Thursday, December 26, 2019

The Right to Die with Dignity Physician Assisted Suicide...

Physician assisted suicide should be a choice of the patient in Florida. There has long been a debate on Physician assisted suicide in the state of Florida, and in many other US states. The government has the burden on whether to pass an initiative on allowing physician assisted suicide. The Right to die initiative is decided on a state by state basis. Physician-assisted suicide is defined as a physician providing either equipment or medication, or to inform the patient of the most available means, for the purpose of assisting the patient to end his or her own life. The people’s opinion support PAS according to a poll given in 1998. The majority 33% of people agreed that Physician assisted suicide should be made legal in a variety†¦show more content†¦A good example is the case of Lester W. Angell of Orlando, Fla. He had been suffering from prostate cancer for seven years when he shot himself in the head. Mr. Angell saw no other way to end his pain. If PAS had been legal in Florida, he may have had a much more peaceful death. â€Å"Many people with terminal illness face the same dilemma. It is not a choice between life and death. It is a choice between a slow, agonizing death and a quick, merciful one.†(Angell) There are arguments for both sides of the issue. There is fear that the terminally ill would be taken advantage of. If it is closely regulated this should never be an issue. If the state of Florida passes the initiative for Physician-assisted suicide, tremendous pain and suffering could be avoided in many cases. A patient, who has long been denied a death with dignity, would finally have recourse of action to end his or her painful life. Nurses and doctors are certainly more qualified to recommend a painless procedure, than the patient is themselves. If agreed upon by the patient, vital organs could be harvested and used for others before a disease like cancer ravishes them through time. Not only would the patient’s suffering end, but the tortured families of such patients would finally be given the chance for closure and begin to move ahead with their own lives once again. (Messerli) In November 2008, Washington State voted to approve an initiative modeled after Oregons Death with Dignity law.Show MoreRelatedEuthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide1629 Words   |  7 Pagespainful? How will our death affect the ones we love? It would seem that most people would desire to die with dignity. Having the choice to die peacefully is a valuable option that every human should be able to make for themselves. For those with terminal illnesses or major health problems, assisted suicide creates options to reduce the amount of suffering the patient must enduring. Dying with dignity could be beneficial for not only the person who is dying, but also the person’s family and loved onesRead MoreThe Debate Of Assisted Suicide1747 Words   |  7 Pages The topic of assisted suicide is very controversial and is heavily debated upon all around the world. While physician assisted suicide is only legal in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and a few states in the U.S., it is illega lly practiced widely by physicians and nurses, such as Dr. Jack Kevorkian. I first heard of physician assisted suicide when the death of Dr. Kevorkian, an assisted suicide advocate and a suicide aid, was on the news in 2011. Kevorkian assisted in the suicide of many patientsRead MoreThe Ethics Of Physician Assisted Suicide926 Words   |  4 Pagesethics of physician assisted suicide since the late 18th century. According to medicinenet the definition of physician assisted suicide is â€Å"the voluntary termination of one s own life by administrating a lethal substance with the direct assistance of a physician.† This would typically come into play if/when a critically ill patient wants to end their suffering. Confirming with the State-by-State Guide to Physician-Assisted Suicide, 5 states have Paquin 2 Legalized physician assisted suicide. CaliforniaRead MoreThe Death Of Physician Assisted Suicide1731 Words   |  7 PagesDie With Dignity It is obvious this is a very controversial issue that is discussed daily by those who wish to die to avoid loss of dignity and also by those who think it could be immoral. For physician-assisted suicide to even be considered the patient must be of sound mind when they are requesting the physician-assisted suicide. To guarantee that the process is carried out correctly a doctor or a witness should be there to prove consciousness. The patient must be diagnosed with a terminal illnessRead MoreThe United States Of America1536 Words   |  7 PagesConstitution has limitations on the government to protect the fundamental rights of it citizens. (The Constitution) These Fundamental rights can be found in the Bill of Rights, with ten amendments that provide United States citizens with freedom of speech, religion, while protecting them from unreasonable search and seizure and assuring rights of speedy trial by a jury of one’s peers. (The Constitution) When a constitutional right has b een violated by a law, United States citizens can bring such matterRead MoreThe Rights Of Assisted Suicide Essay1584 Words   |  7 PagesThe Right To Die With Dignity Assisted suicide is the act of committing suicide with the help of another person or doctor, most commonly referred to as Physician Assisted Suicide. It is currently legal in Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Montana, California, and Colorado. Considering the increase of people dying from terminal illnesses, assisted suicide should be legalized across the nation. People that suffer from a terminal illness that can’t be cured or treated and will result in death have the rightRead MoreShould Physician Assisted Suicide Be Legal?761 Words   |  4 Pages We Should be in Favor of Physician-assisted Suicide In a momentous decision released February 6, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Physician-assisted suicide will be legal in Canada within 12 months. This deci-sion has caused a myriad of controversy. Opponents of physician-assisted suicide argue that the constitution recognizes the sanctity of life and no one has the right to end the life of another person’s. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that patients who experience constantRead MoreThe Legalization Of Physician Assisted Suicide1720 Words   |  7 PagesIt is obvious discussing physician-assisted suicide is a very controversial issue that is discussed daily by those who wish to die to avoid loss of dignity and also by those who think it is unethical. For physician-assisted suicide to even be considered, the patient must be of sound mind when they are requesting death with dignity. Physician-assisted suicide should be a legal option for people who are unable to end their own lives. However, there shoul d be safeguards to prevent any sort of abuseRead MoreThe Choice Of Physician Assisted Suicide1441 Words   |  6 PagesAcceptance of Physician-Assisted Suicide Imagine sitting in the doctor’s office waiting to hear the results of a recent test that was done. The doctor comes into the room and breaks the news that you have a debilitating illness that will continue to progress quickly, eventually leaving you in a vegetative state. Knowing that there is no cure, and not many options for treatment, what would be the next step to consider? If you had the option to die, would you take it? Physician-assisted suicide remainsRead MoreThe Death Of Assisted Suicide1394 Words   |  6 Pages2015 Choosing Death Did you know that more than 300 terminally ill people a year commit suicide in England, a country that prohibits physician assisted suicide? Physician assisted death is committed with the aid of another person, usually with lethal injections like fluids through IVs or shots, to help end suffering in those whose pain and/or diseases cannot be healed. By making physician assisted suicide legal, we can reduce the pain of those individuals who suffer in some circumstances. In

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Using Animals In Research And To Test Products Has Been

Using animals in research and to test products has been a topic of heated debate for many years. Animals have contributed to research and we have found many cures to diseases that would have otherwise killed us. Many individuals view animals as companions that exhibit emotion and have a personality, they’re not viewed as lab subjects. The fact remains that animals are utilized by research facilities and cosmetics companies, not just across the country but around the entire world. Although humans do benefit from animal research, the pain, suffering, and annual deaths of over one hundred million animals are not worth the human benefits. Why should animals suffer unnecessarily for the human benefit? Animals are given diseases that they would†¦show more content†¦But babies also do not have those rights and cannot express themselves through language, but they are treated with respect and are not tortured (Mur 10). PETA stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal s, the case that launched it was the Silver Springs Monkey experiment that took place in Silver Spring, Maryland. In this laboratory, 17 monkeys were held in small wired cages with feces and urine that have accumulated over several years. The experiment was run by a Psychologist named Edward Taub who had no previous medical training. The monkeys would be subjected to many spinal surgeries that would cause one or more of their limbs to become useless. They would be forced to regain mobility of their useless limbs by constantly being shocked. These monkeys would lose fingers by getting them caught in the cage, some only had three out of ten fingers left. They were food deprived and they would scavenge through their feces to find something to eat (The Silver Spring Monkeys: The Case That Launched PETA). There are many alternatives to animal testing. For example, synthetic skin; the synthetic skin has been made and may replace the use of animal subjects. The Draize test, for example, was an â€Å"eye irritancy test, in which cosmetics, dishwashing liquid, drain cleaner, and other substances are dripped into the animals’ eyes, often causing redness, swelling, discharge, ulceration, hemorrhaging, cloudiness, or blindness† (Rabbits in Laboratories). More than 170,000 rabbitsShow MoreRelatedAnimal Experimentation1612 Words   |  7 Pagesaccept animal experimentation but they also increased the use of genetically modified mice in carrying out such tests. On July 27th official statistics showed that, for the first time, the use of genetically-modified animals has outstripped that of conventional creatures and hardly anyone flinched knowing that† (Britain: Tweaking the Experiments; Animal Testing). Imagine the world without the essential vaccines that are used to prom ote healthy humans, but that is the world without animal experimentationsRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Stop Testing Their Products On Animals1722 Words   |  7 Pageshistory, animal experimentation has played a significant important role in leading to new discoveries and human benefit. However, what many people tend to forget are the numbers of animal subjects that have suffered serious harm during the process of experimentation. Each day across America innocent animals are used as test subjects for products that have little to no relevance importance. Animal testing has had many negative issues arise in society in a negative way. Debating over the animal rightsRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned1656 Words   |  7 Pagestext] [Type text] 1 Prejean The use of animals in research is a widely controversial topic in today?s scientific community and raises an important ethical issue. Do animals make appropriate research subjects and is it absolutely necessary to use animals to test the safety of products? Animal testing can be referred to in a number of ways including animal research and animal experimentation, all of which involve experiments performed on animals to test the safety and effectiveness of things rangingRead MoreAnimal Experimentation Is Necessary For Medical Research1484 Words   |  6 Pagesthink if an animal tested product is being bought or not? Innumerable people fail to consider how these products came to be or if there was animal experimentation was involved. Many people are oblivious to the appalling occurrences that take place in laboratories involving animal cruelty on a daily basis. Government officials and scientists believe that testing on animals is essential for medical research, but many of the resu lts prove to be irrelevant and the reality is that most animals that are experimentedRead MoreUsage of Animals in Biomedical Experiments1175 Words   |  5 PagesThe great advances in medicine have been the results of many researches carried out by scientists who did many experiments to test the validity of their theories. Such experiments demanded using animals in testing which proved to be beneficial for ages in spite of the objections it raised among animal protectors. Yet the usage of animals in biomedical experiments has increased significantly over the past decade creating more and constant debate on whether the benefits of these experiments overweighRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Animal Testing1154 Words   |  5 Pagespeople are aware that animals are used for testing on many different products such as food, drugs, and cosmetics. Animals are used for testing on these different products before they are released to humans to ensure it’s safe for human use, the reason animals are used such as rats and chimps is because they share about 99% of the same DNA as us humans. Many medical breakthroughs have happened because of the use of animal testing, according to the California Biomedical Research Association, â€Å"nearlyRead MoreAnimal Cruelty Laws Should Be Legal1550 Words   |  7 Pagesdebate the issue of animal testing along with the manufacturers whom participate, and provide information for both sides. I will start by presenting some basic animal cruelty laws. The Animal Legal Defense Fund maintains a database of criminal animal cruelty cases in the U.S. reported to our organization. In the last ten years, over 30% of cases that we have tracked involve animal neglect (Animals Neglect Facts). Animal cruelty includes some of the following, torturing an animal, failing to provideRead MoreCost-Benefit Analysis Of The Ethics Of Animal Testing1606 Words   |  7 Pagesthat all animals, including humans, have the same right to not suffer or be harmed. A cost-benefit analysis justifying these types of experiments should be used to evaluate the appropriateness of using animals for the research. The United Kingdom has adopted this perspective calling for a complete ban on all experiments that cause more harm to the animals than would be of benefit to humans. The United Kingdom has historically been a leader in terms of regulating animal research and has banned theRead More Its Time to Stop Animal Research, Testing, and Experimentation1594 Words   |  7 PagesTime to Stop Animal Research, Testing, and Experimentation    Using animals in research and to test the safety of products has been a topic of heated debate for decades. According to data collected by F. Barbara Orlans for her book, In the Name of Science: Issues in Responsible Animal Experimentation, sixty percent of all animals used in testing are used in biomedical research and product-safety testing (62). People have different feelings for animals; many look upon animals as companionsRead MoreThe Effects Of Animal Cruelty1691 Words   |  7 PagesAnimal cruelty has become a problem, it is causing harm to the animals lives. Animal Cruelty is the suffering of an animal, whether it is caused on purpose or not. There are other things that are cruel to animals, such as the testing of animals. These animals have no protection by law, which means they can be used for any testing. This is unacceptable, unfair, and cruel that these animals have to be used in testing. Animals are just as important as humans. Their are those who believe that it is okay

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Energetic Analysis

Question: Describe about the key discussion in this particular journal is life cycle assessment and energetic analysis? Answer: The given journal represents the technologies that capture the post combustion. The key discussion in this particular journal is life cycle assessment and energetic analysis. This journal discusses the framework of energetic analysis. Apart from that, the given journal concludes environmental impacts of capturing co2 as well as the storage system. It has been identified that, three different scenarios for carbon capturing from the post combustion power plant through MEA based system. For each scenario, the researcher of this particular journal simulates the process especially for the energy efficiency power plant and the energy consumption. In the methodology part of this journal, researcher integrated the method as well as the system boundary in order to understand the CO2 capture and storage. Process model have been discussed of the whole technology and life cycle assessment regarding CO2 capturing and storage system (Zhanga et al. 2014). This journals represented that assessing the emerging technologies especially for CO2 that inherently faces several challenges as well as uncertainties. The challenges as well as uncertainties have been occurred due to lack of information or data regarding industrial environment. However, this particular journal displayed the key importance of life cycle assessment technologies from the point of view of environmental impact of CO2 capture and storage and energy consumption. This journal also demonstrated the MEA based capturing system that has challenges of emission and solvent degradation. Apart from that, the need of retrofitting for the existing power plant has been identified along with the higher energy consumption (Veltman et al. 2010). Moreover, the impact of hybrid membrane-cryogenic process of energy consumption system among the three scenarios has been discussed. Reference List Zhanga, X., Singha, B., Hec, B., Dengc, T.G.L., and Zhangba S. (2014). DepartmentPost-combustion carbon capture technologies: Energetic analysisand life cycle assessment. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control. Pp- 289-298 Veltman, K., Singh, B., and Hertwich, E.G., (2010). Human and environmental impactassessment of postcombustion CO2capture focusing on emissions from amine-based scrubbing solvents to air. Environ. Sci. Technol. 44, 14961502.

Monday, December 2, 2019

The Indian women writers who expressed their views Essays - Feminism

The Indian women writers who expressed their views and agony through their writings in the Postcolonial times for two major reasons. First, both patriarchy and imperialism could be seen to exert different forms of domination over those subordinate to them. Because of this, it was important for the experiences of women under the patriarchal influence to come out to the forefront and expose the undue cruelty be held on them by men. It was necessary for the women to oppose this male dominance over them. We observe that women continued to define the borders of the community, class and race. They tried to express their agony and dissatisfaction of male dominated attitude through their works. Though the Indian women writers try to depict the women as strong and focused in their vision to succeed in lives, they were, however, ablest to succeed in their lives only in the space allotted to them by the men. However, the Indian women writers who tried to stamp their authority in a male domina ted environment as best as it is possible to them. They know very well that it is a very difficult path, as the women had to break through years of male dominance, taboos and beliefs that had heavily impregnated the society. In addition, critics argued that colonialism operated very differently for women and for men. It is so because women are subjected to both general discrimination as colonial toys of subjects and specific discri mination as women addressed as double colonization.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

7 Ways Entertainment Writers Can Maximize Their Online Presence

7 Ways Entertainment Writers  Can Maximize Their Online Presence Writing a noteworthy feature film or television script is challenging enough, but as an up-and-comer, standing out in a crowded marketplace might be even harder. Tinseltown is chock full of novice scribes angling for a shot at the spotlight, creating fierce competition as everyone jockeys for attention from a limited group of agents, managers, and producers. With all this, it may seem hard to find a good friend in the entertainment business, but the internet can certainly be one if you know how to leverage it. 1. Blogging Creates Belonging A solid first start is creating your own blog or website. Blogger 2. Social Media: No Longer Optional Get on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. But don’t just tweet or post about successes on your personal page. Follow others in your field. Join filmmaking groups. Use the platforms to network with producers, directors and other writers, seek collaborations and work opportunities, share important resources and get invited to events. Yes, it’s difficult to speak highly of yourself in such settings without coming off as pretentious, but until you have an agent or manager doing it for you, the next best thing is to generate the support of an online community who can help 3. Those Mysterious Spec Script Marketplaces Several reputable marketplaces exist where writers can showcase speculative material for potential buyers. Some of the most prominent include Inktip, Spec Scout and The Black List. The former allows you to list any treatment and/or script for a nominal fee while the latter two sell analysis services that result in high-scoring scripts being promoted online. Indie producers seeking affordable and often specific material from writers will check these sites. (Side note: Writer-producers who are seeking financing can also list their projects on Slated if they can get admitted to the site.) ​​​​​​​ 4. A Little Competition Never Hurt Screenplay competitions are a viable way to generate online buzz so long as you perform well in them. The top finishers in well-respected contests like Nicholl, Final Draft, and Scriptapalooza – usually quarterfinalist level and above – will be mentioned on their websites and in various online promotional materials. Script Pipeline, going a step further, offers finalists in their competition both development assistance and online circulation of the material to a network of producers, agents, and managers. 5. All Publicity’s Good Publicity Seek out opportunities for free publicity in online trade magazines, screenwriter blogs, and entertainment podcasts. Find an angle that makes your material or personal story unique and pitch those site proprietors on why they should give you a platform. No good at pitching? Well, you’ll need to work on it because it’s an essential skill for writers in Hollywood. But in the meantime, hire an affordable short-term publicist like October Coast to help you find such opportunities. 6. Shoot Something! Not all online exposure has to be written. Writing for the screen is just the first step in the process of creating a much more layered audio-visual product. Shoot a scene from your script yourself to share on YouTube or Vimeo as a way to show your scripting skills in practice. Better yet, see if you can convince an indie filmmaker to shoot a short or do a web series based on your material. Once you have any sort of produced credit, you can submit to have a profile on IMDB, perhaps the most referenced online resource there is in entertainment. 7. Be Down with the Cause Consider ways your material might be able to attract the attention of partner groups like charities, non-profits or other special interests. For instance, if your script features a lead with autism, you might be able to attract the support of autism foundations that can help provide online exposure for the story. Material that is inspirational, purpose-driven or based on a true-life figure is often the best fit for this. https://www.blogger.com/ https://www.wix.com/ https://www.weebly.com/ https://www.site123.com/ https://www.inktip.com/ https://specscout.com/ https://blcklst.com/ https://www.slated.com/ https://www.oscars.org/nicholl https://www.finaldraft.com/products/bb-contest-info/ https://scriptapalooza.com/ https://scriptpipeline.com/ https://www.octobercoastpr.com/ https://www.imdb.com/

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Summary of Children Need to Play, Not Compete

Summary of Children Need to Play, Not Compete In Children Need to Play, Not Compete, Jessica Statsky argues that organized sports are not suitable for children between the ages of six and twelve and should, therefore, be replaced by sports that emphasize on fitness, cooperation, and sportsmanship. Statsky claims that highly organized sports such as Peewee Football and Little League Baseball are played according to adult standards with undesirable effects on the development of children. She goes on to state that the physical action that is necessitated by overly competitive sports exposes children to danger through injury. The danger to children is not only limited to physical injury as Statsky asserts that competitive sports pose psychological dangers to children.† The author claims that the games are counterproductive to children and they only serve to provide occasions for parents and coaches to fulfill their fantasies and needs. She reveals that the obsession with winning leads to adults degrading the quality of the pla ying experience for children. Statsky provides examples of incidents where brawls have broken out between adults as a result of completion. Statsky concludes by proposing that local programs which emphasize sportsmanship, cooperation and fitness should replace the overly competitive programs currently in place. (197 Words).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Summary of Children Need to Play, Not Compete specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Response to Children Need to Play I strongly agree with Jessica Statskys article Children Need to Play, Not Compete. As a person who underwent a childhood in which I was exposed to competitive sports, I agree with Statsky’s proposal that the high competition in children sports should be done away. I agree with the authors observation that the competitive nature of the games takes the fun element out. From my childhood experiences, sports were always more fun when they were un dertaken in a spirit of cooperation and friendliness. When winning became the dominant factor, everything changed, and the game could no longer be played in a fun atmosphere. In my opinion, a significant strength that the author demonstrates through her article is that she uses words that are vivid in her descriptions. For example, her portrayal of the scene where the player in the Peewee Football game takes himself out of the game by faking a stomach ache is very moving. By such vivid descriptions, the reader can paint a mental image of the negative effect that excessive competition can have. Statsky’s treatment of the subject is balanced, and the arguments expressed by the author are not restricted to the side she supports but also the opposition. Statsky does not shy away from presenting the opinion of the proponents of competitive sports for children. She frequently references the Little League Online which is a website that advocates for competitive sports among children . The author especially gives ethical considerations to the other points of view. After stating that children run the risk of physical injury as a result of competitive games, she quotes the proponents of competitive sports activities who document that the injury risks are infrequent. By doing this, Statsky gives us a balanced view on the issue as opposed to only giving space to her point of view. This increases the credibility of the essay to me since the author is not trying to use the ignorance of the reader on the matter to force her point home. The author also makes use of statistics to reinforce her claims, therefore, making them more credible. For example, she asserts that according to a study, â€Å"90% of children would rather play regularly for a losing team rather than warm the bench for a winning team†. Even more importantly, the author includes references as to which studies she is referring to, therefore, increasing the validity of the results since one can conf irm her reporting should they wish to.Advertising Looking for assessment on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For all the strengths of the article, I find Statsky guilty of using many generalizations which may not necessarily be true for the majority of the population. She states that in instances where children are not injured, fear of being hurt detracts from their enjoyment of the sport. while this may be the case for some or even a majority of the children, it is highly unlikely that it is the case for all the children involved in competitive sports. Statsky’s presents a strong argument, and her case is made especially compelling by the author’s use of authoritative sources to back up her argument. Through this, it is clear that children risk not only physical but also psychological damages as a result of overly competitive programs. I agree with her assertion that this situation should be reversed and less competitive sports programs devised for children to ensure that children have a fun and constructive childhood. Statsky, Jessica. Children Need to Play, Not Compete. Bedford Books. Print.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Agora History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Agora History - Essay Example Agora is an historical Spanish drama film produced in 2009. The movie was directed by Alejandro Amenabar. Agora represents a movie genre that is increasingly rare. The movie is based in the happenings of the 4th century in the Roman Empire. The whole story focuses on a 4th century Greek astronomer called Hypatia.The movie therefore represents a successful project of making a movie about the past period while at the same time, making a movie about the present (Germain 12). The historical movie was set in roman Egypt, specifically, at the end of the Roman Empire. In the last days of the empire, the Alexandria city in Egypt was torn. There came a split between Christians and the pagans and due to their large numbers, Christians gained political power. They therefore set the standard of morality that was a must-abide for all who wanted to survive. There are several religious aspects that are evident in the film (Pollard and Howard 64). Religious domination and war between religious group s is seen when Christians destroyed pagan gods and waged war against pagans. The Jews were caught in between this leading to divisions among them. Many pagans were converted to Christianity as well as some Jews like Dave, Hypatia’s slave. They shifted to Christianity to save themselves of trouble from this powerful group. Others stuck to the Jewish religion and there emerged open war and hatred between Christians and the Jews. Devout Jews became victims of the war against paganry. Religion was also use to cover up for the rejection of the ideas of some people. For example, Hypatia was not really interested in religion but in making discoveries and selling her ideas to the people. she was victimised on religious grounds because most of the Christians did not support her views. This also depicted the religious hypocrisy of that time. The Christians were not ready to forgive Hypatia as Jesus, their perfect example, forgave those who sinned against him. Religious leaders could on ly stand with the rights of Christians instead of humanity, representing God’s precious creation. Although some people may criticise the movie for emphasising on early Christianity, especially the dominating nature of Roman Catholic, the movie has a high historic accuracy. Rohter (10) observes that the themes of religions verses spirituality and faith verses zealotry are clearly brought out. This religious rottenness was powerful enough even to nullify other binding factors among people. This is seen when Synesius and Dave, at one point, turn against Hypanthia because of sticking to Jewish religions yet they were in love with her. The clash between education and religion, and knowledge and faith leads to destruction of the library. The making of a present time movie out of the past period represents a high level of creativity in the movie. Amenabar developed the movie as a result the interest he developed by exploring the night sky. In 2004, he took a break after producing on e of his movies and he travelled to the island of Malta. Stevens (5) notes that while there, Amenabar discussed astronomy with this friends and they begun speculating about extraterrestrial life found on other planets. They studied famous astrologers like the Ptolemy, Galileo, Copernicus and Johannes but the story of this 4th century astrologer was most interesting. The film is therefore cerebral, ambitious and complex. Unlike most toga movies, Agora does not depend on CHI spectacle but on ideas and real drama. The political situation at this time was poor and discriminative. When Christians waged war against the Jews, the rulers of the city of Alexandria were not powerful enough to stop it and the situation got out of hand. Despite

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Gas prices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gas prices - Essay Example (How Gasoline Works) The economy of the United States has witnessed four major shocks in connection with the oil price which occurred during 1973-74, 1979-80, 1990-91, NS 1999-2000 with a time span of 25 years. There was a unanimous view among the analysts that holding of energy independently would be the pivotal factor for designing a relevant National energy policy. If higher energy efficiency is mastered the aftermath of the oil price shock on the economy can be controlled. This effect has been proved for the year 1999-2000 where the oil price shock had a negligible effect on the economy when compared to the recent past. The candidates for the presidential campaign brought to light the necessity for greater American energy independence and expressed the idea of less dependence on oil import. Even though the United States has a hold to effect the gas price, it is to be understood that the market is not national but international. The American energy policy proves to be relatively undeterred force of s upply and demand which allowed constituting the prices for various energy sources. The public consumption of the energy source is also effected through this policy. The prices that are thought to be particularly sticky are wage contracts, publication subscriptions and items from catalogues. (Labonte; Makinen, 2000) The totally market based national energy policy argues that the market prices may blend all the relevant costs to the individual it may exempt the cause that are relevant to the nation. It is important to note that the prices may fall short to bring in a premium that would counteract any unwarranted foreign influence on the foreign and domestic policies of the United States. In the end, since the oil supply shocks are fickle and less anticipated market prices can soar high when they occur. So when this jerk disrupts, as in the past, it will have a considerable effect on Gross Domestic Product -- GDP, employment and inflation. Oil being an inevitable ingredient in the production and transit of most goods, naturally an oil price hike will affect the cost of production for the producers. This effect will also be shunned by products which use supplementary energy sources since those prices would have also experienced a hike. Thus the supply shock decreases an economic output and increase s the price level in a short run. If there is flexibility in the prices then the producers could reduce input prices such as wages excluding the total output and total price level. Only then, there would be no decline in output or hike in the price level. But when sticky prices persist then producers have no other alternative than to lower the rest of the input prices quickly which would result on a price hike that would affect the consumers. The consequence would be the rate of output is lowered as people decide to buy fewer goods, the prices being higher. Price of labor would be compensated with some employers signed off. So with fewer workers, only a lesser output is produced, so a rise in the price of oil and the inefficacy of other prices to accommodate temporarily results in the reduction of the rate of growth of output that is produced by an economy. (Labonte; Makinen

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Jeffrey Skilling Essay Example for Free

Jeffrey Skilling Essay In 1975 Jeffrey Skilling received his B. S. from Southern Methodist University in applied science, and in 1979 received his M. B. A. from Harvard. He was hired by McKinsey Company as a consultant and in 1987 began working with Enron to help create a forward market in natural gas (wikipedia. org). Ken Lay hired Skilling in 1990 as chairman and chief executive officer of Enron Finance Corp. and in 1991 he became the Chairman of Enron Gas Services Co. Also, he was appointed CEO/managing director of Enron Capital Trade Resources. Skilling was promoted to second highest position in the company, president and chief operating officer in 1979. By pushing an aggressive investment strategy, Skilling helped Enron to become the biggest wholesaler of gas and electricity (biography. com). On February 12, 2001 he was named the new CEO of Enron, replacing Ken Lay. Later in 2001, during the energy crisis in California; Skilling resigned on August 14 and shortly after he sold off large blocks of his shares of Enron. Enron declared bankruptcy in December 2001. The Federal Bureau of Investigations indicted Skilling on 35 charges, which he pleaded not guilty on February 19, 2004(wikipedia. org). His trial began on January 30, 2006 and lasted four months. On May 25, 2006 he was found guilty on one count of conspiracy, one count of insider trading, five counts of making false statements to auditors, and twelve counts of securities fraud; and not guilty on nine counts of insider trading(wikipedia. org). October 23, 2006 Skilling was sentenced to 24 years and 4 months in a federal prison and was fined 45 million dollars. Skilling began serving his prison term on December 13, 2006 at a low security federal prison in Littleton, Colorado. His release date is scheduled for February 21, 2028 according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Importance of Setting in Eveline of James Joyces Dubliners :: Dubliners Essays

Eveline: The Importance of Setting Setting is one of the most significant elements in a story. The setting goes far beyond the simple physical attributes and external face value. It seems "Eveline" solely takes place in Dublin in an old room, but the setting actually plays a key role in the story. The setting in "Eveline" helps the reader to better understand the behavior of the main character. The setting in "Eveline" is paralyzing, and this helps the reader to understand why Eveline does not go with Frank to Buenos Aires. In the majority of the story Eveline "sat at the window," (512) which parallels with her paralysis because she does not move. Eveline "was going to go away like the others" (512) because she was one of the only people left in Dublin from her childhood. However, Eveline doesn't go since she is trapped in her setting. Almost nothing in Eveline's setting ever changes throughout her life. The significance of Eveline looking around the room "reviewing all its familiar objects" (512) is that she "never dreamed of being divided" from them. All around her Eveline "had those she had know all her life about her" (512). Eveline is a product of her environment. The reader can see how the setting never changes, Eveline's life molds to it. This explains the reason for her not going away and starting a much happier life. It is extremely hard for her to make the decision of whether or not to go with Frank because she only knows one way. Eveline understands that she has "a hard life,"(513) and she has the chance to go to a place where "it would not be like that" (513). However, it scares Eveline to change her setting. After thinking about leaving she did not find her present setting as "wholly undesirable" (513) as she previously did. The latter part of "Eveline" is set by the sea. This sea is a symbol of rejuvenation for Eveline. Much like in "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, the sea is a way to escape life. "All the seas of the world tumble around her heart," (515) and Eveline is unable to flee from her life to go away with Frank. Eveline's mind has been subconsciencly designed by her environment, and she can't imagine living life any other way. Eveline is so confused and doesn't know what is holding her back, but something is.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Avoiding Ethical Impropriety:

AVOIDING ETHICAL IMPROPRIETY: PROBLEMS OF DUAL ROLE RELATIONSHIPS INTRODUCTION While the primary role of a therapist is to provide counseling services, therapists often assume further professional roles related to their special knowledge and training. For example, they may be consultants, expert witnesses, supervisors, authors, or teachers. As private persons, therapists also assume nonprofessional roles. They may be parents, football coaches, consumers, members of the PTA, friends, sexual partners, and countless other things.In their diverse professional and private capacities therapists can contribute much to the overall happiness of the communities in which they live and work. When a professional assumes at least one additional professional or personal role with respect to the same clients, the relationship thus formed is termed a dual or multiple role relationship. For example, a teacher may also be the supervisor of one of his students/interns, or a counselor may also be a custo mer of a client/proprietor. Dual role relationships may occur simultaneously or consecutively (NASW, 1997, 1. 6. c). For example, a therapist has a consecutive dual role relationship when she counsels a former sexual partner or a former student. While not all dual role relationships are unethical (have potential to cause significant harm to client or other), sometimes the blending of the counseling role with certain personal roles or with certain other professional roles can generate serious moral problems. Throughout this paper this learner will consider intricacies of problematic dual role relationships. The environment this learner will focus on is schools and universities.Two case studies will be presented, one exploring some key issues of sexual relations with clients, the other exploring some key issues of non-sexual dual role relationships. This learner will also apply the ACA code of ethics throughout this paper. Four sets of standards regarding ethical management of dual ro le relationships will be adduced. DUAL ROLE RELATIONSHIPS INVOLVING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Dual role relationships are morally problematic when they involve the therapist in a conflict of interest. According to Davis and Stark â€Å"a erson has a conflict of interest if he is in a relationship with one or more others requiring the exercise of judgment in the others' behalf but has a special interest tending to interfere with the proper exercise of judgment in that relationship. † For example, a therapist's ability to counsel a client may be adversely affected if the counselor is also the client's business partner. Insofar as a dual role relationship impairs the therapist's ability to make judgments promotive of client welfare, the therapist has a moral responsibility to avoid such a relationship or to take appropriate steps to safeguard client welfare.One possible manner of dealing with a dual role relationship involving a conflict of interest is to inform the client that the conflict exists. In this way, clients are treated as autonomous agents with the power to go elsewhere if and when they so choose. However, while such an approach will accord with candor and consideration for client autonomy, it may not alone resolve the moral problem. The potential for client harm may still persist in cases in which the client elects to stick with the relationship. Non-maleficence–â€Å"first do no harm†Ã¢â‚¬â€œ should then take priority.A further approach aiming at mitigating potential for client harm is to make full disclosure to the client and seek consultation and supervision in dealing with the conflict (Corey & Herlihy, 1997). According to Corey and Herlihy (1997), while this approach may be more â€Å"challenging† than avoiding dual role relationships altogether, â€Å"a willingness to grapple with the ethical complexities of day-to-day practice is a hallmark of professionalism. † However, the client's ability to â€Å"grapple † with the situation must also be taken into account.In situations where the therapist seeks consultation and supervision to deal with a conflict of interest, candor requires that the therapist inform the client of such. Although different clients may respond differently to disclosure of this information, it should be considered what implications this arrangement may have from the client's perspective. If the therapist cannot trust himself (without supervision) to act in concert with client welfare, will this adversely effect the client's ability to trust the therapist in this or other situations?The mere existence of the dual role relationship may itself present an obstacle for the client. For example, in a relationship in which the client barters for counseling services, the client may feel compelled to treat the therapist in a manner that exceeds ordinary customer expectations. The client's perception may then be more important than the reality. Even if the therapist succee ds in maintaining independence of judgment through consultation and supervision, this may not matter if the client does not perceive the situation this way or if the client is otherwise unable to maintain objectivity.In some situations, dual role relationships may be unavoidable. For example, in a rural locality in which there is only one practicing therapist and one bank, the therapist's loan officer may also be the therapist's client. In situations where avoiding the dual role is not possible or not feasible, the therapist should then take precautions such as informed consent, consultation, supervision, and documentation to guard against impaired judgment and client exploitation (ACA, 1995, A. 6. a).Viewed in this light, therapists practicing under conditions where unavoidable dual role relationships are likely (for example, in small rural towns), have additional warrant for making and keeping in contact with other competent professionals willing to provide consultation or supervi sion upon request. Morally problematic dual role relationships may be sexual or non-sexual in nature. Sexual dual role relationships include ones in which therapists engage in sexual relations with current clients or with former clients.Non-sexual dual role relationships include (but are not limited to) ones in which the therapist is also the client's supervisor, business partner or associate, friend, employee, relative, or teacher. While these relationships are often avoidable, their problematic nature may go unnoticed. For example, in an effort to help a friend in need, a therapist may, with all good intentions, overlook potential for client harm. Professional and legal standards governing sexual relationships with current clients consistently forbid such relationships. Legal sanctions may include license revocation, civil suits, and criminal prosecution (Anderson, 1996).According to The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, â€Å"counselors do not have any type of sexu al intimacies with clients and do not counsel persons with whom they have had a sexual relationship† (A. 7. a). The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics justifies its own prohibition against providing clinical services to former sexual partners on the grounds that such conduct â€Å"has the potential to be harmful to the individual and is likely to make it difficult for the social worker and individual to maintain appropriate professional boundaries† (NASW, 1997, 1. 9. d) The potential harm resulting from sexual activities with clients has been documented. For example, citing the research of Kenneth S. Pope (1988), Herlihy and Corey (1997) have noted that harm may resemble that akin to victims of rape, battery, child abuse, and post traumatic stress. These effects include â€Å"ambivalence, guilt, emptiness and isolation, identity/boundary/role confusion, sexual confusion, impaired ability to trust, emotional liability, suppressed rage, cognitive dysfu nction, and increased suicidal risk† (p. 4). The prohibition against sexual activities with current clients has also been extended to students and supervisees. For example, according to the American Psychological Association Ethical Standards, â€Å"psychologists do not engage in sexual relationships with students or supervisees in training over whom the psychologist has evaluative or direct authority, because such relationships are so likely to impair judgment or be exploitative (1. 19. b).There is, however, less consensus on the question of sex with former clients. Although some states unconditionally regard sex with former clients as sexual misconduct, other state statutes as well as codes of ethics make exceptions. For example, Standard 4. 07 of the American Psychological Association Ethical Standards asserts the following: a. Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with a former therapy patient or client for at least two years after cessation or termination of p rofessional services. . Because sexual intimacies with a former therapy patient or client are so frequently harmful to the patient or client, and because such intimacies undermine public confidence in the psychology profession and thereby deter the public's use of needed services, psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former therapy patients and clients even after a two-year interval except in the most unusual circumstances.The psychologist who engages in such activities after the two years following cessation or termination of treatment bears the burden of demonstrating that there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant factors, including (1) the amount of time that has passed since therapy terminated, (2) the nature and duration of therapy, (3) the circumstances of termination, (4) the patient's or client's personal history, (5) the patient's or client's current mental status, (6) the ikelihood of adverse impact on the patient or client and others, and ( 7) any statements or actions made by the therapist during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility of a post-termination sexual or romantic relationship with the patient or client. The American Counseling Association has recently adopted a similar rule stipulating a minimum two year waiting period, and requiring counselors to â€Å"thoroughly examine and document that such relations did not have an exploitative nature† based upon similar criteria as those set forth in the above rule (ACA, Code, A. . b). The American Association of Marriage and Family Counselors has also adopted a two year waiting period (AAMFT, 1991, 1. 12). Without stipulating a time period, the recent Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers has provided that social workers should not engage in sexual activities or sexual conduct with former clients because of the potential for harm to the client. The latter also adds that if social workers act contrary to this prohib ition or claim exceptional circumstances, then social workers, not their clients, â€Å"assume the full burden of demonstrating that the former client has not been exploited, coerced, or manipulated, intentionally or unintentionally† (NASW, 1997, 1. 09. c). From a rule utilitarian perspective, a rule unconditionally forbidding sex with former clients may be warranted. First, as the above APA rule suggests, the circumstances of excusable sexual relationships with former clients are â€Å"most unusual. Second, therapists contemplating sexual relations with former clients may find it difficult to objectively examine and document that such relationships are not exploitative. Their â€Å"utilitarian calculations† may be biased. Third, insofar as sexual intimacies with former clients are frequently harmful to clients and tend to undermine public confidence in the profession and its services, permitting such relations risks a high measure of disutility. Accordingly, if thera pists avoided sexual relationships with former clients without exception, then they would probably maximize overall happiness in the long run.On the other hand, given discretionary standards such as those of the APA and ACA, it is important that therapists exercise such discretion wisely. The following case study is intended to shed light on confronting conflicts of interest when sexual interests become an issue. CASE 1 Sexual Dual Role Relationships: A Case of Mutual Sexual Attachment Crystal first met Dr. Walker, a thirty-eight-year-old psychologist, when she came to him for marital problems. Crystal, an attractive, twenty-five-year-old women, had been married to her husband, Chris, for two years when she entered therapy.Chris was a wealthy corporate CEO and at the time the couple met, Crystal was a fashion model working between jobs as a waiter in a popular nightclub. When the two were married, Chris insisted that Bethany give up her career goals and stay at home. Crystal coopera ted with Chris, resigning from her job and severing all ties with her modeling agency. During the first few weeks of her marriage, after returning from a week-long honeymoon in Europe, she felt reasonably contented. However, as the weeks went on, she began to experience increasing dissatisfaction with her new life, which she subsequently described as â€Å"totally empty†.Although she was frequently visited by friends, she still felt very much alone. Chris was often away on business and the couple's relationship began to â€Å"feel strained† when the two were together. While they had previously enjoyed an active sex life, the couple gradually became sexually estranged. Crystal thought that their relationship might improve if she resumed her modeling career, but when Crystal tried to discuss the matter with Chris, he refused to listen to her, stating â€Å"I will not suffer the humiliation of having any wife of mine parading about like a piece of meat. When she suggeste d that they go to marriage counseling, Chris refused, saying that there was nothing that the two couldn't resolve on their own. However, a close friend convinced Crystal to seek counseling, even though her husband would not agree to come along. The friend recommended Dr. Walker. In therapy with Dr. Walker, Crystal often expressed a desire to leave her husband but also expressed fears of â€Å"being by herself† and of not â€Å"making it on her own† without guidance from her husband.On the one hand, she complained of boredom, loneliness, and desperation; on the other, she expressed reluctance to give up what she now had to return to the precariousness of her former existence. It was a lot â€Å"easier and less risky,† she said, â€Å"just to stay right where I am. † Dr. Walker knew from personal experience how difficult it could be to stand up to the fear of making changes in one's life without any guarantees. Having been through a divorce (three years ago ) with a woman whom he had been married to for thirteen years, Dr.Walker felt a personal bond with Crystal. He too had struggled with similar issues and felt the force of inertia as he mustered up enough inner strength to leave a wife whom he had lived unhappily with for over a decade. Hence, when Crystal began to make romantic overtures toward him (telling him that she found him extremely attractive, that she was falling in love with him, and asking him if he felt the same about her), Dr. Walker found himself in a more perplexing situation. In response to Crystal's query about his feelings toward her, Dr.Walker responded by stating query about his feelings toward her, Dr. Walker responded by stating â€Å"I think you are a very attractive woman but as your therapist it would be inappropriate and definitely not in your best interest if I were to become personally involved with you. † Although he considered Crystal's overtures to be a result of transference, he began to questi on the appropriateness of counseling a women who awakened so much of his own personal turmoil, and he worried about the possibility of his own countertransference. Dr.Walker was indeed also sexually attracted to Crystal. While he was aware of other occasions in which he was sexually attracted to female clients whom he managed to successfully counsel, Dr. Walker felt less confident in the present case. Crystal had at this juncture been in therapy for six months. Although he believed that she had made significant progress in this period, he also believed that it would be in her best interest if she were referred to another therapist. He therefore decided to terminate therapy and to refer her. Dr.Walker explained to Crystal that he had personal problems of his own that made it inappropriate for him to continue as her therapist, and that it was in her best interest if she accepted his referral. Notwithstanding Crystal's repeated pleas to know more, Dr. Walker refused to comment on what exactly those personal problems were except to emphasize that they were his, not her, problems. Crystal declined the referral and, in tears, left his office, neither seeking nor receiving therapy from anyone else again. Dr. Walker did not himself seek professional counseling for his personal problems. However. s a result of his experience with Crystal, he did subsequently avoid practicing marriage counseling, especially with young, attractive female clients. About two years after ending their professional relationship, Dr. Walker met Crystal while shopping at a supermarket and they began to talk. Crystal explained that she had divorced Chris a year ago and that she was presently trying to get back into fashion modeling but was finding it difficult to make headway. The two exchanged phone numbers. A week later Dr. Walker called Crystal and asked her out on a date. They subsequently began a sexual relationship.As we have seen, the primary purpose of a therapist is to promote the welfa re of the client. In the present case, Dr. Walker's decision to terminate Crystal's counseling was a rational response to the problem of how best to fulfill this primary counseling mission. Dr. Walker was aware that his personal emotions were potentially harmful to Crystal's continued therapeutic advancement. In particular, he was aware that his sexual attraction for this client coupled with his apparently unresolved feelings about his former marriage and divorce provided a climate for countertransference. In this regard, Dr.Walker's decision to terminate was in concert with the Principle of Loyalty insofar as his personal conflict prevented him from maintaining independence of judgment in the provision of treatment. As provided by APA Standard 1. 13c, a therapist who becomes aware of a personal problem that has potential for interfering with the provision of professional services should take â€Å"appropriate measures,† which may include terminating therapy. In making a refe rral upon termination, Dr. Walker further sought to safeguard client welfare. There was, of course, the risk that Crystal might refuse Dr.Walker's referral and never again seek counseling, a possibility that did in fact come to pass. Dr. Walker was accordingly confronted with the problem of deciding which option–referral versus continued therapy–ran the greatest chance of minimizing harm and maximizing welfare for this client. In making this â€Å"utilitarian† determination, Dr. Walker could not, however, mechanically and dispassionately calculate the risks of each available option. On the one hand, he had to try to transcend his own subjective feelings in order to rationally assess the situation.Yet, on the other hand, he had to stay in touch with those very same feelings which he sought to transcend in the process of deciding. Were the emotions he was now experiencing more of an impediment to successful counseling than previous experiences he had when he chose not to refer? Was the present case really different than the previous ones? To answer these questions, Dr. Walker could not merely be an â€Å"impartial† and â€Å"objective† observer applying a rational standard as Kantian ethics. Nevertheless, while he had to live his feelings in order to adequately represent them, he also had to attain some measure of â€Å"rational† distance from them.According to Martin (1997) such â€Å"professional distance† can be defined as a reasonable response in pursuing professional values by avoiding inappropriate personal involvements while maintaining a sense of personal engagement and responsibility. Under-distancing is the undesirable interference of personal values with professional standards. Over-distancing is the equally undesirable loss of personal involvement, whether in the form of denying one's responsibility for one's actions or in the form of lacking desirable forms of caring about clients and community.How ca n a professional determine whether client engagement avoids the above extremes and is therefore â€Å"proper†? Such determination, according to Martin (1997), constitutes an â€Å"Aristotelian mean† between these extremes. As such it must rest with perception and sound judgment enlightened by experience. As a general rule, this mean appears to be reached in therapy when the therapist gets as close to the client's situation as possible without losing her ability to rationally assess it, for it is at this point that the therapist's powers of empathetic caring and understanding are at their highest rational level.The point at which a therapist has attained this mean and has therefore stretched her rational capacities to their limits appears to be relative to both situation and individual therapist and May not always be attainable. Thus, while Dr. Walker has successfully treated clients to whom he was sexually attracted, at least some therapists might not be able to succes sfully work with such clients and had best refer them. On the other hand, Dr. Walker was not sanguine about his ability to work with Crystal without under-distancing himself. In deciding whether or not to refer, Dr.Walker needed to remain personally engaged yet detached enough to make a rational judgment about what would best promote his client's welfare. Paradoxically, he had to attain proper distance in order to decide whether, in counseling Crystal, he would be able to maintain proper distance. Martin (1997) claims that maintaining such distance within a professional relationship serves at least three important functions. First, it can help professionals to efficiently cope with difficult situations by keeping them from becoming emotionally overwhelmed.Second, proper distance can help in promoting a professional's respect for clients' autonomy. Third, it can help a professional to maintain objectivity. Insofar as loss of professional distance militates against these three functio ns, serious potential for loss of proper professional distance in counseling Crystal would have afforded Dr. Walker sufficient reason for termination. In the first place, loss of professional distance, in particular under-distancing himself from Crystal, could have destroyed his ability to cope with Crystal’s crisis by resulting in countertransference. In such an instance, Dr.Walker’s inability to keep personal interests separate from those of client could well have clouded and distorted his professional judgment regarding client welfare and thereby preempted the provision of competent counseling services. With loss of proper professional distance, Dr. Walker would accordingly have also suffered loss of objectivity, that is†critical detachment, impartiality, the absence of distorting biases and blinders† (Martin (1997). Had Dr. Walker allowed his personal interests and emotions to seep into the professional relationship, his perception would have been biase d and as such not objective.For example, in overidentifying with Crystal’s plight as an extension of his own negative marital experience, he would no longer have been impartial. He would have had blinders on, interpreting Crystal’s circumstances in terms of his own values and interests, seeking resolution not of Crystal's crisis but of his own. In Dr. Walker’s case, loss of proper professional distance could also have affected client autonomy by impairing his powers of empathy. We have seen that empathy can be an important autonomy facilitating virtue.This virtue, however, entails proper professional distance by requiring a therapist to feel as if he were in the client’s subjective world â€Å"without ever losing the `as if’ quality. † Dr. Walker’s failure to keep his own subjectivity separate from that of his client would have precluded the possibility of his â€Å"accurately sensing the feelings and meanings being experienced by th e client,† for these experiences would have been filtered through Dr. Walker’s own veil of self-interest and personal emotions. As a result Dr.Walker would not have been able to competently help his client accurately clarify the feelings and meanings she was sensing. It is, however, through such increased self-understanding that Crystal could reasonably hope to gain greater control over her own behavior and life circumstances. Given serious potential for loss of proper professional distance, any attempt by Dr. Walker to continue counseling Crystal might therefore have been carried out behind a veil of self-interest and misguided ideas, impeding client progress toward greater autonomy and well-being, countering the primary counseling mission.Under such conditions, Crystal's own state of dependency would have rendered her vulnerable to the exploitation and manipulation that easily arises when a counselor does not clearly separate personal welfare, interests, or needs from that of the client. Dr. Walker's decision to terminate was accordingly in concert with his moral responsibility not to apply the power and authority of his professional role in a manner that might exploit client dependency and vulnerability.In keeping with the Principle of Vulnerability, the heightened vulnerability of this client due to the therapist's diminished capacity for objectivity provided an occasion for exercising special care in guarding against infliction of client harm. This additional moral responsibility to take â€Å"special care† was discharged by Dr. Walker when, in consideration of his personal conflict, he decided to terminate. From a Kantian perspective, the rationale for termination is also apparent. As Crystal's therapist, Dr. Walker's role was to facilitate her increased personal autonomy.However, by continuing therapy instead of terminating, he risked treating her as a â€Å"mere means† to the satisfaction of his own confused interests and des ires rather than treating her as an autonomous agent. Dr. Walker’s motive for terminating Crystal's therapy, namely to safeguard her welfare, could also consistently be willed to be a universal law inasmuch as such a law would be consistent with and supportive of the primary counseling mission. It is noteworthy, however, that not all motives for termination could meet this Kantian standard. For example, had Dr.Walker terminated Crystal's therapy for the express purpose of beginning a sexual relationship with her, such a motive would not have been â€Å"universalizable. † This is because, if therapists consistently and universally sacrificed their clients' welfare whenever it suited their personal interests or needs, clients would not trust their therapists and therefore counseling would not effectively work. Furthermore, to consent to a universal law of such betrayal would be to consent to being treated as a â€Å"mere means† rather than as an autonomous agent, which no rational person would do.It is thus apparent why the ACA now requires therapists who intend to have sexual relationships with former clients to ascertain that they did not terminate therapy as part of a plan to initiate a sexual relationship with the client (ACA, 1995, A. 7. b). More generally the ACA also provides that counselors should â€Å"avoid actions that seek to meet their personal needs at the expense of clients† (ACA, 1995, A. 5. a). It might, however, be suggested that no violation of client autonomy occurs when a client consents to termination of therapy for purposes of beginning a sexual relationship.After all, it might be said, is this not to respect the client's will rather than to engage in any form of betrayal? Thus, supposing that Crystal were willing to discontinue therapy for purposes of pursuing sex with Dr. Walker, would Dr. Walker not have respected her autonomy (self-determination) by obliging her? Crystal's attraction to Dr. Walker was a case of transference, carrying out a sexual relationship with her would have been to exploit and manipulate her dependency, not to foster her autonomy.Given Crystal's vulnerable state of mind, it is far from clear, however, that her consent could have been considered â€Å"free† and â€Å"uncoerced†. In the least, given Dr. Walker's own impaired capacity for objectivity, and the potential to cause serious client harm, such conduct would have been a blatant violation of Dr. Walker's moral responsibility to safeguard the welfare of a vulnerable client. In terminating the counseling relationship, should Dr. Walker have told Crystal why he was terminating her therapy? It is arguable that in not fully informing Crystal of the grounds of termination, Dr.Walker had failed to act in a manner befitting a candid and congruent therapist. In support of the Principle of Candor, the APA provides that â€Å"psychologists make reasonable efforts to answer patients' questions and to avoid apparent misunderstandings about therapy†(APA, 1992, 4. 01. d). In further support, the ACA provides that â€Å"whenever counseling is initiated, and throughout the counseling process as necessary, counselors inform clients of the purposes, goals, techniques, procedures, limitations, potential risks and benefits of services to be performed, and other pertinent information† (ACA, 1995, A. . a). In still further support, the ACA provides that in terminating counseling, counselors should aim at â€Å"securing agreement when possible† (A. 11. c). Unfortunately, Crystal was not afforded the opportunity to provide informed consent to termination in a much as she was denied information material to termination, and which any client in similar circumstances would reasonably want to know. Thereby, she was not treated as an â€Å"end in herself,† that is, as a self-determining agent. Additionally, Dr.Walker left Crystal in a state of frustration and bewilderment. Wa s she to blame for Dr. Walker's decision to terminate despite his insistence that it was due to â€Å"his problem†? Since Dr. Walker had already admitted that he found Crystal to be attractive, was termination a result of his feelings toward her? Did he really love her? On the other hand, was he just offended by her having â€Å"come on† to him? In refusing to disclose his grounds for termination, Dr. Walker failed to achieve adequate closure to therapy, and Crystal was simply left â€Å"hanging. † While Dr.Walker did previously state that he found Crystal to be â€Å"a very attractive woman,† this had been at Crystal's own prompting. As such, this statement of his could well have been construed by Crystal as merely an attempt to appease her. As far as Dr. Walker did not follow through with an explicit, candid disclosure as pertinent to termination, therapy ended on an inauthentic note. In failing to â€Å"own† his own feelings, Dr. Walker missed a final and hence important opportunity to model congruence and so to encourage Crystal to take similar responsibility for her own future life decisions.What, then, might Dr. Walker have said to Crystal in response to her request for further information about why he was terminating and referring her? The truth as presented along the following lines would probably have been sufficient: â€Å"I have not completely worked through my own divorce, which, coupled with my own sexual attraction for you, has made it difficult for me to remain professionally objective and to provide you with the competent counseling services to which you are entitled.In cases like this, it is my professional responsibility to refer you to someone who will afford you such services. † In making disclosure along these lines, Dr. Walker would have responded in a manner befitting a candid and congruent therapist, and accordingly in such a manner consistent with the primary counseling mission. Dr. Walker's ex perience with Crystal appropriately alerted him to the possibility that his own â€Å"unfinished business† surrounding his divorce justified refraining from accepting clients whose profiles were similar to Crystal's.In this regard, in concert with the Principle of Loyalty, the APA (1992) provides that psychologists â€Å"refrain from undertaking an activity when they know or should know that their personal problems are likely to lead to harm to patent, client . . . or other person to whom they may owe a professional or scientific obligation† (1. 13. a). Dr. Walker failed to have worked through his own marital issues affected his ability to provide competent counseling services, Dr. Walker also had a professional responsibility to obtain competent counseling for himself.Thus, in concert with the Principle of Non-Maleficence, the ACA provides that â€Å"counselors refrain from offering or accepting professional services when their physical, mental or emotional problems are likely to harm a client or others. They are alert to the signs of impairment, seek assistance for problems, and, if necessary, limit, suspend, or terminate their professional responsibilities†(ACA, 1995, C. 2. g). In the present case neither Dr. Walker nor Crystal sought therapy for their personal problems after their professional relationship ceased.It was under these circumstances, about two years later, that Dr. Walker and Crystal began a sexual relationship. It was therefore quite possible that Crystal's sexual attraction and willingness to begin a sexual relationship with Dr. Walker was a result of the same transference problem that led Dr. Walker to terminate therapy in the first place. Similarly, it is also quite possible that Dr. Walker's own sexual attraction and willingness to begin a sexual relationship with Crystal were themselves an actualization of his previously perceived tendency to countertransfer.If so, then the possibility for client manipulation and har m which existed in therapy could be hypothesized to continue to exist in the personal relationship. Furthermore, since in his personal relationship with Crystal Dr. Walker was no longer expected to maintain professional distance or to be objective, the potential for even greater client manipulation and harm could be hypothesized to exist. In keeping with the Principle of Non-Maleficence, Dr. Walker had a professional responsibility to avoid harming others, which clearly included former clients.Dr. Walker entry into a personal relationship with Crystal placed her at significant risk of harm–and arguably at even greater risk than in their previous professional relationship–Dr. Walker had a professional responsibility to avoid such a relationship with Crystal. In addition, since this potential for harm may be traced to the exercise of power and authority established in the therapeutic context, Dr. Walker may be viewed as having used his professional powers and authorities in a manner inconsistent with Crystal's welfare.Furthermore, a rule of â€Å"once a client, always a client† would seem to derive force from the implausibility of supposing that a client's welfare matters only within the professional context but subsequently becomes expendable as soon as therapy is (formally) ended. Further, given that professional safeguards were no longer expected in the personal relationship, all knowledge previously acquired in the therapeutic context was no longer insulated from personal use. Thus, by virtue of his personal relation with Crystal, Dr.Walker was no longer expected to remain objective and professionally distanced, yet he was still privy to information previously protected by such professional responsibilities. Given the emotional dynamics of personal relationships, the potential for misuse of such knowledge will have accordingly increased. For example, in the throws of an emotionally heated disagreement, Dr. Walker might allow his percepti on to be colored by his intimate knowledge of Crystal's former marriage. This could in turn affect the manner of his own verbal, behavioral and emotional responses to Crystal.Insofar as knowledge acquired under a bond of professional confidentiality, is subsequently used for personal purposes, the Principle of Discretion will also be breached. As the APA (1992) states, â€Å"Psychologists discuss confidential information obtained in clinical or consulting relationships †¦ only for appropriate professional and scientific purposes†¦ † (5. 03. b); and it is clear use of private client information for personal, self-interested reasons falls outside the purview of such legitimate purposes. It is possible. of course, that Dr. Walker could manage to keep such private information out of his personal life.Nevertheless, therapists are human beings who have emotions and do not always perform at their best. Therefore, expecting therapists to avoid at all times being influenced by prior clinical knowledge of a person with whom they are intimately relating may be asking too much of the most well-adjusted. In Dr. Walker's case, however, there were already reasons for supposing that he had unresolved problems that would make such expectations all the more unrealistic. Furthermore, maintaining such a stature is tantamount to expecting the therapist to fulfill his professional esponsibilities within the context of a personal relationship. Role expectations between professional and personal relationships, are however, notoriously inconsistent. Thus, in personal relationships, â€Å"there is an expectation that the needs of both parties will be met in a more or less reciprocal manner. It is difficult to consistently put the consumer's needs first if one is also invested in meeting one's own needs. † And, accordingly, â€Å"as the incompatibility of expectations increases between roles, so will the potential for misunderstanding and harm† (Kitchener, 1988).On analysis, it is therefore clear that, in starting a sexual relation with a former client, Dr. Walker acted contrary to the primary counseling mission by taking substantial, unwarranted risks. Even though Dr. Walker waited two years before starting a sexual relation as some standards (for example, APA and ACA) require, there were strong reasons militating against starting the relationship. Furthermore, had Dr. Walker attempted to document that this relationship did not have an exploitative basis, it is questionable that Dr. Walker himself would have been in a situation to objectively assess the matter.Under the circumstances, it would have been more fitting had he called in a consultant to help him to decide the matter (ACA, 1995, C. 2. e). Such unbiased ethics assessment would probably have been more reliable than Dr. Walker's own determination. It is evident that a two year waiting period is not itself a reliable index of warranted sexual relations with former clients. As the APA has suggested, warrant for sexual relations with former clients is â€Å"most unusual. † Had Dr. Walker seen Crystal on a single occasion without having established an ongoing professional relation with her, such warrant would have been arguable.Here, however, there is still danger of the appearance of conflict of interest–or even worse, of exploitation of clients. A profession cannot afford to have its image tarnished. A therapist concerned for the welfare of prospective clients cannot afford to neglect professional image. A professional known to have had sex with former clients–no matter how well the relation might have been documented–does nothing to promote an image of a trustworthy and virtuous therapist in the public eye. Finally, legal requirements need not always be in harmony with professional standards.While some causes may sometimes be morally compelling enough to override obedience to law, it is unlikely that violation of a state stat ute in order to engage in a sexual relation with a former client would qualify. If sexual relations with former clients were legally regarded as sexual misconduct in the state in which Dr. Walker practiced, there would have been further reason, an overriding and compelling reason, for his not engaging in such a relation with Crystal. In the absence of such a state statute, there would also have been a compelling case against it.ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR ADDRESSING DUAL ROLE RELATIONSHIPS The following rules of dual role relationships may be gathered from the case study. While they are not intended to be exhaustive of all such possible rules, they are intended to supplement ones provided under Principles of Loyalty and Non-Maleficence. General Rules Regarding Dual Role Relationships: GR 1 In considering whether a dual role relationship is morally problematic and should be avoided or terminated therapists considers the potential for loss of the client's independence of judgment as well as that of their own.GR 2 Therapists consider the adverse effects that pursuing certain types of dual role relationships (for instance, sexual relations with former clients) might have on the public image of their profession, and avoid apparent conflicts of interest as well as actual ones. GR 3 Therapists avoid any dual role relationship in which a serious potential for misappropriation of confidential information exists (for instance, the use of such information for malicious or self-serving purposes).GR 4 Therapists who have institutional affiliations (for instance, teach at colleges or universities or work in agencies) avoid provision of therapy to other employees with whom they have or are likely to have working relations. GR 5 Therapists establish and maintain contact with other qualified professionals available to render competent, independent ethics consultation or supervision in case conflicts of interest make the therapists' own judgment questionable.GR's 1 through 4 are base d upon the premise that therapists should take reasonable measures to avoid all dual role relationships for which there exists serious potential for loss of independence of judgment–the client's as well as the therapist's–and conflicts of interest–apparent and actual. The aforementioned rules provide some key considerations for avoiding such relationships. When therapists cannot feasibly avoid a conflict of interest, then they should fully inform the affected clients about the conflict, and, with the clients' consent, seek consultation and/or supervision from other qualified professionals (ACA, 1995, A. . a). GR 5 has been advanced in support of the latter premise. In satisfying GR 5, therapists who work in agencies should establish and maintain contact with other competent professionals who practice outside their agencies and are therefore more likely to provide independent, nonbiased consultation or supervision. Therapists who practice in isolated rural areas have an especially compelling interest in establishing and maintaining such contacts.As is true with respect to other rules, the present ones are intended to help in guiding therapists' decisions regarding dual role relationships, but are not intended as a substitute for careful ethical reflection. For instance, while avoidance of apparent conflicts of interest is important for maintaining professional image, GR 2 must be applied with regard for the welfare, interests, and needs of particular clients. For example, a therapist might justly tolerate public appearance of a conflict of interest in order to prevent serious harm to an identifiable client while such involvement purely for personal gain would be unacceptable.GR 1 underscores that morally problematic dual role relationships can arise not only when the therapist encounters a conflict of interest but also when the client's independence of judgment is impaired. Since either case can result in ineffective or self-defeating thera py, a therapist may have compelling reason for avoiding or terminating a dual role relationship even when it is only the client's judgment that is adversely affected. The use of the term â€Å"qualified professional† in GR 5 refers to another competent therapist as well as to a competent professional in a related area such as a professional ethicist.The term â€Å"working relations† in GR 4 means direct employee relations arising out of the cooperative performance of specific job-related tasks. Such tasks include secretarial, administrative, custodial, maintenance, committee, and departmental functions. Working relations must involve direct contact, which means exchange of information by face-to-face contact or other channels such as e-mail, phone or interoffice memo. In general, the more frequent and intimate the job-related ontact between therapist and client, the greater the potential for loss of independence of judgment by both parties. Thus, an occasional interoff ice memo may not be as risky as on-going face-to-face contact. The term â€Å"working relation† does not apply simply because two individuals have the same employer. In a very large institution such as a state university, it is possible that two employees have no working relation, but this is less likely to be true in smaller institutions such as counseling agencies.Rules Regarding Sexual Relations with Former Clients: SF 1 Therapists do not engage in sexual relations with current clients and generally avoid sexual relations with former clients. In rare cases in which therapists are considering the warrant for sexual relations with former clients (for instance, in cases where no ongoing therapeutic relationship has been established), they consult with other competent, impartial professionals in documenting the non-exploitative nature of the considered relations.SF 2 Therapists recognize that their former clients like current clients can still be vulnerable to sexual manipulat ion, and therefore avoid taking undue sexual advantage of these individuals Therapists do not assume that their former clients' agreement to enter into sexual relations with them constitutes freely given consent. SF 3 If the state in which a therapist practices regards all sexual relations with former clients as sexual misconduct, then therapists do not engage in any such relations even where warrant for the relation might otherwise exist.In SF 2, the term â€Å"undue sexual advantage† refers to the exploitation of any client weakness related to the prior therapist-client relationship, for example, an unresolved client transference issue, persistent client dependency on the therapist, or the therapist's position of power and authority over the client. Insofar as such client weaknesses may persist after therapy has been terminated, the burden of proof resides with the therapist to show that the client's consent to a sexual relation with the therapist is not a result of such fa ctors but rather constitutes the client's autonomous, uncoerced consent (NASW, 1997, 1. 9. c). In the rare cases in which this can be shown, SF 1 requires that documentation include the favorable outcome of consultation with at least one other independent, competent professional (as defined above) in addition to such documentation specified in other pertinent standards addressed in this chapter (APA, 1992, 4. 07; ACA, 1995, A. 7. b). While a virtuous therapist would ordinarily have regard for law, we have noted that some causes such as prevention of serious harm to a client may sometimes militate against compliance with law.Rule SF 3, however, is intended to make clear that satisfaction of the therapist's sexual interests– even when coupled with that of the former client–does not warrant or mitigate the legal transgression. Rules Regarding Sexual Attraction to Clients: AC 1 Therapists are not disqualified from counseling clients to whom they are sexually attracted so l ong as they are able to provide these clients with competent, professional services.However, if they have or, in the course of therapy, develop sexual attractions for clients which impair or are likely to impair the therapists' independence of judgment, then they terminate therapy and make appropriate referrals. AC 2 Therapists do not accept as clients individuals from certain populations (for instance, certain gender and age categories) for whom sexual feelings are likely to impair independence of judgment. In such cases therapists take appropriate steps to overcome their personal problems, such as seeking therapy for themselves, before taking on such individuals as clients.AC 3 In cases where therapists terminate therapy due to mutual sexual attraction, therapists inform clients as to the nature of termination, and do not misrepresent or mislead clients as to the cause of termination. .AC 1 assumes that sexual attraction for at least some clients is frequent occurrence and is not in itself a reason for terminating therapy. AC 1 affords therapists the autonomy to decide whether such attraction is of such a quality as to impair professional judgment. Therapists' sexual attractions for clients may however sometimes be related to therapists' own â€Å"unfinished business. In such cases AC 2 recognizing the need to address such personal problems therapeutically before counseling groups of clients to whom the sexual attraction may be generalized. AC 3 is supported by both Principles of Honesty and Candor in requiring therapists with sexual attractions for clients to avoid deception in informing these clients of the grounds for termination. Rules Regarding Therapy with Students: TS 1 Therapists do not engage in therapy with current students or those with whom current students have intimate relationships.Consistent with client welfare, therapists may engage in therapy with former students. TS 2 while therapists may not solicit students for referrals, they may accep t unsolicited referrals from students. TS 3 If, during the course of therapy, therapists' clients also become their students, therapists take reasonable steps to terminate the ensuing dual role relationships, including terminating therapy and providing appropriate referrals. Therapists inform their clients of all significant risks related to maintaining such dual role relationships and, consistent with client welfare, decline to remain in both roles.Therapists support and encourage their clients' own informed, autonomous choices in resolving the conflict. TS 4 Therapists who ascertain that prospective clients are likely to become their students decline to accept such individuals as clients. As part of their clients' informed consent to therapy, therapists who teach inform potential students (clients whose profiles suggest that they might become students) of a professional responsibility not to engage in therapy with their students. In TS 1, the term â€Å"intimate relationshipsâ₠¬  includes family members such as parents, step parents, grandparents, and siblings.The term also includes significant others such as boyfriends or girlfriends, fiancees, and sexual partners. While an individual may not have a close relationship with all family members, the probability that the family bond will implicate the student is substantial enough to justify a strict rule against counseling family members of students. Although TS 2 permits therapists to accept as clients the unsolicited referrals from students, it is noteworthy that, in concert with TS 1, such permissible, unsolicited referrals do not include individuals with whom students have intimate relationships.TS 3 provides that therapists should take â€Å"reasonable measures† to terminate non-elective dual role relationships with students. In the context of therapy this means measures which are consistent with client welfare, and which accordingly promote client trust and autonomy. The rule provides that cli ents be afforded maximal autonomy in deciding how the dual role relationship will be resolved; for example, whether the student-teacher relationship will be preserved and the therapist-client relationship erminated, or conversely. TS 4 recognizes the utility of taking preventative measures to increase the likelihood that a non-elective dual role relationship with students is avoided before it is established by the student. It also conforms with the Principle of Candor in making clear, from the start, the Therapist's professional responsibility not to counsel students. In this way, the therapist's move to discontinue such a relationship (should one later be established) comes as no surprise to the client.REFERENCES American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (1991). Code of ethics. Washington, DC: AAMFT American Association of University Professors (1990). Statement on professional ethics. AAUP Policy Documents and Reports, 75-76. American Counseling Association (1995). Code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: ACA. American Psychological Association (1992). Standards of ethics. Washington, DC: APA. Anderson, B. S. (1996). The counselor and the law. 4th Ed. Alexandria, VA: ACA. Davis, M. & A. Stark (in press).Conflict of interest and the professions. New York: Oxford University Press. Herlihy, B. & G. Corey (1997). Boundary issues in counseling: Multiple roles and responsibilities. Alexandria, VA: ACA. Kitchener, K. S. (1988). Dual role relationships: What makes them so problematic? Journal of counseling and development, 67, 217-221. Martin, M. W. (1997). Professional distance. International journal of applied philosophy. 12(1). National Association of Social Workers (1997). Code of ethics. Washington, DC: NASW.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Other Voices, Other Rooms †Analysis Essay

Capote’s Other Voices, Other Rooms is an exploration into role reversal, gender definitions, and the risk involved in sexuality and love against the harsh contrast of southern ideals. The novel acts as Capote’s catharsis in developing his younger self, in the character of Joel Knox, innocent and self-exploring, as he transforms into his older, liberated self in the character of Randolph who truly is the voice carrying the books message. However, to reach his destination of Randolph, Joel must begin his journey with Idabel Tompkins. Joel sees Idabel soon after entering Noon City, and is so mesmerized with her boyish antics that he is oblivious to the man offering him a nickle to capture her, something Joel would not be capable of anyway. She notices him later as well, watching Joel in the soda shop from the doorway and asking about him in her†boy-husky† voice. Immediately, Joel is intrigued on the verge of infatuation and most often referencing her boyish attributes in the same breath. On the way to the Landing, his new home, he finds Idabel on the road and picks her out from her sister as, â€Å"[t]he other moved as jerky and quick as a boy† (p31). The pair become friends and later during a fishing trip, Joel learns not only the risks invilved in loving someone but also Idabel’s evaluation of what they are together.. When she tells him to undress so they can swim naked Joel sheepishly replied, â€Å"But you’re a girl† (p131) Idabel, frustrated, replies, â€Å"What you’ve got in your britches is no news to me, and no concern of mine†¦.I never think like I’m a girl; you’ve got to remember that, or we can’t never be friends† later on proclaiming, â€Å"I want so much to be a boy† (p132). During the same trip, Joel felt he needed to put his arms around Idabel as, â€Å"the only means of expressing all he felt† he kisses her cheek and in return she becomes so mad that he pulls his hair and fights him. Joel learns the danger of loving someone, could mean loosing them or being betrayed by them. Idabel comes to get Joel at the Landing, in hopes of picking up a partner in crime to run away with. Joel mistakes this as affection and suggests they  run off and get married, picking grapes to support themselves. Idabel rebukes him sternly, â€Å"I don’t want to get married†¦.Who the hell said I wanted to get married? Now you listen, boy: you behave decent, you behave like we’re brothers, or you don’t behave at all. Anyway, we don’t want to do no sissy thing like pick grapes. I thought maybe we could join the Navy† (p174) on their way to running away, they first stop at the carnival in Noon City where they meet the alluring blonde midget Mrs. Wisteria, a 25 year old carnival worker who also wants to be loved in a society that does not value her. Idabel is immediately smitten with her and Joel notices, to his dismay, â€Å"Idabel, more excited than Joel had ever seen her, rushed up and asked [Miss Wisteria], please, wouldn’t she have some soda pop with them† (p191) Joel Later realizes Idabel is in love with the circus performer. This provokes Joel into a dream where he fears Idabel’s loss and tells her he loves her. He begins to realize he can never have her love. During their conversation, Miss Wisteria talks about her horrible experiences trying to find love and her sorrow that boys must grow tall and therefor, never want her. We see the perfect triangle of unrequited love that can never be fulfilled and can only bring sorrow. Joel longs for Idabel who is in love with the golden curls of Miss Wisteria, who molests Joel while trapped in a ferris wheel in her attempt to find a boy who will never grow tall. In an affirming signal of Joels realization of who he is, Joel sees Randolph, the homosexual transvestite cousin of his step-mother, at the carnival, while being molested by Miss Wisteria. He runs off scared looking for Idabel and hides from Miss Wisteria in the old abandoned house in town. He realizes he has a home and a bed at the Landing with Randolph, while Miss Wisteria is doomed to always be searching rooms for love, as she is now looking for Joel in the old mansion, until she finds her final room, where death awaits. Joel realizes who he is now and is almost comforted by it. He forgets Idabel for most of the rest of the story and assumes she has run off with her circus girl. Joel is content to remain at the Landing, especially after his one connection to the real world is lost when his friend Zoo comes back to stay after a rape has driven her a little crazy as well. He knows he belongs there with Randolph, the ‘ghostly lady’ in the window who wears women’s clothes and wig, but is more like him than whats outside. He hides from his old life in the form of a visit from his  original caretaker, his aunt Ellen, and moves towards Randolph, looking back and leaving his innocent self, the other Joel Knox. Works Cited Capote, Truman. Other Voices, Other Rooms. New York: Vintage, 1994. Print.