Blowback essays

Blowback essays Chalmers Johnson presents a provocative analysis of the consequences of American political and military policy abroad in his progressive book, Blowback. The term blowback was first invented by the CIA to describe the effect that Americas operations in foreign countries could potentially result in retaliation. The book was published in 2000, eighteen months prior to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but clearly outlined the likelihood of such an event occurring. The first two chapters in the book alone serve up a strong cautionary case warning us about the negative impact US foreign policy has overseas. The following quote sums up the main premise of the book, Although most Americans may be largely ignorant of what was, and still is, being done in their names, all are likely to pay a steep price-individually and collectively-for their nation's continued efforts to dominate the global scene. Johnson p.33 Johnson argues that America has become an empire that has placed its military presence all over the globe, and uses American dollars to shape the economic climate in many foreign countries. He goes a bit far though in his prediction that our countrys political overreach ultimately spells disaster for the empire. He draws the simple conclusion that since America is an empire, and all empires fall, so America will fall. The fact that we have military bases abroad does not equate America to the Roman Empire. However, some of the events that occur as a byproduct of our presence overseas have long lasting tragic consequences, and the appalling manner that our government responds to US inflicted atrocities bring shame and dishonor upon all of us. An accident caused by a Marine Corps pilot that resulted in the deaths of 20 Italians when a ski-lift cable was cut seems to be gross negligence in light of the facts that the altitude and speed parameters were both violated. Yet the ...

Large proportion of the population Essays

Large proportion of the population Essays Large proportion of the population Essay Large proportion of the population Essay Women are also affected by the social class idea which means that they are not only discriminated against because of their sex but also if for example, they are in a lower class, they will be at even more of a disadvantage due to the cost of participation and the amount of free time they have available. Conflicts theorists believe that the emphasis should be taken off the amount of money and commercialisation of sport and concentrate more onThe development of a humane and creative society, so that sport can become a source of expression, creative energy, and physical well-being (J.Coackley, 2003, page 41) It is important to remember that commercialism and sport are closely linked to media exposures which are also related to both the Feminist and Conflict approach to women in sporting society. Coackley (1994) suggested that for sports and business to flourish successfully together they need to be in market economies and in large densely populated cities. The attending spectators would also need the time, money and freedom of movement to attend such events. Whilst such a high standard of living is necessary so is an effective transportation system to ensure that spectators can get their chosen event.However, commercialization of sport is now more than just paying to spectate at events. It includes advertising, endorsements, buying clothing (leisure wear), sports goods and paying for participation. The sports council has estimated that half a million jobs in the UK are dependant on the sports business. All sports that are watchable have potential for commercial exploitation. (and that)Companies sponsor events to make money (Cashmore, 1996)Although there is a lot of money to be made in the commercialization of sport, there is an obvious difference between the male and female performers sponsorship and advertising schemes which links in with the media. Honeybourne et al (1996) define the media as: A form of mass communication, usually comprising the press, television and radio.The media has a direct influence on the values and morals of a society since it reaches such a large proportion of the populationAs this statement declares, the media plays a vital role in the sporting society. The feminist theory proposes that women dont get the publicity and consideration they deserve. This could also link back to fact that society sees Women as the weaker sex. An example of women being miss-interpreted is the female tennis player Anna Kournikova. Anna Kournikova has made more money out of advertising and modelling than she has out of tennis. Feminist theorists may believe that if Anna Kournikova was not as good looking and was not perceived as a sexy role model then she would not have made all that money.Where the emphasis is based on talent when it comes to males in sport, the emphasis is based more on good looks when it comes to females in sport. This is because a lot of people (males in most cases) who watch womens sport want them to look aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This is not always the case but you just have to look at an event, such as beach volleyball, to see that they have that dress code to boost ratings and publicity of the sport.Conflict theorists would say that some newspapers (mainly tabloids) are aimed at a certain social class. However, they can also be quite sexist when writing about sport as their target population is males buying sports specials on Saturday evenings to find the results written by male journalists. The feminist theory and the conflict theory do share some of the same thoughts as women and social class can link together. For example, women in middle-lower income families often feel the restraints of child nurture and homemaking.Without money to pay for child-care, domestic assistance, and sport participation costs, these women just dont have enough opportunities or time to play sport. Also they dont have access to the gyms and maybe cant afford the travel to get to the places where they want to play sports. Furthermore sports are usually social activities occurring among friends, and, if a womans friends dont have the facilities enabling them to play, she will have even fewer activities which would lead to her being less motivated for interest in participation. However, this is also true for men but men are more likely to have an arrangement of relationships from sport interest.Women in upper-income families frequently face a different state of affairs. They have the money and resources to pay for childcare, domestic assistance and sport participation. They often participate in sport activities by themselves, with friends, or with family members. They have social networks made up of other women who also have the resources to maintain high levels of sport participation. (J.Coackley 2003, page 336)Women who have been brought up in these families often have played sports during and since their childhoods and have attended schools with good sports programs; however, they have experienced the same constraints as their lower-income counterparts. Their opportunities are much greater than those of lower-income women, even though they may not be equal to those of upper-income men. (J.Coackley, 2003, page 338)However, these theories have their weaknesses. Both the conflict theory and feminist theory under-estimate the importance of other factors when it comes to explaining how people relate to others, organize social life and especially in terms of discrimination in sport. These other factors include race, ethnicity and age. Conflict theory also underestimates the value of gender and sexual orientation.Also the feminist approach under estimates the importance of social class, disability, religion and nationality. In conclusion, both the feminist and conflict theory produce good arguments about sports role in society; nonetheless, there is also evidence to show that they do not touch on other factors which are just as significant as their views. To gain a true understanding of sports role in society and also relate it to women in sport then all the theories should be revised before making an accurate opinion.

Freedom of expression should be guaranteed. Discuss Essay - 1

Freedom of expression should be guaranteed. Discuss - Essay Example OECD and African Development Bank (2012) point that freedom of expression includes the right for one to freely hold opinions without there being any interference as well as the innate right for individuals to be able to seek impart and receive ideas and information via the use of various media irrespective of the possible frontiers. Guaranteeing freedom of expression basically means that individuals are assured of this inalienable right without failure; in this regard freedom of expression should be guaranteed as it is essentially an inseparable element of democracy and the modern day free press. Freedom of expression generally aids society in exercising control over various state authorities as well as in maintenance of a system whereby the society is essentially self controlled as is dictated by the demands of democracy. Self controlled societies are responsible for making their own decisions and it is only possible for these societies to be able to do this if they are well informed and has in place and system that encourages open exchange of opinions via the various mass media. This essay will critically underscore some of the various reasons as to why freedom of expression in mass media should be guaranteed in relation to its importance in mass media. Guaranteed freedom of expression is an important contributor to the democratic belief that the government should necessarily be restrained by a system of various balances and checks. These checks and balances are designed to restrain it from corruption, tyranny and ineptitude (Human Rights Watch 2011). By utilizing the freedom of expression that is available to it, the press can be able to promote democracy by facilitating a free flow of information and providing important information to the public, which can in turn help the public in making crucial decisions affecting the state as it has the right to protest