Are Social Networking Sites Good To Our Society ?

    

 The populatity of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace have more than quadrupled since 2005.  While proponents believe that these social networking sites increase communtication with others; opponents argue that these sites expose children to predators and could most likely increase computer viruses.  I personally can see where opponents would argue that social networking causes a threat to young children but overall i think that these sites are good to our society if used cautiously.

As of 2009, studies have shown that social networking and blogging sites are accounted for about 17% of time spent on the Internet, this percent has nearly tripled since 2008.  Studies have also shown that 59% of students with access to the Internet use social networking to discuss educational topics.  Some teachers, as well as parents, have agreed that these sites helped students improve their basic literary skills and are also an easier way to express themselves.   

 

Social networking sites have brought many people together with similar interests all around the world.  These sites are also a way to express one's personal views creatively.  They provide free messaging, blogging, gaming, and many other services to anywho who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities.  This ties into our classroom activites because we work a lot with computers and many of us use social networking sites on a daily basis.

Do Violent Video Games Contribute To Youth Violence ?

     Studies show that a huge percent of school bullying, shooting, and violence are due to violent video games played by the youth.  It also shows that children who play violent video games are more prone to acting aggressively toward others.  Grand Theft Childhood reported that 60% of pre-teens who played at a minimum of one violent game has had a physical altercation with someone, compared to 39% who have not played the game.  In 2008, nearly 300 million video games were sold in the United States; 6 out of 10 of the bestselling video games included violence.

     Violent video games teach the youth that violence is an acceptable resolution to altercations; it also makes them less likely to be afraid of being a victim in most situations.  Most video games reward players for acts of violence, which also enhances the learning of violent behaviors.  It can also cause players to associate happiness with afflicting pain upon others.

Is Obesity A Disease ?

     While the debate on whether obesity is a disease is growing rapidly throughout the country, the obesity rate and costs for cures are also increasing.  Proponents have stressed that obesity is the results of genetics, but on the contrary, opponents argued that it is caused by one's personal preferences and ways of living.  Though many do not realize it, the difference between being obese and being overweight typically has to do with one's Body Mass Index (BMI). Researchers at Harvard University have came to a conclusion that nearly 35% of the United States population is obese.

 

     Obesity is not a disease for many reasons.  Unlike other diseases it does not lead to a shorter life expectancy or cause death.  Statistics show that only 1 out of 10 deaths are caused by obesity yearly.  Obesity also does not have symptoms and signs in contrast diseases do.  The only sign one who is obese will get is excess fat.  However, being obese brings about many health issues, such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failures and if they are not treated correctly it can eventually lead to death. 

      I personally think that obesity is simply the result of one's chosen lifestyle and eating habits.  I feel it is one's own responsibity on how to better theirselves and their life, whether its by eating a better nutritional diet and/or exercising.  There are many ways to loose wieght and get in better shape.

  

"Under God" In The Pledge

     Should the words "under God" be in the US Pledge of Allegiance?  Does the words "under God" violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause?  Is the Pledge of Allegiance a religious exercise?  There are numerous questions that come about when this topic is spoken upon.  I personally think the Pledge of Alleigiance does violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.  I also feel as if it should not be said in public schools, especially by younger children because most do not completely conprehend what is being said.

    
The US Pledge of Allegiance was written by a baptist minister, in 1892, as an oath of loyalty to the national flag.  It had been modified four times and is now required by state law to be offered in public schools.  When it first came about, it was also accompanied by a salute but later was changed to a hand-over-the-heart movement.   It wasn't until 1954 when they decide to throw in the "under God" part, from then on the question was asked.  Now it's your turn to decide.  Do you think the now modified version of the Pledge is unconstitution and violates the First Amendment?

HEAVEN CANT WAIT: Is The Pledge of Allegiance Unconstitutional?

This video explains different people's point of view on wether or not they think it is unconstitutional.



Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance
http://undergod.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000065

Should Gay or Lesbian Marriages Be Legal?

Should gay or lesbian marriages be legal?  This question has been about for many decades and it seems as if everyone has their own personal opinion about this topic.  I think that gay or lesbian marriages should be legal and that they should receive the same marriage benefits as those of different-sex marriages.  I feel as if a person should be able to date and/or marry who they please, and stll be treated equally, whether it’s of the same-sex or different sex.  I also think that gay or lesbian people have their right to privacy.

     At first, the decision of how many rights a homosexual should have was left to the states.  In Bower v. Hardwick, the Supreme Court decided that there should not be a reason to prevent the states from having such laws.  In Lawrence v. Texas, it stated that state laws may not ban sexual relations between same-sex partners.  Over the years, there have been many laws pasted to conclude this topic.  As of September 2010, 30 states have constitutional amendments banning gay marriages.  It is said that gay marriages can bring financial gain to state and local governments.  Gay marriage can also make it easier to adopt children.

The Dr. Phil Show - Same Sex Marriage: Right or Wrong?

 

This is a debate that was broadcasted on the Dr. Phil Show, it shows the different views people have on same-sex marriages.

Links

http://gaymarriage.procon.org/