Can school violence be prevented Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Can school violence be prevented - Essay Example Educators are confronted with acts of violent behavior in schools. But for educators, parents, administrators and the student, there are many issues that are inhibiting them from preventing to make schools safer and violence free. Nevertheless, there are many ways that can help in curtailing the violence that is becoming more and more apparent in schools. School violence is an important issue which needs to be tackled and it needs to be assessed that which strategies can assist in overcoming this problem. It will be prudent to state here that the perception of school violence is differentiated among the stakeholders of education systems. Administrators, students, teachers and parents all have varying explanations and perceptions of school violence. Administrators in most cases feel that schools are safe for students but the need for more empowerment of the staff and effort in better security cannot be ignored. Teachers were found to be of the opinion that violence in schools was the result of violence in the community that has seeped into the education system. Students perceived violence as a catharsis of the bullying that they may face at some point of their lives. This increases the importance of creating or formulating a strategy that will help in aligning all into coordination and focus on prevention of violence in schools (Algozzine & McGee 2011). One of the foremost reasons for school violence has been the sudden changing of demographics. It is a fact that whenever change happens there is bound to be agitation. Consistency in the status quo is welcomed whereas sudden change can lead to frustration, anger and confusion. That is why when communities observe changes in their demographics that is changes in religion, ethnicity and race, this frustration, anger and confusion is released in brutal catharsis. But these changes can be met and adapted to by holding dialogues between the conflicting elements. Schools are most prone to dissonance which results in an act of violence when demographics change. This violence due to changes in the demographics is attributed to the fact that school is the place where students of diverse backgrounds converge and also have to spend a substantial amount of time with each other. Dialogue helps in understanding what is different about different cultures and also helps in finding common ground between the conflicting groups. To make the dialogue a success it is important that students who have been more angry and upset must be brought together from the start. (We ssler, 2011) Another approach to curtailing violence at schools will be determining the barriers or the issues that inhibit social workers and educators in implementing various studies and programs aimed at addressing the interpersonal violence at schools. There have been a lot of studies and research in finding better ways to encourage students to restrain themselves from being violent. The main barrier in implementing these studies is that there is so little time for the social workers to spend on cases and students that needed counseling. The academic needs of the students are given more importance and counseling of students is seen as diverting the attention of students. Staffing is another barrier. Effective staffing and more support from the staff of social workers can be paramount in handling violence in schools (Cawood, 2010). Acts of violence at schools have led to many studies and investigations but all these have been done in

You choose the topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 6

You choose the topic - Essay Example Another issue that has caused problems is the different interpretations of body language. At times, Maria takes offense in prolonged eye contact and is sensitive to the distance maintained between us when communicating. The difference in stereotypes has affected our relationship. For instance, Maria feels like I hold her in low regard since she does not have strong English skills, an aspect that has affected her trust in me. Considering our relationship, the context component forms a basis for my analysis as it incorporates aspects of organization and culture, which involve the manner in which individuals from different cultures communicate and respond to both internal and external stimuli (Morreale, Spitzberg and Barge 38). In this case, the external stimulus’ source is casual communication, from where the cues of body language and effects of the accent differences affect the perception of the message. In addition, emotions and experiences are forms of internal stimuli that c ould cause different responses. The relationship allows proper integration of most of the factors that facilitate interpersonal communication. With reference to the cybernetics theory, the flow of information is limited with most of the information being barred from reaching either of us due to the inherent barriers (Mannan 60). In this case, the cultural aspects of the context component are not well negotiated in our relationship, with both of us failing to find a level ground that would accommodate each other’s cultural perspectives. On the other hand, the semiotics theory presents a clear analysis of the signs language and symbols applied as we communicate. As such, the differences in cultural backgrounds have provided for different applications of body language. This has in turn affected the way we interpret messages and culminate in the various instances

Can school violence be prevented Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Can school violence be prevented - Essay Example Educators are confronted with acts of violent behavior in schools. But for educators, parents, administrators and the student, there are many issues that are inhibiting them from preventing to make schools safer and violence free. Nevertheless, there are many ways that can help in curtailing the violence that is becoming more and more apparent in schools. School violence is an important issue which needs to be tackled and it needs to be assessed that which strategies can assist in overcoming this problem. It will be prudent to state here that the perception of school violence is differentiated among the stakeholders of education systems. Administrators, students, teachers and parents all have varying explanations and perceptions of school violence. Administrators in most cases feel that schools are safe for students but the need for more empowerment of the staff and effort in better security cannot be ignored. Teachers were found to be of the opinion that violence in schools was the result of violence in the community that has seeped into the education system. Students perceived violence as a catharsis of the bullying that they may face at some point of their lives. This increases the importance of creating or formulating a strategy that will help in aligning all into coordination and focus on prevention of violence in schools (Algozzine & McGee 2011). One of the foremost reasons for school violence has been the sudden changing of demographics. It is a fact that whenever change happens there is bound to be agitation. Consistency in the status quo is welcomed whereas sudden change can lead to frustration, anger and confusion. That is why when communities observe changes in their demographics that is changes in religion, ethnicity and race, this frustration, anger and confusion is released in brutal catharsis. But these changes can be met and adapted to by holding dialogues between the conflicting elements. Schools are most prone to dissonance which results in an act of violence when demographics change. This violence due to changes in the demographics is attributed to the fact that school is the place where students of diverse backgrounds converge and also have to spend a substantial amount of time with each other. Dialogue helps in understanding what is different about different cultures and also helps in finding common ground between the conflicting groups. To make the dialogue a success it is important that students who have been more angry and upset must be brought together from the start. (We ssler, 2011) Another approach to curtailing violence at schools will be determining the barriers or the issues that inhibit social workers and educators in implementing various studies and programs aimed at addressing the interpersonal violence at schools. There have been a lot of studies and research in finding better ways to encourage students to restrain themselves from being violent. The main barrier in implementing these studies is that there is so little time for the social workers to spend on cases and students that needed counseling. The academic needs of the students are given more importance and counseling of students is seen as diverting the attention of students. Staffing is another barrier. Effective staffing and more support from the staff of social workers can be paramount in handling violence in schools (Cawood, 2010). Acts of violence at schools have led to many studies and investigations but all these have been done in

The American Life Style and fast food Essay Example for Free

The American Life Style and fast food Essay How much fast food do you guess you eat a month? The average American eats about 50lbs worth, that’s more than most children in 3rd world countries eat in total in 3 monthsWill you follow everyone else or will you stray from the beaten path, and dare to be different? Dare to be your own person? Or will you crumple from the influences and pressures of society? The truth is no matter how much you tell yourself that you are going to be independent and make your own choices and decisions regardless of what other people thing, every choice and decision you make are influenced by the people around you and the experiences you have faced. It is for this reason that accomplishing this task can be very challenging, however it is possible. And when you finally figure out who you are and what your values and morals it is believed you have finally â€Å"come of age†. A prime example of this would be in the fiction novel written by Mark Twain, the main character Huckleberry, also referred to as Huck runs away from home because the confines of society proved to be too overwhelming for Huck. On the run Huck meets a runaway slave named Jim and decides to help Jim escape with him despite the fact that he was raised and taught to be believe that slavery was a good thing and it is especially forbidden to help one to escape. It was for this reason that Huck struggles to see the blurred line between right and wrong. As Huck and Jim venture down the Mississippi River, Huck is introduced to many new experiences and is forced to make decisions that make him question his very own ideals, however it is those very own experiences and challenges that help him grow as a person and ultimately allows him to discover who he truly is as he himself comes of age. One of the many instances Huck is forced to make a difficult decision is when he encounters 3 murderers looting a shipwreck he and Jim came across while floating down the Mississippi. Huck overheard 2 of the murderers planning on stranding the other one on the wreck and taking his share of the loot, so he says â€Å"Quick, Jim, ain’t no time for fooling around and moaning;  there’s a gang of murderers in yonder, and if we don’t hunt up their boat and set her drifting down the river so these fellows can’t get away from the wreck, there’s one of’em going to be in a bad fix. But if we find their boat we can put all of’em in a bad fix† (pg.52) Huck originally plans to steal the murderer’s canoe so that none of them will be able to escape the wreck. However Huck starts to feel guilty as they start to float away from the wreck â€Å"Jim manned the oars, and we took out after our raft. Now was the first time that I begun to w orry about the men- I reckon I hadn’t had time to before. I begun to think how dreadful it was, even for murderers, to be in such a fix. I says to myself, there ain’t no telling but I might come to be a murderer myself, yet, and then how would I like it.†(pg.54) ,this is a crucial change in Huck because all his life he had wanted to be in a gang and kill people, but now that he felt he would be responsible for the murderer’s deaths he realized he was misguided and cannot handle the quilt if committing such an act. Finally Huck gives into his guilt and decides he could not live with himself if he left them there to die so he told Jim â€Å"At first light we will land and I’ll go fix up some kind of yarn and get somebody to go fetch that gang and get them out of their scrape.†(pg.55) Huck realizes that what they have done is wrong but if he had left them there he would be no better than they were. Huck learns something about himself on that wreck; he learns that the life he once wanted was not the life he was cut out for. Huck’s fight between his conscience and society greatens when he encounters a group of slave hunters. Huck feels guilty for helping Jim escape and starts to regret it, so Huck thinks things over in is head â€Å"Jim said it made him over trembly and feverish to be so close to freedom, well I can tell you it made me all trembly and feverish too, to hear that he was most free- and to blame for it? Why me! I couldn’t get that thought out of my conscience no how nor no way†(pg.66). It becomes obvious that Huck is torn between doing what is considered right and turning Jim in or what a part of him feels would be right and protect him. This conflict keeps eating away at Huck until he cannot take any more of it when he says â€Å"my conscience got to stirring me up hotter than ever†(pg.67) However the pressure of society finally get to Huck â€Å" until at last I say to it â€Å"let up on me- it ain’t too  late ill paddle ashore at first light, and te ll.† I felt easy, and happy and light as a feather; right off all my troubles was gone†. Huck convinces himself that turning in Jim is right thing to do. However as he approaches the slave hunters Huck realize he cannot do it. â€Å"What’s that yonder?† the slave hunters asked Huck. â€Å"Well there’s five niggers run off tonight, up yonder above the head of that bend. Is your man white or black?†(pg.68). Huck makes the conscious decision to lie to the slave hunters although it is not clear why â€Å"I didn’t answer up prompt I tried to, but the words wouldn’t come. I tried for a second or two, to brace up and out with it, but I warnt man- enough hadn’t the spunk of a rabbit. I see I was weakening; so I just give up trying, and up and says- â€Å"He’s white†(pg.68). Huck lies to protect Jim. Maybe he does this because he feels sympathetic for Jim and his family, or maybe Huck finally remembers that Jim has looked out for him and cared for him during their whole journey and realizes Jim is his only true friend, or it could be as simple as the fact that he made a promise to Jim not to betray him and Huck does not want to brake that promise. Whatever the reason this is a huge step for Huck when he decides not to turn Jim into the slave hunters and really allows him to slowly start to break loose from society and form his own morals. However despite Huck’s former breakthrough, Huck struggles to make peace with his conscience and the pressures of society get to him once again. To help ease himself Huck tries convince himself that it would just be for Jim if he was a slave. â€Å"Once I said to myself it would be better for Jim to be a slave at home where his family was as long as he got to be a slave and so I’d better write a letter to Tom Sawyer and tell him to tell Miss Watson where he was†(pg.160) Even though Huck is concerned that Jim might be punished for running away he still decides to write a letter hoping it will clear his conscience. Then Huck starts to think about what he’s done and what consequences he will face for his actions, â€Å"everybody naturally despises an ungrateful nigger and they’d make Jim feel it all the time and so he’d feel ornery and discouraged and then think of me! It would get all around that Huck Finn helped a nigger get his freedom and i f I was to ever see anybody from that town again id be ready to get down and lick his for shame†(pg.160), here starts to regret helping Jim escape and begins to worry  about what people will think of him when he returns home and hopes that he will be accepted into society again. With the hope that it will right the wrongs that he has done Huck decides to go on and write the letter here â€Å"I would do the right thing and the clean thing, and go and write to that niggers owner and tell where he was. I’ll go and write the letter then see if I can pray, why it was astonishing the way I felt as light as a feather right straight off and my troubles all gone, so I got a piece of paper and a pencil all glad and excited and set down and wrote. I felt all good and all washes clean of sin for the first time I had ever felt so in my life†(pg.161) This feeling of cleanliness helps assure Huck that he has done the right thing in the views of society. However Huck’s feeling of decency soon dissipates, â€Å"I happened to look around and see that paper, it was in a close place I took it in my hand, I was trembling because I got to forever betwixt two things, and I knowed it, I studied it a minute sort of holding my breath and then says to myself â₠¬Å"Alright then I’ll go to Hell† and tore it up†(pg.161) Huck finally decides he cannot bring himself to betray his only conscience and that he’d rather go to hell then do so. This is the point in Huck’s journey where he truly becomes his own person, where he breaks from the confines of society and decides to do what he in his heart feels is right not what other people think is right. This is an important decision for Huck and a crucial point in Huck’s life because growing up he was taught that slavery was a good thing and that African Americans were nothing but property as most boys were taught during that time period. However Huck discovers after meeting Jim that there is so much more to them, that they are a kind, and caring and sophisticated and loving people and that in turn helps Huck discover a little more about himself as well when he decides not to turn Jim in even though anyone else would have. Huck’s battles between his conscience and society force him to choose between being a part of society and becoming his own person, and while on his journey down the Mississippi with Jim he decides to be his own person and choose his own morals and values and by the end of his adventure he finally came of age with each experience along the way helping him grow as a person, whether it be near the beginning of the journey where he encounters a gang of murderers on a shipwreck and instead of leaving them there to die he decides to send help for them, or it be near half way through his journey where he comes  across a group of slave hunters and rather than turn Jim in, he lies to protect him even though the â€Å"right† thing to do would’ve been to turn him in. Or even near the end where he almost breaks his promise and betrays Jim when he writes a letter to Tom Sawyer telling him where Jim is, but instead of sending the letter he tears it up and decides to finish h elping Jim escape even if it means he’ll go to hell. All of these events are important in helping Huck create his own sense of right and wrong and in many ways, come of age.

Analysing the concept of Employee Development

Analysing the concept of Employee Development Human resources are the most important resources in any organization. It can be said that the success of any organization relies upon the success and performance of its employees. Organizations need to remain competitive within their respective markets and therefore they need their employees to equally competitive. Change management demands that competent employees are hired in order to facilitate the process of adapting to foreseeable challenges in life. Like the many forms of employee training, employee development programs are designed to address issues that affect employees. These issues range from corporate values and organizational missions to understanding and achieving personal career goals. This reports defines employee development (ED), addresses the main differences between training and development, highlights the significance of this process on the individual and organizational levels, points out various approaches used in implementing such process and finally it discusse s the roles of both employers and employee in the success development (Roth well, 2010). Definition of Employee Development The concept of employee development is not a new one. It has existed since the 1920s and it has changed and evolved depending on the ups and downs of the job market. When unemployment rates are low, making more jobs available, and organizations try to focus on keeping their current employees, so programs are designed with that in mind. When the market is more unstable and rife with lay-offs and downsizing, organizations might focus on cross-training their employees or teaching them more marketable skills. More recently, employers have adapted in such a way that they no longer expect to keep a new employee until their retirement. Hence, many organizations are now focusing their employee development programs on how to achieve personal goals, how to better prepare for various technological advances, and how to be more productive, in an overall sense. In doing this, an organization creates a culture that embraces and encourages employee growth, development and success, which in turn cont ributes to the overall success of the organization (Sims, 2001). Employee development is therefore a system of providing opportunities for employees to reach their full potential through improving their skills, knowledge and other attributes and to become of greater value for the organization. Normally it incorporates new hire orientation, training, career Management, and Management Development (Cavanaugh Cavanaugh, 2008). Development is about preparing for change in the form of new jobs, new responsibilities, or new requirements. Differences between training and development Training and development are processes that attempt to provide an employee with information, skills, and an understanding of the organization and its goals. In addition, training and development are designed to help a person continue to make positive contributions in the form of good performance. The term training is often confused with the term development. Training is defined as any attempt to improve employee performance on a currently held job or one related to it (Cavanaugh Kail, 2008). The key difference between training and development is that employee development is not always directly tied to observable, behavioral change. It cultivates individuals so that their organization and work group collectively possess the competencies essential to meet present responsibilities and prepare for future ones (Taylor, 2002). As such, training is designed to address current performance problems, whereas development focuses on preparing employees for future assignments. Training is focus on current immediate skills and abilities enhancements that will affect have results in the employees job today. Training tends to be more focused on building skills and abilities for individuals current jobs and tends to have a more short-term focus. Development is preparing the employee for a future. This imparts employees with hope for a future with the company or industry. It has a wider focus, longer time frame, and broader scope than training (Hawley, 2004). Importance of employee Development Employee development is the most salient aspect of organizational management towards achieving set business objectives. Qualified and competent workforce ensures that company objectives are realized through greater job outcomes. Training of employees equips them with appropriate skills and competencies to perform their duties satisfactorily (Keeton Sheckley, 2001). This leads to quality job outcomes which meet the expectations of stakeholders and customers alike. Satisfied clients are hitherto retained. Employee training also facilitates the process of acquiring new job skills relevant for solving challenges at workplace by employees. Development of employee training programs by a company integrates a culture of responsibility and accountability amongst the workforce in line with expected standards of quality and performance. Employees are equally motivated to work on their assigned duties towards developing their careers. To this end, employee training motivates workers. Employee d evelopment plays a major role in the organizational strategy. Employees are competing more for power, status, managers time and opportunities for personal growth and development. Approaches to Employee Development The best approaches to employee development takes into account various techniques appropriate for the composition of the workforce, the objectives need to be accomplished, and to allow for individual differences in learning styles. These approaches fall into four broad categories and many organizations combine these approaches: formal education, assessment, job experiences, and interpersonal relationships (Society, 1996). Formal Education Another option is tuition reimbursement. Some organizations will reimburse their employees for attending courses or earning a particular degree. This frequently, though not always, involves distance education programs. Advantages and disadvantages of off-site versus on-site approaches can be differentiated as follows: Advantages Get to learn outside of the culture of the organization. Get fresh perspectives. Increases critical thinking skills. Disadvantages Information taught is not always directly applicable to the industry or company the employee is in. Assessment Information for assessment may come from the employees, their peers, managers and customers. Why would companies invest in assessment of employees? The most frequent uses of assessment are: to identify employees with managerial potential, to measure current managers strengths and weaknesses, and to identify managers with potential to move into higher-level executive positions (Roth well, 2010). Methods and sources of information used in developmental assessment include: performance appraisals, psychological tests, and ratings of behaviors and style of working with others. Tools used for assessment include: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, assessment centers, the Benchmarks assessment, performance appraisal, and 360-degree feedback (Taylor, 2002). Developing a planning Process Employee development should be one tool for implementing HR plans. Unfortunately, it rarely is because ED is seldom planned. Creating a planned employee development program usually consists of many steps: Identifying each work group in the organization: Clarifying the groups purpose, activities and responsibilities Planning changes to group purpose, activities and responsibilities so that they match the desired purpose, activities and responsibilities of the work group. Determining how many and what kind of people are presently available in the work group. Comparing desired human resources to available supplies. Establishing a long term action plans for each work groups in order to narrow gaps between desired and available HR supplies through planned ED. Identifying development needs Choosing a development goal Identifying the actions that need to be taken by the employee and the company to achieve the goal Determining how progress toward goal attainment will be measured Investing time and energy to achieve the goal Establishing a timetable for development Employee development is most likely to meet the organizations needs if it is part of a human resource system of career management. Basic career management system involves four steps: Self-assessment Reality check Goal setting Action planning At each step, both the employee and the organization have responsibilities.The system is most likely to be beneficial if it is linked to the organizations objectives and needs, has support from top management, and is created with employee participation (Cavanaugh Cavanaugh, 2008). Conclusion Maintaining human resources is a vital part of the overall management of organizations greatest resources, their human capital. This includes proper employee orientation, training and development. These will help the organization create a posture of learning and thus remain competitive in their respective markets (Society, 1996). Employees should be help accountable for the training and development that they receive and thus results should be measurable for it to be an overall success. Effective training and development is vital part of the overall management of human resources however, in recent budget constraints it is often the first place organizations look to cut. This should be reconsidered based upon the return that an organization receives from its investment in its employees (Sims, 2001). . Training and development are critical components to successfully managing the human capital of an organization. Ongoing training and development is an investment that can help firms stimulate employee growth and maximize the competitive advantages provided by lifelong learning (First College, 1996). There are many ways to begin, and it all doesnt have to be done at once or in any particular order.

Sampling Methods Essays -- Statistics

Sampling is the framework on which any form of research is carried out. A suitable sample that meets the inclusion and exclusion criteria of a research design must be chosen from a given population to carry out studies. In this essay comparison is made between stratified random sampling and convenience sampling. The population on which the researcher is interested in carrying out his or her research may be too large, therefore a suitable sample which can represent the population in correct proportion must be chosen. Restraints such as limitation of time, resources and many other factors necessitate the selection of a sample for research purpose so that better quality data is obtained from it and that the researcher can make statement about the population he or she is interested in (French,S et al.,2001,).The method of sampling should be cost effective, less time consuming and be simple in design to attract participants but care should be taken that accurate and valid data can be col lected. The sample on which the study is actually done is derived from the population which is accessible to the researcher; the study sample may include all of the accessible population or a fraction of it and this accessible population is a part of the target population. The target population is the collection of cases to which generalization can be made and on which the researcher is ultimately interested in (Sim,J and Wright,C. 2000). Hence the entire process of collection of samples for the indented study can be termed as sampling. Sampling is broadly divided into probability sampling; in which the selection of samples are done at random and non- probability sampling; where selection of samples is entirely dependent on the researcher’s choice and ... ...ana, M., (1997). Research for the health professional: A practical guide. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. Bowling, A., (2001). Research methods in health: Investigating health and health services. 2nd ed. Berkshire: Open University press. Buddhakulsomsiri, J. Parthanadee, P.,(2008).Stratified random sampling for estimating billing accuracy in health care system. Health care management science, vol.11 (1), pp.41-54. Available through:medline(accessed 25 0ct 2010). French, S. Reynolds, F. Swain, J., (2001). Practical research: A guide for therapist. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann. Portney, L, G. Watkins, M, P.,( 2009). Foundation of clinical research: Application to practice. 3rd ed. Upper saddle River, N.J: Pearson prentice hall. Sim, j. Wright, C.,( 2000). Research in health care: Concepts, Design and Methods. Cheltenham: Stanley thrones (publisher) Ltd.

The Future of America :: Free Essay Writer

The Future of America A hungry boy stole food from a market, was caught, and his right hand was chopped off. The next week the same boy, stole fruit from an orchard, again was spotted, and his left hand was chopped off. A few weeks later, leaving the back door to a bakery open, his mouth full and eyes no less vibrant, the boy was caught once again. The men of the town were stumped, what was to be chopped off next? The men of the town did not know what to do, until someone offered giving the boy a job. The boy never stole again. As difficult as it may be to remain open-minded when addressing a situation, sometimes the alternative solutions are better than that of the extreme. Throughout American history, there is evidence of over-coming close mindedness. This evidence is seen in women's voting rights and African American's freedom. With the increasing youth violence present in America, we are once again given a task. This task, like that of Women's Suffrage and Civil Rights, is not going to have a simpl e solution. If the men in the story above had not come up with an alternative solution, what would be chopped off next? Arms? Feet? After reading about this topic and all its perspectives, I believe that severe punishment will always fail to deter youth crime. Rehabilitation and prevention, as difficult as they may be to accept, deserve attention. Arguments have resulted from examining the increase of convicted youth criminals and the severity of crimes committed. The youth crime rate has reached a twenty year high, says Patricia Cohen in her article entitled, "Punishment." Equally staggering she says, is the fact that "from 1988-1991 the youth murder-arrest rate climbed 80 percent(518)." Terrible crimes committed by youth are sometimes as serious as those of their adult counterparts. As a result, the term ‘youth' is no longer synonymous with innocence. With this sudden "madness," as coined by Males and Docuyanan in "Crackdown on Kids: Giving Up on the Young," juveniles are being deferred into court at lower and lower ages(519). This can be seen in Wisconsin where ten-year-old children can be tried as adults for murder(519). Does imprisonment deter youth crime? Some people believe it is the only way to go, others disagree. Males and Docuyanan are among those who disagree, bringing up the point that, "If more prisons a nd surer sentences were the solutions to crime and delinquency, California should be a haven where citizens leave doors unlocked and stroll midnight streets unmenaced(521). The Future of America :: Free Essay Writer The Future of America A hungry boy stole food from a market, was caught, and his right hand was chopped off. The next week the same boy, stole fruit from an orchard, again was spotted, and his left hand was chopped off. A few weeks later, leaving the back door to a bakery open, his mouth full and eyes no less vibrant, the boy was caught once again. The men of the town were stumped, what was to be chopped off next? The men of the town did not know what to do, until someone offered giving the boy a job. The boy never stole again. As difficult as it may be to remain open-minded when addressing a situation, sometimes the alternative solutions are better than that of the extreme. Throughout American history, there is evidence of over-coming close mindedness. This evidence is seen in women's voting rights and African American's freedom. With the increasing youth violence present in America, we are once again given a task. This task, like that of Women's Suffrage and Civil Rights, is not going to have a simpl e solution. If the men in the story above had not come up with an alternative solution, what would be chopped off next? Arms? Feet? After reading about this topic and all its perspectives, I believe that severe punishment will always fail to deter youth crime. Rehabilitation and prevention, as difficult as they may be to accept, deserve attention. Arguments have resulted from examining the increase of convicted youth criminals and the severity of crimes committed. The youth crime rate has reached a twenty year high, says Patricia Cohen in her article entitled, "Punishment." Equally staggering she says, is the fact that "from 1988-1991 the youth murder-arrest rate climbed 80 percent(518)." Terrible crimes committed by youth are sometimes as serious as those of their adult counterparts. As a result, the term ‘youth' is no longer synonymous with innocence. With this sudden "madness," as coined by Males and Docuyanan in "Crackdown on Kids: Giving Up on the Young," juveniles are being deferred into court at lower and lower ages(519). This can be seen in Wisconsin where ten-year-old children can be tried as adults for murder(519). Does imprisonment deter youth crime? Some people believe it is the only way to go, others disagree. Males and Docuyanan are among those who disagree, bringing up the point that, "If more prisons a nd surer sentences were the solutions to crime and delinquency, California should be a haven where citizens leave doors unlocked and stroll midnight streets unmenaced(521).