Substance abuse trends US Essay Example for Free

Substance abuse trends US Essay Drug trends have changed over many years and new drugs are always evolving. It is difficult for enforcement agencies to keep up with the new drugs and the form they are used. Drugs include methqualonein the 1970’s then in the 1980’s fluniyrazepam and more recently oxycodone hydrochloride. (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) The use of cannabis, methamphetamine and heroin has observed an upward trend. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) One of the new methods of delivery was by filling cigars with cannabis were observed by African American teenagers in the 1990’s and its use has spread. It was usual to have a malt liquor with them and it was called a blunt and is observed in many movies as well. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) Columbian heroin was gaining popularity as it was stronger then that from Asia and could be snorted. Marijuana was the most popular by far and crack cocaine became popular because it doesn’t require to be injected and so less risk of acquiring HIV. (CBS news 2007) However injecting crack cocaine by mixing it with vinegar or lemon juice was observed. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 003) In 2007 Cocaine and methamphetamine use among young adults declined significantly last year as supplies dried up, leading to higher prices and reduced purity, and the government reports. Overall use of illicit drugs showed little change. (Freking, K. 2008) The higher user of drugs in Hispanics and Poet Ricans. (Valdez, A. 2005) It is also more common amongst males in these groups who see it as macho or manly amongst Hispanics and a part of their identity . Also these groups face a lot of problems and poverty. There is higher unemployment and low emphasis on education. Access to health is limited. Hispanics have a cholo identity which is street based identity with a street based social network. This is often through generations and the most common drug abused is Heroin. (Valdez, A. 2005) Cholo Identity which was an oppositional culture in these communities that developed a distinct language patterns, style of dress, tattoos, car culture, music. Sometimes referred to as a pachuco lifestyle (e. g. oot suit 1940’s) (Valdez, A. 2005) Drug use is a means to act out macho values or risk taking, excess, to demonstrate socially valued toughness and craziness. Hypermasculinity in its exaggerated form includes fighting, daring deeds, seducing women, asserting independence from women, etc. (Valdez, A. 2005) there has been a victimisation of these groups and arrests due to drug laws have targeted Hispanics making a lot of them beyond the reach of organisations willing to help. About one in five adults in the U.  S acknowledge the use of drugs Drug use in the 50-59 age group increased as more baby boomers join the category . (CBS,2007) In Mexican culture, men often feel honour and pride when they are the protectors of their families. These traditional attitudes are influenced by the Catholic faith and the importance of family in the Mexican culture. Yet, embracing these traditional attitudes may lead to a greater risk for problems such as depression, substance abuse, violence and reluctance to seek psychological assistance. (Nauert, R. 2008) The use of drugs in school age children is an increasing problem . here is it leading to serious damage. (Califano, J. 2007) According to the National Institute on Drug Abuses 2002 monitoring the Future Study, 53% of high school seniors reported using an illicit drug at least once in their lives, 41% within the past year, and 25. 4% within the past month (Drug data summary 2003) . A lot of criminals are on drugs and acquiring in 2000, Americans spent an estimated $36 billion on cocaine, $11 billion on marijuana, $10 billion on heroin, $5. billion on methamphetamine, and $2. 4 billion on other illegal substances (Drug data summary 2003) Drug related crime can be due to its use or selling and acquiring drugs. Drugs modify individual behaviour and can generate violence and illegal activity. In 2006 5. 3percent of homicides were drug related. In the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 32% of state prisoners and 26% of federal prisoners said they had committed their current offence while under the influence of drugs. Among state prisoners, drug offenders (44%) and property offenders (39%) reported the highest incidence of drug use at the time of the offence. Among federal prisoners, drug offenders (32%) and violent offenders (24%) were the most likely to report drug use at the time of their crimes. (BJS, 2006) It can be seen that the cost to the society can be immense. From small robberies to the fear of gangs and gun crime to murders. It is hard to say the total impact to a society in the form of lost labour . there is the spread of HIV, HBV and HCV which are hard to cure and can be transferred to families. The costs in terms of health and financing healthcare for these diseases can be extremely expensive and emotionally difficult as often these diseases are terminal. It is a high price to pay for the occasional thrill that some drug abusers seek. Dealing with the problem has always been difficult as new drugs emerge and drugs become cheaper to have wider appeal. Also the culture of night clubs and alcohol has seen a college and university students embrace drugs without much thought as to the consequences. Drinks get spiked in clubs and often result in sexual exploitation of young women . Arrests and drug laws to prevent drugs being freely available may increase the availability on the black market but this results in supplies being unsafe and even further danger to drug users. Education in schools and at risk communities doesn’t often create the impact it should. For example in the Hispanic groups where a lot of arrests on drug laws were targeted often don’t want to trust authorities who are trying to tackle this problem. In conclusion the costs to any society are high and drug use is increasingly a problem of developed countries according to the WHO. Legal and illegal use of drugs was most strongly associated with age, sex, and income. Higher income was associated with a greater likelihood of drug use for all drug types examined, which is perhaps not surprising given that drug use requires disposable income. Relationship status was linked to illegal (but not legal) drug use: both cocaine and cannabis use were more likely among persons who had never been married or previously been married. These associations remained statistically robust after adjustment for age, sex, and the other variables considered here. The US, which has been driving much of the worlds drug research and drug policy agenda, stands out with higher levels of use of alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis, despite punitive illegal drug policies, as well as (in many US states), a higher minimum legal alcohol drinking age than many comparable developed countries. The Netherlands, with a less criminally punitive approach to cannabis use than the US, has experienced lower levels of use, particularly among younger adults.

The Importance of the Origin of the First Quarto of Hamlet Essays

The Importance of the Origin of the First Quarto of Hamlet Ofel: Alas, what a change is this? Ham: But if thou wilt needes marry, marry a foole, For wisemen know well enough, What monsters you make of them, to a Nunnery goe. Ofel: Pray God restore him. Ham: Nay, I have heard of your painting too, God hath giuen you one face, And you make your selues another, --HAMLET, Prince of Denmarke, The First Quarto The title page of the second quarto of Hamlet claims that the text beneath it is "Newly imprinted and enlarged to almost as much / againe as it was, according to the true and perfect / Coppie." Taking this at face value, three facts necessary follow: That there is at least one earlier edition (or else this one could not be "newly imprinted...again"); that the earlier edition was shorter (or else this one could not be "enlarged"); and that this quarto does not include some lines from the "perfect Coppie" (since it is "almost as much"). Indeed, a First Quarto exists dated a year earlier (1603); Q1 is shorter some 1600 lines; and the Folio does restore certain seemingly authorial passages. It appears as if "I.R.," the printer, or "N.L.," the publisher, is correct on all possible counts. We cannot even condemn I.R. or N.L. for self-interested advertising. They admit that their copy is "almost," but not quite, "perfect."* Thus we might wish to take seriously one further point that the tit le page tries to make, namely, that the earlier quarto was neither "true" nor "perfect," and therefore is corrupted not simply in its brevity, but also in the presentation of the text which it actually does contain. This would mean that Q1 did not use the "true and perfect Coppie" as its copy-text. It does not seem preposterous to rephras... ...ay. The strategic early placing of the "To be or not to be, I there's the point" monologue gives it less weight than it has in Q2, as if it were the beginning of Hamlet's train of thought as opposed to the turning point we often think it is when we read a modern edition. Indeed, "the point" is more absolute than "the question." Hamlet does not fight with himself to solve a problem, but merely expresses what that problem is. To argue that this is oversimplification is to oversimplify: it is a revision. It is an Elizabethan argument, positing that a truly revengeful Hamlet would definitely shy away from suicide for hope of salvation, while the confused avenger Hamlet would probably shy away from suicide for fear of punishment. That in itself sheds light on the pop psychology of the day, and thus how we ought to read Hamlet's psychology in the context of its time.

Market Concept Essay

Article from Karl Moore: Karl Moore is PHd associate professor in the Faculty of Management at McGill University was responsible for writing the article â€Å"The Marketing Concept- RIP† which was published July 17th, 2006. He discusses the decline and the increasing irrelevance of the marketing concept idea and how firms are adapting this strategy in today’s market. Moore emphasis on the following points: 1. Importance of market research before launching a product 2. The need to focus on the product’s usage by the end users 3. The difficulty firms face to implement the marketing concept strategy in today’s market place. The author uses the example of the high-tech sector and explains why he feels the marketing concept applied in this way is no longer relevant, then goes into detail about how it is not just limited to the high-tech sector. To understand Moore’s article you need to understand what marketing and the marketing concept it first. Marketing consists of individual and organizational activities that facilitate and expedite satisfying exchange relationships in a dynamic environment through the creation, distribution, promotion and pricing of goods, services and ideas. The main principles of marketing are to satisfy customers, target the â€Å"right’ customer, facilitate exchange relationships, stay ahead of competitors and enhance profitability (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 7). The ultimate goal is to satisfy targeted customers, seeking their loyalty and consumption. The marketing concept can be defined as the philosophy that firms should analyze the needs of their customers and then make decisions to satisfy those needs, better than the competition (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 17). In his opening paragraph Moore mentions that the marketing concept is â€Å"coming to a close† and heading towards a â€Å"semi-retirement†. I strongly disagree with this statement. Why? Since the marketing concept era many companies are now transitioning to the market orientation era (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 17). The focus of the market orientation era is mainly on continuously collecting information about customer needs and competitors’ capabilities and to use this information to create value, ensure customer satisfaction and develop customer relationships (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 7). Let us look at how Netflix took the Marketing concept in stride. Netflix involved the identification of the unmet or underserved customer needs. Reed Hastings, founder and creator of Netflix started off as a video rental customer himself, tired of paying late fees and having to run to the video store when he wanted to watch a movie, he decid ed to create something simpler and more convenient for customers (Dean. 2010). He was able to draw upon personal experience to help establish the opportunity nucleus and survey what other customers wanted out of a video store. The movie rental industry had already established methods surrounding video rental, late return policies, and membership rules. Hastings believed that without competition, these brick-and-mortar movie rental companies would never have a reason to change (Dean. 2010). Reed Hastings, decided to disrupt the traditional video rental business by introducing a new twist on the home movie service (Dean. 2010). A perfect example of advances in technology, adaptation of DVD media over VHS, and an unmet consumer demand is responsible for the successful launch of Hastings’ vision of Netflix. Not unlike other innovative start-up companies, Netflix has undergone several strategy shifts (Dean. 2010). Each change in focus or direction has assured that the company remains dominate in the movie rental industry. It appears that Hastings has followed the Marketing Concept to a tee, he started off with collection information from customer needs’ (his own) and the competitors capabilities (video rental companies were not in a position to change their rules and regulations) and he completed the circle by using customer knowledge to create customer satisfaction as Netflix still remains more popular than Blockbuster or Rogers Video. Moore goes into more detail about the high tech industry, giving the example of the Sony walkman and how the product was developed. He also explains that if Sony followed the Marketing concept theory in creating the walkman, it would have failed. He follows this explanation of the Sony walkman with the comment â€Å"with many high tech products you cannot get a very reliable data from current customers about the potential uses of your future products. † This statement is by far the most ludicrous statement thru out the entire article and makes absolutely no sense. The vast majority of high tech industries rely solely on how customers perceive new and future products. Look at the Apple IPods. Apple made sure they always stayed ahead of the game by releasing new hardware, software, or better and newer applications for the iPod (Taber. 2007). People love new and flashy products so this was a great way to sell a product. The iPod has become a fashion accessory and a must have. People salivate if there hear a new and more updated version of the iPod is coming out, they want a product that can hold more music and data. Why would they want a â€Å"dinosaur† iPod that only holds 1000 songs when they can get an iPod that holds 2000, takes videos, and has downloadable apps? In this sense, the iPod marketing concept strategy made sense because it consistently advanced Apple’s emerging goal of making the Mac the hub of a digital lifestyle (Taber. 2007). It also aligned with the company’s strategic goal of frequently releasing innovative new products in an effort to stay ahead of a curve of consumers who quickly get tired of old gadgets. As usual, it was a strategy that leveraged the benefits of existing technology, and it made sense from the point of view that it was consistent with what historically drove the company, is bringing products to people that were stylish and easy to use. So if Apple didn’t use the marketing concept strategy, it would have failed. The one paragraph in Moore’s article that I do agree with is when he mentions that a great deal of high tech industries do spend more time launching a new product then developing the product. Models of new product development prescribe critical stages that organizations should go through to have a successful product launch (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 262-271). Regardless of the model, critical phases include: product idea generation, idea screening, concept testing, and business analysis, marketing mix development, test marketing and commercialization (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 262-271). In theory, going through these stages systematically helps organizations weed out the potential failures. Customer focus is an integral component of the product development process that is often ignored. The need to incorporate the voice of the customer (adopt the marketing concept) at every phase is imbedded in these models of new product development, each phase contributing additional knowledge as to what customers want (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 263-264). Yet concept testing and test marketing are most often overlooked y new product development teams as they rush to get their product to market before the competition (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 259-260). Unfortunately, this can lead to fatal errors when customer expectations are extremely high – or when dealing with a sophisticated customer – as is the case for high tech products. An example of this was the Apple Newton; Apple pre-announced the Newton before it was ready. In terms of the product offering, it was neither a complete product nor a fully functional product (Hormby. 006). In the hurry to get to the market, Apple had not fully developed the handwriting recognition software, one of the featured attributes (Hormby. 2006). While innovators and early adopters are willing to take risks on new products, they do expect a minimal level of performance which the Apple Newton could not deliver. Moore also makes a valid statement in his end paragraph with respect for non-tech marketers have to know who their key customers will be and how the marketers should focus their research efforts. Customer focus, a core element of the marketing concept, is certainly a widely adopted buzzword today, one which is stressed in all introductory marketing texts. While the marketing concept applies to all industries, it is particularly important in technologically driven industries that have been among the first to introduce quality techniques, many of which begin with capturing the â€Å"voice of the customer†. (Crane, Kerin, Hartley, & Rudelius, 2008, p. 259). Look at how Apple launched its iPod back in 2001 to appeal to customers. When you watch the iPod commercials on television – what did you see? You see a bunch of people dancing on a colored background. There are women and men, but you don’t know anything else about them. This advertisement is ingenious for many reasons. For one, you don’t know where these people are. They could be anywhere in the world. Secondly, you don’t know who they are or what they do for a living. They can be anyone. All you know is that they are enjoying the music and rocking out. This is what makes that commercial so great and such an excellent idea. It allows anyone in the world to be that person. In conclusion, Moore is correct in his assumption that many high tech industries are in a rush to release their product before actually developing their product. However, it is very unrealistic of him to state that if companies follow the marketing concept they would be doomed to fail, he needs to look at many of the successes of the high tech market such as the Apple iPod or Netflix and how many non-tech industries can learn from Apple’s/Netflix marketing strategy. Although this article was written back in 2006, many advances of technology have taken place and it’s foolish to think that the marketing concept had nothing to do with this advancement. Refernces Crane, F. G. , Kerin, R. A. , Hartley, S. W. & Rudelius W. (2008). Marketing. (7th Canadian ed. ). Toronto, ON: McGraw-Hill Ryerson. Taber, David. (17 Sept. 2007 ). â€Å"The Taber Report on IPod Marketing. † The Taber Report. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from http://www. taberconsulting. com/download/dtr-35. htm. Weisbein, Jeff. 1 March. 2008). â€Å"The iPod Success: Thank the Marketing Department†. Retrieved May 5, 2011, from http://www. besttechie. net/2008/03/01/the-ipod-success-thank-the-marketing-department/. Hormby, Tom. (7 Feb. 2006). â€Å"The Story Behind Apple’s Newton†. Retrieved April 25th, 2011 from http://lowendmac. com/orchard/06/john-sculley-newton-origin. html. Dean, Gregory. (10 Nov. 2010). â€Å"Netflix: An Online Business Beyond Geniusà ¢â‚¬ . Retrieved May 15, 2011 from http://marketography. com/2010/11/10/online-business-beyond-genius/.

The Tragedy Of Othello The Moor Of Venice Essay - 1743 Words

‘Without setting, characters are simply there, in a vacuum, with no reason to act and most importantly, no reason to care.’ The setting gives place for a narrative to begin and evolve from, without a strong setting some texts may be difficult to interpret without extra contextual and historical knowledge of the time period of which it was written. Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice written 1603 was set in Italy, in the Venetian Republic . This setting was gaining popularity with Elizabethan writers, maybe as a form of escapism, to have a crypto - catholic approach, as this country was the largest and still is the largest Catholic country. Or a more general form of escapism from the society at that time. Writing for a predominantly working class audience, Shakespeare’s work is an escapism from the audiences hardship of life. The play is set in two principle locations, Cyprus and Venice. ‘Renaissance Venice was both a city and a world’ (David McPherson Shakespeare, Jonson and the Myth of Venice). Italy is the world’s largest Catholic country, It has been hinted that William Shakespeare was a Crypto - Catholic.(Clare Asquith s, Shadowplay) Some believe that he spent time in Italy studying abroad, as he disappeared from the local parish role (which is how the Government kept track of the people that lived in the country). He reappeared on the parish role when Elizabeth stated that every English person should return to England. Which explains whyShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice Essay1142 Words   |  5 Pagesscholars, but also appears on modern historical events and newspaper as well. Playwright and poetry are an art that appeals to the conscious mind, but the best classical playwright such as Othello not only appeals to conscious mind, but also to the subconsc ious mind. â€Å"The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice,† written by William Shakespeare from the sixteenth century is a tragic love play, and it is an excellent example of â€Å"Renaissance humanism,† said Paul A. Jorgensen, author of the Twayne PublishersRead MoreOthello, The Moor Of Venice, Is One Of The Principal Tragedies1180 Words   |  5 PagesOthello, the Moor of Venice, is one of the principal tragedies by Shakespeare. This tragedy contains many themes which are important in society today. Many aspects of people s lives have changed, but the way people think is still the same . Shakespeare s Othello wants to underline the psychological and social impact of racism; and the power of manipulation as well as jealousy. These are the most important themes throughout this drama. Othello takes place in Venice, Italy. He was a black generalRead MoreDesdemona as a Victim in the Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare1065 Words   |  5 PagesThe Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare William Shakespeare is widely known for his famous plays, sonnets, and other works including the tragedy. In The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, many characters are unjustly victimized. Throughout the play, Othello’s wife, Desdemona, is a victim of many false statements that lead to her ultimate death. In the beginning, Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, believes that Desdemona is a victim under a spell of the Moor Othello. AsRead MoreEssay The Tragedy of Othello1292 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare masterfully crafted Othello, the Moor of Venice as an Aristotelian tragedy play. The main protagonist of the play, Othello, is the perfect example of a tragic hero. Shakespeare was influenced by Aristotle’s concept of a tragic hero and used Aristotle’s principles to create Othello. William Shakespeare attempted to create an Aristotelian tragedy play with a tragic hero and succeeded in Othello, the Moor of Venice by weaving in pity and fear into eac h line and action. The powerRead More Othello, The Moor of Venice Essay examples1319 Words   |  6 PagesOthello, the Moor of Venice is one of the major tragedies written by William Shakespeare that follows the main character, Othello through his trials and tribulations. Othello, the Moor of Venice is similar to William Shakespeare’s other tragedies and follows a set of specific rules of drama. The requirements include, following the definition of a tragedy, definition of tragic hero, containing a reversal of fortune, and a descent from happiness. William Shakespeare fulfills Aristotle’s requirementsRead MoreOthello : An Aristotelian Tragedy And Tragic Hero1604 Words   |  7 PagesOthello, an Aristotelian Tragedy and Tragic Hero When reading a story, specifically a tragedy, what stands out? Tragedy often enables its audience to reflect on personal values that might be in conflict with civil ideas, on the claims of minorities that it neglected or excluded from public life, on its on irrational prejudices toward the foreign of the unknown (Kennedy Gioia, 2103, p. 857). Readers feel sympathy for the characters, especially the tragic hero. Othello, the Moor of Venice isRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello, The Moore Of Venice1520 Words   |  7 Pages Othello, The Moore of Venice is a production, adapted from one of Shakespeare’s plays. Shakespeare has written many plays, The Moore of Venice is one he wrote during a dark time in his career in between his most famous works Hamlet and King Lear the profound re-workings of old plays. According to Kristin Johnsen-Nashati (Aug. 8, 2005), â€Å"some scholars have speculated that Shakespeare wrote Othello to please King James I. The setting of this play takes place during the ancient Greek renaissance sometimeRead MoreOthello: The Tragedy of an Aristotelian Tragic Hero Essay1531 Words   |  7 PagesShakespeares play, â€Å"Othello, the Moor of Venice,† is a powerful example of a tragedy and it’s main character, Othello, is an excellent illustration of what Aristotle constitutes as a tragic hero. The play imitates life through basic human emotions such as jealousy and rage. In addition, Othello is far from being a perfect character - another quality that meets Aristotles requirements. Othello also matches Aristotles ideas of tragic hero because our Othello realizes the error of his ways, causingRead MoreThe Protagonist in Willima Shakespeare ´s Othello810 Words   |  4 PagesThe central character, or protagonist, in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, The Moor of Venice is Othello. Aristotle defined the concept of a tragic hero as the destruction of a noble person, usually with a personal flaw, and thi s flaw determines their fate. Othello is a tragic hero with a tragic flaw in one of Shakespeare’s most known tragedies. Shakespeare so prominently exhibits the tragic flaw Othello obtains, allowing implications and thoughts, to overrun reality and show how just the insecurityRead MoreDeath and Everyman640 Words   |  3 Pagesbackground and overview of Aristotle’s concept of tragedy/the tragic hero and drama. This chapter also contains critical information on Sophocles and the play Oedipus. You may use any of the critical material as a secondary source, but remember to cite it correctly. 2. Discuss William Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice as a tragedy. As defined by Aristotle, is it correct to label Othello a â€Å"tragic hero† and to classify the play as an Aristotelian tragedy? Review Chapter 34 of your textbook for