Monday, September 30, 2019

Effects of the Colombian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange effected Europe and the Americas similarly and differently in environmental ways such as crops and in demographic ways such as diseases. The Columbian Exchange involved the transfer of lots of people, the exchange of crops, animals and resources that went between the New and Old World. European explorers came over to the Americas and brought things that ultimately helped the Natives to prosper such as new farming techniques, hunting, fighting, and city building these were some of the more demographic effects.Europe also affected the Americas environmentally by bringing foods such as wheat, rye, barley, oats and millet. Just like Europeans, the Americans helped to bring new plants, vegetables, and fruits back to the old world such as corn, tomatoes, and coco beans. Another demographic effect of the Columbian Exchange was diseases. When Europeans explorers came to the Americas they introduced new diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, cholera, typhus, and smallp ox.Of all the exchanges between the Native Americans and Europeans, disease had the most impact. Native Americans also gave the Europeans diseases as well such as Syphilis. The European explorers then brought that disease back to Europe killing many Europeans in the process. The Americans attracted more disease than the Europeans because a majority of the diseases that the Europeans brought over they were already immune to, but the Americans were not. This was a major difference and was the reason for a majority of Native American deaths.An environmental difference between Europe and the Americans was that European explorers brought new cattle over to the New World. The natives had never seen or used European cattle before such as horses, cows, buffalo, and pigs. Many Native Americans abandoned agricultural for the nomadic lifestyle because hunting Buffalo made them far richer. An environmental difference was that New World food was far more caloric than Old World food, so the popul ation doubled. Corn and potatoes could now grow in soil that was useless for Old World crops.Also deforestation occurred in the Americas where it did not occur in Europe. This essentially harmed the environment. People were now beginning to leave Europe and repopulate the New World. The Europeans were able to affect the Europeans demographically by converting mass amounts of Natives to Christianity in the New World. However, Native Americans were not able to convert a large amount of Europeans to their belief. The effects of the Columbian Exchange were overall terrible for the Native Americans and very beneficial to Europeans in the Old World. Effects of the Colombian Exchange The Columbian Exchange effected Europe and the Americas similarly and differently in environmental ways such as crops and in demographic ways such as diseases. The Columbian Exchange involved the transfer of lots of people, the exchange of crops, animals and resources that went between the New and Old World. European explorers came over to the Americas and brought things that ultimately helped the Natives to prosper such as new farming techniques, hunting, fighting, and city building these were some of the more demographic effects.Europe also affected the Americas environmentally by bringing foods such as wheat, rye, barley, oats and millet. Just like Europeans, the Americans helped to bring new plants, vegetables, and fruits back to the old world such as corn, tomatoes, and coco beans. Another demographic effect of the Columbian Exchange was diseases. When Europeans explorers came to the Americas they introduced new diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, cholera, typhus, and smallp ox.Of all the exchanges between the Native Americans and Europeans, disease had the most impact. Native Americans also gave the Europeans diseases as well such as Syphilis. The European explorers then brought that disease back to Europe killing many Europeans in the process. The Americans attracted more disease than the Europeans because a majority of the diseases that the Europeans brought over they were already immune to, but the Americans were not. This was a major difference and was the reason for a majority of Native American deaths.An environmental difference between Europe and the Americans was that European explorers brought new cattle over to the New World. The natives had never seen or used European cattle before such as horses, cows, buffalo, and pigs. Many Native Americans abandoned agricultural for the nomadic lifestyle because hunting Buffalo made them far richer. An environmental difference was that New World food was far more caloric than Old World food, so the popul ation doubled. Corn and potatoes could now grow in soil that was useless for Old World crops.Also deforestation occurred in the Americas where it did not occur in Europe. This essentially harmed the environment. People were now beginning to leave Europe and repopulate the New World. The Europeans were able to affect the Europeans demographically by converting mass amounts of Natives to Christianity in the New World. However, Native Americans were not able to convert a large amount of Europeans to their belief. The effects of the Columbian Exchange were overall terrible for the Native Americans and very beneficial to Europeans in the Old World.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Although It Is a Ghost Story, a Christmas Carol Is an Uplifting Tale Essay

Although it is a ghost story, A Christmas Carol is an uplifting tale. To what extent do you agree? A Christmas carol by Charles Dickens is a significant novella written in the Victorian era. The protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge is used to demonstrate the upper class society and their attitude towards the poor. Throughout this redemption story, Dickens combines a descriptions of hardships faced by the poor with a heart-felt sentimental celebration of the Christmas season. The novella contains a dramatic and comic element as well as a deep felt moral theme. The text promotes the values of Ebenezer Scrooge, delving into his past, present and supposed future as well as contrasting between the enriching and depressing story; specifically evaluating the authors message, the Cratchit family, Scrooges nature and alternatively the ghostly circumstances outlined in the parable. Dickens message and the spirits of Christmas is one that intends to inspire and uplift the reader. The author has carefully constructed Ebenezer Scrooge as a â€Å"covetous old sinner† to demonstrate the uplifting meaning of the novella. Although Scrooge is an extreme example of a miser perhaps Dickens is saying there is a little of Scrooge in all of us whether it is an unwillingness to share our money with the poor and disadvantaged or our time with people in need. This idea is represented when two portly gentleman visit Scrooge and he explains, â€Å"I help to support the establishments I have mentioned, they cost enough.† In this instance Dickens strives to promotes the idea that no matter how crooked, anyone can change through the learning of appropriate lessons to inspire the reader. The author manipulates the readers emotions by enriching the sympathy of the Cratchit family. The Cratchit family are the perfect example of the difficulties faced by the poor in Victorian England. As Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Christmas Present, â€Å"a jolly giant, glorious to see,† and the life of the Cratchits and Tiny Tims condition is revealed there is an almost instantaneous transformation in Scrooge. We see this when Scrooge pleads, â€Å"Tell me if Tiny Tim will live†¦ Say he will be spared!† We can see from this that Scrooge shows compassion and that Dickens is aiming to elevate the feelings toward Scrooge and the ghostly story. The author illustrates that Scrooge who is depicted as â€Å"hard and sharp as a flint† is a greedy miser whom is so old and coldhearted that nothing other than his profits will phase him. Dickens uses the scene when the ghost of Christmas past, â€Å"a child-like old man† uses flashbacks to show Scrooge of the memories he once made to show the nature of the much younger character. This is evident when Fan â€Å"a little girl much younger than Scrooge† had brought out the affection of her older brother as they planned â€Å"to be together all the Christmas long, and have the merriest time in all the world.† What is important about this example is not just that it shows the compassion Scrooge once felt but also that Scrooge is not truly crooked and horrible to the core establishing the uplifting and inspiring feeling to readers. The title of the novella, A Christmas Carol, is immediately recognized by the reader as hardly appropriate for the first stave. Stave one does not resemble the happy and cheerful world of Christmas trees and presents, but instead the reader is exposed to, what can only be described as, ‘ghost story’ features. Ghost stories are meant to be scary, typically the ghosts that appear in this genre bring nothing but evil, but in this particular parable the trio of ghosts aim to help Scrooge. This is why the opening sentence â€Å"Marley was dead, to begin with† is particularly strange. Even though it is a ghost story, the ghostly circumstances of the tale help to highlight the uplifting messages and examples in the story. Dickens message to readers, The Cratchit family and Scrooges nature are all vital in the fulfilling and uplifting story of A Christmas Carol. The heart felt theme and comic element are all used well in order to inspire and influence the readers emotions towards each character. Dickens has achieved this using gothic literature and the ghostly features of the story. Overall, the author has used the learning of appropriate lessons to inspire and uplift the reader. Why has the title A Christmas Carol been chosen to represent what seems to be a ghost story?

Saturday, September 28, 2019

9-11 and how it affected the United States Essay Example for Free (#11)

9-11 and how it affected the United States Essay ? Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was a day that devastated our entire nation and changed the lives of every American in some way. This was one of the most horrible tragedies in our nations history, because of all the lives lost and the twin towers that were demolished. The events that took place on September 11 had an outstanding effect on our country. The 9-11 tragedy was terrible yet unforgettable event. One year after this tragedy feels like a very short period of time. There was Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, and now 9-11 is added to the list of American tragedies. With all the deaths of 9-11 almost everyone knows someone or knows someone who knows someone that was either in the World Trade Center and survived or died in the World Trade Center. This is an extremely sad but true way to look at it. Our country now tries to move on from this terrible experience, but will never forget it. 9-11 affected everyone as a whole as well as personally. For better or for worse the September 11 tragedy changed America. Besides taking thousands of lives and knocking down the Twin Towers this tragedy has brought our nation closer together. We will now have another topic to add to the history books and pass on to prevent something like this from happening again. All Americans will remember where they were when the Twin Towers went down. Another affect anyone can see all around our country is patriotism. Everyone now has new pride in the United States. Although the events of 9-11 took so much away from us it made our country stronger as a whole. 9-11 and how it affected the United States. (2016, Jun 19).

Friday, September 27, 2019

Personal Finance Concepts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Personal Finance Concepts - Essay Example Secured loans are those that are lent by the bank or other financial institutions with some form of collateral or security. Collateral may include personal property that serves to assure the lenders that they will receive their payment or take over the collateral should the borrower fail to pay. On the other hand, unsecured loan is the amount of loan that is lent with an understanding that the borrower will repay it in future according to the agreement without defaulting. The secured loans normally attract lower rates, higher borrowing limits as well as longer repayment period. As a result, they do create less risk to the lender as they can usually sell off the collateral should the borrower fail to make payment (Garman & Forgue, 2012) There are a number of alternatives to loans that can be used by businesses and individuals to finance their financial needs. Such include factoring which refers to a situation in which a business sells its accounts receivables to financial institutions known as the factor and they in turn advance funds to such business under some specified terms and conditions. Hedge-Fund lenders is an alternative financing method that money is lent to higher risk businesses depending on the pitch made by the borrower. The decision to make such a lending is undertaken with due diligence with much

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Can torture ever be acceptable in democratic civilized society Essay

Can torture ever be acceptable in democratic civilized society - Essay Example With reference to the writings by Reddy (2005), he described torture as the act of inflicting physical pain and possible injuries to a person using a variety of methods that also include psychological methods, moreover, the perpetrator of torture can be an individual, group, or the state. Levinson (2006) stated that torture is commonly used as an interrogation tactic aimed at obtaining information from the victim. Secondly, it is used as form of punishment, revenge, deterrence, and political re-education, and thirdly, it is used to forcefully obtain information from the victim who is suspected to be withholding vital information. Lastly, Parry (2010) stated that torture is also applied for sadistic gratification for the perpetrator or the person observing. Acts of torture differ on the techniques applied, the tools that are used, and the duration it takes, and even the overall objective of the torture process. According to the writings by Scott (2003), he wrote that the acts of torture have been pre-existing even in the biblical ages and in fact, Jesus himself underwent serve torture whereby he was thoroughly beaten and nailed on the cross, and then left to die. The act of crucifying Jesus is perhaps among the most documented forms of torture in the biblical ages whose main intent was to coerce Jesus into proclaiming that he is not the son of God. Harbury (2005) wrote that in the modern era torture had been usually common in the correctional system, whereby prisoners were subjected to corporal punishments, which were stipulated by judges in the form of strokes. Torture in the prisons were usually meant to punish the prisoners for the crime they did or coerce them into giving additional information that will help law enforcers to solve other crimes connected with the prisoner. Different types of torture Scott (2003) in his studies wrote that the simplest form of torture is the starvation o f a person by intentionally denying him food and water. This form of torture is used to push the victim to his last brink in order to break him down and obtain crucial information from the victim. Secondly, torture can be in the form of severe beating of a person using different objects, holding the breath of a person, use of electric shocks on a person, burning of person, pouring of corrosive or hot liquid on a person, cutting the person bit by bit, or chopping of some body parts. James (1998) stated that the perpetrators of torture also use psychological methods to torture a person and this could include simply informing the victim of the different forms of physical torture that could be applied on him or her. Other methods of psychological torture include using insulting words on the victim or violently reminding the victim about experiences that were also torturing to him or her. According to Levinson (2006), among the most common instruments of torture, include rack, iron chair , breaking wheel, electroshock weapon, wooden horse, tongue shredder, breast ripper, and choke pear, among others. Cases of torture In the past two decades, cases of torture have significantly declined and this could be attributed to increased pressure from the civil society who document and agitate

Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther (Luthers 95 Theses at the Internet Essay

Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther (Luthers 95 Theses at the Internet Christian Library) - Essay Example In most of his thesis statements, Luther compared the true Christian beliefs to the Church practices, especially ‘indulgences’ during his time. It can be observed that most practices contradicted the teachings of the Bible. During those times, the church appeared to be in an insurmountable difficulty as it was filled with leaders whose practices were revolving around low moral standards, profanity, and perversion of beliefs; the church exhausted every Germans money through taxes (Biesinger 20). When he went to Rome in 1510, he observed the unlikely personalities of friars and how they used indulgences for their personal consumption (Bratcher). Church leaders of Europe also lived a wealthy life while neglecting their duties. In addition, churches were designed with unnecessary work of arts and instruments called by Protestants an example of "pagan idolatry" ("Roman Catholic Church"). Another problem Luther pointed out in his 95 Theses was the concept of purgatory and indulgences. Luther highlighted in thesis 17 that purgatory should not be treated as a place of horror but of love (â€Å"Disputation of Doctor†). However, friars used the Catholic belief that dead individuals may ascend straight to heaven or may descend directly to hell while others had to repent in purgatory. Since people would be anxious of having to agonize in purgatory, the friars used ‘indulgences’ (Perry et al. 321). Indulgence was described as an absolution of the people’s confessed sins, which can either be bought for one’s self or the dead ("Martin Luther"). Luther indicated in thesis 21 that indulgence was a misconception of Christian belief. Further, he pointed in thesis 10 that there was no way for â€Å"canonical penances for purgatory† to be secured (â€Å"Disputation of Doctor†). Likewise, Pope Leo X declared the "special jubilee indulgence" for the continuance of St. Peters Basilica construction (Spielvogel 381). A Dominican friar named Johann Tetzel went to Germany to

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

HUM310_LU5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

HUM310_LU5 - Essay Example Modern art experimented with different textures and figurative images designed to provoke artistic thought rather than idealizing age-old concepts such as feminine beauty or simplistic artistic expression. What impressed me most was how human thought was able to be expressed on canvas using styles not previously seen in most historical pieces of artwork. Picasso’s â€Å"The Weeping Woman† uses geometric abstraction that is superimposed over the image of a woman who is obviously in distress. This oil on canvas piece shows her anguish as though her tears are literally stripping her face of its vibrancy. This is obvious by the graying areas around her mouth while the rest of her face explodes in vivid colors. It is the use of color distinctions to show her terrible emotional state and the impact that it has on the soul. The gray tones around her mouth seem to indicate that she has cried so much that she is actually turning to ice and her mouth looks to be spitting out frost from having had her heart broken so many times. It was the story behind the painting that made me examine it more closely. Picasso was attempting to use his real-life mistress, Dora Maar, as a model for the picture who he thought cried far too often. He met her in a cafà © where she was busy dropping a penknife between her fingers on the cafà © table, missing and creating small drops of blood while she continued the activity (Button). Picasso was very abstract and it seems this woman was also, which made the story of their romance more intriguing because she was a perfect match for his creative and eccentric personality. This work is representative of most abstract painters, but does not necessarily have the same themes and use of materials that other modern art pieces do. It is unique to a very creative mind that is able to present hidden psychological

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

B300 TMA01 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

B300 TMA01 - Essay Example The demand for BBC shows started to decline when the UK government signed and implemented the Television Act of 1954. This provision gave way to other independent television companies to compete with BBC shows. Due to high technology that has been developed in the past few years, a lot of television competitors have emerged in the television industry. This allows many viewers to have a lot of channels to choose from. ITV including GMTV is considered as the close competitor of BBC 1 & 2. As of December 2000, ITV and GMTV were able to capture 30% share of viewing.1 The availability of cable and satellite network has captured as much as 18% of the viewers away from BBC television. This is also one big factor why the over the past few years, BBC television 1 and 2 is slowly loosing its share of total viewing to other sources of media. (See Table I and Chart I on page 4) In year 2001, globalization has become the market trend for all the industries. The opening of the international trading itself has become the main factor of a tighter competition in all businesses. This also affects the television and broadcasting business of BBC. It is therefore expected that the number of other commercial viewing will continue to grow in case BBC fails to maintain its loyal viewers. BBC is continuously striving hard to hold on to its present market share by keeping its operational costs down and at the same time doing its best to motivate the employees to work well despite the fact that the company has decided for a mass lay-off in 2000 in order to save some money in sustaining the production of program.2 It has been evident in the past that the choices of people changes with time. Back in 1920s, people are much satisfied and amazed with listening to a broadcasting radio.3 This trend was changed in the late 1930s when the use of television became more in demand.4 (See Diagram I – The Transition of Modern Technology Over the Years below) The

Monday, September 23, 2019

Bertrand Russell Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bertrand Russell - Essay Example Family is the unit of the society and a happy and contented family is an asset for the nation. I am willing to applaud that individual who has worked for his family all through his life. This is virtuous living, for he lives for a noble cause. Viewpoint of Russell: According to Russell, in such conditions, an individual need not work and such an individual must spend from his earnings, and should not save, as saved money leads to unemployment, and spent money generates employment. My response: This problem arises when philosophers try to become economists and make an attempt to advise the Finance Ministers! Job satisfaction is a psychological virtue, as such earning money and saving with a purpose, are alternative beats of the same heart. Viewpoint of Russell: â€Å"If the ordinary wage-earner worked four hours a day, there would be enough for everybody and no unemployment -- assuming a certain very moderate amount of sensible organization. This idea shocks the well-to-do, because they are convinced that the poor would not know how to use so much leisure.†(p.5) My response: I agree on this issue partially. The important point is how one will spend the remaining 20 hours. One is not expected to sleep for more than 8 hours—that will be inviting idleness. Recreation for the remaining 12 hours of the day on a long term basis is impossibility. I will be bored of such a recreation. For example, suppose an individual likes ice cream. The first cup is fine; the second one is good; the third one is tolerable. The fourth one, that individual will vomit!! As such happiness is not in free time, but spending the time

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The thought Police Essay Example for Free

The thought Police Essay For centrys writers in literature have written about about their ideal world their utopia. This ideal world is a place were every thing is as your heart desires it to be. This is somethig all human beings can relate to , every person has their own vision of how the world should. But what if this eutopia turned into a living nightmare, world full fear,misery,depression and doubt. This would become the criteria of a dystpian worlld. A place far from the fantasys of utopia. In the oxford dictionary of litercy terms Dystopia is defined as an imaginary place or condition in which everything is as bad possible. The opposite of utopia. This exactly the case in the novel nineteen eighty four by George Orwell and the handmaids ale by Margaret Attwood. In both these novels the autos have created worlds which are dark, suppressed and painful for the characters involved. They have created these worlds to such a great effect that the reader is left thinking about how it would be to live in these dystopia. The critic Bernard Richards once said dystopias are useful; they warn us about what might happen. This is one of the many strengths about working with the dystopian genre. Though the novels are depressing which may not be what a reader wants initially from a book, the dystopian genre is extremely thought provoking. It allows the reader to reflect and appreciate the world we have at present. The novels dismal tones make the reader realise that maybe their lives arent so bad when in comparison to character involved in these dystpoipian nightmares. Another more positive side to the dystopian genre is that there is generally an important message behind the darkness whether it is political religious etc Both authors have a similar messages within their books, and these message aer mainly religeous and political ones. Atwood and orwell looked at the world and societys of their times and wrote novels warnings of the dire consequences of fundemental ideal and dictatorship can lead to. In the the handmaids tale a grooup of fundamentalist christians establishes the state of gilead in new england. Imeadiatly all womens rights, such as votin, owwing propewry or making any type of descisions are revoked. The constant civil war in the background of the book has left a majority of women infertile. Inspired by the biblical tale of rachel and billah, gileiad decres that all fertile women are to act as handmaids. Surrogate mothers who will bear the children of the infertile couples. Atwood weaeves many elements into her book:hatred of feminism, religious bigotry, rascism, enviromental destrution and of course atwood explores the consequences ofa reversal of womens rights. in this totaliterarian society, womens bodys serve purly serve as political tool. Atwoods novel is clearly inspired by the ideals of christian fundametalism and her visit to afganistan in 1978. A country with a distorted view of islam and led by fundamentalist muslims. This is very much present in the red dress of the handmaid which is very simililar to the chador worn by afgan women. In george orwells 1984, he has constructed a dystopian world in which every individual can be monitoed. There thoughts and actions can be controled by the government. 1984 is said to be one of orwells best crafted novels as it gives an incredibly powerful warning against the dangers of a toterian society. In spain germany, germany and the soviet union orwell had witnessed the danger of absolute political authority in an age of advanced technology. He illistrated this in 1984 harshly. He portrays the perfect totliterian society, the most extrem realisatioin imaginable of a modern day government with absolute power. Both orwell and atwood have main character by which the story is told to the reader. These two characters have many similartys and differences. In the handmaids tale tale the entire story is told directly from the point of view of ofred . she is narrator and prtagnist of the novel. In 1984 the entre novel is narrated in the third person, through the main character winston. Both characters are rebels within theier socity and completely against the ideals of their leaders. Winston is very thoughtful in nature and his main attributes are his rebeliousnes and fatalism. Winston hates the party pationatlyand wants to test the limits of its power, he comits a numerous amount amounts of crimethroughout the novel ranging from writing DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER in his diary to his illegal love affair with julia( another character within the book) to secretly getting himself into the anti party brotherhood. The effert winston puts into his atempt at feedom ultimatly underscores the the partys devstating power. And By the end of the novel winsto is a loyal servent to big brother. The main reason for winstons rebelion and eventual down fall is his imense sense of fatalism. He is intensly paranoid about the party and his belief that the party will eventualy capture him and punish him. whether he went on with the diary, or whether he did not go on with it, made no difference. The thought police would get him all the same. As soon as he writes into his diary he is positive that the thought police are coming for him. Winston is so sur of his doom that this causes him to take unnessary risks, such as trusting o birian , renting a room above the shop and continuing to rebel because of his belief that he will be caught any way. In handmaid tale ofred like winston is a rebel, but unlike winston who rebel externaly, she rebels internaly. Ofred is by no means the heroin of the novel, she resist giliads concepts and ideal but does not act in a physyicaky open way on them. On the outside she submitts to gileads rules and her role as a handmaid once her attempt at escape fails. She is hardly a feminist champion; she always felt uncomfortable with her mothers activism, and her pre-Gilead relationship with Luke began when she became his mistress. Although she is friends with Ofglen, who is a member of the resistance, she never makes the move to join up herself. After she begins her affair with Nick, she seems to lose sight of escape and begins to feels that life in Gilead is almost bearable. If she does finally escape, it is because of Nick, not because of anything she has phisicaly done herself. Offred is a mostly passive character, good-hearted but complacent. Like her peers, she took for granted the freedoms feminism won and now pays the price. Like most of the women in Gilead, she is an ordinary woman placed in an extraordinary situation Another subject or theme which both these dystopian novels share is th esubject of gender. The reprsenttation of male and females especialy in 1984 is very stricking. In 1984 orwell has given women in the novel a very negative light. Winston who can be said to reflect the voice of orwell has extreamly sexist views towards women. The only women in the novel that can be said to have a more positive oulook is winstons mother. He sees her pure safricial women and constantly reminises about her in the novel. 19984 is a very male dominated novel, there are few females character in it. Julia is the main female charater in the novel, and winstons attidude to her at times is extremly negative he would flog her to death with a rubber truncheon. he would tie to a stake and shoot her full of arrows. he would ravish her and cut her throat at the moment of climax winston applys this vulgar attidude not just to julia but to other female with in the novel her thick arms reaching up fo the line , her powerful mare like buttocks protruded this qote is where winston observes a prole women hanging out her washing and basicaly comparing her to a horse. Julias purpose in the novel is to serve as the male fantasy, she has sex with winston and is very promiscuous in that she has slept with may party men,she brings him forbidden food, she dresses up for him. The critic and feminist beatrix campbell sees the portralel of women in 1984 as very negative- women are akin to the proletarian man in orwells work, they are rendered natural rather than skillful, almost infantile in their unconsciousness rather then alert and organised. I agree with her views, women are cleary given a dismal outlook, and julias character also a very unrealsistic one. The handmaids tale can be said to be a feminist update of 984, this could also be because of the fact that the author is female. The whole tone to the novel is completely different to the cold, dreary, masculine tones of 1984.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Personal identity

Personal identity Personal identity starts at the moment of conception, within time personal identity can change or not change. The change in identity differs in many instances by causes of psychological, physical or environmental changes in the person life. As life progresses in time people tend to change their views on many issues and identity is involved with those issues. Day to day activities also play an important role on a persons present or prior identity by being exposed to different elements encountered within their mind while operating in these activities. The mind is the most important influential part of a person to establish their identity thru time present or future. The identity is very important for the well being of a person in their everyday life, at work, and even with their relaintionships. When it comes to philosophy Personal Identity is a very broad and extensive topic, many philosopher have their own views on the issue. On the other hand my personal choice for this paper has to be a very well known philosopher by the name of John Locke who was one of the greatest in Europe in the late 1600s and early 1700s until his death. John Locker was born into the stage in Europe which was called the Enlightenment in which he helped find the identity of Thomas Jefferson to the idea of the Declaration Of Independence by stating this â€Å"men are endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. With these words stated by Thomas Jefferson, John Locke began his successful thrill of Philosophy and the issue of Personal Identity. As Locke explains his version of Personal Identity he explains it in a higher power and often relies on faith, as opposed to science, to aid him in his major life decisions by using his personal identity. John Lockes views on personal identity are set out in the selection, Of Identity and Diversity, taken from his Essay Concerning Human Understanding. In this essay he talks about humans are able to understand by applying his theories and ideas. John Locke had his heart of personal identity in Section 9 of his essay in which he states his idea of a person is that of a thinking, intelligent (rational) being with consciousness of itself (self-consciousness). The notion of a thinking intelligent being amounts to this.While John Locke had his opinion and theories on personal identity other philosophers do too.In reference Identity is very complex and it has no set definition everyone agrees on. Sarup (1996) talks about identity by using the example of a passport. This may include a photog raph of the person as well as other details including nationality, a persons full name and date-of-birth. While a passport is a form of identity it does not express who you are as a person. It â€Å"shows you who you are so that you can be recognized in a bureaucratic sense† (Sarup, 1996). Sarup the author states â€Å" that identity is to do with who one thinks one is, what one believes and what one does†. While Kidd another author believes that â€Å"identity† relates to how we think about ourselves as people, how we think about other people around us and what we think others think of us. In other words, the ability to â€Å"figure out† (Kidd, 2002)who we are as a person. Kidd the other author states that we are shaped by our culture, and we shape it and perpetuate in it in our day-to-day lives. Although culture and identity are often linked they are, in fact, different in many ways than one . â€Å"With culture representing the ‘macro pattern- t he bigger picture- and ‘identity representing the smaller more ‘micro meanings we have as individuals† ( Kidd, 2002, p.7). In my personal identity I have experienced many facets within my 25 years of living in this earth.My personal identity has been developing each minute of the day,as well as days on and in years.In my readings and research I personally coincide with authors who state that personal identity is divided by two subsets.These two subsets are characterized by experience and learning.On the contrary to Lockes beliefs I feel these two subsets characterize my personal identitys growth.According to Wenger, identity can be seen as a negotiated experience, which is developed through engagement in practice in which gives us â€Å"certain experiences of participation and what our communities pay attention to makes us as participants† (Wenger, 1998). â€Å"Identity in practice is defined socially not merely because it is believed in a social discourse of the self and of social categories, but also because it is produced as a lived experience of participation in the specific communities† (Wenger, 1998, p.151). Learning is a very crucial item people should encounter because it benefits us in the long run when it comes to our daily lives and personal encounters and relaintionships.The many things ive learned thru out my years has set out to my advantage and my personal identity .While working for different companies and organizations my personal identity has differed in each setting because I had a different role in each one.Having different roles in each of my jobs,my personal identity had to change in time in order for my tenure their to be successful and keep up with the rest of the laborers.According to the author Wenger â€Å"A sense of a learning trajectory gives us ways of sorting out what matters and what does not, what contributes to identity and what remains marginal† (Wenger, 1998, p.155). When we speak of ones personal identity we speak as what makes us the person that we are.Our identity consists of what makes us unique and different as an individual and from others.According to Locke personal identity does not involve the body at all,the person could be involved by his soul.If such would occur Locke suggested that the person could be transferred by his own soul.However personal identity to Locke cannot be equated with the identity of a thinking substance either because the identity doesnt follow the identity of the soul ,but follows the set of individual thoughts it contains.Here is an excerpt of one Lockes essay where he states the personal identity would follow the thoughts themselves, and not the thinking substance. â€Å" Let any one reflect upon himself,and conclude,that he has in himself an immaterial Spirit,which is that which thinks in him,and in the constant change of his body keeps him the same;and is that which he calls himself: Let him also suppose it to be the same soul,that was in Nestor or Thersites, at the Siege Of Troy.But he,now having no consciousness of any of the Actions either of Nestor or Thersites,does,or can he,conceive himself the same person with either of them? Can he be concerned in either of their actions?Attribute them to himself, or think them his own more than the actions of any other man,that ever existed?But let him once find himself conscious of any of the actions of Nestor,he then finds himself the same person with Nestor.†(Section 15).Since we know and read that Locke rejects that the identity of a person is the identity of an immaterial substance or soul.For Locke at every moment you could have a different soul,thoughts,or a different thinker and still have the same person see.(Section 25) Another rejection by Locke is the idea the the identity of a man is needed for the identity of the person.It wouldnt be necessary since you could have the same person in two different beings as he states in the Prince and the Cobbler story. â€Å"For should the soul of a prince,carrying with it the consciousness of the princes past life,enter and inform the body of a cobbler,as soon as deserted by his own soul,everyone sees he would be the same person with the prince.†(Section 15). For Locke personal identity is not enough if it doesnt include the identity of consciousness.According to Locke consciousness is the ideas that a soul entertains,not in the soul that entertains them.The most important part of consciousness is memory,since memory can remember the actions and experiences of some past person,from the perspective of that person,then one thereby qualifies as identical with that person.To Locke he describes personal identity as a â€Å"forensic† notion.(Section 26).While most philosophers and philosophy get confused with his identity of consciousness Locke stated†For since consciousness always accompanies thinking,and it is that which makes every one to be what he calls self,and thereby distinguishes himself from all other thinking things:in this along consists consists personal identity and as far as this consciousness can be extended backwards to any past action or thought,so far reaches the identity of that person;it is the same self now it was then;and it is by the same self with this present one that now reflects on it,that that action was done.†(Section 9). Overtime John Locke has been criticized by his theories and his way of thinking by fellow philosophers and other entities.Thomas Reid has a view that is similar to Descartes in which a person who is a simple indivisible substance that has no temporal or spatial parts.Thomas Reid states that â€Å"My personal identity implies the continued existence of that indivisible thing which I can myself.Whatever this self may be,it is something which thinks,and deliberates,and resolves,and acts and suffers.I am not thought,I am not action, I am not action,I am not feeling;I am something that thinks,and acts and suffers.My thoughts,and actions,and feelings change every moment;they have no continues,but a successive,existence that self or I,to which they belong,is permanent,and has the same relation to all the succeeding thoughts,actions,and feelings which I call mine.† Reid argues that memory is the evidence for personal identity,but not the basis of personal identity.Reid developed seve ral arguments which go against John Lockes memory is the basis of personal identity.The four main arguments that Reide goes against Locke are: The Duplication problem which states one person may be identity with more than one person. The Brave Soldier Paradox which a man may be ,and at the same time not be,the person that did a particular action. The problem of removing reward punishment and responsibility. The minor objection that confuses consciousness with memory.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Depression Essay -- essays research papers

One of the scariest emotional experiences a person can ever suffer during their lifetime is to experience a form of depression. Over one in five Americans can expect to get some form of depression in their lifetime. Over one in twenty Americans have a depressive disorder every year. Depression is one of the most common and most serious mental health problems facing people today. However, depression is often not taken seriously because of the large use of antidepressant drugs and the large number of sufferers. Depression is a serious illness and should be taken as so. Contrary to the popular misconceptions about depression today, it is a serious and deadly disorder.1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Depression in its various forms (insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, stress, vague aches and pains, etc.) is the most common complaint heard in doctors’ offices. There are three primary forms of depression. Major depression, like the flu, has a beginning, middle, and an end. Major depression often lasts for months. Left untreated, it tends to reoccur. Each reoccurrence tends to last longer and is more debilitating than the one before. Chronic depression is a low grade, long-term depression that can go on for years. Some people have had it most of their lives. Long term, low-grade depression is also known as dysthymia. Dys, meaning disorder, and thymia meaning mood. Dysthmia is then a disorder of ones mood. The last type is manic depression. The lows of this depression can alter with days or weeks of maniaextreme feelings, unreasonable thoughts, and inappropriate, sometimes destructive behavior. The manic-depressive person fluctuates from one emotional pole to anoth er, often in rapid swings. 3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many symptoms of depression. Symptoms can include persistent sad or â€Å"empty† mood, loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex, decreased energy, fatigue, being â€Å"slowed down†, Sleep disturbances such as insomnia, early morning wakes or oversleeping, eating disturbances such as loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain, difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts, irritability, excessive crying, or chronic aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment. Many people who have clinical depression can feel down, sad, ... ...gloominess, pessimism, introversion, self-criticism, deep feelings of inadequacy, and excessive brooding and worrying. People who regularly behave in dependent, hostile, and impulsive ways appear at greater risk for depression. Psychologists also believe that stressful experiences can trigger depression in people who are predisposed to the illness. About 20 percent of women experience an episode of depression after having a baby; this is called postpartum depression. Also, people who experience child abuse appear to be more vulnerable to depression than others.1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Depression affects people all around the world and takes over many lives. It is a detectable disease. Most every case of depression is very personal, and usually has it’s own specifications and circumstance. By speaking with people who have depression in their families and being a sufferer of the disease myself, I’ve realized that it’s not the end of the world and there are ways to get help. Treatment for depression is relativity inexpensive but whatever the cost; it is more than made up for an increased productivity, efficiency, physical health, improved relationships, and enjoyment of life.

Much Ado About Nothing - The Importance Of Noting Essay -- essays rese

Discuss The Importance Of Noting In Much Ado About Nothing Noting, or observing, is central to many of the ideas in Much Ado About Nothing. The word nothing was pronounced as noting in Elizabethan times, and it seems reasonable to presume that the pun was intended by Shakespeare to signal the importance of observation, spying and eavesdropping in the play. As a plot device, these occurrences propel the action and create humour and tension. The perils of noting incorrectly are portrayed and this leads naturally to the investigation of another major theme, the discrepancy between appearance and reality. Shakespeare uses the problems of illusion, deception and subjectivity of perception to examine the Elizabethan patriarchy, and he shows how adhering to convention can distort the views of society’s leaders. Plot development and comedy in Much Ado rely heavily on the use of noting. The play appears to have a simple plot; the romantic couple, Claudio and Hero, are denied marital joy by the evil Don John while the sub-plot, Beatrice’s and Benedick’s resisted but growing love, provides us with some humour until order and happiness are re-established in Messina. However, Shakespeare cleverly employs the many forms of noting (observation, misunderstanding, misreporting) to move the dramatic action forward. The main plot and the sub-plots are laced together with this device and, to emphasise the importance of noting, the audience is denied viewing the vital episode where Claudio and Don Pedro witness what they think is Hero’s debauchery – we observe the watch eavesdropping on Borachio recounting the event to Conrade. This eavesdropping reminds us of the orchard scenes where Beatrice and Benedick are tricked into loving each other. They both come closer to a position of self-knowledge and this enables the â€Å"merry war† of Beatrice and Benedick to move a step further to its conclusion. The orchard scenes, along with the scenes involving The Watch, are a major source of humour in the play. Eavesdropping leads to Beatrice’s and Benedick’s most hilarious lines and Dogberry’s continued misunderstandings and malapropisms help soften the tone of the play as they follow the more sinister sections. Dogberry’s insistence on others noting that Conrade called him an ass is especially funny: â€Å"Oh that I had been writ down an ass† (4. 2. 70-71). The audience enjoys the irony tha... ...ty. This can also be said for Beatrice (she is an orphan and does not have Hero’s parental pressure). They both eschew the courtly style and behaviour expected of Hero and Claudio and are able to think and act in a freer fashion. Friar Francis, being a cleric, definitely stands outside of society, and the others to note correctly, The Watch, belong to a totally different class. It seems that Shakespeare is suggesting that only those that are not controlled by patriarchal rules and rituals are capable of an undistorted view of life. The inability of the Messina aristocracy to note correctly points to this reading. Much Ado About Nothing ends with order restored. The masks come off, perhaps to be replaced by the more subtle ones worn every day. It seems unlikely that Claudio’s ability to note correctly will improve but, in Beatrice and Benedick, Shakespeare gives the audience encouragement that self-knowledge and reality will grow in Messina. The importance given to this couple’s superior perception clearly demonstrates that noting is central to this play. The plot relies on it for momentum and humour, and Shakespeare uses it to attack the illusions surrounding patriarchal society.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

college essay :: essays research papers

College will be a major change for me; in all likelihood, it will probably be the most significant transformation I will experience. It will be a time of growth and learning. In order to adapt to these many changes I hope to mature both emotionally and educationally. In doing so, I will influence those around me and the community as a whole. I anticipate that my life experiences will prove to be valuable to me and to those I come into contact with.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I have had many challenges to overcome thus far. I’ve had problems with my school work, but most significantly, problems with myself. I have made many wrong decisions and I have had trouble realizing what is important to me in the past. I now know what steps I need to take in order to become a better person and to stay on the right path that I have chosen. I hope to continue this pattern of maturation by accomplishing my goal of academic excellence while attending New Jersey City University. I have already promised myself that I will not participate in any activity that will lead me astray morally or academically. I am very good at meeting all of the challenges that I have to meet. I have already begun to take an initive on guiding myself in the right direction, by taking my school work seriously, looking for a job that would benefit my major, and working harder to make my self happy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I am interested in majoring in Media Arts at New Jersey City University. I am taking a Media Arts curse in High School now and I am really interested in the aspects that go on in the field of Media. I like the wide verity of oppurtunities someone can get with an education in Media Arts. A major thing that attracted me to your university was your great school on Media. I also took a tour of your campus and feel in love at first site. I am currently participating in my high school peer ministry program. Which is a program in our school that gives specially selected seniors an opportunity to show their leadership skills to the incoming freshman by giving them an opportunity to be comfortable at St. Mary High School. I stay active by playing sports such as basketball, baseball, & bowling. I’m also interested in music.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Illusion vs. Reality

The characters portrayed this theme through perceived reality vs. actuality, knowledge is power, and knowledge can only be gained if it is presented to it first. In all three, there are people without knowledge and people with knowledge. The people that don't have knowledge are the general public, Truman, and the prisoners; the people with the knowledge are the government, Christof, and the things causing the shadows in the ave.The people without the knowledge live their lives as if they know everything while the people with knowledge try to either keep it that way or them the knowledge. Reality vs. actuality helps portray the theme though the people without the knowledge, who have his/her own reality while the actual world is something different. In Fahrenheit 451, the general public live their lives believing books are evil while they are actually not. In The Truman Show, Truman lives his life as if it is real, but it is a lie that was created for a TV show.In Plato's Republic, the prisoners were orn into a reality where shadows are their whole world, while the objects making the shadows were passing by. In all three, the reality shown to the people are not what the actual world is. Reality vs. actuality shows how the theme is portrayed in Fahrenheit 451, The Truman Show, and Plato's Republic. Another thing that helps display the theme is knowledge is power. The people who have the knowledge either use that power to keep the reality that the people without the knowledge already have or try to give them knowledge.The government in Fahrenheit 451 use firemen o try and keep the reality that books are evil and make that the truth to the general public. Christof and all the staff members in The Truman Show have the power and use actors to keep Truman's fabricated world the â€Å"truth†. In Plato's Republic the prisoners did not believe the philosopher who tried to give them knowledge and unveil the truth. The prisoners believe in their reality too much so t o them, knowledge are the shadows and that kept them under the truth. The people without knowledge are kept under their reality because knowledge can only be gained if presented it first.The people are never presented with knowledge, so they could never learn about the truth. Since the government tell lies, it prevents the general public to read books, and the general public never finds out the truth behind books. Truman never found out the actual world until he was presented with knowledge by his first love. Christof and the actors tried their best to prevent Truman from finding out the truth, but in the end they fail. In Plato's Republic the philosopher tried to present the prisoners the real world, but the prisoners rejected him and continued to believe in the shadows.The theme, we accept the reality with which we are presented, has been portrayed by reality vs. actuality, knowledge is power, and knowledge can only be gained if it is presented to it first. All of the people witho ut knowledge had their own reality that was not the actual truth. The people with knowledge had the power and tried to and the prisoners did not gain knowledge unless first presented with it. If the general public read the books, and if the prisoners did believe the philosopher, then everyone would have knowledge and there would not be a fake reality.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Food and Tradition Essay

Culture has been existence since the time man came on the earth. Many ethnic groups have their own ways of living. Due to the new technologies and globalization, culture of many societies and families have been affected and altered in one way or the other. Some of the cultural traditions, practices, values and beliefs, values and virtues have faded away never to be heard again in within this new era with new generations. The roots of culture originate from families and clan. So the life styles are now being influenced from their fundamental points of source. This is not saying that culture will come to an end. Several families, clans which grow up to make communities and ethnic groups have struggled to this very far to preserve their culture. The survival of such cultural activities has created major concern over the last few decades. Most people have recently aroused the interest in cultural practices and this has contributed a lot to the tourism industry in our home country. Thousands of tourists are visiting our country entirely to watch over the oldest plays and cultural activities as well as to enjoy our traditional foods during such cultural occasions. This has resulted in dynamic, creative cultural practices of the oldest periods of our fore fathers. Food is something which is taken in the lightest manner possible by the new generations which we have in the entire world. They simply term it as nourishment that sustains growth or furnishes energy or does both to our bodies. They feebly attach much concentration on other importance of food other than the above. They have not known how much it contributes to the social and cultural welfare throughout our life. The role of various foods has deeper implications which are more than satisfying our hungers and other physical requirements. It may structures families schedules or it provide social activities which nurtures the family relation ships as people from one family interacts among themselves or with other family members. To a larger extend, it is used as a representation of certain ethnic identities. Thus, food is used in as part of family cerebrations or ceremonies as well as in our rituals. I as an indigenous person who hails from the northern parts of china, we have varieties of food stuffs. This ranges from the simplest agricultural products both from land cultivations and livestock. Although, the place has no reliable and sustainable rainfalls, many families produce farm products of horticultural natural through irrigation methods. Some of the produces includes vegetables and fruit, cabbages, squashes, pears grapes and apples. From livestock, they are vast lands in which people keep sheep for mutton and lamb. Generally, it is rare to get pork in such a place. This seems to have been influenced by the religion of the people. Most of the inhabitants are Muslims; hence they forbid the practice of taking pork. Pork is seriously fear by this people. The belief the eating of pork is like eating of the fresh of ones supreme being. So, the utilization of food is a very important part of the processes of life. Sometimes we fail to appreciate that food is more than just fundamental. The only other action that we connect in that is of analogous importance to our lives and to the life of our species is a sexual characteristic. But these two activities are quite different. The range of variations is substantially wider in food than in sex. In fact, the importance of food in understanding human culture lies precisely in its infinite inconsistency. For endurance needs, all men everywhere could eat the same food measured only in calories. However, people are of different backgrounds and eat very differently. Chinese eat varieties of foods in their meals which are characterized by quite notable flexibility and adaptabilities. The mixture of different meals in their ingredients remains to be distinctive in the appearance and tastes as well as the flavours. This varies from one cultural activity to another. During the festive occasion of circumcision, children are circumcised to graduate from their childhood to youthful hood. At this particular occasion, people use legume in higher quantities. This includes soybeans, broadens, pea nut and mung beans. They are used to make rapid healing of the wounds. It is also necessary to take bitter spices such as garlic and cinnamons which acts as reminder of the bitter activity they have gone through. (Gernet, 1962) Apart from circumcision ceremonies, many families do not eat meat products during the periods of tragedy such as death. In our culture, meat products are as result of shedding blood to the ground. Shedding of blood is one the acts which are sternly against the practices of our traditions. So, at such time of mourning, people cease from using the meat products which results from blood shed of animals. They believe that this is a sign of maintain peace with their super natural being. Once we eat such products, it like we are provoking the anger of the supreme nature. Thus, the common meals that are taken contain foods full of starch. Reference: Gernet, J. (1962): Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion: Stanford University Press

Sunday, September 15, 2019

William blake-the lamb summary and analysis

William Blake-the lamb summary and analysis THE LAMB Summary The speaker, identifying himself as a child, asks a series of questions of a little lamb, and then answers the questions for the lamb. He asks if the lamb knows who made it, who provides it food to eat, or who gives it warm wool and a pleasant voice. The speaker then tells the lamb that the one who made it is also called â€Å"the Lamb† and is the creator of both the lamb and the speaker. He goes on to explain that this Creator s meek and mild, and Himself became a little child.The speaker finishes by blessing the lamb in God's name. Analysis William Flake's â€Å"The Lamb† is an intricately complex poem written in 1789. The poem takes its central focus the grand question of creation, but it does so in an understated way, opening as a simple question to a sweet, delicate creature: â€Å"Little Lamb, who made thee? † The first half of the two-stanza poem has the speaker ask the lamb who is responsible fo r life and creation of this sweet creature with the â€Å"softest looting† of delight† and â€Å"Gave thee such a tender voice. The lamb functions as a symbol for the connection between humanity and the natural world. Associated with the rural English countryside, the lamb is also a symbol of pastoral innocence, bridging the gap between the urban world of humanity and the natural world of God's creation. Pastoral life also takes a central position in the poem. The collection of work in which this poem appears, â€Å"Songs of Innocence,† includes many Astoria scenes.These idyllic images of life outside of bustling cities firmly establishes a sense of peace and tranquility within these poems, including the â€Å"The Lamb. † This connects the figures of the poem to the natural world, where the figures of the poem can contemplate their existence without the interference of completely human elements. Flake's gentle phrasing lends a reflective, spiritual mood t o the piece, which answers the question in first-person narrative in the second stanza that higher power is responsible.In answering as Jesus Christ, Blake displays his own reverence for God in the phrases: â€Å"He is called by thy name, For He calls Himself a Lamb. He is meek, and He is mild; He became a little child. I a child, and thou a lamb, We are called by His name. Little Lamb, God bless thee! Little Lamb, God bless thee! † By stating the lamb's creator as Jesus Christ, Blake is establishing that everyone is in some sense a little lamb, created by God.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

How do leaders develop

How do leaders develop? Given the large amount of different facets leaders posses in order to perform effectively in their respective domains, it is hard to specifically define leadership- however, it can be merely presented as an influencing process between a leader and the people who follow. Furthermore, leadership development is essential in carrying an individual through from the stages of emergence all the way to leadership effectiveness, and was defined by Day (2012) as â€Å"the expansion of an individual's capacity to be effective in leadership roles and processes†.According to Contracts (2010) and Murphy (201 1), there are major developmental stages in leadership; starting in early childhood, those years playing a major role in the upbringing of future self-regulation and leadership identity. Studies by Viola and Possessing (2011) have also demonstrated that many skills acquired at a young age during â€Å"sensitive periods†, when learning has proven to be easi er and happens faster, often have an impact on leadership development in later stages; therefore an adequate early environment may reveal itself as helpful in developing future effective leaders.Furthermore, research from Arrive et al (2006) argues that many leader personality traits are partly genetically inherited, and that parents contribute to many characteristics shown in their children; which helps demonstrate that there are a considerable amount of factors in leadership development that are, at least for the early years, beyond the control of the individual concerned and will most likely have consequences (positive or negative) on leadership development in the person's future years.However, initiative is arguably the main driver for self-regulation and a moon trait in leaders, according to Larson (2000). In addition, Caldwell (2008) states in his findings that practice is the main method for obtaining desired leadership skills, leading us to think that anyone with enough init iative and the right set of goals could potentially become an effective leader. Considering the impact of an individual's environment on their personal traits and attributes, most noticeably from the early years, how much control do we really have over our leadership development?Based on a research conducted by Arrive et al (2006), at least 30% of personality heartsickness in relation to transformational leadership is attributed through genetics; which is an indication that genes play a large role in determining leadership attributes in individuals, whether it is leader emergence or leader effectiveness. However, 70% of leadership traits stem from other sources; it is therefore important to analyses all the other factors influencing the development of the individual's leadership skills.Acting as the main role-models, parents are a vital influence in their children's developments and play a major role in their relation to adhering: â€Å"Parents contribute to their children's religi ous beliefs, intellectual and occupational interests, feelings of self-esteem or inadequacy, adherence to traditional or modern notions of masculinity and femininity, helpfulness to others, skills, and values† (Wade & Atavist,2008) A research conducted by Contracts (2010) concluded that there are four different types of parenting styles; these are: authoritative, neglectful, authoritarian and indulgent.Each one of the four is argued to have varying effects on children's leadership development. It is believed that authoritative parents are the most likely to raise children to be effective leaders, by educating them with strict discipline and monitoring; but also supportive and encouraging of them to think and act independently as they become more mature (Murphy, 2011).On the other hand, according to Banding (1991) authoritarian parents tend to exert control and punishment based on firm rules; which is a parenting method that is not usually prone to leadership skill development in children, generally resulting in teenagers with a lack of social and communication skills.Furthermore, neglectful parents are absent or play very minor roles in their children's lives; as a result they tend to raise teenagers with poor social skills and low self control. However, indulgent parents, who will be present without ever enforcing many household rules, tend to raise children with generally higher creativity levels; but will also lead to lower social skills and self-control due to a lack of firmness in regards to their education from their parents.Another phenomenon instigated by parenting, which can be observed from infancy and acts as an indicator for future adhering outcomes, is the attachment or bond that infants have with their guardians; Insinuators et al (1978) determined three different types of attachments a child can have: Secure, avoiding and ambivalent- these will influence the individual's future social behavior.According to Insinuators et all's findings, in dividuals who benefited from secure attachment to their guardians in their formative years are generally more socially adaptable as adults and have the confidence resources to take on leadership roles; whereas individuals who suffered from insecure attachments (avoiding or ambivalent) tend to comparatively lack social confidence due to the absence of a sense of security from a guardian as a child and, in contrast, will not seek out leadership.This goes to show that parents have a considerable impact on the outcome of their children, which ultimately will affect them in regards to their leadership development, abilities and capabilities. It is quite obvious that early influences and genetics have an impact on leadership development in adulthood, those early years being a delicate, sensitive and an important period of development.However, as long as individuals keep on learning new skills and behaviors, development will continue (Bernstein, 1989). An individual's background, environme nt and early upbringing are not the only factors in successful effective leadership development; although those elements are strong enablers, with many demonstrated correlations, they are not everything needed to be a leader .Caldwell (2008) underlined the crucial importance of training and practice through his analysis of notable leaders such as Bill Gates or the Beetles, and included that it requires 10 000 hours of work to become an expert in any field; and this can be achieved by anyone with the initiative to do so. Although practice may yield more results in skill development and mastery if performed at a young age during the â€Å"sensitive period† of learning, it does not however mean that it will instigate zero form of leadership development if practicing occurs later in lifetime (Viola and Possessing 2011).Another important concept explained through a model developed by Lord and Hall (2005), which encompasses the development of leadership identity and self- exultatio n in relevance with the lifespan approach to leader development, is that our notion of leadership evolves through time; for example the way leadership is demonstrated and perceived as a child in primary school will be completely different to the way in which it is viewed by adults with different motifs and sets of personal goals.Leadership identity plays a vital part in leadership development, acting in correlation with self regulation; as individual goals and motivations progress through time, we tend to re-develop new updated leadership identities and adapt our goal researchers accordingly, in order to eventually achieve effectiveness and have control over our own leadership development. Previous findings demonstrate a clear correlation between early influences and leadership development.Furthermore, the presence of a sensitive period in regards to learning and developing core characteristics found in early years of childhood is an indicator of the limited amount of control we hav e over our own leadership development, given that most main decisions regarding young children's upbringing and social environments are made by the parents, and ultimately become defining eaters for the individuals.This emphasizes the fact that individuals placed in a favorable environment for developing leadership skills, self-efficacy and regulation at a young age have a considerable advantage over those that aren't, and consequently greater chances of becoming leaders in the long-run; this can be used as an encouragement for parents and schools to focus on those crucial character- building and defining years in order to enable individuals with the best opportunities for effective leadership from early on.It is still however possible for individuals to hang their leadership development trajectory and develop a different leadership identity at any given time after reaching maturity, if they posses the urge to become an effective leader or differ from a current leadership position; it is only their original circumstances as a young child which they have no control over, which is a major part of leadership development.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Anglo-Saxon Britain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Anglo-Saxon Britain - Essay Example Both had an array of followers who both believed they were following the true Christian faith. During 597 AD and 601, Augustine began his mission by first baptizing the first Christian king of ASE. After this, Ethelbert then allowed missionary activities to proceed in the kingdom. By the end of that year, approximately 10,000 king subjects had already accepted the new creed before Augustine ordained to be bishop. When Christianity was heading to its peak Pope Gregory advocated for complete elimination of paganism in Anglo Saxon. This is by commissioning those mandated with spreading the gospel Christianize all heathen temples as well as dissuading people from carrying on with paganism. This study seeks to relay more information concerning development of ASC and how the works of early saints facilitated to its success. This saint descended from a noble family in Wessel, England as Wilfred whereby he attended a monastery under abbot Wulfhard and at nursling against his farther wishes. While in the monastery, he studied theology and became a Benedictine monk at the age of 30 years then ordained as a priest. King Radbod denied him opportunities to evangelize in Frisia despite his attempts. Back in England, he learnt of the demise of his abbort in Nursling and he declined the offer to take his position because he still wanted to pursue his missionary career. This shows he was a man of purpose and full of dedication. In 718, he accompanied some Anglo Saxon pilgrims to Rome whereby the pope sent him on a mission to baptize pagans in Germania He baptized using the Roman formula and not the Celtic. During this encounter, the pope renamed him Boniface. Following Radbod’s demise, the saint went back to Frisia in a missionary expedition where he worked with Willibrord, the apostle of the Frisians. It is this reason why the pope could not assign him anywhere else except in Frisia. Hence, he his mission

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Enterprise Resource Planning Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Enterprise Resource Planning - Case Study Example The first stage was of the implementation of The Advantage 2000 was the development process. The development process involved four steps where business team members would design the global process, business and IS team members would look at SAP as the preferred platform, identify the gaps in the current system and work through them. Along with the development stage was the enterprise resource planning (ERP) that would simplify the support of common, global business processes and enable OC managers to do the following (pg. 667): During the development and planning stage Deloitte & Touche CG/ICS experts were actively involved to develop and deliver training to the project teams on process simplification. They were OC’s top management prior to Radcliff’s arrival due to their expertise in organization design, BPR, and change management. The next stage was the sourcing where talents and resources were sought that would enable the project become a reality. In May 1994 Michael Radcliff was brought on board as the company’s chief information officer. Along with the sourcing of talent was also the outsourcing of vendor that would serve as the transition system from the old legacy systems to the new system. In early 1995, project teams for the Advantage 2000 project started to form. Workshops then ensued to communicate and enable the entire IS community of the new high performance objective of a process oriented organization. Team members were trained to juggle from one function to another to enable systems integration a possibility on various business units of the organization under the auspices of its new CIO Radcliff. Among the teams that were created were Global Development Teams which were made of composite members from business and IS to form the new business process model whose objective was to develop and delvier process and systems solutions on time. R2 -included a

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Accounting Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Accounting Assignment - Essay Example Both the Chairman’s Statement (CS) and the Chief Executive’s Review (CER) describe 2009 as a very difficult year. They both emphasized that the company’s loss before tax is a natural consequence of the drastic turnaround in the global economies. They also both affirmed the company’s commitment to do its part in combating climate change even if the prevailing adverse economic situation. They as well mention BA’s long-term goal of becoming a leader in the global arena of the airline industry. The CS tackled specific issues that pertained not just to BA but to the entire airline industry of UK. The CS is written from a point of view that sees BA as a primary industry player with respect to the rest of the industry and the business world at large. It discusses the ongoing battles for government regulations that would be favorable for the industry and for BA, the current status of BA’s talks with other airlines regarding mergers and the general trend of the world’s airline industry. The CS also talks of matters that concern BA’s shareholders such as the decision to declare no dividends and to give no bonuses to senior management for the year. In contrast, the CER covers more of BA’s internal issues. It talks of how BA’s implemented cost-cutting measures to combat ill effects of the economic slowdown and of how BA works on further improving its overall customer service to achieve even higher satisfactory ratings. It also talks of the management’s decision to give no salary increases to employees for the year. The CFO’s Report contains information that a potential investor like Paul should be interested in. One is the basic earnings per share figure that is -32.6 pence; another is the reduction of BA’s other reserves by  £988 million which will significantly reduce the company’s shareholders’ equity. The third is the recommendation of BA’s

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Consider ther central principles of Christianity. How do there reflect Essay

Consider ther central principles of Christianity. How do there reflect Platonic ideas - Essay Example Similar is the philosophical notion of Platonism about God and life. Evidently Christianity was founded and nourished on the social ground where Platonism had been the key pressure. To illustrate, Christianity has a lot of similarities with the basic notions of Platonism. First of all, the Christian doctrines and Platonic principles accept the fact that spirit is superior to body and that it exists in all. In addition, Plato accepts the eternal, omnipresent and omnipotent nature of God. He also acknowledges the fact that God gives soul to human and that God created world because he is good. Platonism shows similarity in accepting the fact that God gives laws and every soul will be rewarded or punished according to its deeds. Both Platonism and Christianity maintain the concept of heaven and hell. Christianity also is based on the belief that God created the world and he created humans in his own likeness and character. Genesis 1:26 states that God created man in his own image. And it is said that ‘he made the world good; and when he saw it he was delighted’ (Genesis 1:31). ... In addition, Jesus Christ teaches to lay up treasures in heaven where ‘neither moth nor rust corrupt them’ (Mathew 6:20). Moreover, it is said in Romans that â€Å"if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwell in you† (Romans 8:11). Similar is the belief found in Platonism. According to Plato, (Phaedo, 114 C) after death, every soul goes to a place corresponding to its deeds while alive. If then, the wicked with curable sin nature will be left to a lower world where they shall suffer for their sins; whereas, the incurable souls will be abandoned permanently into hell. With regard to pious souls, they shall live without human bodies forever in eternal happiness with God almighty (ibid). Hence, the striking similarity between the Church and Platonism comes in the concept of heaven, hell and purgatory. Jesus says clearly that ‘it is bett er to pluck out your right eye if it sins because it is better to lose it than being cast into hell’ (Mathew 5:29). He also warns that â€Å"no one who speaks against the Holy Spirit will be forgiven either in this world or in the next† (Matthew 12:32). Another agreement comes in the case of body-soul interaction. Bible says â€Å"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.† (Matthew 10:28) The concept that Platonism cherishes also is similar because it says that external aspects or diseases of the body can little harm the soul; whereas vice, can worsen the moral quality of

Monday, September 9, 2019

Is elitism or pluralism a better explanatory theory of the way Essay - 1

Is elitism or pluralism a better explanatory theory of the way American government and politics really operates Why so - Essay Example In simple words, elite administration is an administration which is based on the vested interests of a specific economic class. Pluralism, on the other hand is based on diversity and acceptance and is stated to be implemented for the common good of the people. With special regards to a modern economic, social and political development, pluralism is considered to be the most effective and cost efficient system. Elitism and pluralism are two separate entities. If you feel the need to differentiate between the two, you would need to study their individual characteristics. (Elitism: The future of american foreign policy: elitism versus pluralism) Although there are various attributes attached to the elite, there is no single definition of the term. Likewise, the term elite can also be used to describe a class or group of people who have the required wealth and the essential social status to influence class determination. Listed below are a few personal attributes which are directly linked to the elitist theory. The pluralism concept is often considered essential for the US set up as it is not individualistic in nature and is governed owing to numerous resources. These resources can enhance the overall power of the politicians by providing opportunities in terms of legal authority, prestige, knowledge, skill and monetary benefits. Henceforth, as compared to elite system, the pluralism theory is ideal for the US set up. (Allaboutreligion) (Bryner) The biggest reason which advocates the concept of pluralism is the ability of the pluralistic society to differentiate between potential and actual power. Actual power is undoubtedly the ability to force an individual through compulsive force whereas potential power is the ability to transform a potential resource into usable power. A perfect example of this concept is the currency bills. If there is no power attached to cash, the bills would continue to remain plain pieces of paper and vice versa. The pluralist

Carlos Slim Helu - Future of his company Research Paper

Carlos Slim Helu - Future of his company - Research Paper Example nchez-Runde, and Nardon 192). Therefore, this essay explores the future of Carlos Slim Helu’s company in terms of economic prospects and market share. Essentially, Carlos Slim Helu has made himself a name in the world of entrepreneurship due to his relentless efforts in doing global business (Casanova 28). Currently, the business tycoon owns a chain of about 200 companies that operate in Latin America and even beyond to the extent of employing over 200,000 people (Healy 129). This actually means that he is a man who holds a significant stake in the economy of the states of Latin America by his businesses. Since he has used his personal resources in improving the welfare of the people of Latin America especially the immediate communities in which his companies were situated, the legacy of Carlos Slim is one that will never go away very soon (Steers, Sa?nchez-Runde, and Nardon 192). Perhaps it is worth noting that Carlos Slim, through his fortune, helped educate over 165,000 Mex ican people to the university level. This great and commendable achievement won him the heart of many (Casanova 28). In this respect, many people particularly the Mexicans, have full confidence in his company and products offered. In addition, Carlos Slim did a great deal of work when he came with the initiative of building rural schools so that the rural folk could take their children to school (Steers, Sa?nchez-Runde, and Nardon 192). In terms of justice, the business mogul bailed over 50,000 Mexicans from jail because they were unfairly detained and they could not afford the bail. Perhaps these factors have led to his business booming in Mexico and beyond. Lastly but more importantly, it is important to note the fact that he has reserved over $4 billion for education in addition to $6 billion for other programs including but not limited to his Telmex Foundation (Casanova 28). As the world’s richest man, Carlos Slim has invested in building extensive networks with some of t he world’s most powerful figures including heads of states in order to penetrate his businesses further into many countries and consequently, conquer the global market share (Casanova 28). With this competitive edge in the market, the companies of Carlos Slim are able to survive any turbulence in the market that will send other companies winding up and for this reason, it is proper to insinuate that Carlos Slim together with his companies, are here to stay (Casanova 28). Although several critics have come strongly against the business mogul, Carlos Slim has always been relentless in his business enthusiasm particularly when it comes to dealing with sharp criticisms (Casanova 28). While he has had to deal with such criticisms as being a monopolist who will go any length in order to floor his business rival, Carlos Slim has taken it positively and instead of retorting to such allegations. Besides, he has instead opted to direct his effort to improving the world through educatio n, health, food, and justice (Steers, Sa?nchez-Runde, and Nardon 192). When it comes to collaborating with other tycoons, billionaire Carlos Slim Helu tops the list (Healy 129). This is particularly so when it comes to the search for the untapped opportunities in the world. In this regard, Carlos Slim

Sunday, September 8, 2019

The Mother by Gwendolyn Brooks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

The Mother by Gwendolyn Brooks - Essay Example The poem provides an insight into what a mother actually experiences after an abortion and the extent of love that a mother has for her children despite the fact that she never gave birth to them. Gwendolyn Brooks marks the theme of the poem in its very first line which states that an abortion for a mother is an experience of her life that she can never get over with. The first stanza deals with the emotions of the mother in which a mother is explaining about the things that she would never be able to do since she does not have children. The women is presenting with motherly activities that she is longing to perform but would never be able to do that. This can be seen in these lines, â€Å"You will never neglect or beat them, or silence or buy with a sweet.† She is clearly presenting that she would not be able to nurture children due to the abortion which includes looking after them, feeding them and being with them all the time. This shows her remorse over her incapability of performing all the activities with a child that is the desire of every mother. In the next stanza she explains that she understands that she has actually stolen away the rights of children who would have been like other beings in this world and performed all the worldly activities. They would have enjoyed this world and would have started their journey of life like other people which begins with being a helpless child till the time that he grows up and gets engaged in a relationship up to the end of his life when he reaches his deathbed. She knows that she has killed a human life which would have actually developed emotions, feelings and sensations if they had been given the chance to do so. But with all regret she tries to provide an explanation that at that point of her life she had no other choice. She justifies herself with these words, â€Å"Believe that even in my

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Introduction to Ethics -- Arguments for and against affirmative action Essay

Introduction to Ethics -- Arguments for and against affirmative action - Essay Example It seeks to create an environment where race and gender will not stand against someone’s ability to move up the hierarchy if one has the necessary skills and credentials for the job (Libertella, Sora & Natale, 2007). It is meant to correct the wrongs that have been created against the people of a specific gender, race, or religion. While the intentions were right, over time the imposition of AA started showing signs of reverse discrimination where the rights of the majority were at stake. Based on the policies of AA, people started giving preference to members of the target group without merit and the quotas for minorities were filled up carelessly. All these resulted in the White males being deprived of their basic rights. Thus Affirmative Action, while trying to provide equal opportunities to all, ends up in discriminating the Whites, and hence unethical. There will always be two sides to an argument and whether it is fair to the Whites or not, remains debatable. At times, some sacrifices for the greater good of the society are better than no action. If this be true, AA is justified because the intention is to provide more opportunities to the minorities and women. Nevertheless, this amounts to social segregation. Arguments again abound that social segmentation exists in every society based on religion, race and economic differences. Such segregation or discrimination might work for some time for social good. People have tried to justify that AA helped to make up for past wrongs. Instead of doing justice it violates the rights of the Whites for equal consideration (Stanford, 2005). Besides, discrimination on the basis of a belief that one race or sex is inferior is wrong because it violates the moral right to equal respect (Himma, 2001). Decision need to be taken based on character and abilities and not on stereotype. In a democratic system,

Friday, September 6, 2019

Tomb Raider Movie Essay Example for Free

Tomb Raider Movie Essay We will first talk about stereotyping in this movie. There are many portrayals of groups of people in the movie. Let us first consider Illuminati, are they real? Illuminatis are the people of light. Lara’s father who were with the illuminatis have figured out a danger that is about to come by the eclipse which will culminate the planetary alignment which only happens every 5000 years. Lara through her dreams discovered the secret of the clock which her father has concealed for many years. The clock is the key which will unlock the hiding place of two pieces of a sacred icon. This is the magical triangle, â€Å"The triangle of light. † The triangle was forged from metal found in the crater of a meteor that had fallen to earth at the exact moment of the previous alignment of the nine planets. The people of the light built a great city in this crater where they worshipped the triangle for its ability to control time. It gives its possessor a power that could be used for good or great evil. An abuse of this power led to the destruction of the city. To be sure no man would ever again wield this power they split the triangle into two pieces and hid them at the opposite ends of the earth. Her father reminds her of temple along the ancient Khmer trail in Cambodia where a Jasmine flower can only grow to find the entrance to the tomb of the Dancing light where the first half of the triangle is hidden. The illuminatis will reunite the two halves of the triangle. That portrays groups of people nowadays who believe in ancient beliefs. But there are theories in the real world regarding the existence of illuminatis. However it differs in the illuminati portrayed in the smovie. From wikipedia, â€Å"it refers to a purported conspiratorial organization which acts as a shadowy power behind the throne, allegedly controlling world affairs through present day governments and corporations, usually as a modern incarnation or continuation of the Bavarian Illuminati. In this context, Illuminatis are often used in reference to a New World Order (NWO). Many conspiracy theorists believe the Illuminati are the masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of such a New World Order. Confusing the issue further is the fact that there are also several modern fraternal groups which include the word Illuminati in their names. † I have also remembered some similar portrayal of this group in Mel Gibson’s â€Å"Conspiracy Theory. † If we will try to establish a connection between illuminati portrayed in the movie, and the one defined in Wikipedia, we can conclude that there are similar features of the two. They both put their will into actions whenever they can. So is there any hidden group behind the oil price hike? How about behind the global business market, the government, and other institution? Perhaps there are illuminati people playing behind the economic crisis. It is absolutely a very terrifying truth if they really exist. Whether it is a fiction or not, we are somehow sure that opportunists do exist. Another group of people are shown in one particular scene of the movie where a bidding auction was held. Bidders were putting millions for an auctioned product. They do exist in real life. These people are willing to waste large amounts of money in exchange for some goods. The worst fact is that most of being auctioned is ancient artifacts. These artifacts are supposedly symbols of cultures and tradition. Lara who arrived in the auction met an old friend named Alex West. Alex spoke about Lara’s disguise as a photojournalist, and Lara in return mentioned Alex disguise as an archeologist. Lara mentioned the term â€Å"business†. That was definitely true; they were all talking about their own business interest. Lots of people around are willing to risk many things just to get what they wanted. Despite the fact that some people spent most of their times digging for money to survive everyday, it is very sad to think that these types of people manage to do biddings. The woman as an object of sexual desire The movie shows the fashionable woman, and man’s dream woman. We saw Lara wore tight full body outfits. That is where Angelina fits very well, she has very deceiving lips plus those lovely eyes, perfect body curves which is fits right to the character of Lara. She is wearing a sleeveless shirt showing her attractive shoulders. Her provocative curves – chest, waist, and legs was indeed clearly noticeable during the whole movie. There was a shower scene who took almost 15 seconds which is very deceiving. That scene was actually giving viewers a break from action pack thrills during the whole movie. Perhaps the producer of the movie have seen how women are behaving today – more aggressive to sex, and self expression when compared to the past. Mulvey believes â€Å"†¦ that the female body operates as an eroticized object of the male gaze and the fetishistic and scopophilic pleasures which this provides for the male viewer† (Mulvey). I believe that was one of the main reasons why male viewers love this movie. Women and Modesty The movie has also given a punch line about woman’s modesty. In one particular scene from the movie, Hillary, Lara’s butler said â€Å"A lady should be modest. † But does modesty only apply to women? Does it excuse men? Let me remind you that we all have our freedom of making our own choice. Does the privilege of choice granted only to men? No, it is all granted for us who are capable of making decisions. We all have to give due respect for that. Modesty is not just an issue with women. Wollstonecraft wrote in his book titled ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women,’ that â€Å"Modesty, in the latter signification of the term, is that soberness of mind which teaches a man not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, and should be distinguished from humility, because humility is a kind of self-abasement. † The author is trying to address that modesty is â€Å"not a sexual virtue. † It doesn’t care whether we are female or if we are males. I believe that, as human beings, whether of opposite sex, we all have the same needs. If you were able to notice, majority of the casts of the movie were males, but were underrated due to Lara’s exceptional performance. Lara’s butler is a guy named Hillary. Is this an issue of masculinity? The butler is the one who is taking care of Lara. That is one form of modesty. That is no point of discrimination. In real life it did exist. If men can do heavy works, the more he can for easy task like that. It is unfair to tell any woman to behave. Whether this brought up an issue of a must Modesty for women, the most important point is â€Å"respect†. If we will not respect each one of us especially the women, there will be more violence and brutalities against women. Therefore, modesty is not only a must for woman, but for men also. A woman’s strength The movie opens up the question – can a woman act like a man? From the beginning to the end, Lara did many terrifying stunts and she did carry a gun. She is very sharp in shooting in her target. In all scenes of the movie, she underrated male characters in terms of stunts. She swings from ropes to ropes, fought with a robot who she regularly practice with, fought with the statues that were brought up to light inside ancient tombs, and fought with the gunned illuminati soldiers. If you were able to notice, there was never a scene where she was captured or tortured. Is this a real portrayal or just a fruit of producer’s imagination? Before Lara Croft: Tomb Raider came into film; it was released as a computer game. One game critics said, â€Å"There is no doubt that Tomb Raider marked a significant departure from the typical role of women†¦ a reworks a male-dominated genre and features a female central character† (Kennedy). He further added that her appearance in masculine roles is a disturbance to the natural symbolism of men. I would surely agree with that. Since we were all kids, we are exposed to various kinds of films and most of these films are dominated by male characters. Women usually played the role as a lover of the main male character, a victim that should be rescued by a male character, a victim of savage men, a victim of monsters. In opposite of these all, men always played the role of the conquerors of all forms of evils. If there are films who features women, they are only very few compared to male dominated films. In schools, we seldom heard women in history. The only name I could remember is Joan of Arc. The rest are males. That is why it becomes harder for the people to accept highly profiled women. Lara Croft is the dream of every woman – strong, confident, quick, and intelligent. In real life, there are many women in the military and police force. But are they given the opportunity to engage in war if they are willing? Most of these women in uniform stayed in offices and where not allowed to engage in dangerous operations. Vengeance, is there a success for woman? The movie also shows that vengeance is also for women. Lara Croft who has never find peace from the lost of her father had accepted the mission to find the two halves of the magical triangles. Knowing that the illuminatis, or the people of light are also searching for the key and the two halves of the triangle, she faced many dangers in pursue of searching for her father. The film is trying to teach us that we are all human beings who are driven by emotions. Feminist’s movements’ become famous for fighting for the rights of women in the society. We have Abigail Adams (1744-1818) who fought bravely against slavery. Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) who work tirelessly for â€Å"Woman’s Suffrage Movement. † We also have Clementina Black (1850’s-1923) who fought for improve social and industrial conditions for women and girls in England through militant unionism. The latest were Mary Wollstonecraft, Lucy Stone, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, Gloria Steinem, Margaret Sanger, Alice Paul, and many others. They are the Lara Crofts of the real world. They fought bravely so that women can have equal rights with men in the society. Lara is fighting for the lost of his father and for the task which her father has started which was to destroy the two halves of the triangle. In the end Lara succeeded on her mission against strong gunned men, against stone statues that were given life, and over many obstacles. Woman Nature in the movie If somebody will ask, is there a woman nature shown in the movie? Yes there is, it is portrayed in scenes where Lara is thinking about her father, she cries, she dreams of her father, and in fact the main reason why he did the task of finding the triangle is because of her father. After the first introduction of Alex West in the movie, I was intrigue if Lara and Alex were having an affair in the past or any intimate connection. In the end she rescued Alex by changing the curse of time through the use of the triangle. There is no portrayal of sexual matters in the movie. In the end of the movie, Lara is wearing a lady’s dress and a hat with flower in it. Discrimination in the movie There was a slight theme of discrimination in the movie when black Cambodian people were hired by Powell and West to assist them in destroying the strong wall built in front of a passage to a secret place where one of the two halves of the triangle was hidden. Powell is sitting like a King, and his gunned men are watching over the black people who are working. This is a total portrayal that there are people who are under some sort of power who are forced to work as a term of service. In its totality, the movie is good. Its theme of adventure, and conquer by confidence and will is very uplifting. It is empowering women not to underrate their capacity and skills. It is telling men not to underestimate women, because not at all times they can control them. We are all born to this world with innate behavior and skills and that is not intended for pinning people down. References: Game Studies Lara Croft: Feminist Icon or Cyberbimbo. 3 July 2008 http://www. gamestudies. org/0202/kennedy/? %3Ftday=Friday Smart, C. , Women, Crime, and Criminology: A Feminist Critique. 3 July 2008 http://books. google. com/books? hl=enlr=id=llg9AAAAIAAJoi=fndpg=PR11dq=Vengeance+of+Womanots=lBqK4lPu3osig=PxRSKjqBTvAkvhMlIAKdAWYzUDY Wollstonecraft, M. , A Vindication of Rights of Woman. 3 July 2008 http://womenshistory. about. com/library/etext/bl_vindication000. htm Wikipedia. Illuminati. 3 July 2008 http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Illuminati