23. February 2010 by student.

                 Currently, a big topic at many US Universities and Colleges is to have the drinking age lowered to 18.  The schools believe that by outlawing drinking from students that are under 18 is causing more problems.  They also believe that if the drinking age was changed to 18 that they would be able to regulate the use of alcohol, so students would not become overly intoxicated.  The Universities also believe that this would also cut down on the number of college campus alcohol related deaths and injuries.  Also the campus officials would also be able to better monitor alcohol use. According to a Times Magazine article titled: Teenage Drinking, “in studies through the 1990s by the Harvard School of Public Health, the percentage of college students who reported binge drinking within the previous two weeks remained steady at 44%. (Binging was defined as five drinks in a row for boys and four for girls.)”.  Also in the article that state how in 1997 MIT chose to avoid a lawsuit by paying out 6 million dollars to the parents of a freshman who drank himself to death at a fraternity initiation.  After seeing this and many other cases like this college administrations rather bow down and lower the drinking age then having to worry about these accidents, deaths, and lawsuits.  They also see it as they can use the money they save on law suits and things and use it towards educating students on how to drink safely. 

                What about do parents think about lowering the drinking age to 18?  Well surprisingly, many parents agree with lowering the drinking age.  They see that ever since the drinking age has been raised to 21 that drinking has led to the rise in teen death, injuries, school problems, teen pregnancy, sexual assault on teen girls, juvenile crime, rebelling against the government and parents  and drinking too much which is the cause of adult drinking problems.   It is also very often that parents will supply their teenagers with alcohol so that they are doing it and being monitored when doing so.  Most parents these days that have children from the ages 15 to 20 see that lowering the drinking age will help stop these issues because they know how things were back in college and how the drinking age was raised.  Then you have the younger parents that were not allowed to drink till 21 and you see two different views.  You see the parents that saw the horrible effect alcohol on their friends and believe that if the drinking age was lower they wouldn’t have drank as much because it was accessible to them.  Then you have the one’s that saw these horrible things and think that the rules should be enforced more and that drinking at such young age leads to brain damage and alcoholism in young adults.  So as you can see depending on when the student’s parent grew up shows different views on the drinking age.

                The students however have a very different take on the subject.  Students believe if they are allowed to vote at the age of 18 and have a say in our world why can’t they drink?  Along with this responsibility to vote comes the responsibility of jury duty.  Also young man question if they are forced to join the selective service, for possible drafting for the war, again why can’t I drink?  So at the age of 18 you trust students to take on major responsibilities such as voting, jury duty, and going to war, which are all adult responsibilities then you tell them you have to wait 3 years to drink.  How does that make any sense, I can do anything and start my life without even going to college but I cannot drink till 21? Students also agree that if the drinking age was lowered they most likely wouldn’t drink as much as they do.  Their reasoning is that if it is accessible I won’t have to binge on it because I do not know when I will get the chance to again.  You also have in college you fraternities and sororities and other groups on campus that are made up of a wide range of ages.  This leads to younger students being in situations with drinking and are being pressured to drink and consume alcohol. 

                So with these three different views and the facts presented you can see how lowering the drinking age is best for everyone.  There will always be those horrible tragedies but they will happen whether or not the drinking age is 18 or 21.  But I believe that in the end lowering the drinking age will lower  death rates of college students, which will benefit the Universities enrollment, parents still having their children, and students going on and doing great things in the future. 

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22. February 2010 by student.

Gabriela Nicotra (FGCU Intro to Soci.): Sleep Deprivation

       Most people find it a struggle or great effort to wake up in the morning. They may also even wish that they could have gotten at least two more extra hours of sleep. Most Americans suffer from sleep deprivation, or not getting enough hours of sleep.  It is can also cause psychiatric or physical symptoms, and may even possibly have an effect on every day rituals or routines (Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, 2006). There are many different types of sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can cause many different symptoms including feeling irritable throughout the day, having problems staying awake, having issues concentrating, having a slow reaction, feeling like taking a nap almost everyday, falling asleep or feeling very tired while driving, having emotional outbursts, or even using caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, to keep yourself awake. Above all, teens probably suffer the most by not getting enough hours of sleep each night. Teenagers today are always on the go either working a job or two, playing a sport, doing extracurricular activities, or on top of all that dealing with their school work. As a former teenager, a normal day usually starts around 6 am and tends to usually end around anywhere between 11pm-12am each night. Constantly being busy and always on the go usually ends up with a lack of sleep, or sleep deprivation. This can also lead to resulting in many possible disorders, which may even possibly affect sleep results.

       One type of sleep disorder includes sleep apnea. It is a known to be a type of state when inhalation discontinues or stops for more than a good ten seconds throughout your sleeping period (Robinson, R. & Frey, R. J., 2006).  Sleep apnea can also be a key cause of being very sleepy during the daytime. It can also even cause many severe harmful effects on a person. There are two forms of this. One form is called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. This is usually when breathing will stop because due to tissue which is located in the esophagus, resulting in closing or blocking off the air passage. A second type of this disorder includes central sleep apnea, or CSA. In CSA, the center of the brain is in charge for respiration and also to let it send some communication to the different muscles, such as those for inhalation. Also, OSA is very more common than CSA. (Robinson, R. & Frey, R. J., 2006).

    Another sleep disorder includes insomnia, which is known as the incapability to attain a sufficient quantity or value of sleep (
Barstow, D. G., 2006).  Most people with this sleep disorder usually do not feel rejuvenated when they awake. Many people who contain insomnia usually do not feel good when they wake up, and do not start off their day feeling revived. If anything, most people are usually feeling tired. Other effects of this disorder include the inability or difficulty in being able to fall asleep. Also, tossing and turning in bed for long periods of time can take place (
Barstow, D. G., 2006). In addition, it is also more commonly found in elderly people and even females. About 1 to 3 people in the
US experience habitual complexity in being able to fall asleep. Nervousness and anxiety disorders, along with being depressed are also some exceptionally downbeat symptoms (Kindersley, 2004).

       Furthermore, narcolepsy is another sleep disorder which can tend to cause unexpected times of deep sleep. These occurrences can usually happen at very unsuitable times, as well as when a person can be driving, eating, or even talking. Also, narcolepsy typically appears to effect people among the ages 15 and 30, yet this stipulation can also show up either later in life, or even earlier. From the instant these symptoms occur, the disorder is there for life. Narcolepsy affects at least 120,000 people in the
United States (Narcolepsy Disease/Disorder overview, 2007). People who have this disorder usually don’t need more hours or time of sleep; but instead, they tend to need daytime naps because they have a hard time staying awake for elongated periods of time.

       With this in mind, another type of disorder called the restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is an additional one which is associated with movement, feeling, and even sensation. Inhabitants with this condition usually enclose a very distasteful feeling of consciousness in each leg right after they lie down to go to bed. Also, most populace have a tough push to budge their legs or even their arms, which sometimes may even help them feel recovered. However, all this movement makes it more difficult or even impracticable to be able to get to sleep.

      Anonymous , (2008, October 17). Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Retrieved

            November 16, 2008, from eLibrary Web site:           

http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/curriculum/do/document?set=search&urn=urn:bigchalk:US;BCLib;document;158171514

Barstow, D. G. (2006). Insomnia. In The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Vol. 3.          (3^rd ed., pp. 2032-2034)
Detroit: Gale Retrieved November 16, 2008, from Gale Virtual Reference Library via Gale: http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=GVRL&u=boca72467

Farrington, Jan (2003, November 1). Why teens need more sleep. Retrieved

November 16, 2008, from eLibrary Web site: http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/curriculum/do/document?set=search&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standard&resultid=23&edition=&ts=1B385A65E22C14A5799332C6804208B3_1226892358133&start=1&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B88114458

Kindersley , Dorling (2004, November 1). Insomnia. Retrieved November 16,

2008, from eLibrary Web site: http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/curriculum/do/document?set=search&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standard&resultid=3&edition=&ts=31A9372579949F83F56B9D3A194D4BF3_1226899255950&start=1&urn=urn%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B127038371

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22. February 2010 by student.

Gabriela Nicotra (FGCU Intro to Soci.): The Truth about Autism  

     Some people may have misconception towards other’s behaviors. I know I do. Have you ever thought somebody was just kidding around when they were yelling obnoxiously at a store, randomly bursting out into words and/or phrases, or making weird noises and sounds? Well, according to autismspeaks.org, the odds of being diagnosed with autism are 1 in 150. Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every 10,000 people. It is about 4 times more common in boys as in girls. Also, as many as 1.5 million people in the
US are born with some sort of form of autism. As many as 1.5 million people in this country may have some form of autism. Autism can affect all races, socioeconomic levels, and ethnic groups (Ellis, MD, 2005). Most likely what you may be witnessing may not just be kidding around at all. It might actually be someone who is suffering from autism. Autism is one of the most common conditions in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders.

       Some common signs of autism include, not being able to socially interact as well as others, having difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, and having repetitive or constant behaviors. Also, parents tend to be the first ones to notice if their child is suffering from these symptoms (Dowshen, MD, 2008). Children who are born with this disease may tend to act normal up until a certain age, but then become different especially dealing with any social interactions or engagements. Suffering patients of autism, tend to not be able to look a person in the eye, or even be unsuccessful in responding to their own name. That is why one may not realize what the person is suffering from, and just assume they are either being obnoxious or having an inappropriate behavior on purpose. In addition, children with autism are also not as empathetic as a normal person would be, because they lack the ability to be able to understand people’s facial expressions or social cues. Head-banging, rocking, or biting are just a few examples of what a child with autism might take on in. Different signs of autism may come into view throughout the early years or stages of a person’s life.

        By the age of 3 the disorder is also usually diagnosed. Occasionally, the child’s growth expansion seems to be normal until about 2 years old and then regresses swiftly. Symptoms of autism occur in various combinations, including from mild to severe. For more severe however, medication is to be used. Also, some others signs of this disorder in infants include, a lack of any interesting toys, a lack of response to others, marked reduction or increase in activity level, or resisting cuddling (Swierzewski, III, M.D, 2000). According to kidshealth.org, people who have autism often enclose in postponed language development, show very little interest in the effort of making friends, and preferring to spend time alone. Also, another attribute of autism is called “sensory overload”. Sensory overload is when sounds seem louder, lights seem brighter, or smells seem stronger. Even though many people who suffer from autism also suffer from mental retardation, some of them are of average or have an even higher astuteness for knowledge. Furthermore, people who suffer with a form of autism, called savantism, have skills in specific areas or studies including, music, art, and numbers. People with savantism are capable of performing these skills without having any lessons(Dowshen, MD, 2008). In addition, not everybody with who suffers from autism have the same exact symptoms.       

       The symptoms can vary depending on a person and their condition. There are cases of autism that are mild, or there are cases that may be more brutal. Since autism tends to affect everyone in a different way, it is recognized as a spectrum disorder. Even if there are two people who may suffer or have the same spectrum disorder, it does not necessarily mean that will act the same or even have the same skills on possesses. Children suffering from autism may also live a life with a greater risk in resulting to becoming diagnosed with other diseases, such as: fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, epileptic seizures, Tourette syndrome, learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorder (Autism, 2008). As you can see, autism can help lead the way into other diseases, causing more damage to a person in the future. Almost 20 to 30 percent of children who suffer from autism tend to develop or also become diagnosed with epilepsy by the time they reach parenthood (NINDS, 2009). According to kidshleath.org, people who suffer from schizophrenia may perhaps also show autistic behaviors. What causes autism one might ask? The brain obtains over 100 billion nerve cells called neurons. Each neuron may have hundreds or even thousands of connections that carry messages to many different nerve cells in the brain and even the body.  

       Coming from a personal experience of mine, a good family friend of mine has a child whom suffers from autism. Ever since this child was a baby he has always engaged in many different autistic symptoms, including lack of eye contact, not listening, making random noises or sounds, and not being able to respond to his own name when his mother calls him. At first I was confused about what the boy was suffering from, or what he was possibly going threw, until I learned that it was autism. At an early age, his parents are doing everything the best they can do to try and make his life as realistic as possible, without suffering from this horrible disease. Since autism is not curable, it is certainly treatable, and can be made into a more positive, better situation for not only the person suffering, but for other family members as well. It has been proven that noticing early signs of autism, and treating them as soon as possible, can help have a positive effect or outcome in the long run. Today, there are still no x-rays, MRI’s, Cat scans, or even general lab tests that can be used to verify the identification of autism.     

    The diagnosis of autism is based on scientific verdict as regards to observations of the person’s behavior or actions (NINDS, 2009). A child with autism is not uncommon today, considering each day more and more babies are being born suffering unknowingly with this disease. Though we still do not exactly know what cause autism, we do know that research has told us that it may be included in genetics, hereditary, occur from certain types of infections, or even have problems come about at birth. According to webmd.com, some studies strongly tell us that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism, meaning that they are capable of developing this condition and that it may be passed on in your family.  Some guesses or theories may even suggest that the body’s immune system may inappropriately make antibodies that can attack the brains of children causing autism.      

      March 23, 2009, from WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/mental-health-autism?page=3Dowshen, MD, S (April 2008). What does autism mean? . Retrieved March 23,

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22. February 2010 by student.

Gabriela Nicotra (FGCU Intro to Soci.): Healthcare:Should the United States have universal healthcare as a right of citizenship?  

       Should the United States have universal healthcare as a right of citizenship? Facts: According to cthealth.server101.com, the United States is the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee access to health care as a right of citizenship. Twenty eight industrialized nations have single payer universal health care systems, while only Germany has a multi-payer universal health care system, which President Clinton had once projected for this country (Battista and McCabe, 1994). Opposingviews.com also reveals that there are nearly 50 million Americans currently without health insurance who are struggling to pay their medical bills (Klepper, 2008). Cthealth.server101.com states that repeated national and state polls have shown that between 60% to 75% of Americans would like a universal health care system (Battista and McCabe, 1994). The US Census Bureau also states that the percentage of people in the United States without health insurance was 15.8% in 2006, and the number of uninsured was 47 million.

     Administrative costs for private health insurance are in the range of 11-14% of total premiums, while a shift to a single-payer system would yield net savings of about $99.6 billion (as of 2006) annually in reported administrative costs, or about $2100 in potential health-care benefits for each of the 47 million individuals currently uninsured (Zycher, 2007). According to cnn.com, Republican leaders and some conservative Democrats specifically oppose the government-funded plan, fearing it would lead to eventual elimination of private health insurance. However, the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, states that a national healthcare plan is on track to pass Congress by end of August (Lucas, 2009).    

     President Obama acknowledged he supports what is called “the national option”, saying it would increase competition for private plans. At the same time, the president insisted a national plan would be one of many choices as part of reforms intended to strengthen the U.S. system (Barrett and Keiler, 2009). “‘If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor,’” he said to applause. “‘If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan’” (Barrett and Keiler, 2009). He also stated that none of the plans would be able to deny coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions and that Congress is expected to take up at least three healthcare proposals in coming months (Barrett and Keiler, 2009).

       Research has revealed that the United States is indeed the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee access to healthcare as a right of citizenship. While some may say universal healthcare would be too expensive, the facts prove differently. According to cthealth.server101.com, federal studies by the Congressional Budget Office and the General Accounting Office show that single payer universal healthcare would save $100 to $200 Billion per year, despite covering all the uninsured and increasing healthcare benefits (Battista and McCabe, 1999). The amount of money this country and its citizens would be saving, from the benefits of a universal healthcare system would be colossal.

      The United States denies healthcare based on the inability to pay. If everyone had access to a universal healthcare system, there would be less people worrying about how they were going to afford keeping their family happy and healthy. Also, in this country, access to quality healthcare is directly dependent on income and race. If there were universal healthcare, many minority and economically disadvantaged groups would have access to it. This would allow all citizens equal access to easy and quality healthcare. Some believe that healthcare would most likely result in more government control, intrusion, and the loss of freedom of choice. However, this is not true. Once again, according to cthealth.server101.com, single payer universal healthcare administered by a state public health system would be much more democratic and less intrusive than the current system (Battista and McCabe, 1999). Consumers and providers would have a voice in determining benefits, rates, and taxes. Problems with free choice, confidentiality, and medical decision making would be resolved.

       I believe that healthcare is a need, not a right, and that every legal US citizen should be eligible for good, affordable healthcare. Also affirmed from opposingviews.com, many healthcare experts believe that in the end, the cost of a universal coverage system would be less than we currently pay (Klepper, 2008). This should be a huge wakeup call and credible argument as to why universal healthcare is needed in this country. Just because we are one of the wealthiest nations, this does not mean everyone is able to afford or have health insurance. With a universal healthcare plan, this number would be greatly reduced, and our country would most likely be stronger as a whole.

      I believe that being a US citizen guarantees you the right to an easy, affordable healthcare plan. Whether you are working or not, you should have access to quality healthcare. As is well-known, many Americans are losing their jobs today. Many working families, who were struggling to pay for healthcare before, are under pressure more now due to job loss. Just imagine how many more US citizens are stressing about their healthcare now. 

      Just as stated in the United States Declaration of Independence, all Americans have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. People cannot pursue happiness if they are not healthy. Some will argue that it’s the government’s job to protect its citizens from harm. The same argument can be made for healthcare, since people are “harmed” when they get sick and cannot get help. It shouldn’t be argued, or even questioned, that a US American Citizen be guaranteed the right to a good healthcare plan; it should be provided.

   Barrett, T. and Keilar, B. (2009, June 11). Obama takes health care plan to the people. Cnn.com Web. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/11/health.care.debate/ Battista, J. and McCabe, J. (1999, June 4). The Case for Universal Health Care in the United States. Connecticut Coalition for Universal Health Care Web. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://cthealth.server101.com/the_case_for_universal_health_care_in_the_united_states.htm Klepper, B. (2008). Should the U.S. Have Universal Healthcare? Opposing Views Web. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/universal-coverage-would-help-keep-americas-health-system-stable Lucas, F (2009, July 9). Biden Says National Health Care Plan Is on Track to Pass Congress by End of August. Csnews.com Web. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.cnsnews.com/Public/Content/article.aspx?RsrcID=50759 Zycher, B (October 2007). Medical Progress Report. Manhattan Institute for Policy Research Web. Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/mpr_05.htm

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21. February 2010 by student.

Gabriela Nicotra (FGCU Intro to Soci.): Body Image in the Media: 

These days, the media is doing a lot more than just broadcasting the news. It is contributing to people thinking twice about the way they eat, breathe, and live, including the way they look at their self body image. Some believe that when you look good, you feel good, and in this case you will reflect what you’re feeling on the outside towards others. Others disagree and argue that the media has put a negative influence on girls today by pressuring them into believing that you need to look good to “fit in” or be someone. Either way, this debate is bound to go on with each side having a strong opinion about their views.

       The media is believed to be a threat to our society and the way we look at our body image. Some believe that the media, celebrities, etc., should be held responsible for the way our young kids today look at their self images, and for the self-esteem they carry. Studies investigating the media’s impact on body image find that comparing oneself to thin models in the media results in body image disturbance (Bergstrom 264). “Body image may be one of the western world’s ugliest exports (McClelland 41). Thanks to television, magazines, movies and the Internet, rail-thin girls and steroid-built beef-boys are being shoved in the faces of people all over the world” (41).  

     “Experts say that cultures that used to regard bulk as a sign of wealth and success are now succumbing to a narrow western standard of beauty. There are incidences of eating disorders in regions where anorexia and bulimia had never been seen before” (41).

Women who rely on what the media tells them, have a greater chance of comparing their body shape and size with other women, and may feel worse about their weight and body as a result. The media can have a strong affect on the views of most women, especially those who believe you need a great body image to live a happy life.

      This being said, the media can generate an impact on the way our society lives today as well. The way we look in the mirror now, has a whole new different meaning of the term “reflection”, whether it is positive or not. Several studies have concluded that the relationship between viewing thin media images and body image caused a disturbance among female college students. “In these studies, it was proposed that women engage in upward social comparisons with self-evaluative motives, and when they find that they do not “measure up” to the thin models depicted in the media, they feel more negatively about their own weight and body” (Bergstrom 265). The media is believed to create images in our head about what the ideal person should look like. People are influenced by what they see and hear, whether they realize it is negative or not.

       On the other hand, others disagree. The common views of those who believe that when you dress good, or have a good outside appearance, also deem that you will reflect and produce that same feeling on the inside as well. Self-esteem is all about how much people value themselves, the pride they feel in themselves, and how worthwhile they feel. Having a good self-esteem can be important because feeling good about yourself can affect actions. “A person who has high self-esteem will make friends easily, is more in control of his or her behavior, and will enjoy life more” (Lyness). Having a good self esteem makes those feel better about not only themselves, but their surroundings as well, and can influence how they act on a daily basis.

      According to health and fitness expert and former Olympic pen athlete Van Kiekebelt, there are factors that can help us develop a healthy body image, but that is all up to us (Van Kiekebelt 41). It is okay to confidently accept our bodies and ourselves. If you like what you see and have a positive outlook, you will feel great about yourself and it will show. In addition, talk show host Tyra Banks has given many powerful speeches targeting those who say hurtful things about women’s bodies. Over the years she has fought that you do not need to be skinny as a stick to be beautiful, or to feel good about yourself. “You don’t have to be thin to be a knockout, but women have been led to think they will be happy if they are skinny” (Magee). Some view being healthy and having a great body image different then as others may sight it.

      Some may believe that having a good body image and looking great will make you feel great. It will make you a better person all together. Having a positive feeling about your outward appearance will reflect your inward appearance as well, and how you treat/act towards others. As a member of someone from society, it is apparent that the media influences body image. Without looking good, you are a no body, and non-existent. Instead of this debate becoming restless and going nowhere, there should be a different approach, where a combination of the two can lead to a healthy lifestyle, or make that person became a healthier individual. In this case, beauty really does lie in the eye of the beholder.  

Bergstrom, R., C. Neighbors, and J. Malheim. ”MEDIA COMPARISONS ANDTHREATS TO BODY IMAGE: SEEKING EVIDENCE OF SELF-AFFIRMATION. ” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology  28.2 (2009): 264-280. Research Library, ProQuest. Web.  1 Nov. 2009.D’Arcy Lyness, PhD, . “Body Image and Self-Esteem.” Kids Health. May 2009. The Nemours Foundation, Web. 1 Nov 2009. <http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/problems/body_image.html#>.

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21. February 2010 by student.

Gabriela Nicotra (FGCU Intro to Soci.): Teenage Suicide: 

    Teenage Suicide seems to be growing into a very serious issue these days. Recently, I have sadly experienced knowing someone from my high school who has committed suicide. What boggles my mind the most however, is the fact that this kid was very happy, always laughing, and was in the top 10 of my graduating class. He eventually went on to Cornell University where he had planned on graduating. Everyone was in shock when they heard the startling news. However, apparently the pressure and stress of school got to him, so he jumped off a bridge and his body was sadly found two days later in a gorge. A note was left as well. According to teensuicide.us, many teenagers have had thoughts of death. Stress can be a result of this.    

      The National Institute of Mental Health believes that as many as 25 suicides are attempted for each one that is completed. That means that for every teen suicide that you hear of, there are probably at least 25 suicide attempts made. That is a pretty scary number. There are also many statistics between genders. For example, males are four times more likely to die from suicide then females; however teen girls make more attempts to end their lives than teenage boys. Suicide is known to be the third leading cause of death for teenagers. This issue seems to be rising throughout out world today, and clearly more common than ever in teenagers.   

       It has caused a social change in the sense that teenagers today clearly feel more alone and hopeless, that they feel the need to end their life. In my own personal opinion, ending your life is selfish. There are many ways to get help, and you do not need to result in ending your life forever. There is always therapy, your friends, and family. Committing suicide not only hurts you in the end, but also ends up hurting your family in the long run. The people who care about you the most will be very hurt. When the boy at my high school past away, I have never seen so many people care so much about someone. The way they expressed their love and feelings for him on a Facebook group made for him blew me away. People really did care about this boy, but why he committed this horrific act, we will never fully know, except for the fact he clearly was stressed over life and wanted it to end.   

       Some of the strongest factors of teen suicides and signs include: aggressive behavior, disruptive behavior, substance abuse, depression, and much more. In addition, some other warning signs of teen suicide include a lack or loss of interest in things, behavioral problems, changes in eating habits, emotional distress, sleep changes, etc. If you feel that a loved one or someone close to you is suffering from any of these occurrences, you should seek them help as soon as possible.    Furthermore, there are treatments and steps that can be taken for someone who is having thoughts about suicide. For someone who has either attempted or talked about it, group therapy, family therapy, and hospitalization are three important steps that can bet taken. Also, if people are educated on teen suicide and the warning signs, we can help prevent teens and people who feel the need to end their life and to stop them before it’s too late. Some popular organizations which help in prevention include: The Youth Suicide Prevention Program, The National Institute of Mental Health, and Yellowribbon.org just to name a few.  “Teen Suicide.” 2005. Teen Suicide Prevention. Teensuicide.us. 21 Feb. 2010 http://www.teensuicide.us/articles1.html 

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7. February 2010 by Mr. Andoscia.

All blogs below have been graded as have comments up to this date. Many of you are expressing some pretty interesting and well thought out opinions, but remember that sociology is about social facts.  It’s time to start using the data to support what you are saying.  Rule of thumb, for every opinion given you should have at least three facts to support it. I want to see more data.

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25. January 2010 by student.

I would like to know what the catalyst was that resulted in the dissipation of masculinity.  I’m not talking about the increasing femininity among men; I’m talking about The Pedestal.  In no way am I attempting to knock women, quite the opposite really.  Men seem to have lost the primordial go-getter edge.  It seems we have allowed ourselves to fall victim to society’s conditioning that dictates beautiful women are something to be feared.

 If I come off condescending, I apologize; that is not my intent.  I do not claim immunity from these predilections, and I too find myself with a knot in my throat when I plan to approach said women.  However, I do my best to fight The Good Fight, and feign confidence.  I find it necessary to do so, because if you begin to pass on the small things that play upon your sympathetic nervous system, the affliction metastasizes, and soon you become consumed with timidness.

 Women, in all their grandeur, are still individuals despite all of the disparities creating the gulf between the opposite sex.  The fear that manifests hesitation should be nipped in the bud.  For if we fall victim to sociological pressures, we lose our individuality.

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25. January 2010 by student.

Regrettably, I know too little about female bathroom dynamics to comment, so the entire focus will be on the male restroom.  As deceptively expansive as the topic is, I will further limit the discussion to issues dealing primarily with urinals.  Handwashing, sound-suppressing, use of the handicap stall, replying to a knock etc. will all be omitted for the sake of brevity.

Consider the following situation:  At the urging of his bladder, James strolls into a large, public restroom.  Lining the wall are four urinals: three of normal height and one on the far right for midgets and children, appropriately dubbed “The Splasher” for people of normal stature.  In front of the urinal to the far left, there is a man getting things done.  Should James use the urinal directly adjacent to the man, the urinal adjacent to The Splasher, or The Splasher?  Almost unanimously the choice would be the urinal adjacent to The Splasher.  Leaving stalls, the choice of the timid, out of the equation, a few may choose The Splasher, and risk the consequences.  However, per social norm, none would choose the stall directly adjacent to the man.

 Does this suggest homophobia?  In a word, no.  It simply provides a courtesy stall between the men to enlarge their proximity.  Put succinctly, this is how it works.

So what do you do when a stranger chooses a urinal directly adjacent to you when plenty others are available?  First, do not panic.  You must breathe deeply and assess the situation with a cool head.  Do you pinch off the stream and feign fruition? NO.  Truthfully, there is little to be done when caught in such an impasse.  You must simply finish the task and be alert for the stranger trying to tap your foot.

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10. December 2009 by Mr. Andoscia.

It was a great semester.  I hope everyone learned a lot.  Enjoy your holidays.  Mr. Andoscia

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