Bog questionnaire

Female, aged 41.
English Specialist Degree
Being Bad relates indirectly to other modules, it has enabled me to think outside of the box, to look at life from a different perspective.
The subjects that were covered were appropriate, interesting and relevent to issues that occur frequently in everyday life.
The module I found challenging in a way that it made you think seriously about both sides to the issue under the debate, your own points of view and that of others.

The module team were great! enjoyed certain lectures more than others though to be honest.
To have group discussions I feel is a little difficult as everyone sits with familiar people, so to take advantage of the module everyone needs to be placed with people they don't already know.

The interdisciplinary approach was fab! a breath of fresh air from the other modules. It really worked for me and I particularly enjoyed the blogs. It was great to interact with others in the group and share opinions, values and to have a good rant about stuff that annoys many of us.

I'm not sure if I will carry on this module, not decided yet but would recommend it to other students.

I didn't find any of the module a waste of time, I found it wasn't so demanding as the other modules although we had three assessment tasks. The ability to do one element as an on going assessment I really enjoyed, also reading other peoples blogs made me appreciate the different attitudes we have to everyday problems and issues. The only problem was the amount of newspapers I bought, articles or news programmes I watched, it drove my husband bonkers!

I found that all the handouts, paper work that accompanied the lectures, frequently available, questions were answered and problems addresses efficiently.

Many thanks to Mark, I got a great deal out of the module, enjoyed it.

Cross examining children.

I read an article today which has led me to question, is our judicial system being bad?
Children are cross examined in a room which is separate from the court room or the interview is recorded and played back at a later date. However, in this case a four year old had to give details of a sex attack and demonstrate with the use of dolls. Why do we place our children in such a traumatic situation when they have suffered psychologically already? Surely with all our technology there is a much child friendlier procedure to hear the evidence. I feel that we are frightening our children into silence rather than telling the truth. Should the system be protecting the victims of crime, not encouraging them to re-live the trauma. This young girl was placed in a room for 40 minutes and questioned by lawyers she had never met before.
The defense council's point of view is: that they have to interview the victim but are unsure if this correct procedure to obtain the truth from children at such a young age. Even the police question if this form of cross-examination is appropriate for children at such a young age.


The Daily Mail on Sunday, May 3rd 2009. Article by Johnathon Petre, p16-17.

Dog dirt is foul.

In reply to Zoe Cox, April 27th 2009.
http://beingnaughty.blogspot.com/

I totally agree with Zoe, I usually find a fresh load near to the school gates on the morning school run. It must be the same person walking their dog early in the morning. It makes me smile when I see a sign stating that the dog owner can be fined, ha! you need to catch them first. I wished I could find out who these people are, I would throw the dog dirt in front of their house, I'm sure they would have something to say. There is nothing worse than trying to get dog poo out of your child's shoes, its disgusting! Cat poo is just as bad, I usually find that either on my lawn or in my son's sand pit, YUK!

Litter, it really bugs me!

It drives me mad when I see litter, there is no excuse for it.
We live close to a huge green which is convenient for all the children to play on, the only problem is that there seems to be an increase in litter that is left. Since the weather has become much warmer and the nights are lighter, more children gather to play a variety of sports after school and at the weekend.
Often I have to clear many plastic bottles, crisp and sweet packets up off the field. Why can't the people take the rubbish home with them? Why is there such disregard for our environment? If we all took more care and attention, what a cleaner, more healthier and inviting place our local surroundings would be.
From a different point of view, as a family we recycle as much of our rubbish as we possibly can. Why is it that there are people that still throw an enormous amount of packaging, bottles, cans and plastics away as normal domestic rubbish, when there is a facility for it to be taken away by the council for recycling. If we recycled more waste, more effectively, it would reduce the amount of waste going into landfill sites. I wish people would consider the consequences of litter and irresponsible disposal of rubbish, it really bugs me...

Tax mad!

Ryanair is now considering taxing people who are obese. Not so long ago Michael O'Leary wanted to charge passengers to use the toilet, has he gone TAX MAD! Could this not be considered discrimination? So therefore, if your waist touches each armrest of the seat, does this automatically mean that you are obese. I'm sure he wouldn't dare call some of our England rugby players obese. I think that Michael O'Leary is definitely 'being bad', but also could be considered, off his rocker!

The Daily Mail Newspaper, Thursday April 22nd, article by Tim Clarke 'Budget airline Ryanair considers fat tax for obese passengers'.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1172536/Ryanair-considers-fat-tax-overweight-passengers.html

Jack Tweed

In reply to http://beingbad01.blogspot.com/ naughty but nice on April 14th 2009,
I agree with Shane, he has got what he deserved with regards to his crimes, although I do feel sorry for him losing his wife. I think due to the publicity that has surrounded Jack and Jade over the last few months he probably thought that the courts may have been more forgiving, but at the end of the day he is no different than any other person who has broken the law. Why should he be treated any differently. I too, am a little unsure of Jack Tweed, he appears quite sensitive and mild mannered but he obviously has a violent streak too. The quite ones are sometimes the worst, their behaviour is difficult to predict and with regards to an agressive behaviour, there are often no warning signs.

Sunbeds.

There has been many articles in the media lately with regards to skin cancer as a result of the over use of sun beds. I personally agree with the majority that we all feel much better with a tan. However, there seems to be a trend to become obsessive in the need to be permanently brown skinned. They are now calling it 'tanorexia'. I do find it worrying that young girls are being burnt by sunbeds and feel there needs to be an age restriction to protect them, they are naive to the dangers of the tanning machines.

In the 'Daily Mail' on April 8th 2009, there was an article about a young woman (Amiee Broberg) who went on a sunbed twice a day for two years and then her skin started to fall off, yuk!

All this leads me to wonder how much pressure we place on ourselves to be the perfect, desirable as well as attractive, doesn't personality count for anything anymore? Is it society, along with the media that places so much emphasis on being beautiful? Why are we no longer satisfied with who we are, but strive to be something that we are not. What has made our expectations to be so high? I think that all this pressure we place ourselves under is rubbing off on our children and we need to be extremely careful. The younger generation are becoming so preoccupied with the expectations that the media has placed upon them as well as the increasing peer pressure,that they will forget to be themselves, and have FUN!

Stalking.

In reply to http://laurasbeingbadblogg.blogspot.com/ on Sunday 12th April 2009.

I agree that stalking is 'bad' and for the person involved extremely distressing. I suppose being famous has its advantages as well as its disadvantages, such as having an obsessive character invading your life. The extremes that someone will go to, to be in control is disturbing. Looking on a stalking website there are common traits of a stalker;
Won't take no for an answer
Has an obsessive personality
Above average intelligence
No or few personal relationships
Lack of embarrassment or discomfort at actions
Low self esteem
Sociopathic thinking
Has a mean streak

Reading Laura's blog also reminded me of a film that was on recently, 'Cape Fear', directed by Martin Scorsesse. Staring Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte. The Bowden family were stalked by a criminal that Nick Nolte represented as a lawyer.
You can view a clip from this film on youtube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIl5yccCOhA

Jade Goody.

In reply to numerous blogs reference to the death of Jade Goody.
http://beingnaughty.blogspot.com/
http://www.yasminstevens.blogspot.com/
http://i-wish-philosophy-was-pink.blogspot.com/
http://claire-cee.blogspot.com/

Reading an article in the 'Radio Times', which has been discussed on GMTV with regards to the media attention of Jade. Like many of you I am now disinterested in the sad loss of Jade but wonder how this attention is going to effect her two boys. Let her rest in peace, she is becoming an obsession with the British public through the media attention.
It wasn't so long ago that she was the most disliked woman in Britain due to her ignorance and racist remarks. How fickle the British appear to be. Are we not guilty of exploiting Jade for our own amusement, as much as she manipulated the media for her own personal gain. Who is being bad. In my opinion I think we are all as guilty as each other, we all have had a hand in this 'performance', the media, the public and especially Jade.
As mentioned in many other blogs, many other women have experienced cancer, some losing their fight and others living through the ordeal. Other families losing loved ones in war and through other tragic circumstances. However, as much as I feel that Jade's 'public' death was distasteful, perhaps some good may come from it. Women may be much more aware of the need for screening, especially now the suggested age for smear testing is under review.

The Radio Times, 11-17 April 2009. 'Point of View', Article Written by Michael Parkinson, p14.

Drugs as a weapon.

In reply to Dave Fox's blog, Sunday 5th April, 2009.
(http://www.davefoxbeingbad.blogspot.com/)

Last week's lecture (week 10) I found particularly interesting, especially with regards to LSD being used as a weapon by the American military, the very establishment that should protect its citizens as well as troops. Obviously not in this case...This drug was still in its experimental stage, therefore the side effects were damaging to the troops, although I appreciate the reasons why they took it. However, as Dave suggested, the long term effects were not considered when the testing began and many soldiers suffered as a consequence of taking LSD.

The American Government, (CIA) introduced the 'MK-Ultra Project' to experiment on soldiers, without consent. An invasion of soldiers minds and the scientist that carried out these experiments were Nazi scientists who previously had assisted Hitler in developing psychological warfare in WW2. The Nazi's then used this form of mind controlling warfare in the communities/countries that they occupied.
The drugs used were LCD and PCP.
With this evidence further experiments were carried out by the CIA, which were 'top secret' at the time. The American government abused its power and acted inhumanely towards its own people.
It goes to prove how far governments will go to create the ultimate weapon...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i46RI2twVao

Graffiti, is it really bad?

Yesterday, I noticed a piece of art work on a wall of a community center. Some may say this is a criminal offense but I was amazed at the detail and skill that went into this visual display.
Originally graffiti was began in America in the late 1960's by street gangs to mark territory, it also was used as a means of gaining attention from the local community as well as the press by political activists.
By the early 1970's writers of graffiti were becoming well known for their specific style. The subway system became an important line of communication with regards to graffiti and people from neighbouring communities became aware of the different themes within the graffiti, its style and message.
Now graffiti is an art form with its own terminology. Writers have developed a 'tag' which gives an indication to who the artist is, by using flourishes, stars and other cartoon images.
I think it is definitely art, a form of expression for all to share and at least it adds colour to some of the run down buildings. I think that graffiti is only effective in small amounts, if it was displayed in excess, it would lose its meaning and become unsightly.

In reply to Laura's 'Being Bad' blog, Thursday, 2nd April 2009.

(laurabeingbad.blogspot.com)

I don't entirely agree with Laura with regards to this film, I feel it should be shown but to a specific audience, adults only. I found it quite disturbing, possibly due to some scenes being extremely realistic and disturbing. I do however agree that teenagers experiment, if they didn't then how would they learn right from wrong. The behaviour of the young adults on the film introduced us to the harsh reality of city life in America, which to them is normal, but to us totally abnormal. As parents we teach our children social rules, morals and respect, clearly the 'kids' in this film had none.

What stuck me as strange was the fact there appeared to be no parental control. Perhaps it is the parents who are to blame for such inexcusable behaviour.

Mother jailed for lying.

'Mother of teenage gunman who killed schoolboy jailed for lying to protect him'.

With regards to the class debate in week six, on lying. Janette Mercer, mother of Sean, who shot Rhys Jones has been given a three year jail sentence for lying.

Was it so wrong for a mother to protect her son, even if she knew full well that he was involved in the killing? Does the love for your children out way the moral obligations to society or should Janette have given Sean up in the beginning of the investigation to cause less heartache for the parents of Rhys?
Janette obviously lied to protect Sean and assist in the cover up of Rhys's murder.
When we discussed the issue of lying to children the majority said it was to protect them, to create a world of innocence. However, what Janette did was unforgivably wrong. No matter how much you love your children, you should not assist them to cover up such a dreadful crime and put the parents of Rhys through so much agony and pain, as if they have not suffered enough already.
My philosophy is 'what goes around, comes around', it certainly did for Janette Mercer along with her son Sean Mercer. Mrs Mercer is definitely BAD...

The Times Newspaper, Thursday 2nd April 2009, p18 (article by Russell Jenkins)
also online www.timesonline .

The Death Mobile.

I couldn't believe it when I read this article, are the Chinese very very 'BAD' or have we gone soft? They have devised a van that can execute criminals once they have been given the death sentence, using a lethal injection. So far last year 1,715 people were executed and the Chinese government state that it is proving to be a deterrent, as the van's presence within the community is an strong indication of what punishment will be given, if certain crimes are committed. The bed slides to the center of the van so the prisoner can be strapped down, then the injection is administered. The procedure is watched on camera by the prison staff and medical team.

I know that China has a very ruthless, hard line view of crime and punishment which obviously seems to be working. However, it reminded me of the Nazis, the death camps and the gas vans which were appalling crimes against humanity. Are the Chinese government as bad as the criminals themselves in treating prisoners so cruelly, or are they really solving crime, or being as bad or even worse than the Nazis. I'm not sure how I feel about this form of deterrent. What do you think?

The Daily Mail, Saturday 28th March 2009, p40-41 (article by Andrew Malone).
Also online: www.dailymail.co.uk

Bullying

In reply to Laura Payne's blog on 'Bullying', Tuesday 24th March 2009.

Bullying has devastating consequences if suffered long term. It reduces self esteem, confidence and well being of a person and it affects their home life, school work as well as health. Some children hide it very well and the signs are not seen until it is too late, which unfortunately leads to some taking their own life. There is a huge stigma attached with being bullied, the inability to speak out and ask for help causes loneliness as well as isolation.

We very often assume that it is the vulnerable, weak or children with special needs that suffer bullying, but this is not the case. Bullying affects children of all ages, of all backgrounds regardless of ability. We need to educate our children in how to spot the early signs, who to ask for help and how to put a stop to it. It is not acceptable, it is wrong and must be stopped....

Parents also need to made aware of the signs and possibly behaviour changes that occur when their child is being bullied. Education is the key to making bullying extinct...

Maori Tattoos

In reply to Dave Fox's blog on Sunday March 22nd.

I agree with Dave, it certainly was an eye opener to the art of tattooing and the cultural influences behind them, especially the Maori Tribe in New Zealand. I found particularly fascinating the ancestry information that the Maori tattoo holds, and how the pattern engraved on the face represents the person's signature. How cool is that, clever eh!

Teacher films the 'Truth'

Reading in the 'Daily Express' today of a teacher who filmed the behaviour of children in class. Alex Dolan compiled the evidence whilst working as a supply teacher. The film was used in a documentary for channel 4, called 'Undercover Class'. As you can guess the education chiefs are not at all impressed by the actions of Ms Dolan. I had to smlie though, I wounder when was the last time that some of these 'top dogs' entered into a classroom, behaviour has dramatically changed. They wouldn't last ten minutes. A teachers job is no longer just about educating children, but behaviour management, it is far from easy. A teacher can spend more time with behaviour issues than actually getting the lesson done, but it is the other children in the class that suffer. The judge in this case refused to issue an injunction, saying that the programme served important public interests. In this case I think the chiefs within the education authority are 'Being Bad' as Ms Dolan set out to prove how poor classroom standards were, as well as manipulation of exam results and league tables. How the truth hurts eh!!!

(Daily Express: Tuesday March 17 th 2009, p12. Article by Martin Stote)

Wacko Jacko!

Does Michael Jackson really think the British public so stupid? Of course the only reason for his gigs at the O2 are for money, because he is absolutely skint!!! I know he has a huge following, but he hasn't done anything for ages and I do think he could do with an image change, don't you? I think he is behaving really 'BAD', forgive the pun, but I couldn't resist...the only problem that worried me is that there are going to be many disappointed fans, due to fake, over subscribed tickets...I feel this is a huge publicity stunt that might go terribly wrong at the expense of many British people. If he is not careful this publicity stunt could do him more harm than good. I think he may be past it! so I think he should 'BEAT IT!!', sorry, couldn't resist...

In reply to Laura Cole's blog on 'Infidelity', March 4th 2009.

There are many pressures in society these days, many of which effect the union of marriage. Women now have high powered, demanding jobs which places them into the male dominated world. Many women not only wish to be intelligent, highly driven but also beautiful and attractive, perhaps the perfect woman. A woman's place is no longer in the home, but alongside many other women and men, driven by ambition. Men and women want more from life and if they are not fulfilling their needs whilst married then will be tempted to look elsewhere and considering the amount of time spent at work, inevitably close relationships will be formed with the opposite sex. We are now part of a disposable society, if it is no longer needed then we throw it away, no longer prepared to repair anything that is broken.

Infidelity is wrong, but is it also wrong to stay in a marriage when clearly a person is unhappy, for whatever reason?

Lying, a form of self preservation.

There are many types of lies and we always categorise the worst ones with betrayal, as these are the ones that hurt the most,but certain lies form a safety network which we call upon frequently. We only let a limited number of people into our personal world, those who truly know us and understand us well enough not to make a too harsh a judgement on our actions or thoughts. People outside of this circle we often lie to to protect our feelings, emotions and to provide a certain amount of privacy, until we know them better for ourselves. We often tell 'white lies' to our children to create a safe, nurturing environment to answer their countless questions, until we feel they are old enough to understand the truth about many issues that arise throughout their childhood. If we did tell them the truth it would do them more harm than good, and expose them to the reality of life that they would not understand.

Obesity is child abuse!

In reply to Zoe Cox's blog on 'Child Obesity' on Wednesday 4th March 2009.
We very often express our concerns with regards to children who are underfed or malnourished and categorise it as child abuse, but isn't over feeding your child just as bad. Children who are over weight suffer greatly at school, they cannot sit down, join in P.E. lessons effectively and participate in outside activities. The school equipment is not strong or big enough to enable effective earning to take place and they feel vulnerable, isolated and lonely, especially at break times. I even no a eight year old girl who had to have her school dresses made as she could not buy them big enough for her age. It is very often found that many members of the family suffer with weight problems and in my experience brothers and sisters are usually of similar size.
As a society we need to educate parents on how to better feed their children and to encourage more out door activities. I don't think PlayStation's or any form of computer games help children in these circumstances, but they have increasingly become part of our children's leisure activities. Perhaps because of the dangers for children in today's society we tend to keep our children in more, to keep them safe from harm, which in effect has caused another danger which is not allowing 'children to be children'.

'Captain Pugwash'

If you get chance go onto 'youtube' and watch the video clips of 'Captain Pugwash' I can't believe that years ago the broadcasting authority would allow the names of Captain Pugwash's crew to be aired. It wouldn't now that's for sure...It fits in beautifully with last weeks lecture on masturbation... One of his crew is named 'Master Bates' and another 'Willy'. If it is true that the creator was expressing his sexuality through this animated series (produced for children) then there are many innuendos hidden within the story lines, have a look!

Masturbation.

I read an article since the lecture about 'masturbation' which has helped me to see it from a man's perspective. It discusses the issue that male masturbation forms part of the weekly routine, and for some men is a more sexual effective release that intercourse itself. Also that 'us women' read too much into the relationship between a man and his hand, perhaps we do! Its the not understanding I think from a woman perspective, but then again I doubt whether you understand us either! I think it could be sad if masturbation takes over the need to have sexual intercourse, although I can see there is an element of pressure to perform of to satisfy your partner, but isn't that a two way thing?
I can't understand why there was laughing during the lecture, we all know about it, it's as though it is a forbidden subject, only to hear in jokes, we all knew what the subject was last week and I found it really interesting....
The Times Online, January 17th 2009, 'Sex advice: Is masturbation wrecking my sex life?'by Suzi Goddard.

What women want!

In 'The Sunday Times' today there is an article which goes into detail about what both men and women want with regards to a sexual relationship and masturbation, it is quite interesting as in conclusion it states that they still haven't found what makes women sexually aroused (there is no specific activity). Women are a mystery to the male sex and I think that you men out there find us difficult to work out. Read this article, it is quite an eye opener, it will put a smile on your face anyway!!!
The Sunday Times and The Times Online: dated Sunday 1st March 2009, 'What turns women on', by Daniel Bergne.

Infidelity, who does it hurt the most?

In reply to Zoe Cox's blog 'The cost of Infidelity', Monday 23rd February 2009.
It's like ripples in a pond, the effect that 'cheating' has on a family, it effects everyone. I don't think my brother-in-law intended to cause so much pain and anguish, but he clearly wasn't happy. I know it doesn't excuse his actions but when you fall out of love and no-one listens or reads the signs, what was he supposed to do? Was he really so 'bad' or just in a situation where there was no way out and whatever he did would cause a great deal of suffering. There are always two sides to every story and looking back he gave up everything to be happy, he walked away with nothing, it must have been heartbreaking for him. I only hope she was worth it!!!

'Shameless'

Over the last four weeks we have discussed many themes of 'being bad', smoking, shop lifting, prostitution and infidelity. If you watch the programme 'Shameless' on channel 4, it's all in there!!...especially last week as it glamorised shop lifting, sex with multiple partners causing a sexual transmitted disease and finally infidelity happening too! Although really funny as many of you would agree, it holds an undercurrent of sadness and opens your eyes to how some people live. If we were met with the same choices in life, wouldn't we all do the same thing? I think that our principles are inherited from our parents, we all have choices to make in life and the choices we make along the way, make us who we are. So who is 'bad' in the programme 'Shameless', the parents, the environment or society? Is it really their fault that they behave so shamelessly?
(Shameless, channel 4, series 3, episode 7)

Legalising prostitution...

In reply to Andrew Kirby's blog on 'legalising prostitution', Wednesday February 18th 2009.
Jean Johnson a member of the 'Women's Institute' has been campaigning to legalise prostitution for some time and has travelled to compare other countries perception to ours. She raises issues as Andrew has regarding the safety aspects of this illegal sex trade. As well as being vulnerable to violence, sexually transmitted diseases and exploitation, workers in this service industry (some may disagree that it is a service industry..) are constantly being scorned. Who has the problem, society, the government or those who do not want to admit that prostitution exists? It isn't going to go away so why not deal with it, making it legal with make prostitution safe for all parties concerned...
(The Sunday Times, February 22nd 2009, report by Caroline Scott)

Told to stop kissing!!!!!

In reply to Cherelle Scott's 'In the public domain', 19th February 2009.
When I was younger (about 19) my boyfreind and I were asked to stop kissing in a local pub, one Saturday afternoon...I didn't quite understand what the problem was at the time, it was only a peck! we weren't 'being bad' just showing affection towards each other. However, I don't know if this act would be accepted now, me passionately kissing my hubby may make people sick, or at least put them off their pint! It seems that age has a huge part to play on people's attitudes to what is 'bad' in the public eye. Having sex on public transport though has never appealed to me, it's got to be the thrill of getting caught that excites couples, is this so wrong? mind you I can't imagine anyone 'getting it on' during the day when the bus or train is packed! Are we too much concerned with what people think, getting too stuffy and narrow minded or just too much concerned with doing what is socially acceptable? Who defines 'bad behaviour' anyway?

Soho Sex King.

'Soho Sex King: The story of Paul Raymond' a documentary on Channel 4.

I found this documentary quite informative, with reference to the lecture last week (week 3: Prostitution).

It discusses Paul Raymond and how he started his empire for sex shows in Soho, London in the early 1970's. He created an environment which was male dominated, a wine bar atmosphere with a nude show which ran three times a day, seven days a week. He insists that he was providing a service for an unspoken appetite for sex. He later began producing magazines showing naked women, but throughout his career he was adamant that it was not pornography or prostitution...Many disagree.

With this documentary in mind, is prostitution wrong when clearly some verbal contract has been made between two people. It is a service afteral. Or as we have suggested in the lecture on smoking, is it the rite of the individual to make the choice, it is their body! I think as long as they are not harming anyone else, let them get on with it!

(Channel 4, on demand. Soho Sex King: The Paul Raymond Story, 2002)

Smoking can be sexy!

I have read other blogs regarding smoking and I do agree it is up to the individual...everyone has the right to do what ever they choose, whether other people agree or not. However, smoking a cigar is really sexy and it smells lovely too, or am I just wierd! I think it the relationship between the lips and the holding of the cigar between the lips that creates the appeal, as if the cigar is almost being kissed (the cigar being smoked by a man, obviously!!) Somehow cigarettes don't have the same sex appeal, not for me anyway.....

Alfie Patten a dad at 13!

I can't believe what is happening to the youngsters in our society today, it turns my stomach when I hear this story on the news or see it in the newspapers. Where on earth were their parents and how did they get into a situation which enabled them to have sex in the first place...I feel for the child, will it be another burden for society? it certainly isn't the little girls fault (Maisie) but somewhere, somehow we are failing our younger generation. Who is being bad? the parents, society, or the educational system, because we are getting it increasingly wrong, BIG TIME!!!!

Did you see?

In reply to Dave Fox's blog on 'smoking'
Dave had watched a TV programme where children were smoking (channel 4, Boys and Girls alone). This is definately being bad, especially from a parents point of view...However there are changes happening in smoking trends.
Apparently in Poland it is becoming popular for girls to smoke a pipe and they hold competitions too...there are even pipe clubs...so is smoking then a cultural trend or fashion accessary? or this an individual's right to establish their identity? they aren't doing any harm to anyone else are they? so it may be then society who is suppressing poeple who is being bad!
(www.timesonline.co.uk, July 4th 2007, article: 'Did you see' by Neil Clark)

Freedom of speech?

I was reading in 'The Times' an article about Gert Wilders, a Dutch polititician. Is he 'being bad' or is he entitled to freedom of speech? (he has made a controversial anti-islamist film) or is it our government who is bad by not allowing him to enter the country or are they frightened of what might be seen or heard? Who is guilty, as clearly he must have been invited by our politicians...(Lord Pearson of Rannach).
(The Times Newspaper,Friday February 13th 2009, p15)

Walk on by!

Why is it when there are people shouting, swearing, pushing and being aggressive we tend to walk on by? What is it about our society that has left us with a fear of 'getting involved', not willing to help others and less able to speak out when something is obviously wrong. Is it parenting, society or other influences. We could discuss this topic in week 12....