francesca24601

DNA shouldn't be 'owned' by anyone but we should have control over how any information about our own DNA is used

• DNA shouldn't be 'owned' by anyone, ownership is the wrong word as it commodifies DNA
• However all information about an individuals DNA should be controlled by the individual, and they should have to consent for their DNA to be used in any studies etc... and they should be informed about how exactly their DNA is being used
• They must give informed consent, so they must be educated about the value that the use of the DNA is and the pros and cons

Over-consumption and over-consumerism is a more pressing environmental issue than over population

• "15% of UK travellers take 70% of all flights."
• "a fifth of UK citizens are in the top 5% of global energy consumers, along with 40% of German citizens, and Luxembourg’s entire population whereas only 2% of Chinese people are in the top global 5% of users, and just 0.02% of people in India."
• "The wealthiest 1% of the world’s population were responsible for the emission of more than twice as much carbon dioxide as the poorer half of the world from 1990 to 2015"
• "Carbon dioxide emissions rose by 60% over the 25-year period, but the increase in emissions from the richest 1% was three times greater than the increase in emissions from the poorest half."
• From this it is clear that it is the excess consumerism and consumption that uses disproportionately large amounts of resources leading to a wealth of issues, therefore wealth inequality is a larger issue than overpopulation
• There is enough resources for everyone in the world but they are unevenly distributed and certain areas are much more highly populated and strained than others
• Although many concerns about "Overpopulation" could be reduced/ birth rates could be lowered by working to increase women's rights as evidence shows that when women's rights increase birth rates drop

There is a wealth of evidence supporting evolution

• There are different types/sources of evidence for evolution which makes the theory more reliable (there are 3 main classifications/types of evidence)

• The first type of evidence is fossil evidence, fossil records support the theory of evolution as usually the deeper the fossil the older it is so experts can use this to date the fossils and study the changes over time

• The second type of evidence is biogeographical evidence, if a species is separated eg. such as through continental drift or another geographical barrier they may evolve separately (due to natural selection) and change so much from one another due to their different isolated gene pools and habitats that the may evolve into 2 separate species

• The third type of evidence is anatomical evidence, such as the pentadactyl limb; which is a 5 fingered limb which is found in a similar structure in different vertebrae's ranging from humans to bats with the pentadactyl limbs adapted/evolved to suit the purpose of the limbs eg. in which it is in the wing to help them fly and humans where it is in hands eg. to help grasp), similarities in DNA sequencing; eg. Humans share 98.8% of DNA with chimps and similarities in embryos of different species. This all suggests a common ancestor.

• We can also observe evolution (by natural selection) on a small scale in organisms with short life spans such as bacteria and insects (eg. antibiotic resistant bacteria and pesticide resistant insects)

• Although the theory of Evolution as a whole is correct there may be details and nuances within the theory which may not be 100% correct

No one diet is the 'healthiest', everyone's body is different and different foods work for them, people should eat what makes their body feel good. Although the Mediterranean diet is very healthy

• No one diet is the 'healthiest', everyone's body is different and different foods make them feel good/ work for them eg. Mediterranean diet features quite a lot of nuts and some people are allergic to them
• Food has benefits and worth beyond just its nutritional value, it can bring people together, help to make feel people connected to different cultures, promotes social cohesion, comfort and have positive mental impact on people, social health and mental health should also be taken into consideration
• A Mediterranean diet is based around foods/plants that naturally/easily grow (and historically) in Mediterranean countries, we should eat more of what's in season and is suited to our climates for our health and the planets
• Although, the Mediterranean diet is very healthy (and also very tasty!) and the principals should be incorporated more into everyone's diet (eg.. whole foods and veg)
• A Variety of different 'diets' and cuisines and types of food is best!

You can still care about animals and not be vegan, to say otherwise is offensive as many people literally can't be vegan

• The definition of care is (as a verb) "feel concern or interest; attach importance to something." you can still feel a concern or interest to animals and respect them and not be vegan, its the natural circle of life (what isn't natural is the huge scale, mass production, intensive farming and over-farming of them in often inhumane conditions)
• Humans are omnivores, eating meat is natural (although the frequency we do so at is not)
• Many people care about animals, love animals and even volunteer/campaign/support animal shelters or animals rights etc... and still aren't vegan
• Many people literally can't be vegan (or it is much much much harder) whether due to health conditions (eg, people on dialysis, intolerances or allergies(eg. soy), some people with eating disorders etc...).
• Many people also don't have the resources to be vegan for example low income people who live with food insecurity, people living in food deserts, people in areas of famine or food shortages, but that doesn't mean they can't still care about animals
• The classification 'Animals' (Animalia) also encompasses a large array of different species and types of animals. People care about different types of animals in different ways and to varying amounts (eg. many people may care more about domestic animals that are typically pets eg. cats and dogs more than animals such as chickens)

The universe is so vast that the existence or non-existence of a Multiverse can never be fully proved or disproved

• The universe is vast and expanding, we don't even understand how big it is
• Quantum physics is full of conflicting theories and evidence, including about Multiverses
• String Theory suggests the existence of multiple universes
• Everett's Quantum Multiverse theory suggests that "that quantum effects cause the universe to constantly split" , this means that every decision that is or is not made creates a new parallel universe with endless possibilities, if this existed by design would we even be able to be conscious of the existence of this and by design by becoming conscious of parallel universes in themselves would create new parallel universes
• I recommend Nick Payne's play 'Constellations' for its exploration of Multiverses
• Overall the universe is so vast that we will never know whether multiverse's exist or don't

Vaping should not be banned but Vaping inside should be and people Vaping should do it away from non-Vapers

• Vaping should not be banned (for adults), it should be the individuals informed choice as to whether they do or don't vape
• People should be given more education and information about the science of Vaping in order to ensure their choice is informed and they understand the risks, particularly as vaping is relatively new and the full effects are not yet know
• Vaping also shouldn't be banned as it is a tool which can help people stop smoking cigarettes in fact "a study that looked at e-cigarette use and smoking cessation across the population estimated that e-cigarettes helped an additional 18,000 people in England in 2015 to quit for the long term." which research has shown are more harmful than vaping
• However Vaping indoors in public spaces (eg. pubs and restaurants) is still legal in the UK, Vaping indoors should be made illegal as although the person vaping may have made a choice to vape the other people in their vicinity have not, so should not be subjected to the possible risks of second hand smoke
• Although Vaping outdoors should not be made illegal, people who are vaping should make sure to do so away from other people particularly children due to the possible risks of second hand smoke. In areas, such as outside schools, playgrounds etc... vaping should be banned.
• Age restrictions on vaping also need to be tightened and enforced more. In addition, children should be taught about the science and risks of vaping in schools to allow them to make informed decisions

Cheerleading should be considered a sport, in fact it is a very dangerous sport and cheerleaders are incredible athletes

• The definition of a sport is "an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment" , there is no doubt that cheerleading requires huge physical exertion, with many cheerleaders training long hours in order to compete at a high level. Cheerleading also is a competitive sport with teams competing against each other at all different levels
• Cheerleading requires huge strength (physical and mental) and technique like other sports, and requires huge amounts of bravery as it is a very dangerous sport with reports finding cheerleading was "responsible for 65 percent of direct catastrophic injuries to female high school athletes during a 27-year period, according to a 2012 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics" and "a 2009 report from the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at the University of North Carolina that concluded cheerleading accounted for 65.2 percent of all catastrophic injuries in youth sports."
• Like other athletes in different sports such as football and rugby, many cheerleaders practice and train from a very young age and undergo rigorous conditioning and workouts
• There is no other definition for cheerleading other than a sport, Cheerleading is very different to dance and can't be defined as an art because art (eg. dance) tells a story, whereas Cheerleading (like gymnastics) does not tell a story but is primarily about athleticism, technique and entertainment.
• However cheerleading (like other sports) can be classified as a performance. The definition of a performance is "an act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment or the action or process of performing a task or function" as it is the act of performing a function to entertain.

Although Oppression, discrimination and bias are all important factors for lack of representation in STEM, there are also many other important factors

• Factors such as inaccessible childcare also contribute to unequal STEM representation. Childcare costs are astronomical, with the average cost of day-care in London £280 a week which is £14,560 a year for one child. As a result many women with children may be forced out, or deterred from STEM careers. STEM jobs are very time intensive so therefore mean very expensive day-care costs, this may force many women with children out of the STEM field as day-care may be too expensive and it may be a financial move to instead leave their job or switch careers to look after the child themselves. Although this can also affect fathers, studies show that women on average do more unpaid childcare than men
  In addition, studies have found that women are more likely to leave their job or cut hours after becoming a parent than men.
• This is because STEM careers are very time and mentally intensive, statistics show that "43% of women leave full-time STEM employment after their first child.". This is an issue which also affects fathers in STEM jobs however to a lesser extent "23% of new fathers also leave STEM after their first child".
• Lack of representation breeds more lack of representation, so the unequal representation of women in STEM, only 24% of the STEM workforce are women as there is a lack of female STEM role models and the gender inequality can breed a male-dominated STEM culture which can put women off STEM careers
• More flexible jobs, universal childcare and ensuring STEM mentors and support for girls and women

Racism is constitutional and institutional and is present in most systems and organisations, there must be systems change

• Racism is constitutional and institutional, therefore is present at the very roots of many countries and is implicated in the history's of almost all countries. If you have rotten foundations this effects the whole house, therefore there must be systems change to rebuild constitutions/countries/organisations in a fair way
• Racism is present in almost every field for example medicine and in data and AI
• Racism is inherently linked to other axis' of discrimination such as Sexism, Classism and ableism therefore to tackle on, all need to be tackled

Sexism is constitutional, its is built into the foundations of most society therefore it is everywhere

• Due to patriarchal society and history the very constitutions and systems many nations are built on lack fair and equal input from Women therefore they do not serve women as they serve men.
• This is evident in many different areas, for example medicine and drug trials eg. "Women in Britain are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed following a heart attack" this is because most heart failure trials are trialled predominantly on men as well as safety equipment where "women involved in collisions are nearly 50% more likely to be seriously hurt". This is still present today, with the data bias in AI very dangerous for women as AI becomes more prevalent in society
• Sexism intersects with many other axis' of discrimination such as racism, homophobia and ableism. As long as they exist so will sexism
• Under patriarchal society sexism will always be everywhere

Museums have a wide range of benefits to individuals and society as a whole therefore should be accessible to all regardless of economic status

• Museums can increase our sense of wellbeing as well as exposing us to a wealth of different areas, disciplines and cultures (with Museums ranging all the way from the science museum to the Museum of childhood, Stockholm even had an ABBA museum)
• Museums are also an invaluable educational resource for children's and adults alike
• Museums can also act as community spaces, education hubs and outreach centres
• Therefore Museums must be free to local people as it is important to learn about the culture and history of local areas and there are a wealth of personal and societal benefits therefore these should be available to all regardless of economic status not only those who can afford it

School should start slightly later around 9.30-45

• Research has shown that due to teenagers natural sleep schedules and there need for at least 8 hours sleep as well as the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin (which naturally on average continues until around 8am, which means they are sleepy until this stops), therefore School start time should be slightly later to co-ordinate with Teenagers natural sleep schedule
• This would increase the quality of sleep of teenagers which would have a range of positive impacts and help reduce many negative effects of sleep deprivation such as increased occurrence of mental health problems and substance abuse
• This would allow teenagers to focus better in the morning and thus help to increase learning and reduce school missed due to bad punctuality
• However, although the school start time should be pushed back by around 30 minutes to 45 minutes it should not be pushed back by hours as there should be enough time after school for extra-curricular and leisure activities
• However, in cases of schools with poor transport links and very large catchment zones, later school start times should be considered to allow students to get enough sleep (as there transport time to school must be factored in)

We need radical systems change immediately to halt climate change at 1.5 Celsius, a Green new deal provides an outline for action that we need to take

• We need to take radically and immediately in order to halt climate change to 1.5 Celsius, by halting climate change to 1.5 we can reduce the impacts of climate change. Failure to immediately act will result in an increase of 2 degrees or more which will have a much larger magnitude of negative impacts than the already devastating inevitable 1.5 degrees
• In order to enact sufficient change we must role out a whole systems change, a [Green new deal] provides outline for climate action by also tackling structural inequality implicated in the climate crisis, a Green new deal would tackle the climate crisis and structural inequality simultaneously
• Must be at a international policy and systems change level, although individual action should be encouraged it is not at all enough and we must invoke systems change immediately for survival (eg. Just 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions
• Arguments that the green new deal are too expensive are flawed by the fact that we can't afford not to act, the impacts of climate change far outweigh the cost of climate action

Boris Johnson has repeatedly said racist things and perpetuated racist policies and ideas

• Evidence of racist, homophobic and misogynistic things is linked here
• Johnson has also allowed racism and racist comments within his party and cabinet, as well as xenophobia and islamophobia

Exporting rubbish abroad is neo-colonialist

• The definition of colonialism is "the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically"
• Around 2/3s of UK plastic waste is shipped abroad to be 'recycled'
• Much of this is not recycled and in fact ends up in landfill or is burned and has dire environmental issues
• By exporting rubbish abroad this occupies and exploits land in another country, this is a form of neo-colonialism

The frequent flyer tax would be make flying more expensive for those who fly often and more accessible for low income people

• The global aviation industry is responsible for around 3.5% of human induced climate change
• 1% of English residents take one-fifth of overseas flights and 10% most frequent flyers took more than half of flights abroad in 2018
• Thefrequent flier tax would make flying more expensive for frequent fliers, which would hopefully discourage people from frequently flying and raising money for climate action and mitigation of flying. It would also make flying more accessible for lower income people who may not be able to afford to travel. This is a positive as travel has huge benefits and everyone should be able to do it, not just the few.
• It is important to point out it is also not at all solely responsible for climate change and emissions from companies, governments and other sectors must also be considered
• It is important to acknowledge that air travel should be a last resort and more eco-friendly methods such as train eg. Eurostar and interrail, bus, coach should be promoted and invested in through subsidisation

In most cases Private Jets should be banned

• The majority of flights in Private jets are unnecessary and could be flown on a shared flight or by alternative transport which would be more carbon friendly
• "Private jet flights from the UK and France emit more CO2 than 20 other European countries combined"
• The carbon footprint of the richest in society, who take Private jets, is already [disproportionately large] , this is extremely unjust especially as the poorer people in society who are less responsible for climate change will suffer the effects more
• In some cases of security Private jets are warranted such as world leaders flying, as it would not be safe for them to fly on commercial flights

Theatre tickets should be subsidised for lower income and underrepresented people in the theatre audiences

• The average theatre tickets are £49.25 in the West end, £27.10 in the UK and $124.00 on Broadway
• These prices, particularly West End and Broadway tickets are unaffordable for many
• Theatre has a wealth of benefits such as a positive impact on both mental and physical health, improved social cohesion and improved educational performance. In fact Theatre saves the NHS an estimated £102m a year
• These benefits should be available to all regardless of background, by subsidising tickets lower income people can afford to attend the Theatre
• The biggest barrier to the Theatre is cost thus by subsidising them this make tickets more accessible for lower income people
• However other accessibility issues must also be addressed such as location inequalities, lack of childcare and lack of arts education

Fake tan can racist, but there is a thin line between using fake tan too much and using it just to look slightly tanned

• Fake tan can be preferential to a natural tan due to the skin damage associated with natural tan from the sun if used in an appropriate amount
• However when so much fake tan is used where the white person is attempting to appear as a person of colour is racist as they do not face any of the same inequality or prejudice that people of colour do.

Any level of inequality is unfair

• The definition of being is fair "treating people equally without favouritism or discrimination" , due inequality people are not treated equally or given the same opportunities thus any level of inequality is unfair.
• Inequality exists across every issue in society and people in society who are disadvantaged and oppressed due to inequality suffer disproportionately badly eg. in the climate crisis , this is not fair especially as the most disadvantaged society have contributed much less to the climate crisis "Carbon emissions of richest 1 percent more than double the emissions of the poorest half of humanity"

It completely depends on your University experience and what you take from it

• Whether University is 'worth it' or not should not only be derived from your employability or salary in your postgraduate years but also your university experience
• Much of the 'worth' from University is derived from socialisation in many different fields eg. in lectures, societies, partying etc.. It gives you a chance to meet a wide range of people and many of the connection you make are invaluable and are extremely important network contacts for the future
• University gives you an opportunity to explore many [different interests] (https://studenthut.com/societies) from reading widely within your degree to joining different student societies and activities group this is important for personal development
• The university setting provides a stepping stone between being a teenager to being a young adult and living in halls and student houses develops many domestic skills in a slightly more sheltered setting
• Universities themselves have huge networks and a wealth of opportunities available and in order to get the full benefits of these you need to take these opportunities
• University courses develop critical thinking and analytical skills which are integral to life
• Degrees are prerequisites to many jobs/ future progressions
• On the other hand University may not be worth it as it fails to provide adequate mental health support at the same time putting students in very stressful situations due to work load and financial burden
• In conclusion, University is worth it for some people but other options such as apprenticeships would be more beneficial for others

Wearing a Burka does not interfere with a persons ability to do their job thus should not be banned

• Many arguments against the Burka revolve around the face being covered and thus leading to identification and facial expression reading issues but in the age of mask wearing much of everyone's face is covered therefore if people are allowed to wear face masks they must be able to wear Burkas, not being able to do so is an Islamophobic action
• People should have agency on how little or how much they wear, clothing is a form of expression and can be empowering thus people should have the choice
• Banning the Burka is a human rights violation
• Arguments that the 'Burkas oppress women' are contradicted by the fact that banning them in government roles takes away the choice, which is the thing that empowers women and would only serve to isolate women who wear them and force them out of their jobs therefore would be negative for women's rights

Spanking children is child abuse and does not teach children to behave

• Repeated spanking has been linked to a wealth of negative effects such as increased anxiety and depression disorders
• Spanking also is not an effective tool of discipline as it does not seek to understand the reasons behind the behaviour or provide tools for emotional regulation
• Other more effective discipline techniques such as positive discipline are much more effective
• Therefore spanking has many negative effects and is not effective so should not be used, however support should be given to parents regarding more effective and positive discipline techniques

Pluto is still a planet, just a small one

• Pluto is classified as a 'dwarf planet'
• From the etymology of the term 'dwarf planet' is suggests that Pluto is a planet just a smaller one, why does the size matter

Although Atlantis did/does not exist the way which it is presented in mythology, there are many lands/islands where people once lived that are now sunken

• There is evidence of much land and sea level change and also of sunken islands and land that once was home to people
• Although we are likely going to have more sunken islands/ societies such as [Kiribati soon] (https://sites.utexas.edu/climatesecurity/2019/12/31/kiribati-policy-shift/#:~:text=Assuming%20all%20global%20climate%20policy,an%20existential%20threat%20to%20Kiribati.) with sea levels rising due to climate change
• Although the ocean is so vast we should never rule anything out

Shakespeare could be one person but may have lifted work from other artists

• One of the reasons Shakespeare could be so prolific is because his work is {heavily based on other plays/poems/art and history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare%27s_plays), in a way his plays are adaptations. This cycle has carried on with many movies, plays and musicals based on Shakespeare's work
• All art is inspired by other art and events, Shakespeare like other artists uses other works and events to inspire his work
• There are rumours that some of Shakespeare's work was lifted or parts lifted from the work of Emilia Bassano , although historical evidence is not conclusive and she likely would not have been given the same literary opportunities and people would of been more likely to support Shakespeare

It is simply down to opinion, but Star Wars feels more accessible than Star trek

• It largely depends what you have been bought up with as Star Trek and Star Wars have become important multi-generational franchises many people have fond childhood memories of them and therefore are likely to be more drawn to the one they were bought up with due to nostalgia
• Both have a huge impact on general pop culture
• Star Wars feels more accessible to fans that aren't huge sci-fi people, this is partly due to its huge commercial feeling and cinematography but it is less niche and appeals to all as the plot is centred around family drama, something we can all relate to.

There is conclusive evidence that climate change is real

• Scientists were first alerted to climate change cause by C02 emissions in the early 19th century , with more widespread knowledge and the investigation of it emerging in the 1970s , but yet we have carried along the same polluting trajectory
• Scientists have produced paper after paper highlighting evidence for climate change for years but yet they have not been taken seriously, we are already seeing disastrous impacts of climate change with an increase in extreme weather events and rising sea levels that will destroy many peoples homes and create millions of environmental refugees

Humanity overall is kind. Most people naturally are kind and caring but as they grow up are often swayed by systems of capitalism and the related corruption

• Most Children are naturally kind and much more understanding than adults, any arguments, fights etc... are not done in spite or to be consciously unkind it is just because they don't fully understand.
• Unkindness is learnt and taught by society and adults to children, with the system of Capitalism teaching people to put profit and material gain above other people
• In most case there is more good and kindness but bad things often get more media time and are often perpetuated by people with more power therefore can have more impactful consequences

The only consequences to wearing revealing clothes is possibly being cold

• Women should wear whatever they want and makes them feel good
• Anything else is not a consequence of the clothes that a women is wearing, any harassment can not be blamed on the women in any way. It is 100% due to the offenders and their awful actions
• The only possible consequence is being cold

There are coincidences but most coincidences have a scientific and/or logical explanation

• Many things we perceive as a coincidence have a perfectly logical explanation
• Things that don't have a logical explanation are due to probability and likelihood, which is what coincidence is

In most cases Prison should be about rehabilitation apart from in cases of the most despicable crimes such as murder, rape and child abuse where they should be about punishment

• A lot of crime is caused by inequality, poverty as well as many other societal injustices, therefore by rehabilitating prisoners through methods such as education and therapy they are provided with tools and motivation to strive for a better life without crime. They are given more options and are able to understand the impact of actions more.
• Rehabilitation is also much more effective at preventing reoffending thus making society safer and also saving a lot of money, this is evident from prison systems such as [Norway's which focuses of rehabilitation and reintegration] (https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1032&context=bridges#:~:text=Due%20to%20the%20emphasis%20on,the%20likelihood%20of%20re%2Dincarceration.)
• However in cases such as rape and murder prison should be about punishment and the offenders should never be let out as these are despicable crimes

Salt and Vinegar crisps have the potential to be the best, but often many brands of crisps don't achieve the right flavour profile

• Salt and Vinegar crisps when done well should be equally salt and vinegar flavoured, more often than not brands such as Walkers go much heavier on the salt flavour than the vinegar flavour. This does not achieve the right salt and vinegar flavour profile and is bland
• Salt and Vinegar crisps also need to be thick cut the thinner crisps eg. walkers don't have the right texture or thickness to be a sufficient vehicle for the flavouring

There is nothing natural about 1950s gender stereotypes, they are the product of societal and structural misogyny

• The Oxford dictionary definition of natural is ["existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind"] (https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/), and the definition of stereotypes is ["a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing"] (https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/). This suggests that Stereotypes are derived and enforced from societal norms and ideas, thus made by humankind. This therefore is not natural or derived from nature, thus there's nothing 'natural' about the traditional gender stereotypes of the 1950s
• Much of history, especially since the improvement of Women's rights have proved the stereotypes wrong

Elon Musk is transphobic and like any other billionaire, only concerned with profit

• [He has mocked peoples pronouns repeatedly and refuses to apologise for it] (https://www.seattlepride.org/news/responding-to-elon-musks-pronoun-mockery)
• He has voiced support for Donald Trump before
• He has built his Tesla empire using climate change as a huge marketing pull but he clearly does not care about climate change- supporting Trump and Space X shows this, this is extremely hypocritical.

Those who can get vaccinated should to protect others, it is a civic duty

• The only people who shouldn't get vaccinated is people who can't eg. have been told by their doctors it is unadvised due to medical health issues such as allergies or immunosuppression
• Other people who can get vaccinated should want to help vaccinated to help protect those who can not
• It is fine to have vaccine hesitancy and ask questions about the vaccine but all the science shows it is way safer than having corona virus, the reason it could be developed so quickly in comparison to other vaccines and treatments is because there was and is so much funding for vaccine research for the COVID-19 vaccine
• The vaccine reduces the chance of COVID transmission and getting sick from the virus this reduces the likelihood of a more harmful mutation arising which would cause more death and lockdowns
• The vaccine is one tiny thing, that literally takes less than 15 minutes and could prevent you getting sick or your family or prevent you passing it onto someone who may get very sick or even die from the virus. It could prevent so much grief and loss and also help to ease up the burden on the already stretched NHS

White people wearing dreadlocks is cultural appropriation

• Dreadlocks have huge cultural and spiritual history
• People of colour frequently face racist microaggressions and oppression because of their hair and hair styles such as dreadlocks whereas when white people wear them they do not face the same microaggressions and are often praised for them
• Dreadlocks can be much harder to implement, maintain and wear on white people with finer, straight hair and can in fact be very damaging to the hair

White chocolate is not technically a real chocolate but is still very nice and there is no harm calling it chocolate as it is known as 'white chocolate' worldwide

• White chocolate has no cocoa solids and in the UK chocolate has to have at least [25% of cocoa solids] (https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/blog/chocolateknowledge/what-does-cocoa-percentage-actually-mean.html) for it to be sold as chocolate
• However white chocolate does [not have any cocoa solids] (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/for-those-who-think-white-chocolate-isnt-real-chocolate-have-we-got-bars-for-you/2017/11/24/24fb1ee8-cbc9-11e7-b0cf-7689a9f2d84e_story.html) but to be sold as chocolate it must have at least [20% cocoa butter] (https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/blog/chocolateknowledge/what-does-cocoa-percentage-actually-mean.html)
• Despite White chocolate not actually technically being chocolate it is still very tasty and there's no harm calling it chocolate

Toxic masculinity is a huge gender issue for men and is created by Patriarchy

• Toxic masculinity is a cultural concept of masculinity that exists under Patriarchy in which glorifies stoicism, strength, virility, and dominance, and that is socially maladaptive or harmful to mental health
• Toxic masculinity creates and enforces a taboo around male emotions ad mental health issues and can be deadly eg. [suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50] (https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/tackling-the-root-causes-of-suicide/)
• Many of the traits and characteristics that are looked down upon within Toxic masculinity for example sensitivity and emotions are viewed by society as weaknesses and are traditionally associated with femininity which highlights how society views femininity as weakness
• Toxic masculinity is also dangerous for women

The more privilege you have more tools and wealth to help them out of bad situations and to avoid them, whereas less privileged and less wealthy people may not have these same tools and it can lead to a domino effect with 'bad luck' or bad things happening in their life

• Although privileged people can definitely have awful things happen to them, their privilege and wealth give them more options and solution's to bad events in their life than poorer people
• In addition, some people can be seen to have 'bad luck' because it can be a domino effect. One bad event may lead to another or make another more likely by causing numerous different issues

The right to life is a fundamental human right thus Healthcare should always be free

• People do not chose to be sick or have health ailments therefore free healthcare should be provided for everyone
• Private healthcare is a system of oppression, by charging money for healthcare it serves to oppress the poor by keeping them sick or making them go into debt and pay a huge amount of their income for healthcare meaning they have even less financial freedom

Although I don't think bottled water should be banned it should be heavily discouraged and is only necessary in a few, specific circumstances as it can make water accessible.

Pros

• "Single use water bottles create huge amounts of unnecessary plastic waste, much of which ends up in landfill and also takes huge amounts of water to produce, estimated around 8.23litres"
• Instead there should be more sustainable solutions such as water fountains to refill water bottles, they should be accessible everywhere
  Cons
• They should not be banned because if people do not have access to a reusable water bottle this may encourage increased buying and consumption of other bottled drinks such as bottled sugary drinks which is detrimental to public health
• Bottled water provides a good, clean emergency supply of water such as for remote areas and in disaster zones however although in absolute emergency. Instead water supply systems should be heavily invested in to ensure that clean water is accessible to all.

Puerto Ricans should be allowed to vote in a referendum to decide whether they want to be a US state or independent country. It is unfair and hypocritical that Puerto Rico pays tax without adequate representation especially because one of the main driving forces (and slogans) behind the American revolution and independence was 'no taxation without representation'

• Puerto Ricans should get the choice, in a free democratic vote as to the existence of Puerto Rico as either a state or independent country as it is their country so they should have the choice
• It is unfair that Puerto Ricans have to pay taxes but are not given adequate and equal representation in the US government. It is also very hypocritical as 'no taxation without representation' was an extremely important reason for the American revolution which led to independence but yet the American government deny Puerto Rico adequate representation
• Puerto Rico must have adequate representation so that issues and deficits in Puerto Rico are funded and prioritised. Unlike in the current situation where effects of the devastation from Hurricane Maria are still felt and it took over 11 months to restore the electricity [( https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/8/15/17692414/puerto-rico-power-electricity-restored-hurricane-maria)]

I agree to an extent, having money reduces money worries and stress as well as providing more disposable income for people to spend on experiences, opportunities and hobbies that make them happy. However, research has shown that experienced wellbeing increases with income up until a certain amount a year (which is dependent based on cost of living), this amount of money provides them with most of what they want, after this point them happiness usually does not increase and can actually decrease. Money does not directly make people happy but instead provides the tools such as financial freedom, more time and opportunities which makes people happy.

A child needs a safe, loving supportive home. If a couple or even a single parent can provide that and is willing to love and support a child then they should be allowed to adopt. There is no reason or any evidence at all that same sex couple cannot be incredible parents. Every child deserves a family and same sex parents can provide a family just like heterosexual parents can, there is no difference at all. In fact there is a research paper highlighting a study that found that children of same-sex parents perform better in school (Mazrekaj et al, 2019). Although achievement in school is a limited test as to a child's upbringing and the study is limited and I am in no ways suggesting that heterosexual parents are at fault; the study is evidence that same sex couples can make amazing parents and provide a loving, accepting home for children and therefore should be allowed to adopt. Denying same-sex couples the ability to adopt on account of their sexuality is not only extremely homophobic and violating of a persons human right to a family life but also denies a child of a family.

Reference
Mazrekaj et al, 2019 - http://paa2019.populationassociation.org/uploads/191716

Clean drinking water is essential to life, it is essential to every life process and to survival. Humans can only survive without water for 3 days. In addition, it is estimated by the Institute of medicine that women need around 2.7 litres of water per day and men need around 3.7 litres per day. The marketing and existence of water as a branded consumer product is not only sad but also very immoral. Water is a natural product, that is the Earths life force by making water into a consumer product you are exploiting Earths resources by extension you are also exploiting all of Earths population for a profit. In addition, water being treated as a consumer product and being sold in branded plastic bottles also creates huge amounts of waste through the creation of single-use plastic water bottles. This creates huge amounts of waste and litter, much of which ends up in landfill and although many water bottle companies often promote the fact that they are recyclable it is estimated that less than 10% of everyday plastics in the UK are actually recycled with much of the 'recycling' being shipped of to less economically developed countries. In addition, in areas of many low and medium income countries there is a reliance on plastic water bottles due to unsafe water supplies, this is extremely immoral as the companies are exploiting peoples need and rights for water for a profit, many of said people are already very poor and spend a huge portion of their income on safe water and other drinks, this also creates huge amounts of plastic waste which may even end up in landfill which can then pollute water supplies more thus creating a vicious circle. This can also force people who cannot afford bottled water to drink unsafe water which can cause many illnesses and diseases. This money should be spent on improvements to water supply. In conclusion, Water is not a luxury, clean safe water should not be a luxury it is a right and should be provided to everyone and should not be commodified.