Illegal Immigration to the United States :: Economy Immigrants Work Essays

What is largely fueling the underground economy, experts say, is the nation's swelling ranks of low-wage illegal immigrants. The government puts this population at 8.5 million, but that may represent a serious undercount. Robert Justich, a senior managing director at Bear Stearns Asset Management in New York, makes a persuasive case in a forthcoming paper, "The Underground Labor Force Is Rising to the Surface," that illegal immigrants actually number 18 million to 20 million. If true, the economic implications are profound and could help shape debates slated in Washington this year over both immigration policies and tax reform. Measuring the size of the underground economy is, of course, more art than science, since most of its denizens seek to remain anonymous. But convincing anecdotal evidence and a number of credible academic studies suggest that it is expanding briskly -- probably by an average of 5.6% a year since the early 1990s, edging out the real economy. [Underground illustration] In the process, the underground economy is undermining the effectiveness of the Internal Revenue Service, which is highly dependent on employees' withholding taxes. If the IRS could collect all the taxes it says that it is owed from the underground economy in a given year, then the current budget deficit would disappear overnight. And if the IRS could collect these taxes every year, then the nation would have surpluses as far as the eye can see. The IRS has estimated that its tax gap -- the estimated amount of taxes owed minus the amount collected -- is around $311 billion in any given year. The agency will produce a new estimate in 2005, and it could be as high as $400 billion, says former IRS Commissioner Donald Alexander. Now a lawyer in Washington, he cites a rise in private contracting and the opportunities it affords for not reporting income. The gap number measures only a portion of the underground economy. Because the number is extrapolated from audited returns, it makes no allowances for criminal enterprises that report no income, and it even fails to capture some garden varieties of nonreporting. The unreported wages of illegal immigrants alone could be costing the government another $50 billion a year, says Justich. Growth of the underground economy is partly a result of corporate downsizing, which has forced many former employees to go out on their own. "We have had an 85% taxpayer compliance rate," says Nina Olson, the IRS's taxpayer advocate.

Computers Essay

Books will never be completely replaced by computers. Computers can crash, and all information will be lost. If the power goes out in your house, you can’t read on your computer, but you can pick up a book. What you read on a comp. is just light or something on a screen. A book is is a permentent physical printing. If computers replaced books, we’d all have serious eye problems. The joy of reading would be lost. I’d hate to have to depend on a machine for my relaxing reading time. Books are forever, computers are until it breaks down, and everything will be lost. Books can be taken care of, as can computers, but there are books that are a hundred years old, I haven’t heard of anyone with the same computer for even 10 yrs. see more:essay on computer I guess comps are getting new and better, but books are still better to read. However, on the up side for comps, 1 comp, can store probebly over a hundred books, sort of like an i pod. But if the 1 comp breaks, that a hundred books too. Computers are good, and should store that kind of stuff, but I don’t think it should completly replace the book. That would really suck. You can’t haul your computer everywhere you go, like the bus, waiting rooms, the lunchroom, bed, etc. Too large, awkward and unwieldy. Even laptops. You can’t just throw a laptop in your purse. I take books with me everywhere I go so I have something to kill the time with when I’m waiting. I read everyday on my lunch hour. I read before I go to bed. Sitting in front of a coputer to read makes my eyes, butt and back hurt, because you have to sit up to do it and the computer screen is too bright. Plus, books don’t need batteries. I think it’s okay for kids in school, and I’m sure that there are other instances, but I highly doubt that books will ever become obsolete.f a book – from reading an actual book instead of a screen. . Finding good novels or non-fiction would be more difficult because of the volume of all kinds and qualities of same. A computer, even a notebook, will never replace a pocket-sized paperback you can stick in a purse and read anywhere. Books don’t need batteries, service, defragging or any of those things. Like many aspiring authors, I’m excited by the possibilities posed by on-line publishing, but I have some serious reservations about what could happen if there is an unchecked volume of materials placed â€Å"out there.† Also, collecting royalties could make writing for profit even more of a challenge than it is today. Intro Science has made4 mch developments during the recent decades. It has developed many gadgets for our comfort but in my opinion they cn never replace the traditional things and ways. One of the greatest invention of technology and sciences is computer

Buddhism Happiness and The Four Noble Truths - 1442 Words

Gautama was to be king. He was to live a life of luxury with his wife and son. His father groomed him to never have to live his kingdom. However, one day Gautama left his home and walked into the world of suffering his father was shielding him from. He saw the wrinkles of a man of old age. He saw someone sick with disease. He saw the body of a dead person (Haught 46). The reality of human misery deeply disturbed Gautama which caused him to start to rethink his life. He said goodbye to his wife and child and left them to solve the question of human suffering; his newly declared purpose in life. In order to truly disperse himself in finding the end to his suffering, Gautama let go of a life of things and ambitions; anything felt to be†¦show more content†¦Some people find it easier to live their lives hoping for a better future, however; Buddhism wants everyone to realize that the suffering never ends and that it should be accepted so people can move on and just live their liv es without disappointment. According to Buddhism, remaining ignorant of the First Noble Truth one will continue to live a life full of constant disappointments. The Second Noble Truth: The cause of suffering is desire or clinging. Knowing that nothing lasts is a difficult concept to grasp. This truth comes from our desire of the permanence in our lives. The concept of clinging is described by the word tanha which literally means thirst; the thirst for impermanent things in life to become permanent (Haught 50). People commonly attach themselves to things or people or moments in life that will be gone in seconds. This gives people a false sense of security, holding onto things that cannot last. By accepting this truth, one is confronting the fear of perishing (Haught 50). It is important to note that it is this desire that keeps people locked into the idea of rebirth. The Third Noble Truth relieves people of the pain caused by the Second Noble Truth: suffering can vanquish by forsaki ng the disposition to cling. People need to relieve themselves of tanha; the thirst for permanence in their lives. Nirvana is the salvation from suffering and can only be achieved by releasing tanha. Nirvana is the goal of life and canShow MoreRelatedThe Four Noble Truths Of Buddhism1533 Words   |  7 PagesCritically discuss the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, explaining the reasons or arguments given by Buddhism to support these Truths and discussing at least one objection that could be raised against the first Noble Truth and one objection that could be raised against the second Noble Truth. Buddhism see’s the Four Noble Truths as the Buddha’s way of explaining the truth of the human condition and are described as the essence of His teachings. The Four Noble Truths play an important part in understandingRead MoreBuddhism Research Paper1724 Words   |  7 PagesEnglish 3-4 CP October 13, 2011 Buddhism The main focus of Buddhism is that the faith centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate reality, The Buddha was also called the Enlightened One, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world. He rejected speculation about such matters as God, the nature of the universe, and the afyterlife, urging his folloers to focus instead on the Four Noble Truths by which they can free themselvesRead MoreBuddhism(Informative Speech)958 Words   |  4 PagesInformative Outline Topic: The Buddhism General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about some main beliefs of one of the most popular religions, the Buddhism. Thesis: From Buddhism to any individual, the Buddhism and Buddhist beliefs become one of the most influential religions in the world. i. Introduction A. Attention Getter: â€Å"God said, let there be light: and there was light.† For Christians, Jesus is their only God. However, as the founder of another famousRead MoreBuddhism Is A Path Of Spiritual Development And The True Nature Of Reality1419 Words   |  6 PagesBuddhism, as a religion is an intricate and sometimes complicated set of practices and doctrines. Originating in India by Buddha, the philosophy holds that Buddhism is a path of spiritual development leading to Enlightenment and the true nature of reality. One way to fully understand Buddhism is to critically discuss the Four Noble Truths and how they lead to the path of Nibbana. According to Lopez, ‘The Buddha stated in his first sermon that when he gained absolute and intuitive knowledge of theRead MoreThe Buddhist Self Of Buddhism1510 Words   |  7 Pagesmost widespread religions in the world, and the dominant religion of Asia, Buddhism has developed greatly from when it was first founded. Though Buddhism is commonly thought of as an eastern religion, it’s popularity is spreading more and more to the western world. Though Buddhist beliefs may seem drastically different from traditional western beliefs, there are many ideas worth learning from it. The religion of Buddhism was constructed by the Buddha, born in 623 B.C. as Siddhartha Gautama. HeRead MoreReligion Is The Opiate Of The People1566 Words   |  7 Pagesmeans. It can be learned and described, but for one to know religion, they must practice it. Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam are similar and diverse in many aspects, and each of these religions answer the questions â€Å"Who am I? Why am I here?† in their own ways. Although, they may be exceptionally diverse, all religions are tied together in some aspects. Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism are very different religions in many aspects, but they are also related in some ways. This brings me to theRead MoreEssay about The History and Practice of Buddhism (Mahayana Sect)1023 Words   |  5 PagesThe religion Buddhism came from Buddha’ meaning to awaken. 300 million people around the world are practitioners of Buddhism. In the United States, about one million people serve one form of Buddhism. From Indian, China, Japan, Russia to the United States have practitioners of Buddhism. Siddhartha Gotama known as Buddha was the creator of Buddhism some 2,500 year ago in India. Buddha taught his followers a philosophy teaching a way of life not just a religion. Buddha also taught followers: haveRead MoreThe Buddhas Four Noble Truths: a Logical Basis for Philosophy1688 Words   |  7 PagesThe Buddhas Four Noble Truths: A Logical Basis for Phi losophy The Buddha Shakyamuni was born in the 6th century BCE in the area presently known as Nepal. During his 80 year lifetime, he systematically developed a pragmatic, empirically based philosophy which he claimed would lead its followers towards an enlightened existence. Buddhism is commonly called a religion; however, it differs from the usual definition of a religion in that it has no deities, does not promote worship of demigods, andRead MoreThe Seven Dimensions Of Buddhism985 Words   |  4 PagesInstead, one must apply the seven dimensions in order to fully understand it. The seven dimensions are ritual (practical), mythology, doctrinal, ethical, experiential, social, and material. Buddhism is a religion that was founded by an Indian prince named Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. Buddhism can be understood using all seven of the dimensions. The first dimension used to understand a religion is based off its rituals. Buddhist perform rituals as a way to offer respect to the BuddhaRead More The Buddhas Four Noble Truths: A Logical Basis For Philosophy1651 Words   |  7 Pages The Buddhas Four Noble Truths: A Logical Basis for Philosophy nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The Buddha Shakyamuni was born in the 6th century BCE in the area presently known as Nepal. During his 80 year lifetime, he systematically developed a pragmatic, empirically based philosophy which he claimed would lead its followers towards an enlightened existence. Buddhism is commonly called a religion; however, it differs from the usual definition of a religion in that it has no deities, does not promote

Roman Catholic Church Reformation Martin Luther Essay

On the 31st of October 1517 was the beginning of the reformation when Martin Luther Posted up his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Roman Catholic Church and published in Wittenberg, Germany. The Reformation Became the Basis for the founding of Protestantism, one of the three major branches of Christianity. Luther had far-reaching political, economic and social effects. But the main question is why Martin Luther was able to successfully challenge the church of its religious and political authority? After evaluating the main reasons why Luther had success challenging the church, it is to all appearances that the circumstances were in his favour and available to him during that time. To confirm this hypothesis, the three circumstances†¦show more content†¦The Printing Press Printed and copied it, making it one of the first documents to be done with it. Within two week, copies spread throughout Germany and within two months, copies spread all through Europe. The print pre ss made it able to get the churches wrong doings out to the people of Europe following the churches rules and translating the theses into German for people that were uneducated or illiterate to understand Latin. The printing press increased the notoriety of Martin and made many other people across Europe protest the ecclesiastical structure of catholic religion. With the printing press spreading throughout Europe, the church wasn’t able to keep the new quite like they did with others who attempted to rebel against them. For example Jan Hus who was executed for heresy against the doctrines of the Catholic Church. As much as they wanted to burn Martin Luther to the stake the word was out and unable to be stopped. Later on, the council released the edict of worm, banning Luther’s writings and declaring him a â€Å"convicted Heretic†. This made Luther a condemned and wanted man. Local Duke Frederick of Saxony decided on keeping him in the Wartburg castle for protection. He planned the kidnap of martin Luther in order to trick the church in believing thatShow MoreRelatedThe 95 Theses By Martin Luther982 Words   |  4 PagesTheses by Martin Luther as my primary source. This primary source is a historical document that cause major uproars throughout Europe. The 95 Theses were written by Martin Luther in October of 1517. The 95 Theses were ninety-five statements written by Martin Luther in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church. They challenged the common practices of the Catholic Church, including indulgences and the authority of the pope. The 95 Theses sparked a theological debate that fueled the Reformation in EuropeRead MoreThe Protestant Reformation Essay1014 Words   |  5 Pagesexpressions of the Protestant Reformation. This paper will discuss Lutheran Reformation, The Anabaptist, and The English Puritans as well as the Catholic Reformation also known as the Counter Reformation. It is the hope that after the reader has had the opportunity to view each of the characteristics and the expressions of each of the reformation the reader will have a better understanding of each and will be able to articulate the differences of each. The Protestant Reformation called the Protestant RevoltRead MoreThe Reformation And The Reformation1421 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Catholic Church many people were dissatisfied about their faith during the Renaissance. This led to a period called the Reformation, which began in 1517. The Reformation was led by radical critics Martin Luther and John Calvin, who questioned the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, due to their selling of indulgences and stray from the Bible. The Reformation started in central Europe and spread to encompass most of the continent, during which time people left the Roman CatholicRead MoreMartin Luther : A Father Of The Protestant Reformation1462 Words   |  6 PagesMartin Luther: A Father of the Protestant Reformation During the 16th century, many people began to question the doctrine and practices of the Catholic Church. The church was selling indulgences (forgiveness) to release people from their debt of sin. The higher positions held in the church were being sold to those who would pay the most money. The clergy’s greed and thirst after money essentially divided the church between the peasants and clergy. One man disagreed with the actions of the CatholicRead MoreWhat Were The Social Cause Of The Protestant Reformation?1289 Words   |  6 PagesWhat were the social causes of the Protestant Reformation? The bible was being made more accessible than ever. One of the things that led to more people interpreting the bible is that it was translated into everyday language. Another was the fact that the printing press was enabled that allowed multiple copies of the bible to be made. Previous to this, scribes would have to write every bible by hand and this could take years, just for one of the m. Another factor was the fact that there was increasedRead MoreMartin Luther and the Catholic Church894 Words   |  4 PagesAmen.† Martin Luther stated these words in 1521 when he was asked whether he still believed what his works taught. The Protestant Reformation was a movement during the 16th century, which aimed to reform some beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The reformation was led by a German monk named Martin Luther and was further modified by John Calvin, a French theologian and Henry VIII, the king of England. The ideas bought forward by these individuals started the Protestant Reformation, whichRead MoreWhy Did Martin Luther Start The Protestant Reformation?.968 Words   |  4 PagesWhy did Martin Luther start the Protestant Reformation? After five centuries, it is easy to reduce the Protestant Reformation to a dispute over corruption in the Roman Catholic Church. But was it dissension over corruption or was it more complex than that? While corruption existed in the Church during the Renaissance, the Reformation was as much about politics, theology, and individualism, as it was about rooting out corruption. When looking at the religious values that guide human choices,Read MoreThe Protestant Reformation And The Reformation916 Words   |  4 PagesThe Protestant Reformation took place in the 16th century and was a major European movement whose goal was to reform the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. This movement led to people worshipping God as they wanted and no longer relying on the Catholic Church for guidance with religious matters. Even though people were doing what they believed, the Protestant Reformation brought many conflicts. Religious disagreements caused bloody conflicts all over Europe. The principal figureRead MoreThe Effect Of The Reformation On The Roman Catholic Church1506 Words   |  7 PagesThe Effect of the Reformation on the Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Church grew from an outlawed and persecuted religion to a well-organized and powerful ruling body in the western world. After the death of Jesus of Nazareth his disciples begin to spread his teachings of love and salvation through a single God. However, early Christians quickly became seen as a threat to the most powerful Empire at the time; Rome. Being monotheistic they refused to offer sacrifice to state ran cults andRead MoreThe Separation Of Church And State1632 Words   |  7 Pages2004). This amendment established the separation of church and government that our country was founded on and still practices today. We as Americans are free to practice any religion we chose thanks to our founding fathers. However the separation of church and state in many countries throughout the centuries has not always been practiced. There was a time when the Roman Catholic Church was the church and government for everyone. This monopoly of church and state affected everythin g it touched until the

The Real Heroes in Literature - 1890 Words

What images are associated with the words â€Å"hero†? A muscular Hercules saving the world from Hades? A knight in shining armor bravely riding into combat? Words like bravery, strength, pride, and self-sacrifice are commonly connected with a classic hero. But are those the only characteristics that make someone heroic? A dictionary definition of a hero is â€Å"a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities†; however, this is a very elastic definition and there are many other types and definitions of heroes depending on circumstances. Is there one that is correct? Do all heroes share any common characteristics? According to Orin E. Klapp, a hero is â€Å"a person, real or imaginary, who evokes the†¦show more content†¦Throughout the journey, Bilbo is able to defeat a few enemies, such as when he buys time during the troll incident, and helps the dwarves escape from the spiders; however, Diogo Gonà §alves, points out that â€Å"even when he starts becoming useful for the group†¦ he is humble; Bilbo doesn’t mock on those he defeats, as the classic hero tended to do† (44), rather the mockery is used to defeat the enemies. A clear example is the incident with the spiders, where he angers them by calling them offensive names in order to give the dwarves a chance to escape. Despite all these differences, Bilbo is still accepted as a hero in today’s society and does share some traits with the classic hero. One of the reasons I believe he is accepted in today’s society is because he is easy to relate to, demonstrating pleasure in his domestic lifestyle, but at the same time, possessing a natural curiosity and a desire to enjoy the occasional adventure outside his comfort zone. He also has the admirable quality of loyalty and persistence. Even when â€Å"the dwarves wanted to know why he had ever been brought at all, why he could not stick to his friends and come along with them, and why the wizard had not chosen someone with more sense, and that ‘He has been more trouble than use so far,’ said one† (Tolkien 44), Bilbo still stuck by their side and helped them to the best of his abilities. Just like the Cinderella hero, Bilbo was probably not the dwarves’ first choiceShow MoreRelatedLiterary Vs. Real Life Heroes1618 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"What makes a hero different in literature compared to real life heroes?† The heroes in literature works can be traced back through centuries of stories. A hero is usually seen as the â€Å"good† guy or the savior. They exhibit heroic behaviors. A literary hero can be critiqued into many different forms of literary heroes. Real life heroes are people in everyday life that do nobel exhibits in everyday life that people see as heroic. Both literary and real life heros have some similarities and differencesRead MoreRole and evolution of the hero in literature1472 Words   |  6 Pagesyes, but in literature, it can be controversial. A hero in literature is generally portrayed as a man of action rather than thought. He exceeds ordinary men in skill, strength, and courage and his usual occupations are war and dangerous adventures. Surrounded by noble peers, he is ruled by honor and pride and is ruthless towards his enemies. His responses are generally predictable and his inability to decline a challenge can sometimes get him into trouble. The appearance of heroes in literatureRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1020 Words   |  5 Pages Heroic stories in English literature have unmatched fame because of the traits that the heroes exude. Both Sir Gawain, from â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† translated by Marie Borroff, and Beowulf, from Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, serve as heroes in different times of Medieval English Literature. Many of the basic principles that describe heroes in Medieval Literature are seen in both of these characters even though they were written in different times. There are distinct similaritiesRead MoreThe Major Works of Thomas Carlyle Essay1582 Words   |  7 Pages The literature of Victorian England is infused with the scientific as well as the humanitarian spirit, the romantic as well as the didactic note. It was essentially an Age of Prose- the direct influence of the growth in science and the questioning spirit -with great progress in critical prose wri ting. The inconsistent features of the early Victorian Britain were clearly reflected in the pamphlets, essays, lectures, and books of Carlyle, the greatest figure in the general prose literature of hisRead MoreEssay on The Epic Hero Archetype in Films, and Literature850 Words   |  4 PagesAs Beowulf possessed incredible the strength of 30 men, Luke Skywalker the force, and Harry Potter magic, epic heroes continue in every form of today’s entertainment and storytelling. Every culture from the beginning has had their own tales of heroes accomplishing great feats that no one else could. An epic hero is an icon for everyone to relate to, they symbolize different lessons to learn. The epic hero archetype exists as a source of entertainment but also as a demonstrative tool. Their moralsRead MoreSimilarities Between Achilles And Odysseus1110 Words   |  5 PagesThrough the art of storytelling, and literature, we have weaved images of what the ideal human should be. Countless w orks of literature depict such humans as â€Å"heroes†, due to the inspiration they stir within our imperfect souls. Truly epic heroes shape future stories, and remain influential despite the weathering of time. Two heroes of epic proportions can be found in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, through the grand tales of Achilles and Odysseus. How are these two men heroes? Better yet, what makes each uniqueRead More`` Ain t I A Woman ``865 Words   |  4 PagesFor a while, people wanted to get away or hide from their realities when they wrote or read literature. During the Civil War, mindsets changed and people were tired of the fantasies. People craved realistic stories with real, life-like endings. Realist writers answered the cry of Americans who wanted to explore realistic literature; Sojourner Truth’s â€Å"Ain’t I A Woman† is a true representation of literature during the realistic era. The start of realism in America derived from the Civil War. TheRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1317 Words   |  6 Pagesdouble life. However, not all heroes have an alter-ego; for example, mythological heroes like Hercules, or epic heroes like Beowulf. And unfortunately, not all heroes are worthy of recognition. Dorian Gray in The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde falls under this category. Mr. Gray is a well-liked individual who turns evil and manipulative by the end of the novel. Characters like him should not be idolized. Although there are certain characters in all genres of literature that should not be consideredRead MoreEssay on Hero831 Words   |  4 Pagesdisillusioned to the identity of real hero’s and instead praise celebrities as such. Over time though I gained knowledge and personal insight of what a real hero is. A real hero is a person who is strong and just and stands up for what is right instead of what is popular. But each indivi duals definition of a hero is different and everyone, in a sense, could be someone else’s hero if they had the chance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The hero used to be the one in white. Now he is harder to spot.† Heroes are everywhere; it justRead MoreBeowulf Anti Hero Essay1599 Words   |  7 Pageswas the same Beowulf who risked his life and the life of brecca in a swimming match for no reason but to prove who could swim the the longest. Fights for Money Beowulf he fights for many reasons a couple of these are money, fame, respect and glory. Real heros do not fight for these reasons, Hero’s fight to protect the people they love and those who can not defend themselves. Beowulf does not fight for the reasons a hero does, Beowulf fights for reasons of a mercenary. A mercenary is a warrior for

Post WWII European Economic Integration free essay sample

Traces the economic integration in Europe from the years after WWII to the groundbreaking Maastricht Treaty and identifies some of the key challenges to this process. The paper comments that at the dawn of this new millennium the project of European economic integration faces a number of challenges, each of which the EU is striving to address effectively. The paper goes on to describe these challenges and explore the pressing issues associated with them. Also examined, is the development of European economic integration from the years following World War Two to the rise of the European Union. In 1995 the Madrid European Council asked for an examination of the likely effects of enlargement on the European Union. The report was to contain information pertaining to the consequences of enlargement in regard to agricultural and structural policies as well as a long-term budgetary outlook. Financial information was important because it was thought that enlargement would entail an extensive overhaul of EU economic policy in order to incorporate new member states. We will write a custom essay sample on Post WWII European Economic Integration or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

the Social Impact of Fraternities Essay Example For Students

the Social Impact of Fraternities Essay RESEARCH PAPERA fraternity, as defined by the The American Heritage Dictionary is a chiefly social organization of male college students, usually designated by Greek letters.(pg. 523) This definition, however, is very limited and leaves plenty of space for short sighted people to believe the stereotype conveyed by the popular media, where fraternity members are depicted as drunks who accomplish nothing either scholastically or socially. Unfortunately, both this definition and media portrayals fail to mention the fact that membership in a fraternity is a life-long experience that helps its members develop social, organizational, and study skills during college, and that teaches true, everlasting friendship. As a matter of fact, fraternities have a long tradition of high academic achievement, and most of our nations presidents were members of a Greek association. We will write a custom essay on the Social Impact of Fraternities specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now According to Irving Klepper, the first fraternity (Phi Beta Kappa) was founded for social and literary purposes at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia on December 5th 1776. After half a century of existence, it became and has since remained a scholarship honor society. Throughout the nineteenth century, many new fraternities were founded, but none of these were permanent. Then, in 1825, the Kappa Alpha Fraternity (now Kappa Alpha Society) was born at Union College. Two years later, Sigma Phi and Delta Phi had been founded at the same college, constituting the so-called Union Triad which was, in a large measure, the pattern for the American Fraternity system. By the end of the nineteenth century there were over thirty general fraternities in this country (pg. 18). Todays fraternities still have all the characteristics and precepts of the their past fraternities: the charm and mystery of secrecy, a ritual, oaths of fidelity, a grip, a motto, a badge, a background of high idealism, a strong tie of friendship and comradeship, and urge for sharing its values through nationwide expansion. (Klepper pg. 18) In addition, todays fraternities help their members develop many skills which are used in and out of college. During membership in a fraternity, one must learn leadership skills, because the chapter has to be run in a business-like manner and because it embraces different offices (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Scribe, etc..) which are held by its members. These offices closely resemble the ones of real business. Additionally, since membership in a fraternity is seen as a great achievement by other Greek associations members, every brother must be able to uphold that office at any time. Organization is a must for every member of a fraternity. Fund raising activities and community service always have a high priority in every chapter, and each member is required to organize and/or take part in many of these activities as a pledge, a brother and an alumnus. This helps individuals within the group to develop organization and planning. In addition, since the fraternity might be located in a house, each brother must learn household organization for his brothers well being. Fraternities are famous for their energetic social gatherings (parties) which require all of their members to be socially active and outspoken when the occasion calls for it. This helps fraternity members develop very strong social skills. Since the act of one member reflects over the acts of all the others, self-control and awareness of actions are mandatory. In addition, when the brothers live in fraternity houses, this adds to the development of social skills in the way that a member must be able to deal and live with different kinds of people in different situations. Since there are people of different scholastic levels in a fraternity, the member of the fraternity have access to a great deal of knowledge on many different school subjects. It is normal for fraternities to organize study groups regularly during the school year and especially before exams. .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c , .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .postImageUrl , .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c , .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c:hover , .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c:visited , .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c:active { border:0!important; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c { 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; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c:active , .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .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; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u0aaf0499b9951fe62fa9cae324a57d9c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: British Columbia EssayIn addition, members might also use the opinion and advice of other members about the faculty in their favor, and most fraternities keep test files and other such study aids available for the benefit of their members. Most fraternity members are also eligible to receive a number of different scholarships and awards based on academic excellence, leadership, and personal achievement which can contribute to both the resume and the self-esteem of the person receiving such an honor. Fraternities are also well known for their support toward their community. In fact, other than the usual, chapter-run projects, many chapters require their associate members to organize and participate in their own community service project before they can be initiated into full membership. This helps the fraternity to enhance their image, increase their popularity and their members awareness toward the community. It is common for some fraternity members to stay active after graduating from college. In this way they can help the chapter in many ways and especially as advisor of the real world. It is also a positive experience for the graduate member, who will be able to keep in contact with the new and old members of his chapter. As Sidney S. Suntag wrote I know of no better way to keep young than to associate with young people(pg. 15). Even if some members are not able to remain active, the chapter can always count on them, since the spirit of fraternal brotherhood never dies. It is common for fraternities to build their houses and fund their activities with the support of their alumni. The number of alumni for a given fraternity in any urban area can range from a few dozen to several thousand. But the most important gift a fraternity can offer is a true and everlasting friendship that transcends the normal bonds between friends and ties them together as brothers for life. It is something no other organization can offer, and the bond that is formed between fraternity brothers is felt throughout the whole organization and not just local chapters. This explains why, when greeks of the same fraternity meet is felt like a reunion between blood brothers. Clearly, a feeling of comradeship is present not only within each fraternity, but between all of the members of Greek organizations. This can only lead to positive relations with the Greek community of a college or university, which is always fairly numerous at those institutions which have Greek organizations. As Brian Abramson stated in his interview, If you look at any Greek organization at Florida International University, or any other College or University, you can find a catalogue of services which that organization provides for the benefit of the greater community through the service projects which it conducts every semester. Tau Epsilon Phi, for example, participates in Bowling for Kids Sake every Spring, a tradition which began several years ago. Every fraternity has its own special philanthropy, as well as other public service projects which that fraternity takes part in from time to time. In fact, cooperating in public service not only provides the members of the brotherhood with valuable connections in the community, but it also serves to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood which hold the members together. To keep true to the feeling of brotherhood in a fraternity, every member must be trustworthy and at the same time must be able to trust every other member which makes the bond of brotherhood even stronger. Unfortunately, a lot of people overlook fraternities during college because of the ominous, ever-present rumors about hazing. This image is also a part of the popular stereotype of fraternity members. Hazing, as defined by the Fraternity Executive Association is Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises to produce mental, or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.(pg. 48) As John P. Nykolaiszyn puts it, If anyone is caught hazing, not only can fines be imposed upon the individuals, but conviction and even jail time could result. Organizations which practice hazing also run the risk of losing their charter and being closed down. .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be , .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .postImageUrl , .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be , .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be:hover , .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be:visited , .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be:active { border:0!important; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be { 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; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be:active , .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .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; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u31843f6953a18b6884427b39674fe6be:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Cherubic Demons EssayAs Mr. Nykolaiszyn states in his letter to the editor, While some organizations may choose to haze and humiliate the people who try to rush them, that is in no way an accurate portrayal of all Greeks. He goes on to point out the fact that, Greek life is not just about partying and drinking. Greek life helps to build character, self-esteem and life long friendships.(12) It is indeed very sad that many people are stuck with the Animal House view of fraternities and avoid looking into what fraternities are really all about. Works CitedAbramson, Brian D. Personal Interview. 1 Apr. 1996. Fraternity Executives Association Statement ofposition on Hazing and Pre-initiation ActivitiesThe portals of Tau Epsilon Phi Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia 1937Klepper, Irving The portals of Tau Epsilon PhiTau Epsilon Phi Fraternity, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia1937Morris, William, ed. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts 1982Nykolaiszyn, John P. Hazing: Greeks get a bad rap.The Beacon Feb. 13th 1996: 12.