Social problems in American society - Research Paper Example

Social problems in American society The United s of America is a diversified with various social problems.Some of the social issues currently affecting the nation are Legality of firearms, Terrorism, and obesity. In this discussion, we analyze each of the problems, history, effects on the economy and the significance of the government in containing them. Legality of firearms The United States has been faced with security issues, both internal and external. The government hence invests a lot in security, just to ensure the borders are safe. The biggest problem currently being faced by the nation is internal security. Somehow, the government has managed to contain the boundaries, hence protecting the citizens from external invasion. In the recent past, the country has faced a great deal of internal insecurity issues that range from murder, domestic violence, rape, and robbery. Despite the availability of police, crime cases have been more than the available police can handle. The situation is usually worsened when the perpetrators of certain offenses are people well known to their victims (Kellermann, Rivara et al. 1993). This hence becomes difficult for the police to intervene, or appear when damage has already been caused. There has been a debate on allowing citizens to own firearms for self-defense, an argument that has elicited a lot of debates. In normal circumstances, it is only the police, and a few dignitaries that are licensed to possess guns. However, with the increasing insecurity, citizens have pushed the government to allow them own guns, since they feel the police do not offer them timely protection. Amidst the requests, they have been concerned about how well the citizens are going to use the firearms once allowed. In as much as such possession is meant to minimize on insecurity, there are fears that it might increase vulnerability instead. The people who are authorized to possess firearms are under an oath to use them only when it is necessary. However, extending such a privilege to the citizens may increase their misuse and hence making America even more insecure. Terrorism The United States of America has been the target for terrorism since time immemorial. The target has been due to their international operations, some which are humanitarian and others to protect their interests Mooney, Knox & Schacht, 2014). The country has faced some terrorist attack, both on their local and global investments. Terrorism has diverse effects on the economy and more especially on foreign investments. Terrorists usually target a productive economic zone, to destroy not only property but also people. Considering the destruction done, it takes quite some time, or even never, to recover from the losses. Once investors realize that a region is prone to terrorist attacks, they shy from establishing the investments, and hence affecting economic growth. Terrorists’ threats increase tensions, as intensive searches are done to contain the threat. As the exercise is being done, buildings are cordoned off, hence paralyzing business activities. Despite the continuous threats, the government has put in a lot of efforts to ensure the issue is minimized. One of the steps being taken was to withdraw troops from the Middle East. The presence of unites states soldiers in the Middle East was one of the issues that were aggravating terrorist attacks on United States interests (Hewitt, 2003). Terror attacks were a way through which leaders in the Middle East expressed their anger and dissatisfaction on the military operations in the country. Furthermore, United States has increased its security details, which includes intelligence and extensive training of the army. Security operations are also a regular service in America, where the identity of immigrants is verified, and the reason for their stay and assignment in America identified. With presidential elections around the corner, candidates have promised to intensify their security, to ensure terrorism is contained and managed. Obesity Obesity is one of the biggest health issues being faced by America. The number of overweight people increases by the day. With the rise in obese issues, health conditions associated with it also increases. This has had adverse effects on the economy, especially considering the increasing costs of healthcare. With obesity other health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, organ failure and the likes. The government and other non-governmental organizations have been at the forefront in educating people on the dangers of obesity (Jeffery & Utter, 2003). The awareness comes with education on the kind of lifestyle that people have to maintain so that they are at a minimal risk of being obese. Consumption of junk and processed foods has been one of the leading causes of obesity. Technology has also minimized the rate at which people moved and exercised and hence accumulating fats in the body. Considering the length of time that it takes for obesity to become a big issue, there are efforts by the government to advocate for healthy lifestyles. The campaign is mostly carried out in schools where children are advised on the lifestyles they have to maintain so that they are not at risk. Some of the efforts that the government tried putting in place was to minimize the number of fast food joints. However, such efforts failed due to the economic contributions that fast food joints have. The government has found itself in a tricky situation of trying to solve one problem, and then create another. There is hope that with frequent awareness, people will be able to adjust their lifestyles for the sake of their health. With each passing day, America is finding more solutions to its current social problems; however, the cycle of issues continues to grow. The social issues that are currently being faced by America are not the same 5o years ago. Every generation comes with its own issues whose solution has to be found. The challenges faced in the states are a sign that the country is growing intellectually and technologically. It is however hopes that a time will come when the nation will have the intelligence to predict the most likely issue to be faced years to come so that they are well prepared for the same. References Hewitt, C. (2003). Understanding terrorism in America: from the Klan to al Qaeda. Psychology Press. Jeffery, R. W., & Utter, J. (2003). The changing environment and population obesity in the United States. Obesity research, 11(S10), 12S-22S. Kellermann, A. L., Rivara, F. P., Rushforth, N. B., Banton, J. G., Reay, D. T., Francisco, J. T., ... & Somes, G. (1993). Gun ownership as a risk factor for homicide in the home. New England Journal of Medicine, 329(15), 1084-1091. Mooney, L., Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2014). Understanding social problems. Cengage Learning. Read More