Racism.

Racism is a form a bullying and has nothing good about it because it is nasty behaviour and just like bullying can have serious consequences on it's victims. These consequences include stress, trauma and anxiety. More effects can be found on http://www.bullyonline.org/stress/health.htm. The following is another link which is trying to get rid of racism altogether:http://www.yre.org.uk/. Why are people racist? I believe the main reason is because they think it makes them better by being racist to another person. However, I understand that sometimes people can offend another person without meaning to, so is this still classed as racism? I think that some people think there is nothing wrong with racism which is usually because they themselves are racist or because they don't care if people are racist. However, other people are completly against it as it is bullying and is degrading to others. I think that racism isn't acceptable under any circumstances. The following is a picture that is used to try and stop racism:

teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is getting pregnant before turning 18. Teenage pregnancy is a controversial subject because some people believe that it isn't right because they are still children themselves so how can they raise one. However, other people think that although they have made a mistake it is still there child and whether they raise it or not is up to them. The following is a link to a government website which is targeting teenage pregnancy: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/healthandwellbeing/teenagepregnancy/teenagepregnancy/. Why do people get pregnant when they are teenagers? The reasons may include they haven't been educated about contraception or maybe even they want a baby for whatever reason they may have. This post isn't for or against teenage pregnancy because everyone has their own opinion in which mine is that teenagers should be more educated about it but if it does happen they shouldn't be judged. The following are issues that are raised from teenage pregnancy:

1. Is there enough education on contraception?


2. Is contraception easily available for people underage?


3. Are teenage mothers and fathers treated differently?

The following is an article on teenage pregnancy from BBC News page which say that it has fallen by 4%: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8531227.stm.

the following is a picture of teenage pregnancy:

Outlaws and bandits.

An outlaw is a gangster on the run from the law and a bandit is a robber who is usually armed. People who are classed as a bandit/outlaw usually do this type of behaviour because they feel that they can fit into a group or it may be because they get involved in something bigger then them and don't know how to get out of it. So what is in it's favour? What's in it's favour is that it can give them a adrenaline rush and it can give them a feeling of power because they have outdone the government. People might be attracted to this lifestyle because other family members/ friends are involved in it and so they get involved in it .The following are issued that are raised from this type of behaviour:

1. Should more be done to help young people who are involved in this lifestyle?


2. Is being a bandit/outlaw ever acceptable?

People tend to disapprove of this type of lifestyle because it they see it as being wrong and dangerous as people can get hurt and sometimes even killed. i think that this type of lifestyle is wrong but things can happen that can make people think that it is the only way out of a messy situation. However, there are those that get involved to make themselves feel like a 'Big Man'. the following are links to FBI files on two notorious outlaws:

1. http://foia.fbi.gov/bonclyd/bonclyd.pdf


2. http://foia.fbi.gov/floydsum/floydsum.pdf

The following is a picture of a bandit:

Response to Graham's blog on controversial jokes.

The following is a link to the blog: http://theblackheartofgrahamquirk.blogspot.com/.

I agree with the points that yoou made about the three factors to consider. I think that it is O.K to laugh at a joke as long as it isn't aimed at one just one person as i think if it is general to a race or religion e.t.c. then it is acceptable to find it funny. Hoewever, there is a line that needs to drawn as there is a big difference between joking around and being prejuduce.

Bullying.

Bullying is causing distress to another person intentionally whether this be physically or emotionally. Bullying can happen pretty much anywhere on the bus, at school, at work or even just on the street. There are charities set up to help people who are getting bullied, one of these being bullyingUk which can be found on http://www.bullying.co.uk/. No-one wants to be named a bully but it still happens, but why? The reasons are limitless as it could be a joke gone too far or it could be that the have been brought up in this type of environment and think it's normal behaviour. There are sometimes cases when the bully is mentally unstable but this isn't usually the case. So what is in its favour? To be honest there is nothing in it's favour as it causes serious distress, hurting people's feelings, eating disorders e.t.c. In severe cases it can lead to suicide, the following article discusses the seriousness of bullying as it lead to a thirteen year old hanging herself because of repeated bullying: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-461320/13-year-old-commits-suicide-repeated-bullying-Welsh.html. Is there anything that attracts people to this behaviour? I think that people are attracted to bullying because when they belittle others they feel in control and that they are at the top. The following is issues that bullying raises:

1. Is it ever right to bully another person?


2. Should bullying be took more serious?


3. Should schools be doing more?

As i have already mentioned i don't think that people ever agree with bullying because it causes no positive outcomes. I think that more needs to be done to stop bullying because it is serious and is not fair especially if the victim is bullied for something they can't help. The following is a picture to try and stop bullying:

Response to Cassandra blog on road rage.

The following is a link to the blog: http://beingbad-arebelyell.blogspot.com/.

Wow, I was shocked about what you found out about road rage being a mental disorder. As I can't drive and have never took any lessons I can't comment on what road rage is like, however I have seen explosions of people I have been in the car with as they have lost it at being cut up and nearly crashing. I think that people need to take driving more serious as it can cause serious accidents and cost lives.

Alcohol.

Alcohol is a word most people know whether they drink it or not. People tend to drink alcohol to wind down, due to an addiction, need to get drunk, depression or any other reason they may have. One issue drinking raises is binge drinking. Binge drinking is consuming more then a persons recommended unit and can have consequences some more serious then others. Some consequences include vomiting, hang-overs, alcohol poisoning, e.t.c. Alcohol can be brought in any licensed shop,pub or club by a person over 18. The following link is a BBC News article that discusses binge drinking and in particular it's cost which is around £20 billion a year: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3121440.stm. So what attracts people to drinking? I think that it is to do with the culture we live in as binge drinking is not only accepted but it is almost expected especially when in clubs. I also think people are attracted to drinking alcohol because it can help loosen people up and bring out peoples 'fun' side. However, not all of the population drinks due to personal or religious reasons so clearly not everyone agrees with drinking. Those who approve of drinking would suggest that it helps people relax and also that there isn't anything wrong with enjoying yourself. Those who disagree with it would argue that it causes noise, poisoning, violence and other negative consequences. The following are issues that are raised by alcohol:

1. At what point does binge drinking become serious?
2. Is it right to let a person under 18 to consume alcohol?
3. Who is responsible for underage drinking?
   

The following is a picture of alcohol:

I think ,as with most things, that alcohol is a person choice and if a person choices to drink then it's their choice. I also think that if they do choose to drink that there is nothing wrong with as long as it isn't constant drinking. For more information on bing drinking you can check out http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/alcohol/binge_drink.html.

response to Emily's blog on betrayal.

The following is a link to the blog: http://stubbz123.blogspot.

I think you have raised an interesting point about betrayal however I don't really agree as there are always other options. As I have never been in an abusive relationship I can't comment on that but I do think that people do have a choice and can be honest and if they are in unhappy or potential dangerous relationships they should get out. I realise this becomes difficult if there are children involved but there are people who can help.

Tattoos.

Tattoos are also known as body art as needles are printed onto the skin permanently ( unless of course you have it painfully removed). To get a tattoo you have to be over 18 ( if on your own) and can get it done in tattoo parlours. However, some people get them done whilst on holiday. But why do people get tattoos. Reasons may include because other people have them, think it looks good, to make a statement or in memory of something or someone. So what is so good about them, i think that what is good about them is that they let a person's personality come through as they can be chosen, but designs need to be carefully chosen as they are stuck with them for life. The following website shows several tattoo designs to help people choose the right one for them :http://www.tattoojohnny.com/. the following is a picture a tattoo:

the following are issues that getting a tattoo raises:

1. Is it right to have permanent ink on someones skin?
2. do people only get tattoo's to look 'cool'?
3. Is a tattoo the best place to remember someone that has passed?

With most things, when it comes to other people's opinions on tattoos it is spilt as some would approve with it as either a personal choice and it allows personal expression. however, other people would suggest that it is a violation of the body. for more information on tattoos the following website was set up to give more information on tattoos: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_art/safe_tattooing.html#. I found the following article very interested as it discussed the culture of tattoos:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7648737.stm.

Response to Chole's blog on lying with integrity.

The following is a link to the blog: http://chloehodge13.blogspot.com/.

I agree with what you said about different types of lies and it being better for children to be lead to believe in Santa and the tooth fairy. Although I believe lying is wrong but reading your blog it made me consider that in some cases it may be harmless or necessary. One question that i have though is at what point does a white lie turn into a bigger one and is it still acceptable.

Bad cinema

Within the media and even within groups of friends you hear the term bad movie and bad cinema but do they mean the same thing. To suggest a bad movie would imply that the movie was boring, no interesting plot, no interesting characters e.t.c. Whereas, bad cinema would imply story lines that are of a horrific nature or covers topic that are a taboo area. One such example is the Movie Kids which was about a bunch of teenagers living in new york which covers areas including drugs,HIV and sex. More information on this movie can be found on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113540/3540/. The following
picture was used to advertise Kids:


So why do we have bad cinema, I think the main reason is to shock people and make them realise that there is a problem and what can happen if nothing is done. I think that has bad cinema has a lot in it's favour with the top one being that it brings forward issue that people won't talk about and if it's not talked about people won't know that there is anything wrong. The following are issues that are raised by bad cinema:

1. Is it right to show such issues in the cinema if they aren't talked about?
2. Who should get to decide what is shown in cinema and what isn't?
3. What issues should be completely banned from the cinema?

What do other people think of bad cinema? I think that people mostly agree with it because otherwise they wouldn't go and watch it and the films wouldn't be made. I think that these films are made for a reason and that normally they are for good reasons.

Response to Claire's blog on smoking.

The following is a link to the blog:http://www.clairefelton91.blogspot.com/.

I agree with what you have said about why people in their teenage years smoking, as a smoker ( well on and off smoker) I have found that the people I know that do smoke all started in their teenage years and did it because everyone else has. I think what you said about smoking in the past was interesting because i think some people still see smoking in that way as I have known people that think smoking is cool although I don't agree. Your right about the cost of smoking as you might as well burn the fiver you spend on cigarettes.

Drugs.

Drugs are substances that alter how the body functions and can be used to help fight disease, for pain relief, treatment or can be used for the complete opposite reason which is to 'get high'. In today's society it is easy to get hold of illegal drugs and so it is no wonder that the number of people taking them has increased. People can take drugs by swallowing, sniffing or injecting. Although the idea drugs giving you a 'high' feeling it is important for people to know that everyone reacts differently to drugs especially as there are stories where even just taking one illegal pill can have serious consequences. One example of this can be found on: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/contaminated-ecstasy-leaves-girl-in-coma-1581679.html . This article is about an 18 year old female who took an contaminated pill and ended up in a critical condition. This is not the only case there is that shows how dangerous drugs can be as they are dangerous and people can get very addicted and not realise how much they are taking which can lead to overdose. To help people understand drugs more and to answer questions a website was set up called Talk to Frank. (http://www.talktofrank.com/). So what is in it's favour? They can cause side effects which gives people high feelings which is generally why people take illegal drugs but also can take drugs to relieve any pain they are feeling which can cause distress. This feeling of relief is also what can attract people to taking drugs. Issues that are raised from drugs are:

1. is it right to take illegal drugs if they relieve distressing pain?


2. Are illegal drugs as dangerous as the media make them out to be?

So what do people think about drugs? Generally when it comes to taking illegal drugs people disapprove with it however, there are those who agree with it but it is most likely those who agree with it are taking them. When it comes to legal drugs there is a spilt as some people believe they should not be taken as other more natural ways should be used first ( e.g herbals) whereas others believe that there is nothing wrong with taking legal drugs. I believe that it is a lifestyle choice and if a person wants to spend there life ( or part of their life) on drugs and risk loosing everything or damaging their health then that is there choice. The following is a picture used to stop people taking drugs:

Response to Craig's post on Blackmailing.

the following is a link to the blog:http://beingbad123.blogspot.com/.

I think you raise some interesting points although I don't agree with what you have said about blackmailing being alright sometimes. I believe that in no case is blackmailing someone right even if what they have done is terrible. When a person blackmails, for whatever reason they are, in my opinion acting worse then those who are being blackmailed ( for those who are guilty). I think the stories you found on celebrities are interesting because it shows that even famous people can get blackmailed.

Lies.

I think that this subject is relevant to this blog as a lot of people lie but for different reasons, sometimes it is for , in their view, good but other individuals can do it for vicious and cruel reasons. When people lie for 'good' reasons it is generally done to protect people from the truth but is this right or fair to withhold information from a person. This is just one issue that is raised by lying. Another issue includes if telling a little white lie is alright then at what point does a lie become wrong. A third issue that is raised is who gets to decide whether it is right to lie as well as who gets to decide to withhold the truth from someone. So what is lying?Lying is defined as 'the deliberate act of deviating from the truth'. Looking at lying generally it would seem wrong in any case but looking deeper there must be something about it that attracts people as only in rare cases are people addicted to it ( pathological lier), so what does attract people? There is no one answer to this question as everyone has different options when it comes to lying. So how do you spot a lier, people tend to believe that eye contact is a dead give away but is this true, the following website suggests that it 'sort of' is true which indicates if someone avoids eye contact it does not automatically mean that they are lying. The website can be found on http://www.blifaloo.com/info/lies_eyes.php. The following article I found interesting as it shows that even well-known professionals can lie and be deceitful, especially as in this case he lied to bring people down. The article can be found on http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1268660/How-I-rumbled-lying-professor-The-story-discredited-don-rubbished-rivals-Amazon--left-wife-blame.html. I think that in some cases that lying is necessary especially if there are venerable children involved, although i believe that when they are old enough to understand they should be told the truth. I also believe that if lying can be avoided that it should be especially as lying can be hurtful and can end relationships. The following is a humor picture showing lying:

Response to Sahdiya post on drugs.

the following is a link to the blog:http://beingbad91.blogspot.com/.

I agree with what you have said about how dangerous drugs are and what they can do to people. From personal experience i have seen how badly people can be effected especially when they can't admit to be addicted. I think that teenagers need to be taught more on drugs as I remember when I was in school I had one P.S.E lesson on it and learned more about drugs from friends then i did from teachers.

Masturbation.

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Response to Tracey's blog on Infidelity.

The following is a link to the Tracey's blog: http://chocolatejug.blogspot.com/.

I agree with what you have said about forgiveness as I feel for a person to move forward with their life they have to let things go as otherwise it will just tear them apart. I believe that for a person to cheat in a relationship they must have their reasons and by doing it they are ending their relationship. I am not saying that this is an excuse because i know when you are cheated on there is a lot of pain but i firmly believe everything happens for a reason.

What is stalking?

Stalking has changed over the years especially as technology has expanded as individuals can 'stalk' someone over social network pages, for example Facebook or Twitter. So what is stalking? Stalking is defined as ' The legal term for repeated harassment or other forms of invasion of a person's privacy in a manner that causes fear to its target'. This definition can be found on http://www.babylon.com/definition/stalk/English. This website also gives examples of stalking which includes physical following and unwanted contact. Stalking can take place over the Internet (Cyber stalking), or on the streets. so what is the meaning of stalking? As with most human behaviour there is no definite reasoning behind peoples behaviour because of individual differences, but what might explain stalking is obsession. Stalkers may be attracted to this type of behaviour because it is possible that they believe by doing it they are getting closer to their victim. When people talk about stalkers they tend to think that they are mentally unstable. Is this true? This is just one of the issues that stalking raises. Other issues include:

1. Is stalking as dangerous as people are lead to believe?



2. Do victims of stalking lead their followers on or are they completely innocent?



3. Are victims of stalking permanently damaged?

People generally believe that it is wrong and an invasion of space.

There are some cases of stalking that can get very dangerous and very vicious which is why the network for surviving stalking was set up. This charity is internationally known and offers support to victims and potential victims. More information on this charity can be found on http://www.nss.org.uk/. The following is a picture of a cartoon showing Cyber stalking:

When it comes to stalking I think that social networking sites do not help as it makes it easier for a victim to be followed especially when their information is online and available to look at. Also I think that it is dangerous as it can increase and when they do not get what they want what do stalkers do to their victims?

Response to Sangeeta's blog on Bad Comedians.

the following is the link to the blog page: http://sangeeta-crazyness.blogspot.com/

I agree with what you said about some jokes being funny up to a certain point. When it comes to racist jokes I think it is only acceptable when the actual race that the joke is about says it as otherwise I believe that it is rude and well racist. In order for a comedian to be good I think they need to find out how far they can take their jokes and also the boundaries for these jokes.

Is getting paid for sexual services wrong?

Prostitution can sometimes be taken for a joke and an easy way to make money but it is more serious then people think, especially when those taking part in it are underage. Prostitution is illegal in the U.K and is defined as ' Performance of sexual acts in exchange for money'. On the following link http://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/data/files/prostitution_fact_sheet.pdf it discusses the myths and facts about prostitution. So where does prostitution take place? It can take place indoors (e.g brothel) or outdoors. There are quite a few reasons why women turn to prostitution which might include fuelling a drug addiction or to feed family. One issue that prostitution raises is what is to be done about child prostitution. There is a charity called ECPAT UK which trys to prevent child prostitution and trafficking by working with the travel and tourism industry as well as the government. More information about this charity can be found on www.ecpat.org.uk/protecting.html. The following is a picture that is used to try and stop prostitution :

So what do other people think some believe it is completely wrong and no matter what the circumstances are a person should never get paid for sexual services, others believe that it is a person's choice and there are those that really just do not care. I believe that it is wrong especially considering the average age that a person goes into prostitution is 13/14.

Is shoplifitng theft?

According to the BBC News Website, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4477596.stm, around 3.5 million people have admitted to shoplifting in the past five years. So what is shoplifting? Shoplifting is stealing from a store during its opening hours. However, one issue that can be raised might be is shoplifting any different to any other kind of theft? This is debatable as some people would say it is because you are taking something that is not yours to take whereas others may disagree and argue that theft is taking a persons actual belonging whereas shoplifting is taking something from a company. There is no one answer to this as different people do it for different reasons as it may be due to boredom, peer pressure, addiction or might not be able to afford it. People might be attracted to shoplifting because others have done it and gotten away with it or it may be because they see it as a way of getting something for free. However a big problem here is people might not tell the truth as if they are not caught they may deny ever shoplifting and if they admit to it they might not tell the truth on what it is they really stole. A big issue that made the media last year was when a priest suggested that it was alright to shoplift in certain circumstances . An article on this and what he said in defense can be found on http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/uk/priest+defends+shoplifting+sermon/3474237. When it comes to shoplifting, i think that it is not as emotionally distressing for those involved as robbery (e.g armed) but it still can affect a lot of people, e.g family of the shoplifter if caught ( embarrassment e.t.c), shop workers, company's head office, security workers e.t.c. It can also be expensive as security has to be looked at which not only costs quite a bit of money but is also time-consuming. I also believe that it is theft as when a person is charged with shoplifting it is charged under theft. The following is a picture showing a warning sign which warns potential shop-lifters what will happen if they are caught:

Is smoking good or bad?

According to the General Lifestyle Survey 2008 it showed that 21% of adults smoked, however, this only included those over 16. There may be a problem with this statistic as not everyone will tell the truth about whether they smoke. Some statistics on smoking can be found on http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_106.pdf. This blog is about smoking cigarettes,pipes and cigars only. There are four types of smokers which are Heavy Smokers, Social(occasional) Smokers, Ex Smokers and Non-smokers. Although it could be argued that there is a fifth type which would be tried it once smokers. Since the smoking ban in 2007, people are no longer allowed to smoke in public places, e.g pubs. This ban was put into place to try to give people an incentive to quit as they keep having to go outside if they are in public places.More information can be found on http://www.thesite.org/drinkanddrugs/drugsafety/thelaw/smokingban. The big question is why do people smoke and do the positives outweigh the negatives. The negatives of smoking includes: damages health, not a nice smell, makes teeth yellow and can cause damage to others through second hand smoke. However, on the other side of this the positives may include satisfaction of cravings, enjoyment and feeling part of a group( e.g. if everyone smokes). The examples given for both the positives and negatives are not by any means exhaustive. Some issues raised by smoking may include:



1) is it right for people to smoke around vulnerable people, e.g children?

2) if unemployed people can afford cigarettes how come they get paid benefit welfare?



As an ex-smoker, i can empathise with the complaints of others and also the pressure that others can place on a person to keep smoking. So what is said to be in it's favour, well mainly that it is a lifestyle choice and it is up to the individual whether they choose to smoke or not and this choice can't be taken away from anybody no matter how much they may disagree with it. The following picture is what can be found in all public places where smoking is banned:

Topic to be covered in week 12.

I think that in week 12 that we should discuss graffiti because it's everywhere.There are different views on it as some think it's art but other people think it's vandalism. Looking online at definitions these different views can be seen on http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=graffiti which suggests that it's art and misunderstood, whereas other websites describe it as vandalism, http://www.babylon.com/definition/Graffiti/English. Graffiti can be found anywhere on the back of buildings, motorway bridges, alleyways which sometimes makes you wonder how it got there in the first place. People may be attracted to doing this because they are bored, pressurised into doing it by others or it may be because they think it's pretty. Obviously these aren't the only reasons as it is impossible to know all the reasons behind a person's behaviour. The following is a picture found on google images of graffiti:

I think it would be good to discuss graffiti to find out what people with different backgrounds think of it. I also think it would be good to discuss this as there are some issues that graffiti raises such as:

1. Is it art or a mess?
2. Is graffiti a talent?