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Gary Sotos Like Mexicans: Personal Experiences :: essays research papers

Gary Soto's Like Mexicans: Personal Experiences My choice to write because of Gary Soto's work, â€Å"Like Mexicans† was affected generally in light of the likenesses among myself and Gary Soto, and our families included. Gary Soto is a Mexican American male, who experienced childhood in the San Joaquin Valley in the mechanical piece of a town called Fresno. His grandparents resulted in these present circumstances Great Valley looking for making a superior life for themselves and their families. I am likewise a Mexican American male who was brought up in the San Joaquin Valley in an unassuming community called Porterville. My grandparents moved with their kids, my mom, father, and their siblings also, sisters in order to create a superior life for themselves too. At the time financial advancement implied filling in as an employed slave for negligible pay and keeping your mouth shut. All things considered, you were simply a wetback who came to America to harvest her benefits.(This outrageous belief system is as yet present today) Gary Soto's grandparents and my grandparents, in spite of the fact that they mama y be a age behind each other, I am certain were presented to a large number of the equivalent hardships as well as social obstructions. It was normal in those days as it isn't phenomenal today for Mexican families with insignificant work abilities to be constrained into the fields to work with their kids nearby in order to escape destitution. Generally such families remained destitution stricken because of out of line and illicit wages and work conditions. Anyway unessential this all may sound, confronting comparable hardships or obstructions will frequently make a feeling of solidarity among those who are influenced by such conditions. To put it plainly, I feel that not exclusively do Gary Soto also, I share a typical ethnic source, however such accompanies our starting point, be it pride, disgrace, or belief system. "Like Mexicans" is a short story where Gary Soto is continually being reminded that he ought to wed his own sort. His own sort being one of Mexican drop, and of destitution and shunning others, particularly â€Å"Okies† as his grandma used to consistently say. Soto winds up wedding a Japanese lady, not a Mexican. Be that as it may, he despite everything needs to manage his inward battle and acknowledgment of this decision. One can't be looked downward on for addressing oneself and the choices one makes, particularly with regards to wedding in the wake of being brought up in a family unit that fortified the conviction , â€Å"Marry Your Own†. My mom and my father never disclosed to me that I ought to wed one of my own.

Managing Panic Attacks While Flying

Managing Panic Attacks While Flying Panic Disorder Coping Print Managing Panic Attacks While Flying Tips for Getting Through Your Next Flight By Katharina Star, PhD facebook linkedin Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial policy Katharina Star, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 17, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on November 17, 2019 Westend61 / Getty Images More in Panic Disorder Coping Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand Schedule With Your Doctor Have Medication On Hand Visualize a Smooth Fight Be Prepared Find Healthy Distractions Take a Fearless Flying Class Seek Support Think Realistic Thoughts   Plan Ahead View All Back To Top Whether caused by a fear of flying or by a different mental health condition, many people experience panic attacks while traveling by airplane. These attacks can be challenging enough to manage while on the ground  but may seem even more difficult when you are on a flight. Don’t let panic attacks put an end to your travel plans. Here are some tips for managing panic attacks while traveling. Schedule Early With Your Doctor If you want to try a medication for panic attacks, you will need to get in to see your doctor well in advance of your next flight.?? Many physicians are booked in advance and may not be able to see you on short notice. Additionally, your doctor may want you to try a medication before a flight to determine how you react to it, so again it is better to get in early. Have Your Medication On Hand Anti-anxiety medications can provide you with quick relief from panic attack symptoms, providing you with a tranquilizing effect that can minimize the physical and mental associations of feeling fearful while flying.?? It may seem obvious, but you will want to make sure that your medication is with you in your carry-on instead of in your checked luggage. Be certain that your prescription is up-to-date, including your name, prescribing doctor, and prescription number. If you only use this medication when you occasionally fly, you will want to be certain that it is not expired, and that you have the appropriate amount for your round trip. Visualize a Smooth Fight During the weeks leading up to your flight, use the visualization technique to envision a smooth flight. Put aside some time each day to work on this strategy. Begin by getting into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Use your imagination to see yourself going to the airport. Imagine getting onto the plane, feeling calm and relaxed about your flight. Take in all your senses, noticing how the plane sounds as it takes off, seeing the clouds in the skies, and feeling steady as you remain in your seat. Breathe deeply as you continue to visualize your flight. When you are ready to come out of your visualization, remind yourself how calm you feel, and then slowly open your eyes. If practiced regularly before your next flight, you may feel less anxious about traveling on an airplane.?? Be Prepared With Relaxation Techniques To stay calm during your next flight, be prepared by having regularly practiced some relaxation techniques. Exercises that you can practice beforehand may include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and meditation.?? These strategies may help you let go of anxiety and remain more tranquil throughout your next flight. Find Healthy Distractions There are many things you can do to help keep your mind off your fear of flying. For your next flight, be prepared by having a list of things that you can refocus your thoughts on. To feel less anxious, you can bring along books and magazines, crosswords or other types of games that will keep you occupied, or your favorite snacks to enjoy throughout the flight. A few simple movements can help you release tension that has built up in your body due to feelings of anxiety.?? When permitted, try  getting up every so often to do a  few  little stretches. You can even get up and walk the aisle a few times to allow your body to stretch.     Many nervous flyers find that the loud noises of the plane often trigger anxious thoughts. You may find it helpful to bring along earplugs to reduce these sounds. You can also bring headphones and listen to your favorite music or a relaxation guide to help you feel calmer.   How to Distract Yourself From Panic Disorder Take a Fearless Flying Class More frequent fliers or those seeking long-term assistance for their fear of flying may want to consider taking a class or online course that addresses this issue. These classes help in skill development along with cognitive-behavioral  interventions that assist in changing ones fearful thoughts and behaviors.?? Along the same lines, you may also want to  consider getting personal therapy by a specialist who can assist in developing ways to manage this fear. Seek Support on the Plane Let your fellow travelers know that you feel nervous about flying. Sometimes just opening up about your fears  can calm your nerves and make  you feel less worried about how others will react if you  do have a panic attack. You may also want to  let flight attendants know about your  concerns.  Pilots and flight attendants understand that many people fear flying and often strive to provide a great experience. Think Realistic Thoughts   Panic attack sufferers are often susceptible  to experiencing  faulty or negative thinking that can contribute  to their symptoms and fears.??  Even if you feel fearful while traveling by plane, try to remind yourself that thousands of flights are traveling safely. Reassure yourself that you too  will make it to your destination safely. Tell yourself  that if a panic attack does occur, you will be able to manage it. Also remind yourself  that the physical sensations you experience  only signify that you feel anxious, but are not an indication that you are in any actual danger. Plan Ahead The best way to deal with panic attacks on your next flight is to come prepared with a plan.?? Taking steps early on and planning ahead of time will help you have a better experience on your next flight. Be certain that you are scheduled to see your doctor, have been practicing your relaxation skills, and are prepared to bring along  anything that can comfort you throughout the flight. Hopefully, with some work and preparation, you will be able to more easily manage your panic attacks while flying.   Overcoming the Fear of Flying

Essay on Marriage/Chana Miller - 886 Words

Chana Miller 0524226 TESC- Apr. 2013 Marriage and the Family SOC-210-OL010 Ron L. Shamwell Chaniabrams@yahoo.com (404) 849-0093 WA1 Chana Miller 0524226 TESC- Apr. 2013 Marriage and the Family SOC-210-OL010 Ron L. Shamwell Chaniabrams@yahoo.com (404) 849-0093 WA1 Fully explain and concisely illustrate two (2) of the Theoretical Perspectives on Families discussed in your text (pp. 37–49). Use families presented in television programs, the movies, novels, or the Bible to illustrate the selected perspectives. The functionalist perspective focuses on stability and cooperation and emphasizes the importance of the family in maintaining the stability of society. The functionalist theory states that marriage is a†¦show more content†¦During the 1950s, the Cleavers on the television show Leave It to Beaver epitomized the American family. In 1960, the majority of American households were like the Cleavers: made up of a breadwinner father, a homemaker mother, and their kids. During most of the 1950s and 1960s, white middle-class families dominated programs. The 1960s, however, began to showcase more structural variability, with an increase in families headed by a single widowed parent, such as in The Andy Griffith Show. (Fleahman et. al. 2009) Today, traditional families with a working husband, an unemployed wife, and one or more children make up a very small percentage of the nations households. And as Americas families have changed, the image of the family portrayed on television has changed accordingly. Todays television families run the gamut from two-career families to two single mothers and their children and an unmarried couple who cohabitate in the same house. Another factor reshaping family life has been a massive influx of mothers into the work force. As wives have assumed a larger role in their familys financial support, they have felt justified in demanding that husbands perform more child care and housework. Feminism has also been a major force that has transformed American family life. The womens liberation movement attacked the societal expectation that women defer to the needs of spouses andShow MoreRelatedIntestacy Notes8201 Words   |  33 Pages(2) Law Reform (Succession Act 1995 )applies] Class Assignment Ted, who was the sole proprietor of an art gallery, recently died intestate. He is survived by his wife Nina and Bill (aged 16), his adopted child by a previous marriage. His net estate has been valued at  £180,000, a private yacht worth  £20,000, and a valuable collection of paintings, worth  £5,000, some of which were displayed at his art gallery from time to time. You are approached by Nina, who is anxious to remainRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagespart-timers employed at least six months in any capacity. A moving book has even been written about â€Å"How Starbucks Saved My Life,† by Michael Gates Gill. The author describes his unusual journey after losing a senior advertising job along with his marriage. Lonely and unemployed at 63 years old—with no health insurance after being diagnosed with a brain tumor—he landed a job at a Starbucks in Manhattan. His fellow workers and boss were decades younger, mostly African-Americans, with formal educations

Depression And Bipolar Support Alliance - 1554 Words

There is an illness like none other, that sweeps across nations but is not contagious. It withdraws any and all feelings of all from from every area of life. Many experience it after a specific situation that elicits extreme sadness, loss, or pain. Other’s feel it for no apparent reason and are left seemingly to fend for themselves in the only dark abyss that they know. This malady is known as depression affects many people of all kinds every singly year. If the world knew how depression truly affects its victims, it would realize it’s not merely a mood or emotion one experiences, but rather a true and physical disease. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance in the year 2005, about 14.8 million United States citizens over the age of eighteen were affected by the mental illness, depression (n. pag). Fortunately eighty percent of those who received treatment were able to improve within the first six weeks (n. pag). While this is a vast problem across all parts of the world, it is unfortunate that those who do not have it do not understand the toll it takes on those who do. Many suspect the sickness to be entirely emotional and void of any logic. Yet this belief is largely untrue. Depression is not simply a â€Å"mood† . In fact, there are many physical consequences of the illness. Those with depression have unusually slow speech and movements, suffers from little to no appetite, finds him or herself feeling worse after sleep, and other many physical issuesShow MoreRelatedDepression And Bipolar Support Alliance993 Words   |  4 Pages Depression is a leading cause of death among adolescents- So why aren’t we doing more about it? â€Å"Experts estimate that 5% of all adolescents will suffer from depression. Unfortunately, only 20% of depressed adolescents are appropriately diagnosed and treated† (DBSA). A depressive disorder is a disease that affects mood, thoughts and behavior. It is also the reaction of the human to the unfavorable surroundings or environment. DBSA otherwise known as Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance statesRead MoreDepression And Bipolar Support Alliance1375 Words   |  6 PagesDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is an independent support group that provide a caring environment for people to come together to discuss their challenges and successes in living with a mood disorder, or supporting a loved one with a mood disorder. It provides a forum for mutual understanding, self-discovery, and finding a path to wellness with support from others who have been there. I t is a group provides support, outreach and advocacy for people living with mood disorders acrossRead MoreBipolar Disorder Research Paper709 Words   |  3 Pagesok with many flaws. For a person living with bipolar disorder, everyday life can potentially be a coin flip: how you are one day may be very different than how you are on another. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), nearly six (6) million adult Americans are affected by bipolar disorder (â€Å"About†). A major obstacle for those dealing with Bipolar can be a lack of help. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Bipolar disorder has been deemed the most expensive behavioralRead MoreBipolar And Related Disorders ( Bipolar )1289 Words   |  6 Pages Bipolar and related disorders Justin Rodriguez Professor Hanselman Social Psychological Counseling Cumberland County College April 21, 2015 April 21, 2015 Abstract Bipolar Disorder (BD), also known as manic depression, is a mood disorder that is thought to affect some 5.5 million Americans, or 2.6 percent of the population (Treatment Advocacy Center). This paper explores Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic disorder, their features, and treatments. Also discussed is the progression of BipolarRead MoreBipolar Is The Most Severe Form Of This Illness1561 Words   |  7 PagesCognitive Psychology Bipolar I Disorder December 4, 2015 â€Æ' Bipolar I Disorder Background There are a wide range of mental disorders, also know also mental illnesses. The conditions of them affect mood, thinking, and behavior. The most common types include major depressions, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, just to name a few. For this paper I am going to discuss and focus on bipolar I disorder being that it is the most severe form of this illness. Bipolar Disorder is a seriousRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder1125 Words   |  5 Pageshas been diagnosed with several mental disorders. The major diagnosis would be bipolar disorder. She also suffers from borderline personality disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. The American Psychiatric Association s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder defines bipolar disorder as a recurrent mood disorder that includes periods of mania or mixed episodes of mania and depression (Murphy, 2012, p. 44-50). It was previously known as manic depressive disorderRead MoreBipolar Disorder And Its Effects On The Patient s Life1203 Words   |  5 Pageshealth disorders, one of the most common is Bipolar Disorder. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), Bipolar Disorder affects as much as 2.6% of the adult population. The effects of Bipolar Disorder can range from mild (having little impact on the patient’s day to day life) to severe (making the patient’s life debilitating and nonfunctioning). Bipolar Disorder also has a devastating effect on the patient’s friends and family. Bipolar Disorder is one of the most common mentalRead MoreBipolar Disorder And Its Effects On The Patients Life1196 Words   |  5 Pageshealth disorders, one of the most common is Bipolar Disorder. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), Bipolar Disorder affects as much as 2.6% of the adult population. The effects of Bipolar Disorder can range from mild (having little impact on the patient’s day to day life) to severe (making the patient’s life debilitating and nonfunctioning). Bipolar Disorder also has a devastating effect on the patient’s friends and family. Bipolar Disorder is one of the most common mentalRead MoreBipolar : Symptoms And Treatments1301 Words   |  6 Pages BIPOLAR Rosa Hernandez Jersey College January 29, 2016 BIPOLAR Bipolar disorder is a disabling illness, with its extreme mood swings from depression to mania. Bipolar used to be called manic depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder is very seriousRead MoreFilm Review : Shutter Island1045 Words   |  5 PagesThe aim of this paper is to understand Bipolar disorder through the film, Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorcese and the main character in the movie, Leonardo Dicaprio /Andrew Laeddis/ Teddy Daniels. Throughout this paper Bipolar disorder will be explained in detail followed by possible treatments, symptoms, causes and maniac episodes that the character demonstrates. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, â€Å"Bipolar disorder also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder

Human Resource (HR) Dissertation Topics (2018) Free Essays

1.0. Introduction The aim of this guide is to assist in selecting a human resources dissertation topic and to provide practical advice on how to go about writing a dissertation. We will write a custom essay sample on Human Resource (HR) Dissertation Topics (2018) or any similar topic only for you Order Now Human Resources dissertations incorporate numerous topics covering various aspects of organisational human resource management issues. Typically, writing a human resources dissertation involves questions such as how to report the features of the design and how to adequately report research results. Consequently, the latter part of the guide serves as a handy reference source to navigate the writer through the process. 2.0. Categories and dissertation titles 2.1. Strategic Human Resource Management 2.1.1. Measuring the impact of securing employee commitment through involvement and communication processes in the retail industry. A case study of Tesco 2.1.2. An evaluation of the strategic human resource management systems utilised in Indian SMEs. An empirical study 2.1.3. A resource-based view assessment of strategic human resources quality management systems. Achieving competitive advantage in the 21st century 2.1.4. A comparative study of strategic human resource management in Japanese and German automotive multinational corporations. The implications of culture and application to management 2.1.5. An evaluation of strategic human resource management theory and practice in UK call centres. A Quantitative study of call centre performance 2.2. Organisational Learning and Development 2.2.1. An examination of knowledge management and organisational learning for sustained firm performance. A case study of British Telecom 2.2.2. An assessment of the correlation between organisational leaning and firm competency development. An overview of approaches to learning and competence development processes 2.2.3. How valuable is Appreciative Inquiry in the development of an organisational learning cultureA case study of BP 2.2.4. How is organisational learning a by-product of individual learningAchieving balance and synergy between organisational survival and growth and employee development and aspirations 2.2.5. An analysis of leadership behaviours that foster organisational learning. A focus on leadership models for organisational learning in the NHS 2.3. Resourcing and Talent Management 2.3.1. Determining resource allocation for talent management in recession or times of retrenchment. A case study of the UK public sector 2.3.2. Managing and maximising organisational talent for enhanced firm performance. A case study on the operationalization of the strategic talent management process in UK accountancy firms 2.3.3. Designing talent management strategies for recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest. A case study of Research in motion 2.3.4. An assessment organisational development of talent pools and talent inventories for selection and succession processes. A case study of IBM talent management 2.3.5. An investigation into talent management for employee engagement: Gaining employee organisational alignment 2.4. Managing Employment Relations 2.4.1. An exploration of the tensions inherent in management requirement to control employees’ behaviour and performance whilst eliciting commitment and cooperation. A study of employment relations in the minimum wage fast food industry 2.4.2. En examination of the importance of public sector employee participation for improved deliverance of Government systems in the Cameroon public sector 2.4.3. An assessment of the impact of globalisation on employment relations policy. A comparison of two emerging economy countries: Brazil and Mexico 2.4.4. A comparative study of industrial relations in France and the UK. An assessment of trade union density and role significance in the European social context 2.4.5. An investigation into the classification of labour disputes and resolution procedures. A comparative study of Germany and the United States 2.5. Reward Management 2.5.1. Are a revised set of management information required for managing, evaluating and rewarding individual performance under the new public sector management of the UK? 2.5.2. An investigation into the performance impact of financial and non-financial rewards. A case study of interventions to improve performance of health workers in the USA 2.5.3. Is individual performance-based pay inconsistent with Total Quality ManagementAn examination of UK-based quality-focused organisations 2.5.4. A comparative study of employee reward systems in rapidly developing economies. A case study on China and India 2.5.4. An examination of the impact of rewards systems and leadership style on knowledge sharing in the mobile telecommunication industry 3. How to Structure a Human Resources Dissertation, Tips For details on how to structure your HR dissertation, kindly check out the following post: How to Structure a dissertation (chapters) How to structure a dissertation (chapters and subchapters) How to structure a dissertation research proposal How to cite Human Resource (HR) Dissertation Topics (2018), Essays

The U.S. Government Strategies Against the Terrorist Threats

Introduction On September 11, 2001, devastating attacks on the United States by the Islamic extremist group called the Al Qaeda made the nation to come to grips with reality. Since these attacks were well planned, the historic occurrence triggered the need for the establishment of a more reinforced network of homeland security and consequence management in the country.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The U.S. Government Strategies Against the Terrorist Threats specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consequently, the sorrowful event resulted in major policy changes that were aimed at enhancing organization and cooperative information sharing within the different government agencies in the country. Even though this effort is still progressing since the historic occurrence, the new system is a milestone improvement towards combating terrorist threats in the twenty first century. This paper demonstrates the concep ts of homeland security and consequence management in the U.S. When most people hear the word terrorism, it makes them to be afraid since they relate it to violent unacceptable behavior in the society. It is important to note that humankind has practiced different kinds of terrorism since the very beginning of recorded history. Despite being practiced for a long time, the term terrorism is still not easy to define. Nonetheless, the Department of Defense defines it as â€Å"the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.†1 These violent activities have made many kingdoms to fall, rise, and others have ended up exerting undue authority on the less powerful kingdoms. Currently, because of the prevalence of terrorist acts that has made the condition of this world to be unsteady, more leaders of the world are increasingly paying more attention to countering terrorism. This is for the reason that a simple terrorism incidence is able to lead to loss of close ties between two or more nations. As an example, the Israelis and the Palestinians most of the time take part in endless fighting because of unresolved religious convictions and territorial conflicts. Terrorism is exhibited in the form of disagreements with neighboring countries, bombings of nations, kidnappings and hostage-takings, armed attacks and assassinations, arsons and firebombing, hijacking and skyjackings, bioterrorism, and cyber terrorism. Current threats to the U.S. environment After 9/11, global efforts to counter terrorism have been intensified. However, most countries of the world, including the U.S., are still at risk of getting attacks from emerging as well as evolving terrorist groups.2 Despite the intensive efforts that have been aimed at interrupting and restraining al Qaeda’s ability of plotting an attack, the U.S. is still susceptible to attacks from this worldwide terror group. This Islamic extremist terror group is driven by a never-ending strategic intention of causing major destruction to the U.S. and its citizens in different places around the world. As much as earlier military campaigns in the countries of Afghanistan and Iraq weakened the influence of the terror group, many of its top leaders, including Osama Bin Laden, are still at large.Advertising Looking for research paper on homeland security? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the possibility of them planning another attack on the U.S. is still high. Al Qaeda also collaborates with other dreaded terror groups around the world in order to carry out its mission. These include al Qaeda in Iraq and other Islamic extremist groups around the world. In addition, other groups and individuals are also prepared to use terror in order to wreak havoc against t he U.S. Among these is the Lebanese Hezbollah. This terror group is continuing to issue threats to U.S. citizens both locally as well as overseas. The country is also not immune to the development of small groups composed of home-based Islamic extremists. These groups are especially dangerous since they consider the use of violence within the borders of the country as justifiable in defense of their rights. Other local terror groups consists of the white supremacist organizations and animal rights extremists. It is also significant to note that the U.S. is also under the threat of the occurrence of natural disasters, which can lead to wanton destruction all over the country. Contagious diseases that occur naturally put the lives of Americans at risk. Not long ago, Americans had to deal with the effects of Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and H1N1 virus, which resulted in major economic and social disruptions around the country. Natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes and earthquak es, are meteorological and geological dangers that the country sometimes has to deal with. Finally, the last category of threats includes disastrous accidents and other hazards. Industrial hazards as well as infrastructural failures fall into this category. The spillage of toxic chemicals such as the deepwater horizon oil spill that took place on April 20, 2010, and the collapse of buildings across the country pose a great danger to the citizens of U.S. Major post 9/11 initiatives in homeland security In the nineteenth century, the federal government’s response to emergencies was unplanned and involved the use of the military. This was for the reason that there was no established institutionalized emergency relief program. During World War I, the American army instituted an emergency relief program mainly as a military response action plan. From then on, different American leaders have continued to lay more emphasis on issues of homeland security in order to make the country as secure as possible from internal as well as external interference.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The U.S. Government Strategies Against the Terrorist Threats specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More On November 25, 2002, the United States Department of Homeland Security was established with the clear objective of protecting the territory of the country from attacks due to terrorism as well as enacting suitable response strategies to manage the occurrence of natural catastrophes. In this regard, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is mandated to come up with appropriate initiatives of preparing, preventing, and managing the occurrence of domestic catastrophes, with special emphasis to acts of terrorism. This major milestone improvement is considered as one of the integral government reorganization efforts in over five decades. As an umbrella term, homeland security came into the public limelight follo wing the major American government restructuring in 2003, and it alludes to the security measures that are aimed at guarding the country from possible internal and external threats from the enemies of the great country. Officially, it is defined as â€Å"the â€Å"concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur.†3 The Federal Resource plan defines consequence management as the â€Å"measures taken to protect public health and safety, restore essential government services, and provide emergency relief to governments, businesses, and individuals affected by the consequences of terrorism.†4 The DHS, under the President’s proposal, was established in order to consolidate the different response plans into one workable unit for consequence management. Its formation led to the integration of the separate federal government incident response plans to form what is now called the Federal Incident Management Plan. This major initiative guarantees timely responsive action in case of an emergency. This is because the Department is endowed with the responsibility of bringing together all the response efforts. Another major initiative in post 9/11 entails the establishment of a national incident management system. The DHS communicates with other departments within the U.S. government in order to come up with a comprehensive national consequence management strategy. This is made possible by the establishment of standards of common terms used that ensure there is smooth flow of vital information in case of a disaster. The common terms are designed such that they are scalable regardless of the magnitude of the catastrophe.5 Major counter-terrorism efforts after 9/11 A number of counter-terrorism efforts were intensified after the unfortunate events that took place on September 11.6 Counter-terrorism refers to t he military or political initiatives, strategies, procedures, and other appropriate means established for the purpose of combating terrorism in the world.Advertising Looking for research paper on homeland security? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These initiatives particularly became more practical after 9/11. To begin with, more emphasis has been put on identifying potential terrorists before they are able to carry out a planned attack. In most cases, after a terrorist act has occurred, it is made known to the public that the individual suspected of the crime had terrorist connections in the past. This has usually raised questions why the person was left to live freely if he or she was having traceable terrorist connections in the past. When a potential terrorist is allowed to live freely, the possibility of him or her to plan for an attack is more likely. This is because the person will be at liberty to associate with his or her partners in crime so as to effectively arrange for an attack without much problems. Currently, preventing terrorism strategies are aimed at establishing monitoring systems that have the ability of keeping track of individuals with suspected histories of terrorism, or probable connections to terror groups.7 In the United States, some departments within the government, such as the FBI have been endowed with this responsibility. The FBI monitors the movement and communication of potential terrorists who are on the list of suspected terrorists. This strategy is beneficial since it can impair or do away with the possible communication between the potential terrorists and their accomplices. In this case, the activities of the suspect are simply monitored and he or she may be held on parole. Since the suspect is not considered a criminal, he or she is allowed to proceed living normally. Where the suspects live are most of the time searched thoroughly. This is meant to unlock any secrets of any plan to engage in terrorism in future. Bioterrorism is one of the most dreaded types of terrorist acts since it is able to cause the loss of many innocent lives in a matter of minutes. All it takes is to have a terrorist having a little quantity of powdered anthrax or any other lethal chemical . The terrorist then accomplishes his or her mission by going to a busy place such as a football stadium to release the poisonous substance. As the lethal substance spreads in the form of thin dust in the air, the outcome is catastrophic. The people around the place full of activity would inhale the toxic substance without knowing. This, if no timely appropriate response action is taken, can lead to massive loss of lives. Countering such terrorist threats may be an uphill task. However, a number of preventive measures have been adopted that will make sure there is minimal loss of lives in case such a catastrophe takes place. In the United States, the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile is endowed with the responsibility of ensuring quick response to incidences of bioterrorism. The program, managed jointly by DHS and the Department of Health and Human Services, augments the country’s pharmaceutical and vaccine stockpiles. To prevent mass casualty occurrence, the medical initiati ve has strategically positioned â€Å"Push Packs† across the country. These have approximately six thousand tons of medical supplies, which can be conveyed to the scene of an incident in less than twelve hours. In case of biological warfare, the populace may be frightened at the invisible, odorless, and tasteless menace; therefore, a race against time to provide the victims with appropriate medication is beneficial in such a scenario. The United States has sufficient preventive measures against incidences of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear detonation. To ensure that this preventive measure is realized, DHS usually undertakes certification process on a yearly basis. The certification process is aimed at authenticating the ability of the state and local first respondents’ timely response to emergencies. Moreover, the Environment Protection Agency functions to disinfect the affected area in case of an attack and gives beneficial information to public healt h authorities when determining if the affected area is out of danger. The economy of the United States relies on the appropriate use of digital information. The reliance on computer networks to provide fast connectivity has evolved a new form of terrorism called cyber terrorism. This form of terrorism gives terrorists the ability to fulfill their missions with minimal or no risk to themselves and to disrupt or destroy networks and computers, with destructive results. Consequently, government or business-related operations are usually impaired because of these fraudulent deals. Cyber terrorists most of the time target the internet since it is what makes most of the world’s digital infrastructure. In the aftermath of 9/11 attacks, several security experts are increasingly getting worried about the safety of the digital information assets in the U.S. Following the attacks, many hacking groups have been established. Many of them usually take part in pro-U.S. and anti-U.S. cyber a ctivities. These are mostly fought through web defacements. Therefore, the U.S. has enacted measures through developing strong vision and leadership aimed at transforming technology and polices in order to keep its digital infrastructure as safe as possible. In this century, acts of terrorism are increasingly being revealed in new forms. Therefore, an effective counter-terrorism strategy that the U.S. has embraced is by having a specialized team with adequate training on appropriate techniques of fighting against kidnappings and hostage-takings. As much as kidnapping is a difficult operation for terrorists to be successful in achieving, if successful, it can make the authorities to make compromising decisions in order to yield to the demands of the terrorists. Hostage taking takes place when terrorists seizure a facility taking hostages with them as human shields in order to provoke a confrontation with the authorities and attract media attention. That is why the specialized team sh ould be able to go into any place the hostages might be held to attempt carrying out a rescue mission. These include buildings, airplanes, or wherever the hostages might be held. Since 9/11, every regime in the U.S. has been involved in efforts of averting the emergence of violent Islamic radicalization in the country since most terrorists usually arise from such groups. Engaging key communities as partners in the fight against terrorism, identifying and countering the possible sources of Islamic radicalization, improving the ability of the governmental agencies to address radicalization issues, and enhancing the citizens understanding of radicalization, is applied to achieve this initiative. In addition, the U.S. is also involved in consultation efforts to limit too much use of military force in parts of the world that are prone to the emergence of such Islamic radical groups. Throughout the history of terrorism, the use of nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) have not bee n very much common. These dangerous weapons are able to cause widespread destruction. In this century, some countries are taking part in arms races with their ‘enemies’ to acquire WMD. This is because they view the acquisition of these weapons as a main restraint of attack by their neighbors who are usually ever ready for war. However, it is important to note that the increased development of WMD equally increases the possibility of their acquisition by terrorists.8 This is because unstable countries may lack the ability to protect their stores of WMD from accidental losses, illegal retailing, or burglary. In addition, terrorists can also acquire these destructive weapons through secret independent research teams or by employing experienced people to develop for them these weapons. This calls for sufficient investment that is of essence in the efforts of enhancing the capability of sharing the sensitive information regarding the use of WMD. The tragic events of 9/11 mad e the U.S. to realize that terrorist organizations are able to acquire and use WMD. In the aftermath of the attacks, some terror groups, such as al Qaeda, with radical ideologies, have demonstrated their interest of acquiring WMD to undertake mass casualty attacks in order to obtain worldwide recognition for their cause. They consider the use of such weapons to be their religious obligation; thus, they have attempted to gain access to them in a number of occasions.9 The stakes involved in the propagation and illicit use of WMD has made the United States military to use forceful means to thwart their illegal use; for example, the U.S. led invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2003 was aimed at achieving this objective. 10 The movement of terrorists around the planet is closely monitored. As a strategy in the global War on Terror, measures have been put that are aimed at detecting, interrupting, and interdicting the unauthorized movements of terrorists and dangerous weapons from one par t of the world to the other. Most nations have improved their border security in order to prevent terrorists from exploiting legal entry points into the nations. Presently, every migrant entering the United States has to undergo a thorough check up in order to validate his or her adequacy of entering the nation. However, these strict border security efforts are not enough since the territory of the country is vast. Thus, to prevent illegal entry into the country through illicit pathways, the government has adopted the Secure Border Initiative. This has been achieved through establishing a well-integrated system of individuals, machinery, and strategic communication systems aimed at easier identification and detection of illegal entries into the country. Moreover, scientific investigations are currently being carried out in order to develop next-generation technologies for close monitoring of the movement of terrorists around the globe. The need to establish strict gun control measur es was fuelled in the aftermath of 9/11. This counter-terrorism strategy limits the access of terrorist groups to dangerous weapons. Ultimately, the number of terrorist incidents will be lowered significantly. One way of achieving this is by having a considerable waiting period at gun shops. This is because potential terrorists or their accomplices may go into a gun show separately and purchase dangerous weapons to be used for producing widespread fear in innocent people. In some places of the world, a close tie exists between one’s religion and politics; therefore, in such places, one is deemed a hero when he or she sacrifices his or her life on a suicide mission.11 This notion has escalated the number of suicide terrorist attacks in the world in this century, especially in hostile places such as the Middle East region and Somalia. For U.S. citizens travelling to such hostile areas, prevention is usually done by increasing their awareness of the threats that awaits them. The U.S. government provides information to Americans regarding the activity of terrorist organizations in such areas. These include, but not limited to, the local populace’s attitude towards Americans, and the areas’ potential for violence. Furthermore, Americans are advised to keep off from potentially dangerous destinations, maintain alertness, stay from suspicious looking individuals, acquaint themselves with emergency first aid equipment, use every means possible to avoid being identified as Americans, and promptly inform the authorities in case of any strange occurrence. The infamous September 11 disaster was achieved by the use of civilian airplanes as assault vehicles to wreak havoc to the U.S. Such a happening has no precedent in the history of the airline industry. No one had ever imagined that terrorists could be able to hijack an airplane and use it to carry out an attack. Following this strange occurrence, the confidence of several individuals concerning air travel was shaken. Some people even cancelled their trips to popular tourism destinations and others avoided places full of activity such as theme parks and big cities. Therefore, to prevent such disruption of life, major initiatives have been implemented. These include, but not limited to, proper screening of all travelers, checking if the travelers are eligible to travel by reviewing their history, and questioning travelers who seem to be suspicious. Through these strategies, the airline industry is able to thwart the efforts of the terrorists’ use of airplanes as means of wreaking havoc in the world. Consequence management Despite the superb prevention and mitigation efforts that can be done in the War on Terror, terrorist attacks are sometimes inevitable. Therefore, the U.S. government has developed measures that are aimed at alleviating the effects of this disaster in case it takes place. Establishment of enhanced notification, alert, and warning systems, which are total ly reliable, effective, and flexible are some strategies that the government has adopted to realize this. Moreover, pre-incident alert and warning systems have been designed such that they are able to convey vital security information to Americans to any place they might be within the country. This warning system is also able to give situational updates and appropriate directions of movement to Americans even after an incident has taken place. In the aftermath of September 11, the expectations of Americans concerning the federal government’s incident management plans has increased considerably, especially in a situation in which a domestic crisis of national significance has taken place. In such circumstances, the citizens expect it to accomplish its obligations, make minimal mistakes, and be both virtually omniscient and omnipotent. Because of this endless public examination, the government’s consequence management plans have been intensified to avoid the mistakes tha t were done in pre 9/11. One of these improvements in consequence management entails appropriate passage of information from one place to another. As was evident during 9/11 attacks, communication breakdown usually take place in case of a terrorist attack and the public most of the time thirst for information. As much as only few individuals can feel the physical impacts of the disaster, the rest of the people may be afraid of being the next victims. This is what causes the thirst for information. Therefore, the public expects the government to provide them with the vital information that is needed in such times. In effective management of a complex national emergency, the statements of the president and those of high-ranked government officials are carefully calculated to avoid possible deaths and loss of public confidence. In most situations, it has been observed that the initial reports are not true. In addition, the public usually demand for information much faster than the offi cials of the government are able to give. Because of these facts, most of the consequence management that is practiced in the United States in the first hours of a disaster is aimed at providing the President together with some high-ranked government officials with accurate information. This is because they are usually on the spot in situations whereby emergencies of national significance have taken place and, more so, they are expected by the public to deliver correct information when making a nationwide address on the issue in the first news cycle after an emergency. In a situation in which a nuclear weapon has exploded in a city in the United States, measures have been put in place to ensure that as many lives as possible are saved through immediate evacuation of the affected individuals. Because of the immense effects of the detonation, such as thermal radiation and nuclear radiation, not so much can be done to save the lives of those within the immediate vicinity of the blast. Nonetheless, protection of people in such circumstances can be achieved by moving them to another place before they get into direct contact with the dangerous radioactive materials. The U.S. army played a vital role in the country’s response to September 11 attacks. That is why the government has launched plans to enable the military to assist civil authorities in case of an emergency. The military have been mandated to give technical assistance to law enforcement authorities, assist in restoration of law and order, and lend specialized equipment as initiatives in consequence management. To increase the chances of saving more lives in case of a terrorist attack, DHS is involved in efforts of planning and expanding volunteers called Citizen Corps. The volunteers are effectively trained and equipped with essential skills of detecting possible terrorist incidences and responding accordingly to prevent further damages from taking place. The increased terrorist threat on the U.S. has made the federal government to offer more funding targeted at training more first responders. However, since the country’s program for training first responders is increasingly being strained, the government is involved in efforts of developing a national training and evaluation program aimed at meeting the growing demand.12 Conclusion Since the turn of the century, terrorist threats against the U.S. have escalated to unprecedented levels. Amidst these hard times, the great nation has responded with courage and now it is safer, stronger, and even more prepared to face the issues that threaten its very principles of democracy. Nonetheless, since the country is safer, but not completely safe, a significant number of challenges are still lying ahead. That is why the American government has implemented several strategies aimed at ensuring that the lifestyle of the residents proceeds normally without undue interruption. Because of the fact that the country is not immune to ter rorist attacks and several terrorist organizations have shown relentless determination to cause havoc in the country, it is prepared to protect its critical resources as well as promptly act in response to emergencies that take place on its soil. Bibliography Bartholomees, Boone. National Security Policy and strategy. Washington: Department of National Security and Strategy, 2008. Biddle, Stephen D. â€Å"American Grand Strategy after 9/11: An assessment,† Strategic  Studies Institute, 2005. Web. Bullock, Jane A. and others. Introduction to homeland security. Burlington: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, 2006. Bunn, Elaine.â€Å"Preemptive action: what, how, and to what effect?† Strategic forum 1, no. 200 (2003), 1-7. Web. Bush, George W.â€Å"Overview of America’s National Strategy for Homeland Security.†Ã‚  National Strategy for Homeland Security, 2007. Web. Miskel, James F. Disaster response and homeland security: what works, what doesn’t. Westp ort: Praeger Security International, 2006. Purpura, Philip.Security and loss prevention: an introduction. Burlington, MA: Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann, 2008. Schultz, George P. An Essential War-ousting Saddam was the only option. The Wall  Street Journal. 1997. The Department of Homeland Security. United States Department of Homeland  Security handbook. Washington: International Business publications, 2006. The White House. The National Security Strategy of the United States of America,  Global Security, 2002. Web. United States Marine Corps. Individual’s Guide for Understanding and Surviving Terrorism. New York: Cosimo Publications, 2007. Yarger, Harry R. â€Å"Strategic theory for the 21st century: The little Book on the Big Strategy,† Strategic Studies Institute, 2006. Web. Footnotes 1 United States Marine Corps. Individual’s Guide for Understanding and Surviving Terrorism (New York: Cosimo Publications, 2007), 1. 2 Stephen D. Biddle. â€Å"American Grand Strategy after 9/11: An assessment,† Strategic Studies Institute, 2005. 3 George W. Bush, â€Å"Overview of America’s National Strategy for Homeland Security.† National Strategy for Homeland Security, 2007. 4 Jane A. Bullock and others. Introduction to homeland security, (Burlington: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, 2006), 613. 5 The Department of Homeland Security. United States Department of Homeland Security handbook. (Washington: International Business publications, 2006), 41-42. 6 Boone Bartholomees. National Security Policy and strategy. (Washington: Department of National Security and Strategy, 2008), 99-112. 7 Elaine Bunn, â€Å"Preemptive action: what, how, and to what effect?† Strategic forum 1, no. 200 (2003), 1-7 . 8 The White House. The National Security Strategy of the United States of America, Global Security, 2002. 9 George P. Schultz, An Essential War-ousting Saddam was the only option. The Wall Street Journal. 1997. 10 Harry R. Yarg er. â€Å"Strategic theory for the 21st century: The little Book on the Big Strategy,† Strategic Studies Institute, 2006. 11 James F. Miskel, Disaster response and homeland security: what works, what doesn’t (Westport: Praeger Security International, 2006), 44. 12 Philip Purpura, Security and loss prevention: an introduction. (Burlington, MA : Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann, 2008), 480. This research paper on The U.S. Government Strategies Against the Terrorist Threats was written and submitted by user Jennifer Z. to help you with your own studies. 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