Video Games Why The Gender Bias Essays - Childhood, Girl, Women

Video Games: Why The Gender Bias? This Christmas, like millions of other parents, I bought my two children, a boy and a girl, a popular home video game system. I thought they could share it and when asked if this was OK with them, they replied, "Sure mom, that would be great." So, we planned on installing the little goody onto the TV in the family room, so that both kids would have an equal chance to play. So, "What then?" you may be asking is the problem. The problem arose when we went to shop for games for the system. They weren't hard to find. They were in all the local toy stores and Walmart and Kmart too! But, there weren't any for girls! I looked high and low and came up empty handed. Why was this happening? Surely, girls must want to play video games as much as boys do! Why then, aren't game manufacturers producing any video games that feature girls as the main character? On a recent trip to our local Walmart store, I found over two hundred video game titles, yes I counted, for our game system, but of these only two had female main characters. One of them was, you guessed it, Barbie! The other one was a female warrior dressed in a scantily clad leather outfit. I'm pretty sure the latter was designed for young men, and not for young girls. Surely, a big retailer, like Toys-R-Us would have more of a selection. So, off I went on my merry way only to be once again disappointed. Toys-R-Us had over 300 titles in stock for our game system and only the same two titles I found at Walmart were available there with one new addition, which was the Spice Girls CD. It's price had been reduced, so I guessed it was left over from last year when the Spice Girls used to be popular. I ended up purchasing 4 games for my kids to play. I found a few with cartoon characters as lead characters, that I felt would be appropriate for kids. I bought Rugrats, Loony Tunes, Grand Turismo (race cars), and Tetras (puzzle). All, except the puzzle game, had male characters in the lead, but at least these were rated as non-violent. After some careful research, I found that video games are a 7 billion dollar a year industry that out surpasses even the movie industry by 2 billion dollars each year ( 2 ). Mostly, these games are being sold to boys and young men. Girls currently represent only about 20 percent of the market, having been pretty much written off by important manufacturers like, Hasbro, Sony, and Sega ( 3 ). Girls have extensive buying power though, nearly 84 billion dollars annually, and over 6 million of them live in households with gaming systems ( 3 ). From ages, 6 to 10, girls play video games as much and as often as boys in that same age bracket, and one survey reports that if there were more games out there that they enjoyed, 85 percent of girls surveyed would use their gaming systems more ( 1 ). Girls don't seem to like the same kinds of games boys do. Instead of the violent, time-limited games boys go for, the girls like games that offer strong narratives, interaction, and creativity. It's not enough to simply convert or replace existing software for girls; the basic structure should be changed. A 1995 survey in Children's Software Review found only 28 of the 344 games with female characters in leading roles ( 3 ), proof that few producers have created games exclusively for girls. I believe this is largely so, due to the male dominance in the whole computer and technological industry. Males are turning out a product for other males. Then why aren't women out there designing a product girls will enjoy? Some are trying, but I have found it a catch-22 situation. Men are leading the technology industry because they are the ones inviting other males to join their ranks by making only games geared towards boys and young men. Girls are less likely to deem this area as fun and inviting and thus, turn their attention to other areas of study once college bound. Some companies are beginning to look for ways to encourage girls to get more involved in information technology. Girl Tech is one such group, in hopes of reaching 3.4 million Girl Scouts, they are sponsoring a

11 High-Paying Jobs with High Job Satisfaction

11 High-Paying Jobs with High Job Satisfaction You hear a lot about the â€Å"American dream,† and although it ultimately means something different to everyone, there tend to be some common themes: making money doing something you find satisfying/fulfilling/enjoyable. No career is going to be all sunshine and flowers all the time- no matter what you do, or how much you love your job, there will be lousy days, and days where you just don’t want to go to work. But on the whole, if you know you’re doing something satisfying and are making a solid amount of money doing it, you’re doing pretty well. So what are these fields that have high satisfaction coupled with high paychecks? The folks at PayScale have done a survey to help illuminate this magic career intersection. Let’s look at 11 of their top high satisfaction, high pay jobs.Radiation TherapistHealthcare careers rate pretty highly on this list, especially the more skilled positions. In medicine or healthcare, you have pretty clear outcomes- if you’ve helped treat someone or helped them to recover from an illness or injury, that’s a pretty clear reward. Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases with the use of radiation treatments and equipment.Education needed: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree, plus licensing or certification in most statesMedian salary: $80,220Satisfaction rate: 86%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 14% by 2024 (significantly faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsEducation Administrator (Elementary, Middle, and High School)If, like Whitney Houston, you believe that children are our future, becoming a school administrator is a job that pays well and gives a high personal sense of accomplishment and difference-making. School administrators (often principals or other executive roles) are responsible for managing all school operations- daily activities, faculty and staff, curricula, safety, budgets, etc. It’s a role th at carries a lot of responsibility, and often requires a tough-but-fair persona to make sure that everything is running smoothly, safely, and productively for students.Education needed: Master’s degreeMedian salary: $90,410Satisfaction rate: 88%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 6% by 2024 (about average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsPhysical TherapistPhysical therapists take an active role in helping patients recover from illness or injury, as well as improve movement and manage pain/symptoms. These professionals focus on helping people regain range of motion, and the kinds of skills they need to cope with everyday activities. Physical therapists don’t spend their days behind a desk- they’re usually found working directly with patients. Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and public health facilities.Education needed: Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT), plus licensing (which is currently required in all state s)Median salary: $84,020Satisfaction rate: 79%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 34% by 2024 (way faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsPediatricianProfessionals who work with kids tend to report high job satisfaction in general, especially if they are actively helping children. Not all of these rewarding careers are high-paying, though- for example, child social workers report very high satisfaction with their jobs, but earn a median income of $33,900. For a career path that is highly rated and high-paying, consider going into pediatric medicine. Pediatricians are physicians that exclusively treat children, ranging from infants to adolescents. They work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities.Education needed: Medical DoctorateMedian salary: $149,000Satisfaction rate: 89%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 14% by 2024 (much faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsAudiologistIf you’ve ever se en those viral videos where little kids with hearing disabilities hear something (a parent’s voice, music, animal sounds) for the first time, you may not have noticed the medical professional close by. (Or, if you’re like me, you may not have noticed anything, because you were sniffling too hard while pretending not to be crying at your desk.) The person you don’t always see- but is almost always present- in those moments is an audiologist, whose work with the patient helped enable him or her to hear better. Audiologists work in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities to diagnose, manage, and treat a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear problems.Education needed: Doctorate or professional degree, plus licensing (which is currently required in all states)Median salary: $74,890Satisfaction rate: 70%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 29% by 2024 (much faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsOccupational Therapist Assista ntsOccupational therapists work as part of a care team (and usually under the direction of an occupational therapist) to help patients develop or recover the skills they need to live and work every day. Occupational therapist assistants are often the ones working most directly with patients, helping them move, walk, and learn how to perform work or personal care tasks after an injury or in coping with a chronic illness.Education needed: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree, plus licensing or certification in most statesMedian salary: $54,520Satisfaction rate: 81%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 40% by 2024 (much faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsOptometristMuch like the audiologists above, optometrists find great fulfillment in helping patients with another sense: sight, this time. Optometrists are Allied Health professionals who examine eyes, evaluate eye health, diagnose problems, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and help treat eye diseases and injuries.Education needed: Doctorate or professional degree, plus licensing (which is currently required in all states)Median salary: $103,900Satisfaction rate: 81%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 27% by 2024 (much faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsDental HygienistDental hygienists often get the â€Å"bad cop† tasks in the dentist’s office, since they’re the ones who can tell you’re totally lying when you say you floss every single day, rain or shine. Yet despite that, they feel pretty happy about their career day-to-day satisfaction (79%), likely because they provide front-line dental care, and work with patients on follow up care to keep those choppers white and pearly. Dental hygienists clean teeth, evaluate signs of oral disease (like gingivitis), assist dentists during procedures, and educate patients on preventative and follow-up care.Education needed: Associate’s degree, plus licensing (which is currently required in all states)Median salary: $72,330Satisfaction rate: 79%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 19% by 2024 (faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsArbitrator/MediatorIf you have strong negotiation skills and like the satisfaction of sealing a deal that works for all parties, then becoming an arbitrator/mediator might be right for you. These professionals basically broker agreements and resolve conflicts between parties by providing a neutral facilitator and keeping an open dialogue between the parties. Not everyone gets what they want, but the arbitrator him- or herself gets a career that offers satisfying resolutions to tricky problems.Education needed: Bachelor’s degree, with supplemental studies in conflict resolutionMedian salary: $58,020Satisfaction rate: 90%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 9% by 2024 (faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsPublic Relation s ManagerPublic relations managers thrive on public buzz, and making sure that their company, brand, or client is getting the right recognition with the target audience. Public relations professionals come up with campaigns, manage press relations, set messaging and branding, and work to maintain their brand’s public image. As the face or voice for a company or brand, it can be a demanding role, but receives high marks for overall job satisfaction.Education needed: Associate’s degree, plus licensing (which is currently required in all states)Median salary: $60,660Satisfaction rate: 73%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 7% by 2024 (about average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMedical and Health Services ManagerMedical and health services managers, also known as healthcare managers, are part of the wave of growing healthcare jobs in general, and insurance-related jobs especially, as that technology and legal/insurance implications grow and change. These managers plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services in physicians’ offices, hospitals, agencies, or other healthcare settings.Education needed: Bachelor’s degreeMedian salary: $94,500Satisfaction rate: 81%Outlook: The field is likely to grow by at least 17% by 2024 (must faster than average), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsWhile these jobs may not have the million-dollar signing bonuses of your childhood baseball-playing dreams, or the glamour of your secret Oscar-winning aspirations, they’re career paths that are achievable (and realistic) if you’re able to put in the time, energy, and education to chase that high-paying, high-satisfaction job.

Actus Reus and Mens Rea Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Actus Reus and Mens Rea - Research Paper Example lt case, for instance, may say that he hit the victim unintentionally and hence did not have the required motive for an assault, or a motive to bring about physical injury (Allen, 2013). Nevertheless, if the prosecution can establish that the victim and defendant had been quarrelling immediately prior to the suspected assault, the intent can work as a circumstantial proof that a suspect truly did intend to hurt the victim. Otherwise, defendants can take advantage of the prosecution’s lack of evidence of intent as a ‘reasonable doubt’ to evade criminal responsibility (LaFave, 2006). This paper discusses ‘actus reus’ and ‘mens rea’ as depicted on the cases of homicide, murder, rape, and manslaughter. It also answers the following questions: why are individuals not punished for their thoughts? What are some of the reasons why law requires ‘mens rea’? Why is it difficult to prove ‘mens rea’ beyond a reasonable doubt? Murder is a usual crime which has not been identified by the law. The 17th-century definition of murder given by Sir Edward Coke is â€Å"†¦ the unlawful killing of a reasonable person in being and under the King’s peace with malice aforethought, express or implied†¦ is widely referenced. The actus reus is described by the first part and mens rea by the second† (Allen, 2013, 324). As explained by Sir Edward Coke, the mens rea of murder needs one component to be met—malice aforethought, whether overt or covert. Aforethought does not necessitate planning or thinking ahead of time just that the motive to murder does not occur after the action. The mens rea of unlawful killing is fulfilled by the motive to kill or bring about serious physical injury (Allen, 2013). Overt motive is direct, a suspect fires at the victim attempting to murder him. Motive could also be indirectly expressed by the suspect trying to bring about harm which leads to death (Brody & A cker, 2011). Nevertheless, problems emerge when the primary goal of the

Poetry by Emily Dickinson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Poetry by Emily Dickinson - Essay Example Many people mourned the men lost in Civil War battles that year and it was not just their families that mourned them, it was whole towns and states. Taken in light of the year it was written this poem makes sense, the Civil War affected everyone in the country. Not only were the people mourning the death of the strangers who lost their lives on the battlefield but they were also mourning the loss of the Union itself (Moore, 131-132). The plot in "Because I Could Not Stop For Death" is the narrator is picked up by Death and is heading towards eternity. Patricia Engle in her article in the Explicator states that "It is simply not her nature to stop for Death. She realizes that she cannot recognize Death's power over her" (74). Dickinson contrasts life with death in such a way that it is almost unnoticeable until you really read the poem closely. She also covers the stages of life very well with the "children", "grazing grain", and "setting sun" being used as metaphors for the different stages one must go through to be able to ride in Death's carriage (Dickinson, reprinted in Explicator, 73). In "As By The Dead We Love To Sit" Dickinson tells the story of how we miss the dead once they are gone more than we do the living. Also, how we try to hold onto the lost but are not able to sometimes. There is a difference between the lost and the dead in this poem which is why they are both their. The lost are the people who for one reason or another have left the life of the narrator but are not dead. However, the main question of the poem is why do we value a person more when they are lost or dead than when there are alive and here with us This is what the second quatrain is about how people tend on the whole to over-value something or someone they do not have (Daniels, 11). "I Felt A Funeral, In My Brain" is more about loneliness than death. The narrator tells how they have felt a funeral in their brain and are felling alone. The narrator is talking about what is inside their head not actual events that happened. Why is the narrator hearing or seeing these things Why do Silence, Sense, Mind, Space, and Reason seem to have human qualities even when they themselves are so ethereal I believe this poem is speaking more along the lines of a fear of being alone in life than being dead. The narrator sounds like they are loosing their mind. The whole tone of the poem is lonely. There is never another person mentioned. The plot in "I Measure Every Grief I Meet" is very easy to understand. The narrator is grieving and wants to know if other people's grief is as bad as theirs. Dickinson uses this poem to put forth the idea that nobody ever recovers from grief completely. There is always a part of you that is constantly mourning a loved one or something that you have lost. This poem left me feeling nothing personally but I did understand it better than some of the others, probably because it is so straight forward. There are no unusual uses of words or metaphors or any other literary tool. This is just a straight forward poem about grief. In the poem "It Was Not Death, For I Stood Up" the narrator denies that they are dead at first but comes to realize by the end of the poem that they really are. The reader does not

Project Involving the Evaluation of a Website Coursework

Project Involving the Evaluation of a Website - Coursework Example The study will be divided into two different sections. First, will be the introduction of the website in regards to the 7Cs of website evaluation. This will facilitate assessment whether the choice of website is appropriate and also to evaluate the purpose of the website. The website must be able to cater for the regulation, customers’ diversity, and data protection requirements. This is why the assessments of context, content, community, customization, communication, connection and commerce are necessary. It is essential that evaluation of website meets the standard criteria. Evaluation is a process of assessing the subject in accordance to set of rules that are applicable. IKKS website assessment is not exceptional and must be evaluated as per set criteria. The second study will be founded on the Webqual 2.0, where accessibility is analyzed in details. Across the bench of 13 questions, individuals can assess the weaknesses and strengths of the website (Suh 2005).For enforcin g the website to have striking features and attract customers’ attention, it is necessary to enforce four key recommendations. First, the product may improve through bricks and clicks development, this awaits further discussion the subsequent sections. Secondly, the IKKS site ought to enhance its good judgment of society so as to award potential customers a genuine logic of corporation social responsibility. Thirdly, study and ranking of the web in accordance to the Amit and Zott forces in sequence of importance; the strategies would involve most important, 2nd most importance, 3rd most important and lastly least important. E-commerce is increasing in significance for both businesses and individuals leading to penalties for how corporations compete. Creating worth for customers that outstands the rivalry has turned into vital for firms contending through e-commerce. Business structures are generated and applied for the particular reason to contend and generate a competitive a dvantage. The website of IKKS has incorporated most of e-business requirements. Introduction Evaluating IKKS website involve assessment of the website in regard to e-business evaluation criteria.Evaluation is a methodical determination of a topic's merit, value and importance, using criteria administered by a set of principles. It can help an organization, plan, project or any extra intervention or inventiveness to evaluate any aim, realizable notion/proposal, or any option, to assist in decision-making; or to establish the level of accomplishment or value in regard to the objectives and purpose and outcomes of any such activity that has been accomplished. IKKS evaluation involves the assessments of context, content, community, customization, communication, connection and commerce. These are the 7Cs that I would use to evaluate the website (Workshop on E-Business & Wei 2002). The context of IKKS website contains aesthetic and practical feel-and-look. It is evident websites have opted to focus a lot on striking graphics, colours and invent structures, while some have accentua ted simpler utilitarian objectives, such as simplicity of scrolling. On the basis of the context, IKKS website has aesthetic, functional look and feel and utilitarian objectives. The images and graphics are attractive and the ease of navigation for more material is present (Workshop on E-Business & Wei 2002). Respective pictures within the website are navigation links to various departments or sections of the website and companies details. In IKKS website

Islam And Human Cloning Religion Essay

Islam And Human Cloning Religion Essay Advances in medical technology in the contemporary world have promised several answers to issues that have remained of concern in medicine. The current advancements in the field of human cloning for example have created new hopes in the minds of most medical professionals and the general public especially in the case of dealing with the emerging and re-emerging infectious and non-infectious diseases (Klotzko, 2001). However, the development of cloning as a technological advancement though anticipated has raised enormous questions with heated debates being raised about the issue. Though it has became a matter of normality for debates to occur in the field of science, scientists, scholars, politicians and religious groups have been the major groups concerned with issues of science. Among the debates concerned with human cloning entails the religious views and arguments. With various religions holding varying arguments and attitudes towards cloning of human beings, the issue has raised several religious ideas (Sadeghi, 2007). In my research, I aim at addressing the various perspectives about human cloning that the Islamic religion holds. In the exploration of the debate about human cloning, I will also make distinct attempts to identify the various risks as well as benefits that are accrued through the procedures involved in human cloning as well as the general aspect. However, my major emphasis will be on the cloning means for religious concerns around conception and life. Further in the paper, I will assess the moral status of the human embryo which has formed the major area of current debate in the Islamic teachings and later conclude the paper with the assessment of the truth behind the religious debates. Outline Introduction Brief context (as show above) Thesis statement- The development of cloning as a technological advancement though anticipated has raised enormous questions with heated debates being raised about the issue especially in the religious field. Description of structure of argument Section 1: The ethical debate surrounding human cloning Paragraph 1- The global debate on human cloning technology. Revisit Klotzko Paragraph 2- Criticisms and skepticism surrounding human cloning Revisit Cahill, Sadeghi and Caplan. Paragraph 3- Issue of ethics and the reaction of governments and key resolutions. Revisit Klotzko Section 2: Implications of Human Cloning Paragraphs 1 and 2- The negative consequences of human cloning (moral and ethical issues). Revisit Howie, Cahill, Gillon, Klotzko Paragraph 3- Benefits of human cloning technology especially in therapeutics. The views of proponents. Revisit Willgoos and Agnihotri Section 3: Human Cloning and Islam Paragraph 1: Islamic debates about cloning as a technology and the key tenets of their religious views. Revisit Sadeghi, Voneky Wolfrum Section 3.1: Human Cloning and Ethics in Islam Paragraphs 1-5: Describes the Islamic social teachings, beliefs, morals and values. The issue of human cloning and human life will be explored. Revisit Howie, Cahill and Klotzko. Section 3.2: Conception and Islamic Religion Paragraphs 1 -2: The Islamic views about conception and life and their connection to human cloning. Use Sadeghi and Al-Mazkur et al. Section 4: Conclusion and Recommendations Annotated Bibliography Cahill, L. S. (2006). Bioethics. Theological Studies, 67: 1, pp 120+. Accessed on 8th February 2011 from This is a journal article that addresses the issue of stem cell research in bioethics literature. The article describes various calls for the banning of the human cloning project and the reaction of governments towards the issue. Further, the article explores debates about the moral status of embryos according to theological perspectives. This article holds strong relevance to my research as it addresses the moral status of the embryo which is the central point in human cloning and Islamic religion. Howie, J. (2002). Ethical Issues for a New Millennium. Carbondale and Edwardsville: Southern Illinois University Press. Accessed on 8th February 2011 from This is an edited book that outlines the current ethical issues. Chapter five of this book which is authored by Richard M. Zaner and titled, what a wonderful world! creates a very interesting issue about human genome project. The chapter addresses several ethical issues about human cloning project that has promised the creation of a replica of human being. This chapter will help me in addressing the issue of ethics in human cloning and the relevant problems that the project has led to. Klotzko, A. J. (Ed) (2001). The Cloning Sourcebook. New York: Oxford University Press. This is an edited book that has unique and concise information on cloning. The books strength lies on its exploration on various aspects of cloning. Further, the book gives notes on each chapter covered that makes it easy to use especially in my research. The book will therefore help me address issues such as the ethical debates about human cloning. Its several topics that cover several aspects of cloning will also help me explore broadly the required ideas in my research paper Sadeghi, M. (2007). Islamic Perspectives on Human Cloning. Bioethics Press, ProQuest LLC, Journal of Human Reproduction and Genetic Ethics, 13: 2: 32+. Accessed on 8th February 2011 from This Journal article describes the Islamic perspectives on human cloning according to the views of jurists and Islamic jurisprudence. The article further explores the extent of current debate on this issue and gives out the probable dangerous outcomes of cloning. The articles will enable me get the required information on the catastrophic outcomes of human cloning as well as the various Islamic views about human cloning especially the views of jurists and Muslim world. Voneky, S. Wolfrum, R. (Eds) (2004). Human Dignity and Human Cloning. Boston: Martinus Nijhoff. Accessed on 8th February 2011 from This is a very detailed book that gives concrete information on the issue of human cloning. The book addresses the issue of human cloning in relation to human dignity. It addresses creation and human dignity in the Islamic religion as well as other religions. This book will therefore help me to relate whether cloning is detrimental to human dignity as well as the dilemmas that human cloning has caused. Running head: Human Cloning and Religion Essay Human Cloning: The Islamic Religion perspectives Name: University: Course: Tutor: Date: Abstract The development of cloning as a technology in genomics and biotechnology has been met by the highest controversies in the world. Though the technology promises answers to several issues that have disturbed the minds of many scientists, it has been met with much criticism and controversies. Scientists have for a long time anticipated about coming up with human beings through the use of cloning techniques basing their facts on the successive applications of the technology in both plants and animals. Though the therapeutic use of this technology has been accepted by most people in the world, the use of the technology in coming up with new human life has been criticized by religious groups and governments. The Islamic religion is one of the religions that have showed differing views and attitudes towards this technology. The religion does not entertain the application of this technology citing its beliefs, teachings, morals, values and ethics. This research paper explored the human cloni ng technology in regard to the perspectives of Islamic religion. Human Cloning: The Islamic Religion perspectives Introduction The issue of cloning gained fame during the year 1996 when a lamb famously known as Dolly, was born in Scotland after the mammary glands of a female adult sheep were cloned using scientific procedures. This raised the reactions that human cloning was also possible basing on the success of cloning procedures in animals. Human cloning, as described by Willgoos (2001, para 6) refers to the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer to create a human embryo which has the potential to be implanted into a womans uterus and develop into a child. Due to advancements in research, several research institutions made several attempts with high efforts to come up with human beings through cloning. However according to Klotzko (2001) these attempts in research on human cloning have been met with mixed reactions in the political, scientific, and religious arenas. Though no scientist has announced success in cloning human beings, most nations have strictly addresses the idea and possibility of achieving positive results in human cloning with several groups citing the potential implications, moral responses as well as the legal aspects involved in the cloning of human beings. The religious sector has been in the forefront in addressing the issue of human cloning with religions having varied views and attitudes about the human cloning issue (Sadeghi, 2007). The Islamic religion is noted as one of the religions that had varied views throughout the advancements in human cloning research. This essay addresses the ethical debate surrounding the issue of human cloning in a broader perspective. The essay briefly explores the major risks and benefits that cloning as a scientific aspect can lead to especially in the case of human beings. In a deeper insight, this essay paper addresses the various religious views about human cloning in respect to the Islamic religion especially around conception and life. The Ethical Debate Surrounding Human Cloning Since scientists identified in 1998 that through isolation and culturing of embryonic cells in human beings they could come up with genetically modified cells of human beings that could be used in therapeutic measures, heated debates arose with concerns over the ethical use of human cells in therapy. Continued advancements saw scientists arguing that they could as well clone human beings. This raised concerns about the perceived success of cloning technology with several politicians and religious groups terming the procedure as primitive and unethical (Klotzko, 2001). The debate about the ethics about human cloning was however met with criticisms with several groups becoming hostile and skeptical. Caplan (2001) describes the ethical debate as having raised hostility and skepticism towards human cloning issue. Skeptical views raised by several personalities as argued by Cahill (2006) were based on the idea that the influential supporters of cloning were only aiming at achieving their hidden agendas hence their committed efforts to advance the scientific idea. Cahill (2006) denotes that further skeptical issues were about the constitutional and fundamental rights of the Americans that allowed them to reproduce through any means. Moreover, scientists argued that the advancement of science should not be hindered by ethical debates against what they perceived as the golden chances of scientific breakthroughs as well as avenues of gaining fame (Sadeghi, 2007). The issue of ethics in human cloning was therefore termed as of low relevance since the technology is seen as having potential in scientific advancements. However, as denoted by Klotzko (2001), governments such as the American government have withdrawn their funding in cloning research projects as well as passing laws banning research in human cloning. As ethical debates had stopped the use of several technologies since the World War II, the success of ethics in regard to human cloning has been seen as of no potency (Klotzko, 2001).The lack of potency regarding ethics in human cloning can be seen through the continuous defeat of bills tabled before the Congress that aimed at banning cloning in human beings. With continued debates and legislative measures and initiatives aimed at banning human cloning, it remains doubtful whether these initiatives will be fruitful (Klotzko, 2001). Implications of Human Cloning The idea of cloning human beings as noted by Gillon in Klotzko (2001) has not been positively addressed. With several countries banning research in human cloning and having been termed by the World Health Organization as ethically unacceptable and contrary to human integrity and morality (Gillon in Klotzko, 2001, p 184), only the negative implications and disapprovals of this technology are highly perceived. Gillon (in Klotzko, 2001, p 184) denotes that human cloning; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ treats people as means and not as ends, undermines human dignity, human rights, personal autonomy, personality, individuality, and individual uniqueness; it turns people into carbon copies, photocopies, stencils, and fakes; it would be dangerous and harmful to those to whom it was done, as well as to their families; it would particularly harm the women who would be bearing the babies (p. 184). Further, human cloning has been cited by the European parliament as an unjust procedure that contravenes the equality nature of human beings as well as leading to discrimination in women (Cahill, 2006). There are two major types of cloning that have raised negative concerns. The first one is the type of human cloning that involves the extraction of a human embryo cell and then cloning it to achieve an embryo of identical nature. The other type of cloning that was exercised during the cloning of the Dolly sheep includes the extraction of the nucleus from a cell and then inserting it into a sac of the other nucleus cell to be cloned (Howie, 2002). Despite the discussed moral and ethical issues that term human cloning as a detrimental procedure, there are several proponents of the procedure who cite several benefits (Willgoos, 2001). Scientists and politicians as noted by Willgoos (2001) have cited that research on human cloning must be continued since this procedure promises a great potential in the development of science and medicine as well as benefiting the existence of human beings. Agnihotri (2008) argues that the procedures and techniques involved in human cloning can be used in the production of therapies for cure of infectious and serious diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart diseases as well as in the transplantation of organs. Further, cloning can be used as a research tool that can be useful in the scientific revolution especially in revolutionalizing study of cells. Therefore, cloning becomes useful in the study of cell differentiation in biotechnology and medicine (Agnihotri, 2008). Human Cloning and Islam The issue of cloning has taken central debate in the Islamic religion. Though Muslims are rarely interested in the technology, they are much concerned with the overall biological, social and ethical impacts of the procedures involved in cloning. The central tenets of Islamic perspectives on human cloning are centered on at least three major perspectives (Voneky Wolfrum, 2004). The first issue is on how human embryonic cloning goes contrary to the ethical teachings and beliefs of Islam and whether it can be accepted in the religion. Secondly, the consequences of cloning to the Islamic society in particular and the general society is of particular interest and thirdly, the Islamic consideration of the stage at which a developing embryo can be termed as a living being is also a central issue (Sadeghi, 2007). Human Cloning and Ethics in Islam The Islamic ethical frameworks as well as the religious and social teachings regarding human life are the most critical issues about human cloning in the Islamic religion. As argued by Cahill (2006), Muslims question about human cloning basing their arguments on the teachings of the Quran that view human beings as distinct creations from God and hence no person should try to act as God. Cahill (2006) further denotes that the Islamic teaching relate the cloning of human beings as attempts to copy the work of God and is bound to lead to various errors in marital relationships. As argued by Caplan (2001), this has the capacity of disintegrating the family composition as well as tampering with the social lives of most human beings. Further, the Islamic religion questions the procedure arguing that it automatically interferes with the growth of families as well as affecting aspects of motherhood and fatherhood. Rab Khayat (n.d) show the Muslims argument that God created a female and a male so that the two could join hands and form a family through procreation. It was the wish of God that a man and a woman shall together procreate in order to fill the earth. It therefore becomes questionable what the role of marriage would play if several individuals are able to come up with human beings through cloning. This as noted by Klotzko(2001) means that a man will not be in need of a woman and vice verse hence contravening the wishes of God , the creator of human beings. Though Cahill (2006) does not state this aspect, in biological perspectives, it becomes obvious that a man may turn out to be superfluous contrary to females whose ova and uterus will be in much need. As denoted by Caplan (2001), this fact is enough to create a corruption of the societal functioning as well as affecting the natural balance since human cloning is believed to interfere with all the functions of interpersonal relations. According to Islamic teachings, the relationship between spouses signifies the cornerstone of the functioning of social institutions that was the reason why Allah created a male and a female and blessed them to become one entity. Therefore the connection of a man and a female as demanded by religion is contravened by the manipulation of embryo through human cloning. Though Muslims hold a unanimous endorsement on the use of cloning in therapeutical advancements, Sadeghi (2007) argues that the Sunni and Shiites demand that the lineage of a child must not in any instance be religiously blemished. Due to this, the Islamic religion as denoted by Howie (2002) therefore demands that the lineage involved in the reproduction must not be contravened through procedures such as human cloning and hence must be bound within the limits of spousal associations. The Islamic stand regarding human cloning based on the religions teachings, morals, beliefs and ethics therefore is that cloning of human embryo is a moral as well as religious contravention and therefore the technology must not be employed in any aspect apart from in therapy (Howie, 2002). The consequences of cloning to the Islamic society are also key issues about this technology to the Islamic religion. According to the religion, due to the advancement of this technology, there are fears about the ability of human beings to regenerate naturally (Howie, 2002). Therefore this technology acts contrary to the values and systems in which the human nature has acted within since history. Due to the consequences that human cloning holds, then the Islamic religion is justified to act against all forms of human cloning. According to Klotzko (2001), though Islam as a religion encourages the development of research as noted by Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi one of the leading Islamic researchers, the creation of new human beings through artificial ways however contravenes the morals of the religion. This therefore creates a very big twist in the perception of human cloning and therefore becomes a very difficult issue to address even in the contemporary society (Howie, 2002). Conception and Islamic Religion Since this research aimed at also addressing the religious views about conception, it is worth to scrutinize the Islamic views about conception and life. Human cloning is believed to in the first place tamper with the natural development of the embryos (Sadeghi, 2007). A seminar held in Kuwait in 1985 addressed the issue of Human life with key insights on inception with particular interest on the Islamic religious beliefs and teachings. This seminar believed that inception consists of three stages. The first stage as described in the seminar was the fertilization stage of ova and sperm to form the zygote where the genetic composition is developed. The second stage is when the fertilized zygote is implanted in the womb while the third stage is reached when life is embedded into the developing fetus which according to Islam starts at day 120 after inception (Al-Mazkur et al, 1985). According to the teachings of Islam, since conception, an embryo is considered as a living thing and therefore must not be tampered with even through abortion. However, the moment when life is embedded into the embryo, it acquires full human status which occurs 120 days after inception. This shows that Islam as a religion does not in its full status prohibit early embryonic research though it questions the ethical and moral ways through which this research is carried out (Sadeghi, 2007). Conclusion and Recommendations The issue of human cloning has taken central debates in the contemporary world. This research has established that though research in medicine and science holds a promising advancement through cloning, the technology is under much criticism. From government bans, withdrawal of funding for research to religious concerns, research in human cloning has not been simple to conduct. The Islamic religion though does not prohibit therapeutic cloning has been against human cloning technology citing ethical, moral, as well as religious beliefs and values against the technology. Further, with the detrimental consequences that outweigh the merits, the technology remains a prohibition throughout the world. It is therefore necessary to recommend that though scientists aim at advancing research in science, the debate on human cloning should not be centered on the scientific merits only. Further, scientific advances cannot be termed as threats to religious belief and values but the human culture and values must be borne into the minds of all the stakeholders involved in human cloning research and development. I can therefore recommend that since the world aims at advancing in technology and research, constructive dialogue is necessary that will enable the development of consensus regarding all the aspects of an upcoming technology.

Andro & Steroids :: essays research papers

In the passed few years there has been an increase in the popularity of performance-enhancing supplements that are used by athletes. Some of the most popular of these supplements are creatine and androstenedione. They are used by some very famous athletes in professional sports. There are many problems that go along with using these supplements that are not only health-wise, but also the message that is being sent to children involved in youth athletics. Athletes today are not thinking of what kind effects will happen to them in the long run. However, they are looking for easier ways of training and enhancing their performance. They are under a great deal of pressure to succeed and win all the time that it must be easier to find a short cut to being an elite athlete. In this paper I will explore the risks with these supplements, some regulations that are placed on athletes to, and if they truly work. Also I will give an overview of what both creatine and androstenedione are.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For as long as I can remember I have been involved in athletics of all kinds and have always loved the atmosphere that sports provide. Being involved in both high school basketball and golf and now finally playing golf for Xavier, I have been subjected to rigorous training and conditioning. Never once did I have the aid of any type of artificial supplement or performance-enhancing drug helping me condition or build muscles faster. However, when I was in high school I was Griffith 2 aware of may guys who were taking these supplements such as creatine and androstenedione and getting very muscular, extremely fast. â€Å"Creatine and androstenedione† were common words used around the halls of my school. Hearing these words made me curious about what exactly they were, what the effects they had on athletes, and if they were illegal. I found it very interesting that these supplements were somehow all over the news and that some really famous athletes had used them. I wondered if they were safe to use and if they had any side effects. In researching this topic of artificial supplements and performance-enhancing drugs, I had many mixed feelings about how I felt about their use by athletes. However, after my research was completed I have a firm opinion that these supplements should be banned from athletics all together.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many questions came up during my research of these performance-enhancing supplements. Among one of my first questions was, â€Å"What exactly are creatine and androstenedione?† This and many of the other questions I had about the supplements