Compare and Contrast Analysis of “The Oak” and “The Road Not Taken”

Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST-1

           Compare and Contrast Analysis of “The Oak” and “The Road Not Taken”

      David Toepfer

ENG 125

PROFESSOR NAME REMOVED BY AUTHOR

Tuesday, November 27th, 2013

Running Head: COMPARE AND CONTRAST-2

For this assignment I have chosen to compare and contrast two poems, which include: Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Oak and Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken. These two poems both use themes of nature; to ambiguously convey a message which seems ever so reminiscent of a human’s personal journey of growth, and change. In each piece of literature the author’s seem to utilize the natural-physical surroundings, and objects within the poem, in a metaphorical fashion. This is done ambiguously, through literary devices such as figurative language, and similes; to aid in conveying the underlying meaning’s, and themes of the two pieces of literature. Though these two poems have their own specific set of differences, they indeed have a very particular set of similarities as well. We can see this within the broad conception, of both literary pieces as a whole; within their underlying themes.

In reference to The Road Not Taken (Frost, 1916), written here in a student response; “I’ve concluded that the poem emphasizes the ambiguity associated with life choices” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 46). This is a very observational and well rounded interpretation of what this particular student had taken from the poem. Within the same student’s response, this student also expands upon his insight, into the poem being that of a metaphor to convey; “the nature of choice making” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 46). We can see that ambiguity is a very prevalent element utilized within The Road Not Taken (Frost, 1916), It seems to convey the inherent logic that each piece of life; seems to be a piece of the puzzle in the decision making process. As we can see in this piece, the metaphorical nature of Frost’s poem sets a distinct tone in which knowledge is being obtained through decision making, to ultimately aid in one’s life journey. One can interoperate this poem in many ways, but the foundation laid down before us has a true theme, and underlying meaning; that is pronounced in the symbolization put forth through figurative speech, really emphasizing the life choices we make (Clugston, 2010).  This poem speaks on an inspirational level to all people from all walks of life. I mean this, in the respect that; it conveys to us that the road less traveled may be the road necessary to take.

           

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In reference to The Oak (Tennyson, 1889), we can clearly see that one of the main elements utilized within the poem was the simile (Clugston, 2010). This element of literature was put forth with the purpose of aiding in the structure of the underlying theme of the piece. In The Oak (Tennyson, 1889), nature was used prevalently as a literary device; in order convey the underlying message. Within this particular poem the literary device utilized created a simile “Comparing human development to the oak tree’s seasonal cycle” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 240).

Tennyson’s poem portrays the physical growth of a literal oak tree; that seems to be used as a symbolic representation of the changes in which the tree endures on a seasonal level. This symbolic representation shows us how this directly correlates to human development and lifecycle (Clugston, 2010). “Symbol is something that has a literal identity but also stands for something else—something that is widely understood and has been developed over a long period of time or by com­mon agreement. This second identity (or referent) is always abstract in nature” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 126). This can be seen in this poem abundantly, for every aspect of this particular piece of literature is nothing but symbolization, in one form or another. It is abstract in nature indeed, Tennyson’s poem does a terrific job at correlating natures characteristics with mans; as we are all inevitably part of one big circle of life.

As you can see from the brief descriptions of Robert Frost’s and Alfred Lord Tennyson’s literary works in question, they clearly have many similarities within the core structure, and foundation on which their poems were created. Personification is a perfect example of why these two poems are undoubtedly alike in the big picture. This is evident, because personification is simply; “a literary technique in which human attri­butes are assigned to animals, ideas, or inanimate objects” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 72). Both poems display vivid characteristics, portraying the utilization of personification, to assign attributes such as; the oak tree in The Oak (Tennyson, 1889), which was used as a simile for human development, or the human life cycle (Clugston,

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2010).We can also clearly see personification utilized within The Road Not Taken (Frost, 1916), in reference to the rural country roads taking a metaphorical place in the story representing the human decision making process (Clugston, 2010), which is never the less a human attribute and/or quality.

As we discover in The Oak (Tennyson, 1889), detailed imagery was abundantly used by the author; to represent ever so fluently different attributes of the oak tree in a each of its seasons within its yearly cycle. “Using imagery, or sensory details, can help bring a story or poem to life” (Vleet, 2013, pg. 69). Such attributes as these very distinguishingly symbolize the direct relationship between the lifecycle of a human, and that of an oak tree; this takes place in the form of a simile as discussed previously. This is portrayed through the various seasonal weather patterns, and the changes in which the oak tree endures throughout these seasons (Clugston, 2010). Of course this is an ambiguous  way in which the author uses to compare these two totally different physical events by using; “statements that have more than one meaning or can be interpreted in more than one way” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 24). Ambiguity is a very in the world of poetry, helping to aid in the construction of metaphors and similes.

In The Road Not Taken (Frost, 1916), many attributes and different aspects of the physical surroundings in this rural setting are applied equally, much like the physical surroundings and setting utilized within  The Oak (Tennyson, 1889). The attributes used within the The Road Not Taken (Frost, 1916) were prominently attributes of the two rural roads, attributes portraying the distinguished differences between these two rural roads, and attributes underlying the possibility of one road leading to something positive. We can clearly see how these attributes reflect in both pieces of literature, in a similar fashion. I mean this in relation to

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-providing a unique way of reflecting a message to the reader in an equally ambiguous manner, in which the authors utilizes figurative language for example; two paths symbolizing much more.

Both Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Robert Frost’s element of choice for these poems seems to indeed be figurative language. They utilize this because “consideration is given to figurative expression, identifying various figures of speech commonly used to communicate ideas imaginatively and amplify thematic thought” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 247).  This is a terrific element of literature that can be used to effectively allow a reader to ponder the true theme and/or meaning of the piece. This also provides the reader the ability to interoperate the different pieces of literature in their own unique way.

For example; “All his leaves fall’s at length, Look, he stands Trunk and bough, Naked strength” (Tennyson, A. “The Oak” in Clugston (2010 P. 240). Regarding this part of the poem, since we already know that the oak tree is a symbolization used in such a fashion that creates a simile between the characteristics of the oak tree, and the characteristics of human development, or in other words the human life cycle (Clugston, 2010). We can see that the leaves falling from the tree, symbolizing winter and the seasonal changes of the oak tree, along with the detail provided within the figurative language, are used to describe the tree as a living thing; also correlating the oak tree with man by using the term “he” in reference to the tree (Clugston, 2010). The final stanza of The Oak (Tennyson, 1889), seems to portray the metaphorical theme of the ending of the human lifecycle as an elderly person, leaves can be symbolization for hair loss, and the way in which the tree is presented could be symbolization to represent the overall appearance of an aged individual.

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Another example of figurative language is provided here; “Two roads diverged in a  wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” (Frost, R. “The Road Not Taken” in Clugston (2010 P. 46). Here we can see that figurative language is utilized to describe two physical roads in a rural setting. After reading the poem in its entirety, this can be readily perceived as symbolization of two different life paths, and the choice of which one to venture onto to. We also see that the individual in the poem has traveled on the road that is “less traveled”, and we are told that this has made an impact upon the individual in the last stanza of the poem (Clugston, 2010).  From what the poem has told us leading up to the last stanza, even if in fact it has been through the utilization of figurative language and symbolization, in this last stanza of The Road Not Taken (Frost, 1916), we can see that the individual made a choice to partake on a path that is less traveled and it has made a positive impact upon the individuals life (Clugston, 2010). The author proclaims that the chosen path has made a tremendous difference and we can see by the way in which the poem is most often perceived; that this difference is a positive one indeed.

In both of these poems the abundance of the metaphor was quite thick, as images were described; that in an abstract fashion would provide a deeper insight to what each piece of literature was trying to convey. “Metaphors are used to transfer, by comparison or categorization (Glucksberg & Haught, 2006), the properties of one thing (called the source) to another thing (called the target).They play a major cognitive role in how people come to understand abstract concepts (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980)” as cited in (Rank, 2010, P. 2, par. 1). The concepts themselves are not so rather abstract, but the way in which Frost and Tennyson propose said concepts through a very distinctive and descriptive style of figurative language (Clugston, 2010).

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In conclusion we can see that the underlying themes of these two poems are different in technical terms, but more than relevant to one another in the grand scheme of things. The underlying theme associated with The Oak (Tennyson, 1889) which was written in third person omniscient point of view, was of course; that of the life cycle of living beings, particularly man. This was symbolized using figurative language with such devices as the simile and the metaphor being used to compare the season life cycle of an oak tree to a man’s life cycle (Clugston, 2010). The Road Not Taken (Frost, 1916) which was written in first person point of view, seemed to coin many of the same building blocks as Tennyson’s poem. This is common in the world of poetry, as many styles and forms, are of the same structure; but still nothing alike and all quite unique. Robert Frost utilized symbolism as well as figurative language to convey an underlying meaning in which for his poem was of course;  “the nature of choice making” (Clugston, 2010, pg. 46). By using physical surroundings to convey a metaphorical theme to the reader; Robert Frost was able to put a picture story in your mind as you read through the lines. Frost utilized the country roads in his poem as metaphor’s for a very important life choice in which an individual must make. Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Robert Frost were able equally contribute to their individual pieces in many of the same ways, and with the same passion, and although these poems share differences; it can be clearly seen that they share many more similarities.

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References

Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into Literature.  Ashford University. Retrieved from                            https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUENG125.10.2

Frost, R. (1916). “The road not taken” Mountain interval. New York: Holt. Retrieved

from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUENG125.10.2

Tennyson, A. (1889). “The oak” Demeter. Retrieved from

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Oak

Vleet, C. (2013). “The Power of Poetry” Instructor, 122(5), 69. Retrieved from

http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=ec5b23a1-6951-4d42-a2af-76330946ff00%40sessionmgr4004&vid=9&hid=4203

Rank, O. (2010). “Conquering Cities and “Conquering” Women: A Contribution to the

Understanding of Symbolism in Poetry.” Political Psychology, 31(1), 6-19. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9221.2009.00741_2.x

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Retrieved From http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=6bf117a3-b1fb-434f-ab27-3c2bff476c15%40sessionmgr4002&vid=6&hid=4203

Glucksberg, S., & Haught, C. (2006). “Can Florida become like the next Florida? When

Metaphoric comparisons fail”. Psychological Science, 17, 935–938. Retrieved From http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxyibrary.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=6bf117a3-b1fb-434f-ab27-3c2bff476c15%40sessionmgr4002&vid=6&hid=4203

Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). ”Metaphors we live by” Chicago: University of

Chicago Press Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxyibrary.ashford.edu/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=6bf117a3-b1fb-434f-ab273c2bff476c15%40sessionmgr4002&vid=6&hid=4203

America: The Commercial Country

America the Commercial Country

David Christian Toepfer

ENG122

August 26th, 2013

                  From the time of the Industrial Revolution until present day, America's interest and the
values that are placed upon originality have dropped drastically. There are still plenty of people out
there who value originality over a copy or in more technical terms a clone. But the vast majority of
American's seem to simply settle for what is cheap and readily available; in these current times it
seems quite evident that American's do not in fact truly value originality over a copy or clone.
American’s except the commercialized lifestyle and all the commodities that come with it. This can
be attributed to things such as: Fast Food, Big Box Stores, Drive-Up Convenience Shops, Online
Shopping, Mass Marketed Merchandise, Monopolistic corporations and many other larger
operation's that put a damper on the originality of our society as a whole. These types of
Monopolization's are all culprits in the decline of originality as an ideal and presence in
communities abroad. The value in which Americans place on original products, services and
resources are very low and they pay little attention to the unique value of an original product,
service, entity or resource.

Company's such as Wal-Mart make their presence known in a given community and take
place of many local retail stores by offering low prices and a wide variety of mass produced
commercially available products. They also incorporate other services and/or businesses within
their stores. Such store's as this destroy local retailer's that specialize in just about anything Wal-
Mart has a vast supply of.

It’s important to remember that any given community impacted by such an entity like that
of Wal-Mart is negatively affected in the essence of the community’s originality and the unique
appeal of local development and locally owned retail and service locations. Locally owned
business locations and services maintain a given communities unique appeal and set the tone of
that said community.

Communities that were once known for their unique downtown districts are now known for
their struggling downtown's and dwindling local economies. Big box stores in general are a terrific
example of the brand name life style that the average simpleton lives on a day to day basis. The
math is very simple; these types of stores are a one stop shop at reasonable prices. The old mom
and pop stores have nearly vanished abroad. It's ever so common to see vacant buildings in the
downtown district of mid-sized American cities where there were once many family owned retail
stores and services. The unique, traditional and original sense of community has been slowly but
surely declining and will continue too as corporate monopoly's take over every aspect of American
culture.
America’s exports affect the originality of other Countries and Vice Versa. An article from
The Journal of Consumer Marketing discusses in depth, the ways in which America affects other
countries by the exportation of goods and services, restaurant chains and big box stores. (Chen,
Hsiu-Li. 2009).

Movies, cartoons and all electronic entertainment mediums are among the most produced and
exported entertainment sources there are worldwide.
These internationally popular trades are a prime example of a worldwide monopolization of
electronic entertainment, involving many different companies and people in an effort to make there
pocket's bigger and our youth glued to the tube. There are positive electronic resources available
for the use of education and art as well, but the most widely publicized are the forms of
entertainment that lack any real interactive learning methods.
It's important to maintain core values and cultural originality with the unique foundation in
which a particular culture was founded upon. Its ever so common for culture’s to conform to the
worldwide socially acceptable medium. This is done every so often when referring to the
worldwide popularity of electronic entertainment.
The effects of video games on adolescent’s abroad, and how this effect's the imagination
and original thought process of today's youth is very apparent in modern society. In reviewing the
eBook violent video game effects on children and adolescents [electronic resource]: theory,
research, and public policy. (Anderson, C.A. 2007). They spoke of studies that have been
conducted and they have noticed a trend of violent behavior and acts of aggression in correlation
between violent video games and child gamer's. The author conducted some secondary research
based on preliminary lab trials of adolescents and video game play. Studies also show that video
games on a broad spectrum do infect have a negative impact on the adolescent’s imagination and
creative intuition's due to the fact that there primary source of entertainment is one that is
synthesized and artificial.

Now this is not all children as studies show, but a lot of today's youth are more concerned
with playing their favorite online video game then completing homework or socializing with
friends outdoors in the traditional sense of recreation. Video game's also hinder children that suffer
from ADD and some even believe that it may be caused by such fast and colorful movement's and
animations. These such stimuli promote swift decision making for adolescent’s and can cause
mental confusion that can hinder the mental growth process among many other things. There have
been other studies conducted over the years that show that today's cartoon programs with their
rapid animations are affecting young children in a negative manner. Children used to be more
creative and at an early age had a firm grasp on the importance of a unique lifestyle in which they
made their own entertainment with our without their parents help. The problem with the mass
production and commercialization of all electronic entertainment is that it takes away the process
of using your imagination to create a pastime.

The music industry is a prime example of the commercialization of the entertainment
world. There are many artists who are but puppets on a string, if there lyrics are not prepared for
them then you can bet they are screened and polished before final recording. Record labels have
standards that an artist must adhere to destroying the originality of the music all together.
The modern day commercial music market has been for quite some time moderated by
large corporate record labels and for that reason is un-unique and more like a clothing line or brand
name than a piece of auditory art. It is ever so common to see music artist’s venture into clothing
lines, body fragrances, video games, movies and so on. This is a great example of the dollar sign
coming before them being a true “Artist”. That term is very loosely used among today pop and hip
hop icons. (RASHOD D. OLLISON 2006)

It’s important for musicians and artist’s to stay true to their ideals and moral standpoints. So
many artists begin with a mindset that is all that of their own; but over time adapt to a new way of
thinking showing in there finished product and this is often attributed to the moderation of a record
company. Independent artists are truly pioneers and heroes of our current times. They choose to do
it themselves from recording, production, marketing and publication. They do every aspect of what
a record label would do for them but they complete these tasks completely by themselves retaining
their own way of doing things staying true and unique in there form of art which is music.

Many American’s nutrition regimen. It’s ever so common to
supplement a home cooked meal for the convenience of a fast food restaurant or drive through
window. The fast food market is very competitive and these different restaurant chains fight hard to
provide delicious, cheap and convenient meals on an everyday basis. (Sanburn 2012)
Fast food has been a very common substitute for a home cooked unique meal for many
years now. We are entering a new era of fast food restaurants and as well ones that aim to give you
that at home feel. These businesses have taken away from the unique pleasure of cooking for
yourself and eating at home with the family. Just as the Industrial Revolution changed the
evolution of the family culture in our country by bringing men into the workforce and keeping the
women at home with the children, fast food has had a dramatic effect on the way that families
uniquely interact with one another. Unique interaction promotes strength within the household and
communities. Now a day’s people choose convenience over genuine products or services and it
really shows in our society in the way we conduct ourselves in this alpha-independent manner.
It’s important for families to maintain core values such as eating together at home so that
they may proactively communicate with one another discovering new things and gaining new
insights every day. Fast food chains are making the citizens of the United States overweight and
unhealthy. The ingredients are usually cheap and synthesized. It’s much better for families to adapt
to a unique way of dining together at home cooking for them instead of relying on the cheap and
convenient alternative which is ever so consistent and unhealthy.

In conclusion, you can clearly see that the impact of the commercial corporate world and
the utilization of mass production and marketing of products and services have dramatically
impacted society as a whole on a broad scale. Monopolies have taken over the unique originality
appeal of most small town American societies and negatively impacted the local small business
income levels and success rates. As well mass marketing and production of internationally popular
video game systems, title's, and entertainment multimedia have also impacted this generation of
adolescents on a very clear level. New technologies have put almost a complete end to the movie
rental business, as companies such as Netflix and Redox have taken over the movie rental and
multimedia industry. Companies such as Amazon.com have changed the way America shops and
have also hindered the unique originality of small businesses that operated as online retail
servicer's. It seems as if technology and the men at the very top are slowly eating away at the
nation's and the word's value of the term original or unique. It seems ever so simple for today's
average American man or women to simply settle for what is cheap, convenient, and the socially

                                                        References

Arts, G.M., & Stone, K.E. (2012). Economic Development Quarterly; Revisiting Wal-Mart’s
Impact on Iowa Small-Town Retail. 26(4), 298-310. Retrieved from
http://edq.sagepub.com/content/26/4/298
Chen, Hsiu-Li. (2009). Journal of Consumer Marketing. Effects of country variables on young
generation's attitude towards American products: A multi-attribute perspective. 26(3), 143-
154. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.proxylibrary.ashford.edu/docview/220127743
Nance, J. (2010, Dec) Nampa store offers new approach to movie rentals; ?
ENTERTAINMENT:; Drive-through business aims to be alternative to Redbox,
Netflix. Idaho Press-Tribune. Retrieved from http://www.infoweb.newsbank.com
Stuart, A. (2006, Jan). Digital is music fans' boon but industry seeks to unlock riches. Agence
France-Presse. Retrieved from http://www.infoweb.newsbank.com
Van Kamp, J.C. (2007) Law & Society. Vol. 36 Issue 4, p247-258. 12p. Journal of Arts and
Management. Retrieved From http://www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/
RASHOD D. OLLISON (2006, Jan) Message, What Message? It’s Got a Beat; CRITICAL EYE
Sun, The (Baltimore, MD) Retrieved from http://www.infoweb.newsbank.com

Differences in Marriage Practices Abroad

Running Head: Marriage                                                                                            1                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Differences in Marriage Practices Abroad

David Christian Toepfer

ANT 101

PROFESSOR NAME REMOVED BY AUTHOR

September 30^th 2013

Running Head: Marriage                                                                                                                2                                                           

Although marriage worldwide has many of the same principles in mind, everyone has their own specific and unique way of which marriage customs are carried out. In this text I will expand upon the differences and similarities between the Yemen, Israeli, and American marriage customs. Although these three different cultures share many differences, they as well share many similarities in the way marriage customs are carried out.

            In the early days well before the United States of America was established Yemenites practiced arranged marriages and divorce customs established and enforced by the control of the Talmud and the Maimonids. These Yemenites had been neglectfully left for themselves by the Jewish communities. Within these customs practices such as arranged marriages, arranged marriages of minors; and as well divorce against the wives’ approval were carried out. There was a great deal of economic stimuli involved in these customs, as arranged marriages were said to be for the benefit of the female’s financial future.

It was also utilized to provide a good structure for family and a good environment to raise children in. This is similar to that of American cultures adaptation of the structural foundation of marriage in reference to good foundation for raising a family. Females who were considered to be orphans underwent the same processes but for a different reason; which was to ensure that they would not have to be submitted to the conversion to Islam. In Yemen, the age that a child is no longer considered a minor and may enter into the union of marriage is 12 ½ much, much, lower than here in the states.

Running Head: Marriage                                                                                                                  3

It is not commonplace as it is here in America to see couples arguing in raging shouting match’s using harsh language towards one another in acts of aggression in Yemen. The women there are dedicated to the husband and to providing the best home and support at home possible for that of their husband and children alike. The husband in the Yemen culture is highly devoted to providing for his family as best as he can. This can be associated with how the traditional American family was structured and still is for the vast majority of America’s families today.

            “Since 1953 the only marriages recognized by the Jewish state are Orthodox Jewish marriages and civil marriages performed outside of Israel” (Dadoo, 2004, p. #). Israel does not recognize anything other than described above as a marriage custom that is regarded as a legal union, but rather ones of only interfaith and religion with no legal dexterity what so ever. In other terms, if you desired and planned to marry someone and form a legal union between the two of you, they must be an Israelite as well and you must adhere to the Orthodox Jewish customs or conduct a civil marriage outside of Israel.

A civil marriage would require a lawyer to draw up a marriage contract so that your marriage would be legally binding. Marriage laws in Israel both historically and currently have left many people unhappy and without hope in reference to marriage. In America we have quite the opposite as far as legal customs when in regards to marriage. For instance; in the United States if someone that is not a citizen of this country is legally bound into a marriage contract with someone of this country they then become a citizen of the United States of America. Far different from Israeli law.

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Israeli customs make it very difficult for persons of the country that wish to marry outside of social normality for many reasons. One such reason is the fact that if you choose to marry someone that is not an Israeli than you must adhere to moving your life to an occupied territory outside of Israel or making the choice of living apart from your spouse. International human rights groups have stepped in and declared that these actions and laws predudice.

People that are against these marriage customs convey that they truly believe that these laws are set it place to preserve Jewish identity. This is a completely plausible explanation for such actions, but far from right in any sense. In America we are free to marry interracially with no problems what so ever as far as mainstream society and laws deem anyways. There is still of course the underground prejudice that exists in every society. These types of prejudice take many forms, some miniscule and some of a radical nature.

The Jewish population has risen drastically from the 70’s into the 90’s this hold weight in the evidence department in reference to the beliefs of those opposed to these customs. America is very diverse and we are built on and proud of our great diversities and many cultures. The population of Israel is still growing due largely in part to the migration of large numbers of individuals from the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and South America.

Running Head: Marriage                                                                                                                  5

The Jewish Orthodox Community may be small but still enforces the rules of marriage law throughout Israel. This in correlation with the amount of growth Israel has seen together provides a very difficult situation for the people of Israel. The termination of marriage or “divorce” in Israeli customs is much like that of the United States. There are only two ways to exit a legally binding marriage, which are either death or divorce.

Although arranged marriages were never quite the social norm in America, people of poor economic backgrounds have practiced similar customs in order to assure financial stability in a child’s future; primarily a younger girl with an older man. In America we have many freedoms in reference to marriage and lifestyle choices in contrast to countries such as Israel and Yemen and many other Middle Eastern regions.

In America we have always had the right to be legally bound in the union of marriage, but until recent years this was a union said to be for that only of a man and a women. The United States is truly revolutionary in terms of change and evolution of ideas and practices. It is now socially acceptable in the vast majority of the country, and legal in many places within the U.S. to partake in same sex marriage customs that are legally binding. The act and role of marriage throughout the world and throughout history has had the same structural backbone, and that is to promote a good structure for the rearing of children and the creation of new families with strong moral ground. Countries such as Yemen and Israel have always been far different from the New

Running Head: Marriage                                                                                                                  6

World or as we know it America. These countries are many thousands of years older than ours, our country is but a baby in terminology of countries by age internationally.

            The act of marriage has been a constant process of evolution. Bonding between man and women began far back into the Stone Age and was considered a way of organizing and controlling sexual practices and to form a good structure for the rearing of children. Marriage for the most part of humanity has always existed and been an important societal role.

As with the evolution of mankind and our technologies, the evolution of ideas and practices, beliefs and morals have brought us to new places in the many societies that make up our planet. We have come a long way but have much farther to go. We are slowly making progress in the direction of nationwide support both legally and those with bias opinions on the subject of same sex marriages here in America. Other countries such as the ones depicted in this text seem to be “stuck in their ways” so to speak, and it is truly a travesty that all humans cannot openly without ridicule choose to be with whom they feel makes a good match.

Running Head: Marriage                                                                                                                  7

References

Nashim, J. (2006) Journal of Jewish Women’s Studies and Gender Issues. Marriage and      Divorce Customs in Yemen and Eretz Israel. Spring; 11: 43-83. Retreived from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.com

Dadoo, S. (2004) The Washington Report of Middle Eastern Affairs. Love and Marriage in Israel: Palestinian and Non-Orthodox Need Not Apply. Vol. 23, No. 1 pp. 18-19 Retrieved from  http://search.proquest.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu

Huston, T. (2000) Journal of Marriage and Family. The Social Ecology of Marriage and Other Intimate Unions. Vol. 62, No. 2 pp.298-320 Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/1566741

Positive Effects of Marijuana Legalization

Running head: MARIJUANA                                                                                              1

Positive Effects of Marijuana Legalization

David Christian Toepfer

SOC 120

Instructor NAME REMOVED BY AUTHOR

October 29^th 2013

Running head: MARIJUANA                                                                                                          2

For many years marijuana has been the most popular and socially acceptable street drug within our global society as a whole. The marijuana trade in the underground drug world is a booming business in this country and beyond. On the other hand marijuana trade for medical purposes and in the two U.S. states in which recreational use is legal, the business is booming as well. Currently in more places now than ever before, legalization of both recreational and medical marijuana is becoming much more prevalent within our society as on a broad spectrum; on even a global scale. The idea of Marijuana legalization stirs up many different ethical issues all over the globe, some of a positive nature, and some of a negative one. America’s economy is hurting pretty badly in these current times, and we need real change. Nationwide marijuana legalization would do, such things as: stimulate the economy, save financial resources used for our police and judicial system, provide comfort for those that cannot take traditional pain medications, provide those with particular afflictions or diseases, who cannot find relief or proper treatment from; anything else, other than medicines/products derived from marijuana or the marijuana plant itself, and provide patients with depression and anger issues with alternative methods of treatment; it is very clear that marijuana legalization would play a very positive role in modern day society.

            Within the United States only Colorado and Washington have adopted the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. Other states have adopted marijuana for medical purposes, as it is now accepted for medical purposes in the following U.S. states: New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, Oregon, Maine, Illinois, Hawaii, Delaware, Washington DC, Connecticut, Arizona, Maryland, Montana,

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California and Alaska. The majority, approximately seventy percent of those states have as well implemented some sort of decriminalization of Marijuana (World Future Society, 2012).

“The Drug Enforcement Agency employs over 9,000 people and has a budget so huge that I’ve repressed it. Lately it’s in the neighborhood of $2 billion. That’s $2,000,000,000. marijuana arrests consistently top three-quarters of a million per year.” To break that down into an example, that is approximately one marijuana arrest every forty seconds (Earleywine, 2013). This is a perfect example of financial resources that we could utilize for more critical issues such as; heightened security at public schools, or fighting the wars on meth and crack cocaine. Which right now, happen to be at their height in popularity socially; in following and applying the theory of utilitarianism (Witt, G. A., & Mossler, R. A. 2010) we can see that the greatest number of individuals could benefit from such changes in law.

Here is another fact effecting an entire states educational funding. “11 percent of California’s general fund went to prison spending; 6 percent went to higher education. Maybe the point of these laws isn’t to end marijuana abuse so much as to keep members of law enforcement and the prison industry employed” (Earleywine, 2013). If we were to follow the Utilitarian theory of ethical practices in reference to marijuana legalization we will benefit drastically on an economic level alone. More than 550 economists prepared and sent a letter to legislators, governors, congress and even the president himself in an attempt to shed some light on the positive effects of marijuana legalization for our economy.

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A report was prepared Professor Jeffrey A. Miron that expanded upon the financial positives of the decriminalization of marijuana. This report was the foundation on which the letter was prepared. (J. Benson, 2012)

When applying the theory of utilitarianism to this topic, and then directly contrasting this issue with the debate of alcohol vs. marijuana from an ethical standpoint; it gets kind of sketchy in regards to federal and state laws. As the book expands upon utilitarianism in the following; “A natural way to see if an act is the right thing to do (or the wrong thing to do), is to look at its results, or consequences. Utilitarianism argues that, given a set of choices, the act we should choose is that which produces the best results for the greatest number affected by that choice” (Witt, G. A., & Mossler, R. A. 2010). I just cannot seem to make a connection between marijuana remaining illegal and the immense social and medical positives for the greatest number of people with that being the end result. I am as well, equally if not more concerned with the fact that alcohol is such a widely used, socially normal product of the states, and many parts of the world. Even though it has tremendous health risks for both users, and those affected by the users. I just can’t understand from a utilitarian perspective, that alcohols benefits somehow outweigh marijuana’s? This is discouraging because as intelligent modern day humans, so many of us find it almost insanity, that marijuana is not yet legalized. Or at least the fact that it is even more appalling to think, that alcohol is thought more highly of in every aspect of the term by the powers that be.

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Evidence of the medicinal use of marijuana dates back to ancient times, in fact there has been in excess of 17,000 articles published about marijuana and the benefits that it holds on many medicinal level’s, and on a wide spectrum in the name of patient wellness. This is blatantly evident due to the fact that these publishing’s all describe the same thing, which is; relief from such things as: nausea, vomiting, pain and muscle spasms, as well as relief from a wide variety of very debilitating conditions.  Marijuana has also been shown to help stimulate hunger. It is very useful in the act of stimulating hunger in those who have trouble maintaining a healthy nutrition regimen due to different types of psychological eating disorders. Here is one example of the immense benefits that medical marijuana holds, for patients in which; suffer from some of most debilitating conditions. “Marijuana provides significant relief in patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy, an extremely painful nerve condition afflicting one-third of people living with HIV and for which conventional drugs often offer no relief, according to a recent study.” (Arias, D. C. 2007).

            Patients have also had much success in the very troubling torture of chronic nerve pain associated with HIV and other health issues, which is sometimes rather quite hard to adequately treat. Studies have shown that patients who used marijuana had on average a thirty four percent decrease in pain. These studies have also shown that upon initial treatment the pain reduction was far greater but decreased over time. (Arias, D. C. 2007).  I would assume this is because Overtime the body will develop a natural tolerance to almost anything. Whether it be, medical marijuana, or prescription pharmaceuticals.

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Here are a few more examples of the quality of life for individuals dealing with all sorts of different afflictions and/or diseases, from the use of medical marijuana: Individuals who consume marijuana regularly have, on average less issues involving depression than those who do not consume it, relief in the controlling of seizures in patients who suffer from epilepsy, doctors abroad will admit to the fact that medical marijuana helps reverse deterioration in patients who suffer from glaucoma, as well as reduce pain and pressure associated with it, therapeutic treatment of such psychological anxiety and mood disorders and many more abroad. (International Business, T. 2012)

If we were to actually take a universal ethical egoism approach to this matter in particular, (Witt, G. A., & Mossler, R. A. 2010) on a national or maybe even global level, I would assume that we would have surprisingly, better effects than we currently have as of right now. I believe that people do as they are told, because someone of authority is almost inherently someone of gratitude and respect even trust. I believe this directly correlates with the mass idea of what marijuana is? What is stands for, and most importantly why it has been viewed as more heinous than alcohol or tobacco for many years within this country particularly. Entities, such as; the mass media, drug awareness groups, academic and public mentors, commercialized anti-drug marketing campaigns, and many other government and local law enforcement agencies over the years; have conditioned us mentally to stray away from street drug. Lately prescription drug abuse is gaining major attention nationally; this is a situation in which we can see direct benefits from medical marijuana, in contrast to harmful prescription drugs. These highly prescribed

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narcotic prescription drugs that are being abused at an alarming rate, could one day be substituted with active ingredients found in medical marijuana. This is very beneficial for reasons such as; treating symptoms with safer alternatives to harsh and highly addictive narcotics that can damage the body and liver over time dramatically. (GateHouse Media, I. c, Kerr, C. 2010)

Going back to my statement about authority playing a role in the facts being preached and soaked up by our brains, I have provided an example of an experiment conducted many times with different individuals by Yale University Psychiatrist Stanley Milgram. These were conducted in the early sixties. This was an experiment to scientifically explore and test an individual’s willingness to obey an authority figure. The experiments were carried out multiple times, in which the same procedures were utilized every time. With much the same results time and time again.

In conducting these experiments Dr. Stanley Milgram would use three individuals, in which only one was unaware of the true nature of the obedience experiment. Out of the three individuals they were categorized as follows: There was the unaware party or volunteer, who was; always selected as the teacher, the person conducting the experiment or the authority figure over the experiment and individuals involved, and finally, the third individual was a volunteer who was actually fully aware of the experiment’s nature and procedures and was always selected to be the learner.

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The learner was separated in a room right next to the authority figure and the teacher volunteer or unaware party. The teacher/volunteer was sat down in front on a control panel. The teacher/volunteer was to call upon the learner for answers to questions asked, if the learner was to answer incorrectly the teacher was instructed by the authority figure to then press a button on the control panel, which would; deliver an electric shock to the learner in the next room. The learner is of course aware to the experiment and is not actually being shocked. The screams of agony heard in the control room were false dramatizations made by the learner, in an attempt to keep the experiment as realistic as possible. As the experiments would progress, the voltage of the shock would be turned up and the learner would exhibit more signs of distress and pain. The teacher’s/volunteer’s would naturally express concern for the other party/learner, but the authority figure would respond by saying; that the experiment must go on and that the individual would be fine, and that the teacher volunteer would not be held responsible for anything that has happened. (Blass, T. 2009).

Throughout the experiments, it was blatantly evident that individuals in the teacher/volunteer role of the experiment would do things that they would not normally do, even when their own good judgment would tell them not to. Based on the fact that; an authority figure was commanding them to do so and reassuring that for a lack of better words “everything is ok, and that you can put trust within the authority figure”. This shows that individuals do many of the things they do because society tells them that are the way that it’s done, in one way or another. 

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I believe that if more individuals used the full spectrum of their brain to really encompass what looking out for your own best interest’s by working together with others and “agreeing to disagree” in unison could really do for society. We need to learn to see that as one, united with true, genuine, good natured, progressive, and positive intentions this nation would have more success in many different areas of life. The fact alone that are own government is but two split parties, in which consistently disagree and argue amongst each other, opposed to working together to achieve greatness; is a stern example of the almost barbaric code of a lot of our world leaders and the ideals they set in place.

I think that in government, as well as in many institutions they do many things as I stated before, that they do not wish to for reasons of appeasing someone of authority. I am quite sure that there are members of congress and of the senate that have outside of the box thinking practices. I believe such individuals do not propose certain ideas for fear of ridicule, and the damaging of their personal self image, both personally and professionally.  

In closure, I agree with both the ethical egoism theory and the utilitarianism theory when it comes to this specific topic (Witt, G. A., & Mossler, R. A. 2010). To simply put it, most people enjoy marijuana; whether for recreational or medicinal purposes. I think that if more individuals did what they wanted in a responsible manner, with positive and progressive intent, they would; probably utilize things such as marijuana recreationally and/or for medical purposes. In my personal opinion, for me; this is perfectly fine as long as used responsibly.

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Alcohol and even tobacco are far worse for your health and overall quality of life in many ways. If you were to tally up the accidental or intentional deaths involved with alcohol from all different scenarios, and the amount of fatalities associated with the consumption of tobacco products; im sure the numbers would astonish you. That is just common sense, based on what knowledge we have of those two widely used legal products in the United States. There is little doubt that marijuana is far safer for consumption than that of alcohol or tobacco. Not even to mention the immense economical positive’s that could be accrued by marijuana legalization. Now more than ever, do we need change in our economic future; if we do not act soon America may fall into the dark ages of financial history.

I personally do not see any problem what so ever, with the use of marijuana for recreational or medical purposes. I hope to one day see it legalized abroad, so that many people can experience all the true benefits that cannabis holds. I have provided different factual examples that hold value in the argument of marijuana being much more positive, than negative. We cannot rely on lawmaker’s alone, if we want to see change within our society, whether it be; marijuana legalization, same sex marriage, gun control or any other issue; we must take action. We must be the voice of change, and influence other’s with similar interests to act as well. I mean only good, when I speak of action I mean; positive, progressive and peaceful intelligent action. Nothing happens overnight, but with time, and ambition we can achieve anything.

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References

Earleywine, M. (2013). A legal marijuana economy without puns. Psyccritiques, 58(3),             doi:10.1037/a0031001 Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-            library.ashford.edu/

A Future of Legalized Marijuana?. (2012). World Future Review (World Future Society),             4(4), 28-32. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/

Legalization of marijuana: NASN consensus statement. (2013). NASN School Nurse (Print), 28(4), 206-207. http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/

Uritsky, T. J., McPherson, M., & Pradel, F. (2011). Assessment of Hospice Health Professionals'

Knowledge, Views, and Experience with Medical Marijuana. Journal Of Palliative Medicine, 14(12), 1291-1295. doi:10.1089/jpm.2011.0113 Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.ed

Arias, D. C. (2007). Study shows medical marijuana benefits.(HEALTH FINDINGS: The

latest public health studies and research)(Brief article). The Nation's Health, (3), 16.

Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu

Blass, T. (2009). From New Haven to Santa Clara: A historical perspective on the Milgram

obedience experiments. American Psychologist, 64(1), 37-45. doi:10.1037/a0014434

Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu

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Witt, G. A., & Mossler, R. A. (2010). Adult development and life assessment. San Diego, CA:

Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved from http://content.ashford.edu/books

International Business, T. (2012, August 8). ‘Medical’ Marijuana: 10 Health Benefits That  

Legitimize Legalization. International Business Times. Retrieved from

http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu

GateHouse Media, I. c. (2010, December 2). Letter: Medical marijuana a safe pain alternative.

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL). Retrieved from

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu