Analysis of The Samurai Spirit Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analysis of The Samurai Spirit - Article Example Paradoxically, a more careful study of the Samurai, their code of conduct, and their philosophy show their way of life to be simple, austere, balanced, and contemplative. These attributes are reflected in their customs, art, and architecture. The Samurai originated as Japan’s pre-modern warriors who quelled the uprising of the native Emishi tribe during the Heian Period. Subsequently, these warriors found themselves in the hire of wealthy landowners (known as feudal lords) who grew apart and eventually declared themselves independent from the central government and raised their own private armies. When the country was finally reunited again late in the 1500s under the Edo period, the Samurai were positioned at the top of the social caste system. Because of their mandate to defend their feudal lord or emperor, the Samurai developed an unquestioning loyalty and a reputation for fierce fighting skills and, therefore, were regarded In order to preserve the caste distinctions that emerged during the Edo Period, the Samurai were forced to reside in districts designated for them, in homes with a characteristic architectural style. The typical Samurai residence (sometimes called Samurai castle) is expansive and spacious, partly because the Samurai is accorded a level of prestige, and partly because he housed a sizeable retinue. As an illustration, the Aizu Bukeyashiki (Aizu Samurai residence) is depicted in the pictures shown at the end. This edifice served as the quarters that housed the highest rank and most revered Samurai, his family, employees, and servants (Japan-Guide.com, 2012). There are a variety of rooms and section, numbering several dozen; these would include a teahouse, gardens, an archery range, a rice mill, and of course several guest rooms. The Samurai is also known as ‘bushi,’ from the term Bushido which literally translates to â€Å"The Way of the Warrior† (some bifurcations of the word could be more closely translated to à ¢â‚¬Å"way of the sword† - Marshall, 2012). The Bushido is the unwritten code of conduct and morality that embodies the standards of moral principles by which the Samurai were sworn to live by. The code, while evolving through the centuries, manifests the profound influence of Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. These elements may be found in the painting, poetry, and lifestyle of the Samurai; for instance, the preparation and serving of tea (a Chinese legacy) has been elevated into an art form in the cha no yu or ‘tea ceremony’. The cha no yu is a metaphor for the Zen Buddhist influence in the Samurai lifestyle as well as the Japanese way of life – ‘Complicated and yet utterly simple, at once straightforward and deep’ (West & Seal, 2012).  Ã‚  

Outlined the advantages and disadvantages of drinking bottled water Essay

Outlined the advantages and disadvantages of drinking bottled water - Essay Example In this assay, I will outline the advantages and disadvantages of drinking bottle water. Bottled water has several advantages which have won the consumer confidence since introduction. To start with, there is a lot of convenience in the use of bottled water (Lopez 2012, p 160). This is because, it is easily get bottled water from most retail centres, and therefore, there is no need to worry about the availability of drinking water as long as there is a retail centre nearby. In addition, the packaging itself makes bottled water easy to access and drink since there is no need to have additional requirement when using a small PET bottle for example, a cup as would be in the case of drinking tap water. On the other hand, bottled water is most preferred compared to the soft drinks, which are the close competitors. This is because, ‘they are calorie free, generally sodium free or low in sodium and quench one’s thirst better than the soft drinks’ (Brown 2014, P. 25). In fact, Lopez (2013), noted that ‘bottled water is relatively healthier than sugared soft drinks’. This explains why most people in the recent days would spend more to buy bottled water instead of a soft drink which initially was greatly accepted. In addition to the low calorific value of bottled drinking water, the packaging prevents environmental pollutants from getting into contact with drinking water. According to Queiroz et al. (2012), concerns about outbreak of water borne diseases and environmental pollution have necessitated bottling of drinking water. Actually, it is normal to hear cases where wastewaters have contaminated the sources of tap water. In addition, the different gases and liquid waste emitted from the industries somehow find way in to the rivers and dams that are the main sources of tap water. This in turn has made people to lose trust in tapped water and elevate the need for bottled water in the modern families. Lastly, with bottled water, there is

The Right Choice Essay -- social issues

The Right Choice The use of animals for medical experimentation has been one of the most controversial issues in our world since the seventeenth century. Edward Augustus Freeman stated, â€Å"The awful wrongs and sufferings forced upon the innocent, faithful animal race form the blackest chapter in the whole world's history.† In the United States, it is estimated that twenty to seventy million animals including cats, dogs, primates, rabbits, rats, and mice suffer and die in the name of research. At least thirty-three animals die in laboratories each second worldwide, in the UK, one every four seconds (Vivisection Information Network Plan 2000, Leaflet 4). Who has the authority to make a choice that the human race is a greater race than that of animals? People say: â€Å"We have rights over animals. They are given to us for use.† You have no rights over them. You have duties towards them (Annie Besant). At no point and time should we ever justify ourselves through the pain and suffering of another being. I have always felt that the way we treat animals is a pretty good indicator of the compassion we are capable of for the human race (Ali McGraw). Throughout years of practicing animal experimentation, researchers have stumbled across findings that have promoted the well being of humans and animals alike. It has helped provide antibiotics and vaccines, insulin for diabetics, treatments for leukemia, local and general anesthetics, and has made possible advances in medical technology such as blood transfusion, kidney dialysis, and the heart lung machine. Distemper, which killed dogs, seals, and dolphins, and is now prevented by a vaccine, was developed using dogs in the 1920s (Cornelius, CE 934-945). Media reports of medical research often give us the impression that progress moves in leaps and bounds, from one ‘breakthrough’ to another. In reality, the original ‘blue skies’ research that underpins each advance may take decades (Research Defense Society). About 40 years of research using monkeys, rats and mice led directly to the introduction of the Salk and Sabin polio vaccines in the 1950s (Sabin, AB 1 589) So we ask ourselves again, how do we weight the costs and benefits between saving lives by eliminating others? Professor Albert Sabin’s 1956 paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated â€Å"Approximately 9,000 monkeys, 150 chimpanzees and 133 hum... ...s. The official animal rights online newsletter 1998 Coleman, Vernon M.D. â€Å"Animal experiments kill people s well as animals†. Cornelious, CE. New England Medical Journal 281, 934-945 Einstein, Albert. Action Against Poisoning Page. Freeman, Edward Augustus Rabbit's Favourite Vegetarian,Animal Rights & Freedom Quotes Page < http://members.iinet.net.au/~rabbit/arquotes.htm> Icke, D. â€Å"It doesn’t have to be like this†. McGraw, Ali. Vegetarian Quotes Page Page, Tony. â€Å"Vivisection Unveiled† pg. 6, pg. 101-103 Primatt, Humphry. â€Å"Animal Rights and Souls in the Eighteenth Century† (Bristol: Thoemmes Press, 2000) < http://www.thoemmes.com/18cphil/animal_intro.htm> Research Defense Society. â€Å"Understanding Animal Research in Medicine†. Research Defense Society Page 2000 < http://www.rds-online.org.uk/home.html> Ruesch, Hans. â€Å"After Prolonged Tests† quoted in BAV leaflet. Sabin, AB. Journal of the American Medical Association 1956, Issue 162, Pg. 1589 SmithKline Beecham International Report 1999 Vivisection Information Network Plan 2000, Leaflet 4 Young, John B.A. Vivisection Information Page Sept. 2000 < http://vivisection- absurd.org.uk/menu.html>.

Pro Con Gay Marriage

Pros of gay marriage: Two People who love eachother should be able to publicly celebrate their commitment Equality is protected in the due process clause in the constitution ( Constitutional Right) Same sex marriage helps adoption 100,000 children in the united states are waiting to be adopted!Refusing people the right to marry causes psychological damages ( this effects society in a negative way) Access to hospitals and care ( Marriage benefits healthcare coverage) Marriage has been changing over the years ( interracial marriage) there is no one definition for Marriage Massachussets was the first state to legalize gay marriage and they have the lowest divorce rate ( highest divorce rates occur in the states that have the more strict â€Å"gay† laws If marriages sole purpose is to procreate than why are infertile couples granted the right to still marry It doesn't hurt society or anyone in particular.The only thing that should matter in marriage is love Denying them is a viola tion of religious freedom (civil and religious marriages are two separate institutions). Born gay argument : â€Å"Although all people in all societies with rare exceptions are socialized to be heterosexual, the predictable, universal appearance of homosexual persons, despite socialization into heterosexual patterns of behavior suggest not only that homosexual orientation is biologically based but that sexual orientation itself is also biologically derived. Experiences argument: â€Å"While there are different theories about how the sexual orientation develops, experts in the human sexuality field do not believe that premature sexual experiences play a significant role in late adolescent or adult sexual orientation. † Mental disorders DEBUNKED!!! â€Å"Psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals agree that homosexuality is not an illness, mental disorder or an emotional problem. Over 35 years of objective, well-designed scientific research has shown t hat homosexuality, in and [of] itself, is not associated with mental disorders or emotional or social problems.When researchers examined data about these people who were not in therapy, the idea that homosexuality was a mental illness was quickly found to be untrue Con’s of gay marriage: The institution of marriage has been defined as the union between a man and a woman ( Supreme court decision (oct 15 1971 baker v nelson) – definition has some connection with the book of genesis It may cause a slippery slope effect where people who are into beastiality and other â€Å"taboo† relationships could seek the right to marry if gay is allowed.People who are against gay marriage should not have to support something with tax dollars they find wrong such as health benefits for gay couples ( extending to gay couples would result in 596 million dollars being spent plus an additional 302 million) Children being raised in a same sex home would not be provided an optimum envi ronment because they need mother and father rearing ( studies link to earlier sexual activity also a report was done the American psychological review?Children raised with gay parents were more likely to become gay themselves) Marriage should not be extended to same-sex couples because homosexual relationships have nothing to do with procreation. Allowing gay marriage would only further shift the purpose of marriage from producing and raising children to adult gratification. Marriage is a religious right According to a July 31, 2003 statement from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope John Paul II, marriage â€Å"was established by the Creator with its own nature, essential properties and purpose.No ideology can erase from the human spirit the certainty that  marriage solely exists between a man and a woman. Most religions consider homosexuality a sin. It would further weaken the traditional family values essential to our society. It confuses childre n about gender roles and expectations of society, and only a man & woman can pro-create The gay lifestyle is not something to be encouraged, as a lot of research shows it leads to a much lower life expectancy, psychological disorders, and other problems BORN GAY: NO!! What is clear, however, is that the scientific attempts to demonstrate that omosexual attraction is biologically determined have failed. The major researchers now prominent in the scientific arena-themselves gay activists-have in fact arrived at such conclusions. There is no support in the scientific research for the conclusion that homosexuality is biologically determined. † Concerns for parenting and childhood : A good relationship with the same-sex parent meets a child's psychological needs for love, worth and affirmation as a boy or a girl. Where there is a lack of affirmation or even rejection, these legitimate needs are not met.If a girl's femininity is unaffirmed, she may come to believe that she is unacce ptable to her mother and therefore to women in general. In an attempt to fill the hole in her heart, she may look to other women for acceptance, perhaps even hoping (at a subconscious level) to gain femininity by association. Puberty later eroticizes these emotional needs, adding a sexual dimension. † http://gaymarriage. procon. org/ http://www. balancedpolitics. org/same_sex_marriages. htm http://borngay. procon. org/view. resource. php? resourceID=000005

The movie Alive - 1331 Words

Alive Assignment The movie Alive is a shocking true story of an Uruguayan Rugby Team that crashed their plane in the middle of the Andes mountains. The Uruguayan plane crash carrying 45 passengers to Chile unfortunately resulted only with the survival of 16 students. Through a traumatic shocking experience, the movie reenacts the event of the crash. This movie demonstrates various examples of the importance of psychological and physiological needs in our daily lives. It also outlines how the survivors had to accomplish particular essential needs in order to ensure their physiological and psychological health. The movie Alive is a fascinating story that demonstrates heroism and faith through a team mainly consisted of teenage†¦show more content†¦The confidence is built upon the esteem and the belief in oneself to be good or worthy enough to be capable of aiding others. The effort that Zerbino and Canessa made to look after the injured are examples of cognitive needs. Although Zerbino and Canessa do not have much experience within the medical field, they remain to help their wounded peers. The attempt to treat their wounded peers would be an example of cognitive needs because Zerbino and Canessa attempt to try things out and master their skills. In addition, Nando s determination to find a way out of the Andes mountains shows his self-actualization needs because he is devoted to finding rescue. Another example of self-actualization needs would be displayed under the Catholic faith that everyone in the team carries out, except for Vito because he was an agnostic. The team were devoted to their Catholic faith as they prayed and sang the Hail Mary every night. Their devotion to their Catholic faith attempted to display themselves living up to their full potential. These various needs that were met ensured the survival of the team as it helped them stay alive and be psychologically stable. The transcendence need that was met in the movie Alive would be exemplified after Nando, TinTin and Canessa encountered rescue and helped the rest of the team reach the same self-actualization that they have desperately aspired. The most essential psychological needs out of excitement,Show MoreRelatedLiving Issues Movie Review ‘Alive’1754 Words   |  8 PagesIssues Movie Review ‘Alive’ When posed with the challenge of reviewing a movie with some sort of ethical dilemma or controversial issue, the first movie that came to mind for me was Alive for a variety of reasons. First of all, not only is the movie based on a true story, but the main controversial events in the movie actually took place which makes the analysis of this movie all the more challenging and much real to think and deal with as a human being. Secondly, in my opinion this movie touchesRead MoreMovie Analysis : Alive Forever And The Screenplay For The Movie Adaptation Cranes1751 Words   |  8 Pages Even though Victor Rozov wrote both the play Alive Forever and the screenplay for the movie adaptation Cranes are Flying, the two versions have many differences between them. He made some of the changes to better suit the screen rather than the stage, but other alterations fundamentally changed the theme and focus of the story. All of Rozov’s changes were calculated and precise to influe nce his audience. The changes were effective, with the exception of the ending, a drastic departure fromRead MoreAlive Movie Report: Group Dynamics3811 Words   |  16 PagesDespite his attempts, Nando still managed to get his help and in the end, they were able to attain their goal and find help to rescue the rest of their team. 4) Establishing Interpersonal Credibility Self-Awareness The three leaders identified in the movie are Antonio, Canessa and Nando. All three of them demonstrated high emotional intelligence immediately after the plane crash. Emotionally intelligent people are able to regulate and control their emotions. They also can diagnose and empathize withRead More The Pit And The Pendulum: Movie Vs. Book Essay577 Words   |  3 Pages The Pit and the Pendulum: Movie vs. Book The movie quot;The pit and the Pendulumquot; was nothing at all like the book. The movie started out as a man walked along the ocean to enter a huge castle. His sister had moved there when she married Dom Madena, but now she was dead. The castle was used to torture Catholics during the Inquisition. Dom Madena believes that the castle has an atmosphere of torture thick with death, and that led to the death of his sister. The doctor said she died of frightRead MoreWestern European Baroque Era and Todays Society Essay1025 Words   |  5 Pagesreality shows and movies set great examples of how Western European Baroque can be a lot of how we live and see things today. The one movie I think I can compare to the baroque era is the movie The Mask. The mask itself is art because it shows how it can change your personality and even how it can be real or alive as great influence to viewers. By just look at that movie when Jim Carry puts on that mask it shows art how he is created as a make believed character. The way he walks and talks and he evenRead MoreFilm Review Essay (Pulp Fiction)1061 Words   |  5 PagesFiction† Film Review When giving a film and evaluation it is obvious that acting, setting and plot would fit in every gender, however to evaluate a crime movie the expectations and feedback changes. Crime movies are known for having a flexible plot that allows mystery and tension build up, characters and acting that will maintain their role alive and transfer emotions and dialog that stays clear and understandable. Writing that is able to keep the audience concentrated through long dialogs and itRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie Iceman The Neanderthal 1227 Words   |  5 Pagesare 99.84% identical (Gibbons). However, based on our history of bias, if Neanderthals were alive today, we would no doubt treat them differently, if not inferior, to modern humans. In the movie Iceman the Neanderthal, Charlie, was â€Å"caged† in a room that resembled a natural terrain while he was subject to the studies that were performed on him including the monitoring of his speech patterns. But in this movie, he was portrayed as very human-like and had multiple interactions with Dr. Shephard, an anthropologistRead MoreBehind the Magic: Who is Behind the Magic of Disney? Essay562 Words   |  3 Pagesmagical place called Disney World. Children dream about this wonderful world filled with their favorite movie characters and dream of going to meet them in person. Disney World is a place where kids can be kids, and adults can feel like kids again. What people do not think about most often, when they think about this magical place, is the people behind the magic, or the person who made the dream alive for us to experience. Before there was the idea of Disney World, there was Disneyland. DisneylandRead MoreWorld War Ii and Movie Essay example877 Words   |  4 PagesCasablanca Introduction to Film English 225 Professor Stave September 29, 2008 Casablanca The movie, Casablanca, based on the play Everybody Wants to go to Ricks,† still captivates audiences around the world. This movie was a pleasurable afternoon of great movie watching. The setting of the movie is Casablanca, Morocco during the Second World War. Casablanca is the jump off point to get to Spain and then to America. I think that all four factors of a setting have anRead MoreThe Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, And Ridley Scott s 1982 Movie, Blade Runner Essay900 Words   |  4 PagesBeing Alive There many interpretations of what it means to be considered alive. The human race is the symbol of intellectual life. Humans have a complex physical system with tissue, nerves, and malleable brain cells. Humans possess personalities, they are able to make educated judgments, and create purposeful relationships. However, in the world of science fiction, machines can be considered alive as well. Robert A. Heinlein’s book, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, and Ridley Scott’s 1982 movie, Blade

Masculinity Essay - 1321 Words

Part A: Bronies and the Social Construction of Masculinity According to Connell, there are four masculinities present in our society: hegemonic, complicit, marginalized, and subordinate. Hegemonic masculinity is the dominant form of masculinity in society. It is culturally valued as the most type of masculinity. Connell states that the qualities of hegemonic masculinity include heterosexuality, whiteness, physical strength, and suppression of emotions. When men do not fit the characteristics of hegemonic masculinity but they do not challenge it means they belong to the complicit masculinity category. These men often admire the characteristics of hegemonic masculinity. Marginalized masculinity is when men cannot fit into the hegemonic†¦show more content†¦Bronies experience gender policing by family, friends, and the media. â€Å"Gender policing is the responses to the violation of gender rules aimed at promoting conformity (Wade 355).† In the film Bronies: The Extreme ly Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony, some Bronies could tell their stories about telling their friends and family and how other peers viewed them when they came out as a Brony. Lyle told his story about his Brony journey. One-day Lyle asked his mother what she would think if he liked the show My Little Pony, and she said she would be worried about him so he played it off as a joke. He felt his own mother would not accept the fact that he liked the show. He did not want his father to ever find out because he did not want his dad to think he was gay or a man-child. He did not want his parents to view him differently all because he liked a show aimed for younger girls. Alex was another guy from the video sharing his story. Alex lives in a place where a people believe that if a guy is not masculine that means they are homosexual. Alex was bullied at a gas station because he had pony decals on his car. The guy who bullied Alex about his car smashed his back window where the decals were at. Then the guy â€Å"playfully† pointed a gun at Alex and told him to stop with the gay girly shit. The media only criticizes Bronies by calling them weird, gay, creepy, pedophiles, disgusting, feminine, etc. Bronies faceShow MoreRelatedEssay about Masculinity786 Words   |  4 PagesMasculinity The definition of masculinity; Is the fact of being a man or having qualities considered typical of a man. I was stuck in that sentence that what is the qualities considered typical of a man. What is the quality of man, what is considered as a typical of a man? 1. Identities According to Victor, since the 1960s the challenges of feminism made men feel uneasy and confused about their power and identity. Women insisted that men had also to be more emotionally involved in relationshipRead More Feminism and Masculinity Essay820 Words   |  4 Pagescontemporary society, hegemonic masculinity is defined by physical strength and boldness, heterosexuality, economic independence, authority over women and other men, and an interest in sexual relationships. While most men do not embody all of these qualities, society supports hegemonic masculinity within all its institutions, including the educational institute, the religious institute and other institutes which form the ideological state apparatus. Standards of masculinity vary from time to time, fromRead MoreFeminine Masculinity Essay694 Words   |  3 PagesFeminine Masculinity Given that the structure of gender qualities has been a large part of our views, in regards to a variety of issues, a number of people take exception to variances from within these rules. Keeping this in mind, we will discuss the reasons why many individuals are discouraged from crossing traditional gender traits, and closely examine parts of the article assigned for this paper. In consideration of the editorial by Newsweek (2008), the author clearly uses the following linesRead MoreEssay on Masculinity in Crisis624 Words   |  3 PagesMasculinity in Crisis What is masculinity? Look it up in the dictionary and youll be met with factual, rather than opinion based answers of: 1. The quality or condition of being masculine. 2. Something traditionally considered to be characteristic of a male. 3. The trait of behaving in ways considered typical for men [ant: femininity. Our fathers recall running down the garden path to meet their old man returning from a days work, ruggedRead More Ernest Hemingway’s Portrayal of Masculinity Essay1169 Words   |  5 PagesErnest Hemingway’s Portrayal of Masculinity When thinking of masculinity in literature, one author has who has become synonymous with manliness comes to mind, Ernest Hemingway. Critics have spent countless hours studying his writing in order to gain insight into his world of manly delights, including his views on sex, war, and sport. His views can be seen through his characters, his themes and even his style of writing. The characters in Hemingway’s stories reveal much about how he feelsRead More Masculinity At Its Straightest Essay1870 Words   |  8 Pages The misguided perception of masculinity is the absence of anything remotely homosexual. In Michael Kimmel’s novel Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men he discusses the contradictions of masculinity and what it takes to be seen as a real men. In American, middle class white society, manhood is more than beards and sleeping around with women, it is being as far away from feminine as allowed. The most foreign idea to most would be to consider a gay man to be â€Å"manly.† This unfathomableRead MoreHegemonic Masculinity Essay1114 Words   |  5 Pagesthan not people get their ideas of masculinity from the shows and movies they watch throughout their lives. In the article Hegemonic masculinity in media contents, by Peter J. Kareithi, he focuses much more specifically on how the media has presented it to the public, and less of the why, and how it started. The paper by Connell and Messerschmidt, Hegemonic Masculinity: Rethinking the Concept, does a much better job at explaining the history of hegemonic masculinity and how it came to be. Though togetherRead MoreEssay about Masculinity in the Media1647 Words   |  7 Pages Masculinity in the Media Masculinity has changed and evolved since the beginning of human creation. Males have had to adhere to the social norms of their time to survive without undue persecution. In the beginning of the 19th century, there was a shift in the way men could attain manhood. It was no longer easy for a man to enter into manhood with straightforward expectations and rituals. The state of manhood became difficult to obtain because of its precarious nature. During the sameRead MoreMark Twain Masculinity Essay2068 Words   |  9 Pages19th century America was a time period in which the definition of masculinity grew through a man’s power and work. To be considered as â€Å"that man†, what was needed was power, wealth, and even the appearance of a man himself. It was often times violent in the battle for who was the â€Å"manlier man†, as it related to the real world of Twain’s 19th century. Masculinity was a way for these men to create dominance and get their w ay throughout duels and even bargaining. Twain’s view on 19th century AmericaRead More Hegemonic Masculinity in American Society Essay1497 Words   |  6 Pages Masculinity is described as possession of attributes considered typical of a man. Hegemonic masculinity is a form of masculine character with cultural idealism and emphasis that connects masculinity to competitiveness, toughness, and women subordination. Masculinity hegemonic is the enforcement of male dominion over a society. Masculine ideology dates back to the time of agrarian and the industrial revolution in Europe when survival compelled men to leave their homesteads to work in industries

Compulsory Voting For A Representative Democracy - 2013 Words

Voting compulsion can very simply be defined as the process of electoral participation being law binding. However, the process and fundamentals of compulsory voting are not as simple. Twomey, in her article Compulsory Voting In A Representative Democracy: Choice, Compulsion, And The Maximization Of Participation In Australian Elections describes compulsory voting to stand â€Å"†¦ at the intersection between the principles of maximum participation of the people in elections and the expression of genuine choice.† Within this essay, I critique compulsory voting to show that it is a contradiction to basic civil liberty, it will be straining in terms of cost to enforce, and that random voting is most likely to distort results and with it the validity of our governmental system. I show this through the analyzation of several scholarly works in contrast to the arguments of critics who ensure that compulsory voting is for the greater good of society. However, this essay will ref ute this point by addressing the downfalls to this system and how these downfalls cannot be overlooked simply because of turnout. While people or individuals who are part of a democratic system may have the responsibility to vote, compulsory voting isn t necessarily justifiable under a democracy. This is not to say that only countries that are democratic practice voting compulsion-take Egypt and Singapore for example. However, the right to vote, a privilege within the western world, is also a primary counterShow MoreRelatedCompulsory Voting: Moral Issues and Necessities in A Democratic Nation1686 Words   |  7 PagesCompulsory Voting: Moral Issues and Necessities in A Democratic Nation Compulsory voting as defined by Merriam Webster is a system in which electors are obligated to vote in elections, or be subject to punitive measures such as fines or community service if violated. It is a system of voting that has been implemented successfully in over 30 countries, and has seen the increase in voting turnout on average of 20%. When compulsory voting was abandoned turnout after a period of mandatory votingRead MoreInfluence of Compulsory Voting1626 Words   |  7 PagesThe Idea of Compulsory Voting After Australia, Singapore, and Switzerland implemented compulsory voting and the turnout of voters grew, other democratic countries began wondering if the idea should be implemented globally. Research began on how this implementation affected countries with compulsory voting in place and how it would affect other countries such as Canada (Twomey, 2013). The idea that Canada, or another similarly democratic country, should pass a policy of compulsory voting would be againstRead MoreGiven The Increasing Decline In Turnout For Elections,1477 Words   |  6 Pageswhether a compulsory system of voting should be introduced in the UK and other advanced democracies. Proponents of compulsory voting would argue that voting is a civic duty, similar to paying tax or serving on a jury. They would also contend that it would lead to increased political participation and engagement and that parliament would become more truly representative and considerate of the whole electorate. Opponents, on th e other hand, would mainly argue that making voting compulsory would be anRead MoreLiterature Review : Compulsory Voting1605 Words   |  7 PagesLiterature Review: Compulsory Voting The American people and government pride themselves on the freedom of choice; the freedom to pursue life goals, happiness, and religion without fear. This ability was even written into the American Constitution as the First Amendment, giving the public the ability to voice opinions and express religious ideas without interference from the government. One of the liberties encompassed in the Constitution is the freedom to choose who to elect into power, givingRead MoreThe Issue Of Compulsory Voting1214 Words   |  5 PagesIn 2001, Gareth Thomas, a Labour MP for Harrow West for the past 18 years introduced a Private Members’ Bill for compulsory voting. However it did not progress beyond its first reading. Yet the question has not died out and whether the UK should follow the likes of Australia and Belgium still remains a hotly debated issue. The UK prides itself in being a leading force for democracy worldwide. It is thought to have become truly democratic in 1918 with the passing of the Representation of the PeoplesRead MoreUnited States Election Project Headed By Dr. Michael Mcdonald At University Of Florida961 Words   |  4 Pages it was the lowest overall turnout since World War II which occurred 70 years ago. Mid-term elections are congressional elections that occur halfway through the president’s term. Congressional ballots are held every two years and all House of Representative seats are contested as well as one-third of Senate seats. Most state legislature and governor elections(about thirty six out of fifty states) occur the same day(M.D.). These elections have the ability to change the way America is governed. ForRead MoreCompulsory Voting Vs. Mandatory Voting976 Words   |  4 Pagesmake a choice, are you still making that choice? Compulsory voting, or mandatory voting, is a system in which electors are required to vote in elections or at least attend a polling place on Election Day. If a voter does not appear at a polling place, and is eligible to vote, he or she may have to contribute community service or fines. This voting system exists in about a quarter of all democracies in the world. The core goals of compulsory voting are to increase voter turnout and to have an electionRead MoreVoluntary And Compulsory Voting Systems2125 Words   |  9 Pages Voluntary and Compulsory Voting Systems: The Affect on Democracy Across the globe day after day, nations have been progressively attempting to improve the political systems in which they inhabit, the most prominent political system currently standing as democracy. But what exactly constitutes as democracy? Democracy is a term holding a spectrum of meanings, many frequently overlapping. In its simplest, most basic form, democracy is referred to â€Å"rule of the people.† Being the broad term it isRead MoreVoting Is The Most Influential Tool874 Words   |  4 Pagesthe poles and it isn t a coincidence. voting is the backbone of democracy and yet voter turn out has been declining since the 1960 s, several factors effect the number of votes such as the feeling that our votes don t really count, the loss of the American dream and not being prioritized s a voter. Voting is the most influential tool we have as citizens of the united states to make changes to our country, it is how we choose our local representatives, all the way up to the president. In 2014Read MoreIs Voter Turnout Not A Single Citizen?3733 Words   |  15 Pagesparticipate in a democracy, that democracy would cease to exist. The very idea of a democracy is the notion that the people are in power and, therefore, will participate. Nevertheless, the trends of American voters in recent years have revealed that turnout is at a low point. According to Thomas Cavanagh, since the peek of electoral participation in post war 1960, voter-turnout has continually been on the decline (53). In other words, people just aren’t participating in the voting process as they