The global economy Essay Example for Free

The global economy Essay In a highly interdependent world, the global economy is one of the major concerns of countries since anything that happens to one country’s economy can largely affect other countries, especially if the country where the economic shift happened is as powerful and prominent as the United States of America. More importantly, the flow of goods, labor and resources need an enabler for their ease of movement from one country to another. With the rising doubts in the current system of the global economy, people are now looking for ways to reform it. Capitalism, as the dominant economic model for the world was shaken with the collapse of Wall Street and the recession in America and elsewhere. The conundrum of global reform is that the proposals that go far enough, such as establishing a global financial regulator, are wildly unrealistic, while those that are realistic, such as reform of the IMF, fall far short of what is needed. In the midst of all these problems, however, an economic experiment on a large scale is happening in Europe. The European Union is not only a strong political bloc, but is also a consortium of economies that are working together to improve the economy in their region. Although this is not yet a replacement to the American-style capitalism that dominates the world, this new economic movement could play a large role in the future as a replacement to the current global economy. b. Yes, one can be both a globalist and, at the same time, be culturally parochial. In both the West and the East, this is what is happening, which is why countries fail to reach agreements with the consensus of everyone in the international organizations they are in. In the north and south, conflicts spark in the opposing goals of cooperating with one another to make a better globalized society and forwarding their own national interest. These are evident in China’s continuing efforts to expand its economy through an undervalued Renminbi, and a nationalistic thrust. Sometimes, they even go to the extent of openly opposing Western nations that are not of the same mind as they are such as in the issue of the global climate where they agree that Western nations should do act on it but refuse to act on the issue themselves prioritizing their economy over taking care of the environment. Western nations, on the other hand, are often criticized because of their pushing for a more global movement of goods, labor and resources while protecting their own borders from competition. Another criticism they receive is that they exploit 3rd world nations while harping on the importance of helping these nations out of poverty. Even in smaller scales, that is, concerning the individual, have issues such as migrants who refuse to adopt the cultures and laws of the country they migrated into and hold strongly on their own cultural backgrounds. c. Globalization is indeed inexorable. With the advent of technologies that speed up this process, people need to adapt to the growing interconnectivity of peoples that were once out of reach by thousands of miles. To adapt to the growing trend of globalization, there are many tools in our hands, one of which is the internet. The internet, as one of the causes of the acceleration of the globalization process can be used by people to become a part of the greater global society through knowledge acquisition and even being active in other nations through having a voice online. Other technologies like mobile phones, VOIP, television, etc. can help us become more cosmopolitan. The most important tool in adapting to globalization, however, is our minds and that we must keep them open. With globalization as the marketplace for many ideas internationally, myopic views are causes of conflagrations between people and even nations.

Argument for Legalization of Marijuana Essay -- Argumentative Persuas

Marijuana has become one of the most controversial drugs in America. Ever since its cultivation began around 1611, marijuana has puzzled people with its effects. Many question marijuana?s classification as a schedule one drug. A schedule one drug is one that has a high potential for abuse and no medicinal value. Some argue that the war on drugs, in particular marijuana, has cost taxpayers billions and is wasting funds that could be used on more important tasks such as improving transportation or education. As drug arrests rise, so do the populations in state prisons. This has become an immediate problem with no real solution. The legalization of possessing small amounts of marijuana can contribute positively to the medical and economic world as well as cut down on the prison population. Many people today use marijuana for multiple reasons. There will always be the teenager who tries it for the first time and enjoys the ?high? that comes along with smoking it. Besides those who smoke it for recreational purposes, there are those who need the plant as a form of medication. People suffering from a wide range of diseases and sicknesses such as AIDS and Glaucoma have claimed that it has benefited them. Numerous medical associations in the U.S. and abroad have done many tests to find the benefits and harms of marijuana. These tests come up with the same conclusion that marijuana is just as much if not more helpful than harmful. Approximately 400, 000 Americans die every year from a smoking related illness. In 5000 years of recorded use, marijuana has never been linked to a single death, overdose, or acute toxicity (Schlosser 48). Many cancer patients have used marijuana to combat nausea and pain. AIDS patients hav... ...wo percent of drug cases so the influence could not be measured accurately. In 1997, only 15 percent of state and federal inmates received substance-abuse treatment during their current terms. That number is down from 1991. There will always be a group of people that find some concepts as preposterous. There were those who believed that watching a talking box would never be entertaining. There were those that laughed in the Wright brother?s face when they proposed the idea of a flying machine. The idea of legalizing marijuana may seem absurd to those who do not use it but for those whose life it will improve, it seems like a grand idea. There are products on the market that can compare to marijuana?s negative effects yet those products are legal. When will America wake up and realize the cry for the legalization of marijuana is growing louder than ever?

Human Motivation the Influential Drive Behind Human Altruism

Human motivation the influential drive behind human altruism At the forefront of social psychology the issue of what motivates one to act in a prosocial manner has arisen with a vast array of theory and response. The heart of the topic lies in the ambiguity as to whether one acts altruistically as a result of an innate response of empathy and compassion, or merely due to self interest. By definition altruism refers to, â€Å"behaviour that helps people with no apparent gain or with potential cost to one’s self†, (Western 2006). Yet, this concept in itself is not unproblematic in that undoubtedly displays of altruism exist, but may not ultimately be driven by selflessness. Motivation is indisputably the integral drive behind human behaviour, and is the most crucial factor influencing human altruism. Reciprocal altruism; simply the idea that we offer assistance and expect it returned, is undeniably practiced with the motivation of one’s personal wellbeing in mind. Similarly, the concept of motivation also provides a logical understanding of kin selection whereby we are inclined to help our genetic related, as aiding one’s family will ultimate better one’s self. A cost rewards analysis, as well as social exclusion can also be depicted as highly motivated by a person’s needs and survival; and therefore can once more be deemed selfish. Thus, by grasping a concrete understanding of one’s ultimate purpose in a given situation, the question as whether we are driven by a natural selfless capacity or with intention of maximizing personal gain can be ascertained. Unquestionably, acts of genuine and authentic altruism exist, however in situations that help is required, consciously or subconsciously the helper is more likely to personally benefit from their action, than not. A motive refers to the goal or object of a person’s action. Human nature is inherently selfish, therefore when deciding whether to engage in a prosocial act; an individual’s primary concern is oneself. This is not always conscious to the individual, yet whether it is a simple question of the motives for an occupation, or concern for the environment; it is linked to maximizing personally or for society as a whole. Krous (2005), conducted research in order to determine what would motivate people in help related fields such as psychology, education and nursing to work with underserved populations; which consist of groups such as ethnic minorities, the mentally ill, the homeless and elderly. The research was conducted using 135 students from Midwestern University majoring in help related fields. Whilst factors such as work autonomy, troubled past experiences or a parent in a helping profession did inspire some to work with such groups, economic reward and prosperity as well as diverse training proved to be vital to a vast majority. Another way in which we can relate people’s motivations with the concern for themselves is through their view on the environment. This was put to the test through a study by Berenguer (2007) whereby participants were presented with illustrations of eight large trees being cut down and a dead bird on the beach covered in oil. The findings concluded that participants conveyed empathy and were dismayed by the devastating state of the environment. One needs to pose the question; what motivates one to act altruistically toward the environment? The simple fact that they are ultimately a part of the environment that they endeavor to save, and thus prevent the personal and societal hardship that would follow its total destruction. The concept that an individual’s sense of belonging in a group impacts upon their willingness to behave in a socially caring manner, once more brings the notion of selfishness to the fore. People are encouraged by their culture and society to take part in prosocial behavior. While engaging in a prosocial act often entails risk and cost to oneself, in the big picture, belonging to a group provides vast benefits. The concept that one’s belongingness will ultimately impact upon a person’s willingness to engage in a prosocial act is questioned in a number of research experiments conducted by Twenge (2007). Experiment One – donating money; had 34 participants take a personality test. Responders were randomly allocated a personality summary of either ‘future alone’, ‘future belonging’, or ‘misfortune control condition. ’ Each participant received $2 for taking part and were informed that there was a collection for the Student Emergency fund. The results had only 37% of the ‘future alone’ donate to the fund contrasting with 100% of the participants in the other groups. Thus, social exclusion lead to a significant decrease in helping behaviour. This suggests that one’s emotional state will pertain to their ability to offer empathetic understanding and an inclination to help others, as Twenge states, â€Å"Social exclusion apparently renders the prosocial behaviour tool temporarily useless. † Therefore, when an individual is emotionally vulnerable and lacking self-esteem they lose their ability to care for the wellbeing of others. Once more the proving human beings as self-interested creatures who are only willing to help when they feel they have been helped or that their society accepts them. Evolutionary theories pertaining to altruism have played a nodal role in understanding human motivations, and moreover through the kin selection theory and the concept of reciprocal altruism emphases once again that we are compelled by rational self-interest, to always put ourselves first. Kin selection focuses on actions of people who are genetically related as stated by Neyer (2003), â€Å"blood is thicker than water, implying that kin are generally favored over non-kin. The motive behind a parent, whether human or animal in protecting their off springs is in their attempt to protect and ensure the next generation. The protection of our genetic code is explored by Maynard Smith (1964), which explains that we are more than likely to help direct family over our more distant family and our more distant family over non-ki n. This idea is heightened in a study conducted by Burnstein (1994) which found that life or death helping was significantly more likely to be offered with close genetic relatedness. The notion of looking after one’s genetic coding for future generations, through the idea of kin selection once more exemplifies the way in which we are hard-wired to act in a socially caring manner to maximize person gain. â€Å"Reciprocal Altruism†, refers to the way in which humans help another person, thus building a relationship where help is expected to be returned at a later date. It is an evolutionary process that clarifies prosocial acts that occur among the non-related. A basic example of such an exchange is acknowledged by Fitness (2007), whereby two fishermen in a village agree to share what they catch for the day with one another. Therefore if one fisherman does not catch any fish they are reassured that they will not go hungry. Such an example supports the theory that engaging in reciprocal altruism increases the chances of survival over individuals who act selfishly, as long as both parties involved reciprocate. Our willingness to help is determined by the likelihood that the help will be returned, therefore in a situation where a stranger requires help it is unlikely that an act will be reciprocated and therefore we feel less inclined to help. In order for the survival of reciprocal altruism, Dovidio (2006) explains that there must be a willingness to chastise those who do cheat and find ways of gratifying individuals that voluntarily refrain from cheating. Reciprocal altruism can be considered a two way street, a relationship in which both parties will profit; and therefore is a response visibly motivated to maximize personal gain. The cost and benefits of engaging in a prosocial act ultimately determines ones willingness to involve themselves, hence supporting the concept that we are hard-wire for personal gain. From this view, humans are rational and chiefly concerned with their own self-interest and agenda. Dovidio (2006) explains the notion of a cost reward analysis, whereby in a potential helping situation the individual weighs the possible costs and benefits in order to reach the most desired outcome. An important aspect of grasping the parameters of prosocial behavior consists of learning when people will help. Dovidio (2006) references the assault of Kitty Genovese, whereby arriving home late from work she was brutally attacked outside her apartment building. This horrific event took place over 45 minutes whereby the attacker returned three times, finally stabbing her to death; with a shocking 38 onlookers that did nothing to help. This incident confirms the view that we are predominantly concerned with our own survival and self-interest as the potential helpers perceived the dangers to dominate over the benefits. Contrastingly, Dovidio (2006) cites the case of Reginald Denny, who was brutally beaten during the civil disturbance in Los Angeles in 1992. Four African Americans were watching nearby on live television and rushed to the scene fending off his attackers and transporting him to hospital, consequently saving his life. Whilst the four helpers were deemed heroes and rewarded with internal benefits of self satisfaction and fulfillment of one’s duty, it challenges the idea that we are hard-wired for personal gain as this act is undeniably a genuine expression of altruism. continuum There is a vast array of motivators that explain why humans engage in altruistic behaviour, a large majority pertaining to the desire to maximize personal gain. Such motivations are reinforced by the evolutionary theories on kin selection and reciprocal altruism; as well as one’s emotional state and the concept of a cost and reward analysis. This is not to say expressions of genuine altruism do not exist, as we have clearly established they do; they are simply few and far between. It is evident that humans have the capacity both to be incredibly selfish and heroically altruistic it would seem that tragically selfishness is hard-wired into us where we are motivated with one leading concern, ourselves. References * John F. Dovidio, Jane Allyn Piliavin, David A. Schroeder, Louis A. Penner. (2006) Social Psychology of Prosocial Behaviour. [Book] Chapter 3 – The Context: When will people help? Chapter 4 – Why do people help? * Krous, Tangala M. D. ; Nauta, Margaret M. (2005) Values, Motivations, and Learning Experiences of Future Professionals: Who Wants to Serve Underserved Populations? [Education and Training in Professional Psychology. ] Volume 36(6), pg 688-694 * Twenge, Jean (M). ; Baumeister, Roy (F); DeWall,(C). Nathan; Ciarocco, Natalie (J); Bartels, (J). Michael. (2007). Journal or Personality and Social Psychology. Social exclusion decrease Prosocial behaviour. Volume 92 (1) p56-66 * Berenguer, J. (2007). The Effect of Empathy in Proenvironmental Attitudes. Environment and Behaviour, 39; 269 * Westen, D. (2006). Psychology 4th edition. John Wiley and Sons, Hobeoken. United States of America * Neyer, Franz J. ; Lang, Frieder R. (2003). Blood is thicker than water. Kinship Orientation among adults. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Vol – 84. Pg 310-321 * Fitness (2007). Lecture – Altruism and Prosocial Behaviour

Qué es el Servicio militar selectivo en EE.UU.

En EE.UU. ciudadanos, residentes, asilados, refugiados e incluso los migrantes indocumentados varones està ¡n obligados a registrarse para el Sistema de Servicio Selectivo. Servicio Selectivo en EE.UU. En EE.UU. no existe el servicio militar obligatorio pero sà ­ el Servicio Selectivo.Los varones entre 18 y 25 aà ±os de edad deben registrarseLa obligacià ³n tambià ©n aplica a los migrantes indocumentados.  ¿Quà © es el Servicio Selectivo en EE.UU.? El Servicio Selectivo es la obligacià ³n de registrarse en una lista que manejar una agencia federal conocida como SSS. Aunque el servicio militar obligatorio se eliminà ³ en 1973 y desde entonces el Ejà ©rcito està ¡ formado por tropas profesionales y es voluntario. Sin embargo, podrà ­a establecerse de nuevo el servicio militar obligatorio en una situacià ³n de emergencia nacional. El objetivo del Servicio Selectivo es que si el gobierno lo necesitase, podrà ­a establecer en base a ese listado quià ©nes tendrà ­an que prestar un servicio militar obligatorio. En este caso serà ­an llamados a filas los varones registrados en el Servicio Selectivo segà ºn su fecha de nacimiento y mediante un sistema de sorteo, siguiendo las directrices establecidas en la ley.  ¿Quià ©nes està ¡n obligados a registrarse en el Servicio Selectivo? En EE.UU. deben registrarse en el Servicio Selectivo todos los varones entre los 18 y los 25 aà ±os de edad que se encuentren en alguna de las categorà ­as siguientes: Ciudadanos estadounidenses Todos los nacidos con posterioridad al 31 de diciembre de 1959. Esta obligacià ³n afecta tambià ©n a las personas con doble nacionalidad e, incluso, a los ciudadanos que residen habitualmente en otro paà ­s. Residentes permanentes legales Esta obligacià ³n aplica incluso cuando han pedido permiso para pasar una temporada fuera de los Estados Unidos. Otros migrantes Refugiados, asilados, parolees, trabajadores agrà ­colas especiales de temporada I-688 y migrantes  indocumentados Esta obligacià ³n existe aunque el varà ³n està © incapacitado parcialmente tanto fà ­sica como mentalmente siempre y cuando pueda funcionar en pà ºblico. Los migrantes que solicitan ajuste de estatus o una visa de inmigrante serà ¡n inscritos automà ¡ticamente, si cumplen los requisitos.  ¿Quià ©nes NO està ¡n obligados a registrarse en el Servicio Selectivo? En primer lugar, las mujeres de cualquier edad y los varones mayores de 26 aà ±os. Ademà ¡s, tampoco deben registrarse los  turistas con un I-94 sin expirar, diplomà ¡ticos y sus familias, estudiantes extranjeros y trabajadores temporales y demà ¡s extranjeros con visas và ¡lidas y que està ¡n cumpliendo los requisitos de sus respectivos programas, como la H-1, L-1, F-1, J-1, etc. Hay que tener en cuenta que cualquier visitante con visa no inmigrante como las seà ±aladas en el artà ­culo anterior se queda en Estados Unidos por mà ¡s de 30 dà ­as en situacià ³n ilegal tiene la obligacià ³n de registrarse. Tampoco està ¡n obligados los ciudadanos y los migrantes que prestan servicio activo en una de las ramas del Ejà ©rcito o en la Guardia Nacional o està ¡n en una de sus academias o en programas de oficiales en instituciones como The Citadel, Virginia Military Institute, etc. Finalmente, tampoco està ¡n obligados a registrarse los enfermos fà ­sicos o mentales que està ¡n internados en una residencia, hospital o institucià ³n, los encarcelados, hasta que salen de prisià ³n y los agricultores temporales I-688A.  ¿Cuà ¡ndo y cà ³mo registrarse para el Servicio Selectivo? En los 30 dà ­as siguientes a cumplir los 18 aà ±os o al momento en que nace la obligacià ³n. Por ejemplo, un residente permanente que entra por primera vez al paà ­s con 23 aà ±os, pues tiene 30 dà ­as a partir de ese momento. Se puede hacer la registracià ³n: Por internet en la pà ¡gina oficial de SSS.govEn una oficina de CorreosMarcando la casilla oportuna al rellenar el formulario de FAFSAEn la High School en la que se estudiaLos ciudadanos en el extranjero puede registrarse por internet o solicitar asistencia en una oficina consular. Tambià ©n puede rellenarse la inscripcià ³n en papel y enviarla a: Selective Service SystemP.O. Box 94739Palatine, IL 60094-4739  ¿Cà ³mo verificar que se està ¡ inscrito en el Servicio Selectivo? Puede checarse en la pà ¡gina de internet https://www.sss.gov. Hacer click en Check Registration e introducir los datos personales.  ¿Cuà ¡les son las consecuencias de no registrarse en el Servicio Selectivo? Prohibicià ³n de acceder a determinados trabajos federalesPà ©rdida de beneficios federalesNo se califica para becas del gobierno federalPuede ser causa para que se rechace una peticià ³n para hacerse ciudadano americano por naturalizacià ³nEn algunos estados supone la imposibilidad de obtener la licencia de manejar En casos extraordinarios, los muchachos que no se inscriben podrà ­an recibir una multa por un mà ¡ximo de $250.000 y ser castigados a un mà ¡ximo de cinco aà ±os en prisià ³n. Se calcula que el 92 por ciento de los varones entre las edades de 18 y 25 aà ±os sà ­ que se registran para el Servicio Selectivo. Consejos prà ¡cticos sobre cà ³mo manejar el Servicio Selectivo Entre uno y tres meses despuà ©s de la registracià ³n se recibirà ¡ una tarjeta que sirve de prueba de haber cumplido con esta obligacià ³n. Si no se recibe puede marcarse al 1-847-688-6888 para solicitar informacià ³n. Cabe destacar que si se produce algà ºn cambio en relacià ³n a la informacià ³n brindada, como por ejemplo un cambio de nombre o de domicilio, hay la obligacià ³n de reportarlo en los diez dà ­as siguientes a que se produzca. Puede hacerse marcando al telà ©fono seà ±alado en el pà ¡rrafo anterior, en internet en la pà ¡gina del SSS  o en una oficina de Correos. Informacià ³n interesante sobre migrantes y Ejà ©rcito Como regla general, los  indocumentados no pueden alistarse  en el Ejà ©rcito de los Estados Unidos, en ninguna de sus ramas. Para todos los latinos que sà ­ pueden alistarse en el Ejà ©rcito y desean explorar esta opcià ³n como carrera, es conveniente tener en cuenta e informarse sobre los beneficios y los posibles incentivos que conlleva ingresar a cualquiera de las ramas del Ejà ©rcito. Este artà ­culo es meramente informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.