Medias Influence on Adolescent Girls Body Image, Identity and Sexuality

Medias Influence on Adolescent Girls Body Image, Identity and Sexuality Missing Sources Cited   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gender Identity begins in early childhood when roles are given to children as to which toys they should play or not play with. A child’s body image is influenced by how people around her react to her body and how she looks. A pre-adolescent becomes more aware of what society’s standards are for the ideal body. The media has always had images of what the ideal woman should be. As in the way she should look and the way she acts. The media today does and doesn’t always depict what is good for an adolescent or pre-adolescent to believe about themselves. There are also many good influences from the media. Role models such as Oprah and Ricki Lake have given many adolescents more of an ideal individuality to strive for.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Young girls look at their images in the mirror and don’t like what they see. Does this sound right? Girls as young as nine years old report dissatisfaction with their bodies. Girls tend to struggle with body image in far greater numbers than boys. Boys don’t focus as much on their body shape and size as do girls. Some attention to body size and shape is part of the normal growing process. As children reach adolescence their bodies change and children especially young girls become more aware of how they look. Some of these feelings are normal. But when a girls life is affected by her thinking about her looks it turns into a problem. Avoidance and Isolation are signs of a problem beginning. Being positive and having healthy relationships help girls maintain positive body images. The ability to talk to someone, whether it be a parent or friend or coach, can help reinforce healthy body images. Self esteem is the key component to a healthy body image. For the most part if a girl displays confidence and personal control, the likelihood of a positive body image is greater.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The four top selling magazines with a target audience of teen females are Seventeen, Sassy, Teen and YM. â€Å"In similar fashion, magazine and book reading gradually increase during adolescence. Approximately one-third of high school juniors and senior say that they read magazines daily.†(Textbook) These magazines often show positive and negative images of young and older women. They are often times covere... ...ather to help television paint a more realistic picture of the responsibilities and risks that accompany sexual activity. The Media Project provides accurate information, script consultation, and story ideas to many teen- and adult-oriented shows – such as Dawson's Creek (WB), Any Day Now (Lifetime), Felicity (WB), Sex and the City (HBO), Moesha (UPN), Judging Amy (CBS), and Strong Medicine (Lifetime). In an additional effort to encourage the television industry to embrace the issue of positive sexuality and to highlight current programs that succeed in portraying sexual health issues without compromising entertainment value. (Transitions). Not one thing can influence a Adolescent girl about her body or image or sexuality. Many things can. But as I’ve talked about in this paper the media presents a huge influence on adolescents. Some media is good, some is bad. In order for adolescents to learn correctly they need to start at home. Parents must tell them which is good shows and bad, and sit down and ask them questions. Adolescents are at a critical time in their lives, any influence on their outlook on sexuality, body image or identity could damage or help them in the long run.

Knowledge Management Essay

In researching this paper I can’t seem to get away from constantly comparing the difference between what is knowledge and what is information. As a result I continue to look at Knowledge Management synonymously with Information Management. Or rather the terms of knowledge and information of which knowledge is constantly used synonymously with information. As pointed out in many articles this is often the case, and just leads to confusion of what I think Knowledge Management really is about. Furthermore, I am still stuck in the belief that you can manage information but not really the corresponding knowledge that an individual can derive from the information. This is why I found when reading the assigned reading material that T. D. Wilson’s article probably influenced me more that the others. As a result I will try to explain Information Management comparatively with Knowledge Management and answer the posed question and how I think Knowledge Management should be broached with top managers. What is Information Management? According to Wikipedia, â€Å"Information management (IM) is the collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of that information to one or more audiences (Wikipedia Information, 2010). † This can of course be information of many types and can be stored in data form, written form, video form, and many other forms. Typically in the case of IM this information is stored in Information Management systems such as databases, collaboration portals, report tools, and many other types of systems. Information Management is used to store information so that users of the information can gain knowledge from the information as a whole toward an end goal whether that goal is to generate sales for a company or become an expert in widgets. Information is the basis for knowledge. Without it, knowledge doesn’t exist. On the other hand, according to Wikipedia, â€Å"Knowledge Management (KM) comprises a range of strategies and practices used in an organization to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of insights and experiences. Such insights and experiences comprise knowledge, either embodied in individuals or embedded in organizational processes or practice (Wikipedia Knowledge, 2010). † The problem I have with this is that you may be able to capture knowledge in written form, for example, but knowledge in this form is only information for another to use to complete a process through instruction and does not imply they understand the information that led to the conclusion. Can it be a sharing of explicit knowledge? Probably; according to Thampi, â€Å"Explicit knowledge (sometimes referred to as formal knowledge) is formal knowledge that can be packaged as information (Thampi, 2008). † Emphasis should be given to â€Å"packaged as information†. He also implies that tacit knowledge (personal knowledge) over time can become explicit once the person matures it into new knowledge and documents it in some form. Knowledge implies understanding of information and knowledge in written form is just that, information. I don’t believe just because the person can read it that knowledge of the underlying information is imparted. According to Li and Song, the relationship between IM and KM consists of â€Å"the two having mutually reinforcing effects† and â€Å"they both attach great importance to information and IT (Li and Song, 2009). † They state under this these relationships that â€Å"Even though KM and IM have different emphases the purpose produced is basically identical† and that â€Å"Knowledge cannot exist without information because it provides raw material and source for knowledge innovation and the pursuit of KM goals (Li and Song, 2009). † Almost sounds like they are synonymous! I think this is the basis for many of T. D. Wilson’s arguments. He states that â€Å"for the fields of information science and information systems, it is clearly necessary for us to distinguish between ‘information’ and ‘knowledge’. Failure to do so results in one or other of these terms standing as a synonym for the other, thereby confusing anyone who wishes to understand what each term signifies (Wilson, 2002). † The result is people believing Knowledge Management is one and the same with Information Management. The capture of knowledge in written form, as I described above, does not imply knowledge of the underlying information to the person reading it. Wilson further comments on this thought by stating, â€Å"Whenever we wish to express what we know, we can only do so by uttering messages of one kind or another – oral, written, graphic, gestural or even through ‘body language’. Such messages do not carry ‘knowledge’, they constitute ‘information’, which a knowing mind may assimilate, understand, comprehend and incorporate into its own knowledge structures (Wilson, 2002). In other words, not everyone reading it will gain knowledge, so maybe Knowledge Management isn’t the right term to use. I also like his argument that everything outside the mind in essence can be defined as data if it contains simple facts, or information, if the data is in a context of relevance to the recipient, and that collections of messages such as papers, e-mails messages, letters in an archive, etc. are generally regarded as information resources, â€Å"thus, data and information may be managed, and information resources may be managed, but knowledge (i. . , what we know) can never be managed, except by the individual knower and, even then, only imperfectly (Wilson, 2002). † I believe Wilson’s arguments are pretty convincing and his research paper is exhaustive and nearly exhausted me! All of the comments and arguments above are not really what this assignment is about but are what helped me draw my conclusions to answer the posed question. Is it a good idea to use the term ‘knowledge management’ in conversations with top managers in our days? I don’t know that even with all the chatter about KM that it’s known well enough by all managers to necessarily use the term in conversations. Top managers may not have enough information about the KM concepts to be comfortable talking about it without some â€Å"knowledge† or expertise on the matter. I think you need to approach the conversations in terms of desired outcomes. After all, knowledge is information applied toward a desired outcome. I believe anytime you talk to your boss or her boss etc. you define your terms upfront. For example; â€Å"We are working on a KM solution that specifically captures the process call takers use to enter sales orders so that we can reduce sales process times. † Although this only captures information for call takers to use to achieve the outcome, and does not necessarily imply they gain knowledge from the information used to capture the process, it clarifies KM in terms top managers can understand and in reverse implies you are providing knowledge to the call takers. Provide the specifics and keep these types of conversations focused on outcomes. The KM concept is clouded by misinterpretation, ambiguous meanings, and directionless efforts. If you define KM by the desired outcomes then yes, you can have an intelligent conversation with top managers. If I fall into the trap of letting someone else define KM in their own mind, based on what I know about KM, I will simply contribute to the ongoing directionless efforts already occurring. Other terms I would consider using that add clarity to the conversation include process, documentation, repeatability, uniform results, and intended outcomes. These terms change the conversation by changing the focus. You can still have a KM conversation by framing KM as the documented processes that provide repeatable uniform results and intended outcomes. This is a long way of saying KM should be used as a conversation starting point but not an end point. Throw out the KM catch phrase then say â€Å"now that I have your attention let’s talk about all the stuff that makes KM work†. While there seems to be relevance to the KM argument there also seems to be a lack of clarity and information on the KM process that distinguishes it in less synonymous terms from IM. Something in my opinion needs to change that clearly states the intent of KM that clarifies exactly what it does; capture implied knowledge based on individuals knowledge and experiences. I believe it is more of a process or experience management technique that falls under IM and would be less confusing to people as well as eliminate synonymous meanings. I do not believe knowledge can be managed but information, processes, and experience can. Bogorad stated, â€Å"By definition, the intent of Knowledge Management is to discover, retain, and disseminate locked-in knowledge across the organization (Bogorad, 2010). † In my opinion the terms locked-in experience or locked-in processes work much better than knowledge. Similarly, Thampi states, â€Å"Processing data can be performed by machine, but only the human mind can process knowledge or even information (Thampi, 2008. ). † What I believe he should have said is; â€Å"Processing data and information can be performed by machine, but only the human mind can process information to develop knowledge. †

Gun Control And The Second Amendment Essay - 1386 Words

The second amendment has always been deeply rooted in the American culture and constitution. The amendment states A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Being able to protect ourselves, gives us Americans a peace of mind, but now-a-days people are thinking otherwise. Being able to access a firearm so easily without a thorough deep background/mental health check is un-nerving. In the last two decades there has been roughly 200 mass shootings. All it takes to buy a firearm, like a shotgun simply requires your driver s license and a couple pages of paperwork from the 4473 form. I am here to discuss Gun control in America through our 3 levels of representation, Federal, State, and City. All my life I have been told to respect firearms. Knowing guns are not toys and to respect them. My father has always had guns, but they were concealed in a large black metal safe. I was later told t hat it was because firearm safety is is must, especially when kids are present. I was later informed that my grandfather s daughter was fatally shot by his son because of the lack of observance of the firearms present in the household. It has been heavily influenced in our family to be well versed in how to handle and respect firearms. It is because of my upbringing and family events that I feel it is my responsibility to discuss gun control. With gun control being such a widely discussedShow MoreRelatedGun Control And The Second Amendment1391 Words   |  6 Pages In the Constitution, the second amendment gives the American people to have the right to possess and bear arms. This amendment has been the most controversial issue since guns have been around. Issues such as gun control and gun ownership have remained a matter of debate and have been floating around in Congress. It has been rumored that Congress is forced to draft certain legislation in order to come up with a law again st unlawful use of arms, and only owning them for safety purposes. When it comesRead MoreGun Control And The Second Amendment1179 Words   |  5 Pages13 colonies. The Second Amendment has been up for many debates, especially in the recent light of mass shootings in the US. But does the entire removal and ban of firearms really work? Gun control and the second amendment has been a never ending conflict between politicians. As we look further into gun control there are more draw backs for the citizens than benefits. The Second Amendment was ratified to the US Constitution on December 17, 1791 by Congress. The Second Amendment states â€Å"A well-regulatedRead MoreGun Control And The Second Amendment1166 Words   |  5 Pagesterrible about the Second Amendment; because pro-gun zealots use the Second Amendment to protect their immoral actions, but this is their twisted and corrupted interpretation on the meaning and intent of the Amendment because this is in no way the original premise of the Second Amendment. The right to bear arms laid out in the Second Amendment is just because guns are weapons for self-defense. Precautions are taken on gun control, such as keeping a permanent record of all gun sales, requiring a licenseRead MoreGun Control And The Second Amendment Essay1294 Words   |  6 PagesGuns, Guns, Guns. In today’s news Gun Control, has become a controversial topic. I have heard many people say that, â€Å"Guns don’t kill people, people kill people†. So, do we need gun control? People talk because they have mouths, they don’t know the extent about gun violence. About half of the country’s population is for / against gun control. Consistently, the media outlets are reporting shootings, that is accidental or intentional whichever way it is trending across the United States. Stronger gunRead MoreGun Control And The Second Amendment994 Words   |  4 Pagescrimes take place every second and there is nothing we can do about it. Not only that, but, with the dramatic rise in mass shootings in our nation comes a compelling division between political and legal agendas predicated on the Second Amendment. I want to emphasize that every single crime is violent whether is involves a handgun, knife or nothing at all. Everyone in our nation knows the law and it is the offenders choices to break it and harm others. With that being said, guns dont kill people, butRead MoreGun Control And The Second Amendment1850 Words   |  8 PagesWhene ver the Second Amendment is discussed, gun control is usually the focus of the discussion due to the connections that gun control and the Second Amendment have. Although the Second Amendment protects the individual right to firearms, the unlimited right is not. America was founded through guns, using their own arms to fight the British in order to gain independence, making it natural for America to be heavily focused on guns. However, many people have abused the weapon, making the controversialRead MoreGun Control And The Second Amendment Essay1981 Words   |  8 Pages Gun Control has been a controversy for as long as people can remember. This Controversy has increased recently due to the mass shootings taken place all over the United States. Gun control has its pros and cons, Some believe â€Å"Gun control laws state that the Second Amendment was intended for militias; that gun violence would be reduced; that gun restrictions have always existed; and that a majority of Americans, including gun owners, support new gun restrictions.†While others say that the SecondRead MoreGun Control And The Second Amendment922 Words   |  4 PagesGun control has been a long debate to determine if it’s better to have stricter access to firearms. America is one of the few countries that has gun rights embedded in their constitution. But what makes the US exceptional is that it has the right to keep and bear arms, other countries do not provide the right to have access to them, but rather, the government is allowed to regulate its use. The right to b ear arms has also been the cause of growing violence and crime, at least according to anti-gunRead MoreGun Control and the Second Amendment2364 Words   |  10 PagesThe Second Amendment to the Constitution says, â€Å"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed† (Agresti, 2009, para. 2). Based on a simple reading of this, it would seem that people do have the right to own and use firearms. So why are so many people trying to ban guns? Maybe it is because they do not understand what the Second Amendment actually means. Maybe it is because the media only reportsRead MoreThe Second Amendment And Gun Control928 Words   |  4 Pagesothers’ view of our own person are sometimes just as or more important. In reference to the Second Amendment and gun control, the author, Saul Cornell, makes a case for how sometimes every group can think they are the ones in the right, but at the same time, every group can ultimately be in the wrong. It is important to think of not just right or wrong and the rights given to citizens by the Second Amendment to the Constitution, but to think back deeper into history as well and what helped to found