The Media's Influence on Society
Part of the At Issue series
Sometimes known as the Fourth Estate, the media plays a powerful role in today's society. It is held responsible for keeping the public informed and supporting a healthy democracy. However, some worry that the media presents the news in a way that is too sensationalized or biased, with its primary motives being ratings and profits rather than the good of the public. This volume examines differing viewpoints on what can reasonably be expected of the media. Readers will evaluate the effects of the internet on the media, and the various impacts that the media has on society, including political, cultural, and economic.
The Role of Religion in Public Policy
Part of the At Issue series
Provide your readers with this essential guidebook about Islam and its role in society. As of 2015, approximately 1.8 billion people identified as Muslim, 24 percent of the global population. Islam's adherents are found throughout the world, but some question whether its values and practices are at odds with those of Western nations, with particular concerns about Muslim extremism and its connection to terrorism. This has prompted attempts to control or even prevent Muslims from entering Western countries. As the global Muslim population continues to rise and immigration increases, questions about the role of Islam and its adherents in society have become increasingly urgent.
Wellness Culture
Part of the At Issue series
Wellness culture promises a reprieve from the stress of long workdays, restrictive dieting, and punishing exercises through providing the alternative of a balanced lifestyle that simply focuses on feeling good. However, the reality of wellness culture is more complicated. While some assert that it successfully promotes well-being, others argue that it is simply a way of rebranding the dieting and exercise regimens that already existed, building an industry around the products and services that allegedly promote wellness. This volume clarifies the nebulous concept of "wellness" and explores how culture, business, and health intersect to create today's wellness culture.
The Opioid Crisis
Part of the At Issue series
Opioids are pain relievers that include legal drugs like morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone and illegal drugs like heroin. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid epidemic a public health crisis after 42,249 people in the United States died of opioid overdoses in 2016. Opioid prescription has been on the rise since the 1990s, when pharmaceutical companies asserted that the pain relievers were not addictive, though the tragic consequences have proven otherwise. This volume explores the history of the opioid crisis and solutions that have been proposed to fight this increasingly deadly epidemic.
What Are the Jobs of the Future?
Part of the At Issue series
The rise of robot automation in the automobile manufacturing industry struck fear into many a laborer's heart, as it was equated with human job and career loss. A Ball State University 2015 study found 88 percent of U.S. job loss was due to robots or homegrown factors to reduce factories' need for human labor. The International Federation of Robotics, however reported that between 2010 and 2015, the U.S. automotive sector installed 135,000 robots, but hired 230,000 human employees. So while technology advances, will it replace us in our current jobs, or create new ones for us? Is Data Scientist the most promising job of the future, or is that all techno-hype? Are our office environments going to be replaced by the off-site work-at-home or freelance model? This book compiles essays and works from eyewitness accounts, governmental views, scientific analysis, and newspapers to give your reader the forecast of jobs to come. Salient facts are pulled out from the text and repeated, making it easy for students to compile details for research and report writing.
Banned Books
Part of the At Issue series
It may sound shocking, but even in this current age, books are banned all around the globe. But what makes a book inappropriate-even dangerous-for public consumption, and who has the power to deem it so? Some governments ban books as a form of censorship. Even schools can ban books they consider too racy or inappropriate for their students. Does banning books take away our liberties, attempt to erase history, and impose an agenda? Or is the practice actually in our best interests, depending on the circumstance? This balanced volume examines this surprisingly nuanced issue.
Environmental Racism and Classism
Part of the At Issue series
Flint's water supply tainted with lead. Chicago's toxic "donut." Louisiana's "cancer alley." Corporate waste poisoning developing nations. These are all examples of environmental racism. Readers of this compelling anthology will be awakened to many examples of poor and minority communities that suffer physically, emotionally, and financially from living in a toxic environment. With no political clout and few available resources, these victims find themselves abandoned by the environmental movement and bullied by environmental policies. The burgeoning environmental justice movement argues that environmental protection is a basic right. After reading the informative viewpoints in this volume, students will come to their own conclusions.
What Should We Eat?
Part of the At Issue series
Gluten, red meat, fish, insects: all things we do or don't eat, but could. Should we? This book explores how best to sustain ourselves, from organic food to fast food. Readers are treated to both sides of current dietary views on how humans should be eating for health and longevity.
Cyberwarfare
Part of the At Issue series
There is warfare, and there is cyberwarfare. In today's technologically-driven world, governments, and even terrorist groups and hacktivists, engage in cyberwarfare to attack or disrupt the operations of other nations and organizations. Recent revelations about cyberattacks that threatened individual and national security have caused ripples of concern and outrage, but tend to die down quickly. How safe are we, and do we take security for granted? This resource offers a diverse selection of viewpoints from the top voices in the field to enlighten readers about warfare in the Information Age.
Guns and Crime
Part of the At Issue series
Do guns contribute to or prevent crime? Is gun ownership a right or a privilege? Would Americans be safer without guns? This is a compendium of opinions on the issue of guns and crime answering these questions and more, including whether more stringent gun control would increase or decrease violence. Readers see both sides to relating issues, such as gun control, individual rights, its impact on children, and assault weapon bans.
Wrongful Conviction and Exoneration
Part of the At Issue series
Since 1989, there have been over 2,200 exonerations in the United States. These have resulted from a number of factors, including the discovery of new evidence, perjury, false identification, and bad forensic evidence. Even when an individual is exonerated, is it possible to compensate them for their loss of time and money? This volume looks at the issue from varying perspectives, exploring causes of wrongful convictions, ways to increase exonerations for those who were unjustly imprisoned, strategies to decrease the number of wrongful convictions going forward, and appropriate compensation for those who have lost years of their lives.
Does the Internet Increase Anxiety?
Part of the At Issue series
This book explores the new phenomena of anxiety surrounding the Internet, which has developed with the explosion of social media use. Mobile-devise separation anxiety, digital overload, and activity tracking are a selection of topics discussed.
Pipelines and Politics
Part of the At Issue series
Fossil fuels are a valuable commodity at the forefront of national and international politics. Pipelines can create jobs and economic growth, not to mention delivering a commodity to people who need it. What happens when there is conflict about the land through which a pipeline travels? Such conflicts can lead to protests, stoppages, and even war. Readers of this comprehensive volume, which explores the topic from a multitude of angles, will learn how a simple pipeline can have enormous geopolitical ramifications.
Gender Politics
Part of the At Issue series
It is somewhat astounding that a gender gap continues to exist today in the United States and worldwide. Girls and women face educational roadblocks, economic disparity, threats to their health and safety, and biased laws. How can such treatment of the world's mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters be permitted? This enlightening anthology presents a range of diverse viewpoints about the gender divide between men and women. Readers will learn the effects that culture and gender constructs have on this gap, and why it is an issue that concerns both women and men.
Populism in the Digital Age
Part of the At Issue series
The development of social media platforms has allowed a new wave of populism to accelerate rapidly. Tweets, Facebook shares, and viral memes get information to ordinary citizens quickly and directly, without the influence of authorities, and often without the benefit of research and facts. Is this democracy in its purest form or mindless transmission of fake news and irresponsible reporting? What is the result of digital populism, and what can be done to use it for the good of the people? This resource contains viewpoints that will awaken readers to the value of critical thinking skills.
Universal Health Care
Part of the At Issue series
Under universal health care, all residents of a country would be guaranteed care without incurring financial hardship, regardless of income. Out of the thirty-three countries that are considered developed, thirty-two have universal health care, with the U
Celebrities in Politics
Part of the At Issue series
From campaigning for politicians, to speaking out on political issues, to running for public office, celebrities around the world have long played an active role in politics. Their presence in the public sphere often helps them make this leap, but is the fact that we recognize their names and faces enough to make them trustworthy political figures? The diverse viewpoints in this volume explore what role celebrities should play in politics, discuss the phenomenon of making the transition from celebrity to politician, and investigate the place of contemporary media culture in this pattern.
Campus Sexual Violence
Part of the At Issue series
Sexual assault on the campuses of universities and private schools appears to be on the rise. Alcohol and fraternities are easy targets, but the issue is much more complicated. Despite attempts made by administrators to define consent clearly, it can be a legal gray area. Students condemned by a school's excessively broad definition of sexual assault can be branded rapists long after graduation. Victims must face their attackers on campus because administrators prefer to keep incidents out of the hands of law enforcement. Through balanced viewpoints, this powerful anthology addresses the complexities of an issue that has important social repercussions.
Transgender People
Part of the At Issue series
This book examines the growing transgender rights movement and the issues surrounding the transgender community. Discussion of topics related to increased legal protection, military service, and the many ethical as well as financial issues surrounding health care. It includes primary and secondary sources from a variety of perspectives; eyewitnesses, scientific journals, government officials, and many others. An extensive bibliography and annotated list of relevant organizations to contact offer a gateway to future research.
The Right to Die
Part of the At Issue series
We all die, but should we have the ability to choose when? Death is part of life, but not everyone agrees on the details. What if you have painful, terminal illness? Is it okay to seek suicide if a doctor assists? Do you have a right to end your own life? Is doing so a violation of God's or a greater power's plan? This anthology engages this dilemma from diverse perspectives, grounding abstract and moral discussions in real-life events such as Oregon's right-to-die law. Students will analyze the various facets of this controversial subject with decisive interpretations from religion, medicine, law, and philosophy.
Divorce and Children
Part of the At Issue series
This book explores issues pertaining to divorce and children, including children's rights in divorce, custody and visitation decisions, the duties of the parents during divorce, and blended families. Essays debate each issue, allowing readers to think critically while learning new information.
Nuclear Anxiety
Part of the At Issue series
For many, nuclear anxiety is closely related to the Cold War between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II, the devastating potential of these weapons was all too clear, which led to significant anxiety among civilians, politicians, and military personnel over their use. Though the Cold War ended in 1991, anxieties surrounding nuclear armament remain, and the players involved in these nuclear standoffs have changed over recent decades. Your readers will explore the history and present status of nuclear weaponry, along with its social, political, and health impacts.
Policing in America
Part of the At Issue series
Police officers are responsible for maintaining law and order to ensure everyone's safety and well-being. In doing so, they often put their lives on the line, making it a dangerous and challenging profession. In contemporary America, police forces are criticized for disproportionately targeting people of color, offering indemnity to the small percentage of police officers that act unlawfully or otherwise irresponsibly, and using unnecessarily brutal policing practices. The viewpoints in this volume will allow readers to become more familiar with all sides of policing in America through careful examination of relevant facts and opinions.
Why is Autism on Rise?
Part of the At Issue series
This book explores possible causes for the recent rise in autism. It looks at improved diagnostics of autism, vitamin deficiencies, and different environmental and behavioral reasons that could lead to autism. Includes primary and secondary sources from a variety of perspectives; eyewitnesses, scientific journals, government officials, and many others.
When Is Free Speech Hate Speech?
Part of the At Issue series
Free speech is guaranteed under the First Amendment. Although it may hurt and offend, hate speech is still free, under most circumstances. But what happens when institutions like universities adopt policies prohibiting offensive speech? Do such policies cause more harm than good? Should measures be taken to curb threatening or insulting comments? Or does that amount to little more than censorship? Is our quest to be polite and politically correct curtailing opportunities to express, learn, and grow? When does free speech become criminally threatening? These questions and more are thoughtfully examined in this important resource.
Genocide
Part of the At Issue series
In 1948, the United Nations established the Genocide Convention to legally define genocide as actions intended to destroy a particular group of people based on race, religion, ethnicity, and other defining characteristics. The goal was to prevent and punish future acts of genocide, but a number of mass killings have followed since its establishment, and in some situations whether these executions qualify as genocides is surprisingly unclear. The viewpoints in this volume explore what genocide is and isn't, and provide historical and contemporary examples of genocide. Readers will examine potential political and social solutions to prevent future genocides.
The Politicization of The Supreme Court
Part of the At Issue series
As the most powerful judiciary body in the U.S., the Supreme Court is expected to uphold Constitutional values while remaining insulated from influence by political agendas. In recent years, however, some have perceived the Supreme Court as becoming increasingly politicized, with some labeling the 2018 appointment of Justice Kavanaugh a pro-conservative political maneuver. Despite these recent concerns, there are also numerous historical examples of judicial activism. This volume discusses the Supreme Court's politicization across history, examines whether it is realistic or useful to expect it to be insulated from politics, and evaluates possible means of depoliticizing the court.
Vaping
Part of the At Issue series
Though first introduced in 2003, vaping's popularity has rapidly increased in recent years. Vaping involves the inhalation of aerosols and is generally considered safer than smoking tobacco, but little is currently known about its health impacts. Additionally, although evidence suggests that vaping can help curb tobacco smoking, there is also concern that it increases addiction among non-smokers, especially children and teenagers. This concern is exacerbated by marketing strategies for electronic cigarettes, which often seem targeted toward young people. The perspectives in this resource explore the facts that are currently available on vaping along with its relationship to addictive substances.
Public Outrage and Protest
Part of the At Issue series
The United States has had an active history of public protest since colonial times, with the Boston Tea Party serving as an emblematic example to this day. Protest in the United States is often associated with its zenith in the 1960s, but demonstrations of public outrage continue to play a major role in contemporary America, with notable recent examples ranging from the Women's March to Black Lives Matter protests. Through this volume's dynamic viewpoints, readers will gain a better understanding of the history of public protest, its differing manifestations, and its efficacy in promoting political and social change.
Reproductive Rights
Part of the At Issue series
There has been a neat divide in the United States and elsewhere between the "pro-choice" and "pro-life" camps. Reproductive rights are more expansive than the abortion debate. Access to affordable health services is a fundamental right, yet women, who are subject to discrimination, poverty, and violence at a higher rate than men, are at risk for losing access to screenings, maternal care, and contraception. Does the government have the right to legislate women's health? This close examination provides perspectives from all sides to help readers understand what is at stake.
Ethical Pet Ownership
Puppy Mills, Rescue Pets, and Exotic Animal Trade
Part of the At Issue series
This beginner's guide offers a first glimpse into the natural world of insects.
In this addition to the acclaimed About... series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what insects are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. With beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduces readers to the wide variety of insects, from grasshoppers to the Monarch Butterfly. An afterword provides further details on the insects featured and inspires young readers to learn more.
Presentism
Reexamining Historical Figures Through Today's Lens
Part of the At Issue series
While death is a universal experience, the traditions that surround it differ from culture to culture. How should the body of the deceased be laid to rest? What should be done with his or her belongings? How can a person's legacy live on through traditions and keepsakes? This volume explores practices around the world, addressing the practical and spiritual considerations that come with death and encouraging readers to keep an open mind toward the rituals and beliefs of other cultures and turn a critical eye toward their own.
Part of the At Issue series
Nowhere is the gun control debate more heated than in the United States. Gun control advocates argue for tighter restrictions on purchasing and licensing in the hopes of reducing incidents of shootings. Gun owners fear that their guns will be taken away, eliminating their ability to protect their families. Carrying a concealed handgun is legal in every state, and polls shows that the majority of Americans support conceal and carry. The viewpoints in this volume attempt to answer tough questions, such as "Do concealed handguns deter or increase crime?" and "Do the protections stipulated in the Second Amendment cover today's gun owners?"
Sexting
Part of the At Issue series
Technology has made so many things possible, including sending romantic messages to someone else via text. Sexting is just a new form of communication that continues to serve our need to tell one another things, but sometimes this can go horribly wrong, especially being of a sexual nature. This book debates the issue of sexting, touching on such topics as the rise of sexting among teens and adults, if it is hurtful to teens, and whether or not sexting is a criminal offense.
Vaccines
Part of the At Issue series
This book examines the current issues surrounding vaccinations, such as the benefits and risks of vaccinations, the growing anti-vaccination movement, and the efficacy of vaccines for HPV and HIV. Includes primary and secondary sources from a variety of perspectives; eyewitnesses, scientific journals, government officials, and many others.
Are Graphic Music Lyrics Harmful?
Part of the At Issue series
This book explores issues related to graphic music lyrics. It covers topics such as intent as a standard, violent lyrics and aggression, and the effects of violent music lyrics. It examines whether sexual music harms children and women. It also discusses "Bro Country" music, and whether it is harmful.
Club Drugs
Part of the At Issue series
LSD, MDMA, Ketamine, the number of drugs used to enhance the experience of clubs, music festivals, or social gatherings seems to grow year after year. Despite the immense danger of these drugs, they continue to be used recreationally by many young adults. This necessary edition joins the voices of organizations such as the Office on Women's Health, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and Frontline in order to present readers with a comprehensive understanding of club drug use.
Childhood Obesity
Part of the At Issue series
Childhood obesity has tripled in the United States since the 1970s, leaving many of America's children vulnerable to long-term physical and mental health issues. In an attempt to understand what is responsible for these swelling statistics, a number of health professionals, school administrators, government officials, and cultural experts have examined the possible culprits. This informative edition explores a number of those perspectives, urging readers to use essays and articles as the basis for further inquiry and individual assessment. This book examines the role of government, the responsibilities of parents, the health care costs of childhood obesity, fast food and food marketing, as well as physical activity as it relates to childhood obesity.
How Valuable is a College Degree?
Part of the At Issue series
This book explores issues related to the value of a college degree. It covers topics such as a college degree as an investment. It examines college degrees and if having one prepares people for today's jobs. It looks at college degrees and the U.S. economy, college education as a right, and alternatives to a college degree.
Foodborne Outbreaks
Part of the At Issue series
This book explores issues related to foodborne outbreaks. It covers the progress made toward reducing foodborne outbreaks. It examines funding for the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act. Readers will examine foodborne outbreaks and the global food system, the risks of consuming imported food, and food suppliers and safety among other issues.
Are Unions Still Relevant?
Part of the At Issue series
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2016, 16.3 million American wage and salary workers were represented by a union. Statistics correlate that union workers are paid at least 200.00 dollars higher per week than non-union workers. Unions are specifically created and operated to protect the worker from unfair business practices, and improve the quality of life for workers. Conversely, some unions have such a stronghold on productivity numbers, that workers, once having met their quota for the day, can stop working. Big businesses view unions as friends or foe because of their power and ability to change the workplace on behalf of the worker's rights and desires. While sheer numbers of membership show that unions are relevant, there are several factors left to debate. This volume offers the full breadth of perspectives on unions, through eyewitness accounts, governmental views, scientific analysis, and newspaper accounts. Your readers will be able to use this one source as an excellent research tool. Main ideas are copied from the text and repeated as pull quotes so that readers can track the important facts as they are developing opinions on unions, writing reports, or otherwise.
Superfoods
Part of the At Issue series
We are what we eat. What does eating superfoods do for us? Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. They are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Eating them may reduce the risk of chronic disease and prolong life. Readers will be intrigued to learn that people who eat more superfoods are healthier and thinner than those who don't. This book examines various superfoods like kale and quinoa. It also discusses the impact that superfoods may have on the environment. It examines juicing and health, creating smart young readers who will make smart choices about their nutrition.
Caffeine
Part of the At Issue series
Caffeine consumption has become commonplace amongst young adults in recent years, with many teens, up to 80 percent, eagerly reaching for coffee or energy drinks on a regular basis. Caffeinated substances are legal, widely used by society, and often touted as having health benefits, yet many teenagers fail to realize that caffeine is also a drug. When misused it can lead to dependency or abuse. This informative anthology examines the various degrees of caffeine use, outlining a variety of perspectives on topics such as caffeine and cognitive performance, caffeine as an addictive substance, and the complexities of caffeine regulation.
Violent Video Games
Part of the At Issue series
While organizations such as the American Psychological Association release statements that research supports a link between violent video game use and an increase in aggressive behavior, independent studies (such as one by Whitney DeCamp), show little or no relationship between the two. Those who believe that there are no significant links, caution researchers to avoid compiling evidence 'in a vacuum.' This sets the stage for a very hot debate, especially amongst any of your readers who love violent video games. A variety of narratives are compiled through eyewitness accounts, governmental views, scientific analysis, and newspaper accounts, so readers can decide for themselves how they feel about this issue. Important facts are pulled out from the main text and highlighted so that readers can isolate details for their research or report writing.
What Is the Impact of Twitter?
Part of the At Issue series
The experience is probably still too fresh for deep analysis, but will History tell the story that Donald Trump's success in his road to the White House was stimulated by his frequent use of Twitter? Is Twitter transforming not just our social landscape, but political landscape too? How has the use of a communication tool, limited to140 characters or less, become a globally recognized dispenser of news, facts, alternative facts, and a moral compass for our society? This book compiles compelling essays and works from eyewitness accounts, governmental views, scientific analysis, and newspapers to give your readers the big picture about Twitter and its importance. Readers will be given both sides, for and against, on topics such as whether Twitter should be used for news reporting, whether the psychology behind it is healthy, and whether it will become profitable. Facts that are salient to both sides of the story are copied from the text and highlighted so readers can use them for report writing, research, or forming opinions based on relevant information.
Trial by Internet
Part of the At Issue series
The relative anonymity the Internet provides allows us to assert our knowledge like a professor, show off our seemingly perfect lives, and judge like we're presiding over a court of law. The problem with this relatively new phenomenon is that we often make snap judgments about other people's actions or statements without knowing all of the facts, and without giving others the benefit of the doubt. This volume dives deep into the realities of the Internet age: Do we become different people when we're on the Internet? What responsibility do we have in our treatment of others in this new society? Is it our place to be virtual judge and jury?
Civil Disobedience
Part of the At Issue series
Civil disobedience, the refusal to obey certain laws, is a method of protest famously articulated by philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau in his 1849 essay "Civil Disobedience." Thoreau believed that protest became a moral obligation when laws collided with conscience. Since then, civil disobedience has been employed as a form of rebellion around the world. But is there a place for civil disobedience in democratic societies? When is civil disobedience justifiable? Is violence ever called for? Furthermore, how effective is civil disobedience?
Superbugs
Part of the At Issue series
Where do Antibiotic-resistant superbugs come from and what can we do to combat them? This volume takes a look at the issue from all angles; the role of government, where lobbyists and drug companies fit in, and how the overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial products may contribute to the problem.