Police Brutality And Abuse Of Power In The Dominican Republic

Police Brutality And Abuse Of Power In The Dominican Republic In the recent years, the Dominican Republic has been in the eye of the storm with instances of systematic violence being meted out to the common people of the land by the police and authorities. For proper comprehension of the mentioned matter, one needs to scrutinize the situation and occurrences that have resulted in such a friction between the commoners and the police forces in Dominican Republic. It needs to be reckoned that the law and order situation in this Caribbean nation has been on the wane for quite a few years now with the issue of drug trafficking and public safety thwarting the wellbeing of people and betterment of the society. However, there have been many instances of abuse of power by the police forces, apart from instances of racial discrimination meted out to the migrants in the country. With the number of clashes increasing at an alarming rate, the world community has taken a note of the waning social situation in the Dominican Republic with the government too being compelled to initiate actions to ensure that no such acts of police brutality or abuse of power comes to impact the common people of the country. It has to be reckoned that as much as 10 percent of the total number of homicides in the Dominican Republic has been committed by the officials of the police department. The number is truly alarming, while experts also believe that the low salary of the officials in the police force works as a catalyst for making those people not abide by the government directives about dealing with common people while they are on duty. While there have been certain cases where the officers of the police force have been punished for killing commoners during their duty hours, most of the officers who abuse their power and position go unpunished or even uninvestigated in the country. The issue of police brutality has become so huge that the government has been compelled to introduce a new criminal procedure that requires a detained individual to be presented in the court of law within a span of 48 hours of being taken in custody by the police force. However, the manner in which the police force exploits its power and authority is very much alarming as it undermines the basic human rights of the civilians of the country, and puts them amidst major threat in the face of systematic violence and apathy. Even the Amnesty International has voiced its utmost concern about the extent of human rights violation carried out by the police force of the country. There have been instances when the criminal suspects have been beaten up, threatened to be killed, denied water and food, and even essential medicines. The police often put plastic bags over the heads of the suspects, and hang them from nails or bars by the handcuffs. These acts of sheer inhumanity and immorality have continued for long to give the police a negative image among the people of the country. Moreover, there have been a number of instances where common people have become hapless victims of enforced disappearances. The government of the Dominican Republic openly admits to the fact that the police force needs to be reformed, while their wages would also require a boost. Moreover, the government stresses on the fact that the people of the Dominican society have the right to take legal help for addressing the issue of extrajudicial murders. However, this stand by the government only works to expose the degeneration of the moral fiber of the police force, and the hapless condition the common people of the country are being compelled to live in with no security from the abusive police force that has come to a major threat, instead of being the vanguard of law and order of the nation state (Bobea 59-65). Apart from the primary concern about the safety and security of the common people of the Dominican Republic, one also needs to take into consideration how the Haitian workers are treated in a dismal manner in the Dominican Republic. These migrant workers have been left to face the wrath of power abuse and police brutality in the country, while their pay scales, rights, as well as access to health care remain major issues of concern in the society. The refugees living in the country are also dealt with such insensitivity by the police forces, while they also have to face the surmounting impact of the powerful section of the society. Nonetheless, it is believed that the popular culture of the country is not characterized by racial discrimination and prejudices. The border between the countries of Haiti and Dominican Republic being quite porous in nature, the economic imbalance between the two nations in context goes on to result in a sort of destabilization. Yet, all of this logic cannot be used to support the abuse of power and brutality meted out to hapless Haitian refugees or migrants who have come over to the Dominican Republic in the hope of having a better life and opportunities. In stark contrast to the noble duty of upholding the safety and security of the common people the society that is expected from the police force of any nation state, the police brutality that has become an uniform characteristic of the authorities of the Dominican Republic is a serious blotch on the image and reputation of the country in the entire globe. With the world media being engaged in highlighting the continual oppression meted out to the common people of the country by the police, the issue has taken the shape of a burning debate where the government is being blamed for the lack of control on the police department and the discipline of the policemen. Nonetheless, the country was entirely committed to the aim of ensuring that human rights of the common people as recognized by the Constitution of the country and international covenants were not violated. The government was, in fact, committed to respect every civilian’s political rights apart from addressing the humanitarian emergencies as well. However, the status quo challenges the holistic development and wellbeing of the commoners of the country with the police force becoming synonymous with the notion of brutality and abuse of power (Caoa Zhaob 406-409). The police force being an integral part of the state machinery, the government cannot deny its duty to ensure safety of the common people and restoring discipline among the members of the police force. It needs to be considered that the National Police is not trusted by the common people of the Dominican Republic as perceive the police force to be an agent of inhuman abuse as well as endemic corruption. Over the last few years, hundreds of police officers have been fired by the government as they had links with the groups involved in drug trafficking. One needs to note the fact that the Dominican Republic’s role in the international trade of drugs has been catapulted in the last few years. There is presence of transnational criminal groups who tend to have nexuses with the police officers, thereby enhancing the social ill of corruption and violence in the country. Criminals who smuggle drugs seem to be relying much more on the water routes of the Caribbean for their business, since the pressure on the drug traffickers of Central America and Mexico have increased in the recent times (Warmund n.p.). Thus, one can understand that the rapid decline in the law and order situation of the country is only been catapulted by the corruption and brutality of the police force that has failed to gain the respect and trust of the common people of the nation. For any country to be on the right path of betterment, the common people of the society should have confidence on the state authorities. If one takes into consideration the trust and reliance of the common people on the state authorities of the developed nations, it can be noted that the police force is seen as the epitome of law and order with utmost commitment to combat criminality by saving the common people. However, the scenario is totally different in the Dominican Republic with the common people of the society feeling more vulnerable due to the atrocity of the police force. This is surely not a good ambiance for socio-political development in the Dominican Republic. Power is seen as a mode of meting out abuse and oppression- something that would only add to the social degeneration of the country and its people. Lack of confidence on the police leads to the state of vulnerability as the common people fail to feel safe being encompassed with criminality and no protection (Bajaj 23-28). It leaves a negative impact on the notion of self and identity of the common people as well. Dominican Republic has to follow the international standards of human rights in the society, and ensure that the policemen who engage in unlawful activities are made accountable in the eyes of law. Exemplary punishments and warnings can work effectively to minimize the number of cases of police atrocity and abuse of power. Moreover, the responsibility of security and human rights of the refugees or immigrants coming to the country rests on the shoulders of the government. It would be wrong to let the vulnerability of these helpless people get accentuated in any way, as that would also hamper the image of the country in the international arena. The issues of racism and discrimination have the roots in the institutionalized practice of abuse of power by the police and the authorities. Thus, by dealing with the issue of abuse of power, the social issues of racial discrimination can also be neutralized with effectiveness, thereby paving a way for a better society. While it can very well be on the government’s agenda to curb migration into the Dominican Republic by the people of Haiti, it should take the needed steps to ensure that the military or the police force does not abuse its position and power to treat the people unreasonably (Howard 727-732). However, the systematic violence meted out to the Haitian people over the last few years has to be curbed at any cost, to uphold the standards of human rights and satiate the cause of morality and conscience in approach. Hence, it would be correct to conclude by saying that the Dominican Republic has to combat the problem of police brutality and abuse of power for neutralizing the immense threat that poses impediment to the path of holistic development and advancement of the country and its people. The government should take the necessary steps to ensure that police force of the country works in a proper manner with utmost discipline and commitment toward upholding the law and order of the state, apart from ensuring the safety and security of the civilians of the Dominican Republic. The execution of systematic violence by the police force, if not checked with immediacy, would surely have a negative impact on the psyche of the people of the country, and would harm the global image of the government and the nation as well. While the international organizations keep a close watch on the social scenario of the Dominican Republic, it is surely one of the primary challenges of the governance and the authorities to transform the perception of the people about the police force and restore faith in the hearts of commoners regarding the authorities.

Essay On Similes In Slaughterhouse Five - 1819 Words

Likewise, Vonnegut uses similes to describe the destructiveness of the bombing of Dresden and the trauma it brings with it, by showing the aftermath of the bombing. â€Å"Dresden was like the moon now, nothing but minerals. The stones were hot. Everybody else in the neighborhood was dead† (Vonnegut 178). This simile is comparing Dresden to the moon, barren and empty. The moon contains no human life and is â€Å"nothing but minerals† as Vonnegut describes, meaning that it is uninhabitable, just like Dresden is now, which shows how destructive the bombing of Dresden is. By using this simile Vonnegut is showing that the destructiveness of war can make a place as barren and empty as the moon. Billy is traumatized by seeing this once flourishing place†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Bodies bleed in his novel, at times uncontrollably, and Frederics narrative likewise suffers at times from troubling and uncontrollable outflow† (Dodman 98). These soldiers are bleedin g uncontrollably, which shows the physical destructiveness of war, but these doctors are more greatly emotionally traumatized by witnessing these soldiers bleeding out and dying and knowing that there is not much they can do to save them. Just as the bullets and bombs have caused the soldier’s â€Å"uncontrollable outflow† of blood, Hemingway’s novel suffers from â€Å"uncontrollable outflow† because of the traumatizing events he witnesses. Hemingway uses similes in order to depict the reality of war by showing how the immense amount of blood that there is in war affects soldiers emotionally. â€Å"The drops fell very slowly, as they fall from an icicle after the sun has gone† (Hemingway 60). This is a simile because it is comparing the drops of blood falling slowly to water drops falling slowly from an icicle. The man, that is above Frederic in the ambulance, is bleeding out and his blood is continuously falling onto Frederic, showing the reality of the massive amounts of blood there is in war. This depicts the reality of war because people bleed out and die all the time during the course of a war. Frederic has the man’s blood falling slowly

Dark side Essay Example For Students

Dark side Essay THE DARK SIDESara was a 15 year old girl who had just moved into new town with her mom. Her parents got divorced and she was taking it very hard. She missed all her friends and family she left back home and she felt out of place. All she wanted is her old life back and be happy like she used to be. But that was impossible and she just had to deal with the situation. She started her first year of high school and she hated it. She didnt fit in with the crowd, the teachers picked on her, and her grades were poor.She gave up on her hobbies, like sports, and drawing; things that she enjoyed doing. In other words, she became depressed. Spending all her time daydreaming of a better life, during the night, she stayed up and cried. She felt so lonely, wanting to escape to a far off place. As those terrifying days passed, she met this group of kids. Others didnt like them because of their gothic ways. Kids were scared of them, and became known as the outcasts. Sara became acquainted with them fast. They started to hang out more, she felt comfortable around their presence. She also started to like the activities they did like spells, witchcraft, rituals, and ceremonies that took place at the cemetery.She was fascinated and glad that she found her spiritual side. She automatically changed. She became this unknown person. Her mother and the people around her noticed that she became weird. But she enjoyed what she did, because it gave her a sense of power and control over her life. Although, what she didnt know was that the witchcraft became her obsession. She stared to get more involved in it. Now not only did she did spells, Voo Doo Dolls, and rituals but she started Black Magic. Which is very dangerous, and it might even cause disaster. Her habits got so out of hand that even the crowd didnt want to hang around with her, because they were afraid to mess with Black Magic. Sara believed so strongly in the evil powers that she decided to invoke the evil spirit. At midnight, she went to the cemetery all by herself.She made a fire and drew the devil stars around it with human blood. She kneeled down in front of the burning fire, holding the black book in her hands, she said the following words EVIL SPIRIT COME TO ME, I INVOKE THEE, and she threw a mixture into the flames. The flames became extremely high and burning red. Clouds of smoke surrounded her. She heard voices and screams of the demons and souls taken to hell. She felt creeps all over her body. As she looked deeply into the flames, she saw a creature emerge from the fire. It was black, with 3 golden eyes, horns, and a long tail. Sara was terrified she had never seen anything as scary as this in her whole entire life. The creature howled, looking deep in her amazed eyes and said YOU CALLED UPON MEARE YOU READY TO GIVE YOUR SOUL. Sara was possessed by the devil that she couldnt even think. Its like it got inside her mind and controlled her every thought and movement she made. Now, she was this person with evil inside her, ready to do anything. The screams just got louder, and it seemed like they were coming from the ground because it started to rumble, and out of nowhere those winds came over her. Sara was looking deeply like she was hypnotized. She stood up, picked up the knife and said WITH THIS I GIVE MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL, stabbing herself in the chest. Her body dropped to the ground, covered with blood. The shadow that raised from her body, flew right into the flames. The winds stopped, the flames and the devil diminished into the ground. All the screams got quieter as if they were drifting away. Everything was gone, except the body of a girl that gave her soul to the devil. .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 , .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .postImageUrl , .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 , .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086:hover , .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086:visited , .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086:active { border:0!important; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086:active , .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086 .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc24c5a7d6ba12568210a36e4baec9086:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Procrastination EssayThis story emphasizes the struggle that the teenagers might face because of family problems or divorce. Because they are usually weak inside, they take things seriously and it often causes problems or like in this case death. Also, what Im trying to point out is be careful with witchcraft, because it might get out of hand. Words/ Pages : 783 / 24

Theories of Developmental Psychology

There are numerous theories of developmental psychology. Theses theories have attempted to explain changes in human behaviours as a result of certain conditions or situations. In spite of the fact that a number of studies have focused on children’s development, there is an increasing interest in the behaviour of old people as well (Papalia, Olds Feldman, 2007, p.2). This paper will therefore discuss the strengths and weaknesses of two theories of developmental psychology.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Theories of Developmental Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Attachment Theory John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth are regarded as the authors of attachment theory. John Bowlby devised the fundamental principles of the theory by relying on ideas from cybernetics, ethology, developmental psychology and information processing. Ainsworth’s creative methodology facilitated the empirical testing of t he theory of attachment. Ainsworth also invented the notion of the attachment figure as a secure pedestal which a child can use to explore the society (Bretherton, 1992, p.759). Attachment is perceived as a natural system that transforms itself to guarantee continued survival of a child. Children have a natural tendency to seek physical, psychological and emotional support from persons they are attached to (Bretherton, 1992, p.759). Bowlby developed his theory after serving as a voluntary worker in an institution for maladjusted children. Bowlby was mainly influenced by his experience with two children at the institution. The first child was an extremely affectionless and detached youngster who did not have a stable mother figure. The second one was a nervous eight years old boy who followed him everywhere (Bretherton, 1992, p.760). Bowlby’s theory relied heavily on Lorenz’s ethological theory (especially his research of imprinting). Lorenz used young ducklings in his research to demonstrate that attachment was a matter of survival. Bowlby suggested that attachment behaviours are innate and that a child is bound to feel insecure and afraid when the attachment figure is absent. He also asserted that the fear of strangers is an inherent behavioural attribute that a child is born with. This innate behaviour enables a child to maintain close proximity with his/her attachment figure (Bowlby, 1980, p.2). The attachment theory helps us understand the importance of an attachment figure in shaping the child’s personality. A child is likely to experience psychological and emotional disorders when the attachment system is broken (Bowlby, 1980, p.4). Pickover (2002) states that children raised in an insecure attachment system are usually unreceptive to new secure attachments patterns (p.3).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, they often become emotionally withdrawn. However, when children are brought up in a secure attachment system, they are able to socialize with other people and at the same time maintain close relations with their attachment figures (Pickover, 2002, p. 3). Limitations of the Attachment theory Bowlby’s attachment theory has attracted criticisms from some psychologist. According to Bowlby, the personality of a child is mainly influenced by his/her attachment figure (especially the mother). For example, Bowlby asserts that a child will grow up to be an irresponsible person if his/her parents are reckless. However, Harris gives a different viewpoint. He asserts that parents are not the only people that alter their children’s actions. He claims that environmental factors and peer pressure influence the behaviour of children (Harris, 1998, p. 5). Bowlby assumes that the mother family member (such as fathers and siblings) can also influence the behaviour of young children. Finally, Bowlbyâ€⠄¢s attachment theory lends more credence on the stressful circumstances (as opposed to the non-stressful circumstances) that a child encounters during temporary separation from his/her mother (Fraley Spieker, 2003, p. 8). Social Learning Theory The social learning theory was developed by Robert Sears in an attempt to explain factors that influence human behaviours (Grusec, 1992, p.776). The social learning theory is based on â€Å"socialization processes that had a particularly strong impact on research and theory in social developmental psychology† (Grusec, 1992, p.777). In other words, this theory attempts to understand the process in which children learn the behaviours, attitudes and values practiced by other members of the society. The social learning theory also focuses on matters such as the attainment of culturally endorsed sex-role behaviours, the control of hostility and the struggle with enticement and guilt. Sears asserts that parents play a major role in helping their children to internalize the culturally accepted behaviours. He also states that the internalization process is greatly affected by parents’ behaviour (Grusec, 1992, p.777). The social learning theory is based on three key aspects. These are aggression, dependency and identification. Sears’ assessment of aggression relied heavily on Freud’s early concepts of aggression. Freud asserted that aggression was a by-product of frustration. According to Freud, â€Å"aggression is attributed to a drive†¦linked to experience with frustrating events† (Grusec, 1992, p.777). Sears asserted that aggression could be alleviated via a learning process. Dependency is another critical element addressed by the social learning theory. According to Sears, the presence of dependency is attributed to the fact that children posses numerous drives which are reduced by their mothers. Sears argues that a child is able to imitate his/her mother’s attributes through observation (during the infant-mother pairing moments such as breast feeding).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Theories of Developmental Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More He further states that the desire by the infant to be close to his/her mother yields dependent behaviours that are bolstered by motherly attention (Grusec, 1992, p.778). Sears’ theory also lends credence to the role of identification in personality development. When young children develop a dependency drive; they perceive actions of their mothers as vital elements of their own behaviour patterns (Grusec, 1992, p.778). Limitations of Social Learning Theory Sears’ social learning theory has failed to stand the test of time. The theory makes fundamental assumptions regarding human actions. For instance, the theory ignores the fundamental biological principles that are critical to the social learning process. It is obvious t hat Sears encountered problems as he attempted to describe the growth of drives. He ultimately discarded the notion of drives and relied on the concepts of incentive and reinforcement. Consequently, his theory lost its unique attributes (Grusec, 1992, p.779). To sum it up, the two theories emphasize on the role of adult individuals and the socio-cultural environment in shaping up children’s behaviour. Basically, Bowlby believed that attachment system was an integral aspect that facilitated a close bond between children and their mothers. Similarly, Robert Sears’ social learning theory attempts to explain factors that influence human behaviours. Nonetheless, both theories do not give adequate explanations with respect to developmental psychology. References Bowlby, J. (1980) Loss: Sadness Depression. Attachment and Loss (vol. 3); (International psycho-analytical library no.109). London: Hogarth Press. Bretherton, I. (1992). The Origins of Attachment Theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Developmental Psychology, 28, 759-775. Fraley, R. C., Spieker, S. J. (2003) Are infant attachment patterns continuously or categorically distributed? A taxometric analysis of strange situation behaviour. Developmental Psychology, 39, 387-404. Grusec, J.E. (1992) Social Learning Theory and Developmental Psychology: The Legacies of Robert Sears and Albert Bandura. Developmental Psychology, 28, 776-786.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Harris, J. R. (1998) The Nurture Assumption: Why children turn out the way they do. York: The Free Press. Mith, P.K., Cowie, H., Blades, M. (2008) Understanding Children’s Development. Basic psychology (4 Ed.). Oxford, England: Blackwell Inc. Papalia, D. E., Olds, S. W., Feldman R. D. (2007) Human development. 10th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill. Pickover, S. (2002) Breaking the cycle: A clinical example of disrupting an insecure attachment system. Journal of Mental Health Counselling, 24, 358-367. This essay on Theories of Developmental Psychology was written and submitted by user Iliana H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.