Final Blog! Questionnaire

Age? 18

Sex? Female

What is your degree subject (both if joint)? Creative and Professional Writing and English

Does ‘Being Bad’ relate well to the other modules you are taking? Yes and no.

If so, how? And if not, why not? It is a good additional module to my other modules. It made me think.

Have you found ‘Being Bad’ too demanding, too easy, or at an appropriate level? Appropriate level. Good range of assessment choices.

Do you think the list of topics covered on the module was appropriate? Yes, very good.

Are there any topics not included in the module that you would like to see included? I think abortion would be an interesting topic because everyone has different views on it.

Do you think that the format for classes has worked well? Yes.

What did you think of the module team? Good, especially Mark Jones, Paul MacDonald and the one who did the lying lecture...can't remember his name though!

Do you think it would have been better to have had more:
Small group discussions? Yes.
Discussion and debate among the class as a whole? Yes.
Information and talk from lecturers? No, discussion is better.

The approach taken in the module is interdisciplinary (drawing on perspectives from English Literature, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies and Politics): do you think this a useful way of approaching the topics covered in the module? Yes because people are good at different things and this approach offers more choice.

Do you think that interdisciplinary modules are a good idea? Definately! It gives us something to look forward to if our other modules are boring. It also broadens our horizons... :)

Do you think you have benefited from the interdisciplinary approach taken in the module? Yes.

Would you like to see more modules that cover this kind of subject matter? Yes, it's very enlightening!

Are you planning to take the follow-up module PH2004 ‘It Shouldn’t Be Allowed’ at level 2? Yes.

Would you recommend ‘Being Bad’ to a friend? Yes.

Do you think that the blogs (web logs) were a good idea? Yes, good discussions going on.

What did you think of the other assessments (e.g. would it be better to have one longer assessment rather than two shorter ones?)? No, I like the way the assessments are designed. Although I suppose a longer assessment would allow for students to include more discussion in their work.

What have you learned from the module? I have learned to be more understanding and less judgemental of people's way of life. Everyone is different.

What parts of the module have you found most useful and why? I have enjoyed the group discussions and hearing other people's views on the various topics.

What parts do you think were a waste of time and why? I didn't like the gambling lecture and thought that it didn't introduce me to anything I wasn't aware of already.

Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding ‘Being Bad’? I enjoyed using the newspaper articles when writing my essay. The blogs are a really good idea! It was useful to be able to do blogs throughout the semester and not panic with lots of work to do towards the end of the semester.

Counterfeit Goods (such as copied cds, dvds etc...)

Most people I know own or have owned a countefeit cd or dvd. It is a fact of life, if someone is selling a copied version of something you want for cheaper than the original, you will go for the copied version, even though you know it is illegal. Is this being bad?

Although it is illegal, many people still believe it is fine to buy copied versions of cds and other such items. Why is this? I think it is because people just don't want to pay such ridiculously high prices for things produced by celebrities who they can see already have too much money. The working class person can often not afford to buy original versions.

Another issue here is the way in which people illegally download films rather than going to the cinema. Once again, I think this is because the cinema is just so expensive for what you get. If it was a better experience or better value for money, people would go to the cinema.

Whilst I can understand why counfeit goods are illegal, I can also understand why people want to pay less for a copy or download. Perhaps if the music (and others) industry lowered prices and offered better valur for money, counterfeit goods would not be a problem.

http://www.out-law.com/page-4564

'Bad' Comedians

Everyone has to laugh. Without comedians, the world would probably be a lot more boring. The question is, do they have to be offensive to be funny? The obvious answer is no, so why are offensive comedians still successful in a country that is far too politically correct? An important point is also what different audiences are offended by. Some people will find a racist joke very funny but others will be extremely offended. This won't change, no one is the same.

I think jokes about where people are from (i.e. the Black Country) are ok because we will always laugh at people's accents and things like that. This is fine if done in a light-hearted way. This blog simply boils down to what you are offended at. I personally do not agree with jokes about abortion and things about terminal illness etc.

However, if a comedian wants to use offensive material then they can go ahead, as long as the potential audience is warned beforehand. I don't think it is right to stop such comedians from performing as not everyone will be offended. As I have said, as long as the offensive material is presented in a light-hearted way and not meant to insight hatred then what is the problem?

If you think you will be offended by seeing a potentially offensive comedian then don't go!

A link to a discussion about offensive comedians...be warned there is an offensive statement at the beginning of the article!

http://www.edinburgh-festivals.com/reviews.cfm?id=1159072006&keywords=Unbookables

Abortion

This is always going to be a controversial topic to discuss as so many people have different views on it. I am not against abortion for other people if that is what is right for them, although it is not something I would do myself.

I believe it is everyone's choice whether they have an abortion or not, and for what reasons they have one. I can understand that it is an extremely difficult decision to make for anyone and there are a whole range of reasons one would go ahead with an abortion. I have sympathy for anyone having to make this decision.

In my opinion if an unborn baby has a disability that would make a relatively 'normal' life difficult then an abortion is probably fairer. If a woman has an abortion because she and her sexual partner were lazy about contraception and she does not want a baby, then in my view she should in future learn to be more careful, but if an unborn baby is not wanted, it is cruel to allow it to be born into such an environment.

People need better and more available sex education to prevent unwanted pregnancies. We can't just go around creating new life and then discarding it as we please.

http://www.brook.org.uk/content/M2_5_abortion.asp

http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion.htm

Graffiti - vandalism or art?

I have always considered graffiti to be vandalism created by criminals until I began to see things differently and question, what is art? Whilst some graffiti is offensive and basically not necessary or nice to look at, some is quite cool. What would a skate park be without individuals creating art to give the place some character? Some places would just be dull and boring without graffiti.

Some graffiti has also had political importance over the years such as the painting created on the sides of houses in different communities in Ireland. Such graffiti could be considered dangerous and a cause of divisions between communties. But it is now a part of Ireland's history, and a very interesting part at that.

There is also the issue of physical danger the graffiti artists put themselves in when they are tagging high buildings. Only recently there was a story in the news about a suspected graffiti artist who fell from a building injuring himself. Are these graffiti artists being selfish to their families by risking climbling high buildings or should they be allowed to enjoy their hobby?

I am interested to know what other people think.

A link about the history and development of graffiti.

http://www.graffiti.org/faq/tucker.html

Response to another student's blog about plagiarism (and a rant about universities giving away degrees)!

http://eddies-ph1000.blogspot.com/

I thought this will an interesting topic to write about, as nobody else seems to have a blog about it.
However, I do not agree that there are times when taking the credit for someone else's work is acceptable. I think it is always important to reference a source you have used to help you with your own work. The typical example is academia. How can people say it is fine for a student to copy someone's work and pass it off as their own? It is simply not fair. It is also important to take into account the fact that someone who cheats will have to live with the knowledge (if they're not caught) that they were awarded something when they didn't actually achieve it themselves.

Another thing I hate, is when universities award degrees to celebrities who in my opinion do not deserve it. Why should they be awarded something just for being famous in one field when everyone else work their butts off to gain good marks and eventually (after three years of gruelling work) get a degree. How can Lenny Henry's degree in literature be justified? All he did was a series on Radio Four about Shakespeare!

http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Drugs

This is quite an easy blog for me as I am very clear that drugs are BAD! I understand that people who become involved in drugs may find it extremely difficult to get away from that way of life and it is important to remember that not every case is the same. However, I do not sympathise with people who take or deal in drugs. Everyone has freedom of choice, everyone can say no. And if they don't then it is their own stupid fault for becoming involved.

I might be seen as being quite narrow-minded on this matter, but for me, it is simple, drugs are illegal and very dangerous. If a person has any respect for themselves and their family, they will stay away from drugs all together. The upset and sorrow drugs can cause is immense. People who bring drugs into Britain and give/sell them to others can be classed as murderers in my view. Too many youngsters become involved in drugs and then further crime, ruining their lives and bringing heartache to their families.

I do not believe the arguments drug takers put forward about how they became involved in drugs, these are just excuses. As I have said, everyone has a choice.

http://www.talktofrank.com/home_html.aspx

Gambling

Generally, I do not have a problem with gambling, although it is not something I do myself. I don't gamble because I would rather save my money than risk losing it and possibly ending up with less than I started with.

I think that gambling is down to personal choice, which is fine if the gambler can afford to do it. The problems arise when gambling becomes addictive to someone who hasn't got enough money. When this happens, an immense amount of stress can be caused, not only to the gambler but also to their family and friends. Lots of people can suffer.

I am not in favour of the super casino that is to be opened in Britain. The gambling industry already behaves irresponsibly all in the interest of making money for themselves. This is wrong and is a case of money-obsessed businessmen preying on the weaknesses of naive people.

My advice to people who are tempted to gamble - don't, if you don't gamble, you can't lose. If members of my family had saved all of the money they had wasted on playing the national lottery, we would be a lot richer than we are now. Gambling is not worth the risk, there is usually far more chance that you will lose than win and the people who take your money as bets know this, they probably don't gamble themselves.

This is a link to a site about the legal side of gambling and the commision that is supposed to look out for gamblers in Britain.

http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/Client/index.asp

And a link about the possible effects the new super casino will have on Britain.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/20/ncasino20.xml

Response to Jared Linekar's Blog about the environment

http://jaredsbeingbadblog.blogspot.com/

It was very refreshing to see that somenone had decided that the way we treat our environment is a form of being bad. I totally agree, and think it is about time we took action to care for our planet. Everyone knows the problem of global warming, so why are people still allowed to cut down forests, build concrete jungles and generally kill our homes.

Caring for the planet can begin early on, in the home, by parents teaching their children simple beahviour that shows respect to the people and the world around them. Why do parents allow their offspring to grow up thinking it is alright to carelessly throw rubbish on the floor? It is not alright! And it INFURIATES me.

Why uproot trees from worldwide jungles and plant them in Wolverhampton? Trees need to be planted where they have been taken from for the desired effect to occur. Why do people feel the need to go abroad every year on holiday? There are many beautiful places in Britain that remain undiscovered.

It is everybody's responsibility to care for our world. We all need to take action to do our bit to help the environment. Put your rubbish in the nearest bin, rather than on the floor, recycle as much as is possible, you can re0use much of your household waste by putting it in a compost bin. Everyone can do something to help.

This link leads to a site that tells you how you can make a difference to the planet and to people's lives.
http://www.sustainableharvest.org/forestsfeedfamilies.cfm

Obese parents making their children fat

I think it is terrible when obese people who have children make their children fat too by feeding them the wrong foods and not engaging in exercise with them.

Readers might think I am just being nasty, but I assure you I am not. However, when I walk around a supermarket and see fat, unhealthy adults filling their trollies up with unhealthy food, I cannot help but feel immense sympathy for their fat children who are being given junk to eat. Surely this is a form of abuse and should be stopped.

I do not discriminate against parents who are obese and find dieting difficult, but they should do their utmost to create a healthy lifestyle for their children. Is it just me who feels this way?

Most children have a little puppy fat that they will lose as they grow older, but too often they are simply obese because of an unhealthy way of life forced upon them by their parents. This is not right! A healthy way of life should be made normal for everyone when they are young. Of course, the odd treat is fine, but keep it that way.

A link about fat children. http://observer.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,,792372,00.html#article_continue

Lying with Integrity

Mark Twain:
Always tell the truth. That way, you don't have to remember what you said.

I hadn't realised just how often and in how many different situations people lie. I have never resented my parents for 'lying' to me about the existence of Father Christmas. Although some people consider this lie to be wrong, I believe Father Christmas to be an important part of childhood, even if he is 'a lie'.

Although my initial thoughts were that you should always tell the truth, I think this is because it is what I have been taught as a child. Now, I am older, I do not think that it is always right to be honest. Sometimes, lies are necessary to protect people's feelings. When I ask my boyfriend if my bum looks big in an item of clothing, I expect him to answer truthfully, but if I do not like his answer I am bound to feel annoyed. I can understand why to him, saying what I want to hear is the easier option.

However, I think that as far as possible, people should try to be honest and not lie, especially if the other person could be affected in some way. For example, partners who sleep with others should tell the truth because the one who has been betrayed should have the right to choose whether they stay with them or not. Lying in this way could be dangerous because there is the chance of spreading sexually transmitted diseases. A person in the class at the time of the lecture made a good point that people shouldn't do things that they know they will have to lie about afterwards.

I believe that nearly all of the time, honesty is the best policy. For me, one of the most upsetting things is to find out you've been lied to by someone you trust. I think everyone who is considering lying should first ask themselves how they would feel if someone lied to them.

This link is useful to detect all those lying people out there! http://www.blifaloo.com/info/lies_eyes.php

Another interesting link to an article about the science of lying:

http://www.accessexcellence.org/WN/SU/lying599.html

Response to Kerene's Blog about being too religious

Whislt I appreciate Kerene's view and understand that she is very religious herself, I do not agree with her view that being too religious should not be frowned upon.
Reading Kerene's blog got me thinking about how I conduct myself in life. I came to the conclusion that I do not want to run my life based around what religion tells me. I want to conduct my life based around the morals I have been brought up with and taught by my parents.
It is my view that while being religious is often a positive thing, it is all too often dangerous and 'used' by people who claim that they act diabolically in the name of their religion. I do believe in God, although I do not go to church. In think it is much better to treat people with respect and in a way I would like to be treated in my everyday life, than to go through life preaching to others about how they should behave. If I treat others in a good way then I am serving God in the best possible way. I don't think you have to go to church or to any place of worship to be a good person. I think it is better to base your life around being a good person and having a high level of morals than to base it around going to church and being religious.
http://kerry07blogs.blogspot.com/

Response to Kiri Horne's blog about body modification

I was different to Kiri in that I expected this lecture to be quite interesting before I even turned up. I was not disappointed! Although I expected the lecturer to use images during his presentation, I was not prepared for the brutality of many of them.
As with Kiri, I did not know that copying of tattoos is considered racist by some people. I think this is interesting because what is just a pattern or drawing to one person can have a deep and symbolic meaning to someone else.
I agree with how Kiri ended her blog, by saying that body modification is down to personal choice. I have since had my naval pierced and think it looks lovely.
Link to Kiri's blog spot:
http://kiri-beingbad.blogspot.com

Other 'bad' films that have been banned in the past

I was surprised to find that there are lots of films that have been banned all over the world for various reasons, namely because of lots of violence and sexual activity. However, many films that have been banned previously are beginning to be released for public viewing in recent years. I wonder why this is. I think the society we live in now is far more tolerable of so-called 'bad' behaviour. I also think that many people should see some of these films because they were made to convey a message, and whilst some films are just horrible for the sake of it, some have important messages that would benefit the audience.
I think if there is adequate warning about the contents of a 'bad' film, then it is down to the potential audience if they want to watch it or not.
It is quite ironic that nowadays, people are remaking old films that caused such controversy years ago and these versions are often more gory and extreme than the originals, yet cinema audiences all over want to go and see them.

This is a link to a list of lots of banned films:
http://www.channel4.com/film/newsfeatures/microsites/B/banned/1-5.html

Bad Cinema

I didn't know what to expect when I went into the Lighthouse cinema to watch Kids, a film made in 1995 that was banned and caused uproar and controversy everywhere it went. I was shocked at the beginning of the film when it showed two people I would consider to be children having sex. The film went on to show lots of behaviour that could be considered bad such as; drug taking, violence, vulgarity, theft, sex and rape. I think what was so shocking for me was the age of the actors in the film, they were very young, of an age I would class as children.
However, I think it was the intention of the writers and directors of the film to produce something that would act as an eye-opener to adults and parents everywhere. I think many parents are unaware of the things their children get up to and the danger they put themselves in.
I think the film also highlights important issues to youths too. These include safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases, and the dangers of alcohol and drugs. It showed a girl who had sex with one boy and still caught H.I.V. It is important that many young people see this film because it acts as an eye-opener to this audience as well.
The way the film producers have portrayed this behaviour not necessarily as bad, but as dangerous is an important factor in the way a young audience would receive the message behind the film.
Kids was made to shock, and although I do not think it is suitable for children, I do think it conveys an extremely important message for young people and their parents everywhere.





This link takes you to some interesting comments made by Larry Clark, the maker of Kids:

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/03/07/kids_director_larry_clark_slams_movie_cr



And for a profile of Larry Clark:
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://images.amazon.com/images/P/6304726953.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.jahsonic.com/LarryClark.html&h=475&w=331&sz=44&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=9n5woLQ0MCIByM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=90&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2527Kids%2527%2B1995%2Bfilm%2B%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den

Response to Blair Cumming's Blog about Smoking

http://blair-beingbad.blogspot.com/
"Banning smoking is the 'Bad' factor. Who knows what is next to be banned...alcohol? drugs? bad language? We just don't know but once we go down this path it shall be difficult to return..."

I cannot understand how someone can say that the bad part of this issue is the fact that smoking is being banned in public places. The ban will save the lives of smokers (who may cut down or stop smoking all together when the ban comes into force) and non-smokers (who are forced almost everyday to breathe into their pure lungs someone's rotten, poisonous smoke!).

A smoking ban can only bring good news for the NHS who have enormous pressure placed on them through smokers causing their own illnesses. In my view, the NHS should concentrate on those patients who have tried to look after themselves and do not deserve to be ill. I think smoking IS as bad as alcholism and drug taking because it is just as addictive and bad for your health.

Body Modification

Nowadays in Western cultures, body modification such as tattoos and piercings have become the 'norm' and not considered bad. However, body modification is also used by religions and groups to identify members. Branding was used as a means of controlling slaves.

Body modification has gone on since ancient times and in all cultures and countries, so why is it considered by some as bad? Some people suggest that modifying the body's natural form is an attack on God. Sub-groups such as criminals use body modification and their deviant behaviour has become linked with criminal behaviour. Also, there are the obvious considerations; why would someone inflict pain upon themselves and at the same time run the risk of getting an infection from modifying the body.

During the lecture today, we saw many images of body modification, but for me, the bad ones were the heads of tribesmen who had had tattoos etched into their faces. It was horrifying to learn that people were kidnapped, forcibly tattooed, killed and then mutilated to be sold to Westerners. I used to quite like tattoos but after discovering where many of the designs come from, I have been out off. I don't like the idea of copying a pattern that means so much to someone and yet is just decoration for another.

The ways in which some cultures use/d body modification is immoral because often it involves a lck of choice. The breaking and binding of female Chinese babies' feet is in my opinion child abuse. African tribal men would put metal rings around the necks of their women in order to control their sexuality. If the rings were removed, the neck would often snap immediately.

I think some body modification can be attractive, but I think copying the cultural designs of tribal groups is derogatory and wrong. Body modification that is forced upon people is repressive, cruel and against a human's basic rights.

For more about the original meanings of maori tattoos, see:
http://history-nz.org/maori3.html

For an interesting point of view a religious person on the matter go to:

http://www.holybible.com/resources/poems/body_modification.htm

Being 'too religious'

For many people religion plays a huge part in their lives, but for some, religion takes over. It is difficult to define what is 'too religious' because what is 'normal' behaviour for some people is seen as outrageous by others. I find discussions about religion interesting when they occur on an equal level, but I feel very uncomfortable being preached at. I do not appreciate religious people who go knocking doors in order to try to convert people. I believe everyone is entitled to their own views and religion, but they should not try to impose these on everyone else. For me, this is 'too religious'. This seemed to be the general feeling of the group. I also find religions who refuse medical help for their children to be very oppressive and sometimes cruel. In my opinion, religion should be a welcoming, caring and accepting institution, rather than one that controls, commands and thinks itself superior. Religion should be there for everyone, not just a select few.

The follwoing link leads you to a discussion amongst young Christians talking about what is considered too religious by themselves. It is interesting to see what religious people class as 'too religious'. http://www.fellowshipchat.com/cgi-local/bbs/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=002531;p==

This next link is about how what some people see as being 'too religious' can affect everyday life, even in the media.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2003%2F07%2F20%2Fnbeeb20.xml

Bandits and Outlaws

Outlaws have been heroes of children's stories and folk tales for centuries and in cultures all over the world. I wonder why this might be when outlaws and bandits such as Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly - to name just two - are renound for stealing and killing thousands. Perhaps all outlaws are thought of as being like the fictional character Robin Hood, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. The reality of the situation is that outlaws were thieves and cold killers. It is true that they stole from the rich, but more often than not, they also stole from the poor (usually not in their immediate locality as they relied on local peasants as allies, but peasants further away were targeted). It seems amazing to me that although outlaws lived the lives they did, people over the years have popularised and glorified them in literature, folklore and film.

Outlaws portrayed in this way in film include Robin Hood and Ned Kelly.

For an interesting discussion about whether Jesse James was a 'folklore hero or cold-blooded killer' go to: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-JesseJames.html

Notice how this makers of this film (see image) portray Kelly as a legend, and a good looking one too!

Smoking (including link to another student's blog)

In my opinion, smoking is a disgusting habit. I have never tried smoking and never will. What is the point? It stinks, rots your teeth and your lungs, turns your skin yellow and wastes loads of money. Think of the things people could buy with all the money they give to tobacco companies in order to slowly kill themselves. I do not find smoking attractive or cool and hate it when people smoke around me. I can accept it in pubs and clubs, because for many, smoking is a social thing and they are out socialising. However, people who smoke at bus stops are vile! When I am waiting for a bus into town, I do not expect or want someone to breathe smoke in my face, therefore damaging my innocent lungs.

Whilst these are my opinions about smoking and smokers. It is not for anyone to force people to stop smoking, it is after all freedom of choice. HOWEVER, I do not want to die from a disease caused by inconsiderate people choking me with their smoke!

It was my aim in this blog to be objective and to give suggestions for both sides of this debate but my finger tips and my very strong opinions got in the way and I have simply ranted.

If you agree with me, you will also agree with Kiri Horne. See

http://kiri-beingbad.blogspot.com/

Field trip!

I think we should go to London for a trip and see that new production of Eqqus (or however it's spelt) with Daniel Radcliffe in. It would be very relevant because it has a sexual (Freudian) theme that ties in well with the module Being Bad! We could get a train there (if the university won't provide us with a coach). Also, I've heard that Daniel Radcliffe has a good bum! Lol. What does everyone else think? It's a bit more cultured and relevant than a theme park (boring!).

Infidelity

As is the case with many of the topics covered in PH1000 - Being Bad, infidelity itself is subject to question. People have different ideas of what constitutes infidelity. I agree that having sex or striking up a secret relationship with someone else is infidelity. I was quite surprised that some people class flirting or finding someone else attractive as cheating.
In my view, infidelity is a bad thing (because of the deceit involved), but I do think there are situations when a person may feel driven to do so. For example, a woman in an article on the handout (from the lecture), committed adultery after being deprived of sexual affection from her husband for ten years. Although I understand that she must have been frustrated, the right thing to do would have been to end her marriage first. That is if she couldn't resolve the problem with her husband.
During the lecture, some people suggested that people who don't marry but have different long term partners at different times instead are behaving badly. I think it is wrong to suggest that to be committed and remain faithful to someone, you should marry them. Many couples stay together for a lifetime without being married and without straying.
Below is a link to an interesting article I found about Einstein and infidelity.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/article1171410.ece

Oh my God (sorry for blasphemeing)! There's a whole blogging thing about infidelity! Read on!
http://infidelityrants.blogspot.com/

Masturbation

In this lecture, people in the group seemed a little apprehensive about discussing masturbation. I think this showed that the topic is still not (even in the 21st century) one that is mentioned often and openly talked about. This is interesting because generally, people feel far less inhibted when talking about sex. I wondered why that is, when masturbation is such a natural and widely practised activity.

For a task in pairs, we had to decide out of a set of statements, which were made by men and which were made by women. They were quite direct and open statements, and all but one were made by women. I was surprised at how wrong our guesses were. The activity highlighted the narrow-mindedness of our generation's attitude towards masturbation. We believe men to be more open and direct about such matters.

The history of masturbation and the way people (doctors etc) tried to stop their patients masturbating are quite disturbing, even barbaric. Most methods of stopping masturbation were extremely cruel and in my opinion, unecessary.

Masturbation is down to personal choice. It does not harm anyone and is not illegal and so should not have been/ should not be condemned. Masturbation is an entirely natural act that begins in early infancy. Why is sex a topic that is so easily discussed and culturally portrayed in our society, yet masturbation is considered a taboo subject people are scared to talk about?
For an interesting look into the history of masturbation, go to http://www.afraidtoask.com/masturbate/History.htm

Introductory Lecture

During our introductory session for Being Bad, we discussed what can be classed as bad behaviour. We found that everyone has different views about what is bad behaviour. Almost all of the topics we are to study in the following weeksare controversial. What is considered bad to some people may be considered acceptable and even enjoyable to others.
For an activity, we each had to anonymously write something we had done that was bad and swap them around so that we ended up with someone elses confession. When I did this activity I felt that my confession was not actually that bad! Some of my peers had been involved in illegal things and things I think are cruel. I was quite shocked and somewhat relieved at seeing the bad things people in my class had done.

Some philosophical questions (and my answers)

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1. Is shoplifting any different to any other kind of theft?

I don't think shoplifting is as bad as stealing from someone's home. Taking an individual's belongings may cause them to struggle to re-buy the stolen items. A large company such as a shop or supermarket make large profits everyday and can easily afford to replace missing goods. Going into someone's home and stealing is far worse because it causes untold emotional and psychological stress and harm to the occupants.

2. Why do people who can afford to buy things shoplift them instead?

People steal because it gives them an adrenaline rush. The risk of being caught is exciting. There is also the fact that many people aren't bothered about buying stolen goods as long as they're cheaper than they would be in the shops. This means that shoplifters can make a good profit themselves by selling on stolen goods.

The link below has some information about shoplifting and some funny comments at the bottom about people's experiences of shoplifting.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4477596.stm

3.Is it prostitution to take money from someone who is expecting sex, but then not to supply it?

I don't think this constitutes prostitution. It is pure theft. However, some people may argue that someone who does this has already valued themselves by agreeing a price.

4. If it isn't then is it more or less socially acceptable?

It is more socially respectable to not go through with sex for money (but still take the money) than it is to prostitute yourself. However, I think it is important to consider reasons why someone would prostitute themselves.

5. When does a concerned interest in someone's activities become stalking?

Stalking is when someone hacks into your accounts (e-mail, telephone etc) or follows you about. Even if this is meant in a harmless way (they might fancy the person and just want to get to know them), stalking is still stalking and is not the way to go about things.

6. Are some kinds off observance allowable and appropriate?

I think anyone would feel threatened or strange about someone watching their behaviour, tracking their moves or hacking into their accounts. However, if some people like someone they may just be too shy to actually speak to them face to face. Not all 'stalking' is meant in a sinister way.