The way of the world

The topic of today’s blog is how people have moved on from being awkward about people sexuality. If you can remember, there was a whole epidemic on gay rights and behaviour. There was a time where people were not allowed to express their sexuality due to many reasons, one of them being religion. The bible states in Leviticus 18:22 that homosexuality is an abomination. Yet we still get gay Christians. The Qur’an states that man was made for woman and woman was made for man.

But then again, there's always teh argument of being born gay:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3735668.stm
But as time has progressed, people have decided that their first and formost responsibilty was to themselves and making themselves happy. It was believed that if one could not please themselves, they had no chance to please God.

Ultimately, I have no opinion on the matter. I grew up in a very multi cultural area where there were as many straight people as there were gay. I tend to believe that a person has a right to make their own choices. Knowing whether they are the right ones, however, is upto the Big Guy Upstairs.

Response to Irfans blog on Vandalism

http://irfanbeingbad-irfan.blogspot.com/2010/04/vandalism.html
I think you are using a stereotypical view on vandalism. You must realise that not all graffiti is considered bad, and that sometimes it can also be deemed to be artistic. You insinuate that only working class partake in such acts in areas considered scum. Surely not. Vandalism takes place all over, only sometimes, its considered art.

Bad Comedians

Comedians are what make my world go round. The jokes, the atmosphere, the great one-liners… it’s all so beautiful. Unfortunately, there are people out there who are not open minded enough to realise that the jokes are not aimed to be racist or prejudiced. It is usually the ethnic minority that make the rude jokes. And they do it about every culture and race in order to show that they are not targeting anyone in particular. Comedians are known to test the boundaries. But we must realise that that’s what makes it funny. They don’t know how the general public will react to their jokes, yet they risk their reputation and speak their mind. Personally, I have great respect for these people.

Jokes only have to be racist or horrible to a sect of people if you believe in yourself that the person making the joke was doing it to be hurtful and mean. If not, I think its perfectly fine to laugh. Although the jokes are really controversial, I wouldn’t go as far as to makes jokes too. I obviously have no idea what offends and what does not. So I think we should leave the joking to the professionals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw6RgIf6epQ

Smoking

Again? Well I decided that seeing as my other blog wasn’t actually about smoking; it only makes sense to do the topic now. So here goes:-

Smoking is unhealthy. We get it. We see the pictures on the box. Fine. But that doesn’t really tell us why they’re really bad (other than the obvious health issues) or IF they’re bad. Smoking in public places has been banned. Statistically, people cut down when this law was instigated. But what I don’t understand is that why people are willing to spend so much money on a box of fags.

Coming to university has been a life changing experience for me. I learnt about cigarettes, drugs and drink. Things I never thought that I would never openly talk about. But living with people that smoke, one does become accustomed to it. But they shouldn’t have to. Smoking is socially acceptable, yes- but that does NOT mean that everyone should be exposed to it.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/smokehealth.htm

I understand that people smoke socially; as in have a cig break at work or when they’re around friends. It gives their idle hands something to do. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter. Just as I have mine: If they want to smoke, let them…Lie and let live. Right?

Arranged Marriages

Every parent wants the best for their child. Its common knowledge. Parents have to realise though, that after the age of 18, a person will want to make their own decisions and is entitled to.

I chose to write about this topic because being an Asian girl from a very traditional family, arrange marriage is inevitable in my future. There are some unlucky girls (and boys) who do not get to university because of presser of marriage that is put on them by family.

Many people refer to arrange marriages as the same as forced marriages. This is wrong. They are two very different things (minus the marriage part). Arrange marriages are set up by the family. The people who are getting married DO have a choice in the matter. Forced marriages are those where the participants have their free will taken away from them.

The western society almost always feels pity and remorse for a newly wed couple who had an arranged marriage. In the Asian societies it is not a big deal. But if the Asian people in question fell in ‘love’ before getting married… then your in trouble! Unless the families are open minded, most of all he old biddies in the society will be wishing that the marriage fails… after all, how else will they find an example of why it is important to listen to your parent??

Below is a link that shows the marriage and divorce rates in the UK:

http://www.999-life.com/marriage-england-wales.htm

Body Modification

There are many ways in which a person can change their bodies. Some do it to please the eye, others just because and many more due to religious or cultural reasons. An example of a form of body modification of each type would be

To please the eye: Botox or breast augmentation

Religious reason: circumcision

Cultural: tattoos

There are many people in the world that have modified their body so that it looks appealing in a way that makes them happy. Documents are shown during the year how plastic surgery and other acts towards the body help or cause harm to it. For example, recently there was a document of channel 4 showing the harms of plastic surgery and other forms of modification such as piercings and fillers. There is a man in America who is obsessed with cats and tigers. He is from an old Indian cult also; this means that he has transformed his body to look like a large cat aka a TIGER!

This man has used filler in his cheeks, reshaped his face, pierced holes in his upper lip (so that he can have whiskers), tattooed his face with tiger like stripes and had his nails removed in order to replace them with feline claws. As you can imagine, this man has gone overboard with his want to be a cat. However, this man is now famous for all this modification.

In all fairness, I will say that modification is all good and well. But if you consider it, it should be practiced in moderation. Extreme actions (like turning yourself into a giant cat) should not occur, but instead subtle changes should be made if felt necessary. Such things could include piercing the ears or other facial areas that are considered a norm in todays society. If felt to be a must, tattoos should also be permitted. However everything should be considered in moderation.

Many people find modification sexy and appealing… Not to sound corny, but in turn I say, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

Below is a link that shows the pros and cons of plastic surgery:

http://www.essortment.com/all/plasicsurgeryp_rewz.htm

A response to Hafza Iqbal's blog on Drinking

http://hafzaiqbal.blogspot.com/2010/04/drinking-alcohol.html

I totally agree with you Hafza. If people were just to stop drinking for a while and realise what they are doing is actually quite daft, the world would be so much easier to live in. Although i must admit, watching all the drunks tumble out the local pub after last call is really quite funny :P

Masturbation

I have been putting off writing this blog for sometime now. But I have realised that I must as it makes absolutely no sense to be shy or embarrassed to write about such a topic. It’s the 21^st century. It is pretty obvious that in the privacy of their own homes, people masturbate. It has become an acceptable act for people to divulge in; yet many people prefer not to talk about it. Masturbation is a private act and in my opinion should not be aired like dirty laundry. However, self pleasure should not be such a dreaded topic to discuss.

Masturbation is a completely natural act and for all we know could be occurring from the beginning of time. It is a norm in every society and should not be considered bad. Fair enough, for those who advertise it and don’t mind telling everyone what they got up to last night, they should refrain from doing so. Sure it’s natural and ‘healthy’… but not everyone wants to know! Also, excessive masturbation may not be good for your health:

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/3517

Masturbation is talked about lots in the comedic world. This is because certain acts that are deemed odd in society are usually made fun of. Therefore we can obviously see that a topic such as masturbation will be made lots of fun of.

Foul Language

I have already mentioned how certain things such as racism and prejudice have made comedians very successful. But without the use of vulgarity and down right foul language, many of them wouldn’t have a penny to their name.

No one likes being sworn at. There is a time and a place and everyone knows it. It’s common sense. People nearly always retaliate when sworn to and always have a string of very colourful words prepared for a moment like this. Personally, I have nothing against swearing. It is common…It is normal. Though there is a way to go about such things. For example, one would not swear in front of teachers, parents, and police officers. But swearing amongst your friends is pretty normal. Heck… many people would say that swearing at friends makes the relationship more homely.

As with everything, there are limits that should not be crossed. Swearing usually helps people refrain from going one step too far. Swearing is a good method used by many, to vent out feelings, emotions and thoughts that have stayed bottled up for too long. So surely, this in its own right gives people the permission they need to swear out loud… Whatever happened to freedom of speech???

In my opinion, everyone needs to relax about the fact that people are using improper language because everyone knows that there are definitely more important things to worry about!

I was watching Russell Howards’ “Good News” one night and saw that one young American boy was determined to rid the world of profanity. As you can imagine, it wasn't going well. Rude words are a norm. And unfortunately, we must accept them as they are in everything around us... Be it Music, television or just family life. But we must learn to control it... In the following link we can see how to limit profanity amongst the new generation:

http://www.essortment.com/all/childswearing_rlho.htm

Racism

Before you answer the question, think about the previous blog on Prejudice...

Although none of us would like to freely admit it, there is always a little racist person in the back of our minds; the person that brings up all the stereotypes that they’ve accumulated over the years. But however much importance we give racism, the more comical it becomes.

This is thanks to the comedians that we watch on the box. But have you ever noticed how none of the white comedians joke about race? It is always the ethnic minorities that tell the racist jokes. Why is this? Maybe because they feel that they feel that they are allowed to?

Lets be honest here. How likely is it for Michael McIntyre to say something racist in a joke compared to the infamous Chris Rock? Racism has become so humorous now that many people feel that they are allowed the make these comments too! And when someone else does it, its not frowned upon like it would have been before…Instead everyone (well, most people) strive to see the funny side in order to dodge conflict.

So why not just avoid it?? Because we don’t know who the racists are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Ti-gkJiXc

Infidelity

[Warning: All statements are biased and based on stereotypes]

Infidelity is basically more commonly known as cheating; although there are a dozen other words and phrases for it. The main ones are:
Having an affair
Having a fling
Partaking in an extra curricular activity

In the lecture, many serious points were raised.
What if you were married?
What if the partner knew and was ok with it?
What if there was a threesome with the partner involved?
What if the infidelity was masturbation?

Admittedly, I don’t see how the last scenario is cheating. If a person is pleasuring themselves, surely that cannot be classified as cheating as there is no third (OR SECOND!) party involved.

However, I do feel that infidelity does create a gaping hole in people’s lives that they fill with other ‘bad’ things- such as lying, gossip and manipulation. So if one bad thing leads to much more, why bother? As I’ve said in a few of my other posts, many do a lot of ‘bad’ things just ‘because’. For the thrill.

Here is a link that indicates the top seven reasons for infidelity:

http://www.infidelity-etc.com/index.php/8

In society, it is looked at from two different view points. If a man commits an act of infidelity he is considered a player and scum. But if a woman cheats, she is known as a slut. Why is it that society looks at one act in a different manner based on who has done it? It’s not fair that the woman has to either live with the knowledge that she is either a slag or that her man cheated on her. Bring a woman, it would hurt her. But a man would just brush it off.

But of course this doesn’t make it alright. Infidelity is wrong. Sure, there are people out there that will gladly defend infidelity – claiming that it is natural act in our society. However, just because it is common, does not make it correct or even natural.

So in conclusion: Don’t do it. Simples.

Prejudice

We all know that it is wrong. Yet sometimes the prejudice remarks just wont stop from coming up to the surface. I mean, sometimes, it is extremely difficult to stop certain thoughts from entering the min. for example, when a stranger covered in tattoos and piercings walks down the street, one has the natural urge to assume that they are a ‘bad ass’… When for all we know, the person could be really sweet. (But let’s be honest… what are the odds??)

In the same way, you see a Muslim woman in a veil and assume that she is being oppressed and forced to wear it by her incredibly backwards husband or father; where in fact she wears it out of choice. Prejudice assumptions usually get you nowhere. Its all about pre conceived ideologies that have been fabricated by previous generations.

The definition of Prejudice is as shown in the link:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:prejudice&ei=1XzCS7CFBZey0gS83PihCQ&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title&ved=0CAYQkAE

It’s unfair to all the people that we judge. As well as unfair to ourselves, we presume that we know what a certain group of people are like before deciding whether or not we use enough to make mistakes an learn from them. Isn’t that the best way to do things? That way we have first hand experience and wont have to rely on some dead persons opinion.

Stalking: As shown in an episode of ‘Peep Show’

Everyone has a different perception of what stalking is because more often than not, we exaggerate when using the term. For example, a girl could say that she is being stalked when in fact a boy is merely showing an interest in her. However, when does this ‘interest’ turn into full-on stalking?

Is it when (as shown in the clip) the person shows up wherever you are? Or when the person follows you home? When they make sure that they change their plans so that they meet yours?

The definition of stalking can be broadened as well as limited. The rule that we must always remember is that when a person of interest beings to feel uncomfortable, its time to BACK OFF!

Stalking is usually seen as something bad merely because the sheer lack of privacy. But it is so much more than that. It begins with the invasion of privacy but leads to bigger ‘badder’ things such as theft to please said person. I wouldn’t say that stalking is a small thing, but in comparison to the things that it could lead to, it is miniscule. BUT STILL WRONG!!!

Hoever, this is just one persons opinion... Others (as shown in the article below) would argue otherwise:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/29/stalkers-are-criminals

Drugs

As we are all aware, drugs have been around since the beginning of time. In places where marijuana is ground and smoked; where opium is chewed, people are sometimes unaware that what they are taking in is an intoxicant and can be harmful to them. Soon enough a little hobby will turn into full-on addiction and then there will be no hope... http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/getting_help/addictions.html

The origins of drugs were sometimes looked at as well. This was done in order to distinguish the type of drug. For example, the origins of opium were suggested to be devilish just because it came from Spain.

In the 1800s, where laudanum was an everyday used sedative, drugs were often used as well. Laudanum contained a high content of alcohol as well as opium and was often used to put patients at ease.

Personally, I am against drug use that has to be injected/swallowed/sniffed (heroin/ecstasy/cocaine) as I feel that these are the most fatal form of drugs. I think this because such methods allow the toxin to get to the bloodstream fast and so can become addictive. However, I also feel that drugs such as marijuana (which is smoked) are acceptable (in my little world anyway!) as they cannot cause grave harm to someone. I am not suggesting that marijuana is not as addictive as the others, but now that smoking in public places has been prohibited, many people have cut down.

A response to Mumtaz's blog on Drugs

http://mimibeingbad.blogspot.com/2010/03/marijuanas-healthier-then-botox.html

Gotta say..I totally agree. Why don't people understand that either way your doing the same amount of damage?? So if that IS the case (which it sooo obviously is!) why not enjoy it!

Shoplifting... Right or Wrong???

(AS SHOWN IN AN EPISODE OF ‘FAMILY GUY’)

Shoplifting occurs. FACT.

Unfortunately it is becoming more and more normal and accepted in our society. But first we must understand why people do it?

• Poverty?
• Thrill?
• Adrenaline?
• Sustenance?
• Want but don’t need?

… The reasons are endless… but we must realise that it is the wrong approach to matters (whatever they may be!)

As soon as we begin growing and start touching things we aren’t meant to (Get your head out of the gutter!), our mothers have slapped our hands away from said item and reprimanded us with a firm “No!” or “Naughty!” followed by a smack on our innocent little hands. From such a young age we have been schooled to know that taking what is not ours is strictly wrong. Yet why is shoplifting becoming a norm?

Many would not consider shoplifting to be theft. Bt in my opinion, it doesn’t matter how big or small the item in question is – if you take it without paying for it (or any other form of ownership) it is known as STEALING!

Others get defensive and try to disguise the shoplifting by saying that they are doing it in order to teach the corporate world a lesson. But I don’t understand how stealing a 6 pack of ‘Wotsits’ will help you…

Society should understand that shoplifting is only there to cause more problems. It IS a crime no matter what you steal… and nobody needs that on their conscience.

http://www.startacollectiblesbusiness.co.uk/shoplifting-laws-your-rights.html

Prostitution

Is it wrong or right? Do people really think of it to be the correct way?

Prostitution has been around for century’s. Where it was the norm for a gentleman to visit a brothel in the 19^th century, it is not looked down upon. However, this does not mean that it is any less common.

Many believe that prostitution is morally wrong. It degrades women (and men) to a point where they get paid for sexual activity. Such things can change a person’s perspective on life.

However, there can be numerous reasons as to why prostitution occurs. Such as:

• Money issues
• The thrill
• Lack of education
• All that the person knows how to do Etc

But do these reasons really make it okay for them to do it? And should people actually use these services?

Durkheim (A fundamentalist sociologist) suggested that prostitutes make a family stable. This is because it allows the man to gain a form of release without having to emotionally cheat on his wife. The release is meant to be all about physical activity and so cannot be considered an affair as there is no emotional attachment or feelings involved; thus, saving their marriage.

Here is a link that explains the role of prostitution is society in further detail:

http://tabrubaker.com/site/research_files/Prostitution%20in%20Sociology.pdf

Prostitution HAS been around for a long time and in some places (i.e. Amsterdam-Holland) is still legal. Personally, I feel that people should not stoop so low as to sell themselves to the highest bidder… but I also feel that those who are placing money on these poor souls have more problems (mentally) than anyone else.....

Response to Daniel Jones' Blog on Lying

http://eloheem.blogspot.com/2010/02/lying-with-integrity.html

:D Ice cream sounds like a good enough reason to lie... And I'm quite glad you did't tell her that she looked like a Larry....poor soul...

Response to Laurens Blog on Field Trip

http://laurenh1990.blogspot.com/2010/03/week-12-suggestion.html

The last time one of my friends went to a prison, she claimed to 'fall in love' with one of the inmates....

Response to Rob Balls's Blog on Field Trip

http://robballbeingbad.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-idea-for-week-12.html

Errrrm....Isn't spiking drinks illegal?

Response to Mumtaz's Blog on Lying

http://mimibeingbad.blogspot.com/2010/03/l.html?showComment=1268577849331_AIe9_BGB5S6XTV80Kzk63pk239GM-8Og6F9Tx9jVaASXMb__LALbnf_hk0cxBzSClzoajjoLDMpxCSYCPdG9pCq7FpHS1_d_nuPQTuqwvszgDP5wq0YuHDjXPebcrDnwCHmD2TE909MwOuNziI5xGIE_1gRSAxg2FxXEOqTBfr3teYCTKzrLjUg0V_5M1r-qkeoczPaAlBJJP-SgQH9iD_d11jMCdSEOtg#c4265861512400610163

i would definitely prefer to live with someone who was smart enough to spare my feelings...but i suppose in certain circumstances being truthful actually helps.... to be honest, when the average girl asks if their arse looks big in something (And it does) it only makes sense to tell her before she gets abuse down the street :P

Response To Sarah Taylor's Blog on Feild Visit

http://sarahjtaylor3.blogspot.com/2010/02/field-tripactivity-suggestion.html

I agree! Lets go get some CHOCOLATE! For it is the source of all EVIL....or is it good??? Hmmmmm LOL!

Response to Herj Kaur's Blog on Smoking

http://voice-in-order.blogspot.com/2010/02/smokin.html#comments

I totally agree with the idea about fining. It’s bad enough that they feel the need to kill themselves but why harm the child... if indeed they're trying to harm it why not NOT get pregnant in the first place????

And regarding the images on the boxes of the 'fags'... I think there are a lot of strange people out there that are trying to 'stick it to the man' by smoking with the knowledge that there is a picture of their future on the box. As if to say...'yeah well... i can quit if i want to'....’I'm not addicted'... 'I’m sooo not going to end up like the picture on the box'...and my favourite... 'THAT’S BEEN PHOTOSHOPPED!'

Bullying

As everyone knows, bullying is wrong. But I’m sure that many people have reason for doing it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s a good thing to do; but there has to be reasons, surely.

Speaking as a person who has been on both the good side and bad side of bullying (as the receiver and the giver), I can see the thrill and the pain. Sure, bullying younger children because they were weird looking is a mean thing to do… but it’s also undeniably funny and entertaining. It was one of the ways I got through school alive.

But being on the receiving end was not fun at all. It kind of annoys you when fate turns around and smacks you in the face so hard you see red… but it does seem to knock some sense into you!

My sole reason to bully people was so that they wouldn’t bully me. I figured that if I was ‘hard’ enough, people would leave me alone. But it doesn’t always work out…One day your teacher suggests that you take a trip to the Paintballing Park and the next thing you know you’re the sole target… Ouch

I guess all I’m trying to say is that bullying has consequences and that it happens at all ages, at all walks of life to even those who you least expect. There are loads of examples too:
Cyber bullying
Physical/verbal/psychological bullying
Blackmail
And loads more

It is quite unbelievable how many people are targets and feel the need to take their own lives in the process (scene from Kidulthood http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidulthood ).

There are many anti bullying sites that are available for us to look at that explain the ins and outs of bullying. Bullying usually starts in the playground, so be aware of what’s going on in your children’s lives… because lets face it…if you don’t really know what’s going on with your kid, you can’t really help them.


http://www.bullying.co.uk/index.php/young-people/advice/introduction-to-bullying.html

Lying

I didn’t think that I would be interested in this lecture, but I was pleasantly surprised at all the issues that were raised.

Many children grow up with the knowledge that lying is wrong and that they should never resort to it. The concept of lying with integrity was neer discussed amongst parents and children. Lying to help someone, or allow them to have happiness is a lot more known nowadays than it was in the past. But the point of whether lying with integrity (selflessly) can be in ones own interest.

Admittedly, I had to think about that one. But again, my classmates helped me out by suggesting that lying on ones CV to ensure that they got a good/stable job. It was implied that lying would almost always guarantee you a job… Looks like I should be taking notes from the professionals!

I thought long and hard about whether I had done such a thing and realised that I always have and still do today. My example is probably very similar to many other girls my age.

I once told my brother’s girlfriend that she was pretty, where in true fact my brother can do so much better!
The point of the story is that I told my brother’s girlfriend that she was pretty so that she could keep my brother occupied. That way I wouldn’t have to worry about what I get up to in university. Of course, I love my brother. So, one of the reasons for telling the girl that my brother was mega interested in her was to see him happy. But I would be lying if I said that I didn’t see the ultimate selfish gain.

Unfortunately, this has had a negative impact in some way. It means that no matter how difficult my brother tries, he cannot break up with her…. Ah well…

Anyway!

My brothers problems aside, my opinion of lying varies. Sure enough we all lie at some point of our lives. It’s a normal thing (as can be seen in the film the invention of lying) to do. It’s always been a means for selfish gain and in ways will remain so. Of course there are a few people who do lie for other people but in the end, it always comes down to self interest and self benefit.

The term lying means to deviate from the truth and fabricate another story and pose it as the truth. In all societies this is wrong. But it is a norm of all those societies also. It is accepted as being ‘one of those things’ where it shouldn’t be.

However on another note, lying sure as hell has gotten me out of a few rough scrapes :P

And this is how i did it:

http://www.wikihow.com/Lie

Smoking

I feared that in this lecture there would be lots of graphic images of smokers’ lungs and inner parts that I really should stay away from. My family (my brothers in particular) have a strong and old relationship with smoking cigarettes and marijuana… ‘The good stuff’ as they seem eager to call it :S

So the last thing I needed was to see my brothers’ hypothetical cancerous innards deteriorating

Also, keeping in mind that the module is indeed called Being Bad, I decided that the lecture would be most understanding if I were to play truant! :P

Here is a statistical link that shows how many students play truant:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4265536.stm

First Lecture: Being Bad

The first lecture usually holds the base of all judgements that a student has regarding future attendance: if the lecture is interesting, they’ll turn up. But I was more than interested as soon as the lecture announced that we weren’t present to make any judgments whatsoever.

Admittedly, I was a little put off by the amount of people present, but the lecturer made up for it by being a normal adult; in other words- loud, fun and down right vulgar! :D
It’s at times like this where I question my own morality. For my friends that sat beside me would cringe at the vulgarity. As though saying the word ‘vagina’ out loud would make them ill. Where I, in fact I found the whole discussion animated and hilarious, I thought twice before laughing too hard, too loud.

However, after the lecture, I was compelled to wonder…Did I honestly live my life in accordance to what other people deem correct and right and wrong? Surely I have the ability to make such judgements for myself. But if that was the case, why is it that I try so hard to conform to the premade rules and regulations?

Here is a link to the philosophical encyclopedia that defines the term Morality. I suppose this link would show how I feel about everyones 'opinions' on what is moral and what is not... Yeah! This is my way of sticking it to the man!

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/morality-definition/

The lecture opened my eyes regarding what certain people considered being bad. For me, disobeying my parents’ judgement was wrong enough; but according to some of the members in the class, that could be considered expected teenage behaviour. I look forward to uncovering the truths of the extent of what truly constitutes as ‘being bad’.

Field Visit

For the being bad field trip, I would suggest a visit to Holland just because it would be fun to see my friends embarrass themselves abroad as opposed to embarrassing themselves in England, as they usually do... :D

Other than that, I figure that Amsterdam would be as good place as any to talk about what being bad really is. In the place where prostitution and drugs are legal, we can talk about how such activites are viewed deviant in other environments.

Here are a few basic facts about the wonderful land of Amsterdam...

http://www.amsterdam.info/basics/

...and I'm sure you'll agree that we should definitely take a trip there.