Historically, the United States police were mainly set in place to protect citizens’ rights and ensure their safety. On the other hand, the military had a duty to protect the whole country against external attacks. However, things changed towards the 21st century, especially for the local police in the United States. The police’s militarization emerged, with the level of brutality to citizens going high at a fast rate. However, this militarization has mixed effects on members of society as it is not certainly positive. In most cases, it affects citizens negatively as they suffer the brutality of the police. The strain theory is clearly shown in the concept as citizens have pressure to ensure their behavior is acceptable to the society, ensuring they do not face the police, who could be rough. However, the police’s militarization also has its helpful functions as they effectively work to curb criminal activities among citizens.
Initially, the main function of the militarization of police was to ensure social control in all societies. However, it disrupts normal social relations as people are forced to act in a certain way to be safe. With the initial purpose of militarization noted, its activities discourage citizens’ well-being as they should live without fear of the police. The police should be sources of social cohesion among citizens with a duty of uniting citizens of a nation. This makes citizens’ behavior determinable by the treatment they receive and how they are perceived, not only by the police but also by society. Challenges of militarization face our society even today as police are seen to treat citizens, even to death brutally. A good example is George Floyd, an American citizen who was suffocated by a police officer. Leaving the concept of racism, police should not harm American citizens, despite the offense to the point of taking life.
In her article, Jane Addams talks about gender inequality, not only in the United States but also in the whole world. The main reason for writing the article is to promote women not to be perceived as inferior. More so, she also aims at allowing women to vote and be treated equally to men. Her hypothesis, where women are considered superior members of the society, shows how crucial they could be in achieving a perfect society. She links normal women’s characteristics to their political aspirations. She says women’s current minority status is politically considered a reason behind major setbacks and mischiefs in men’s governments. Her hypothesis is all about supporting women politically, including the right to vote and participate in other political activities.
Addams has criticized society for the superiority of men in political matters and other government functions. On the other hand, her hypothesis advocates for a society where women have rights over men. That is, women having the position that men currently hold in society. She blames society for many problems faced in society by considering men relatively heartless, unlike women. However, her argument is based on prejudice, as no facts could accustom to the hypothesis. Even so, discrimination, according to sex, remains a major issue in many places. She has used this to criticize society in a fight against women’s discrimination and men’s superiority.