eLearning ENG4U – Page 9

Re-socialization In Cults

Published on October 20, 2011October 20, 2011 by libbyenglish1 Comment

Cults are groups in society that are seen as authoritarian, exploitive and sometimes, dangerous. Cults recruit their members by luring individuals who are at a vulnerable point in their life. Cult leaders look for smart, spiritual and idealistic people who can be easily convinced to join them using mind control, manipulation and deception to persuade them. A successful initiation of an individual into a reckless cult displaces one’s former self and replaces it with a new one. There are many key aspects to a cult: mind-control, exclusivism, intimidation and censorship. Effectively using these techniques to control their members will successfully re-socialize an individual.

The main way that a cult manipulates its members is through mind-control, built around a strong authoritarian leader who gives their members unconditional love, acceptance and attention. Controlling information they feel the members should know, and more importantly, not know. If the members really knew what was going on, then they wouldn’t be members, they would be fleeing. Cult leaders make their members feel as though they are a part of an exclusive club. Leaders tell followers that they are the lucky ones who will be “saved” through membership in the organization. Character assassination is used to make the individual feel belittled instilling guilty and false reasoning for their past choices and looking towards the leader for support. Belittlement allows leaders to advance their mind control tricks since the members are so beaten down to a vulnerable state. Controlling a person’s identity allows leaders to gain full access to member’s minds, making the process of re-socialization a lot easier and quite effective.

Cults break down the members minds, making them easier to control. Once a cult has fully brainwashed a member’s mind, the process of re-socialization becomes easier, and consequently quite difficult to reverse. Members will be brainwashed to the point where they believe leaving the cult will result in something horrible happening to them. At this point a cult will invoke fear into members, telling them that bad things will happen to them if they have impure thoughts towards the cult, question their beliefs or consider leaving. The re-socialization process is critical to the effectiveness of the cult. By re-socializing cult members they become mere pawns at the leader’s disposal. A cult must re-socialize properly or they risk losing followers and, consequently, baring the truth of the cult’s manipulation. Shortly after entering a cult the re-socializing process begins and bringing someone back from re-socialization is nearly impossible.

It is obvious that the sole purpose of a cult is to manipulate its members’ minds. The only motive that a cult truly has is to brainwash its members and to use them in harmful ways. Cults effectively control the minds of their members and by doing so, they re-socialize them.

Works Cited

Langone, Michael D. “Cults: Questions and Answers.” 15 October 2011

http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_articles/langone_michael_cultsqa.htm

Hexham. “General Information.” 15 October 2011

http://mb-soft.com/believe/text/cults.htm

“Who Joins Cults?” 15 October 2011

http://www.letusreason.org/Cult18.htm

The Success of a Shopaholic

Published on October 16, 2011October 16, 2011 by briecroteau2 Comments

The Success of a Shopaholic

Brianne Croteau

Everyone has dreams and aspirations. Some dream to thrive in their personal lives, while others aspire to do well academically. Regardless, a defined set of skills is required in order to face challenges on the way to success. I have acquired the skills necessary for my success through shopping. Being a regular consumer has developed my multi-tasking, creativity, and motivation.

Multi-tasking while shopping has promoted my success. Shopping can be extremely time-consuming, not leaving much room for homework or the gym. Making transactions helps me build my budgeting skills for accounting class, leading to my academic success. Shopping has also lead to my physical achievements. Parking far away from the door and taking the stairs enables me to fit in a brief cardiovascular workout while at the mall. Not to mention, trying on clothes can also work up a sweat. Since it is equally important to perform strength exercises, I am sure not to delegate the dreadful task of carrying heavy shopping bags. If you are like me, you purposely buy several pairs of shoes to add up to a significant weight. Hence, multi-tasking while shopping has resulted in my academic and physical success.

Shopping has built my creativity, helping me to succeed. I have been relentlessly told that I can be anything I want to be, and shopping allows me to truly feel that way. Trying on the perfect blazer transforms me into a prime businesswoman, and the right pair of stilettos dares me to feel like a celebrity. This creativity leads to my success, as I am able to imagine scenarios that are often outside of my comfort zone. Though, choosing outfits is hardly the only way my imagination is provoked when shopping. Most shopaholics would agree that their closet is one of their greatest companions. After a trip to the mall I am forced to find innovative ways to store purchases in a closet whose size is less than satisfactory. Being able to creatively solve problems easily transfers into everyday situations. Therefore, the creativity developed through my shopping endeavors enables me to think outside the box and problem-solve to help me succeed.

Shopping drives my motivation to be successful. Knowing a shopping spree awaits me, I am determined to achieve my goals at work and school alike. At my part-time job, I am continuously accepting extra shifts and taking on additional responsibilities. This work ethic is rewarded with more scheduled hours, promotions, and the title of employee of the month. These are all opportunities that provide me with more spending money. This extra cash flow, used for shopping, inspires me to be an outstanding employee at all times. Likewise, at school I am motivated to achieve a high level of academic standards to secure a promising future. This future will consist of employment that comes with a hefty paycheck to finance my constant need to shop. My motivation of shopping allows me to succeed at work, school, and ultimately at life.

Evidently, the skills I have obtained through shopping are crucial for my success. Multi-tasking, creativity, and motivation are skills not only necessary for a bright future, but for everyday occurrences as well. Bearing all the strengths I have developed through shopping in mind, my name is Brianne Croteau and I am proud to be a shopaholic.

Education to End Teen Suicide

Published on October 13, 2011 by natashaahammond2 Comments

24%. That’s the death rate of youth aged 15-24 that die from result of suicide. 90%. That’s the amount of young adults within this age group that are suffering from a mood disorder at the time of their suicide. And finally, 0. That is the initiative which seems to be shown in schools to reduce the “third leading cause of death among teenagers” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The solution to this extreme and growing issue lies within the education system. By targeting teenagers attending high school through speakers and assemblies as well as directed curriculum in regards to this issue, teenage suicide rates will certainly decrease. High schools should have more education techniques and strategies in place to inform students of depression and it’s symptoms in order to minimize teen suicide.

To reduce the high rates of suicide at such a young age, high schools could utilize speakers and assemblies in order to inform teenagers of this important issue and symptoms which can be recognized prior to a person committing such a final act of depression. There are many signs that someone is suffering from a mood disorder, and high school students should be taught how to notice symptoms and therefore seek help for a friend or classmate before the situation worsens. These assemblies could also target students dealing with depression and mood disorders themselves, by encouraging these individuals to seek help and informing them on how and where to find such. Relatable and sympathetic speakers whom teenagers can look up to would be key speakers to use, so that teenagers can look up to these examples and respect and listen to them and therefore further gain information on the subject of teenagers who believe suicide is their only option.

Another effective method to limit teenage suicides could be to incorporate the symptoms, rates, and effects into the education system. This idea would prove most effective if this information was added into a course which is mandatory so that every student will be informed. In grade nine, physical education is already a compulsory credit, therefore if teen suicide and the effects and warning signs of depression and mood disorders were further explored within this curriculum all teenagers would be aware of this information at a young age and therefore could carry it with them throughout the rest of their years as a young adult.

The high suicide rates, more specifically among teenagers and young adults between the ages 15 and 24 must be targeted and minimized by informing the people affected through the use of the education system within high schools. Teaching students of the effects and essential facts regarding depression and mood disorders could be accomplished through speakers and assemblies as well as being integrated into the curriculum as a mandatory credit. Through the years suicide among youth has become more and more common, and the effects on the rest of society are devastating. When someone takes their own life, they are not only affecting their future, but the future of those who love them such as family and friends. Suicide is not a final solution to deal with a temporary problem, and maybe if more people were aided in this realization, such an extreme, horrific and upsetting act could be better avoided.

Works Cited

“About Teen Suicide .”KidsHealth – the Web’s most visited site about children’s health. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/e

Program. “CDC – Injruy – Youth Suicide.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/violencepreve

statistics, learning about, suicide rates, and teen suicide.. “Suicide Facts and FAQs.” Sympathy words, gifts and resources to comfort the grieving.. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://www.comfortyourheart.com/suicide-facts.html>.

Not Just a Sport, a Passion

Published on October 8, 2011October 18, 2011 by nlabesh2 Comments

Numerous people find passion in playing sports. My passion lies in the sport of soccer. According to Dictionary.com, soccer is defined as a ‘form of football played between two teams of 11 players, in which the ball may be advanced by kicking or by bouncing it off any part of the body, but the arms and hands, except in the case of the goalkeepers, who may use their hands to catch, carry, throw, or stop the ball.’[1] Soccer is played around the world. It is ranked the number one played sport in the world. There are many aspects to the game of soccer. As many other sports do, soccer takes skill and perseverance. Soccer is about the challenge and accomplishments. The competition, exercise and friendship are what makes me strive for the thrill of the game.

In soccer the competition is strong; of two teams one must win. The competition is what I enjoy the most. I feel the rush of adrenalin shoot through me as I carry the ball down the field, manoeuvring back and forth, trying to make my way to the net. The challenges of the opposing players I approach throughout the game are what motivates me to become better. The pressure is on every step along the way.

Exercise is a benefit gained from soccer, as I am constantly running up and down the field. Not only do I enjoy the sport but I’m getting a great workout along the way as an added bonus. In the game of soccer I never stop moving. It’s a game of endurance. I am either sprinting to beat another player to the ball or jogging to catch up to the play. Therefore, not only do I get a great cardiovascular workout, but I am also increasing my speed, agility and flexibility. Soccer does not only give me a physical workout but a mental workout as well. It is constantly a mental challenge to be prepared for the next move. I don’t know what the player approaching me will be thinking; I must be physically and mentally prepared for any action.

Another thing that makes me passionate about soccer is the friendships I make. Throughout the soccer season I grow with my team, not only the players, but the coaches as well. Over the years my teammates may become my opponents on the field, but off the field your friendships blossom. I not only play soccer with my teammates but I begin to bond with friends who are like an extended family.

Bobby Charlton, a key member of England’s 1966 World Cup team said, “Some people tell me that we professional players are soccer slaves. Well, if this is slavery, give me a life sentence.”[2] Passion is key. Why do I find passion in soccer? The competition is what drives me, the exercise is what takes me one step farther in every game and the friendships are what encourages me to play to win. To me soccer is not just another sport, it’s my passion.

[2] “Bobby Charlton quotes.” Find the famous quotes you need, ThinkExist.com Quotations.. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2011. <http://thinkexist.com/quotes/bobby_charlton/>

The Finer Points of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Published on October 7, 2011 by gbarkwell1 Comment

The Finer Points of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — A Toller happily retrieving

Gordon Barkwell

What is the ideal dog? This is a question many potential dog owners will find themselves asking as they search for the perfect dog to bring into their lives. Usually, the question gives rise to another – what characteristics do you want in a pet? Differing lifestyles mean some types of dog behaviour are more desirable than others. An elderly couple may consider a calm “laze about” dog ideal, while an active family may consider a high energy dog a perfect fit. Certain things, however, are nearly always on the list; the dog needs to be friendly, intelligent, trainable, and obedient. Does anybody want an antisocial, aggressive dog? Having considered the question regarding what traits are desirable, another question will likely arise. What breeds possess these characteristics? To this question, my answer is that no dog possesses more desirable characteristics than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or the “Toller”.

The beautiful red and white Toller is one of three remaining truly Canadian dogs, the other two being the Newfoundland, and the Canadian Eskimo Dog. The Toller is the smallest of the retrievers, and the provincial dog of Nova Scotia. As the name suggests, the dog originated in Nova Scotia where it was used for a form of duck hunting known as tolling, in which the dog lures in game, rather than seeking it out. Foxes have historically used this technique for hunting, and the Toller was bred with a similar appearance to a fox, and to have an affinity for the kind of behaviour that causes the game to curiously come closer.

But what makes the Toller such a good pet, when it was originally bred for hunting?

Tollers are highly intelligent, patient and extremely obedient. They need these characteristics to work successfully tolling and retrieving. When tolling, the dog needs to be indifferent to the ducks which come closer and closer to it until cued by the hunter to retrieve the downed birds. It is amazing to see this self-control in such a lively dog. As a result of this capacity, a well-trained Toller is very patient. This makes them an excellent fit in virtually any family, especially one with young children.

The Toller is also very affectionate and devoted to its family. They love to be around people and are always very friendly, and have been known to be successful therapy dogs. A Toller will also get along with other family pets. The dog is gentle, playful, and high energy; a perfect match for a family with like-minded children!

The Toller needs a job to do, making them extremely trainable for nearly any activity or task. They are fantastic jogging companions, will happily go on family walks, hikes, or camping trips, and absolutely love the water. Although they are high energy and need exercise, the Toller is not hyperactive and will always gladly settle down with the family at the end of a busy day, turning into a contented couch potato.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is nothing short of a fantastic dog, and absolutely possesses nearly every trait new dog owners want. This versatile, friendly, peppy dog would be the perfect companion for nearly any new owner, adding a lively new dimension to family life.