Siren Song

In â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey† and â€Å"Siren Song† both show the weaknesses of human beings. Also it reveals humans find something so enticing that they are incapable of withstanding it. In â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey† Homer creates an illusion that the sirens are dangerous creatures, unlike Atwood’s poem, â€Å"Siren Song. † Atwood’s poem however shows a desperation coming from the sirens. In â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey† the poem is told from Odysseus point of view. He portrays the Sirens as mysterious and luring.Circes advises Odysseus that the Sirens â€Å"spellbind any man alive, whoever comes their way. † Gaining this knowledge, Odysseus made his sailors plug their ears with beeswax so they would avoid hearing the thrilling songs of the Sirens. Odysseus was determined to hear the beautiful songs of the Sirens, even though he was aware of the consequences. This reveals mans selfishness by having Odysseus do whatever it takes to hear the song. Odysseus orders his men to tie him down on the mast to ensure his survival.Odysseus hears the Siren's song and starts to react to it, his men â€Å"flung themselves to the oars† and â€Å"sprung up at once to bind him faster with ropes. † This shows how inciting the sirens were to men. In â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey† a man’s perceptive is shown, and describes how temptation will always be a part of life. Unlike â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey†, Atwood’s poem â€Å"Siren Song† is told from the Sirens point of view. The sirens are portrayed as irresistible creatures that cause men to completely lose all self control.One of the Sirens states â€Å"I don’t enjoy it here,† in â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey† all the sirens seem to be fond of singing their admirable songs. In Atwood’s poem a Siren is begging for help; â€Å"Help me, only you can. † Unfortunately no one can help because once the music of the Sirens touches the ear; they succumb to the power of the Sirens. The Sirens have a certain desperation to be set free from their unpleasant life on the island. â€Å"Will you get me out of this bird suit? † shows that the Sirens in Atwood’s poem have identities, opposite of â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey†.There is no information in The Odyssey that infers that the sirens have an identity. In both poems the Sirens voices show an irresistible lure to men. The reasons that the Sirens sings differ from each poem. In† Homer’s Odyssey,† Odysseus feels like they are targeting him, however in Atwood’s poem the Sirens are simply singing for themselves. The Sirens seem sympatric to the men who jump overboard, yet unable to stop themselves from calling the men to their island.The poems â€Å"Homer’s Odyssey† and â€Å"Siren Song† have many similarities in how the Sirens are portrayed but at the same time th ey differ in many different aspects of the poems. The â€Å"Sirens Song† Sirens use the men’s own natural curiosity to bring the men to them. The â€Å"Odyssey† Sirens use enchantment and the promise of passion to get the men to come. Either way, the Sirens reveal how tricky and clever they are with their magical songs. Nevertheless, the Sirens could just be trying to torment men for their own entertainment or they could be trying to reach out for help.

Federalist Argument for Ratification of the Constitution

Federalist Argument for Ratification of the Constitution November 18, 2010 Americans, prior to and shortly after the Revolutionary War, were strongly united under one opinion. The common belief that America ought to be an independent state, with its own system of government can be found in the literature of each and every colony. However, after the failure of the first governing document, the Articles of Confederation, delegates met in Philadelphia in order to draft a better functioning constitution. In this debate, the opinion of America soon became divided.On one side were the supporters of the proposed constitution (Federalists) and on the other the opponents (Anti-Federalists). The Federalists urged their fellow delegates and the nation for the establishment of a consolidated federal government that gets its power from an energetic constitution. The reason behind this position was none other than the failure of the Articles of Confederation. Although the two sides disagreed over the role and authority of the federal government, they did hold one thing in common: the Articles of Confederation were inadequate and threatened the preservation of the union.The Anti-Federalists believed that the flaws of the Articles of Confederation could be fixed by amendments while the Federalists combated that claim by suggesting that the â€Å"material defects† that exist in the articles cannot be repaired and thus a new, more energetic, constitution must be drafted. Additionally, the Anti-Federalists sought to support the Articles of Confederation because they believed that there are more problems introduced by the newly proposed constitution.They argued that the document would establish an untested form of government and they maintained that the Framers of the Constitution were an elitist group that had met in secrecy in order to empower â€Å"moneyed few. † The Federalists refuted the claims of their opponents in a series of essays that underlined the follow ing central ideas: the benefit of the union to the colonies; defense of republicanism in the newly proposed constitution; and the necessity of an energetic, proficient federal government. As previously stated, both sides agreed that the Articles of Confederation ere incapable of preserving the union. However, the Anti-Federalists believed in confederated government made up of small republics (as it existed prior to the ratification of the Constitution). â€Å"If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few.Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the mi nds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldly, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government† (Hammond, Hardwick, & Lubert, 2007, p. 538). According to their argument, small republics preserve liberty best because citizens of small republics know the elected officials on a personal level and it is this intimate connection that assures obedience of the law.A confederation of states allows for the existence of states that reflect their constituents. In a large republic there will be many opinions and laws will be diluted by the number of opinions. This can create conflict and threaten the union. In Federalist 10, James Madison disproves this claim by stating the Federalist belief that large republics produce better candidates and a majority that is more inclusive to existing minorities. In the next place, as each representative will be chosen by a greater number of citizens in the large than in the small republic, it will be more difficult for unworthy candidates to practice with success the vicious arts by which elections are too often carried; and the suffrages of the people being more free, will be more likely to centre in men who possess the most attractive merit and the most diffusive and established characters† (Hammond, Hardwick, & Lubert, 2007, p. 465).Madison reasons that in a large state the number of voters and candidates is greater therefore the probability of electing a qualified representative is also greater. In a small republic candidates running in election can fool voters easier than in a large republic. Thus, Madison, in contrast to the Anti-Federalists, saw the large size of the United States as a help rather than a hindrance to the cause of liberty. Due to these qualities of large republics the salvation of the union would be facilitated.Federal inability to enforce laws on the states leads the Federalists to desire an energetic constitution that gave the government mor e authority and the apparatuses necessary to enforce its sovereignty. Under the Articles of Confederation, states were left to enforce federal law. Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist 15, argues that this practice â€Å"†¦in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option† (Hammond, Hardwick, & Lubert, 2007, p. 472).Furthermore, he expands on federal powers and tools needed for enforcement in Federalist 23. In defense of the â€Å"necessary and proper† clause of the Constitution, Hamilton states that â€Å"†¦because it is impossible to foresee or define the extent and variety of national exigencies, or the correspondent extent and variety of the means which may be necessary to satisfy them† (Hammond, Hardwick, & Lubert, 2007, p. 478). The new constitution would enable to federal gove rnment to implement its authority over members of the union. In a federalist view this is a necessary improvement for the security of the union.If the national government is given responsibilities then it ought to also have the tools needed to carry out those responsibilities. The lack of clear and complete separation between the executive, legislative and judicial bodies was viewed by the Anti-Federalist as a reintroduction of a monarchial and tyrannical regime. James Madison, on the other hand, reasoned that the best government of the time, as it existed in Britain, and all of the colonies already practiced the same overlapping of powers that was found in the proposed constitution.In Federalist 48, Madison argues that it is this very overlapping of authority that preserves the separation of powers; â€Å"The conclusion which I am warranted in drawing from these observations is, that a mere demarcation on parchment of the constitutional limits of the several departments, is not a sufficient guard against those encroachments which lead to a tyrannical concentration of all the powers of government in the same hands† (Hammond, Hardwick, & Lubert, 2007, p. 494).He believed that his opponents had read Montesquieu but had not understood his notion of separation of powers clearly. According to Montesquieu, tyranny results when one branch of government simultaneously holds the powers of another branch. However, Madison argues that Montesquieu â€Å"did not mean that these departments ought to have no partial agency in, or no control over, the acts of each other† (Hammond, Hardwick, & Lubert, 2007, p. 490). Thus, the above claim enabled the Federalists to sufficiently settle the argument on this issue.As brilliant as the Federalist Papers were they were not the sole reason that the proposed constitution was ratified. Nevertheless, they aided the constitution's cause by giving the constitution's adherents ideas with which to counter their oppositi on. The Anti-Federalist outcry was not without its effects. With the ratification of the Constitution state legislatures voted for the addition of the first ten amendments. The Bill of Rights, as it came to be known, became an essential part of the document and its legacy of liberty.The ratification of the Constitution not only changed the political culture but also the social. Soon after its approval, American experienced a social shift as well. Citizens no longer saw themselves as only Virginians or New Yorkers; instead they became something larger than that, they became American first and the rest as they say is history.Works Cited Hammond, S. , Hardwick, K. , & Lubert, H. (2007). Classics of american political & constitutional thought. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.

Basic concepts of psychodynamic psychotherapy

In the essay, â€Å"Basic concepts of psychodynamic psychotherapy† I have delved deep into the concept psychodynamic psychotherapists. Who are they? What is their role and how they help emotionally disturbed patients. Freud was the first to formulate the concept psychodynamic psychotherapy and then with the passage of time, many types of therapies have been conceived.It is based on the simple concept that we all are emotionally related to each other and these emotions may from time to time create disturbances in our daily lives, which we are unable to find out.Therapists help us to find these problems and give the solutions. But there are certain problems too in the treatment process in the various concepts of Psychodynamic psychotherapy. These problems can arise due to transference, counter-transference, defense and resistance. All in all, this essay will be beneficial for all the people concerned and students of psychotherapy. Introduction: Psychodynamic psychotherapy involv es patients to understand their emotional turmoil and effectively deals with them.It is a therapy provided to the young adults to help them deal with the emotional problems arising out of the depression and anxiety caused due to the relationship problems either with family, peers, friends, or professors. It is a method of verbal communication enabling patients to get relief from emotional pains. People go for psychodynamic psychotherapy for number of reasons like prolonged sadness, anxiety, sexual frustration, physical symptoms without any basis, continuous feelings of isolation and loneliness, and an ardent desire to achieve more success in work and love.People ask for therapist, as they cannot solve the resolution in the time of their difficulties in their own way. The roots of the concepts psychodynamic psychotherapy had arisen out of the theories and techniques of psychoanalysis. As said by Nancy McWilliams, â€Å"Psychoanalytic therapists, including psychoanalysis, are approac hes to helping people that derive ultimately from the ideas of Sigmund Freud and his collaborators and his followers†. (McWilliams, 2004, p. 1)The overall theme of the psychodynamic approach of helping people is based on the simpler premises that the more we are honest with ourselves, the more we have chances of living a better, satisfied and useful life. Psychoanalytical and clinical writing espouses from within our unconscious level those aspects that we have not realized or are not evident and if we are aware of these disavowed aspects, we will get relief from emotional pain and also from the time and energy spent to keep ourselves at unconscious level.Michael Guy Thompson and the inheritors of Rieff argued that psychoanalysis as a field has adorned an ethic of honesty as a means to achieve therapeutic goals. Thomas Szasz in 2003 defined psychoanalysis as a â€Å"moral dialogue, not a medical treatment. † (McWilliams, 2004, p. 2) Since decades therapists have personi fied themselves as most honest in their personal analysis with the patients and also fostering the achievements as a result of the same. (McWilliams, 2004) There are differences in the goals of therapy depending on the methods of treatment that could be either expressive or supportive.Expressive therapy enables the patients to relieve themselves from symptoms through the development of awareness of feelings and thoughts. The therapy is based on the concept that difficulties, which are experienced by the adults have their emergence in childhood; children neither possess the ability of making suitable choices for themselves nor they have an independence to follow the same and the methods that are developed in the childhood are no longer effective during adulthood.With counselling, adults get to know the ineffective ways they had been adopting and today’s ways of adoption to come out of the various problems and hurdles. Another is supportive therapy, more relevant to give patien t immediate relief. Therapist adopts this approach with the previous level of functioning of a person and helps him to strengthen the ways already been adopted by him. While many patients can get benefited from one treatment but in several cases, other therapies may also be involved like family therapy, couple therapy, or group therapy, which could be separately given and also in combination.Concepts of Psychodynamic psychotherapy Psychodynamic psychotherapy provides a unique model for the mental functioning involving five key concepts, and these are: â€Å"Unconscious processes in the mental level; Transference; Counter-transference; Defense and resistance; and the past repeating itself in the present. † (Yager, Mellman & Rubin, 2005, p. 340) 1. Unconscious processes in the mental level â€Å"Unconscious is an adjectival description of areas of mental experience not available to normal awareness†. (McGrath & Margison, 2000) It is the part of the mental process about w hich we are not aware of.There could be different levels of unconscious mental activity including our inability to realize what is going on in our mind and secondly partial awareness. Most of the Freud’s writings were based on this unconscious level of mind, which is â€Å"a reservoir that contained dynamically repressed contents that were kept out of awareness because they created conflict. † (Gabbard, 2004, p. 3) Freud’s earlier attempts were his efforts to bring out to surface the unconscious part of our mind for easily identifying the problem and understanding it in a better way.Freud formulated what is known as the topographical model and the structural model. The topographical model describes the parts of the mind that functions at various levels of consciousness and creates awareness of the same. It reveals and studies the quality that is playing its part in the mental processes rather than function it is playing. On the other hand is the structural model , which delves into the three important parts of the personality i. e.id, ego and superego and they perform motivational, interactive and executive functions. In the structural model, ego is shown as different from aggressive and sexual drives. Freud explains that, â€Å"The conscious part of the ego involves that part of the mind, which performs the function of decision making, integration of perceptual data, and the mental calculation whereas the unconscious part of the ego involves defense mechanisms that are designed to counteract the power instinctual derives harbored in the id†. (Gabbard, 2004, p.4) Sexuality and aggression are drives requiring deep level defensive efforts from the ego to prevent them from becoming intrusive to the person’s functioning. According to Freud, unconsciousness continues to create an influence on our behavior even though we are unaware about it. For e. g. during one of the clinical trials, I studied the patient’s problem on his communication process. I assumed that the patient’s verbal and nonverbal communication to us was unconsciously organized, and consciously as well as unconsciously had certain meaning.This meant from his speech and non-verbal behavior, I had to find out the central conflict patient was undergoing through unwillingly organized thoughts, feelings and behaviors in his relation to the persons he was concerned. When I listened to the patient, certain portion of this conflicting tendency in his mental power was quite visible. This could be in the form of phrases, images, nonverbal behaviors etc. These signs help in interpreting the root cause of the problem. After the thorough investigation of the verbal phrase, I interpreted that his focal conflict was related to his phallic competitive wishes.But it was not clear whether his phallic conflicts were regressive arising from his struggle or he went to an extent of powerful regression towards the sadistic tendency. In other words, it w as not clear that his difficulty with phallic competitive feelings toward males had arisen from his feeling of jealousy or looking at them as rivals or his anxiety had arisen due to the sad feelings and his impulses. But one thing that I found was he often felt very anxious and often had a great feeling of anxiety over the affects and that could be created on his impulses by the people he thinks to be rivals.Psychotherapeutic acts like a friend, and as said by must act like a therapeutic distance or therapeutic neutrality; never treating with any personal desires yet always maintaining the relationship with the patient focusing on the treatment process. 2. Transference Second concept is transference, involving the relationship client feels towards his psychotherapist. It is very natural for the client to experience the feeling of transference, also known as the transference reactions. These feelings are no less than in-depth feelings of love or hate.Jacques Lacan, a psychoanalyst ex plains that this love means having a belief or faith in the other, in other words, the other person has knowledge you don’t have. (Wright, 1998) This intense belief on the part of the client can cause problem that should be solved during the process psychotherapeutic treatment. For e. g. these feelings could be mixed feelings of love and hate that can arise out of the relationship problems with parents and they look at therapist with these mixed feelings. In such a situation, there is a need to realize that psychotherapist is only trying to reduce these feelings.A patient also begins to feel that the psychotherapist has a personal ability to come out of the sense of inner worthlessness and there can be fondness and even sexual attraction with the psychotherapist. This happens as the therapeutic cure comes from the emotional feeling and removes emotional emptiness. It is said if transference is not handled carefully it can lead to disaster consequence. For e. g. many patients have their lives ruined because psychotherapists play with the patients erotic feelings in a personal way and fail to make the client understand that it is the medical treatment.In many cases transference can also make you frighten putting a stop to the treatment prematurely. For e. g. it was October 18th 2000, I had one patient in my clinic that most of the time got into the fits of anxiety and depression. I lovingly asked him several questions and during the process, I found he had an odd problem with his parents. He acknowledged the fact that his parents loved him but at the same time was always had a feeling of insecurity, anger and confusion towards his parents thinking they didn’t love him as much as they loved their other children.The first thing about him that came to my mind was he had a craving for love and it was love he needed the most. He was fourteen years old boy with smart and innocent boyish look in his face, with black and blonde hair. So my initial step of treatment started by getting emotionally close to the patient, and I initiated to give the parental care he craved for, understand his differences with his parents and try not to repeat the same mistakes what he felt his parents were doing.Slowly, his signs of depression began to reduce and he felt more relaxed and tension free. My more and more closeness with him created a situation of transference, as I soon realized he was not able to spend even few minutes of his time without calling me or having a talk with me. He was now looking at me as his saviour and parents. I soon realized this would create a more problem if I leave him, as he could feel sadder and get into more depression. I then called his parents, discussed problem with them and explained them the importance and real meaning of love.Love means not just fulfilling the responsibilities but also coming close to your child, keeping your hands on his head and saying, â€Å"I am with you. † These are magical words bes t than the medicine that can reduce the emotional pains and can trigger the self-confidence and faith in others and oneself. I gave his parents some tips to follow and soon they realized it. This was the beginning of new life for my patient as he felt more relaxed, happy and relieved from all the pains and I slowly and slowly made him realize I was only his doctor and had to go.3. Counter-transference Counter transference is a reverse of the transference. This is described for the reactions and the emotional and unconscious reactions that can be felt by psychotherapist for his client. If these feelings are taken personally then psychotherapist can get into angry bout, abusive, spiteful, indifferent, or even seductive and if the counter-transference gets very deep and intense, then psychotherapist has to stop the treatment himself and get his patient referred to someone else for client’s protection.Counter-transference should be distinguished from the feelings he generated dur ing the process of treatment, because these feeling are used for treatment. At this point we can say that feelings generated by psychotherapists could be good as well as bad as both the extremity of the emotional feelings can have adverse effect on both the psychotherapist as well as on the part of patient. With the patient I mentioned above, I also began to feel emotional closeness but I controlled my emotions and with some careful analysis of the situation and adopting the balanced approach I dealt with him.4. Defense and resistance Yet another therapeutic concept needs to be undertaken is defense and resistance. Freud defines resistance as â€Å"whatever interrupts the progress of analytic work, like getting late, missing a session, or avoiding a particular issue†. (Fink, 1997, 230) Simply defense and resistance occurs owing to the fear and fear we have to face and relinquish from the anger of the victim. In other words, the treatment task is very complex and frightening a nd there is often the fear of facing the anger of a patient and overcoming an inclination to lie to yourself.Nonetheless Lacan said resistance should be distinguished from defense, and gave the statement that â€Å"there is no other resistance to analysis than that of the analyst himself. † (Fink, 1997, p. 225) For e. g. if the psychotherapist makes interpretation or makes intervention, which seemed to be not proper clinically, the client can be defensive and that can cause interruption in the work of therapists. In other words client will only get into the process of treatment when he himself feels comfortable about. The psychotherapist must feel the awareness of the fact that to what extent of the treatment process client is willing to go.Attempts to forcefully get client deep into the treatment process without getting him emotionally prepared can result in the client getting away from the treatment itself. In my case during the initial visit of the client, he showed reluct ance in the treatment process. He often came late from the time schedule and felt hesitant in disclosing. I assured him the best of my treatment and with great patience and slight conversations slowly yet steadily made him come closer to the treatment process. Then I was comfortable with me and he too was finding comfort in the treatment.5. The past repeating itself in the present In the psychodynamic language, it implies the past experiences of the patient continue to haunt him in the present. This happens with most of the suicidal patients – the past horrible experiences of the patients may continue to haunt him in his unconscious level. This may cause resistance on the part of the patient and treatment may suffer. In the clinical words, the transference to the clinician may have a major impact on the treatment, and counter – transference may also occur in subsequent time duration.(Gabbard & Allison, 2006) During the treatment period, practitioners have to face this situation and have to look into the patient’s past to bring out the root cause of his present situation and formulate this phase also. This process of integration of the past with the present is very painful thing for patients and in severe cases they can get emotionally disturbed, more depressive, anxious and can be aggressive, but nonetheless it is a temporary phase. I still remember she was nineteen years old and had gone into deep depression.When I asked about her past life, she entered into deeper state of depression and got completely silent and saddened and scared. I tried to relive her and promised not to ask about her past. She then slowly recovered herself, came back to normal and then after few days told me about her past. The treatment psychodynamic psychotherapy is all about the treatment of caring and love. In number of upheavals in our life, we need someone who can listen to us and care for us and here psychotherapist role starts. They listen to us and strive t o give us good hearing and relieve us from emotional pains.But, finally it is you only who is a healer and psychotherapist is only a guide who can take you on a self-guiding path. . Reference List Busch, F. N. & Milrod,B. L. 2008. Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Psychiatric Times. 25 (2). Corradi, R. B. (2006). Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Core Conceptual Model and Its Application. Journal of American Academy of Psychoanalysis, 34:93-116. Fink, B. 1997. A Clinical Introduction to Lacanian Psychoanalysis: Theory and Technique Harvard University Press. Gabard, G. O. & Allison, S. (2006). Psychodynamic Treatment.In Robert I. Simon, Robert E. Hales (Eds. ) The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Suicide Assessment and Management: assessing the unpredictable. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. , 221-234. Gabbard, G. O. (2004) Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Basic Text. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. McGrath, G. & Margi son, F. (2000) An Introduction to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: BASIC PSYCHODYNAMIC CONCEPTS I. Retrieved on September 25, 2008 from W. W. W: http://www. geocities. com/nwidp/course/basic1. htmMcWilliams, N. (2004) Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: A Practitioner's Guide. New York: Guilford Press. Shervin, H. , Bond, J. A. & Brakel, L. A. W. 1996. Conscious and Unconscious Processes: Psychodynamic, Cognitive, and Neurophysiological Convergences. New York: Guilford Press Wright, Elizabeth. 1998. Psychoanalytic Criticism: A Reappraisal. London & New York: Routledge. Yager,J. Mellman,L. & Rubin, E. 2005. The RRC Mandate for Residency Programs to Demonstrate Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Competency Among Residents: A Debate. Academic Psychiatry, 29:4, p. 339-349.

Heather MacDonald's Hispanic Family Values Essay

Heather MacDonald's Hispanic Family Values - Essay Example Social workers and government policies are at a great quandary on how to deal with such a problem and various solutions and proposals had been put forward but it seems to no avail. This paper is a short discussion of the so-called â€Å"Hispanic problem† and the Latinization of America. Discussion Heather MacDonald's rather lengthy article delves on the growing Hispanic class of unwed mothers living in America today. The article â€Å"Hispanic Family Values?† questions the assumptions inherent in the Spanish-American society in which being a single parent has been considered as culturally acceptable but this has serious implications for American society as a whole because the Spanish-descent population of America is the fastest-growing segment and this has a profound impact on American society today and in the foreseeable future. To help in her arguments, MacDonald relied greatly on the appeal of logos (logical based on knowledge) rather than on the other two appeals in an argument, which are the ethos (ethical) and pathos (emotional). Along this line, she cited a lot of facts and figures derived from statistical studies. The structure of the essay is being expository by using strong and clear claims about the serious implications of a large population sub-segment that is unwed, reliant on the social welfare services and finds nothing objectionable to having unwed mothers, often very young. There is strong evidence for her claims and it is therefore hard to argue against these claims. A large portion of her essay was devoted to citing incontrovertible evidence using statistics and a host of anecdotes and vignettes regarding actual lives of its study subjects. Any person who had read this article would come out fairly convinced of her point of view regarding the social crisis facing Hispanic society in America today based on warrants that are essentially valid. A lot of supposedly â€Å"Hispanic family values† had instead worked against this immigrant section of the population like having a tight-knit family conducive to raising a kid without a father. A case in point is the citation regarding how fast the Spanish-American population is growing compared to other ethnic groups in America. A high birth rate (female fertility) that is coupled with an accepting and tolerant culture towards having illegitimate children had been a great contributory factor to the main social problem. The author cited these alarming statistics to show the extent of the problem: â€Å"The rate of childbirth for Mexican teenagers, who come as from by far the largest and fastest-growing immigrant population, greatly outstrips every other group. The Mexican teen birthrate is 93 births per every 1,000 girls, compared with 27 births for every 1,000 white girls, 17 births for every 1,000 Asian girls, and 65 births for every 1,000 black girls. To put these numbers into international perspective, Japan’s teen birthrate is 3.9, Italy’s i s 6.9, and France’s is 10. Even though the outsize U.S. teen birthrate is dropping, it continues to inflict unnecessary costs on the country. . .† and although the author maybe did not want to sound alarmist, the dimensions of the problem boggles the mind. Many of Spanish grandmothers are single and never wed, so their daughters never got married

The World Of Vampires Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The World Of Vampires - Essay Example As with all forms of culture, a great deal can be said with regards to society and the mores and norms that this society integrates with regards to the types of popular culture that are exhibited within our current system. As a function of this brief analysis, the author will seek to understand the core complements of the female action star as well as to relate these attributes to present dynamics within current culture and society. It is the hope of this author that such a process will help the means by which seemingly trite, or otherwise simplistic films, speak to broader issues within culture and society. Further, by utilizing these movies as a vehicle to understand feminism, society, and the current culture that we live in, it is the further hope of this author that these two film franchises will be able to shed a degree of light on the means by which feminist concepts are displayed and integrated. The first determinant that can of course be seen with regards to these female acti on stars is the fact that they are almost invariably highly sexualized. In the case of the vampire Selene from the Underworld franchise, the viewer is presented with a dynamically powerful yet conflictingly feminine heroine that displays unbelievable prowess with regards to the use of weaponry, assassination, and coldhearted murder; however, also represents the fragile qualities of stylize womanhood in the fact that she has the capability to love and ultimately becomes a mother. This represents a unique dynamic due to the fact that the highly sexualized nature of the star is of course intended to draw in male audience members to the plot line. Speaking candidly, the plot in and of itself is quite weak (Stein 133). However, due to the fact that an impressively attractive Kate Beckinsale plays the lead role, arrayed in a skintight leather one piece, the degree to which the male audience will integrate with such a film is radically increased. This dynamic becomes even more interesting as the viewer realizes that the empowerment that is displayed within the film is ultimately representation of feminism; i.e. a backlash against traditional male oriented entertainment that features brawny men in explosive action movies. This complex dynamic becomes even more complicated when one realizes that the feminist agenda that is incorporated into these films is necessarily weakened by the fact that the women portrayed as the lead characters must sexualized themselves as a means of integrating the story with the audience. Much the same is true with Mila Jovovich’s main character in the Resident Evil film series. Whereas the character of Selene in the Underworld movies fights against werewolves, Mila Jovovich’s character within the Resident Evil franchise fights against throngs of the undead. However, regardless of the differential and plot lines, the very same approaches followed. Ultimately, Jovovich’s character is represented as a reluctant wife and pro fessional who is dragged into the abyss that the Umbrella Corporation creates with regards to an experiment gone wrong. Following specifically and almost identically the same mechanism whereby Kate Beckinsale’

Each of you should conduct any necessary research to ID and describe Paper

Each of you should conduct any necessary to ID and describe what you believe to be a significant trend that will influence how we market products and services different in the next five years - Research Paper Example Most of the developed countries had begun using the high-technology long time ago, and the overall cost of factor input is high to the firms. In this regard, most companies offering the high-technology services are seeking business in the developing nations where there is increasing demand and cheaper wage bill for the experts. As the governments of such developing countries promote higher education, there is a growing demand by the institution for high-technology services installation in an attempt to make the learners competitive. This trend is opening up more market for hi-tech service providers, and this is likely to continue for more than five years to come. In addition to that, the few trained high-technology personnel in the developing countries are relatively cheaper in terms of wage due to the lower cost of living and this provides a better opportunity for the service providing firms. This trend is likely to impact significantly in the overall increase ,in high-technology application among the citizens in developing countries. As the government and private sector continue collaborating to advocate more funding towards high-technology services in the learning institution, there will be a gradual adoption of the same in their management practices. Government institutions and private sector are likely to invest in high-technology services in their administrative services as most of the graduates are expected to have familiarized themselves with basic concepts. This will lead to a vicious cycle of high-technology services demand leading to the expansion of the industry in the developing world which is relatively large (Gaeta, 2013). This means that more marketing programs are being shifted towards the developing countries as the firms grapple with increasing costs and dwindling profit margin. In the next five years and beyond, intensive

An Election of Monumental Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

An Election of Monumental Change - Essay Example A "hot button" issue for many in the United States is the ongoing Us-led conflict in Iraq which has been going on since March 2003. This is one of the areas which Senator Obama has wished to distinguish himself from his other Senators in that unlike Senator's Clinton and McCain, Obama has not given as much leeway in the form of senatorial votes in favor of President Bush's defense budget, while on the other hand both Senator Clinton, as well as Senator McCain, have voted in both sides of the issue. In an era where the American people are looking for hope and this year looking to elect a new President, the two candidates to observe are Senator Barak Obama of Illinois and Senator Hillary Clinton of New York. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the US has taken it upon itself to adopt a pre-emptive measure as it comes to defending itself, as well as defending its role in international relations with the rest of the world. ... from the start, he says there is "no military solution" to the situation in Iraq," Adding that, "In January 2007, Obama proposed the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007, which would reverse the troop surge and redeploy U.S. troops to Afghanistan and other locations in phases. He favors more funds for U.S. military equipment like night-vision goggles and reinforced Humvees, though his recent refusal to sign a war funding bill came under criticism from presidential aspirant John McCain (R-AZ), who, among other things, accused the senator of misspelling "flak jacket." Under Obama's plan, there may be a residual troop presence (NYT) in Iraq for security and training purposes. His bill has not yet been voted on," (CFR 3/18/2008). In regards to Senator Clinton, her candidacy comes with the inevitable comparison, as well as what some would call "baggage", from the 8 years in office which her husband spent. "Sen. Clinton (D-NY) supported the invasion of Iraq at its advent, but now opposes it and claims that as president, she would end the war. Clinton opposed the 2007 escalation of the war. In early 2007, Clinton proposed the Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act. That bill, which would have prevented an increase in troops in Iraq above the level of January 1, 2007, had no cosponsors and never reached a vote," Elaborating further that, "Clinton also opposes the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq, although she, like Biden, does expect there to be a need for a "reduced residual force," perhaps stationed in Iraqi Kurdistan, even after troop redeployment. Clinton cosponsored Sen. Joe Biden's Iraq War Policy resolution in January 2007. In 2002, Clinton voted in favor of the invasion of Iraq, and has been widely criticized for her refusal to apologize for that

Native American Totem Poles Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Native American Totem Poles - Research Paper Example It had the ability to protect those dwelling within the household (Stewart 24). There is also the memorial and mortuary pole each with its own characteristics. This essay will explore the artistic nature of the Haida people mainly focusing on their totem poles, the style used in designing the pole, the meaning of the pole, reviewing an example a pole, and various criticisms highlighted by art historians based on them. In terms of style, a characteristic feature of the pole used that cannot be ignored is the nature of the eye set. The eyes are designed to peer down at the viewer from the position on the pole (Kramer 77). To understand the meaning of totem pole, they are viewed and interpreted from the top to the bottom. Kramer goes on to assert, â€Å"Well-formed eyes feature inner pupils and outer lids† (77). The lines of the Haida poles flow from one decoration to the next. Humans if they appear seem typically smaller than other figures. On other hand, they show fully dimensioned animals with well-rounded body parts and separate personalities (Kramer 77). To note is that with the Haida totem poles they remained unpainted which, is a contrasting feature as compared to other totem poles. For example in cultures such as the Kwakiutl there is the use of brightly painted colors such as white, red, yellow, brown and black colors. In consideration to the meaning of the totem pole, symbolism plays a major part in their displays. For example in the picture below, each aspect of the totem has a meaning. Here two security guards flank the killer whale. The killer whale fin rises between the hats of the security guards, whose hats indicate chiefly wealth and status. The long beaked bird representing the Raven crescent has a young bird and human face on its breast. A small human face supports the bear and leans above the face of the bottom figure. This may represent the bear mother story, which, is about a

Managing and Leading change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing and Leading change - Essay Example Changes in an organization may lead to development of new rules and methods of working. In order to implement change within an organization, managers may be required to impart training so that employees can easily adapt with the factors of the external environment. Managing change is highly systematic process and requires specific on behalf of the management and the employees (Jones, 2010). Business environment is highly fast paced and for long term survival it becomes necessary that organizations adhere to changes. Technology is one of the strongest aspects that have induced changes in the way organizations operate. Technological innovations have caused organizations to utilize resource in new and innovate ways (Pettigrew, Woodman and Cameron, 2001). Adapting to technological changes increases efficiency as well as provides scope for the management to operate in new ways. Organizations are also required to change when the requirements of customers change (Fernandez and Rainey, 2006). Evolution induces changes in the needs of consumers. Changes in consumer needs create demand for new products and services. Organizations are required to perceive such developments and change so as to be able to meet the newly created demand (Tsoukas and Chia, 2002). The current case study aims to understand the issues which Capitol Academy is faced with in respect of change management. In order to increase operational efficiency and earn more revenue, Capitol Academy had adopted certain changes. However, due to lack of planning and inadequate resource allocation, the company’s operations were turned upside down causing a number of management issues. The organization was also observed to concentrate more upon the development of its professional programs, ignoring other departments where change management was not implemented properly. The mismanagement has also

How does radiation damage DNA Essay Example for Free

How does radiation damage DNA Essay Mobile phones harm body cells and damage DNA Radio waves from mobile phones harm body cells and damage DNA in laboratory conditions, The research project, which took four years and which was coordinated by the German research group Verum, studied the effect of radiation on human and animal cells in a laboratory. After being exposed to electromagnetic fields that are typical for mobile phones, the cells showed a significant increase in single and double-strand DNA breaks. The damage could not always be repaired by the cell. DNA carries the genetic material of an organism and its different cells. This means the change had procreated. Mutated cells are seen as a possible cause of cancer. The radiation used in the study was at levels between a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of between 0.3 and 2 watts per kilogram. Most phones emit radio signals at SAR levels of between 0.5 and 1 W/kg. SAR is a measure of the rate of radio energy absorption in body tissue, and the SAR limit recommended by the International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection is 2 W/kg. The study also measured other harmful effects on cells. Because of the lab set-up, the researchers said the study did not prove any health risks. But they added that the genotoxic and phenotypic effects clearly require further studies on animals and human volunteers. Adlkofer advised against the use of a mobile phone when an alternative fixed line phone was available, and recommended the use of a headset connected to a cellphone whenever possible. Previous independent studies into the health effects of mobile phone radiation have found it may have some effect on the human body, such as heating up body tissue and causing headaches and nausea, but no study that could be independently repeated has proved that radiation had permanent harmful effects. In a separate announcement in Hong Kong, where consumers tend to spend more time talking on a mobile phone than in Europe, a German company called G-Hanz introduced a new type of mobile phone which it claimed had no harmful radiation, as a result of shorter bursts of the radio signal. How does radiation damage DNA? Radiation can damage anyones DNA. Radiation is really just high-powered particles or energy. When something like that smashes into your DNA , it is  definitely going to do some damage. Luckily, our cells are very good at repairing the damage so it takes a lot of radiation to do permanent harm. Damaged DNA matters because your DNA has the instructions for making and running you. If these instructions get damaged, it can sometimes affect how well you run. Like any good instructions, the ones in DNA are written up with letters. The high energy of radiation can mess up the instructions by changing a letter. It can also tear the DNA removing one, some, or even millions of these letters. This would be like ripping out anything from part of a page to a whole chapter of your personal instruction manual.

Importance Of God In Peoples Lives Philosophy Essay

Importance Of God In Peoples Lives Philosophy Essay Text: Thinking about God helps us to resolve many problems of life, provided we take it with faith. We are too much engrossed in our material life, which may benefit in living a life of comfort. However, this alone is not sufficient to remain in peace and achieve true happiness. Much of the troubles in the present time are due to loosing our connection with God that has resulted in dilution of moral values. When people think of God and develop own spiritual beliefs, they will find life is easier. As we bring God in realm of life and depending on how long we search and how deep we delve, we may find answers to the purpose of life. It will bring purpose and sense to many things that are happening in life. We will be less impacted from both pleasures and sufferings. When we feel alone in this life and when the going is rough, it makes us feel depressed and unhappy, unless we feel that someone is there within us to protect and make us sail through not this life but subsequent lives also. Such feelings of loneliness affect our courage, and no amount of positive attitude, behavior changes and strategies could be fully effective to keep life going. It is our spiritual interconnectedness with God that makes us to think God as our companion within us. Thinking about soul is nothing but essence of God within us. It is a force that generates love for human beings. What can be the need of soul other than love? Inner self wishes to connect with others through love. At the time of original creation, everybody has come from one source. Soul is the reflection of that source. The connection with the source can be felt when we realize essence of soul and relate our self with the soul. Soul does not think and feel differently from other fellow beings; it remains connected with other human beings with feeling of love. We cannot feel united with others by any other force but through love. It is difficult to feel oneness with others while continuing to generate hate and ill feelings. It is the love and feelings of love that connects us with other human beings. Remaining connected with God makes us to remain aligned with inner self. We are able to realize the full potential by remaining connected with others through the force of love and compas sion. When we feel that God is within us, we look to inner consciousness for guidance that prompts us to remain on right path. We look to HIM for help that provides hope and makes us to sail through the difficult times with less pain. A person who does not believe in God keeps on thinking about result of his actions and wishes to take charge of his destiny. Failing to get rewards of his effort makes him tense and stressful. He feels to have been deceived and cheated. He blames others and become cynic. However, a different thinking is held by the person who develops faith in God. He does not get bogged down with rewards as his faith in natural justice makes him to believe that divine will take care of him. He prefers to wait for the results of his actions. This is a very positive contribution to our well being from divinity and spirituality. It is similar to the child who loves his or her mother and remains unmindful of own self. He or she looks towards the mother for all the care and support. A person with the faith in God also tries to behave in the similar fashion. He /she takes God like his/her mother to defend and protect in all adversaries. It helps to bring calmness in life. As we realize presence of God or his essence within us, it makes us remain in right direction. We will better avoid doing any thing for momentarily pleasure that will harm our own consciousness. People who believe in spirituality try to remain more sincere in their dealings with others. The advantage of all these are that they face less of conflict, less of inner turmoil, and are better placed to generate happiness. We talk about positive attitudes to make us feel happy. It is not easy to develop positive attitudes and shed negative feelings unless we feel dire inner need. People remain egoistic, selfish, cunning in nature as they do not feel need for inner development. Those who believe in God try to fulfill need of soul to shed negative tendencies. They develop inner need to improve attitudes, develop love and remain humble. The challenges from life can often leave us feeling battered and alone.ÂÂ   A strong belief that we are being guided and supported by God can help feel stronger and better able to cope with difficulties and disappointments. As we believe in rebirth makes a person feel happier and more secure because it derives certain meaning to pain and suffering. We look for results not in only this birth but hope to be rewarded and compensated suitably if not in this birth then in subsequent births. Spiritual beliefs give an expanded view of life that would not otherwise have.ÂÂ   Lack of spiritual beliefs can often give feeling that life is empty and meaningless, while a strong spiritual foundation can help see that there is a deeper meaning.ÂÂ   All human beings like to see purpose and direction in life. As child we seek help from parents and remain happy unmindful of our troubles and worries. Similarly, as we develop faith on God, our perspective of life will undergo change. We will stop to attach too much importance to end results but will believe in right action. It will make us to wait for our rewards with patience. We will derive meaning and comfort even at the times of troubles. All the worldly activities will be accomplished in a state of love and good feelings for others. We will find doing a job as a means to interconnect with others; to provide our services to all the other people; it will not then remain only a mere source of income. We see all other human beings very close to us, thereby reducing interpersonal conflicts and troubles. We will derive more lasting love and comfort from our family, our spouse; it will be a spiritual love that will be unconditional. Mere knowledge on these issues is not sufficient. It is practice to bring essence of God in every aspect of our life that will help in bringing changes desired for living a life filled with calmness, kindness and peace. The main benefit of looking to God is that we will gradually lose the attachment of the material world, and less affected with the worries that go with it. The mind will remain calm. The realization about God and the dormant energy, the soul can do well to our self. This will enable us to realize the divine force that generates positive feelings towards others, and stop our mind wandering here and there. The moment our mind thinks positively about others will provide bliss of peace and calmness. It has to go on a continuous basis so as to derive maximum benefit to reduce the worries from our mind. Dealing with others is affected by ego, superiority complex and selfish tendency. We try to think of own benefit in each and every dealing and interaction with others. Tendency to remain in peace is affected. We think of various things happening at a time and remain worried about any loss of prestige, wealth, status or material comfort. We remain in competition with other people all the time. This is the basic reason of our worries, fear, hate and anger. Thinking about God will reduce negative feelings. This will naturally make us to love others that will do lot of good to our own life. Little irritants that spoil our life will subsidize. When remembering God makes other things happening around us less important. We perform duty towards family in a loving and caring manner. The entire process brings more happiness and peace in our married life. We learn to respect our spouse and not to compete with each other. We need not to fear about our weakness. We reveal true feelings and need not hide anything. We feel protected and see other people as a mirror of our own reflection. The advantage of God is that all the time you remain connected with the pure thought within while performing your duty. We feel whatever we do is being dictated by the power within. We feel our self as non-entity in front of our creator. Hence, we perform duty in a state of surrender. This helps us to avoid ego. The distractive tendencies are reduced. Mind rests and do not wander here and there by constant remembrance and meditation. It is through the process of meditation that we try to bring love of humanity and God.