Child support is an issue that is being fought over in courts every day throughout the nation. It seems standard when a mother is raising a child herself, the father is expected to put forth financial aid toward the cost of raising and caring for the child. When it becomes known that a father is not paying to support his offspring, he becomes known as a “deadbeat.” There have been recent cases where biological fathers are fighting back. In a heated discussion between Mel Feit, an advocate and the current director of the National Center for Men, and Gloria Allred, the president of the Women's Equal Rights Legal Defense and Education Fund, the issue over the father’s role in supporting a child was debated. The debate stemmed from a 2009 case where a father stated he did not need to pay child support for the infant in question, because he was “forced into fatherhood.” Points presented in the discussion included the fact that a woman can deliver her child to a safe-haven or give the child up for adoption if she does not want to raise the child or does not feel suitable for motherhood, yet a father cannot deny his paternal rights in the same manor. Additionally, the time window for women to tell their partners they are pregnant was discussed. This issue was presented with a family in which the father was contacted by a former partner to inform him he had a son. This contact was established years after the son was born, and the father was asked to pay child support for the boy. Fiet and Allred debated if women should be held accountable for not informing the fathers of the pregnancy in an allotted amount of time. Further discussion and points can be found from the source at: http://drphil.com/slideshows/slideshow/4701/?id=4701&slide=0&showID=1150&preview=&versionID=
In response to this article, please answer and at least two of the following questions:
1.) Do you believe that men can be “forced” into parenthood?
2.) Is it justifiable for women to be able to surrender their rights for their children by adoption, while fathers cannot do so?
3.) Do you agree or disagree that there should be a statute of time for which a women can let the male know she is pregnant before the father can deny rights to the child?
4.) Furthermore, do you believe men should have a say in the right to their child’s life? Should they be able to have a say if they want to raise the child, but the mother plans on having an abortion?
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Is It Right to Accept Students Based on Sexuality?
Most of you probably recall the stressful time of filling out college applications. How would you feel if on that application you were asked if you were gay, straight, lesbian or transgendered? Well, Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois became the first college to ask that question. You can actually see the question featured on their application on their website: http://media.elmhurst.edu/documents/Application_2011.pdf (p. 3). Having this question on their application has also caused a lot of controversy. According to admissions at Elmhurst College, this question was put on the application in order to increase diversity at their school. Gary Rold, dean of admissions, said the college will get a better handle on what LGBT students want from their college experience. He said students' interests affect greatly what the college offers, including majors and extracurricular activities. We all know how competitive schools are to get into- who has the highest GPA, who scored high on the SAT’s, who has the most extracurricular activities? Is sexual orientation just one more thing that high school students have to weigh in their chances of getting into college? Other colleges across the country are going to wait to see if Elmhurst is getting positive feedback for their question about sexual orientation. In time, this very well could be a customary question on all college applications. I want to know what you think, and please respond to a few of these questions and/or raise an argument of you own.
1. Do you think this is a fair question to ask?
2. The question, as of now, is optional. Would you feel comfortable giving your honest answer?
3. Would you consider lying about your sexual preference to get into the school of your choice?
Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/College+first+about+sexual+orientation+admission+application/5323170/story.html?id=5323170#ixzz1bMIZ3u3C
1. Do you think this is a fair question to ask?
2. The question, as of now, is optional. Would you feel comfortable giving your honest answer?
3. Would you consider lying about your sexual preference to get into the school of your choice?
Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/College+first+about+sexual+orientation+admission+application/5323170/story.html?id=5323170#ixzz1bMIZ3u3C
A World of Glamor and Exploitation
In recent years MTV’s hit shows “Sixteen and Pregnant,” “Teen Mom,” and “Teen Mom 2” have hit our nation. These shows follow the lives of dozens of young women faced with a pregnancy at a young age. In “Sixteen and Pregnant” viewers see how a teen pregnancy affects the lives of both parents leading up to, and shortly after, the birth of their child. In both “Teen Mom” and “Teen Mom 2,” MTV focuses on the aftermath of the birth, like how the moms and their children are doing today. However, this exposure has lead to dozens of magazine covers in the tabloids and a debate on whether or not these shows are glamorizing teen pregnancy and exploiting the child.
Amber Portwood, one of MTV’s stars has faced charges of domestic abuse on her boyfriend, Gary. Maci Bookout faces the trials and trepidations of parenting with an ex that wishes to be apart of his son’s life. Farrah Abraham faces raising her daughter as a single parent because her boyfriend passed away in a car accident shortly before she was born. Catelynn Lowell must face her decision to give her daughter up for adoption every day.
According to a government study, teen birthrate has declined by six percent in the past few years that these shows have aired. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has reported that 82% of teens who have watched these shows have acknowledged that they have “help[ed] them understand the challenges that come with unexpected parenthood.” Only 15% have said the shows glamorize teen pregnancy.
The stars of “Teen Mom” and “Teen Mom 2” are paid anywhere between $60,000 and $65,000 per season. Is this the price to pay for exploiting their children to the world but helping other teens to “understand the challenges”? The oldest child on these shows is only two years old. Is it fair to exploit him for money and fame? Where is the line drawn in society today and should these shows be cancelled for the sake of the children?
Here are some articles that give opposing views on the idea of glamorization vs. knowledge:
Monday, October 17, 2011
Disorder Sweeping the Nation
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or more commonly known as ADHD, is becoming more and more widely diagnosed. A child with ADHD can act impulsive, inattentive, or even both at the same time. An inattentive child will have difficulty focusing, will daydream, will have difficulty completing assignments, and will become distracted very easily. An impulsive child is impulsive, speaks before he thinks, and often interrupts others. These children sometimes have trouble socially but a main concern with ADHD is their academic performance. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has broadened its range for ADHD diagnosis and treatment to the ages from four to eighteen years old. The guidelines prior to these new ones were put in place in 2000 and 2001. The range for diagnosis and treatment had been from six to twelve years of age.
A correct ADHD diagnosis with the correct treatment can be essential to some children's well-being but the problem with ADHD's diagnoses is that aren't correct. Many children are misdiagnosed with ADHD, which has some questioning why they would broaden the age range for diagnosis and treatment if so many are said to be incorrect. It is estimated that nearly 1 million children have been misdiagnosed with ADHD, and therefore mistreated. Should they have broadened the age range with so many diagnoses already proving to be incorrect? Many may say that is just how kids are and to find a child in elementary school that doesn't get distracted easily or has trouble paying attention for a full class. This is a legitimate disorder for many, but has it become too overused in our society today? Is it becoming an excuse for a child who just has trouble behaving properly? Should the requirements for a diagnosis be narrowed down to limit those misdiagnoses or are they fine as is?
Here are some resources that are informative on the symptoms of ADHD, the new guidelines, and some thoughts from doctors, researchers, and other professionals:
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Could Straightedge be a Gang?
Exactly what is straightedge? A straightedge person is someone who refrains from using drugs, smoking, and alcohol. A little background of straightedge is that the subculture that was formed through hardcore punk music. A common symbol to know if someone is straightedge is by wearing an X. These kids form a brotherhood to keep themselves from trying to do the wrong things. Straightedge kids are going against what is the norm in society for their age because nearly eighty percent of kids have tried alcohol. At first view, this would be a parent's dream for their kid. A parent does not have to worry about their child becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.
There are two different kinds of straightedge subcultures, posis and militant hardcore. Posis are those who live out the straightedge lifestyle in a positive way by being examples of what straightedge stands for. Usually posis just live their life refraining drugs or alcohol. Just like every group, there are always some bad apples that can ruin the bunch and they are called militant hardcore. The militant hardcore like to induce violence on those who deal drugs or who get drunk. This group gives the posis a bad reputation. The militant having given the reputation that if you are linked to straightedge then you are put on record by the gang units. An accident happened in Utah in which militant hardcore straightedge members killed a young boy.
Is Straightedge becoming just another gang that kids can join or is it a safe haven for kids who do not want to drink, do drugs, or smoke? Should parents allow their children to be straightedge?
Here are some links about the murder in Utah and a clip from a movie that my class watched in sociology
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Father Wound.
We are born loved by our mothers, with our mothers. The father is the first "other" whom we know in our life that can either embrace us or reject us. What happens when he isn't there?
"Fatherlessness" is an accepted part of most of the world’s societies. It is not a shock to hear that someone’s parents are divorced, that their father left, that a woman is a single mother. It's a wonder why it's so expected, almost welcomed, when it's one of the biggest, yet unrecognized social issues. It is the breakdown of the family model. It is one of the most consequential, yet ignored demographic epidemics in the world today.
It is increasing outrageously and no one recognizes the devastation it leaves behind. The effect of this problem is evolutionary because it decides the fate of future generations, success or chaos, and the decision is entirely dependent on the individual whether they choose to succumb to the pain of their personal experiences or to let it make them a better person.
A father means the world to a son or a daughter. He is protection, he is inspiration, and he is love. A father cares, supports, listens, stays, and helps. He provided life for his children, and a father is always there to preserve it and to make sure that they grow in happiness and strength. A father's presence can change a child's future and the person they would become entirely. It is not enough for a father to simply be present to his family, but to go beyond the standard requirements and be accessible, participate and be firm, yet gentle in his disciplinary role.
With the expanding amount of single parent households, many ask why no one is paying attention, why no one seems to see what sadness and anger is being bred into the hearts of children. Director Justin Hunt (American Meth) has noticed and taken action against the epidemic of fatherlessness by filming a documentary on its affects called Absent. It features well-known as well as entirely unknown people of differing occupations such as musician, single mother, model, world champion boxer, author, prostitute, student, etc. and their stories of how their fathers left and how they feel about them now.
Here is the trailer for Absent so you have an idea of their attitudes.
“Across the globe, disengaged fathers are leaving a mark that will forever reshape the future of our planet. You show me a person that is angry, violent, depressed, selfish, sexually immoral, hyper-driven, or one of several other personality types, and I’ll show you a father wound. Nothing is more important to a young man, or a young woman, than a father’s love, respect and acceptance. And nothing is more damaging than when the question ‘Am I good enough?’ is asked of the father by the child, and the answer is silence.” – absentmovie.com
Do you agree with the level of importance this portrays a father figure having? Why or why not?
"Fatherlessness" is an accepted part of most of the world’s societies. It is not a shock to hear that someone’s parents are divorced, that their father left, that a woman is a single mother. It's a wonder why it's so expected, almost welcomed, when it's one of the biggest, yet unrecognized social issues. It is the breakdown of the family model. It is one of the most consequential, yet ignored demographic epidemics in the world today.
It is increasing outrageously and no one recognizes the devastation it leaves behind. The effect of this problem is evolutionary because it decides the fate of future generations, success or chaos, and the decision is entirely dependent on the individual whether they choose to succumb to the pain of their personal experiences or to let it make them a better person.
A father means the world to a son or a daughter. He is protection, he is inspiration, and he is love. A father cares, supports, listens, stays, and helps. He provided life for his children, and a father is always there to preserve it and to make sure that they grow in happiness and strength. A father's presence can change a child's future and the person they would become entirely. It is not enough for a father to simply be present to his family, but to go beyond the standard requirements and be accessible, participate and be firm, yet gentle in his disciplinary role.
With the expanding amount of single parent households, many ask why no one is paying attention, why no one seems to see what sadness and anger is being bred into the hearts of children. Director Justin Hunt (American Meth) has noticed and taken action against the epidemic of fatherlessness by filming a documentary on its affects called Absent. It features well-known as well as entirely unknown people of differing occupations such as musician, single mother, model, world champion boxer, author, prostitute, student, etc. and their stories of how their fathers left and how they feel about them now.
Here is the trailer for Absent so you have an idea of their attitudes.
“Across the globe, disengaged fathers are leaving a mark that will forever reshape the future of our planet. You show me a person that is angry, violent, depressed, selfish, sexually immoral, hyper-driven, or one of several other personality types, and I’ll show you a father wound. Nothing is more important to a young man, or a young woman, than a father’s love, respect and acceptance. And nothing is more damaging than when the question ‘Am I good enough?’ is asked of the father by the child, and the answer is silence.” – absentmovie.com
Do you agree with the level of importance this portrays a father figure having? Why or why not?
Sunday, October 2, 2011
74 Kids and More On The Way
This tv show is about a man named Brian who lives in Boston. When he was in college he donated sperm to be used for parents/a parent who could not have children. Brian not thinking of the consequences donated because of the fact that he would get paid. As of now Brian has around 70-75 kids because of his donation. Brian does not consider these children "his own kids". For some of the parents it was hard to tell their children they were not conceived like other children. One woman had gotten two children from Brian's donation and as for her daughter she believes that her mom and Brian are going to get married one day. This is giving children false hopes about their donor father. But, this tracking of donor parents and donor children can be beneficial too. One donor child was actually glad to find out she had half siblings.I have a few diffrerent questions that you guys can answer about this story. Please choose atleast two of the following four questions to answer.
1. How do you feel about artifical insemination? Would your opinion change if it was a couple vs. a single person who wants a child? Or if it was a lesbian couple vs. a straight couple?
2. Do you think that men should be compensated for their donation?
3. Do you think more people should consider alternatives? (i.e. adoption)
4. How would you feel if someone you know was in the same situation as this guy Brian?
http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/b7656_74_kids_more_on_way_style_presents.html
1. How do you feel about artifical insemination? Would your opinion change if it was a couple vs. a single person who wants a child? Or if it was a lesbian couple vs. a straight couple?
2. Do you think that men should be compensated for their donation?
3. Do you think more people should consider alternatives? (i.e. adoption)
4. How would you feel if someone you know was in the same situation as this guy Brian?
http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/b7656_74_kids_more_on_way_style_presents.html
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