Meditation Essay Example

Meditation Essay Natalie Bausone December 6, 2010 Dr. Sirlin Ace-001 English – Persuasive Essay With the hectic pace and demands of modern life, many people feel stressed and over-worked. It often feels like there is just not enough time in the day to get everything done. Our stress and tiredness make us unhappy, impatient, , and frustrated. It can even affect our health. A simple ten or fifteen minute meditation a day can help you to overcome your stress and find some inner peace and balance. Meditation provides benefits to all of the major categories of human existence:   Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. Nevertheless, the term â€Å"meditation† is usually associated with hippies sitting around chanting â€Å"Ohmmm†. I have a couple family members that do feel this way. One disadvantage in meditation can be that some individuals connect it to eastern religions such as Buddhism or Hinduism. By relating meditation to these religions it tends to turn some people away from the practice of meditation. Another disadvantage is â€Å"time†. Some individuals say that it takes too much time out of their normal day to practice meditation. However, one of the largest challenges faced by people today is overcoming the stress produced by everyday life. I know family and friends that take anti-depressants in order tothe deal with the stresses of everyday life. Meditation, on the other hand, provides a natural means of reducing stress and anxiety and can lead to enhanced mental health either in combination with, or in place of, popular anti-depressants. The improved mental health that can result from meditation can be seen in many ways. It generally gives you the perspective you need to manage your busy schedule and bring back a feeling of I can handle this. We will write a custom essay sample on Meditation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Meditation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Meditation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Additionally, more traditional meditation requires deeper breathing than normally, involves breathing which allows for greater oxygen flow through our systemwe get large amounts of oxygen which we don’t get while normal breathing. The greater flow of oxygen increases levels of energy decreases high blood pressure and also makes falling asleep and soundly easier. My husband had a anxiety attack one evening. He decided to sit at the edge of the bed and begin meditation. He concentrated greatly on his deep breaths and within 2 minutes his body was balanced; it was amazing. A technique of meditation known as Yoga is considered to be active meditation, which facilitates proper blood circulation and stretching of the muscles. This technique directly helps with strengthening the muscles which produces more of a physical benefit than other technique. So no matter which technique you use you are sure to receive numerous health benefits through meditation. The result of this de-stressing, or relaxation is to improve all of the major bodily functions and can arguably lead to enhance immune, cardiovascular, digestive, and reproductive health. The main advantage for me is Spirituality, in general, a state of being. Trying to describe it is difficult, as it can be different for each individual. Nevertheless, spirituality can be described in a very general manner as a sense of connectedness with that which surrounds us. Primarily, it allows the individual to explore his or her own mind, resulting in self-awareness or connectedness that removes the individual from the thoughtless unthinkdaily grind that can be soul-sucking and which can detract from a life well lived. The connectedness goes beyond the self, and generally brings the individual into the present, as opposed to worrying about or being concerned with the past and the future. I attend self-development classes and feel that this leads to connection with the people and things around us, resulting in an enhanced spirituality that is very beneficial to me. Incorporating meditation into your lifestyle is painless, low-cost, and easily accessible. There are a number of ways you can start. You could go the old-fashioned route and pick up a meditation music CD from your local Target or Barnes and Nobles. This might work for some but many people find it difficult to meditate on their own right away. A great tool that’s now available for free thanks to the internet is is meditation podcasts. For those not familiar with podcasts, go to www. themeditationpodcast. com. You can also find local yoga lessons or a Zen meditation center. So recharge your life and your brain. It’s simply spending some time focusing your thoughts and concentrating on a single goal: relaxation! | |

Problems of Pornography Addiction

Problems of Pornography Addiction Introduction Pornography is a form of entertainment meant to raise sexual emotions. Pornography has exploded sporadically from humble period of nude cards, stag films to being viewed almost as a normal thing in the society. Recently, pornography has become a very controversial socio-political issue.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Problems of Pornography Addiction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has sparked debate among various groups. Much has been established on the issue including attitudes towards sexually and explicit materials among the youth. Findings from the investigations endorse their perspective that pornographic materials have both harmful and positive effects. However, the majority view them as harmful, thus supporting pornography restriction. Additionally, the studies show that men watch pornography at a higher rate and hold a more favorable opinion towards the materials as compared to women, thus it points out that gender role has an influence on the attitudes toward pornography (Lottes et al., 1993). This paper provides you with a deep insight into the issues related to pornography including the factors leading to wide spread of this, the various perspective and attitudes towards the matter, and lastly, discuss its various impacts in the society. Factors facilitating the wide spread of Pornography The introduction of Internet has made pornography more invasive because the world wide web is full of pornographic materials. This has increased the number of individual’s watching pornography. The websites lure individuals who would otherwise not have viewed them, thus increasing the number of addicts. The rate of those who access pornographic materials on the internet per second is estimated to be over twenty eight thousand users. The number of pornographic websites is approximated to be more than 4.2 million. As researchers have discussed, the accessibility, afforda bility and anonymity are the three factors that have facilitated the rapid increase of pornographic addiction. These factors are often termed as the Triple A engine.Advertising Looking for term paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The pornographic materials are accessible in that millions of such websites are available 24/7. The prices are kept low, and sometimes, these sites are free making it even more affordable. Anonymity also contributes to the spread of this issue as the communication is held confidential and anonymous in those websites. Therefore, the individual feels free in his actions since there is a reduced ability to look for judgment in facial expression as it were in face to face interactions. These are the major factors that lead to sexual compulsivity and psychological disorders (Tarver, 2010). Perspective and Attitudes towards Pornography There are four major perspectives towards por nography. These include the liberal, religious conservative, anticensorship feminist and anti-pornography feminist. The liberal perspective argues that there is no sound evidence that links pornography to harm in the society. Whilst pornography may be offensive to the others, to some, it gives harmless pleasures. They reject those opinions that pornography degrades woman or undermines the traditional moral values of the society. The religious conservatives view pornography as a threat to the family values. Arguably, it encourages couples to engage in sexual activities outside their marriages. They emphasize the harm for children and the erosion of the moral fabric of the family and society at large. The anti-pornography feminists endorse strongly the fact that it highly violates women’s personal rights. They state that it is a form of sexual discrimination which hinders women’s opportunities for equality. Anticensorship feminists reject anti-pornography feminist opinio ns arguing that pornography is in no way the cause of inequality. They say being against it downplays the sexism issues. They believe that open discussions and the presentation of the diverse sexual practices benefit the society by inferring the sexual freedom (White Kimball, 2009). Opponents of Pornographic Materials (negative) Clearly, pornography addiction is a real problem in the society. Research estimates show that about $3075.64 is spent on pornography every second. Another study conducted shows that 47% of Christians admit that it is a major problem of the families with 53% of men seeking for help to fight that addiction.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Problems of Pornography Addiction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This implies that the number of marriages failing due to pornography addiction is skyrocketing. To be precise, about 68% of divorce cases have one party involved in pornography, in 56%, one party is excessively obsessed in pornographic websites, and 33% are involved in the chat room, such as cybersex. In 2004 and 2005, the U.S. hearings of the panel agree on this note arguing that the Internet pornography has really affected the couples, families and individuals of varying ages (Diamond, 2009). Furthermore, pornography has led to many young people being addicted to it, and this has influenced their relationship with their friends in a negative manner. This addiction has adverse on the nation’s economic and social responsibilities of the families, co-workers and the community at large. Other studies show a proportional relation between pornographic addiction and violence inflicted on women, men and children. Future studies are focused on establishing the neurological role of pornography addiction to give a sound grounds and proofs to affirm decisions on the role of pornography addiction in breaking families. As research shows, the moment of sexual release cau ses the secretion of natural occurring chemicals to be released in the brain. The individual becomes addicted to the opiods just as heroin. The user becomes addicted to the feeling and pleasures induced by the drug. This explains why the addicted individual sometimes requires a more extreme form of pornographic materials to achieve the same level of pleasures with a lapse of time. As they become more and more used to the expressions, they require more explicit view in order to reach sexual arousal (Young, 2008). Pornographic addiction results in emotional problems. It causes cravings just as those caused by cigarette and liquor. The addicts also admit that there is a difference between online and offline emotions. This renders them to suffer low self-esteem.Advertising Looking for term paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, they become introverts and suffer from depression, and damaged relations. They isolate themselves from society, and their career productivity is decreased which is translated to financial crisis. Sometimes, their behavior is associated with anxiety, guilt, self-blame and potential legal problems. They become lonely, and restless, and only internet use makes them feel better. Internet sex offers many themes to a fantasy world to develop where there are a lot of people interested in the individual. As the addiction continues to grow, the individuals become more immersed in this world which makes them change their views of the strangers as mere friends and partners to a more real than an actual spouse or family member (Boyle, 2011). Another feature commonly not tolerated by the community is pornographic materials where youths and kids are involved as actors, participants or a part of viewers. Additionally, there is an increased exploitation in the industry, especially to the young girls. These kids barely know what is comfortable and what is not. Some of the scenes have physical impact on the bodies of the participants. Any act in the pornography can be damaging, especially if performed repeatedly or for a long period. Sometimes, the positions designated for visibility are of no comfort and can cause injuries. In some cases, the acts come with no protection, and the individual is at risk of contracting diseases, such as STI and AIDS. Physical abuse is very common in bestiality. Individual’s private parts become pretty badly cut up due to the untrimmed, unclean claws pawing on their body (Young, 2008). It has also been established that most of the pornographic addicted have distorted attitudes and perceptions of the sexual matters. Men who are addicted tolerate abnormal sexual behaviors, such as sexual aggression, promiscuity and rape. Additionally, they view women and children as sex objects and commodities to fulfill their sexual pleasures. Therefore, pornography materials have negative influence on the society because they are a part of the industry that exploits participants, whether male or female, by displaying degrading positions and treatment of the participants. Secondly, it leads to break down of traditional societal morals through its offensive and disturbing acts. These acts have been linked to the increased sexual violence, such as rape in the US and all over the world. Studies show that majority of addicts who have been convicted of Internet based sexual offenses had committed a real life sexual abuse of the children to an average of over thirteen different child sex abuses (Tarver, 2010). Therefore, pornography contributes to the development of unhealthy anxiety in imagination and conduct. This interferes with the individual’s moral growth and his/her ability to sustain healthy and mature relationships especially in marriage and family life. Family is the only place where one can find a mutual trust and moral integrity. Pornography mitigates the individual from experiencing a true human sexual expression by making him or her to have frenzied search for personal pleasure and gratification rather than enjoy the real expression of enduring love in the marriage and family. It distorts the individuals’ value of having normal relationship through distorted perceptions about sexuality. It also increases the level of withstanding other bizarre types of pornography. The result is a decreased sexual satisfaction with the partner performance, affection or morphology. This raises doubts in the marriage, eroding the foundation and the stability of the family and society at large. The greatest effect of pornography addiction in marriages is the loss of trust. Viewing pornographic materials is seen as infidelity and dishonesty contributing to a larger part of distrust. Most individuals, especially the married couple, tend to keep their computer pornography private. Since pornography i nvolves intimate relationships and sexuality, it is very disruptive and destructive thing to the marriage secure attachments. This kind of consumption increases the level of marital infidelity rate to a more than 30% (Voros, 2010). Clearly, pornography erodes the warmth of the family affection through the traumatizing moments that the kid can accidently see, such as seeing a parent masturbate, encountering a hidden pornographic material, magazines, films, and internet sites or arising other conflicts in the family facilitated by these acts. Sometimes, it may also lead to reduced parental attention and family time spent together, and in extreme cases, cause a job loss and financial strain to the parents. Also, there is an increased risk of the child becoming consumers of pornography themselves. It creates distress amongst them especially when they see their parents fight as this creates a stressful environment at home. The situation can worsen especially in cases where there are risk s of parents divorcing or separating. It also exposes the kid to develop a different perception of human beings, such as viewing women as sex objects. As discussed above, pornographic addictions lead to an increased desire for abnormal and bizarre activities for perverted stimulation. It causes the addict to turn to child pornography. This leads to the increase in pedophilia. Studies show that children from families where parents are pornographic addicts have feeling that they are lusted especially by their fathers. This makes them suffer from insecurity and fear making the home a nightmare rather than a safe heaven (Twohig et al., 2009). Proponents of pornographic materials (positive) Arguably, those who watch pornographic materials offer others a chance to express their fantasies which gives them pleasure. They claim that pornographic materials give a positive displacement activity for sexual aggression. Others say that it actually empowers women by loosening their shackles of soc ial prudery or other antisocial restrictions. They argue that pornographic materials help individuals improve their sex relations among adults by offering a bottled-up sexual masturbation pleasures. It is also a good teacher to people on sexual techniques giving the individuals positive affects that they otherwise would lack. Therefore, they argue that they should be made available to adults and young youths. They say being against it downplays the sexism issues. They believe that open discussions and presentation of the diverse sexual practices benefit the society by inferring sexual freedom (Tarver, 2010). In some cases, it has been reported that there is a steadily decrease of rape incidences amongst countries, such as Japan, that have legalized the sale of pornographic materials. It is clear that Internet pornographic has gone a notch higher and has been made available to almost everybody and almost freely, and this seems to benefit the society somehow. For instance, the number of rape cases reported in Japan decreased from 33% in 1972 to 18% in 1995. During the same period, the rate of sexual assaults and violence also decreased significantly (Diamond, 2009). Studies done in China, Czech Republic, and the US show a decrease in rape as pornography became increasingly available (Voros, 2009). Conclusion Statistics reveals that the pornography industry annual income is approximately $57 billion in the world with the $12 billion in the US (Lewis, 2007). This indicates that the revenue is larger than all combined revenues of other professions. The investigations show further that the 4.2 million pornographic Web sites obtain 372 million hits on daily basis. The sites are said to be the cocaine crack in the internet. Research shows a wide range of negative consequences for pornographic viewers. Evidently, pornography degrades women and undermines the traditional moral values of the society. It is a threat to the families. Arguably, it encourages couples to enga ge in sexual activities outside the wedlock. Additionally, it creates more harm to children and erodes the moral fabric of the family and society at large. Pornography highly violates women’s personal rights. It is a form of sexual discrimination which hinders women’s opportunities for equality. Pornography involves intimate relationships and sexuality; it is very disruptive and destructive thing to the marriage secure attachments. It increases the level of marital infidelity rate to more than 30%. This erodes the warmth of the family affection. References Boyle, K. (2011). Producing abuse: Selling the harms of pornography. Women’s Studies International Forum, 34(1), 593-602. Diamond, M. (2009). Pornography, public acceptance and sex related crime: A review. International Journal of law and psychiatry, 32(1), 304-314. Lewis, A. (2007). Extent and Cause of the Problem. Retrieved from https://erlc.com/ Lottes, I. et al. (1993). Reactions to pornography on a colleg e campus. Sex Roles, 29(1), 1. Tarver, M. (2010). The effects of pornography addiction on Marital Consent. Studia Canonica, 44(2), 343-368. Twohig et al. (2009). Viewing internet pornography: For whom is it problematic, How and why? Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 16(1), 253-266. Voros, F. (2009). The invention of addiction to pornography. Sexologies, 18(1), 243-246. White, M., Kimball, T. (2009). Attributes of Christian couples with sexual Addiction to internet Pornography. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 28(4), 350-359. Young, K. (2008). Internet Sex Addiction: Risk factors, stages of development, and treatment. American Behavioral Scientist, 52(21), 1. doi:10.1177/0002764208321339.

Freemasonry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Freemasonry - Essay Example But unlike natural or normal organizations, no one can speak for the freemasons. This maybe is the reason why some people demand for the unity of culture, ways and means of this group. But not looking at what people say about the group, the main purpose and reason of its existence is to better every individual and its society. Like any other fraternities or tight brotherhoods, getting in is not easy. There are also requirements or qualifications, one of which is a belief in the Supreme Being. This isn't bad for a requirement. Other things that need to be considered are the three principles namely Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The first one refers to the respect that a Freemason shows to other people with regard to their ideas and beliefs. In the modern age specially, ideas that reign are the ideas of the powerful. This principle can be the answer to the rising claim for power which can be derived from the already-wealthy individuals who only accept their own ideas to standing for the majority even though it does not. This also relates to kindness and behaving well by understanding the situation of other people and the different scenarios in life. The second principle which talks of relief involves charity and care, still for other people.

Authority and Sources in Christian Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Authority and Sources in Christian Ethics - Essay Example This will act as an essential guide to many other lives. The life of discipleship is governed by aims of the overall salvation of many other lives. The scriptures state that it is essential for disciples to follow ethics to ensure that they have attracted others to join the faith (Scharen, p 12). The life of discipleship ensures that a Christian follows the dictates of the scriptures. The Bible is a true representation of the needs and wants of the scriptures. In many instances, a Christian is guided by the stipulations of the Bible. In relation to ethical situations, all the three authors insist that there is a deep salvation and relaxation that is brought by constant reference to the Bible. They have given a very good example of the persecution of the Jews by the Nazi’s during Hitler’s era. There were very many Christians from all faiths that were boxed into a corner. Whatever action that they took in helping the victims of the Holocaust determined their level and upr ightness as Christians. A Christian who is a selfless disciple of Christ will do anything to ensure that he or she can save a life. This is because this is exactly what Jesus would have done. So the true Christians in the above context were those that were willing to do anything to save their victims. This is despite the fact that they were prone to persecution if they were found out (Stassen, p 72). Faith is the ability to have a strong conviction in relation to any circumstance or situation. This is despite the fact that many at times it is very hard to have faith in something that we are yet to see. Any approach that is dictated by a Christian is governed by the ability for them to have the uttermost faith in everything around them. Their faith is the guide that ensures that they are pillars of very many others in society and all over the world. Christian ethics insists that it is important for a believer to have faith all the time. This is in many instances and situations. The d isciple is the source of solace for very many people that do not have the ability to believe (Scharen, p 32). In many issues that a human being experiences, it is very important for them to identify what they need to do to acquire faith. The ability to believe does not just occur naturally. It comes with the deep understanding that in all challenges that one goes through, Christ died for all. The scriptures all state that he knows what his creation can handle and what they cannot. This means that with the faith that a Christian has, whether in relation to the application of Christian ethics or not, God is the essential guide always. There are random verses in the Bible that show deep Christian faith and its abilities. In day to day life, we should have the faith to receive and impact salvation. This is just like blind man who called out the Lord’s name and received his sight. Christian ethics is determined by ones ability to stand firm in the things that he or she believes in . In many unethical situations, there is one who gains. As a result of this gain, others lose greatly. A true disciple stands his ground no matter the consequences of his or her actions. Jesus was tempted, he employed great faith and he overcame the challenges. If he had no strong preference to ethical practises, it would have been very easy for him and many others to fall into temptation (Stassen, p 89). The third connection in the

New York Times and Financial Times Differences of Informing Research Paper

New York Times and Financial Times Differences of Informing - Research Paper Example In the assessment, the divergence in the articles may be less accounted for by cultural differences, and more in line with differences in a vantage point with respect to the issue at bar. Assignment No. 3 Analyzing Reports on a Current Business Related Event: Germany’s Refusal to Share the EU Debt Burden Introduction The tenets of journalism require objective reporting, which is defined as: balance and even-handedness in presenting sides of an issue; accuracy and realism; separating facts from opinion; minimizing the influence of writer’s own attitude or opinion; and avoiding slant, rancor or devious purposes (Boyer, 1981, cited in Harcup, 2009: 83). Evidently, the purpose of news reporting is to filter out the reporter’s own sentiments which may unjustly color the report and mislead the readers. However, as Merrill’s paradox states, journalists desiring to give an honest and full account cannot detach themselves from their stories, and therefore subjectiv ity is essential to objective reporting (Russell, 2006: 40). ...While the apparent purpose of both articles is to inform on the facts of the event, they however inadvertently express the underlying sentiments of the writer and, apparently, the social perspectives which had given rise to them. In the choice of articles, opinion columns were avoided, since opinions of all kinds exist in all cultures. News stories were chosen because, despite attempts of the writer to remain objective, subjective elements subtly filter through which betray deep-seated social conditioning. The American (NYT) v the European (FT) writing styles. Evident in between the articles is a divergence of writing style. The New York Times article (denoted as NYT) adopted a more abrasive, combative writing style while that of the Financial Times (FT) was more subdued, less confrontational. Strong words were used throughout the article, such as in part. 1 (â€Å"stuck to her guns†), Mr. Monti’s â€Å"f ight with Germany† (par. 24) and par. 22 (â€Å"In his pointed comments†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ), the latter referring to Italy’s Mr. Monti’s comment about the president of the German central bank. NYT views the problem of common bonds as an external one, to it as well as to Germany, which appears to be justified in demanding a measure of control in exchange for sharing liability (â€Å"Control and liability must not be disproportionate to one another†, par. 2), which FT stresses that the problem is already systemic and threatens the whole of the Eurozone, Germany included, which should justify the debt-sharing (pars. 7-9).

Socrates In Platos Apology Philosophy Essay

Socrates In Platos Apology Philosophy Essay In this essay I will discuss the character of Socrates as he is presented in the Apology, I will look at Socrates as a religious fanatic and an apostle of reason. I will provide an argument from my own personal stance that the character of Socrates in the Apology is a variation of both religious fanatic and apostle of reason. I will also make reference to Crito in order to strengthen my position that Socrates is indeed a religious man of reason. First I shall discuss the Apology and provide examples to strengthen my argument that Socrates is a man of religion and reason. Secondly I shall provide examples from Crito showing that Socrates is a moral and just philosopher. In Platos Apology, Socrates says to the jury that if they said to him, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Socrates, we do not believe Anytus now; we acquit you, but only on condition that you spend no more time on this investigation and do not practice philosophyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Socrates 29c-d, 2012), he would rather obey god than the men of Athens and practice philosophy as long as he is breathing. Socrates would continue to question the Athenian citizens about wisdom, truth, and the best state for ones soul, proving that wealth, reputation, and honor are not the most important things in life. According to Socrates, fulfilling his obligation to god is more important than what the law may tell him to do because in practicing philosophy, he is serving god. Be sure that this is what the god orders me to do, and I think there is no greater blessing for the city than my service to the god, (Socrates 30a, 2012). By sentencing Socrates, the men of Athens are mistreating gods gift to them because god himself a ttached Socrates to the city in order for him to question those he encounters. By teaching them about virtue and how important the soul is, Socrates shows them how to live the good life and live it well. As a result of Socrates being given to Athens as a gift from god to question the Athenians to enlighten them and bring about positive outcomes, he is entitled to disobey the courts verdict. If he was breaking the law and harming Athens it would be wrong and immoral, but because god sent him to do this duty, he must overcome every obstacle in his way to do so. There is no inconsistency between what he says in Crito about upholding the laws and never breaking them. What Socrates says in Platos Apology proves that he has found a common ground between reason and religion. Therefore, Socrates is both a religious fanatic and apostle of reason. Thus Socrates argument to continue practicing philosophy even if the men of Athens rule that he should not, is completely justifiable and moral. The Gods placed Socrates in Athens to act as a gadfly stinging Athens in order to wake up the lazy Athenian citizens. Socrates is acting as an apostle of reason and religious fanatic when he challenged the wise men of Athens. After receiving a prophecy from: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the god at Delphi (Socrates 20e, 2012), that he is the wisest of all men, Socrates concludes that he knows nothing so he mu st be the wisest in the sense that he knows nothing for sure. By challenging the wisest of Athens he follows the Gods wishes in a reasonable way. Through argument, question, and discussion, Socrates exposes false wisdom as ignorance which I argue is fulfilling his obligation to the Gods and reason. Socrates believed that he was following the gods plan for him; it was his moral obligation to question those who claim to be wise. As a philosopher one ought to act as an apostle of reason, whether it is to argue against the government to determine whether a law or idea is justified or completely wrong and determine through reason how to replace it with a new law or idea that has been proved to be correct. A Philosopher is a lover of wisdom which follows the obligation to cross-examine people in order to find out where or not that are wise or just ignorant. As a religious fanatic and apostle of reason Socrates attempted to teach people he argued with that instead of claiming to be wise and arguing for their ideas without reason along with claiming that any previous idea contradictory to theirs was wrong, one should be open to all objections because we are all truly ignorant. In the Apology, Socrates attempted to persuade people through argument and reason to question everything becau se not everything can be answered by saying, God did it. In order to strengthen my argument I shall refer to examples from Crito proving that Socrates is a variation of apostle of reason and religious fanatic. Socrates states that doing wrong to someone is wrong therefore it is immoral. Similar to the Apology, Socrates uses reason to prove his point. Escaping Athens and going against its verdict is disregarding the law, which is immoral and unjust. Socrates makes a connection between the laws of Athens and morals. By escaping, Socrates would be acting against the laws of Athens and disregarding everything he stood for up to this point. By fleeing, Socrates would destroy the citys laws and through the city, all of its citizens. This relationship between a citizen and the city is similar to the relationship between a parent and child. From the city, Socrates was brought to birth, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦was it not through us that your father married your mother and begat you? (Socrates 50d, 2012). Athens instructed Socrates father to get him an educa tion and made sure he was nurtured. Socrates cannot deny that he was brought up being properly educated and nurtured by Athens, therefore he cannot deny being an offspring and servant to it. Just like Socrates is on equal footing with his father, he must respect his superiors wishes. If his father scolded him or beat him, he would not do the same in return to his father because he is superior. From birth Socrates was taught to obey the laws of Athens like his parents did. The laws of Athens should be respected just as much as one does their parent. Your parents teach you what is right and what is wrong, thus it is immoral to disrespect or treat your parents poorly as it is them that have invested in you and raised you into the person that you are. Due to the fact that Socrates is an apostle of reason he cannot go against his parents actions/wishes, he cannot do the same even to Athens because Athens is more sacred than your mother and father and it is to be revered. Even if one feels the sentence was unjust, they should not do anything in return, according to Socrates No Harm Principle. This principle is one of the two fundamental principles needed for a city to function properly. It states, One should never do wrong in return, nor do any man harm, no matter what he may have done to you, (Socrates 49c, 2012). The other fundamental principle is the Just-Agreement Principle which maintains that when one has come to an agreement that is just with someone , they should fulfill it and not cheat on it. By leaving Athens, Socrates will break the Just Agreement Principle and be doing harm which goes against both his principles. If no one obeyed these principles, the citizens would no longer obey the laws and the city would not exist. By remaining in Athens and accepting death Socrates shows he truly loves and respects Athens. In death one will receive peace but if one were to flee and attempt to destroy the laws which hold Athens together, they will be judged harshly and have a rough welcoming in Hades, according to Socrates. Thus, Socrates believed it was always wrong to disobey the laws. According to Socrates the only rational and reasonable way is to accept the punishment given by the law, regardless of what it is. The objective of having laws in place is to teach virtue to those who inhabit the city. The rules which are implemented in the laws act as an outline for how to behave. The laws direct behaviour, censure, and praise in such a way that ensures that the citizens within the city will go after positive goals and partake in positive activities in order to keep the city secure. The fact that Socrates would rather stay in Athens and die rather than flee and love proves that he is an apostle of reason. I believe that by Socrates following through with his death sentence ordered by the Athenians, he proved that he is wise and he stood up for what he believes in. Socrates made a wise decision by refusing to escape and accept his death sentence. If Socrates would have decided to flee Athens to avoid hi s sentence he would not be an apostle of reason; Socrates would not have been able to get his point across. I will also argue that by remaining in Athens rather than escaping it solidifies my argument that Socrates is also a religious fanatic. The gods placed him in Athens for a reason and Socrates fulfilled his service for the gods until his last breath. Work Cited Plato . A PLATO READER: Eight Essential Dialogues Apology. Ed. C. D. C. Reeve. Indianapolis/Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2012. 21-46. Print. Plato . A PLATO READER: Eight Essential Dialogues Crito. Ed. C. D. C. Reeve. Indianapolis/Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2012. 47-59. Print.

Manet - Still Life :: essays research papers

"Clarity, Condour, urbanity and virtous ability to handle paint-such are the qualities which first strike us in Manet's art". A quote by John Richardson still life grapes and figs 1864 Frank Jay Gould collection. Cannes- "The dark rich tones of this painting carry in them the strong popular Spanish influence the light hitting the fruit from the left creates a startling and brilliant luminosity." Said also by John RichardsonBefore we attempt to anaylse the meaning of what's within Edouard Manet's work entitled still life, Grapes and figs, one must first identify , and note, the somewhat colorful events which occurred within the artist life, and note the way in which they must have led his work.Born in France in 1832, Manet was raised by his parents Auguste and Eugenie-Desiree a society couple, who's social standing resulted from Auguste's successful career in the Ministry of Justice , Paris. Indeed, so successful was Auguste in his chosen field that upon his retir ement he was awarded the Legion of Honor. It is thought by many that the importance of Augustes role in both society and the ministry actually intimidated the young Manet, who constantly aspired throughout his adult life, to gain the same level of reverence as that which his father possessed.Manet's personal background to the analysis of the artists treatment of gender within his work, is apparent to his paintings, they showed deeper side of the artist and what "angle" he saw women.However, it is the actions of the artists youth which many therapists believe is the key to understanding the ambiguous portrayal of woman within his paintings throw out his career. It was during the late 1850's when Manet was serving as a naval cadet in Rio de Janeiro, that he met a number of slave girls, Manet had openly admitted in letters to his friends the extend to which he found their tropical beauty alluring. Yet, is was not until Manet returned to France that he reveled the true extent of his relationships with these girls, and confessed to the fact that he had been using his time to relate to the girls in an adult way.The answer lies in the artists life long ill-health, it was in fact Manet himself who first diagnosed although now medically proven to be wrong that the physical pain from which he suffered on a daily basis was the result of a syphilis virus contracted during one of his aforementioned youthful encounters, a misconception which haunted the artist throughout his life .

The Crucible Quotes

â€Å"He believed he was being persecuted wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his side† Miller about Parris and how he doesn’t belong to the community but belongs to religion pg13 â€Å"To the European world the whole province was a barbaric frontier inhabited by a sect of fanatics† Belonging to a place – Miller says this about Salem 13 â€Å"Their creed forbade anything resembling a theatre or ‘vain enjoyment’. † Miller says what belonging to a community/group can lead people to feel/do 14 A holiday from work meant only that they must concentrate even more upon prayer† Miller tells us about what THEOCRATIC society required 14 â€Å"This predilection for minding other people’s business was time-honoured among the people of Salem† Miller explains what it meant when people belonged to a community 14 â€Å"The edge of the wilderness was close by†¦and it was full of mystery for them. † Miller states that belonging to such a wild place may be reason for the witch hunts 14 â€Å"†¦the Salem folk believed that the virgin forest was the Devil’s last preserve, his home base and the citadel of his final stand†.This again shows that Miller believes that the location played a role in their beliefs. Highlights also their strong beliefs in religion and how theocracy ruled their society. 15 â€Å"†¦their church found it necessary to deny any other sect its freedom† Miller highlights that you either belonged with their church or didn’t belong at all. 15 â€Å"†¦the people of Salem developed a theocracy, a combine of state and religious power whose function was to keep the community together† Miller informs us, in the introduction, that Salem was theocratic and their intentions in it 16 †¦the people of Salem†¦[wanted] to prevent any kind of disunity that might open it to destruction by material or ideological enemies† This is, as Miller points out, the purpose of their theocratic society, but also gives reasons for what happened when people didn’t belong. 16 â€Å"when one rises above the individual villainy displayed, one can only pity them all, just as we shall be pitied one day† This is a clear link that Miller makes between the witch hunts of Salem and the communist witch hunts in mid century America 16 â€Å"a sense of confusion hangs about him†Stage directions that paint Parris as someone who doesn’t belong, from the very beginning 17 â€Å"trouble in this house usually lands on her back† Stage directions of act one tell us that Tituba, a slave from Barbados, does not belong in this community because she is different. 17 â€Å"Go directly home and speak nothing of unnatural causes† Parris says this to Susanna, highlighting his fear of being accused of not protecting their community, thereby not belonging to the community. 18 â€Å"U ncle, the rumour of witchcraft is all about; I think you best go down and deny it yourself† Abigail pleads with Parris to make amends.This also shows that she has great power, or at least thinks she does. Parris, terrified of not being accepted in his relatively new community decides against it. 18 â€Å"And what shall I say to them? That my daughter and my niece I discovered dancing like heathen in the forest? † Parris highlights his fear of not being accepted but also the fact that his own family are shunning accepted protocol, thereby not belonging. 19 â€Å"But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin be with it. † Parris is once again worried about never being accepted. 9 â€Å"There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit† Parris is clear that he feels an outsider in his own community. The community he should effectively be head of seeing as it is theocratic and he is a reverend. 19 â€Å"I saw Tituba waving her arms over the fire when I came on you. Why was she doing that? † Parris questions the power Tituba has to change the girls because she isn’t trusted and is an outsider. 19 â€Å"She were swaying like a dumb beast over that fire! † Parris exclaims that not only is Tituba an outsider, she is also now compared to being an animal. 20 She always sings her Barbados songs, and we dance. † Abigail catches on quickly and realises that Tituba can easily be blamed for any indiscretions because she is already considered an outsider. Also shows that Abigail is manipulative and that she is the leader of the peer group of girls. 20 â€Å"I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry’s at stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin’s life. † Parris appeals to religion, the only thing he belongs to truly, and then fears not only for his daughter’s life but also him losing face in the community. 20 I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my character. † Parris is clear that the only thing that truly concerns him is reputation, name and being in charge. Not even his daughter’s life seems important. 20 â€Å"I would not be her slave†¦I will not black my face for any of them! † The juxtapositioning of colour here highlights that Tituba is an outsider in this community. 20 â€Å"†¦the Devil’s touch is heavier than sick. It’s death, y’know, it’s death drivin’ into them, forked and hoofed. Mrs Putnam prays on people’s fears of the devil 21 â€Å"Thomas, I pray you, leap not to witchcraft. I know that you – you least of all, Thomas, would ever wish so disastrous a charge laid upon me. † Parris, petrified that the Putnams, people with great influence, will ruin h im. 22 â€Å"They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house. † Again, Parris is worried about being an outsider and losing face. 22 â€Å"Thomas Putnam felt that his own name and the honour of his family had been smirched by the village, and he meant to right matters however he could. Miller interjects in the drama and states that even Putnam worried about being an outsider 23 â€Å"So it is not surprising to find that many accusations against people are in the handwriting of Thomas Putnam†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Putnam, as Miller explains, decided to fight out first rather than have any suspicions land on him, against his name. 23 â€Å"Tituba knows how to speak to the dead, Mr Parris. † Mrs Putnam, also along with Abigail, knows to put blame on the one true outsider – Tituba. 23 â€Å"Oh Abigail, what proper payment for my charity! Now I am undone. Parris, not worried solely about his daughter’s life/death but that his reputation is done. 24 â €Å"They will topple me with this! † Again, Parris is worried about being finally cast out of the society/community 24 â€Å"I have no answer for that crowd. † Use of exclusive language â€Å"that† separates Parris from the rest of the community 24 â€Å"Let you strike out against the Devil, and the village will bless you for it! They’re thirsty for your word, Mister! † Putnam, using his influence, pleads with Parris to say something to the community. He is also astute enough to realise he should pray on Parris’ fear of exclusion. 4/25 â€Å"I’ll lead them in a psalm, but let you say nothing of witchcraft yet. I will not discuss it. † Parris as head of the theocratic society. 25 â€Å"Listen, now; if they be questioning us, tell them we danced – I told him as much already. † Abigail is now leading the peer group – calling the shots. 25 â€Å"What’ll we do? The village is out! The whole countryâ€⠄¢s talkin’ witchcraft! They’ll be callin’ us witches, Abby! † Mary Warren shows that she is frightened of the consequences of going outside of the community’s main traditions/culture and that she is trying to go against Abigail, unsuccessfully 25 Abby we’ve got to tell†¦witchery’s a hangin’ error†¦you’ll only be whipped for dancin’† Mary Warren tries to use high modal language to make a stand against the head of the peer group, again highlighting her fear. 26 â€Å"Oh, you’re a great one for lookin’ aren’t you Mary Warren? What a great peeping courage you have! † Conflict between Abigail and Mary Warren – putting her down and trying to cast her out of her peer group. Makes Mary Warren want to please her/win her over again, to stay with them. It’s safer that way. 26 â€Å"BETTY: You drank blood, Abby! You didn’t tell him that! ABIGAIL: Betty, you nev er say that again! You will never – BETTY: †¦you drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor. † The conflict in the peer group 26 â€Å"Now look you. All of you. We danced. And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnam’s dead sisters. And that is all. And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you. † The main threat that Abigail uses to stay in charge of the peer group and have people fear being an outsider. 26 I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down! † Again, Abigail threatens to achieve her purpose, and have people fear going against her. 27 â€Å"He need not have been a partisan of any faction in the town†¦he was the kind of man – powerful of body, even-tempered and not easily led†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Miller introduces Proctor as someone who was able to stay outside of the peer gr oup and community and had the strength to remain true to his own convictions. 27 â€Å"Abby, I never give you hope to wait for me. † Proctor softly tells Abigail that their relationship is done and that he hasn’t wanted any more. 8 â€Å"Or did I dream that? It’s she put me out, you cannot pretend it were you. I saw your face when she put me out, and you loved me then and you do now! † Abigail pleads with Proctor showing what is driving her actions. Also highlights that Proctor has gone outside of his marriage. 29 â€Å"I have hardly stepped off my farm this seven-month†. Proctor makes it clear he is physically outside of his community and as a result can also be removed otherwise. 29 â€Å"She is blackening my name in the village! She is telling lies about me! She is a cold, snivelling woman, and you bend to her! Abigail’s tension/conflict with Goody Proctor. Worried about her name and reputation in the community. 30 â€Å"Francis had ori ginally rented the land, and one theory has it that, as he gradually paid for it and raised his social status, there were those who resented his rise. † Miller highlights that land ownership meant a lot for the community at the time 31 â€Å"I am sick of meetings; cannot the man turn his head without he have a meeting? † Proctor is discontent with the community and the way they must belong 33 â€Å"This will set us all to arguin’ again in the society, and we thought to have peace this year. Rebecca, the voice of reason, tries to placate the community; to make them all belong. 33 â€Å"We vote by name in this society, not by acreage. † Proctor, another voice of reason, says this about how they should belong in the community 33 â€Å"I never heard you worried so on this society, Mr Proctor. I do not think I saw you at Sabbath meeting since snow flew. † Putnam accuses Proctor of being an outsider because he doesn’t participate in the religious aspect of their theocratic society. 33 â€Å"There are many others who stay away from church these days because you hardly ever mention God any more. Proctor claims that there is no purpose in church since Parris arrived. He makes it unhappy and all about hell 34 â€Å"I regard that six pound a year as part of my salary. I am paid little enough without I spend six pound on firewood. † Parris is materialistic – doesn’t want to do anything unless it benefits him financially 34 â€Å"I do not fathom it, why am I persecuted here? I cannot offer one proposition but there be howling riot of argument. I have often wondered if the Devil be in it somewhere; I cannot understand you people otherwise. Parris using repeated personal pronoun to show that he feels persecuted in the society 34 â€Å"I do not wish to be put out like the cat whenever some majority feels the whim. † Parris uses simile to prove how he feels a complete outsider and the power of the communit y when someone does not belong. 35 â€Å"There is either obedience or the church will burn like Hell is burning! † Parris is clear in his mentality that you are either with the church or you are not 35 â€Å"†¦while there were no witches then, there are Communists and capitalists now†¦[who believe] that each side are at work undermining the other. Miller draws a direct parallel with the happenings in Salem and the communist fear in USA 39 â€Å"They must be; they are weighted with authority. † Hale uses this metaphor early on to show that he has great authority and even though an outsider is granted respect almost immediately. 40 â€Å"How can it be the Devil? Why would he choose my house to strike? We have all manner of licentious people in the village! † Parris wants to find himself a part of the community, particularly because he is the religious leader, but he does so by separating himself from the rest. 44 I never called him! Tituba, Tituba†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Abigail making the first of her allegations against Tituba and in doing so proving her strength in the peer group. People see what she is capable of. 45 â€Å"She made me do it! She made Betty do it! † High modal accusation towards Tituba. 45 â€Å"You beg me to conjure! She beg me make charm†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Tituba tries to fight against the allegations but is already an outsider and hasn’t got the chance to win. 46 â€Å"Sometimes I wake and find myself standing in the open doorway and not a stitch on my body! I always hear her laughing in my sleep.I hear her singing her Barbados songs and tempting me with†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Abigail again reinforces her position and shows how strong she is in terms of leading the peer group; sways the community against Tituba. 46 â€Å"You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba! † Parris gives Tituba a fairly unfair ultimatum and shows again that being an outsider is bad. He also imp lies that you need to be a strong person to stand by your own name and convictions in this community. 46 â€Å"No, no, don’t hang Tituba! I tell him I don’t desire to work for him, sir. Tituba realises she must go against the truth and convictions to stay alive. She goes along with Abigail’s stories and makes it seem as though she wants to stop. 46 HALE: You have confessed yourself to witchcraft, and that speaks a wish to come to Heaven’s side. TITUBA: Oh, God bless you, Mr Hale! HALE: †¦You are God’s instrument put in our hands to†¦cleanse our village. Hale uses the metaphor to prove that people within the community believe Abigail, but also that Tituba has the opportunity to belong for the first time. 48 â€Å"I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus!†¦ I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil! † The calling out – Abigail starts accusing and setting people as outsiders for nothing. 49 â€Å"A fireplace is at the left, and behind it a stairway leading upstairs†¦he swings a pot out of the fire and smells it. † Miller paints a domestic picture and then juxtaposes it with the frosty portrayal of marriage 51 â€Å"It’s as warm as blood beneath the clods. † An interesting description of the unseasonably warm ground Proctor provides his wife. 52 PROCTOR: If the crop is good I’ll buy George Jacob’s heifer. How would that please you?ELIZABETH: Aye, it would. PROCTOR: [with a grin] I mean to please you, Elizabeth. ELIZABETH: [it is hard to say] I know it, John. Highlights both Proctor’s need to belong in the marriage and Elizabeth’s difficulty 52 Her back is turned to him. He turns to her and watches her. A sense of their separation rises. The stage directions highlights the distance between Proctor and his wife. 52 â€Å"She frightened all my strength away†¦it is a mou se no more†¦ she says to me ‘I must go to Salem†¦I am an official of the court! ’† Elizabeth talks about how Mary Warren has changed as a result of her being a part of the group 53 Aye, it is a proper court they have now†¦there be fourteen people in jail now†¦and they’ll be tried, and the court have power to hang them too, she says. † Elizabeth recounts what Mary Warren has told her about the court and the exclusion of women from society 53 â€Å"The town’s gone wild, I think. She speak of Abigail, and I thought she were a saint, to hear her. Abigail brings the other girls into the court, and where she walks the crowd will part†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Repetition of Abigail’s name in Elizabeth’s recount of Mary’s story highlights that the focus is all around her at the moment. 53 â€Å"Oh, it is a black mischief. Proctor uses this metaphor to describe what influence Abigail has on this society, and how others are flocking to â€Å"belong† 53 â€Å"John, if it were not Abigail that you must go to hurt, would you falter now? I think not. † Elizabeth has not forgiven Proctor for his indiscretion and questions him about who and what he might belong to now. 55 â€Å"You will not judge me more, Elizabeth†¦you forget nothin’ and forgive nothin’. † Proctor attempts to use high modal language to demand Elizabeth’s respect but again, he is honest in showing that he no longer truly feels as though he belongs in his marriage. 5 â€Å"I come into a court when I come into this house! † Darkly comical metaphor used by Proctor to indicate he feels judged which limits his feelings of belonging in the marriage. 55 â€Å"Let you look sometimes for the goodness in me, and judge me not. † Again, focussing on the judgement he feels rather than belonging. 55 â€Å"I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. I never thought yo u but a good man, John. † Elizabeth tries to set Proctor right and uses the â€Å"heart† metaphor to imply he is the only one judging his actions and that he is limiting himself from belonging. 5 As though to compensate, Mary Warren goes to Elizabeth with a small rag doll. Miller makes it clear that the symbol used as Goody Proctor’s downfall is made known early on 56 â€Å"We must all love each other now, Goody Proctor. † Mary Warren says this in reaction to the strange situations they are now faced with 56 â€Å"I never knew it before, I never knew anything before. When she come into the court I say to myself, I must not accuse this woman†¦but then†¦I feel a misty coldness climbin’ up my back†¦and all at once I remembered everything she done to me! Mary Warren highlights the feelings that can overtake them during the court 57 â€Å"But the proof, the proof! † Proctor wants to be practical here. 58 â€Å"You must see it, sir , it’s God’s work we do. † Hale, and Mary Warren both proclaim this, referring to religion and what this society is based on. 58 â€Å"The Devil’s loose in Salem, Mr Proctor; we must discover where he’s hiding! † Hale, again referring to religion and the society 59 â€Å"There is a promise made in any bed – and she may dote on it now – I am sure she does – and thinks to kill me, then to take my place. Elizabeth points out to Proctor that his indiscretion led to a false sense of belonging for Abigail 60 â€Å"This is a strange time, Mister. No man may longer doubt the powers of the dark are gathered in monstrous attack upon this village. † Hale makes it clear that there is some â€Å"powers of the dark† but doesn’t say Devil – maybe understanding Abigail’s power? 62 â€Å"I note that you are rarely in the church on Sabbath Day. † A small detail noted by Hale ensures that Proctor i s seen as an outsider because of his lack of conforming to religious norms. 62 †¦and it [the bible] tells me that a minister may pray to God without he have golden candlesticks upon the altar. † Proctor complaining about Parris’ need to belong to objects/materialism 63 â€Å"I like it not that Mr Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. † Even for Proctor, Parris is an outsider 63 â€Å"There be no mark of blame upon my life, Mr Hale. I am a covenanted Christian woman. † Elizabeth states that she is trustworthy and honest because she is a good Christian woman – the basis of their society. 64 â€Å"Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small. Hale uses this metaphor to highlight the strength of religion; that you either belong to and with it or against it. But also implies in a way, that it is weak if compromised. 65 â€Å"And why not, if they must hang for denyin’ it? T here are them that will swear to anything before they’ll hang; have you never thought of that? † Proctor questions the very confessions the women keep making. 66 â€Å"My wife is the very brick and mortar of the church, Mr Hale. † Giles Corey uses this metaphor to highlight the insanity of his wife’s arrest 67 â€Å"Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in heaven. Hale’s powerful statement about the fall of good into evil. The way that even those that belong can then become isolated or alienated. 68 â€Å"†¦the Williams girl, Abigail Williams, sir. She sat to dinner in Reverend Parris’s house tonight, and without a word nor warnin’; she falls to the floor. Like a stuck beast, he says†¦stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out. † Cheever seemingly confused and alarmed by the discovery of the needle in the poppet. It highlights the lack of proof or manipulat ion of evidence. 70 â€Å"Why, she done it herself!I hope you’re not takin’ this for proof, Mister! † Proctor, again practical, and denying â€Å"proof† 70 â€Å"’Tis hard proof! † Cheever exclaims this. Shows the craziness of the situation; the way the beliefs of the majority can cause hysteria. 70 â€Å"I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem – vengeance is walking Salem. † 72 â€Å"I cannot charge murder on Abigail†¦she’ll kill me for sayin’ that! † 74 â€Å"I cannot†¦they’ll turn on me†¦I cannot do it, I cannot! † 74 As the curtain rises, the room is empty, but for the sunlight pouring through two high windows in the back wall. 77

Early Childhood Education Essay Example

Early Childhood Education Essay Example Early Childhood Education Essay Early Childhood Education Essay The difference between management and leadership lies in the roles that are carried out by the two in any organization (Bennis, 1989). Management is structure oriented while the latter is relational and focuses on people. Leadership works on developing a new status quo while management is about administration and maintenance of the status quo. This is to imply that a leader will work on the creation of a new direction in an organization while the manager directs the people in an organization based on already set directives (Bennis, 1985). The components of a program determine its unique characteristics. Such components include the suitability of the environment to meet the needs of the learners, the quality that is articulated by the staff, the level of compatibility experienced between the program’s grouping practices and its learners, involvement of the learners’ parents and the ability to maintain a consistent program (Persky Golubchick, 1991). Decisions that are ma de with regard to the structure of the program affect the relationship between the educators, the learners and their parents. Such relationships will make a program standout from the rest and end up defining the uniqueness of a program (Hood, 2011). Early childhood education requires a focus on the areas of language development, social emotional development, cognitive development, literacy development and physical development (Click, 2004). The development of a child’s language is considered the cornerstone of the program’s curriculum, and a build up should be done to necessitate successful language learning in the child. Symbolic representation and sensory motor are considered the two stages in a child’s cognitive development. Teachers should, therefore, ensure that the curriculum enables the child to learn to use both their senses and images in order to ensure development in their thinking capacity. The next step is ensuring that the learners develop their lit eracy. This entails their ability to manipulate words, hold a book and pen, making sense out of stories through following pictures and saying names of letters in patterns. The educator should then be able to incorporate aspects of physical and social emotional development. This is done through the addressing sensory integration skills, performance of physical movement and the child’s ability to develop close and secure relationships (File, Mueller Wisneski, 2012). The licensing requirements for infant or toddler programs have various categories addressing the fundamental objectives of such programs. These categories include staff qualification, child age groups, staff ratio and group size, program curriculum, facility requirements, record keeping and policy requirements (Wortham, 2006). The staff qualification deals with the training and orientation of the educators while the category of child age groups requires that the program stipulate the precise clusters of ages with w hich it deals. The ratio of the staff in regards to the size of the learners concerns the maximum number of children to be handled by a number of educators. The program curriculum must also address the fundamental areas of child development while the records and policies must meet the stipulated criteria (Wittmer Petersen, 2006). Educators and staff in learning programs can be maintained amidst the challenge of high turnover through the issuance of incentives by the director (Gordon Browne, 2011). The director should formulate policies that ensure the program’s staff is constantly motivated through high payment packages. Other than this, the director should also ensure that the goals of the institution are channeled towards the maintenance of high levels of productivity. This will provoke the staff to work towards the achievement of the program’s goal (Isenberg Jalongo, 1997). Budget analysis includes the scrutiny of a program’s goals, its productivity in term s if the achievement of these goals and the capital it uses in running the facility (McCall Craft, 2004). The productivity of the program should warrant its feasibility. This is to imply that the program should be able to spend an amount of money that can be ploughed back and guarantee a surplus (Bartik, 2011). One of the strategies proposed by NAYEC, when helping a child who has experienced natural disasters, is the use of storybooks to calm the child. This will help the child with handling trauma experienced after the disaster (Grace Shores, 2010). They also encourage the involvement of children in post-disaster reconstruction activities (NAYEC, 2005). This includes activities like rebuilding the society after the disaster. In order to create an atmosphere that encourages a child to eat, a caregiver should provide a relaxing and calm atmosphere (Whitney Rolfes, 2011). This can be achieved through discussion of colors, tastes of food and textures. This will also develop cognitive development. Eating can also be encouraged when the caregivers allow the children to feed themselves. This can be achieved by using child-sized utensils. The caregiver should also avoid use of nonverbal cues that are likely to discourage the child, like sighing or frowning, when the child makes a mess (Robertson, 1998). In parent education programs, the parents can talk and sing to the children when carrying out duties like feeding them or giving them a bath (Chen, Klein Paul, 2007). They can also read them stories right before they sleep and engage them in short trips to unfamiliar places where they get to learn different environments. Parents can also help their children by playing with them games that have picture cards, and when coming across signs they can point out the words (Marsh, 2005). The signs of physical abuse in a child include the presence of unexplained marks and injuries in the child’s body (Berner Wachs, 2010). Emotional abuse, on the other hand, can be i dentified by signs of withdrawal exhibited by the child. The child will have a tendency to shy away from peers during socially interactive activities and to some extent may refuse to respond to educators and caregivers (Siebel, Britt, Gillespie, Parlakian, et al). Once a case of abuse has been verified by the teacher, the educator should immediately report to the director who will confront either the parents or authority. Reference Bartik, T. J. (2011). Investing in kids: Early childhood programs and local economic development. Kalamazoo, Mich: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Bennis, W. G. (1989). On becoming a leader. Reading, Mass: Addison-Wesley Pub. Co. If kids are given adequate orientation at the pre-school and early school degrees such kids are likely to turn up with a clear focal point on countries of involvement something which can assist decide the low literacy and accounting accomplishments apparent amongst high school and primary schools pupils. Teacher preparation will play a really important function in carry throughing the ends of early childhood instruction. Teachers play a critical function in curriculum reading and unless the instructors are able to construe course of study efficaciously attempts to streamline early childhood instruction in Australia are likely to neglect. To counter such challenges there is a demand for the authorities to offer inducements to early childhood instruction instructors for case offering free preparation plans or instead offering authorities sponsored preparation plans ( MacNaughton. A ; Williams. 1998 ) . There lacks proper course of study to steer early childhood instruction and the one in topographic point has been in usage for many decennaries something which clearly indicates that it could hold outlived its usage ( Margetts. 2003 ) . Until stakeholders in early childhood instruction come up with solutions every bit good as recommendations geared towards streamlining early childhood instruction to run into modern educational demands so all attempts geared towards accomplishment of effectual early childhood instruction proviso in Australia are likely to be unsuccessful. In decision. early childhood instruction in Australia is in distressing province. There is a demand for the authorities to include in its educational docket. policies which will see more support directed to early childhood instruction. The authorities must take enterprise and implement the necessary amendments to the instruction act which has non served early childhood instruction decently. There is a demand for integrating of early childhood instruction to primary instruction and secondary instruction for intents of accomplishing passage so that early childhood instruction is non viewed as a base entirely sector in instruction. Mentions MacNaughton. G. A ; Williams. G. ( 1998. 69-79 ) Techniques for Teaching Young Children: Choices in theory and pattern. Addison Wesley Longman Australia Pty Ltd. Frenchs Forest. NSW. Margetts. K. ( 2003. pp. 45-65 ) Child attention agreements. personal. household and school influences on children’s accommodation to the first twelvemonth of schooling . Proceedings of the Australian Early Childhood Association Biennial Conference. Hobart 10–13 July 2003. Australian Early Childhood Association.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Free Online Research Papers Throughout the duration of this course we have touched on many different topics and disorders that all have been truly unique and very interesting. However, the chapter I found the most interesting was Anxiety Disorders and particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Therefore, I will present a brief history of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder such as, its origin and how this disorder has affected individuals over generations. I will be touching on all aspects of this disorder ranging from how this disorder can be acquired in many different ways, forms to its multiple effects on individuals, and how this affects their behaviors and life style. I will also discuss treatments and some specific examples of PTSD. Forever, humans have been put under stress and in stressful situations, which have the ability to aggravate or make one so distressed, they will actually demonstrate mental and physical symptoms from this encounter with stress. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder works under similar principles, PTSD can be defined as a severe psychological reaction, lasting one month and involving intense feeling of fear, helplessness, or horror, to intensely traumatic events, events involving actual or threatened death or serious injury to oneself or others (Alloy, Riskino, Manos, 2005, p.157). In other words PTSD is the, â€Å"hypermnesis linked to the trauma which produces various emotional disturbances that result in a state of increased hypersensitivity towards environmental stimuli â€Å" (Tapia, Clarys, Isingrini El-Hage, 2007).Insinuating after this intense traumatic experience or episode one is going to experience an anxiety to stimuli that reminds the victim of this initial experience. PTSD can also be diagnosed in two different forms in the DSM-IV-TR, which are Acute and Chronic PTSD. The different forms are recognized by the severity of an individual’s disorder; Acute lasting just a month or so then gradually fading away. Then there is the Chronic form that is much more server and last for years, even decades, and in some cases a lifetime (Alloy et al., 2005, p.157). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has not always been defined or distinguished by DSM as it was portrayed above. Not until the third edition of the DSM published in 1980 was PTSD placed as a subcategory of anxiety disorders, then again it was republished with the fourth edition in 1994 defining it as a new stress response category (Beall, 1997). The true origin or time when the term PTSD was defined was in 1908s yet for many years before this there have been terms which were used to describe the symptoms of this disorder which was commonly associated with war fatigue. These are terms such as â€Å"shell shocked†, â€Å"combat fatigue† and â€Å"combat neurosis†, were terms, which mainly arose during World War I (WW1) to describe some soldier’s depression, anxiety, nightmares and panic attacks after returning from battle. This followed through WWII where the same symptoms were observed. A study on 1,089 Dutch veterans 50 years after the WWII showed that 50% o f these people were still suffering from PTSD in some way and only 4% showed no symptoms at all. The next major war, the Vietnam War, saw much of the same but on a larger scale due to many factors. (Alloy et al., 2005, p.158). At one time war fatigue was one of the only causes of PTSD; however, today we now know that it is one of the major causes and there are many other stressors, situations, and events which can cause one to endure the same symptoms of PTSD; both acute and chronic. For many generations Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was mainly related to war fatigue. Yet it is now known that virtually any trauma that can be considered life threatening or that severe, compromises the emotional well-being of an individual, or causes intense fear is a cause of PTSD. In other terms PTSD can derive from any stress, fear, situation or event, which can cause injury, death, emotional damage or even intense fear. So this can happen in many different situations; for example, a plane crash, a natural disaster (tornados, earthquakes, etc.), an assault, a car crash or even rape. It all depends what each individual feels will compromise their well being to what situations can actually be a trigger for the start of PTSD. A perfect example of this was after two large earthquakes in Iceland 100 children between the ages of 10-15 were chosen from the hardest hit areas to be examined and questioned for symptoms of PTSD. The results were quite interesting where 59% an extreme fear of injury during the quake 49% fear of death and 30% felt completely helpless. This Natural disaster triggered the symptoms of PTSD among these children and left an imprinting fear or anxiety of earthquakes with them (Bodvarsdottir, Elkit Gudmundsdottir, 2007). The effects and symptoms of PTSD can also be portrayed through each individual in a variety of ways, shapes and forms. According to the â€Å"National Institute of Mental Health† there are three main categories which symptoms can be grouped under. The first category is re-experiencing symptoms, which can be anything from flashbacks (reliving the experience), nightmares, and frightening or even suicidal thoughts. These types of symptoms can be triggered from anything that reminds the victim of the traumatic experience. Types of triggers could be a place, thought, word, object or almost anything that reminds the individual of the traumatic event. The second category is avoidance symptoms, which include avoiding certain places, objects, and people. The victim might feel socially numb and have strong guilt and depression. One may have loss of interest in once enjoyable activities and they may have trouble remembering the actual traumatic even which triggered the PTSD. The last cat egory is hyperarousal symptoms such as feeling on edge, anxious, being easily startled, having sudden outburst, and having difficulty sleeping (NIMH, 2009). All of these symptoms interfere with the victim’s ability to function normally or to the extent they did before the triggering event. This may be anything from ones sleeping pattern being disoriented, insomnia, lack of energy or motivation and even fear or loss of social activity. In many cases the individual may lose the ability to function properly or at all in social situation, which can lead to a social phobia. A particularly good example of this is when Vietnam Veterans returned form war. Instead of being greeted with praise and welcomed they were spat on and called baby killers due to the political view at that current time. Along with most likely having some form of PTSD these men were also repressed by society forcing down upon them, â€Å"social stigmatization and isolation† (Nietlisbach Maercker, 2009). In many cases this caused victims to become violent and distant from love ones, this is a possibility for any case of PTSD not just war veterans. However there are treatments that can be used to counter act PTSD. Treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder include a variety of techniques that are designed to help the victim through a recovery process. These techniques include forms of psychotherapy where the victims and encouraged to form relationships with family or friends. The individual should begin relationship building as well as emotional and cognitive connections with the trauma. The victim should also recognize the divergence between pre and post trauma values, meaning how their values have changed. Learning to modify one’s since of self establishes a meaning for the trauma being experienced. Also, it is important to reestablish appropriate self-management and social skills so they will be able to live a normal life (Marshall Dobson, 1996). These types of therapies along with constant reestablishment into society and their family along with reassuring yourself confidence is very key in through PTSD. There are medications, which are also used such as paroxetine and sertralin e, which are both anti-depressants. These are used to treat depression, fear, worry, anger and feeling numb inside. In many cases this is paired with psychotherapy and the various techniques discussed above to help the victim through the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (NIHM, 2006). In conclusion Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a very concerning disorder, which is triggered by a traumatic event that induces the fear of death, injury or emotional damage. This has been seen through the ages yet became very prevalent in the first and second World Wars were men came home with bouts of battle fatigue or being â€Å"shell socked.† This was also seen all throughout Vietnam and on a larger scale due to the political views during that era. PTSD was then defined in the DSM-III in 1980 as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We now know, that PTSD can be caused not only from war but almost any traumatic event in an individual life, which triggers the immense fear of death, injury or emotional damage. This affects individuals in a variety of ways through symptoms such as re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance and hyperarousal. In some case impairing ones ability to function normally in social situations. However, there are treatments that are designed to target the specific symptoms and affects to rebuild the victim’s confidence, relationships, and life style to what it was to previously to the traumatic event. References (2006). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from nimh.nih.gov/health/publicati Alloy, L., Riskino, J., Manos, M. (2005). Abnormal psychology current perspectives 9th edition (pgs. 157-158) New York McGraw Hill. Beall, L. (1997). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Bibliographic Essay. Retrieved from www.lib.auburn.edu/socsci/docs/ptsd.html Bodvarsodottir, I., Elkit, A., Gudmundsdottir, D.B. (2007). Post-traumatic Stress Reactions in Children after two large Earthquakes in Iceland. Nordic Psychology 58(2), Jul, 2006. pp. 91-107 , doi 10.1027/1901-2276.58.2.9 Marshall, R., Dobson, M. (1996). A gereral model for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in war veterans. Psychotherapy Vol 32(3), Fal, 1995. pp. 389-396 , doi 10.1037/0033- 3204.32.3.389 Nietlisbanch, G., Maercker, A. (2009). Effects of social exclusion in trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychological Trauma 1(4), Dec, 2009. pp. 323-331 , doi 10.1037/a0017832 Tapia, G., Clarys, D., Isingrini, M., El-Hage, W. (2007). Memory and Emotion In Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Canadian psychology 48(2), May, 2007. p. 106-119, doi 10.1037/cp2007012 Research Papers on Post Traumatic Stress DisorderThree Concepts of PsychodynamicPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Definition of Export QuotasHip-Hop is ArtBringing Democracy to AfricaMind TravelThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andAnalysis Of A Cosmetics Advertisement

Auditing,governance and scandals Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Auditing,governance and scandals - Coursework Example The problems that faced A.I.G are not purely financial crises brought about by the tough global economic condition or any form of catastrophes. The problems, as evidenced by the Mutual fund scandals (2003), the Insurer bid rigging (2004) and AIG accounting scandal (2005) were purely caused by managerial twists and dysfunctions (Evans, 2012 p62). The management administration and governance failures saw the company plunge into a deep financial crisis, from which it has been trying to recover until present day (Markham, 2005 p510). The management and governance failure for this organization are traceable in several of the management deliberate misdeeds. First, the company took a huge amount of funds that were collected from securities lending, and invested them in the subprime bonds. Additionally, the company comingled its insurance subsidiaries to give it back some more money for that purpose (Boyd, 2011 p72). In so doing, the company ignored all the risks involved in operating liquid ity subprime bonds and went on to commit huge amount of its customer’s funds to this risk. ... The organization inflated its reserves that are used to pay claims by $106 million, making its reserve appear as though it was in a good state, and thus overly stating the organization’s total net worth. Additionally, the top management of the organization engaged in an illegal scheme with its traders, where it instructed them to buy A.I.G shares from the stock market in bulk, so that its share prices would rise (Spencer, 2009 p42). The acceptance of the ethical and accounting lapses, which led to the fraudulent and manipulation of accounting practices, places this organization on the list of companies with a high management and governance failure. Finally, bid rigging is yet another management failure that adds to the governance problem of the organization. The organization and its subsidiaries were involved in colluding with the executives of leading insurance companies, to defraud customers off billions of money, under false pretenses (Markham, 2005 p496). The executives ar ranged some fake noncompetitive bids and then conveyed them to the customers of some of the company’s subsidiaries, while also hiding some commission charges, to defraud the insurance buyers. A.I.G improvements and changes after the big scandals Notwithstanding the financial crisis that the company experienced after the scandals and management malpractices, the situation of the organization has continued to improve. The organization has engaged in various practices that improved its situation. First, the organization replaced all the top management executives who were involved in the malpractices, with other fresh individuals, who are committed to the course of reviving and improving the situation

The deterance the death penalty offers Research Paper

The deterance the death penalty offers - Research Paper Example The work at hand presents the point that death penalty indeed has the capability to control the prevalence of murder and other related capital crimes. Critical analysis of the available literature concerning the issue is included. Anti-death-penalty proponents like John Blume, a law professor with the Cornell Death Penalty Project, concludes that there is no credible evidence to support deterrence of murder and capital crimes with the implementation of death penalty. The main justification of their points stands on the ground that â€Å"If deterrence worked, how could Texas which executes a dozen inmates a year, have a higher murder rate than Colorado, which has executed one murderer in more than four decades?† (Booth). In 2009 survey, more than 88% of criminologists believe that the death penalty was not a deterrent to murder, a result showing strong link to the consistent lower murder rate of non-Death penalty states compared to those that are employing the Death penalty (Th e Death Penalty and Deterrence). Daniel Nagin, expert in criminology and statistics at Carnegie Mellon University, said in an interview, â€Å"The studies have reached widely varying, even contradictory, conclusions. Some studies conclude that executions save large numbers of lives; others conclude that executions actually increase homicides; and still others conclude that executions have no effect on homicide rate† (National Journal staff). In 2002, part of the annual Texas Crime Poll revealed that majority of the respondents showed support for the death penalty, but a substantial number of them also showed lack confidence on its use while others supported moratorium on executions (Vollum and Longmire 521). After concluding a research study that says each execution saves five lives, H. Naci Mocan, an economist at Louisiana State University, said, â€Å"I personally am opposed to the death penalty, but my research shows that there is deterrent effect† (Liptak). Mocan a dds, â€Å"Science does really draw a conclusion. It did. There is no question about it. The conclusion is there is a deterrent effect† (Tanner). However, legal scholars refuted this idea, specifying the point that theories of economists do not apply to the violent world of crime and punishment, as they might be linked to faulty premises, insufficient data and flawed methodologies (Liptak). This is all the same point which by Fox and Radelet state against the research study of Ehrlich and Layson. The measurement of the deterrent effect of death penalty has been critically considered from another wider point of view when Ehrlich’s and Layson’s works reveal the importance of using the economic perspective on the issue by employing economic model, which could show further that every execution may possibly deter as many as 18 homicides (Fox and Radelet 30). However, Ehrlich’s economic model is said to have failed to provide conclusive evidence supporting the deterrent effect of capital punishment (Chan and Oxley 1). However, Fox and Radelet scrutinized Ehrlich’s and Layson’s methodology by understanding the flaws involved in using econometric model, data quality, time period, negative bias, and aggregation bias and even the misinterpretation of Layson’s findings. Unconvinced of the above general claim, the proponents of the death penalty argued that the murder rate could