A Changing World

America in the mid-nineteenth century was known as the land of opportunity and was a place where many immigrants came to start over. During this time, the country underwent some major changes. The population increased greatly from the vast amount of immigrants that moved there and many people began to move away from the agrarian culture or agriculture as a means of support. Industrialization occurred causing the removal of a lot of trees and animals habitats in order to build large factories, buildings and homes to support the millions of families now living there. In America today these problems are still occurring and have become worse. Our advancements in technology and overcrowding have severely impacted nature and create threatening impacts on life today.

            In Emerson’s story, he explains the wonder of nature to man. He is amazed at its beauty and appreciates it deeply. He often goes there to be in solitude and feels a spiritual connection with it. Emerson writes,             The infatuation and love for nature is not as persistent today as it was during Emerson’s time. Nature has been drastically changed by mankind. With a steady increase in population, more and more trees are being removed and replaced with small towns or cities. A multitude of forest and wild life are either lost or becoming extinct. The natural habitat for many animals is gone. The open fields and beautiful scenery that Emerson refers to cannot be seen on a large scale. As we cut away at the trees we take away from nature and also make it harder for animals to find shelter and support themselves and offspring.

“Neither does the wisest man extort her secret and lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection” (p. 562).

Although, there are efforts to try and preserve nature and wildlife, our ignorance to potential outcomes has lead to further problems. Global Warming is one. Harmful chemicals are being released into the air and creating holes in the ozone layer. Ultraviolent sun rays that were once prevented from getting to earth are now coming through the holes and warming earth’s temperature and dramatically changing climates and environments. The ice caps are melting causing ocean levels to rise and animals like polar bears to go extinct. Climate is also affected. Places like California that normally do not get too cold, have now received freezing temperatures and received large amounts of snow. Emerson writes,

“For nature…the same scene which yesterday breathed perfume and glittered as…is overspread with melancholy today” (p. 564).

This is true; nature as it once was has been drastically altered.

While growing up, I have been able to see the affects of what mankind has done to nature. I am from Kentucky and the winters there have temperatures around fifty and sixty degrees.  We very rarely got snow and when we did it was only a light dusting that melted rapidly. Now the winters there are much worse. The temperatures get down to freezing or below that and we receive much more snow. I can remember having to get my first winter coat with gloves and a scarf. My mom would by us coats but they would be suitable for the mild weather we would receive. This temperature change is believed to be brought in by global warming. In my high school we learned about global warming and the affects that are occurring today.

             In Emerson’s story he has a deep appreciation for nature. He was among some of the people who did not agree much with industrialization. Today that idea I think is not as prevalent. With the advancement of technology there are many cities across the U.S. I think people are more concerned with the advancement of mankind, rather than the preservation of nature. Now that all of these problems are occurring people realize that we should have done more to protect it. I do not believe many people thought nature played as big a role as it does in how the world works. I have never been one to actually enjoy nature and see the beauty in it, but in seeing how important it is, I do believe we should do more to take better care of it.

            Nature has been greatly changed due to humans. With the removal of trees and animals habitats, and causing global warming, mankind is greatly impacted by this. If we continue on the path that we are going are world will only become worse. If we want to continue to advance as a people, we should focus on ways to protect our environment in our continuously changing world.



Teen Pregnacy: Is it glamorized?

There are many ads’ that promote safe sex and prevention of pregnancy. There are numerous ways to access this information not only by television ads’ but also the internet, books, and even in health classes at some high schools. With all these resources available teen pregnancy is still an epidemic among girls in America. An article in the Nevada Sagebrush suggested that t.v shows like “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” patronize viewers.  I however, do not agree with this claim. Yes, I believe these programs should be shown they do not patronize viewers. These programs give young teens a reality check and while promoting safe sex, it also encourages teens to be more cautious with decisions they make.

            In the article, “Shows Promoting Teen Pregnancy Patronize Viewers”, the author stands strong by this view. Although the shows “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” main goal is show the effects of teen pregnancy, it in some ways glamorizes it. People are fascinated with the lives of pregnant teens. These programs push off Christian value undertones and do not explore all the decisions and option that come along with being pregnant, more specifically abortion.

            There are many young girls in the U.S that become pregnant. The young moms in “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” are followed around in their day to day lives during the pregnancy and after they have given birth. The show does not glamorize the fact the girls are pregnant, but demonstrates all the responsibility the girls gain and the freedom they lose. They are unable to hang out with friends like other teens. Some struggle financially and have to get jobs and some mom’s even drop out of school or struggle staying in school. There have been cases where the child was given up for adoption also. This is a reality check for teens. With me being a teen myself, it is more powerful to see the effects of teen pregnancy, rather than reading about them or hearing cases about them. Being able to see firsthand, young girls around the same age undergoing the same situation and how they are handling it really leaves an impact on audiences.

            Since teen pregnancy is common, the shows look into why the girls have become pregnant. The girls on the show openly come out and say it is because they did not use condoms or were not on birth control.  Pregnancy is not a concern until it occurs. This scenario is very common. It is not that teens are uneducated about how to protect themselves and prevent pregnancy, but rather that they do not take proper precautions at their own will. These shows make teens more cautious about decisions they make like not using condoms, because they physically see the effects.  How hard it is to raise a child without adequate schooling, jobs, or stable relationship. How difficult it is for the parents that place their child up for adoption. This is all visible in the show. The moms have moms have decided to go through with their pregnancies and do what they believe is best for their child.

             In conclusion, yes, I think these types of programs should be shown. It allows teens to receive a firsthand look at the difficulties in being a teen parent. While it promotes safe sex, it also encourages teens to be more cautious in their decisions pertaining to it. These families make the decision of going through with the pregnancy and handling them the best way they can. Religion may play a role in their decision, but it is their religious values that over all help their decision. These shows are just like all the ads and books that promote safe sex and prevention of pregnancy, and hopefully through this, young girls will think more about their decisions and utilize the resources given to them.