individuals blame it on the media violence and what our children are being exposed to via television, movies, video games and the Internet. However, there has been no scientific proof that proves that this is true; in fact, most of the studies conducted on this issue have turned up with little to no evidence that supports these claims. I think that parents need to be held more accountable for what there children see and hear when they are at home. To add my own personal experience to the mix, I am a fan of violent and scary movies. In fact, I have been watching these types of programs for as long as I can remember and never have I gone and hurt someone because of what I have seen in movies or television. And although these individuals have a strong argument, it doesn’t seem that housing violent juvenile offenders with adult’s who have committed various violent crimes that include rape and murder is the answer. In fact, if it is true that children do indeed mimic what they see in the media or in everyday life, it seems that a more negative outcome would be what we will see if we house juveniles with adults.
Most crimes that juveniles are being charged with are drug possession and sales, and then assault, robbery, and weapons charges. Murder and rape offenses seem to have stayed relatively low throughout the years. I do not see how housing juveniles who are rarely committing acts of murder or rape, with adult criminals in adult facilities, could be beneficial to their rehabilitation. Some people argue that housing these children with criminals who are committing horrible acts of crime will only ensure that these young offenders will go on to commit murder and rape as well as becoming repeat offenders.
It is obvious to me that positive reinforcement can and does work. So why is it that this kind of treatment is so scarce; and what can we do as a community to change this? I think that we do need to start educating our children better at home and at school. We as a community need to be there for our children through mentoring, counseling, treatment programs, and what ever means are necessary to insure that these children go through life making the right choices for their future. Parents need to be able to communicate with their children on a level that the child understands and feels comfortable with. This will help in the prevention of teenage pregnancy, which has been out-of-hand for many years now. In the 1950’s, getting pregnant out of wedlock was an embarrassment, not to mention if you were a teen girl who found herself in this kind of predicament. It seems as if our family values system has gone a stray. It is extremely important to teach our children that abstaining from sexual activity is beneficial to their well being; and if they do decide that they are going to engage in sex, then we need to teach them the importance of protecting themselves from not only STDs but from unwanted pregnancies as well. And maybe it wouldn’t hurt to monitor what our children are viewing in the media.
The divorce rate in America is at an all time high, and it does seem that fewer couples are getting married in this day and age; leading to more single family
environments. Although single mothers make up the majority in urban areas, fathers are traditionally known to be the bread winners and protectors. With the absence of the two parent households in today’s society, this places more stress on the single parent. When a single parent is working two or more jobs in order to pay the bills, in most cases, no one is at home with the children. Studies have shown that children who are left unattended for long periods of time are more likely to find themselves in situations that can lead to unwanted pregnancy, incarceration, or even worse, death.
So if we can solve the majority of juvenile crime by educating, rehabilitating, communicating, and bringing back a functional family values system; I cannot see the harm in trying a more positive approach. Wouldn’t you do everything that is necessary for your child’s safety and future? Just being there to listen to a child and guide them in the right direction, can truly make all the difference in their world. Maybe it is time that we as a society start participating in our local town meetings to ensure that more programs like JRA, Long Creek, and the Camden County Fire Watch Program, can be established and receive the proper government funding to keep treating our youth in such a positive way. I for one would much rather see my tax dollars being spent on programs such as these, instead of building more detention facilities and prisons to house these juvenile offenders.
Reference(s)
Backstrom, James C. “Criminal Youth Should Be Imprisoned”. America’s Prisons. Ed. Clare Hanrahan. Opposing Viewpoints. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. (2006). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Apollo Group. (September 8, 2007). http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/printdoc.do?contentSet=GRSC&docType
“Juvenile Justice: From Both Sides of the Bench: What Works?” Frontline. (2007).
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/juvenile/bench/whatittakes.html
“Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves Success Through Innovative Programs”. (December 2006). Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. Retrieved on August 5, 2007.
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/workingtogether/JRAwilliams.html
Gordon, Susan M. “A Variety of Factors Causes Adolescent Drug Abuse”. Opposing Viewpoints: Chemical Dependency. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego:
Greenhaven Press. (2003). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Apollo Group. (September 8, 2007).
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252C%
Harrison, Judy. “Perchance to Dream”. Knight Rider Tribune Business News. Washington. (September 5, 2006). P1.
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1122193081&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientld=2606&RQT=309&VName=PQD
“Success Stories. New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission. (Spring 2006). Volume 1. p1. Retrieved on August 5, 2007.
http://www.njjjc.org
“Young People Join Gangs to Find a Family”. Opposing Viewpoints Digests: Gangs. Ed. Gail B. Stewart. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. (1998). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Apollo Group. (September 8, 2007).
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Local%2528en%252C%
As we all know, crime rates are at an all time high; and it seems that most of these crimes are being committed more and more by juvenile offenders. Whether these children come from two-parent homes, broken homes, abusive homes, or are children that have been left and lost in the system; you cannot deny that there is a problem. Rehabilitation for juvenile offenders is a necessary and almost scarce process, and is something that should start long before a child ends up in the criminal court system. It is up to us as a society to be there for our children, even if these children are not necessarily of our flesh and blood. These children are the future, and it is up to us to make sure that they enter this future with the necessary skills on how to survive without turning to a life of crime. All-to-often, children who commit these crimes are simply locked up in a detention center to serve out their time, instead of receiving a more positive feedback that will teach them that a life of crime isn’t their only option.
When asked what she would change about the juvenile system if she were in charge, Judge Nancy Hoffman said, “If I were in charge, I would like to have more intervention very early on without charging crimes”. (Juvenile Justice. 2007). Many people of authority agree that we need to teach these children different levels of respect; respecting authority, respecting school and education, and respect for alcohol and drug rehabilitation, just to name a few. They also suggest that we need to teach parents how to be better parents.
Children who grow up in urban areas, often times end up in gangs from the fear of not being accepted and are most times looking for a family type environment. “It should come as no surprise that many young people who join gangs have no functional family.” (Young People Join Gangs. 1998.) Children also turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with their problems. Susan M. Gordon states that “teenage drug abuse can be traced to several risk factors.” According to Gordon, these factors include teenagers’ psychological and genetic makeup, their performance at school, and their level of spirituality. (Gordon, Susan M. 2003.) If we could provide a more positive outlet for these young offenders and their families, such as sports teams, art classes, or other creative programs, that would help to teach these children and their families to work together; this would allow these children to open up to other possibilities.
Programs such as JRA, offer these young offenders the kind of treatment that
is necessary in providing them with the stepping stones to build a better future.
Their treatment does not end after they are released, JRA offers many types of
treatment programs after-the-fact; programs like Functional Family Parole is for
the entire family and helps to guide the family toward a more positive change.
JRA institutions receive the most serious of juvenile offenders in the system; 64%
of these children are suffering from severe mental illnesses; 81% are addicted to
drugs and alcohol; 40% are cognitively impaired; 30% suffer from sexual conduct issues; and the other 2% suffer from medical complications. (Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves. 2006).
There are many success stories of juvenile offenders who have gone through these different types of programs versus serving time behind bars, and have gone on to lead productive and successful lives. There are several counties throughout the United States that offer different programs for our youth and they all seem to have a huge success rate. Take for instance the Camden County Fire Watch Program, this is a program that provides early identification of at risk children and then responds with appropriate intervention services to address their behavior; this program has a 90% success rate. (Success Stories. 2006).
There is a program in Maine called Long Creek Youth Development Center. This detention center houses juveniles that range in age form 11 to 21; 193 males and 18 females; who have all been convicted of breaking various laws before turning 18 years of age. Long Creek is located on 40 acres of land in Portland and serves the state’s juveniles from the six southernmost counties. This institution was completed in 2002 and cost an estimated $34 million dollars to build. (Harrison, Judy. 2006). This facility offers housing, schooling, and various treatment programs. Caitlin Shetterly, an instructor at Long Creek, teaches the works of William Shakespeare to these young offenders. According to Shetterly, because the situations described and the emotions that are expressed by his characters are immense and, often times, overwhelming – the way many of these kids have experienced their own life. “Teaching Shakespeare to the youths at Long Creek is hands-on change.” (Harrison. 2006). Shetterly goes on to say that “We have seen boys –who at the beginning of a session can barely read or write – memorize and perform Shakespeare. We have seen them work through complicated emotions from within the safe place of acting, and finally laugh or smile for the first time since coming to Long Creek”. (Harrison. 2006).
It seems that the main goal of our juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate these young individuals; however, it seems that this process gets lost or side
tracked once these kids are behind bars. Some officials and individuals say that these juvenile offenders should simply be locked up and dealt with through the court system itself. Some think that these young criminals cannot be rehabilitated. Take for example, James C. Backstrom, an attorney from Hastings, Minnesota, who wrote and article titled “Criminal Youth Should Be Imprisoned”. In this article, Backstrom, discusses his opinion that juveniles can and should be housed with adult criminals in adult prison facilities. According to Backstrom, “Many juvenile offenders who have committed serious and violent crimes can and should be prosecuted as adults for their offenses, thereby eliminating the current legal restrictions concerning detention of these offenders in adult facilities”. (Backstrom, James C. 2006). James Backstrom also argues that this will be more beneficial to taxpayers, and suggests that local law enforcement officials should be given greater flexibility in making the decision as to when and under what conditions, housing serious and violent offenders in adult facilities is appropriate. (Backstrom. 2006).
The question we should all be asking ourselves is “Why are today’s children acting out in more violent ways than they were 25 years ago?” Law makers and officials as well as other individuals blame it on the media violence and what our children are being exposed to via television, movies, video games and the Internet. However, there has been no scientific proof that proves that this is true; in fact, most of the studies conducted on this issue have turned up with little to no evidence that supports these claims. I think that parents need to be held more accountable for what there children see and hear when they are at home. To add my own personal experience to the mix, I am a fan of violent and scary movies. In fact, I have been watching these types of programs for as long as I can remember and never have I gone and hurt someone because of what I have seen in movies or television. And although these individuals have a strong argument, it doesn’t seem that housing violent juvenile offenders with adult’s who have committed various violent crimes that include rape and murder is the answer. In fact, if it is true that children do indeed mimic what they see in the media or in everyday life, it seems that a more negative outcome would be what we will see if we house juveniles with adults.
Most crimes that juveniles are being charged with are drug possession and sales, and then assault, robbery, and weapons charges. Murder and rape offenses seem to have stayed relatively low throughout the years. I do not see how housing juveniles who are rarely committing acts of murder or rape, with adult criminals in adult facilities, could be beneficial to their rehabilitation. Some people argue that housing these children with criminals who are committing horrible acts of crime will only ensure that these young offenders will go on to commit murder and rape as well as becoming repeat offenders.
It is obvious to me that positive reinforcement can and does work. So why is it that this kind of treatment is so scarce; and what can we do as a community to change this? I think that we do need to start educating our children better at home and at school. We as a community need to be there for our children through mentoring, counseling, treatment programs, and what ever means are necessary to insure that these children go through life making the right choices for their future. Parents need to be able to communicate with their children on a level that the child understands and feels comfortable with. This will help in the prevention of teenage pregnancy, which has been out-of-hand for many years now. In the 1950’s, getting pregnant out of wedlock was an embarrassment, not to mention if you were a teen girl who found herself in this kind of predicament. It seems as if our family values system has gone a stray. It is extremely important to teach our children that abstaining from sexual activity is beneficial to their well being; and if they do decide that they are going to engage in sex, then we need to teach them the importance of protecting themselves from not only STDs but from unwanted pregnancies as well. And maybe it wouldn’t hurt to monitor what our children are viewing in the media.
The divorce rate in America is at an all time high, and it does seem that fewer couples are getting married in this day and age; leading to more single family
environments. Although single mothers make up the majority in urban areas, fathers are traditionally known to be the bread winners and protectors. With the absence of the two parent households in today’s society, this places more stress on the single parent. When a single parent is working two or more jobs in order to pay the bills, in most cases, no one is at home with the children. Studies have shown that children who are left unattended for long periods of time are more likely to find themselves in situations that can lead to unwanted pregnancy, incarceration, or even worse, death.
So if we can solve the majority of juvenile crime by educating, rehabilitating, communicating, and bringing back a functional family values system; I cannot see the harm in trying a more positive approach. Wouldn’t you do everything that is necessary for your child’s safety and future? Just being there to listen to a child and guide them in the right direction, can truly make all the difference in their world. Maybe it is time that we as a society start participating in our local town meetings to ensure that more programs like JRA, Long Creek, and the Camden County Fire Watch Program, can be established and receive the proper government funding to keep treating our youth in such a positive way. I for one would much rather see my tax dollars being spent on programs such as these, instead of building more detention facilities and prisons to house these juvenile offenders.
Reference(s)
Backstrom, James C. “Criminal Youth Should Be Imprisoned”. America’s Prisons. Ed. Clare Hanrahan. Opposing Viewpoints. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. (2006). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Apollo Group. (September 8, 2007). http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/printdoc.do?contentSet=GRSC&docType
“Juvenile Justice: From Both Sides of the Bench: What Works?” Frontline. (2007).
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/juvenile/bench/whatittakes.html
“Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves Success Through Innovative Programs”. (December 2006). Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. Retrieved on August 5, 2007.
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/workingtogether/JRAwilliams.html
Gordon, Susan M. “A Variety of Factors Causes Adolescent Drug Abuse”. Opposing Viewpoints: Chemical Dependency. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego:
Greenhaven Press. (2003). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Apollo Group. (September 8, 2007).
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252C%
Harrison, Judy. “Perchance to Dream”. Knight Rider Tribune Business News. Washington. (September 5, 2006). P1.
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1122193081&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientld=2606&RQT=309&VName=PQD
“Success Stories. New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission. (Spring 2006). Volume 1. p1. Retrieved on August 5, 2007.
http://www.njjjc.org
“Young People Join Gangs to Find a Family”. Opposing Viewpoints Digests: Gangs. Ed. Gail B. Stewart. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. (1998). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Apollo Group. (September 8, 2007).
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Local%2528en%252C%
Deviant Behavior
Deviant Behavior
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Deviant behavior is defined as recognized violations against the cultural norm (Macionis, J. 2006). Deviant behavior can come in many forms especially in our own particular country. American society has many limits and boundaries when it comes to what people refer to as acceptable behavior. Deviant behavior does not always have to be in the form of an action or negative choice like committing a crime (Macionis, J. 2006).
Often times just being different than what society has labeled as normal can be considered deviant. J. Macionis (2006) states in Chapter 7 that “The very existence of some categories of people can be troublesome to others” (p. 167). This can include gender, age, sexual orientation, and race. What is considered acceptable in one country or society may not be considered acceptable here in America.
Take for instance body piercing and modification; this is an ancient art form that has been a major part of different tribes throughout our world. African tribe members have been piercing their face and other body parts for centuries as a way to express their spiritual beliefs as well as during different rituals that are performed within their tribes. This art form is not considered to be deviant or out of the ordinary in Africa and is simply a part of their everyday culture and life.
Piercing became very popular in America amongst teenagers and 20 something’s about 10 to 15 years ago. Although this is something that is accepted amongst younger generations, many people find this expression to be obscene and offensive. The people who do not agree with this lifestyle truly believe that these youngsters are merely doing these insane things to their bodies for attention.
On another note, power means everything to most Americans and many people spend their lifetimes trying to obtain this power. When people who have a wealth of power in our culture commit crimes, often times they are able to buy their way out of trouble. If they are unable to pay for their actions with cold hard cash, they often times receive a suspended sentence where no jail time is actually served. At the mere chance that this person does have to serve time, it is usually done in a very posh facility with many amenities that you or I do not get to experience on a daily basis in the free world.
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Deviant behavior is defined as recognized violations against the cultural norm (Macionis, J. 2006). Deviant behavior can come in many forms especially in our own particular country. American society has many limits and boundaries when it comes to what people refer to as acceptable behavior. Deviant behavior does not always have to be in the form of an action or negative choice like committing a crime (Macionis, J. 2006).
Often times just being different than what society has labeled as normal can be considered deviant. J. Macionis (2006) states in Chapter 7 that “The very existence of some categories of people can be troublesome to others” (p. 167). This can include gender, age, sexual orientation, and race. What is considered acceptable in one country or society may not be considered acceptable here in America.
Take for instance body piercing and modification; this is an ancient art form that has been a major part of different tribes throughout our world. African tribe members have been piercing their face and other body parts for centuries as a way to express their spiritual beliefs as well as during different rituals that are performed within their tribes. This art form is not considered to be deviant or out of the ordinary in Africa and is simply a part of their everyday culture and life.
Piercing became very popular in America amongst teenagers and 20 something’s about 10 to 15 years ago. Although this is something that is accepted amongst younger generations, many people find this expression to be obscene and offensive. The people who do not agree with this lifestyle truly believe that these youngsters are merely doing these insane things to their bodies for attention.
On another note, power means everything to most Americans and many people spend their lifetimes trying to obtain this power. When people who have a wealth of power in our culture commit crimes, often times they are able to buy their way out of trouble. If they are unable to pay for their actions with cold hard cash, they often times receive a suspended sentence where no jail time is actually served. At the mere chance that this person does have to serve time, it is usually done in a very posh facility with many amenities that you or I do not get to experience on a daily basis in the free world.
Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment
Written by Kelly L. Hunter
Today’s society is faced with many challenges that often leave people feeling hopeless. There are many factors that contribute to these particular challenges including poverty, race, gender, social status, and the break down of the traditional functional family values. In many cases when an individual is faced with these difficult life challenges they ultimately find themselves in situations that are dangerous not only to the individual but to the community around them as well. This is not to say that everyone who comes from a broken home or who is a product of the lower class will turn to such things as a life of crime, but all-to-often this is the reality that many individuals will experience.
According to some studies, crime rates in America are down substantially from the 1980’s and mid 1990’s. Gary Lafree (2000) states that “The lowest reported rate of murder since World War II occurred in 1957 and the lowest reported robbery rate occurred in 1956” (¶ 3). Lafree (2000) goes on to say that “Violent crime rates began to increase dramatically during the crime period boom” (¶ 3). This boom spanned from 1961 to 1974 when murder rates were said to have doubled along with robbery rates which nearly tripled during this time (Lafree, G. 2000).
The early 1960’s and mid to late 1970’s were a troublesome time for most American people. The Vietnam War caused a substantial amount of controversy amongst society, anti-war protestors and police battled daily in the streets of many American cities, violence erupted in urban areas during the Black Power and Civil Rights movements, and drugs were also easily accessible and plentiful at this time. Gary Lafree (2000) states in his report that, “Murder reached its postwar peak in 1980 and robbery in 1991” (¶ 3). It has been said that due to the introduction of crack cocaine in urban areas as well as the increased use of handguns for self-protection, violent crimes began to spin out of control during this time period.
Gangs began to take over city streets across American in the mid to late 80’s which eventually increased the rate of homicides in urban areas. It has been said on numerous occasions by psychologists and other experts that our young people find their way into gangs as a means for support and a family type atmosphere; this is something that they cannot find at home and are seeking elsewhere. One expert states that “It should come as no surprise that young people who join gangs have no functional family” (Young People Join, 1998). In this case, the choice being made is harmful and negative and will most likely lead the child down a path that ultimately can end in an unnecessary and untimely death. This is when and where functional family values are most needed and missed.
Although crime rates have decreased and are lower than they were a decade ago, crime is still a factor amongst American society. The majority of people are tired of their tax dollars being spent on building more prisons and housing more prisoners, however, society does not want crime to go unpunished. So the question is, “Which form of punishment will best fit the crime and most effectively deter criminal behavior and how will this benefit the criminal and society a like?” The solution isn’t an easy process, however, I believe that it will not only be effective in the long run but will be beneficial to everyone.
There have been several forms of punishment for criminal behavior since the first recorded reports of mankind. In the early centuries, punishment was just as barbaric if not more so as the crime committed. Some countries still practice these barbaric forms of punishment today, such things as public hangings, stoning, and firing squads are used to deter crime in these countries.
Statistical reports indicate that the countries that use these methods have a lower crime rate than we do here in the United States. Although these methods seem to be working for some, the majority of the American public feels that these forms of punishment are too inhumane.
“Retribution is the oldest form of justification for punishment and in principle; punishment should be equal in severity to the deviance itself” (Macionis, J., 2006. p. 182). According to society’s moral beliefs and the need for moral balance, the only way to restore the upset of this balance caused by criminality is to punish the criminal for their actions (Macionis, J., 2006. p. 182). Deterrence is a second form of justification for punishment. As stated by Macionis (2006), “Deterrence is based on the eighteenth century Enlightenment idea that as calculating and rational creatures, humans will not break the law if they think that the pains of punishment outweigh the pleasures of crime” (p. 182).
With these two ideas in mind, it seems that the Eastern way of punishing crime works better than the judicial system practiced here in the United States. The problem is that American criminals do not seem to fear the punishment that awaits them when they are committing, in many cases, violent acts of domestic terrorism. I imagine that I am not alone when I say that I do not want my tax dollars taking care of someone who has molested, abused, or murdered a child. If a person is indeed found guilty for such acts through DNA testing and other credible sources, then why shouldn’t they be punished by way of public hanging or stoning? I would imagine
after a few of these public forms of punishment, people would think twice before committing such unspeakable acts of crime.
J. Macionis (2006) states that “The third justification for punishment, rehabilitation, is a program for reforming the offender to prevent later offenses” (p. 183). He also states that “Deviance is viewed as the result of social problems (such as poverty) or personal problems (such as mental illness)” (p. 183). With rehabilitation, the treatment is based on the offender and his or her own personal circumstances. Rehabilitation is a wonderful and positive alternative to spending time incarcerated in a state or federal corrections facility. In my opinion, rehabilitation can and does work; however, I believe that this process is best used on juvenile and first time offenders which are when a life of criminal choices often times begins.
Rehabilitation for juvenile offenders is a necessary and almost scare process that should start long before a child ends up in the criminal court system. All-to-often, children who commit crimes are simply locked up in a detention center to serve out their time, instead of receiving a more positive feedback that will teach them that a life of crime isn’t their only option. When asked what she would change about the juvenile system if she were in charge, Judge Nancy Hoffman said, “If I were in charge, I would like to have more intervention very early on without charging crimes” (Juvenile Justice, 2006).
There are several different non-profit organizations throughout the United States that have started various rehabilitative treatment programs for young offenders, all of which come with a very high and encouraging success rate. Programs like the Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves (JRA) organization and the Camden County Fire Watch Program teach offenders about self respect as well as opening them up to other possibilities through community work, music, dance, and art to name only a few. These programs tend to have a 90% success rate and offer after-the-fact treatment programs once a child has left the facility (Success Stories, 2006). Programs like Functional Family Parole are offered to the entire family to help them through the process of leaving treatment and re-entering back into society (Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves, 2006).
Lastly we have social protection which is a modern approach that is easier to carry out than rehabilitation if the community and society are unwilling to rehabilitate offenders (Macionis, J. 2006). This process is said to protect society by means of incarceration or the execution of the offender. Although the death penalty is justifiable in many cases, the methods used are rather tame in comparison to the crimes that are being committed not to mention the cost of the trial for these types of cases which have risen into the millions.
There are many flaws in our judicial system here in America and it seems that we could learn a wealth of knowledge from countries whose punishment truly fits the crime. Quite possibly if we as a society and country used all four of these methods of justification and punishment together in the proper manner, we may see the results that we have long-time been looking for. There is no doubt that an offender should be punished for their crimes, however, we first need to stop sending innocent people to jail while the real offender is actively able to commit more crimes (unfortunately this happens everyday in our country due to a corrupt system).
Secondly, we need to teach parents how to be better parents so that they can teach their children how to be productive adults in their future. We also need to come together as a community to help these children understand the importance of diversity and togetherness as well as keeping our youth active in school activities, community volunteer work, and most importantly off the streets and out of jail. We also need to teach young people the importance of self respect, the respect of others, and education. It seems that we as a country are letting the media and television raise our children instead of doing it ourselves. These children can either be our future leaders or our future criminals, the choice is ours.
Thirdly, we need to stop allowing violent criminals the opportunity to live off of our tax dollars that we could be using to restore places like the Gulf Coast, not to mention our poor health care system, as well as our lack of an educational system in this country. The best way to benefit the criminal mind and society as a whole is to use deterrence that will let individuals know that committing crimes would not be a wise decision and to rehabilitate those who can be rehabilitated. I know that if I were thinking about committing a crime, I would think twice about it if I knew that I would get my hand cut off for stealing or hung for killing someone. It has been statistically proven to work and would quite possibly lead us into a better tomorrow.
Written by Kelly L. Hunter
Today’s society is faced with many challenges that often leave people feeling hopeless. There are many factors that contribute to these particular challenges including poverty, race, gender, social status, and the break down of the traditional functional family values. In many cases when an individual is faced with these difficult life challenges they ultimately find themselves in situations that are dangerous not only to the individual but to the community around them as well. This is not to say that everyone who comes from a broken home or who is a product of the lower class will turn to such things as a life of crime, but all-to-often this is the reality that many individuals will experience.
According to some studies, crime rates in America are down substantially from the 1980’s and mid 1990’s. Gary Lafree (2000) states that “The lowest reported rate of murder since World War II occurred in 1957 and the lowest reported robbery rate occurred in 1956” (¶ 3). Lafree (2000) goes on to say that “Violent crime rates began to increase dramatically during the crime period boom” (¶ 3). This boom spanned from 1961 to 1974 when murder rates were said to have doubled along with robbery rates which nearly tripled during this time (Lafree, G. 2000).
The early 1960’s and mid to late 1970’s were a troublesome time for most American people. The Vietnam War caused a substantial amount of controversy amongst society, anti-war protestors and police battled daily in the streets of many American cities, violence erupted in urban areas during the Black Power and Civil Rights movements, and drugs were also easily accessible and plentiful at this time. Gary Lafree (2000) states in his report that, “Murder reached its postwar peak in 1980 and robbery in 1991” (¶ 3). It has been said that due to the introduction of crack cocaine in urban areas as well as the increased use of handguns for self-protection, violent crimes began to spin out of control during this time period.
Gangs began to take over city streets across American in the mid to late 80’s which eventually increased the rate of homicides in urban areas. It has been said on numerous occasions by psychologists and other experts that our young people find their way into gangs as a means for support and a family type atmosphere; this is something that they cannot find at home and are seeking elsewhere. One expert states that “It should come as no surprise that young people who join gangs have no functional family” (Young People Join, 1998). In this case, the choice being made is harmful and negative and will most likely lead the child down a path that ultimately can end in an unnecessary and untimely death. This is when and where functional family values are most needed and missed.
Although crime rates have decreased and are lower than they were a decade ago, crime is still a factor amongst American society. The majority of people are tired of their tax dollars being spent on building more prisons and housing more prisoners, however, society does not want crime to go unpunished. So the question is, “Which form of punishment will best fit the crime and most effectively deter criminal behavior and how will this benefit the criminal and society a like?” The solution isn’t an easy process, however, I believe that it will not only be effective in the long run but will be beneficial to everyone.
There have been several forms of punishment for criminal behavior since the first recorded reports of mankind. In the early centuries, punishment was just as barbaric if not more so as the crime committed. Some countries still practice these barbaric forms of punishment today, such things as public hangings, stoning, and firing squads are used to deter crime in these countries.
Statistical reports indicate that the countries that use these methods have a lower crime rate than we do here in the United States. Although these methods seem to be working for some, the majority of the American public feels that these forms of punishment are too inhumane.
“Retribution is the oldest form of justification for punishment and in principle; punishment should be equal in severity to the deviance itself” (Macionis, J., 2006. p. 182). According to society’s moral beliefs and the need for moral balance, the only way to restore the upset of this balance caused by criminality is to punish the criminal for their actions (Macionis, J., 2006. p. 182). Deterrence is a second form of justification for punishment. As stated by Macionis (2006), “Deterrence is based on the eighteenth century Enlightenment idea that as calculating and rational creatures, humans will not break the law if they think that the pains of punishment outweigh the pleasures of crime” (p. 182).
With these two ideas in mind, it seems that the Eastern way of punishing crime works better than the judicial system practiced here in the United States. The problem is that American criminals do not seem to fear the punishment that awaits them when they are committing, in many cases, violent acts of domestic terrorism. I imagine that I am not alone when I say that I do not want my tax dollars taking care of someone who has molested, abused, or murdered a child. If a person is indeed found guilty for such acts through DNA testing and other credible sources, then why shouldn’t they be punished by way of public hanging or stoning? I would imagine
after a few of these public forms of punishment, people would think twice before committing such unspeakable acts of crime.
J. Macionis (2006) states that “The third justification for punishment, rehabilitation, is a program for reforming the offender to prevent later offenses” (p. 183). He also states that “Deviance is viewed as the result of social problems (such as poverty) or personal problems (such as mental illness)” (p. 183). With rehabilitation, the treatment is based on the offender and his or her own personal circumstances. Rehabilitation is a wonderful and positive alternative to spending time incarcerated in a state or federal corrections facility. In my opinion, rehabilitation can and does work; however, I believe that this process is best used on juvenile and first time offenders which are when a life of criminal choices often times begins.
Rehabilitation for juvenile offenders is a necessary and almost scare process that should start long before a child ends up in the criminal court system. All-to-often, children who commit crimes are simply locked up in a detention center to serve out their time, instead of receiving a more positive feedback that will teach them that a life of crime isn’t their only option. When asked what she would change about the juvenile system if she were in charge, Judge Nancy Hoffman said, “If I were in charge, I would like to have more intervention very early on without charging crimes” (Juvenile Justice, 2006).
There are several different non-profit organizations throughout the United States that have started various rehabilitative treatment programs for young offenders, all of which come with a very high and encouraging success rate. Programs like the Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves (JRA) organization and the Camden County Fire Watch Program teach offenders about self respect as well as opening them up to other possibilities through community work, music, dance, and art to name only a few. These programs tend to have a 90% success rate and offer after-the-fact treatment programs once a child has left the facility (Success Stories, 2006). Programs like Functional Family Parole are offered to the entire family to help them through the process of leaving treatment and re-entering back into society (Juvenile Rehabilitation Achieves, 2006).
Lastly we have social protection which is a modern approach that is easier to carry out than rehabilitation if the community and society are unwilling to rehabilitate offenders (Macionis, J. 2006). This process is said to protect society by means of incarceration or the execution of the offender. Although the death penalty is justifiable in many cases, the methods used are rather tame in comparison to the crimes that are being committed not to mention the cost of the trial for these types of cases which have risen into the millions.
There are many flaws in our judicial system here in America and it seems that we could learn a wealth of knowledge from countries whose punishment truly fits the crime. Quite possibly if we as a society and country used all four of these methods of justification and punishment together in the proper manner, we may see the results that we have long-time been looking for. There is no doubt that an offender should be punished for their crimes, however, we first need to stop sending innocent people to jail while the real offender is actively able to commit more crimes (unfortunately this happens everyday in our country due to a corrupt system).
Secondly, we need to teach parents how to be better parents so that they can teach their children how to be productive adults in their future. We also need to come together as a community to help these children understand the importance of diversity and togetherness as well as keeping our youth active in school activities, community volunteer work, and most importantly off the streets and out of jail. We also need to teach young people the importance of self respect, the respect of others, and education. It seems that we as a country are letting the media and television raise our children instead of doing it ourselves. These children can either be our future leaders or our future criminals, the choice is ours.
Thirdly, we need to stop allowing violent criminals the opportunity to live off of our tax dollars that we could be using to restore places like the Gulf Coast, not to mention our poor health care system, as well as our lack of an educational system in this country. The best way to benefit the criminal mind and society as a whole is to use deterrence that will let individuals know that committing crimes would not be a wise decision and to rehabilitate those who can be rehabilitated. I know that if I were thinking about committing a crime, I would think twice about it if I knew that I would get my hand cut off for stealing or hung for killing someone. It has been statistically proven to work and would quite possibly lead us into a better tomorrow.
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