Gay`s Adoption Essays - Same-sex Sexuality, Sexual Orientation, Gay

Gay`s Adoption "When a gay couple sought to adopt a boy- who had leukemia, had been neglected by his biological parents, had lived in five foster homes, and whose adoption was favored by his legal representative- the judge deemed it ?not in the interest of a seven-year-old male child to be placed for adoption into the home of a pair of adult male homosexual lovers.'"(Utne 58) Three years of searching for a qualified heterosexual couple failed. This and many other similar cases have denied children a family by ignoring many qualified homosexuals. With this being an age when people are supposedly more open-minded, why is it that gays are treated this way just because of their sexual orientation? Many Americans are still uncomfortable with the idea of gay parents. The traditional family has always included a mother and a father. However, today more and more families are being headed by gay parents. Some have children from previous marriages. Many must use artificial insemination or surrogate mothers because it is extremely difficult for gays to adopt children. Although it seems to contradict society's view of the traditional family, homosexuals should be allowed to adopt because they deserve equal rights, and sexual orientation is not a reasonable determining factor in the qualifications of a parent. Also, allowing them to adopt can actually help society. "Surveys suggest that a large majority of the American public generally favor anti-discrimination laws."(Harris 2) Why then, according to a Newsweek survey, do only 36% of those surveyed think gay couples should have the right to adopt? Samuel Chavers, assistant general counsel for Children and Families, says"adoption is not a right; it's a privilege." If this is true, there is still not a rational basis for denying homosexuals the "privilege" to adopt. It is clearly an anti-gay bias. Although only two states specifically ban adoption by gays, most states discourage it. Just as blacks and women have fought for equal rights, gays are now struggling to do the same. It is unfair to single out a group of people with many members who would make great parents. Since we live in a world where "all men are created equal", homosexuals should enjoy the same rights as heterosexuals. Gays face discrimination because of their sexual preferences, and they must also face the qualifications for adopting. "June Amer has a son of her own, whom she and her partner have raised. They wanted to adopt a second child. Amer truthfully filled out an application form that asked whether she was a homosexual. Her application was immediately rejected."(Fitzgerald 1B) This was a woman who had already proved to be a good parent and who lived in a healthy environment. She could have provided much-needed care for another child. Her only characteristic that did not meet the qualifications was that she had a female lover. Because of this reason, many qualified applicants are being turned down. It is great that people are willing to adopt children, but it is terrible that this one qualification is stopping so many of them. "Sexual orientation alone doesn't make a person a good or bad parent."(Kantrowitz 57) "Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, agrees. ?The goal should be to identify those homes that would provide nurturing environments. The determination should not be sexual orientation.'"(Wagner 1) Adoption agencies need to quit using sexual orientation as a factor. A family is a family. That is exactly what so many children today are in need of: a family. "There are now 36,000 children in this country- in foster homes or institutions- who are free for adoption.(Utne 54) These children need the love that homosexuals can provide just as well as heterosexuals. If the many willing gays could adopt these children, it would help our society by lessening the problem of children without families. A home is much better than an institution, or worse, the streets. It would also help by diversifying society. All people are not the same, so why should all families have to be the same? If children are adopted by gay parents, more people will become accepting and open-minded towards different lifestyles. Society will definitely be positively affected the day that homosexuals can freely adopt. There are many reasons why people believe gays should not freely adopt. A major argument is that children need a male and female figure in their lives in order to develop emotionally. This is true, but most gays have family members and friends who can provide that role. "Most same-sex parents say they make a special

buy custom Challenges Facing America in the 19th Century essay

buy custom Challenges Facing America in the 19th Century essay The 19th century (1801-1900) was an era in history that showed the collapse of many empires like Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese and Holy Roman. This opportunity gave chance to the United States, British Empire, to impel military conflicts and major advances in science and exploration. It is important to note that after the fall of the French Empire and its followers during the Napoleonic Wars, the British Empire was the worlds leading power, it controlled almost one quarter of worlds people and over one fifth of the land area. This promoted trade and fight against uncontrolled piracy. 19th century is period that led to invention and discoveries, with major expansion in the fields of electricity, mathematics, chemistry, biology and other metallurgy that later became the foundation of technological advances in the following centuries. Industrial revolution began in this era where even young children were employed in factories and mines (David Heidler, 19). There were major development in medicine and the general understanding of human being anatomy and major developments on disease prevention. It led to worlds rapid growth in population especially in the western world. It is believed that in the United States the population doubled. During this period there was introduction of railroads that gave major developmentin land transportation, it changed peoples lives. This period led to liberalization (Eric, 30). Many theorists suggest that slavery reduced, Britain was forced to make Barbary pirates to stop their practice of kidnapping and enslaving Europeans. In 13th Amendment that followed after United States civil war led to abolishing of slavery in 1865. Brazil abolished slavery in 1888 and Britain abolished in 1834 (Allen, 8). In North America there was a remarkable extensive formation of new establishment, where largest cities were founded at some point in the century. In 19th century it is believed that nearly 70 million people left Europe. The century also experienced quick formation, development and codification of various sport activities especially in United States. Various sports associations were formed; football association, rugby union, and baseball. Britain led to spread of cricket around the world (Mark, 25). In 19th century there was a Christian religious revival movement called Second Great Awakening in the United States that articulated Arminian theology that expected each and every person to be saved through revivals. This led to formation of many new denominations. Many people who were converted believed that the Awakening was supposed to create new millennial age (David Heidler, 4). It is also important to state that in 1839 to 1860 there was the trail of tears that led to removal and movement of Native American nations from southeastern region that forms the current United States. This process was described as genocide, because many Native Americans suffered due to great exposure, disease and starvation while they were travelling (Allan, 24). In 1846 to 1848 there was a war between United States and Mexico (Mexican War), American forces invaded and captured New Mexico, California, and other parts that are considered northern Mexico. In 1858 Mathew Calbraith who was the commodore of the U.S. Navy forced the opening of Japan to the West. He also had several victorious engagements with the British vessels (Eric, 11). John Quincy Adams proposed use of modern technology and development of education but he received a lot of friction from his enemies from Congress, he lost his second term, becoming the first president to lose only a single term since the period of his father. Theorists suggest that he lacked political ability, popularity and he met politicians who undercut him. In 1868 U.S congress gave assurance to its Citizens the right to expatriate. This allows the United States citizens to relinquish federal nationality in order to be allowed to reclaim Constitutional rights as defined by the 14th Amendment ((David Heidler, 9). Buy custom Challenges Facing America in the 19th Century essay

Inditex(Zara) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Inditex(Zara) - Case Study Example The United States of America is acknowledged to be a graveyard for European retailers. Everyone who goes there is believed to have struggled with comparisons to Laura Ashley’s shutting down and Benetton’s declining. The US is believed to be a complex market as shopping malls are located in the middle of nowhere while the real fashionistas live around the East and West coasts. In addition, everyone nowadays is dressing in Wal-Mart, the Gap and T. J. Maxx. If one is to open a successful fashion retail stores in the US, they would have to open at least 300 and focus all their energy into it to make it work. Another problem causing the inability of Inditex (Zara) to break the US market is a matter of size. For starters, the store is European which means it makes European style clothes. The clothes just would not fit in the US fashion where most of the clothes are for small bodied people. Therefore, Inditex would have to ask themselves why make production more complex? More money would have to go into producing new clothes that fit the US market. Inditex is a pioneer in the fashion industry essentially imitating the latest fashion trends and speed the cheaper imitated versions into stores. Badia (2009) Every one of their brands follow the Zara brand: trendy, decent but inexpensive products sold to people in beautiful, high-end stores. Zara has similar prices to the Gap with coats going for $200, T-shirts at $30 and sweaters for $70. Inditex now makes 840 million clothes every year and has around 5,900 stores located in 85 different countries. Arnarsson (2009) stated those numbers keep changing as in recent years, the company has already been opening more than one store a day or about 500 every year. Recently, there are around 4400 stores located in Europe and about 2000 Spain only. The company’s roots go back in 1963 when the railway worker’s son, Ortega, started a company making robes and housecoats in La Coruna. Oshea (2012) reveals he opened his

The Food and Beverage Operation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Food and Beverage Operation - Assignment Example Gordon, Manager of media relations for the AHLA, says "hotels can impact their bottom line via catering, restaurant, lounges and other food and beverages operations." (James T Aug 01, 2002) The increased number of convention centres, show planners and their emphasis on food and beverage as a way to increase revenues has also made a great fillip to the development of catering management. The hospitality managers are experts who have sound practical knowledge accompanied by theoretical background in meeting the customer preferences in the selection of food and beverages. A large number of food and beverage systems are in operation throughout the country to satisfy the customers with diverse tastes and preferences. There are many ways by which food and beverages can be processed and served. Each one has its own merits and demerits. Mainly, food and beverage service is comprised of two systems, which are complementary to each other. This is one of the crucial tasks of hospitality management as the quality of food and beverage is of utmost concern for all. It is, therefore, important for the catering manager to ensure that only quality food are prepared and served. In fact, the success of catering management depends upon how successful they are in meeting the customers' tastes and preferences. ... 4. Billing 5. Clearing 6. Dish washing 7. Clearing following service (Smith .R, (n.d.) Food and Beverage Service" 6th, Edition Page No. 8) Planning and Development of Recipes and Menus This is one of the crucial tasks of hospitality management as the quality of food and beverage is of utmost concern for all. It is, therefore, important for the catering manager to ensure that only quality food are prepared and served. In fact, the success of catering management depends upon how successful they are in meeting the customers' tastes and preferences. It is a known fact for all that management starts with planning. In the case of catering management also, the first and foremost activity is planning. Planning recipes refers to the process of deciding in advance what kind of food and beverage is needed by the customer. For that, the catering manager must know in advance the kind of gathering for which he/she is going to serve food. For example, if all the people in a party are vegetarians, then there is no meaning in planning non vegetarian cuisine. The various points to be noticed by the catering manager at the time of menu planning are: type of customer Location of Establishment Price range Physical capacity of outlet Staff level and capabilities Kitchen size and equipment availability Food Availability (ALaCarteTraining.com, (n.d) Design a Market Focused Menu) Factors to be considered for Menu Design Menu planning and designing is equally important as planning recipes. It requires utmost care because the menu selected must satisfy the customers. The following must be taken care of by the catering manager: Food preference of Customer a. Changing needs b. Current Trend c. Changing demographic and socio-cultural influences d. Changing

What does Benedict Anderson's concept imagined community mean when Essay

What does Benedict Anderson's concept imagined community mean when comparing the idea of nationalism - Essay Example The process of Anderson’s imagined community is fundamental in understanding the elements of entry and connection in nationalism. It transcends the idea that nationhood is fabricated or merely imaginary discourses. This is the reason why the concept of imagined community is very popular among social theorists. The thesis is not that explicitly constructivist but the idea captures the intensity of the concepts such as nationalism and nationhood. As an imagined community, a nation is provided a narrative meaning for individuals that constitute it by allowing the imagination of a territory of the nation without having personally to encounter it and its inhabitants. The approach does not see nationalism as a discourse of power or one of ideology but one of cultural meaning and cognition. In imagined community†, gaps could still be found – there are limitations in regard to the explanation of the elements that characterize the concept. Indeed, Anderson, himself, have l eft open several areas and questions because the subject is dynamic. However, these do not entirely undermine the potency of Anderson’s vision. All in all, Anderson’s most significant contribution here is that he was able to address all the anomalies that most theorists have created or was not able to tackle in defining nationalism.

Understanding Cultural and Ethnic Identities

Understanding Cultural and Ethnic Identities Language is an important part of being humans. Being able to communicate with each other and not other animals differentiates us from other animals. This unique characteristic of being humans also is a cause of diversity in our cultural and ethnic identity. From birth we are trained to learn a basic language but as we grow older we pick up languages from our environment in our quest to become accepted by the dominant population. At least that is how I see it. To have an in-depth view of this research paper, we have to define what language, cultural and ethnic identities are. According to Merriam-Webster, language is defined as a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings and the combination of methods to be understood by a community (2011). On the other hand cultural identity is the influence of ones culture on the development of identity. Individualist cultures stress the importance of personal achievement and independence. For example, although many Americans, identify with their Irish, West African, Chinese, or Mexican roots (among many others), they still call themselves Americans. Ethnic identity is the extent to which one identifies with a particular ethnic group(s). it refers to ones sense of belonging to an ethnic group and the part of ones thinking, perceptions, feelings, and behavior that is due to an ethnic group membership. The next ten pages will see me go through how language marks our cultural and ethnic identity using my own experience as an African. I was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ibadan was the capital of the Oyo Empire and still is the capital of the modern Oyo state. I identity myself first as a Nigerian, and a Yoruba, but that isnt how it was about some 200 years ago. Before the nineteenth century no one was called a Yoruba. The peoples of southwestern Nigeria, the Benin Republic, and Togo who are today referred to by scholars as the Yoruba were, until the late 19th century, organized into a series of some 15 to 20 independent states. (Christopher) These political entities were similar but different. The Oyo Empire oversaw all the political entities and therefore the culture of this people were similar they spoke in a similar language but in different dialect. North-West Yoruba is historically a part of the à ¡Ã‚ »Ã…’yà ¡Ã‚ »Ã‚  Empire. In NWY dialects, Proto-Yoruba /gh/ (the velar fricative [É £]) and /gw/ have merged into /w/; the upper vowels /i ÃÅ' £/ and /à ¡Ã‚ »Ã‚ ¥/ were raised and merged with /i/ and /u /, just as their nasal counterparts, resulting in a vowel system with seven oral and three nasal vowels. Ethnographically, traditional government is based on a division of power between civil and war chiefs; lineage and descent are unilineal and agnatic. South-East Yoruba was probably associated with the expansion of the Benin Empire after c. 1450 AD. In contrast to NWY, lineage and descent are largely multilineal and cognatic, and the division of titles into war and civil is unknown. Linguistically, SEY has retained the /gh/ and /gw/ contrast, while it has lowered the nasal vowels /à ¡Ã‚ »Ã¢â‚¬ ¹n/ and /à ¡Ã‚ »Ã‚ ¥n/ to /à ¡Ã‚ ºÃ‚ ¹n/ and /à ¡Ã‚ »Ã‚ n/, respectively. SEY has collapsed the second and third person plural pronominal forms; thus, à  n à ¡n wà ¡ can mean either you (pl.) came or they came in SEY dialects, whereas NWY for example has à ¡Ã‚ ºÃ‚ ¹ wà ¡ you (pl.) came and wà ¡Ã‚ »Ã‚ ÃƒÅ' n wà ¡ they came, respectively. The emergence of a plural of respect may have prevented coalescence of the two in NWY dialects. Central Yoruba forms a transitional area in that the lexicon has much in common with NWY, whereas it shares many ethnographical features with SEY. Its vowel system is the least innovating (most stable) of the three dialect groups, having retained nine oral-vowel contrasts and six or seven nasal vowels, and an extensive vowel harmony system. (Adetugbà ¡Ã‚ »Ã‚  1973) the term Yoruba is said to be given to Oyo Empire by the Hausas who originally called us yariba But as the Yoruba people changed from one political power to another, their identity became stronger. The Oyo themselves had adopted the designation Yoruba as a mode of self-reference by the early 19th century, a process probably encouraged by the high status associations of Hausa regal culture and Islam. (Christopher) and with the existence of colonialism and World War II the Yoruba ethnic group solidified to become what it is today. Yoruba give up from what was a group of political entities with different dialect to uniform tribe with a language Yorubas call Yoruba adugbo. The 15 20 dialects which were employed a long time ago became one language. Despite the fact that I come from two royal families of two different independent states with different dialects, I can only speak the common Yoruba language even my parent have had hard times trying to remember the individual dialects. As a Yoruba we have certain Norms which most of us are accustomed to for example when must prostrate when greeting elders, we must respect elders in every way possible. Also we are also known to be people who are well educated and successful for example, M.K.O. Abiola, Obafemi Awolowo and Wole Soyinka. This specific qualities gives Yorubas certain privileges with which being able to speak the language comes to an advantage. While I was still living in Nigeria, I discovered that people who could speak the Yoruba language were immediately considered as Yoruba and would receive any treatment that is due to a Yoruba. Even when I came to the United States, I went for a college interview and when she my saw my last name she just smiled and started speaking Yoruba to an already nervous me and the interview was a success as I felt comfortable in my native language. What I am trying to say is that when she saw my last name, her knowledge of the language helps her to identify me as someone of the same the tribe as herself and further more from my last name she was able to deduce what state I was from and communicate with me in an appropriate way. A similar case happened to me when I went to the beach last summer while walking I heard man speaking it was a man whom I didnt know from Adam but when he spoke Yoruba I could identify to be a Yoruba man and began to talk like we have known each other for a long time. Research has pointed to an interesting ethnic paradox in the United States. Despite many indications of weakening ethnic boundaries in the white American population (due to intermarriage, language loss, religious conversion or declining participation), a number of studies have shown a maintenance or increase in ethnic identification among whites This contradictory dualism is partly due to what Gans terms symbolic ethnicity, which is characterized by a nostalgic allegiance to the culture of the immigrant generation, or that of the old country; a love for and pride in a tradition that can be felt without having to be incorporated in everyday behavior (Joane). Bakalian provides the example of Armenian Americans: For American-born generations, Armenian identity is a preference and being Armenian is a state of mind.One can say he or she is an Armenian without speaking Armenian, marrying an Armenian, doing business with Armenians, belonging to an Armenian church, joining Armenian voluntary associations, or participating in the events and activities sponsored by such organizations.(Joane ) While ethnicity is commonly viewed as biological in the United States (with its history of an obdurate ethnic boundary based on color), research has shown peoples conception of themselves along ethnic lines, especially their ethnic identity, to be situational and change- able. Barth (1969) first convincingly articulated the notion of ethnicity as mutable, arguing that ethnicity is the product of social ascriptions, a kind of labeling process engaged in by oneself and others. (Joane) As one language changes the their notion of ethnicity change a s we further learn According to Joane Nagel that with this perspective in mind, ones ethnic identity is a composite of the view one has of oneself as well as the views held by others about ones ethnic identity. As the individual (or group) moves through daily life, ethnicity can change according to variations in the situations and audiences encountered. Ethnic identity, then, is the result of a dialectical process involving internal and external opinions and processes, as well as the individuals self-identification and outsiders ethnic designations-i.e., what you think your ethnicity is, versus what they think your ethnicity is. Since ethnicity changes situationally, the individual carries a portfolio of ethnic identities that are more or less salient in various situations and with reference to various audiences. As audiences change, the socially-defined array of ethnic choices opens to the individual changes. This produces a layering of ethnic identities which combines with the ascriptive character of ethnicity to reveal the negotiated, problematic nature of ethnic identity. Ethnic Constructing Ethnicity 155 boundaries, and thus identities, are constructed by both the individual and group as well as by outside agents and organizations. Examples can be found in patterns of ethnic identification in many U.S. ethnic communities. For instance, Cornell (1988) and McBeth (1989) discuss various levels of identity available to Native Americans: sub tribal (clan, lineage, traditional), tribal (ethnographic or linguistic, reservation-based, official), regional (Oklahoma, California, Alaska, Plains), supra- tribal or pan-Indian (Native American, Indian, American Indian). Which of these identities a native individual employs in social interaction depends partly on where and with whom the interaction occurs. Thus, an American Indian might be a mixed-blood on the reservation, from Pine Ridge when speaking to someone from another reservation, a Sioux or Lakota when responding to the U.S. census, and Native American when interacting with non-Indians. Joane Nagel noted a similar layering of Latino or Hispanic ethnic identity, again reflecting both internal and external defining processes. An individual of Cuban ancestry may be a Latino in relation to non-Spanish-speaking ethnic groups, a Cuban-American with reference to o ther Spanish-speaking groups, a Marielito in relation to other Cubans, and white in relation to African Americans. The chosen ethnic identity is determined by the individuals perception of its meaning to different audiences, its salience in different social contexts, and its utility in different settings. For instance, intra- Cuban distinctions of class and immigration cohort may not be widely understood outside of the Cuban community since a Marielito is a Cuban or Hispanic to most Anglo-Americans. To a Cuban, however, immigration cohorts represent important political vintages, distinguishing those whose lives have been shaped by decades of Cuban revolutionary social changes from those whose life experiences have been as exiles in the United States. Others lack of appreciation for such ethnic differences tends to make certain ethnic identity choices useless and socially meaningless except in very specific situations. It underlines the importance of external validation of individual or group ethnic boundaries. An ethnic groups cultural identity involves a shared sense of the cultural features that help to define and to characterize the group. These group attributes are important not just for their functional value, but also as symbols. For example, for many Puerto Ricans in the United States, the Spanish language is not just a means of communication; it also represents their identification as Latinos and their difference from the majority culture. Even if Spanish reading and writing ability is absent, the desire to conserve some degree of Spanish speaking ability may reflect a desire to maintain distinctiveness from the surrounding society Take me for example; I didnt learn my native language until I was about eleven years old. I went to a very expansive school where everything around was English. Therefore, the only my society needed from me at that point in time was English. It was not until I went to live with my grand mom that I started to pick up my native language. My grandma lived in a more or less rural part of Nigeria were most people spoke Yoruba and as began to mingle with other kids I fortuitously began to pick up the language as the need for communication was apparent in other to be part of the community. At the individual level, cultural identity has to do with the persons sense of what constitutes membership in an ethnic group to which he or she belongs. Each person will have a particular image of the behaviors and values that characterize the groups culture. In my case Yorubas are known to be able insult people especially people from the Oyo empire they are popularly categorized with the term agboku dide meaning someone who can insult the dead to come back to live. While staying with my grandma I was not look at to be a foreigner and precaution was taken when I come to play with other children. When I was in a fight I didnt get support because I did not belong, making my whole group triumph at insulting me. But as I started to learn the language I began to gain respect amongst my pairs and felt part of the community. People think twice before coming to insult me and the sense of belonging came to me. The term cultural identity is distinguished here from the related and broader social psychological concept of social identity, as well as from ethnic identity. Tajfel and Turner (1986) define social identity as consisting of those aspects of an individuals self-image that derive from the social categories to which he perceives himself as belonging. Their notion of social categories is quite broad, encompassing any type of group to which people perceive themselves as belonging. Such categories of course include ethnicity, but can range from school sports teams to professional identifications, from social club memberships to gender or race classifications, and from nationality groups to psychological groups (for example, jocks, yuppies, nerds). Social identity incorporates both the persons knowledge of membership in particular social categories and the value and feelings attached to those memberships. Ethnic identity can be defined as the portion of an individuals social identity that is associated with membership in an ethnic group (Joane). Cultural identity, while linked closely to both ethnic and social identity, is neither equivalent to them nor coterminous. While both ethnic and cultural identity help the individual to answer the question, Who am I? cultural identity is the component that associates particular cultural features with group membership. Social identity and ethnic identity deal with the symbolic aspects of social categorization the boundary between the in-group and the out-group and the associated affect. A particular individual, for example, may base his/her social identity primarily on gender, while his /her younger siblings may focus more sharply on her Polish background. Thus, the former individuals ethnic identity as a Polish-American would be somewhat less strong than that of the latter individual (Joane). Using the example Joanne Nagel gave, an ethnic identity is only made possible by our language. As one can only know more of one culture by speaking its language. No wonder when ever scientist want to explore a certain ethnic group they start by first learning the ethnics group language. After that, the scientist and people from the ethnic group feel as one and as if they can relate without any barriers. In conclusion, I would like to attest to the fact that that our language marks our identity. the way one speaks directly refers to where one comes from, for example if one speaks French, the person is from either France or French speaking country but the way the person speaks French is always different and from this one is able to deduce if the person is an Ivorian, Senegalese, a French Canadian or proper French. The same is English we have the American English which differ for instance we have a southern way of speaking and the northern way of speaking. This systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings and the combination of methods to be understood by a community can differentiate us totally like I am always asked if English was my first language because of my accent and no matter how times I tell them that English is my first language, I keep hearing the same question.

Charles Manson Essay -- essays research papers fc

"Mr. Scott, Ms. Maddox? Here's your baby boy!" These were the first words that Kathleen Maddox heard when she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, to whom she would later give her maiden name. Charles Milles Manson, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 11, 1934 (FAQ's 1), seemed to be a normal child, when, in fact, he was trouble from the start. The two had not planned to have a child, and certainly did not expect him to end up being the most notorious killer of the 20th century. In the summer of 1969, Manson made the residents of California afraid to leave their homes (Fillmer 2). Charlie Manson committed grotesque crimes, controlled his trials, and now resides in the California State Prison (FAQ's 1). Manson had a rocky childhood and family life. Some experts say that he was a bad seed because of the fact that he did not know his father (Bugliosi 28). Kathleen Maddox was considered by some to be a teenage whore. About his mother, Manson says, "For Mom, life was filled with a never-ending list of denials†¦In her search for acceptance she may have fallen in love too easily and too often, but a whore at that time? No!†¦In later years, because of some hard knocks and tough times, she may have sold her body some†¦" Charlie lived with his mother until the age of 5, when she was arrested for armed robbery (FAQ's 1). She was released from prison in 1942. Manson, after living with various relatives, such as a religious aunt and a sadistic uncle who called him a sissy and made him wear girl's clothes on the first day of school ("Charles"), moved back in with his mother for five more years. At that time, she placed him at the Gibault School for Boys in Indiana. After escaping from the School, he committed several burglaries and was placed into the famous Boys Town in Nebraska (FAQ's 1). After being arrested several more times, one of which he was caught in a stolen car at a roadblock (Fillmer 2), he was married to Rosalie Willis in 1955. Lamb 2 Charles' marriage was only the beginning of his "family." Charlie tended to lure in young women, by saying he could "make them feel like they were on top of the world, like they were floating (Fillmer 3)." Manson used sleep deprivation, sex, food control, and drugs to gain complete control of his followers ("Charles"). The Family tended to ... ...ne, when asked what he would do if he ever got out of jail, he said, "I'm already out" (FAQ's 2). WORKS CITED Bardsley, Marilyn. "Charles Manson." http://www.crimelibrary.com/manson.htm (24 Jan. 2000). Bugliosi, Vincent, and C. Gentry. Helter Skelter. 16th ed. New York: Bantam Books, 1974. "Charles Milles Manson." <http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/5321/manson.html> (13 Feb. 2000). "Charlie." <http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dreamworld/1681/charles.htm> (13 Feb. 2000). Fillmer, Deborah K. "Forensic Science and the Charles Manson Murders." < http://www.cris.com/ ~dfillmer/manson.htm > (20 Jan. 2000). "Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Manson." < http://www.atwa.com/faq.htm > (20 Jan. 2000). Gilmore, John, and Ron Kenner. The Garbage People. Los Angeles: Omega Press, 1971. Klinghoffer, David. "True Crime." National Review 5 April 1999: 56-57. Nelson, Bill. Manson Behind the Scenes. California: Pen Power Publications, 1997. Sanders, Edwin. The Family. 1st ed. Toronto: Clarke, Irwin, and Company, 1971. Terry, Marcus. The Ultimate Evil. 2nd ed. New York: Bantam Books, 1989.