Thursday, April 2, 2009

Andres Acosta -- Blog Post 4

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.


I agree with the idea that flogging and amputation are more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisionment because it goes all the way back to the old days. Back in old cultures and civilizations people were punished by amputation of limbs and flogging. By people enforcing these punishments today we are showing that we are not civilized (p.373) and have not developed new ethical ways to punish our criminals. Personally I believe that although amputating limbs and flogging is a barbaric form of punishment, it is an easy way out for criminals! Many criminal would rather go through a harsh quick pain than have to deal with being in jail for many years! Yes, being captive may be the worst thing ever since it would drive many crazy. This is why many prisoners decide to not care about their freedom and keep commiting crimes inside of the jail like killing other inmates. Although amputation and flogging seems to be more barbaric by all means than imprisionment, keeping a person locked up for many years seems to be the worst punishment indeed.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Stephanie Kumetz blog pot 4

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

I believe that it depends on the situation and what the crime is. I believe that flogging and amputation can and will send a very strong message to people that really care or are smart enough to know that they will get caught. But you will always have people that think other wise. When it comes to the barbaric forms of punishment like amputation I think this could be a good form of punishment, but not in every way. We like to see people suffer for what they have done wrong. But cutting of a small boys hand for taking food when he is hungry is even more barbaric. But to make such things public is what keeps me for agree with punishment 100% of the time. Chapman said "To choose imprisonment over flogging and amputation in not to choose human kindness over cruelty, but merely to prefer that our cruelties be kept out of sight, and out of mind."

Blog 4 Joey Ruggiero

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

public flogging and amputation are very barbaric forms of punishment... no where near comparable to those of imprisonment. If you are caught stealing something where amputation is legal you could possibly lose a hand over, lets say, a loaf of bread. Now consider this losing your hand which you have used all your life for simple tasks and need it to successfully live you life but because you were really hungry you now get it chopped off. Instead, somewhere that doesn't believe in this barbaric punishment simply places you in jail to think about what you did and why it wasn't right therefore, teaching you to never do it again. Both do the same task but one way isn't giving someone a handicap for the rest of their life.

Andrew Corke Blog Post 4 Prisoner's Dilemma

1. Chapman describes people in Islamic cultures who flock to gawk at the misfortunes of others. Americans are also fascinated, even entertained, by others’ problems and misfortunes. How do you account for the causes of our fascination with others’ misfortunes. Give one example of this phenomenon as it relates to the Chapman essay, and then explain why you think people are so attracted to the troubles of others’ misfortunes. Consider linking Stephen King’s Why We Crave Horror Movies (p. 397) for some insights into this morbid human tendency.

 

Seeing that Americans as well as people of the Islamic culture both obtain great entertainment out of the viewing one’s pain, I believe this disgusting and disturbing thrill is a part of the human nature. I’m sure we have all switched on the TV and seen something like funniest home videos, where people are doing face plants, falling off their bikes, running into walls, getting pegged in the face by a dodge ball or so on… and we laugh. WE LAUGH AT SOMEONES PAIN. I can think of no other reason of this tendency, than that it is just a part of us as humans, I don’t know though, I don’t study Behavioral genetics. I did notice though that this subject related to not only our sick inner Jack the Ripper craving from “Why we Crave Horror Movies” but also... our tendency to not interfere and help but to stand and watch or laugh in “Why we don’t Help in a Crisis”. Where as we in our western culture have TV and internet to be in tune with our daily doses of human pain and humiliation via Americas Funniest Home Videos, and Failblog.com and many other sources; In Islamic cultures where internet and television are not accepted, public flogging and humiliation is their way to achieve this entertainment, and we in our western culture see this as very barbaric.

nick peters

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

I agree and disagree at the same time for many reasons, it may help to show others that if you do something this is your punishment, and its not just a few years in jail, you will have to live without a body part(s). The downside however is, the same person may want revenge for disabling him or humiliating him and his family name publicly. Everyone has seen the inside of a jail, either in real life, or television, or even a movie. people know how hard it is in there, "We will get raped, I don't want to get raped" - Role Models. Jail has many positives to it, including if you go once, chances are your not going to want to be in there again for fear of it. Negatives about it, taxpayers pay for inmates to live quite comfortably in there. Public flogging or amputation will be taken harshly by some and it may affect some viewers the wrong way, and the criminal will not be looked at in a bad way, but instead the government will be seen as the bad guy. When someone see's a criminal imprisoned, we only see a bad person and do not think badly of the government, we see the government as the protector. So public flogging is seen as much more barbaric whether it works or not, its still cruel and unusual punishment, and will never happen in this country

Tommy D: Prisoner's Dilemma

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

More barbaric...not necessarily. On the outside and in the movies, prison violence equals lunch room fights, yard riots, and the occasional stabbing, but in real life you would not believe what goes on behind bars. One newer way of attacking an enemy (or more commonly a prison guard) is called gassing. I'm not sure if I'm the only one that's ever heard of it but this is when inmates urinate and deficate (yes, pee and poop) in a bucket, even getting others to help them fill this waste basket of doom, let it ferment, then, you guessed it...SPLASH. They throw the contents of the bucket into the face of their target. And its usually not just feces and urine, sometimes crushed lightbulbs get thrown into the mix so that when the other inmate or gurad tries to wipe his face, the glass shards will cut him and the mixture will seep into the wounds. Now i understand that this is not the intention of our justice system. This is not the guards brutalizing the inmates. This is not a means of punishment but I guarentee you, there is nothing more barbaric than flinging poo at another person. And this is not the only example of the mayhem that goes on in our prisons. So, to answer the question is it more barbaric to cut off hands and flog people? I don't really think so...

Blog Post "The Prisoner's Dilemma

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain.....
Let me get this out there as soon as possible. Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. Any public form of punishment is an absolute disgrace to the country and the people of the country. I am proud to live somewhere that did away with these barbaric forms of deterrents for crime a long time ago. These countries that keep these forms of punishment are attempting to deter crime but the problem is that the only thing they are really doing is publicly humiliating the person and family by doing such acts. Now, since I have my opinion out of the way. Maybe something like this could actually work. Making an example of someone that commits a crime might actually work, but you may never know how the people of the country may react to this type of deterrence. I think it might be possible to reach the people of our country through making an example of someone. Remember in elementary or middle school when a kid would talk and get yelled at and sent out of class? What would everyone do? Well, I know I didn't talk anymore and maybe, just maybe making an example of a certain someone might work.

blog posting- Brad

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

I really think that public flogging is a far better option for imprisonment. If we were to switch to such methods we would we would save huge amounts of money. Tax payers would be paying for the actual punishment of criminals vs. paying to keep them, feed them, house them etc etc etc....Its just a overall better situation for everyone, whats one day of pure hell when compared to a life time in a 6 x 6 prison cell.

However I really hate the idea of prison, and death sentences, I really think England had it right back in the day, export all prisoners to Australia and let them live in a twisted peace there (maybe not Australia). Middle Eastern traditions have been followed for thousands of years, and as larger influences start to open the minds of the traditionalist, and they refuse to accept change, it is a shame, I just hope those that those who are suffering because of this are making a difference for future generations.
Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

I personally think that flogging and amputation are more barbaric than imprisonment. With imprisonment, prisoners are allowed to go back to the world just as you were when you left. With amputation, criminals are permenantly happicapped for the rest of their life, which might make it hard for them to get a job or live a normal life. Plus, if the criminal is later found not guilty, they will have lost a limb because of someone else's mistake. Chapman does make a good point when he says, "would you rather be subjected to a few minutes of intense pain and considerable public humiliation, or be locked away for two or three years in a prison cell crowded with ill-tempered sociopaths?" (374). I see how being in a crowded cell would be severe tourtue, but amputation is more permanent than being claustrophobic for some years.

public flogging Pictures, Images and Photos
1. Chapman describes people in Islamic cultures who flock to gawk at the misfortunes of others. Americans are also fascinated, even entertained, by others’ problems and misfortunes. How do you account for the causes of our fascination with others’ misfortunes. Give one example of this phenomenon as it relates to the Chapman essay, and then explain why you think people are so attracted to the troubles of others’ misfortunes. Consider linking Stephen King’s Why We Crave Horror Movies (p. 397) for some insights into this morbid human tendency.

As soon as I read the first sentence, I thought of Stephen King's Why We Crave Horror Movies. Personally I have no taste for seeing another being suffering in a way like that. It goes against all of my morals, but everyone's morals are different. I'm not saying that people who like horror movies don't have morals, but I think that people who watch physical torture or executions have morals slightly awry. Then again, the people in Islamic Cultures are raised in that culture. It's normal for them to be around things people from other cultures are not.

cul-ture (according to www.dictionary.com)

a. The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.
b. These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population: Edwardian culture; Japanese culture; the culture of poverty.

We are all raised differently, and I think that is the true key to why people of Islamic Culture gawk at such "events", that's what they know and what they were taught to do. As it applys to Americans, I think for those who hear about, watch those movies, and read about it, it becomes their reality so they want more of it. We have all heard the term, "You are a product of your environment."

The Prisoner's Dilemma


Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

I do agree with the statement, " public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprison." The only reason I agree with it is because it has the word "may." The islam way of punishment for breaking Koranic laws is extreme but the most important aspect is that it is done infront of the public. This type of violence will dissensitize people to violence. For an example, say one gets queezy when they see blood, the more this person is exposed to blood the less they will feel sick. But this is not to say imprisonment in American jails is not barbaric. I have never been in a prison but I have seen documentaries about it and to me it seems like a dirty place where dirty mean violent people go when they get caught for their crime. They don't care about the world outside anymore when they are facing decades in prison. It's almost as if the prisoners have time traveled back to the cave man days.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/americanyouthbook/3306447065/

Sara Rieveley Blog Post 4 The Prisoner's Dilemma


4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

Public flogging is being beat with a rod or whip. Amputation is the removal of a body part. Both sound very painful; however, you can live a relatively normal life after the pain is over. On the other hand, imprisonment is being stuck in a small room with 3-4 other criminals possible for a lifetime. Many people are given a life sentence when put in prison, and they are never able to have another chance at life. Although imprisonment seems horrible, I believe flogging and amputation is more barbaric.
Imprisonment, flogging, and amputation are things no one wants to go through, and I believe that many people turn down doing horrible crimes, in order, to stay away from these forms of punishments. Altough, we still seem to have overcrowded prisons because prisons are not learning from their mistakes. I believe the inmates need to just deal with the crime they committed, and do the time they deserve. Inmates know when they commit the crimes they will most likely get caught and get sent to prison. Yeah, prison sucks, but that does not mean it is barbaric. I believe prison is not the most effective way to stop crime from repeating itself, but it is not a barbaric way. Inmates commit the crime and go to prison to be put through hell for a reason. Prison is not supposed to be fun!

The prisons in the U.S. are costing a lot of money. Stephen Chapman stated that the cost of a typical inmate is far more that the coast a top university. He also believes that if prison was to do the job that it is intended to do them the amount of money spent on the inmates would be justified. Prisons need to become less expensive and less crowded in order to have more of an affect on the inmates. I believe some inmates learn there lesson after being in prison, but then again some do not.

Imagine if public flogging and amputation were brought into the U.S. as punishment for criminals. Personally, I think everyone would go crazy. This form of punishment is not civilized, and not many people would agree with this form of punishment. Just like imprisonment, cutting of an arm or beating someone is not going to stop them from committing another crime. It might lessen the chances, but I do not think it would make a significant difference in the U.S. I don't know about you, but I know people would go crazy if they were to see their loved one being beat with a rod or a whip. I am, personally, disgusted in this flogging and amputation punishment!

The Prisoner's Dilemma

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

Public flogging and amputation are without a doubt, two horrible forms of punishment. But then again, so is incarceration. If given the choice, my answer is clear. But the proposed question does strike an interesting response. Both punishments are definitely horrible and something that no one would want to face. My answer is definitely clear. I strongly believe that public flogging and amputation are more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment.
Although, both are terrifying, only one is barbaric. To be barbaric it must be uncivilized and primitive. Chopping off hands and limbs for public display is certainly uncivilized in all ways. Or how about 10,000 civilians shouting and cheering at the torture of 26 convicts (372). "Such traditions, we all must agree, are no signs of an advanced civilization (373)." Punishing in public, personal humiliation and bloodshed for public enjoyment is the definition for barbaric.
Now you might think that ten years in prison is horrible, and indeed it is. But it is in no sense barbaric. The United States, as an advanced culture, prefers to keep its punishment secretive. Public gallows and flogging is obsolete and ridiculous behavior the US needs to avoid. For we "...prefer that out cruelties be kept out of sight, and out of mind (376)."

Blog 4 The Prisoner's Dilemma

2. Chapman states, “Almost no one contends any more that prisons rehabilitate their inmates. If anything, they probably impede rehabilitation by forcing inmates into prolonged and almost exclusive association with other criminals”(374). Do some research on recent developments in criminal rehabilitation and argue for or against the claim that rehabilitation of prisoners is a futile goal.

I personally agree with Chapman’s claim, and believe that for the most part criminals put in prison do not rehabilitate and become outstanding citizens. A large percentage of the criminals in prison are there do to violent crimes such as homicide and rape. This means that many of the inmates in a prison have a lot in common. Putting gangbangers with other affiliates only causes integration from a street gang to a prison gang. Violence inside of prisons is greater since there is a larger concentration of people with violent tendencies, causing prisoners to become more aggressive than before they were incarcerated. According to a CNN blog, the United States houses 2.2 million prisoners, more than any other country in the world. The blog also points out that “of the hundreds of thousands of prisoners released every year roughly 50 percent can be expected to return within three years”. It’s clear that there is no clear solution to crime, whether we mutilate, humiliate, or try to rehabilitate criminals, there is always a downside, from uncivilized manners to inefficient methods. In my opinion the solution should be focused on the prevention of crime more than the punishment. Many of the criminals are people who are not well educated, who come from dysfunctional families and backgrounds, and are taught a different kind of lifestyle, where violence and crime are glorified. http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/blog/2007/02/putting-human-face-on-prison.html

The Prisoner's Dilema-blog post

2. Chapman states, “Almost no one contends any more that prisons rehabilitate their inmates. If anything, they probably impede rehabilitation by forcing inmates into prolonged and almost exclusive association with other criminals”(374). Do some research on recent developments in criminal rehabilitation and argue for or against the claim that rehabilitation of prisoners is a futile goal.

I completely agree with Chapman. I did some research and couldn't find much information on rehabilitation regarding Iran's punishment systems, but in America, only 35% of inmates don't return to prison after being released! That's ridiculous. I would imagine Iran's rate being smaller considering 226/100,000 people are punished or imprisoned in some way while our statistics are much higher at 509/100,000. We obvioulsy aren't doing a good enough job at rehabilitating prisoners if the keep coming back.
1. Chapman describes people in Islamic cultures who flock to gawk at the misfortunes of others. Americans are also fascinated, even entertained, by others’ problems and misfortunes. How do you account for the causes of our fascination with others’ misfortunes. Give one example of this phenomenon as it relates to the Chapman essay, and then explain why you think people are so attracted to the troubles of others’ misfortunes. Consider linking Stephen King’s Why We Crave Horror Movies (p. 397) for some insights into this morbid human tendency.


I account for the causes of fascination with others misfortunes because I will admit that I love to watch the news and watch live feed of court happenings even when the outcome is bad. Everyone craves drama in their lives whether they admit it or not. That is the reason that reality t.v. is most popular now days. One of the most popular shows on VH1 is the celebrity rehab. People love watching all the misfortunes and hard times in these famous peoples lives. Also, my ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOW is Dr. Phil. I find it so interesting that so many people have issues in their lives and I like to know more about things I never experience in my life. Another great example is the television show Maury. My friends and I love watching all the episodes of "15 Men Tested and Still No Father" or "I Have Been Cheating On You with Your Mother". The shows are so ridiculous that you just have to watch!
maury Pictures, Images and Photos

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Blog 4-- Lisa Melchiorre

4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.

I for the most part disagree, I think that flogging and amputation can send a stronger message. If you lose your hand or you know someone else who has you'll think twice before committing a crime. Our prisons can be overcrowded and if our facilities did their best to make the criminals see and realize what they done was wrong then maybe our way of punishment will not be more barbaric. I think it depends on the crime as well, it makes sense why they cut off someone's hand if they steal something rather than be in a prison for a few years while being tortured/bothered by other inmates. You are either going to deal with quick pain, or constant pain inflicted by others. In the end I believe that flogging and amputation may not be more barbaric than living in a cell with 3 other people all who you don't know and all who are capable of different threatening crimes.

Blog Post 4: The Prisoner’s Dilemma by Stephen Chapman by Zach H., Logan, and Kisan

Blog Post 4: The Prisoner’s Dilemma by Stephen Chapman

Read the essay on pp. 372-378 by Stephen Chapman, The Prisoner’s Dilemma and choose ONE question to respond to. Be sure and comment on at least two of your peers’ posts.

1. Chapman describes people in Islamic cultures who flock to gawk at the misfortunes of others. Americans are also fascinated, even entertained, by others’ problems and misfortunes. How do you account for the causes of our fascination with others’ misfortunes. Give one example of this phenomenon as it relates to the Chapman essay, and then explain why you think people are so attracted to the troubles of others’ misfortunes. Consider linking Stephen King’s Why We Crave Horror Movies (p. 397) for some insights into this morbid human tendency.


2. Chapman states, “Almost no one contends any more that prisons rehabilitate their inmates. If anything, they probably impede rehabilitation by forcing inmates into prolonged and almost exclusive association with other criminals”(374). Do some research on recent developments in criminal rehabilitation and argue for or against the claim that rehabilitation of prisoners is a futile goal.


3. Watch the BBC film, Execution of a Teenage Girl in Iran at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTv6ZDRyqe8&feature=related Relate the film and your response to the film to Stephen Chapman’s essay.


4. Do you agree that “public flogging and amputation may be more barbaric forms of punishment than imprisonment” (376)? Explain your answer using information from Chapman’s essay.