Essays
The House on Mango Street Essay
This essay is about The House on Mango Street. The prompt is to show how three different women influence Esperanza.
I am proud of the grade I got on this essay although next time I am going to work harder because I feel like I can do better than a 4+. A 4+ is an A-, it is still a good grade but I wish to do better than that.
I am proud of the grade I got on this essay although next time I am going to work harder because I feel like I can do better than a 4+. A 4+ is an A-, it is still a good grade but I wish to do better than that.
Hannah Ross
Humanities - ½
17 Oct. 2011
Holding on to Your Future
Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana once said, “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are”. This relates to Esperanza because she wastes so much of her adolescence wanting, trying to be someone she is not. Esperanza, the main character in the book The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, starts out as a young girl who wants to leave Mango Street. Along the way, after meeting many people who influence her, she realizes that she needs to leave Mango Street so she can return to help her neighbors. Through the friends of Esperanza, readers watch how Marin, Alicia and Sally each influence her. They also see how Esperanza changes throughout the book, due to her experiences with these three young women.
Esperanza is influenced by Marin. Readers can easily see how Marin is making an impact on Esperanza in the following passage. “Her name is Marin or Maris or something like that, and she wears dark nylons all the time and lots of make-up she gets free from selling Avon. She can’t come out - gotta babysit with Louie’s sisters - but she stands in the doorway a lot, all the time singing” (Cisneros 23). Esperanza observes how Marin is older and is mature, which is evident because she wears make-up and stylish clothes. She also notices when she cares for younger children which shows her being given responsibility. She is a female role model whom Esperanza definitely looks up to. However this is not the only passage Marin’s influence is discussed. In the following quote, Marin is speaking to Esperanza and says, “She is the one who told us how Davey the Baby’s sister got pregnant and what cream is best for taking off moustache hair and if you count the white flecks on your fingernails you can know how many boys are thinking of you and lots of other things I can’t remember now” (Cisneros 25). Marin is a source of knowledge for Esperanza, as well being a feminine and sisterly role model. Esperanza obviously talks to her a lot which shows her desire to hear what Marin has to say. Marin is advising that beauty is an adept way to escape Mango Street. Marin is a strong influence on Esperanza’s opinion on beauty being used as an escape from Mango Street.
Esperanza is also influenced by Alicia. The following quote shows what Esperanza knows about Alicia’s situation. “Alicia who inherited her mama’s rolling pin and sleepiness, is young and smart and studies for the first time at university. Two trains and a bus, because she doesn’t want to spend her whole life in a factory or behind a rolling pin” (Cisneros 32). This quote shows how Esperanza views Alicia and acknowledges what is happening to her. Esperanza knows she does not want to work her whole life in a factory or at home cooking and cleaning for her husband. Alicia has greatly influenced her in this matter. However, Esperanza is not just influenced by Alicia’s personal life but also by her words. For example, “No, Alicia says. Like it or not you are Mango Street, and one day you’ll come back too. Not me. Not until somebody makes it better. Who’s going to do it? The mayor? And the thought of the mayor coming to Mango Street makes me laugh out loud. Who’s going to do it? Not the Mayor” (Cisneros 107). This passage highlights Alicia’s influence on Esperanza by showing her that it is up to her to make the change on Mango Street actually happen. Alicia really enlightens and amuses Esperanza when bringing up the mayor, because they both know that there is nearly no chance that the mayor will visit Mango Street, let alone change it. Alicia is a positive influence on Esperanza; she leads her in the right direction. Alicia is a key influence on Esperanza.
Esperanza is also greatly influenced by Sally. Esperanza shows through the following quote that Sally needs to leave not only Mango Street, but her home as well. “Sally, do you sometimes wish you didn’t have to go home? Do you wish your feet would one day keep walking and take you far away from Mango Street?” (Cisneros 82). Esperanza feels that if Sally is able to leave her family and home, she would be able to live independently. However, Sally demonstrates that she has grown up in a way where she feels she cannot live without a man. Sally’s way of escaping Mango Street is not on her own. In addition there are other instances where Sally influences Esperanza. Sally’s life went from physical abuse to emotional abuse as shown in the following quote. “She has her husband and her house now, her pillowcases and her plates. She says she is in love, but I think she did it to escape. Sally says she likes being married because now she gets to buy her own things when her husband gives her money. She is happy, except sometimes her husband gets angry and once he broke the door where his foot went through, though most days he is okay” (Cisneros 101). Esperanza knows Sally uses marriage to escape, yet her real goal is to escape from her father’s beatings. She is still being abused and is locked away from the world by her husband just as much as she was when living with her father. Esperanza sees that Sally’s method of escaping Mango street through using her beauty to attract men is a grave mistake. Sally makes a large impact on Esperanza’s attitude.
Marin, Alicia and Sally become great influences upon Esperanza in many different ways. Readers see the significant change in Esperanza while she comprehends that using beauty and men to save her from Mango Street is not a good plan. Most young women can relate to Esperanza, at some point in their life they are influenced by people making unintelligent decisions or feeling that marriage is the only way to escape an unsatisfied life.
Work Cited
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. New York: Vintage Books, 1991.
Humanities - ½
17 Oct. 2011
Holding on to Your Future
Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana once said, “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are”. This relates to Esperanza because she wastes so much of her adolescence wanting, trying to be someone she is not. Esperanza, the main character in the book The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, starts out as a young girl who wants to leave Mango Street. Along the way, after meeting many people who influence her, she realizes that she needs to leave Mango Street so she can return to help her neighbors. Through the friends of Esperanza, readers watch how Marin, Alicia and Sally each influence her. They also see how Esperanza changes throughout the book, due to her experiences with these three young women.
Esperanza is influenced by Marin. Readers can easily see how Marin is making an impact on Esperanza in the following passage. “Her name is Marin or Maris or something like that, and she wears dark nylons all the time and lots of make-up she gets free from selling Avon. She can’t come out - gotta babysit with Louie’s sisters - but she stands in the doorway a lot, all the time singing” (Cisneros 23). Esperanza observes how Marin is older and is mature, which is evident because she wears make-up and stylish clothes. She also notices when she cares for younger children which shows her being given responsibility. She is a female role model whom Esperanza definitely looks up to. However this is not the only passage Marin’s influence is discussed. In the following quote, Marin is speaking to Esperanza and says, “She is the one who told us how Davey the Baby’s sister got pregnant and what cream is best for taking off moustache hair and if you count the white flecks on your fingernails you can know how many boys are thinking of you and lots of other things I can’t remember now” (Cisneros 25). Marin is a source of knowledge for Esperanza, as well being a feminine and sisterly role model. Esperanza obviously talks to her a lot which shows her desire to hear what Marin has to say. Marin is advising that beauty is an adept way to escape Mango Street. Marin is a strong influence on Esperanza’s opinion on beauty being used as an escape from Mango Street.
Esperanza is also influenced by Alicia. The following quote shows what Esperanza knows about Alicia’s situation. “Alicia who inherited her mama’s rolling pin and sleepiness, is young and smart and studies for the first time at university. Two trains and a bus, because she doesn’t want to spend her whole life in a factory or behind a rolling pin” (Cisneros 32). This quote shows how Esperanza views Alicia and acknowledges what is happening to her. Esperanza knows she does not want to work her whole life in a factory or at home cooking and cleaning for her husband. Alicia has greatly influenced her in this matter. However, Esperanza is not just influenced by Alicia’s personal life but also by her words. For example, “No, Alicia says. Like it or not you are Mango Street, and one day you’ll come back too. Not me. Not until somebody makes it better. Who’s going to do it? The mayor? And the thought of the mayor coming to Mango Street makes me laugh out loud. Who’s going to do it? Not the Mayor” (Cisneros 107). This passage highlights Alicia’s influence on Esperanza by showing her that it is up to her to make the change on Mango Street actually happen. Alicia really enlightens and amuses Esperanza when bringing up the mayor, because they both know that there is nearly no chance that the mayor will visit Mango Street, let alone change it. Alicia is a positive influence on Esperanza; she leads her in the right direction. Alicia is a key influence on Esperanza.
Esperanza is also greatly influenced by Sally. Esperanza shows through the following quote that Sally needs to leave not only Mango Street, but her home as well. “Sally, do you sometimes wish you didn’t have to go home? Do you wish your feet would one day keep walking and take you far away from Mango Street?” (Cisneros 82). Esperanza feels that if Sally is able to leave her family and home, she would be able to live independently. However, Sally demonstrates that she has grown up in a way where she feels she cannot live without a man. Sally’s way of escaping Mango Street is not on her own. In addition there are other instances where Sally influences Esperanza. Sally’s life went from physical abuse to emotional abuse as shown in the following quote. “She has her husband and her house now, her pillowcases and her plates. She says she is in love, but I think she did it to escape. Sally says she likes being married because now she gets to buy her own things when her husband gives her money. She is happy, except sometimes her husband gets angry and once he broke the door where his foot went through, though most days he is okay” (Cisneros 101). Esperanza knows Sally uses marriage to escape, yet her real goal is to escape from her father’s beatings. She is still being abused and is locked away from the world by her husband just as much as she was when living with her father. Esperanza sees that Sally’s method of escaping Mango street through using her beauty to attract men is a grave mistake. Sally makes a large impact on Esperanza’s attitude.
Marin, Alicia and Sally become great influences upon Esperanza in many different ways. Readers see the significant change in Esperanza while she comprehends that using beauty and men to save her from Mango Street is not a good plan. Most young women can relate to Esperanza, at some point in their life they are influenced by people making unintelligent decisions or feeling that marriage is the only way to escape an unsatisfied life.
Work Cited
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. New York: Vintage Books, 1991.
Of Mice and Men
This is the second essay that we have written this year. This essay is about three different topics that John Steinbeck portrays in his writing.
I got a 98/100 as my final grade on this essay and I am very proud of it. It is better than my House on Mango Street essay which is what I wanted most.
I got a 98/100 as my final grade on this essay and I am very proud of it. It is better than my House on Mango Street essay which is what I wanted most.
Hannah Ross
Humanities ⅔
1 February 2012
Unforgotten Injustice
Langston Hughes once said, “Hold fast to dreams, for when dreams go, life is a barren field, frozen with snow”. Hughes’ words describe George’s meaningless life after finding out his best friend Lennie has killed Curley’s wife, destroying their dream of having their own farm. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, is about two men, Lennie and George, who are migrant workers that travel together. They start working on a new farm and meet many people such as Curley’s wife and Crooks. Because of Steinbeck’s great use of incorporating social issues into his writing, through the characters of Curley’s wife, Crooks and Lennie, the theme of discrimination is shown massively throughout this novella.
Curley’s wife represents women who are discriminated against and poorly treated because of her gender. Just minutes after Curley’s wife is killed, Candy, a worker on the ranch disrespects her, “He looked hopelessly back at Curley’s wife, and gradually his sorrow and his anger grew into words ‘you God damn tramp’” (Steinbeck 95). Obviously Candy, like all of the other men on the ranch, have something against Curley’s wife because she is a woman. The theme of disrespect against women grows larger when she is on the ground dead and the only words that Candy has to say are mean. There are many more incidents where gender discrimination is shown throughout this book. Curley’s wife when talking to Lennie says, “You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad. How’d you like not to talk to anybody?” (Steinbeck 87). In this quote Curley’s wife is not allowed to talk to anyone because if she does, Curley will get mad. Even when she tries to talk to someone they are reluctant to talk back because they do not want any trouble with Curley. Through the character of Curley’s wife one can see mistreatment and discrimination against women.
The theme of racism is cleverly slipped into Steinbeck's writing, showing readers how discrimination of race is more common than people think. George and Lennie’s dream is to be kept a secret, only Candy is trusted to know. When Candy tells, “George scowled, ‘I thought I tol’ you not to tell nobody about that.’ Candy was crest fallen ‘didn’t tell nobody but Crooks’” (Steinbeck 83). In this quote Candy is suggesting that Crooks is a “nobody”. He is acting as if Crooks is not worthy enough to be considered a person. Telling Crooks the secret means nothing to Candy because what ever Crooks has to say about it will mean nothing to anyone. Steinbeck includes many other moments where racism is shown. The disrespect against Crooks is obvious because he does not even respect himself. Crooks says, “This is just a nigger talking” (Steinbeck 71). The racism against Crooks brings him to believe that no one will respect him, so he does not even bother to respect himself. When he is talking to Lennie, who does not see race, Crooks is the one telling him that his opinion should not count because his words are only a “nigger talking”. Steinbeck’s skilled way of using Crooks to present racism makes his message that discrimination is wrong very clear.
The theme of discrimination against people with mental illness is strongly displayed in Steinbeck’s writing. This theme is shown when Lennie is being compared to a dog, “Slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to it’s master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again. George snapped his fingers sharply, and at the sound Lennie laid the mouse in his hand” (Steinbeck 9). This interaction between George and Lennie is being compared to an owner and their dog. To think that just because someone has mental challenges, they are less human is unfair. This is not the only place where discrimination towards people who are mentally challenged is displayed. Crooks compares Lennie to an animal and threatens what would happen if he did not have George, “Want me ta tell ya what’ll happen? They’ll tie ya up with a collar, like a dog” (Steinbeck 72). Steinbeck is trying to show how people foresee Lennie as an animal. In this quote, Crooks explains how Lennie would not be able to get by on his own, that he needs someone to look after him, like a dog. Through the character of Lennie, the theme illustrated is that discrimination against people with metal differences is unethical.
The social issues Steinbeck shows within his writing are gender inequality, racism and discrimination against people with mental difference. Curley’s wife represents gender inequality by the hurtful ways people treat her. Crooks symbolizes racism through the disrespectful actions by others that he is forced to endure. Lennie shows readers that treating people, especially people with mental deficiencies like animals, is wrong. From reading the book Of Mice and Men and seeing the injustice inflicted upon these individuals, people can see all of the flaws in society then and can make sure to keep them from happening now.
Work Cited
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1993.
Humanities ⅔
1 February 2012
Unforgotten Injustice
Langston Hughes once said, “Hold fast to dreams, for when dreams go, life is a barren field, frozen with snow”. Hughes’ words describe George’s meaningless life after finding out his best friend Lennie has killed Curley’s wife, destroying their dream of having their own farm. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, is about two men, Lennie and George, who are migrant workers that travel together. They start working on a new farm and meet many people such as Curley’s wife and Crooks. Because of Steinbeck’s great use of incorporating social issues into his writing, through the characters of Curley’s wife, Crooks and Lennie, the theme of discrimination is shown massively throughout this novella.
Curley’s wife represents women who are discriminated against and poorly treated because of her gender. Just minutes after Curley’s wife is killed, Candy, a worker on the ranch disrespects her, “He looked hopelessly back at Curley’s wife, and gradually his sorrow and his anger grew into words ‘you God damn tramp’” (Steinbeck 95). Obviously Candy, like all of the other men on the ranch, have something against Curley’s wife because she is a woman. The theme of disrespect against women grows larger when she is on the ground dead and the only words that Candy has to say are mean. There are many more incidents where gender discrimination is shown throughout this book. Curley’s wife when talking to Lennie says, “You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad. How’d you like not to talk to anybody?” (Steinbeck 87). In this quote Curley’s wife is not allowed to talk to anyone because if she does, Curley will get mad. Even when she tries to talk to someone they are reluctant to talk back because they do not want any trouble with Curley. Through the character of Curley’s wife one can see mistreatment and discrimination against women.
The theme of racism is cleverly slipped into Steinbeck's writing, showing readers how discrimination of race is more common than people think. George and Lennie’s dream is to be kept a secret, only Candy is trusted to know. When Candy tells, “George scowled, ‘I thought I tol’ you not to tell nobody about that.’ Candy was crest fallen ‘didn’t tell nobody but Crooks’” (Steinbeck 83). In this quote Candy is suggesting that Crooks is a “nobody”. He is acting as if Crooks is not worthy enough to be considered a person. Telling Crooks the secret means nothing to Candy because what ever Crooks has to say about it will mean nothing to anyone. Steinbeck includes many other moments where racism is shown. The disrespect against Crooks is obvious because he does not even respect himself. Crooks says, “This is just a nigger talking” (Steinbeck 71). The racism against Crooks brings him to believe that no one will respect him, so he does not even bother to respect himself. When he is talking to Lennie, who does not see race, Crooks is the one telling him that his opinion should not count because his words are only a “nigger talking”. Steinbeck’s skilled way of using Crooks to present racism makes his message that discrimination is wrong very clear.
The theme of discrimination against people with mental illness is strongly displayed in Steinbeck’s writing. This theme is shown when Lennie is being compared to a dog, “Slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to it’s master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again. George snapped his fingers sharply, and at the sound Lennie laid the mouse in his hand” (Steinbeck 9). This interaction between George and Lennie is being compared to an owner and their dog. To think that just because someone has mental challenges, they are less human is unfair. This is not the only place where discrimination towards people who are mentally challenged is displayed. Crooks compares Lennie to an animal and threatens what would happen if he did not have George, “Want me ta tell ya what’ll happen? They’ll tie ya up with a collar, like a dog” (Steinbeck 72). Steinbeck is trying to show how people foresee Lennie as an animal. In this quote, Crooks explains how Lennie would not be able to get by on his own, that he needs someone to look after him, like a dog. Through the character of Lennie, the theme illustrated is that discrimination against people with metal differences is unethical.
The social issues Steinbeck shows within his writing are gender inequality, racism and discrimination against people with mental difference. Curley’s wife represents gender inequality by the hurtful ways people treat her. Crooks symbolizes racism through the disrespectful actions by others that he is forced to endure. Lennie shows readers that treating people, especially people with mental deficiencies like animals, is wrong. From reading the book Of Mice and Men and seeing the injustice inflicted upon these individuals, people can see all of the flaws in society then and can make sure to keep them from happening now.
Work Cited
Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1993.
Teen Issues Research Paper
For this essay I had to write about the causes, affects and solutions to a teen issue which in my case is problem gambling.
I have not gotten a final grade on this essay yet.
I have not gotten a final grade on this essay yet.
Hannah Ross
Humanities – 2/3
23 May 2012
Know the Odds
Wilson Mizner once said, “Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing from something”. This quote explains the results of problem gambling. Gambling is considered a problem when it causes a negative impact on a person's life. “An estimated 7,900,000 American adolescents are already addicted to gambling” (Morgan). Even though gambling is viewed as harmless and fun, it can destroy someone's life. Therefore society needs to educate teenagers and adults on the dangers of gambling.
People are exposed to the idea of gambling by family members, friends and through the media at a young age, which often leads to a gambling addiction. Gambling usually begins through a direct influence or personal connection. “Sometimes people start gambling because their friends are into it or they have a family member who gambles. In fact, the main thing that puts teens at risk for gambling problems is influence from family members and friends” (“Gambling Addiction.” Teen). This fact clearly states how the influence of having a friend or family member who gambles is a major cause of people's gambling addictions. Nobody suspects their friends or family to introduce them to something that could create such a problem. However, there are many different contributing factors to problem gambling; the media in particular, is a main cause. When being surrounded by all kinds of commercial influence, the media can be very effective in introducing young people to gambling. “Today’s youth have been exposed to more gambling-related media than previous generations, and they have grown up in an era in which states not only sanction but also run and promote gambling enterprises” (Valentine). The media is everywhere and only promotes gambling in a positive manner without releasing information about the dangers and risks of this form of gaming. Media influence affects people of all ages, even if it is not directed toward their age group. The media, as well as family and friends, are the main exposure to gambling for most addicts at a young age, which may be the cause of recreational gambling advancing to a gambling problem.
With a gambling addiction comes the many negative effects of this illness, specifically moodiness and the craving of gambling more and more. The moodiness that comes from gambling can change someone’s emotions enough to make him or her seem like they are a whole different person. “The gambling alters the person's mood and the gambler keeps repeating the behavior attempting to achieve that same effect” (“Problem Gamblers.” National). This fact explains how the addiction to gambling takes over the gambler’s emotions. When the gambler has no control of how they feel, they do what their instincts suggest to them, which is often to return to gambling in an effort to re-experience the euphoria associated with winning. This is a terrible cycle, because people win less than they lose which creates the addiction. Although moodiness is a large effect of this problem, the desire for the euphoria that gambling can provide plays a big part in this illness. What people call “the craving,” takes part in every addiction. “This creates an increased craving for the activity and the gambler finds they have less and less ability to resist as the craving grows in intensity and frequency” (“Problem Gamblers.” National). Problem gamblers can lose control by giving into their craving of wanting to experience the “winner’s high”. The more a person satisfies the craving, the less strength they have to withstand the craving another time. The uncontrollable change of emotions and desire for gambling are the principal effects of problem gambling.
When a gambling problem spirals out of control, the only solution is for the gambler to get help. Distraction can often be an effective solution in helping to break a gambling problem. “Just having something to take your mind off gambling can go a long way toward helping you stop” (“Gambling Addiction.” Teen). This explains how having a hobby or something to occupy time, can be used as a helpful distraction from gambling. Depending on how severe the gambling problem is, having distractions can be a very helpful solution. When unable to resist the urge to gamble, therapy is another option. “Therapy is for people who are smart enough to realize they need help” (Saisan). This quote explains how the gambler first needs to realize and admit that they have a problem. When someone goes to therapy, it does not mean they are weak. Having the strength to admit their problem and get help for their addiction is not easy. Therapy supports gamblers and helps them get on the right track. When distractions from gambling are not enough, going to therapy is another way to help resolve a gambling problem.
Even though the majority of society sees, gambling as an exciting game, it can actually be unsafe. For that reason, teenagers and adults need to be educated in the risks of gambling. People start gambling through the influence of the people they know who gamble and from the appealing subliminal messages about gambling that are sent through the media. When someone is addicted to gambling, the most common effects are moodiness and the craving to gambling. The possible solution for someone who has this illness is to create a distraction from the gambling or in more severe cases, therapy. Considering all of the terrible complications that gambling may lead to, teenagers and adults need to know how to gamble responsibly.
Works Cited
“Gambling Addiction.” Teen Health. The Nemours Foundation. 1 May 2012
<http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/gambling.html#>
Morgan, Timothy. “Editorial: Teen Gambling: The Invisible Addiction.”
Christianity Today. 8 April 1996. 1 May 2012
<http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1996/april8/6t4012.html>
“Problem Gamblers.” National Council On Problem Gambling. 27 April 2012
<http://www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=3315>
Saisan, Joanna, Jeanne Segal, Melinda Smith and Lawrence Robinson.
“Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling.” Helpguide.org. January 2012.
27 April 2012 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/gambling_addiction.htm>
Valentine, Leanne. “Exposure to Gambling-Related Media and its Relation to Gambling
Expectancies and Behaviors” (2008). Psychology Dissertations. Paper 46.
Humanities – 2/3
23 May 2012
Know the Odds
Wilson Mizner once said, “Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing from something”. This quote explains the results of problem gambling. Gambling is considered a problem when it causes a negative impact on a person's life. “An estimated 7,900,000 American adolescents are already addicted to gambling” (Morgan). Even though gambling is viewed as harmless and fun, it can destroy someone's life. Therefore society needs to educate teenagers and adults on the dangers of gambling.
People are exposed to the idea of gambling by family members, friends and through the media at a young age, which often leads to a gambling addiction. Gambling usually begins through a direct influence or personal connection. “Sometimes people start gambling because their friends are into it or they have a family member who gambles. In fact, the main thing that puts teens at risk for gambling problems is influence from family members and friends” (“Gambling Addiction.” Teen). This fact clearly states how the influence of having a friend or family member who gambles is a major cause of people's gambling addictions. Nobody suspects their friends or family to introduce them to something that could create such a problem. However, there are many different contributing factors to problem gambling; the media in particular, is a main cause. When being surrounded by all kinds of commercial influence, the media can be very effective in introducing young people to gambling. “Today’s youth have been exposed to more gambling-related media than previous generations, and they have grown up in an era in which states not only sanction but also run and promote gambling enterprises” (Valentine). The media is everywhere and only promotes gambling in a positive manner without releasing information about the dangers and risks of this form of gaming. Media influence affects people of all ages, even if it is not directed toward their age group. The media, as well as family and friends, are the main exposure to gambling for most addicts at a young age, which may be the cause of recreational gambling advancing to a gambling problem.
With a gambling addiction comes the many negative effects of this illness, specifically moodiness and the craving of gambling more and more. The moodiness that comes from gambling can change someone’s emotions enough to make him or her seem like they are a whole different person. “The gambling alters the person's mood and the gambler keeps repeating the behavior attempting to achieve that same effect” (“Problem Gamblers.” National). This fact explains how the addiction to gambling takes over the gambler’s emotions. When the gambler has no control of how they feel, they do what their instincts suggest to them, which is often to return to gambling in an effort to re-experience the euphoria associated with winning. This is a terrible cycle, because people win less than they lose which creates the addiction. Although moodiness is a large effect of this problem, the desire for the euphoria that gambling can provide plays a big part in this illness. What people call “the craving,” takes part in every addiction. “This creates an increased craving for the activity and the gambler finds they have less and less ability to resist as the craving grows in intensity and frequency” (“Problem Gamblers.” National). Problem gamblers can lose control by giving into their craving of wanting to experience the “winner’s high”. The more a person satisfies the craving, the less strength they have to withstand the craving another time. The uncontrollable change of emotions and desire for gambling are the principal effects of problem gambling.
When a gambling problem spirals out of control, the only solution is for the gambler to get help. Distraction can often be an effective solution in helping to break a gambling problem. “Just having something to take your mind off gambling can go a long way toward helping you stop” (“Gambling Addiction.” Teen). This explains how having a hobby or something to occupy time, can be used as a helpful distraction from gambling. Depending on how severe the gambling problem is, having distractions can be a very helpful solution. When unable to resist the urge to gamble, therapy is another option. “Therapy is for people who are smart enough to realize they need help” (Saisan). This quote explains how the gambler first needs to realize and admit that they have a problem. When someone goes to therapy, it does not mean they are weak. Having the strength to admit their problem and get help for their addiction is not easy. Therapy supports gamblers and helps them get on the right track. When distractions from gambling are not enough, going to therapy is another way to help resolve a gambling problem.
Even though the majority of society sees, gambling as an exciting game, it can actually be unsafe. For that reason, teenagers and adults need to be educated in the risks of gambling. People start gambling through the influence of the people they know who gamble and from the appealing subliminal messages about gambling that are sent through the media. When someone is addicted to gambling, the most common effects are moodiness and the craving to gambling. The possible solution for someone who has this illness is to create a distraction from the gambling or in more severe cases, therapy. Considering all of the terrible complications that gambling may lead to, teenagers and adults need to know how to gamble responsibly.
Works Cited
“Gambling Addiction.” Teen Health. The Nemours Foundation. 1 May 2012
<http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/gambling.html#>
Morgan, Timothy. “Editorial: Teen Gambling: The Invisible Addiction.”
Christianity Today. 8 April 1996. 1 May 2012
<http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1996/april8/6t4012.html>
“Problem Gamblers.” National Council On Problem Gambling. 27 April 2012
<http://www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=3315>
Saisan, Joanna, Jeanne Segal, Melinda Smith and Lawrence Robinson.
“Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling.” Helpguide.org. January 2012.
27 April 2012 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/gambling_addiction.htm>
Valentine, Leanne. “Exposure to Gambling-Related Media and its Relation to Gambling
Expectancies and Behaviors” (2008). Psychology Dissertations. Paper 46.