Fahrenheit 451 Analyzing the Use and Relevance Of Censorship and Government Surveillance - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 774 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/04/10 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Fahrenheit 451 Essay Ray Bradbury Essay Did you like this example? Did you know that in North Korea the government has eyes and ears everywhere and knows where every citizen is at any moment. Sounds crazy right? Well it is true, they also control virtually every aspect of a persons life. For example, they censor out all the news and media from outside the country. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Fahrenheit 451: Analyzing the Use and Relevance Of Censorship and Government Surveillance" essay for you Create order This is almost identical to the world in the classic novel, Fahrenheit 451. The book takes place in an unnamed city in the United States. It centers around Guy Montag, the protagonist that lives in a world where books are illegal due to their ability to make people think about life and the world around them. Montag is a firefighter whose job is to burn outlawed books. The themes of government surveillance and censorship are the two most relevant in the story because they are mentioned, hinted at, and developed from beginning to end. As the novel begins, the reader notices how many things are censored from the people. For instance, within the first eight pages it is heard, Dont you ever read any of the books you burn? Thats against the law! (Bradbury 8). This shows that people are not allowed to own or even read books even though they know how to read. The government and all the higher ups do not want people to have their own true beliefs and opinions because this can cause people to rebel and disrupt the peace. The government in this universe is more of a totalitarian structure because they want the people to be under control and not try any form of rebellion/unhappiness. This further ties back to the article, Total Control in North Korea which states, The police can monitor all digital communications, including phone calls and text messages, and a complex surveillance network lets them know the whereabouts of any citizen at any time. What are they watching for? They want to make sure no one is doing anything th at might jeopardize the unity of the country (McBirney 1). This is basically how the government works in the novel. Books are seen as the one thing that could truly disrupt the unity of the city and cause what they believe to be mass chaos. That is a part of the reason that books are banned because just like the Korean government, they do not want people to have ideas or opinions. This idea of censorship further develops as you delve deeper into the story. You quickly find out that the censoring of books was more so societys fault in the beginning, as explained by Beatty in the following statement, Authors, full of evil thoughts, lock up your typewriters. They did. Magazines became a nice blend of vanilla tapioca. Books, so the damned snobbish critics said, were dishwater. No wonder books stopped selling, the critics said (Bradbury 57) Solely based on his words, we learn that people got bored of the books and their boring and controversial contents. Magazines, with their bright colors, big fonts and big headlines, ended up becoming more liked and so books stopped selling and in turn were banned altogether. This also relates so much to our world today as we see people becoming more sensitive and one-sided which leads to media being more censored. Everything from books to music, tv, news, movies has become a bit less thought- provoking and out there. Of course n obody wants to believe that its their fault so we just blame the government, who only plays a small role in this situation. Around the end of the story, the small group have memorized books to pass down to their kids in hopes that humanity will regain interest and bring them back. Bradbury makes the following statement, To everything there is a season. Yes. A time to break down and a time to build up. Yes. A time to keep silence, and a time to speak (Bradbury 165) this quote can be applied to most everything in life including our cycle of censorship in our world because people were not always the way we are now. It is the most prominent example that shows how the themes of government surveillance and censorship are the two most relevant in the story. The entire book centers mostly around censorship and government surveillance with a few other themes in the mix. The idea of the events of the book are not far off from what is possible in the real world. North Korea has already been living like this for years. The themes of government surveillance and censorship are the two most relevant in the story because they are mentioned, hinted at, and developed from beginning to end.

Psychology Nature Vs Nurture - 869 Words

Let’s Talk About Psychology For many years, psychologists have been interested in studying human behavior and how our brains function. Psychological research has been mainly geared towards discovering parts of the brain, and the environment that influences our behavior as individuals. In other words, research aims to provide reasons why people behave the way they do, and what makes individuals different from each other. Much to the joy of experts in the field, major strides have been made in not only understanding, but also predicting human behavior. Concepts such as the influence of nature versus nurture on personal development, introversion or extroversion, and introspection have provided more insight into the way people think and interact with others and the environment. An age-long research topic in Psychology has been the issue of nature versus nurture issue. Nature versus nurture refers to the extent to which an individual’s genetics (inherited traits) or immediate society affects his or her personal growth. A very vivid example of the role nature or nurture plays in determining will be my personality. For example, my father and mother have mild temperaments, so I was raised in a somewhat conservative home. In my case, pro-nature supporters argue that my genetic makeup will largely determine the personality traits I develop. In this case, if I inherited a mild temperament, then I will most likely reflect such personality traits. Nurture supporters on the other hand,Show MoreRelatedPsychology, Nature Vs. Nurture971 Words   |  4 Pagesthink why we are that way? The answer is found in the classic debate in Psychology, Nature vs. Nurture. Aggression is caused by learned behavior, not through genetics. There are two sides of this debate, Nature and Nurture. Nature refers to something that you’re born with and are not able to change. People that follow this are called Nativists. They believe that the traits that you have are passed down through genetics. Nurture means that your personality traits are based on your environment. ForRead MoreNature Vs. Nurture : Psychology And Biology1449 Words   |  6 Pages Nature vs. Nurture is one of the most prevalent theories in psychology and biology; scientists previously believed that personality traits were derived from either genetics or environmental elements, but more recently have concluded that both factors play a role in the expression of genes. However, the influences of genetics and environmental factors on sexual orientation is still a controversial topic which is currently being discussed in both psychological and biological debates. While many researchersRead MoreNature Vs. Nurture : A Debate Within Psychology1344 Words à ‚  |  6 Pages1 Kaeezs Mark Lee F. Tonda PSY 100 Nature Vs. Nurture There s a debate within psychology about whether certain aspects of behavior are genetic or learned characteristics. Certain physical characteristics are genetic, like color of eyes, hair type, and skin color. Other things like driving, talking, or tying your shoes are learned. People wonder if personality and mental abilities are genetic or learned. There are good arguments for both the nurture, and nature side of these three issues: intelligenceRead MoreNature Vs. Nurture And How Studying Psychology Can Improve Critical Thinking818 Words   |  4 Pagesmission of history. The study of psychologies past endeavors to help future generations of psychology-minded individuals how the past discoveries that were implemented, and altered within the field. As with any history, knowing the successes, and possible mistakes in the within the field development can only assist future experiences. In examining the history of the psychology, upcoming psychology students are able to talk over the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. The beliefs of Darwinism stillRead MorePsychology And Science Of A Heterosexual And Homosexual Man Through The Course Of Nature Vs. Nurture1168 Words   |  5 Pagesand science background comparing the neurological anatomy and science of a heterosexual and homosexual man through the studies; Simon LeVay, Roselli, Hamers, Sanders, Hansen. The perception of whether homosexuality conforms to the course of nature vs. nurture can influence the amount of scrutiny judged upon affected individuals. So, the purpose of this extended essay is to answer the research question of to what extent is there a biological basis with neurological structurally, genetically, hormonallyRead MoreEssay on Nature vs Nurture1052 Words   |  5 PagesNature vs. Nurture M. B. Liberty University Psychology 101 Nature vs. Nurture There has been extensive debate between scholars in the field of psychology surrounding the Nature vs. Nurture issue. Both nature and nurture determine who we are and neither is solely independent of the other. â€Å"As the area of a rectangle is determined by its length and its width, so do biology and experience together create us.†(Myers, 2008, p. 8) Carl Gustav Jung, and leading thinker and creator of analyticalRead MoreDevelopmental Psychology1194 Words   |  5 PagesNatsuaki, M. N., . . . Leve, L. D. (2014). Adoptive parent hostility and children’s peer behavior problems: Examining the role of genetically informed child attributes on adoptive parent behavior. Developmental Psychology, 50(5), 1543-1552. This source goes against the belief that nature and nurture even paly that much of a significant role in the way children grow up to portray themselves. Elam and Shaw say that it’s all about personal choices. They feel that through their recent discoveries that thisRead MoreThe Effect Of Environmental And Genetics On The Development Of A Person1000 Words   |  4 PagesOne of these oldest arguments in the history of psychology is the debate of whether or not ones environment or genetic background plays more of a role in the development of a person. Both nature and nurture have been proven to play an important role in one’s development. Nature is what we think of as pre-wiring and is influenced by genetic inheritance and other biological factors. Nurture is generally taken as the influence of external factors after conception e.g. the product of exposure, experienceRead MoreRetrospective Analysis of Personality1043 Words   |  5 PagesRetrospective Analysis of Persona lity Intro to Psychology August 31, 2014 I found doing this paper quite exciting to a certain point, until I really took a moment to glance back into my life and see the changes that have taken place. Through the years I have wondered what made me change my personality towards the way I look at things but now I see why. I drastically made those changes due to the different people and environments I have been. My personality started out as helping anyone I couldRead MoreNature vs. Nurture: a Biblical Perspective1531 Words   |  7 PagesRUNNING TITLE: Nature vs. Nurture Nature vs. Nurture: A Biblical Perspective Ouida Lynne Heath Psychology 101, Module 5 Professor Roberts December 17, 2009 Nature vs. Nurture: A Biblical Perspective The Nature versus Nurture debate has been ongoing for centuries. People have tried to gain power through knowledge in determining what causes the human â€Å"mind to tick.† For centuries leaders and scientists have

Understanding Job Satisfaction, Loyalty, Commitment Free Essays

Job satisfaction as a notion may have different definitions, but the core essence of it lays in the feelings which an employee has when he is asked about his job. These feelings can express total satisfaction with the job, simple satisfaction to total discontent. The reasons of the dissatisfaction should be viewed deeper, and in order to determine the principle factors which cause the employee be unsatisfied it is essential to consider various separate aspects of the employee’s relationships at work – whether he is dissatisfied with the physical environment, or with the relationships with other employees or a supervisor, etc. We will write a custom essay sample on Understanding Job Satisfaction, Loyalty, Commitment or any similar topic only for you Order Now Kirkman 25) What is job satisfaction and why it is needed Job satisfaction as the integral part of the employee successful performance at work has become a subject of acute attention only recently; simultaneously, only few firms (organizations) were able to apply its recommendations and strategies to their activity. Job satisfaction should be taken as the opportunity for the organization to easily improve its general performance. It is understandable, that the employees who are satisfied with their jobs appear to be more productive, committed to what they do and as a result the clients become also more satisfied with the quality of products and services they get, increasing its reputation and profits. Organizations, which are able to create environment which will attract, benefit, motivate and retain the hard-working employees, will finally be better positioned and will succeed in the competitive business environment, where the main aims to achieve are the quality and cost-effectiveness. It will be understood later, that job satisfaction is far not always connected with the salary and financial side of this job; thus cost-efficiency is highly possible if the experienced HR manager inactivates the hidden potentials of making employees satisfied with their jobs. (Kirkman 36) Not always job satisfaction goes in line with the wishes of the employee. Sometimes it happens that job satisfaction at the employee level does not brings positive changes at the company level; it may happen that the employee is fully satisfied with the situation of coming to his workplace and doing nothing; in this case job satisfaction has nothing to do with the general company’s work and advancement. (Leonard 44) How to improve job satisfaction In improving the working environment as one of the means for improving job satisfaction of employees it is essential to change the working conditions in which people work. First of all, these conditions impact the level of pride and the feeling of prestige among employees; second, through the working conditions employees understand for what they work. The environment should be up-to-date, and it is no secret that even new furniture and newest technological solutions will make the employee more satisfied with what he does. The personal space of each employee should be considered very thoroughly and it is very valuable for the management to take into account the wishes and suggestions which employees have for this issue. It is often, when the employer tries to save additional costs and hires small office making it overcrowded; ultimately this negatively impacts the performance of the whole staff that has to work in this premise all day long. It influences intrapersonal relations, and thus the quality of work done. Thus, this is not the right means of saving, and the cost-effectiveness is not appropriate here. (Leonard 44) These have been the principal ‘hygiene’ issues which should be resolved before the manager or the employer decides to take care for the motivation problems. In making employees motivated and thus more satisfied with their jobs, the principal aspect is probably to make them understand that they do valuable work, which is appreciated and of which they should be proud. It is difficult, but it makes the essential part of making the employee motivated. In the desire to motivate employees various means are appropriate, and one of the most widely-spread is the instrument for sharing success stories of other employees who used to work in the company and have made career, or to prove to the employee that the tasks which he is obliged to fulfill are essential for the whole company performance. Make a big deal out of meaningful tasks that may have become ordinary, such as new-baby visits. Of course employees may not find all their tasks interesting or rewarding, but you should show the employee how those tasks are essential to the overall processes that make the practice succeed. You may find certain tasks that are truly unnecessary and can be elim inated or streamlined, resulting in greater efficiency and satisfaction. ’ (Jamal 55) Conclusion The aim of the work was to discuss job satisfaction as a notion and to suggest possible solutions for the increase of job satisfaction among employees. It has become clear that job satisfaction is a very complex meaning and in order to use it properly, it should be considered from the viewpoint of various aspects, included into it, the amount of which is numerous. Job satisfaction influences performance of every worker, and ultimately it influences the level of the company performance. Making the employee satisfied through understanding the meaning of his work as well as being proud of what he does will increase the level of customer satisfaction and thus the reputation and prestige of the enterprise as a whole. (Spector 35) The principal difference between the hygiene issues and those related to motivation, is that hygiene issues resolved make the workers less dissatisfied with their jobs, while motivational issues make them more effective and productive. (Spector 35) Asking employees of what they feel about their jobs is essential for the management, because accounting the employee’s desires and suggestions will make them feel meaningful and thus promote their motivation and self-efficacy. The description of job satisfaction is useful for each employer to read and know the principal issues connected with this problem. With the development of the new technologies and new jobs, job satisfaction appears to decline among many professions, thus needing more attention on the side of employers. (Spector 35) How to cite Understanding Job Satisfaction, Loyalty, Commitment, Papers

Debt to Assets Ratio – Accounting Tools

Question: Discuss about the Debt to Assets Ratio Accounting Tools. Answer: Balance sheet The main purpose of the balance sheet is mainly of reporting the financial position of an entity at particular point of time (it includes total assets, liabilities and also stockholders equity). Usefulness Help to determine whether working capital is enough in order to sustain its operation. Help the creditors as well as other stakeholders to determine entity financial position in order to arrive ate decision of investment To know the Business Net worth Income Statement As the name indicates this statement help to report the accountants primary measure in regard to the performance of an entity during the accounting period by revenue less expenses result. Usefulness It provides snapshots about the companys profitability for the specified period. It act as base for the entity to make decision for future Businesses use this report to know the financial position by looking into profitability growth. Cash Flow Statement As the name indicates, this statement provides the information regarding the cash inflow and the cash outflow from operating, investing and from financing activities Usefulness This statement is helpful for the company in various ways Helps to prevent as well monitor entitys debt Helps to ensure timely investment Helps to ensure timely payment of debt as well as expenses Preventing unnecessary expenditure such late interest, penalties Review of the income statement: The total operating revenues of the company are k 2972 The Cost of goods sold of the company k 2327 The total expenses before taxes of the company are k) 809 The non-operating gains and losses of the company are 0 Comparative Statement is as follows: (Amounts in k in thousands) Particulars 2015 (k) 2014 (k) % increase or -decrease Total operating revenues 2,972 2,604 0.14 Cost of goods sold 2327 1824 0.28 Total expenses (before tax expenses) 809 670 0.21 Any non-operating (or extraordinary) gains and losses 0 0 0.00 On the basis of above table, it is clear that there is increase in operating revenue by 14% on the other hand there is also increase in COGS by 28% which indicates that it is not good sign sin % increase in expenses is more than the % increase in revenue. Moreover, % increase in Expenses is 21% which again is more then % increase in revenue. Hence not a positive sign for the company growth In the nutshell, Increase in revenue may be positive sign if there is decrease in expenses but here, as discussed situation is not as mentioned. In all, it is advisable that revenue should increase expensed must be decrease in order to get higher profit. Review of the balance sheet: The current assets of the company are k 706 The non-current assets of the company are k369 The current liabilities of the company are k 612 The non-current liabilities of the company are k 250 The total stockholders equity of the company are k213 As we are aware that assets on a balance sheet are divided into three main categories i.e. current, capital others. Current assets are both cash assets that are expected to be converted within 12 months. It is normal during the business life that cash balance in a company rises falls based on inflows outflows of operational financing activities. Cash goes down by the amount of payment. Similarly, current liabilities are the debt and obligations that a company must pay within a year. These are short term debt. Comparative Statement is as follows: (Amounts in (k) in thousands) Particulars 2015 2014 % increase or -decrease Total current assets 706.00 490.00 0.44 Total non-current assets 369.00 379.00 -0.03 Total current liabilities 612.00 456.00 0.34 Total non-current liabilities 250 300 -0.17 Total stockholder's equity 213 113 0.88 On the basis of above table, we can see that There is increase in current assets by 44 % on the other hand there is decrease in noncurrent assets Similarly, there is increase in current liabilities by 34 % on the other hand there is decrease in noncurrent liabilities by 17%. Current liabilities are ones the company expects to settle within 12 months of the date on the balance sheet. Here, equity has been increased by 88% there may be two reason for the same increase in the earning i.e. profitability or increases from capital, which is a good sign for the company. Review of the statement of cash flows: The net cash inflow from operating activities of the company are k 94 The net cash inflow from the financing activities of the company are k -90 The net cash inflow from the investing activities of the company are k -95 The net increase in the cash during the year of the company are k -91 Comparative statement is as follows: (Amounts in (k) in thousands) Particulars 2015 2014 % increase or -decrease Net cash inflow from operating activities 94.00 66 0.42 Net cash inflow from financing activities -90 -95 -0.05 Net cash inflow from investing activities -95 -75 0.27 Net increase/decrease in cash during the year -91 -104 -0.13 As we know that Cash flow can be affected by asset and liability changes in the business. Changes in assets liabilities can affect cash flow in both positive negative way. On the basis of above table, positive operating income shows increase by 42 % which is positive sign. One of the reasons may be that receipt from customer is higher than the payment made during the year Cash inflow from financing activities in the Year 2014 was negative during 2015 is also negative but decrease to some extent... This is one of the positive sign The net decrease in the cash during the year 2015 turn to -91 from -104 it indicates that some progress have been made so as to bring the company into track. D Taking into consideration all the facts financial statement cause of concern for banker would be Decrease in profit during 2015 as comparative to 2014. In addition % increase in expenses is higher than the % increase in revue during the year 2015 Increase in current liability as compare to the year 2014 is also the cause of concern which indicates that companys liability has been increased. Similarly there is also increase in Current Assets Negative cash flow is also one of the main reason for concern by banker since it shows that company is not utilizing the cash in a significant manner. Potential consequences of the bank managers concerns Negative Cash Flow- It shows that company is not utilizing the cash in proper manner which may lead to shortage of fund for investment. Example- if net cash flow from operation is negative it means company is spending more cash than it is generating or producing. If it is positive it indicates that company is generating more cash than it its spending during its day to day operation. Decrease In profitability- Profitability as clearly defines the status of the company earning, decrease in the same provides negative impact about the companys financial position. To meet above consequences Steps must be taken for better management of cash or to access cash from other sources. In regard to profitability, steps must be taken to increase the revenue and on the time steps should also be taken to decrease the expenses. Which will lead the company to bring positive sign for its financial statement References: Accountingtools.com, 'Debt to Assets Ratio Accounting tools'. Nap. 2015. Web. 29 May 2015. My Accounting Course, 'Financial Ratio Analysis | Example | My Accounting Course'. Nap. 2015. Web. 29 May 2015. My Accounting Course, 'Return On Equity Ratio | Analysis | Formula | Example'. Nap. 2015. Web. 29 May 2015. My Accounting Course, 'Times Interest Earned Ratio | Analysis | Formula | Example'. Nap. 2015. Web. 29 May 2015. "Income Statement (Profit And Loss Statement) | Explanation | Accountingcoach".AccountingCoach.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. "Net Income's Effects On Stockholders' Equity".Smallbusiness.chron.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. "The Four Basic Financial Statements: An Overview".Highered.mheducation.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. "Two Possible Reasons For An Increase In Stockholder's Equity".Smallbusiness.chron.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. Aghdas Jafari Motlagh, Aghdas Jafari Motlagh. "Accounting: Cash Flow Statement".IOSR Journal of Business and Management7.4 (2013): 109-116. Web. Statement, Importance. "Importance Of Cash Flow Statement | Accounting-Management".Accountlearning.blogspot.in. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Mar. 2016.

Qulitative vs. Quantitative Essay Example

Qulitative vs. Quantitative Essay Qualitative vs. Quantitative In this paper I will be explaining the differences between qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research will help you learn about individuals experiences of emotion and behavior, and explains human behavior into detail. Whereas quantitative research will be in hard numbers, it will provide you with data and is the most common method of research. Qualitative research should, in my opinion, be the most common method of research due to the fact that it focuses on certain individuals with fewer restrictions; the individuals are able to provide data in their own words with subjective information. The researchers could ask the participants about how their life has been so far, or how they think they did in school, and they would respond in their own way, with no numbers, just their own words. Qualitative can also explore new areas of research and build new theories because they ask for people’s opinions. The downside to qualitative research is that it’s difficult to test its hypotheses and theories with large groups. This method of research is only supposed to target smaller, more convenient groups, which is good if that’s your goal but bad if, let’s say, you wanted to find out the percentage of how many people are happy with their lives. With qualitative its very time consuming, unless you have the time for it, but if you don’t then quantitative research might be what you want. There are different methods of qualitative research, such as the action method. We will write a custom essay sample on Qulitative vs. Quantitative specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Qulitative vs. Quantitative specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Qulitative vs. Quantitative specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Action research tries to understand the concerns of people and immediate problem situations. The second one, the case study, is the most common method within the qualitative research. It considers the phenomenon within its real life context. They study many of the different aspects of people. The process of qualitative research is fairly simple, you have to find which questions you want to ask your subjects and collect the relevant data from them and find out how to interpret it, and lastly you just have to write up our findings and conclusions. Quantitative research is what you will most likely come in contact with, in school, at work, in the store, etc. it’s mostly population focused like how on some maps it shows the percentage of different races in each state, and that’s due to quantitative research. Tables, graphs, and other figures would be needed to write out your findings to understand what you tested people or populations on, most of them will be in hard number s with no explanations. Its most commonly used in politics, like for presidential elections for each state and then all is brought together in the end to eventually find out who the new president would be and has the highest credibility with people in power. You can ask your subjects to provide data about themselves such as age, number of people in their families, what their address is, basically anything to do with hard numbers or statistics. Even though it has the highest ratings for research and its most commonly used, it does have its weaknesses. Like, for instance, the knowledge produced by researchers might be too abstract and they could be missing out on the phenomenon by collecting a much narrower data set with being limited to just numbers. Even though quantitative research is the most widely known method of research, it still has some holes in the research that can only be filled by qualitative research. Like within the statistics of quantitative can also be an explanation on how you’ve accumulated your research or you can go into detail about the numbers and what your opinion would be.

Rock and Roll essays

Rock and Roll essays There were many musical sources that made up rock and roll. In fact most and if not all the "artists who could have been considered rock and musicians prior to 1955" were black except for Bill Haley and his comets. We first have saxophone which was made famous as a rock and roll instrument by "Jackie Brenston's solo on Rocket 88". The electric blues guitar was introduced by T-Bone Walkers' "Call It Stormy Monday", and later perfected by Chuck Berry. Professor Longhair brought the piano into the rock and roll scene by playing a mix of "offbeat Spanish beats and Calypso down beats. As for vocals go, they came mostly from rhythm and blues performers such as "Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, LaVern Baker."" Ray Browns' vocal talents also influenced Little Richard and Ray Charles. There were a few factors that led to the independent record labels being able to compete with the major labels. First was that fact that major labels assumed that audiences would always "respond favorably to gentle changes in popular styles."" The introduction of rock and roll threw this assumption out the window. Another factor that helped this was the introduction of "poorly capitalized independent radio stations that were desperate for inexpensive programming."" The final factor that helped out this chain of events was the marvelous introduction of the "45 rpm" record. This thing allowed all the independent labels to produce mass amounts of music at a low price on an unbreakable medium that shipped at low cost New Orleans could be summarized as the mixing pot musicians. The city was home to almost every ethnic background, and as we know, with every ethnic background comes a different musical sound. It ranged from African to Spanish to Cajun to Cerole and more. Supposedly, New Orleans is characterized as "the birthplace of jazz", partly because it was t ...

Literary Analysis on Everyday Use by Alice Walker Essay

Literary Analysis on Everyday Use by Alice Walker - Essay Example vealed by the use she intends to put the quilts to, and by the fact that her sudden interest in her heritage has been sparked by her exposure to an American reinterpretation of it. Dee is one of the people W.E.B. Du Bois refers to in The Souls of Our Striving, who struggle with the apparent incompatibility of their family heritage, and the Black heritage that is filtered through the context of American life. In contrast, Maggie, who still lives in the family home, lives her culture every day, shown simply by the fact that she will use those quilts every day, and by the fact that she realizes the quilts themselves are less important than the family memories that they represent. In Everyday Use Walker uses characterization and symbolism to show the reader that culture is something that people live, and that culture as a learned institution does not provide one with full understanding. Complex and well-developed characterization forms a significant part of understanding the way culture is portrayed in the story. We are first introduced to Mama, whose first name we never learn – she simply identifies herself as â€Å"a Johnson†. (Walker 518)Mama lacks education and quick wits, but she â€Å"can work outside all day† (Walker 518) and â€Å"kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man†. (Walker 518) Despite seeming proud of her physical prowess, Mama shows dissatisfaction with herself when she begins to think of Dee, remembering that while Dee â€Å"would always look anyone in the eye†, (Walker 518) Mama herself is unable to. When we first see Maggie, she is â€Å"almost hidden by the door†. (Walker 518) Maggie’s character remains hidden to the reader for most of the story – it is only towards the end, and in contrast with Dee, that we are shown her depth of character. As the story unfolds, we see that Maggie an d Mama are similar in how they identify with family and memories, and in showing these similarities we see that Maggie herself is part of the family and

IMAGO Architects - Academic Writing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

IMAGO Architects - Academic Writing - Assignment Example However, before customers can be identified, it is very important that a market research is to be conducted about the possibility of selling the latest Imago Architects design: a laminated glass staircase that appears to float. This paper will proceed to indicate what market research is, how to conduct one, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of conducting a market research. Market research is a tool for businesses to determine the needs or demands of the market, size, and competition (McQuarrie, 2005). There are several types of markets and can be divided in several segments but for the purpose of marketing the floating glass staircase of Imago Architects, it will limit segmentation samples to what may or may not be applicable for the targeted market. Market segment for the floating staircase may be classified for their price (affordability) or design preferences. Upon defining various market segments, Imago will need to undertake product differentiation. Imago will need present the floating staircase as something unique yet desirable to its targeted market. One major concept to be exploited is as a â€Å"state of the art† product for interior design wherein technophile groups or market segment may be targeted. It is then important to define the group or market segment. Various market segments may be categorized into geographic differences, personality differences, demographic differences such as gender, age, among others. In defining the market segment, the market researcher will need to explore what are the basic demographic data of the target market or even individuals in that market segment. These data include income bracket, age, profession or source of income, area of residence, where this person shops, his family status, hobbies, preferences in consumption, activities, and many others. These are important in order to determine the ways in which marketing communication

Discuss the work of an artist of your choice who engages critically Essay

Discuss the work of an artist of your choice who engages critically with the concept of fashion and consumer culture. Support yo - Essay Example And it is art through which archeologists calculate the age of a certain ‘lost’ civilization. It has been established so far that paintings are the most ancient and noble form of expression. Though art is unique to each artist but each of them fall in a certain epoch where certain trends were famous. It is important to note that these trends are largely influenced by the socio-cultural, economical and political situation of that particular place. Consider the movement of Renaissance, which took birth in Italy and later spread to the whole Europe and Britain as well. The political turmoil had given birth to a want of perfection, towards change and most importantly to a more meaningful approach of life. Towards the 16th century, the hold of the Church had also grown weak and so people started to interpret the holy book through their own intelligence. This attitude is redundant in the works of Michelangelo. Hence, art and especially fine arts gives a glimpse into the societ y as a whole and also represents the fashion of that age too. For it is impossible to ignore such impacts in the lives of human beings and since artists are sensitive beings, they are prone to changes even by the slightest notion. It may differ that whether the fine artist approves of the fashion and consumer culture or disregards it in his paintings or a sculpture, which thoroughly depends on the nature of that artist but these influences, will find their places in the nooks and crevices of the work of art. Being an artist means that they live a life of their own pattern and standard. It is universally accepted that the artists’ especially fine artists do not have a limit and that artists consider art as their religion. For this very reason, artists from various sects in the society are scorned for their waywardness which for the artist is the way of life. This being established, it can be said that most artists live a life of their own choice and that a 9-5 job cannot bound them. There are various universities in the US where 24 hour studio is available for their fine arts students. However this does not mean that the fine artist can just excel in painting and drawing but there are fields like digital and graphic painting and also art marketing where the fine art students do get white collar jobs. Hence, a clear resolution for their profession cannot be drawn with a mathematical formula. In this paper, Max Ernst’s work in regard to fashion and consumer culture shall be discussed. â€Å"Max Ernst was a German-born Surrealist who helped shape the emergence of Abstract Expressionism in America post-World War II. Armed with an academic understanding of Freud, Ernst often turned to his work-whether sculpture, painting, or collage-as a means of processing his experience in World War I and unpacking his feelings of dispossession in its wake.† (Fiedorek) He is best known for promoting collage and it is noted that before him no other fine artist had esteemed the position of a collage as a form of art. According to him, â€Å"Collage is the noble conquest of the irrational, the coupling of two realities, irreconcilable in appearance, upon a plane which apparently does not suit them.† (Rogers) It is said that a childhood trauma made him see that this world is full of different realities existing at the same time. The trauma was of losing a beloved pet and interestingly his baby sister was born that very night. This left a deep mark on him which is obvious in his works of art as

Social Constructs of Gender and Sexuality

Social Constructs of Gender and Sexuality Sexism- Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex. Many people are still faced with the absence of equality solely because they are a woman. Sexism is used as a way to keep women submissive in our patriarchal driven society. The three methods that are used to ensure the predominance of submissive attitudes in women are homophobia, violence, and economics. These acts further emphasize the importance of feminism in The United States. Sexism is enforced through traditional gender roles, or how people are perceived through the eyes of society. For example, Linda is a woman, so therefore she must dress appropriately and stay home and care for her children. People oftentimes forget that we are not born with gender as a genetic trait; it is in how one chooses to present themselves. Gender is so much the routine ground for everyday activities that for many people, questioning its taken-for-granted assumptions and presuppositions is like thinking about whether the sun will come up (Lorber 13). West and Zimmermans concept of doing gender suggests that women and men are to continuously act out membership in their appropriate gender category. They are expected to submit to traditional gender roles and to do gender in ways that are constructed by society as natural (Murphy 210). Gender is oftentimes misinterpreted by the members of society. It is skewed in a way that is to mean gender is strictly related to sex. Both women and men are expected to act according to traditional norms, and when they deviate from those norms, they are subject to scrutiny by other members of society (Lorber and Farrell 210). The vast majority women would more than likely rather avoid the negative judgment by society and remain within the realms of normative behavior. Gender is considered to be a socially constructed status in The United States. Society tends to overlook the concept of gender because it is so ascribed into our daily lives that it takes a severe disruption to notice. Judith Lorber says, Gender signs and signals are so ubiquitous that we usually fail to note them- unless they are missing or ambiguous (112). Gender is looked upon as an issue of black and white, man and woman, provider and supporter. It is related to our roles of normality in our society. Gender tends to be stratified in that men are the privileged and women the unprivileged. To be a man is to have a crown, and to be a woman is to make it. We are conditioned at an early age that girls and boys are to look and act differently. Fathers teach their sons sports and how to be tough, and mothers teach their daughters how to bake and act like a lady. According to societys standards of what is right and what is wrong, many individuals whom fall under the stereotype of how lesbians/gays appear as are scrutinized on a daily basis. An individual is subject to assessment by others on how well and appropriately one displays his or her gender category (Lorber and Farrell 210). When picturing a heterosexual woman, what do you see? Maybe it is a slender woman, who appears fragile or weak, dresses in a feminine manner, and is maybe not as intellectual as most men? When picturing a homosexual woman, what do you see? It could be a woman with short, spiked hair that chooses to dress in clothes that are traditionally made for men; and is larger than most straight women? In reality, all women, regardless of their sexual orientation are the same; in that, the most feminine women could prefer women and the most masculine women could prefer men. It is sad to say that women keep their sexual identity to themselves and feel forced to present them ho wever they feel society wants them to appear. From day one, males are conditioned to be masculine and it is the source of oppression not only for women, but to some men as well. Men are each others biggest opponents; looking down upon one another for encompassing any aspect of femininity, stemming into homophobia. Therefore, homosexual men are frowned upon in much of the same context as lesbians. Heterosexism prevails once again in labeling these males as sissies and wimps because they do not necessarily embody the same traditional male mentality as many heterosexual males do. Men view this as a threat because they assume that gay men are working against everything straight men have worked for, in terms of dominance and respect, in societal institutions. If any facet of weakness, or femininity, is observed they are automatically insulted and ranked lower on societys stratification status. Sociology Professor, Michael Kimmel explains how oppression starts here: men against men, weaker men against stronger women, and eventually wo men against women (184). Our system of patriarchy strives on power. Homophobia is used as a means to reinforce patriarchy. The word homophobia was unknown to me until the late 1970s, and when I first heard it, I was struck by how difficult it is to say, what an ugly word it is, equally as ugly as its meaning. Like racism and anti-Semitism, it is a word that calls up images of loss of freedom, verbal and physical violence, death (Pharr 1). Homophobia, as defined by Suzanne Pharr, is the irrational fear and hatred of those who love and sexually desire those of the same sex (1). Homosexual women all over the country have struggled with gaining respect and equality from many men, and in some cases, women. Megan Murphy from the University of Albany conducted a survey on heterosexual females attitudes toward openly lesbian students on the same college campus (212). Her findings dictate that the majority of the subjects would exclude said lesbians because they do not want other people to get the wrong idea in regards to their own sexual preference (215). Other findings show that some of the students surveyed would only tolerate their existence, but not support it (216). Sorority and Fraternity parties on college campus are examples of gendered erotic markets, places where women and men are required to act in sexually traditional manner. These markets discriminate against homosexual women because they are expected to act in the same way as the other women present, but obviously will not due to their sexual preference. Women have been conditioned to be homophobic towards other women from the norms set forth by society. The term lesbian oftentimes frightens heterosexual women away from being associated with feminism and womens liberation. Being a lesbian and being a man-hater are used interchangeably to describe the women whom participate in feminist activism. Both are used to identify the womens movement and continue to give feminists everywhere a bad reputation. Sexism prevails in this aspect on the basis that many women who believe in equal rights and reform are forced by societys view of traditional gender roles and male dominance to stray away from the subject. Thus, they conform to said gender roles and live life by other women whom succumb to societal pressures. A graduate student from Northern Illinois University, Wayne Wilkinson, conducted a survey of 269 self-proclaimed heterosexual females ranging from 18-20 years of age at a University in the Midwestern United States. Waynes hypothesis was that heterosexual womens attitudes against lesbians facilitate the patriarchal system dominated by males. Further investigation leads him to confirm that of those surveyed, the conservatives tend believe in traditional gender roles in order to define what is considered natural for females and males alike (141). Those whom identify themselves as conservative generally believe in tradition and womens role within the household, whereas those who identify themselves as liberal tend to welcome change more easily. The central focus of the rightwing attack against womens liberation is that womens equality, womens self-determination, womens control of our own bodies and lives will damage what they see as the crucial societal institution, the nuclear family (P harr 17). Nuclear family- a social unit composed of a father, mother, and their children. Fearing anyone whom identifies with a sexual orientation other than heterosexuality, is a way to keep women in line under male power. Lesbians are then considered double victims, of both sexism and homophobia. This is due to misogyny and the patriarchal system induced by men and some heterosexual women who encourage it. Homophobia tends to mirror heterosexism. They work together to enforce the notion that everyone must be straight. Those who are not straight must face the consequences by said individuals. Heterosexism- the belief that since person A is heterosexual, person B must be too. The display of anti-gay attitudes in societal institutions is almost synonymous with homophobia in that they both enforce assumptions that the world and all of its components must remain in a heterosexual state; in that, anything outside of the traditional nuclear family is looked down upon. The nuclear family remains a dominant example of societys heterosexism and patriarchal structure; it signifies traditional gender roles. Any woman seen to be stepping outside of that role, whether it be providing for herself, not having children, demanding equal pay, and obtaining assertion in any situation that attempts to skew them away from what they believe in, risks being called a lesbian. In the past, people did not know how to handle the fact that people can love others of the same sex. Suzanne Pharr explains how there have been two main theories created in attempt to make sense of their way of life. My exploration of the sickness theory led me to understand that homosexuality is simply a matter of sexual identity, which along with heterosexual identity, is formed in ways that no one conclusively understands (Pharr 2). Since many heterosexual individuals cannot relate to homosexual men and women on the basis of love and romantic relationships, it is viewed as taboo. The American Psychological Association has said that it is no more abnormal to be homosexual than it is to be left handed (Pharr 2). [Being homosexual] is simply that a certain percentage of the population is (Pharr 2). Many heterosexual people, men and women, do not realize that it is not a matter of sickness or health. What is unhealthy is homophobia- that societal disease that places such negative mess ages, condemnation, arid violence on gay men and lesbians that we have to struggle throughout our lives for self-esteem (Pharr 2). It is simply a way they choose to live their lives, and it is unfortunate that just because it is not exactly as those whom are heterosexual, they have to be labeled with such negative connotations. Dawn Szymanski hypothesized that internalized heterosexism would negatively correlate to feminist attitudes. The research and study of over 200 self-proclaimed lesbians and/or bisexual women shows that the more heterosexist attitudes a woman holds, the less likely she is to positively relate to feminism (156). The consequences of heterosexism have been shown to cause stress, depression, and other psychological related disorders in women. Szymanski states, Internalized heterosexism is related to a variety of psychological difficulties, such as depression, a lack of social support and low self-esteem in lesbians and bisexual women (146). Homosexual men and women experience heterosexism differently; this could be due to the presence of sexism and traditional gender role socialization. The second theory often times used to explain homosexuality is The Sin Theory. This is often used by religious people backing up their beliefs through Biblical texts. It is interesting that said individuals refer to The Bible on this matter because it is impossible to prove the validity of the texts. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the fact is that the word homosexual does not occur anywhere in the Bible. No extant text, no manuscript, neither Hebrew nor Greek, Syriac, nor Aramaic, contains the word. The terms homosexual and heterosexual were not developed in any language until the 1890s, when for the first time the awareness developed that there are people with a lifelong, constitutional orientation toward their own sex. Therefore the use of the word homosexuality by certain English Bible translators is an example of the extreme bias that endangers the human and civil rights of homosexual persons (Mollenkott 383-4 Pharr 3). If their higher being(s) are described as respectful, all-welcoming, and fo rgiving, how is it that these homosexual individuals are not treated as justly as everyone else? The marriage laws in The United States stands as an example of how heterosexism rules much of society. Many people use the Bible to state their beliefs in what marriage truly means, and feel it is meant to be a union between a man and woman. It has been argued that because two people of the same sex cannot physically reproduce a child, it is unnatural. Gay marriage has been illegal in The U.S. for a long time; it was not until recently that a few states legalized the matter. The first six states to legalize gay and lesbian marriage were Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut, New York, as well as The District of Columbia. It was not until the 2012 re-election of President Barack Obama that three more states were added to the list: Maine, Maryland, and Washington. Traditional gender roles and religious bias prevail once again, excluding certain individuals from enjoying the freedom that they deserve. The second component of sexism is violence. Violence is used as a means to keep women submissive and obedient. Men use violence when they feel threatened by a womans actions whenever she stands up for herself or attempts to move onward with her life. Violence is used against women in both physical and emotional means. Work in the womens anti-violence movement during almost two decades has provided significant evidence that each of these acts, including rape and incest, is an attempt to seek power over and control of another person (Pharr 13). Women who have suffered through any violence from a male have been belittled to be viewed as something of ownership, or an object. Resorting to name-calling and pulling on emotions can be the biggest obstacle a woman will go through, even more so than physical violence. Men who refer to women in such a way is attempting to prove that she needs him in her life, or that she will be useless without him. When a male abuser calls a woman a lesbian, he is not so much labeling her a woman who loves women as he is warning her that by resisting him, she is choosing to be outside societys protection from male institutions and therefore from wide-ranging, unspecified, ever-present violence (Pharr 15). Maybe what the abuser in this type of situation is most afraid of is losing his control over her, what he feels he has a natural right to do as a man in todays society. As Suzanne Pharr put it, the concern is not affectional/sexual identity: the concern is disloyalty and the threat is violence (15). Many feminists agree that economics is the main effect of sexism. Pharr exerts the theory by stating, Men profit not only from womens unpaid work in the home but from our underpaid work within a horizontal female segregation such as clerical works or upwardly mobile tokenism in the workplace where a few affirmative action promotions are expected to take care of all womens economic equality needs (10). Alongside of affirmative action is the glass ceiling. The glass ceiling is a way for supervisors to lure women in to their company, stating that there are many ways for advancement and pay raises, but never allow them to enjoy those benefits. The glass ceiling allows the woman-worker to see the proposed benefits, but prevents them from actually obtaining them while their male counterparts reap the rewards. Women are then forced to be dependent on men for economic security, maintaining male domination and put limitations on the options women have for being self-sufficient and determined to advance in society. Social institutions are at the core of oppression and inequality. Oppression can be accomplished through racism, sexism, classism, ageism, and even how one identifies their sexuality. Women are denied positions of power because it is considered stepping out of the gender role mentality and men, who are usually in charge of said institutions, are petrified of it. For years women have been ranked in society based on their race, class, and age. Caucasian women go through a form of oppression, but it is different from those whom are African American and vice versa; this does not mean equality cannot be the same for all. It was not until the end of the second wave of feminism that women of all races and religions were brought in to the picture. It is unfortunate that women of every sexual orientation are still not respected by all women. We are in the midst of the third wave of feminism; it is our goal to turn this mentality of inequality for lesbians and bisexual women around. Homophobia is used time and time again as a weapon of sexism on the basis of economics, violence, and patriarchy. Our socially stratified society continuously enables men to claim opportunities of importance and women what is left. Any woman who turns away from the traditional gender roles created by men and upheld by society as a whole, is looked down upon and faces the risk of being abused physically and/or mentally. Heterosexual women can identify with lesbians on a personal level, but some choose not to openly do so because of the patriarchal society we live in. These acts only emphasize a mans need to be the sole provider and leave women succumbing to the pressures these males harbor them with. Feminism is an important concept that all women in this country should endure. It gives heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual women alike a sense of community and strength that they cannot find out in the world we are faced with. Liberal feminism allows individuals to open their eyes wide enough to see past the oppression and discrimination the erotic markets create for them. If one cannot physically overthrow the system, one must learn to work within it. Just because a woman speaks her mind does not mean that she is a radical feminist. Just because a woman stands for what she believes in does not mean she hates men. Just because a woman is successful and independent does not mean she is a threat to society. Feminism is oftentimes overlooked by many women and the mockery of many men; it is seen as abrasive and nonsensical. Homosexuality is not a mental disorder nor does it need the approval of any biblical reference. What is considered right in the eyes of society cannot be justified on the basis of opinion; what are justifiable are facts. It is a fact that women are capable of doing things on their own. It is a fact that women can obtain a higher degree of education than men. It is a fact that women can be happy regardless of their sexual orientation. Some men feel threatened any time a woman is assertive and independent. It hampers the testosterone driven society and its norms. It gives some women a reason to move forward and others a reason to move back. Sexism is used to keep women apart, keep their voices lowered and their opinions dismissed. Until women of all races, sexual preferences, classes, and religions can work together to cut the root of sexism, it will continue to grow.

Xenotransplantation Essay -- Medical Research Transplant Donor Essays

Xenotransplantation Physicians today are faced with a growing list of patients awaiting transplants for organs that have failed, but there are not enough donors to meet these needs. Countries all over the world have a â€Å"human organ shortage† and the waiting lists for organ transplants only seem to grow longer (Melo 427). In the United States 62,000 patients needed a kidney, liver, or pancreatic transplant in the year 2001. Xenotransplantation, which refers to the transplantation of organs, cells, or tissues from animal species into human beings, has been heralded as a promising technology that will help us save more lives and lessen the dire shortage of transplantable organs. Organs from pigs, goats, monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons have been used in xenotransplant experiments conducted so far. It promises to be a good treatment option for patients with end-stage organ failure (Williams 12). The transplant surgery could be scheduled at the patient’s convenience rather than scheduling an emergency surgery as soon as the human donor is found. Patients would be able to receive transplants when they first need them rather than having to wait until a transplant is the only remaining option that can save their lives. When transplants are conducted earlier, the patient will be stronger and have a better chance of recovering. Xenotransplantation appears to have several advantages as a medical procedure, but like any medical procedure it is not without its risks. Before we embrace xenotransplantation as yet another boon of science, we need to consider the ethical dilemmas surrounding this medical technology. History of Xenotransplantation The concept of using animal organs in human beings is not a new one. On... ... Xenotransplantation.† Bioethics. 2001 Vol 15 Number5/6. Nelson, James Lindemann. â€Å"Transplantation through a Glass Darkly.† Hastings Center Report. Sept-Oct 1992: 6-8. [Online] http://online.sfsu.edu/~rone/GEessays/Transplantation.htm â€Å"The Ethical Implications of Xenotransplantation.† American Medical Association. CEJA Reports 2000-2002. [Online] http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/upload/mm/369/ceja_report_113.pdf Veatch, Robert M. The Basics of Bioethics. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000. Williams, Rebecca D. â€Å"Organ Transplants from Animals.† FDA Consumer. June 1996, Vol 30 Issue 5. [Online] http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/596_xeno.html Windsor, Roger G. â€Å"Spare Body Parts from Animals.† Spectrum: The Wholistic News Magazine. Mar-Apr 1997. â€Å"Xenotransplantation.† Natural Life. Jan-Feb 2000, Issue 71. [Online] http://www.life.ca/nl/71/xeno.html