Rights of the Gay Persons in the US Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rights of the Gay Persons in the US - Essay Example The ways in which rights of gay persons are handled in the US vary from state to state begging the question of whether these people deserve a constitutional right on their choices when it comes to sexual orientation.In Mississippi State, for instance, Governor Phil Bryant signed into law the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Those in support of the bill were of the opinion that it assured unrestrained practice of religion for every citizen devoid of interference by the government. On the other hand opponents of the law had a major worry informed by the opinion that it was bound to allow state-sponsored discrimination against individuals because of their gay or lesbian identities.   The bill was fiercely protested by a supporter of rights for the gay across the state. Founder of the Mississippi Gulf Lesbian and Gay Community Centre express his worry that the law was likely to render him extremely vulnerable to being treated unfairly. White said, â€Å"It made me physic ally ill the past few days realizing what they’re trying to do† and for that reason, he even considered moving out of Mississippi.New Mexico State is one of those states where the rights of gay persons are respected and discrimination of any kind is illegal. In the case Elane photography v Willock for instance, the court found Elane photography guilty for discriminating against the couple on the grounds of their sexual orientation. In the ruling, the court said, â€Å"When Elane Photography refused to photograph a same-sex commitment ceremony, it violated the NMHRA in the same way as if it had refused to photograph a wedding between people of different races.† The ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court and wide reference made to the earlier ruling by Supreme Court on in the case of U.S v Windsor in which the part of the Defence Marriage Act defining marriage as a union between only a man and a woman was struck down.

Literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Literature review - Essay Example The health care industry in any given country is as much a system and an industry. In the case of Australia, the health care system is not managed hierarchically. It is not also designed centrally by the government. The participants in the health care in Australia, namely the consumers and the providers, do enjoy a great degree of autonomy and independence. Nonetheless, the health care system occupies an important portion in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Australia—the health care sector currently accounts for 9.7% of this GDP (Podger, 2005, p. 1). In spite of the degree of freedom enjoyed by health care practitioners and recipients, the government still plays a large part in the industry. According to Podger (2005, p. 1-2), the objectives of the health care system are (1) good health for the citizens; (2) health care is equitable, meaning it is available and accessible to all citizens, taking into account their capacity to pay; (3) costs reasonably low; and (4) the satisfaction of consumers and of health care professionals. To meet these objectives, the government, inevitably intervenes. In the interest of promoting equity, the government reallocates its resources to meet the needs of the population. Secondly, health has several features that involve public goods; as such, the government is also involved in the prevention of diseases and the safety of foods and drugs. The role of the government becomes especially important because of market failures as well as the provision of asymmetric or incomplete information. Especially in the case of the health insurance industry, the government steps in to regulate the industry so that the consumers are protected and are given the health care they need at the right cost (Podger, 2005, p. 3). Yet, in order for the health care system to be efficient and for it to become accessible to all sectors, both the public and the

Stereotypes And Realities Of The Japanese Yakuza Criminology Essay

Stereotypes And Realities Of The Japanese Yakuza Criminology Essay Part 1: Yakuza as Criminals First and foremost, the Yakuza is a crime syndicate and hence it is unsurprising that they indulge in all sorts of criminal activities that involve the vices (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. xviii). The more major activities would be gambling, prostitution, extortion and drug dealing (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. xviii). The yakuzas involvement with gambling can be said to date back to a few hundred years ago, back when some of the yakuza were known as the bakuto, also known as the gamblers (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 7). The bakuto is one of the ancestors of the yakuza and another ancestor would be the tekiya (the peddlers) (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 7), but some yakuza do not regard themselves to be the same as the tekiya (Saga, 1991, p. 195). In the 20th century, the yakuzas gambling activities mainly involved running gambling joints in the entertainment district, where attracting and retaining their customers were of paramount significance. Besides the gambling joint being constantly raided by the police (since running gambling joints is illegal in itself), the yakuza were actually professional gamblers that generally do not cheat as it would chase away their customers once they were found out (Saga, 1991). More recently, besides handling betting on various activities such as Sumo Wrestling and horse races, the Yakuza have also incorporated pachinko parlours into their gambling activities which has been very profitable for them since pachinko is legal and is Japans national gambling pastime (Stratfor, 2012, Criminal Enterprises section, para. 2). The Yakuza have also invested great efforts into prostitution as it is a highly profitable industry that caters to great demand from Japanese men. This has caused the yakuza to have a hand in pornography and human trafficking as well (Stratfor, 2012, Criminal Enterprises section, para. 3). In the human trafficking aspect, the yakuza exploit young foreign women by luring them from overseas to Japan, then forcing them to work in the sex industry. Sometimes, unwanted female children from China are bought for this purpose as well (Bruno, 2012, chap. 4). As for the pornography aspect, not only do the Yakuza produce and sell pornography that may include underage girls (Stratfor, 2012, Criminal Enterprises section, para. 4), they also smuggle in pornography material from overseas (Bruno, 2012, chap. 4). In the case of extortion by the Yakuza, a phenomenon known as the sokaiya has to be briefly mentioned. By sokaiya, one refers to people who disrupt shareholder meetings by engaging in various acts, be it through violence or other forms of disruption; thus members of the corporation pay these people to prevent them from disturbing the shareholder meetings (Szymkowiak, 2002, p. 5). Often, these sokaiya buy some shares in a company to gain them access to these meetings then dig up ugly secrets of the corporation or its members and threaten to disrupt the impending shareholder meeting and reveal these secrets if they are not paid. Their demands are usually met by members of the corporation for fear of unsightly revelations (Bruno, 2012, chap. 4). Due to the ease in which money could be obtained from the corporations as well as the low risk of such an activity (the corporations were unlikely to report the extortion to the authorities since they were afraid the sokaiya would reveal their s ecrets), the yakuza readily engaged in such a form of extortion and [amassed] large cash payoffs from corporations (Szymkowiak, 2002, p. 76). As for drug dealing, the yakuza mainly deal in amphetamines. These stimulant drugs were legal and rampant during and after World War 2, where they were mainly used by soldiers and civilians respectively. Amphetamine abuse was so severe that the Stimulant Drug Control Law was passed in 1951 to curb the use of amphetamines and this law was effective to some extent (Hill, 2003, p. 99). However, even today, drug abuse still occurs in the form of methamphetamine injections. The yakuza dominate this industry due to their availability of resources and manpower which allows them to be able to handle this illegal industry; some yakuza members are consumers of these drugs as well. Although there is contempt within the yakuza towards those that deal with drugs, many yakuza still turn to drug dealing to sustain their lifestyles (Hill, 2003, p. 100) since drug dealing is a very lucrative industry (Hill, 2003, p. 101). It is so lucrative that about a third of the yakuzas income comes from drug dea ling, especially in methamphetamines (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. xviii). Hence, it seems that the Yakuza engage quite heavily in criminal activities and are indeed criminals. In fact, in the National Police Agency White Paper in 1989 (as cited in Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 131), about 80.3% of the yakuzas income is derived from illegal activities, among which the more significant activities will be stimulant drug trafficking (34.8%) and gambling (16.9%). In this case, the yakuzas criminal activities may have led to them being stereotyped as criminals, which they really are. However, it is doubtful as to whether they are the typical criminals that everyone expects them to be. For example, in movies and novels, the yakuza are always reaching for swords and guns but that is not actually the case as they do not want to catch the attention of the police and cause their businesses to close down (Saga, 1991, p. 194). This is an interesting point that seems to portray the yakuza as businessmen. Also, the yakuza are open about their identities as yakuza despite their criminal activities. It is not uncommon to see them wearing accessories declaring their gang affiliation and they also openly display their gang emblems on their offices. Some of the yakuza leaders have even apologised to the public through press conferences for any inconvenience they might have caused during gang wars (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. xviii). All these actions make them seem different from the typical criminal that is often covert about their criminal identity and this is what distinguishes the Japanese Yakuza from the Mafia. Part 2: Yakuza as chivalrous followers of samurai values Besides being criminals, the yakuza also exhibit chivalry in some instances which could be attributed to the influence of the samurai in many aspects of the yakuza. One such aspect would be the relationship between the bosses and the yakuza members which is known as oyabun-kobun (father role-child role). This relationship is uniquely Japanese as it is derived from the lord and vassal relationship of the samurai which originated in feudal Japan. This relationship entails the loyalty and subservience of the kobun in return for the guidance and protection of the oyabun (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 8). A result of this relationship is yubitsume which is a way for an errant yakuza member to pay penance to his leader. Yubitsume involves the severing of a little finger joint which is then offered to the leader. This tradition contributes to one of the most common stereotypes of the yakuza, which is that they all have missing fingers. Also, yubitsume actually has its origins from a few centuries ago when the more influential yakuza wielded the katana (the weapon of the samurai) and the loss of a finger joint will weaken their grip of the katana. This increases the reliance of the errant member on his leader and he therefore becomes more indebted (Stratfor, 2012, Inside the Yakuza World section, para. 5). Once again, the influence of the samurai, which is a Japanese entity, can be seen in the traditions of the Yakuza. Another thing that the Yakuza adopted from the samurai would be the values from bushido, in particular the values of ninjo (obligation or strong sense of duty) and giri (human feeling). With these values, the yakuza could demonstrate that they, like the samurai, could combine compassion and kindness with their martial skills (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 17). These values are part of what makes the yakuza uniquely Japanese. Furthermore, the adoption of these values may have contributed to the stereotypical yakuza hero that was formerly portrayed in yakuza movies in the 1960s a chivalrous yakuza that had to choose between his interests and obligations (Schilling, 2003, p. 23). Additionally, the Japanese Yakuza demonstrated their chivalry when they generously provided various types of relief supplies to disaster victims after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan; they also did so after the Kobe earthquake in 1995 (Norman, 2011). The chivalry demonstrated by the yakuza casts doubt on th eir identities as criminals and sets them apart from ordinary criminals and perhaps other criminal organisations like the Mafia (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 18). However, there are some that argue that the yakuza were more chivalrous in the past. Shotaro Hayashi, a yakuza boss, asserted that the real yakuza existed until only the end of the Showa era [1925] and that there was more chivalry in those days (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 126). This could be why the stereotype of the yakuza has seemed to change in recent years; the modern-day gangsters as portrayed in more recent yakuza movies are more merciless and far from noble, yet they are said to be more realistic (Schilling, 2003, p. 19). This shift in portrayal calls into question what the yakuza really are currently. Yet, the current stereotype in the yakuza movies seems to be contradicted by the recent actions of the yakuza in the Japanese earthquake or perhaps there might be a deeper meaning behind the actions of the yakuza. Part 3: Yakuza as nationalists Besides being chivalrous followers of the samurai values, the yakuza are also nationalists. The beginning of the nationalist yakuza began in 1881 when Mitsuru Toyama set up the Genyosha (Dark Ocean Society), the forerunner of Japans modern secret societies and patriotic groups. This led to the creation of a new type of yakuza that were heavily involved in political activities, specifically ultranationalism (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 22). They funded their political activities through sponsorships from wealthy patrons or typical yakuza crimes. Initially, the more traditional yakuza acted separately from these new yakuza but as it became clear that they shared similar beliefs (such as Shinto) (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 23) and both favoured the right wing (due to threats from the left wing), many of the bosses and their gangs converted to ultranationalism (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 24). In 1919, a national federation of gangsters, the Kokusui-kai, was created, which eventually became the par amilitary arm of one of Japans significant political parties then; eventually, some yakuza bosses even managed to become members of the parliament (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 25). Besides that, the yakuza continued to contribute manpower for fighting and other purposes so as to advance their cause (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. 26). Although all these events happened before the war, even till today the yakuza are affiliated with the Liberal Democratic Party, which is a right-leaning political party (Stratfor, 2012, The Meiji Restoration section, para. 4). In this case the yakuza seem to be just Japanese trying to advance a political cause in Japan, instead of criminals. Part 4: Yakuza as Mafia The Japanese Yakuza can also be seen as similar to another non-Japanese criminal syndicate, namely the Mafia. After all, the criminal activities that the yakuza are involved in are quite similar to those of the Mafia. Also, like the Mafia, the yakuza are influential in the construction and entertainment industries; they also control numerous legitimate businesses which are sometimes used as fronts for their illegal ones. Both of them have some political power behind the scenes as well (Kaplan Dubro, 2003, p. xviii). The most striking similarity between the two criminal syndicates will perhaps be their unwritten laws as shown in Kaplan Dubro (2003): Never reveal the secrets of the organization. Never violate the wife or children of another member. No personal involvement with narcotics. Do not withhold money from the gang. Do not fail in obedience to superiors. Do not appeal to the police or even the lawà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(p. 125) These similarities seem to suggest that the Japanese Yakuza might have been influenced by entities outside of Japan as both the Yakuza and the Mafia are involved in similar activities and are governed by the same rules. Conclusion There is little doubt that the Japanese Yakuza are indeed criminals as their involvement in various criminal activities is extensive. However, they seem to differ somewhat from the average gangster due to the values they seem to uphold, which could be due to their Japanese roots and the influence that the Japanese samurai had on them. Furthermore, the yakuza seem to be strongly affiliated with the political right-wing of Japan, making them akin to nationalists as well. Their similarities with the Mafia, though obvious, seem to be rather limited as various differences can be noted and were mentioned in the paper. Ultimately, the yakuza are originated from and based in Japan, so although it would be a stretch to call them uniquely Japanese as no nationality is completely unique, they definitely possess the characteristics that show that they are Japanese.

Staying Dry on Game Day :: Descriptive Essay Examples, narrative

Staying Dry on Game Day I wandered aimlessly through the bowels of the structure trying to uncover an unsuspecting vendor selling some protection from the rain. The only thing I discovered was one small booth with nothing to sell. As I approached, several other people followed my lead. I walked up and asked where I could find a poncho to beat the relentless elements outside. The bearded hippo rose up from his resting state and sharply answered my question telling me that a box would be arriving here at any time. Resisting the temptation to depress my partially thawed fist into his crumb laden, burly face, I calmly waited in line with others. As I waited for a supposed shipment, the sweet odor of fresh baked bread drifted past my nose. I had no idea where they were coming from until I turned around and saw a man in a burgundy apron removing hot dogs buns from three bags and placing the buns in the display window of his booth. While the thought of a nice warm, processed meat tube seemed oddly inviting , my focus moved toward something else. Standing there, still dripping from the rain outside, I was beginning to grow impatient about the ponchos. At that moment, a newly defrosted neuron fired. My intuition went in to full gear. I thought if I couldn’t buy something to protect myself from the rain, I would just make one myself. Diving at the trash can, I drove my hand down into the dark abyss of the stationary canister. My hand searched for the right texture of what I desired. After rummaging through what felt like an empty pop can and some napkins, my hands flew out of the trash can to reveal to my eyes the fruit of my labor. I was now the new facilitator of three, freshly discarded hot dog bun bags. With the loot in hand, I made a mad dash for a quiet area in the corridor. Like a robber trying to mask their identity, I proceeded to punch the bottoms out of two bags. The other bag I sat aside for the moment. I took the two mutilated pieces of plastic and pulled them over my boots and up on my thighs which were mostly dry by now.

How Is Animal Abuse Linked to Human Abuse Essay

How is animal abuse linked to human abuse? What is animal abuse? Abuse is define to be a misuse or mistreatment and attempt to harm another person or thing. Several studies have shown that animal abuse and neglect may indicate that others in the home maybe at risk of abuse and neglect, also. Abuse has become a common place across the nation and taking on many different forms of abuse. It is believed that animals as well as humans have every right to a good life just as those who physically, psychologically, and sexually perform such act against them. Physical abuse is known as to involving contact intended to cause feelings of intimidation, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm. It is said, â€Å"Physical abuse is when a person hits, slam, pulls hair, harms by use of weaponry, murder, bites, or burns. Whereas physical neglect is failure or delay to provide healthcare, abandonment an expulsion. Neglect is also includes leaving a child under inadequate supervision, nutrit ion, hygiene and clothing as well as in regards to safety and welfare†(Jilani. Difference between Abuse and Neglect. May 6, 2010) Animal and human abuse fall hand in hand when coming to such situations. There are countless abuse cases of animals being cared for with cruelty and has related in every situation involving a human. Both relate very similarly when being faced with such harmful and abusive environment. The pain, suffering and death upon an animal being physically abused can compare to a human being physically abused by their spouse or one who is the abuser. The list can go on different ways an individual will perform acts of abuse toward the subjects. Thesis statement: In today’s society, cruelty towards animals is a growing epidemic because people do not have the value this worth of animal life. These acts of have placed many innocent lives into danger and until this day it still occurs. Studies have shown that â€Å"In 88 percent of 53 families where various forms of child abuse had taken place, animal abuse had also occurred. In two thirds of these families the animal abuser was the father figure; in one third it was a child. The researchers suggested that, in s uch cases, pet abuse by children was often a manifestation of children was often a manifestation of children’s response to their own victimization; a replication of the dynamics of their own abuse  on powerless pet figures. Of 233 British families with a history of animals neglect. In one study of battered women, 57 percent of those with pets said their partners had harmed or killed the animals. One in four said that she stayed with the batterer because she feared leaving the pet behind† (Pet-Abuse.com, 2001) These are the relationships of animals and humans when in dealing in such physical within a household or just an abuser who has no heart to give proper care for one of the two. This article also states of families who are being abused by other members within the family hood would tend to do the same well aware of his or her actions and is careless of their actions. Here is where an individual’s rights will come into play to protect themselves from being harmed in every way such. An animal should be given every equal right to live a good life and be given the nurture and care that is needed. There are lists of abuses an animal or human may face on a daily basis but another abuse that is popular in dealing with abuse cases is being psychologically abused. Psychological abuse is defined as emotional or mental abuse. These two characters of abuse basically are being abused imperceptibly when dealing with the mind. This is known to be more harmful only due to it affecting how a person may think and feel about themselves. An animal abuse in a psychological form may be similar. The abuser will teach the animal of thinking in ways that may cause the innocent animal to feel harmed and afraid. In this type of environment an animal or human might believe what the abuser is saying and continue to follow with the mentality of feeling frightful that if they disobey they will be abused. It states that â€Å"the abuser projects their word, attitude or actions onto an unsuspecting victim usually because they themselves have not dealt with childhood wounds that are now causing them to h arm others† (BOGDANOS, 2013). There is huge relationship of animal being abused linked to a human that is sin the same position. They will be verbally being hit with harsh words that will hurt how they will react to such abusive actions psychologically. As we understand that being psychologically abused may not cause physical damage but it may cause those being abused pain and scarring. The National Coalition against Domestic Violence stated â€Å"Psychological abuse is the systematic perpetration of malicious and explicit nonphysical health of the  victim and victim’s loved ones, controlling the victim’s freedom, and effectively acting to destabilize or isolate the victim. Psychological abuse frequently occurs prior to or concurrently with physical or sexually abuse. While psychological abuse increases the trauma of physical and sexual abuse, a number of studies have demonstrated that psychological abuse independently causes long-term damage to its victims, mental health† (VIOLENCE,2005-2011). This can lead into an unhealthy relationship if the abusiveness continues and may result into physical violence. It can result in depression, problems with self-esteem, poor sleep, alcohol or drug use, and becoming suicidal, among other things. People who are being abused may feel absolutely trapped in a relationship that they cannot escape, and begin to feel that they somehow deserve the abuse. Being abused with your emotions and mind may cause a thing or person to believe even more the self –esteem drops, you lose confidence and you find it hard to get back on the right track of mind. A few example of psychological abuse as stated in a site are â€Å"emotional abuse includes non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or â€Å"checking in†, excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation, isolation or stalking† (loveisrespect.org, 2007-2013). It is when someone’s insult and disrespect you verbally. It causes a person pain mentally and emotionally. Effects that may occur in facing psychological abuse are well known to those who are the abuser and to every other individually who is willing lend a helping in saving a life. There may be a list of ways to heal and solve the iss ue of being abused but it is up to the individually that will not let anyone nor their words or actions falter you from living life. Last but not least another link of abuse between animals and humans is sexual abuse. The American Psychological Association defines sexual abuse as â€Å"sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent. Most victims and perpetrators know each other. Immediate reactions to sexual abuse include shock, fear or disbelief. Long-term symptoms include anxiety, fear or post-traumatic stress disorder. While efforts to treat sex offenders remain unpromising, psychological interventions for survivors, especially group therapy that appears effective† (ASSOCISTION, 2013). This information has shared quite a link between animals and humans when dealing with sexual  abuse. The relationship of being sexually abused is similar. For instance, the abuser will force themselves unto an animal or human and perform unwanted acts sexually that is not pleasing and very harmful to this innocent life. There are many other relationships as of humans performing sexual activity upon animals, which are against the law and should not even be thought upon in the first place. Others may be of another human against another human. They may show sexual abusive actions that may cause fear to the victim and forcefully perform such actions. These are some ways that are mostly known of how animals or humans may be sexually abused. Some could be of two individuals who practically know each other well, but one may feel in need of sexual activity and will forcefully do so while the victim is refusing. Here is another infamous way that we most often hear when it comes down it sexu al abuse. Sexual abuse has been around for many of years. As for animals, there are several of reasons why humans sexually abuse animals. They use animals as to experiments, in pornography, as sexual partner to gain satisfaction of their wants of pleasures and needs. For these reasons it has become as to force an animal, physical violence involves the use of animals for degradation and sexual exploitation of the battered partner. According to Lenore Walker (1979), bestiality may be a part of further tormenting and humiliating the victim. In Walker’s (1984) interviews with battered women, bestiality was mentioned as one of the â€Å"unusual sex acts† desired by their partners, it was found that this experience occurred with 41% of the battering partners and 5% of the non-battering partners. Child sexual abusers may also sexually abuse animals to enhance, expand or extend the abuse of the genuinely powerless and unsuspecting victim (Adam, 1994). Some case studies of sexual abuse of children include reports of forcing children to interact sexually with animals (Ascione, 1993). A child’s sexual abuse of an animal may be a warning sign that the child is a victim or witness of physical, sexual or emotional abuse† (SHEET). In conclusion, we have come to an understanding of all the different types if animal and within this research. As we know that the rate of abused animals and humans has risen dramatically over the past years. There has not  been much of a change from a day basis. Physical abuse as we all knows that it is the most well-known form of abuse that is being faced and is the traumatic one deal with. In other cases, Psychological abuse is another serious form of abuse although it is not as harmful as being physically abused. As to being sexually abused is another form which adds on to the list of abuses. These few forms have not only harmed innocent lives but have caused so much hurt and taken time away to heal. Animals and humans may be saved if dealt and prevented in the early stages of abuse. Others times it might be too late which may cost one to lose their life over carelessness and being mistreated or misused. Today’s society continue to strive in searching for ways to save lives of those being abused and to educate those in whom are abusers of what wrong doings they have become. Being that animals are not humans but their relationship is similar to each other and how they are treated. This is why I believe that animals and humans should be treated equally along with the rights against abusers in order to save their innocent lives from falling into hands of the abusers. References ASSOCIATION, A.P. (2013). SEXUAL ABUSE. Retrieved from AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: http://www.apa.org/topics/sexual-abuse/ BOGDANOS, M. (2013, 05 31). SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE. Retrieved from PSCH CENTRAL: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/02/20/signs-of-emotional-abuse/ Loveisrespect.org. (2007-2013). Emotional and verbal abuse. Retrived feom loveisrespect.org: http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/what-is-emotional-verbal-abuse Pet-Abuse.com. (2001). Pet-Abuse.com. Retrieved from Pet-Abuse.com: http://www.pet- abuse.com/pages/abused_connection/whole_pictures.php SHEET, A. S. (n.d). ANIMAL SEXUAL ABUSE FACTS SHEET. Retrived from ANIMAL SEXUAL ABUSE FACTS SHEET: http://www.vactf.org/pdfs/bestiality-factsheet.pdf VIOLENCE, N.C. (2005-2011). PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE. Retrieved from NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: http://www.ncadv.org/files/Psychological Abuse.pdf

Halloween in Calgary

Story assignment two Halloween is one of the biggest days of the year, and from the many who celebrate it can agree that a lot goes into preparation. â€Å"This is the one time a year where you get to dress up and pretend to be someone you're not† said Sean Mason. A first year SAIT ACAD student excited to spend his first Halloween living on SAIT's residence and celebrate his first in Calgary. Halloween is celebrated differently the older we get, from going door to door receiving candies from strangers to preparing nd attending parties.Some are traditions that people share with their families and others Just like to celebrate by themselves. â€Å"Being away from family is tough around Halloween†. Mason told me, â€Å"l take my sister trick or treating every year, guess this is the one year she'll have to go without me and that's kind of heartbreaking. † It's amazing how something as small as taking a younger sibling trick or treating could have such a huge signifi cance. With all the things he will miss, Mason is still looking forwards to the holidays.He seems to be excited for the spending Halloween with some of the new classmates and friends he's met this semester, and experience first-hand Halloween in Calgary. Not all post-secondary students Halloween celebrations are full of excitement, so claims second year SAIT business student Krystal Duffy. â€Å"Halloween is the one night a year where girls use that lame excuse to dress slutty, and honestly it sickens me.