References
“All men are created equal” - Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address, I Have a Dream - King Jr., Martin Luther
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_men_are_created_equal
Article 5 - California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/ AIDS Prevention Education Act - Education Code Section 51938
http://crahd.phi.org/sb71overview.pdf
Bill of Rights
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am1
California Constitution Article 1 Declaration of Rights - Section 7.5
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=edc&group=51001-52000&file=51890-51891
Declaration of Independence Transcript: The National Achieves Experience
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Education Code Section 51930-51932
http://www.sdcoe.net/lret2/hpe/pdf/ED%20Code%2051930-51939.pdf
Let California Ring - Facts - Equality California Institute - Copyright 2009
http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3348081/k.B080/Facts.htm
Pascoe, Peggy - “Why the Ugly Rhetoric Against Gay Marriage Is Familiar to this Historian of Miscegenation” - 2004 - History of Interracial Marriage
http://hnn.us/articles/4708.html
Prop 8 - Pros & Cons to Same-Sex Marriage - Created for Nov. 2008 Election
http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/state/prop/8/
SB 71 Fact Sheet - California Comprehensive Sexual Health Education LAW - SB 71 (Senate Bill 71) - Law as of 1/1/2004
http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/pdf/SB71FactSheet2.pdf
Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_partnership
Showing posts with label Essays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essays. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Is This Truly The Land of the Free Where All Men and Women Are Equal? - Persuasive Essay
Is This Truly The Land of the Free Where All Men and Women Are Equal?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men all created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (United States Declaration of Independence).
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln).
“I have a dream, that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal” (“I Have a Dream”, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
Those famous quotes taken from documents and speeches throughout the history of America were used in attempt to make this country a place of freedom, where all men and women are truly equal. I believe in what this country stands for which is freedom and equality. The United States of America is known best as The Land of the Free! I believe that all Americans should have the right to marry; this includes same-sex couples. If we exclude these rights from certain individuals, such as same-sex couples then we are going against what we, as Americans, stand for. I believe that it was wrong that during the years of 1664 to 1967, interracial marriages were illegal (Pascoe), just like I now think it is wrong that same-sex marriages are not legal. Discrimination is no different when directed at race or a person’s sexuality. It is still discrimination, and therefore, wrong.
When I first gained a definite opinion about this issue was during 2008, when Proposition 8 was written. Prop-8 was based on whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in the state of California. The California Supreme Court had over-turned a previous vote of the people and legalized same-sex marriages in May of 2008, deeming it was unconstitutional to prevent same-sex marriages. Prop 8 was written to over-turn that Supreme Court ruling, and in November of 2008, the people voted YES on Prop 8. The YES vote now means that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California (California Constitution Article 1 Declaration of Rights Section 7.5). Personally, I voted no on Prop 8 for several different reasons. One of those reasons is close to my heart for two of my best friends are homosexuals. I believe that they deserve the same rights as everyone else. Both of them should be able to marry and reap the same marital benefits as heterosexual couples. I do not believe they should be treated differently in any way because of their sexual orientation.
The most common concerns here in California with those that were and are against same-sex marriages are heterosexuals and religious establishments wanting to preserve the meaning of marriage as between a man and a woman and parents not wanting same-sex marriage to be taught in schools. Prop 8 supporters were using, what I believed to be scare tactics, such as saying that fairy tales would be read in schools about Kings and Kings to young children. There was also a story about children being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. Opinions were and are that homosexuals don’t need to marry because they are offered domestic partnerships; which give the same benefits as marriage without the title. And, of course, many disagree with same-sex marriage based on their religious beliefs (Prop 8 - Smart Voter).
Homosexuality is apart of our society today, regardless if you agree with it or not. Children are going to be curious and ask about same-sex couples whether or not they are allowed to marry. With that being said, Senate Bill 71, the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Act of 2004, went into law on January 1, 2004. This law is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be protected against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also suppose to educate the students about being healthy, adolescent growth and development, body image, gender roles, sexual orientation, dating, marriage, and family (SB 71 Fact Sheet). This law also requires that schools notify parents at the beginning of year about these classes. All parents have the right to “opt out” and not have their child participate in these classes. Education Code Section 51938 shows that it is a parent’s right to excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual education (Article 5). So, if one is concerned with a child learning about homosexuality or same-sex marriage in their school, it is within a parent’s rights to remove their child from those health or sex education classes.
When I heard people talking about teachers reading students fairy tales about Kings and Kings, I thought that was a fallacy; a false claim to put fear in people. I do not remember any fairy tale stories being a part of grammar school curriculum and neither does anyone I know. I do not remember learning about heterosexual or homosexual marriage either. Another story that I believe to be false is the one I mentioned previously about students being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. As I remember, Kindergarten through 12th grade, no matter what field trip you went on with your school, it required a parental permission slip. Again, I believe this was only a scare tactic used to persuade people to vote against homosexual marriages.
Same-sex couples in the state of California, in certain cities, are offered the opinion to become domestic partners. A domestic partnership is defined as a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage nor a civil union (Wikipedia). Many people think that same-sex couples do not need to get married because they are offered domestic partnerships. People tend to think that they are one in the same, but with a little research you will find that they are quite different. A few of those differences are, for example, as a married couple you have more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits, you are allowed to make medical decisions for your spouse, visit them in the hospital as immediate family, and are recognized universally as a married couple. As a domestic partner, there are no federal protections, you may not be able to make medical decisions for your partner or get recognized as immediate family to visit them in the hospital, and you are not universally seen as a united couple on the same level as a marriage. Also, in a marriage you are able to file your taxes jointly, except an inheritance from your spouse, allowed to change your name and eligible for Social Security Insurance. While as a domestic partner you can only file federal taxes separately, and if you are left an inheritance from your partner, there will be a tax penalty which is the same as if a stranger left someone an inheritance. As a domestic partner, you may only change your name with a court order and you are not eligible for Social Security Insurance. So, as you can see when comparing marriage to a domestic partnership, they are not the same. Domestic partnerships do not come with nearly as many benefits as married couples do.
The last opposition I want to address is the fact that people do not think same-sex marriages should be legalized because of their religious beliefs. I do not want to discuss what each religion and their materials say because I believe it is all up for interpretation. I do understand that all religions disapprove of homosexuality, but I think whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry should be based on state, not church. Just like the Bill of Rights First Amendment (freedom of religion, press and expression) states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (Bill of Rights).
In this country, there is a separation of church and state. If a law would pass stating same-sex couples would be allowed to marry, that would not force religions to change their beliefs. I look at these as two separate entities. Religions can continue preaching as they wish regarding homosexuality. Same-sex couples will probably never be allowed to marry in churches, so that is religion’s way of not putting their stamp of approval on something they disagree with. Same-sex marriage does not dictate what a religion can and can not believe in, it just gives same-sex couples equal marital rights on a state level.
The world we live in is forever changing, so I think we should keep an open mind and roll with the punches so to speak. I am not asking you to change whether or not you believe in homosexuality; all I am asking is that you remember America is The Land of the Free and is about equality for all. If you believe that homosexuality is wrong, you are free to believe that. Changing ones mind on whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong was not the goal of Prop 8, nor is it my goal. I just want fellow Americans to see that marriage should not be discriminated against no matter heterosexual or homosexual in the eyes of the state.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men all created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (United States Declaration of Independence).
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln).
“I have a dream, that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal” (“I Have a Dream”, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
Those famous quotes taken from documents and speeches throughout the history of America were used in attempt to make this country a place of freedom, where all men and women are truly equal. I believe in what this country stands for which is freedom and equality. The United States of America is known best as The Land of the Free! I believe that all Americans should have the right to marry; this includes same-sex couples. If we exclude these rights from certain individuals, such as same-sex couples then we are going against what we, as Americans, stand for. I believe that it was wrong that during the years of 1664 to 1967, interracial marriages were illegal (Pascoe), just like I now think it is wrong that same-sex marriages are not legal. Discrimination is no different when directed at race or a person’s sexuality. It is still discrimination, and therefore, wrong.
When I first gained a definite opinion about this issue was during 2008, when Proposition 8 was written. Prop-8 was based on whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in the state of California. The California Supreme Court had over-turned a previous vote of the people and legalized same-sex marriages in May of 2008, deeming it was unconstitutional to prevent same-sex marriages. Prop 8 was written to over-turn that Supreme Court ruling, and in November of 2008, the people voted YES on Prop 8. The YES vote now means that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California (California Constitution Article 1 Declaration of Rights Section 7.5). Personally, I voted no on Prop 8 for several different reasons. One of those reasons is close to my heart for two of my best friends are homosexuals. I believe that they deserve the same rights as everyone else. Both of them should be able to marry and reap the same marital benefits as heterosexual couples. I do not believe they should be treated differently in any way because of their sexual orientation.
The most common concerns here in California with those that were and are against same-sex marriages are heterosexuals and religious establishments wanting to preserve the meaning of marriage as between a man and a woman and parents not wanting same-sex marriage to be taught in schools. Prop 8 supporters were using, what I believed to be scare tactics, such as saying that fairy tales would be read in schools about Kings and Kings to young children. There was also a story about children being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. Opinions were and are that homosexuals don’t need to marry because they are offered domestic partnerships; which give the same benefits as marriage without the title. And, of course, many disagree with same-sex marriage based on their religious beliefs (Prop 8 - Smart Voter).
Homosexuality is apart of our society today, regardless if you agree with it or not. Children are going to be curious and ask about same-sex couples whether or not they are allowed to marry. With that being said, Senate Bill 71, the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Act of 2004, went into law on January 1, 2004. This law is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be protected against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also suppose to educate the students about being healthy, adolescent growth and development, body image, gender roles, sexual orientation, dating, marriage, and family (SB 71 Fact Sheet). This law also requires that schools notify parents at the beginning of year about these classes. All parents have the right to “opt out” and not have their child participate in these classes. Education Code Section 51938 shows that it is a parent’s right to excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual education (Article 5). So, if one is concerned with a child learning about homosexuality or same-sex marriage in their school, it is within a parent’s rights to remove their child from those health or sex education classes.
When I heard people talking about teachers reading students fairy tales about Kings and Kings, I thought that was a fallacy; a false claim to put fear in people. I do not remember any fairy tale stories being a part of grammar school curriculum and neither does anyone I know. I do not remember learning about heterosexual or homosexual marriage either. Another story that I believe to be false is the one I mentioned previously about students being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. As I remember, Kindergarten through 12th grade, no matter what field trip you went on with your school, it required a parental permission slip. Again, I believe this was only a scare tactic used to persuade people to vote against homosexual marriages.
Same-sex couples in the state of California, in certain cities, are offered the opinion to become domestic partners. A domestic partnership is defined as a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage nor a civil union (Wikipedia). Many people think that same-sex couples do not need to get married because they are offered domestic partnerships. People tend to think that they are one in the same, but with a little research you will find that they are quite different. A few of those differences are, for example, as a married couple you have more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits, you are allowed to make medical decisions for your spouse, visit them in the hospital as immediate family, and are recognized universally as a married couple. As a domestic partner, there are no federal protections, you may not be able to make medical decisions for your partner or get recognized as immediate family to visit them in the hospital, and you are not universally seen as a united couple on the same level as a marriage. Also, in a marriage you are able to file your taxes jointly, except an inheritance from your spouse, allowed to change your name and eligible for Social Security Insurance. While as a domestic partner you can only file federal taxes separately, and if you are left an inheritance from your partner, there will be a tax penalty which is the same as if a stranger left someone an inheritance. As a domestic partner, you may only change your name with a court order and you are not eligible for Social Security Insurance. So, as you can see when comparing marriage to a domestic partnership, they are not the same. Domestic partnerships do not come with nearly as many benefits as married couples do.
The last opposition I want to address is the fact that people do not think same-sex marriages should be legalized because of their religious beliefs. I do not want to discuss what each religion and their materials say because I believe it is all up for interpretation. I do understand that all religions disapprove of homosexuality, but I think whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry should be based on state, not church. Just like the Bill of Rights First Amendment (freedom of religion, press and expression) states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (Bill of Rights).
In this country, there is a separation of church and state. If a law would pass stating same-sex couples would be allowed to marry, that would not force religions to change their beliefs. I look at these as two separate entities. Religions can continue preaching as they wish regarding homosexuality. Same-sex couples will probably never be allowed to marry in churches, so that is religion’s way of not putting their stamp of approval on something they disagree with. Same-sex marriage does not dictate what a religion can and can not believe in, it just gives same-sex couples equal marital rights on a state level.
The world we live in is forever changing, so I think we should keep an open mind and roll with the punches so to speak. I am not asking you to change whether or not you believe in homosexuality; all I am asking is that you remember America is The Land of the Free and is about equality for all. If you believe that homosexuality is wrong, you are free to believe that. Changing ones mind on whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong was not the goal of Prop 8, nor is it my goal. I just want fellow Americans to see that marriage should not be discriminated against no matter heterosexual or homosexual in the eyes of the state.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Analytical Essay - Human and Sex Trafficking
Human and Sex Trafficking
Drugs can be bought and sold once, while a human being can be bought and sold over and over again. Human Trafficking, which is the “parent” topic to sex trafficking, is the modern day practice of slavery. In more detail, Human Trafficking is defined as a criminal activity in which people are recruited, harbored, transported, bought or kidnapped to serve an exploitative purpose, such as sexual slavery, forced labor, or child soldiery (Wiktionary.org). Human Trafficking is every person’s issue, for it affects many lives worldwide. With the help of specialized organizations and awareness to the public, we can end this modern day slavery.
“Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, generating billions of dollars in profits at the expense of victimizing millions of people around the world. It is the second largest organized crime today. Sex trafficking is one of the most lucrative sectors regarding the illegal trade of people. Sex trafficking includes prostitution, pornography, bride trafficking, and the commercial sexual abuse of children” (Polaris Project).
In 2005, the U.S. government estimated that approximately 600,000-800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year (Zarrin T. Caldwell). In the most recent studies, it is estimated that approximately 2.5 million people throughout the world at any given time are being trafficked (UNODC). Mostly women and young girls are victims of this modern day slavery. They are being forced into prostitution or otherwise being exploited sexually. Around the world, 50 to 60 percent of the children trafficked into sex slavery are under the age of 16. 25 percent of all child sex tourists around the world are U.S. citizens (Oprah.com). The United States of America is the #1 country of destination for trafficked victims. The largest number of people trafficked into the U.S. come from East Asia and the Pacific. (The next highest numbers of people come from Latin America, Europe and Eurasia (U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, State, Labor, Homeland Security, Agriculture, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. 2004).
The first time I heard about Human Trafficking was actually when watching a movie on Lifetime Movie Network titled Human Trafficking. The movie was an insight for me into this issue. I, like so many people in the world today, had no idea of this modern day slavery world that is out there. The scary part is that most of the time this takes place right before our eyes. Sex trafficking of woman and girls can go “unnoticed” so to speak from the authorities because it is easily disguised as street prostitution. Sex Trafficking can also be found in underground systems like brothels. After I first heard of this issue, I was completely appalled at the fact that this is taking place all over the world today.
Woman and children are being tricked into becoming human slaves. Traffickers are using different physical and psychological means to get their victims to do as they wish. Victims are threatened, their families are threatened, and/ or they are coerced, abducted or forced into it. Some different examples of luring techniques are a promise of a good job in another country, a marriage that is false turns into a bondage situation, being sold into the sex trade by parents or significant others or being kidnapped by traffickers. Victims are also “prepared” by their captors in many different ways. Some examples of these methods are starvation, confinement, beatings, rape, forced drug use and threats of shaming the victims by revealing their activities to loved ones.
In watching the movie Human Trafficking and in my research on this topic, I learned that the physical and psychological damage to these victims is unbelievable. These victims have physical risks and injuries such as drug and alcohol addictions, broken bones, burns, genital tears, memory loss, forced abortions, STDs and other diseases, such as, hepatitis, malaria and pneumonia. The psychological trauma can almost be worst than the physical damage. Victims have disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, acute anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Also, they have tremendous amounts of fear, distrust, self-hatred and suicidal thoughts (Department of Health and Human Services).
In conclusion, I’d like to say that I could never imagine being forced into this type of a life style. I do not know how one can go on living after being exposed to this. There is so much physical and psychological trauma. My heart goes out to all the victims of this horrific world of human trafficking. I am thankful for the non-profit organizations and government agencies out there who are fighting to stop and help treat the victims of this modern day slavery. Organizations such as Polaris Project and Make Way Partners are fighting against Human Trafficking and aiming for a world without slavery. There are such government agencies such as United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that are also fighting the war on Human Trafficking. Without committed organizations like these, this epidemic would be far worse then it currently is today.
References
Caldewell, Zarrin T. OneWorld US. April 8, 2005 Human Trafficking 101
Department of Health and Human Services Sex Trafficking Fact Sheet
En.Wiktionary.org.
Oprah.com UNICEF. U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, State, Labor, Homeland Security, Agriculture, and the U.S. Agency for International Development 2004
Polaris Project. Polarisproject.org
UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC eNewsletter March 22, 2009 UNODC launches Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking
Drugs can be bought and sold once, while a human being can be bought and sold over and over again. Human Trafficking, which is the “parent” topic to sex trafficking, is the modern day practice of slavery. In more detail, Human Trafficking is defined as a criminal activity in which people are recruited, harbored, transported, bought or kidnapped to serve an exploitative purpose, such as sexual slavery, forced labor, or child soldiery (Wiktionary.org). Human Trafficking is every person’s issue, for it affects many lives worldwide. With the help of specialized organizations and awareness to the public, we can end this modern day slavery.
“Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, generating billions of dollars in profits at the expense of victimizing millions of people around the world. It is the second largest organized crime today. Sex trafficking is one of the most lucrative sectors regarding the illegal trade of people. Sex trafficking includes prostitution, pornography, bride trafficking, and the commercial sexual abuse of children” (Polaris Project).
In 2005, the U.S. government estimated that approximately 600,000-800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year (Zarrin T. Caldwell). In the most recent studies, it is estimated that approximately 2.5 million people throughout the world at any given time are being trafficked (UNODC). Mostly women and young girls are victims of this modern day slavery. They are being forced into prostitution or otherwise being exploited sexually. Around the world, 50 to 60 percent of the children trafficked into sex slavery are under the age of 16. 25 percent of all child sex tourists around the world are U.S. citizens (Oprah.com). The United States of America is the #1 country of destination for trafficked victims. The largest number of people trafficked into the U.S. come from East Asia and the Pacific. (The next highest numbers of people come from Latin America, Europe and Eurasia (U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, State, Labor, Homeland Security, Agriculture, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. 2004).
The first time I heard about Human Trafficking was actually when watching a movie on Lifetime Movie Network titled Human Trafficking. The movie was an insight for me into this issue. I, like so many people in the world today, had no idea of this modern day slavery world that is out there. The scary part is that most of the time this takes place right before our eyes. Sex trafficking of woman and girls can go “unnoticed” so to speak from the authorities because it is easily disguised as street prostitution. Sex Trafficking can also be found in underground systems like brothels. After I first heard of this issue, I was completely appalled at the fact that this is taking place all over the world today.
Woman and children are being tricked into becoming human slaves. Traffickers are using different physical and psychological means to get their victims to do as they wish. Victims are threatened, their families are threatened, and/ or they are coerced, abducted or forced into it. Some different examples of luring techniques are a promise of a good job in another country, a marriage that is false turns into a bondage situation, being sold into the sex trade by parents or significant others or being kidnapped by traffickers. Victims are also “prepared” by their captors in many different ways. Some examples of these methods are starvation, confinement, beatings, rape, forced drug use and threats of shaming the victims by revealing their activities to loved ones.
In watching the movie Human Trafficking and in my research on this topic, I learned that the physical and psychological damage to these victims is unbelievable. These victims have physical risks and injuries such as drug and alcohol addictions, broken bones, burns, genital tears, memory loss, forced abortions, STDs and other diseases, such as, hepatitis, malaria and pneumonia. The psychological trauma can almost be worst than the physical damage. Victims have disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, acute anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Also, they have tremendous amounts of fear, distrust, self-hatred and suicidal thoughts (Department of Health and Human Services).
In conclusion, I’d like to say that I could never imagine being forced into this type of a life style. I do not know how one can go on living after being exposed to this. There is so much physical and psychological trauma. My heart goes out to all the victims of this horrific world of human trafficking. I am thankful for the non-profit organizations and government agencies out there who are fighting to stop and help treat the victims of this modern day slavery. Organizations such as Polaris Project and Make Way Partners are fighting against Human Trafficking and aiming for a world without slavery. There are such government agencies such as United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that are also fighting the war on Human Trafficking. Without committed organizations like these, this epidemic would be far worse then it currently is today.
References
Caldewell, Zarrin T. OneWorld US. April 8, 2005 Human Trafficking 101
Department of Health and Human Services Sex Trafficking Fact Sheet
En.Wiktionary.org.
Oprah.com UNICEF. U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, State, Labor, Homeland Security, Agriculture, and the U.S. Agency for International Development 2004
Polaris Project. Polarisproject.org
UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC eNewsletter March 22, 2009 UNODC launches Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"The Layover" Essay - Narrative & Descriptive
“The Layover”
As we landed in Tokyo, Japan at Narita Airport after an 11 ½ flight, my fiancé Eric and I were thrilled to touch down. The flight from San Francisco to Japan was not entirely pleasant. Flying economy class on a NWA Airbus A330 aircraft, a wide-bodied plane with four seats in the center and two seats on each side separated by aisles we were seated smack in the middle. Being we were surrounded by people on all sides made for an extremely uncomfortable, long and cramped flight. The flight would turn out to be a much better experience then the 17 hour layover in Japan.
Eric and I had so many thoughts as we gathered our belongings to get off the aircraft and begin our layover. This was our first time being in another country, so far from home. It was very exciting yet nerve racking for both of us. Although we were exhausted and extremely hungry, we wanted to first find where we could stay in the airport overnight. Before leaving San Francisco, Eric’s dad told us all about Narita Airport. He explained how this 24-hour airport had dayrooms. I had never heard of these before, but supposedly these dayrooms had beds and showers and where available to rent by the hour. He also went on to tell us about the airport mall with all the shops and restaurants we could go to. I thought, well this great! We may have to stay at the airport for almost 17 hours, but it will be a piece of cake. We can eat, walk around, shop and even rent a room for a few hours so we can sleep.
As Eric and I got off the plane, we explained to one of the flight attendants that we had a long layover and would not be exiting the airport into Japan. She advised us on which direction to go in the airport and then we parted ways. The flight attendant headed towards immigration and customs, while we headed towards another set of security gates. Eric was walking ahead of me, he put his carry on bag on the security belt, handed the guard his ticket and walked through the metal detector. Next it was my turn, I put my bag on the security belt, handed the guard my ticket, but he stopped me. He started speaking to me in Japanese, which I did not understand. The guard kept repeating, “No, No, No”, and handed me my ticket and was pointing his finger in the other direction. I gathered that we were going the wrong way and he wanted us to turn around. So I yelled over to Eric, as he was let through the security check point for some reason. I told him to come back through the gate so we can figure out where we were supposed to be going.
This is the first time I felt like the foreigner! We were the foreigners! I became so stressed and almost scared in some ways. There I was, in another country trying to communicate with people who spoke another language. This is something I had never experienced before considering it was my first trip outside of the United States. I did not know what to do. I had an overwhelming sense of helplessness, but we had to figure this out. We grabbed our carry-on luggage and began walking towards another security gate. The guards at this gate also did not speak English and were also trying to tell us we were going the wrong way.
Next we walked toward the airport mall in hopes of finding someone who was able to help us. We ended up finding a security guard in his all blue uniform, white shirt, black tie and blue hat to match. He did not speak English, but we showed him our tickets and tried to explain our situation. The guard grabbed another guard and they were speaking back and forth in Japanese while looking at our tickets. Finally one of them motioned for us to follow him. He took us to an employee of NWA who spoke English. Finally, someone who can help us out, I thought to myself. Eric and I explained to the woman that we were going to have a 17 hour layover and wanted to know where we can stay. We wanted to know where the dayrooms were located. Baffled the woman looked at us and said, “Oh no, you can’t stay here overnight! The airport closes at 11 o’ clock p.m.! You have to exit the airport.” She then advised us to go down to immigration, fill out the paperwork needed to enter the country and go to baggage claim. At baggage claim, there is an NWA booth that would be able to assist us further.
When she told us the airport closes, that we could not stay my heart dropped into my stomach and I became flustered. I did not know what we were going to do! I couldn’t believe it… the airport closes?! I have never heard of such a thing! So, we did the only thing we could, we made our way towards immigration, filled out the paperwork and went over to the NWA booth near baggage claim. With a sense of panic starting to come over me, I confronted the NWA employee behind the counter with so many questions. We did not have a hotel; we were not expecting this to happen, I wanted to know what we were supposed to do. I was fearful of leaving the airport. I am a planner by nature; I do not like unexpected events, so naturally they are not welcomed with me. The employee at the booth explained that the airport does close at 11 o’clock pm, but we could stay in the “meeting point” of the airport. This was an area right when you enter the airport off the street, furnished with nothing but chairs, where we could spend the night. So, that was it… we would sleep in the chairs in the entrance of the airport in Tokyo, Japan.
Before the 11 o’clock hour, Eric and I were able to go into the mall, grab a bite to eat and call my mom. Even the simplest tasks made me feel so outside my element, unsure of what to do like paying at the restaurant, buying the calling cards and using the pay phone. First the calling card machine directions were all in Japanese making the purchase of a card, a “hope for the best” moment. Then figuring out how to use the calling card and pay phone together proved to be a chore. At the restaurant they had a button at our table, much like a door bell button, that we would push if we needed anything during the course of our meal. When they brought out the bill, they left a little tray near it. Is that where they wanted the yen to be placed? Sitting there we realized we did not even know if we were supposed to leave a tip or not. We recognized we were very unclear and unprepared as to the customs and culture in Japan. Eric ended up asking a gentleman next to us who kindly informed us tips are not welcomed in Japan.
After our meal, we headed out to find our sleeping area for the night. We picked a row of seats along a wall in a small concaved room. The chairs themselves were made of hard metal with very little tan colored cushioning. We put our luggage down on them, to act as pillows. We wrapped ourselves in sweatshirts and jackets to try and stay warm. When 11 pm stuck, the airport was closed down and all the doors were locked and most of the lights were shut off. The security guards, along with Japanese Police, came around asking everyone for their passports. They recorded all information from each individual passport so they could keep track of who was there. I felt very safe in knowing they did this.
All together, there were about 10 to 15 people around us; a group of men and woman who looked as if they were backpacking around different countries, a few pairs of woman and men and some couples. There was one man in particular that struck both Eric and I as a little odd. When the female police officer asked for his passport, the man acted as though he did not understand her, and I thought at first that there was a language barrier. Yet when a male officer came over the man was very cooperative. This made it seem like he may have not wanted to deal with the first officer because she was a woman. Also, throughout the night Eric and I woke up many times due to being uncomfortable or the noise of the singing vending machine, and every time we awoke to this man staring at us. It was the most awkward, uncomfortable occurrence.
We were glad to see morning come. Our uncomfortable night of sleep was over and we could go our separate ways from the “strange man” sitting near us. Before this happened there was one more scare with this man. As he got up from his seat, grabbing all of his bags, he left one dark disposable bag sitting there, right in the middle of the walk way. Eric and I remained sitting for a few minutes, just staring at it. We did not know what to do. Were we reading too much into this? Should we tell someone? All airports now talk about keeping your bags with you and informing authorities of unaccompanied bags. Just before we did anything about it, the man came back around, picked up his bag and threw it away. Phew… a sign of relief for us.
We got up and headed towards the mall for some breakfast, just before heading over to the departure gates. Our 17 hour layover was coming to an end. Before we boarded our plane, I made sure to use their airport computers to book a hotel room for our layover on the way back. That layover was going to be for nearly 24 hours, and although we thought of this as a memorable experience, it is not one we wanted to repeat.
As we landed in Tokyo, Japan at Narita Airport after an 11 ½ flight, my fiancé Eric and I were thrilled to touch down. The flight from San Francisco to Japan was not entirely pleasant. Flying economy class on a NWA Airbus A330 aircraft, a wide-bodied plane with four seats in the center and two seats on each side separated by aisles we were seated smack in the middle. Being we were surrounded by people on all sides made for an extremely uncomfortable, long and cramped flight. The flight would turn out to be a much better experience then the 17 hour layover in Japan.
Eric and I had so many thoughts as we gathered our belongings to get off the aircraft and begin our layover. This was our first time being in another country, so far from home. It was very exciting yet nerve racking for both of us. Although we were exhausted and extremely hungry, we wanted to first find where we could stay in the airport overnight. Before leaving San Francisco, Eric’s dad told us all about Narita Airport. He explained how this 24-hour airport had dayrooms. I had never heard of these before, but supposedly these dayrooms had beds and showers and where available to rent by the hour. He also went on to tell us about the airport mall with all the shops and restaurants we could go to. I thought, well this great! We may have to stay at the airport for almost 17 hours, but it will be a piece of cake. We can eat, walk around, shop and even rent a room for a few hours so we can sleep.
As Eric and I got off the plane, we explained to one of the flight attendants that we had a long layover and would not be exiting the airport into Japan. She advised us on which direction to go in the airport and then we parted ways. The flight attendant headed towards immigration and customs, while we headed towards another set of security gates. Eric was walking ahead of me, he put his carry on bag on the security belt, handed the guard his ticket and walked through the metal detector. Next it was my turn, I put my bag on the security belt, handed the guard my ticket, but he stopped me. He started speaking to me in Japanese, which I did not understand. The guard kept repeating, “No, No, No”, and handed me my ticket and was pointing his finger in the other direction. I gathered that we were going the wrong way and he wanted us to turn around. So I yelled over to Eric, as he was let through the security check point for some reason. I told him to come back through the gate so we can figure out where we were supposed to be going.
This is the first time I felt like the foreigner! We were the foreigners! I became so stressed and almost scared in some ways. There I was, in another country trying to communicate with people who spoke another language. This is something I had never experienced before considering it was my first trip outside of the United States. I did not know what to do. I had an overwhelming sense of helplessness, but we had to figure this out. We grabbed our carry-on luggage and began walking towards another security gate. The guards at this gate also did not speak English and were also trying to tell us we were going the wrong way.
Next we walked toward the airport mall in hopes of finding someone who was able to help us. We ended up finding a security guard in his all blue uniform, white shirt, black tie and blue hat to match. He did not speak English, but we showed him our tickets and tried to explain our situation. The guard grabbed another guard and they were speaking back and forth in Japanese while looking at our tickets. Finally one of them motioned for us to follow him. He took us to an employee of NWA who spoke English. Finally, someone who can help us out, I thought to myself. Eric and I explained to the woman that we were going to have a 17 hour layover and wanted to know where we can stay. We wanted to know where the dayrooms were located. Baffled the woman looked at us and said, “Oh no, you can’t stay here overnight! The airport closes at 11 o’ clock p.m.! You have to exit the airport.” She then advised us to go down to immigration, fill out the paperwork needed to enter the country and go to baggage claim. At baggage claim, there is an NWA booth that would be able to assist us further.
When she told us the airport closes, that we could not stay my heart dropped into my stomach and I became flustered. I did not know what we were going to do! I couldn’t believe it… the airport closes?! I have never heard of such a thing! So, we did the only thing we could, we made our way towards immigration, filled out the paperwork and went over to the NWA booth near baggage claim. With a sense of panic starting to come over me, I confronted the NWA employee behind the counter with so many questions. We did not have a hotel; we were not expecting this to happen, I wanted to know what we were supposed to do. I was fearful of leaving the airport. I am a planner by nature; I do not like unexpected events, so naturally they are not welcomed with me. The employee at the booth explained that the airport does close at 11 o’clock pm, but we could stay in the “meeting point” of the airport. This was an area right when you enter the airport off the street, furnished with nothing but chairs, where we could spend the night. So, that was it… we would sleep in the chairs in the entrance of the airport in Tokyo, Japan.
Before the 11 o’clock hour, Eric and I were able to go into the mall, grab a bite to eat and call my mom. Even the simplest tasks made me feel so outside my element, unsure of what to do like paying at the restaurant, buying the calling cards and using the pay phone. First the calling card machine directions were all in Japanese making the purchase of a card, a “hope for the best” moment. Then figuring out how to use the calling card and pay phone together proved to be a chore. At the restaurant they had a button at our table, much like a door bell button, that we would push if we needed anything during the course of our meal. When they brought out the bill, they left a little tray near it. Is that where they wanted the yen to be placed? Sitting there we realized we did not even know if we were supposed to leave a tip or not. We recognized we were very unclear and unprepared as to the customs and culture in Japan. Eric ended up asking a gentleman next to us who kindly informed us tips are not welcomed in Japan.
After our meal, we headed out to find our sleeping area for the night. We picked a row of seats along a wall in a small concaved room. The chairs themselves were made of hard metal with very little tan colored cushioning. We put our luggage down on them, to act as pillows. We wrapped ourselves in sweatshirts and jackets to try and stay warm. When 11 pm stuck, the airport was closed down and all the doors were locked and most of the lights were shut off. The security guards, along with Japanese Police, came around asking everyone for their passports. They recorded all information from each individual passport so they could keep track of who was there. I felt very safe in knowing they did this.
All together, there were about 10 to 15 people around us; a group of men and woman who looked as if they were backpacking around different countries, a few pairs of woman and men and some couples. There was one man in particular that struck both Eric and I as a little odd. When the female police officer asked for his passport, the man acted as though he did not understand her, and I thought at first that there was a language barrier. Yet when a male officer came over the man was very cooperative. This made it seem like he may have not wanted to deal with the first officer because she was a woman. Also, throughout the night Eric and I woke up many times due to being uncomfortable or the noise of the singing vending machine, and every time we awoke to this man staring at us. It was the most awkward, uncomfortable occurrence.
We were glad to see morning come. Our uncomfortable night of sleep was over and we could go our separate ways from the “strange man” sitting near us. Before this happened there was one more scare with this man. As he got up from his seat, grabbing all of his bags, he left one dark disposable bag sitting there, right in the middle of the walk way. Eric and I remained sitting for a few minutes, just staring at it. We did not know what to do. Were we reading too much into this? Should we tell someone? All airports now talk about keeping your bags with you and informing authorities of unaccompanied bags. Just before we did anything about it, the man came back around, picked up his bag and threw it away. Phew… a sign of relief for us.
We got up and headed towards the mall for some breakfast, just before heading over to the departure gates. Our 17 hour layover was coming to an end. Before we boarded our plane, I made sure to use their airport computers to book a hotel room for our layover on the way back. That layover was going to be for nearly 24 hours, and although we thought of this as a memorable experience, it is not one we wanted to repeat.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Self Introduction Essay
Self Introduction Essay
My name is Carrie Karp and I am twenty-six years old. I was born in Burlingame, California. Although I moved around quite a bit throughout my life, I have always lived in the Bay Area. I spent about the first ten to twelve years of my life living on the Peninsula. The remaining fourteen to sixteen years, I have lived in the East Bay. I am an only child, although I do have step-siblings whom I consider to be almost like blood relatives. My parents got divorced when I was very young and my step father and his children have been in my life since I was about two years old.
I come from a mixed background. My mom’s mother, Nani as we call her, is part Scottish, French, and English. She would be considered a fifth generation San Franciscan. My mom’s father, my Grandpa Al, was Croatian. Both of his parents came over to San Francisco from Yugoslavia. My Grandpa Al would be considered a first generation San Franciscan. My mom’s parents had eight kids total. I have a very large family that just keeps growing! My dad’s father, my Grandpa Lenny, is German. I am not sure as to when his family came to the United States. His mother, my Grandma June, is Italian. She came to the United States from Italy. She is from Genova, which is northern Italy. My father’s parents had only two children. So that part of my family is not so big. After that summary of where I have come from, I would say that I am a mix of Italian, German, Scottish, French and English.
Currently I am living in Livermore with my fiancé and our two dogs, Cody and Bella. Cody and Bella are Labrador Retrievers. I am a HUGE animal lover! I almost wish I could have a household full of all different pets. The reason I say almost is because I know how much goes into having a pet; feeding them, bathing them, taking them to the vet, etc. I believe pets are a huge responsibility and you should not own a pet unless you understand that. So, two dogs are all that I can handle right now. I also think there is nothing better to me than spending time with family and friends. As I grow and mature, I realize that family and friends (and pets too) is what makes your life rich and full of happiness and love. Some of my hobbies or “loves of life” are travelling, although I have not done much of it yet, eating good food and watching good movies every now and again. I also love to do arts and crafts, cooking/ baking, to visit museums, and go shopping.
As for the near future, my fiancé and I are getting married in August of this year, which I am super excited for. I just started attending Lincoln University in the fall semester of 2008. I am aiming towards my Associates of Science degree in Diagnostic Imaging with my concentration being General Sonography. I never thought I would go to college after high school, but as some years past, I realize the importance of an education. I believe that being educated means having confidence and opens doors for you in life.
My goals for the present and the future are to concentrate on school, do my best to achieve good grades while absorbing all information taught to me and ultimately to find a job as an Ultrasound Tech. I want the kind of job that I will be happy to go to everyday. I also want job security and good pay. I believe all of this will come with working as an Ultrasound Tech. I also want to start a family within the next three to four years. I cannot wait to experience the joys of being a parent. I have no doubts that there will be hard times, but I embrace them and look forward to all the good to come as well. I am so looking forward to the years to come.
My name is Carrie Karp and I am twenty-six years old. I was born in Burlingame, California. Although I moved around quite a bit throughout my life, I have always lived in the Bay Area. I spent about the first ten to twelve years of my life living on the Peninsula. The remaining fourteen to sixteen years, I have lived in the East Bay. I am an only child, although I do have step-siblings whom I consider to be almost like blood relatives. My parents got divorced when I was very young and my step father and his children have been in my life since I was about two years old.
I come from a mixed background. My mom’s mother, Nani as we call her, is part Scottish, French, and English. She would be considered a fifth generation San Franciscan. My mom’s father, my Grandpa Al, was Croatian. Both of his parents came over to San Francisco from Yugoslavia. My Grandpa Al would be considered a first generation San Franciscan. My mom’s parents had eight kids total. I have a very large family that just keeps growing! My dad’s father, my Grandpa Lenny, is German. I am not sure as to when his family came to the United States. His mother, my Grandma June, is Italian. She came to the United States from Italy. She is from Genova, which is northern Italy. My father’s parents had only two children. So that part of my family is not so big. After that summary of where I have come from, I would say that I am a mix of Italian, German, Scottish, French and English.
Currently I am living in Livermore with my fiancé and our two dogs, Cody and Bella. Cody and Bella are Labrador Retrievers. I am a HUGE animal lover! I almost wish I could have a household full of all different pets. The reason I say almost is because I know how much goes into having a pet; feeding them, bathing them, taking them to the vet, etc. I believe pets are a huge responsibility and you should not own a pet unless you understand that. So, two dogs are all that I can handle right now. I also think there is nothing better to me than spending time with family and friends. As I grow and mature, I realize that family and friends (and pets too) is what makes your life rich and full of happiness and love. Some of my hobbies or “loves of life” are travelling, although I have not done much of it yet, eating good food and watching good movies every now and again. I also love to do arts and crafts, cooking/ baking, to visit museums, and go shopping.
As for the near future, my fiancé and I are getting married in August of this year, which I am super excited for. I just started attending Lincoln University in the fall semester of 2008. I am aiming towards my Associates of Science degree in Diagnostic Imaging with my concentration being General Sonography. I never thought I would go to college after high school, but as some years past, I realize the importance of an education. I believe that being educated means having confidence and opens doors for you in life.
My goals for the present and the future are to concentrate on school, do my best to achieve good grades while absorbing all information taught to me and ultimately to find a job as an Ultrasound Tech. I want the kind of job that I will be happy to go to everyday. I also want job security and good pay. I believe all of this will come with working as an Ultrasound Tech. I also want to start a family within the next three to four years. I cannot wait to experience the joys of being a parent. I have no doubts that there will be hard times, but I embrace them and look forward to all the good to come as well. I am so looking forward to the years to come.
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