Layers of Our World

     Have you ever noticed how our world is like an onion, and not just because both are round? In society, there are layers and layers that make up our world, just like layers and layers of an onion. Each layer is on top of another, showing the interconnection in issues. For starters, families are based on patriarchy, which emphasizes men and their positions in the family. This is an inequality for women to not have as much power, but at the same time, it is also unfair for men to have more responsibilities. Feminists have been working to bring groups together to fight for their proper rights.
     As long as people live and need to buy items, consumerism will never go away. Necessities are beneficial, but excess items aren't. Toys and games are a good profit for companies, and this is due to advertisement. However, advertisements can be misleading and fool consumers. This involves the media, who may not be exercising ethical responsibility. There is a lot of hate speech heard everywhere, as well as tactics like the persuasive factor in ads. All of this is detrimental to our society, and we need to all contribute to fix these issues.
     To start making our world a better place, we need to eliminate the inequality between genders. I think the best way to solve the problem is to start from the media. The media doesn't realize how much power it has in our society; it can very easily influence and speak out to a crowd, although the media is not responsible for all problems. Right now, persuasive advertisements and plenty of criticism are seen because that's what the media thinks is "best for viewers". If the media becomes more considerate and limits taking advantage of women, people will start viewing women more equally to stop society from being a patriarchy. There won't be as much sexual content that makes women "things", which influences people's opinions on women.
     Also, the government should take part to start enforcing rules on commercials. Ever since 1980, the FTC couldn't regulate any advertising, and that has taken a toll in the US. All other countries have laws regarding ads. Although this would violate the first amendment of the Bill of Rights regarding freedom of speech, fewer commercials for junk food and harmful items will help become less influential in society. So many types of diseases have occurred in the past years, including higher rates of hypertension, cancer, obesity, etc. Life should not be all about money, which is what companies make it seem like, but about well-being.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/ombudsman/2014/08/08/338891417/sexism-only-this-time-about-men
http://faculty.sacredheart.edu/castonguayj/ms101reader/severin.htm

Week 8/9 Prompt

FINAL BLOG PROMPT!

Here you go guys!
So we've spent weeks dealing with the different layers of consumerism/the media/patriarchy/inequality etc. I want you to write the best blog of the summer examining the interconnectedness of these issues and more importantly discuss how you think we can fix these problems. Your answer should be well reasoned and at least one really really good paragraph.
Good luck,
Ms. Krissy

P.S. Make sure you're really well prepared for your final. A debate on sexualized pop culture stars being empowering to women.

Subliminal Advertisement

 

 

 The picture above is an advertisement for the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. On the right is a subliminal message of the movie. The skull icon has the shape of Mickey Mouse. This reminds people of Disney. The movie was also made by the company Disney. This wasn't really a bad overt message. This message maybe wasn't intentionally trying to promote their company, Disney. The real message of this advertisement, like every movie advertisement, was to promote the movie. Such like trailers. But because of the shape, many people have the perspective of it as Mickey Mouse, a key symbol of Disney. But there are other advertisements like this that sometimes take shape or there are words hidden in the advertisement. One popular company logo is Tostitos, where there are two people sharing a bowl of salsa. Another would be Toblerone.

 

You can also check other subliminal cooperate logos:

Here

Hidden Meanings

     I believe that most advertisements have a hidden message that supposedly justifies why consumers should buy their products. In many ads we see today, we see advertisements that are sexual. It's become normal to see inappropriate ads everyday, and this may be because celebrities are empowering women. Celebrities don't realize that their actions impact the society's perceptions of what is "cool". Humans have evolved to think that it's okay to show off skin.
     In this particular Guess ad, the obvious message to get people to buy the clothing is that wearing Guess clothes makes one look attractive. However, I think the ad is also selling the hidden idea that thin, seducing women are the only values women should have to be successful. This is not ethical at all because people who are smart are just as successful, if not more than enticing models. People can't help the way they are born. We are all different, and we shouldn't scorn each other for our differences. The absolute flawlessness of models portrayed in ads is impossible to achieve, and trying to accomplish it leaves people disappointed in themselves or others who can't achieve the look.
http://www.businessinsider.com/womens-fashion-magazines-are-selling-more-ads-2013-9

Week 7 Prompt

Hi Guys!

For this week, I want you to find an advertisement (any advertisement) that you think has an overt or hidden message? What is the ad actually trying to sell? What values is it trying to sell you too? Is that ethical?

Also, for next week's debate it may be helpful to do a little reading on the 3rd Wave of Feminism to help inform you how women may think that being sexual is empowering rather than degrading.

Can't wait to see you all next week. Good luck and don't forget to post a picture of your advertisement as part of your post!

Good luck!

Ms. Krissy

Advertising

     Watching the film in class last Friday really changed my thoughts. I have never thought that advertising could manipulate minds so much until recently. Kids younger than 8 years old really don't understand the complexity of society. They cannot self-monitor themselves, and the 1980 FTC ban on regulation of advertisements really is a downfall for everyone. It is understandable that marketers have to be convincing to make money, which will help the economy improve, but there needs to be some limitations to freedom of speech. 1 in 4 children between 8-12 years of age have cell phones, making it easy to be exposed to commercials. Some schools are placing ads in return for funding by companies, and many people don't even find this to be a problem. We must find a way to deal with responsibility.

     The link below is an advertisement for Apple's IPhone 5s. There are positive parts about the commercial, including musicians using tuners on the 5s, exercisers measuring heartbeats, and people powering rockets. However, my interpretation of the ad is negative. The job of a marketer is to convince consumers to buy the product. Ads are used to sway a person to see how great the product is. Young kids watching the ad don't realize what being persuasive is. They see an ad, and if they like it, they will want to buy the product. An IPhone is useful, but it is detrimental. Kids ask and beg their parents for merchandise, and parents often consent. Once kids have an IPhone, which is rather costly, they'll spend more time on it instead of going outside. Technology is a great thing to have, but it has given many a sedentary lifestyle that hurts our health. Obesity problems have gotten worse and worse from lack of exercise, and many diseases have occurred.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODmfmUWqlSA

Week 6 Prompt

Hi guys!

Sorry for late post. As I indicated in class, for this week's blog I want you to respond to the film and consider advertising. Find an advertisement and link it here. You should make an argument about your interpretation of the ad and the positive/negative implications of the ad.

We're going to continue this discussion so please come to class prepared. 

Ms. Krissy

Issues in Israel and Gaza

     The issues in Israel and Gaza have always occurred; this is not an issue that just suddenly happened. After World War 2, Jewish people were given parts of Palestine, but the Arabs who already lived there denied them. Gaza went to war in 1948, and the Palestinians who lived there fled to Israel, the new Jewish home. Hamas, a terrorist organization, soon rose to power after 2005. They refuse to recognize Israel and are using violence to gain back Palestinian territory. This is why rocket fires are constantly mentioned recently in the news. The Palestinians have no army, but they fire rockets on Israel, endangering the citizens.
     The Israeli army is fighting back through airstrikes, the recent one killing more than 200 Palestinians. Many countries are working to solve the fighting between Israel and Gaza, but nothing has worked so far. I believe the best solution is for Hamas to claim Gaza and the West Bank and create the new country Palestine. In return, Hamas should promise not to take over Israel or harm any of its people, while allowing the Israelis already living on the West Bank to live in peace.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/20436092
http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/israel-gaza-conflict-what-you-need-to-know-1.1919373

Prompt Week 5

Hey guys!
You should have blogged/be blogging now about what is going on in Israel and Gaza. Discuss what the issues are and what you think some solutions may be.

Good luck!
Ms. Krissy

Uprising Issues in Iraq

  An al Qaeda breakaway group, that is apparently supported with other Sunni groups and fighters, have captured large portion of northern Iraq. Recently taking northeastern Syria, to create an Islamic state or caliphate. The Iraq's minority Sunnis accuse the Prime Minister Nouri al- Maliki of discrimination. Many blame the Prime Minister for refusing to form a more inclusive government. Because of this, many militant fighters take advantage of the breakdown and cross the border. The Iraqi territory recently seized by militants is populated mostly by Sunnis, many that see the Prime Minster more of a threat than the Islamic state. The Prime Minister is unwilling to share powers with the Sunni Arabs. The Sunni Arabs, of course protested. Thousands were arrested or detained and hundreds were killed by the government. Obama promised to send military aid to help Iraq fend off insurgency.
  Recent development have renewed the possibility that Iraq will be divided into 3 separate regions or nations. A Shiite section, a Sunni area, and a Kurdish zone. 
  ISIS, an acronym that is named the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, refers to the group's stated goal of restoring an Islamic state or caliphate. ISIS is a brutal group that is currently in conflict with al Qaeda. This is a political civil war about one group ignoring the needs of the other portion of their country. This fight is more of a power struggle than a religious war.

Religious War or not? 
What is going on with Iraq?
What is going on in Iraq (CNN)

MIddle Eastern Conflict

   Israel and Palestine are still at it in the Gaza strip. Hamas and other allied militants are firing rockets, mortars, and missiles into Israeli cities and towns, as time ticks on the rockets are finding their ways deeper and deeper into the country. At the same time, Israel is conducting airstrikes and air raids into the Gaza Strip. Israeli airstrikes are hitting civilians, Ceasefire Broker and Video on Israeli Airstrikes, enraging many. Israel says it's investigating into the matter, but I doubt anything will actually happen. Israel says that dozens of "terrorists" have been neutralized, but the Palestine health ministry says that many of those who have perished to the airstrikes were women and children. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon both pleaded to Israel and Palestine to exercise restraint, to prevent another full-blown war in the Middle East. Israel's Iron Dome system has intercepted many rockets shot by Palestinian militants. And Israel also has drones to in its arsenal for reconnaisance. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip does not have any type of defense to Israeli airstrikes other than directing its  citizens to nearby cover, but there's not always a warning. 

Articles Used, you should look at these - 
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28245343

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28258448

Caliphates

Recently, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an establishment of a caliphate on the first day of Ramadan, stretching from Aleppo in Syria to Diyala in Iraq. This is some background information about caliphates that was started by Prophet Muhammad.
http://www.vox.com/2014/7/10/5884593/9-questions-about-the-caliphate-you-were-too-embarrassed-to-ask

Issues in Iraq

     Al-Qaeda forces have been taking control of major cities in Western Iraq, creating a religious civil war. ISIS, or Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is backed by Al-Qaeda forces, and is currently one of the wealthiest terrorist groups around. It all started with continuous tensions between the two groups of Iraq, the Shiites and the Sunni. Current Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is a Shiite Muslim, along with many of the government officials. ISIS consists of Sunni militants, and they feel that they are left out from politics. This minority group has continued to gain extreme members due to the civil war going on in Syria, offering refuge to those who need it in return for trust.
     Most people view issues in Iraq as a bad thing. ISIS's attacks have continuously resulted in poor security for the citizens. Iraq's army itself is doubtful of its ability to continue to provide protection. To make matters worse, tens of thousands of refuges are escaping to Iraq from Syria. The Iraqi army needs to maintain the security of the border, and this is tiring out the security forces.
     These issues in Iraq are mostly bad, but there is some good. Today, citizens are able to protest about the poor government in Iraq. Provincial councils are becoming more influential to the government, and politics has become local to develop a civil society. The citizens of Iraq are not joining in on the violence, and society is working with the councils to provide better basic needs. Under Saddam Hussein 10 years ago, this was not occurring at all.
     Different countries have different views on this because no one knows what to do to solve Iraq's issue. In the United States, troops being in Iraq was negatively viewed, which is why President Obama withdrew all US forces in 2012. Now, there are "military advisors" there to assist Iraq, and the US cannot possibly withdraw completely from Iraq's issues. For sure, it is in everyone's interest to solve this long war. Continuous violence is not going to do any good for anyone.

http://inthecapital.streetwise.co/all-series/bullet-points-your-guide-to-understand-everything-thats-going-on-in-iraq-right-now/
http://www.usip.org/olivebranch/iraq-today-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

The violence and conflicts happening in iraq

The Violence and Conflicts Happening in Iraq

     There are many conflicts and riots going on in Iraq today. There are two major terrorist groups in Iraq now. Al- Qaeda formerly led by Osama bin ladan and  ISIS is led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.  Isis is currently the strongest terrorist group and is stopping Al-Qaeda from taking over Baghdad. ISIS is killing people on the streets of Iraq who disagree with what ISIS is doing and Shiite Islamic people in Iraq. ISIS also kills Al- qaeda members, and soldiers from other countries who do not help ISIS. ISIS is now damaging many places in Iraq. Many people fear that if ISIS takes over Iraq then Iraq will be badly damaged and easy to take over by another country. Many other countries are now sending military support to Iraq so ISIS can be stopped.Iran is currently one of the countries that are sending military support to stop ISIS.  Even though Iran is helping Iran cannot stop ISIS. This is very important because if ISIS takes over many people that dislike ISIS can be killed and Iraq will lose a lot of people. It is important that more countries send support to Iraq so ISIS will be stopped.

The Conflict in Iraq

      Al-Qaeda forces have recently taken control over some major cities in Iraq and are being backed by ISIS, in the hopes of redrawing the borders of the Middle East in order to create a new state that is ruled strictly by the Islamic Law.
      ISIS is an aggressive Sunni military group who have continued to terrorize the country and have already taken over the cities of Falluja, Mosul and Ramadi while on their way to Baghdad. Many people have agreed that Iraq is collapsing, and that they are about to take over the capital. However, on a deeper level, the fight is about politics, not religion. Their government in power is ignoring the needs and requests of the larger part of their country. Since the minister was deemed to be unwilling and reluctant in sharing his power with the Sunni Arabs, the Sunnis took matters onto their own hands. They rioted and protested across the streets of Baghdad, attracting the attention of the government. Hundreds were arrested and killed. Like ISIS, the Sunnis armed themselves, and the tragedies and protests only escalated until they got out of control. ISIS has launched a violent civil war on the country. 
         The Iraqi government is unable to stop the protests, since much of the negative attention is focused around their president, Nouri al-Maliki. Furthermore, their military lacks the weapons and training to effectively bring down the chaos. 
          Because of the civil war in Syria, ISIS has managed to gain support from other countries. The war has caused many extremists and refugees to seek out any protection they can, and ISIS has offered it. The group created a strong and almost trustworthy presence in underdeveloped cities, thus raising trust and loyalty and giving a rise to new terrorists. Obama recently announced that he would send a number of military advisers over to Iraq to grasp more knowledge of the needs of the government. 
         The events that are happening in Iraq are violent and upsetting because many civilians are getting killed along the way, and it needs to be sorted out as quickly as possible before more people get hurt. Violence will not cure anything and will only give a rise to more violence.

Week 3/4 Prompt

Hi guys!
I apologize for the delay. This week I want you to blog about what is going on in Iraq. Do some research. Is this a good thing? A bad thing? Why do different countries/groups have different views on this? What are their interests?
Don't forget there is no class this Friday. Thus, this week's topic on internet democracy will be moved to the following Friday!
Have a good holiday!
Ms. Krissy

Do We Have Privacy?

  
   Privacy on the internet is a big controversy for people who use social media. Over the years many social  media has been changing their privacy policies, making users have less privacy than they really believe. Some examples are Facebook and Google. 

   Since Google is a free search engine, it collects information and data from its users to sell it to other companies for their use. Many search engines uses cookies to track down people's search history from their own computer. Many people currently uses Google's web browser, Google Chrome. This means Google has total control to track your search history. There was also a video showing how Google Chrome records what you type on your web address and collect that data to send to Google servers for their search suggestions. 

   Social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and other medias does not give you the privacy you want, it will only limit them. For example, Facebook over the years made their privacy settings for their users more public to the world. 

   I think  the government should have responsibility to protect our privacy. Like the Fourth Amendment , we have the right to our privacy. I believe it includes our privacy online, not only for unreasonable searches. We shouldn't be living in fear that our information is not private or that people can wiretap our phone conversations. Many people want some things to be kept to themselves and people, such as these companies using our data, should understand and respect that. The companies should at least inform us and let us have permission to approve or disapprove of them using our data for their own use. In this day of age, social media is an interesting and cool feature that many young teens and adults like and enjoy, but it also has its sneaky and sly downside. As people using these features, we should know what the dark side of using social media.

Why do we need privacy?

Invasion of Drones

Google Chrome doesn't protect our privacy

The Fault in our Media

  Privacy is becoming a growing issue in social media. Current social media has been selling information about their consumers to other companies. Over the last decade social media has constantly been changing their privacy policy. AT&T has changed their privacy policy to saying that they are allowed to go into your phone and search the history and watch your every move on your cell phone. Very often companies change their privacy allowing themselves to enter your phone and sell information about you to other companies.

  What is private actually is not private. Even if you privatize your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and etc. companies track where you go, what you like, where you work, and can very quickly track and watch what you you post and etc. If a consumer has an Iphone their screen might say "it will take you about 20 minutes to get home". How does your iPhone know where you live? Apple is constantly monitering your phone; they are using their gps to track where you go during your day.

   The government could make a simple solution to the problem of privacy. Allow socail media to sell cookies and locations  ONLY if the user approves. The media should also allow the consumer to use their network even if they do not want to sell their information. 

   Further more, it is the governments responsibility to protect it's citizens. The same goes for the citizens privacy. Privacy is very important because it makes people feel like they are not being suspected and give people a peace of mind. On the other hand, it is the citizens responsibility to be responsible on social media. The company can not stop the person from saying anything but the company should be more reasonable and understanding. Companies should not be selling information and should be more responsible to correct their privacy policy. 

  The government should require a warrant before invading someone's personal gadget and check the post before accusing the person. It is the governments responsibility to protect and people and be justified. 

   The person should be able to post what they want, have their privacy, and not be questioned by the government.

   All in all, socail media has many faults and because if it our government is wrongly accusing people of threats, people are being used for money, and no ones accounts are truly safe. 

I spend much time on you tube 

http://youtu.be/l9ZqXlHl65g

http://youtu.be/JnA9ICu-Hjs

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/08/data-online-behavior-research/5781447/

http://www.reputation.com/reputationwatch/articles/top-five-social-media-privacy-concerns

Internet Privacy For Users

Privacy on the internet is a well-known issue. Once a person submits something online, such as on Twitter or Facebook, their posts are able to be viewed around the Internet by strangers and friends alike. It leaves behind traces of personal information that should remain private. Companies track down these trails and sell the info to other companies, therefore violating the person's rightful privacy. It is the government's responsibility to protect the privacy of users and to take steps in preventing personal info from leaking out. It is their job to shield and support their citizens.
On the other hand, this also makes it a good reason for the government to overlook the actions of Internet users, what websites they have clicked on, what they have posted, and what they looked up on Google. After all, how can they protect if they don't know what the users are getting themselves into? This causes another issue on privacy from the prying eyes of the government.
Internet users should be able to have their own privacy. They should be allowed to post on Twitter or Google and not have to worry about whether or not their information would be stolen and hacked into. However, the government does have the right and responsibility to hover over their citizens. It is their job, after all. Still, the government should not have complete control. Many users are old and mature enough to be careful on the Internet and to take steps to contain their private information, so the government should not hack into everything and should just watch from a distance, taking action only when it calls for it.

The good and bad things about having privacy on the internet

The Good and Bad Thing About Having Privacy on the Internet

There are many good and bad things about having privacy on the Internet. Many people like having privacy from other people on the Internet while some others don't. Many Internet websites don't do that such as Youtube, Facebook, Google and many others. Youtube is dangerous because if you have a Youtube account and post a video sometimes the details about the video usually under the video might tell where you live, or email address. If your email address is on there your email could be open to hackers. Another thing that is dangerous about Youtube is when you like, dislike, or comment on a video. Usually it is when you comment on a video set up by hackers your Youtube account could be hacked and steal a lot of information. I think on Youtube that they should have more of their own privacy. The government and the company also has the right to go into your own Youtube account and see what you are watching posting and commenting. When you are commenting threats and things that are treasonous no matter what your age is they might come into your house and arrest you. This is good and bad. If you are young and just posted a threat or treasonous things as a joke they should not arrest you because it is a joke. On the other hand if it was serious to kill someone or do treasonous things against the country they should be arrested of 1st degree murder or treason. Youtube is one of the websites that do not protect much of a person's privacy. I think that there are many bad things and good things to have privacy on the Internet

Hackers And Their Connection To Internet Privacy

Video on how hackers can affect internet users' privacy.
Because of hackers and their abilities, many citizens are afraid of them for finding out information. This may sound scary, but at the same time, hackers also help by making privacy rules more strict so that privacy is harder to invade.

The Privacy of Internet Users

     Privacy is something we all need but often don't have. Users on the internet may think that the government has all the responsibility to protect an individual's privacy, and I agree to some extent. Governments shouldn't have the right to invade and see what users are doing, although this is a good way to catch criminals more efficiently. However, most of the responsibility should be given to the user to protect their own privacy. If there are pictures and words that aren't appropriate for the public to see, it is up to the user to make good judgement and not post. Even if companies didn't behave and sold information to the government, there wouldn't be anything to hide if an user posted wisely. Of course, companies should behave better, and the effects of their misbehavior is that they are faced with the disappointment and distrust of users. The unwise users would also be upset at the unfairness of companies, but the responsibility should have been on the user to use the internet properly. To add on, other effects of this situation include making citizens more wary of the power the government has because of their actions.
     Nonetheless, I strongly believe that there is a problem with what companies know about you and can do because companies can sell that information to anyone who wants it. Despite wise use of the internet, the tiniest, meaningless things such as liking a post can affect you and be turned into meaningful information. If you are a student applying for college, any information can deeply affect acceptances to the college of your choice. For adults, companies will want to know if you have what it takes to be hired, and a like on someone's post can determine attributes to your personality such as whether you're smart or not. Managers are always looking for the better applicant, and this could easily cause a person to not get a job. Selling people's information is an invasion of privacy, and companies should not have a right to ruin opportunities. It's not right to take personal information and make it public when the owner of the information doesn't want it public.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3078835/t/online-privacy-fears-are-real/#.U6n0y_ldV48

Week 2 Prompt

Hey guys!

For this week, I want you to write more deeply about internet users. Does the government have a responsiblity to protect the privacy of individuals? Is the onus all upon the users to protect their own privacy? Should companies just behave better? What may some of the effects be?

Do you think there is a problem with what companies know about you and can do? Or not? And why?

Don't forget your post should be over a paragraph...

Ms. Krissy

The Gun Violence in America

Massacres and school shootings are now becoming the norm in America as a result of gun violence. As a result, politicians for the past decade have been debating whether to ban the right to own guns or to restrict the purchase of them. Protected under the right to bear arms, gun owners protest that gun violence occurs not because of the gun, but the psychotic gunmen themselves. Although there is much discussion on what to do with guns, these massacres and shootings have been rising in numbers.The government and the public have been fighting over the rights of guns when they really should be focusing on the mental health of others. Taking away the guns from the people is not the solution but prevention is what we really need to do. For every 100 american citizens, 89 bear firearms, yet there are no 89 gunmen. For every 100 american citizens there are 3 people who suffer psychosis, and so far there have been over 30 of these shootings not 89. The solution is what President Obama calls soul-searching  where the public is more aware of who suffers mental illness to prevent these shootings. Again, the gun owners of america say that the guns are not the problem but it is the "crazy" people who are. All in all the gun violence in America has been becoming common and the american public is what can prevent it.

Gun Violence

             The only thing that can stop gun violence is yourself. Today many people, including politicians are debating over gun violence.  In my opinion, the gun is not the one to blame. They're not at fault. The one at fault are the people who are using it. People who abuse guns use the media to blame. I understand where they're coming from. In this day of age, many video games include guns. Even some types of music contain guns, violence, and drugs and this influence people. But the reason why they're so many gun violence is because these people do not know the difference between reality and the fictional world. Guns are very easy to obtain. It doesn't take many requirements. The price for a regular shotgun ranges from $100 - $400. To apply for a gun, you would need to go apply with an application and a money order of $20. Then the last requirement is to take the 30-minute safety handgun test for $25. This means that many people can afford even one gun for about $145. In California, they do background checks, such as to see if you're mentally stable and do not have a criminal record. However, this does not help everyone. In some circumstances, a person can develop hatred for a person or become enraged after a heated argument and thus the emotion will take over their conscience. They will not know the difference between right and wrong. The only thought they will have is to hurt that person with the use of their gun. I do not think it's right to ban guns altogether, since the second amendment of the United States Constitution states that we as citizens have the right to bear arms. Instead, they should do stricter rules to obtain a gun. People who are allowed to get a gun should be police officers or a citizen that was from the army. Also the prices for gun and bullets should be raised. These can be results for less gun violence throughout the United States. 

Ways To Obtain a Gun 

BBC news about Gun Ownership in Jersey

A VIDEO!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10540333/Footage-of-Sandy-Hook-shooting-scene-released-by-police.html

It's sad. Shooting isn't fun. :(

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/12/us/sandy-hook-timeline/

A link. Much better. 

Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting

    On December 14, 2012 , twenty six people were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut. Before the shooting, Adam Lanza, 20, went to his mothers house. While he was there he stole three guns and killed his mother. The guns he stole were and AR rifle and pistols made by Glock and Sig Saucer. During that time, school was moving and approximately 700 students were present. Earlier that year, the principal locked the gates at 9:30 AM and by the time the gunman arrived the gates were locked. According to  authorities, the gunman shot his way into the school. The Vice principal, Natalie Hammond, and sociologist Mary Sherlach went to investigate. The gunman had killed the sociologist and wounded the vice principal. Lanza had gone into two kindergarten classrooms. Lauren Rousseau, a substitute teacher, and her 14 students were shot and killed.  In another classroom, Victoria Soto moved her students away from the door and the gunman had shot and killed her along with six other students. After some time, the police arrived and the gunman had shot himself when he heard the gunman approaching. The police had arrived 2 minutes and 47 seconds after the call was made. This school shooting shows that restrictions should be made for gun ownership and that the bullets allowed in one round should be lower giving people the chance to tackle or disarm the gunman.

Gun Control in America

   Over the last decade many shootings and gun violence has occurred in America. Many of the citizens are defending themselves by saying that it is their right to bear arms and be prepared for the worst. Over the years crime has grown in large amounts, proving that people need guns. But owning a gun has many consequences and they are also very easy to obtain. Being able to get a gun is relatively easy, a person would just go to a gun store and just have a background check that could take up from 5 minutes to 2 weeks. Further more, shooting at schools are becoming more and more frequent and, many innocent people have died or have been harmed. On the other hand people say that it is their right to own a gun because the police can't get there immdietaly and the person would need to be able to defend themselves during their vulnerable time. Also, owning a gun is an American tradition and so is hunting with guns. There are multiple solutions to decreasing the amount of gun violence in the U.S. A way to decrease the amount of gun violence could be to lower the amount of bullets that the handler could shoot in one round. Also, they could restrict the ages of who can hold a gun. The reason is, most school shooting are from young adults or teenagers. All in all, guns are very violent and cause much chaos; but people could use guns just for traditions or self protection. A solution to the chaos of gun violence would be to restrict the age of gun handling, as well as more thorough back ground, and shorter rounds. 

Gun Control

Gun violence has recently become an important issue following several school shootings. Many people defend their ownership of guns because the Bill of Rights states that citizens have the right to bear arms. They also justify it by saying that they need them to protect them from criminals and burglars, to defend their children and homes in case someone breaks in. It also gives them a sense of freedom. Guns also aid people in hunting and sport. However, the massacres have proven that having a right to own guns also comes with a weighty price. These weapons are fairly easy to obtain, and more than forty to forty five percent of U.S. households own one. It can easily get out of hand. Because of the media, video games, and other factors, many young people think of guns as tools to dominate over others, and it is proven through the school killings that have recently happened. Because of the right to own guns, many innocent lives have been taken. As long as the weapons still exist, much more blood will continue to be shed in the future. To prevent the unnecessary violence, firmer laws should be passed. Stricter background checks must be enforced, and certain types of guns have to be outlawed. However, regulations still can't guarantee that  no one will get hurt, so I think that guns should be banned altogether. After all, statistics have shown that the number of robberies committed each year steadily decreased, so there isn't much of a reason to have guns lying around to protect your home. Thirty thousand deaths occur each year because of firearms, but if we manage to regulate them, or most preferably, ban them, then more than thirty thousand lives will be saved in the following years.

The Gun Debate in the US

An overly simplified version of the gun debate that is pretty humorous...

<iframe src="http://www.collegehumor.com/e/6973813" width="600" height="369" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe><div style="padding:5px 0; text-align:center; width:600px;"><p><a href="//www.collegehumor.com/videos/most-viewed/this-year">CollegeHumor&#039;s Favorite Funny Videos</a></p></div>

Week 1 Prompt

Hi guys!
For this week I want you to write about gun violence in American society. Please discuss the effect of the violence AND what you think we should do about it. Don't forget to email me your email addresses if you haven't yet been added to the blog. Good luck guys and have a great weekend!
Ms. Krissy