English vs. Mother tongue as a medium of instruction Essay

I. Introduction Background of the Study Before we discuss the so-called Gullas bill or the proposed act strengthening and enhancing the use of English as a medium of instruction, let’s get a backgrounder on the state of education in the Philippines. For every 100 children that start grade one in our country, only 65 will reach Grade 6, the others having dropped out along the way (with 18 of the dropouts occurring between Grade 1 and Grade 2). What this means is that even before these children are 12 years old, more than one third of them are essentially condemned to poverty. That is not all. The net enrollment ratios have been steadily decreasing between 2003 and 2007, and for the Philippines, that has gone down from 90.3% to 83.2%. The quality of that education is abysmal. Only 26% or a little over  ¼ of 6th graders have a mastery of English, where mastery is defined as obtaining a score of 75% or higher in English, 31% of those students have a mastery of Math and 15% have a mastery of Science. And if that is abysmal, that means the quality of high school education has to be the pits because only 7% of them have mastery in English. 16% have mastery in Math†¦ 2% have mastery in Science. Even college does not help: only 2 to 7% of college graduates who apply for positions in BPOs show English mastery, and even then, they have to undergo another three months of training to increase their competence. This is where the Gullas bill comes in. The rationale of that bill is that if we want to have greater competence in English, and be in a position to take advantage, or compete in a globalized world, English must be used as the medium of instruction from Grade 3 onwards. Now everyone will agree that we need greater competence in English to be competitive in a globalized world. But educators or those who have done education research will disagree that using English as the medium of instruction will accomplish that goal. As a matter of fact, they point out that research findings are unequivocal, that to achieve greater mastery in English or Filipino, the most effective medium of instruction is in the child’s mother tongue that is her first language or the language spoken at home. Studies in country after country bear this out. Teaching in an official school language that is not the mother tongue is a major barrier in the child’s learning. In the Philippines, the experiment was conducted in Kalinga, where teachers use Kalinga to teach children from Grades 1 to 3 to read and write. It is also the medium of instruction for teaching other subjects, including Filipino and English. Out of the 10 districts in the Kalinga division, the Lubuagan district topped the 2006 national achievement test Grade 3 reading test for both English and Filipino, with mean scores of 76.55% and 76.45 respectively, which indicates mastery. The Tinglayan district came in a far second, registered only 63.89% and 53.58%. The Gullas bill has very good intentions. But, as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Statement of the Problem 1. Between the two medium of instruction, which is effective? 2. Do you agree that English is effective as a medium of instruction? 3. Do you believe that English is a barrier in child’s learning? Significance of the Study Our study determines whether the English or the mother tongue is the effective medium of instruction, to determine the affectivity of English as medium of instruction and give justice to the belief of English as a barrier in child’s earning. Scope and Limitations This particular study focuses on the topic â€Å"English versus mother tongue as a medium of instruction. This study will also explore the issue of whether the English or mother tongue is an effective medium of instruction Operational Definition of Terms English is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England and is now a global lingua franca. Gullas Bill is the proposed act strengthening and enhancing the use of English as a medium of instruction, let’s get a backgrounder on the state of education in the Philippines. Medium of Instruction is the language used by the teacher to teach. Teaching the language, or educational content, through the target language increases the amount of exposure the learner gets to it, and the opportunities they have to communicate in it, and therefore to develop their control of it. Mother tongue one’s native language; the language learned by children and passed from one generation to the next II. Methodology A. Sampling Who are your respondents? Students who are English majors Elementary students who already undergone mother tongue subjects

A Study of the Microfinance Institutions Essay

One factor inhibiting the attainment of development goals in less developed countries is the populace’s general inability to access factors of production, especially finance. This limits the entrepreneurial ability of the people, especially the poor. Consequently, potential employment opportunities and household prospects for creating wealth and improving income are lost. Microcredit has been one framework adopted to address this problem. Its evolution reflects acknowledgement of credit market failures especially in the formal financial sector. There has been, therefore, a shift from the formal financial sector to microfinance Micro finance practice has had a long history in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, long before economist and world financial analyst recognized it as weapon against poverty. The practice of micro finance in Nigeria is as old as man; it has been a long-term practice in our context. It is mostly practiced in less developed countries, where per capita income is very low. In the mid twentieth, theorists were concerned over the poverty and process of development with specific attention on â€Å"under developed nations† as developing countries were then tagged. According to the World Bank’s World Development Report 1999/2000: Entering the 21st century, in 1998, about 1.2 billion people 24 percent of the population in developing and transition economies lived on less than $1 a day. In 1999, 4.5 billion people of 75 percent of the world’s population lived in low-and-lower-middle income economies. Of these, 2.4 billion were from low income economies with an average annual Gross National Product (GNP) per capita of $410, while 2.1 billion lived in lower middle income economies with an average annual GNP per capital of $1,200 (World Bank, 2000/2001). W.W. Rostows, a leading proponent on state of progression or growth, noted that the critical â€Å"take off stage† recognize certain minimal rate of investment to take place, to foster development and better the standard of living of individuals. In an attempt to improve the live of the poor and to raise the standard of living in the country, the United states Agency and Implementation Development (USAID), 1995), recognizes while Government are involved in different programs because most government want to encourage the development of  business, to supplement general, policy goals that apply to business, with specific policies and programs aimed at micro and small enterprises. More also, policies that minimize the costs of licensing and registering a business, provide easy access to information about laws and regulations, and facilitates commercial codes, which establish rules to minimize the cost of doing business by defining the rights and responsibilities of all parties to a transaction. Hence the involvement of Federal Government, and other international agencies in the program of reducing the poverty level amongst Nigerians. Such programs as Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DEFRRI), Nigeria Agricultural Cooperative Bank (NACB) and Peoples Bank of Nigeria e.t.c. The aim of the program was to assist and deliver financial services and development to rural communities. The purpose of this paper is to take a cursory look at microfinance institutions and their effects on funding of small scale enterprises in Edo State. Concept of Micro Finance Micro finance can be defined as a development tool used to create access for the economically active poor to financial services at a sustainably affordable price (CBN, 2005). Eluhaiwe (2005) opined that micro finance is the provision of thrift, credit and other financial services and products in very small amounts to the poor to enable them to raise their income levels and improve their standard of living. Micro finance has also been defined as the provision of very small loans that are repaid within short period of time and is essentially used by low income individuals and households who have few assets that can be used as collateral (Ukeje, 2005). Micro finance is basically a tool designed to improve the capacities of the economically active poor to participate in the larger economy. The economically active poor are either micro entrepreneurs who operate in the informal sector (trading, farming, food catering, craftsmanship and artisanship) or people earning wages. Such poor people earn their living in either rural or urban areas; and the financial services for which access is sought are mainly savings and loans (Idolor, 2007). Micro finance is about providing financial services to the poor who are traditionally not served by the conventional financial institutions. Many features distinguish micro finance from other formal financial products. Five of these are: the smallness of loans advanced or savings collected, the absence of asset-based collateral, and simplicity of operations (Kimotha, 2005). Others are its targets as the marginalized group of borrowers, and its general employment of a group lending approach (Igbinedion and Igbatayo, 2004). The group lending approach has implication for the pressure that the members of the group bring to bear on one another to ensure loan repayment, so that the group can continue to enjoy borrowing or loan facilities. In developing countries, a majority of the population do not have access to financial services and thus constitute the group that micro finance tries to reach. Nigeria, like any other developing country, is saddled with the problem of rural urban migration, mass illiteracy, poor infrastructures, poverty and low access to formal financial services. Hence the need for the government’s micro finance policy, aimed at expanding the financial infrastructure of the country to meet the financial requirements of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as the rural and urban poor. The policy has created a platform for the establishment of Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) geared towards enhancing the provision of diversified micro finance services on a short-term or long-term and sustainable basis for the poor and low-income groups. It would also help create a vibrant micro finance sub-sector that would be adequately integrated into the mainstream of the national financial system and provide the stimulus for poverty reduction, economic growth and development (CBN, 2005). It also has the potential of not only urban–rural but rural–rural migration as Nyberg and Rozelle (1999) noted with respect to China. Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Small and Medium Scale Enterprises are sub-sectors of the industrial sector which play crucial roles in industrial development (Ahmed S. 2006). Following the adoption of Economic reform programme in Nigeria in 1981, there have been several decisions to switch from capital intensive and large scale industrial projects which was based on the philosophy of import development to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises which have better prospects for developing domestic economy, thereby generating the required goods and services that will propel the economy of Nigeria towards development. It is base on this premise that Ojo .O. (2009), argued that one of the responses to the challenges of development in developing countries particularly, in Nigeria, is the encouragement of entrepreneurial development scheme. Despite the abundant natural resources, the country still finds it very difficult to discover her developmental bearing since independence. Quality and adequate infrastructural provision has remained a night-mare, the real sector among others have witnessed downward performance while unemployment rate is on the increase. Most of the poor and unemployed Nigerians in order to better their lots have resorted to the establishment of their own businesses. Consequently, Entrepreneurship is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria. This is as a result of the fact that the so called white collar jobs that people clamour for are no longer there. Even, the touted sectors (Banks and companies) known to be the largest employer of labour are on the down-turn following the consolidation crisis and fraudulent practices of the high and mighty in the banking sector. The companies of course are folding up as a result of erratic power supply, insecurity and persistent increase in interest rate which has lead to high cost of production and undermines profit making potentials of companies operating in Nigeria. As a result of banking sector practices and continuous folding up of companies, a lot of Nigerians are thrown into unemployment which inevitably detriment the economic situation of the country. Since the office jobs that people desire are no longer there for the teeming population, and the few ones that succeeded in getting the jobs are thrown out as a result of the factors identified above, the need for the government and the people to have a rethink on the way-out of this mess became imperative. Hence, the need for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) became a reality as a means of ensuring self independent, employment creation, import  substitution, effective and efficient utilization of local raw materials and contribution to the economic development of our dear nation (Nigeria). All the aforestated benefits of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises cannot be achieved without the direct intervention of the government and financial  institutions. Over the years a number of policies have been formulated by the government with a view to developing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. The Nigerian government under the then leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasajo promulgated micro-finance policy and other regulatory and supervisory frame work in 2005. Funding of Small Scale Enterprises Through the Microfinance Institutions in Edo State Among the economically active population of Edo State, there is a strong demand for small scale financial services. Micro finance institutions try to bridge the gap by accessing credit to low income people to improve household and enterprise management, increase productivity, smooth income flows and  consumption costs, enlarge and diversify their micro businesses, and increase their incomes. Using LAPO Microfinance Bank as a reference point, the challenges hitherto faced by most small scale business owners in accessing finance in the state have reduced drastically. Before, most small scale business found it extremely difficult to expand principally due to the lack of access to loans from financial institutions. This inability is mainly as a result of the stringent conditions attached to such loans. One of the conditions demanded by financial institutions before loans are granted is the provision of the necessary collaterals. The inability of small investment owners to provide such collaterals has often led to the nonexpansion of their businesses. With the establishment of microfinance institutions in the state, all that challenges in accessing needed funds for businesses have been reduced to the bearest minimum. This is so because these various microfinance institutions in the state have been able to provide small and medium scale entrepreneurs with more funds for their business ventures. METHODOLOGY In writing this paper the researchers principally used existing literatures and record relevant to the subject matter of this paper. Using deductive approach, the researchers were able to draw conclusion having critically reviewed salient issues in existing literatures and records. This method was adopted because time would not permit the use of questionnaire which ordinarily has to be administered to a sizeable number of small and medium scale Enterprises, as well as micro finance banks across the state. However, reviewing related works by other researchers gave a deeper insight to the researchers which  enabled us to draw reasonable conclusion. CONCLUSION There is absolutely no doubt that small and medium scale Enterprises contribute tremendously to the nation’s economic development. Small and Medium Scale Enterprises constitute essential ingredients in the lubrication and development of any economy. In Edo State, the story makes  no remarkable difference as Small and Medium Scale Enterprises dominate the economy. Though access to funds by small business owners in the state is still poor, the various microfinance institutions, vis-à  -vis, microfinance banks have been able to provide easy access to the needed funds to small scale enterprises. The mainstream Banks which are suppose to complement and  implement government policies on the development of small scale enterprises also clamour for huge collaterals which prospective poor borrowers usually do not have even borrowers who could afford to provide benefiting collateral are further discouraged by continuous increase in interest rate which make borrowers vulnerable to the risk of continuous indebtedness to rich lenders. REFERENCES CBN (2005), Micro Finance Policy, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework for Nigeria. Abuja: Central Bank of Nigeria. Eluhaiwe, P. N. (2005), â€Å"Poverty Reduction Through Micro Financing: The Case of India†. CBN Bullion, Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 42-51. Idolor, E. J. (2007), â€Å"Micro Financing in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects†. Nigerian Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 9, No. l&2, pp. 134144. Igbinedion, O. J. and A. S. Igbatayo (2004), â€Å"Micro Credit and Poverty Reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Policy Framework in Nigeria†. Nigeria Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 15-35. Kimotha, M. (2005), National Micro Finance Policy Framework and its Expected Impact on the Micro Finance Market in Nigeria. CBN Seminar to Mark the International Year of Micro Credit in Nigeria, 15-16 December, Abuja. Nyberg, A. and S. Rozelle (1999), Accelerating China’s Rural Transformation. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. Ukeje, E. U. (2 005), â€Å"Poverty Reduction Through Micro Financing: The Case of Uganda†. CBN Bullion, Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 52-63. Ahmed S. A.(2006), the role of SMEs in developing economy, Abuja, Omotayo and co. ltd. Ojo O. (2009), Impact of Micro Finance on Entrepreneurial Development: A case of Nigeria. A paper presented at the International Conference on economic and administration, organized by the faculty of Administration and Business, University of Bucharest, Romania, 14th 15th November, 2009. 2000, World Development Report 1999/2000; Entering the 21st Century. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001, World Development Report 2000/2001; Attacking poverty. New York; Oxford University Press.

Fast Food Nation Discussion Questions

He is shocked that the greatest power house in t e world has this disease in it's system and it is right under our noses. 2. Believe that the primary goal Closer had in writing this book is exposing a America the fries, burgers, pizzas, subs, that we consume isn't what we think t is. The chicken, cows, and pigs aren't raised on a farm, slaughtered humanely, thro ugly inspected, packaged, and appears on our plates with a nice wrapper around it . He wanted us to be aware that this industry is doing everything in their power to exploit innocent workers, helpless animals, and the system with power and politics. Ink Closer is hoping for America to open their eyes and realize what is really g Long on around them. He wants to see any change, not drastic changes but slowly chaw Eng things. He might expect us to spread this information to anyone that hasn't re ad this book. To spread the info he gave to us to anyone that isn't aware of what is go ins on in their local fast food restaurants. 3 . He kind of depicts an American culture that seems to be oblivious of what is g Ongoing on and just wants to consume, consume, and consume.He kind of writes about transition of a culture where everything was made from scratch and hard word k paid off. No short cuts were taken. Nothing was ‘fast?' just quality food. (pigs 18, 1 7, 46, 50) He described American Farmers as a dying species, businessmen as money hung children as exploited adolescents, general working public as being manipulate d, and the eating public as an unaware audience. 4. The tone of Chlorate's text is subtle yet stern. I would classify this book as outstretching, dark, heartrending and informative.I honestly do not b live that anywhere in the book there was a hopefulness or optimism. It just seem to get darker and darker the more you read on. He asserts his opinion in sections like and Potatoes, The Most Dangerous Job, Your Trusted friends. Yes there are SE actions that are less/ or more biased. (Kenny pig 186, Sharp Knives pig 1 72, A Broken Link pig 146) 5. The effect of these stories is to have us feel connected in a way with them. Like e we know them personally, and understand and feel what they been through, and they are included to give us a generalization of how long these industries have been d Long these things.

International Monetary Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International Monetary Relations - Essay Example This will be centralized in one country hence policy setting as well as decision making can be improved on funds management. Execution is however, not personalized. Amongst the problems experienced, is currency risk when the value of exchange rates is not monitored. The treasurer and CFOs of the MNCs need to understand fully how to organize, report and integrate business operations for efficiency in resource use. Globally, it has been seen that idling of cash of up to $80 billion is a loss to the economy. Such a huge cash flow not invested for 3 months is non-beneficial and in turn loses value. Effective global treasury is aimed at managing such funds seldom producing economic benefits. Other aspects to be considered include the reporting systems in use, managing cash flow and working capital, and strengthening governance. The analysis shows that MNCs are making detrimental decisions if errors are made. One example reveals a loss in the value of foreign exchange when a North American company erroneously paid the wrong employee in the wrong country. A reversal of the transaction saw the company lose part of its money. Spreadsheets programs predispose the MNCs to inaccurate reporting. This can cause hedging of funds, to invest or to borrow where conditions do not depict so. The effect is higher if the actions are taken across border and the foreign exchange as well international market investments are at the core for MNCs. The open currency system that is mostly applied worldwide saw the North America Company lose its value for money. Government interventions are needed in order to globalize the treasurer to curb such effects. The foreign exchange can be abolished and investment made by MNCs be it currency forwards or currency futures or currency options will be easily managed through one currency system. Inaccuracy in cash forecasting is stated at 80% by treasurers. This is detriment to the economy since funds are not effectively managed and poor decision in cur rency derivatives can be made. Managing working capital is a key element in business operations. However, the managers in the MNCs find themselves in a predicament where working capital is held in regions where the MNCs are not established. A look at parity and forecasting for the MNCs would reveal that the interest parity rates as well as the purchasing power rates are not considered in achieving the fundamental goal- cash optimization. The inflation rates rising in some countries are not considered in this case. The purchasing power of products or service so created by the MNCs may be so low leading unprofitable endevours in some developing countries. Inaccuracy in cash flow reporting leads to improper forecasting and poor investment strategies. Financial risk should be critically assessed considering gains and losses that can arise in global business operations. The global treasury can assist in streamlining the decision making process if implemented effectively. MNCs are faced w ith currency exchange management in different countries. The liquidity of their operations in the near future can be analysed by measuring the currency exposure. The transaction exposure can be obtained by assessing values of foreign suppliers and consumers, subsidiary and affiliated companies in relation to liquidity of the MNCs. The cash flows and overall working capital can be monitored to show the operational exposure for the MNCs. The

Elementary School Observation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Elementary School Observation - Essay Example Most of the curriculum was centered around counting and the alphabet. The kids did have the opportunity to explore their creative sides by doing art projects, playing with Legos, and working on the computer. It was necessary for the teacher to break up the day into smaller chunks because the kids became restless quickly. After spending the first hour with the teacher, the students broke off into smaller learning groups of 5-7 children monitored by the teacher and her aides. The classroom was very clean and the supplies were readily available. There was a variety of learning tools for the students to use. Puzzles, blocks, and Legos were the tools most frequently used. All of the tools were well organized in bins. Overall, the classroom was well-organized. According to Kohlberg’s stages of moral reasoning, a child exhibiting bad behavior can be trained to behave. Middle childhood falls under stages 1 and 2 of Kohlberg’s theory of Preconventional Morality. In Stage 1, children follow rules to avoid punishment. In Stage 2, children follow rules for their own benefit (reward). (Feldman 2006). The reward system figures very prominently into a Kindergarten classroom. Children can collect prizes for doing their work well and staying on task. Conversely, they lose their chance to win prizes when they cause disruptions and refuse to do work. Children at this stage of development are seeking to establish their own identity. Self-esteem may play a role in how children view their relationships with their peers. According to Feldman, â€Å"Sometimes children make downward social comparisons with others who are obviously less competent or successful to raise or protect their own self-esteem.† Erickson’s Psychosocial Stages can be broken down as follows: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame or Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity vs. Role Confusion, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs.

The Concept of Failed State, New War and New Terrorism Essay

The Concept of Failed State, New War and New Terrorism - Essay Example "Nation-states exist to deliver political goods-security, education, health services, economic opportunity, environmental surveillance, a legal framework of order and a judicial system to administer it, and fundamental infrastructural requirements such as roads and communications facilities to their citizens. Failed states honor these obligations in the breach. They increasingly forfeit their function as providers of political goods to warlords and other non-state actors. In other words, a failed state is no longer able or willing to perform the job of a nation-state in the modern world".( ) This means that a failed state is characterized by certain indicators like non-existent safety and security for citizens, crumbling health care, education, infrastructure, and economy. This sort of situation can give rise to "emerging anarchy" where : "Failed states" can be viewed as a problem of "emerging anarchy" where organized groups that lack many of the attributes of statehood must pay attention to the primary problem of their own security. In a state of emerging anarchy, or whenever the internal balance of power shifts, questions of control become pre-eminent. This strategic environment can cause hostile groups to fear extinction and yield to mob violence. In a failed state where the lack of a central agency to provide law and order gives rise to warring factions struggling to fill the power vacuum, state failure is involved in a vicious circle with the outcomes of "new war". The term "new war" took on a new meaning after the events of September 11, but in fact, the term had already been coined in the 1990s by Mary Kaldor, who went on to explain her theory in magazines like The nation in November 2001: These new wars have to be understood in the context of globalization. They involve transnational networks, based on political claims in the name of religion or ethnicity, through which ideas, money, arms, and mercenaries are organized.....In the new wars, the goal is not military victory; it is political mobilization. Whereas in old-fashioned wars, people were mobilized to participate in the war effort, in the new wars, mobilizing people is the aim of the war effort, to expand the networks of extremism. In the new wars, battles are rare and violence is directed against civilians. The strategy is to gain political power through sowing fear and hatred, to create a climate of terror, to eliminate moderate voices and to defeat tolerance. And the goal is to obtain economic power as well.

Indeterminate Sentence and Parole Major Criticisms Personal Statement

Indeterminate Sentence and Parole Major Criticisms - Personal Statement Example The main central of indeterminate sentence and parole major criticisms is that neither rehabilitation nor criminal sanctions’ cardinal purpose is the attainable goal. The attainable and suitable aim of justice supported is punishment. Correctional officials have clinched indeterminate sentence outside their intractable desire to regulate the convicts’ behavior, and that is both evil and hypocritical. Effect of the indeterminate sentence can be partly viewed to be overcrowding in prisons. The rehabilitation model’s hypocrisy, disparate sentence, non volitional participation in programs by prisoners, and irrational and unpredictable paroling decisions all pilot to unrest, violence, and prison alienation. In researcher’s view, he would support abolition of both parole and indeterminate sentence. Indeterminate sentence presents disparate sentences obligated for similar crimes. Those disparities reflect socioeconomic and racial prejudices. Indeterminate sentenc e and parole require more supervision time costs regarding the administration, yet they do not satisfy the retributive sentiments of the public. As earlier mentioned, indeterminate sentence causes overcrowding in prisons which may easily result into disease outbreaks in the prison; this is a punishment to human healthy rather than a way of rectifying their behavior. Parole requires enormous expenses due to incompetence and corruption within the system. In addition, there is inaccurate knowledge of those who would be previously convicted.

Psychological and Biochemical Theories of Violent Behavior Essay

Psychological and Biochemical Theories of Violent Behavior - Essay Example Based upon the information from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services (2010) the psychological theory of violence in relation to criminal behavior is rooted in the relationship of a person's individual character in relation to his environment. To quote the Ontario Ministry study (2010); â€Å"psychologists focus on how mental processes impact individual propensities for violence. Psychologists are often interested in the association between learning, intelligence, and personality and aggressive behavior. â€Å" The psychological theory is that man was not born a violent creature. Rather, he turns to violence when he does not have any choice due to a lack of certain influences in his life that should have made him or her a peace loving person. Further studies in the area by the Ontario Ministry (2010) show that tests such as ; â€Å"The Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) have frequently been used to assess the personality characteristics of young people. The use of these scales has consistently produced a statistically significant relationship between certain personality characteristics and criminal behavior. ... testing also suggests that crime-prone youth are also impulsive, paranoid, aggressive, hostile, and quick to take action against perceived threats...† However, Masters (n.d.) argues that violence that is triggered in certain individuals is based on his exposure to biochemicals in his daily life. It is Masters belief that brain chemistry, environmental toxins, and violent crimes are all linked in a certain manner.  

How Cell Phones have Become a Danger to us Research Paper

How Cell Phones have Become a Danger to us - Research Paper Example The total number of users with cell phones is currently at 10 million worldwide (Corbett, 1). This is occasioned by the increase in the number of cell phone manufacturers in the market, hence leading to thousands of handsets available in the market lowering their prices. Today cell phones have features such as internet connectivity that enables them to browse the internet and download information. It enables transactions to take place and enhance communication between people through social sites. There is instant messaging service that enables them to send messages to peers online. Bluetooth and infrared connectivity has enabled users to send and receive files between interconnected cell phones. Electronic book reader capability enables the user to read and access online e-books and read them at their own convenient time. Mobile phones today have mp3, 3gp and online streaming capability that make them a form of entertainment for users. The user can download, save and listen to music and watch videos at their time of liking. Software companies have developed software’s like apple, opera, iphone that enable users to customize phones to their needs. In addition, with all these developments in the cell phone industry, there are several negative influences of cell phones use. Excessive use of cell phones has brought about health problems to the user. Cell phones communicate using microwave radiations that damage brain cells leading to increased chances of brain cancer. Use of cell phones for more than 500 hours per month, for 10 years, increase chances of brain cancer to the individual. Cell phones are known to cause mild and severe headaches to the users, together with ear irritability when the user talks on the phone for long periods. There is the irritability and fatigue caused when the user talks for a long time, as the radioactive materials that it emits reaches the brain cells and enters the nervous system (ControlYourImpact, p 1). Prolonged use of hand set accessories such as headphones and earphones can lead to partial deafness. Additionally another health hazard is placement of cell phones near the male productive organs that may increase infertility among men. Cell phones emit radiations to receive the signal whether they are in use or not and this has been seen to reduce the sperm count in males. The design and manufacturing of newer versions of cell phones has influenced the individual and society negatively. Presence of newer versions means that to the user there will be the need to buy another cell phone and discard the older one, even though it is still functional. This may lead to extra expenses as the user acquires the new handset or upgrades some of the features. Features like mp3 capability added with accessories like a headset and Bluetooth have made the users enjoy their music without having to use their phones. Another feature is the gaming capability of these handsets that make users concentrate on games in the cel l phone or online even in public and other places. This causes lapse in concentration and may make the individual ignore others and act carelessly making them susceptible to accidents. Moreover, users may talk in the public or even pick their calls or send messages in places where the usage of cell phones is restricted for example, in

Application of Research in Human Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Application of Research in Human Services - Essay Example In the United States, the origin of human services is traceable back to the charitable activities that groups undertook during the colonial period. These groups include the religious and civic organizations that existed during this time. Nevertheless, human services were not considered as a serious academic discipline until 1960s. Academicians during this era saw the significance of human services as an ideology that would revolutionize human service delivery and professionalism (Sundel et al., 1999). As stated earlier, the main objective of human service as a academic discipline is increasing the efficiency of service delivery. Other objectives of human service include the re-education and sharpening of professions involved in the traditional service delivery. These traditional helping professional, through human service, adopt a humanistic approach in service delivery; implementing humanistic psychology during service delivery. Furthermore, human service also improves the accountability of these professionals to the communities they are supposed to serve (Neukrug, 1994). Service delivery professionals are able to take responsibility in the organizations they serve and implement appropriate systems that take into consideration the population they are serving. Finally, human service advocates that service delivery professionals to be involved in social change that aims to improve society as a whole. Nursing, education, law, medicine, social work and other traditional academic programs were resistant in adopting the human service approach during service delivery. The reason they were resistant stemmed from the fact that this new ideology challenged the professional status of these academic programs (Sundel et al., 1999). However, this was not the case because human services aimed at encouraging these traditional professions in promoting social change. Human service programs branch into homeless youths, youth development programs, community collaborations among

Styles of love Essay Example for Free

Styles of love Essay The styles of love depicted in this essay are friendship and selfless love. Two scenarios depicting each style of love are presented. Friendship John and Lynda met each other in the office when Lynda joined the company where John worked. Both of them are the silent type of persons, simple and intelligent. They did not mix with the loud people in the company but rather, they grouped with simple, happy and low profile people just like them. Their frienship grew into a love relationship as they got to know each other more including their personal family backgrounds. They have many similar interests, were always happy together and they got married. Selfless love Joel is second eldest in a family of eight children. He did not finish college and was frequently tasked to take care of his younger siblings when their mother was away. Belle, on the other hand, is an architect and being the youngest in a brood of six, was pampered in the family. In their married life, Joel was able to take the tantrums of Belle. He was patient and was the one who always gave in such that any argument between them did not result into a bigger fight. As years went by, Belle became more in love with her husband whose forbearance complemented her frequently volatile temper. Joel always understood Belle and placed her interests on top of his priorities. Similarities and differences between the two scenarios Both scenarios have what it takes to achieve consummate love. For as long as the characters in the stories are able to maintain the balance of intimacy, passion and commitment, then consummate love can successfully be maintained. In the first scenario, John and Lynda share similar interests and have the same attitude and personality. In the second scenario, Joel and Belle do not have the same attitude and personality owing to their different family backgrounds. Belle even has a higher educational achievement than her husband but they are compatible in terms of being able to complement each other’s physical and emotional needs. Styles of love that have been prevalent in my life Romantic love between my partner and me and friendship (storge, philia) within the family and with close friends are the styles of love that have been most prevalent in my life. Reference Rathus, S. A. , Nevid, J. S. , Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. Allyn and Bacon: copyright by Pearson Education, Inc.

Beyond The Human Essay Example for Free

Beyond The Human Essay Nature is benevolent. It may condone one mistake of the human being. It may accommodate him in his yet another folly. But when the human beings continue with the deliberate, malicious and intentional negative activities to destroy Nature, Nature will hit back with tremendous vigor, for it has to recoup its original, natural health. Man is not the creature of Nature. Rather he is the product of the divine creative force that sustains the world. This novel by Atwood is grim and depressing and the contents therein, if it were to become true, do not augur well for the wellbeing of humanity. This book can be categorized as Science Fiction or speculative fiction, but as one goes through the contents, it reads like predictions that will come true. There is a method in the imaginative narrations which reach the borders or truth. At the end of each chapter, the reader is compelled to nod his head and say-yes, this can happen! How then to make this Planet Earth heaven-like? The answer is simple and direct. Eyes full of understanding, heart full of love and deep respect for the laws of Nature and the life that refuses conflicts—enough, these alone are enough! Two main themes dominate the book, Oryx and Crake. The novel relates to the distant future, the global warning has taken its toll, it has created many changes to the geography of Earth, that the coastal cities do not exist, and the name of New York is New New York. Umbrellas wont do to go outside in the sun; one invites certain death. The wealthier areas of the world still dominate, well-protected under places known as compounds and areas known as The Pleebands still exist. People live the normal life here, and understand Nature and its glory better. They know the real worth of Gods gifts to humanity. The plot of the book has three central characters. The narrator, Snowman, formerly known as Jimmy, is the only surviving human being on this Planet Earth. The sad beginning of the novel describes this terminally ill Snowman, sleeping in a tree. Food is in short supply; the sun is so hot that the Snowman has blisters on his body. The genetically engineered beings wolvogs and the pigoos that have managed to escape are now roaming the grounds, with no human beings to control them. At this stage, Atwood makes the reader ponder, as to what a sad pass the human race has arrived and the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the captains who led the human race. The role of the scientists becomes suspect here. No doubt, they obey the orders of the politicians and do research on weapons of more and more and destruction. When questioned, their reply is that they have no responsibility for its use. Atwood provides the imperative advice to those who govern the affairs of humanity that if proper review is not made in time, even the desperate remedies will not be able to avert the forthcoming desperate situations. The important question is not who is responsible but what will happen to the Planet Earth, when such irreversible grim situations confront humanity—in this particular story, the humanity itself is extinct so who is there to tell the story and also listen to the story! To what a calamitous situation this mad craze for unending research has brought the human race, the so-called crown of creation! How the human beings are unable to know the real source of happiness? True happiness is not in reading more and more books, creating innovative materialistic objects. The products of mind related thinking can never be the permanent source of happiness. To achieve the state of bliss, an individual has to cross the barrier of mind, rather transcend it. Now the only surviving human being the Snowman, has the added responsibility of looking after a group of humanoid creatures named the Crackers. His best friend Crake invented them and created such class of people. They are supposed to be ideal human beings. If only the individual who created such human being were to know the exact nature of ideal human beings! Crakers are strange creatures, with no emotions, no desires, and no sex drive. They just procreate, as matter of reflex action. They are without any motivation. The concept of war is not known to these creatures, and this aspect seems to be the only good point about them. Being strict vegetarians, they have no desire for meat. They are simple people, but the meaning of their simplicity is not amenable to human reason. The question is, why for these Crakers were created at all? An important conclusion is the mind-less craze for research must stop. How to stop it and where to stop it, should be the concern of the leadership of the humanity. A popular protest to halt the undesirable and unhealthy growth of research that affects the human life must be on the top of the agenda. This aspect of research can be illustrated with an example. An over the counter medication for diabetes claims—the cure for diabetes is guaranteed with this medicine. But the side effects reported are, hypertension, night-blindness, hair fall, palpitation of the heart, with possible heart attack, high blood pressure, blisters etc. Further research is in progress as to how to avoid these side-effects. Is it not prudent to own the original disease, instead of extending a cordial invitation to so many side effects? So, this much about the world of research related to the medical world. So, the important question is why the world ended and why should it have ended thus. Due to the follies of the miniscule of minority of human beings, the majority had to face the ultimate disaster—total extinction! —Atwood elucidates this aspect convincingly and indicates her deep concern for the real happiness of human beings, which is an attainable reality provided right type of efforts are made. Conclusion: One must read this book; one must re-read and ponder over the contents. The points mentioned in the book are logical and the conclusions are frightening. Just remember the atomic blasts done over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That was the time when the research on atomic weapons was still in its infancy. What if some mad political authority should initiate triggering the push-buttons of these silent demons? There wont be a Snowman to collect the ashes of humanity perhaps! Does the humanity deserve this? Perhaps not! Are we taking action and thinking strongly to avert such a situation? Perhaps not! Then who is to blame? Perhaps ourselves! The science-community, especially the bio-engineering division, is taken to task by Atwood and her deep suspicions about the craze of unending research are absolutely right. So, the scientists! —you may cross the moon and beat the stars; but probe and research you must the mysteries of a happy human heart! ************************** References Cited: Atwood, Margaret (Author) Book: Oryx and Crake. Paperback: 376 pages Publisher: Anchor (March 30, 2004) Language: English ISBN-10: 0385721676 ISBN-13: 978-0385721677

Linguistic Structure of the Unconscious by Lacan

Linguistic Structure of the Unconscious by Lacan Lacans View of the Linguistic Structure of the Unconscious and Implications for the Relevance of Psychoanalysis to the Social World Jacques Lacan has been called the most influential psychoanalyst since Freud. The impact of his work, both as a theory of the unconscious and as a repertoire of clinical practices, is reflected in the use of Lacanian methods by over half of psychoanalysts worldwide. Lacanian concepts and constructs also are thriving outside the consulting room, in the studies of literature and film, in feminist studies and legal studies, international relations and social policy. But what does psychoanalysis have to do with the social world? Historians, social and political scientists have contested a role for psychoanalysis in their respective social domains. There is fear that psychological reduction is inevitably results, lowering the objective social sphere to the subjective level of a culture on a couch. However, the theory and practice of psychoanalysis need not be atomistic. Freud regarded the study of institutions, languages, literature and art as a necessary prerequisite to successfully comprehending the analytic experience. Like Freud, and in his project of returning to Freud, Jacques Lacan studied and borrowed from a range of disparate fields, including philosophy, structuralist anthropology, literature, music, topography and semiology/linguistics. He agreed with Freudon the legitimacy of social analysis inspired from a psychoanalytic perspective. In A Theoretical Introduction to the Functions of Psychoanalysis in Criminology (1950), Lacan expresse d his position as follows: It may be well that since its experience is limited to the individual, psychoanalysis cannot claim to grasp the totality of any sociological object, or even the entirety of causes currently operating in our society. Even so, in its treatment of the individual, psychoanalysis has discovered relational tensions that appear to play a fundamental role in all societies, as if the discontent in civilization went so far as to reveal the very joint of nature to culture. If one makes the appropriate transformation, one can extend the formulas of psychoanalysis concerning this joint to certain human sciences that can utilize them (Stavrakakis, 1999, p. 3). Anthony Elliott (1992) cited Lacans ideas as establishing the principal terms of reference for thinking about the interconnections between the psyche and social field (p. 2). In this vein, Feher-Gurewich contended that Lacans psychoanalytic approach is founded on premises that are in sharp contrast to the ones which have led to the failure of an alliance between psychoanalysis and social theory (Stavrakakis, 1999, p. 14). One set of these premises is the topic of this discussion. The following is an attempt to explain Lacans claim that the unconscious is structured like a language and to discuss the bearing this claim has on the relevance of psychoanalysis to the social world. First, a brief overview of Lacans career, or project, may assist in supporting this analysis. Overview of Lacans Project Although many perceive his theoretical works as impenetrable or as an incoherent jumble, there are common threads throughout. Lacan consistently viewed his mission to be a return to Freud. The keynote for this return was his placement of language as the central construct in theory and in practice(Clement, 1983). The Mirror Stage Beginning in the late 1930s, after the publication of numerous case studies, Lacan began to focus on the emergence of the sense of self, the function of the I. He termed this emergence the Mirror Stage in the development of a childs sense of self during the first two years of life. Drawing upon revelations from his own psychoanalytic experience, together with the work of psychologists such as Henri Wallon, Charlotte BÃÆ' ¼hler, and Otto Rank, Lacan posited that the childs emergent sense of self is formed upon entry into language, the realm of the symbolic, and always in reference to some other. That other could be the childs own image in a mirror, the mother or any number of other objects with which the child associated self via Freuds mechanism of narcissistic identification. The mirror stage is the origin of a fundamental alienation or split in the individuals sense of self. The speaking subject (I) becomes de-centered from the ideal ego (me). Because self is oriented toward an other who is perceived as ideal/omnipotent, and thus as a potential rival to the self, the ego that emerges from this stage is characterized by a hostility that threatens its very existence. Lacan concluded that human identity is formed only within this intersubjective context in which alienation and aggressivity characterize the natural state. Rather than being the first step toward the formation of a healthy and stable ego, his proposal that  mà ©connaissance,  or misperception, is central to the ego formation flew in the face of a basic construct of ego psychology, that the ego is the origin and basis of psychic stability. In 1953, Lacan broke with the dominant faction of ego psychologists and formed his own professional group, the Socià ©tà © franaise de psychanalytique (SFP). The Discourse of Rome During the first meeting of this group, in Rome that year, Lacan presented a paper which quickly became known as the manifesto of the new society. He argued that speech and, more generally, language were central to psychoanalytic practice and to any theoretical conclusions that might be extrapolated from it. He drew upon and adapted the semiologic principles of Ferdinand de Saussure and the philosophical traditions of Hegel for his theoretical vocabulary. It is during this time that Lacans public focus shifted clearly from the developmental to the linguistic. Drawing from the language of music, he posited three registers of functioning, the symbolic, imaginary and real. The symbolic, a function of speech/language, was seen as central and in dynamic interaction with the imaginary. Lacans acerbic characterization of the ego as the seat of neuros is rather than the source of psychic integration and his emphasis on the symbolic organization of the human psyche opened new territory for psychoanalytic theory. Lacan credited Freud with the concept and blamed his ego-psychologist followers for obscuring the point. Meta-theory The charge that psychoanalysts had abandoned the founding texts of their profession exacerbated tensions between the ego psychology and the SFP until Lacan left the group in 1963 to form another organization, the École Freudienne de Paris (EFP). Lacan continued his close readings of Freuds texts, but he now began to introduce a number of terms and concepts not found in Freuds own work. By the time his selected essays appeared 1966, his seminars were standing-room-only. Many in the crowd associated him with structuralists such as Jacques Derrida, Claude Là ©vi-Strauss, and Michel Foucault. As with other members of this group, Lacan was often criticized for the difficulty of his style. Within the EFP itself, many of the practicing analysts were concerned about what they perceived as the increasingly theoretical and academic emphasis of Lacans work. During this stage of his career, Lacan began work toward a meta-theory of psychoanalysis, constructing ideas about Lacanian ideas. His construct of the three registers expanded to three-plus dimensions. He attempted to recast his earlier insights in the more precise language of mathematics, employing topological figures, such as the Klein bottle and Borromean knot, to illustrate and explore the relationship among his theoretical constructs. However, many of Lacans followers criticized this approach, complaining that his arguments were increasingly incomprehensible and irrelevant to clinical practice. Lacans response was the dissolution the EFP and the founding of yet another association, the École de la Cause Freudienne, which he directed until his death in 1981. The Structure of the Unconscious and Relevance to the Social World In the  Introductory Lectures to Psychoanalysis, Freud commented that the unconscious can be compared to a language without a grammar (Laplanche Pontalis, 1983). Lacan, using structuralist linguistics, attempted to systematize this contention, arguing that the unconscious is structured like a language, and that it speaks/  ca parle. A symptom, Lacan claimed, may be read as an embodied metaphor. As Freud had argued, what is at stake within a symptom is a repressed desire objectionable to the consciously accepted self-conception and values of the subject. This desire, if it is to gain satisfaction at all, accordingly needs to be expressed indirectly. For example, a residual infantile desire to masturbate may find satisfaction indirectly in a compulsive ritual the subject feels compelled to repeat. Just as one might metaphorically describe ones love as a rose, Lacan argues, here we have a repressed desire being metaphorically expressed in some apparently dissimilar bodily activity. Equally, drawing on certain moments within Freuds papers On the Psychology of Love, Lacan argues that desire is structured as a metonymy. In metonymy, one designates a whole concept (e.g.: military force) by naming a component of it (e.g.: a sword). Lacans argument is that, equally, since castration denies subjects full access to their first loveobject (the mother), their choice of subsequent love objects is the choice of aseries of objects that each resemble in part the lost object. According to Lacan, the unconscious uses the multivalent resources of the natural language into which the subject has been inducted (what he calls the battery of the signifier) to give indirect vent to the desires that the subject cannot consciously avow. While Freud is interested in investigating how the polymorphously perverse child forms an unconscious and a superego, and becomes a civilized adult, Lacans focus is on how the infant develops the illusion commonly termed as a self. His essay on the Mirror Stage describes that process, showing how the infant forms an illusion of an ego, of a unified conscious self identified by the word I. For Lacans theory, the notion that the unconscious, which governs all factors of human existence, is structured like a language is central. Freuds account of the two main mechanisms of unconscious processes, condensation and displacement, reinforce this claim. Both are essentially linguistic phenomena; meaning is either condensed (in metaphor) or displaced (in metonymy). Lacan noted that Freuds dream analyses, and most of his analyses of the unconscious symbolism used by his patients, depend on word-play (e.g., puns, associations, etc.) that are chiefly  verbal. According to Lacan, the contents of the unconscious are acutely aware of language and of the structure of language. Hence, the unconscious, structured like a language, serves to reveal a symptom of neurosis or psychosis through this medium. Lacan followed ideas laid out by Saussure, but adapted them to his use. He argued that Freud had understood the linguistic nature of human psychology but that he had simply lacked the Saussurean vocabulary necessary to articulate it. Saussure talked about the relationship between signifier and signified in the formation of a sign, and contended that language is structured by the negative relation among signs (i.e., the existence of a sign is dependent on its distinction from another sign). For Lacan, the contents of the unconscious form signifiers and these signifiers form a signifying chain. One signifier has meaning only if it is distinct from some other signifier. There are no signifieds in Lacans model; there is nothing to which a signifier ultimately refers. If there were, then the meaning of any particular signifier would be relatively stable; there would be a relation of signification between signifier and signified, and that relation would yield meaning. Lacan posited that re lations of signification do not exist in the unconscious; rather, there are only negative relations in which one signifier can exist only if it is distinct from another signifier. Because of this lack of signifieds, the chain of signifiers constantly slides and shifts in an endless series, like actors in search of a play. There is no anchor operating in the unconscious, nothing that ultimately gives meaning or stability to the system. The chain of signifiers is constantly in play, in Derridas sense; there is no point at which a definitive meaning can crystallize. Rather, one signifier only leads to another signifier, and never to a signified (Lacan, 1966). Lacan posited this as the nature of unconscious content: continually circulating chains of signifiers, with no anchor or center. This is Lacans linguistic translation of Freuds depiction of the unconscious as a chaotic realm of shifting drives and desires. While Freud attempted to bring those chaotic drives and desires into consciousness so they could be understood and made manageable, Lacan theorized that becoming an adult, a self, is the process of trying to halt the chain of signifiers so that stable meaning, including the meaning of I, becomes possible. According to Lacan, however, this possibility is an illusion, an image created by a misperception of the relation between body and self Even sexual identity is determined by the subjects relation to the signifier, not by some innate, biological predisposition. For Lacan, what Freud described as the oedipal phase is actually a moment in which the individual faces the option of accepting or rejecting the signifier in the place of the object or the imaginary other. Although Freud called this signifier the phallus, its primary characteristic is not its status as a biological organ that one may or may not possess. Rather, this primordial signifier possesses the fundamental property of being separable from the object it represents. Freud identified this possibility as castration, but Lacan claimed that it is simply the functional principle that enables the signifier to appear as such. Sexuality and, more generally, personal identity is thus not biologically determined but instead constructed through ones relation to the symbolic order. Most of Lacans work from this period traces the connections between specific properties of the signifier and their effects in human experience. He claimed that the entire structure of intersubjective relations is determined not by the individuals involved but by the way those individuals model on a moment of the signifying chain which traverses them. Because the signifier is autonomous from the signified, the link between them, ordinarily considered to constitute meaning, is an effect of the signifier itself and its relation to other signifiers in the signifying chain. Lacan described the way that illusory meaning comes about by referencing Roman Jakobsons distinction between two poles of language, metaphor and metonymy. Lacan contended that these functions account for the sense of meaning although there is a barrier between the signifier and the signified, or between the symbolic and the real. According to Lacan, meaning never consists in language, it insists in the chain of signifiers as one supplants the other metonymically. Language seems to mean in the usual sense due to displaced signifiers that function as the signified in Saussures model. Subsequent signifiers merely refer back to earlier ones, and it is this retrospective reference that sustains the  effect  of reference in the absence of a referent or an actual signified. Lacan described this effect as the creative spark of metaphor (Beneveuto Kennedy, 1986). It is, for Lacan, the seat of the subjective. Traditionally, subjectivity has been understood as a juncture of words with objects, situated on the bar between the signifier and the signified or the border between language and the world. That border, Lacan argued, is within the unconscious. Read through Saussures influence and Lacans emphasis on the autonomy of the signifier, Freuds discovery of the unconscious established an absence in the subjects relation to the object and to the self. This absence or lack, termed the other, can be thought of as the object of desire. Lacan contended that the concept of the unconscious reveals a subject constituted in relation to an Other it cannot know and oriented toward an object that it can never possess. As discussed in the Mirror Stage, this splitting is brought about by the subjects entry into the symbolic, supplanting the imaginary unity derived through identification with the other. That identification is replaced by a more complex relation to the symbolic Other. Introduced in the Discourse of Rome the Other designates a number of concepts for Lacan; e.g., death, the symbolic father, the role of the analyst, the unconscious. For Lacan, Freuds angry father becomes the Name-of-the-Father or the Law-of-the-Father. Submission to the rules of language itself; i.e., the Law of the Father, is required to enter into the Symbolic order. To become a speaking subject, you have to be subjected to, you have to obey, the laws and rules of language. Lacan designated the structure of language, and its rules, as specifically paternal, calling the rules of language the Law-of-the-Father in order to link the entry into the Symbolic, the structure of language, to Freuds notion of the oedipus and castration complexes. The Other is posited as the center of the system, that which governs the structures shape and the manner in which all the elements in the system can move and relate. The term Phallus also is used to designate the Other, emphasizing the patriarchal nature of the Symbolic order. The Phallus limits the play of elements and stabilizes the structure. It anchors the chains of signifiers with the result that signifiers can have stable meaning. Because the Phallus is the center of the Symbolic order, of language, that the term I designates the idea of the self. Lacan has referred to this anchoring effect as a point de capiton or quilting point ( Stavrakakis, 1999). This quilting point has particular significance for the useful application of Lacanian psychoanalytic theory to social domains. Without it, the practitioner is left with a postmodern concept of an endlessly fluid chain of signifiers, signifying nothing in terms of a relatively stable identity or meaning. For Lacan, the slipping chain is halted by the prominent role attributed to certain signifiers in fixing the meaning of whole chains of signifiers. Lacan described this effect as everything radiating out from and being organized around this signifier, similar to these little lines of force that an upholstery button forms on the surface of material. Its the point of convergence that enables everything that happens in this discourse to be situated retroactively and retrospectively (Stavrakakis, 1999, p. 60). This is the point with which all concrete analyses of discourse in the psychoanalytic and the social world must operate. Discussion Lacans great contribution to contemporary culture is his teaching about rhetorical performance and cognition, doing and knowing. The revolutionary dimension of Lacans pedagogy for Felman (1987) is the dialogism of the performative and constative, how in practice they undermine, deconstruct, and yet inform each other. The interactions of doing and undoing form the dynamic basis, Felman said, of psychoanalysiss ineradicable newness (12), its evergreen vitality and unceasing revolutionary nature. Building on this insight, Lacan has shown experience, largely unconscious, to be structured like a language, since human behavior manifests the dialectical interaction of conscious and unconscious experience, the double writing of that which is  enacted beyond what can ever be  known  at any one moment. For example, Gallop (1987) pointed out that the psychoanalyst learns to listen not so much to her patients main point as to odd marginal moments, slips of the tongue, unintended disclosures. Freud formalized this psychoanalytic method, but Lacan has generalized it into a way of receiving all discourse (p. 23). Lacan was often and roundly criticized as a self-aggrandizing showman, a sloppy theoretician, an intentionally inscrutable speaker and author, a postmodern, post-structural want to be, and a polygamously perverse human. Many disciples justified his obtuse style of presenting ideas as an attempt to model his concepts within the instrument of his linguistic style. Others found his style to be sufficient reason for avoiding Lacans work altogether. In addition, his clinical practices, such as the abbreviated session, were frowned on by many traditionalists in the psychoanalytic community. However, Lacans linguistic approach to the unconscious serves as an important counter to the more-entrenched biological and neurological constructs. His synthesis of Freudian theory with Saussurean semiology generated new conceptual tools for critical research and reading in the social sphere. These tools allow a dynamic analysis of social process from the perspective of What is this doing? rather than What does this mean? References Beneveuto,B. Kennedy, R. (1986).  The Works of Jacques Lacan. London: Free Association. Clement,C. (1983).  The Lives and Legends of Jacque Lacan; A. Goldhammer(trans). New York: Columbia University Press. Elliott,A. (1992).  Social Theory and Psychoanalysis in Transition. Oxford: Blackwell. Felman,S. (1987).   Jacques Lacan and the Adventure of Insight: Psychoanalysis in Contemporary Culture.   Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Gallop,J. (1987).  Reading Lacan. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Lacan,J. (1966). Of structure as the inmixing of an otherness prerequisite to anysubject whatever. In R. Macksey E. Donato (eds),  The Structuralist Controversy, Baltimore: John Hopkins, 1970. Laplanche,J. Pontalis, J.B. (1983).  The Language of Psychoanalysis; D.Nicholson Smith (trans.). London: Hogarth. Stavrakakis,Y. (1999).  Lacan and the Political. London: Routledge.

The Cost Of Buying A Used Car Essay -- essays research papers

The Cost Of Buying A Used Car   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This project has been put together to show the cost of buying and using a used car for one year. To show the different costs for cars I have made a chart on a later page. First, though, It probably would be good to tell a little about used cars.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Used cars are, for some, a good investment. The used car is good for cheap transportation, and fun. Used cars also have many different uses besides just driving around. Some people buy used cars so they can restore them, while other people buy used cars for their children to drive. While still others get used cars for spare parts. The point is that used cars are good for many different people, for many different reasons.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some people like to own new cars and so they get rid of their old cars to make room for the new car. This proves very useful for the person that cannot afford a new car. Unfortunately, the used car is rarely in perfect condition, and can sometimes require some minor repair. Of course, one can't expect to find a great used car that does not cost more then a car in worse condition, but this is to be expected.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When one goes to buy a used car they should look for some key things, before buying the car:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1. Check the car's interior thoroughly. Was the car kept clean all this time or was it neglected? Is it up to what would be par?   &n...

Ancient River Civilizations :: essays research papers

Approximately 5500 years ago four of the worlds' most prestigious ancient river civilizations had emerged. Our world has been left in astonishment and awe wondering how these civilizations were developed. Egypt and Mesopotamia were the first ancient river civilizations to create cities and their own ways of living. Society, geography, and religion played an enormous role in the development of the ancient cities. Although there is evidence of early Sumerian contact with the Egyptians, Egypt's civilization was largely self-generated and its history and cultural patterns differed from Mesopotamia. The early Dynastic Period was Egypt?s era of initial unification and state building under the guidelines of its first three royal dynasties. In the years between 2660 and 2180 B. C. the basic marks of the cultures of Egypt arose. Egypt was one kingdom and it was divided into provinces, or the names of provinces. Ruling over the kingdom was a pharaoh, who was not only a king but was also seen as a god. Provinces were ruled by nomarchs better known as provincial governors. The Egyptians devised themselves into classes, upper class, middle class, and a lower class. The pharaoh and his family were at the top of the Egyptian class system. People could move from one class to another depending on their situations. Mesopotamian civilization exercised profound and cultural influence throughout west Asia and beyond for about 3,000 years. Mesopotamia had many independent city-states with its own government and ruler. Priests ruled these city-states with other administrators such as organizers and managers. Since turmoil and tension would often arise between the city-states, Mesopotamian Political Unification was rarely achieved. Mesopotamia was constantly invaded by foreigners who would incorporate their culture into newly society and form a new one by force. The Mesopotamian geography affected their society because Mesopotamia was located on an open plain without protection from foreign intrusions. Egypt, on the other hand, was centered on the Nile River ad protected by natural boundaries. This allowed Egypt?s kingdom for prosper and last for thousands of years. Mesopotamia was not considered a nation or country, it was considered a region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers that established a number of highly organized city-states. Since each city-state was independent there was no capital of Mesopotamia. Religion was very important to the ancient Egyptians the believed in many gods, meaning they were polytheistic.

Consider La Belle Dame sans Merci and To Autumn by John Keats Essay

Consider La Belle Dame sans Merci and To Autumn by John Keats John Keats was born in 1795 and died in 1821. He lived a short life as he suffered from tuberculosis, and died in his early twenties. Keats is one of the great Romantic poets of the early 19th century. Most of his poetry was crammed into the last few years of his life, which is why some of his poems relate death. He had a great love for nature, which was always included in his poetry in some way. He saw his mother and his brother die of TB when he was younger so when he realised he too had the illness he knew what was in store. He went to live in Italy because many people believed that the temperature would help the illness. This is when are where he wrote the two poems we will be comparing, le belle dams sand merci and to autumn. His poem ‘La Belle Dams sans Merci,’ meaning ‘A Beautiful Woman without Merci,’ is about knight falling in love with an evil fairy. Throughout the poem it describes the knight’s feelings and what he sees. It ends very openly as we are not sure whether it all really happened or whether it was a dream. The nature of the poem is very deeply described and even the people included in the poem are compared to nature, ‘she found me roots of relish sweet.’ The knight in the poem suffers from symptoms such as, ‘alone and palely loitering,’ the paleness is a symptom that is a sign of TB so maybe Keats is saying that he is the knight. Another symptom of tb that keats would have had to live with is ‘with anguish moist and fever dew,’ meaning he was in pain and coming down with a fever and is clammy. The atmosphere in ‘La Belle Dame sans Merci’ changes throughout the poem. At the beginning it seems very slow and depress... ...does not rush, but the rhythm in ‘La Belle Dame sans Merci’ is slow and heavy and perhaps suggests the weakness of the knight as if he had been robbed of all his strength. The rhyme of ‘To Autumn’ is regular and may reflect the regularity of seasons throughout the year. Whereas, as the rhyme of ‘La Belle Dame sans Merci’ is regular yet predictable. The repetition in the last line of certain stanzas gives the poem a melancholic tone, ‘on a cold hill’s side.’ Finally, in ‘To Autumn’ there is a positive attitude towards death, as if it is known and acceptable to be a part of life and as a part of life’s cycle. But in ‘La Belle Dame sans Merci’ Keats attitude to death is bitterer and not as acceptable. It is possible that the lady in the poem is a metaphor for his illness which is something which he came across and has stolen the rest of his life from him.

Analysis of Langston Hughes Poetry

Steven R. Goodman AASP100 England May 5, 2010 Reaction #2 Langston Hughes Poetry A Literary Analysis of â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers† The Harlem Renaissance can be considered as â€Å"the cultural boom† in African-American history. Spanning from the 1920s into the mid-1930s, the Harlem Renaissance was an apex in African-American intellectualism. The period is also recognized as the â€Å"New Negro Movement†Ã¢â‚¬â€named after the 1925 anthology by Alain Locke. Alain LeRoy Locke was an American educator, writer, and philosopher, who most consider as the father of the Harlem Renaissance. Historians recall him as a leader and chief interpreter of the movement. In his anthology, he brings out a montage of works by many well-known Africans and African-Americans including such figures as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Jacob Lawrence, Richmond Barth, William Grant Still, Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. Du Bois, Ralph Bunche, and John Dewey (Locke). One of these figures wrote one of the most profound poems still read today. Langston Hughes was an American poet whose most prominent works came out during the Harlem Renaissance. The poem, â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers† was Hughes’ first published poem and it was his signature too. Only 17 years old when he wrote it, Hughes created the poem while he was on a train headed to Mexico where he would live with his father for a year. As his train crossed the Mississippi River, he was astonished by how beautiful the river was and the thought of how that river had a role in maintaining slavery in America came into his mind and he started writing. Let’s start off with the title. The title has the term â€Å"negro† in it. Now how can we identify this? Well, the term â€Å"negro† tells us about the time period which takes us back to the early 20th century when â€Å"negro† was self-identifiable with the black community for that is the term that they adopted. However, we see that the term is only used in the title which places emphasis on its overall collective meaning of the ideas it portrays. Now let us dive into the poem. There are two metaphorical themes in this poem and they are â€Å"rivers† and â€Å"darkness. † In line one, the Hughes says, â€Å"I’ve known rivers. † In this line, â€Å"I,† the speaker, is standing for the entire black community throughout history. All of the rivers mentioned in the poem constitute as part of an extended metaphor that is comparing the souls of black people to the ancient, wise, and great rivers of the Earth (Shmoop). In the line two, the simile, â€Å"as ancient as the world,† is constructed to emphasize the comparison of the age of the rivers to the age of the Earth. In line three, we see rivers being used as a metaphor to depict the rivers of blood that flow through human veins. So the flow of blood in veins is compared to the flow of rivers. In line for, Hughes creates a simile comparing how deep his soul is to how deep the rivers are. Now as we get to line five the story of the path of the black community in history unfolds. In line five we start off with the first river, the Euphrates River, which is supposedly where all life began; known as the cradle of civilization. Hughes notes that he bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. This symbolizes that there was peace and freedom. Line six entails the black community’s journey into central western Africa. In line six we continue with the second river, the Congo River, where he built his hut and it lulled him to sleep. The black community is still undergoing peace and freedom. They are building a civilization. In line seven we see Hughes going into the third river, the Nile River. Now in line seven, we can certainly say that freedom hasn’t necessarily stopped, but history has shown that black people amongst white people, and yellow people were slaves and all participated in the building of the pyramids. Lastly, Hughes enters into the fourth and final river, the Mississippi River. Hughes describes here the moment in history when Abraham Lincoln sailed the Mississippi River and he witnessed the horrors of slavery at its finest. In this same line, Hughes has the river come alive when he describes the river singing. In lines nine and ten Hughes creates some imagery when he tells of how the sun setting on the Mighty Muddy Mississippi R. changed its color to gold. He also personifies the river when he depicts it having a â€Å"bosom† acquiring feminine attributes. The second theme of â€Å"darkness† can only be seen when literally picking away at the poem. We see that Hughes is very descriptive when he introduces darkness and light throughout the poem. In lines nine and ten we see Hughes describing how the Mississippi R. oes from â€Å"muddy† to â€Å"golden† as the sun departs and the night arrives. So we can also take from this as muddy being a metaphor for skin color when talking about slavery. Once the river becomes golden, slavery is abolished and slaves are freed. As we view the word â€Å"dusky† when describing the nature of the rivers, the metaphor can be not just for skin color, but also to remind our reader about the author’s past which haunts him. In line 13 the poem ends with â€Å"My soul has grown deep like the rivers. † What can we take from this? Everytime the black civilization moves to a different point in time, the rivers get deeper, as well as the black man’s soul. The author has seen the upbringing of civilizations, he has contributed in building the pyramids, and he has witnessed slavery being abolished. This poem is a time machine of events. In conclusion, Langston Hughes was a New Negro because as a voice for the black community, through his poetry he influenced other people to take pride in their heritage, culture, and triumphs noting racism when needed while showing pride in the black community. Alain Locke. † The #1 Site for African American Literature – Books, Novels, Authors, Movies, Resources, Discussion and More African Diaspora. Web. 06 May 2010. http://aalbc. com/authors/Alainlocke. htm. â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers Symbolism, Imagery & Wordplay. † Shmoop: Study Guides & Teacher Resources. Web. 06 May 2010. http://www. shmoop. com/negro-speaks-of-rivers/symbolism-imagery. html.

Orgnaization Behavior

Personality Traits in the Devil Wears Prada The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 Twentieth Century Fox film, Directed by David Frankel. This story takes place in downtown New York; it is a story of a girl, a girl named Andrea Sachs. Andy, as she’s most commonly referred to, is a fresh out of college, armed with a Journalism degree, and ready to make it big in New York. However, New York doesn’t exactly give her the job she expected, and she ends up working as an assistant for the monstrous Miranda Priestly.Miranda Priestly is editor in chief for one of the biggest fashion magazines in New York, Runway. When Andy begins her job, she has no idea how challenging it will be, or how challenging her boss, Miranda Priestly will be, for that matter. One of the primary ways Miranda and Andy differ/clash is in their personalities. In this paper, I will analyze the very different personality traits of Miranda and Andy. The personality traits I will focus on are, Machiavellianism, commu nication style, verbal aggressiveness, and the results of verbal aggressiveness, stress.The first personality trait, Machiavellianism, is a term coined from the book, The Prince, by Niccolo Maciavelli (1469-1527). Machiavelli wrote the book as a handbook for the success of royalty. His basic piece of advice was to do whatever it took to be successful, the term Machiavellianism, simply means that â€Å"the end justifies the means† (Avtgis, 2010, p. 135). A person with high â€Å"mach† simply means that person will lie, steal, cheat and do whatever else it takes to get what they want. Miranda Priestly is an excellent example of someone that is very high on the mach scale.For example, when she finds out her job is threatened by a younger woman, she blackmails Irv, the owner of Runway, to keep her in her position as editor in chief, at the expense of her friend, Nigel, who thought he was getting a promotion as well. When confronted about this by Andy she says, â€Å"You w ant this life, those choices are necessary† (The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda). Because Miranda communicates in this Machiavellianism way, and does not hesitate to sacrifice the ones closest to her, people are always wary and suspicious around her.While Miranda is very high on the Machiavellianism scale, Andy is relatively low. She demonstrates this by leaving Runway after Miranda’s behavior toward Nigel. Andy even goes as far as to give her designer clothes to Emily; Miranda’s other assistant, to make up for taking her spot as Miranda’s assistant to the Paris fashion show. The contrast between the two shows character in Andy, and it also shows the success of Miranda. Miranda stayed successful, while Andy became jobless; maybe there is some truth to the saying, the nice guy always finishes last.The second personality trait discussed is Communication style; it is defined as, â€Å"A trait reflecting how a person verbally and para-verbally interacts with othe rs† (Avtigs, 2010, p. 143). People communicate in many different ways, and with many different tones, the textbook lists ten different ways of interaction. Combinations of these specific interaction styles produce something called the communicator image. The communicator image shows how well the person can effectively communicate to others.This is divided into two groups, non-affirming style, which threatens the other persons self concept or worth, and the affirming style, which validates the other persons self concept or worth (Avtgis, 2010). Miranda and Andy have opposite communicator images and they demonstrate different communication interaction styles. Miranda has a very strong non-affirming communicator image. Her interaction styles are, dramatic, dominant and contentious. She shows her dramatic style, which is either under exaggerating something, or over exaggerating it, when she calls Andy up late one evening needing a flight from Miami to New York.Andy informs her tha t there is a hurricane and that is why her flight is cancelled. Miranda answers; â€Å"Please, it’s just drizzling! † (Devil Wears Prada, Miranda) Miranda extremely under exaggerates the severity of the weather because she just wants to get home; this communication style is very unfair. Miranda also has a very dominant style of communicating; Andy sums this up best when she is talking to her boyfriend about Miranda, â€Å"She is not happy unless everyone around her is panicked, nauseous, or suicidal† (Devil Wears Prada, Andy).Miranda’s communication style is so dominating that it severely negatively influences the people around her. Finally, Miranda also exhibits a very contentious communication style, which is communicating in a very confrontational way. She demonstrates this style when she is speaking to people she works with, â€Å"It’s just baffling to me why it is so impossible to put together a decent run through, you people have had hours a nd hours to prepare† (Devil Wears Prada, Miranda). Of course, no one responds to her confrontational tone, because everyone is so afraid of her; however it is the perfect example of how she is a non-affirming communicator.Andy, on the other hand, has an affirming communicator image. Her interaction styles that make up this image are, friendly, relaxed, and attentive. All of these styles put people at ease, and make them comfortable. The first example of this is friendly interaction style, Andy shows this when she is attempting to make small talk to Emily, the other assistant, and asks her if she is doing anything fun this weekend, she asks politely and with a smile, but Emily responds with a curt â€Å"yes† (Devil Wears Prada, Emily and Andy).Obviously people in Miranda’s office are not used to friendly interaction! Her second interaction style is relaxed, throughout the whole movie Andy’s style of communicating is relaxed, she is self confident and this s hows in most of her interactions with Emily, who is always nervously running around, Andy is steady and sure, this causes Emily to rely and depend on her, especially at the benefit, where Andy bails Emily out because she’s forgotten information (Devil Wears Prada, Andy). Her final interaction style that gives her an affirming image is the attentive style.The best example is when Miranda confides in her about her divorce, Andy listens to her with an active interest, asking questions, and making eye contact. She says, â€Å"I’m so sorry Miranda, is there anything I can do? † (The Devil Wears Prada, Andy). This shows that Andy is a very caring person, easy to talk to, and affirming. While both Andy and Miranda have a different communicator image and interaction styles, this movie is an excellent example of what these different styles and images are, and how they impact communication.I think everyone would agree that Andy is a lot more approachable than Miranda, and a lot less intimidating, however Miranda demands respect and is very successful at what she does. The final trait that will be discussed is verbal aggressiveness and the stress that it causes. As one could probably guess, Miranda is the one possessing the verbal aggressiveness and Andy is the one that the verbal aggressiveness is causing stress to.Verbal aggressiveness is defined by the text book as, â€Å"A predisposition to attack the self-concept of another person with the intent to inflict psychological harm or pain† (Avtgis, 2010, p. 137). There are many different types of verbal aggressiveness, but in this paper we will just discuss teasing and threats. There are also many types of negative reactions to verbal aggression, but we will simply discuss the stress that it can cause. This film is an excellent example of verbal aggressiveness and the results that it can have.Miranda has a very strong verbal aggression trait; this comes out toward Andy in two forms, teasing an d threats. In the first half of the movie, Miranda is constantly making fun of the way Andy dresses, making comments such as, â€Å"your lumpy blue sweater,† and Andy â€Å"fishing her clothing out of a clearance bin† (The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda). This type of verbal aggressiveness can cause psychological harm to the individual on the receiving end. The second trait of verbal aggressiveness Miranda shows against Andy is threats. Threats can be very damaging and cause much stress.An excellent example of this is when Andy does something wrong, to punish her Miranda asks for Andy to accomplish an outrageous task, and if she fails to do so, â€Å"Just don’t bother coming back† (The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda). Instead of firing her immediately, Miranda wishes to inflict worry and stress on Andy, just to pay her back, this is not effective communication! Verbal aggressiveness is a trait that goes hand in hand with stress reaction. Andy naturally feels stre ss when she is being threatened and teased constantly.Andy displays this stress in frequent situations, running down the street arms full of bags for Miranda, or walking (more like running) her dog, and carrying trays of steaming Starbucks. She also displays stress caused by verbal aggressiveness in her personal life, she is always telling her boyfriend she is burnt out, tired, and fed up with Miranda, who gives her a constant headache (The Devil Wears Prada, Andy). This is a perfect example of just how much verbal aggressiveness can negatively affect someone.I really enjoyed watching this movie, it was an excellent example of personality traits, I had a hard time narrowing down the ones I wanted to write about. This film has demonstrated almost perfectly the different personality traits in an organization and how these traits are directly related to how people communicate with each other. I now have a deeper understanding of Machiavellianism, communication style, verbal aggressiven ess and the results of that verbal aggressiveness, and how those specific personality traits work in an organization.While Miranda may be viewed as cruel, selfish and mean, she was truly successful and wonderful at what she did. Personality traits that sometimes are viewed negatively can be the best thing for a competitive company. Andy was a sweet and good-natured girl, at the end of the movie she gets a job interview at the New Yorker to be a journalist; this job would definitely better fit her personality traits and her strengths. This just goes to show that personality traits are directly related to specific jobs and organizations. Personality Traits in the Devil Wears Prada Organizational Communication 418631

Hunger artist Essay

1. In the picture inspired by Franz Kafka’s â€Å"A Hunger Artist† there is a depiction of the man who is fasting, sitting solemnly in a cage as people look in at him as if he is a sideshow. Women, child, and men are all milling about looking in at the hunger artist and reading the signs that are posted around him, all of which sensationalize the hunger artists’ plight. The picture is loyal to the story as it brings a visual image of what it was like for the hunger artist, who simply sits there, starving himself for the amusement of the public. This picture is a wonderful depiction of the scene as described by Kafka when he writes, â€Å"While for grown-ups the hunger artist was often merely a joke, something they participated in because it was fashionable, the children looked on amazed, their mouths open, holding each other’s hands for safety, as he sat there on scattered straw—spurning a chair—in a black tights. Looking pale, with his ribs sticking out prominently, sometimes nodding politely, answering questions with a forced smile, even sticking his arm out through the bars to let people feel how emaciated he was, but then completely sinking back into himself, so that he paid no attention to anything, not even to what was so important to him, the striking of the clock, which was the single furnishing in the cage, merely looking out in front of him with his eyes almost shut and now and then sipping from a tiny glass of water to moisten his lips (Kafka)†. 2. A parable is a story that conveys its message or moral indirectly through the use of symbolism or analogies and the story â€Å"A Hunger Artist† is like a parable in that it conveys its meaning through symbolism and analogies. This story is a parable of the way the public looks at people and what our need for entertainment drives us to do. The hunger artist himself at the end seems to understand that the only reason he had harmed himself by fasting for so long was because he couldn’t be like the other people–food became a symbol of life. The ones who looked in on him had learned how to live life, while he never could. The comparison of starving oneself to being an art becomes a part of the parable as well, and the author writes, â€Å"Try to explain the art of fasting to anyone! † (Kafka). 3. In the story the author describes the hunger artist as an â€Å"an unfortunate martyr† because he is sacrificing so much for his art. There doesn’t seem to be anything incredibly important about what he is doing, yet he continues to sacrifice in order to do it. He is a martyr to the dying arts, the things that people do not care about anymore, and yet he keeps going forward. In the end he dies for his art, despite the fact he cannot do anything else, according to his own beliefs. 4. When the hunger artist joins the circus and is put near the animal cages this symbolized the fact that the public no longer cares about him as an artist, now he is simply entertainment, something strange and odd to be gawked at. While once they looked at what he did with awe and respect, now they see him as something strange and do not pay much mind to him. He is like an animal: something that can be caged up and ignored, but once in a while looked at with only passing interest. The public suddenly stopped caring about him, as the author states, â€Å"At any rate, one day the pampered hunger artist saw himself abandoned by the crowd of pleasure seekers, who preferred to stream to other attractions† (Kafka). 5. The last paragraph of the story shows just how people can soon forget something. No one remembers the hunger artist and, in fact, are relieved to see a panther in the cage, wild and savage, trying desperately to get out of the cage. The hunger artist had been happy in a cage, content with nothing, and yet the panther is the exact opposite. People see the panther and his â€Å"noble body† as being the future, something that is strong, like they wish to be. They do not want to see someone unhappy with his life, unhappy with his situation, and depriving himself. They want to see the spirit of something wild. As Kafka writes, â€Å"It enjoyed the taste and never seemed to miss its freedom† (Kafka).

How did world war one change the role and status of women in England and Wales?

During the nineteenth century, before war broke out new job opportunities began to emerge for women as teachers, shop workers, clerks and secretaries in offices. Even girls from working class backgrounds were able to achieve higher status than that of their parents and began to receive better pay packets. Women from middleclass backgrounds were gaining better education opportunities and a few won the chance to go into higher education eventually becoming doctors to name but one thing. However education wasn't improving for the majority of women in lower classes often receiving no education. This left them no options but to go into domestic service or the â€Å"sweated industries† such as cotton factories or home dress making. Also between 1839 and 1886 there were a series of laws passed giving married women greater legal rights, however they couldn't yet vote in general elections. Some people thought that all women should be allowed to vote too as the number of men who could vote was gradually increasing. Others disagreed, yet the debate was not as simple as a case of men versus women. Early campaigners for the vote were known as suffragists. These were mainly middle class women. Their leader was Mrs Millicent Fawcett. By handing out leaflets they began achieving some success with Liberal Mps and leading Conservative Mps. However this still got them know where. Then by 1903 Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst started the Women's Social and Political Union. The â€Å"Daily Mail† named this group the â€Å"Suffragettes† this got them into the headlines. The â€Å"suffragettes† caused chaos disrupting political meetings and harassed ministers. Often ending up in prison, eventually going on hunger strike. The above source shows that when many of the men signed up to be part of the Great War, there was no longer sufficient numbers left to continue making munitions and other industrial instruments. It was the women in the munitions factories that came out the worst in the end, after dealing with the harmful TNT their skin began to turn yellow and their hair became ginger. With this they became easily recognised and were given the nickname of â€Å"Canaries†. The long-term effects however were much worse than they initially thought; many women were unable to become pregnant. However this job was highly paid and they women didn't have much other choice, it was also considered an important job and a valid contribution to the war effort. The source published during the war showed the positive aspects of working women, however it portrayed the women as strong, healthy and capable of doing men's jobs while they were at war. Overall a positive image; hoping to encourage more women to join the war effort. Then on the other hand it does not show the illnesses that the women suffered and the dangers of working in the factory. As the image shows they were constantly surrounded by the shells of the bombs, which in this image were all, filled with TNT, you can tell this by the fact that the tops are on. They also had to be very careful when moving them as if they dropped one it cause the whole factory and its workers to go up with it. While the majority of men were leaving home for the war many young women also found themselves leaving home for the first time. These women left to join the land army. As the above source shows women were beginning to take over the men's jobs that many of the farmers who gave the women board and lodge thought not very lady like. However without the women's help potatoes would not have been picked, sheep would not have been tended to. Women left for the land army as I thought it was a chance to gain freedom and new experiences. However it was not all that it seemed they were under strict discipline and once they were there they could not get out of it as they signed contracts for either six months or a year. Overall this source is accurate, as the historian G. Thomas has gathered factual information from the time. Even though the source was recorded many years after the First World War the entire source is based on information of the time. My daughter went out at 7am to the Maypole Diary Co. shop and after waiting till 10.30am was turned away without any margarine, came home chilled to the bone besides losing education. If we could have a system of rationing, I believe these hardships would be overcome. â€Å"Workers† Dreadnought† (A weekly newspaper of the East London Federation of Suffragettes, and edited by Sylvia Pankhurst) 19 January 1918 Not all women had the chance to get good jobs in munitions factories or join the land army. Many had to deal with food shortages, and often as the source tells us queue for hours on end without any food by the end of it. The source gives us a realistic view of how working class women had to deal with life while husbands, sometimes sons were away fighting for the country. The â€Å"Workers Dreadnought† was aimed at the working class audience, bringing their suffrage to light. The source gives us just one example of how a young child had to find food as her mother had to work to raise some money that would supply a small amount of food. The source also informs us that many had already thought of rationing yet it was used until a month later, which was February 1918. Nevertheless, many wealthy upper class people survived on their wealth. They were able to send out their servants to queue for them. Or they could barter on the black market. Through their wealth they were able to obtain any food they wanted. Many women offered their services to help with the war effort, however both employers and trade unionists were reluctant to see women working in men's jobs, particularly in munitions factories. However women didn't take this lying down. As the above source shows they held a huge procession on the 17th of July letting the employers and trade unionists know that they were prepared to work. Within the procession there was a large banner reading â€Å"Men of the Empire are Fighting – The Women of the Empire are Working†. This source proves that women are not just good at cooking and cleaning, but determined to contribute. Nevertheless without the women's contribution to the war effort, especially in munitions factories Britain would not have won the war. The above sources tell us of women's working lives during the war. These posters show an idealistic view of mothers preparing packages for their beloved. These posters were far from the reality; there wasn't enough food to go around without sending packages to the battles. Even joining food queues did not determine even a small amount of food. This must have been so disheartening. â€Å"Pears' Soap† was advertised in â€Å"The Illustrated London news†. An upper class newspaper that could not have been supportive of the ways in which everyone had begun cutting back. â€Å"Only the Best is good enough† due to the war any soap would have done, the company could not have understood the ways that all classes were suffering. This included the upper class. The Bishop of Liverpool said the other day that drink was now most deadly amongst women. He could speak of a street in which almost every woman was drinking and demoralised. The Bishop of London†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦also said quite recently that the East End clergy told him that they had never known such an orgy of drinking among women as during the last 12 months. ‘White Ribbon' [the monthly newspaper of the British Women's Temperance Association]. December 1915 Women had little free time for any leisure activities as they were either working or if food was short queuing for what they could get. The above source is unreliable about what women were getting up to in the December 1915; this is as ‘ White Ribbon' concentrates on the big cities like Liverpool and London. It is also written by an anti alcohol association which could be making the circumstances under which they saw these women's drinking habits worse than they actually were. This source does not cover the country or smaller towns. Therefore people who read this article would have been reading inaccurate information on women's leisure time. With as the source says more than six million men going away to war, women were left with only their salaries to pay for the rent on their homes. Landlords felt that with constant increases in numbers to the cities as this is where the jobs were would cause people to take in lodgers which would help with the rent. However it didn't work out like this, once the landlords put up the rent women found that they couldn't make the payments and decided to go on strike. This left the landlords in a worse position than they had been, as they were now receiving no money. This source shows a realistic view of what women had to deal with while their male relatives fought in the war. It is likely to be an accurate source as G. Thomas is a historian who would have used articles of the time to write this article. Previous sources tell us about women's attitudes and domestic lives. These statistics from a report written after the war show a positive change for women. There is an obvious increase of women in employment in every job except domestic service where there is a decline. However this decline cannot be taken in a negative way, this shows that during the war women found that they were better used in other jobs. These would have also been better paid. This source must have been very positive to the women who had worked to change men's attitudes to women and their working roles. Even though this was published twelve years after the war it is still useful. Overall the source is biased as it is from the obituary of Millicent Fawcett. Yet it tells us of how the war acted as a catalyst to women getting the vote. The vote would have eventually arrived in Britain, but not as soon. Through the war politicians realised that women's voices now had the write to be heard, they then gained the vote for women over eighteen in 1918. However there were probably other factors apart from the war that would have lead to women gaining the vote. This shows that women involved in air factories that probably feared losing their jobs as they thought they would no longer be needed, now had a chance to remain in employment. However this time the work was more enjoyable as they did not have the worry of war over their heads. This source proves that even though many women were at first reluctant to join the war effort. By the time it was over many didn't want to return to their lives of cooking and cleaning so jobs such as toy making which they not only enjoyed but they were good at proved a positive way to go. Evaluation World War One brought about the change in the role and status of women, as before the war as I stated in my introduction women remained in the home while the men went out to work and paid for food and anything that might have been needed in the home. With the outbreak of war all this began to change, first slowly then as more and more men signed up the role of women quickly changed. For the employers and trade unionists this was hard to take in, they believed that many jobs women were now completing were not suitable. However they had no other option but to employ them. With the men at war women became the sole earners, just as their husbands had done. Except women also had to continue cooking once they had finished working as many had to provide for young families. Young women also found new freedom in the land army giving them experience that they would not necessarily achieved without the war. Many travelled more than they would have done and began to enjoy jobs that before would have been considered ‘men's ‘ jobs. Employers soon began to realise that assembly jobs for things such as gramophones were much better suited to women they had more nimble hands and enjoyed the work a lot more than men would have. The most dramatic change however was women's political status. Mps soon realised that giving women the vote would say thank you for their contribution to the war. The war speeded up women gaining the vote as pre war there were two main groups who spent time handing out leaflets and making stands in political meetings, trying to persuade the government to give women the vote. Finally the government gave in giving all women the right to vote in 1918. As far as women's role and status changed the war could not have helped more. The war allowed women to show their potential in a working environment, at the beginning it could have gone either way but employers gave them a chance and it all worked out for the best as when the men returned they went back to their jobs but women had realised what they were good at and new jobs were now available to them. Overall The Great War brought about the most substantial change in women's roles.