The High Cost of Genetic Engineering Essay -- Persuasive Argumentativ

The High Cost of Genetic Engineering    Genetic research on human embryos, in correlation with the human genome, is the key to gene therapy, genetic diagnosis, and even to genetically engineered human beings.   Knowing which gene controls what trait and causes what genetic disease will arm doctors with a powerful tool to treat their patients at the molecular level.   On the other hand, this allows people to possibly manipulate genes to enhance specific traits or create the perfect baby.   Genetic research on human embryos has two implications.   A practical one in therapeutic research (to detect, and hopefully correct gene flaws), and then the potentiality of allowing parents to decide how their child should look (or in an extreme word, eugenics).   The former, which at the present is wishful thinking, will be a reality in the future if the technology becomes feasible.   Assuming that we did genetically engineer for positive, medicinal purposes, it would require germ-line therapy, eliminating the necessity of constant somatic cell therapy.   Germ-line therapy is the process of replacing genes, whereas somatic cell therapy is adding genes and hoping that they replicate at a higher rate than others.   Possible targets for genetic engineering would be genetic diseases, such as Huntington (The Benefits of Genetic Engineering) and Parkinson, those proven to be linked to genetic predisposition, such as cancer (Ao, 140), psychological disorders like schizophrenia (Bernstein, 518), and major birth defects (Resta).   There are however drawbacks to these treatments.   Examples include undue suffering to the subjects due to botched engineering of the genes (Wolfson), also known as the Frankenstein factor, psychological trauma associated with... ....edu/hdsa/huntingtonsdisease.nclk Resta, Robert G.   Genetic Counseling:   Coping with the Human Impact of Genetic Disease:   Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.gene.com/ae/AE/AEC/CC/counseling_background.html Saetz, Stephen. 1985.   "Eugenics and The Third Reich."   The Eugenics Bulletin.   Winter.   Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.ziplink.net/~bright/papers/3rdreich.html What's Morally Wrong with   Eugenics:   Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.med.upenn.edu/~bioethic/library/papers/art/EugenicsNotreDame.html Wolfson, Richard.   Cloning, Marketing Life, and Playing God (Part II): http://www.natural-law.ca/genetic/BiotechNov97.html Magazine Articles: Dickman, Steven.   "Human Embryos Carrying Altered Genes." New Scientist July, 1997. Henig, Robin M. "Tempting: If you could dictate the content of your kid's genes, wouldn't you?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shouldn't you?"   Discover May, 1998.   Pp. 58-64.

Video Game Violence

Video Game Violence â€Å"Video Game Violence Law Poses Questions†, is an editorial located in the online magazine V Planet. Vance Velez, the author of the controversial issue, opposes the Washington law involving specific forms of video game violence, which is on the verge of being passed in the Legislature. He successfully persuades his audience that the Washington law limits people’s rights and that they should take a stand against the proposed law. His audience includes people who are in favor of the Washington law, concerned parents, and adult video gamers that oppose the Washington law, who are, in his definition, those 18 or older.Those who are in favor of the law may include politicians, or mothers who can relate to influential violence on children. Adult video gamers are those who enjoy playing video games as a favorite pastime, just like golf or aerobics, for most Americans. â€Å"It's no argument that video games are becoming more violent†, states Vele z. â€Å"Many parents and politicians oppose the violence; some even want to get these kind of video games banned. † A politician who opposes this specific form of violence is Mary Lou Dickerson. Mary Lou Dickerson is a State Legislator who has proposed a law to restrict certain violent material in video games.The proposed law, which is quoted in the editorial, states: â€Å"Levies a fine up to 500 dollars on anyone who rents or sells to someone 17 or younger computer games in which the player kills or injures a human form that is depicted as a public law enforcement officer. Police officers and firefighters are included in that classification. † Velez addresses many flaws in the proposed law in detail and also explains some consequences that may occur if the law is passed. Vance Velez is the author of many editorials that appear on this online magazine. His broad knowledge of video games allows him to pinpoint the main problems of the law.He successfully persuades peo ple that are in favor of the law, that it may, in the long run, actually harm our youth. The author's main argument throughout the editorial is backed by issuing a series of examples how many games that do not endanger young children, may be banned because of a faulty law. He mentions that passing the law will limit people’s rights and may also act as a gateway law, to limit others rights. â€Å"If they take away our right to have fun and view what we enjoy, then what else will they take away when violence is still present in our society? †Vance Velez explains in detail why people should oppose the Washington law on video games. Although he does introduce and define many terms involving video games, he expects the reader to at least have some knowledge about video games. He addresses many games, like Simcity and Grand Theft Auto, which have been in the mainstream lately; therefore, readers must be up to date with video games and must be familiar with certain type of vi deo games in order to understand the author’s references. Velez addresses adult video gamers and let’s them know that their precious games may be lost, so he urges them to take action and protest this pending law.Velez opposes the Washington law because it violates people’s rights. Velez' stand that taking away things mature Americans enjoy would be a crime in itself because it violates the Freedom of Speech rights. In his definition a mature American is a person who knows right from wrong. He states, â€Å"The Washington law, because it’s built on fear of the unknown and lack of communication, fails to recognize the freedom of speech rights. † The author uses logos by referring to people’s values of their rights. The author opens the first paragraph with a question, â€Å"What's the right way to protect children from violence? He appeals to those who are against video game violence and lets them know that he wants safety for our youth with the use of good reasons. He gains trust from this audience by showing he wants things for the better. His definition of children includes those who have a sense of right and wrong but are still easily influenced. He believes that video games aren't harming children; it's some other factor that is the reason why video games are harming very young kids, such as lack of parent guidance and discipline. Velez talks about this later on in his editorial.He then uses pathos to appeal to the feelings of concerned parents, and those who are in favor of the Washington law, as he states, â€Å"This is the fourth time that politicians have tried to pass laws regulating violent content in video games. † This audience sees how helpless and unsuccessful the government is when it comes to passing these types of laws. This audience feels sorry for the government, they sort of look down at them shame. Those who are in favor of the Washington law may begin to think that people who can’t make up their minds organize our country.They may start to question the proposed law and wonder if it too, will fail. Velez quotes Mary Lou Dickerson, who explains what the state legislator actually thinks about video games in response to a lawsuit. â€Å"The lawsuit filed today against Washington's ban on sales or rentals of cop-killing games to children comes as no surprise. Certain elements of the video-game industry clearly want the right to sell any game, no matter how brutal, racist or sick, to any child, no matter how young. † Velez rebuts this argument by initially stating it’s in violation of Freedom of Speech rights. Politicians are actually trying to ban violent video games which are a pastime that many adult Americans enjoy. † By adult, Velez states that he means, â€Å"Those people who are 18 or older. † He persuades this audience to take action by standing up against the law. Velez remarks, â€Å"Taking away an individuals right to have fun and enjoy video games can be argued as a violation. † The author is addressing adult gamers when he states this because they have the ability to stand up against such laws.The author’s statements threaten adult gamers and make them have a sense of danger that their lives are being controlled. Velez begins his argument by mentioning games that are â€Å"harmless†, in his opinion, which may be banned because they violate the grounds of the Washington law. His example of the game Simcity, appeals to logos and ethos by explaining how an educational game would be in violation of the law. He says, â€Å"In the game of Simcity, you can cause a minor disaster in your city by causing a tornado, an earthquake or a flood.These disasters can destroy the police station or fire department, which would be in violation of the proposed Washington law. † His audiences are those who are for the Washington law and concerned parents when he explains how â€Å"innocent† games, according to Velez, are the victims of the proposed law. He persuades them by making them realize not all â€Å"violent video games† are harmful to children. I think if this audience is familiar with the game of Simcity, they would agree that it is not a violent game, but the author makes them realize that their values will be lost if the law passes, by the use of pathos.Many video gamers would find this offensive because they aren't able to enjoy their â€Å"innocent† games. The audience’s emotions are being involved in this paragraph with the use of pathos. The author’s ethos is clarified once his familiarity and expertise with video games begin to show and as he introduces situations that are possible once the law is passed. In another example of a â€Å"harmful† video game, the definition according the Washington law, Velez introduces the game Rampage, where giant gorillas and lizards destroy cities, similar to King Kong.The author expla ins that in the game the animals are capable of crushing police stations and police cars. Rampage, which attracts gamers between the ages of eight and sixteen, would be in violation of the Washington law. The author introduces the silliness of the Washington law. He makes the audience realize that highly fictional characters aren't harmful to children; however, he states, â€Å"In the governments eyes, they will make children grow up to be terrorists. † Velez describes the many holes the proposed law contains.Those who are for the Washington law are persuaded with logos in this situation because they believe it is only fair for children or even adults to have fun if the game is completely safe. They may also think of other forms of entertainment that may also be involved with this kind of law. They imagine other situations where law enforcement officers are portrayed or killed, such as in numerous movies such as, â€Å"Robin Hood† and â€Å"Lethal Weapon†. Why a ren't these issues being addressed? Are video games that much worse than violent movies and plays?In his last paragraph, Velez explains his beliefs involving the problems of violent video games. His finger points to government and most importantly, the children's parents. He explains that parents have the responsibility to judge what their child sees and hears. Some adult audiences might find his accusation offensive and may get turned off by his remarks, because they are blunt and obtrusive. An example of this is when he remarks, â€Å"The parents should be responsible enough to monitor their children and make sure that that particular game does not enter the console (videogame system) itself. Reasonable adult audiences may actually listen to hear what the author is trying to get across.His use of logos appeals to those who are in favor of the Washington law because he makes them think about how parents could be the source of the problem. They may agree that parents need to be on the look out for what is safe and unsafe for their children. Velez explains that parents allow children to play violent video games that influence children to do harm which portray video games as the main source of the problem. It's easier to blame an image or machine than it is to blame people†, Velez said. The â€Å"parent† problem may make more sense to his opposing audience if they aren't biased and read the editorial with an open mind. In conclusion, Vance Velez was very familiar with his topic, which gave him enough credibility to persuade those in his audience who are in favor of the Washington law, to think twice about their position and possibly accept his belief, that passing the Washington law is a mistake.He’s also successful at convincing adult gamers, those 18 or older, to take action against the proposed Washington law. His arguments were well thought out and convincing by using logos and pathos. However, his alternative to the Washington law was a bit broad and didn’t really include a solution. He identified the problems that might occur if the law is passed, such as the loss of Freedom of Speech Rights, but he had no feedback on how else to deal with the situation. I believe author’s overall argument was persuading even though he didn’t include a proposed solution. Video Game Violence Video Game Violence â€Å"Video Game Violence Law Poses Questions†, is an editorial located in the online magazine V Planet. Vance Velez, the author of the controversial issue, opposes the Washington law involving specific forms of video game violence, which is on the verge of being passed in the Legislature. He successfully persuades his audience that the Washington law limits people’s rights and that they should take a stand against the proposed law. His audience includes people who are in favor of the Washington law, concerned parents, and adult video gamers that oppose the Washington law, who are, in his definition, those 18 or older.Those who are in favor of the law may include politicians, or mothers who can relate to influential violence on children. Adult video gamers are those who enjoy playing video games as a favorite pastime, just like golf or aerobics, for most Americans. â€Å"It's no argument that video games are becoming more violent†, states Vele z. â€Å"Many parents and politicians oppose the violence; some even want to get these kind of video games banned. † A politician who opposes this specific form of violence is Mary Lou Dickerson. Mary Lou Dickerson is a State Legislator who has proposed a law to restrict certain violent material in video games.The proposed law, which is quoted in the editorial, states: â€Å"Levies a fine up to 500 dollars on anyone who rents or sells to someone 17 or younger computer games in which the player kills or injures a human form that is depicted as a public law enforcement officer. Police officers and firefighters are included in that classification. † Velez addresses many flaws in the proposed law in detail and also explains some consequences that may occur if the law is passed. Vance Velez is the author of many editorials that appear on this online magazine. His broad knowledge of video games allows him to pinpoint the main problems of the law.He successfully persuades peo ple that are in favor of the law, that it may, in the long run, actually harm our youth. The author's main argument throughout the editorial is backed by issuing a series of examples how many games that do not endanger young children, may be banned because of a faulty law. He mentions that passing the law will limit people’s rights and may also act as a gateway law, to limit others rights. â€Å"If they take away our right to have fun and view what we enjoy, then what else will they take away when violence is still present in our society? †Vance Velez explains in detail why people should oppose the Washington law on video games. Although he does introduce and define many terms involving video games, he expects the reader to at least have some knowledge about video games. He addresses many games, like Simcity and Grand Theft Auto, which have been in the mainstream lately; therefore, readers must be up to date with video games and must be familiar with certain type of vi deo games in order to understand the author’s references. Velez addresses adult video gamers and let’s them know that their precious games may be lost, so he urges them to take action and protest this pending law.Velez opposes the Washington law because it violates people’s rights. Velez' stand that taking away things mature Americans enjoy would be a crime in itself because it violates the Freedom of Speech rights. In his definition a mature American is a person who knows right from wrong. He states, â€Å"The Washington law, because it’s built on fear of the unknown and lack of communication, fails to recognize the freedom of speech rights. † The author uses logos by referring to people’s values of their rights. The author opens the first paragraph with a question, â€Å"What's the right way to protect children from violence? He appeals to those who are against video game violence and lets them know that he wants safety for our youth with the use of good reasons. He gains trust from this audience by showing he wants things for the better. His definition of children includes those who have a sense of right and wrong but are still easily influenced. He believes that video games aren't harming children; it's some other factor that is the reason why video games are harming very young kids, such as lack of parent guidance and discipline. Velez talks about this later on in his editorial.He then uses pathos to appeal to the feelings of concerned parents, and those who are in favor of the Washington law, as he states, â€Å"This is the fourth time that politicians have tried to pass laws regulating violent content in video games. † This audience sees how helpless and unsuccessful the government is when it comes to passing these types of laws. This audience feels sorry for the government, they sort of look down at them shame. Those who are in favor of the Washington law may begin to think that people who can’t make up their minds organize our country.They may start to question the proposed law and wonder if it too, will fail. Velez quotes Mary Lou Dickerson, who explains what the state legislator actually thinks about video games in response to a lawsuit. â€Å"The lawsuit filed today against Washington's ban on sales or rentals of cop-killing games to children comes as no surprise. Certain elements of the video-game industry clearly want the right to sell any game, no matter how brutal, racist or sick, to any child, no matter how young. † Velez rebuts this argument by initially stating it’s in violation of Freedom of Speech rights. Politicians are actually trying to ban violent video games which are a pastime that many adult Americans enjoy. † By adult, Velez states that he means, â€Å"Those people who are 18 or older. † He persuades this audience to take action by standing up against the law. Velez remarks, â€Å"Taking away an individuals right to have fun and enjoy video games can be argued as a violation. † The author is addressing adult gamers when he states this because they have the ability to stand up against such laws.The author’s statements threaten adult gamers and make them have a sense of danger that their lives are being controlled. Velez begins his argument by mentioning games that are â€Å"harmless†, in his opinion, which may be banned because they violate the grounds of the Washington law. His example of the game Simcity, appeals to logos and ethos by explaining how an educational game would be in violation of the law. He says, â€Å"In the game of Simcity, you can cause a minor disaster in your city by causing a tornado, an earthquake or a flood.These disasters can destroy the police station or fire department, which would be in violation of the proposed Washington law. † His audiences are those who are for the Washington law and concerned parents when he explains how â€Å"innocent† games, according to Velez, are the victims of the proposed law. He persuades them by making them realize not all â€Å"violent video games† are harmful to children. I think if this audience is familiar with the game of Simcity, they would agree that it is not a violent game, but the author makes them realize that their values will be lost if the law passes, by the use of pathos.Many video gamers would find this offensive because they aren't able to enjoy their â€Å"innocent† games. The audience’s emotions are being involved in this paragraph with the use of pathos. The author’s ethos is clarified once his familiarity and expertise with video games begin to show and as he introduces situations that are possible once the law is passed. In another example of a â€Å"harmful† video game, the definition according the Washington law, Velez introduces the game Rampage, where giant gorillas and lizards destroy cities, similar to King Kong.The author expla ins that in the game the animals are capable of crushing police stations and police cars. Rampage, which attracts gamers between the ages of eight and sixteen, would be in violation of the Washington law. The author introduces the silliness of the Washington law. He makes the audience realize that highly fictional characters aren't harmful to children; however, he states, â€Å"In the governments eyes, they will make children grow up to be terrorists. † Velez describes the many holes the proposed law contains.Those who are for the Washington law are persuaded with logos in this situation because they believe it is only fair for children or even adults to have fun if the game is completely safe. They may also think of other forms of entertainment that may also be involved with this kind of law. They imagine other situations where law enforcement officers are portrayed or killed, such as in numerous movies such as, â€Å"Robin Hood† and â€Å"Lethal Weapon†. Why a ren't these issues being addressed? Are video games that much worse than violent movies and plays?In his last paragraph, Velez explains his beliefs involving the problems of violent video games. His finger points to government and most importantly, the children's parents. He explains that parents have the responsibility to judge what their child sees and hears. Some adult audiences might find his accusation offensive and may get turned off by his remarks, because they are blunt and obtrusive. An example of this is when he remarks, â€Å"The parents should be responsible enough to monitor their children and make sure that that particular game does not enter the console (videogame system) itself. Reasonable adult audiences may actually listen to hear what the author is trying to get across.His use of logos appeals to those who are in favor of the Washington law because he makes them think about how parents could be the source of the problem. They may agree that parents need to be on the look out for what is safe and unsafe for their children. Velez explains that parents allow children to play violent video games that influence children to do harm which portray video games as the main source of the problem. It's easier to blame an image or machine than it is to blame people†, Velez said. The â€Å"parent† problem may make more sense to his opposing audience if they aren't biased and read the editorial with an open mind. In conclusion, Vance Velez was very familiar with his topic, which gave him enough credibility to persuade those in his audience who are in favor of the Washington law, to think twice about their position and possibly accept his belief, that passing the Washington law is a mistake.He’s also successful at convincing adult gamers, those 18 or older, to take action against the proposed Washington law. His arguments were well thought out and convincing by using logos and pathos. However, his alternative to the Washington law was a bit broad and didn’t really include a solution. He identified the problems that might occur if the law is passed, such as the loss of Freedom of Speech Rights, but he had no feedback on how else to deal with the situation. I believe author’s overall argument was persuading even though he didn’t include a proposed solution.

Boy Scouts of America vs. Dale

At a time when the United States government is doing all it can to do away with discrimination based on race, age, gender, and religious persuasion in all aspects of the American society, the Boy Scouts of America should not be allowed to exercise discriminatory practices in the process of accepting its members. In this connection, the United States Supreme Court may have erred in its decision with regards the discrimination case filed by James Dale against the Boy Scouts of America in 1992.James Dale’s scouting life started at a tender age of eight when he was accepted as a member of Cub Scout Pack 142 of the Monmouth Council in 1978. By 1981 Dale was already a Boy Scout. In 1988, he was awarded one of the highest honors in scouting – the Eagle Scout rank – after seven years. The following year, 1989, his application for adult membership was approved, becoming an â€Å"assistant scoutmaster of Troop 73† in the process. Between 1981 and 1989, his performan ce as a Boy Scout was nothing short of exemplary (Cornell University Law School, n. d. ).His troubles began when he attended Rutgers University where he immediately acknowledged that he was gay and became the â€Å"copresident† of the alliance of gays and lesbians in the university. In 1990, in his capacity as copresident of their alliance, Dale attended a seminar which confronted the psychological as well as health needs of teenage gays and lesbians. During the seminar, Dale was interviewed regarding his gay advocacy. The Monmouth Council finally learned about his being gay after the interview was published sometime in July 1990, complete with Dale’s picture.That same month, his membership with the Monmouth Council was immediately revoked because, according to James Kay, the council executive who advised him about the revocation, the â€Å"Boy Scouts specifically forbid membership to homosexuals† (Cornell University Law School, n. d. ). The case that ensued sho wed that the country’s courts did not agree whether the Boy Scouts of America was justified in revoking the adult membership of James Dale.Dale first brought the matter to the New Jersey Superior Court in 1992. In his complaint, he claimed that the revocation of his adult membership by the Monmouth Council on the basis of his being gay was in violation not only of the â€Å"public accommodations statute† of the State of New Jersey but also the common law. He alleged that the public accommodations law of the state â€Å"prohibits, among other things, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in places of public accommodation† (N.J. Stat. Ann.  §Ã‚ §10:5-4 and 10:5-5 West Supp. 2000 as cited in Cornell University Law School, n. d. ). However, the decision of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey favored the Boy Scouts, stating that the New Jersey law on public accommodations could not be applied in his case because the â€Å"Boy Scou ts was not a place of public accommodation,† that it was, in fact, a private entity and thus was not covered by the public accommodations statute.The Chancery Division also declared that the position held by the Boy Scouts in relation to ‘active homosexuality† was very clear, therefore, it could not be forced to accept active homosexuals like Dale into its membership as provided for by the â€Å"freedom of expressive association† of the First Amendment.It also stated that the common law was likewise inapplicable since the appropriate policy of the state of New Jersey was contained in the public accommodations law and not the common law (Cornell University Law School, n. d. ). In the first instance of disagreement which underlined the case, the Appellate Division of the Superior Court reversed the Chancery Division’s ruling, stating that the Boy Scouts was covered by the public accommodations law.In revoking Dale’s membership, the Boy Scouts, th erefore, violated the law. Sometime later, in affirming the ruling of the Appellate Division, the New Jersey Supreme Court said that the Boy Scouts of America â€Å"was a place of public accommodation subject to the public accommodation law, that the organization was not exempt from the law under any of its express exceptions, and that the Boy Scouts violated the law by revoking Dale’s membership based on his avowed homosexuality† (Cornell University Law School, n.d. ). The New Jersey Supreme Court also addressed the Boy Scouts’ claim that its federal constitutional right â€Å"to enter into and maintain †¦intimate or private relationships †¦ [and] to associate for the purpose of engaging in protected speech† had been violated when the public accommodations law was applied to the case.According to the court, the Boy Scouts is not private enough to deserve the constitutional protection of intimate association for several reasons: first, it is a r ather large organization; second, its purpose is characterized by inclusiveness, not exclusiveness; and, third, it allows and even invites outsiders to attend their meetings. The court agreed with the Boy Scouts that its activities are geared towards encouraging the members’ moral development.Nevertheless, it is of the opinion that the Boy Scouts do not group together for the express purpose of denouncing homosexuality as immoral (Cornell University Law School, n. d. ). Because of the foregoing reasons, the New Jersey Supreme Court decided that retaining Dale as a member of the organization would not be violating the â€Å"right of expressive association† of the Boy Scouts since his membership would have no significant effect on how the members would be performing their duties and obligations.The court further explained that it would be to the best interest of the State of New Jersey to actively participate in the process of eliminating discrimination and all its harmf ul consequences. Finally, it stated that it rejected the reference made by the Boy Scouts to Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston in its attempt to justify its revocation of Dale’s adult membership.According to the court, the Hurley case could not be made a precedent to decide the case for the Boy Scouts since â€Å"the reinstatement of Dale does not compel Boy Scouts to express any message† (Cornell University Law School, n. d. ). When the issue was elevated to the United States Supreme Court, a polarized America surfaced. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), together with some other interested parties, submitted briefs of amici curiae which urged the United States Supreme Court to affirm the decision made by the New Jersey Supreme Court.Taking the side of ACLU and, thus, Dale, were the states of New Jersey, New York, California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Vermont, Washington, Atlanta City, and the â⠂¬Å"American Association of School Administrators, American Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union, American Jewish Congress, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom, Deans of Divinity Schools and Rabbinical Institutions, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Society of American Law Teachers, [and] Roland Pool† (ACLU ProCon. org, n. d. ). Their side was argued by Evan Wolfson who was assisted by Ruth E. Harlow, David Buckel, Jon W. Davidson, Beatrice Dohrn, Patricia M. Logue, Thomas J. Moloney, Allyson W. Haynes, and Lewis H. Robertson (ACLU ProCon. org, n. d. ). If several organizations and parties sympathized with the cause of Dale, there were also those who believed that the Boy Scouts of America was right in excluding him.Those who decided to file their amici curiae and urge the United States Supreme Court to reverse th e New Jersey Supreme Court were: â€Å"Agudath Israel of America, American Center for Law and Justice, American Civil Rights Union, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, California State Club Association, Center for the Original Intent of the Constitution, Christian Legal Society, Claremont Institute Center, Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, Family Defense Council, Family Research Council, Gays and Lesbians for Individual Liberty, Individual Rights Foundation, Institute for Public Affairs of teh Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Liberty Legal Institute, National Catholic Committee on Scouting, National Legal Foundation, Pacific Legal Foundation, Public Advocate of the United States, United States Catholic Conference, [and] John J. Hurley. † Their case was argued by George A. Davidson who had the assistance of Carla A. Kerr, David K. Park, Michael W. McConnell, and Sanford D. Brown (ACLU ProCon. org, n. d. ). The U. S. Supreme Court agreed to review Dal e’s case on January 14, 2000. By April 26, 2000, oral arguments were heard and two months later on June 28, 2000, in a final show of disagreement among the courts of the country, it handed down a decision reversing the New Jersey Supreme Court, thereby agreeing with the Boy Scouts of America that James Dale should indeed be excluded from its membership. The U. S.Supreme Court decision showed just how divided America was, on the issue, by registering the slimmest of margin with a 5-4 decision (Scouting For All, n. d. ). Even the political leaders of the country were divided on the issue. A few days before the U. S. Supreme Court was to come out with its decision, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13160 which banned discrimination against homosexuals. The 2000 party platform of the Republican Party, on the other hand, contradicted the executive order by supporting the Boy Scouts of America (Tax Analysts, 2000). In effect, the U. S. Supreme Court declared that the Boy Sco uts of America (BSA) is an organization which is private enough to be able to decide whether to accept or reject homosexuals. Some quarters, however, question this decision.They assert that if BSA is indeed private, it should stop accepting government support like tax exemptions and direct funding subsidies. For instance, between 1997 and 2001 alone, the Pentagon provided BSA Jamborees with assistance in the tune of $6 – $8 million. Now, if it wants to continue enjoying these subsidies, it must be honorable enough to honestly pronounce itself public and stop discriminating gays. As Linda Hills of ACLU appropriately expressed, â€Å"The Boy Scouts can’t have it both ways†¦If they truly are a private †¦organization, free to engage in any form of discrimination they choose, then they are not entitled to a government subsidy† (McElroy, 2005).

Burger King Ad Analysis Essay

In June of 2009, Burger King released an advertisement for the â€Å"BK Super Seven Incher† for a limited promotion in Singapore. The sexual message that this ad aims to convey is not so much hidden or subliminal as it is blatantly obvious. Not many would be able to simply glance at this ad and then go about their day. Men and women alike are drawn to the ad because they are either attracted to it or offended by it. Effective advertising usually triggers some kind of powerful emotion within its audience. In that respect, this advertisement succeeds with flying colors. Whether it is because of feelings of disgust or attraction, the images in this ad are difficult to ignore which is exactly what the advertiser envisioned happening. Although very ineffective, this ad is still being analyzed today which is quite significant. Burger King’s advertisement effectively creates and manipulates the narrative, layout, and copy to create a strong reaction to sexism and vulgarity wit hin its audience causing them to only focus on the nature of the ad, not how much they want to buy the product. The ad, through its imagery and text, aims to create a fantasy where all a man has to do is hold a burger and young, attractive women will want to have sex with them. Even if men do not consciously think this way, the idea it is still in the back of their minds. In an attempt to create an effective subtext with these images and words, the ad dehumanizes both men and women. On one hand, the woman in the ad is seen as an object who is only useful in sexual situations — hence the focal point of her face, her mouth which is directly in line with the burger. Many have even noted that the woman resembles a blow-up doll which further solidifies the idea of transforming women into sexual devices rather than human beings. On the other hand, a phallic idea is triggered in a man’s mind that to create the notion that size does matter and this ad presents it as the only thing that really does matter when it comes to attracting a woman. It gives men the impression that if they are no t well endowed, women will disregard them unless they are seen eating this burger. The prominent images of this ad cause the audience to have a strong emotional reaction to the ad whether they know it or not. The portion of the advertisement that first catches the audience’s eye is the image of a stunned, fairly artificial looking woman with her mouth agape to a sandwich that seems to be appearing out of nowhere. The sandwich pictured with the woman also looks much thinner and longer than the one pictured at the bottom. The image of the sandwich next to the woman’s mouth creates obvious phallic visualizations within the audience’s minds. The ad’s blatant allusion to oral sex causes the audience to have a strong reaction upon seeing it. The image suggests that upon eating this sandwich, every adjacent woman will be rendered helpless at the sight of a man holding a seven inch burger. The woman also seems to be looking at something out of frame beyond the sandwich. The mysterious item in the shadows that the woman’s eyes are fixed on adds yet another cue a man could subconsciously get by looking at the ad. This allows a man to conjure up any type of scenario within his mind from only the presence of shadows in the ad. Right below is the second-most prominent part of the ad: the words â€Å"It’ll Blow Your Mind Away† in large font with the two largest words in that sentence being â€Å"It’ll Blow.† The ad tends to two very significant aspects of a young man’s life: food and sex. Food is a basic human need but it is not enough to say that this sandwich will satisfy your hun ger, it must also be able to fulfill another desire. The images of this ad indirectly suggest that the sandwich will cater to a man’s hunger as well as his sexual frustration. Along with the suggestive images this ad presents, the words surrounding the artwork bring an equally as obvious but a much more distasteful idea to the mind. In small font at the bottom it reads: â€Å"fill your desire for something long, juicy and flame-grilled† because we all know that a long cake tastes better than a short one. The fact that the sandwich is seven inches long has little to nothing to do with the quality of the sandwich but rather the visualization that this extra long burger evokes while accompanied with the images. As if that was not enough to make a man go cross-eyed, it goes on to add that the burger will make one â€Å"yearn for more† after one taste. The seemingly endless sexually suggestive elements of this ad just causes it to be mulled over in the minds of men and women alike which adds to its effectiveness not to sell a product but to keep the Burger King name in people’s heads. The name of the product in itself is also something to be considered. Without the imagery of the product it would be unclear as to what is being sold. Only in the small text do you see what this product is actually categorized under — a burger. To someone unfamiliar to this ad, the term â€Å"seven incher† could mean a plethora of items, both sexual and non-sexual. Because of the lack of distinction between food and phallus, the audience gets the wrong (or the right) impression of this product. In describing the burger in further detail, the words â€Å"crispy,† â€Å"thick,† and â€Å"hearty† are used to create the idea that not only will you be attracting women from all over the globe, you will also be buying a top-of-the-line meal for the bargain price of $6.25 — an idea any man would be mesmerized by. One long-running advertisement of a similar product could come to mind when faced with an ad centered upon the size of a sandwich — Subway’s â€Å"Five Dollar Foot Long† campaign. Unlike the Burger King ad, the Subway ad features mainly a catchy jingle and cheery imagery. Subway’s advertisers could have easily gone in the route that Burger King did and made the extra long sandwich sexual. Any company would choose not to sexualize their ads in order to avoid excluding the portion of their audience who would not be attracted to or would even be offended by such graphic images. Subway, instead, used positive and healthy imagery using athletes and generally fit people to advertise their product. In 2008, about the time the campaign for the five dollar sandwich began, the U.S. was faced with a financial crisis. As a result, Subway came up with the campaign of a cheap alternative to healthy food. As a result, a very marketable image of their product was created. A notable difference between Burger King’s ad and Subway’s ad is that the â€Å"BK Super Seven Incher† ad had to be taken down right after the backlash ensued; the everyday â€Å"Five Dollar Foot Long† campaign was sustained until Subway was pushed to increase the price of the sandwich due to inflation. Much like an ad targeted to women of all ages that shows young, thin, energetic girls wearing fashionable clothing, this ad creates false scenarios in the minds of males about a situation that eating this burger will put them in. In the past, the appeals of Burger King ads seemed to be based on humor and were aimed towards a more universal audience. Their ads usually include the advertising mascot of the company, â€Å"The King,† who would often be presented in comical situations. The ad, in no way, alienated any group of people which is why it was kept. The problem in advertising today and particularly in this ad is that companies now allow their products to give off the wrong impression in order to get a rise out of people. Despite its limited release, the unnecessarily sexual nature of the ad sparked much discussion around the world. Not long after the backlash, Burger King officials released a statement expressing that the ad was not created by their principal advertising agency, but by a more independent Singapore agency. Although the ad was taken down shortly thereafter, this does not change the fact that Burger King knew what they were getting themselves into in allowing this ad to be released. Excessively sexualizing a product could mean much negative repercussions for a company. Whether Burger King thought they could sell more sandwiches this way or not, they got the publicity that they were striving for. Although the feedback that they were receiving was extremely negative, it successfully got their name in people’s minds which is considered positive for any company. Burger King, by no accident, released an overly sexual ad that could cause any consumer to think twice. In some cases, sex only sells to a point, then it becomes overkill meaning that the ad could work against them if it is deemed â€Å"too sexual.† Done in the right way, sexual ads are very successful but in those cases the ads are very subtle and usually focus on some kind of subliminal message. Burger King’s target audience who are predominately young males will certainly have a strong reaction to the ad but will most likely not be more inclined to buy the product after seeing it in those terms. This ad is a good example of how shock value gets attention but does not effectively sell a product.

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