Disadvantages vs. Advantages of Global Warming

Disadvantages vs. Advantages of Global Warming The United Nations has been studying climate change and working to combat its effects since the first Earth Summit in 1992.  The UN Intergovernmental panels fifth report, published in late 2014, reiterates that  global warming- more precisely called climate change- is happening and will likely not abate for centuries. The report also states with 95 percent certainty that the activity of humans has been the primary cause of increasing temperatures over the previous few decades, up from 90 percent in a previous report. Weve heard the dire warnings- even if we have yet to heed them- but could there possibly be any advantages to climate change, and if so, could these upsides possibly outweigh the downsides? The short answer is no. Heres why. Advantages of Global Warming? Its a Bit of a Stretch The so-called advantages of climate are out there- if youre really looking but do they compensate for the disruption and destruction wrought by the disadvantages? Again, the answer is no but for die-hard fans of the global warming trend, advantages might include the following suspect scenarios: The  Arctic, Antarctic, Siberia, and other frozen regions of the earth might experience more plant growth and milder climates.The next ice age could possibly be prevented.The  Northwest Passage through the formerly icy Canadian Arctic Archipelago could arguably open up to transportation.Fewer deaths or injuries would occur due to arctic conditions.Longer growing seasons could mean increased agricultural production in some areas. Disadvantages: Ocean Warming, Extreme Weather For every minutely possible advantage to climate change, there is a much more profound and compelling disadvantage. Why? Since the oceans and weather are highly interconnected and the water cycle has an impact on weather patterns (think air saturation, precipitation levels, and the like), what affects the ocean affects weather. For instance: Changes in ocean circulation and the resulting warmer temperatures disrupt the worlds normal weather patterns, bringing about more extreme weather and an increased frequency of severe and  catastrophic storms, such as hurricanes and typhoons. The increase in severe storms leads to a more frequent occurrence of such things as hundred-year floods, decimation of habitats and property, not to mention, loss of life- human and otherwise.  Ã‚  Higher sea levels  lead to flooding of lowlands. Islands and coastlines are engulfed by water leading to death and disease due to flooding.The acidification of warming oceans leads to a loss of coral reefs. Coral reefs protect shorelines from heavy waves, storms, and floods and while they only cover about 1 percent of the ocean floor, reefs provide a habitat for 25 percent of the oceans species. Demolished reefs lead to increased erosion and coastal property damage and the extinction of species.Warming ocean waters means increased melting of gla ciers and ice sheets. Smaller ice sheets form each subsequent winter, which has a devastating impact on the habitat of cold-climate animals and the Earths reserves of freshwater. (According to the United States Geography Survey [USGS], 69 percent of the Earths ice is locked in ice and glaciers.)   Less sea ice, warmer water, and increased acidity are catastrophic for krill which forms the base of the oceans food web and feeds whales, seals, fish, and penguins. The plight of polar bears due to the loss of Arctic ice is well documented, but at the other end of the globe, in 2017 as a result of local climate change, in a colony of  40,000 Antarctic Adà ©lie penguins, only two chicks survived. (In 2013, in the wake of a similar event, none survived.) Emperor penguin colonies are also expected to decline due to loss of sea ice and rising temperatures. Disadvantages: Land Desertification As weather patterns are disrupted and droughts intensify in duration and frequency, agricultural sectors are particularly hard hit. Crops and grasslands cant thrive due to lack of water. With crops unavailable,  cattle, sheep, and other livestock dont get fed and die. Marginal lands are no longer useful. Farmers who find themselves unable to work the land lose their livelihoods. In addition:   Deserts become  drier, leading to increased desertification, resulting in border conflicts in already water-scarce areas.Decreased agricultural production leads to food shortages.Starvation, malnutrition, and increased deaths result from food and crop shortages. Disadvantages: Health, Social, and Economic Impact In addition to climate change affecting weather patterns and food production, which in turn have a negative impact on the future of human race as well as the planet, climate change can also put the hurt on peoples pocketbooks, the economy of an area on a larger scale, and health in general:   Insect-borne diseases increase. For example, if insects dont die off in an area because it no longer reaches the cold temperatures it once did, diseases those insects may carry- such Lyme disease- can proliferate more easily.People from poorer, drier, hotter, or low-lying countries may attempt to emigrate to wealthier or higher-elevation locales  seeking better (or at least nondeadly) conditions, causing tension among the existing population.As climates warm overall, people  use more energy resources for cooling needs, which will lead to a rise in air pollution  and deaths from increasingly hot weather conditions that cannot be mitigated.Allergy and asthma rates go up due to pollution exacerbated by the earlier and longer blooming of plants.Cultural or  heritage sites  are  destroyed due to increased extremes and acid rain. Disadvantages: Nature Out of Balance The environment around us is affected by climate change in a multitude of ways. The component parts of any ecosystem normally must maintain a delicate balance but climate change is throwing nature is out of whack- in some places more than others. Effects include:   Increase in the number of species of animals and plants heading toward extinction.Loss of animal and plant habitats causes animals to move into other territories, disrupting ecosystems that are already established.Because the behaviors of many plants, insects, and animals are dependent on temperature, a change in climate can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem itself. For example,  say the availability of food for a particular insect no longer coincides with the time when the offspring of the natural predator for that insect is born. Uncontrolled by predation, the insect population booms, resulting in an overabundance of that pest. This, in turn, leads to increased stress on the foliage the insects eat, which ultimately results in a loss of food for larger animals in the food chain that also depend on those plants for sustenance.Pests such as viruses, fungi, or parasites that usually perish at a certain low temperature no longer die off, which may lead to an increase in disease amo ng plants, animals, and humans.  Ã‚   Melting of permafrost leads to flooding and greatly increases the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere which only serves to exacerbate climate change. In addition, ancient viruses long held in stasis by the permafrost are allowed to escape into  the environment.  Rainfall increases in acidity.Earlier seasonal drying of forests leads to forest fires of increased frequency, size, and intensity. Loss of plants and trees on hillsides leaves them more vulnerable to erosion and landslides and may lead to an increased probability of property damage and loss of life.

Fathers Day Messages of Love

Fathers Day Messages of Love Have you read about Team Hoyt? Dick Hoyt and Rick Hoyt, the father-son duo who surmounted all odds to prove that anything is possible if you believe. Rick Hoyt, a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and his dad Dick Hoyt are an inseparable team that competes in triathlons, marathons, and other races. Together, they have competed in over a thousand athletic activities. Their story speaks of inspiration, endurance, and love. A father who will stop at nothing to give his son a fulfilling life. A son who worships his father and enthusiastically participates in his fathers mission. The Hoyt team is truly a remarkable icon of father-son love. In everyday life, we come across many such devoted fathers. Your dad may not perform extraordinary feats to prove his fatherly love. But his simple gestures will convince you how much he loves you. He may not express his love with words or gifts. But actions speak louder than words. Notice how protective he gets about you? Watch the worry lines crease his forehead when he is unable to fulfill your desires? That speaks of love. Fathers Day Messages Help Bridge the Gap Many dads experience a strange awkwardness at expressing their feelings towards their kids. It gets tougher as kids grow up. When children attain teenage, the father-child relationship can get strained. Have you ever been given the cold shoulder, or the silent treatment, by your teenage daughter? The problem may not be you, it could be the teenage phase. Teenage can be difficult for fathers and children. Fathers need to handle this difficult phase with sensitivity. As a father, you need to express your love and support to your child. Sometimes, words may be difficult. However, these Fathers Day quotes and sayings can help express your feelings. You can reach out to your son or daughter with thoughtful, sweet quotes. Shower Your Father With Love Your father, however tough he may be from the outside, is a softhearted man. He needs your love just as much as you need his. On Fathers Day, break the barrier of awkwardness and express yourself. With a meaningful Fathers Day message, you can reach out to him. Barack Obama Above all, children need our unconditional love, whether they succeed or make mistakes; when life is easy and when life is tough. Dick Hoyt When we got home from that race that night, Rick wrote on the computer, Dad, when I run it feels like my disability disappears. So, that was a very powerful message to me. Reed Markham Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow. Mark Wahlberg I stopped smoking weed for my kids. One day, we were driving and you could smell it from somewhere. My daughter asked what the smell was so I told her it was a skunk. Then she said, ‘Sometimes Daddy smells like that!’ to me and my wife. So I knew I had to quit. Tiger Woods Giving my son, Charlie, a bath, for example, beats chipping another bucket of balls. Making mac and cheese for him and his sister, Sam, is better than dining in any restaurant. Sharing a laugh watching cartoons or reading a book beats channel-surfing alone. Some nights now, it’s just me and the kids, an experience that’s both trying and rewarding. Probably like the experience a lot of families have every evening around the world. Brandon Routh, Superman Returns You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son. George Banks, Father of the Bride Ive always been a concerned parent. Im big on car seats, seat belts, bed times, curfews, calling when you get somewhere, never running with a sharp object. What can I say? Im a father. Worrying comes with the territory. Robert Downey Jr. Do I want to be a hero to my son? No. I would like to be a very real human being. Thats hard enough. Jay-Z I thought I would be more inspired to have all these new feelings to talk about, but I really just want to hang out with my daughter. Dave Barry For Dad, the perfect Fathers Day would be one in which he didnt even realize that it was Fathers Day, because nobody was making him appreciate gifts he didnt want, or read greeting cards filled with lame Fathers Day poetry. Lydia M. Child Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! John Sinor It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping. Aeschylus Honour thy father and thy mother stands written among the three laws of most revered righteousness. Dan Zevin Lately all my friends are worried that theyre turning into their fathers. Im worried that Im not. Mike Sager The reward of child rearing is spending the rest of your life proudly knowing this person you helped guide. Let him be himself. Jean Paul Richter The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity. Louisa May Alcott Father asked us what was Gods noblest work. Anna said men, but I said babies. Men are often bad, but babies never are. Bruce Springsteen In the early years, I found a voice that was my voice and also partly my fathers voice. But isnt that what you always do? Why do kids at 5 years old go into the closet and put their daddys shoes on? Hey, my kids do it. Will Arnett I want my son to wear a helmet twenty four hours a day.

Thomas Paine's theory (in Common Sense) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Thomas Paine's theory (in Common Sense) - Essay Example Conversely, the government refers to an institution with a sole purpose of protecting the people from their own vices. The originality of the government can be traced to man’s evil. In this case, government is a needed evil to man. Apparently, the sole purpose of the government is the protection of life, property and liberty. Therefore, the judgment to a government should be based on its ability to fulfill this goal (Wilensky, 2010). Paine uses several imageries to pass his point. He considers a scenario in which some people are isolated in some island from where they are very detached from the rest of the rest of the society. With time with people will have to develop relations with one another and make laws that govern them. According to Paine, when persons are allowed to make their own laws, they will become much better off. This is because they pride of assuming responsibilities for the creation of their laws. He sees this as the best way for the American colonists to use. Therefore, the British reign over America and the whole system of government of Britain is a total flaw. The system used by the British to run their government is full of complexities and contradictions. Although, it claims to provide a reason system of the government, the British system is impractically wrong (Paine, 1995). Paine is also concerned with hereditary succession and monarchy notions. Naturally, man was born as equals and therefore such distinctions that occur between a king and a subject are unnatural. Although the world was created without kings, the ancient Jews insisted to have a king. Paine argues that God did not approve to this but just allowed them to have kings. Later on, God descended his wrath on the Jews because of their insistence on having a king. Paine therefore opines that monarchy as an institution has its origin from sin that is condemned by both the Bible and God. He goes ahead to condemn hereditary succession by arguing that even with the decision of having a king, the child of the king has no legitimate authority of becoming a future ruler. Hereditary progression has been a source of many evils like civil war, incompetent kings and corruption. Theoretically, America has thrived under the British rule. This makes them mandated to be under the rule of a king. However, the practical reality is that America has since evolved and no longer needs help from the British. Therefore, the claim that Britain protected America and should automatically seek allegiance is false since its mission is majorly to protect its economic interests. In most of Britain’s colonies, the British have been carrying out several attacks. Consequently, they do not deserve any loyalty from America. These attacks leave so little gains to the colonies. According to Paine, America or any other British colony can better do commerce with other countries in the rest of Europe. However, this will require that America first becomes independent. Past problems c annot be solved if colonies continue with their attachments to Britain. The only solution now for America and other British colonies is to seek independence. Otherwise, their problems will continue to persist (Paine & Slaughter, Common Sense and Related Writings, 2001). As a solution to this kind of mess, Paine offered to provide the form of government that can be adapted by

Cultural Diversity 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Cultural Diversity 2 - Essay Example (Gay, 2003). There is no one single definition of labeling. It is a form of differentiation through which people try to identify and group people with any similarity they may have. (Diller, 2004). However, labeling never leaves a positive impact on the person being labeled since it a one of the major forms of prejudice and discrimination. (Hudak, Kihn, 2001). Moreover, labeling is judgmental. (Gallozzi, 2009). The people being labeled are judged and evaluated in relation to the specific stigma attached to them and become stereotyped. Labeling usually starts with a description and then turns into a stigma later on. (Gallozzi, 2009). For example, Harry always scores good at his tests so based on this fact, it can be said that Harry is intelligent. Here, â€Å"intelligent† is a description. However, if he keeps on scoring good, many people at his school would start calling him a â€Å"nerd† and would start associating everything with him that are thought to be associated with a nerd. Eventually, even the people who don’t know him and haven’t even talked to him once would start judging him based on other peoples’ judgments and harry would be socially known as a â€Å"nerd† even if he is not. This is a label. (Diller, 2004). The most common way of labeling people is through their personal attributes and habits, nationality, religion, culture, ethnicity, etc. (Hudak, Kihn, 2001). People tend to label those who are different from them. (Gay, 2003). It is a part of human psyche to group things and people together and then regard them as the same in order to prevent mental clutter. (Gallozzi, 2009). They prefer to attach similar characteristics and attributes to the entire group of people and things that they have created in their minds so that they do not have to think about every single member of the group individually. In this act of grouping, people often engage in stereotyping and discrimination and most of all, labeling. (All

Scholarship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Scholarship - Essay Example My mother was a nurse and the sole earning member in our family when one day she finally had an abnormal growth on her spine because of which she was disabled. These hardships have worked towards strengthening my aims in life as I have learned a lot through experiences. My aim in life is to become a civil engineer so I can make a difference in the society. Experiences can either be bad or good and we should learn from these experiences. It is through many experiences that I have undergone in my life, I was able to understand the importance of education in life. My interest in the field of civil engineering developed through these experiences. When I was in my school I learnt about a terrible incident in which many people were killed because of the fault committed by an engineer. On that day I made up my mind that I had to become a civil engineer. Civil engineering has been my goal since I was studying in school and I think that I can bring a difference in this world with the right skills and ability. I believe that I have a talent which I can apply to my field and bring good in the society. It has been my goal to achieve expertise in the field of civil engineering and I have devoted much of my time researching on different topics about civil engineering. I have worked hard in my life to achieve knowledge and I believe that I will work harder in the future to gain relevant knowledge and expertise. I want to pursue a degree in the field of civil engineering and that is why I have chosen the best institute for civil engineering. I see myself in a career of civil engineering in the next ten years through which I can make a difference in the society. I believe that with this career I can also get over my financial disturbances and can have a better future. Gaining knowledge will be my most important aim when studying civil engineering. I always believe that one is never too old for studying and hence I would devote all my life to the field of education. If I

Egyptians and Olmec Civilizations

Egyptians and Olmec Civilizations Egypt civilization will be the old world that I would be talking about. The Egyptian civilization had many ages which are early Bronze Age, middle bronze age, and late Bronze Age. The Egyptian civilization dates from the 4th millennium BC. It has a lot of arts and monuments that makes Egypt a unique place to visit. Many achievements were made by the Egyptians like the pyramids, temples, and obelisks. In the predynastic period Egyptian climate was much less dry than it is today. Most regions of Egypt were covered by savanna trees. In the early dynastic period the Egyptians had a long line of pharaohs from Menes. It has been said that the Egyptians had two kingdoms of upper and Lower Egypt. The first dynastic pharaohs solidified their control over Lower Egypt by making a capital at Memphis. Old kingdom and new kingdom will be talked about also. The Olmec civilization was started between 1200 and 400 b.c. The Olmec civilization was developed at San Lorenzo and the Olmec power moved to la venta. The Olmec was Mesoamerica`s first complex culture. The Olmec used the sacred 260 day calendar and a form of kingship that were later Mesoamerican cultures. The Olmec dated from 1400 BCE to about 400 BCE. The first major civilization in Mexico is the Olmec and they were known for the artwork. Monuments were also an important characteristic of Olmec centers. The culture of the Olmec was best known for sharing customs, history, beliefs, and other traits. Egypt Old World Civilization The Egypt civilization is known for the beautiful pyramids. Most people who think of Egypt think of the impressive Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Temples and ancient sites, but Egypt offers much more. It is romantic cruises down the Nile, the culture of Cairo, a night at the grand opera, a trek up Mt Sinai, the ancient monastery at St. Catherines, the popular diving and scuba diving Red Sea resorts, Alexandria and its surrounding beautiful beaches and Mediterranean resorts. Egypt also offers nature and desert treks, great scuba diving, fishing, golf, and birding expeditions. It is part of the Holy Land, and tours to Christian and other religious monuments are popular. Egypt is a land bustling with life, sound, visual beauty and excitement. For thousands of years, it has been the playground of emperors and kings, and now from tradition to modernity, Egypt is a country which has succeeded in creating a present that is as fascinating as its past. Egypt was one of the greatest civilizations tha t have ever existed with memorable monuments (Allen, 2009). Ancient Egyptian had a well-defined, deeply conservative ideology which was firmly based on doctrines of conformity, continuity, and precedent. Each pharaoh ruled not according to written law, but on the basis of precedents set by the gods and by earlier rulers. Egyptian ideology fitted the kings of the past and their great monuments into a majestic, linear scene. The early Egypt civilization developed a formalized style of painting and sculpture and was very spiritual and believed in life after death (Sayyid-Marsot, 2007). Early Egyptians participated in war dancing, gymnastic games, swimming and even wrestling. Children had toys which were dolls, tops, hoops, jumping jacks, skin or leather balls, marbles, and dice, the balls were mainly for ball games which were used by tossing and juggling. Religion The Egyptians as a race were profoundly religious. They recognized divinity in everything around them; the whole universe breathed of God. Birds reptiles, animals and trees were permeated with the divine essence; they saw God as a plurality in unity. The spirit of God was infused into everything, so the powers of Nature, the elements, were also divine, and was personified as the Elementals of earth, sky, air and water. Attributes and functions were also personified, sometimes in human, sometimes in animal form, which became, for the time being, the manifestation of a special attribute of deity, the abode of the God, the symbol of a power divine. Thus a multiplicity of gods is presented, which is at first confusing (britannica, unknown).To understand the subject, comparison must be made with the beliefs and religions of other lands, not only of the past but of the present Man of the inferior gods are seen to be parallel to angels and archangels, to spirits that assist mankind in his p rogress through this world and through the next, and are by no means to be confused with the great gods. Many of the deities are only aspects, forms, of God. The official religion of Egypt is Islam and most of the Egyptians adhere to its Sunni branch (britannica, unknown). Gods were worshiped in temples that were brought by priests that act on the king`s behalf. Also, Priests had a system of oracles to communicate the will of god to the people. The Egyptians did have a somewhat currency. There was a system that was used as a currency which was weights of gold, silver and copper. However, around 500BC there were coins as a currency (Sayyid-Marsot, 2007). Hedj which means money was close to what is called to be a currency that was used for exchange of money. The writing of the Egyptians was composed of many symbols which same symbols can serve different purposes. The Hieroglyphic writing was a formal script used on stone monuments and in tombs. The Olmec New World Civilization The Olmec is considered to be one of the greatest civilizations in Mesoamerica. The Olmec was traced to the area of San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan city. The first city for San Lorenzo was The Olmecs and it was an important civilization for around 500 years (Encyclopedia).Prior to the Olmecs, the Indians of Mexico were hunters and gathers. They were nomadic, spending very little time in one location. As soon as the animals they hunted became scarce in one area, they gathered the few belongings they had and moved to a new location with the hope of more plentiful game. When the Olmecs settled in southeastern Mexico, they established agricultural staples such as corn, squash and beans. They also constructed large cities, religious centers, and trade routes. They developed a distinct culture, characterized by highly developed art and religion (Rosenswig, 2010). The Olmec had a great run in history between 1200 B.C. and 400 B.C. Back in those days, they were the record setters in this part of the world. For example, they were the first in the Americas to develop a written language. And they were the first in the Americas to build pyramids. But sadly, many of their accomplishments have disappeared over time. Today, we know almost nothing about the Olmec and their amazing culture. As a matter of fact, we do not even know what they called themselves! The Aztec Indians gave the tribe the name Olmec. It means rubber people. The Aztecs called them this because the Olmec supplied them with sap from rubber trees. Apart from being known as the rubber people, the Olmec were equally famous for their colossal heads. Each colossal head was a sculpture carved out of a single block of stone. The stone was quarried in the Tuxtla Mountains. To date, we do not know for sure how the Olmec transported the stone and who the colossal heads were supposed to repres ent. Many researchers believe that the Olmec used rafts to carry the stone. And they made the colossal heads to portray their famous rulers. Thus far, scientists have unearthed more than a dozen colossal heads. They all had slanted eyes and large lips. The biggest one is about 3.4 meters tall. It weighs over 20 tons. The Olmec created several monuments which are colossal heads, Small Feline, Feline-Jaguar, cross legged pose, and many more. One of the similarities of the Egyptians and the Olmec is the monuments. The Olmec Center at San Lorenzo, Honduras, contains several huge carved heads. Some of them are 9 feet high and weigh about 40 tons. The heads may be portraits of Olmec leaders or of players in a sacred ball game. The stone used for the sculptures came from a site more than 250 miles away. The Olmec transported this stone over mountain ranges, rivers, and swamps. The Olmec altar has a carved figure at the base situated at the mouth of a cave. This figures elaborate headdress shows that he is a ruler. The ruler holds a rope that winds around the base of the altar and binds a carved figure at the back. Scholars believe that the altar was used as a throne (Encyclopedia). Differences between Egypt and Olmec The belief systems of the Egyptians and Olmec civilizations also had similarities and differences. Most of the people of Egypt practiced polytheism. Although this religion had many gods, it recognized one supreme god or life force. Like polytheism, the Olmec religion also had several gods. A rain god shown as half-human and half-jaguar dominated their religion. But unlike the Egyptians, the Olmec probably did not view this rain god as a supreme god. Both the Egyptians and Olmec built great temples for worship. Egyptian builders constructed many types of temples. One type had a square shape with a pillared front porch and a flat roof. The other type also had a square structure, but its roof had a pyramid shape. The Olmec constructed entire buildings that were pyramids and probably used them as temples. So two civilizations, thousands of miles apart with no direct connection, both used the pyramid shape for their houses of worship (Olmec Meso).

I Am an American NOT of Caucasian Descent :: Personal Narrative Writing

I Am an American NOT of Caucasian Descent What does it mean to be American? What does the word â€Å"American† mean? If I say I am American, does that mean I am obligated to fight for America in a war? Does that mean I would not do anything against this country? How permanent is my status of being an American? When asked, I always say I am American, based on the fact that I was born here and that is what my birth certificate is supposed to prove. But then why don’t I also say that I am also Mexican and Indian, as my upbringings and family have been more of these cultures than of American culture? Until college, I had lived in Michigan all my life. Visiting Canadian friends the twenty-minute drive away was a regular family outing. My mother usually had the task of driving through Customs, as she, though the child of Mexican immigrants, spoke without an accent. â€Å"Citizenship?† The customs official would ask. â€Å"U.S.† My mother would reply. â€Å"All four of you?† Was the typical response, as the official would look directly at my dad, whose physical features do not hide the fact that he was born in India. â€Å"Yes,† My mother would reply, as she handed over the proper paperwork. It was not until the age of eight that I wondered enough to ask my mom why she did not reply â€Å"American† to the customs official’s question. She responded that the term â€Å"American† is vague. A person from Canada has an equal right to identify himself or herself with the term that reflects the name of our shared continent. Using the term â€Å"U.S.† is both true and specific. My mother’s opinion is just one of the many views that exist on the term. As I grew up, I began with a very chauvinistic pride in my birth country.