Racism

• Do you think a teacher/parent/guardian should be permitted within their freedom of expression to convey discriminatory thoughts to their child(ren) against a certain race, religion, belief, etc? 

Teachers, no.  If a subject is outlined in the school curriculum the teacher should present an unbiased, unopinionated view.  Of course, this is totally idealistic and will probably never happen, because if one medium (ie. schools) are forced to present totally unbiased views, then a chain reaction starts.  First, schools are force to censor their thoughts.  Then, TV shows will be forced to present unbiased messages.  Following will be newspapers, radio, news channels and every other forms of media.  Its a slippery slope and the whole argument of pluralism of multiculturalism is a paradox because in order for one to present multiculturalism one must present something totally non-biased but if something is non-biased how can one form any opinions?  We must accept either one of two extremes: total bias or total social control.  Perhaps the idea of informed bias is the best way to go: present bias to children and other individuals and have them make the choices for themselves.  But then the question of when an individual starts to form their own opinions, so informed bias doesn't work for children, which this question primarily concerns.

In conclusion, more discussion is needed to reach a conclusion.  I'm neutral.

Gender Inequality

What is the biggest impact of gender inequality in underdeveloped countries? What are some steps that could be taken to help alleviate or irradicate gender inequality?

Gender inequality in  underdeveloped nations, such as those in Africa, usually goes hand in hand with human rights violations.  For example, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) leaves, to date, approximately 15 million women living in uncomfortable and painful conditions.  A cultural tradition, FGM occurs within a family to ensure that female members don't indulge in promiscuous behaviour.  These acts can be done by a health care professional, or by a family in a house.  The bottom line is that, along with it being a gross violation of human rights, it is often done in unsanitary conditions leaving room for infections, cysts and child birth defects.

Gender inequality could be stopped by educating the effected populace.  If they knew about the health risks associated, perhaps FGM would become less common and eventually die out.  In a broader perspective, gender inequality in Africa may be veyr difficult to change because so much of their standards are infused in their culture, religion and history.  It would be very difficult to go about changing that, so perhaps we will have to rely on globalization to create a more rights-inspired platform for Africa to further develop on.

HIV/AIDS Question

"Why do diseases like HIV-AIDS seem to hit the world's poorest people? Find an example of a non-profit group that is working to eradicate HIV-AIDS in sub-saharan Africa, and provide a description their work."

Africa has a rampant AIDS/HIV epidemic for many reasons.  A combination of North American crop subsidies, improper withdrawal strategies after colonization and debt cancellation leaving their economy in terrible shape and unawareness among the mass populace leaves Africa in a somewhat hopeless situation when it comes to stopping the spread of HIV.   

HardtHaven is a registered NGO in the USA that was established in Ghana.  This NGO strives to help integrate AIDS orphans into society as function members, rather than be hopeless victims of disease.  They focus on the region they occupy, which is Ghana, and how they can improve the lives of these children and bolster the community at the same time.

They offer more than just food, clothing, and shelter; they offer education, employment skills, and a loving home. Their ultimate aim is for the orphanage to be self-supporting as they begin implementing various alternative livelihood projects and receive renewable support from people around the globe.

Some reent initiatives undertaken by HardtHaven were the opportunities for international volunteers to come and work with the children: helping them live and helping to educate them.  Motivation is key in this situation for children to grow.  Another initiative was the 2011 Education Campaign, which helps to raise funds to educate children to learn a trade and finish primary school so they can become functioning members of society.