Should every nation have freedom of religion?

Source: Time Magazine, April 3, 2006

In America, we have certain freedoms extended to our citizenry known as our first amendment rights. These freedoms include many elements that are central to our country that often we take for granted like freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion. The freedom of religion prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion in the U.S. This allows Americans to practice religion as they wish.

This is not the case in other countries of the world. Religion is sometimes incorporated into the laws of a country and anything but strict adherence the letter of the law is often punishable by death. Two examples of religion incorporated into a society's law are Kim Jung Il requiring all citizens to worship him and Shari'a law in many predominantly Muslim countries.

An example of Shari'a law in action was the recent news report of 41 year-old Abdul Rahman of Afghanistan. Afghanistan operates under Shari'a law, under such a system to renounce one's Muslim faith is a crime punishable by death. Rahman was on trial in Kabul, Afghanistan for such a crime. In converting to Christianity from the Muslim faith, he violated this tenet of Islamic law. Outcry from Christians everywhere, especially in America, was partly responsible for Rahman release from charges and current asylum in Italy.

Should freedom of religion be a basic freedom for everyone everywhere? Are there advantages to a set system of religion for a society? Let me know what you think.

Cruzar la frontera - Border crossing

In Washington D.C. there is a debate ensuing which could affect the future of the economy of America. It is a debate which enculcates opportunity, education, labor, prices of products, and what is and what is not to be considered to be acceptable in the U.S.A. The issue of which I speak is that of "illegal" immigration.
So just what is all the debate about? Illegal immigration affects everything from healthcare, to the job market to education. The two sides of the debate are to stiffen current laws about illegal immigration especially between the U.S. and Mexico border or to allow illegal immigrants the opportunity to obtain work visas, which allow them to legally be in the country for work purposes. Making more stern laws about immigration between the border could jam up the court system and cost taxpayers additional dollars in both the cost of not having cheap labor for products and services and the increased border security needs (i.e., manpower and structures such as fences to deter illegal border crossing). However, such laws may help bring down healthcare costs and welfare expenditures spent addressing this population. On the flip side of the coin, work visas would keep many of our product and service prices low while requiring those in possession of such visas to pay taxes, abide by the laws of the land, and other measures to insure a smoother transition into American society such as learning English for example. The arguments for both sides are endless.
Currently, protests in states affected by the debate have broken out. With images reminiscent of the Civil Rights movement of the 50's and 60's we see masses of immigrants taking to the streets, walking out of school, walking off of jobs to voice the need for equity in the issue. The protesters have been met with fire hoses and policemen, which try to corral protesters and prevent mob hysteria from taking over.
But are these actions justified? Should individuals from Mexico that seek better opportunities for themselves and their families be allowed to enter the country for the purposes of work and education? What are some of the negative effects that could result from passing such legislation? What would you do if better opportunity were just a "fence" away from your grasp? And if the legislation were not to pass, would you be willing to pay higher prices for the products and services that you now buy cheaply because of the cheap labor provided by illegal immigrants?

Damging effects of hip-hop culture

Clarence Page, a well-known columnist, recently wrote an editorial in response to a rebuttal about his view of unemployment among disconnected black males despite the economic boom of the 1990's. Page is said by those that responded to, "...just not get it," in relation to the problem of black males and unemployment. The editorial describes how black males limit prospects by embracing the damaging values of "hip-hop culture." The argument is this, if hip-hop disappeared tomorrow, would the jobless rate amongst black males that are high school dropouts in their 20's change. Page states that hip-hop is not the problem, but can make root problems worse. It does so (i.e., make root problems worse) by glamorizing what sociologist call the "cool pose culture." Cool pose culture includes but is not limited to gangster life, sexual conquests, party drugs, bling, money, absentee fatherhood, and the exploitation of women; which is described one Rev. Joseph Lowery as "weapons of mass self-destruction." Though this is not the total scope of the editorial, I would like to know your thoughts. Does hip-hop culture display a damaging system of values or are the comments made by Mr. Clarence Page and those that oppose his view of why jobless rates amongst black males in their 20's are exorbitant compared to other ethnic groups actually expounding the truth of why many are without jobs?

Uniforms: Do they really improve learning?

The military wears them. Postal workers, sports teams, even men and women in factories at times wear them. Now it appears if you go to Dudley High School in Greensboro NC you will wear them as well. The "them" I speak of is uniforms. Dudley HS needed 88% of the parents that voted to approve of uniforms. As of today, March 28, 2006, we now know that 89% approve of having uniforms at the school for next year.
All the buzz about uniforms began officially on March 21st when a "fashion show" was given for the community to view the uniforms and vote (only parents were allowed to vote). It was immediately evident that students and their parents were torn on the issue. Amos Quick, the District 9 school board representative that represents Dudley said, "I like to see kids look nice, look neat, look a little more professional than sometimes they look now." Not only is Quick a school board member, but also a parent of a freshman at the school who strongly opposed her father's view of a "professional look." "I would feel better if they voted against it, but I can't change their minds. I've been trying to change their minds for so long," says Dudley freshman Jasmine Quick. Other comments made by Ms. Jasmine Quick were along the lines of "...we should be able to express ourselves." However, one of the biggest reasons for this sudden move to wear uniforms is due to the very fact of expression and oftentimes the misuse of it, often to the detriment of education.
So why is it that now Dudley wants to move to uniforms? Simply put, academic research has stated its benefits. One particular study found thatfor secondary schools, "Marked differences could mainly be observed at upper grade levels, where the uniform is worn for a longer time: At these grade level, students wearing uniforms compared to those not wearing uniforms reported a better classroom climate, a higher learning goal orientation, higher classroom attention and a lower importance of clothes." (Dickhauser et al., 2004) Other studies within the topic of uniforms showed similar correlations.
The question still lingers, should students be allowed to express themselves? There are intend positives to the uniform issue, like detering gang paraphanalia, more professional dress, and some economic reasons as well, but in the long run is this in the best interest of the student when we force them to wear a uniform. Many of the parents in attendance to view the uniforms on March 21st saw much promise in the prospect of wearing them, but many of the students already are seeking transfer to other schools. Does this speak to the need for students to get back on focus or a silent protest against the powers that be? Let me know what you think about school uniforms in public schools: Yes or no? and Why?

Dickhauser, O., Lutz, K., Wenzel, M.,& Schone, C. Correlates of student uniforms: An empirical analysis. PSYCHOLOGIE IN ERZIEHUNG UND UNTERRICHT 51 (4): 296-308. 2004