Discussion Boards
Discussion Board 7
My father could not watch the Super Bowl without his lucky Packers Jersey. Everyone had to sit in the same place in order to ensure the team won. The practice still continues today because we believe it plays a role in the performance of our favorite team.
I always touch wood whenever I make confident statements in order to prevent bad luck. It brings me comfort that I or someone close to me will not experience misfortune.
Most cultures harbor beliefs that the supernatural can be compelled. American culture is no different. People engage in ritualistic practices in order to influence good luck and bad luck. By performing certain magical acts, we believe that bad luck can be avoided, and the supernatural will favor us or what we value.
Discussion Board 7
Americans use magic in everyday life. A close relative has won the same watch for years for good luck. Astronauts carry coins, rabbit foot, and medallion to the international space station. Businessmen carry lucky pens to sign deals.
Students extensively use magic to overcome the stress of exams. No matter how well prepared, students still experience uncertainty and turn to magic for comfort.
Magic is practiced because it helps people to deal with uncertainty. As such, the practice of magic has an important psychological function. Furthermore, Americans believe in causal relationships between the real world and the supernatural world.
Discussion 8
I disagree with the idea that war is not a necessary aspect of society. War is the ultimate path to deal with threats. For instance, war is the only way to deal with the threat posed by the Islamic State. Some conflicts cannot be resolved peacefully because some parties tend to be belligerent.
Yes, conflict can be minimized through the effective implementation of peace and reconciliation strategies. War should be an instrument of last resort. Negotiations, mediation, and diplomacy can help to minimize the risk of war. Although war is a part of life, modern society has ensured that conflict is avoided because of its costs.
Discussion 8
A closer look as history reveals that war is a great evil but an important cultural practice. No empire was built without war. War has played an essential role in the expansion of cultures.
Indeed, human societies are organized in a way which makes war inevitable. For instance, nation-states create political and social structures which build their capacity to engage in a way. As long as society is organized in ways which encourage competition rather than collaboration, war is inevitable.
Discussion 9
Yes, anthropologists have an essential role to play in international development. Anthropologists have brought new insight to issues associated with development. For instance, the study of peasant communities has enlightened leaders on the causes of poverty. Anthropologists have a unique understanding of poverty and cultural entrepreneurial practices, which can help resolve challenges facing indigenous groups. Anthropology has become more meaningful by expanding beyond academic neutrality. Anthropological research is useful when it is done for community advocacy. They can use anthropological insight to promote the development of oppressed communities. Nevertheless, anthropologists must take care to avoid any development activities which are not in the best interest of marginalized communities.
Discussion 10
Looking at the issue from a different perspective, economically weak people are less healthy. In the United States, African Americans are less healthy because of their social and economic status. There are glaring health disparities affecting every aspect of healthcare, including chronic diseases and infectious diseases. The white population is better off health-wise because it is wealthier. Healthcare disparities are attributed to racism and marginalization. African Americans have lower levels of health insurance and limited access to quality healthcare. They cannot afford preventive care. As a result of poverty and racism, they are more likely to die from complications than white patients.
Discussion #10
Economics plays a critical role in the delivery of healthcare in America. Wealthy communities tend to have state of the art healthcare facilities. Major hospital groups which provide cutting edge care do not invest in poor communities because the people living there cannot afford the care they provide. As long as money is important for access to healthcare, poor people will always be less healthy. In countries with universal healthcare, the poor and the wealthy have access to the same quality of care. As a result, economics does not play an important role in a person’s health. In the American system, healthcare is expensive, a persistent problem which is yet to be addressed.