Drinking Age Controversy Free Essays

In the United States, a citizen is considered an â€Å"adult† at the age of 18, and with that new title comes many responsibilities, such as the right to vote and to join the army. However, the legal drinking age in America is twenty-one. This issue has been a major controversy for some time now that faces both national and state governments. We will write a custom essay sample on Drinking Age Controversy or any similar topic only for you Order Now Should the drinking age be lowered to the age when legally a person becomes an adult and assumes all other adult responsibilities, or should it remain at a higher age to allow people to grow more mature and, hopefully, make more responsible decisions? In the mid 1600’s, colonial laws attempted to control alcohol consumption, but drinking per se was not remonstrated. Between 1913 and 1919 there was a lot of controversy between the â€Å"wet† states, which were states that allowed liquor, and the â€Å"dry† states, which were against and had made liquor illegal. On October 28, 1919, Congress enacted the National Prohibition Act, also known as the Volstead Act. The 18th Amendment was to become effective on January 17, 1920, and in those three months before the amendment became effective, alcohol was stolen in mass quantities from government warehouses. Throughout the thirteen years that Prohibition was enforced, the demand for alcohol only grew. The 18th Amendment was repealed on December 5, 1933 following the 21st Amendment, which was effective immediately. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act followed the 21st Amendment on July 17, 1984 stating that all states prohibit anyone under the age of 21 consuming, purchasing, or being in possession of alcohol. If the states would not comply with the law, they would not get funding under the Federal Aid Highway Act. This bill was supported by many people, one being arguably the most influential, was Candy Lightner. She founded the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) after losing her daughter in 1980 to a car accident involving a drunk driver. On average, according to MADD statistics, a person is killed by a drunk driver every forty minutes. In 2007, about 13,000 people were killed in alcohol impaired driving crashes. A â€Å"binge drinker† is defined as a person who has more than 5 drinks in one sitting, which is becoming a large issue at college campuses worldwide. Presidents from over 100 universities have voted to lower the drinking age in order to cut the amount of underage drinking on campuses. Frequent users† will drink anywhere from three times a week to everyday. A â€Å"moderate user† is someone who drinks anywhere from once a week to once a month. The decision of whether or not to keep the drinking age at 21 or lower it to 18 is continually discussed between groups such as MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who fight to keep the drinking age at 21 and LAFAA, Legalize Alcohol For All Adults, who fight to lower the drinking age. Karl Marx’s Conflict Theory is one way to explain the disagreements between those who want to lower the drinking age, and those who don’t. His theory states that social organization and change is based upon conflicts within the society. People between the ages of 18 and 21, called stakeholders, feel that they aren’t getting to exercise all of their rights to being an adult by government definition. They given all of the responsibilities and consequences of adults such as the right to vote, the ability to adopt, the right to join the military, the right to be charged with the highest punishment if accused of a crime, the right to get married, the right to buy and create pornography, etc. LAFAA would argue that with given all of these rights, government defined adults would also have to right to choose whether or not to consume alcohol. The families that allow their children to drink give a conflicting message to those who are a part of the underage drinking. Children then grow up thinking that underage drinking isn’t a big deal and is also a fun and â€Å"cool† thing to do. A large part of the â€Å"cool† factor, some would say, has to do with it being illegal to their age group. The thrill is what makes the drinking more exciting. The law also states that government usually follows majority opinion, and if this is fact, then the drinking age would be lowered seeing that two-thirds of Americans consume alcohol. Those arguing for keeping the drinking age at or above 21, such as MADD, argue that lowering the drinking age would enable younger adults to be able to purchase and drink alcohol legally, which would inevitably result in higher mortality rates. Although 18 year olds are considered adults, some think that they are still not mature enough to make to correct choices about alcohol. Those who think that keeping the drinking age at a higher minimum are trying to keep the demand for alcohol down and are also trying to keep the roads safer from drunk drivers. People between the ages of 18 and 20 will have just started college for the most part and don’t need alcohol interfering with their studies and their ability to succeed in life. Condoning the drinking of newly formed adults would only cause chaos and cause more fatalities. To MADD the cost of drinking outweighs the benefits since the highest numbers of fatalities in the United States are due to alcohol related deaths. Evidence tends to support the notion that keeping the drinking age at 21 is the safest and most responsible thing to do. Although it is taking some of Americans rights away, it is also ensuring the safety of thousands of citizens. Depending on whether you are liberal or conservative, opinions on how many rights government should take away will differ tremendously. The safety of American people should always be the most important aspect of keeping the United States a safe and enjoyable place to live. No matter whether the age is kept at 21 or lowered to 18, the controversy between the groups will never end. References http://www.druglibrary.org/Schaffer/LIBRARY/studies/nc/nc2a.htm How to cite Drinking Age Controversy, Essay examples

Epic Heroes Archetypes throughout History free essay sample

After Athena tricked Hector into facing Achilles, their sparring battle resulted in Achilles as the winner. His rage and strength was so prominent that the God of Fire touched his spear tip just as he attacked, â€Å"Brightest star that rides the heavens, so fire flared from the sharp point of spear Achilles brandished high in his right hand. † As Hector lay dying, Homer, the author, describes him as, â€Å"Godlike Achilles gloried over him. † Gilgamesh too had god-like strength that helped him succeed. Gilgamesh’s adventures were based on the god-like strength he had. He had fought and won every battle he’d been in and soon became bored. The Gods sensed this and sent Enkidu, a stronger, better version of Gilgamesh, to fight and entertain the bored king. They fought for a while, but after neither could one up the other, they decided to become best friends. To put their strengths to the test, and to also entertain themselves, Gilgamesh and Enkidu set out to defeat Humbaba, a monster from the forest. Humbaba almost got the better of Enkidu, but Gilgamesh used his god-like strength to cut off his head. Besides strength, all three epic heroes shared the trait of bravery as well. The thing about superheroes isn’t just that they tend to have amazing superpowers. It’s that they have the bravery to risk their lives for the benefit of others. Beowulf’s main fight was to save a kingdom that he was not apart of. Herot’s king was a friend of his father, so Beowulf courageously took it upon himself to help them out. He succeeded too, taking Herot out of harm’s way. Then, when Grendel’s mother came for revenge, Beowulf once again decided to risk his like to protect the kingdom. He nearly lost it too, if not for his chain mail and a sword. Then, during his last battle, Beowulf and a group of knights went to fight a dragon. Though he did not succeed on his own, and lost his life after the dragon was dead, he bravely faced the beast in hopes of protecting his kingdom. But bravery doesn’t just have to do with fighting monsters, it also has to do with facing your mortal enemies. Achilles’ bravery was fueled by his desire to avenge his dead friend. He chased Hector, the murderer, for a long time, never faltering but never catching up either. When Athena helped him out, he bravely stood his ground against Hector. When the two came face to face, Hector offerened him a pact, return the body of the one who is killed. Knowing there was a chance he might not win, Achilles turned down the offer so he could get his full vengence. Achilles’ first strike missed Hector, he taunted him for it afterwards. But he kept a cool head and continued fight his hardest, thus coming out on top as the victor. Sometimes bravery isn’t always shown at first, especially when Gilgamesh and Enkidu face Humababa. Gligamesh fought many battles with his friend Enkidu, defeating many monsters along the way. But their biggest battle tested their bravery the most. Not only was Humbaba the most fearsome monster in the land, but his forest that he lived in was almost just as dangerous. During the night, Enkidu and Gilgamesh both had nightmares of the fight to come. Enkidu tried to calm Gilgamesh by turning all of his bad dreams into good signs, such as, â€Å"’What does that mean, Enkidu? ‘That you will be victorious against Humbaba’ Enkidu said. † He proved right too. In the morning Humbaba came barreling through the forest, his sights set on attacking the duo. Gilgamesh stood paralyzed with fear as Humbaba started beating Enkidu to a pulp, but bravery flooded back into him when he realized he wanted Enkidu to live more than he was afraid. After saving him and decapitating the head, Gilgamesh and Enkidu head home to plan for more adventures. All of these epic heroes seem perfect, but they each have their flaws that give them a weakness. Beowulf was perfect in everyone’s eyes, including his own but he also had small but crucial flaws that made him not so perfect. For one, he had a mortal’s body. Though he was god-like strong and extremely brave, when he went to fight Grendel’s mother she almost got the best of him. If not for his chain mail and the beast’s sword, Beowulf would have been another snack in her stomach. He was also cocky, which he had every right to be since he won all of his battles. But as old age dawned upon him and he took a group to fight a dragon, Beowulf’s mortal body couldn’t finish off the beast by himself. His sword, which he used in every battle, was apart of his downfall, â€Å"infallible before that day, failed when he unsheathed it, as it never should have. † After the dragon was dead, and Beowulf lay dying, he passed his throne onto Wiglaf, who reminded Beowulf of himself when he was younger. Achilles’ downfall also had to do with his body, but their were other factors in it. When his mother dipped him into the River Styx and gave him his god-like strength, she submerged everything but his ankle. Though it was not in the passage of him killing Hector, that was the ultimate downfall of Achilles. Shot in the ankle with an arrow was the death of him. But he also had other weaknesses too. For one, he was not nearly as god-like as everyone thought, for if he was then there should have been no reason why couldn’t he catch up to Hector as he was chasing him. The only way that he did finally manage to reach Hector was with the help of his ally Athena, who tricked Hector into turning around and facing him. So though Achilles was a very powerful individual, he couldn’t have gotten anywhere without the help of others. Gilgamesh was a strong, brave individual with an insecurity issue. As he and Enkidu sleep in the forest before the battle with Humbaba, both are whimpering in fear. Enkidu has to calm Gilgamesh’s nerves by telling him that all his dreams mean good omens. And when the battle finally did come, Gilgamesh was frozen in fear and Humbaba beat Enkidu. It wasn’t until Enkidu was crying for help and he realized he didn’t want his friend dead that he finally stepped up and helped him out. So though he was strong and adventurous, he wasn’t sure in himself enough to go fight out on his own. Archetypes throughout history have shaped the modern day superhero. Strength, bravery, and a potential weakness are all things many epic heroes have in common. Beowulf, Achilles, and Gilgamesh are three different heroes that find common ground in their character traits. So if becoming a superhero is in anyone’s future plans, they can look to epic poems for the aspects they’ll need.

Some People Prefer to Spend Their Lives Doing the Same Things free essay sample

There has been a popular and interesting controversy in regards to peoples lifestyle. Some people would like to remain unchanged for their entire life, while others in favor of changing. Since this matter is debatable, I shall enlighten both sides before deriving any conclusion over this fact. On the one hand, those who are fond of devoting their life to a particular career tend to be in professional areas such as doctors and scientists. These jobs need chronic research and practice to acquire success. As a result, it is hardly to see a surgeon or a physicist abandoning their career and switch to other professionals. In addition, these jobs have a higher obstacle to change because the career development is much narrower than others. For instance, an astronomer would have no sense about economy and investment, and therefore it would be highly unlikely for him to get another job which is irrelated to astronomy. We will write a custom essay sample on Some People Prefer to Spend Their Lives Doing the Same Things or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page From this point of view, it is understandable that long-term research and faith of insistence are in need in highly professional careers. On the other hand, it is not uncommon that many people are fascinated by attempting new subjects. They would like to meet different people and accept new challenges rather than to maintain current circumstances. Consequently, they are capable to create more versatile experience and cultivate well-rounded character. However, frequent job-hopping will lead to minor opportunities to get promoted, thus those who prefer changing would be unable to create a successful career because of lack of specialties. In conclusion, there is no clear answer to this issue as there are equal numbers of pros and cons on both arguments. My personal belief is that is should depend on different personalities and the essence of the jobs.

my brother my executioner essays

my brother my executioner essays MY BROTHER, MY EXECUTIONER Conscience brings not only illumination but also agony: It relentlessly exposes the inner battle that human being must wage war against their own impulses. This was said by Paul in Romans 7 : 15 20. This inner battle within ourselves started since the beginning of time and still continues today and will do so in the future. It is the greatest battle that we will fight. A seemingly endless confrontation that we will have to endure as long as we still steps our foot in the ground, as long as the need for oxygen remains, as long as the blood runs through our veins. Conscience that will always be there, always mind-bogging you. Conscience that will always be there, always telling what you ought to do. Conscience that will be there to guide you in everything that you do. Conscience that will always be there, continuously shaping yourself to what you can really be. The novel, My Brother My Executioner, tackles a lot of conflicts. Conflicts that ranges from deep within up to the environment and surroundings. Conflicts which will always be there, continuing to shape us to what we are now and to what we can be in the future. Conflicts that will teach us a lot of things in life. Conflicts that will open our eyes to what is really happening around us. My Brother My Executioner circles around two major characters. These two main characters are brothers in the story. Their names are Luis and Victor. Brothers with two different views in life. Two brothers with different outlook in things. Two brothers with different life style in which they are living in. Two brothers living in the both end of the world. Two brothers born in the same womb but with different fathers. Aside from these characters, Don Vicente, Trining, Ester and Dantes, are also present. These characters are the next important ones. Each one adds a twist in the story. Each character possesses a unique personal...

Strategy management case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Strategy management - Case Study Example Hikma Pharmaceuticals Company has experienced expansive growth and success over the years (Gillespie & Hennessey, 2011). To match the world’s current competition status in the pharmaceuticals industry, the company needs to implement the following recommendations. Hikma has defiled odds of political turbulence to become one of the world’s top drug producing companies in the world. However, there is a challenge of political risks especially from MENA community. Hikma should therefore carry out thorough international relations to win the politically unfriendly countries. The move will see the company enjoy good customer relations in all its marketing environments. Hikma should have continued investment in the research and development (R&D). The R&D investment will be crucial in maintaining pharmaceutical company’s efficiency through development of innovative and new drugs that current world market demands (Chrysostome & Molz, 2014). The company should also take part in genericization process in which it develops and modifies the already existing drugs. Hikma should put more efforts to acquire FDA approval as quality drug manufacturers to penetrate US market effectively and efficiently (Johnson & Scholes, 2006). Successful acquisition of FDA means Hikma shall have acquired quality-manufacturing standards to assure it of a wide market base. In addition, Hikma will also overcome the restrictions and regulatory measures that bar it from manufacturing certain products as well as accessing some markets. To fulfill and reach its global market ambitions, Hikma should create more opportunities for a profitable future by increasing the demand for its shares and improving its liquidity (OBG, 2010). Consequently, employee commitment and profits will increase significantly. Finally, Hikma should focus on advocating patent expiries and increase in demand for medicines that are cost-effective. Such strategies will help in easing the current pricing pressures

Why do nurses eat their young Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Why do nurses eat their young - Term Paper Example Nurses who are older and who have more experience have the reputation on shunning the younger nurses away, making life difficult for them, in other words ‘eating’ them. For which reason, the younger nurses often experience great difficulty in starting their practice. Some of them often even end up leaving the profession altogether. This paper shall discuss and resolve issues on the question: why do nurses eat their young? This question is being answered in the hope of establishing a comprehensive and academic answer to this query and in the hope of improving the transition for younger nurses into the practice. Review of literature Various studies have been carried out on nurses eating their young. For purposes of this discussion, this practice shall also be referred to as horizontal violence among nurses. In a paper by Woelfe and McCaffrey (2007), the authors set out to evaluate if horizontal violence in the workplace is present in nursing and if it is, its relationship to patient care. This study was carried out as a literature review of articles published from 2003 and 2004 from nursing research databases. This study revealed that horizontal violence does exist in nursing today (Woelfe and McCaffrey, 2007). The study revealed that horizontal violence exists in the current context and it affects most areas of the nursing practice. In instances when tension is elevated in patient care areas, the nursing staff is often not likely to be at their best performance and the quality of their patient care is compromised. In a similar study by Oztunc (2007), the author set out to evaluate the incidents of verbal abuse encountered by nurses in the workplace. Data was gathered in about 290 hospital nurses in Turkey. The study soon established that most nurses faced verbal abuse. It also confirmed that there is a need to implement urgent and continuous plans in addressing verbal abuse in the workplace and in the adoption of zero tolerance (Oztunc, 2007). In ef fect, this study highlighted the alarming increase in violence between nurses which mostly registers as verbal abuse and bullying in the workplace. In a paper by Johnson (2009), the authors evaluated the nursing literature on workplace bullying in order to establish a better understanding of these incidents in the workplace. The CINAHL, PubMed, Pro Quest, and EBSCO databases were searched. This study revealed that workplace bullying is not just a simple contract between two individuals. This is also a complicated incident which can be understood by evaluating social and organizational factors (Johnson, 2009). Bullying has been known to affect the physical and psychological issues of victims, including their work performance. It also impacts on organizations due to their decreased productivity, increased sick time, and reduced quality of work (Johnson, 2009). The incidence of workplace violence and bullying in the nursing profession was also discussed by Hutchinson, et.al. (2006), th e authors discussed that workplace bullying is a significant issue in the nursing profession. It is often described in terms of oppressed group behavior. The oppressed group theory has set forth only minimal understanding of this phenomenon in nursing. This theory is said to place too much of an emphasis on bullying as a phenomenon in nursing, not one which is common in other professions as well (Hutchinson, et.al., 2006). Alternative methods of understanding this phenomenon have instead been suggested by other theorists in order to understand nursing workplace bullying. Saunders, et.al., (2007) discussed that various attempts at defining

Final Assignment - Critical thinking Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Final - Critical thinking - Assignment Example Besides, critical thinking enables people to demonstrate the importance and relevance of their ideas and reflect on their justifications of values and beliefs (Nukui, 2007). Therefore, critical thinking guides decision-making process and enables human being to construe concerns from possible actions. Critical thinking course is a crucial component of the curriculum and student development. The course curriculum enhances cognitive values and nurtures skills in decision-making. The course equips and enriches interpersonal skills and conflict resolution aids. Therefore, critical thinking course facilitates a proper training on the importance of rational behavior in the pursuit of sustainable global development. The critical thinking course sets apart peoples future professionalism. Notably, the course advanced students knowledge to embrace diversity and challenges. Besides, benefits of critical thinking course evidences in peoples analytical skills, nature of arguments presentations, and judiciousness in attempting academic puzzles. The clear understanding of barriers to communication and critical thinking further stamps the significance of the course to the school life. In regards to dealing with arguments, the course provided a precise analysis of the types of cases. Critical thinking enhances analysis of reasons, application of standards and making of conclusive decisions based on sound reasoning and premises. Arguments are good or bad depending on the context, premises of thoughts and applied strategies. They include statements by individuals on a given topic or issue of debate. Good arguments comprise of inductive and deductive arguments. Good deductive arguments provide the basis for truth in conclusions while good inductive arguments guarantee probable suppositions (Nukui, 2007). A bad argument refers to the fallacious or misleading arguments. The type of case usually facilitates persuasive conclusions through illicit procedure of argumentation.