REAL WORLD

Human Rigths

2009-03-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Currently, human rights are violated everyday all over the world, despite the effort that organisations of human rights defence put in to stop it. In the past, human rights were said overrated, and many times ignored and explored based in the gender, colour, or origin of a person. That has got in better, because people have been taking conscience of this problem, and there are groups and organisations that try to stop this recurrent phenom that happens often in the society. Though the problem is getting solved, we still have a long way to go until we can stop the exploration and violation of human rights. The best we can do is announce every known situation and support the defence organisations.

Group rights in the name of equality

2009-03-08T14:31:00.002-07:00

More recently though group rights are seen as an instrument to actively facilitate the realisation of equality.

This is where the group is regarded as being in a situation such that it needs special protective rights if its members are to enjoy human rights on terms equal with the majority of the population. Examples of such groups may include indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, women, children and the disabled. This discourse may takes place in the context of negative and positive rights in that some commentators and policy makers conceptualise equality as not only a negative right, in the sense of ensuring freedom from discrimination, but also a positive right, in that the realisation of equality requires action by others or the state. In this respect group rights may aim to ensure equal opportunity and/or attempt to actively redress inequality.

Language discrimination

2009-03-08T14:31:00.001-07:00

Diversity of language is protected and respected by most nations who value cultural diversity. However, people are sometimes subjected to different treatment because their preferred language is associated with a particular group, class or category. Commonly, the preferred language is just another attribute of separate ethnic groups. Discrimination exists if there is prejudicial treatment against a person or a group of people who speak a particular language or dialect.

Genetic discrimination

2009-03-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Genetic discrimination occurs when people are treated differently by their employer or insurance company because they have a gene mutation that causes or increases the risk of an inherited disorder.

People who undergo genetic testing may be at risk for genetic discrimination.
The results of a genetic test are normally included in a person's medical records. When a person applies for life, disability, or health insurance, in some countries the insurance company may ask to look at these records before making a decision about coverage. An employer may also have the right to look at an employee's medical records. As a result, genetic test results could affect a person's insurance coverage or employment. People making decisions about genetic testing should be aware that when test results are placed in their medical records, the results might not be kept private.

Gender discrimination

2009-03-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Though what constitutes sex discrimination varies between countries, the essence is that it is an adverse action taken by one person against another person that would not have occurred had the person been of another sex. Discrimination of that nature in certain enumerated circumstances is illegal in many countries.

Socially, sexual differences have been used to justify different roles for men and women, in some cases giving rise to claims of primary and secondary roles.
While there are alleged non-physical differences between men and women, major reviews of the academic literature on gender difference find only a tiny minority of characteristics where there are consistent psychological differences between men and women, and these relate directly to experiences grounded in biological difference

Age discrimination

2009-03-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Theoretically the word can refer to the discrimination against any age group but age discrimination usually comes in one of three forms: discrimination against youth, discrimination against those 40 years old or older , and discrimination against elderly people.

In many countries, companies more or less openly refuse to hire people above a certain age despite the increasing lifespans and average age of the population. The reasons for this range from vague feelings that younger people are more "dynamic" and create a positive image for the company, to more concrete concerns about regulations granting older employees higher salaries or other benefits without these expenses being fully justified by an older employees' greater experience

Stereotypes of Asians

2009-03-08T13:03:00.001-07:00

Stereotypes of Asian People, specifically East Asians, like other stereotypes, are often manifest in a society's media, literature, theater and other creative expressions. In many instances, media portrayals of Asians often reflect the dominant Eurocentric ideas of them rather than their actual customs and behaviors. However, these stereotypes have repercussions for Asians and Asian immigrants in daily interactions, current events, and governmental legislation. Asians have experienced discrimination and have been victims of hate crimes related to their ethnic stereotypes.

Asian Americans are also stereotyped with positive traits. Asians are seen as hardworking, politically inactive, studious, intelligent, productive, and inoffensive people who have elevated their social standing through merit and diligence. This label is given in contrast to other stereotypes which often accuse minorities of socially unwelcome traits, such as laziness or criminal tendencies. However, Asian Americans believe the model minority stereotype to be damaging and inaccurate, and are fighting to dispel this stereotype.

FU MACNHU: the "evil" Asian

Another stereotype of Asian people, spread by fictional characters. In The Insidious Doctor Fu-Manchu, Sax Rohmer introduces Fu Manchu as a cruel and cunning man, "with a face like Satan". Due to his enormous popularity, the "image of Fu Manchu has been absorbed into American consciousness as the archetypal Asian villain."

Racial discrimination

2009-03-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Racial discrimination:

Racial discrimination is treating people differently through a process of social division into categories not necessarily related to race.

Xenophobia

2009-03-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Xenophobia:

Fear (phobia) of strangers (xeno-) and of the unknown.
Both racism and homophobia are sometimes reduced to xenophobia. It is the dislike towards foreigners or representatives of a particular nation. The word Xenophobic is often used as a political insult against Racists, Isolationists, and Nationalists.

Racism

2009-03-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Racism, by definition is the belief that a particular race is superior or inferior to another, that a person’s social and moral traits are predetermined by his or her inborn biological characteristics. Racial separatism is the belief, most of the time based on racism, that different races should remain segregated and apart from one another. This belief was, sometimes use to justified slavery and genocide. To racists, race is a group of people who have the same descent characteristics, such as skin colour, hair appearance and physiognomy.
Recent investigations say that ‘race’ é a made-up concept, that hasn’t any biologic base. The word ‘racism’ is used to describe aggressive or abusive behaviors from certain people towards others, by giving the excuse that they are an inferior race.
Another new concept of racism is ‘ethnic or cultural differentiation’ were some people claim that all people are equal, but shouldn’t mix themselves in order to preserve their cultural background.
In our society racism still happens even if mentality changes due to people’s selfishness.

If we look back in history, there are a few people who fought for human rights to equality, one of them was:
Martin Luther King – who fought for equal human right between back an white people. With his belief and speeches, he changed people’s way of thinking and accomplished the right ‘to be equal’.

* Sandy

Influence of stereotypes on kids

2009-03-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

The media holds a great deal of influence on kids, mainly because of television. Children are the greatest target of television, and so it is only logical to assume that the stereotypes spread by mainstream television are adopted by them.
Regarding this facts, the only solution is a better education at home. Here are a few tips for parents:

Deconstruct the "media reality." Talk with kids about the people behind the programs they watch. It can be an eye-opener for children to realize that TV shows, like books, are written and created by people with their own biases and experiences. When you watch a program with children, ask them to think about who created the show and whether they think the writers and producers really understood the types of people they are portraying or whether they're basing characters on preconceived notions about groups of people.
Look closely at the characters children see. What messages do they send concerning race, gender, and roles? Voice your disapproval of stereotyped characters, and explain why you disapprove. Ask children to compare the images of race they see on television, with the people they know in real life. How are they different?
Critique other media. Look at the ads for cars, clothing and sports equipment in newspapers, magazines and billboards. Talk to your child about how the product is glamorized and which audiences are targeted. Who is represented in these ads as the consumer? Why are certain ethnic groups linked to certain products? Take a look at running shoe ads, for example. Why are Black athletes often portrayed "shooting hoops" and goofing around the gym, while white athletes are shown doing serious training?

Leonardo

How do people legally immigrate into the United States?

2009-03-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Almost a million people legally immigrated into the U.S. in 2004 under qualifying categories:

--> Employment-based preference is a category that permits a limited number of individuals who has job skills which are in order by the economy. In 2002, this group was dominated by persons with computer and engineering skills.

--> Family preference is a category that allows individuals to support a limited number of relatives (adult children of U.S. citizens, wife and children of immigrants, and siblings of citizens).

--> An immediate relative of U.S. Citizens is a category that allows citizens to support an unlimited number of small children, wifes, and parents. This has been the largest category.

--> Diversity is a category authorized by recent legislation which authorizes a limited number of individuals to immigrate based on past under-representation in the immigrant population.

--> Refugees/Asylees are admitted on a limited basis, based on political and humanitarian reasons. The maximum numbers vary year-to-year based on Presidential determinations.

Stephanie

Disadvantages of immigration

2009-03-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

-->Greater poverty Because immigrants occupy low income employment, their wages are low
and they are more affected by downturns in the economy. In comparison to natives, they tend not to have health insurance and need to resort to public assistance more often.

-->More educational costs Immigrant children and the children of immigrants account for a disproportionate amount of public education costs than do natives due to the greater birth rate for Hispanics and need for more intensive instruction. Immigrants have significantly lower educational attainment than do natives. But the children of Latino immigrants have educational levels which approach that of natives and by the third generation virtually all are fluent in English and only a minority speak any Spanish.

-->Lower unskilled wage levels Even studies that suggest that immigrants generate an overall increase in wage levels, acknowledge that they negatively impact wages in the low skill occupation sectors that they occupy.

-->Increased danger of terrorism Some argue that the continued ability of illegal immigrants to enter the country increases the threat of domestic terrorism. In reality, the threat is minimal. The known dangers associated with terrorism all involve Islamic individuals. Islam is not prominent in Mexico or other Central American countries. There are undoubtedly cooperative intelligence arrangements between the U.S. and Mexico designed to monitor the small threat that Islamic individuals who live in or enter Mexico might present.

Stephanie

Advantages of immigration

2009-03-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

--> Greater supply of unskilled workers Studies have indicated that because most immigrants occupy low-paying, low-skill jobs, their presence is complementary. Because of their contributions, the overall economy is stronger and the wage level and standard of living of most native workers is higher than would exist if they were not present. In particular, the high concentration of undocumented workers in the agricultural industry keep food prices relatively low.

--> A younger workforce The ratio of retired persons to workers will dramatically increase in coming decades which will require significant adjustments in the Social Security system. (See Social Security) Immigrants and their children tend to be younger than natives. As a result, continued or greater immigration will slow the increase of this important ratio.

--> Skilled workers in needed sectors Immigrants who arrive under the "employment preference" category often are employed in occupations which are important. For example, 20% of U.S. doctors are foreign born. But critics of immigration policy note that this is because the supply of native doctors is kept artificially low and that these doctors are probably even more essential to their native countries.

Stephanie

Stereotypes of African Americans

2009-03-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Blacks are often portrayed as athletic, religious, poor, musically talented, or criminals.
In early American history, the primary reason that Africans were in the colonies was as enslaved laborers transported by the slave trade.
The early stereotype for an African was of an ignorant man, so the slavers believed that they were only good for a more manual labour. Feeding them, and giving them a bed to sleep was their payment, in an attempt to civilize them.

Leonardo

The difference between legal immigrants and citizens

2009-03-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Legal immigrants are mainly permitted to the same rights as citizens even though they cannot vote or hold political office. About 40% of immigrants become citizens through a process called naturalization. In order to become naturalized, immigrants must live in the U.S. for five years. Most must show an aptitude in English and knowledge of U.S. history and government. The main motive for immigrants to become citizens is that they qualify to assist their relatives immigrate.

Stephanie

Media Stereotypes

2009-03-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

If we assume that the media perpetuates stereotypes, what can be done to combat them, or has our society become numb to these stereotypes? What do the media messages say about women in society? About men in society? About race, gender and class?

Media stereotypes are inevitable, especially in the advertising, entertainment and news industries, which need as wide an audience as possible to quickly understand information. Stereotypes act like codes that give audiences a quick, common understanding of a person or group of people—usually relating to their class, ethnicity or race, gender, sexual orientation, social role or occupation.

Leonardo

Ethnical Stereotypes

2009-03-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

Stereotyped characters can negatively influence the way we view real people in society. Television tends to depict racial groups in the same manner. More often than not these groups are stereotyped in a negative way by television. People who watch large amounts of television begin to view these people negatively in real life. They base their opinions on how they see these groups on television. Positive stereotypes can also be found by viewing television. However, there are far fewer positive stereotypes then negative ones.

In the next few posts, I will talk about specific stereotypes, and their propagation through the media.

Leonardo

Countries that immigrants come from and sates where they go.

2009-03-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Legal immigrants to the U.S. mainly come from Latin America and Asia. The vast majority of illegal immigrants come from Mexico and Central America. Previously in 1970, most immigrants came from Europe. In the early 20th century, Asians were specifically excluded by legislation. Moreover, a "quota" system, in result
during much of the 20th century restricted immigration was gave special treatment to European immigrants.
Legal immigrants tend to choose the large population states as their state of preference. California, New York, Texas and Florida have the largest percentages of illegal immigrants but, in contrast to 1990, this immigration has now spread throughout the country.

Stephanie