Pornography and US Law Essay

In Catherine Mackinnon’s book â€Å"Only Words† she describes U. S law as a very strong indictment of a law system in conflict with itself. The book is divided and is a collection of three essays. The first one is a heavy and emotional criticism of pornography. The other two essays evaluate and compare pornography and sexual harassment with racial discrimination and abuse. She defines pornography as â€Å"explicit sexual material that subordinates women† (page 13). She argues that ‘pornography is sex’, as viewed by the American law, that only views it as a possible cause of injury, instead of an act of sexual discrimination that promotes sexual inequality. She holds that like other kinds of racial and hate speeches, it should be totally banned because it contributes heavily in the degradation, subordination and abuse of women in general. Mackinnon says even if pornography is a form of speech, this does not mean that it cannot be controlled and regulated by the government. She lashes out at the people who believe pornography and other acts of harassment and hate propaganda should be protected by law. Mackinnon argues that that pornography, harassment messages and racial speeches eventually do the same thing, which is ‘enact the abuse’. Porn, she says, lowers the dignity and self esteem of women and fuels the acts by â€Å"sexual harassers, wife beaters, child molesters, rapists and clients of prostitutes† (page 17). The first amendment promotes the problems the fourteenth amendment was supposed to fix. Mackinnon shows a society that is extremely hypocritical. Her words in the book have encompassed real abuse, directed at her as a woman; she has really tried to prove her point. Mackinnon believes that we need to change the first amendment in order to balance it out with the fourteenth amendment on issues concerning free speech and protection of equality. She is campaigning for the â€Å"new model in which free speech does not most readily protect the activities of Nazis, Klansmen and pornographers, while doing nothing for their victims† (page 32). She commended two Canadian court decisions which promoted the rights of people negatively affected by pornography and hate speeches and propaganda. Word that involve issues such as bribes, fixing of prices and segregation of facilities are treated as acts of law, but words or pictures target issues involving race and sex are not treated as acts of law, and that is why the courts end up permitting pornography in our societies. She shows how lawyers and judges have used the first amendment to justify the heinous acts of pornographers and racist individuals into political speech. She says that if words have ever been recognized as actions it is in situations concerning sexual harassment. She laments that the courts have reduced their effectiveness by overturning universities’ restraints of discriminatory and sexual speeches on campus by throwing out a complaint brought forward by a female shipyard worker who was harassed by having been shown pornography, which is a form of speech that is protected in the first amendment. In fact these words and pictures are protected by law explained as ‘the free and open exchange of ideas’, even reproduced for viewing. Mackinnon says that what the law is concerned with is not what the word does but what the consequences of the word is, the harassment, racism and hate speeches is showing the differences between the different social groups, the power one group has over another. Mackinnon through studies in workplaces, pornographers, on college campuses and others she shows these very discriminatory acts are protected by law as free speech; equality will only be seen and treated as a word. Mackinnon brings to the open many of the contradictions she has been saying in the previous essays, she says that â€Å"the law of equality and the law of freedom of speech are on a collision course in this country† (page 47). Mackinnon does a good job in showing the ignorance and shallow thinking of many defenders of pornography. The book is a passionate and eloquent plea to Americans to be able to see beyond the doctrines made normal by society, in particular concerning pornography and racial and hate speeches. She says that Americans suffer from obsession of expressive freedom to the trauma of the McCarthy era. Her arguments show that in some levels, pornography may be restricted, but it has not yet shown reason to be restricted. She later confuses by emphasizing that some of them are made from â€Å"actual child abuse and actual rape and tortures† (page 56). Certain weaknesses are evident in the book. First of all, she should have devoted more space for the definition of pornography so that it would have been applicable in law. Another weakness is the vague separation of debating and expressing intolerable ideas. These prevent from having clearly defined boundaries. What she fails to bring out in her book is the other side of free speech, the importance of free speech in an independent society like political accountability, self determination among others. Catherine Mackinnon’s views do have pros and cons. Her view that pornography should be controlled by the government I believe is a good thing. Pornography has really led to degradation of the society and this will reduce if it is controlled. To some extent it does lead to subordination of women leading to more cases of aggression towards women, it eventually ‘enacts the abuse’. Her suggestion that amendments should be made to the constitution to be able to defend those affected by pornography I believe is also a good thing. Campaigning for the new model that free speech does not protect the activities of those using the right of free speech to justify their actions is also a good idea. Some of the abuses of sexual inequality are regarded as free speech hence not seen as acts of sexual abuse. Lawyers and judges have used this to justify some of the issues affecting the society such as hate speeches, pornography and racial discrimination. Some of the cons is that she uses very few words to explain the definition of pornography, she should have taken more time define her view of pornography. I believe that pornography should be regulated and have to agree with Catherine Mackinnon. Pornography has caused serious consequences to the society in general and therefore should be controlled. The pornographers have the freedom to do a lot and they are protected by the constitution. To some extent it does lead to subordination of women, hence pornography should be controlled.

Discuss the concept of post heritage in relation to two more films Essay

Discuss the concept of post heritage in relation to two more films that you have studied - Essay Example The Duchess of Devonshire had an extravagant personal life and her political life. These films become the new significance of the heritage of the United Kingdom. The films contain contemporary political and social events that are not normal for the royal families in Europe. There were massive social and political implications of Princess Diana’s death and funeral. There was public hysteria during her funeral service that did not sit well with the public. The royal family did not want the death of Princess Diana to be a public affair, but the media could not listen to the family. The views of the royal family were a contrast to that of the then Prime Minister Tony Blair and Diana’s husband Prince Charles. The two believe the funeral of Princess Diana should be made a public affair since she was a public figure. The media naturally complicate the issues surrounding Princess Diana’s death and her funeral (Frears 2006). No one knows the official status of Diana as she had a divorce from her husband during the time of her death. The society loves controversies and spectacles. The drama is surrounding Diana’s death fit right in the popular culture of the people. The heritage film made the people challenge the knowledge they had of the past royal family to the present royal family surrounded by controversy. The experience of the movie is very significant to the present day United Kingdom regarding protocols during the death of a royal family member. Tony Blair’s fortune takes for the worst after the funeral of Princess Diana the release of the film â€Å"The Queen† coincides with his downfall and resignation afterwards. Queen Elizabeth in the film is worried about how Tony Blair is going to modernize Britain as the new Labor Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, however, promises Queen Elizabeth of respecting British’s heritage and the Royal Family order of doing things. Blair, however, goes against the

Titanic vs. Romeo and Juliet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Titanic vs. Romeo and Juliet - Essay Example Over the years, there have been comparisons between Titanic and, Romeo and Juliet. Some have ventured to say that Titanic is sadder than Romeo and Juliet, while there are others who disagree and favour the latter. This debate, although not in public has occurred in the hearts of people who have been privileged to watch both movies. But is the debate as to which movie is sadder, worth considering? Can a conclusion be made as to which one is sadder? And even if a conclusion can be made, what will be the criteria? These are some of the questions that people have had to confront. Titanic indeed is a sad movie that was based on a true event. In this movie, we see a massive Ship that was considered the biggest and most luxurious Ship of its time. Some even ventured to suggest that it was unsinkable. As we unfold the life of this great Ship, we are met with awe and wonder. It was adorned with the finest precious stones of its day. Gold was lavishly used, as if it grew from trees. The china was decorated with Gold, Silver, and other precious stones. Its audience was of the highest order, for only the richest and most famous were granted the privilege of using its vicinity. As the Ship entered its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to New York, it treaded so smoothly that its beholders were tempted to suggest that the gods had placed a special favour upon it. The voyage was very long, and hence, the crew prepared and carried all the things that the people would need, for the Ship had to live up to its reputation of being the finest Ship that ever graced the waters of planet earth. Singing, dancing, gambling, games, and all sorts of entertainment could be seen in the vicinities of this hallowed Ship. Then it happened, that incident that forever changed the life of this Ship, and afterwards the hearts of people across the world. As the Ship was proudly gliding across the black and icy cold waters, it met its greatest challenge, an ice-berg. Some say, it was placed there by the Devil, and some say, it was placed there by God to humble the pride of man. Nonetheless, the truth was clear; the Ship was in trouble, and as a result, the people within it. It struck an ice-berg, and almost all of the people inside it perished. Hollywood producers captivated by the reaction that this incident caused, were inspired to make a movie out of it. In the movie, they inserted a sad story of two lovers. In the story, the lovers Jack and Rose were in a forbidden affair. Current norm did not allow Jack, a peasant, to get into a relationship with Rose, a daughter of a rich and famous man. And to make it worse, Rose was engaged to another man. But surprisingly, all this did not discourage Jack. He was determined to be with Rose for the rest of his life. Hence he met problems from Rose’s fiancee who suspected that Rose was falling in love with Jack. This conflict between these two men from different walks of life over the heart of this beautiful lady awoke great interest in the hearts of people across the world. People started cheering for Jack, for he was the underdog, and was also a great charmer. In all this, Rose was caught in the middle, but her heart was swaying slightly to Jacks favour. This continued until Rose was completely in love with Jack, and then it happened. The Ship, as if angry at this union, struck an ice-berg, and the scenes that followed were engraved in the hearts of the world for all time. Everybody in the Ship strived to save his own life. Small boats were searched for as if they were the very source of life. Jack realizing the situation, had only one thing in mind, save Rose and get out of there. This proved a big problem, because by this time, he had been locked downstairs. After a miraculous escape he managed to locate Rose, and together held on to the end of the Ship as it slowly descended down the deathly hallows. Finally the Ship disappeared down the water, and everybody was left fighting for dear life on the icy waters of the Atlantic. Jack, a gentleman, found a plank of wood,

Lab 5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Lab 5 - Assignment Example For the debt collectors, it is revealed that they earn commissions based on the amounts they collect. Consequently, the debt collectors has been employing underhand tactics, harassment and even breaking the law, to accomplish desired targets. Some of the debt collectors have even resulted to using coercion and force in the pursuit of collecting amounts due. Some agencies have even resulted to breaking and entering personal property to recover debts due. The subsequent episodes show how a portion of the population is taking advantage of people in credit card debt through fraudulent means. Additionally, it is later revealed that credit companies, may actually be lying regarding credit card debt, repayment plans and interest rates. The credit card firms have also began selling accounts of customers in debt to collection agencies, which is illegal. That last two episodes are more advisory and reflective. They place emphasis on the fact that, in yester years, American citizens did not accrue so much date. In the last episode, viewers are advised against falling into the trap of credit card debt and for those already in debt, they should be vigilant. Indeed, credit card debt is termed as the next big crisis in America. 2) Caveat emptor is a legal principle that confers to the buyer, the responsibility of ensuring that the good/service bought, is operational and in good condition. In the legal and business sense, the credit card companies were not liable since, the parties were competent. Moreover, the credit card companies acted in good faith, since the economy was booming and they could not foretell the financial crisis (Andrews 2011). 6) As a judge, I would rule against the 30 year old because his history suggest he is mentally competent. Furthermore, the primary reason for his inability to repay the debt is financial irresponsibility and the credit crunch. 8) (A) I think

Financing Options for Larger Purchases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financing Options for Larger Purchases - Essay Example It is like a contract between two parties written for engaging in a transaction. The selling party must fulfill all the obligations written in the contract for the transaction while the buyers must also engage themselves in the particular transaction. Different financing options have different prices depending upon the value of the asset which is to be bought or sold. Usually the values of asset are currency or bonds or it may be future contracts along with a premium package till the expiry of the contract. When the option is exercised within due time, the other party collects its premium from the buyer & deliver the asset to the buyer. If the option is not fulfilled into the due time of expiry, the contract is considered void. There are such types of options too in which the actual buyer of an asset sell it to someone else, this is known as the exchange of option. Usually, all kinds of financial options are provided by finance corporations or by investment banks. Whenever there is a contract held between two parties considering any of the financial options, the terms of the option are required to write down. It must always mention the quantity & type of asset to be purchased & at what value it is going to be sold out. The expiry date is also mentioned in the contract & also some other terms & conditions upon which the whole contract is written, like the premium amount, the interest rate etc. The options are mainly of two types, the exchange-traded options which have a set of pre-defined contracts like stock options, bond options, index options etc, & the over the counter option which is not on an exchange & is simply between two parties. There can be as many terms & conditions in the latter one as both the parties want, depending upon their particular situation & the kind of valuable asset. There are also employee stock options typically in US which are in a form of an incentive from a company to its employees (PETCHERS. 2003). Purchasing of a house or a car o r something big like these always require some time to stop & think deeply what & which kind of financial option will suit according to the current situation anyone is facing. They are a real necessity & thus cannot be avoided. On the other hand, one must look into his/her budget & the actual need for that very item. One should not get tempted from the luxurious items which are out of range & should not get over spend. The one who has the money should be the one to decide what option will better suit him/her & what will not. At what interest rate can anyone afford the installments & thus before signing over any contract the details must be well read by the purchaser. Personal finances such as house, car, large electronic appliances etc need a lot of financial planning with respect to the budget & savings & considering future financial risks. Several ways to earn right amount of financial assistance at right time include insurance policies, investments in some business or in stock ma rket, social security plans & benefits, saving accounts & consumer loans etc. When looking for financing of  large purchases, the easiest & the best way is the exchange-trade option, which is always standardized & the set of rules is pre-defined very clearly so that there would be no ambiguity remains in the contract. There can be installments procedure in which there are 3 months, 6 months or sometimes a 9 month installment can be made in order to cover the whole price of the asset. As there has been throughout computerized

Federal emergency grant Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Federal emergency grant - Essay Example The center works in liaison with the US fire administration, police, Emergency Response Institute and the Federal Emergency Management Agency among others for better preparedness (Kimmel 2006).Apparently San Marcos is prepared to respond to emergency through the many training sessions facilitated by Emergency Response Institute (ERI), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas State University. There is also awareness creation on the potential hazards in the area through participatory assessment of those hazards (Ashby, 2010). The school has and the community has access to hotlines in case of emergencies for immediate response. The school needs the grant to improve their preparedness by increasing the equipment required, expanding the transport system to prevent possible accidents. They also needs funds to conduct a comprehensive, strength based vulnerability assessment of the school buildings and grounds given that the district lies on the fault line. This will help us improve our mitigation plan (Burnet, 2008). Currently the fault lines have led to creation of springs which provide water to the residents and act as tourism attraction. San Marcos River as never run dry thus providing water for agricultural purpose. The Aquarena and wornderworldare spring are major tourist attraction for rearing some of the endangered aquatic species on earth. The school is collaborating with the community to develop appropriate policies and procedures in building a better team that is well prepared to respond to crisis. This way the process is integrated so as some of the resources can be shared. The school has looked at Federal Emergency Response and Crisis Management Plans Discretionary Grants legislation, regulation and administrative requirement and is certain to comply with them. The school is ready to sign the required agreements, documents and permits together with preparing a quarterly

How does online banking affect the banking industry Dissertation

How does online banking affect the banking industry - Dissertation Example Introduction of ATMs, partially alleviated the problems, and ATMs proved successful in load reduction as well as cutting transaction cost. Advent of internet provided another window of opportunities for the banks to expand their customer reach by providing limited set of internet based banking capabilities to full-fledged virtual banks. This has been extended by further proliferation of PDAs and mobile phones, wherein mobile banking is gaining its foothold as a prominent channel. This paper analyses the progress of online banking since its inception, specifically on the aspects of service quality, security and risk factors from the online banking customer perspective. Based on our study of the decade of online banking, it can be logically concluded that online banking is becoming the number one choice for today’s banking customer in all demographics. ... Occasionally, a customer would phone a bank representative of choice, for financial information (balance in account, check clearance, status of money transfer etc.). Prior to internet/web, ATMs allowed the customer a flexibility of executing certain banking transactions (mainly balance checking, cash withdrawal). Subsequent to that, some banks introduced so called PC banking, where an application installed in customer’s PC established a secured connection with an application running in the bank to perform transactions. Early in 1981, when internet became prevalent at home, some of the banks in US with a large customer base, tried introducing a few facilities to its customers, wherein the customer could perform a few activities, by signing up to additional services from its bank. Some banks charged the customer for these transactions, and these mainly included value-added services to the customer at lesser cost. (E.g. Availability of Dow Jones Retrieval/News Service at a much l esser cost provided by CitiBank). Ubiquity of internet, and customers need for mobility, banks and financial institutions were forced to adopt current technology as a basis for providing its customer, online banking services, available at the reach of the customers’ personal computers, at home, at workplace, or anywhere a customer has access to his/her bank and account. The trend continued with advent and following rapid progress in online technology, from internet banking to mobile banking. Another reason for this shift in service offering on the part of the bank is also due to the fact that customer base for banks and volume of transactions saw