Race in America issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Race in America issues - Essay Example This minority group has experienced numerous atrocities and injustices over the years. Likewise, racial segregation has dominated admissions in schools where whites get preference over the blacks. These inequalities intensify the abhorrence between the white and blacks to the detriment of economic and social development in the United States. Affirmative action has succeeded in remedying these inequalities and therefore it should be sustained at all cost in order to enhance a civilized society as the nation purports to be. Through remarkable struggles of the African American minorities, they managed to sensitize the whites to adopt mechanisms of correcting and bridging the gap occasioned by racial prejudices. Affirmative action was embraced as a result. Precisely, mere recognition and affirmation to halt past injustices is not enough remedy for the over two hundred years of racism, oppression, racial discord and discrimination. Efficient programs like affirmative action and the Voting Rights Act effectively address these injustices. The minorities have embraced these actions with a sigh of relief but the cons view disprove these efforts especially affirmative action which hey accuse as reverse discrimination. Though these have significantly addressed the issue of racism, the battle is yet far from being over as some people would claim. Racial disorder and intense prejudice are still apparent in the society today. The African Americans still occupy the minority facet. The whites disregard them both at school and at places of work. The whites have reluctantly denied them the dignity they deserve. Admissions and recruitments are not purely on merit. From these expositions, it is apparent that racism is still a major problem and therefore these programs should not only remain in place but properly enforced too. Discrimination still persists in the fields of employment, contract businesses as well as education. An appropriate insight is given by evaluating the impact of affirmative action bans in education. This will deduce the necessity of retaining affirmative actions and such other measures which shall aim at improving the welfare of the racial discriminated minorities. Notably, the nation as it goes through a historical demographic transformation, there is a dire need to equally equip all the students irrespective of their race, with apt training that will enhance the sustenance and expansion of technology and research (Garces 2012). It should not be ignored that these young stars who have been traditionally excluded, make up a far larger proportion of the future generation. Denying them these skills then the nation risks future low levels of competitiveness around the globe. Of importance is to identify and nurture talent among all groups in order to enhance advancement (Garces 2012). Unfortunately, many states have banned affirmative action with regard to employment, education, and contracting decisions in public institutions (Garces 2012 ). This is to the detriment of the minority African Americans. It is a continuity of suppression towards his group. A practical example is evident in Texas State when it banned affirmative action with regard to admission in graduate education following the ruling in Hopwood v. State of Texas (Garces 2012). The ban resulted in reduced enrollment of the marginalized students in graduate studies especially in law and medical fields (Garces 2009). The

Russian Reform And Economics: The Last Quarter Of The 20th Century :: essays research papers fc

Russian Reform and Economics: The Last Quarter of the 20th Century Outline Thesis: As the reformation of the USSR was becoming a reality, Russia's economy was crumbling beneath it. Russia began its economic challenge of perestroika in the 1980's. The Russian people wanted economic security and freedom, while the government was trying to obtain democracy. The previous management styles needed to be changed along with the way that most businesses in Russia operated. I. Reformation of USSR A. The change from communism to democracy. B. The change in government has had a great effect on the Russian people and workers. C. The reformation left the Russian economy upside down. II. Post-Reform economy versus Pre-Reform economy. A. There were many steps in the reformation of the economy. B. What are some of the effects of a reforming economy? C. There are many changes that are still needed in order for the Russian economy to grow. III. What will be the future of Russia's Economy? Main Body As the reformation of the USSR was becoming a reality, Russia's economy was crumbling beneath it. Russia began its economic challenge of perestroika in the 1980's. The Russian people wanted economic security and freedom, while the government was trying to obtain democracy. The previous management styles needed to be changed along with the way that most businesses in Russia operated. The Russian Federation consists of 17,075,400 square km, which is roughly 76.2 percent of the former USSR, and covers about 12 percent of the earth's land surface. The Russian Federation's population in 1991 was 147.3 million (Smith, A., 7). During the 1980's the Russian government started a reformation process called "perestroika," meaning restructuring (Aganbegyan, 1). Perestroika signifies qualitative changes and transformation in the government and in the economy. The four stages of perestroika are the "Preliminary stage (March 1985- February 1986)," the "Stabilizing stage (March 1986 - January 1987)," the "Expansive stage (January - November 1987)," and the "Regrouping stage (November 1987 onwards)" (Hill & Dellenbrant, 140). The government also identified two other processes. "Glasnost," which means openness, supported the strong economic reform (Aganbegyan, 1; Hill & Dellenbrant, 54). The acceleration of economic reform was called "uskorenie" (Aganbegyan, 1). Many changes took place during the years contained in each of the stages of perestroika. This changes ranged from government policies and structure to industrial production procedures to economic policies. The major change came in 1991 with the breakup of USSR. This freed the individual states and allowed them to become independent countries. All of these new countries went through radical government changes. Many of them, including Russia, chose to implement democracy. This change from a central military based structure into democracy

Women Enpowerment

Power is a relational dynamic between individuals or between groups of people and is often unequally distributed. This inequality results in control or domination. The pattern in which power is distributed in a society or the power structure of society is strengthened by the force of tradition ,values,history and by the prevalent ways of thinking and behaving. Any effort to change the balance of power entails change in the existing power structure. Women's empowerment is the process by which women negotiate a more equitable distribution of power , a greater space in the critical decision making processes in the home ,in the community and in the economic and political life. The aim of empowerment of women is the fuller and wholesome development of both men and women. Empowerment of women is anti-men. It is against patriarchy. Changes in law pertaining to marriage ,property, sexual harassment ,dowry,rape and other forms of violence, so as to bring in laws favouring or supporting women's empowerment are necessary but not enough. Enabling women to actually access to the benefits of appropriate laws is the key task of the empowerment process. The process of empowerment which seeks an equitable and active share for women has to deal with the burden of ideas and values which are passed on to women as part of their socialization process from their very childhood. This social conditioning becomes part of her person and mindset and influences her behavior. The empowerment process must begin with women changing their own ways of thinking and behaving . They must try to appreciate themselves more and to recognize and value their knowledge and skills and their contribution of the sustainability of the households and the community. Women then, must wage a multi-prolonged battle at many levels and this battle has necessarily to begin with the women themselves at a personal and individual level . As the empowerment process advances ,men loose their traditional power and control over women and this process must begin within the family. Women setting out to empower themselves must be aware and also prepared for the backlash they might have to face from the men who suddenly find themselves losing their traditional power and control. The road to empowerment is long, lonely and often frightening. In fact, the struggle is the process of empowerment. In recent decades, while individual women have been waging a very personal struggle, they have not been alone. Women within 34 communities, within countries and across the globe have been linking within one another to expand and to sharpen their efforts for their own empowerment. Economic Empowerment of women: Poverty Eradication: Since women comprise the majority of the population below the poverty line and are very often in situations of extreme poverty, given the harsh realities of intra-household and social discrimination, macroeconomic policies and poverty eradication programmes will specifically address the needs and problems of such women. There will be improved implementation of programmes which are already women oriented with special targets for women. Steps will be taken for mobilization of poor women and convergence of services, by offering them a range of economic and social options, along with necessary support measures to enhance their capabilities Micro Credit: In order to enhance women’s access to credit for consumption and production, the establishment of new, and strengthening of existing micro-credit mechanisms and micro-finance institution will be undertaken so that the outreach of credit is enhanced. Other supportive measures would be taken to ensure adequate flow of credit through extant financial institutions and banks, so that all women below poverty line have easy access to credit. Women and Economy: Women’s perspectives will be included in designing and implementing macro-economic and social policies by institutionalizing their participation in such processes. Their contribution to socio-economic development as producers and workers will be recognized in the formal and informal sectors (including home based workers) and appropriate policies relating to employment and to her working conditions will be drawn up. Such measures could include: Women and Agriculture: In view of the critical role of women in the agriculture and allied sectors, as producers, concentrated efforts will be made to ensure that benefits of training, extension and various programmes will reach them in proportion to their numbers. The programmes for training women in soil conservation, social forestry, dairy development and other occupations allied to agriculture like horticulture, livestock including small animal husbandry, poultry, fisheries etc. will be expanded to benefit women workers in the griculture sector. Women and Industry: The important role played by women in electronics, information technology and food processing and agro industry and textiles has been crucial to the development of these sectors. They would be given comprehensive support in terms of labour legislation, social security and other support services to participate in various industrial sectors. Women at present cannot work in night shift in fact ories even if they wish to. Suitable measures will be taken to enable women to work on the night shift in factories. This will be accompanied with support services for security, transportation etc. Social Empowerment of Women: Education: Equal access to education for women and girls will be ensured. Special measures will be taken to eliminate discrimination, universalize education, eradicate illiteracy, create a gender-sensitive educational system, increase enrolment and retention rates of girls and improve the quality of education to facilitate life-long learning as well as development of occupation/vocation/technical skills by women. Reducing the gender gap in secondary and higher education would be a focus area. Sectoral time targets in existing policies will be achieved, with a special focus on girls and women, particularly those belonging to weaker sections including the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Other Backward Classes/Minorities. Gender sensitive curricula would be developed at all levels of educational system in order to address sex stereotyping as one of the causes of gender discrimination. Health: A holistic approach to women’s health which includes both nutrition and health services will be adopted and special attention will be given to the needs of women and the girl at all stages of the life cycle. The reduction of infant mortality and maternal mortality, which are sensitive indicators of human development, is a priority concern. This policy reiterates the national demographic goals for Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) set out in the National Population Policy 2000. Women should have access to comprehensive, affordable and quality health care. Measures will be adopted that take into account the reproductive rights of women to enable them to exercise informed choices, their vulnerability to sexual and health problems together with endemic, infectious and communicable diseases such as malaria, TB, and water borne diseases as well as hypertension and cardio-pulmonary diseases. The social, developmental and health consequences of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases will be tackled from a gender perspective. Nutrition: Intra-household discrimination in nutritional matters vis-a-vis girls and women will be sought to be ended through appropriate strategies. Widespread use of nutrition education would be made to address the issues of intra-household imbalances in nutrition and the special needs of pregnant and lactating women. Women’s participation will also be ensured in the planning, superintendence and delivery of the system. Violence against women: All forms of violence against women, physical and mental, whether at domestic or societal levels, including those arising from customs, traditions or accepted practices shall be dealt with effectively with a view to eliminate its incidence. Institutions and mechanisms/schemes for assistance will be created and strengthened for prevention of such violence , including sexual harassment at work place and customs like dowry; for the rehabilitation of the victims of violence and for taking effective action against the perpetrators of such violence. A special emphasis will also be laid on programmes and measures to deal with trafficking in women and girls. Rights of the Girl Child: All forms of discrimination against the girl child and violation of her rights shall be eliminated by undertaking strong measures both preventive and punitive within and outside the family. These would relate specifically to strict enforcement of laws against prenatal sex selection and the practices of female foeticide, female infanticide, child marriage, child abuse and child prostitution etc. Removal of discrimination in the treatment of the girl child within the family and outside and projection of a positive image of the girl child will be actively fostered. There will be special emphasis on the needs of the girl child and earmarking of substantial investments in the areas relating to food and nutrition, health and education, and in vocational education. In implementing programmes for eliminating child labour, there will be a special focus on girl children. Mass Media: Media will be used to portray images consistent with human dignity of girls and women. The Policy will specifically strive to remove demeaning, degrading and negative conventional stereotypical images of women and violence against women. Private sector partners and media networks will be involved at all levels to ensure equal access for women particularly in the area of information and communication echnologies. The media would be encouraged to develop codes of conduct, professional guidelines and other self regulatory mechanisms to remove gender stereotypes and promote balanced portrayals of women and men. Operational Strategies: Institutional Mechanisms: National and State Resource Centres on women will be established with mandates for collection and dissemination of information, undertaking research work, conducting surveys, implementing training and awareness gener ation programmes, etc. These Centers will link up with Women’s Studies Centres and other research and academic institutions through suitable information networking systems. While institutions at the district level will be strengthened, at the grass-roots, women will be helped by Government through its programmes to organize and strengthen into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) at the Anganwadi/Village/Town level. The women’s groups will be helped to institutionalize themselves into registered societies and to federate at the Panchyat/Municipal level. These societies will bring about synergistic implementation of all the social and economic development programmes by drawing resources made available through Government and Non-Government channels, including banks and financial institutions and by establishing a close Interface with the Panchayats/ Municipalities. Resource Management: a. Assessment of benefits flowing to women and resource allocation to the programmes relating to them through an exercise of gender budgeting. Appropriate changes in policies will be made to optimize benefits to women under these schemes; b. Adequate resource allocation to develop and promote the policy outlined earlier based on (a) above by concerned Departments. c. Developing synergy between personnel of Health, Rural Development, Education and Women & Child Development Department at field level and other village level functionaries’ d. Meeting credit needs by banks and financial credit institutions through suitable policy initiatives and development of new institutions in coordination with the Department of Women & Child Development. Women’s Component Plan: The strategy of Women’s Component Plan adopted in the Ninth Plan of ensuring that not less than 30% of benefits/funds flow to women from all Ministries and Departments will be implemented effectively so that the needs and interests of women and girls are addressed by all concerned sectors. The Department of Women and Child Development being the nodal Ministry will monitor and review the progress of the implementation of the Component Plan from time to time, in terms of both quality and quantity in collaboration with the Planning Commission. Legislation a. Strict enforcement of all relevant legal provisions and speedy redressal of grievances will be ensured, with a special focus on violence and gender related atrocities. b. Measures to prevent and punish sexual harassment at the place of work, protection for women workers in the organized/ unorganized sector and strict enforcement of relevant laws such as Equal Remuneration Act and Minimum Wages Act will be undertaken, c. Crimes against women, their incidence, prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution will be regularly reviewed at all Crime Review fora and Conferences at the Central, State and District levels. Recognised, local, voluntary organizations will be authorized to lodge Complaints and facilitate registration, investigations and legal proceedings related to violence and atrocities against girls and women. d. Women’s Cells in Police Stations, Encourage Women Police Stations Family Courts, Mahila Courts, Counselling Centers, Legal Aid Centers and Nyaya Panchayats will be strengthened and expanded to eliminate violence and atrocities against women. e. Widespread dissemination of information on all aspects of legal rights, human rights and other entitlements of women, through specially designed legal literacy programmes and rights information programmes will be done. Gender Sensitization: a. Promoting societal awareness to gender issues and women’s human rights. b. Review of curriculum and educational materials to include gender education and human rights issues c. Removal of all references derogatory to the dignity of women from all public documents and legal instruments. . Use of different forms of mass media to communicate social messages relating to women’s equality and empowerment. Partnership with the voluntary sector organizations: The involvement of voluntary organizations, associations, federations, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, women’s organizations, as well as institutions dealing with education, training and research will be ensured in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and review of all policies and programmes affecting women. Towards this end, they will be provided with appropriate support related to resources and capacity building and facilitated to participate actively in the process of the empowerment of women. Women Reservation Bill: Reservation for women at each level of legislative decision-making, starting with the Lok Sabha, down to state and local legislatures. If the Bill is passed, one-third of the total available seats would be reserved for women in national, state, or local governments. In continuation of the existing provisions already mandating reservations for scheduled caste and scheduled tribes, one-third of such SC and ST candidates must be women. Political pundits, sociologists, political scientists, feminists and historians and almost everybody has said that if the bill becomes an act then it will be the biggest socio-political news since independence. The central government cleared the Bill on February 25, 2010. For such a bill to pass, the Constitution has laid out an elaborate procedure. So, even if the Rajya Sabha passes the bill its real impact will be felt only when it passes through the Lok Sabha. On March 8, it's difficult to say how the government will manage order in the Upper House so that members favouring the bill can vote without disruption or chaos created by opposing members. Article on Women Empowerment Women Empowerment : Women are the integral part of our country that is not only limited to bring up the children but also to contribute equally for the development of our country. They are such human bodies which are made of patience, tolerance, perseverance, strength and dedication towards their families. They play a dynamic role in each and every activity. Moreover, there is not even a single field left where they have not left their footprints whether it’s about opposition of Government in ‘Geetika Murder Case’ (An airhostess, Delhi) or their raising of voices against the rape of ‘Delhi’s Medical student’. We can clearly feel their presence in our life and figure out what we are without them. However, in this male-dominated world, women have no option left except dealing with the problems which they come across on regular basis. They are better than men in all the areas and that cannot be denied by all of us. As per the data, 84000 cases were registered against the men for the sexual violence of women in 2014 which itself is a ‘Statistics of Shame’ for our country folk. More than 6 million female fetuses have been aborted in the last decade which shows our law and order and its delaying in the decision. Besides all these, 825000 cases or violence are still pending in our trustworthy said courts. These statistics show that how much developed we are in terms of oppression on women. In case of ‘Delhi Rape’ few politicians blamed the victims for their movement towards westernization and adopting western culture knowing that most of women who are victimized are either poor or illiterate by birth. So, rather than pointing out their incapability, they should amend such laws that not only protect them but also become medium of grave punishment for the doers. When women can do all that is required for the enhancement and modernization of the world, why women are not much powered as compare to the men who still believe in disrespecting the women of our country and making us feel embarrassed. They are educated and aware of their own rights. Most importantly, they need not depend on their male mates to get their work done. They have emerged as supernatural power which knows no restriction and boundation and they are both mentally and physically able to respond. Now, the time has come for women to empower themselves so that every criminal may think twice before he comments or molests any of the women of our country. Apart from these, Govt. hould step forward and run campaign for the overall awareness of women across the country. Through these alternatives, we can dream of liberation once again which is meant for both men and women equally. Women empowerment will help all the women to come forward and understand their rights for their stability in this staggering male world. They will be more educated and aware of laws which they usually do not get to know till they die. In this way, they can feel empowered and live safer than ever.

How to Survive a Winter Storm or Blizzard

Knowing how to survive a blizzard or other winter storm is a crucial, (though hopefully unused) bit of knowledge everyone should know. There are multiple types of winter storms and each can be deadly killers.  Imagine being snowed in  or being stranded in a car during a blizzard. Would you know how to survive? This advice could save your life. How to Survive a Winter Storm Outside: Seek some form of shelter immediately. Blowing winds can cause the wind chill to reduce your core body temperature to dangerous levels. The risk of frostbite and hypothermia increase every minute you are exposed to the cold weather.If you are wet, try to get dry. Lighting a small fire will not only provide warmth but will enable your clothing to dry out.Deep snow can actually act as an insulation from the wind and cold temperatures. Digging a snow cave can actually save your life.Stay hydrated, but DO NOT eat snow.  (Because your body must heat the ice in order to melt it into water, youd actually lose heat.) If you do get your water from snow, make sure to melt it before  drinking it. (For example, use  a heating source or indirect body heat like a canteen inside your coat, but not directly next to your  skin.)   In a Car or Truck: Never leave your  vehicle. If you are stranded, it will offer  a form of protection from overexposure to the cold. A single person walking through the snow is also harder to find than a stranded car or truck.It is okay to run the car for short periods to provide some heat. Remember to crack the windows a small amount to allow for the circulation of fresh air. Dangerous exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, can build up very quickly. This is especially true if the tailpipe is buried in the snow.Keep yourself moving. A car offers little room for you to keep your blood flowing, but exercise is a must. Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and move around as much as possible at least once an hour. In addition to keeping your body moving, keep your mind and spirit from getting down, depressed, or overly stressed.Make the car visible for a rescue. Hang bits of bright colored cloth or plastic from the windows. If the snow has stopped falling, open the hood of the car as a signal of dist ress. At Home: If the electricity goes out, use an alternative form of heat with caution. Fireplaces and kerosene heaters can be dangerous without proper ventilation. Keep children away from any alternative heat source.Stick to one room for heat and close off unnecessary rooms in the house. Make sure there are no air leaks in the room. Keep sunlight streaming through the windows in the day, but cover  all windows at night to keep warm air in and cold outside air out.Keep hydrated and nourished in case the heat is out for an extended period of time. An unhealthy body will be more susceptible to the cold than a healthy one.Pets must also be protected from the cold. When temperatures drop below freezing, outdoor pets should be moved indoors or to a sheltered area to protect them from the cold. Other Tips for Winter Weather Safety Always have a winter weather emergency kit available. While these can be purchased, its always best to  create your own emergency kit for your home and your car to tailor it to the weather hazard. If you have small children, remember to actually practice using the kits. In the event of a winter emergency, kids should know where the kit is located and how to use it. In addition to having a winter safety kit, all family members should be able to recognize the signs of hypothermia and basic first aid treatment for cold exposure. Finally, if your region is prone to winter storms of any type, consider buying  a weather radio so that no matter youre always plugged into the latest forecast. Multiple types of winter weather advisories each have their own dangers. You might  also like to check out these additional winter weather resources: 5 Ways to Keep Warm in Cold Winter WeatherWinter precipitation: snow, sleet, and freezing rainWhat is a noreaster?Whats a lake effect snowstorm? Updated by Tiffany Means References A Guide to Survival from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Weather Service Warning and Forecast Branch,  November 1991 NOAA/FEMA/The American Red Cross