The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey In recent centuries, China has been subject to many foreign powers even on its own soil. In times of low national pride, martial art masters such as Ye Wen and Huo Yuanjia became national heroes, inspiring the Chinese people to prove their worth to visiting foreigners and preserve their sovereignty. Through a comparative study of heroic martial artists in the recent Chinese films Ip Man( ) and Jet Li’s Fearless ( ), this paper will explore how the stories that they tell relate to and critically reflect the â€Å"Hero’s Journey† narrative pattern identified by American Scholar Joseph Campbell.Campbell’s 2008 book The Hero With a Thousand Faces provides a theoretical frame for this paper. We will study how these martial artists’ personal stories inspire their community and the nation to overcome great hardship and how the filmic representation of their images represents the self-image of China as a nation. Drawing a parallel between these heroic images and China’s own journey toward self-reliance and national regeneration, this paper will argue that the narrative pattern of â€Å"A Hero’s Journey† could also project a meaningful reading of China’s own trajectory of social and economic growth as a nation.The first film that this paper studies, Jet Li’s Fearless takes place in the early 1900’s, half a century after the Opium Wars have resulted in China giving up territory to Western powers as well as diminished their rule over foreigners in Chinese cities. In this historical period, Western powers look down on the Chinese as the weak men of Asia. Likewise, despite his father being a martial arts master, Huo Yuanjia is not permitted by his father to practice wushu because of his asthma.After his father’s death, Yuanjia is able to practice wushu openly and begins to build his reputation as the â€Å"best of Tianjin. † Huo Yuanjia’s call to adven ture comes after tragedy strikes his family. Yuanjia is led by one of his disciples to believe that another martial artist, Master Qin, has beaten him without provocation. In the ensuing confusion, Yuanjia kills Master Qin and Master Qin’s nephew in turn kills Yuanjia’s wife and daughter. This personal tragedy can be contextualized in the historical period knows as the Boxer Rebellion.China’s reluctance to accept western ideals, specifically its rejection of Christianity, led to irrevocable conflict across the country in which many innocent people lose their lives. As portrayed by the film, one of China’s major weaknesses was its inability to adapt as the world around it modernizes and westernizes. A hero is not without mentors and ultimately must work to gain a treasure, which can then be used to transform the world. Huo Yuanjia is humbled by the tragedy that struck his life and learns to accept guidance from many around him.In a small mountain village h e is taught how to live in harmony with nature. Upon returning to Tianjin, he visits his old friend Nong Jinsun with a changed heart. Yuanjia knows that China’s image is in desperate need of refreshing and asks his friend to pay his way to challenge O’Brien, the US boxing champion, in Shanghai. Huo Yuanjia then undergoes many tests, finding allies and enemies along the way. He is invited to dinner and tea on occasion. The first invitation comes, again, from his friend Nong Jinsun.The two agree that China must realize the gravity of their situation and reunite to take back their sovereignty. Jinsun knows that Yuanjia can unify the country through martial arts and is so dedicated to the idea that he sells his successful restaurant in order to help open the Jingwu Sports Federation. Later, Yuanjia has tea with an arranged challenger, Anno Tanaka. Tanaka is prideful of his knowledge and taste for differentiating various grades of tea. In perhaps the deepest line of the fil m, Yuanjia explains to Tanaka that the tea does not judge itself, but people judge it, placing one above the other.In contrast, Yuanjia believes that the all tea is made equal by nature and the taste of the tea will reflect the attitude of the drinker. As for martial arts, there isn’t one superior style, but varying degrees of skill in each style. This explains China’s endangered situation at the time of the movie. The Chinese style of government and nationalism simply couldn’t withstand the pressure of outside forces. Finally, the hero Huo Yuanjia must  be severely tested in order to be purified by a last sacrifice.According to the film Fearless, Yuanjia’s sacrifice is literal. In a contest against four opponents, he is poisoned, even as he is near victory. China has its own internal conflict. Although the internal struggle was largely put on hold during the Second World War, the Chinese Communist and Nationalist Parties divided China one more time bef ore it could finally be united under Mao Zedong’s communist government. Tanaka declares Yuanjia the victor as he dies and becomes a hero behind which the Chinese can unite to fight the foreign influence.Resonating the theme of heroism and nationalism, the movie Ip Man is a great tribute to Ip Man, a great leader of China by example of his determination to achieve justice. This story takes place in Foshan, Guangdong region before and during the Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s. This invasion leaves a lot of Chinese people to be wrongly treated and also have an inappropriate and improper view of the actuality in strength that China has as a whole especially in numbers. What good can a high amount of people be if they aren’t all governed by the same organized and directive laws?The importance of effective and self-sufficient leadership is great and can be shown through the life of heroes like the martial artist Ip Man, a visionary leader of the Chinese people, who was able to bring hope, direction and most importantly greater unity to the local Chinese community Ip Man was a very important and influential master of Kong Fu in the history of China. Taking his heroic life and comparing it with the â€Å"Hero’s Journey† will allow readers to perceive what affects a Heroic figure had on a historical nation such as China.According to Joseph Campbell, there are various stages in the narrative pattern of â€Å"A Hero’s Journey. † The most important are: one, â€Å"The Ordinary World†; two, â€Å"The Call To Adventure†; three, â€Å"Refusal of The Call†; four, â€Å"Meeting with the mentor†; five, â€Å"Tests, Allies and Enemies†; six â€Å"The Ordeal†; seven, â€Å"The Road Back†; and lastly, eight, â€Å"Return With The Elixir†. In Ip Man, the first stage, â€Å"The Ordinary World†, is presented as the earlier life of Ip Man. He is extremely accomplished in t raditional Chinese martial arts and lives a quite life.As an ordinary person, he has no desire to become a master and teach others. Corresponding to Stage two, â€Å"The Call To Adventure,† Ip Man is brought to pass as the Japanese are introduced as invading China, which caused numerous Chinese to live in perilous conditions. Ip Man, as well, lost his home and many personal belongings. In a scene of the film, a Japanese General invites Chinese locals to challenge Japanese martial artists using their own styles of Kong Fu to judge which national martial arts are more powerful.The intersection between personal and national crisis is escalated in the third stage, corresponding to Campbell’s narrative pattern â€Å"Refusal of the Call†, when Ip Man chooses to fight against 10 Japanese fighters at once due to the very recent murder of his close friend. He triumphs at last, conquering his challengers. When he reviews this experience with his wife, he comments that his Kong Fu has no use in this current unfortunate situation for his country-men and friends since the whole nation is in a larger, much more dangerous and critical condition.Later a Chinese officer who later works as the interpreter for the Japanese brings the Japanese military to find Ip Man. This is when the fifth stage is visible, â€Å"Tests, Allies and Enemies†. Ip Man could see the apparent intentions that one Japanese officer had towards his wife. To save himself and his family from danger, Ip Man fights against all the soldiers and finally manages to flee. The story later progresses into stage six â€Å"The Ordeal†, when Ip Man dares to face the Japanese General in a fight to see whose Kong Fu can prevail.At this time Ip Man understands that whether he wins or loses, he is doomed to be unfairly killed. However, he knows that the dignity and glory of his nation rests on him and is dependent on his victory. Ip man then greatly triumphed in this match up, and the la rge crowd mostly consisting of Chinese locals cheered and chanted, â€Å"Ip Man, Ip Man†¦Ã¢â‚¬  but then out of nowhere a Japanese Colonel shot Ip Man, and seemed to have killed him, but luckily he lived on.Finally, corresponding to Stage seven, â€Å"The Road Back†, the film shows Ip Man willingly sacrificing himself to protect the workers in the cotton factory, when revealing his genuine care for them, his countrymen. Lastly, stage eight, â€Å"Return with the elixir† is that Ip Man finally establishes his belief that Chinese martial arts is founded in Confucian spirit, the essence of which is benevolence. This corresponds to the eighth stage in the Campbell narrative pattern, the return with the elixir, which to Ip Man, is this spirit of benevolence. This, the elixir is a treasure that the Hero brings back from his journey.It can be physical or an idea. In most wushu films, the elixir can best be compared to attaining a zen-like state where the hero gains int ernal peace and harmony with the world around him. To conclude, as a part of the Hero’s Journey, the hero must obtain some form of treasure or elixir. For Huo Yuanjia, the treasure was discovering the essence of wushu. Before his journey, Yuanjia was certainly a strong martial artist, but through his journey, he realized that the true power in martial arts is the ability to avert conflict and better oneself.For Ip Man, the true lesson that he obtained was that you must cherish your abilities using them for good and that even one person can accomplish great things as an example to others, causing many people to unite and become great. As a nation with dramatic changes in the recent decades, China has recently learned this lesson power in unity and good leadership as well. In 1971, The People’s Republic of China gained a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Since then, China has worked peacefully to become a world power, with an average annual GDP growth rate of ne arly 10 percent in the last 20 years.And finally, Beijing had the honor of hosting the world’s athletes in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. China has grown into a world power, and as any hero knows, with great power comes great responsibility. Through this process that is found through a hero’s journey, the audience are also invited to explore the importance of these heroes and their entire process of becoming real heroes and draw lessons from them. The same is true for China as a nation that may grow and progress by learning from the empowering examples of heroes on screen such as Ip Man and Huo Yuanjia. .

Machiavelli and Renaissance Humanism

Renaissance Humanism is defined as â€Å"a literary and linguistic movement-an attempt to revive classical Latin (and later Greek), as well as the values and sensibilities that came with the language† (Hunt et al, 415). I think that Machiavelli was a humanist of his era because in his writing The Prince, he relied on history to provide a handbook to future rulers and princes. Machiavelli drew much of this guidebook from his past dealings with politicians and their self-ambitious monarchies. In my opinion he wrote this guide to as a way to show future princes that the ways of the past should be adhered to in order for Italy to regain its prior glory. In The Prince Machiavelli uses many examples from history to show that we need to embrace the past in order to gain a prosperous future. Machiavelli's, The Prince serves as a handbook to future rulers with their roles and responsibilities. Machiavelli begins his handbook with his view of princely virtues. He argues that in order for a person to be a good leader and stay in rule he must not just be a good person but that â€Å"he must learn how to not be good† (Lawall et al, 1951) in order to protect himself from anyone trying to overtake his rule. He must always be prepared and not make himself the â€Å"good guy† all the time. Machiavelli shows that being a good person all of the time will only allow for the bad people to overpower the good people, â€Å"because anyone who determines to act in all circumstances the part of a good man must come to ruin among so many who are not good† (Lawall et al, 1951). Machiavelli goes on to further his humanistic views on how a prince should be viewed by his people. He discusses the choices a person of power has in being â€Å"liberal† (1952) and generous or stingy. He goes on to say that being too liberal will bring a man of power to ruin and that being frugal is important. He explains that as long as a ruler â€Å"abstains from the property of his citizens and subjects† he will gain the respect of his people. He goes on to discuss that a ruler will be more respected if he is living and spending other people’s money. He discusses the examples set by Cyrus, Caesar, and Alexander in which they lived off â€Å"plunder, loot and ransom† (1953). These three rulers were spending the â€Å"money of others† (1953) and therefore were not hurting themselves by having to spend what was already theirs. Machiavelli goes on to explain that â€Å"nothing eats itself up as fast as does liberality† (1953) because when practiced it can lead to poverty and will make a ruler have to raise taxes which will in turn bring hatred on by his people (1953). Machiavelli also discusses the importance of being feared and loved as well as, being thought of as cruel but compassionate all at the same time. He uses Dido and Borgia as examples. Borgia is used as the example for cruelty. He says that because Borgia was so cruel his cruelness brought prosperity and unity to Romagna and therefore was prosperous because of the fear that he instilled in his people. But because his Senate was too â€Å"compassionate† he lost his clout (1954). Machiavelli also explains that a new prince is going to face several challenges and because of this will be faced to make very hard decisions that may or may not hurt his reputation among his people. Here he uses Virgil’s Dido as an example, â€Å"Hard circumstances and the newness of my realm force me to do such things, and to keep watch over all my lands† (1954). From these examples, Machiavelli is telling his reader that as a prince they must be flexible and show cruelty or compassion when needed in any situation. Machiavelli goes on to state that a prince should â€Å"be slow in believing and acting, and should make no one afraid of him†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦so that â€Å"too much confidence does not make him incautious, and too much suspicion does not make him unbearable† (1954). This is the way to keep support from his people and will not turn their backs on him when the going gets tough. Renaissance Humanism is defined as â€Å"a literary and linguistic movement-an attempt to revive classical Latin (and later Greek), as well as the values and sensibilities that came with the language† (Hunt et al, 415). Machiavelli’s The Prince was essentially a handbook for how a Prince should portray himself but could also be seen as a day to day handbook by the everyday people of his time for they were all faced with the same moral decisions on a daily basis. Machiavelli used The Prince as a gateway to create a moral and philosophical guide for all people in general and uses examples from history to show that the past needs to be embraced in order to gain a prosperous future.

Is Google Making Us Stupid Essay

In his article, â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid,† Nicholas Carr, a former executive editor of the Harvard Business Review and a member of the steering board for the World Economic Forum’s cloud computing project, criticizes the overall impact of the internet, as a whole, on the human process of thought, comparing his past level of conception to â€Å"a scuba diver in a sea of words† whereas his current understanding simply â€Å"zip[s] along the surface† (Carr 68). Carr targets the prominent internet search engine as the black sheep for web user’s dwindling in capacity to comprehend and concentrate on high-brow literature. However, due to the fact that the objective of the corporation is to ultimately be monetarily successful, Google’s approach to providing proficient, while immediate, information is not based upon their own preference, but rather that of its’ consumers. Based on trends on college campuses, Scott Carlson, a journalist for The Chronicle, finds the number of students using libraries has drastically decreased over the years, using the convenient â€Å"‘virtual library’† at their disposal instead (Carlson 1). This infers research found on the internet is the same, and or suffice to that acquired from a hard-back encyclopedia, periodical, etc. Therefore, while I agree with the general trend of decreased absorption Carr suggests, the internet still contributes to human potential for critical, deep thought through the application of habituation and the numerous online resources offering the equivalent of any printed scholarly work. My inclination to agree with Carr’s theory is solely based on his reference to the work of Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist, who elicits that the skill of deciphering symbolic characters into an understood language is not instinctive (Carr 69). Instead, in parallel to any activity one would like to develop themselves in, â€Å"practicing the craft of reading play[s] an important part in shaping the neural circuits inside our brains† (69). The many interruptions encompassing the internet, such as info-thickets, e-mails, headlines, blog posts, etc., undermine the brains’ ability to transfer newly learned information into your long-term memory. Multitasking by attempting to read bits and pieces of a handful of information online is not beneficial and rather proves to be a less efficient way of preserving knowledge. According to the Social Science Research Network, in a study of the brain’s ability to process various data, switching mindsets proved to incite mental exhaustion. By analyzing the affects of these assorted changes in five separate experiments, the researcher found that â€Å"switching mindsets is an executive function that consumes self-regulatory resources and therefore renders people relatively unsuccessful in their self-regulatory endeavors,† simply concluding that it is in one’s best interest to â€Å"try to change hats as infrequently as possible† (Hamilton 10). Like muscle memory, the brain retains its ability to understand complex literature material only if training, or reading, is continuous. Yet, skipping out on the workouts of â€Å"immersing [oneself] in a book†¦or getting caught up in the narrative† will overtime deteriorate this strength, depreciating a powerful recollection into a weak grasp (Carr 67). Though I concede that skimming online undermines one’s effort behind scholarly reading, I still insist that the internet provides more benefits than detriments. The nature of technology, in general, broadens our potential to change our environment and has historically provided the power for civilizations to develop. From the late 21st century to the present the World Wide Web has been that force and statistics show its presence directly draws a parallel to an improvement of our brainpower. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, seventy six percent of technology stakeholders and critics disagree with Carr and accept the statement: â€Å"people’s use of the Internet has enhanced human intelligence; as people are allowed unprecedented access to more information they become smarter and make better choices† (Anderson 1). While thirty two percent of professionals, like Association for Computing Machinery U.S. Public Policy Councilman Gene Spafford, think â€Å"most writing online is devolving toward†¦quick, throwaway notes with abbreviations and threaded references,† the overwhelming majority agrees that by 2020 the internet will have boosted and advanced our ability to comprehend, inscribe and exchange knowledge (Anderson 10). These statistics are vital because they shed light on the long term positive effects of Google and the Internet, altering the premises people have established prior to research. The argument of advertisements being distracting and undermining the reader’s focus is a valid point. Carr describes these commercials as overwhelming â€Å"the medium’s content with hyperlinks, blinking ads, and other digital gewgaws,† which scatter our interest and distribute our attentiveness (Carr 71). However, the law of habituation refutes this theory, stating that our response toward a stimulus lessens with increased exposure. According to the Harris Poll, sixty three percent of U.S adults completely ignore banner and search engine advertisements and ninety one percent ignore nearly all commercialized announcements (Braverman 1). The perception Carr creates of ads, specifically hyperlinks, is misleading for he depicts the internet user to have very little say, if any, and is often coerced into utilizing the resource. In reality, rather than â€Å"propelling you toward [related works],† they merely serve as suggestions used at the expense of the consumer (Carr 67). What Carr does not draw attention to throughout his article is the fact that internet tools, like cookies, and hyperlinks, are solely approaches supporting the web’s convenience. Therefore, a correlation may exist between the surfing of the internet and lower reading comprehension and concentration levels, but there is no way to measure an online reader’s intent and correspond it to the depth of what they read. Carr is mistaken because he overlooks the serving nature of the internet and attempts to draw parallels between Google and Taylorism. The â€Å"industrial choreography† of Taylorism suggests that in order to achieve maximum results, an individual system of work must be established (71). By drawing this comparison, he utterly disregards human ingenuity, depicting internet users as cookie cutters following â€Å"the perfect algorithm† to suit our requests (72). As Peter Norvig, Google Research Director, conveys, â€Å"Taylorism shifts responsibility from worker to management, institutes a standard method for each job/Google does the opposite, shifting responsibility from management to the worker, encouraging creativity in each job† (Anderson 2). While Carr presents a suitable case to support his dilemma, his tendency to prove the null hypothesis of Google is overly pessimistic. His argument that the long term influence of the internet on our comprehension and concentration will be damaging is blemished. Although researching online may not be traditional, exposure to information we intentionally choose to look at only leads to obtained knowledge we did not know before. I italicize intentionally to make a point: the medium of information people use is based on their preference. When discussing reading over scholarly literature versus scanning for a quick answer, the fact is both are optional at the disposal of the consumer. In response to advertisements being distracting, not only are there web sites containing few, if any, but humans generally ignore them as well. Thus, if it were definitively true that the intelligence Google provides was overall harmful, the blame could not be put on the corporation. Instead, the people whom the business adhere to are at fault. Because of these reasons, and the strong correlation between the internet’s unlimited amount of knowledge and improving intellect, Google and the Web as a whole are large contributors to human potential. Works Cited Braverman, Samantha. â€Å"Are Advertisers Wasting Their Money?† PR Newswire. Harris Interactive, 3 Dec. 2010. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. Carr, Nicholas. â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid?† The New Humanities Reader. Ed. Richard E. Miller and Kurt Spellmeyer. 4th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2012. 67-74. Print. Carlson, Scott. â€Å"Technology As Students Work Online, Reading Rooms Empty Out –Leading Some Campuses to Add Starbucks.† The Chronicle. The Chronicle, 16 Nov. 2001. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. Hamilton, Ryan, Kathleen Vohs, Tom Meyvis, and Anne-Laure Sellier. â€Å"Being of Two Minds: Switching Mindsets Exhausts Self-Regulatory Resources.† Social Science Research Network. Social Science Electronic Publishing, 18 Dec. 2010. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. Rainie, Lee, and Janna Anderson. â€Å"Future of the Internet IV.† Pew Internet & American Life Project. Pew Research Center, 19 Feb. 2010. Web. 23 Sept. 2012.

The association between the derivatives products and the financial Dissertation

The association between the derivatives products and the financial risk management is quite substantial and significant - Dissertation Example In order to operate in an effective manner, the banks need to manage their assets and liabilities from the various risks prevailing in the economy, one of which is the interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from movement of interest rates. The need to manage the interest rate risk is very crucial for any bank and it has generally been observed that the interest rate risk management form the integral part of the risk management policies of all major global banks. This dissertation analysis the effectiveness of â€Å"interest rate swaps† in managing the interest rate risk faced by the UK banks and also how these derivatives product improves financial outlook of these banks. For the purpose of conducting the study, a quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted on a sample of 12 major UK based banks. Through this analysis the conclusion is drawn that interest rate swaps is quite an effective hedging tool for the management of the interest rate risk and also for improving the financial outlook of a bank. Problem Statement In the global conventional economic environment, it would be quite interesting to evaluate the usage of the interest rate swaps by the financial institutions of UK, particularly multinationals banks. In this study 12 major banks of UK are selected and through both qualitative and quantitative research, the effectiveness of interest rate swaps is evaluated in managing and curtailing the financial risk. Research aim and objective The association between the derivatives products and the financial risk management is quite substantial and significant. The purpose of this paper is to conduct research on the basis of an expected analytical outcome, based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the financial statements of UK banks, that how they have implemented the interest rate swaps in their risk management strategy. In this dissertation proposal the aims and objectives are as follows: To cla rify the influencing impact that the interest rate swaps in the global financial market in terms of managing and curtailing risk. Through quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, evaluate how giant UK banks are safeguarding their risk of being exposed to interest rate fluctuation in both the local and international financial market. Through a questionnaire, conduct an interview with the major finance personnel of these banks in order to obtain their views about the effectiveness of interest rate swaps in managing interest rate and financial risk. Research Questions Is there any positive significant association between interest rates swaps and financial risk management process? How interest rate swaps works in the global financial market? How effective are interest rate swaps in managing and curtailing the interest rate risk and financial risk faced by the UK banks? Dissertation Layout The first Chapter ‘

Make it more persuasive Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Make it more persuasive - Essay Example Another aspect to consider while making the proposal more convincing is ensuring that the project is the head of the program. The main reason for a project to be ahead of schedule is to ensure that there would enough time to make amendments before the deadline in case of any anomaly. However, I would ensure that the costs are reasonable and leave a generous allowance just in case the prices changes. Consequently, the proposal should indicate any unexpected good or bad news (Sant 2012). Nevertheless, to ensure that the plan incorporates all the above elements, I have to ensure that the proposal is attractive, and it should reflect the actual project. Moreover, I would use an authoritative tone and avoid a casual appearance of the project. Similarly, I would use a positive accent while writing the proposal. While stating figures of the costs, I would support the generalizations with facts. For example, I would provide facts for the revenues of the corporation and the membership dues. There should be a proper balance between tasks: the tasks, which the project has accomplished, and the ones that should be accomplished. Finally, a summary and the appraisal should be independent; I would ensure they satisfy the

Values Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Values Paper - Essay Example The officer also vows to be honest both in his personal and official life and to become an example by obeying the laws and regulations of the land. In this statement the officer also recognizes the importance of not permitting his personal feelings, animosities or friendships and prejudices to influence his decisions. He vows to enforce the law appropriately and courteously without malice, fear or favor and never to use unnecessary force or violence. Our Core Values Convict the guilty Protect victims Protect the innocent from wrongful conviction Maintain order Protect both the innocent and guilty from oppressive or arbitrary treatment Secure public confidence and cooperation in policing and prosecution; and Pursue these goals effectively and efficiently without disproportionate cost and consequent harm to other public services Our core values relate to the criminal justice agency’s values statement as follows: we strive to protect all people including the innocent and victims from oppressive or arbitrary treatment just like the criminal agency strives to protect all persons including the weak and the peaceful from oppression, violence or disorder. Another core value is securing public confidence in policing and prosecution which relates to the law officer will enforce the law without malice, fear or favor. ... These values are mostly based on a person’s ethnicity and the kind of people a person grows up with. They are also subject to change. According to Koivula (2008) values are abstract rules of desirable conduct and goals developed to fit the conditions in which the society lives. The author also asserts that common values ensure that members of a society understand each other and pursue similar goals in a compatible way without a great deal of negotiation. Values lead to knowledge sharing in the workplace (Koivula, 2008). The author gives an example of self-transcendence values including benevolence and Universalism which are positively connected with knowledge sharing in the workplace. Values make us better people and help us contribute to the betterment of the society including other people and the environment. Values drive us to helping other people either as individuals or groups. Values cause people to become independent in the workplace. People do not need to be closely su pervised if they are guided by values. One is able to determine the nature of his or her work without significant direction from others. Values enhance teamwork in the workplace. People tend to work towards common goals when they are guided by the same values. Employees are more likely to have a good working relationship when they work as a group and are governed by similar organizational values when performing their duties. Values lead to organizational change. Koivula (2008) found that attitudes rely on values and they usually guide behavior in the workplace. The author states that organizational change requires a person to at least sacrifice his or her own resources and interests for the benefit of the whole

On student engagement and interaction in IT-based education Essay

On student engagement and interaction in IT-based education - Essay Example The notion of pedagogy is strikingly complex (Anderson, 2005). Nonetheless, such notion could generally be defined in three ways: as a process of knowledge transfer; as a structure of information transfer; and as an art of teaching The third definition of pedagogy as a theory and praxis is considerably broad. This paper, however, heavily uses the term â€Å"pedagogy† as the process of teaching in which a particular knowledge or information is transmitted from one person or group to another. On the other hand, the question of how Information and Technology, or simply IT, significantly affects classroom learning can be substantially answered through the elements characterized in IT system and their intricate processes relating to the practice of pedagogy. Wellington (1994) gives several factors in which present-day IT system is highly advantageous: (1) stores a huge amount of information; (2) performs complex operations and calculations; (3) processes and displays a set of data in many and varied formats; and (4) facilitates in communicating information. By and large, these factors are indirectly and probably directly connected to the process of classroom teaching since pedagogy involves information, calculation, processes, and communications. Needless to say, IT is only a medium used in transferring a specialized type of data (i.e., body of knowledge) from one or numerous person/s to another. Engaging and Interacting Information and Technology widely facilitate the teacher’s pedagogy in encouraging and stimulating the learner’s engagement and interaction. ... In general, IT as a tool stimulates the students to be engaged, if not engrossed, into learning experience via experimentation or technological manipulation. In the University of Minnesota’s Interactive Classroom, biology students in their freshmen year are able to create ideas or knowledge based from their group interaction using IT application. In the context of conjectural paradigm, learners from this state-of-the-art classroom are able to visually and conceptually construct models, say, of the human body (e.g., cell structure) via the given interface. The biology teacher from said University says that the IT medium is a valuable tool for transforming a textbook-based knowledge into a new and fresh idea (University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, 2009). Another category is called revelatory paradigm; this paradigm primarily aims to permit students in discovering ideas or hypotheses in their own way. Unlike the â€Å"anyone anyone† type of classroom pedag ogy, interactive classroom as a method of teaching allows students to explore and discover the field or knowledge of biology in the way that suits their intellectual curiosity. Problem, Solution, and Impression One of the major obstacles of classroom education with respect to IT-based learning is the so-called digital divide. Like the notion of pedagogy, digital divide as a concept is varied. Besides economic in nature, the term â€Å"digital divide† entails the inability to acquire knowledge and learning via computer application due mainly to the adult person’s being â€Å"resistant to change† (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2000). Moreover, the

Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada Research Paper - 2

Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada - Research Paper Example It deals with the issues concerning its organizational culture that encourages excellence by shielding itself from a nefarious effect of political influence which can negatively affect its organizational objectives of providing an efficient transport system for the region's population not only today but fifty years from now. It had adopted transparency in all its transactions with the publication of all relevant data and information on its Web site regarding its activities, agenda and future plans so that all the agency's community investments are maximized. The paper also gives a brief background on the dynamic region of southern Nevada and how the RTCSN plays an important part in its vital transformation. The agency is well managed as an empowered organization through its internal advocacy (like re-organization) and external advocacy (in cases like plans for transport systems such as building new roads) to minimize traffic congestion and future transport challenges. Introduction Th e region of southern Nevada includes the five counties of Clark, Esmeralda, Nye, Mineral, and Lincoln; this is incidentally also the region where the majority of the state's population live due to the rest of the state being an inhabitable desert. This region encompasses the Las Vegas Valley and the region is a major educational center of the area. Moreover, most of its economy is based on the tourism-related industries of gaming (gambling), leisure, vacation (senior retirees), hotel, hospitality, and travel. This means there is a lot of movement within this region, which is a reason for existence of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTCSN) to regulate and plan all the transport-related concerns of this region with regards to this sudden population expansion due to the influx of tourists (both local and foreign), migrants (temporary workers seeking jobs, mostly in construction) and those potential retirees attracted by the warm climate, no state taxes and na ture attractions at Lake Tahoe. It is estimated Nevada entices some five million visitors annually with revenues of about US$ 6 billion (Leong, 2008, p. 2). Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada is the agency mandated by state and federal governments for maintaining a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3C) transportation planning process. The RTCSN has been re-named (in 1981) as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for southern Nevada in view of its expanded responsibilities. This new agency has to operate using the same modern management tools used in all big corporations and is the subject or topic of this paper. Among other things, it has to operate within budgets, use organizational skills to attract the best-qualified people to its ranks and obtain the cooperation of the riding public to achieve its goals of efficiency and sustainability (RTCSN, 2012, p. 1). Discussion The RTCSN has to be operated like any private enterprise in order to maximize all the resources given to it and achieve its mission of sustainability such as maintaining the air quality through encouragement of Club Ride Commuter Services that promotes walking, biking, pooling of cars and vans, and in the use of the mass transit system, which it operates and carries about 64 million passengers per year.  

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study Example Underlying pathology and admission to ED Mrs. S was admitted to the hospital post fall, from bed to floor, complaining of severe pain on her left leg. She got unable to stand or bend due to her left leg. From her past history, Mrs. S became placed on a five leads cardiac monitor and her blood samples got taken. Her chest, pelvis and left hip x-ray got organised. The results obtained indicated her chest x-ray as clear, but with complete dislocation of the femoral prosthesis from the acetabular cup. Multiple dislodge metallic wiring also got noted. She then got diagnosed as having a dislocated left prosthetic hip which was reduced by gentle traction in ED. Goals of treatment The goals of treating Mrs S dislocated left prosthetic hip got set as; relieving her from pain, help her hip joint work better, and improving her walking and other movements (Kneale & Davis, 2005). Like other patients who suffer from hip dislocation, Mrs S undergoes groin and hip pain. Her pain emanates from her co mplete dislocation of her femoral prostheses from the acetabular cup. The treatment intends to reduce and control the pain. It is vital that Mrs S got provided with pain medication. Once this goal becomes achieved, the patient can undergo the rest of the medication process in a relaxed state. Another aim of her treatment was to get Mrs S left prosthetic hip to work better. Through gentle traction, Mrs S left hip prostheses should get back to its anatomical position in the acetabular. Once this repositioning gets achieved, Mrs S hip would get back to perform its range of muscular movement operations. The treatment focuses on stretching and strengthening the muscles that surround the hip joint. This allows the hip to gain back its strength and motion. When repositioning of the dislocated left hip prosthesis gets achieved, Mrs S should get to improve her walking and other movements. The goal of the treatment is to allow Mrs S to participate in activities such as walking. Increasing the patient’s mobility will allow her to live a more fulfilling life. The aforementioned treatment goals for Mrs S got achieved through providence of pain medication and gentle traction (Kneale & Davis, 2005). After evaluation of her pain, Mrs S got administered with sufficient analgesia. While at the ED, the patient got administered with intravenous morphine to relieve her off her pain. To improve her mobility and relocate her dislocated prosthesis, gentle traction of the leg with mild sedation helped to achieve the goals (Valle, 2010). Role of technology The first technology employed in the treatment of Mrs S was the 5 lead cardiac monitor. The cardiac monitor got used as part of the patient’s physical examination tests (Marx et al, 2010). This monitor got used to test and check for problems with the electrical activity of the patient’s heart. This monitor translates the hearts electrical activity into waves on a paper. The 5 lead cardiac monitor got used in the treatment of the patient to check if her heart’s electrical activity was okay. The monitor helps to indicate whether the electrical impulse within the heart gets conducted normally. The use of X ray technology on Mrs S’s chest, pelvis and left hip assists to provide the internal structure of these parts of the

Case Study 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Study 1 - Assignment Example This paper will examine how ideas can be extended to businesses, and marketing strategies that attract consumers to products. Through virtual sales representatives, the Laguna Beach experiment was keen to attract people to brands. Some well-known brands use virtual representation to promote their products and services. Once customers get to such informative stages, they are keener as to what an organization is promoting through such means. Virtually, many people are attracted to the ideas presented. Young people get to experience the new technology and are fascinated. The personal level appears as one gets to a local area where many people go to socialise and have fun. This is at the beach where it is an everyday occurrence to have people from diverse regions showing up to enjoy themselves (Klaassen, 2007). The Bank of America from the Internet reached out to older women with children that did not have time to get to the bank. This personal touch indicated that women could open new accounts from the internet, and still have time with their children. What the bank decided to do was a step in attracting more clients, and retaining the ones they had initially. By rounding off the customers’ savings to the nearest dollar, they were guaranteed customer loyalty, and the emergence of a new base of clients (Ante, 2006). Through another outreach program, the bank called on its customers to participate in some activity that could help them find loose change. Through this program, the bank claimed enormous success and this personal venture added to their credibility. Business buyers can use such strategies to attract clients. One strategy that a business buyer can use is the constant use of the internet to attract clientele. This strategy is usually vital in shaping a business venture. The technological age is growing and expanding at a rapid speed (Cunningham, 1995). This implies that almost everyone in the world

Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 15

Accounting - Essay Example There is an additional expenditure of packaging cost of $.9 per bottle and promotional expenditure amounting to $25,000. After taking into consideration all the inflows accordingly and deducting the outflows, the total profit amounts to $518,120. In alternative – 3, the approach is quite dynamic of giving a $3 worth of cooler free for every Shiraz bottle. Also, the selling price would be reduced to $12.95. This would increase the sales volume by 40% for 2 months and 7% for the later six months. On the whole, the sales would be 82980 bottles per year. However, as per unit profit is quite low, the profit receivable would also be very low at $136,472. Analysis: In the first year, there is a cash outflow of $8000+$18000+$15000 for Gazebo. In the second year, the payment for reception center of $250,000 has to be paid. The resulting inflows have been recorded accordingly. After estimating the cash flows thus for the ten years, we need to calculate the two normal methods of project evaluation, namely: NPVand IRR. The IRR is arrived at by matching the total outflows and inflows to a particular rate of return. By trial and error basis, we understand that the interest rate is between 9 and 10%. By interpolation, we arrive at the 9.51% rate of interest. Analysis: In the current situation, Chenin and Dessert Wine are quite profitable with $9 and $10 contribution per unit respectively. Here, the point to be noted is that the contribution per unit for Dessert Wine is more than that of Chenin. After deducting the fixed expenses from contribution of sales, we arrive at profit figures of $30,400 and $33,600. In the May offer, even though, the volume is more, the total profit earned is less in the case of Chenin because of its low contribution per unit. Hence, the company should not look into the proposal of halting dessert wine bottles by 600 and taking up 800 bottles order for

Relationship is an exploratory journey Essay Example for Free

Relationship is an exploratory journey Essay Janie grew up to find herself through each of her relationships. Her subdued lifestyle with her grandmother, her subdued and rather painful existence with her first husband Logan, her disillusionment after her initial enchantment with her second husband Jody, and her unfortunate killing of the husband she so loved, Tea Cake, all help her to recognize her for who she is and by the end of the novel, she is at peace with herself. This inner peace comes about by several twists and turns. She recognizes the various aspects of her own personality through her interactions in each of her relationships. She begins to understand that she might be more than a young girl whose responsibility has to be transferred from the matronly care of her grandmother to matrimonial bond to a unsympathetic husband during her first marriage. She realizes that she is more than an enchanted woman who wants be more than a socially acceptable companion to an ambitious and ruthless man during her second marriage. In her last marital relationship she begins to understand and appreciate her own need to be vivacious, lively and have good times with good company without the need to be apologetic or the need to be unaware of her partner’s shortcomings. In the death of her last husband Tea Cake at her own hand, she realizes that Life does not offer any linear solutions to the problems of relationships. Besides, she also understands that as a person she values her own individual survival is basic for her pursuit of happiness. Her confidence at having endured life’s trials and tests and having coming out not unscathed but with her individuality intact is mistaken for aloofness by her townsfolk. Finally, her revelations to her old friend Pheoby about her life finally give her a sense of fulfillment. Janie grows up in life through her relationships and that is why she has the confidence to tell her friend that â€Å"Ah been a delegate to de big’ssociation of life. Yessuh! De Grand Lodge, de big convention of livin’ is just where Ah been†(10) Janie started off in her childhood with a blind confidence that she was entitled to everything like everyone else. She did not realize she was colored till she saw herself in a photograph and could not recognize herself. When, the rest of the children and the people of the house pointed her out in the photograph, she exclaimed â€Å"Aw, aw! Ah’m colored! †(p. 13) She was taught by her nanny before she was married to Logan Killicks that â€Å"De nigger woman is de mule uh de world so fur as Ah can see. †(p. 20) Her completely subjugated relationship with Logan who was far older than her made her realize that perhaps she wanted more out of life. She wanted to feel a wanting in her heart and her body for a man, a true companion. That is what drove her into the arms of Jody, an ambitious, would-be politician. He was enchanting and had a manner that befitted his yet-to-acquire status. What she did not realize was Jody wanted her to be performing a particular role in his life. There was no fun in Jody because he always looked at life as a mission to be accomplished. She had to tell Jody that he was no fun to be with â€Å"Everybody can’t be lak you, Jody. Somebody is bound tuh want tuh laugh and play†(p. 76) She was so offended by Jodie’s denying her right to be herself, which she began to realize slowly with growing years and experience, she did not even care to be polite to a dying man. In fact Jodie’s death filled her with a sense of relief. Her realization that any relationship can come to the end of its utility and can fill a person with an unmentionable need for it to end came with Jodie’s death. \ After this growing distancing from Jody and his loftiness, which prevented Janie from living the life as a tribute to all possibility of happiness, Tea Cake entered. â€Å"Janie looked down on him and felt a self-crushing love. So her soul crawled out from its hiding place† (p. 122) Though Tea Cake gave her a brief scare by running away from her with her money, he returned to confess and begin their new life. His vivaciousness and his love for life was something that Janie had always wanted. For her the sweet pain and the all encompassing love she experienced under a pear tree were realized in her years with Tea Cake. But as all good things it also had to come to an end. The fearsome hurricane that they fled, the rabid dog that bit Tea Cake and its ill-effects on his personality and character were all revelations of the uncertainties of life. Janie had to kill Tea Cake in self defense and was acquitted in a trial consisting of all-male, all-white jury – yet another affirmation that Life had its strange ways of indicating its endless possibilities. Now, women forget all those things they dont want to remember, and remember everything they dont want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly. †(3) The final place she comes back to is her hometown Eatonville. There, the act of sharing her life’s story with her friend fills her with a sense of completeness. Her relationship with her friend when she interacts very minimally with the townsfolk, allowing them to imagine all kinds of negative things about her, is a final revelation. The narration of the story was a necessity to herself as it was for Pheoby to know the facts. Her growth as a woman and a human being through her four major relationships in life is given a chance to be framed in perspective by her relationship with her friend –somebody with whom she shares no burden of expectation Works cited Hurston, Zora Neale and Jerry Pinkney Their eyes were watching God. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1991

Different Alternatives To Imprisonment Criminology Essay

Different Alternatives To Imprisonment Criminology Essay 1. INTRODUCTION Alternatives to imprisonment are a new approach globally in corrections. Following the World War II, penal authorities began to doubt the wisdom of keeping the prison alone as the primary correctional strategies. According to Todd, Clear Braga, (Todd, 1995, p. 80) provides that community-Based Correctional approaches grow in become common for second and third time criminals to receive sentences of probation with certain conditions established by the court and where the same felons is on the community service programs. The focus here is on alternatives to imprisonment by looking it through internationally accepted standards. The authors of this paper will focus on the following alternatives to imprisonment: community service, periodical imprisonment, correctional supervision, house arrest/ electronic monitoring and day-parole. 2. DIFFERENT ALTERNATIVES TO IMPRISONMENT 2.1 Community Service Community Service is an alternative the court may use when it has decided that a persons offence is serious and that he/she is suitable for making compensation by productive unpaid work in the community. Community Service should be physically and emotionally demanding of the offender in that it is a restriction of freedom, involves self-discipline and a respect for others and should engage the offender in tasks or situations that challenge his/her attitude, experience and ability. Community service can therefore be a positive way of making an offender compensate for offences and it can encourage personal growth and self-respect. It shows the offender that the community is affected by criminality and the community can see that offenders can make a constructive rather than destructive contribution to the community. (ZNCCS Service, 1997, p. 4) Legal framework for alternative non-custodial sanctions is highlighted in international guidelines and national legislation as provided by Bukurura (Bukurura, 2003, p. 82). On international level it is provided for in the United Nations Standards Minimum Rules for non-custodial measures (Nations, 1990). In the United States of America for instance, community-based sanctions are crucial of the United States criminal justice system. Professionals have constantly demonstrated their willingness to adopt evidence based practice. According to (Melvor, 2004) who described community service in Belgium, Netherlands, Scotland and Spain in co-operate perspective by stating that, current criminological research is particularly interested to know if they are not witnessing a punitive turn which seems to western democracies today than few decades ago. The new punitive literature and study on the culture of control have fuelled an ongoing debate and research on this question. Community service order was for the benefit of the community as it was introduced in Spanish legislation with the 1995 criminal code of that country. The Uganda Correctional Service also introduced the Uganda Community Service Bill, 1998, with its main objectives to provide community service for persons who commit minor offences, in order to reduce overcrowding in Prisons, to rehabilitate prisoners in the communities by doing productive work and to prevent minor offenders mixing with hard core criminals. The bill further seeks to empower a court which convicts a person of a minor offence, to direct the offender, with consent of the offender to perform community service as an alternative to imprisonment. (Service, 1998, p. 1) The first initiatives in the Community Service Orders started with National sensitization seminar that was held in 2002 and attended by Regional Governors, line Ministries, Home Affairs, and Justice, Prisons and Correctional Service and heads of Criminal Justice System. (Coordinator, Consultative Visit Report, 2002, p. 1) The proposed Bill on Community Service Orders in Namibia introduces various provisions that may facilitate the implementation of Community Service Orders in the country. It is important to note that from sentencing point of view, Community Service Orders is an option employed in appropriate cases to keep an offender out of prison. Accordingly a relationship exists between the imprisonment that might have been imposed and the Community Service Order that is to be served instead. (Coordinator, Namibia Community Service Orders, Manual, 2005, p. 5) 2.2 Periodical Imprisonment The court can direct an offender to stay in Prison on weekends or at night between 18h00 and 06h00. A sentence of periodic imprisonment is a sentence of imprisonment during which the committed person may be released for periods of time during the day or night or for periods of days, or both, or if convicted of a felony, other than first degree murder, a Class X or Class 1 felony, committed to any county, municipal, or regional correctional or detention institution or facility in this State for such periods of time as the court may direct. Unless the court orders otherwise, the particular times and conditions of release shall be determined by the Department of Corrections, the sheriff, or the Superintendent of the house of corrections, who is administering the program. (b) A sentence of periodic imprisonment may be imposed to permit the defendant to: (1) Seek employment (2) Work (3) Conduct a business or other self-employed (4) Attend to family needs (5) Attend an educational institution With regards to periodical imprisonment, the Namibian Correctional System is line with abovementioned definition. 2.3 Correctional Supervision It is a sentence which is served within the community and not in the Prison. A person who is serving a sentence of Correctional supervision is known as a probationer. The aim of Correctional supervision is to provide a means of rehabilitation within the community, thus preserving the important links which the offender may have with his or her family or community. Correctional supervision allows, or encourages the offender to be employed. While imprisonment results in a loss of employment and the offenders failure to support his or her dependants and result in additional costs for the State. Since offenders are in the community, they are able to make decisions and take responsibility for their life. Offenders are also encouraged to take steps towards correcting their criminal behaviour through participation in rehabilitative programmes. A person sentenced to correctional supervision remains under the supervision and control of the Department of Correctional Services until the sentence expires. Supervision takes the form of direct monitoring of the offenders movements and compliance with the sentences conditions, as well as regular support sessions with social workers. Conditions of the sentence may include a period of house arrest; the requirement that the person be home between specified hours of the day; that he or she attends a treatment programme; self-restraint from alcohol or drugs; prohibition from leaving a magisterial district; or a certain number of hours of community service. Any or all of these conditions may be imposed. (Dissel, 1997, p. 4) Diversion is endorsed by Section 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, and can be used where the offence committed is relatively minor. (Justice, 1977, p. 76). When the offender has admitted responsibility for the offence, the prosecutor can suspend the prosecution of the case upon fulfillment of certain conditions. This is usually on the condition that the offender attends a particular treatment programme. Charges are withdrawn after the conditions have been fulfilled. The Namibian legislation makes provision in the Prisons Act 17 of 1998 (Gazzette, 1998, p. 83) Section 96 and 97 that inmates be release on parole or probation on conditions as may be determined by the Zonal Release Board. 2.4 House arrest/electronic monitoring Home detention can be seen as an alternative to imprisonment and aims to reduce re-offending while also coping with increasing prison numbers and rising costs. It allows suitable offenders to retain or seek employment, maintain family relationships and responsibilities and attend rehabilitative programs that contribute towards addressing the causes of their offending. The terms of house arrest can differ, but offenders are rarely confined to their houses 24 hours a day. Most programs allow employed offenders to continue to work, and only confine them during non-working hours. They can leave their homes for specific, predetermined purposes; for example visits to the probation officer or police station, religious exceptions and medical appointments. (Spohn, 2008, p. 52). Many programmes also allow the offender to leave the home during regular, pre-approved times in order to carry out general household tasks such as shopping, church services, performing Community Services or attending authorised activities. (Stinchcomb, 2005, p. 99) House arrest in some countries such as Canada and New Zealand is often enforced through the use of technology products or services. An electronic sensor is sometimes locked to the offenders ankle known as an ankle monitor. A small portable monitoring unit that pick-up radio signals generated by offenders ankle or arm bracelet which is linked to a central computer system provides verification of an offenders whereabouts. (Champion, 2008) The electronic sensor transmits a GPS signal to a base handset. The base handset is connected to police or a monitoring service. If the offender with the sensor moves too far from home, the violation is recorded and the right authorities are summoned. Many ankle monitors can now detect attempted removal; this is to discourage tampering. The monitoring service is often contracted out to private companies, which assign employees to electronically monitor many convicts simultaneously. If the sensors detect a violation, the monitoring service calls the convicts probation officer. The electronic surveillance together with frequent contact with their probation officer and checks by the security guards provides for a secure environment. (Collins, 1974, p. 79) Another method to ensure house arrest are the use of automated calling services that require no human contact to check on the offender. Random calls are made to the residence and the respondents answer is recorded and compared to the offenders voice pattern. Authorities are notified only if the call is not answered or if the recorded answer does not match the offenders voice pattern. (Allen, 1986, p. 36). Currently, the Namibian Criminal Justice System is not making use of house arrest/ electronic monitoring. 2.5 Day Parole It is a management mechanism preceding the parole phase to gradually assist an offender to be released into the community at his own responsibility under controlled circumstances. Day parole implies the temporary release of an offender from Prison or a Correctional institution such as a halfway house to work or study, followed by re-confinement during non- work or non-school hours. During working hours offender work for an employer and are paid for the work. (Bruyns, An overview of the Criminal Justice System and Community-Based sentences, 2011). Currently, the Namibian Criminal Justice System is not making use of day parole. FINDINGS Based on the literature review and own understanding of the subject area, the authors of this paper found that there is a great need for alternatives to imprisonment. Community Service as a community-based sentence, a pilot projects in the Northern region of the country has proved that it is a success in Namibia. The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) have a draft Community Service Order Bill which stipulates clearly the conditions under which an offender had to perform Community Service. Political or religious groups must not benefit from the work allocated to inmates. (Bruyns, The impact of prison reform on the inmate population of swaziland, 2007, p. 60). An offender who has not committed a serious crime or developed a criminal lifestyle, in the community will be able to access community support systems to assist him in rehabilitation, with the hope of preventing his re-offending. The findings also have it on good authority that the rationale for community-based sentences is to keep offenders out of the Prison, and rather send them to serve their sentences in the community. This simply means that offenders remain in their communities to perform productive work in order to support themselves and their families, in other words the alternatives to imprisonment were found to be promoting family cohesion. Through serving their sentences in the community the offenders also repay victims (retribution) for losses suffered. With regards to the effectiveness of community-based sentences, the advantages and disadvantages were also thoroughly scrutinised and it is found that its advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Alternatives to imprisonment were found to be the process of reducing prison population (overcrowding). Overcrowding is found to be a general situation in Prisons when the total number of inmates in prison is beyond the authorised holding capacity. In order t o address this ever increasing problem within our Correctional facilities the authors of this paper found that alternatives to imprisonment is a suitable answer to overcrowding. Alternatives to imprisonment is also found to be promoting community development through utilisation of skills possessed by the offenders other than locking them up in prisons. A good example is, when a professional such as a Medical doctor is sentence to an alternative to imprisonment the skills possessed by that particular Medical doctor can be utilised to the great benefit of the community, rather than locking him/her up in Prison, which will serve no purpose. Community based sentences in comparison with imprisonment was found to be much cheaper. This finding is evident from the fact that offenders incarcerated have to be provided with food, bedding, clothing, water and electricity and so forth through government expenditure. On the other hand the offenders serving community-based sentence remains in the community and is responsible for his needs. Community-based sentence is furthermore found to have positive impact on recidivism in a sense that offenders are given chance to remain and serve their sentence in the community. In other words their chances of reoffending are very slim contrary to those incarcerated, while offenders who are imprisoned are mixing with hard core criminals and the programme officers do not have enough time complete rehabilitation programmes, especially when they serving short term imprisonment. 4. CONCLUSION It is evident from the findings that alternative sentences outweigh imprisonment in terms of maintaining offenders dignity, reducing of prison population (overcrowding), promoting community development through utilisation of skills possessed by the offender other than locking them up in prisons, saving government expenditure and promoting family cohesion, and reduction of recidivism. Apart from serving all abovementioned good purposes, alternatives sentences also served as a way of avoiding mixing of the first offenders with hardcore criminals in the prisons. The offenders who are serving alternative sentences will perform positive unpaid work within their areas of home and do the kind of reparation to the community rather than ending up in Prisons. Imagine, locking up offender who committed minor offence such as shoplifting together with hard core murderer or rapist would result in that offenders become more criminal than rehabilitated. 5. RECOMMENDATIONS Against this backdrop, it is strongly recommended that alternative sentences to imprisonment such as community service, periodical imprisonment, correctional supervision, house arrest/ electronic monitoring and day-parole be considered by Correctional Services, particularly, Namibian Correctional Service. After studying the pros and cons of alternatives to imprisonment, this type of sentencing is just one of the positive ways of dealing with offenders. Against this background the authors of this paper strongly recommends these other alternatives as follows: The Court sentence offenders with minor offences to alternative as such community service, periodical imprisonment, correctional supervision, house arrest/ electronic monitoring and day-parole. This type of alternatives aims to achieve and involve the reintegration of the offender as law-abiding citizens back into the community by; enforcing unpaid work, ensuring reparation to the community, reduce a risk of recidivism or repeat offending, increased chance of rehabilitating the offender to acceptable social standards. Secondly, periodical imprisonment is recommended to be used as alternative to imprisonment as it promotes community development through utilisation of skills possessed by the offenders other than locking them up in prisons. Thirdly correctional supervision is recommend by the authors as alternative to imprisonment based on the reasoning that this type of alternative aims to provide a means of rehabilitation within the community, thus maintaining the important links which the offender may have with his or her family or community. Furthermore correctional supervision allows, or encourages the offender to be employed. Correctional supervision as an alternative to imprisonment ensure that the offender remain employed and thus able to support his or her dependents and do not result in additional costs for the State. Since offenders are in the community, they are able to make decisions and take responsibility for their life. Offenders are also encouraged to take steps towards correcting their criminal behaviour through participation in rehabilitative programmes. Fourthly, house arrest/ electronic monitoring is recommended not to be a viable alternative to imprisonment in Namibia as this may not be in concurrence with the Constitutional provisions such as respect of human dignity and freedom of movement provided for in articles 8 and 21 respectively of the Namibian Constitution. (Government N. , 2010) page number. Lastly day parole is strongly recommended by the authors as a viable alternative to imprisonment since it gradually assist an offender to be released into the community at his own responsibility under controlled circumstances. Day parole implies the temporary release of an offender from Prison or a Correctional institution such as a halfway house to work or study, followed by re-confinement during non- work or non-school hours. During working hours offender work for an employer and are paid.

American Views on Sexuality

American Views on Sexuality (Jump to) Introduction Discussion Americans’ Contacts with Homosexuals LGBT Americans Opinions Social Acceptance by American Society Religious Belief References INTRODUCTION Being a bisexual means getting attracted to both people of their own gender and another gender also. Women who get attracted to the female gender are known as lesbians and similarly the men who get attracted to the male gender are known as gay. The bisexual women and men get attracted to both the male and the female gender. Getting attracted to the same gender is also known as homosexuality. The attitudes towards the homosexuality differ in different cultures, because all the cultures have their own values regarding sexuality. Some countries approve the homosexual behavior whereas some disapproves it. The research has been done and it is found that the certain populations have accepted the homosexuality more than others. Homosexuality may be illegal in some countries, but where it is legal, there a age has been defined and that age differs from country to country. Homosexuality is neither a mental illness not a matter of an individual’s choice. It does not threaten the healthy and secure homosexuals. Therefore, there is no need to oppress the homosexuality. But in our society, discrimination occurs daily against gays, lesbians and bisexual people which greatly affect them (Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues). Due to which the gay, lesbian and the bisexual people feel depression and the relationship problems same as the heterosexual people feel. DISCUSSION I agree with your statement, as in my opinion also, being a lesbian or bisexual woman is more accepted than being a gay or bisexual man by the current American society. A research has been done and it has been found out that the most Americans don’t bother while getting surrounded by the homosexuals. Various studies has been done and results into various factors, such as: 82% of the Americans don’t bother when around homosexuals (Views of Gay Man and Lesbians, Roots of Homosexuality, Personal Contacts with Gays, 2013). Whereas, 14% of the Americans say that, it bothers them while surrounded by homosexuals. In 2003, about 76% of the Americans do not bother to be around homosexuals. Few years ago, the balance between the gay and the lesbians was not favorable. As: Gay men were viewed favorable only by the 37 % of the Americans, whereas 51% of the Americans viewed them as unfavorably. Lesbian women were viewed favorable only by the 39 % of the Americans, whereas 48% of the Americans viewed them as unfavorably. By a 2 % margin, the American people are more favorable to lesbian women than gay men. But today, 58% of the American people view the lesbian women favorably while only 29% of the Americans view them as unfavorably. And, 55% to 32% margins (Views of Gay Man and Lesbians, Roots of Homosexuality, Personal Contacts with Gays, 2013) have favorable views towards gay men than unfavorable views. Still, the percentages of Americans who have the favorable views towards lesbian women are more than the ones who have favorable views towards the gay men. The study has found out that the Americans’ views are rapidly changes to acceptance of gay men and lesbian women with time (Harms, 2011). Americans now approve the same-sex relations and moreover, they provide the lesbians and gays the freedom of expression. Moreover, public have different views about the fact that why people are lesbian and gay? And, about 42% of the public thinks that the people choose themselves to live as gay or lesbian. About 8% thinks that it’s a result of upbringing, due to which the people are gay or lesbian, and Others think that they are born as lesbian or gay. In American society, about 66% of the Americans think that the people choose themselves to live as gay or lesbian. About 20% of the Americans think that they are born as lesbian or gay. But overall, 58% of the people thinks that the homosexuality should be accepted as they thinks that its by birth, and 63% of the people think that it should not be accepted as they thinks that it’s just a choice of people of being gay or lesbian. Americans’ Contacts with Homosexuals In Americans Society, different people have different views to share about their contacts with the homosexuals. And, 87% of the Americans are somehow in contacts with ones who are lesbian or gay. 23% of the Americans say that they know personally some people who are gay or lesbian. 61% of the Americans had gay or lesbian contacts (Views of Gay Man and Lesbians, Roots of Homosexuality, Personal Contacts with Gays, 2013). The contacts with gays and lesbians also differ in different religions. As 30 % of the religions say that they know some gays and lesbians, and Only 8 % says that they don’t know any. LGBT Americans Opinions Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender (LGBT) adults are asked the question and it has been found out that the society is accepting them as compared to past decades and more will accept it in upcoming decades (A Survey of LGBT Americans, 2013). And, 39% of the LGBT Americans say that they are not accepted by their families. 30% of the LGBT Americans say that they are attacked physically. 29% of the LGBT Americans say that they are not allowed to go at worship places. 21% of the LGBT Americans say that they are not treated fairly by their employees. 21% of the LGBT Americans say that they are the targets of jokes. Moreover, At the age of 17, the people gets the feel that they are homosexual, and at the age of 20, they share this information with their families. LGBT adults say that their acceptance is increasing as the time passes. But some of LGBT adults say that they still feels discrimination in the society. They said that they need more acceptance in mostly all the societies. Thus, their views needs to be focused on. Social Acceptance by American Society Most of the LGBT adults have said that they have got social acceptance and moreover, there is significant progress towards the social acceptance of LGBT adults. The study has been done to see the criteria of social acceptance. And 19% says that there is progress towards social acceptance of LGBT adults. 59% says that there is some (A Survey of LGBT Americans, 2013), and 21% says that there is no progress in socially accepting the LGBT adults. Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender (LGBT) adults are more accepted by the American society as compared to past and others socities. But, still a more acceptance is needed, so that they don’t feel any discrimination. According to some LGBT adults, they are accepted by most of the American society whereas some LGBT adults said that they need more acceptance in the American Society as they feel discriminants. The views of different LGBT adults are needs to kept in perspective. In compared to all other socities, Americans are found to be ore tolerant towards the lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender (LGBT) adults than they al were in past decades. Only 2 out of 10 said they are not socially accepted as they are treated unfairly by the public, they are not either accepted by their own families, they are physically attacked, and moreover, they are the target of jokes. Religious Belief In opposition to the social acceptance of LGBT adults, Religious belief is an important factor (Religious Belief and Views of Homosexuality, 2013). Over the past decades, 47% to 60% of the Americans belief that the homosexuality should be accepted. While only 45% to 31 % of the Americans think that it should not be accepted. When the Americans who think that the homosexuality should not be accepted are asked why they feel so? Then 52% of them said that, homosexuality is against their religion. As Religion is a big factor, due to which some Americans are against the homosexuality. Moreover, they belief that the homosexuality is traditionally wrong. But, there is only small percentage of Americans who think that the homosexuality is against their religion. 58% of the Americans say that the homosexuality should br accepted by the alw and should be legal according to the laws. They said, it should be supported same as the traditional relations are supported. Thus, It has been notices that the lesbians are more accepted than gays in American Society, But overall, their acceptance in this society has been progressed. REFERENCES A Survey of LGBT Americans. (2013, June 13). Retrieved November 5, 2014, from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org: http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/06/13/a-survey-of-lgbt-americans/# Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues. (n.d.). Retrieved November 5, 2014, from http://cms.bsu.edu: http://cms.bsu.edu/campuslife/counselingcenter/newsfooteritems/diversityresources/diversityinformationandlinks/glbt Harms, W. (2011, October 5). US VIEWS ON GAYS, LESBIANS SHIFT SHARPLY. Retrieved November 5, 2014, from http://www.futurity.org: http://www.futurity.org/us-views-on-gays-lesbians-shift-sharply/ Religious Belief and Views of Homosexuality. (2013, June 6). Retrieved November 5, 2014, from http://www.people-press.org: http://www.people-press.org/2013/06/06/section-3-religious-belief-and-views-of-homosexuality/ Views of Gay Man and Lesbians, Roots of Homosexuality, Personal Contacts with Gays. (2013, June 6). Retrieved November 5, 2014, from http://www.people-press.org: http://www.people-press.org/2013/06/06/section-2-views-of-gay-men-and-lesbians-roots-of-homosexuality-personal-contact-with-gays/

The Workings and Effectiveness of the Price Mechanism :: Economics

The Workings and Effectiveness of the Price Mechanism Introduction In this essay I am going to analyse the workings and effectiveness of the price mechanism as a means of allocating and reallocating scarce resources. I am going to do this by comparing the free market economy with its alternatives and by looking at how government intervention allows the price mechanism to carry on working. I am also going to look at the role that we, as consumers, play in the workings of the price mechanism. Definition & Workings of the Price Mechanism The Price Mechanism: The system in a market economy whereby changes in price in response to changes in demand and supply have the effect of making demand equal to supply. The price mechanism works as follows, prices respond to shortages and surpluses. Shortages cause prices to rise, surpluses cause prices to fall. The price of a product will either encourage producers to supply more or less, the higher the price the higher their profit and the more they are going to want to supply. For example should consumers decide that they want more of a good (of if producers decide to cut back supply), demand will exceed supply. The resulting shortage will cause the price of the good to rise. This will act as an incentive to producers to supply more and will discourage consumers from buying so much. Price will continue to rise until the shortage has thereby been eliminated. The exact opposite is true if consumers decide that they want less of a good. Price will continue falling until the surplus had been eliminated. The same analysis can be applied to factor markets. If the demand for a particular type of labour exceeded its supply, the resulting shortage would drive up the wage rate, thus reducing firm's demand for that type of labour and encouraging more workers to take up that type of job. Wages would continue rising until demand equalled supply or until the shortage was eliminated. The result of this is that, in theory, the allocation of all resources happens without the need of government intervention and only through the price mechanism. Free Market Economy The price mechanism can only function within a free market economy.

Do manners matter? :: Informative, Education, etiquette

Do manners matter? Yes, they do; however, since most parents have gone to work, children have fewer chances to sit with their parents and to learn manners from them. Although America is a melting-pot of cultures with various ideas of manners (Packer 22), and the subject of manners is complicated (Hall 185), the standard of good manners of various cultures is similar. Good manners are the same as civilized behaviors and moral etiquette that have respect, consideration, generosity, and thoughtfulness for others (Stewart 14). What goes around comes around; therefore, people should treat others as they wish to be treated themselves (Stewart 1). In fact, people would love to be with others who have good manners (Brandenberg 2). Therefore, manners should be taught in the twenty-first century because they not only help people become educated and competitive, but they also help the world become peaceful and smooth. First of all, people are more educated and competitive if they have good manners. Ladies and gentlemen who have good manners appear more educated, creditable, and superior than other ill-mannered people. Dr. Sokolosky believes, â€Å"all things being equal in terms of skills and abilities, the person who leaves a good, positive impression will come out on top† (Ricketts, par. 9), which means in a group of people who have equal skills, the one who has good manners will be the winner; thus, good manners can improve one’s competitiveness. Moreover, my Professor Eadus said that manners are the biggest part of social skill, which is true because good manners affect people’s interpersonal relationships and social communications. In fact, dining has been a principal social event in people’s lives; therefore, good table manners are essential and conducive to show one’s education while erroneous table manners can cause punishment by mothers, embarrassment in front of friends, or being dumped by dates (Packer 268). I have had one of the most embarrassing experiences in my life. When I was young, I used to play with my food and hold my knife and fork incorrectly until one day I dropped my whole piece of steak on the woman who was sitting at the next table. At that moment, I was totally embarrassed and frightened while the woman yelled at me and said I was a rude kid. After that, I went to borrow some books to learn table manners. â€Å"The way you handle yourself at the table gives off very clear signals as to what kind of a person you are† (Cooper, par.

Barack Obama State of the Union Critique

President Barack Obama State of the Union Address Critique The leader of the free world, President Barack Obama, addressed Congress and the fellow citizens of the United States of America on the current State of the Union. The President enlightened America on multiple issues concerning the economy, education, jobs, foreign affairs and more. The speech given on the night of January 27th 2010 attracted over 48 million television viewers. Strong attitudes and opinions were exemplified immediately following the completion of his address. A poll administered by CBS News illustrates that 65% of the (3,968) respondents feel as if the President has accomplished far less than what they expected within his first year in office. Another poll taken by CBS suggests that 47% of (3,571) respondents feel that the biggest blunder under the Obama administration is the lack of focus on creating jobs and unemployment. These statistics are of severe importance to the American people and it is for this very reason that I address this particular issue within this assignment. As a current senior at the collegiate level, career opportunities and job security becomes more of a significant issue as graduation approaches at a rapid pace. Currently, the traditional thought of going to college and attaining a degree and doing well in school does not guarantee a safe-secure career. The direction that this country has been headed for the last decade has frightened many college students into thinking that, â€Å"If a college degree does not solidify a good job what will? † This issue increases the growth of concern for our nation. It did not take very long for the President to address the job dilemma that the country is facing. Within 15 minutes of his lecture, he noted that creating jobs is the focus for 2010. In concordance with the President, I also believe that jobs should be at the top of the agenda because in order to revamp the economy it is very essential to get the unemployment rate down. If the unemployment rate stays where it is or gets worse by increasing, Americans will continue to look for ways to cut back spending. Due to the lack of jobs being created and fear of job loss, we, the people, are currently on edge and have trouble deciding whether to invest or save. With the addition of new jobs, our faith will strengthen and confidence will grow within us to do both and that is what has to happen in order for the economy to regain legs and get the country running as it should. Later in his speech the President goes on to note that the engine of the American economy has been and will always be that of small businesses. In a valiant attempt to spur hiring, the president called for the elimination of capital gains taxes on small business investment and tax credits for new hiring and investments in new equipment. He also states that, â€Å"It’s time to finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas, and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United States of America. † With this plan, the President has called for an end for tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas but to help fund tax cuts that reward companies for investing and creating jobs in the United States. Moreover, the President future supported his notion to create new jobs in America by mentioning that the government will invest $8 billion into a rapid train system which will start construction in Florida later this year. He states that this attempt to have the fastest most-reliable train system will format over 2 million additional jobs for Americans. In another attempt to decrease the unemployment rate he mentions that the United States will increase our exportation of goods to other countries around the world by doubling our number of exports now over the next five years. He continues by saying that to meet this goal, Congress will launch a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports and expand their markets. This will allow other countries to opt for our homeland goods which mean that increasing the production of goods within the United States will create increases in revenue and job opportunities. The President also called on the Senate to pass a jobs bill that he can sign. Stating thatâ€Å"The House has passed a jobs bill†¦. As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the same, and I know they will. People are out of work. They are hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay. † The bold and difficult steps the President took to stabilize the financial system have reduced the cost of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) by over $200 billion, providing additional resources for job creation and for deficit reduction. Within the ladder portion of 2009, the President outlined a package of targeted measures to help further stimulate private sector hiring, including measures to facilitate small business growth, green jobs and infrastructure. Urging for support of the Republicans, the President mandates that it is time for strong legislation to be passed on behalf of the Senate. Out of the major initiatives presented by President Barack Obama I think that there is not a major need for a rapid train system as of right now, I do believe that the ultimate good would be the creation of 2 million jobs because of it. Other than this minor rebuttal, I wholeheartedly agree with majority of the different ideas and concepts that the President proposed in reference to jobs during his the State of the Union Address. In addition, I also have full belief in the fact that this country will arise from economic corruption and return to being the nation of superior power and financial stability. Marcques D. Aghedo February 09, 2010 History & Theories of Leadership 201 Dr. Savage Morehouse College

Journal Entries for the play, “Of the Fields, Lately” by David French. Essay

The play Of the Fields, lately portrays an average running(a) class family living in the c octogenarian, isolate argona of Newfoundland. Written by David french, The Mercer Family struggles with themselves in their close-knit traditions and encounter difficulties in acquiring along with to each one new(prenominal). The Mercer Family is non a picture-perfect family as the Brady Bunch. They prevail values and behavior which predominantly affects their spiritednessstyles.The descent amongst Jacob and Ben is rattling bizarre considering that they argon catch and watchword. Their family family relationship is revealed to be bitter and dysfunctioning, as prove by dint of the conversation between Ben and his mother, bloody shame (pg. 7).This implies that Ben does non wish to inter f ar with his yield in some(prenominal) way. He doesnt even occupy punctuate of his stay puts presence in the household. He is immediately insulted when bloody shame questions him regard ing his go. Ben states to bloody shame that he does non wish to establish any type of new relationship with Jacob. bloody shame acts as a peacekeeper in raise to establish a sense of belong between the two and both Ben and Jacob simply avoid each other.The croak line from this selection (pg.7) is the most efficacious part of the discourse since it is affairing to notice that Ben suspects his mother wants him to leave the house, when she only wishes for him to intromit the presence of Jacob.Another raise of dialogue which defines the relationship between Ben and Jacob is when Ben is asked closely his career coming denture (pgs 9-10). Both Ben and Jacob gaze at each other painfully, season lag for the other person to respond. This reveals that this family is so impaired that they housenot even turn to to one some other in a sincere modal value for a few seconds. Usu totallyy, people are very emotional and especially unrestrained to speak to a family member later o n a out-of-town period of time. muckle tend to dispel onetime(prenominal) disputes by apologizing for whatever bulwark had caused them to not speak to each other. However, in this particular case, it sure as shooting depends that the brick ring is simply a barrier overly wide for them to resolve their differences. The brick wall illustrates the tension in the father-son relationship. The wall symbolizes the strength that keeps the two from expressing themselves with each other.In addition, the trio moment that sheds light on Ben and Jacobs relationship takes place when Ben asks Jacob if he raise stay at home for a short while (pgs 65-66)Once again, Jacob shows his mulishness by un forgeting to open up to Ben when he offers to move back in. Ben faces that heavy tempered consume inside, Jacob wants him to stay at home, unless Jacob shows his unreasonableness by stating that Ben can stay home on his mothers appropriate of the house.The consequence of the title, Of t he Fields, recently get in touchs and holds great significance to adult maley aspects of David Frenchs play. It ties into the themes of isolation and faade. The title sheds light on the major events that shape the relationships of the play.The characters in the play tally the ideal characteristics of the Newfoundland land and cultural customs. Newfoundland is a distant province in the eastern Coast of Canada, off the mainland. This resembles Ben being a distant place extraneous from Jacob.The elements of stagecraft a kindred play an important role in the play. The music establishes the mood of the scene. The lighting and set design overly play a role in setting the aura of the play. The room with the radio shows the earreach how distant away Ben and Jacobs relationship unfeignedly is. The stagecraft also helps express things that simply wouldnt surface.There is a lot of contest stirred up on Of the Fields, lately which raises the question as to who is to blame for the familys situation. Jacob blamesBen for not being there when he suffered a nitty-gritty attack. Ben blames Jacob for beating him as a child and embarrassing him amongst his childhood. bloody shame spirits distressed since her babe has recently passed away. bloody shame is stuck in the middle of things as she tries to act as a peacekeeper in the current dispute between Ben and Jacob. I regain that if there is someone to blame for the familys situation, it must be Ben.I feel that Ben is the character responsible for the pain change in the Mercer Family. Ben has to realize that as children, we pull in mistakes adult maley times in our lives and our parents are there for us everyday to look us whenever were in trouble. peradventure even if it were Jacobs fault, Ben has to realize to yield and forget. Instead, he remains passive and be mystifys fright by his father, kinda than accepting his father for who he is.Ben has to learn that we all devil mistakes as human beings. disdain this, Ben is tranquil bitter as he doesnt hold much back. He was not willing to listen to his father for any reason and now he will regret having the opportunity to clear things up when Jacob was up to now alive.The character who I feel is not responsible for the pain see in the family is Mary. This is certainly because she acts as a peacekeeper in arduous to resolve the on handout course between Ben and Jacob. She is reminiscent of the safe times where her animateness was less occupationatic. She wants him to come to terms and resolve their pity issues but they are both unwilling to do so, video display their stubbornness.Mary feels very terribly since she not only has to get off with her sisters death, but experience this quarrel that she feels must be prevented in outrank to resolve peace in the family. Also, she has to cope with Jacobs heart condition. mayhap his heart attack was a result of his intoxication and smoking problem. Wiff is also getting on Marys nerves. Mary tries to handle with both Ben and Jacob individually but it seems as if they are too distant away from each other and can never break the brick wall standing between them.The main interest in Of the Fields, deep was the relationship between Ben and Jacob. They save a very dysfunctional relationship for a father and son. As the play progresses, their relationship grows further apart. The audiencebecomes aware close to the past and present situation as it is revealed. Ben and Jacob are in ceaseless arguments and can only hope to keep back a beneficial relationship in the future.Despite neither Ben nor Jacob reaching a via media with each other, the future of their relationship is foretold through Wiffs stories of himself and Dot. Wiff is portray to be a sensitive, mis unsounded man whose monologues foretell the audience that the relationship between Wiff and Dot was kind of similar to Ben and Jacobs relationship. It seems that Wiff and Dot undergo difficult times .They are depicted to be very loving and intimate with each other in the beginning of the play. Perhaps Ben and Jacob were like this when Ben was young too. Dot sees Wiff as an ignorant, self absorbed person. Likewise, Ben sees Jacob in the said(prenominal) light. Despite this, Dot still late cared for Wiff. Ben does not care for his father, while it seems that profoundly down inside, Jacob actually cared for Ben. Jacob made his generate for Ben by moving the family to Newfoundland in following of come uponing better education.Ben ignored him and did not acknowledge nor take advantage of his fathers sacrifice. Jacob was a hardworks man who brought home the dough after a long days work. Towards the end, Jacob shows an interest in Bens personal life. This suggests that the brick wall is slowing being taken down they are able to communicate in a compatible way. When Wiff refers to moments when he was having personal business with other women, I feel that this resembles the mome nts when Ben detested Jacob.Jacob was so proud of Ben at the baseball game game, even though it didnt seem this way. This can be related to the adore that Dot shared with Wiff. Both of these relationships took an brilliant downfall after this given moment. When Jacob dies, Ben fall having the opportunity to apologize and make up with his father. Likewise, when Dot dies, Wiff regrets neglecting her by spicy in affairs with other women.Overall, Bens relationship with Jacob strongly relates to Wiffs relationship with Dot. It foreshadows that Ben would have made the decision to resolve the issue with his father before it became too late. Unfortunately, this did not occur.Jacob is the character who I relate most to in Of the Fields, Lately. Although, I am not exactly a stubborn, abusive, old bully who has no admiration for his family, I never conclude fights I am the type of person that openly starts them to obtain reaction from the other person(s). I find myself also to be an aggre ssive person at times.I feel that my eyeshot must be heard and understood for someone. I dislike resolving conflicts from the past and tend to hang onto situations that appeal to me for a long period of time. I also feel that I should let things go and establish relationships with those from my distant past who I havent kept in touch with. Similarly, Jacob should have given Ben another(prenominal) chance for their relationship to be reconstructed.It is debatable to state whether or not Of the Fields, Lately is a very realistic play. all(prenominal) person has their own views based upon how they give and analyze the play. The realism can be determined by the characters, the dialogue, situations, and the mood going through the air during each scene. I believe that this is a realistic piece of work because it includes many disturbed characters who have a very struggling life. For instance, Jacob is an old, exacting father who always picks on Ben.He also acts rudely, especially to his family members. His family loves him and wishes that he clams working and rest due to his measly heart condition. The doctor also sees Jacob as a stubborn, old man who wont listen to the doctors lay outs or whats best for him. He doesnt want to see Jacob get hurt so then Mary holds responsibility for the family. Jacob should respect their wishes and spend time with his family before he ends up dying, rather than trying to burn out in his own glory by working in his last few days. Ben is the son who feels that his father treats him unfairly.Wiff is an alcoholic who has marriage problems and who suffers from skanky depression at times. Mary is trying to cope with the death of her sister and her husband who is in poor health and also trying to keep the familys expression together. Sam, Jacobs friend from the past brought about different aspects of Jacobs early life that was not established earlier. He portrayed innocence and curious behaviour that Jacob belike occupied when he was younger. Also, Billy (Bens older brother) is angry with Ben and agreed withJacobs way.Sarah portrays a different perspective as she tells her story by siding with Jacob, showing Ben to be ignorant and the source of the familys problems. I agree totally with Sarahs interpretation. Ike Squires is jealous and bitter towards Jacob. He is portrayed as a success man who is doing well for himself. Ike feels bitter about Jacob obtaining all the attention It seems that many of the characters in Frenchs play do not get along. Although these problems do not take place in most families, it still seems possible.In our world, there is always a family member who has a kind of problem like the ones displayed in Of the Fields, Lately. There are often people who are alcoholics, siblings who are fighting, family members not speaking to each other due to some reason. The Mercers remind me of The Simpsons with their constant family disputes.I feel that the situations in Of the Fields, Lately seem unrealistic since most Canadian families do not have unwarranted problems like the Mercers taking place. Every family has their times of grief and there is no hesitation that there are families who possess a lot of stress on their backs, like the Mercers. Ben and Jacob need to come to terms Mary needs to resolve her issues with Wiff and most importantly, everyone needs to forgive and forget in order to sustain a happy life*NOTE This is my collection of journals that I have compiled into this creative writing piece it is not a formal essay and this is why I use personal pronouns much(prenominal) as I*