Franz Kafka and Albert Camus Essay

He alienates himself from the other characters because he does not feel the way they do. Meursault does not hide this from his companions. â€Å"A minute later she asked me if I loved her. I told her it didn’t mean anything but that I didn’t think so. † When Marie, Meursault’s lover, tries to express herself to him, he cannot comprehend the emotional implications she is trying to extend. His answer, though honest, is cold and detached. This idea that love doesn’t mean anything is later expressed once Meursault comes to the conclusion that human existence is meaningless. This is a popular existential belief. He pushes himself away from other people by not reacting to their emotions. However, unlike Gregor Samsa of The Metamorphosis, people surround Meursault. His friends care about him and tend to him. It is he who chooses to remain alone. Marie tries desperately to connect to this man, and yet is so far from his heart. His actions and his attitude reflect someone who wants to be left alone, secluded in his own thoughts and in his own daily routine. The existential theme of seclusion is prominent in both The Metamorphosis and The Stranger. However, the protagonists react differently to their own isolation. Gregor demonstrates an attachment to his family. He is unaware of the alienation that has enwrapped his life. He isolates himself from his family but still worries and cares for them. Each day is routine for him and he is not spiteful of his transformation or the state of being he has become. He expresses concerns for his sister and her well being. He cared for his family as demonstrated in his financial support for them. Gregor wanted his family to be happy. He worked diligently to provide for them and to ensure that they had a decent life. Meursault, however, does not go out of his way to ensure the happiness of his companions. He come to terms that human existence is meaningless. He sends his poor mother to a home and does not visit her. He does not care about her well being, and after her death expresses to others that he did not feel badly about not visiting her in the wretched home where he forced her to go. When Marie goes out of her way to visit him in jail, Meursault still does not care. He feels no need to apologize to her and does not think that he owes her anything. One would think that her adulation would at least be acknowledged. Though Gregor may not care to be around his family he still demonstrates a sense of responsibility to take care of them. Meursault lacks all responsibility for himself and others. The Stranger and The Metamorphosis demonstrate the act of seclusion between the two protagonists. Gregor Samsa isolated himself from his family and society by locking his doors to the outside world and creeping into dark corners where he could hide himself. Meursault disregards the emotions of the people in his life and does not care whether or not they are a part of his life. Gregor is alienated by his family, while Meursault chooses to be secluded from society. Though Gregor did demonstrate MeursaultGregor tentative longings to be alone (his subconscious act of locking his bedroom door while even at home), he still cared for the lives of his family. He made an effort to provide financially to them. Meursault secluded himself from those who tried to get close to him. He was a selfish character who could not even be bothered to care for the life of his own mother. The compassions of the two men, or lack there of, are what separate themselves for each other. Both Kafka and Camus demonstrate the existential idea that human beings have the capability to seclude themselves from society and the people around them. Seclusion As An Existential Theme In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis And Albert Camus The Stranger Eileen Carey IB World Lit 1 March 2003 Mrs. Lindner Bibliography Kafka, Franz. â€Å"The Metamorphosis†. Dover Pubns; (June 1996). Camus, Albert. â€Å"The Stranger†. Vintage Books; Reissue edition (March 1989) Mirriam-Webster. â€Å"Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary†. Merriam-Webster, Inc. ; 10th edition (1998).

“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” Film Review

The film â€Å"What's Eating Gilbert Grape,† based on the novel by Peter Hedges, is an out of the ordinary middleweight observation of a dysfunctional, although regular family. The film has some touching scenes which take the audience away from the reoccurring humour of the Grapes' ways. Set in Endora, which is described as being â€Å"like dancing with no music,† the most exciting thing that happens throughout the film is Arnie's 18th Birthday Party and the arrival of the â€Å"Burger Barn.† Arnie, Gilbert's (Johnny Depp) mentally handicapped brother, always finds a way to escape Gilbert's watching eyes and climb up the tempting water tower. This is his way of getting in trouble with the cops, not shop lifting or drug dealing, but just exploring the local water tower. And when the police finally arrest him it causes his 500 pound mother (Darlene Cates) to leave the house after seven years and demand for her precious son back. The director, Lasse Hallstrom, is very clever in how he uses humour and pathos in this scene. On the family's way to the station the audience is able to laugh as the car tips up, nearly scraping the road, weighed down by the angry 500lb angry mother. However, on their way out of the station they find themselves part of a freak show, leaving the audience to feel horror and sympathy. Gilbert also has many of other responsibilities as well as keeping a constant watchful eye on Arnie: earning the money, maintaining the house and caring for his overweight mother and his two sisters. These things play heavily on his mind which is why his secret affair with Mrs. Carver (Mary Steenburgen) is very welcome at first. However when a free-spirited beautiful young woman arrives in a RV with her grandmother (Penelope Branning), the affair has to come to an end, helped by the death of Mrs. Carver's husband, who has formerly been threatening Gilbert. Becky, played by Juliette Lewis, is a down-to-earth character; someone like Gilbert has never met before. Becky and her Grandmother have been travelling almost everywhere and stop in Endora long enough for Becky and Gilbert to get to know each other very well and to start a romance. The arrival of Becky, however, changes the Grapes' routine and way of life. This film equals Lasse Hallstrom's other art house films such as â€Å"My Life As A Dog† and â€Å"Something To Talk About.† This Scandinavian director risked a great deal in experimenting with this film. One of the things he tries is the use of a voice over. This, used at the beginning, introduces us to the characters and the setting, Endora. At the end it lets us know where the characters end up and what they do. I think this is a bad technique in this film mainly because of the use of Gilbert's humdrum voice, which in a way warns the audience of the dullness that's to come. Hallstrom purposely chose the camera shots he uses throughout the film to give the film its homeliness. The recurring picture of the water tower in the background lets the audience appreciate Gilbert's responsibility. Gilbert's truck is also another frequent occurrence, which us see everyone in it, so we can observe their reactions and emotions to what is happening. This links to the camera shots through windows. These are also very common in the film and tie in with the â€Å"fly on the wall† technique, which is a favourite with reality T.V programs. As I previously said the film is like an observation of this family and this technique enables us to just watch them and feel like we are there with them, which makes us feel more ‘close' and we can sympathise with them because of their circumstances, as I'm sure that there is a little bit of Gilbert Grape in all of us. If you were a top famous Hollywood actor, would you be able to significantly play a mid-west, average twenty-odd year old man? In my opinion there would have been no one better than Johnny Depp in this case. He plays the part of Gilbert excellently, not over-the-top or over dramatic but perfectly, just how you'd imagine Gilbert to be after reading the novel. Compared to Depp's previous roles, such as in â€Å"Edward Scissorhands,† he really did have to act ‘down' in this film Johnny Depp is not the only actor in the film that I feel played an excellent performance. Leonardo Di Caprio also had a hard role to play as the ‘retarded' eighteen year old with the mind of a four year old. He obviously researched and thought greatly about how he should act such a difficult character, but he definitely pulled it off! Although the film is mainly pivoted around Arnie's eighteenth birthday party, the film has many sub-plots, which all have their own significance throughout the film. For instance the water tower, Mrs. Carver, the scenes in the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ and a few others. These all bond the film together in order to make it what it is; a great family film. A really important recurring point that is made throughout the film is when Arnie says â€Å"we're not going anywhere.† In a way this is the key point of the whole film as only until the very end Gilbert has no choice but to stay in Endora and look after his mother and the rest of his family, unlike his older brother, Larry, who ‘got away' and went to college. And now, the question, what actually is eating Gilbert Grape? Personally I think that it is all his responsibilities but mainly, not looking after Arnie as much as having the burden of his overweight mother sitting at home doing nothing, him having to care for her and his siblings, when really it should be the other way around. Although I really enjoyed watching this film many people didn't and have slated it in the past. I think it depends on your own personal taste in films and what you expect and want from a film. And whatever that may be I recommend you watch â€Å"What's Eating Gilbert Grape.†

What Contemporary Pressures or Influences have made 'Health and the Essay

What Contemporary Pressures or Influences have made 'Health and the use of illicit drugs' an Issue Health Policy Agenda - Essay Example . Although the mood altering drugs have been in use by the humans since several thousands of years, Australia had no illicit drugs consumption until 1950s. It was the American soldiers on vacation from Vietnam to Australia during 1960s who started spreading the use of cannabis and heroin in Australia. The Federal Senate’s approach during 1970s towards drugs use was that personal consumption of marijuana was not to be treated as a crime but the penalty could be monetary without any conviction record and also not to be used for punishment in repeat offences in future. But the Government did not approve (Pennington,1999). Australia was very vigorous right from the beginning going by the report of Cannabis arrests that almost rose by 1000 percent in New South Wales itself during 1966-1969. (Pennington,1999). This is quite encouraging but one fails to understand why in spite of the of tough attitude of the Government, use of illicit drugs are still widely prevalent in Australia. Thi s paper aims to trace the history of policy initiatives of successive Governments in Australia and examine contemporary pressures and issues that forces the present day Government to have the issue of illicit drugs as part of the country’s health policy. By virtue of being a U.N. member Australia has been influenced by the U.N. initiatives in connection with control of illicit drugs. Thus Australia has always been a signatory to various international treaties dealing with control of drugs such as Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961of the U.N., Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 of the U.N. and United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988. The Single Convention of 1961 imposes obligations on the signatory States to make laws to implement the provisions of the Convention. One of them is

United States police vs Brazilian police Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

United States police vs Brazilian police - Essay Example In both the US and Brazil, police are tasked with arresting, searching, and detaining lawbreakers (U.S. Department of State). There exist different policing branches to ensure that such tasks are completed passably. This paper explores policing in Brazil and the United states, the differences between the two, how policing affects the country, and the different policing branches in both countries. There are diverse distinguishable differences that exist between policing in the United States and Brazilian police. The difference in policing all depends on the training and culture adopted by the police departments. The United States leans more on ethical policing (U.S. Department of State), as compared to Brazil that has a more barbarous system. Brazilian police are termed as being trigger-happy and appallingly violent, and this is mostly because of revenge missions against mobs that may have assassinated members of their workforce. According to Wells, â€Å"in the United States, with a population 60 percent larger than Brazil and more firearms in circulation, 410 civilians were killed during the same year. It compared the number of Brazilians killed to the 89 police killed while on duty during the same period -- the equivalent of 21 civilians dying for every police officer during the course of the year†. Although police brutality is reported in both countries, it is more rampant in Brazil as compared to America (Wells). The Brazilian policing system has been forced into this kind of callousness because of â€Å"high levels of violent crime, broken judicial institutions and a lack of funding and training† (Wells). The US policing is better than Brazil’s because of advanced training, better funding, adeptness in the legal system, and generally lower levels of vicious wrongdoings. Both the Brazilian military police and several departments of the US police have utilized a radio communications system to manage police communications effectively, a factor that has

I don't know yet Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

I don't know yet - Term Paper Example Jazz music is a renowned form of music and it attained huge acceptance and reception at the time of its initiation till date. Jazz has the legacy to turn and immune people through its massive and colossal impact. The inception of this form of music took place at Southern States of America. Throughout then, Jazz music has influenced the masses and it has emerged in all parts of the world. African Americans basically introduced this form of music in the 20th century. This form is also known as the duet of European and African music forms. After its commencement into the music industry, different musicians of the world added various numerations to it so that it would be more delightful and enjoyable. The purpose of this paper is to signify the radical changes that have been made to Jazz music through its inception till date. How this field emerged and what momentous impact this has brought to the society. It also discusses the essential diversification in various counties, development phase in Africa and the modern jazz conception these days. The paper does not discuss only the historic perspective but it gives a horizon to grasp the real essence of jazz music. The origins of jazz music inception can be tracked down into the year 1808 when a large majority of slaves came to United States. These slaves brought their cultural norms, traditions and values into America and mystical music form was one of it. They observed the scenario prevailing in United States regarding music and for cultural collision; they developed a unique and prestigious form of music. This form of music was widely accepted among the masses due to its elegant tone and melody. People were easily able to grasp the true spirit of this music. This was a big success by the African immigrants (Thompson, p.29). The duet of African, European and American music was the real innovative thing brought from this music. African slaves visited festivals of America to

Article Critique #1--Business Ethics Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Critique #1--Business Ethics - Article Example The myth that people are turning less ethical than an earlier generation has been criticized by the author. Along with clarifying myths prevalent about ethics management, the paper also provides practically applicable guidelines for the mangers to ensure business ethics. This makes the paper locally applicable in a business scenario. The need to understand the ethical culture as recommended by the paper is very important for a manger as today’s business environments are largely turning multicultural. Rather than having a theoretical framework for the code of conduct it is ideal that the manager directly communicate the ethical requirements to the employees. Thus the recommendation made by the paper in this context is very relevant. However, an overemphasis on rewards to encourage the employees to be ethical as recommended by the paper is contrary to the personal value oriented ethical approach. People must follow ethics not merely for rewards but must develop personal ethical responsibilities. This must be self driven and not motivated by materialistic rewards. The recommendation t o promote a culture of ethical leadership will be of high relevance for a manger to ensure ethical management. Interestingly, this recommendation is contrary to the other recommendation to have emphasis on rewards. In totality, the points raised by the paper can be successfully implemented by a manger to practically mange business

Employment laws for business Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Employment laws for business - Case Study Example 2. In this situation Alvin does not have a strong claim for age discrimination. The police department prefers to utilize younger officers. This is for the safety of other officers as well as the safety of the general public. Moreover, the department does not require Alvin to retire. However, many employees choose to retire at the age of 50 this is no where stated as a requirement. Although Alvin's job description has changed he was given a suitable replacement. In addition Alvin was not asked to take a pay cut or work other hours. Although Alvin may not be satisfied with this new position it is in the best interest for society. 3. Carter does not have a claim for age discrimination based upon the facts given. The company needed to lay off employees due to economic downfalls. Layoffs during poor economic times are often an option utilized by employers. Unfortunately there is nothing the company can do in regard to the economic situation. Carter will be eligible for unemployment as the company has not debated this claim. Moreover, Alvin has only been with the company two years.

How our Understanding of Genetics Has Changed Over Time Research Paper

How our Understanding of Genetics Has Changed Over Time - Research Paper Example How our Understanding of Genetics has Changed Over Time Genetics as a field of science has come quite far from being a crude belief system that tries to explain why children resemble their parents, and explained through the assumptions by early Greek scholars with regards to the mixing of the vital forces of a man and a woman in forming new life (Guttman, 2011). The fast expansion and discovery of new information with regards to the process of heredity was due to the numerous inventions that were used to study biological sciences, as well as refining methods by which the invisible are being studied. In a short amount of time, genetics, especially through molecular biology became a well-respected science with regards to the study of the transmission of traits from parent to offspring, as well as being able to trace diseases that are otherwise communicable or transferable. The basics of genetics was first studied and published in 1865 by a monk named Gregor Mendel. He studied the patte rn of inheritance by garden peas, recorded what traits were present in the parent generation, what were transmitted in the first and succeeding generations, as well as finding out what ratios of the selected traits would be found in each generation of offspring (Hartl, 2011). Through these peas experiments the concept of dominant and recessive traits were formulated. Unfortunately, his results were shelved and remained hidden until rediscovered around the early 1900’s, by two independent scientists Walter Sutton and Theodore Boveri, forming the chromosomal theory of inheritance (Cummings, 2010). This theory of inheritance explained how Mendel was able to come up with phenotypic ratios such as the 3:1 ratio, where 3 out of four would show the dominant trait, and 1 out of four for recessives. The ratio however was only able to explain traits that require at least one dominant gene to be expressed. The traits of organisms might be affected by the presence of other mediators of h eredity, and aside from the chromosomal theory of inheritance, it was proposed that the process of inheritance may also be explained through chemical reactions. Thus around the 1940’s-1950’s scientists were now on a race to find out the molecular basis of inheritance. The theories that were proliferating were either: the genetic materials were made up of proteins; or the genetic materials were made up of nucleic acids. Two scientists working together, named James Watson and Francis Crick won the race of finding out the structure of the genetic material by coming up with the specific base-pairing of the genetic material as well as the use of codon triplets in order to encode different amino acids (Hartl, 2011). They were given the Nobel Prize for discovering the structure of DNA, and even explaining its semi-conservative nature to the scientific community. When the structure of DNA was finally revealed, scientists were able to initiate projects which aimed to find out t he full sequences of many organisms on the planet, including humans. In the late 1990’s, the Human Genome Project was initiated in order to fully map all genes present in the human genome. As the project progresses, information regarding as to what genes encode for what protein,

What are the consequences of a state break-up in the Arabian Gulf from Essay - 1

What are the consequences of a state break-up in the Arabian Gulf from USA prospuctive - Essay Example A joined military is yet another objective that has a dominant place in GCC’s agenda and has thus strengthened the Arabian Gulf. The nature of GCC changed however since US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and its objective became more economy-oriented rather than providing security to civilians. Since disputes happen among any two bodies obeying nature of superiority and thus conflicts have risen often in the Council meetings. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in GCC and holds a spiritual importance for Muslims all over the world. It has long term disputes with UAE and Qatar; disputes which have now multiplied with the rise of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and ISIS and ISIL in the Arabian Peninsula. High point arrived when Qatar was ejected from the GCC (Critchlow 2014). The council was created to maintain harmony, but it had failed to do so thus providing opportunity to the U.S to interfere in state matters and provide opportunities to the countries to adopt the methods proposed by American visionaries and government. The United States has always encouraged Gulf countries to act collectively and enforce security measures against Qaeda-affiliated military groups acting in Syria. This is in favor of their military plans against terrorism in the Arab world. The GCC’s plan to eject Qatar has met disapproval as Qatar houses the Al Udeid Air Base and Combined Air and Space Operations Center that aided US during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (Saab 2014). United States has strong alliance with Saudi Arabia but it needs to develop a new level of cooperation as both have different values and priorities but common interests (Cordesman 2014). Hence the Gulf countries and the United States of America both need to avoid state-breakup in the Arabian Gulf du e to their own different reasons. The U.S has to support GCC in order to maintain security and eliminate Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS) which poses a threat to its national and international security.

Cuban heritage Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cuban heritage - Research Paper Example large amounts of money in order to enhance their relationships with the Latino population through customized publications in their native Spanish language. This initiative has proven to be successful (Double base Media mark Research & Intelligence, 2007). In a similar approach, I would, to the best of my ability address Mrs. Hernandez in her native language, which would subconsciously make her feel more accommodating and well taken care of. Having gained her trust, the next step would be to get her on a diet with regular exercise. First, the main cause of increased weight is unsaturated fat in the meals we eat. Therefore, I would advice Mrs. Hernandez to adopt unsaturated fats and do away with saturated and trans fat in her cooking. Unsaturated fat is inclusive of omega-3 fatty acids. Adopting unsaturated fats will serve to reduce the number of calories Mrs. Hernandez takes in and also reduce her serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. In terms of exercise, it is clear that Mrs. Hernandez stays at home most of the time, and it is likely that the number of hours spent of television and lazing around has contributed to her condition. I would, therefore, recommend a one hour walks every day to be sufficient exercise considering her age. Cuban folk medicine is mainly herbal. I would, however, advise Mrs. Hernandez not to opt for that alternative and instead take the oral hypoglycemic agent prescribed by the doctor. To convince her towards this end, I would ensure that she understands that I respect and admire her culture and that I am in no way trying to undermine it. Cubans generally subscribe to the values of marianismo and machismo, which makes them more reluctant to consult doctors on health issues. They, however, also look to the community for opinions, and at this juncture I would use her daughter, Mariana, who has already assimilated to convince her of my noble intent in offering her the medicine. Traditional doctors in Cuba have used plants and

Use of language blood wedding Essay Example for Free

Use of language blood wedding Essay Lorca uses language throughout the play for many different situations, such as describing characters feelings, carrying the sub-plot and uncovering the main plot. By using language in different ways, Lorca is able to make the play more appealing and with deeper meaning. Act two, scene one, Bride: Bride- Dark clouds. A cold wind here inside me. Doesnt everyone feel it? - page 53 In this speech by the Bride, Lorca has been able to describe the brides inner most feelings. When the bride states that she has a cold wind here inside me, Lorca is showing that the bride is uneasy and probably scared about getting married. Lorca uses the language to describe a feeling which comes from the body of the bride, which creates a personal effect for the audience (the audience are able to understand the brides inner feelings). Also the playwright has also created imagery of wind which could be related to a physical storm or a storm which the bride may be in because of her future marriage. Lorca then uses a rhetorical question (doesnt everyone feel it) in which he addresses a feeling of loneliness in which the bride may be suffering. By doing this Lorca has been able to show feelings though the use of language, this creates more effect and interaction from the audience. If I was to vocalise the text, I would add expression to the sentence a cold wind here inside me by using a more frightened tone in my voice, as well as visualising a movement in which I change my body language to become more defensive (by curling my body to symbolise defence and fear). Act two, scene one, Bridegroom: Bridegroom- My arms are strong. Im going to hold you for forty years without stopping. - page 61 In this quotation, Lorca has expressed the bridegrooms love for the bride by stating that he will hold you (the bride) for forty years. Also in this quotation, Lorca heightens the brides feelings of being trapped and unable to escape. This could be seen by imagery of the bridegroom clenching the bride in his arms, expressing the strength the bridegroom may have. This is an effective use of language as it shows that the bridegroom cares for the bride immensely, as well expressing the feelings the bride has. If I was to vocalise this quotation, I would emphasise the strength of the bridegroom with physical gestures such as enclosing the bridegrooms arms around the bride. Act two, scene two, Mother: A bad day? The only good one. For me it was like an inheritance. The breaking-up of soil, the planting of new trees! Lorca uses language in this speech by the mother to express the mothers happiness. He does this by stating that the marriage was like an inheritance. By using the word inheritance in this way to describe the marriage, Lorca has been able to refer to the marriage as a gain, which shows the mothers view. This therefore is an effective use of language as it expresses a characters view. In this quotation, Lorca also describes the marriage as the breaking-up of soil, the planting of new trees! which gives the impression that the marriage is the start of something new. This quotation can also show the repetition in the play; due to the cycle of planting of trees and soil being broken up. In this quotation, the playwright has been able to manipulate the audience into believing that the marriage is more like a process by using language effectively. Act three, scene one, bridegroom: You see this arm? Well its not my arm. Its my brothers arm and my fathers and my whole dead familys. And its got such strength; it could tear this tree from its roots if it wanted to. - page 79 In this quotation, Lorca has been able to use language to produce imagery in the audiences mind; by stating the arm could tear this tree from its roots. This makes the audience imagine the arm having immense strength. Also in this quotation, Lorca has been able to show that the bridegroom is bound to the rest of the family by stating that his arm belongs to his brother and father. This is an effective use of language as it shows that the bridegroom feels tide down by his family. This quotation also makes another reference to blood. This could be seen to show the link to blood relatives and how they are connected to someone by having the same blood. If I were to vocalise the quotation I would use gestures of the bridegrooms arms being tied together. I would do this as the language emphasises that the bridegroom is bound to his family. Act three, scene two, Mother: Your tears are tears that come from your eyes, thats all. But mine will come, when Im all alone, from the soles of my feet, from my roots, and theyll burn hotter than blood. - page 88-89 The playwright uses language here to describe the tears that the tears the mother will cry will burn hotter than blood and come from the soles of my feet. This means that Lorca has been able to express tears as been a hot deadly liquid, which gives the impression that the tears are scorching, and are more than tears. This is an effective use of language as it again shows imagery. Also Lorca has shown that the tears are precious as he has stated that they come from the roots of the mother. This shows that Lorca has used language to show the mothers emotions, which is effective for the audience. Throughout the play, Lorca uses different styles of language to express different ways the bride talks to the bridegroom, Leonardo and the maid. For instance, the bride treats the characters differently, such as treating the maid as if she owns her, therefore imposing her authority and instructing her what to do. The bride treats the bridegroom as if she is trying to avoid communication with him and being as abrupt as possible. However the bride communicates her feelings with Leonardo as well as showing passion and lust when speaking to him. Lorcas style of writing is expressed in his use of poetry. When expressing the lullabies Lorca uses romance and passion which shows that his style of writing helps the poem and play flow.

PPDP provides skills level mapping tool

PPDP provides skills level mapping tool OUT Come 14; Demonstrate responsibility for ones own learning through the development of a portfolioof practice and recognise when further learning is required. Evidence Doc; P1S3R32(Reflection on placement 1) One of the important learning from my 1st placement is the development of personal and professional development portfolio (PPDP). PPDP provides skills level mapping tool and planning for further skills (Wenzel et al 1998).PPDP is developed by nurses and other health care professionals in their professional career (Oermann 2002). When I started my placement, I have no idea; Why I need to develop PPDP? What is the importance of PPDP and how PPDP helps in building up personal and professional development (Trossman 1999)? Soon, I could understand the fact that PPDP are reflection of nurses skill level and provides a tool for development of professional skills (Kelly 1995). My PPDP consists of three main components; Assessment of skills including self, peers and mentors assessments, preparation of action plans for further development and reviews of achieved skills at various intervals. In developing the first part of my PPDP, I looked at essential skill clusters recommended by NMC for nurses (Semple et al 2003) and then I evaluated my current skill levels before developing my PPDP. A nurse should evaluate personal and professional skills throughout his/her professional career (Meeks et al 1995). Actually, it is a time of competition and perfection. In the environment of constant competition and improvement, the knowledge and skills required to enter nursing practice are never sufficient (Cary et al 2005). Therefore, it is recommended for nurses to improve their essential skills through development of PPDP (Cayne 1995). In the first part of my PPDP, I took assessment of my current skills through self evaluation, assessment by my mentor and by taking views of my peers and even clients views on my essential skills to become a good professional nurse. PPDP is an assessment tool for ones skills level (Lettus et al 2001). PPDP are used for continued personal and professional development of nurses (Meister et al 2002). Similarly, I could know that I was deficient in some skills like communication, addressing client, keeping confidentiality etc. By developing PPDP, I also identified that I need to develop some new skills to reach nursing professional standard. First, I thought that only my self assessment is sufficient to evaluate my current skills level. However, there was a question in my mind; Can we rely on self assessment only? The answer comes in No in a study conducted on physician whom self assessment were different than assessment done by external agencies (Davis et al 2006). Then I thought why only self assessment is not sufficient to evaluate ones own skill level. Actually, the assessment of PPDP depends upon assessors individuality (McMullin et al 2004). The angle, way of thinking and thinking approach of myself may be different than others. Secondly other observers like my peers and mentor would be more experienced than me and can reflect more perfectly on my deficiencies and weaknesses in my skills. An external assessor looks at the competencies or the extent of learning in comparison of individuals capacity of self evaluation ( Davis et al 2006). Self assessment could be wrong or weak (Forker et al 1996). Therefore self asse ssment should be counter checked by feedback from experienced people. In performing the evaluation of my skills level, I therefore used not only my self assessment but also feedback from my mentor and peers. Development of PPDP is used to enhance learning skills and abilities by keeping records of current essential skills and planning for development of future skills (Hoban 2003). In developing my PPDP, I recorded my trainings, qualifications and achievements in one compartment. Portfolios are individualised, organised, selective, ongoing and reflective (Hall et al 1996). Similarly, my portfolio would be different from others in arrangement and collection of myself information. I have started developing my PPDP in my first placement but it will continue throughout my training and later on in my professional career. The second compartment of my PPDP consists on action plans for development of my deficient skills and need for new skills. Development of action plans seemed to be not much important to me at the beginning of my placement. But later on, I could understand the value of action plans, without those, I could not be able to look at my deficient skills and could not take necessary steps to learn new skills. PPDP are also used as past reference of learning weaknesses and thus lead to avoid further errors in future (Karlowicz 2000). Similarly, I could find out where I have made mistakes in my first placement. For example, I was using real name of client in my reflection but my mentor asked me to used fictitious names for DATA protection act. Thus I could know the importance of confidentiality and decided not to disclose clients information without his/her consent. Again the development of action plans were a difficult job and only my understanding was not sufficient. Therefore, action plans were developed and agreed with my mentor in my supervisions. The third part of my PPDP consists on assessment reviews. It is the stage where achievement of new skills and improvement of current skills are evaluated and further developmental needs are identified (Tiwari et al 2003). I took my skill assessment reviews with my mentor. My mentor looked at last action plans and identified my achieved skills since my last action plan. Assessment reviews are also focused on needs to develop further skills in a PPDP (Weinstein 2002). Assessment reviews identify issues in PPDP where student fails to achieve required skill level (Moses 2000). Similarly, my mentor found out few skills which I could not achieve due to non-opportunity at the placement site. I have decided to use assessment reviews in my PPDP to enhance my existing skills to the professional level of nursing standard recommended by NMC (UKCC 1992). SUMMARY I learnt from development of PPDP that I can make assessment of my skills not only by self assessment but with the help of feedback from other staff and experienced people like my mentor. I can use action plans for development of my further development in the light of feedback received by my peers, mentor, myself assessment and clients view. I can use assessment reviews to identify achievement of new skills, improvement of current skills and planning for further developmental needs. OUT Come 12; Demonstrate an understanding of the role of others by participating in inter-professional working practice. . Evidence Doc; P1S3R25(Reflection on community team meeting) I started my first placement at community mental health services. I had no idea about community mental health teams (CMHT) when I started my placement. How CMHT works? Who co-ordinate CMHT activities? Who take first intervention and at what level? How clients are referred to CMHT or how client find help from CMHT? These were all question in my mind at the beginning of my placement. I could not have chance to understand the working pattern of CMHT if I had not got a chance of getting an experienced and skilled mentor with central role in CMHT. My mentor works as care- coordinator in CMHT. Therefore, I have an advantage to learn inter-professional practice of my mentor among multidisciplinary team (MDT). I found that community mental health services run through MDT (Caldwell et al 2003). MDT consists on healthcare professionals, medics, social workers, care and support workers and consultants (OConnor et al 2006). A mental health nurse participates in MDT (Van 2004). In the beginning I was confused with an idea that why a single team could not be able to provide mental health services in community. Actually MDT work together to provide care to mental health clients (Clarke 2004). Diversity of knowledge, experience and skills in MDT members provide advantage to treat various mental health issues at multidisciplinary levels (Ellefsen 2002). However, there should always be an individual with central role to coordinate and collate the activities of MDT into a successful pattern to provide mental health services to client. Such a role of inter-professional working practice was my mentors job role. The MDT at my placement site consists on continuing care team, early intervention team and crisis intervention team. In addition to these teams at placement sites, other community mental health teams like transcultural team, community day services, home treatment team and various volunteer and trust organizations like MIND, RETHINK, SPACE, Fitzwilliam center participate in MDT. Each community care team consists on individuals of various behaviour, knowledge, skills and experience. My team was continuing care team consisting on three members from various professions, experience and knowledge. My team interacts with other teams and health professionals during meetings and in providing support to client. I have got chance to look at interaction of my mentor with members of other MDT members. For example, in community meetings, my mentor took feedback from other team members and provided updating on care issues of mental health clients. Each case is discussed individually and any progress or deterioration is discussed and evaluated (Elkan et al 2000). My mentor plays a vital role in co-coordinating, monitoring and supervising inter-professional activities while caring for mental health clients. For example, a clients family was much worried about the client as they were going away for two day. The client was on Methadone and has taken detox treatment from Fitzwilliam center in last few months. However he has been taking over dose of a medicine named Zopliclone tab in last few weeks. There was risk of leaving him alone at home. The family has not taken an opportunity of recreation for long time. On this weekend family decided to go on beach for two days. Family was much worried about the client. There were multiple aspects in the care of client. On one hand clients safety was issue and on the other hand family worry needs to be considered. Furthermore, methadone dosage need reviewing, clients habit to take over dosage of Zopliclone tablet need to be considered. Many members of MDT seemed to be involved in one clients needs. Therefore, my mentor organized inters professional practice. He explained in meeting that he has arranged support worker to keep close contact with client. My mentor also contacted to home treatment team to visit client every day. In addition to that my mentor will be visiting to client as well. He requested to social worker to ensure family that the client will be safe. My mentor also mentioned that he has contacted Fitzwilliam center to review methadone dosage as client seemed to be fit on less dosage. In addition to that my mentor has contacted to GP t o review clients medication under recent changes. Actually, my mentor act to inter connects various healthcare professionals activities while providing care to the client. Thus I learnt that a care-coordinator carry out inter professional practice to combine individual efforts of care in the form of a united care plan for clients care, management. SUMMARY The role of my mentor as care co-coordinator in his inters professional working practice was enough observation for me to understand his role in organizing various professional activities. Inter- Professional practice co-ordinate activities between various health professionals. Inter- Professional practice combine efforts of various healthcare professionals to result in a united and single agreed care plan. Each member of MDT receives multiple feedbacks from various members of MDT and feedback may oscillate forward and backward creating a sense of care and treatment. For example if my mentor has not organized inter professional practice, home treatment team could not care the client at home, social worker could not know about the risk involved in leaving client alone and GP would not get feedback regarding reviewing Tab Zopliclone and changing it with less adaptive sleeping tablet. OUT Come 10; Recognose situation in which agreed plans of nursing careno longer appear appropriate and refer these to an accountable practitioner. Evidence Doc; P1S3R21(Reflection onfollow up of client LD) When I started placement, it looked impossible for me to review a care plan and to feel need to review a care plan. I was not sure, why a care plan change? How a care plan change? What are the circumstances which may change clients care plan? My initial understanding was review of a care plan at regular and fixed intervals. But my understanding about review of care plan changed when I made visits to client Ld in the supervision of my mentor. Care plans are agreed plans for providing nursing care to clients (Baker 2003). Care plans are prepared after risk assessments and client involvement. (Olofsson et al 2000). Care plans are reviewed after regular intervals but may change immediately followed by some major changes in risk assessments associated to a client. This happened when Client Lds risk assessment change followed by changes in circumstance and therefore care plane was reviewed. I made visits to client Ld with my mentor. History of Ld goes back to the time when her immigration status was changed. Ld belongs to an area where army revolution has caused many sad incidences. Rape of young girls was common and Ld was one of these victims. Ld could escape to UK and applied for asylum but could not prove evidence. Resultantly her asylum was refused. As a result of stress, Ld started getting obsessions of rape and got fits as well due to fear and anxiety of going back to same environment. The changes in Lds circumstance were negative as her mental health and socio-economical status was deteriorated. I got information by looking at Client Lds history that a care plan was revised first time when Client Ld started getting fits. Ambulance services were called and Ld was hospitalized. Then Crisis team revised care plan at first time. According to care plan, Ld was treated for mental illness called schizophrenia (Lysaker et al 2010). She was also provided free legal aid to appeal for her immigration status. Lds anxiety and insomnia was also considered as risk factor for Lds mental health. At the time, Lds immigration status was refused; she was living in shared accommodation. Financial resources were not very good as she was provided very little money in addition to shared accommodation. Then she started obsession and fits. It was the first time when Lds care plan was changed in response to quick changes. As anxiety and stress was considered as a cause of fits, a supported accommodation was planned. Medication for obsession (Tab Clozapine) and insomnia and anxiety (Tab Lorazepam) was prescribed by GP and was a part of care plan. A social worker and interpreter were also allocated to Ld for assistance in living and reducing anxiety and stress. This was the first time; I observed change in Lds care plan following by an abrupt change in Lds circumstances. The cause or change in Lds circumstances was negative as Lds mental issue and vulnerability was deteriorated. Therefore, a close observation with more precise care was recommended in care plan. When I looked at Lds mental health history and crisis teams intervention, I could understand that crisis team reviewd care plan after evaluating potential risk factors. My direct observation (when Lds care plan was changed at second time followed by change in her circumstances) was the time when Lds circumstance has positively improved. It was the second occasion when Lds care plan was changed following a steep change in her circumstance. It was the time when Lds asylum has been accepted and Ld started getting improved in her mental illness. She has not got fits for a long time. She has started living in supported accommodation. She has started going out in community to make friends and having coffee at coffee evening. Ld is due to Start College in September. I observed that it was positive change in circumstance as compared to negative changes when Lds mental health deteriorated in first intervention. I could conclude that why my mentor was suggesting review of Lds care plan. Actually risk assessment has changed as risk factors for Lds mental health are reduced. Need for medication has changed. Therefore, my mentor felt a review of medication and r eferred client to consultant for medication review. The same dose of Tab Lorazepam was causing more sleep than required for calmness when clients anxiety was high. Client Lds improvement in mental health status has identified her needs for social interaction and therefore an independent accommodation was recommended in reviewed care plan. As Client Lds social interaction will increase soon, she will need more financial help. As a result of success in asylum, Ld deserves more financial aid now. Therefore it was recommended in care plan to help Ld to apply for her benefits. As Ld would be getting more financial help, it was felt that Ld should be provided help in managing her budget as she will be living independently. Therefore, social worker was requested to help Ld making her monthly budget. It was also a part of reviewed care plan. Clients participation and consultation from experts are final steps in care plan review (Hunt et al 1994). Client Ld was involved in care plan review at all stages. My mentor asked her at each step of review if she was happy with changes in care plan. A final opinion was taken from consultant before finally reviewing Lds care plan. Client Ld case has provided me understanding that a care plan goes out of date when personal, mental health, financial and social issues change. The change in circumstance may be positive in case of improvement or negative in case of deterioration of mental health issues or socio-economical issues. Lds case is a perfect example of care plan review followed by positive and negative changes in circumstances. (Word limit 2750) SUMMARY Learning from client Lds case Is practical experience of stress vulnerability model (Zubin et al 1977). Was needed to change in care plan followed by an immediate change in circumstances of a client. For example, client Lds circumstance change twice times. Once negatively when crisis team drafted first care plan and secondly as positively when my mentor reviewed her care plan. I can understand that care plans are reviewed followed by any change in clients mental health issues and other circumstances resulting in changes in risk assessment. CONCLUSION The placement has provided me clear idea and good understanding of the skills required to be a professional mental health nurse. I learnt about development of PPDP, care plans review followed by immediately changes associated to a client environment, the role of a care coordinator to work in inter-professional practice and many other essential skills to become a professional mental health nurse. In developing a PPDP, I learnt making initial assessment of skills required to reach nursing standards, preparation of action plans to identify past mistakes, future planning for skills and review of skills at the end of each action plan duration. I learnt the inter professional practice of a health care professional (my mentor at my placement) to organize and unite efforts of various healthcare professionals in creating a single united care plan for client. I also learnt to review care plan if there is change in risk assessment for client. REFERENCE Caldwell K, Atwal A, 2003,The problems of interprofessional healthcare practice in hospitals. Brf Nurs,12:1212-18. Cayne,J.V.,1995.Portfolio: a developmental influence. Journal of Advanced Nursing,21,395-405. Cary AH, Smolenski MC.2005, Overview of competency and the methods for evaluating continued competence. American Nurses Association 1-10 Clarke, J.2004.Public health nursing in Ireland. A critical overview. Public health Nursing,21(2),191-198. Davis DA, Mazmanian PE, Fordis M, Harrison RV, Thorpe KE, Perrier L.2006, Accuracy of physician self assessment compared with observed measures of competence. J Am Med Assoc; 296-9;1094-1102. Elkan, R., Blair,M., robinson, J, 2000. Evidance based practice and health visiting;The need for theoretical underpinnings of evaluation. Journal of Advanced Nursing,31(6),1316-1323. Ellefesen, B,2002. The experience of collaboration; A comparison of health visiting in Scotland and Norway. International Nursing Review, 49(3),144-153. Forker,J.E, McDonald,M.E, 1996. Methodological trends in healthcare professions; portfolio assessment. Nurse Educator,21(5),9-10. Hoban,V.,2003.Careers-How to get the most from your portfolio? Nursing Times 99(17),58-59. Karlowicz, K.A,2000. The valueof student portfolio to evaluate undergraduate nursing programme. Nurse Educator(25) Kelly, J,1995. The really useful guide to portfolio and profiles. Nursing Standards, 9(32), 4-8 Lysaker, Paul H, Jamie, Christina, alan, Tina,2010. Personal narratives and recovery from Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia research, 121 (1-3). P.271-276. Lettus, M.K, Moessner, P.H., Dooly, L., 2001. The clinical portfolio as an assessment tool. Nursing Administration, Quarterly(25),74-80. McMullan M, Endacott R, Gray MA, Jasper M, Miller CML, Scholes J, Webb C.2003, Portfolio and assessment of competence; A review of the literature. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 41-3;283-294. Meeks, A., Hayes,T.,Stahlhammer,S., Zeaply,M, 1995. Evaluation by portfolio. Nursing Mnangement. 26(8),72-74. Meister,L.,Heath, J., Andrews,J., Tingen, M.s.,2002. Professional nursing portfolio; a global perpective. Medsurg, Nursing (11), 177-183. Moses, V., 2000. Record in nursing. The Nurse in Israel (161),12-14. Oermam, M.H., 2002. Developing a professional portfolio in nursing. Orthopaedic Nursing. 21(2),73-78. Olofsson, B., Norberg, A.2000. Experiences of coercion in psychiatric care as narrated by patients, nurses and physicians. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 33(1),89-97 OConnor M, Fisher C, Guilfoyle A 2006. Interdisciplinary teams in pallayive care ;a critical reflection. International Journal of Palliative Nursing.12(3)[132-137 Seguin TJ. 2005. The concept of the portfolio. American Nurses Association and International society of Nurses in Genetics;11-24. Semple M, Cable S, 2003, The new code of professional conduct. Nurs Stand. 19-25;17(23);40-8. Tiwari, A., Tang, C, 2003. From process to outcome; the effect of portfolio assessment on student learning. Nurse Education Today; 23(4), 269-277. Trossman, S., 1999. The professional portfolio; documenting who you are, what you do? American Nurse. 31(2), 1-3. Van Offenbeek M.A.2004, The organizational and performance effects of nurse practitioner roles, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 47, 672-681. Wittenberg-Lyles Em, 2005, Information sharing in interdisciplinary team meetings; An evaluation of hospice goals. Qualitative Health Research, 15;13, 77-1391. Weinstein, S.M, 2002. A nursing portfolio; documenting your professional journey. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 25(6),357-364. Wenzel, I.S., Briggs, K.L., Puryear, B.L., 1998. Portfolio; authentic assessment in the age of the curriculum revolution. Journal of Nursing Education. 37(5),208-212. Zubin.J, Spring.B. 1977, Vulnerability; A new view on Schizophrenia. Journal of abnormal Psychology; 86, 103-126. BIBLIOGRAPHY Barker, p. 2003. Psychiatric and mental health nursing; The craft of caring. London; Arnold. Hall, C., Redfern, L., 1996. Profiles and portfolios; a Guide for Nurses and Midwives. MacMilliam by J.Press (Padstow) Ltd. London. Hunt G, Wainwright P (1994).Expanding the role of the Nurse. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford. UKCC, 1992, The Scope of professional practice. UKCC, Code of professional conduct. NMC, London.

Consensus and Conflict Theory in Society

Consensus and Conflict Theory in Society Marxism and Functionalism can certainly be defined as classical sociology and both have had a significant impact upon contemporary understanding of culture. Neither perspective is the preserve of a sole theorist. They are multifaceted and extensive in scope. Thus, due to the limits of this study, this essay shall concentrate on but a few of the theoretical points, namely consensus and conflict because, as I hope to prove, these provide and incredibly useful framework for the analysis of contemporary culture In Leviathan Thomas Hobbes notes that man in the state of nature is inexorably engaged in a war of all against all. Reason dictates that one’s life is, â€Å"Solitary, poor, nasty brutish and short,† (Hobbes in Parsons p90) where man’s interests conflict so greatly. How humanity solved this problem of conflict of interest, the creation of society, was the study of Emile Durkheim, the French sociologist who first developed the Functionalist perspective. â€Å"In his (Durkheim’s) criticism of the utilitarian (Hobbes) conception of contractual relations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦he insists that a vital part is played by a system of binding rules embodied in the institution of a contract.† (Parsons p376) The functionalist perspective was further advanced by Talcott Parsons. â€Å"The concept of order is located predominantly at the level of the social system itself and the cultural system becomes a mechanism of the functioning of the social system.† (Savage p146) The normative order, for Parsons, is the key ingredient that retains social order in society. Norms, which can be regarded as moral standards, regulate action and interaction. Norms are coercive, to break them invites sanctions from social estrangement to capital correction and punishment. Individuals are forced to cooperate and act in predictable ways, or face the consequences. Norms are external to individuals, laws and the like, but also internalised through socialisation, children’s schooling being a very important normative learning area. The normative order, that produces acquiescence in individuals to the order, Is the staple of Parson’s consensus theory. â€Å"Society therefore is a self equilib rating system: order is always maintained without major changes in society. In the end, the system functions.† (Jorgenson p285) A perfect example of how the system functions is Durkheim’s concept of Anomie in his study of suicide. Anomie is, â€Å"precisely the state of disorganisation where the holds of norms over individual conduct has broken down.† (Parsons p377) A possible outcome of this kind of break down is suicide. Norms so permeate society that personal equilibrium, individual’s thoughts and actions, is permeated too, as governed by norms as social interaction and law. â€Å"A persons will is constrained by the application of sanctions.† (Parsons p379) If an individual breaks one of the norms of society, then society will sanction them to discourage other such deviant behaviour through the threat of punishment. In the case of Durkheim’s suicide study, the sanction imposed when an individual commits suicide is the social stigma that then attaches itself to their family accompanied by the threat, in Christian countries for instance, of religious punishment burning in hell. In Erving Goffman‘s view of society, â€Å"The key factor is the maintenance of a single definition of the situation, this definition having to be expressed, and this expression sustained in the face of a multitude of potential disruption.† (Goffman p246) For Goffman actors meet on the field of interaction under a metaphorical flag of truce, working together to attempt the smoothest possible interaction with the best possible outcome for both sides. â€Å"The maintenance of this surface of agreement, this veneer of consensus, is facilitated by each participant concealing his own wants behind statements which assert values to which everyone present feels obliged to give lip service.† (Goffman p20-21) The definition of a given situation may well only be a veneer, a pretence, lies may be suspected even known but, as long as they are not revealed, then definition of the situation is maintained. Goffman’s language, the use of the word consensus, shows his theoretical links to the Functionalist perspective, in particular Parson’s consensus theory. The reason that lies may not be exposed is because it would be against a societal norm to do so. Thus norms regulate interaction providing a consensus. For Goffman the individual acts in different roles that are governed by norms, suppressing and sacrificing certain drives, needs or wants in order to maintain the definition of the situation, to maintain the consensus. As the definition of the situation allows individual acts of interaction to maintain cohesion and momentum, so the normative order governs those definitions, allowing the juggernaut of society to roll ever on. This classical thread, from Durkheim to Goffman via Parsons is incredibly important for the understanding of contemporary culture. That there is a normative order and how it regulates human action is critical for any understanding of society. The minitatude of Goffman’s analysis, explaining the exigencies of social interaction, the tiny details, has proved both popular and crucial in contemporary sociology. The Marxist tradition, starting with Karl Marx and Frederich Engels, has many issues with the functionalist consensus view of society. â€Å"The state is by no means a power imposed on society from without; just as little is it ‘the reality of the moral idea,’ ‘the image and the reality of reason.’† (Engels in Hechter p180) The Marxist tradition has many issues with what it considers a utopian explanation of power in social order. The state, the embodiment and, in many cases producer, of societal norms is felt to be the inevitable consequence of a society ripe with irreconcilable antagonisms largely manifesting in class conflict. â€Å"A power, apparently standing above society, has become necessary to moderate the conflict and keep it within the bounds of ‘order’.† (Engels in Hechter p180) This power, this normative order of the state is alienating and another tool for the ruling class to maintain its position of dominance over th e working classes. As with most Marxist theory, the power that maintains social order is not fostering cooperation but coercion. We have already seen that punitive punishment is meted out to norm breakers. Where Parsons sees this as a tool for society to remain cohesive and function relatively smoothly, Engels sees a repressive state apparatus designed to keep the proletariat in its place through sanctions. Where Functionalism describes consensus, Marxism defines conflict, class conflict. The normative order is ideology in all the very worst senses of the word. â€Å"A dominant power may legitimate itself by promoting beliefs and values congenial to it; naturalising and universalising such beliefs so as to render them self-evident and apparently inevitable.† (Easthope p5-6) Appearing as truth, immovable, certain, ideology controls the class conflict always in favour of the ruling class, the bourgeoisie. The most pertinent criticism of Functionalist theory by Marxism is that it explains the inequalities of the system as functional. That the proletariat are poor is for the good of the system, the society. Marxism refuses to accept this. The system is unfair and unequal because those in charge, through ideology, keep in that way, protecting their interests. â€Å"Children also learn the rules of good behaviour, i.e. the attitude that should be observed by every agent in the divisio n of labour, according to the job he is ‘destined for’: rules of morality, civic and professional conscience, which actually means rules of respect for the socio-technical division of labour and ultimately the rules of order established by class domination.† (Althusser p127) The Marxist tradition, and in particular the concepts of ideology, are hugely important to contemporary Feminist understandings of society. â€Å"The univocity of sex, the internal coherence of gender, and the binary framework for both sex and gender are considered throughout as regulatory fictions that consolidate and naturalise convergent power regimes of masculine and heterosexual oppression.† (Butler p44) The pervasive and domineering regimes in Marxism and Feminism are, essentially, controlled by the same rich and powerful men. The importance of feminist sociology in contemporary society is its understanding of, and explanation for, the universality of female subjugation. It is considered not enough that women are dominated by men because it is functional, for the best of the system. It is illogical to conclude, as the functionalist tradition can be accused, of assuming that it is functional to effectively marginalise the contribution of one half of the population of man kind. Just as it is illogical to assume that it is functional to marginalise the proletariat, who constitute a majority of humanity. The Marxist tradition, and the feminist, emphasise the conflict in society, along gender and class lines, and demand sociological attention be paid. Moreover they identify the place where much of this conflict occurs, the ideological order, the self same normative order that the functionalist tradition regards so highly. No sociological study of contemporary society would be worth attempting without some attempt to explain gender, class and other inequalities beyond the assumption that they are ‘for the best,’ of the system. In conclusion society continues. Always has and always will till humanity is extinguished. In no way could society continue without some form of consensus, some shared values or norms. To be without such rules we would exist in the state of nature, in anarchy and thus we would not exist for very long. Yet within those rules there is great scope for conflict. Functionalism, in its more ‘pure’ form of Durkheim and Parsons, and in the more unique observations of Goffman, help explain that consensus that is so essential to avoid anarchy. Marxism, the pure of Marx and Engels, the adaptation of Feminism, show how that consensus becomes corrupted and a tool for one section of society to dominate another. Society continues. With conflict and consensus. Contemporary society can not be understood without appreciating why and how conflict and consensus occur. Functionalism and Marxism both illuminate those aspects, both show how society continues. Bibliography Althusser, Louis, 1971. For Lenin Western printing services Ltd. Butler, Judith, 1999. Gender trouble. Routledge Easthope, Antony, 1991. Literary into cultural studies. Routledge Goffman, E, 1990. The presentation of the self in everyday life. Penguin Michael Hechter Theories of social order published by Stanford University press 2003 Nik Jorgenson Sociology an interactive approach Harper Collins 1997 Parsons, Talcott, 1937 The structure of social action. Free press. Stephen Savage The theories of Talcott parsons pub by Macmillan 1981

Role of Women in Conrads Heart of Darkness :: Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness

Women do not play an important part in Heart of Darkness. This is not too surprising as the text was first published for a magazine in 1898. Throughout Marlow's voyage he encounters few women and he does not consider any of them to be his equal. His reference to women places them in their own little world where they should remain. There are a number of reasons as to why Marlow may have this understanding of the female being. These reasons include, but are not limited to, the lack of females in his life, the fact that he is primarily surrounded by men, and the type of women he comes in contact with in his line of work. Â   First and foremost, we will note that Marlow is a seaman. He is a man who has dedicated his life to the ways of the water. As the narrator mentions when speaking of Marlow, "he was the only man of us who still 'followed the sea'" (Conrad, 9). He has been picking up and traveling the world by way of a boat for most of his adult life. The simple fact that he is able to do this without regret is a hint into Marlow's personal life. He cannot be a family man, because it would be too hard for him to be away from family members for such great lengths of time. He may have a mother or a sister somewhere, but it is obvious that, for Marlow, there is no strong bond with any female family member. Even his aunt who so willingly helps him find work is not spoken of lovingly. If Marlow were to have a wife, one would assume that, it would be hard, if not impossible, for him to maintain a faithful marital relationship to her while leading such a Nomadic lifestyle. This is presumably why he is not emotionally attached to a wife or serious girlfriend. Â   It is also safe to say that Marlow does not have any platonic girl associates, because of the statement made about them in their own world. He makes it quite clear that women and men are on two totally different levels. In the time that the story was written, it would have been crazy to think of a woman and a man having a mutual friendship that had no loving or sexual components. Role of Women in Conrad's Heart of Darkness :: Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness Women do not play an important part in Heart of Darkness. This is not too surprising as the text was first published for a magazine in 1898. Throughout Marlow's voyage he encounters few women and he does not consider any of them to be his equal. His reference to women places them in their own little world where they should remain. There are a number of reasons as to why Marlow may have this understanding of the female being. These reasons include, but are not limited to, the lack of females in his life, the fact that he is primarily surrounded by men, and the type of women he comes in contact with in his line of work. Â   First and foremost, we will note that Marlow is a seaman. He is a man who has dedicated his life to the ways of the water. As the narrator mentions when speaking of Marlow, "he was the only man of us who still 'followed the sea'" (Conrad, 9). He has been picking up and traveling the world by way of a boat for most of his adult life. The simple fact that he is able to do this without regret is a hint into Marlow's personal life. He cannot be a family man, because it would be too hard for him to be away from family members for such great lengths of time. He may have a mother or a sister somewhere, but it is obvious that, for Marlow, there is no strong bond with any female family member. Even his aunt who so willingly helps him find work is not spoken of lovingly. If Marlow were to have a wife, one would assume that, it would be hard, if not impossible, for him to maintain a faithful marital relationship to her while leading such a Nomadic lifestyle. This is presumably why he is not emotionally attached to a wife or serious girlfriend. Â   It is also safe to say that Marlow does not have any platonic girl associates, because of the statement made about them in their own world. He makes it quite clear that women and men are on two totally different levels. In the time that the story was written, it would have been crazy to think of a woman and a man having a mutual friendship that had no loving or sexual components.

Rasputin: The Man, The Mystery Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin is known as the Siberian Mystic Healer, whose life has been retold numerous of times and almost each time it is told it is retold in a different way. Since Rasputin lived in a civilization not that advanced, little is know of his first forty years of life. So most information on the man are normally from stories families have passed on. Some say he is a holy monk with great powers, on the other hand he may be known as a phony with a false connection to God. The Beginning Rasputin was born between 1864 and 1865 in his own home of Pokrovskoe. It is now known as Tiumen’ Oblast. It is located in Siberia on the Toura River. This was a small city located near the Ural Mountains. At the center of the village stood a large white church with a guilded dome, which was a symbol of Russia’s strong religious background. At the age of eighteen Rasputin went through a religious transition. He eventually went to the monastery at Verkhoture. At this place he became aquatinted to the Khlysty sect. After spending some time at this monastery he did not become a monk. When he came to this monastery he had no intentions of becoming a monk. But this even eventually leads to fame and power for Rasputin. At the age of nineteen, Rasputin returned to his home in Pokrovskoe. There he fell in love and married Praskovia Fyodorovna. Together the two had three children. They had Dimitri in 1897, Maria in 1898, and Varvara in 1900. Marriage wasn’t enough to keep Rasputin in one place. He continued to wander to places of religious significance suck as Mt. Athos, Greece, and Jerusalem. He was a self-proclaimed holy man. He had the power to heal the sick and the power to predict the future. His fame grew greatly. Soon people traveled from long distances in search of his well heard about abilities and insight. For Rasputin’s help, people would repay him with food, presents, and money. Rasputin has had no long period of religious or spiritual training. He also had very limited education so he was left illiterate. This made his theatrical abilities become very useful. One day while Rasputin was plowing in the fields he had a revelation. The story states that a Heavenly Mother touched him. She told him of young Aleksei, the tsarevich and she instructed him to appear at the boy’s side to stop his bleeding. His bleeding was a result of his hemophilia. ... ...sants, you, Tsar of Russia, have nothing to fear, remain on your throne and govern, and you, Russian Tsar, will have nothing to fear for your children, they will reign for hundreds of years in Russia. But if I am murdered by boyars, nobles, and if they shed my blood, their hands will remain soiled with my blood, for twenty-five years they will not wash their hands from my blood. They will leave Russia. Brothers will kill brothers, and they will kill each other and hate each other, and for twenty-five years there will be no noblers in the country. Tsar of the land of Russia, if you hear the sound of the bell which will tell you that Grigory has been killed, you must know this: if it was your relations who have wrought my death then no one of your family, that is to say, none of your children or relations will remain alive for more than two years. They will be killed by the Russian people...I shall be killed. I am no longer among the living. Pray, pray, be strong, think of your ble ssed family. This letter was written to Tsarina Alexandra on December 7, 1916. Twenty-three days later Rasputin was killed and nineteen months later after Rasputins death the Tsar and his family lay dead.

The Iliad and the Fate Of Patroclus :: Iliad essays

The Iliad and the Fate Of Patroclus      Ã‚   Throughout The Iliad Of Homer, the constant theme of death is inherently apparent.   Each main character, either by a spear or merely a scratch from an arrow, was wounded or killed during the progression of the story.   For Zeus' son, Sarpedon, it was a spear through the heart, and for Hector, it was the bronze of the mighty Achilles through his neck which caused his early demise.   It seems that no one could escape an agonizing fate.   Of these deaths, the most interesting and intriguing death of all is that of Achilles' dear friend Patroclus.   Although his life was taken by the mighty Hector's spear, who was truly liable for his death?   The intricate story line of The Iliad makes many possible answers available, but only one possibility accurately explains the actions and events that led to this gruesome episode. Patrocles was responsible for his own death.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   First of all, Patrocles was responsible for his own death because he requested his insertion into the battle, fully knowing that the Achaeans were being unmercifully defeated.   In Book XVI , Patroclus said,      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   " Send me forth now at the head of the Myrmidon host   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   That I may be a light of hope to the Danaans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   And let me strap on my shoulders that armor of yours   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   That the zealous Trojans take me for you and quickly   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Withdraw from the fighting."      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because Achilles refused to help the Achaeans battle the Trojans, a discontented Patroclus took the matter into his own hands by requesting activation into battle disguised as Achilles in the hope of sending the Trojans into a full retreat from the sight of him.   It is apparent that Patroclus was willing to fight although the odds were greatly against him.   His vehemence towards the Trojans coupled with his disappointment of Achilles gave him the drive to conquer the Trojan army with or without the aid of Achilles.   In doing so, Patroclus took an enormous risk that the Trojans would fall for his trick, a risk with his life as the stakes.   Essentially, while pleading to Achilles for battle, it was his own dark death for which he plead.

Bell Rock Lighthouse: Signal and Guide to Fishermen and Travelers

I’ve always been interested with lighthouses even before I watched this documentary film that’s why it wasn’t hard or boring for me. I’ve always wanted to go to a lighthouse and see how it flashes lights towards the sea. It’s amazing how it saves many lives of people and even animals that live underwater. I find it wonderful learning how to build a lighthouse, well, technically. This Bell Rock lighthouse was built in a rock, a very dangerous rock according to people who came across it. The man behind this rock, Robert Stevenson, built this rock between 1807 and 1810. And it’s amazing that this certain lighthouse still stand even to this day! Awesome, indeed! The history of Bell Rock was amusing and interesting as well in my opinion. How many ship wrecks had happened there before, I had no idea. Robert Stevenson, a man full of dreams, wanted to pursue building a lighthouse on Bell Rock. Although many people were against his plan, he stayed determined and thought of many ideas how to build a lighthouse without the waves crashing the base. That was one of the disadvantages since the lighthouse will be built in the sea. He based his idea to some already built lighthouses and hired almost sixty men to work on this project. They went to the sea, with a steady ship floating not so far away from the rock, they went with the ships to the rock and started digging for the base of the lighthouse. One thing I noticed about this story, the laborers were all religious men. They pray before and after working which is very admirable. The going back and forth routine has been a disadvantage to Stevenson as he were already behind time working with the base of the lighthouse. He decided, together with his men, to build a beacon in the rock which they can stay to. They started with the beacon not long. The question would be how long will it stay standing? Storms can sweep away the beacon and they were still behind schedule. Fortunately, there weren’t any super storms during the days they put the pieces one by one. The workers stayed loyal to Stevenson as he instructs them to do so. Of course, more dilemmas had befallen to Stevenson as his workers didn’t want to work during the Sabbath days. Some of them had lost faith to him and that made Stevenson’s task harder. They believed that doing work on a Sabbath is against God. It’s disrespectful and disloyalty. They continued working for him though despite the lack of faith. Another dilemma came, two of the men died (not consecutively) while working. Their bodies weren’t found at all. It diminished the worker’s self-esteem as they work with the lighthouse in the Bell Rock while still staying in the beacon. After all the difficulties relating to the building of the lighthouse in Bell Rock, they finished after three years with pure diligence and teamwork and of course, faith to God. However, Robert Stevenson, the man behind this magnificent project, had continued facing problems which seemed to be beyond his limit. Unfortunately, his twin and a daughter had died of whooping cough. That was the sad part here. If I were in his shoes, I’d probably die of depression. That was tough. But Stevenson was a tough man from the start. Even though he had a huge loss on his part, he still continued with the Bell Rock Lighthouse project. His work became his only focus. And after they finished it, it’s as if they have produced a work of nature. Something deeper in the lighthouse has touched many people’s lives. It was also considered as a tourist spot. Kudos to Stevenson for it! On the other hand, John Rennie, whom Stevenson had asked opinions about before, ranted that Stevenson didn’t deserve his popularity since he was the one who suggested about the curve base of the lighthouse which wasn’t true at all since Stevenson was there all the time and he based it through another’s work. A lighthouse serves as a signal, a guide to all the fishermen and to all the travelers using the sea as their way of commuting. It serves as guidance for everyone who wants to go home and take the right path. Same for what happened to Stevenson and what he had went through by building this lighthouse on a risky rock.

Evolution and History of Cooking Essay

The value of history is that it helps us to understand the present and the future. In food service, knowledge of our professional heritage helps us to see why we do things as we do, how our cooking techniques have developed and refined and how we can continue to develop and innovate in the years ahead. THE EGYPTIANS: †¢ First recorded instance of inn-keeping †¢ Generally managed by mother and father operations †¢ Most food was from their own gardens and flocks †¢ Meals consisted of mainly dates, figs, apricots, fish, chicken, duck, onions and red cabbage. †¢ Cooking media was largely olive oil. †¢ Poorer inns served predominantly ‘pulses’ that is soups made from a base of lentils. THE GREEKS: †¢ Ancient Greeks were the next who left written and pictorial records of eating, drinking and sleeping away from home †¢ Culinary world owes much of its knowledge to the Greeks †¢ Almost all of the foods purchased and prepared today, as well as many types of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic were used during middle and Late Greek times. †¢ The oldest cookbook preserved today is that of â€Å"Apicius† written sometime between400 BC and 100 AD depending upon the historical source. †¢ This book contains not only detailed instructions for preparing the cuisine of that day, but also rigid specifications for purchasing foodstuffs †¢ The art and cookery then spread to the Roman chefs of that day who were both negatively as well as positively motivated to learn the art of cooking food. †¢ The Greeks are also credited for developing the first comprehensive set of kitchen utensils and equipment †¢ Tools like frying pans, sauce pans, colanders, Bain Marie and butcher’s knives are being used even today. THE ROMANS: †¢ During this time, a group of scholars were sent to Greece to study literature and arts, including culinary arts †¢ Many of the finest Greek chefs were lured away and were treated as professionals worthy of the highest respect and esteem. †¢ The best of Greek culinary achievements were brought to Rome and were integrated into the Roman culture. THE FRENCH: †¢ The marriage of Catherine de Medici to King Henry has brought a whole battalion of Florentine cooks to France. †¢ In the 17th and 18th Century, the Royalty and high ranking people started taking great interest in foods and the cooks in gratitude started naming the dishes after them. †¢ By the end of the 19th century, French culinary art reached its peak, the highest point of perfection. †¢ Chefs like Escoffier and Prosper Salles etc published books on cookery, which had fat reaching importance and are known throughout the world today. †¢ France’s contribution to the international culinary repertoire is well known and has bestowed her own names on the majority of dishes creating technical terminology of international usage. †¢ Every ingredient speaks its own language. The most important role is to use only the best and perfect ingredients and proper blend of colour and taste of ingredients. †¢ Garnishes and accompaniments play a key role in French cuisine and dishes are identified by them. CHINESE COOKING: †¢ Chinese culture is the oldest continuous civilization in the world. †¢ In china, friendship and food are inseparably linked, a gathering without food is considered incomplete and improper. †¢ One thousand years ago, before BC, they were already experimenting with fancy cooking, recording their recipes on silk and bamboo. †¢ Considered the best in the Eastern world, they have been gastronomically courageous, setting no limits to their experiments. †¢ They put everything edible to use, finding wonderful ways to utilize strange plants and roots like lily buds, bamboo shoots, jasmine etc. †¢ Strong sense of artistry is expressed in Chinese cooking. †¢ Chinese cooking needs the shortest time, uses intense heat sealing the juices and preserving colour and texture. †¢ Regional cuisines of China include: Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, Fukien and Xhanhung. INDIAN COOKING: †¢ Indian cuisine can be said to have evolved along lines parallel to Indian history †¢ Bhima, the Pandava prince and Nala, a King in Hindu Mythology have been acclaimed to be the best chefs. †¢ Strong impact made on Indian cuisine was during the reign of Moghals in the 16th Century, who were fond of good living, eating and cooking. †¢ The regional dishes are influenced in different parts of India by religion, caste and old traditions and customs. †¢ The preparations of various dishes are handed over from one generation to the next †¢ Indian cuisine can be broadly classified into North Indian and South Indian Cuisines.

Florida Fast Track program Essay

Time is very valuable, and if there is a way of using it efficiently, and gaining the most in the shortest time possible, that is the way I would go. Florida Tech’s Fast Tack program gives me this opportunity, to be very efficient in my overall attaining of a masters degree. Being part of the program will help me achieve my goals, faster and earlier than I expect. Taking this program gives me an advantage of being able to qualify for the scholarship award during the fifth year as a full time student (Financial Aid, 2010). This also means that if I get a scholarship award during my undergraduate I can keep it if I undertake the fast track program. This will help me a lot in financing the masters program too. I will also have a head-start in my career, way before my colleagues who are taking the traditional program. This will go a long way in helping me serve my fellow citizens as soon as possible, for I have a great desire to work to benefit them through my career. The program will therefore enhance my fast growth to attaining qualification in this career. The program is also diverse and not specific to any course among those offered in the university. Through this, my choice is also catered for. By stating, â€Å"FastTrack is open to all undergraduates and is comprised of the following combined, accelerated degree programs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Fast Track Masters’ Program, 2010), the admission department of Florida Tech makes it clear that the courses being offered at undergraduate level are available at masters’ level. I will therefore be happy to be part of the family of the Florida Technical College, and pursue my dream career. The other good thing about this program is that it is designed in a way to give full attention to the individual student. I will therefore be able to interact closely with my instructors to help me grasp the concepts very well. In addition to this, the program has nationally recognized certification, which gives me confidence in working through it to get the degree (Fast – Track a Career in Medical Assisting, 2010). I therefore know that I will have no problem getting a place in the corporate world in my career.

Environmental Issues of the 21st Century

â€Å"Today human actions have become major forces in the operation of the earth system. They increasingly challenge the system boundaries of the planet, which will result in fundamental, unprecedented and unpredictable changes in the earth system (UNEVEN, 2012). † This Is the most Important perspective we have to consider as we enter and currently live In the era provided by the 21st century. Everything happening In this world Is dependent or, If not, manipulated, by human beings.We have become the most superior entity on this planet to the point that we can tinker and choose our planet's destiny. Given this notion, the most infamous environmental concern which got into our senses from the time we hit this century â€Å"can [simply] be categorized according to the major themes of global environmental change- water, climate change, the marine environment, and so on (UNEVEN, 2012). † This phenomenon or change in natural trends, habitats, and, is of course, caused by the acts of us humans, being the superiors of this natural cycle.There are numerous aspects of environmental change like water, climate, etc. But what we all know Is that the reason behind these changes Is collectively bound by the excessive ND Iniquitous acts of man because of their Inventions and stubbornness. Change In water Is caused by water pollutants which come from factories and garbage which Is a product of man. Change In climate Is due to greenhouse gases which come from burning of chemically hazardous wastes which is made by man and burned by man.Change in marine environment is cause by excessive fishing, and water pollutants as well which are both acts of man and products of man. These are Just a few examples of how some aspects of environmental change are done. From here, we can derive he idea that these changes in trends and systems in nature are all put together by man and their acts. To make it a lot more concrete and practical, probably the most important environmental and social concern that has to be tackled would be the products and actions of man and how this can be grounded on awareness and ethics.This concern has reached out and affected numerous fields of science which sometimes are not really related to each other (like: tampering with evolution via biotechnology up to climate change Oval greenhouse gases) except for the sole cause of these occurrences which is man's actions. To say that the concern is solely environmental change would be a bit of an understatement. The real concern would probably be the uncontrollable acts of man.It is disturbing that a single cause could actually affect different aspects in different ways to the point that naturally-known ways and cycles are tipped by mere inventions, ignorance of man, and selfishness. Awareness in the 21st century is solely fixated on man. The man that we know of today has become that catalyst to tip eras of evolution and natural cycles that have been existing before us. The man that we know of today has become the sole manipulator by turning supposedly naturally occurring phenomenon to dissipate or to be created and run artificially.If we look around us, different environmental concerns have arose which show a single symptom; change. But all these changes and concerns boll down to one single factor; human Intervention. In this century, everything that has happened and changed, environmentally speaking, can be Justly blamed on humanity â€Å"Soc TTY NAS already confronted a most to global environmental challenges including loss of biodiversity, climate change, water and and degradation among others, and, through persistence and ingenuity, has found many solutions to these challenges.

See instruction Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

See instruction - Term Paper Example The company expects less first year total revenue with the opportunity to increase revenue of second year exponentially because of Valentines Day sales (excluded in the first year due to April opening). The area will have nearly 1400 residents at the time of opening the Castleberry Hill. Studies indicate that a population of 9,000 is necessary to support a traditional retail florist and therefore it is important to point out that Shades of Blue will not be a usual retail florist. In the first three years of Shades of Blue’s development, the company will not depend on retail traffic, but will instead use advanced technology and smart marketing programs to target repeat buyers in more than 1,500 targeted businesses in Atlanta office buildings. The company’s business is to provide flower delivery services to customers who want to gift their loved ones with fresh flowers. Shades of Blue will target men who are more accustomed to spending money on loved ones. Shades of Blue is scheduled to open in April. The total space for the shop will be approximately 800 sq. feet. The shop will be located alongside the main street with one-fourth of the space would be allocated for retail use, and remaining space would be used for workspace and storage. At this time, there are no other planned florists in the Castleberry Hill that can act as a competitor. Free parking is available for the shoppers who visit the shop. However, majority of Shades of Blue’s revenue will be generated from routinely delivered floral arrangements outside of the Castleberry Hill area. Shades of Blue will be open for six days (Monday – Saturday), and will remain close on Sunday and on other public holidays. Hours of operation will be 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, and from noon - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Hours might get extended during the holidays. The vision statement of the company informs the customers about the business of

Ethical Issues Facing Internet Technology Essay

Ethical Issues Facing Internet Technology - Essay Example The print media have undergone a facelift by adapting website technology and blogging. Human interactions have been redefined by social networking, internet forums and instant messaging. Online shopping is another major boon from the internet technology. However, something with a positive effect will have a negative side too. However, as Williamson, Clow, Walker and Ellis (2011) point out, these technological advancements in information and technology have resulted in negative effects of which raise various ethical questions with regard to the Internet. This paper discusses the ethical issues that surround internet use. An area of concern in modern times includes the bad effects of internet on students and children. According to Salma and Ali (2013), one ethical question that arises because of internet use is whether the Internet is doing more harm or good on children. It is found that girls and boys use internet at the same rate at home. As Newburger (2001) points out, children†™s internet use varies with age. Only 7 percent children of the age 3 to 5 use internet at home; and 25 percent of children of the age group 6 to 11 and 48 percent of children of the age 12 to 17 use internet. Internet has the worst effect on children if it is misused. Children spend more time on the internet thereby evading home works and spending time with family and friends. Michael A. Weinstein, professor of Political Science at Purdue University believes â€Å"Internet will intensify the negative effect television has already had on our social skills† (Weinstein, 1995, as cited in Affonso, 1999). Internet browsing without proper supervision gives children easy access to inappropriate contents like pornography, violence, profanity etc. Pornography has serious effect on child’s mental make up. Pornography is unchecked on the internet as pedophiles can download illegal pictures from anonymous sites and escape law enforcement (Verdik.Org). If one searches the word à ¢â‚¬Å"sex†, one will receive more than 180,102 websites that contain pornographic material (Westfall, 2013). Overuse of internet leads to addiction thereby making the individuals secluded or isolated entities living in a virtual world. Experts say that exposure to inappropriate content at a younger age may lead children to anxiety and ‘behavioral expression disorders’. Another deleterious effect of internet on children is that spending excessive time on it makes the child lose his/her confidence, diet, activity levels leading to health problems like constant head ache and sleep disorders. Unmonitored use of internet can lead children astray by wandering in online chat groups, forums and social networking sites where they are prone to be in contact with people ranging from pedophiles to people with personality disorders. The only remedy for internet addiction is providing unconditional parental love, care, and support so that the kids don’t turn to internet overuse. Another important issue related to ethical issues arising from internet use is cyber crimes. Crimes like online fraud activities associated with internet banking, copyright infringement, espionage and cyber warfare are all on the rise with the advent of internet. Online heist has advanced from identity thefts to much organized ones. The attacks leads to compromising a bank’s database with system level implications. Credit card fraud is usually done through personal information accessed through the Internet (Wall, 2007). Another offence is cyber

Special Needs Inclusion Education Program Essay

Special Needs Inclusion Education Program - Essay Example This idea of inclusion is more viable than the use of seclusion or putting the children with disabilities in self-contained classrooms. A self-contained classroom setting proposes that children with disabilities are separated from the rest; according to Banduras social learning theory will not help the child develop cognitively and behaviourally. A self-contained classroom setting that groups children with disabilities from the rest makes them feel as social outcasts. This will have a negative cognitive development to the child, and he/she shall develop little or no social skill to interact and learn with the rest of the population (Turnbull, 2010). The other theory that supports the use of inclusion in the classroom setting is observational learning theory. As the name of the theory suggests, the child learns in the classroom mainly through observation methods. Since the children are included in the classroom setting with the rest of the children with no disabilities, they can obser ve them and learn. From this observation, they develop behaviour and learn from experience. As the theory suggests, most of the children with disabilities feel the need to adapt to their environment and function well. Through inclusion in the classroom, they see and hear what their peers are doing, and try to emulate it, and this is important as they develop communication and social skills fast enough to interact, and learn in the classroom setting (Weir, 1999). The use of self-contained classrooms in educating children with disabilities would also hinder the observational development of a child. Since the children are set up on their own, they lack the opportunity to... This essay stresses that inclusion provides children with special needs the opportunity to both interact and learn with the mainstream population who do not have disabilities. Inclusion is a trend, which made major progression in the late 80s and early 90s, which concluded that that general education is the best choice for all students. The role of inclusion for children with disabilities is rationalized by use of several learning theories. The use of self-contained classrooms in educating children with disabilities would also hinder the observational development of a child. Since the children are set up on their own, they lack the opportunity to observe what their peers are doing and undergoing. This shall mean that they depend upon their own mind, teacher and fellow children with disabilities to develop social skill and learn. The inclusion method presents several advantages to both the child and the educator, when it is effectively applied taking all the students requirements in a learning environment. This report makes a conclusion that through the inclusion method, several children with disabilities have developed the need skills to be successful members of society. Some children with disabilities have developed strong mental and behaviour capabilities to get higher academic grades as compared to their friends. The inclusion methods creates a feeling of oneness and togetherness to the children with disabilities, and through the learning theories outlined in the paper, make them productive members of society.