Female Genital Mutilation in the Middle East and North Africa Essay Example for Free

Female Genital Mutilation in the Middle East and North Africa Essay Values and beliefs of a certain society can be illumined through the traditional cultural practices that often span from one generation to another. Globally, every social group has its own traditional cultural practices that are considered to be beneficial for the community. However, there are many instances that such practices may be harmful for some groups, most especially for women. Terrible traditional cultural practices are committed directly against females around the world. Despite the atrocities of such practices and its violation against human rights, many women-violent practices still exist and are prevalent in other countries. One of the most prevalent forms of harmful traditional practices is the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (Office of the High Commisioner of Human Rights-United Nations Organization [OHCR-UNOG]). The pervasiveness of FGM is attributed to people’s inability to question the morality of such action that should be addressed to those who practice female genital mutilation. As such, despite of the interventions of many international communities, in order to achieve gender equality, women are still violated and continue to be denied of various human rights. Hence, it can be perceived that many traditional cultural practices, including female genital mutilation is carried out for the benefit of the male populace (OHCR-UNOG). Historical Background of Female Genital Mutilation Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘female genital cutting’, involves procedures that are centered in the partial or overall removal of the female’s external genitalia, or the infliction of injury to the genital organs of female for non-medical reasons. More often than not, the practice is performed by traditional circumcisers who are believed to play a significant role in the community where they belong. However, records have indicated that FGM is also carried out by medically trained professionals (World Health Organization [WHO]). FGM is considered to be an age-old practice existent in various communities globally because it is known to be a custom (OHCR-UNOG). However, FGM’s origin has not been well established. Certain theories indicate that female genital mutilation predates male mutilation (Davis 158 qtd. in Lightfoot-Klein). In one study, it was shown that FGM occurred in areas that are considered to be restricted to the rest of the world which includes Islamic, Semitic and Christian nations. It was contemplated that â€Å"the more ancient a custom or belief, the more universally it is found† (Lightfoot-Kline). All throughout history, reports regarding female circumcision has been existent. The very first historical reference of FGM can be traced from the literature of Herotodus, who wrote that FGM already existed during 5th century BC in Ancient Egypt. He even pointed out that the practice had its beginnings in Egypt or Ethiopia because FGM has been performed by Ethiopians, Phoenicians, and Hitties (Taba qtd. in Lightfoot-Kline). One Greek papyrus dated 163 BC found in the British museum indicated that circumcisions were performed on girls by the time they received dowries. Different authors claimed that FGM was practiced by early Romans and Arabs (Kline). Methods employed in order to repress women’s sexuality has been well recorded in history. In ancient Rome, women slaves are required to wear metal rings which were passed through the labia minora in order to prevent procreation. During the absence of their husbands, women from medieval England wore chastity belts to avoid promiscuity. Tsarist Russia, as well as France, America, and France during the 19th century already practice clitoridectomy; while evidences from mummified bodies of ancient Egypt indicate that excision and infibulation has been performed, thereby giving rise to the existence of pharaonic circumcision (OHCR-UNOG). Types of Female Genital Mutilation Various types of female genital mutilation are performed depending on the cultural history and traditions of a certain community. Basically there are three common types of FGM: (1) Type one or Sunna circumcision. â€Å"Sunna† is an Arabic term which means tradition in English. This form of FGM is done by removing the prepuce or the clitoris’ tip. (2) Type two also called as clitoridectomy or excision is widely practiced in Egypt. This procedure involves the removal of the whole clitoris including the prepuce, glans and the adjacent labia. (3) Type three which is commonly referred to as infibulation or pharaonic circumcision is the procedure commonly applied in Sudan and Somalia. Considered as the most dramatic type of FGM, infibulation, which literally means â€Å"to fasten with a clip or buckle,† involves not only the removal of the clitoris and the nearby labia, but also include the sewing of remaining parts of vulva with the use of a catgut or thread. Such form of mutilation leaves only a tiny hole in the female genital that serves as a passage for the urine and menstrual blood. Women who are infibulated are cut open during their wedding night in order to perform sexual intercourse. However, right after the act, they are sewn again in order to avoid infidelity. More often than not, the groom is responsible for opening the bride’s sewn genitalia with the use of a double-edged dagger. There are some instances that women are cut open and are sewn back together during the time of their separation with their husbands. (4) The remaining type of FGM which is categorized as type four mutilation includes procedures that inflict damage to the female genitalia. Such form of mutilation may range from piercing, pricking, and stretching of labia or clitoris; burning of the clitoris and other tissues of the genitalia through cauterization; scraping of vaginal orifice; vaginal cutting; placing corrosive substances to cause vaginal bleeding, and the introduction of herbal substances to narrow or tighten the vagina (Rosenthal). The most common type of FGM is the clitoral and labia minora excision which constitutes about 80% of all FGM case. However, infibulation is considered as the most extreme form which accounts to 15% of all the mutilation procedures (Steiner, Alston, and Goodman,). The Cultural and Religious Tie: Middle East and African Areas Located Above the Equator The principle of female genital mutilation is prevalent in the societies of African territory. The extent of such phenomena can be seen in 25 countries of Africa. Infibulation is widely performed in areas including Djibouti, Mali, Somalia, selected parts of Ethiopia, Egypt and the northern region of Sudan. Meanwhile, excision and circumcision are evident in Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Guinea, Guinnea-Bissau, Kenya, Mauritania, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Uganda, Togo and other areas in the United Republic of Tanzania (OHCR-UNOG). Currently, WHO estimated that annually about three million African girls are at risk for female genital mutilation and about 92 million of the female populace, age 10 years and above have already undergone mutilation. The prevalence of FGM in the said areas is associated primarily with myths and the ignorance of people towards biological, medical, and religious perspectives. As noted by Hanny Lighfoot-Klein: â€Å"The clitoris is perceived as repulsive, filthy, foul smelling, dangerous to the life of the emerging new born, and hazardous to the health and potency of the husband† (Lightfoot-Klein, n. p. ). Majority of African countries adhere to such beliefs that it has been well embraced and became a value, causing FGM to become a customary practice over time. In Sudan, the clitoris is believe to grow to the length of the neck of a goose; long enough to dangle between the legs which could rival the male penis if left uncut. Such concept influences the perception of males, thereby reinforcing them not to marry a woman who is uncircumcised or â€Å"unclean† (Lightfoot-Klein). Among the Bambara’s in Mali, it is widely viewed that once the clitoris touches the head of a child being born, automatically the child will die. As the clitoris is considered to be the male characteristic of females, its removal is seen as an action that would result in the enhancement of femininity. In Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia, females are imposed to undergo mutilation in order to control their sexuality and ensure their virginity until marriage and their chastity right after (OHCR-UNOG). Because childbearing and marriage are the only options for most of African women, majority of them are forced to submit themselves to the practice genital mutilation which they also have to pass on to their daughters (Lightfoot-Klein). The institutionalization of patriarchal system within the society also plays a significant role in the perpetration of FGM. In ancient Mesopotamia, the code of Hammurabi embarked the presence of some features of patriarchy in public veiling and sexual repression of women. It was stated in the code that fathers were entitled to treat his daughter’s virginity as a ‘family property asset. Due to this system, women were categorized as â€Å"respectable,† meaning they were chaste and conforming, and â€Å"disreputable,† which translates to low class or slaves. As a result, women who bowed to the system benefited from it by securing their own safety as well as that of their children. However, they became the steadfast advocates of the system, thereby imposing it to their daughters. Present-day Africans follow the same patriarchal outlook. Female circumcision is then performed to the daughters of the women, who, during the time they were young, experienced mutilation. Although perceived by many as a violation against human rights, the practice is defended by the women themselves because they consider it as an essential part of their tradition that ensures the social standing of their family in the community they belong (Lighfoot-Klein). The existence of patriarchal society is attributed to economic reasons. Historically, fathers are known to be keen in identifying their â€Å"real† children, in order to know who is going to handle his property. Hence, it could be perceived that the establishment of systems including moral and religious values, as well as legal aspects became an imperative in order to protect the economic interests that uphold the society. In this regard, it is hard to abandon a custom that benefits the economic interest not only of the family but the whole society as well. The existence of such system guarantees profit for many, thereby catapulting â€Å"dayas† and medical practitioners to resist changes in the practice of female genital mutilation. Likewise, the family woman can gain considerable bride price if she is mutilated by the time of the marriage. Moreover, women continuously submit themselves to FGM for the fear that their husbands will divorce them for a second wife. This perspective serves as a threat for the women in the society who have no economic recourse and access to own properties and relies only on the â€Å"bride price gold that she wears on her body. † As such, it can be concluded that female genital mutilation is the result of the economic interest permeating within the society (Lightfoot-Klein). While many experts hold that female genital mutilation is an African custom, there are few reports regarding the existence of FGM in the Middle Eastern territory. This is understandable because it is difficult to study sexual relations in societies of Middle East. Almost everything regarding sexuality and personal matters are kept in private sphere. Likewise, books and research pertaining to Middle Eastern sexual habits are almost non-existent or at the most, heavily guarded by the comprehensive rules based from the Islamic law. However, recent finding from northern Iraq suggests that FGM is also practiced widely in societies outside of Africa. The case study of Iraqi Kurdistan served as an instructive case. In 2003, a German-Austrian NGO called WADI took the initiative to take medical and social support to the women in Kurdish areas. More than a year later, women who received support spoke about the practice of FGM. It was found out that Kurds used the sunna circumcision and were performed by midwives. Subsequent studies found out that of 1,544 women, 907 had undergone FGM, which further suggests that 60% of the population view mutilation as a normal practice. The discovery in Iraqi Kurdistan debunks the assumption that FGM is solely an African practice. As Fran Hosken quoted: â€Å"There is little doubt that similar practices—excision, child marriage, and putting rock salt into the vagina of women after childbirth—exist in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula and around the Persian Gulf (Hosken 278 qtd in Osten Sacken, and Uwer). The absence of medical records tackling FGM in the whole region does not necessarily mean that the Middle Eastern territories are free from female circumcision. Such issue is left undetected due to the lack of freedom to permit formal studies regarding the subject. Taboo also plays a significant role in the undercutting of researches in Arab nations. Many scholars and NGO in Arab countries prohibits the criticism predominant culture of Arabs and Muslims. Because of these findings many questions were raised by the critics of FGM, one of which is whether the said phenomena is a religious issue in the Middle East (Osten-Sacken and Uwer). Many Muslims and academics from the West claim that FGM is not based from religion rather it is a practice shaped by culture (Simonet qtd in Osten-Sacken and Uwer). However, in a village level, the people who are committed to the practice perceive the action as mandate by the religion. Although the law of Islam does not have any justifications regarding FGM, many Islamic clerics in the Northern part of Iraq advise women to undergo mutilation. If the women wish to abandon such practice, she must suffer the consequence of appearing disreputable in the eyes of the public (Mackie qtd ini Osten-Sacken and Uwer). Some Islamic scholars may disagree with FGM but others refer to the mention of FGM in the Hadith as a defense for the persistence of such practice in Middle East. The claim was further sufficed by the Islamic law specialist Sami Aldeeb Abu Salieh when he stated: The most often mentioned narration reports a debate between Muhammed and Um Habibah (or Um ‘Atiyyah). This woman, known as an exciser of female slaves, was one of a group of women who had immigrated with Muhammed. Having seen her, Muhammad asked her if she kept practicing her profession. She answered affirmatively, adding: unless it is forbidden, and you order me to stop doing it. Muhammed replied: Yes, it is allowed. Come closer so I can teach you: if you cut, do not overdo it, because it brings more radiance to the face, and it is more pleasant for the husband. (Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh 575-622 qtd in Osten- Sacken and Uwen). Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh’s claim is further reinforced by other Islam scholars by stating that Islam condones sunna circumcision but not the pharaonic circumcision (Omer qtd in Osten-Sacken and Uwen), and that since the prophet Muhammad does not condemn the act, thereby making it permissible and cannot be outlawed (Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh qtd in Osten-Sacken). Ultimately, the practice of female genital mutilation in the Middle East may have its roots in the cultural scope of the region. However, its religious ties cannot be disregarded. Effects of Female Genital Mutilation The implications of FGM can be short-term and long term. The immediate consequences of the practice are hemorrhage, acute pain and infection. The infections are commonly acquired from the usage of unsterilized instruments performed in unhygienic areas and introduction of substances. The infections may range from tetanus, general septicamea, chronic pelvic infections, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Recently the transfer of HIV has also been a concern for the FGM researchers (OHCR-UNOG). Obstetric complications are also common among mutilated women. Pregnant mutilated woman put the life of her child in danger because the fetus is at risk of acquiring infectious disease. Likewise, the head of the child may be crushed during the delivery due to damaged birth canal. Furthermore, infibulated women are needed to be opened during child birth and are commonly reinfibulated after every delivery resulting to the scarring of the genitals. Cyst commonly referred to as epidermal clitoral inclusion cyst may also develop among women who undergo type 3 FGM (Rosenthal). Female Genital Mutilation has also psychological implications. These include sexual phobias, depression, and lack of libido which result in the premature ejaculation among women’s partners, personality disorders like rebellion which may eventually lead to psychiatric disorders (Rosenthal). Some evidences indicate that children who undergo FGM experience recurring nightmares (OHCR-UNOG). The socio-economic problems associated with FGM include higher divorce rate and drug abuse which are commonly associated with the males. It was found out that a male with mutilated wife has the tendency of using narcotics to give sexual pleasure to his wives (Rosenthal). Response to Female Genital Mutilation In 1997, World Health Organization (WHO) together with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) issued statements against the continuous practice of female genital mutilation. By 2008, a new statement was issued supporting the increased advocacy of totally condemning FGM which was backed heavily backed by more countries of the United Nation. The 2008 statement include data concerning the past and present practice of FGM. The statement also gave emphasis on the increased recognition of human rights and provided evidences regarding the extent of the issue. The damaging effects of FGM were also presented in order to affect changes in the public policy. From 1997, various government and non-government organizations both in the international and local levels ratified laws abandoning FGM (WHO). Conclusion Based on the study, it is apparent that female genital mutilation predominantly place women in a disadvantaged position. Immense cultural pressure is considered to be the root cause of FGM. However, based from several findings, religion also serves as an encouragement for the existence of such practice. The impact of FGM does not only affect women but also the society where it is widely recognized as a custom. Although, international interventions reduced the prevalence of FGM in African regions during the past years, its practice may not be totally eliminated if practicing communities will not abandon the act itself. Hence, organizations as well as government agencies should further promote awareness regarding the issue of FGM. Works Cited Lighfoot-Klein, Hanny. â€Å"Prisoners of ritual: Some contemporary developments in the history of female genital mutilation. † The Female Genital Mutilation Cutting Education And Networking Project. 30 April-03 May 1991. 10 December 2008 http://www. fgmnetwork. org/Lightfoot-klein/prisonersofritual. htm. Office of the High Commisioner of Human Rights-United Nations Organization. â€Å"Fact sheet no. 23, harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women and children. † Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 2008. 10 December 2008 http://www. unhchr. ch/html/menu6/2/fs23. htm#ii. Osten-Sacken, Thomas and Uwer, Thomas. â€Å"Is female genital mutilation an Islamic problem? † The Middle East Quarterly. 2007. 10 December 2008 http://www. meforum. org/article/1629#_ftn38. Rosenthal, Sara. The Gynecological Sourcebook. Chicago, IL: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003. Steiner, Henry, Alston, Philip and Goodman, Ryan. International Human Rights in Context: Law, Politics, Morals: Test And Materials. New York: Oxford University Press US, 2008 World Health Organization. â€Å"Female genital mutilation. † May 2008. 10 December 2008 http://www. who. int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/.

Effects of Parental Divorce on Childrens Growth

Effects  of  Parental  Divorce  on  Childrens  Growth Divorce has become an important social issue which can not be ignored and avoided. In mid-19th century, only 5% of the marriages were broken in the United States, and now almost 50% of first marriages were ended in divorce, there were 100 million children who experienced parental divorce in the United States, in England and Wales, more than 140,007 children were facing parental separation every year. The children of this kind have become an important part of the vulnerable group in modern society, which also attracts the attention of many scholars. A large number of social evidence shows that the psychological trauma which the breakdown of a family brings children is obvious and will exist for a long term. Relevant scholars sociological research also showed that divorce had a negative impact on the cognitive development, personality development, mental health, relationships, social behavior development and other aspects of Childrens. To explore the influence of parental divorce on ch ildrens growth trajectory, this essay reviewed relevant literatures and conducted a critical analysis towards the literatures. Chapter II Discussion Through reviewing relevant academic literatures on divorce, research on the influence of divorce on childrens development included the following contents. 2.1 Cognitive levels and academic performance Research (Amans et al, 2001) showed that there was a very significant difference in areas of cognition, reasoning and academic achievement between children in divorced families and complete families, the impact of divorce on childrens learning performance was the most, the impact on cognition was less than the impact on academic achievement, the impact on the non-text logical reasoning was minimal. There was no significant difference in the cognitive aspects between the children of different genders in divorced families, and the girls academic performance was significantly better than the boys. Levels of cognitive development and academic performance of seven, eight or nine year old childrens from divorced families were significantly lower than the childrens from complete families. Amato (2001) made use of Meta analysis in his study. Meta analysis refers to using a number of statistical methods to analyze the collected research data. Its advantage is to increase the reliability of co nclusions through increasing sample sizes, so as to address the inconsistency of findings. The conclusion of Amans research (Amans et al, 2001) was also based on Meta analysis, he used appropriate statistical to conduct systematic, objective and comprehensive quantitative analysis towards lots of relevant research results in 1990s and found that the scores of learning of childrens in divorced families were significantly lower than the childrens from complete families, he pointed out that this gap was increased slightly when compared with the situation in 1980. 2.2 Emotional development and personality development Amatos (2001) study showed that children from single parent families were less able to control themselves and their assessment for themselves was too high. There were a higher proportion of children who were abnormal in their mood, emotion and personality, their specific performance included preferring crying, depression, irritability, anger, fear, etc., their bad character included low self-esteem, unsociability, poor self-control ability, frailty, lying, cheating, apathy, anxiety, etc., but majority of them had a strong independence. Children whose parents were separated had significantly polarized introversive or exoscopic characters, and most of them had singly introversive or exoscopic personalities, and majority children who were from complete families had the intermediate personalities. The research method which Amato (2001) adopted was Meta analysis, by comparing conclusions of a large number of research he found that, in fact, there was difference between children who grew u p in complete families and children who grew up in single parent families, but the difference was not as big as what usually imagined. His (Amato, 2001)research showed that parental divorce was only one factor in the process of a childs growth, there were other factors that could influence a childs growth, but his research did not specify what these other factors were. 2.3 Mental health Relevant research (Aaron et al, 1999) has indicated that there was significant difference in the general levels of mental health between children from divorced families and children from complete families, children with single parent had more psychological problems, including tendency of a serious loneliness, unwilling contacting with people, tendency of self-accusation and giving low evaluations for individual abilities and qualities, strong feelings of inferiority, obvious anxiety, lacks of confidence in interpersonal relationships, lacks of security, tendency of serious impulsions, etc., many children often felt depressed, irritable and had extreme behavior, their physical symptoms which caused by psychological problems were more obvious. Relevant research (Aaron et al, 1999) also explained this phenomenon, because the childrens parents divorced, they lacked parental encouragement, in the face of setbacks, they couldnt get strong incentives, resulting in a lack of confidence. And because of parental divorce, it caused the reduction of parents concerning about the children, lack of communication with their children and failing to detect changes in the children life and thought would lead to the childrens failing to deal with the problems in a timely manner, thereby resulting in depression, irritability and other emotions. 2.4 Interpersonal relationship The research on the interpersonal relationship of childrens from divorced families was mainly carried out in the areas of peer relationship, parent-child relationship and control ability. Study has shown that judging from the perspectives of peer relationship, subjective and objective control abilities, children with single parent was not as good as the childrens from complete families. In terms of parent-child relationship, children with single parent were not satisfied with their parents and families, their relationship with their parents wasnt as good as the childrens from complete families. Even when they grew up, they still showed their distrust towards their parents, as Jacquet and Surra (2001) found in their study that even taking full consideration of the quality of parent-child relationship, the adult children still had a strong sense of distrust. Moreover, parents divorce also had a profound effect on the childrens establishing a close relationship with their lovers when th ey grew up. Jacquet and Surra (2001) took young couples of 19- 35 years old as research objects and investigated the determinacy of the relationship between them and their cognition and understanding towards the problems between them, they found that women from divorced families had a sense of lack of trust and satisfaction, showing ambivalent feelings and conflicts. Although there was no difference between the men from divorced families and the men from complete families (Emery, 1999), but because of the marital status of their own parents, the former thought that the relationship between couples was temporary. Thus, parental separation not only affects childrens close relationship with their parents, but also has a negative impact on the childrens creating their own intimate relationships when they grow up, the impact of parental separation on childrens understanding of interpersonal relationship is negative and permanent, making the children show great adaptability in dealing wit h interpersonal relationship. 2.5 Behavior problems Study (Jeynes, 2001) showed that the problem behavior of childrens from divorced families was more than childrens from complete families, the behavior included lying, cheating, bragging and boast, poor school performance and fearing of school, etc. There was a very close relationship between childrens Internet addiction and their divorced families. Jeynes (2001) investigated the childrens alcohol problems after their parents divorced and found that compared with the children whose parents have divorced for more than 4 years, the children whose parents divorced newly had the same frequency of drinking, the number of the children who indulged in drinking was increased, and they were more likely to be affected by alcohol, the frequency and quantity of the two groups of the children who addicted drinking were more than the children from complete families (Jeynes, 2001), the children who didnt have complete families were more likely to drink and affected by alcohol. The greatest significa nce of Jeynes research (2001) did not lie in confirming that children of divorced families were more likely to drink than children of complete families, but proving that both children whose parents divorced four years ago and the children whose parents divorced newly had the same frequency of drinking, thereby refuting some people opinion of thinking that divorce only had an impact on children at the time when their parents divorced, it further confirmed that the influence of parental divorce on children would be lasted for a long time. Chapter III Conclusion Through literature review, this essay summarized the impact of divorce on childrens development and tried to find out the problems existing in relevant study and explore the directions of future research.  ·The above-mentioned research on children of single parent families particularly concerned about adolescents, especially callan, there was less study on young children. Therefore, it should seek for evaluation means which is suitable for the characteristics of infants and preschool children, paying more attention to their psychological development and adaptation.  ·The previous research on children who were from divorced families generally compared the behavior problems between children from divorced families and complete families, or by statistical methods to control other household variables to examine the direct impact of parental separation on childrens behavior problems. The study has provided a wealth of useful information, but often overlooked the impact of other family variables in the divorce process on children. Thus future research should not only concern about the impact of divorce itself on children, but also pay attention to the role of other variables relate to divorce, such as the quality of parent-child relationship, the marriage conflicts before divorce and during parental separation, the living conditions of children after their parents divorce, etc. It should pay a special attention to the changes of the internal mechanism which affects the childrens adaptability.  ·Research on Children from divorced families was mostly transverse study, few was longitudinal study. Childrens development is a process, only depending on the existing transverse study is difficult to explore the impact of parents separation on childrens development of different stages and its change process. Therefore, the relationship between parents divorce and childrens development needs to be analyzed with a clear and tracked investigation which is the problem needs to be resolved in future study.

Website For Malaysian Insurance Institute

Website For Malaysian Insurance Institute INTRODUCTION: The project aim is to setup a website for Malaysian Insurance to allow insurance agency leader to enroll their candidates for the Pre-Contract Examination. In phase 1, the author will conduct a few studies related to the electronic commerce to allow insurance agency leader to pay for the exam fees. Furthermore, additional security features to protect the website and the user will also be study to enhance the security of the website. FINDINGS: Background Study of Malaysian Insurance Institute Malaysian Insurance Institute is a non-profit organization that founded in 1968. This organization is a leading insurance institute that provide insurance knowledge, training and offer all kinds of qualifications that recognized by the international insurance company such as insurance, financial planning and risk management. MII is known as the primary insurance knowledge provider in Malaysia. It works together with other insurance company in the industry with supports and helps from the Bank Negara Malaysia and Regulator to guarantee the provided education is up to date and fulfill the changes in the insurance industry. Figure 1.1: Malaysian Insurance Institute Website 1.1 MII AS EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING BODY An average of 300 training programs is organized by MII to educate the brokers, insurers, reinsurers, adjusters and regulators. In each training program, there are about 10,000 participants from all other countries including Malaysia. These outstanding records make MII a place in the Education Board of the Federation of Afro Asian Insurers and Reinsurers (FAIR) that based in Egypt. Besides that, MII also help general and life insurance agents by providing training to them. These training will help them to provide a better service to their customers. For agency leaders, MII is ally with LIMRA (USA) to organize the Agency Management Training Course (AMTC) to upgrade their leadership and professionalism. There are two primary professional programs provide by MII. They are the Diploma of The Malaysian Insurance Institute (DMII) and the Associateship of The Malaysian Insurance Institute (AMII). These two programs are the basic requirement for the insurance industry and also for the emerging markets. 1.2 MII AS EXAMINATION CENTRE MII act as a guardian to monitor the education standards of insurance exam. Besides that, it is also the authorized exam center to conduct insurance examination. MII offers 32 major examinations that attract over 60 thousand candidates for the insurance industry in a year. Because of the outstanding management and good reputation as an education and exam centre, MII is consigned to be the primary place to conduct some others examinations that organize by others examination bodies such as The Institute of Risk Management (UK), Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters ( UK), The Insurance Institute of America ( USA), The Society of Actuaries (USA) and others. 1.3 MII AS INSURANCE INFORMATION CENTRE MII is proud to have their own library that specialized in the insurance industry and others related industry. Besides that, all kind of collection of books, magazines or journals that related to insurance is also collect by the library for public use. Moreover, MII also has an electronic library portal that publish information to the public such as online newspapers, electronic journals, links to others insurance companies, associations, regulators, university and other related sectors. 1.4 MII AS CONFERENCE ORGANIZER There are around eight conferences that conducted by MII in a year which was planned to fulfill the needs of the emerging insurance industry. Most of the conference receives massive response from all kinds of business industry from local and international. These conferences not only provide experience and knowledge to the public but also provide a chance to each other to build up their networking with other industry. 1.5 AFFILIATION WITH INTERNATIONAL BODIES MII has a firm belief in collaborating its efforts and resources together with other reputable insurance education bodies throughout the world so as to maximize and leverage on each others strengths. MIIs commitment to deliver the best quality standards in education is reflected in its international links with major insurance institutions, universities and relevant organisations. Among the collaborations that MII has established are with The Chartered Insurance Institute (UK), Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss adjusters (AICLA), Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA), Australian New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), LOMA (USA), Institute of Risk Management (UK), LIMRA (USA) and others 1.6 INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE While addressing the domestic needs will always remain as a main focus and priority, MII has also spread its wings into the international scene, particularly in fulfilling the needs of the emerging markets. This is in line with its vision to be the preferred Institute for training solutions, education and information in insurance in Malaysia and the emerging markets. The increasing numbers and wide range of international training participants and conference delegates is a testimony of the recognition and regard for the relevant and high quality programmes being offered by MII. MIIs presence in the emerging market, particularly within the ASEAN region is quite significant. When the 10 ASEAN insurance regulatory authorities formed the ASEAN Insurance Training Research Institute (AITRI), MII was given the honour to lead as the secretariat for AITRI. AITRI is a non-profit organization to provide regional research, insurance education and training support for the regulators as well as the industry of the ASEAN member countries. Its activities are featured in international publications and have gained great recognition and international support such as the World Bank (USA), International Association for Insurance Supervisors ( Switzerland), Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions ( Canada) and others. 1.7 INTERNATIONAL AWARD MII won a title named as Professional Service Provider of the Year 2007 Award at year 2007 from The Review Worldwide Reinsurance Association in London, U.K. MII show up as the first winner that come from Asia after 14 years when the award is started. MIIs effort and their compliance for the training and the education was the reasons for them to receive the award. 1.8 List of Certification and Professional Programs The list below is the certification or professional programs that offer by Malaysian Insurance Institute. These certification or professional programs are recognized by all the insurance company in Malaysia. The agent of an insurance company must possess the related certification or professional programs to promote or sell the insurance to the customers. Diploma of Financial Services Associateship of the Malaysia Insurance Institute (AMII) Associateship of the Malaysia Insurance Institute (AMII) International Diploma of the Malaysia Insurance Institute (DMII) Diploma of the Malaysia Insurance Institute (DMII) Life Certificate of MII Insurance (CMII Insurance) Pre-Contract Examination for Insurance Agent (PCEIA) Certificate Examination in Investment-Linked Life Insurance (CEILLI) International Certificate in Risk Management (CIRM) Basic Agency Management Course (BAMC) Registered Financial Planner (RFP) Basic Certificate Course in Loss Adjusting (BCCILA) Intermediate Certificate Course in Loss Adjusting (ICCILA) Basic Certificate Course in Insurance Broking (BCCIB) Intermediate Certificate Course in Insurance Broking (ICCIB) Certificate in General Insurance Actuarial Practice (CGIAP) 1.9 Conclusion MII is a powerful organization that provides high quality education to the insurance industry and others related field. Besides that, MII is also recognized by international organization for their quality services and excellent programs. Literature Review This chapter discusses about the online electronic commerce system and the security features that plan to implement on the registration website such as on screen keyboard, multi step authentication and secure socket layer. 2.1 Electronic Commerce Electronic commerce is known as any transaction or payment that occurs through the internet. It includes a wide range of area such as auction website, retail website, registration website, banking website, and etc. The content of electronic commerce can be goods or services. It has become important with the emerging of the internet and World Wide Web. Since electronic commerce is conduct on the internet, so the customer can ignore the barrier of distance and time. The electronic commerce is growing frequently since five years ago and it is expected to growing in faster rate. When electronic commerce is conducted, it means online payment will be conduct during the transaction. There are several of payment method are available online such as credit card, PayPal, and Google checkout. (Networksolution, 2010) Credit card is the most popular payment method used by most of the electronic commerce website. A marketing research shows that an electronic business will lost 60 to 80 percent of potential customers if credit card payment is not implemented in their electronic commerce system. With credit cards payment enabled, it makes the customer has the impulse to purchase an item at anytime and also ensure the legitimacy of the electronic business to the customers. (EasyStoreCreator, 2010) Another popular online payment method is PayPal. The benefit of PayPal is it allows the merchant or customer to make online and offline transaction at anytime. Furthermore, PayPal is well known for its ease of use and no verification bounding of credit rating. The users of PayPal only need to verify their electronic mail address and their accounts personal information. Payment can be easily directed to the PayPal account with the tied electronic mail address like [emailprotected] Additionally, Google checkout is also a preference of some electronic business merchant. Google checkout fast enough to become popular is because the provided service of this system is user friendly, very stable and reliable. Another benefits of Google checkout is it charge lesser merchant fees compare to PayPal and this makes it grow at a rapid rate. (Arora.n, 2010) 2.2 Types of Electronic Commerce There are multiple types of electronic commerce that are available on the internet. Among all kinds of electronic commerce, there are 4 popular types that occupy most of the electronic commerce website. They are business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), consumer-to-business (C2B), consumer-to-consumer (C2C). Out of these popular types, there are also some others electronic commerce are used by those electronic business merchant such as business-to-employee (B2E), government-to-government (G2G), government-to-employee (G2E), government-to-business (G2B), business-to-government (B2G), government-to-citizen (G2C), citizen-to-government (C2G) and etc. (DigitSmith Embroidery and Screen Printing, 2006) 2.3 On Screen Keyboard On screen keyboard is a software or application that shows on the monitor of the computer. It allow user to input any kind of text by mouse or the monitors touch screen. On screen keyboard can help those mobility impairment people or those people that cannot type. Besides that, on screen keyboard also can help users to bypass those virus, Trojan or key logger to steal data (Microsoft Corporation, 2010). Figure 2.1 shows an example of on screen keyboard. It is a default application that comes with the operating system provide by Microsoft. msosk.jpg Figure 2.1 Microsoft on screen keyboard 2.4 Multi Step Authentication The single factor authentication such as the username and password process is widely used by a lot of website in the World Wide Web. Due to the demand for more security during login, an ideology named multi step authentication has been create to fulfill the public demand. Multi step authentication is a process of login and authenticates users in multiple webpage. The first step of the authentication is verify the username entered by the user. If it is match with any name inside the database, then the user will be redirect to the second step. Second step required the user to enter their password and if it is correct, then the system will redirect the user to the services they login to. (Agilewebsolutions, 2010) Besides that, this feature also block any malware that using form robot to capture password entered by the user because there is two different login processes is performing. 2.5 Secure Socket Layer Protocol(SSL) Secure Socket Layer is a well known protocol that uses to provide a secure connection between the server and the client. The purpose to secure a connection is to protect the integrity of data, privacy and authentication. SSL protect data by encrypting a plaintext message to ciphertext. Ciphertext is meaningless to everyone if someone captured the data packet try to crack it. A pair of key is used to encrypt the data. They are named public key and private key. Public key is used to encrypt data that send from the client and the private key is used to decrypt the data that received by the server. To ensure the server side is the real owner of the service provider, a digital certificate will be issue by a third party certificate authority such as GeoTrust and VeriSign. This process is to identify the domain is maintain by the recognized owner and it is legal. Figure 2.2 shows an example of digital certificate. (GeoCerts, 2010) cert.gif Figure 2.2: Digital Certificate Netscape introduced the SSL Protocol in 1994 due to the concern for the security over the internet was rising. At first, SSL is develop to secure the connection between the server and the client but modification was make to fit it in to other services such as TELNET, FTP, Email and etc. (Martz. C, 2010) 2.6 Conclusion Security feature is an important session to keep a website safe from any threats. All the features discussed is planned to implement into the website to work with the electronic commerce system and the website security. Electronic Commerce System Security It is a big challenge to maintain and securing an electronic commerce system as the internet world is emerging every day. It is important for electronic merchant to implement security for their electronic commerce website. 3.1 Components of Electronic Commerce Security There are 5 components of electronic commerce security that is important to electronic commerce website. The first component is containment that uses to prevent all kinds of attacks. The second component is compartmentalization that uses to avoid unauthorized access to the website system. Besides that, it prevents collateral damage deal to the website during attacks. The third component is continuity that guarantees website system to keep running even during DOS attacks or even during the equipment failure. The fourth component is recovery that frequently starts the recovery operation during external attacks or malicious internal activity. The fifth component is performance that ensures the network performance is not reducing due to the others security operation. 3.2 Electronic Commerce Vulnerabilities The fearful of online transaction threats has been increase with all types of attacks. Multiple vulnerabilities will be discussed to understand their characteristic. 3.2.1 SQL Injection SQL injection is a technique that inserts the SQL meta character into the user input. This technique allows the attacker to force the back-end database to execute the command entered into the system. To check whether the website is vulnerable to this attack, a single quote () character will be send into the database. An invulnerable website will return an error message which exposes the technology being used at the host machine. These information is enough for the attackers to perform further attacks to the restricted area or the operation system. SQL injection attack can be different depends on the types of database. If the attack is conduct on the Oracle database, it needs the UNION keyword to execute and it is harder to capture compare to Microsoft SQL server. (Mookhey. K. K, 2004) 3.2.2 Price Manipulation This is a new threat that threatens the payment gateway and the shopping cart. In the common case, the total price that needs to pay by the customer is saved in a hidden HTML field. A web application proxy such as Achilles can modify these figures when the information is send from the users browser to the website. The figure 3.1 is taken from one of the Symantec article showing that the price can be modify by the attackers to any value. Then, this information will be send to the merchants payment gateway. (Mookhey. K. K, 2004) achilles.jpg Figure 3.1: Achilles web proxy 3.2.3 Buffer Overflows Bad consequences will be happen when massive number of bytes is sent to an application that is not set up properly to handle these bytes. According to K. K. Mookhey, the path of the PHP functions is exposed when he sent in a very large value in the input field. Figure 3.2 shows that when a large value is sent in and the PHP script cannot process the value, the returned error message expose the location of the PHP functions. This error message reveals the admin folder that allows attackers to conduct further attacks. (Mookhey. K. K, 2004) phptimeout.jpg Figure 3.2: PHP timeout error 3.2.4 Cross-site Scripting Cross-site scripting is primary concentrated to the end user and also leverages two factors, the weak input output validation of the web application and the trust gain from the user to the well known website name. This attack required the website to take in user input, process it and shows the result together with the original user input. This sequence is commonly found in the search system. The attacker conducts the attack by embedding the JavaScript into the user input as part of the input. Then, a link will be created which contain this JavaScript and the victim will be persuaded to click on it. For example, the URL will looks similar like this: http://www.vulnerablesite.com/cgibin/search.php?keywords=alert(OK). This example will pop up an alert box that shows the text OK. The attacker can place the script they want into this link to conduct the attack. Usually, the attacker will use this method to capture the victims cookies that may contain victims sensitive information. Besides that, the JavaScript can be also use to redirect the victim to the website that contain malicious code and conduct the attack at there. 3.2.5 Weak Authentication Authentication system that does not block multiple fail login can lead to unexpected consequences. An attacker may use some brute force software to guess an accounts password by sending all kinds of combination to the server to validate the password. Another weak authentication is when the website uses basic authentication but does not transfer it through SSL. Attacker can sniff the traffic packet and discover the user information inside the packets. 3.3 Pros and Cons of Electronic Commerce System Although electronic commerce provide a lot of benefits to electronic business and the consumer, but there are also some consequences that affect both merchant and the consumer. The benefits of electronic commerce are it save the users time compare to shopping at any shops or markets. Everything transaction is conduct on the internet and just a few clicks, consumer can buy everything they want and pay it. Compare to shopping at regular shop, consumer have to travel to the shop, park the car, walk to the shop, browse the shop for the item, then pay it and that is wasting a lot of time. Electronic commerce is cheap compare to the product selling at regular shops and markets. This is because every electronic merchant does not need to pay for the rental and utilities expenses like the physical shop. That is why they can sell cheaper product when they do not need to cover these expenses. Besides that, lowering the product price is one of the marketing skills to attract customers to buy from their electronic shop. (Finnila. J, 2008) Most of the electronic commerce is supported with credit cards paying method. With this method enable, consumer does not need to download or install special plugin to make a transaction. Besides that, consumers with credit cards are always fill with impulse to buy something during every visit. Furthermore, the electronic merchant can keep the customer transaction information for future use such as follow up sales or advertise product. (Nightcats Multimedia Productions, 2010) The disadvantages of electronic commerce are the competitor is all around the world. Electronic merchant have to keep generate new marketing strategy to attract customers or keep the customers to visit them again. As the internet world is changing rapidly, there are a lot of new traps appear to steal information from the consumer such as phishing website and malicious scripts. For any electronic commerce user that unaware to these internet threats will expose their personal confidential information to those scam owners. (Finnila. J, 2008) From the point of view of most of the customers, it is an abuse to the customers personal information when the electronic merchant keeps the information for future use. The customer may want to keep their personal information in private and it is better to request for their permission before their information is used. Besides that, the customers also worry that their personal information may leak out to the public in any accident. It is a benefit for the merchant but a disadvantage to the customers. (Nightcats Multimedia Productions, 2010) 3.4 Conclusion It is important to electronic merchant to secure their electronic commerce system to prevent all kinds of incident that cause unexpected losses to the business. CONCLUSIONS: The author successfully completed objective one to three in the phase 1 of the project. The author learns how MII works in daily operation and their roles and responsibilities. Besides that, the author also learn how those additional security features works to protect the website and the users. As a proof of meeting objective one to three, the reference list below shows various information from different sites. REFERENCES (BACKGROUND READING MATERIALS): About MII (Online) (Cited 20 MAY 2010) Available from: http://www.insurance.com.my/mii2010/about.html MII Vision and Mission (Online) (Cited 21 MAY 2010) Available from: http://www.insurance.com.my/mii2010/about_vision.html Certification and Professional Programmes (Online) (Cited 22 MAY 2010) Available from: http://www.insurance.com.my/mii2010/certification.html What is Ecommerce? (Online) (Cited 23 MAY 2010) Available from: http://www.networksolutions.com/education/what-is-ecommerce/ Choosing a Merchant Credit Card Processing Vendor To Meet Your ecommerce Credit Card Processing Needs (Online) (Cited 25 MAY 2010) Available from: http://www.easystorecreator.com/choosing-vendor.asp Different Payment Methods in E-Commerce Website (Online) (Cited 26 MAY 2010) Available from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Different-Payment-Methods-in-E-Commerce-Websiteid=2073803 Ecommerce definition and types of ecommerce (Online) (Cited 26 MAY 2010) Available from: http://www.digitsmith.com/ecommerce-definition.html Handling Financial Web Site Tricks (Online) (Cited 28 MAY 2010) Available from: http://help.agile.ws/1Password3/multi_step_logins.html Two-Step Authentication Method For Online Banking (Online) (Cited 30 MAY 2010) Available from: http://priorartdatabase.com/IPCOM/000126859 Handling Financial Web Site Tricks (Online) (Cited 30 MAY 2010) Available from: http://help.agile.ws/1Password3/multi_step_logins.html Turn On and Use On-Screen Keyboard (Online) (cited 31 MAY 2010) Available from: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/accessibility/oskturnonuse.mspx SSL Secure Sockets Layer (Online) (Cited 1 JUNE 2010) Available from: http://www.birds-eye.net/definition/s/ssl-secure_sockets_layer.shtml How SSL Works (Online) (Cited 1 JUNE 2010) Available from: http://www.geocerts.com/ssl/how_ssl_works Pros Cons of E-Commerce (Online) (Cited 2 JUNE 2010) Available from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-E-Commerceid=1481356 Pros and Cons for consumers when shopping online (Online) (Cited 2 JUNE 2010) Available from: http://www.nireland.com/e.commerce/Pros%20and%20Cons.htm Beginners Guide to Ecommerce (Online) (Cited 2 JUNE 2010) Available from: http://www.nightcats.com/sales/free.html 5 Essential Components of E-Commerce Security (Online) (Cited 3 JUNE 2010) Available from: http://www.intruguard.com/E-commerceSecurity.html Common Security Vulnerabilities in e-commerce Systems (Online) (Cited 4 JUNE 2010) Available from: http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/common-security-vulnerabilities-e-commerce-systems ***END OF REPORT***

The Relationship Between Eloi and the Morlocks in The Time Machine by H

The Relationship Between Eloi and the Morlocks in The Time Machine by H.G. Wells The Time Machine was inventively written as a social critique of the Victorian Era in 1895 by Herbert George Wells, the father of modern science fiction. Wells used the novel to get the messages across on social and political problems at the time when London was on top of the world. The novel criticized mainly on communism, imperialism, capitalism, as well as Social Darwinism. The Time Machine was an adventurous science fiction novel about a Time Traveler, the inventor of a time machine who traveled to the year 802,701 A.D. In the course of his journey, he saw the degeneration and the separation of mankind through the two evolved species, the Eloi and the Morlocks, in which their relationship and their significance would be explained in this essay. When the Time Machine landed in the future, the Elois were the first creature that the Time Traveler had come across. Their name was from the imitation of the word "Elite" and they were the evolved upper classes, the protagonist, who lived above the ground. The Elois were described as being beautiful, peaceful, and graceful. They had their own language in which the Time Traveler described as having "a strange and very sweet and liquid tongue," (Wells, 25). The Elois only lived on fruits since other kinds of cattle or animals became extinct after they ate each other. According to the Time Traveler, the Elois were small and weak as if they were suffering from tuberculosis. Even though the Eloi seemed to be careless and fearless during the day, they were afraid of the dark in which they called "Dark Night". Du... ...the way. The Time Machine definitely gives an eye-opening experience for the people who were unaware of the result from the separations of the classes in the society especially the problems which were caused by capitalism and imperialism. Through the Time Traveler, H.G. Wells described his "grieved to think how brief the dream of human intellect had been. (Wells, 81). He believed that it committed suicide along the process of degeneration in which he powerfully described in this novel. He successfully criticized the Victorian Era in a way that was entertaining, exciting, and educating. Even if Wells meant for the novel to criticize the certain era, it can still be classically and universally use since this problems still last to these days. Bibliography Wells, H.G. "The Time Machine." London: J.M. Dent, 2002.

Premature Infancy Essay -- Babies Birth Early Premature Essays

Premature Infancy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Premature babies, otherwise known as preterm babies, or preemies, are babies that are born earlier than the full-term of thirty-eight to forty-two weeks of pregnancy. These babies are generally born between the twentieth and thirty-eighth week. Almost 250,000 babies, nearly seven percent of newborns, are premature(Golant 4). Prematurity, even with all the advances in technology, is still a major cause of fetal and neonatal death. Actually, around seventy- five percent of perinatal deaths are due to a number of problems associated with prematurity(Freeman 232). Premature babies are very weak and defenseless, and need to be hospitalized. One reason for this is that a baby may become startled into shock by a loud sound or even bright light. This occurs because many babies have fully-developed senses and underdeveloped organs, which may become a problem, since the brain may not be developed well enough to be able to distinguish these different senses, which causes the baby to panic and lose control of its actions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main underdeveloped parts of a premature baby are its organs, chiefly the lungs and the brain. The lungs are developed in the last few weeks of pregnancy, and if the child is born before the thirty sixth week, he/she may require some special attention. Usually, the child is monitored closely for the first few weeks of its life, in order to make sure there is no problems with the breathing or any other function of its body. The premature baby will probably need supplemental oxygen to help it through the early stages, but rarely will it need an actual respirator or other life-supporting device on a full-time twenty four hour basis. In fact, giving the baby too much oxygen may complicate problems, such as damages to the eyes. This is caused by a over- abundance of oxygen in the blood stream, which in turn causes the blood vessels of the eye to expand, damaging the eye. This problem is one of the main concerns when bearing a pre-term baby versus a full-term baby.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another difference, probably the most noticeable one, is the size and weight of the baby. A preemie will look thin and helpless, and will also have transparent skin. Blood vessels, veins and bones are sometimes visible through the skin of these babies. This is because the skin of a premature baby is very fragile and tend... ... eight to forty two weeks, and must get rid of the children from the uterus in order to return the body to normal and prevent any injuries from occurring inside the mother's womb.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many advances are occurring everyday which enable mothers to feel safer with the care of premature babies. New drugs are being developed and new methods are being tested to ensure the security of a preemie, enabling the rate of deaths and the rate of premature babies born to both be lowered. As recently as 1986, premature babies had a much lower chance of survival, and with the help of experts, this factor has been greatly reduced. Hopefully, by the time our generation or our children's generation begins to think about bearing children, there will not be much of a risk of having a premature baby. Works Cited Freeman, Roger, and Pescar, Susan. "Safe Delivery: Protecting Your Baby During High-Risk Pregnancy. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 1982. Golant, Susan and Ludington, Susan. Kangaroo Care The Best You Can Do To Help Your Preterm Infant. New York: Bantam Books, 1993. Griesemer, Bernard and Pfister, Fred. The Littlest Baby. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice- Hall Inc., 1983.

Women as Crime Victims

It is my belief that everyone has been affected by crime sometime in their life. Crime is inevitable because evil is in the human nature. While this is the case, women tend to experience more violent crimes because they are unwilling or unable to defend themselves appropriately against their attackers. It is a common fear among women of being sexually assaulted, raped, abused, or being the victim of any crime because of their inability to stand up for themselves because of being the weaker sex. While it is true that women have been the victims of other crimes, these three are especially dreaded because of the nature of the crime and the consequences of being the victim. There are many programs that focus on preventing violence against women as well as studies being performed in order to reduce the amount of women becoming victims of crime. These studies are important and may prevent some women from the experience of being a victim; however, ultimately does not eliminate violence against women. Prevention needs to begin from parents to the child while they are young. This can help give the child a structure in which to follow as an adult and provide future skills to help prevent them from becoming victims of violence. In an article by Pat brown, she states, â€Å"It is imperative that you understand the world of psychopaths and criminals: how they think, where they lurk, and how they lure and grab victims† (Brown, 2012, p. 50). She further goes on about a letter she received after a television interview. Brown’s article referenced the letter (2012) I just saw you on ‘The Today Show' speaking about a recent tragedy involving the violent murder of a recent high school graduate by, police believe, her boyfriend â€Å"In that interview you spoke directly to girls who have recently broken up with their partner, advising that if that partner requests a meeting post-breakup that it not be done privately because the partner is counting on the fact that she's nice and will agree to meet. ‘ I can't agree with you enough! I fear, however, that we—in particular women—don't actually teach our girls that it's okay to refuse that ‘one last time' or that it's okay and likely wise to break up in a public place or over the phone even, when one's partner exhibits dangerous traits. â€Å"Moreover, we don't even do a good job of teaching our girls how, in the depths of teenage love, to spot the subtle signs that scream ‘danger. ‘ Nor do we teach them h ow to put words to those gut instincts that tell us something is amiss with our partner and relationship, or, simply, that we deserve better than what we've been experiencing in the relationship at hand. We do, however, do a great job of teaching them that it's important to be nice, understanding, caring, and nurturing without also teaching them to be wise and deeply instinctual, as though the former and latter attributes are mutually exclusive. (p. 50) This woman is absolutely correct in my opinion. We need to educate our children while they are young on ways to prevent becoming a victim to crime. Women especially need to be aware of signs of domestic violence, unstable behaviors, risky behavior and potential situations that can put them in harm’s way. Women are more prone to sexually derived crimes like sexual assault and rape. Although these crimes can also happen to men, I believe that women are more often the target of this type of crime because women tend to be the weaker sex and are more easily overpowered by a man’s strength. According to our text, â€Å"†¦the majority of all women’s non-fatal victimizations are committed by someone the woman knows. In addition, one-third of all women homicide victims are murdered by intimate partners compared to 5% of men† (Northern Arizona University, 2009, p. 142). These statistics are a harsh reality that we as women need to recognize, realize and prepare for. Considering sexually derived crimes as one of the most horrific kind of crime out there, we need to begin to spread awareness on how to protect ourselves. This day in age it is important that every adult woman know how to fire a gun as well as simple life saving techniques for survival when being attacked. After all, violence will continue, and according to Bindel, â€Å"Violence against women is an international epidemic. It has been identified by the World Health Organization as a grave health issue, affecting more people than HIV and Aids† (Bindel, 2010, p. 38).References Bindel, Julie. 2010. â€Å"A weapon against half the world.† New Statesman 139, no. 4991: 38-39. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed July 1, 2013). Brown P. Saving Your Daughter’s Life. USA Today Magazine [serial online]. November 2012;141(2810):50-51. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed July 1, 2013. Northern Arizona University. (2009). Investigating dif ference: Human and cultural relations in criminal justice. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Prentice Hall.

The Handmaids Tale Foreword

The Handmaids tale Foreword: In an age of consumerism and commercialization, the younger generations are demanding fast satisfaction and instant returns. They want see and own within a couple of taps on their screens which are specialized, personalized, made to meet their every demand. We are in an age where possessions define you. The commercial world loves us and consequently mass production and competition increases happily. Un-till we stop to ask, what costs do these freedoms come? Recently portrayed on the big screen The Handmaids Tale shouts out a universal and timeless message .As warning to us, Margaret Atwood presents the inconvenient truths about the ways in which we live our lives today. Dystopian totalitarian government, Gilead offers prime grounds for Atwood’s ironic and controversial comment . The novel paints a picture of a world undone by pollution, infertility, environmental degradation, declining birthrates and the dangers of nuclear power. It is a classic Re flection of the original production era, the 1980’s, in which the understanding of humanities environmental footprint went commercialGilead is set in a time where life had become so licentious that the morally aggrieved have overthrown, this in just over a decade. The similarities to reality in this novel lead the reader on a confronting journey, both of discovery and realization, positioning them to question society and all that is our normality. Living under the fundamentalist Gilead Ian regime, the commoner is stripped from all that they own and once lived for. It is a society in which freedom has been replaced by control.Due to a drastic decline in fertility rates, the few fertile woman left, are now treated as communal property and are selected for the role of womb, classified as ‘Handmaids’. Women find themselves no longer allowed to read, work, own property, or handle money. Consequently they are entrapped in a system, which defines them by their role: wom b, wife, prostitute, and servant. Various commanders move handmaids from house to house for fertilization and childbirth is miraculous. Reaping the benefits of this rarity are those in power .The rare commodity of a baby is distributed to the commander and his wife. Confronting and contrasting our ways of life today, Atwood evolves a threatening statement about the system. This ‘story’, discusses the social expectations that dominate our lives . In a fictional tale not dissimilar to history, it embodies the timeless tune of human nature. Painting a disturbingly graphic picture of the future and has her audience left appreciating all that we take for granted every day.Through the eyes of handmaid, Offred, we are transported into a totalitarian fundamentalist regime. Offred hangs on those who poison her existence. She has been stripped down to Breeding for breath. Passively resisting the regime Offred in her self is a comment on what it is that truly empowers us. Through off red’s circumstances Atwood has us asking the questions. What is the repercussion of our becoming so acquainted with freedom, that we stop fighting for it? What will the remedy be for when we finally are forced into facing the inconvenient truth?Through entertaining the ethical dilemmas of today, Atwood asks how we will work in solving the problems we are currently making for ourselves. All fundamental issues that the younger generations, the future leaders of our world need to be ware. A theocratic government, which demands false dichotomy, patriotism and ultimately Christian fundamentalism. The themes of this novel are Parallels with the monstrosities we are facing today, consequently presenting us with some disturbing realizations about reality.Presented in a fictional format this book is similar to the healthy version of a mud cake. Juicy, gooey, sweet and enticing, only unlike the pulp fiction today’s audiences crave, this piece of work leaves you thinking. The story hangs on the realities of our world. Yes the world is changing. Will there be anyone left soon from the liberation eras to endorse, and let us understand how to fight for our rights? Will the future of our world know how? I can only imagine these were Atwood’s questions when she set out in writing this prophetic piece. This is her legacy.This is how she answered the question. This is education, reaching out to the masses like someone able to speak a universal language . She has caused the problems in the hope that we will change. Such powerful words of warning becoming more relevant as time goes on, this novel will stand the tests of time and live throughout the 21st century. Atwood remarkably, is able to offer a confronting and ultimate insight into the society today, all this without one generically boring statistics. This is an Ultimately Disturbing dystopia that leaves its audiences captivated by the possibilities.