Comparing The Story of an Hour, by Kate Chopin and The...

The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and The Story of an Hour, by Kate Chopin are two very similar stories. Both women were controlled by their husbands who caused them to feel an intense desire for freedom. However, the women in the stories had different life experiences and different reactions to their own freedom as a result of their different personalities. Mrs. Mallard in The Story of an Hour had to deal with a sort of burden. Her husband had control over her body and soul. She felt that he lived her life for her and did not believe that anyone had the right to impose a private will on a fellow creature (Chopin). This control caused her to long for freedom from her husbands harsh behavior. Mrs. Mallard†¦show more content†¦The resulting grief because her husband was not dead was so intense that it killed her. In both stories the women?s husbands had direct control over their lives. In ?The Yellow Wallpaper? the narrator?s husband controlled her both mentally and physically. He does not allow her to have any sort of outside stimulation. She is virtually imprisoned in a bedroom, which is supposed to allow her to rest and recover from her bad health. She is forbidden to work and even write something she loves to do. In addition, visitors are not allowed. She says, ?It is so discouraging not to have any advice and companionship about my work?but he says he would as soon put fireworks in my pillow-case as to let me have those stimulating people about now?(Gilman). In ?The Yellow Wallpaper? it seems that the narrator wishes to drive her husband away, spending the entire time hoping for freedom. She explains, ?John is away all day, and even some nights when his cases are serious. I am glad my case is not serious? (Gilman). She is glad to see her husband away so that she may be left alone to do as she pleases without interference from her husband. She is frequently rebelling against her husband?s orders. She writes in her journal and tries to move her bed when there is no one around to see. However, she always keeps an eye out for someone coming. This oppressive nature results in an inferiority complex being developed by the narrator. The narrator is unable to express her opinionShow MoreRelated Comparing Charlotte Perkins Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper; and Kate Chopins The Story of an Hour1097 Words   |  5 PagesComparing Charlotte Perkins Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper and Kate Chopins The Story of an Hour The Yellow Wallpaper;, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and The Story of an Hour;, by Kate Chopin, are alike in that both of the women in the stories were controlled by their husbands which caused them to feel an intense desire for freedom. Both stories were also written from a feminist point of view. However, the women in the stories had different life changes and different responses to theirRead MoreThe Story Of An Hour And Charlotte Perkins Gilman s The Yellow Wallpaper Essay1670 Words   |  7 PagesA Women’s Role in a Patriarchal Society During the 19th Century Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour and Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper are two of the first works of feminist literature in the 19th century. They were written at a time when a woman’s lot was characterized by gender inequality, with few legal, social, or political rights. In the 19th century women were constant victims of society’s ideals, defined as physically and intellectually weaker than men. Fathers and husbandsRead MoreThe Story Of An Hour By Kate Chopin And The Yellow Wallpaper1395 Words   |  6 PagesThe Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin and The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman written in the 1890s both reflect gender roles of this time, specifically women’s roles. In these stories both of the women are oppressed by their marriages, and by the end of the stories both wish to be rid of their husbands. Also, in both of these stories these women experience mental illnesses, mainly depression. These illnesses were l ooked at as something minor during this time, was it because psychologistsRead MoreWomen Of The Victorian Era2428 Words   |  10 Pagesthe ideology of feminine virtue that paralyzed many Victorian women. Some expressed their grievances against male authority, stereotypes about women, and their lack of power in political dilemmas by writing. Female authors such as Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Kate Chopin are leading feminist writers during the age of conflicts between the ideologies of â€Å"True Womanhood† and â€Å"Women’s Rights† and they both made it clear that they were going to work for the rights for themselves and all American womenRead MoreEffects of Thirdperson and First Person1197 Words   |  5 Pagesof Third Person and First Person Can the point of view in which a story is told really change its plot? When reading a story in the first person compared to the third person, one will have two different outlooks on the story. A story being told in the first person can be unreliable at points. It allows you to get inside the protagonists head and know what they are thinking, but you are only limited to their thoughts. While a story told in the third person gives you a little more freedom, you wont

Banned Or Not Essay Research Paper Banned free essay sample

Banned Or Not Essay, Research Paper Banned or Not? # 8220 ; Just say You gon na make what your mammy wouldn # 8217 ; t. First he put his thing up against my hip and kind of wriggle it about. Then he grab keep my breasts. Then he push his thing inside my *censored* . When that injury, I cry. He start to choke me, stating You better close up and acquire used to it. # 8221 ; ( Walker 1-2 ) If you as a parent took The Color Purple off the shelves and merely opened the book you would get down by reading the quotation mark supra. As a parent who merely opens the book and reads the first two pages, already, based on a snap judgement do non desire their kid to read this Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker. The much talked about novel, The Color Purple, can be seen as controversial to many different groups of people. This book for some clip now has been under rating as to when if at anytime this book should be introduced to pupils. This book contains many different subjects that people may non grok and may merely see the different scenes as violative alternatively of researching the scenes for the deeper significance. One adult male in Tennessee declares. # 8220 ; I merely read plenty of the book to cognize I don # 8217 ; t want to read the book. # 8221 ; ( Holt 15 ) Is this a just judgement to be made? This fresh explores the journey of the chief character, Celie in her hunt to happen her true ego and detect the true significance of love. Some people find this fresh inappropriate because it goes beyond societies norms and explores many controversial subjects. Majority of statements against this book are based on personal feeling. They do non take into consideration the life lessons that are to be learned by reading this book. One adult female in Chattanooga, Tennessee says, # 8216 ; But this refuse they are dishin # 8217 ; out, I don # 8217 ; t appreciate it. It # 8217 ; s merely rubbish to me. # 8221 ; ( Chattanooga 162 ) This adult females # 8217 ; s claim for the grounds why she doesn # 8217 ; t like this book are based on how she feels, she doesn # 8217 ; t non back up her statement with any grounds. Bobby Wood claims that this book has # 8220 ; has societal delivering values # 8221 ; ( Chattanooga 162 ) but lacks to integrate what acceptable societal values are. The statements against this book are weak. Throughout this book there are many different subjects explored that may be viewed as violative to people if they merely look at the words and non the significance or relationship it has to the novel. This book explores the relationships with black work forces and adult females, inkinesss and Whites in general and both sexual geographic expedition and the sexual dealingss between work forces and adult females. The chief subject that gets the most contention is its explicit inside informations on the sex life of the chief character Celie. One specific illustration of one of the many controversial points is the thought of the sexual geographic expedition between the two chief female characters. To person who is merely looking at the face significance of this may happen this inappropriate for person to read. # 8220 ; Button? Finger and lingua? My face hot plenty to run itself. She say, Here, take this mirror and travel expression at yourself down at that place, I bet you have neer seen it, hold you? # 8221 ; ( Walker 81 ) If a parent of any kid were to merely open this book and read this subdivision entirely without any background you could see how it may upset them. However, when this is explored within the context of the book it doesn # 8217 ; t seen as inappropriate. When taken in position it is about the two chief characters, Shug demoing Celie that with love a sexual relationship can really intend something. Celie is used to holding sex with her hubby, whom she feels nil for, and non basking it or holding any fe eling. To Celie, Shug opens a new universe to her and shows her that she is loved and deserving something. That she can research herself without experiencing strange about it. Without the graphic inside informations, the novel could non be as strong and the reader could non se the difference in Celie every bit good. If this book merely obviously wrote that Shug taught me how to delight myself it would still make tumult, the fact that it goes into item merely shows the importance of this point in the novel. Along with the sexual geographic expedition in Celie the book besides takes gender to another degree. It explores the sexual dealingss between work forces and adult females. Like Celie explains to Shug in the book, she says she feels nil when her and her hubby have sex. In this novel it seems that for a adult female to hold sex with her hubby is merely another responsibility a married woman has to her hubby. # 8220 ; I say Mr.___ can state you, I don # 8217 ; t like it at all. He git up on you, burglarize your nightgown round your waist, dip in. Most times I pretend I ain # 8217 ; t at that place. He neer know the difference. Never ast me how I feel, nil. Merely make his concern, acquire off, and travel to sleep. # 8221 ; ( Walker 81 ) It is all right for a adult male to hold sex with is married woman whenever he pleases, whether she wants to or non. In this novel, sex is non seen as something beautiful shared between two people that love each other, like people are usually taught. The lone clip sex is seen as something that two people who care for each other enjoying is the controversial scenes between Celie and Shug. That is why there is such an accent around the scenes with the two of them. It is a really of import portion of the novel. In the bulk of the scenes sex is more like something forced onto a adult females, non a consensual act. As shown before the beginning of the book opens with a journal entry by Celie about how she was raped by whom she so thought was her male parent. This book opens with a controversial scene and continues throughout the book. This book was evidently written for groups of pupils who are mature plenty to manage speaking about sexual dealingss along with many other subjects this book covers. No instructor would merely do some 5th grader read this book. If that were the instance so the parents who do non desire there kids reading this book would hold a valid point. At that age kids are decidedly non ready to manage the stuff written in this book. However, the instructors who require pupils to read this book assign it to higher-level pupils in high school who are mature plenty to keep drawn-out and big conversations about the stuff presented in this book. Sexuality is a much talked about issue in this book, hence no instructor would necessitate this book if they did non experience the group they were learning could manage it ; if so a good part of this book would hold to stay un-talked about, doing it unpointed to read. This book in no manner should be banned from high school or college course of study. Some people say that this book should non be required to be read, but if a pupil should desire to pick it up on their ain and read it so that would be all right. What is the point of that? If a pupil is traveling to read this book anyhow, why non read in it the schoolroom where all the # 8220 ; controversial # 8221 ; points can be discussed and the deeper significances can be found. This manner the book can be seem more as a acquisition experience other than a rubbishy novel as some parents feel. 44e 1. # 8220 ; Chattanooga, Tennessee # 8221 ; Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom. ( Sept. 1989 ) : 162 2.Holt, Patricia # 8220 ; Introduction # 8221 ; Banned. Ed. Alice Walker. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books, 1996. 1-17 3.Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. New York: Pocket Books, 1982.

Is Euthanasia a Morally Wrong Choice for Terminal Patients

Abstract Making decisions on whether to end the life of terminally ill patients is shrouded in controversies and disagreements, and is seen as an unethical act. This paper attempts to make arguments in support of euthanasia as an alternative form of healthcare for terminally ill patients whose quality of life is significantly reduced due to the effects of such an illness.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Is Euthanasia a Morally Wrong Choice for Terminal Patients? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The paper evaluates three perspectives in support of euthanasia: patient rights and autonomy, humanistic concern for patients’ happiness and utilitarianism view on the attainment of the highest happiness. Crucial evidence is drawn from real life and hypothetical cases to justify the arguments herein. It is imperative to note that the paper calls for euthanasia for only deserving patients, based on the quali ty of life, the terminal illnesses, patient’s consent and patients happiness. Additionally, the role of healthcare professionals becomes significantly important as it enhances professionalism as well as in helping to determine patients that deserve to be euthanized. Introduction End of life is one of the most critical periods in a person’s life, which becomes even more critical when terminal illness mediates the end of life process. Dealing with terminal illnesses is the hallmark of controversies surrounding the end of life process. As a result, various controversial views, such as assisting terminally ill patients in ending life, have emerged. Euthanasia, as assisted death is commonly referred to, generates debate, especially on ethical permissibility. . It is imperative to note that for both the opponents and proponents of euthanasia, the quality of life is usually the focal point, even though there is no agreement on the criteria of defining quality with regards to life. Nevertheless, there are situations in which euthanasia is not only justifiable but also the only ethically permissible act in alleviating pain for terminally ill patients. The paper evaluates three basic viewpoints for euthanasia and also attempts to justify the call for euthanasia through citing various forms of evidence.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Defining Euthanasia It is primarily assumed that healthcare is not only intended to eliminate human suffering but also to prolong life. Healthcare at the end of life has always been an issue of great controversy. Various treatment regimens, such as use of traditional treatment methods, seeking spiritual healing as well as science-based disease elimination methods have been developed (Buse, 2008). Suffice to state that the development of various treatment methods has also led to the emergence of legal, ethical and philosophical challenges (Munson, 1996). One such challenge is how to deal with terminal illnesses, with euthanasia increasingly becoming a preferred option. Euthanasia is shrouded in mystery and controversy. But defining it helps to address such controversies. The modern perception of euthanasia borrows from two Greek terminologies â€Å"‘eu’ implying good, and â€Å"thanasia’ implying death† (Coyle, 1992). Thus, while euthanasia refers to ‘good death’, a number of controversies emerge since euthanasia involves ending the life of an innocent person. Traditional treatment methods are not only intended to eliminate pain and suffering but also for the attainment of prolonged life. However, there are instances where treatment is ineffective or further prolongs a patient’s suffering. Some treatment methods also expose terminally ill patients to increased risk of death. In such cases, terminal illness diminishes the quality and the dignity of life, making a living more problematic. Death seems to be the only way through which terminally ill patients comes out of the unendurable situation (Irish Council for Bioethics, n.d.). Euthanasia can be defined within certain parameters. For instance, a terminally ill patient, despite being in an insufferable state and with minimal chances of recovery, may be unwilling to die. A physician may propose euthanasia, against the will of the patient, as the only treatment alternative. This is referred to as involuntary euthanasia. A terminally ill patient may also degenerate into vegetative state, thus unable to give consent on euthanasia. This is referred to as non-voluntary euthanasia and has faced stiff opposition, especially from religious-based organizations.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Is Euthanasia a Morally Wrong Choice for Terminal Patients? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As opposed to invo luntary euthanasia, a patient may be willing to end suffering through death and may thus request for assistance to end life. This is referred to as voluntary euthanasia and is supported by humanists and human rights activists. A physician may withhold or omit treatment due to its ineffectiveness (Zdenkowski, 1996). While Zdenkowski (1996) refers to this as passive euthanasia Irish Council for Bioethics (n.d.) asks whether omission of treatment amounts to euthanasia. The definitions above portray euthanasia as an appropriate and necessary alternative for the elimination of human suffering for terminally ill patients. However, these definitions fail to exhaustively capture the confines within which euthanasia is said to be morally permissible. Thus, its appropriateness and moral permissibility is an issue that has continued to not only elicit sharp reactions from various quarters but also generate difficult questions. For instance, whether a terminally ill patient has an exclusive rig ht to determine the manner and the time of death, whether euthanasia diminishes the value of human life or whether euthanasia undermines the quality of healthcare are some of the major questions not sufficiently addressed through the definitions above. Nevertheless, an attempt is made to address some of the shortcomings in the section that follows. Major viewpoints in support of euthanasia Terminal illnesses are mostly irreversible. They also involve insufferable pain which reduces the quality and the integrity of life. Dealing with terminal illnesses is a complicated matter due to issues beyond human ability. Nevertheless, there are some instances where assisting terminally ill patients seems to be not only appropriate but also morally permissible. This generates numerous viewpoints, as seen below. Patient’s rights and free will In liberal societies, it is assumed that every individual has the right to make decisions regarding life without undue influence. It is also assumed that individuals have the right to access necessary information that allows them to make informed choices for their own benefit in a way that does not affect other people (Buse, 2008).Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This right also involves determining the direction of ones life, and whether an individual has the right to choose to die incase circumstances, such as terminal illness, demand so. Supporters of this viewpoint argue that a terminally ill patient has the right to choose death as a possible treatment for an insufferable and irreversible condition. As such, it is generally perceived as an act of immorality to force terminally and chronically ill patients to live against their wish (CNBC News, 2011). Additionally, such an act is considered as denial and violation of personal rights, freedoms and liberties (Irish Council for Bioethics, n.d.; Humphry, 1991). Proponents of these views argue that a terminally ill patient has the right to determine where, when and how to die. However, this viewpoint is strongly opposed by religious-based organizations on assumption that an individual’s right to life is determined by God. Since terminally ill patients lack the power to determine when t hey are born, they also lack the right to determine how and when they die (Irish Council for Bioethics, n.d.). Opponents also argue that allowing an individual the right to choose when and how to die devalues God, life and God’s Devine will (Johnstone, 2008; Bowie and Bowie, 2004). Nevertheless, as Gorsuch (2009) argues God is compassionate and would not subject anyone to prolonged suffering in the form of terminal illnesses. Thus, it is within the rights of a terminally ill patient to choose to die immediately rather than live an intolerably, without upsetting the Will of God. Humanistic genuine care and concern for patients’ happiness The thoughts illustrated above indicate that both the liberal and religious-based authorities value the dignity of human life. Similarly, humanists portray significant care and concern for human life, but from a different perspective. Humanists argue for the quality and the dignity of human life and the search for personal happiness as the absolute goal in life. If a condition, such as terminal illness lowers the quality of human life, then patients are within their right to seek any form of treatment that alleviates pain and suffering (Kuupellomà ¤ki, 2000). Humanistic beliefs suggest good quality life, the search for happiness and absolute fulfillment as the utmost goals in life. Most of the terminal illnesses are chronic in nature and result to extreme pain through which no medication can reverse or alleviate. Additionally, terminally ill patients gradually degenerate into a vegetative state. Humanists argue that in such a condition, a patient is not in a humanly dignified state and that euthanasia is not only most appropriate but also an act of mercy. Mercy killing, despite opposition from religious-based organizations, becomes morally permissible. Those inclined towards conservative views with regards to mercy killing propose palliative care as the most ethical form of healthcare for terminally ill patients. Humanists, on the other hand, argue that while palliative healthcare prolongs life amid extreme pain and suffering, it nevertheless fails lessen patients suffering (de Casterlà ©, Verpoort, De Bal and Gastmans, 2006). As such, despite the best palliative care practices, terminally patients remain in a humanly indignified state (Musgrave and Soudry, 2000). While humanists argue that euthanasia remains to be the only morally permissible solution, de Casterlà © et al. (2006) assert that physicians ought to approach euthanasia with â€Å"active openness† since terminally ill patients â€Å"request for euthanasia out of fear and ignorance†. While â€Å"active openness† is likely to offer the terminally ill patients some level of emotional relief and reassurance, it is only applicable to self-conscious patients and not those in vegetative state. Nevertheless, whether vegetative or self-conscious, euthanasia seems to be the only morally permissible act, if terminal illness significantly reduces the quality of life (Verpoort, Gastmans and de Casterlà ©, 2004). Utilitarianism view on the attainment of the highness happiness The assertions made above show genuine concern for the quality of human life. Nevertheless, the ideal definition of quality with reference to terminally ill patients differs significantly depending on underlying perspective. Similarly, utilitarian thinkers argue that euthanasia is a morally permissible and merciful act aimed at not only easing a patient’s suffering but also for the attainment of the highest possible happiness. The utilitarian view of quality is perceived from the intrinsic considerations to end human suffering instead of prolonging suffering (Kasule, n.d.). Utilitarianism assumes that there is no pain and suffering in death and as such, terminally ill patients ought to be helped to attain such a painless state, if living becomes unbearable and irreversible. Additionally, death ought to be achieved in highest possible happiness. Therefore, delivering euthanasia ought to be as painless as possible (Edwards and Graber, 1988). Utilitarian views presuppose that there is a minimum standard under which life is said to be worth living. Should terminal illness lower the quality of life below the minimum standard, personal happiness is jeopardized and therefore judgment ought to be made on whether living is necessary or not. Utilitarian thinkers argue that the judgment process is mostly subjective. As such, it is possible to euthanize undeserving patients or deny euthanasia to deserving ones. Nevertheless, utilitarian euthanasia seems appropriate where pain and suffering significantly deteriorates, is irreversible, and lowers the quality of life making living unbearable. Putting terminally ill patients under palliative care only leads to a slow, painful and indignified death. Since every person deserves to die in dignity and happiness, euthanasia is the only morally permissible act throug h which this is attained (Singer, 1993). Approaches and evidences for euthanasia To support the assertions made above, it is imperative to cite crucial evidence that validates the views made therein. Consequently, it is also imperative to enumerate a number of approaches made by the authors. Three major approaches seem to be overarching. Personal liberty and autonomy in making end of life decision, the role of healthcare professionals as well as the attainment of positive balance between suffering and personal happiness are the three overarching approaches adopted by the authors herein. Crucial evidence is derived from survey reports, real-life as well as hypothetical cases. Healthcare, personal liberty and autonomy at the end of life End of life is one of the most important periods in a person’s life. Matters involving end of life are critical and therefore, involvement of each individual in making decision regarding healthcare at the end of life is crucial (Buse, 2008). Mos t terminal illnesses involve insufferable pain that significantly lowers the quality of life. In humanistic view, such patients live and die in conditions not humanly dignified (Musgrave and Soudry, 2000). As such, request for euthanasia by patients in such conditions ought to be respected and granted (Kuupellomà ¤ki, 2000; Bowie and Bowie, 2004). Such conclusions have been arrived at based on varied evidence gathered form existing cases. For instance, the right and autonomy of terminally ill patients are highlighted through Sue Rodriguez, a Canadian woman suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, an extremely painful and irreversible condition. The doctors had agreed to her request for euthanasia, but The Canadian Justice System refused Miss Rodriguez the right to die and effectively prolonged her suffering, leading to a slow, painful death (CNBC News, 2011). In light of Miss Rodriguez’s case, questions linger on the applicability of personal liberty and autonomy for term inally ill patients lacking self-consciousness, such as Louis Repouille’s son. Described as ‘incurably imbecile’, Repouille’s son was said to be as good as dead. Singer (1993) asserts that such patients have the right to die in dignity and that doctors have an obligation to deliver euthanasia for such patients. While unconsciousness waives the right to life, assisting terminally ill patients in ending life does not amount to violation of personal liberty and autonomy (Singer, 1993). The role of healthcare professionals in the delivery of euthanasia Miss Rodriguez’s case exposes critical issues, such as the role of healthcare professionals in the delivery of euthanasia. A study conducted by de Casterlà © et al. (2006) in Belgium indicates that euthanasia is only ethical if healthcare professionals are actively involved in its delivery. de Casterlà © et al. (2006) study focuses on 12 healthcare givers and reveals that the role of healthcare profess ionals is not to limited to technical elements of euthanasia; it also involves offering professional and emotional support to patients and families. Additionally, healthcare professionals have an obligation to help terminally ill patients understand euthanasia and the underlying implications. This helps terminally ill patients and their relatives to obtain relief and assurance at the end of life (Verpoort, Gastmans and de Casterlà ©, 2004). Singer’s (1993) text further alludes to the active role that healthcare professionals ought to undertake in ensuring that euthanasia is delivered within professional and ethical boundaries. Singer (1993) cites George Zygmaniak example; Zygmaniak was completely paralyzed by a motor accident and as a result, his life became unbearably painful. Zygmaniak’s brother, upon request by Zygmaniak, smuggled a gun in the hospital and killed Zygmaniak. While this constitutes voluntary euthanasia, it was nevertheless conducted unethically since no professional healthcare provider was actively involved in euthanizing Zygmaniak. The principle of positive balance between suffering and personal happiness Humanist and utilitarian thinkers portray genuine concern for the welfare of the terminally ill. They acknowledge that the pursuit of personal happiness is the absolute goal in life. Since extreme pain significantly lowers the quality of life, the balance â€Å"between misery and suffering† seems relevance (Singer, 1993; Kasule, n.d.). The call for euthanasia is thus necessitated by condition in which suffering supersedes happiness (Edwards and Graber, 1988). In arriving at such conclusions, Singer (1993) cites several hypothetical situations, such a child suffering from spina bifida, a condition that affects the spinal cord, subsequently lowering nerve activity. In moderate cases, a child requires more than 40 surgeries to sustain life, while in extreme cases no medical intervention improves the quality of life. A mod erate case of spina bifida may not necessarily require euthanasia since the child may experience a high balance of happiness as compared to the level of suffering. On the other hand, extreme cases experience a higher level of suffering as compared to happiness and as such is deserving of euthanasia. The balance of happiness and suffering is also alluded to in Miss Rodriguez case; her condition involved extreme and irreversible pain that significantly reduced the level of personal happiness. Making end of life decisions, especially with regards to end of life healthcare is a personal prerogative. As such, in staking a claim for euthanasia defending the autonomy of a terminally ill patient in determining when, where and how to die is crucial. But it is also important to consider the balance between suffering and happiness and only allow euthanasia for those patients in insufferable and irreversibly painful states. To ensure that euthanasia is delivered within professional and ethical parameters, it is also important to enlist the help of healthcare professionals. This ensures that euthanasia is not only conducted ethically and professionally but delivered only to those patients for whom euthanasia is the only way to alleviate pain and suffering. Conclusion Euthanasia involves ending the life of innocent persons. Nevertheless, this does not necessarily make it unethical. Terminal illnesses involve extreme pain and suffering, which significantly lowers the quality of life. A terminally ill patient is thus justified to request for euthanasia, if living is cumbersome and insufferable. However, in granting the request for euthanasia, there is need to enlist the help of healthcare professionals, whose role extends beyond providing crucial information to offering professional as well as emotional support. Additionally, healthcare professionals ought to be involved in the delivery of euthanasia to ensure that the dignity of life is respected in the process. Furthermore, the involvement of healthcare professionals is vital in determining which patients deserve to be euthanized. This does not necessarily imply that all terminally ill patients deserve to be euthanatized. While patients consent is crucial, is imperative to consider several other factors such as the happiness of the patient, the quality of life, the chances of recovery and the method through which euthanasia is to be delivered. All these issues ought to be considered in determining the balance between happiness and suffering. Only in those cases where the scale of suffering significantly outweighs the scale of happiness qualify for euthanasia. Therefore, euthanasia is moral. Reference List Bowie, B. and Bowie, A. (2004). Ethical studies: euthanasia. London: Neslon Thornes Buse, A. (2008). Euthanasia: forms and their differences. Berlin: GRIN Verlag CNBC News. (2011). The Fight for the Right to Die. CNBC Canada. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2009/02/09/f-assisted-su icide.html Coyle N. (1992). The euthanasia and physician assisted suicide debate: issues for nursing. Journal of Medical Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1528779 de Casterlà ©, B., Verpoort, C., De Bal, N. and Gastmans, C. (2006). Nurses’ views on their involvement in euthanasia: a qualitative study in Flanders (Belgium). Journal of Medical Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2565778/ Edwards R. and Graber G. (1988). Bio-ethics. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers. Gorsuch, M. (2009). Euthanasia- the future of assisted suicide. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Humphry, D. (1991). Let me die before I wake. Eugene: Hemlock Society. Irish Council for Bioethics. (n.d.). Euthanasia: your body, your death, your choice? Retrieved from http://www.bioethics.ie/uploads/docs/Euthanasia.pdf Johnstone, M. (2008). Euthanasia: contradicting perspectives. Elsevier  Health Sciences. 2(4) Kasule, H. (n.d.). Euthanasia: ethic-legal issues. Retrieved from http://www.missionislam.com/health/euthanasia.htm Kuupellomà ¤ki, M. (2000). Attitude of cancer patients, their family members and health professionals toward active euthanasia. European Journal of Cancer Care. 916(21) Munson, R. (1996). Intervention and reflection: basic issues in medical ethics. New York: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Musgrave C. and Soudry, I. (2000). An exploratory pilot nurse study of nurse†midwives’ attitudes toward active euthanasia and abortion. International Journal of Nursing. 9(2) Singer, P. (1993). Practical ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Verpoort C, Gastmans C, Dierckx de Casterlà © B. (2004). Palliative care nurses’ views on euthanasia. Journal of Advanced Nursing . Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15324425 Zdenkowski, G. (1996). Human rights and euthanasia: an occasional paper of the human rights and equal opportunity. Retrieved from http://www.hreoc.gov.au/pdf/h uman_rights/euthanasia.pdf This research paper on Is Euthanasia a Morally Wrong Choice for Terminal Patients? was written and submitted by user Karis R. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Battle of Peleliu in World War II

The Battle of Peleliu in World War II The Battle of Peleliu was fought September 15 to November 27, 1944, during World War II (1939-1945). Part of the Allies island-hopping strategy, it was believed that Peleliu needed to be captured before operations could commence against either the Philippines or Formosa. While planners had originally believed that the operation would only require a few days, it ultimately took over two months to secure the island as its nearly 11,000 defenders retreated into a system of interconnected bunkers, strong points, and caves. The garrison exacted a heavy price on the attackers and the Allied effort quickly became a bloody, grinding affair. On November 27, 1944, after weeks of bitter fighting, Peleliu was declared secure. Background Having advanced across the Pacific after victories at Tarawa, Kwajalein, Saipan, Guam, and Tinian, Allied leaders reached a crossroads regarding future strategy. While General Douglas MacArthur favored advancing into the Philippines to make good his promise to liberate that country, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz preferred to capture Formosa and Okinawa, which could serve springboards for future operations against China and Japan. Flying to Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt met with both commanders before ultimately electing to follow MacArthurs recommendations. As part of the advance to the Philippines, it was believed that Peleliu in the Palau Islands needed to be captured to secure the Allies right flank (Map). Fast Facts: Battle of Peleliu Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)Dates: September 15 to November 27, 1944Armies Commanders:AlliesMajor General William RupertusRear Admiral Jesse Oldendorf1st Marine Division (17,490 men), 81st Infantry Division (10,994 men)Japanese:Colonel Kunio Nakagawaapprox. 11,000 menCasualties:Allies: 2,336 killed and 8,450 wounded/missingJapanese: 10,695 killed and 202 captured The Allied Plan Responsibility for the invasion was given to Major General Roy S. Geigers III Amphibious Corps and Major General William Rupertuss 1st Marine Division was assigned to make the initial landings. Supported by naval gunfire from Rear Admiral Jesse Oldendorfs ships offshore, the Marines were to assault beaches on the southwest side of the island. Going ashore, the plan called for the 1st Marine Regiment to land to the north, the 5th Marine Regiment in the center, and the 7th Marine Regiment in the south. Hitting the beach, the 1st and 7th Marines would cover the flanks as the 5th Marines drove inland to capture Pelelius airfield. This done, the 1st Marines, led by Colonel Lewis Chesty Puller were to turn north and attack the islands highest point, Umurbrogol Mountain. In assessing the operation, Rupertus expected to secure the island in a matter of days. Colonel Lewis Chesty Puller, 1950. US Marine Corps A New Plan The defense of Peleliu was overseen by Colonel Kunio Nakagawa. Following a string of defeats, the Japanese began to reassess their approach to island defense. Rather than attempting to halt Allied landings on the beaches, they devised a new strategy which called for islands to be heavily fortified with strong points and bunkers. These were to be connected by caves and tunnels which would allow troops to be safely shifted with ease to meet each new threat. To support this system, troops would make limited counterattacks rather than the reckless banzai charges of the past. While efforts would be made to disrupt enemy landings, this new approach sought to bleed the Allies white once they were ashore. The key to Nakagawas defenses were over 500 caves in the Umurbrogol Mountain complex. Many of these were further fortified with steel doors and gun emplacements. At the north of the Allies intended invasion beach, the Japanese tunneled through a 30-foot high coral ridge and installed a variety of guns and bunkers. Known as The Point, the Allies had no knowledge of the ridges existence as it did not show on existing maps. In addition, the islands beaches were heavily mined and strewn with a variety of obstacles to hamper potential invaders. Unaware of the change in Japanese defensive tactics, Allied planning moved forward as normal and the invasion of Peleliu was dubbed Operation Stalemate II. A Chance to Reconsider To aid in operation, Admiral William Bull Halseys carriers commenced a series of raids in the Palaus and Philippines. These met little Japanese resistance led him to contact Nimitz on September 13, 1944, with several suggestions. First, he recommended that the attack on Peleliu be abandoned as unneeded and that the assigned troops be given to MacArthur for operations in the Philippines. He also stated that the invasion of the Philippines should begin immediately. While leaders in Washington, DC agreed to move up the landings in the Philippines, they elected to push forward with the Peleliu operation as Oldendorf had begun the pre-invasion bombardment on September 12 and troops were already arriving in the area. Going Ashore As Oldendorfs five battleships, four heavy cruisers, and four light cruisers pounded Peleliu, carrier aircraft also struck targets across the island. Expending a massive amount of ordnance, it was believed that the garrison was completely neutralized. This was far from the case as the new Japanese defense system survived nearly untouched. At 8:32 AM on September 15, the 1st Marine Division began their landings. The first wave of LVTs moves toward the invasion beaches, passing through the inshore bombardment line of LCI gunboats. Cruisers and battleships are bombarding from the distance. The landing area is almost totally hidden in dust and smoke. US Naval History and Heritage Command Coming under heavy fire from batteries at either end of the beach, the division lost many LVTs (Landing Vehicle Tracked) and DUKWs forcing large numbers of Marines to wade ashore. Pushing inland, only the 5th Marines made any substantial progress. Reaching the edge of the airfield, they succeeded in turning back a Japanese counterattack consisting of tanks and infantry (Map). A Bitter Grind The next day, the 5th Marines, enduring heavy artillery fire, charged across the airfield and secured it. Pressing on, they reached the eastern side of the island, cutting off the Japanese defenders to the south. Over the next several days, these troops were reduced by the 7th Marines. Near the beach, Pullers 1st Marines began attacks against The Point. In bitter fighting, Pullers men, led by Captain George Hunts company, succeeded in reducing the position. Despite this success, the 1st Marines endured nearly two days of counterattacks from Nakagawas men. Moving inland, the 1st Marines turned north and began engaging the Japanese in the hills around Umurbrogol. Sustaining serious losses, the Marines made slow progress through the maze of valleys and soon named the area Bloody Nose Ridge. As the Marines ground their way through the ridges, they were forced to endure nightly infiltration attacks by the Japanese. Having sustained 1,749 casualties, approximately 60% of the regiment, in several days fighting, the 1st Marines were withdrawn by Geiger and replaced with the 321st Regimental Combat Team from the US Armys 81st Infantry Division. The 321st RCT landed north of the mountain on September 23 and began operations. A U.S. Marine Corps Chance Vought F4U-1 Corsair aircraft attacks a Japanese bunker at the Umurbrogol mountain on Peleliu with napalm bombs. US Marine Corps Supported by the 5th and 7th Marines, they had a similar experience to Pullers men. On September 28, the 5th Marines took part in a short operation to capture Ngesebus Island, just north of Peleliu. Going ashore, they secured the island after a brief fight. Over the next few weeks, Allied troops continued to slowly battle their way through Umurbrogol. With the 5th and 7th Marines badly battered, Geiger withdrew them and replaced them with the 323rd RCT on October 15. With the 1st Marine Division fully removed from Peleliu, it was sent back to Pavuvu in the Russell Islands to recover. Bitter fighting in and around Umurbrogol continued for another month as the 81st Division troops struggled to expel the Japanese from the ridges and caves. On November 24, with American forces closing in, Nakagawa committed suicide. Three days later, the island was finally declared secure. Aftermath One of the costliest operations of the war in the Pacific, the Battle of Peleliu saw Allied forces sustain 2,336 killed and 8,450 wounded/missing. The 1,749 casualties sustained by Pullers 1st Marines nearly equaled the entire divisions losses for the earlier Battle of Guadalcanal. Japanese losses were 10,695 killed and 202 captured. Though a victory, the Battle of Peleliu was quickly overshadowed by the Allied landings on Leyte in the Philippines, which commenced on October 20, as well as the Allied triumph at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The battle itself became a controversial topic as Allied forces took severe losses for an island that ultimately possessed little strategic value and was not used to support future operations. The new Japanese defensive approach was later used at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. In an interesting twist, a party of Japanese soldiers held out on Peleliu until 1947 when they had to be convinced by a Japanese admiral that the war was over.

Beauty Pageants And Self Esteem

â€Å"Lets Call Her ‘Miss America’!†(Nussbaum). Beginning as early as the 1920s, beauty pageants presented girls and young women wearing various attires and showcasing their talent (Nussbaum). Judges, then and now, are looking for the â€Å"complete package†: the young lady that exudes the most confidence, beauty, and knowledge (Nussbaum). Since then, the child beauty pageant business is one of the most popular in pageantry and has evolved into a â€Å"multi-billion dollar industry† that has led to numerous reality†¦ The Dark Side of Beauty Pageants With their glamour, expensive dresses, jewels and, big fake smiles, beauty pageant contestants are just hiding their true personalities under materialistic things. People may say that beauty pageants aren’t always about looks. The contestants are scored on beauty, personality, evening wear, athletic wear and over all perception of the contestant. Beauty contestant ages range from 2 years old to 60+ years old. The fact that contestants lie about their beliefs†¦ the televised pageants in front of a worldwide audience. Every year when the time of the televised broadcast comes, opposition arises of the great tradition of beauty pageants. Today, pageant girls face people who cringe once they mention they compete in pageants. Shows like Toddlers & Tiaras make it worse for pageant girls, because the show makes pageantry look childish and petty. Most people only see the televised broadcast and are not aware of everything that goes on once the pageant crowns a new†¦ Most Americans are unaware that the first beauty pageant in America originated in 1854, 66 years before women could even vote. Since then, beauty pageants have been extremely detrimental to our society in many ways, although they may seem like nothing but glitter and glam. I believe that beauty pageants are exploitive because they promote the idea that women are just bodies that can be rated on a scale from 1 to 10, which causes society to believe women are nothing more than their appearance, it†¦ The Ugly behind Beauty Pageants Iconic actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn once said, â€Å"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul.† (â€Å"Audrey Hepburn Quotes†). These words remind girls that their self worth should not come from the artificial things, but from the strength and morals inside of each child. Child beauty pageants heavily contradict this idea, by leading girls to believe that physical perfection is just as, or more valuable than†¦ Beauty pageants originated a long time ago, and over the years they have evolved tremendously. Today, the use of spray tans, false eyelashes, fake teeth, layers of makeup, and over-sexed outfits are the norm of child pageants. Just over the course of a few decades, the pageant world has changed from simple church dresses to expensive glitzy outfits. Most little girls would relish at the thought of being treated like a princess, even if just for a few days out of the year; however, some parents take†¦ alone, 2.5 million females compete in Beauty Pageants every year. (Harden, Beauty) A beauty pageant is a competition that is based solely on physical attributes but also contains personality, talent, and question and answer segments. Beauty Pageants are seen by some as a path of boosting one’s self esteem and creating connections for contestants in hopes of advancing their careers, through popularity and promotions. (OccupyTheory) Many also say that through pageants one can learn public speaking, interview†¦ entrants, usually women, are judged as to physical beauty and sometimes personality and talent, with the winners awarded prizes of titles.’ The definition of a beauty contest objectifies women. Pageants only shows the beauty of someone. Sometimes showing talent, which involves singing, dancing, or baton twirling. In pageants, women display ‘girly’ talents to make themselves seem more appealing than their competition . Beauty is not everything, beauty pageants and contests shows little girls that the only†¦ the depiction of beauty in animated Disney princess films and measure the consequences that the portrayal of beauty has on young girl’s individual self-esteem levels. The hypothesis of this study, states that young girls who idolize the beauty standards of Disney princesses will have lower self-esteem levels than young girls who do not idolize Disney princesses standard of beauty. I expected that young girls who have the desire to mimic Disney princesses would have lower self-esteem levels because†¦ televised pageants in front of a worldwide audience. Every year when the time of the televised broadcast comes, opposition arises of the tradition of beauty pageants. Today, pageant girls face people who cringe once they mention they compete in pageants. Shows such as Toddlers & Tiaras worsen the situation for pageant girls; the show makes pageantry appear childish and petty. Most people only witness the televised broadcast and are not aware of everything that goes on once the pageant crowns a new†¦

How the French in the United States View the Americans Essay

How the French in the United States View the Americans - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that considering the different historical economic affiliations of France and United States, citizens from these two countries have different opinions concerning social, economic and political views of each other. France is known to have supported communism ideologies while the United States supported capitalism hence the different perspectives held by the citizens of both countries. To start with, according to the reading, money is described as the ultimate value in America. This is because people who make fortune in America are very respectable compared to those in France. In America, it does not matter how the rich make money, whether, in suspicious or genuine ways, the fact remains that the rich are respectable and are seen as hardworking citizens. On the other hand, the French do not value money greatly. They only require money for their survival and having a lot of money does not earn people respect in France. Secondly, the work cultu re is different in the two countries. According to the reading, the Americans are strict in terms of time management, execution of commands and also limit social associations at workplaces. This is in contrast with the French people who have relaxed rules at their workplace and encourage social relations. Thirdly, the choice of food is different in the two countries. According to the reading, Americans like to have fast foods as opposed to the French who enjoy having quality meals. This is shown by the increased number of fast food restaurants in America.

The Aftermath of World War II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Aftermath of World War II - Essay Example In the words of Cordtz, "Six years of the worst carnage ever inflicted on mankind. That was World War II. Between 35 million and 60 million were killed, and far more wounded. Property damage was literally incalculable" (par. 1). In terms of geopolitics, the aftermath of the war was a bi-polar world in which two Superpowers faced off from opposite sides of the world and of the ideological divide. The Cold War and nuclear arms race that followed the Allied victory constituted an incredibly costly military buildup that ended up diverting economic resources of the major countries of the world that might otherwise have been used for the betterment of humanity through education, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. All of these factors must be accounted for in any audit of the negative effects of World War II. The first and most important consideration in evaluating the consequences of World War II was the human toll, both civilian and military. From the six million victims of the Nazi extermination program to twenty-five hundred American service personnel who were lost at Pearly Harbor to the hundreds of thousands of Japanese whose lives were snuffed out by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it defies understanding to think about the potential each of those lives had to affect the world for the better. There are no words to describe the anguish suffered by so many loved ones who lost their family and friends during the war. Families were permanently shattered, and relationships were severed by the war. The moral cost of the war was also staggering. Not only did the German death camps obviously illustrate a new level of human degeneracy, but killing of civilians in the name of military necessity became and acceptable standard in the conduct of warfare, an unfortunate development that continues to be reflected in combat operations to this day. Richman contends that "area bombing of Germany and Japan set a new standard in the indiscriminate killing of civilians under color of combat" (par. 7). Thus, when evaluating the human cost of the war, it is essential not only to count the number of people whose lives were lost, but also to consider the impact on the moral standards of those who remained. The Economic Toll World War II was simply devastating from an economic perspective. The sheer destruction of entire cities had left little or no infrastructure to support economic stability of nearly every major economic power in Europe, as well as others around the globe. Nevertheless, the destruction left in the wake of the war ended up prompting a reconstruction and recovery effort known as the Marshall Plan that ultimately led to a far stronger global political and economic foundation than would otherwise have been possible. According to Cordtz, "even the losers ultimately emerged from the destruction and humiliation far better off than before. The people of Japan and Germany (most of it at any rate) escaped from totalitarian captivity to erect sturdy democratic political systems. Both countries rebuilt such powerful industrial machines that they can now successfully challenge their military conquerors. And both were able to accomplish all this in large part because of American assistance" (par. 4 ). The Marshall Plan was perhaps the most generous and successful foreign economic aid program in the history of the world. Without it,