Wednesday, October 30, 2019
The understanding of language learning Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
The understanding of language learning - Article Example The view of learning as changing participation is radically different from theories of second language (L2) acquisition that frame language learning as a cognitive process residing in the mind-brain of an individual learner. Many scholars in the cognitive tradition have accepted a view of language as a set of clearly delineated and internally coherent structures that are best understood as a self-contained system. The methodology followed here is that of participatory research and the main limitation of the same is the possibility of bias of the researcher owing to his or her involvement. Not enough is said about the unbiased nature of the method though we find that the researcher learns in the process. Moreover, a cross-sectional analysis would have led to a more justifiable and generalized set of results. The method followed here is a specific case though structured longitudinally. Also, the main limitation of the study is the inability to capture the ethnic or racial differences r eflected in the discursive practice because the study is based on a Vietnamese learner. The representations of the findings and the final analysis or conclusion of the researchers are presented in a complex manner and at times the observations are repetitive in nature. Even considering all limitations, the purpose and findings of the study are interesting and revealing in the area of discursive practice and the interactional process of research. ... The methodology followed here is that of participatory research and the main limitation of the same is the possibility of bias of the researcher owing to his or her involvement. Not enough is said about the unbiased nature of the method though we find that the researcher learns in the process. Moreover a cross sectional analysis would have led to a more justifiable and generalized set of results. The method followed here is a specific case though structured longitudinally. Also the main limitation of the study is the inability to capture the ethnic or racial differences reflected in the discursive practice because the study is based on a Vietnamese learner. The representations of the findings and the final analysis or conclusion of the researchers are presented in a complex manner and at times the observations are repetitive in nature. Even considering all limitations, the purpose and findings of the study are interesting and revealing in the area of discursive practice and interacti onal process of research. Capturing the over time changes in communication is the most significant part of the research. Again study explores both verbal and non verbal methods of communication which makes it more complete though not very inclusive in terms of sample choice. Excerpts i. Just before the opening of revision talk in the first conference, in Excerpt 1 â€Å"the instructor and student discuss a tragic event in the student’s life that he had written about in his paper. Years before, he had stepped on a land mine in his native country of Vietnam and, as a result, lost part of a leg. Although the event was mentioned in the student’s paper and, thus, we could say the topic of their interaction emerged from the text, their conversation focuses on topics not mentioned
Monday, October 28, 2019
Geddes Garden City Essay Example for Free
Geddes Garden City Essay Introduction            The American Political Economist who authored the best read book titled Progress and Poverty (Lause) defined urbanization as â€Å"This life of great cities is not the natural life of man. He must, under such conditions, deteriorate, physically, mentally, and morally â€Å". To consider his point, the author view that life must be maintained in a serene atmosphere and not in a busy city just like those old good days that red beans or the cocoa is enough to send every household child to a good school.            Henry George began musing on this concept when the new railroad transport was developed in California that made an influence on high land values and influx of ordinary people to city life. That development in one place brought about overcrowding and had wayward implications on the sustainability of the natural environment. However, his idea provided economic reforms that made improvements of the life of the working classes possible.            Cities are indications of developments and of the visible civilizations of the history of man. It takes a process of transformation that is unique and at the same time diverse. This work is aimed at explaining the town concepts during the period of industrialization from the beginning of mass transportation and birth of new cities in particular on how Geddes observed and analyze these processes. Sustainability of the Man-built Environment            It was concluded by Henry George that the man-built environment is something that will not last. However, Patrick Geddes the Leonardo da Vinci of the 20th century teaches and reaffirms that our world environment could be sustained provided that man cooperates in the process. It has to be sustained in order that the life cycle of the young generation’s continues.            His statement is not a contradiction to George’s philosophy but a possible solution to man’s current problems. His reaffirmation brought to the world a new hope that even though life cycle is limited, this world is still something worthy to be cared for and it can endure. The positive attitude of George influences not only his neighbors but the human settlement at large during his time to the present.            There are issues on industrialization which brings wealth but at the same time destroys the natural environment caused by pollutants. For this reason, Geddes made it clear that man do not live by the jingling of his coins.  There is always a chain effect if one resource is used in accordingly. He provided a solution written in the Evergreen book that a sustainable world is as simple as making it comfortably green. His conviction reminded even planners that if developments are unchecked it would create more disaster than improvements.            Globally, everyone breathe the same air that a poor or a developed nation breathes. The current concern do not deals alone with affordability but also sustainability. With the pressing trend of modernization, comfortable living is expensive and value for money is usually a rare find. The problem of overcrowding in the cities and the lack of economic growth in the rural areas still remains to be a problem on poorly planned cities. The increase of deteriorating cities will lead to the decline of the global sustainability. The idea here is to provide developmental options that are definitely relevant to every cities of the world. His mottos â€Å"by creating we think and by living we learn was made to good use by educating people about their environment (Grewar).†The new housing design for workers, organizing his neighbors to renovate houses and build gardens made an indelible mark in his works which can still be seen in every postcard of the city’s Royal Mile that even Albert Einstein admired and has honored him (Grewar). The Garden City Movement Patrick Geddes three dimensional thinking (geography, economics and anthropology) places social sciences above math and logic, biology, chemistry and physics. His belief that†the earth as a cooperative planet must teach people on how to treat properly their environment and is aimed specifically on educating children, improving the physical quality of life through biological knowledge by producing better medicines, and understanding human influence on ecology (Killiecrankie).†Geddes bridging social sciences with biology even influenced his biographer Lewis Mumford on the simple idea that man just like plants and animals thrived in healthy conditions which are expressed in one of the extracts of Geddes writings; â€Å"The world is mainly vast leaf-colony, growing on and forming a leafy soil, not a mere mineral mass, and we live not by the jingling of our coins, but by the fullness of our harvest. This is green world, with animals comparatively small, and all independent upon leaves. By leaves we live (Grewar).†            Mumford an architectural critic and is particularly noted for his study on urbanization of the environment regarded technology as the destroyer of environment even if he qualifies that electricity could lead to the improvements of the social spheres (University). His works are indications that technology must be regulated. During the late 18th century Garden Cities began to evolve through the works of city and town planners particularly the works of Ebenezer Howard in UK influenced by the philosophy of Geddes new approach in urban planning called the garden city movement. Howard began to build self-sustaining towns that combines convenience and industries located on agricultural sites (Sir Ebenezer Howard).†Howard realizes that no matter from what nation a man belongs, there is but one social issue which is difficult to solve and that is problems on housing and labor. This propelled many to advocate the new movement and increases the awareness on the concept of â€Å"decency of surroundings†and that includes, ample spaces, clean housing with gardens, and preservation of landscapes (Letchworth). The First Garden City            Letchworth City is founded by Howard and is the first garden city of the world; in 1905 the garden city movement became involved in the exhibits of new housing called the workers cottage or housing for the working class in which some of it still stood today. Those cheap but strong and functional residences can be affordable to workers. Some of these cottages made of wood or concrete can still be found in Letchworth streets and is now being conserved.            Some of the prototype housing called the workers cottages influences the human settlement design of this century. This new housing designed sprawled even to the west for instance the workers cottages of Architect Maybeck of California and to the whole world at least giving man an accommodation that he humanly deserves. Mass Transportation            Fast developments are due to improved transportation and communications. The streets affect the life of all its inhabitants and this vision is very much encouraged in order to serve a huge population. This is indeed very necessary but at the same time may lead to a city decline. This entails thorough planning on how to maintain a good life in a cellular metropolis.            Victor Gruen a planning practitioner, mentioned in his last publicized works that â€Å"auto sprawl would cripple the global ecosystem and brings about physical and psychological starvation of the urbanized man (Hill).† Today, some cities plants a good number of trees for every parking slots or spaces created. Planning theories must be integrated to transit that is useful to automobile cities and providing more mass transit and more freeways.            Automobile cities, needs more spaces unlike the old horse tracks during the colonial times. Human settlement today cannot tolerate a waste of space in places where living condition is dense. Somehow, these dense spaces are capable of providing the maximum comfort for man by means of mechanical equipments in buildings. In this cities life is fast and expensive. Technology is a provision for man’s comfort and not a means to enslave but more often than not it is the other way around. However, there are many fast developing cities that is capable of coping with the new technology because work is valued in congruent with the dignity of man.            Gruen proposes a plan that could justify economic productivity of big cities and at the same time create sub cities that would adapt to what he calls â€Å"megalopolitan sprawl†. However, globalization could also mean going beyond ones land area. There is still vast area of lands wanting to be developed. There are many nations that are in need to cope with the present dynamics of the new world technology. And while there are other places where overpopulation is a problem there are affluent cities in the second millennium that the inverted population growth also presupposes danger. Conclusion            In the abstract written by Dr. Mervyn Miller, he mentioned the book written by the founder of Letchworth, â€Å"Tomorrow a Peaceful Path to Real Reform†written in 1898 is very much true to our society of today. He recalls that the garden city is a potent concept in the emergence of the 20th century cities.            Contemporary planners addressed the issue by following the course of people like Geddes. However, due to the increase in the demand on the lease to life, those familiar workers cottages are considered mini-mansions of many career oriented people of today. Ample spaces are defined as functional spaces due to the ever increasing cost per area of construction in square foot or in meters. Coping with life that is becoming unsustainable is becoming a depressing problem even more than how George views it in his time. The internationalist who believes that nothing is gained by overcrowding still support the issue on the green environment that is very relevant today. However, there are trends that are still needed to be discovered and be rediscovered especially within the new technology along on how this new ideas can be within the reach of everyone. The key here is what kind of technology should be provided to sustain the ordinary man of the streets. The approach that Geddes concept has provided in his time is for the working class of the industrialized period. That became the reason why today’s environmentalist regarded Geddes a steward in land use and its sustainability. Today, a number of men with the same aspirations of those Internationalist described is very much needed. This fast growing old planet needs people who are a hundred percent human beings in the middle of the electro- mechanical world. Works Cited Grewar, Mindy. Vivendo Discimus: Everything in the Garden Is Magnifique for the Anniversary Celebrations of a Great Scot. (2004). 11 April 2008 http://www.scotland.org/about/history-tradition-and-roots/features/education/geddes.html. Hill, David R. Sustainability, Victor Gruen, and the Cellular Metropolis. (2008). 11 April 2008 http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=H1TcfmZ4RRyJKG06dF94gjTT9hyHh99GrVvwdzytZzVnn6Lq771Y!-798756091?docId=5001677813. Killiecrankie. Patrick Geddes 1854-1932. (2008). 11 April 2008 http://www.visitkilliecrankie.com/patrick-geddes.htm. Lause, Mark. Henry George. 11 April 2008 http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Quad/6460/bio/G/eorge.html. Letchworth. Letchworth the First Garden City  (2007). 11 April 2008 http://lgc.amolad.net/heritage/index-3.htm. Sir Ebenezer Howard. (2007). 11 April 2008 http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-HowardEb.html. University, Regent. Lewis Mumford (1895-1988). (2007). 11 April 2008 http://www.regent.edu/acad/schcom/rojc/mdic/mumford.html.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Second language acquisition is when a child or adult has already become
Second language acquisition is when a child or adult has already become competent at a language and then attempts to learn ano. Comment to the language teaching method, combine with your own learning experience, choose one or more teaching methods that you think is the best. Second language acquisition is when a child or adult has already become competent at a language and then attempts to learn another. The goal of learning language is for communication and exchanging message. There are numerous of methods have been used to teach a second language: direct method, communicative method, (indirect) grammar-translated method, reading method and audio-lingual (audio-visual) method, etc. Normally, teacher does not use one single method, although he/she may have a leaning towards certain aspects of particular one. He/She may use a combination of methods, in order to successfully achieve the goal. For the direct method, it is also known as Natural/ Phonetical method. It is based on the belief that knowing a language for speaking purpose. Writing, printed note or word and learning of grammar are avoided because they hinder the acquisition of good oral proficiency. But it is not the real case. Rejecting printed word; focusing only on oral aspect of language would resist the development of other language skill. A good language learner should acquaint oneself with writing, reading, listening and speaking all four skills. And the communicative method, it is quite similar to the direct method. It also focuses on language as a medium of communication. But it is more systematical and not limited to the practice of oral skills, but all four-skills area. In fact, it recognizes that disregard of grammatical form... ... others fluently. Direct method is the best to use for putting the learner of a forward progress. All kinds of teaching methods should all have their strength and weakness. They are invented to suit to use in the period of time. But gradually, disadvantages are discovered. There is never a method that should not be applied; it can really help learners to learn the second language. Never just to blame for the teaching method and the fault’s of the teacher, if it is unsuccessful to learn a language. Student’s attitudes towards language should also be positive, patient, eager to learn and not to be shy of making mistakes. Learning from mistakes is a precious experience of learning. With a combination of suitable teaching method, good teacher and correct attitudes towards learning a language is the only way to get succeed in any second language acquisition.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Criteria for Performance Evaluation Essay -- Human Resource Management
Introduction Human resource policies and procedures are the most important aspects of developing acceptable organizational behavior in an organization. This is because mutual well-being, confidence, trust, and intelligence of all members of the organization determines the success of the organization hence the need to pay critical attention to it. The mid-sized manufacturing plant’s engineer hired for the modification of the plant had positive job performance credentials but poor interpersonal relations and tidiness at work place. This situation put the plant manager in a difficult position when it came to developing a well outline assessment of the engineer. Criteria for Performance Evaluation The three sets of performance evaluation mechanisms that brought concerns for the manager and the employee in the current evaluation structure included poor relationships with co-workers, personal characteristics, and behavior. These points of concern were particularly causing friction between the manager since the employee maintained that his performance was above reproach and produced results. However, despite the engineer’s concerns, the three most commonly used assessment criteria are behavior, performance standards, and skills and competency (Mayhew, 2010). Skills and competency refer to the solid technical knowledge an employee applies in accomplishing tasks. The ability to perform tasks for which one was hired and to meet organizational objectives set for him is fundamental in performance evaluation. Performance standards refer to what an employee must do to meet the manager’s expectations and normally include how proactive an employee is in handling his wo rk (Mayhew, 2010). The behavior of an employee is crucial bec... ...the use of external mechanisms on specific roles played by different employees. External evaluators minimize the impact of biases; promote strict professionalism and promotion of assessment by members of a similar profession, as well as the promotion of employee confidence in the organizations intentions. Works Cited Anonymous. (2009). Performance Appraisal Biases. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from Management Study Guide: http://managementstudyguide.com/performance-appraisal-bias.htm Kelchner, L., & Media, D. (2011). Three Common Performance Evaluation Methods. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from Small Business: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/three-common-performance-evaluation-methods-23608.html Mayhew, R. (2010). Job Performance Evaluation Criteria. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from e-How Money: http://www.ehow.com/info_8083608_job-performance-evaluation-criteria.html Criteria for Performance Evaluation Essay -- Human Resource Management Introduction Human resource policies and procedures are the most important aspects of developing acceptable organizational behavior in an organization. This is because mutual well-being, confidence, trust, and intelligence of all members of the organization determines the success of the organization hence the need to pay critical attention to it. The mid-sized manufacturing plant’s engineer hired for the modification of the plant had positive job performance credentials but poor interpersonal relations and tidiness at work place. This situation put the plant manager in a difficult position when it came to developing a well outline assessment of the engineer. Criteria for Performance Evaluation The three sets of performance evaluation mechanisms that brought concerns for the manager and the employee in the current evaluation structure included poor relationships with co-workers, personal characteristics, and behavior. These points of concern were particularly causing friction between the manager since the employee maintained that his performance was above reproach and produced results. However, despite the engineer’s concerns, the three most commonly used assessment criteria are behavior, performance standards, and skills and competency (Mayhew, 2010). Skills and competency refer to the solid technical knowledge an employee applies in accomplishing tasks. The ability to perform tasks for which one was hired and to meet organizational objectives set for him is fundamental in performance evaluation. Performance standards refer to what an employee must do to meet the manager’s expectations and normally include how proactive an employee is in handling his wo rk (Mayhew, 2010). The behavior of an employee is crucial bec... ...the use of external mechanisms on specific roles played by different employees. External evaluators minimize the impact of biases; promote strict professionalism and promotion of assessment by members of a similar profession, as well as the promotion of employee confidence in the organizations intentions. Works Cited Anonymous. (2009). Performance Appraisal Biases. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from Management Study Guide: http://managementstudyguide.com/performance-appraisal-bias.htm Kelchner, L., & Media, D. (2011). Three Common Performance Evaluation Methods. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from Small Business: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/three-common-performance-evaluation-methods-23608.html Mayhew, R. (2010). Job Performance Evaluation Criteria. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from e-How Money: http://www.ehow.com/info_8083608_job-performance-evaluation-criteria.html
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Bertrand Russell: The Value Of Philosophy
Consider a man that looks to material needs as the necessities of life. He moves through his world in a twenty-four hour cycle of the mundane, never reaching for a less ignorant existence. Bertrand Russell believes that these â€Å"practical men†, as society deems them, are wrongly named. A meaningful life to this â€Å"practical man†, certainly does not include the understanding of a need for knowledge. Russell states, â€Å"It is exclusively among the goods of the mind that the value of philosophy is to be found; and only those who are not indifferent to these goods can be persuaded that the study of philosophy is not a waste of time†(page 9). The value of philosophy can be found when anyone chooses to step over the line between things and ideas. I am claiming, in this instance, that philosophy is valuable for being a source of knowledge and understanding, among other things. Those that attempt to gain these are in turn going to benefit from their efforts. A man does not necessarily need the ability to comprehend the entire universe, but just to be open to thought. In the past, men that worked towards this task of thinking, such as Newton, were able to take philosophy and evolve it into a separate science. This reasons that philosophy’s value is largely in the possibility of a greater enlightenment that has yet to be determined. There is value in the fact that a deeper reality exists. That life does not just run blindly through time, but streams around reason and thought. Knowledge should alone be enough of a value for philosophy to be an appreciated source of gaining exactly that end. Thomas Nagel writes, â€Å"†¦humans have the special capacity to step back and survey themselves, and the lives to which they are committed†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (page 23). This realization is one of the reasons that philosophy contains value for the society at large. Everyone, through examining and doubting their choices, can gain knowledge. And knowledge is the primary aim of philosophy, according to Russell and my own opinion. Socrates summarizes it best in Plato’s, Apology: Defense of Socrates, when he stated, â€Å"†¦an unexamined life is no life for a human being to live†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (page 40). Humans were given the capacity to have thought processes and go beyond the routine existence of lower level life forms. To let this possession go unused would be neglecting the possibilities of the mind. However, the value of philosophy for society at large is limited by self-assertion. The masses will find themselves looking for knowledge but being blocked by the view that the world is of less worth than themselves, or the Self. This will be the downfall of the instinctive man; he is contained in his private interests. It is almost like a trap, man fills his life with family and friends and believes that he has found his place in life. A true student of philosophy will have a want of knowledge that is free and pure. This want contains no concerns of Self, but rather of the not-Self. Knowledge arrives when man lets go of trying to fit the universe into his world and instead fits his world into the universe. In order to be a philosopher, one must overcome the narrow circle of the Self and of private interests. Therefore the largest value of philosophy is for the philosopher, for he is able to completely be open to the acquisition of knowledge. Most of the value of philosophy is then sent indirectly to the larger society. The fact that philosophy, as a subject, is prone to uncertainty can arouse disbelief in its value. It can be argued that no knowledge can possibly be gained by studying a field in which there are no definite answers. Russell agrees with this point when he maintains that even if answers are determined, none of them can be proven true without exception. The subjective areas of thought, those dealing with opinions and differences in beliefs and practices, would hold no basis in practicality. â€Å"Practical man†will continue to waste away in his secluded reality, convinced that being materialistic is the most important quality to possess. Russell himself mentions, â€Å"†¦many men, under the influence of science or practical affairs, are inclined to doubt whether philosophy is nything better than innocent but useless trifling, †¦and controversies on matters concerning which knowledge is impossible†(page 9). However, Russell contradicts his own statements on purpose with the idea that people have the wrong view of philosophy. The uncertainty in philosophy is what makes the subject intriguing and worth arguing for or against. So what if there are no definite answers? The process of coming to the conclusion that nothing is set in stone is where the knowledge lies in wait to be learned. The questions of life make for intellectual freedom in the search for the unfound answers. Philosophic contemplation best works when the desire for knowledge is unadulterated. This would then deal mainly with the area of the not-Self; it must be in union with the Self to create the right environment for the intellect. Russell helps to confirm my statement that knowledge is the value of philosophy when he writes, â€Å"†¦free intellect will see†¦without traditional prejudices†¦in the sole and exclusive desire of knowledge-knowledge as impersonal, as purely contemplative, as it is possible for man to attain†(page 11). J. J. C. Smart believes that we should never assume that we have found the ultimate and final truth about anything. But that having a condensed view will bring us closer than not pondering it at all. Then, any attempt to push beyond that line between things and thought will create a positive end. Knowledge, the total range of what has been perceived and learned, is the absolute value of philosophy in my opinion. Philosophers, as well as man, can only benefit from the scrutiny placed on thought. Without the knowledge that philosophy can provide, the world would be a very simple place based exclusively on materialistic views. The old saying that ignorance is bliss would unmistakably be true. Man would continue in his everyday life, unaware of the chance that he is missing. Think about what a waste such a world would be, when the possibility for undiminished intelligence and open mentality is right beyond the baggage that man carries around with him. Philosophy’s value in knowledge is that it makes man’s life worth not just surviving but truly living.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Compare And Contrast Krapps Last Tape and Death And The Kings Horseman
Compare And Contrast Krapps Last Tape and Death And The Kings Horseman This paper compares and contrasts several elements of the two plays, Krapps Last Tape and Death and The Kings Horseman. The elements which will be compared and contrasted are basic introduction of each play, characters, styles and themes. The following paragraphs will talk about the mentioned elements in detail in order to provide a better comprehension of the main focus of this paper.IntroductionTo start off with Krapps Last Tape, the central character Krapp has a firm belief that he has the ability to bring transition in the world by the help of his art. This may define the main character a bit, but this is not the central point of the play and instead the main attention is given to the prospect that how this belief of Krapp turned into something depressive and awful. Eventually Krapp discovers that it is not possible to change this world and therefore his art work will not put any positive impact on this world.Wole SoyinkaBeckett, the author, has presented an ironic piece by showi ng how Krapp devastates his time by owning such an excessive vision of changing the world. This play consists of simply one character and his dreams as being an artist and as someone who wants to do something fruitful for the world. Krapp signifies all those people who want to benefit other people, and are passionate about accomplishing their goals. Different people will have different opinion about the play and some may even think of Krapp as being an over dramatic character (“Krapp's Last Tape: IntroductionÂâ€).Among the many plays written by Wole Soyinka, Death and the Kings Horseman are thought by majority of the people as Soyinkas best play. Soyinka was highly acclaimed for the way he blended Yoruban and European culture in form of poetic drama...
Monday, October 21, 2019
Societys Cave essays
Society's Cave essays No matter who you ask, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau or any other great philosopher they will always tell you that Plato was and always will be the greatest philosopher. Plato is known for great thoughts and feeling about the government and the way their social and political issues are handled. He used a very effective and intelligent way of writing his thoughts. He used a technique of exoteric and esoteric writing. The exoteric level being a level that everyone could understand and the esoteric level was only comprehended by the intelligent. By doing this he protected himself from the government. He learned from Socrates whose life was ended when the government had enough of his ridicule and rebellions. Plato was much smarter and got his point across without the government ever knowing. For example, Platos "Allegory of the Cave" from The Republic, which was a childrens story about a cave, but it also had a esoteric meaning that was letting the intelligent know what the government was doin g. Platos technique has been effectively repeat many times and his messages apply to many of the current issues in todays society. The exoteric level of the story, which comprehended by most, is about an underground cave which is pitch black except for a dim fire. There are some men bound by the neck and ankles, totally restricting movement, in the bottom of the cave. They have been faced towards the wall of the cave and all they can see is the flickering light from the fire behind them. Occasionally they can see the faint shadows of other men standing in front of the fire. The men can also hear their voices echo off the wall which they are facing. The sounds and visions that the men hear and see are both false, they are not the actual thing. The echoes are reflecting off the wall as well as the shadows that they are seeing. One man finally breaks free and makes his way up the cave, it is a hard and long climb but he makes it out. ...
Sunday, October 20, 2019
The eNotes Blog For Students The Keys to a Happy DormLife
For Students The Keys to a Happy DormLife Now that summer has drawn to a close and the school year has arrived, many of you will have left the nest for the first time and moved into that staple of college comedy: the dorm. As a recent college graduate and an employee of the front desk of a residence hall for nearly two years, I’ve asked my coworkers what they would like to tell incoming freshmen about dorm life. If they could give you one piece of advice, this is what they would tell you:  Socializing Gosh, making new friends sure is swell  â€Å"Force yourself to be social. This is the one time of year when everyone is trying to make friends, so this is the best time to meet as many people as possible. A lot of your friends can be found right on your floor.†–Anum K., Fourth Year The first few weeks of college will be a nebulous period in which everyone is feeling out of their depth. Everyone is overwhelmed, no matter how confident they seem, and the first thing people seek is a friend to help them figure things out. Use this as an exciting opportunity. You will never encounter another situation like this, where hundreds or thousands of people are looking for friends at the same time. Meeting masses of people may be intimidating, especially to you Socially Awkward Penguins out there, but it can be incredibly helpful. Some tips to help you do so: â€Å"Invest in a fork.†–Lixa C., Third Year This may seem really weird, but it is actually an incredibly useful piece of advice. In my dorm we pilfered forks from the dining hall and bent them in half to use as doorstops. This is especially useful when you live in a long hallway where everyone can see your door and vice versa. It lets people know that you’re open to socializing and encourages them to stop in and introduce themselves. You won’t be the only one doing this, I promise. I got to know nearly every person on my freshman floor by doing this. Dear Diary, Betty moved Mr. Winkle again. That girl sure knows how to push my buttons â€Å"If your roommate sucks, MOVE.†–Aime A., Fourth Year There is a time limit on this one. A couple of weeks into the semester, there should be some sort of room-swap event where you can switch with another person. If you walk in and instantly know you and your roommate won’t get along, don’t force yourself to suffer through an entire year of living with one another. It will eliminate the chance to find a friend and make your daily life stressful. My freshman roommate is my best friend, bar none. You are not doomed to have a crazy roommate. But act quickly; if you miss this event, it is unlikely you will be able to switch easily midway through the year. â€Å"Use it as a time to get to know everyone while they’re in one place.†–Erika F., Graduate This isn’t like high school, where you only have a certain amount of time between classes during the day to get to know people. Living in a dorm means that there are people of your age group living five feet away from you. They go to class with you. They eat in the same places. They study in the same places. You could step out of your door at two in the morning and it is likely that there will be someone there. They might not be the ideal candidate, but you have ample time and opportunity to find people who are.  Studying Tut tut, these girls are up to no good playing cards in the study lounge  â€Å"No studying is ever done in study lounges.†–Victor S., Fourth Year My floor study lounge freshman year was many things. It was the first door you encountered when entering the floor, and a natural meeting spot. It was a safe haven if you grew stir crazy in your room. It was the place where you could pass out after a Thursday night adventure in the frat houses. It was the place where the boisterous, ragtag group of freshmen from my floor stored their trophies from these nights out (including, but not limited to: a wheelchair, an upright piano, a white board, a chair from In-N-Out, the couch from the floor above us, and so on). It was not, by any stretch of the imagination, a place where you could study. Even if your floor isn’t something out of Animal House like mine was, you are bound to get distracted if you try to study in a lounge. There will always be someone popping their head in, or a group of people playing cards, or any number of things that can break your concentration in an instant. Find alternatives. The dorm we work in has private study rooms that can be rented out for a two-hour period. We also have a massive lecture room where the unspoken law is silence. Coffee shops have free WiFi and caffeine to keep you going. I am the rare breed of person who can actually study in my room without falling asleep, but I usually don’t recommend that method to others. If all else fails, there’s always the library. Find out what works for you and stick to it. And if you really want to study in your lounge, I leave you with this advice: â€Å"Buy ear plugs.†– Danay I., Fourth Year Thats more like it, boys Daily Life â€Å"Don’t smoke in the dorm. Because you will get written up. And you will die.†– Kyle B., Second Year College isn’t all about studying, nor is it about the massive amounts of partying you’ll see in college comedies. In between there are little moments of everyday life as you struggle to adjust to living on your own for the first time in your life. If you’re well prepared, it’ll be easier on you. If not, here are some tips: â€Å"Food. Food everywhere.†– Eddie A., Third Year Our dining halls were all-you-can-eat buffets, and were ranked among the best in the nation. They also come with the added bonus of a wide variety of food with little effort required to get it. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the cause of the infamous Freshman Fifteen. So maybe instead of helping yourself to that third basket of fries, go for the salad instead. And while pizza every day for a month might sound awesome, your scale doesn’t think so and neither will that cute girl who sits next to you in your Intro to Econ class. Easy on the jello shots, Mary Sue. Why not take a bite of Johnnys apple instead? â€Å"Get used to having a roommate.†– Eric W., Fourth Year Cohabitation is not easy, no matter how well you get along with your roommate. It’s hard to be conscious and considerate of another person’s needs while juggling your own obligations and stress. But remember the Golden Rule and don’t blast music while your roommate is trying to study or sleep, and don’t invite your significant other over and whisper late into the night when they have early class the next day. Yes, it is your room and technically you can do what you want, but it’s their room as well and making their life difficult might have repercussions in the form of spiders in your bed. Just saying, they know where you sleep. I always knew you were a neat guy, Tom, but this place is spotless. Gee whiz!  â€Å"Don’t bother buying new clothes. You’ll look like crap in class anyway and so will everyone else.†– Danay I., Fourth Year You might try to look good for the first few weeks of class. But all it takes is one day of sleeping through your alarm and sprinting to class in your Donald Duck PJs for you to stumble upon that magical realization: Nobody Cares. Seriously. As long as the important bits are covered, you could walk into class looking like a complete lunatic and no one will bat an eye. My freshman year, I had a class in a meeting room located in my own building. I used to wake up five minutes before class, toss my hair up in a hair tie, and stroll into class with thirty seconds to spare without changing out of my pajamas. I didn’t even put on shoes. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, so hang on to those ratty high school sweatpants until at least a couple of weeks in. That said†¦ â€Å"Do laundry more than once a semester.†– Logan L., Second Year Laundry can be a pain. It’s time consuming, tedious, and the nearest laundry room might be on the other side of the building. When you get there you might find that every single washer is occupied and you’ll have to wait even longer to snag the next one. At my college quarters are worth their weight in gold, and usually anyone who asks for them at our desk past noon on a Saturday is out of luck as we don’t get a change order on the weekends. With that said, you are a grownup. People might not care what you look like in class, but theyll expect you to practice basic hygiene. This goes for finals week as well. You’d think I wouldn’t have to tell people that. You’d be wrong. Make sure you and your clothes are clean (and no, spraying your unmentionables with Febreze wont cut it). The lovely ladies of the class of 51 sure know how to have some good, clean fun Parting Words I’ll leave you with my own piece of advice. If I could tell incoming freshmen just one thing, it would be this: don’t limit your friendly interactions to other students. Make friends with the people who work in your building. The front desk staff. The housekeepers. The dining hall people. The RAs and other residential life staff. There is no downside to this. You’ll be more knowledgeable about your building. You might get a favor every now and then. And you’ll make their day better by seeing them as something more than some drone there to service you. A lot of the time working in a dorm can seem like a thankless task, and when someone tells us to have a nice day or gives us a genuine â€Å"thank you†it can make all the difference. I have met so many wonderful people who work in the dorms, and it doesn’t matter whether that relationship manifests itself in free swipes for food or just a smile as I walk down the hall. Become a part of your com munity. Don’t neglect someone just because they play a different role in the dorm life than you. As with many aspects of college, you’ll get out what you put into your dorm experience. I had the time of my life while living in the dorms, but I didn’t do that by staying cooped up in my room bent over my textbooks every spare minute of the day, nor by neglecting my schoolwork until I was too stressed to enjoy myself. It’s all about striking a balance. Thanks so much to my coworkers for offering their advice. They are a huge part of what has made my dorm experience so awesome. #sproullifeforlife! Gabby H. Editorial Intern,
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Ethnography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words
Ethnography - Essay Example Therefore, the degree to which there is a possibility of a researcher becoming a full participant within an experience is dependent partially on the features of the setting under observation. However, a number of ethnographers do not trust that understanding necessitates that they have to be full members of the group under study. In fact, the majority of them have the perception that this must not happen in instances where there is a need of producing a valid, as well as the useful report (Brewer 2000, p.119). These researchers suppose that the ethnographer must attempt being both outsider and insider, thereby remaining on the group's margins socially, as well as intellectually since there is a need for the view of both an outsider while also as an insider. Therefore, there is an emphasis that, apart from seeking to understand, the ethnographer should make an attempt at seeing familiar surrounding as anthropologically strange, the same way someone from another society would see it, t hereby adopting the Martian perspective.The initial yet most significant distinction amongst observational strategies is about the degree to which the observer happens to be a participant in the program activities under study. This is not an easy choice between participation, as well as nonparticipation. The degree of participation happens to be a continuum that varies from complete concentration in the program as a full participant to total separation from the activities under observation thereby assuming a role of a spectator.... of influential policymakers who are at the top, while generating latest analytic insights through the engagement of interactive, team study of often subtle grounds of human difference, along with similarity. Such findings give ethnographers the capability of informing other people of their findings while attempting to derive, for instance, policy decisions or instructional improvements from such a study (Brewer 2000, p.110). Variations within Observational Methods Observational research happens not to be a single thing; rather, the decision of employing field methods when gathering informational data happens to be the initial step within a decision process, which entails a vast number of options, as well as possibilities. When making a choice of employing field methods, this includes a commitment of getting close to the subject under observation with its natural setting, being factual and descriptive when reporting what gets observed, while, at the same time, finding out the viewpoin ts of participants within the domain observed. Once the researcher makes these basic commitments, it is essential to make more decisions concerning which specific observational approaches are suitable for the research setting at hand (Brewer 2000, p.114). Variation within Observer Involvement The initial yet most significant distinction amongst observational strategies is about the degree to which the observer happens to be a participant within the program activities under study. This is not an easy choice between participation, as well as nonparticipation. The degree of participation happens to be a continuum that varies from complete concentration in the program as a full participant to total separation from the activities under observation thereby assuming a role of a spectator. As a
Friday, October 18, 2019
Malaya Political History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Malaya Political History - Research Paper Example The Malay population, however, has been more involved in the cultivation of rice and has therefore contributed in a great way to the agricultural sector. They have formed a greater part of the rural population of Malaysia, a fact that has been tried to be altered by the Malaysian government through conscious social engineering, in an attempt to provide the Malays with more employment opportunities. 3. Since 1957 Malaysian politics has been governed by the politics of ethnicity. British colonial rule had encouraged large-scale Chinese and Indian immigration, which contributed to the social and economic deprivation of the Malays, the Muslim indigenous population. The United Malays National Organization, the most important component of the BN coalition, has always stressed Malay development as its priority. However, because of the number and political importance of the minority groups, it has needed to govern in close collaboration with parties representing Chinese and Indian community interests. ... 4. The policy of the Japanese government towards Islam in Malaysia was one that accorded respect to the freedom of the Malaysians to follow a religion of their own choice. However, on the ground, they were unable to follow their own policy as a result of the intolerance and insensitivity that their soldiers practiced while they were expected to enforce the policy of tolerance towards religion. They continually engaged in the consumption of alcohol in mosques and other such activities on premises that were considered sacred by Muslims. This resulted in anger on the part of the Muslims towards the Japanese forces, who had in any case caused great damage to the economy and lifestyle of the Malaysians. 5. The United Malays National Organization is Malaysia's largest political party which has played an important role in Malaysian politics since independence. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Par is an Islamist political party in Malaysia and is currently headed by Dato' Serià ‚ Abdul Hadi Awang. In rural peninsular Malaysia, and particularly the relatively poor northeast, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia has been the primary opposition party since 1977 when it split from the BN. Though ostensibly non-racial, its main support base lies among Malays who would like to see Islamic values implanted more firmly in the constitution and daily life. Though it failed to make significant impact at the federal level until the 2008 elections, PAS has controlled the Kelantan state government since 1990, and the wider challenge that it poses has contributed to UMNO adopting an increasingly Islamist stance in order to appease the pro-Islam sections of the population. 6. UMNO is generally regarded as the "protector and champion Malay supremacy, which states that
The Cause of Aggressive Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
The Cause of Aggressive Crime - Essay Example impulse control is important in violent crime, as studies have shown that it can be (Roy & Linnoila, 1988), and that this could have come from an inability to manage anger through parenting control. I also felt that this could be linked to seeing others commit violent acts, particularly during development. Many others feel a similar way, as the suggestion that violent video games can be triggering for young people has shown (Siegel, 2011). This is part of the sociological positivism theory of crime , and relies on the thought that a person is not necessarily born bad, but is a result of many different interacting factors in his or her history. However, there are three other theories about the causes of violent crime, including biological positivism, psychological positivism and rational cause (Siegel, 2011). After studying this topic in more detail, it seems as though rational cause theories may be more applicable to other forms of crime (such as tax evasion, which require more thought) than to violent crime. In this sense, my views on violent crime have not changed, as I had never held the belief that someone makes a choice in their own right to become aggressive or violent. However, it is interesting to consider biological and psychological theories for crime, as there appear to be a lot of different elements that interact to create a person susceptible to violent impulses (Fajnzylber, Lederman & Loayza, 2002). Psychological positivism suggests that violence and aggression may be a result of offender mental illness or that they may have a personality disorder (Blackburn, 1993). This illness or disorder may have stemmed from biological factors or be a result of trauma, so it includes some aspects of sociological positivism (Blackburn, 1993). Biological positivism also helps to illustrate that there are different biological features of a person that may cause them to be more violent or aggressive, such as having a lower heart rate (Blackburn, 1993). I fell that
Thursday, October 17, 2019
More Opportunity Equals More Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
More Opportunity Equals More Crime - Essay Example In 1953, 10.84 percent of women were arrested for a variety of crimes (Science News, 1975). By 1972, this number jumped to 15.27 percent (Science News, 1975). The numbers of monetary crimes perpetrated by women (embezzlement, counterfeiting, fraud, and forgery) also increased significantly during this same period (Science News, 1975; Sohoni, 1994). However, the rates of women participating in violent crimes stayed about the same (Science News, 1975; Sohoni, 1994). In the past twenty-five years, the rate of increase for female incarcerations has surpassed, and even doubled, the rate for male incarcerations (Sileo, 1993). Why is this sudden increase being seen Are more women suddenly turning to a life of crime Are women more evil than they were in years past The definitive answer to this question is "no." Women have always committed crimes. It just seems that now the criminal justice system is getting better at catching and convicting the women who do commit crimes (Sileo, 1993). Also, women have more opportunities to interact outside the home than they did 50 years ago (Sileo, 1993). Since women are out in the workforce more than they used to be, it makes sense that there would be more instances of business-related crimes perpetrated by women.
Water wars the Middle East Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words
Water wars the Middle East - Essay Example Fresh water is a very important resource that is in short supply and continuously diminishing in numerous regions across the globe. In barren, semi-arid, and desert regions, like the Middle East, water shortages are a serious problem. Regions lacking access to adequate supply of water resources had witnessed vicious competitions for fresh water supplies since ancient times. The likelihood of conflict is aggravated by the fact that numerous major rivers extend to the territories of various nations, and political boundaries partition underground water tables. Proponents of the water wars hypothesis cite numerous subjective proofs to substantiate their assumption that conflicts over access to water resources will lead to wars, like the statement of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat that Egypt will soon fight over water resources, or the warnings of Turkey to discontinue water supply from Euphrates to the detriment of Iraq. However, these predictions are not actually backed u p by evidence, and are filled with methodological weaknesses. Declaring a trend, like what Peter Gleick, a well-known environmental security scholar, did is unjustifiable because Gleick and others do not take into consideration the earlier prevalence of conflicts over water, which requires a comparison between the prevalence of actual instances of conflict and the number of such instances across the globe. The examination of present and future situations is also subjective and unreliable, and the affirmation of a trend is not supported.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
More Opportunity Equals More Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
More Opportunity Equals More Crime - Essay Example In 1953, 10.84 percent of women were arrested for a variety of crimes (Science News, 1975). By 1972, this number jumped to 15.27 percent (Science News, 1975). The numbers of monetary crimes perpetrated by women (embezzlement, counterfeiting, fraud, and forgery) also increased significantly during this same period (Science News, 1975; Sohoni, 1994). However, the rates of women participating in violent crimes stayed about the same (Science News, 1975; Sohoni, 1994). In the past twenty-five years, the rate of increase for female incarcerations has surpassed, and even doubled, the rate for male incarcerations (Sileo, 1993). Why is this sudden increase being seen Are more women suddenly turning to a life of crime Are women more evil than they were in years past The definitive answer to this question is "no." Women have always committed crimes. It just seems that now the criminal justice system is getting better at catching and convicting the women who do commit crimes (Sileo, 1993). Also, women have more opportunities to interact outside the home than they did 50 years ago (Sileo, 1993). Since women are out in the workforce more than they used to be, it makes sense that there would be more instances of business-related crimes perpetrated by women.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Benetton Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Benetton - Case Study Example As Ganesan and Krishna (2003) comments, Benetton calls its advertising and marketing activities as its communication strategy. Problems Benetton’s so called innovative communication strategy was not adequate to enhance its sales growth. Although, this advertising strategy had initially produced fruitful effects, it gradually caused dissatisfaction among customers, retailers, government bodies, and various international non-profit organizations. In most of the times, Benetton’s ‘shock value’ advertisements produced negative impacts on the public Customers did not get the opportunity to evaluate Benetton’s products since the company had not adequately advertised its products. Most of the times, company’s advertisements hurt the religious, racial, or political sentiments of different communities. Solution The company should not post advertisements that would hurt racial, political or religious sentiments. It is recommendable for the company not t o practice ‘shock value’ advertisements as its effectiveness depends on the mental perceptions of the viewers. An ultimate customer would always wish to see the company’s product collections. Therefore, the company must give great emphasis on displaying its new clothing collections.
Sophists’ Philosophical Contributions Essay Example for Free
Sophists’ Philosophical Contributions Essay It is often a debate in philosophy which was the truth or the sham or if there exists such as natural or divine but nowadays many seem to not care for life can get along even without knowing the philosophy behind these. Philosophers by then are very concerned and intrigued on the searching for and on classifying things whether it is a knowledge or an opinion or a truth or mere interpretations. Some could find this debate unnecessary but for epistemological sakes it is important to tackle this one fundamental of philosophy. The glory that was Greece†is accompanied by a picture of a flourishing civilization: in education, economy, social and political aspects. There were paradigm shifts that are deeply rooted from the historical bloom of democracy in Athens. In this form of government, Athenians have Council of aristocrats who will suggest laws and measures but the Assembly of free men has the power to veto them. There are many city-states by then but Athens managed to be the center of power or the capital of Greece because they lead to the abandonment of the Persians in Greek lands. It was by the cleverness of Themistocles to not follow what the Oracle of Delphi suggested on which strategy to do to defeat the Persians. After they, together with the Spartans, have won the war, Athens became a sea power which gave their citizens a chance later on to do trade and merchandising. Then the Athenian life commenced to flourish in all the aspects of being the prime and respected city-state of Greece (Melchert 17). The rise of intellectuals enticed many Athenians to pursue education so the demand for teachers also rose. Sophists are teacher travelers who move from a place to the other according to where the education demand is. They charge money for their service thus most of their pupils are of middle-class or of the rich and they claim to teach excellence by training them how to master their own affairs, to manage their household, and to be a leader. In short, Sophistical education aims in molding a pupil into a better man and a great leader of society who will be an expert in public relations and politics. Though Sophists have no one doctrine, all of them teach ‘rhetoric which is the principle and practice of persuasive speaking which is seen by the Sophists essential to a man who wishes to be a better man and a public icon or leader. It teaches the students that if there are two sides on the issue, a skilled rhetorician should be able to explore and present both sides of the argument, from which, one can choose which side to defend. In modern debate this mechanics would work for a debater to foresee what his or her opponent will say and with this, the chance of winning an argument is large. It is therefore, winning an argumentative debate depends heavily on the rhetorical skills of a person, whether or not he is saying the truth or whether or not he is after the truth. Sophists do not believe into what philosophers like Heraclitus is asserting for they say that there is no one logos (what could be said) or nothing is ‘common to all. ’ That all things, as they agree with Democritus, depend on what man considers to be true, real, and essential, thus all a man could have is opinion – not knowledge, not truth. They suggest that human beings are confined on our senses and truth is beyond us, beyond the capability of the senses. Man can only infer from what he senses and the information can only ‘represent some probabilities’ of what is real and true so the best man can only attain are inexact certainties, all beyond are not to be talked about (Melchert 42-44). From here it is proven that Sophists are somehow like Democritus: empiricists. Sophists’ relativism point of view is best summarized in the famous line of Protagoras: Of all the measure is man: of all existing things, that they exist, of non-existing things, that they do not exist (DK S0 B 1, IEGP, 245). Since it is impossible for human to go beyond what we sense, man is the measure or the ‘final judge’ of how things are. This means that man is the standard of all things so what may be true to me can be false to you and then we stop arguing for neither of us is true nor false. With this, knowledge could not be distinguished from opinion so the ‘majority’ chooses the best opinion to which they are going to agree or convene with. Sophists’ relativism put a stress on the difference of physis (nature of things in general) and nomos (things that are according to how human beings decided what they should be so). Nomos in short is the relativist view which again tells us that whichever is which does not give us a hint of it is right or wrong. Of course the world would be in chaos if people are to go on to whichever way they would want thus laws are made to have a social arrangement. But who will provide or say what the best settlement is? What Sophists are trying to inject in Athenians’ minds in this point is that if you are an excellent rhetorician, you can win the hearts of the many and thus convince the majority. It is not of concern whether the laws made are just or not because whatever the majority says so (as what is appealing or seeming to be just for them) wins. Example, death penalty can be just to the Arabian countries but not in some Christian countries. This is supported as well by the persistent amendments and additional ratifications in the constitutions of countries; laws change according to the changing need of present society. Therefore, as Sophists claim, it is the nomos or customs which dictates all (Melchert 44-47). Plato, on the other hand is concerned on the nature and clarification of concepts such as right and justice however he always left his argumentation open (Hummel 3). He designed a utopian Republic for Plato; the world of ideas is permanent and more ‘real’ than the world of facts because facts are in constant flux. The object therefore of Platonic education is not a know-how but a moral and political discipline for the real aim of education is not personal growth but for the service of state. Plato despised the Sophistical education by accusing them of being magicians who ‘shadow play on words’ (Hummel 8). Plato, like his Socrates, believes that truth and reality is already there when we were born, it is just that we need to ‘recollect’ them. It is reflected on his Republic that the power of the state should not be on the masses but rather to one philosopher-king, who is almost perfect and god-like to save Athens from degeneration that Sophists started. This leader is capable of distinguishing the truth; what is ethical and just (Kreis Greek Thought). But how would the people know who is the wisest among the citizens? This suggestion seems to have a loophole because if not all citizens are educated, then masses could still fall on the hands of the best speaker, the best in the art of controlling the masses. Plato, in his talk to Gorgias, said that majority system is lame for the rules they agree upon is according to the personal interests of the strongest. He suggested that like Xerxes, people should always act according to the natural law even though it is different with the man-made laws. Plato also insisted that we must first look at nature to find evidences on classifying right or wrong and eventually only after this, we could say what justice is. It seems that Plato is undeniably ideal for he is convinced that truth and reality (which lies on nature) are hard to recollect but he suggest never to stop and to settle on the foolish agreements of man-made laws. If this is the case, then it seems that he is suggesting that before we make laws, know nature first, but this is hard (as he admitted) or almost impossible (like Sophists said). It could be summed up here that man-made laws are temporarily there and it they should undergo certain revisions and amendments according to how far human race conceive what is nature. Again, who will say that man-made laws should be amended? Plato will say that it must be the wisest and Sophists say it must be the people (whoever leader they believe and follow in). Overall, it is the strongest and wisest that will control and reign thus people must consider, as Plato suggests, the one with ‘true’ morality. Aristotle continued the defiance of Plato against the Sophists but has a different method of approach. He did not believe that man is already pre-imposed with knowledge for man acquires knowledge solely on experience. From here, we can see the essence and continuing influence of those two famous Western philosophical knowledge traditions – rationalism and empiricism. The earlier tradition states that knowledge is a priori (exists before experience) and the latter states that it is a posteriori (exists after experience) (Kreis Greek Thought). Being a scientist rather than a mathematician, Aristotle is an empiricist but his line of philosophy does not follow that of the Sophists. He explained that there is nothing beyond time and space thus all knowledge and truth is confined here, only within the universe. It is not man who naturally has the knowledge as Plato insists but it is the universe which has, and that experience is needed by man to collect them. In empirical or existing things, we can derive abstract thoughts i. e. different skin colors could make man think that there could be inequality. In Aristotle’s Law of Non-Contradiction, he states that X can not be both Y and non-Y can not also be X (Plato cont. ). This gives us a hint on his refutations on the reasoning of Sophists because Sophists claim that it is acceptable to choose either ways (relativism). It can be seen here that Aristotle’s logic was not observed by the Sophists for X is absolute and Y as well so there must be no blurred or mixed distinctions. It seems that Aristotle is saying that what is right is right, a wrong cold never be right. It came down that all the accusations of Aristotle and Plato on Sophists deteriorating the education and the morals of the citizens (thus affecting the justice views) are true but their wide and long acceptance means that Sophists say something that Plato and Aristotle failed to refute fully. It is still a continuous search whether what we believe to be just today is really just or we may stay not to care for nature at all and go for the majority. Plato and Aristotle give us their ‘ideal’ holistic view on the true nature of abstract thoughts such as justice. Though different in approaches, with Aristotle appearing like integrating the empiricist and rational disposition, both still help in giving us exercises or hints on how to think and re-examine life for us to be a more ‘human’ as all philosophers want human to be.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Obesity: Effect on Total Joint Replacement Patients
Obesity: Effect on Total Joint Replacement Patients The critical factor driving the growth in worldwide demand for joint replacement is obesity Kumar Anjan Contents (Jump to) Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Obesity – How can we define it? 3. Surgical Risk: 4. Obesity and Implant Failure 5. Conclusion 6. Bibliography Abstract: During early days, obese individuals were often suggested to lose weight before undergoing total joint replacement (TJR). It was common observation amongst surgeons and doctors that morbidity rate amongst obese individuals were significantly high as compared to that of non-obese subjects. In addition, there was significant increase in the physical and technical labour of operating overweight individuals. This resulted in time saving and managing long queue of patients. Recently, scientific reports with positive results reflected that there is only negligible effect of obesity on TJR. However, recently in the UK several health care authorities proposed that there would not be any financial support provided to the individuals whose BMI exceeds 30 kg/m2. The primary reason behind the decision is the reduction in health care budget. In olden days, TJR was a procedure considered for those who were more than 65 years of age. However, this trend is significantly changing. According to Dr. A yeres (MD, Chair in Orthopaedics, and director of the Musculoskeletal Centre of Excellence at UMass Medical School), with an increased rate of obesity amongst individuals under the age of 65 is acting as a driving force towards TJR. Therefore, in this case report I have discussed about obesity and its effect on TJR.  1. Introduction: Total joint replacement (TJR) is globally acknowledged especially due to the revolution in the quality of life for those individuals suffering from osteoarthritis or similar health problems (Garellick et al, 1998). Moreover, in modern medicine TJR has proved its effectiveness as one of the most successful interventions. There are also several high demo graphs recorded towards the improvement of the quality of life, which surpasses coronary artery bypass as well as renal transplants (Williams A, 1985). In elderly population, TJR’s especially knee anthroplasty has shown to be most effective technology resulting towards better life quality. Study conducted among a population cohort of over 65 subjects who had TJR shows that they are leading a healthier life (UK population Census, 2001). Total joint replacement has definitely bought a revolution in modern health care system. However, there are certain implications that concern the public. One of the most critical limitations is the budgetary control which enforced by the competitive claim from the other intensive medical care system. Furthermore, as these treatments are not actually cost effective; therefore, it raises questions for the individuals undergoing a replacement as well as the government bodies who support the funding (Templeton, S.K. 2005). Recently, East Suffolk health trust in the U.K. decided to prioritize their patients undergoing TJR according to their weight and various other factors resulting in obesity. According to the top management of the trust, individuals who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk towards the efficacy of the surgery. This decision has definitely stirred controversy among the community undergoing TJR (Finer N, 2005). However, according to some valued sources, there i s no evidence that age, obesity or gender affects the functional outcome of the surgery (Templeton, S. K. 2005). Therefore, there is huge controversy surrounding towards the potential implications of obesity on TJR. Orthopaedic studies suggest that obesity leads towards degenerative changes in joints and leads towards complications and functional risk during post-surgery phase (Rockville, 2003). As there is no standard definition for obesity, it rather becomes very difficult to understand its actual meaning. However, several health care professionals recommend that problem in mobilisation and functional outcome is not visualised until an individual’s (BMI) exceeds 40 kg/m2 (Nammi et al, 2004). Various evidences conclude that obesity is the driving force towards development of osteoarthritis particularly in individuals with high BMI in an early age (DoH, 2001). In some rare scenarios, bariatic surgery is performed on the individuals before TJR. This is mainly due to bring their weight down to an acceptable score. 2. Obesity – How can we define it? Over several years, different authors described obesity in a different way. Obesity does not have an actual standard definition. However, the most common scientific way to describe obesity is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) (Fig: 1) (Lawrence, 1998). BMI is also known as Quetelet Mass Index (QI) and is generally described as the ratio of the square of the height measured in meters (mt) to the weight in kilograms (kg) (Taylor, 1998). QI relates the body fat percentage and is one of the most preferred methods for the assessment of the potential health risk related with the overweight or obesity. Recently, authors started using the term â€Å"New World Syndrome†for obesity as its prevalence is dramatically increasing in the Europe as well as in the United States (USA). A shocking figure was projected when a recent survey was conducted by the Department of Health in the UK. According to the survey, prevalence in obesity has increased from 15% since 1995 to 21% in 2001 (Webb et al, 2004). Fig: 1 BMI Chart the ratio of the square of the height measured in meters (mt) to the weight in kilograms (kg). In the US, obesity has reached in an epidemic proportion. Considering the BMI of an individual, more than half of the adult population in the US are classified as overweight. According to a separate survey conducted in the US amongst 65-74 year age group, 66% were referred to as obese or overweight. Therefore, we can visualise the prevalence of obesity coinciding with the peak age during which most of the individual requires TJR (US Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2003). In the UK, the data shows similar outcomes to that of the US. Obesity amongst males in the UK has increased from 6% in 1980 to 22% in 2002 whereas in females, 8% 23% (DhO, 2001). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is an increase in obesity between 10% 40% in last 10 years. WHO also claims that there are approximately 200 million obese adults around the globe and 18 million children under age five are classified as overweight. Moreover, by 2000 this data significantly increased to over 300 m illion. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a group of mechanical abnormalities, which involves in the degradation of joints, articular cartilage. It generally affects approximately 20 million individuals in the US. It causes substantial morbidity leading to disability in the later stages. This disease is more common amongst elderly population. However, recently it was observed that adult age group between 60-65 years of age are getting prone to this disease. According to few scientific sources, the main reason for OA amongst younger generation is obesity. Various scientific reports documents that in the US more than 200,000 knee and hip replacements are performed each year and 35% are young individuals under the age of 65 (Dho, 2001; US Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2003). Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors contributing towards osteoarthritis. Therefore, with an increase in obesity, there is a high probability of developing osteoarthritis. Moreover, this leads towards an increase prevalence of TJR (Felson et al, 2000). As we know that, there is a constant increase among obese patients undergoing TJR. Therefore, several researches links obesity with the TJR as well as the complications associated with the same. According to a joint study performed by a group of scientists and surgeons, it was found that there is an increase in complication rate in obese patients as compared to individuals with normal BMI (Olivera et al, 1999; Sahyoun et al, 1999). In addition, the operative duration significantly increases in obese subjects. However, factors like physical stress and injury to health care professional remains undiscovered. As already mentioned, it has been well established that there is a positive link that connects TJR and obesity. Whil st examining, individuals with high BMI are in an exponential increase for TJR over next few decades. According to several health care professionals, there is often a challenging situation during pre/post surgery in obese individuals. Moreover, there is a high risk of blood loss and blood transfusion. It has also been highlighted that nerve injury is common amongst obese patients as compared to the healthy individuals (non-obese) during TJR (Mantilla et al, 2003). 3. Surgical Risk: In the previous section, it was discussed that East Suffolk Health Trust in the UK prioritised their patients, which resulted in a huge controversy. According to public and human right activists, their decision was biased towards the individuals with higher BMI. The main reason behind the decision was increased risk and the cost involved in performing TJR amongst obese/overweight individuals. Supporting the decision of East Suffolk Health Trust, â€Å"Ipswich Protocol†was followed. According to this protocol, orthopaedic surgeons and health care personals were advised that patients/individuals found with BMI>30 should be barred towards the access of TJR/anthroplasty (Amen et al, 2006). Winiarsky’s group performed a research on a population cohort with BMI>40 undergoing TJR. The result showed that 22% of the subjects suffered from wound complication, 10% individuals developed infection and 8% of the subjects suffered from ligament damage. When these result was compared with the wild type (normal population), it was seen that only 2% non-obese subjects developed wound complication, 0.6% suffered from infection and surprisingly there were non with ligament damage. Later, same group of individuals were studied after five years and significant post surgical differences were noticed in obese subjects as compared to the normal (non-obese) individuals. Therefore, we can conclude from the above study that obese patients have high risk during pre and post surgery (Vasqez et al, 2003). However, in Toronto, a random survey amongst 24231-population cohort showed that after 2-7 years of surgery there was a high level of patient satisfaction with reference to pain and func tion. In addition, there was no negative impact on outcome that co-related with subject’s age or obesity (Heisel et al, 2005). In Los Angeles California, Miric et al studied several factors leading towards TJR complexity. Research was performed amongst 406 subjects undergoing total knee anthroplasty (TKA). According to the researchers, it was observed that there was a significant co-relation between BMI and subject’s cardiac history. Interestingly, patients with diabetes mellitus have had an increase stay in hospital as compared to the healthy (non-diabetic) patients. Therefore, the study concluded that there was not a significant difference amongst heavier patients as compared to those with normal BMI. In addition, the cut offs of BMI dividing overweight and obesity did not accurately divide patients into high/low risk categories (Foran et al, 2004). In Scotland, research was performed amongst group of 283 TKA patients between 1995 and 1999 consisting of obese and non-obese subjects. Researchers concluded that there was no significant difference in complication rates (Peersman et al, 2001). In a similar study in Baltimore Maryland, evaluation outcome of TKA in 68 obese subjects showed that after five years of surgery there was no significant difference amongst obese and non-obese subjects. However, surprisingly after 7 years of surgery obese patients had a higher â€Å"implant failure†rate as compared to non-obese subjects. It was also noted that 12.3% of the obese patients had to go for a re-operation due to implant failure. In addition, deep vein thrombosis was only noticed in obese subjects. Pritchett and Bortel described that obese patients had greater blood loss and needed blood transfusion as well as longer operative time. Peersman supported the view saying that the increase in the infection rate in obese patients w as due to the prolonged operative duration (Prichett and Bortel, 1991). 4. Obesity and Implant Failure As described in the previous section, in Baltimore, there was no evidence of either complication or mortality amongst obese patients after five years of surgery. However, the same group individuals suffered an â€Å"Implant Failure†after seven years of TJR. Various researches were conducted and scientists concluded that younger patients (age 65). Simulation of metal-onpolyethylene arthroplasty model under laboratory conditions showed that the principle cause of the device failure was due to increased wear rates when greater load was applied. Hence, it was proved that younger subjects due to their daily life routine were applying more force on the implant as compared to elder population cohort (Barbour et al, 1995; McKellop et al, 1995). Moreover, subjects who were able to reduce weight in seven years were living a healthier life as compared to other subjects. Therefore, we can conclude that obesity also potentially affects the device failure in long run. 5. Conclusion Recently, obesity and TJR has pulled the interest of several scientists, health care personals and even the government. Various government officials and trust group supporting financial aid are still under the impression that obesity leads to TJR. However, there is neither significant evidence nor sufficient clinical results to support their view. TJR surgery is a reliable procedure to offer sustainable pain relief and provide healthier life style regardless individual’s BMI. However, we cannot ignore the fact that obese individuals require special care in terms of patient handling, surgical exposure etc. In addition, obese subject are also at a high risk in wound healing, infection and longer duration of operative duration. It is also clinically proven that higher activity level leads towards device failure. As mentioned earlier, due to physical work restriction after TJR high probability lies towards increasing BMI. Therefore, it is recommended that individual’s shoul d attend weight loss programme before undergoing TJR. 6. Bibliography Amin AK, Clayton RA, Patton JT, Gaston M, Cook RE, Brenkle IJ. Total knee replacement in Morbidly Obese Patients. J Bone Jt Surg 2006;88(10-B):1321–6. Barbour PSM, Barton DC, Fisher J. The influence of contact stress on the wear of UHMWPE for hip replacements. Wear 1995;181–183:250–7. DoH Health Surveys, 1980, 1995, 2001  Department of Health Publication, HMSO. Finer N. Rationing joint replacements  Trusts decision seems to be based on prejudice or attributing blame†¦. Br Med J 2005;331:1472. Foran JR, Mont MA, Etienne G, Jones LC, Hungerford DS. The outcome of total knee arthroplasty in obese patients. J Bone Jt Surg 2004;86(8-A):1609. Garellick G, Malchau H, Herberts P, Axelsson H, Hansson T. Life expectancy and cost utility after total hip replacement. Clin OrthopRelat Res 1998;346:141–51. Heisel C, Silva M, dela Rosa MA, Schmalzried TP. The effects of lower-extremity total joint replacement for arthritis on obesity. Orthopedics 2005;28(2):157. Lawrence RC, Helmick CG, Arnett FC, et al. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and selected musculoskeletal disorders in the United States. Arthritis Rheum. 1998;41:778–799. Mantilla CB, Horlocker TT, Schroeder DR, Berry DJ, Brown DL. Risk factors for clinically relevant pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty. Anesthesiology 2003;99(3):552–60. McKellop HA, Campbell P, Park S-H, Schmalzried TP, Sarmiento A, Grigoris P, Amstutz HC. The origin of submicron wear debris in total hip arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1995;311:3–20. Nammi S, Koka S, Chinnala Krishna M, Boini Krishna M. Obesity: an overview on its current perspectives and treatment options. Nutr J 2004;3:3. Oliveria SA, Felson DT, Cirillo PA, Reed JI,Walker AM. Body weight, body mass index, and incident symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Epidemiologia March 1999;10(2):161. Pritchett JW, Bortel DT. Knee replacement in morbidly obese women. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1991;173(2):119–22. Rockville MD: Department of Health and Human Services. Total knee replacement. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Department of Health and Human Services, 2003. (Evidence report/technology assessment No 86.). Sahyoun NR, Hochberg MC, Helmick CG, Harris T, Pamuk ER. Body mass index, weight change, and incidence of self-reported, physiciandiagnose arthritis among women. Am J Pub Health 1999;89(3):391–4. Taylor RW, Kiel D, Gold EJ, Williams SM, Goulding A. Body mass index, waist girth and waist-to-hip ratio as indexes of total and regional adiposity in women: evaluation using receiver operating characteristic curves. Am J Clin Nutr Jan 1998;67:44–9. Templeton S-K. â€Å"Doctors will get right not to treat self-inflicted illnesses†, The Sunday Times; November 27, 2005. UK Population Census 2001 US Department Of Health And Human Services. Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of obesity in adults: the evidence report; 2003. Vasquez-Vela Johnson G, Worland RL, Keenan N, Norambuena N. Patient demographics as a predictor of the ten-year survival rate in primary total knee replacement. J Bone Jt Surg 2003;85-B(1):52–6. Webb R, Brammah T, Lunt M, Urwin M, Allison T, Symmons D. Opportunities for prevention of ‘clinically significant’ knee pain:results from a population-based cross sectional study. J Pub Health Sep 2004;26(3):277–84. Williams A. Economics of coronary artery bypass grafting. Br Med J 1985;291:325–6.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
The Health Care Crisis :: American Health Insurance Essays
It is hard to imagine life without health insurance. If you have any type of medical problem that requires attention, and you have appropriate health care insurance, you can be cared for in the finest of private hospitals. You can get great treatment and your ailments, depending on the severity, can be treated as soon as possible. Doctors, physicians and surgeons are willing to put out a big effort if they know that they are dealing with patients who are insured and have the money to go under extensive medical treatment. But imagine life without such luxuries. For example, what happens if a relative requires much needed surgery, but does not have health insurance to cover the procedure? What happens if a lack of medical insurance prevents you or your family from seeing a doctor, which could result in health problems that had not been identified but could have been treated before they became life threatening? These scenarios may seem far-fetched, but these types of s ituations happen to people who lack health coverage everyday. There is a true story about a patient who was insured and diagnosed with treatable cervical cancer. Unfortunately, she lost her job and with it her insurance. She was then unable to see her private doctor, and was turned away from other hospitals because ?cancer treatment is not considered an emergency in a patient who can?t pay? (?Help for D.C.?s Uninsured?). The woman later died at her home without ever being treated. This example raises the question, since when are people with less money less deserving of health care or appropriate treatment? The District of Columbia fares terribly when it comes to health care. Avram Goldstein is a journalist from the Washington Post who has written numerous articles on the health care situation in D.C. Goldstein has worked for the Post for nine years but has been covering health care for numerous years as an investigative reporter and as an editor in many newspapers. As an expert on the issue of health care, he states in one of his articles, ?If you live in the District without health insurance or a regular doctor and you get sick, city officials and health administrations have an important message for you.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Cocaine :: essays research papers
Cocaine Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug of abuse. Individuals who have tried cocaine have described the experience as a powerful high that gave them a feeling of supremacy. However, once someone starts taking cocaine, one cannot predict or control the extent to which he or she will continue to use the drug. The major ways of taking cocaine are sniffing or snorting, injecting, and smoking (including free-base and crack cocaine). Health risks exist regardless of whether cocaine is inhaled (snorted), injected, or smoked. However, it appears that compulsive cocaine use may develop even more rapidly if the substance is smoked rather than snorted. Smoking allows extremely high doses of cocaine to reach the brain very quickly and results in an intense and immediate high. The injecting drug user is also at risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV infection/AIDS if needles or other injection equipment are shared. Health Hazards †¢ Physical effects. Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Some cocaine users report feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety, both while using and between periods of use. An appreciable tolerance to the high may be developed, and many addicts report that they seek but fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their first exposure. †¢ Paranoia and aggression. High doses of cocaine and/or prolonged use can trigger paranoia. Smoking crack cocaine can produce particularly aggressive paranoid behavior in users. When addicted individuals stop using cocaine, they may become depressed. This depression causes users to continue to use the drug to alleviate their depression. †¢ Long-term effects. Prolonged cocaine snorting can result in ulceration of the mucous membrane of the nose and can damage the nasal septum enough to cause it to collapse.
Is mass tourism good for Kenya? Essay
Mass tourism is tourism on a large scale, involving large numbers of visitors resulting in great concentrations of hotels and other tourist facilities. Countries which are mass tourist hotspots tend to be in the Development or Consolidation stages of the Butler Life Cycle Model. Kenya has recently become a major tourist destination for a variety of reasons. Kenya is located in mid-eastern Africa, meaning that it has a tropical climate. However, due to its elevation, the temperature tends to be moderate, meaning that the country is very attractive to British tourists. In addition to this, Kenya, being a former British colony, has long-standing ties to Britain, and as a result of this, a large quantity of the Kenyan population can speak English, meaning that Kenya is an even more accessible holiday option for the British people. This, in combination with the Kenya being situated on the Great Rift Valley, resulting in stunning scenery and diverse wildlife makes Kenya an even more attractive tourist destination. Because of this, Tourism is the largest income earner in Kenya, creating many jobs such as for hotel staff, waiters in restaurants and bartenders at bars, airport staff and tour operators, who all make a living off tourism, and in turn, the government can earn more money off taxes from these people, and also, increased business means that the government can earn more from airport tax. This puts in place a positive multiplier effect meaning that the influx of 11% of all paid employment in Kenya is in the tourism sector and 21% of foreign exchange earnings in Kenya are also due to tourism. Furthermore, some of this money gained from tourism, as well as donations from tourists are used to protect endangered wildlife in reserves such as the Masai Mara reserve and is used to fund the building of infrastructure in places such as Bamburi Nature Trail near the tourist hotspot Mombasa and to aid the development of medical facilities and schools in the area. Increased tourism in the area also promotes awareness and understanding of the culture and endangered wildlife in the game reserves. Tourism also brings business to other related economic sectors and is overall beneficial to Kenya’s economy. However, there are also some downsides. Many of the jobs created are poorly paid, unreliable and only get business during popular months. In addition, much of the money from tourism is lost via leakage to the large business hotel operators, package holiday organisers and airlines, and therefore, only 15% of the income actually reaches Kenya. In nature reserves and game parks, there are many negative environmental and social impacts of mass tourism. The vehicles that the tourists travel in often overcrowd the small dirt roads and the tour drivers often drive too close to the animals, causing damage to the grasslands and disturbing the animals’ living patterns. Moreover, to make way for the tourist areas, the Masai tribespeople have been evicted from their ancient homelands and moved to the less fertile, low quality land, which is a direct negative social impact of the Kenyan efforts to promote tourism. As a result of this, the Masai people have had to resort to methods of illegal smuggling and forceful money-grabbing techniques to earn money from the tourists. They have set up fake villages with the people doing fake traditional routines, charging tourists to visit them and even charging them for photos. Because these national parks are such attractive tourist destinations, they also result in overcrowding, as 90% of tourists visit the south and east of Kenya, resulting in an even larger impact and strain on the environment, infrastructure and resources in the area. In popular tourist seaside resorts such as Mombasa, swimsuit-wearing tourists wander about the streets, acting as a direct opposition to the strong Muslim following’s clothing traditions and beliefs. In addition to this, seaside tourists trample over the coral reefs in the area, killing the sensitive coral, and the increasing number of tour boats in the area drop their anchors onto the reef, further damaging it. Overall, I would say that Mass Tourism is not good for Kenya. Although the economic bonus is significant, and undoubtedly beneficial to Kenya, at this stage, despite efforts to make tourism more sustainable and environmentally-friendly, the large numbers of negative environmental and social impacts results in Mass Tourism in Kenya not being good for the country in the long term.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Absurdity of a “Sivilized” Society-an Analysis of Huckleberry Finn
An Analysis of Huckleberry Finn: The Absurdity of a â€Å"Sivilized†Society Authors often express their views on any given subject through their works, and Mark Twain is no exception. One may read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and believe it is simply a novel about a young boys childhood; however, a deeper analysis of the text reveals many of Mark Twain’s expressions about important moral and social issues. Perhaps one of the most prominent being the frailty of human justice and the hypocrisy we as a people foster in our societies.Throughout the novel, Huck meets people who appear to be good, civilized people, but always end up having a hypocritical fault about them. Though not every instance is a grave matter, Twain’s writing shows that societies in Huck’s world are based upon corrupted laws and principles that defy basic logic. Twain’s writing leaves the reader with an understanding that cowardice, illogical choices, and selfish as well as h ypocritical people mark these societies. Twain begins weaving hypocrisies and cants early into the story; one of the most appalling being the issue of Huck’s custody.This flawed system of thought is first shown when the new judge in St. Petersburg rules that Pap has rightful custody of Huck. Although this would be bad for Huck if his father became his legal guardian, the judge asserts Pap’s rights to Huck as his biological son, despite the fact that this is placing Huck’s welfare below the so-called rights of his father. Ironically, this system would put Huck under his dad’s custody, leaving him worse off, whereas Jim is separated from his family despite being a far better father and person.However, the welfare of the individual isn’t highly valued in society, and thus they are placed in uncomfortable, often dangerous situations. The judge tries to put Huck back in contact with his horrid father and therefore abuse, but Jim, a loving parent, never receives help to be with his children and help rescue them from slavery and separation. This decision defies all logic one would find in a normal society, and yet this kind of thinking was commonplace.The values and welfare of a black person were nowhere near as important as those of a white man, and even though Jim is a grown man with the most in tune moral compass of any character in the book, Huck still has power over him simply because he is white. By comparing the situation of Pap and Huck with slaves and their masters, Twain hints that it is impossible for a society to be civilized so long as it practices slavery. Though not quite as harmful, another example of a hypocritical character can be found in the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson.In an attempt to â€Å"sivilize†Huckleberry, Miss Watson reprimands him for smoking a cigarette and yet she snuffs tobacco. â€Å"Pretty soon I wanted to smoke, and asked the widow to let me. But she wouldn’t. She said it was a me an practice and wasn’t clean, and I must try to not do it any more†¦ And she took snuff, too; of course that was all right, because she done it herself†(Twain 2). She prevents Huck from doing what she believes is uncivilized and detrimental to his health, yet doesn’t think twice about proceeding to do something very similar simply because she herself enjoys it.This example of hypocrisy is not particularly malicious, but yet another example of how all the characters Huck is involved with has some form of a hypocritical flaw. Furthermore, Miss Watson is quite religious and, in efforts to teach Huck, tells him that all he must do is pray for something and he will have it. However, when Huck needs fishhooks and asks her to help pray for them, she calls him a fool. â€Å"Then Miss Watson she took me in the closet and prayed, but nothing come of it. She told me to pray every day, and whatever I asked for I would get it.But it warn't so. I tried it. Once I got a fish- line, but no hooks. It warn't any good to me without hooks. I tried for the hooks three or four times, but somehow I couldn't make it make it work. By-and-by, one day, I asked Miss Watson to try for me, but she said I was a fool. †(Twain 8). Miss Watson tells Huck that if he does something, he can expect a certain result but when things don’t work, he asks for her help and she chides him for it! The widow Douglas and Miss Watson are religious, educated, and yet, they are slave owners.They educate Huck, and teach him religion but find it perfectly acceptable to do things contrary to their teachings, such as snuff and practice slavery. The latter, being a more insidious humbug of St. Petersburg, is shown over and over again throughout Huck’s journey. As Huck begins to stray from his backwards, insincere town, he reaches different places with different people, all different in their own way and yet, very similar to those in St. Petersburg. The Duke and Dauphi n are two despicable con men who join Huck and Jim as they continue to drift on the river.The Duke and Dauphin cause trouble for Huck and Jim, as well as the towns they visit. The fault here is that, the Duke and Dauphin are able to scam entire communities by lying, pretending to be someone they’re not, and cheating their guests. Though they spend most of the novel doing awful things or planning awful things, they both are hardly punished. After the first showing of The Royal Nonesuch, the first group of attendees realizes they have been cheated. However, instead of chastising the Duke and Dauphin, the audience that night chooses to lie about the performance in order to cheat a second group of attendees. Hold on! Just a word, gentlemen. †They stopped to listen. â€Å"We are soldâ€â€mighty badly sold. But we don’t want to be the laughing stock of this whole town, I reckon, and never hear the last of this thing as long as we live. NO. What we want is to go ou t of here quiet, and talk this show up, and sell the REST of the town! Then we’ll all be in the same boat. Ain’t that sensible? †(â€Å"You bet it is! â€â€the jedge is right! †everybody sings out. ) â€Å"All right, thenâ€â€not a word about any sell. Go along home, and advise everybody to come and see the tragedy. †(Twain 114).Most hypocritical, however, is the fact that the Judge of the town conceived this plan. He who stands as a pillar of justice and truth in the town decides to cheat the others in order to save face. By the third night, everyone in town has seen the play and the Duke and Dauphin make a large profit from their misconduct. Immoral acts committed by the Duke and Dauphin never yielded punishments, but brazen, drunk insults led to execution. Boggs, described as the â€Å"most easy going old fool in Arkansas†, began shouting insults and anathemas at Sherburn, the man who had cheated him. He [Sherburn] was standing pe rfectly still in the street, and had a pistol raised in his right handâ€â€not aiming it, but holding it out with the barrel tilted up towards the sky†¦ Boggs throws up both of his hands and says, â€Å"O Lord, don’t shoot! †Bang! goes the first shot, and he staggers back, clawing at the airâ€â€bang! goes the second one, and he tumbles backwards on to the ground, heavy and solid, with his arms spread out. †(Twain 108). The Duke and Dauphin cheat entire communities and remain unpunished by their terrible acts; however, peccadilloes like shouting drunken insults result in execution.Twain’s writing exposes the issue of faulty justice and duplicitous nature of men. Furthermore, Sherburn’s speech to the angry mob around his house in relation to a lack of logic and cowardice capitulates Twain’s societal views. Twain’s use of hypocrisy helps express his views on societal issues. Though not every instance is harmful, such as Miss Watson’s snuff usage, other notable examples such as the execution of Boggs and the custody of Huck highlight his belief that cowardice, lack of logic, and selfishness are at the core of society, not the communal welfare that it should be.The repeated instances of insecure, logic defying justice are the root of the problem, as thoughtless crimes are punished severely whereas serious crimes go scot-free. Throughout the novel, Huck meets characters that appear good, yet Twain makes a conscious effort to prove they are prejudiced slave owners. The illogical choices and hypocritical people presented throughout the novel show the hypocrisy and ludicrousness of the â€Å"sivilized†society.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)