Billy Collins poem The Lanyard is not only Essay

Billy Collins’ poem â€Å"The Lanyard† is not only a nostalgic recollection of a childhood event, but a testament to the unconditional, selfish love of a mother. â€Å"The Lanyard† is such a moving poem, despite its simple subject matter, because it teaches readers that one seemingly inconsequential moment from the past can, years later, have such a meaningful impact on the way one views the world or the people around him. Collins’, through the diction, format, and point of view that he uses in his poem, is able to take such a universal- the message of the strength of a mother’s love and man’s inability to ever truly recompense his mother for the sacrifices she had made- and turns it into something poignant and fresh. Collins’ diction, especially his repletion of certain words or ideas, is import to the poem as it helps to get across his message and alert readers to deeper themes at play in his work. For example, the word â€Å"lanyard,† aside from being the title of the poem, is used numerous times within the text itself. The repetition of this particular word is an attempt to highlight the contrast between Collins’ gift to his mother, a simple hand-made lanyard, and his mother’s eternal sacrifice. There is also a good deal of parallelism used in this poem, particularly in the third stanza. Collins’ confides: â€Å"She gave me life ad milk from her breasts†¦ lifted spoons of medicine to my lips†¦laid cold face-cloths on my forehead†¦led me out into the airy light. This use of parallelism makes the reader feel as if Collins is making one long list of the numerous times his mother has loved and cared for him, while he can think of only one particular time where he has attempted to recompense his mother for her devotion- his small, plastic lanyard. â€Å"The Lanyard† is a poem that seems to be divided into two main sections, consisting of the author’s thoughts regarding the past and the present. Collins’ narrative starts out in the present, when, while wandering around his office out of boredom, â€Å"ricocheting slowly off the blue walls of this room,† he finds come upon a long forgotten memory of a gift he made his mother once during summer camp. This nostalgic word, â€Å"lanyard,† brings upon a flashback of this memory, particularly when the time when he gave his mother the homemade trinket. What the man now realizes, considering this event once again years later, is how insignificant his present was in paying back his mother for her years of devotion. The narrator remarks, â€Å"I had never seen anyone use a lanyard, or wear on, if that’s what you did with them. † Despite the gift’s uselessness, the author, at the end of the poem, recalls being absolutely sure that the lanyard would be enough to repay his debt to her. The format of the poem, the switching from to past back to present, allows Collins to reflect on the contrast between his childhood state of naivete, which allowed him to believe that he could ever repay his mother for her sacrifices, and his current understanding that his mother’s love is unrequitable, even for a thousand lanyards. The first person point of view used in â€Å"The Lanyard† is central to the poem, as it allows readers to experience one man’s personal reflection on a mother’s love. Collins narrates the poem through his own eyes, leading readers to recall their own memories that illustrate the unconditional love of a mother. The dialogue in the poem, which comes at the beginning of the fifth stanza, shows the not only the sacrifice of the mother, when she says â€Å"here is a breathing body and a strong heart, strong leg, bones, and teeth,† but also the willingness of the mother to provide these things. Within this dialogue lies an important theme of the poem- Collins is not just exemplifying the unconditional love of a mother, but the ease with which she gives her whole self to her child, never expecting anything in return. The conclusion of this poem shows the narrator finally coming to realize, however ruefully, that he will never be able to repay his mother, that no act of kindness or generosity towards his mother can ever equal the thousands of times she has loved and provided for him over the years. Collins illustrates the importance of memories because they help people compare their past beliefs and thoughts to their understanding of the present. Memories are unpredictable things that can be set off by anything- a certain smell, a song on the radio, or even, in Collins’ case, a dictionary word. Without memories of the past, we would not be able to appreciate the present.

Looking for Alabrandi and the Simple Gift Essay

Good morning teachers and fellow students. The idea that we continue on as we are: unchanged, unchanging is unbelievably illogical. In a time and world where things are constantly changing, it is impossible to be in existence without being affected by the process of change. Changes are inevitable, and they are happening everywhere around us. This idea is portrayed in the Prescribed film â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi† and my ORT The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick. The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances if there is a reaction, both are transformed. This quote by Psychologist Carl Jung is clearly evident in both texts looking for Alibrandi and The Simple Gift. During the opening scene of the film looking for Alibrandi there is a Qantas plane taking off or departing likewise in the Simple Gift the symbol of Change is more dramatic with Billy illegally riding the freight train out of town; he is unsure where he will end up. This is very contrasting to the symbolism of leaving in looking for Alibrandi where Josie believes she knows exactly what she wants to do, where she wants to go and who she wants to marry. Josie Meets Jacob Coote from cook high at a public speaking event, the two have an instant reaction it could even be described by chemical. Josie and Jacob are portrayed as opposites Josie’s believes that she is better than Jacob. When the Sydney schools have the first social event of the year Josie looks to John Barton (the son of the national liberal party leader) But john never asks her it is Jacob that asks her to dance, Jacob Says â€Å"It’s a pity you’re not school captain we could have been perfect† this highlights that Jacob is aware of Josie’s views towards him. In The Simple Gift Billy’s life changes significantly, as does Old Bill’s. When readers first get to know Old Bill, the technique of recounting is used as we learn why he is a homeless man. When Billy enters Old Bill’s life, he is prompted to change the way he lives. At first, Old Bill opposes these changes, as he swears â€Å"piss off kid†. He then begins to accept the changes as we observe him getting up early, having showers and quitting drinking. Old Bill’s attitudes towards change develop through the novel and by the end, he looks forward to change as he deals with his past When Billy first becomes homeless I believe that this moment is the catalyst for change in Billy’s life. Billy meets many challenges in this new place, such as where to sleep and where to find food. He meets these challenges head up, as he is determined to enter this new world and make a new life for himself. He sleeps in an old train carriage, and most of his meals are scraps from McDonalds. His attitude towards this change is enthusiastic and he feels that this change is beneficial for him. Josie meets thernominal challenges also with the death of John Barton, Josie’s world is thrown into turmoil and Josie seeks answers as to why someone like John Barton with all the things he had going for him would commit suicide. And asks the rhetorical question â€Å"I wonder what his parents will do with the sheets, will they throw them away or will they scrub and scrub so that they can always sleep on them. † Josie is in an emotional state for quite a while. One day on the train Josie and Jacob cross paths and Josie has a break down, Jacob comforts her. I believe that this is the catalyst of change for Josie between her and Jacob. Josie’s Initial reaction to her father Michael Andretti coming back into her life was nothing short of her dismissing him as a useless selfish object. This is parallel with the reaction of Billy towards his father. This is supported by the extracts ‘soulless tyranny’ of â€Å"the old bastard’ his father. This technique of expletive language is used to depict the poor relationship he shared with his father. I believe that Josie chooses to have a positive relationship with her father when she calls him after Josie hits Carly with one of her ancient history textbook. Michael gets Josie out of trouble at school and also changes Josie’s perception about fathers Josie now believes that fathers have a use, she is also growing quite fond of her father. Josie now stays at her father apartment on Sydney harbor on most weekends and enjoys spending time with her father. In the closing scene of the film it is exactly one year later on tomato day again and the picture quality is a lot sharper this conveys that Josie is clear about her decision to be there and even invites her friends over this time. The key idea conveyed in both â€Å"Looking for Alibrandi† and â€Å"The simple Gift† is quite nicely summed up by â€Å"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances if there is a reaction, both are transformed† this is clearly evident in both with Josie’s relationships with Jacob Coote and her father Michael Andretti and Also for Billy with his relationships with Old Bill and Caitlin.

Reason Of Youth Violence - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1893 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/08/02 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Youth Violence Essay Did you like this example? According to the data found on the website (Violent Video Games- ProCon.org 2018) sixty percent of Americans play video games. Twenty-eight percent of gamers are under 18 years old and they contribute to the $21.53 billion-dollar U.S. gaming industry (Violent Video Games- ProCon.org 2018). Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Reason Of Youth Violence" essay for you Create order Video games depicting violence make up 50 percent of the top-selling video games sold today(Violent Video Games- ProCon.org 2018). These video games have been blamed for school shootings, and a rise in bullying. The debate is not new, and dates back to as early as 1976(Violent Video Games- ProCon.org 2018). Proponents contend   that violent video games contribute to desensitization, increased bullying, and aggressive behaviors in children. Opponents disagree and have confidence that these games give a safe place to express anger, and aggressiveness, and that playing these games lead to lower crime rates. This raises the question: Do violent video games contribute to an increase in violence in youth? The major perspectives on whether violence in video games contributes to an increase in violent behaviors, and actions are; The American Psychological Association (APA), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), President Trump, other politicians, game industry leaders, and expert resea rchers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  This issue is not a new one to the population. This debate has been a hot topic of interest for 32 years. It started in 1976 with the release of the game Death Race (Violent Video Games- ProCon.org 2018). The object of this game was to run over gremlin-like figures with a car. The argument began because of the similarities to people that these creatures mimicked. Reports were also circulated that the real title of the game was Pedestrian. It was only when protestors went to the extreme of physically destructing these games that they were no longer in production   (Violent Video Games- ProCon.org 2018). Fast- forward to 1993, and the release of the popular fighting game Mortal Kombat. Again, the public was outraged at the level of violence portrayed in the game. This led Congress to conduct senate hearings on controlling the sale of these violent games. In the weeks prior to these hearings Senator Lieberman, and childrens television icon, Captain Kangaro o conducted a press conference to condemn these violent games.   Fear of these impending regulations directed the video game industry to create the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in 1994(Fulton, 2015). It wasnt until 1999 in the days following the Columbine Massacre that all of society was in total agreement with each other that there was a definitive connection between violent video games , and mass shootings. It was reported that the teenagers that that opened fire at Columbine High School were avid players of the first-person shooting game Doom. This was the critical starting point where many individuals became more aware of the issues surrounding the games, and crusaded to end video game violence(Disis, 2018). In the response to this mass shooting Senator Jeff Sessions blamed the negative influence of movies, media, music, and violent video games. They are able to hook into the Internet and play video games that are extraordinarily violent, that cause the blood pre ssure to rise and the adrenaline level to go up, games that cause people to be killed and the players to die themselves. It is a very intense experience.(Cherkis, 2013). In 1995 New York Senator Hillary Clinton proposed a bill that would criminalize selling M rated and Adults only games to minors, stating that these games were a silent epidemic of desensitization (Violent Video Games- ProCon.org 2018). The bill did not pass. Many subsequent efforts at the state level were also denied. In the aftermath of the Parkland, FL school shooting, an article posted on abcnews.com cited that President Trump feels that there may be a need for imposed reforms for the gaming industry in regard to video game violence(Phelps/abc news, 2018).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many scientific studies, and experiments have been conducted throughout the years to determine of there is a link between violence in video games, and increased violence in children, and teenagers. A study conducted in   2014 concluded that 90% of pediatricians agreed that violence in video games can increase aggressive behaviors in children, and 67% of parents concurred with this perspective(Violent Video Games- ProCon.org, 2018). The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement claiming that there is a proven connection between virtual violence, and real-world aggression(Virtual Violence, 2016). In 2017 The American Psychological Associations task force on violent media concluded that although there is a definitive link between violent video games and increased aggression, there is no sufficient evidence to link these games to violent criminal behavior (APA, 2013). Over 130 studies, and experiments have been conducted all over the globe, and there have been over 130,000 participants within these studies. Many researchers, and doctors agree and believe there is a direct causal link. Brad Bushman a psychology and communications professor at Ohio State University believes that the evidence found from the many studies is clear, and there is a direct link between the games and increased aggressive behaviors in children. He not only claims that they lead to an increase in aggressive thoughts, angry feelings, physiological arousal, including increased heart rate, and aggressive behavior, but also a decrease in empathy for others (Association for Psychological Science, 2011). Douglas Gentile a developmental psychologist at Iowa State University agrees with Bushman and states the psychological science on the link between the games and increased aggression still holds up.   He believes that parental involvement and setting limits on their childrens video game use is the best way to protect them overall (Association for Psy chological Science, 2011). Many of these studies have concluded that a decrease in empathy is linked to video games depicting violence. A study published by the APA concluded that exposure to violent media led to decreased empathy, and positive social behavior ( Violent Video Games- ProCon.org, 2018). Prominent Psychologist, and researcher Jeanne B. Funk PhD, and other notable members of the Department of Psychology at the University of Toledo conducted a study consisting of 150 fourth and fifth graders, and the effect violent media has on empathy, and prosocial behaviors. This study found that video games are the only form of media that is linked to a decrease in empathy (Funk, Baldacci, Pasold, Baumgardner, 2004, pp.22).   An increase in mass school shootings done by teenagers has been a focus of this debate in the last 20 years. According to an article published in USA Today online, as of February 2018 there have been 25 fatal school shootings in the Untied States since Columb ine in 1999(Diebel, 2018).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many psychologists, medical professionals, and game industry leaders disagree that there is a definitive link between video games and increased aggressive behavior, and violence. Many believe that video games are only a small influential factor in the potential for real world violence. Many argue that there is a lack of supporting evidence indicating a prevalence of past physical abuse, and psychological issues with participants of the studies. Information published by The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) published data that shows the difference in video game popularity, and crime rates. Data depicted on a graph produced by the ESA shows a steady rise in video game sales from 1998-2015, but also shows a significant decline in reports of violent crimes during this time period (Entertainment Software Association, 2015). This data leads many to contend that video games have a positive effect on teenagers aggressive behaviors and gives them a safe out let to release negative emotions. Christopher J. Ferguson PhD, and associate professor at Stetson University published a paper stating that the results of   The Hitman Study suggest that video games help with mood management, and lead to a decrease in depression, and hostile behaviors(Ferguson, Rueda, 2010). There is a general consensus of game developers, creators, founders, and designers that claim that not only is there no link to an increase in violence, but there is evidence supporting a positive outcome from playing these games. Co- founder of Liquid Entertainment Ed del Castillo feels that games allow players to lessen their aggression by providing an outlet on the screen, instead of in the real world(Fisher, 2013). There are many that argue that video games are not the most important contributing factor when it comes to an increase in aggressive behaviors, and real-world violence. Patrick Markey a professor of psychology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania contends th at recent studies show video games a tiny influential factor on aggression, and real life violence. In an article published in Healthday Markey stated, This suggests that less than 1 percent of the variance in aggression [among kids] is explained by exposure to video game violence. This is an itty-bitty effect. (Norton, 2018).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many perspectives on the issue surrounding the link between violence in video games and real-life violent acts. There have been many studies, and experiments done to determine if there is a link between the two. Although studies have shown a link to these games, and increased aggression, there is no conclusive evidence linking this to real-world violent acts. It is important for us to weigh all the data compiled from the many studies conducted throughout the last 20 years, and gain perspective on this critical debate. By doing so we can become better educated and help to come up with a solution to the occurrence of violence committed by youth in our society. References (2013, August 13). APA review confirms link between playing violent video games and aggression. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/08/violent-video-games.aspx Association for Psychological Science. (2011, June 28). Whats the psychological effect of violent video games on children? Retrieved from https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/whats-the-psychological-effect-of-violent-video-games-on-children.html Cherkis, J. (2017, February 3). Jeff Sessions blamed culture, not guns, for Columbine massacre. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jeff-sessions-guns-columbine_us_5894d54de4b0c1284f25dd10 Diebel, M. (2018, February 15). Fox News anchor Shepard Smith emotionally lists all 25 fatal school shootings since Columbine. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/02/15/fox-news-anchor-shepard-smith-emotionally-lists-all-25-fatal-school-shootings-since-columbine/340108002/ Disis, J. (2018, March 8). The long history of blaming video games for mass violence. Retrieved from https://money.cnn.com/2018/03/08/media/video-game-industry-white-house/index.html Entertainment Software Association. (2015). Essential facts about games and violence. Retrieved from https://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/EFGamesandViolence.pdf Ferguson, C. J., Rueda, S. M. (2010). The Hitman Study. European Psychologist, 15(2), 99-108. doi:10.1027/1016-9040/a000010 Fisher, M. (2013, April 8). Game creators are in the eye of the video-game storm. Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/game-creators-are-in-the-eye-of-the-video-game-storm/2013/04/08/16e2c976-8cd3-11e2-9838-d62f083ba93f_story.html?utm_term=.ddc0a2952f61 Fulton, W. (2015, April 16). How Mortal Kombats gruesome fatalities led to video-game ratings | Digital Trends. Retrieved from https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/how-mortal-kombats-gruesome-fatalities-led-to-video-game-ratings/ Funk, J. B., Baldacci, H. B., Pasold, T., Baumgardner, J. (2004). Violence exposure in real-life, video games, television, movies, and the internet: is there desensitization? Journal of Adolescence, 27(1), 23-39. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2003.10.005 Keim, B. (2013, February 28). What science knows about video games and violence. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/what-science-knows-about-video-games-and-violence/ Norton, A. (2018, October 1). More evidence video games may trigger aggression in kids. Retrieved from https://consumer.healthday.com/mental-health-information-25/child-psychology-news-125/more-evidence-video-games-may-trigger-aggression-in-kids-738216.html Phelps/abc news, J. (2018, March 8). Trump turns spotlight on violent video games in wake of Parkland shootings. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-turns-spotlight-violent-video-games-wake-parkland/story?id=53593714 Violent Video Games ProCon.org. (2018, July 9). Retrieved from https://videogames.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=003627 Virtual Violence. (2016, August 1). Retrieved from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/2/e20161298

Applying The Standards. Melanie Hammonds. Grand Canyon

Applying the Standards Melanie Hammonds Grand Canyon University: SPE817 December 07, 2016 Applying the Standards Becoming a strong, influential leader is determined by an array of factors, as well as who we are as people. Our most inner being holds the key to whether or not we are destined to become successful leaders. Culture and society also play a powerful role in our leadership style. It is thought that various styles of leadership have varied effects on leadership practice and results. Regardless of our natural abilities, there will always be room for change, growth, and overall becoming a more effective leader. The leadership of the special education director is an essential role in the educational realm. Two of†¦show more content†¦Those are all qualifications and requirements that will never change throughout the years. Comparison of ISLLC and CEC Standards ISLLC standards are organized by knowledge, disposition and performances. The knowledge components are those areas of knowledge that are specific to the standards. The disposition is what the administrator believes in, values, and conveys their commitment to the respective standard. The performances are the processes that the administrator engages and ensures. Both standards address six essential areas to effective leadership, the CEC standards require a knowledge base that is much more specific to that required by special education administrators, while the ISLLC standards appear more generic. The Effectiveness of Leadership Style External factors, internal factors, and relationships all play a huge role in leadership. Society creates a stereotypical idea of what leadership should look like. Berger (2014) considered a conceptual framework that provides three major categories of major approaches to leadership, and how these approaches lead to a better clarification of leadership and its entities. These categories include: achievement, relationships, and values. The achievement category consists of 3 sub-categories (individual, behavioral, and contingent) that all focus on ways in which leaders are defined by their ability to achieve goals. They focus on a particular individual as aShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesGender Role Perceptions? 166 glOBalization! Chinese Time, North American Time 171 Myth or Science? Creative Decision Making Is a Right-Brain Activity 181 Self-Assessment Library Am I A Deliberate Decision Maker? 183 An Ethical Choice Whose Ethical Standards to Follow? 185 Self-Assessment Library How Creative Am I? 190 Point/Counterpoint Checklists Lead to Better Decisions 191 CONTENTS xi Questions for Review 192 Experiential Exercise Biases in Decision Making 193 Ethical Dilemma Do Unethical

Mediation Is An Effective Method Of Dispute Resolution

One of the most peaceful and highly sought after ways of resolving conflict is mediation. It is the process where a mutually acceptable third party, with no authority to make descisions, intervenes and helps involved parties improve their relationships, enhance communication, and use effective problem-solving and negotiation procedures to reach mutually understanding or agreement. Based on the current research found, mediation is an effective method of dispute resolution. In studies prior to 1990, the reported settlement rate was approximately 60 percent and for the 1990- 2000 decade, the reported rate on average was 75 percent . For our most recent decade, this rate is about the same, roughly and 80 percent agreement rate. One of the†¦show more content†¦For example, in the case study we did in lecture, many a times the reasons behind another person’s actions is not solely because of money, but rather by principles and values that were violated by the other party. Hence when one party understands the circumstances and personal reasons certain actions were made by another, movement from entrenched positions become more possible. Lastly, once they are able to air their moral framework, and come to a common solution, the end result would be parties feeling psychologically more complete and satisfied. According to an article by Dr Pinzon Salcedo (2002), that by not having a deeper reflection of one’s true purpose in the mediation process, close to 25% of participants who reach an agreement still express dissatisfaction. On one of the mediation discussions we had, we realised that as the facts behind each party’s anger and resentment were not provided, this always leaves the opposite party feeling confused and frustrated by the behaviour of the aggrieved person. Upon having a sharing of their moral framework privately or openly, the mediation moves from the realm of physical demands, to really addressing the root of the problem behind any hostilities. Therefore, when a successful mediation occurs, both parties are psychologically more at peace with the decisions that are being made. This is large in part due to their own form â€Å"justice† or beliefs are being satisfied as

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young free essay sample

I recently attended a Crosby, Stills, Nashand Young concert. It was the first time the band has been together fora tour in 25 years, but they havent missed a beat since Woodstock. Thestage was decorated with voodoo dolls and candles that really set thescene for their performance. As soon as the lights dimmed and the bandwalked on stage, the crowd went crazy. One thing that caught myattention were the unique clothes the audience was wearing. Many lookedlike they had been at the original Woodstock. It was trulyamazing how the audience got into the music. The age of the audienceranged from 15 to 60 years old, yet everyone in the packed arena wasreally into the music. People dressed in hippie dresses, ripped jeansand leather jackets danced in their own worlds, while others just noddedto the mellow music. Everyone was particularly pleased with theenergy and guitar playing of Neil Young. David Crosby, Stephen Stillsand Young would jam after every song, totally blowing away the crowd. We will write a custom essay sample on Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Graham Nash gave a stunning performance on the piano and vocals. Theband played for three and half-hours, which included two songs theyhadnt played all tour, Sweet Judy Blue Eyes andHelpless. They performed others like Wood-stock,Ohio, Southern Man and five songs off their newalbum that riled the crowd even more. Overall, it was a greatshow and I enjoyed every minute. It was great seeing these guys backtogether. It was one of the best nights of my life and I recommendanyone who likes the band purchase their new CD, LookingForward.

Second Amendment Final Essay Essays (1288 words) -

Victoria Sanson SOCI 199: Guns in America Professor Mac Innis December 8, 2015 Second Amendment A topic that always comes up when talking about gun control is the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment states, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". Now people interpret this amendment many ways, whether the right to use and buy guns belongs to individuals or only to a militia. The first phrase people like to decipher is "well-regulated militia". This phrase means a militia that is consistently available and has a reliable quality across the country. For this to be capably people need to be familiar and proficient with weapons. They can't have that level of comfort or availability for defense if they don't have ready access to those weapons by owning them. Militia is another word that causes the most confusion. This word makes people think that the right discussed above isn't held by the people, but only by members of "militia" units; the National Guard. If one is not a member, then they don't have the right to have weapons. Most gun control advocates insist that they do not want to take hunting rifles away and hunting has nothing to do with militia membership. Another phrase people will look at is "to keep and bear arms". This is the right that the people have to possess, carry, train with, and use weapons; if they choose so. They don't just have to keep them locked up in a display case. Lastly the phrase "shall not be infringed" is talked about. No one can take away or limit this right in any way. There is no exception given for "reasonable" restrictions or limitations. There is not a provision for "unless most people think it's OK". There is no distinction between hunting or defense uses. According to the Bill of Rights, these rights shall not be infringed; but some may argue that the Bill of Rights is not considered absolute. The Supreme Court accepted the view that Americans have the right to arm themselves for personal use in their home and applied it to federal, state and local laws. Some courts have permitted the government to limit some rights of gun manufacturers, owners and sellers. Gun control legislation does vary widely among the fifty states. Today, questions about the Second Amendment center on bans on assault weapons, mandatory background checks, and other restrictions on gun sales and use. If so then the Second Amendment could help with the gun crime rate. There are some Pros and Cons of the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment can benefit citizens in different ways. As a gun owner they are less prone to crimes. It is a known fact that the probability of being attack by someone decreases when the person that was planning to attack knows that his or her "victim" has any kind of weapon on them. Another benefit is that it helps in preventing the number of crimes to increase. Armed citizens are found to be very helpful in reducing crime incidences. This is because according to John Lott, PhD, gun laws assisted reduce homicides by approximately 8.5%, rape by 5%, and aggravated assaults by 7% as well as robberies by 3%. With the Second Amendment, people get the same right advantage, as criminals. Citizens must have equal benefit and right in securing themselves from people with negative intentions. Gun owners become law-abiding citizens. It is said that people who own and hold concealed firearms can be recognized as law-abiding citizens (APECSEC). The Second Amendment also creates sense of safety and security. A lot of people admit to feeling safer with a gun in their possession, especially when in a crime-prone neighborhood or establishment. Lastly, it gives the right to bear arms. Even with laws that prohibit citizens from owning and carrying guns, criminals have self-imposed right to carry firearms. While criminal carry firearms for malicious intent, citizens can carry firearms for their personal protection. One thing that opponents are worried, however, is that gun-carrying individuals might be prone to commit acts of violence. Based on statistics, however, the general public