Ethnicity And Democracy In The Case Of Kenya Politics Essay

Ethnicity And Democracy In The Case Of Kenya Politics Essay Ethnicity is derived from Greek word ethnos, which means a nation or a people. The term ethnicity may also mean a race or group of people with common racial features and common cultural uniqueness. Once consciousness of being part of an ethnic group is created, it takes on a self preservation dimension and is passed from one generation to another. Also, Max Weber  [2]  defined an ethnic group as those human beings or groups that entertain a subjective belief in their common descent because of migration or colonization in such a way that this belief is important for the continuance of non-kinship communal relationships. Ethnic affiliation is deeply embedded inside peoples consciousness and is difficult for them to break away from it. Thus ethnicity is natural and innate in human beings as part of their nature, which is inevitable. Every human being has a natural inclination towards identifying with other persons whom he/she share common interests, history or origin. Mans sense of belonging makes him associate with people he/she is closely related with, which results in the formation of an ethnic group with its unique and peculiar way of life. A fundamental unity between the different persons in an African community, that is, a unity of human relationship, underlies Traditional African morality. African morality places considerable value on the conformity of the individual to the social group in order to preserve the unity of communal associations. It could be said that in a way, African thought is indeed more concerned with the relationship than with the different entities which constitute the relationship. All human behavior is thus expected to conform to this value to ensure social harmony. Kenya is a multicultural and multi ethnic country comprising of more than forty two ethnic identities each with its own unique way of life. In the opinion of this study, good governance is the starting point for Africas recovery, not only for the benefit of Africans themselves, but also to pacify western fears of failed states which may harbor volatile dissidents or terrorists. According to the Wests experience, a fundamental element of improving governance is the transition to a democratic society. While it is accepted that dictatorships tend to offer more stability, democracy if all of the conditions are met is promotive of the best outcomes in terms of human liberty. Legitimate democratic governments are less violent towards their citizens, and because they permit opposition, are less likely to result in bloody revolutions  [3]  . Negative ethnicity still remains a dominant political force and it has brought with it poverty and exploitation which have for a long time held Kenya hostage. Since Independence, Kenyan politicians have manipulated ethnic divisions for their own myopic political and economic agendas, maintaining ethnicity at the forefront of the collective psyche. Despite being a powerful tool for conflict, ethnicity has simultaneously evolved into a valuable resource for access to economic stability for corrupt politicians, and opportunities to plunder state resources. In Kenya, state fund allocation is distributed by ethnic region, creating disparities and animosities between different ethnic groups. In fact the major reason that caused the infamous 2007 post election violence and skirmishes in which over 100 people lost their lives and property worth millions of dollars destroyed, was due to the perceived marginalization of some Kenyan communities denying them access to state resources and employm ent opportunities. In terms of democratic elections, ethnic or tribal affiliation dictates loyalties. Regardless of electoral platform, the Kenyan citizenry will almost exclusively vote for their ethnic representative. In the 2007 presidential elections, ethnicity played a crucial role. Mr. Mwai Kibaki, a Kikuyu, got few votes in Nyanza province which is predominantly Luo, whereas his opponent Mr. Raila Odinga, a Luo, got minimal votes in Central province which is predominantly Kikuyu. Kenyan politics has always been practiced based on a high degree of ethnic exploitation and opportunism. Kenyan politicians frequently base their political campaigns by appealing to tribal fears, stereotypes and ethnic expectations thus relegating to the backseat broad-based genuine and ethnically inclusive and equitable democratic platforms. Because I am from your tribe, you can trust me I will not eat alone please Vote for me, with the implied meaning that you cannot trust those who do not belong to your tribe and they will not share with you the national cake. This is because voters think that having their tribesmen and women in power necessarily translates to better life for them. So when ones kinsperson loses a competitive election, violence usually breaks out. This can be explained by the fact that when an individual wins an election whether fairly or through fraud, he/she diverts all state resources to his/her region and the rest of the country has to wait for five years until elections are held for them to get a chance to have one of their own in power. Kenyans vote as ethnic blocs partly because the economic inequalities in the country has brought with it widespread poverty and political illiteracy. People who are politically illiterate and poverty stricken need basic needs like food and not freedom of thought and conscience. They do not care about their right to vote and how it affects them. Thus potential voters always sell their electors cards for a loaf of bread or for a sum of less than one US dollar to their tribal kingpins. The less fortunate are the majority in Kenya and thus more vulnerable to ethnic manipulation by crooked politicians and lords of impunity. The Kenyan electorate has become sycophantic and in most cases rarely make autonomous choices when voting due to negative ethnicity. This violates an individuals ability to exercise his/her voluntariness. This is ones ability to make a choice without being unduly pressured to make a particular choice for any specific reason. Being free in making a decision means that w e own the decision as ours and that one ought to have a better option. The principle of voluntariness removes coercion or any influence as possible so that the decision is the individuals and not someone elses. The purpose of coercion and undue influence is to do an end run around a choice or judgment so that an individual will do what he/she might not ordinarily have done in the absence of such irrationally persuasive techniques. An individuals decisions and choices at their very best ought to be as a result of his /her own self determination. The well being of a nation depends on the capacity of the electorate to choose leaders wisely and prudently. Ethnic voting patterns undermine the common good in terms of the quality of leadership since in most cases the ones whose ethnic group is more populous even if their leadership qualities are deficient, are the ones who get elected. Taken to its extreme, negative ethnicity results in coups and revolutions. In Kenya ethnicity has been used as a partial criterion for apportioning benefits and burdens among the citizenry. This practice is rampant during employment and discharge of public services in which special and undue consideration is given to a person on the basis of his/her ethnic identity. Here meritocracy is not the criterion. Negative ethnicity has undermined the common good by placing unqualified persons to positions of responsibility. It is also worth noting that the current president Mwai Kibaki has on many occasions been accused of favoring his community in making public appointments. Plum government jobs are held by people from his Mount Kenya region and Kikuyu community. It is not surprising to see key government ministries like that of Finance, Trade, energy, Provincial Administration among other plum ministries are being run by people from the presidents community. Corruption is rife in these ministries as no one is willing to blow up the whistle since it is one of their own eating (muntu wa nyumba, a slang word people from the presidents community use to identify one another). This has not only denied the qualified and deserving persons the opportunity to actualize their potential but has also led to ineffectual performance of duty and services to the public. Negative ethnicity violates the principle of equity, which allows discrimination by reference to morally relevant differences and forbids discrimination in the absence of such differences. It is fair to discriminate in favor of the needy or the meritorious or the able; it is unfair to discriminate between people who are equally able by merely appealing to ones ethnicity. Loyalty to ones ethnic group is highly celebrated in Kenya and this has become more rampant than moral rules in shaping behavior. The culture of us versus them is so ingrained in our country that politicians have coined all types of ethnic expressions and innuendos to whip up ethnic emotions among the citizenry. Phrases such as Eshienyu ne Eshienyu (ours is ours however rotten or bad it may appear to others), Kamwene (it has its owner, it belongs to us not them) have taken centre stage in Kenyas political lingo. A public office is seen to belong to a whole community by virtue of one of their own being the holder of that office. Consequently any positive criticism aimed at the holder of the office is taken to be an affront and assault on the entire community. Thus this way obligation to ones ethnic group often take precedence over those of public office, resulting in political leaders deviating from established rules and thus sowing seeds of corruption and impunity. Ethnic loyalties and other primordial ties have made political leaders develop a sense of obligation that is inconsistent with ethics of public office. Failure to discharge these obligations even if inspired by a need to follow moral rules and values may result in a backlash from the persons respective ethnic community. Ethnic chauvinism is an extreme form of collective self interests where ones ethnic group is the centre of everything and all others are scaled and rated with reference to it. Thus, ethnocentrism is responsible for many armed conflicts in Kenya and Africa at large. When ethnic loyalty becomes the guiding principle in awarding burdens and benefits in society, there is no objectivity in carrying out public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits. The choices are not based on merit but on ethnic identities. Political power allocation of resources, jobs and services cannot be left at the mercy of ethnic self interest, private ownership and personal possession because this can have adverse effects on the basic inherent rights of others whose interests have been excluded. Social exclusion damages the social self thus spoiling personal identity. Social inclusion and participation in terms of access to the material conditions of well being in society is an important pre-condition for human freedom. If people are excluded from such access, the development of their social self becomes impaired. In the language of Plato and Aristotle, equal shares ought to go to equals and unequal to unequal. In Politics III, 12, Aristotle puts it thus if flutes are to be distributed, they should go only to those who have the capacity for playing flutes, that is, benefits and responsibilities should be proportionate to the worth of those who receive them. Thus it is fair to discriminate in favor of the needy or meritorious but unfair to discriminate between people who are equally needy and equally meritorious. Justice which is one of the basic pillars of humanity deals with the distribution of burdens and benefits of goods and services according to a just standard to all human beings in any society. Negative ethnicity in Kenya has hindered the growth of democracy. This is because the Kenyan electorate votes along ethnic lines. Thus the electorate will vote for a candidate who is from their ethnic community even if he/she does not have good leadership qualities. This in turn has affected the quality of leadership in our country since undeserving candidates (tribal jingoists) whip up ethnic emotions of their community to rally behind them. This has bred leaders who distribute national resources along ethnic lines. Thus one can only access national resources and privileges if he/she has a member of his/her community holding a public office. This has sowed seeds of corruption, ethnic strife and impunity. Thus it is not strange to see two communities forming an alliance to defeat a candidate from a community they consider to be their common political enemy. This cultural myopia is destructive and undermines the quality of leadership and also quality of life of the entire Kenyan citiz enry. It is also worth noting that currently a group of politicians led by the current Vice President, Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka, are at the moment touting of forming a tribal alliance called triple K (KKK) comprising of three ethnic communities, the Kamba, Kikuyu and Kalenjin so as to front one candidate whose myopic agenda is to block the current Prime Minister Mr. Raila Odinga from winning the 2012 presidential elections. Such alliances undermine democracy and the rule of law in Kenya. This has bred impunity and entrenched corruption since one can get away with theft of public resources as long as his/her kinsperson is in power. Majority of Kenyans have great expectations in the International Criminal Court (ICC) stepping in, and helping entrench the rule of law in a country in which tribe matters than law. This is because without the rule of law being entrenched in society, there can never be any meaningful democracy in a country. Socrates set the agenda of reflectively questioning common beliefs and explanations carefully distinguishing those beliefs that are reasonable and logical from those which however appealing they may be to our native ethnocentrism, even if they serve our vested interests, may lack adequate rational foundation to warrant our belief. In the opinion of this study ethnic loyalties that discriminate against others on the basis or arbitrary criterion of ones tribe undermine human dignity. Jesus Christ affirmed that Love your neighbor as you love yourself. This is the way in which dignity fulfills itself. It means transformation from being self centered. Human dignity is destroyed by self love. Self interests are good when united with others interests to form common interests and bad when fulfilled at the expense of others. Ethnic common interests as represented in a democratically organized society are the best way of guaranteeing everyone some basic means of existence. Ethnicity per se however, is not divisive or alienating when not taken to the extreme as is the case with tribal jingoists. This paper argues for the enhancement of criticality among Kenyans to curb negative ethnicity. Kenyans need to be thoroughly reflective in every area of their lives. Such criticality will enhance individuality in the Kenyan electorate. This will transform people into persons who, motivated by high order value of truth, universal well being of all ethnic communities and the inter-relatedness of humanity would transcend personal and group egoism. This will inculcate tolerance among the various ethnic groups in Kenya. A critical thinker thinks for himself/herself as an individual and only accepts what has been proved or demonstrated to the satisfaction of reason. A critical thinker cannot be short circuited in his/her decision making process so as to choose one alternative rather than another. Autonomy empowers a person to have a strong sense of personal responsibility for his/her own choices and actions. Critical thinking will minimize incidences of blind unquestioning ethnic loyalties and conformity to established cultural norms that perpetuate ethnic chauvinism and impunity..

Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Pan-Islamic terrorism in the Middle East Essay

Being unique is what sets us apart from others; it gives us the edge over other people. Differences amongst us have been one of the most unique features God has granted human beings. One look and the differences are evident, making it clear no one is the same and no one will end-up in the same way. Human beings not only vary physically but also in lifestyle, culture, emotions, perspective in life, and in religion. At times human set aside these differences for the greater good, for the cause of peace and prosperity, but most of the time they fight for what they believe in even if it costs them or others life. Countless wars have been waged for the cause of justice, freedom and sovereignty over a piece of property. One dispute over a piece of land known to the world is the dispute between Israel and Palestine over the Land of Israel/Palestine. Israelites are Jews while the Palestinians are Arabs, but, this does not mean that the dispute is a religious one, it is solely a dispute over a 10,000 sq. mile property where both party claim rights over it. The reason for such a 60-year old dispute is based on the history of the land each party is trying to claim. According to the History Guy1, historically, the ancient Jews from Biblical times called their land Israel, Canaan, Judea, etc. and that in the days of the Bible God gave the land to the ancient Jews known as the Hebrews. But due to massive killings brought about by the Roman Empire, Jews were forced to move out from their land resulting to â€Å"The Diaspora†. But after some years, the Palestinians settled, earning them as the majority ethnic group in the land, thus Palestines claim the right over it. And since the Jews have returned, they also want their rights over the land given that it was granted to them by God. Both of these groups struggle to keep what they believe is theirs, by law or by nature. But the Palestinians went over board. They have inflicted intolerable pain to the world. Where Palestinians send out death threats, destroying infrastructures as well as eliminating __________________________ 1 â€Å"The Israeli-Palestiniam Conflict†, The History Guy. Retrieved June 5, 2007 from The History Guy Website. http://www. historyguy. com/israeli-palestinian_conflict. html job opportunities, and worse, destroying the lives of countless innocent souls now forever shadowed by fear. Terrorism as defined by Britannica Online2, is the systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political objective. Many Islamic groups have arisen in different parts of the earth to spread terrorism in the face of the planet. The Al-Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf and others are examples of the different Islamic groups present in different locations on Earth with one mission in mind, to inflict pain. Islamic issues on terrorism have stopped the world in its tracks, as the massive killings became worse. The world became spectators as bomb after bomb set off, killing people stripping them of their right to live. The world watched in horror as the World Trade Center where many employees work, were blown off to pieces. Some were found severely injured, others were never found under dusts and pile of debris. No one surely knows the reason for such terrorism; could it be that these Palestinians want to rule the world? Or they just want to prove something? There are many speculations on the cause of the terrorism brought about by these Arabs. But a certain speculation reveals that this terrorism was started by the dispute of the Palestinians and Israelites over the piece of property. That due to this dispute over a piece of property, the Palestinians brought terrorism to the world to inflict fear and pain in order to get what they want, and eliminating those who stand in their way. And as these Palestinians see it, the only way to get what they want, and in this circumstance that piece of land, force has to be used. Believing that inflicting pain and fear to the masses can weaken their decisions and give these Arabs what they want. These Palestinians truly believe that the piece of land they are fighting for is truly theirs. And they will fight for the right over it even if it takes how many lives or how much blood shall be spilled, as long as this goal is achieved.  2 terrorism. (2007). In Encyclop? dia Britannica. Retrieved June 5, 2007, from Encyclop? dia Britannica Online: http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9071797 References: terrorism. (2007). In Encyclop? dia Britannica. Retrieved June 5, 2007, from Encyclop? dia Britannica Online: http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9071797 â€Å"The Israeli-Palestiniam Conflict†, The History Guy. Retrieved June 5, 2007 from The History Guy Website. Being unique is what sets us apart from others; it gives us the edge over other people. Differences amongst us have been one of the most unique features God has granted human beings. One look and the differences are evident, making it clear no one is the same and no one will end-up in the same way. Human beings not only vary physically but also in lifestyle, culture, emotions, perspective in life, and in religion. At times human set aside these differences for the greater good, for the cause of peace and prosperity, but most of the time they fight for what they believe in even if it costs them or others life. Countless wars have been waged for the cause of justice, freedom and sovereignty over a piece of property. One dispute over a piece of land known to the world is the dispute between Israel and Palestine over the Land of Israel/Palestine. Israelites are Jews while the Palestinians are Arabs, but, this does not mean that the dispute is a religious one, it is solely a dispute over a 10,000 sq. mile property where both party claim rights over it. The reason for such a 60-year old dispute is based on the history of the land each party is trying to claim. According to the History Guy1, historically, the ancient Jews from Biblical times called their land Israel, Canaan, Judea, etc. and that in the days of the Bible God gave the land to the ancient Jews known as the Hebrews. But due to massive killings brought about by the Roman Empire, Jews were forced to move out from their land resulting to â€Å"The Diaspora†. But after some years, the Palestinians settled, earning them as the majority ethnic group in the land, thus Palestines claim the right over it. And since the Jews have returned, they also want their rights over the land given that it was granted to them by God. Both of these groups struggle to keep what they believe is theirs, by law or by nature. But the Palestinians went over board. They have inflicted intolerable pain to the world. Where Palestinians send out death threats, destroying infrastructures as well as eliminating __________________________ 1 â€Å"The Israeli-Palestiniam Conflict†, The History Guy. Retrieved June 5, 2007 from The History Guy Website. http://www. historyguy. com/israeli-palestinian_conflict. html job opportunities, and worse, destroying the lives of countless innocent souls now forever shadowed by fear. Terrorism as defined by Britannica Online2, is the systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political objective. Many Islamic groups have arisen in different parts of the earth to spread terrorism in the face of the planet. The Al-Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf and others are examples of the different Islamic groups present in different locations on Earth with one mission in mind, to inflict pain. Islamic issues on terrorism have stopped the world in its tracks, as the massive killings became worse. The world became spectators as bomb after bomb set off, killing people stripping them of their right to live. The world watched in horror as the World Trade Center where many employees work, were blown off to pieces. Some were found severely injured, others were never found under dusts and pile of debris. No one surely knows the reason for such terrorism; could it be that these Palestinians want to rule the world? Or they just want to prove something? There are many speculations on the cause of the terrorism brought about by these Arabs. But a certain speculation reveals that this terrorism was started by the dispute of the Palestinians and Israelites over the piece of property. That due to this dispute over a piece of property, the Palestinians brought terrorism to the world to inflict fear and pain in order to get what they want, and eliminating those who stand in their way. And as these Palestinians see it, the only way to get what they want, and in this circumstance that piece of land, force has to be used. Believing that inflicting pain and fear to the masses can weaken their decisions and give these Arabs what they want. These Palestinians truly believe that the piece of land they are fighting for is truly theirs. And they will fight for the right over it even if it takes how many lives or how much blood shall be spilled, as long as this goal is achieved. __________________________ 2 terrorism. (2007). In Encyclop? dia Britannica. Retrieved June 5, 2007, from Encyclop? dia Britannica Online: http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9071797 References: terrorism. (2007). In Encyclop? dia Britannica. Retrieved June 5, 2007, from Encyclop? dia Britannica Online: http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9071797 â€Å"The Israeli-Palestiniam Conflict†, The History Guy. Retrieved June 5, 2007 from The History Guy Website. http://www. historyguy. com/israeli-palestinian_conflict. html.

The Columbine Tragedy - 766 Words

The Columbine Tragedy The student sat at her desk on Monday morning in English class, discussing the details of the weekend with her best friend. The bell rang at 8:45 a.m. and her teacher started taking attendance. It was a new week with so many things to accomplish. The teacher finished the morning details by completing lunch count. She then asked her pupils to quit visiting, and to open their literature books and begin reading. All of a sudden a sound rings through the hall, but it is not an ordinary school bell. It is loud and short. It was followed by several more blasts. These blasts were followed by echoes of yelling. High pitched shrieks could be heard throughout the classroom and possibly throughout the entire school. A look of terror was seen on the teacher’s face. She was trembling as she tried to make sense of the blasts the students had just heard. She instructed the class to find shelter in the cabinets and behind desks within the classroom. As the student headed to the ca binets, she glanced at the clock. It was 8:51 am. The blasts continued and could be heard coming closer to the classroom. She then went to the door to find†¦ This scenario describes details that could occur at any school during a school shooting. Students began a normal school day, only to find it changed within minutes. This may be similar to what the students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado may have experienced. Although the Columbine Massacre of 1999Show MoreRelatedThe Columbine Tragedy1110 Words   |  5 Pages An outburst of school violence has taken over the nation throughout the past several years. Incidents of school violence have quickly intensified since the Columbine tragedy, thus prompting communities to take additional safety precautions with their youth education system. There are many inquiries on what type of violence is most common, often narrowing down on gender, ethnicity, and environment. Violence itself can be defined as a deliberate act, serving no legitimate purpose, which has the possibilityRead More Columbine Essay1333 Words   |  6 PagesColumbine The tragedy at Columbine High School is something that will be remembered and talked about for many years to come. People from across the nation have all heard about this event. But there are still a couple questions that people have. For instance who’s to blame? The kids alone, the parents for how they brought the children up, or even actually the students at Columbine? Most say that the parents are to blame, but who actually knows? In my opinion the only two people that can actuallyRead MoreThe Non Fiction Account Of Columbine By David Cullen1210 Words   |  5 PagesJack Congdon English 3 Honors Lawson August 8, 2017 Summer Reading Essay For this assignment, I read the non-fiction account of Columbine by David Cullen. The novel consisted of two separate, yet parallel, storylines; Eric and Dylan’s preparation for the massacre, and the recollections of the survivors as they struggled to deal with the aftermath. The literary piece is filled with details, sub-plots, and other information which could take an essay in of itself to fully discuss and flesh-out. HoweverRead MoreThe Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln Essay1317 Words   |  6 Pagesremembered in the hearts of all American citizens. On April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado, Booth’s words would make a comeback during another American tragedy; Columbine high school was the setting for arguably one of the most notorious school shootings in the history of America. Two average American boys, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris would make Columbine high school one of the most famous in the world by taking aim at their peers and teachers, yet few people know th at the notorious shooting was originallyRead MoreThe Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln Essay1342 Words   |  6 Pagesforever remembered in the hearts of all American citizens. On April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado, Booth’s words became a part of another American tragedy; Columbine high school was the setting for arguably one of the most infamous school shootings in the history of America. Two average American boys, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris would make Columbine high school one of the most famous in the world by taking aim at their peers and teachers, yet few people know that the notorious shooting was originallyRead MoreCore Values That Caused Columbine, By Dylan Klebold1306 Words   |  6 Pagesvalues in the Millennial generation. This information would have changed Columbine because knowing ones core values can help determine what that person could be struggling with, such as depression and suicide in Dylan Klebolds case. The most important information about suic ide is acknowledging that stigmas concerning mental illness prevent treatment for individuals in need. This would have changed the events of Columbine because depression could be more effectively treated if others were moreRead MoreThe Critique OfBowling For Columbine, By Michael Moore737 Words   |  3 Pages Columbine high school located in Littleton, Colorado is where a one of the most tragic and misfortune massacre occurred. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold are the two responsible students for one of the worst school shooting in American history. On April 20th of 1999 the two students attended their first class, bowling. Afterwards, they went home and gathered weapons. They arrived to school and shot it up. Unfortunately, one teacher, 12 students died. In addition, 21 were severely injured. AfterwardsRead MoreMichael Moore s Bowling For Columbine Essay1495 Words   |  6 PagesWhen Michael Moore first created the documentary, â€Å"Bowling for Columbine†, in 2002 he not only wanted to raise awareness around the tragedy that was the Columbine Massacre, but wanted to look beyond that and dig deep into finding out the political events that led up to this tragic event. Michael Moore wanted to seek to investigate and confront leading, powerful politicians for allowing this violent cult ure to worsen for their own benefit through creating this documentary. It is clear that Moore lovesRead MoreThe Tragedy Of A Lifetime1440 Words   |  6 PagesThe Tragedy of a Lifetime As of today, Karen Diamond’s memory is shot. Like a burning pile of pictures, her memories have dissipated. The fire being put out only in time to save a minute amount. The forty-three year old only seems to remember the necessities with very few exceptions. The tragedy of April 20th,1999 just happens to be one of them. She recounts that very day, a far off look in her eye. Sitting on our couch, she stares at the television, but that’s all she’s doing, staring. Not watchingRead MoreThe Columbine Influence: How a School Shooting Affected a Nation1494 Words   |  6 PagesThe Columbine massacre was one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. On April 20, 1999, high school seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold shot and killed 12 students, one teacher, and themselves. Twenty-five students were also injured, some very critically. While there had been many school shootings in America prior to this, the young age of the shooters, the number of victims, and the randomness of the people they killed shocked the nation. It has been 14 years since this tragedy and

A Victim Of Childhood Sexual Abuse - 1640 Words

According to one national survey â€Å"approximately 5 children die everyday because of child abuse†. Throughout the years reports of childhood sexual abuse have risen, but there is still a substantial amount of unknown facts surrounding the topic. Most sources provide information on how to identify a victim of childhood sexual abuse, other known as CSA, but very little research has been done on effectively treating these victims. This broken system is depicted by Salinger through the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden. Salinger used information he knew to give Holden the qualities of someone who has experience CSA, and uses the characters in Holden’s life to represent the many broken parts of government agencies established to help victims. In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, protagonist Holden struggles with the mental health issues associated with prolonged childhood sexual abuse, likely having been implemented by his own father, jeopardizing the mental stability of Holden, yrt like the many broken systems in the US and world governments, Holden’s family fails to help him and any chance of being saved is left alone to holden. Holden exhibits many key behaviors associated with a victim of childhood sexual abuse, known to specialists as CSA. The impacts of sexual abuse stay very true to Holden’s character, and his many actions throughout the novel. As CSA continues to be researched, â€Å"literature suggests a number of psychological and behavioural impacts asShow MoreRelated The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse Essay1190 Words   |  5 PagesChild abuse is a serious issue in todays society. There are many victims of child abuse. There are three kinds of child abuse: emotional, sexual, and physical. Many researchers believe that sexual abuse is the most detrimental of the three. A middle-aged adult who is feeling depressed will probably not relate it back to his childhood, but maybe he should. The short-term effects of childhood sexual abuse have been proven valid, but now the question is, do the long-term effects of childhood sexualRead MoreConsequences Of Childhood Sexual Abuse1744 Words   |  7 PagesAbuse Circumstances The wide variety of potentially harmful consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) can also be better identified and understood when considering the abuse circumstances. Factors such as the severity of the abusive act, victim’s age, the frequency and duration of the abuse, the relationship the victim had with their abuser and if physical violence was involved are all key factors that contribute to the degree of trauma experienced by the victim and the varies long-term harmfulRead MoreChild Abuse Is A Serious Concern Of Society1570 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Child abuse is a serious concern of society because of the negative effects on later social and psychological functioning. Particularly, the concern of ‘the cycle of violence hypothesis’ which is one of the most influential conceptual models for antisocial behaviour in the social and behavioural science (DeLisi, Kosloski, Vaughn, Caudill, Trulson, 2014; Lansford, Miller-Johnson, Berlin, Dodge, Bates, Pettit, 2007). Numerous studies have documented the association between childhood physicalRead MoreThere Are Many Different Forms Of Child Sexual Abuse. Sexual1436 Words   |  6 Pageschild sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can be perpetrated by a relative or a stranger. But the most common of sexual abuse is committed by a beloved relative. Ratican (1992) defines childhood sexual abuse is a sexual act performed over and over between an adult and child (1992). The effects of childhood sexual abuse can last into adulthood and effect the way that a person thinks or their outlook of life. The effect of this act has a negative impact on the psychological pattern of a person. Victims may feelRead MorePsychological Aspects Of Sexually Abused Women And The Trauma Recovery And Empowerment1593 Words   |  7 Pagesthe trauma recovery and empowerment. Sexual abuse can be well defined as sexual assaults and sexual exploitation of the individual, which include the following: Rape, Incest, Molestation and Voyeurism. An assortment of 15 empirical studies will compare and contrast their findings of psychological sexual abuse and trauma recovery. Individuals that are victims of sexual abuse can undergo many issues for the victim to inflict upon. Despite the fact that sexual abuse does mark males, women are at a higherRead MoreThe Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On Adults Sexual Behavior1521 Words   |  7 Pages The impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adults Sexual Behavior Jamila Kamara Dr. Lauren Vansluytman Morgan State University Sexual abuse leaves many scars, creating feelings of guilt, anger, and fear that haunt survivors throughout their lives. These traumatic experiences can be detrimental to the victims’ sense of their own sexuality. Numerous individuals who have been abused have trouble pursuing adult relationships and engaging in sex  as an adult. The abuse can color a personRead MoreThe Effects Of Childhood Sexual Abuse On Children1703 Words   |  7 PagesStates have experience childhood sexual abuse by the time they are 18 years old. The effects of childhood sexual abuse can be long-lasting and is a huge public health problem. There is a belief that male victims of sexual abuse do not suffer from the same negative impact that female victims do and we, as a society seem to turn a blind eye and minimize the impact when it comes to male victims. However, there is empirical support that shows men, like women, who experience sexual assault may suffer fromRead MoreChild Sexual Abuse And Childre n1301 Words   |  6 PagesChild sexual abuse effects tens of thousands of children, and young teens every year. With the rate of this issues, parents and other adults are not prepared nor willing to deal with problems of their children or family members been sexual abused. Child sexual abuse can take many forms, but it’s always a violation of a young person’s rights, and it increases the risk of many adverse physical and mental health conditions. Furthermore, child sexual abuse is defined as direct genital contact and indirectRead MorePersuasive Speech : Problem Cause Solution1382 Words   |  6 Pagesis that of the lifelong scars that affect a victim of child sexual abuse; and how it hinders one from seeking God for healing and understanding according to Scripture. Rhetorical Purpose: To inform my audience about the intense emotional secrecy resulting from childhood sexual abuse, and to persuade them that as teachers of God’s word they should be prepared to expect the unexpected while providing non-judgmental support and guidance to the victims working through issues of trust, intimacy andRead MoreChildhood Abuse Affects Many People On The Daily Basis1192 Words   |  5 PagesChildhood abuse affects many people on the daily basis in a variety of ways. It is a traumatic experience and brings long term effects. Abuse can be in different ways such as sexual, physical and mental. Some of the long term effects in childhood abuse may become complex. A number of devastating psychological effects have been attributed to abuse in childhood (Sansone, Kelley, Forbis, 2013). The mental health effects that may be caused are anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder