Monday, September 30, 2019

Batman & Joker

The Joker is conventionally viewed as the villain of The Dark Knight, but his actual role is far more complex. The entire film is an examination of the nature of duality, but not necessarily polarity. The duality of The Dark Knight is more problematical: while issues such as good versus evil and life versus death are addressed, the usually clear cut divergences are given unexpected dimensions. The centerpiece of this complexity is the Joker who acts more as a force of amorality than immorality.The version of duality that is explored in the film is the element that elevates it far above typical comic book fair. While the very basis of comic book plot history is good versus evil in the form of hero versus villain, ultimately the villain that is most threatening to Batman is not the Joker, but the man who begins the film as a figure that even Bruce Wayne admits is more heroic than Batman: Harvey Dent. It is Dent’s actions that leave Batman running through the night with the polic e hot on his heels.Of course, it is the Joker’s actions that lead Dent and Batman to this climax. The Joker is the repository of duality and is at the same time the personification of the rejection of the easy route of polarity. Rather than act merely as a villain, the Joker’s role is ultimately as unknown and mysterious as the dual claims he makes about the origin of his cars. The Joker’s duality can even be extended to suggest that he is both good and evil or neither good nor evil. The Joker is chaos and disorder and anarchy.Those are words that generally have a negative connotation, but out of chaos and disorder and anarchy arrives something different. That something may be worse, but it may also be better. The point is that nobody can predict the outcome. The Joker himself asserts that he has no plan, likening himself to a dog who would not know what to do with a car if he ever actually caught one. Considering the Joker’s affinity for being less than truthful, that claim may be subject to questioning, but even if he does have a plan, it hardly matters.After all, he is no more in control of the outcome of his plans than anybody else. The most profound scene in The Dark Knight is one that provides insight into the Joker’s role as a force for amorality. When he’s having his conversation with Harvey Dent in the hospital the Joker observes that a convoy of soldiers dying is ignored because it is all part of the plan, but a Mayor being assassinated is a tragedy that creates chaos for an entire city. He’s right, of course, but what he’s really saying is that society has its priorities completely out of whack.A convoy of soldiers dying should be more important than the death of one person. The Joker’s tossing off Gotham City into chaos is an act of extreme duality. It is both bad and horrific in the here and now, but ultimately it may potentially serve the greater good by revealing to the city and its citizens just how out of whack their priorities really are. The Joker’s amorality is viewed as psychopathic and sociopathic and villainous, but there is little question that he manages at least one very vital positive outcome. His actions reveal the corruptibility of Harvey Dent.Surely, it is better for Harvey Dent’s own dark side to surface, as a result of the Joker’s actions, before he gains too much power than after. From this perspective, the Joker must be seen not as a villain, but as a positive force for good. He must also, at the very same time, still be viewed as force for evil. He is both and yet neither. He is the very quintessence of the concept of duality, containing both darkness and light and the mystery of each. If Martians were to visit the earth there are certainly many films that could accurately convey human culture.The first film to show Martians should be a film that reveals the potential for good and evil of our species. This idea should be pursued to give aliens an understanding of the complexity of our genetic makeup. Schindler’s List is the perfect film for this because while it obviously shows the darkest corners of humanity’s capacity for evil in the person of Amon Goeth and the scenes involving the liquidation of the Warsaw ghetto and the concentration camps, it also works to reveal the flip side of that coin in the person of Oskar Schindler himself.Schindler’s List is worthy of being viewed by aliens precisely because it does not try to hide the depths to which humans have sunk; it also works to let them know that one us can change the world. Another film that Martians should view as insight in humanity is Airplane. Humor, of course, may very well be a peculiarly human trait that is not duplicated anywhere else in the universe, but this idea seems unlikely. It is important to show alien life forms how vital laughter and comedy is to society, and how it has been throughout history.There are funnier movies, of course, but Airplane contains visual gags, verbal humor, and non-stop bits that perhaps more than any other movie show the full range and extent of the type of humor enjoyed by human beings. While it is true that aliens may not â€Å"get† it, showing them this kind of movie is a way to introduce alien species to what may be one of the most identifiable characteristics of our race. 2001: A Space Odyssey is a film that conveys another important element of humanity; our thirst for knowledge and the quest for an understanding of what is beyond our own limited span of intelligence.While the special effects may serve to induce laughter among actual space travelers, Stanley Kubrick’s monumental film showcases how humanity has been capable of imaging that which we do not know. The film reveals our own internal logic as far as space travel and how it might be carried out, but it suggests that we understand the connection between ancient events and time and sp ace far into the future and far away.In addition, 2001: A Space Odyssey might, with its limited dialogue and reliance on music and visual effects, be the best choice for reaching an alien intelligence that cannot understand our language. And for that very reason, D. W. Griffith’s Intolerance is also a film that should be used to greet Martians. The lack of dialogue as a result of it being a silent movie is just one reason for its inclusion, but perhaps even more important is the content.The film tells four different stories from four different time periods and so represents an adequate attempt to let the Martians get a glimpse of human history. Since religion is such an important aspect of humanity, the story of Jesus Christ as told in Intolerance is quite obviously a significant story to show alien visitors. The modern story’s tale of how a man turns to a life of crime because of societal pressures works in much the same way as Schindler’s List to assert the co mplexity of our species. Each segment of the Intolerance extols the virtues of love and respect and mutual understanding.Perhaps nothing would be more apt to show aliens visiting this planet than to show them a story made of four different components that suggest that despite our failings and despite the fact that evil actions are committed on a daily basis, the underlying foundation that has kept humans alive on this planet for thousands of years is the capacity to meet our failings directly and work through them to evolve and become ever more civilized. A civilization that can address the concerns of a species from an alien world can be most perfectly realized through the history of cinema.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Othello’s Role in the Murder of Desdemona

Othello played the most important role in the murder of Desdemona due to his flaws in his character. His personality flaws ultimately lead him to killing his wife, making it an important factor in the play. Two of his most vivid flaws include his jealousy and his reason versus passion. Iago may have set up the death of Desdemona, but Othello has the most important role of her death due his flaws acting upon him and making himself kill his wife. His inability to comprehend his reason verses passion is mainly represented in Act 3 scene 3.While his dramatic jealousy can be seen in Act 4 scene 1. All of which lead to his eventual downfall and the death of Desdemona. Othello’s reason versus passion is undeniably a contributing factor that leads to Desdemona’s death. Othello cannot comprehend his reason versus passion and this ultimately leads to the tragedy and destruction in the play. Iago ignites the chaos in the play but without Othello the play would not have ended in th is dramatic fashion and the Death of Desdemona would not have occurred. Act 3 scene 3 is a turning point in the play between his reason and passion.Interestingly enough Othello says â€Å"But I do love thee, and when I love thee not, / Chaos is come again† in Act 3 scene 3. This foreshadows the Chaos of Othello not loving Desdemona later in the play. It represents himself understanding his own reason verses passion as he knows that if he stops loving Desdemona then his passion will overwhelm his reason, thus causing chaos. Also in this scene Othello says, â€Å"For she has eyes and chose me. † This represents his reason, which doesn’t last long and his reasoning fades as the play goes on.Again in the same act Othello says â€Å"Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow hell! † A metaphor is used to represent Othello calling his own vengeance to come from him self. In saying this, Othello is now full of anger and vengeance that is brought on upon by his pass ion and he now has no reason left in his conscience. â€Å"Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her! † is said by Othello later in the scene. Once again Othello’s passion is engulfing his reason and he is coming to dramatic conclusions.The repetition of ‘damn her’, and naming her ‘lewd minx’ emphasises his passionate hate for her. Act 3 scene 3 is a perfect example of him having self conflict between his reason vs. passion, where his passion takes control of his reasoning. Thus, this flaw of his inability to have balanced reason and passion is a major contributor to Desdemona’s death. Jealousy is yet another important theme throughout the play of Othello, and it has consumed the mind of Othello, ultimately leading him to killing Desdemona.Evident in Act 4 scene 1, Iago easily manipulates Othello with profound jealousy and it overwhelms him throughout. Iago says ‘Or to be naked with her in bed / An hour of more, not meaning any h arm? ’ This imagery is not only placed in the minds of the audience, but set into Othello’s mind. Othello replies ‘Naked in bed, Iago, and not mean harm? ’ Othello obviously shows jealous nature by asking this rhetorical question, where he thinks that anyone in bed naked with his wife means harm.Othello is also Jealous of Cassio and it is evident in the line ‘Look how he laughs already! ’ said by Othello. Othello is jealous, as he cannot bare Cassio in being happy, thus he points out the obvious of Cassio laughing. Immediately after Cassio exists in this scene Othello says ‘How shall I murder him, Iago? ’ His jealousy has consumed his mind and now he is resorting to killing Cassio. The high modality ‘How’ emphasises his hate towards him because he is pondering the different ways he can kill Iago, also creating imagery for the audience.Later in the scene before Othello slaps Desdemona he yells ‘Devil’. Thi s is a metaphor as the devil has consumed his mind into a phase of dramatic jealousy, where the Devil inside of him has resulted to killing Desdemona. Jealousy consumes the mind of Othello, and is it is emphasised in the play, it is a catalyst for the killing of Desdemona. In the play Othello there are many people who play a role in the death of Desdemona. Iago may be an important role as he persuades Othello into an erratic thunderous state, as well as persuading him to kill Desdemona.Although, Iago could have attempted to persuade anyone else into killing someone, but with out flaws like Othello had, it would not be possible. Therefor Othello had the most important role in the death of Desdemona through his flaws of Jealousy and Reason versus Passion. We can get an understanding that jealousy has consumed the mind of Othello. Even though Iago ignites this flaw, without Othello having this flaw Iago would not be able to manipulate him into killing Desdemona, thus making Othello the most important role towards her death.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Importance of Respect Essay

Respect, respect, respect, that’s what my father always said to me. Growing up in a typical Chinese family, I have learnt the importance of Respect, whether it is towards your grandparents, friends or your teachers. Although most of them are just simple things, it really shows your respect towards others. To show your respect towards others, there are often things you must not do. For example, if you respect your parents or your grandparents, you wouldn’t just pat their heads, dropping their wig onto the ground when you start asking them things such as â€Å"Hey grandma, how are you today?† or â€Å"what are we eating today?† The only people you are allowed to pat (if you must) are the ones who are younger than you, but that doesn’t mean you can go up to a random stranger who’s younger than you and start patting them on their head, no no no, that’s not what I mean at all. Towards your elders, respect can be shown when you grab food for them when the food is too far for them to reach or by standing up and allowing them to sit on your seat when there are no more chairs left. Such small acts of kindness can actually show your respect towards others and the kind of person you actually are. For some of us, when we graduate from university, we may start to feel like we are superior beings, and that everyone who are still in college are lesser beings, or the lower-class people. This may cause us to look down on our parents or grandparents just because they didn’t go to university, neglecting the fact that without them, there wouldn’t be us, the fact that without their hard work and efforts, we wouldn’t even have the chance of going into university. Let’s say, when your friends invites you over to their house, you don’t just rush in and attack the fridge, licking the internal structure clean, or rush into the master bedroom and starts bouncing on their parents’ bed because for your information, a bed is not a trampoline, no matter what the advertisements tell you, I can assure you that they are two different  things. Idiotic acts such as attacking your friend’s fridge or bouncing on their parents’ bed clearly shows that you do not, and I repeat, DO NOT truly respect your friend. If you really respect your friend, when they invite you over to their house, you should show them some courtesy, or act like civilized people, instead of the monster you are at home. You should take your shoes off before entering their house or ask them for their permission before going to their bathroom, which in most cases, they will say yes, but if they say no for some strange and awkward reason, then you have to find other ways of solving your problem. If you are going to a friend’s house, you should not go there empty-handed instead you should always bring some gifts. I am not telling you to bring expensive gifts like a diamond ring which is the size of a tennis ball, or a Plasma TV, although if you really insist then, that’s your choice. But usually, small gifts such as a basket of fruits would be enough to show your respect because after all, it’s the thought that counts. However, when bringing gifts, especially to a Chinese family, there are things you shouldn’t bring. Such items are clocks or pears because the Chinese word for clocks sounds the same as the Chinese word for death whilst the Chinese word for pear sounds the same as the Chinese word for separation. Another thing to keep in mind is remembering NOT, and I repeat, NOT to wrap the gifts in black or white since those colours are the ones used in funerals. I hope I am not discouraging you from going to Chinese friend’s house because of such rules; these are just little things that you should watch out for because the last thing you want is an angry mum chasing you down the street carrying a butcher knife, and shouting at you in Chinese, even if you cannot understand a word she is saying. Ok guys, since you are all such an attentive listener, I will let you in on a secret. When you go to your friend’s house, the moment you step into the house, you don’t go looking for the toilet or start licking the fridge, the first thing you have to do is to greet the parents. Normally, the reason why they may stare at you menacingly as you move around the house is because people often forget to greet them. Normally, when people enter the house, somehow they just manage to ignore the parent’s presence, even if they were  just standing in front of him. Now, if you want to see a smile on their faces, just remember to greet them as you enter the house- It doesn’t have to be very formal, just remember to say â€Å"Hi† as you enter and say â€Å"Bye, Thank you very much for having me† when you leave. Back in Singapore, when I was still young and youthful, the whole class had to stand up when the teacher came into the classroom. Now, you may think that standing up to welcome the teacher may not seem like much but to the teachers, it may mean the whole world to them. Think of it this way, the teachers give up their time and effort to teach us, so in return, all we have to do is to give up a bit of our time to welcome them, showing our respect for them. In conclusion, respect really plays an important aspect in our lives, whether it is towards our family, friends or teachers. When we respect one another, there will be fewer conflicts and everybody will get along better. So, try to respect one another, who knows, maybe one day, people will learn to respect you too. Min HanBibliography- None- Wrote it by myself

Friday, September 27, 2019

Making Hotplates Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Making Hotplates - Assignment Example As revealed, â€Å"specialized jobs became very boring† (Gachire, n.d., p. 8) and the change spurred motivation and improvement. The significant increase in performance and job satisfaction that was made possible with identifying the finished product to specific workers likewise contributed to the significant drop in absenteeism and an increase in moral. Likewise, by soliciting the suggestion of the workers who are most knowledgeable in ways of improving their jobs (Gachire, n.d.), there was a marked improvement in moral in conjunction with increased motivation, drop in absenteeism and increase in overall performance and productivity. The major changes in the situation include enjoining the workers to work on a new process work flow that would enable each worker to assemble the hotplate completely. This change provided effective motivation to drive these workers into improving performance and productivity since each output could be easily identified and accounted for by the workers. Therefore, each worker did their best to ensure that the finished product is free from any quality defects. The proposed change was effectively envisioned and implemented by the manager, with inputs and suggestions discussed initially with the workers. As initially indicated, the rejects were virtually controllable; meaning, the operator could easily prevent their occurrences. Therefore, the changes were controlled by the workers under the governance and motivation provided by the manager. If the workers went back to the old assembly line method, the same high rate of absenteeism, high rate of rejects, and low productivity and morale would ensue. As evaluated, as premised from behavioral management theories that focus on determining the job design’s link to productivity, satisfaction and motivation, the old assembly line method is too structured, routine, and redundant that prevents workers from being challenged and in

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Abstract and bibliography Annotated Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Abstract and - Annotated Bibliography Example In this article suitable frequencies and time periods for using vibrating plate are discussed. In the first section diseases like osteoporosis[1], sarcopenia[2], BMD[3] etc., are discussed. In the second section old methods for the treatment of these diseases and for the purpose of losing weight[4] are presented. Draw backs of those old treatments are presented in the subsequent section. The effects of using vibrating plates are presented in section five. Then we describe the most effective ways of using vibrating plates, selection of appropriate frequency of vibration and selection of time limit of using vibrating plates, first for the pupose of losing weight, then for osteoporosis and in the end for enhancing the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of the femoral neck and encumber/lumber and reduce persistent back pain in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In the end conclusions are drawn on the basis of discussion in the paper. This article will prove helpful to vibrating plates manuf acturing companies to prepare user manuals as well as to the users in using vibrating plates. [3] Xiang-yan R, Feng-yu JIN, Yu-lan LIU, Zhou-li PENG, Yun-gao SUN, â€Å"Effects of vibration therapy on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis†, Chinese Medical Journal, vol. 121, No. 13, pp. 115-1158, 2008. [4] N Gusi, A Raimundo, A Leal, â€Å"Low-frequency vibratory exercise reduces the risk of bone fracture more than walking: a randomized controlled trial†, [Online document] Nov. 2006, Available at

'The regulation of enzyme activity is the most most important and Essay

'The regulation of enzyme activity is the most most important and fundamental control for a cell'-Discuss - Essay Example A cell on the other side is the smallest fundamental unit of life (Alberts 79). Within the cell are the cell organelles that are charged with specific roles in driving physiological processes of the body. Most of the physiological processes that take place in the body are initiated at the cellular level, at the same time; the cell operation is linked with the enzymes activity. An example is the process of gene expression in the body. Gene expression is the sequential transformation of a trait from the molecular level to phonotypical stage. It usually starts with the replication of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic Acid) (Hill 84). The replication of the DNA is enzyme catalyzed and the process continues to the transcription of the DNA to RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) which then gives the amino acid and is finally translated to proteins that manifests themselves phenotypically (Alberts 102). In the sequence of gene expression, the cell is charged with the responsi679114bility of determining what enzymes are to be produced and in what quantity. It is the responsibility of the cell to determine what enzyme is required in the body depending on the type of substrate that is present in the body. The situation shows how intimate the two work in enabling the body physiological processes to proceed without a halt. The alternative synthesis and degradation of the enzymes is referred to as the turnover number, this turnover number is dependant on the need of the enzymes in the cell and is regulated by the cell (Hill 166). Increasing the amount of the enzymes in the cell can be done by the cell in two way; elevating the synthesis rate of the enzymes or by slowing the rate of the enzyme degradation. The cell in this case has the role to regulate the enzyme content in it which is a stringent exercise owing to the fact that there are millions of enzymes in the body each effecting a unique role probably at the same time and has to be

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Critique on the Article, An Anorexic's Recovery. by Leanna Rutherford Lab Report

Critique on the Article, An Anorexic's Recovery. by Leanna Rutherford - Lab Report Example According to Rutherford, she "was 17 and in her [my] graduating year of high school when she [I] decided that she [I] wanted to lose weight" (n.p.). Studies show that mostly, adolescent young women are affected by this mental illness. And women are more prone than men; although, in some cases men can also be a candidate for this disorder. American Psychiatric Association viewed this as a psychological disorder affecting mainly young women (American Psychiatric Association, 1984) and recent reports suggest a long-term increasing incidence of the problem (Lucas, 1991; Lucas et al., 1991; Willi & Grossman, 1983). The article, "An Anorexic's Recovery" is a timely way of informing people/readers of this lethal psychological disorder through the experience of the writer on this illness. As a narrative article, the point of views of the writer was emphasized on her accounts of battling the mental disorder. The worst part of anorexia is the determination of factors that causes the disorder. Until now, there is no exact cause of anorexia nervosa. However, researchers on the field of medicine and psychology suggested that factors in general could be categorized as follows: Cultural Pressure - Just like in the case of Rutherford, cultural pressure played as the main role why she suffered from anorexia. . Rutherford "wanted to impress the boys in university and she [I] thought being thin would help. So she [I] went on a diet"(n.p.). (eHealthMD, 2005) claimed that "in many societies, being extremely thin is the standard of beauty for women and represents success, happiness, and self-control.(p.3). Cultural pressure seems to be the primary cause of why some suffer from this mental disorder. In the article, this was the only cause stated; however, below you can see that not only cultural pressure is to be blamed but other factors as well. Psychological Issues - People who have low self-esteem, poor body image, rigid thinking patterns, perfectionism, feelings of ineffectiveness, physical or sexual abuse, and need for control are prone on developing anorexia. Psychological imbalances may be a by-factor of having the disorder. Rutherford's case may seem to imply that she may have suffered from the need of being perfect, although the writer projected that being good in school or things he did imply that he is psychologically stable: "I was an honors student when I entered university and had an 82 percent average after my first semester. I had made lots of friends and had balanced my social and academic obligations". In view points of psychology, anorexia is a mental illness and therefore has a lot to do with psychological issues. Rutherford may have overlooked this issue on his article. Family Environment - Some family upbringings may be factors to the development of anorexia. The families of people who have the disorder are more expected to be rigid, overprotective, and suffocating closeness. In these situations, anorexia nervosa builds up as a way of fighting back for individuality and independence. Genetic Factors - According to (Wade, et.al, 2000) "anorexia shares a genetic risk with clinical depression" (p.157). People who have

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Design for the real world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Design for the real world - Essay Example The advent of the 21st century has turned a new leaf for the design industry. Designing a fabric or a building has become easier because of the exponential growth of information and communication technology. The evolution of technology became more convenient for the designers as the graphical software and equipments started hitting the market. The calculations for measurement are now being performed automatically reducing the overall time required for completion of an architectural process. The selection of colours can also be performed with graphical interfaces that allow the fashion designers to analyse every pixel and select the most suitable colours for the dresses. These changes are considered to be a blessing for the 21st century designers. However, with benefits also come disadvantages. The primary disadvantage is the growing competition in the industry. Most of the firms needing design requirements are hiring permanent designers for working on their projects which is in a way curving the potential creativity options for the designers. The challenges faced by the designers also include the external threats such as the sustainability of the designs against the nature. Customers are expecting a safe apartment that can withstand earthquakes or other incidents such as fire and nice clothes which won’t get spoiled if drenched in rain. These are some of the basic concerns and needs of the consumers but in order to fulfil these fundamental requirements, the cost aspect of the designing process is mounting up by fuelling the competition.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Globalization and the United States Military Policy Essay

Globalization and the United States Military Policy - Essay Example The US military troop has also observed same lines of objectives. The varied policy of the US government in controlling and setting guideline for operation has been dealt differently by different leaders. Some of the policies have undergone criticism, while some have been appreciated, in context of global as well as the sate framework. The impact of US military troops on globalization will not provide much help to revive its dominant nature and reflect its strength. US Military policy: Off late US military is away from campaigns and battles and have indulged in peace enforcement. The preponderance of US military seems to degrade in matters of exercising powers with the arsenals like missile and the Nuclear weapons. The significance of the United States as a military power seems to dwindle. The employment of the US forces is used in areas to augment social integration, in handling events of natural disaster. American military is experiencing a new era in the advent of globalization. S ignificant changes in the mission of US military have been observed with change attitudes. The change in US policy of military administration was observed in the Weinberger- Powell doctrine in 1984. The doctrine specified circumstances where the US forces are to be deployed. The main objective of the doctrine was to prevent the catastrophe which occurred in Vietnam. It specified that Americans should indulge in fight or war only at times when the countries interest is at its stake. The missions should been undertaken only if it has similar political and military objectives. The deployment should only be done when all the measures undertaken have failed. (Preble, 2011)The Weinberger- Powell doctrine seems to vanish with the beginning of the Bush era in The United States. George Bush deployed The US forces in the northern Iraq and Somalia and also carried air attack in parts of Iraq. The policy of US president Bill Clinton was also transparent. His doctrine signified the priority towa rds avoidance of any casualty and the use of force to cause absolute minimal damage. However the temptation to put the strongest military force of the world into action was also hardly resisted by him. Under his regime attacks against Iraq for punishing Saddam Husain was also carried out. Besides, Serbia was also subjected to daily bombings by the US military force. Clinton government was however strategic in the use of forces. Forces were deployed in specific targets which had lesser probability of causing bloodshed and slaughter, and had limited capability to retaliate. A fair distinction was drawn between the terms war and attacks in the backdrops of national sacrifice. US military and globalization: With Globalization creeping in and the world experiencing an open economy, America still persuades to showcase its global power. America aims to set up an international order with openness as its primary characteristics. The emergence of an open world will create opportunities for ne w military requirements. The proper functioning of the open economy will require rules to be framed. United States aims to impart discipline and cohesion to the system. The rules framed by the US government needs to be maintained by the nations and they have to abide by the fundamental economic importance of the global market. President Clinton had the view that without the presence

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Negative Body Image Essay Example for Free

Negative Body Image Essay A study showed that women experience an average of 13 negative thoughts about their body each day, while 97% of women admit to having at least one â€Å"I hate my body† moment each day (raderprograms). Teens today are faced with many pressures: how they dress, who their friends are, who they are going to date, and most importantly, what they look like. In today’s society, body image is more than just the mental picture a person has of what their body looks like. For many, body image is also a reflection of how they feel about themselves and their lives. People with a negative body image believe that if they do not look right, other things, such as their personality, intelligence, social skills, or capabilities, also are not right. They think that if they fix their bodies, all their other problems will disappear. This can result in unhealthy weight management practices and an unhealthy relationship with food. People excessively diet and exercise out of fear of gaining weight. The media today portrays stick thin women with beautiful faces and size 0 bodies, but the truth is, the majority of runway models meet the Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria to be considered anorexic (raderprograms). When influenced by role models like these, teenagers start to feel inferior if they do not look the same. In turn, when put under the pressure of women in the media, teenagers will most likely develop a negative body image, eating or mood disorder, or other unhealthy addictions if they feel their bodies do not â€Å"measure up† to those of women portrayed. Negative body image is a serious issue that can be greatly influenced by today’s media. Body image refers to a person’s feelings about how attractive their body is. Celebrities like Kate Moss are 30+% under their ideal body weight, along with this, adolescent girls are more afraid of gaining weight than getting cancer, losing their parents, or nuclear war (raderprograms). Research has shown that media exposure to unattainable physical perfection is detrimental to people, especially women, and that the detrimental effects are currently more the rule than the exception (An Intervention for the Negative Influence on Body Esteem 405-418). Negative body image affects all aspects (physical, mental, social, and spiritual) of the body negatively and cause problems like depression, anxiety and social anxiety. Roughly half of the women in the U. S. wear size 14 or larger though most standard clothing retailers only cater to size 14 and smaller (raderprograms). Having a negative body image can be detrimental to a person’s self-esteem; they will always scrutinize themselves in mirrors and be envious to other’s bodies, whether it is celebrities, friends or even complete strangers. Many people with a negative body image will start to diet to control their weight and get it to where they want it to be. At any given time, one in every three women and one in any four men are on a diet (raderprograms). People diet to be thinner and more attractive, to look like people they see in the media. A People magazine survey showed that 80% of female takers felt that women in movies and television programs made them feel insecure about their bodies (raderprograms). The media is very negative towards people who are not as small as models and (most) actresses. The average U. S. model weighs 117 lbs and is 5’11†, while the average U. S. woman weighs 140 lbs and is 5’4† (raderprograms). The media also is a very strong advocate of dieting and especially diet pills. While dieting can be done healthily, some teenagers abuse dieting; 73% of teenage girls who abuse diet pills and 79% of teenage girls who self-purge (the act of forcibly making themselves vomit or abusing laxatives to not absorb calories) frequently read women’s fitness and health magazines (raderprograms). People who diet have an increased amount of depression due to body image and not getting the results they expect. Thirty-five percent of â€Å"occasional dieters† progress into pathological dieting (disordered eating) and as many as 25% advance to full blown eating disorders (raderprograms). Medical researchers believe that 80 percent of all eating disorders started with a diet (The Causes of Negative Body Image). Media causes teens to feel insecure and have low self-esteem. It is one of the leading causes of Eating Disorders in the United States. Eating Disorders affect 10+ million females and 1+ million males (raderprograms). Many teens suffer from eating disorders and it majorly affects a person’s life. â€Å"When you have an eating disorder at a young age, you can’t shake it easily. I’ve suffered with anorexia and bulimia since I was 12 years old, along with severe depression and anxiety disorders. It was largely influenced by the media and the pressure to be thin. You’re always pre-occupied with the voices telling you not to eat this, or not to eat that because you want to be thin, right? It’s always there and it’s hard. You know what you’re doing is wrong, but man does it feel so right. † (Billstein). For females between the ages 15-24 who suffer from anorexia, the mortality rate associated with the illness is twelve times higher than he death rate of ALL other causes of death (raderprograms). When a person develops an eating disorder they may also become addicted to exercise along with restricting calories. Exercise addiction is maladaptive, causing more harm than benefits. People become addicted to exercise in order to be thinner. This is usually paired with an eating disorder or negative body image. A person will exe rcise and burn off every calorie that they have consumed during the day and run their calorie count into the negatives so they do not absorb any calories at all. â€Å"I feel in control of my body when I exercise. I can see exactly how many calories I have burnt out of my body; being able to burn the small amount of calories that I have managed to eat just feels good. † (Billstein). About 10% of gym users have exercise addiction. Another disorder that ties in with eating disorders is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is â€Å"imagined ugliness†, where a person picks apart everything about themselves until their self-esteem is very low, making them susceptible to mood disorders. It is the gateway drug to eating disorders and negative body image, depression, anxiety and other altered mood disorders. 0% of people diagnosed with eating disorders also suffer from BDD. â€Å"When I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t see what other people see. I see a girl with a large forehead, big thighs, a fat stomach and beady little eyes. I hate my body so much that what I see is totally transformed and disgusting. I don’t want to look like this, that’s why I resorted to o ther things that I could control: eating and how much. † (Billstein). When a person has depression, anxiety, eating disorders or other altered mood disorders they may become addicted to unhealthy activities. An unhealthy addiction that many people, teenagers primarily, form is self-harm. It has many names: self-injury, self-injurious behavior, self-abuse, self-cutting, and repetitive self-harm syndrome. It is most often called self-mutilation. Regardless of what name a person uses, it is the intentional destruction or alteration of one’s own body tissue without conscious suicidal intent (How Negative Body Image Affects the Body and Mind). Self-harm consists of any bodily injury whether it be cutting, burning, scratching, picking or preventing the healing of wounds. Individuals self-harm to release pain. Some people say they self-mutilate because they are emotionally numb and it helps them feel something. When cutting, the person feels in control of the pain, while on the inside, they cannot control mental pain from disorders or depression. Those who cut feel a relief afterwards but it gets more intense of an addiction the longer it goes. They experience strong cravings to harm themselves and withdrawals when in recovery. â€Å"I cut because I can control it. I’m not saying that it’s a good thing, but I’m in recovery and I have relapsed. It takes control of your mind; you’re in a sad state when you take that blade to your skin. You have the scars forever to remember the times you’ve been through, but they show strength not weakness. They’re battle scars and they show that you’ve conquered, not been defeated, you’re still alive and here, and that’s beautiful. † (Billstein). 90% of self-injury individuals begin harming themselves during their teen years or younger. (Cutting: Self Injury Facts amp; Statistics). Only 4% of women in the world truly think they are beautiful (raderprograms). There are some positive body image influences in the media including Dove skincare. They have the ‘Real Beauty’ campaign showing moderate to plus size models in a positive atmosphere. There is a drastic difference between Dove’s ‘Real Beauty’ campaign (Figure 1) and Victoria’s Secret’s new ‘Love My Body’ campaign (Figure 2). Some forms of media are only positive to a certain weight group (i. e: ‘Love My Body’ campaign). Women should not be ashamed of their bodies, they should embrace them and show off their best features. â€Å"You’re going to be in this body for the rest of your life, so you might as well learn to like it† (Billstein). Figure 1 (Rana). Figure 2 (McDonell-Parry). Overall, negative body image is a very dangerous issue to have because it can lead to destructive behaviors like eating disorders, low self-esteem, mood disorders, exercise addiction and other unsafe body disorders. When teenagers are put under the pressure of women in the media, they are at a higher risk of developing a negative body image, eating or mood disorders and other unsafe addictions if their bodies are not as slim.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Comparing The Yellow Wallpaper Story English Literature Essay

Comparing The Yellow Wallpaper Story English Literature Essay The work by Charlotte Perkins Gilman The Yellow Wallpaper and the work by Tillie Olsen both represent the genre of a short story. These stories are very much alike. Apart from the similarities they share, they have a lot of differences. Both works belong to the genre of a short story. However, they were written with an interval of sixty nine years. Charlotte Perkins Gilman wrote her The Yellow Wallpaper in 1892. The work I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen was printed in 1961. Still, if to analyze the content of these stories it would be rather difficult to imagine this interval of almost seventy years. Both works deal with the same problem a females right for her personal happiness and self-realization regardless of her social duties of a wife and a mother. Both stories are told by women whose life went wrong because of their responsibilities towards their families. The narrator of the story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman The Yellow Wallpaper is an insane woman who has a husband and a child. Having suffered from a serious depression she takes a course of treatment. Though, it does not seem at all to have much effect on her. Doctors characterize her as a woman with slight hysterical tendency (Gilman). However her insanity aggravates. First she feels that there is something queer (Gilman) about her illness. She wants to relieve her mind (Gilman). She is tired of rings and things in her bedroom (Gilman). I Stand Here Ironing is a story about a womans sacrifice that she made after becoming a wife and a mother. She is not insane, but her feelings are of the same nature. The difference from The Yellow Wallpaper is that the narrator feels guilty. The narrator feels that she is responsible for her failings as a wife and a mother. She realizes that her best efforts were frustrated by such circumstances as lack of social services and inadequate pay. As opposed to the character from The Yellow Paper not only does she blame other people and life circumstances for her hard life and lack of her daughters confidence. It is hard to admit but the narrator is aware of her fault. But the main character of The Yellow Wallpaper does not seem to demonstrate any sign of such awareness. She considers that her family murdered a person inside her, but does not think about the fact that her husband needs her as a wife and her child needs her as a mother. She is an egoist. Both stories The Yellow Wallpaper and I Stand Here Ironing contain a lot of autobiographical elements. The story by Tillie Olsen includes such narrators recollection as being a young mother whose opportunities are rather limited, or being a wife who was abandoned. This story is autobiographical. Like the main character of the story I Stand Here Ironing Olsen also met some challenges in life. She struggled to balance her family life with her political ambitions and activism. The story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman tells about the authors own severe depression and mental disorder. She confessed that the presence of her husband and child even worsened her terrible state. Both the character of The Yellow Wallpaper and the character in I Stand Here Ironing are unfortunate miserable women. However, the narrator of I Stand Here Ironing is not the only unhappy woman in the story. This is the other distinction from the story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The narrator confesses in a phone conversation that her daughter Emilys childhood was rather rocky. Though she was a beautiful baby (Olsen), she was a very unhappy child, that cannot be helped (Olsen). However, these unhappy characters are united by one common problem: they do not see themselves as valuable creations. The narrator of I Stand Here Ironing is oppressed by environmental and her personal circumstances. She feels sad that she did not succeed as a wife; she laments her unwise and desperate choices that she made as a mother. Emilys fractured portrait comes from her mothers memories from the past. When her mother tell about her poor life, it becomes clear, that Emilys life was not better than her m others. She was a forgotten child. She suffered a lot; her development was slow, her nature was silky and gloomy; her self-esteem was very low; and her life was not a joy, but a survival in the brutal world. The narrator of The Yellow Wall Paper also feels sorry about her unrealized dreams and wishes. In contrast to the main character of The Yellow Wallpaper who has a serious mental disorder and blames her husband for unhappy life, the narrator in I Stand Here Ironing has the ability to analyze her life and her mistakes and determine the best way to solve her problems. However, she did not have this luxury long ago when she was a young and inexperienced mother. The woman is literary weighed down with constant demands of her family and domestic duties. Of course, being a mother she understands her responsibility for not very successive role in her daughter Emilys unhappy life, her development. However, this responsibility is not full. The narrator also blames environment, social conditions that can make the life of a single mother terrible. Thus, she cannot estimate in full how unhappy her daughter is. Both stories contain very bright symbols that reflect the inner state of both characters. These symbols are named in the titles of the stories. The main character of I Stand Here Ironing tells about her life while ironing clothes. Ironing is a backdrop for her thoughts, her considerations as a mother. The narrator in the story by Ch. Gilman is totally obsessed with the yellow wallpapers that cover the walls of her bedroom. The narrator believes that there is woman trapped inside. Her intention is to help the woman, though the narrator is afraid to reveal her intentions as she realizes that no one would ever understand her. By the end of the story a reader comprehends that the character is completely insane as she believes that she herself is a woman from the wallpaper. These symbols mean that both women have found something to distract from their grief. One of them hides in ironing and another one hides in wallpapers. Written in different periods of time both short stories have much in common. They are both told by women who are not satisfied with their family life. The work by Charlotte Perkins Gilman The Yellow Wallpaper and the work by Tillie Olsen I Stand Here Ironing are both masterpieces that raise serious questions of duty, self-esteem, personal self-realization and female happiness. Still, they also bear a lot of differences. Once one woman blames people who surround her, another one comprehends that her own fault is also great.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Case Analysis And Problems With Dementia Nursing Essay

Case Analysis And Problems With Dementia Nursing Essay Dementia is a progressive and irreversible decline in mental function1. Lewy Body Dementia (DLB) is a form of degenerative dementia characterised by the presence of Lewy Bodies which are clumps of alpha-synuclein and ubiquitin protein in neurons2. These are only detectable in post-mortem brain biopsies2. The manifestations of dementia present themselves clinically as progressive cognitive decline which impairs day-to-day social and motor functioning. This central feature of DLB is essential for the initial diagnosis of the disorder and the initial evaluation of a patient with dementia must establish the presence of cognitive impairment and provide a measure of its severity. Three core features which are significant in the diagnosis of DLB and distinguishing it from these other disorders are2: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fluctuations in both mental cognition and relative levels of attentiveness. The severity and duration of these episodes vary among patients, however, generally, severity increases with time. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Visual Hallucinations characteristically detailed and well-formed; significant in differentiating DLB from Alzheimers disease as they are relatively rare in the latter disorder. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Spontaneous features of Parkinsonism, such as tremors. At least two of these core features must be present to conclude that there is DLB3. Suggestive features of the disorder include rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder, repeated falls and transient loss in consciousness. In the absence of a core clinical feature the presence of one or more of these suggestive features may help in the diagnosis of DLB. The differential diagnosis for DLB is mainly Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease or other dementia syndromes. However, in Catherines case the presence of a number of core and suggestive features strongly indicate DLB. In relation to Catherine, there are many indicators present which qualify her for diagnosis with the disease. Not only does she exhibit some of the core features mentioned previously but it is also evident that she is suffering from some of the more suggestive, but equally as debilitating, aspects of the disease. It is evident on examination that Catherine is experiencing fluctuations in cognition as her verbal responses are often difficult to comprehend and are unreliable. These memory lapses, along with aggressive responses, are known symptoms of dementia2. She has had some vivid visual hallucinations previously which may be a mitigating factor in her continuous falls, another suggestive feature of the disorder2. Catherines husband faces many challenges as her primary caregiver. Caregiver burden is defined as the high levels of stress and anxiety associated with the provision of care to another person suffering from some kind of illness4. Catherines husband is likely to suffer from caregiver burden as he is the sole provider of care and his closest source of relief is his daughter who lives some distance away. He faces challenges in communication and in managing Catherines behaviour and struggles with his own physical fitness while also trying to care for his wife. He is likely to suffer emotionally as result of the demands placed upon him as a result of Catherines unwillingness to avail of respite care services. Catherine presents many challenges to the healthcare system in that she is aggressive towards members of staff with whom she is unfamiliar. This impedes upon the quality of her care as nursing staff appreciate her condition but are unable to manage it on an acute ward. The problems with her memory make interactions difficult as she does not remember her surgical treatment and becomes aggressive and agitated at times. It is likely that as the disease progresses these factors will become more serious and incapacitating, leaving her husband with no choice but to admit her to a long-term care facility. Societal Context It is difficult to quantify the prevalence of Dementia in Ireland and in various countries due to variances in how we define and ration dementia and also due to methodological variances in conducting studies5.  However there remain some factors such as age and gender which show consistencies across studies. It has been found that Alzheimers disease is more common in women, and that prevalence of dementia can double with every 5 years of increase in age6. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) estimates that there are currently more than 44,000 people suffering from some form of dementia in Ireland7. It is shown that the prevalence is higher in females than males with 20,000 females and 14,000 males found to be suffering in 2002 and the incidence is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years in correspondence with the aging population in Ireland.  By the year 2036 the ASI estimates that there will be over 100,000 people with dementia8.   Studies have shown there are a number of risk factors associated with dementia. Along with age and gender, genetics and BMI have also been linked closely with dementia. One study found that normal-weight women had a greater risk of developing dementia than women with a higher BMI than them9. It has also been found that those with higher BMI  have  a decreased risk of cognitive decline10. Cholesterol levels have also been linked to the cause of dementia in that high levels of high density lipoprotein have been associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimers disease11. There are a number of known support groups in this country for relatives of patients with  dementia7. For example, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides  a range of services to people with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. The Carer and Family Support Groups operate throughout Ireland, usually meeting on a monthly basis7. This support network offers a vital opportunity for carers and family members to share experiences, information and practical advice in a supportive environment and would be of significant benefit in Catherines case to provide her husband with an outlet from the constant pressures associated with her disease. The Irish Government does offer some financial support to people suffering from dementia but it appears not to be enough. There are a number of schemes which provide home care to patients, however a  new report  illustrates that Ireland  spends only half the OECD (Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development)  average on dementia services12 despite the fact we rival any other European Country in relation to the growth of dementia. According to the report for every 18,500 euro cut, four people with dementia will  lose  any service provided by the government12. This would be detrimental in Catherines case as she may eventually rely heavily on the government for support. Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety The treatment of Dementia is focused towards specific disease manifestations as there are no definitive treatments available. To effectively treat Dementia, patients and families should be involved as soon as the diagnosis is made. The availability of information, good health services, and support should be provided to help patients and their families to cope with dementia. The behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia have been a difficult management area for neurologists and psychiatrists alike. The key to proper management is the correct identification of each symptom and the underlying precipitating cause. The proper management is not only rewarding in terms of responsiveness in an otherwise incurable and progressive disease, but also improves the quality of life of the patients and the caregivers. The management of dementia begins with a thorough assessment to search for underlying causes of behavioural changes. Non-pharmacological approaches should be used prior to medication use. These interventions include music, light, changes in level of stimulation and specific behavioural techniques. The type of dementia, individual symptom constellation and the tolerability of the patient will help to determine what medication should be used13. Cholinesterase inhibitors treatment for people with DLB is commonly used in clinical practice, especially for patients that exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms. The use of antipsychotics for agitation and aggression has shown consistent efficacy and it is the most studied pharmacological intervention14. Pharmacotherapy must be monitored closely for both effectiveness and side effects, with consideration of medication withdrawal when appropriate. Studies show that anti-dementia medicine neither cure, arrest nor delay the onset of the disease, but are helpful in symptom relief14. There is an urgent need to develop more efficacious medications for the treatment of dementia15 as in the long-term we know that a diagnosis of dementia is a sentinel event that signifies progressive loss of independence and increasing demands on caregivers. In this case, the biggest barrier to Catherine receiving adequate healthcare is herself and the uncooperative and aggressive nature of her condition. Her husband and family cannot fully support her needs therefore she needs to be admitted to a long-term care facility. Her wishes to continue living in her own home may prevent her from getting the care she needs. Also, the fact that her husband must make the decision could be considered a barrier as he is unwilling to put her into long-term care, where the stability may help her. Individualised rehabilitation approaches targeting relevant and personally-meaningful aspects of everyday functioning have demonstrated significant benefits in single-case and small-group intervention studies16. Cognitive rehabilitation is a relatively new approach to improving well-being for people with dementia and their families, but at present only preliminary evidence regarding efficacy is available16. However, this preliminary evidence suggests that cognitive rehabilitation does have the potential to bring about changes in behaviour, enhance well-being and maintain involvement in daily life. Psychosocial interventions of this kind can be provided alongside pharmacological treatment, and it is possible that these two approaches can complement one another to optimize benefits for the person with dementia17. There are a great many questions still to be answered, but the existing evidence provides a valuable basis for further development of this approach. Ethical Considerations There are a number of ethical issues to address in Catherines case. As DLB progresses, it gradually renders people incapable of tending to their own needs, thus their decision-making capacity is compromised and caretakers must step in and make decisions for them. Catherine suffers from dementia and requires constant care. In preventing Catherine from independently getting in and out of bed, several ethical issues are involved. Her caretakers can only effectively tend to her and ensure her safety by compromising her right of autonomy for the sake of beneficence18 i.e. doing this for her own well-being in order to provide her with adequate care. Also non-maleficence18 is a factor in this situation i.e. they must ensure she does not get harmed while moving about unsupervised In Ireland, under the Mental Health Act of 2001, certain conditions must be must be met before someone is involuntarily admitted to a long-term care facility19. Fundamentally The patient must be eligible to be involuntarily admitted The Person sending the patient must send in application for the patient That Person must fit certain requirements. After application, a registered medical practitioner must do an examination on the patient and if he/she is satisfied, he/she writes a recommendation for the involuntary admittance of the patient in an approved centre. Catherine definitely fits the requirements of the patient to be involuntarily admitted as she is actually suffering from a mental disorder20 and her caretakers may be considered unfit to take care of her. While her husband wants to respect her wishes he is physically unable to provide the level of care that she needs, even with his daughters weekly assistance. It is obvious that she requires constant monitoring as evident by her repeated falls. Therefore, after a mental health assessment it is likely that she be recommended to live in such a facility with more appropriate care21. Healthcare providers are only able to advise patients and their family members on the best course of treatment and management plan available, suggesting alternatives are still within their boundaries. However, the final choice always resides with the patient and his/her family members22. Disputes which may arise become a tough issue for health care professionals to resolve, as all circumstances need to be taken into consideration before a decision can be reached23. Word Count: 1989 Search Strategy As part of our search strategy we used resources from the library and those online.   We found books and journals in the library useful for sourcing background information about Lewy Body Dementia. Online we used medical search database, Medline and PubMed. We had to tailor our search criteria to suit the particular section of the report we were writing.   To further refine our search findings we used the advanced search and used the limits option. If our search yielded too few findings, we learnt to change our keywords and to broaden our search area. For example when Dementia is searched PubMed reveals 119494 options, however if dementia AND Ireland is searched 404 results are revealed. To further refine this search we used Limits whereby we limited the findings to trials that had links to the free article online, were in English and were conducted on humans. This searched revealed 60 findings. It is also useful to use sources that have been referenced by other authors and we found that once you found one or two good trials, they usually had referenced some other sources that matched your search criteria. This cut down on the searching through irrelevant articles and proved better use of our time.   All in all we found the internet very useful for sourcing our references and in particular we found PubMed and Medline user friendly once we understood how to use them properly.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Victims Essay -- Analysis, Sharon Olds

The process of addressing memories of private suffering within â€Å"The Victims† by Sharon Olds is implied through contradictive perspectives. In the poem there is a shift in focus and tone during line 17. The poem addresses issues of suffering from two distinct perspectives, the first coming from a little girl and the second a grown woman. The narrative, imagery and diction are different in the two contrasting parts of the poem, and the second half carefully qualifies the first, as if to illustrate the more mature and established attitudes of the narrator in her older years – a stipulation of the easy imitation of the earlier years, when the mother’s views dominated and set the tone. Change has governed the poems structure here; differences in age and attitude are supported by an entirely different point of view and frame of reference. The change in the tone of the stylistic elements used by Sharon Olds implicitly portrays the impact that suffering has on the f amily sphere; the complex emotions that arise because of divorce are conveyed through past and present perspectives, comparative imagery and a significant shift in tone. The change in perspective of the narrative, from past to present, portrays the father in two different lights. The poem is told from the point of view of the daughter of a couple who experience marriage problems. The beginning of â€Å"The Victims† illustrates the memories that the woman is recalling nostalgically of her childhood. From lines 1 to 17 the narrator evokes her father, with the repetition of â€Å"you†, (1, 3) who had acted terribly during the narrator’s youth and who was abruptly kicked out and divorced by the mother. The narrator describes her father who, to his daughter, lived a luxurious and insensitive... ...Olds to portray to the reader, through diction, the image of a drowning person. This image, after being taken, analyzed and dissected, reveals deeper connections with the narrator, the narrator’s father and society as a whole. In conclusion, â€Å"The Victims† concerns real purposes and themes that enhance the overall text. When perceiving the term victim many people immediately think of a target of violence or abuse. In the poem â€Å"The Victims†, Olds portrays the sufferers as victims of an experience, rather than a physical scar. As a child, Sharon Olds’ parents divorced. So who is the victim in â€Å"The Victims†? As the narrative, imagery and diction evolve, from the first half to the second half of the poem, so does the classification of victim. Throughout the poem the mother, children and father are all victimized, but also made out to be the culprits.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Comparing Hegel and Kants Views on Reason Essay -- Philosophy

Comparing Hegel and Kant's Views on Reason That "the idea pays the ransom of existence and transience—not out of its own pocket, but with the passions of individuals" is an idea with categorizes what Hegel calls "the Cunning of Reason" (35). It is in this way that Hegel describes universal Reason, a force which ensures the end of history in its own self-consciousness. Like Kant, Hegel develops a teleological history which moves toward a specific end, and similar to Kant, this end involves the actualization of Reason within human events. However, the path that history takes, according to the two, differs greatly. While both men envision a dichotomous struggle, Kant finds the struggle within mankind while Hegel sees it everyone, even within Reason itself. The Kantian struggle between man's sensuous and rational sides seems almost pacific compared to the divided kingdom of Hegel's. The "cunning of reason" is simply the representation of one of those dichotomies—between human intention and human outcome. "[Me n] fulfill their own interests, but something further is thereby bro... Comparing Hegel and Kant's Views on Reason Essay -- Philosophy Comparing Hegel and Kant's Views on Reason That "the idea pays the ransom of existence and transience—not out of its own pocket, but with the passions of individuals" is an idea with categorizes what Hegel calls "the Cunning of Reason" (35). It is in this way that Hegel describes universal Reason, a force which ensures the end of history in its own self-consciousness. Like Kant, Hegel develops a teleological history which moves toward a specific end, and similar to Kant, this end involves the actualization of Reason within human events. However, the path that history takes, according to the two, differs greatly. While both men envision a dichotomous struggle, Kant finds the struggle within mankind while Hegel sees it everyone, even within Reason itself. The Kantian struggle between man's sensuous and rational sides seems almost pacific compared to the divided kingdom of Hegel's. The "cunning of reason" is simply the representation of one of those dichotomies—between human intention and human outcome. "[Me n] fulfill their own interests, but something further is thereby bro...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

American Dream Synthesis

Kyrie Staab Mrs. Wieseman Hon. English 10 Dec. 18, 2012 Is Our American Dream Fading Away? The attainability and very existence of the American dream has been debated for many years. As the economy, politics, and social standings change, so do the expectations and beliefs about what the American dream should be and how one should go about achieving it. The main question involved in this debate is not so much whether the dream is alive or dead, but whether America’s dream can ever be fully realized.Even the most skeptic of men and women cannot deny that although the dream may be blurring around the edges, it is still very much alive in the minds and hearts of the people. For generations, the American dream has retained it’s basic definition: â€Å"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness†. Immigrants to America-at least in years past-cling to this dream, hoping to find a better, happier, more secure life. One woman tells the story of a Russian family coming to live in the US in a BBC news article in March of 2011: â€Å"†¦ he American Dream meant liberty. But Isabel says it promised even more. ‘The Dream is to work, to have a home, to get ahead, you can start as a janitor and become owner of the building. ’† For almost everyone, the dream has been the same. In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the two main characters, Lennie and George, share the desire to have a home: a small, safe place to call their own. This same dream has pushed generations of men and women to work hard to reach their goals despite social and economic obstacles.In a Los Angeles Times article in 2011, Gregory Rodriguez says practically the same thing. â€Å"The dream is the glue that keeps us all together. It’s the vague promise that our lot will get better over time that gives us the patience to endure whatever indignities we suffer at the moment. † In the novel, George especially encounters obstacles while trying to achieve both his and Lennie’s dream. However, the promise of a secure, happy, quiet life for himself and his friend encourages him to continue his work.Yes, it is unfortunately true that as time goes on, less and less people seem to believe that the American Dream is attainable. However, the reason for this may be because we have already achieved the original dream, but continue to expect more and more from a badly damaged economy. In the 60s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ’s expression of the American Dream emphasized universal equality and compassion, and racial equality within our own borders. In a lecture to college students in 1964, King states that â€Å"If the American Dream is to be a reality we must develop a world perspective. He explains this by quoting John Donne and saying, â€Å"No man is an island entire of itself every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main†¦ Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. therefo re never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. † Looking at today’s society, it would appear that this dream has, at least in part, been achieved. All people have the opportunity to earn a home, happiness, and security. At this point, the only thing stopping people from achieving their dreams are themselves.In John Steinbeck’s essay â€Å"Paradox and Dream† he says that â€Å"†¦ we are a restless, a dissatisfied, a searching people†¦ we seem to be in a state of turmoil all the time, both physically and mentally. † When Steinbeck goes on to say that the American Dream has very little to with reality in everyday life, he demonstrates how society prevents citizens from being satisfied when their dream is fulfilled. Is it possible that the expectations attached to the American Dream are unrealistic?Given today’s economy, the standards and expectations people have assigned to the American Dream do make it more difficul t to achieve. In Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie’s dream, though very simple and basic by today’s standards, was unrealistic, given Lennie’s handicaps. George’s dream is far more achievable with Lennie gone, even though Lennie is part of that dream. This example illustrates how the amount of effort one is willing to put into achieving their dream has changed. People today are not as willing to accept more realistic standards for their dreams.This is different even from just three years ago, when Katharine Q. Seelye said in her article â€Å"What Happens to the American Dream in a Recession? † that â€Å"Even though their economic outlook is worse, more people are saying they have either achieved the dream or expect to do so†¦ † She then quotes Barry Glassner, a professor of sociology: â€Å"‘You want to hold on to your dream even more when times are hard†, he said. ‘And if you want to hold on to it, then you better define it differently. ’† In her article, Seelye states that â€Å"people are shifting their definition of the American Dream†¦ ewer people are pegging their dream to material success and more are pegging it to abstract values. † If people today were to adopt this point of view, far many more citizens would achieve their dream. While standards and expectations change, the essential roots of the American Dream remain the same. The dream of having a prosperous, safe, happy life drives citizens to achieve more and improve themselves and the country. As long as these basic beliefs are held by even one citizen, the dream still lives. Works Cited Kay, Katty. â€Å"What is today’s American Dream?. BBC News U. S and Canada. (2011): n. page. Web. 12 Jan. 2013. . King, Dr. Martin Luther. â€Å"The American Dream. † Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. 5 Feb 1964. Lecture. Rodriguez, Gregory. â€Å"The American Dream: Is it slipping away?. † Los Angeles Times. (2010): n. page. Print. Seelye, Katharine. â€Å"What Happens to the American Dream in a Recession?. † (2009): n. page. Web. 12 Jan. 2013. Steinbeck, John. â€Å"Paradox and Dream. † Trans. Array Excerpts from â€Å"Paradox and Dream†. 1966. Print. Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Penguin Group, 1937. Print.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Slavery in Rome and China

1. In ancient Rome slavery became the indispensable foundation of the economy, and social status was a way to have political privilege and was praised upon in society. But in ancient China, they didn’t have as many slaves as the Romans, the had more of peasants contributing to society by working in fields, laboring on imperial estates, and maintaining canal channels. Chinese slaves also had legal protections provided by contracts specifying and limiting what would be demanded of them. The government depended more on a large population of free peasants to contribute taxes and services to the state instead of ordering people to do it under a contract. Slaves weren't as important to China as to Rome because they did not rely on the labor of a large slave population, they were merely a provided service or someone to do chores more than an actual slave. The treatment of Chinese slaves was much less harsh of the Romans, mostly because it was against the law to kill your slave, kings even lost their kingdoms after it was found they had murdered their slaves. Slaves were mostly treated unjust and badly from their master, and were viewed as other forms of property. They were mostly treated like property when they were sold and purchased by masters. When they talked back or refused to work, most slaves were severely punished, although it was illegal to kill your slave in China. When they worked they were used to farm and fix things and with no rest or appreciation, inhuman things that were made for animals or tools. In ancient China the slaves â€Å"humanity† came into account when the Qin government sought to abolish slavery. However, the institution persisted into the Han dynasty and the Qin were unsuccessful in the abolishment of slavery, but it showed that the treatment of slaves were unjust and how they wanted to prohibit it. 3. Since slaves were overworked, and improperly treated most slaves tried some passive resistant tactics that slaves resorted to, to revolt against their master in a non violent manner. Most slaves made excuses not to work, blaming it on the weather, maybe even other slaves, and maybe the lack of tools or machinery for them to use. Some even slept too much to blame it on the lack of sleep their getting from overworking. The slaves did not really achieve anything but more work that had to be done. If it was raining outside, then they had to work inside, and if they complained about it they were punished. Slaves in china resulted in protection by a contract which made them protected by the government if masters broke the contract.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Poetry Humanities Essay

Compare the ways that Checking out Me History explores the importance of identity and culture with one other poem of your choice. Agard in Checking Out Me History show is strong belief in the importance of our identity. Whereas Nagra in Singh Song doesn’t see the importance of his identity. In both poems, the use of language has been used to show their culture and identity. In Checking Out Me History, Agard writes â€Å"Dem tell me/wha dem want to tell me†. The use of non-standard english of ‘dem’ instead of ‘them’, suggests that the speaker is refusing to use standard english as he believes the Colonial Powers have oppressed his own identity and his own culture. The repetition of ‘Dem’ suggests that he has been brainwashed into learning about great white history like ‘Lord Nelson and Waterloo’. However, language in Singh Song is used to show a barrier between the two cultures. Nagra writes â€Å"Hey Singh, ver yoo bin?/yor lemons are limes†. The use of non-standard shows a natural language barrier as he is trying to use standard english. The quote â€Å"yor lemons are limes†, suggests that the goods he is selling are outdated. From this we can see that there is a bridge between cultures as he trying to be like a traditional clean British shop from a typical stereotype of an unclean Indian corner shop. Structure is used in Checking Out Me History to emphasise certain words . Agard narrates â€Å"Toussaint/ With Vision/ Lick back/ Napoleon/ First black/ De thorn/ De beacon/ De Haitian revolution†. The emphasis on the words ‘vision, thorn, beacon’ connotes hope and proudness in Black history. Also the half rhyme in ‘vision, beacon and revolution’ gives it a short snappy, slow rhythmic flow to it which is effective in making the forgotten Black history stand out. In Singh Song, structure is used to show a contrast between the two cultures. Daljit Nagra writes â€Å"My bride/ she hav a red crew cut/ and she wear a Tartan sari/ a donkey jacket and some pumps†. The contrast between the ‘red crew cut’ and ‘tartan sari’ suggests culture difference as she wants to keep her Indian culture with the ‘tartan sari’ but wants to be modernised with the ‘donkey jacket and pumps’.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Briefly Describe The Long March and explain why it is an important event in Chinese History

In the summer of 1934, after suffering a string of defeats, the communist party and the Read Army decided to flee their southern bases and retreat. This retreat became known as the Long march. On the march the group endured 368 days of extreme hardship before they finally reached the caves of Yenan in Northern China. The Long March is recalled fondly with great idealism as a time when thousands of Chinese peasants selflessly volunteered to join the fight. The Long March is considered an important event in Chinese history for many reasons. It was very important for the CCP and Red army because communism survived and they found a new base.This new base was remote enough for the GMD to be unable to attack it, and was also safe from attack by the Japanese. This helped to increase the CCP’s standing in China even further. Another key impact of the Long March was that Moa Zedong was re-established as the unchallenged leader of the CCP. The cowardliness of his guerrilla tactics durin g the extermination campaigns had meant that he was replaced for a short time by Otto Braun. However Braun allowed the communists to carry too much equipment, and led the retreat in a straight line, making them slower and easier to attack.He was blamed for their huge losses, and leadership was soon handed back to Mao. After the success of the march, his tactics were forgotten and he was hailed as a great hero. The march also allowed many Chinese people to see the CCP as great heroes, and therefore increased support for them. The long march became part of Chinese Communist mythology. Many paintings were produced showing Mao marching at the head of the column over the mountains of Western China. This opinion really boosted support for communism and many people began to agree with their policies over those of Chaing’s and the GMD’s.During the Long March, Support for Communism was also increased by the good behaviour of the Red Army in the provinces they crossed. Their pos itive attitudes and fair morals impressed many local people, especially peasants, who were more inclined to support the CCP. Their rules to speak politely, pay fairly, not to hit or swear, not to take liberties with woman and not to ill-treat prisoners greatly contrasted with the brutal and cruel treatment of the locals by the GMD armies, who captured, starved and murdered anyone who had any connection to communism.The Long march was not at all as idealistic as it seemed in reality, thousands of communists were wounded, killed, starved or froze to death. However, today it is not seen as a failure for the CCP, but is instead hailed as an important event in the survival and establishment of the communist government, leadership and support in China and a key event in Chinese History.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Organisation, Competition and Environment Assignment

Organisation, Competition and Environment - Assignment Example The Unique Point Tutorials has over a hundred students, taught by Dowell herself with the assistance of some half a dozen teachers for different subjects. Dowell prefers coaching the younger children, leaving the older children of higher grades to the teachers who are specialized in different subjects. As an individual proprietor, Dowell had never felt the need to draw up objectives or targets. Business-wise, she was prospering. However, a few students of the higher standards had opted to change over to the new classes since they were offering offshore services, being affiliated with universities abroad. This has made Dowell think on global terms. On her husband's advice, she consulted a chartered accountant, who has asked her to crystallize her aims and objective, and targets from the current year. She decided on a two-pronged approach to her objectives which were to be external objectives and stakeholders'/internal objectives. To institutionalize her tutorial with her husband as a co-associate, and draw up a Memorandum of Association and encourage interested parents to become members in the association, with a view to promote total education for everybody in the locality. With a view to further strengthen her position vis--vis the competiti... To formulate principles of best practice, promote research, and link up with reputed overseas universities. To lobby for increased funding for capital expenditure to rent or purchase additional rooms to accommodate a hundred more students. (http://www.aicafmha.net.au)1 With a view to further strengthen her position vis--vis the competition, Dowell decided to identify her stakeholders and their objectives, and the objectives' status as of date. After deliberating, she concluded that her chief stakeholders were the students, parents and the teachers/staff. She also decided to make time for discussion and consultation with each of them in order to gather useful data and ideas, strengthen relationships, enhance the associations' reputation, improve decision-making, and also make these practices a part of her mainstream business practice. B)The stakeholders'/internal Objectives were: 1) For Students: To pursue and foster learning, enquiry, and through this to realise the Association's mission to be an academic community working together to create a learning environment in which teaching and learning is of the highest quality, supporting students and their personal development, and contributing to the well-being of their region and nation. To offer programmes of study at school, undergraduate and postgraduate levels that provide students with varying entry qualifications, experience and an educational base for a range of employment and further training opportunities. To provide appropriate curricula and learning experiences that satisfy the requirements of relevant professional and accrediting bodies. To provide scholarship to deserving students. To enable students to acquire a working knowledge of core

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Marriage among the Somali in Africa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marriage among the Somali in Africa - Essay Example Somalia used to be considered the Land of Punt by the ancient Egyptians (Abdullahi 4). They tended to adore its trees, which were responsible for producing the myrrh and aromatic gum resins frankincense. Punt is mentioned in the Bible, and it came to be known as Cape Aromatica by ancient Romans. Somalia is named for Samale or Samaal the Somali people’s legendary father. Most Somali people are Muslims of Sunni sect, and they share a similar language, Somali. Like all other cultures, the Somali people observe Marriage as a passage rite, as well as a fundamental transformation from childhood to adulthood. Traditionally, Somali marriages have created a bond in men and women, as well as between families and clans. The Somali people’s clan groupings are significant social units. Clan membership plays a vital part in Somali politics and culture and clans are patrilineal. They are divided into sub-clans as well as sub-sub-clans, leading to extended families. Somali marriages us ed to be arranged until recently when things changed. The arrangement occurred commonly between a wealthy older man and a father of the young female he wished to wed. Even in the twenty-first century, in many rural areas these customs still remain valid. The man usually pays a bride price in money or livestock to the female’s family (Gardner and Judy 12). Somali society is ethnically endogamous traditionally. Therefore, in order to prolong ties of alliance, marrying occurs between one ethnic Somali to another ethnic Somali of a different clan. Thus, for instance, a recent study showed that among the 89 marriages contracted by Dhulbahante clan men, 62%, (55) were with Dhulbahante sub-clans’ women. 33.7% (31) were with surrounding clans’ women from other clan families. 4.3 % (3) were with the Darod clan family’s women. Traditionally, Samaal marry someone from outside their family lineage or within the family lineage if it is separated from the male by six g enerations or more (Abdullahi 8). The Arab custom of marrying within a father's family lineage is followed by Saab whereby first cousins often marry each other. After marriage, a Somali bride should live with her husband's family while her own parents provide the household goods and home. However, she retains her family name. The Somali â€Å"community† comprises of a varied and a vast array of social groups, familial bonds, and clans, each of which maintains its own beliefs regarding the concept of marriage. According to some Somalis, a girl is considered appropriate for marrying a provided suitor when she reaches age nine. They believe that, incase a girl has not yet been married, by the time she reaches 15 years the girl may be regarded flawed in some aspect hence viewed as bad luck or an outcast to her family. However, in Somali’s central region, there is a strong belief that a female’s suitability for marriage starts immediately the girl's breasts become no ticeable, despite her age. Though this can lead to an inherently immature and extremely young girl child being married off, it cannot be not regarded as problematic for the â€Å"couple.† in this region Somalis believe that just because a female is young, she is not necessarily unsuitable as a wife. The girl should learn her duties as a wife in the period following her marriage if she got married off at a young age. This dynamic is known as â€Å"

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Human nature and politics Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Human nature and politics - Dissertation Example This essay tells that in the present day turmoil, observed worldwide in various political circles, and the disillusionment faced by the citizens thereafter, the focus has steadily remained on the changing political actors and their varying political ideologies, which are in reality superficial in nature. In a persistent move to examine various political theories and doctrines, one has failed to observe the most important aspect, which plays a decisive role in the world of politics and power play (both globally and nationally), which is the ‘human nature.’ However, the term human nature is not easily defined, and includes complex characteristics like human perception, reasoning, behavior, ways of feeling, thinking, that are naturally observed in any individual in context of his or her surrounding socio-political world. The questions as to what causes these characteristics to take shape and form within human thought processes, in what exact manner the causal factors work, and as to how well the human nature is entrenched, form the bases of various researches in the world of western philosophy, with considerable implications in the practical fields of psychological and biological sciences, religious studies, politics, and ethics. This is primarily owing to the fact that Ð °human nature can be seen as antecedent of a benchmark for ‘living well’ and behavioral norms, while on the other hand it can also be perceived as a characteristic that creates problems and constraints in the way of a good life. Aristotle in his virtue theory claimed that ‘virtues’ are human qualities that assist an individual to achieve the benchmark and ‘live well,’ which is in concordance to human nature.5 Machiavelli and Hobbes on the other hand believed that human nature tends to be egoistic thus creating problems and constraints in ‘living well.’ Machiavelli further suggests that each individual has the potential of ‘li ving well’ and being happy, as long as he/she does not face suffering. Hobbes however, takes an extreme view and states that human nature is entirely derived from materialist axioms, and the state

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying study questions Essay

William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying study questions - Essay Example Each character is shown as being differentiated and actually utterly alone in his thoughts and interpretations of the events. Whatever a character is thinking is what what is encountered by the reader. Incomplete thoughts and hard-to-decipher dialect compound the initial problem that the reader encounters. Since the reader is obliged to follow the mental meanderings and preoccupations of each character, one at a time, it is inevitable that the reader will become confused. The reason for the family's obstinacy in getting Addie's request fulfilled is left to the reader to decipher from the family's behavior and thoughts. Aside from the unfolding of events (the story itself), what holds the interest of the reader is the challenge, or at least the wait, of being able to piece this puzzle together. The presence of characters not part of the Bundren family allows the reader feel that he can make a more objective judgment, and these outside characters show us that what the Bundren family is doing is not 'normal'. In the early parts of the book, I expected that there would be quite a lot of confusion. Faulkner gives only small glimpses of the plot, and slowly, so that the picture becomes clearer as the story goes on. The structure of the novel began to feel simpler as I pro

Financial Accouting Theory coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial Accouting Theory coursework - Essay Example permits the accounting treat of investments in joint ventures in either of two methods, namely, the proportionate consolidation method or the equity method. It is matter of great controversy and discussion as which method is most suitable for venturer to recognize its joint venture interest in its financial statements. An effort has been made in this write up to suggest the most suitable method of accounting for the venturer. For applying proportionate consolidation method the consolidated financial statements of jointly controlled entity are used. The consolidated balance sheet of the venturer includes its share of assets that it controls jointly as well its share of liabilities for which it is jointly responsible. Similarly, the profit and loss account of the venturer includes its shares of income and expenses of the jointly controlled entity. First, Share in each asset, liability, income, and expenses of the venturer into the joint venture statements may be shown as separate line item under the asset, liability, income, and expenditure of similar nomenclature in the consolidated financial statements of the venturer, or the second, where the venturer may combine its share in each asset, liability, income, and expenditure into joint venture financial statement with asset, liability, income, and expenditure of similar nomenclature in the consolidated statements of venturer. Under equity method initially the investment into the joint venture is recoded at cost. The venturer will recognize its share of joint venture income as an increase in investment and a corresponding increase in the net income. Share of income or part of investments actually withdrawn or taken from joint venture business is not shown as income by the venturer in its statements. Instead those are reported as reduction in the joint venture investment account. Market values of the investments into the joint venture are not considered. The transactions are recorded at cost only. When an

Monday, September 9, 2019

Art histort 300-2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art histort 300-2 - Essay Example † that started in New York, where individuals frequently interacted with each other, and share a common approach to making art, even when the appearance of their paintings diverged in many ways (Carr, n.d.). This common approach married the forms, purposes, colors, and shapes of Expressionism and Abstract Art. After World War II, a small group of American painters who lived in New York developed an artistic innovation (Carr, n.d.). They were called the â€Å"Rebel Painters of the 1950s† and included Jackson Pollock, Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning, Philip Guston, Adolph Gottlieb, Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, Barnett Newman, Ad Reinhardt, Mark Rothko, and Clyfford Still (Carr, n.d.). These artists rejected both social realism and geometric abstraction, two leading strains in American art in the 1930s (Carr, n.d.). Abstract Expressionists focused on expressing elusive ideas and experiences. For Pollock, Gorky, and de Kooning, their subjects were autobiographical and came from their sheer need to paint and express themselves. In Gorky’s â€Å"The Artist and His Mother† paintings, they were often compared to Ingress for simplicity of lines and to Picasso for color and structure. Pollock is known for his abstract expressionist paintings, such as Number 1, 1950 (Lavende r Mist), where his subconscious seemed to have controlled the flow of action in the painting. de Kooning’s Woman V (1952-53) has Gorkys surrealist style and Picassos form and shape. Mark Rothko fluently described their Abstract Expressionist art: â€Å"Art was not about an experience, but was itself the experience† (Carr, n.d.). Abstract Expressionism developed in the social setting of the Depression era. During this time, artists like Gorky and de Kooning, for instance, lived near each other and became good friends (Carr, n.d.). de Kooning also befriended Rothko, Philip Guston and Barnett Newman (Carr, n.d.). The friendships and solidarity among the Abstract Expressionists were strengthened by

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Sunflower Incorporated management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Sunflower Incorporated management - Essay Example Brands such as Frito-Lay, Nabisco, Pringles, Borden’s and Planters are determined to increase their market share through renewed marketing strategies of their products (Cummings and Worley 239). These imminent dangers to the company propelled the president of Sunflower, Mr. Joe Steelman, to pirate Agnes Albanese from a competitor. The new position of Director of Pricing and Purchasing was created specifically for her. Her direct superior was Mr. Mobley, the Vice President for Finance. The president and Mr. Mobley both gave her freedom in her position and to create rules and procedures as she sees fit. Her position as a new top executive of the company necessitated coordination with each region and this was made known to all concerned personnel for compliance. Less than a month from taking on the job, Albanese implemented a number of new policies that every region must comply with toward a standardized system for all regions. These changes are, first, financial executives must notify her of more than 3% changes in local pricing, second, contracts amounting to more than $5,000 must first be cleared by her office. Though the latter rule is in fact inoperable since majority of the items are bought in bulk and distributed from the head office and only 40% are from within each region. These guidelines, she decided, were to be sent to the regional executives through email and shall be implemented immediately and thereafter be included in the company’s policies within four months (ibid 240). Haphazard Changes The major mistake that Albanese committed is in coming up with new procedures without proper diagnosis of the needs of the company and... Sunflower Incorporated is primarily a distribution company which purchases salty snack and liquor and supplies it to various retail stores in the United States and Canada. The company has had an established system focusing on geographical location as its main consideration. The main unit of Sunflower has given its branches ample leeway in terms of autonomy since each location consists of a varied demand correlative to the predisposition of the consumers of their given area. Understandably, each region consumes a greater amount of one product over another. Where whisky and bourbon is a major demand in the northeast part of the United States, vodka, gin and rum is popular in the West while Mexican taste is replicated in the snacks distributed to the southwest. The company in its outlets in the two countries is divided into 22 regions where each has an independent finance department, purchasing department, sales team and a central warehouse. The signs were clear early on but Agnes Albanese opted to disregard them and instead obstinately carried on a plan which lacks procedural and substantive purpose. She acted as though time was not on her side and executed changes that are ill-fitting to the organization as it stands. She took the liberty given to her by the highest ranking executives of the company and despite the cautionary advice of her superior, Albanese proceeded with her plan instantaneously. There was no proper evaluation of all surrounding conditions nor was there a concrete plan of action that everyone is on the same page. Evidently, it is easier to say yes on email than to argue with the computer.