Monday, December 30, 2019

Essay on Slavery and the Power of Rhetoric to Effect...

Every great civilization or country has had at least one dirty little time in their history that all would rather forget. America knows this feeling well, especially within the 19th century, the slave era. America was divided, the North was generally against slavery and all for letting the African Americans roam free in a colony in Africa. The South on the other hand viewed African Americans as tools, essential to the economy and work, however still just tools. Tools to be bought a sold and driven until the breaking point just like every other implement in the shed. Fast-forward to the 21st century, slavery is gone from America and has become that dirty period of time†¦show more content†¦With this knowledge in hand, Douglas took to using higher level English and a much more narrative, to the point, factual method of writing. He also commonly used compare and contrast examples to show the stark difference between freedom and slavery â€Å"I was now for the first time in my life a free man†¦ I found myself even more awkward than a country boy in the big city.† (Douglas 59). This communicated directly to his target audience because they were well educated and needed the cold hard facts to sway their point. Douglas also centers his narrative on a scientific, objective theme. He carefully weaves in emotion only were completely necessary and maintains a general overview of the events that happened to him throughout the narrative. In doing so, his audience is provided with a crisp, to-the-point piece that reads much like a political position paper, filled with terse comments that strike home, â€Å"A nigger should know nothing but to obey his master.† (Douglas 41). When considering the fact that Douglas was in fact an uneducated slave and was completely self-taught, it is quite amazing to think that such a piece could be crafted by such a man. Facts are the key in Douglas’s narrative, nothing strays from the truth and nothing is ov er embellished. Douglas realized that he could not afford to lose the confidenceShow MoreRelatedThe Effect of Black Power on the Emergence of Yellow Power1257 Words   |  6 Pages2013 The Effect of Black Power on the Emergence of Yellow Power African-Americans were not alone in the shift to â€Å"ethnic power.† Other minority groups also shifted from the fight for integration and began to adopt the rhetoric of ethnic power and pride in the late 1960’s. By the late 1960’s, a host of other groups began to adopt the rhetoric of â€Å"power†: Red Power, Grey Power, Pink Power, Brown Power, etc. What were the similarities and differences between the rhetoric of Chicano Power, Yellow PowerRead MoreRhetorical Analysis of President Obamas Inauguration Speech1410 Words   |  6 Pagesspeech about the goals they want to reach during their presidency. The president must make a speech that appeals to the audience while being professional. Rhetoric is a useful strategy to utilize in speech making. Obama uses rhetoric to achieve presenting his message of creating hope and change together in America while fixing the economic and social challenges and issues left behind from the previous president. Barack Ob ama uses syntax, the rhetorical triangle, and diction to portray his message. Read MoreImagery Of The Negro And Its Powerful Effect On Black Leaders Essay2346 Words   |  10 PagesDestructive images and negative rhetoric became powerful representation of blacks that began to disseminate across the world as early as the colonial years of settlement of the late 16th century. The Negro’s representation of being destructive and negative was by far the catalyst that fueled whites with hatred for the African and these representations are considered powerful because it is the images themselves that further made it possible to allow white people to justify the cruel treatment of theRead MoreComparison of Two Personal Narratives1264 Words   |  6 PagesThe concept of social stratification is one that can be witnessed universally across all societies, irrespective of geography and culture. Every society has several layers of social strata and each individual falls into at least o ne of these categories. The determinants of social class are often variable but include factors such as power, wealth, education, religion, culture and ethnicity (Victorian web, 2002). Inevitably when there is a system of social classification, there will be some frictionRead MoreIndividuality Vs Conformity Essay1605 Words   |  7 PagesEmerson’s â€Å"Self Reliance† focuses on the benefits of self-sufficiency, individuality, and the adverse effects of conforming. In his work, Emerson not only explains some of the points in which pursuing individuality is ideal, but he also clarifies what individuality is and how we should utilize it. He pushed his readers to trust themselves, following their own will and ideals instead of conforming to social attitudes or expectations. Likewise, he held that following one’s own voice rather than that ofRead MoreRace And Reunion : The Civil War1581 Words   |  7 Pagesthree versions of the Civil War. As the emancipationist image kept a firm hold amongst ex-slaves, it lost much of its white support and political power. Reconciliation became more about healing, allowing racial injustice of the supremacist movement to seep into the landscape of national healing. why do Union veterans allow the real cause of the war, slavery, to disappear from the memory of the war – Blight strives to answer. Through a culture of remembrance, veterans looked back at their experienceRead MoreCombatting Institutionalized Racism1534 Words   |  6 PagesWhen examining the timeline of slavery in the United States of America, it can seem like a distant problem. The 13th the social implications of this act still echo in our society today. It is hard to believe that it was less than a century ago – barely even fifty years – that the events detailed in Freedom Riders took place, that the actors in this major direct action movement are still alive to tell their stories. It is the goal of this paper to describe what took place across the southernRead MoreWomens Right to Vote1122 Words   |  4 Pagesreceive fair pay and benefits (Farrell, 2006, p. 49). This was educational for me. TWO: I learned about the intelligent and strategically brilliant efforts of Lillie Devereux Blake, whom I had never heard of. Her sense of how to slowly make social changes (Civil War nurses being paid pensions; lobbying for womens rights to serve on school boards) was tactically brilliant. Also, I had forgotten that there were sharp divisions within the suffrage movement, and that leaders like Anthony and BlakeRead MoreCitizenship : The Identity Of The United States1454 Words   |  6 Pagesposition of being a citizen in a particular country/ region. Nakano Glenns definition is much more concentrated, focused on the details, and combines this status of citizenship along with gender and race. Glenn shows how the definition of citizenship changes when including race as well as gender and how this meant that white men were mainly seen as rightful citizens while minorities were effectively left out of this definition. Glenn writes in chapter two titled, Citizenship: Universalism and Ex clusionRead MoreAristotelian Rhetoric: An Evolution of Sophist’s Discredited Methodology1866 Words   |  8 Pages Scholars of rhetoric consider the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, one of the great contributors to our present understanding of this art which, since its early origins and until present, has been a controversial field of study because of its association with persuasion and influence. However, an examination of ancient rhetoric and its development by the Sophists and then a study on Aristotle’s theory on rhetoric and how he concluded his findings direct our attention to whether this Greek philosopher

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Music Education And The Language Development Of Young Kids

Music education is important to our generation in many different ways. Music is a huge part of many kids lives and they look up to it as happiness. Music is not just random words build up together, it has meaning and rhythm to it so we can understand the idea behind it. It has brought happiness in many humans and animals lives. Success in intelligence, school, and life. Music has dedicated us to do work and live our life. It is the new hope for younger kids. Everyone enjoys music. Some succeed in life and some do not because music is not provided in their habitat. Unfortunately for many years, music classes are the last elective choice to be added and is the first to be cut so there for, many of the music classes in schools are being demolished. The three main benefits of music education that comes to mind are the language development of young kids, success in and out of school, and how the kids have changes in their behavior with music and without music. Development of language for young kids in school are increasing in a positive way. Kids stay engaged in schools and learn faster than usual. When music classes are prohibited in schools, it gives the kids an interest of doing their work. The effect of music education on language development can be seen in the brain. Relationships between music and language is a big advantage for kids because the test scores and their SAT’s score has improved just because they have experienced with music performance. Kids with participationShow MoreRelatedEssay on Baby DJ School898 Words   |  4 Pagessamples of recorded music to make music†. The educational experience of Baby DJ School is a portal into the wonderful worlds of electro, hip-hop, and house music. Baby DJ school originated in Brooklyn, New York and was opened by Natalie Elizabeth Weiss, DJ, composer and playwright. She opened the school in order to â€Å"attribute gross and fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and langua ge skills and foster a special bond between caretaker and baby.† The school provides an interactive music program for toddlersRead MoreBenefits Of Using The Arts896 Words   |  4 Pagesexposure. The research behind this paper will show that art belongs in the K-12 curricula in schools since education is fundamental to a child’s development. Almost everyone loves music, whether by playing an instrument, singing, or listening to it. Schools really make a mistake when they cut theirs arts budget dues to financial restraints. The study of art is equally as valuable. Take music for instance; instrumental training, musical training, creates long lasting changes in brain structure andRead MoreThe Importance of Music in Education1426 Words   |  6 PagesFinal Paper The Importance of Music in Education Whether we choose to believe it or not, music is a very present thing in one’s day to day lifestyle. From turning on the radio in the morning, to listening to it while grocery shopping, putting in our headphones while we study, music is always there. Music is also extremely underrated, which is why so many public schools are constantly threatening to take away music programs all the time. But why is music education so vital in the growth of studentsRead MoreThe Benefits of Music Education Essay990 Words   |  4 PagesBenefits of Music Education Due to budget cuts, students all across America are missing an opportunity that could benefit them greatly. Many changes all across America are cutting the fine arts program out of schools. The fine arts program is incredibly important for a child. Children should be exposed to music at a young age to help them succeed as an adult. Music education should be properly funded so they can gain important knowledge and life skills in school. Music benefits kids in multipleRead MoreMusic Is A Part Of My Life1637 Words   |  7 PagesI cannot recall a time when music was not a part of my life. Whether I was singing in a choir, jamming out to the radio in my car with the windows rolled down, or simply listening to music while studying, music has had a huge impact on who I have grown up to be and I would never want to change that. Like every other form of art, music is universal and can be enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds. It gives people a chance to understand the world differently rather than simply sitting inRead MoreHow Does Art And Music Help With Language Development?2947 Words   |  12 Pagesdoes art and music help with language development? Imagine a classroom in which children sing every day, establishing singing as an important social and cultural experience in each child s life. Singing is celebratory and social, establishing meaningful connections to children s lives and experiences, such as b irthdays, welcomes, sports events, and festivals (Ministry of Education, 2001). Researchers recognized that musical activities reinforce many aspects of language development. For example:Read MoreMusic Education At A Young Age1194 Words   |  5 Pagesdevaluing the importance of music. School districts are forced to cut spending on music education and replace it with other important classes, such as physical education. Music classes were the first to be cut because given a small to budget elementary schools, school officials have seen that music classes were unnecessary to education and believe that it has no benefit. I disagree with this statement because I believe it is crucial to have music education at a young age. Luckily, when I was in elementaryRead MoreA Child s Brain Is Always Growing And Absorbing New Information1311 Words   |  6 Pageschild s brain is always growing and absorbing new information. Thus meaning early education is a fundamental part of a child’s d evelopment. Experts say that one of the best ways for children to expand their minds and grow their opportunities is to learn a foreign language (Kathleen M. Marcos). While starting school can be intimidating for a child, it can seem even more daunting starting their education in a language different from what is spoken at home. However, the few challenges that come alongRead MoreMusic is Essential to a Complete Education1398 Words   |  6 PagesEducation is the foundation that our entire society is built on. Without education, society could not grow and prosper. Without education, we wouldnt have things like electricity, plumbing, or any other common amenities that is present in our society today. Education is important to not only the children receiving it, but to their parents and members of the community as a whole. Education is offered to many in U.S. thanks to public education, and laws that say children must be in school until theyRead MoreThe Effects Of Music On Our Lives1 287 Words   |  6 PagesMusic is part of most of our everyday lives. Adults and Children value music for entertainment purposes, though many of us may not consider what it has to offer us beyond this use. From very early on, children learn nursery rhymes and explore the world of rhythm using pots and pans and wooden spoons. Many individuals acknowledge the importance of music in our lives for enrichment and culture. Research is beginning to uncover the far reaching benefits of music, not just for enjoyment, but also for

Saturday, December 14, 2019

The Subject of Affirmative Action Free Essays

Considering the subject of affirmative action the following questions frequently are raised: Is there a clear understanding of affirmative action roles/goals? What are the pros/cons of these programs? What are the â€Å"loop holes† in the system? Does seniority play a role in affirmative action? Addressing these key questions may help us all in our daily routine, as administrators and/or potential administrator in the public/private sector. Affirmative action programs throughout the United States have long been a controversial issue particularly concerning employment practices (public/private) and university student and/or staff recruitment. Most public agencies have some type of instituted affirmative action program. We will write a custom essay sample on The Subject of Affirmative Action or any similar topic only for you Order Now According to Cheryl Perry-League, Director of Equal Opportunity of the Port of Oakland, every business operating on Port of Oakland owned land must have a standing affirmative action program on record and businesses bidding to do work for the Port of Oakl! and must have an acceptably diverse workforce. To understand the role and/or goals of affirmative actions programs we should define what the broad definition of what affirmative action is and what caused its development. The phase â€Å"affirmative action† was used in a racial discrimination context. Executive Order No. 10,925 issued by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The order indicated that federal contractors should take affirmative action to ensure job applicants and employees are treated â€Å"without regard to their race, creed, or national origin. † A person could define this statement as an order to imply equal access and nothing else. Subsequently, Executive Order 11246 issued by President Johnson in September 1965, â€Å"mandated affirmative action goals for all federally funded programs and moved monitoring and enforcement of affirmative action programs out of the White House and into the Labor Department. Affirmative action â€Å"refers to various efforts to deliberately! take race, sex, and national origins into account to remedy past and current effects of discrimination. Its primary goal is to ensure that women and minorities are widely represented in all occupations and at all organizational levels† (Tompkins, 1995, p. 161). Another definition of affirmative action according to Barbara Bergmann is â€Å"planning and acting to end the absence of certain kinds of people-those who belong to groups that have been subordinated or left out-from certain jobs and schools† (1997 p. 7). Tracing the history of affirmative action, laws against racial discrimination have proved inadequate for workplace integration because they often provide remedies only after the fact. Affirmative action requires proactive steps to provide equal opportunities in employment as well as access to education. Many affirmative action programs were born from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII references to affirmative action programs were brought about â€Å"because of! the history of discrimination in the United States, certain groups are viewed as disadvantage in the current marketplace. Thus affirmative action laws impose temporary requirements to correct underutilization of these groups (e. g. , goals and timetables for increasing the number of minorities and women in a facility)† (Gutman, 1993, p. 9). Prior to these laws and the Title VII law, the U. S workforce was primarily dominated by white males. Although, still somewhat white male dominated, quotas that were designed through affirmative action programs have helped achieve some representation of women and minorities in the current work force. Some remedies brought about through affirmative action programs include goal setting, quotas, and timetables. The term goal â€Å"refers to specific outcomes which, when achieved, will result in equal employment opportunity and equitable representation† (Hall Albrecht, 1979, p. 47-78). Goals and hiring quotas vary somewhat in their fu! nction. Goals generally are long range plans that organizations use and there are no expected minimum or maximum limitations. Quotas by comparison, â€Å"establishes a definite number of people who must be hired. A Company cannot by law, use quotas unless it has been ordered to do so by a court to remedy a past action† (Hall Albrecht, 1979, p. 47-78). Deficiency correction is the primary target of goal setting through affirmative action. For an organization to be effective with goals, they must be realistic, attainable, and monitored by the human resource department. Affirmative action programs generally achieve their set goals through several common practices called outreach programs. First, there are special recruiting programs where women and minorities will most likely be found. These special outreach programs often target black universities and female dominated educational facilities. A second outreach program involves special advertising. Generally, this is also implemented ! in areas that are heavily populated by women and minorities similar to that of recruiting programs. Through outreach programs like the ones mentioned above, goals can be attained to achieve equity and representation without forgoing higher educated and skilled applicants. These programs can be justified because discrimination is still apparent in the United States today. A 1990 study by the University of Chicago†s National Opinion Research Center found that the majority of white Americans still believe blacks to be inferior. For example, 53% of non-black respondents said they thought blacks were less intelligent than whites, 62% said they thought blacks were less patriotic, 62% said they thought blacks were lazier, and 78% said they thought blacks â€Å"preferred to live off welfare. † The National Assessment of Educational Progress, a series of national standardize tests, evaluates students on their proficiency in reading, writing and science. They divide and co! mpare these results to better understand the effectiveness of public schools. Their results suggest a large imbalance in the educational quality received by whites and other races. The most noticeable imbalance in the three fundamentals of learning was the most important, reading. When students cannot read well, they usually cannot succeed in other subject areas. With the background of affirmative action and its programs established we should evaluate some of the problems with affirmative action and if affirmative action programs work. Opponents against affirmative action programs often believe that the system currently in place is a misuse of the original intent of affirmative action. The programs as they apply now are detrimental to the operation of the job market, to white males, and to the groups it is supposed to benefit. They further contend affirmative action causes reverse discrimination. It is not good practice for Opponents â€Å"pro† affirmative action to use it as a way! to make up for past discrimination. Another problem caused by affirmative action is that it often places a stigma on any groups, which receive preferential treatment, especially on individuals who earn positions because of their ability. Opponents of affirmative action programs believe that these programs when handled properly through the human resources department within an organization can minimize the negative references received regarding hiring practices. Nye states â€Å"that positive information regarding an employee†s job qualifications should minimize assumptions of incompetence associated with affirmative action hiring programs. In other words, when co-workers have information that clearly describes an individual†s job qualifications, they should be less likely to assume that he or she was hired solely on race or gender†(1998). By making this information available within the organization, it would help remove the pressures from the employee and co-worker regarding the hi! ring practices. This could further help the organization in the area of productivity, public relations within the community, and morale. By increasing morale, you maybe able to retain more employees, recruitment made easier, and motivate employees into a very competitive workforce. Opponents of affirmative action also do not believe that women and minorities will be treated fairly without affirmative action programs. Opportunities in today†s workplace are extremely competitive. Glazer states that â€Å"the battle over affirmative action today is a contest between a clear principle on the one hand and a clear reality on the other. The principle is that ability, qualifications, and merit, independent of race, national origin, or sex should prevail when one applies for a job or promotion, or for selective institutions for higher education, or when one bids for contracts. The reality is that strict adherence to this principle would result in few African Americans getting jobs, admissio! s, and contracts† (1998). With that being said, women and minorities cannot possibly have a fair chance in today†s society without positive affirmative action programs. However, with affirmative action, it has been noted that their incentives to achieve success may be decreased because â€Å"preferential treatment can lead to the patronization of minorities and women workers and students. By â€Å"patronization† I mean the setting of a lower standard of expected accomplishment because of the belief that these people are not as capable of meeting a higher standard† (Loury, 1997). With a white male dominated workforce, negative public perceptions, and low self-esteem of applicants, affirmative action offers a solution for race and gender equity. Further stated, everyone in America should be afforded equal opportunity. If this cannot be achieved voluntarily, then we must continue to take action to remedy these situations. Opponents of affirmative action won a landmark victory, in 1998, wi! th the passage of California†s Proposition 209. This proposition abolished all public-sector affirmative action programs in the state in employment, education and contracting. Clause(C) of Prop. 09 permits gender discrimination that is â€Å"reasonably necessary† to the â€Å"normal operation† of public education, employment and contracting. In 1998, The ban on use of affirmative action in admissions at the University of California went into effect. UC Berkeley had a 61% drop in admissions, and UCLA had a 36% decline. This decline strengthens the position of the Pro side of affirmative action. However, a contingency plan has been established. According to a source (who asked to remain nameless), UC Berkeley has a program to actively recruit more minority students that falls out of the guidelines established by prop. 09. These types of â€Å"loop holes† can ultimately hurt the various studies on the effectiveness of anti-affirmative action laws. â€Å"Loop holes† are exceptions to the ! rules or standards. It†s a way around the system. Opponents for affirmative action might feel that the Washington State government utilized such a â€Å"loop hole† in 1997. Under an affirmative action program criticized as the ultimate example of preferential treatment by supporters against affirmative action, the Washington State government hired more white men than African Americans did or any other minority group. In fact, white men fell second to white women being hired (Brune). The program in question is Washington State†s â€Å"plus three† program, according to Tom Brune of the Seattle Times, â€Å"allows the state to hire people who qualify for affirmative action over finalists with higher job-test scores. White men qualify because the state†s affirmative action policy cover not only people of color and women, but also Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans and people with disabilities. Majority of the veterans are white men and nearly half of them are disabled in the State of Washin! gton†. Another example of how affirmative action works for the disadvantaged can be found in Hayward, California. Bonnie Kellogg was admitted into the government†s Small Business Administration program that gives her company competitive advantages in its quest for government and large corporate contracts. Prior to 1995, Kellogg†s chances of getting into this program, officially known as the 8(a) Business Development program, would have been slim to none. However, in 1995 court ruling stemming from a law suit by a white business owner alleging â€Å"reverse discrimination† relaxed government standards. This ruling as allow for whites, Egyptians and Iranians, who fall outside the SBA†s minority designation easier access to the program. This relaxation of the rules as helped non-minorities business owners greatly. Report K. Oanh Ha of the Knight Rider Tribune finds a, a big statistical change. From 1968 until mid-1998, only 40 businesses owned by whites and non-minorities out of 13,40! 0 firms nationally were admitted, were admitted into the 8(a) program. So far this year, 74 non-minority companies have been admitted. 1999) Seniority must be examined because in my opinion it is the most widely used preferential treatment policy in the American workplace? With affirmative action being view as preference by many Americans and seniority being an unchallenged â€Å"rule-of-thumb. † In an article by Paul Rockwell he explains, â€Å"The seniority system may be legitimate, but it is no less preferential in its execution than affirmative action. When layoffs take place by seniority, many highly skilled women, many well-qualified people of color, among others, are bumped out of their jobs by less qualified older white males. In a seniority system, the last hired is the first fired, whether the employee is more skilled and competent than an employee protected by seniority. (1999). † Richard Lester, author of Manpower Planning, believes that seniority places less qualifi! ed employees ahead of employees who are often better educated, more skilled in computers. Arthur Whitehill Shin Ichi Takezawa in Work Ways, concluded the same thoughts â€Å"Younger worker in some cases are more competent than older workers because of [them being} better education, greater adaptability and physical fitness. The public sector and much of the private sector have recognized seniority for quite sometime. We can find this system practiced by older teachers at various universities who are often protected by tenure. Professor Daniel Barber has even stated in candid conversion that when he was the department chair for the Master of Public Administration he took care of the tenured faculty first. Knowing this, why do Opponents of affirmative action, have appeared to be, judgmental of about so-called â€Å"merit† and â€Å"preference†, why isn†t there the same concern about the biggest workplace exception to strict meritocracy – Seniority? Seniority is yet another way to protect th! e â€Å"good ‘o boys networks†. Found in many of the historically white male dominated professions, for example, Firefighters, police, school superintendents, and college professors. Coming from a public sector background (Disabled Army War Veteran, Bureau of Prisons office administrator, Department of Veterans Affairs administrator, and to many federal internships to count) I support the seniority system in those places where affirmative action is still in place. Workplace should reflect the diversity of the community it serves, seniority is a fair system of labor management relations. Seniority gives employees for the personnel problems and private preferences of an employer. However, seniority is a widely used exception to strict merit system only if the workplace is democratic and applied with affirmative action the workplace can become more inclusive. Where affirmative action is repealed, seniority loses some of its legitimacy. I argue that only loses some of its legitimacy be! cause I personally was retained as an employee in a seniority situation. I was the last hired but I was not fired. In short, the scope of seniority and affirmative action are similar. The goal of seniority is job security and affirmative action is integration; both goals are good for America. The American labor movement has a major stake in seniority. The movement should embrace affirmative action because in good conscience it should not take advantage of one and not honor the other. Basically, benefiting for seniority practices but opposing affirmative action for others. If affirmative action is repealed, seniority should go as well. Labor unions and movements should concentrate on saving affirmative action. At a time when all progressive social policies are under attack, unity between women, labor, and people of color is imperative. Seniority and affirmative action should stand or fall together. CONCLUSION Ultimately, the controversy surrounding affirmative action programs t! oday will continue into the future. Society as a whole does not appear to be ready to relinquish its negative perception of the hiring practices brought about by Title VII. However, the benefits brought about this act has greatly increased the opportunity for women and minorities in employment that may not have otherwise been available. These programs have offered hope to some if not all-socioeconomic groups that they will be afforded the opportunity of equal employment and/or representation in our society. Furthermore, human resource departments in the public sector will have to become more skilled in implementing positive affirmative action programs if we are to reap the full benefits from them. Finally, Affirmative action is not a cure-all. It will not eliminate racial discrimination, nor will it eliminate competition for scare resources. Affirmative action programs can only ensure that everyone has a fair chance at what is available. They cannot direct us to the social pol! icies necessary so people do not have to compete for scarce resources in the first place. The larger question to ask is why are there not enough decent paying, challenging and safe jobs for everyone? Why are there not enough seats in the universities for everyone who wants an education? Expanding opportunity for people of color means expanding not only their access to existing jobs education, but also removing the obstacles that cause these resources to be limited. How to cite The Subject of Affirmative Action, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases free essay sample

Epidemiology Communicable Diseases HIV or the Human Deficiency virus is like other viruses including the flu, but the one thing that makes this virus so different than any other is that the body is unable to clear this one out completely. Once someone is infected, there is no cure. Over time, HIV can also hide or mask itself in the bodys cells. The cells within a persons body that fght off infection are called CD4 cells or T cells. HIV attacks these cells and copies or replicates itself inside these cells, then destroys them. HIV over time will estroy so many of these cells that the body is unable to fght off infection anymore. When this starts happening, AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome happens which is the final stage of HIV. HIV is transmitted through someones blood or bodily fluids which can encompass semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids, and rectal mucous (AIDS. We will write a custom essay sample on Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page GOV, 2013) and usually it is passed from one person to another through sexual contact; however, HIV can also be transmitted through childbirth or IV drug use. Healthcare workers are also at risk from infected bodily fluids. Fluids from an nfected person can deliver the virus to someone elses bloodstream. Within 2-4 weeks, and up to as late as 3 months, exposure to HIV can happen with a sudden onset of flu like symptoms including fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or ulcers in the mouth (CDC, 2013). Sometimes no signs or symptoms of infection are present in someone with HIV. Certain individuals may feel sick as HIV turns into AIDS or have occasional bouts of sickness, but not really know or feel they are infected. When HIV progresses to HIV, he flu like sign and symptoms mentioned earlier can become far more severe. Many of the complications stemming from HIV are opportunistic infections, which happen in patients with a weakened immune system (CDC, 2013). Some of these opportunistic infections include tuberculosis, salmonellosis, cytomeglaovirus, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporiosis, Wasting Syndrome, neurological problems, and kidney disease (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Specific skin cancers including Kaposis Sarcoma and lymphomas also happen in patients who are HIV positive (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Antivirals are the treatment for HIV and presently there is no known cure. Treatment most often involves combinations of different drugs to avoid creating strains of the virus that are immune to single drug treatments (Mayo Clinic, 2013). The number of CD4 or T cells monitors treatment response. The viral load should be undetectable while undergoing antiviral therapy. The count is checked when treatment starts and usually monitored every 3-6 months. Even if someone has an undetectable viral load, the spreading of HIV is still a possibility. According to estimates and numbers provided by the CDC, about one and half million people 13 years of age and younger is HIV positive. Demographics also show that almost 20% of people who are infected do not know they have the virus. The CDC estimates that now every year, there are about 50,000 new cases diagnosed (2013). At risk groups include gay men, bisexual people, and African Americans (CDC, ) Young Atrican American males are at greatest risk tor contracting HIV among various ethnicities and races (CDC, 2013). An individuals risk for HIV or social determinants of health related to HIV is income, education, geographic region, overty, gender orientation, early childhood experiences, and alcohol or substance abuse. The CDC states, that by reducing the number od new HIV infections and improving the health and well-being of those already infected with HIV depends on changing the social determinants that place people at risk of infection (CDC, 2-13). The epidemiological triangle of HIV consists of three things: the person, the causative agent, or the environment (Smith, 169). The causative agent that causes AIDS is HIV or the virus itself. The host is a person in the case of HIV and the environment is the either the host or the agent, but a factor that influences interaction between the two. The epidemiological triangle consists of three things: the person, the causative agent, or the environment (Smith, 169). In the triangle for HIV, the agent that causes AIDS is HIV or the virus. The host is a person in the case of HIV. The environment is neither the host nor the agent, but something that influences interaction between the two (Smith, 169). The host factors for HIV include age, sex, ethnic background, race, sexual orientation, education, and economic status (Smith, 169). The agent actors or causative agent for HIV are the virus itself and the mode of transmission, life cycle and virulence of the virus (Smith, 169). The environmental factors for HIV include social and economic considerations including family, community, political organization, public policy, regulations, institutions, workplace, occupation, economic status, technology, mobility, housing population density, attitudes, customs, culture, health practices, health services (Smith 169-170). A community health nurse with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS would work in a community or public health setting, educating t risk groups about safe sex practices and the dangers of sharing needles. Ideally, the nurse would connect patients to support groups and services, teach patients or people in the community about the prevention of the spreading of the disease, and help administer treatments and medications. Some important issues that nurses are bringing to the forefront in todays world include implementing strategies to keep HIV patients engaged in routine HIV medical and nursing care, incorporating prevention research findings to help reduce transmission locally and globally, carrying out outine HIV testing in health care settings, ensuring access to antiretroviral drugs, and preparing for emerging issues in HIV care such as diabetes, liver disease, obesity and elder care (Kirton, 2007, p. 8). The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a national organization that chan nels a portion of its funds to the international financing for he fght against HIV and AIDS. It also gives funds to strengthening health systems, as most are inadequate to educate and inform communities and people about the prevention of HIV. Programs supported by the Global Fund give to communities with lifesaving ntiviral therapies and counseling on the prevention of the virus. There is also a local organization called AFAN or Aid for Aids of Nevada that provides support and advocacy for HIV positive people or people who are dealing with HIV in Nevada. AFAN provides direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs, and community outreach. It is the mission of our client service programs to enhance the physical health and psychosocial wellness ot the individuals we serve, while promoting their dignity and improving the quality of their lives (AFAN, 2013). https://www.hiv.gov/ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/basics/definition/con-20013732 https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html http://www.nsna.org/ http://www.pageinsider.org/afanlv.org http://www.thecenterlv.org/TheCenter_TransResourceGuide_011116.pdf