Category: Writing

English Coursework Torture

“Power without morality is a prescription for disaster”-Karen Greenberg. 

Torture is an act of inflicting pain on someone to try to get useful information. The brutality of torture has inspired me to document my own thoughts and feelings about its use. As a western citizen myself, I feel that my own people are damaging our image in the world. America is a superpower, and should be setting a good moral example. Whilst I understand that torture is used to get information out of terrorists, in my opinion its use is morally and ethically wrong and even more importantly it is ineffective. Also torture is a humiliating way to respond to a situation that needs dealing with. In this essay I will be discussing how torture is used in the wrong way. The use of torture should be abolished. It has killed too many people and needs to be stopped before its gets out of hand. The victims of torture will want to gain revenge as a consequence of being treated as the enemy. This will escalate on and on until another war. Would we risk another world war for something as horrific as torture?

The lasting legacy of Abu Ghraib is a scar that can never be erased in terms of our relation with the Muslim world. The information obtained through horrible torturing and continuous inhuman interrogation has not been valuable to get reliable information. Instead it has worsened our situation, and has increased more terrorism in all corners of the world. In fact, torture takes place in the majority of countries in the world – as many as 90% of countries. I think this fact is truly shocking and unacceptable.The fact that torture takes place in 90% of the world is a very alarming and must be lowered immediately or there will be serious consequences. If the world is bad enough already, why should there be torturing of innocent people across the world.

Today, more than ever, terrorists are inflicting acts of terrorism, particularly in the western world. For example, they are putting massive pressure on the western governments to pump in huge amounts of money for police to patrol the streets. For instance, in the streets of London and Paris, more and more police are having to be placed. The people in these cities are more vigilant in their everyday life, be it work or leisure. Some believe a terrorist attack is imminent and people are becoming increasingly anxious. So, how has humiliating Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay torturing improved the way we live and our peace? Is it not time that we thought twice about putting in place much more effective solutions to the existing problem? The truth is, that torture is not effective and that it’s use kills many humans.

Why do the superpower countries feel the need to torture? More recently the use of torture has been used especially in America. The CIA released information about their use of “enhanced interrogation” techniques. These acts were being used on Al-Qaeda terrorists following the 9/11 attacks on the US. I, for one think that this is absolutely terrible and shocking behaviour by the American government. Some of the interrogation techniques used were sleep deprivation, confinement in small spaces, slapping and water boarding – (simulated drowning). How disgraceful! Even though the 9/11 attacks were unacceptable, America should not resort to torture. I think this is the most humiliating way to respond. America should have called for peace but certainly torture is not the way forward. For a country as powerful as America this is disgraceful and should be ought to be ashamed of themselves as a country.How can you torture any citizen in this world? If these outrageous act happened to the American people they would not like it. Hence, why does America feel the need to torture other human beings?

Overall, I believe that torture should never be used, it is breaking the human rights of the people being brutally hurt. Furthermore, it is not morally the right thing to do. The use of torture should be abolished from any civilized society. It is unacceptable and no human deserves to be treated this way. So once and for all torture should be abolished from all parts of the world, then this world would be full peace and civilized people, wouldn’t any human want a world like this?

Dear Isabelle Kerr,

This is a letter in response to the article “Bare Vexed”. In my opinion, I agree with this article because slang is brainwashing children`s minds. They automatically think that words like “innit” “Bruv” or “Selfie” are the correct words to say. In fact children find it difficult to get through a sentence without mentioning slang words in their English exams, and every day lives. This is because children grow up learning inappropriate uses of language that has ruined their ability to speak and write thus degrading their ranks in society. This can diminish their chances on being successful in this tough and competitive world. Therefore, it is really important children grow up into the world equipped with the appropriate use of language. Otherwise the English language will be lost in this generation. If they keep using slang words in their everyday life then the chances of them becoming employed are significantly hindered. One online user stated “No wonder there is so much youth unemployment”. I agree with you. Most managers would not allow slang to be spoken on their premises, for example if a teenager goes for a job interview and speaks slang, he/she would certainly not get the job. As these people would struggle to communicate in the right manner that is needed to be employed.

You explores the idea of slang words being put in the Oxford dictionary. This would justify slang words and encourage the younger generation, which may have serious consequences. For instance, you states that these words unfairly represent what can only be described as this generations “feeble etymological contribution”. This shows us that this generation are continuously adopting slang words in their writing and speaking. When skimming through the words. Children will automatically think that slang words inserted in the dictionary are correct word or phrase to use. When as a matter of fact, it is absolutely not the right word to use.

In addition the dictionary is basically encouraging these slang words to be spoken all around the UK and around the world. If this continues for years to come, then the dictionary needs a reality check. It has crushed ridiculous amounts of people’s speaking ability and must undoubtedly withdraw the slang words before it takes its toll on many other citizens. I think it is degrading the beautiful English language that has stood tall for many years.

I think that this generation of teenagers have been forced to learn or to speak these slang words in order to fit in with other people in society, especially in schools. If you don’t use slang words regularly the other students would not recognise you as their friend . As a matter of fact the well behaved, mature and well mannered pupil are using slang to fit in with this new society. For example, I tend to use slang words but I despise using it. I only use it to fit in with the students, which I think is unacceptable. People should speak appropriate English language and act like themselves to be accepted in society.

As another online user stated “What has the world come to”. I agree with this point as many people around the world are copying famous people for e.g Miley Cyrus was caught “Twerking” which means dancing to music in a sexually provocative manner, involving thrusting hip movements and a low squatting stance. Seeing a famous person in Miley Cyrus performing this intrigues many young children all over the world to also perform this act its the same with slang. Surely people would recognize these acts are the wrong thing to do.

you also explore the fact that some slang words are no longer being adopted by the younger generation. Words like “groovy” “wicked” and “peak” are no longer slang words being spoken by children. They are like fashion trends that come and go.Therefore the use of slang words coming and going from time to time is nonsense there should be well spoken words that will stick in the English language. Instead of no longer speaking slang words why don’t we adopt some of the well spoken words that have been used for centuries, if Shakespeare was still alive he would be utterly disgusted by the words being spoken today. All in all this generation is certainly not a good one to live in terms of speaking the language.

Overall, the present article has a compelling evidence that slang words are being used in the Oxford dictionary. Will hinder children`s education, and has a big impact on the young generation communicating effectively in the wider world. I strongly agree with this article. You strongly believe that slang words are not the correct way to communicate efficiently. This article stands for what I believe in regarding slang being used to brainwashing children`s minds and their future. If they carry on using slang.

Yours Sincerely,

Brooke Ferede.