This is the final installment of my insight into this assignment and I wanted to share with you some final thoughts. Dave wanted to ask some more questions so here is how I answer.
1.) "Hey you, I think you can't really say that one opinion is better than another one. Don't you agree?
-I think that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. My question to you Dave is which one is backed up by facts?
2.) "There's all this stuff is the book about research as a process of discovery. What did you discover?"
-I discovered that there are so many more ways to see the outcome then when we originally write. YOu need to think outside of your perspective and see it how your audience would read your paper.
3.) "What do you figure was the most challenging problem you had while working on this research project?"
-I believe the most difficult part of this process was taking the time to sit and actually brainstorm through ideas outside of the scheduled class time. I enjoyed learning new research ideas and ways to present a topic in a way that is different and unique.
4.) "After all theis work, what do you take away from this experience? What have you learned that you can use?
-I am able to walk away with new writing skills and a way to put them to use to help make my writing more effective
-Everything throughout these class periods and blog post assignments has been useful and can be continued to be used throughout other assignments and classes.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Mixing it up
Today I was challenged with picking apart my writing and really get down to some tough critiquing. But like most people I felt that there was nothing that I needed to change or could change because I had good flow, great quotes and a very engaging introduction. However, as I found myself cutting my paper up by paragraph and narrowing down quality information, I discovered I had a lot of information that was not relevant to my topic. The following questions were posed to us:
Experiment with the order/structure of your paragraphs. Try at least two different setups.
1.) How are they different? What did you learn?
- I tried reorganizing the structure and came into contact with a different flow I was not expecting with the first draft. I believe I may have found a new way to introduce the topic without losing the creativity and purpose. When I did it a second time I felt that there were big gaps in some of the sequences, it was okay, but I felt that the audience would have gotten confused if I had left it that way.
- I learned that there is another to break down and look at a paper. This perspective helped me to realize that I can change up the order after I have already written the draft. Also I feel that this technique has helped me to see it more from an outside perspective.
2.) How did this whole process help you re-see your essay?
- I was able to break my essay down part by part and decided what information was actually worth keeping and what needed to either be reworded or tossed out of my essay. Then even taking time to reorganize the structure was beneficial because then I could see if my thought process could/would flow with the same information out of order. I have never taken the time to see it from that kind of perspective.
I found these techniques to be very beneficial to understand how my audience would come to understand my paper and react to it. Now that I have trimmed it up some more I feel that I will be able to write something of quality and be useful in gaining a better understanding of my topic.
Experiment with the order/structure of your paragraphs. Try at least two different setups.
1.) How are they different? What did you learn?
- I tried reorganizing the structure and came into contact with a different flow I was not expecting with the first draft. I believe I may have found a new way to introduce the topic without losing the creativity and purpose. When I did it a second time I felt that there were big gaps in some of the sequences, it was okay, but I felt that the audience would have gotten confused if I had left it that way.
- I learned that there is another to break down and look at a paper. This perspective helped me to realize that I can change up the order after I have already written the draft. Also I feel that this technique has helped me to see it more from an outside perspective.
2.) How did this whole process help you re-see your essay?
- I was able to break my essay down part by part and decided what information was actually worth keeping and what needed to either be reworded or tossed out of my essay. Then even taking time to reorganize the structure was beneficial because then I could see if my thought process could/would flow with the same information out of order. I have never taken the time to see it from that kind of perspective.
I found these techniques to be very beneficial to understand how my audience would come to understand my paper and react to it. Now that I have trimmed it up some more I feel that I will be able to write something of quality and be useful in gaining a better understanding of my topic.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Wrestling with the Draft
After taking some time in class we were asked to highlight all of our sources, cited within the paper. Then with a different colored highlighter we needed to highlight the text that represented our voice.
-Which color dominates?
I would have to say that my paper is about 50/50.
-Are you turning over too much to your source?
Some of my quotes are long and could possibly be paraphrased to shorten them.
-Are you ignoring them and rattling on too much about what you think?
No my biggest problem is not explaining the quotes that I have used. As well, I need to split some of them up.
-Or does your source use seem appropriate to support your purpose?
I believe that the quotes I have chosen are the best ones from the sources I have found.
-What do you notice about the pattern of color?
For me it goes back and forth from color to color.
- Are you taking turns paragraph by paragraph with your sources, or is your own analysis and commentary nicely blended within paragraphs, so that the information is always anchored to your own thoughts?
My structure isn’t what I would like it to be. There is too much of going back and forth instead of a nice blending between my voice and my sources.
-Do you surround quoted passages with your own voice and analysis?
I do but it is extremely short and needs to be lengthened to explain the purpose in using the sources.
-Who wins the wrestling match?
My sources win for now, but come time for the final they will have met their match!
-Which color dominates?
I would have to say that my paper is about 50/50.
-Are you turning over too much to your source?
Some of my quotes are long and could possibly be paraphrased to shorten them.
-Are you ignoring them and rattling on too much about what you think?
No my biggest problem is not explaining the quotes that I have used. As well, I need to split some of them up.
-Or does your source use seem appropriate to support your purpose?
I believe that the quotes I have chosen are the best ones from the sources I have found.
-What do you notice about the pattern of color?
For me it goes back and forth from color to color.
- Are you taking turns paragraph by paragraph with your sources, or is your own analysis and commentary nicely blended within paragraphs, so that the information is always anchored to your own thoughts?
My structure isn’t what I would like it to be. There is too much of going back and forth instead of a nice blending between my voice and my sources.
-Do you surround quoted passages with your own voice and analysis?
I do but it is extremely short and needs to be lengthened to explain the purpose in using the sources.
-Who wins the wrestling match?
My sources win for now, but come time for the final they will have met their match!
Friday, November 15, 2013
Picking an Introduction
Tonight we were challenged with an assignment that has us write our introduction paragraph three different to help us choose the best one to start with for our rough drafts that are due on Monday.
Remember my topic is on how prison guards treat the prisoners. Here are the three that I have written:
1.) Life behind bars seems like your typical end to a rotten day, but how would you feel if your humiliation and shame went beyond that? What if the people in charge of maintaining the system were working against you while you are paying for your crimes? Prison life is rough and rougher still if the treatment is poor. However at the other end of the scope, what if you, as a prisoner, were treated to well? Receiving drugs, physical pleasures and having them commit crimes themselves, hardly seems like justice. There is a law to be upheld and laws and standards need to stand firm. In understanding all that our legal system is going through across various prisons among the United States, it can be determined that our government needs to step up and take action in ensuring proper training for prison guards while ensuring the safety of the prisoners from the prison guards.
2.) From an inside perspective looking out, I feel that I can say that our justice system is top notch and we do what is necessary to maintain law and order with our prison facilities. In all honesty the public rarely sees the issues and problems that arise behind the closed walls of a prison cell. There is mistreatment from the prison guards to the prisoners but there is also terrible treatment from the prisoners to those watching over them. These men and women were put behind bars for a reason but should that mean that they lose all of their rights as a human being? Our laws dictate that they are still given their rights but is that fair? A lot of people feel that prisoners are treated better being detained than a homeless man living on a street corner. They are provided with three square meals a day, a place to sleep and entertainments like television. How is that justice being served?
3.) Prison guards put forth a lot to protect and serve on the home front but rarely do they get the recognition that they deserve. Anytime we hear about them it is usually in a negative context because they have abused a prisoner or have been in some sort of physical relationship. To me that sounds like poor morals, fear of being hurt or altogether a lack of good training to prepare these individuals to do their jobs correctly. They cannot simply be a babysitting service for those convicted of such terrible crimes. These men and women of the law must be first be able to protect themselves before saving those locked within the system. Statistics have shown that there has been a steady decline in this job field, partly because pay has gone down and the job has become even more dangerous.
Help me narrow down the best one. Thank you for taking the time to read this and think it over.
Remember my topic is on how prison guards treat the prisoners. Here are the three that I have written:
1.) Life behind bars seems like your typical end to a rotten day, but how would you feel if your humiliation and shame went beyond that? What if the people in charge of maintaining the system were working against you while you are paying for your crimes? Prison life is rough and rougher still if the treatment is poor. However at the other end of the scope, what if you, as a prisoner, were treated to well? Receiving drugs, physical pleasures and having them commit crimes themselves, hardly seems like justice. There is a law to be upheld and laws and standards need to stand firm. In understanding all that our legal system is going through across various prisons among the United States, it can be determined that our government needs to step up and take action in ensuring proper training for prison guards while ensuring the safety of the prisoners from the prison guards.
2.) From an inside perspective looking out, I feel that I can say that our justice system is top notch and we do what is necessary to maintain law and order with our prison facilities. In all honesty the public rarely sees the issues and problems that arise behind the closed walls of a prison cell. There is mistreatment from the prison guards to the prisoners but there is also terrible treatment from the prisoners to those watching over them. These men and women were put behind bars for a reason but should that mean that they lose all of their rights as a human being? Our laws dictate that they are still given their rights but is that fair? A lot of people feel that prisoners are treated better being detained than a homeless man living on a street corner. They are provided with three square meals a day, a place to sleep and entertainments like television. How is that justice being served?
3.) Prison guards put forth a lot to protect and serve on the home front but rarely do they get the recognition that they deserve. Anytime we hear about them it is usually in a negative context because they have abused a prisoner or have been in some sort of physical relationship. To me that sounds like poor morals, fear of being hurt or altogether a lack of good training to prepare these individuals to do their jobs correctly. They cannot simply be a babysitting service for those convicted of such terrible crimes. These men and women of the law must be first be able to protect themselves before saving those locked within the system. Statistics have shown that there has been a steady decline in this job field, partly because pay has gone down and the job has become even more dangerous.
Help me narrow down the best one. Thank you for taking the time to read this and think it over.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Narrowing It All Down
Hello there, in continuing on the topic of how to write, I will be following a given template on how to develop a working thesis based upon all of the information we have been gathering over the last weeks. It is important to know the audience you are targeting for this essay and really develop a strong thesis!
My initial question on this topic was, "How much of a prisoners attitude problems are brought home by prison guards? What affects them? Why is this so? What wan we do to change that?"
Then after a lot of research and questions it became, "If there is a lack in training for those working with criminals can the prison guards be faulted for improper behavior? How do we keep everyone accountable?"
I have chosen to use a hypothesis to express my understanding of this topic and purpose change. One view on this may not make a difference, right away, but sometimes it only takes a small ember to start a fire. I wanted to use a hypothesis to get people thinking and understand that this may very well be an opportunity for others to stand up and see the difference that some new policies and training can make in prison life, both for the inmates and the jailers.
Based on my research, the assumption that I am making is that if the government can improve training for its prison guards then we will have better standards for upholding the law (justice) within the prison cells diminishing the number of outbreaks, harsh treatment, improper (physical) relationships and really creating change. This appears to be difficult to determine due to different standards held at different institutions.
My initial question on this topic was, "How much of a prisoners attitude problems are brought home by prison guards? What affects them? Why is this so? What wan we do to change that?"
Then after a lot of research and questions it became, "If there is a lack in training for those working with criminals can the prison guards be faulted for improper behavior? How do we keep everyone accountable?"
I have chosen to use a hypothesis to express my understanding of this topic and purpose change. One view on this may not make a difference, right away, but sometimes it only takes a small ember to start a fire. I wanted to use a hypothesis to get people thinking and understand that this may very well be an opportunity for others to stand up and see the difference that some new policies and training can make in prison life, both for the inmates and the jailers.
Based on my research, the assumption that I am making is that if the government can improve training for its prison guards then we will have better standards for upholding the law (justice) within the prison cells diminishing the number of outbreaks, harsh treatment, improper (physical) relationships and really creating change. This appears to be difficult to determine due to different standards held at different institutions.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Dialogue with Dave
This week is a little different in assignments. In previous blog posts we have been asking a lot of questions, but this week Dave will be doing the asking and we as the writers will be responding to all of his questions regarding our topics. This is to help us to continue to develop our topics and thought processes while deciding on the style we want to write in (exploratory or argumentative).
1.) Why? Where? Who? When? What?
- I decided on the topic of prison guards and their treatment of prisoners because I wanted to understand more about the mental toll it takes on a person who has to undergo this type of job.
- The prisons I have found in my research have been around all of the United States.
2.) What do you mean by_________? (What do you mean by mental toll?)
-I have begun to notice a change in my Dad's attitude and I was curious to see if his job played any part in that. If his attitude is affected then how many others are affected? Then how does the prison guards attitudes dictate their treatment of the prisoners?
3.) How do most people see this? How do you see it differently?
- Most people would only read about or hear in the news that a prison guard has "mistreated" a prisoner. I'm not sure if anyone has taken the time to find out why the prison guards conduct harsher treatment then usual, but we also have to look at what the prisoners did to cause such an eruption of emotions.
- I like to think that prison guards would be able to keep their emotions in check and not allow inside or outside circumstances to dictate their actions but they are human and they will fail at times.
4.) Are you kidding? I didn't know that. What else did you find out? Can you give me an example?
- I found an interesting article about a prison guard scenario set up at Stanford University for a class. They wanted to see how different roles affected the individuals. The mental toll it took on the individuals was damaging. Each group, the prison guards and the prisoners became who they were pretending to be.
5.) Did that surprise you?
- In a way yes and no. Yes because I was unaware that simply playing a "game" would cause so much damage. But then no because if you look at what violent games do to individuals who play them to long, those mental damages are hard to overcome.
6.) What other questions does this raise?
- How much of the prisoners lives do the prison guards take home with them? Is there psychiatric help provided/available to those undergoing this kind of turmoil in their jobs? If not how do these institutions take control of out of control prison guards? How much of the prisoners attitudes affect their obligations and determine the outcome of their days work?
7.) Who does this affect, mostly?
- The prison guards first and foremost. Then it stems down to their families at home, the prisoners and the justice system.
8.) What should we do about this?
- We should provide proper and adequate training for all members who serve within the system. Then their needs to be provided psychiatric help for those who need it, and that should include their family members.
9.) I'm not sure I believe this. Why do you?
- If we allow our prison guards to treat the prisoners without restraint what makes them any better the criminals that have been put in prison? On the flip side if the prison guards are treating the prisoners with too much luxury then what good is to detain a prisoner if their crime is not being punished accordingly? I believe that justice needs to be served, but not at the extent of humiliation, degradation or fits of rage.
10.) What do you think we should do about it?
- I believe that a huge part for a lack in our system is from improper training. Our funding problems may be a direct problem as to why training is lacking. But then again if we just don't care and justice is to be kept in the closet, then what is stopping us from letting loose the criminals that are detained. While these criminals deeds need to be punished, they are still people and deserve to be treated fairly. Let us make sure that justice prevails.
I feel that these questions have helped me to generate and expand more on how I want to pursue writing this paper. I hope this has helped you out as well.
1.) Why? Where? Who? When? What?
- I decided on the topic of prison guards and their treatment of prisoners because I wanted to understand more about the mental toll it takes on a person who has to undergo this type of job.
- The prisons I have found in my research have been around all of the United States.
2.) What do you mean by_________? (What do you mean by mental toll?)
-I have begun to notice a change in my Dad's attitude and I was curious to see if his job played any part in that. If his attitude is affected then how many others are affected? Then how does the prison guards attitudes dictate their treatment of the prisoners?
3.) How do most people see this? How do you see it differently?
- Most people would only read about or hear in the news that a prison guard has "mistreated" a prisoner. I'm not sure if anyone has taken the time to find out why the prison guards conduct harsher treatment then usual, but we also have to look at what the prisoners did to cause such an eruption of emotions.
- I like to think that prison guards would be able to keep their emotions in check and not allow inside or outside circumstances to dictate their actions but they are human and they will fail at times.
4.) Are you kidding? I didn't know that. What else did you find out? Can you give me an example?
- I found an interesting article about a prison guard scenario set up at Stanford University for a class. They wanted to see how different roles affected the individuals. The mental toll it took on the individuals was damaging. Each group, the prison guards and the prisoners became who they were pretending to be.
5.) Did that surprise you?
- In a way yes and no. Yes because I was unaware that simply playing a "game" would cause so much damage. But then no because if you look at what violent games do to individuals who play them to long, those mental damages are hard to overcome.
6.) What other questions does this raise?
- How much of the prisoners lives do the prison guards take home with them? Is there psychiatric help provided/available to those undergoing this kind of turmoil in their jobs? If not how do these institutions take control of out of control prison guards? How much of the prisoners attitudes affect their obligations and determine the outcome of their days work?
7.) Who does this affect, mostly?
- The prison guards first and foremost. Then it stems down to their families at home, the prisoners and the justice system.
8.) What should we do about this?
- We should provide proper and adequate training for all members who serve within the system. Then their needs to be provided psychiatric help for those who need it, and that should include their family members.
9.) I'm not sure I believe this. Why do you?
- If we allow our prison guards to treat the prisoners without restraint what makes them any better the criminals that have been put in prison? On the flip side if the prison guards are treating the prisoners with too much luxury then what good is to detain a prisoner if their crime is not being punished accordingly? I believe that justice needs to be served, but not at the extent of humiliation, degradation or fits of rage.
10.) What do you think we should do about it?
- I believe that a huge part for a lack in our system is from improper training. Our funding problems may be a direct problem as to why training is lacking. But then again if we just don't care and justice is to be kept in the closet, then what is stopping us from letting loose the criminals that are detained. While these criminals deeds need to be punished, they are still people and deserve to be treated fairly. Let us make sure that justice prevails.
I feel that these questions have helped me to generate and expand more on how I want to pursue writing this paper. I hope this has helped you out as well.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Annotated Bibliography
After collecting many books, articles, journal entries and encyclopedia entries, I have narrowed it down to a few collect sources that I would like to include in my paper. I feel that these sources are the best because of the statistics, facts and credibility. The following information is my annotated bibliography for the topic of Prison guards and their treatment of Prisoners:
Fuchs, Erin. "America's Prison Guards Are the 'Ugly Stepchildren' of the Criminal Justice System." ISEEK - Education. Business Insider, 2 May 2010. Web. 10 Oct. 2013. <http://www.businessinsider.com/whats-wrong-with-american-prison-guards-2013-4>. This article is a credible source for my research because it looks into a different aspect as to how the criminals are treated by the prison guards. The initial reactions may have been to detain the prisoners but a different kind of relationship has formed. The author’s (Erin Fuchs) credentials include a master's degree from the Columbia School of Journalism, she served as a bureau chief for the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Dalton, Ga. and was a senior reporter at Law360.com. The author’s main goal in this article to inform the readers about the issues within our legal system. These criminals may be detained but their punishment for their crime is benefiting them instead of serving its purpose. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: anyone that is interested or involved with law and order, finances, science, sports, military, retail and education. Their information is free so it is for anyone that has computer access. This audience would be interested in this subject because it shows a lack in our justice system and why we as a society need to do something about it. I would generally agree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: outside sources including a criminal justice professors (Chris Menton, Bruce Bayley), an inmate at the prison (Jamie Jorge Garza) and criminal justice expert Martin Horn. This evidence builds credibility because it is outside and inside witness who can attest to the failure in the system to keep inmates safe and prison guards honest but is also limited because only a few stories or opinions were voiced from such a small part of the country. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because to many cases like this just get passed by. It is time for a change in the system because if the “bad guys” are winning from inside the prison, what does that say about the ones on the outside? I think this article is important to include in my essay because it gives a different perspective on how easily the prison guards can fall prey to deception and lies, forgetting their responsibility and the neglect in their training by the state to correctly deal with a situation like this.
Hiers, Richard H. Justice and Compassion in Biblical Law. New York, NY: Continuum, 2009. Print. This article is a credible source for my research because it is giving an important outside look seeing treatment of prisoners through a Christian perspective. The author’s credentials include a BA, a MA and a Ph D from Yale University, JD, University of Florida College of Law and is a professor of Religion & affiliate professor of law. The author’s main goal in this book is to teach the readers about laws and principles from a Biblical perspective. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: humanities- philosophy, music, film, education: theology and biblical studies. This audience would be interested in this subject because it demonstrates a compassion that most people would not take on those who have committed crimes and would generally disagree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: Bible references and . This evidence builds credibility because of the love and mercy shown by God to understand the power of forgiveness but is also limited because most audience members don’t or choose not to believe in God. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because I do believe in God and in the power of forgiveness and grace, even against convicted criminals. I think this article is important to include in my essay because people need a foundation on which to stand when it comes to law. We, being humanity, have rules and morals to follow but there is more to understanding how we are to treat one another even in prisoner situations.
"Introduction." Introduction. How Should Prisons Treat Inmates. Ed. Michele Wagner. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 6-8. ENotes. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://www.enotes.com/topics/should-prisons>. This article is a credible source for my research because it walks through when and why imprisonment started and how punishment should be used and enforced. The editors credentials for the introduction include being a professional in her field of choice. The editor’s main goal in this introduction to persuade readers about what to do with prisoners. Should they be allowed public access to t.v. and computers or should they be completely torn from society. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: providing educational material for teachers, students, professors and researchers. This audience would be interested in this subject because this introduction leads into further detail throughout the book it was published in. The understanding of the prison system will give the target audience a more persuasive look into how we need to change the system in place today and I would generally agree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: statistics, voice of state Senator Phil Hoffman and facts. This evidence builds credibility because it is not all opinion based but is also limited because it is only the introduction to the book. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because I feel that our justice system has let criminals run free even amongst prisons. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it sets the bar for standards and what we need to do to change it.
"Prison- Prisoners' Rights." Law Library- American Law and Legal Information. N.p.: n.p., n.d. JRANK. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://law.jrank.org/pages/9386/Prison-Prisoners-Rights.html>. This article is a credible source for my research because it discusses the rights that prisoners have while in confinement. The author’s credentials include being apart of an encyclopedia found in the Law Library- American Law and Legal System. The author’s main goal in this article to inform the readers about how the courts recognize the rights of prisoners. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: anyone interested or working with legal issues and cases. This audience would be interested in this subject because there is a need to understand that everyone should be treated equal even when they have committed a crime and would generally disagree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: legal issues and rights of prisoners. This evidence builds credibility because there a need to understand what it is like to be on the other side of the bars but is also limited because there is a want to not understand or comprehend because of the wrongs that were committed. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I’m not sure where I stand with this author because I want to agree because everyone deserves to be treated equally but on the other hand what about what they did to others to end up I prison. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it adds to the understanding that all people deserve to be treated equal.
Specter, Donald. "Making Prisons Safe:Strategies for Reducing Violence." Prison Law Office- Protecting the Constitutional Rights of California Prisoners. N.p., Apr. 2005. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://law.wustl.edu/Journal/22/p125Specter.pdf>. This article is a credible source for my research because it is looking to protect the prisoners and the rights they need to maintain even if they are locked up due to prison conditions. The author’s credentials include being involved in legal aid/services and civil rights/first amendment. He is a practicing lawyer who attended the University of San Francisco School of Law. He is now the Director of the Prison Law Office. The author’s main goal in this article is to inform readers about the severity of cruel treatment of prisoners and what causes their spits of violence. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: any one involved in law, legal and civil services. This audience would be interested in this subject because it shows the other side, with what prisoners go through and would generally agree that people deserve equal treatment but would disagree because prisoners forgo their rights the moment they choose to commit the crime. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: possible causes to prisoner outbreaks of violence, cases of prison guards abuse of prisoners, information from the Inspector General of California and gang prevention. This evidence build credibility because it is based on true facts in California prisons but is also limited because it is not the only prison to ever deal with situations like this. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree that something needs to be done to protect inmates and their rights but I disagree because what about the prison guards rights to do what is necessary. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it shows the contrast to the other articles I have chosen.
I hope that this has been helpful in finding the kind of information you should be putting in your annotated bibliography.
Fuchs, Erin. "America's Prison Guards Are the 'Ugly Stepchildren' of the Criminal Justice System." ISEEK - Education. Business Insider, 2 May 2010. Web. 10 Oct. 2013. <http://www.businessinsider.com/whats-wrong-with-american-prison-guards-2013-4>. This article is a credible source for my research because it looks into a different aspect as to how the criminals are treated by the prison guards. The initial reactions may have been to detain the prisoners but a different kind of relationship has formed. The author’s (Erin Fuchs) credentials include a master's degree from the Columbia School of Journalism, she served as a bureau chief for the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Dalton, Ga. and was a senior reporter at Law360.com. The author’s main goal in this article to inform the readers about the issues within our legal system. These criminals may be detained but their punishment for their crime is benefiting them instead of serving its purpose. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: anyone that is interested or involved with law and order, finances, science, sports, military, retail and education. Their information is free so it is for anyone that has computer access. This audience would be interested in this subject because it shows a lack in our justice system and why we as a society need to do something about it. I would generally agree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: outside sources including a criminal justice professors (Chris Menton, Bruce Bayley), an inmate at the prison (Jamie Jorge Garza) and criminal justice expert Martin Horn. This evidence builds credibility because it is outside and inside witness who can attest to the failure in the system to keep inmates safe and prison guards honest but is also limited because only a few stories or opinions were voiced from such a small part of the country. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because to many cases like this just get passed by. It is time for a change in the system because if the “bad guys” are winning from inside the prison, what does that say about the ones on the outside? I think this article is important to include in my essay because it gives a different perspective on how easily the prison guards can fall prey to deception and lies, forgetting their responsibility and the neglect in their training by the state to correctly deal with a situation like this.
Hiers, Richard H. Justice and Compassion in Biblical Law. New York, NY: Continuum, 2009. Print. This article is a credible source for my research because it is giving an important outside look seeing treatment of prisoners through a Christian perspective. The author’s credentials include a BA, a MA and a Ph D from Yale University, JD, University of Florida College of Law and is a professor of Religion & affiliate professor of law. The author’s main goal in this book is to teach the readers about laws and principles from a Biblical perspective. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: humanities- philosophy, music, film, education: theology and biblical studies. This audience would be interested in this subject because it demonstrates a compassion that most people would not take on those who have committed crimes and would generally disagree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: Bible references and . This evidence builds credibility because of the love and mercy shown by God to understand the power of forgiveness but is also limited because most audience members don’t or choose not to believe in God. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because I do believe in God and in the power of forgiveness and grace, even against convicted criminals. I think this article is important to include in my essay because people need a foundation on which to stand when it comes to law. We, being humanity, have rules and morals to follow but there is more to understanding how we are to treat one another even in prisoner situations.
"Introduction." Introduction. How Should Prisons Treat Inmates. Ed. Michele Wagner. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 6-8. ENotes. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://www.enotes.com/topics/should-prisons>. This article is a credible source for my research because it walks through when and why imprisonment started and how punishment should be used and enforced. The editors credentials for the introduction include being a professional in her field of choice. The editor’s main goal in this introduction to persuade readers about what to do with prisoners. Should they be allowed public access to t.v. and computers or should they be completely torn from society. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: providing educational material for teachers, students, professors and researchers. This audience would be interested in this subject because this introduction leads into further detail throughout the book it was published in. The understanding of the prison system will give the target audience a more persuasive look into how we need to change the system in place today and I would generally agree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: statistics, voice of state Senator Phil Hoffman and facts. This evidence builds credibility because it is not all opinion based but is also limited because it is only the introduction to the book. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree with this author because I feel that our justice system has let criminals run free even amongst prisons. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it sets the bar for standards and what we need to do to change it.
"Prison- Prisoners' Rights." Law Library- American Law and Legal Information. N.p.: n.p., n.d. JRANK. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://law.jrank.org/pages/9386/Prison-Prisoners-Rights.html>. This article is a credible source for my research because it discusses the rights that prisoners have while in confinement. The author’s credentials include being apart of an encyclopedia found in the Law Library- American Law and Legal System. The author’s main goal in this article to inform the readers about how the courts recognize the rights of prisoners. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: anyone interested or working with legal issues and cases. This audience would be interested in this subject because there is a need to understand that everyone should be treated equal even when they have committed a crime and would generally disagree with the author’s perspective on the topic. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: legal issues and rights of prisoners. This evidence builds credibility because there a need to understand what it is like to be on the other side of the bars but is also limited because there is a want to not understand or comprehend because of the wrongs that were committed. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I’m not sure where I stand with this author because I want to agree because everyone deserves to be treated equally but on the other hand what about what they did to others to end up I prison. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it adds to the understanding that all people deserve to be treated equal.
Specter, Donald. "Making Prisons Safe:Strategies for Reducing Violence." Prison Law Office- Protecting the Constitutional Rights of California Prisoners. N.p., Apr. 2005. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://law.wustl.edu/Journal/22/p125Specter.pdf>. This article is a credible source for my research because it is looking to protect the prisoners and the rights they need to maintain even if they are locked up due to prison conditions. The author’s credentials include being involved in legal aid/services and civil rights/first amendment. He is a practicing lawyer who attended the University of San Francisco School of Law. He is now the Director of the Prison Law Office. The author’s main goal in this article is to inform readers about the severity of cruel treatment of prisoners and what causes their spits of violence. The publishing source for this article generally targets an audience that fits the following description: any one involved in law, legal and civil services. This audience would be interested in this subject because it shows the other side, with what prisoners go through and would generally agree that people deserve equal treatment but would disagree because prisoners forgo their rights the moment they choose to commit the crime. The author incorporates the following types of evidence: possible causes to prisoner outbreaks of violence, cases of prison guards abuse of prisoners, information from the Inspector General of California and gang prevention. This evidence build credibility because it is based on true facts in California prisons but is also limited because it is not the only prison to ever deal with situations like this. Based on my own opinion, experiences, and research, I agree that something needs to be done to protect inmates and their rights but I disagree because what about the prison guards rights to do what is necessary. I think this article is important to include in my essay because it shows the contrast to the other articles I have chosen.
I hope that this has been helpful in finding the kind of information you should be putting in your annotated bibliography.
Friday, November 1, 2013
How to Search the Web
For today's insight we will be focusing on how to search for academic insight on the internet. In most circumstances we turn to google to find topics, questions and answers because it is quick and easy. But the real question is how effective, how true and how reliable is this information that we are trying to use? The assignment for today is to use a different search engine and find three new results for our research topic. My topic is on "Prison guards treatment of prisoners."
Step3:
I never expected to find other research on the same topic and how in depth they went. I used noodle tools to find the iseek search engine.
The article I found can be seen at http://my.firedoglake.com/mt6112a/2011/09/22/treatment-of-prisoners-by-guards-in-private-prisons/. This article goes into detail of the mistreatment of Hawaiian prisoners by their private prison guards. This topic has me thinking more about our general treatment of people regardless of criminal or just an innocent bystander. Why do we allow our emotions to get caught up in the jobs that we have to do? Even if you are sitting in jail, you have a right to not be treated like dirt.
The second article makes me wonder why there has been such a change in the system that there is a need to switch over to privatized security. I also found this one under iseek, you can view it at http://my.firedoglake.com/mt6112a/2011/09/22/treatment-of-prisoners-by-guards-in-private-prisons/. Training for these guards becomes less and less important and the paycheck diminishes.
The last article I took a look into was found under the search engine surfwax and can be found at http://news.yahoo.com/justice-dept-wont-prosecute-idaho-prison-guards-192244159.html. I found it interesting that prison guards can be held responsible for the treatment of inmate to inmate abuse. It makes me wonder why it is okay to sit back and watch these violent acts persist. It is sick and sadistic and no one deserves to be left with the kind of damage that Elabed was left with because none of the guards would help him.
I found this assignment to be extremely helpful and eye opening to a topic I was unsure of. It was harder at the beginning of this week to find any credible sources that related to this topic. Also, I had no idea these other search engines existed. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope you found it to be just as helpful as I did.
Step3:
I never expected to find other research on the same topic and how in depth they went. I used noodle tools to find the iseek search engine.
The article I found can be seen at http://my.firedoglake.com/mt6112a/2011/09/22/treatment-of-prisoners-by-guards-in-private-prisons/. This article goes into detail of the mistreatment of Hawaiian prisoners by their private prison guards. This topic has me thinking more about our general treatment of people regardless of criminal or just an innocent bystander. Why do we allow our emotions to get caught up in the jobs that we have to do? Even if you are sitting in jail, you have a right to not be treated like dirt.
The second article makes me wonder why there has been such a change in the system that there is a need to switch over to privatized security. I also found this one under iseek, you can view it at http://my.firedoglake.com/mt6112a/2011/09/22/treatment-of-prisoners-by-guards-in-private-prisons/. Training for these guards becomes less and less important and the paycheck diminishes.
The last article I took a look into was found under the search engine surfwax and can be found at http://news.yahoo.com/justice-dept-wont-prosecute-idaho-prison-guards-192244159.html. I found it interesting that prison guards can be held responsible for the treatment of inmate to inmate abuse. It makes me wonder why it is okay to sit back and watch these violent acts persist. It is sick and sadistic and no one deserves to be left with the kind of damage that Elabed was left with because none of the guards would help him.
I found this assignment to be extremely helpful and eye opening to a topic I was unsure of. It was harder at the beginning of this week to find any credible sources that related to this topic. Also, I had no idea these other search engines existed. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope you found it to be just as helpful as I did.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Generating a Paper
Finding something interesting to write about can be hard because there is a tendency to think that the topics picked can be boring or always talked about. However it may not be about the topic, but about finding the right questions to ask. For today we were asked to come up with some possible topic ideas to write about. When we brainstorm we sometimes come up short and get stuck. In this exercise we were asked to choose four categories out of this list:
Places, Trends, Things, Technologies, People, Controversies, History, Jobs, Habits and Hobbies.
After choosing any four, we were challenged to sit down for a time and come up with as many topics within those categories as possible. From the list we were asked to choose any topic that peaked our interest. After narrowing it down to just one, we needed to come up with as many questions as possible about the given topic.
Step 1- Generate Topics (see Below)
Step 2- Choose the ones that interest your curiosity (highlighted)
Places: Japan, Macedonia, Downtown Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Etters, Korea, Australia, Mount Vodno, Lancaster Bible College, High School, England, Greece, Mexico, Canada- Niagara Falls, Orlando, Florida, The Neptune, National Parks, Museums, Metro, Baltimore Aquarium
Hobbies: Painting, Photography, Scrap booking, Cooking, Baking, Running, Spending time with friends, Playing an instrument, Martial Arts, Dog-Training, Skateboarding, Surfing, Knitting, Making Blankets out of old t-shirts, Learning a language
Jobs: Politician, Judge, Mechanic, Carpenter, Photographer, Technician, Sales Representative, Student, Social Worker, Athletic Trainer, Bus Driver, Beautician, Prison Guard, Stay at home Mother, Teacher, Musician, Architect, Truck Driver, Nurse, Coach
Technologies: Cell Phone, I-pad, Laptop, Space Shuttle, Hearing aids, Cars, Microphones, Monitors, Television, DVDs, Blue Ray Players, Lights, Elevators, Speakers, Electronic drums, Internet, Remote controls
Step 3- Generate a list of Questions
Prison Guards:
Blessings,
Nicole
Places, Trends, Things, Technologies, People, Controversies, History, Jobs, Habits and Hobbies.
After choosing any four, we were challenged to sit down for a time and come up with as many topics within those categories as possible. From the list we were asked to choose any topic that peaked our interest. After narrowing it down to just one, we needed to come up with as many questions as possible about the given topic.
Step 1- Generate Topics (see Below)
Step 2- Choose the ones that interest your curiosity (highlighted)
Places: Japan, Macedonia, Downtown Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Etters, Korea, Australia, Mount Vodno, Lancaster Bible College, High School, England, Greece, Mexico, Canada- Niagara Falls, Orlando, Florida, The Neptune, National Parks, Museums, Metro, Baltimore Aquarium
Hobbies: Painting, Photography, Scrap booking, Cooking, Baking, Running, Spending time with friends, Playing an instrument, Martial Arts, Dog-Training, Skateboarding, Surfing, Knitting, Making Blankets out of old t-shirts, Learning a language
Jobs: Politician, Judge, Mechanic, Carpenter, Photographer, Technician, Sales Representative, Student, Social Worker, Athletic Trainer, Bus Driver, Beautician, Prison Guard, Stay at home Mother, Teacher, Musician, Architect, Truck Driver, Nurse, Coach
Technologies: Cell Phone, I-pad, Laptop, Space Shuttle, Hearing aids, Cars, Microphones, Monitors, Television, DVDs, Blue Ray Players, Lights, Elevators, Speakers, Electronic drums, Internet, Remote controls
Step 3- Generate a list of Questions
Prison Guards:
- What do prison guards do?
- How does their job change from day to day
- Is there any Risk involved?
- How rough can they be with prisoners?
- Do they get to carry any weapons (gun, baton, taser)?
- What kind of physical toll does it take on the body?
- Do prisoners effect a prison guards personality/character?
- How often do prison guards get into fights with prisoners?
- What happens if a guard is accused of mistreating a prisoner?
- Do prison guards consider themselves above the law?
- How are prison guards chosen/hired?
- What requirements must you meet to be a prison guard?
- Are there any financial benefits?
- Do you get bonuses? Compensation?
- What kind of mentality does it take to be around criminals everyday?
- How should this effect someone if they are a follower of Christ?
Blessings,
Nicole
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
A New Way to Write
When it comes to writing papers, each of us has been taught various ways of doing it throughout the years. The one thing that we have in common is that we all undergo similar processes in developing and writing a paper. I am here to walk you through some of the new insights and perspectives that I am learning throughout my English Composition class. For today we have been asked to define what we believe when it comes to what we have learned in writing.
For step 1 we were asked to write for three minutes about one of the following topics:
You have to know your thesis before you start
You have to be objective
You can't use the pronoun I
You can use your own experiences and observations as evidence
You can use your own writing voice
You're writing mostly for your instructor.
You're supposed to use your own opinions.
and then formulate why we think it is true or false and give backing. I chose being able to use your own experiences and observations as evidence.
Let's say that someone walks up and tells me that I have to write a paper but I cannot use my own experiences and observations but must rely on outside sources only, how should I respond? Well I can say that from my personal experience with writing, using my voice in text helps to emphasis my perspective on the given topic. I believe in using my own experiences and observations within my writing to give another voice to the writing. While everyone may not agree with me, I feel that another opinion in the mix is helping to generate more questions to help other readers think outside the box. I was always taught in high school that in academic writing using what you know and have learned can help to benefit a paper. No one may care about an ordinary round about opinion I may have but I have a voice so I should use it.
For step 2 we were again asked to write for three minutes on one of these given topics:
There is a big difference between facts and opinions.
Pretty much everything you read in textbooks is true.
People are entitled to their own opinions, and no on opinion is better than another.
There's a big difference between a fact in the sciences and a fact in the humanities.
When two experts disagree, one of them has to be wrong.
and formulate why we believe what we believe. I chose to people are entitled to their opinions, and no one opinion is better than another.
I have heard it say that everyone is entitled to their own, and no one opinion is better than another. I would have to agree with the first part of this statement but for the second I am on the fence. If your opinion can be backed up by facts and someone else cannot do the same, wouldn't that be the case? Everyone has a different perception, a different outlook on life, drama, problems, solutions and the list goes on but the fact of the matter is that we can agree that everyone has a different take on the same topic. To me that's just like if if two people agree and one does not, who is wrong? I feel that that is how our opinions are. Growing up we are taught and trained through our education system, so we had to have learned our opinions from somewhere.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
For step 1 we were asked to write for three minutes about one of the following topics:
You have to know your thesis before you start
You have to be objective
You can't use the pronoun I
You can use your own experiences and observations as evidence
You can use your own writing voice
You're writing mostly for your instructor.
You're supposed to use your own opinions.
and then formulate why we think it is true or false and give backing. I chose being able to use your own experiences and observations as evidence.
Let's say that someone walks up and tells me that I have to write a paper but I cannot use my own experiences and observations but must rely on outside sources only, how should I respond? Well I can say that from my personal experience with writing, using my voice in text helps to emphasis my perspective on the given topic. I believe in using my own experiences and observations within my writing to give another voice to the writing. While everyone may not agree with me, I feel that another opinion in the mix is helping to generate more questions to help other readers think outside the box. I was always taught in high school that in academic writing using what you know and have learned can help to benefit a paper. No one may care about an ordinary round about opinion I may have but I have a voice so I should use it.
For step 2 we were again asked to write for three minutes on one of these given topics:
There is a big difference between facts and opinions.
Pretty much everything you read in textbooks is true.
People are entitled to their own opinions, and no on opinion is better than another.
There's a big difference between a fact in the sciences and a fact in the humanities.
When two experts disagree, one of them has to be wrong.
and formulate why we believe what we believe. I chose to people are entitled to their opinions, and no one opinion is better than another.
I have heard it say that everyone is entitled to their own, and no one opinion is better than another. I would have to agree with the first part of this statement but for the second I am on the fence. If your opinion can be backed up by facts and someone else cannot do the same, wouldn't that be the case? Everyone has a different perception, a different outlook on life, drama, problems, solutions and the list goes on but the fact of the matter is that we can agree that everyone has a different take on the same topic. To me that's just like if if two people agree and one does not, who is wrong? I feel that that is how our opinions are. Growing up we are taught and trained through our education system, so we had to have learned our opinions from somewhere.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
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