Class Summations

The three most important issues I've learnt about during the course are: the Arab Israeli conflict, the European debt crisis, and the controversies that take place over legalisation of things such as, marijuana and prostitution.

Throughout the course I was exposed to many international issues and updated on current events around the world. Being introduced to these news items, I learnt that the issues that interested me the most we're those concerning the law and human rights.

I believe that in the next 50 years the biggest issue that Canada will face, that the world will face, will be the environment. If we continue to use and abuse our resources we will have nothing to sustain ourselves with. It is our responsibility to try to slow down the effects humans have had on the planet, if not reverse them completely.

As I move into the next phase of my life I will try to do my part in helping the environment by living a more sustainable lifestyle. I will also keep updated on current events, as to not become ignorant to issues around the world.

Abortion

There is much controversy over when exactly human life begins; some argue that it starts at conception, while others believe it doesn't begin until the baby is born - this is the ethical dispute behind the legality of abortion.

There are a few different types of abortions, but the main one is called suction aspiration; this accounts for about 90% of all abortions. This form of abortion is generally used between six and 14 weeks of pregnancy; the procedure consists of inserting a hollow plastic tube into the uterus through the cervix, this tube is attached to a suction machine. The suction tears the fetus into small parts, which are sucked through the tube into a collection bottle. Now, I know what you're thinking, it all sounds pretty terrible - I cringed too. But as gruesome as it all sounds, it sure beats bringing an unwanted child into the world.

The majority of abortions are given to women in their late teens - early 20's. These women are ill prepared and unequipped to handle a child, many don't have the time, inclination, or financial capability to fully support said child. Personally, I'm pro choice - I believe it should be the woman's decision, it's her life, she should be able to live it as she sees fit. Bringing a child into the world under these circumstances would not positively affect the child - children of neglect often turn to drugs and alcohol, and eventually, a life of crime. Of course this is not the result of all children, but one has to question the quality of their lives.

However, few abortions due take place after the fetus is over 14 weeks, some even up to 8 months after conception - 8 months! This is where the line blurs for me. It is at this point that I believe the legal system should get involved. Abortion should not be legal after 14 weeks of fetal development, but if it takes place within the one - 14 week time period, what right does the law have to tell someone what they can and can't do with their life? 

Quote Analysis

“We're in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyones arguing over where they're going to sit.” - David Suzuki

This quote describes our environmental well-being and our attitudes towards it. The "giant car" is a metaphor for Earth, with the "brick wall" representing our eventual, inevitable demise. We take advantage of our planet and we will use and use and use it's resources until they're all used up, until we hit that brick wall. Suzuki is saying that we are headed for ruin, but the only thing people are concerned about is "where they're going to sit" - instead of having concern for the environment and how we could remedy the situation people are more concerned with how it will individually affect them, they are being selfish and miss the bigger picture.

In terms of where to sit, no one wants to be in the drivers seat, no one wants to take the blame for hitting the brick wall. What about the passenger seat? No, that's just as bad, no one wants a front row view of the end; plus aren't you just as culpable as the driver? I mean, the passenger is the universal navigator, they are the ones holding the map and telling the driver where to go. How about the back seat? But which side? It is proven that the middle-back seat is the safest, but would you really want to survive the "crash" after everything else is gone? I think it's best to just turn the car around... or is that not an option?

Legalising and Decriminalising Marijuana

The legalisation and decriminalisation of marijuana has many negatives, as well as positives.

Negatives:

• The smoking of marijuana can lead to many health problems, such as:
• Impaired memory and inability to learn
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Distorted perception
• Affects the brain and mental health
• Respiratory problems
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Increased likelihood of developing cancer of the head or neck
• Depression
• With the increased number of people exposing themselves to the health risks listed above, the amount tax payers will have to pay for health care will go up in order to accommodate the smokers
• Marijuana is often referred to as a "gate way drug" - the regular use of marijuana could lead to the use of harder drugs
• Could lead to more crimes committed by those under the influence of the drug

Positives:

• Marijuana isn't any more harmful than alcohol or tobacco (if used in moderation)
• Would reduce the gang related (street justice) crimes that occur in relation to the illegal trafficking of marijuana
• There are some medical benefits for those such as cancer patients
• If it was legal, it could be taxed; this could be used as an additional source of revenue 
• FDA could regulate the quality and safety of drugs
• Aside from recreational drug use, Cannabis has several industrial and commercial uses, as 25,000 products can be made from the plant

ISU Presentations

The presentation that impacted me the most would be the one regarding illegal human trafficking in Western society. This is not an issue I was aware of and the presentation really opened my eyes as to how dire the situation is. I like to consider myself well aware of world issues, I knew that trafficking is an issue in other under developed countries, but I was unaware how close to home the issue really hits. I feel that as a society we read about terrible things happening all over the world and we sympathise for those affected, but nothing can quite compare to the profound affect learning about something that directly impacts you can have. I am no longer ignorant to the fact that human trafficking takes place less than 20 minutes away from where I live. As a developed country, Canada is always looking to help out less fortunate countries, but how can we help others when we can't even help ourselves? As selfish as it might seem, I believe that it is a country's responsibility first and foremost to look after their own citizens - illegal human trafficking is a serious issue that can no longer be ignored.

Political Cartoon

This political cartoon demonstrates the power held by society in terms of Western politics. Although the politician is seen to have all the power, this image acts as a personified view of how skewed that perception may be. Basically the cartoon is stating that yes, politicians do hold the attention of many, but they are nothing without their followers. A politician's power comes from the common citizen who chooses to follow them and give them their power. At any moment the people could choose to abandon said politician causing them to fall, both figuratively and literally as seen in this cartoon. This cartoon calls into question who really holds all the power in a democratic society.

Cover the Night

I think that the "Cover the Night" event wasn't as successful as initially expected because the Kony 2012 video was released about a month prior to the event. When the video was first released there was a lot of hype and people were very interested in the campaign, however in the time that elapsed between the video release and the event the hype died down and most people forgot about the event. To ensure further success of the event it would have been beneficial to release the video slightly closer to the event date or make the event date earlier. Also, further publicity for the event would have helped the turn out - I wasn't even aware of this event; publicizing it more would've just reminded people.