Explain the Relationship Between Karma, Dependent Origination

Karma, dependent origination and rebecoming are all big parts of the Buddhist religion and link quite closely – dependent origination basically teaches that everything is connected, which corresponds with karma, the teaching that good behaviours will have good consequences and bad behaviours will have bad consequences, and generating bad karma will result in being trapped in samsara, the process of rebecoming that is structured by suffering or dukkha – another concept dependent origination explains.Dependent origination or the principle of conditionality (paticca samuppada) is the principle that nothing exists independently of anything else. Everything depends on something else in order for it to exist, and is part of a web of conditions whereby when the conditions one thing relies on cease to exist, it does too. These conditioned states define us as we constantly change whilst we are in samsara, however they cause dukkha to arise as they are impermanent and caused by c raving or tanha. Karma is within dependent origination.The literal meaning is ‘volitional (willed) action’ or ‘volitional actions have consequences’. Good or skilful actions, kusala, generate good merit, punna, and bad pr unskilful actions, akusala, generate bad merit, apunna. The general understanding of karma is that if you do something bad then the universe will cause something bad to happen to you. In Buddhism it is believed that karma is carried through the process of samsara, be it good or bad karma, and it shapes who we are – as the Dhammapada says, ‘our life is shaped by our mind, we become what we think’.It is often likened to a seed (bija) as it is stored in the unconscious mind, and it will ripen (vipaka) and produce fruit (phala) when under the right conditions, caused by positive karmic action. It does not necessarily mean that if you cause something bad to happen to someone or something then you will generate bad karma â₠¬â€œ the nature of the karma relies on the intention of an action rather than the outcome. Punna can also come about as the result of auspicious actions.These include supporting the sangha (Buddhist community), providing help to those in need (for example giving food and shelter or donating to charities), empathising with another person’s auspicious deeds. Karma helps to develop wisdom and mindfulness, as we become more aware of the consequences of our actions and therefore are more careful. It also emphasises the importance of freewill, as it helps to explain that we make our own destiny and we cannot always refer to fate as the reason behind happenings. Karma is very relevant to the cycle of rebecoming as karma is passed on through each life – in Buddhism there is no soul, only karma.Rebirth can occur in different realms displayed in the Tibetan wheel of life – the Heaven Realm, where the fruits of previous positive karmic actions are enjoyed but beings forget that they must still strive for enlightenment; the Titan Realm, where warlike beings are constantly conflicting and have also forgotten the might strive for enlightenment; the Animal Realm, where the only concern is for the basic physical needs of food, sex and sleep and beings are lacking in education and culture; the Hell Realm, where torture and hatred is constantly present; the Hungry Ghost Realm, where nothing is satisfying and everything turns to fire; and the Human Realm, where pleasure and pain are both present and enlightenment is most easily attainable. These realms are not exactly literal but more in reference to different states of mind. The ultimate goal is to exclude oneself from the ongoing cycle of pain and suffering by becoming enlightened. To achieve this, ignorance (avidya) must be tackled in order to recognise the consequences of actions (karma) and avoid suffering caused by impermanence (anicca) and no self (anatta).

Aphrodite of Melos

Greek artists tried to create ideal beauty. Statues were not made to represent real, living people, but they were carved to show how the human body should look like. The picture in front of you is a sculpture of Aphrodite of Melos (Venus de Milo, in Roman mythology). For hundreds of years, the statue remained buried in an underground cavern, where it had been damaged and discovered in two parts. It was in 1820 AD (anno domini) when a peasant named Yorgos found her body on the Aegean island of Melos. Later, the sculpture was taken out of Greece under unclear circumstances and was taken to the Louvre Museum in Paris, France where it was admired by the millions of visitor’s of the country. This sculpture is considered by many art historians to be the ideal of Hellenistic beauty. It was carved out of marble and stands approximately 205 cm (6 ft 10 in) high. By looking at her we think, not of wisdom, or force, or power, but just of beauty. She stands resting the weight of her body on one foot, and advancing the other on a bent knee. The posture causes the figure to sway slightly to one side, describing a fine curved line. The lower limbs are draped, but the upper part of the body is uncovered and in some mysterious way, the sculptor has imparted to the marble a seeming softness as of real flesh. The head is as exquisitely set as a flower on its stalk. The parted hair is drawn back in rippling waves over the low forehead. The eyes are not very wide open, having something of a dreamy languor (tiredness). Melting eyes† are indeed characteristic of Aphrodite, and an analytical critic has explained that this effect is produced in sculpture by a â€Å"slight elevation of the inner corner of the lower eyelid. † The nose is perfectly cut. The mouth and chin are molded in adorable curves. Many wise heads have been puzzled to know the position of the missing arms. A hand holding an apple was also found on Melos, and this may have been a part of the figure; if so, Aphrodite was represented as the goddess of the â€Å"apple island†. Some have thought that the goddess carried a shield, and others ave fancied her holding the traditional apple. There have also been many discussions as to the date of the work. Now if the statue had been made in the fifth century B. C. , the goddess would have been fully draped; if in the fourth century, entirely without drapery. Our sculptor then belonged to neither of these periods, and combined the characteristics of both. It is a fault on his part to have placed the drapery in an impossible position, whence in actual life it would immediately fall of its own weight. The beautiful body rising above the drapery reminds us of the myth of Aphrodite emerging from the sea foam. Aphrodite was thus born and arose on a large shell, which was then carried to land,). Her beauty is a union of strength and sweetness, a perfect embodiment of a nature at harmony with itself and its surroundings. Venus de Milo (Aphrodite of Melos), famous marble statue of Aphrodite found on the Greek island of Melos in 1820 and now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Although it is of a grandiose style that recalls the Classical Period, the Venus de Milo is from the late Hellenistic Age. Beside it stood a herma (stone pillar) on which the arm of the goddess rested. On the base of the herma was inscribed the signature of an artist, Alexandros, or Agesandros, from Antioch on the Meander, and by this signature the work can be dated from 150 bc to 100 bc. A hand holding an apple was also found on Melos, and this may have been a part of the figure; if so, Aphrodite was represented as the goddess of the â€Å"apple island† (Greek melos, â€Å"apple†). The original on which the artist based his work was probably an Aphrodite of the 4th century bc, which showed the goddess holding the shield of Ares with both hands. In the Melos statue, however, Aphrodite may have held her garment in her (now lost) right hand.

Mexican Fiesta Information Essay

Mexico has several kinds of festivals, each celebrated for religious, national or local reasons. †¢ There is always some kind of party after the initial celebration, accompanied by traditional Mexican music and food. Elements of a fiesta: †¢ Fiestas include parades, beauty pageants, various contests, competitive sports such as football, singing, dancing, music and traditional food. Mexicans celebrate all major national and religious holidays with elaborate fiestas. Colourful decorations are essential, including lanterns, lights and streamers. †¢ One of the biggest features of a Mexican fiesta is the pinata, which is made of paper mache and filled with candy & gifts, then hung up and hit repeatedly until the inside goods fall out. †¢ Traditional Mexican food includes tortillas, tacos, nachos, Menudo (classic soup) & burritos. Ingredients used in these dishes can include pork, beef, corn, potatoes, chilli and various other spices. Food issues/Nutritional information: Food allergies to consider when planning any function can include peanuts, tree nuts, legumes, seafood/shellfish, soy and egg. †¢ Dietary requirements can include catering for vegetarians, vegans, religious reasons and lactose or dairy intolerance. †¢ One of the main foods used in Mexican foods are avocados. These fruits are packed with monounsaturated fat, which helps lower cholesterol. Capsaicin is also the active ingredient in chilli peppers, and can relieve congestion & fight inflammation. Mexican food is beneficial to health and often contains many antioxidants

Nursing and Midwifery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Nursing and Midwifery - Essay Example The previous two steps which are believed to be never ending are then accompanied by performance. Hence, this is a lengthy one for professionals as it is not just based on learning but also on its outcomes in the professional practice, which is why Eraut (2000: pp.234) has put forth that other than its effects on the evaluation regarding the outcomes of professional work, it also impacts its nature. 1.2. Validity of Knowledge, Competence and Practice in Nursing and Midwifery When health care professionals face a situation in which different sources of knowledge, the opportunity for competence, and the adequacy of performance are put forth for selection, such a process is extremely vital for them in structuring their future. The process of coming to a decision regarding the limitation of knowledge and goal achievement may either be commenced through logical verification or commonsensical conjectures. Where health care individuals are still not aware of how far they have come, in nursi ng however, knowledge, competence and performance are essential components that need to be focused on and verified. This process evaluates and affects the ability of midwives and nurses to prioritize medical intercessions, as they are provided with knowledge and assessment skills themselves on the basis of varying probabilities of their position. As the House of Commons Health Committee (2010: pp.12) verified that the understanding of goal achievement, let it be continuous or not, is always reflected by competence assessment tests. This specified combination of professional stance is a vital process in the field of nursing and midwives as it has been divided into sub-divisions of formulations that include the processes like gaining the philosophy, evaluating the theory, working on the methodology, and then implementing it into professional practice. This paper proposes to contribute to the quality of learning and implementing the practices of both nurses and midwives, and the clarif ication of many uncertain formulations. 2. CASE SCENARIO As per the verification that needs to be provided, the question that has cropped up is regarding the â€Å"goal achievement and knowledge achievement of nurses and midwives†. The formulation suggested by many scholars such as Manley (1997: pp.179-190) that knowledge can be continuously increased and articulated by nurses as they gain respect and can influence the health sector, but, it is the formulation of midwives that the process of goal achievement has ended for them as they have gained whatever knowledge or objective they were to grow. A range of indicators of knowledge, competence performance assessment, and pragmatic evidence regarding the effectiveness of both nurses and midwives in measuring these key elements show that the latter formulation provided by midwives is irrational. A key challenge that was identified in all articles reporting on such formulations and the performance assessment was ensuring objectiv ity. 2.2. Comparison and Contrast There is limited evidence about the verification of whether or not midwives should gain further knowledge for competence and professional prac

Federal Express (Canada) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Federal Express (Canada) - Case Study Example Further, FedEx which is known and trusted for its integrity, according to Birla (2005), breaks its promises of refunding the company and, therefore, this paper addresses the alternative strategies that could foster any organizations thrive. This report is based on the inconveniences experienced by ‘Desktop Innovations’ (DI) as a result of poor service provision by the Federal Express Company (FedEx). The Desktop Innovations office manager (Anita Kilgour) wrote a letter to the FedEx Company following their late delivery of one package and their failure to prompt necessary communications. In her letter, the office manager detailed the problems encountered in using the FedEx to convey packages to Simpsonville, South Carolina from Kitchener, Ontario. The letter states that of the two packages supposed to arrive at Simpsonville for a trade show, only one package was received and the other one was lost on the way. It was later discovered that the missing package had lost its shipping bill at Memphis and was sent back to Toronto. This resulted in loss of huge amounts of money amounting to $1200 on the booth Charlotte show and fee. Time was also wasted and an accumulation of up to 3 hours on phone calls by the off ice manager to FedEx office as a follow-up of the missing package. Furthermore, the FedEx Company which was trusted of its high integrity in product delivery had incredibly failed to respond to the manager’s fears and even failed to keep their promise of refunding or crediting the company as per their rules of commitment. In her later, Anita Kilgour reported the missing package and also complained of the misconduct of the FedEx Company for failing to abide by their promises, which of course had made it gain trust over other organizations. Anita tried making a number of phone calls to the office to follow up on the progress in search of the missing package but unfortunately she always

Social Media Individual Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Social Media Individual Assignment - Essay Example It is away to communicate with people, share feelings, photos, knowledge, politics, hobbies, lifestyles and other interests. Social networking enables individuals to stay connected with each other irrespective of geographical distances, culture, bindings etc. Thus social networking work as an online community. An access to social networking sites enables one to socialize. However, as every technology has pros and cons, social networking also possesses positive and negatives with it. Yes, I do have social networking site. I have an account on Facebook. It allows me to establish new relationships, reunite with friends and other relatives and strengthen relations. My friends with common interests come on the common platform, i.e. Facebook and can share their thoughts and ideas to march ahead. Social networking facilitates free messaging, gaming, invitations, blogging, sharing events, photos, help either related to some personal matter such as health or some meaningful advice. We share our views, frame opinion and concerns. Yes, I would not like to share my personal pictures, videos and important files on social network sites as they may be accessed from any corner of the world and could be used/ misused. Hence, I take care while uploading anything on my social network sites. As social media enables its users to access the information uploaded on the social networking sites from any corner of the world it poses numerous problems. The companies must set policies on regulation of social media use which should be amended from time to time especially in the discussions what to share through social networking sites and where to stop else facility like social media network will do more destruction than good Social networking sites as other computing sites are prone to the attacks of hackers, they may inject malicious codes into most popular social networking sites, either through advertisements or through third-party apps. Numerous

Why was the Washington consensus irresistible in Latin America Essay - 1

Why was the Washington consensus irresistible in Latin America - Essay Example ones. It came about as a result of a wave of globalisation. A number of historical occurrences had also led to the prevailing situation. This paper will trace the evolution of policy in the Latin American region in the decades prior to the consensus and during its actual adoption. The analysis will demonstrate how international banks as well as official financial institutions, politics, economic fundamentals as well as prevailing ideologies shaped the diffusion of neoliberalism in the region. Why the consensus was irresistible to Latin America The Washington Consensus took shape in the early 1990s starting with Mexico and Chile. Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia would all follow suit. Fiscal adjustment was a key component of neoliberalism in this Consensus. Several countries removed fiscal deficits through changes in subsidy and taxation policies. Government was to step aside and let the market allocate resources on its own. Additionally, privatisati on was also a crucial part of the reforms. Latin American governments were known for their heavy handedness in controlling their economies but these were privatised. Loss making in state enterprises As mentioned, Latin American governments had played a dominant role in the ownership of state enterprises. However, by the 1970s and 80s, it became evident that these enterprises were no longer making money (Gwynne, 2004). Creditors to the Latin American nations made them realise the benefit of privatising those institutions in order to make them profitable again. Since the US was one of the key lenders to Latin American countries, it soon became inevitable for these nations to privatise their institutions in order to boost the efficiency of their economies. Between 1980 and 1983, Latin America suffered from the problem of domestic debt. At the time, the countries had debt obligations to financial institutions outside the region. They were advised by the IMF to either increase their expo rts or minimise expenditure. Since these nations had a poor exporting history, many of them chose the easier option of curbing imports in their countries. This was sufficient to create a trade surplus of about $ 242.9 billion by the end of the year (Green, 2003). However, debts owed were almost close to these figures as they stood at $218.6 billion by the end of the decade. External debt as a percentage of GDP Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, 2009. Imbalances of Latin American fiscal accounts. [online] Available at http://www.frbatlanta.org/pubs/econsouth/imbalances_in_latin_american_fiscal_accounts_whyunited_states_should_care.cfm Accessed 18 December 2013] The graph illustrates the precarious situation in which Latin America found itself in the late 1980s. Its debts had reached unsustainable levels. In order to meet these obligations, Latin American economies somehow had to find a way of converting their trade surplus into dollars. However, because most state-owned institu tions were not generating positive rates of return, it was necessary to create avenues of accessing earnings from the private sector. These governments somehow managed to convince private investors to purchase government bonds in exchange for their currencies. Countries like Mexico and Brazil used very high interest rates to achieve these outcomes (Williamson, 1990). Essentially,

Recruitment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Recruitment - Essay Example It is significant to recruit individuals with necessary talents, credentials and capability in order to comprehend the purposes of an organization. Thus, it is important that managers keep in mind the present and future needs of the organization in the process of recruitment. Fruitful recruitment approaches comprise of a systematic examination of the job and the labor market situations. Recruitment is almost central to any procedure of management and failure in recruitment can develop complications for any organization such as adverse impact on its productivity and unsuitable stages of employment or abilities. Inadequate recruitment can result into shortages in labor, or even complications in decision making in management. Nevertheless, recruitment is not just an easy selection procedure. It also needs decision making of the management and wide preparation to hire the most appropriate human labor. Competition amid business organizations for recruiting the best potential has increased concentration on invention, as well as management decision making. The recruiters target at recruiting only the greatest applicants who would outfit the business values, morals and climate definite to the organization. Recruitment process does not end with application and selection of the suitable individuals, but includes preserving and holding the workers selected. Regardless of a well-designed plan on recruitment and selection, as well as involvement of competent management team, recruitment can encounter weighty hindrances in execution. Theories of human resource management may offer understandings on the best methods to recruitment although organizations will have to use their internal management abilities to apply universal concepts within exact organizational settings; recruitment has the main purpose of providing a pool of potentially competent job applicants. Researchers argue that recruitment models do not exist in seclusion. Present inducements to create them depend on t he probabilistic prediction of future vicious circle and scientific developments of accurate management alternatives (Martin & Jackson 2005, p. 90). Good recruitment models significantly enhance the capability of managers to make well-versed policy decisions. There are various categories of recruitment models; for instance, there is retained search model where a hiring professional works exclusively for a particular need and payment is separated into two sections. In addition, exclusive requirement model demands that the recruiter assures the client to close the vacancy within specific time. However, in case he fails to close the vacancy by the time, he or she should either close the position with slighter charge or accept some other fine. The most significant model that is currently preferred by many organizations includes the recruitment process outsourcing. This is because in this model, the recruitment process outsourcing partner is accountable for closing all needs (Torrington, Hall & Taylor 2008, p. 59). The partners are responsible for the entire recruitment process starting from sourcing, scheduling, interviews, and selecting. This is a benefit to the organization because it does not have to manage its own recruitment group, thus cost reductions. However, in order to avoid or reduce any risks that may occur because of this model, it is vital that organizations take precaution in the process of selecting recruitment partners. This is for

Risks in Project Management Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Risks in Project Management Practice - Essay Example In reference to the given case study, this paper will dwell on the risks that the Emperor Phone Company stands a chance of facing during its product launch. Emperor is a renowned mobile handset manufacturing company, which competes on the global markets with key players like Samsung, Nokia among many others. It will also give a detailed approach to the necessary steps that it will need to undertake to ensure that the launch of its ‘myphone’ smart phone is a success. Lastly, it will highlight the impacts of its taken risks to ensure that it beats its bitter rival Apple in capturing the phones market before its rivals launch their ‘iPhone’. Risk identifier register As per the case study provided, the Company’s CEO acquired information that Emperor’s bitter rivals, Apple, were set to release a new phone product. With this kind of information at hand, Emperor decided that it was going to utilize it by developing a product that would correspond to w hat their rivals intend to roll out. The launch date of its products is set for February 1, 2013 just a month before Apple’s ‘iphone’ hits the market. Risk description In the project mandate issued, the first risk involved would be legal due the fact that the two products would seem as though one imitated the other. This is because ‘I’ and ‘my’ have almost the same meaning. ... Secondly, the Emperor ‘myPhone’ prior launch might also incur the threat risk of its secret leaking to its rivals. The management’s idea of having keynote addresses by relevant stakeholders is also a risky move. This would be because they do not know where their guest speaker’s loyalties lie. There in, the information at the speakers’ disposal might find its way to their rivals. In this regard, Apple might use the information acquired to their advantage by making final detail improvement on the ‘iPhone’ before its launch. which may overshadow the ‘myPhone’. Thirdly, the marketing department will be in charge of the complete marketing campaign process including the venue. The opportunistic risk here would involve the location of the conference set to engage the ‘myPhone’ target market. Probable date registered These risks were most probably likely to occur in the following sequence. The first and second risks wer e likely to occur after the ‘myPhone had been launched in to market. Their impact was to affect heavily their anticipated sales, as they will not be able to restore the image of their product in the event that its reputation is at stake. The third and most important risk that needed evaluation would be on the day of the product release. Therefore, its occurrence on the material day would translate to poor initial sale of the ‘myPhone’. This would set the bar in which the sales level would not be able to cross, as it the impact will be less. Probability, impact and expected value In trying to manage the risks above, the applications elaborated in Prince2 (OCG, 2009) would prove beneficial in eliminating the risks involved. This will involve critical understanding

Managerial Accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Managerial Accounting - Assignment Example The net operating income in 2014 by Variable Costing Method is higher than that found by Absorption Costing Method because the inventory decreased in 2014. In any case when inventory increases, by Absorption Costing Method, the net operating income will be higher than that found using Variable Costing Method (Ray, 2014). 4. In 2013, the Net Operating Income (NOI) using Absorption Costing is 3335 dollars higher than the value got using Variable Costing method. The difference results from the fixed manufacturing overhead that is added to the ending inventory under Absorption Costing method. A part of fixed manufacturing overhead is absorbed by the ending inventory hence cuts down the burden of the current period. That is, a part of fixed cost of the present period is taken to the next period. As claimed by MM to having used the Variable Costing Method to arrive at the price that results into a profit of $5 (105-100) per Bike since the production cost of a Bike is $100 by Variable costing Method. Variable Costing method (VCM)is preferable for internal decision making such as pricing. This is because VCM provides managers with relevant information necessary for preparing contribution margin income statement. This leads to more effective CVP analysis, Cost Volume Price analysis (Jacqueline, 2012). VCM separates Fixed and variable costs thus managers are able to determine contribution margin ratios and points such as target profit points and break-even points and even carry out sensitivity analysis. On the other hand Absorption Costing Method (ACM) is recommended for reporting profit stakeholders. This is because financials statement prepared by the ACM conforms to the GAAP; thus auditors accept the statements. Additionally, ACM assigns fixed cost to units of products hence this allows stakeholders to match costs to revenues(Jacqueline,

Chinas Reform and Opening-Up Policy Essay Example for Free

Chinas Reform and Opening-Up Policy Essay Deng Xiaoping in the eyes of all the Chinese people are very familiar with, because he proposed the reform and opening up policy, China has undergone enormous changes, China not only in the economic, political, cultural, social and other fields, various aspects have made great progress. I will divide my speech into three parts, the first part of the economy, the primary stage of socialism, the basic economic system has been established. Adjust and improve the ownership structure, changes in the ownership structure of public ownership as the main body, and a variety of forms of ownership develop the basic economic system. The reform of state-owned enterprises made ​significant progress. 30 years as the central link of the economic reform, the management system and operation mechanism reform of state-owned enterprises continued to deepen. Most of the restructuring of state-owned enterprises as diverse shareholders corporate enterprises, state-owned economy and structural adjustment progresses, greatly stimulate the vitality of enterprises, enhance the control and influence of the state-owned economy. The new macro-control system gradually perfected. Break the traditional highly centralized planning and management system, and gradually establish a macro-control system to adapt to the requirements of the socialist market economy, the transformation of government functions, planning, investment, finance and taxation, finance, foreign exchange, the price system reform has achieved significant progress in the formation of national planning and fiscal , monetary policy and the coordination of macro-control system. The second part, resource allocation, income distribution system is undergoing a fundamental change. Established distribution according to work is dominant and a variety of modes of distribution coexist distribution system, the establishment of the production factors of labor, capital, technology and management system of distribution according to contribution. Emphasis on the treatment of the relationship between the initial distribution and redistribution in the efficiency and fairness, give full play to the enthusiasm. The third part, social security, social security system of Chinese characteristics basically formed. Establishing and continuously improving the urban basic old-age insurance system, the formation of the urban and rural basic medical insurance system, and constantly improve the unemployment insurance, industrial injury insurance and maternity insurance system, generally establish minimum living security system for urban and rural residents, and gradually improve the social assistance system.

Ferguson Police Officer Essay Example for Free

Ferguson Police Officer Essay Why has the shooting of eighteen year old Michael Brown affected my community? Some say it was a race issue others say it was police brutality. Racism being a very sensitive matter in the community that I live in, all though I do not live in Ferguson City, it is only a twenty minute drive from my front door. It has effected where I live as it brings up civil rights, police use of unlawful and deadly force, and racism issues. The shooting of this young man has rocked our communities, and it is more than likely to get worse before getting better. How can we stop events like this from happening in our communities? The civil rights of several us citizens had been violated in the following ways. We as a people have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of speech, not be profiled, and not be unlawfully detained or restrained. One afternoon in Ferguson Missouri all of these rights got broken and started a horrible civil rights protest. Several Ferguson by police officers and other local  law officials have been accused in recent lawsuits by citizen about civil rights violations. Some of these allegations include killing a mentally ill man with a Taser, hitting a child with a pistol. Choking and hog tying a child. Beating a man and charging him with property damage because his blood splatter on the officers clothes. A Mother (Tracey White) and her son was arrested for practicing her rights to freedom of speech while waiting for a ride home after peacefully protesting. When is it alright for an officer to use deadly force? Use of deadly force is acceptable if the suspect is a threat to the officer or the general public safety. The Ferguson police reported that Mr. Brown got fired on during a struggle with the officer. Dorian Johnson, the friend that was with Michael. Stated that the officer opened fire when the young men refused to move from the middle of the street. Police and protestors both agree that Mr. Brown was unarmed. Now with both parties agreeing that the young Mr. Brown had no weapon there was no threat that requires the use of deadly force. In the quest to understand the racial dynamics of police brutality, we are well overdue for a new visual beyond Rodney King getting, (Shedd, Jan). Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson (officer that fired the shots that killed Michael Brown) told authorities Brown reached for the gun during a struggle. Officer Wilsons account of the instance did not explain why he shot at Michael multiple times after emerging from his vehicle. Which now brings me to the racism side of the situation. If this was not race oriented. Then why this unarmed young black male was shot six times two of which were in the head. His body was allowed to lie in the center of Canfield Drive for over four hours. These have caused many different events to expire, and there has been looting of business like the market, tire and rim shop, and the salon. Businesses to be burned to the ground like the quick-trip after it got looted. The peaceful protest went on for the first week ended with a standoff between protesters and police. The police formed a line and engaged the protestors with tear gas. After long nights of back and forth daybreak would arrive, and things would mellow out slightly. First days of school in Ferguson had been postponed due to the facility did not feel it was safe to have children in the schools the first couple day.  Racism is manifested or reflected in a multiplicity of ways, including: the teaching of basically Eurocentric curriculum; the paucity of research and courses on racism; the absence of an anti-racist pedagogy; incident of racial harassment and overt racism; the lack of resources allocated to implement effectively and anti-racism policies and practices; the power relations between white majority and minority faculty and staff; the polarization between white students and students of color, and the resistance to social change processes designed to eliminate racism. Despite the fact that racism is a pervasive and systemic force (Frances Tator, 1999). Two and a half months have gone by since Michael Brown was gunned down in the streets of Ferguson Missouri by police officer Darren Wilson. The social and political movements that were started by young Michael browns death are still raging on. People from Ferguson and from across the nation came together for a weekend of resistance. Those who attended took part in marches, rallies, and demonstration for several days. All leading up to a massive rally on Saturday October, 12 2014. There were reports of over Three thousand people in attendance for the march on Saturday being called justice for all. It was a diverse crowd of supporters in the streets of St. Louis Missouri. Protestors are demanding justice for Brown and other black men who have been slain by police officers. A lot of the protests have intensified because of the way that the police have responded. The events that have occurred could have been avoided. We as citizens need to understand that these kinds of issues happen everywhere. Issues of this sort do not just appear out of thin air. If we were more involved in our communities and the voting of our government officials, we would be heard sooner. Members of our society need to stand up for our rights, communities elect strong leaders ones that listen not just hear our options and make changes in our towns and cities. Together as one we can be heard and put a stop to all the violence and police brutalities. Participation will help us all as United States citizens win our civil rights back. References Frances, H., Tator, C. (1999). Racism and the university. _Canadian Ethnic Studies, 26.3_(74), 1. Shedd, C. (January 2010). Race and Police Brutality: Roots of an Urban Dilemma. _Contemporary sociology, 43_(39.1), 1.

Critical Enquiry Reflection Sheet Social Work Essay

Critical Enquiry Reflection Sheet Social Work Essay The moment of learning that has grabbed my attention in this supervision session is that I need to research and identify my practice framework when working bi-culturally with tangata whenua and cross-culturally. During my sixth supervision session my supervisor assessed me using the second direct practice observation relating to my second learning outcometo demonstrate competency when working with young people cross-culturally. This assessment led to discussions around my practice cross-culturally as I have been closely working with young people and their families who are of a different culture from my own. Also in my practice at the alterative education centre where I am placed two days a week I am the only pakeha person there. My supervisor stated in the assessment that Working in the school setting as the only female and pakeha person, has enabled her to identify the differences in culture but also helped her to work cross-culturally with other staff and clients. Family visitation has also helped her to identify areas that need more training in. When my supervisor asked me to identify how I work bi-culturally with tangata whenua and cross-culturally with clients I was unable to articulate easily how I practice in this setting. My response was that in the alternative education setting because I am the only pakeha person there, I work biculturally and cross-culturally: By respecting the Maori culture of the centre Removing my shoes when I enter I have had to learn the words in order to participate in the morning waiata and karakia I eat my lunch with the young men and the other tutors each day as sharing food together is part of the Maori culture Following on from this I have stated that during home visits with clients and their families I respect the different cultures; by removing my shoes and accepting food and beverages from cultures where the sharing of food is important. These responses were very vague and did not give a clear answer as to how I practice bi-culturally and cross-culturally. I am aware that I have been trained at university to practice from a bi-cultural and multi-cultural perspective but I have found it hard to articulate how I do this. As my supervisor has noted I have identified through this supervision session that I need to critically reflect on my practice cross-culturally and identify the areas that I need more training in order to become a competent bi-cultural and cross-cultural practitioner. For the benefit of cross-cultural practice and working with tangata whenua I as a social worker need to recognise that: As a professional helper, one can feel uneasy when challenged by striking difference is the first step towards self-reflection. This attitude has a better chance of leading to genuine accommodation of the client than pretending to be politically correct. The creation of collegial support structures and the cultivation of a climate of trust and open sharing within the service setting might encourage this attitude, to be affective in cross-cultural practice (Tsang George, 1998, p.87). Looking backward The assumptions and biases that are present in this moment of learning is my own cultural awareness; In Tatum (2000) she discuses the concept of identity and what it means for the individual and how the roles of the dominant over the subordinate can influence a persons view of themselves: This looking glass self is not a flat one-dimensional reflection, but multidimensional. How ones identity is experienced will be mediated by dimensions of one self: male or female; young or old, wealthy or poor, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or heterosexual; able-bodied or with disabilities: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, or atheistà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Tatum, 2000). The role and the devaluation associated with it will differ in relation to the socio-cultural context that the subordinate person/s and the dominant groups are part of (Wolfensberger, 1972, as cited in (Wills, 2008b). Discourses are systemic ways of talking, discussing something of significance. They are the consequence of a combination of social, political even economic factors and often have voices of authority. Discourses are often informed by beliefs, ideas and understandings that are implicit; taken for grantedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦even ideologicalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Some forms of discourse are legitimated and validated but still one cannot be confident, and assume that such discourses have become established as a result of well-rationalised, carefully researched, developed and rigorous argument/debate (Wills, 2008a). Looking inward Looking outward Looking forward I identify to the families that although I am from a different culture to them I have been university trained to work cross-culturally and I am happy to enter into discussions around what this means for our social work relation Question construction 300 Literature300 In defining competence one must also consider the meaning of culture. Essentially, culture is understood to relate to some shared elements which connect people in a common way of experiencing and seeing the world. These perceptions of the world guide day-to-day living, influence how decisions are made and by whom, and determine what is perceived to be appropriate and inappropriate behaviour within any given context (Connolly, Crichton-Hill Ward, 2005 p.17, as cited in SWRB, 2007, p.5) To work with Maori clients the social worker must competently understand what Te Ao Maori means, the same goes with working with other cultural and ethnic groups. Using Tsang and Georges conceptual framework of attitude knowledge and skills the SWRB created its competence standards of practice. To understand what competent practice for Maori and other cultural and ethnic groups means for social workers in New Zealand I will be critically discussing in this essay; what the ANZASWs standards of practice are that inform competence and what it means for social work practice in New Zealand, I will identify and describe the constituent elements of Te Ao Maori the Maori world view, critically examine Tsang and Georges conceptual framework and apply their framework to an aspect of Te Ao Maori in a practice setting. Members of the ANZASW are accountable to the association and expected to abide by their policies and procedures, competent social work practice being one of them, the following ten standards for social work practice in Aotearoa New Zealand were set and ratified by the National Executive of NZASW (now ANZASW) in June 1990: The social worker establishes an appropriate and purposeful working relationship with clients taking into account individual differences and the cultural and social context of the clients situation. The social worker acts to secure the clients participation in the whole process of the working relationship with them. The social workers practice assists clients to gain control over her/his own circumstances. The social worker has knowledge about social work methods, social policy, social services, resources and opportunities. In working with clients, the social worker is aware of and uses her/his own personal attributes appropriately. The social worker only works where systems of accountability are in place in respect of his/her agency, clients and the social work profession. The social worker constantly works to make the organisation and systems, which are part of the social work effort, responsive to the needs of those who use them. The social worker acts to ensure the clients access to the Code of Ethics and objects of the New Zealand Association of Social Workers. The social worker uses membership of the New Zealand Association of Social Workers to influence and reinforce competent social practice. The social worker uses membership of the New Zealand Association of Social Workers to influence and reinforce competent practice (NZASW, 1993). To illustrate how these standards for practice work in professional social work practice I will select one standard and show how two aspects of the standard apply. For standard four: the social worker has knowledge about social work methods, social policy and social services, this standard can be shown in practice with how Child, Youth and Family services work within a bicultural framework and the Treaty of Waitangi: Child, Youth and Family acknowledges its duties and obligations to the tangata whenua as a Crown partner to New Zealands founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi. We are committed to ensuring that services we deliver and purchase are fully responsive to the needs and aspirations of Maori, and that our actions are consistent with the Principles for Crown Action on the Treaty of Waitangi. Our commitment is reflected in a key result area improved outcomes for Maori, the alliances and partnerships we have built and continue to foster with iwi and Maori social services groups and communities, our human resource policies, and in our work programme (especially the development and implementation of a strategy for improving outcomes for Maori children, young people and their families) (CYF, 2008). In relation to the social policy part of this standard the CYFs social workers are aware of the legislations of Aotearoa New Zealand and how other aspects of the law: Child, Youth and Familys statutory role is defined by the following legislation: The Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989 The Adoption Act 1955 The Adult Adoption Information Act 1985 The Adoption (Inter-country) Act 1997(CYF, 2008). Child, Youth and Family services are an excellent example of how an agency has set guidelines and policies around the standards set out by the SWRB and ANZASW to implement competent practice by their social workers. In the next part of this essay I will identify and describe the constituent elements of Te Ao Maori the Maori world view. To understand the Maori world view we must examine what are the Maori behaviour and conduct in social relationships or korero tawhito are; then what the Maori social structures of whanau, hapu, iwi mean and what the three classes of Maori society are, and what mana and tapu mean for Maori people who are the tangata whenua of Aotearoa. Korero tawhito are they ways in which Maori behave and conduct themselves in social relationships: Korero tawhito reflected the thought concepts, philosophies, ideals, norms and underlying values of Maori societyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The values represent ideals, which were not necessarily achievable but something to aspire to (Ministry of Justice, 2001, p.1). These underlying values of Maori society are the ways in which Maori people socially interact with each other. The next step in understanding what the Maori world view is, is to understand Maori social structures: The Maori social structure was based on decent, seniority and the kinship groupings. Maori recognised four kin groups: Whanau the basic unit of Maori society into which an individual was born and socialised. Hapu the basic political init within Maori society, concerned with ordinary social and economic affairs and making basic day-to-day decisions. Iwi the largest independent, politico-economic unit in Maori society. An iwi would be identified by its territorial boundaries, which were of great social, cultural and economic importance (Ministry of Justice, 2001, p.2). The kin group a person belongs to affects their world view because it influences their place within society. The fundamental concepts of mana and tapu are those which govern the framework of Maori society: Mana was inherited at birth, and the more senior the descent of a person, the greater the mana. Tapu invariably accompanied mana. The more prestigious the event, person or object, the more it was surrounded by the protection of tapu. The complex notions of mana and tapu reflect the ideals and values of social control and responsibility. The analysis of mana endeavours to identify the role of mana in relation to responsibility, leadership and birthright. The examination of tapu illustrated how tapu operated and affected the everyday lives of Maori (Ministry of Justice, 2001, p.6). In examining the elements of Te Ao Maori I have examine the different concepts of Maori behaviour and conduct korero tawhito, the Maori social structures of kin and class and what mana and tapu mean. Theory 300 CRITERION FOR CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE THEORY/MODEL OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE Identifies and is based upon beliefs and values of Pacific Islands culture. Explains problems and concerns in a manner that is relevant to Pacific Islands understanding. Uses Pacific Islands helping traditions and practices. Incorporates a Pacific Islands understanding to change the process. Can differentiate aspects of the behaviour which are associated with Pacific Islands cultural patterns from those resultant in dominant palagi cultural interpretations. Avoids cultural pathological stereotyping. Encompass macro and micro levels of explanations and interventions. Incorporates the experiences of the community and individuals in New Zealand Society. Can guide the selection of appropriate knowledge and practice skills from other cultures. (Adapted from Meemeduma, P. (1994). Cross cultural social work: New models for new practice, Advances in social work welfare education, Montash University.) Ethics 300 Skills 300 The Social Work Registration Board of Aotearoa New Zealand released in 2007 a policy statement in regard to the competence of registered social workers to practise social work with Maori and different ethnic and cultural groups in New Zealand. The release of this document was to set the levels of competency that are needed for social workers to work effectively in a positive way to empower those who are disadvantaged by society.   As Mason Durie comments, cultural competence about the acquiring of skills to achieve a better understanding of members of other cultures (SWRB, 2007, p.5). To be competent when working with other cultures one must understand the differences and similarities between other cultures and know what is culturally appropriate and inappropriate; the social worker needs to respect the clients culture and use recourses available to them to effectively work with the client to achieve the best possible outcome Bicultural code of Ethics In the next part of this essay I will critically examine Tsang and Georges (1998) Integrated Conceptual Framework for Cross-cultural Practice of attitude, knowledge and skills. I will do this by describing the three elements and examining these elements by assessing their significance and importance in social work practice with mana whenua. To understand what the significance and importance of Tsang and Georges conceptual framework in relation to mana whenua we must first examine what mana whenua are: Mana whenua(noun):territorial rights, power from the land power associated with possession and occupation of tribal land. The tribes history and legends are based in the lands they have occupied over generations and the land provides the sustenance for the people and to provide hospitality for guests (Maori Dictionary, 2008). Now we know what mana whenua means the next apart is to describe the three elements of the framework: Attitude Commitment to justice and equity Valuing difference Other-directed: Openness to cultural difference Self directed: Critical self-reflection Knowledge Specific cultural content Systemic context of culture Acculturation and internalized culture Dynamics of cross-cultural communication and understanding Skills Management of own emotional response Professional intervention within institutional contexts Communication, engagement, and relationship skills Specific change strategies (Tsang and George, 1998, p.84). The concept of attitude relates to the social workers own behaviour and their use of self as a tool when working with clients, the concept of knowledge relates to the knowledge theories behind cross-cultural practice and knowledge learnt from a practitioners own experiences. The concept of skills relates to the practical aspect of working with clients. To use the element of attitude when working with mana whenua, one needs to be aware of their own limitations, lack of knowledge and understanding of other cultures: This awareness has both self-directed and other-directed implications. The other-directed expression of this awareness is an openness to cultural difference and a readiness to learn form a client. Such openness is based on acknowledgement and positive regard for the cultural differences that exist between the client and the practitioner, respect for client cultures, and readiness to accommodate alternative world views or ways of life. The self-directed expression of this awareness is a readiness to engage in self-reflection, including the examination of possible cultural biases, assumptions, values, and ones emotional experience and comfort level when challenged with difference (Tsang and George, 1998, p.84). For a social worker to be aware of their own limitations and lack of knowledge is the first step in establishing a working relationship with mana whenua, their own ability to acknowledge the differences and similarities between their own culture and their clients culture is a huge component of their attitude when working with their clients. Supervision is needed in this context for the social worker to be able to discuss with others their own reflections and feelings associated when working cross-culturally, for personal and professional growth. Knowledge is the next element in which the cross-cultural practice framework discusses the four elements of knowledge: We can identify four areas of cross-cultural knowledge. First is the knowledge of specific cultural content as captured by the cultural literacy model. In agreement with Dyche and Zayas (1995), it is probably not realistic to expect cros0cultural practitioners to be knowledgeable in a large number of cultural systems. It may be more practical for practitioners to focus on the other three kinds of knowledge: the systemic context of culture, acculturation and internalized culture, and the dynamics of cross-cultural communication and understanding. Consistent with an ecological perspective adopted by many social workers, cross-cultural clinical practice is understood within the broader systemic context of current structural inequalities, racial politics, histories of colonization, slavery, and other forms of racial oppression (Tsang and George, 1998, p.85). For a worker to work effectively cross-culturally they must understand and have knowledge of other cultures, historically, ethnically, their value and belief systems, their customs and day-to-day living. To have a comprehensive understanding of a clients total living and life experience a practitioner must have an appreciation of the effects of their socio-political systems. In this context in New Zealand it would be effective for social workers working with mana whenua to have knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and what it means for Maori people and the political aspects that go with it. The final element of Skills in Tsang and Georges model related to the specific skills a social worker needs when working biculturally with the mana whenua and cross-culturally: Social work skills are specific courses of action taken by practitioner to achieve positive changes needed by their clients à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Appropriate attitude and knowledge in cross-cultural practice, therefore, must be translated into specific professional behaviour which addresses practitioner, client, institutional and contextual realities. A variety of skills have been recommended by authors in cross-cultural practice, covering professional behaviour within institutional contexts; communication skills, specific interviewing skills such as ethnographic interview, relationship-building skills, and change strategies (Tsang and George, 1998, p.85-86). Practice skills can not be effective without the social worker having a sound understanding of knowledge and the appropriate attitude when working with mana whenua. Skills are the practical component on Tsang and Georges model, and when working with mana whenua the practitioner must use the appropriate skills from their knowledge base for their work to be effective. Their interactions with their clients are an important part of their role as a social worker. Mana whenua need social workers with the specialist cross-cultural skills. In this part of the essay I have examined Tsang and Georges model of attitude, knowledge and skills by describing the three elements and examining the elements by assessing their significance and importance in social work practice with mana whenua and other cultures. Evidence 300

Solutions to Gang Violence in Society Essay -- Gang Violence Crimes Vi

Gang violence is a major problem in our society today. If nothing is done soon, gang violence could take place in our neighborhoods. MW Klein, a gang researcher, says that gangs are an aggregation of youths who perceive themselves as distinct, and that are viewed as distinct by the community. Klein also states that the gangs call forth a consistently negative image of themselves through their actions (Klein). To those involved in gangs however, gang membership provided a youth means of attempting to consolidate their gender identities (Douglas). Most of the early American street gangs have historically been ethnically based. Early gangs were mainly Irish, Polish, or Italian (Klein). Communities all over deal with gang violence. Criminologist and crime writer John E. Douglas, explained how the propagation of street gangs in America and the violence associated with them is disturbing. He mentioned that street gangs have a presence in 94 percent of all the U.S. cities with populations greater than 100,000 (Klein). A number of studies have been conducted dealing with gang violence throughout the world. One particular study in Chicago showed that five percent of elementary school children were affiliated with street gang, as well as 35 percent of high school dropouts (Klein). Elizabeth Van Ella of the Chicago Crime Commission, explained that in Chicago alone, 65,000 documented gang members account for 48 percent of the crime. A majority of the members thrive in business as a way to cover up their schemes (Hutson). They flourish in retail sales, computer sales, hospitals, office buildings, schools, transportation, and security firms. Practically, anywhere that pr ovides a cover for laundering money, and easy mobility (Hutson). Klein explains that another place that has been greatly affected is Los Angeles. Los Angeles has over 950 different gangs with more than 100,000 members. They are not just limited to inner-city ghettos, but are active in over 800 cities nation wide. Overall, nearly 100 cities with population’s less then 10,000 report active street gangs (Klein). Many stereotypes of gangs have been fabricated. The problem is that a majority of gang members do not fit these stereotypes, which, in turn, makes it hard for the to be caught (Klein). Traditionally they organize their group around a specific neighborhood, school or housing projec... ...versity Press. Fall 1995. General Reference Center Gold. 21 Jan 2007 Loeber R., and D.P. Farrington. â€Å"Serious and violent juvenile offenders: Risk factors and successful interventions.† Thousand Oaks. 1998. First Search. Feb 2007 Otero, Juan. â€Å"Curbing street gang violence,† National League of Cities. 21 Dec 1998. General Reference Center Gold. Jan 2007 Pfeiffer, Christian. â€Å"A toilet apart.† New Statesman. 2 Aug 1999. General Reference Center Gold. Mar 2007 Singer, Merrill. â€Å"Drugs, violence and moral panic in urban America,† American Anthropologist. Mar 1998. First Search. Feb 2007 Synder, Scott. â€Å"Movie portrayals of juvenile delinquency: part II—Sociology and psychology,† Adolescence. Summer 1995. First Search. Feb 2007 Walker, Hill M. et al., â€Å" The path to school failure, delinquency, and violence: Casual factors and some potential solutions,† Intervention in School and Clinic. Nov 1999. First Search. Feb 2007 Witt, Peter A. and Joni E. Baker. â€Å"Making A R.E.A.L. Difference,† Parks and Recreation. Mar 1999. General Reference Center Gold. Jan 2007 Wittmeier, Carmen. â€Å"Still no confession, but†¦,† Alberta Report. Aug 1999. General Reference Center Gold. Feb 2007

Creationism and the Classroom Essay -- essays research papers fc

Creationism and the Classroom The American classroom is suffering from a major deficiency. The science curriculum supports one theory of evolution and no other theory as to how the existence of the universe has come to be. This narrow-minded approach has kept many young minds from seeing a very broad picture of this world. Scientific creationism should be included in our public school curriculum because it is paramount to the progress of modern science. Duane Gish, who has a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Berkeley, says, â€Å"†¦neither creation nor evolution may be referred to as scientific theory since neither can offer eyewitness evidence of what happened in the past.† Gish further states, â€Å"Both are ultimately based upon inferences derived from circumstantial evidence. As such, they remain on an equal footing and should receive equal time in public classrooms in the United States† Creationism assumes there is a Creator who designed the universe with purpose and gave the universe direction. This theory can be put into our classrooms without being abrasive to the U.S. Constitution, so long as it is treated as science. Gish says, â€Å"Science can tell us nothing of who the Creator is, why the universe was created, or anything about the relationship of the things created to the Creator.† Without creationism in the public school system, students are left only to learn about evolution, which can be considered as religion. Gish explains, â€Å"†¦evolution is a non-theistic theory of origins which by definition excludes the intervention of an outside agency of any kind. Evolutionists believe that by employing natural laws and processes plus nothing it is possible to the origin of the universe and of all that it contains. This involves the acceptance of a particular philosophical metaphysical world view and is thus basically religious in nature.† Just as evolutionism has been accepted by many in the religious community as religion, creationism has been accepted by many in the science community as science. Ker C. Thompson is a former Director of the U.S. Air Force Terrestrial Sciences Laboratory. He holds a B.A. in Physics and Geology from the University of British Columbia and DSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. Thompson believes that the only way ... ...the only theory for the origin of the universe taught to our students, then our country is in danger of a scientific freeze. Without challenges to such theories, the students come away with unfair, one-sided views. If those views are not challenged in a scientific arena, as opposed to the students’ places of worship, then the students will not see any other views as science. Our students will take this lopsided understanding into adulthood. This understanding then has the danger of becoming dogmatic to our population. The progress of science will slow down without public challenges and governmental support. Works Cited Gish, Duane T â€Å"'Scientific Creationism' Should Be Taught in Science Classrooms". Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. 18 May 2005 Kofahl, Robert E "Scientific Evidence Against Evolution and for Creation Should Be Included in Science Curricula". Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. 18 May 2005 http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC Thomson, Ker C "Physical Laws Support Creationism". Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. 18 May 2005

The Abandoned Mental Hospital - Original Writing :: Papers

The Abandoned Mental Hospital - Original Writing I collected several items that I would be in need of because today was when my friends and I were going to explore Cane Hill, the mental hospital that has been abandoned for years. I gathered a torch, my slingshot and a few French bangers. I left my house feeling thrilled as well as sick, for I was about to enter a hospital that has been haunted even since people worked there. I met Michael and Shaun outside their houses; both of them had torches because we knew it would be pitch black, as dusk came upon us. We set off, for the first five minutes there was complete silence amid us, my friends and I were as jittery as a novice driver as none of us had clue what to expect. Warily, we slowly approached the front gate to find a very convenient hole in it. As we clambered through the tiny hole we put our torches on, since dark was already upon us. On the way through the jagged, cratered path, which looked like it had been bombed over and over again, we stumbled upon an average sized house which had every window boarded up - except for one. I felt a strange shiver down my back as we realised that we had to scale a ten foot wall, just to get inside. When all three of us were over the wall, we stared silently through the open window which still had shards of glass around it, only to see faint outlines in the house dark as a coal mine. Seeing as I was the biggest, my friends urged me through first. I felt terrified as well as curious. I stepped into a corridor which looked around ten meters long, but as we slowly crept through the corridor it felt like much more, like it never ended. Around the first corner it became pitch black. All we could see was what our torches managed to cover with its light.

Difference and Similarity in Culture

Do you like your own culture? People often say â€Å"culture is a symbol of our country. † I agree with this opinion, for I think culture helps the people learning about foreign country to understand what the country is. Then, how has our own culture been formed? Needless to say, culture has the long-term history, which gives the office to us to understand how it was formed. Today, I plan to talk about Japanese ancient culture by verifying the cultural difference and similarity between Edo and Meiji era. Edo era, the longest period in Japanese history, was said to be a turbulent period. However, people in the old days lived strongly and formed their original culture. One of them is clothes. Please look at figure 1. This is a picture of a person living in Edo era. We usually call the people like him samurai. They always wore kimonos, the Japanese traditional clothes, with wearing two swords. It is called â€Å"Taitou†. Edo was also a hellishly dangerous period, so samurai had to carry swords for self-defense, whenever they went out. Samurai’s hairstyle is also so unique. The person in figure 1 ties his hair in a topknot. In Japan, samurai sometimes cut the topknot of the opposite commanding general instead of taking his head, when they win the war. Please look at figure 2. This is a Japanese traditional transportation, and we call it â€Å"Kago†. When lords go out, they use â€Å"Kago† by making two people shoulder it. It was said to be so useful that many people were willing to use it. However, it was also said to take a long time to arrive at their destinations. Figure3| Figure4| Meiji era, the most progressive period in Japanese history, was said to be the best period, in terms of culture. Those days, the Edo shogunate was perished, and the new government decided to take in Western cultures as a part of modernization policy. I will introduce some of them. First, look at figure 3, please. His clothes were different from what people in Edo era wore. They were called â€Å"Western clothes†. In seeing this style in downtown, people often said â€Å"He is Haikara†. Haikara means fashionable in Japanese. ) His hairstyle is also a kind of Haikara. It was called â€Å"Zangiriatama†. At first, Meiji government restricted the topknot, and recommended â€Å"Zangiriatama† as an alternative idea, but it became popular, unnoticed. Next, look at figure 4, please. This is a picture of SL. It was introduced to Japan in the beginning of Meiji. At first, people thought it as a kind of â€Å"Kago†, but they were surprised at the excessive speed, when they saw the SL work. One person said, â€Å"I can move so fast as if I were a swallow. † As you see, culture has its own history and it is different each other. However, all of them are necessary for one country. If it were not for culture, countries could not have their originality and identity. Therefore, we must cherish our own culture. As a conclusion, I suggest that we should always be creative and affirmative to our own culture, for the attitude keeps and improves it.

Marshmallow Lab

Sabrina Gournaris Period 3 March 27, 2012 Marshmallow: The Snack That Acts Like A Gas Objective: Record and observe marshmallow and compare it to Boyle’s law. Materials: -2 mini marshmallows -1 syringe -A pen Experimental Procedure: 1. Take out marshmallow. 2. Draw face on marshmallow. 3. Open stopcock. 4. Pull plunger out. 5. Put marhmallow in syringe. 6. Put plunger back into syringe. 7. Push plunger so it’s barely touching the marshmallow. 8.Pull plunger back and record observations. 9. Remove marshmallow and replace it with the second marshmallow. 10. Close stopcock and push plunger so it’s barely touching the marshmallow again. 11. Record observations. Data Table: Trial| Open| Closed| 1 (without marshmallow)| Nothing, Easy to push. | Nothing happened. | 2| Nothing, Easy to push. | Marshmallow got bigger. | 3| Nothing, Easy to push. | Marshmallow got bigger. | 4| Nothing, Easy to push. | Marshmallow got bigger. | 5| Nothing, Easy to push. | Marshmallow got b igger. | Observations:Every time you push with the marshmallow in the tube, the air inside the marshmallow is released. The marshmallow decreases in size. Conclusion: Boyle’s law states that for a fixed amount a gas at a fixed temperature volume is opposite to its pressure. The air in the marshmallow is what follows Boyle’s law. The marshmallow is similar to a gas because when the pressure in the syringe is decreased the pressure in the marshmallow is increased. The volume increases in the marshmallow. So basically when the plunger is pulled out the pressure in the syringe decreases and the volume of the marshmallow increases.

Summer and People

India is a tropical country. Here Summer Season is felt more prominently than any other season. Ordinarily, we begin to feel the summer heat from the month of April to the second week of June. This season is remarkable for the heat. People suffer from terrible heat right from the morning till the midnight. In the morning people feel a gentle breeze. Then the sun rises and the horror of the heat commences. All the activities of the people are done with a little comfort only in the morning time. As the sun rises heat is felt.People are afraid to go out. Due to terrible heat, streets and roads become lonely. Those who take up some journey in day time get tired very soon. Very often they are affected by the sun-stroke. Dehydration occurs as body sweats heavily. If we do not take plenty of water, we break down. The mid-day is the most horrible and unbearable part of the day. Birds and other animals take rest. Sometimes wind blows carrying hot particles of dust. Sometimes there is no wind. There is only radiation and heat. They sit under the shade of trees.Still there is no relief from the heat. They frequently feel thirsty. People keep their cattle confined to the shed. This hot condition prevails up to four o'clock in the afternoon. Although the sun comes down in the sky the blazing heat does not decrease. When people come out, the skin of their body feels burning. Ponds and pools dry up. The water level in wells also goes down. People often walk miles and miles to fetch water. If there is scanty water in a pond, people use that water for all purposes. Thus, the unhygienic situation is created.Of course, the development of science has given us coolers and fans to fight heat. This is possible only on the part of the rich. In Summer Season, violent thunderstorms arise in afternoon. They bring showers very often. People get relief from the painful heat. Schools and Colleges remain closed for Summer Vacation. Government offices function in the morning only. Cold drinks , lasi and sharbat are sold in specific stalls. Children run for ice-creams. In this season we get several fruits such as mango and jackfruit, etc.

Dumpster Diving Literary Analysis Essay

How much food do consumers waste? Not much, a lot, you don’t know, or you don’t care? It doesn’t seem that many consumers do care. In the article, â€Å"On Dumpster Diving† (1993), Lars Eighner uses exposition, description, and narration to criticize consumer wastefulness. Exposition is the literary device that Eighner uses the most throughout this article. Exposition is when the author conveys his story through explanation. Eighner explains certain things rather than telling a word for word story about his experiences. Eighner uses this device often in this article such as when he says, â€Å"I have heard people, evidentially meaning to be polite, use the word foraging, but I prefer to use that word for gathering nuts and berries and such, which I do also according to season and the opportunity†. Eighner does not simply say he disproves of using the word â€Å"foraging† in that way, he explains why he disproves of it. This is the manner in which a majority of the article is told in. Description is another literary device used in this article. When an author writes descriptively they describe what they are discussing in great detail to help the reader better picture what they are saying. There is a bit of descriptive writing in Eighner’s article such as when he says, â€Å"Some students, and others, approach defrosting a freezer by chucking out the whole lot. The mass of frozen goods stays cold for a long time and items may be found still frozen or freshly thawed†. Describing this process, Eighner tells us that consumers waste food because of ignorance. Not knowing a proper procedure or simply not preparing causes more avoidable wastefulness. The third device Eighner uses in this article is narration. Narration is simply telling a story the way it happened. There is no stopping to explain or describe what you are discussing. Eighner practices this device when he says, â€Å"I began scavenging by pulling pizzas out of the dumpster behind a pizza delivery shop. While it lasted I had a steady supply of fresh, sometimes warm pizza†. Eighner tells us this to let us know that instead of donating the good pizza to the needy, the pizza shop just throws it in the  trash. Eighner’s purpose in this essay is to criticize consumer wastefulness. Eighner gives proof of consumer wastefulness in order to open the eyes of consumers so people will care more about what they throw out, and focus more on saving what they can. Eighner’s tone in this article is formal. Eighner writes in a formal tone to let the consumers whom he is addressing know that just because he is homeless does not mean his opinion is unknowledgeable. If anything he should know more about the subject because he has seen it from both sides. Eighner uses a formal tone because the average consumer would think more highly of his opinion if it is written formally, as opposed to informally. The article leaves me wondering whether or not consumers will see and understand what Eighner is trying to convey. Will people see how much food is being wasted? Are people going to start to stop and think about what they are throwing in the trash? Will the amount of wasted food decline, stay the same, or even increase?

Obama Gives Himself a Grade of Incomplete After 18 Months Article

Obama Gives Himself a Grade of Incomplete After 18 Months - Article Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that President Obama pointed out that being criticized comes with the job so he understood why a lot of criticisms are being hurled on his way. But he was very optimistic in the sense that though not much credit is being given to his administration, he wants to still do a good job as the leader of the country. Because he believed that what he is doing is not only for this generation but he believed in making America strong so that when his daughters have kids, they would be the one to enjoy the fruits of his labor. The researcher has to agree with President Obama that his administration merits undue credits. For one, the author believes that his efforts with regards to health care reform are very much undermined. Past presidents have attempted to improve health care services to adapt to changing demands and needs of the people but it was Obama’s determination that finally made it push through. Another is that the a uthor believes in Obama’s leadership skills. He is not a traditional politician and people are quite uncomfortable with that fact. Furthermore, since he is the first African-American president, the author think most people are still not in terms of that idea. That is why most criticisms of him, in my opinion, are not really about political issues but about personal resentment and biases. The researcher believes that Obama would create a lasting legacy worthy to be remembered—as the president who helped the country recover from another economic depression and not just as the first African American president. This article is a press release from the White House’s Office of the Press Secretary with respect to the Executive Order 13441. Executive Order 13411 declares a national emergency in relation to the status of the sovereignty of Lebanon. The Executive Order was issued in August 2007 and is being extended by President Obama for another year.

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 103

Case Study Example Manufacturing must be closely intertwined with the current enlightened philosophy of marketing where products are expected to meet customer wants, needs, preferences and marketed in a socially responsible manner that is pleasing and beneficial. Manufacturers, such as Mattel Corporation, who manufacture products for children have the responsibility of ensuring that the products are safe in both intended and non-intended uses so as to protect children from harm since, ordinarily, children lack the literacy to comprehend the complete functioning of a product. Moreover, the manufacturers must ensure that the society’s apprehensions on children’s privacy and rights are upheld as this will somewhat guarantee business perpetuity. What’s more, the manufacturers have the responsibility of ensuring that the components used in manufacturing the product are meet the health and safety standards and accurate information indicated on the products label. For instance, the age th at is supposed to use the product and the chemical components should be clearly indicated. Environmental matters must also be taken into consideration by ensuring that any substandard products are safely confiscated so that the public does not gain access

Analysis of the Financial Position of the Company Essay

Analysis of the Financial Position of the Company - Essay Example In line with the positive changes in Company D’s income and expense levels during Year 8, its Income Before Tax Return on Equity has increased from 27.20% in Year 7 to 30.79% in Year 8. This rate of return identifies Company D as one that delivers a much higher rate of returns as compared to the other companies in the industry, which have accordingly generated the return on equity rates of 8.1%, 17.2%, and 29.7%. This capacity of the company to earn more than the average member of its industry constitutes a valuable strength. The same is true with the company’s Gross Margin Ratio and Income Before Tax Margin Ratio which, at 31.09% and 10.08%, respectively, turned out to be higher than their Year 2007 counterparts. In consonance with the company’s relatively high Return on Equity when compared with those of the others in the industry, its Gross Margin Ratio – an indication of what the company's pricing policy is and of what the true markup margins are – turns out to be higher than the 27.3% industry average and its Income Before Tax Margin Ratio, which reveals the profit generated by the company using the money invested by its shareholders, is a lot higher than the 3.4%, the industry’s average. Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that Company D is among the best performers in its industry in terms of profitability. Meanwhile, the company’s comparative balance sheets for Years 8 and 7 showed that its current assets increased during Year 8 only by 15.01% while its current liabilities increased by 24.55%.

Holfstede cultural dimensions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Holfstede cultural dimensions - Essay Example The above practice would help in enhancing the applicability of the human resources practices to help in meeting the needs of the personnel employed in different multinational organizations. Culture is learned through the inherited human nature, based on different preferences, experiences, and values. Four cultural dimensions of Holfstede identifies those global applications, which are reflected by, in all aspects of life such as family life, practices of child rearing, education, health care and the employment practices (ASHA, 2014). The cultural dimensions as generated by the cultural scientist, Geert Hofstede are generated based on the cultural dimensions model which is elucidated as follows. The parameter of individualism or collectivism as generated by Hofstede evaluates the culture of a region based on individualistic and collectivist attributes. People dwelling in regions governed by collectivist approaches operate in a close cultural setting that reflects mutual care and understanding for each other. The collectivist countries also reflect honor for the existing cultural and social norms. On the other hand the regions governed or based on individualistic cultures reflect individuals that tend to take decisions in an independent fashion by not taking into consideration the needs and views of other members in a social group. Thus, decisions though taken by individuals based on social norms are loosely knit to each other thereby affecting the existing social fabric (Piepenburg, 2011). This dimension can influence the perceptions of person’s disability. For example, after facing any negativity in the life or suffering of any accidental disability can change the thoughts of the person. The victim can be more focused to live an independent life by analyzing the cultural backgrounds. The caretakers of these victims can facilitate them for a self-care life (ASHA, 2014). Uncertainty Avoidance tends

Postmodernism Art and Cognitive Mapping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Postmodernism Art and Cognitive Mapping - Essay Example In its particular form, postmodernism was used in identifying pluralistic style in various arts, such as painting, music, philosophy, literature and even films. It directly contradicts and revolting against the "pretensions of high modernism" art (Honderich 1995). Usually, the form is taken as a basis for critical theory of certain work primarily architectural, then later on in literature and designs. It was historically regarded that this was formed by architectural movement to emphasis their dissatisfaction to modernism form (Britannica 2004). Its flexibility proven as it stretched its horizon and encompasses as well cultural description, constitutional interpretation, business and marketing. They are described as a revival of the traditional elements in designing, and techniques (Merriam-Webster 2004). In its easiest description, postmodern art abandons the political advocacy for particular principle that modern art had been known of. Francis Berry, in his work Art of the Eye and Mind (2007), described this form and its occurrence as "the political ideals that fueled modernism had given way to profound disillusionment with abhorrent wars such as Vietnam, ultra-utilitarian architecture, and academic minimalism". Along with this, Barry explained that postmodernism "undermines the manipulative aspect of ideologies by exposing the artificiality of style" (Barry 2007). However, this study deals on the postmodernism significance to assess certain literary works, as well as its certain role and effectiveness in delivering considerable points of the works. Frederic Jameson's Theory. Although Jean-Francois Lyotard, Jean Baudillard, and Jacques Derrida were the primary thinkers of the Postmodernism, it was Frederic Jameson who came up with lucid principle of the movement. In Jameson's work "Postmodernism, or The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism", it was then analyzed that his theory is formulated with an integration of Marxist theory, known as the basis of the modernism politics. According to Jonathan Clark, Jameson had "proposed the epoch of post modernity with its own economic, political and cultural ideals, and practices" (2007), thus it made him the "most important cultural critic writing in English today". For further discernment of the subject, it is essential to analyze the understanding in Jameson's theory, of its background and initial drive of his project (Clark 2007). Like many of the prior structured movement, postmodernism is being criticized by its contemporary movements. In Jameson's work, it stated in there that cognitive mapping is the only hope for the postmodern art, as the form now has been debatable of its principles for certain political analysis. Cognitive Mapping. Perhaps Frederic Jameson's remarkable theory regarding postmodernism is the cognitive mapping. Craig Stroupe of University of Minnesota (2008) defined Jameson's cognitive mapping as "a process by which the individual subject situates himself within a vaster, unrepresentable totality, a process that corresponds to the workings of ideology". Stroupe continued his description of cognitive mapping. This time he picked up Jameson's comparative approach of the ideology to the physical geography of a person as the concrete process of cognitive mapping. He stated: "In a classic work, The Image of the City, Kevin Lynch taught us

Economic Integration Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words

Economic Integration Law - Essay Example They represent free trade area while resulting in trade creation by shifting the production of some items from less efficient member countries to more efficient member countries. Regional economic integration encourages countries in a geographic region to reduce or remove tariff and non-tariff barriers which allow free flow of goods and services among them. At the end, the system promotes global business (OPPapers.com, 2011). In recent years, international trade has been witnessed an emergence of two parallel trends, the first one is the rise of regionalism, and the second one is legalism in the enforcement trade agreements. In case of regionalism, there is a host of new integration initiatives drawn along the geographical lines. The two trends have succeeded to garner scholarly attention and spark comparative analysis of regional versus multilateral arrangements. And, at the same time they lead debate regarding the political dynamics of judicialisation within individual facts. Trade facts at regional level exhibits considerable variation in governance structures which are an interesting factor. Moreover, a question of institutional design has proven contentious in recent trade negotiations which underscore their political salience. The creation of supranational institutions in regional trade agreements have direct implications for the academic debates in related to globalisation, sovereignty, and interdependence (Smith, J. 2003). Post Second World War witnessed a prominence of multilateralism and regionalism as more and more countries joined the process of economic integration. We can see the trend during the period 1940-1990. In the process of economic integration, countries those who have entered into the free trade area have introduced several measures for the easy flow of goods and services between the member countries. As a result role played by tariffs in international trade has been declined. Generally countries used trade barriers such as customs, quot as, taxes, duties, anti dumping measures, health, environmental, and safety certification requirements, countervailing duties, constitutional laws, and licenses for the restriction of trade. But, when countries entered into the economic integration, these restrictions have been liberalised for the facilitation of free trade movement. Agreements at regional level which are known as Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) generally restricted to a particular geographical location and are becoming a defining feature of the modern economy. These are the free trade agreements among the countries of a particular geographical location. Following the success of European Union, which shows that RTAs can build prosperity and peace, countries in other geographical region came closer to form the similar agreements at the regional level. As a result more than 300 regional trading arrangements were registered under World Trade Organisation, and majority of the countries belonging to European Union, Amer ica, Austria, Africa, and Asian continent joined regional grouping of one sort or the other. Compare to other regions, countries of the Asian continent were the recent entrants for this field, but they rapidly catching up the race. On the other hand, RTAs in African continent

Evans, Wittkower, Norman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Evans, Wittkower, Norman - Essay Example When you think about it, it is clear in one sense that we have emotional relationships with the things that we use on a regular basis, and which allow us to do our work and to connect with the people we love, or else allow us to do the things that we love doing. For instance, people have emotional connections with their cars and their bicycles, and this is something that advertisers understand so well. When companies market cars, for instance, there is the explicit connection that advertisers try to establish between the car as the product itself, and the way the car represents a range of emotions and relationships with people dear to car buyers. A family sedan advertised, for instance, would highlight the fun and happy things that families can do with the family sedan. The better the emotional connection made between the potential buyer and the car, the higher the prospects of buyers becoming interested enough to give the car a try. In this case, emotions pique interest and elicit r esponse. Where there is ownership of a vehicle for instance, even a bicycle, then the emotional connection is sometimes intense. People sometimes get buried with their most favorite things, with their bicycles, with their Swiss knives, and with their cell phones. Whether the emotional connection is because of the great utility of the thing, or because of something that is designed into the thing in order to elicit hopefully positive emotional connections, it is clear that the things that people own are not just things that are devoid of emotional context. People buy and keep things on the basis of how they feel about using the things that they buy, is something that is so obvious in the way products and services are marketed, that it is absurd to overlook just how important it is to listen to Don Norman talk about imputing emotional characteristics in to the very design of products. It is clear too, from the work ethic and philosophy of the man, that the ability to elicit an emotion al response is a core tenet of his design philosophy (Norman, 2012; Norman, 2012b): My field is Human-Centered Design: making products that people can use, that fit their needs, that excite them and are enjoyable. The United States leads the world in human-centered design. This is true in all domains: computer and cellphone applications, industrial equipment, work tools for professionals, and of course home and consumer electronics. It is not an accident that the entire world relies on our operating systems: Apple, Google, and Microsoft for phones; Apple and Microsoft for computers (Norman, 2012) To put it another way, it makes perfect sense that Norman asserts that it is good design to impute emotional considerations when undertaking the design of products, while also making sure that the most important product attributes as perceived by the consumer are met. For instance, imputing emotional inputs into smart phone design does not mean always that the designs include smileys at the back plates of the phones. It does mean that where the functionalities, the necessary technologies, and such product attributes as sturdiness and reliability are met, then other aspects of design, such as colors and aesthetics, can then impute more ineffable emotional characteristics. Looking at cell phones and computers, for instance, the very robustness of the technology and the excellence of certain products in terms of reliability and build quality are themselves wellsprings of positive emotions for the buyer. Those are positive emotions brought about by the excellence of the engineering. On the other hand, where the design also imputes thoughtful ergonomics and tasteful, positive colors explicitly, to induce certain positive emotions, then those are the design elements that help establish the added pull for a positive relationship between the cell phone

A company profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

A company profile - Essay Example In addition, it entirely owns a functioning power corporation in Singapore. The company majorly takes part in the development, manufacture and operation of big power plants. It uses modern equipment and technology (Meyer and Lu 2005, 63). Also, it makes use of domestic and international capital. The power plants for this company are advanced in terms of technology rendering them efficient and stable (Dietz Orr and Xing 2008, 22). Founded on power industry, this corporation puts emphasis on breakthroughs in management, technology and in organizational systems (YU and YU 2010, 10). These exceptional features have enabled it to break numerous records and create various milestones among its competitors and peers as far as power technology and construction and management of power plant is concerned (Dietz Orr and Xing 2008, 22). The whole labor productivity of this corporation is ranked amongst the top in local power industry. Examining Hainan Nuclear Power Company limited as well as Huaneng Shidaowan Nuclear Power Company, Huaneng power international company ha s gotten into the sector of nuclear power (YU and YU 2010, 10). In the meantime, it actively incorporates different industries, though strongly investing more on the coal, shipping and harbor industries. This has strengthened the company’s aptitude to personally supply coal. The Company considers power industry as its center business (Meyer and Lu 2005, 63). It holds on to the Green Development viewpoint and carries on to pace up structural amendments (YU and YU 2010, 10). The Company struggle to optimize the growth of coal-fired power, robustly develop hydropower, and dynamically build up wind power, solar power alongside other types of modern energy (Dietz Orr and Xing 2008, 22). It strives to build up nuclear power, and goes on with developing natural gas-fired power, to be able to boost the quantity of low-carbon

Compare and contrast Orwell and Atwoods presentation Essay Example for Free

Compare and contrast Orwell and Atwoods presentation Essay Both Atwood and Orwells novels are based in a dystopian societies, a society of a negative and undesirable nature. The novels both alert us to the economic, political and social affects this dystopia has on a society and the characters. In both books there is an immediate contrast between the living standards of both characters and their immediate surroundings. In Gilliard, Offred is living in a clean, simple white room, A chair, a table, a lamp. Using ellipsis and a simple asyndetic list, Atwood has represented the room through language. In Oceania however Winston is living in filth, a swirl of gritty dust Orwell appeals to the senses here for us to understand how he lives. These living conditions are in very stark contrast even though they live in societies that restrict them; their restrictions are in different ways. Winston does not have a clean living space and Offred has nothing to do in hers, the in-depth description of her room immediately shows us how bored she is already. As Offred is sent to Gilliard to produce a child for the commander and his wife, she is not allowed to have simple things like cigarettes, or even caffeine, I looked at the cigarette with longing. For me, like liquor and coffee, cigarettes re forbidden. In the dystopian society of Gilliard, desirable pleasures and possibly addictions, like smoking, are forbidden to the handmaids. However, Winston is able to smoke freely in his society, yet he is still placed under restriction by the fact these luxury items are under ration, The new ration did not start till tomorrow and he had only four cigarettes left. These restrictions along with the strangling way of life for both societies result in Offred considering rebelling and Winston actually rebelling. However, the consequences mean that for Offred she, cant take the risk. The oppression of her society means that she has no voice and cannot say or ask what she wants to. She has no way of communicating with the other handmaids nor discussing the predicament she is in, something which we see could possibly drive her mad. In Oceania, Winston has already rebelled and keeps a diary, To mark the paper was the decisive act. He is taking a huge risk here; if the thought police were to catch him doing this he would face death. He was already dead His own thoughts against the government are wrong. In both Offred and Winstons societies, language has been a way of oppressing them, but in different ways. In Gilliard, Offred isnt able to speak as she wishes; she is often left saying things which is deemed as the expected response. How I used to despise such talk. Now I long for it. Offred does not actually seem to have a truthful or even a full length conversation with anyone up to this point in the novel; she depends upon the trivial conversation to keep her sane. On the other hand in Oceania, there is a whole new language called newspeak. This language was to make any thought crime or alternative thinking impossible by removing any words or possible constructs which describe the ideas of freedom, rebellion and so on. In both novels dystopian society has moulded and warped the views of many young people. This is especially emphasised in Oceania where the children of the Parsons are willing to submit anyone to the thought police as long as they can rise through the ranks, possibly even their own parents. Their children are described as, like tiger cubs which will soon grow up into man-eaters. This simile shows us how a vicious society has turned these children into; they have no family or moral values, only those to please their government. Slightly less prominent is the role of the guards in the Oceania; they are young men working for the government and eager to do their job well, The young ones are often the most dangerous This incident leads to read about a woman being shot by the guards but she was innocent, even the innocents in society suffer which we will see later on. These submissive youths also have no idea of the past, a subject that leads for Winston and Offred to both suffer, but for different reasons. Offred we have so far learned through the stream of consciousness technique often finds herself thinking about her past and the people in it. However, we do not know as of yet who these people are, especially Luke. The past for her is not a nostalgic memory, Such freedom now seems almost weightless. It just reminds her of how she used to be and how she is now. Winston on the other hand can barely remember his past; he can remember vague visions of his mother, father and sister, He must, he thought, have been ten or eleven years old when his mother disappeared. He does not know where his family went and probably never will. This suffering extends throughout both novels, under the regimes which are in place; everyone in society suffers, whether they know it or not, not only the main characters, and this may be the most prominent theme of dystopian societies. Everyone is oppressed or brainwashed under this change in rule and culture, no one in neither 1984 or The Handmaids Tale is truly happy. In conclusion, Gilliard and Oceania have so far presented many problems being dystopian societies. They oppress those living in them; take away rights, individuality and freedom. Not only political but social restrictions have been emphasised in the two novels and most importantly how the characters are affected.