Rape
Nichole Moraila
Bio 027
Essay I
On October 25, a 12-year old girl, student of Willard Middle School was sexually assaulted by 9 boys for over five hours. After the sexual assault the girl was transferred to another school, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. On November 8, the same girl was lured to a secluded area of campus and raped by a 13 year old boy. The next day the boy was arrested on charges of rape and he was then released to his parents. The girl has since been taken out of school. The sexual assault on October 25 was the first sexual assault in all three middle schools since the early 90's.
Seven of the nine boys who were involved in the October 25, sexual assault have been arrested and are currently in juvenile hall. According to the Alameda prosecutors there was no evidence of sexual intercourse during the gang assault. Since the police did not learn of the assault until October 27, doctors would not conduct a rape test since the girl had bathed in the two days since the first sexual assault.
In an attempt to not alarm parents, district officials have tried not to divulge the fact that the victim was the same in both assaults. On November 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Principal Neil Smith issued a letter to parents mentioning the sexual assault at Willard Middle School and also mentioned that ``last week, two students were engaged in sexual activity in the bushes during lunch time''. The two incidents were never tied together by Mr. Smith. Parents have since learned that there was a common victim in both incidents and they are outraged.
It's very scary to think that incidents like these can happen in your city and neighborhood.
Why do these things happen? Is it all of the anger, frustration and curiosity about sex that causes these incidents? Would sex education help in preventing crimes like these? Perhaps if parents made more of an effort to discuss sex with their children at a younger age, like maybe 2-3 years of age, they may feel more comfortable about both themselves and sex. If they are educated about sex this might ease some of the frustration and natural curiosity that can occur during their adolescent years. Also, by discussing sex with your children they may feel more at ease when they have questions or problems regarding sex. Most children and adolescents learn about sex from the media and their friends, and most of the information they are taught is false.
Yes, Principal Smith at Martin Luther King Jr. told parents of the sexual assault at Willard Middle School, but he didn't want to alarm parents, so he elected only to share that on Nov. 8, sexual activity had occurred in the bushes. Rape certainly does deserve cause for alarm. Mr. Smith never mentioned the word rape to the parents. Despite the fact that movies, television shows and music videos are full of sex, it seems that we're only supposed to look at it but not talk about it. Parents and students both need to know what is happening in their schools and neighborhoods to further protect themselves. Talking about sex seem like a good way to begin.
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Thomas Paine’S Common Sense
In Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, there are some similarities and differences in the tone as compared to Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. Paine’s approach to his work contrasts that of Jefferson’s. However, they still use the same basic techniques to making their feelings known, which include examining the problem, giving reasons for why it is a problem, and offering their opinion on the solution. Jefferson’s and Paine’s difference in their tone is evident when examining who they are addressing the documents to, the overall layout of their documents, and the relative importance of the documents. Thomas Paine constructs Common Sense as an editorial on the subject of the relationship between the Colonies and Great Britain. Through the paper, he hopes to educate his fellow Americans about this subject. In his introduction, he says he feels that there is “a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong” which “gives it a superficial appearance of being right” (693). He is alluding to the relationship, also calling it a “violent abuse of power” (693). This choice of words is similar to those of Jefferson, who asserts that the king had established an “absolute tyranny” over the states. Both men set an immediate understanding about their feelings towards the rule of Great Britain over the States. However, where Common Sense seems to be an opinionated essay, Thomas Jefferson writes somewhat of a call to battle. Paine generally seems to be alerting his readers to the fact that there is more going on than they are aware of. Jefferson, on the other hand, begins his declaration by stating, “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another” (715). Unlike Paine, this seems to presuppose that readers are aware of the plight of the nation, and Jefferson is announcing that the time has come to take a stand. The main part of Common Sense contrasts in concept with the majority of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson takes a rather rough approach to his writing style, deciding to introduce his ideas in the beginning few paragraphs, then proceeding to list his grievances in the bulk of the piece. Paine however, presents his ideas in more of a persuasive essay style. By providing his readers with more of a storytelling format, he is able to bring them up to date with what is happening, as he does with such paragraph introductions such as “It hath lately been asserted in Parliament” (695) and “But Britain is the parent country, say some” (695). These phrases communicate to the reader what has been going on, and allows Paine to give his audience a background that will allow them understanding of his propositions. Jefferson simply lists one by one, all of his charges against the king. It assumes your knowledge of events leading up to his document; if not, then you have only his facts to rely on. One of the obvious reasons for the difference in tone between these two writers however, can simply be the situation in which both pieces of writing were constructed. This is evident even from the heading of Paine’s third chapter, “Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs.” The word ‘thoughts’ can infer that what follows is simply one man’s conception on how things are and how they should be; that they may not necessarily reflect the true views of one nation. In fact, Paine says this in his introductory paragraph, by disclaiming that “perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor” (693). By this, he obviously means that his word may not speak for all. In contrast, the Declaration of Independence is a bold and assertive document. Jefferson states that “We hold these truths to be self-evident” (715) and goes on to list the rights he feels the States are denied by being in allegiance with Britain. By using “we,” he implies reference to all the people of the States. In reality, he probably only meant wealthy white men, but the insinuation is that he is the voice of the people. Additionally, to conclude the document, Jefferson does not suggest but announces the separation of the states from Great Britain. This confident tone differs greatly from Paine, who seems to be merely proposing his ideas to people who, by his own admission, may not even be paying much attention. Differences in their tone can also be seen in the whole general makeup of the documents. Whereas Jefferson is clearly proclaiming that the time is now, Paine often suggests that the changes he advises be meant for later on. When speaking of the government of Great Britain, he says it is an authority which “sooner or later must have an end” (697). Furthermore, Paine offers great detail on his suggestions, often forming excellent examples of why an independent nation would be far more beneficial than one which is dependent on Great Britain. He gives economic, industrial, and foreign relations reasons for the need to abandon British rule. Jefferson alludes to “inalienable rights,” or those rights which forever exist, then simply outlines what Britain has done to provoke this rebellion. This goes back to the earlier label that Paine constructed more of a persuasive essay, clearly backing up his thoughts with specific examples as to why they were relevant. Paine realizes he is convincing whoever will listen what is in the States’ best interests. Jefferson knows that his responsibility is to draft a document that proclaims the States breakaway from Great Britain. Both men had to know of the significance of their documents, so this was another factor on their tone. In conclusion, Jefferson and Paine show some similar views and intentions in their respective documents. Both writers argue that the new States would be better off without the ties to Great Britain, and both offer very valid points as to why this should occur. However, the differences can be seen in the writing styles and overall tone of the work. Paine becomes more of a salesman, trying to sell his readers to his thoughts on the government of Great Britain, though not completely becoming a force on the matter. Jefferson maintains a very up-front approach, simply overwhelming his readers with numerous examples and energetic voice, concluding with the ‘final word’ on the matter. However much the style differs, though, the two documents were equally compelling and served to motivate a nation into fighting for their independence.
Word Count: 1089
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