Security In India
As the elections for a new state assembly in Delhi approached, many women based their vote on who would make their city the most secure, as security was the biggest issue and concern for the women of Delhi. The women complained that the biggest issue in Delhi was security and the last congress party had failed to bring security to their city. Since women feel like the last congress party did not do enough to ameliorate security in the cities of India, some women are only voting for the new party simply because they were not satisfied by the work of the old party. Women's security was a key campaign issue in this year's election and the women of India based their vote on their main concern: women safety in India.
1. How do you think the new state assembly could make the cities of India more secure?
2.Do you think it is actually possible for the state assembly to change and make India a more secure place?
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/12/04/delhi-women-vote-for-safety/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=irt
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Bihar Launched Birth Registration Campaign
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bihar-launched-birth-registration-campaign/articleshow/26853618.cms
Bihar, a state in Northern India, has launched a birth registration campaign for young, elementary school-age children. Sponsored by UNICEF, hospital and school officials in the state have made it a point to make unregistered children registered as soon as possible. With the purpose of fulfilling every children's right to self-identification and life, these organizations have been trying to produce and create birth certificates for these children. Until the end of the year, these organizations will hold registration clinics in schools and in public places as to afford everyone the opportunity to register. With India's already burgeoning population, children are constantly marginalized, and this process will go a long way as to make sure everyone can be identified as their own. This is promising, and especially in the wake of our birth rights in India discussion, it is a positive step forward to making sure the rights of every children are ensured. Later in life, this identification could prove extremely important in terms of these children getting jobs or a higher education.
1. How do you think this movement will affect future generations in India in terms of birthrights?
2. Will this have any bearing on the widespread abortion issue in India? Will the guaranteed rights of every individual dissuade mothers and fathers from killing their children, knowing that their births will be recorded?
Bihar, a state in Northern India, has launched a birth registration campaign for young, elementary school-age children. Sponsored by UNICEF, hospital and school officials in the state have made it a point to make unregistered children registered as soon as possible. With the purpose of fulfilling every children's right to self-identification and life, these organizations have been trying to produce and create birth certificates for these children. Until the end of the year, these organizations will hold registration clinics in schools and in public places as to afford everyone the opportunity to register. With India's already burgeoning population, children are constantly marginalized, and this process will go a long way as to make sure everyone can be identified as their own. This is promising, and especially in the wake of our birth rights in India discussion, it is a positive step forward to making sure the rights of every children are ensured. Later in life, this identification could prove extremely important in terms of these children getting jobs or a higher education.
1. How do you think this movement will affect future generations in India in terms of birthrights?
2. Will this have any bearing on the widespread abortion issue in India? Will the guaranteed rights of every individual dissuade mothers and fathers from killing their children, knowing that their births will be recorded?
The World's Democracy
India is a very fascinating country in many political ways. India is the world's largest democracy with a size of over 3 times the United States. Right now, New Delhi is holding assembly polls to elect new representatives, and the turn out is higher than ever. Four years ago the turn out was just over 57%, while this year the turn out has skyrocketed to to around 67%. Many Indian citizens are in a moment to free a "corrupt India". Two parties are fighting for spots in the India Congress and this is being seen as a historic poll in India history because there has been no violence, and there has been record turn outs.
Do you think that India is finally understanding Gandhi's views on nonviolence because they aren't fighting over politics anymore?
Why do you think turn outs for the election have gone up so much?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25211071
Do you think that India is finally understanding Gandhi's views on nonviolence because they aren't fighting over politics anymore?
Why do you think turn outs for the election have gone up so much?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25211071
Elections in Delhi
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25211071
The voter turnout in Delhi for the current election has been surprisingly high this year. The turnout was 66% which is a massive increase from previous years. The election commission board even had to extend voting hours in order to allow adequate time for everyone to vote. The election this year is the current ruling congress party trying for a fourth consecutive term. This party is opposed by the BJP and the Common Man Party. The comman man party was born out of an anti corruption movement and has emerged as a strong contender this year. So far, it is unclear of who is likely to win. "The Congress campaign has been led by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, 75, who is seeking a record fourth consecutive term in office promising "inclusive development"."
1) Who do you think is likely to win the election this year?
2) Why do you think the congress party and the BJP party have "dismissed the common man party as a serous contender" this year?
3) What is your opinion of Indias current ruling system?
The voter turnout in Delhi for the current election has been surprisingly high this year. The turnout was 66% which is a massive increase from previous years. The election commission board even had to extend voting hours in order to allow adequate time for everyone to vote. The election this year is the current ruling congress party trying for a fourth consecutive term. This party is opposed by the BJP and the Common Man Party. The comman man party was born out of an anti corruption movement and has emerged as a strong contender this year. So far, it is unclear of who is likely to win. "The Congress campaign has been led by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, 75, who is seeking a record fourth consecutive term in office promising "inclusive development"."
1) Who do you think is likely to win the election this year?
2) Why do you think the congress party and the BJP party have "dismissed the common man party as a serous contender" this year?
3) What is your opinion of Indias current ruling system?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Rigidly Masculine
Nearly 40.7% of the men in India have been classified as "rigidly masculine," based on their views and beliefs of women. The International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) has classified Indian men into four categories in order to avoid lumping them all into one stereotype. The four classifications are equitable men, flexible behavior men, flexible attitude men, and the rigidly masculine. The rigidly masculine consider women to be inferior to them, and they are very controlling of their wives. These men are three times more likely to physically abuse their wives and almost four times likelier to want a son over a daughter. These conclusions are based on studies taken by the ICRW across seven states. Only 25.6% of the men in these seven states would be considered in the equitable category. The equitable men strongly support women as equals and this translates into sharing of household work and responsibility for contraception. They firmly believe that women are not to be blamed for rape. The rest of the male population ended up between the two ends of the spectrum.
In comparison with the high ratio of rigidly masculine men, nearly 27% of the women surveyed reported violence against themselves within the past year. 34% of the male population admitted to physically abusing their wives ever, but only 31% of the female population admitted to have suffered the violence.
The survey also concluded that 72% of men in the rigidly masculine category have a high son preference versus 19% of the equitable category. This preference can lead to severe health issues for women and a greater gap in the population ratio. The 2001 census reported a drop from 927 girls per 1,000 boys (ages 0 to 9) in 2001 to an all-time low of 914 to 1,000 in 2011.
The results show that men with a secondary or higher education and those living in urban areas are more likely to fall into the equitable category. Economic stress also weighs down on men to create more rigid notions against women. The findings of this survey make it clear that education is the most important solution for this issue. People need to be brought up with the view of men and women as equals. It is also important to set up a change in mindset in adults, especially men who hold these rigid views. Men will be the most direct form of change in this issue.
40% of Indian men are hardcore sexists: Study
Discussion Questions:
1. Which universal human right(s) is/are being denied in this situation?
2. Why do you think a smaller percentage of women admitted to having suffered physical violence as opposed to the 34% of men that admitted to having physically abused their wives?
3. Why do you think better education and urban environment are associated with the equitable category of men in India?
In comparison with the high ratio of rigidly masculine men, nearly 27% of the women surveyed reported violence against themselves within the past year. 34% of the male population admitted to physically abusing their wives ever, but only 31% of the female population admitted to have suffered the violence.
The survey also concluded that 72% of men in the rigidly masculine category have a high son preference versus 19% of the equitable category. This preference can lead to severe health issues for women and a greater gap in the population ratio. The 2001 census reported a drop from 927 girls per 1,000 boys (ages 0 to 9) in 2001 to an all-time low of 914 to 1,000 in 2011.
The results show that men with a secondary or higher education and those living in urban areas are more likely to fall into the equitable category. Economic stress also weighs down on men to create more rigid notions against women. The findings of this survey make it clear that education is the most important solution for this issue. People need to be brought up with the view of men and women as equals. It is also important to set up a change in mindset in adults, especially men who hold these rigid views. Men will be the most direct form of change in this issue.
40% of Indian men are hardcore sexists: Study
Discussion Questions:
1. Which universal human right(s) is/are being denied in this situation?
2. Why do you think a smaller percentage of women admitted to having suffered physical violence as opposed to the 34% of men that admitted to having physically abused their wives?
3. Why do you think better education and urban environment are associated with the equitable category of men in India?
Deforestation
http://www.frontline.in/environment/the-elephant-in-the-room/article5389669.ece?homepage=true
Forests in india are disappearing and the issues that follow it are catastrophic. Research done in 2005 show that much of elephant human problems occur where elephant used to have migration paths but because of rampart deforestation they have been turned into human spots. Elephants because of their huge size need more forest areas than other animals and the deforestation is affecting them the most. It is also important to note that since the elephant is a hunted animal for its ivory tusks that this deforestation is making it easier for people to hunt and kill them. As forests fragment so will the elephant population until there is nothing left of either. This is a huge problem because india is in the middle of two huge environmental issues more elephants being killed and the lack of forest to house them because of the deforestation.
What do you think the government should do?
Do you think that this is a big issue?
How does this affect what we have learned about the catholic social teachings?
Forests in india are disappearing and the issues that follow it are catastrophic. Research done in 2005 show that much of elephant human problems occur where elephant used to have migration paths but because of rampart deforestation they have been turned into human spots. Elephants because of their huge size need more forest areas than other animals and the deforestation is affecting them the most. It is also important to note that since the elephant is a hunted animal for its ivory tusks that this deforestation is making it easier for people to hunt and kill them. As forests fragment so will the elephant population until there is nothing left of either. This is a huge problem because india is in the middle of two huge environmental issues more elephants being killed and the lack of forest to house them because of the deforestation.
What do you think the government should do?
Do you think that this is a big issue?
How does this affect what we have learned about the catholic social teachings?
Mass Surrogacy in Anand, India
Article Summary
As one of the few places around the world that allows commercial surrogacy at a relatively low cost, India has experienced booming growth in the business. In particular, the city of Anand in the far western state of Gujarat has become a "Mecca" for foreigners seeking a surrogate mother to gestate their baby. There is a hostel located here where fifty surrogate mothers are living, all under the care of Dr. Nayana Patel. Patel has helped close to 700 surrogate mothers deliver a child for 580 couples; she has been doing this since 2004. The topic of surrogacy is a controversial topic, and Patel holds a positive view of it. She sees it as a win-win situation - Indian women earn large sums of money to help their family and foreign couples are able to have a child. A surrogate mother is paid around $8000 US dollars for having the child, a huge amount for many of these woman. Madhu Makwan, a surrogate mother, said, "I've got a chance now to make my life. God is too kind." She was previously making around $2 a day working in the fields, and with the money she made she is now able to support her family properly.
Questions
1. Ranjana Kumari, a critic of surrogacy, calls the practice "organ sale." What do you think of this claim?
2. We talked in class about the discrepancies that occur over who is the biological mother and who is the adoptive mother. What is your opinion about this argument?
3. What are the moral issues at stake with surrogacy (ex: loss of human dignity)?
As one of the few places around the world that allows commercial surrogacy at a relatively low cost, India has experienced booming growth in the business. In particular, the city of Anand in the far western state of Gujarat has become a "Mecca" for foreigners seeking a surrogate mother to gestate their baby. There is a hostel located here where fifty surrogate mothers are living, all under the care of Dr. Nayana Patel. Patel has helped close to 700 surrogate mothers deliver a child for 580 couples; she has been doing this since 2004. The topic of surrogacy is a controversial topic, and Patel holds a positive view of it. She sees it as a win-win situation - Indian women earn large sums of money to help their family and foreign couples are able to have a child. A surrogate mother is paid around $8000 US dollars for having the child, a huge amount for many of these woman. Madhu Makwan, a surrogate mother, said, "I've got a chance now to make my life. God is too kind." She was previously making around $2 a day working in the fields, and with the money she made she is now able to support her family properly.
Questions
1. Ranjana Kumari, a critic of surrogacy, calls the practice "organ sale." What do you think of this claim?
2. We talked in class about the discrepancies that occur over who is the biological mother and who is the adoptive mother. What is your opinion about this argument?
3. What are the moral issues at stake with surrogacy (ex: loss of human dignity)?
Indian Rape Law Offers Desperate Last Resort
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303460004579192040826366178
On November 29, a young and pregnant Indian woman was left by her groom to be on her wedding day. Taking advantage of the rape issues in India, this woman felt the best course of action to bring her should-be husband back was to abuse the legal system and exploit him for rape. This is a commonality as of late in India, as women are using the legal system and police, who are trying harder to implement punishment upon rapists and convict those men who are guilty, to bring back innocent men. This specific woman, Ms. Guatam, even said she "didn't have any other option." Women don't know what to do when faced with abandonment. As young women in India are gaining more freedoms, such as dating, education, and personal desires, they are beginning to abuse the system in Orr to secure their social standing even further.
1) By abusing the legal system in this way, are women in a way being self detrimental? How so?
2) How should women approach abandonment differently?
3) Are the progressions toward women's rights in India a good decision for all?
On November 29, a young and pregnant Indian woman was left by her groom to be on her wedding day. Taking advantage of the rape issues in India, this woman felt the best course of action to bring her should-be husband back was to abuse the legal system and exploit him for rape. This is a commonality as of late in India, as women are using the legal system and police, who are trying harder to implement punishment upon rapists and convict those men who are guilty, to bring back innocent men. This specific woman, Ms. Guatam, even said she "didn't have any other option." Women don't know what to do when faced with abandonment. As young women in India are gaining more freedoms, such as dating, education, and personal desires, they are beginning to abuse the system in Orr to secure their social standing even further.
1) By abusing the legal system in this way, are women in a way being self detrimental? How so?
2) How should women approach abandonment differently?
3) Are the progressions toward women's rights in India a good decision for all?
Monday, December 2, 2013
2/5ths of Children Suffer from Malnutrition; $74m Spent on Mars Mission
- What would you do if you were in charge of India's national budget? Is space technology worth it when other countries are already so far ahead? Or with neighbors such as Pakistan and China, is it a necessity?
- How can Catholic Social teachings be applied to this case?
Sunday, December 1, 2013
16+ Teens can be tried as adults for heinous crimes
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Cabinet-readies-to-treat-16-plus-in-heinous-crimes-as-adults/articleshow/26707294.cms
In this situation, the Indian government is charging people who are sixteen year old and up and commit a heinous crime as adults rather than as kids. This will deny 16+ teens protection that was previously allowed under the Juvenile Justice Act. Recently, the courts of India decided to not lower the age of juvenility from the eighteen year old age that it is now. The Indian public was clamoring for this law to be changed after a seventeen year old involved on a gang rape. This would violate the human right of sixteen year olds who would be tried as adults in courts of law. This could mean the end of life for people who still have time to learn about what they did wrong and maybe change. Also, another barrier towards this law passing would be the UN child rights law. The Indian government is currently working on a way to solve this problem peacefully and to ensure that juveniles are treated differently.
In this situation, the Indian government is charging people who are sixteen year old and up and commit a heinous crime as adults rather than as kids. This will deny 16+ teens protection that was previously allowed under the Juvenile Justice Act. Recently, the courts of India decided to not lower the age of juvenility from the eighteen year old age that it is now. The Indian public was clamoring for this law to be changed after a seventeen year old involved on a gang rape. This would violate the human right of sixteen year olds who would be tried as adults in courts of law. This could mean the end of life for people who still have time to learn about what they did wrong and maybe change. Also, another barrier towards this law passing would be the UN child rights law. The Indian government is currently working on a way to solve this problem peacefully and to ensure that juveniles are treated differently.
Anti-rape law will ensure action on perpetators
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anti-rape-law-will-ensure-action-on-perpetrators-Meira-Kumar/articleshow/26698923.cms
In New Dehli, a new law legislation passed will serve as a means of punishing perpetrators of crimes against women. A speaker, Meira Kumar, said that last december a bill for violence issues relating to women was introduced, and now this law is able to help ensure offenders will be prosecuted. Kumar was the chief guest at the Border Security Force Raising day celebration where she gave an address that also praised efforts of bringing women into security forces. Border security will now induct women into their forces for the first time in 2014. Kumar thanked the BSF for changing with changing times as they have allowed women to be admitted into the force and fulfill once only men held positions.
1. What type of justice is now being fulfilled by this new legislation passed that protects women and punished perpetrators of violent crimes against women?
2. What human rights were being violated before the BSF allowed to admit women into their forces?
In New Dehli, a new law legislation passed will serve as a means of punishing perpetrators of crimes against women. A speaker, Meira Kumar, said that last december a bill for violence issues relating to women was introduced, and now this law is able to help ensure offenders will be prosecuted. Kumar was the chief guest at the Border Security Force Raising day celebration where she gave an address that also praised efforts of bringing women into security forces. Border security will now induct women into their forces for the first time in 2014. Kumar thanked the BSF for changing with changing times as they have allowed women to be admitted into the force and fulfill once only men held positions.
1. What type of justice is now being fulfilled by this new legislation passed that protects women and punished perpetrators of violent crimes against women?
2. What human rights were being violated before the BSF allowed to admit women into their forces?
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