Nursing School - 596 Words

When we look up the word nurse in the dictionary, we will read something like somebody who cares for a sick person. Thinking about it seems easy; however, I believe that there is more into nursing than that simple definition. Being a nurse is a very influential and rewarding profession. Nurses care for people through illness, injury, pain, loss, dying, grieving, birth, growth, aging and health. They not only care for people through illness, but they also promote health, prevent diseases and educate the public. We all know that nursing is a field that is concerned with helping people, yet I believe that in becoming a nurse, a person needs more than that desire to succeed. It is essential for a nurse to be open, strong, determined,†¦show more content†¦Her stories from the hospital just inspired me and made me realize that nursing is truly for me. She says that the feeling of giving yourself to a complete stranger in their greatest time of need is like no other feeling on earth. I truly believe that I am suited to become a nurse. I am honest and open to communication, and these are also important traits that a nurse needs. Nurses are the main communication link between the patient and the doctor. They also often interact with family members by being empathetic to their loved ones illness. Personally, having the opportunity to impact someone everyday is very powerful. The words I use, my actions, and my attitude can help another human being to heal and that is something that I will remember all throughout my life. Nursing is one of the few careers that does not only help others but it also helps yourself. It is a profession that is exciting, ever changing, diverse, and allows opportunity for learning something new everyday. The work is tough but in the end of the day, I will say that this is that path that I chose and I am proud of it, then I will remember that feeling of helping a complete stranger and at that moment, I will feelShow MoreRelatedPreparing For A Nursing School917 Words   |  4 Pages Preparing for nursing school could be very stressful. I want to make sure that I am preparing for nursing school in every way. Taking Nursing School Success course has educated me on several different areas that are important to succeed nursing school. Making sure that I am organized and prepared for class early are two tasks out of several that are important as I major in nursing. I have a few weaknesses when it comes to school. One of my weaknesses is nervousness. I tend to get nervous when it’sRead MoreEvaluation Of A School Nursing1713 Words   |  7 PagesSchool nursing is one of the best resources a student can have in the school environment. Students can receive needed care by the nurse throughout the school year. The school nurse is at times, the first health care professional a student sees while ill at school. Though having a school nursing is beneficial for students, the workload of managing the nurse’s office and students visiting, can become difficult to handle. At Harding Middle School, the workload becomes stressful and inhibits the completionRead MoreThe Expectations Of Nursing School1217 Words   |  5 PagesExpectations in Nursing School Expectations are defined as something that you believe will happen to you. Before nursing school, I had several expectations. Some of these expectations have shown to be very true while adapting to this new lifestyle. Other expectations have fallen to the waist side and soon were forgotten. At the time, they seemed to be very real. I expected to study, study, and study some more. I wanted the program to be challenging and prepare me to be a nurse. I expected to struggleRead MoreThe Struggles Of Nursing School1384 Words   |  6 PagesThe Struggles of Nursing School When people think of nursing school, they usually think of bedpans and needles. Thats only a small part. I learned that nursing school was going to be some much more than bedpans and needles, when I attended my first day of class then my first day of clinical. Nursing school sure has change my outlook on how hard I am on myself. On the first day of school, I arrived fifteen minutes early, nervous and excited, I had a huge smile on my face and alot of confidence. MyRead MoreThe Shortage Of Nursing School Essay2336 Words   |  10 PagesIt is not a secret that for many years there has been a detrimental nursing shortage in the United States. Factors that contribute to the unfortunate decrease in availability of nurses and other health care professionals can be attributed to a shortage of nursing school instructors which impacts enrollment into nursing schools, and many in the health care profession are nearing retirement age. The need for health care continues to steadily increase as the baby boomer generation ages. In order toRead MoreIncivility in Nursing School531 Words   |  2 Pagesshowed a lack of manners and respect for arguing with the instructor and a lack of accountability for the actions leading up to why they did not receive the extra credit. If someone is mistreating or being mistreated whether in the work place, home, or school it is the witness’s responsibility to help correct the situation, not take it on head first if not absolutely necessary but help the victim get help or report the incident to someone in a position of authority. If the victim’s decision is to confrontRead MoreSchool Nursing As A Community Health Nursing Job1770 Words   |  8 Pages2016). In a grade school with approximately four-hundred students, hypothetically, there would be approximately thirty-four children requiring interventions for asthma. On a daily basis, a school nurse will encounter numerous health conditions, such as diabetes and seizure disorders, that he or she must provide interventions for (Five). The purpose of this paper is to discuss school nursing as a community health nursing job, to describe my day shadowing Beth Hilleman, the school nurse at JonesboroRead MoreThe Model Of Transition Of The Nursing School1031 Words   |  5 Pages(Blais Hayes, 2016). The f irst stage is the ending phase, which involves letting go of the past and discontinuing a connection (Blais Hayes, 2016). When I got accepted into the nursing school I transitioned from a regular college student to a nursing student, which meant strictly focusing on passing nursing school. Once I pass the national state exam, I transition to a Registered Nurse. Then I transitioned from my employment setting as a waitress to a medical surgical telemetry nurse in a hospitalRead MoreSchool Of Nursing Analysis Paper2611 Words   |  11 PagesSchool of Nursing Analysis Paper The University of Rochester, School of Nursing was founded in 1928, concurrently with the Strong Memorial Hospital and the School of Medicine and Dentistry. The School of Nursing became an independent school in 1968, partnering nursing with medicine and becoming an organizational model that would influence nursing at a national level. In 1998, declining baccalaureate enrollment and the financial crisis that this caused created new challenges for the School. CompetitionRead MoreCritical Thinking Skills For Nursing School Essay953 Words   |  4 PagesHowever, critical thinking skills must being in nursing school. Institutions must help facilitate higher level of thinking to help evolve critical thinking skills in order to have the best outcomes for their patients. Better outcomes equal higher payouts for the business, so it is in everyone’s best interest to educate their staff and continue to strive for success. CRITICAL THINKING Critical thinking is a term you will often here in regards to nursing education and the ability to be a successful

Comparison of Two Personal Narratives - 1264 Words

The concept of social stratification is one that can be witnessed universally across all societies, irrespective of geography and culture. Every society has several layers of social strata and each individual falls into at least one of these categories. The determinants of social class are often variable but include factors such as power, wealth, education, religion, culture and ethnicity (Victorian web, 2002). Inevitably when there is a system of social classification, there will be some friction between people of different classes whereby people of a higher social standing mistreat those who are beneath them. Broadly speaking literature consists of compositions that tell stories, dramatize situations, express emotions and analyze and†¦show more content†¦However one thing worth noting is that Cofer’s essay is based on immediate recollection of her experiences, as a Hispanic woman who is often the victim of sexual harassment and advances by American men. The underl ying grievance in this case is that the populace perceives the protagonist in a degrading manner. In contrast the issue described by Johnson are fundamentally of a more serious nature, whereby the social system is designed to greatly favor Caucasian individuals over ethnic minorities. There is no effort at an institutional level to clamp down on this racism and the practice was very much part and parcel of American society at the time. Ultimately both these authors experienced tumultuous circumstances and were often so close to the situation that there is a chance that they’re strong emotions and feelings at the time led to a certain degree of exaggeration and biasness in their writing. Both authors use their personal experience to great effect in their essays allowing the reader to experience from a first person point of view the humiliation and indignation that Cofer and Johnson suffered. In an excerpt the Myth of the Latin Women Cofer writes, â€Å" The boy said I thought you Latin girls matured early†(Cofer, 205). This line reflects the cultural clash between that Cofer experiences when she moves to theShow MoreRelatedThe Development of Identity1419 Words   |  6 Pagesconcept relates back to two assumptions based on identity. â€Å"Identity† is currently used in two concurrent senses, one of which is â€Å"personal† and the other â€Å"social† (Schà ¶pflin). In the first aspect of identity, an individual’s identity is some distinctive trait, or a fixed category, that that person views as socially significant but more-or-less unchangeable. In other words, an identity is given to you. One of the key principles of development al psychology, applicable to personal identity change, is continuityRead MoreHow Writing Is An Amalgamation Of Different Conventions Stuck Together1578 Words   |  7 Pagesthroughout the semester, however the effectiveness and the proper use of these could be called into question. Two specific examples of my essays, the personal narrative, and the argumentative essay, supporting details and evidence, consistent organization, topic sentences and theses, and the coherence, along with conciseness and clarity, are all major points. However, where the personal narrative excelled in the organization, support and evidence, vivid details, and style, it struggled with topic sentencesRead MoreTajfel And Turner Social Identity Theory1462 Words   |  6 Pagesthis as â€Å"the processes of identification with other group members† (p.23). Personal identities are consequently reflected in an individual’s social identity. For instance, an individual with an Islamic conviction cannot be found in a church on a Sunday. Social identity theory holds that individuals establish who they are and the group they belong because there is a similarity by of â€Å"categorization, identification, and comparison† Tajfel Turner, (1979). Hence, there is a sense of belon ging from an individual’sRead MoreAppendix N1203 Words   |  5 Pagesyour subject. Consider the following example of an essay introduction: The first sentence is the topic sentence: It tells the readers they will learn about past narratives. The sentences that follow the topic sentence relate to the topic sentence because they provide examples of past narratives. Finally, the last sentence is the thesis of the essay, which expresses the author’s position on the topic and previews what the entire paper is about. You learn more about writingRead MoreEssay Writing Forms and Styles1402 Words   |  6 Pagesa basis for comparison, points of comparison, and analogies. It is grouped by object (chunking) or by point (sequential). Comparison highlights the similarities between two or more similar objects while contrasting highlights the differences between two or more objects. When writing a compare/contrast essay, writers need to determine their purpose, consider their audience, consider the basis and points of comparison, consider their thesis statement, arrange and develop the comparison, and reach aRead MoreTreatment Models Chosen For Comparison1241 Words   |  5 Pages Treatment Models Chosen for Comparison 1. Narrative Therapy the role of the therapist, views of people and their problems, and the approach for helping. Narrative therapy is a way to look at a person’s life story and their struggles from an outside looking in approach. The problems become separate from the individual. Narrative therapy helps the client examine their life story from a strengths perspective. Instead of focusing on the problems the worker helps the client identify their strengthsRead MoreAnalysis Of Paulo Freire s The Pedogogy Of The Oppressed 851 Words   |  4 PagesFreire tackles three various types of educational styles and their direct influence on the student and the society. The liberation teaching style, the narrative technique, and the banking style of teaching. As the title suggests, there are two educational styles directed to the oppressed and the oppressor. These are; the banking and the narrative educational style. Paulo Freire in a very persuasive way argues, the only way to transform people s lives as a teacher is the use of the liberation approachRead MoreA Research Study On Human Resour ce Management1594 Words   |  7 Pagesqualitative in the context and based on observations. The main thrust of the paper is more interpretive. The aim has been set in order to sketch out a credible narrative. The study is focused strongly on the historical depth of the evolution of human resource management. The perspective has been divided into segments and tried to understand the narrative in terms of historical and cultural aspects of HRM. Also, the other segments linked are political, legal, economic, demographics and management. The studiesRead MoreExploring The Benefits And Difficulties Of Travel Accounts881 Words   |  4 Pagesworks that some may regard as genre in their own rights†¦ but it distinguishes these from other types of narrative in which travel ins narrated by a third party or is imagined.† Young’s description of travel narratives allows for accounts that were viewed as accurate in their time such as Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. Young and Elizabeth Bohls demonstrate the ability for travel narratives to be a combination of several literature genres, and the focus is on the aspects of the traveler ratherRead MoreEquiano s From The Interesting Narrative Of Olaudah Equiano980 Words   |  4 PagesOlaudah Equiano’s â€Å"From the Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano† is written with the intent of ending the slave trade and aiding the abolitionists’ movement. His narrative tells his personal story of kidnapping, being sold into slavery and his experience in the middle passage. According to this account Olaudah Equiano grew up in Africa with a large family. He was captured and sold into slavery at age eleven. As an adult he became an opposing voice to slavery. This autobiography was published

Group Discussion Free Essays

string(34) " knowledge and leadership skills\." Introduction Discussions of any sort are supposed to help us develop a better perspective on issues by bringing out diverse view points. Whenever we exchange differing views on an issue,we get a clearer picture of the problem and are able to understand it. The understanding makes us better equipped to deal with the problem. We will write a custom essay sample on Group Discussion or any similar topic only for you Order Now This is precisely the main purpose of a discussion. The dictionary meaning of the word Group Discussion is to talk about a subject in detail. So,group discussion may refer to a communicative situation that allows its participants to express views and opinions and share with other participants. It is a systematic oral exchange of information,views and opinions about a topic,issue,problem or situation among members of a group who share certain common objectives. G D is essentially an interactive oral process. The group members need to listen to each other and use voice and gesture effectively,use clear language and persuasive style. GD is structured: the exchange of ideas in a GD takes place in a systematic and structured way. Each of the participants gets an opportunity to express his/her views and comments on the views expressed by other members of the group. GD involves a lot of group dynamics, that is, it involves both -person to person as well as group to group interactions. every group member has to develop a goal oriented or group oriented interaction. A participant needs to be aware of needs of other group members and overall objectives of the discussion. Definition: Group discussion may be defined as – a form of systematic and purposeful oral process characterized by the formal and structured exchange of views on a particular topic,issue,problem or situation for developing information and understanding essential for decision making or problem solving. Group Discussion and Other forms of Oral Communication There are several types of oral group communication. In Public Speaking,the speaker is evaluated by the audience;however there is not much interaction between audience and speaker. Audience,for the most part would only listen to the speaker. In the interview,a panel of members would assess the candidate for the requirement of selection or promotion etc. In meetings,there are discussions on issues mentioned in the agenda. Meetings may have multiple agenda. A chairperson conducts the meeting and controls and concludes the deliberations.. Group Discussion differs from debate in nature,approach and procedure. Debates include representation of two contrasting viewpoints while GD can include multiple views. A GD may help achieve group goals as well as individual needs. The examiner observes the personality traits of several candidates who participate in the G. D. Importance of Group Discussion skills A Group Discussion helps problem solving , decision making and personality assessment. Whether one is a student, a job seeker ,a professional engineer or a company executive one needs effective GD skills. Students need to participate in academic discussions, meetings, classroom sessions or selection GDs for admission to professional courses. A job-seeker may be required to face selection GDs as part of the selection process. Professionals have to participate in different meetings at the workplace . In all these situations, an ability to make a significant contribution to group deliberation and helping the group in the process of decision making is required. The importance of GD has increased in recent times due to its increasing role as an effective tool in a)problem solving b)decision making c)personality assessment. In any situation of problem, the perceptions of different people are discussed, possible solutions are suggested. The best option is chosen by the group. While taking a decision, the matter is discussed, analysed, interpreted and evaluated. While using GD as a tool for personality assessment, a topic-a problem, an opinion or a case – is given to the group consisting of eight to ten members seated in a circle. The total time given for discussion is usually 30 minutes. Each candidate is expected to voice his opinion and offer counter arguments. The selection committee evaluates the candidates on the basis of their personality,knowledge,communication skills and leadership skills. Hence it is important to be able to take part in the GD effectively and confidently. Participants should know how to persuade their group members, how to reflect leadership qualities and how to make the group achieve its goal. Characteristics Of Successful Group Discussion For any group discussion to be successful,acheiving group goal is essential. Following characteristics are necessary: Having a clear objective: The participants need to know the purpose of group discussion so that they can concentrate during the discussion and contribute to achieving the group goal. An effective GD typically begins with a purpose stated by the initiator. Motivated Interaction: When there is a good level of motivation among the members, they learn to subordinate the personal interests to the group interest and the discussions are more fruitful. Logical Presentation: Participants decide how they will organise the presentation of individual views, how an exchange of the views will take place, and how they will reach a group consensus. If the mode of interaction is not decided, few of the members in the group may dominate the discussion and thus will make the entire process meaningless. Cordial Atmosphere: Development of a cooperative, friendly, and cordial atmosphere avoid the confrontation between the group members. Effective Communication skills: The success of a GD depends on an effective use of communication techniques. Like any other oral communication, clear pronounciation, simple language, right pitch are the pre-requisites of a GD. Non-verbal communication has to be paid attention to since means like body language convey a lot in any communication. Participation by all candidates: When all the members participate,the GD becomes effective. Members need to encourage each other in the GD. Leadership Skills: Qualities like initiation, logical presentation, encouraging all the group members to participate,summarizing the discussion reflect the leadership qualities. Evaluation in a GD In any kind of GD, the aim is to judge the participants based on personality,knowledge,communicative ability to present the knowledge and leadership skills. You read "Group Discussion" in category "Essay examples" Today team players are considered more important than individual contributors. Hence the potential to be a leader is evaluated and also ability to work in a team is tested. The evaluators generally assess the oral competence of a candidate in terms of team listening, appropriate language, clarity of expression, positive speech attitudes and adjustments, clear articulation, and effective non-verbal communication. Personality: Even before one starts communicating,impression is created by the appearance,the body language,eye-contact,mannerisms used etc. The attire of a participant creates an impression,hence it is essential to be dressed appropriately. The hairstyle also needs to suit the occassion. Other accessories also have to be suitable for the occasion. The facial expression helps to convey attitudes like optimism,self-confidence and friendliness. The body language, a non-verbal communication skill gives important cues to personality assessment. It includes the posture of a person, the eye-contact and overall manner in which one moves and acts. In the entire participation in the GD,the body language has an important role in the impact created. As non-verbal cues such as eye contact, body movements, gestures, facial expressions, and so on can speak louder than words, examiners closely watch the non-verbal behaviour of candidates. They generally evaluate the body language cues of candidates to determine personality factors such as nervousness, cooperation, frustration, weakness, insecurity, self-confidence, defensiveness, and so forth. So, it is important to be careful while using non-verbal messages. However, one should recognise the power of non-verbal messages and use them effectively. Content: Content is a combination of knowledge and ability to create coherent, logical arguments on the basis of that knowledge. Also a balanced response is what is expected and not an emotional response. In a group discussion, greater the knowledge of the subject more confident and enthusiastic would be the participation. Participants need to have a fair amount of knowledge on a wide range of subjects. The discussion of the subject must be relevant, rational, convincing and appealing to the listeners. One needs to keep abreast with national and international news, political, scientific, economic, cultural events, key newsmakers etc. This has to be supplemented by one’s own personal reasoning and analysis. People with depth and range of knowledge are always preferred by dynamic companies and organisations. The topics for GD tests may include interesting and relevant ideas pertaining to social, economic, political or environmental problems; controversial issues,innovations or case studies. To read daily newspapers, relevant magazines and periodicals, to watch news bulletins and informative programmes on television are is a simple ways to gather the general knowledge. One can use the Internet to improve one’s knowledge about recent developments in different areas. Internet is a valuable source to acquire information along with mulitimedia form. Subject knowledge also includes the ability to analyse facts or information in a systematic way and to place them in the context of the framework of one’s personal experiences. For the expertise in the GD, the only way is to practice wherever one can. The other members can evaluate the performance and give suggestions. Communication Skills: First and foremost feature of communication skills is that it is a two way process. Hence the communicator has to keep in mind the listeners and their expectations. The participants need to observe the group dynamics. Since GD tests one’s behavior as well as one’s influence on the group, formal language and mutual respect are obvious requirements. One may not take strong views in the beginning itself but wait and analyse the pros and cons of any situation. If one needs to disagree, learn to do so politely. One can directly put forward the personal viewpoint also. One may appreciate the good points made by others;can make a positive contribution by agreeing to and expanding an argument made by another participant. An idea can be appreciated only when expressed effectively. A leader or an administrator has the ability to put across the idea in an influential manner. Hence the participants in a group discussion must possess not only subject knowledge but also the ability to present that knowledge in an effective way. Since oral skills are used to put across the ideas, the ability to speak onfidently and convincingly makes a participant an impressive speaker. The members of the selection committee closely evaluate the oral communication skills of the candidates. The effective communication would imply use of correct grammar and vocabulary, using the right pitch, good voice quality, clear articulation, logical presentation of the ideas and above all, a positive attitude. It is expected that there are no errors of grammar or usage and that appropriate words, phrases etc. are used. One should try to use simple and specific language. One should avoid ornamental language. Clarity of expression is one of the important criteria of communication. When there is clarity of thinking, there is clarity in usage of language. Positive Speech Attitudes is another criterion of evaluation in the GD whereby the participant’s attitude towards listeners including other group members is judged. The temperament of the participant is also evaluated through the speech pattern. Listening Skills: Lack of active listening is often a reason for failure of communication. In the GD, participants often forget that it is a group activity and not a solo performance as in elocution. By participating as an active listener, he/she may be able to contribute significantly to the group deliberations. The listening skills are closely linked to the leadership skills as well. Leadership Skills: The success of any group depends to a large extent upon the leader. One of the common misconceptions about leadership is that the leader is the one who controls the group. There are different approaches to the concept of leadership. By studying the personality traits of great leaders or actual dimensions of behavior to identify leadership one can learn to cultivate essential traits of leaders. In a GD, a participant with more knowledge, one who is confident,one who can find some solution to the problem and display initiative and responsibility will be identified as the leader. A candidate’s success in a GD test will depend not only on his/her subject knowledge and oral skills but also on his/her ability to provide leadership to the group. Adaptability, analysis, assertiveness, composure, self-confidence, decision making, discretion, initiative, objectivity, patience, and persuasiveness are some of the leadership skills that are useful in proving oneself as a natural leader in a GD. The leader in a group discussion should be able to manage the group despite differences of opinion and steer the discussion to a logical conclusion within the fixed time limit. The examiners will assess whether each participant is a team player who can get along with people or an individualist who is always fighting to save his/her ego. Employers today look for candidates who can work in a team-oriented environment. GD participants need a number of team management skills in order to function effectively in a team. Some of the skills needed to manage a group effectively include adaptability, positive attitude, cooperation, and coordination. In a selection GD, the group, which may consist of six to ten persons, is given a topic to discuss within 30 to 45 minutes. After announcing the topic, the total GD time, and explaining the general guidelines and procedures governing the GD, the examiner withdraws to the background leaving the group completely free to carry on with the discussion on its own without any outside interference. In the absence of a designated leader to initiate the proceedings of the discussion, the group is likely to waste time in cross talks, low-key conversations, cross-consultations, asides, and so on. The confusion may last until someone in the group takes an assertive position and restores the chaos into order. It could be any candidate. In order to get the GD started, the assertive, natural leader will have to remind the group of its goal and request them to start the discussion without wasting time. A few examples of the opening lines are given below: †¢ Well friends, may I request your kind attention? I am sure all of us are keen to begin the GD and complete it within the allotted time. Let me remind you that we have only thirty minutes to complete the task. So, let us get started. My dear friends, may I have your attention please? As you all know, we have to complete the discussion in 45 minutes and we have already used up five minutes. I think we should start the discussion now. Hello everybody. I am sorry to interrupt but I have something very important to say. We are here to discuss the topic — † Human cloning should be banned. â€Å"—and the time given to us is just 30 minutes. Let us begin, shall we? Leadership functions during a GD include initiative,analysis,assertiveness and so on. GD doesnot have a formal leader, hence one of the participants is xpected to take the initiative. The leader will promote positive group interactions; point out areas of agreement and disagreement;. help keep the discussion on the right track and lead the discussion to a positive and successful conclusion within the stipulated time. The ability to analyse a situation is a quality of leadership. Analytical skills and objectivity in expressing opinions are absolute requirements for leadership. With patience and composure one can develop the analytical skills. Reaching consensus by considering the group opinion will make the GD successful. Assertiveness, that is an ability to bring order to the group by handling the conflict is another desirable quality of leadership. Self confidence is a quality which helps win the agreement from other participants. In GD, participants can make a favourable and forceful impact on the group by being persuasive and convincing. In order to be persuasive, one has to advance strong, convincing, and logical arguments properly supported by factual data and forceful illustrations. A firm tone and a sober voice would also help in establishing oneself. A leader’s ability to convince others and make them accept his/her views and suggestions will establish his/her credentials for leadership. Leaders are charactrerised by a high level of motivation and can motivate others too. A person with motivation can work hard to do the best job possible and can achieve targets. Team Management skills are important for a leader to manage the members of varied interests. Some of the skills needed to manage a group effectively include adaptability, positive attitude, cooperation, and coordination. Try this quiz How to cite Group Discussion, Essay examples

Good Man Is Hard to Find free essay sample

According to Shakespere, All the worlds a stage, And all the men and women merely players. Some people, in their daily lives, do more intentional acting, or decieveing, than others. The terms Friday Muslim or Sunday Christian have been coined to describe people who appear to be devout to their religion when they attend their weekly religious gathering, but otherwise do not display any moral connections to it. These people put more importance on appearing as a good and richous person rather than actually thinkning, speaking, and acting according to the religious documents they claim to follow. Living this sort of life proved to be fatal for the Grandmother in Flannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find. The Grandmothers religious hypocracy caused her to corrupt the thoughts of her grandchildren, manipulate events onto a negative path, and ultimately cause the death of her and her family. Studies done by the National Child Study indicate that childrens views are larely shaped by caregiver/child interactions throught childhood(Measuring). John Wesley and June Stars mother and father seem to be very passive and quiet with thier views. In comparison, the Grandmother is outspoken, opinionated, and presents herself as a religiously knowledgable, and there for trustworthy, person. The children seem to have picked up on her racist views as their normally argumentitive resopnses are absent when she makes condesending comments about an ovbiously poor Negro child standing in the door of a shack(Oconnor) they pass on their trip. The impression of the grandmothers views into the children is also aparent when, rather than being appalled at her racist story about a suitor bringing her watermelon, this story tickled John Wesleys funny bone and he giggled and giggled(Oconnor). Also, June Star shows signs of the same materialistic shelfishness of the Grandmother when she states that she wouldnt marry a man that just brought her a watermelon on Saturday(Oconnor). The grandmother replies that she wishes she would have married him because he had died only a few years ago, a very wealthy man (Oconnor), as if wealth is the most important factor in deciding whom to marry. Nearly everytime the chirdren speak their comments reak of the condescending, corrupt influence of their grandmother. Had the Grandmother put more emphasis on actually practicing Christian values than just appearing to be a godly person she would not have had the relaxed attitutte towards lying which led her to her death. Fearing her cat ,Pitty Sing , might brush against one of her gas burners and accidentally asphyxiate himself(Oconnor), she sneaks the cat into the car. She knows that her son Bailey has good reason for not wanting the cat to accompany them on the trip and would not allow it, but this does not stop her. The Grandmother later tells a story to the children about a plantation she used to visit when she was younger. She believes he house to be a little way down a dirt road they passed on the highway. She begins to have a burning, almost childish, desire to revisit this landmark and so lies to the children. Knowing it will manipulate the children into helping her persuade their parents to visit the house, she tells them there was a secret:-panel in this house(Oconnor) which all the family silver was hidden in(Oconnor). As expected, the children begin whining untill their father, Bailey, agrees to make a one and only time(Oconnor) exception to the trip itenerary and visit the plantation. The Grandmothers deception leads to Bailey wrecking the car. The cat becomes statled leaps onto his neck, causing him to jerk the wheel in firght and lead the car into a ditch. Due to the Grandmothers lack of morals, the family is left helpless and injured on the side of a near abandoned road. As exzibited in devout priests, nuns, and missionaries, selflessness is highly valued in Christianity. The Grandmother would like for people to think of her as a selfless christian role model, but her actions prove her to be quite the opposite. Before the family sets out on the trip she attempts to manupulate them into going to Tennessee instead of Florida. She actually wants to go visit some old friends in her former home state, but she attempts to scare the family into changing their destionation. Had she not been so selfish, she would not have so clearly noted and remembered that The Misfit is aloose from the Federal Pen and headed toward Florida(Oconnor), and therefor would not have clearly recognized him when he stops to help the family later in the story. The Misfit made the decision to kill the family in order to cover his tracks only after the grandmother verbalized that she identified him. Her selfish attitude kept her from realizing that it was likely not in her families best interest to blurt out this realizatioin. It clearly shows that even in the most dire of situatioins no one elses well being was even close to the forfront of her toughts. The Gandmothers pattern of selfishness is not cohearent with her claimed Christian ties, and unwittingly led her and her family to be massacred. The politition who claims everyone should be green in order to save the planet but continues to travel in a private jet, The religious leader who preaches meantal purity and is found to have a drug habit, or even the parent who tells their child do as I say, not as I do; hypocracy in all forms has its victims. OConnor was known to be a devout Roman Cathloic and likely resented people who, like the Grandmother in this story, were good at pretending to be religious but had no actual commitment. Unfortuantly for the Grandmother her first selfless act came to late.

In Another Country free essay sample

In Another Country, tells the story of four, sometimes five, decorated World War I veterans going through recovery in the city of Milan, Italy. Despite their sacrifices, the locals in the town are very unfriendly to the soldiers and shout at them. The yelling creates a bond between the men, pushing them away from the villagers and towards each other. Also, although the soldiers all participated in the war, the narrator becomes distanced from the group when they find out why he was awarded his medal. However, this does not keep them apart, it only creates slight tension within the group. In the story, you learn that the men are all recovering from war related injuries. Hemingway’s writing depicts a feeling of loss not only of functioning limbs, but also of faith and courage. In writing, â€Å". . . I was very much afraid to die, and often lay in bed at night by myself, afraid to die and wondering how I would be when back to the front again. We will write a custom essay sample on In Another Country or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † The first character you meet in the story is the Doctor. He tries to convince the soldiers that the recovery machines will be completely successful and their injuries will be better in a matter of time. However, Nick and the Major are very reluctant to believe in the machines and the doctor. Signore Maggiore, or the Major, is the second character introduced. Through out the story, the Major shows anger and emotional instability which stems from the recent loss of his wife from pneumonia. These emotions are exacerbated by the loss of function in his hand, as he was a champion fencer prior to the war. The Major clearly shows his anger and sadness when the narrator brings up the idea of marriage. The Major states, â€Å"The more a fool you are, he said. He seemed very angry. A man must not marry. ? Why, Signor Maggiore? ? Dont call me Signor Maggiore. ? Why must not a man marry? ? He cannot marry. He cannot marry, he said angrily. If he is to lose everything, he should not place himself in a position to lose that. He should not place himself in a position to lose. He should find things he cannot lose. Whether it be a loss of love, a limb, courage, or respect, Hemingway clearly has set the theme of the story by speaking of loss. Every character in the story has loss in their life. The Major was a fencing champion but he has lost the use of his hand, while Nick was a football star but has an injured knee. Despite his efforts, the narrator feels as if he has been made into a fake and a cheat for receiving his medal for being an American. The others are not as specific but they too ar e injured and coping with similar problems such as the boy with the silk scarf to cover his mangled face. Hemingway’s language and image produce a tone of sadness such as when the Major talks about his wife: â€Å"And then crying, his head up looking at nothing, carrying himself straight and soldierly, with tears on both cheeks and biting his lips, he walked past the machines and out the door. † In that scene, an overwhelming sadness takes over and endures. However, Not all the men are sad because of love, they are also sad due to their losses from the war. At the very beginning, Hemingway writes â€Å"It was cold in the fall in Milan and the dark came very early. Then towards the end of that same paragraph he touches on the same subject in slightly different words, â€Å"It was a cold fall and the wind came down from the mountains. † By his use of repetition and imagery, Hemingway is conveying the feeling the coldness in Milan and the coldness in their lives. He also describes a deer and a fox in the snow, â€Å". . . and the snow powdered in the fur of the foxes and the wind blew their tails. The deer hung stiff and heavy and empty, and small birds blew in the wind and the wind turned their feathers. The animals are being buffeted by nature just as the men have been buffeted by the winds of war. The animals symbolize how the men used to be; they were strong and able. But now they are just the opposite, they can’t take care of themselves, walk on their own, or protect themselves. Loss and ruin permeate the short story although examples of the men as strong and capable are shown through imagery and symbolism. Hemingway’s depiction of the soldiers is one of loss and sadness; in need of not only physical healing, but emotional healing too.

Eco-Terrorism essays

Eco-Terrorism essays Eco-terrorism can be defined as terrorism or sabotage done in the name of environmental causes. So is that supposed to justify it? Is terrorism supposed to be a good thing as long as its for the environment? The answer of course is no, terrorism is never a good thing, regardless of the reason behind it. Eco-terrorist groups just use the Environment as a justification for the things they do, the illegal things. So how can these groups use the Environment as possible justification for their actions, are they really that pathetic? A bigger name group is the Earth Liberation Front, or ELF. They claim to be one of the larger eco-terror groups in the United States, and even go as far as to brag about their actions on their website. Causing massive amounts of damage when they strike, anywhere from the thousands to the millions, and showing no remorse. Only saying things such as IF YOU BUILD IT, WE WILL BURN IT, and of course leaving their initials (ELF) conveniently close by as a calling card. The front page of their web site even offers you a download on how to create a timer for a bomb, just as another way to cause damage in the name of the environment. They remain anonymous by staying in cells of several people and not reporting to some higher power, and since each cell is anonymous it keeps the activists out of jail. The belief that the Earth itself is more important then human lives is a common one in these terrorists, stating that they will do what they have to in order to protect the Earth, regardless of how much damage is done or how many could die. They think that by committing these actions that they are helping or fixing things, they blame Capitalism, they blame society, they blame people, so they take matters into their own hands in an effort to do what they feel is right. A well known (in modern times) eco-terrorist claimed that ever ...

Marketing and research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing and research - Essay Example STOP D is a testing machine that is used to test if someone has PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The machine was invented and put into implementation by a renowned clinical psychologist who has worked with PTSD patients for long. The machine works by estimating the level of trauma that a person has and the amount of distress that the person experiences, and then, calculates the PTSD of the person. The test is also able to know the right kind of medication necessary for the patient and the prescription without the psychologist having to be there in person. At the same time, the test also gives the evidence to concerning the choice of the particular medication and how to improve the recovery process (DR. Mulhall 2011). STOP D is computerized meaning that everything done is recorded in a computer and then, the computer does all the judgment using the artificial intelligence that is installed. Later the computer comes up with the best solution to the problem as detected. There are lots of advantages for the computerization of the machine. Each time the test is done the method is the same; this reduces any chance of error that might occur unlike in cases where humans were to perform the same test. Due to the computerization the test is fast and every record is recorded and given within a very short time unlike when the test was done by a person. The machine has a touch screen that is used by the patient to enter their details, and to access the medication (DR. Mulhall 2011). New products in the market such as STOP D may require a high amount of finances so as to create awareness amongst its target market. Further, looking at the product life cycle; STOP D is a newly introduced product in the market; it is most probably in its growth phase of product life cycle. This stage is characterized by high advertisements, and

Atonement On Robbies psychological state in the novel Research Paper

Atonement On Robbies psychological state in the novel - Research Paper Example â€Å"He was happy and therefore bound to succeed. One word contained everything he felt: Freedom. Now, finally, with the exercise of will, his adult life had begun. There was a story he was plotting with himself as the hero.† (McEwan, 115-116). This story was for him to attend medical school. Not because medicine was his greatest passion although it would benefit him with prodigious skills and satisfy his practical nature. Robbie was about to make his own decision, and this above all else was the beauty of his aspiration. â€Å"He had never before felt so self-consciously young, nor experienced such appetite, such impatience for the story to begin.† (McEwan, 117). This invigorating time of youth and all its vast potential is where we meet Robbie and we embark with him as he sets out on his journey of promise. He has carried himself on his hard work and good reputation for so long that it is to be expected Robbie will be successful in his exceptional endeavors and rise higher than Leon Tallis, the boy of wealth and good fortune who lacks the ambition or desire to put to noble use the advantages with which he’s been provided. At this time of awakening purpose, perhaps the biggest self-discovery in Robbie is that he has fallen in love. Robbie has become very awkward and uncomfortable around Cecilia Tallis the girl who was first a childhood friend, an almost sister. They hardly talk anymore and when they do their exchanges are blocked with layers of unclear meanings and hidden feelings. The scene in the novel when Robbie and Cecilia are by the fountain is a lovely illustration of the long brewing tension between them. Cecilia goes to the fountain to fill the family’s cherished vase with water for the flowers and he has offered to help her. They quarrel over him going to medical school. When she makes the comment that her father will be paying for it his pride is hurt and he retorts that he will pay the money back. She is not angry any f inancial expense, but at the cost of his leaving. They struggle over the vase and he breaks it losing a piece in the water. Angrily she removes her clothes in front him, dives in and retrieves the missing piece. She steps out of the water and redresses leaving him overtaken with longing for her. â€Å"He stood up at last from his bath, shivering, in no doubt that a great change was coming over him.† (McEwan, 101). Stirred by this great change within him Robbie writes a couple of letters to Cecilia, the one unintended to be given, articulating his sexual yearning for her. Following the lines of a good plot, the wrong letter is delivered to her by her younger sister Briony, who has also witnessed the fountain display of her sister removing her clothes. The fountain incident compels Briony to read the letter, more sexually explicit than her thirteen years can comprehend. A short while after delivering the letter to her sister, she walks in on Robbie and Cecilia making love in th e library that night at the family dinner party. â€Å"He discovered he had never hated anyone until now. There was no good reason why she should be in the library, except to find him and deny him what was his.† (McEwan, 177). Robbie and Cecilia exchange vows of love and by the time dinner is served, Robbie has nearly savored the sweetest dessert of his entire life. In the course of dinner it is discovered, Jackson and Pierrot, cousins of the Tallis family have left a note

Critical approaches to humanities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Critical approaches to humanities - Essay Example Hence, it is important for people to understand the concepts which are vital in the study of literature. Most of the literature is abundant with the conceptions about gender, race, discrimination, political conditions and social disruptions. Understanding of the biases that may exist due to a writer’s background or gender are hence important to visualize the true context of the issues discussed. This paper aims to analyze the importance that gender understanding carries in the study of literature. Gender is a socially constructed phenomenon that has a strong impact on our perception about ourselves. In the gendered society that we live in, when a person starts writing or reading he does so as a gendered individual. Every individual in this gendered society visualizes the whole group of his relative gender while going through a piece of literature. We may say that the bonds of this gendered society are very complex and strong that it becomes difficult to resist them. All the efforts to avoid the gender stereotyping go in vain. However, the gender roles that were previously defined to expose men’s power and strong status and women’s love, affection and dependence are no longer applicable. Individuals are taught about their limitations and values according to their gender. Literature plays an important role in teaching these values. However, it is important to completely understand what gender is and how gender roles evolved with time. The literature of 16th century portrays an extremely different scenario than the literature of 18th century. The 16ht century literature was more associated with men’s power, abilities and aims often denoted by the renaissance spirit, whereas, the 18th century literature is more inclined towards the fallacies of the society of that period. Women were considered as creatures that spent most of their time on useless things. The materialistic approach of women of that time was

Relationship Between Culture and Economy

Relationship Between Culture and Economy Critically consider the relationship between culture and economy. To what extent is it true to suggest that decline of community and the growth of competitive individualism are produced by the shifting needs of the capitalist economy? INDIVIDUALISM independent self reliance a doctrine that bases morality on the interests of the individual a social theory maintaining the political and economic independence of the individual and stressing individual initiative (Penguin English Dictionary, 2001) an economic system characterized by the profit motive and by private ownership and control of the means of production, distribution and exchange (Penguin English Dictionary, 2001) The 15th century saw the rise of humanism and the re-evaluation of the human condition in relation to his or her world. This was viewed as a journey from the dark ages of fear and oppression to the enlightened visions of individuality and hope. In reality, it was a journey that very few were privileged enough to afford. One arena for the exercise of this alternative approach was equating classical Greek and Roman cultures with what was then the rigours of contemporary religion. Already, the image of the individual is looking to another stereotype for definition. Yet how surprised these early scholars would be to find that with this individuality came loss of community spirit, apathy and destruction of the extended family in supposedly advanced societies. They would probably be less surprised to find that economics and politics are two of the tools which have been used to carve out and colour these new societies. The following essay looks at how specific these factors operate within this changing framework of postmodern (Featherstone, 1991) society. It extends its scope beyond classical economic and political theory, which is due more consideration that given here. It considered some of the literature available on the subject of culture and economics, but, in order to get a balanced view, it also tries to see what other elements contribute to the decline of community. To start with, it is necessary to understand the elements that go to make up contemporary society. To put it in Foucaultian (1983) terms, how are these discourses constructed and what are their requirements. How specific are they to each society? â€Å"They [discourses] offer us social positions and statuses: the capitalist economy makes us into ‘workers’, ‘employers’ or ‘unemployed’† (Burr, An Introduction to Social Constructivism, 1995, p.54) Culture and economics have been much studied, investigated and written about but the relationship between the two has been a difficult one to define. Guiso, Sapienza, Zingales, (2005) argue for a â€Å"heterogeneity of preferences† as affecting peoples economic choices. If one agrees with this, then the roots of this heterogeneity have to include culture. However, each of these elements of human society have only the stability of the time in which they are created. They are shifting sands and manipulated by both internal and external factors. For example, in a democracy where politicians are elected by the people, it can be supposed that they are saying what the people like to hear and promising to do what the people who elect them want. It may be a cynical view, but once in power, it appears that one form of manipulation gives way to another. As Chomsky (1992) says, propaganda is to democracies what power is to dictatorships. Political ‘spin’ both reacts and lead s. Yet, as the Frankfurt School of Philosophy shows, a depressingly negative conflict between applied reason and an ability for society to cope with, and adapt positively to, change. For example, the search for ‘panaceas’ (Horkheimer, 1987) disturbs explanations of society and economics. The panacea of the poor, as the saying goes, used to be religion. Theorists now point to consumerism as the new religion, yet it fails to provide the happiness it promises. Horkheimer (1987) explores the roots from which these questions arise and examines the success of individuality and autonomy. Why, when advanced technological societies seem to provide such levels of individual choice, is there such discontent? Could it be that an undermining of certain values has rendered us instinctively insecure? Could it be that there is truth in the statement that â€Å"every aspect of culture is in the process of commodification and linkage to the sale of goods† (Herman, 1995)? If so, is individuality an illusion and humans purely commodities to be sold to whether through cultural conformity or adherence to contemporary ideals? For the purpose of this essay, certain parameters need to be placed on the issues. For example, culture, as defined by the Penguin English Dictionary (2001), is a number of things. It is mental development, namely through education. It is the â€Å"intellectual and artistic enlightenment as distinguished from vocational and technical skills†. It is the customary beliefs and social forms of specific groups. Finally it is defined as â€Å"socially transmitted pattern of human behaviour that includes thought, speech, action, institutions and artefacts† (Penguin, 2001). This essay will mostly involve the last definition of culture. Economics seems simpler to define: â€Å"A social science concerned chiefly with the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services† (Penguin, 2001). However, even in these general terms it is easy to see how culture and economy inter-depend. For the purpose of this essay, culture and economics will be put in the context of capitalist economies. It will start with questioning what the needs are of a capitalist economy according to theory and actuality. It will then examine how community has changed and whether both the past society and present individuality are ideals rather than realities. This will then be put in the context of contemporary society. Whilst this essay has a specific focus, it is understood that there are many other forms of political, social and economic systems and these can have different effects depending on their societies. For example, as Paecher, in agreement with Burr’s quotation above, points out; â€Å"Different forms of discourse result in the prioritising of different forms of knowledge; change the power relations between discourses and the knowledge relations associated with them will change as well† (Paechter, Educating the Other: gender, power and schooling, 2001) This puts the issues within a cultural context. To do the same with regard to economics one could take the following example. Certain people who benefit from a technologically advanced capitalist economy would find survival extremely challenging in a subsistence economy. However, this is but one approach and one aspect of these issues. In order to see whether capitalism and the increase of individuality alone have been the reasons for a decline in the ideal of community, the ‘needs’ of all these elements of society have to be considered. The ‘needs’ of a capitalist economy can perhaps both be guided and led by the society they are integrated with. A ‘need’ to understand and quantify the changes that occur within these economies has led to works such as that done by Webber and Rigby (in Albritton et al, 2001, pp. 246-262). To take a factual analysis as typical of the more classical economics, they study the slow down in world economy that took place in the 1970’s. They concluded that a lowering profitability in the advanced economies was to blame for the slow down. They took this overview and quantified the results of economic change in order to assess what the reasons were from an analytical perspective. In reality, unemployment rose and wages, as Sennett shows, fell. He quotes a fall of 18% in American wages between 1973 and 1995 (Sennett, 1998, p.54). Whilst the division of rich and poor is as evident through history as today, the illusion that a capitalist society would benefit all individuals was dissolved. Discontent and disillusionment with political promises became part of the culture. It may be that the pressures felt by individuals to strive and survive through competitive application of business strategies has its roots in the depression and vulnerability of unemployment. Sennett talks about these changing pressures in terms of inequality within corporate structures. He has individuals required to out perform and increase skill diversity (p.55) in order to succeed. Work is therefore governed by economics on the one hand and culture on the other with politics as a mediator between desired forms of society and managed realities. In this light, the opposite of competitive indi vidualism is unemployment and whilst fear of the latter keeps the former competitive, the cost of the latter encourages methods of achieving full employment. For example, Featherstone uses the actions of Seattle (1996) to develop its image as a â€Å"quality of life capital† (p.107). The aim was to reduce its mass unemployment by making itself attractive both within the cultural sphere above and as a thriving economic entity. This postmodernisation (Cooke, 1988; Zukin, 1988b cited in Featherstone, 1996) is, once again, a form of self-publicisation and image production – something that this essay will return to later. To return to the UK situation. A percentage of the UK population became dependent on the Welfare State for survival and became known as the long-term unemployed. Politics and economics are at the forefront when it comes to paying for unemployment. Since the 70’s, politics has tried both a carrot and stick approach to reducing outgoings on the unemployed. Behind these initiatives is the Government budget and the premise that you can measure the success of a country by its National expenditure – this will be returned to later. Politics has continued to experiment with methods of cutting the costs of the Welfare State. Programs such as working for the dole were started. Limiting the time unemployment benefit is available for has been tried. Gradually, the programs and policies work there way back to education, the family and the community. For example the Back to Basics campaign could be seen as an attempt to introduce values that would apparently aid community cohesion. H owever, the ethics involved required a level of appreciation and agreement with the cultural capital (Bordieu, 1987, cited in Featherstone, 1991) of that discourse. Long-term unemployment undermined the expectation and value of educational cultural capital. Yet, â€Å"western governments [tended] to view education as a principal means for alleviating social disadvantage† (Webb, Schirato Danaher, 2002, p.111). Therefore politics had to try and create the values to aid economics. For a section of society, there was no educational habitus, as Bordieu would put it, or familiarity with ‘mind sets’ that make education familiar. Again, politics needed to create these as ‘natural’ expectations. This is one demonstration of the links between economics, culture and individuality and already it shows how the elements are forced both to react and interact. It also shows a necessity for illusion, created ideals, stereotypes and manipulations. A different approach looks at the ethics behind human society and puts parameters on the changes they incur. For example, market survival, success and failure through economic cycles brings in Sennett’s (1998) exploration of ‘flexibility’. Flexibility can take a global or local approach for businesses (and seems to be one of the manufactured ideals that consumerism needs to create within its target markets). When faced by falling profits in their domestic markets, the multi-nationals (cigarette firms, drinks etc) tend to expand into under-developed markets such as the third world, youth, specific racial groups (Herman, 1995). Other forms of flexibility worked on creating ‘needs’ in domestic markets (Sennett, 1998). They create niche markets and challenge the individual to be incomplete without compliance. These ‘needs’ may be defined as part of the basis of capitalist economies, but they also become part of the defining factors of their s ocieties, part of their history and therefore their culture. The next question is how is the actuality of ‘community’ affected by business. How do the ethics applied to financial success co-exist with a construction of community? A tendency to divide the community into constituent elements – business community, cultural community, class community etc has led to a range of definitions. Wenger (1998), for example, explains individual integration into business systems through the idea of a community of practise. The variables are at what level individuals are integrated into these systems and this is one way of viewing business and business community in contemporary society. It can also start to expose the isolation even within a workforce. For example an ITC worker can work from an office or home so long as the technology is in place. Although he or she is a member of this community of practise, they can be isolated from the control systems that lead it. Even if working from home, they are divided between which community they are contributing to. To return to consumerism, it would seem that rather than focus on the destruction of the family as a form of power, consumerism and the business community uses it as an expression of individuality. Likewise, politics appears, when faced by a population that is demanding reform, to come up with an ideal that no longer exists and re-creates it in the form it requires – the Nuclear family becomes a unit of modernity, essential services become community actions. The forms used to promote these needs range from local publicity to mass media, globalisation and spin politics. Herman (1995) looks at the affect of the market on culture. He identifies the tools of commercialisation on television, both in subliminal forms (brand placement) and straight-forward advertising. He looks at how commerce exploits certain pre-existing elements â€Å"which sell ´ (1995) (e.g. sex and violence). He suggests that the global popularity of American movies, music and escapisms â€Å"reflects the global decline in family and civil life, and loss of faith in politics.† (Herman, 1995, p.8) Whilst this has been a simplification of the intricacies of commercialisation, it agrees with those such as Slater who state that â€Å"culture as a whole has become consumer culture† (Slater, 1997, p121). In the introductory section questions were raised as to why discontent should exist in an apparently free society. So far, the dichotomy of appearance and actuality in a capitalist society has been alluded to rather than explored. At the essence of this duality is perhaps the recognition that the â€Å"fundamental unit of meaning in capitalist and economic thought is the object,, that is, capitalism relies on the creation of a consumer culture† (Hooker, 1996). An object is controllable and manipulatable. However, if the object is a human being then it is that person’s individual choice that has to be appealed to. As the roots of commerce tend not be the same ethically as those applied to society, appealing to individual choice requires a certain degree of basic undermining of community values. This ethical difference is shown by the types of programs Governments use to support business, which they must in a market economy, as opposed to the types of programs used to re- construct community. Whilst the former takes a business community approach, the latter tends to work on the individual. At one level, the individual is expected to rationalise, at the other to conform through consumerism and political acquiescence. Alexander (1997) explains that recognition of this duality of commerce and its society has existed for some time. In essence, he argues that an imbalance threatens society` when it becomes overly dominant and creates a â€Å"severed culture† (Alexander, 1997, p.209) and therefore artificially sustained. He quotes Disraeli and Snow as warning that a: â€Å"similar gulf continues everywhere between the mind of commerce and industry on the one hand, and the mind of non-commercial people – most people – on the other.† (Alexander, The Civilised Market, 1997, pp.208-209) If this is the case, one of the needs of a capitalist economy from its community is complicity and another is apathy. When the USA and the UK became enamoured with the market, they did not fully comprehend that business is based on profits and that â€Å"present profits are offsets to future costs† (Alexander, 1997, p.124). Governments supported markets at the cost of small business, competitiveness and ultimately high unemployment. To support an artificial ethic, society must either be too powerless, and at worst apathetic, to demand change, or too comfortable believing the ideals of individuality. The price of this redefinition of ‘self’ has been loss of community cohesion. This brings us to the means of capitalist power and whether loss of community values are the price to be paid for individuality. Slater examines how philosophies and theorists identify ‘alienation’ (Slater, 1997, p.104) of the individual where people become a commodity to be managed. For the majority, they no longer are integrated into a society within which they are part of the control system. It has been argued that there is the illusion of control maintained through choice (Slater, 1997). An idealistic example could be an individual in a self-sufficient but essentially subsistence economy such as a tribal village. Each person contributes to the survival of the whole village. Roles are understood. Culture is therefore a reflection of unity and survival. However, in the apparently ‘rich’, technologically advanced economies, the cult of the individual has placed specific values on success through materialism†¦ and perhaps best supported this through the illusion of choice. Slater further examines this illusion of choice and its production through the media and suggests that: â€Å"All consumption, but above all cultural consumption, has become compensatory, integrative and functional. It offers the illusions of freedom, choice and pleasure in exchange for the real loss of these qualities through alienated labour; it integrated people within the general system of exploitation by encouraging them to define their identities, desires and interests in terms of possessing commodities; and it is functional in that consumer culture offers experiences ideally designed to reproduce workers in the form of alienated labour.† (Slater, Consumer Culture and Modernity, 1997, p121) Slater comes to the above through his study of the development of political economics from Marx to Smith, the Frankfurt School to Soper (1981) and Doyal and Gough (1991). He uses the issue of modernity as his framework. In the above quote he talks of capitalism as essentially a cycle of loss. He also argues that culture produces the demand for this capitalism in the first place and that therefore if â€Å"all objects of consumption are meaningful [this] implicates them in the wider field of cultural reproduction† (Slater, 1997, p.5). The following looks briefly at this social reproduction from the perspective of Bourdieu and education. It does this in order to see how individuality and community actually fit within contemporary society. This gives an opportunity to see how political mechanisms use social structures for the production of specific communities. Bourdieu (1983, cited in Webb, Schirato Donaher, 2000) argues that schools are mechanisms for social reproduction. In this example, they are mechanisms for reproducing social inequalities through their policies and practises. For example, Mercier and Harold (2003) demonstrate that the religiously and culturally generated westernised ideal of the heterosexual family unit finds expression in school documentation. This raises the question of discrimination. Whitton, Sinclair, Barker, Nanlohy and Nosworthy (2004) list the forms of discrimination likely to be met in teaching ranging from race to academic ability. How each school accepts, rejects or translates these terms of reference seems to depend on its own cultural and educational version of Bourdieu’s habitus (Schirato Yell, 2000). For example, schools that respect difference may act firmly to stamp out evidence of sexism under the banner or anti-bullying. Their reaction may be just as firm against the somewhat more recognised discriminatory forms of racism (Lareau McNamara, 1999; Sandercock, 2003). In understanding the reactions to these issues, the values placed on social inclusion finds expression through applied social reproduction. For example, translation of another degree from another country into a qualification recognised abroad can take a renegotiation of Bourdieu’s cultural capital (Schirato Yell, 2000). If the issue to be re-evaluated is race or sexuality, the space for it in the culture determines the procedures necessary to move from isolation to inclusion. This can be empowered or disabled by the values pl aced upon it. To take this a step further would perhaps be to recognise this example as showing the vulnerability of individuality when it is beyond specific economic value systems. Social, economic and political discourses can perhaps be seen as reflecting and manipulating the value systems applied to educational institutions. As Robert Doherty (Journal of Educational Enquiry, 2003) puts it, social exclusion may be perpetuated through deliberate institutional, personal and political ambiguity. If there were an economic value to be placed on the people involved, the situation may be very different. Berger asserts that â€Å"capitalism does operate by the principle of self-interest† (Religion and Liberty interview, 2004). However, he then goes on to divide the situations individuals occupy. For example, a business person may well be a parent and apply different ethics and attitudes to each area. Therefore, whilst successful businesses require an underlying self-interest, the same person may have a more altruistic approach in other areas. When Broom and Selznick (1979) explain culture from a framework of social organisation, they show how different underlying values affect the individual. â€Å"Culture is the design and the prescription, the composite of guiding values and ideals† (Broom Selznick, Essentials of Sociology, 1979, p.57) And â€Å"Statements of need are by their very nature profoundly bound up with assumptions about how people would, could or should live in their society: needs are not only social but also political in that they involve statements about social interests and projects.† (Slater, Consumer Culture and Modernity, 1997, introduction) In this context, consumerism takes culture, re-designs or creates need and draws an illusion to create a contemporary image of individuality. The politics of a market economy apparently has to conform to support this in order to support its economy. However, one way of assessing how individualism stands in relation to a balance of power between culture and economics is to look at some of the recent studies into ‘downsizing’. Whilst not new this is an individual choice and a reaction to discontent with contemporary society. In Hamilton’s (2003) examination of what he terms a sickness derived from affluence, he sees down shifters as the â€Å"standard bearers in the revolt against consumerism† (p.207). They represent a move away from humans as consumerist ‘objects’ and return to values based not on how much they own and earn, but on their value as people. However, this is still an expression of individuality and it is not a return to community or family values. In this book Hamilton tracks the changes from the classical economist’s view of economy where the aim was to quantify how to develop a society’s wealth. He takes in the voices of dissent such as Veblen (1925) and Galbrai th (1958) that sought to warm against the growth of consumerism not as a panacea but more as a cultural poison. Other warnings came in the forms of nations approach to their pronunciations on economics. Where policy makers and politicians need seemingly factual tools to communicate with their electorate, economics can provide. However, Hamilton uses the example of Kuznets warnings regarding reducing a nation’s prosperity to a measurement based on national income (p.13). These provided something of a false floor above which consumerism and the individual continued to thrive but below which a widening gap was forming. It could be seen as a hollowing out, an undermining, of the values that had held people together, but perhaps that is too idealistic. When he comes to the unchallenged rise of ‘neo-liberalism’ (p.10) Hamilton uses the discontent within rich societies to demonstrate how wealth and consumerism have failed the individual. He points out the essential fact that individuals have to act in their own interests in order to support consumerism. From this point it is easy to make the jump to the illusion of the individual as some-one with free choice. These illusory factors are perhaps products in themselves. For example, Lasch (1978) looks at the human condition as predisposed to narcissism. If this is so then illusions and ideals, as recognised by Bordieu (1990), are allowed to distance themselves from reality through altering systems of belief. For example, Bordieu uses the example of social roles such as monarchy to show how culture endows roles within specific structures (1990) and creates the person in that image. He recognises â€Å"social functions are social fictions† (p.195). Yet again, images are presented in place of realities. Applied to this is change. Lasch states that the ‘degeneration of politics in spectacle† (1978, p.81) has led to the transformations of â€Å"policy making into publicity† (1978, p.81). He continues with identification of this distance between image production and reality. He explains how disempowerment, and alienation, occurs due to these images becoming the focal poin ts. Whilst these two points of view may diverge on other issues, they agree on idea that â€Å"images of power overshadow the reality† (Lasch, 1978, p.81). But where do these images and illusions find their genesis? In modernised reproduction of ideals? In the production of expected stereotypes? Is the notion of the family unit replaced not only by a unit of commercialism but by an image of itself and its role in social structures? Both Bordieu and Lasch recognise the impossibilities of endowing an illusion with responsibility. Another method of judging how the community fits with politics is to look what happens with migration, such as with the Italian culture. This is historically strongly networked, in part due to the city state mentality and late unification of the country. Amici, vicini, parenti (friends, neighbours, relatives) as the saying goes are still a composite force in Italian society. The answers as to why community spirit should have resisted degradation better than in many other technologically advanced societies has been much explored. One answer stems from the weakness of the political bodies and lack of trust in the ability of a politics to support the nation. These seem to be one of the fundamental causes of continued community interdependence. If this is true, then the link between politics and a consumer society is evidently very strong. Whilst Italy does not in any way lack consumerist ideals, it maintains the community through a distrust of political spin and lack of longevity (altho ugh Berlusconi has succeeded where many have failed – perhaps aided by owning some of the television stations). This can be taken further by looking at how Italian reacted to migration. For example, how did the Italians who migrated to America react? According to Gardaphe (undated), they were â€Å"constantly negotiating their relationship between the local cultures of their origin and of their land of immigration†. It is interesting to find that self-image of Italian American individuals is affected by whether they are integrated into the structures of power associated with that community: Where the local identities are strong is where Italian Americans are an integral part of political and social infrastructure; it is weak where there is little or no connection to that community. (Gardaphe, undated) This would agree with the idea that competitive individualism plays two roles in society. It could be said that an egocentric, consumerist attitude where the self is important above all else plays into the hands of the illusion of modern society. However, the above Italian American example seems to show that community needs to involve all aspects of society in order to provide a strong, cohesive balance of powers. To a degree, this essay has been broader in its approach than hoped. However, it has tried to substantiate the view that there are many elements responsible for community decline. It has looked at the rise of individuality from its roots as a part of historical community – the Enlightenment and Renaissance – to the extremes of alienation brought about by competitive individualism. The essay has looked briefly at education from the perspective of Bourdieu and his theories on social reproduction. It has also looked at migration to see what happens to a particular community then. In summary, the rise of competitive individualism seems to be more negative than positive. It has not provided the happiness that it promised, yet the illusion of freedom makes it worth while. Throughout the essay, illusion has been a focal point for both economy and culture. The essay has looked at propaganda and ‘spin’ as tools of the market place and politics and produces of illusi on. This emphasises the division between reality and illusion. Whilst the essay agrees with Bourdieu that the reality of social institutions is that they do attempt to reproduce the societies and cultures they come from, it also agrees that politics and the market create the ideal for their own ends. Therefore, competitive individualism is just one part of the re-definition of community. However, where culture will change in accordance with society, individualism is a basic essential of a capitalist economy without which the market cannot operate in the form we now know it. References Achbar, M Wintonick, P. (1992). Manufacturing Consent: Noem Chomsky and the Media. A feature documentary. Quebec, Canada: Necessary Illusions. Albritton, R., Itoh, M., Westra, R. Zeuge, A. (eds) (2001). Phases of Capitalist Development. Hampshire: Palgrave Alexander, I. (1997) The Civilized Market: Corporations, Conviction and the Real Business of Capitalism. Oxford, UK: Capstone Publishing Ltd. Allen, R. (consultant Ed) (2002). The Penguin Concise English Dictionary. London, UK: Penguin Books Bourdieu, P. (1990). In Other Words: Essays Towards a Reflexive Sociology. Translated by M. Adamson. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press Broom, L. Selznick, P. (1979). Essentials of Sociology. (2nd Ed) New York, NY: Harper and Row Doherty, R. (2003). Social exclusion: licence through ambiguity Journal of Educational Enquiry, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2003. University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom Carter, D. (Ed) (2004). The Ideas Market. Victoria, Australia: Melbourne University Press Featherstone, M. (1991). Consumer Culture and Postmodernism. London, UK: Sage Publications Foucault, M. (Oct-Nov. 1983). Discourse and Truth: The Problematiz

A Stillness at Appomattox Essay -- Bruce Catton American Civil War Ess

A Stillness at Appomattox â€Å"All up and down the lines the men blinked at one another, unable to realize that the hour they had waited for so long was actually at hand. There was a truce†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bruce Catton’s Pulitzer prize winning book A Stillness at Appomattox chronicles the final year of the American Civil War. This book taught me a lot more about the Civil War than I ever learned through the public school system. Bruce Catton brought to life the real day to day life of the soldiers and the generals who led them into battle. The day to day life for the regular soldier was not glorious. Many times the regiments were low on supplies such as food and clothing. They lived in the elements. Medical conditions were grotesque because of the lack of advanced equipment and anesthesia. â€Å"Discipline was enforced with brutality† as if all the other conditions were not bad enough. The author is graphic in his detail of the people and the places of importance during this time in history. The book is written more from a Northern point of view and so I didn’t get quite the same perspective of the Southern side but still learned more than I knew before. A few chapters into the book the war year of 1864 begins with a changing of the guard again with President Lincoln appointing Ulysses Grant to lead the Army of the Potomac. Grant has an illustrious past. People talked about his being a drunkard but Catton says â€Å"He was simply a man infinitely more complex then most people could realize.† Grant, even though he was a West Point graduate, never wanted to be a soldier or to have a life in the military. He wanted to be a teacher. What Grant did bring to the Army of the Potomac was his ability to relate to the soldiers and made them his army. He completely retrained and re-organized the armies, and re-enlisted troops that were going to go home. They all realized that under Grant the Army of the Potomac changed which meant now that the entire war would change. The Battle of the Wilderness was a very unusual battle because it was fought in the woods. The terrain and the trees wouldn’t allow for the smoke to clear and it was dark anyway because of the trees. The men described it as eerie. Both sides fired blindly because of the smoke. Artillery was abandoned because they could not transport it through the woods. So those soldiers became... ... or ending the war, because it was the only rail junction connecting Richmond to the rest of the Confederacy. Faced with the need to defend a line running continuously from north of Richmond to Petersburg, the Confederates were stretched thinner and thinner. Eventually their line broke. Within a little over a week it was over. The final year of the Civil War was something new in the history of warfare - never before had two large armies remained locked in continuous combat for such a long period of time. In the past the armies would fight, retreat, regroup, and usually meet at some later date and place but in 1864-65 even though they moved around some it was almost one continuous fight to the end. On the final day the Union soldiers were told that â€Å"if they hurried this was the day they could finish everything† although that inspired them, they were also promised that once they reached Appomattox Station rations would be handed out. Many of the men later admitted they did so â€Å"because they figured it was the quickest way to get breakfast.† After a small skirmish near Appomattox Station Lee decided to surrender his army right before the Union carried out their attack.