The Appeal of Horror Movies - Essay Example

 The Appeal of Horror Movies From Paranormal Activity to Nightmare on Elm Street, Hollywood continues to churn out horror films which set the cash registers ringing. Contrary to the natural instinct to gravitate towards self-preservation and contentment, it is ironical that humans actively seek fear and anxiety through horror movies. The appeal of horror movies lies in excitement, catharsis and social fulfillment. Horror movies provide the excitement lacking in a life of mundane routine. Humans innately crave strong sensations and stimulation of the nervous system. An unevenetful lifestyle is enlivened by the experience of a horror movie, which provokes curiosity and fascination, and satisfies the sensation-seeking and arousal needs: particularly of adolescents. Horror movies have a cathartic effect on the viewer. Many fears, suppressed in real life because of the expected ridicule from peers, can be given vent to at the film: Arachnophobia permits a boy to scream aloud and give vent to his very real fear of spiders. Horror movies also give the viewer emotional escape from real world anxieties, such as unemployment or debt. Horror movies provide an opportunity to exhibit gender roles. Men can show that they are not afraid, while girls are free to act quintessentially ‘feminine.’ There is also the social satisfaction of belonging to a group which exhibits similar reactions. Most often, horror movies are viwed in a group. Horror movies satisfy a very real need in humans. The stimulation of the senses gives a keeness to mundane lives; suppressed emotions find expresssion; there is escape from the stress of the real world; social bonding is facilitated. It is obvious that horror movies satisfy a basic need in humans. Long live Horror Films! Air Travel: Boon or Bane. From the time of Icarus, man has always dreamt of flying like the birds. This dream became a reality with the Wright Brothers, and travel by air is now very much a part of modern life. Air travel has improved life through the speed of transport, but has the negative effect of increasing global warming and adding to man’s destructive capabilities. One undeniable benefit of air travel is the factor of speed. This speed is a great advantage for the emergency transport of both people and goods, particularly in inaccessible terrain. People can be rescued from disaster zones, airlifted for medical aid, and save time on travel. Perishable goods, medical supplies and relief can be transported rapidly to areas of need. The rapid increase in air travel leads to an increase in the noise, greenhouse gases and pollutants emitted by aircraft. Air travel is an important contributor to global warming. The burning of jet fuels leads to an increased demand for fossil fuels and environmental degradation. Airport infrastructure adds to the pollution. The destructive capacity of nations has increased exponentially because of aviation. Casualties in war are now horrendous because of the use of air power by combatants. From fighter planes to stealth bombers, the horror of war saw a new dimension with the incorporation of aircraft. Air travel can be a boon or a bane, depending on mankind’s usage. The speed of air travel cannot be replicated by any other means of travel. However, the environmental cost and destructive capabilities of aviation cannot be denied. By restricting its use to emergencies and banning aerial warfare, aviation can be designed to benefit modern life. The Lure of Money. ‘Money makes the world go round,’ is very true of present-day society. Although all world religions preach the superiority of the spiritual over the material, the unceasing search for more wealth dominates modern life. People always want more money, because money grants security, prestige and the fulfillment of needs. Money is the only guarantor for a secure life. The underlying fear of being left without a home, or any means of sustenance, and medical care, when one is old and unable to work, is the major factor which makes people want more money. Making more money than required when young permits saving for old age and life after retirement. In the present world, social position and importance is inextricably linked with affluence. An individual is judged by his wealth. In such a scenario, people want more money as money is the factor by which one’s worth is measured. Prestige is an off-shoot of a person’s earning capacity, and increases with monetary worth. Money is the currency which buys everything from food to a movie ticket. It is therefore the only means of satisfying basic needs, such as hunger, clothes and shelter. At the same time, people want more money in order to fulfill higher needs, such as the desire to travel, to own pretty objects and to gain an education. Money is absolutely essential to life. People continue to want more money, even after they have sufficient funds for their needs, because money is the basis for future security, it is the measure of social standing and the means of satisfying needs. It is a pity that ‘enough’ is a very rare word to be found in association with ‘money!’ The Melting-Pot of American Society. The Statue of Liberty has always been the world’s greatest representation of welcome to all those who would escape from tyranny and seek asylum. As the concrete manifestation of this symbol, American society is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities, religions and cultures. In spite of creating some strife, this diversity makes American society richer, economically stronger and more cooperative. The melding of different races and religions makes American society richer. Each group brings with it its own food, music, literature, art, dress and customs. This makes for a rich tapestry of life. Variety adds spice to life and lifts it out of the mundane. Imagine an America without pizza or Chinese takeaway! Every group which constitutes American society makes its unique contribution to the economy. Business organizations have access to a larger pool of talent and can reduce labor costs. A diverse society is more likely to generate new ideas. Diverse cultural and linguistic skills make America a greater player in the global economy. America’s divers society sees people of different backgrounds coming together to make a way of living which is uniquely ‘American.’ Living cooperatively is one of the most significant social skills to safeguard a society and prevent it from breaking apart. American diversity is a lesson in collaboration. American society is a melting pot of different races and cultures. By embracing people of all backgrounds, it continues to grow in all aspects. It is this diversity which enhances the richness of American culture, contributes to its economic strength, and acts as a safeguard to cooperative living. Diversity is America’s greatest strength. The Effects of Childcare on Children. In these days of gender equality and economic need, both parents working away from home is quite the norm. In this scenario, childcare is a part of modern life. The effect of childcare on small children is both positive and negative. Childcare increases language skills, but leads to stress: however, both these effects are negligible when compared to the effect of parental care. Children who spend extended periods in childcare have greater language, reading and mathematical skills than those who are in maternal care. This can be attributed to the fact that childcare centers are usually better equipped than homes in terms of settings and learning aids, in the form of pictures and books. On the negative side, children in childcare exhibit slower rates of social development. They show more aggressive behavior, and are more demanding and non-cooperative. They are less motivated in classroom engagement and have higher levels of stress. Poorer work habits and social skills are seen in these children. The positive and negative effects of childcare do not need to cause concern, as both effects are negligible when compared to parental care. The skills persist in elementary school, while aggressive behavior dissipates. It is the effects of parental care which persist and have a permanent impact on the child’s emotional and psychological development. Childcare is an essential social institution, which cannot be wished away. It has its advantages and disadvantages. It fosters language and math skills, but results in slow social development. However, as the effect of childcare is very small and transient when compared to the effect of parenting, the emphasis should be on good parenting. Works Cited. Lewin, Tamar. “3 New Studies Assess Effects of Childcare.” The New York Times. 1 November 2005. Web. 31 July 2012 http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/01/national/01child.html?pagewanted=al The Importance of Ceremonies. From time immemorial, mankind has used ceremonies to mark special occasions. Such ceremonies, or events of ritual significance, continue to be of great importance to people in contemporary times, and serve a social purpose. Ceremonies mark a rite of passage, confer legitimacy and provide a route for cooperative celebration. Ceremonies serve to mark a biological rite of passage in life, such as birthdays, puberty, adulthood (the Jewish Bar Mitzvah), and married life (weddings). Such rites, performed in the midst of community members, are a mark of social approval and recognition of the individual’s social transition and entry into a particular stage in the life cycle. Society uses ceremonies to confer legitimacy on changes in social status. An example of this is the college graduation ceremony, award ceremonies and initiation into fraternities and honorary societies. The inauguration of elected office bearers is another ceremony which is used to confer social sanction. Ceremonies are an opportunity for group celebrations. Familial ties are renewed and reinforced when the rituals of a ceremony are performed together. For instance, decorating the Christmas tree, or gathering together for Thanksgiving dinner, bring scattered family members together. . Observing rituals as a group strengthens identity and bonding. Ceremonies serve the social purpose of binding the diverse member of the society through the performance of common rituals. Ceremonies mark stages in the life cycle, demonstrate social sanction and foster cooperation. Social order is preserved and social stability is reinforced. Ceremonies are essential means of preserving social norms. My Favorite Pastime. I agree wholeheartedly with Stephen King’s statement that “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” My favorite pastime is reading, and I am always ready to immerse myself in the rewarding and magical world of books: romance, mystery, fantasy- an unending list! Reading books is educative, entertaining and provides the reader with companionship. Books are the greatest source of information, and form a record of human history from time immemorial. Books generate ideas and provide easy access to the minds of different people. Books can open up hundreds of new worlds, and make possible the exploration of ancient and alien cultures and ways of life. There is no greater way to stimulate the mind than reading. My pastime does not just educate me, it also entertains. What can be more entertaining than curling up with a Harry Potter book, or laughing out loud over an Asterix and Obelix comic? Sitting in a chair, I can travel to the Amazon jungles or the Norwegian fjords, tremble over a horror novel or visit an alien world. Books are the most constant of companions and the best of friends. Books are always available and can be chosen to suit one’s mood. Unlike friends, books have no expectations from the reader- one can always skip pages! When I have a book in hand, I do not need to seek company. This gives me self-sufficiency, and the confidence that I need never fear loneliness. Reading is not just my pastime, but also a very special part of my life. I do not read only when I have time to kill and have nothing else to do. My day remains incomplete without books. Reading is as essential to me as my daily food. My daily night cap is a book! Of course, I am now making the transition to the e-book. Whatever be its new avatar, books are for me! The Adverse Effects of Junk Foods. The US fast food industry is the largest and fastest growing in the world. This reflects the increasing social trend to consume so-called ‘fast foods,’ or the more appropriate term, ‘junk foods.’ While the speed of service, and relatively lower prices, make these foods attractive and convenient for contemporary lifestyles, junk foods have adverse effects. Junk foods are unhealthy and cause obesity and diabetes. Junk foods are largely processed and low in nutrients. With very few exceptions, fast food chains do not serve fresh foods: “most fast food is delivered to the restaurant already frozen, canned, dehydrated, or freeze-dried” (Schlosser, New York Times). The taste and aroma are largely enhanced by chemical processes and lack nutritive value. Obesity is an unavoidable side-effect of regular junk food consumption. These foods are high in saturated fats and calories. Fast foods marketing strategies, such as ‘jumbo-size’ burgers and ‘super-size fries,’ encourage over-eating. Weight gain associated with fast food leads to other adverse health effects, such as cardiovascular problems, arthritis and asthma (NIH site). Junk foods, such as chocolate shakes and sodas, and also foods such as coleslaw and burgers, are also high in sugar content. Studies show that frequent fast food leads to a two-fold greater increase in insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar imbalances require daily medication. Diabetes is a risk factor for other complications, such as kidney disease (NIH site) Fast foods are high in fat, sugar and calories, and low in fiber and nutrients. Combined with chemical processing and ‘super-size’ portions, fast foods are health hazards, which cause obesity and diabetes. Even a little junk food is ‘too much.’ It is time for American society to move away from its fast food mania and make healthy food choices. Works Cited Schlosser, Eric. “Fast Food Nation.” The New York Times. Web. 1 August 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/s/schlosser-fast.html National Institutes of Health. “Eating at Fast-food Restaurants More than Twice Per Week is Associated with More Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance in Otherwise Healthy Young Adults.” 30 December 2004. Web. 1 August 2012. http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/dec2004/nhlbi-30.htm Childcare Benefits Companies. At a time when women with young children form a substantial part of the workforce, the issue of employers providing childcare assumes great significance. Contrary to the popular perception, company-sponsored childcare benefits not only the employee, but also the employer. Employer-sponsored childcare is profitable as it reduces absenteeism, controls employee turnover and increases the profitability of the company.  The provision of childcare reduces absenteeism at the workplace. The National Conference of State Legislatures cites child-care issues as the main family factor which results in absenteeism and tardiness at the workplace (Hahn, 2012). This results in the cutting short of the workday. By providing childcare, companies substantially increase productivity. Employer-sponsored childcare is a powerful tool in recruiting and retaining employees. Studies demonstrate that “93 percent of parents cite work-site childcare as an important factor in job change,” and 42 percent of employees quoted the availability of on-site child care as an important factor in choosing an employer (CAI, 2010). Company-sponsored childcare yields significant economic gains.  The Union Bank in Pasadena, Calif. made a savings of $138,000 to $232,000 in annual operations costs, as a direct result of its on-site childcare program. Another study showed that two companies providing childcare facilities saved an estimated $150,000 and $250,000 in wages (Hahn, 2012). Employer-sponsored childcare is unarguably beneficial not only to employees, but also to the employers. Absenteeism is substantially reduced, production increases, and the company gains in terms of recruitment and profitability. On-site childcare is something every far-sighted company should definitely implement. Works Cited. Hahn, Cliff. “Day Care: An Office Affair.” Bloomsberg Business Week. 2012. Web. 2 August 2012. http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2007/04/day_care_an_office_affair.html CAI. “How Providing Childcare can Benefit your Company as well as your Employees.” Workplace Insights. 7 September, 2010. Web. 2 August 2012. http://blog.capital.org/how-providing-child-care-can-benefit-your-company-as-well-as-your-employees/ The Benefits of Exercise. As contemporary lifestyles increasingly move towards sedentary jobs, fast foods and leisure hours spent in front of LCD screens, there is growing concern about the widespread lack of exercise and the resulting health problems. Exercise builds bone and muscle strength, guards against obesity and helps to lift depression. Exercise combats the natural decline of muscle strength that occurs with age. By flexing and extending joints, exercise also strengthens bones, and maintains healthy joints. Exercise also builds balance and flexibility. As a result, exercise slows the onset of osteoporosis, reduces the risk of falls and fractures, and guards against chronic back pain (University of Maryland Medical Center). The main health consequence of a sedentary lifestyle is obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for a host of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory problems. Exercise helps in weight loss, and maintenance of lower weight, and fights obesity. It burns calories, reduces fat, builds muscle and is a mild appetite suppressant (University of Maryland Medical Center). Exercise helps to lift depression. Studies show that exercise leads to improved mood and motivation. The antidepressant effect of exercise is seen in both genders, through all age groups: from children to the elderly. In fact, exercise is as effective as medication in treating mild-to-moderate depression (University of Maryland Medical Center). Exercise is a proven means of improving both physical and mental health. It generates a sense of well-being. Its health benefits are seen in muscle and bone strength, in its service as a safeguard against obesity and its attendant health complication, and in its anti-depressant effect. Exercise should definitely be a part of each individual’s lifestyle. Works Cited. University of Maryland Medical Center. “Exercise – Highlights.” 2011. Web. 2 August 2012. http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/exercise_000029.htm . . Read More