Children of Polygamy Essay Example for Free

Children of Polygamy Essay With reasonable guidelines in place to prevent human right violations, should polygamy be legal in Canada? First of all, a clear definition of the term is required: â€Å"Polygamy occurs when one husband is married to two or more wives† (Ozkan,M et al,215) . This scenario is not common in North America however has been known to occur in the past. To gain an insight to the world of polygamy, it seems that research has been undertook investigating its effects in areas of the world where it is more common, for example, the Muslim world. The decision as to whether Polygamy should be legal in Canada will be based on the research found on the effects of Polygamy on both the children of the senior and junior wife. â€Å"A senior wife is defined as a woman who was followed by another wife into the marriage. A junior wife is the most recent wife joining the marriage† (Al-Krenawi,447). In-depth research has taken place into the emotional, psychological and behavioural effects on children from polygamous families, as well as the effects on academic achievement compared to that of monogamous families. Most experts agree that children from Polygamous families are negatively affected by polygamy in terms of their academic achievement, behaviour, and their emotional and physiological stability. Therefore, Polygamy should not be legal in Canada, in order to protect children from the harmful effects associated with it. An Investigation into the effects on education on Bedouin-Arab school children showed significantly higher scholastic achievement in the children from monogamous families when compared with children from polygamous families, based on grades in Hebrew, Arabic, Arithmetic and reading comprehension, recorded in their school files. (Krenawi Lightman, 350) As for behavioural problems, Krenawi, Graham et al describe how the â€Å"Competition for support and resources among wives in polygamous families may lead to tensions between co-wives and between the children of different co-wives† (456). The conflicts between the wives are often fuelled by jealousy which, in turn, increases the chances of conflict between the siblings of the wives. The increase in conflict and violence is likely to result in earlier drop out from school and higher probability of succumbing to other social problems such as drugs. (Krenawi Lightman,353). Al-Krenawi’s journal links the children’s behavioural problems with their emotional state: â€Å"Jealousy, competition and fighting among the different wives leads to the children regarding the children of the other wife not as siblings but as enemies. The resulting hatred and hostility affected the children both emotionally and socially. † (37). Research has shown that â€Å"Such problematic maternal psychosocial dynamics, in turn, may adversely influence adolescents’ self-identity, self-esteem and psychological well-being† (Shek 159). Self-esteem is looked at in great deal throughout the research. Krenawi and Graham define self-esteem as a wish to think well of one’s self; It also relates to self-respect and the person’s perception of worth. Children from polygamous families are especially prone to this, due to low-interest from their fathers, especially children of senior wives. Studies showed lower parental interest, lower interest when compared with other siblings contributed to low self-esteem among children in polygamous families. (457). Another table from this journal has results which show children from Polygamous families scored higher in areas including depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation and psychotism and scoring lower in family functioning (which includes relationships, functioning and communication within their family) as well as the self-esteem test. (452), We see that these psychological problems that polygamous children face are the major contributor to their lack of academic achievement, it is not as first thought a direct consequence of polygamy. It is more of an indirect consequence of polygamy. Observing from another perspective, evidence is found by Cherian that reveals â€Å"A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between parental interest and children’s academic achievement, regardless of whether the family was monogamous or polygamous† (736). Throughout the research into polygamy there were occasions where interviews were conducted with members of polygamous families, first hand evidence can be very powerful however we see contrasting views here first we will look at those in favour of polygamy. In the paper ‘Polygamy and its Impact on the Upbringing of Children’ by M. Khasawneh et al, we see a mother asked about the impact of polygamy, to which she answers â€Å"Did not affect the children† (577). There is also a statement from a child who states â€Å"Polygamy is a very appropriate process†. Clearly displays that both the mother and a child of polygamy both seem to support polygamy. However, if we look at the experts’ opinion of the mother Khasawnehs’ paper, we see that they believe that the wives views may not be accurate. Since the families would be aware of their responses, it made it difficult for the wife to make an honest declaration, as this could negatively affect her family life (572). Although there is little doubt that the child’s statement was not an honest one, we see that there are other responses which do not show the children in favour of polygamy. Although a number of children believed that their fathers did not discriminate between or separate them, several also did not approve of polygamy and seen it as â€Å"something they were forces to adapt to† (572). This view is further supported by a child who is asked their opinion and views on polygamy to which he answers: â€Å"Polygamy is for necessity only, and with conditions to be just and fair. I do not support polygamy at all no matter what the reasons are. † (577). Another child answers the same question with: â€Å"I encourage polygamy because there is a large number of girls. † (577) This brings up the condition which is very important for polygamy: If there is an imbalance in the ratios of male to female then it is a valid argument that polygamy is a solution to spinsterhood. However Referring back to the question on Canada, we find from Statistics Canada online that the population of males and females is approximately equal 17. 6 to 17. 3 million (StatCan) . As for the argument on education, although we have observed that parental interest influences both monogamous and polygamous children’s academic achievement, equally, it is clear that other behavioural, emotional and physiological factors contribute and can potentially have a harmful effect on academic achievement too. In conclusion it is clear, from studies on Polygamy in Muslim countries, that there is overwhelming evidence to show that Polygamy has a detrimental effect on the upbringing of children, and this is made clear in the research surrounding its negative effects on the wives, the senior wives in particular. Krenawi and Graham make that point that in order to reduce problems which associated with polygamy arising, early interventions by school officials and other services may help improve academic achievement, socioeconomic status as well as improved family functioning. (455) . Referring back to the idea of parental interest being a big contributor to the academic achievement of the children no matter what family structure they belong to however it is clear to see that a father will have a certain about of time available to give to his children if this time which was once for one family alone is not split between 2 families in 2 different households, it becomes obvious that it will become impossible for the father to give an equal amount of his time that he was able to give in the past. Therefore even with reasonable guidelines put in place ,possibly similar to the one practiced in Muslim countries, where the husband must prove he can financially look after his wives and children, I still feel there are a far greater number of disadvantages to this and therefore it should not be made legal in Canada. Word Count (1,442) Bibliography Al-Krenawi,A. Graham. J. R Sonim-nevo, V. (2002) Mental Health Aspects of Arab-Israeli adolescents from polygamous versus monogamous families. Journal of social Psychology, 142, 446-460. Al-Krenawi, S. Lightman, (2000). Learning, Achievement and Family conflict Among Bedouin-Arab children from polygamous and monogamous families. The journal of social psychology 140(3), 345-355. Cherian,V. I. (1993) . The Relationship between Parental interest and academic achievement of Xhosa Children from Monogamous and Polygamous families. The Journal of Social Psychology, 133, 733-736. M. Khasaweh,o,Y. Hijazi, H. Salman. N( 2011). Polygomy and Its Impact on the Upbringing of children. A Jordanian Perspective, Journal of Comperative Family Studies. 563-577 Ozkan,M,Altindag,A. ,Oto R Sentunali,E (2006) . Mental Health Aspects of Turkish Women from Polygamous Versus Monongamous Families. Turkey. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, (52), 214. Shek,D. T. L (1998) A Longitudinal Study of the Relation between Parental-adolesent conflict and adolescent psychological well-being. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 159, 53-67.

Stem Cell Research: Scientific Advancement vs. Human Rights Essay

Introduction to Stem Cells As improvements in scientific technology and techniques allow for better observations and insights into the natural world, so to do advancements in medical research occur on a seemingly daily basis. On such research topic that has found itself the center of a global debate is the issue of stem cell research. Hailed by some as one of the most dynamic areas of research ever to exist, it is thought to be the next big â€Å"revolution† in medicine, surpassing even the advent of anesthesia and antibiotics (Towns, 2004). Though the reputation does not come without controversy, stem cell research can be found in the headlines of news publications for changes in policy or position on the topic equally as much as breakthroughs in research. With the recent death of former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy’s pledge to find a cure for the debilitating Alzheimer’s disease from which he suffered, stem cell research became a leading domestic issue in the President race of 2004. Defined as â€Å"unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through cell division† and â€Å"under certain physiological or experimental conditions. . . can be induced to become cells with special functions,† stem cells hold the key to many developmental mysteries for biologist (National, 2002). Originally described by Owen in 1945 when studying chimerism in a pair of twin cows (Cogle, 2003), stems cell research has gained momentum since the mid 1970’s culminating with the first successful culturing of human embryonic stem cells in November 1998 at the University of Wisconsin. Scientists currently working with both animal and human stem cells are currently working at identifying the factors behind stem cells’ ability to remain u... ...Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Jun2003, Vol. 6 Issue 4, p438. Theodosius. â€Å"Embryonic stem cell research in the perspective of Orthodox Christianity.† Orthodox Church in America. (Website). Last Updated 10/17/2001. http://www.oca.org/pages/ocaadmin/documents/Pastoral-Letters/2001-Stem-Cell-Research.html Towns, C. R.; Jones, D. G. â€Å"Stem cells, embryos, and the environment: a context for both science and ethics.† Journal of Medical Ethics. Aug2004, Vol. 30 Issue 4, p410-13. University of Wisconson. â€Å"Embryonic Stem Cells: Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.† (Website). http://www.news.wisc.edu/packages/stemcells/. Vogel, Gretchen. â€Å"Can Adult Stem Cells Suffice?† Science. 06/08/2001 , Vol. 292 Issue 5523, p1820-22. Vogel, Gretchen. â€Å"Regulations Constrain Stem Cell Research Across the Globe.† Science. 8/9/2002 , Vol. 297 Issue 5583, p924 Stem Cell Research: Scientific Advancement vs. Human Rights Essay Introduction to Stem Cells As improvements in scientific technology and techniques allow for better observations and insights into the natural world, so to do advancements in medical research occur on a seemingly daily basis. On such research topic that has found itself the center of a global debate is the issue of stem cell research. Hailed by some as one of the most dynamic areas of research ever to exist, it is thought to be the next big â€Å"revolution† in medicine, surpassing even the advent of anesthesia and antibiotics (Towns, 2004). Though the reputation does not come without controversy, stem cell research can be found in the headlines of news publications for changes in policy or position on the topic equally as much as breakthroughs in research. With the recent death of former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy’s pledge to find a cure for the debilitating Alzheimer’s disease from which he suffered, stem cell research became a leading domestic issue in the President race of 2004. Defined as â€Å"unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through cell division† and â€Å"under certain physiological or experimental conditions. . . can be induced to become cells with special functions,† stem cells hold the key to many developmental mysteries for biologist (National, 2002). Originally described by Owen in 1945 when studying chimerism in a pair of twin cows (Cogle, 2003), stems cell research has gained momentum since the mid 1970’s culminating with the first successful culturing of human embryonic stem cells in November 1998 at the University of Wisconsin. Scientists currently working with both animal and human stem cells are currently working at identifying the factors behind stem cells’ ability to remain u... ...Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Jun2003, Vol. 6 Issue 4, p438. Theodosius. â€Å"Embryonic stem cell research in the perspective of Orthodox Christianity.† Orthodox Church in America. (Website). Last Updated 10/17/2001. http://www.oca.org/pages/ocaadmin/documents/Pastoral-Letters/2001-Stem-Cell-Research.html Towns, C. R.; Jones, D. G. â€Å"Stem cells, embryos, and the environment: a context for both science and ethics.† Journal of Medical Ethics. Aug2004, Vol. 30 Issue 4, p410-13. University of Wisconson. â€Å"Embryonic Stem Cells: Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.† (Website). http://www.news.wisc.edu/packages/stemcells/. Vogel, Gretchen. â€Å"Can Adult Stem Cells Suffice?† Science. 06/08/2001 , Vol. 292 Issue 5523, p1820-22. Vogel, Gretchen. â€Å"Regulations Constrain Stem Cell Research Across the Globe.† Science. 8/9/2002 , Vol. 297 Issue 5583, p924

Elements of Poetry: Order for Mask Essay

Speaker: The Speaker is woman portraying three different roles (SISTER, DAUGHTER and LOVER) Audience: The maker of the masks is the audience. Content: The poem is all about a woman who is playing three roles. She shapes her behavior, action and personality in accordance to the needs of the men in her life. In our opinion this degrades the status of the woman as it reduces her whole being to mere instruments that satisfies and pleases men’s needs and wants. Furthermore, this conclusion is compensated by the other fact that poem is trying to imply. It also shows that the woman, through her ability to make the men in her life see and believe what she wants them to, in other words she can manipulate what she wants the men in her life to believe what she is through that â€Å"mask†. Theme: We believe that the main idea of the story is about women in the society. It’s about what women do to satisfy the needs of the people around them. Shape and Form: The poem is a free verse. It does not follow a pattern. Mood or Tone: In each role she partakes it has a different mood. When she played the role of a sister she felt anger that is why she doesn’t want to be like him. When she was playing the role of a daughter her mood is calm or somewhat pure to match the things that her father wants her to be – pure, innocent and chaste, leading him to believe that she is the perfect daughter. Lastly when she is portraying the role of a lover her mood is a mixture of hatred and love, passion and disgust because her lover had raised his hand on her that left a mark so that’s where the hatred and disgust comes from yet she is still in love and pure of passion with that man because she still wants to be beautiful and presentable in his presence. Imagery: The poet wants us to imagine the roles that women play in our everyday life and what they to satisfy our needs and wants. Diction: The poet chose to express the woman identity by describing her when she wears the masks in the presence of each man in her life. Figurative Language: Allusion

Battle of the Thames in the War of 1812

The Battle of the Thames was fought October 5, 1813, during the War of 1812 (1812-1815). In the wake of the American victory at the Battle of Lake Erie, Major General William Henry Harrisons army recaptured Detroit before crossing into Canada. Outnumbered, British commander Major General Henry Proctor elected to withdraw east with his Native American allies. On October 5, he turned his army and made a stand near Moraviantown. In the resulting battle, his army was routed and the famed Native American leader Tecumseh was killed. The victory secured the United States northwest frontier for the remainder of the war. Background ​Following the fall of Detroit to Major General Isaac Brock in August 1812, American forces in the Northwest endeavored to recapture the settlement. This was badly hampered due to British naval forces controlling Lake Erie. As a result, Major General William Henry Harrisons Army of the Northwest was forced to remain on the defensive while the U.S. Navy constructed a squadron at Presque Isle, PA. As these efforts progressed, American forces suffered a severe defeat at Frenchtown (River Raisin) as well as endured a siege at Fort Meigs. In August 1813, the American squadron, commanded by Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry emerged from Presque Isle. Outnumbered and out-gunned, Commander Robert H. Barclay withdrew his squadron to the British base at Amherstburg to await the completion of HMS Detroit (19 guns). Taking control Lake Erie, Perry was able to cut off the British supply lines to Amherstburg. With the logistical situation worsening, Barclay sailed out to challenge Perry in September. On September 10, the two clashed at the Battle of Lake Erie. After a bitter fought engagement, Perry captured the entire British squadron and sent a dispatch to Harrison stating, We have met the enemy and they are ours. With control of the lake firmly in American hands, Harrison embarked the bulk of his infantry aboard Perrys ships and sailed to recapture Detroit. His mounted forces advanced along the lake shore (Map). The British Retreat At Amherstburg, the British ground commander, Major General Henry Proctor, began planning to withdraw east to Burlington Heights at the western end of Lake Ontario. As part of his preparations, he quickly abandoned Detroit and nearby Fort Malden. Though these moves were opposed by the leader of his Native American forces, the famed Shawnee chief Tecumseh, Proctor proceeded as he was badly outnumbered and his supplies were dwindling. Detested by the Americans as he had allowed the Native Americans to butcher prisoners and wounded after the Battle of Frenchtown, Proctor began retreating up the Thames River on September 27. As the march progressed, the morale of his forces fell and his officers became increasingly dissatisfied with his leadership. Fast Facts: Battle of the Thames Conflict: War of 1812 (1812-1815)Dates: October 5, 1813Armies Commanders:United StatesMajor General William Henry Harrison3,760 menGreat Britain and Native AmericansMajor General Henry ProctorTecumseh1,300 menCasualties:United States: 10-27 killed, and 17-57 woundedGreat Britain 12-18 killed, 22-35 wounded, and 566-579 capturedNative Americans: 16-33 killed Harrison Pursues A veteran of Fallen Timbers and the victor of Tippecanoe, Harrison landed his men and re-occupied Detroit and Sandwich. After leaving garrisons at both locations, Harrison marched out with around 3,700 men on October 2 and began pursuing Proctor. Pushing hard, the Americans began to catch up to the tired British and numerous stragglers were captured along the road. Reaching a location near Moraviantown, a Christian Native American settlement, on October 4, Proctor turned and prepared to meet Harrisons approaching army. Deploying his 1,300 men, he placed his regulars, largely elements of the 41st Regiment of Foot, and one cannon on the left along the Thames while Tecumsehs Native Americans were formed on the right with their flank anchored on a swamp. Shawnee leader Tecumseh. Public Domain Proctors line was interrupted by a small swamp between his men and Tecumsehs Native Americans. To extend his position, Tecumseh lengthened his line into the large swamp and pushed it forward. This would allow it to strike the flank of any attacking force. Approaching the next day, Harrisons command consisted of elements of the U.S. 27th Infantry Regiment as well as a large corps of Kentucky volunteers led by Major General Isaac Shelby. A veteran of the American Revolution, Shelby had commanded troops at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. Shelbys command consisted of five brigades of infantry as well as Colonel Richard Mentor Johnsons 3rd Regiment of Mounted Riflemen (Map). Proctor Routed Nearing the enemy position, Harrison placed Johnsons mounted forces along the river with his infantry inland. Though he initially intended to launch an assault with his infantry, Harrison changed his plan when he saw that the 41st Foot had deployed as skirmishers. Forming his infantry to cover his left flank from Native American attacks, Harrison instructed Johnson to attack the main enemy line. Splitting his regiment into two battalions, Johnson planned to lead one against the Native Americans above the small swamp, while his younger brother, Lieutenant Colonel James Johnson, led the other against the British below. Moving forward, the younger Johnsons men charged down the river road with Colonel George Paulls 27th Infantry in support. Battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813. Library of Congress Striking the British line, they quickly overwhelmed the defenders. In less than ten minutes of fighting, the Kentuckians and Paulls regulars drove off the British and captured Proctors one cannon. Among those who fled was Proctor. To the north, the elder Johnson attacked the Native American line. Led by a forlorn hope of twenty men, the Kentuckians soon became engaged in bitter battle with Tecumsehs warriors. Ordering his men to dismount, Johnson remained in the saddle urging his men forward. In the course of the fighting he was wounded five times. As the fighting raged, Tecumseh was killed. With Johnsons horsemen bogged down, Shelby directed some of his infantry to advance to their aid. As the infantry came up, the Native American resistance began to collapse as word of Tecumsehs death spread. Fleeing into the woods, the retreating warriors were pursued by cavalry led by Major David Thompson. Seeking to exploit the victory, American forces pressed on and burned Moraviantown despite the fact that its Christian Munsee inhabitants had played no role in the fighting. Having won a clear victory and destroyed Proctors army, Harrison elected to return to Detroit as the enlistments of many of his men were expiring. Aftermath In the fighting at the Battle of the Thames Harrisons army suffered 10-27 killed, and 17-57 wounded. British losses totaled 12-18 killed, 22-35 wounded, and 566-579 captured, while their Native American allies lost 16-33 killed. Among the Native American dead were Tecumseh and the Wyandot chief Roundhead. The exact circumstances regarding Tecumsehs death are not known though stories quickly circulated that Richard Mentor Johnson killed the Native American leader. Though he never personally claimed credit, he used the myth during later political campaigns. Credit has also been given to Private William Whitley. The victory at the Battle of the Thames saw American forces effectively take control of the Northwest frontier for the remainder of the war. With Tecumsehs death, much of the Native American threat in the region was eliminated and Harrison was able to conclude truces with many of the tribes. Though a skilled and popular commander, Harrison resigned the following summer after disagreements with Secretary of War John Armstrong.