Gender Differences in Early Years Sector

Gender Differences in Early Years Sector Chapter 3 – Literature Review Introduction: The aim for this literature review is to examine the literature on the selected topic of men working in the early years sector and to the objectives of this research by acquire knowledge, through familiarising myself with the literature on the area. The objectives of this research are, to critically analyse the literature on Gender balanced workforce within in the early year’s sector. To explore what are the benefits to children of a more gender balanced childcare service and to identify are there any disadvantages? To identify practitioner’s views on why men in Ireland are not choosing to work in the early year’s sector and to identify practitioner’s views on how to encourage men into the childcare sector and finally to explore issues parents may have, if any on men working in the early year’s sector. Background: For many decades there has been a division of gender within the labour force. Commonly with men found in well paid occupations that are, highly skilled and that involve heavy work such as the construction or transport industries with female workers, on the other hand, have been found in caring nurturing occupations such as childcare, nursing or social work (Garrett, 1987). At present men are a very small percentage of the early year’s workforce in Ireland. Sources of data on the early years workforce show that men are at around 1 percent of the early year’s workforce in Ireland. Considering the huge changes in Ireland over the last decade it is surprising that this figure hasn’t really changed over the last ten years. So it isn’t surprising that also at present men are a small percentage of the childcare trainees in Ireland. Data gathered from research in other European countries shows some differences but men are usually well below 5 per cent of the early years workforce (see Cameron et al, 2003). This data from Europe also shows that Denmark has the highest proportion in Europe of male childcare workers, in Denmark men are 8% of the early year’s workforce. Benefits of a more gender balanced childcare workforce: The early years sector is not only a big employer in its own right but the early years sector is essential to enabling parents especially mothers to take up employment in the workforce. The childcare sector is, therefore, important to the achievement of gender equality in the workforce of Ireland. Increased participation of mothers in the labour market reduces child poverty and improves educational outcomes for children (see Penn et al, 2004). An important element of early years care and education is to promote inclusion and valuing diversity a more gender balanced workforce contests stereotypes and shows gender equality to young children. In this way, it is seen to enrich the quality of childcare (see Cameron et al, 1999; Moss, 2000). It is expected that in practice males will bring diverse skills to the workforce, reflecting on their own gendered rearing. (Jensen, 1996) argues that the quality of childcare is improved for children because it exposes them to diverse styles of playin g, caring and instructing. The literature frequently states that such diversity enriches the range of children’s experiences while attending an early years’ service. It is proposed that children can benefit from seeing a male in a caring, nurturing and responsible role, particularly in terms of their relationships with others, behaviours and attitudes. (Daycare Trust, 2002), Furthermore Miller (1986) draws our attention to the fact that a conflict of identity can be experienced by both male and female teachers; between teachers’ roles as ‘nurturers’ and ‘carers’ on one hand, and on the other hand their professional role as educators (as cited in Drudy, Martin, Woods O’ Flynn, 2005, p.23). The literature suggests that male childcare practitioners can be positive male role models for children these benefits are mostly spoken about in relation to the benefits for children of lone mothers as cited in Cameron, 2001, (Jensen, 1996) suggested that ‘the presence of male childcare workers could go some way towards providing constant, positive male role models for these children, as some kind of compensation for what is missing at home’ this is disputed by Christie (1998) as cited in Cameron, 2001 p. 435 Christie argues that ‘this model does not explain how, why, or for whom, male workers are expected to compensate, or whether compensation is possible’. Christie goes on to state, it may be wrong to assume that a child lacks a ‘father figure’ or other type of role model simply because they do not live with their father. And that it may not be realistic to expect a male worker to fulfil this role when such expectations are not placed on fema le childcare workers. Furthermore Owen (2003) states, it is unclear whether males provide role models for children by being as he say ‘traditional’ males in a female environment, Owen questions is it by engaging in so called ‘male’ play activities such as sport, or by challenging stereotypes by taking on a more traditionally ‘feminine’ caring and nurturing role. Further evidence to support such claims is provided by Bricheno and Thornton (2007) who found no indication that children even saw their teachers whether they are male or female as role models (p.394). Even though the concept of men in childcare being role models may be weak, it is supported by parents, early years employers, and the general public (Daycare Trust, 2002). Every child is unique in their own individual way and has specific individual needs that need to be met in a responsive and appropriate manner by those who are caring for them. Children who are been cared for by Early Childhood Practitioners on a full-time basis within a pre-school setting are in their care for more than eight hours a day, therefore it is extremely important for Child care practitioners to meet their physical and emotional needs all the time in order to form close emotional bonds with children. According to Roberts (2010), childcare practitioners learn to recognize children’s emotional and physical cues and respond to them promptly and appropriately. By doing this she believed that practitioners allow for close emotional relationships to blossom (Roberts, 2010). As a result of these emotional relationships, Roberts (2010) also believed that they pave the way for children to develop healthily. This idea is highlighted by Benson et al (2009), who state that one of the most important contributors to healthy development is children developing close emotional relationships with a responsive and nurturing caregiver. Nowhere in this literature is it stated that gender affects the ability to care for a child. Barriers to men working in the early year’s sector: The literature suggests that main barrier to men working in the early year’s sector is the fact that there is such a low rate of pay and that childcare practitioners level of qualifications are not represented in their rate of pay as cited by RTE News online (18/2/2015), The association of childhood professionals said that over 25,000 people are working in the early years sector where the typical income is less than â‚ ¬11 an hour. Marian Quinn the associations chairperson stated that the situation is unsustainable because young people are choosing better paying careers instead of the early years. Furthermore the Irish Examiner (3/1/2015) argued that Representative bodies have been flooded with accounts of workers, qualified to degree level and with many years of experience, earning just â‚ ¬18,000 per annum. For a male who is the bread winner of a family this would not be sustainable Research by the Daycare Trust (2003) stated that nearly half of over 2000 adults that w ere interviewed said that better wages would encourage more males to work in the early years sector. Not surprisingly (Drudy, Martin, Woods et al., 2005,) found that In an Irish study of school-leavers and student teachers ‘low pay† was given as a primary reason for fewer males in primary teaching. Another prominent barrier to the lack of males working in the early years sector is the it is a female dominated sector and the notion that it is women’s work, it is easy to understand that being in a minority may be an uncomfortable experience, and data suggests that this could be one of the key issues discouraging men from working in the early years sector. Historically, early childhood education has been seen as synonymous with caring for and nurturing young children and, consequently, continues to be widely regarded as ‘women’s work’ (Murray, 1996, p.368). Furthermore Daycare Trust (1999) posits that â€Å"Childcare staffs are overwhelmingly women and are strikingly badly paid compared with other caring professionals despite the commitment and professionalism which exists within the industry. Staffs have poor conditions of work and do long hours with little access to training or support. Morale can be low and the best often leave for better prospects e lsewhere.† Interestingly Cameron (2001) acknowledges and asserts that if early childhood work was re-examined, with ‘higher professional status and a higher rate of pay, it could be expected that there would be more male employees, fewer men in the token, isolated situation, and possibly less reason to move on quickly’ (p.444). Many Childcare positions are part-time and this also causes a barrier to males seeking employment in the early year’s sector. At the same time, the availability of part-time employment in the sector suits many women in the sector, a number of who work in childcare while their children are young. This motivation has been found to be particularly strong among childminders, who work on a self-employed basis (see Mooney et al, 2001ab). The high proportion of part-time jobs in the sector is thought to deter men and that they are more likely to seek full-time employment. According to Cameron, (2004). it is also evident that the men that do work in the early year’s sector are more likely to be found holding positions with older children in positions such as after school care rather than working with babies and younger children, This has been explained with reference to men’s preference for working with older children and choosing roles in education more so than caring roles. What needs to be done to increase the numbers of men working in the early year’s sector? As cited by Fine-Davis, et al (2005) highlights that there has been extensive backing for men to consider childcare as a career this was made clear by the European Commission (1992) which called on Member States to encourage and support increased participation by men in the care and upbringing of children. This theme was again encouraged in the White Paper on European Social Policy, A Way Forward for the Union (European Commission, 1994), and by the European Commission Network on Childcare (1990). It was found that despite the unquestionable support for increasing the number of men working in the childcare sector, the recruitment of men into the childcare field has not gained momentum. It has been suggested that particular attention should be focused on recruiting men into this area of childcare but as discussed earlier the barriers such as rate of pay, the lack of professional status associated with the profession and the current lack of males currently employed within the sector ar e barriers that need to be overcome before the possibility of men entering the early years workforce. Cameron, (1997) states that â€Å"It would appear from the example of Danish childcare centres that where the work has been re-evaluated as valuable, and as appropriate for a mixed-gender workforce, the perception of ‘mothering and childcare equals low value work’ no longer holds as a principal motivation for employment in childcare work† (1997a: 64-65). Fine-Davis, et al (2005), also suggests that it is evident that males will not be attracted to the field unless the salaries increase. At present Irish parents are paying some of the highest childcare fees in Europe, this isn’t because Ireland has the most costly childcare in Europe, but because the Irish government invests such a small percentage of GDP. Research also found that many early years’ employers acknowledge that the barriers to recruiting men into the early years sector are significant but they do not see that it is their duty to encourage men into the early year’s sector, but that responsibility lies with the Government, that the government needs to encourage this through advertising or through services such as careers education and guidance (see Rolfe et al., 2003). As cited by RTE News online (2015) Professor Noirin Hayes stated that the current investment in childcare of 0.1% of GDP compared to our European counterpart’s investment of 0.7% is not appropriate, addingchildcare was not a business but a social service and that needs to be recognised. Furthermore to this as cited by the Irish Times (2015) Chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland,Teresa Heeney, said crà ¨che workers that are qualified to degree level 7 or level 8 with many years of valuable experience are being paid as little as â‚ ¬18,000 per year. Furthermore the Irish times also cited Marian Quinn (Chairperson of the Association of Childhood Professionals) she said,â€Å"We are losing many qualified, and skilled experienced and knowledgeable people who can at afford to remain in the profession of childcare. Things need to change on a government level for it to have any impact on the barriers to men working in the childcare sector. â€Å"Equal opportunity needs to be a two-way process, as women move into male dominated areas and are encouraged to aspire to management positions, men should be encouraged into childcare and education, so that male participation becomes the norm rather than the exception.† (Thurtle et al, 1998: 632) Parents views of a more gender balanced early year’s sector: The literature suggests that parents recognise the benefits of a more gender balanced early year’s work force as cited by Cameron et al, (1999) some parents believed men and women had different skills in childcare, with men more able to engage in physical and fun activities, and women seen as more skilled in caring, nurturing and planning. But unfortunately the stigma of it being women’s work and the pre-conceptions that it is not a role suited to males still prevails. Even though parents and the general public mostly support the employment of more males in the early years sector, mainly on the grounds that males provide positive role models, there is also an element of concern identified through research from parents, college lecturers and the general public about the possible abuse from male practitioners (Thurtle and Jennings, 1998; Cameron et al., 1999). Penn and McQuail,1997concour with this stating that the topic of sexual abuse is undoubtedly a most important iss ue discouraging men from seeking employment in the early years sector. Male practitioners working with young children have reported being probed on their motives, and mistrusted of having perverse sexual intentions but there is no research out there that support any of these concerns and furthermore research by the Daycare Trust (2003) found that, although 77 per cent of participants, who included parents of children attending early years services, were in favour of more males working in the sector, 57 per cent said that one of the key barriers to men’s employment was the risk of paedophiles working with children’ and 56 per cent agreed that ‘people could be suspicious of a man working in childcare’ Owen, 2003 argues that this is somewhat unexpected given that cases of sexual abuse in early years sector are exceptionally rare, and that they do not all involve men. Conclusion: In concluding this literature review on men working in the early years sector it is evident through the literature that there are strong beliefs in the benefits of a more gender balanced early years workforce for the children and the workforce of the sector. Majority of the literature on the topic of men working in the early year’s sector seemed to focus on the range of perceived benefits, with particular focus on the benefits to children that attend early year’s services, but there was also a small focus on the benefits to the workforce and for the men that work in the sector. As cited by Scott and colleagues, research in the area of employment in the early year’s sector has focused more on the role of the sector in enabling women to participate in paid employment (Scott et al, 2000). The literature on the barriers to men working in the early years sector was also examined here we found how pay and the lack of professional status were the main barriers to men wo rking in the early years sector. Following this we explored the strategies that were researched on ways to encourage men to see the early year’s sector as a viable career prospect it was discussed that more would have to be done on a government level for any changes to be prompted. Finally the area of the views of parents was explored in this section it came to light that parents did see the benefits to a more gender balanced early year’s workforce but that some parents still had concerns when it came to the safety of their children. It also became very clear throughout the process of this literature review that because of the small percentage of men employed in the early years and the fact that there are very few examples of a mixed-gender workforce, these have not been examined empirically. The researcher was unable to source studies which explored the benefits of a mixed gender workforce through empirical research. Rather, the benefits identified are largely indicative and based on anecdotal evidence. The researcher also noted a lack of research or studies carried out on this area in Ireland. Thus forming an important research agenda for the future, it suggests a need for focused research on mixed gender workforces in childcare, to more accurately identify the benefits to children, parents and the workforce in Ireland.

Do Not Count Your Chickens Before They Are Hatched

This is a famous story that a man was very poor and lived hand to mouth. Happy go lucky, he earned a gold coin. He was very glad by that and started ejecting his future. He dreamed that by selling this gold coin, he will buy several chickens which then lead to a poultry farm. With so much earning with the poultry he will buy cows and goats and as it seems, he will become very rich soon! While he was in the state of highest level of expectations, he was so deeply sank into the sea of never ending wishes that he didn’t see main-hole opened. His foot intersected with it and he fallen and that gold coin ran to the main-hole. All his dreams shattered and the castles he built in air ended in smoke. Although the story is quite humoristic but there are lessons in it. Say you have 6 eggs, and you invest in feed and a cage large enough to feed and house 6 chickens, but only 1 egg hatches. There goes most of your investment down the drain. All events happen in a line. For example, you first get the job, and then you buy the car. Not the other way around. The phrase tries to explain that you should not think about the car until you get the job. In the case of the chicken, you should first focus on hatching the eggs before you focus on how much money you are going to make from selling the chickens. While looking ahead is wise but it is foolishness that one would start enjoying and thinking things before they happen or simply become closet-strategist. One must not, also confuse serpentine wisdom with day-dreaming. Suppose we are planning a trip to Northern Areas of Pakistan and estimate the budget, plan the routes or possible stops or booking advance the hotels etc. , this is outlook or planning, which in turn can save us from many troubles. On the other hand if we think in such a way that what games we are going to play? How much enjoyment we will be having? What will we do if we see the snowfall? Will we throw snow balls at each other? This is dreaming which can cause disappointments or upsetting. The conclusion is we should not think about the future before we reach it or simply don’t count things if you don’t have them yet because its consequences may not be the same as we think. A great many of the problems faced by the world these days is due to this reason.

Computer Security Essay - 3218 Words

Computer Security In the last few decades, the world saw a revolution in information and technology, and the main factor of this revolution was the computer. Computers made life easier for millions of people all over the world, especially in the United States, where the latest innovations in the field of computers take place. Information circulates with extreme speed, and a person with a computer and access to the Internet can follow what is happening on Wall Street, even if he is thousands of miles away from there. Any user of this network can buy, sell, and make money by staying in his bed. But in order to guarantee the stability of such a world where a lot of transactions occur, billions of dollars are at stake, there must be†¦show more content†¦The authenticity of the message is also important; a user has to verify that the information is received from the correct sender. Another aspect of computer security services is the integrity of a message; only authorized users can modify a messag e. Non-repudiation of the data is also fundamental; it â€Å"requires that neither the sender nor the receiver of a message be able to deny the transmission† (Stallings 5). It is also important that â€Å"the information resources be controlled by or for the target system† (Stallings 5); this corresponds to the idea of access control. In addition, the availability of the message is an important concept; only authorized users can access â€Å"the computer system assets† (Stallings 6). Different computer security techniques are used to guarantee these aspects. The main way to protect the data being transmitted is to hide the message. There are two fundamental techniques used in computer security: Stenography and Cryptography. Both techniques require a transformation in the information to be sent, an identification character included in the message to recognize the sender, and also some secret information to scramble the message when sent and to unscramble it when received (Stallings 12). When the method of Stenography is used, the very existence of the message is cancelled. For example, the resolution of a Kodak CD format is 2048 by 3072 pixels, and each pixel contains 24 bits. If one bit of each pixel is used toShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Computer Security2039 Words   |  9 PagesThe Importance of Computer Security Computer security, is the protection of information systems from theft or damage to the hardware, the software, and to the information on them, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. It includes controlling physical access to the hardware, as well as protecting against harm that may come via network access, data and code injection,] and due to malpractice by operators, whether intentional, accidental, or due to them being trickedRead MoreComputer Security : Key Components Of Pc Security1099 Words   |  5 PagesComputer Security is an issue of critical significance for all associations, considering the way that data frameworks have turned into an essential piece of vital getting ready for all real organizations. Organizations need to find the key components of PC security while arranging their data frameworks technique. Computer security alludes to the assurance given to robotized data structures with a specific end goal to ensure their respectabili ty, accessibility, and secrecy. Computer security includesRead MoreComputer Security And Social Engineering Essay1810 Words   |  8 PagesComputer security is a very important topic in today’s world. One does not have to look far to read about data breaches, DDoS attacks, or other computer related crimes. When we think of cybercrime, we usually envision the Hollywood portrayal of technical hackers typing vigorously and wearing dark sunglasses. However, in reality, hacking tends to be much less glamorous. Actually, one critical element is often overlooked by the general public and movies alike; yet, every security professional knowsRead MoreWhat Is Computer Security?936 Words   |  4 PagesWHAT IS COMPUTER SECURITY? The process of preventing and detecting the use of data in the computer by any individuals without authorization is referred to as Computer Security. It is also known as cybersecurity or IT security. It involves the process of protecting computer resources from intruders for their own gains. Anti-virus, firewalls, data encryption, password protection are the main measures that encompass the computer security. It is mainly concerned with four main areas: 1. Confidentiality:Read MoreComputer Security : Computers And Networks870 Words   |  4 Pagesnot use the computer system to â€Å"snoop† or pry into the affairs of other users by unnecessarily reviewing their files and e-mail. Accessing other computers and networks: A User’s ability to connect to other computer systems through the network or by a modem does not imply a right to connect to those systems or to make use of those systems unless specifically authorized by the operators of those systems. Computer security: Each User is responsible for ensuring that use of outside computers and networksRead MoreChallenges Faced By Computer Network Security1501 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract- The rapid development in computer network technology leads to the security challenges faced by it at every step of its growth. Three main threats facing computer network security include: hackers, computer virus and denial of service attack. 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The memo will outline discovered security issues and new policies including additional steps, goals and obstacles when implementing them. Previous security issues discovered Security compromises were discovered in information and computer security after the hack of MultiGame’sRead MoreThe Flaws Of The Ieee Computer Security1580 Words   |  7 Pagesusage bugs instead of distinguishing the configuration defects. The IEEE computer security, the main relationship for registering experts had been dispatched a digital security which is activity with the point of growing and raising its continuous association in the field of digital security. In the first venture for the activity was to dispatch the IEEE computer society designs to move happen to the concentrate in security structure discovering bugs to distinguishing basic outline blemishes with

The Study of Suicide by Emile Durkheim

Le Suicide  by French founding sociologist Émile Durkheim is a classic text in sociology that is widely taught to psychology students. Published in 1897, the book was the first to present a sociological study of suicide, and its conclusion that suicide can have origins in social causes rather than just being due to individual temperament was groundbreaking at the time. Key Takeaways: Social Integration and Suicide Durkheim concluded that the more socially integrated and connected a person is, the less likely he or she is to commit suicide. As social integration decreases, people are more likely to commit suicide. Overview of Durkheims Text The text of Suicide offered an examination of how suicide rates at the time differed by religion. Specifically, Durkheim analyzed differences between Protestants and Catholics. He found a lower rate of suicide among Catholics and theorized that this was due to stronger forms of social control and cohesion among them than among Protestants. Demographics of Suicide: Study Findings Additionally, Durkheim found that suicide was less common among women than men, more common among single people than among those who are romantically partnered, and less common among those who have children. Further, he found that soldiers commit suicide more often than civilians and that curiously, rates of suicide are higher during peacetime than they are during wars. Correlation vs. Causation: Suicide's Driving Forces Based on his gleanings from the data, Durkheim argued that suicide can be a result not only of psychological or emotional factors but of social factors as well. Durkheim reasoned that social integration, in particular, is a factor. The more socially integrated a person is—that is, the more he or she is connected to society, possessing a feeling of general belonging and a sense that life makes sense within the social context—the less likely he or she is to commit suicide. As social integration decreases, people are more likely to commit suicide. Durkheim's Typology of Suicide Durkheim developed a theoretical typology of suicide to explain the differing effects of social factors and how they might lead to suicide: Anomic suicide is an extreme response by a person who experiences anomie,  a sense of disconnection from society and a feeling of not belonging resulting from weakened social cohesion. Anomie occurs during periods of serious social, economic, or political upheaval, which results in quick and extreme changes to society and everyday life. In such circumstances, a person might feel so confused and disconnected that they choose to commit suicide.​Altruistic suicide is often a result of excessive regulation of individuals by social forces such that a person may be moved to kill themselves for the benefit of a cause or for society at large. An example is someone who commits suicide for the sake of a religious or political cause, such as the infamous Japanese Kamikaze pilots of World War II, or the hijackers that crashed the airplanes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania in 2001. In such social circumstances, people are so strongly integrated into social expectations and society itself that they will kill themselves in an effort to achieve collective goals.Egoistic suicide  is a profound response executed by people who feel totally detached from society. Ordinarily, people are integrated into society by work roles, ties to family and community, and other social bonds. When these bonds are weakened through retirement or loss of family and friends, the likelihood of egoistic suicide increases. Elderly people, who suffer these losses most profoundly, are highly susceptible to egoistic suicide.Fatalistic suicide  occurs under conditions of extreme social regulation resulting in oppressive conditions and a denial of the self and of agency. In such a situation a person may elect to die rather than continue enduring the oppressive conditions, such as the case of suicide among prisoners. Sources Durkheim, Émile. Suicide: A Study in Sociology. Trans. Spaulding, John A. New York: The Free Press, 1979 (1897).  Jones, Robert Alun. Émile Durkheim: An Introduction to Four Major Works. Beverly Hills CA: Sage Publications, 1986.Szelà ©nyi, Ivà ¡n. Lecture 24: Durkheim on Suicide. SOCY 151: Foundations of Modern Social Theory. Open Yale Courses. New Haven CT: Yale University. 2009.

Should Lgbt Couples Be Allowed Adopt Children - 1055 Words

Hannah Jurs-Allen, a fifth grader with lesbian parents, said, â€Å"I want you to know that I think my family is great, so why don’t you people just stop all this hate? I know that love comes right from the heart. My parents taught me love from the start.(Quotes)† Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender couples are not capable of producing their own children with their partners and turn to adoption. Most of these couples are turned down simply because they are homosexual. LGBT couples should be allowed to adopt children because it will give a child the opportunity to have a bright future and will provide children with loving, caring parents in safe homes. People who are against LGBT couples adopting children believe that children need parents of both genders in their life in order to provide both viewpoints of gender and for the child to live a successful life. However, children who are raised by same-sex couples have a stronger sense of equality and do better in school. 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Adopt?1512 Words   |  7 PagesDocumented Research Paper 18 November 2014 Should Homosexuals be allowed to Adopt Did you know that Florida absolutely bans homosexuals to adopt children? Over a million people in the United States disagree on same sex marriage. If they disagree with same sex marriage what about when homosexuals want to adopt children. In my opinion it is great that homosexuals want to adopt children, because it is not about who they are being raised by. It is all about if the children are being raised with two parentsRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1403 Words   |  6 Pagesperson’s life, they have heard or will hear those words. What follows, however, has changed somewhat over the years; although, the commitment has remained the same. Those words historically indicate that until the death of a spouse, that couple shall remain together. Who should be able to determine whom that spouse is for that person? Some people judge others for their sexuality and how it is affecting them, but they never stop and consider the positive influence that same-sex marriage has o n people’s livesRead MoreAn essential or a larger focal association for the representation of the LGBT group is not1300 Words   |  6 Pagesfocal association for the representation of the LGBT group is not existing, yet various LGBT rights associations are active around the world. The LGBT social movements that are organized today are consisting of a wide range of political activism and cultural activities. These exercises incorporate campaigning, road walks, social gatherings, media, craftsmanship, and research. Also, included, not constrained to, in the social objectives of the LGBT social developments are the tests in the prevailingRead MoreShould Same-Sex Couples Be Allowed to Adopt? Essays838 Words   |  4 Pagespeople in the LGBT subculture seem to making the best of every situation. Fighting for their rights and changing laws to protect them are paving the way for a brighter future. In hopes of being normal, many same-sex couples want to have a family and for some the only option is adoption. Well, same-sex adoption is not legal in most places which makes this dream for some impossible. This caused controversy between same-sex couples and the general public who believes that same-sex adoption should remain illegalRead MoreReasons For Adopting Children From Foster Homes1392 Words   |  6 PagesHector Ms. Scott English 12 31st Mar. 2017 LGBs People Should Be Allowed to Adopt In today world there’s a huge population of children in foster homes. Why not give LGBT people the chance to adopt. They probably want to raise a child or even children of there own today or someday. The LGBs community overpowers the foster care community. Therefore, LGBs people should be able to adopt children from foster care. LGBs community should be allowed to adopt because they nurture the neediest, they foster tolerance

Warm Bodies Chapter 10 Free Essays

string(25) " endure a little longer\." ‘Nurse Nora,’ Julie says with a smile. ‘Sounds like a kids’ TV show.’ ‘Why a nurse?’ I ask. We will write a custom essay sample on Warm Bodies Chapter 10 or any similar topic only for you Order Now ‘Why not go for doctor?’ Nora scoffs. ‘Oh, yeah, seven years of college? I doubt civilisation’s even gonna last that long.’ ‘Yes it will,’ Julie says. ‘Don’t talk like that. But there’s nothing wrong with being a nurse. Nurses are sexy!’ Nora smiles and pulls idly at her thick black curls. She looks at me. ‘Why a doctor, Pear? Is that your target?’ I shake my head emphatically. ‘I’ve already seen enough blood and viscera for one lifetime, thanks.’ ‘Then what?’ ‘I like writing,’ I say like a confession. ‘So . . . I guess I want to be a writer.’ Julie smiles. Nora tilts her head. ‘Really? Do people still do that?’ ‘What? Write?’ ‘I mean, is there still like . . . a book industry?’ I shrug. ‘Well . . . no. Not really. Good point, Nora.’ ‘Sorry, I was just . . .’ ‘No, I know, but you’re right, it’s dumb even for a fantasy. Colonel Rosso says only about thirty per cent of the world’s cities are still functioning, so unless the zombies are learning how to read . . . not a great time to get into the literary arts. I’ll probably just end up in Security.’ ‘Shut the fuck up, Perry,’ Julie says, punching me in the shoulder. ‘People still read.’ ‘Do they?’ Nora asks. ‘Well, I do. Who cares if there’s an industry behind it? If everyone’s too busy building things and shooting things to bother feeding their souls, screw them. Just write it on a notepad and give it to me. I’ll read it.’ ‘A whole book for just one person,’ Nora says, looking at me. ‘Could that ever be worth it?’ Julie answers for me. ‘At least his thoughts would get out of his head, right? At least someone would get to see them. I think it’d be beautiful. It’d be like owning a little piece of his brain.’ She looks at me intently. ‘Give me a piece of your brain, Perry. I want to taste it.’ ‘Oh my,’ Nora laughs. ‘Should I leave you two alone?’ I put my arm around Julie and smile the world-weary smile I’ve recently perfected. ‘Oh my little girl,’ I say and squeeze her. She frowns. ‘What about you, Jules?’ Nora says. ‘What’s your pipe dream?’ ‘I want to be a teacher.’ She takes a deep breath. ‘And a painter, and a singer, and a poet. And a pilot. Nora smiles. I secretly roll my eyes. Nora passes the joint to Julie, who takes a small puff and offers it to me. I shake my head, knowing better. We all gaze out at the glittering water, three kids on the same log watching the same sunset, thinking very different thoughts while white gulls fill the air with mournful calls. You’re going to do those things, R murmurs down to Julie, and he and I swap places again. Julie looks up at me, the corpse in the clouds, floating over the ocean like a restless spirit. She gives me a radiant smile, and I know it’s not really her, I know nothing I say here will ever escape the confines of my own skull, but I say it anyway. You’re going to be tall and strong and brilliant, and you’re going to live for ever. You’re going to change the world. ‘Thanks, R,’ she says. ‘You’re so sweet. Do you think you’ll be able to let me go when the time comes? Do you think you’ll be able to say goodbye?’ I swallow hard. Will I really have to? Julie shrugs, smiling innocently, and whispers, ‘Shrug.’ In the morning the storm has passed. I am lying on my back in a bed next to Julie. A sharp beam of sunlight cuts through the dust in the air and makes a hot white pool on her huddled form. She is still wrapped tightly in the blankets. I get up and step out onto the front porch. The spring sun bleaches the neighbourhood white, and the only sound is rusty backyard swing sets creaking in the breeze. The dream’s cold question echoes in my head. I don’t want to face it, but I realise that very soon this will be over. I will return her to her daddy’s porch by dark, and that will be it. The gate will boom shut, and I’ll skulk away home. Will I be able to let her go? I’ve never asked a harder question. A month ago there was nothing on Earth I missed, enjoyed or longed for. I knew I could lose everything and not feel anything, and I rested easy in that knowledge. But I’m growing tired of easy things. When I go back inside, Julie is sitting on the edge of the bed. She looks groggy, still half asleep. Her hair is a natural disaster, post-hurricane palm trees. ‘Good morning,’ I say. She groans. I try valiantly not to stare at her as she arches her back and stretches, adjusting her bra strap and letting out a little whimper. I can see every muscle and vertebra, and since she’s already half naked I imagine her without skin. I know from grim experience that there is a beauty to her inner layers, too. Marvels of symmetry and craftsmanship sealed away inside her like the jewelled movements of a timepiece, fine works of art never meant to be seen. ‘What are we doing for breakfast?’ she mutters. ‘I’m starving.’ I hesitate. ‘Can probably . . . get to . . . Stadium . . . in hour. Going to . . . need gas . . . though. For Mercey.’ She rubs her eyes. She begins to pull her still-damp clothes back on. Once again I try not to stare. Her body wiggles and bounces in ways Dead flesh doesn’t. Her eyes suddenly flash alert. ‘Shit. You know what? I need to call my dad.’ She picks up the corded phone, and I’m surprised to hear a dial tone. I guess her people would have made it a priority to keep the phone lines running. Anything digital or satellite-based probably died long ago, but the physical connections, cables running underground, those might endure a little longer. You read "Warm Bodies Chapter 10" in category "Essay examples" Julie dials. She waits, tensed. Then relief floods her face. ‘Dad! It’s Julie.’ There is a loud burst of exclamations from the other end. Julie pulls the phone away from her ear and gives me a look that says, Here we go. ‘Yeah, Dad, I’m okay, I’m okay. Alive and intact. Nora told you what happened, right?’ More noise from the other end. ‘Yeah, I knew you’d be looking, but you were way off. It was that small hive at Oran Airport. They put me in this room with all these dead people, like a food locker or something, but after a few days . . . I guess they just forgot about me. I walked right out, hot-wired a car and drove off. I’m on my way back now, I just stopped to call you.’ A pause. She glances at me. ‘No, um, don’t send anyone, okay? I’m in the suburbs down south, I’m almost – ‘ She waits. ‘I don’t know, somewhere close to the freeway, but Dad – ‘ She freezes, and her face changes. ‘What?’ She takes a deep breath. ‘Dad, wh y are you talking about Mom right now? No, why are you talking about her, this is nothing like that. I’m on my way back I just – Dad! Wait, will you listen to me? Don’t send anyone, I’m coming home, okay? I have a car, I’m on my way, just – Dad!’ There is silence from the earpiece. ‘Dad?’ Silence. She bites her lip and looks at the floor. She hangs up. I raise my eyebrows, full of questions that I’m afraid to ask. She massages her forehead and lets out a slow breath. ‘Can you go find the gas by yourself, R? I need . . . to think for a minute.’ She doesn’t look at me as she speaks. Tentatively, I reach out and put a hand on her shoulder. She flinches, then softens, then suddenly turns and embraces me hard, burying her face in my shirt. ‘I just need a minute,’ she says, pulling away and recovering herself. So I leave her there. I find an empty gas can in the garage and begin working my way around the block, looking for a vehicle with a full tank to drain. As I kneel beside a recently crashed Chevy Tahoe with the siphon tube gurgling in my hand, I hear the sound of an engine starting in the distance. I ignore it. I focus on the taste of gasoline, harsh and astringent in my mouth. When the can is full I walk back to the cul-de-sac, closing my eyes and letting the sun flood through my eyelids. Then I open them, and just stand there for a while, holding the red plastic can like a belated birthday gift. The Mercedes is gone. Inside the house, on the dining-room table, I find a note. Something is written on it, letters I can’t assemble into words, but next to it are two Polaroids. Both pictures are of Julie, taken by Julie, with the camera extended at arm’s length and pointed at herself. In one of them, she is waving. The gesture looks limp, half-hearted. In the other one, she is holding that hand against her chest. Her face is stoic, but her eyes are damp. Goodbye, R, the picture whispers to me. It’s that time now. It’s time to say it. Can you say it? I hold the picture in front of me, staring at it. I rub my fingers on it, smearing its fresh emulsion into rainbow blurs. I consider taking it with me, but no. I’m not ready to make Julie a souvenir. Say it, R. Just say it. I set the picture back on the table, and leave the house. I don’t say it. I begin walking back to the airport. I’m not sure what’s waiting for me. Full-death? Quite possibly. After the commotion I caused, the Boneys might simply dispose of me like infectious waste. But I’m alone again. My world is small, my options are few. I don’t know where else to go. The journey of forty minutes by car will be a day-long trip on foot. As I walk, the wind seems to reverse direction, and yesterday’s thunderheads creep back onto the horizon for an encore. They spiral over me, slowly shrinking the circle of blue sky like an immense camera aperture. I walk fast and stiff, almost marching. I walk off the freeway at the next exit and climb into a triangle of landscaping between the road and the off ramp. I crash through the brush and duck into the little cluster of trees, a mini-forest of ten or twelve cedars arranged in a pleasing pattern for overstressed commuter ghosts. I curl into a ball at the base of one of these trees, achieving some degree of shelter under its scrawny branches, and close my eyes. As lightning flickers on the horizon like flashbulbs and thunder rumbles in my bones, I drift into darkness. I am with Julie on the 747. I realise it’s a dream. A real dream, not just another rerun of Perry Kelvin’s syndicated life. This is coming purely from me. The clarity has improved since the blurry sludge of my brain’s first attempt back in the airport, but there’s still an awkward, shaky quality to everything, like amateur video to Perry’s slick feature films. Julie and I sit cross-legged, facing each other, floating above the clouds on the plane’s bright white wing. The wind ruffles our hair, but no more than a leisurely ride in a convertible. ‘So you dream now?’ Julie says. I smile nervously. ‘I guess I do.’ Julie doesn’t smile. Her eyes are cold. ‘Guess you had nothing to dream about till you got some girl problems. You’re like a grade-school kid trying to keep a diary.’ Now we’re on the ground, sitting on a sunny green suburban lawn. A morbidly obese couple barbecues human limbs in the background. I try to keep Julie in focus. ‘I’m changing,’ I tell her. ‘I don’t care,’ she replies. ‘I’m home now. I’m back in the real world, where you don’t exist. Summer camp is over.’ A winged Mercedes rumbles past in the distant sky and vanishes in a muffled sonic boom. ‘I’m gone,’ she says, staring me hard in the eyes. ‘It was fun, but it’s over now. This is how things go.’ I shake my head, avoiding her gaze. ‘I’m not ready.’ ‘What did you think was going to happen?’ ‘I don’t know. I was just hoping for something. A miracle.’ ‘Miracles don’t exist. There is cause and effect, dreams and reality, Living and Dead. Your hope is absurd. Your romanticism, embarrassing.’ I look at her uneasily. ‘It’s time for you to grow up. Julie has gone back to her position, and you will go back to your position, and that is the way it is. Always has been. Always will be.’ She grins, and her teeth are jagged yellow fangs. She kisses me, gnawing through my lips, biting out my teeth, gnashing up towards my brain and screaming like a dying child. I gag on my hot red blood. My eyes flash open and I stand up, pushing dripping branches out of my face. It’s still night. The rain is still pummelling the earth. I step out of the trees and climb up onto the overpass. I lean against the railing, looking out at the empty freeway and the dark horizon beyond it. One thought pounds in my head like a migraine of rage: You’re wrong. You fucking monsters are wrong. About everything. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpse a silhouette on the other side of the overpass. The dark form moves towards me with steady, lumbering steps. I hunch my muscles together, preparing for a fight. After wandering alone for too long, the unincorporated Dead will sometimes lose the ability to distinguish their own kind from the Living. And some are so far gone, so deep into this way of life, they just don’t care either way. They will eat anyone, anything, anywhere, because they can’t fathom any other way to interact. I imagine one of these creatures surprising Julie as she stops the Mercedes to get her bearings, wrapping filthy hands around her face and biting down on her slender neck, and as that image ferments in my head, I prepare to tear this thing in front of me to unrecognisable shreds. The primordial rage that fills me every time I think of someone harming her is frightening. The violence of killing and eating people feels like friendly teasing compared to this consuming bloodlust. The towering shadow staggers closer. A flash of lightning illuminates its face, and I drop my arms to my sides. ‘M?’ I almost fail to recognise him at first. His face has been torn and clawed, and there are countless small chunks bitten out of his body. ‘Hey,’ he grunts. The rain streaks down his face and pools in his wounds. ‘Let’s . . . get out of . . . rain.’ He walks past my leaky trees and climbs down the slope to the freeway below. I follow him to the dry space under the overpass. We huddle there in the dirt, surrounded by old beer cans and syringes. ‘What . . . doing . . . he . . . out . . . out here?’ I ask him, fighting for the words. I’ve been silent less than a day and I’m already rusty. ‘Take . . . guess,’ M says, pointing at his wounds. ‘Boneys. Drove me out.’ ‘Sorry.’ M grunts. ‘Fuck . . . it.’ He kicks a sun-faded beer can. ‘But guess . . . what?’ Something like a smile illuminates his mangled face. ‘Some . . . came with me.’ He points down the freeway, and I see about nine other figures moving slowly towards us. I look at M, confused. ‘Came . . . with? Why?’ He shrugs. ‘Things . . . crazy . . . back home. Routines . . . shook.’ He jabs a finger at me. ‘You.’ ‘Me?’ ‘You and . . . her. Something . . . in air. Movement.’ The nine zombies stop under the overpass and stand there, looking at us blankly. ‘Hi,’ I say. They sway and groan a little. One of them nods. ‘Where’s . . . girl?’ M asks me. ‘Her name is Julie.’ This comes off my tongue fluidly, like a swish of warm camomile. ‘Ju . . . lie,’ M repeats with some effort. ‘Okay. Where’s . . . she?’ ‘Left. Went home.’ M studies my face. He drops a hand onto my shoulder. ‘You . . . okay?’ I close my eyes and take a slow breath. ‘No.’ I look out at the freeway, towards the city, and something blooms in my head. First a feeling, then a thought, then a choice. ‘I’m going after her.’ Six syllables. I have broken my record again. ‘To . . . Stadium?’ I nod. ‘Why?’ ‘To . . . save her.’ ‘From . . . what?’ ‘Ev . . . rything.’ M just looks at me for a long time. Among the Dead, a piercing look can last several minutes. I wonder if he can possibly have any idea what I’m talking about, when I’m not even sure I do. Just a gut feeling. The soft pink zygote of a plan. He gazes up at the sky, and a faraway look comes into his eyes. ‘Had . . . dream . . . last night. Real dream. Memories.’ I stare at him. ‘Remembered . . . when young. Summer. Cocoa . . . Puffs. A girl.’ His eyes refocus on me. ‘What . . . is it like?’ ‘What?’ ‘You’ve . . . felt. Do you know . . . what it is?’ ‘What are . . . talking about?’ ‘My dream,’ he says, his face full of wonder like a child’s at a telescope. ‘Those things . . . love?’ A tingle runs up my spine. What is happening? To what distant reaches of space is our planet hurtling? M is dreaming, reclaiming memories, asking astonishing questions. I am breaking my syllable records every day. Nine unknown Dead are with us under this overpass, miles from the airport and the hissing commands of the skeletons, standing here awaiting . . . something. A fresh canvas is unfurling in front of us. What do we paint on it? What’s the first hue to splash on this blank field of grey? ‘I’ll . . . go with,’ M says. ‘Help you . . . get in. Save her.’ He turns to the waiting Dead. ‘Help us?’ he asks, not raising his voice above its easy rumble. ‘Help save . . . girl? Save . . .’ He closes his eyes and concentrates. ‘Ju . . . lie?’ The Dead quicken at the sound of the name, fingers twitching and eyes darting. M looks pleased. ‘Help find . . . something lost?’ he asks in a voice more solid than I’ve ever heard from his tattered throat. ‘Help . . . exhume?’ The zombies look at M. They look at me. They look at each other. One of them shrugs. Another nods. ‘Help,’ one of them groans, and they all wheeze in agreement. I find a grin spreading across my face. I don’t know what I’m doing, how I’m doing it, or what will happen when it’s done, but at the very bottom of this rising siege-ladder, I at least know I’m going to see Julie again. I know I’m not going to say goodbye. And if these staggering refugees want to help, if they think they see something bigger here than a boy chasing a girl, then they can help, and we’ll see what happens when we say Yes while this rigor mortis world screams No. We start lumbering north on the southbound freeway, and the thunder drifts away towards the mountains as if it’s scared of us. Here we are on the road. We must be going somewhere. How to cite Warm Bodies Chapter 10, Essay examples

The HalfEaten Brownie Essay Research Paper free essay sample

The Half-Eaten Brownie Essay, Research Paper # 8220 ; THE HALF-EATEN BROWNIE # 8221 ; This narrative is about my Grandma. She was the sort of adult females who played ( most ) everything safe. She ate all her fruits and vegetables and made certain she had all the basic nutrient groups in her repasts. She tried really difficult to remain healthy. She worried about unusual and atrocious things go oning to her household, particularly after all of the recent high school shots. She worried about my sister Jennie and I who are still in high school. Every Saturday she would see the husbandmans market in San Leandro and purchase those healthy fruits and vegetables. She would besides see the # 8220 ; Brownie Lady # 8221 ; and buy her favourite cocoa Brownie with nuts. Now she wouldn # 8217 ; t eat the whole Brownie at one clip. She would interrupt off little pieces and nibble off of it for two or three yearss, so by the clip Saturday came around she would necessitate another Brownie. We will write a custom essay sample on The HalfEaten Brownie Essay Research Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Possibly she thought this was healthier, merely eating little sums at a clip. Or that the Calories didn # 8217 ; t count when you broke them off in pieces! At any rate, she would coerce herself to eat the Brownie in moderateness so it wouldn # 8217 ; t throw her diet off balance. Well on Tuesday April 20th she set out on a trip to Columbia Ca. with her friends who are pilots. She stayed with them for a few yearss, and on Friday the 23rd they made the return trip back place. The pilot who has flown for 30 old ages, every bit near as we can state from studies, likely did non hold adequate fuel before take off. Sadly, the plane crashed four stat mis from their finish, and her life ended. My parents, who had the undertaking of traveling to her house to get down the procedure of finalising everything, went into the kitchen to clean out the icebox. And, right at that place on her counter in a brown bag was that half-eaten Brownie! The lone thing my ma could state when she saw the Brownie was, # 8220 ; She should hold eaten the whole darn thing! # 8221 ; I chose to state this narrative from my ma Winnie, because merely set, life is to short non to bask a whole Brownie. Yes, it is of import to supervise a healthy life manner. I think that for me it # 8217 ; s a lesson that every twenty-four hours we awake, life should be treated as a gift. We should take the clip to bask it, and if you want that # 8220 ; brownie # 8221 ; travel for it, because you neer know what awaits you around the following corner.