Ethics for a Criminal Justice Career Essay

For someone who chooses to become a law enforcement officer he or she must understand the importance of having moral ethics standards in order to do the job effectively and professionally. Police officers are held by the public to a higher standard of morality and are expected to be above reproach. Sadly, we see in the news all to often police officers that have exhibited unethical conduct both on the job and in their private lives. When an officer commits an improper act of some type it impacts the entire law enforcement profession, in some cases it makes it hard for other officers to do their job without ridicule. Unfortunately, the public does not differentiate between officers, departments, or uniforms when a scandalous act occurs. The purpose for anyone pursuing a law enforcement career to study ethics is essential to keep the integrity and the trust of the public. A look into how and why officer should make ethical decisions, to examine the motives for the choices they make and see what is the influence that guides them to make the choices they do. The Denver Police Department for example has the recruits in the police academy recite the police code of ethics every morning along with the pledge of allegiance. This tradition has carried on because of a police scandal that took place in 1961 that involved a number of officers who were committing burglaries, 47 officers were stripped of their badges and then went to prison. That year became known as the city of Denver’s year of shame, in a reprint of the original article in the Denver Post in February of 2010, the question was asked, How did it happen? â€Å"The department made it easy for us,† the leading police-burglars said. They pointed to a breakdown in departmental discipline and supervision that made it possible for them to double as safecrackers. As the year ended, steps were being taken to repair that breakdown. The International Assn. of Chiefs of Police was undertaking a departmental reorganization program, which is expected to make sweeping changes in pol ice  command policy, and, possibly, in command personnel. Some observers argue that only a thorough shakeup can restore public confidence in the scandal-ridden department. The answer the officers gave was insufficient because they were blaming the police department’s lack of supervision and breakdown in discipline as a reason for their crimes. Police officers need to have their own built in reasons for choosing the most ethical way, because even with increased supervision and discipline officers spend most of their shifts without supervisors around them. An officer must develop a decision making process that will be based on a standard that causes them to make the ethical decision immediately when faced with a moral dilemma. There are four major perspective theories of ethics that influence the decision making process for making choices, they are the Moral Virtue perspective, the Deontological/Formalism perspective, the Utilitarianism perspective, and the Biblical perspective. The moral virtue perspective is based largely on Plato and Aristotle theories, in (Sam Souryal’s book, Ethics in Criminal Justice, 2007) he points out that Aristotl e argued, â€Å"that because no one is born ethical (or unethical), people must spend their entire lives actualizing their potential in pursuit of happiness. This lifelong endeavor should be regarded not only as a means, but also as an end, desirable in itself.†(p.14) Aristotle believed that virtue ethics are learned through habit; therefore the application of virtuous behavior is brought about only through practice. Law enforcement agencies when recruiting candidates do extensive background investigations that include going to the schools they attended growing up and interviewing their teachers and friends. A polygraph test is given and psychological profiles are done all with the intention to determine those who demonstrate strong moral values before they are hired. In an FBI Bulletin article that focuses law enforcement ethics shows that in the pursuit of finding those who exhibit virtue ethics they say: Police departments’ best efforts will not prevent instances of police misconduct. Proponents of virtue ethics argue that certain officers misbehave because they lack character. These â€Å"bad apples† managed to â€Å"slip through the cracks† despite their unethical values. They argue that police abuse occurs in isolated incidents and involves a few immoral opportunists who were corrupt before they became officers. Unfortunately, this interpretation fails to explain how otherwise  exemplary officers with no prior history of wrongdoing, many of whom are sterling role models in their families, churches, and communities, can become involved in misconduct. (www.fbi.gov) In police academies across the nation are training police officers in ethics, it has become part of the curriculum in order to prevent a scandalous situation. In an online article at PoliceOne.com makes a very interesting point concerning virtue ethics development in a person: It is unlikely that an increase in ethics training alone will lead to more ethical policing. You can’t t rain ethics in the same way as other skills. It’s not a definable ability but is instead the result of education comprised of peer discussions, formal and informal training, and thoughtful reflection. (www.policeone.com) There needs to be more than just virtue ethics which morality is an overall concept to of people wanting to make their lives better. A problem that arises is who determines what things can be done to accomplish this, a choice to do something to live a better life could hurt someone else’s quality of life. Now a look into what is called the Utilitarianism theory as defined in a book on Criminal Justice Ethics by (Cyndi Banks, 2009) which states that consequentialist theories contend that the right thing to do always depends on the goodness of consequences. Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral doctrine because, for the utilitarian, morality is solely a matter of consequences. (p.280) There is an appeal of utilitarianism to people because as (Rae, 2009) points out, â€Å"All one must do is weigh the anticipated good consequences of an action against its anticipated harmful ones – the bottom line produces a greater balance of benefits. If it produces greater benefits, then it is the most moral course of action† (p.74) The police officers in Denver that were committing the burglaries could have and may have used this theory as a justification for their illegal acts. It was said that their pay was not sufficient and they needed to do this in order to provide for their families, the benefit of that would outweigh the crime. Rea also shows how utilitarianism could justify obvious injustices, â€Å"such as contriving evidence against an innocent person to prevent widespread social unrest that would result in loss of life and substantial property damage.† (p.75) This theory if used in the law enforcement profession could cause incredible harm to their community and could justify immoral choices. This cannot be a theory that should be used by police officers to guide them in  making ethical choices because the end does not justify the means. The Deontological theory according to (Banks, 2009) Is in contrast with the utilitarianism theory because it takes the view that to act rightly, persons must first of all refrain from doing thins that can be said to be wrong before the fact; these wrong acts are defined by what are variously called rules, laws and constraints. The Deontological theorists claim that the rightness or wrongness of an act depends entirely upon the kind of act that has occurred and not upon its consequences. (p.p. 280-281) For law enforcement officers the deontological perspective would be a much better theory to follow because the decision would be based on the act itself. If the act a police officer would chooses is wrong, he or she should not even consider doing it for no other reason than it is wrong. This would be inline with the police code of ethics that sets out strict guidelines for officers to do, no matter what the circumstances are. â€Å"The Christian will tend to be more deontologically oriented because of the emphasis on Christian Ethics on the commands of God as moral absolutes and guiding principles.† (Rae, 2009 p. 17) After becoming a Christian while on the police force the difference in the work ethic was obvious to the command staff. The power of the Holy Spirit was transforming in giving the ability to follow God’s law and to understand that whatever decision was made, is for the glory of God. The Biblical perspective is the guiding force for a Christian officer; it does not automatically prevent ethical struggles, the same issues and temptations are still out there such as the high rate of divorce, alcoholism and suicide. They all could succumb to the same problems as any police officer such as anger, lust and promiscuity, greed, hatred and bitterness in the face of their daily challenges. It is easy sometimes in this field to forget obedience and submission to God’s authority, while possessing the authority given to them as police officers. They must always remember that they are slaves of God and he gives all authority in heaven and on earth. It is difficult to understand how any officer without Christ can function and remain pure given the environment they work in. An officer with a Biblical perspective should not be as prone to giving in to unethical decisions when facing dilemmas A police officer’s perspective will determine the way he or she handles the ethical dilemmas  that occur on the job. The verse found in Colossians 2:8 should be the guide for a Christian police officer to follow the Biblical perspective and not the perspectives the world offers, â€Å"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.† (NKJV) References Banks, C. (2009). Criminal Justice Ethics, Theory and Practice (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc. Eldridge, L. (2011, June 16). Situational ethics and the moral chaos of modern policing. In issues/articles/3804919-Situational-ethics-and-the-moral-chaos-of-modern-policing/ PoliceOne.com. Retrieved May 3, 2014, from http://www.policeone.com/patrol- issues/articles/3804919-Situational-ethics-and-the-moral-chaos-of-modern-policing/ Fitch, B. D. (2011, October). Focus on Ethics Rethinking Ethics in Law Enforcement. In The FBI- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bulletin . Retrieved May 2, 2014, from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/october- 2011/focus-on-ethics Holy Bible: New King James Version. (1982). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Rae, S. B. (2009). Moral Choices, An Introduction to Ethics (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Souryal, S. S. (2007). Ethics in Criminal Justice, In Search of Truth (4th ed.). Newark, NJ: Matthew Bender & Company Inc. Whearley, B. (2010, February 15). Exposà © of Police Burglaries Marked City’s ‘Year of Shame’ [Electronic version]. The Denver Post.

Celebrating Black History Month

While the accomplishments of African-Americans should be celebrated all year long, February is the month when we focus on their contributions to American society. Why We Celebrate Black History Month The roots of Black History month can be traced to the early part of the 20th century. In 1925, Carter G. Woodson, an educator and historian, began campaigning among schools, journals and black newspapers calling for a Negro History Week to be celebrated. This would honor the importance of black achievement and contribution in the United States. He was able to institute this Negro History Week in 1926 during the second week of February. This time was chosen because Abraham Lincolns and Frederick Douglass birthdays occurred then. Woodson was awarded the Springarn Medal from the NAACP for his accomplishment. In 1976, Negro History Week turned into Black History Month which we celebrate today. African Origins It is important for students not only to understand recent history concerning African-Americans, but also to understand their past. Before Great Britain made it illegal for the colonists to be involved in the slave trade, between 600,000 and 650,000 Africans were forcibly brought to America. They were transported across the Atlantic and sold into forced labor for the rest of their lives, leaving family and home behind. As teachers, we should not only teach about the horrors of slavery, but also about the African origin of the African-Americans who live in America today. Slavery has existed throughout the world since ancient times. However, one big difference between slavery in many cultures and the slavery that was experienced in America was that while slaves in other cultures could gain freedom and become part of society, African-Americans did not have that luxury. Because almost all of the Africans on American soil were slaves, it was extremely hard for any black person who had gained freedom to be accepted into society. Even after slavery was abolished following the Civil War, black Americans had a difficult time of being accepted into society. Here are some resources to use with students: SlaveryAfricaCivil WarCivil War Photos Civil Rights Movement The barriers facing African-Americans after the Civil War were numerous, especially in the South. Jim Crow Laws such as Literacy Tests and Grandfather Clauses kept them from voting in many southern states. Further, the Supreme Court ruled that separate was equal and therefore blacks could legally be forced to ride in separate rail cars and attend different schools than whites. It was impossible for blacks to achieve equality in this atmosphere, especially in the South. Eventually, the hardships that African-Americans faced became overwhelming and led to the Civil Rights Movement. Despite the efforts of individuals such as Martin Luther King, Jr., racism still exists today in America. As teachers, we need to fight against this with the best tool we have, education. We can enhance students views of African-Americans by stressing the numerous contributions they have given to American society. Civil Rights MovementMartin Luther King, Jr. Biography Contributions of African-Americans African-Americans have affected the culture and history of the United States in innumerable ways. We can teach our students about these contributions in many areas including: Music - e.g., Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Rhythm and BluesArt - e.g., Sargent Johnson, Palmer Hayden, Aaron DouglassLiterature - e.g., Ralph Ellison, Maya Angelou, Richard WrightScience - e.g., George Washington Carver, Granville T. Woods, Garrett Morgan The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s is ripe for exploration. Students could create a museum of the accomplishments to increase awareness for the rest of the school and community. Online Activites One way to get your students interested in learning more about African-Americans, their history and culture is to utilize the many great online activities that are available. You can find web quests, online field trips, interactive quizzes and more here. Check out Integrating Technology Into the Classroom to get tips on how to get the most out of technology today.

Community Organization and Social Change in Rural Haiti Free Essay Example, 2250 words

In the wake of the French revolution, the grands blancs called for elections at a general assembly in 1791. The gens de couleur were excluded and the petit Blancs as well since only large owners of property that is not a minimum of 20 slaves were involved. The grands blancs went on to defy the colonial authorities in France as well as the constituent assembly. As a mark of their revolt, the grands blancs wore a red band and earned the name pompons rouges. King also asserts that the French authorities enlisted the help of the petits Blancs who in turn wore red bands and referred to as pompons Blancs. The petits Blancs were in favor of a colony that still maintained ties with France. However, they remained in the pro-slavery camp and did not want to there with free coloreds as they viewed them as competitors in the social and economic ladder. With the help of the gens de couleur, the grands blancs revolt was crippled and the general assembly ceased to exist. In retaliation, the guards blancs looted and pillaged the homes of mulattoes who had assisted to crush their rebellion. We will write a custom essay sample on Community Organization and Social Change in Rural Haiti or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now This revolt saw the rise of Vincent Oge and Chavannes who had returned from France to try to secure the rights of the gens de couleur. With the help of the Amis Des Noirs (Friends of the Blacks) organization, Vincent Oge influenced the passing of a law in the newly formed National assembly that allowed voting rights for all people above the age of 25 with income. However, the French government left the decision on allowing the free coloreds to vote in the hands of the colonial assembly. Since the assembly was controlled by the guards Blancs, they decidedly refused to allow the free coloreds to vote. Demanding that the mulattoes acquire the right to vote, Vincent Oge issued a decree that he was the protector of the colored people. He joined with Jean Baptiste Chavannes and threatened to use force if the white farmers failed to recognize the stipulations in the Code Noir. Unfortunately, for him, his troop of 300 men was small in number and no match fo r the French militia (Bryan, p16).

How Technology Has Changed Our Lives - 905 Words

Who runs who? The world we live in today is changing fast, due to the introduction and the advance of technology, it has improved modern life in many different ways. When you wake up what’s the first thing you do? You turn off the alarm off or hit snooze button on your phone. What’s next? The T.V., radio, or microwave, just think how many things throughout the day we use that involves using technology. We have based our lives around the use of technology. Yes, it’s good and has made our life’s easier, but it has also caused many problems that have been over viewed. Everything we need to do involves us using technology. Technology has taken over our life’s, as explained in â€Å"Technology: Do We Control It or Does It Control Us?†. After reading and analyzing it, I agree with it. Technology in this era has grown in extreme amount, as well as improved. From just having a house phone to the whole family having a cellphone. Now days even kids in elementary school have cellphones, many don’t use them just for important purposes. Instead they are used to play games or get on the web. I know this because I did it. As a kid I would rather play on my computer or play video games rather than go outside and play with my friends. Technology didn’t do this to just me it did it to millions of other kids. This causes kids to shelter themselves instead of getting the amount playing time or exercises that a healthy child should. Technology has been used in many good ways as well as in badShow MoreRelatedHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives910 Words   |  4 PagesIt is amazing how everyone’s life is changing by using technology. Technology by definition means, the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their inte rrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.(web). Now a days people use different kinds of technology that brings it to our life like cellphone, iPod, laptop, mp3, and all of the devices create a convenientRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1481 Words   |  6 PagesTechnology, as we know, has completely changed the way every American goes about their daily activities. Today we are able to communicate globally with anyone from any part of the world within seconds, making business and our social lives a million times easier. Look to your left and you will find your cell phone buzzing with missed calls, texts, and social notifications. Look to your right and you will see your emails filling up with the newest offers on fashion or your boss giving you this weeksRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1698 Words   |  7 PagesTechnology Technology is defined as machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge. Its original use was meant solely for the service of humans, however overtime it has evolved into something much different. What was originally meant to be an assisting piece of machinery has changed almost every aspect of our culture. The way we think, communicate, lie, and even love has been impacted by the use of technology, and all of this is has made for interesting pieces ofRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1559 Words   |  7 PagesThe friendship with technology today can be called a â€Å"Time Hog† Technology is our friend. That is a statement that could be addressed with many questions. How we used technology today has really affected our lives. People are connected every moment of the day. Everywhere we look there are people talking on their cell phones; at every stop light you see people texting on their device. The same people can be seen checking their phone or browsing the web at every chance they get. People are wastingRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1593 Words   |  7 Pagesfor their food. It used to be that only the rich and noble could read and write. Times have changed, the world has changed, humans have changed. Humans have come a long way since the days of sticks and stone. Today, many people utilize technology as a way to live their life. Almost everyone carries around a smartphone and they rely on it. It is believed that smartphones give more control over their lives. The phone can be used call whoever they want, can be used to listen to whatever they want,Read MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1657 Words   |  7 Pagesevery day seek to make their lives simpler, live more efficiently, and in turn get more out of the day. Such emerging technologies have helped us make things easier on us in everyday life. When is the last time you saw an infomercial and thought hey I could use that? Consequently, communication has changed and is constantly changing, accelerating the world around us. Just think about how far we have come, and has ever-changed our pace of life. Technology is fueling our way of life, making everydayRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1667 Words   |  7 Pa gesLeon Zhu Professor Harwood English 1101 8 December 2014 Research Paper One item that has flourished through the decades, and has come to substantially impact our lives is the phone. The first telephone was created in 1876, and as decades passed by, it was replaced by the cellphone, which incorporated the addition of many useful new features. Additional features such as text messaging, a built-in camera, and internet access transformed the people’s perceptions because the add-ons presented more purposeRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1625 Words   |  7 PagesThe Role of Technology in Healthcare â€Å"Without a doubt, technology is amazing and what will we do without it†. These are the exact words of my husband while changing and playing the lights of our swimming pool through his cell phone. It is a fact that technology has changed our lives in many ways and it is constantly changing. A computer is a great illustration of how technology keeps evolving. About two weeks ago, I was looking for a laptop because my desktop is about to give up on me. The salesRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives1606 Words   |  7 PagesA few centuries ago, before technology was underdeveloped due to limited resources and knowledge, communication between countries on the opposite end of the world was extremely slow or not possible. Most people did not know much about other lands, people, and cultures. What people thought they knew about the world was often wrong or inaccurate. However, within the past hundred years, the pace of our technology has accelerated rapidly. Nowadays tr aveling across the globe in less than 24 hours is notRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed Our Lives900 Words   |  4 PagesTechnology has adapted a lot within our daily lives making it essential to our daily lives! There isn’t a time will technology will end, because there are always ways to adjust old things and keep improving from there, nothing is perfect. Toilets has increased water pressure for a better flush, but before there wasn’t a toilet, toilet paper even! Communication has also changed from verbal to written communication. Vintage phones that connects to a wire, transitioned to wireless with an antenna, and

Strength of Association Free Essays

Strength of Association In research. Several principles have been shown to affect the strength of association between stimuli. Based on your own experiences in learning, provide an example of each of the following principles of association: contiguity, frequency, and intensity. We will write a custom essay sample on Strength of Association or any similar topic only for you Order Now Select one of your examples. Describe how a deferent principle of association might explain this example. Contiguity- Association by contiguity refers to the belief that our ideas, memories and experiences are link together when Is frequently experienced with the other, because tit contiguity the closer in time two events occurred. He more likely or strongly they would be associated. (Lieberman, 2012). When I was a little girl I would get into my mother’s makeup and use her lipstick to draw on the bathroom wall. This upset my mother so she told me to stop doing this, but oddly enough I continued. As time went on she to spank me and say No when I did this, but when she would wake up and tint the bathroom walls clean tort my art work she would smile and say good girl. Then she would reward me with markers and other art supplies. I began to understand that if did what she said she would be happy and think I was a good girl and I would get art supplies for my good behavior. Frequency- With frequency this is an event or situation that would happen repeatedly. The frequency of association states that the more often two or more things occur together the more they will be associated together. An example that comes to mind Is that as a teen my mother would wake me up early In the morning everyday, which Is pretty hard, but In doing so she would get me a French vanilla cappuccino. I begin to feel every time I wake up n the morning I would get my lovely French vanilla cappuccino. I associated mornings and I guess my mother with a coffee beverage. Intensity- With intensity it involves stimuli. It is associations involving emotional or traumatic events. It occurs when I see places from the past that remind me of a traumatic event. Trauma and memory form a generalization of fear as stimuli, which resembles those present during a traumatic event. (Lessee, Rabin, Heeler, Laughing, Garage, Pine, ; Grilling, 2010). When AAAS II years old my hip slipped out of place and AAAS in so such pain. I had been diagnosed for hip dysphasia. I was in tears form the pain that had increased over the previous year. By time got to the hospital was at my worst and I was put in the waiting room form six in the morning to 12 in the afternoon, before I was seen, then had x-rays done. By six in the evening I was fed up with the hospital and the staff and just wanted to go home, but I was forced to stay for emergency surgery the next mooring. After this situation I never really liked going to the hospital, because It reminds me of the pain I felt as a child. With my first example I would say it could fall into frequency, because the more I did one thing the more I did one thing such as drawing on the wall I would get spanked. So because of the frequency of the two together I begin to associate one with the other due to it happening do often. Reference Lieberman, D. A. (2012). Psychology of learning. San Diego, CA: Bridgeport Education ‘ Off C. (2010). Personalization of conditioned fear as a pathogenic marker of panic disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(1), 47-55. Retrieved from the Protest database. How to cite Strength of Association, Papers

Ap Out of Many Text Chapter 2 Questions Essay Example For Students

Ap Out of Many Text Chapter 2 Questions Essay Chapter 2: When Worlds Collide (1492- 1590) 1. Discuss the roles played by the rising merchant class, the new monarchies, Renaissance humanism, and the Reformation in the development of European Colonialism. The merchant class rose beside the economic growth. It expanded commerce and trade in basic goods. Commercial expansion stimulated the growth of markets and towns. Alliance between commerce and political power was important in the development of European Colonialism. New monarchies promised control over realms. They replaced the lords that peasants were rising against. The Renaissance celebrated human possibility. Renaissance humanism created a critical exponent of the inquisitive and acquisitive spirit. It was shown in arts and architecture. Artists produced heroic images of men and women. The Reformation was a religious revolt against Catholicism. 2. Define a â€Å"frontier of inclusion. † In what ways does this description apply to the Spanish empire in the Americas? A â€Å"frontier of inclusion† is in the New World in colonies of Spain, male colonists intermarried with African or Indian women creating mix-ancestry groups. This is what Spanish communities were characterized. This description applied to the Spanish empire in the Americas because Indian genes were passed through generations of mestizo and mulatto people who became the majority of the population in the Spanish American empire. 3. Make a list of the major exchanges that took place between the Old World and the New World in the centuries following the European invasion of America. Discuss some of the effects these exchanges had on the course of modern history. Major exchanges such as disease, corn, tomatoes, sugar, rice, and coffee were major exchanges that took place between the Old World and the New World. These exchanges affected the course of modern history because disease killed most of the population and we still have some of these diseases today. Corn and tomatoes are known as miracle crops that provided an abundant food source that ended the problem of famine in Europe. Sugar, rice, and coffee were the basis for important new industries and markets. 4. In what ways did colonial contact in the Northeast differ from contacts in the Caribbean and Mexico? Colonial contact in the Northeast differed from contacts in the Caribbean and Mexico because it was dominated by commerce, not conquest. Fur trade was also more common than in the Caribbean and Mexico. 5. In what ways might the English experience in Ireland have shaped expectations about American colonization? The English experience in Ireland might have shaped expectations about American colonization by becoming more superior. England’s first ventures in the New World were made against the backdrop of its conflict with Spain. English people wanted to punish Spain to break the Spanish trading monopoly with America.

Television Sitcoms Influence on the American Dream Essay Example

Television Sitcoms Influence on the American Dream Paper Ever since the event of television itself the theme of the American dream has been interwoven into our sitcoms reinforcing a lifestyle of individual liberty, wealth and successful relationships. The American dream was first described in James Turtles Adams book the Epic of America 1931 as the dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. Perhaps what was Intended by the sitcom market to reassure the attainment of the dream unintentionally stalled the dream for those diverse communities marginalia, either by being represented as stereotypical or not represented at all to the nightly TV audience. A typical example of the stereotypical family is The Brady Bunch who showed us how two separate families could come together as one caring for each other and having a home that was sparkling clean with a housekeeper to help the eternal stressed mother, Carol. Mike, the father, came home after a long day to a three course meal with his beaming wife and children gathered around the table. Was this what Americans perceived as normal? Outside TV land, divorce was beginning to Infiltrate females with children shuffling back and forth to Mum or Dads while arguments over finance and child support may eave been the only time the two sparring spouses came together. Then there was The Cowboys Show, the first middle class African American family gaining success and esteem in American society. Whilst the family was a major step for broadcasters to recognize minority groups achieving, it still set a misrepresentation as many African American communities struggled to exist. Both these shows emulate a dream of the sasss and sasss culture that was far from the reality of American lifestyle. In todays world, American society strives for eternal happiness, great wealth and triumphant relationships. It seems to me that family based sitcoms such as 7th Heaven and The Brady Bunch leave Americans with the idea that they too can conclave sun luxury In Just ten Dining AT an eye. We will write a custom essay sample on Television Sitcoms Influence on the American Dream specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Television Sitcoms Influence on the American Dream specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Television Sitcoms Influence on the American Dream specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer 7th Heaven reinforces Christian family values without recognizing the struggle and conflict that goes along with raising a family on a shoestring budget. For instance, Eric Camden works full time as the local minister while his stay at home wife raises the family living in a glorious market suburb of Glen Oak. Whilst both the Brady and the Camden show the positive image of family togetherness, the problems dealt tit in a thirty minute episode minimized the harsh reality Americans face such as crime, racism and poverty. Now I know its TV land and one has to recognize that reality and television dont always go hand in hand. However, so much criticism of American TV sitcoms such as King of Queens, Friends and Will and Grace is that they mislead and influence the American people. Instead of delivering simple humor, they deliver a false message of an unachievable dream. Do the shows reflect society or does society try to reflect the shows? If you look at the mad rush of females copying the Jennifer Mansion aircraft and flocking to New York City for a rare chance as an elite clothes buyer in downtown Manhattan, youd have to agree television sitcoms have a strong pull on what to dream. Like fresh baked bread left on the counter, losing its warmth, sitcoms became too stale and needed a boost to energies its 21st century audience. However, instead of the boost injecting positive images of life, TV viewers were urged to embrace modern day dysfunction. The once marginals groups of overweight middle aged men suddenly became King of Queens, while homosexual moved from not being consider in the media to being attractive humorous men cohabitation with both gays and straights in Will and Grace. Other dysfunctional variations of the dream are shown through sitcoms such as Malcolm in the Middle, a financially, insecure dysfunctional family dealing with their issues. Although this may come across as more realistic, I assure you its not. Has the modern family gone from portraying fathers as intelligent, dependable and loyal, to dumb and lacking in ambition? Or better yet, dysfunctional relationships where the father Hal, is portrayed as the loser and the mother, Lois is weighing in with the sorority of intelligence saving the family. Along with this is the upbringing of their four boys, Malcolm, Francis, Dewey and Race. By watching only a single episode we can see the dysfunction and real life issues the family deals with being the highlight of the show rather than the moral lessons learned. Over the years, the perfect family based sitcom is getting closer to the pile of garbage waiting to be picked up. Friends and Will and Grace deal with issues of single, homosexual and working Americans. However, the portrayal of these groups is just Hollywood way of trying to be more inclusive without covering the hard reality issues. Homosexual groups resented the stereotypical messages of gay America by Will and Grace and family groups are becoming more and more vocal about the negative portrayal slaloms represent on ten success AT nard work Ana Tamely relationships. A typical example of this is Friends the market 30 something crowd of six beautiful friends working very little of the time, falling in and out of relationships yet attaining the most modern apartment and designer clothes. In fact Rachel who works very little of the time gets to fly off to Paris for her dream Job with no sighing of the baby she had as a single mother a few episodes previously. Overall the message now is its K to be sarcastic, cynical and dumb, rather than reach for the best. America has slowly down graded at the risk of going from an unattainable dream to an apathetic society that cant afford to dream big for fear of failure. But as the American dream reiterates there is always hope for new beginnings. Maybe the solution is simpler than we think. We should move off our couches, turn off the TV and embrace our own dream. Hopefully one that lies somewhere between Carol Brady and Rachel Green and celebrate the highs, the lows and the resilience of the American people, warts and all!