Thursday, October 31, 2019
Analysis of The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong Research Paper
Analysis of The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong - Research Paper Example The idea of adaptation is one that becomes fragmented in identity and in being able to move to a foreign land without associating one’s identity with being foreign. Complexities in Immigrant Adaptation The immigrant adaptation that is developed in various regions is dependent on attitudes, behaviors, definitions and associations with a majority culture. The attitudes which are created create differences between the majority or native groups and the minority groups and immigrants that come from a different region. The first level of adaptation is one which is based on culture shock, which is based on the initial reactions, misunderstandings and lack of understanding about the majority culture. The process then continues with trying to adapt to behaviors, cultural norms, language and identifying the self in a different context. However, this often occurs without completely adapting into society or being a part of the majority mentality and group. The ability to adapt is based on cognitive styles and the association with both individual personality and overall adaptation into society (Witkin, 17). Throughout the explanations offered by Chong, there is a sense of trying to adapt and the continuous displacement that is a part of coming from China and assimilating in Canada. The metaphor that is used is one which is based on having a division of identity in two, one which belongs to the old culture and the other which is a part of the new. â€Å"It was as if the coat, in its last performance, in forbearance and forgiveness, had itself restored the two halves of the family – one in Canada, one in China – to one†(Chong, 3). This particular example becomes a main association in the book where the idea of adaptation also means losing part of one’s identity to gain another. While there is a strong association with the original culture, the need to be a part of the new becomes the main concern. The ability to adapt within society is not only seen with the tearing apart of identity by trying to fit in with the majority. There are also other layers of adaptation which occur. Acculturation and ethnic relations are two areas which are defined when one is working into a society. Acculturation is when an individual decides to begin being a part of the majority culture. Language, food, dress and other appearances are a part of the main culture while the area in which one immigrates form is left behind. The desire is to build ethnic relations with others that are in the community while creating a plural society of multiculturalism. It is noted that this changes security, tolerance and ethnic attitudes among both majority and minority groups while developing attitudes within the larger of society (Berry, 719: 2006). The changes in attitude that are noted with adaptation is one that is also seen in the narration. For instance, when working toward moving into the Canadian community, it is expected that Chen Sam and his family lives in Chinatown, works in a sewing factory and takes their place among immigrants. While this is expected for immigrants, the need to adapt into the society becomes more prominent based on need and the expected lifestyle of those working in the country. â€Å"Chan Sam had his own ideas about what his daughter’s next move should be. ‘Everybody is buying a house,’ he said. He persuaded them to look at what he’d found for sale†¦ Winnie and John liked the neighborhood. There was a United Church across the
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Literary paper discussing the writing style, and influince on american Essay
Literary paper discussing the writing style, and influince on american literature of Ernest Hemingway - Essay Example Additionally, the level of focus will be provided with regards to the reinterpretation of Hemingway’s flawed hero and the profound impacts that this type of three imagination and rediscovery of the main character not only influenced upon Hemingway’s work but also has helped to redefine the way in which many other forms of American culture are expressed in exhibited to the audience. As a function of this level of analysis, it is the hope of this author that the contributions of Ernest Hemingway will be more thoroughly understood and the legacy which he has bequeathed to American literature and culture can be more fully appreciated. Firstly, in order to understand minimalism, one must look to the way in which Hemingway so oftentimes sought to represent complex human emotions or occurrences within their most basic understandings. Whereas many other renowned authors had for years attempted to express their thoughts and beliefs to the reader in terms of flowery and overly ve rbose prose, Hemingway instead opted for a basic/simplistic approach that sought to integrate the key idea with the reader in as few words as possible. This level of literary person this was not merely a simple literary technique; rather, it helped to express a profound level of emotional tenseness and also underscored the importance of level to which his prolific use of imagery and symbolism were able to convey additional meanings beyond that which the actual definitions of the words employed could. Said one scholar with regards to Hemingway’s minimalism, â€Å"Hemingway said prose is architecture and the Baroque age is over. Flaubert said close to the same thing, that words are like stones with which one builds a wall. One should be mindful of careless writers whose words have no moorings and are too slippery†(Liu 597). This lack of reliance upon a level of word complexity forced the reader to draw a further level of inference based upon the nuances of the character s that were represented and pay close and special attention to what ever aspects of imagery may represent further understood and in within the story. In such a way, rather than seeking to utilize complex language in tandem with imagery and scenery to affect a stated goal, Hemingway provided a new paradigm in which the use of warning language was reduced to the extent and obvious point in which the reader realized that the minimalism belied a more important complexity of surrounding elements that must be paid attention to. Although it cannot be argued that Ernest Hemingway somehow defined the tragic hero, it must be understood how he reanimated a uniquely American/post World War I interpretation of this hero. In nearly every single one of Hemingway’s works, the hero is something of an existential one. Drawing upon the inspiration of the philosophy and impacts of the time, Hemingway invariably represented these individuals within his stories invariably as deeply scarred individ uals that exhibit psychological ones of posts romance and past experience with relation to violence (Brogan 122). This representation of the hero was undoubtedly affected due to the fact
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Human Skeleton and Muscles: Anatomy and Physiology
Human Skeleton and Muscles: Anatomy and Physiology SABRINA PACE-HUMPHREYS UNIT TITLE: ANATOMY PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HUMAN SKELETON AND MUSCLES In a short account explain skeletal and bone features which aid them to carry out their roles, Remember to link structure and function for both. Adult skeletons consist of 206 individual bones arranged in two divisions – axial and appendicular skeleton. The former runs along the body’s midline and includes skull, rib and vertebral column regions. The latter consists of bones in upper limbs such as the radius and ulna, lower limbs and pelvic girdle regions. Skeletal key functions: Support – Structural framework for the body, supporting soft tissues and providing attachment points for skeletal muscle tendons. Protection of internal organs from injury. E.g. rib cage protects lungs and heart. Movement – Most skeletal muscles attach to bones and, on contraction, pull to produce movement. E.g. thigh muscles attach to the femur and pull on it during hip/knee joint movement. Mineral storage/release – Bone tissue stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus which aid bone strength. Minerals are released on demand into blood to maintain mineral balances/travel to other body parts. Blood cell production – Bones like pelvic and rib bones (adults) contain red bone marrow producing red blood cells. Triglyceride storage – Yellow marrow consists of adipose cells storing triglyceride chemical energy reserve. Bones are living organs made of cells, protein fibres and minerals. They include: Diaphysis/Epiphyses – Bone shaft/End Mataphyses – Region between above structures. In growing bone it contains a growth plate/layer of hyaline cartilage that allows the bone to lengthen. Articular cartilage Thin layer of hyaline cartilage covering part of the epiphyses where the bone forms a joint with another bone. Reduces friction/absorbs shock at freely moveable joints. Periosteum Tough connective tissue sheath. Protects bone, assists in fracture repair, nourishes bone tissue, serves as an attachment point for ligaments and tendons. Associated blood supply surrounds bone surface when articular cartilage not present. The inner osteogenic layer, consisting of cells, allows bone to grow in thickness. Medullary cavity Hollow space within diaphysis containing fatty bone marrow and blood vessels. Minimizes weight of the bone by reducing dense bone material where not needed. Tubular design of provides maximum strength with minimum weight. Part 1 – Explain what joint and muscle movements are involved in running and how are they involved. The legs move forward using the quadriceps at the front of the thigh. Quadriceps bend (flex) the hip joint and straighten (extend) and stabilise the knee. As the body moves forward the hamstrings are recruited to straighten (extend) the hip and bend (flex) the knee. They also help to bend the knee behind a runner. At the same time the muscles of the lower leg (inner and outer calf) extend and flex each ankle/foot during landing and take off e.g. plantar and dorsi flexion of the ankle joint. Impact is also absorbed by these muscles. The gluteal muscles not only help to extend the hip but also stabilize the trunk, keeping a runner upright. Hip flexors and extenders work with quads and hamstrings to move legs forward and back as well as stabilizing the hip joint which contributes to good running form. The arms and shoulders are another key driving force for running power. The arms, which when running are held in a partially flexed position at the elbow joint due to the triceps flexing, are continuously moving at the shoulder joint in a backwards-forwards direction when running. This movement is also strengthened, and held, by recruitment of the Trapezius muscles. Part 2 – Explain what joint and muscle movements are involved in working at a computer in an office and how are they involved. When working at a computer the following joint and muscle movements, starting from the tip of the head, are: The cervical vertebrae pivot joint enables our head to turn side-to-side/up and down which assists us when looking for information on a computer screens. Elbow joints, when resting or hovering over a desk, are in a constant 90 degree flexed state with the bicep muscles being flexed to bring the elbow joint to this position. The wrist joints, when working on a keyboard, are moving left, right and up and down closely followed by the finger and thumb joints which are flexing, extending and hovering to enable typing. Midline joints, such as vertebrae, hips, pelvis etc are in a neutral position in order to alleviate back pain associated with sitting for long periods of time. Well developed core muscles in the abdomen, back (latissimus dorsi) and shoulders help to keep us sitting upright in a neutral spinal position by continually contracting. When sitting our hips may often be pushed slightly out of line/forward, the joint is flexed. Gluteus muscles are in a constant state of flexion when a person is sitting as are the knee joints (if a person is sitting with the soles of their feet on the floor). Skeletal muscles have complicated structures that allow them to move, what are these structures and how do they allow muscles to carry out their roles. Skeletal muscle consists of numerous elongated muscle fibre cells arranged in fasciculi bundles. These bundles are separated by endomysium connective tissue with each of these surrounded by a stronger perimysium sheath. Blood vessels transport nutrients/oxygen in and move metabolic waste away. Hundreds of muscle fibres are enclosed within the epimysium connective tissue envelope and extend the muscles full length. Fibres consist of cell membrane, myofibril, sarcoplasm (containing organelles such as mitochondria) and myofilaments actin and myosin. Myosin is surrounded by 6 actin (each consisting of two heads wrapped around each other). At the myosin binding site on the actin (the twist) the myosin head attaches and both filaments overlap creating cross-bridges. When overlapping the myosin head containing ATPase enzyme releases ATP, powering muscle contraction. Muscle contraction triggers when an impulse from the central nervous system is sent to a muscle via a motor neuron nerve. When it reaches the fibre the Sliding Filament Mechanism a series of chemical events causing the above actin/myosin to overlap described above is triggered. Myosin pulls on actin shortening the sarcomere. This signal is synchronized across all fibres so all myofibrils contract simultaneously. Muscular functions are to produce body movements such as locomotion e.g. running; stabilize body positions; store and move substances around the body (oxygen to the muscle and metabolic waste from it); generate heat through contraction vital for maintaining body temperature. Antagonistic muscle pairs work in opposition with one moving a joint in one direction and another moving it back. E.g. the bicep contracts to bend the arm while the tricep muscle releases. Three types of voluntary muscle fibre: Type 1 – Slow twitch fibres using aerobic respiration for sustained muscular contractions, such as maintaining posture. Type 2a – Fast Oxidative Fibres: mix of type 1 and 2b fibres using aerobic and anaerobic respiration to produce fast, strong muscle contractions used in resistance training. Type 2b – Fast Twitch Glycolictic Fibres using anaerobic respiration for short, fast bursts of power. ‘Movement requires muscle and all muscles have antagonistic pairs’. Using this as the title write a short account of how muscle contraction and antagonism is vital for the co-ordinated movement of an organism. 200 words Muscles are attached to bones by tendons so that when a muscle contracts (shortens) it pulls on the bone and, if part of a joint, said bone moves. Muscles can only pull, they can’t push. So, if a joint was only controlled by one muscle, it would cause a problem as the bone would move in one direction and stay there. Voluntary antagonistic muscles work in opposition so that when one group contracts the other relaxes. It’s impossible to fully stimulate the contraction of two antagonistic muscles at the same time. Muscles allow us to stand and sit by contracting/releasing constantly to stabilise the skeleton and to walk and run by contracting/releasing to move lower body limbs. Antagonistic pairs normally consist of a flexor and extensor. E.g. to flex the elbow, the bicep flexor muscle works across three joints while the tricep (extensor) muscle is primarily concerned with extension of the elbow joint. To move our legs we need to use the lower limbs and it is here that antagonistic muscles such as the quadriceps and hamstring work together to move the upper leg limbs while the tibalis anterior works in opposition to the calf muscle to move the lower leg. Bibliography Bbc.co.uk, (2014). BBC GCSE Bitesize: Functions of the skeleton. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/pe/appliedanatomy/2_anatomy_skeleton_rev1.shtml [Accessed 31 Dec. 2014]. Bbc.co.uk, (2015). BBC GCSE Bitesize: Muscle tone and posture. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/pe/appliedanatomy/3_anatomy_muscles_rev5.shtml [Accessed 6 Jan. 2015]. Bbc.co.uk, (2015). BBC Science Nature Human Body and Mind Muscles Layer. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/factfiles/skeletalsmoothandcardiac/quadriceps_animation.shtml [Accessed 6 Jan. 2015]. Kelly, J. (2014). Leg Muscles Used in Running HowStuffWorks. [online] HowStuffWorks. Available at: http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/running/training/leg-workouts-for-runners1.htm [Accessed 31 Dec. 2014]. Mackenzie, B. (2014). Movement Analysis. [online] Brianmac.co.uk. Available at: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/moveanal.htm [Accessed 31 Dec. 2014]. Marieb, E. (1995). Human anatomy and physiology. Redwood City, Calif. [etc.]: Benjamin/Cummings, pp.293, 295. S-cool.co.uk, (2014). GCSE PE How the Body Moves Revision Joints | S-cool, the revision website. [online] Available at: http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/pe/how-the-body-moves/revise-it/joints [Accessed 31 Dec. 2014]. Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S. (2003). Principles of anatomy and physiology. New York: Wiley, pp.290 304.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Basics of Ghost Stories :: Ghost Story Stories Ghosts Essays
Basics of Ghost Stories INTRODUCTION The ghost story writer has to attract the reader's attention straight away. The way story begins is important and often links with the rest of the narrative. The opening of a short story must try to engage the reader quickly. I think all ghost stories should always have a lot of suspense in it, to create anticipation and excitement. Some symbolic object/place for example a knife, a key must play a major part in the narrative. The story should also have lots of detail to get the feeling as if the reader is there to create different types of atmospheres, such as horror, terror, and excitement. They should also have a mysterious end, to make the reader go away thinking about it. Most people are interested in ghost stories because of the thrill and horror that is in it. Ghost story's challenges us to see how much of the paranormal we can take onboard and because it is a story they can always back away from it if it gets too unnerving. I have read "Wish Master", in which a demon awakes from an ancient pot that is destroyed in a robbery in a museum. Then the demon goes around asking people for their wishes and he always does something opposite to fulfil the wish. Ghost stories always seem to be set in lonely or isolated places. The language writers use to describe settings in ghost stories are usually quite unpredictable because there is a lot of descriptive use of imagery to paint a specific kind of picture for the reader. Ghost stories gained prominence in the Victorian period and a lot of classic stories were written during this period. They were written to entertain and feed the imagination of the populace who were intrigued by stories of the supernatural. Atmosphere is mood the writer is trying to create in a story. It is important because it builds a good impression on the reader. It is created through the use of language tools: such as similes, metaphors and onomatopoeia. The atmosphere of the story is developed right from the beginning. It largely depends on the writers purpose/intentions. So you do expect different kind of atmosphere to be created in both of these stories because in the "The Signalman" Charles Dickens is trying to scare the reader and in "The Deadfall" Ted Hughes is trying to get a message across. Atmosphere is important in building tension in the story, which I believe is vital for a ghost story. In 'The Signalman' by Charles Dickens the narrator meets a lonely signalman. At first he seems to be scared of him.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Essay
I decided to write my paper about the coagulation system, including clot formation, but mainly about Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, also known as DIC, is a pathological activation of blood clotting mechanisms that may happen in response to a variety of diseases, or illnesses. However, DIC, is most commonly observed in severe sepsis and septic shock. DIC is not a specific illness, rather it is a complication or an effect of the progression of other illnesses or diseases. (Porth, 2011). When the body becomes injured, certain proteins in your blood become activated and travel to the injury site to help stop bleeding and control hemostasis. Hemostasis is the normal process of sealing off a blood vessel to prevent blood loss and hemorrhage. It is abnormal when it fails to appropriately clot the blood, or when this clotting is insufficient to stop the bleeding. Following an injury, there is an immediate vessel spasm that promotes vasoconstri ction, which tries to diminish the blood flow. Collagen from the damaged site, releases platelets which adhere to the damaged vessel, and there, they undergo degranulation and release cytoplasmic granules, ADP, Thromboxane A2, and Serotonin which is a vasoconstrictor. The ADP then attracts more platelets to the area, and the Thromboxane A2 promotes platelet aggregation, degranulation, and even more vasoconstriction. This process promotes the formation of a platelet plug. The damaged tissue now releases Factor III (3), which, with the aid of Ca++, will activate Factor VII (7), which initiates the extrinsic mechanism of clotting. Factor XII (12), which comes from active platelets, will activate Factor XI (11), which initiates the intrinsic mechanism. Both active Factors VII (7), and active Factors XI (11), promote a cascade-like reaction, eventually activating Factor X (10). Activating Factor X (10), along with Factor III (3), V (5), Ca++, and Platelet Thromboplastic Factor, all activate prothrombin. Prothrombin activator converts prothrombin to thrombin.Thrombin converts fibrinogen to fibrin. Fibrin initially forms a loose mesh, but then Factor XIII, (13) causes the formation of cross link-like structures, which convert fibrin into denser fibers. Platelets and red blood cells become caught up in this mesh of fiber, and the end result is the formation of a blood clot. (Liebman, et al, 2008). Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, as stated earlier, leads to the formation of small blood clots inside the blood vessels, and may occur in 30-50% of patients with sepsis. It develops in an estimated 1% of all hospitalized patients. DIC occurs at all ages and in all races, and no particular sex predisposition has been noted. (Matsuda, 1996). As stated above, that massive activation of the cascade-like reaction as a normal clotting mechanism, now causes a generation of microthrombi to release that make vessels occlude and leads to tissue ischemia. All these clot formations devour the available coagulation proteins and platelets. They become depleted and severe hemorrhage may result. The common bleeding sites are the mouth, nose and venipuncture sites. There is extensive bruising, and multiple organ failure. Laboratory findings show the PT and APTT are usually very prolonged and the fibrinogen level is markedly reduced. High levels of fibrin degradation products are noted. There is severe thrombocytopenia. The only effective treatment is reversing the underlying cause. Platelets may be transfused if counts are less than 5-10,000/mm and massive hemorrhage is occurring. Fresh frozen plasma can also be administered in an attempt to replenish the coagulation factors, though these are only temporary measures and may result in an increased development of even more thrombi. The prognosis varies depending on the cause and extent of the intravascular thrombosis. For patients with DIC, regardless of the cause, it is often sad, and between 10% and 50% of these patients will die. DIC with sepsis has a significantly higher rate of death than DIC that is associated with trauma. References Leibman, H.A., Weitz, I.C. Disseminated intravascular coagulation. In:Hoffman, R., Benz, E.J., Shattil, S.S., et al, eds. Hematology:Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders, Elsevier, Churchill, Livingstone; 2008: 132. Matsuda, T. Clinical aspects of DIC-disseminated intravascular coagulation. Pol Journal of Pharmacology. Jan-Feb 1996;48(1):73-5. [Medline]. Porth Mattson, C. 2011. Essentials of Pathophysiology. (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, Pa:Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins. Schafer, A. I. Hemorrhagic disorders:disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver failure, and vitamin K deficiency. In:Goldman, L., Ausiello D. eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders, Elsevier, Churchill, Livingstone; 2008:chap 181.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Leadership Discovery Project Essay
As we chatted I explained to him the baggy pants style began in the mid 1980’s with the birth and spread of hip-hop. I remember so well, pulling my oversized men’s pants down to my hips. The look was actually slimming to a larger girl like me as an added bonus. I also, remember, our assistant principal calling several of us into the office and telling us to pull up our pants – or be sent home, with zeros for the day. I am pretty sure that we did as he asked, at least until he turned around anyway. Sometime later, I learned the baggy pant style I sported (well into my 20’s) had negative beginnings. The style allegedly began as a salute to prison attire, which consisted of oversized pants and shirts. Often the pants would be falling down and inmates were not allowed to have a belt. Another claim is even more disturbing. Supposedly, the pants worn low, hanging down, were an invitation for sex in the prison world. Perhaps, I always thought, some kid just could not afford a belt and started walking around holding up his britches the best he could. Either way, baggy pants; they came and they have endured. (Parker, 2009) Some kids may be aware the style is reminiscent of prison attire. They might actually embrace the idea. The majority of the kids, however, who exhibit baggy pants, are more likely interested in looking like their peers, emulating musicians and actors, and wearing something that is defiant of the conservative nature of authority. Having a glance at someone’s underwear can be offensive. It can be downright aggravating. Even the president has chimed in on the controversial subject of baggy jeans. He said during his 2008 campaign( to MTV), â€Å"There are some issues we face, that you don’t have to pass a law, but that doesn’t mean folks can’t have some sense and some respect for other people, and you know some people might not want to see your underwear – I’m one of them. †(Blunk, 2012) I would have to agree with the president that I don’t want to see the underwear of young men with â€Å"pants on the ground. By the same standard, though, I would also like not to see, but cracks of older men hanging out, men in running shorts who expose their scrotum, muffin tops, thong underwear revealed, cops in cowboy boots, camel toes, and PLEASE, NO leggings worn by anyone over the age of ten. However bothersome, ugly, gross, annoying, disrespectful, or distasteful baggy pants are – or any other fashion fiasco – none qualify as a good reason to pa ss a law. If baggy pants are linked to crime – especially gang crime – such as lawmakers in Hawkinsville, GA, Trenton, NJ, and several towns in Louisiana claim, then it seems a fair ypothesis that all cowboy boot cops are racist, but crack revealers are child molesters and any woman who bears her thong is surely a â€Å"ho†. With a system such as this, racial profiling or any other profiling for that matter will become tools of the past. All we will need to ask is, â€Å"what were they wearing? †(Walton, 2011) (Parker, 2009) In spite of the fact that many people do not appreciate the appearance of baggy jeans, banning them is a counterproductive way to promote moral code or reduce crimes committed by young people. Pants are not a driving factor behind crime statistics. What leads to a life of crime are elements like socio-economics, education or lack of, history of crime in a family, and other situational elements. (Parker, 2009) It is not the baggy pants we have to worry about but, rather, the brain connected to the neck, connected to the torso, connected to the legs that hold the pants up. Unless you take into consideration, of course, the one benefit to law enforcement that baggy pants bring to the table; they are detrimental to the objective of escape! It seems to me that a cop would only hope for criminal wearing baggy jeans when in pursuit! Simply put, baggy jeans are a police officer’s best friend. (Feb. 17th, 2012) There is always an article of clothing or fashion statement for Americans to consider offensive. In the past it was anti-short skirts for women, anti-long hair for men, and anti-leather jackets for all. We graduated to anti-glove, anti-piercings, and anti-hoodie. But, the style†¦ and hatred for it†¦. that has endured longest is†¦ anti-baggy pants. (Walton, 2011) Americans are often guilty of setting limits on the issues that are irrelevant. If there is a school shooting – supply more cameras and metal detectors, if the classrooms are crowded and kids won’t listen then drug everyone up, and if kids are texting on cell phones while driving and dying from it then create a bumper sticker. Geeze! If we are worried about violence, crime, or the unsuccessful lives of young people, why then do we not set real, stern, limits on the things that hurt young people most; guns, drugs, automobiles, alcohol, tobacco and caffeine ? Perhaps this is because all of these things make money for a lot of people in our country. So, we go after the one thing that cannot talk back – a pair of pants. Or can they? Julius Hart was arrested in 2011 in Riviera Beach, Florida for wearing pants that were considered too low; exposing at least four inches of his boxer shorts. He spent the night in jail and was fined $150. 00. He decided to take the case to court and challenge the law. He claims wearing baggy pants is his constitutional right and he is hurting no one. The case is pending in the West Palm Beach Court. . (Feb. 17th, 2012,) This is just one example of what I like to think of as the â€Å"rise of the baggies,†but there are more. When the West Virginia House of Representatives tried to outlaw the wearing of low-slung pants circa 2007, they received ridicule from Sydney to London. Comedians joked about a â€Å"boxer’s rebellion,†and there were so many conflicting online political blogs the state Senate quickly killed the bill. (Parker, 2009) This mockery has not stopped other politicians from trying to eradicate the fashion we know as â€Å"the baggies. †Bans have become law or are being considered in at least eight states. The movement is fueled by growing worries that sloppy dress by America’s youth could be related to delinquency, poor learning and crime. (Parker, 2009) Elements of our society are obsessed with what the youth is trying to express in their attire. For me, however, the concern lies more in what they are not expressing in their attire; â€Å"I am not secure,†â€Å"I am not seeking a professional position,†â€Å"I am not able to stand apart from my crowd of peers†. I do not believe laws can solve attire concerns such as this; only education, consideration and personal motivation will do the job. There is racial discussion surrounding this debate. Many people, including law makers and religious affiliates, in all racial groups see this primarily as a black issue. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you walk down the halls of any white middle school or high school you will find there are many white boys wearing pants, â€Å"low and baggy. †The style is no longer associated as a hip-hop trend. It is cross-culture, crosses over socio-economic boundaries, and can be associated with also: punk, grunge, and mod, all trends that have surfaced in recent years. This is not a black issue as much as some may want it to be. Although I am resistant to this being racial issue, I am glad that many of the laws proposing bans on baggy pants have been met with resistance and action by the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). This is not just racial profiling. It is wardrobe profiling. I guess this means that all men in expensive suits are going to steal my retirement fund, or perhaps my son, who got cold in the theater and put his hoodie on†¦is actually a gun toting gang member. Conceivably a Supreme Court case for this would read, â€Å"The U. S. Supreme Court against Clothes! It makes me wonder if we are actually being manipulated by the powers that be†¦into a society of nudity. Maybe they just want to see us all naked. I think I will stick with the baggy pants. (Blunk, 2012) â€Å"Droopy Drawers,†â€Å"baggies,†or just â€Å"pants on the ground,†as they are referred to, are a fashion statement. For some , wearing them may mean a little more, for others they are only following the crowd. Some say it’s a ridiculously stupid, annoying, and sloppy way to dress. Others do not bother to care either way. Many folks connect these pants to criminal behavior. I do not and furthermore, I find it absurd that others do.
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