The Relationship Between Homelessness And Schizophrenia Essay

The Relationship Between Homelessness And Schizophrenia Essay Psychiatric disorders can lead to many types of problems. These problems can range from housing instability to disease, and even death. Having a disorder and lack of stable living conditions most often further complicates the overall health and the care this is a bit confusing for a homeless adult. Without the proper health care, the mind will become even more unstable. This does not automatically follow logically. Individuals with severe mental illness soften most times with homelessness because of their inability to accomplish daily tasks and earn money. Mental illness is serious and severe and can have a domino effect on ones life and those surrounding the individual. The hand in hand relationship that homelessness shares with mental illnesses are disturbing. One of the many mental disorders that can lead to homelessness is Schizophrenia. Stating that an individual has a mental illness can be interpreted many ways, however, it is usually defined and understood as a psychological disease or disorder. The severity of the illness determines how much of an individuals daily functioning will be affected. The ability to care for ones self, a home or household and the ability to maintain an intimate relationship are lost. Homeless people with mental disorders remain homeless for longer periods of time and begin to have less contact with family and friends. Mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or severe depression, can cause a strain on family and other social relationships (Hawkins and Abrams 2007). Studies have examined what the quality of life is like after discovering that one has a mental illness, those who become homeless and other studies focus mainly on treatment options. Suffering from a mental illness makes it more difficult to gain employment. Having poor health also cripples the individuals desire to seek help, and whether they can receive help or not is another issue. Studies that take a deeper look into the rates of homelessness could lead to better treatment and help. It is especially important to study mentally ill homeless individuals that have substance abuse since these individuals are one of the most disadvantaged groups among homeless persons (Levine and Huebner 1991). There is no one explanation as to why an individual who is mentally ill will begin abusing their bodies with drugs, it is known though that when substance abuse and mental illness are combined contact with law enforcement is inevitable. All people with mental disorders, including those who are homeless, require ongoing access to a full range of treatment and rehabilitation services to lessen the impairment and disruption produced by their condition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003). Most people with the mental disorder do not need hospitalisation, what they do need is better housing options and more treatment options and but can live in the community with the appropriate supportive housing options. Further studies do show however that these community-based services are far and few in between and there is not enough housing to accommodate the growing number of patients affected by a mental illness. The hardest challenge to face with helping mentally ill patients is that the illness causes other cognitive problems. Dr Yuodelis Flores states that the most serious barrier to treatment is lack of insight, persons with serious mental illness may not understand that they are ill and need care. Severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and dementia impair judgment, conceptual understanding and the capacity to make appropriate behaviour decisions (HCH Clinicians Network, 2000). A patient, who is now learning of their illness, reacts irrationally and with anger and then instead of trying to understand the illness they just shut out those closest to them. Schizophrenia is a serious disorder of the mind and brain but it is also highly treatable. There is a constant flow of improvement on the medications for this illness. In addition to that, there are many new and improving psychosocial treatments and cognitive therapies for schizophrenia that are being tested and approved for use. One of the theories of what causes schizophrenia is that it is a result of a genetic predisposition combined with environmental exposures and or stress (The Internet Mental Health Initiative, 1996-2010). Stress can trigger a preexisting illness into existence, which in the case of Schizophrenia makes sense in terms of one having a genetic predisposition to the disease. Schizophrenia-like most other illnesses do not develop until after the age of 18, however, an age range is given due to the fact that illnesses have developed earlier in some. Men tend to develop schizophrenia slightly earlier than women; whereas most males become ill between 16 and 25 years o ld, most females develop symptoms several years later, and the incidence in women is noticeably higher in women after age 30 (The Internet Mental Health Initiative, 1996-2010). Taking a closer look at an individuals support system also determines if a homeless result is possible. Mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or severe depression, can cause a strain on family and other social relationships (Hawkins and Abrams 2007). Society is well aware of homeless people, but many are unaware of the reasons why and then many do not care to know the reason. When a homeless individual is seen many shy away especially if that homeless individual is acting out. This passive attitude towards the homeless does not help them nor does it help society. In 2002 the cost of schizophrenia was estimated to be $62.7 billion, with $22.7 billion excess direct health care cost $7.0 billion outpatient, $5.0 billion drugs, $2.8 billion inpatients, and $8.0 billion long-term care (The Internet Mental Health Initiative, 1996-2010). Being out of sight and out of mind, these numbers do not reflect the homeless. About 1% of the population is affected by Schizophrenia (The Merck Manuals, 2008). Schizophrenia affects men and women equally having no racial or socioeconomic preference. In the United States, schizophrenia accounts for about 1 of every 5 Social Security disability days and 2.5% of all health care expenditures (The Merck Ma nuals, 2008). Brandt (1995) studied how actively working with homeless who are suffering from schizophrenia can better their lives. He focused on the bag ladies as they are deemed social outcast as they have a tendency to act out when help is offered. Quite outspoken about his distaste on societies role in helping those in need, he began to roam the streets gathering individuals to be a part of his study. 35 homeless individuals were chosen between the ages of 22 and 70 and consisted of 17 women and 18 men. The results were significant enough to show that being proactive with these individuals is helpful no matter the age or gender. The only remaining issue however with treating homeless individuals just like with any other patient, is the need to want treatment. When someone is in need of help in whatever form of therapy needed, it is the patient that makes the initiative and this is unable to be the case with homeless individuals. Brandt (1995) acknowledged that Many different groups must be inv olved in the work. [This includes], psychiatrists, hospitals, general practitioners and the entire social welfare system. And the best possible contact must be maintained with the patient (p. 1). Antipsychotic drugs, rehabilitation, and psychotherapy are the major parts of treatment. Community support activities, such as job coaching, teach the skills needed to survive in the community. These skills enable people with schizophrenia to work, shop, care for themselves, manage a household, and it also rehabilitates their social abilities. Hospitalisation is seen more when patients relapse. Forced hospitalisation is also rare and is only seen when the individual is a threat to themselves or others (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006). The death rate for homeless people is about four times greater than the rate for the general population and among young homeless men, the rate is even higher (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006). According to the National Coalition for the Homeless (2006), average homeless adults die twenty years earlier than their non-homeless counterparts. Over half of homeless adults die violently and one-quarter of those is murdered (p.2). The appr opriate housing can provide the framework necessary to end homelessness for many individuals (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006). A study done in 2002 by Folsom, McCahill, Bartels, Lindamer, Ganiats and Jeste not only examined the death rate in schizophrenic homeless individuals, but they then compared the preventative and primary care to those with severe depression. While depression is a mental illness, it does not cripple ones abilities the way that schizophrenia does. The stages of withdrawal from friends and family are the same, however an individual with depression is more likely able to describe their feelings to a doctor, and there is no stigma placed on this illness like those with schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients can go undiagnosed for years and then when they are, many providers are uncomfortable with treating them and some do not even see a point. Folsom et al state that (2002) serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, are much more common among homeless people than in the general population. Investigations have consistently found higher rates of substance abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression among homeless people than in the general population (p.1). This is why preventive treatment is very important along with better housing. The growing number of homeless people is unknown, implementing better shelters that can provide the mental treatment needed will be a big step in helping these people. Folsom et al also noted that there is a direct correlation with schizophrenia and homelessness with death, the age-adjusted mortality rate for people with schizophrenia is about two times that of the general population; cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death among people with schizophrenia. Homeless people have been reported to have a mortality rate [that is] 3.5 times as high as that of the general population (p.1). With this study and with all studies, the best care depends on the patient to supply the proper medical history along with any medical symptoms. Middle-aged and older homeless people with schizophrenia received less primary and preventive health care and were treated for fewer chronic medical problems than a comparison group with depression (Folsom, McCahill, Bartels, Lindamer, Ganiats, Jeste, 2002). Going forward with other research, monitoring the health care of schizophrenics should be compared to all the different types of mental illnesses as well as comparing them to those who have no mental illness at all. Any one of the homeless people that you see on a daily basis can be suffering from a mental illness, that fact is quite disturbing. It is something that should not be taken lightly for it comes in many forms and can affect anybody. Being able to identify the symptoms and seeking help is a key fundamental towards regaining your health back. There still is great difficulty in caring for schizophrenics and the only way for it to get better is to continue the research and find ways for all the branches in the healthcare system to work together so that the patient can have the best treatment available. In the next 20 years hopefully, there will be a cure for all types of mental illness that we see today until being able to understand what it means for those who are suffering is just as important.

Respresentation of Lolita in Society :: Essays Papers

Respresentation of Lolita in Society Lolita represents the manifested "id" in all of us. Since her creation, she has remained an anomaly of outrage and disgust, yet, unconsciously, she is the greatest sex symbol of all times. We all crave to be the "nymphet", yet society does not accept a middle aged woman running around with pigtails and a lollipop dangling from their mouth. Middle aged women envy the nymphet in her baby-doll dress, her innocent smile, and a body that is milky-clean and flawless. They want this back, they want the firm buttocks that once was cellulite-free, and the pink in their cheeks without the necessary application of Revlon rouge. So, what does the society of middle aged women do, they rely on the image of this "nymphet" to replace the tension and frustration of their own aging. This is "Lolita". She is the symbol of society that is post-adolescent. We become her pupils and spectators. She is the creature that every father loves because the innocence has not yet been touched. She is the creature w ho has the eyes of an angel and the hair of an unbleached blonde. Yet, is the character Lolita that innocent? This is where she is an anomaly to the little girls with checkered skirts and roller skates. She is a strong, independent, sexual goddess that screams 'virgin', yet is far from it. Could middle aged women get away with that? Could they stand in front of a crowd of men who wanted to pinch their cheeks, and tell them their cute, set them on their lap, and smell their talcum powdered skin? Of course not, they'd be lucky to have a husband that rolls over before he goes to bed, to stick it in for an evenings satisfaction. So here's this 'nymphet', every man is humbled by, pouring their attention to, while this nymphet just sits there, twirling her pigtails and licking her lollipop. Does she care that she is being idolized by men and envied by women? Of course not. She is independent from that. She lives to satisfy herself, while everyone stands around, working from nine to five, paying taxes, and are lucky enough to have time to watch that soap opera they taped earlier in the day. Lolita lives in all women. Women envy the nymphet's ability to not do anything, and still be loved and adored by the opposite sex.

Interaction between Humans and the Environment Essay

Interaction between Humans and the Environment The relationship between humans and the environment has changed over time because of technological advancements and innovations. During the beginning of human time the people was mainly nomadic; they hunted for food and travel around in packs. Fast forward a couple centuries the interaction between humans and the environment changed from being primarily hunting and gathering to being primarily farm heavy. Lastly in the twentieth century the relationship between humans and the environment has changed due to industrialization which led to humans exploiting the environment and polluting it. At the beginning, everyone was nomadic roaming from one region to the next scavenging for food, because of the lack of technology. It wasn’t until the first Agriculture Revolution occurred that the people change their lifestyle. The agriculture revolution led to the change in human lifestyle. For example: people began to settle down, start farms, and start to live by water sources so they could irrigate the land in order to farm. The Agricultural Revolution also sparked the domestication of animals and plants allowing a large amount of food to be produce at any time. This led to a larger population and eventually led to the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution was when the interaction between humans and the environment turned sour due to the exploitation of the environment for natural resources. The Industrial Revolution caused imperialism which was regions being colonized for their natural resources. This was one of the causes of the World Wars, which was the war of attrition – the fight for natural resources. The wars caused a lot of pollution and the war also caused a lot of natural resources to be used to fight it. But in the modern day there are many â€Å"green† projects that we used in order to preserve our natural resources and save the environment.

Heros journey Little Obama Movie

Heros journey Little Obama Movie Introduction From the presidential campaigns and now his leadership, the life travels of Barack Obama have been important for discussion in understanding the forces which shaped his personality and behaviors. Many have suggested that his success in politics stems from the fact that he was a man of many nations. As this movie proves, Obama had a history of living in more than one continent. He had different places to call â€Å"home†.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hero’s journey: Little Obama Movie specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As this movie suggests, the places he lived in, especially when he was a child, had the effect of transforming and shaping him into the personality he is today. In this movie, the character of Obama is the focus. How his stay in Indonesia as a child (possibly) shaped such is the focus of the movie. In the movie, the role played by Obama’s parents in shaping the persona lity of the young boy is also highlighted. Thesis: Little Obama depicts how Obama was shaped by his stay in Indonesia into becoming a strong willled, friendly and diplomatic person. In Little Obama (Obama Anak Monteng), there is no struggle to present Obama the president. Instead, the childhood of Obama is traced in the most probable way it happened. In the movie, young Obama is allowed to be the child he was (Adams 2). He is allowed to do things which a child would be expected to do (without focusing on him as the future president). As would be the case for any child, the movie presents Obama learning most of his life lessons through play. In the movie, other major characters are the children whom Barry (Obama’s name in the movie) plays with. As the movie is framed, these characters help the young Obama to understand many things about his life. They help him to search for his own identity. Watching the movie, one realizes the intention of the producers to insist on the point that without this stay in Indonesia, Obama would have probably not encountered the critical questions on his identify as he did. Besides the idea of Indonesia as the setting for changing his behaviors, the movie also brings out parenting as an important issue. In this regard, the movie, besides highlighting the interactions which the young Obama had with friends, also presents the conversations and interaction with his parents. As the movie confirms, Obama learnt from, and was taught much, by his mother and stepfather.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Little Obama captures the period of Obama’s childhood from six years to when he was ten years. The belief of the movie is that these years were the most important one in laying ground to the character of Obama. The events in the movie happen in Monteng, Jakarta of Indonesia. They occur between the years of 1967 to 1971, indicating a capture of four years of obama’s childhood. The movie opens when young Obama, referred to in the movie as Barry Obama comes to Indonesia. As it unfolds in the movie, little Obama comes into the country (Indonesia) alongside his mother (Ann Dunham). They were in the country because it was the homeland of the boy’s stepfather (Lolo Soetoro). By extension thus, Obama was coming into Indonesia as his second home because of the fact that his mother had been married to Soetoro (Asia Society 3). This movie is based on the important elements of pluralism as well as differences. In the movie, scenes are expressly developed to create an experience of thematic learning. In the first scenes, Barry Obama comes to meet difficult question on his identify as a person. Meeting these people for the fist time, one kid asks Barry, â€Å"What are you actually? Going by the way Barry is astounded by the question, it comes clear he had not in his life thought about â €˜whom’ he indeed was. This question in the end becomes the main concept on which the whole of the movie develops. In the movie, Barry has to identify who he is because questions on his identity are not dying. In another of such questions, another kid wonders, â€Å"westerner, but dark colored?†. Going by the way he was astonished again, this must also be the first time that Barry has to question himself on the ‘kind’ of a westerner that he was. It was the first time he had to come into hard questions on his identify as an African-America. The ‘westerner’, which is the reference used by the other kids simply means that they were aware of where Barry and his family had come from. On this ground, it is clear the kids were in some way conscious of the history of westerners including their physical identifies. In this scene thus, these kids wondered because to them there was no synergy between Barry and ‘westerners’. To Barry, thes e questions were to linger and disturb the mind. He was to question his identity and the differences he had with the other westerners which had prompted this reaction. As the movie unfolds, one finds that Barry was being helped to answer questions on his identity. This was especially the case as questions kept coming (from the kids) which forced Barry to think more of ‘who’ he was. Another statement, which was almost a rhetorical question was, â€Å"weird hair. Big nose†¦.†. In this scene, this kid was indeed pin-pointing on some of the things which according to them made Barry, a ‘different westerner’. They for example pointed out his hair here.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hero’s journey: Little Obama Movie specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As the movie unfolds, it comes clear that young Barry (Obama) was learning so many things which besides his belief also related t o his attitudes and perceptions. In learning positive attitudes and perceptions, the movie presents Barry’s parents as having played the greatest role. In one of the scenes, Barry Obama learns from his stepfather on how to do boxing. In this boxing lesson, young Barry is taught by (Lolo Soetoro) his stepfather that in life one has to be strong. He learns that life has to be approached with a complete resolve to defend the self from the extremity by others. After highlighting the immigration as well as the problems of acceptance by his friends, the movie presents young Obama as finally gelling with these people. At this point, the movie moves to the friends that young Obama had as well as the games they play. Here, the movie moves to the friendship he develops with Slamet (Slamet Djanuadi) and Yuniardi who are other children in the neibourhood. There are many things that these friends are able to do together. Play is the most important thing they do all the time. In this, the young boys play tennis and another game called marple. These games are seen to be uniting the little Obama more and more with the two friends Yuniardi and Slamet An event during these games with friends is of worth noting. This is when while playing with his close friends, Barry encounters and does clash with a boy named Carut. Carut belongs to a gang of bullies. In this event, Barry effectively defeats the bullies and shows his fighting (karate) prowess. As he comes out of this event and analyzes it later, young Barry has learnt many important lessons. The most important lesson that the young boy learns is that to fight, â€Å"isn’t the solution†. He learns that conflicts can be amicably resolved. Here, he also learns that differences should not be a cause to war. In the scene, he comes out identifying that violence does not pay and instead is a loss to all parties who would benefit more if they negotiated and made peace. From this fight, Obama learns that besides avo iding war, he also has to accept himself and who he is as different from others. From the incident, the young Obama learns that opening up and thus sharing is the best path to take. He learns that he has to accept that he has differences with others but has also to respect others who are different from him. In the movie, these lessons on how to live with others do not just come from his own experience. Instead, as the movie presents, they are lessons which are also impacted to him by his mother in the scenes she teaches him to avoid seeking the path of confrontation.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As the movie unfolds, Barry Obama in the end learns who he is and comes out able to appreciate and accept differences. After this full turn-around in personality development, Barry no longer shrinks into himself. He does not discriminate either. This full self-acceptance comes out clearly, when Obama plays with his friends. He comes out an effective player. He is very good in the game of ping-pong. His friends adore his talents in the game. They like him to play with them more and more. Confidence having been built, young Obama moves beyond his neibourhood. He begins to interact with not only his peers but also well-known people in the locality. As the movie progresses, the young boy is, for example, seen riding on motorbikes with great singsong. At this point, it is clear that the young Obama has developed. Towards the end of the movie, Barry is seen as having fully adopted to the environment and was now leaving in harmony with his friends and neighbors. He had many friends and was now known to many in the neibourhood. However as this process is happening; the family is engaged in a conflict. The mother and stepfather have to part ways. This makes the beginning of the conclusion to the movie when young Obama is now leaving for United States. Conclusion The above discussion proves that Little Obama is a complete depiction on how Obama was shaped by his stay in Indonesia into becoming a strong willled, friendly and diplomatic person. As the discussion identifies, from the discrimination he initially received and the questions he had to answer on who he is, Obama learnt on his identity. This identity in the end made him believe that he could do anything because the differences he had did not limit him in any way from doing anything that others did. The movie identifies that as he interacted and conflicted, he learnt on the need to take paths of diplomacy. According to the movie, in the country, Obama made friends across the social and cultural divide and thus le ant on the need to be friendly. Adams, Jonathan. Movie about Obama’s childhood opens today. 1/7/2010. Web. https://www.aol.com/news/ Asia Society. Barack Obama on Film: ane movie reccounts president Barack  Obama’s childhood in Indonesia. 21/3/2011. Web.. https://asiasociety.org/barack-obama-film

Marketing-Consumer Behavior essay

Marketing-Consumer Behavior essay Marketing-Consumer Behavior essay Marketing-Consumer Behavior essayMarriott Hotels is a renowned international brand operating in the hospitality industry that focuses on the international market expansion and attempts to gain the positive brand image through the formation of the positive perception of the brand by the public.The perception of the brand is quite positive at the moment. At the moment, Marriott Hotels attempts to create a stronger brand image through the formation of the vision of the company as the hospitality company offering hospitality services of the superb quality. The development of the positive perception of the brand image is achieved through advertisements based on the video advertisement that visualizes the ideal hospitality services offered by Marriott Hotels. Video offers not only visual messages conveyed to the audience but also audio messages that stress the positive image of the company’s hospitality services. The advertisement emphasizes the superb quality of services offered by the company. The company makes a breakthrough distinguishing its services from other companies operating in the hospitality industry. In such a way, the company attracts the target customer group and draws attention to its brand and hospitality services as the company that offers high quality hospitality services worldwide and offers the full range of hospitality-related services.The advertisement of the company contributes to the formation of a strong brand image that customers can easily retain in their memory due to the bright images and colors used in the course of the advertisement. The advertisement is catchy and bright but, at the same time, it creates a solid image of the company that customers learn and retain in their memory. As a result, customers form a strongly positive image of the company and develop a positive attitude to the company and its services. The advertisement persuades them that Marriott Hotels can offer superb hospitality services in any part of the world .The exposure (stimulus) of the advertisement catches the attention of the audience. At the same time, the interpretation (individual meaning) of the advertisement is clear since the audience understands that Marriott Hotels offer hospitality services of the superb quality. The advertisement influences the sensory perception of the advertisement.   The audience almost feels the scent of the environment, where the advertisement is shot. The sound is distinct and clear. The audio watermarking is virtually present in the advertisement. The sound symbolism gives positive implications and makes the audience wanting to touch the screen. The advertisement is haptic conveying the development of positive emotions and rise of the expectations of the miracle to come. The exposure of the advertisement creates the expectation of happiness from services of the superb quality of products of Marriott Hotels. The audience becomes active participants rather than mere viewers of the advertisement. T he advertisement manipulates certainty as it shows almost improbable benefits offered by Marriott Hotels.The visualization makes a breakthrough forming the difference of Marriott Hotels from other hotels. The advertisement uses distinct stimuli such as video imaging. The relevance of the content of the advertisement and its message is accurate and high. The interpretation of the advertisement may vary due to the variety of objects depicted during the advertisement that may have multiple meanings and implications.In such a way, the advertisement makes the clear perceptual positioning of Marriott Hotels as the company offering superb hospitality services.

Response paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Response - Research Paper Example The book argues that history is being used wrongly, and I tend to agree with the idea. It is time when we find new ways that can bring us to common goals and objectives more so in the modern era where competition has become so stiff (Sandbrook, Richard, and Ali, pg 36) Hunt sees globalization is seen a means to end the world war and tensions. Indeed, world rivalry has been on the rise due to past experiences such as cold war and different ideologies that led to world wars (Sandbrook, Richard, and Ali pg 45. Thus, from the book, globalization provides a new way of how to view ourselves around the globe, they call it the paradigm of the shift. I find the sense of the significance and relevance of the writer’s argument. This is because the sources are just mere shadows in key areas. Thus, we should combine pre-existing social-cultural theories in order to develop new perspectives on history. Hunt sees no harm in globalization as the corrective measures are within us. Religion is one of the virtues that we can apply so that we don’t get immersed with globalization. It is true with religion values since they use societal values that ensure we maintain our norms (Sandbrook, Richard, and Ali, pg 40). Hence even, if we interact, our past is never lost. Another way proposed is by the use of economic ideology. We should embrace the bilateral ties so that we strengthened ties among ourselves. Evolution occurs, and we should not stick to our thoughts alone but to be flexible in our reasoning. That’s what Hunt, suggests to the historians who are held up in their minds. I tend to agree with Hunt. The past will always hold us together; our fate is almost being determined through the actions that even the current generation never participated. But, there are modern ways that can help us to be more cohesive, human and bring justice to ourselves, and there is no reason for us to deny such opportunity However, critics will never seize to exist as part of our

Counter Terrorism in Comparative Perspective Essay - 1

Counter Terrorism in Comparative Perspective - Essay Example As a measure to retaliate to and prevent terror attacks, America and its allies have initiated several counter-terror operations in perceived geo-political hotspots. But differentiating between what comprises an act of terror and what can be classified as counter-terror is never straightforward - the official use of these labels is often purely a matter of rhetoric and self-serving bias. As renowned public intellectual Noam Chomsky succinctly points out, â€Å"if it is done by our side, the act is counter-terror; if it is done by the enemy, it is terror†. (Chomsky, as quoted in Bowden, 2003, p.51) A glance at the presentation of conflicts in mainstream media sources bears out this point. Depending on who the consumers of news information are, notations of terror and counter-terror are conveniently swapped. Hence, conceptions and definitions of these two opposing terms will have to begin by dispelling rhetorical exaggerations, intrinsic biases and other barriers to truth. In th is context, it is not surprising that the word ‘terrorism’ has become so subjective as to be without any concrete meaning. Nevertheless, the word has a frightening resonance, because people â€Å"tend to believe that it does have meaning and to use and abuse the word by applying it to whatever they hate as a way of avoiding rational thought and discussion and, frequently, excusing their own illegal and immoral behaviour†. (Whitbeck, 2002, p.52) The vagueness of the term is evident from the range of verbal formulations (signifying diverse acts) to which it is applied – â€Å"Mass murder," "assassination," "arson" and "sabotage" are available (to all of which the phrase "politically motivated" can be added if appropriate). Such crimes, moreover, are already on the statute books, rendering specific criminal legislation for "terrorism" unnecessary. Such precise formulations, however, do not carry the overwhelming, demonizing and thought-deadening impact of th e word "terrorism," which is, of course, precisely the charm of the word for its more cynical and unprincipled users and abusers. If someone commits "politically motivated mass murder," people might be curious as to the cause or grievances which inspired such a crime, but no cause or grievance can justify (or even explain) "terrorism," which, all right-thinking people agree, is the ultimate evil.† (Whitbeck, 2002, p.52) The best indication of difficulties in defining terrorism is the fact that some of the most inspirational public figures of the twentieth century such as Nelson Mandela, Menachem Begin, Yasser Arafat and Gerry Adams were all regarded as terrorists at some point during their public life. This classification of them being terrorists co-existed or transformed into more respectable classifications such as statesmen and peacemakers – indeed, Mandela, Begin and Arafat, have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and Mandela is viewed today by many as the leading m oral authority of his time in the world. (Tsoukala, 2004, p.417) Such examples typify the hazard of defining terrorism and terrorists. It also shows that these terms are easier to talk about than to define. As noted political commentator, Nissan Horowitz, points out in the major Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz, the meaning of the term terrorism is all in the eye of the beholder. To give a concrete example, he asks â€Å"