Book Review: Todd Landman. Protecting Human Rights

Book Review: Todd Landman. Protecting Human Rights Book Review Todd Landman. Protecting Human Rights: A Comparative Study. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2005. 231 pp. $29.95 (paper), ISBN 1-58901-063-9. The post World War II era dawned a new age of countries not only willing to adopt human rights practices but showed the necessity to do so due to the horrific occurrences during the war. Todd Landman discusses how international law and human rights had begun and grown since the war along with the disappearance of authoritarianism and the welcoming of global democracy. In his book, Landman seeks to discover if the nation-states participating in the international human rights regime constrain and limit their behavior in order to protect the sanctity of the rights of individuals. He conducts his study through a global comparative method and quantitative analysis to assess the growth and effectiveness of the international human rights regime. Landman begins his study with a beautiful yet explanatory narrative of the turn of the century and the birth of the international human rights regime after World War II. He discusses how countries were more than willing to turn away from authoritarianism and imperialist regimes and welcome democracy as their new form of government. He states that this is an important turning point in human rights history as it subsequently led to the development of several human rights oriented organizations thus leading to the ability to conduct the study as it gathers information from a total of 193 countries. Landman then continues by stating what exactly he is studying and how he is conducting the study. In its essence, Landman aims to study a theory-driven empirical analysis of the growth and effectiveness of the international human rights regime (6). He successfully does this by conducting a study using a pooled cross-sectional time-series data set of 193 countries over 25 years that yielded 4,825 observations with his goal of hoping to understand how the international human rights regime has evolved over this time and whether or not it has had an impact on human rights practices. From a methodological standpoint, Landman conducts flawless statistical studies by drawing on other scholars previous statistical work to add to the value and validity of his own. Landman uses several small-N, large-N, bivariate, multivariate, studies, along with numerous table, graphs, and charts to visualize his findings. He does so with an exceptional explanation of each as he tries to put into laments terms what exactly he is studying as the statistical numbers and graphs can be daunting to the untrained eye. His first study consisted of measuring human rights and the conceptualization of it based on a legal framework of the term and how it is surrounded by a series of methodological problems like precision, reliability, validity, equivalence, and aggregation, as he notes that although there is a universal definition of human rights one can look up, human rights isnt always universal in definition to one another and this can account for human rights violations occurrences. He outlines how he measures human rights in practice and in principle, then lays out the explanatory and control variables he will use for the following studies within the book. The author takes an in-depth approach in the following chapters after the setup of the study itself and it is necessary to do so considering how rigorous his studies are. He is really only trying to see the growth and effectiveness of the human rights regime across space and time but does so with a very sophisticated approach. He uses several different statistical models to test whether countries have ratified treaties or not, which countries are democratic, when did the become democractic, and their variables: wealth, IGOs, INGOs, trade, Civil War, International War, and population. He explains that these variables are necessary to try and understand the human rights violations over time as they directly affect a country and their human rights occurrences. Throughout the book, Landman does an excellent job of explaining the statistical models he uses and the actual pictures of every single one guides the reader in their further understanding of the complicated material. His one fault is that the models may be too sophisticated for some readers in terms of the bivariate correlation matrices included in the studies. While they are necessary to his study, perhaps he could have broken down the tables even further to account for those who do not have a mathematical background. Through his intense and complex study, Landman sought to understand the mutual relationship between the norms of human rights, country participation, and the degree to which that participation makes a difference for human rights protection (159). Landmans real strength is in explaining his findings through his complex studies. He argues that his analysis focuses on global patterns of variations of general relationships between international law and state practice, and that the gap between human rights in principle and in practice is where the problem lies. Landman successfully argues his point and I am convinced by the surplus of evidence he provides. He answers his research question of what accounts for the effectiveness of human rights over space and time and does so in an eloquent and scientific manner.

Processed foods Essay

The introduction to processed foods took the world by storm, with quicker food preparation, less time spent cleaning, drive-thru access and the introduction to new recipes. Long before processed foods such as the Twinkie, Honey bun, Spam, frozen dinners, milk, etc; people consumed more wholesome foods naturally loaded with nutrients the human body needed to sustain itself. Processed foods did not exist until the early 19th Century and have since become highly advertised and subsidized by the government. Whole foods on the other hand receive little advertisement and no government subsidies, leading people away from choosing a healthier lifestyle. I believe that processed foods may perhaps taste, look and smell better than their natural whole food counterpart does, yet can you really afford to risk your health for the sake of being happy you had the ability to choose your meal? Many people consume a majority of processed foods throughout the day or week due to their lifestyle; consuming these products in large quantity is an unhealthy habit. These foods are loaded with artificial ingredients such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated oil, fillers, and artificial sweeteners which have been proven in studies to be harmful to the body. Perhaps they do not have time to sit down, the area lacks diners or they do not enjoy eating leftover meals. The products will lead to weight gain, unhealthy joints, muscles, bones, brain and be more prone to illness. Many think that you can exercise and still eat whatever they want. This is untrue as your body needs four essential basic nutrients; water, carbohydrates, fat, and protein. These four are the foundation of a healthy diet. Like the saying â€Å"You are what you eat†, a reasonable person must assume that eating an unbalanced diet full of processed foods is not a wise choice in leading a long and happy life. If you love Twinkies and Spam then you will only be happy for a short time, before your body breaks down and you die. Happiness comes in many ways, from enjoying a favorite meal to burning off stress by partaking in a good run. Personally I like both but favor exercise as it helps prolong my life, reduces stress and keeps my immune system working at maximum protection against viruses such as the common cold and flu. Cardio-vascular exercise helps maintain the heart and lungs. The body needs proteins to build and repair muscles. A good source of protein can be found in lean meats, fish, eggs and beans. Your body is yours, and as such you should do everything in your power to live a healthy lifestyle. A healthier body ultimately leads to happiness. You will look, feel, and perform better in life. People who do not exercise regularly also put themselves at risk being prone to injury. It is safe to assume that eating healthy and exercising regularly leads to a happier you. In summary, people cannot afford to risk health for the sake of happiness. Living a unhealthy lifestyle full of stress, obesity, and illness; mostly due to a sedentary life and processed foods, leads to social, emotional and physical harm. For good health and happiness you should make it a habit to choose unrefined whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grains, and include a good exercise regimen a minimum of 5 hours weekly to live strong. You, your family and friends all deserve to live a long, happy and healthy life.

Character of Lady Macbeth Essay

In the course of this essay I will discuss the character of Lady Macbeth and the change in her character throughout the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. We see her as being ambitious and ruthless at the start. Looking at her and Macbeths character she is the dominant one in the relationship. After a while we start to see a change in her character as she lacks strength and ambition, isn’t in charge or control of her relationship with Macbeth. She is being kept out of new plans in which Macbeth is making decisions alone. Firstly, Lady Macbeth appears in Act 1 Scene 5. She is in her and Macbeth’s castle. She receives a letter from Macbeth and reads it. In this letter, he is telling her about his encounter with the witches. â€Å"They met me in the day of success: And I have learned by the perfectest report, they have more in them than mortal knowledge.† (Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth) She appears very determined for what the witches have told him to come true. She hopes the witches prophecy about Macbeth becoming King of Scotland will happen and then for her to be Queen. â€Å"Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be what thou promised† (Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth) We can see that Lady Macbeth is scared as she says that Macbeth is too kind and loyal to murder to become King. â€Å"Is too full o’ the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.† (Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth) Also, she talks about Macbeths strong sense of honour and how he’s not the type of man to lie or cheat. â€Å"Thou wouldst thou holily ; wouldst not play false.† (Act1 Scene 5 Lady Macbeth) Lady Macbeth doesn’t want to wait around for her Macbeth to become King to just happen. She wants Macbeth to kill his cousin, the recent King, Duncan, and also anyone else who tries to get in their way. She hopes Macbeth will come home soon so that she can convince him to do anything to become King. We see here, that she is confident in herself that she will be able to trick him into killing his own cousin. â€Å"Hie thee hither that I may pour my spirits in thine ear, and chastise with the valour of my tongue† (Act1 Scene5 Lady Macbeth). A servant then comes to tell her that Macbeth and the other lords are on their way, and Duncan will be spending the night in their castle. Lady Macbeth, straight away, sees this as an opportunity to murder Duncan. She starts to call dark spirits upon her to take away her womanly kindness. â€Å"Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here† ( Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth). When she finishes calling on the spirits, Macbeth arrives. Lady Macbeth tells him his letter has given hope for their future. She asks when Duncan is leaving and when Macbeth says in the morning, she says he’ll never see tomorrow. â€Å"O, never shall sun that morrow see.† (Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth – Macbeth). She then tells Macbeth her plan to kill Duncan. She tells Macbeth she will do all the planning. We also see, that Lady Macbeth is ruthless. She will let nothing get in her way of becoming Queen. It shows she is the dominant one in their relationship as she makes all the decisions and plans. We next see Lady Macbeth in Act1 Scene 6. All the lords, Macbeth, Duncan, his two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross and Angus are all at Macbeth’s castle. Lady Macbeth arrives and greets Duncan. â€Å" All our service in every point twice done and then done double, were poor and single business to contend.† (Act1 Scene6, Lady Macbeth – Duncan). Duncan thanks her with a gratitude for letting him stay. He also apologises for the hassle he’s causing her. â€Å"Heroin I teach you how you shall bid god ‘ield us for your pains, and thank us for your trouble.† (Act 1 Scene 6, Duncan – Lady Macbeth) When Duncan meets Lady Macbeth he is humble and generous, thanking her for letting him stay, but he doesn’t know that she is planning to kill him. In this scene , lady Macbeth is seen as the perfect hostess. We see how well she can play casual and switch between high emotion and cool composure. In Act 1 Scene 7, we see her talking with Macbeth, in the castle. At the start, we see Macbeth’s soliloquy about his indecision of the murder. â€Å" If it were ‘tis done, then were well it were done quickly.† (Act 1 Scene 7) Lady Macbeth arrives and Macbeth tells her that he doesn’t want to go ahead with the murder. He has won honour on the battlefield and doesn’t want to kill an innocent. â€Å" We will proceed no further in this business, He hath honoured me of late, and I have bought gold en opinions from all sort of people.† (Act 1 Scene 7, Macbeth – Lady Macbeth). Lady Macbeth seems to be very unimpressed with what Macbeth has said. She then tricks him into continuing on with the murder as she questions his bravery. â€Å" With thou esteems’t the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem.† (Act 1 Scene 7, Lady Macbeth – Macbeth). What she says seem to work. Again in this scene, we see Lady Macbeth as the dominant one. She easily convinces him back into their plan to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth waits in a chamber near Duncan’s bedroom. Macbeth goes off to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth had got the chamberlains drunk so they wouldn’t see any of the murder. Lady Macbeth says that the chamberlains make a joke of their jobs by falling asleep. â€Å"Do mock their charge with snores, I have dragged their possets.† (Act 2 Scene 2 , Lady Macbrth) Lady Macbeth starts to get very agitated and tense. We first see this when she hears an owl. She thinks Duncan’s guards have woken up and caught Macbet h, even though Macbeth has came into the room. â€Å"My father as he slept, I have done’t- My husband!† (Act 2 Scene 2, Lady Macbeth) Macbeth had brought the daggers back with him, the one he killed Duncan, Lady Macbeth sees them and panics. â€Å" Why did you bring these daggers from the place?† (Act 2 Scene 2 , Lady Macbeth – Macbeth). Lady Macbeth has to bring them back to bring them back to the chamber. When she comes back she tells Macbeth that they need to hurry to their bedroom so they don’t get caught. â€Å"I hear a knocking at the south entry, retire we to our chamber.† (Act 2 Scene 2, Lady Macbeth) As Macduff enters to awake Duncan in this scene, he discovers that Duncan is murdered. Lady Macbeth enters after hearing the bell ringing. She asks what is happening. â€Å" What’s the business, that such a hideous trumper.† (Act 1 Scene 3, Lady Macbeth – Macduff). Macduff doesn’t want to tell Lady Macbeth what happened , as he thinks she won’t cope . â€Å"O , gentle lady, tis not for you to hear what I can speak† (Act â€Å" Scene 3, Macduff – Lady Macbeth). Lady Macbeth response doesn’t sound very convincing as she replies. â€Å"What, in our house?† (Act 2 Scene 3, Lady Macbeth – Macduff) When Lady Macbeth says he has murdered the chamberlains, Lady Macbeth faints. We don’t know if she’s acting here or being serious. We see irony in this scene, as she is behind the murder but acts as she knows nothing. Lady Macbeth is in the palace and is talking with a servant. She asks the servant if Banquo has left the castle. He tells her that Banquo will be back in the evening. She then tells the servant to ask Macbeth to meet with her as she wants to talk. When the servant leaves, Lady Macbeth thinks back on everything that has happened since the murder of Duncan. â€Å"Nought’s had, all’s spent, where our desire got without content.† (Act 3 Scene 2, Lady Macbeth) In this scene, we see Lady Macbeth as alone. Becoming king and queen, her and Macbeth lost everything. She now appears to be isolated from her husband. All she can do now is gain access to Macbeth by means of a formal request.

Ice Cube ( O Shea Jackson - 1603 Words

Gangsta rap originated in the late 1980’s. â€Å"Ice Cube (O Shea Jackson) of the rap group NWA (Niggaz with Attitude) wrote the song Gangsta Gangsta, and it shocked America with its violent, sexist, and obscene lyrics. Gangsta Gangsta ushered in a new genre of hip-hop music called gangsta rap, which became identified with Compton, a predominately black and Latino working-class and working poor neighborhood in Los Angeles†. Many people did not agree with the sexist and indecent lyrics in gangsta rap even though the lyrics were telling the story of many people who lived in this reality. â€Å"Gangsta rap acted as an outlet so such people could express themselves angrily and not in fear that they were going to be silenced for telling the truth. They often used gangsta rap to tell the stories of their lives, which sometimes included strong violence, hypersexuality, and drug abuse.† This music style was new and different. Gangsta rap was authentic and helped tell a story with its deep lyrics. â€Å"During the 1990s, Republican and Democratic politicians and some black leaders blamed, not all hip-hop music, but gangsta rap for all of the black communities social problems: drug use, teenage pregnancy, unemployment, gang violence, and high school dropouts. Even though these problems existed in the black community prior to gangsta rap, this music and culture has provided a convenient target to avoid addressing the causes of the real problems of black America: racism, sexism, and poverty†.Show MoreRelated Violence In Rap Music Essay2087 Words   |  9 Pages 1986 an unknown rap group came quot;Straight Outta Comptonquot; and they called themselves N.W.A ( Niggaz With Attitudes). Eazy-E (Eric Wright) started this group along with four friends Dr. Dre (Andre Young), MC Ren (Geronimo Pratt), Ice Cube ( O’ Shea Jackson) and DJ Yella and they soon became the most controversial group ever to hit the industry. In 1989 they released the album, Straight Outta Compton, and a wave of fear was sent over the country, it was an instant classic. With disturbing song