Factors Influencing Family Lifestyle

Factors Influencing Family Lifestyle The family issues can always attract public attention, because it is so close to peoples life. As Kephart claimed that the family is one of the older social institutions which could be found in almost all societies (1961:3). This report will argue that the family turned into diversity as a result of the varied demands of individual while the alterations of household could affect society in social services, government policy and social safety. There is no denying that the development of society could also influence the family lifestyle. Initially, this report will look at the history of the family. Secondly, this report will introduce the changing nature of the family and the situation of several types of household( cohabitation, lone-parent families, homosexual families ) that have appeared recently. Specifically, what family means to society will be illustrated-family is not an abstract word, but a basic part for society. Finally, this report will analyse the role of the family has played in society and the impact of changes on British society. 2. History Generally, family is categorized as two basic models: nuclear family and extended family. Nuclear family includes parents and their children while extended family is a family group with a close relationship among the members that includes parents, children and relatives (Oxford , 2005). As Eversley and Bonnerjea (1982:75) said, Victorian family (between 1830 and 1870) has played an important role in the development about the modern family: whatever forms the contemporary family takes, it is usually considered as a deviation from this supposed former norm, in other words, the Victorian family is the earliest ancestor for families of British society. Until the 1980s, it was popular within sociology to talk about the family cycle. Inherent in this notion was the idea that people typically followed a similar family pathway (Allan and Crow, 2001:2). In contemporary society, families have changed from formation and conditions over time. The average household size fell from 2.9 persons per household in 1971 to 2.4 in 2006 (ONS Focus on Families, 2007). Nowadays, there is no typical example of families, such as single-parent families, cohabiting, step-families, and so on (Harding, 1996). Actually, family could provides a wide range of functions which include socialization, social placement, material and emotional security, child rearing and economic cooperation (Morris and Winter, 1978:46 ; Allan and Crow, 2001:19-20). Families determine the outcomes for children, adults, community and society. Such as in the family, parents bring up children, give them encouragement with love and a good relationship between family members could contribute harmonious development on the community and society as well (Cabinet Office Families in Britain, 2008). So that family could be seen as valuable to the society and to individual. 3. Current Situation A recent survey showed that 80 percent of people really think that family is more important to them than their friends in British society (Ipsos MORI Real Trends, 2008). As an institution, family is altering continually. Since 1971, the proportion of all people living in traditional family households of married couples with dependent children has fallen from 52% to 37% in Britain (BBC, 2007). Today, people usually get later marriage, the one possible factor of this situation might be women paying more attention to their career. It is a common phenomenon to live together without marrying. The number of cohabiting couple families increased from 1.4 million to 2.3 million between 1996 and 2006 (ONS Focus on Family, 2007). More and more children are born outside of marriage, especially occurred among cohabiting couples families. A recent survey showed that the rate of births outside marriage has risen from about 10% in 1971 to over 40% in 2006 (ONS Population Trends No.132, 2008). Meanwh ile, married couples also have some problems. According to a statistics, there is a increased number of divorces around 26 thousand in 1950 to over 155 thousand in 2005. Compared with many other developed countries, Britain keep the higher rate in divorce until 2005 (ONS Marriage Stats 2006 (Provisional), 2008). 4. Analyse the Effect The family could be claimed as an economic and social institution (Jagger and Wright, 1999:3). No matter which form the family is, it seems that family could influence the society both in positive and negative aspect whilst be impacted by social environment. 4.1 Major institution in society In order to support the family, people have to hunt for a job. Individual plays essential role in different working areas, such as the large number of workers are employed in the services sector, a minority in industry and a little proportion in agriculture (Oakland , 2006:170). Those people create necessity for public need and make income for their family, thus there is a situation that the family workers fulfill the social demands while create wealth. Meanwhile, the family could be impacted by the external environment. For instance, financial crisis hit British families since 2008. According to research, the conflict between parents occurred frequently due to them worrying about the economic risk, therefore, a number of children suffered a hard period during the financial crisis (Hawthorne et al, 2003). Furthermore, families contribute childrens growth. The new generation is the force of the society continually developing. In order to make sure the better outcome for children, pare nts have to balance childrens state of being fully developed while make the children being a part of family and society by providing love, encouragement and guidance (Bornstein and Bornstein, 2007). 4.2 Cohabitation In contemporary society, public attitudes of sexual relationships have moved forward, thus cohabitation has been accepted by a majority of people (Allan and Crow, 2001:64). Review the recent two decades, the number of people who cohabit has rapidly raised (Oakland , 2006:190). When the divorce were difficult to achieve, people likely choose cohabitation (Kiernan, 2002:3). There are several factors enable adults to cohabit, one of the factors is decreasing the living cost. Men and women live together and share the expenses of daily necessities. Moreover, living together lead to learn more about each other. It is an opportunity to test whether the person suit to the other party (Allan and Crow, 2001:67-68). In turn, there is not any data (no data) shows that cohabitation could be helpful to marriage living, meanwhile, some statistics prove that if some people married after cohabiting, they had higher rate to divorce (Popenoe and Whitehead, ?:2 [reference: should we live together]). Peo ple in cohabitation families maintain the relationship rely on 4.3 Lone-parent families The proportion of children living in lone-parent families in Great Britain more than tripled between 1972 and spring 2006 to 24 per cent(11 _04_07_social_trends) Children living with single parents may be at higher risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse and neglect than children living with two biological parents. Single parent households are substantially more likely to have incomes below the poverty line. Lower income, the increased stress associated with the sole burden of family responsibilities, and fewer supports are thought to contribute to the risk of single parents maltreating their children. In 1998, 23 percent of children lived in households with a single mother, and 4 percent lived in households with a single father. A strong, positive relationship between the child and the father, whether he resides in the home or not, contributes to the childs development and may lessen the risk of abuse. In addition, studies have found that compared to similar non-neglecting families, neglectful families tend to have more children or greater numbers of people living in the household. Chronically neglecting families often are characteriz ed by a chaotic household with changing constellations of adult and child figures (e.g., a mother and her children who live on and off with various others, such as the mothers mother, the mothers sister, or a boyfriend). (http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm) 4.4 Homosexual families 5. Recommendation As a result of what have mentioned, the government is considered that should establish reasonable policy for different type families. Trying to improve the marriage rate, create employment opportunities for lone parent, pay more attention to the mental health of single-parent children and provide help for them. Ensuring each kind of families getting equal rights include homosexual families. Honestly, family is the fundamental part of the society, making each unit running normally is one possible way to boost the development of society. 6. Conclusion In summary, under several period changing, the family developed into many forms, it all depends on individual needs, so that the changing to the family is an inevitable phenomenon. For the society, its development rely on each familys growing, such as changes to household required a development of services, domestic variety created new demands on government policy, and some of the new type families led to social crisis. Meantime, it could be found that the social environment influenced family lifestyle. Therefore, a interaction between families and society could be discovered. Allan, G. and Crow, G. (2001). Families, households and society. New York: Palgrave. BBC (2007). One-parent families on the rise. Retrieved October 7th,2010 from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6542031.stm Bornstein, L. and Bornstein, M. H. (2007). Parenting styles and child social development. Encyclopedia on early childhood development. Montreal: Centre of excellence for early childhood development. Cabinet Office/The Strategy Unit. (2008). Families in Britain: An Evidence Paper, Department for Children, Schools and Families. Elliot, F. R. (1996). Gender, family and society. London: Macmillan Press Eversley, D. and Bonnerjea, L. (1982). Social change and indicators of diversity. in Rapoport, R. N. , Fogarty, M. P. and Rapoport, R. (1982). Families in Britain.(p.75). London: Routledge Kegan Paul Harding, L. (1996). Family, State Social Policy. London: Macmillan Press Hawthorne, J., Jessop, J., Pryor, J. and Richards, M. (2003). Supporting children through family change: a review of interventions and services for children of divorcing and separating parents. London: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Ipsos MORI Real Trends (2008) self-completion and online. Base: 2,019 British adults 16+, 9th May 5th June. Jagger, G. and Wright, C. (1999). Changing family values. London: Routledge Jenkins, DRS. , Pereira, I. and Evans, N. ( date unknown ). Families in Britain, The impact of changing family structures and what the public think. London: Ipsos MORI and Policy Exchange. Kephart, W. M. (1961). The family, society, and the individual. Cambridge: The Riberside Press Morris, E. W. and Winter, M. (1978). Housing, family, and society. Canada: John Wiley Sons Oakland, J. (2006). British civilization: an introduction. New York: Routledge Office for National Statistics (2007) Focus on Families: increase in families mainly cohabiting couples. Retrieved October 7th,2010 from:http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/fofam1007.pdf Office for National Statistics (2008) Marriage Stats 2006 (Provisional) cited in Cabinet Office/ The Strategy Unit (2008) Families in Britain: An Evidence Paper, Department for Children, Schools and Families. P26. Office for National Statistics (2007) Population Trends 132. cited in Cabinet Office/ The Strategy Unit (2008) Families in Britain: An Evidence Paper, Department for Children, Schools and Families. P28. Oxford Dictionary of English. (2005). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Rowlingson, K. and Mckay, S. (2002). Lone parent families: gender, class and state. Great Britain: Pearson Education Limited

Global Warming: Causes, Effects and Possible Measures Essay

Global warming is the term used to describe some of the drastic changes that are taking place in the earth’s climatic conditions. Over the recent years, the term global warming has been the subject of much debate and different people have come up with different views regarding this subject. While many people continue to hold to the view that global warming is a natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented, others are of the opinion that natural as well as man-made factors have accelerated a natural phenomenon to the extent that it has become an international problem, and a threat to human existence. Without global warming, the earth would naturally be a cold uninhabitable place. Through a process that is referred to as the green-house effect, atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and chlorofluorocarbons have been responsible for trapping the heat radiated from the earth’s surface and subsequently warming the earth. It is through this natural phenomenon that the earth’s average temperatures have been maintained at around 60? Fahrenheit. However, atmospheric temperatures have been rising above the naturally expected rates, and scientists as well as environmentalists have raised concern over these changing climatic conditions, and the effects they will have on human existence. Rising atmospheric temperatures have been attributed to both natural and man-made factors and various suggestions have been raised that hold possible solutions to global warming and its effects on the earth (Peach 2-3). 2. Causes and Effects of Global Warming One of the major causes of global warming is the greenhouse effect. Although the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon without which the world would be uninhabitable, there has been a high increase of heat trapping gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap more heat while less of it is radiated back into the outer space, subsequently resulting in global warming. The atmosphere is a combination of many gases which not only enable the sun’s rays to reach the earth’s surface, but also prevent the heat energy that is reradiated by the earth’s surface from escaping back into the atmosphere. Atmospheric gases deflect and scatter about 30% of the sunlight that hits the earth back into space. Through infrared radiation, the rest of the sunlight is reflected back to the atmosphere in the form of slow-moving energy and is absorbed by atmospheric gases which subsequently slow down its escape from the atmosphere. This absorption of energy by atmospheric gases creates a warm-air blanket around the earth; without which this planet would probably be one massive glacier and would not be able to sustain any life (Gonzalez and Sherer 374; Flannery 1-4). Increased human activities such as agriculture, oil production, industry and mining have resulted in an equally increased level of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Fossil fuel production and use has especially led to increased carbon dioxide emission and apparently, to 50 % of all human-induced global warming. Since the industrial Revolution, burning of fossil fuels and the use of chlorofluorocarbons and nitrogen fertilizers has led to increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a result of the Industrial Revolution, agricultural production improved, population grew and urbanization expanded extensively to cater for the urban working masses. All these processes have resulted in massive clearing of forests and other vegetation cover as land is cleared for more food production, for settlement and for mining. Trees naturally help to retain most of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and with the increased loss of trees, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased and this has led to global warming. Solar activity and volcanic emissions have also contributed to global warming. Scientists argue that the sun has gradually been increasing in strength and since it is the main source of energy, the earth’s atmosphere absorbs approximately 70% of the solar flux. It is the solar flux that has led to increased temperatures not only in the earth’s atmosphere but also in its land and oceans. As climatic and temperature changes occur on the surface of the earth, the sun continues to emit more radiant energy (Peach 3-4, 19-27, 55; Flannery78-79). Global warming adversely affects life on the face of the earth. Various scientists have blamed global warming for rapid changes in weather patterns around the globe and subsequent severe and long draughts in several parts of the world. Spells of dry weather have also been blamed for the catastrophic wild fires that have frequently razed through vast tracts of inhabited land in California, U. S. A as well as for the heat waves that swept through Europe during the summer of 2003 and caused the death of about 35,000 people. Scientists have also suggested that rising atmospheric temperatures could be the cause of severe storms, tornadoes and hurricanes such as those experienced in southeastern U. S. A and other parts of the world (Flannery 132-141). Excessive heat transferred back to the atmosphere causes strong winds and also fuels the storms. Rising atmospheric temperatures have also been blamed for the massive melting of glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica as well as most mountain tops of the world. As these glaciers retreat, the melted ice in turn flows down into the seas and has attributed for rising ocean levels. According to experts, the sea level is expected to rise by about 30 cm by the year 2100 and may cause flooding or even disappearance of coastal towns. About two thirds of the world’s major cities have been built along coastlines and their existence as well as that of their future developments will continue to rest upon the effects of global warming (Valsson 17-25; Peach 38-39). While it is common to conceptualize the impacts of such scenarios and effects upon humans, there is definitely truth in claiming that the detrimental effects of global warming affect all life on the planet. To further explain, a vast number of creatures or organisms throughout the world. In general, encompassing changes to the temperature of the Earth would mean that creatures would have another concern to tackle in order to maintain survival. Specifically, both flora and fauna which currently reside in a given location, live optimally at the particular climate present at the aforesaid region; changes in temperature may result in the proliferation of illnesses and even extinction (Craighead 123). In contrast, some creatures might further proliferate in the presence of global warming. The growth of squids for example have been known to be enhanced by the increasingly warmer oceans which resulting in a considerable increase in its number throughout the seas (AtKisson 44). While this may seem beneficial, it is important to emphasize that ecological balance would potentially be compromised by such effects of global warming. Furthermore, while migration to other areas would have been the expected course of action for animals and even plants to survive the region altering effects of global warming it is now virtually impossible to accomplish as human activities and settlements have considerably spread (Schneider and Root 3). Before dismissing the abovementioned effects of global warming as secondary to its implications upon humans, it is essential to point out that human survival heavily relies on the riches of nature. 3. Possible Solutions to Global Warming Processes such as increased agricultural production, industrialization and urbanization have contributed to massive loss of the world’s vegetation cover and subsequent global warming; but are quite difficult to control or reverse. But global warming can be controlled through responsible environmental management procedures. Re-forestation probably remains the most practical and perhaps most effective measure of reducing the effects of a warmer earth. Through reforestation, the atmospheric cycle will be maintained at close to normal levels and in such way, atmospheric temperatures will be reduced; in relation to this, the rate at which forested land is being converted to other land use activities should also be continuously checked. Public transport should be encouraged especially when traveling for short distances because this helps to put a check on the burning of so much fossil fuel. Complete rehabilitation of destroyed environment takes hundreds of years; and preserving the existing forest cover through sustainable development becomes very crucial towards preserving the temperate and tropical forests that face destruction every year. It is also advisable to educate the masses on the advantages of using electric appliances that use less heat as well as the use of energy-saving bulbs (Peach 45-55). Aside from creating positive changes in the manner of energy production, resource management, and daily living, means to limit and eventually eliminate the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere should also be highlighted. Considering the state of technology and manufacturing today, it would be appropriate to assume that immediately eliminating all the industrial processes which create greenhouse gases is an impossible feat. However, there are ways to gradually make corporations and firms worldwide to reconsider more environmental methods of production and energy usage. One of the most promising of which is the implementation of a strict, and possibly internationally applied, carbon tax. To explain, as carbon is considered to be one of the most common greenhouse gases derived from industrial endeavors due to the use of fossil fuels, a taxation system which results in greater expenses for heavy users of fossil fuel would supposedly result in transitions to the use of clean energy (McKinney and Schoch 434). Subsequently similar policies, either worldwide or specific to a country, should be drawn that advocate more dependence on renewable energy such as solar, wind and geo-thermal and less dependence on fossil fuel. While global warming may be partly addressed through lifestyle changes which are depended upon personal choice as discussed beforehand, it is undeniably that the actions of governments or world leaders are essential if the world would indeed survive and resolve the issues brought forth by global warming; such leaders and politicians hold the key to actualizing the needed transitions in society. 4. Conclusion Global warming and the potential effect it has on the environment and global human societies are still difficult to put on scale because of the uncertainties that accompany the scope of the problem; despite such, it is irrefutable that the detrimental effects of global warming upon human lives, as well as both flora and fauna, have become an evident proof of the presence of the concern. As industrialization advanced greenhouse gases were released into the atmosphere on a very large scale and global temperatures have been on the increase. But there is increased international attention directed towards reduction of these gases from man-made sources; as well as drawing of policies towards the best methods of adapting to the possible impacts that global climatic change will bring along. A long-term solution will however require the global cooperation since global warming has been the result of greenhouse emissions from all countries of the world. Since emitted gases continue to have their effect, more emission should be controlled. Both short-term and long-term policies should be put into consideration (Peach 44-45, 57). Therefore, in order for humanity to resolve the issue of global warming and ensure that life on Earth would ensue in its rightful manner, continuous vigilance of the changes in the environment as well as superb planning and problem solving skills are all of great importance, but not as essential as establishing global awareness and unity. Works Cited AtKisson, Alan. The ISIS Agreement: How Sustainability Can Improve Organizational Performance and Transform the World. Sterling, VA: Earthscan Publishing, 2008. Craighead, Lance. Bears of the World. St. Paul, MN: Voyageur Press – MBI Publishing Company, 2000. Flannery, Tim F. The Weather Makers: How Man is Changing the Climate and What it Means for Life on Earth. New York, NY: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2006. Gonzalez, Joseph and Thomas E Sherer. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Geography. Phoenix, AZ: Alpha Books, 2004. McKinney, Michael L. and Robert M. Schoch. Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions. 3rd Edition. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2003. Peach, Dexter J. Global warming: Emission Reductions Possible As Scientific Uncertainties Are Resolved. Darby. PA: DIANE Publishing, 2005. Schneider, Stephen H. and Terry L. Root. Wildlife Responses to Climate Change: North American Case Studies. Washington, DC: Island Press, 2002. Valsson, Trausti. How the World will Change with Global Warming. Reykjavik, Iceland: University of Iceland Press, 2006.

The Effects Of Video Games On Children Essay - 1279 Words

Introduction Video games have always been a controversial type of entertainment, that may come from how relatively new video games are compared to other mediums of entertainment[1]. Maybe because of that when a violent crime occurs and the culprit has played a lot of games the media is quick to point at violent games as the reason for the crime, but is that true or are the media just biased or looking for quick views, this report aims to answer that question. Do games affect our way of thinking One study looked at how games affect children and started with the observation that games may cause psychological absorption which is defined as: â€Å"Psychological absorption is considered to be one type of altered state of consciousness, occurring when one becomes totally immersed in the present experience (Irwin, 1999).†[2] And further explained that: â€Å"By definition, when an individual becomes psychologically absorbed, the logical integration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences is suspended. Psychological absorption also reduces the accessibility of affect to consciousness. † They also guessed that the absorption is similar to â€Å" psychological absorption may be equivalent to the flow state described by Csikszentmihalyi Csikszentmihalyi (1988).†[2] Which is shown to cause enhanced learning and possibly enhanced susceptibility to suggestion. To prove this, there was a test conducted where children who played video games regularly were given a questionnaire which aimed toShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Video Games On Children Essay1357 Words   |  6 PagesScreening to a halt: Are parents in New Zealand able to identify signs of dependency or addiction in their children due to over use of screen-time from the recreational use of video games? Digital technology and the vast amount of video games have increased the amount of screen time consumption in contemporary New Zealand society. The saturation of smart phones, ipad’s, tablets, computers, game consoles and the Internet are devices with the means of connection to gaming. Many New Zealand families integrateRead MoreThe Effects of Video Games on Children1288 Words   |  6 PagesThe Effects of Video Games on Children Technology today has progressed rapidly from generation to generation. Children and young adults are both into video games and the latest gadgets out there. Video games have been available to customers for the last 30 years. They are a unique way to entertain individuals because they encourage players to become a part of the games script. Victor Strasburger an author of â€Å"Children, Adolescents, and the media† stated â€Å"The rising popularity of video games hasRead MoreThe Effects of Video and Video Games on Children2043 Words   |  8 Pagesaction, usually in a cartoon, movie, or video game. For many of us, Disney is where we refer back to early forms of animation with the idea of using thousands of consecutive drawings; through Disney, we can now see how far this idea of breathing life into static objects has advanced. Today, animation is becoming more and more realistic. With highly advanced technology and computer programs, it has become easier for simple cartoons to develop into what children see as real life. These animated cartoonsRead MoreThe Effects Of Video Games On Children1548 Words   |  7 PagesVideo Games Introduction Today video games are a staple in most households. It is pretty amazing to know that the first creation of games date all the way back to the 1900s. They were not originally invented to make a profit, but to give patients something to do while waiting in the lobby of an office. One inventor had a simple idea of using the monitor not just as a television set, but as a way to play games. College students were just playing around with equipment and happened upon something greatRead MoreVideo Games And Its Effects On Children927 Words   |  4 PagesVideo games are a more interesting form of entertainment for the simple reason that players may become part of the game’s plot. Video games were invented for many years now. However, the current variety of games raised concerns about how they affect the children s behavior due to the fact that the games are becoming more sophisticated. Children spend most of their free time playing video games. Sometimes children refrain from completi ng important duties and dedicate all of their time playing videoRead MoreVideo Games And Its Effects On Children940 Words   |  4 Pageswas bored they went outside to play, they created new games, or they played with friends. But, for the past three decades, video games and other digital media have been persuading many adolescents and children to spend the majority of their time playing them. Video games seem to satisfy children’s natural need to interact socially, however more often than not, they lead to social isolation. Overexposure to digital media, such as video games is detrimental to the health and function of a child’sRead MoreVideo Games And Its Effects On Children1519 Words   |  7 PagesVideo games in the 21st century have transformed from friendly competing into guns, explosions, and major violence. Video games are getting away with more violence every year and the games are becoming more extreme. The consistence and severity of violence is at an a ll-time high leading the most popular games in the gaming community to have a ‘mature’ rating due to the considerable amount of violence involved. For example, one of the highest selling video games of all time grossing one billion itsRead MoreThe Effects of Video Games on Children1656 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction For more than 30 years, video gaming has been a popular activity amongst many of America’s children. With over $63 billion (Reuters, reuters.com) worth sold each year, video games are here to stay. While much controversy has arisen over the subject, video games have benefited the United States of America and its citizens to a great degree. For example, the military and CIA use gaming to train soldiers (Davidson, www.ehow.com), and classrooms use video games to teach students. The potentialRead MoreThe Effects Of Video Games On Children1034 Words   |  5 PagesThe world of today has developed in a way that even children are affected by technology. They enjoy video games in their leisure time and even prefer them to studying that, in its turn, can contribute to their poor performance in the class. These days, video games have become an issue that has brought concern to many people from parents to scholars about their potential effect on the future of children through influenci ng their conduct. They feel that the violent behavior or any other negative consequenceRead MoreThe Effects Of Video Games On Children Essay1736 Words   |  7 PagesEffects of Video Games We see it everywhere we go, video games. Kids and adults are being captivated over the new video games that are coming out. Call of Duty, Battlefield,Uncharted; these are the games that people are enjoying and becoming fascinated with. What do all of those things have in common? There is only one answer and that is violence. Fighting, shooting, killing, these are the things that video games bring to the table and stimulate people s minds. We should ask ourselves whether

Arkansas/Arkansaw Book Review - 1447 Words

Arkansas/Arkansaw: How Bear Hunters, Hillbillies, and Good Ol Boys Defined a State. Brooks Blevins. Fayetteville, AR. 2009. 242 pages What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the state of Arkansas? Chances are, that as an Arkansan the thoughts are quite different than those of someone not born or raised here. Hillbilly, redneck, barefoot, and trailer are a just few of the common first words invoked in the minds of â€Å"foreigners† by the word Arkansas. In the non-fiction work, Arkansas/Arkansaw: How Bear Hunters, Hillbillies, and Good Ol Boys Defined a State, author Brooks Blevins provides readers with his idea of how Arkansass image began, and then perpetuated over time. He provides several examples of the†¦show more content†¦He says that because, at this time, Arkansas is blocked on the east by swamps and on the west by Indian territory it became â€Å"backwater†. Unfortunately much of Arkansass reputation at this time was negative. There are a few travelers that noted the simple goodness of Arkansans at this time. Travelers such as Friedrich Gerstacker and Wash intgon Irving presented a softer side to the prominent savage-like image described by others. Gerstackers perception of Arkansans was descibed as primarily positive. He described the Arkansans he encountered as â€Å"honest and upright† and reported that Arkansas was his favorite of all the states in America. Irving said that Arkansans, â€Å"have none of that eagerness for gain, and rage for improvement, which keep our people continually on the move† (22). He had a respect for the slowed down, simple way of like Arkansans lived every day. Blevins depicts both positive and negative travel accounts and memoirs, although he believes that their impact is difficult to measure. As the book progresses through the years, Blevins begins to introduce several famous faces that call Arkansas their home, in what he calls the Heyday of the Hillbilly. He mentions everyone from musicians to actors, athletes to novelists, and intellects to political figures. For each one mention ed, Blevins describes their experience with the Arkansas image, whether they found a way to embrace it or let it bring them down. Its