Prostitution in Bangkok

As far as prostitution in Bangkok is concerned, it has been estimated that here are about 200 European women and 500 Chinese women in the sex industry (Clark, 2005, p. 23). This has come to be referred to as the dark side of Thailand that people don’t know which portrays a narrow segment of life in Bangkok. In this case, it has been estimated that the sex industry as a whole generates more than 100 billion baht each year.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Prostitution in Bangkok specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This has always been as a result of various short term sex establishments that have sprung up as time goes by. As far as the industry as a whole is concerned, thousands of women are always sold to brothels in Bangkok by unscrupulous job brokers. Brothels have always operated in an organized international syndicate for their own sustainability when it comes to money issues. 40% of foreigners make up ma jority of prostitutes in different establishments in Bangkok (Clark, 2005, p. 55). The industry has different segmentations based on the amount of money that is involved in the business. It should be known that a large number of women and children alike are always lured into the business from neighboring countries to Bangkok with the promise and expectation of good money. This implies that most of these prostitutes want to go to Bangkok for prostitution because of the thriving industry in the country which might not be the case in their own countries (Seabrook, 1996, p. 35). Thai women always move to other roles in the sex industry which therefore requires replacement that is always done by trafficking in other foreign women who are estimated at more than 10,000 every year. As much as fewer Thai women have entered the sex industry in recent years, there has been a large influx of women from Burma and Southern China into the country for prostitution (Murcott, 1991, p. 62). Most prost itutes in Bangkok have entered the country illegally which shows that there are thousands of foreign women in the sex industry. Prostitution culture and public opinions It should be known that prostitution is one of the areas where issues of people’s private life are always subjected to public opinion as far as cultural history is concerned. This means that there are several underlying factors that have been behind the prostitution culture in Thailand and more specifically Bangkok.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The practice of prostitution is illegal but it has been practiced throughout the country which raises various integrity issues (Cleo, 1994, p. 9). The fact that prostitution is illegal in the country has made it difficult for various stakeholders to estimate the exact number of women and children who are involved in the sex industry. On the other hand, just like in other countries, people’s views about prostitution in Thailand have always been influenced by cultural changes that have emerged with modernity (Hanna, 2004, p. 89). Visiting a prostitute or a mistress in Thailand is common but it doesn’t mean that it is acceptable behavior. This is a held public opinion that has been ignored by different people who are involved in the sex industry. The society has a lot of tolerance to the downtrodden which has ended up shaping perceptions and attitudes towards prostitution. It should be known that the attitude of different Thai girls towards prostitution is shaped by the society’s cultural norm. The acceptance of tolerating people who are downtrodden has enabled prostitution to flourish without any social stigma that is found in other countries and societies (Peracca, 2005, p. 16). Social stigma towards prostitution in Thailand has not taken root because prostitutes provide assistance to their families and relatives. This h as therefore tilted public opinion in their favor as time goes by thereby creating a new culture where although prostitution is illegal, it is wholly embraced by the society (McCamish, 2002. p. 40). The political power has not been able to create some national subjectivity that is desired to make a firm national position or opinion about prostitution and the sex industry in Thailand. Thailand’s modernization has been greatly influenced by many cultures that relate to western capitalism thereby playing a big role in shaping peoples opinion on the issue of prostitution. As far as culture is concerned, prostitution in Thailand is illegal but it is tolerated and partly regulated in practice (Bales, 1999, p. 19). This means that the country is breeding a culture of child prostitution based on different and diverse aspects that are supposed to be evaluated if public opinion is expected to shift in the near future.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Prostitution in Bangkok specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Gambling culture in Thailand It should be known that Thailand, at least at a faà §ade level, is not a gambling state as many people might assume it to be. This means that the state does not in any way permit casinos and sports books although official lottery is allowed. There are certain underlying factors that will always tempt people into gambling in different societies which are expected depending on the motive. As far as the culture in the country is concerned, there are other officially endorsed activities apart from gambling. On the other hand, as much as it is illegal, it is widely popular in the country just like any other place. Illegality in gambling in Thailand means that there is more discretion that is involved (Rich, 2007, p. 20). There has been an argument that the Thai government should legalize some forms of gambling from different quarters of the country but these needs pr oper review for long term sustainability. Just like prostitution, gambling is illegal but there are other people who have continued with the practice without fear. As far as this issue is concerned, it is quite obvious that gambling has some economic and social impacts whether it is legal or illegal. There are some small exceptions that allow people to gamble in one way or the other. This therefore brings us to the aspect of the effects of gambling to the society and individuals. Legalized and illegal gambling will always have some effects on the society in the country in one way or the other. There are many illegal gambling spots in the country known as Siam. This can be explained from the fact that many foreign nationals have always come in the country to engage in these illegal gambling. This means that the practice is acceptable amongst the citizens as an economic activity that can give them money (Kausch, 2003, p. 37). People get addicted to gambling because of the monetary ret urns that are associated with it. This means that as long as somebody is getting money from gambling, she or he will continue doing it in the long term. In the process, this has often led to addiction to gambling with far reaching consequences. As time goes by, different cartels have emerged by to protect their interest as far as gambling is concerned.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It should be known that there are grave dangers for people who do not want to pay as far as gambling is concerned. People who get on the wrong side of gamblers have always paid with death which has led to a bad culture that is emerging in the country. The psychology of gambling There are different aspects of gambling that are supposed to be understood. In this case, it should be known that addiction to gambling can always ruin finances and family relationships in one way or the other. This means that there are different psychological aspects that are used by casinos to encourage people into gambling. In fact, it is as far as making a bet on the outcome of different events is concerned. Gambling is always considered an immoral activity because those people who engage in it might end up stealing or coming crimes to get the money. In the long run, it always leads to greater poverty because people want to continue playing and pay debts that they have incurred as a result of gambling (Ha gan, 2010, p. 27). Gambling has always been seen as a manifestation of greed by various people in the society. This is because despite the greed and laziness, there is a desire to get rich as time goes by without working hard or investing in anything. There is an exploitation of human frailty that is involved in gambling which explains why it has thrived illegally in Thailand and other countries. Gambling becomes a problem in the society when an individual cannot control what he or she is spending in the long run and short run. There is always a rush mentality to gambling although there is an addiction to some occasional pay offs. On the other hand, gambling can be fun when it becomes more than a game. In this case, people become addicted to gambling because of the thrill to win and the anticipation of winning. People who are addicted to gambling believe that it can help them in alleviating different and diverse problems that they might be facing in one way or the other. This means that such individuals are likely to spend considerable amounts of money to get whatever they want as far as gambling is concerned (Volberg, 2002, p. 103). Therefore compulsive gambling has been described as a disorder that affects various people in Thailand who engage in gambling illegally in one way or the other. Narcotics, how people get addicted There are various factors that have always led to addiction in one way or the other depending on the prevailing situation and circumstance. Using narcotics has never caused addiction in any way. People therefore become physiologically dependent on drugs as time goes by. In this case, it does occur that there is nobody who starts depending on drugs from the word go but rather it takes time (Rang, 2003, p. 44). This means that there is an addiction cycle that is followed by everybody before they become fully fledged addicts. The addiction cycle is the reoccurring process that takes place as people cope with addiction. In the first stage the re is always acting out where people engage in some behavior to relive stress (Roesner, 2006, p. 72). After acting out, there is always guilt and remorse due to sinning that the individual has engaged in. Shame and depression follows guilt and remorse because people feel badly about themselves based on what they have done. Shame and depression leads to recommitments as a result of the behavior that people engage in (Hillman, 2008, p. 60). Most notably, there is some recommitment to the same habit that an individual was feeling shame about. Performance follows recommitment which ultimately leads to stress that makes people and individuals to continue using the drug. Stress can be manifested in different ways but it is brought about by diverse and distinct aspects. Fear of failure, fear of rejection and expectations can always lead to stress which should be understood. People turn to the life of crime and prostitution to support addiction because such aspects are related in one way or the other. Addiction is very bad and an individual needs the drug to support his life which means that they can do anything to get the money that will get those drugs (Boob, 2007, p. 51). Many drug users will always turn to prostitution to support their habits because they never have any meaningful way of getting money. By engaging in prostitution they will be able to get money and thereby continue using drugs. On the other hand, people who cannot engage in prostitution will turn to crime to get money. In this case, addicts can only support their behavior by turning to prostitution and crime (Gass, 2008, p. 39). Lacking income to support an illegal habit is very bad which turns people to crime and prostitution. It should be known that pimps always use violence and drugs as a control mechanism in different ways. This is always a strategy of control over their activities should be understood for long term sustainability when it comes to understanding this issue. In this case, drugs a re a control mechanism that they have always used to support their activities when it comes to monopolizing. The most renowned form of control mechanism has always been violence but if this fails to work out, pimps have always resorted to drugs. Just like other drug dealers, pimps are also able to keep their business by using any means possible. All in all, it should be known that drug addiction, prostitution and crime are related in one way or the other meaning that they will always thrive together. Reference List Bales, K. (1999). Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy. Los Angeles: University of California Press. Boob, G. (2007). Stress, Dysregulation of Drug Reward Pathways, and the Transition to Drug Dependence. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Clark, J. (2005). Falang: Behind Bangkok’s Smile. Bangkok: Oxford press. Cleo, O. (1994). Patpong Sisters: An American Woman’s View of the Bangkok Sex World. New York: Routledge. Fuller, P. (1975). The Psycho logy of Gambling. New York: Harper Colophon Books. Gass, T. (2008). Glutamatergic substrates of drug addiction and alcoholism. Chicago: University of Chicago press. Hagan, K, (2010). Gambling linked to one in five suicidal patients. Melbourne: The Age. Hanna, D. (2004). Brit Girls who pay Thais for no-strings sex. Thailand: Daily Mirror. Hillman, D. (2008).The Chemical Muse. New York City: St. Martin’s Press. Kausch, O. (2003). Patterns of substance abuse among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers. Thailand: The Nation. McCamish, M. (2002). The structural relationships of Support from male sex workers in Pattaya to rural parents in Thailand. Bangkok: Parallax Press. Murcott, S. (1991). The First Buddhist Women: Translations and Commentary on the Therigatha. Bangkok: Parallax Press. Peracca, S. (2005).Young teens happy with sex work. Thailand: The Nation. Rang, H. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Rich, B. (2007). Gambling had role in religious history . Bangkok: Oxford press. Roesner, S. (2006). New pharmacological approaches for the treatment of alcoholism. New York: Routledge. Seabrook, J. (1996).Travels in the Skin Trade: Tourism and the Sex Industry. Bangkok: Parallax Press. Volberg, A. (2002). The epidemiology of pathological gambling. New York: St. Martin’s Press. This essay on Prostitution in Bangkok was written and submitted by user Brisa Middleton to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Racism in the media Essays

Racism in the media Essays Racism in the media Paper Racism in the media Paper Similarly, Muharrar (1998) had two findings, through a content analysis of a local TV station, that a) crime is violent and b) criminals are non-black. There are a few reasons for this, as explored by Dixon et al: Crime is first and foremost a staple ingredient of local news. Network news tends to emphasise political and international coverage, and this may reduce the number of perpetrators represented overall. The overall theme of network news is politics and policy, not crime. As a result, when they do focus on crime it tends to be on non-violent and white-collar crime. Their emphasis on whites in a variety of crime roles may be linked to attempt to increase ratings given the racial majority of white people in the US. Editors of network news may also use whites more often because this imagery is more comfortable and intriguing to the white audience. Fictional vs. Reality-based TV shows A second interesting finding was from Tamborini et al (2000). It showed how African Americans are portrayed more negatively in reality-based police shows/televised news/newspapers than in fictional programmes about crime. For example, reality-based shows are more likely to present African Americans as poorly-dressed, handcuffed, more physically threatening and nameless. 93% of robbery suspects featuring in a local newspaper were African American and more than 80% on local TV newscasts. Whites are also mostly cast as officers in this genre. It is suggested that these programmes encourage racial hostility, formation of ethnic stereotypes and fear of African Americans. In contrast, fictional programmes depict whites as criminal suspects more often than minorities. African-Americans also represent 10% of all perpetrators on television. The limitation of minorities in these roles on fictional programmes suggests that the favourable portrayal of Blacks in these minor roles does not pose a threat to the white man on television. Prior Research vs. Modern Research A few of the articles found disparities between prior research and their own research on the topic. For example, Sabo et als study (1995) on televised sporting events previous research on the topic had shown that televised sport reinforced African American stereotypes as less intellectual, described them commonly in physical terms and generally portrayed them in a negative light, in comparison to white athletes. However, their study discovered that a conscious effort was made by commentators to avoid prejudicial treatment of minority athletes and instead produce a balanced multi-cultural atmosphere. Commentators almost never mentioned race. They also found that Blacks were least likely to receive negative comments out of all nationalities. Overall, no significant differences were yielded in the number of positive evaluations by race and ethnicity. Similarly, as Gilens (1996) argues, most studies examining the proportion of ethnic or minorities appearing in news coverage found that blacks were under-represented in all areas of news media. His study however, showed that US newsmagazines grossly over-represented African Americans as poor people. Overall, they made up 62% of poor people pictured in stories, over two times their true population of 29%. Another example is Bowen and Schmid (1997), who based their study of advertising in magazines. Previous research showed that that the use of Asians and Hispanics was very small and in decline. However, there study discovered that (in one section based on 5 ads) Hispanics had more major roles than Black and Asian models in mixed-ethnic ads. TV advertisements vs. Magazine advertisements Differences could undoubtedly be identified between portrayal of minorities in TV advertisements and magazine advertisements. Mastro Stern (2003) found in their study of TV commercials the use of models went in this order white, then Black, Asian, Latino, Native American and finally other. However, Bowen and Schmids (1997) similar study of magazine ads found the use of Asian and Hispanic extremely limited Asians decreased from 2. 5% to 1. 8%, and Hispanics decreased from 1. 5% to 0. 6%. This decline in use of Asians highlights differences between the considerable use of Asians in TV commercials and the decline in their use in magazine advertisements. Also, Mastro Stern found that Blacks were portrayed more diversely and at true rates to their population, indicating an incline in use of Blacks. However, Bowen Schmid found that although there has been an increase in the use of Blacks in magazine advertisements, it still tends to be stereotypical and depicting them as athletes, and blues/jazz musicians thus showing that magazines tend to hinder their flexibility in roles, unlike television which appears to portray them more diversely. However the two articles did have a similar finding Mastro Stern found that blacks, whites and Latinos were usually seen in advertisements not at work and Asians were usually found at work. Bowen Schmid found that Blacks were usually represented in ads regarding finance/insurance, but more significantly, in ads for automobile and travel. Automobile and travel ads usually project images of driving, travelling or holidaying and this backs up the former argument that black people are not represented working in any advertisements, Also, despite infrequent use of Asians in magazine ads, Bowen Schmid highlighted one ad in which an Asian model was working as an air hostess, again backing up the finding that Asians are represented at work in advertisements. We must combat exclusion and work towards a media landscape that corresponds more to the multi-cultural and pluralistic realities in Europe (Ouaj, 2000). All writers and theorists offer similar solution processes to tackle the problem of racism in the media. A lot of emphasis was placed upon the importance of the relationship the media have with their audiences. Ferguson (2000) emphasises throughout his article that deconstructing racism is not only the possibility if the media but also the responsibility of the medias fluctuating and travelling audiences. He instructs media audiences to develop our abilities as analysts of media messages, develop our skills as active citizens in democracies, and combine a development of our understanding of media representations with a willingness to exercise our democratic and consumer rights. Husband (2000), on the other hand, sees it as primarily the responsibility of the media industry to take initiative and incorporate new media groups to represent minorities. The essential element in any model of a polyethnic media environment, he says, must be the presence of a wide range of autonomous minority ethnic media that are capable of adequately portraying the interests of ethnic minorities. On top of this, he suggests the implementation of complementary media which actively aim to promote dialogue across certain boundaries. Van Dijk (2000) emphasises the need for a conscious effort to promote high-quality, objective journalism. He uses the example of the Inetrnational Federation of Journalists in Brussels, where they set up a commission composed of experts to monitor ethnocentrism, xenophobia and racist prejudices in the media. Journalists who distinguish themselves by excellent multicultural practices though reporting or programme-making receive a prize. Such procedures would indeed encourage good practices and standards of excellence among young journalists in particular. Racist and the mass media most of the time are intertwined phenomena (Oauj, 2000). Minority figures have, for too long, been denied professional access to the industry. Whether the exclusion lies with the absence of on-screen minority characters, or if it lies behind the scenes in production and management, this is racism in its purist form. The industry is not only sacrificing its own integrity, but also sacrificing good opportunities to integrate high-qualified, intelligent journalists of ethnic descent into their production processes. Advertisers also must take initiative. They must look beyond the young, white, middle-class audience and branch out to the vast amount of minorities who are just as capable as white people of purchasing consumer good and avail of consumer services. Taken altogether, the spending power of African Americans, Hispanics and Asians equals $395 billion. Surely, someone can see an opportunity to cash in on the tastes and spending capabilities of these large communities. Minorities read mainstream magazines and buy mainstream products. Its time they received mainstream treatment. (Bowen Schmid, 1997) Responsibility must be taken and inroads must be made. Media professionals must learn to adopt and enact recognised professional standards of quality, fairness, balance and social responsibility. They must disregard our style and standard that serves only to eliminate people outside their convention. Such fair standards and practices have become particularly important if the media are to play a positive role in the development of multi-cultural societies, who respect human rights of minorities. This is the month that Ireland celebrated the EU Presidency, and the government have promised to welcome 10 new states to the EU by encouraging and promoting multi-culturalism, ethnicity and nationality throughout the nation. The media, one of the prominent cornerstones of our democracy, must also abide by this promise and learn to incorporate ethnic communities in our interests and experiences and vice versa. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bowen, L. Schmid, J. ; 1997; Minority Presence and Portrayal in Mainstream Magazine Advertising: An Update; J MC Quarterly; Vol. 74, Issue 1, pg. 134-146 Dixon, T. L. , Azocar, C. L. Casas, M. ; 2003; The Portrayal of Race Crime on Television Network News; Journal of Broadcasting Electronic Media; Vol. 47, Issue 4, pg. 498-523 Ferguson, R. ; 2000; The Potential Role of the Mass Media in Deconstructing Racism; Media Development; Vol. 0, Issue 2, pg. 20-22 Gilens, M. ; 1996; Race and Poverty in America: Public Misperceptions the American News Media; Public Opinion Quarterly; Vol. 60, pg. 515-541 Husband, C. ; 2000; Beyond contesting racism: Imagining the Polyethnic Media Environment; Media Development; Vol. 0, Issue 2, pg. 11-14 Jackson, J. ; 2000; Anything But Racism; Fairness Accuracy in Reporting Website; fair. org/extra/0001/tv-racism. html Mastro, D. E. Stern S. R. ; 2003; Representations of Race in Television Commercials: A Content Analysis of Prime-Time Advertising; Journal of Broadcasting Electronic Media; Vol. 47, Issue 4, pg. 638-647 Media Awareness Network; 2004; The Economics of Racial Ethnic Stereotyping; mediaawareness. ca/english/issues/stereotyping/ethnics_and_minorities/ minorities_economics. cfm Mertens, S. ; 2000; Everyday Racism and the Importance of a Cultural Paradigm; Media Development; Vol. 0, Issue 2, pg. 27-31 Muharrar, M. ; 1998; Media Blackface: Racial Profiling in News Reporting; Fairness Accuracy in Reporting Website; fair. org/extra/9809/media-blackface. html Ouaj, J. ; 2000; More Colour in the Media; Media Development; Vol. 0, Issue 2, pg. 6 Sabo, D. , Jansen, S. C. , Tate, D. , Carlisle-Duncan, M. Leggett, S. ; 1995; The Portrayal of Race, Ethnicity and Nationality in Televised International Athletic Events; Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles; aafla. org/9arr/ResearchReports/ResearchReport4_. htm Seneviratne, K. ; 2000; Migrants, Racism the Media a Perspective from Australia; Media Development; Vol. 0, Issue 2, pg. 17-19 Tamborini, R. ; Mastro, D. E. ; Chory-Assad, R. M. ; Huang, R. H. ; 2000; The Colour of Crime and the Court: A Content Analysis of Minority Representation on Television; J MC Quarterly; Vol. 77, Issue 3, pg. 639-653 Van Dijk. T. A. ; 2000; Media, Racism Monitoring; Media Development; Vol. 0, Issue 2, pg. 7-9

Field project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Field project - Essay Example Most of the Buddhists describe Buddha as a true teacher who awakened them from their ignorance. By this, Buddha ensured that they attained the highest form of happiness that humans can ever achieve. After all these years, Buddhists still believe and practice their culture. I interviewed Ashoka, a strong Buddhist, on some aspects of their religion and I was surprised at some of their practices. Beliefs One of the strongest beliefs of Buddhists is that there is no supernatural being, unlike other religions such as Christianity and Islam. Their god was human and so they believe that all people are equal and should respect each other. Buddhists also believe that whatever they hear or read has to be tested. This is unlike most religions that discourage testing of anything that has been said by their gods. Buddhists, however, believe that if something is written in their holy books, then they have the right to test it to be assured that it is true. This, therefore, creates a faith that is transparent and where followers are not subjected to impossible temptations that they cannot overcome and question. Buddhists have the right to question their holy books as well as their god if they have evidence to do so (Patrick, 1982). Buddhists also have many gods. Unlike most religions which followers only believe in one god, Buddhists have a varying number of gods. Some have as many as thousands of gods while others have no god at all. For this, Buddhists believe that one should never argue about the existence of god and they have a saying that they would rather die than argue on god’s existence. The other major belief of Buddhists is the karma belief. This is the belief given especially to children. They are told that if they do wrong, they will get karma which in most cases is considered to be the exact equivalent of what wrong the child has done. Due to this, most of the Buddhist children are upright and in most cases would avoid wrong things. One of the most practic ed beliefs about Buddhists which Ashoka gave me a quick review of is the importance of listening to teachers. Buddhists believe that it is very important for people to listen to their teacher’s advice. They believe that teachers are chosen by Buddha and if one wants to prosper and avoid bad ways, they have to listen to their teachers. It is for this reason that most of the Buddhist teachers are always elderly due to the experience that is needed to attain that position. Teachers are, therefore, much respected people in the society and a Buddhist will never disobey their teacher’s advice. Festivals According to Ashoka, festivals are like the only factor that unites Buddhists all over the world. She informed me that during those early days, it was a tradition for all Buddhists to come together and celebrate the full moon. During this time, they would all gather under the full moon and listen to various teachings and try as much as they could to meditate with their specif ic chants. Even though this festival is losing its taste due to the movement of Buddhists all over the world, it is still a common practice. Apart from this festival, there is the main Buddhist festival that creates a strong sense of belonging to all Buddhists. Their main ritual is known as the Puja and it is always performed by the teacher. The teacher is at the center while the other members of the group are outside and answer to the calls made by the teacher. This practice, according to Ashoka, is practiced to encourage their meditation and normal practices. Ashoka