Joe Conrad :: essays research papers fc

Joseph Conrad was a very talented author. He started writing at the age of thirty-two, and began telling many tales of his life on the sea. In his youth he was a sailor and traveled to many places such as the Orient, and the Congo. It are his experiences on the Congo that serves as his primary source for his story The Heart of Darkness. This book was actually a story of a man, Charles Marlow, telling the story of his experience in Africa. While in Africa, Marlow's attitude towards life changes as can be seen in the following excerpts from the book. "We live in the flicker-may it last as long as the old earth keeps rolling!" (68). When Marlow gives that quote, he has not yet started his story. He is on a ship after a bad storm, and is about to begin. This particular quote has a zest to it. It tells one to live every moment to the fullest because life is but a flicker. This quote also tells the reader that Marlow wants to live a long life. After finishing the book, his statement seemed a bit strange because Marlow's tone became less enthusiastic at the end. However, Marlow survived through the experiences he told in his story. If he is still able to look back at his life and say, "may it last as long as the old earth keeps rolling!," then he must make the most out of it, and not let a few bad experiences change his attitude towards it. I couldn't help asking him once what he meant by coming there at all. 'To make money of course. what do you think?' he said, scornfully. Then he got fever, and had to be carried in a hammock slung under a pole...(86) This quote tells the reader much about the type of men that went to Africa. Most went only for the money-not giving a second thought to their health and safety. This particular man got deathly ill, and still was concerned only for money. Conrad was making a statement in this quote that too many people today do things only for money. Nobody works because they have a passion for what they do. People are too willing to put their lives on the line just to make a little money. Marlow was disgusted when the man snapped at him. Marlow he went to Africa because he had desired to do so since he was a little boy. He was an explorer at heart, and did not risk his

Problems and Aspirations of Youth Essay

Abstract Violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism are the most inhumane crimes that continue to plague Nigeria. Lately, kidnappings for ransom and terrorism have taken the centre stage leading to bloodshed and economic set -backs. The causes are not farfetched as studies have associated rising youth unemployment to the increase in violent crimes. By using the deprivation theory proposed by Ted Gurr, this study has explored the proximate and ultimate causes involving the youths in violent crimes. If factors that create the feeling of deprivation and frustration created by unemployment are addressed, Nigeria‟s youths will not engage in violent crimes. Keywords: Youth; unemployment; poverty; violence; crime Introduction Creativity and high energy are the characteristics of young people in any nation and if the energy is channelled positively, it will greatly benefit not only the economic prosperity of nations but also enhance the moral values of the youth. When the same energy is used negatively, it will lead to social unrest and economic instability. Labour force of a country is used to measure unemployment and Feyisetan (1991) defines as a set of people or citizens of a country who are willing and are able to make available at any given point in time their efforts for gainful employment. Therefore unemployment is a situation where people are willing to work but could not find employment. According to the International Labour Organization people who are without work but available for and seekin g work; including those who have lost jobs and those who have voluntarily left jobs (World Bank, 1998). On the other hand, violent crime is defined as a crime in which the offender uses or threatens to use violent force upon the victim. This entails violence including robbery with and without arms (Wikipedia, 2010). Global unemployment remained stable at 8% between 2010 and 2011, according to Gallup surveys of 148 countries. Unemployment was highest in the Middle East and North Africa (22%) and sub-Saharan Africa 17% (Marlar, 2012). However, Nigeria‟s unemployment rate is above the sub-region‟s average that increased to 23.9% in 2011 compared with 21.1% in 2010 and 19.7% in 2009 (National Bureau of Statistics, 2012); and is projected to hit 25% by the end of 2012 (USA Embassy in Nigeria, 2012). According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2009:238; 2010:2; 2012), the national unemployment rates for Nigeria between 2000 and 2011 showed that the number of unemployed persons constituted 31.1% in 2000 and it reduced to 11.9% in 2005 but again increased to 23.9% in 2011. Nigeria has a youth population of 80 million, representing 60% of the total population with a growth rate of 2.6% per year and the national demography suggests that the youth population remains vibrant with an average annual entrant to the labour force is 1.8m between 2006 and 2011. Yet, majority of the youth has been either unemployed or under -employed between 2006 and 2011. The overall unemployment rose from 12.3% of Labour force to 23.9% (Awogbenle and Iwuamadi, 2010). A surge in unemployment was witnessed in 2009 due to global/local economic meltdown. The World Bank estimates that 74 million people between the ages of 15 and 24 are unemployed, which accounts for 41% of all unemployed person s (UNHabitat, 2008). From 1990-2000 youth unemployment data showed that the largest group of the unemployed were secondary school graduates. Also, 40% of unemployment rate were among urban youths aged 20 – 24 and 31% of the rate were among those aged 15-19. Two-thirds of the urban unemployed ranged from 15-24 years old. Moreover, the educated unemployed tended to be young males with few dependents (Okafor, 2011). In 2011, the situation became even more critical with 37.7% of Nigerians aged 15-24 and 22.4% of those between ages 25-44 were willing to work but did not get jobs. On average, youth unemployment rate in Nigeria is 46.5% in 2011 (BLG, 2012). As of 2009 when National Bureau of Statistics published unemployment rate at 19.7%, Issa Aremu the Deputy President of the National Labour Congress said, â€Å"Find out about the number of people who applied for the last recruitment by the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Customs Service. When more than a hundred thousand people apply for just about 3000 vacancies, then you should know whether the figures are true† (Ekott, 2010). Unemployment appears to be the root cause o f violence in Nigeria. Research suggests that unemployed youths are disproportionately more likely to be perpetrators, as well as victims of crime and violence (Okafor, 2011). The growing gap between the rich and poor affects the society through increased violence. The self employed are in quandary as scant infrastructure makes it impossible for them to ply their trade (Okafor, 2011). This is exac erbated by political corruption, poverty, poor governance, increasing population, and lack of policy initiatives and implementation to some extent encouraged criminal groups to thrive across Nigeria. This paper examines how youth unemployment contributes to violent crimes across Nigeria. Deprivation Theory of Ted Gurr This classical theory explains why people engage in violence (riots, rebellion, coups, criminal activities etc.). It examines the psychological causes involving frustration and aggression as the primary source of human capacity for violence. Frustration is neither necessary nor sufficient ly leads to violence but greed may drive to violence. Frustration is a much stronger motivating force and prolonged frustration may cause greater probability for aggression. Relative deprivation is the discrepancy between what people think they deserve and what they actually think they can get (Gurr, 1970). It is noteworthy that Gurr does not look to a more absolute or objective indicator of deprivation as the source of violence. People can get used to a bad state of affairs, even one that offers so little access to life-sustaining resources that members of the group are starving or dying of remediable diseases or exposure. However, if there is a significant d iscrepancy between what they think they deserve and what they think they will get, there is a likelihood of rebellion. Gurr posits this to be the case because there is a feeling that their expectation cannot be met if the current statuesque is maintained. The first situation may be a desperate one, but it is the se cond that will be frustrating. So frustration produces aggression at individual, group and societal levels. This theory could be used to link rising number of unemployed youths and violent crimes in Nigeria. A country that produce thousands of university graduate every year without commensurate employment opportunities may be creating a fertile ground for a feeling of frustration among these unemployed graduates. Naturally, there is a feeling of joy and great expectations when a student graduates from a university- these expectations gradually fades away and is replaced by feeling of frustration after some years of joblessness caused by little opportunity the society offers the young graduate. As frustration prolongs and the feeling of deprivation of what that is expected increases, there is a greater probability that the individual or people can resort to illegitimate activities in order to actualise their expectations in the society. The rise in violent crimes (robbery, kidnapping, thuggery, terrorism) committed by youths is a sign of „gap‟ in the society. The society already has expectations for individuals and established means of achieving them. When the means are limited as the youth unemployme nt is 46.5% in 2011, people are forced to achieve the goals through illegal means to fulfil societal expectations. Kidnappings are on the increase across Nigeria and the unemployed youths view the business lucrative. They are available for recruitment by p oliticians. In the Northern part, they are recruited both by politicians and religious groups to be used in political, religious and terrorism acts. In the SW Nigeria, they find easy employment in petty criminal activities. The culture must at least accept , if not approve, violent action as a means to an end. This could be the reason why suicide bombing is exclusive to the Northern part of the country as violence is encouraged by some Islamic sects. Political violence is also likely if the current leadershi p and or the socio-economic and political system are seen as illegitimate. Causes of Youth Unemployment in Nigeria The level of unemployment is highly dependent on the overall status of the economy (Awogbenle and Iwuamadi, 2010). Despite its riches from o il economy, employment in Nigeria is actually falling. The years of corruption, civil war, military rule, and mismanagement have hindered economic growth. Nigeria is endowed with diverse and infinite resources, both human and material but years of neglige nce and adverse policies have led to the under-utilization of these resources. These resources have not been effectively utilized in order to yield maximum economic benefits. These are primary causes of unemployment; however s cholars have identified other causes of unemployment as well ( Adebayo, 1999; Alanana, 2003; Echebiri, 2005; Ayinde, 2008; Morphy, 2008; Awogbenle and Iwuamadi, 2010; and Anyadike et al, 2012) . The first is population growth (140,431,790 as per 2006 census) and is projected to be over 1 80 million by 2020 if the annual growth rate of 3.2% continues (National Population Commission and ICF Macro, 2009). While the population increases, the number of industries growth is dwindling and if nothing serious is done, both population and unemployme nt will continue to rise. The second is outdated school curricula and lack of employable skills: Some scholars have argued that as far as the formal sector is concerned, the average Nigerian graduate is not employable therefore, does not possess the skill s needed by the employers (Anyadike et al, 2012). This is due to the curricula of most Nigerian schools that do not include entrepreneur skill acquisition to benefit job seekers. The third is adoption of untimely economic policy measures that contributed to the demise of small scale and cottage industries operated in both formal and informal sectors. Following the introduction of Structural Adjustment Program in September 1986 that ushered in liberalization, deregulation and devaluation program of the domes tic currency, many of the teething domestic firms collapsed that resulted in serious job losses (Bello, 2003). The fourth is over emphasis on university certificates and neglect of skill acquisition trainings that contributes to youth unemployment. According to Manning and Junankar (1998), the total number of graduates produced in Nigeria was 73,339 in 1986/1987 that rose to 131,016 in 1996/1997. Over 97 universities occur in Nigeria with a demand for higher education while there is problem of unemployment. The reality is that the economy does not have the capacity to absorb all unemployed graduates because over 800 industries and 37 factories were closed down in 2009 alone (Anyadike et al, 2012). Nigeria’s Unemployment and Crimes Security is a contextual issue which no state in the international system consigns to the periphery; it is a core-value that makes the state relevant in the international system (Ndifon, et al. 2012). Death rate attributable to violence in Africa is estimated at 60.9 per 100,000 p eople more than twice the global rate (WHO 2004a). Crime and violence have been increasing in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa among unemployed young people. The causes are not farfetched as studies have associated rising youth unemployment to increase of violent crime in Nigeria. The accelerating level of prostitution, armed robbery, rape, terrorism and all facets of violence can be largely attributed to the incidence of unemployment. Growth has not been in line with the aspirations of the people and has not been driven by higher productivity. The public perception is that there has been little job creation. Many young people who fail to gain employment have become a burden to the employed that bear the re sponsibility of meeting the needs of millions of educated but increasing frustrated group, a wasting generation. The problem of violent crimes in Nigeria has been exacerbated by the high rate of unemployment and economic hardship which has pushed many jobless youths some of whom are graduates into various deadly crimes (Edward, 2011). A 2009 World Bank report on ‘Employment and Growth’, warned that, â€Å"The share of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 outside the labour force is growing, despite the country’s strong growth performance over the years†. Mass sacking in the Central Bank of Nigeria affected 7,500 banking jobs (Allafrica, 2010). The UN-Habitat study on crimes and violence stressed that socio -economic inequality and the lack of opportunities for social advancement and employment are some of th e root causes of crime and violence. Children and youth from disadvantaged families are vulnerable to fall prey to criminal networks. Of the estimated 1 billion people living in slums, over half are under the age of 25, and 40% are estimated to be under the age of 19. They are the primary victims of social exclusion through unemployment, lack of access to health and education (UN -Habitat, 2008). Furthermore, an empirical survey of Children and Youth in Organized Armed Violence in Nigeria, reported that disenchantment and frustration of young people due to mass poverty and unemployment, has increased the number of aggrieved youths and resulted in the emergence of „area boys‟ and Almajiris who target the very society that alienated them (Ibrahim, 2006). The survey concluded that armed militant groups in Nigeria namely Bakassi Boys, O‟ odua Peoples Congress (OPC) and Egbesu Boys were made up of youths within 16 – 17 years (40%), 18 – 19 years (10%), 20 – 21 years (20%), and 20 – 23 years (20%). Approximately 60% of them were unemployed (Awogbenle and Iwuamadi, 2010). Bennel (2000) argued that urban society is becoming increasingly criminalized, especially with the proliferation of youth gangs. Neither homes, nor markets are safe in Nigeria because of frequent o ccurrence of armed robbery incidents. Unemployment problem, which now seems beyond remedy, has produced army of idle hands and some of them have decided to punish the society that fails to provide them with means of livelihood and dignity by robbing its members of their property at gunpoint (Ideyi, 2005). The police cannot perform effectively because they are overstretched by the amount of cases that awaits them daily, and is worsened by outdated instruments they use that are no match to the modern sophisticated weapons used by the criminals. The Research Director of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr Sope Wiliams Elegbe revealed that: â€Å"The increasing poverty in Nigeria is accompanied by increasing unemployment. Unemployment is higher in the nort h than in the south. Mix this situation with radical Islam, which promises a better life for martyrs, and you can understand the growing violence in the north. Government statistics show that the northern states have the highest proportion of uneducated persons. If you link a lack of education and attendant lack of opportunities to a high male youth population, you can imagine that some areas are actually a breeding ground for terrorism† (Oxford Research Group, 2012). The Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, has called on the three tiers of government to tackle unemployment in order to reduce crime rate in the country. He expressed concern at the rate youths were resorting to crime as an alternative means of survival due to unemployment: â€Å"We have a lot of graduates and even those who have not attended any school who have nothing to do. It becomes worrisome, when you go round this country and you see the faces of unemployed persons. You begin to wonder that we just have to do what we have to do at the level of federal, state and local governments to begin to plan and put policies in place for the employment of these persons†. (Cruise news, 2012) Conclusion No nation can achieve growth in an atmosphere of violent crimes. The role of Nigeria‟s government must include the formulation of policies and laws that could help improve the economic and social wellbeing of its citizens and deter criminality. There is a need to increase jobs through small enterprises and poverty alleviation schemes. Economic gr owth in Nigeria is not the only solution to curb unemployment as the official statistics illustrate that previous unemployment did not decline economic growth. Other solutions such as the provision of right skills to youth should be given an importance. The study concludes that feeling of deprivation produce frustration and could be expressed through aggression. Therefore if factors that are responsible for youth unemployment in Nigeria are addressed, violent crimes will be reduced. References Adebayo A (1999). Youth Unemployment and National Directorate of Employment Self Employment Programmes. Niger. J. Econ. And Soc. Stud. 41(1): 81-102. Alanana OO (2003). Youth Unemployment in Nigeria: Some Implications for the Third Millennium. Global J. Soc. Sci. 2(1):21-26. Anyadike Nkechi, Emeh Ikechukwu EJ and Ukah Finian Okechukwu (2012). Entrepreneurship development and employment generation in Nigeria: Problems and prospects. Journal of Education and General Studies Vol. 1(4) pp. 088-102. Awogbenle, A.C. & Iwuamadi, K.C. (2010). Youth Unemployment: Entrepreneurship Development Programme as an Intervention Mechanism. African Journal of Business Management, 4(6), 831-835. Ayinde OE(2008). Empirical Analysis of Agricultural Growth and Unemployment in Nigeria. Afr. J. Agric. Res. 3(7):465-468. Cruise news, (2012). To fight crime in Nigeria, we must first fight Unemployment. Available on http://www.cruisenigeria.com Bello, T. (2003). Attacking Unemployment Hurdles in the Fragile Economies of the Sub – Saharan Africa: The Experience of Nigeria. A Paper Presented at the – Economics for the Future – Conference; On the Occasion of the Celebration of 100 Years of Cambridge Economics; Cambridge, United Kingdom Bennel, P, (2000). Improving Youth Livelihood in SS.A Report to the International Development Center. BGL, (2012). Economic Note: The Nigeria’s Paradox of Growth amidst High Poverty Incidence. Retrieved from www.bglgroupng.com Echebiri, R.N. (2005). Characteristics and Determinants of Urban Youth Unemployment in Umuahia, Nigeria: Implications for Rural Development and Alternative Labor Market Variables. A Paper presented at the ISSER/Cornell/World Bank conference on â€Å"Shared Growth in Africa† held in Accra, Ghana, July 21-22. Edward Uzoma Ezedike, (2011). Violent Crimes, Economic Development and the Morality of Capital Punishment in Nigeria: A Retentionist Perspective. Retrieved from www.transcampus.org/journals Ekott, I. (2010). Statistics Bureau puts Nigeria unemployment rate at 19.7 percent . Next News. Retrieved from http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/index.csp Feyisetan BJ (1991). Population growth and the labour force, a study of relationships. Paper presented at a seminar on population and development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nigeria June 25-28. Ideyi, N. (2005). The Root Cause of Violence in Nigeria: The Niger Delta Crisis, a Reference Point Manning, C. & Junankar, P.N. (1998). Choosy Youth or Unwanted Youth: A Survey of Unemployment. Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies, 34(1), 55-93. Marlar Jenny, (2012). Global Unemployment at 8% in 2011. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/gwt/x?hl=en&u=http://www.gallup.com/poll/153884/globalune mployment2011.aspx&client=msucweb&q=Unemployment+rate+in+Africa+and+sub+S aharan+Africa&sa=X&ei=GHEOUPHUDmw2wW_j4HYCA&ved=0CCQQFjAJ Morphy R. (2008). Nigeria: Youth Unemployment, Poverty – a Time Bomb for Country. Leadership, Wednesday, 27 August National Bureau of Statistics. (2009). Social Statistics in Nigeria. Abuja: The NBS Publication. Retrieved from www.nigerianstat.gov.ng National Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Statistical News: Labor Force Statistics No. 476. Abuja: The NBS Publication. Retrieved from www.nigerianstat.gov.ng National Bureau of Statistics, (2012). Labour Force Statistics. Retrieved from www.nigerianstat.gov.ng National Population Commission and ICF Macro. (2009). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2008. Abuja, Nigeria: National Ndifon, C.O, Apori, K.A and Ndifon, R.A. (2012). Human Traffickin g in Nigeria: A Metaphor for Human Rights, Crime and Security Violations. American Journal of Social Issues & Humanities (ISSN: 2276 – 6928) Vol.2(3) pp. 84-99. Available on http://www.ajsih.org Okafor, E.E. (2011). Youth Unemployment and Implications for Stability of Democracy In Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa. Vol. 13, No.1, 2011 ISSN: 15205509 320 | A j a e g b u  ©AJSIH Vol.2 No.5. (September 2012) 315-321 American Journal of Social Issues & Humanities Vol.2 No.5. (September 2012) Oxford Research Group, (2012). Nigeria: The Generic Context of the Boko Haram Violence. Monthly Global Security Briefing. Retrieved from www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/sites/default/files/AprEn12.pdf Population Commission and ICF Macro, (2010). Nigeria: Unemployment – Paradox of Growth. Retrieved from http://allafrica.com/nigeria/ Ted Gurr . Why Men Rebel. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. 1970. UN-Habitat, (2008). Crime and violence versus employment opportunities in cities and towns. 2nd African Minister ial Conference on Housing and Urban Development. Abuja, Nigeria. Retrieved from www.unhabitat.org United States Embassy in Nigeria, (2012). Nigerian Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://nigeria.usembassy.gov WHO (World Health Organization), 2004a. African Leaders Call for Increased Efforts to Prevent Violence. Press release, July 26. Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville. Retrieved from www.afro.who.int/note_press/2003/pr20030726.html Wikipedia,

Essay on Gay Marriage in Australia

Abstract This is an article supporting same sex marriage in Australia. The paper will also focus on power relations and gender performances. Marriage equality is top on the list as one of the vital issues in Australia now. The paper will therefore focus on the views about same sex marriage in Australia and potential measures that has been taken in attempt to support gay marriage. On the other hand, the empowerment as seen in different genders in relation to their performances will be analyzed in details. For instance, one of the key issues will be on how women’s economic empowerment offers them a better opportunity to exploit the other partner regardless of them having same sex. Introduction Same sex marriage is a recognized marriage between two individuals of the same sex. Same sex marriage, commonly known as gay marriage, is prohibited in Australia. The laws governing marriage in Australia recognizes the marriage between a man and a woman, which is not a good idea. In the same breadth, the laws are very categorical that any couples of the same sex moving in Australia are not recognized as married (Edward, 2008, p 113). In the past, many bills have come on surface in an attempt to approve same sex marriages without success. In the wake of many nations allowing same sex marriages, the government of Australia has adamantly refused to support this idea. In the recent statistics carried out in Australia, 60% of the total population support legalization of same sex marriages, compared to 40% of the total population who do not support the same. In the same study, majority of those supporting the same are Catholics, with only handfuls who are Protestants (Hull, 2006, p 23). There are however many reasons why same sex marriages should be given a chance as there are nothing wrong with them. Power relations and gender performances have become a cause for disagreement in same sex marriages. The sharing of responsibilities in a gay marriage is becoming extremely difficult. In Australian society, studies indicates that, while there were so many cases of couples separating in a normal marriage setting, there has been few cases in the number of separation of same sex marriages. The root cause has been established as misunderstanding in sharing of power, which is mostly affecting the normal marriages. Discussion To begin with, studies that have been carried out in Australia on same sex marriages indicate that, being gay is a choice, which is supported by many citizens saying that it should be respected. Although many factors have been mentioned as the causative agents of gay marriages, they are yet to be proved. Some of the well-known factors include family background, peer pressure, the sexual nature of a person, sexual experiences both voluntary and involuntary, and influence more so by technology and lastly an individual’s choice (Merin, 2002, p 212). The above-mentioned factors should not count anywhere in making of a decision whether to be gay or not. The notion that has been there that same sex marriages, are putting the future generation at risk should not be taken seriously. This new trend should be given rights just like any other group out there. Considering the fact that, there is nothing wrong with gay marriage; organizations are being established to fight for the rights of the gay people. This has proven to offer strict opposition to the government. This is in form of introduction of bills for marriage equality to the Senate (Hull, 2006, p 169). This has proved very difficult, owing to the fact that, the bill does not receive the required number of legislators to warrant it to be effected. However, although the government has refused to pass these bills, gay community continues to receive more support from some of the churches in Australia. As a result, more teenagers have embraced same sex marriages and they are practicing it. They too have seen nothing wrong with it. In a recent study sponsored by the Australian authority in the year 2010, it was found out that, the development of technology has greatly contributed to the rise in same sex marriages. This is because websites for gay people have been established (McDonald, 1999, p 175). These sites have made it easier for gay people to interact and start relationships. This has come as good news to the gay community as more people have joined them. Technology has proved to act in the favor of gay marriages in Australia and this is making it easy for them to gain popularity and more followers, thanks to technology. In the wake of gay marriages, power relations, and gender performances has equally risen up. Although this has become the cause of disagreement in these marriages, gay people are able to sort out their problems. For a normal couple, the husband is known to be the head thus signifying that he has more power than the wife does. As for gay relationships, it is easy to establish who the husband is and who the wife is. However, they organize themselves in such a way that there is one who exhibits manly duties thus making them the head (Merin, 2002, p 312). This makes them in charge or to have more powers than the other. Although this is the case, some couples decide that no one is more superior to the other. The fact that they are of the same gender justifies that. The issue of gender performance has moved from bad to worse with an increase of many couples moving to marriage experts in Australia to seek help. What has shocked many in Australia is that, while it might appear strange, gay marriages acknowledge the aspect of husband and wife. Because of this, they too follow the same trend whereby they each take respective roles. For example if the couple comprises of women, the woman who takes the manly role has to do everything like a man. This is also evident if the couple comprises of two men. The performance of the marriage as a unit in the Australian society has greatly improved as gay marriages are improving daily more than normal marriages (Edward, 2008, p 133). As a result, many people in Australian have over time changed their perception about gay marriages. Since 2004, the marriage act in Australia has had it that, marriage is only between a man and a woman, I completely disagree with that. According to the Australian law, same sex marriages are not recognized (Edward, 2008, p 147). Although there is a disposition that gay marriages are a threat to continuity of life, it should not be taken seriously. The gay marriages have not only played a role in strengthening marriage set up but they have also improved it. This among many other reasons is should be taken into consideration and serve as a wake up call for the government in Australia to allow gay marriages. Something worthy noting is that, while the laws in Australia do not support same sex marriage, there are those who strongly feel that, same sex marriage should be given a chance to blossom in Australia. In support of this, a bill was presented in the Senate in the year 2006. Its aim was to reverse the marriage amendment bill in 2004 (Newton, 2009, p 202). It would have provided equal status, treatment, and recognition for all the gay couples. They would no longer be discriminated against once it was passed. Unfortunately, it was stalled or rather put on hold. Currently it is on parliament’s bill lists. Same sexes as well as heterosexual couples were not recognized. Australia has definitely remained concrete on its war on same sex marriages (Edward, 2008, p 444). Due to this, the gay community in Australia has not only been excommunicated from the society but also remained underground to avoid being apprehended by the authority. As if not ready to give up, a similar bill pushing for recognition of gay marriages in Australia re-surfaced in 2008. This was a back up of the previous one. Unfortunately, it suffered the same fate as that of 2006. After sometime, another bill called the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill was introduced in 2009. It vied for marriage rights for same sex couples. It would remove all discriminatory references based on sexuality and gender identity. This would allow marriages regardless of sex, gender, and sexuality. The report for this was negative and this led to demonstrations. Though mass demonstrations were held, the Senate rejected the bill. The rift between those supporting gay marriage and those against it has been there for quite sometime now. Since 1961, the fight for and against gay marriages has never ended. Up to now, it is continuing showing that it is not an issue to be undermined. Bills have been introduced but have not yet passed the second stage yet in parliament. They are still on Australian parliament’s current bill lists. With the number of gay marriages supporters, the Australian government has received a big challenge (McDonald, 1999, p 267). It is being pushed from all ends. In a recent study, statistics show that a good number of citizens are in support of gay marriages. The number has grown steadily. The gay people are about to have their dream come true which is to be recognized by the government. They want their marriages to be treated equally as the other ordinary marriage between a man and woman. The power then lies on the Australian government whether it is going to allow it or not. As pressure continue amounting on the Australian government to legalize gay marriages, effects for this continues to be seen. The gay community has in the past-organized protests fighting for their rights as human beings besides demands to be recognized. They were right to push for their rights, as other people in the society did not approve of them and their actions (Newton, 2009, p 278). Their gay nature to the others was something immoral and so the fact that they were ordinary people but with different sexual desires was overlooked. They were treated harshly. This gave them an opportunity to go forth and fight for their rights as well as vying for recognition of their gay nature by the government mostly. A protest that comprised eight thousand gay people was held an indication that they were out to fight for their rights. Conclusion For the simple fact that same sex marriages have been legalized in many countries of the world, gay people in Australia have a feeling that they also should be allowed to do so. For this reason, it has however not been a smooth sailing for the Australian government in its quest to ban same sex marriages (Hull, 2006, p 203). Civil unions have been established strongly backing this issue of same sex marriages. They proved to be somewhat advantaged as same sex couples were being financially discriminated against in 2007. This was a strong accusation against the Australian government. However, this was overlooked because with power, one can do anything and that is what happened. Since the government had power, it did not consider this as it would mean defeat. The issue of power and gender performance is not ending any time soon in gay marriages. As each party continues pulling towards his/her direction, it remains to be seen how the Australian government will solve this menace. With gay marriages becoming socially acceptable in many nations, organizations supporting same sex marriages continue to put pressure on the Australian government to allow them. It is only time which will tell how whether the gay fraternity have any future in Australia or not. Bibliography: Edward, P. 2008. Conflict of laws in Australia London: Butterworths publishers, 3-808 Hull, K. 2006. Same-sex marriage: the cultural politics of love and law Cambridge:   Cambridge University Press, 4-277 McDonald, P. 1999. Marriage in Australia: age at first marriage and proportions marrying,   1860-1971 Dept. of Demography, Institute of Advanced Studies, The Australian   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   National University, 2-311 Merin, Y. 2002. Equality for same-sex couples: the legal recognition of gay partnerships in Australia and the United States Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2-397 Newton, D. 2009. Gay and lesbian rights: a reference handbook Contemporary world issues (2) New York: ABC-CLIO publishers, 3-301