Ethical and Legal Issues in the Couseling Profession Research Paper

Ethical and Legal Issues in the Couseling Profession - Research Paper Example All in all, these dilemmas and decisions have made me more prudent and more discerning in my approaches to patient care. This essay will now serve as my reflective ethical autobiography with various sources and theories used to help support and evaluate the choices I have made during my immersion. Discussion One of the main teachings which were drilled to us by our professors was the fact that there were various ethical principles which we had to follow and consider with each patient that we cared for. These main ethical principles include: beneficence, patient autonomy or self-determination, non-maleficence, and justice. These principles helped me develop my sense of right or wrong. Whenever I doubted my actions or did not know whether my actions were right or wrong, I always considered these four ethical principles as a guide or as a foundation for my decisions. Beauchamp and Childress identified these ethical principles which should govern the ethical practice of our profession. T hey discuss that the principle of autonomy is basically about the personal rule of oneself which is apart or free from the influences of others and from the limitations which negate meaningful choice (Beauchamp and Childress, 1994). This autonomous decision making process allows the individual to act in accordance with his plans and his choices. Without such autonomy, an individual is dictated by others and is incapable of acting on his desires or plans (Beauchamp and Childress, 1994). In other words, patient autonomy is about allowing the patient to make his own decisions about his care – without forcing him or influencing him to decide in a particular way. In my practice, I often had to explain to patients the different types of care or interventions which can be implemented in their favor. There were times when I was tempted to influence their choices and to sway them towards making decisions which, I felt, were more favorable to the patients and to me. But noting that I m ight be unjustly and unfairly influencing them to make decisions on their care, I ended up being more restrained and being more balanced in explaining possible choices in their care. By allowing them to make their own choices, I was able to afford more respect to my patients as individuals. Patient autonomy is also about respecting the patient’s decision even if such decision is not the best decision for him. One time, I encountered a patient who refused further care and counseling. I knew that he needed to be in therapy and he needed to undergo intensive rehabilitation. However he wanted to undergo a less structured rehabilitation process and he wanted to do it outside the mental health institution. Even if I knew that his choices may not be effective in rehabilitating him, ethics dictated that I had to respect his choice. And so we released him and allowed him to make his own choices of care. The principle of beneficence is based on doing acts of kindness for others (Beauch amp and Childress, 1994). In essence, this principle â€Å"asserts an obligation to help others further their important and legitimate interests† (Beauchamp and Childress, 1994, p. 260). In applying this principle to my counseling practice, I often encountered situations where I knew that my patients needed more intensive counseling. One time, I encountered a high school student whom I assessed to be depressed. She had significant self-image

Social work Essay Example for Free

Social work Essay Divergence between social work and the law is the shift in the perspective or priority of social work that occurred during the 1930s. Previously social work played an important role in legal processes or in the justice system by supporting investigations and providing vital testimonies in court cases. However, during the 1930s at the onset of the great depression, social work underwent a change in priority so that the direction of efforts was towards humanistic issues and mental health issues so that social workers engaged more in these areas and less in legal aspects. It was only during the early 1990s that an area of social work renewed links with law. This was spurred by the recognition of social workers of the need to succumb to the legal regulation of the profession to make social workers recognized as service providers. (Barker Branson, 2000; Neighbors, 2000) In another sense, divergence between social work and the law also pertains to the conflict or friction between the values of social work and laws such as self-determination highly valued by social work relative to the constraints or control imposed by laws. In mental health care, respect for the person forms part of social work practice but mental health laws allow forms of restraint in certain situations and subject to regulatory standards. (Preston-Shoot, Roberts Vernon, 2001) As social work again renewed its relationship with law, social workers need to know a number of things about law. First is the manner that laws are made and passed since social workers are also advocates of any change or improvements needed in areas of law they are involved in. Second is the manner that legal provisions and jurisprudence are interpreted to be able to apply or use laws in various areas of service delivery. Third is the manner that legal provisions are enforced such as procedures in the courtroom, legal documents, roles of members of the legal profession, and other workings of the legal profession since social workers also take part in these procedures. (Barker Branson, 2000; Neighbors, 2000) 2. Summarize in your own words what forensic social workers do, motivations for forensic social workers, and what are the steps toward forensics becoming a specialty. Forensic social workers apply social work to issues pertaining to the law or legal systems (Brammer, 2006). Specifically, forensic social workers fulfill three primary functions. First is the provision of consultation, education and training to members of the legal profession, law enforcement authorities, correctional system personnel, and the public over areas of social work integrated with the law. Second is rendering diagnosis and recommendations and providing treatment to populations within the correctional system, crime victims, witnesses, and criminal justice staff. Third is engaging in administrative and advocacy functions such as policy development, mediation or arbitration, education and training, and research. These are general functions since social workers engage in these functions in terms of their fields of competence or expertise. (Johns, 2007) The greatest and encompassing motivation for forensic social workers is the personal rewards achieved from altruistic actions. The pay of forensic social workers varies according to specialization and expertise. The work is not necessarily appreciated in the criminal justice system or the public. (Barker Branson, 2000) There are three steps in becoming a forensic social worker. First is to acquire exceptional knowledge on the selected area of expertise. Second is to effectively communicate acquired knowledge and translate this into practice to enhance expertise. Third is to become known as an expert in the field through networking or referrals. (Barker Branson, 2000) 3. After reading these two chapters, would forensic social work be a profession you would be interested in pursuing, why or why not? Yes. Forensic social work is a challenging field that develops the potential of social workers to develop knowledge and skills in a multidimensional field of practice that benefits a wide-range of people, especially those with limited knowledge of the law and legal system. Reference List Barker, R. L. Branson, D. M. (2000). Forensic social work: Legal aspects of professional practice (2nd edn. ). New York: The Haworth Press. Brammer, A. (2006). Social work law (2nd edn). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Longman. Johns, R. (2007). Using the law in social work (3rd edn. ). Devon: Learning Matters Ltd Neighbors, I. A. (2000). Forensic social work: The interface between social work and the law. In K. Van Wormer A. R. Roberts (Eds. ), Teaching forensic social work: Course outlines on criminal and juvenile justice and victimology (pp. 113-117). Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Inc. Preston-Shoot, M. , Roberts, G. Vernon, S. (2001). Values in social work law: Strained relations or sustaining relationships?. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 23(1), 1–22.

Injustice and the Importance of Being a Man in A Lesson Before Dying Es

Injustice and the Importance of Being a Man in A Lesson Before Dying      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Justitia, the goddess of justice, is portrayed with a blindfold holding scales and a sword, but she, in applying her scales and sword, has never been colorblind in the U. S. 1[1] Ernest J. Gaines accuses the legal injustice against the black population through an innocent convict, Jefferson's death in A Lesson Before Dying.   However, Gaines penetrates the fact that the legal injustice is rather a result than a cause.   Behind the unfair legal system, a huge matrix of the cultural injustice, which always already presumes the colored people as criminals, does exist.   Gaines, thus, puts more stress on Jefferson's transformation from a "hog" to a man.   Unbinding himself from the humiliating self-notion, a cultural construction in a white ruling society, and establishing his own humanity, Jefferson exemplifies the potentiality of black empowerment against the prevalent racial injustices.2[2]      Gaines's insight and craftsmanship, which channel the legal injustice into the cultural frame, make the novel an outstanding masterpiece of the century.   First, Jefferson's case provides a great example of the injustice in the American legal system in the antebellum society.   Since "white" America did not count the black population as her citizens, the law was totally on the dominant white people's side.3[3]   Jefferson's trial is just an official gesture or ritual.   No matter what happens during the trial, Jefferson is doomed to death.   The legal system operates just as a means of vengeance.   If a white man is killed, a black man has to die for him.   One of the most striking things about Jefferson's trial is the fact that, even before the conviction, every... ...n justice.   Grant's criticism against the decision making process of the date illuminates the hypocrisy of America as a Christian country.   Nevertheless, Jefferson is described as a Christ-like figure.   On Gaines's skepticism about Christianity, see Critical Reflections on the Fiction of Ernest J. Gaines, David C. Estes ed. (Athens, GA: University of Georgia P, 1994), 77-84 and 257-59.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   6[6]   Herman Beavers, Wrestling Angels into Song: The Fictions of Ernest J. Gaines and James Alan McPherson (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania P, 1995), 174.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   7[7] On the relation between the "white" law and cultural discourse that justifies the racism within legal system, Grant says, "They play by the rules their forefathers created hundreds of years ago.   Their forefathers said that we're only three-fifths human - and they believe it to this day" (192).   

Values and Ethics

Values and Ethics: Above All Else AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss my personal values, compare and contrast those values against the NASW Code of Ethics, discuss the selection of a specific values clarification vignette, including reason for choosing, personal feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions, level of comfort regarding the client(s) involved, and actions to be taken to resolve conflicting personal values, and discuss the selection of a particular ethical dilemma, including ethical responsibilities and principles in conflict with dilemma, reasons for choosing, available options to address the concerns, the pros and cons of each option, guidelines and resources available to assist with resolving this dilemma and deciding on appropriate course of action, and what course of action is chosen. Values and Ethics: Above All ElseThree of my personal values include the following: honesty and integrity, never settling for less than one’s best thr ough commitment to improving oneself, and to be accepting of other people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture. My family heavily influenced my personal values as they always taught me to be a free-thinker, open-minded, and to try to put myself in other’s shoes. They pushed me to be the best I could be at whatever I was doing, even when I thought I was already doing my best. They encouraged me to have friendships with people from all walks of life. I have friends of all ages, races, genders, and sexual orientation. I don’t limit myself to one particular group. My parents set examples for me in these values instead of just stating them. In other words, their words mirrored their actions.My personal values conflict with the NASW Code of Ethics on the following levels: 1) Honest and integrity—As an individual who is devoted to building and maintaining a client’s trust in my professional knowledge and dependability, this value conflicts due to the fact agency policies, legal procedures, etc will inevitably place limitations on how I am able to provide services to my client. The ability to remain dedicated and loyal to my client while adhering to particular agency, state, and federal government laws will be a balancing act. There will be times when I have to choose laws over clients in cases where abiding by the law will betray my client and possibly destroy what trust he/she has placed in me.It is my desire if/when this should ever happen, betraying my client due to requirement to adhere to the law will ultimately benefit the client more than maintaining complete confidentiality. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, â€Å"†¦social workers’ responsibility to the larger society or specific legal obligations may on limited occasions supersede the loyalty owed clients, and clients should be so advised† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2008, 1. 01 Commitment To Clients). An example of this would be informing the law about child neglect or abuse during a counseling session with a client who tells me her child is being abused.Additionally, â€Å"†¦the client’s right to confidentiality may be less compelling than the rights of other people who could be severely harmed or damaged by actions planned by the client and confided to the practitioner† (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, Gottfriend, & Larsen, 2006). 2) Never settling for less that one’s best: The hardest challenge for me is accepting my clients â€Å"where they are† because I am always wanting my clients to achieve the highest level of functioning and well-being as possible. If the client’s current stage or state in life is â€Å"where they are supposed to be†, then I have to ask the question, â€Å"Why are they being referred to me for assistance? † In my personal life, I both desire and am always encouraging my friends and family to succeed in whatever they are doing.It is difficult to see them struggle when I think there is a better life for them. I have to stop and remind myself what I think is better or best for them is not always appropriate nor what they want. To me, this is the hardest to accept. I have to be very mindful I don’t impose my own wishes and desires on my client while maintaining an encouraging and positive client/worker helping relationship, (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2008, 1. 02 Self Determination); 3) Accepting of other people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture: It is difficult for me to work with a client who is unwilling to accept help from someone based on race, gender, or culture: i. e. client refusing to work with an African-American social worker, a female social worker, a homosexual social worker, etc. In dealing with the geriatric population, I have encountered quite a bit of racism from my clients as most of them were raised during the turbulent years of th e Civil Rights Movement. They have the mindset and use terminology that is very offensive to me. I have had clients tell me they don’t like the people who live in their neighborhood simply because they are not Caucasian. I also have clients who have told me they don’t think I can help them, and refer to me as â€Å"that little girl† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 1. 05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity).My personal values compare with the NASW Code of Ethics on the following levels: 1) Honesty and Integrity: I am committed to representing the social work profession in an ethical, professional manner to the best of my ability. I am committed to remaining honest with my clients, my employers, and my colleagues. I embrace integrity by taking responsibility for my actions and providing my clients with the highest level of service available. Integrity, for all people, holds a variety of meanings and is enacted on different levels. For me, integrity means operating in ethical and highly conscientious levels even when no one is watching and no recognition is given. Social work is one of the professions where expectations from both clients and employers are high, financial compensation is low, and gratitude and appreciation is rarely given.The professional must find their own avenue of appreciation through the realization that their actions can ultimately have a positive impact on the lives of those clients and their families long after the social worker has terminated their relationship (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 6. 01 Social Welfare). 2) Never settling for one’s best: As previously stated, I am always wanting better for my friends, family, and especially my clients. This motivates me to carefully examine every avenue for every possible resource available and utilize them to best facilitate my client’s ability to achieve their pre-determined goals. It can be said social workers of ten serve in the creative capacity when it comes to helping their client succeed. As economic times get harder and federal and state budges get tighter, social workers will have the increasingly daunting task of providing maximum services on a minimal budget.I have a strong drive for my clients to succeed which serves as a catalyst in finding avenues of assistance. 3) Accepting of other people: We, as a nation, are known as the â€Å"Melting Pot of the World†. Thus, social workers will have clients from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Having this acceptance and being open-minded towards people whose sexual orientation, lifestyle, religious and ethnic beliefs do not fit one particular mold will be extremely beneficial to me as I continue to grow in my professional career. I will be better able to serve my clients to the best of my ability and limit the possibility of any biases I may have, both realized and unrealized, to effect the working/helping relationship between me and my client.The vignette I chose to examine my personal and professional values against is vignette #1 concerning a home study with gay males that are interested in adoption. My reason behind choosing this vignette is the increase in media coverage of homosexual couples that are interested in adopting and the reactions from the public in regard. As stated by the NASW, â€Å"social workers’ social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 Value: Social Injustice). I would want to help this couple more than a heterosexual couple due to the discrimination that gay couples experience. I want to help oppressed individuals more and this makes me feel prideful to do so.However, the NASW also states that â€Å"social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful part icipation in decision making for all people† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 Value: Social Injustice). Due to this conflict, I would make every effort that every client receives equal service and I perform my job as professionally as I can. I have difficulty understanding other’s prejudices, and for this reason, I feel the need to over-compensate for those that have been discriminated against. I immediately felt sorry for this gay couple even though I had not met them yet.As a human being and in accordance to the NASW Code of Ethics, it is my duty to respect the inherent dignity and worth of this client as a person (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person). This value is further emphasized in Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills with the following passage: â€Å"All human beings deserve access to the resources they need to deal with life’s problems and to develop their potentialities † (Hepworth et. al, 2006). Additionally, the authors seek to advise the social worker to remain vigilant in terms of not allowing his or her personal biases to affect the helping relationship.My preconceived beliefs include the thought that this gay couple had been discriminated against multiple times and would expect me to do the same. I also assumed this gay couple would fit best with a female child, thinking some homosexual males relate well with females. However, they are males, so would they relate better with a male child? These assumptions are just that: assumptions. Social workers should base practice on recognized knowledge, including empirically based knowledge, relevant to social work and social work ethics (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 4. 01c Competence). I am quick to extinguish any assumptions once they have run their course in my mind. I rarely embrace them; they are just merely a notion that passes through my brain.I am uncomfortable with every client when I do the first home visit. I know the correct body language to show, verbal and nonverbal, so I am able to hide my uneasiness and build a rapport quickly. Once a relationship has started to develop with a client, I am more at ease in their presence and able to provide quality level of services for them. After establishing their needs and goals, I would seek any resources that could assist the couple with all needs identified and the process of adoption. Throughout the course of helping this couple, I would remind myself that they are not my only clients, and all of my clients need to be serviced equally.The vignette I chose to discuss my ethical and principle conflicts is ethical dilemma #1 regarding the formation of a youth group in a state correctional facility. I chose this vignette because I have quite a bit of experience with youth and I am most comfortable with younger clients. Working with clients in a correctional facility is very appealing to me so this vi gnette caught my attention before the other ones had a chance. In this situation, I could share all information I learn in the group, share nothing I learn in the group, or disclose in the beginning the nature of confidentiality and decide if any references made in group need to be reported.In deciding if any references in group should be reported, I would use the professional knowledge of my superiors and equals to assist me in this judgment. By sharing all information I learn in the youth group, I would not miss any important information pertaining to my clients. Due to confidentiality concerns, I would only share the information with those the client had consented and those I had to share with. This course of action would demonstrate loyalty to my company as well as profession. The cons of the following options are as follows: 1) Having a meeting between intern and agency supervisor may cause feelings of resentment, confusion, and distrust.The intern may feel the agency superviso r thinks they are inexperienced and incapable of handling the job; 2) Having a meeting between the intern and the field instructor may cause the intern to feel he/she is unsuccessful in conflict resolution and may also cause them to feel the field instructor cannot trust them to perform their job duties; 3) Coordinating a meeting among the field instructor, the student intern, and the agency supervisor may cause to promote feelings of animosity, biases, etc for each party involved. The agency supervisor may feel threatened especially when regarding his/her agency’s policies and their stance on them. The field instructor may feel that the agency is being unrealistic in terms of its expectations and requirements for student interns.The student intern may feel caught in the middle and that he/she is unable to demonstrate their capacity for effective conflict resolution. 4) By requesting a transfer to another department, the student may not be able to experience what the field in structor had originally intended. 5) In the event that the parties are not able to come to a reasonable solution, then the student must find an alternative placement to complete field. This may leave the student intern confused, doubting their professional abilities, and the unwillingness to speak up if similar problems arise at their new location of internship. The resources that exist to help me resolve this ethical dilemma include my field instructor, my agency supervisor, the NASW Code of Ethics, and my own personal convictions.The NASW Code of Ethics states, â€Å"Social workers who function as educators or field instructors for students should take reasonable steps to ensure that clients are routinely informed when services are being provided by students†. Additionally, the Code of Ethics refers to the fact reasonable accommodations should be taken by each party to ensure that this occurs: â€Å"Social work administrators should take reasonable steps to ensure that the working environment for which they are responsible is consistent with and encourages compliance with the  NASW Code of Ethics† (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 3. 02 Education and Training). The responsibility of the student intern being able to operate professionally within an organization and to exhibit their learned skill set belongs to both the administrator of the desired agency as well as the field instructor.The student intern has a responsibility to ensure the agency supervisor is aware of the intern’s obligations to the NASW COE. Furthermore, he/she is responsible for ensuring agency practices do not hinder or interfere with their obligations in accordance to it (National Association of Social Workers [NASW] 2008 3. 09 Commitment to Employers). It would be my choice to utilize the Code of Ethics, hold consultations with my agency supervisor and field instructor, and my own professional experience to make an informed decision as to remain w ith the agency or not. It would also be my desire the agency, my field instructor, and I could work to an agreeable solution and avoid having to seek alternative placement elsewhere.If we are unable to achieve this, I would exit the agency on a positive note and seek to apply my skill set and gain additional experience at a different agency. Above all, I would always present and interact on a professional manner as well as remember to always have a second plan in place. Hepworth, D. H, Rooney, R. H. Rooney, G. D, Gottfried-Strom, K. , Larsen, J. A. (2006). Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills (7th) Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education. 54,55,57,69. National Association of Social Workers. (2008). Retrieved June 30, 2012 from http://www. socialworkers. org/pubs/Code/code. asp Perry, Dr. Tonya. Values & Ethics In Social Work Practice [PDF document]. Retrieved from Lecture Note Handouts. June 30, 2012.

Financial Analysis Essay

It was Henning Holck-Larsen and Soren Kristian Tuobro, the two promising Danish engineers who were committed to develop the engineering capabilities in order to meet the demand for the necessary industries in India. L&T at first started its business by importing sophisticated machineries for taking up complex engineering and construction assignments which was needed in the Indian market. L&T started its business by importing sophisticated machineries for taking up complex engineering and construction assignments which was needed in the Indian market from Europe. It is now a limited company fully based on engineering, technology, and construction. L&T is India’s one of the largest and know industrial organisations with a reputation for technological excellence, high quality of products and services and strong customer orientation. They value their customers by using customer focused strategy giving them value and a world class quality. It has enabled them to attain a title of the biggest player in their market field. The L&T has attained its international presence by opening its offices in different parts of world which has helped them to attain profits and grow widely. The wide marketing and distribution network not only gives them a strong customer support but also those to attain progress with keeping in mind the protection of the environment. The company is constantly on the move for innovation in their technology which helps them to attract potential shareholders. The company takes a major attention towards the culture when working in different parts of the world, which helps them to meet the satisfaction level of its stakeholders, employees and society. The company believes in their employees by giving them freedom at work which then helps their employees to complete interesting, motivating and challenging tasks with ease. It is open to suggestion and ideas at the workplace. Hence, it has given birth to advancement and the company is at present growing on a high scale with a rapid pace while playing as a major threat to their competitors. Today, the company is therefore huge and owns major Independent companies. It holds positions of independent companies in the field of Hydrocarbon, Heavy engineering, Power, Construction, Electricals and Automations, IT, Shipping, Railway projects and many more. It has created mile stones with successful projects in other countries like Sri Lanka in terms of delivering quality power projects and becoming the largest seller of coal to China. It has also played a major role in India’s maiden moon missions. Capital Structure In terms of finance, capital structure represents the way a corporation finances its assets through the combinations of equity, debt, or hybrid securities. The capital structure of a firm is then the composition or ‘structure’ of its liabilities. It gives the overview and the standing in the market place by putting a bright light on the working style of the company.

A Sociological Understanding of Moral Panic

A Sociological Understanding of Moral Panic A moral panic is a widespread fear, most often an irrational one, that someone or something is a threat to the values, safety, and interests of a community or society at large. Typically, a moral panic is perpetuated by the news media, fueled by politicians, and often results in the passage of new laws or policies that target the source of the panic. In this way, moral panic can foster increased social control. Moral panics are often centered around people who are marginalized in society due to their race or ethnicity, class, sexuality, nationality, or religion. As such, a moral panic often draws on known stereotypes and reinforces them. It can also exacerbate the real and perceived differences and divisions between groups of people. Moral panic is well known in the sociology of deviance and crime and is related to the labeling theory of deviance. Stanley Cohens Theory of Moral Panics The phrase moral panic and the development of the sociological concept is credited to the late South African sociologist Stanley Cohen (1942–2013). Cohen introduced the social theory of moral panic in his 1972 book titled Folk Devils and Moral Panics. In the book, Cohen describes how the British public reacted to the rivalry between the mod and rocker youth subcultures of the 1960s and 70s. Through his study of these youth and the media and public reaction to them, Cohen developed a theory of moral panic that outlines five stages of the process. The Five Stages and Key Players of Moral Panics First, something or someone is perceived and defined as a threat to social norms and the interests of the community or society at large. Second, the news media and community members depict the threat in simplistic, symbolic ways that quickly become recognizable to the greater public. Third, widespread public concern is aroused by the way news media portrays the symbolic representation of the threat. Fourth, the authorities and policymakers respond to the threat, be it real or perceived, with new laws or policies. In the final stage, the moral panic and the subsequent actions of those in power lead to social change in the community. Cohen suggested that there are five key sets of actors involved in the process of moral panic. They are the threat that incites the moral panic, which Cohen referred to as folk devils, and the enforcers of rules or laws, like institutional authority figures, police, or armed forces. The news media plays its role by breaking the news about the threat and continuing to report on it, thereby setting the agenda for how it is discussed and attaching visual symbolic images to it. Enter politicians, who respond to the threat and sometimes fan the flames of the panic, and the public, which develops a focused concern about the threat and demands action in response to it. The Beneficiaries of Social Outrage Many sociologists have observed that those in power ultimately benefit from moral panics, since they lead to increased control of the population and the reinforcement of the authority of those in charge. Others have commented that moral panics offer a mutually beneficial relationship between news media and the state. For the media, reporting on threats that become moral panics increases viewership and makes money for news organizations. For the state, the creation of a moral panic can give it cause to enact legislation and laws that would seem illegitimate without the perceived threat at the center of the moral panic. Examples of Moral Panics There have been many moral panics throughout history, some quite notable.  The Salem witch trials, which took place throughout colonial Massachusetts in 1692, are an oft-mentioned example of this phenomenon. Women who were social outcasts faced accusations of witchcraft after local girls were afflicted with unexplained fits. Following the initial arrests, accusations spread to other women in the community who expressed doubt about the claims or who responded to them in ways deemed improper or inappropriate. This particular moral panic served to reinforce and strengthen the social authority of local religious leaders, since witchcraft was perceived to be a threat to Christian values, laws, and order. More recently, some sociologists have framed the War on Drugs of the 1980s and 90s as an outcome of moral panic. News media attention to drug use, particularly use of crack cocaine among the urban black underclass, focused public attention on drug use and its relationship to delinquency and crime. The public concern generated through news reporting on this topic, including a feature in which then-First Lady Nancy Reagan participated in a drug raid, shored up voter support for drug laws that penalized the poor and working classes while ignoring drug use among the middle and upper classes. Many sociologists attribute the policies, laws, and sentencing guidelines connected to the War on Drugs with increased policing of poor urban neighborhoods and incarceration rates of residents of those communities. Additional moral panics include public attention to welfare queens, the notion that poor black women are abusing the social services system while enjoying lives of luxury. In reality, welfare fraud is not very common, and no one racial group is more likely to commit it. There is also moral panic around a so-called gay agenda that threatens the American way of life when members of the LGBTQ community simply want equal rights. Lastly, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Islamophobia, surveillance laws, and racial and religious profiling grew from the fear that all Muslims, Arabs, or brown people overall are dangerous because the terrorists who targeted the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had that background. In fact, many acts of domestic terrorism have been committed by non-Muslims. Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Writing Contests

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Writing Contests Naturally youd love to win a prize for your writing. Most writers crave affirmation and reward, and like everyone else, you need money. You proof your work, read the guidelines, and submit Well yes and no. Things arent quite as simple as that, and here are some pitfalls to avoid. Ive made pretty much all of these mistakes over the years and when I stopped doing them, I won 20 writing contests. DONT: 1. Read only How to Enter page but not the Terms and Conditions and FAQs pages. On the How to Enter page youve been told to write a story up to 2,000 words on the theme of Whatever, and email it. Who could blame you if you do just that? Unfortunately vital information often hides on other pages. In the Terms and Conditions, for instance, you may find that entries have to be in a certain font. In the FAQs you may find that stories containing profanity will be disqualified. Check every page on the site that pertains to the competition. Its a pain, but it saves wasting your time. 2. Proof your piece in too short a time. Youve proofread your work. In fact youve read it through six times! Great, but did you read it six times one after the other? If theres time before the deadline, leave the piece for a week or longer so that you can proofread with fresh eyes. Even then theres a danger of seeing what you meant to write rather than what you actually wrote. Ideally youre fixed up with a writing comp buddy, and you proof each others comp entries. 3. Forget to check the time zone. You know the deadline, but make check the time zone. If its GMT and youre on EPT, find out when exactly you need to get your entry in. Its very frustrating to miss out 4. Send your elegant sonnet to a competition that likes heartwarming tales of people who overcome lifes obstacles, or vice versa. If its the inaugural year of the competition you may have no precise theme or detailed instructions to go on. In that case, gauge the tone and style of the website and research the judges. If the competition has run in previous years, read the winners. Youre unlikely to win with a clone of a winning piece from last year, but youll understand the type of writing the judges like. 5. Logic yourself out of entering. Youve written the piece, followed the guidelines, and read the rules and FAQs. Youve proofed your entry. Then you have a thought sequence that goes something like this: There will be thousands of entrants. Is it really worth it? Logically, its a waste of time entering. You dont enter, convinced that youve been sensible. Have you, though? If theres an entry fee and you cant afford it, then yes. If you know of a better home for your piece, then yes. Otherwise, no. Your piece may not win, but you dont know how many entries there will be in even a free competition. One that I won had just 20 entrants. And you never know how you compare to the talent of the other writers. You just might be the cream of the crop!