Internet Addiction an Escape from Reality Essay Example

Internet Addiction: an Escape from Reality Essay Internet Addiction: An Escape from Reality With the creation of an online world comes the creation of new problems. The great network system known as the Internet has allowed for huge advances in the world, while creating very serious issues as well. Perhaps one of the most common of these negative issues is Internet Addiction Disorder, or IAD. Doctors Aviv Weinstein and Michel Lejoyeux define Internet addiction as being â€Å"characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding Internet use that lead to impairment or distress (Weinstein Lejoyeux, 2010). One of the reasons this disorder is so prevalent, is the fact that it encompasses a large number of online activities which can lead to it. For example, one of the most common causes of this disorder is pornography addiction. This can often lead to other problems, such as negative marital relationships or sexual addiction. Other addictions caused by or related to IAD include gambling addictio n, gaming addiction, online relationships, overuse of social networking, and others. Currently, Internet addiction is not a medically recognized disorder, so diagnosis can often be difficult. This is because it is often unknown whether Internet addiction is being caused by something else. Many medical professionals believe that Internet addiction should be considered a bonafide disorder, but arguments over causality have prevented it from being recognized as a stand-alone condition (Weinstein Lejoyeux, 2010). Regardless of the way it is perceived, Internet addiction has obvious negative effects on the people experiencing it, but treatment is possible. Since the disorder is not officially recognized, diagnosis is often subjective. However, an article in a 2010 issue of the journal Addiction proposes a diagnostic criteria for IAD. Based on clinical experience and surveys, eight primary symptoms of IAD were determined. These symptoms are shown in the following list, taken from Addiction: 1. Preoccupation: a strong desire for the internet. Thinking about previous online activity or anticipation of the next online session. Internet use is the dominant activity in daily life 2. Withdrawal: manifested by a dysphoric mood, anxiety, irritability and boredom after several days without internet activity 3. We will write a custom essay sample on Internet Addiction: an Escape from Reality specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Internet Addiction: an Escape from Reality specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Internet Addiction: an Escape from Reality specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Tolerance: marked increase in internet use required to achieve satisfaction 4. Difficult to control: persistent desire and/or unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back or discontinue internet useful 5. Disregard of harmful consequences: continued excessive use of internet despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems likely to have been caused or exacerbated by internet use 6. Social communications and interests are lost: loss of interests, previous hobbies, entertainment as a direct result of, and with the exception of, internet use 7. Alleviation of negative emotions: uses the internet to escape or relieve a dysphoric mood (e. g. feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety) 8. Hiding from friends and relatives: deception of actual costs/time of internet involvement to family members, therapist and others The article within the journal details a study involving this diagnosis criteria. 408 patients were admitted to a hospital for pathological Internet use determined by the aforementioned symptoms. One year after being released from the hospital the patients were re-examined, and the vast majority no longer met the criteria for IAD. However, IAD remained prevalent in a very small number of patients, most of whom suffered from another psychotic disorder such as personality disorder or schizophrenia (Tao, Huang, Wang, Zhang, Zhang, Li, 2010). With this study in mind, it becomes hard to deny that IAD is an actual condition. However, it is often difficult to determine whether someone is truly suffering from IAD. The previous list of symptoms was determined by a group of medical professionals in China, and this criteria may change depending on where subjects are being tested. For example, criteria for diagnosis may be different in the United States compared to European or Asian countries. There are many test and questionnaires available to take to determine if IAD may be present in an individual, the most commonly used being Youngs Internet Addiction Scale, abbreviated IAT. Others include the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS), Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS), and the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ). These tests attempt to determine symptoms of Internet addiction and their relation to psychological and social health. These tests, however, are not always accurate. Problems that can occur with any test or questionnaire come into play when using this method, such as dishonesty, misunderstanding the question, or poorly worded questions. One of the criticisms of these tests is that some questions do not relate to addiction, and therefore should not be used in the determination of IAD. It often becomes difficult to determine what Internet addiction truly is in these cases, as an individual may exhibit addictive behavior towards one specific activity (i. . pornography, gaming) and not any others (Weinstein Lejoyeux, 2010). The fact that IAD encompasses these different addictions, such as pornography addiction, gaming addiction, social networking addiction, etc. , gives more fuel to the argument that IAD may not be a stand-alone disorder, but rather a general term to describe one or more of these. However, simple web surfing often evolves into an addictive behavior which is recognized under IAD, and thi s activity can only be classified under IAD. Though sharing similarities with what we may consider typical addictions, such as drug and alcohol addiction, IAD is actually quite different in that it takes place entirely within the mind. Physical problems can arise out of IAD, but the disorder itself does not include actual physical addiction. The question of why IAD occurs then arises. Like any other addiction, certain people may be predisposed to experience IAD. For example, many dispositions for addiction are genetic, others are born out of childhood trauma. If a person is predisposed, or likely to develop addiction (regardless of what kind), the chance of IAD is present. The chance for addiction relies entirely on the person and a combination of stressors. If the stressors trigger at a specific time in a persons life, while the activity is occurring, the behavior may become addictive. In this case, if the Internet is being used as a release when the stressors trigger, online activity may increase which, in turn, has the chance to evolve into IAD (Ferris, 1996). IAD shares similarities with other addictions, especially on a behavioral level. The Internet, in this case, becomes an escape, or a way to alter ones mood by rejecting the real world. The Internet allows the individual to experience a temporary high, in a sense, by allowing reinforcement for desired and often unnatural for the person experiencing it. For example, a person who is shy may exhibit a very extraverted personality on the Internet in order to meet others. They are able to become someone different, possibly with traits they wish they had themselves. This experience is often very rewarding for these individuals, as they may be accepted online in ways they are not in real life. This can lead to overuse of the Internet, which can lead to IAD, in which the individual always wants to be online, or experience life as their online self constantly (Duran, 2003). This phenomenon of identifying with an online personality exists heavily within the areas of online gaming addiction and online dating. Online gaming addiction, when related to IAD, usually involves games known as Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, or MMORPGs. Within these kinds of games, players create a character which will exist in an online world, which often shares very major similarities with the real world. For example, MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft, Rift, and EVE Online all boast their own in-game economic system involving banks, stores, and other financial services. Players can interact with each other, chat, and complete quests together, among other things. The relationships experienced in these online worlds often take the place of relationships in the real world, which can cause the individual to become anti-social. The identification of an individual with an in-game character is definitely a large factor in gaming addiction. MMOPRGs usually allow for a character to constantly progress, and this progress almost never yields a real world reward, only in-game. For someone experiencing IAD, this can cause them to lose touch with reality, in a sense. This can cause in-game excitement as well as in-game frustration to be exhibited as real world emotion (Smahel, Blinka, Ledabyl, 2008). Other MMORPGs, such as Second Life, focus more on the player to player relationships than the aspect of gameplay. Rather than presenting the player with quests to complete or objectives to accomplish, Second Life introduces the player to a virtual world where almost anything can occur, just as it would in real life. Players create and customize an avatar, and are then plunged into what is literally a virtual life, which they can live in any way they see fit. This can include attending school in the game, getting married, buying a house, and having a job and going to work. The similarities with reality are much more prevalent and noticeable than in games like World of Warcraft. One of the major links between Second Life and the real world is the fact that Second Life often requires you to use real money to buy in-game items. For persons experiencing IAD, this can become a major problem. The fact that real money can be transferred between individuals in this virtual world adds a very addictive factor to the game that other MMORPGs do not exhibit. Not only can you spend money, you can also make it. This causes many people to become extremely absorbed in their literal â€Å"second life† on the Internet, which allows for very addictive behavior (Suler, 2007) This ability to essentially become whoever you want online plays a role in online dating as well. The aspect of anonymity empowers many individuals to do or say things online they would not feel comfortable with in real life. The anonymous nature of many online relationships can become addicting for many people because of this. Cyberpsychologist Mark Griffiths comments on this, stating â€Å"People behave differently online. Work on online relationships has shown that people fall in love more quickly than they do offline. Theres the strangers on a train effect – people feel anonymous, which is disinhibiting. This, plus the fact that the Internet is constantly available, makes IAD a very real possibility for individuals in these situations. Griffiths also comments on online gambling, though he believes that the true addiction here is solely gambling, and that the behavior would most likely occur offline as well. Internet addiction involves actions that only take place online, such as chatroom addiction and online gaming addiction. For the gambler, the Internet simply intensifies the addiction which is already taking place (Newman, 2008). IAD, like any other dangerous addictive behavior, can lead to many other disorders and negative behaviors. One of the most common negative aspects of IAD is its effect on personal relationships. Studies have shown that many people who are timid, have poor social skills, or already experience anxiety within interpersonal relationships may be attracted to relationships on the Internet. It is also believed that almost every addiction can be traced back to problems during an individuals childhood. In a 2007 article in the journal CyberPsychology Behavior, parent-child relationships are discussed as being correlated to IAD. In short, negative parent-child relationships beginning at a young age often evolve into negative interpersonal relationships as the child gets older. These negative interpersonal relationships can then lead directly to Internet addiction, but other times move on to social anxiety in the real world before leading to Internet addiction. The following graph illustrates this theory: Conversely, we can assume that positive parent-child relationships most often lead to more successful interpersonal relationships after adolescence. Individuals are, therefore, less likely to experience social anxiety and develop addictions such as IAD. As individuals progress through adolescence and early adulthood, the effects of past and current negative relationships may become more apparent. Many studies have found that university students often exhibit high levels of social anxiety, and may use the Internet as a way to escape their psychological fears in the real world. These students are more likely to develop online relationships, whether platonic or romantic, due to the anonymity it allows. Suler, who has studied IAD and online relationships in Second Life, and Young, who developed the Internet Addiction Scale, are professionals on IAD that have concluded that addiction to the Internet is a reaction to poor adaptation in the real world (Liu Kuo, 2007). Emotional abuse and physical abuse have been shown to be risk factors of IAD as well. A 2009 study surveyed 3769 students through an anonymous questionnaire, which included questions from Youngs Internet Addiction Scale, among others. Of these, 81. % showed a presence of emotional abuse, and 55. 1% showed a presence of physical abuse. The study concluded that moderate and severe physical abuse may be risk factors of IAD (Zhang, Hao, Yang, Zhang, Sun, Hu, Ye, Tao, 2008). Despite the amount of research and information available on IAD, there are still plenty of researchers and medical professionals who do not consider IAD to be an accepted form of addiction or disorder. Most professionals recognize an addiction or disorde r once it is published by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, otherwise known as the DSM. One broad definition of IAD is â€Å"the inability of individuals to control their internet use, resulting in marked distress and/or functional impairment in daily life. † A large number of professionals accept this, and conclude that IAD seems to be on par with other disorders, and is comparable to other addictions, such as drug or alcohol addiction. Even symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal have been observed in individuals with IAD, very similar to individuals with a drug addiction. Dysphoric mood, irritability, anxiety, anger, and aggression have all been documented behaviors by those suffering from IAD and experiencing Internet withdrawal. However, the same physiological symptoms of drug withdrawal have not been documented in cases of Internet withdrawal. Professionals therefore cannot say that Internet withdrawal is comparable to drug withdrawal, because data has not yet presented to prove that the same nervous functions occur in Internet withdrawal, which would stipulate that true withdrawal was occurring. The same can be said for tolerance. No data has been presented to prove that an increase in intensity and frequency of Internet use generates tolerance in the same way certain drugs do. It is, therefore, assumed that withdrawal and tolerance, in the context of IAD, are figurative terms, or being used to best describe a patients symptoms. The fact that there is no true diagnosis for IAD calls into question whether it can be considered a disorder at all. Most patients diagnosed with IAD have some other form of disorder already present. In a study using Youngs Internet Addiction Scale, JH Ha found that of twelve adolescents experiencing IAD, three were suffering from a major depressive disorder, one was suffering from schizophrenia, and another suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. The fact that other disorders such as these arise so often makes it difficult to determine the causality of IAD. This also gives strength to the argument that IAD may simply be a symptom or sign of some other mental or personality disorder (Pies, 2009) Regardless of whether IAD is medically recognized by professionals, treatment is available for those experiencing IAD. The main approach to treatment of IAD is an intervention process, similar to an intervention involving drug addiction. Currently there are no other evidence-based medical treatments for IAD. Also, studies show that behavior therapy has also been successful in treating patients with IAD. Self help books and family therapy sessions are also option which may prove successful. In some cases, banning the individual from computer or Internet access entirely may be the best option (Weinstein Lejoyeux, 2010). Though the subject is much debated, its obvious that the Internet allows various psychological issues to manifest. IAD may not yet be considered a disorder on par with other addictions, but the dangers to health, social relationships, and self esteem that occur from IAD remain as very serious problems which need to be addressed. Like any addiction or disorder, IAD need to be recognized in its early stages, and steps towards prevention need to be taken. As cases of IAD continue to surface, research into causality, symptoms, prevention, and treatment will bring forth more concrete evidence in favor of or in opposition to the determination of IAD as a recognized disorder. For now, we can remain uncertain as to what causes IAD, whether it be negative childhood relationships, low self esteem, or intense social anxiety. We can, however, be sure that the technological advances involving the Internet will continue to produce a shockingly large number of negative effects on the psychological and social aspects of the human mind. Works Cited Duran, M. (2003). Internet addiction disorder. AllPsych Journal, Retrieved from http://allpsych. com/journal/internetaddiction. html Ferris, J. (1997). Internet addiction disorder: Causes, symptoms,and consequences. Unpublished, Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Retrieved from http://www. files. chem. vt. edu/chem-dept/dessy/honors/papers/ferris. html Liu, C. , Kuo, F. (2007). A study of internet addiction through the lens of the interpersonal theory. CyberPsychology Behavior, 10(6), 799-804. Newman, M. (2008, August 28). Modem love. Times Higher Education, (1860), 20. Pies, R. (2009). Should dsm-v designate â€Å"internet addiction† a mental disorder?. Psychiatry, 6(2), 31-37. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC2719452/ Smahel, D. , Blinka, L. , Ledabyl, O. (2008). Playing mmorpgs: Connections between addiction and identifying with a character. CyberPsychology Behavior, 11(6), 715-718. Suler, J. (2007). Second life, second chance. Retrieved from http://users. rider. edu/~suler/psycyber/secondlife. html Tao, R. , Huang, X. , Wang, J. , Zhang, H. , Zhang, Y. , Li, M. (2010). Proposed diagnostic criteria for internet addiction. Addiction, 105(3), 556-564. Weinstein, A. , Lejoyeux, M. (2010). Internet addiction or excessive internet use. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 36(5), 277-283. Zhang, Z. , Hao, J. , Yang, L. , Zhang, X. , Sun, Y. , Hu , C. , Ye, D. , Tao, F. U. S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2009). The relationship between emotional, physical abuse and internet addiction disorder among middle school students. Retrieved from website: http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmed/19565867

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Relaxation activities maybe like board games, walks, family visits and encouraging conversations. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas should also be encouraged not to have broken thoughts. Broken thoughts are one of the leading sources of stress. By having no broken thoughts stress levels will be reduced and ultimately the quality of life will be increased. Holistic Nursing Action Plan Appropriate for Managing Mrs. Thomass Care At Home Functional ability in cancer patients is highly affected due to the effects of cancer treatment to their bodies. These effects include: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain, and infections. Some of the effects are psychological for example emotional weakness and stress. All this factors lead to reduced functional ability of the patient (Ettinger, 2008). So as to increase the functional ability of Mrs. Thomas it is important for her to have a proper diet. 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This will increase her functional ability. It is important for Mrs. Thomas to have a loving and supporting husband and family. Her family should take proper care of her by showing her love and affection. This will psychologically makes her feel better, healthier and will increase her functional ability. (Nussbaum M. Craven, Amartya K. Sen. 1993) Mrs. Thomas should avoid alcohol and tobacco smoking. It is very easy for depressed patients and loved ones to get addicted to alcohol. It is important not to drink alcohol and smoke since it does more bad than good. Ways to provide care for Mrs. Thomas once self-care is no longer possible Once self care is no longer possible its important to provide care for Mrs. Thomas since she cant care for herself. Ways of providing care have been discussed below. Since Mrs. Thomas cannot take care of herself it would be important to help around the house when one can. Helping out may include cleaning the house, clothes and dishes. As discussed above hygiene is important so it would be important to help Mrs. Thomas around. Since she cannot take care of herself it would be important to keep track of her hospital appointments. It would also be important to accompany her to the hospital visits. One should know all the medications and dosages of the medicine she is taking. It is important to keep track of the patients treatment and knowing whether the patient has taken her medicine. It is also good to understand the side effects that come with cancer treatments. As discussed earlier the side effects include nausea, vomiting, pain and fatigue. (Ettinger S. 2008) One should also keep a journal of Mrs. Thomas condition. As discussed earlier Mrs. Thomas should be encouraged to keep a record of things that make her happy and how she is feeling. Its good practice to keep Mrs. Thomas company. She needs all the emotional support she can get and should never be alone. Emotional support goes a long way. One should be supportive and encouraging. One should tell Mrs. Thomas inspiring stories of cancer survivors. A book on cancer survivors would be good for Mrs. Thomas. When talking to Mrs. Thomas it is important to remind her of the power of prayer and spiritual relief. So as to care for her a support group made up of close friends and family should be constituted. The group should be concerned with helping Mrs. Thomas during her treatment period. A fund raiser should be organized so as to raise funds for supporting Mrs. Thomas through her treatment. The management of Mr. Thomass chronic depression. So as to treat and manage Mr. Thomass chronic depression it would be important to advice him to see a psychotherapy and to use medication such as antidepressants. Mr. Thomas could also join a support group for people suffering from chronic depression. The first step towards dealing with Mr. Thomass problem would be him going to a doctor and having a correct diagnosis of his problem. Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that is used to treat and manage chronic depression. It would help Mr. Thomas to cope with his condition. It can be in the form of doctor to patient therapy, group therapy or family therapy. There is a wide range of medication available for the treatment of chronic depression. Mr. Thomas should have a doctor diagnose his condition and prescribe the medication. The doctor can also prescribe alternative treatment for chronic depression. The doctor might prescribe mood stabilizing drugs. Mr. Thomas must also have a strict diet; he should exercise more often and should have a social life. It is important to be social so as to be able to manage chronic depression.

An Assassin of John F. Kennedy :: Roscoe White History Assassination Essays

An Assassin of John F. Kennedy In another bizarre twist to a mystery that has haunted Americans for more than a quarter century, the son of a former Dallas police officer plans to tell the world that his father was one of the assassins of President John F. Kennedy. Ricky White, a 29-year-old, unemployed oil equipment salesman in Midland, says he "had no conception of ever, ever giving this story out" but decided to do so after FBI agents began asking questions in May 1988. "I'm telling you a story that has touched me, not only others, and I feel uncomfortable just telling it to strangers," White said during a recent interview with the Austin American-Statesman. Monday in Dallas, White is scheduled to show reports material implicating his father, Roscoe Anthony White, in the 1963 assassination. It suggests that White, who died in 1971, was a member of an assassination team of three shooters, that he fired two of the three bullets that killed the president, and that he also killed Dallas police officer J. D. Tippit during the manhunt for Lee Harvey Oswald. Among the material: a rifle with telescopic sight that uses the same kind of ammunition as Oswald's gun; records showing that Oswald and White served together in the Marines; three faded messages that appear to be decoded orders to kill someone in Dallas in November 1963; and a son's recollections of his father's incriminating diary - a document that is missing. The press conference is being sponsored by two private groups - the JFK Assassination Information Centre of Dallas and the Assassination Archives and Research Centre of Washington - and some Midland Businessmen. The possibility of Ricky White's story being a hoax - a falsehood concocted either by Ricky or his father - has not been dismissed by the people urging him to publicly talk about the matter. During the last 27 years, many private researchers have claimed to have found evidence of a conspiracy, only to be proved wrong or deceitful. Bernard Fensterwald, executive director of the Assassination Archives and Research Centre, says if there was a conspiracy, Ricky White may have the key. "I think it's our best shot," he says, "and we better take it." J. Gary Shaw, co-director of the JFK Assassination Information Centre, says he hopes White's story will result in an investigation of the assassination by Texas authorities. Two Washington-based probes - the Warren Commission in 1963-64 and the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1976-78 failed to resolve the enigma of the Kennedy shooting, Shaw maintains. As with previous conspiracy theories, White's story is tantalizing, the evidence intriguing. Yet, as with other theories, it raises more

Leaderships: Gender and Characteristics Essay

Leader from different gender can bring good and bad to organization. However, studies shows bad and good leader can be from both male and female leaders. From the follower’s perspective, there were no significant indicators shows either male or female leaders is the worst or good leader (Singh P., Nadim A.& Ezzedeen S.R, 2012) In recent years, more and more women becoming a leader in organization, here in Malaysia itself, Bank Negara Malaysia is led by a women. This topic, Leadership style and gender had become interesting and most intensely studied in the field of Leadership. The purpose of this articles is to identify leaderships styles by different gender and what are the characteristic identified as a good or bad leaders for each gender. Some characteristic may share by both gender and some may be uniquely to one gender. By identifying these criteria we should be able to further identify which styles significant for each. Literature Review Leadership in organization is defined as a process of influencing the activities of an organized group in its effort toward goal setting and goal achievement (Stogdill, 1950). By the definitions, we can firmly confirm that either male or female can be a leader which the long belief that leadership effectiveness equates with masculinity and being male (Eagly & Karau, 2002). Gender differences in organization leadership’s style is still full of ambiguity and paradox despite the number of studies done to address the topic. There are still unanswered questions (Moran, B. B., 1992). Further study in gender differences in leadership style were further studied by Eagly and Johnson (1990). The findings indicates that women were more participative or democratic compared to men. Men were more directive or autocratic than women. Contingency theory suggest men and women use different approaches to leaderships, women focus on social and emotional concerns and being supportive of their members whereas men are more task oriented (Gray, 1992). This two characteristics, referred as democratic and autocratic leadership styles. Traditional leadership models and expectations are still in place, presenting challenges for women in such roles. An exploration of gender stereotypes about leadership serves as a foundation for positing new leadership definitions and strategies for successful negotiation of leadership roles. In the Malaysia, career expectations for both women and men have shifted over time. If women are in professions in which leadership is expected, additional concerns related to this pressure may be raised. C. West and Zimmer- man (1987) suggested that gender is in fact an action that allows individuals to ascribe meaning to daily functions and describe the way that specific gender roles enable and enhance certain functions. Bem (1974) began the discussion on gender in the late 1970s and presented a gender continuum. She suggested that androgyny is the sought-after perspective to highlight the best of a person’s masculine and feminine sides, rather than the traditionally prescribed focus on gender roles for men and women. The androgynous approach is meant to liberate men and women to more freely express themselves and their masculine and feminine qualities. Discussion Traditional perspectives and gender roles may be denigrated by some and expected by others. Thus, the female leader is left in a quandary. As gender, an issue worthy of regard, has received more attention, gender’s role in career transitions, career choice, and career success has been studied. Learning how to be a leader may present yet another challenge for female leader. Considered within the framework of feminism, mentoring itself may be counter to ideals of equality by virtue of the imbalance of power inherent in the relationship. However, such an assumption is based on the traditional notion of mentoring relationships in which there is a teacher and a student. Wary of being perceived as having a separatist attitude, many women tacitly agree to â€Å"play the game,† whose rules were made by the men who typically held the power, and attempt to get ahead professionally by following the traditionally male-oriented routes to success. Other women may feel marginalized by this perspective and fear that they will not be able to get ahead without sacrificing family, relationships, or their personal well-being. Many men are faced with an even greater challenge to uphold the masculine gender role expectation to be career-driven and success-oriented, when in fact they may prefer to spend more time with family, friends, and generally nurturing themselves and their relationships (Staggenborg, 1998). Through historical examples and traditional organization leadership, women may receive the message that assuming leadership means they must sacrifice in other areas of their life. Perhaps the definitions and portrayal of leadership are in need of exploration to address their inherent challenges to different gender. Examining traditional definitions of leadership, leadership styles, and the role of gender in leadership provides a foundation for understanding these challenges and creates a platform for opportunities for reform and support. J. D. West, Osborn, and Bubenzer (2003) suggested three leadership dimensions: context, vision, and action. Context involves exploration of the population or task, vision reflects work to achieve an intended goal, and action moves people and process toward change and improvement. Leadership requires one to be an advocate for a profession, a cause, or a task (J. D. West et al., 2003). Similarly, Borders and Shoffner (2003) defined leaders as individuals who are change agents, social activists, and catalysts in their disciplines. In the counseling profession, leaders may be in various positions and serve myriad functions. Given these functions, leadership may be a sought-after quality. The degree to which a daily work is construed as fulfilling a leadership role may be a reflection of the profession’s definition. Leadership Styles It is perhaps the manner in which one leads that distinguishes style and perception of ability. Collaborative, transformational, and context-driven leadership styles are inherently geared toward stereotyped interpersonal leadership styles attributed to women. At odds with the traditional view of how women should behave are the characteristically male leadership styles that are driven by authoritarianism and swift decision making. A qualitative study of eight female leaders suggested that women’s leadership attributes and behaviors are actually an interaction between personal, interpersonal, and professional domains (Black & Magnuson, 2005). Black and Magnuson (2005) highlighted authenticity, compassion, and vision, respectively, with the three domains they identified. It might even be suggested that the traditional hierarchical model of leadership, challenged by feminist efforts to equalize power (Humble et al., 2006), runs counter to the actual lived experience of women’s leadership. An individual’s leadership style reflects a unique combination of personality traits and professional goals and vision (Black & Magnuson, 2005). It is assumed that leadership style will correlate with success. Yet, the myriad books describing leaders across disciplines do not advocate a specific leadership style (e.g., J. D. West et al., 2003). Leadership Theory: The Role of Gender Leadership, by implication, suggests power. Yet, power comes in many forms and, historically, addresses issues of oppression. Dimensions of race, gender, and class have been conduits of oppression. Gender has not been fully explored within the context of oppression and may have a place in discussions of hierarchy and power (Murray, 2006). Stepping into a leadership role can be a means of exerting power over traditionally oppressed groups or, conversely, a means of reacting to one’s own history of oppression and thereby exerting one’s first experience with power. Multiple cultural identities have challenged the stereotypes of leadership. For example, Bradley (2005) discussed the traditional stereotypes for professional African American women as either â€Å"Mammy† or â€Å"Sapphire,† referencing instead the nurturing and strength they bring to their professional roles. There are penalties for holding professional roles that by nature do not fit with the stereotypes of African American women, including criticism by other. Traditional masculine and feminine traits are stereotyped in terms of leadership potential. Women in leadership positions are often expected to demonstrate typical masculine traits such as decisiveness, authority, and directness. Women are perceived to work from a care and relational orientation, and these traits may be inconsistent with the traditional concept of leadership (Gilligan, 1982). However, concepts of patriarchal power and hegemonic masculinity challenge women to uphold traditional gender role expectations (Coleman, 2003). Participants in a qualitative study of female head teachers in England and Wales found advantageous ways to step outside of the male role (Coleman, 2003). Several participants in this study discussed using â€Å"feminine wiles† and having different interactions with men to achieve their professional functions. Whether decisiveness, authority, and directness are indeed reserved for men and masculine behavior is a multilayered question that addresses surface behaviors and, more deeply, effective leadership styles. There are distinct challenges for women who wish to assume leadership positions, either by choice or by nature of their abilities.. The profession must move beyond leadership stereotypes to which female leaders may conform and promote the strengths of each individual. Similarly, consistent with the profession’s multicultural and social justice emphases, provisions must be made to consider individuals’ personal strengths rather than assume that they must change to effectively lead. Stereotyped gender perspectives are generally unintentional and based largely on personal belief systems and experiences (Staggenborg, 1998). The organization might even benefit from female leaders who, as a way to validate women engaging in similar struggles, publicly share the challenges they face in their effort to balance multiple roles and responsibilities (Steiner, 2006). Mainstream authors (e.g., Warner, 2005) have suggested that organizational and societal infrastructures must change if women and men are to be equally successful. Providing child care at conferences, offering flexible work schedules, and identifying differential markers for success and accomplishment have been recommended (Levitt & Hermon, 2009). Defining leadership in terms of action and style rather than position and power is a framework that organization may endorse. Even exploration of the professional literature can have an impact on this perspective. Exploring gender differences with respect to social context, not simply a male–female dichotomy, may provide greater meaning in the explorations of human development and counseling phenomena (Yoder & Kahn, 2003). My experience working with different gender either as a manager or subordinate, show a different aspect, characteristic and behavior of male and female leader. Most Malaysia male leader are more democratic, task oriented and open minded. Female leader on the other hand, adopt and strict follow the rule leaderships. However, no studies show that women are bad or worst leader. This may due to more male leader compare to women leaders. If both gender are equal in leadership role, some significant finding will can be shows. Currently, more women report to male manager/leader. The perception on good or bad leader will be totally based on their experience. However, some consideration should be make, to just good or bad leader. Some studies show, if leader either male or female which have characteristic as empowering, knowledgeable, inspiring were consider as good leader. If male or female who have characteristic as autocratic, unaspiring, degrading and manipulative is voted as bad leaders. This can be seen in our daily work. Due to challenge, male and female who able to cope with pressure in either work or family life plus with hectic lifestyle today, they will become a good leader. Those who failed to cope with all the pressure, will somehow effecting their leadership’s style. Some studies show that male have strong understand of their good or bad leader compare to women. Even in dyad relationships, male to male, female to female relationship should be good for organizations, but study show, men prefer male as their leaders.

Irony In “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson Essay

In â€Å"The Lottery†, Shirley Jackson uses foreshadowing, symbolism, and irony throughout her story to show that death is imminent in the end. Not only do time and place bear important clues as to the allegorical meaning of â€Å"The Lottery† but the very names of the characters are laden with significance. What is more, it will be shown what an important role these literary devices play in this short story, enriching the meaning, transforming the cruel act of stoning, and the whole process leading to it into a depiction of relations between an individual and the community. Outline I) Shirley Jackson uses foreshadowing A) People being late for the lottery, when normally people would rush to want to see if they won, and not one person did. * B)The names Mr. Graves, Mr. Warner have interesting meanings and Shirley Jackson uses them to foreshadow. * C)The children picking up stones: evident that the stones are going to be used in a manner not conducive to continued life. * II) Shirley Jackson uses symbolism A) Black box * B) Boys gathering stones and pebbles: Indoctrination or brainwashing that is passed on from one generation to the next. * C) The meaning behind Mrs. Delacroix and Mr. Summers. Mr. Summers has the appearance of normalcy and cheerfulness hiding evil and corruption. * D) Village: That which appears normal and even benevolent but which harbors inner corruption and evil. * III) Shirley Jackson uses irony A) The word â€Å"lottery† suggests that the villagers are going to draw for a prize. * B) The sunny day suggests that a happy event is about to take place. * C) When Old Man Warner hears that the north village is considering ending the lottery, he says, â€Å"Next thing you know, they’ll be wanting to go back to living in caves.† (The lottery is as savage and barbaric a ritual as any  practiced by cave dwellers.) *

Getting Published on Kindle

Getting Published on Kindle Getting Published on Kindle Getting Published on Kindle By Simon Kewin Getting your work published onto Amazon’s Kindle eReader is really very easy.   Perhaps you’re a writer interested in self-publishing some of your work. Or you might simply want to learn more about the ePublishing revolution and how to get involved. In either case, doing so is actually very straightforward. Since January this year, Amazon’s Digital Text Platform (DTP) has been available in all countries, allowing you to upload your work and publish it in Amazon’s Kindle store. And since there are estimated to be 1.5 million Kindles in use, this represents a large potential market.   To get started you just need a standard customer Amazon account. You sign in with this at the DTP site and from there start uploading. You provide your manuscript in Microsoft Word or HTML format and Amazon will automatically convert it into the format used by the Kindle. You also need to provide some extra information about your work : title, description, language, keywords, categories, price, publishing date   and so forth. You also have the option of providing some cover artwork, which is recommended as it will make your published work much more eye-catching.   The whole process of providing these details is slick and friendly. There is also a lot of help available if you get stuck, in the form of FAQs and forums. You don’t have to get everything right first time. You can preview what you’ve uploaded, tweak things and then, when you’re happy with everything, click Publish. Doing so costs you nothing – although Amazon will take a cut of any sales you make.   It can take a day or two for your work to finally appear in the Amazon store, but once it’s there customers can start buying it for their Kindles. Each work gets its own page on the Amazon site, complete with all the usual options such as reader reviews and ratings.   In fact, publishing your work onto the Kindle is the easy part. The hard part is attracting potential readers to your work. Amazon’s system helps in that the description and categories you provide make it easier for potential readers to find you. However, to attract many readers, you will have to put effort into publicizing your work yourself.   Whether or not â€Å"self-publishing† (or, as some prefer to call it, â€Å"indie publishing†) like this is a sensible move for you as a writer is something only you can decide. You should be aware that a conventional publisher probably wouldn’t be interested in handling a book that has already been self-published in this way as first publication rights wouldn’t be available. But you might think it’s worthwhile to self-publish some pieces of work in the hope of building up a readership interested in finding out more about you and your other work.    This article only covers the Amazon Kindle and there are, of course, other eReaders out there (the iPhone, for instance). There are other services on the web, similar to Amazon’s, that allow you to self-publish your work for these other devices. But Amazon’s DTP provides a good place to start if you’re interested in exploring the world of ePublishing. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:English Grammar 101: All You Need to KnowHow to spell "in lieu of"Kn- Words in English

Women's role compared to men's role within the white supremacy groups Essay

Women's role compared to men's role within the white supremacy groups (KKK) - Essay Example The  WKKK  (Womens Ku Klux Klan)  represented an organization belonging to Ku Klux Klan. At the same time as the activity of most female representatives is concentrated on the ethical, public, and pedagogic program of the organization, they also took active part in activity connected with color of the skin, sex, and religious conviction. The activity of women in Ku Klux Klan was different in different periods of Klan’s existence. In the given paper we will analyze each period and make a conclusion about the evolution of women’s activity in Ku Klux Klan. The first period lasted from 1860 to 1870. During this period KKK women were not treated as real acting members of the Klan, they served as a representation of ethnic and sexual superiority defended by the male members.   Women helped men by preparing special clothes. The main goal of the first Ku Klux Klan organizations was to protect their white-skinned mothers, sisters and wives. Blacked-skinned women were despised and often raped by male members of the Klan (Mecklin, 1963). In 1920s the women’s role was very active. The Womens Ku Klux Klan could be found in almost every state of the country, however, its main positions were in Arkansas and Pennsylvania (Blee, 1991). Women with white skin, who was born in the United States with Protestant belief, could become members of WKKK.  The agenda of WKKK was different from that in men’s Klan as their methods were typically more peaceful (Rice, 1962). During the third period of the Klan’s existence that lasted from 1960 to 1970 women’s role was also not very important. The members of Ku Klux Klan were mostly man from South villages, who were not rich of well-educated. Their violent activity was concentrated on the oppression of African Americans. Women were not a symbol of the Klan any more because they simply did not enter it. The fourth period started in 1980 and

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems Essay

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems - Essay Example The nerve fibers of the  parasympathetic nervous system  are the  cranial nerves, primarily the  vagus nerve, and the lumbar spinal nerves. When stimulated, these nerves increase digestive secretions and reduce the heartbeat. The sympathetic nervous system activates what is often termed the fight or flight response. Like other parts of the nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system operates through a series of interconnected neurons. Sympathetic neurons are frequently considered part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), although there are many that lie within the central nervous system (CNS). Sympathetic neurons of the spinal cord (which is part of the CNS) communicate with peripheral sympathetic neurons via a series of sympathetic ganglia. Within the ganglia, spinal cord sympathetic neurons join peripheral sympathetic neurons through chemical synapses. Spinal cord sympathetic neurons are therefore called presynaptic (or preganglionic) neurons, while peripheral sympathetic neurons are called postsynaptic (or postganglionic) neurons. At synapses within the sympathetic ganglia, preganglionic sympathetic neurons release acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that binds and activates nicotinic acetylchol ine receptors on postganglionic neurons. In response to this stimulus, postganglionic neurons principally release noradrenalin (norepinephrine). Prolonged activation can elicit the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla. Once released, noradrenalin and adrenaline bind adrenergic receptors on peripheral tissues. Binding to adrenergic receptors causes the effects seen during the fight-or-flight response. These include pupil dilation, increased sweating, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Sympathetic nerves originate inside the vertebral column, toward the middle of the spinal cord in the