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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zZzPOQBoeV0zpUHlAMqgG3WzLcwuzHlmYfI_mW_NGMY/edit

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The three social issues that I care most about solving are addictions particularly gambling, smartphone/social media, and alcohol. I am most concerned about these issues because I can relate to experiencing them or having family members experience them. For example I'm passionate about the issue of a smartphone addiction as I personally experience it and understand its effects negative effects like how it can cause insomnia, relationships issues and even depression. I'm interested in alcohol, and gambling addictions as a lot of my family has been affected by it, and lives ruined by it. As these addictions are personal to me it compels me to be more interested in solving them.

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Articles

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/gambling-addiction-and-problem-gambling.htm

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gambling-addiction

The social issue I chose was addiction, specifically gambling addiction. I chose this issue as it felt close to home with many of my family also struggling with the issue. Me and my family have felt first have felt the consequences of a gambling addiction. I feel as if many other of my classmates can relate to this as betting especially on sports have become very popular. Although they may know about I think most would not know its true dangers and effects and may want to try themselves. I feel that my research can help educate people on the dangers and negative effects gambling has on yourself and the people around you.

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Key facts

People with a gambling addiction can't control their urge to gamble, even if they are losing a lot of money.

If you are addicted to gambling, the consequences can include financial losses, bankruptcy, losing a job, homelessness and the breakdown of personal relationships.

If someone you know has a problem with gambling, you may notice financial problems, relationship difficulties or symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

If you have a problem with gambling, you may feel compelled to gamble when you feel anxious or depressed, and you may find it difficult to stop.

Certain types of psychological therapy, for example, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), may help overcome gambling addiction.

When does gambling become a problem?

Most people who bet don't have a gambling problem, but some people become compulsive gamblers at some point in their life. People in this group lose control of their betting to the point that it negatively impacts their life.

Pathological (harmful) gambling can be a form of addiction. People with a gambling addiction can't control their urge to gamble, even if they are losing a lot of money. They are willing to risk something of value in the hope that the reward will be more valuable.

Gambling addiction can seriously affect all areas of life. Consequences of problem gambling can include financial losses, bankruptcy, losing a job, homelessness, mental health conditions and the breakdown of personal relationships. They can be serious not only for you, but also for members of your family and for your friends and associates.

If you are caring for someone with an addiction, it is important that you also continue to look after yourself. Visit the Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm) for more information.

Does someone I know have a gambling addiction?

People with gambling disorder often hide their behaviour, but there are warning signs that gambling has become a problem for someone you know.

People with gambling problems may struggle with financial difficulties. Signs of financial troubles you may notice include:

borrowing money regularly

having multiple loans

unpaid bills

lack of food and household essentials

missing money or household valuables

Addiction can also cause changes in a person's mental health and wellbeing. Signs of these changes you may notice include:

conflict with others

unexplained absences from important events or commitments

poor performance at work or school, and/or taking more sick days

feelings of helplessness, depression or feeling suicidal

withdrawing from family or at work

changes in personality or mood

an increase in alcohol or drug use

Do I have a gambling addiction?

If you have a gambling addiction, you are likely to experience some of the following:

spending more time and money on gambling than you intend to

'chasing' losses: gambling to win back what has been lost, particularly after heavy losses

constant thoughts about gambling, and feelings of irritability or restlessness if you try to stop gambling

resorting to gambling as a way of coping with a bad mood, anxiety or depression, or feelings of helplessness or guilt

lying to cover up the extent of your gambling

missing important things in your life because of gambling, including family events, work or appointments

relying on others for financial support after heavy gambling losses

People with gambling addiction may be more likely than others to think about or attempt suicide.

Why do people keep gambling?

Many factors may increase a person's chances of developing problems with gambling. Sometimes, people turn to gambling to escape from other difficulties in their lives.

Society accepts gambling and sees it as a part of normal life. That makes it very hard for people with a problem to keep away from it.

Gambling is a form of addiction. People with a gambling problem can have similar chemical changes in their brains to those seen in people addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Where can I get help with gambling addiction?

Certain types of psychological therapy, for example cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), may help someone overcome gambling addiction. Cognitive behaviour therapy involves looking at the logic behind gambling, such as the odds of winning, beliefs about luck and skill in non-skills-based games, and the likelihood of 'chasing' your way back to financial security.

Psychological therapies can also address underlying problems such as anxiety, depression or social isolation.

Some gamblers may find financial counselling helpful in offering alternatives to gambling as a way to financial recovery.

If you think that you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction, speak to your doctor. If needed, your doctor can provide a referral to a psychologist.

Resources and support

For more information and support, reach out to these resources:

Last reviewed: October 2022

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People with a gambling addiction can't control their urge to gamble, even if they are losing a lot of money. If you are addicted to gambling, the consequences can include financial losses, bankruptcy, losing a job, homelessness and the breakdown of personal relationships.

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As I am focused on addressing the social issue of gambling addiction my poems main setting will be inside a casino, although I won't be naming any specific place. Inside the casino, there's an electrifying atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The room filled with vivid neon lights that create an array of colour, and carpets with mesmerising patterns; fountains, sculptures, a maze like design where there seems no exit in sight. The ears filled with the sounds of slot machines ringing bells, spinning reels and clinking of coins, the ball as it clicks and clacks around the wheel and players who scream with joy and delight.

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The poem "Mexico is sinking" by Guillermo Gómez-Peña pictures a world where USA and Mexico switch positions and there peoples roles and stereotypes. The poem envisions a scenario where 200,000 anglo saxons were crossing the border into Mexico monthly. This visual aspects brings up imagery, of bustling and crowded borders crossing, with streams of people moving around, workers carrying belongings, those trying to sneak through. Some eagerly waiting in line while others in heartbreak saying goodbye to family. The sounds of emotional conversations can be heard, arguments between border police and emigrants and the rustling of important documents.

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Bustling

Maze

Chaotic

Uncertain

Official

Hopeful

Tense

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How are you finding the writing process so far?

The writing process has been very difficult, but enjoyable. I find it hard to get inspiration and struggle finding the stamina and consistency to keep writing when stuck. After writing a few lines I find myself completely stuck and having to rewrite multiple parts of the poem. Although when I started writing more free and letting my ideas flow it became much more enjoyable and got more progress done. This was because instead of stopping myself midway through writing to make something perfect, I kept writing freely and focused on fixing mistakes after.

What has helped inspire you?

At first I tried to write by myself without much inspiration but I didn't get very far doing that. So I researched other poems focused on gambling online. I also tried to visualise myself in the situation I'm writing the poem about and use the physical aspects I noticed and the feelings I felt to inspire me. As I wanted to describe specific surroundings I researched about casinos visual and audio deisgn.

What feedback was most helpful to you moving forward?

I was suggested to instead of exactly telling the audience what my social issue is or the message i am trying to portray but describe it without specifically naming it. This tecnhique is called "show don't tell".

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Listening to the Grownups Quarreling by Ruth Whitman

Listening to the grownups quarreling

standing in the hall against the wall

with my little brother blown like leaves against the wall

by their voices my head like a ping-pong ball

Between the paddles of their anger I knew what it meant to tremble like a leaf cold with their wrath.

I heard the claw of the rain pounce

floods poured through the city skies clapped over me

and I was shaken shaken like a mouse between their jaws

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In the bright-lit room where fortunes flicker,

A gamblers trance, a dance with chance

Just one more time, and it will all be mine

Millions on stake, houses at stake

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Fortune: A distant promise of success, unlikely to achieve but so great many are willing to endure hardship for the chance of getting it.

Escape: A short-term relief from difficulties, but a trap leading to deeper troubles.

Illusion: Seeing only our desires rather than what is real.

Standing on the brink of possibility, not knowing where to turn, hoping for the best, but fearing the worst

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Checkpoint #3 - Teacher Feedback Reflection

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Checkpoint #3 - Teacher Feedback Reflection

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There is a clear social issue outlined in my poem, but there is more area for me to describe visuals and the sounds of what is happening in the space (casino) which I have done some of by stating "bright lit room." To further improve the poem I could start by describing the gambler in a positive confident mood, but then slowly change to the end where the gambler is in darkness and despair. To find descriptive words, I could create a word wall for terms that capture the atmosphere of a casino.

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Instead of stating the idea and meaning she is trying to portray Carmen Tafolla uses a pencil as symbolism. In the beginning of poem Carmen Tafolla states to "never write with pencil mi'ja. It is for those who erase." What she means by this is to be bold in your actions and not do things you would regret or try to remove from history. Tafolla also says to "make your mark proud and open" which mean to express your true self to everyone and not hide. Later Tafolla lists mediums to write with "ink, mud.." the poem is not literal in telling her how to write but instead these mediums all represents ways she can express herself.

In my poem, employing "show don't tell" can enhance its impact and enjoyment for the reader. In my poem there is moments where I state exactly my social issue without masking it. In the second line of my poem I say "gambler's trance, a dance with chance" this fully gives away my poems main topic and thus making it less enticing to the reader. Instead I can replace the word gambler with something more broad, for example "player "

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"Serious Luv" rewrite: Language Conventions

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"Serious Luv" rewrite: Language Conventions

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To make the poem "serious luv" more serious I would first correct the spelling and grammar, for example "love" is spelt "luv" and "the" is "de" I would change all words spelt that way to the correct spelling. I would also make the reasons for why he loves her more specific and serious, instead of "i love de way she shews her pen" it can be more focused on her character, something that showcases her uniques. The rhyme scheme in the poem also comes off very childish and forced, by changing the rhyme scheme to something more irregular it can more formal. For example line "when she does maths I really luv de way she shews her pen" seems forced to rhyme with line "shes de only one in school allowed to call me ben." By not forcing the thyme it also allows more creative freedom and word choice.

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I like how you implemented the usage of rhymes but you are preventing yourself from making room for other poetic devices. I also like that you described your time and place well. You demonstrated how the casino looks and feels. Something that could improve your poem is to use another word instead of gamblers because it can add more depth and meaning to your poem. Lastly, you can add what happens to the man at the end to show how big of a problem gambling is globally.

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In the bright-lit room where fortunes flicker,

A players trance, a dance with chance

Millions on stake, houses at stake

A never ending maze, one I cannot evade

Eyes blinded by the allure of endless escapes

Lost in the spins, the rolls, the intoxicants

Whispers of connection drowned out by another glass

As I pursue a fleeting dream,

In a labyrinth of possibilities

A families' hopes waste away, unseen

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/17hpjg9MvsLEJiopYgTaiXOPS6ipW20P-4w5eckYnNic/edit