If you ever thought that people in the psychiatric hospital and those walking around naked or in rugs are the only mentally ill persons, then reconsider your thoughts. Every Ghanaian suffers at least one form of mental illness.
Psychologists have identified various kinds of mental illness that affect every individual at a point in time. These include anxiety, mood, eating, impulse control and addiction disorders. Others are sexual and gender, personality and dissociative disorders.
One of the very common mental illnesses is mood disorders. These disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness or feeling overly happy or fluctuations from extreme sadness to extreme happiness and vice versa. Research has shown that depression, maniac and bipolar disorders are the very common mood disorders affecting many people.
In spite of the many less serious effects that some forms of mental illness offer to patients, depressive disorder becomes an exception. A depressive disorder is more than a passing mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness and it cannot be willed or wished away. It involves the body, mood and thoughts. People who are depressed cannot “snap out of it” and simply get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for months or even years.
Symptoms related to depression are persistent sadness, anxiety, “emptiness”, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness, guilt, lost of interest in hobbies that were once enjoyed. Decreased energy, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, remembering and even making decisions are all symptoms of depression.
It is not all a gloomy situation. Antidepressant medication can be a sure way of getting out of the troubles of depression. But first, seek advice from a qualified psychologist or a psychotherapist to diagnose and treat you whenever you start experiencing the symptoms If you don’t, you could end up on the streets in rugs, or even naked.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
THE PROBLEM OF STREET CHILDREN AND HOW TO SOLVE IT.
In article 28 (1) (a) of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana indicates that “every child has the right to the same measure of special care, assistance and maintenance as is necessary for its development from its natural parents, except where those parents have effectively surrendered their rights and responsibilities in respect of the child in accordance with the law”.
If every child has the right to the same measure of special care, assistance and maintenance, how then the street is now full of a certain category of people called street children. A street child is one who is homeless and depends on the street for his daily bread. In Accra, there are over two hundred thousand (200,000) street children according to Catholic Action for Street Children (CAS). The incidence of street children is caused by many factors.
The first cause of street children is urbanization. For decades of years children have migrated from Ghana’s rural regions to the cities in search for education, vocational training and jobs only to realize that life in the urban areas is equally difficult. Since they cannot cope with hustle and bustle of the big towns and cities they resort to the streets. The government should disburse enough funds to the District Assemblies to help set up small scale industries which under efficient management and entrepreneurship would boom into large scale industries as to curb the unfortunate phenomenon of urbanization.
Family disintegration is also a major cause of street children. About 70% of marriages do not last. Due to the fact that, most people do not understand the true purpose of the institution of marriage. As a result, most marriages end up in a divorce and children if not well catered for, find themselves on the street fending for themselves. To control this causal factor of street children, couples preparing for this sacred institution should take counseling seriously before they go into wedlock. They must do their best to endure each other at least for the sake of their children. According to Catholic Action for Street Children (CAS) findings, 86% of children who find themselves permanently on the street are product of family disintegration and most of them are within the age range of seven (7) to fifteen (15) years.
Lastly, teenage pregnancy is also a factor which causes street children. Most teenagers are now obsessed with sexual activities so much that they refuse to take precautions. When these teens deliver, they hardly take very good care of their children. At certain instances, the children have to fend for themselves because the house is not supportive. The possibility that this child would turn into a street child is very high. Sex education should be put on school timetables and parents should advise their children on early sex and its consequences. Also the media should introduce sex educative programs.
In the nutshell, if the solutions given as to how to solve the problem of urbanization, family disintegration and teenage pregnancy are taken into consideration. I believe all our streets would be free of street children. Also, those who would have ended up in the streets will become useful citizens. And this will be beneficial to the nation as a whole.
Regina Asamoah
Ghana Institute of Journalism
If every child has the right to the same measure of special care, assistance and maintenance, how then the street is now full of a certain category of people called street children. A street child is one who is homeless and depends on the street for his daily bread. In Accra, there are over two hundred thousand (200,000) street children according to Catholic Action for Street Children (CAS). The incidence of street children is caused by many factors.
The first cause of street children is urbanization. For decades of years children have migrated from Ghana’s rural regions to the cities in search for education, vocational training and jobs only to realize that life in the urban areas is equally difficult. Since they cannot cope with hustle and bustle of the big towns and cities they resort to the streets. The government should disburse enough funds to the District Assemblies to help set up small scale industries which under efficient management and entrepreneurship would boom into large scale industries as to curb the unfortunate phenomenon of urbanization.
Family disintegration is also a major cause of street children. About 70% of marriages do not last. Due to the fact that, most people do not understand the true purpose of the institution of marriage. As a result, most marriages end up in a divorce and children if not well catered for, find themselves on the street fending for themselves. To control this causal factor of street children, couples preparing for this sacred institution should take counseling seriously before they go into wedlock. They must do their best to endure each other at least for the sake of their children. According to Catholic Action for Street Children (CAS) findings, 86% of children who find themselves permanently on the street are product of family disintegration and most of them are within the age range of seven (7) to fifteen (15) years.
Lastly, teenage pregnancy is also a factor which causes street children. Most teenagers are now obsessed with sexual activities so much that they refuse to take precautions. When these teens deliver, they hardly take very good care of their children. At certain instances, the children have to fend for themselves because the house is not supportive. The possibility that this child would turn into a street child is very high. Sex education should be put on school timetables and parents should advise their children on early sex and its consequences. Also the media should introduce sex educative programs.
In the nutshell, if the solutions given as to how to solve the problem of urbanization, family disintegration and teenage pregnancy are taken into consideration. I believe all our streets would be free of street children. Also, those who would have ended up in the streets will become useful citizens. And this will be beneficial to the nation as a whole.
Regina Asamoah
Ghana Institute of Journalism
RESTRUCTURE THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS
By: Regina Asamoah
Ghana Institute of Journalism
Have you ever wondered why you sit in traffic for hours after a hard day’s work when going to any destination of your choice? What is the essence of a traffic light? Are they really serving their purpose? Have these questions ever clicked your mind as you sit in a heavy traffic?
Decades ago, traffic lights were constructed to control the movement of vehicles. Every traffic light has a vehicle sensor and it often operates on timers. This means every traffic light is structured base on a time setting with the consideration of the number of vehicles. This calls for the need for restructuring of the time setting of our traffic lights since there has been a drastic increase in the number of vehicles we have today.
It then means the traffic lights are not really serving their purposes of controlling the movement of cars but rather generating congestion of vehicles on our roads which has been termed by people as ‘traffic’.
Time settings of our traffic lights ought to be looked at to prevent the heavy traffic one has to endure almost everyday. Aside restructuring the time settings of traffic lights, other damaged traffic lights ought to be repaired. Also the time settings of traffic lights could be changed probably every year based on the statistics of increased number of vehicles in the country.
I believe if this is done it would curb the problem of massive and rampant traffics in every street, round about as well as juctions.Also this will save the student, the worker and the traveler much time thereby reducing stress and save precious hours, man could invest to increase productivity.
.
Ghana Institute of Journalism
Have you ever wondered why you sit in traffic for hours after a hard day’s work when going to any destination of your choice? What is the essence of a traffic light? Are they really serving their purpose? Have these questions ever clicked your mind as you sit in a heavy traffic?
Decades ago, traffic lights were constructed to control the movement of vehicles. Every traffic light has a vehicle sensor and it often operates on timers. This means every traffic light is structured base on a time setting with the consideration of the number of vehicles. This calls for the need for restructuring of the time setting of our traffic lights since there has been a drastic increase in the number of vehicles we have today.
It then means the traffic lights are not really serving their purposes of controlling the movement of cars but rather generating congestion of vehicles on our roads which has been termed by people as ‘traffic’.
Time settings of our traffic lights ought to be looked at to prevent the heavy traffic one has to endure almost everyday. Aside restructuring the time settings of traffic lights, other damaged traffic lights ought to be repaired. Also the time settings of traffic lights could be changed probably every year based on the statistics of increased number of vehicles in the country.
I believe if this is done it would curb the problem of massive and rampant traffics in every street, round about as well as juctions.Also this will save the student, the worker and the traveler much time thereby reducing stress and save precious hours, man could invest to increase productivity.
.
BREAST CANCER, LIFE THREATENING!
By: Regina Asamoah
Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with approximately one in nine women developing the disease in her life time. Although breast cancer is known to affect women it can be equally destructive to men. Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all diagnosed breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the tissues of the breast. These cancerous cells continue to grow and eventually form into a lump known as a tumor. Although more than 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous, a process known as a biopsy is the only way to know for sure. A biopsy requires the doctor to remove a small sample of tissue and examine it under a microscope and check for cancerous cells.
Although breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women between the ages of 35 and 54 the causes of breast cancer are not known. The development of cancer has been closely linked to heredity. A genetic mutation (a change in the genetic code) could be passed to a family. History of cancer could be due to a dominant gene that makes cancer more likely to be passed down from generation to generation.
Breast cancer can be treated. You need to see a doctor if you notice changes in your breast. Not all breast cancers or breast cancer patients are alike; therefore treatment will vary with the individual. An individual’s chance of recovery depends upon a number of factors such as
• The stage of the cancer (whether it is just in the breast or has spread to other parts of the body)
• The type of breast cancer
• The certain characteristics of the cancer cells
• Your age and weight
• Menopausal status
• Overall state of health
Once breast cancer can be found, more tests could be conducted to see if the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Even after an individual has been treated for breast cancer, it is possible for the cancer to come back. However in most cases, the cancer can be treated but usually cannot be cured, once the breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
What are the strategies for preventing this type of cancer? Some researchers believe that maintaining a low-fat diet can lower a persons risk for breast cancer. Also, one should consult a physician before taking any hormone- containing drugs such as some contraceptives, since some of these medications have been linked to breast cancer. A breast self- examination should be practiced monthly. Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you the proper method.
Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with approximately one in nine women developing the disease in her life time. Although breast cancer is known to affect women it can be equally destructive to men. Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all diagnosed breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the tissues of the breast. These cancerous cells continue to grow and eventually form into a lump known as a tumor. Although more than 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous, a process known as a biopsy is the only way to know for sure. A biopsy requires the doctor to remove a small sample of tissue and examine it under a microscope and check for cancerous cells.
Although breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women between the ages of 35 and 54 the causes of breast cancer are not known. The development of cancer has been closely linked to heredity. A genetic mutation (a change in the genetic code) could be passed to a family. History of cancer could be due to a dominant gene that makes cancer more likely to be passed down from generation to generation.
Breast cancer can be treated. You need to see a doctor if you notice changes in your breast. Not all breast cancers or breast cancer patients are alike; therefore treatment will vary with the individual. An individual’s chance of recovery depends upon a number of factors such as
• The stage of the cancer (whether it is just in the breast or has spread to other parts of the body)
• The type of breast cancer
• The certain characteristics of the cancer cells
• Your age and weight
• Menopausal status
• Overall state of health
Once breast cancer can be found, more tests could be conducted to see if the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Even after an individual has been treated for breast cancer, it is possible for the cancer to come back. However in most cases, the cancer can be treated but usually cannot be cured, once the breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
What are the strategies for preventing this type of cancer? Some researchers believe that maintaining a low-fat diet can lower a persons risk for breast cancer. Also, one should consult a physician before taking any hormone- containing drugs such as some contraceptives, since some of these medications have been linked to breast cancer. A breast self- examination should be practiced monthly. Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you the proper method.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE LIBERTARIAN AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEORIES
GHANA INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM
Normative theory is any theory which seeks to explain or predict what would happen under theoretical constraints; what ought to be done. (Susan Mayhew, a Dictionary of Geography 2004) There are four main theories under the normative theory which were propounded by Wilbur Schramm, Siebert and Peterson. These theories (Libertarian, Social Responsibility, Soviet Communist and Authoritarian) involve ideal views of how journalism or media ought to be or are expected to be. These theories were in attempt to clarify the connection between the media and political society in the modern world. It is essential to examine these theories (social responsibility and libertarian theories) noting their obvious similarities and differences. However in order to properly determine the relationship between the two and their association to the press, in-depth examination proves essential.
Libertarian theory marks a break from authoritarian system of society in that no longer was the truth unattainable by common men. No longer did knowledge itself need to be handed down from a high authority from which both understanding and truth traditionally acquired. From these origins of the rejection of authority came the ideas that formed the postulate of libertarian theory. It is a political theory that holds the rights of the individual above all other considerations and seeks to minimize the power of the state to the safeguarding of these rights. (http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/libertarian+theorysocial responsibility)
Social Responsibility theory, on the other hand is an outgrowth of libertarian theory. It is an ethical theory that an entity whether it is government, corporation, organization or individual has a responsibility to society. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). It asserts that the press is always a reflection of the social and political configuration within which it operates.
Libertarian and Social Responsibility theories are the basis upon which the free press should and does run in a democratic society. It is therefore important to examine their similarities and differences.
The two theories explained earlier assert that the press must allow the individuals to have ‘the free market place for ideas’. Meaning, the media serves to provide a ‘forum’ in which people can exchange ideas, and through such Socratic dialogue, can arrive at the truth. It must also provide a market place for ideas where all ideas of men should be included. For as John Stuart Mill wrote ‘to suppress any idea, no matter how unlikely it may be, would mean that one is potentially suppressing the truth. Even if it is not the truth, suppressing objections could hinder in the possibility of actually, attaining or maintaining the strength of the truth. The media in Ghana try to provide a free market place for ideas by seeking viewers, listeners, readers, audience comments on a particular topic broadcast or published in the mass media. Phone in sections of programmes are all in attempt to provide a free market place for ideas. Despite the similarities between these two theories, the Social Responsibility theory critiques the Libertarian theory for discarding its role to serve free market place in the face of its own economic ends, submitting to businesses, allowing conditions necessary for advertisers to control or influence editorial principles , trampling on the notion of free objective reporting.
Moreover, both theories talk of how the press should operate/function in a particular political structure. This means, both theories emphasizes on the media’s structure (the political and economic system in which the media operates) and its performance (how the media carry out their roles /functions in the given political and economic system). In relation to the functions/ performance of the press both theories sees the function of the press as entertainment, educational tool, a check on government or watchdog role and maintaining self-sufficiency via advertising sales to be free from external demand. However, the Social Responsible theorists’ criticize the Libertarian interpretation in this regard due to the fact the media in Libertarian society trends to put emphasis on economics over educational and information value. The press in Ghana for example in a way emphasizes on economic ends thereby allowing more advertisements to run within programmes which should carry educative and informative messages. For instance, a programme like ‘Adult Education’ is broadcast air and there is numerous advertisements of alcohol beverages within such a programme which should carry educative and informative messages.
Also, Libertarian and Social Responsibility theories have an assumption regarding the nature of man. These theories abandon the ideas of coveting knowledge as in authoritarian system and instead accept scientific and Socratic method to arrive at the truth that is attainable by rational man. The difference here is that, the Libertarian theory sees man as being capable of distinguishing between truth and falsehood, between good and evil (John Milton, John Locke, Saint Simone) whereas in Social Responsibility theory man is seen as passive and indolent, unwilling to use his reason instead choosing acceptance of that which he is told. As such there is a necessity for those who have awareness (the press) to spur him into utilizing his reason. Although the Social Responsibility theory sees man as reluctant participant in seeking knowledge and truth, it concedes to the objectives stated in the libertarian theory but does not hesitate to point out the ineffectiveness of self- righting process. That is why the media in Social Responsibility theory brings out programmes that spur the reasons of man. The media (Ghana) for instance organizes programmes such as Mentor, Dance Fever, Gang Star, Bands Alive, Stars of the Future, MTN Project Fame and so on. All these programmes are geared towards spurring up man’s senses.
In addition, the idea of freedom is propagated by both theories. The freedom the press should have in performing it functions in a country. In the Libertarian theory, it asserts that no other entity takes precedence over the individual. This idea was shaped by Locke who made the assertion that: ‘the government is a privilege institution whose guardianship and authority of state power could be removed if and when the people extracted their support.’ This is also evident in the mind of John Stuart Mill ‘the only instance in which state restrictions on an individual could be tolerated is if that person was harming another, or has the concept of negative freedom’. The Social Responsibility theory on the other hand supports the idea of freedom of the press but in a different direction. It asserts that the press should be free but work within a self principled responsibility.
The Social Responsibility theory began to bring to the fore front the issue of moral responsibility of the press, which one will encounter nowhere when looking at the Libertarian theory. The press in the Libertarian theory was seen as endangering public morals and also paid more attention to superficial and sensations in its coverage of current happenings.
In conclusion, both theories including the other two theories (Authoritarian and Soviet Communist) have been criticized a lot. Among these criticisms were:
They fail to recognize other prevailing political systems like the Scandinavian model.
They fail to recognize media systems in the third world countries (developing countries).
Too idealistic (strong belief in perfect standards).
They fail to recognize changes in societies and political thinking over time.
COURSE: MASS COMMUNICATION
LECTURER: KWODJO BOATENG
STUDENT: REGINA ASAMOAH
INDEX NO: DCSM 2010017
References
• Susan Mayhew, A Dictionary of Geography 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004.
• Research Machines plc 2009, http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/libertarian+theorySocialresponsibility.
• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• A criticism of Social Responsibility Theory an Ethical Perspective. Journal article by Scott Lloyd; Journal of Mass Media Ethics Vol. 6, 1991
• McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory, Denis McQuail, fifth edition.
Normative theory is any theory which seeks to explain or predict what would happen under theoretical constraints; what ought to be done. (Susan Mayhew, a Dictionary of Geography 2004) There are four main theories under the normative theory which were propounded by Wilbur Schramm, Siebert and Peterson. These theories (Libertarian, Social Responsibility, Soviet Communist and Authoritarian) involve ideal views of how journalism or media ought to be or are expected to be. These theories were in attempt to clarify the connection between the media and political society in the modern world. It is essential to examine these theories (social responsibility and libertarian theories) noting their obvious similarities and differences. However in order to properly determine the relationship between the two and their association to the press, in-depth examination proves essential.
Libertarian theory marks a break from authoritarian system of society in that no longer was the truth unattainable by common men. No longer did knowledge itself need to be handed down from a high authority from which both understanding and truth traditionally acquired. From these origins of the rejection of authority came the ideas that formed the postulate of libertarian theory. It is a political theory that holds the rights of the individual above all other considerations and seeks to minimize the power of the state to the safeguarding of these rights. (http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/libertarian+theorysocial responsibility)
Social Responsibility theory, on the other hand is an outgrowth of libertarian theory. It is an ethical theory that an entity whether it is government, corporation, organization or individual has a responsibility to society. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). It asserts that the press is always a reflection of the social and political configuration within which it operates.
Libertarian and Social Responsibility theories are the basis upon which the free press should and does run in a democratic society. It is therefore important to examine their similarities and differences.
The two theories explained earlier assert that the press must allow the individuals to have ‘the free market place for ideas’. Meaning, the media serves to provide a ‘forum’ in which people can exchange ideas, and through such Socratic dialogue, can arrive at the truth. It must also provide a market place for ideas where all ideas of men should be included. For as John Stuart Mill wrote ‘to suppress any idea, no matter how unlikely it may be, would mean that one is potentially suppressing the truth. Even if it is not the truth, suppressing objections could hinder in the possibility of actually, attaining or maintaining the strength of the truth. The media in Ghana try to provide a free market place for ideas by seeking viewers, listeners, readers, audience comments on a particular topic broadcast or published in the mass media. Phone in sections of programmes are all in attempt to provide a free market place for ideas. Despite the similarities between these two theories, the Social Responsibility theory critiques the Libertarian theory for discarding its role to serve free market place in the face of its own economic ends, submitting to businesses, allowing conditions necessary for advertisers to control or influence editorial principles , trampling on the notion of free objective reporting.
Moreover, both theories talk of how the press should operate/function in a particular political structure. This means, both theories emphasizes on the media’s structure (the political and economic system in which the media operates) and its performance (how the media carry out their roles /functions in the given political and economic system). In relation to the functions/ performance of the press both theories sees the function of the press as entertainment, educational tool, a check on government or watchdog role and maintaining self-sufficiency via advertising sales to be free from external demand. However, the Social Responsible theorists’ criticize the Libertarian interpretation in this regard due to the fact the media in Libertarian society trends to put emphasis on economics over educational and information value. The press in Ghana for example in a way emphasizes on economic ends thereby allowing more advertisements to run within programmes which should carry educative and informative messages. For instance, a programme like ‘Adult Education’ is broadcast air and there is numerous advertisements of alcohol beverages within such a programme which should carry educative and informative messages.
Also, Libertarian and Social Responsibility theories have an assumption regarding the nature of man. These theories abandon the ideas of coveting knowledge as in authoritarian system and instead accept scientific and Socratic method to arrive at the truth that is attainable by rational man. The difference here is that, the Libertarian theory sees man as being capable of distinguishing between truth and falsehood, between good and evil (John Milton, John Locke, Saint Simone) whereas in Social Responsibility theory man is seen as passive and indolent, unwilling to use his reason instead choosing acceptance of that which he is told. As such there is a necessity for those who have awareness (the press) to spur him into utilizing his reason. Although the Social Responsibility theory sees man as reluctant participant in seeking knowledge and truth, it concedes to the objectives stated in the libertarian theory but does not hesitate to point out the ineffectiveness of self- righting process. That is why the media in Social Responsibility theory brings out programmes that spur the reasons of man. The media (Ghana) for instance organizes programmes such as Mentor, Dance Fever, Gang Star, Bands Alive, Stars of the Future, MTN Project Fame and so on. All these programmes are geared towards spurring up man’s senses.
In addition, the idea of freedom is propagated by both theories. The freedom the press should have in performing it functions in a country. In the Libertarian theory, it asserts that no other entity takes precedence over the individual. This idea was shaped by Locke who made the assertion that: ‘the government is a privilege institution whose guardianship and authority of state power could be removed if and when the people extracted their support.’ This is also evident in the mind of John Stuart Mill ‘the only instance in which state restrictions on an individual could be tolerated is if that person was harming another, or has the concept of negative freedom’. The Social Responsibility theory on the other hand supports the idea of freedom of the press but in a different direction. It asserts that the press should be free but work within a self principled responsibility.
The Social Responsibility theory began to bring to the fore front the issue of moral responsibility of the press, which one will encounter nowhere when looking at the Libertarian theory. The press in the Libertarian theory was seen as endangering public morals and also paid more attention to superficial and sensations in its coverage of current happenings.
In conclusion, both theories including the other two theories (Authoritarian and Soviet Communist) have been criticized a lot. Among these criticisms were:
They fail to recognize other prevailing political systems like the Scandinavian model.
They fail to recognize media systems in the third world countries (developing countries).
Too idealistic (strong belief in perfect standards).
They fail to recognize changes in societies and political thinking over time.
COURSE: MASS COMMUNICATION
LECTURER: KWODJO BOATENG
STUDENT: REGINA ASAMOAH
INDEX NO: DCSM 2010017
References
• Susan Mayhew, A Dictionary of Geography 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004.
• Research Machines plc 2009, http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/libertarian+theorySocialresponsibility.
• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• A criticism of Social Responsibility Theory an Ethical Perspective. Journal article by Scott Lloyd; Journal of Mass Media Ethics Vol. 6, 1991
• McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory, Denis McQuail, fifth edition.
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