Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011

Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011 According to Goffman (1963, p. 89), social stigma is a process whereby reactive approach from society destroys the existing normal identity of a person. The author further defines social stigma as a process of disapproving personal characteristics and beliefs which are considered to be against societal norms and beliefs.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Goffman in his work identifies three types of stigma. To begin with, he explores life long experience which may result from mental illness. The second aspect is that he attempts to address physical deformity or distinct traits which are undesired. Lastly, the aspect of associating an individual with certain beliefs, race or religions which are undesired in society has also been given special consideration by Goffman. Therefore, his definition of stigma can be viewed in different pers pectives depending on how he presents each element that makes up the whole definition. The author further divides relationship between an individual and stigma into three distinct groups. Firstly, the stigmatized are those individuals who suffer from the effects of stigma while normal individuals in society are those who do not bear the stigma. His third category consists of people who are wise and are considered normal even by those who have been stigmatized. These three categories are indeed very important when exploring significance of stigma in contemporary age. While his theory and concept on stigma may to a large extent be disputed by other scholars, it is still imperative to note that the author, to a large extent, offers the right direction towards understanding stigma. Needless to say, this may be an important step in the right direction even in 2011 when societal stigma on various aspects is still dominant. In modern society, stigma can be associated with necessity to be p owerful whether politically, economically or socially. However, in some circumstances, the role played by power can be clear while in some situations it may lack clarity. For instance, inmates often undergo stigma related experiences as a result of power that is associated with the institution. Thus, prisoners will be stigmatized on the basis that they are feeling powerless since they are being guarded. However, according to Goffman’s theory, the prisoners’ situation may not be equated to true stigmatization bearing in mind that they do not experience social, economic or political power in this situation. In addition, their thoughts are hardly directed towards the guards and hence, they are not seriously affected by the impact of stigmatization.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Goffman (1963, p.45), the aspect of stigma takes place when a pers on is considered deviant and linked with certain stereotypes which may be negative in nature. The present society still applies Goffman’s theory to illuminate how individuals are trying to manage their identities that are being perceived as undesirable in the presence of those who are normal. For instance, the model is still applied by individuals who have certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS which for a long time, has been considered as a deviant ailment associated with those who are sexually immoral. Therefore, HIV/AIDS patients try to manage their predicament even if they are disqualified from society by those individuals that Goffman termed as wise. However, Estroff (1989, p.189) argues that Goffman’s focus on the aspect of stigma is not fixed or inherent enough; the focus is a mere difference of meaning or experience faced by an individual (Goffman, 1963, p.53). Goffman also defined stigma as an aspect that violates the expectations of society in both natural and ord inary settings among certain groups of people. According to the author, an individual who has attributes which are considered less desirable and are out of what the society expects is considered tainted or stigmatized in terms of identity. Goffman argued that individuals with tainted identities have to be very cautious while presenting themselves in public. In addition, they need to critically determine the god or bad attribute to either hide or reveal to other individuals in certain circumstances (Estroff, 1989, p.190). In present world, the society expects heterosexual adults to get an ideal mate and get married. Therefore, failure to achieve this may be considered to be abnormal and not acceptable in society. Moreover, individuals who have attained certain age are expected to find a partner and start up a family and therefore those who fail to achieve this are considered to be having an attribute that is less desirable in the society. Nonetheless, in the society, there are still uniformly ingrained expectations of things that are considered natural and ordinary for individuals who decide to remain single even after attaining certain age (Fine Asch, 1988, p.21). The process of finding a mate should also meet the expectations of the society by being natural and normal.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hence, aspects such as online dating which have become common in the 21st century are some instance that illustrates the usefulness of Goffman’s theory of stigma. Individuals who date online are considered to be violating the expected dating practices as they meet their potential mates online and thus they have a tainted identity which is double in nature. On the basis of Goffman’s theory, there is tainted identity as online daters face stigmatization from the society (Heatherton et al., 2000, p. 47). Additionally, Goffman’s theory has been used and is still useful in current researches on modern social stigma especially on diseases that are associated with social stigma. Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, psychiatric disorders and other physical disabilities are among diseases that are being researched and correlated to stigma using Goffman’s theory. For instance epilepsy is one of the neurological disorders associated with quite a number of social stigmas. For example, a study carried out by Chung-yan in Hong Kong used the model to carry out a research on public attitudes on individuals who have epilepsy. Therefore, the theory has been used by researchers to identify ways of handling and dealing with stigma. For example, the findings from the research have been used to formulate recommendations on ways of strengthening the system of rehabilitation centers not only in Hong Kong but also in other parts of the world. The theory has also been used to eliminate stigmas that are associated with mental illness (Goffman, 1959, p.78). Studies on HIV/AIDS have also used the theory in tackling stigma that is associated with the disease. It has been used with the aim of evaluating the impact of stigma on care and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Medical practitioners and counselors apply the theory in their daily activities to sensitize individuals on the diseases and avoid stigma. Thus, the theory has been individuals to come out in open and declare their status an aspect that have helped in curbing the spread of the disease (Anleu, 2006, p.34) A study carried out by Marshall, Douglas and McDonnell (2007, p. 67) evaluated some of the effects of stigma. It made use of Goffman’s theory in a study that consisted 210 people. Using the theory, the study found out that individuals who had high level of concerns regarding to their status did not respond and adhere to the medication while those who had low concerns regarding to the same adhered to their medications and other counseling services regarding their status. Therefore, the theory is still being used in 2011 to understand reasons why individuals who are HIV positive abscond the drugs or spread the disease or refuse to embrace voluntary testing services. Moreover, the theory has been used to explain why individuals are not usually ready to reveal their status to others. This is because these individuals are more sensitive to social stigma (Link Phelan, 2008, p.45)Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the aforementioned social stigma in Goffman’s theory in 2011 is still being associated with certain diseases and the effects of the stereotypes impact on people negatively. Furthermore, regardless of the nature of the stigma whether it impacts them negatively or positively the perceptions of individuals are usually altered regardless of the situation. Thus, the theory has been used and is still used in 2011 to create mutual understanding of stigma through education in order to eliminate it. Furthermore the Goffman’s theory has been used to classify different categories of stigma. For instance, according to Goffman (1963, p. 77), stigma takes the form of a disease or condition, obesity, dating types, gender, culture and even race. The theory has also been used to indicate how individuals who have been stigmatized feel that their lives is been changed from a normal to that which is tainted. The theory has also been used to individuals feel devalued and differe nt by their peers (Cardwell Flanagan, 2003, p.77). This has been used to address various occurrences in families, criminal justice systems, education, health care and workplace centers. Link and Phelan (2008, p.45) further point out that Goffman’s theory has been used to explain reasons why people are being affected by stigma. For example, people who are stigmatized, in most cases, tend to behave the way society that stigmatized them expects. Thus, the theory has been used and is still being used to explain how stigma not only changes behavior of individuals but also transforms their beliefs and emotions. Finally, it can be argued that the theory has been used to explain how stigma puts the social identity of people in situations that are threatening such as low self-esteem (Plummer, 1975, p.88). In summing up, it is imperative to reiterate that Goffman’s theory on social stigma may not be dismissed in totality in spite of some of the differences in thought that may b e evident when interpreting his arguments. As already mentioned, there are quite a number of infirmities that are still being associated with this theory especially in light of common stereotyping that is prevalent in society. It is also worthy to mention that irrespective of the nature of stigma, perceptions and feelings of individuals are usually transformed to some degree, in the sense that stigma may affect individuals either positively or negatively. Hence, Goffman’s theory on this subject is still relevant up to date. References Anleu, S. L. R. 2006. Deviance, Conformity and Control, New York: Pearson Longman. Cardwell, M. Flanagan, C.2003. Psychology A2: the complete companion. London: Nelson Thornes. Estroff, S.E. 1989. Self, identity and subjective experiences of schizophrenia: in search of the subject. Schizophrenia Bulletin 15:189-196. Fine, M, Asch, A. 1988. Disability beyond stigma: social interaction, discrimination, and activism. Journal of Social Issues 44:3 -22. Goffman, E. 1959. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. New York: Anchor. Goffman,E, 1963. Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. New York. Prentice-Hall. Heatherton, T. F et al. 2000. The Social Psychology of Stigma, Melbourne: Guilford Press. Link, B. G. Phelan, J. C. 2008. ConceptualizingStigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 363-85. Marshall, H., Douglas, K. McDonnell, D. 2007. Deviance and Social Control: Who Rules? Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Plummer, K. 1975. Sexual stigma: an interactionist account, New York: Routledge.

The Concept Of Political Correctness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Concept Of Political Correctness - Essay Example After much struggle and various trials and errors, our society has made a conscious effort to end racial bigotry in all its forms. This has given rise to the concept of political correctness. We have only to look at television programming and content to realize how stereotyping is perpetuated and accepted. In most television shows, the man portrayed as gay usually always has a lisp, the rapper is black, and the Latino is an illegal immigrant. The reality is far from it. We have only to look at the media to prove the point; in this case, we look at media celebrities. Clay Aiken and Ricky Martin, both gay men, do not have a lisp; Eminem, one of the best rappers of America, is white; George Lopez is not an illegal immigrant, in fact, he is an American born Latino.The Native-Americans find their lot no better. We have teams named â€Å"Indians† and â€Å"Chiefs† which portray stereotypical Native-Americans hooked noses, and feathers, as their mascots and logos, said to hono r the Native-Americans. Never mind the racially motivated names of the teams, their mascots and logos are enough to prove that it is no homage to the Native Americans, but massive stereotyping at work. In our times, it is unacceptable that any group of people is discriminated against, yet by perpetuating the stereotypes and tolerating them, we end up being passive bigots, as we, passively, accept that certain groups of people either look or behave in a certain way when we do not object to the stereotypical portrayal of such people.

SIM335 Managing Projects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

SIM335 Managing Projects - Essay Example Any concurrent activities, which activity follows which? The network diagram will look as below and boxes represent the following aspects: If activity A has duration of 4 days, earliest start time would be day 0 (zero) and the earliest finish would be day 4. The earliest start for activity B would be day 4 and the earliest finish would be day 9 as a result of adding. Earliest finish of activity A (4) + duration of activity B (5) = 9 early finish for activity B In general, earliest finish of previous activity+ duration of current activity= earliest finish of the current activity. (Early finish for earlier tasks becomes the early the start for next activity). For a case like activity G that has several preceding activities, we take the value, which has the largest earlier finish value (F 13). The latest start and latest finish are determined by working backwards through the project. Latest start for activity Q = earliest finish of activity Q because it is the last activity. In general: Latest start= latest finish– duration The latest start used as the latest finish for the previous activity. For instance, the latest start for activity Q is 93–5= 88 and this is used as the value for latest finish for activity P. for activities like I & J we use the latest start for activity K. for activity H we take the least value for latest start in this case is 34 (latest start for activity I). ... calculated by: Early finish– early start– duration=Total float For instance, to calculate total float between activities G &H =34–13–(13+8) =0 Critical path is the least amount of time that can be taken to complete the project. This means that there is no float, no free time and a delay in the critical path can lead to a delay in project completion. It can be determined by adding the duration of each activity in the sequence where there is no float. In our case, the critical path is from activity A to Q in the sequence: A(4)+F(9)+G(13)+H(8)+I(7)+K(8)+L(13)+M(9)+N(4)+O(4)+P(9)+Q(5) =93. It is very important as it helps in time scheduling of consecutive activities in a project. Events that occur here are known as milestone (Harold, 2009). If the activity begins on Monday January 16th, the project needs a total of 122 days to finish with a five-day working period then we find out how many weeks we be will need. If one week has a total of 5 working days then t he project will take 122?5=24 weeks and four days, then the project will end on Thursday 5th July 2012. In case activity B is delayed by two days, there would be no effect on the total project duration because it has a float of four days. This is however not the case for activities P and O, delaying activity P by two days or activity O by a day will affect the total duration of the project because there is no float for the two activities (Harold, 2009). Limitations of network diagrams The time estimates depend on personal bias, there is no specific formula for determining the duration of the activities and speculation is used. This may affect the whole project just in case any activity is delayed or takes a longer duration to finish. As seen from above, activities without float if delayed for any reason can

The Vietnam War affected America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Vietnam War affected America - Essay Example The Northern Vietnamese were communists and consequently had the support of the USSR and its allies, while the South received support from the US given that they were capitalists ideologically. Even though the war was fought outside the boundaries of the US, the USA got involved in it following the pursuit of the Marshall plan. This plan provided for military and financial assistance to countries that were at risk of being coerced to accept communism policy that the US was vehemently against (Anderson 86). Effect of the War on America Economy The Vietnam War had several significant effects on the US ranging from heavy economic expenditure during the war to loss of substantial number of solders in the military combat. As recognized in the Marshal plan in the United States countries that are under coercion by the communist allies would be accorded military and monetary help to come out of their situation, the US in these regard spent billions of dollars in fulfilling their commitment i n the Vietnam situations. Within the period of the war, the US spent close to $ 170 billion dollars. This was incurred in terms of the military support and financial aids during the war to the southern Vietnam. This expenditure was more than anticipated and in the eventual consideration, it had a negative impact on the economy of the US where it was pushed to the limits, and it should be noted that the expenses were only incurred in a span of 11 years in which the war was fought. The amount of money that was spent by the US mainly was incurred in military related costs; for instance, it was used mainly in the purchase of military equipment, training, and general logistics of managing a military combat, and this is according to the congressional research information following the end of the war in 1975. The hefty cost incurred in the war is a manifestation of how directly the war led to economic down falls in the US. Indirectly, the war also led to economic hindrance in a more disgui sed manner (Moyar 41). Obviously, during the times of war, there is persistent demand of military equipments and other materials. The fact that industries are always in the business of making profit given a looming demand of a product, they will not waste any of such opportunities to make money. In this relation, most companies in the US that were involved in manufacturing of other products switched their production to conform to the then military equipment demands, which included ammunition and bullets. In the end of the war, the companies had no opportunity for the markets as they had configured their companies to suit production of military materials at the expense of other economic goods. This situation led to widespread inflation in the US, leading to economic problems in the country because of the Vietnam War. Division in the US In the initial periods, the US citizens approved the Vietnam War on the basis that it was championing for the ideological freedom of the nations and o bjected the unlimited spread of the communism by the Russians-a period before the media started making coverage of the situation in the country. When the situation of the war was transmitted via television to the citizen and horrors of the war became apparent, many of the US citizens appreciated the need to end the war as it subjected humanity to unnecessary suffering that could be avoided. Through television, the US

A Hard Life is No Excuse for Poor Academics Essay Example for Free

A Hard Life is No Excuse for Poor Academics Essay All too often people treat community college students are inferior to students of large universities, even believing that community college students are expected to be less successful. Doing this lowers students’ morale and makes them feel they are unworthy of obtaining gainful employment or even raising their own standards. Though this lowers morale, having a hard life absolutely is no excuse for having excessive absences, rewrites, late papers, plagiarized work, or instructors with low standards who do not require the students to adjust as needed to succeed. As a community college student, the education I am working so hard to gain has been scoffed at and even mocked. Once while having a casual conversation with a co-worker, he asked what college I attend. I told him Spartanburg Community College and he replied â€Å"that isn’t a college, it’s a technical school.† This is a prime example of how students from community colleges are treated as inferior to students of a large university. Students from every institution can suffer hardships and handle their hardships in their own way. I have seen a student who was battling cancer and still holding a B average. On the other hand, there are also students who are just lazy and that lackadaisical attitude shows in their academics. In the article â€Å"The Myth of Inferiority† T. Allen Culpepper stated: At both kinds of institutions, I have also found students who manage to complete a full load of classes successfully while working three jobs, rearing multiple children alone, caring for elderly relatives, and coping with chronic illness or disability, as well as students who take a relatively light load of courses and don’t do much else (except illicit drugs) but still manage to fail all their classes, despite considerable intelligence and ability. (330) What this all comes down to is how hard a student is willing to work on their education. The more students see instructors accepting lackluster work from lackadaisical students, the more the attitude spreads. This is where the instructor comes in. Accepting students’ excuses and excessive absences, allowing rewrites, late papers, and plagiarized work gives the instructor and in turn the institution a bad reputation. With the world literally at everyone’s finger tips, thanks to the internet, no one has the excuse that they weren’t able to at least attempt to complete and submit assignments on time and without plagiarism. Thankfully, there are instructors who don’t believe this is helpful. If asked why he would do well as a community college instructor Culpepper said he would reply, â€Å"I have learned to maintain high standards, expect students to meet them, and do whatever I can to help students meet those expectations.† After which he goes on to explain, â€Å"To lower our standards is to accept the false assumption that students â€Å"here† are inferior to students â€Å"there.†(331) In any college, students may have to adjust to a different form of learning than they are familiar with, but to change a teaching style to appease students is ridiculous. â€Å"In my experience, most students respond favorably to professors who teach well and respond negatively to professors who teach badly, regardless of the teaching methods employed.†(331) Treating someone as though they are beneath you is disrespectful and, if in a position of power, may be considered discriminatory. Though negative words don’t leave visible scars they do leave emotional scars that can turn a once successful student into a struggling, hopeless student. We are all equal and should treat each other as we would like to be treated. The sooner the world as a whole practices this, the sooner bias and discrimination can become a thing of the past. Works Cited Culpepper, T. Allen. â€Å"The Myth of Inferiority.† The Norton Mix. Ed. Judy Sieg. New York; Norton, 2012. 327-31. Print.

The Mexican U.s. Connection Essay -- essays research papers

The Mexican U.S. Connection Mexico and the United States have been close together, at the same time being so far apart. Mexico and the U.S. have maintained a healthy neighbor to neighbor relationship over the centuries. There have been disputes of course, but for the most part we are working together. When striving to maintain a healthy relationship between neighboring countries, certain problems arise. When the countries don't have the same standard of living, people might try and migrate illegally to the better country. When one country has more illegal drugs than the other, people might try smuggling the drugs. Also, trade between the countries is always a factor in keeping a healthy connection. The first issue to deal with is illegal immigration. Doris Meissner, Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner, announced the INS would pump 185 more agents and an array of equipment, including two new helicopters, seven more infrared scopes, eight miles of fencing and 172 additional sensors to detect and deter illegal immigration traffic along a 16-mile stretch between Otay Mountain and the Tecate Port of Entry. The area has been inundated by immigrant smugglers who have been forced east because of increased Border Patrol activity along the 14-mile corridor from the Pacific Ocean and Imperial Beach to Otay Mesa. The effort, known as Operation Gatekeeper, was launched in October 1994. Meissner said the latest effort, an extension of Operation Gatekeeper, would add five Border Patrol agents on horseback to patrol the back country and three dog teams to be assigned to checkpoints along rural roads. Meissner also announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation would join the operation to break up illegal smuggling rings at the border. She said the Border Patrol would step up the use of checkpoints in the Temecula area, where smugglers usually end up trying to evade the Border Patrol checkpoint. In March, a van carrying illegal immigrants overturned near there as its driver tried to avoid agents; eight illegal immigrants were killed and 18 others injured. In Los Angeles, an alleged smuggler of illegal immigrants who police say was at the wheel of a pickup truck during a chase in April which ended with the televised police beatings of two undocumented aliens from Mexico, pleaded not guilty to f... ... added that the challenges that the Mexican economy faces have not changed with the passage of the NAFTA and that its effects will not be immediate. The Mexican Action Network on Free Trade (RMALC) asked the government to open spaces for public consultation and participation to deal with the repercussions of the NAFTA. RMALC representatives announced that if the NAFTA is ratified by the Mexican Senate, they will mobilize to obtain a profound re- negotiation of the NAFTA which benefits the majority of the population. According to RMALC members, the re-negotiation should include the recognition of asymmetries between the participating countries' economies and aspects of the social agenda which have been left out of the agreement. Said RMALC Director Bertha Lujan, "We still don't know the popular vote on the NAFTA." Thus, all the factors in keeping good connections between neighboring countries have been discussed. Some out there might argue that there is more to it. This is my argument and I stand firm in the belief that Mexico and the U.S. have a steady connection and have many things that interact between them. That is what makes the Mexican-U.S. connection so beautiful.

Informative Speech on Yoga

Informative Speech By:Amber Samworth Topic: Yoga General Purpose: To Inform. Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about yoga. Thesis Statement: I want my audience to be informed about what yoga is, its history, and why it has become so popular in recent years. Introduction I. (Open w/impact) According to Ann Pizer, a Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor, in an article last accessed on September 18th 2007, for Yoga. About. Com. â€Å"Yoga means â€Å"union† in Sanskrit, the language of Ancient India where yoga first originated. We can think of that union occurring between the mind, body, and spirit. II. (Introduce topic) As you can see, yoga is an incredibly healthy practice. III. (Establish credibility) I have just recently started doing yoga and I have already noticed a change in my life because of it. IV. (Audience adaptation) Most of you may be asking yourselves: â€Å"How can yoga possibly help me? † V. (Preview main points) Hopefully I can help you answer that qu estion by informing you about what yoga is, what its history is, and why it has become so popular in recent years. Body I. So what exactly is yoga? A. It’s basically a way to create balance in the body by developing strength, flexibility, spirituality and emphasizing a non-materialistic lifestyle. B. Ann Pizer goes on to say that â€Å"’Yoga’ is more accurately described by the Sanskrit word â€Å"asana† which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. † C. The yoga poses are essential to a yoga class. Most people go to a class because there is an instructor and other motivated people. 1. Rod Hutchings, a member of the Yoga Teacher’s Association of Australia, states in an article on http://www. oga. net. au, last accessed on September 18th 2007, titled â€Å"What is Yoga† that â€Å"A class starts with breathing exercises, then begins with gentle asanas and works up to more difficult ones. † 2. A class will usually exercise all parts of the body and will include breathing practices as well as guided meditation. 3. The poses are as diverse as the instructor and inclu de: sitting, standing, forward bends, back bending, twisting postures, and upside-down asanas. 4. Classes are a good way to go for a lot of people but they do have their drawbacks. . The classes can be difficult for people with physical limitations. b. The classes can also be expensive and are not right for people who feel self conscious in a large group. D. However, there are other options for people who choose to do a yoga program on their own. 1. There is a wealth of knowledge online or they can watch a DVD. 2. Plus, there are several different kinds of yoga, which are tailored to fit what the person is trying to gain from it. a. Hatha yoga is the most common form; it deals with physical postures and breathing. b. Karma yoga and Bhakti yoga are recommended for people who want a more spiritual experience. Transition: Yoga appeals to a lot of people because it offers flexibility and is an art form that has been around for thousands of years. II. Yoga can actually be traced back to 3,000 BC but many people believe that it began with the creation of man. A. According to Shane Bance, a yoga historian, in an article on ABC of yoga. com titled â€Å"Yoga History†, written on April 25th 2006, â€Å"Ancient Stone seals that depict yoga poses were discovered recently. They are believed to be from the first civilizations in ancient India. † B. The history of yoga can be broken down into four periods. 1. The Vedic Period is the period in which yoga began. a. It started with the early religion Brahmanism which was early Hinduism. 2. The Pre-Classical period is the second era. a. It is during this period that we begin to see a correlation between yoga and Buddhism. b. Siddhartha Guatama, who is considered to be the main Buddha, was the first to study yoga. 3. By the third period, the â€Å"Classical Period†, yoga becomes more structured. a. In the 2nd Century, Patan Jali attempts to define yoga in his â€Å"Yoga Sutra† which is an eightfold path of yoga. 4. The fourth and final period is referred to as the Post Classical period, which extends into present day. a. Yoga was first introduced to the west in the late 1800s as an eastern philosophy class that most universities offered. b. Guru Swami Sivananda, a noted Malaysian Physician, modified Patan Jali’s 8 principles into just 5 that are still used today. Transition: It is believed that if you combine all five principles, you will be in tune physically, mentally, and spiritually. Now you can see why yoga has become so popular in our society. III. Many of the reasons why it has become so popular is because yoga is extremely beneficial to the body A. In an article on www. stress. about. com titled â€Å"The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Management†, last accessed on September 20th 2007; Elizabeth Scott M. S. says that the following ailments can be benefited by yoga. 1. Stress management. . Sound sleep. 3. Allergy symptom relief. 4. Lower blood pressure and heart rate. 5. Spiritual growth. 6. Sense of well being. 7. Increased strength and flexibility. 8. Slowed aging process, and these are just to name a few. B. Julie Stachowiak PhD admits in an article on ms. about. com last accessed on September 20th 2007, â€Å"When I have been dedicated to yoga, I have seen amazing differences in my strength and flexibility from week to week. I notice that I hold my body more erect, rather than slumping over my keyboard or leaning over the counter. I also notice that I sleep better. † 1. And many Americans agree with her, we have very hectic lives and find solace in activities that can take us to a so called â€Å"higher place† both physically and spiritually. Conclusion I. (Signal conclusion) I hope that my speech helped all of you to better understand what yoga is, a little bit about its history and why it has become so popular. II. (Summarize your main points) The main things to remember are: A. Yoga is a way to create balance in the body by developing strength, flexibility, and spirituality. B. Yoga can be traced back to 3,000 BC and has had four main periods in history. C. Yoga has the ability to treat many ailments, making it very popular in America today. III. (Close w/impact) I am going to leave you with a quote that will explain yoga the way it was meant to be explained. It is a quote from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, to his pupil Arjuna in the epic â€Å"Bhagavad-Gita†. A. â€Å"In the state of perfection called trance, or Samadhi, one’s mind is completely restrained from material mental activities by practice of yoga. This is characterized by one’s ability to see the self by the pure mind and to relish and rejoice in the self. In that joyous state, one is situated in boundless transcendental happiness and enjoys himself through transcendental senses. Established thus, one never departs from the truth, and upon gaining this he thinks there is no greater gain. Being situated in such a position, one is never shaken, even in the midst of greatest difficulty. This indeed is actual freedom from all miseries arising from material contract. Works Cited Bance, Shayne. â€Å"Yoga History. † Abc of Yoga. 25 April 2006. http://www. abcofyoga. com Hutchins, Rod. â€Å"What is Yoga? † Yoga. net. au. 18 Sept. 2007. http://www. yoga. net. au Lord Krishna. â€Å"The Bhagavad-Gita† Pizer, Ann. â€Å"What is Yoga? † About. com. 18 Sept. 2007. http://www. yoga. about. com Scott, Elizabeth. â€Å"The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Management. † About. com 20 Sept. 2007, http://ww w. stress. about. com Stachowiak, Julie. â€Å"Yoga and MS. † About. com. 20 Sept. 2007. http://www. ms. yoga. com