Analyzing White America Essay

After viewing â€Å"Analyzing White America† by Paul Mooney, I was initially taken aback by the content. I never expected the rawness that Mooney brought to the stage and he hit the ground running with such a tone without looking back. A lot of the material made me laugh or at the very least smile because i found it to be identifiable with my own life and some of the surroundings that I was brought up in. The part that I found most amusing was Mooney’s suggestion that white people were happier before slavery was abolished. I believe racism is very much present in today’s world. When I was growing up, I can recall plenty of neighborhoods in my hometown that were considered â€Å"white† or even â€Å"black† for that matter. In these neighborhoods, if you were not from that part of town, you were not considered welcomed there. Any parts of the film that I did not laugh at, there was no particular reason other than I simply was not amused by the material because there were not any parts that I found personally offensive. I feel as though the word â€Å"nigger† is so controversial solely because of it’s history and the origin of it’s meaning. This word was meant to degrade and disparage African Americans when it was originated. Today, people use the term in a different context. The new meaning is one of affection but with it’s use comes this unwritten rule that white people are prohibited from saying it. I never could wrap my mind fully around the idea that I can say the word â€Å"nigga† in reference to a friend of mine but a white kid was not allowed to use it, in the same context, all because we are of different races. In my opinion, it’s not right for either myself or a white person to use the word in any context. In today’s society, everything is just as much about race as it was in the days of slavery. The only difference between now and then is that openly addressing the issues that we, as a culture, all have with race is socially unacceptable. Mooney’s antics on stage were not without warrant. He recognizes that racism is still a major issue and he chooses to address it differently than the average person. Paul’s words are not meant to slander or belittle any one race, religion, or ethnice group, but instead he wants to make his audience to expand their minds and think about what it is he is really saying. Granted, his demeanor is controversial, I believe he achieves just that.

Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

In Phillip L. Reichel’s book Criminal Justice systems 6th edition Phillip Reichel uses the historical, political and descriptive approaches to compare criminal justice systems, although it is the institution and actors strategy that Lynch emphasizes. Legal systems and legal traditions have been studied and compared since the early 18th century. We will be discussing why criminal justice systems are studied and evaluating and comparing how the historical, political and descriptive approaches are used to study today’s criminal justice systems.In reference to why we study other justice systems although a society cannot replace their legal system completely with that of another country’s legal system it is important that we use comparative studies, as there are both provincial and universal benefits. Comparing how other criminal justice systems operate provides a point of contrast for a country’s own justice system also enabling them to analyse and to better u nderstand their legal system in order to help improve the way in which their system operates.As to the universal benefits comparative studies help nations to better understand differences and similarities in other nation’s justice systems to help them cooperate and work together to combat international crime. Although law enforcement agencies have worked together for centuries with the first extradition agreement between America and Great Britain being made in 1794. One may suggest that it is essential that criminal justice systems work more closely today than ever before as organised crime has developed more on an international scale. Countries can co-operate together on both a bilateral and multinational basis.The latter being where more than two countries work together for example the EU and the former being where two countries work together usually neighbours for example America and Canada. As with all three approaches the primary goal is to convey information. With the h istorical approach information studied is used to tell us what mistakes and successes have already occurred and what earlier experiences tell us about the present. Although perhaps the most important benefit gained from using the historical approach is how knowledge of the past prepare us for the future?As the criminal justice system and judiciary changes over time and by not having an understanding of the past one may suggest it would be difficult to prepare for the future. Over the years there have been many changes in criminal justice systems around the world and the historical approach has helped legal systems learn from past mistakes and successes in their penitentiary system’s, rehabilitation processes, judiciary, case law and other areas such as investigative techniques and the way in which we gather evidence.As mentioned some of the benefits of using an historical approach is how knowledge of the past can help prepare us for the future and what we can learn from our m istakes and successes. Improving conviction rates and decreasing wrongful convictions has always been a goal sought by criminal justice systems globally. The introduction of DNA had a huge impact on law enforcement agencies around the world and improved the way they investigated crimes, gathered evidence, prosecuted, solved crimes, decrease wrongful convictions and helped in exonerating people who had already been wrongfully convicted people.In 2002 the innocence project was set up in the United States and as of December 2011, 307 were exonerated of wrongful convictions by the use of DNA testing since 1989, 17 of whom had been sentenced to death. The first use of DNA was in England in Leicester when police asked Dr. Alec J. Jeffery’s in 1986 to help identify a suspect involved in two rape-murders. The tests actually cleared the original suspect and police then took several hundred DNA samples from males in the local area which led to Robert Melias being the first person being convicted with the use of DNA in 1987.After this case America began using DNA evidence and Tommy Lee Andrew was the first person to be convicted in the United States in November 1987 also for rape. Another example of the historical approach is Gustave de Beaumont’s and Alex de Tocquellive’s report of the American penitentiary structure in 1831 and 1832 and the French’s prison system. They criticised the French penitentiary system as it was costly to the treasury, was low on discipline and there was a high rate of inmates being sent back to prison.The American system however showed a profit as inmates were made to work during the day and there was a high level of discipline as inmates were kept in isolation at night. Having the system run this way not only showed a profit but also provided a low rate of recommittals. Gustave de Beaumont and Alex de Tocquellive’s compared the American penitentiary system with not only their own French system but also the p enitentiary system of Switzerland. Their report suggested ways to try and help their system by incorporating the American system and is an example of how we can learn from earlier mistakes and successes.As discussed one of the reasons we compare legal systems is in order for countries to work together to combat crime they must understand the differences and similarities in how their legal systems operate. Although for a country to work with another country it is also important to understand each other’s political system. The political approach is of importance when comparing legal systems as politics not only has an effect on a nation’s justice system but also effects interaction among nations.An example of how politics has effected both a nation’s justice system and interaction among nations is the case of Yvonne Fletcher. On the 17th April 1984 Yvonne Fletcher a Police officer was on duty during a protest outside the Libyan embassy. Without warning from one of the windows of the embassy gunfire was discharged at the protesters. Eleven people were injured including Fletcher who was fatally wounded after being hit in the stomach. Yvonne Fletcher died one hour later after being taken to Westminster hospital.The shooting resulted in MI5 being called and armed police surrounding the Libyan embassy for eleven days in one of the longest police sieges in London’s history. Britain at the time had diplomatic relations with Libra which meant they needed permission from the Libyan government to enter their embassy as under International law an embassy is a diplomatic premise. Although police were aware of this they still wanted to enter the Libyan embassy but at least needed authorization from the British prime minster, then Margaret Thatcher.As Margaret Thatcher was not in the country the responsibility was Douglas Herd’s then Home secretary to negotiate permission from the Libyan government to enter their embassy or to ignore Interna tional law and enter the embassy without their permission. The leader of the Libyan government then Gaddafi not only decided to not give consent to enter the Libyan embassy but declared that their embassy was under attack and in turn Libyan soldier’s surrounded the British embassy in Libya. With the risk to employees of the British embassy being harmed and diplomaticimmunity under International law the British government allowed the embassy staff to leave the building and escorted them to the airport to return to Libya. As a result of the embassy siege and Yvonne Fletcher the United Kingdom ended all diplomatic relations with Libya and in 1987 passed the diplomatic and consular premises act. The Diplomatic and consular premises act 1987 allows the UK government to determine which land is considered to be a diplomatic or consular premise and has been used once when the Cambodian embassy was occupied by squatters.Another example of how politics has effected a nation’s ju stice system is the war on Iraq. In 2003 George Bush declared war on Iraq and within a month America had declared victory. Although the American army had taken control there was widespread looting and riots and the need for a new police force was required. New York City’s former police commissioner Bernard Kerik was given the task to not only reform the police but to improve other areas such as: the border controls and customs.Bernard Kerik decided that the best way to do this was to retrain the Iraqi police force from everything from human rights to the use of fire arms. The training was out sourced to an American consulting firm called Dyn Corp International, this is an example of how a political system can influence a nation’s police force. Today there are 42,000 members of the Iraqi police all of which have completed the training provided by DynCorp International with more than 5,700 also completing specialized training from the Italian police and NATO.Although whe n comparing legal systems Lynch uses the historical and political approaches it is the descriptive approach and in particular the institution and actors strategy that Lynch emphasizes on for his book. In order for us to evaluate and compare each other’s legal system’s we first need to know how a system is supposed to operate. The descriptive approach gives as a description of how a country’s legal system is supposed to operate. It is by using the descriptive approach that we can compare similarities and differences between legal systems.The descriptive approach use’s two strategies the functions and procedures strategy and the institution and actors strategy. The main difference between the functions and procedures and institutions and actors strategy is that the institutions and actors strategy enables us to compare a large number of legal systems. It is because of this that Lynch emphasizes this strategy. The functions and procedures strategy can help u s group and compare countries based on their similarities as Lynch argues that all countries require that similar jobs be done or thou there may be more differences between the people doing the job then the jobs themselves.The functions and procedures strategy is not as helpful when comparing differences between legal systems. For example America, France and China have procedures for arrest and gathering evidence or trying to protect suspects against prolonged pre-trial detention. The functions and procedures strategy can be used to group such countries and compare similarities for example America, France and China all have time limits on how long a suspect should be held without charge. However when comparing a large number of legal systems on how they try to protect suspects against prolonged pre-trial detention we may find more differences.The institution’s and actors strategies approach helps us more when there are more differences between legal systems. For example when comparing how countries protect suspects against prolonged pre-trial detention. If there are a number of differences the institution and actors strategy compares systems based on their institutions such as their courts and corrections thus enabling to compare more countries and both similarities as well as more differences. The Historical, Political and Descriptive approaches each provide ways to compare criminal justice systems and each have their own benefits.The Historical approach tells us how knowledge of the past can help us prepare for the future and helps us learn from past mistakes and successes. The Political approach tells us how politics can affect a nation’s justice system as well as interaction among other nations. The descriptive approach (functions and procedures/institution and actors strategies) explains how a nation’s justice system is supposed to operate, the main components of a justice system and helps us compare a large number of different justic e systems.We compare legal systems not only for the provincial benefits but also to improve multinational cooperation to help combat international crime. Organized crime has increased over the years and criminals work more closely with criminals from other nations, as Thomas Friedman a New York columnist writes in his book â€Å"The world is flat†. Therefore it is equally important if not more important that criminal justice systems work together and understand each other’s legal systems and traditions.

Recognized leadership theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Recognized leadership theory - Research Paper Example The objective of the research paper will be therefore concentrated towards observing how a recognized leadership theory can influence the effectiveness of any non-profit organization. Besides, the organizational structure, staffing, construction of board of directors and the mission of such non-profit organizations will also be considered in the discussion henceforth with the intention to observe if these components are impacted by the leadership theory mostly applied in profit oriented business sectors to enhance the overall organizational effectiveness. Role of Leadership in any Non-profit Organization In the modern day context, it has often been observed that non-profit organizations exhibit a private segment approach and seeks independence in relation to its operations. However, unlike profit based organizations, non-profit organizations are not bounded by economic conditions. Although non-profit organizations can earn profits, the profits are not shared to the employees or the b oard members, rather the earned profits are used in the activities and programs strategized by the organization for accomplishing its determined non-profit organizational mission. ... ce the activities of non-profit organizations, nevertheless it is not the mainstream view of public segment businesses that commands the non-profit service delivery activities. Frequently, minority matters become key considerations for non-profit organizations for determining the activities (Riggio & Orr, 2004). The other feature of non-profit organizations can be identified with reference to its leadership approaches where the management generally entices the consideration of public interests being subjected to intentional involvement of people. No other segment, except the non-profit segment depends profoundly on volunteer support. Thus, their interests can impose a substantial impact on the strategies and services of non-profit organizations. These unique features of non-profit organizations call for different leadership theories while designing the organizational structure, mission and policies. It is worth mentioning in this context that key leadership theories can undertake cer tain attentions to the unique abilities of non-profit organizations owing to which, non-profit organizational leaders need to be prudent enough, comparatively more than that witnessed amid profit-centered organizations for putting close attention to the basic characteristics of the organizational culture as a symbolic illustration of the essence and soul of the organization (Riggio & Orr, 2004). Leadership The conceptual background of the term ‘leadership’ possesses several features in today’s modern society. Leadership denotes to the role of executives in order to express the mission of organizations. Correspondingly, leaders provide a vision and superseding objectives to stimulate the followers for enhancing the self-respect of members associated either directly or indirectly with

Book summary and critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Book summary and critique - Essay Example Details of his courageous battle and determination to defeat cancer, despite being the tremendous odds of survival, were narrated in a matter-of-factly form. His commitment to his craft was his ultimate concern right after being diagnosed with cancer – even more than the possibility of untimely demise. Armstrong acknowledged the disease as an eye-opening opportunity to remunerate of his life, as he indicated â€Å"my illness was humbly and starkly revealing, and it forced me to survey my life with an unforgiving eye† (Armstrong & Jenkins, 4). The exceptional determination to win encouraged him to strive beyond expectations and enabled Armstrong to catapult to fame from winning the Tour de France in seven consecutive years from 1999 to 2005, despite the rigors of the dreaded disease. His inspirational experience provided the impetus for the establishment of a foundation, the Lance Armstrong foundation, with the mission of improving the lives of people who have been drast ically affected by cancer. Critique The book was inspirational for readers from all walks of life.

(A) ETHICS AND (B) LEADERSHIP IN TEAMS Case Study

(A) ETHICS AND (B) LEADERSHIP IN TEAMS - Case Study Example Satisfying all stakeholders at the same time is practically impossible. Besides, the idea is not consistent with organizational goals and profitability. â€Å"By having â€Å"the right values† or being a person of â€Å"strong character,† the ethical leader can set the example for others and withstand any temptations that may occur along the way† (Freeman and Stewart, 2006, p. 2). 2. Leaders have to rely on subjective judgments in order to balance the interests and competing values. Although the principles of ethics outline the work concepts (Chapman, 2010), yet there is no well defined criteria of ethical considerations in decisions. Every stakeholder interprets ethics in such a way that it safeguards his interests. The subjectivity of judgments originates in lack of objectivity of ethical considerations. â€Å"We are rethinking how we lead, by placing less emphasis on carrots and sticks and more on inspiration, and putting humanity at the center of our organizations† (Seidman, 2010). All that is stipulated is laws and regulations that have to be respected while making decisions. Respecting the laws, all judgments that are made about accountability, rights, and social relationships have to be subjective. 3. Teamwork promotes learning more than individual work (Fleming, 2007). In this process, four fundamental stages apply. First is assessment, second is planning, third is execution, and fourth is analysis of outcome and modification. Whenever a team assembles for some task that is important for the achievement of organizational goals, the team conducts feasibility studies and assesses the positive and negative outcomes of the actions they are about to undertake. At this stage, there is a lot of subjectivity in the assessment of risks and opportunities because they are yet to materialize. This stage is followed by planning in which the leaders decide the course of action they would adopt in order to achieve the target. While planning,

How can community social work methods be used to tackle poverty and Essay

How can community social work methods be used to tackle poverty and social exclusion in england - Essay Example This is done through a number of methods through which they aim to the impact of these two dilemmas until hopefully they can be wholly eradicated from the community (Payne, 2011). Poverty can be defined as a state of meager means whether it is economically or in references in life (Cree, 2010). Social exclusion refers to the act of locking out the less privileged from things that they should be able to enjoy alongside everyone else mainly due to their social status. There are various methods that individuals who are involved in community social work have implemented in order to erase these two issues from the society (that is poverty and social exclusion). These methods are meant to handle the key cause of the problems so as to ascertain that they eradicated completely (Popple & Leighninger, 2008). Some of these methods include: Social workers often hold training sessions on various business subjects in underprivileged areas in a bid to provide them with means and ideas with which they will be able to support themselves with (Stepney & Popple, 2008). Teaching individuals skills such as carpentry and how to efficiently run a business will ensure that are able to improve their economic situation in the long run and is better than simply offering money which may be spent leaving them in the same place once it is over (Pierson, 2010). The main reason behind social exclusion can be said to the structure of various policies that have been set in place to only benefit the financially stable and thus it is important for such policies to be changed (Grinnell & Unrau, 2008). However, many of those suffering from social exclusion are not aware of this and thus there is a need for individuals to step up and fight for their rights on behalf of this population which is a task that social groups have taken upon themselves. A large number of the people who utilize public utilities

Controversy impacts the community and community policing Research Paper

Controversy impacts the community and community policing - Research Paper Example Since its establishment, NYPD has done a lot to ensure that New York City is safe for all its residents. In particular, the department has been very effective since 1994 when William Bratton became the commissioner of the department. He introduced one of the policing strategies; proactive policing or otherwise publicly called the Stop and Frisk policy, which has improved security in the city vis-Ã  -vis a lot of criticism from citizens (Ron, 2009). With the proactive policy, Bratton focused on combating crime in all crime hotspots and taking care of victims. This operation entailed the use of police undercover, decoys, relying on informants, raiding, shadowing offenders, and saturating streets with police officers. Note that criminal acts are not evenly distributed with the city (Ferreira, 1996). To handle this challenge, Bratton ordered police officers to patrol certain areas more than the other areas. Another key factor that proactive policy used is encouraging good relationship b etween the police department and the people. This strategy incorporates the people into security issues. Citizens were encouraged to call the police using the public number; 911. Although many citizens are of the opinion that the presence of police officers in the streets cannot deter crime, but proactive policy has proved that aggressive patrol makes a lot of difference. However, the citizens seem to like this policy but object the way the police officers stop and frisk them yet they are not crime suspects (Franklin, 2012). The credits of Stop and Frisk policy can be justified by the tremendous reduction in crime incidence in the city. In January 2013, Ray Kelly the New York police commissioner reported that the strategies used in proactive policy has helped the police department to keep crime cases in New York at very low rates. In addition, this policy