Cities and Lifestyle
In many countries the world over, small shops in city centers cannot compete with large stores that are based on the outskirts; therefore, many of those small businesses are threatened with closure. This leads to a number of consequences, including a rise in car usage in these countries and access to large out-of-town stores becoming limited for those without cars. In my view, this change does more harm than good.
Increasing bankruptcies among small town-center shops are an unfortunate situation that puts local people to great inconvenience, with those who are not in possession of a car standing most affected, because they now have to travel to a distant place to shop. The time used for such journeys could be better spent on other activities that are of greater importance, be it work or entertainment. The situation’s impacts are also far beyond individual levels. It causes a significant loss for the economy of any city where large numbers of such businesses are forced to shut down. This may inflict unexpected damage on the national economy as a whole.
The rise in car usage caused by people’s demand for long distance travel is also problematic. Traffic congestion will become worse due to the higher number of vehicles on streets. Furthermore, the quantity of pollutants emitted from car engines will rise, which heightens pollution levels in those places and adversely affects human health. However, this change in people’s shopping preference may encourage them to move to out-of-town areas to live. Given the fact that modern cites are faced with overpopulation and consequently ever-growing pressure on housing supply systems, this could be considered a start of relieving such pressure.
In conclusion, the trend towards shopping in large stores located away from city centers is having many negative impacts. Although it could encourage some people to move to places where these stores are established and help solving some population problems in modern cites, I doubt that the trend could promise any significant outcome.
In recent times, there has been a number of changes within the structure of families, and the roles that family members play. This essay will discuss those changes, and the impacts these trends are having on families.
Firstly, in a lot of countries, many people are now choosing to live in a nuclear family structure, where only parents and children live together, and grandparents live separately. In the past, however, it was quite common in many countries for three, or even four generations of a family to all live under the one roof. There has also been a shift in the roles that various family members play. For example, in the past, it was commonplace for men to have to work to provide for their families, and women to stay at home to cook, clean, and raise the children. However, many women nowadays are choosing to work instead, while some fathers stay at home to help out with family and household duties.
These changes can bring about both positive and negative effects. Nuclear family structures allow more freedom to parents who no longer want to live in their hometown, in order to pursue their career. Many people need to live in large cites these days to find work, however many older, retired people want to remain living in their hometown. Though, one disadvantage of the nuclear family is that grandparents may not be available to help raise and care for grandchildren. In terms of the changing roles, women have greatly benefited from the opportunity to pursue a career, and become the breadwinner of the family, instead of being a housewife. One downside of this trend though might be that some people would argue that women are better at domestic duties than stay-at-home dads.
In conclusion, I believe there are both positive and negative effects from these changes, though the impacts on each individual family will be different.
People these days do not choose cycling to travel even though cycling is one of the few forms of transport that does not damage the environment. In this essay, I will examine a number of reasons why cycling is becoming less popular and suggest several ways to encourage people to cycle.
One main explanation for people losing interest in cycling is due to the need for a more efficient mode of travel. Given the fact that people do not want to spend too much time and effort while commuting, motor vehicles tend to be a more suitable and preferred choice. Another reason is that the majority of people are becoming less environmentally conscious and more concerned about their own interests. Many people, although fully aware of how beneficial cycling is to the environment, still choose to use other means of transport that are harmful to the surroundings but more convenient for their lives.
The authorities can attempt to promote the use of bicycles through a number of measures. Firstly, city councils can provide more cycling lanes throughout towns and cities so it will be safer and more convenient to travel by bicycle. In Amsterdam, for example, there is more space for cycling than for cars, which leads to a large proportion of the city’s population using bicycles as their main form of travel. Furthermore, levying higher taxes on other types of vehicles, together with raising social awareness of environmental protection, may help increase the likelihood of people turning to cycling.
In conclusion, most people tend to use motor vehicles instead of bicycles owing to the demand for efficient travel and the lack of environmental consciousness. The government is largely responsible for increasing the use of bicycles through the construction of more cycling zones and the imposition of heavier taxes on other forms of transport.
There has been a topic of debate as to whether it is better for students to live independently away from their parents whilst studying at university. Although some people agree with this, my firm conviction is that it depends on the culture of the region where the students are from.
This practice is popular in Western-based societies, like the US or the UK. Independence from parents at a young age is largely accepted and encouraged, especially when students reach the age of eighteen and are able to earn a living on their own. A large majority of students seek temporary employment near their school to earn money or gain valuable work experience, while others will spend time participating in university clubs and activities on campus. This element, I believe, is closely linked to their further development and future success.
However, in many Asian countries such as Vietnam, where traditional values of strong family bonds play a significant role in the lives of the youth and the national ethos, I suspect that it could bring more harm than good. It is, however, common for family members to live separately when they are pursuing tertiary education because most universities in Vietnam are located in major or municipal cities. Students from other provinces have to stay in dormitory accommodation or rent a room off campus in order to complete their study. I consider this to have a detrimental impact on family relationships because it can possibly lead to the unfortunate disappearance of the country’s long-standing culture.
In conclusion, I do consider that living close to schools and universities, away from family, is beneficial for a student’s studies, though it can have a significant negative impact on family relationships depending on the student’s cultural background.
The increasing popularity of entertainment on portable devices is believed to have a negative effect on individuals and society. In my opinion, I think this development has both benefits and drawbacks.
To begin with, the availability of entertainment on handheld devices is advantageous in many ways. From an individual perspective, video games and other types of entertainment serve as excellent relaxation tools for people who suffer from high levels of work-related stress. These convenient sources of entertainment allow people to destress whenever they want, either during breaks or after a long day at work, without having any impact on their productivity. Also, many mobile games help to create global communities for people sharing the same interests. For example, PUBG mobile has successfully hosted international events and competitions, and thus connected millions of players together from all around the world.
Beneficial as it may be, entertainment on handheld devices can bring about several negative impacts. Since video games are addictive, many young people these days spend too much time on their devices, and therefore isolate themselves from their families and friends. This lack of face-to-face interaction not only hurts many real-life relationships but also increases the risk of mental health issues among the youth. In addition, when people waste large amounts of time on video games, they tend to be less physically active, which can eventually lead to a society of people leading sedentary lifestyles. Lack of exercise over a long period of time makes people vulnerable to metabolic diseases such as obesity, causing the deterioration of health and burdening a country’s healthcare system.
In conclusion, although the accessibility of entertainment on portable devices can result in many health risks, they can also be effective stress relievers for many people, and encourage the networking of like-minded individuals across the globe.
In many large cities around the world, it has become common for people to either live alone or in a small family instead of living in large extended family households. This essay will take a closer look at some of the positive and negative aspects that arise with this trend.
On the one hand, this trend does have some positive aspects. For example, different generations want and value different things these days. Many young people do not wish to live the traditional lifestyles of their parents and grandparents. Therefore, living alone allows them the freedom to do as they please without having to face constant judgement or criticism. Furthermore, many older people do not wish to live the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle of modern city life and prefer to live a slower-paced, healthier life in the countryside during their retirement. Living alone, or in smaller family groups allows each generation to live their preferred lifestyle.
However, this trend also brings several drawbacks. Firstly, as parents and grandparents get older, they may face a number of physical and mental health problems, and by living alone, they may lack the care and attention they need from their children. Secondly, children will have less interaction and influence from grandparents, and potentially miss out on important life lessons from grandparents who have a lot of valuable life experience. Important traditions and customs may also be lost from generation to generation. Finally, living alone, or in small family groups can lead to poor family bonds between generations.
In conclusion, I believe that while this trend does bring some benefits, overall they are definitely outweighed by the drawbacks.
In many cities around the world, people have little influence in the design and construction of their houses. Many people believe it is better to allow people to freely choose the style and construction of their new homes rather than forcing everyone to follow the uniform style of the local area. In my opinion, a diversity in housing styles can bring many more benefits than drawbacks to an area.
To begin with, cites in Vietnam, such as Saigon, have very few, or even no, regulations on local housing styles, which means that residents in these areas are free to decide on the architecture for their home. The only disadvantage that may arise is the lack of uniformity of houses, which can be a unique feature in certain places. The houses in Hoi An, for instance, demonstrate a consistent style and therefore have made the city a popular tourist destination. If the house owners in this city change the style and break this uniformity, the number of tourists visiting the area is likely to decrease.
However, the advantages brought about by a diversity in housing styles are more worthy
of consideration. Firstly, buildings reflecting a variety of architectural designs can make a city more attractive and appealing to people of different cultures. For example, the buildings in the centre of Ho Chi Minh city are designed in both European and Asian styles, which has eventually given the city a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, with residents coming from many different countries. Secondly, the freedom of choice in housing styles can allow local people to be more creative, as they can design their homes in a unique way.
In conclusion, though potentially making some areas less attractive by losing a part of their character, a diversity in architectural styles should be widely encouraged, as it can beautify a city and allow residents to be more creative.
In current times, we can read about and view images of artistically, culturally and historically significant works from anywhere with an internet connection. Some people believe that the advent of the internet has made the existence of art galleries and public museums obsolete. I personally disagree, and my view will be explained in this essay.
The internet has brought us the ability to search for information and images about most things we consider to be historically or culturally significant. This information can be found by using search engines like Google; video streaming sites like YouTube; or regular information websites such as Wikipedia. Some people claim that to obtain information about art, history or culture through one of these channels provides us with sufficient understanding of that particular topic. Therefore, we no longer need museums and galleries. However, I believe the information regarding an object is different from the experience of being in the presence of the object itself. This experience is unique and should be preserved.
Furthermore, the designs of museums and art galleries are usually based on a country’s architectural style. People can enjoy viewing art works and artifacts and learning about the history and art of the country they are visiting while admiring the grandeur of these places. Millions of people visit The Louvre Museum every year not just because it exhibits a huge collection of priceless national masterpieces but also because it is a prime example of the aesthetic appeal of French architecture.
Information about almost any work of art or historical object can be found on the internet today. However, the experience of knowing about something and the experience of being in the presence of that thing are two different ideas. I believe both of them are important and therefore museums and galleries are still needed.
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of shopping malls being built, leading to the disappearance of small stores. In my opinion, this change brings about both positive and negative impacts, though the impacts are more negative in the long term.
On the one hand, the boom in the number of shopping malls has offered customers a wide range of benefits. First of all, people can now save time shopping thanks to the availability of many types of stores located in the one complex. Shopping malls offer groceries, clothing, and books, along-side food courts and entertainment facilities, all under the one roof. This provides a lot of convenience to people who choose to shop there instead of in separate smaller stores.
Moreover, shopping malls usually offer more discounts and promotions that customers can benefit from, when compared to small stores. Furthermore, smaller stores cannot usually provide customers with the added advantage of large, convenient and safe parking facilities that most shopping malls offer. As a result, more and more people are choosing to shop at large shopping malls, leading to a decrease in the number of people purchasing goods from small shops.
There are, however, a number of benefits to people and communities that shopping in smaller stores can bring. For example, locally-owned, family-run businesses are more likely to provide friendlier and better customer service than larger shopping malls and chain stores. In addition, more locally owned small businesses is better for local economies and communities in the long term, by providing more employment, profits and income to local people.
In conclusion, the proliferation of shopping malls could have positive effects on customers but it is likely to drive small local businesses out of business, and have a negative impact on local economies, with most profits being taken by non-local businesses.
While some people tend to think that playing sport is simply an activity people do for leisure, others would argue that it has a significant role to play within society. Personally, I believe that sport does have an important function in society, but can also simply be enjoyed as a leisure activity by people.
On the one hand, nobody can deny that sport is a great leisure activity. Millions of people all around the world participate in sporting activities everyday simply because of the sense of well-being and relaxation that it brings them. People play sport for numerous reasons, including, wanting to get ft or stay in shape, as a way to relax and take their mind off the stresses of daily life, and as a way to socialise and spend time with friends. These reasons would indicate that people get involved in sporting activities as a form of leisure.
However, even though most people play sport for the personal benefits, it does also serve a number of usual functions within society. Firstly, sport creates healthier societies. People who play sport are known to be happier and healthier, and less prone to certain mental and physical sicknesses, which reduces the burdens on healthcare systems. Secondly, sport brings people together and creates a sense of unity within societies. This can be witnessed when complete strangers join together to cheer on and support their countries football team. Finally, sport teaches people many important life skills and lessons, which help people to function more effectively within their society, making it a better place to live.
In conclusion, even though people may only participate in sport for the purpose of leisure, it does also bring a number of important benefits to societies as well.
Security cameras have become ubiquitous in many countries. Whereas before they appeared only in banks and at high-security areas, they are now entering public places such as malls, streets, stadiums and transport. Many people feel this affects their privacy. This essay will examine whether the advantages of these cameras outweigh their negative impact.
Surveillance cameras have several benefits. An obvious benefit is that the police can catch criminals in the act, thus reducing crime. This will make the streets safer for ordinary people. A more important point is that criminals, particularly young offenders or petty criminals will be deterred. They will not be tempted to carry out crimes, and thus society will be a lot safer. Cameras are also cost-effective and unobtrusive. Authorities do not need to spend large amounts of money on police.
However, security cameras are far from being a perfect solution. The biggest objection concerns privacy. Many people feel that they should be free to travel or move around a shop, mall, street or country without being photographed or recorded. They feel that being watched constantly is like being in a jail, and that ordinary people are losing their freedom because of these devices. Another point is that although the police say that only criminals have something to fear from the cameras, many people do not trust governments with too much information. Corrupt authorities could use information in the wrong way or twist it to victimize some groups. Thirdly, cameras and computers can make mistakes.
In conclusion, although there are definite advantages to using surveillance devices such as cameras, we need to balance the need for security with respect for the individual’s privacy and freedom. If we do not trust the members of society, a situation like George Orwell’s “1984” could be the result.
Over the last half century the pace of change in the life of human beings has increased beyond our wildest expectations. This has been driven by technological and scientific breakthroughs that are changing the whole way we view the world on an almost daily basis. This means that change is not always a personal option, but an inescapable fact of life, and we need to constantly adapt to keep pace with it.
Those people who believe they have achieved some security by doing the same, familiar things are living in denial. Even when people believe they are resisting change themselves, they cannot stop the world around them from changing. Sooner or later they will find that the familiar jobs no longer exist, or that the safe patterns of behaviour are no longer appropriate.
However, reaching the conclusion that change is inevitable is not the same as assuming that change is always for the better‟. Unfortunately, it is not always the case that new things are promoted because they have good impacts for the majority of people. A lot of innovations are made with the aim of making money for a few. This is because it is the rich and powerful people in our society who are able to impose changes (such as in working conditions or property developments) that are in their own interests.
In conclusion, I would say that change can be stimulating and energising for individuals when they pursue it themselves, but that all change, including that which is imposed on people, does not necessarily have good outcomes.
Some people like to live in the same house, have the same job and habits all their lives. However, others aspire to changes and new experience. Personally, for the several reasons, which I will explain bellow, I prefer the first approach to life.
First of all, changes in one’s life bring many benefits. One tries new things, gains new knowledge and experience. I think it is great because without changes life becomes boring. I always try to make changes in my life. Moreover, when I feel that my life is boring I do not feel well about it. I feel like I spent those days for nothing. I did not do anything exiting, I learnt nothing interesting and I just waisted my time.
Second of all, people need changes. Furthermore, we need obstacles to overcome and reach our goals. I believe that changes make us stronger, more persistent, more self-confident, and more patient. Also, I feel that all people who succeeded in life like changes and new experience because it is impossible to be the best at some field without perfecting the present knowledge and gain new experience. People catch every opportunity to learn more and change their life for the best.
From the other side, people who like their lives to stay the same are very permanent. They have the same job all their life, the same habits, the same week-ends and even the same years in years out. I think it is boring. What will they tell their children about their lives? What kind of contribution will they make for the society? I think such people are just afraid of changes.
I think curiosity and aspiration to the new experience are two of the main reasons of human evolution. People always wanted to break limits and gain more knowledge and experience. So, people who enjoy change are the engine of human development.