Importance of Identity and Good vs. Evil in the Epic Story Beowulf Essay

The epic story Beowulf narrates the story of the hero named Beowulf and his legendary battle with the monster Grendel and later on, Grendel’s mother who longed for revenge because of the death of her beloved son (Kennedy).   This epic story, along with many other epic stories, has central themes on the importance of identity and the popular topic on good versus evil. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these two central themes of Beowulf.   This paper is cut into two sections.   The first section discusses the theme of importance of identity in the epic story while the second section discusses the depiction of good and evil within the story. Importance of Identity   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The story of Beowulf emphasizes the importance of identity (Raffel, p. 135).   In the story, almost everyone introduces himself in terms of who his parents or ancestors were.   Moreover, almost everyone in the story has an act or wants to act to continue the legacy of their ancestors (Anderson).   This very belief mirrors the principles of the people who lived in those times.   These people believed that there is no afterlife and thus, his soul can live forever if and only if he does something of great value that can never be surpassed or forgotten.   In the story, Beowulf illustrates the pride of their ancestry by helping King Hrothgar who once aided Beowulf’s father. In addition to the eternal glory of the soul, these people also believed that by doing something great, he brings pride and eternity to his ancestry. This is what they call the heroic code (Fellow, p. 7).   They further believed that once you defy the heroic code, you will be dishonored by your ancestors, your reputation will be destroyed and your soul will be punished with death —you will not be remembered forever and your children’s children will also inherit this dishonor. Good vs. Evil   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Along with many other stories, Beowulf also tackles the ever famous battle between good and evil.   Our hero Beowulf is the symbol of everything good in the story.   He went to Denmark and bravely told King Hrothgar (king of Denmark at the time) that he will battle with the monster Grendel sailing with only a few men by his side (Raffel).   His bravery also led him to defeat Grendel and later on, face the monster’s mother.   The evil side is symbolized by Grendel, his mother, and his future brother and Beowulf’s son, the dragon. When Grendel hears any kind of noise (to him any sound is considered a noise), he goes on to kill whoever makes that noise without any consideration who this person might be.   Grendel’s mother is an avenger who killed one of Beowulf’s loyal advisers to avenge the death of her son (Anderson).   Beowulf, however, was not threatened by this act and comes to the monster’s lair to kill her. He becomes the story’s messiah — he saved the lives of the people of Herot by slaying all that is evil.   He embodied the good side because of his courage to fight with the dragon.   He sacrificed himself in order to save his people.   Moreover, he is the bringer of more treasures to his own kingdom.   Thus, good and evil in this story symbolizes the eternal battle between God and Satan and light and darkness.   And as always, good triumphs over evil, God wins over Satan, and darkness will never exist in the presence of overpowering light. Works Cited Anderson, Carolyn. â€Å"Gaest, gender, and kin in Beowulf: Consumption of the boundaries†. April 12 2008. . Fellow, W.P Ker. Epic and romance: Essays on medieval literature. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1897. Kennedy, Charles W. Beowulf: The oldest English epic. London: Oxford University Press, 1978. Niles, John D. â€Å"Understanding Beowulf: Oral poetry acts.† Journal of American Folklore 106.420 (1993): 131-55. Raffel, Burton, ed. Beowulf. Reprint ed: Signet Classics, 1999.   

Analysis of the Preindustrial, Industrial, and Postindustrial Societies Essay

There are many types of societies, but three of the most prevalent types are the preindustrial, industrial, and postindustrial. The preindustrial society is very limited by its agricultural focus. Industrial societies use advances in technology and mass production to support a large population with three distinct social classes. In postindustrial societies the focus shifts from mass production to technological innovation. Preindustrial societies are primarily agricultural, and because of this there is little variation of social classes. The production of goods was limited by the agricultural nature of these societies, which left little time for much else. Due to a lack of fast communication between communities, the cultures didn’t mix and any technological advancement was not shared. Agricultural based societies were replaced with industrial societies which were based on the use of machines to produce goods. Industrial societies are constantly changing thanks to technological innovations, so fast communication is essential. People started living in cities and urban areas, and began working specialized jobs. New medical technology and improved living conditions extended life expectancy. Family became less important, and the influence that religion once had started to diminish. In postindustrial societies the sale of goods is replaced by services as the main form of economic activity. Knowledge becomes essential as innovation begins to drive the economy. The value of the blue-collar worker declines, as the value of skilled professionals increases. These are the three most widespread types of society. The preindustrial society relies on agriculture. Industrial societies use advancements to support a large population with specialized workers. Postindustrial societies focus technological innovation to run the economy.

Should juveniles punished or try as adults Research Paper

Should juveniles punished or try as adults - Research Paper Example The reasoning behind this is actually quite simple. The full grown adults believe that although a child / teenager is involved in a very adult crime, such as murder, he does not truly grasp the meaning and reality of his actions. One mistake during his childhood should not condemn him to a life of hard core punishment. Although such argument tend to hold water among child psyche experts, parents, and some sympathetic courts, the reality of the situation is that the child committed a major crime. A crime that could land an adult in prison for a very long time. Nobody can ever be sure that a child did the crime â€Å"with little understanding of his actions†. If a juvenile committed the offense, he definitely has at least a basic understanding of what the outcome of his actions might be. Therefore, he should not be sheltered from the results of his actions. Rather, he must be made to face up to the resulting consequences of his actions. That is the only way to truly rehabilitate a juvenile delinquent and make sure that he does not grow up to become a social problem. A social problem who as an adult, poses a grave threat to our children, our livelihood, and our very lives. People like former Gov. Jeb Bush believe that â€Å""There should be some sensitivity that a 14-year-old is not a little adult." (Reaves, 2011). His comment is based on the understanding that a fourteen year old does not have the mental capacity to formulate a murder scenario, get his hands on a lethal weapon such as a gun, and use it against someone whom he feels did him wrong. That might have been true during the time of the youth of the governor. However, the increasingly violent movies shown on television, cable TV, and the internet has removed that cloak of innocence in a child. These days, a child of 14 has the full understanding and ability to kill anybody as evidenced by cases like 14 year old Nathan Brazil who was found guilty of second degree murder after killing his teacher in 2011. (Reaves, 2011) Experts who study the human brain say that it was wrong for those Brazil to have been tried as an adult. Their argument being based on their research studies indicating that â€Å"...the brain's prefrontal lobe, which some scientists speculate plays a crucial role in inhibiting inappropriate behavior, may not reach full development until age 20. â€Å" (Reaves, 2011) If we are to believe the experts about how long it takes for the human brain to actually develop, then we would all still be juvenile delinquents at the age of 20, not held responsible for being drunk drivers, doing drugs, or bullying other kids because â€Å"Hey, I'm just a kid. I know nothing!†. I sincerely doubt that most parents and others who are involved in the life of the delinquent would truly buy such a pathetic explanation or excuse in relation to the actions of a juvenile delinquent. By saying that a child does not have the mental capacity to understand his course of actions, we are giving this soon to be adult an easy out. Failing to take into consideration that these children are exposed to violence every single day of their lives. (Schwartz, 2010) Be it in the media, the movies, or even at school, these children see increasingly disturbing amounts of violence and, because of the way that adult news programs report the events, give them some sort of understanding as to what happened and why. Indeed, they may not have the same capacity as an adult to plan the

Case 5 Ethics - Working Conditions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Case 5 Ethics - Working Conditions - Essay Example Jameson (2010, February 1) disagreed with this article in â€Å"Fed Up with Fat.† He asserted that fat people should be penalized for not actively addressing health issues, in the same way that smokers are paying more for their insurance because of their bad habit. This paper asks: Should an overweight employee who chooses not to participate in a wellness program be penalized? Using deontology and utilitarianism, it stresses that when a personal problem has widespread negative social consequences, then that person should be penalized for not participating in wellness programs, if healthcare assistance is free and other support systems are present. Deontology focuses on respecting people as ends, not as means to ends, and people have autonomy over their bodies, which society should not violate. Deontological thinking does not support stigmatizing people, especially because of physical differences (Morrison, 2009, p.403). Jameson (2010) talked about weight discrimination, which is immoral, because a person should be hired based on merit and other objective qualifications, not because of their weight. Tsai and Bessesen (2012) pointed out that many normal-weight people are actually unhealthy, such as smokers and those who are fond of eating fried, sweet, and salty foods, and yet are not gaining extra weight. They stressed that other fat people, on the contrary, are eating or living healthy, but they continue to have weight issues. This comparison highlights the injustice of being stigmatized because of being overweight. Furthermore, it is wrong to penalize people just because they are overweight, specifically people who are genetically predisposed to be overweight. Tsai and Bessesen (2012) mentioned that genetic studies prove that obesity has genetic causes, which is why some people get fat easily and have an unusually hard time losing weight. Some of them might even have illnesses that store fats in their bodies. Tsai and Bessesen (2012) stressed that socie ty will only be doing more harm than good, if it penalizes people who hardly have control over genetic predispositions. In addition, fat people are ends in themselves. They have autonomy, and they cannot be forced to apply in wellness programs, if they lack time and resources (Morrison, 2009, p.403). They might also have other issues, such as childcare, whereas if they spend time in these wellness programs, they have no money or no one to take care of their children. If these people are penalized despite these conditions, they are being seen as means to ends. The ends served are those of society, or the â€Å"thin† strata, who do not strive to understand the genetic, economic, and social conditions and limitations of the overweight. Fat people are people-as-ends too, and their autonomy over matters that concern their private bodies must be protected. Deontology further argues that the healthcare sector has a primary duty to do no harm to the obese. Healthcare professionals ha ve a duty to help the obese be aware of their options, in order for them to have a normal weight (Morrison, 2009, p.403). They must discuss prevention, not only cure, and suggest the best treatments and interventions to help the overweight deal with their weight problems (Morrison, 2009, p.403). The principle of beneficence is important. They must do no harm to the obese, and they can attain this if they provide the resources needed to help them (Morrison, 2009,

Law and the Media Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Law and the Media - Case Study Example The reason that was given for this was that it seemed that these file-sharing companies were not innocent by reason of lack of knowledge as they had, The court unanimously agreed that "distributors of technology that enables copyright infringement can be found liable for their users' actions, but only if a plaintiff can point to evidence that the distributor took "affirmative steps" to foster infringement."4 The court also said that actual knowledge was required to prove that these ISPs (Internet Service Providers) were liable for the copyright infringement. It is misleading to call this case "Grokster" because this company and the other jointly accused companies opted for an out of court settlement with the plaintiffs and Steam Cast was the only company that decided to go on to contest the case. This company then moved for a summary judgement at the US District Court for the Central District of California, and was not allowed to keep its communications and business plans privileged and confidential. It was found that Stream Cast was guilty of devising the Morpheus software and the Open Nap network to find itself the same consumer base as Napster. Its open advertising to promote its business and blatantly allowed its users to infringe copyrights of Music companies and was even guilty of encouraging and assisting them in such means. The whole business model was based on copyright infringement according to the presiding Judge Wilson5 .The Company was freely distributing this software and relying on sponsor revenues. The fact that it took no "meaningful" steps to halt its activities or prevent its customers from doing so . The only flimsy excuse that the company had was that it had given a warning to its customers in its user-agreement, yet it did little to enforce this agreement. Judge Wilson said in his concluding speech that, "This court finds that no reasonable fact finder can conclude that Stream Cast provided Open Nap services and distributed Morpheus [software] without the intent to induce infringement".6 Legal issues and academic opinion arising from the case The age of information technology has made the internet the copyright infringer's playground. The convenience and low cost at which this has been done has prompted the law enforcement authorities to stand up to the challenges of the protection of intellectual property rights .This problem arose in the case of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing. This judgement has given a new dimension to the law of Copyright.

The role of accounting profession in development and regulation of Essay

The role of accounting profession in development and regulation of modern capital markets since 1970s - Essay Example It should be noted that the accounting profession can be divided into two major categories: the public accounting, ‘related to services such as tax and auditing’ (Bailey 1989, p.1), and the internal accounting, which refers to accounting services related to organizational activities (Bailey 1989, p.1). The accounting profession, in both of its forms, can affect the development of capital markets worldwide, as analyzed below. Through the decades, the accounting profession has highly contributed in the development of the capital markets worldwide. The relationship between the accounting profession and the capital markets from 1970 onwards is examined in this paper. The characteristics of the accounting profession and its effects on business performance are also discussed, in order to understand the current challenges of the specific profession but also its role in the achievement of organizational goals. The role of accounting profession in the development and the regulati on of capital markets can be understood only by referring primarily to the characteristics of accounting profession, as they can be made clear through appropriate theories. According to MacIntosh and Hopper (2005, p.263) ‘the sociology of professions literature emphasizes on the social structure on which each profession is based’; at the next level, the particular social structure can be used both for promoting the profession involved and for addressing the needs of the public (MacIntosh and Hopper 2005, p.263). From another point of view, Jeffrey (2010) notes that the accounting profession is more related to the virtue theory. The above theory emphasizes on the value of professional judgment, which is depended on ‘the efforts of the individual to develop good habits, such as wisdom, courage and justice’ (Jeffrey 2010, p.115). In practice, it seems that both these theories can be valuable in the development of accounting profession, promoting the relationsh ip of this profession with the interests of the public, as these are best served with the individual involved has highly developed specific characteristics, such as wisdom and justice (Jeffrey 2010, p.115). At the next level, the relationship between the accounting profession and the development of capital markets should be investigated. The involvement of the accounting profession in capital markets worldwide can be characterized as intensive. This trend is made clear in the following case: accountants in USA, in UK and in Canada have made strong efforts for ‘developing the objectives of financial statements’ (Riahi-Belkaoui 2004, p.164). More specifically, in UK, the Corporate Report, published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, emphasized on the value of these objectives for ensuring ethical conduct in business transactions (Riahi-Belkaoui 2004, p.164). Kisielnicki – Hubler (2008) also notes that the value of accounting profession in setting ethical st andards in financial reporting is critical; he also explains that the involvement of accounting profession in the development of capital markets is likely to be indirect, through promoting standards, ethics and rules of conduct (Kisielnicki – Hubler 2008). Even in this context, the influence of accounting profession in capital markets seems to be high. The level at which the accounting profession can influence the development and the regulation of capital markets

Winding River Basin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Winding River Basin - Essay Example A stakeholder is someone who is part of an activity or anyone who has an interest in that particular activity hence is ultimately impacted by it. In this particular project, the governments of the aforementioned countries through various representatives are the major stakeholders since they are responsible for formulating statutory regulations as well as policies that guide the effective implementation of the project. Governance is particularly concerned with influencing the course of action with the major aim of achieving desired results. For instance, decentralization of authority from top to bottom would ensure effective management as each stakeholder involved would have a significant role to play hence they would be part of the project. Involving various stakeholders would promote compliance hence governance in the form of controlling or checking progress would be made easier. Decentralization of power and authority in the management of the project would ensure its effectiveness as well as mutual understanding among all stakeholders involved. Every member of the community should be involved in the overall project as this would give a sense of belonging to a certain activity. Controlling should be done at every stage as a way of ensuring that every sector of the society is well informed about the benefits of the project. Basically, effective implementation of the WRB project management would require concerted efforts of all stakeholders involved as this would ensure optimum compliance by all members of the societies impacted.

Source Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Source Evaluation - Essay Example Darren et al (806-807) observes that â€Å"physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a widening variety of other chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cancer (colon and breast), obesity, hypertension, bone and joint diseases (osteoporosis and osteoarthritis), and depression.† According to his research, all the people that made the tendency to engage in physical activity reduced their chances of getting cardiovascular diseases by 20%. Recently, there have been far greater reductions in the death risks as a result of cardiovascular attacks. In general increase in levels of participation in physical activities reduces the chances of premature deaths other causes kept constant. According to this journal, there are many biological mechanisms have been able function effectively and decrease the number of unending diseases and untimely deaths that have their route causes on physical activity. For example, routine physical activity has been known to enhance body composition. Through physical exercise is able to balance its fat content. Excess fats are usually burnt during physical exercise to release energy. In this exercise the body is able to check against excess accumulation of such fast that could lead to diseases like heart attack and high blood pressure. Among the recommended ways to reduce cholesterol levels in the body, exercise is the only one which is cost free and easily done. These biological mechanisms and others clearly account for the reduced number of chronic illnesses as a result of little or no sports activities. Another significant reason for involvement in sports is that it enables proper psychological well being of an individual. Darren emphasizes that regular physical activity is linked with improved mental well-being i.e. through reduced stress, nervousness and depression.† (806). A person’s psychological well-being is very important because of one main reason; for proper avoidance and

Decolonization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Decolonization - Research Paper Example olutions to present peace had been placed and failed because of conflicting ideologies that had been held by nations that lacked the desire to honor freedom. Reed had been the order of the day with the struggle presented in establishing the needed dominance within the established grounds (Bolton 451). The aspect of decolonization had been extended to the need to break the bonds established before to the onset of WW1 when nations had scrambled to obtain territories within the Asian and American continents. The concept ensured freedom and establish the independence needed to predict the ideology in upholding human rights. The decolonization process ensured the eradication of colonial dominance within the territories and uphold independent decision making. Decolonization has also been extended to be reflected to the period that presented the needed wave to establish free opinions to the rule of law. To achieve the fete, there was the realized battle to obtain the rights of presenting do minance and achieve the desired support from external bodies willing to maintain balance. Decolonization ensured that the rights of the individuals had been maintained to establish strong bonds within the societal setting and eliminate the harsh rule of colonization. After the famous war in 1914-1918, there was the realization from the nations that had been under harsh colonial government that the European nations had presented could be destabilized. His entity yielded the ideology to seek for freedom and promote the prevalence of justice and self governance. Europeans had travelled the borders with the mission to integrate their technology and religion in less developed societies before the beginning of the famous war. The solution had been included in presenting a uniform measure to present a stable society that would follow the set rules (Hendrick 468). However, as the war progressed, there had been the subjections realized in the methods applied in ruling the less advanced

How to Improve public Schools Essay Example for Free

How to Improve public Schools Essay Since the 17th century, American public schools have provided its children with a wonderful opportunity of receiving a free education that ensures a general understanding of various subjects such as mathematics and literature giving generation after generation the foundation of knowledge. Public schools have made several positive leaps since its begging from teaching only males students to teaching all genders, as well as becoming desegregated in 1969. Public schools provide a peace of mind for parents who desire the best for their children because they provide state certified teachers, free transportation, extra-curricular and after school programs, and are accountable to the state (web). Most notably, public high schools prepare students for life after school and provides a foundation for further education; however, behind all the wonderful aspects of public schools there are certain disadvantages that can hinder the academic progress of a student. Parents as well as students should be aware of these disadvantages that include: underfunded schools may not have certain materials or may have to cut some programs and too much emphasis on standardized test that creates a lot of stress on students and hinders their learning environment. Considering such disadvantages, parents and students may wonder â€Å"how can we solve this dilemma?† Nationalizing public school funding and giving less class and standardized test in order to allow students to focus on learning the curriculum are both steps and proposals that have the potential to settle the troublesome disadvantages of public schools. Different schools in different regions and states receive a wide range of funding which creates a conflict where some schools are underfunded while other are prosperous. The schools that are underfunded may not acquire certain materials that are essential for the course which hurt the process of learning for many students. Some schools are so underfunded that they result to eliminating certain courses or programs. Nearly half of the funding for public schools in the United States are provided though local taxes, generating large differences in funding between wealthy and impoverished communities. There have been efforts make public school funding more equitable yet have only provoked controversy. Some people, such as Eric Hanushek, argue that although different schools receive different amount of funding, the amount of money spent is not â€Å"systematically related to student  achievement,† therefore the wide range of public school funding is not an issue. On the other hand, people such as reviewers Rob Greenwald, Larry Hedges, and Richard Laine believer that â€Å"school resources are systematically related to student achievement,† and therefore school funding is educationally important. Although public schools in the Unites States are funded from federal, state and local sources, the funds from local property taxes generates large funding differences. A logical proposal to solve this problem would to nationalize public school funding therefore every public school depending on its level ( elementary, middle/junior, high, academy, etc.) would receive the same amount of funding which would eliminate the differences of funding for different regions. Some parents may argue that their local property taxes are higher than others and so it should go towards the funding for their child’s public school funding; however, if school funding is nationalized and standardized then each school regardless the location would receive enough funding to secure an adequate education for all children. Also, funds from local property taxes could be used to better individual communities such as building parks or community buildings as well as providing better roads instead of funding public schools. Federal taxes may rise due to nationalizing public school funding however it is for a good cause which is providing all students of America with an equal opportunity to a great education; however this proposal will be difficult to enact because it requires to federal approval and may take time to become a law. Many petitions will have to be made along with thousands of signatures so there would be a lot of support required to enact nationalizing public school funding yet if accomplished it would set a strong foundation for knowledge throughout the nation. With the creation of the No Child Left Behind act endorsed by president Bush, there has been a increasing emphasis on standardized testing for public schools that has ultimately hindered the learning environment by narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, and reducing the love of learning which helps drive students out of school specifically high school students. In several classes, the curriculum is taught based on the maximum potential for students to pass standardized test. This has created a sort of teach to pass instead of teach to learn class routine amongst several teachers. Consequently, several students miss out on valuable information due to the  narrowed curriculum by eliminating lessons not needed to pass a certain standardized test. The pressure put of students nowadays ,especially in high schools, can be extremely overwhelming and be a driving factor for several dropouts. Of course students do not decided to dropout of school solely on the large emphasis on standardized testing yet it is difficult to argue that it does not put a lot of stress on students who are already struggling to pass. The alarming emphasis on high-stakes standardized testing has become apparent to students,parents, as well as legislation and so there have been events that occurred with the purpose to lessen the emphasis of testing. For example, the Senate Education Committee passed a bill that â€Å"eliminated the use of scores on standardized test,† that would determine if tens of thousands of schools were to be considered failing or not. Although this is a remarkable step to lessening the power set by standardized test scores it does not solve the problem of the collateral damage in public schools caused by too much testing. Indeed, tests are important to determine if a student is learning and not simply sitting in class daydreaming of irrelevant things; furthermore, students should worry about test and strive to make good grades on them. The problem with testing is not its existence but its intensity and worthiness. In the average class, test scores are worth much more compared to class work and homework. This places a huge stress on students to past test therefore they focus only on test scores instead of learning the material and applying what they have learned to real life situations. Standardized test are important in determining the progress of individual students and schools and therefore should not be eliminated however states should set a minimum of high-stake standardized test. For example there should be a maximum of one end of instruction test for important subjects and extra test that are not directly relevant to the curriculum such as benchmark tests should be eliminated. The specifics of such a policy should be left to be determined by the states due to the difficulty to enforce it as a federal policy. To make a state law that put a minimum on standardized test would require some time, petitions, and convincing for certain people but the final accomplishment would bring less stress to students and promote a better learning environment. State school boards should also divide the percentage of value of homework, classwork, participation grades, as well as class test equally. This would allow  student to focus on the important of turning in homework, participating in class, and test equally as opposed to stressing when a test is coming for it could considerably harm their grade in the class. Lessening the emphasis of test both standardized and class test would allow students to focus on the material being taught as well as allow teachers to improve the curriculum to provide the best possible educational for their students. Students can greatly benefit from the previous feasible proposals if they were to be enforced. By passing a federal law that endorses a nationalized federal funding of public schools as opposed to leaving half of public school funding to local property taxes, all American public schools would receive an equal amount of funding to use for the arts, after school programs, academic technology, or school renovations that all promote a heather and more engaging learning environment for all students. Although the process to get a bill that would enforce a fully federal funding of all public school passed by congress would take time and a lot of effort, it would provide equality for all public schools regardless of reputation or location giving students an equal opportunity. Placing a minimum on the amount of standardized test required by public schools within each state as well as making the value of class tests towards a students overall grade equal to homework and classwork would lessen the stress brought on my too much emphasis on testing which would allow students to focus on their eduction instead of simply passing the test. Such a policy would require several petitions and time to figure out what tests are more essential and which test could be eliminated; however, it would greatly reduce the stress of school making it more pleasing and allow teachers to provide the best possible education to their students. These policies can help improve the American public school system by allowing each student to take advantage of a learning based eduction that provides the knowledge needed to succeed and make a positive impact on our ever changing world.

Fuzzy Logic Control of a Mobile Robot

Fuzzy Logic Control of a Mobile Robot Abstract In this report the development of mobile robot using fuzzy inference system is presented. The mobile robot has three inputs and two outputs. The three inputs are proximity measures of the wall and the two outputs are turning rate and speed of the mobile robot. The mobile robot is developed to follow the tracking path and avoid collision with the obstacle. Contents Overview and Introduction Input and Output ranges Appendix Construction and performance of the rules MATLAB code for control task Critical evaluation Overview In the beginning of the development of the mobile robot, the virtual robot must be used for the development hence kiks robot is considered. The fuzzy inference system is designed by using MATLAB and implemented on a robot which is kiks robot. The kiks robot is setup by installing the kiks software and the related files are extracted and executed on MATLAB. Then the FIS is designed by coding and deciding the inputs and outputs for the kiks. The turning rate and speed of the robot is defined as per the rules of the parameters for robot movement and to avoid collision with the obstacles. The steps involved are: Defining universe of discourse Deciding the fuzzy sets Define membership functions The fuzzy interference system used is mamdani FIS which involves Fuzzification of input variables Rule evaluation Aggregation of rule output DE fuzzification Introduction The fuzzy control systems are rule based or knowledge based system which contains collection of IF-THEN rules. The advantage of fuzzy system is it is wide usage in performing variety of computational and measurements. The advantages of using fuzzy system in navigation system are: Capabilities of handling uncertain and non-precise information. Real time operation Easy combinations and execution of various behaviours. Develop perception based strategies. Better and easy implementation. The construction of fuzzy system depends on two important parameters which are identifying the universe of discourse and defining correct membership function. The reason for using mamdani over sugeno is because it uses fuzzy terms defined by the shape of the membership function. The mamdani type fuzzy system is better to choose for more human like behaviour of the robot which entails a substantial computational burden. The building of the autonomous mobile robot involves few main considerations which are, path tracking, avoidance of the obstacle and behaviour co-ordination. The definition of universe of discourse and membership function and combination of rules are important for smooth movement and better outcome of the robot. Path tracking involves navigation of the desired path which is computed and defined by human operator tracking walls or obstacles. The difficulties of path tracking deals with incomplete perception of environment, inaccurate measurements and sensor fusion. Avoidance of obstacle using fuzzy logic involves avoiding the unforeseen or dynamic obstacles while it tracking a path or moving towards a target. Fuzzy logic for behaviour co-ordination is used to improve the total performance of the navigation system. The infrared sensor with 6 sensors for the forward direction and 2 sensors for the backward direction. In this phase of training robot, I have used 2 sensors for right, 2 for left and 2 for front sensing. The sensor input is noun used slow, fast, medium. The fuzzy variables are adjectives that modify the variable, left right medright slowright slowleft. In the mamdani type of fuzzy system, the fuzzifier performs measuring of the input variables, scale mapping and fuzzification. The number of membership function defines the shapes of the initial inputs defined by the user. It holds a value of 0 and 1 which indicates the degree of belonging of the quantity to a fuzzy set. Input and Output ranges. Input Membership function Input range Left Far, Intermediate, Close [0 21] Front Far, Intermediate, Close [0 21] Right Far, Intermediate, Close [0 21] Output Membership function Output range Turning rate Slowright, slowleft, medright, left, right, front. [0 200] Speed Veryslow, slow, medium, fast, veryfast. [0 200] Input range for a sensor is 10bits and the input value for sensor is 1024, the sensors are grouped into 2 and wherein each one variable defined by 1024(210) i.e. 2048 therefore that divided by 100 is 21, hence the input range is [0 21]. The input is taken left, right, front with 2 sensors each. The membership function for them is defined far, intermediate, close for the robot to sense the obstacle. The outputs are turn and speed, where in turn has membership functions slowright, slowleft, medright, right, left, front for the robot to turn to a direction when the robot is nearing the robot. The range of the speed is considered as [0 200] as the robot movement was meant to be faster compared to when the speed was in the range [0 100] because the robot must cover more distance in less time and better speed. The membership function for speed is taken as slow, veryslow, fast, veryfast, medium as the robot should move in different direction with different speed so that the robot follows th e path and is not disturbed by sudden obstacle. The combination of the membership functions are rules for the robot to follow to follow the path and along with that to avoid obstacles and give smoother movement. Appendix   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1a. Movement of robot in arena1   Ã‚   1b. Monitored simulation of arena1    2a. Movement of robot in arena2    2b. Monitored simulation of arena2. Construction and performance of fuzzy rules. If (left is far) and (front is far) and (right is far) then (turn is medright)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is far) and (front is far) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is front)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is far) and (front is far) and (right is close) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is far) and (front is intermediate) and (right is far) then (turn is medright)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is far) and (front is intermediate) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is front)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is far) and (front is intermediate) and (right is close) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is far) and (front is close) and (right is far) then (turn is medright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is far) and (front is close) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is far) and (front is close) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is far) and (right is far) then (turn is right)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is far) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is front)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is far) and (right is close) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is slow) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is intermediate) and (right is far) then (turn is medright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is intermediate) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is front)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is intermediate) and (right is close) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is intermediate) and (right is far) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is slow) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is close) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is slowright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is close) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is close) and (front is far) and (right is far) then (turn is medright)(speed is slow) (1) If (left is close) and (front is far) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is front)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is close) and (front is far) and (right is close) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is veryfast) (1) If (left is close) and (front is intermediate) and (right is far) then (turn is right)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is close) and (front is intermediate) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is front)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is close) and (front is intermediate) and (right is close) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is close) and (front is close) and (right is far) then (turn is slowright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is close) and (front is close) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is slowright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is close) and (front is close) and (right is close) then (turn is slowleft)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is far) and (front is far) and (right is far) then (turn is slowright)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is far) and (front is intermediate) and (right is far) then (turn is slowright)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is far) and (front is close) and (right is far) then (turn is slowright)(speed is medium) (1) If (left is far) and (front is close) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is slowright)(speed is slow) (1) If (left is far) and (front is close) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is close) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is far) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is very_slow) (1) If (left is intermediate) and (front is intermediate) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is fast) (1) If (left is close) and (front is far) and (right is far) then (turn is slowright)(speed is far) (1) If (left is close) and (front is intermediate) and (right is intermediate) then (turn is slowright)(speed is far) (1) If (left is close) and (front is close) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is slow) (1) If (left is close) and (front is close) and (right is close) then (turn is slowright)(speed is veryfast) (1) MATLAB Code to implement the control task % - %   (c) 2000-2004 Theodor Storm %   http://www.tstorm.se %   Modified by Lily Meng 16th September 2009 % - function FIS_navigate(port,baud,time) % FIS_navigate(port,baud,time) % port = serial port to communicate with (port simulated robot, port>=0 ==> real robot % baud = baud rate % time = time to run behaviour if nargin

The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn Essay -- Literary Analysis, Mark Twa

Often throughout a person’s life negative and positive influences are infused into one’s mind through friends, and family. In Mark Twain’s novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the lead character, grows up under the guidance of three different adult views on how a boy should behave. Huck, the lead character, learns helpful and damaging life lessons from the Widow Douglas, Miss Watson, Jim, and pap. To begin with, the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson are two wealthy sisters who adopt Huck. Thw two sister’s want to teach Huck the importance of religion, manners, and behaving. After staying in the house for a while, Huck realizes that â€Å"it [is] rough living in the house all the time†, because the Widow Douglas wants to â€Å"sivilize [him]†(Twain, 1). When dinner is ready the widow would call Huck to the table, but before they began eating the widow needs â€Å"to tuck down her head and grumble a little over the victuals† (1). Huck knew there was nothing was wrong with the food but because the widow was religious she was trying to instill in Huck that he needs to bless his food and give thanks to God for it. The widow is trying to make religion a part of Huck’s life, which seems to be a negative impact on his life considering the many times Twain portrays religious persons as being gullible. Miss Watson, the more forceful of the two sisters, i s adamant about getting huck to behave. To help mold Huck into a person that â€Å"go[es] to the good place† also known as heaven, Miss Watson constantly tells him things to do to help him behave such as â€Å"don’t put your feet up there† and â€Å"set up straight†(2). Besides adopting a religion, and behaving, Hucks appearance needed to be neat and respectable. Although the new clothes made Huck â€Å"sweat and sweat,... ...who has ever â€Å"kep’ his promise to ole Jim† (80). Another character quality that Huck learns from Jim is that African-Americans are people too that can feel the same about their family as Caucassians feel about theirs. Huck often hears Jim moaning in the night about being homesick and missing his family. This is when Huck understands that just because Jim is African-American does not mean that they are incapable of having the same feelings as Caucassians. In general Jim affects Huck positively because now Huck is humble, trustworthy, and not as influenced by society about African-Americans. Ultimately, Huck’s personality is shaped by three adults with different guidance styles. In general Miss Watson, Widow Douglas, and Jim put in beneficial character traits to help shape Huck Finn as a person, while pap only added worthless drivel such as not going to school.

Robert E. Lee Essay -- essays research papers

The battle of Gettysburg was fought on July 1 through July 3, 1863, considered by most military historians the turning point in the American Civil War (Johnson 84). The Battle of Gettysburg was a decisive engagement in that it arrested the Confederates’ second and last major invasion of the North, destroyed their offensive strategy, and forced them to fight a defensive war in which the slowness of their manufacturing capacity and transportation facilities doomed them to defeat (McPherson 25).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Army of the Potomac, under the Union general George Gordon Meade, numbered about 85,000; the Confederate army, under General Robert E. Lee, numbered about 75,000 (Johnson 90). After the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2 to 4, an important victory for the Confederates, Lee divided his army into three corps, commanded by three lieutenant generals: James Longstreet, Richard Stoddert Ewell, and Ambrose Powell Hill (Johnson 91). Lee then formulated a plan for invading Pennsylvania, hoping to avert another federal offensive in Virginia and planning to fight if he could get the federal army into a vulnerable position; he also hoped that the invasion might increase Northern war-weariness and lead the North to recognize the independence of the Confederate States of America (Johnson 85). In pursuit of this plan, Lee crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains, proceeded up the Shenandoah Valley, and, crossing Maryland, entered Pennsylvania (Clark 86). Upon learning federal troops were north of the Potomac, Lee decided to concentrate his whole army at Gettysburg (Clark 86). On June 30, Confederate troops from General Hill’s corps, on their way to Gettysburg, saw federal troops that Meade had moved down to intercept the Confederate army (McPherson 102). The Battle began on July 1 outside of Gettysburg with an encounter between Hill’s advance brigades and the federal cavalry division commanded by Major General John Buford, supported by infantry under Major General John Fulton Reynolds (McPherson 103). Hill encountered stubborn resistance, and the fighting was undecided until Ewell arrived from the north in the afternoon. The Confederates pushed against General Oliver Howard’s corps and forced the federal troops to retreat from their forward positions to Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Ridge, southeast of Gettysb... ... captured or missing (Johnson 91).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lee retreated west and southwest through Hagerstown, Maryland and into Virginia. Imboden’s wagon train, composing of wagons and ambulances, stretched for over 17 miles (Johnson 190). Meade considered pursuit, but determined that the defensive nature of the Appalachian passes prohibited full pursuit (Johnson 191). Meade did harass Lee’s retreat, which resulted in minor skirmishes and capture of various Confederate units, but did not materialize (Johnson 191). Meade’s decision not to pursue Lee angered Lincoln, who expected a decisive victory (Johnson 192). Also, the lack of vigorous pursuit showed Meade as being too cautious. Lee hurting from Gettysburg, was forced to return to Virginia. The war was far from over and lasted another 2 years (Johnson 192).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Gettysburg Address, a famous speech, was delivered later that year by United States president Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (McPherson 192). He presented it in dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery honoring those who died in the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg.

The Hours: A Story of Three Women Trapped in the Roles of Society :: Cunningham Hours Essays

The Hours: A Story of Three Women Trapped in the Roles of Society Many books have been written about women and their problems in life. "The Hours" is not just about women, It is a novel about life. It is about contemporary American society. "The Hours is about passion, depression, obsession and especially the ways women are shaped ,hindered and occasionally even inspired by masculine structures and expectations that engulf them"(1) It is a story that tells us how the behavior of mother can affect the life of a child. Three lives are intertwined through time and space to create a dynamic story. The book shows Laura depicting aspects of Woolf"s personality. They were both suffering from depression. Woolf committed suicide while Laura contemplated suicide. The effects of masculine structures and expectations from women pervade throughout the story. Virginia Woolf remains in Richmond because her husband is obeying the doctors even though she obviously dislikes Richmond. Laura was so devastated because she could not make the perfect cake for her husband. She was trying to play the role of the perfect mother and wife even though she was very unhappy. Clarrisan Vaughan spent so much time planning for a party that Richard did not want to attend. It is obvious that the women will keep themselves unhappy just to satisfy the needs of the men they are involved with. The only person who went against the grain was Laura Brown when she left her son . According to Ebert, Roger "Virginia and Leonard Woolf loved each other, Clarrisan treasures both of her lovers. But for the two in the movi e who cannot love, The price is devastating"(3).The effect is shown in how Richie, the little boy became Richard, the man that finally committed suicide to save himself from aids. Perhaps, If the mother had shown more love and had connected more to him, his life would have ended differently. "It is our great sadness and defeat when we can't connect because of madness or sadness of the soul or because of selfishness"(Vognar 2). This is depicted in both Virginia and Laura's life. The effect was suicide in Virginia's case and Laura abandoning her home. This ultimately led to Richard's death. It is interesting to note that only Laura survived in the family.

Variable Pay Plan: Gain Sharing

Employers are often faced with the challenge of looking for ways to boost productivity and profitability while at the same time, motivating employees to accomplish organizational goals. For many employers, variable pay plans have risen to meet this challenge. A variable pay plan ties pay increases to increased performance and productivity. One of the more popular group variable pay plans is called gain sharing. Under gain sharing pay programs, both the employer and the employee benefit from increased productivity. Therefore, gain sharing has often been referred to as a win-win pay program since it is an incentive strategy that ties pay to productivity. Gain sharing is a type of incentive plan designed to increase productivity by linking pay directly to specific improvements in a company†s performance. Gain sharing is used primarily when quantitative levels of production are important measures of business success. Gains are shared with unit/department employees on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis according to some predetermined formula calculated on the value of gains of production over labor and other costs. The plan lets employees reap some of the rewards of their efforts through teamwork and cooperation and by working smarter and harder. Gain sharing plans offer the following:  · Directly ties pay to some important measure of company performance  · Results in productivity improvements when installed  · Appropriate for all groups of employees  · Improves communications and teamwork among employees  · Increases employee awareness of â€Å"the big picture†  · Improves job satisfaction and employee relations  · Increases employee participation through involvement in the system Gain sharing pay programs have the following disadvantages:  · Time consuming to design, implement and administer  · Requires employee orientation, education and training  · Accurate and timely production and cost data must be available  · If not already in place, gain sharing requires a shift to participative management and employee involvement Once you decide to add a gain sharing plan to your company you must pick the type of plan you wish to implement into your company. The following is a description of different types of plans a company could implement. A Value Added Plan is the cost of materials and services is subtracted from sales to determine a value added figure. Employee costs are then compared to this figure to arrive at a value added index. This index is compared to value added for future periods to determine if there has been an improvement in productivity. To the extent that employee costs are less than would be the case by applying a value added index to a value added, there is a productivity gain to be shared. A major challenge with this type of plan is removing the effects of automation from productivity gains. The Rucker Plan, essentially, this is a value added plan that contains special adjustments to account for base wage and other price changes, capital expenditures, and other costs unrelated to employee productivity. The Scanlon Plan is one of the more familiar gain sharing plans. It involves calculating total payroll costs and dividing by sales plus finished inventory figures to determine a plan ratio. Employee shares of productivity gains are determined by improvements of this ratio. The Improshare plan tells that increased productivity is determined by looking at the number of working hours that are saved in producing a number of finished units in a given period of time as compared to a base period. Its proponents stress that this measure leads to less waste and better quality control since only finished products are used in measuring the gains. The next is the Par Plan. This plan goes beyond other gain sharing plans by rewarding any successful effort to improve productivity. It does not single out gains solely from a productivity improvement standpoint. A â€Å"par† figure is determined based on all manufacturing costs compared to sales. Any improvement in this ratio determines the gain to be shared. The Gallway Plan gives employee incentives. The incentives under this plan are based solely on reduction in labor costs. The labor value of each product is determined and becomes a basis for determining the gain in productivity that is shared with employees. The first step in designing a gain sharing program is to determine what is to be accomplished by instituting a gain sharing plan. Is the objective to improve productivity? To reduce costs? To maintain or increase market share? Is the objective to improve organizational communication, employee relations or to promote employee participation in the organization? Is the objective to replace a compensation structure that no longer reinforces organizational goals such as improved product quality or customer service? The next stage is to determine how employees will be grouped under the program. Will employees be grouped by geographic location, product or service line, organizational group, payroll category or other employee characteristics? However the group is defined, it is important that it be self-contained and able to function as a â€Å"team. † The third step in developing a gain sharing plan is to determine what measures of performance are necessary to meet the stated objectives of the gain sharing plan. Measurements may be financial, operational or a combination of financial and operational. The fourth step in developing a gain sharing plan is to design the key elements of the program. Key issues at this stage include how do you measure productivity measures and award bonuses, handling variations in performance, and allocating or sharing the gains. After the plan has been developed and administrative issues addressed, the next step is to implement the plan and get employees actively involved in a team approach to performance improvement. This step might be accomplished by using formal or informal suggestion systems, quality circles, training sessions or set managed work groups with regular meetings. The final step after the plan is implemented is to ensure that it stays current with the development of the organization. During this phase of the process, a clear statement of plan documents outlining conditions under which the plan may be suspended, terminated or modified should be developed.

Cultural Attitudes Toward Prolonging Life Essay

A 25-year-old woman is dying of cancer. She has asked the â€Å"no extreme procedures be used to prolong life.† She is now comatose and can be kept alive only with machines. How would you decide whether her will should be respected? This question was given in class and the majority of my group responded that they would not go to any extreme measures to keep the 25-year-old woman alive. The majority of the group reasons were that it was her will and if that what she wanted then that’s what should happen. Another reason my group decided to go along with the woman’s will is the fact that medical procedures are very costly. One more reason my group decided to go along with the woman’s will is because she is suffering from an illness and it would be in her best interest not to have to suffer anymore. Although the majority of the group decided no to go to any extremes to prolong her life, I decided not to give up on life. I know that it might sound selfish on my part but life is a very special gift. My grandfather was a victim of cancer and he, despite all of the suffering he endured, wanted to stay alive for as long as he could. He wanted to remain a strong influence on how is family viewed life. Through the radiation treatments and constants visits to doctors he never gave up on his life. I can remember him saying â€Å"Baby I’m sick but I’m here with you and it makes the pain seem a bit more bearable.† Through this I learned never to give up on life even when it seem like there is no hope left.

Adoption from China vs the United States Essay

When a couple begins to explore the idea of adopting a child, it is easy for them to quickly become overwhelmed with information, questions and decisions. One of the first dilemmas couples face is whether to pursue international adoption or domestic adoption. By thoroughly researching and weighing both options, a couple can decide whether international or domestic adoption is best for their family. Some of the requirements that must be met to adopt in China include marital Status, only married couples with marriage defined as between a man and a woman, who have been married for at least 2 years are able to adopt from China. If either has been divorced, the couple must be married for 5 years before considering adopting from China. No more than two divorces are allowed; the age of prospective adoptive parents must be between 30 and 44 years old to adopt babies around 1 year old. Prospective adoptive parents can be between the ages of 30 and 50 for other children (about. com, 2012); Educational requirement for both parents are that they must have a H. S. diploma or vocational training. Typically from start to finish it will take 36-48 months for the adoption to be final. The biggest factor influencing the wait for a child is the time it takes the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) to make a referral to a family. The current referral time is approximately eight months after the detailed prospective parents files are submitted and registered with the CCAA. The cost to adopt from China is not inexpensive; it can run $20,000 to $40,000, including travel. This cost also covers registration and program fees, applications, and home study fees, necessary paperwork and background checks, just to name a few. Medical records of children adopted internationally are often minimal, if available at all. Information regarding the social history of the child’s birth parents, such as family medical history is also often unavailable (the Adoption Guide, 2012). In comparison, some of the requirements to adopt in the United States include marital status; couples do not have to be married to adopt; however, it will be easier for them to adopt if they are married. If the adopting parent is married, a minimum of a three year marriage is a common requirement; the minimum legal age to adopt is generally 18 years of age to 40 years of age. In most situations, however, there will be a requirement that the adopting parents must be at least 20 years older than the child they are seeking to adopt; history of employment stability, and the prospect of future employment stability, are always considered to be big plusses in the eyes of birthparents; there is a thorough background check done in an attempt to uncover evidence of any prior legal or criminal problems, or any problems with child abuse, financial instability, or substance abuse. The average time from preparation of portfolio to match with a birthmother can vary from 3 months (this being the majority) to being longer than 24 months; this includes time spent in false starts. The final adoption decree is usually finalized 6 months after the placement of the child with an adoptive family. The cost of adoption in the United States can range from $5,000 to $40,000 for agency and private adoptions. The cost includes; Agency applications nd program fees, attorney fees, birthmothers expenses, and travel just to name a few. One very large legal concern in domestic adoption is that in an attorney-facilitated adoption, a birth parent can try to withdraw consent to the adoption before the final adoption decree goes into effect, which is six months after placement. To exercise this right to withdraw consent, a birth parent must present clear and convincing evidence that the â€Å"best interests of the child† have changed (adoption. com, 2012). Furthermore, the numbers of children in China awaiting adoption has dropped significantly in the past few years. In 2006, about 6,493 Chinese orphans came to the United States; in 2011 only 2,587 children were adopted. The belief for the decline is the rather strict adoption requirement that have been placed on prospective parents. Despite the fact that we live in one of the most fortunate nations in the world, there are 115,000 children in the U. S. foster care system waiting to be adopted. Unfortunately some of these children are waiting because they are difficult to place due to their age, the fact that they are part of a sibling group, or their disability. The total number of children worldwide who are orphaned and waiting to be is approximately 2. 2 billion. Out of those 2. 2 billion children, 16 million children are estimated to be orphans. How do you even wrap your brain around that many parent-less children? The total number of children adopted worldwide each year, out of those 16 million orphans, is a mere 250,000. These numbers are pretty overwhelming when you think about it (the Adoption Guide, 2012). The decision between domestic adoptions vs. international adoptions only scratches the surface of this big decision. Because a family’s experience with adopting from China will be very different from a family adopting from the United States, it is difficult to describe what to expect in either situation. Couples should fully research each of these adoption venues and then weigh their options to see which best matches their adoption plan.

Haroon Siddiqui

The pages human history daubed in bloodshed of violence in the name of religion, territorial gains etc. are asking the crying question. How to make this Planet Earth heaven-like? The answer is simple and direct. Eyes full of understanding, heart full of love and the life that refuses conflicts—enough! These alone are enough! In the recorded history of humanity in the last five thousand years, politicians, kings, military generals, religious leaders have miserably failed to solve the important question of achieving peace for mankind. Most of them have acted like proverbial Tom.The teacher asked, â€Å"Tom, why are you answering every question with another question? † â€Å"Why not? † was Tom’s reply—again a question! If the purpose of the book is to tender some facts related to the Muslim population of the world in the light of the post 9/11 calamity, it has achieved some success. In terms of contribution to cementing understanding between other comm unities and the Muslims, it has failed. On issues related to Faith, arguments and counter-arguments have not solved and will never solve the differences. The root cause of deep misunderstanding lies elsewhere.Haroon begins the book with a complaint. He writes, â€Å"The approximately 27 million Muslims living in Western Nations have been targeted in other ways. They have been victims of social profiling and frequent identity mix-ups at air-ports and border crossing, where they may be harassed and sometimes detained. Monitored by both the secret services, and the media, they must be careful about what they say in e-mails, phone conversations in public. †(Siddiqui, 2006, p, 11) This complaint doesn’t carry much weight. These are normal procedures in cases of emergency, in war-like situations, and even during normal times.The 9/11 attack was an extraordinary, war-like act. There is no doubt, the perpetrators of this dastardly act are Muslims—to which terrorist outf it they belonged, is altogether a different issue. In such situations this has happened with all the communities in the world and any student of history can quote examples in abundance in support. Statistics convenient to his view point are presented by Haroon and his language is grudging and full of malice. His opinions are sometimes comparable to that of a fanatic Muslim Preacher sermonizing during the Friday prayers at the mosque but Haroon is talented and educated.The first 2 chapters contain anti-American and anti-Jew propaganda. It is pure political stuff, no literature. Haroon should have no complaints about his childhood. (Most of the Muslim children have). He hailed from an affluent family. He was born in Hyderabad, India, where Muslims very well know the meaning of living in peace and brotherhood. He enjoyed the career in journalism, in an environment of totally free press in a democratic country. He migrated to Canada in 1967, and the authentic start to his international journalistic career began when he joined the Toronto Star, as the foreign affairs analyst.Soon, he was one of Canada’s most honored journalists. He is a human rights specialist, has covered important events like hostage crisis in Iran, Iran-Iraq War, and has traveled to 35 countries. He has interviewed top political leaders of the world. To draw the readers to his point of view, Haroon provides in the book the listing of historical events that angered Muslims and continue to anger them. He reminds the readers that Muslims are 1/5th of the population of the world. He harps on the demerits of the Iraq War, and the psychological and physical tortures of Muslims in USA.To substantiate his claims, he cites serious cases of individual injustice. He writes, â€Å" The administration also fingerprinted and questioned 50,000 Muslims from or associated with Syria, Libya, Iran, Iraq and Sudan†¦Among those arrested was James Lee, a 1990 West Point Military Academy graduate and a Mu slim who was appointed the Muslim Chaplin at Gyantanama Bay. He was hounded because he had warned against mishandling of Muslim prisoners there. In September 2003, he was thrown into solitary confinement and charged with mutiny, sedition, espionage and aiding the enemy. † (Siddiqui, 2006, p. 16)From the academic perspective, this is a good book for the debate class, as it has the potentialities for endless and hot discussions. The contents of the book, like Politics, European Muslims, The Faith, Women, Jihad and terrorism, and the Future provide an array of topics for arguments and counter-arguments. To be fair to Haroon, he condemns with equal vehemence the Islamic fundamentalists, for fanning flames of Islamophobia. He defends the tenets of Islam—and that is what is expected of a good Muslim. He blames the local cultural traditions for the poor conditions and backwardness of the Muslim women, not the Islamic teachings.He advocates for rapid economic reformations of th e Muslims and advocates their rehabilitation, the need to protect their essential dignity and honor. He pleads to go into the root causes of Muslim-misery. He describes with objectivity and depth, what it is to live in post 9/11 America if one is a Muslim. Haroon’s interpretation and comments on Jihad will startle any Realized Soul. Such is his deep understanding of the Jihad concept. Jihad is a struggle, a crusade, he says. From the pure perspective of Muslim religion, it is to strive on the path of God by observing the five essentials of Islam.It is striving to live as a good human being. Haroon talks about the jihad against oneself, ipso facto, the Self-Realization mentioned in the Hindu Scriptures. Jihad is understood in terms of war by most of the Westerners. The common Muslim also understands the concept of Jihad as per this connotation. Actually it is something different says, Haroon. According to him, the jihad is the struggle against the ego, the devil, the jihad of the tongue (propagating the religious tenets of Islam) to spread the word of Islam, of charity, of the pen to spread of knowledge. Viewed from this angle, Jihad seems to be the most benevolent word.When the Westerner thinks about the word jihad, he mostly thinks about as the blood-dripping sword for the cause of spreading Islam and for the destruction of other faiths. But Haroon convinces one that it is the fragrant rose spreading peace on all counts. So bi it! But Muslims as well as non-Muslims need proper counseling about the correct connotation of the word Jihad in the light of explanations given by Haroon. So, Jihad against cleanliness, Jihad for literacy, Jihad against corruption, Jihad against drugs, Jihad against atrocities against women, Jihad against child-labor—why not!Muslims praying five times a day seems an unnecessary exercise for many. But the actual significance of namaz is highlighted by Haroon thus: â€Å"Prayers are designed to raise God-consciousness five times a day, throughout one’s life. Prayers also provide regular exercise – like yoga or Tai Chi or Qigong built into the day – and serve as a calming retreat from the daily demands of life. Muslims thus learn to balance deeni wa dunyavi (the spiritual and the worldly). They can’t abandon one for the other; that’s the essence of their faith. †(Siddiqui, 2006, p. 121) Conclusion:Haroon Siddiqui is a mind-level intellectual and any literary work by such individuals stop at the mind-barrier. But the Truth they are desperately trying to reach is available not for knowing, but for experiencing once one transcends the mind. All the fights, misunderstandings between the Politicians, Preachers of different faiths, Scholars are related to the level of reason. The thought processes of an individual change not by the repetition of scriptural revelations, not by reading or studying more and more books. Experiencing is the ultimate spirituality.It is the lesson beyond all lessons, when the thought processes of an individual change. When the thought processes change, the action process will also change. Misunderstanding of all types will vanish. Such changed action processes will change the society whether it is the Muslim society or the Western Society. Haroon, on many issues elucidated in the book, knocks desperately at the last barrier of the mind, but he is unable to cross it. ============= Works Cited: Siddiqui, Haroon: Book: Being Muslim Hardcover: 144 pages Publisher: Groundwood Books (Aug 17 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 088899785X ISBN-13: 978-0888997852

As a Mercerian, what do you consider the most importasnt leadership Essay

As a Mercerian, what do you consider the most importasnt leadership quality and why - Essay Example Intelligence appeals to me as the core leadership quality because it arouses and supports all the other requisite qualities for successful leadership. It is out of intelligence that a leader would be able to communicate sense to the audience, understand the desires of the followers and appeal to their support for the intended course. It is intelligence that would give a leader the confidence to communicate to with followers and earn confidence in whatever decisions made. Indeed, intelligence could be attributed to the success of many leaders be it in political, social, professional or religious circles. For example, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., a leading international technological company, was endowed with intelligence that not only enabled him innovate the most marketable technological gadgets but also appeal to employees of Apple Inc. to live to the vision of the organization. It is the intelligence of Nelson Mandela, the first president of independent South Africa, which saw the country attain independence from colonialists and in addition unite the people of South Africa after apartheid regardless of their background. Therefore, I am certain that intelligence is the most important leadership

EXEMPTION CLAUSES ( contract ) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

EXEMPTION CLAUSES ( contract ) - Essay Example It quickly became clear that the car is seriously defective and that it will cost at least  £1000 to deal with the problems. Thomas Co always offer to those who buy cars from them, the opportunity to purchase a service contract covering parts and labour on the car purchased for 2 years. Smith Co have always declined such offers from Thomas Co. The conclusion of this paper is meant to give advice to Smith Co., hence, the main issue here is whether or not Thomas Company could be held liable for the damage in excess of the  £100 on defective car purchased by Smith Co. considering the presence of the limitation of the liability as indicated in the contract. To settle this main issue I may use the three tests and they are incorporation, construction and UCTA. To determine whether the provision of the contract containing the clause: ‘Thomas Co limits its liability for any breach of the terms implied by ss13-15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 to  £100’ would be deemed incorporated or part of the contract; and therefore should bind the parties in the contract, there is a need to examine the facts if they are consistent on the present status of the law. Case facts tell us that Smith Co has made a number of similar purchases of cars from Thomas Co in the past. Although normally, Thomas Co asks its customers to sign its standard terms, containing the standard clause of limiting liability, the case at bar, the purchase by Smith Co was agreed over the telephone and Smith Co were never asked to sign the standard terms. Hence the logical issue is: Was the verbal agreement made orally a continuation of previous transactions of Smith Co with Thomas Co. where there was the limiting clause? Can we imply that Smith Co. should be covered by the standard clause of limited liability considering that it is the practice of Thomas to ask its customers to sign its standard terms? It is may be argued that the purchase made

Mosque being built by 911 sight Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mosque being built by 911 sight - Essay Example The panic created by the 9/11 incident was slowly disappearing at present. However, reports about the construction of a mosque at ground zero are causing disturbances to the Americans at present. Chelsea Schilling (2011) has pointed out that â€Å"a new Islamic mosque will open its doors just steps from Ground Zero where Muslim terrorists murdered 2,751 people in the name of Allah on Sept. 11, 2001 (Schilling). There are different opinions about the construction of a mosque near ground zero. This paper argues against the construction of a mosque at 9/11 site. Supporters of mosque construction at ground zero argue that since America is a secular democratic country, Muslims have the right to construct a mosque anywhere in America. They are of the opinion that building a mosque at 9/11 site will improve the credentials of America as a secular nation. The above argument seems to be illogical. America’s secular credentials are already established since Americans shown no hesitatio n in electing a president of Muslim origin even after the 9/11 incident. The current president Obama has Muslim origins. It should be note that the in India which is believed to be one of the largest secular democracies in the world, the Hindu fundamentalists opposed the election of Sonia Gandhi as their prime minister. It should also be noted that the â€Å"leading imam, who conducts sensitivity training sessions for the FBI, has reportedly blamed Christians for starting mass attacks on civilians† (Schilling). In other words the Muslim community in America still has no regards to the victims of 9/11 incident and it is difficult to expect mercy from them in future also. The second argument in favor of constructing of a mosque at ground zero is that a Mosque at ground zero will help America to regain the lost confidence of Muslim community in America. Many people believe that a mosque at ground zero is the positive sign in strengthening America’s relations with the Musl im world. The above argument is also meaningless. It should be noted that there are many mosques functioning at different parts of America. Moreover, none of the mosques in America suffered any damages even after the destruction of world trade centre and the killing of thousands of innocent people. â€Å"Many have complained that it would be insensitive to have a huge mosque two blocks from the site that became the burial ground for victims of the 9/11 terror attack by Muslim militants of Al Qaeda†(Sanchez). Nothing more can be done to the relatives of the victims of 9/11 incident as a harassment, if the authorities go ahead with the construction of the mosque. According to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg â€Å"the mosque will help to bring our city even closer together and help repudiate the false and repugnant idea that the attacks of 9/11 were in any way consistent with Islam" (Loffee). American leaders are trying to strengthen the relationships with the Islamic communit y in a diplomatic manner. However, they are forgetting the fact that diplomacy will never win over fundamentalism. Strengthening Islamic culture in New York like big city will make different citizens in New York. Muslims will try to enforce their religious beliefs even in their social life which may create problems to other religions. Shariah laws, which are the fundamental laws of Muslim belief, will be enforced in Islamic culture and the effects of these laws may reflect in the life of other people as well. In

The limit of shipowner's liability towards the shipper Essay

The limit of shipowner's liability towards the shipper - Essay Example The seller (shipper) will not usually make the contract of carriage with the carrier directly. What normally happens is that a forwarding agent will be employed to make the necessary arrangements. Similarly the carrier will employ a loading broker to obtain cargoes for him. The COGSA incorporates an international convention called the Hague-Visby Rules which attempt to strike a balance between the different interests of carriers and cargo owners. However there is an opinion that these Rules are weighted too much in the favour of the carrier. Therefore another set of rules, The Hamburg Rules came in force on 1st November 1992. So we have the situation where some countries have agreed to become signatories to the Hague-Visby rules, whilst other countries have adopted the Hamburg rules. The UK is not a signatory to the Hamburg Rules. Indeed it is true that the carrier may limit his liability under the COGSA because it creates a one year statute of limitation to bring forth maritime claims, and it allows a stipulation limiting the carrier’s liability to a certain amount, for example. The aim of the COGSA is to limit the liability of the carrier as insurer and to promote maritime trade in view of the many, often unpredictable perils of the sea. The principle of the Himalaya clause was developed in the British case Adler v. Dickson, 1 Q.B. 158 (C.A.1954), where a passenger, Mrs. Adler, injured on the steamship â€Å"Himalaya†, sued master and boatswain in tort because she could not sue the carrier, which was contractually exempt from all liability. The passenger won the case because the contract between her and the company did not have a clause extending the exemption to master and boatswain. Generally, a "Himalaya clause is any clause in a Bill of Lading which seeks to extend to non-carriers any immunity, defense, limitation

The importance of human touch (like hugs) in personal health and how Research Paper

The importance of human touch (like hugs) in personal health and how the amount of touch a person receives varies depending on that persons culture - Research Paper Example It has been demonstrated that hormonal reactions take place with hormones such as oxytocin being released leading to production of beneficial effects. One instance of beneficial effects is experienced during emotional support shown by human touch such as by a hug. According to Berkman (1995), lower cardiovascular risk is experienced by emotionally supported patients through hugs. Consequently, the adverse effects of the condition such as related mortalities considerably fall in people experiencing emotional support such as by hugs. Besides human touch, there are other quality practices expressing emotional support that contribute to personal health by producing beneficial effects to the body systems. Such practices include friendly facial expressions, speech and quality of words, hand holding and sitting together. Health benefits experienced through touch can not leave out enhanced oxytocin activity, a hormone with several roles in the body human systems. According to Insel and Young (2001), oxytocin roles in social recognition as well as partner preference are major sources of connectivity between individuals. Stimulation of oxytocin release by mere touch is useful in the mechanism of its operation especially in emotional touches such a hug. The specific benefit of reduction in blood pressure assists in personal health stability especially in healing conditions. In an experiment conducted by Amico et al (2005), it was observed that pre-menopausal women who live with emotional support from their husbands are exposed to lower blood pressure due to high oxytocin levels produced on touch. Emotional support is paramount to healthy existence according to the authors. Keating in her book (1987), lists several beneficial impacts of hugging in relation to personal health which range from easing tension to fighting insomnia. Physical touch among human beings is portrayed as a powerful tool for healing processes, and the author reports that the

Nuts Production Mix Problem Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nuts Production Mix Problem - Research Paper Example Assuming that the company can bought 1,000 pounds more of almonds from a supplier who overbought for $1,000, the additional profit contribution is $4,958 which is much more than the additional cost of almond. The new production mixes are presented on the table in the next page. If the ultimate objective is attain the highest contribution profit, then the company is better off not satisfying the existing orders. The company is better off with the production mix presented below. This production mix shows a contribution profit of $62,250 which is $875 higher than if the company satisfies the existing orders. This is so because the Holiday mix uses a lot of almond which is a scarce resource for the production mix. Of course, the quest for profit shouldn't be the end all, be all for the organization. The company also has to be socially responsible while doing business, and simply ignoring orders for higher gains is not in alignment with corporate social responsibility (Albareda 2008, p. 430).

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

English - Essay Example Following the technological era, the same stories have been used to warn on the dangers of the technology. Technology has been glorified by many since it has been a means of solving some of the problems that could be difficult or even impossible to be done by mankind. Indeed, looking at the history of mankind from the industrial revolution and the Renaissance period, there is no doubt that technology has been very handy in the driving for the changes and success that is evident today. In this essay, however, I will argue that even though technology is a good thing, it has to be approached with caution, as it can break down our ways of life in a manner that may be irredeemable. Some of the literatures that will be used in the essay include; Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? By Philip Dick, this literature will be used as a main material. It shows how androids interact with human and through their analysis of the dangers of technology is done. Another important literature to the discussion is Neuromancer by William Gibson and finally The Crying of Lot49 by Penchon Thomas. This three literature will form the basis of the discussion while some other texts may also be used to justify the discussion. Technology is the use of the available materials and knowledge to adapt to the environment. This is done by using the materials and knowledge as instruments and processes that provide the humans with a superiority over the environment he lives in. Therefore, Technology can refer to nonfigurative structures present, which include language among others which is an effort to organize and put in systematics in the human reality and therefore become an instrument used to explore the environment through communication and therefore compete effectively. The aspect of completion indicates the presence of evolutionary framework, where all forms of life are in competition for

Different Styles of Imitation Essay Example for Free

Different Styles of Imitation Essay In The Transmission of Knowledge by Juan Luis Vives, Vives describes his idea of proper imitation. His basic theory is that people are not innately born with skills of art or rhetoric and therefore, these skills are obtained through the imitation of other skilled artists or rhetoricians. This idea is parallel to those of Petrarch and Alberti. Petrarch and Vives both say that proper imitation should be analogous to the way a son resembles his father. Vives says A son is said to be like his father, not so much in that he recalls his features, his face and form, but because shows to us his fathers manners, his disposition, his talk, his gait, his movements, and as it were his very life, which issues forth in his actions as he goes abroad, from the inner seat of the spirit, and shows his real self to us. (190) Petrarch says, similarly, As soon as we see the son, he recalls the father to us, although if we should measure every feature we should find them all different.(199) The father to son resemblance is the basis of imitation to both these authors. They both believe that a good writer should use imitation in a way where what they imitate resembles the original, but does it not duplicate it. For Petrarch and Vives, this can be achieved by properly integrating reading with writing. They both believe that by reading something and being able to digest it thoroughly, one can transport the overall idea and feeling of what he read onto his own writing. This creates a deep imitation, rather than copying what a writer says in different words. Both authors use the father to son metaphor to show that imitation should be meaningful and evocative. Petrarch supplements this idea by claiming that reading should be an alterative to experience. As one would in a sense experience the father through the son, one should similarly be able to experience the author a writer imitates. To illustrate this he referrers to wandering and transport throughout his works. Specifically, Petrarch interchanges writing with experience when he describes climbing Mont Ventroux. He says But nature is not overcome by a mans devices; a corporeal thing cannot reach the heights by descending and, further, there I leaped in my winged thought from things corporeal to what is incorporeal and addressed myself in words like these (39) The physical and spiritual are linked so closely together that they transport and overlap one another. According to Petrarch, characteristics like this are traits of a good imitator. Vives also relates to the kind of imitation which interchanges the bodily action with spiritual. He describes an oration, which links actions with rhetoric. He says But these modern imitators regard not so much the mind of the orator in his expression, as the outward appearance of his words and the external for of his style. (191) Both writers believe that by interchanging techne which psyche, one can properly imitate and transcend a deeper significance of what the writer is imitating. Although Petrarch and Vives share similar ideas, they also hold a contradictory belief: Petrarch only imitates Cicero, while Vives believes that one should imitate several models to create a single work. Although Vives clearly states that Cicero is the best model for writing in the conversational style: Caesar and Epistles of Cicero will come into the first rank of conversational style, (192) he also states that one should comprise writing by mimicking several writers: The more models we have and the less likeness there is between them, the greater is the progress of eloquence. (190) Foremost, Petrarch is not writing in the conversational style, instead he using the plain style. Therefore, he should mimic another writer from the list Vives has specified. Also, Petrarch is only interested in imitating one writer, Cicero. He defends the Ciceronian tradition by writing only in Ciceros style. For this reason, Petrarch does not read other writers, like Dante, because he is afraid that he will become the product of what he reads, ideas and style. Instead he immerses himself in Ciceros style by reading his work in such depth that he essentially writes in Ciceros style without knowing he is doing so. Vives respects Ciceros work, but he does not believe that Cicero is the best writer. Other than Vives belief that Petrarch should have imitated several conversationalists, Vives also states that imitation of Ciceros work is useful and safe, but not of his style; for if anyone cannot achieve success in the attempt he will degenerate into redundant, nerveless, vulgar and plebeian kind of writer. (191) Therefore, the difference between Vives and Petrarch is that Vives believes that one should imitate several writers and that Cicero is not the best writer. Further, he offers a list of writers which should be imitated when trying to achieve a certain style. Petrarch, on the other hand, writes in Ciceros style and believes that Cicero should be imitated while engaging in every kind of writing. Alberti was an author who was more like Vives in this sense. He also believed that one should embrace all the things which would make something beautiful into one. For example, he says that all arts are linked to painting somehow, and that all arts take from incorporate the skills associated with painting into their works: The architect, if I am not mistaken, takes from the painter architraves, bases, capitals, columns, faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ades and other similar things. All the smiths, sculptors, shops and guilds are governed by the rules and art of the painter. It is scarcely possible to find any superior art which is not concerned with painting. so that whatever beauty is found can be said to be born of painting .(Book II) Furthermore, it was important to Alberti to imitate the laws of nature, rather than nature itself. He pointed out that an architect should mimic the structure of reality and the geometry hidden in reality. Like Vives and Petrarch, Alberti joined the bodily with the spi ritual to create the perfect art. But, he resembles Vives, in the sense that he believes that one should imitate several things to create one thing. One difference between Alberti and Vives is that Vives believes that one should start out imitating a person who is not the best at what he does, but someone who is better than the imitator. Eventually, according to Vives, one should be able to move up in rank and imitate the best. He says it is a wise precept of M. Fabius Quintilian that boys should not at first attempt to rise to emulation of their master, lest their strength fail them. An easier and quicker method will be to let them imitate someone more learned than themselves among their fellows, and contending with him let them gradually rise to copying their master himself. (189) Alberti does not mention this method of imitation. Instead he says that when it comes to art, on must have the favors of nature. (Book I) In other words, Alberti strongly believes that one should have a natural talent for what he is doing, and that the gradual chain of improvement is not necessarily an established method, as Vives indicates. Also, Alberti uses a style that is short and to the point. He says I beg that I may be pardoned if, where I above all wish to be understood, I have given more care to making my words clear than ornate. I believe that which follows will be less tedious to the reader. (Book I) This type of frankness is a distinguished style of writing. He uses simple rhetoric so that his audience can grasp the idea quickly. This kind of style corresponds to the type of art he is writing about. He says that he writing about a new type of art: We are, however, building anew an art of painting about which nothing, as I see it, has been written since this age.(Book II) His new style is imitating his concept of having a different type of manual towards art. Also, his main is to gear away from the Ancients and more towards the Florentine. By changing his style of writing he is achieving this, not only through what he saying about graduating art from mechanical to liberal, but also through his style and techne. Both Alberti and Vives spend time discussing subject matter. Vives splits up who should be imitated based on the subject of the piece being writer. Similarly, Alberti pays attention to the subject matter of the painting. He says that an image can only bring pleasure of the subject matter of the painting brings pleasure. Alberti believes that one must imitate the feeling he wants the viewer to have in the subject of his painting for the artwork to be successful. This is what Vives is saying when he illustrates that one must pick the best writer in the subject that he wants to write about and imitate that style to be successful. Both Petrarch and Alberti can be compared with Vives and his ideas on imitation. To all three writers imitation plays a huge role on how to present written and artistic works. All three of them believe that imitation of others will lead to success. Further, they believe that imitation is the only way to learn how to write properly. Alberti adds another assumption: he says that to be the best, one must imitate, but before the imitation process takes place, one must have a natural talent for art. Petrarch and Alberti both believe that one must mimic what they believe is the right tradition through their styles. Petrarch believes in the Ciceronian tradition and follows in Ciceros footsteps by imitating his style. Alberti is more concerned with understanding than the use of eloquent language. Overall, to all three writers imitation plays a huge role in their understanding of how written works influence their audiences.

Black Culture Essay Example for Free

Black Culture Essay During the Harlem Renaissance, writers, especially black ones, portrayed the black culture and style in their writing. They used black assumptions, generalizations and stereotypes to show, what they thought was, the black culture. Not all of this was far from the truth. Three writers, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Sterling Brown are examples of writers that emulated black culture in their works. Langston Hughes works, â€Å"†The Negro Speaks of Rivers,† â€Å"Mother to Son,† â€Å"When Sue Wears Red, † â€Å"The Weary Blues,† I, Too,† and â€Å"Harlem† are examples of the portrayal of black culture through writing. In â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers,† Hughes focuses on important accomplishments and places where Negroes were heavily populated. â€Å"I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. / I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. /I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. / I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln/ went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy/ bosom turn all golden in the sunset† (Hughes 1291). In â€Å"Mother to Son,† he describes advice of a mother given to her son. She tells him how her life was no â€Å"crystal stair† and how she had to struggle to get where she is and that she is still struggling to get even further. She describes her trials and tribulations as â€Å"tacks/†¦and splinters/ and boards torn up/ and places with no carpet on the floor/ bare. † (Hughes 1292). She tells her son never to give up on his dreams and to keep climbing that â€Å"crystal stair. † This is because the mother knows how hard it is to get ahead in the world when you’re black and that everything that blacks have they have worked hard to get. â€Å"When Sue Wears Red† describes the beauty of the black woman. He compares Susanna’s face o â€Å"an ancient cameo/ turned brown by the ages. † He also compares to â€Å"a queens form some time-dead Egyptian night† (Hughes 1293). â€Å"The Weary Blues† portrays the musical side of the black culture, describing a man playing â€Å"that sad raggy tune like a musical fool† and singing in â€Å"a deep song voice with a melancholy tone† The music that â€Å"comes from a black man’s soul† (Hughes 1294). â€Å"I, Too† show the degrading manner in which black people were treated. The black house workers were treated as if they were inferior or not fit to be around white people. This is shown when the worker tells us, â€Å"they send me to eat in the kitchen/ when company comes. † Due to the high hopes and determination of black people, this does not discourage the speaker. He knows that, one day, he’ll â€Å"be at the table/ when company comes. / Nobody’ll dare/ say to me/ ‘eat in the kitchen’/†¦they’ll see how beautiful I am/ and be ashamed† (Hughes 1295). He believes that one day black people will be accepted and will be able to â€Å"eat† with the whites. This attitude is what kept blacks striving to succeed. â€Å"Harlem† questions what may happen if black people put off their dreams and progression. This delay may be willing or by force but either way the dreams may â€Å"dry up/ like a raisin in the sun† or stink like rotten meat† or even worse â€Å"explode† (Hughes 1309). Stopping black people from fulfilling their dreams would at worst cause a rebellion. This rebellion may not be nonviolent. Sterling Brown uses poems such as â€Å" Odyssey of Big Boy,† â€Å"Southern Road,† â€Å"Slim Greer,† and â€Å"Ma Rainey† to describe black culture in his eyes. Brown wrote mostly of the working class black population. He wrote his poems as though it were a work song that they used to keep time. Thus, you see a lot of repetition in his works. This is seen in both â€Å"Odyssey of Big Boy† and â€Å"Southern Road. † In â€Å"Odyssey of Big Boy,† Brown gives sight to some of the folklore heroes of the black culture, such as â€Å"Casey Jones† and â€Å"Stagolee† (Brown 1248). This not only shows the heroes represented in black culture but also their use of stories past down through the generations to keep the culture alive. He goes on to describe the manual labor that black people have done over the ages. This includes how they â€Å"skinned as a boy in Kentucky hills/druv steel there as a man/†¦striped tobacco in Virginia fiel’s/†¦mined de coal in West Virginia† etc (Brown 1249). These are prime examples of the jobs that the lack culture held whether it is when they were slaves or after they were freed. It was characteristic of them to hold jobs that involved a great deal of manual labor. â€Å"Southern Road† depicts some of the struggles that a typical black man may have dealt with during those times. He speaks about working in a chain gang, a father dying, going to jail and white men degrading the black man. â€Å"Slim Greer† is about a black man that passed as white. He met a white woman who â€Å"thought he as from Spain/ or else from France† (Brown 1256). It was not until he played â€Å"some mo’nful blues† that they found out that he was indeed black (Brown 1257). This depicts the musicality of the black culture. Music was one of the many ways they used to express themselves, so, for the most part, they had a great talent in it. â€Å"Ma Rainey† is also a poem about the musicality of the black culture. Whenever Ma Rainey came to town â€Å"folks from anyplace/ miles aroun’/†¦flocks to hear/ Ma do her stuff† (Brown 1258). Black people enjoyed gathering around to listen to music. This was probably because not only was it entertaining but it also told a story. Zora Neale Hurston depicts black culture through her works entitled â€Å"Sweat,† â€Å"How IT Feels To Be Colored Me,† and â€Å"Their Eyes Were Watching God. † Hurston wrote a great deal about the togetherness in the black community. Many of her stories, including these three works, took place in an exclusively black town and included at least one seen where the entire community sat outside together talking, usually gossiping, and watching passersby. In â€Å"Sweat† they gossip about Delia Jones, mainly they talk about how her husband, Sykes, beats and abuses her and how he is having an affair with a woman named Bertha. They badmouth Sykes, saying how horrible and stupid he is for cheating on a god woman like Delia, especially with such a fat woman. This also shows how it was common in the black culture, especially in the south, for men to like thicker women. â€Å"Their Eyes Were Watching God† also has a few scenes in which we see the black community together. In the beginning, Janie is seen by the whole community walking back in overalls. They immediately begin to talk about her. They make assumptions, such as Tea Cake stole all of her money and abandoned her. They talk about how silly she was for taking off with a younger man in the first place and whatever happened to her probably serves her right. In conclusion, the black culture is evident in many works by various black writers. They show the good and the bad, the truth and its exaggerations. Reading works written in the time gives us a good look into what the black society was actually like back then.