Genetically Modified and Organic Foods: Pros and Cons

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

Understanding the Rise of the Environmental Movement Through

Understanding the rise of the Environmental Movement through the use of Max Weber’s 4 types of ‘Social Action’ Sociology 101 – Laura Meehan Historically, while industrialization and production have flourished, there has been little concern regarding the environment’s well being. However, now more than ever, there has been a growing awareness and acceptance of environmentalism, as people begin to realize that the large-scale environmental destruction we have caused, cannot be mended or manipulated by technological fixes.This somewhat ‘new’ movement to enter into the political arena claims it is necessity that the foundations of modern industrial society have to be challenged and restructured, as well that we must transform our social actions in order for it to succeed. Through the use of Max Weber’s 4 types of ‘social action’, we are able to better understand and analyze the reasons for change, progress, and setbacks w ithin the environmental movement. To begin with, in sociology, ‘social action’ refers to â€Å"all human behavior when and in so far as the acting individual attaches a subjective meaning to it† (Anderson, Karen L. 2012), â€Å"Thinking About Sociology: A Critical Introduction† (p. 155). ) Additionally, as defined by Weber himself, social actions â€Å"[are] interpreting the meanings which men give to their actions and so understand the actions themselves. † (Matthews, Eric (1978), â€Å"Selections In Translation† (p. 7). ) Point in fact, there are four types of ‘social actions’: 1. Goal rational: social action motivated by specific goals, 2. Value rational: social action motivated by weighing goal and how it is achieved, 3. Affectual action: social action motivated by emotions, and 3. Traditional action: action motivated by a tradition or custom.Therefore with specific regards to the environmental movement, value rational and af fectual actions are the most relevant social actions. Generally speaking, value rational is the absolute essence of this movement as it strives for more ethical approaches to consumption, while focusing not only on the goal, rather how it is achieved. A perfect example to compliment this is to take a glance at how companies are turning to ‘fair trade’ products, which are organized to help producers in developing countries make better trading conditions and promote environmental sustainability.Pursuing this further, another ideal example of how the environmental movement encompasses a value rational action is the ‘100km diet’. This ‘diet’ refers to only eating food grown or produced within 100 kilometers of your locale, and amongst other goals, promotes environmental sustainability. The diet reduces the amount of â€Å"food miles†-which is the distance food is transported from the producer to the store, including the emissions created-tha t each person's meal goes through. It undoubtedly captures the principle of value rational action, as it is entirely focuses on how ‘the goal’ is achieved.Consequently, the environmental movement also clearly demonstrates social actions motivated by emotions, or therefore, affectual action. Many parents have joined the movement in hopes that they will be able to give their children, grandchildren, and future families the same or better quality of life in which they’ve experienced in their lifetime. This action is directly driven by their emotions; the very thought of their children suffering in the future’s daunting changing environments pulls on their heart strings, and they join the movement to avoid a negative future.However in contrast, without allude to the less pertinent role of ‘goal action’ as well as ‘traditional action’, we would not be able to fully comprehend the restrictions as well as the difficulties the movement is faced with. First off, the issue regarding the restriction of the movement’s progress is owing to the fact that a large portion of post-industrial society is still focused on the capitalist mode of production. More specifically, they are focused on increasing production and feeding the starving mouths of consumerism.Capitalism urges surplus production, which can leave devastation destruction to the land in which it occupies; deforestation, toxic waste and pollution, oil spills, and much more. Pursuing this further, this portrays how the very basis of capitalism, is goal rational; governments or corporations have a set economic goal in mind, and will essentially put their ethics on a shelf, in order to achieve their goal. This can stunt or sometimes bring the movement’s progress to a halt, as it can be a very grueling change as the environmental movement tries to hift the social action from a goal rational society to a value rational society. Similarly, the changes in which occupy the environmental movement are also limited by a multiplicity of people whom are reluctant to alter their lifestyles, as they are comfortable with the way they’ve always done things. This would clearly outline an individual, or group of individuals, in which fall under traditional action. They are comfortable with the lifestyle and traditions they have, and they are not willing to change, with the reason that it is ‘the way things have always been done’.This has been a great restriction for the movement, and may partially be driven by the fear of change and what will come. In final analysis, Weber’s four types of social action are useful conceptual tools for explaining and understanding contemporary social reality, as they allow us to analyze particular patterns that constitute the institutions, organizations, structures, and norms of society. â€Å"Social action (which includes failure to act and being acted upon) can be related to the past, present or anticipated future behavior of other people. (Matthews, Eric (1978), â€Å"Selections In Translation† (p. 26). ) Attempting to understand an individual or group’s actions and the results, is necessary to formulate an explanation of how society works, as well as how social change transpires. It can give insight on why a group or individual acted in a certain way, or predict how they may react in any future or hypothetical situations. In the same way, the more precise the ideal type, the more useful it is to devise classifications of groups or individuals and to produce hypotheses regarding the implication of their social actions. The more radically these ultimate values diverge from our own, the more difficult it is for us to understand them be re-living them through an act of empathetic imagination. † (Matthews, Eric (1978), â€Å"Selections In Translation† (p. 11). ) What is being outlined by Weber, is that social actions are not only useful i n an analytical sense, however they allow us to reason another’s actions from a different standpoint than that of our own.Consequently, another feature of these conceptual tools is to note how the actions of individuals must be analyzed to determine their consequences, since there may be unintended consequences to individual or group social action, or of the combined effects of each of these actions, which in turn can assist us in explaining contemporary social reality. In conclusion, social actions allow us to see a different perspective and understand why a group or individual acts the way they do, what motivates them, and how it can influence their social reality.Through the use of Max Weber’s 4 types of ‘social action’, we are able to clearly comprehend, analyze and predict reasons for change, progress, and setbacks within the environmental movement. Bibliography Matthews, Eric. â€Å"The Nature of Social Action. † Weber: Selections In Translati on. 1st ed. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 1978. Pg. 7, 11 & 25. Print. Anderson, Karen L. â€Å"Chapter 6. † Thinking About Sociology: A Critical Introduction. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada, 2012. Pg. 155. Print.

Department of Peace Essay

1 Internet is always been a source of information. With just one click, all the information you want to know is right in front of your eyes. It always caters to different topics such as: academics, religion, sports, entertainment and even politics. Today, there is probably hundreds of website that discuss about politics and their relevance to national issues. Such website provides information on what they do and on what they will do in the future. A site of the â€Å"U. S. Department of Defense† provides information that caters the entire American citizen. It allows every concern people to have an access or information regarding the department of U. S. defense. Also, the site enables its reader to have an idea or knowledge about the service that the government is doing for them. It provides different links as to explain everything that the defense is responsible of and to give its readers a chance to understand clearly its purpose. The site actually convinces its readers that the U. S. Department of defense’s main goal is to protect the countrymen. Definitely, the site is successful in inducing the citizen to join and unite as one for peace and humanitarian services through the information they have provided. The site was able to affirm that it is there duty to serve and defend the American people whether saving lives or spreading peace in the community. The values are still in tack and the need to share all the information was manifested clearly in the site. They do not only provide the purpose, mission and vision of the department but they have successfully managed to disseminate information through the site. The U. S. Department of Defense official site is convincing primarily because it showed what the people would want to know. Amidst politics intrigues, the department remains stand still and still uphold to its virtues. The use of this site for understanding the duties and responsibilities of the department gives its reader the capacity to make good judgment and to support the department’s mission and vision. Indeed, the site provided by the U. S. department of defense is capable of persuasion because of its plain and truthful explanation of its purpose and of its current activities that is for the betterment of the country. 2 Another site is the â€Å"U. S. Department of Peace† that also caters for the American people. While the department of defense serves for defending its countrymen and for building peace, the U. S. Department of Peace develops programs and campaigns as to promote peace and for national interest. There main goal is to â€Å"take the field of peace building from the margins of the political† and hopefully, bring it to a better place. They intend to apply peace building as to lessen all the conflicts before it gets even worse. The site also provides ample information regarding the association from its mission, vision, goal and their current focus today. The site indicated that the association is not just about the politics but mainly it’s about the effective and practical way in promoting and developing peace. In the site, they’ve explained that the U. S. department of peace is an association that encourages citizen activist to join in building peace for a prosperous nation. Their intention as a peace alliance is well explained in the site because they have indicated their campaigns, programs and activities. Their means of persuading its readers is credible because they have explained point by point their mission and their plans. At first visit to the site, you’ll automatically recognize that they encourage everyone to subscribe holiday cards and at the same time support the work of the peace alliance. In that way, they encourage the readers to support their campaign and offer them such good card. The use of this technique is probably a best way to encourage people since holidays is fast approaching. Nonetheless, the U. S. department of peace is an association that continue to grow as they progress and plan campaigns. Through the help of volunteers and activist, they continue to develop and put into works all of the association’s plan and goal. The use of the internet to promote the association is one of the best way to explain their purpose as an association and as well as to have a discussion board to all the concern people and to those who wanted to support. Indeed, the site also provided the necessary information and they were able to persuade its readers through their truthful agenda and well explained purpose. 3 A related site entitled â€Å"U. S. Peace Government† is about preventing war and terrorism and promotes peace. The site is for promoting peace and establishes peace-creating groups for the nation and other states. The U. S. peace government is pro-peace and in the site they clearly illustrated their purpose. The peace government is composed of hundreds of American scientist and researchers in medical field. These scientist and experts are capable of strong commitment in terms of leading the nation to peaceful direction. The site also includes the introduction of different programs for developing peace. Their ways of promoting peace in its realistic ways is explained in the site. The main purpose of the site is to share to its reader the possible effect of permanent peace if they developed their programs. Their goal as an organization is very simple and they need not to compete with existing governments but instead they will try to prevent problems from occurring. Upon reading the site, you’ll notice that it is trying to persuade its readers by laying all the facts and there agenda as an organization. Their way of imparting information to its readers is clearly manifested in the site. It also includes their stand and perceptions on the current issues that the government is experiencing now. As said, they are not merely a â€Å"policy think tank† but they will contribute to the development of peace in the country. The site has transformed the association’s mission into a realistic way because they put more information about their goal rather than discussing about other matters. They intend to spread peace all over the nation and lessen the conflict. Indeed, the association has come along way in promoting their mission because there is improvement in the nation. 4 â€Å"Daily Kos† is an on-line blog that tackles about the political issues that the present administration is facing now. Contrary to the previous site that was discuss, Daily Kos is far from what those site is all about. The blog talks about the opinions and the suggestions of different writers who share their thoughts fearlessly without hesitations and doubts. The blog define the very essence of being an opposition and the articles talks about the â€Å"what should the government do† instead of some other not so important matters. The writers of the said blog discussed point by point their stand regarding all the current issues. While they cited all their grievances, there is also a link where you can comment and side your side. The blog indicates their own perception according to their virtues and they are not persuaded by the current government. They stand on their own, believing that the government should improve and most of all focus on other important issues. The blog is not actually pro-peace because instead of delivering good feedbacks for the government, they criticize and find fault in the current administration. With their writings, they manifested the idea of a conflict between the government and its people. Nonetheless, we are all entitled for our freedom of speech and the liberation to address our concerns. We cannot deny the fact that there are disagreements and probably arguments that is widely expressed by people all over the nation not just in the internet. Now if you’re for pro-peace, you’ll not be able to be persuaded by the ideas and opinions of the blog’s writers but instead you’ll end up switching or finding another blog that tackles about peace and promoting it. On the positive side, the blog just shared their insights and probably their way of solving the problems that they think is more practical. The better thing to do is to also get the side of the government and let them take their part in explaining to the people the real agenda and their plans for the government in improving peace and not war. Works Cited â€Å"U. S. Department of Defense. † 2007. 21 November 2007 http://www. defenselink. mil â€Å"The Peace Alliance Campaign to Establish a U. S. Department of Peace. † 2007. 21 November 2007 http://www. thepeacealliance. org â€Å"The U. S. Peace Government. † 2007. 21 November 2007 http://uspeacegovernment. org â€Å"Daily Kos. † 20 November 2007. 21 November 2007 http://www. dailykos. com.

This Essay Is About The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman

This essay is about the Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and History. This essay argues that the historical institution of slavery has not allowed for change to come. The emancipation has set all enslaved people free from slavery but has not made enslaved people free from the effects of slavery. The damage that the institution of slavery inflicted on the people of the South has conflicted with perusal of freedom and change. The major theme of the passage is the conflict of the historical past and the present. Although the novel presents many events of former enslaved people overcoming the shackles of slavery it also presents the drawbacks of the legacy of slavery. The conflict of the passage is rooted from the longing for an interracial†¦show more content†¦Tee Bob’s father Robert did not attempt to explain it to Tee Bob because he believed that these things didn’t need to be explained as they are clear and one day he will eventually understand it. â€Å"Rob ert thought he didn’t have to tell Tee Bob about these things. They was part of life, like the sun and the rain was part of life, and Tee Bob would learn them for himself when he got older† (Gaines, 154). Tee Bob kills himself with these repeated generational teachings haunting him. He starts to hear the teachings being historically passed down from his grandfather talking to his father and then his uncle to Jimmy Caya’s being fresh in his ear. The repeating of these rules proves the main conflict of this passage which is the overcoming of the past because the historical institution of slavery. Everything that surrounds him reminds him of the historical past, reminding him of the reasoning of the rules that are set in place. â€Å"Now he tried to forget what he had seen on the floor back there. But nothing in that library was go’n let him ever forget† (Gaines, 250). â€Å"Too many books on slavery in that room, too many books on history in there† (Gaines, 250). The history and slavery books that surround Tee Bob in that library draws upon the impossible escaping of the effects of history and slavery. When Jules narrates to Jane the death of Tee Bob he blames his death on everyone. â€Å"We all killed him. We tried to make him follow a set of rules our peopleShow MoreRelatedSlave Oppression3341 Words   |  14 Pagescreation and nurturing of babies. There were often instances of lynching and burnings of African-Americans simply because of their skin color. Slavery is uniquely American because it plays a major role of the formation of The United States today. During this time period, slave masters had the complete control over a slave. Slaves were bought as profit; therefore, they were considered to be property and did not have any freedom. Slaves worked long, extensive hours, most times without breaks African-Americans