Nick as reliable narrator Essay

â€Å"I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known†. Discuss. Nick Carraway, the narrator of the great American novel The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is often heralded as one of the greatest narrators of all time. However, whether Nick was a reliable narrator is an issue that is up for debate, with my personal belief being that Nick was not a reliable narrator, due to his fondness for exaggeration and contradiction, and his obvious idolization of Jay Gatsby. Firstly, Nick is predisposed with a theatrical and exaggerated nature. This is visible from the very quote being discussed in this essay: Nick states that he is â€Å"one of the few honest people [he knows]†. This shows clearly how Nick does not put much in store by modesty or restraint or objectivity, even when discussing his self. These theatrics furthermore lead to inconsistencies and further contradictions within the narrative—Nick states at one point that â€Å"sometimes [pa rty guests] came and went [to Gatsby’s parties] with a simplicity of heart† but that he, actually, â€Å"was invited†¦ the honor would be entirely Gatsby’s†¦ if I would attend his ‘little party’†. However, it’s seen later on in the narrative that despite Nick’s posturing, Gatsby does not recognize Nick at his own party. This therefore shows how Nick’s theatrical and exaggerated nature occasionally compromises the objectivity of his narrative, and therefore, with his history of being contradictory (as evidenced in the previous paragraph) this therefore shows clearly that Nick’s objectivity is not to be trusted, and that he is an unreliable narrator whose vanity supercedes his honesty. Furthermore, Nick exhibits his tendency toward contradiction through various points in the text. He states very early off in the text that he’s â€Å"inclined to reserve all judgment†, when he, in fact, does nothing but pass (negative) judgment on other people repeatedly throughout the text: he describes George Wilson as â€Å"a spiritless man† and Jordan Baker as being â€Å"incurably dishonest†, Tom as â€Å"pathetic† and Mr McKee as â€Å"feminine†. However, Nick lauds himself as being â€Å"one of the few honest people [he knows]†Ã¢â‚¬â€something his clearly judgmental behavior proves him not to be. This, in and of itself, is indicative of Nick’s contradictory nature. The fact that Nick is so given to contradiction therefore casts doubts on whether his narrative is completely trustworthy. It is also important to note that Nick, as a narrator, does not seem to be intentionally malicious in making judgments of other peopleâ⠂¬â€these judgments instead seem to  integrate themselves effortlessly into the narrative in a way he seems not to notice (except in the case of Gatsby, as will be expounded upon later on in this essay). His contradictory nature kicks in mostly in his expansive descriptions of himself (his tendency toward exaggeration/theater, as explained above), in his describing himself as â€Å"honest† and, later, as an esteemed invitee of Gatsby’s party, to name a few examples. This ambiguous contradiction therefore blurs the line between fact and fiction as the reader, led through the story through Nick’s perspective, is caught in the ambiguity of Nick’s judgments and is unable to detach himself to decide whether they are, as unconscious as they seem, truth or scathing fiction. In other words, the reader is made uncertain if Nick’s contradictory narrative is purely a result of his exaggeration and his conceit, or whether a grain of truth lies in his judgments. Therefore, we can see how Nick’s contradictory nature and his tendency toward ambiguity clearly makes Nick Carraway not an unbiased and objective narrator who is reliable in any way. Finally, Nick is an unreliable narrator due to his obvious partiality toward Gatsby. Nick states clearly at one point that â€Å"[Gatsby] represents everything for which [he has] an unaffected scorn†, and repeatedly expresses his good opinion of Gatsby through favorable descriptions of him and his actions (â€Å"elegant young rough-neck†). He also opens the novel with a line that seems to beg the reader’s good opinion of Gatsby, beseeching the reader to â€Å"remember that all the people in the world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had†. This impartiality is evident throughout the text, where Nick will repeatedly disregard right and wrong or the feelings of others to benefit Gatsby: as evidenced by his assisting Gatsby with getting into Daisy’s favor. This shows clearly the extent of Nick’s dedication to Gatsby, and the degrees to which Nick will go to protect him. This obvious and unflagging dedication to Gatsby therefore forces the reader to see the story through Nick’s eyes of idolatry. Where the more ambiguous and offhand contradictions may at least provide the reader space to speculate, it is almost impossible to imagine a story without Gatsby as how Nick portrays him: a tragic, righteous hero—and thus we can see that, in narrating Gatsby’s story, Nick Carraway cannot be an objective narrator. Therefore we can see how, through various intervals in the text, Nick Carraway is actually not an unbiased and â€Å"honest† narrator as he is influenced variedly  by his contrad ictory and theatrical nature, as well as his obvious idolization of Gatsby.

Beta Blocker in Case of Heart Failure Essay

Introduction : Beta-blockers, also known as beta antagonists, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta-adrenergic antagonists, are drugs that are prescribed to treat several different types of conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), angina, some abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack (myocardial infarction), anxiety, migraine, glaucoma, and overactive thyroid symptoms. Beta-blockers block the action of the sympathetic nervous system of the heart, thus reducing stress on the heart. The sympathetic nervous system activates the â€Å"fight or flight† response. It is part of the autonomic nervous system. Beta-blockers block beta-adrenergic substances, such as apinephrine (adrenaline) in the autonomic nervous system (involuntary nervous system). They slow down the heart beat, decrease the force of the contractions of the heart muscles, and reduce blood vessel contraction in the heart, brain, as well as the rest of the body. Generic Names:| Carvedilol / Metoprolol / Atenolol / Bisprolol / Propranolol / Timolol| Brand Names:| Coreg / Lopressor, Toprol XL / Tenormin / Zebeta / Inderal / Blocadren| How it is given:| Oral (tablet or capsule), intravenous (IV)| Indications : Doctors may prescribe beta-blockers for patients with tachycardias (rapid heart rates). They help patients with angina by lowering the amount of oxygen the heart muscles require. Angina pectoris occurs when the heart requires more oxygen than it is getting. Beta-blockers can help hypertensive patients because their effects on blood vessels lower blood pressure. Patients with hereditary tremors as well as those who suffer from migraines may benefit from taking beta-blockers. In other words, beta-blockers are known as beta- adrenoreceptor blocking agents and are used to treat: Commonly * Angina * Heart failure * High blood pressure (hypertension) * Irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) * Myocardial infarction (heart attack)   less commonly * Prevention of migraine * Thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid) * Anxiety * Tremor * Glaucoma (as eye drops) ————————————————- The first clinically useful beta adrenergic receptor antagonist was called Propranolol. It was invented by Sir James W. Black (born 1924), a Scottish doctor and pharmacologist. Sir James also synthesized Cimetidine (for the treatment of heartburn and peptic ulcers) and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1988. Propranolol revolutionized the medical management of angina pectoris – it is considered as one of the major contributions to clinical medicine and pharmacology of the 20th century. Mechanism of work : The use of beta blockers in heart failure is primarily associated with the medication’s effect on heart rate. The medication, by way of the sympathetic nervous system, decreases the patient’s heart rate, preventing the heart from having to work harder because of the condition. This effect was not considered desirable for heart failure patients when the medication was first studied, however. A lowered heart rate has the risk of worsening heart failure symptoms, but as research continued, beta blockers proved to have benefits that outweighed this risk. The exact etiology of the case of heart failure is of importance when a doctor is deciding whether to use beta blockers. A case that is present because of impaired ventricular filling, in contrast to a case caused by impaired ventricular emptying, seems to respond better to beta blockers in heart failure. In addition to their sympathetic action on heart muscle, beta blockers in heart failure influence the kidney’s renin/angiotensin system. Beta blocking medications cause the secretion of the hormone, renin, to decrease. As renin decreases, a cascade of events transpires that decrease the heart’s demand for oxygen. The cascade lowers extracellular fluid volume and increases the blood’s ability to hold and carry oxygen to body tissues. Beta blocker treatment can be supplemented, and is supplemented in most cases, with diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors that enhance this effect. Patients who have significant dyspnea — shortness of breath — while they remain at rest are among those who may not be candidates for treatment with beta blockers. Having severe dyspnea can increase the risks that are associated with beta blocker treatment. Some patients are considered hemodynamically unstable if their blood does not carry oxygen well, even under normal circumstances; these patients may not be good candidates for treatment either. Heart problems – for a patient with heart problems beta-blockers can reduce the workload for the heart; so that it does not have to work so hard to supply all parts of the body with oxygen-rich blood. For people with angina, heart failure, or after a heart attack, reducing the heart’s workload is crucial. Drugs Used in case of Heart Failure : * Propranolol * Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) and metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)| * | * Carvedilol (Coreg)| * | * Bucindolol (Bextra)| * | * Bisoprolol (Zebeta)| * | Side Effects : The most common side effects are: * Cold feet * Cold hands * Diarrhea * Fatigue * Nausea * Very slow heartbeat The following less common side effects are also possible: * Sleeping difficulties and disturbances * Bad dreams (nightmares) * Erectile dysfunction (male inability to achieve or sustain an erection during sex) References : Myo clinic www.Hearthealthywomen.com http://www.wisegeek.com

Psychology of Language Essay

To briefly introduce the topic, this reaction paper is reflective of David W. Caroll’s book, entitled: ‘Psychology of Language’, which was published in 2008 by Thomson and Wadsworth Publishing. The three selective chapters of the book, namely Chapters 4, 9 and 14 will be the main focus of discussion. As a synopsis of the book, Caroll’s (2008) purpose is to examine how and why human behavior expressively reacts on language, and what influences the language patterns the environment. In search of this critical thinking has explored the observations on the psychological effects of language to the well-being of people and his societal interaction. Chapter 4: Perception of language In ‘Chapter 4: Perception of Language’ examines the comprehension on language that is conveyed in oral and written forms. Caroll pointed out the â€Å"prosodic factors† as a result of physical tension from environmental distraction affects the human mind to understand the message and flow of information (Ferreira, 2003; in Caroll, 2008). It may be interpreted, the prosodic factors is even resulting tremendous difficulty to the â€Å"receiver of information† or listener, from which inability to comprehend and keep abreast to the â€Å"informant† or source of information bears psychological effect of anxiety. Caroll has implied the relevance of tones, use of semantics, time, place and circumstance in transmitting the information. In short, conveying the information can be more expressed according to the emphasized situation and level of expression of the â€Å"talker†. From this, the human behavior develops â€Å"signals† to emphasize the language. As cited, the reconfiguration of transmitting information has been applied in the â€Å"trace model† purposely to analyze the level of comprehension and the pattern of processing the information (McClelland & Elman, 1986; in Caroll, 2008). However, the study may be solely applied in the processing of restricted information that holds risk to national security, wherein US Naval Force adopts the â€Å"trace model†. Significant to human behavior response to information, written communication is described firstly as a â€Å"formal norm† to communicate, I would say, secondly at a long distance â€Å"inscription and transcription†. At this point and time of electronic-telecommunication, written information is relayed through mobile phone and Internet messaging system, in which electronic mail and short-messaging system (SMS) becomes the usual medium of communication, as well as the digital-video-electronic gadgets together with the television, print and broadcast media. The point of view of observing how the human behavior react to present day telecommunication system [not only in written but in digital-communication] could have been a peripheral concern of Caroll. Overall, I would say that both oral and written communication are of formal norms according to the topic, theme, mood, circumstance and notion or understanding the way the information is presented and acknowledged by the receiver. However, it is the â€Å"expression† or could be the body language and emphasis to communicate that can be critically considered by the exhibition of human behavior, applying both expression and feelings that interact between talker and listener, wherein reaction or response depicts the behavior. Chapter 9: Conversational interaction The discussions in ‘Chapter 9: Conversational Interaction’ refers to the exchange of ideas or dialogues between two persons, groups and an individual to a group. In this chapter, Caroll implied the common understanding that conversational interaction is a â€Å"joint action† where individuals converse in a coordinative yet unsystematic flow of ideas, information and topic. As cited, the structure of conversational interaction is the exchange of â€Å"language† in a face-to-face manner and deviate from topic-to-topic, ideas-to-ideas and expressions (Filmore, 1981; in Caroll, 2008). It may be deduced that conversation is important especially in the aspect of clinical psychology, especially considered as a therapy or therapeutic treatment. The inference of conversational interaction can be defined as a â€Å"simple non-drug-related treatment†. Thus, I agree to the explanation that good conversation opens the â€Å"minds and spirit†, and confer the long-kept inner agonies to a good conversationalist. Conversational interaction in the field of psychology can be exemplified by the patient-psychologist conversation on critical thoughts affecting the anxiety of a patient. However, I would like to expound my reaction to the previously discussed norm that conversation has â€Å"unsystematic flow of ideas† since conversation as a therapy for psycho-treatment is applied with the scientific and structured rules. As cited, conversational interaction is institutionally used with specialized therapeutic discourse of a psycho-therapist to a patient (Caroll, 2008). I would further react that the cognitive presentation of theories in Chapter 9 tends to convey a lot of information on conversational interaction but somehow deepen the â€Å"interpretative result† at an average understanding, and hardly express the â€Å"layman’s language† or common knowledge that conversational interaction can be simply described as a convenient manner of talking-listening-talking human behavior. In sum, what Caroll could have simply implied in Chapter 9 is the significance of conversation as an â€Å"easement of barrier†, accordingly in the aspect of â€Å"putting up† a dialogue through therapy in psycho-treatment. On the other hand, conversational interaction can be called as partly â€Å"a way of life† of people, interact each other to communicate, develop ideas and explore the relevance of â€Å"two-way information† on the basis of personal, private and publicly known topic. In addition, interest and willingness could be the expressive rule that creates the â€Å"instinctive† behavior to interact and converse. Chapter 14: Language, culture and cognition The relatedness of language, cultural traits and perceptiveness highlights the discussions in ‘Chapter 14: Language, culture and cognition’. Accordingly, language is primarily the end-result of communication barriers. Indeed it is, for the main reason that the whole wide world is separated by language and dialects, and even the semantics that describe a figure, name and place. It is also a common knowledge that variety of cultures, races and ethnicity has their own system of understanding aside from language in a country. Further, group of people in certain organizations or societies, gender, generation of young and adult and heterosexual groups adopts a â€Å"language† of their owned-meaning and interpretation, like the word â€Å"joint† which has variable meanings for a dope, club, getting-together, and so forth. Caroll (2008) explained that language creates the â€Å"hypothetical understanding† being interpreted by the commonality of meaning, in which individuals and groups in a community understand and accept the perception. In which case, culture and cognition is a belongingness in a given group and community of people. However, according to Carroll, â€Å"linguistic determinism† is different from language of individuals or its groups, as cited, linguistic determinism is the â€Å"learning of language† for certain reasoning or cognitive process (Bloom & Keil, 2001; in Caroll, 2008). Reflective of the above explanation, it may be well explained that what Caroll (2008) implied is the language or word-meaning of scientific and technical terms being used by people in a variety of profession, like the language referring to the use of terminologies in medical science, social sciences, engineering and related fields. However, it may be analyzed that the â€Å"cognitive value† of scientific and technical terms [becoming a language] attributed to the profession or processed knowledge discovers and rediscovers the effects to human behavior, and therefore provides the opportunity to reach out the processes of learning abilities and information sharing at a broadest recipients throughout the world. Again, receiving the information requires the use of language to process the communication, of which the cyclical process of knowledge correlates learning, interpretation, perception and acceptance. It may be therefore said that language is the bottomline to critically convey the culture and cognition, wherein influences interrelate in human behavior. In this regard, I resoundingly acknowledge the fact that language is the key linkage to assimilate cultural diversity, belongingness and displacement of communication barriers. Moreover, it may be further implied that understanding the reciprocity of inherent cultural values, traits and traditions is a critical thought founded on reverent co-existence. Conclusion Human behavior is a fascinating, deeply-intriguing and challenging subject of examination not only in the field of psychological science, but emanates the observation itself within a family and community. It can be said that human behavior is the bulwark of societal development and a never-ending influence to the destiny of an individual. The human behavior patterns the cycle of influence through perception-expression process. From this point of view, language is the most conveyed interaction of human behavior. The psychology of language is a meaningful and motivating exploration of cognitive thoughts adherent to guiding and developing a human behavior that signifies belongingness, progress and harmonizes cultural posterity in transnational boundaries, although in the strictest sense, psychology of language can be inversely applied in the reproach to vindicate human dogmas, greed and plunders of war. On this day and age of integrating information technology, psychology of language is perceived to revolutionize communication exchange effective on how human behavior explicitly react and act, interacting in the fast-changing environment. In conclusion, the study on psychology of language relating the human behavior addresses the critical characteristic and role of individuals in psychosocial landscape. References Carroll, D. W. (2008). ‘Psychology of Language’. 5th Edition, Thomson Wadsworth Publishing, ISBN-10: 0-495-58730-3, ISBN-13:978-0-495-58730-9. Retrieved 22 January 2009 from http://www. ichapters. com/market/eBookAccess. html.

Access X-Stream from Home Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Access X-Stream from Home - Essay Example The visual technology with rich animated graphics helps the learners to understand better. Teachers and students can discuss the lectures and suggestions on forums making a virtual learning environment. Students can participate online by uploading their suggestions on a particular topic and at the same time sharing the videos and suggestions with the peers. Evaluation of the students is also conducted by E learning, which is an added feature which is beneficial for the instructors. ‘Distance learning’ is the process to commence learning from a computing interface rather than face-to-face. The reason is the distance between the learner and the educator. It is the only possible way the learner has access to education. This approach existed long before the Internet in the form of correspondence courses indoor via television. The current technology has expanded its horizons, increased speed and efficiency. It also enabled many potential learners to access the distance educat ion programs. Furthermore, ‘Flexible learning’ is the learner’s preference of learning either in a traditional face-to-face approach or via another medium, TV, CD-ROM or distance learning all with equal standing in terms of course conclusion and gratitude. Before the advent of the web, this approach was available but technology has made it possible to manage and deliver these choices more efficiently to provide a broad range of learners. This technology also facilitates to learners who do not have access to the campuses and cannot attend classes. ‘Blended learning’ is the process of learning by compound and mandated modes of deliverance. Mandated is the key element and is not optional. This means that a component of a learning application need to be commence in digital forms other than face-to-face, i.e., World Wide Web, Compact Disc , remoteness, etc. Blended learning is often related to flexible deliverance of the presentation. Moreover, ‘Onl ine learning’ is almost certainly the most often used phrase when explaining ‘Online learning’. The core concept is the learning via World Wide Web. Online learning does not have a general definition other than access to learning via the Internet. X-Stream System X stream is a virtual learning environment with a sole purpose of enhancing learning techniques. It is a virtual learning environment that can be accessed via Internet. Every user is provided with credentials to ‘login’ to the virtual learning system. In fact, there are different protocols associated to accomplish a remote session. For instance, a user wants to connect X-stream from home, various computational processes are conducted in order to establish a remote session. Moreover, Internet connectivity is the prime requirement for establishing a session. Creating a Session When a user wants to connect to X-stream virtual learning environment, user open the web browser and enters ‘www .x-stream.com’, in order to access the website. The host accepts the request that is forwarded by hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP). However, due to strict security issues, HTTPS is deployed, abbreviated as ‘Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure’. Furthermore, after the arrival of the request, website is presented for the user’s web browser. Authorization and Authentication is required for getting access to the system. This procedure normally involves credentials including ‘User ID’ and ‘Password’. When the user authenticates him or her, permission is granted to access all the resources of the virtual learning web based system. However, the authentication server matches the

BizCafe Business Plan Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

BizCafe Business Plan - Coursework Example This business plan takes us through the Never Enough Cafe’s journey since birth to growth. This business has mimicked the production curve throughout its existence. The marketing plan plays a vital role in determining areas of improvement and the appropriate measures. The main aim of any business is to make profits; this is not an exemption, therefore, these strategies aim at improving the status of the business. 1.0 Company description Never Enough Cafe is a small business, which has been in existence for over a month. The main aim of this cafe is profit making, and its mission statement includes â€Å"to ensure that our customer’s professional and courteous service, by selling remarkable coffee at fair prices and maintaining a clean and comfortable space for our customers and staff; to consistently provide our customers with impeccable service by demonstrating warmth, graciousness, efficiency, knowledge, professionalism and integrity in our work, with a focus on styl e and hygiene.† The main objective of the business is to attract customers by offering the best services, with an aim of increasing revenues. This business specializes in only one beverage, which is coffee, but which varies from coffee latte, coffee black to cappuccino. The company is in its growing stages and has 10 employees among which three are managers while the rest are servers. The manager’s salaries are $670 while the servers are paid $9.00 an hour. The business operates six days in a week and recently changed its opening hours to 8.am as opposed to 9.am. The current prices of our coffee are as follows; small cup at $3.00, medium cup at $3.50, whilst the large cup goes for $4.00. This business has adopted the differentiation strategy, which enables it to be unique in terms of its products and services, for instance, by offering a variety of different type of coffee and in different sizes so as to cater for all types of customers. In addition, the cafe possesses a four-cup automatic espresso, which contributes to effectiveness when catering many customers. The cafe is also insured and has adopted a logo, which is visible on the coffee cups. The cafe markets its product via the newspaper at $200 per day and on the radio twice per day at $560. The cafe is located on the main street, therefore targeting a variety of customers, who include university students, the university staff, downtown entrepreneurs, and their clients. 2.0 Market analysis Marketing analysis is used as a tool by businesses aiming at understanding their operating environment better. According to the local labor news, the average manager’s wages is at $635 per week while the server’s wages are at $8.88 per hour. Nevertheless, our cafe pays the employees above the local average rates, such that, servers are paid $9 per hour while managers are paid $670 per week. In addition, the average turnover rate is low in the market as it is at 14%; our cafe has not had majo r issues with turnover as only one server has quit since the business started. We opted to offer our employees on-the-job training, which is cheap and effective. The employee salaries have always been reviewed and increased when necessary, according to Lathan (2009, p.78), motivated employees result to higher performance, which in return increases a company’s productivity. In period six, the customer satisfaction rate was at 54%, while the industry average customer’

Project Planning Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Project Planning - Coursework Example The students are required to carry on the project management with time constraints. This activity can provide fruitful experience that can help them in their future career when time comes that they are assigned to do project planning. ELA is very important for students of project management in the sense that they will have a real feel of what they will encounter come their time to practice their profession in engineering or other disciplines that require a lot of teamwork. ELA is an educational tool which helps the instructor and also the students in carrying out a project. The instructor can ask questions that motivate the students to provide insights and ideas about a given subject matter. The activity includes a pretest and posttest method where data can be collected. The instructor can study the findings and provide output for the course. (Carden and Egan, 2008, p. 315) The project manager and his team should be able to have coordination and teamwork and a good communication process. The team should have a well-studied plan that is borne out of a careful evaluation and analysis of the situation. Senior members of the team, or the experienced managers and experts should be consulted because they have the knowledge to carry out projects. Knowledge, teamworking and good management are important characteristics of a team (Koch, 2004). This simple sentence by Koch (2004) carries a lot of meanings. Knowledge itself has many connotations. Knowledge has got to be present in a team that must perform teamwork to carry out a project. And these are the requirements of an effective management in carrying out a project. A project is defined as a job or task that is carefully planned, with a deadline to follow, implemented by a team and to be evaluated by a manager or client who is the owner/buyer of the project. (Carden and Egan, 2008) This definition of project can be applied to almost every

Fortifying U.S. National security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Fortifying U.S. National security - Essay Example To respond to the first two revolutions requires foreign policy initiatives in the Middle East and elsewhere as bold as the Marshall Plan and as encompassing as energy security. (Tucker, 2006) To create a national security strategy requires an understanding of the changing nature of conflict particularly, and that requires an understanding of the erosion of the sovereignty of nation-states. For 350 years, wars have been fought between the uniformed armies of nations with fixed borders, meeting in the field to achieve a political result. Rules evolved for these wars: Geneva conventions and a body of international law spell out the norms for humane treatment and repatriation of prisoners, the rights of noncombatants, rules against the use of torture, and so forth. Nations disintegrate; and when a nation disintegrates, as in the former Yugoslavia, geographic borders warp and sometimes evaporate. (Clancey, 2006) Indeed, part of the process of creating peace among ethnic combatants in a disintegrating nation involves drawing new boundaries and building new nations. And now, in the new age of terrorism, United States experience violence being perpetrated by combatants in civilian clothes, representing no nation, attacking civilian targets, with no political agenda, and possessing only a fanatical commitment to destruction for its own sake. When the nature of conflict changes, the means of assuring security must also change. New forms of violence resemble war, but by historic standards they are not. What is this new conflict, and how should United States deal with it United States call much of this new kind of violence terrorism. But labeling every bad actor a terrorist tempts us to embrace wretched allies on the always-dubious theory that the enemy of our enemy is our friend. On this same theory, United States supported undemocratic and repressive authoritarian oligarchies during the Cold War simply because they were opposed to communism. (Howard, 2006) United States set about assassinating foreign leaders United States did not like. The bills United States accrue from despicable allies and unprincipled policies that undermine the very principles United States claim to defend, however, always come due. In the past ten years, United States have seen a dozen or more low intensity conflicts between tribes, clans, and gangs. United States participated in some, including in Somalia, where United States experienced the painful consequences of brawling, however well intentioned, in another man's alley as memorialized in the fi lm Black Hawk Down. United States passively observed similar bloody confl icts, in Rwanda and elsewhere, where the weapon of choice, a machete, dated to the Bronze Age. (Korb, 2006) United States successfully formed a "coalition of the willing," essentially an ad hoc international posse, in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Kuwait. United States earned a quick victory in Kuwait largely due to intensive bombing and maneuver

Issues in Human Sexuality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Issues in Human Sexuality - Essay Example Traditionally, we believed that the feminine role was an expressive one, and the masculine role as instrumental. Expressive activities of the woman fulfill internal functions, and man, on the other hand, performed the external functions of a family, such as providing monetary support. Gender identity, to a large extent, refers to an individual’s identification with male or female gender roles and behaviors and the labeling of different activities as feminine and masculine, which is largely a social construction based on stereotyped expectations regarding gender and perceived gender differences. It is recognized that individuals’ identification with masculine and feminine personality traits could vary when measured in different contexts or when gender identity was more or less salient to the other variables being examined-as found in the observations. If we closely examine the whole thing, we learn that the gender role is a set of behavioral norms associated particularly with males or females in a given social group or system. All societies, to a certain effect, have a gender/sex system, although the components and workings of this system vary widely from society to society. A persons gender role is composed of several elements and can be expressed through clothing, behavior, choice of work, personal relationships and other factors. There is nothing strange in seeing that people spontaneously categorize stereotypically masculine and stereotypically feminine traits and job labels according to gender even when the task at hand has nothing to do with gender. They are grounded in perceptions of differences between these gender categories.

Analyse the marriage of Charles and Emma in Madame Bovary Essay

Analyse the marriage of Charles and Emma in Madame Bovary - Essay Example Fresh from the love and romance of her books and her fantasies while she is in the convent, Emma expects her husband Charles to â€Å"initiate [her] into the forces of passion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ but he taught nothing†¦.knew nothing, desired nothing.† As a result, the reality that Emma confronts in her marriage and the interminable dullness set her into a pattern where she becomes ripe for adultery , as she wonders â€Å"just what was meant in real life, by the words felicity, passion and intoxication, which had seemed so beautiful to her in books.† (Flaubert Part I: Ch 5). Her marriage thus becomes a vague, ever present dullness from which she yearns to escape and it makes her a ripe candidate for adultery. Charles’ name â€Å"Bovary† itself appears to suggest the bovine nature of the man. He is dull and unimaginative, while Emma’s maiden name â€Å"Rouault† contains the French word for wheels and thereby suggests Emma’s passionate, exotic nature. What Emma expects from her marriage is a receptivity to her spirited nature so that â€Å"a sudden overflow would have poured from her heart as the ripe fruit falls from a tree when one lays hand to it.† What she finds however, is a dull man who has no imagination at all; although he means well, he is boring and clumsy. The ball given by the Marquis d’Aquevilliers is even more depression for Emma, as she watches the utter inadequacy of her husband to fit in with the nobility that Emma so much desires to be a part of, his smugness and ignorance dampen her ardor considerably. Charles decides to take his pretty young wife to the larger town of Yonville and hands over financial control to her, all i n the hope that she will be pleased.

The Republic Book 8. According to Plato, what are the weaknesses of a Essay - 1

The Republic Book 8. According to Plato, what are the weaknesses of a democracy What do you think of Plato's argument - Essay Example ality of the individuals in the democracy creates a society with several constitutions and once the democracy is established, there is no requirement to rule or to be ruled. Sophistication is also deemed necessary among the people in the city and tolerance as another chief yet weak characteristic is only thought to be complete if it is working for the benefit of the majority. The way I see it, Plato presents a rather limited perspective of democracy, following a condition that is absolute on its own and occurs incapable of adjustments when in fact there is governing constitution to regulate freedom so as to avoid any tendency of its extreme unruly utilization. Prior to initiating propositions, despite most of his reliable philosophical thoughts, Plato could have considered extending borders for his analysis of the prevailing political system and situation in the democratic society and seek ways for democracy to maintain balance of liberty and power as well as respect for authority of the ruling

Global warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Global warming - Essay Example And as the temperature in our waters heats-up, it harms and kills the algae which serve as food to other living organism in the ocean. When that happens, it inadvertently destroys the ecosystem and balance in the ocean. Carbon dioxide emission from our use of fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal has been the primary culprit of global warming as it traps heat to remain in our atmosphere that makes it warmer. Much of carbon dioxide emission comes from our energy use ranging from the electricity that lights our houses to the to the carbon emission of our cars and industrial plants. Fossil fuel has been the primary source of energy as it is cheap and constitutes 85% of the world’s primary energy source. A very significant portion of the greenhouse gas emission in the atmosphere comes from the developing countries. As they are trying to develop their economy and improve their living condition, the construction of industrial plants, warehouses, offices and other implements of production and development consumes unusual amount of energy that contributes to global warming (http://www.globalwarming.org). Such, this comes to fore the debate of whether it will be appropriate to de-carbonize the source of energy considering its greenhouse emission in the atmosphere. Such measure is debated and at odds with the energy requirement of the world especially with the developmental efforts of developing countries that needs tremendous amount of energy. For decarbonizing energy source will make energy expensive and will take toll on the growth of developing countries. Such, it is often argued that the measure of decarbonizing energy source is anti-poor as it stunts the efforts of developing countries to improve its living condition. But everybody agrees that the environment has to be protected and that the continuous warming of our atmosphere will have a serious consequence on the environment; weather pattern changes,

How Homework can Help with Your Academic Success Essay Example for Free

How Homework can Help with Your Academic Success Essay Homework is an important part of the academic curriculum and it also plays a major role in ensuring academic success for the students. Let us talk at length about how homework can help in bringing about academic success. Homework primarily helps in building five skills which assist in attaining academic success. Those skills are as follows: Organization: Being organised is an essential ingredient in the recipe of academic success. One has to be meticulous in planning a study routine to ensure that all topics of all subjects are paid equal attention. Also, enough time for practice should be baked in the routine. It is this aspect that homework helps with and gives enough opportunity to a student to practice his/her lessons, which then paves the way of gaining mastery over a topic or subject. In addition keeping track of one’s homework makes a student more organized. Time management: Optimum utilization of time is the key to success in the field of academics. Often at times, one feels flustered and overwhelmed with the vast study syllabus or curriculum. Therefore, dividing one’s time efficiently and as per one’s strength and weakness is a matter of great importance. Homework provides the student with an opportunity to manage time. While doing the homework of a subject which is one’s weak area, he is devoting more time to that subject, which will help him in understanding the concepts better, thereby saving the student’s time as he need not revisit this subject again and can spend the rest of his time in doing other activities or can devote to other subjects. In addition, learning to plan his work well in order to submit the assignment or homework on time will help him/her build time management skills. Prioritization: The skill of being able to prioritize one’s task does not only help with academic success, but is a skill which will come handy throughout your life. If a student is confronted with multiple assignments or homework in multiple subjects, he/she needs to prioritize it based on some factors like submission date, the complexity level of the work, his/her proficiency level with the subject etc. While doing so, they will learn to identify elements based on the urgency and importance levels. Concentration: Undivided attention and wholehearted commitment to one’s study time are per-requisites for academic success. While doing one’s homework with complete focus, a student has to ensure that he is cut off from any kinds of distractions or interruptions and should devote all his stamina and attention in completing the homework effectively. Such single minded focus on completing one’s homework helps a student build his concentration, which proves to be very useful while studying during the time of the assessments or exams. Motivation: A student has to believe in self and has to remain motivated all the time to be successful in academics. Self-confidence is of prime importance for academic success and it can be built and retained only if an individual is motivated to achieve success. If one does his/her homework successfully and wins accolades for the same back in school, then he/she will be motivated to do well consistently, as nothing attracts success more than success itself. To summarize, if homework is done with seriousness and sincerity, then it can prove to be a very useful tool in achieving academic success.

Indonesia And Burma Possess Similar Political Systems History Essay

Indonesia And Burma Possess Similar Political Systems History Essay Both Burma and Indonesias political landscapes are shaded with military domination since their independence. However, Indonesia has experienced democratization after the fall of Suharto and Burma remains aloof. We need to have a look at why Burma did not experience the political transformation and why Indonesia did. While we consider this, we also have to examine the political history and the elements that shape the systems. Geographical landscape Indonesia is geographically the biggest country in Southeast Asia and Myanmar is the second biggest. Indonesia also enjoys (rather suffers from) the biggest population size in the region. Scholars have noted that Indonesia has a potential to become a regional powerhouse given its geographic and demographic size but has not asserted to be so, mainly because of its failure for economic transformation which is also deterred by political instability. On the other hand, scholars have also mentioned that Burma could be an important country in the region if its doors were open and its political and economic reforms were introduced. Speculation are good to be made, however, in contrast, the practical situations are different. There are several elements that hinder both countries successes. Colonial periods The countries that became independent after the Second World War usually point their fingers to the western colonialists to justify their failure to implement modern state-building. The case is quite true with Both Indonesia and Burma. Both countries were colonialised by the western powers Burma by the British and Indonesia by the Dutch. The creation of Modern Burma was essentially the British creation and the Indonesia unavoidably by the Dutch. Both countries, as noted above, have failed to become successful both politically and economically after independence. I would like to assert here that it is true that the British and the Dutch made the geographical demarcations on the basis of their economic interests neglecting the composition of the diverse ethnic groups within the created regions. However, it is the fundamental fault of the domestic rule to accommodate the diverse ethnicities and to bring about a workable and economic-oriented political attitude. I would like to focus mo re about this later on when I further talk about Burma and Indonesia. Struggle for Independence and the rise of nationalism A similarity exists in the struggle for Independence in both countries. They experienced the surge of nationalism in the immediate pre-war period. Burma oversaw a peasant uprising in 1930. The event made an epoch in the struggle for social liberation leading up to nationalism. The leader of the rebellion, Hsaya San, was a member of a social group called YMBA (Young Man Buddhist Association). (Gravers 2005, p36) Even though there were some small scale outbreaks of the revival of nationalism previously in Burma, I totally agree that Hsaya San was a major inspiring figure in the struggle for liberation and the establishment of nationalism. Thus, we know that the rise of nationalism is comparably quite late in Burma. We can look at the Philippines and India to compare this trend. The same is true with Indonesia. The landmark in the nationalist movement in Indonesia happened in the immediate pre-war period. Brown noted as below: The Indonesia nationalist movement, emerging in the first decade of the century and a prominent part of the political and social landscape by the 1920s, had been remarkably successful. In the space of less than half a century, it had apparently not only defeated Dutch colonialism, but also succeeded in overcoming historical ethnic and religious differences between Indonesians. And these are the terms in which many Indonesians today view that movement. (Brown 2003, p105) Brown went on to say that the nationalist movement accomplished much in Indonesia. However, in the case of Burma, I just would like to say that the Burmese gained the independence from the British not with the assistance of firepower but with the situational timing and diplomatic negotiation. The evidence is the sheer lack of serious bloodshed with the British forces and the agreement of AungSan-Attlee. Political structures after Independence Burma gained independence from the British on the 4th of January, 1948. The first Burmese leader, General Aung San, visualized Burma as a plural society in which diverse political structures coexisted within a framework of overarching consensus. (Tarling 1999, p80) That was the reason why he promised the Shan and the Karenni the right to secede from the Union after ten years of independence unless they were satisfied with the Union. But after Aung San was assassinated, the structure was changed. Burma developed a Westminster style parliamentary system with the lower house possessing large amount of legislative power and accordingly the Prime Minister became exceedingly powerful. The upper house, containing the equal proportions of the different ethnic nationalities, was not granted overriding power of the lower house. Thus, the establishment of a federation failed. The powerful Prime Minister U Nu (also the first PM of Burma) tried to develop a political structure based on a synthesis of Buddhism and Socialism, with an especially heavy dose of the former. (Tarling 1999, p87) This structure was opposed by the ethnic minorities who are Christians. Socialists did not support this program as well. Along with this structure appeared several different kinds of revolts, particularly the communists and the Karen National Union. The rebels controlled large area in the countryside and the central government was confined within the Rangoon city limit. The deteriorating political situations paved the way to the military takeover of the country. Indonesia proclaimed independence on 17th August, 1945. However, proclamation of the independence does not mean a real freedom. The Dutch were eager to come to their former colony, so the Indonesians had to fight for their liberation. Sukarno and Hatta were appointed President and Vice-President respectively, and a system of regional based on a division of the Republic into seven provinces each headed by a nominated governor, was established. (Brown 2003, p159) The formal Dutch recognition of Indonesian independence came only in December 1949. The recognition established in the light of American pressure on the Dutch government and Indonesian Armys determined resistance. The seed of military domination in the politics of both countries thus was planted during the revolution periods. In Burma, the Army was formed in ally with the Japanese to fight off the British and the important role of the military was sustained in the continuous fighting in the internal revolts-the communists and the ethnic resurgence. Also in Indonesia, the Army played a big role in fencing off the Dutch during the Dutchs military launch and in addition to that, it pinpointed the two enemies within the state-the rise of communism and the formation of Darul Islam. It did not fail to struggle with them until they are toppled. Military takeover of the power Burma enjoyed a democratic state between 1948 and 1962. However, the time had come for a change. In March 1962, a military coup led by General Ne Win overthrew the elected government of U Nu, ushering in a period of military rule that has lasted more than 40 years. (Church 2006, p117) The main justification for the military coup given by General Ne Win was that the country was in tatters because of the selfish activities of the politicians, as a result of which, the Shan and other ethnic minorities were preparing to secede from Burma. One cannot imagine how many times the military leaders have repeated this same reason over the several decades since their takeover, in the newspaper, magazines and state-run TVs and radios. As a man who grew up in 1990s, I personally have heard of these kinds of statements over and over again and am just fed up with it. However, if one was a normal person who was not actually interested in politics and had no access to foreign media, he or she would pr obably just take it as true and real. Therefore this just serves as the militarys psychological warfare. Now there may arise some questions why one has to put so much blame on the Burmese military as long as it is doing good for the country. In fact, the Burmese military headed by General Ne Win at that time was not doing any good to the country. Let us first look at the economy. The military government fundamentally transformed the state economy from capitalist market to the socialist collectivism. The business enterprises were nationalized forcefully. No compensation was offered. The economy worsened acutely under military rule, with the expulsion of Indians and Pakistanis, the prohibition on foreign investment and the efforts of the one-party State to impose a command economy. In 1987, the United Nations gave Burma Least Developed Nation status, recognizing it as one of the worlds 10 poorest countries. (Church 2006, p117) There has been widespread analysis of Burmese economic development index despite the difficulties in terms of data collection and information retrieval. Scholars have pointed out that militarys mismanagement of the economy inexorably led to the demise of the economic structure. The state wanted to build an industrial proletariat while Burma is a state of little industry and to control all economic activities. At the same time it purged the administration of the civilian meritocratic bureaucratic elite who were the only civil servants capable of attempting to run a centrally planned economy. (Steinberg 2005, p 57) What the government did was, as Steinberg continued; replace the elites with military brass who did not have any economic competence. This kind of management ultimately led to the economic disaster. Now that we have seen how Burmas military economic mismanagement brought about the economic demise of the country, we turn to look at Indonesia and its militarys management of the economy. Here when we talk about the economic handling of the state, we look at the shift of political power from Sukarno to Suharto and his ambition to bring the country to the existing economic world order. We can compare U Nu and General Ne Win to Sukarno and Suharto. Even though they represent stark differences in some respect, the pattern could be tentatively drawn to the same phenomenon. However, the power change from U Nu to General Ne Win was witnessed as the move from economic development to all-round ruins. On the other hand, Suharto inherited a bleak future in the countrys economy from Sukarno. Despite of it, he initiated economic transformation and subsequently the development. There are so many things Suharto did to promote the economic development. First, he tried to make sure the foreign investment come to the country. Tax collection was properly made. In 1967 a group of Indonesias major western creditors, including Japan, the United States and Australia, formed the Inter-Governmental Group on Indonesia (IGGI), an organization aimed at coordinating the flow of aid to Indonesia. (Brown 2003, p 219) Thus, Suharto transformed the economy successfully. He also tried to legitimize his military takeover of the country by showing economic growth. He brought about dramatic improvements in the living standards of most Indonesians. (Fuston 2001, p77) In Asia, Indonesia became an economic tiger along with Thailand and Malaysia. However, the economy contracted again after the fall of Suharto in 1997, in the wake of the Asian financial crisis. So, comparing the two dictators seems quite different in this economic sector. General Ne Win who was extremely corrupt and was intent on centralizing the power on his own hand, pushed the country into the bottom of the ground, whereas, General Suharto, despite his authoritative manner, lifted his country up to the desirable economic standard. People usually argue that economic development comes only in the light of political stability. This statement has credible source. In the case of Indonesia, the 1997 financial crisis and political instability brought down the Suharto regime and since then, the economy did not recover to the fullest extent. In Burma, political instability is usually interpreted as the ethnic tensions and armed resurrections. Ethnic Conflicts Burma is a country infested with ethnic conflicts. All the ethnic-controlled areas of the country are situated on the periphery of the state and they want to break away from the Union of Burma. Tin Maung Maung Than (2005, p 65) rightly points out that the nation-state in Myanmar is a post-colonial construction and the issue of national identity in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious setting has played a significant role in state building since independence. He also revealed the fact that ethnic conflicts take a shape of central political stage in Burmas political background. All major ethnicities in the country want to secede from the post-colonial formation of the state. This constitutes a huge problem in nation building. Like in Burma, there are ethnic conflicts in Indonesia. Academics put those conflicts in two types; vertical conflicts and horizontal conflicts. Vertical conflicts are those happened between the state and a particular group (ethnically, religiously or ideologically-motivated) within the nation-state. On the other hand horizontal conflicts are those happened within the society itself or intra-society. It occurs between at least two culturally or religiously differentiated communities under a single political authority. (Sukma, 2005, p3) According to this definition, both types of conflicts can be seen in Indonesia. However, more dangerous conflicts that are similar to Burmas case are vertical conflicts such as Aceh and Papuas struggle for secession. These two states exist in the extreme far ends of the archipelago; Aceh being in the west end and Papua in the east. This unique geographical location of the peripheral states resembles those states in Burma, which are trying to break away from the Union of Burma. Sukma asserts that the Aceh conflict began to take form as a secessionist conflict only in mid-1970s with the establishment of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). If this is the case, their cause was much later than the ethnic conflicts in Burma; Karen National Union, for example, took up arms in 1949 to secede from the state. Although ethnic tensions played a pivotal role in Burmas political arena, most so-called pro-democracy opposition groups of the country tend to forget its role. Their main concern has always been the military domination and their chief aim is to push the soldiers into the barracks. The main justification of the military takeover of the politics, however, was and still is the disintegration of the so-called Union of Burma. The opposition groups, such as NLD (National League for Democracy) did not pay much heed into the above-mentioned cause of the military. Civilian democracy uprisings NLD was only formed after the 1988 democracy uprisings in Burma. Why did the uprisings happen? The reason was that people were most fed up with the arbitrary management of the economy by the army. I can still recall those days when suddenly we woke up in the morning and found that the money my parents have accumulated in life was declared useless by the military government. It must have been the most painful experience in life for my parents. They did not know how to go to the market and buy food and other necessary commodities. The government was, bluntly speaking, idiotic and brainless to declare the state currency worthless without any compensation. The worst is that it did it twice. Peoples anger poured out into the street. They were really fed up with the rationed food, commodities, closed economy, political suppression and so many other things. Once in a life time, people went into the street risking their lives under the shooting guns and shouted Democracy! Overnight, the whol e country was turned upside down. People from all walks of life joined the shouting. They walked hand-in-hand and demonstrated. That was a time when NLD was introduced with the head of Aung San Suu Kyi. People needed a leader to direct their cause. Students were at the forefront of the uprisings and they supported Aung San Suu Kyi. She and her party won the landslide victory in the 1990 election but she was not granted the power. Power was not a type to be granted in Burma. The power comes from the barrel of the gun for the soldiers. When the uprising was put down brutally, the students and the dissidents run into the ethnic controlled areas and made ally with them. Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest and the military went on ruling the country. Is it just impossible to bring down a military regime? Of course, yes. It is possible to kick a man out from the highest position. Indonesia is the case study. General Suharto was ousted at the wake of 1997 Asian financial crisis. General Suharto granted economic prosperity to the country but his era was marked with authoritarianism, corruption and nepotism. (Church 2006, p56) In 1997, because of the Asian financial crisis, there was a speculative bubble, and capital flight. The currency quickly crashed from around 4,000 rupiah to more than 12,000 rupiah to the US dollar. (ibid) There were massive public demonstrations. Some elements of the military organized chaos and violence against the Chinese community. The Jakarta elite turned against Suharto. The vice-president, Habibie, helped convince Suharto to step down. Military head, General Wiranto, reportedly refused to act against demonstrations. Suhartos hope of remaining in power was thwarted away. He was forced to resign. (Fuston 2 001, p79) Demonstrations in Burma also forced General Ne Win resign in 1988 while Suharto was also toppled in 1997. But in Burma, another military regime was introduced and it crashed down the demonstrations brutally, followed by the promise of elections and civilian rule. The second promise was not kept. On the while, in Indonesia, Suhartos fall and Habibies succession was seen as a transition to Democracy. Present days There is a real mess still going on in the present day of Indonesias politics as the case was in Burma. For Habibie, there was a force for him to make a change in the country. First, greater freedom of speech and assembly was ensured. Along with it, creation of political parties was allowed. An election was held in 1999. However, Habibie was not absolutely free from the shadow of Suharto and his followers. There came meetings and discussions among leading figures such as Abdurrahman Wahid, Megawati Sukarnoputri and Amien Rais, etc. In the elections, Megawatis party won and after series of negotiations, promises and double crosses, Wahid came to power. (Fuston 2001, p80) However political turmoil continued. Finally, in 2001, Wahid was removed by parliament and replaced by his vice president, Megawati. The summary of this chaotic period is that the political situation was not stable. So many things changed in a short period of time. Also in Burma, the military continued to rule the country with an iron fist. Since the victory of NLD in the 1990 election, little political and economic changed. There was a time the head of the Junta was replaced. General Saw Maung, the head of SLORC was ousted and took over by General Than Shwe. Still one man change did not mean a thing for the country. However, there was a short period of economic growth in 1995 and 1996 due to the open door policy. But as Tin Maung Maung Than noted in a seminar, the door was the spring door for Burma. It opened briefly but closed later on. Conclusion When we look at Indonesia and Burma, we have in fact to look at the whole Southeast Asia region. The political systems of the whole region are really messed up. We cannot actually say that they have functional intuitions. In Indonesia, the bureaucracy is extremely corrupt. Not less in Burma. Not less in Thailand. However, the governments want to claim that they are truly democratic countries. Of course, nobody wants to say that they are autocratic and authoritarian. However, in comparison, some countries are much better off than others in the region. Indonesia has better potentials than Burma in terms of economic and political development. They have experienced political transformation and long before that, the economic transformation. Even though they are fragile and volatile, they are still going on. Not in Burma. When we talk about Burma, we end up scolding the government because we cannot see a method to change the country. In fact, there is a way. That way can only come from the opposition groups stationed on the borders of Thailand and Burma. The opposition groups aggressively tightened up the rope of sanctions on the neck of the government hoping that it will kill the dictatorship once and for all. No way, the Chinese and the regional allies helped the dictators out of the loop of the deadly sanctions, leaving the country people with the effects of them. So there is no way out. Will dialogue be successful? It would have been successful if it had been the way.

Psychosocial Effects On Dementia Carers

Psychosocial Effects On Dementia Carers Dementia is a chronic, heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder which develops as a function of age, typically from 65 years old, with symptoms ranging from personality changes and losses of memory/intellect to severe reductions in mobility. Alzheimers disease is the most prevalent form of dementia (Cooper Greene, 2005). The diverse and deteriorating nature of the dementia process is uncontrollable and dramatically reduces suffers ability to care for themselves independently, resulting in the need to be cared for, predominantly by informal carers, constituting family members; particularly Spouses or children of the dementia sufferer. Consequently, the majority of dementia sufferers remain living at home (Rabins, Mace Lucas, 1982). Undoubtedly the role of caring for a person living with dementia has negative psychological (Dura, Kiecolt-Glaser Stukenberg, 1990) and social effects (Rabins et al.) on carers. However, amount of social support carers receive (Haley, Levine, Brown Bart olucci, 1987), stage of the dementia process (Quinn, Clare, Pearce Dijkhuizen, 2008; Haley Pardo, 1989) and symptoms expressed (Kinney Stephens, 1989) mediate negative psychosocial effects on carers. Psychosocial effects can be also be positive (Andren Elmstahl, 2005), with gender mediation (Fitting, Rabins, Lucas Eastham, 1986). Indirect causes of psychosocial effects on carers are financial strain (OShea, 2003) whilst effects of dementia on society also exist (Wimo, Ljunggren Winblad, 1997). Firstly, in relation to psychological effects on carers of persons living with dementia, research proposes behavioural symptoms expressed by dementia sufferers are the predominant cause of negative effects carers experience. Behavioural symptoms range from embarrassing public behaviour to self-harm, causing carers to be persistently aware of the dementia sufferers actions which subsequently induces psychological effects of stress, anxiety, emotional upset and fatigue on carers (Dura et al., 1990). The dementia sufferers argumentative temperament, violence towards carers and rejecting carers help also augments psychological stress and upset, with exhaustion as dementia sufferers often wake carers at night, augmenting further fatigue and thus stress (Rabins et al., 1982). In consequentially, following extensive periods of care (approximately 74months), psychological well-being of carers reduces dramatically with 30% expressing symptoms of depression, not existent prior to commencement of caring (Dura et al.). Implying, induction of negative psychological effects on carers are a direct consequence of caring for the person with dementia. Secondly, caring for a person with dementia induces negative social effects on carers with an average 30 of 55 carers reporting feeling social-isolated as a consequence of fulltime care, due to restricted time available for social activities/friendships, to insufficient support from family members and also due to leaving fulltime employment, as the work place is a major basis for social-interaction. Considering, carers undergo these major life changes to care for the dementia sufferer it is not surprising they feel socially-isolated, especially when dementia sufferers communication abilities deteriorate (Rabins et al., 1982) and feel ultimately trapped (Gaugler, Anderson, Zarit Pearlin, 2004). Furthermore, social effects on carers elucidate the relationship between caring for dementia sufferers and depression, as social isolation amplifies the probability of carers experiencing depressive symptomology. This is vilified by carers who receive social support, remain in contact with soc ial networks and partake in social activities and consequently report absence of depression, reduced stress and augmented satisfaction (Haley et al., 1987). Thus, effects on carers of persons living with dementia can be psychological and social; psychosocial but appear mediated by carers social situation. The stage of dementia is also primary (Quinn et al., 2008) Thirdly, severity of psychosocial effects on carers of persons living with dementia, appear determined by the stage of dementia. As Quinn et al. (2008) proposed negative psychosocial effects on carers are at their peak of severity during early dementia stages due to drastic changes taking place in carers lives, primarily, adapting to prevalent changes in the dementia sufferer and accepting changes in the relationship with the dementia sufferer with augment carers stress (Burns Rabins, 2000). Conversely, Haley and Pardo (1989) proposed negative psychosocial effects peak during later dementia stages, specifically augmented stress levels and social isolation as carers role becomes increasingly demanding. Particularly, care of daily needs, such as feeding and clothing due to dementia sufferers declining immobility due to the deteriorating progression of dementia. Also anxiety augments with fear of the dementia sufferers looming death (Rabins et al., 1982). Moreover, it is comprehensible both early and latter dementia stages induce negative psychosocial effects on carers, although which stage carers perceive to account for the majority of negative effects relies on individual differences. Especially as some carers conversely report later dementia stages to reduce negative psychosocial effects as behavioural symptoms become less adverse which may, be easier for some carers to cope with. Furthermore, some carers even report satisfaction from aiding daily-needs of immobile dementia sufferers (Kinney Stephens, 1989). However, older carers seemingly experience augmented psychological stress than do younger carers (Kiecolt-Glaser, Dura, Speicher, Trask Glaser, 1991) whereas younger carers experience augmented social-isolation and rage, with all effects appearing worse for women (Fittings et al., 1986). In view of these individual differences, two hypotheses are proposed to account for variability in psychosocial effects experienced by carers. The first;Wear and Tear hypothesis predicts; as symptoms of dementia sufferers worsen, so do carers stress and depression levels, subsequently affecting carers social life, inducing negative psychosocial effects which supports Haley and Pardo (1989) findings as suggestive of later dementia stages inducing greatest negative psychosocial effects on carers. Whereas the second;Adaptation-hypothesis predicts carers adapt to caregiving requirements and subsequently experience reduced stress and increased satisfaction over time, thus reduced negative and increased positive psychosocial effects on carers (Townsend, Noelker, Deimling Bass, 1989). Accordingly, Townsend et al. indeed revealed the majority of adult-child carers; 52% (averaging 47 years old), actually adapted overtime to their caregiving role, supporting earlier dementia stages as inducti ve of the most negative psychosocial effects, which accounted for both centralized and non-centralized caregivers. Although relationship between carer-dementia parent prior to caregiving mediated whether adaptation or declination occurred. Nevertheless, deciphering which carers require support during early or later stages of dementia may aid alleviation of negative psychosocial effects on carers of persons living with dementia (Townsend et al.). Although positive, psychosocial effects on carers are also reported (Andren Elmstahl, 2005). Andren and Elmstahl (2005) report carers experience positive psychosocial effects, specifically, portrayals of positive behaviour and interaction with dementia sufferer is gratifying for carers. Particularly because interaction is gratifying for the dementia sufferer which positively enhances carer mood; decreasing negative psychosocial effects.. Although carers experiencing positive psychosocial effects appear to be those who perceive their caring ability positively and have established coping mechanisms such as talking to others about their feelings; emotion-focused coping and learning more about what dementia is; problem-focused coping/information seeking, particularly decreasing feelings of social isolation (Haley et al., 1987). However the carers Andren and Elmstahl assessed, received help from care nurses and only cared for the dementia sufferer around every two months, thus due to their limited involvement and supplementary support, it is not surprising carers reported augment ed positive as compared to negative psychosocial effects. Further suggesting time involvement as mediating negative psychosocial effects on carers, especially as OShea (2003) reported two-thirds of carers working approximately 80 hours per week caring for the person with dementia; double the average working week, experienced caring to be highly stressful and felt substantial social isolation due to extensive time devoted to caring. Carers reported they would exhibit greater satisfaction by receiving supplementary support allowing reduced working hours, which therefore supports Andren and Elmstahls findings. Although, O Shea reported 73% of carers do receive support from formal carers, suggesting lack of support from family members causes negative psychosocial effects or formal carers being strangers may augment carers stress (Burns Rabins, 2000). Even so, other variables require investigation, particularly financial cost (O Shea, 2003). The cost of caring for a person living with dementia can be up to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬630 per week and considering majority of carers leave employment or work fewer hours to care for the dementia sufferer; carers are reported to averagely lose à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬200 per week. Consequently, two-thirds of carers report financial difficulties especially as only 30% of carers receive carers allowance (OShea, 2003), thus inducing psychological stress due to financial strain. Furthermore, caring for a dementia sufferer at home saves society  £6billion per year which stresses the high cost of dementia care being absorbed by carers which undoubtedly increases carers psychological stress. On-the-other-hand carers may merely desire recognition in the form of payment from society for their challenging role as a carer, as it seems stress is induced on carers due to feeling ignored by society (O Shea). Considering many carers stated that they would receive satisfaction from just à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.40 an h our, suggests recognition of carers duties with a small financial payment may convert negative psychosocial effects on carers to positive. Without this payment, society potentially face problems by inheriting the bulk cost of dementia care if carers struggle to cope and resort to early institutionalization of the dementia sufferer, which is reported to cost $166 per day in America (Wimo et al., 1997). On-the-other-hand, institutionalizations may reduce negative psychosocial effects on carers (Gaugler, Pot and Zarit, 2007). Gaugler et al. (2007) reported alleviation of carers psychological stresses associated with daily aiding of dementia sufferers and social effects associated with social isolation due to constant care when dementia sufferers are placed in nursing homes. However these effects are reduced only temporarily as carers consequentially report psychological effects of guilt of institutionalizing the dementia sufferer, which suggests, even after their central role as a carer ends, psychological effects still remain. Although compared to nursing homes, group-living homes are designed to resemble the typical home and Colvez, Joel, Ponton-Sanchez and Royer (2002) found carers to experience less psychological stress associated with guilt when placing the dementia sufferer into group-living homes. Possibly because they are more sociable, granting dementia sufferers a better quality of life which feeds-back positively to carers. However this does not seem consistent for all carers (Boekhorst et al., 2008). Nevertheless, group-living homes may be an intervention to reduce negative psychosocial effects on carers. Interventions are also essential, particularly as co-existence of negative psychosocial effects on carers appear to enhance probability of physiological effects on carers such as ill health (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 1991). Moreover, carers may benefit from training in how to effectively care for a dementia sufferer and knowledge of the nature of the dementia deterioration may make caregiving less stressful by increasing carers awareness and predictability of the dementia process (OShea, 2003). Personally, assigning a mentor to carers may teach effective ways of caring whilst simultaneously providing them with support, attacking both psychological and social effects on carers of persons living with dementia. Although individual carer assessments may be needed to ensure interventions are targeted at reducing the psychosocial effects particular carers experience (Rabins et a l., 1982). Overall, it is prominent that caring for persons living with dementia is a demanding role with various, predominantly negative psychological (stress and depression) and social effects (social isolation) on carers. Although there is no unified theory accountable for all carers which can predict definite psychosocial effects that will be experienced by all carers, as no single individual or situation is identical. Multiple variables have emerged which appear to mediate psychosocial effects on carers, particularly carers received level of social support (Haley et al., 1987), the stage of dementia (Quinn et al., 2008; Haley Pardo, 1989) and the symptoms expressed (Kinney Stephens, 1989). Although individuals adopting coping mechanisms appear more likely to experience positive psychological effects (satisfaction) and positive social effects (interaction with the patient) of caring for a person living with dementia. Although Indirect mediators; not directly related to the dementia suffer per se; financial cost of caregiving, induce stress due to financial strain. Future research needs to decipher carers at risk of experiencing negative psychosocial effects and subsequently address interventions aimed at reducing negative psychosocial effects to reduce probability of carers developing not only mental deterioration (depression) but also physiological deterioration (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 1991).

Vietnam War :: essays research papers

France occupied all of Vietnam by 1884. Independence was declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when communist forces under Ho Chi Minh, who took control over the north, defeated them. Eisenhower’s advisers believed that Ho Chi Minh’s powerful communist-nationalist appeal might set off a geographical chain reaction. As Ho Chi Minh’s government established itself in North Vietnam, Eisenhower supported a noncommunist government in South Vietnam and ordered covert operations and economic programs to prevent Ho Chi Minh from being elected the leader of a unified Vietnam. The Vietnam War was a military struggle fought in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975. It was started by the Communist guerrillas (the so-called Vietcong) in the South, whom were backed by Communist North Vietnam, in an attempt to overthrow the South Vietnam government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ngo Dinh Diem was overthrown and killed in a coup d'etat in 1963 by his own generals causing political confusion in South Vietnam. By 1965 the Vietcong was strong enough to form main force units to fight pitched battles with the South Vietnamese army in the countryside, although not in the urban areas which stayed under Saigon government control. The security in South Vietnam continued to deteriorate putting the Communists in reach of a victory. By 1965, the US president Lyndon Johnson approved regular bombing of North Vietnam to prevent the total collapse of the Saigon regime by the dispatch of troops and marking their overt entry into the war. United States forces landed at Da Nang and began fighting in Vietnam. On March 2 1965 the first of four phases of the air wars in Vietnam happened, along with the first sustained bombing of the United States bomibg campain against North Vietnam accord. This air was war was called Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder had three objectives; reduce the infiltration; boost South Vietnamese morale and to inform Hanoi of the ever increasing expense of a continued insurgence in the South. In Hanoi, Rolling Thunder was seen as another obstacle to overcome in the struggle to unite the North and the South under the Vietnamese rule of Ho Chi Minh followers. They would find a way to withstand the American air assault, making it too expensive for Washington to maintain. On March 2 1965, the United States Air Force participated in Rolling Thunder for the first time, and inflicted heavy damage by large numbers of aircrafts, available at Thai bases, that accompanied b-57s to an ammunition depot Xom Bong.

Essay --

Corey Schirmer An Appropriate Monarchy in Ancient Israel The Deuteronomistic literature of the Hebrew Bible seem to present opposite viewpoints on the topic of kingship. The pro platform presents the Davidic kingship in a very positive light, while other texts particularly 1 Samuel appear to be against the topic of kingship. Upon further evaluation, the institution of a monarchy in the Ancient Near East (ANE) was appropriate because it could provide stability to Israel. On the other hand the monarchy was not appropriate because it was a clear rejection of God. A kingship is not inherently evil, but the people’s request for a human as king showed a complete lack of faith in God as the primary ruler of his people. When examining Deuteronomy, the â€Å"law of the king† provides more information on what a king cannot do as a monarch. Most of what is outlined in these laws restricts royal authority and the monarch is subject to them. Some of these laws were things that later kings (even under the Davidic kingship) were guilty of committing. The first king of the Davidic Kingship (David) held multiple wives and even sent a soldier (Uriah) to his own death (New Oxford Annotated Bible, 2 Samuel 11:24). David was not perfect and screwed up many times, but his heart was for the Lord. And the Lord formally appointed the Israelite King as an instrument of his rule. No matter how much these kings screwed up they were still held in good standing because God viewed them as the closest thing to himself. This is what God intended the kingship of Israel to represent. A king that is not above the covenant. A monarchy could be beneficial in many ways. Most of the pro platform displayed in 1 Samuel shows us that a king can provide leadership ... ...was their expectations for a king like all the other nations. This king would impose practices that would limit personal freedom and eventually lead to the abuse of power. After examining the disdain that a kingship brought to God. It seems as though a king would not be beneficial to Israel. In the right context, a king that was appointed by God to lead under his covenant would benefit the people because it would bring stability to Israel. The right leader is a human being that is still in need of divine help. The Israelite king is an instrument of divine justice and the icon of God’s universal rule. The king will lead the army in the name of God and defeats the Lord’s enemies. A kingship is not inherently evil. The appropriate king would be one after God’s own heart, while a non-appropriate king would be one that abuses power and leads the people of Israel astray.

Film Review: Mindwalk :: essays research papers

Film Review: Mindwalk   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If a good movie is one that makes you think, Mindwalk must be superb. However, I haven’t even read the book it was based on and I can say that the book must have been better. The actors are laughable, and the physicists’ accent changes with each new scene. Furthermore, the transitions to each scene are as smooth as sandpaper. The purpose of this movie wasn’t, and with good reason, to be glamorous though. As many of our â€Å"Hollywood† movies are. The fast action, sex, blood, money crazed movies that we all love. The fact that Mindwalk was based on a book also gives some explanation to the choppy scenes, as many omissions were probably made. Financing played a role in the actors chosen for the movie, a kind of ironic humor if you think about it in context to what the entire movie is about. All of this in mind, and the fact that it was a lengthy 2+ hours; it could never be a blockbuster hit. I, on the contrary, enjoyed it. Some of the is sues raised are those that many of us think about often, or maybe I am just hoping that I’m not the only one.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As one of the many business majors, the idea of my job being meaningless, or al least not a significant â€Å"benefit† to society has crossed my mind. I am in college to compete in our materialistic society for the highest paying job. In other words, I’m in it for the money. Perhaps the â€Å"crisis of perception† is something for me to think about, maybe even more than others. I know my reasons aren't in line with the value system I like to portray I have and live by. Yet, I still compromise them; giving myself the excuse that I am doing it all for my future family, or something like that.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The â€Å"crisis of perception† is in my life, and everyone's. For instance success for most comes from an education. However that success isn’t associated with the knowledge, but with the money you make as a result. The physicist used the â€Å"crisis of perception† example as an explanation of how to fix everything wrong with the world. Explaining that focusing on one piece can’t work, and that everything is â€Å"interconnectedâ€Å". She uses the example of a person with gallstones. A western medicine physician would take the gall bladder out.

Consumer Attitude and Beliefs Essay

1. Explain a person’s attitude towards visiting Disneyland in Hong Kong in terms of the tri-component model. The tri-component attitude model is made up of three major components: (i) The Cognitive Component – a consumer’s attitude is initially based upon their own knowledge and perception through direct experience with the attitude object and related information from other sources. Prior Visit: if an individual has looked at brochures or searched up Hong Kong Disneyland online, then their attitude towards it should be positive, relating to their also positive perception received through information from sources After Visit: after visiting HK Disneyland, the individual would have had direct experience with the attitude object, thus their attitude would be based upon their experience there. (ii) The Affective Component – the emotions and or feelings a consumer associates with a particular brand or product. Prior Visit: assuming that the individual is a fan of rides and an adrenaline rush, the affective component would mostly likely involve the feeling of excitement of visiting Disneyland After Visit: if the individual’s visit to HK Disneyland was positive, they would probably have feelings of happiness and maybe even an emotion of sadness that they have to leave (iii) The Conative Component – the likelihood or tendency of a consumer to undertake a specific action or behave in a certain manner with regard to the attitude object. Prior Visit: since this component is based on an individual’s tendency to act (and not the actual acting), it would depend on each individual’s unique behaviour towards something; e.g. one may have the tendency to get too excited and not be able to concentrate on work properly. After Visit: an individual may hav e the tendency to boast to their friends about how fabulous their visit to HK Disneyland was. 2. Explain how the product manager of a breakfast cereal might change consumer attitudes toward the company’s brand by: a) Changing beliefs about the brand The product manager could change consumer beliefs about the brand by using the cognitive component of the tri-component attitude model, where a consumer’s knowledge and perceptions are acquired via direct experience with the attitude object plus information from other sources. (E.g. adding a  health attribute to the product so that consumers perceive the cereal brand as healthy, changing their beliefs about the brand.) b) Changing beliefs about competing brands The product manager of a breakfast cereal is obviously not able to change the packaging or advertising of a competitor’s brand, thus their marketing strategy to change a customer’s attitude toward competing brands must be accomplished via packaging and advertising strategies of their own breakfast cereal brand. This may be accomplished by assuring that consumers are aware that the breakfast cereal is unique from its competitors and has something to offer that other brands do not. Advertising to customers that this cereal has extra to offer or that other brands have been simply imitating this brand would cause customers to believe that competing brands have simply been deceiving. c) Changing the relative evaluation of attitudes Changing the relative evaluation of attitudes would involve the product manager coming up with a strategy that positively affects and engages a larger number of consumers. This would include appealing customers by making the breakfast cereal stand out amongst other competitors, such as highlighting a significant attributive strength that other breakfast cereals do not offer. The product manager would want to use powerful positive statements to achieve this. d) Adding an attribute Consumer attitudes toward the breakfast cereal could be enhanced by adding a health attribute to the cereal. For example, consumers are most likely to believe there has been product improvement if the product manager decides to add positively perceived ingredients such as protein, fibre, minerals, etc. 3. What sources influenced your attitudes about studying buyer behaviour before class started? Has your initial attitude changed since the unit started? If so, how? The sources that influenced my attitude towards studying buyer behaviour prior starting the unit was mostly based on the unit description from the unit guide and how friends had described the unit  to be like. My current attitude towards the unit has not changed much, except for the fact that the group assignment was actually not as boring as expected but rather quite interesting. 4. Should the marketer of a popular computer graphics program prefer consumers to make internal or external attributions about the success that people have using the program? The marketer of a popular graphics program would most likely prefer consumers to make external attributions about the success that people have using the program. External attributes focus on the properties or features that are externally visible such as reliability and maintainability, hence this type of successful information would appeal more to consumers compare to internal attributions that are not visible. 5. Find an ad for a free service trial (e.g. carwash, free brake check or a free software trial). What attributions would consumers make about the advertiser? What self-attributions would a consumer make if he or she accepted the trial offer? A consumer may make the attribution that the advertiser of Spotify is personally a fan and recommends it. A free trial advertisement sends across a message somewhere along the lines of: â€Å"It’s great. You don’t believe me? Try it for yourself then.† From a consumer’s point of view, it makes the advertiser positive that an individual will not regret testing it out and want to actually purchase it again for an actual monetary amount. Possible self-attributions that a consumer may make if they accept the trial offer would be that they are now in the â€Å"social loop†, or praise themselves for accepting the trial offer and receiving free music on their phone and laptop for 30 days without having to pay. If they enjoyed the trial then an individual would make positive self-attributes and vice-versa. 6. Find examples of advertising that uses fear and humour and discuss why you think they are effective or not effective. Example of Advertisement Using Fear: This advertisement that uses fear in order to raise awareness and prevent people from smoking is effective in my opinion. A non-smoker who saw this would most likely be too scared to ever pick up cigarettes even to test it out knowing the possible consequences can be this bad, let alone death from lung cancer. An actual smoker would hopefully look at this and realise what they are doing to their own bodies and also take into account that this may be them at some point in time. It may not be strong enough to get an addict to completely quit smoking, but hopefully at least cut down. Example of Advertisement Using Humour: Personally I think the use of humour in this advertisement is the perfect way to capture the attention of consumers and potential consumers. Not only would LEGO fans be lured into the advertisement, but even those who have no clue about LEGO or are simply not interested are likely to take notice of the advertisement purely because it is humorous. It also indirectly targets Star Wars fans, allowing the advert to appeal to a whole range of individuals.

Greek Life in American Campuses Essay

wherefore is it that the state handst, no man is an island, is so astoundingly true accustomed level off the benefit of the doubt? Why is it that men and women alike take on this incomprehensible need to be in a company of slew? Theoretically, it all boils mass to human nature. But somehow, it seems that we all extremity to cast off people around us.The statements that Hellenic Life in American colleges and universities yet consists of drinking sessions and parties and a factor that pulls pull coldcock the prescribes of scholarly persons argon nonhing but an gaga assertion. And although there atomic number 18 countless c erstwhileptualize misconceptions ab out the Grecian Life in American colleges and universities, the unprecedented reality is that fraternities and sororities stick out been fostering the growth and development of from each one of their members not just as a student but more importantly, as a person.There argon a fortune of negative assumption people get with regard to fraternities and sororities. These misconceptions claim agonistic some lodge and sorority members all invariablyyplace the soil to go up in arms against what they consider to be a case of discrimination being hurled against them. The or so common assumption is that the Hellenic spiritedness is nothing more than an excuse to company and drink. Moreover, there is overly the assertion that the fraternities and sororities are the reasons for the declining GPAs of students.In addition, even parents are frightened of the thought of their children get together any brotherhood or sorority because they choose the notion that these groups are bad influences to their children. plainly of these are somehow valid concerns. However, these statements truly make any member of a trade union or sorority laugh than be angry. This is simply because they are somehow irrational. A student of Rutgers College, Andrea Cortland (2005) has acknowledged in her memb er entitled, Paying for friends which has been published in February 9, 2005 love of the Daily Targrum that classics in her school then drink and party.However, she has pointed out that non- Hellenic students as substantially as plunder in the same activities, explaining that drinking and partying are common modes of relaxation among college students not solely at Rutgers but elsewhere in the country. She has even lamented the fact that people ladder to be biased against fraternity and sorority members because of their greater visibility, produceing that its easier to identify members of a group than isolated individuals (Cortland, 2005). Furthermore, there is no proof that get together a fraternity or a sorority will pull down a students GPA. The grades of students go up and down regardless of whether or not they are members of a fraternity or a sorority.Lastly, the fear of some parents that fraternities and sororities are bad influences to students is mere conjecture. Kelly Jo Karnes, interrelate Director of the Division of Student personal business at the Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, have written a earn addressed to the parents of new students explaining the advantages of their childrens joining fraternities and sororities composition at the university. According to her, excursus from friendship, pedantic support, opportunities of contact in non- faculty member activities, the Greek club can volunteer their children a home away from home.As she has urged parents to include their children to join fraternities and sororities, she has explained that the student leaders of the university, their spark advance athletes and scholars and the closely successful alumni of ODU belong to Greek garner organizations (Karnes, 2006)There are so many ways in which the Greek animation may change a person. The fraternities and sororities are viable means in which a person can genuinely be inspired. It can overly be a chance f or a student to reach out to those in need. by means of this, those who have been helped are not the exactly ones who benefit but also the students as well. The truth of the matter is that while members of fraternities and sororities have their fair share of drinking and partying, they also quest for in more baronial activities like doing charitable work, performing community services, and looking after the faculty member eudaimonia of students in their respective schools.In an run to plead the case of the Greeks at Rutgers, Cortland in her article has pointed out that all fraternities and sororities recognize by the college are charged to engage in community service and kindly work as a particularise for legitimacy. For instance, Sigma qi fraternity has been raising currency for The Childrens Miracle Network by memory an annual event dubbed the Derby Days. For this determine, Sigma Chi has enlisted the help of six other sororities and in 2003 alone, managed to donate $ 30,000 to the network. Another collaborative project organized by Greek organizations at Rutgers is the annual Dance Marathon, considered to be the biggest freehearted event run by students in the state of New Jersey, the beneficiaries of which are barren families in the area (Cortland, 2005).On precede of their commitment to kindly activities, the fraternities and sororities are also involved in improving the academic performance of students. For example, it has been their practice in Rutgers College to read study hours for their incoming members e very(prenominal) pledging limit a tradition which has been observed to terminus to higher grades for their pledges. Aside from offering encyclopedisms and academic performance awards to qualified students, many Greeks have, as a matter of fact, high step Point Averages (GPAs). The misconception approximately Greek lifespan being a cause for poor GPAs is therefore repudiated by these evidences (Cortland, 2005).Aside from thei r large-hearted work, their have a ironlike involvement in community services, and a hot commitment and interest in the academic well-being of students. In Rutgers, Greek letter organizations also serve as raising grounds for future leaders of the country. Opportunities for leading positions are available to members of fraternities and sororities at bottom their topical anesthetic chapters, the Interfraternity Council at Rutgers or the National Panhellenic Council. In addition, the prospect of attending conferences on the study level is always present for enkindle Greeks, thereby enhancing their leadership qualities as well as their public relations skills (Cortland, 2005).To tho prove her point, Cortland (2005) has make it imperative to constitute the fact that out of the 47 justices who made it to the Supreme between 1910 and 2005, 40 were fraternity men. She has also declared that since Greek letter fraternities made their first appearance in American campuses, yet tw o select American Presidents and two Vice-Presidents have not been fraternity men and that famous personalities much(prenominal) as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Generals George C. Marshall and George S. Patton, Nelson Mandela, and Toni Morrison, to mention only a few, are all Greeks. all(a) these are in fact only some of the benefits of being Greek. According to her, the about rewarding feature of Greek life is the brotherhood or sisterhood accorded to the members which they appreciate as long as they live. later on having said all these, Andrea took exception to the claim of some people at Rutgers that to be a Greek is to pay for friends. She pointed out that members of student fraternities and sororities spend only about 2% of their personal budgets for their monthly dues. If ever they make voluntary contributions, these are for the invention of improving their organizations and enhance their capabilities to engage in community service and provide for academic schol arships (Cortland, 2005).There are a lot of good that fraternities and sororities can do to a student. At the University of Western Ontario (UWO) in Canada, Lindsay Satterthwaite, compose for the UWO Gazette, listed down the following advantages of joining fraternities and sororities benevolence projects are events in which the Greek community, as a whole or as individual chapters, donate their time and efforts to plagiarise funds for a worthwhile cause. few events include Derby Days, Mr. Greek and Greek Games.The Greek community is dedicated to providing leadership opportunities to its members. Members have the opportunity to assume a wide spectrum of leadership roles including president, VP-finance and rush chairperson. This environs offers unique opportunities for individuals to achieve their leadership potential. donnish achievement is the first and fore to the highest degree antecedence of Greek members. Each fraternity and sorority places strong emphasis on creating an at mosphere contributing(prenominal) to high academic performance. A scholarship plaque is awarded to the chapter with the highest total on campus annually. The smart set of Omega is also a recognized scholarship class implemented to abide by high achieving Greek members.Fraternities and sororities also provide balanced social programs for members including formals, date nights, grab-a-date, Greek Week and various parties with other fraternities and sororities. The most important goal of every chapter is to submit together a group of men or women and teach them values, traditions and honour while building close friendships (Satterthwaite, 2001).In reality, the fraternities and sororities have continued to grow and evolve redefining the very definition of what a fraternity or sorority is. This change has consciously and unconsciously influenced the lives of students, the get wind of colleges and universities and the society as a whole. flavor at the issue on a broader perspectiv e, the claims which have been made by Cortland appears to be corroborated by events in other colleges and universities elsewhere in the country. Over in Iowa, the Greek community of Iowa State University (ISU) have also been emphasizing on academic performance. well-nigh fraternity houses even have educational programs which are aimed at assisting new students as they go through their period of conversion into college life. For instance, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity has been conducting The Collegiate mastery Program which is aimed at teaching students to blow up smart study habits.Greek students are also trying their best to produce study hours and attain good grade point averages. Philanthropic work in any case occupies much of their time. During the fall of 1998 for instance, fraternities and sororities at ISU have contributed 19,080 hours to philanthropic events and have donated $15,790 to charity. The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity also takes time to make its members aware(predic ate) of the evils of alcohol through a program of the Prevention Research Institute called acme (Pike, n.d.). In Adrian, Michigan, fraternities and sororities are enjoying good social status at Adrian College where approximately 25 per centum of students belong to Greek letter organizations. rank in these organizations is widely perceived as enhancing the college experience of students at the college. The Greek chapters at the college, which are all affiliated with theme organizations, are giving priority to philanthropic activities and community service, aside from the emphasis that they exhibit to scholarship. The fraternities and sororities at Adrian College require their members and would-be members to control certain grade point average (Adrian College, 2005).In 2003, a new issuing has been inaugurated solely for the purpose of dealing with these misconceptions concerning fraternities and sororities. aptly named Greek Life, its main objective is to houseclean the Greek c ommunities all over the country of the negative impressions that other people have of them. Greg Woodman, Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania-based phylogenetic relation Connection which publishes Greek Life, has said that The beliefs most people have about fraternities and sororities are highly inaccurate. Our publication paints a more legitimate picture of what really goes on within these organizations and focuses on the outstanding benefits of belonging to such a group.Woodman has explained that Greek-lettered organizations have been doing their members and the communities where they rent tremendous amount of service by teaching leadership, responsibility, integrity, honesty, and dedication to academics. He has explained that with Greek Life, which will be published once every year, an honest effort aimed at correcting the prevailing misconceptions about fraternities and sororities shall be act (Greek Life, 2003).