Importance of teams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Importance of teams - Essay Example The following section will focus on importance of teamwork in other sectors like aviation, auto racing and military and the lessons that healthcare industry can learn. Teamwork is extremely important for any sector that is highly reliant on human performance. In a team two aspects are equally important – taskwork and teamwork. While the former means the skills needed by the members to execute their tasks, the latter means the approach needed by the members to complete the tasks. In aviation, both of these are required. The importance of effective task performance by crew members in the cockpit cannot be denied. At the same time, there should be strong teamwork for harmonization and communication between the crew members. Records have shown that 68 percent of air mishaps occur due to poor coordination between aircrew (Salas & Maurino, 2010, p.254). According to Salas et al. (2005) there are five requirements for a team’s efficiency. First, strong leadership since it is through a team leader’s guidance the members can perform in a coordinated manner. Second, members need to monitor the activities of each other to keep track of e rrors or lapses to ensure perfection in overall performance. Third, backup behavior like members with less work load should share the burden of those who have excessive work load. Fourth, adaptability which means members should be able to adjust their work in case of unexpected difficulties. Fifth, team orientation indicates that each person should have compatible approach to work with other individuals. All the five elements are required in aviation in order to handle any emergency situation in the cockpit. In auto racing, teamwork between pit crew and race is considered as exemplary. The process underlying auto racing itself requires high level of team work, and it is said that no other industry promotes teamwork as

Consider the theme of loneliness Essay Example for Free

Consider the theme of loneliness Essay Steinbeck employs character are restrained by the rules of society and through them, to convey the characteristics of American society in the 1920s:a society based on physical strength and individualism. The unusual pair, Lennie and George, seemed incongruous in their situations and by comparing and contrasting their relationship to the others, the reader is given a further understanding to the theme. The entire novel is full of references to this theme. In Soledad, also the Spanish word for loneliness, situates the ranch where the majority of the story is set. It is an ordinary ranch with ordinary people doing monotonous, meanual work such as bucking barley. The nature of this work suggests the kind of lifestyle the characters on the ranch lead. The ranch also represents a microcosm of the outside world. Here in this close community, a range of characters, each identify by their own personality, are required to work closely together inorder to achieve their own, individual dreams. When George and Lennie first enters the ranch, they are greeted by an old swamper by the name Candy. A fragile old man with only one hand, he is used by Steinbeck to demonstrate the cruelty of society towards elderly and the disabled. In a society that emphasis physical strength, Candy is clearly at a disadvantage. However, he does not attempt this disadvantage but rather expose the more feminine and sensitive side of him to others to reinforce this weakness. His domestic role in the bunkhouse and part as the gossiper again is an expansion of his at5/9/00titude towards the rest of the male in the ranch. Candy separates himself from the rest of guys and has only the company of a dragged-footed sheep-dog. When Carlson demands the killing of this dog, although disapproves of it, does not retaliate but instead looked hopelessly at Slim and asks for his assistance. His reaction to Carlsons demand is passive in the way that he only watched uneasily and tries to delay the killing by suggesting may be to-morra. His deep-rooted relationship with the dog is shown in this intensely emotional part that explicitly dissects his sensitivity. At the sound of the shot, he appears lost and all he manages to do is to stare into the ceiling blankly. Similar to this, at the end of the story, George too has to face with the death of his love ones. The difference however lies in the reason behind the killing. George justifies the killing and does it out of his concern for Lennie and not out of pressure from others. Curley is the second character appearing on the scene. A thin young man wearing high-heeled boots, he is clearly no ordinary labouring man. He is the boss son and is determine to show his status and authority using this kind of symbolism. However, by doing so, he achieves exactly the opposite. The other men do not acknowledge his authority and even Candy thinks of him as a scrappy little guy. His method of trying to gain respects by false image works against him and isolates him from the others. Curley also has a wife who is the only female in the ranch. This arrangement and character of his wife can only encourage the insecurity he feels anyway. Although he has a wife, she appears more a possession to show off rather than a company. Their relationship is equivocal since they appear to spend all day looking for each other. His stature also becomes a great encumbrance to him. With a personality that is completely obsess with self-image, Curley is deeply disturb by his height and to resolve this, he translates his anger towards himself onto others. To him, Lennies physique is a challenge of authority and because of this, he wants by prove himself by defeating Lennie. This transference accounts for his cynical nature and isolates him from everyone else. Although desperate to participate, his character and fear for judgement are essential ingredients for his desolation. Curleys wife is too refereed to as a destitute character. Even before her appearance, the reader is given a pre-conceived image of a lousy tart by the introduction from Candy. Her dramatic entrance and physical appearance appears to fit the image: full rouged lips and heavily made-up, clearly she is not a simple country girl by any mean. From her playful action and twitchy body language, George immediately recognize her as the femme fatale and warned Lennie not to talk to her. This warning is a pre-echo to the trouble Lennie will get in for her later on in the story, a build up to the final tragedy at the end. Even at first sight she gave the reputation of a tramp and jail-bait. At a primary level, her action can be explained by boredom and experiment. She is the only in the ranch and clearly has no one to relate. However, from her past experience, Steinbeck implies that Curleys wife dream about being in the movies all day. By flirting and making sexual suggestive message to others, she attempts to achieve the glamorous and danger feel of affair that she imagined they do in the movies. An alternative explanation to her action would be that she is another victim of loneliness, desperate to establish relationship with others. She dislike Curley for when Curley crushed his hand she even suggested to Lennie that she would have liked to done it herself. When she eventually discovers that Lennie is a good listener, she unburdens herself with words in a passion of communication, as though she hurried before her listener could be taken away. She is a highly ambivalent character because although the reader feels sympathetic towards her for her past cast- couch experience, her seduction that lead to the murder at the end is almost entirely her fault. One may argue that she had no knowledge of Lennies past and receives the punishment harsher than she deserves. More over, the price for her innocent mistake is on the destruction of the hope of three blameless people: George, Lennie and Candy. Similarly, George and Lennie have a dream, the American dream of living off the fatta the lan . This phrase followed by a description of their future house is a leimotif representing the birth and rebirth of their hope. This hope is the source of energy and once shattered, unlike Curleys wife who was then able to found a less satisfying alternative: George can find no other replacement like Lennie. Crooks the Negro stable buck is presented as another victim of loneliness. Due to his colour and disability, he is separated with the rest of the male community in everyway. This is shown in the examples that the boss gives him hell whenever he is mad and only in special occasion such as Xmas is he allow into the bunkhouse. In this highly racist period, Crooks role as the nigger stable buck meant he is at the bottom of the hierarchy and therefore ostracized by the rest of the community. Due to this inferiority, Crooks feels even stronger about protecting himself in territorial terms and by isolation. Nonetheless, he does not enjoy this solitude but instead, quite prefer the opposite. This is best shown when Candy and Lennie enter his room, which no one but Slim had done before, Crooks finds it difficult to conceal his pleasure in anger. Although he would rather play card in the bunkhouse with others, since he stink and aint wanted there, instead, he has to sit out here and read books. This shows that he has adapted to loneliness using other means but although he knows nothing can replace a real company. In the scene which he unburdens himself to Lennie, the situation becomes parallel to that of Lennie and Curleys wife. Not only are they both absurd and have difficulty in relating to others on the ranch due to society boundary based on racism and sexism, they both confide in Lennie because he would not go on blabbin to others. With Lennie they do not feel under threat and therefore do not have to protect themselves with masks of imagery. In comparison, George and Lennie are always at ease at the company of each other. Apart from Slim, they appear to be the only gu ys on the ranch to manage this. Slim the jekline skinner is the touch stone character in the novel used to reflect morally and decency. Although with a common appearance, every movement and air of his is described with royalty and achieved only by master craftsmen. However, his title as the price of the ranch is not self-given. His authority is acknowledge by the other males on the ranch and so great the his word was taken on any object. His power appears to go beyond the system at the time. Even in this image-ridden macho culture, Slim does not needs to prove his position by creating illusion using force, yet with quite the opposite: gentleness and sense; elements of human quality that are most required in this imbalance situation. Apart from Lennie, Slim appears to be the only one who George is willing to confide. During the talk, they touch on the subject of loneliness, a sensation that grins a normal, respectable person to nothing but a mean guy who wants to fight all the time. In this part of the novel, George explains his relationship with Lennie and why they had traveled together. In a deeper sense, the phrase got kinda used to each other implies a long-term relationship which neither of the can live without now. Other minor characters in the novel such as Carlson and Whitney represent transaline people who best demonstrate the majority of the society at the time. They aint got no people so they move around the country as Crook states: they come, an they quit ango. Their life style is monotonous and they aint have no fun. Their few entertainments include the horseshoe game and cards, which again are reference to competition and individualism. Nonetheless, it is only in these games they make allowance for their guard and relax into the company of each other. In conclusion, Steinbeck presentation of the theme of loneliness is reflected in the actions of his character. Although desperate to make contact, their concern for reputation and nature of the machismo culture in society isolate them from one another. The end tragedy then attracts sympathy from the reader by shattering the hope of few exceptions that appeared to have survived.

Contingency Theories of Organizations

Contingency Theories of Organizations Part 2 OB: What is the core argument of contingency theories of organizations? Discuss giving examples from at least one such theory. Evaluate the claims of this theory and assess its relevance for organizations today. Organizations operate in many different environments and it is vital to assess how they influence their structures. Effective and efficient organizing has become increasingly important in the modern world characterized by rapid changes. Contingency approaches emphasize that in order for organizations to succeed they must adopt a structure suitable for the environment in which they operate. There are many forms of contingency theory. In general, contingency theories are a class of behavioral theory that claim that there is no best way to organize a corporation and the organizational structure of the company. An organizational or leadership style that is effective in some situations may not be successful in others. Therefore, the best way of organizing the company, is contingent upon the internal and external situation of the company. External environments influence organizations in a varied number of ways. Critical external factors include, but are not limited to, the size of the organization, labor markets, availability and cost of capital, competitors, governmental laws and policies, managerial assumptions about employees, strategies, technologies used, etc. The main ideas of contingency theory are: * There is no universal or one best way to manage * The design of organizations and its subsystems must fit with the environment * Effective organizations not only have a proper fit with the environment but also between its subsystems * The needs of an organization are better satisfied when it is properly designed and the management style is appropriate both to the tasks undertaken and the nature of the work group. Several contingency approaches were developed simultaneously in the late 1960s. The emergence of the theory was the result of criticisms of the classical theories such as Webers bureaucracy (Weber, 1946) and Taylors scientific management (Taylor, 1911) which had failed because they neglected that management style and organizational structure were influenced by various aspects of the environment: the contingency factors. The contingency approach originated with the work of Joan Woodward (1958), who declared that successful organizations in different industries with different technologies were characterized by different organizational structures. In this essay I will discuss three influential contingency theories, those of Burns and Stalker (1961), Lawrence and Lorsch (1967) and Fiedler (1967). Tom Burns and Graham Stalker in their 1961 book, The Management of Innovation studied about 20 Scottish and British electronics companies operating in increasingly competitive and innovative technological markets. Their findings demonstrated that organizations operating in stable environments are very different from those which have to face a changing and dynamic environment. The authors have discovered that differences in the way firms approached change and innovation related to the values and mission of the firms. Burns and Stalker classified the firms into 2 categories on the basis of their managerial structures and practices: mechanistic and organic. The authors found that mechanistic organizations, also called bureaucracies, are suited for relatively stable environmental conditions. Such organizations are clearly programmed, strictly controlled and hierarchically structured. Often they do not have mission and vision statements, and instead depend on established rules for guidance, measuring success by the degree to which staff conforms to process and procedure. Organizational tasks are typically broken down into specialized activities. Individuals are responsible for their specific functions in a relative isolation from the overall organizational goal. The organic organizations are more likely to exist under unstable environmental conditions. Organic organizations are orientated towards results, have a flat organization structure instead of a hierarchy, and little structure in terms of process and rules. They focus on results and employees receive positive rewards for creative and pragmatic contributions. Given these conditions it becomes necessary to review and redefine the responsibilities, methods, inter-role relationships, and even goals on a continual basis. Burns and Stalker emphasized that each system is appropriate under its own specific conditions. Neither system was superior to the other under all situations. Since the 1960s much of writings in organization theories field is a constant debate between the machine/organ analogies, and attempts to develop growth models of how simple mechanistic forms can grow into the more complex organic forms. Another significant study to demonstrate the relationships between environmental characteristics and effective organizational structures was conducted by Paul Lawrence and Jay Lorsch (1967). They studied ten US firms in three separate industries (plastics, food, containers) that confronted varying degrees of uncertainty, complexity and change. The researchers found that successful firms in each industry had a different degree of differentiation. The firms operating in uncertain, complex, rapidly changing environments had more highly differentiated internal structures: sales, production and RD departments. Such organizations require the greater need for suitable mechanisms for integrating and resolving conflicts between ranges of segments. Successful firms in more homogeneous and stable environment were more formalized and hierarchical in their forms. Authors concluded that successful firms must have internal structures as complex as environments in which they operate. This seminal work of Lawrence and Lorsch refined the contingency theory by demonstrating that different markets and technological environments require different kinds of organizations, and that subunits or functional departments within an organization might be managed in different ways, due to variations resulting from their sub-environments. Their view is ecological those organizations that can best adapt to the environment will survive. Managerial leadership has influenced organizational activities in many ways. These influences include motivating subordinates, budgeting scarce resources, and serving as a source of communication. Contingency theories of leadership argue that no single leadership style is effective in all circumstances, but the leadership styles are contingent on the organizational and situational context. Fred Fiedlers theory (1967) is the earliest and most extensively researched is also known as contingency model of leadership effectiveness. Fiedlers ideas originated from trait and behavioral models by stating that performance of the group is dependent on the leaders psychological orientation and on three contextual variables: group atmosphere, task structure, and leaders power position. The contingency model underlines the importance of both the leaders personality and the situation in which that leader operates. The first major factor in Fiedlers theory is known as the leadership style. This is the consistent system of interaction that takes place between a leader and work group. In order to classify leadership styles, Fiedler has developed an index called the Least-Preferred Coworker (LPC) scale. To get an LPC score a leader is asked to think of co-workers with whom he/she has ever worked and choose the one with whom the work was the most difficult. Then this person is rated on a number of eight-point bipolar scales (friendly/unfriendly, hostile/supportive, etc.). The responses to these scales are summed and averaged: a high LPC score suggests that the leader has a human relations orientation, while a low LPC score indicates a task orientation. The second major factor in Fiedlers theory is known as situational favorableness or environmental variable. This basically is defined as the degree a situation enables a leader to exert influence over a group. Fiedler then extends his analysis by focusing on three key situational factors, which are leader-member, task structure and position power. For leader-member relations, Fiedler maintains that the leader will have more influence if they maintain good relationships with group members who like, respect, and trust them, than if they do not. Fiedler explains that task structure is the second most important factor in determining structural favorableness. He contends that highly structured tasks, which specify how a job is to be done in detail provide a leader with more influences over group actions than do unstructured tasks. Finally, as for position power, leads who have the power to hire and fire, discipline and reward, have more power than those who do not. For example, the head of a department has more power than a file clerk. By classifying a group according to three variables, it is possible to identify eight different group situations or leadership style. These eight different possible combinations were then classified as either task orientation or relationship orientated. Several implications can be derived from Fiedlers findings. First, it is not accurate to speak of effective and ineffective leaders. Fiedler goes on by suggesting that there are only leader who perform better in some situations, but not all situations. Second, almost anyone can be a leader by carefully selecting those situations that match his or her leadership style. Lastly, the effectiveness of a leader can be improved by designing the job to fit the manager. For instance, by increasing or decreasing a leaders position power, changing the structure of a task, or influencing leader-member relations, an organization can alter a situation to better fit a leaders style. The following aspects can be considered as strengths of Fiedlers theory: it is predictive and supported by a lot of empirical research, it does not require that people be effective in all situations and provides a way to assess leader style that could be useful to an organization. However among its weaknesses are the fact that it is cumbersome to use, it doesnt explain what to do when there is a mismatch between style and situation and it doesnt take into account situational variables, like training and experience, which also have an impact in a leaders effectiveness. Finally, there is some doubt whether the LPC is a true measure of leadership style. In summary, the essence of contingency theory is that best practices depend on the contingencies of the situation. Contingency theory is often called the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“it all dependsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  theory, because when a contingency theorist is being asked for an answer, the typical response will be that it all depends. While this may sound simplistic, assessing the contingencies on which decisions depend can be a very complex. Contingency theorists try to identify and measure the conditions under which things will likely occur. Considering that organizations should attain both external and internal fit to achieve superior performance, at the same time, the processes of strategy formulation and implementation are not separable activities; there is a need for an integrative approach that incorporates both schools of thought. The appropriate management style and organizational structure depend on the environmental context of the organization concerned. The ability to manage change is now recognized as a core organizational competence. References: 1. Fineman, S., Sims, D. Gabriel, Y. (2005) Organizing and organizations , London, Sage. 2. Smith, M. J. (1984). Contingency rules theory, context, and compliance behaviors. Human Communication Research, 10, 489-512. 3. Burns, T., Stalker, M. (1961). The Management of Innovation, 3rd Edition, 1994, Oxford University Press 4. Lawrence, P. R., Lorsch, J. W. (1967). Organization and Environment. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. 5. Fiedler, F. E. (1964). A Contingency Model of Leadership Effectiveness. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol.1). 149-190. New York: Academic Press. Burnes, B. (1996), No such thing as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“one best wayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  to manage organizational change. Management decision, Vol. 34, Issue 10, pp. 10-18

Essay --

France is a very large and well-known country. It is one of the largest European countries in land, after Russia and Ukraine. Twenty percent of France’s territory lies outside of Europe, known as â€Å"DOM-TOM.† The European territory of France covers 211,209 square miles. France is also one of the oldest states in Europe, founded in 843. French is the official language of England as well as 300 other countries. It is spoken by 270 million people worldwide. France has a population of 2.5 million citizens and twenty percent of the citizens live in the Parisian region. Paris, the capital of France, was founded by Celtic tribe, Parisians, and settled around 4,200 BCE. France shares borders with several other countries. Those countries include Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra. France is 15,782 feet above sea level. The highest point is in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, between France and Italy. The lowest point is Rhà ´ne river delta, measuring only two meters above sea level. The Rhà ´ne is one of the major rivers of Europe, measuring 505 miles, starting in Switzerland and running through southeastern France. Near its mouth on the Mediterranean Sea, the river divides into two branches, the Great Rhà ´ne and the Petit or Little Rhà ´ne. Some other river systems including Seine, Loire, and Garonne, divide the Massif Central from the Alps and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Western France’s climate consists of a high amount of rainfall, mild winters, and cool to warm summers. The climate of inland France tends to be more continental with hot, stormy summers, colder winters and less rain. Some natural hazards in France include flooding, avalanches, windstorms, droughts, forest fires, and e... ...e’s most popular theme park is Disneyland Paris, with fifteen million visitors. Disneyland Paris was the second Disney park to open outside of United States, after Tokyo Disney Resort. Another tourist attraction is Europe’s oldest functional canal, Canal du Midi. The canal was built from 1666 through 1681 and is 150 miles long. It has sixty-three locks, 126 bridges, seven canal bridges, and one tunnel. France’s major transportation is rivers. Overall France has twenty-four rivers that add up to 300km in length. In addition to rivers, railway is also major way of transportation in France. There is a total of 40,300 miles of railway, mostly operated by SNCF, the French national railway company. The trains can travel up to 199 miles per hour. France also has 475 airports. The most popular airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport, located in the vicinity of Paris.

Poetry and Strong Human Spirit Essay

Success is the journey not the destination. â€Å"A strong human spirit essential for an imaginative journey. † Imaginative journeys take us from the reality now to unreal existences that can exist in our minds. A strong human spirit is essential for an imaginative journey to flow through our mind. The success is the journey that is being taken not the destination. This can be expressed through the poems â€Å"Frost at Midnight and Kubla Khan,† by Sammuel Taylor Coleridge and â€Å"Still I Rise† by Maya Angelou that see the journey as the success not the outcome and that their strong human spirit allowed them to go on the journey. In the poem â€Å"Still I Rise† by Maya Angelou the poet expresses her journey through being discriminated in America because of her race. Her journey is much more successful then the destination because as she went on the journey and experienced heartfelt times, along the way she taught the discriminators she can still get back up even if they hurt her many times. The poet uses repetition to do this. â€Å"Still I’ll Rise. She also uses similes to convey her connection with nature along this journey as she uses the concept of natural resources and by using oil, gold and diamond to show contradictions that people think she is wealthy but really they are the spoilt ones. â€Å"Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells pumping in our living room. † She uses rhetorical questions to intensify the poem and to touch the responders. This portrays how she is successful in trying to express what she believes in to others while on the journey. In the poem â€Å"still I’ll rise† the poet has a strong human spirit that is essential for her journey. For her to write this poem as a form of protest it needed a strong human spirit. Her whole poem is based on freedom which is expressed every time she gets hurt and then rises again. Her use of metaphors empathise how strong her spirit is when she gets discriminated but still has hope to keep going. â€Å"Just like hopes springing high† and â€Å"you may shoot me with your words. † Her use of rhetorical questions and repetition allow people to think about it and understand it properly through her words and her strong spirit. â€Å"Does my sassiness upset you?  Why are you beset with gloom? † Her strong human spirit allowed her to achieve the freedom that she wanted. In the poem â€Å"Kubla Khan† by Samuel Taylor Coleridge the poet takes us through his mind on an imaginative journey. His journey had no destination at all but the success was there all along through his connection and love with nature. The poet uses a lot of alliteration to describe this place and assonance to describe how beautiful this image of nature is and how the success of the journey is created through the beauty of nature. Measureless to man† and â€Å"twice five miles of fertile ground. † The use of a simile describes the place as being old but still in good condition ‘Forests as ancient as hills’ and the river as being scary and holy. He does this through the use of an oxymoron as he puts two of these words together and they contradict â€Å"A savage place? As holy and enchanted†. This is the success of the journey as it is still alive but really old. He describes a women’s music with alliteration â€Å"A Damsel with a dulcimer† â€Å"Loud and Long† â€Å"Deep Delight. By including this he has achieved success all through the journey as he celebrates. In the poem â€Å"Kubla khan† by Samuel Taylor Coleridge a strong human spirit was essential for this imaginative journey. His use of assonance and alliteration to describe how beautiful the image of nature is and how the strong human spirit can take us on an imaginative journey. â€Å"Sunless Sea. † By the poet using his imagination he has made this place that feels like paradise with his strong spirit. He needed a strong human spirit to imagine a place that feels like paradise. All through the journey he describes his strong connections with the natural environment and because of his strong human spirit he was able to imagine the nature and environment using metaphors as extraordinary with the river springing up viciously to become a fountain. â€Å"As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing. † The poem â€Å"Frost at midnight† by Samuel Taylor Coleridge his imaginative journey is the success not the destination. As the poet goes on this journey into his past and then he goes into another dream as well this expresses that imaginative journey is a success because his not reaching no destination. The poet begins with a metaphor which connects with nature and God, â€Å"The frost performs its secret ministry,† so the success of the journey has already started with the nature and God. This concept relates to the journey of the poet back into his childhood as he in the quiet cottage and looks at the film in the blue flame which fluttered on the grate is contrasted with him in the past looking at the bars at school to watch a fluttering stranger. This is the success of the start of his imaginative journey and that there is no destination. He then while sitting at school goes into another dream about his birth place and the church tower where the bell would ring so sweetly expresses the success of his journey when he was younger in the country side he was more connected to nature where in the city the only connection was the â€Å"lovely star and sky†. The poem â€Å"Frost at midnight† by Samuel Taylor Coleridge expresses a strong human spirit that is essential for an imaginative journey. The use of the simile â€Å"inaudible as dreams† which describes the quietness which gives him the strong human spirit to the imaginative journey. He also uses assonance to describe how the solitude or quietness his inmates have left him is disturbing him. â€Å"Have left me to solitude to suit abtruser musings†. The looking at the blue flame gave him the strong human spirit to begin his imaginative journey. The relationship between father and son is also giving the poet the strong human spirit because he doesn’t want his son to grow up like him in the city but to be raised in the country so his is more connected to nature.

Free Essays on Brave New Family

Summary and Reader Response: Kimberly Mistysyn, â€Å"Brave New Family,† A story from Writing in the Disciplines (New Jersey: Kennedy, Kennedy, and Smith, 2004). All American Families Couples are becoming families every day. When I say couples, the automatic picture you get in your head is most likely that of a male and a female. The male proposes to his girlfriend and if she says yes, a new family is started. However; if women A and women B fall in love and their relationship is going well, women A might decide to propose to women B. With the consideration that woman B says yes, another new family is started. The two women will want to start a family just the same as a male/ female family would. Families are changing throughout time and society needs to make changes to accommodate these new families. Families, weather the traditional male and female families, or those of the new age families consisting of two males or two females, are working hard for equal rights and opportunities for children. Kimberly Mistysyn’s â€Å"Brave New Family† gives a brief understanding of living in a family with a unique set of parents. She helps us to understand how times have changed from the typical family which includes a father, mother, and usually two children to current times where traditional families still exist, but so do new age families. New age families may include two mothers, two fathers, a set of mothers with a sperm donor father, or a set of fathers with a surrogate mother. This family could include any number of children. Last year, my English teacher wanted to start a family. She never told my class of her sexual preference until it became difficult for her to start that family. She and her girlfriend were having a hard time finding a father to donate sperm. To give some past information, she and her girlfriend went to California to get married. They have been married for two years and wanted to start a family... Free Essays on Brave New Family Free Essays on Brave New Family Summary and Reader Response: Kimberly Mistysyn, â€Å"Brave New Family,† A story from Writing in the Disciplines (New Jersey: Kennedy, Kennedy, and Smith, 2004). All American Families Couples are becoming families every day. When I say couples, the automatic picture you get in your head is most likely that of a male and a female. The male proposes to his girlfriend and if she says yes, a new family is started. However; if women A and women B fall in love and their relationship is going well, women A might decide to propose to women B. With the consideration that woman B says yes, another new family is started. The two women will want to start a family just the same as a male/ female family would. Families are changing throughout time and society needs to make changes to accommodate these new families. Families, weather the traditional male and female families, or those of the new age families consisting of two males or two females, are working hard for equal rights and opportunities for children. Kimberly Mistysyn’s â€Å"Brave New Family† gives a brief understanding of living in a family with a unique set of parents. She helps us to understand how times have changed from the typical family which includes a father, mother, and usually two children to current times where traditional families still exist, but so do new age families. New age families may include two mothers, two fathers, a set of mothers with a sperm donor father, or a set of fathers with a surrogate mother. This family could include any number of children. Last year, my English teacher wanted to start a family. She never told my class of her sexual preference until it became difficult for her to start that family. She and her girlfriend were having a hard time finding a father to donate sperm. To give some past information, she and her girlfriend went to California to get married. They have been married for two years and wanted to start a family...

Biography of Adolf Hitler, Leader of the Third Reich

Biography of Adolf Hitler, Leader of the Third Reich Adolf Hitler (1889–1945) was the leader of Germany during the Third Reich (1933–1945). He was the primary instigator of both the Second World War in Europe and the mass execution of millions of people deemed to be enemies, or inferior to the Aryan ideal. He rose from being a talentless painter to the dictator of Germany and, for a few months, emperor of much of Europe. His empire was crushed by an array of the worlds strongest nations; he killed himself before he could be tried and brought to justice. Fast Facts: Adolf Hitler Known For: Leading the German Nazi party and instigating World War IIBorn: April 20, 1889 in Braunau am Inn, AustriaParents: Alois Hitler and Klara PoelzlDied: April 30, 1945 in Berlin, GermanyEducation: Realschule in SteyrPublished Works: Mein KampfSpouse: Eva BraunNotable Quote: In starting and waging a war it is not right that matters but victory. Early Life Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria, on April 20, 1889 to Alois Hitler (who, as an illegitimate child, had previously used his mother’s name of Schickelgruber) and Klara Poelzl. A moody child, he grew hostile towards his father, especially once the latter had retired and the family had moved to the outskirts of Linz. Alois died in 1903 but left money to take care of the family. Adolf was close to his mother, who was highly indulgent of him, and he was deeply affected when she died in 1907. He left school at age 16 in 1905, intending to become a painter. Unfortunately for him, he wasnt a very good one. Vienna Hitler went to Vienna in 1907 where he applied to the Viennese Academy of Fine Arts but was twice turned down. This experience further embittered the increasingly angry Hitler. He returned to Vienna again when his mother died, living first with a more successful friend (Kubizek) and then moving from hostel to hostel as a lonely, vagabond figure. He recovered to make a living selling his art cheaply as a resident in a community Mens Home. During this period, Hitler appears to have developed the worldview that would characterize his whole life, and which centered on hatred for Jews and Marxists. Hitler was well-placed to be influenced by the demagogy of Karl Lueger, Vienna’s deeply anti-Semitic mayor and a man who used hate to help create a party of mass support. Hitler had previously been influenced by Schonerer, an Austrian politician against liberals, socialists, Catholics, and Jews. Vienna was also highly anti-Semitic; Hitlers hate was not unusual, it was simply part of the popular mindset. What Hitler went on to do was present these ideas more successfully than ever before. The First World War Hitler moved to Munich in 1913 and avoided Austrian military service in early 1914 by virtue of being unfit for service. However, when the First World War broke out in 1914, he joined the 16th Bavarian Infantry Regiment, serving throughout the war, mostly as a corporal after refusing promotion. He proved to be an able and brave soldier as a dispatch runner, winning the Iron Cross on two occasions (First and Second Class). He was also wounded twice, and four weeks before the war ended he suffered a gas attack that temporarily blinded and hospitalized him. It was there he learned of Germany’s surrender, which he took as a betrayal. He especially hated the Treaty of Versailles, which Germany had to sign after the war as part of the settlement. Hitler Enters Politics After WWI, Hitler became convinced he was destined to help Germany, but his first move was to stay in the army for as long as possible because it paid wages, and to do so, he went along with the socialists now in charge of Germany. He was soon able to turn the tables and drew the attention of army anti-socialists, who were setting up anti-revolutionary units. In 1919, working for an army unit, he was assigned to spy on a political party of roughly 40 idealists called the German Workers Party. Instead, he joined it, swiftly rose to a position of dominance (he was chairman by 1921), and renamed it the Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP). He gave the party the Swastika as a symbol and organized a personal army of storm troopers (the SA or Brownshirts) and bodyguards of black-shirted men, the Schutzstaffel (SS), to attack opponents. He also discovered, and used, his powerful ability for public speaking. The Beer Hall Putsch In November 1923, Hitler organized Bavarian nationalists under a figurehead of General Ludendorff into a coup (or putsch). They declared their new government in a beer hall in Munich; a group of 3,000 marched through the streets, but they were met by police who opened fire, killing 16. Hitler was arrested in1924 and used his trial to spread his name and his ideas widely. He was sentenced to just five years in prison, a sentence often described as a sign of tacit agreement with his views. Hitler served only nine months in prison, during which he wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle), a book outlining his theories on race, Germany, and Jews. It sold five million copies by 1939. Only then, in prison, did Hitler come to believe he was destined to be a leader. The man who thought he was paving the way for a German leader of genius now thought he was the genius who could take and use power. Politician After the Beer Hall Putsch, Hitler resolved to seek power through subverting the Weimar government system, and he carefully rebuilt the NSDAP, or Nazi, party, allying with future key figures like Goering and propaganda mastermind Goebbels. Over time, he expanded the party’s support, partly by exploiting the fears of socialists and partly by appealing to everyone who felt their economic livelihood threatened by the depression of the 1930s. Over time, he gained the interest of big business, the press, and the middle classes. Nazi votes jumped to 107 seats in the Reichstag in 1930. Its important to stress that Hitler wasnt a socialist. The Nazi party that he was molding was based on race, not the idea of socialism, but it took a good few years for Hitler to grow powerful enough to expel the socialists from the party. Hitler didnt take power in Germany overnight and took years for him to take full power of his party overnight. President and Fà ¼hrer In 1932, Hitler acquired German citizenship and ran for president, coming in second to von Hindenburg. Later that year, the Nazi party acquired 230 seats in the Reichstag, making them the largest party in Germany. At first, Hitler was refused the office of Chancellor by a president who distrusted him, and a continued snub might have seen Hitler cast out as his support failed. However, factional divisions at the top of government meant that, thanks to conservative politicians believing they could control Hitler, he was appointed chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933. Hitler moved with great speed to isolate and expel opponents from power, shutting trade unions and removing communists, conservatives, and Jews. Later that year, Hitler perfectly exploited an act of arson on the Reichstag (which some believe the Nazis helped cause) to begin the creation of a totalitarian state, dominating the March 5 elections thanks to support from nationalist groups. Hitler soon took over the role of president when Hindenburg died and merged the role with that of chancellor to become fà ¼hrer (leader) of Germany. In Power Hitler continued to move with speed in radically changing Germany, consolidating power, locking up â€Å"enemies† in camps, bending culture to his will, rebuilding the army, and breaking the constraints of the Treaty of Versailles. He tried to change the social fabric of Germany by encouraging women to breed more and bringing in laws to secure racial purity; Jews were particularly targeted. Employment, high elsewhere in a time of depression, fell to zero in Germany. Hitler also made himself head of the army, smashed the power of his former brownshirt street warriors, and expunged the socialists fully from his party and his state. Nazism was the dominant ideology. Socialists were the first in the death camps. World War II and the Failure of the Third Reich Hitler believed he must make Germany great again through creating an empire and engineered territorial expansion, uniting with Austria in an Anschluss and dismembering Czechoslovakia. The rest of Europe was worried, but France and Britain were prepared to concede limited expansion with Germany, taking within it the German fringe. Hitler, however, wanted more. It was in September 1939, when German forces invaded Poland, that other nations took a stand and declared war. This was not unappealing to Hitler, who believed Germany should make itself great through war, and invasions in 1940 went well. Over the course of that year, France fell and the Third Reich expanded. However, his fatal mistake occurred in 1941 with the invasion of Russia, through which he wished to create lebensraum, or living room. After initial success, German forces were pushed back by Russia, and defeats in Africa and West Europe followed as Germany was slowly beaten. Death During the last years of the war, Hitler became gradually more paranoid and divorced from the world, retreating to a bunker. As armies approached Berlin from two directions, Hitler married his mistress Eva Braun and on April 30, 1945, he killed himself. The Soviets found his body soon after and spirited it away so it would never become a memorial. A piece remains in a Russian archive. Legacy Hitler will forever be remembered for starting the Second World War, the most costly conflict in world history, thanks to his desire to expand Germany’s borders through force. He will equally be remembered for his dreams of racial purity, which prompted him to order the execution of millions of people, perhaps as high as 11 million. Although every arm of German bureaucracy was turned to pursuing the executions, Hitler was the chief driving force. In the decades since Hitler’s death, many commentators have concluded that he must have been mentally ill and that, if he wasn’t when he started his rule, the pressures of his failed wars must have driven him mad. Given that he ordered genocide and ranted and raved, it is easy to see why people have come to this conclusion, but it’s important to state that there is no consensus among historians that he was insane, or what psychological problems he may have had. Sources â€Å"Adolf Hitler.† Biography.com, AE Networks Television, 14 Feb. 2019. Alan Bullock, Baron Bullock, et al. â€Å"Adolf Hitler.† Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 19 Dec. 2018.

The last Days of Socrates by Plato

The last Days of Socrates by Plato Written by Plato, the book â€Å"The last days of Socrates† narrates the events following the trial of Socrates. It is a follow up of Plato’s ‘The Apology’ and provides a description of the conversations between Socrates, and his disciples, Crito and the jailer.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on â€Å"The last Days of Socrates† by Plato specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Plato, the author of the book, was one of Socrates’ best friends and students. Plato’s other works ‘The Apology’, ‘Euthyphro’, ‘Crito’ and ‘Phaedo’ depict the philosophical views of Socrates, especially before the trial, during the trial and after death. In this book, however, Plato concentrates on Socrates’ view of life and death, society and family. In addition, it provides the reader with information about the ancient Greek culture and beliefs. Hugh Tredennick and Harold Tarrant translated the book into English. Published by Penguin Books in England, the English version was released in 1993. In this book, Plato’s main character is Socrates. As Socrates waits for his death, he talks to his students such as Plato as well as Crito, an elderly man who had been Socrates’ friend throughout his philosophical career. The conversations reveal Socrates’ thinking about life and death. In addition, they reveal his thinking about the society, family and humanity. Arguably, Socrates believes in a better life after death, which he thinks is a solution to the social and family problems he undergoes during his life on earth. Socrates view of family and children is depicted in his conversation with Crito. The conversation is in an Agoran prison room, where Socrates is held before execution. He is waiting orders from the jailer, and several people, including Crito, have come to visit and bid him farewell. Despi te the normal philosophical conversation, there is a sad mood in the room because his friends cannot believe that their teacher is on his way towards death. Nevertheless, Socrates does not show signs of fear or remorse.Advertising Looking for critical writing on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Aspects of the family are portrayed when Crito asks Socrates to let them know what they should do to his children and family after his dead. However, Socrates tells them that they should not do anything to the family, but they should look after themselves instead. According to Socrates, this is the best way of honoring him after his death. It appears that Socrates values individuals than the family. He thinks that his wife and children have a life to live and should work to support themselves. The reader would expect Socrates to give Crito and other friends in the room some instructions on how to treat his family, c onsidering that he had two small sons and an older one. However, he tells his friends to â€Å"make professions† according to his teachings. Nevertheless, Socrates valued his family, as did other people in the Greek society. For example, his three sons, wife and other women from his larger family were brought to the prison cell to see him before his death. He appreciated them and gave them some instructions in the presence of Crito, but the author does not disclose the instructions. Nevertheless, it is clear that Socrates wanted them to live by themselves. In addition, he did not want his family to endure the pain of witnessing his death. Therefore, he dismisses all the members of his family, including his wife and three sons. He was aware that they would offend him by mourning his death. For instance, after taking the poison, Socrates becomes irritated by his followers because they started weeping. He asks them â€Å"what is the strange outcry?† (Tredennick and Tarran t 32). He tells them that he had dismissed his family, especially women, because they would offend him rather than let him die in peace. The social aspect of Greek life, as well as Socrates’ view of social life, is depicted in the book. For instance, Socrates believes that the social life in Greece is full of desperations and that there is no happiness. He believes that death is a sure way of getting a better life.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on â€Å"The last Days of Socrates† by Plato specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, when Crito asks him how they should bury his body after death, he told them to treat the body in any way they would like. According to him, they will only be burying the body and not the soul. He tells Crito that his soul will leave the world and join the next world that has â€Å"the joys of the blessed† (Tredennick and Tarrant 26). This is an indication that he views life as full of sadness and not worth. Socrates also views social life as the poison to the soul. He believes that the soul is naturally pure, but falsehood infect it with evil. For instance, he tells Crito not to consider how they should treat the body, but concentrate on the belief that his soul will remain alive in the next world. He believes that Crito would be telling lies if he promised to treat Socrates’ body in a decent manner, yet he was aware that he was only dealing with the body and not the person himself. Perhaps one of the evils of social life that Socrates refers to is the cruelty of gaining wealth. While other people were busy accumulating wealth, Socrates had been busy teaching philosophy. In fact, the book depicts the possibility that he died before clearing his debts. For instance, when the impact of the poison was almost reaching his heart, he realized that he was about to die. Therefore, he requests Crito to pay a cock to Asclepius. Evident ly, this is one example of the debts Socrates left behind. Therefore, it is quite evident that Socrates view of life was negative as indicated in the book. It reflects his view of family and social life and the belief in a better life after death.Advertising Looking for critical writing on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Tredennick, Hugh and Harold Tarrant. The last days of Socrates. London, UK: Penguin Books, 1993. Print.

Describe and analyse in detail the dramatic importance and visual Essay - 1

Describe and analyse in detail the dramatic importance and visual impact of the Mediterranean setting in Et Dieu cra la femme (Roger Vadim, 1956) - Essay Example To fully comprehend the effect of the different elements on the movie, the impact of the points has to be analyzed in its total form. The formation of the script is important and the Mediterranean settings play an instrumental role in the setting. The classical conceptualization of the plot is one of the strong points. The impact of the Mediterranean setting on the movie can be comprehended form the overall complicity of the movie with the settings. The film has all the element of the modern day cinema and even pushed the boundaries in terms of the classical representation. This ensured the fundamental nature of the movie. The central characters of the film are justified by the Mediterranean settings in the movie. The central plot of the movie is based on this situation of the movie. The Mediterranean settings added a certain degree of charm to the surroundings. This is seen in the heightened sense of sensuality of the movie. The overall development of the movie was seen to be a result on that stress on sensuality. The elements of drama have been seen in the movie and this has endeared the movie to the watchers. The movies were made in the golden age of French drama. It was seen to have all the elements of the genre in place. The progression of the story is significant in terms of the elements involved in the characterization of the movie. The film was directed by Roger Vadim and starred Brigitte Bardot in it. It is the film that is widely credited to have led to the rise of stardom of Bardot. The conceptualization and the development of the story have a touch of sensuality to it. The story has all th e elements that glamorize the settings. If the plot is very keenly observed, it can be seen that the story has concordance with the Mediterranean settings. The sensuousness of the story has been helped by the concept that the story has shown. This is one of the primal parts of the story that is of significance. The film has a

World Trade Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

World Trade Organisations - Essay Example The WTO aims mainly at providing assistance for the producers of goods and services, exporters and also importers for basically conducting their businesses effectively (WTO, 2010). Applying to the WTO for a trade dispute is based in a series of steps. These include, firstly, becoming a member of the WTO, following which the first stage includes the consultation which lasts for almost 60 days. Here the aim is to identify if the parties are able to find a solution between themselves and all the implementation of the rulings and recommendations are constantly monitored by the WTO (UNDERSTANDING THE WTO, 2010). Post this stage of the application, the panel is introduced to the parties and the Dispute Settlement Body. Here this groups work toward providing the final ruling or recommendations to the two countries. The types of cases and disputes that are introduced in the WTO for solutions are very varied and come from various backgrounds. Of these one of the most famous cases of a trade dispute was that of the Caribbean bananas which was initiated in September 1997 and went on to become a world famous case. The case was initiated by the US government on behalf of a US based brand - Chiquita Brands against the Europes Lomà © Convention which gave preference to the small banana producers and provided a chance for exports to across the world (Costantini, 2001). Here in this case the ruling of the WTO was to ensure that no discrimination is made based on the where or how the food was produced and also no discrimination based on how the food was created. The ruling led to an impact on the European Unions and the trade agreements with the African Caribbean and Pacific countries (Costantini, 2001). As explained by the WTO in the list of its cases, the outcome for the case was as follows, â€Å"The U.S. and E.U. reached an agreement to begin to dismantle the barriers to

Aspects of United States society in the late 20th century and aspects Essay

Aspects of United States society in the late 20th century and aspects of life in the contemporary U.S - Essay Example Fast food is just like cigarettes because they both are horrible for ones self and still millions upon millions of people fall into the manufacturers trap of good advertising. America, as opposed to most of Europe, is always rushed. The average working week is forty hours, with maybe forty-five minutes as a lunch break. This is not enough time for a lavish lunch, leaving fast food as the menu of the day. (Schlosser, 2004) Americans, who live to work, will often bring home fast food as an alternative to the time consuming process of preparing dinner. Fast food is targeted to cater to the speed of an on-the-go American. The popular quote "In, out, and on your way" describes exactly how convenient fast food truly is. Now one doesnt need to go the lengths of in and out, just wait in the drive thru and go. If a person was hungry at 1:00 AM in 1940, he was out of luck. In todays world, one has their choice from a variety of fast food restaurants on every corner; they even have drive through windows so a person doesnt have to get out in their pajamas. For example, Wendys, doesnt close shop until 2:00 AM. In spirit with competitive American capitalism, McDonalds doesnt close now until 2:30. (Maze, 2004) Most cities and towns have rows of fast food restaurants so a person can jump from roof to roof, just in case they felt like Mexican food from Taco Bell rather than a McDonalds hamburger. In recent decades, the family structure of many Americans has changed. In most families, both parents need to work to support their families and to own a house, limiting the amount of time to spend with their children - let alone cooking meals. Fast food restaurants solve this equation easily by giving parents the option of killing two birds with one stone. They can take their kid(s) to a place like McDonalds that allows a parent to feed their children with

It is a film review using book how to read literature like a Essay

It is a film review using book how to read literature like a professor-Foster Thomas - Essay Example According to Foster, acts of vampire can be symbolic and can include exploitations, evil, selfishness, using other people to get what one wants, refusing to respect other peoples autonomy and placing ones needs above others. According to Foster, flight symbolically means escape, freedom, returning home or the flight of the imagination. Flight includes the use of flying images such as birds. In the movie, violence is evident when Lord Voldemort killed Harry’s parents though he failed in killing Harry when he was just a year old. The attack by Voldemort also left a lightning bolt shaped scar on Harry’s forehead which produced stabbing pains whenever Voldemort felt any strong emotions. Violence in this movie was caused by a Lord Voldemort, a character who caused stabbing effects on Harry. Foster believes that this kind of violence is symbolic in action, which shows the connection between Harry and the Sorcerer-Harry had become a wizard. Geography is another theme evident in the film. Family is a very important theme in the movie. This is evident when Harry misses his family that he never knew and hates the Dursleys; the one he is stuck with. Blood relationship matters a lot. The Dursleys feed Harry, but they do not love him and do not treat him well. Harry later meets Hogwarts who nurtures and cares for him, hence becoming a family. Foster believes that this type of geography matters in the film represents love, security, family and home. Harry went to Hogwarts with the main aim of making friends and hence forming a family. By making friends, both Harry and Hogwarts learned on how to work together, they learned from each other and even accomplished more that what each of them would have done on their own. Love is evident when Harry finds a room that contained the Mirror of Erised from the restricted section of information in the Library, which showed him of his parents as well as several of his parent’s ance stors.

The selection process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The selection process - Essay Example This is the list of requirements an employer should have at least in order to qualify for the job. This is an overview of the abilities and characteristics one must possess to adequately perform the job. Similarly, a job description list is also prepared to explain what the job is all about, including the specific duties and responsibilities for that particular position.[2] In this case, a marketing project manager supervises projects based on quality, time-schedule and budget. Please refer to Appendix A and B for a complete list of job descriptions and specifications. To hire employees, organizations have different methods of recruitment or attracting probable employees. This is time and cost-consuming and should be therefore done efficiently and effectively.[1] Job advertisements must be put somewhere where they are noticed and easily accessed. According to the 2009 Recruitment, retention and turnover survey report in United Kingdom, The top three most used methods of attracting ap plicants are through the organization’s own corporate website (78%), recruitment agencies (76%) and local newspaper advertisements. However, other means of reaching the target group include specialist journals/trade press, employee referral scheme, links with schools/colleges/universities, search consultant, commercial job boards, physical posters/billboards/vehicle, radio or TV advertisement, and social networking sites (such as Linkedln). [3] The proposed design of the job advertisement for the position of Marketing Project Manager (Figure 1 and 2) can be placed or uploaded to the company’s own website via the internet. Since the people of today rely most, if not all of their activities in the internet, it will be best to post it there. Also, if the position is not only open to the natives of the country, citizens of other nations can access it readily since internet caters to everyone else around the globe. Every organization is challenged to keep pace through the f ast changing technology and environment of today. These multifaceted features of the internet should be seen as an opportunity for better communication and utilized for the benefit of the organization. Another applicable way is to publish the job advertisement in local newspapers. It is indeed less costly to buy a newspaper than secure an internet connection most especially if an employee comes from low-income groups. There in the classified ads section of the newspaper list hundreds of job ads open for hiring. There’s a big chance that people scan or read through these pages. After the different recruitment methods are employed, decisions on the selection process is next to be made. When it comes to applicant selection, competency-based interviews are the most common selection method (69%). Ranked second and third are the more traditional methods of interviews – following the contents of a CV/application form and structured interviews (panel). Others include tests for specific skills, general ability tests, literacy and/or numeracy tests, telephone interviews, personality/aptitude questionnaires, assessment centres, group exercises (for example role-playing), pre-interview referencing, and online tests selection.[3] Normally, the selection process involves some or all of the above-mentioned activities. For the example given on the Marketing Project Manager position, it is recommended that aspiring employees undergo three stages. First is the filling of the

Humanities II course work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Humanities II course work - Essay Example As the movement grew, it gave rise to expressions of the fantastic and the exotic (Cunningham & Reich, 459). While Romanticism can be a nebulous concept, it’s most accurately expressed through a core group of elements in art and in literature. One of its earliest manifestations was a love of nature, expressed by artists throughout Europe, who exhibited an unprecedented use of personal perspective, scope and color. This was, in large part, a reaction against the onset of modern society. â€Å"The growing industrialization of life in the great cities, and the effect of inventions like the railway train on urban architecture stimulated a ‘back-to-nature’ movement as Romanticism provided an escape from the grim realities of urbanization and industrialization† (Cunningham & Reich, 430). This style struck a chord with people who were, in their own ways, seeking an escape from the de-personalizing effects of society. As the Romantic style gained momentum in the la te 18th and early 19th centuries, it became more self-consciously a rejection of classical art forms. The American and French revolutions utilized classical forms to express their rejections of the old forms of government Romanticism to Post-Modernism 3 against which they were rebelling (Cunningham and Reich, 424). The leaders of America’s revolution against Great Britain borrowed heavily from classical forms of architecture to express a timeless connection between their Democratic form of government and that of the ancients Greeks and Romans. For Romantic artists, this was a limiting artistic convention not adapted to the kind of self-expression with which the new style was infused. In the early phase of the Romantic movement, Goethe’s plays served as a literary catalyst for the turbulent, aggressive Sturm und Drang school. His works were prototypes of the emotionalism and rejection of governmental authority that characterized Romanticism. â€Å"Modern criticism stil l considers Goethe’s use of dramatic technique in the Sturm und Drang as unconventional and revolutionary with respect to dramatic forms in general and Aristotelian drama in particular† (Stewart, 277). This trend would come to encompass music, poetry and the philosophy of Emmanuel Kant, Georg Hegel and Arthur Schopenhauer. The political environment in Europe at the time was set in turmoil by the French revolution and its aftermath. The Napoleonic wars of the late 18th and early 19 centuries aggravated nationalistic fervor throughout the continent. This historic and political cataclysm had a profound influence on artists and thinkers. Romanticism lent itself readily to mythological themes, and the great life-and-death struggle that engulfed Europe inflamed the mythologies and folk traditions in every European nation. In Germany, for instance, this phenomenon found its apex in the ancient Norse mythology that Richard Wagner would fashion into his famous Ring cycle opera. The lasting impact of Romanticism was that the nationalism of Europe’s nation Romanticism to Post-Modernism 4 states was enhanced - in some cases created - by the writers and artists of the Romantic movement. â€Å"Many Romantic artists identified with the nationalist movements of the times and either supported their own country’s fight for freedom (as in the case of Verdi) or championed the cause of others (as did Lord Byron)†

It is a film review using book how to read literature like a Essay

It is a film review using book how to read literature like a professor-Foster Thomas - Essay Example According to Foster, acts of vampire can be symbolic and can include exploitations, evil, selfishness, using other people to get what one wants, refusing to respect other peoples autonomy and placing ones needs above others. According to Foster, flight symbolically means escape, freedom, returning home or the flight of the imagination. Flight includes the use of flying images such as birds. In the movie, violence is evident when Lord Voldemort killed Harry’s parents though he failed in killing Harry when he was just a year old. The attack by Voldemort also left a lightning bolt shaped scar on Harry’s forehead which produced stabbing pains whenever Voldemort felt any strong emotions. Violence in this movie was caused by a Lord Voldemort, a character who caused stabbing effects on Harry. Foster believes that this kind of violence is symbolic in action, which shows the connection between Harry and the Sorcerer-Harry had become a wizard. Geography is another theme evident in the film. Family is a very important theme in the movie. This is evident when Harry misses his family that he never knew and hates the Dursleys; the one he is stuck with. Blood relationship matters a lot. The Dursleys feed Harry, but they do not love him and do not treat him well. Harry later meets Hogwarts who nurtures and cares for him, hence becoming a family. Foster believes that this type of geography matters in the film represents love, security, family and home. Harry went to Hogwarts with the main aim of making friends and hence forming a family. By making friends, both Harry and Hogwarts learned on how to work together, they learned from each other and even accomplished more that what each of them would have done on their own. Love is evident when Harry finds a room that contained the Mirror of Erised from the restricted section of information in the Library, which showed him of his parents as well as several of his parent’s ance stors.

Humanities II course work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Humanities II course work - Essay Example As the movement grew, it gave rise to expressions of the fantastic and the exotic (Cunningham & Reich, 459). While Romanticism can be a nebulous concept, it’s most accurately expressed through a core group of elements in art and in literature. One of its earliest manifestations was a love of nature, expressed by artists throughout Europe, who exhibited an unprecedented use of personal perspective, scope and color. This was, in large part, a reaction against the onset of modern society. â€Å"The growing industrialization of life in the great cities, and the effect of inventions like the railway train on urban architecture stimulated a ‘back-to-nature’ movement as Romanticism provided an escape from the grim realities of urbanization and industrialization† (Cunningham & Reich, 430). This style struck a chord with people who were, in their own ways, seeking an escape from the de-personalizing effects of society. As the Romantic style gained momentum in the la te 18th and early 19th centuries, it became more self-consciously a rejection of classical art forms. The American and French revolutions utilized classical forms to express their rejections of the old forms of government Romanticism to Post-Modernism 3 against which they were rebelling (Cunningham and Reich, 424). The leaders of America’s revolution against Great Britain borrowed heavily from classical forms of architecture to express a timeless connection between their Democratic form of government and that of the ancients Greeks and Romans. For Romantic artists, this was a limiting artistic convention not adapted to the kind of self-expression with which the new style was infused. In the early phase of the Romantic movement, Goethe’s plays served as a literary catalyst for the turbulent, aggressive Sturm und Drang school. His works were prototypes of the emotionalism and rejection of governmental authority that characterized Romanticism. â€Å"Modern criticism stil l considers Goethe’s use of dramatic technique in the Sturm und Drang as unconventional and revolutionary with respect to dramatic forms in general and Aristotelian drama in particular† (Stewart, 277). This trend would come to encompass music, poetry and the philosophy of Emmanuel Kant, Georg Hegel and Arthur Schopenhauer. The political environment in Europe at the time was set in turmoil by the French revolution and its aftermath. The Napoleonic wars of the late 18th and early 19 centuries aggravated nationalistic fervor throughout the continent. This historic and political cataclysm had a profound influence on artists and thinkers. Romanticism lent itself readily to mythological themes, and the great life-and-death struggle that engulfed Europe inflamed the mythologies and folk traditions in every European nation. In Germany, for instance, this phenomenon found its apex in the ancient Norse mythology that Richard Wagner would fashion into his famous Ring cycle opera. The lasting impact of Romanticism was that the nationalism of Europe’s nation Romanticism to Post-Modernism 4 states was enhanced - in some cases created - by the writers and artists of the Romantic movement. â€Å"Many Romantic artists identified with the nationalist movements of the times and either supported their own country’s fight for freedom (as in the case of Verdi) or championed the cause of others (as did Lord Byron)†

Slumdog Millionare Essay Example for Free

Slumdog Millionare Essay In the late 1800’s there lived well-known Hindu monk by the name of Swami Vivekananda. It was his reputation to be wise and many people looked to him for guidance. One of his most famous quotes states, â€Å"the great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this: the man or woman who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful. † This statement is one that can have many different meanings to different people. One may find that this quote is enough to bridge the gap between the western mindset and a fundamental ideology of a belief found amongst the people residing in India. In some senses there can be made a correlation between Vivekananda’s quote and a boy who plays the main character named Jamal, in the 2008 film â€Å"Slumdog Millionaire† directed by Danny Boyle. Jamal’s story of success can be related to Vivekananda’s quote as well as the topics discussed in class through many ways. A few of these ways include the belief of karma, dharma, and oneness. It is arguable that Vivekananda is discussing the idea of both karma and dharma in his quote. Jamal follows his dharma throughout the film by being a good brother to Saliam to spite some of the wicked ways his brother has treated him growing up. He is also following his dharma by caring for Latika even though situations are not always ideal for the couple. Jamal’s ridged childhood has scared him emotionally, but he managed to make a negative into a positive. Jamal learns, grows, and develops an optimistic outlook on life trying to make the best of what he had given his situation. Even when Jamal’s situation was worsened by external forces in addition to internal conflict he did not allow negativity to stand in the way of what he knew was right and wrong. Through following his moral compass Jamal followed his dharma. Following his dharma had a definite influence on Jamal’s karma. Throughout the film. Jamal does good things because he knew that they were the right thing to do, and not because he is trying to get anything in return. One example of an act of good karma belonging to Jamal might be said to be the first time that he helped friend Latika. Through comforting her after the loss of her parents, looking out for her as â€Å"the third musketeer† and sheltering her in the rain he was incurring good karma. In addition to the goodness of Jamal’s actions that radiate through the theme of the film, Jamal exemplifies truly trying to achieve oneness. Jamal’s innocence as a child and his selflessness as an adult are just two things that truly helped him to achieve oneness. It might even be said that after the film was viewed one can make the assumption that oneness was achieved for Jamal at the end. Once the couple reunites after being torn apart many times through their lives it might be said that when the couple finally walks into their future together there is a notable sense of harmony that can be observed. Conclusively, the film â€Å"Slumdog Millionaire† it is arguable that the main character Jamal achieves oneness, inherits good karma through his actions, and truly strives to do good therefore having a positive effect on his dharma. Jamal can even be said to have reached true success according to Vivekananda’s quote. This is true not because he has made it so far in the game show, but rather because he has found happiness by being an unselfish person and asking for nothing in return for his good deeds.

Moving through levels of care in health

Moving through levels of care in health A Health system can be defined as a group of people whose primary focus is to improve the health or wellbeing of others (WHO, 2005). These entities could include organizations such as hospitals and other health care services that respond to the needs of the population. This essay will focus on the three levels of care: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary and explore how patients move through these three levels of health care in New Zealand (NZ), the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). The similarities and differences between these systems will be highlighted and the accessibility of these providers will be discussed. There are three different levels of care in terms of Health Systems, each addressing the necessities of the patient and are organized into Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Care (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). Primary care is usually the first point of contact for many individuals and focuses on ambulatory care such as general practitioners (GP’s), midwives and pharmacists. Healthcare at this level tends to be family orientated and situated around communities, treating ordinary, every day health problems (Alberta Physician Link, n.d.). The Secondary care level usually involves much more specialized services and is generally hospital based; examples include specialized physicians like pediatrics and obstetrics (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). Tertiary care typically involves specialist physicians such as cardiac surgeons and immunologists. Care at this level comprises of the treatment of uncommon and complicated diseases (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). The margin between secondary an d tertiary health care is difficult to distinguish between as enhancements in modern day technology means that surgeries that are associated with tertiary level is being introduced to local hospitals (French, Old, Healy, 2001). Patient flow through the three levels of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary care differs from country to country and is dependent on the country’s focus and organization. Each country operates differently in order to respond to the needs of the population. Patient flow in most cases is a stepwise process and enables efficiency in Health care systems. In New Zealand, individuals who have health problems will go directly to their GP as their first contact (French et al., 2001). The reason for this is, unless it’s an accidental and emergency situation, New Zealanders’ can only gain access to secondary and tertiary services by referrals from their GP’s. GP’s can be described as ‘gate keepers’ who hold the key to higher levels of health care (French et al., 2001). Only by obtaining this key – in this case a referral, will patients in NZ be able to gain access to secondary and tertiary care. The same situation also applies to private health sectors (French et al., 2001). If further diagnosis is required after seeing the GP, the patient will be referred to a specialist at a public hospital who will be the sole decision maker in deciding the urgency of the situation. If specialized assistance is required, the patient and their GP will be notified within ten days and will have an appointment within six months (Cumming et al., 2013). GP’s taking on the role as gate keepers will lead to the development of a strong patient-caregiver relationship, which eventually leads to better health outcomes (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). In the United Kingdom, the British National Health Service (NHS) provides health care. The GPs here also take on the role of gatekeepers and apart from treating every day problems; they also provide prevention services such as immunization to prevent diseases and vaccinations (Boyle, 2011). Similar to New Zealand, patients are unable to gain access to secondary services unless they have a referral from their general practitioners (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). This system differs from New Zealand in that a referral from a GP to access health care at the tertiary level is quite unusual and is usually attained by a referral from the secondary care level (Wheeler Grice, 2000). The exceptions to these regulations are accidental and emergency situations, for example, a trip to the Accidental and emergency department (AE) would not require a referral. The US health system focuses more on care at the tertiary level. This health system differs from NZ and UK in that patients are able to access secondary and tertiary levels of care without a referral (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). In the US, patient flow is not as efficient and it has become customary for individuals to approach any doctor of their choice depending on their health problems (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). The numerous roles specialists and doctors have to undertake accentuate the huge gap in primary care. In NZ and the UK where physicians specialize in providing health care at the secondary level, tertiary physicians in the US have to provide health care at both the primary and secondary level in order to make up for the lack of primary care providers (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). Access to health care is how obtainable medical care is. There are numerous barriers to access and these include factors such as cost, transport and locations of hospitals relative to where individuals live. Each country differs in the way they attack certain barriers. The US health system focuses more on the concept of the dispersed model in terms of organization and is more orientated towards tertiary care (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). Health insurance is a major factor that influences individual’s access to healthcare. Individuals in the US have employers who aid in the costs of health insurance. However, individuals who have employers that do not cover health insurance, have to figure out their own way to access health care (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). More often than not, it is these individuals who do not fit the criteria for public health insurance and do not have the means to obtain private health insurance due to expensive premiums (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). The number of uninsured people has been increasing and countless employers have responded to the ever-growing costs of health insurance by no longer providing it for their employees. Health insurance in the US poses as the biggest financial barrier towards access and Bode nheimer and Grumbach accentuates this point. Their findings reveal that those who are not insured receive less care, resulting in bad health consequences. The two main public health insurance companies in the US are Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid’s target audience is for citizens aged 65+ and in low-income families while Medicare’s targets disabled individuals and residents who are 65+, under 65 year olds are funded by private insurance (The Commonwealth Fund, 2012). However, many physicians do not accept people with Medicaid insurance as this means they receive less payment. Compared to the individuals who are uninsured, those who are insured with Medicaid have a much more stable source of health care and access to other services. However, in contrast to the others who are privately insured, they are more likely to have difficulties when pursuing medical care and other prescriptions (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). Numerous residents are underinsured and uninsured (The Commonwealth Fund, 2012) resulting in less people obtaining access to medical care. People are entitled to refer themselves to any level of health care depending on their situation, resulting in a large out of pocket fee if they were uninsured. However, access to health care is incredibly beneficial for the well off individuals who are able to afford private insurance. The US health system primary focus on the tertiary level impacts access as it allows entry into any level of care depending on the patient’s choice and this is incredibly advantageous for those who are well off, but poses as a disadvantage for the poor and those who cannot afford health insurance. In NZ, the health system focuses more on the regionalized model in terms of organization and is orientated towards primary health care. The Government along with the District Health Boards (DHB) and Primary Healthcare Organizations (PHO) plays a huge role in delivering health care to individuals in NZ (Gauld, 2012). There are two types of PHOs established, interim and access (Malcolm, 2004). Access PHOs subsidies 60-70% of GP costs for those in disadvantaged areas, whereas Interim PHOs subsidies 30-40% of GP costs for those who are in less disadvantaged areas (Malcolm, 2004). This will enable those who live in underprivileged areas to gain access to health care, without worrying about costs. Most hospital fees are free of charge with some additional expenses depending on different situations (Cumming et al., 2013), the government also subsidizes visits to the GP. This means that those who struggle financially will be more likely to access primary health care, enabling better health o utcomes, especially because a referral is needed in order to access secondary and tertiary levels of care. Individuals are also able to obtain private health insurance, allowing them to receive a private appointment with a surgical consultant before individuals who are noninsured, resulting in a reduction in wait times for surgery (Cumming et al., 2013). However, there could be a limit in choices of private providers as they are mainly situated in the main centers, limiting access for those in rural areas (Cumming et al., 2013). Large distances and small numbers of care providers make it difficult for populations in rural areas in NZ to access health care (Cumming et al., 2013). This poses as a significant barrier that limits access as those who live a great distance away have a limited amount of options in terms of health care. The distribution of health care services and physicians in rural areas is smaller as this life style is undesirable, reducing rural populations’ acce ss to health care (Cumming et al., 2013). Access in NZ is beneficial as hospitals are situated in good geographic locations as studies reveal that 90% of individuals are able to reach a district hospital within an hour (Cumming et al., 2013). NZ’s focus on the primary health care level impacts access as it allows individuals whom require specialized care to gain access by referral from a GP. Compared to the US, access to health care in NZ is favorable for those who live in good geographical locations but poses as a disadvantage for those in rural areas. In the UK, the health system is similar to NZ in that its health system is structured like the regionalized Dawson model and orientated towards primary health care (Bodenheimer Grumbach, 2009). The British National Health Service (NHS) provides primary care and hospital services (Boyle, 2011). Most primary health care is free and is covered by the NHS, although there are some out of pocket payments that are not covered (Boyle, 2011). Free primary health care would maximize access, as those who struggle financially will still be able to seek treatment without concerns of payment. Boyle’s research also reveals that there has been many unnecessary trips to the AE were not considered as crucial, possible reasoning for this could be due to their inability to obtain primary health care. Waiting times in the UK poses as a barricade to health care, with some patients waiting up to 18 months for surgeries, however, the average waiting time has now been reduced to 18 weeks (Boyle, 2011 ). Long waiting times reduces access which means that less people will be able to receive the care that they need in the time that they require it. These wait times could’ve instigated numerous avoidable AE trips that could’ve been solved by the GPs. The UK is quite successful in terms of access as it has many after hour services including AE, NHS Direct and after hour GP services (Boyle, 2011). These services will maximize access to health care, as more people will be able to obtain the care they need in the time that they require it. The structure of the UK’s health system primarily focuses on the primary level, its impact on access just like NZ, enables entry into higher levels of health care through a referral from a GP. Access in the UK is beneficial to all residents due to the free primary health care being provided along with after hour services. No health system is perfect. Every health system has certain flaws that could be improved. However, all health systems have something common, they all have a goal to provide care for those in need.

Character Analysis of Emily Grierson in A Rose for Emily by William Fau

Emily Grierson, referred to as Miss Emily throughout the story, is the main character of 'A Rose for Emily,' written by William Faulkner. Emily is born to a proud, aristocratic family sometime during the Civil War; Miss Emily used to live with her father and servants, in a big decorated house. The Grierson Family considers themselves superior than other people of the town. According to Miss Emily's father none of the young boys were suitable for Miss Emily. Due to this attitude of Miss Emily's father, Miss Emily was not able to develop any real relationship with anyone else, but it was like her world revolved around her father. When her father passed away, it was a devastating loss for Miss Emily. The lines from the story 'She told them her father was not dead. She did that for three days,' (Charter 171) conveys the message that she tried to hold on to him, even after his death. Even though, this was a sad moment for Emily, but she was liberated from the control of her father. Instead of going on with her life, her life halted after death of her father. Miss Emily found love in a guy named Homer Barron, who came as a contractor for paving the sidewalks in town. Miss Emily was seen in buggy on Sunday afternoons with Homer Barron. The whole town thought they would get married. One could know this by the sentences in the story ?She will marry him,? ?She will persuade him yet,? (Charter 173). On the contrary side, Homer Barron, although ironically Emily's only love was t...

Free College Essays - Allegory and Symbolism in Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown :: Young Goodman Brown YGB

Nathaniel Hawthorne is a nineteenth-century American writer of the Romantic Movement. Hawthorne was born is Salem, Massachusetts, and this is the place he used as the setting for some of his works: such as "The Scarlett Letter", "the Blithedale Romance" and "Young Goodman Brown". In writing, Hawthorne was known for his use of allegory and symbolism, which made his stories a joy for everyone to read. Hawthorne was said to be the first American writer who was conscious of the failure of modern man to realize his full capacity for moral growth. His stories contain much about the life he knew as a child being brought up in a Puritan society. As Hawthorne's writing continued it was filled with the same amount of sin and evil as his first writings. Evil that was revealed through his works. "Young Goodman Brown" was said to be one of the best stories ever written by Hawthorne (Adams70). "The Marble Faun: and "the Scarlett Letter were some of the other stories written by Hawthorne, and they were said to be "Young Goodman Brown" grown older. In this selection there is a question of maturity for Goodman Brown and whether he is good or evil. There is also a transition from childishness to adolescence to maturity. This short story in particular has a feeling of adultery, betrayal, and deception as in some of his other works. It was said by Richard P. Adams that "young Goodman Brown" was a germ for nearly all his best work that followed (Adams 71). The use of symbolism in "young Goodman Brown" shows that evil is everywhere, which becomes evident in the conclusion of this short story. Hawthorne's works are filled with symbolic elements and allegorical elements. "Young Goodman Brown" deals mostly with conventional allegorical elements, such as Young Goodman Brown and Faith. In writing his short stories or novels he based their depiction of sin on the fact that he feels like his father and grandfather committed great sins. There are two main characters in this short story, Fai th and Young Goodman Brown. "Young Goodman Brown is everyman seventeenth-century New England the title as usual giving the clue. He is the son of the Old Adam, and recently wedded to Faith. We must note that every word is significant in the opening sentence: "Young Goodman Brown came forth at sunset into the street of Sale, Village; but put his head back, after crossing the threshold, to exchange a parting kiss with his young w2ife.

Personal experience

The light shone through the curtains emitting a soft peaceful glow from the designs on its fabric, with my head aching and my eyes barely open I peered through a carving on the curtain and squinted my eyes to see if the weather had changed from its usual continuous downpour, my expectations were drowned and revived for it was dry but frost had added it's touch to the scenery. Following the same routine each week, I threw on some old but very warm clothes and found my way carelessly downstairs, there was a reason for me to be happy today, but I was not fully awake yet to remember why. I passed through the kitchen avoiding the cupboard that I always seemed to knock into in the morning, sunlight shone through the window reflecting the brilliance of the kitchens woodwork, glasses lay shimmering in the light on the drying board beside the sink, I filled up the kettle to make myself a cup of coffee and watched as the steam implanted marks on the beige wallpaper. Looking through the patio while drinking my coffee I had a more broad view of today's weather, Frost had embedded itself on all solid objects in view. Trees, plants even the gravel of the driveway shone in brilliance with this white sheet of frozen dew. As I opened the patio door and hastily put on my slippers a soft, cool breeze blew across my body sending a shiver down my spine and causing the hairs on my arms to stand. I inhaled the cool, crisp air which was waking me better than my coffee, I walked alongside the garden admiring the view and took special interest in the way that the grass sparkled as I swept past which reminded me of jewellery such as diamonds or emeralds. As I went back inside I put down my cold mug of coffee and headed upstairs where I found a bundle of towels, half-wet, half-dry lying on the ground, this was the place they were thrown the last time they were used. Twenty minutes later after a warm refreshing shower I realised I was ready for breakfast, by this time I had realised that the reason for me to be happy today was due to the fact that I did not have to go into work and that later on two friends of mine Stephen and Scott were to come to my house. I threw myself on the couch and relaxed as the enormous cushions sank beneath my weight, I lay there reviewing the week's happenings in my mind and wondering what I should do today, time passed as I lay in this trance and was deeply frightened when I was aroused by the sound of knocking on the front door. I sat upright and headed for the door, on the way grabbing my wallet, keys and mini-disc player. I opened the door which gave a loud creak and slammed it shut with force while trying to fit my keys into the keyhole, I glanced briefly at Stephen and Scott, while saying â€Å"hi† I stroked the cat as I walked past the box from which it was emerging stretching it's legs, no doubtedly I had woken it up while closing the door. After we had conspired the decision was made that we would go to Curry's first as I needed a new pair of headphones for my mini-disc player. After a careful selection process for a pair that were of a good quality standard and cheap in price we headed outside to the car park so I could attach the newly bought product. After I had discarded of the plastic case in which the headphones were contained, I inserted the headphones into the player and wrapped the wire around the player itself, I put it in Scott's bag, as I did this however, I noticed that coming down the hill was a group of six unruly looking ruffians aged from around 17 to 19. I made it clear to Steve and Scott that we should go as the youths were pointing in our direction, as we were about to make off, to our misfortune, a jet black jeep with only two seats which were occupied by two passengers pulled by us. It held two women who were looking for directions, by now the gang who we had spotted had walked past us which came as a great relief to me. After we had helped the two women and they had figured out where their destination was they departed, and we ourselves thought we ought to do the same. With a quick turn I noticed that through the buildings see-through shutters that we were not alone, it turned out that the gang had waited there and started to follow us as we left. Steve and Scott started to quicken their pace quite fast leaving me behind them as they broke into a run and were followed by five shouting â€Å"there he is, get him† they were a good distance away from me so I thought of going back to curry's for help when suddenly I felt a great weight pound on the back of my neck, it struck shock into me as it had surprised me more than anything. One of the gang had stayed behind and strayed a little to clumsy behind me since I was the biggest of the three, unlike him, he was a tall, dark, rough looking character wearing what looked like a ‘hand me down' baseball cap and protruding from the cap was his thick black greasy hair which was curled from the tips upward. His muscular build summed up his attitude so I thought it best to run, and I did, but it wasn't long before I was stopped again. The greasy haired thug sprinted after me in a fit of rage and tripped me up, those few seconds of falling before impact with the ground made me think of the horror which may yet come to be. With a quick glance after a hard collision with the ground I noticed three other thugs were surrounding me, they had given up on the chase for Stephen and Scott and thought that it would be fun to take a kick at me, and they did they kicked me over and over again. They booted me in the back of the head laughing like schoolchildren with a new toy, I was surrounded with no way out, they had formed a circle where each person was able to get a kick in, I waved my arms in the air hoping to block blows that came to my face, I squirmed around trying frantically to escape this vicious circle of attacks while continually receiving kicks in every part of my body. I tried to scramble to my feet, tried to get away but was stopped my another fierce kick to the stomach which had winded me, at this point I hadn't realized that it didn't actually hurt, sure my arms were drenched with blood and my legs weren't functioning properly but with each and every kick I only heard, not felt, like sound vibrations off a pair of speakers each kick was like ripple of sound of a dance beat, maybe the shock of all this had suppressed the pain, or the adrenaline in the heat of the moment. With the attacks coming yet still to the stomach and arms I screamed out as best as I could â€Å"why, why are you doing this, I've done nothing† yet from saying this must have induced a renewed attack from members of the group who were seeming to ease off, laughter was the only reply from which I heard. Even now clearly, I am haunted by the look, from which I was greeted by one of the group, his eyes were filled with malice, hatred, malevolence, but why? Who was he? I didn't know him, â€Å"what have I done†. I screamed as loud as I was fit to, with my voice quivering during the end of the outburst still I relentlessly waved my arm in the air noticing that what was once a blue piece of clothing had turned to dark red with rips all over, at this they scattered, they ran why? I picked myself off the ground, I collapsed under my own weight, I tried again and yet I failed at this attempt, I crawled, squirming my body left and right trying not to put pressure on my arms. I got to the nearest wall and propped myself up against it, I inspected my injuries and only now realizing the pain I was in, when I looked around I caught sight of Stephen and Scott, apparently they had stopped someone on the road for help and were coming towards me, they helped me into the car which they had stopped and surprisingly it turned out to be a friend of my fathers. As he drove me home the increasing pain seemed overwhelming, I drifted away into deep thought as I sank into the seats of the car. Weeks have passed and a formal complaint has been made about the thugs but I have yet to hear from the police, it had turned out that the thugs were after Stephen and Scott because of their religion, they both were protestant. The thugs themselves were catholic and lived in a local estate area which is notorious for crime and supposedly uncontrollable to the law, they had mistaken me for a protestant and I had received the full beating intended for all of us. As I look back on this experience now it makes me wonder what these youths have gone through in their lives to make them capable of committing such an act and thinking in the way they do on the differences in religion, I am continually haunted by that piercing look I received on the day, that look, the look I got was from something not human, it was something else. These people care nothing about what they have done to me and to support their reasons the only response was the fact that they thought I was of another religion, their bias is so thin, so pointless.