Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity in America is becoming a major problem. Teenagers, young children, and even toddlers are increasingly getting larger. Fast food, video games, and lack of exercise are some of the main causes of this for most people. There are obviously many health problems, such as heart disease, but emotional problems can be just as damaging, especially in children. Low self-esteem, negative body image, and depression are common in overweight youths, which can sometimes lead to eating disorders. I believe that schools, parents, and the fast food industry could all play a major role in helping the children of our future. Schools, for instance could spend more time educating children on all the physical and emotional effects of obesity, as well as teach them how to stay healthy. They could also help by increasing physical education and recess times. Parents could set a good example, try to help them eat better foods, and take walks with their children. Finally, fast food industries could make portions smaller again and try to promote fruits and vegetables in their advertisements instead of double cheeseburgers. I believe we should also have harsher health regulations to keep the bad foods from becoming worse, and higher standards for the animals used for the foods. Healthier, happier animals results in better quality meat with more nutritious benefits.

How Hate Crime Laws Affect Prejudice

Hate crime laws were created with intentions to decrease racism. However, in my generation, discrimination seems to steadily diminish every year. Only about fifty-five years ago, public schools were still segregated. Just under a decade before that, the Holocaust was still in effect. Many people claim that the amount of crimes, based on race especially, is rising. But, when you take a look back in our history, a great deal has changed in very little time. It's absurd to think that racism could possibly be getting any worse. So why, then, are these laws necessary now? In many ways, this could make prejudice more of an issue. Some wrongdoings are not based on race, religion, or ethnicity, but if these laws are in effect, the case must be looked at as a possible hate crime. Therefore, if racism does almost completely disappear, the law will still be looking into it as one of discrimination. Does this not encourage segregated beliefs?

Harsher Punishments for Hate Crime Laws

Much controversy has been stirring about whether we should enforce stricter punishments for hate crime laws. Many agree that discrimination is wrong, but motive should not influence the sentence. Killing a man because of his race or ethnicity is no different than killing a man for his association with another gang. The victim still lost his life and the family still suffers. So why should the punishment be any different? Murder is murder, regardless of the reasoning behind it. Furthermore, hate is a factor in nearly every crime. In my example earlier, the animosity for the other gang members caused the man's death. How is this not considered a hate crime? The same applies for other offenses of less severity as well. Vandalism, in all aspects, shows frustration towards the owner of the property. It does not matter whether the anger is aimed towards the boss of a place of work, the principal of a school, or a Jewish couple. No matter what the circumstances, property was damaged and consequences should follow. It is unfair to treat the same severity of crimes differently.