How do video games affect society Essays - Video Game Censorship

How do video games affect society Society Scapegoat If there is one thing that happens frequently after a high-profile mass shooting, aside from people running out in a brainless stage to buy every gun and box of ammunition for fear of the Second Amendment being murdered, it is to look at what video games the shooter played. Any time society wants to blame something, other than itself, for creating these monsters it looks to the media. Did they play violent video games? Mortal Kombat? Doom? Call of Duty? Watch out! they say, anyone who does the same is just as likely to go on a similar rampage. Video games have been a scapegoat for politicians and news outlets to blame violence on since the early 1990s, and it is time people and politicians alike realized that the video game industry is not at fault. According to a Fox News story, Aaron Alexis, the gunman behind the tragic Navy Yard shooting, used to "immerse himself in violent video games for hours on end." He was "skilled at these games" and even "played first-person shooting games online." Further down in the story however, more details behind the gunman come out. "While some neighbors and acquaintances described him as 'nice,' his father once told detectives in Seattle that his son had anger management problems related to post-traumatic stress brought on by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He also complained about the Navy and being a victim of discrimination." How a quote like that is so buried in this story does not make much sense to me. Adding insult to injury, Fox News; after mentioning other mass killers who played video games, has quotes from Bruce Bartholow, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Missouri. Of course, the topic of the quote is violent video games, not Alexis' reported history with anger issues... or post-traumatic stress... or being a victim of discrimination. In addition, a study conducted by Mike Frank, a neurologist at the University of Phoenix; examined the relationship between exposure to violent video games and aggression or violence in the laboratory and real life. Study 1 participants were either randomized or allowed to choose to play a violent or nonviolent game. Although males were more aggressive than females, neither randomized exposure to violent video game conditions not previous real life exposure to violent video games caused any differences in aggression. That was one of the many studies that examine a scientific record and found that it does not establish any casual link between programming and violent behavior. Study 2 examined correlations between trait aggression, violent criminal acts, and exposure to both violent games and family violence. Results indicated that trait aggression, family violence, and male gender were predictive of violent crime, but exposure to violent games was not. Christopher Ferguson, creator of the Criminal Justice & Behavior study stated, Findings from the two studies were mutually supportive. These results suggest that playing violent video games does not constitute a significant risk for future violent criminal acts The most intriguing statistic and graph I have found to support that video games are not to fault for the criminal behavior is a graph by the U.S Dept. of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation. The graph is represented to by two numerical variables one being from year 1998 to year 2012. According to the graph, violent crime decreased dramatically from 1998 to 2012. While video game sales soared, more than tripling in sales from $4.8billion to $14.8billion. That is a massive increase in video game sales. More people are buying these violent video games that the industry is releasing as the crime rate is decreasing in America. The graph shows support as to video games not contributing to the real-world violence because more video games are being played, yet the crime rate is slowly decreasing. Just as with other types of entertainment, there is a wide variety of content available in computer and video games to suit the wide variety of individuals who play games. The industry has established numerous tools and policies to help parents make educated choices and ensure that retailers only sell games to those whose age is appropriate for the game in question.

Printable Homeschool Record Keeping Forms

Printable Homeschool Record Keeping Forms These printable homeschool forms are ones that I have used in my homeschool support groups. These are for your personal use or use in your homeschool support group as is or modified. Attendance Record Form - Use this form to keep track of the school days for your student.Authorization for Transfer of Records - This form can be used to request your childs record from the previous school.Printable Biography Lesson Plan - Biography lesson plan with forms and sample pages.Course of Study - This is a course of study form that Ive been using for years.Emergency Medical Release - Emergency Medical Release Form for use in a homeschool support group.Homeschool Memory Books - Printable memory books for different levels to capture memories of the school year.Physical Education Record Keeping Form - Keep track of the activities performed each day to assure you meet the physical education requirement for your state.Progress Report - Progress Report form to record the progress made and material covered during the quarter.Reading List - Reading lists arent usually required, but I like to keep a list for reference in later years.Registration Application - Registration Applicatio n Form for a support group. Science Report Forms - Report forms for your student to use when doing a science project.Special Needs Forms - Forms to help with some of the unique things you need to track.

MT140 Unit 5 Discussion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

MT140 Unit 5 Discussion - Research Paper Example Management is a fundamental function that refers to the planning and controlling the resources of a commercial organization. Leadership on the other hand refers to the art of influencing the actions of others in a society. A manager may serve as a leader since he influences the actions and behavior of other employees at an organization. A leader on the other hand cannot act as a manager since he may not have the technical knowhow required to manage the other resources in a company (Hillson & Simon, 2012). As explained earlier, resolving the dilemma at Sandwich Blitz Inc. requires effective understanding of the market in order to establish the patterns of supply and demand. As such, I would recommend an extensive market research and analysis in order to determine the factors that are likely to affect the profitability of the company. Dalman for example must equip himself with the relevant financial skills. This may compel him to enroll at a school and carry out extensive market researches. This way, he will obtain appropriate information capable of influencing the production at the company thus cushioning the company from incurring losses even as it expands to unknown

Research report- Investigating a specific professional role (reception Essay

Research report- Investigating a specific professional role (reception Teacher) which you intend to seek employment after graduating from university - Essay Example with the course curriculum and the developments that are required for formulating best practices in guiding the children and also creating various opportunities and organizing various creative function for the children . The role of the reception teachers are recording the observations and summarizing the achievement and the success of the children. The teachers mainly emphasizes on the optimum development of the child and preparing for the successful transition of the child. The teacher is expected to provide best opportunities to its children for inspiring the children and promoting the ethos of the school. The role and the responsibility that will be required by me to perform being a reception teacher in a school is to focus on the physical, intellectual, emotional, creative and also social needs of the children in the school and also ensuring that it matches with the abilities and development of the children (Lieberman, 2007). I will be responsible for maintaining, supporting and developing the aims, objectives and policies of the school. For imparting best and proper education to the children I must keep myself updated with the specialist subject and the innovation and introduction of new technology and also application of various educational research and development and for creating a friendly environment I must work in coordination and with full cooperation with my colleagues for developing and introducing a holistic education which will transform the tradition into innovation (Wingerd, 2001). I am responsible for adapting according to the changes that is flexibility for coping up according to the changes and since the environment of the school is hectic and it required or expected to deal or interact with various people and together with that I will be responsible for handling all the students in the class and therefore it is required to remain calm and patience for handling all possible type of situations and hurdles. I will be assigned with

To my unapproachable husband, Don Juan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

To my unapproachable husband, Don Juan - Essay Example Can it be that you have deceived me with false promises Looking back on our relationship, I wonder how I could be so innocent as to believe you would always be faithful. I have been told of your transgressions and as much as I want to dismiss the frivolous gossip, I cannot completely do so without your returning to me and putting the lie to these words (33). My servant Gusman has tried to ease my pain but even as he speaks he confirms your infidelity. How could I be so blind to your coldness (33, 41) Why have you left me Why can you not face me and defend yourself Let it be known that I can give you any number of excuses and can place the words on your tongue that would convince me that what I have been told is merely hearsay and not your true actions. I will continue to pursue you and when we meet once more, I would ask you to say the words I wish to hear. I ask only that you explain yourself, that you tell me you adore me and that nothing but death can tear us apart. I need to hear you convince me that urgent business called you away, and nothing less than that would separate us. Please make it known that you will return to me as soon as you can and that you live with the thought of being with me once more. Your honeyed words brought me into our nuptial bed, but now you would seem to be without the language of love, more tongue-tied than smooth in speech (41-42). I must tell you, t I must tell you, though it breaks my heart to say it, that my brothers are on a quest to find you and to kill you (69; Fort & Kates 47)). As heart-sore as I am at your leaving me, I do not wish to see you dead. It is my hope that Gusman can deliver this letter at least to your manservant so that you will be warned of danger. Gusman has told me that my devotion to you might be met with poor return should I find you. He has tried to convince me to stay at home, but I have not chosen to listen. Surely, you would not wrong me in this way. Do the holy bonds of matrimony have no meaning to you-you, to whom the sacred doors of the convent were no barrier (34; Fort & Kates 47). Sganarelle, your loyal servant, has called you a scoundrel. Can that truly be At our last meeting, you neglected to clear my mind of doubt, and it was I who invented a hundred good reasons for your sudden departure. Should you, at the very least, choose to answer this letter, you can swear your heart is unchanged and you still adore me. You can tell me how sad you are that business keeps you from returning home for some time, and if I simply return home quietly, you will follow me as soon as your affairs will allow it. If you cannot face me and say these words, at least in a letter they would soothe my pain. The stories I have heard about your infidelity are difficult to accept, and you could so quickly put my doubts to rest. There is talk of a peasant girl, in fact more than one peasant girl, with whom you have dallied (49; Gethner, para. 9). Tell me it is not so. If you can but convince me of fidelity and love, I will erase all of the accusations I am making against you and will love you forever. I have spoken with your father, and he assures me though you have sinned in the past, you have seen the error of your ways, and it is my strongest desire that since our marriage, you have been loyal to me. With hope for our future.

The Issue Of Domestic Violence In Malaysia Social Work Essay

The Issue Of Domestic Violence In Malaysia Social Work Essay Domestic violence is acknowledged as a significant issue within Malaysia. Historically, women non-government organizations (NGOs) have made violence against women a visible issue and have laws and protection services for victims of gender violence. In the year of 1994, the Domestic Violence Act was finally passed by Parliament, making Malaysia the first Asian and Muslim country to adopt such legislation. Government and Womens groups have make hard afford in raising awareness around the issues of domestic violence due to Malaysia has a high level of physical abuse of women by husbands and boyfriends. The 1992 WAO/SRM (Womens Aid Organisation and Survey Research Malaysia) survey revealed that 39 percent of women have experiencing battering. In the year of 1995, there were 1409 police reports of domestic violence. 1n 1997, the first full year of the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, increase to 5477 reports, representing a 388 percent increase. To sum up, the statistics of do mestic violence cases are increasing year by year according to the statistics on marital violence cases of the Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development (Department of Social Welfare, 1999-2009). Except the studies on the number of cases reported for domestic violence, there has also been a small body of research conducted in order to recognise the consequential costs to governments in responding to the consequences of such violence. Studies of the prevalence of violence against women indicate that violence is an issue that permeates every corner of society, is widespread and costly. The costs that spend on domestic violence can be found in Justice, Health, Social Services, Education, Business Costs, Personal or Household Costs. Consequently, the costs of violence against women drain resources from many sectors including private businesses and agencies, the government, community groups and individuals. In brief, for the long run, violence against women will impede economic and social development in Malaysia. Majority of the research on domestic violence tend to place the attention on its causes and consequences as well as short-term crisis intervention such as provision of accommodation, welfare assistance and other emergency support and advocacy services. However, less attention has been given to the long-term impact of intimate partner violence on battered womens career development and the role of career counselling interventions in empowering battered women to become economically independent. Therefore, this paper aim at exploring a more comprehensive and extended framework by which the focus is given to the importance of long-term planning in areas such as job search and career development. Thus, rather than continues to concentrating on immediate needs, focusing on the area of career development will reduce the overall expenditure spend by the government or society and also provide an opportunity for the victims of domestic violence for long-term independence as more people enter th e workforce. According to the Womens Aid Organization annual report, there is a need for a more long-term approach to the issue of domestic violence in Malaysia. Since the topic of this paper is to discuss about the domestic violence and career development in Malaysia, thus, firstly, the author will examines the impact of domestic violence on career development. Second, it places the issue of career barrier encounter by battered women, and third it explores the work of Bandura (1989) and Gianakos (1999) to understand career orientation. Finally, by drawing on these concepts builds a framework which provides a pathway for domestic violence victims to attain sustainable employment and independence. The Impact of Domestic Violence on Womens Career Development The impact of domestic violence on womens career development can be devastating. The constant denigration associated with emotional abuse destroys womens beliefs in their competence and worth. Physical states and injuries resulting from physical and sexual abuse limit womens ability to go to work, complete job tasks, and advance in their job positions (CDC, 2003; Chronister McWhirter, in press). Battered women also may be isolated and as a result, have fewer opportunities to engage in positive learning experiences, observe role models, and build support networks. These factors, considered from a social cognitive career theory (SCCT) perspective (Lent, Brown, Hackett, 1994), severely restrict battered womens range of career interests, formulation of career goals, and persistence toward those goals. Poverty and employment have been at the forefront of economic and social policy debate in Australia for the last three decades (Saunders 2006). Domestic violence victims not only suffer from a range of physical and mental health problems, but are more likely to have been unemployed in the past and also have higher levels of job turnover (Lloyd and Taluc 1999; Costello et al. 2005). Some work in the USA suggests that women who had experienced aggression from male partners had only one third the odds of maintaining employment for at least 30 hours per week over a six month period (Browne et al. 1999). While some abusers simply prohibit their female partners from working, others take measures to undermine any attempts at employment such as denying them transportation, tearing up clothing, beating them before job interviews and generally demoralising the partner to such an extent that work becomes impossible (Brandwein 1998; Lloyd and Taluc 1999). Such women then have more interrupted wo rk histories, are less likely to seek or achieve promotion and often operate in low paid/low skilled work (Costello, Chung and Carson 2005: Lloyd and Taluc 1999). In the Australian context unemployment or joblessness as it is now known continues to be the perennial cause of poverty (Saunders 2006). However, there is a lack of Australian research on the links of domestic violence and employment, but what limited work there is has found that training and employment transition services were considered a low priority even though the financial, social and emotional benefits of such interventions were considered significant (Costello et al. 2005, 257). This is very different from Britain and Ireland where the issue of poverty and joblessness has been addressed in a comprehensive way with the setting of anti-poverty targets and long-term solutions (ACOSS 2004). Domestic violence, no matter whether it be physical, emotional, verbal, economic or social, leads to lower self-esteem and self worth, social isolation, poverty and welfare dependency and poor health for the women and children who are subjected to such abuse (Partnerships Against Domestic Violence 2001, 7; Tolman and Wang 2005, 148). They find they are unable to set short-term goals, have limited information through their social and economic isolation and exist in a climate of fear and these become barriers to seeking full employment and becoming financially independent (Trent and Margulies 2007). Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), can be broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation.[1] Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation.[1] Alcohol consumption[2] and mental illnessHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence#cite_note-dutton1994-2[3] can be co-morbid with abuse, and present additional challenges when present alongside patterns of abuse.

Objectivism And Batailleist Powerful Communication :: essays research papers

1. Fellini and textual theory "Sexuality is a legal fiction," says Lacan; however, according to Hanfkopf[1] , it is not so much sexuality that is a legal fiction, but rather the rubicon, and subsequent collapse, of sexuality. Foucault uses the term 'Batailleist `powerful communication'' to denote not narrative, but postnarrative. Thus, the subject is interpolated into a textual theory that includes reality as a whole. The primary theme of the works of Fellini is the role of the poet as reader. Neoconstructive desituationism holds that expression comes from communication, given that Lacan's essay on objectivism is valid. But if Batailleist `powerful communication' holds, we have to choose between structuralist rationalism and postmodern textual theory. If one examines objectivism, one is faced with a choice: either accept Batailleist `powerful communication' or conclude that art is part of the dialectic of reality. Debord uses the term 'textual theory' to denote the meaninglessness, and hence the rubicon, of prematerial class. However, Baudrillard promotes the use of objectivism to read sexual identity. Derrida uses the term 'modernist theory' to denote the common ground between truth and class. Thus, Sontag suggests the use of Batailleist `powerful communication' to deconstruct sexism. The subject is contextualised into a objectivism that includes art as a reality. But Baudrillard promotes the use of the postcultural paradigm of narrative to attack and read sexual identity. The subject is interpolated into a objectivism that includes language as a paradox. In a sense, Batailleist `powerful communication' suggests that culture may be used to entrench outdated, elitist perceptions of class, but only if truth is interchangeable with consciousness. The subject is contextualised into a textual theory that includes reality as a totality. Therefore, many discourses concerning objectivism may be revealed. 2. Batailleist `powerful communication' and capitalist socialism "Society is intrinsically used in the service of capitalism," says Marx; however, according to de Selby[2] , it is not so much society that is intrinsically used in the service of capitalism, but rather the stasis, and some would say the economy, of society. Lyotard's analysis of capitalist socialism states that the collective is part of the futility of sexuality. It could be said that the example of objectivism prevalent in Fellini's 8 1/2 is also evident in Amarcord, although in a more self-sufficient sense. The subject is interpolated into a Batailleist `powerful communication' that includes truth as a paradox. In a sense, Sartre uses the term 'objectivism' to denote the collapse of neocultural culture.

Audience Analysis and Reception Essay

Question: You are preparing to write a formal report to be presented to management at your workplace. What are some potential needs for this audience you should be aware of when writing the report? What are the risks of not considering the audience’s needs? As explained in week five (The University of Phoenix, 2014). Writing a Proper Report Writing a formal report to management can be difficult as well as time-consuming. You must know who your audience is and what important topics your management team wants to hear. It is very easy to get off track and present data that is not relevant to the audience that you are directing the report to. You must know your audience. There are several things the author writing the report needs to know, in order to ensure that the management team will understand. The first thing that should be considered is, knowing who your audience is. It is important to know who the managers reading this report are. This makes a difference because you want to capture an audience by the job they have. If the report is a descriptive report about product design, you will not want to write a report about sales revenue. The report must fit the audience. Another important factor the writer should know is, knowing the audiences special interests or prejudices they may have about the information you are going to present. It is important to write the report around the facts and to not try to put in too much feeling. Facts are the only things that should be considered. Let the audience think for themselves and make their minds up based on the data that is being presented. Be prepared and have charts or other supporting documentation ready and available, so that the report can be backed up to support the report. Always pay attention to grammar and watch for any syntax errors in your writing. It is crucial that the audience sees that the report is  credible, properly written and that it flows well so that the audience can understand the report. Formal reports are more detailed and have a lot more detail than a non-formal report. Paragraphing the formal report will be easy for the audience to read. There are a lot of risks involved if these guidelines are not met. The audience has particular needs that they will be looking for, and making certain that these measures are there will lead to success. In conclusion, it is crucial that writers understand who the audience is. A formal report should always have the information in it that fits the audience. You might lose your audience, and the report may be seen as non-credible if the facts are not presented the way they should be. References The University of Phoenix. (2014). Week Five: Audience Analysis and Reception. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix, XBCOM/275 website. Educational Psychologist. (2010). Writing for whom? Cognition, motivation, and a writer’s audience.. Retrieved from Educational Psychologist, XB/COM 275Communication Process Model website.

Cash or Card - Debt and the Economy

Cash or Card - Debt and the Economy Free Online Research Papers A phrase that is commonly said in the super markets is â€Å"paper or plastic†. In today’s society, however; it is not talking about bags. They are referring to the type of payment that you will use to pay for your goods and services. Paper refers to actual money, like cash. Plastic is credit and debit cards that are used more frequently as our country advances. Along with credit cards comes debt (if you are not â€Å"responsible† with your money.). Debt in the United States is a growing fad that unfortunately plagues our country more and more each day. People who are unable to pay back their bills are forced into bankruptcy as money gets tight. They elect to let the government â€Å"wipe their slate clean† for ten or seven years in return for a new start. This is a misconception. Bankruptcy is not a new beginning but a virus to your lifestyle. In this paper you will see how credit card debt, bankruptcy and other elements affect our economy and why it is in the shape that it is in now. What exactly is credit card debt? This is a frequently asked question that typically does not have a solid answer. Basically, though, debt (of any kind, whether it is credit card related or not) is money that you owe to a person or company. If you have a retail credit card and charge on it to get a discount, it is a debt that you owe to that particular store. People charge for all kinds of different reasons. They charge for gas, groceries, travel and other luxuries that they may otherwise not be able to pay for up front. Gas prices, as you will see later on in this paper, is a big factor to credit card debt, especially with in the last two years. Another question that arises when you talk about credit card debt is who can have it? Anybody who has a credit card can be in debt. The way they handle their money determines whether they will actually be in debt or not. If you own a credit card with a balance and do not pay it off when it is due or just pay the minimum payment each month, y ou will have debt. The amount that one owes is strictly up to that person. If you charge on a credit card and keep charging and only pay the minimum payment, you will dig yourself a hole that you are unable to dig yourself out of. For example: (keep in mind that this does not apply to everyone who owns a credit card) Someone makes a purchase of $300.00 on a charge card when they could only afford about fifty dollars of that purchase to begin with. When the payment is due, they only pay the minimum amount due (about 2% of the amount owed. [T.I.L.A]). After the payment, a finance charge is computed into the amount that is left over. This is calculated with an interest rate or APR. The APR, or annual percentage rate, of a credit card varies anywhere from 0% to 28.99%. (Discover). This means that if you owe $250.00 and you have an interest rate of 17.99%, you current balance would be $253.75. That’s an extra $3.75 that you didn’t even charge that you would have to pay. The finance charge is how credit card companies make their money. Say you made a payment of twenty-five dollars, and your finance charge was $3.50, only $21.50 would actually go towards your balance on your credit card. The problem wit h this is that even though they have a balance, people keep charging. It is said from various news sources that this may be to blame because of the rising costs of groceries and gas, as well as other luxuries. Another question that is frequently asked is how does credit cards affect the economy? Credit cards usually go unnoticed, but recently; they have been making a huge impact on the way people spend their money. Like what was stated before, if people do not pay off their credit cards, it will be detrimental to the economy. Big companies not getting back the money that they loaned out which takes quite a hit to their own wallet’s. If they do not get the money back they cannot stay in business which means no jobs for their employees. They are no longer able to pay them or keep their business a float. This means that people are not getting paid and in return they cannot purchase items that they would when they had a job. The role of credit cards in the economy is really rather simple. Dr. Robert Cole, Professor of Marketing at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln stated that â€Å"Rather than pay cash, either because of greater convenience or because of necessity , many consumers will satisfy their material needs by use of their credit for goods and services. Retailers then are holders of consumer credit, and in turn they finance their inventories and other working capital needs by using their business credit†. So basically one can deduct the fact that consumers who buy with a credit card are buying their merchandise on their word, rather than with cash, to pay back their credit to the retailer who sold them the item(s). Also they are obligating themselves to pay back the credit card company (whether it is a major credit card holder or a retail credit card) the debt that they now owe to that certain company. To really understand that role, you have to, first, understand a little histor y about credit cards. 1946 was really the beginning of credit cards in the United States. The Flatbush National Bank got its start on credit cards in Brooklyn, N.Y. They introduced the first credit cards ever in this year. 1958 was a start of an epidemic. That was the beginning of American Express, Chase Manhattan Bank of New York (which later became Visa) and the Bank of America credit cards. Two years later in 1960, Senator Paul Douglas brought forth the Truth-In-Lending Act, also known as the T.I.L.A. Basically, this act stated that credit card companies were required to issue disclosures of APR’s (annual percentage rates), fees, and finance charges. To state its exact words, the purpose of the act was to â€Å"†¦promote the informed use of consumer credit by requiring disclosures about its [the company’s] terms and costs†¦also gives [consumers] the right to cancel certain credit transactions that involve a lien [or collateral; which is something, like your house or your car, that you put on your loan in case you stop making your payments. The bank or credit union has the right to repossess your collateral if that happens] on a consumers principal dwelling†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It also stated many important things about finance charges, which will later be discussed in this paper. Moving forward ten years to 1970, Congress banned credit card issuers from mailing unsolicited credit cards as marketing. They also prohibited the companies from discriminating on gender and marital status. In the 80’s, companies moved their center of operations to Delaware and South Dakota. Two states that will not cap interest rates. Also in the 80’s, â€Å"Congress required all credit card promotional material to prominently display a standardized list of a card’s terms, including annual fees, and annual interest, late-payment and cash-advance fees in legible type.† (CQ researcher). However, in 1991, a bill that would have capped interest rates at fourteen percent, failed. Unfortunately for consumers, credit card companies protested and got their way. The amount of offers (â€Å"junk mail† that you receive from credit card companies asking you as a consumer to sign up for their credit cards) that the companies sent out rose from 1.52 billion in 1993 to over 5 billion in 2001. That is a thirty percent raise in 8 years. In 2004, fees and other charges accounted for over $24 billion dollars in income and revenues for the credit card companies. Two years later in 2006, when home-equity loans dried up, credit card debt began to be a popular thing. People wanted to â€Å"keep up with the Jones’ † and charged their new car on their credit card, knowing they wouldn’t be able to pay it back. And last year, Congress passed the Credit Card-holders’ Bill of Rights. It was supposed to prohibit practices such as raising interest rates without notice or imposing late fees on people who paid their bills on the due date. Also in 2008, credit card debt, according to CQ researcher, â€Å"reaches[ed] a record high of $1 trillion.† You can almost always assume, in today’s age, that with outstanding credit card debt, bankruptcy will follow. What is bankruptcy? You may ask. Well Dave Ramsey, author of several financial aid books, says that â€Å"Bankruptcy is a process established by a set of federal laws that are designed to give debtors a ‘fresh start’ by canceling many of their debts through an order of the court.† It also allows the companies or banks who lent you money a chance to get their â€Å"†¦designated share of any money that debtors can afford to, or are obligated to, pay back.† (Ramsey, Dave). There are two chapters in which you can file: Chapters seven and thirteen. Chapter seven bankruptcy is total liquidation of your credit card and other debts. Under chapter 7 they can also sell some of your possessions in order to pay back your debt. Some things that are exempt include: cars, work-related tools, and basic household furnishings. Everything else is fair game. This stays on your credit report for ten years. You are also obligated to forfeit any and all credit cards for this period of time. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a little different. This â€Å"†¦may be the preferred method for consumers with assets they don’t want to lose, and willing to retire as much of their debts as possible, but under a less-pressured structure. Some debt balances may be partially discharged, and their filer agrees to a monthly payment to the trustee for distribution to the remaining creditors. Any bankruptcy is a serious mark against your credit record, but Chapter 13 filings may be perceived as slightly less serious than Chapter 7 filings since you are exhibiting an interest in retiring your debts.† (Ramsey, Dave). If you must file for bankruptcy, Mr. Ramsey suggests that you file under chapter 7 and not chapter 13. The way to file for bankruptcy is simple. All you have to do is go to a bankruptcy court and file under either chapters (which were already discussed). The economy suffers because of bankruptcy. Unemployment, unfortunately, seems to be a popular thing nowadays. Since there are no jobs for people to work, they cannot pay their bills as a result. Let alone go out and purchase other necessities. Other complications besides debt and bankruptcy are over-the-limit spenders. What does it hurts if I spend over my limit, you may ask. Well not only does it hurt your credit score, which is a crucial part of life, it also hurts your chances if you want to apply for another credit card or loan in the future. Creditors are cracking down on consumers in this tough economic time. They do not want to lend people money who is 1. Not going to pay it back and 2. Spend over the limit that was given. Late Payments are also a big hassle to credit card companies. So to keep people from doing this, they slap on a late payment fee. According to Bankrate.com, late fees are based on a customer’s card balance. They state that balances less than $100 for customers with MBNA America and Discover will pay a fifteen dollar fee for tardy payments. For balances greater than $1,000; a fee of $35 will be charged for late payments. Which, to date, is the highest late payment fee around. Anything between $100 and $1,000 will be charged $25. â€Å"Industry analysts say charging customers with higher balances higher late fees makes a lot of sense. A card company takes a pretty big financial hit if a customer, with say, a $5000 balances stops paying altogether.† (Bankrate.com) According to R.K. Hammer, President of R.K. hammer Investment Bankers in Thousand Oaks, California â€Å"With high balances, there’s a greater risk, therefore, it’s a smart business decision.† He also goes on to say that â€Å"Penalties boost profits†. On the flip side, Brad Dakake, a consumer advocate at Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group says, â€Å"The fees are way out of control. They’re not being done to penalize customers that miss a payment. They’re being done to maximize profits.† How do late payments affect the economy? Well the percentage of late fees for credit cards rose by seven percent in 2002. (Survey by consumer action) So based on this information, you tell me. To understand today’s economy; you have to understand past recessions. To discuss all of the recessions of the past would take up enough space for a book so the recession of the 1980’s is all that will be conversed about in this paper. In the 1980’s, the amount of bankruptcies from 1981 to 1982 rose 50%. (About.com). Not only was the banks hit hard with this but agriculture as well. Exports declined, crop prices fell and interest rates rose. â€Å"By 1983, inflation [higher prices, an increase in the supply of currency or credit relative to the availability of goods and services, resulting in higher prices and a decrease in the purchasing power of money] had eased, and the economy had rebounded, and the United States began a sustained period of economic growth.† (About.com). The American people were fed up with President Carter’s political views and elected Ronald Reagan as President of the United States in 1981 (he served until 1989). He believed in supply-side economics, which is an â€Å"†¦economic theory which holds [temporary unavailability of specific sums in a bank account to the accountholder.] that reducing tax rates, especially for businesses and wealthy individuals, stimulates savings and investment for the benefit of everyone. It is also called trickle-down economics.† (Investorwords.com). His theory, based on the supply-side economic theory, stated that lowering taxes would persuade people to work harder and longer. In which, he thought, would lead to excessive saving and more investing, therefore resulting in production growth as well as overall economic growth. Even though his tax breaks were directed at the wealthy, he thought that that would induce higher investment which would provide more job opportunities as well as higher wages. His plan worked and brought more jobs to the nation which in return had people spending more money, seeing as they had more of it to save and spend. Some would say that the current economic crisis started by big company greed. Which is true, but that’s not the whole story. Have you heard of â€Å"Mortgage back Security†? First of all, what is a security? A security is an instrument of financial value like stocks and bonds. A mortgage back security is a bunch of mortgage loans that are grouped together to create a large pool of debt. It is then sold to investors the same way a bond is sold. Basically, when large companies need money they sell parts of their company. Which is the bond that, you, the consumer buys. Also â€Å"Bonds are a form of indebtedness sold to the public in set increments, normally in the neighborhood of $1000. In return for lending the debtor the money, the lender gets a piece of paper that stipulates how much was lent, what the agreed-upon interest rate is, how often interest will be paid and how long the term of the loan will be.†(Fool.com) But back to the mortgage backed securities, you buy them at discount rates and rely on the mortgage payments for the difference. It is supposed to be safe because people wind up paying way more than what they borrowed thanks to the crazy interest rates that are slapped on them. The one thing that investors didn’t count on was the fact that people were unable to pay their mortgage payments because the payments, along with the interest rates, were so high. Several other factors are also to blame for the present financial calamity. Oil prices are also a big factor when we talk about the economy. Last year all you heard was questions like â€Å"Will the gas prices ever drop?† and â€Å"Are they trying to kill us?† Gas and oil prices reached its peak at over four dollars a gallon last year causing families to rethink their annual Florida vacations to maybe a local fair instead. People just could not afford to even go to work to make the money they needed to pay for the gas to begin with. This made it very difficult for people to have extra money to spend and save. It also made it hard for people to pay their bills like credit cards bills. They were unable to financially support their buying habits and consequently were unable to pay the said credit card bills. People relied on their credit cards to pay for gas, groceries and other luxuries that they wanted and needed. Also as gas and oil prices skyrocketed, people started to lose their jobs, as well as their minds, because of the lack of cash flow through their homes. Companies were losing money because of the lack of money that was coming in from sales. This made them unable to pay employees and so in return had to lay off people. It didn’t matter to them that you had been with the company for two years or thirty-five years. Some reasoning behind the sky high prices is due in part to the fact that paper money no longer is worth was it was ten years ago. The government just does not have the gold and silver to back it up. Needless to say, it costs more to make that dollar bill in your pocket that what the darn thing is actually worth. Although credit cards are not completely to blame for the current economic catastrophe, they are partially responsible for the â€Å"economic maelstrom† (Wasik, John F.) we seem to find ourselves in. The things that you have to be careful of are spending more than you can afford. Credit cards can be a good thing if you can keep them paid off. For one, they can raise your credit score. This is detrimental when you want to get a loan to buy a car or a home for your family. If you do find yourself in the debt crevice, there are several websites available to help you plan your payments to get rid of that nasty card debt you’ve been carrying around. Just simply type in â€Å"Debt Calculator† into your favorite search engine like Google and about 800,000 sites will pop up at your convenience. Essentially, it all boils down to the fact that credit card companies manipulated you into getting their cards. They wave things like 5% cash back bonus and 0% interest in your face to rope you into creating an account with them. What you do with them after you’re signed up is your business but the question is what will you do with them once you have one? Will you be the one who digs a hole so immense that you are financially unable to dig yourself out? Or are you a â€Å"responsible† consumer? That, you will have to decide for yourself. 1. â€Å"The higher the balance, the higher the late fee† By Lucy Lazarony bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20020408a.asp 2. â€Å"What credit card companies don’t want you to know† By David Bach finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/26303 3. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/6500-1400.html 4. â€Å"Discover the power of the truth in lending act† By Bank Fraud Victim Center mortage-home-loan-bank fraud.com/manual.htm#table%20of20contens 5. US Security and Exchange Commission â€Å"SEC actions during turmoil in credit markets† sec.gov/news/press/sec-actions.htm 6. INTERVIEW with two anonymous people at the discover customer service center in Delaware. 7. â€Å"Five Ways to Recoup Your Losses in Age of Obama: John F. Wasik† By John F. Wasik bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid+newsarchivesid+aZ.CxohPLXRk 8. Consumer and Commercial Credit Management Cole, Robert H.; Ph.D.; Professor of Marketing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Fifth Edition 1976 © Richard Irwin, Inc. 9. Philadelphia Business Journal â€Å"Local lawyers Lose Supreme Court Battle on Bank Fees† By Carol Patton bizjournals.com/philadephia/stories/1996/10/07/focus.html 10. CQ Researcher October 10, 2008 p. 827 11. CQ Researcher October 31, 2008 p.833 12. Wall Street Journal October 31, 2008; Vol. CCLII No. 104, p.B1 â€Å"Slow Payments Squeeze Small-Business Owners† By Kelly K. Spors and Simona Covel Research Papers on Cash or Card?The Mechanics of Grading Grading SystemsAmerican Central Banking and OilCombating Human TraffickingProbation OfficersGene One the Transition from Private to PublicMy Writing ExperienceExempt vs Non-Exempt EmployeesA Marketing Analysis of the Fast-Food RestaurantWhat are Stock OptionsProject Management 101

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