The Gender Thing by Shawn Johnson
The Importance of Computer Literacy by Sekou Richen
Easing the Burden for the Elderly
by Cheri Stinson
Friends in Cyberspace
by Alourdes Abelard
The Few, the Proud, the Brave
by Dmitri Bryant
Double Standards by
Alycia Statham
And More Double Standards by
Reesheda Gilbert
Making New Friends by
Garinescia Williams
Owning My Own Business by Quarre Vann
Only Child by Errika Pope
Meeting My Dad for the First Time by Clifford Richards
Ever since the civil rights movement African Americans could apply for any job and receive it based on their qualifications and not their race. Because of the movement I was given a change to work in a diverse company. In order to make sure that ever one was getting treated fairly my company came up with a great idea. The idea was called Gender Inclusiveness, which helps the company have a balance of employees. I thought this was a great idea. That meant that we would have equal numbers of African American women, Hispanics, and Caucasians from support staff all the way to the vice-presidents; however, I didn't think that Gender Inclusiveness would have a reverse effect on me.
Gender Inclusiveness is something I believe all of Americans can benefit from on their day to day jobs. Gender Inclusiveness helps provide a balance in America's work force of today. It has given women and African Americans a chance to lead many of our top companies. For Example, the General Manger of Hartsfield International airport is a woman. I think that is outstanding that a woman like Angela Gitten could have a challenging position operating one of the busiest airports in the country. There are several women that have advanced to higher positions because of Gender Inclusive. I used to think that Gender Inclusiveness was effective to companies, but what about the qualified people that get pushed out of the way just to have a Gender Inclusiveness company.
I can say that I am one of those people who got pushed out of the way. I had applied for a position in my company that I knew that I was qualified for. I was running up against three other women. After the long interviews, I was told that out of all my competitors, I had interviewed the best with the personnel staff. However, because of the department being dominated with men, they needed to hire a woman to meet their Gender Inclusiveness standards. Therefore, I didn't get the opportunity of working for that department. They hired a woman.
I then began to ask myself, is Gender Inclusive effective in a work place? Is it fair to push away skillful and qualified individuals because of their race, or sex to meet a company's quota? No, I don't think that Gender Inclusiveness is fair in the work place. I believe that my attitude has changed toward Gender Inclusive because I was victim of the Gender thing. I feel that everyone should be hired into a company or admitted into a school based on their skills and qualifications. I think if companies just hire people to meet their company or school's quota, then what will happen to the people that are qualified and skillful? That must mean when people go apply for jobs it will be like a lottery. For example, if I go apply for a job at company or try to get admitted in a certain school I need hope that it is my sex's or my color's time around. I understand we have faught hard for people's rights, but does that mean we take away their knowledge and give it to the appropriate sex or race who fits the company or school's standards?
After my battle with the Gender Thing I had to examine myself to see if I was just being selfish because the "Gender Thing" had happened to me. I realize that I was not being selfish. I just didn't realize how important the Gender Thing was did I pay any attention to this subject until it happened to me. I feel that every one should be treated equally. I think if I was put into that situation where I was the winning, and this had happen to someone else I think I would stand up for that person. This Gender Thing is unfair to me either way you look at it. When employers hire someone, or accept someone into a school just based on their gender or sex and push skillful people away, would that be considered as skillful discrimination?
In this day and age of information systems and computer networks, it is almost a necessity to have access to or own a computer. You can turn on any television or open any book or magazine to see that computers play an integral role in how we communicate, learn, and stay competitive with emerging markets. This role will only become more substantial as time marches on.
Walk into any progressive company or organization today and you will see computers at work. From sending and receiving faxes, and creating or emailing memos, computers have become the industry standard for communicating in today's workplace. Nowadays you have to either e-mail or fax your resume to even have an opportunity for an interview, because today's employers have ceased to allow walk-in interviews. Today's college students would fall through the proverbial cracks without the technical skills learned through the constant use and exposure to computers. Requiring students to own or rent a computer only better prepares them for the rigors of communicating in today's workplace.
Learning is also greatly enhanced by computers. Everyone doesn't have the financial means to travel the world and visit exotic and historic locales that are discussed in college. However, by simply going online and visiting various websites you can have access to information that can make you feel like you have been there in person. Computers also help facilitate the learning process by linking people from all over the world through the use of the Internet. The free exchange of ideas and viewpoints that is exhibited on the Internet freely would cost a fortune over the telephone. The inefficiency of today's postal systems would also render this interplanetary free for all obsolete. Computers can very effectively help expedite the transfer of these ideas. If college students were required to have computers, their learning experience would be increased a thousand fold inexpensively, and efficiently.
Countries like Singapore have recognized the need to train their youth to be more technologically aware by mandating one computer for every two students. "Singapore the Smart Island" is even their new slogan. How can an emerging nation like Singapore recognize the need for their students to be technically adept and we not? In fact there is a movement in Congress to increase the number of work visas from certain countries to fulfill the US's need for a more technically trained workforce. We cannot even fill our own high tech positions because our students are not being trained accordingly.
Students of today have a responsibility to prepare themselves for the many societal changes. From communications innovations, to new learning techniques, to competition from emerging markets they must heed the call. If required to purchase or even rent computers, students would realize that the many doors that they once found closed, are now wide open. Then and only then could the world become their oyster.
Getting a check and trying to stretch it for a month is enough to make an elderly person worry his or herself sick. As a society we should do what ever it takes to accommodate the elderly in any way possible. Most elderly people have paid their dues to society and deserve to retire and be rewarded. My grandfather worked everyday of his life since he was 15 years old. Now he is 65 and has a part-time job at a local store. He and my grandmother get one small check per month and have to pay for living expenses, food, and transportation. To be that age and have so many bills to worry about is unjust.
Health expenses have also become a large problem for the majority of the elderly people. I handled patient accounts for a few months at a company. There are some elderly people that have social security or Medicare benefits. I learned shortly after working there that social security and Medicare only paid for certain types of tests. Medicare for some people requires a yearly deductible that has to be met before any medical visits are paid. The money to pay these deductibles is supposed to come from that small monthly check. As you get older your body goes through a variety of changes. With all of these changes more medical benefits are necessary and should be given to all elderly people.
There is more to being elderly than living and medical expenses. What about having fun? There should be more activities devoted to elderly people. Being around other elderly people and having fun makes it easier to deal with the change from being young to being considered elderly. The gym that I work out at has programs for elderly people. There are activities like dance classes, swim teams, and ball games. When I talk to some of the elderly at the gym they seem so young and spunky. It makes me look forward to getting older.
All of us would like to retire someday. We would all eventually like to be worry free and secure. The elderly people of the world are the people who took care of us when we were young. They should be able to wash their hands of all their worries and enjoy the rest of their lives.
Before taking this class, the Internet was like a foreign language to me. This part of the growing computer age seemed only a mystery. But, by braving the electronic board and color monitor, I have been informed. In my browsing, I found the student websites to be interesting and boring at the same time. It takes surfing through dozens of them, which I did, to determine what makes a successful site. What was amazing is how one can find so much information about a person on these websites. The idea that a person can share his or her personality, character, and style through a website has inspired me to make my own. I have gathered some great ideas for my own website from fellow students all over the country.
When I clicked on the students name from different schools, the first thing I noticed were the designs on the home pages. Design is very important. The design would let me know if it's worth it to stay or to move on to another site. For example, Nikki Lister from Georgia West College had a nice design. In the very beginning of her home page she had bright and beautiful fire works popping out every where. I felt like it was the 4th of July, only this celebration was for Nikki and for coming to her page. Also when you come to Nikki's page it tells you what visitor number you are. Nikki also had a picture of herself. When I clicked the mouse on Nikki's picture, she had a selection from Bob Marley in the background. The music was soothing. I thought it was great not only to have a good picture, but a nice selection for music as well.
Having colorful pictures and music is great, but content is just as important. I needed to know was there a point to this website. For example, Maria from Georgia Tech had interesting subjects. One part of Maria's website had famous quotes from her professors at Georgia Tech. Maria's professor Kurt Eiselt 's famous quote is, "No monkeys were harmed in the creation of this exam." I personally thought that was pretty funny. The quotes allowed Maria and other students to see a different side of her. Maria put humor in her website and that was creative to me.
Everything that I learned by looking at the websites inspired me to be creative about one I could design. I know I would want my home page to get someone's attention. Bright colors, clear pictures, and nice music would definitely do the trick. I would also like my website to have a theme. I would like to do a Caribbean theme. Fire works would be nice too! My icons must also be clear and that's also important. People must be able to see the pictures clearly to know if they even want to go further into my website.
In conclusion, I think it's very important to surf the internet. There are many benefits from browsing websites. You can really learn and get to know people. You can also get ideas. I truly enjoyed browsing websites that I have visited. Nikki and Maria did a great job. Their websites took thought and creativity. Browsing these websites has opened a new world to me and hopefully I will get to make a website in the near future.
People think we're crazy. All we do is KILL, KILL, KILL. Just because we know how to put a bullet in someone's chest at 500 hundred yards or know how to kill someone in five seconds with our bare hands. I know some people like that but the majority of us are not so GUNGHO. We are an elite group of people. You've seen our commercials on television. You might know our slogan, "We're Looking for a Few Good Men, The Few, The Proud, The Marines."
The Marine Corps is not just another branch of the armed services; it is the best branch of the armed services. The Marine Corps doesn't just do make soldiers; it makes Marines. Its pride and traditions are well known, from such battles as Belleau Woods, Guadacanal, Inchon Reservoir and Desert Storm. If your heard the song, "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli," that's the Marines' Hymn.
People just don't join the Corps for the hell of it. They join because they want to be a part of a great tradition. Marines are well trained. Unlike the other services, whose recruit training is six weeks long, ours is thirteen weeks. That's because the Marine Corps provide the best recruit training possible. You learn a variety of skills and knowledge. This is where Marines learn Marine Corps traditions, Drill and Ceremony, leadership, integrity, character and above all things, discipline. Yes, Marine Corps boot camp is the toughest. That is for a good reason. Because you don't just become a Marine; you have to earn the title U. S. Marine.
The Corps attracts dedicated and talented young men and women. From recruit training to military exercises to real world operations, each Marine undergoes a transformation that encompasses the mastery of basic requirements such as physical fitness, excellence in military skills, education and an understanding of Marine roles, missions and functions. Most important, every Marine, regardless of seniority, validates enduring values and principles. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts because of our unique esprit de corps. This sense of brotherhood gives life and tangible meaning to the unit cohesion and fosters the intense loyalty and motivation that propel Marines forward against all odds.
Marines just don't work an eight-hour day and go home. We train hard to provide a blanket of security for our country and less fortunate countries. If you ever watch the news and they report some kind of trouble in the world, you can bet that a Marine force is there. Even though the Marine Corps is the smallest branch and falls underneath the Department of the Navy, it is very much self-sufficient. That's why Marines depend on one another to get the mission accomplished. The Marine Corps is the only branch that has air and ground forces. Also, we have Marine detachments on naval ships and, in U. S. embassies around the world, Marines are on guard.
The United States Marine Corps is one of the best organizations a person can belong to. The public gets the wrong impression of the Corps. We are not a bunch of men and women ready to go off to war at a moment's notice. We are trained to defend our country when called upon. Marines have families to look after. We're twice the citizens. When that time comes to go off to some foreign land, we will go. Until then, we live our lives like everyday citizens do.
As an American citizen, I am entitled to the same rights, privileges, and opportunities that all American citizens have, male or female. That is why it is hard for me to believe that, in a world so complex and advanced, there are still "double standards" that govern our way of life. When it comes to parenting, sexuality, and raising children, there is often a separate set of standards for women and men to abide by.
When it comes to being a parent, there are double standards that suggest that a mother should give 110% of her time while, on the other hand, a father would be praised and honored for giving 10%. I can recall numerous occasions when my father would gripe and groan about keeping us all day because " a man has no business sitting in the house all day watching children, like a woman". This thought often humors me because I know that he was speaking according to one of the many double standards our society has.
I often hear "double standards" being used when there is talk about sexuality. If a woman is promiscuous, she is looked at as being "loose" or "easy". But if a man behaves in the same manner, he is considered to be a "player" or macho. I often display this double standard when I talk to my younger relatives and friends whenever there is a conversation about having boyfriends and having sex.
There are often double standards used when raising children. Girls are supposed to stay home and be sweet while their brothers and male friends are allowed to go farther and explore more. I frequently became angry and disappointed when my mother told me to be home before dark while my brother was allowed to play until his heart was content. This is more proof that "double standards" still exist between the sexes.
Although not fair, there is evidence, such as the views of parenting, sexuality, and raising children, that proves that there are still "double standards" that we abide by and impose on others daily.
Females and males both require equality, encouragement, and recognition. Unfortunately these factors are rarely equal in proportion in both sexes. The two sexes are constantly faced with double standards in their daily lives.
It is not unusual to see a mother performing many of the tasks at home. She is usually the dominant figure regarding the inner affairs of the house. The mother is the true champion of homemaking, while the husband is the sole provider of the house. His responsibility includes not only outside affairs but head of the household. The woman of the house is expected to clean and remain attached to the home, while her husband brings home the bacon and provides financial support to the family. She raises the kids without any hesitation.
Many males are encouraged and praised for their sexuality. In the American society, a male can a have an extramarital affair, casual sex, or brag about his experiences and be considered a stud. Meanwhile, women are expected to up hold strict morals and remain lady like. A woman wouldn't dare be seen as a lady of the evening, but if she chooses to, the title of lady like would instantly be removed and a bad reputation would stain her. If a woman decided to do the things a male might participant in, she would be considered a rebel whose quality is damaged beyond repair.
The sex of each parent determines their roles in raising their children. The woman of the house feeds the kids, transports them to school, attends PTA meetings, prepares their lunches, and participates actively in afterschool programs. On the other hand, the father remains a part-time figure in their extra-curricular activities, but a full-time figure in the supervision and order of their lives. The father sets the rules of the house, states the final outcome of all decisions in the house, and controls disciplinary techniques. Simultaneously, the wife remains quiet and respects the husband's word and acknowledges his role as the leader of the house.
The roles that women and men play in our society are indeed unequal. There are some activities that give praise to a man, but can stain a woman's essence. Double standards have become not only generally accepted in our society, but a figure that speaks loud and clear regarding the roles of men and women.
Recently, I became a new member of a church, Tabernacle of Joy Fellowship Outreach Ministry. I knew a few members of the church before I joined, like the pastor, the first lady, relatives and friends. My church is located outside the city of Atlanta, in the suburban side of town; therefore I don't attend service as often as I would like to. When I'm able to attend church, I feel as if I'm a stranger because there are always new faces. Then I realized that in order to meet the new church members and to make friends with them I must first show myself friendly with them, attend more of the social events, and get involved in one of the church auxiliaries.
When I greet my fellow members at church I greet them with a smile and ask how they are doing. I also help the elderly, kids, and any other member by assisting in any way I can. My actions show them that I have a pleasant personality and that I am concern about their feelings. Growing up I was told in order to make friends, you must first show yourself friendly. After service, on occasions I introduce myself during the time of fellowship.
With the desire, but because of the inconvenience of my time and transportation, I am unable to participate in one of the auxiliaries of the church. Auxiliaries such as the choir and usher board both require time. Being an active member allows you to be more involved with the members and the service. The choir entertains the church service with songs of praise and the ushers assist the members and visitors with hospitality and with information. As a result, you meet more people because members get more familiar with your face and name.
There are always different events happening or upcoming. Engaging in some of the trips, seminars, and other occasions allows more time to fellowship with the church members. My pastor tries to reach out to the youth by exposing them to many different multi-cultural facilities and attributes. In the seminars you are able to get involved in open discussions, which allows you to interact with the members of your age group.
After changing my lifestyle by becoming a Christian, I had to separate from a lot of my old friends and search for new ones. Becoming a member at my church has really helped me meet new friends. I am able to discuss different biblical, personal, and church issues with some of my new friends at church because we share the same lifestyle. Whether it's at a church, school, or on a job, in order to meet new friends you must get involved with extra curricular activities or projects, participate in social events, and have a pleasant personality by being friendly in helping and caring for others.
In this day and age, having your own business is a great way to net income. When running your own business you have the luxury of making your own money, which hinders you from having to work on someone else's time. On the contrary, running your own establishment requires certain necessary skills, that I do possess, in order for it to be successful. I have experience, my customer service is efficient, and I have the knowledge of knowing what people demand out in the open field. Acquiring these qualities will help jump-start a business.
Nine times out of ten, being an entrepreneur involves sales. If I were to start my own business, initially, I would not have a problem, because I have experience in sales. As we speak, I am the manager of our family business that has been in existence for more than a decade. I have been through the ups-and-downs of trying to make a business successful and only through experience can you learn from them.
When you are running your own business you are always interacting with others. When doing this, you would like to have great customer service skills. I attained this attribute from not only managing the business, but from also working at my full time job, Equifax. My most important skill at Equifax is having good customer service because of all the different type of people we encounter on a daily basis. Likewise, if I were running my own business, I would have to display this important factor in order to keep the interest of the customers. In having a successful business, you must cater to the customer first, even if it is against your liking.
I must say I am blessed of knowing what people like out there in today's world. This is very important, because if you do not know what the people want, more than likely, your business will not prosper the way you would like it to. I happen to know just what the people are demanding. For examples, there will always be demands for apparel, food, and hair products. Although there is a big demand for each one of these three items, you would want to come up with your own unique idea on promoting your product. In running your own business being different, for the most part, is a good thing.
I do not care what direction or concept an individual may take in starting his or her business, but the bottom line is to make money. I literally know this so that is why I believe these three skills are essential in running your own business. If you fail the first time do not get discouraged, because that is only natural. In running your business, you must take the good with the bad, and most important, you must understand that you have to crawl before you walk!
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an only child? You probably think it's cool because you don't have to share your things with a sister or a brother. For Christmas you get a lot of toys because it's just you. Your mother and father give you a lot of attention. You really feel like you have it made because it's just you.
Well, speaking from experience all of the things listed above are true, but that's just some of the pros that come with the deal. Being an only child has it cons as well. For example, for Christmas I did get a lot of toys and that was cool but some of my games required two or more people to play them and that became difficult. My mother worked and when she was home she was resting. My father, unfortunately for me, was not there, because I lived in a single parent home. I had cousins that could have played them with me but they were older, and they were boys and they thought my games to be childish and for girls. I grew up in the projects and my mother never let me go outside to play with the other kids because she thought they were bad, and she did not want me to pick up any bad habits.
My mother did give me a lot of attention and I liked it, but as a child I wanted that childhood company of a friend closer to my age. I needed someone that I could talk to for kiddie advice and vice-versa. I needed a friend who didn't really know more than I did, and couldn't tell me that my situation would be okay, because they didn't know, unlike my mother who has experienced that stage in life. She knew my problems were petty and that I would get over them.
I had it made. I really didn't want for anything but a friend. In due time all of that fell into place because I became old enough to go to school and there I had all the friends I could handle and more. It was awkward, but I adapted very fast because having friends helped to fill some of the missing links in my life. I learned that being alone created a major weakness within me; I get attached to people very fast, especially when I consider them as friends even though some of them are not. Sometimes knowing the things I know now about people (friends) I miss that life alone.
Living the life as an only child made me realize that all kids need a playmate. Life alone is boring; that's why when I begin to start my family I will have more than one child unless a medical reason forbids. Children are supposed to enjoy their life as kids, have fun and get in trouble, but that's hard to do when you are alone and there is know one else. To all the parents that may read my paper, consider some of the examples and comments I made and think about what effects your child may encounter if you decide to have only one.
It was a hot afternoon, and I was working on my back yard, when I heard the sound of someone knocking on my front door. I ran up to the front to see whom it was. As I opened the door, I saw what appeared to be a tall slander male with a pipe in his mouth. Can I help you? I asked. I am looking for Clifford Richards, he replied. This is he, I said. My name is Frankly Richards and I am your daddy. I was shocked and didn't know what to do. I wanted to closed the door at him because for thirty two years he was absent in my life, but then I wanted to let him in so that I could listen to his side of the story. Finally, I let him into the house, he sat down and I beside him and we both cried. He apologized to me, and asked that I forgive him for what he had done. That day changed my entire life.
As a boy growing up in Africa, I missed the love of my father because he had never been around to teach me about manhood, or to advise me about complicated matters of life. I had to depend on my uncle, David, to be not only my instructor, but also my mentor. I used to get provoked and called names by my cousins, and friends to go find my dad who didn't even know whether I existed. During school occasions, my grand mother was always represented me. When I received my pro-efficiency honors certificate on my high school graduation day, I thought my daddy would be there to lift me high for my achievement. Sadly I went home with a void in my life that needed to be filled.
In time of discipline, that strong fatherly figure was missing. Instead grandma would have to rely on my Uncle David to exercise his role as an enforcer to the rules and regulations of the house. Whenever I got flogged, I cried for the help of my dad whom I had not know, seen, heard from or received anything from. The crying for my dad's help indicated that discipline with my dad would have been different.
On the day for my wedding, I prayed that God would send my dad so that he could give me his blessing and make me happy with him just this one-day. I called people who knew his whereabouts and begged my mom to let me just talk to him and warn him of the consequences for his absence on a life time ceremony. To my dismay, my daddy never showed up for my wedding nor did he send me a card congratulating my wife and myself. This day, I told myself that I would never forgive my dad.
As a father of two handsome sons, I will always fill the role as a father to my sons, God being my helper. I will be there for them no matter what the circumstances will be. I am always participating in all of their school activities, including football practices and games, basketball, skating to name but few. I always make it a must to spend one evening eating dinner alone with them. I teach them manhood and instruct them about complicated matters of life, something I never received from my father. I am their mentor, setting a good example which I instill into them, and their instructor who will teach them what is wrong from what is right because of my past experiences in life.
I have no grudge or animosity for my father; instead it brought me closer to him even though he neglected me in the past. But what am I to do? I cannot shun the only father I have in this world; further more if I shun him, he will never feel any remorse for what he has done to me. I tried to show him that life was too big, and we all can share it no matter what the circumstances where. Last summer I and the kids spent our vacation with him at his New Jersey residence. He was proud of us because we have raised him high. He took us to all of his family members and friends introducing us. Every time we come home he will cry, and will apologize for not knowing us earlier before then. After our reunion, he made it a point of duty to send me birthday cards for thirty-two weeks, indicating all the birthdays that he was missing. He calls his grandsons every Saturday, and flew down to Atlanta on my wedding anniversary.
Because of my past experience with my father, I believe that I am obligated to kids whose fathers had neglected them just like my daddy. For that reason, I am dedicating time every week as a volunteer into the mentoring and instructing programs at Clayton County. Kids in this program are taught how to love themselves, stay out of drugs and participate effectively in education as that is the only thing they can hold on to. We instruct them about sports, especially soccer and cricket that are basically new. The improvement of these kids makes myself and the other instructors feel proud for the fact that we've filled an empty space in someone's life without a dad. If we all neglect our kids, What will be the future? The world will be full of dissatisfied and disgruntle dkids who are father haters, and who will have any respect for them when they grow up. Be a mentor, and an instructor to a kid for a better America.
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