Pain of Others highlights Essay Example for Free

Pain of Others highlights Essay Susan Sontags Regarding the Pain of Others highlights the cruel pictures mankind faces when war is at place. Photography is an important medium to touch the intricate of human mentality particularly of atrocity and suffering, are a species of rhetoric. This is done in comparison when we the world is aware of legal rights and protection of those rights. It is only due to certain sections of powerful people who turn around decisions in their favor which leads to wars and sufferings. This work clearly highlights the rethinking of art, and understanding in the contemporary depiction of war and disaster. Emphasis has been laid on the arguments about how pictures can inspire dissent, foster violence, or create apathy with regard to the situational analysis. photographic documents of the American Civil War, lynching of blacks in the South, the First World War, the Spanish Civil War, the Nazi death camps, and contemporary images from Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Israel and Palestine, and New York City on September 11, 2001, all highlights the pain which causes in the life and brings about in an turn around of the situation. All are born free in this world and have equal dignity, freedom without any distinction of race or religion. Gradually with the overall economic development in all countries a distinct class of ‘have’ and have not’s emerged and the upper class started exploiting people who were poor and needy. Exploitation in any form is denying human rights to the affected individual. Slavery started, human beings were sent from one continent to other, they were tortured and killed. With the passing of time, the world scenario is also changing. In the present time many countries are ruled by Dictatorship form of government. In these nations military is the supreme authority. Individuals have no say and the government dictates its terms. People are subjected to cruelty and even for minor mistakes severe punishment is given. They are denied the basic right to survive; virtually no law was there to protect the individuals. This system prevailed in Iraq before the combined forces of world nations brought it under it’s control and democratic government was established. Similarly in many African countries such type of government is functioning. There are arbitrary arrests and people are detained. It may be noted that the assurance of gender equality by the government or any proper authorized agencies should not be taken for assured commitment and women should always be alert as to what is happening. These are the basic ignorance which ultimately becomes the negative factor to fight for equal rights. We know that racial laws do not stop racism; an approved sanction does not end caste discrimination, similarly policies which are in favour of women take a long time to become an integral part of the system. We must worry about accepting torture as a tool to elicit information from an accused. The human rights violation should worry us all. No court that operates within the frame of legal constitution system of that country can deal with illegal detention, confession obtained by torture and the like. A person has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty. Forceful acquisition of cultivable land from farmers by government in many countries has resulted in revolt and further atrocities were committed on them. Protestors were shot dead-this is a clear violation of human rights not protected by law. Human rights are openly violated with the support of the government. In the religious matter also there is lot of interference from clergy’s- people are afraid to disobey the religious head thereby right to religion is denied. Governments have been approached in this regard for facilities be allowed for pilgrims and devotees to have easy access to churches, mosques, temples etc . Freedom of speech is denied to freedom fighters. These days militants are very active all over the world and they play a major role in violating human rights. They recruit small children, train them and use them in the front line of the battle. Children in the early ages can be moulded in any manner and later on they become good fighters—they are used as human shield during front line operation. Terrorists have intention to get a quick result and to do maximum damage in the shortest possible time. Citizens are caught in the crossfire between terrorists and defence forces. The invisible enemy could be hiding anywhere and could vanish from the scene in any form. People are scared, economy is devastated and socially the system collapses. It takes a pretty long time to gain confidence and start reworking. Maximum human rights are violated and governments may not be able to do much as damage has been done without any prior notice. People have got inner revolution—how this can be minimized and completely get rid off. Terrorism has to be tackled with full force since terrorists do all types of human rights violation. Powerful governments due to security reasons are sacrificing human rights thereby committing more crimes. This failure of governance is a clear signal of giving concession to armed groups. Human rights violation in any country should be brought to the notice of Amnesty International. In the recent times there is tremendous resistance that human rights should not be violated by any agencies. Resolutions are passed by people and forced on the government to accept and protect it. Proper democratic government should prevail, where the candidates are elected by free and fair elections and eligible voter be allowed to cast their votes. The majority party is allowed to form the government. Opposition should be allowed to work properly so that they may be able to point out the mistakes of the government in office. The most urgent requirement is that we should fix responsibly on the state . It should be known to the state that it is responsible for the present state of situation by paying less attention and almost not doing anything and refused to take notice of human rights protection. Lot of efforts is required by taking into its positive attitude and ensure that it goes into the prevailing legal system, government’s projects and plans. Subsequently such a legal order requires a policy of â€Å"no-tolerance’ for acts of violation against human rights and subsequently giving the required protection and growth of the rights. The problem has to be sorted out at all steps—beginning from, men, women, and society as well as law enforcers. As a country we have to accept the sacredness of human beings, as citizens to stand boldly and be recognized and as a society to have the boldness to see inside and tell the truth. It is quite possible that in the beginning we have to accept the fact that we all need help, having been set footing in two sets i. e. of value system and standards. To take modern achievements and values but not at all ready to give way to traditional anticipations and protectors The modern powerful democratic countries manipulate multilateral organizations to the great advantage and suffering of the poorer developing nations. In the poor countries where such laws are allowed to function without state participation –it will violate all spheres of human rights . It is seen that the reform of government is a goal of making citizens, central to all government activities and functioning, and reorganising government to sincerely find a solution of the common people. Given the vastness of the challenge, not only the legal and judicial system be overhauled to get the result, at a more practical level, an all out effort need to be made to make responsible the law enforcers. They act as the first approachable agency for people seeking early relief. Therefore they need to be made aware of the helplessness of human society and their responsibility towards them as law enforcers. Photographs of torture gives a very deep shock and it is generalised that there none to take up their suffering to the appropriate authorities. We forget the sorrow the moment we turn to the next page, it remains where it is. These photographs have a permanent bearing if we got welfare feeling in our heart. People ignore these as they are not live. If there is a possibility that the images are able to speak, they would have brought a revolution protecting the human rights. References 1. Susan Sontag (2003), Regarding the Pain of Others, Farrar, Straus and Giroux Publishers, New York

Eating Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating :: Causes of Bulimia, Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating Bulimia is an illness characterized by uncontrolled episodes of overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or other purging. Alternative names for Bulimia are Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Purge Behavior, and also Eating Disorders. In bulimia, eating binges may occur as often as several times a day. Induced vomiting known as purging allows the eating to continue without the weight gain; it may continue until interrupted by sleep, abdominal pain, or the presence of another person. The person is usually aware that their eating pattern is abnormal and may experience fear or guilt associated with the binge-purge episodes. The behavior is usually secretive, although clues to this disorder include over activity, peculiar eating habits, eating rituals, and frequent weighing. Body weight is usually normal or low, although the people may perceive themselves as overweight. The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but factors thought to contribute to its development are family problems, maladaptive behavior, self-identity conflict, and cultural overemphasis on physical appearance. Bulimia may be associated with depression. The disorder is usually not associated with any underlying physical problem although the behavior may be associated with neurological or endocrine diseases. The disorder occurs most often in females of adolescent or young adult age. The incidence is estimated to be 3% in the general population; but 20% of college women suffers from it. A cultural and family de-emphasis on physical appearance may eventually reduce the incidence of this disorder. There are several symptoms associated with bulimia such as: binge eating followed by purging, self induced vomiting, inappropriate use of diuretics and laxatives, menstruation is absent or deceased, and overachieving behavior. Bulimia is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging to try and rid the body of unwanted calories. A binge is different for all individuals. For one person a binge may range from 1000 to 10000 calories, for another, one cookie may be considered a binge. Purging methods usually involve vomiting and laxative abuse. Other forms of purging can involve excessive exercise, fasting, use of diuretics, diet pills and enemas. Bulimics are usually people that do not feel secure about their own self worth. They usually strive for the approval of others. They tend to do whatever they can to please others, while hiding their own feelings. Food becomes their only source of comfort. Bulimia also serves as a function for blocking or letting out feelings.

Carrie Chapter Thirteen

She had done it; that was enough; she was satisfied. (maybe he'll fall in love with her) She looked up as if someone had spoken from the hallway, a startled smile curving her lips. That would be a fairy-tale ending, all right. The Prince bends over the Sleeping Beauty, touches his lips to hers. Sue, I don't know how to tell you this but The smile faded. Her period was late. Almost a week late. And she had always been as regular as an almanac. The record changer clicked; another record dropped down. In the sudden, brief silence, she heard something within her turn over. Perhaps only her soul. It was nine-fifteen. Billy drove to the far end of the parking lot and pulled into a stall that faced the asphalt ramp leading to the highway. Chris started to get out and he jerked her back. His eyes glowed ferally in the dark. ‘What?' she said with angry nervousness. ‘They use a P.A. system to announce the King and Queen,' he said. Then one of the bands will play the school song. That means they're sitting there in those thrones, on target.' ‘I know all that. Let go of me. You're hurting.' He squeezed her wrist tighter still and felt small bones grind. It gave him a grim pleasure. Still, she didn't cry out She was pretty good. ‘You listen to me. I want you to know what you're getting into. Pull the rope when the song is playing. Pull it hard. There will be a little slack between the pulleys, but not much. When you pull it and feel those buckets go, run. You don't stick around to hear the screams or anything else. This is out of the cute-little-joke league. This is criminal assault, you know? They don't fine you. They put you in jail and throw the key over their shoulder.' It was an enormous speech for him. Her eyes only glared at him, full of defiant anger. ‘Dig it?' ‘Yes.' ‘All right. When the-buckets go, I'm going to run. When I get to the car, I'm going to drive away. If you're there, you can come. If youre not, I'll leave you. If I leave you and you spill your guts, I'll kill you. Do you believe me' ‘Yes. Take your fucking hand off me.' He did. An unwilling shadow-grin touched his face. May. ‘It's going to be good.' They got out of the car. It was almost nine-thirty. Vic Mooney, President of the Senior Class, was calling jovially into the mike.. ‘All right, ladies and gennelmen. Take your seats, please. Ifs time for the voting. We're going to vote for the King and Queen.' ‘This contest insults women!' Myra Crewes called with uneasy good nature. ‘It insults men, too!' George Dawson called back, and there was general laughter. Myra was silent. She had made her token protest. ‘take your seats, please!' Vic was smiling into the mike, and blushing furiously, fingering a pimple on his chin. The huge Venetian boatman behind him looked dreamily over Vic's shoulder. ‘Time to vote.' Carrie and Tommy sat down. Tina Blake and Norma Watson were circulating mimeographed ballots, and when Norma dropped one at their table and breathed ‘Good LUCK!' Carrie picked up the ballot and studied it. Her mouth popped open. ‘Tommy, we're on here!' ‘Yeah, I saw that,' he said. ‘The school votes for single candidates and their dates get sort of shanghaied into it. Welcome aboard. Shall we decline?' She bit her lip and looked at him. ‘Do you want to decline?' ‘Hell, no,' he said cheerfully. ‘If you win, an you do is sit up there for the school song and one dance and wave a sceptre and look like a goddam idiot. They take your picture for the yearbook so everyone can see you look like a goddam idiot.' ‘Who do we vote for?' She looked doubtfully from the ballot to the tiny pencil by her boatful of nuts. ‘They're more your crowd than mine.' A chuckle escaped her. ‘In fact, I don't really have a crowd.' He shrugged. ‘Let's vote for ourselves. To the devil with false modesty.' She laughed out loud, then clapped a hand over her mouth. The sound was almost entirely foreign to her. Before she could think, she circled their names, third from the top. The tiny pencil broke in her hand, and she gasped. A splinter had scratched the pad of one finger, and a small bead of blood welled. ‘You hurt yourself?' ‘No.' She smiled, but suddenly it was difficult to smile. The sight of the blood was distasteful to her. She blotted it away with her napkin. ‘But I broke the pencil and it was a souvenir. Stupid me.' `There's your boat,' he said, and pushed it toward her. ‘Toot, toot.' Her throat closed, and she felt sure she would weep and then be ashamed. She did not, but her eyes glimmered like prisms and she lowered her head so he would not see. The band was playing catchy fill-in music while the Honour Society ushers collected the folded-over ballots. They were taken to the chaperones' table by the door, where Vic and Mr Stephens and the Lublins counted them. Miss Geer surveyed it all with grim gimlet eyes. Carrie felt an unwilling tension worm into her, tightening muscles in her stomach and back. She held Tommy's hand tightly. It was absurd, of course. No one was going to vote for them. The stallion, perhaps, but not when harnessed in tandem with a she-ox. It would be Frank and Jessica or maybe Don Farnham and Helen Shyres. Or – hell! Two piles were growing larger than the others. Mr Stephens finished dividing the slips and all four of them took turns at counting the large piles, which looked about the same. They put their heads together, conferred, and counted once more. Mr Stephens, nodded, thumbed the ballots once more like a man about to deal a hand of poker, and gave them back to Vic. He climbed back on stage and approached the mike. The Billy Bosman Band played a flourish. Vic smiled nervously, harrumphed into the mike, and blinked at the sudden feedback whine. He nearly dropped the ballots to the floor, which was covered with heavy electrical cables, and somebody snickered. ‘We've sort of hit a snag,' Vic said artlessly. ‘Mr Lublin says this is the first time in the history of the Spring Ball-‘ ‘How far does he go back?' someone behind Tommy mumbled. ‘Eighteen hundred?' ‘We've got a tie.' This got a murmer from the crowd. ‘Polka dots or striped?' George Dawson called, and there was some laughter. Vic gave a twitchy smile and almost dropped the ballots again. ‘Sixty-three votes for Frank Grier and Jessica MacLean, and sixty-three votes for Thomas Ross and Carrie White.' This was followed by a moment of silence, and then sudden, swelling applause. Tommy looked across at his date. Her head was lowered, as if in shame, but he had a sudden feeling. (carrie carrie carrie) not unlike the one he had had when he asked her to the prom. His mind felt as if something alien was moving in there, calling Carrie's name over and over again. As if ‘Attention!' Vic was calling. ‘If I could have your attention, please.' The applause quieted. ‘We're going to have a run-off ballot. When the people passing out the slips of paper get to you, please write the couple you favour on it.' He left the mike, looking relieved. The ballots were circulated; they had been hastily torn from leftover prom programmes. The band played unnoticed and people talked excitedly. ‘They weren't applauding for us,' Carrie said, looking up The thing he had felt (or thought he had felt) was gone ‘It couldn't have been for us.' ‘Maybe it was for you.' She looked at him, mute. ‘What's taking it so long?' she hissed at him. ‘I beard them clap. Maybe that was it. If you fucked up-‘ The length of jute cord hung between them limply, untouched since Billy had poked a screwdriver through the vent and lifted it out. ‘Don't worry,' he said calmly. ‘They'll play the school song. They always do.' ‘But-‘ ‘Shut up. You talk too fucking much.' The tip of his cigarette winked peacefully in the dark. She shut. But (oh when this is over you're going to get it buddy maybe you'll go to bed with lover's nuts tonight) her mind ran furiously over his words, storing them. People did not speak to her in such a manner. Her father was a lawyer. It was seven minutes to ten. He was holding the broken pencil in his hand, ready to write, when she touched his wrist lightly, tentatively. ‘Don't . .' ‘What?' ‘Don't vote for us,' she said finally. He raised his eyebrows quizzically. ‘Why not? In for a penny, in for a pound. That's what my mother always says.' (mother) A picture rose in her mind instantly, her mother droning endless prayers to a towering, faceless, columnar God who prowled roadhouse parking lots with a sword of fire in one hand. Terror rose in her blackly, and she had to fight with all her spirit to hold it back. She could not explain her dread, her sense of premonition. She could only smile helplessly and repeat: ‘Don't. Please.' The Honour Society ushers were coming back, collecting folded slips. He hesitated a moment longer, then suddenly scrawled Tommy and Carrie on the ragged slip of paper. ‘For you,' he said. ‘Tonight you go first-class.' She could not reply, for the premonition was on her. her mother's face. The knife slipped from the whetstone, and in an instant it had sliced the cup of her palm below the thumb. She looked at the cut. It bled slowly, thickly, from the open lips of the wound running out of her hand and spotting the worn linoleum of the kitchen floor. Good, then. It was good. The blade had tasted flesh and let blood. She did not bandage it but tipped the flow over the cutting edge, letting the blood dull the blade's edge, then she began to sharpen again, heedless of the droplets which splattered her dress. If thine right eye offend thee, pluck it out If it was a hard scripture, it was also sweet and good. A fitting scripture for those who lurked in the doorway shadows of one-night hotels and in the weeds behind bowling alleys. Pluck it out (oh and the nasty music they play) Pluck it (the girls show their underwear how it sweats how it sweats blood) out The Black Forest cuckoo began to strike ten and (cut her guts out on the floor) if thine right eye offend thee, pluck it out The dress was done and she could not watch the television or take out her books or call Nancy on the phone. There was nothing to do but sit on the sofa facing the blackness of the kitchen window and feel some nameless sort of fear growing in her like an infant coming to dreadful term. With a sigh she began to massage her arms absently. They were cold and prickly. It was twelve after ten and there was no reason, really no reason, to feel that the world was coming to an end. The stacks were higher this time, but they still looked exactly the same. Again, three counts were taken to make sure. Then Vic Mooney went to the mike again. He paused a moment, relishing the blue feel of tension in the air, and then announced simply: `Tommy and Carrie win. By one vote.' Dead silence for a moment, then applause filled the hall again, some of it not without satiric overtones. Carrie drew in a startled, smothered gasp, and Tommy again felt (but for only a second) that weird vertigo in his mind (carrie carrie carrie carrie) that seemed to blank out all thought but the name and image of this strange girl he was with. For a fleeting second he was literally scared shitless. Something fell on the floor with a clink, and at the same instant the candle between them whiffed out. Then Josie and the Moonglows were playing a rock version of Pomp and Circumstance, the ushers appeared at their table (almost magically; all this had been rehearsed meticulously by Miss Geer who, according to rumour, ate slow and clumsy ushers for lunch), a sceptre wrapped in aluminium foil was thrust into Tommy's hand, a robe with a lush dog-fur collar was thrown over Carrie's shoulders, and they were being led down the centre aisle by a boy and a girl in white blazers. The band blared. The audience applauded. Miss Geer looked vindicated. Tommy Ross was grinning bemusedly. They were ushered up the steps to the apron, led across to the thrones, and seated. Still the applause swelled. The sarcasm in it was lost now; it was honest and deep, a little frightening. Carrie was glad to sit down. It was all happening too fast. Her legs were trembling under her and suddenly, even with the comparatively high neck of her gown, her breasts (dirtypillows) felt dreadfully exposed. The sound of the applause in her ears made her feel woozy, almost punch-drunk. Part of her was actually convinced that all this was a dream from which she would wake with mixed feeling of loss and relief. Vic boomed into the mike: ‘The King and Queen of the 1979 Spring Ball – Tommy ROSS and Carrie WHITE' Still applause, swelling and booming and crackling. Tommy Ross in the fading moments of his life now, took Carrie's hand and grinned at her, thinking that Suzie's intuition had been very right. Somehow she grinned back. TOMMY (she was right and i love her well i love this one too this carrie she is beautiful and it's right and i love all of them the light the light in her eyes) and Carrie (can't see them the lights are too bright i can hear them but can't see them the shower remember the shower o momma it's too high i think i want to get down o are they laughing and ready to throw things to point and scream with laughter i can't see them i can't see them it's all too bright) and the beam above them. Both bands, in a sudden and serendipitous coalition of rock and brass, swung into the school song. The audience rose to its feet and began to sing, still applauding. It was ten-o-seven. Billy had just flexed his knees to make the Joints pop. Chris Hargensen stood next to him with increasing aura of nervousness. Her hands played aimlessly along the seams of the jeans she had worn and she was biting the softness of her lower lip, chewing at it, making it a little ragged. ‘You think they'll vote for them?, Billy said softly.

Physician Assisted Suicide Is Not Considered Admissible

Physician assisted suicide- the voluntary termination of one’s own life by administration of a lethal substance with the direct or indirect assistance of a physician, and euthanasia, the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable, painful disease are both highly emotional and contentious subjects. Some argue physician assisted suicide (P.A.S.) is admissible for someone who is dying and trying to painlessly break free from the intolerable suffering at the end of their life, and some attempt to argue physician assisted suicide is not considered admissible because it violates the doctor’s Hippocratic oath and other reasons. From research, I believe, however, that there are some solutions that take sides with and against P.A.S. and euthanasia, but when they’re debated against each other there is a stronger argument for allowing the legalization and practices of P.A.S. rather than degrading the practice and prohibiting it. In today’s modern society, to prohibit a law or practice takes greater effort and stronger argument than permitting a law or practice. In result of this, the rights and liberty of an individual are very important and would require captivating reasons to overrule it. Since the decision to choose for physician assisted suicide or euthanasia is extremely personal, the famous â€Å"innocent until proven guilty† is to be stressed to a great extent when dealing with this topic on debate terms. An individual has a basic right to determine the course ofShow MoreRelatedShould Euthanasia Be Legalized?1536 Words   |  7 Pagesrevealed that most of the participants who requested euthanasia had the diagnosis of cancer, neurological disease, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Back et al. 919). This study also uncovered that â€Å"the patient concerns most often perceived by physicians were worries about loss of control, being a burden, being dependent on others for personal c are, and loss of dignity† (Back et al. 919). Although some argue that euthanasia is the best way to die for terminally-ill patients, it should be bannedRead MoreShould The Terminally Ill Patients or their Family Seek Assistance in Taking their Own Lives?1495 Words   |  6 PagesThe use of oxygen therapy is widely acknowledged as a standard treatment when treating patients who present with conditions which lead to reduced oxygenation of tissues due to respiratory failure and or reduced tissue perfusion. Oxygen therapy is considered a relatively safe and efficient form of treatment. According to Bellomo, Bailey and Eastwood (2011) â€Å"the fraction of inspired oxygen (FO2(I)) associated with oxygen therapy can range from 25 % to 100 %, compared with normal FO2(I) of 21 % when breathingRead MoreIss 225 John Molloy Final Exam Study Guide Fall Semester 20128139 Words   |  33 Pagescourt ruled that the city statute against cross burning is unconstitutional, it interferes with free speech rights. For Virginia v. Black, the court ruled that making a law against cross burning is not unconstitutional, but cross burning cannot be considered prima facie evidence of intent to discriminate. What did the Supreme Court rule in Snyder v. Phelps in 2011? Speech on the sidewalk about a public issue cannot be liable for a tort of emotional distress, even if the speech is outrageous. CourtRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesrepercussions of transcontinental and overseas American interventions from the late 1800s. The last two essays in this collection focus on vital themes that assumed growing importance in the last decades of the twentieth century, and will very likely be considered by subsequent generations to be among the processes that distinguish that era, not only from those proceeding it but from the rest of human history altogether. The essay by Gabrielle Hecht and Paul Edwards provides a nuanced interweaving of analyses