Humanize 2 discussion posts 350+ words each

There is 2 different discussion posts

Rewrite them using 350+ simple words for each discussion

First Discussion Post

The early 20th century (19001930) was a period of rapid social, economic, and cultural change in the United States. Two major developments that significantly impacted drug use were rapid urbanization/industrialization and large waves of immigration. These changes reshaped the fabric of American society and contributed to shifting public attitudes about drugs.

First, industrialization and urbanization transformed the country. As explained in Drugs in Society: Courses, Concepts, and Control (Lyman, 8th ed.), the United States moved from a rural, agricultural society to a more urban, industrial one. Millions of people moved to cities to work in factories. With crowded living conditions, poverty, and stressful working environments, substance use became more visible in urban areas. Drugs such as morphine, heroin, and cocaine were widely available in medicines before regulation. However, as drug addiction became more associated with urban crime and social disorder, public concern increased. Drug use shifted from being viewed as a personal or medical issue to a social problem requiring government intervention.

Second, immigration significantly influenced attitudes toward drugs. Between 1900 and 1920, millions of immigrants arrived from Europe and Asia. Certain drugs became associated with specific minority groups, which increased racial tension and moral panic. For example, opium smoking was linked to Chinese immigrants, and cocaine was often associated with African American communities in the South (Musto, 1999). These associations fueled fear and stereotypes, leading to stronger support for regulation. This social climate contributed to the passage of the Harrison Act of 1914, which regulated opiates and cocaine.

Beyond laws, the moral reform movements of the Progressive Era also played a major role. Religious and social reformers promoted temperance, self-control, and moral discipline. This broader cultural shift toward government responsibility for public health and morality influenced drug policies. Society was changing from a laissez-faire approach to one where the federal government became more involved in regulating behavior.

Overall, urban growth, immigration, and Progressive Era reforms reshaped American society and influenced changing perceptions of drug use. These social transformations laid the foundation for federal drug control policies in the early 20th century.

Word Count: 421

References

Lyman, M. D. (2019). Drugs in society: Causes, concepts, and control (8th ed.). Anderson Publishing.

Musto, D. F. (1999). The American disease: Origins of narcotic control (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Drugs in Society: Courses, Concepts, and Control, 8th Edition. Publisher: Anderson Publishing, Co Author(s): Lyman ISBN: 97811380202276

Second discussion post

Victim blaming occurs when responsibility for a crime is placed partly or fully on the victim instead of the offender. According to Mallicoat (Women, Gender, and Crime, 3rd ed.), victim blaming is especially common in cases of sexual assault and domestic violence. For example, women who report rape are often asked what they were wearing, whether they were drinking, or why they were alone. These questions shift attention away from the offenders behavior and suggest that the victim could have prevented the crime. This mindset discourages reporting and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.

The effects of victim blaming are serious for both future victims and the criminal justice system. First, it creates fear and silence. When victims believe they will not be believed or will be judged, they are less likely to report crimes. Research shows that many sexual assaults go unreported due to fear of shame or not being taken seriously (Grubb & Turner, 2012). This allows offenders to avoid accountability and potentially continue offending. Second, victim blaming damages trust in the criminal justice system. If police, lawyers, or jurors question the victims behavior instead of focusing on the crime, it can lead to lower conviction rates and public distrust.

An example from the media is the case of Brock Turner in 2016. During the trial, much attention was placed on the victims alcohol consumption rather than Turners actions. Public outrage followed because many felt the system minimized the harm done to the victim. This case shows how victim blaming can influence sentencing outcomes and public confidence in justice.

The question what do elephants have to do with crime? relates to the concept of the elephant in the room. Victim blaming is often the elephant in the criminal justice systeman obvious issue that people avoid directly addressing. Instead of confronting cultural attitudes about gender, power, and violence, society sometimes focuses on the victims choices. Ignoring this elephant allows harmful beliefs to continue.

Overall, victim blaming discourages reporting, protects offenders, and weakens the justice system. Addressing it requires cultural change, better training for criminal justice professionals, and victim-centered approaches.

Word Count: 429

References

Grubb, A., & Turner, E. (2012). Attribution of blame in rape cases: A review of the impact of rape myth acceptance, gender role conformity, and substance use on victim blaming. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17(5), 443452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2012.06.002

Mallicoat, S. L. (2016). Women, gender, and crime: A text/reader (3rd ed.). Sage.

Author: Stacy Mallicoat

Title: Women, Gender, and Crime: A Text/Reader, 3rd Edition

Publisher: Sage