An American childhood by Annie dillard Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

An American childhood by Annie dillard - Essay Example eams through her mention of her father who painfully decided to give up his personal dreams to protect his family from the dangers of what would come from the talk of the people. Her adoration of the man with principles he stood for may not have been directly pointed out but they were clearly expressed as the writer saw through the eyes of a child. She spoke about her mother in a childlike manner, telling the story just how it happened, without sugar-coating rather in a child’s innocence; she placed her mother in the rightful pedestal. The story is a craftily written piece of art which engages the readers, making alive the actions, people and places mentioned. Probably the greatest ingredient used in the story that really grips the readers to stick their noses on the book until the end, is the honesty and innocence of the child in the grown-up Annie. Along with this, she made alive the story with her wit as she used professional means of story telling like figures of speech. Alliteration was used, with the repetition of sounds as the story is told, to put emphasis on some parts of the story, drawing attention from the reader for one to meditate more on it or analyze the meaning of which. An example for this is the line, â€Å"There was no messiness in her, no roughness for things to cling to, only a charming and charmed innocence that seemed then to protect her, an innocence I needed but couldn’t muster†. She used metaphors as well bringing life to some things she mentioned in the story as she viewed them during her childhood. She made the icebox motor talk in the line; â€Å"You are living†, the icebox motor said. In an interesting manner, her childhood imaginations were drawn before the eyes of her readers and this simply made the story more enjoyable. Even the figurative languages the author used in her story showed the genius in her as she realized as a child the essence of the stories he read or heard to the facts she observed. Metaphorically, the child

Plessy Versus Ferguson

Plessy Versus Ferguson Cobe Hill Lynn Jenks Homer Adolph Plessy was a black man who had dealt with oppression his entire life. He was born in the late 1800s after all. That happened to be prime time for racism in America. Homer was the type of man that faced his problems and stared them down. This lead him to sitting in the All Whites car in the East Louisiana Railroad in 1892. This was a mistake in the eyes of the white people, so they decided that it was about time to kick this kid off. The security guards laid down a beating on him then kicked him off the train. They kept his name and information though, as they were going far enough to sue him in the pending future. This is exactly what he wanted to happen, as he was a part of a black civil rights organization that opposed the recently passed Separate Car Act. He wanted them to put him in the courts, to show he was ready to fight for his rights as a black man. This case began locally, and Homer fought his way through many courts leading up to the Supreme Court. The most important was that of the Louisiana Supreme Court. This court upheld the law and declared it constitutional according to their interpretations. This set Homer off, and he knew that there was only one court left for him to appeal to and gain the freedom he knew he deserved. He had to go all the way up to the Supreme Court. Simply because there were so many black civil rights cases trudging their way up to the Supreme Court at that time, many people didnt believe whole-heatedly that this case was going to be reviewed. Homer wrote his appeal and submitted it to the Supreme Court within days of the rulings in Louisiana. Homers appeal was reviewed by the Supreme Court, just as every other case is and it was thought to be a potentially grounds-setting case. A committee was assigned the case and reviewed Homers facts against Louisiana and vice-versa. The case was deemed appropriate by the committee so they proposed it to the rest of the Court. They all seemed to be on board, so they decided to see the case as soon as they could. This just happened to be a long time later; 1896 to be specific. The states had created a law that was known as the Separate but Equal Act, and this acted just like it sounded. It upheld the fact that black and white men and women were equal, but they must be separated in the public facilities. This included areas like bathrooms, restaurants and of course, trains. There were plenty more segregated areas that were specifically designated to black people or white people respectively, but these werent supposed to be what was on trial here. Rather than the Separate but Equal Act as a whole, what was supposed to be on trial here was the Separate Car Act. For Homer Plessy, this Separate Car Act was the least of his issues, and he knew that there was more to fight for than good seating in a train. He was fighting for true equality for all people of color, and starting with trains didnt seem like enough for him. He wanted to just end it all in one court case, and had big plans to fight the entire Separate but Equal Act, which was a large bite to chew. He gathered all of his facts and took them with him to D.C. His lawyer was all for supporting equality between races and genders, but he knew that this was a large law to be attacking with such a small base. Only having gone through the courts fighting against the Separate Car Acts meant a lot for this Supreme Court case. They would have to change many things about their approach and their plea. He couldnt support Homer in this endeavor, but what he could do was broaden the picture of their case. He was going for the Supreme Court to overrule the Separate but Equal Act, not among the entirety of the United States, but just within Louisiana. This would potentially set the precedent for further cases, and if they won this case, that precedent would push the equality agenda more than ever before. When the case was accepted by the Supreme Court, the public opinion was that this law should be upheld. There wasnt very much budge in the public eye, and the courts had all seen that. Juries were impossible to be chosen without some sense of prejudice and or hatred within it. This was a problem that had plagued this case. This made all of the juries biased, and because the public was always against him, Homer lost all of the juries votes as soon as they were selected. With that all behind him and a fresh new court without such elegances as a jury, Homer believed that this was his chance to change peoples minds for real. He didnt have to sway an entire jury, just the Supreme Court, who had shown a similar bias towards cases like this one. They had voted that separation in the school system in Alabama was legal, which is concurrent to the effect of this case. It was a ruling that allowed Separate but Equal to be voted through by each state individually. Since this ruling, many states in the south decided to apply Separate but Equal to their public facilities. Louisiana was one of the states that had extended the power and use of Separate but Equal to every possible situation. Even in restaurant seating and in the public drinking fountains. There was still a very obvious distinction between the quality of these areas as well. Every area that was specifically for the white people was treated well and kept up, while the areas that were black only were trashed and never cleaned. This was all that was going through the state, and there wasnt an area that they could all go to get away from it. Homer knew that this had to end here, so he fought and fought with his lawyer to help him destroy the precedent and set his own. Pleading like he was already in court, Homer begged and begged. In a surprise turn, Homers lawyer decided that it might actually be a good idea to broaden there plea on the court, and chase after that freedom that blacks were in dire need of. He figured that it would be a better way to show the brutality of the separation and the way that they were treated. If they could give examples of every situation that included the separation, it might tear through the hearts of the Justices. They were people after all. It would be hard to show them the pain that the black community had been going through with just a little train car incident. That was the least of their problems, and attacking that wouldnt work, they needed to show everything that had been tormenting them, and Homers lawyer knew exactly how. He wanted to show that there was legally no difference between black people and white people. There was no legal way to treat them different, simply because of their skin color. He wasnt trying to prove that they were the same, just equal. There shouldnt be a way to treat white people in court or in public, and a way to treat black people. In the system of laws that were in place at this time, it would have been completely acceptable to just deny someone service because they were black. Finally the case came along, which was an incredibly stressful but exciting experience for Homer. He was ready to prove his point that he shouldnt be treated so poorly, but that wasnt what was going to happen that day. He didnt know it yet, but the case had been laid out against them from the start. The precedents set before this case were so overwhelming that it would only take a shred of evidence that Homer was in the wrong, and it would be over. That is exactly what happened on that day. Homer went from being excited to prove his innocence and show the world that it was wrong to segregate based on skin color to being depressed about the fact that he failed to represent his people. The cases ruling came to be that it wasnt above the law to imply a legal distinction between peoples of different skin color. Despite the fact that this seemed to be in complete contrast with the 13th and 14th amendments of the constitution, it was ruled this way. Homer was a precedent setting case that sadly held firm until a very closer time to our own. The case that finally ended the segregation and the Separate but Equal Act was the Brown vs. Board of Education case of 1954. This ended the torment that black men and women had to live through for over 100 years.

The Singles’ Scene Essay -- Essays Papers

The Singles’ Scene "[W]e are all often complicit in the silencing of students. The victims often silence themselves as well†¦"(Hall 7). Is my hair ok? How does my makeup look? Am I going to look like a geek if I answer another question? Do I have to play sports to impress the girls? These kinds of insecurities flood an adolescents mind when placed into a coed education. Instead of focusing on the task put forth by the teacher, the task that should be the most important thing on his or her mind, adolescents are distracted by others around them, especially the opposite sex. Preteens have "a lot on their plates". New schoolwork, new bodies, and new feelings are just part of their every day lives. On top of all of this they are required to navigate through a coed school. Many may argue that the coed factor is just a part of life and the faster a child learns how to cope with it the better off they will be. However, one must learn how to crawl before being able to walk. Perhaps the issue is not learning the fastest way to walk but instead learning the most proficient way to walk. With this idea in mind the way to learn wi th the most dexterity would be by following the path of single sex education from the fourth grade to the eighth grade or during the age of adolescence. As a product of four years of single sex education I can attest first hand that it is the path to take for one’s adolescent years. Leon Podles and Elizabeth Fox-Genovese, journalists for the American Enterprise, agree with my argument for same sex education through the adolescent years. They state: "The point of separating boys and girls during adolescence is to separate the training of good citizens from the vicissitudes of mating and dating, which notor... ...o be in single-sex education. They are not taught to be intolerant of the opposite sex but rather to be able to learn in a way that caters specifically to their needs at that age. Distraction is the underlying and most crucial problem. When an adolescent is in a situation where the opposite sex is a around, learning about Paul Revere is the furthest thing from their mind. The stress of impressing others is a learning impediment that a preteen must face everyday. In stress management courses one is taught to locate the stress factor and then work to remove it to create a less stressful environment. In this case the added stress and distraction stems directly from the opposite sex. Thus, the removal of the stress (the opposite sex) would break through the barrier that is inhibiting the learning process in adolescents and lead to new paths of knowledge and confidence.

Capitalism and Individualism in Robinson Crusoe Essay

In popular imagination Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe has become an adventure story for children, for which the original novel is not responsible, but the abridged and bowdlerized versions must be blamed. A close reading of the original text reveals a novel of enormous significance. In many ways the novel can be said to be defining the modern citizen of capitalistic society. It is also widely regarded as being the first modern novel. In fact this latter claim is not unrelated to the previous proposition. The modern novel is not only a mirror to the modern psyche, but also bears an organic relationship to it. A general proposition is that literature was the means by which the modern psyche came into being, and the modern novel is particularly instrumental in this sense. In this regard Robinson Crusoe not only sets the agenda of modern capitalism and individualism, but was also a key phenomenon that helped bring about its realization. The German sociologist Weber made the observation that the character of Robinson Crusoe was the ideal example of the Protestant work ethic in action (118). In his desert island isolation Crusoe makes the discovery of God, and establishes personal communion with Him through his newly found faith and the aid of the Bible. Therefore he is the quintessential Protestant. Weber’s general thesis was that the Protestant nurtures an ascetic relationship to work. In the absence of supporting church and societal structures, the Protestant falls upon his worldly activity to express his devotion. According to the doctrines set out by Luther and Calvin, the Protestant establishes a personal communion with God, justified by his faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior, and in the Bible as the word of God. This was the doctrine of â€Å"justification by faith†. It necessitated that the Protestant maintain an intense relationship to work, this being the only means by which to establish piety and purposefulness. This is what Weber calls the Protestant work ethic. There is no doubt that Robinson Crusoe exemplifies this principle. The overriding characteristic of the Protestant is his isolation and individualism. In normal circumstances we would think of a Protestant as spiritually isolated. But in Crusoe’s tale this isolation is magnified and made tangible. He is physically isolated from society, marooned on a desert island, and his spiritual isolation comes in tandem. He discovers God in the worst depths of his despair, and it is a discovery born purely of his own life circumstances, and the signs that God has transmitted to him therein. He comes to God in complete isolation, with his own experience and the words of the Bible alone pointing the way. The rest of the novel can be seen as his continuing conversation with God. On Crusoe’s part the conversation is carried out through a constant strengthening of faith, along with diligence in his work to maintain himself on the island. The responses of God are to be read in the improving circumstances of Crusoe, as he gradually becomes more and more master of his own dominion. This is exactly what the Protestant expects. Salvation is through work, which is a form of piety. Weber’s further contention is that modern capitalism is result of the Protestant work ethic. In the following passage he explains the process whereby religious enthusiasm brings about economic activity: Those mighty religious movements whose significance for economic development lay primarily in their ascetic and educative impact, commonly only exhibited their full economic effect after the high point of purely religious enthusiasm had already been passed; when the convulsive search for the kingdom of God was gradually beginning to dissolve into sober, vocational virtue, the religious root was slowly dying out and giving way to utilitarian worldliness. (Ibid) Diligence was the prime virtue of the Puritan from the very beginning, even though it did not appear to be capitalistic at first. In the early days, after the Protestant Reformation, much of the Puritan zeal was transmitted into revolutionary activity. The English Civil War, the overcoming of monarchy, the uprooting of the old aristocratic order, the annulment of organized religion, all this stemmed from Puritan zeal. Eventually the Whigs, the moderate Protestants, took over the reins of power and began to persecute the Puritans in turn for their zeal. In time the religious enthusiasm mellowed and was channeled, as Weber describes, into â€Å"sober, vocational virtue†. Utilitarian worldliness was only the end product of this evolution, and in which form we recognize it as modern capitalism. Weber goes on to cite the Shakespearean scholar Edward Dowden, who places Defoe’s novel at exactly this point of sociological transition. It was where â€Å"Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’, hurrying past ‘Vanity Fair’, filled with his lonely inward striving after the kingdom of heaven, was replaced in the popular imagination by ‘Robinson Crusoe’, the isolated economic man who pursues missionary work on the side† (Ibid). Dowden tends to belittle the religious element as false, and wants to define the character of Crusoe as unflinchingly and ruthlessly capitalistic. Weber, however, does not make this mistake. Religion and worldly diligence go hand and hand, and is an attitude without which capitalism is impossible. Material greed does not deliver capitalism. Only if the profit-making endeavor is undertaken as an act of asceticism is it possible for all the gains to be ploughed back into industry and thereby keep the machine of capitalism in motion. Weber made a thorough analysis of all the major civilizations in order to show that they were not capable of producing capitalism because the ascetic relationship to work was absent. Any tendency in this direction would be defeated by the ills bred by covetousness and greed. Karl Marx was also tempted to jettison the religion of Crusoe and analyze him in terms of being an â€Å"economic man† alone. â€Å"Of his prayers and the like we take no account,† he says, â€Å"since they are a source of pleasure to him, and he looks upon them as so much recreation† (Marx 47). It is a lead followed by many modern economists. For example Peter Mathias describes it as â€Å"a sophisticated myth of the ascent of man, of economic growth by dint of the work ethic, of the imperative of ‘improvement’ and the determination to master nature† (17). It is plain to see why economists are tempted to invade the island of Crusoe. It is because the analysis of economics is restricted to personal needs and their fulfillment. The only cognizance made towards the existence of society is in the introduction of the exchange mechanism, so that the surplus product of one’s labors can be exchanged with that of another’s to mutual benefit. In this process society is minimized and personal needs are maximized. The obsession of the economist is with personal desires, and so he is happy to push society to the distance. In Robinson Crusoe’s plight Defoe has created a situation which attracts the gaze of the economist compulsively. Defoe does not disappoint; along with the religious awakening of Crusoe we are also given a meticulous account of his economic situation. Once set on his task of survival he surveys his situation dispassionately, seeing himself as a creature of needs, placed on an island of limited resources, and his own capacity of labor to transform the resources into products of use, i.e. commodities that are able to meet his needs. He cultivates some land to plant barley and rice. He makes a fishing rod to catch fish from the sea. After a few years of such effort he gets the measure of things and realizes that he should avoid being wasteful. He calculates that he cannot consume more than forty bushels of barley and rice in one year, and settles thus the amount that should be planted for harvest each year. â€Å"I had no competitor, none to dispute sovereignty or command with me: I might have raised ship-loadings of corn, but I had no use for it; so I let as little grow as I thought enough for my occasion† (Defoe 118). But a bad crop one year makes him reproach himself for his laziness, and he duly plans for insurance against future disasters. â€Å"I resolved for the future to have two or three years’ corn beforehand; so that, whatever might come, I might not perish for want of bread† (Ibid 144). But apart from this there is little of economic analysis to be pursued in his situation. This is because, beyond future insurance, he has no need for surplus production, and more importantly, because there is no exchange. After he recovers gold coins from the wreck of the ship he realizes the intrinsic futility of money when it has no exchange value. This has led Rich Whately to comment that â€Å"Robinson Crusoe is in a position of which Political Economy takes no cognizance† (5). While this is true, the fascination for the economist still holds. This is probably because Crusoe exemplifies the inner heart of capitalism, that which political economy tries to overlook or deny. For example, social cost is a concept that has only recently forced its way into the discourse of political economy, and only after degradation of the global environment on a massive scale. But to Crusoe it appears immediately. After he has cut down some wild vines he muses: I thought those beautiful vines and those slender young trees were free goods; they belonged to nobody. I thought the costs were all external. But I didn’t realize that when I cut them down, I would be depriving myself of this intangible source of pleasure. Since I am the only one on the island and will be here for some time then it is clear that I did not correctly evaluate my true costs of production. (Ibid 91). Crusoe also exemplifies the ascetic impulse involved in capitalism, that which totally escapes the scrutiny of political economics. While he has become seemingly immersed into the world, he makes contrary claims, saying that he now sees the world as something remote. â€Å"I had nothing indeed to do with it, nor was ever likely to have, so I thought it looked, as we may perhaps look upon it hereafter – viz. as a place I had lived in, but was come out of it† (Ibid 117). Through his isolation, and his discovery of God, he has found a purpose that lies beyond the confines of the world. If he was yet physically in it, his diligence was but an expression of his piety. Without this otherworldly presence he would be consumed by greed and covetousness. Crusoe is always conscious of the fact that he has escaped these evils by being distanced from society. He sees the hands of Providence in this design, that he should be marooned on a desert island, â€Å"removed from all the wickedness of the world here,† in order that his soul be saved (Ibid). He comes to see the island as a veritable Eden, capable of cleansing sin from anyone who finds himself in his own situation: â€Å"The most covetous, griping miser in the world would have been cured of the vice of covetousness if he had been in my case; for I possessed infinitely more than I knew what to do with† (Ibid 118). Another aspect of modern capitalism is the inalienable rights of the human, which we also find delineated in the novel. Locke has established the concept of human rights on a philosophical basis through his Two Treatises on Government. The premise to his analysis was the individual as an isolated element in society, and therefore he works on the basis of Protestantism. That which Locke derives through philosophy, Defoe presents to us in vivid narrative form through the situation of Robinson Crusoe. The first step is his removal from society, and the second step is his removal from the world, through his discovery of God, and the realization that his diligence is but a means of worshipping God, and beyond this he had no truck with material existence. But the more and more diligent he becomes, therefore, the more and more he strengthens his communion with God, the more and more conscious does he become of his mastery over his own dominion. As Philip Zaleski puts it, â€Å"This conversion does not go unrequited; as Robinson surrenders to God, the island surrenders to him† (40). His purposefulness is otherworldly, but the worldly mark of it is the right of possession that he establishes over his territory. It is part of the conversation that the Protestant establishes with God. If he is justified by his faith, and that alone, God will convey this message to him through his worldly circumstances. In many points of the novel we find Crusoe becoming conscious of his inalienable rights, and marveling at what he possesses by the grace of God. In one guarded moment, while ambling through a scenic valley, he rejoices in his sense of possession: â€Å"I was king and lord of all this country indefensibly, and had a right of possession; and if I could convey it, I might have it in inheritance as completely as any lord of a manor in England† (Defoe 92) This is indeed a novel conception of right, and one that was overtaking the feudal and aristocratic rights of old, rooted in primogeniture. Only through his pious diligence has Crusoe come to possess this piece of land. The example of Crusoe is a microcosm of capitalism staking its right over the commodity products of capitalistic diligence. This sense of mastery and possession eventually extends to people too. He saves a prisoner of the cannibals, who occasionally visit the island to ritually consume their captives. He enslaves him in turn, calls him Friday, converts him to Christianity, and more importantly, teaches him awe towards European civilization, and thereby establishes between them the colonial master-slave relationship. Most modern commentators find this aspect of the novel hard to stomach. James Joyce said of Robinson Crusoe, â€Å"He is the true prototype of the British colonist†¦ The whole Anglo-Saxon spirit is in Crusoe: the manly independence, the unconscious cruelty, the persistence, the slow yet efficient intelligence, the sexual apathy, the calculating taciturnity† (qtd. in Phillips 33). The feminist critic Ulla Grapard comments that the self-sufficiency of Crusoe is misleading, for it fails to take into account the slavery he imposes on Friday. There is also the suggestion that civilization is the product of European man and his communion with god, with the exclusion of women and others, and therefore â€Å"imposes boundaries separating those who belong in economic discourse from those who do not† (Grapard 33). These are all valid complaints, but fail to take into account that colonialism and male-centeredness are inextricably part of capitalism. Not only the contents of Robinson Crusoe, but the medium itself was a revolutionary phenomenon. The novel form was an innovation that proved ideal to capture the spirit of individualism, as well as portray the plight of the individual in context of capitalistic modernity. According to Chesterton, the novel concerns itself with relationships. He also calls it a feminine medium, because understanding social relationship is the forte of women (39). Many consider Aphra Behn to be the first novelist, who published a generation before Defoe. But Oroonoko does not dissect social relationships to any extent, and is more intent on plain narrative, even though long. When the novel came of age in the Victorian era the female practitioners of the form advanced the medium greatly, among them Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. But there is good reason to call Robinson Crusoe the first novel, even though it is set far from human society, and therefore cannot deal with human relationships greatly. Defoe’s effort is the first novel because it considers the relationship that precedes all others, which is the relationship between man and God. Because of his physical isolation and instinct for survival, Coleridge saw in the character of Robinson Crusoe â€Å"the universal representative, the person for whom every reader could substitute himself† (qtd. in Keane 51). For a novel to succeed the reader must be able to identify with the protagonist in some way. In the case of Crusoe the reader’s identification is not only universal, but also works at a very fundamental level. Walter Allen call it a dramatization of â€Å"the inescapable solitariness of each man in his relation to God and the universe† (28). It is something that the individual must come to terms with before he can relate to others. Weber contends that Protestantism gave birth to the individual of modern capitalism, and identifies the Protestant work ethic as the means by which this became the social norm. But he fails to recognize the extent to which literature was also the instrument. Even before the advent of the novel literature was thoroughly engaged in the process of creating a â€Å"secular† instrument of creative expression. In the Christian era literature was overwhelmingly devotional, and even then limited by the parameters of Church doctrine. Like Bruno, Savonarola and Galileo, many were the martyrs and victims to the cause of self-expression. With the Protestant Reformation the authority of the Church was overcome, resulting in the emancipation of literature. It did not just express individualism, but was the means by which the individual discovered a new voice. For example, instead of composing paeans to the saints, Ben Jonson wrote flattering poetry aimed at his aristocratic patrons, and meant only for circulation in aristocratic circles. Even when the content was religious there was bound to be a personal or metaphysical element associated, as we find in the poetry of John Donne and George Herbert. The specific genesis of the novel can be traced to the search for scientific clarity and objectivity in literature. The Royal Society of London, apart from fostering scientific experimentation, also encouraged a style of writing that reflected scientific precision. The trend emerged of keeping diaries and journals; such a process was thought to mimic the procedure of scientific and empirical observation. The early members of the Royal Society were avid keepers of diaries, notable among them Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn. Diaries of prominent people were published posthumously. These served as the blueprints for the first novels. We notice that in Robinson Crusoe, Defoe is straining to follow the diary format in order to infuse credibility to his tale. There is even a section which is strictly in the diary format, which Defoe abandons after a point, with the excuse that Crusoe had run out of paper and ink. In truth it is a desperate attempt at realism, and Defoe only discards it when he sees that it is impeding the flow of the narrative, and that the last is more important. It must be kept in mind that Robinson Crusoe is not yet a novel, but is striving to become one. The greatest effort is made to camouflage the fictional aspect. The frontispiece of the original edition emblazons the word â€Å"LIFE† from the full title, which reads â€Å"The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner†. To Defoe it was vital that the work be read as autobiography. The desired effect was realism, and to achieve this Defoe employs the style of the diarist. David Marshall comments: â€Å"From the outset, the narrative is preoccupied with autobiography itself as Robinson Crusoe engages in repeated and at times almost compulsive acts of autobiography† (899). Believability and the willingness of the reader to identify with the protagonist is crucial. To the modern novelist this comes naturally, for he creates his characters and immediately engages in their mutual relationships, which makes them both identifiable and believable. But for Defoe such a technique was not to hand. Nor did the circumstances of his protagonist allow for such. He has no option but to strive for realism through the context of autobiography. However, even the most vivid realism would not have made Robinson Crusoe a novel, if it was not for the continuing conversation that Crusoe establishes with God. This is the accidental feature that qualifies this work of literature as a novel. Not only this, but because the relationship that it considers is the most fundamental one, it becomes the protean novel, i.e. that starting point from which all other novels stem. It accomplishes the most difficult task, which is to establish the individual though his relationship with God and the universe. After this all subsequent novels can engage in the simpler task of exploring the relationships between individuals. This is why the mood of the novel is extremely somber throughout. It has led Charles Dickens to comment â€Å"Robinson Crusoe should be the only instance of a universally popular book that could make no one laugh and could make no one cry† (599). It is too serious for the ordinary emotions. Dickens himself wrote novels that made the nation laugh and cry with abandon, and such is what we normally expect from the medium. In conclusion, in Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe has created a character that establishes the individual of modern capitalism. In his circumstance of isolation on a deserted island, and also in his discovery of God therein, Defoe finds the opportunity to demonstrate the Protestant work ethic in action. Through the portrayal of the work ethic we discover the emergence of capitalism and individualism, both advancing in tandem. As Crusoe strengthens his communion with God he discovers his individual self, and at the same time senses more and more his mastery and possession over the island. At the same time we notice the emergence of a new literary form, the novel. It is not only the ideal medium for the expression of capitalistic individualism, but was also historically the means by which it came to be established. Works Cited Allen, Walter Ernest. The English Novel: A Short Critical History. Boston: Dutton, 1955. Chesterton, Gilbert Keith. The Victorian Age in Literature. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1966. Defoe, Daniel. Robinson Crusoe. ICON Group International, 2006. Dickens, Charles. Selected Journalism, 1850-1870. Ed. David Pascoe. New York: Penguin Classics, 1997. Grapard, Ulla. â€Å"Robinson Crusoe: The quintessential economic man?† Feminist Economics.1.1 (March 1995): 33-52. Keane, Patrick J. Coleridge’s Submerged Politics: The Ancient Mariner and Robinson Crusoe. Ann Arbor: University of Missouri Press, 1994. Marx, Karl. Capital: An Abridged Edition. Contributor David McLellan. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1999. Marshall, David. â€Å"Autobiographical Acts in Robinson Crusoe.† ELH. 71.4 (Winter 2004): 899-920. Mathias, Peter. â€Å"Economic Growth and Robinson Crusoe.† European Review. 15 (2007): 17-31. Phillips, Richard. Mapping Men and Empire: A Geography of Adventure. London: Routledge, 1997. Weber, Max. The Protestant Ethic and the â€Å"Spirit† of Capitalism. Translated by Gordon C Wells, Peter R Baehr. New York: Penguin Classics, 2002. Whately, Rich. Introductory Lectures on Political Economy. 4th ed.; London, 1855. Zaleski, Philip. â€Å"The Strange Shipwreck of Robinson Crusoe.† First Things: A Journal of Religion, Culture, and Public Life. 53 (May 1995): 38-44.

According to Aristotle

According to Aristotle, Oedipus is an archetypal tragic hero. Plot plays an integral role in developing Oedipus’s character throughout the play which thus impacts the play's storyline. Aristotle states that â€Å"The plot is the imitation of the action:-for by plot I here mean the arrangement of the incidents† (Aristotle 01). In this quote Aristotle emphasizes the importance of plot development. He explains how each event has a specific role in the playing out of the tragedy. In the beginning of Odedipus Rex, the audience assumes that Odepois is a sympathetic king who cares about his people. However, as one reads further on Odepoi’s true character is revealed. Subsequently â€Å"the most powerful elements of emotional interest in Tragedy-Peripeteia or Reversal of the Situation, and Recognition scenes-are parts of the plot† (Aristotle 01). These are the most prominent characteristics of the tragic genre. Furthermore they play a key role in drawing the reader’s attention. Significant emotional upheaval occurs when it is revealed that Odepois himself fulfils the prophecy and has killed the prior king. Without the emotional aspect of the play, the reader would not relate to the character or understand the plot. A person's character remains less important than a person's actions as Artistrole argues, â€Å"Now character determines men’s qualities, but it is by their actions that they are happy or the reverse† (Aristotle 01). The character supports the plot due to the personal motivation that precisely connected part of the cause-and-effect chain of actions thus producing pity and fear in the audience. Odepois’s determination to finding the murdered of laius, the original king, even though many warned him from discovering the truth is the play's main story-line. The prophecy that Odepois had fulfilled, played a major role in his character development throughout the play. As Aristotle states, â€Å"Now any speech or action that manifests moral purpose of any kind will be expressive of character: the character will be good if the purpose is good† (Aristotle 06). Aristotle explains the importance of the actions of the character and the impact his or her actions will make on the audience, that the actions of the character defines their characteristics. Odepois's blaming of individuals, when in search for the true murderer of Laius whilst remaining unaware of the facts, shows how over dramatic and hasty he is. This foreshadows the future due to the actions that were going to occur because of Odepois’s characteristics. Lastly, he states that the consistency (true to them) is a quality a character should have in a tragedy. Once a character’s personality and motivations are established, these should continue throughout the play as he defends, â€Å"For though the subject of the imitation, who suggested the type, be inconsistent, still he must be consistently inconsistent† (Aristotle 06). Aristotle suggests that a character should stay in role throughout the play in order to maintain a personal connection from the audience. â€Å"But, of all recognition, the best is that which arises from the incidents themselves, where the startling discovery is made by natural means† (Aristotle 07). In Odepois, when Odepois discovers that the prophecy was fulfilled after all, he realizes it was not due to another individual but by fate or nature. This explains how the characteristics of the character play out in creating the plot. Therefore, Odepois would be an example of a tragic hero according to Artistotle's standards.

5 Must Haves for an Effective Cover Letter

5 Must Haves for an Effective Cover Letter We know how it goes. You can format and revise your resume all day long, but when it comes to writing an effective cover letter, you sit there looking at a blank Word document and wondering where to start. When you break down the anatomy of a great cover letter, it’s really just an extension of your resume that gets specific about why you’re interested in the position and what makes you qualified to fill it.The team at  ResumeSpice, a resume writing and career coaching service developed by recruiters, has put together a list of five things to keep in mind when putting together a great cover letter.  1. Appropriate length, formatting, and fontsJust like your resume, you don’t want to over stylize your cover letter or go crazy with the fonts. Pick a professional font that’s easy-to-read and keep everything left-aligned.Your cover letter is not a manifesto. It’s a brief introduction that can give a better sense of who you are. We recommend that ità ¢â‚¬â„¢s no longer than a page – stick to 3-4 paragraphs.  2. An appropriate addresseeA cover letter is meant to draw the hiring manager or recruiter in, so beginning your letter with â€Å"To Whom It May Concern,† puts distance between you and the reader.You can ask your recruiter for the hiring manager’s name – or if you don’t have a recruiter, do a little research on LinkedIn. And if that doesn’t work, call into the company and ask who is hiring for that role. But don’t give your name – most hiring managers frown upon candidates calling in, so make sure your call stays under the radar.3. EnthusiasmYou applied to the position for a reason. Look at the job description and pick out what excited you about it. If you felt like you were a perfect match, say it! You might write something like, â€Å"As a communications professional with over eight years of experience in PR, the PR Advisor role felt like it was written just for m e.†4. A NarrativeThis is the meat of your cover letter. This is where you’ll write about why you’re interested in the position, what makes you a great fit, and what you can specifically bring to the table. For this piece, it’s helpful to again look back at the job description and pick 2-3 items that you have strong experience in.If you’re applying for a communications job, part of your narrative may read like this: â€Å"My ability to communicate with every stakeholder, as well as my extensive experience with PR crisis management make me a strong candidate for the Communications Director role.†5. Focuses on the employee’s needsWe can’t stress this enough – your cover letter is not really about you. Sure, it’s about your skills, accomplishments, and experience that make you a great fit, but it’s really about how all of that will benefit the employer. To that end, stay away from anything that mentions your own personal gain should you work there. For example, you’ll want to nix anything in your cover letter that sounds like: â€Å"I’ve always wanted to work in a management role, so this opportunity is a perfect way to achieve my goals.†Putting together a strong cover letter can be a difficult task if you’ve never written one before. Make sure you keep your cover letter relevant to the job and the employer, but don’t be afraid to be yourself and show your excitement about the company or the position. Happy writing!About ResumeSpice:ResumeSpice is an online career services company, offering a comprehensive menu of career services to help job seekers land the job of their dreams. From resume writing to cover letter, interviewing, LinkedIn, and career coaching services, job seekers are able to select from a suite of options that meet their needs. ResumeSpice was developed by recruiters based on first-hand knowledge of what recruiters, hiring managers, and H R professionals are really looking for in a successful candidate. For more information, visit  www.resumespice.com.

Default Entry Affidavit Essay

Default Entry Affidavit Essay Default Entry Affidavit Essay Original - Court 1st copy - Applicant Copies - All other parties Approved, SCAO STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CASE NO. DEFAULT REQUEST, AFFIDAVIT, AND ENTRY Court address Court telephone no. Plaintiff name(s), address(es), and telephone no(s). Defendant name(s), address(es), and telephone no(s). v Defendant's attorney, bar no., address, and telephone no. Plaintiff's attorney, bar no., address, and telephone no. Party in default: REQUEST AND AFFIDAVIT 1. I request the clerk to enter the default of the party named above for failure to plead or otherwise defend as provided by law. 2. The defaulted party is not an infant or incompetent person. 3. It is unknown whether the defaulted party is in the military service. The defaulted party is not in the military service. The defaulted party is in the military but there has been notice of pendency of the action and adequate time and opportunity to appear and defend has been provided. Attached, as appropriate, is a waiver of rights and protections provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Facts upon which this conclusion is based are: (specify) 4. This affidavit is made on my personal knowledge and, if sworn as a witness, I can testify competently to the facts in this affidavit. Applicant/Attorney signature Subscribed and sworn to before me on My commission expires: , Date Date Signature: Bar no. County, Michigan. Deputy court clerk/Notary public Notary public, State of Michigan,

Essay Tips Four Types of Essay

Essay Tips Four Types of Essay Essay Tips: Four Types of Essay Every essay is different. But we can identify four common types of essay: Expository essays (i.e., essays that explain something) Descriptive essays (i.e., essays that describe something) Persuasive essays (i.e., essays that aim to persuade the reader) Narrative essays (i.e., essays that tell a story) These are not always clear distinctions (e.g., a narrative essay may also be descriptive). Nevertheless, most essays fall into one of the categories above, and knowing the differences between them can be useful when planning your work. Read on to find out more. 1. Expository Essays Expository essays focus on explaining something. The aim is to test how well you can communicate your understanding of a topic. This often involves comparing and contrasting two ideas, or defining something and giving an example. Expository essays are typically structured as follows: An introduction that sets out the subject matter, how you will answer the essay question, and any key background information. A series of logically connected paragraphs setting out your understanding of the subject, along with evidence to support your claims. A conclusion that addresses your essay question. This type of essay is often used for shorter assignments and exams. 2. Descriptive Essays Descriptive essays are less about arguing a point and more about creating a detailed picture. The problem is that you need to create this picture with words! These essays are sometimes quite personal or creative (e.g., reflective essays often include a descriptive element). However, they should still be clearly structured and written to make them easy to follow. Your aim should be to leave your reader with a clear idea of what you are describing. This is a very useful skill to have in any form of writing, in fact, as it will make your work more compelling. 3. Persuasive Essays Persuasive (or argumentative) essays are a lot like expository essays. They are often structured similarly, for example. And both types of essay ask you to answer a question via research. However, a persuasive essay is also about presenting a thesis and backing it up with evidence or arguments. For example, rather than just setting out and comparing two theories, for a persuasive essay, you might need to research different aspects of these theories, address them critically, and argue for one over the other. This may involve in-depth research or an experiment. As such, persuasive essays are usually longer than expository essays. They are often used as end-of-module assignments in colleges, too. 4. Narrative Essays Finally, narrative essays tell a story. This doesn’t mean that you have to write your essay as a short story, but it will draw on the conventions of storytelling. In terms of content, narrative essays are usually quite personal or anecdotal, but they should also have a point (a moral to the story or a lesson that you have learned from an experience). The language used in a narrative essay should be clear and concise, but it will also be descriptive and emotive. Using the first-person pronoun â€Å"I† is much more common in this type of essay than others, too, as you will often be writing about your own experiences. Finally, whatever type of essay you are writing, don’t forget that having your work proofread is a great way to boost your marks.

Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Environment - Essay Example In terms of the environment, thorium is a better product in contrast to uranium. In the reaction process, most of the thorium is combusted in a way that most of the thorium is spent. This means that a lower amount of waste is produced. Eventually, there are less harmful wastes in the surroundings. This argument favors thorium reactors because its resistance to meltdowns is greater. This means that it is safer, although there is always the possibility of some poisonousness. It is poisonous in the short-term, but nearly harmless in the long-term in comparison to uranium. Although both of them are nuclear reactors, they use dissimilar fission reactions. In essence, this means that there are different products and properties that arise from the reactions. While uranium cannot be easily used with thorium, thorium can be mixed with other uranium extracts. This means that its use does not mean that uranium would be out-of-date. They can be used together to form bigger and more potent compounds. However, scientific research indicates that the assembly of thorium is not as stress-free as that of uranium. Scientifically, thorium is not fissile. While uranium can split to form a nuclear chain reaction, thorium cannot split. Even so, it can be made fissile through the bombardment of diverse chemical reactions. Apart from that, the damage caused in the Fukushima disaster evidences how volatile uranium can be. On the contrary, thorium does not exhibit such reactions, and it cannot be used in making weaponries. In case of a catastrophe, a thorium reaction can be stopped because it is not fissile. In terms of density, thorium is about 200 times heavier than uranium and other lead products. Thorium is perhaps better than uranium as a nuclear reactor. In the main, it is a better substitute when equated to uranium. However, there still exists some challenges in the use of thorium, mainly because of personal welfares. Over the years, the use of uranium has formed a

Racism and Discrimination Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Racism and Discrimination - Research Paper Example Racial discrimination, on the other hand, refers to the illegal expression of racism towards a particular group, according to the Council of Europe (2009). It entails intentional malicious acts meant to demean another one based on his or her race. Racial harassment is one type of racial discrimination, according to Kassimeris (2009). This may be manifested through acts of name-calling, direct insults, bad comments that lower someone’s dignity. Racism and discrimination are particularly strong in countries that are diverse, such as the United States and Canada. Canada, for instance, is a multi-ethnic country and is among many countries that have witnessed some of the worst racial discriminations in the past. Canada reportedly has over 200 ethnic groups with the visible minority accounting for about 13% of Canada’s total population (Appadurai, 2012). Reports also show that approximately 18% of Canadians are foreign-born. Reports indicate that racial discrimination in Canada has mainly been directed towards non-native Canadians, particularly immigrants (Appadurai, 2012). In this regard, a report shows that many immigrants in Canada have faced all manners of racial discrimination in the past. Reports indicates that many Canadian immigrants and minority ethnic groups have faced a high degree of racial discrimination in the past, in which some have been tortured to death because of their racial backgrounds (Kassimeris, 2009). The discrimination mainly comes from the fact that the non-Canadian races are being perceived as primitive people who do not deserve to live together with the white Canadians. It is said that the violence of 1907 in Vancouver was mainly race based, according to Adams (2008). During this violence, it is reported that a mob of white Canadians violently attacked Japanese and Chinese ethnic communities in Canada. This racially motivated violence left several Chinese and Japanese ethnic communities dead with property worth millions of dollars destroyed (Appadurai, 2012). In another incident during World War II, several Japanese Canadians were incarcerated and their property seized by white Canadians that were fighting them out of the country based on their racial background. Reports also indicated that members of Asian community were beaten up and harassed by native Canadians in Toronto in the 1970s (Seltzer & Johnson, 2009). This incident shows how racial discrimination has been rife in Canada. When we talk of racial discrimination, what also comes into mind is the kind of racial discrimination that African Americans have had to face in the U.S. This is because African Americans are arguably the race that has faced one of the worst racial abuse occurrences in the world. In the U.S., apart from being subjected to hard labor on white settlers’ land, they were also being harassed and beaten to death, according to Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2010). They were also denied certain rights purely on their racial backgrounds. This was based on the fact that African Americans were being perceived by white Americans as primitive people that should be segregated from the rest of society. For example, it is reported that segregation laws were passed in the U.S. during the Jim Crow era, which resulted in segregation of public facilities in which African Americans were barred from attending public facilities meant for their white counterparts. In this regard, any black American found to disobey such a law was to be executed by white Americans. An example can be seen when at one time an African was forced to leave the front seat of a bus to a white American, which triggered riots and boycott of public transport by African

Symbolism in The Lottery and Young Goodman Brown Research Paper

Symbolism in The Lottery and Young Goodman Brown - Research Paper Example Moreover, since this otherwise gruesome celebration is held every year, then it must be something which the people have already considered a part of their lives. As Mr. Martin and his son Baxter â€Å"held the black box securely on the stool,† one can see how much they value this evil tradition as they securely guard it. Furthermore, the fact that both father and son, and parents and their children draw lots from the black box speaks of how much they want to pass this evil tradition on to future generations (Jackson). Every evil man’s legacy is therefore the evil that he willingly and proudly passes on to his children and descendants. The second symbol of evil is â€Å"the smoothest and roundest stones† that the people and children have chosen (Jackson). The stones which the children have begun choosing at the beginning of the day of the celebration represent the unjust hurt and punishment that innocent people experience and suffer from because of the senseless and brutal tradition that people pass on to their children. In fact, the idea that everyone in the village in Jackson’s story participates in stoning someone to death is a proof that evil exists in all people without any exception. This illustrates the brutality of the society in which human beings live. Moreover, the old people are the ones to blame for the perpetuation of all evil. Old Man Warner, as the oldest in town, is believed to have cast the first stone because he believes that the villagers trust him for his age and wisdom. Old Man Warner represents all aging and aged people on earth who are consumed by evil and who believe that the youth must be just as evil as they are. They are actually the same people who do not think that this world will ever rise from the quagmire of evil that is slowly swallowing it. Another symbol is Mr. Adams, who figuratively stands as the representative of

Early Childhood LEarning through Play Assignment

Early Childhood LEarning through Play - Assignment Example According to this article it has mentioned the curriculum for preschool children should be age appropriate. To implement this objective one should consider the following factors. The child’s behavior The child’s behavior might differ depending on family backgrounds or sex of the child. Some kids are shy while others are not. The behavior of the child should be keenly observed to avoid lack of participation of some kids. The material needed to play The materials which are needed to play should be different as per the age of the kid. This is important because as the kids are growing they need more complex activities to suit their various development stages. Question2. Play is normally an active and self-driven activity. While the children are playing they should be actively involved and always self –driven to it. Play is a cherished part of childhood. This is what characterizes a play. The child will be in a position to express and cope with various feelings. For e xample while playing the child can shout or scream to express happiness or disappointment. This will enable you to understand the child emotional behavior. The child will also need to interact freely, ability to explore various activities and make choices on plays they want to play. Early childhood professionals are the persons with child development. This means that they know what is good for a child from the young age (infant) up to maturity which 18 years and above. For this scenario about value of play to the children, many professors would suggest that play to a child is like carbon dioxide to the plant. These professionals would emphasis that any child should be give freedom to play and interact with the other children in the area. The reason why they should express their opinion to be positive is because through play the child acquires numerous skills such, interaction, development of speech, social challenges and moral values. For instance, compare a child who stays always w ith her mother in a room and another child set free to the play with other in the street. The possibility that the one who is set free to play with others in the street develop a high thinking capacity will be very high. In addition, you find that the one who likes playing will be more civilized than one who lives with her mother. Therefore, play to the children has very big role to them. Hence, it is recommended that children must be play at any time. In another scenario, is that children who are brought up in urban portray characteristics of having high thinking capacity than those from the rural areas. Despite their different points of view they all agreed that play is very essential in the development of the children. The reasons why they supported play’s importance was because play helps the children to explore and create their own world that they can master as well as conquering their fears as well as helping the children in expressing their feelings such as anger or ha ppiness. They also stated that play aids in the development of a healthy brain. The reason that has influenced their opinions is the fact that they are professionally trained to deal with children affairs so they understand the benefits that can come out of childhood play encouragements. The fact that early childhood professionals are taught on the basic knowledge on the children behavioral determinants is the key attribute to their similarities in supporting the early childhood plays. For example jean

Orlando Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Orlando - Essay Example It also explores the complex nature of cultural interpretations that emerge when roles change with emphasis on Orlando’s sudden transformation in the movie. Sally Potter’s film Orlando is a brilliant cinematic production that articulates several issues especially from a gender context as noted by Judith Butler, a cultural theorist in her essay. The film is set in the Elizabethan Age prior to Queen’s death. However, the Queen is keen to bequeath a young nobleman called Orlando a piece of land as gift to erect a castle for himself. Gender echoes significantly as observed by Butler in terms it being constituted over a certain period (Butler 519). In other words, gender is usually affirmed as a distinct identity institutionalized via repeated acts as displayed by Lady Orlando after discovering the shacking sex transformation of her husband, Orlando. It is a complex manifestation fuelled by language as the medium of communication in comprehending movements, gestures, and enactments of being. Accordingly, while Potter’s film casts the central characters as persevering against the backdrop of lawsuits especially in the pat riarchal era, the prospects of triumph are encouraging. Similarly, Lady Orlando’ lack of powers in matters concerning land rights is an epitome of identity crisis that usually afflicts societies such as the one depicted in the film. Overall, gender transformation expands possibilities for the social audience concerned with the fate and destiny of characters that include Princess Sasha, Clorinda, Favilla, and Euphrosyne. Another interesting issue emerging from the movie is tied to Butler’s assertion that the conception of gender identity is a belief inspired by appearance. In Orlando, for illustration, the clash of gender and historical situations such as the passing of Queen Elizabeth I displays the comfort in leadership that inspired Lady Orlando and her husband before his gender

Glaciation Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Glaciation - Lab Report Example The flow this mass of ice erodes the surface on which it moves on creating distinct formations along the way (Zappa, 2010 p20). Glaciers are a source of ground water and vast lakes because they dam waterways and cover up catchment areas contributing to aquifer formation. These aquifers are a broad source of fresh drinking water. They are sources of rich soils from glacial tills and produce physical features that are of aesthetic value to the landscape. Features like tills and outwash are of immense economical importance because they are rich in minerals increasing the fertility of farmlands (Walker, 2007 p16). Deposition features like drumlins are large sources of minerals for the surrounding lands especially arable land. Glacial features like eskers, boulders, drumlins and pyramid peaks are distinct landscape features that add aesthetic value to landscapes. The various types of glaciers are excellent sources of information regarding various disciplines like evolutionary sciences. Valley, piedmont, and cirque glaciers are examples of glaciers that are predominantly common in the world. Glaciers are useful geographical features especially with regard to the source of drinking water. Glaciers should be protected by advocating for a reduction in global warming, which interferes with, their natural process of formation and

Orlando Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Orlando - Essay Example It also explores the complex nature of cultural interpretations that emerge when roles change with emphasis on Orlando’s sudden transformation in the movie. Sally Potter’s film Orlando is a brilliant cinematic production that articulates several issues especially from a gender context as noted by Judith Butler, a cultural theorist in her essay. The film is set in the Elizabethan Age prior to Queen’s death. However, the Queen is keen to bequeath a young nobleman called Orlando a piece of land as gift to erect a castle for himself. Gender echoes significantly as observed by Butler in terms it being constituted over a certain period (Butler 519). In other words, gender is usually affirmed as a distinct identity institutionalized via repeated acts as displayed by Lady Orlando after discovering the shacking sex transformation of her husband, Orlando. It is a complex manifestation fuelled by language as the medium of communication in comprehending movements, gestures, and enactments of being. Accordingly, while Potter’s film casts the central characters as persevering against the backdrop of lawsuits especially in the pat riarchal era, the prospects of triumph are encouraging. Similarly, Lady Orlando’ lack of powers in matters concerning land rights is an epitome of identity crisis that usually afflicts societies such as the one depicted in the film. Overall, gender transformation expands possibilities for the social audience concerned with the fate and destiny of characters that include Princess Sasha, Clorinda, Favilla, and Euphrosyne. Another interesting issue emerging from the movie is tied to Butler’s assertion that the conception of gender identity is a belief inspired by appearance. In Orlando, for illustration, the clash of gender and historical situations such as the passing of Queen Elizabeth I displays the comfort in leadership that inspired Lady Orlando and her husband before his gender

Teaching English Language Arts through Writing Research Paper

Teaching English Language Arts through Writing - Research Paper Example According to revised research, there are about four or five important comprehension sub-skills that include remembering word meanings, following paragraph structure, finding answers in the passage and drawing deductions from the passage. However, research to accurately study these methods has been difficult because researchers cannot seem to separate the effects of certain methods from the variable that affect them. Consequent studies on the topic tried to make use of â€Å"introspection, interviews and laboratory simulations† to achieve more accurate results. According to research, a child has been taught to read effectively if he/she can understand the text and translate it into his/her own language. According to Early’s research, for a child to develop exhaustive knowledge of the language arts, it is important for him/her to be exposed to various forms of the language, both through reading and writing so that the range of his/her language arts is successfully widened . Another research along the same vein talks about the theories and approaches that have been developed to help teachers teach young children how to learn the language arts through writing. Specifically, this research paper looks at some generalizations about children and their written language in the above-mentioned context and what implications these generalizations have for their teachers. People often think that writing serves numerous different functions and purposes, for example, we use it to express ourselves and describe things too. It has many different forms and can be addressed at many different audiences, for example, written language can be in the form of stories or poems and be addressed to one’s self or someone we know. It consists of three important phases and consequently, the phases of a child’s language arts development depend on it. Lastly, children should write frequently and that their teachers should practice writing as well in order to teach it better to their pupils. All these generalizations have implications for the teacher of the language arts. Since writing is a means of self expression, children should be encouraged to look at their written pieces much like you would look at any other piece of art in another form. To let the child develop mastery over the written language’s several purposes the teacher must focus on creative writing, argumentative and descriptive writing etc. To let the child feel more comfortable with his/her writing the teacher may let different forms of writing be available at their disposal. To help the

Nurse Intervention in Cervical Screening Programmes

Nurse Intervention in Cervical Screening Programmes Nurses deliver care to patients in an ever-changing environment that revolves around changes in local and governmental policies as well as technology and pharmaceutical advancement for effective practice, (Ellis, 2016). According to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct (2015), nurses assess patients’ needs and deliver timely, efficient and effective patient care based on the best available evidence. Evidence Based Practice is the integration of best research evidence with nursing practice and patient needs and values to facilitate effective care, it also promotes quality, safe and cost-effective treatment for patients, families, healthcare providers and health care system, (Brown, 2014; Craig and Smyth 2012). This assignment aims to explore an area in nursing, identifying gaps between theory and practice. Using research and discussing strength of the literature and overcoming related issues in the specified area. The assignment will focus on barriers to cervical screening and nurses’ intervention to improve screening programmes. Cervical cancer screening can be detected early and treatment of precancerous cells and cervical cancer, (White et al., 2015) continues to exist. Cervical cancer starts from a pre-invasive stage known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) however, it can be detected through cervical screening, (Foran et al., 2015). Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women globally after breast cancer, (World Health Organization, 2016). According to the Department of Health (DH) (2012a) detecting cervical cancer at an early stage can prevent around 75% from developing. World Health Organization (WHO) (2015a) asserts that prevention and early detection of cervical cancer is cost –effective and a long-term strategy.   Hoppenot et al (2012) points out that screening can reduce incidence and death rates. Research shows cervical screening is associa ted with improved treatment for invasive cervical cancer, (Andrea et al., 2012). This highlights the importance of cervical screening programmes. Cervical screening reduces the occurrence of cervical cancer and research shows it prevents approximately 4500 deaths annually in Britain, (Bryant, 2012). In England, there is an invitation for screening for women aged 25-64.   Women aged 25-49 should attend screening appointment every three years and women aged 50-64 every five years, (Health and Social Care Information, 2012).   However, the last fifteen years has seen a gradual increase in more women being left unscreened for   five years or above, from 16% in 1999 to 22% in 2013 (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2013). Research shows differences in screening is among women who are younger, lower income earners, less educated or women from minority ethnic background and sexually abused women, (Waller et al., 2012; Cadman et al.,2012; Marlow et al., 2015; Albrow et al., 2014). A comprehensive search of databases for literature review namely, Medline, Science Direct, CINAHL, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Cochrane. An advance search strategy including ‘Cervical Screening, Barriers to Cervical Screening, Early Detection Cervical Cancer and Cervical Screening Adherence’. The search was refined to literature in the past five years and incorporated international literatures from United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden and Korea to give an insight of those barriers from a global perspective. Firstly, as regards discussion of non-attendance among women from minority ethnic background. Marlow et al (2015) conducted both qualitative and quantitative study titled ‘Understanding cervical screening non-attendance among ethnic minority women in England’. The study investigated and compared differences in attendance among 720 women from minority ethnic background and White British women. For clarification purpose, ethnic minority are black, Asian and minority ethnicity (BAME). The study found that BAME women were less likely to attend cervical screening with 44-71% non-attenders compared to 12% white British women. This highlights the need for more intervention by nurses to improve practice. Reducing inequality in cancer pathway particularly among minority ethnic groups is a policy priority (Dept. of Health 2011). Marlow et al (2015) found that women from ethnic minority viewed that they were not sexually active so they did not have to do the test. This is an important aspect for nurses to educate in order to improve practice and to promote attendance with educational materials in various languages for better interpretation. The study also found 65% women from minority ethnic background believed they do not need to attend smear test in the absence of any symptoms compared to 6% white British women. These barriers are primarily associated with lower education and lower socio- economic status, (Fang and Baker, 2013).   It is surprising that women are still not aware of cervical cancer screening when people should have received letters and leaflets as part of the NHS programme, this highlights that women who have never attended screening had not read any information, (Kobayashi, 2016). Furthermore Benito et al. (2014) argued that nursing activities were mainly in areas namely health education and promotion, clinical, research, training, and program evaluation. Nurses’ intervention to educate thereby improving knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer and the benefits of screening is essential. In addition, participants had deep-seated personal opinions including fear and embarrassment. Ethnic minority women were more likely to be fearful and preferred female health practitioner. To improve practice support groups in the community may be a good avenue to discuss about screening. These interventions should lay emphasis on the efficacy of cervical screening and address concerns regarding shame and embarrassment. The main strength of this study is information from a large population that makes it a relevant and reliable study to improve cervical cancer screening programme. A qualitative study conducted by Cadman et al (2012) titled ‘Barriers to cervical screening in women who have experienced sexual abuse; an exploratory study.   Women from the age of twenty and above who visit the Website of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), a United Kingdom Charity who provide support and information for people from abusive background were invited to complete a web-based survey of their opinions and experiences of cervical screening. This survey included closed questions assessing social class, screening history and past records of abuse. Participants indicated the type of abuse they had experienced either physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, spiritual or any other form of abuse. Study shows women who have a history of sexual abuse are at risk of gynaecological problems and cervical neoplasia compared to women who have not. Women who have been sexually abused are more likely to smoke, take drugs and consume alcohol. The study revealed that a number of barriers impeded their attendance and adherence to cervical screening including embarrassment, lack of trust on meeting someone for the first time, gender of smear taker, pain, tension, fear and anxiety. The findings indicated that some study participants made remarks about the intrusive nature of the test. Some participants mentioned they were not comfortable with interventions performed while on their backs.   The argument suggest that women who have history of sexual abuse may be fearful and anxious because of triggering memories of the trauma so they may avoid such responses which is true therefore this study is valid and reliable. In relation to evaluation and analysis of the study, the findings also revealed that further training should be provided to increase nurses’ knowledge and sensitivity.   NMC Code (2015) points out that health care providers respect individual choices and deliver care without delay.   In an event of a sensitive discussion, nurses are required to ask patient preference and should remain professional not expressing any sign of shock. Fujimori et al. (2014) argues that to attain effective communication, nurses should inquire patients’ preferences and expectations at the start of the screening process. To improve this skill can be taught in communications skills training which has proven to be an effective approach. Nurses could show empathy by explicitly asking women about their expectations of the screening encounter and whether they have any concerns. This may help to surface issues that the nurse and patient could tackle together to minimise anxiety and fear. For example, it could be to provide the option of a female practitioner for the cervical screening appointment, maintain dignity and sensitivity. Effective communication between nurses and patients is essential. To achieve this, however, nurses must be sensitive to their specific needs and demonstrate empathy. Having nurses who are adequately trained with special knowledge of abuse is essential. There should be interventions such as counselling and support activities as part of ways of ensuring that they attend screening. This is particularly important at cervical screening appointments for sexually abused patients to deliver safe and sensitive practice. The Waller et al (2012) conducted a qualitative study evaluating differences to barriers among women from different ages. The study   interviewed practitioners working in the screening programme and other related charities as well as women who never attended screening focusing on their views on how age can influence non- attendance and non-adherence in cervical screening. The study found that women were classified into two distinct groups, which were those who wanted to go for screening but did not attend which consisted younger women and others who had decided not to attend were mainly older women. Wardle (2016) argues that nurses’ intervention at improving uptake could be beneficial by considering different approaches for various age groups to improve practice. The findings of the following analysis identified barriers that included many described in other studies namely fear of discomfort, pain, embarrassment and lack of education. There is a reliable argument that providing support with when, where and booking an appointment is effective. Additionally one of the key themes emerging from the study is that older women are more conscious about their bodies as they age. For example, one participant discussed about changes in her self-image as she grew older and how it has affected her self-esteem and how she feels reluctant to undergo invasive procedures.   Nurses could encourage action by   reassuring older women and   to remind them of the importance and benefits of cervical screening. Sabatino et al (2012) argued that effective communication improves cervical screening. This systematic review by Albrow et al (2014) found similar findings with Waller et al (2012) further evaluated the influence of intervention in cervical screening evidence uptake amongst women less than 35 years. The findings from the study increased validity and reliability from the argument that younger women are less likely to attend cervical screening. Ninety-two records were screened and four studies investigated. One of the studies evaluated the use of invitation letters and reported no significant increase compared to standard invitation. Three studies investigated the effect of reminder letters. Study participants described how screening was yet another demand on their time and often competed with work and childcare, which are of higher priority. For others, they could not attend due to inconvenient location, fear, discomfort and embarrassment, (Waller et al., 2012). There was a widely view among 30 year old women as sickness was associated with old age and felt they had no reason to attend screening (Blomberg, 2011). Analysis of the findings   indicate an increase in the number of women attending cervical screening after receiving reminder letters compared to those that were not given, however the increase was relatively small. For this reason, cervical screening programmes need to look beyond the use of invitation and reminder letters among younger women and to develop other interventions to overcome as many barriers. Another study reported no increase amongst women aged 20-24, although in some places these women are below the age threshold. However, the same study reported an increase among 25-29 (95%) and 30-34 that also reported (95%) increase. It could be argued that there is some evidence to suggest that reminder letters had positive effects on adherence to cervical screening programmes. The results also showed that telephone reminder from a female nurse, which had 6.3% and 21.7% increase. The study also reported 2.4% increase after a physician reminder. In evaluation of how nurses can improve practice among these, age group there is a need to remove practical barriers and provide other incentive methods that includes mass media campaigns and educational intervention. There are so many users of social media especially within this age group and if used properly it will play a significant role in creating awareness and educating patients (Merolli et al., 2013). Concerning low perceived risk, this may relate to misperceptions of the purpose of the screening programmes with patients focusing on detection rather than prevention of cervical cancer.   Again, patients should be empowered through social support in the community.   In addition, nurses can educate, giving information regarding importance and benefits of cervical screening. Lastly, the review of GP incentive such as nurses providing flexibility in appointment times and out of clinic days will improve practice. In conclusion, cervical cancer is preventable and relatively easy to diagnose. Several barriers upon women’s decision to attend cervical screening programme have been identified. Given this, there is a need for how women view cervical cancer and make screening decision. This assignment collates available evidence in order to investigate potential psychosocial influences on women from different perspectives. It is essential that patients adhere to nurses’ advice and educational interventions. In order to improve cervical cancer patient experience, there is a need that nurses receive adequate training and develop skills that can improve practice. One possible strategy is being sensitive to the screening process as a result of its intimate nature combined with effective communication. Nurses can play an important role in treating patients with dignity, respect and showing empathy. This can make a difference to all women most especially women who have experienced sexual abuse. Another contributing factor is to respect patients’ choice; an example is providing preferred gender of the sample taker. This could encourage more attendance and adherence to the cervical screening programme. PART 2 Reflective practice is essential to nursing profession. My search for the best evidence for cervical cancer screening interventions began by doing literature search. Designing a research study is an advanced and complex skill that requires clinical experience as well as analysing and evaluating the research design. While doing my research I focused on the needs of patients and effectiveness of nursing interventions. The result of my search enabled me acquire knowledge and skills in patient care by extensive literature search using electronic databases and advanced search with combined words. Discovering how to refine my search using full text and finding up to date evidence in the last five years.   My skills have greatly improved using electronic databases. This was done in order to obtain relevant up to date search. NMC (2015) requires nurses use up to date evidence and competent to practice. Such insight in itself is relevant to nursing competency and can help to improve patient care.   I read and understood articles relevant to nursing practice, clinical expertise and understanding patient values. Reading the research articles and reflecting on each one, identifying assumptions, key concepts and methods and determined whether the conclusions were based on their findings. Appraising the steps of the research process in order to critically analyse and use it to inform practice. This developed my assessment skills and I was able to identify valid and reliable studies. Reviews and ratings of the evidence resulted in recommendations for practice. According to National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) 2013, nursing research is defined as research that involves and develops nursing care in order to promote patient healthcare. Nurses play an important role in the National Health Service (NHS) they provide front line services, support patients and contribute to health research. Furthermore, research generates knowledge for nurses and contribute towards health care (Parahoo, 2014). I am more enlightened about the importance of analysing and evaluating research studies, which helps nurses to acquire more knowledge and be up to date with evidence thereby promoting patient care. It is evident that evidence base practice will continue to have great impact on the professional practice of nursing. Evidence based practice is important in nursing because it improves patient outcomes, care is delivered more effectively and efficiently and it minimises error, (Houser,   2016). I have acquired more knowledge, skills during the duration of this evidence based practice assignment and recognised my strengths, and areas that I needed to improve on. REFERENCES Albrow, R., Blomberg, K., Kitchener, H., Brabin, L., Patnick, J.and Tishelman, C. (2014) Interventions to improve cervical cancer screening uptake amongst young women; A systematic review. Acta Oncologia, Vol. 53, no. 4, pp.445-451. Andrea, B., Andersson, T.M. and Lambert, P.C. (2012) Screening and cervical cure; population based cohort study. British Medical Journal, Vol. 1344, pp.900. Bang, J.Y., Yadegarfar, G., Soljak, M. and Majeed, A. (2012) Primary care factors associated with cervical screening coverage in England. Journal of Public Health, Vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 532-538. Brown, S.J. (2014) Evidence- based nursing. The research practice connection. 3rd ed., Sudbury MA; Jones & Barlett. Bryant, E. (2012) the impact of policy and screening on cervical cancer in England. British Journal of Nursing, Vol.4, pp. 6-10. Cadman, L., Waller, J., Ashdown-Barr, L. and Szarewski, A. (2012) Barriers to cervical screening in women who have experienced sexual abuse; an exploratory study. British Medical Journals, Vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 1-19. Craig, J. and Smyth, R. (2012) the evidence based practice manual for nurses. 3rd ed., Edinburg Scotland; Church Livingstone Elsevier Ltd. Department of Health. (2012a) cervical screening. {Online} {Accessed on 12 September 2017} http;//www.tinyurl.com/7gvxef9 Ellis, P. (2016) Evidence – based Practice in Nursing. 3rd ed., London; Sage Publications. Fang, D.M. and Baker, D.L. (2013) Barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening among women of Hmong origin. Journal of Health Care Poor Undeserved, Vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 540-555. Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Ervik, M., Dikshit, R., Eser, S. and Mathers, C. (2013) Cancer incidence and Mortality Worldwide. IARC Cancer Base NO.11 Lyon; International Agency for Research on Cancer. Foran, C. and Brennan, A. (2015) Prevention and early detection of cervical cancer in the UK. British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 24, no.10, pp.2. Fujimori, M., Shirai, Y. and Asai, M. (2014) Effect of communication skills training program for oncologist based on patients preferences for communication when receiving bad news. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 32, no.20, pp. 2172-3266. Hope, K.A., Moss, E., Redman, C.and Sherman, S.M. (2017) psychosocial influences upon older women’s decision to attend cervical screening; a review of current evidence. Preventive Medicine, Vol. 101, pp. 60-66. Hoppenot, C., Stampler, K. and Dunton, C. (2012) cervical cancer screening in high- and low resource countries; implications and new developments. Obstetrician Gynaecology Survey, Vol. 67, no. 10, pp. 658-667. Houser, J. (2016) Nursing Research; Reading, Using and Creating Evidence. 4th ed., Jones& Bartlett Kobayashi, L.C., Waller, W.C. and Wardle, J. (2016) A lack of information engagement among colorectal cancer screening non-attenders; cross sectional study. British Medical Colorectal Public Health, Vol. 16, pp. 659. Marlow, L.A., Wardle, J. and Waller, J. (2015) Understanding cervical screening non-attendance among ethnic minority women in England. British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 113, pp. 833-839. Merolli, M., Gray, K. and Martin Sanchez, F. (2013) Health outcomes and related effects of using social media in chronic disease management; a literature review and analysis of affordances. Journal of Biomedical Information. Nursing and Midwifery Council. (2015) the Code; Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses and Midwives. NMC, London. The Health and Social Care Information Centre annual report- 2012 to 2013 www.gov.uk/†¦/thehealth-and-social-care-information-centre-annual-report-an Wardle, J., Wanger, C.N., Kralji-Hans, I., Halloran, S.P., Smith, S.G. and McGregor, L.M. (2016) Effects of evidence-based strategies to reduce the socioeconomic gradient of uptake in the English NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (ASCEND) ;four cluster- randomised controlled trials. Lancet, pp.751-759. White, A., Thompson, T.D. and White, M.C. (2015) cancer screening test- use- United States. MM WR Morb Mortal Weekly Rep, Vol. 66, pp. 201-206. World Health Organisation (2015a) Cancer. {Online} {Accessed on September 12 2017}

Food and Sports Essay examples -- Health Nutrition Diet Exercise Essay

Food and Sports    Billions of people around the world enjoy playing or watching sports as a great recreational activity. The object of almost any sport is to be the best at something. To be the best, an athlete must practice and train and consistently perform at the highest level possible. An athlete must push the body to the limit. If an athlete is to gain the best possible results from training and practice, the value of food and well balanced diet is of the utmost importance.    Food becomes the main component of the human body. Even as food is being savored, it is meeting nutritional needs. Every humans life relies on food to provide daily energy. Food is the tissue in bodies, and is the regulator of metabolic functions. Food is directly related to sports. Sports burn energy, and are impossible without bodily tissue. Sports rely on metabolism to keep the body moving. Food provides every organism with the means to live. While people understand the importance of eating, people do not understand the importance of what is eaten. Six kinds of nutrients are essential to all body systems. The six classes are water, minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Most anyone, who swallows food throughout the day, has these kinds of nutrients; however, most people ingest them in the wrong amounts or with excess food that is useless.    Water is the most important of all the nutrients. An athlete depends on water. Water is necessary for all energy production in the body, temperature control, and elimination of the by-products of respiration. Water is essential, for without it energy production and endurance are limited.    Minerals and vitamins are other nutrients that ... ... from the grain group, and the fruit and vegetable group. These servings will provide all the necessary nutrients for an average person, but this diet will not meet the energy needs of an active athlete. An athlete can do a number of things for excess energy. Most athletes simply increase the plan by adding second or third helpings or by eating extra large servings. The athlete must use caution with excess animal fats; however. Water is perhaps the most important part of the diet. For a moderately active person three quarts of water are required. An athlete must have regular water drinking habits. Milk and soft drinks are not viable substitutes. If an athlete abides by a well balanced diet, only the amount of effort put out by the athlete will determine the level play.    Smith, N. J. (1976). Food and sport. Palo Alto, CA: Bull Publishing Company. Food and Sports Essay examples -- Health Nutrition Diet Exercise Essay Food and Sports    Billions of people around the world enjoy playing or watching sports as a great recreational activity. The object of almost any sport is to be the best at something. To be the best, an athlete must practice and train and consistently perform at the highest level possible. An athlete must push the body to the limit. If an athlete is to gain the best possible results from training and practice, the value of food and well balanced diet is of the utmost importance.    Food becomes the main component of the human body. Even as food is being savored, it is meeting nutritional needs. Every humans life relies on food to provide daily energy. Food is the tissue in bodies, and is the regulator of metabolic functions. Food is directly related to sports. Sports burn energy, and are impossible without bodily tissue. Sports rely on metabolism to keep the body moving. Food provides every organism with the means to live. While people understand the importance of eating, people do not understand the importance of what is eaten. Six kinds of nutrients are essential to all body systems. The six classes are water, minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Most anyone, who swallows food throughout the day, has these kinds of nutrients; however, most people ingest them in the wrong amounts or with excess food that is useless.    Water is the most important of all the nutrients. An athlete depends on water. Water is necessary for all energy production in the body, temperature control, and elimination of the by-products of respiration. Water is essential, for without it energy production and endurance are limited.    Minerals and vitamins are other nutrients that ... ... from the grain group, and the fruit and vegetable group. These servings will provide all the necessary nutrients for an average person, but this diet will not meet the energy needs of an active athlete. An athlete can do a number of things for excess energy. Most athletes simply increase the plan by adding second or third helpings or by eating extra large servings. The athlete must use caution with excess animal fats; however. Water is perhaps the most important part of the diet. For a moderately active person three quarts of water are required. An athlete must have regular water drinking habits. Milk and soft drinks are not viable substitutes. If an athlete abides by a well balanced diet, only the amount of effort put out by the athlete will determine the level play.    Smith, N. J. (1976). Food and sport. Palo Alto, CA: Bull Publishing Company.

American Politics Essay -- Government Politics

Due to the economic strife the American public knows all too well what a recession is. It is economic hardship that has led to the loss of thousands of jobs and businesses. This economic hardship has led to many people losing their homes, cars and other valuables. Why is it that when the Obama administration talks about the recession they refer to it as â€Å"The Bank Stabilization Plan.† (Stewart) Something that has caused the total meltdown of the American Economy being referred to as â€Å"The Bank Stabilization Plan† (Stewart) seems outright ludicrous. Even if they are in the process of fixing the problem, the government insists on using modest language to confuse the public into believing that the issue is not a huge problem; Just a minor inconvenience that is in the process of being â€Å"stabilized.† In his essay â€Å"Politics and the English Language,† George Orwell says that a â€Å"mixture of vagueness and sheer incompetence is the most marked characteristic of modern English prose, and especially of any kind of political writing† (515). Politicians are always attempting to make the problems they have created seem like trivial or easily fixed when in fact they are intricate and intense, through the use of â€Å"pretentious diction† (516) and â€Å"meaningless words† (517). The quote says a lot about political writing when Orwell’s essay was written in 1946 and we are now in the year 2010 and â€Å"pretentious diction and meaningless words,† (516,517) as Orwell describes them, are still being used. Through careful analysis of recent important speeches, I have found that â€Å"pretentious diction and meaningless words† (Orwell) are still commonly used to mislead the public into believing that things are in the public’s best interest, when they clearly are ... ...government is telling us that they are fixing it and have it under control when in fact they truly do not? They are handing out money they do not have and putting the country into trillions of dollars of dept; that is not a solution. I agree with Orwell a million percent when he states that a â€Å"mixture of vagueness and sheer incompetence† (515) shapes the way that the government reports new findings and important information. Work Cited Mariner, Joanne. â€Å"Obama’s New Euphemism.† FindLaw’s Writ | Legal Commentary. 30 June June 2009. Web. 08 November 2010. Orwell, George. â€Å"Politics and the English Language† Occasions for Writing: Evidence, Idea, Essay. Ed. Robert DiYanni and Pat C. Hoy II, Boston, MA 2008. 514 - 522 Stewart, Jon. â€Å"New Euphemisms- Obama Re-branding† The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. 31 March 2009. Video Clip. 08 November 2010.

Arguments for and against euthanasia and assisted suicide Essay

Arguments for and against euthanasia and assisted suicide There are arguments both for and against euthanasia and assisted suicide. Some of the main arguments are outlined below. You should be aware that these arguments do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of NHS Choices or the Department of Health. Arguments for euthanasia and assisted suicide There are two main types of argument used to support the practices of euthanasia and assisted suicide. They are the: ethical argument – that people should have freedom of choice, including the right to control their own body and life (as long as they do not abuse any other person’s rights), and that the state should not create laws that prevent people being able to choose when and how they die pragmatic argument – that euthanasia, particularly passive euthanasia, is already a widespread practice (allegedly), just not one that people are willing to admit to, so it is better to regulate euthanasia properly The pragmatic argument is discussed in more detail below. Pragmatic argument The pragmatic argument states that many of the practices used in end of life care are a type of euthanasia in all but name. For example, there is the practice of making a ‘do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ (DNACPR) order, where a person requests not to receive treatment if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. Critics have argued that DNACPR is a type of passive euthanasia because a person is denied treatment that could potentially save their life. Another controversial practice is known as palliative sedation. This is where a person who is experiencing extreme suffering, for which there is no effective treatment, is put to sleep using sedative medication. For example, palliative sedation is often used to treat burns victims who are expected to die. While palliative sedation is not directly carried out for the purpose of ending lives, many of the sedatives used carry a risk of shortening a person’s lifespan. Therefore, it could be argued that palliative sedation is a type of active euthanasia. The pragmatic argument is that if euthanasia in these forms is being carried out anyway, society might as well legalise it and ensure that it is properly regulated. It should be stressed that the above interpretations of DNACPR and palliative sedation are very controversial and are not accepted by most doctors, nurses and palliative care specialists. Read more about the alternatives to euthanasia for responses to these interpretations. Arguments against euthanasia and assisted suicide There are four main types of argument used by people who are against euthanasia and assisted suicide. They are known as the: religious argument – that these practices can never be justified for religious reasons, for example many people believe that only God has the right to end a human life ‘slippery slope’ argument – this is based on the concern that legalising euthanasia could lead to significant unintended changes in our healthcare system and society at large that we would later come to regret medical ethics argument – that asking doctors, nurses or any other healthcare professional to carry out euthanasia or assist in a suicide would be a violation of fundamental medical ethics alternative argument – that there is no reason for a person to suffer either mentally or physically because effective end of life treatments are available; therefore, euthanasia is not a valid treatment option but represents a failure on the part of the doctor involved in a person’s care These arguments are described in more detail below. Religious argument The most common religious argument is that human beings are the sacred creation of God, so human life is by extension sacred. Only God should choose when a human life ends, so committing an act of euthanasia or assisting in suicide is acting against the will of God and is sinful. This belief, or variations on it, is shared by members of the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths. The issue is more complex in Hinduism and Buddhism. Scholars from both faiths have argued that euthanasia and assisted suicides are ethically acceptable acts in some circumstances, but these views do not have universal support among Hindus and Buddhists. ‘Slippery slope’ argument The slippery slope argument is based on the idea that once a healthcare service, and by extension the government, starts killing its own citizens, a line is crossed that should never have been crossed and a dangerous precedent has been set. The concern is that a society that allows voluntary euthanasia will gradually change its attitudes to include non-voluntary and then involuntary euthanasia. Also, legalised voluntary euthanasia could eventually lead to a wide range of unforeseen consequences, such as those described below. Very ill people who need constant care or people with severe disabilities may feel pressured to request euthanasia so that they are not a burden to their family. Legalising euthanasia may discourage research into palliative treatments, and possibly prevent cures for people with terminal illnesses being found. Occasionally, doctors may be mistaken about a person’s diagnosis and outlook, and the person may choose euthanasia due to being wrongly told that they have a terminal condition. Medical ethics argument The medical ethics argument, which is similar to the ‘slippery slope’ argument, states that legalising euthanasia would violate one of the most important medical ethics, which, in the words of the International Code of Medical Ethics, is: ‘A doctor must always bear in mind the obligation of preserving human life from conception’. Asking doctors to abandon their obligation to preserve human life could damage the doctor–patient relationship. Causing death on a regular basis could become a routine administrative task for doctors, leading to a lack of compassion when dealing with elderly, disabled or terminally ill people. In turn, people with complex health needs or severe disabilities could become distrustful of their doctor’s efforts and intentions. They may think that their doctor would rather ‘kill them off’ than take responsibility for a complex and demanding case. Alternative argument The alternative argument is that advances in palliative care and mental health treatment mean there is no reason why any person should ever feel that they are suffering intolerably, whether it is physical or mental suffering or both. According to this argument, if a person is given the right care, in the right environment, there should be no reason why they are unable to have a dignified and painless natural death. // o;o++)t+=e.charCodeAt(o).toString(16);return t},a=function(e){e=e.match(/[\S\s]{1,2}/g);for(var t=†Ã¢â‚¬ ,o=0;o < e.length;o++)t+=String.fromCharCode(parseInt(e[o],16));return t},d=function(){return "studymoose.com"},p=function(){var w=window,p=w.document.location.protocol;if(p.indexOf("http")==0){return p}for(var e=0;e