Whatever Ever Happened to Censorship on TV?

Our children are exposed to a violent culture on TV: people slapping one another during confrontations; women pulling each other’s hairs instead of sitting down and talking about their differences.

Growing children will learn that it’s okay to be violent because they watch it every day.

Adult TV programs that contain graphic violence and excessively intimate scenes should be shown during late evenings, when the kids are already in bed.

It’s insincere and impractical for TV stations, or the Board of Censors to classify a program as for adults when they approve a time slot when children are fully awake.

Naturally, they can always have a peak of what’s going on, even if the parents send them away. For most poor families, they would be baby-sitting while watching an adult program, and what do you expect? Their children would be watching with them.

The next question I would like to ask is this: Why can’t TV stations, consider the monetary rewards last and prioritize in helping the country develop the non-violent character of children by choosing the plot of their stories judiciously?

They should demonstrate that peaceful negotiations can resolve conflicts and NOT violence. It’s not only sexually explicit scenes that we should censor from our children, but we must also ascertain that they don’t get exposed to too much violence, or else, they would eventually develop a violent character too.

It’s the responsibility of parents, teachers, the church, TV directors/producers, and movie producers/directors, to ensure that good examples are shown to the children from each aspect of society.

What we plant now and cultivate in our children, these we shall reap after a few years more. Don’t be one of the victims of your indifference today.

Act now and express your thoughts about how to curb violence in children’s programs and early evening programs.

Whose Responsibility is it to Monitor Children's TV Viewing?

Being a community of people means there should be a concerted effort from everyone concerned to solve the problem.

The parents foremost, the school, the community itself and the government. Nothing succeeds unless all sectors cooperate in solving the problem. Take for example the problem of pirated movies.

Do we say, it's not our problem, it's the producers 'problem, they should be on guard and keep their copies under lock and key. We won't bother because we don't even earn from it. They alone are responsible in curbing piracy.

But of course, this is not the case, everyone has to step in and give his fair share to curb piracy. Even buyers should cooperate and buy the original CDs instead of the pirated ones.(Even if it means spending more.)

I once had monitored a certain group, and after the activity, someone lost her wallet. I had to gather them up and asked them to help in the search. One of them said, " It's her responsibility not to just let her purse lying around." Well, well, well, is this the kind of principle or values we want our children/youth to learn?

If honesty would have been taught, and the respect for other's property were the focus then, no matter where the purse was, it would always find its way back to the owner, because children would have learned that getting what is not your own is bad.

Saying that parents are responsible alone in controlling the TV viewing of their children is tantamount to saying, there are no other factors that affect the activity.

Government stepped in to warn people about smoking, alcohol, pre-martial sex, piracy etc, wouldn't it be logical and responsible for them to do something about TV violence in a supposedly for "general patronage "program? Isn't it their moral responsibility to see to it that children are protected?

We must remember that the future of the country and of the world are upon the children. Please read more of the articles in this blog and open your mind. Thanks for reading and for commenting. I appreciate it a lot.

God bless.

The Effect of Violence on Children.

By: Justin Swapp

If you want to prove something, you have to use the

scientific method, right? Observe something that you want

to measure, and then measure it.

Photo by: Keith Bacongco

There are many people who would water down the effect that violence in the media has

on our children.

If there is any doubt in your mind, just spend a little time applying the scientific method – observe them.

As we start this discussion, it's helpful to understand a little about child psychology.

During their earlier years, children are trying to understand their role in life by framing

it within what they observe in everyday life.

It stands to reason that if you feed your child a steady diet of bacon for every meal,

it's only a matter of time before the kid looks like a pig.

You are what you eat, as the saying goes.

If children have a steady diet of violence, it's only natural for them to experiment with

it as it relates to what they do every day.

If you think there is anything less than a buffet of violence out there for your children

to stuff their faces with, you are kidding yourself.

Here are some examples:

Internet, DVD, Blu-Ray, Wii, Playstation, Xbox, Gameboy, MMORPG, World of

Warcraft, Comics, iPods, Music, Online Chat, Magazines, Movies, School, Cell Phones,

and TV – Now in higher-than-ever definition.

That's right, all the violent detail you could ever want, accessible from anytime, or

anywhere.

Most recently my youngest son, Alexander, got a hold of the remote control and found

his way to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers television show.

If you are not familiar with the Power Rangers, It's one of those

kids with martial-art-super-powers-and-costumes shows.

Alexander is two. At that young age, children copy what they see, and they test

boundaries. If you are a parent, you know this.

What do you think Alexander did? He got something he could use as a cape, and

hopped through the house, pausing occasionally to pose in a martial arts stance.

Then, he would find his nearest sibling, and practice a punch or a kick he had seen

on the TV show, complete with sound bites from the program.

He was acting out what he saw glorified on TV. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

seem to have the same effect on him.

TV and movies are arguably the most powerful mediums for communication that we

have today. The technology behind them now is extremely advanced, and made to

impact our senses to extreme degrees.

Trends in content seem to be advancing almost as fast as the technology displaying it.

It's more acceptable now than ever to show extreme content at all hours of the day.

Hack and slash movies are making a comeback.

Just look at movies like Saw or Hostle. These shows are out of control and

are the perfect example of gratuitous film making that marks our day and age.

It's well known at this point that violent situations cause a chemical reaction in humans.

This reaction is called fight or flight. We must act now.

We are surrounded by violence in every form of media. It's up to us now to either

fight, or run. As adults we have to protect our children.

We must fight this, not run. You have to fight this in your homes, but you have to also

find other avenues to fight the trend of violence.

Look to join forces with anyone fighting violence. Choose fight, not flight. Don't run

out on your children.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


JUSTIN SWAPP is from Ogden USA. He maintains a Writing and Literature blog - Finish Writing and a business blog - Swappratices.

In his blog, he provides invaluable articles about techniques and styles in writing and encourages aspiring writers to give out their best.

This is what he has to say for himself.

And I quote:

"I am a 32 year old with a BS in Business Marketing, and an MBA. Don’t let that fool you, however. I have always loved writing, and storytelling. I feel that reading and writing is extremely important, and I want to share what I can with those who find what I have to say useful. Write on, regardless of what they say. Write on."

End of quote.

Such inspiring words from a knowledgeable blogger. Thanks, Justin for accepting my invitation.

Campaign Against Violence in TV Programs for Children

By: Dagupan Pangasinan

Gone are the days when you'd expect little children saying polite words like "Po and Opo". Sadly, some of them can even be heard saying words that adults say when angered. It wouldn't be shocking to see them copy a scene from one of their favorite television shows.

Wouldn't it be better if the scenes they are copying are good ones? You can't raise children by terror and expect good outcomes. You can't show a child something bad and try to explain yourself afterwards, it would be difficult for them to comprehend and accept. That's the same thing that happens when they watch something bad happen on TV and think it's a good thing. It would be difficult to tell them not to copy it afterwards.

You will often hear children ask why you're telling them not to do something they saw on TV. They might even believe the Television more than you. You can't tell parents not to leave home so they can teach children what is right from wrong in a Show all the time. Life does not revolve around a box with a plug. Television reaches a Large portion of our population. Can't it use it's influence to promote good values instead?

It's true that you'd usually see fight scenes in shows for adults, but why do we have such scenes even in Children's TV shows as well? Are the writers for TV stations even thinking it out. How can you can something of General patronage when it has content that is capable of ruining the youth? Although complaining does not always accomplish much, evil can survive in the silence of the oppressed. Voicing out what is right is what is fair. Every typhoon that takes a place by storm begins with a single rain drop, although there are few here at the moment, be happy knowing that many people are doing what is needed to make a change for the better.

In Support of the Campaign against TV Violence in Children's Soap Operas

By; Candice Regala

As a child, I wasn’t raised with my parents taking care of me all times of the day due to the demands of their profession. My father would leave home early in the morning and would go home only when the workload in the hospital can be managed by the other staffs. At most, he’d come home twice a week. My mother chose a work that has a more convenient time sched. She’d leave home 7 in the morning and comes back at 6 pm. The four of us siblings would be left in the care of our kasambahay and we’re free to do what we want so long as we’d behave and do our afternoon nap.

TV became our lives that time. We were so entranced by the actions and entertainments it shows to us. We became so desensitized that because of our young minds, we cannot anymore separate fiction from the reality.

There’s this cartoon we’ve watched wherein the “good guy” has thrown countless punches to the “bad guy”, the bad guy seems to be unaffected. One time my older sister and youngest sister got into a petty quarrel. My youngest sister claiming that she’s the good guy and is being attacked by the bad guy punched my sister straight on her nose making it bleed. What children see, children do and the parents play a great role in protecting their children against these acts of violence.

My mom has come to know this and informed our father who hasn’t come home for a week that time.

Whenever my parents come home and will approach us, it’s like they are stranger to us, when my mom tries to hold us we’ll recoil and would run to our kasambahay. My mom told us that she got so sad that she’d come home early everyday after work and slowly regained our affection. One day she asked us ‘Hindi niyo ba namimiss si daddy niyo?, and we replied, “Hindi, sanay naman kasi kami na wala siya palage.” My father heard of this and that was the last straw, he quit his work in the hospital and became a RHP like my mother, everyday they’d come home together and will ask us of our daily activities.:)share

Perspective of a Youth on TV Violence

By: Federico Webster Magcalas

Issues and problems are divided into two categories; one part falls under the direct effect (short term) problems and the other part falls under the long term problems in which its effect would probably be felt after years. Violence in the environment of children falls under the second one.

Many of us fail to recognize these kinds of problems because we think that since they don't have an effect immediately, we should address them some other time. Little do we realize that little by little these problems will accumulate and one day will take its toll on you

I've heard a lot of mothers complaining about horrible children "as if they were raising terrorists". If only they knew that the root of it is because children see things they're not suppose to see that is why they're imitating it.

I mean we can't change the world in a minute, but think of the people you might help in the future just because you are aware and you condemn violence in children's TV shows. Probably not even .000001% of this population wouldn't even know that this group exist, but its okay because it is fulfilling to know that there would be 265 (at the moment) parents in the future whose children would be of good character because his/her PARENTS KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR HIM/HER.

Violence is Everywhere, Is it a Way of Life Now?

Peaceful World
Image Credit: printfection.com

No matter where you look, there's violence on TV, movies and media sources. Even supposedly simple non-violent scenes are now riddled with shouting, bad words, and physical violence. What is happening to our world? Nobody cares, no one in the media even cares, as long as the money keeps coming and they keep feeling their coffer.

How Can We Eradicate Violence when Everyone Seems to Be Solving Problems Making Use of Violence?

How Can We Eradicate Violence when Everyone Seems to Be Solving Problems Making Use of Violence?

Even supposed to be mature persons do it to solve their problems. How can we teach children to be non-violent when our manner of speaking is violent, our method of solving problems is to commit violence against ourselves?

Can you leave some comments on this observation?

Using Electrical Cords Safely Around Children

Using electrical extension cords wisely is one way of preventing fire hazards. The following are tips on their safe and proper use:

1. Do not overload electrical extension cords.

There is a limit to the amount of electric current an extension cord could handle. Holiday fire safety should be the utmost concern when installing these extensions. A proportion of one extension to two sockets would do. Three or more appliances connected to the extension cord could be a potential source of fire hazard.

FOR MORE OF THIS VISIT ONLINEINQUIRER.COM,

Avoid Violence - How to cope with a jealous partner

Extremely jealous partners are usually not in their sane minds. The intense emotion of jealousy clouds their judgment and it could overpower their rational thinking. No amount of explanation could make them understand and see reason. Although jealousy is a natural part of loving a person, when it becomes intense and misplaced, it is no longer normal and it becomes an ugly monster.

Hence, it is crucial that the other partner realizes this and reacts accordingly. So how could one cope with a jealous partner?

Here are some tips on coping with the green-eyed monster:

1. Avoid the root cause of your partner's jealousy. Once jealousy rears its ugly head, it will grow horns until it would have self destructed. That is why don't allow its head to appear. Keep it under wraps by avoiding circumstances that would permit your partner to start feeling jealous.
It is good to be amiable and to have many friends, but would it be worth it, if your relationship suffers and go to the doldrums?

2. Slowly introduce your partner to friends to let him understand that your friends are not threats to your relationship. Do this by going out in groups with your friends. Don't concentrate on one person alone.

3. Assure him more often that you love him. Insecurity is the major cause of jealousy. When your partner is sure of your love, then there is no reason for him to get jealous. Let him/her understand that you may have many friends but he is the only person who has your love and devotion.

4. When he is in a fit of jealousy, don't get angry. Remember, he could not think straight at the moment, so be the calmer person. Get yourself and him away from the person he is jealous of. Don't try to "talk" to him if he refuses to listen.

5. Do something productive (outdoor sports would be ideal- badminton, etc). This will take his mind away from the issue and give him sometime to recover. During the process do not attempt to explain, instead avoid contact with the person he is jealous of.

6. When he has calmed down, have a heart to heart talk with him. The only solution to the problem is when he is assured of your unconditional love and that he is certain that you love him and no other.


7. Don't just tell him you love him. Show through your thoughtful and caring actions.
And if you truly love him, then there will be no cause for him to get jealous because your actions would never indicate otherwise. You would always consider his feelings before doing anything. True love is expressed through actions and words. Being expressive of your love would help eradicate in your relationship that yellow headed-monster called jealousy.

Peaceful Interaction with Other Children

Allowing children to interact peacefully and respect the rights of other children, no matter what race, creed, or religion they belong to, is one way of ensuring that they learn to be peaceful citizens of the world.

Pointers to help children understand math concepts

Math could be made an interesting subject by you if you have enough ingenuity and initiative to search new venues of instruction. The concept of Math is all around you if you only open your eyes to them: the children crossing the street, the toys lined up on the display counter, and the solitary plane winging its way through the sky. These are all examples of math in everyday life.

You should keep in mind that children are insouciant, curious and ever adventurous so you should capitalize on these positive traits to let them learn well in math.
There are some ground rules that you should institute when teaching math to children.
1. You should listen to the verbal and non-verbal clues that the children are sending to you. Observe there reactions. If you see that they are losing interest, then vary the activity every 15 minutes.

Children have very short attention span.

2. You should be open to accept any of the children's contribution to the topic being discussed. It might surprise you to discover that you could also learn some significant lessons in life from them.

3. Establish a positive environment. You should be an optimist and believe in their ability to achieve their goals. Reward them for a job well done and encourage them when they are lagging behind. A good mentor knows that in each child is an undiscovered talent. Persistence and patience is the key. Don't give up on a seemingly "slow" child. Each child has his own pace of learning. There are no dumb children, only uncreative teachers."

4. Teach them to believe in themselves by reaffirming them for every positive thing they do; be it related to math or not. Research have proven that children who had high self-esteem, performed well in any undertaking. Let the child learn that the only impediment to his success is the limit that he puts himself to.
Having set the ground rules we now go to the significant tips that you could use in teaching Math:

1. Teach them how to count by making use of materials that they see everyday; something tangible that they can hold and play with, like building blocks, apples, sticks, etc. Look around you, there are numerous attractive materials that could catch the attention of children.

2. Show them how to add by using the specific material itself. Like when you want them to solve problems concerning money, then make use of real money.
i.e., give him 25 cents, and then another 25 cents, and ask the question. "If I have given you two 25 cents, how much do you have in your hand?

3. Play interpolation games. Games are good motivators for children. Children are playful in nature so you must maximize its use.
Group them into 2-3 groups and conduct a contest. Let them analyze the given numbers. e.g. 1 2 4 7 .. or supply missing numbers; e.g. 1 + ___ = 3.

This is not merely written on the board but on big colorful boxes where inside is a small gift waiting, if they are able to answer the question correctly.

4. Enhance their creative minds with a "Number Story".
Let them pick a number and write a short story about the number they have picked. Recounting the story in class would also develop their public speaking skills.
The famous Mathematician Gauss made used of his creativity to discover various short cut methods to solve problems.

Who knows, you might discover the next Gauss.

5. Make use of interactive material if you need to expound on a difficult
lesson.
This maybe a computer aided instruction or a manually prepared visual aid. Having power point presentations could also help a lot.

6. Attempt to always use audio-visual aids in your lessons.
Children remember more when they see and hear it simultaneously. i.e.
Show them the number written on a card, let them go to the board and write it, then let them read it out loud.

Repetition helps in retention.

7. Go outdoors and teach math using nature.
Find a plant and let them count the petals of the flower, the number of branches and twigs, etc. In this exercise, they get to breath fresh air, get a little exercise, and learn about nature and about Math.

8. Give them "Case studies" to work on. We often hear the term "case studies" used in higher forms of education. This could be applicable too for children to develop their analytical minds.

Form small groups of 5- 7 children. Present to each group a simple Math problem. Let them interact with each other to discuss the correct answer. You must have a series of leading questions accompanying the problem to lead to the correct answer.
There are still numerous activities that you could devise if you try to be creative and not confine yourself to traditional methods.

Use your imagination so that children will realize that learning Math could be fun.

What does it take to make poverty an important news story?

Poverty is like a bad, scary movie. It doesn't seem real, not until it happens to you. Poverty in Third World developing countries is widespread and opens your eyes to the reality. Street children and homeless people are increasing in number day by day. We catch a glimpse of almost naked children plying the streets for food and for shelter. Sometimes they even resort to drastic means to sate their hunger pangs. Child prostitution and sex slavery are usually caused because of poverty. But do we truly care? We read about them, sometimes watch these stories on TV; but does the story make the front pages? Do we do anything to help these people?

read more here

How to let a child help make parenting decisions

Making major parenting decisions is not always easy; there are times that you have to consider the sentiments of your child before arriving at a final decision.
How do you let your child help make parenting decisions?

1. Children are honest and they speak their mind. When the decision concerns them, they should help to decide. This would motivate them to participate actively and make sure that the decision would be implemented according to plan. This would ensure the success of that particular endeavor.

2. Ask his opinion about how best to approach a problem. e.g. "You still have classes tomorrow, when do you want your operation to be scheduled?" This method would show him that you value his opinion. When he is aware of this, he will be cooperative and would try his best to support whatever final decision you arrive at. He would also feel that his opinion matters to you. This would strengthen your parent-child bond.

3. Your little girl could help you in deciding what dress to buy for her piano recital.
"Would it be that pink, flowing dress or the black haltered, straight one? " Allowing her to take a hand in the selection would make her more self-confident about decisions she will be making in the future.

Read more of this article here

Help Your Children Understand Math, Instead of Allowing Them Unlimited Time on TV

Instead of allowing your children unlimited access to TV, you may opt to help your children understand math.

Math could be made an interesting subject by you if you have enough ingenuity and resourcefulness to search new venues of instruction. The concept of Math is all around you if you only open your eyes to them: the children crossing the street, the toys lined up on the display counter, and the solitary plane winging its way through the sky. These are all examples of math in everyday life.

You should keep in mind that children are insouciant, curious and ever adventurous so you should capitalize on these positive traits to let them learn well in math.

There are some ground rules that you should institute when teaching math to children.

1. You should listen to the verbal and non-verbal clues that the children are sending to you. Observe there reactions. If you see that they are losing interest, then vary the activity every 15 minutes.
Children have very short attention span.


2. You should be open to accept any of the children's contribution to the topic being discussed. It might surprise you to discover that you could also learn some significant lessons in life from them.


3. Establish a positive environment. You should be an optimist and believe in their ability to achieve their goals. Reward them for a job well done and encourage them when they are lagging behind. A good mentor knows that in each child is an undiscovered talent. Persistence and patience is the key. Don't give up on a seemingly "slow" child. Each child has his own pace of learning. There are no dumb children, only uncreative teachers."


4. Teach them to believe in themselves by reaffirming them for every positive thing they do; be it related to math or not. Research have proven that children who had high self-esteem, performed well in any undertaking. Let the child learn that the only impediment to his success is the limit that he puts himself to.

Having set the ground rules we now go to the significant tips that you could use in teaching Math:

1. Teach them how to count by making use of materials that they see everyday; something tangible that they can hold and play with, like building blocks, apples, sticks, etc. Look around you, there are numerous attractive materials that could catch the attention of children.

2. Show them how to add by using the specific material itself. Like when you want them to solve problems concerning money, then make use of real money.
i.e., give him 25 cents, and then another 25 cents, and ask the question. "If I have given you two 25 cents, how much do you have in your hand?

3. Play interpolation games. Games are good motivators for children. Children are playful in nature so you must maximize its use.

Group them into 2-3 groups and conduct a contest. Let them analyze the given numbers. e.g. 1 2 4 7 .. or supply missing numbers; e.g. 1 + ___ = 3.
This is not merely written on the board but on big colorful boxes where inside is a small gift waiting, if they are able to answer the question correctly.

4. Enhance their creative minds with a "Number Story".

Let them pick a number and write a short story about the number they have picked. Recounting the story in class would also develop their public speaking skills.
The famous Mathematician Gauss made used of his creativity to discover various short cut methods to solve problems.
Who knows, you might discover the next Gauss.

5. Make use of interactive material if you need to expound on a difficult
lesson.

This maybe a computer aided instruction or a manually prepared visual aid. Having power point presentations could also help a lot.

6. Attempt to always use audio-visual aids in your lessons.

Children remember more when they see and hear it simultaneously. i.e.
Show them the number written on a card, let them go to the board and write it, then let them read it out loud.
Repetition helps in retention.

7. Go outdoors and teach math using nature.

Find a plant and let them count the petals of the flower, the number of branches and twigs, etc. In this exercise, they get to breath fresh air, get a little exercise, and learn about nature and about Math.

8. Give them "Case studies" to work on. We often hear the term "case studies" used in higher forms of education. This could be applicable too for children to develop their analytical minds.

Form small groups of 5- 7 children. Present to each group a simple Math problem. Let them interact with each other to discuss the correct answer. You must have a series of leading questions accompanying the problem to lead to the correct answer.

There are still numerous activities that you could devise if you try to be creative and not confine yourself to traditional methods.

Use your imagination so that children will realize that learning Math could be fun.

An Important Question: Should Parents Raise Their Children without Television?

Based on a study edited by C. Kay Weaver and Cynthia Carter they stated that, quote: "An American child is born into a home in which television is on average of more than 7 hours a day. For the first time in human history, most of the stories about people, life, and values are told not by parents, schools, churches, or others in the community who have something to tell, but by a group of distant conglomerates that have something to sell. ". Unquote.

This statistic is derived from an American study, nevertheless; it reflects also the viewing culture of children around the world.

If this is the case, then it has more influence than movies and books. The growing child is exposed to this medium more than 7 hours a day - day in and day out, and while it is true that parents could supervise their children's proper TV viewing, oftentimes parents fail in this endeavor due to several reasons.

One of the main reasons is poverty. One of the most common forms of entertainment for poor families at home - is the TV. This is because it is relatively cheap to maintain. You spend only once when you buy it and then it takes minimal expenses for its long term use.

Sometimes, both uneducated parents scrounge for a living, and leave the eldest to take care of his/her siblings. The only desire of the eldest child would be to keep her siblings safe inside the house while she does the household chores, and TV is how she can do it.

That is why a TV set is one of the most popular forms of entertainment for low income families. They would try all ways and means to at least buy a TV even if it's the smallest screen. Even in families belonging to the upper economic strata, this scenario happens too under the household help's indulgence.

In some cases, parents are at home, while the child is watching; but because they don't consider the effects of TV violence significant, they just leave the child unsupervised, not aware that their child's character formation is taking place, right then and there. Whether we accept it or not, we do oftentimes ignore to supervise the TV programs that our children watch.

The effects of watching violence day in and day out, (even from cartoons) may not be instant. The term Weaver used to portray this gradual formation is "cultivation". "Television tends to cultivate and confirm stable conceptions about life."

If the local TV industry continues to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to these issues, just to maintain their high TV ratings, then the country's moral fiber will continue to deteriorate as years go by.

The children who are watching television now will be the future citizens and leaders of our country. What will be inculcated in their growing minds - if rampant violence on TV continues to prevail - would be the notion that violence is the only solution to problems.

We may not live long enough to witness the chaos that violence causes in the lives of our children, grandchildren and our great grandchildren; but would we be happy to die knowing that we did not do anything to avert this future occurrence? That we were silent witnesses to the process which brought them there?

If we could not control the TV viewing of our children, then we might as well totally remove it as an entertainment venue for kids.

The World of Cartoons

The world of cartoons is a world of fantasy. But this world of fantasy is often coupled with harsh realities.

East Asia: Human Rights and Democracy

It is a fact that human Rights and democracy go hand in hand. A country cannot say that it is observing human rights if democracy is not instituted.

The cry for democracy and for action against human rights violations is common in East Asia, Japan, North and South Korea and China and Mongolia, Vietnam, Philippines, and the other South East Asian countries.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN EAST ASIA

The question whether Human Rights and Democracy are being observed or not, particularly in these South East Asian countries, is sometimes in itself a big question mark.

Is democracy, as it was meant to be, observed in these countries?
Sometimes, the adaptation of democracy in these countries contains certain modifications which are made to fit in, into the desires of the people who run the government. In the same way that human rights are also modified into each and every constitution of that particular country.

The United Nations have established basic tenets on the Universal Human Rights, to protect the civil, political, economic, religious and social rights of individuals all over the world. They policed country members into granting equality to citizens in all phases of their lives.

In East Asia however, some of these rights are violated knowingly and unknowingly by the government personnel themselves or by certain individuals, without the knowledge of the government.

The most common violations in these countries are:

1. The right to peaceful assembly and expression

One very good example is when certain private companies explicitly include in their worker's contract a paragraph which states that they are not allowed to become members of organizations or to create organizations unless approved by the administration. This in itself is a violation of the right to expression and right to collective bargaining. The government knows this but is incapable of stepping in and interceding because these private companies contribute towards the country's economic development.

2. The right to education

This right is also often violated in these countries, especially in South East. This is because government is so corrupt, that instead of giving back the tax payer's money in the form of social services, they pocket it instead. The national budget therefore is cut drastically to adjust to this scenario. Education, health and the basic needs are not given sufficient funding. This then deprives citizens of the right to education.

In the Philippines alone, although the government is trying its best to repair old school buildings, provide more teachers, and improve basic education services; there are still children in the barrios who are denied this basic right, the right to education.

3. The right to Political affiliations

Sometimes, the cause of violence in some East Asian countries is because of politics. When the existing government is assailed by political adversaries, they are nabbed and charged of rebellion. Sometimes, they are even "salvaged" (political killings) just because they have a different political affiliation.

CONCLUSION:

Several human rights violations are reported but it is difficult to investigate each one of them as each country has their own version of what human rights violation should be.

Indeed, the basic ground for human rights and democracy, in any part of the world, should be based on the dignity of the human person as a social being.

How to Implement a Community Plan

It is not easy to prepare for a community health program that would be beneficial to a community. Sometimes the culture , hope not of violence, of a community affects the behavior of the residents. An effective community health program is a well organized and a comprehensively planned activity that involves actively the people of the community. This would only take place of the members of the community have an active participation in the venture. It is very crucial that you as the facilitator should know that the cooperation of the members of the community is the most important thing. They should feel that they are part of the project, that you are only there to guide and facilitate it, and that they are the ones who should implement it and they should take active participation. You are not only teaching them independence and self-reliance but also taking pride in their own community.

You could follow four distinct steps:


Assess the community. What are the existing structures, goals, and plans? Take detailed description of each. Is there an existing health care center? What are the existing goals established by this center? What segment have they implemented so far? Are the implemented programs effective? What phase needs to be improved?

How many personnel are available daily? Is the number sufficient to respond to the needs of the community? Are there enough doctors? Nurses? Med. Techs? And nursing aides? Is the specialty of the doctor and personnel relevant to the needs of the community?

If there are more infant mortality and morbidity, then a pediatrician should be part of the health team. A community health program should be relevant to the needs of the community.

Set up your goals

Once you have identified the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), it is time now to prepare your objectives. You should prepare short term and long-term objectives. Your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely SAMRT.) It is essential that you should do the assessment first because you have to create goals that would respond to the needs of that particular community. Communities have different needs and these should be taken into consideration.

Implement your goals/programs

Implement your community health program. You should have certain milestones to be achieved in the course if your implementation. There should be short t- term goals to determine how far the project has advanced. It would also indicate if the steps you are doing are in track with your objectives.

Evaluate your program

After the implementation of the community health program, you are now ready to check if you have achieved your short and long term goals; whether you have done the project according to plan. You should have an inventory list, the accomplishments, the outcomes or the end results of each step.

If the goals have not been achieved, then determine the root problem. What are the reasons? These would be your basis of establishing and creating your goals again. Then the whole process is repeated: assessment, goals’ formulation, implementation and evaluation.

The ultimate success of a community health problem is the cooperation of all entity involved in the project, most especially the members of the community. The local governments, government officials, the private sector, the allied health personnel and everyone have to work together to succeed in implementing a community health program.

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