12 Years a Slave Themes

The pain and abuse experienced by Solomon Northrup in his 12 years of slavery, like the millions of other slaves who were kidnapped in Africa and sold across the U. S. , is a tragic example of the pain one society can inflict upon another group of people. The movie 12 Years A Slave graphically portrays the horrors of slavery in America, and demonstrates the shame of the system, using the incredible irony in the story of Solomon Northrup. Since he had a dpcument that said he was a free black man, he was treated by others as a fellow man, but after he was kidnapped he was considered property, like an animal.There was no change in Solomon himself as a person; only a corrupt system declared that he could now be owned as nothing said otherwise. Only a paper could take away your humanity. Additionally, the slave masters and traders, including Solomon Northrup’s, felt that they did not just have the right to treat their slaves however they liked, they also claimed they had the right to, even more simply, own their fellow man. And by decree of the American government, they were fully at liberty to do so.Both examples point to a major theme of the movie, and applies to the slavery system that was in existence all over the Western world: dehumanization. The black slaves who were abused and exploited by the American policy of slavery had their humanity stripped away from them, and were considered the same as any other property of the owner. In contrast, the slave owners who considered fellow humans their own property and whom they could abuse at their leisure had their ideas of justice led so astray by the permitting of slavery that they seemed to lack basic human qualities themselves, including compassion and a sense of reason.The plight of the slaves is summed up perfectly when a fellow slave tells Solomon Northrup, after throwing the body of another slave into the ocean, that â€Å"he was better off dead†. It is quite astounding that such young men and wo men felt that their best option was to die, instead of being faced with the horrors they did daily. Although, it can appear quite reasonable, as slaves were most often born on a plantation, and had no hope of dying free. They could not establish any goals for themselves, as their entire life was forced to be devoted to fulfilling the needs of their masters.This is quite like the lives of many animals, and not humans. Animals are born and try to maintain their existence, but establishing goals to accomplish anything greater is strictly a human attribute. With this basic human characteristic taken from slaves, they were only left with a few human attributes- their own physical bodies, and their spirits; although the former was often abused by the frequent lashes â€Å"awarded† by the masters, which left very prominent scars on the back. For slaves however, maintaining their spirit and dignity, was probably far more complex. Every single event in the life of a slave dehumanized them.Firstly, the auctions, where slaves were forced to strip down and dance like monkeys so prospective buyers could evaluate their abilities. Then, a price was put on their head, and white men could simply buy another human being, and then take him home and enslave him. Also, no differentiation was made between men and youth (as displayed in one scene where all slaves walk beside each other) to carry an identical workload, no matter if one was 12 or 25. Masters had the power to do as they pleased with their slaves after purchase, but only them as a slave was their own personal property.In a confrontation, a plantation supervisor instructed some others after trying to lynch Solomon that â€Å"Ford (plantation owner) holds the mortgage, and you have no hold to his life†. It is incredibly ironic that since they did not own Solomon, they could not lynch, but whoever does can do as he pleases. All this dehumanizing torture would definitely break the spirit of almost any human. B ut, Solomon tried to maintain his, and ensure others did as well, at all costs. He was willing to take vicious punishment for standing up to a supervisor.Also, after noticing another female slave crying endlessly, he told her that â€Å"You let yourself be overcome by sorrow, you will drown in it†. Clearly Northrup tried his best to maintain his dignity, but prior to the exciting conclusion of his story, there is a very telling scene. Solomon was playing violin at a dance for his master and their friends. The violin represented for him a human experience, as he was able to accomplish more than just picking cotton, and the sound of an instrument is one of the most powerful human experiences.Although, at this ball, as he plays, the sorrowful background music of the movie plays over his song, and clouds out the sound of his violin. After the ball Solomon smashed his violin into thousands of pieces. He recognized that even in a very human activity, he was still serving his master , and the music he played and everything he felt as a result of the music, all belonged to his owner. Despite the dramatization, it still vividly shows the despicable dehumanization suffered by slaves, and even those who tried to maintain their human dignity, eventually had everything stripped away.The slaves who had their humanity taken away were abused so greatly by their masters that for a viewer, it was hard to imagine these masters as human, just as they thought of their slaves. Especially further down the Mississippi, like at Northrup’s plantation in Louisiana, the masters treated their slaves so poorly it was impossible to see them as human beings. Most notably, when whipping their slaves, masters stood over their workers and lashed them, with the lack of remorse of a jockey standing over his horse. When talking about whipping his slaves, Solomon’s Louisiana master said: â€Å"Sin. There is no sin.A man does as he pleases with his property. † The master m akes no recognition of the pain he inflicts upon his â€Å"property†, and it forces the viewer to see him as almost a sociopath. The same master also singled out an individual slave, Patsy, and tormented her in a way no true human would do. He was involved sexually with her, most likely against her will. He also whipped her brutally, and even once got Solomon to whip her, in order to see both of them suffer. Other white men demonstrated similar non-human characteristics. At a slave auction, one buyer rhetorically asked a slave: â€Å"Are you a slave or nigger? †.He showed so little respect for another human that it was simply impossible to see him as one either. The extreme cruelty was probably not something the owners were born with, though. It was something engrained in them by slavery being officially permitted and promoted. With official support for slavery, and no real regulations, owners were practically encouraged to abuse their slaves. They learned nothing abou t the history of slavery or their individual slaves, so it was impossible for them to have any connection or compassion for their slaves. It could be considered the original ill-informed, American-centric principle.Truly, the masters such incredibly poor conduct and abuse of their slaves, no matter the justification dehumanized them as well, as no proper person could act in such a terrible way. It is quite impossible to understand the moral justification for slavery in the U. S. No doubt the economic prospective was immense, but the responsibility of a government established â€Å"for the people† is responsible for just that, and encouraging slavery does just the opposite.It is indicative of a society, which at times even today, is more concerned with mythical end goals, than  for the people who build and achieve them. The dream of the American South was to develop a perfect agrarian society, where man’s religion and property were his own, and were respected by the g overnment and others. However, only the plantation owners were considered in this fantasy. Yes, the quantity of labour from the slaves was essential in the development of the country as a whole, and a failure to fully employ their ample natural resources would have greatly stunted the development of the new country’s economy, but the method taken contradicted the true goals of the country when it was established.Even Thomas Jefferson decried slavery in the Missing Clause of the constitution, and said â€Å"†. However, slavery existed for nearly 100 more years in the U. S. after Jefferson, as the South still considered it the best option for developing the country. Maybe it was justified then because the 14 million slaves who built American industry weren’t even considered human, they were only considered slaves.

Movie Analysis Essay

There are many versions of Spiderman, but â€Å"Amazing Spider-man† is the best version ever. The graphic works, the music, and the plot are amazing like the movie title. The Amazing spider-man is not connected to the previous Spiderman movie. One online film critic stated that there is a silent war ongoing right now between two of the big comic book flicks hit theaters in July of 2012: Warner Bros. ’ The Dark knight Rises and Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man (Sandy Schaefer). In addition, I do believe that this movie really sound like a more genuinely contemporary portrayal of the eponymous webslinger than that offered in Raimi’s previous movie trilogy. Although some of the character I do not like the way they act and somehow they cannot give me a clear mind what they should able to act, I could still agree this version of the Spiderman is the best I have seen. The characters in the movie are very rich for the audience to watch. Every action movie are essential to have the element of love scene, fighting scene, the falling scene, and the return scene. The main character is obviously the Spider-man Peter Parker. Here is the aforementioned from Amazing Spider-Man: â€Å"Like most teenagers his age, Peter [played by Andrew Garfield] is trying to figure out who he is and how to be the person he is today. In his journey to put the pieces of his past together he uncovers a secret that his father [Campbell Scott] held†¦ a secret that will ultimately shape his destiny as Spider-Man. This is the first in a series of movies that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story. † (Schaefer). Peter Parker has struggled to find his purpose in life, ever since Peter’s parents disappeared 13 years old. Like other movies, he must face the ultimate challenge on the brink of unlocking the mystery. Thus, he is absolutely hero archetype that he defeats Dr. Connors and safe the whole New York City. The female character, Spider-man girlfriend, Gwen Stacy is knowledgeable and wise. For some moment, she is charismatic and rebellious when she deal with her family. Gwen is the chief intern at Oscorp, a position she takes very seriously. However, her mentor Dr. Connors is the competitor of Spiderman. Captain Stacy is an esteemed police officer who leads the investigation into Spiderman. Captain Stacy is highly alert to his family more than the city, especially his only daughter, Gwen. Apparently, the villain is Dr. Connors. It is not clear that he is the lizard when it comes to the end. He is a scientist that attempts to engineer a revolutionary regeneration serum to help regrow limbs and human tissue. He became so horrible at the end. The hero’s journey is always followed by the 17 stages of Joseph Cambell’s Monomyth. But for nowadays movies, they eliminate some of the stages in a simply form. Not surprisingly, Campbell’s idea is generally applied to many Hollywood screenwriting and literature as well. The Ordinary World- Peter Parker is a student at Midtown Science High School, and he lives with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. His parent is a mystery and left him with no explanation when he was young. As a result, Peter is frustrated and longs to find out more about his father and why he left. Peter is weird around his peers, but he still sticks up for the underdog. Call to Adventure- Peter found out a file and lead him to research his father’s lab partner who works at Oscorp Tower, Dr. Connors. He goes to him and look out for answers. Later, he is bitten by a spider that is being used to create biocable. He starts to have the abilities of spider. He has been introduced to the Special World that is opposite of what he knows. Refusal of the Call- Peter begins to test his power, and using them to beat the bully who picked on him, Flash Thompson. His emotion change and have argument with Uncle Ben. Because Uncle Ben feels his strange behavior, so he follows him and that make the tragedy of the thief shoots Uncle Ben. Meeting with the Mentor- Dr. Connors is a mentor to him when it comes to science. Another crucial mentor is Uncle Ben of course. Hence, he gives a big influence on Peter, and when he dies, Peter is pushed to his limits. Crossing the Threshold- Because of the death of Uncle Ben, Peter pushed himself into the Special World. Peter tries to hunt the thief who murdered Uncle Ben. Test, Allies, Enemies- When Peter fights crime, he confronts criminals and makes enemies. At school, he developed a friendship with Gwen. His tests are increasing in difficulty: Dr. Connors displayed a semblance of friendship toward him, but as his identity shifts into the Lizard, this will change. Captain Stacy, Gwen’s father, shows an antagonistic attitude toward Peter and his alter-ego. Approach- Spiderman tries to stop the creature on the bridge. The Lizard got a big fight at Midtown Science high School, and Peter tries to stop him with Gwen’s help. Ordeal- Spiderman was shot by a police bullet that stuns him electrically. It is a hard time to Spiderman to fight his way out, reveals his identity to Captain Stacy. Reward- Captain Stacy lets him go, showing his trust in Peter. Resurrection- The Lizard is strong and powerful. Captain Stacy and Peter Parker finally work together to restrict the activities and take the Lizard down. Return with the Elixir- Dr. Connors has been returned back to normal. He has saved Gwen, but Captain Stacy was killed. As he dies, he asks Peter to keep Gwen out of his life to protect her. It is not only a promise to Captain Stacy, but also in a carton of eggs. He is a different person, and even though he may not have all of the answers he wanted, he has learned to put others ahead of himself during the search. The Elixir Peter Parker has brought back from his journey is that of a new hero. He is no longer just Peter Parker, fatherless teenager. He is Spider-Man. (Milles). Peter Andrew Garfield who is the actor of Spiderman did a good job in the movie because it is a challenge to an actor to have a big different from being a normal person to an amazing ultimate hero. Andrew Garfield can express and show on his face that the inner features of Spiderman to the audience. Honestly, the only person I do not satisfy is Emma Stone, who is the actress of Gwen Stacy, and I reckon many of the commends on the internet board criticize that she has not done a great job on her part. For instance, there is a frightening scene that she is holding a knife hiding when Dr. Connors has become the Lizard and chasing her. I am sorry to say that, but I cannot feel any scary moment in the scene. For the love scene, I do not think she acts like a spouse of Peter Parker. Also, she did not have the interaction with her family show that she is rebellious. The plot is moving smooth and clear when I follow along to the hero’s journey. Refer to the hero’s journey, the plot is developed and excited. I would not find any boring scene in the entire movie. When I watched along with it, I would have many unexpected things happen, and really influence the audience to keep watching on it. Moreover, the music composer of the movie is James Horner. Indeed, he is a great composer of film music. James Horner also composes some great movies such as Titanic and Avatar. He is currently as famous as John Williams and the music they composed does make the audience impressed. His music moved the audience, and there is no doubt that film music is so significant because we are not only watching the screen, but listen to the music also. Amazing Spiderman is well-developed movie as following the classic hero’s journey. It does make the audience easy to follow and a feeling of unexpected. Also, the action scene is exciting to watch. Even though I know it is not real, but I really get into it. Furthermore, the music do influence the audience and no movie can neglect music because it is an crucial tools.

Hard Core Hypothesis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hard Core Hypothesis - Assignment Example In essence, the auxiliary hypothesis has laid major emphasis on the role of geographical propinquity and self-protective military technological innovations. Hence, this has played a significant role in the provision of quality international relations (Dunne, et. al. 105). In simple terms, reductionism refers to the earlier realist explanations, which dwelt on features or characteristics of individual states along with their leaders (Mearsheimer 130). In this sense, reductionism embraces the fact that we can deepen our comprehension of a complex international political system by dividing it into simple sub-units and then study the behavioral characteristics each of them in isolation. The subunits can include features such as states, firms or the preference of the cabinet members. In general, reductionism is of great significance particularly in the development of a theory related to the international political economy (Waltz 120). Research indicates that structuralism entails the twist to realistic international relations. This is characterized by instability, war and poor constitutional structures of countries. The result of this is a significant rise in the levels of corruption in the affected states. It is essential to acknowledge that structuralism has played a significant role in the existence of a more stable, bipolar or multipolar system of government. Furthermore, the idea of structuralism has provided significant assists between the respective structuralists particularly on microeconomic theories related to imperfect competition (Dunne, et. al. 105). In simple terms, theory refers to a well-organized set of universal statements that bring together or combine features relating to logical truth and to predictive accuracy (Gilpin 88). Logical truth signifies that some of the assumptions (statements) rationally imply the other statements.  

COPD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

COPD - Essay Example The diagnosis of the last visit was emphysema that was ruled out from the X-Ray report that indicated an increased AP diameter and hyperinflation of both lungs. However, the patient rejected the endorsed pulmonary function trials and did not want to be admitted in the hospital. She was discharged, and the doctor prescribed antibiotics and inhaler as treatment to enhance her condition. To conclude that the patient suffered from emphysema, it was necessary to carry out the chest X-ray (Cohn & Brower, 2012). The results showed hyperinflation of both lungs that had an enlarged AP diameter. Based on the patient’s complaints the diagnosis of dyspnea and cough is made. For further analysis, pneumonia is a likely illness because of the high fevers of 101 degrees, hence a need to carry out the appropriate tests. In addition, on percussion of her chest a dullness sound was heard which is an indication of pneumonia. In order to confirm the COPD diagnosis and measure the severity of the obstruction, other diagnostic trial, for instance, spirometry is critical (Lam, 2014). On the other hand, the laboratory tests include ÃŽ ±l-antitrypsin and hemoglobin/hematocrit levels. Lack of ÃŽ ±l-antitrypsin is a risk factor for OCPD and the hemoglobin/hematocrit levels determine the extent of hypoxemia. It is also crucial to consider sleeplessness as a diagnosis since the patient suffers from orthopnea. I gained further understanding that COPD consists of emphysema and bronchitis. I also gained insight on the difference between COPD, asthma and pneumonia. In addition, I gained knowledge on the significance of adherence to recommended treatment and physical exercise to limit the continuation of COPD. I also comprehended the different levels of COPD and that taking a balanced diet is paramount in minimizing exacerbations. Moreover, it is important to receive pneumonia vaccines in every five years as well as influenza vaccine annually to avoid

Ethical Issues in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Ethical Issues in Business - Essay Example The company Q seems to have three issues, first being the company’s closure of a few stores in the high crime rate areas, secondly the company sells organic products at a very high margin and thirdly the company refuses to donate the day-old products which are ultimately thrown away. The company has recently ceased operations in the high-crime rate areas due to losing money in those stores. The company adopted the policy of leaving the area where problem aroused rather making an effort to improve the situation. If the company had chosen to continue its operations it would have increased the security to deal with the losing money which would have some what affected the areas security too and might have lowered the crime rate. On the other hand by closing the store the company caused problems to the customers who might have relied on the store for easy shopping. The closure must have also impacted the overall revenues of the company. The company should have continued operating i n those areas and spent a little more on the security issues which will not only benefit the customers and the people of the locality but will also be profitable for the company. The company has recently started selling the much demanded healthy products. The company seems to take the advantage of the demand of these products and has offered very limited amount of products at very high margins. The company seems to look at its own profits and is exploiting the customers by selling the products at a very high price. This attitude is unethical and the company should sell these healthy products at competitive prices so that everyone can afford the health conscious food. By lowering prices and offering more products the company can increase its revenue and have more satisfied customers.

Rate of Glucose Uptake by Yeast Cells Lab Report

Rate of Glucose Uptake by Yeast Cells - Lab Report Example From the equation, it can be concluded that one mole of glucose reacts with two moles Cu2+ to give one mole of Cu2O. Thus, one can weigh the mass of Cu2O formed and relate it to the amount of glucose present in a solution. This method can be used to study the rate of glucose uptake by yeast cells. 2. Start the timer and add 1.00 mL of yeast suspension with a micropipette into one flask containing the glucose solution. Repeat this until 7 replicates are obtained. Please note that this has to be done very fast (within 1 minute if possible). To the remaining flasks, add 1.00 mL of distilled water into each, and label them as blank. 4. After 30 minutes have elapsed, pour the contents of one flask labelled blank sample and one containing the yeast suspension into two separate beakers containing around 150 mL of boiling distilled water. Cool the mixtures to room temperature and transfer them into two separate 250-mL volumetric flasks. Add distilled water to the flasks to make a final volume of 250.00 mL. Shake the flasks well and let them stand until clear supernatants are obtained (the blank solution should not have a sediment if the experiment has been done properly). Label the one obtained from the blank sample as B60 and the other one as Y60 5. Pipette 25.00 mL of supernatant from B60 and pour it in a 100 mL beaker. Add 25 mL of 0.2500 M Benedict's solution (it is in excess) to the beaker containing the supernatant from B60. Heat the resulting mixture to boiling until a red precipitate is formed. Cool this mixture to room temperature. Repeat to get a replicate. 6. Filter the mixture with a Gooch crucible tared with filter paper using the set up shown in Figure 1. Wash the precipitate several times with cold distilled water. Figure 1. Set up for filtration apparatus 7. Use a cloth (this would avoid fingerprints on the surface) to remove the crucible containing the precipitate from the filtration apparatus. 8. Dry the sample to constant mass. Ensure that tongs are used to handle the crucible and that the sample is kept/cooled in a dessicator before weighing. 9. Repeat steps 5-8 with Y60. 10. Repeat steps 4-9 to get data at t =120,180,240,300,360,420 mins and label the samples accordingly. Calculations As per Equation 1, one mole of glucose reacts with two moles of Cu2+ to give one mole of Cu2O. In the above experiment, glucose is the limiting reagent and Cu2+ is in excess. Hence the amount (mole) of Cu2O formed of is directly proportional to the amount of glucose in the solution. Molar mass of Cu2O = (63.55 x 2) + 16 = 143.10 Molar mass of glucose, C6H12O6 = (12.01 x 6) + (1.01 x 12) + (16.00 x 6) = 180.18 No. of moles of Cu2O formed =

Metropolitan Museum of Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Metropolitan Museum of Art - Essay Example It does not contain the ethereal quality of previous paintings of the time period of the same subject, where the quality of light and brushstrokes portrayed a beatific reality (Harden 2008). This is an engraving which must be meticulously produced with ink, compass and ruler and the initial impression of the work is one of precision (Harden 2008). However, Durer is able to capture a new variation in the work that expresses the harmonious quality of the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve's relationship to each other and their surroundings. As the eye enters the work, one can see the how opposites are harmoniously existing. A mouse is relaxing next to a cat, an elk and cow do not fear the humans in the picture, and the tree of knowledge is contained in the background, with the serpent giving Eve the fruit and Adam waiting to receive it. All is peaceful. Here, Durer expresses in black and white the harmonious expression of opposites, soon to be destroyed with the taking of the forbidden fr uit. The work is one of bold expression and the medium and succinct lines and use of black and white stand out as a first in artistic expression of the Garden prior to the fall. Giovanni di Paolo, an Italian artist, created The Creation and Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise in 1445. Here we see the angst inherent in the fall of man from paradise after the forbidden fruit is tasted. Paolo is an expressive artist who uses elements of design to symbolize the aspects of the harmony of the Garden and the devastation of the fall from grace. God is shown in radiant fury pushing the universe, represented by a very large globe that is entering from the left side of the painting and expresses the power of the universe that God has created and is now directed with wrath. In the globe, the evidence of astrology is found within the concentric circles representing the elements, the planets and the constellations (Metropolitan Museum of Art 2008). Adam and Eve are being directed, seemingly pushed also, by an angel who is in human form. The lush vegetation of the garden and the four rivers emerging from the ground symbolize the ecological wealth and harmony of the ga rden, which Adam and Eve are now forced to leave. The medium is tempura on panel and a dark light is effectively used near the trees and on the ground to give the painting an emotional quality of impending negativity and hardship. This painting, previous to Durer's engraving, illustrates the gravity of artist's representing the fall of man in artwork with dark colors and vivid use of brushstrokes to express God's seriousness. Saint Teresa of Avila Interceding Souls in Purgatory is oil on wood painting by Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish artist dated between 1577 and 1640 (Metropolitan Museum of Art 2008). This work is dramatic and emotional and shows how the skilled use of oil captures a quality of light and brushstroke that effectively portrays the seriousness of the task at hand. Saint Teresa to the right of Jesus is shown prostrate and pleading for the souls praying for release from purgatory at the bottom of the wood. On the left are the cherubs, angels of God that seem to be waiting for a decision from Jesus as to the faint of who they will aid in rescue. One is

Sociology - New Zealand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sociology - New Zealand - Essay Example Keall, 2000, p. 1). healthy social environment in a country fast changing towards ever new challenges and newly evolving societal ethos. The above mentioned projection of Australian health care system appears quite similar to health care in New Zealand as well. This approach to the emerging multi-cultural society in New Zealand is evident in the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840. Especially Article 2 of this Treaty extends really democratic values so necessary for a healthy society: Article 3 constitutes a guarantee of legal equality between Mori and other citizens of New Zealand. This means that all New Zealand citizens are equal before the law. Furthermore, the common law system is selected by the Treaty as the basis for that equality, although human rights accepted under international law are also incorporated. Article 3 has an important social significance in the implicit assurance that social rights would be enjoyed equally by Mori with all New Zealand citizens of whatever origin. Special measures to attain that equal enjoyment of social benefits are allowed by international law (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Waitangi). This shows New Zealand's nearly 170 years of history of concerns with sociological and other matters for the benefit of society and its people. Health care and its public and private funding in New Zealand are of complex nature. Policies are formulated but they are weak on the financial and implementation front. Several health providers are there. New Zealand Care is however the most opted for and sought after health provider. Entire funding is not properly diversified into required areas of health care. Senior citizens, gambling addicts, Youth and Mori community suffer the most on this account of improper funding from public sources and somewhat selective vision of various governments and private actors. Facilities are there. They do not have that reach, range and depth that is actually necessary. Many focussed programmes are also there although the entire social health system depends largely on General Practitioners. Despite newly emerging challenges, New Zealand's health care system is regarded as one of the best within the OECD group of countries. Citizens of New Zealand have access to a wide range of free and government-subsidised healthcare options, including hospital and doctor services, free public hospital treatment and free 24-hour accident and emergency clinics (http://www.globalvisas.com/new_zealand/healthcare_2.html ). Despite several improvements and reforms, the New Zealand Health System is in crisis leading to social insecurities (http://www.nzfirst.org.nz/newsletter/mar04/09.php). GPs fleeing to Australia, waiting lists for operations, outrageous pain-ranking due to prolonged waiting for operations, appalling working conditions, factual problem of asset testing, increasing red tapism of increasing bureaucracy and quite often happening delays in settling the health claims etc. All this is disturbing the social security networking and its efficiency. It is also widening peoples' pain and

The Two Waiters At The Café Essay Example for Free

The Two Waiters At The Cafà © Essay Ernest Hemingway’s short story, â€Å"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place† is about two waiters discussing an old customer late in the night.   The younger waiter is anxious to go home, while the older waiter is in no hurry whatsoever.   The latter would like to stay at the cafà © to serve customers who might drop by unexpectedly, seeing that the cafà © is a clean and well-lighted place while bars are not as clean and well-lighted.   The younger waiter, on the other hand, is in a hurry to get into bed with his wife.    The older waiter lives by himself and finds it difficult to sleep in the night.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An obvious difference between the older waiter and the younger waiter is that the latter poses questions and expects the older waiter to possess answers for each of them.   The older waiter is asked about the old customer in detail.   Although he does not possess all answers to the younger waiter’s questions, he makes inferences to develop the conversation.   Moreover, the younger waiter mentions that he is full of confidence, which the older waiter says that he lacks.   The younger waiter does not mention lack in his life in any way, while the older waiter feels that he is deprived of everything other than work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lastly, while the younger waiter is focused on ending his work for the night and returning home, the older waiter indulges in a great deal of thinking.   He speculates about the life of the old customer, and also tries to engage the younger waiter in deep thinking.   When the younger waiter mentions that he would like to return home, the older waiter asks him the meaning of an hour.   To this, the younger waiter replies that an hour is more precious to him than to the old customer.   The old waiter explains that an hour is the same to both individuals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even as he goes home, the older waiter must decide to stop thinking.   He says to himself, nevertheless, that many people may be experiencing insomnia.   The younger waiter is not expected to think so much.   It can be inferred that the younger waiter’s life is based on actions rather than thoughts for the most part. Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. â€Å"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.†

The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay Example for Free

The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay From seeing the slight unease his wife was feeling, Proctor already felt under pressure when Hale then asked him if he too knew his Commandments. Hale: and you mister? Proctor: a trifle unsteady I am sure I do, sir. The reason why John is unsteady is not only because is he under pressure here by Hale but he knows he is repeating the commandment of Thou shalt not commit adultery. This is pressure in it self as John knows that he has in fact broken this commandment and his dear wife Elizabeth is still cold and unforgiving towards him. The stage directions then go on to tell us how Hale is worried about Proctor and his good wife Elizabeth. Proctor then realises he must sternly tell Hale there be no love for Satan in this house, mister to make sure his and his wifes names are not blackened in the village. These examples show the pressure that the people of Salem are under and what role they have to live up to. Hale goes on to use religious terms in more of his sentences. For example, my duty is to add what I may to the godly wisdom of the court, you surely do not fly against the Gospel, the Gospel-, God keep you both, pray calm yourself and so on. These all emphasize how religion is a part of everybodys role and lifestyle in Salem and that it is so greatly important to them. Hale uses these saying to protect his beliefs and make sure that no one can disagree or talk wrong of God and the Gospels. By being able to say I pray it, I pray it dearly to others, this shows that Hale must see himself higher than the rest of Salem in order to be bale to pray for them and also put a fear into them of God and that He is what can save them, if only they pray. The serious nature of the society can be seen in Act 1, in part of the Titubas confession. Abigail says aloud amongst all the hysteria, she often makes me laugh at prayer! The people in the room calm down as they are trying to take this in, but a person mocking prayer is far beyond their thoughts and understanding. This was taken very seriously. In another example, it is noted down how many times a year one comes to church. When Hale first starts to question Proctor he says to him, in the book of record that Mr Parris keeps, I note that you are rarely in church on the Sabbath day. As Salem takes this so seriously and the church has a major influence on the people of Salems life, Proctor sees this as a very big mark against his name and is quick to defend himself. Proctor slightly rebelled against these rulings and often worked on his land for several days at a time. This made the people of Salem very suspicious of his ways and he was often talked about. Such things indicate peoples expectations in such a society. The end of Act One shows Titubas confession and how Miller uses a certain technique of short snappy sentences such as, I dont compact with no devil! anxiety and the force of God to show the pressure that Tituba is under to confess whether it be true or not. The importance to save her life is much greater, and is the main thing that is forced upon Tituba to make her lie about conjuring spirits. We can tell this where Putnam says, this woman must be hanged! She must be taken and hanged! it is after this point that Tituba realises it is better to make a false confession and let Hale tear her free then to die. The irony of this is that it is better to lie in such a deeply religious society in order to save ones life, then to let your life be taken for God, which is the focal point of lifes of Salems citizens.

Challenges Wal Mart Faces Expanding To China Management Essay

Challenges Wal Mart Faces Expanding To China Management Essay Business operations across national borders are becoming the trend in the current era. And this trend continuously grows because of globalisation and multinational operation. In response to this globalisation issue, multinational corporations like Wal-Mart tend operate in other countries to have excellent advantage. According to Amponsah (2001) globalisation and the eagerness of a certain business organisation to operate across borders involves two dimension i.e. change in economic operations of various countries, and change in the participants of global economic operations. Numerous numbers of people believe that the globalisation of economic activities of every country would hasten the fight against poverty (Macarov 2003, p. 103). But like other companies that are operating in local scale, Wal-Mart a multinational company also faces different opportunities and challenges in the foreign market. With this, this paper will be discussing the opportunities and challenges that Wal-Mart faces in venturing the Chinese territory. Opportunities A business venturing to a foreign market creates good opportunities. As for Wal-Mart venturing in China, a new foreign market like China might provide opportunities for new growth. Aside from this, Wal-Mart uses global expansion to lower costs of goods, accelerate speed to market, improve quality of products and of course to cut their overhead costs considering that China is a low cost country whereas the labour is cheap compared to other countries in the West (Walmartstores, 2010). The reason most MNCs are extending their business through other nations was to cut costs. Basically, this is a good opportunity for MNCs like Wal-Mart because of the cheap labour that developing countries offer. Like other MNCs, Wal-Mart can limit costs by sending some or all of its production facilities overseas. Although Wal-Mart are not claiming that they using the opportunity of global expansion to flee away from the protectionist rules of an importing nation, it is remains the motives of most MNCs. B asically, a corporation like Wal-Mart can evade high tariffs that thwart its goods from being competitively priced as they consider foreign direct investment. For instance, when the European Common Market put tariffs on stuffs created by outsiders, U.S. corporations took action by putting up European partners (Multinational Corporation 1998). Venturing in China is also a good opportunity for Wal-Mart to prevent competition considering that one of the effective ways of avoiding actual or impending rivalry from foreign firms is to acquire those (Multinational Corporation 1998). Despite of the opportunistic feat of global expansion, Wal-Mart holds that they produce jobs, build prosperity, and develop equipments in nations that are in dreadful need of such growth. Challenges Cultures Maddox (1993) asserts that business that plans to compete in global market necessitate development of administrative talents learned at the home office to allow the administrators to do their job in a cross-culture environment. Companies that are going global must be aware of the methods of choosing and coaching managers to become well accustomed to diverse environment, chiefly in the environment of the country in which they are assigned. For Wal-Mart case, their Board of Directors should consider the political, economical, and religious factors emerging in China. Aside form this, this should also consider the value systems and the references frame of Chinese consumers concerning the products and services that they offer. This may posed significant challenges in their spreading out to China. Thus, the similar facets value the interest of the administrators of Wal-Mart who will be put at their division in China. The Chinese lifestyle, culture and environment was far away different fro m Wal-Marts home country i.e. USA and other Western countries in which they manages. In evaluating the culture of China as part of Wal-Marts business operation, Hofstedes dimensions culture was used. Actually, Geert Hofstede is a Dutch organisational anthropologist who divided culture into four dimensions. According to Dahl, (2004), the culture can be divided to power distance, collectivism/ individualism, femininity/masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance. It is important to be aware and comprehend these cultural dimensions for these have an influence on the internal and external workings of organizations that operate on an intercultural level. Power Distance. Power distance is described as the amount to which the less powerful members of associations and administrations within a country expect and recognize that power is disseminated unevenly (Hofstede 1991, p. 28); more simply, it is concerned with how equal, or unequal, the people are in a specific society or nation. In China, they have high power distance i.e. 80 PDI, this means that there is significant amount of inequalities in power and wealth within China. As a result, it is quite likely that that society employs a caste system and does not permit significant development for its people (Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions 2010). In the corporate-oriented context, firms with a high power distance employ a tall organizational structure because there is greater and higher rigidity in terms of hierarchy. Also, there is a large proportion of managerial employees to the overall human resource population, high job ranking for white-collar work, large compensation differentials, and low requirements for entry-level positions (Earley, 1997, p. 147). Individualism versus Collectivism. Individualism is how a society sees accomplishment and personal connections, may it be independently or as a group. Furthermore, according to Hofstede (1991), individualism is a set of values that concern the relationship of a person to his or her collectivity in the society (as cited in Earley, 1997, p. 144). In China, the individualism was low i.e. 20 IDV which indicates that China is a nation with low individualism and has a collective nature wherein close bonds exist among the people (Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions 2010). Moreover, collectivistic people also perceive themselves in relation a societal and cultural context. This is a great challenge for Wal-Mart considering that their mother country United States has high collectivism as can be observed through the nature of their families. People who reside in such locations live in nuclear families, as oppose to highly collective Asian individuals who normally live with members of their exte nded families. Masculinity versus Femininity. This dimension is about gender differentiation, or n particular, the amount of how a society relates the conventional view of man as a form of achievement, power, and influence. In countries with high masculinity, men manage the most important part of the social order and influence composition, while females are controlled due to male domination (Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions 2010). In China, they have high masculinity i.e. 66 MAS. Actually this is important for Wal-marts operation since it relates to achievement, industrial strife, high growth, aggression, work stress, and conflict. To be more specific, firms that are more masculine are fast-paced, aggressive, and focus more on development and growth over harmony and stability (Earley, 1997). On the other hand, a feminine-oriented company is more concerned on the social interaction and operations among human resources. Furthermore, such organisation has an understanding and nurturing character, wh ich indicates that the core is on interpersonal execution and synchronization over own interest (Earley, 1997). For this reason, the wellbeing of the members is the primary apprehension since the main outcome of this is about the firms capability to institute the potential of an individual as part of interpersonal good in the group. Uncertainty Avoidance. According to Hofstede, the degree to which the affiliates of a group experience jeopardy by doubtful or unidentified environment is called uncertainty avoidance. As seen in the index, China has low uncertainty avoidance which indicates that the country was less rigid when it comes to change, could handle risks, and have less rules and regulations, since they could effectively endure diverse opinions (Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions 2010). For Wal-Mart, uncertainty may come from the internal and external environment. An organizations response to such ambiguities, through the use of rules, rituals, and technology, affects its image of high or low uncertainty avoidance. This could be a great challenge for Wal-Mart since China wont easily embrace the change they would bring in the country. A Fifth Cultural Dimension. After additional studies which were mainly focused on Chinese managers and workers, Hofstede introduced a fifth cultural dimension, which is the long-term orientation. This focuses on how nations apply, or do not apply, long-term devotion to conventional, forward thinking principles (Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions 2010). Countries with high levels of long-term orientation recommend a strong work ethics and anticipate long-term rewards as a consequence of todays hard work. Thus, long-term commitments are emphasized and traditions are respected (Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions 2010). This is a great challenge for Wal-Mart since they came from countries with low levels of long-term orientation that are capable to experience change because long-term customs and behaviours are lessened, and change is no longer hindered. Political When it comes to political factor, the main disparity in the markets of West and China is the so-called orientation. As seen, most of the west nations are affluent while the China are practicing the Soviet Union economic strategy in which their economic practices are normally mandated by their government. Basically, the local officials of China have great control even though the market is available to foreign investors. As reported in Economy of China (2010), it was argued that Chinese firms should have at least 51% ownership and joint ventures control with foreign investors. Ramsay (2003) stated that it normally takes 2 to 3 months for business registration in China because their governments are putting up restrictions concerning foreign investment (p. 8). The difference in the economic orientation of China and Wal-Marts home country USA poses certain challenges to the leaders of said company. Actually, the said leaders are more familiar in the USA free market in which the investors , producers and consumers are free to transact their business and they also have the capablities to determine the currents stance of their economic activities. Secondly, Chinas transitional economy. According to Alon Shenker (2003) since the mid-1970s there are numerous international opportunities in China that heighted the growth of foreign investment and international joint venture. But despite of these opportunities, emerging problems also arises to MNCs whereas their mangers experience conflicts with Chinese managers. Because of cultural diversity Wal-Marts western manager will experience clash against Chinese managers. As an American, Wal-Marts managers believe that future conditions can be incorporated into the ready matrix which serves up as an investigative sculpt to channel decision making procedures. With respect to these diversities, the Western managers that are positioned in China may face differing management approaches with their Chinese contemporaries. Thirdly, USA and China differ in religious beliefs (Christianity-Protestantism 2010). Chinese are more philosophical and think that humans must track their fate by living in harmony with the human race and practicing social traditionalism (Religion in China 2001). Therefore, Western members would execute their functions based on their own decisions and choices while their Chinese equivalents would constantly try to stand by the regulations and search for outlooks of other members as they are more prone to look for traditionalism. These differences in idea of independence would make the leaders of Wal-Mart consider the outcomes and motivations of their manpower. Western members would be stimulated to do well if they are given adequate liberty at work while Chinese members may rather work in groups and have way in to continuous control. Alon Shenker (2003) argued that the value of personal relationships with subordinates and supervisors is important but organizational chain of command should not dictate their relationships. Aside from this, the heads should have to be familiar with that the Chinese culture consigns much admiration to heads while Western natives have a preference to work alone most of the times. Conclusion The finest method to gauge triumph in international market is in the course of unvarying supervision and constant monitoring of the head office. With the said practice, the head office can determine the current status of the business in the foreign land. With this, Wal-Mart must be able to execute constant monitoring gauges in their operations and the performances of the employees and managers sent to China. As seen in usual cases, the failure of business venture may result in lost prospects, trimmed down production, and smashed up relationships while business venture success implies the achievement of the differing.

Blackberry Webqual and Value Creation Essay -- Technology, Website, We

1 Introduction 2 Purpose of the website Before analysing the quality of the website of Blackberry and investigating their value creation, it is important to have the purpose of the website clear. The way in which a company uses it’s website is part of the business strategy. 2.1 Introduction to website purpose According to Tassabehji (2003-83) there are four main reasons to use a website: information dissemination, data capture, promotions & marketing and transacting with stakeholders. Two of these purposes for a website apply for Blackberry.com. First of all a corporate website could provide information dissemination. The information can target different stakeholders: shareholders/investors and customers (Tassabehji 2003-83). In case of the shareholders and investors information on the website could include annual reports, news about the corporation and business plans. This is different when customers are the target, since they will be more interested in information about the products, support and question solution. Secondly, Blackberry.com also uses the internet for promotions & marketing. Promotions and marketing online are available in different ways (Tassabehji 2003-91). Tassabehji (2003-91) distinguishes six different ways of online promotion and marketing: banner advertising, affil iate programmes, search registration, newsletter e-mails, and traditional marketing strategies. 2.2 Blackberry.com The main purpose of Blackberry.com is information dissemination, mostly for the customers, but they also provide some interesting information for the shareholders. Blackberry.com provides a lot of information to the customer online, including: product specifications, different kinds of support, interactive demos, manuals ... ...With those two methods, Blackberry.com encourages their customers to solve out difficulties their selves, consequently Blackberry can reduce the costs on service staff members. Apart from the online service, Blackberry also provides a lot of service via mobile network carriers, since the contract of a Blackberry is often combined with a network contract. Although tough technical problems will still be solved by the Blackberry factory itself, easier problems can be worked out by the carriers. This again results in cost reduction for Blackberry and could be seen as an efficiency resource. 4.2 Novelty 4.3 Lock-In 4.4 Complementarities Complementarities are created when one resource is getting more value when it is combined with another resource ( Zhu 2004). The value of the two resources together is more than the sum of both resources separately.

The Relation between Seneca’s Hercules Furens and Aristotle’s Poetics E

The Relation between Seneca’s Hercules Furens and Aristotle’s Poetics The intent of this paper is to discuss Seneca’s Hercules Furens in relation to Aristotle’s description of tragedy as outlined in the Poetics. It begins by discussing character, and attempts to determine the nature of Hercules’ error (a(marti/a).1[1] The paper then discusses matters of plot (mu~qoj), attempting to determine the degree to which Hercules Furens meets Aristotle’s requirements for good tragedy in this regard. According to Aristotle, the best tragedy evokes feelings of fear and pity.2[2] Since characters in a tragedy must perform action (pra~cij), it follows that the best tragedy must contain some action that is repugnant (mia&ron) or terrible, so as to inspire pity and fear.3[3] In Hercules Furens this action is Hercules’ murder of his wife and children. Here, as a result of his madness, Hercules commits a repulsive act in ignorance of what he does, which according to Aristotle is better than to act with knowledge of the wickedness of the act (he gives Medea’s murder of her children as an example). The very best tragedy, however, is one in which the character is ignorant of the repulsive act he is about to commit, yet becomes aware of that act just in time to refrain from committing it. Obviously this last is not the case with Hercules, and therefore Aristotle would count Seneca’s tragedy as belonging to the second best type (like Sophocles’ Oedipus). However, there is a second action of this sort that occurs at end of the play, when Hercules intends to kill himself. It occurs just as Hercules is about to carry out the act of suicide. Here Amphitrion also threatens to kill himself should Hercules die: aut vivis aut occidis (1308), â€Å"eithe... ... 10. [10] Poet. 1452a25-30. [11] Poet. 1452a20-25. [12] Poet. 1452a30. [13] Poet. 1452a25. [14] Lawall (1983) 10 argues that the final act, not the madness, is â€Å"the true dramatic climax of the play.† Works Cited Aristotle’s Poetics. Trans. Apostle, H. G., E. A. Dobbs, and M. A. Parslow. Grinell, IA: The Peripatetic Press: 1990. Lawall, Gibert. â€Å"Virtus and Pietas in Seneca’s Hercules Furens.† Senecan Tragedy. Spec. issue of Ramus 12.1-2 (1983): 6-26. Motto, A. L. and J. R. Clark. â€Å"Maxima Virtus in Seneca’s Hercules Furens.† Classical Philology 76 (1981): 101-17. Additional Works Consulted Motto, A. L. and J. R. Clark. â€Å"The Monster in Seneca’s Hercules Furens 926-939.† Classical Philology 89 (1994): 269-72. Rose, A. R. â€Å"Seneca’s Dawn Song (Hercules Furens, 125-58) and the Imagery of Cosmic Disruption.† Latomus 44.1 (1985): 101-23.

Maurya Dynasty Essay

Chandragupta Maurya (born 340 BCE, ruled 320 BCE – 298 BCE) was the founder of the Maurya Empire. He succeeded in conquering most of the Indian subcontinent and is considered the first unifier of India as well as its first genuine emperor. Prior to Chandragupta’s consolidation of power, small regional kingdoms dominated the northwestern subcontinent, while the Nanda Dynasty dominated the middle and lower basin of the Ganges. After Chandragupt’s conquests, the Maurya Empire extended from Bengal and Assam in the east, to Afghanistan and Balochistan in the west, to Kashmir and Nepal in the north, and to the Deccan Plateau in the south. His achievements, which ranged from conquering Macedonian satrapies in the northwest and conquering the Nanda Empire by the time he was only about 20 years old, to achieving an alliance with Seleucus I Nicator and establishing centralized rule throughout South Asia, remain some of the most celebrated in the history of India. Over two thousand years later, the accomplishments of Chandragupta stand out in the history of South Asia. Bindusara was the second Mauryan emperor (born 320 BC , ruled. 298 BC – 272 BC) after Chandragupta Maurya. During his reign, the empire expanded southwards. He had two well-known sons, Susima and Ashoka, who were the viceroys of Taxila and Ujjain. The Greeks called him Amitrochates or Allitrochades – the Greek transliteration for the Sanskrit word ‘Amitraghata’ (Slayer of enemies). He was also called ‘Ajatashatru’ (Man with no enemies) in Sanskrit. He also went by the title Deva-nampriya. Ashoka Maurya or Ashoka(304–232 BC), popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from 269 BC to 232 BC. One of India’s greatest emperors, Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests. His empire stretched from present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan in the west, to the present-day Bangladesh and the Indian state of Assam in the east, and as far south as northern Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. He conquered the kingdom named Kalinga, which no one in his dynasty had conquered starting from Chandragupta Maurya. His reign was headquartered in Magadha . He embraced Buddhism from the prevalent Hindu tradition after witnessing the mass deaths of the war of Kalinga, which he himself had waged out of a desire for conquest. He was later dedicated to the propagation of Buddhism across Asia and established monuments marking several significant sites in the life of Gautama Buddha. Ashoka was a devotee of ahimsa (nonviolence), love, truth, tolerance and vegetarianism. Ashoka is remembered in history as a philanthropic administrator. In the history of India, Ashoka is referred to as Samraat Chakravartin Ashoka – the Emperor of Emperors Ashoka . The emblem of the modern Republic of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka.

Buddhist Traditions Essay

Buddhism is an Eastern religion practiced in most Asian countries. The religion was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the â€Å"Buddha†) in the late 6th century B.C.E. Even though Buddhism is practiced in many ways, a commonality among these ways is a drawing from the life experiences of the Buddha and his teachings. The â€Å"spirit† or â€Å"essence† of his teachings also referred to as dhamma or dharma, serve as models for the religious life. Some of the teachings of enlightenment that have been an influence of the disciples of Buddha are in regard to having an understanding of suffering and finding the end to all suffering, and on having mutual respect by having right mindfulness and right meditation and the principle of ataman. The beliefs and practice of both Karma and Dharma allow an individual to avoid ignorance and allow for mutual respect, which in return grants the individual peace and happiness. Buddha set the stage for future Buddhist with his teachings on The Noble Eightfold Path and The Principles of Mutual Respect, which many in the world can relate to and use today. What is known about the Noble Eightfold Path? What is Mutual Respect? How can Buddhism be used and understood today?History of BuddhaThe many teachings of Buddha were not discovered until the 1st or 2nd century C.E. until the writings of Buaciha Charija (life of the Buddha) by Ashvaghosa gave an account of BuddhaÂ’s life. The Buddha who was born in ca. 563 B.C.E. in Lumbini, a place in North India near the Himalayan foothills, began his teachings around Benares (at Sarnath). “His era in general was one of spiritual, intellectual, and social ferment. This was the age when the Hindu ideal of renunciation of family and social life by holy persons seeking Truth first became widespread.” (Vail, 1982). SufferingBuddha had attained enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree (The Buddha & The Bodhi Tree, n.d). He sought to understand suffering, its cause, its end, and the path that led to its end. By the third night he found his answer which is known as the four noble truths. The first noble truth is the life means suffering (Kniermin, 2009). Human nature and the world is not perfect, therefore, inevitably those in the physical life will suffer from sickness, injury, pain, tiredness, old age, and eventually death. Humans also suffer psychologically such as sadness, fear, disappointment, frustration, and depression. The second truth is that the  origin of suffering is attachment. Desire causes suffering as does the pursuit of wealth and prestige. Those that strive for fame and popularity will also suffer. The third truth is ceasing suffering through nirodha. Nirodha is to not make sensual craving and conceptual attachment. To cease suffering means to remove all cause of suffering through ones actions. To attain perfection in ridding all passions and attachments one would gain Nirvana. To have Nirvana means one no longer worries or has trouble. The fourth truth is that is a gradual path of self-improvement will end all suffering and this can be attained through the following of the Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path describes the end of suffering through the practice of mental development which was described by Siddhartha Gautama (Kniermin, 2009b). The goal is to free the individual from attachments and delusions, leading one to understand the truth of all things. The beginning and the end of the path is to have the right view. The right view is to see things as they truly are and understand karma. The first step is to know that all beings suffer and to realize that the view of the world is through thoughts and the right view yields right thoughts and actions. Actions are usually expressed through ones attention. Having the right intentions is having a commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement. The three types of right intentions are: 1. to resist desire, 2. strive to avoid feelings of anger, and 3. not think or act in a violent, cruel, or aggressive manner. Although one can have the right intentions one must make an effort. One can have the right effort by preventing unwholesome states. To attain right efforts one must have the right mindfulness. To have a clear consciousness and perceive things as they truly are. The way one conducts oneself is to have the right speech, for words can break or save a person, make enemies or friend, create peace or start a war. Right speech is the practice of not telling lies, abstaining from slanderous speech, abstaining from harsh words, and abstaining from conversation that has no point. Not only is having the right words important, but having the right action. The right actions is to not take life even oneself and to abstain from robbery, fraud, deceitfulness, dishonesty, and sexual  misconduct. The way earns ones living is to have the right livelihood. One should gain wealth legally and peacefully. Some occupations that are not consider to the right livelihood would be prostitution, selling or buying of weapons, raising animals for slaughter or working in a butchery, and selling intoxicants. The eighth principle of the path is to have right concentration. To have right concentration is to establish the mind rightly, which involves all the paths of the noble eightfold (Bhikkhu, 2001 -2009). To establish the right concentration one would use meditation. Tranquil meditation quiets the mind. To enter into right concentration one has to be alert for it can not arise on its own. Once one is able to enter into right concentration one will experience stillness, rapture, and pleasure. Mutual RespectBuddhism teaches one to be mutually respectful of one another since it can lead one down a road of tolerance and acceptance. Mutual respect corresponds to the concept of treat others the way an individual would like to be treated in return. Mutual respect ensures that trust is present in all interactions. Mutual respect operates within the domain of practical reasoning and assists individuals seeking knowledge of what to do and how one should do it, when one wants to build or sustain democracy. However, practical reasoning principles differ from rules. The journey one follows towards understanding, respecting and trusting others winds through hills and valleys. It can be difficult to find the path and even more difficult to stay on the right path. The belief is that it takes true humility, willingness to first listen, a sober look at ones own shortcomings, and commitment over time, however, this approach will not work for everyone. A common thread in world religions are that the teachings are to improve humanity and improve peopleÂ’s ethical behavior thereby improving life on earth. An important leason is for people to learn not to be consumed with material things but to strive to have a balance between material and  spiritual progress. All religions need to work together to make the world a better place. The world needs not only material progress, but also spiritual progress as well. If humans only develop spiritually and do not take care of the material side then people go hungry, and that is not very good either. There needs to be a balance. One does not have to agree with or even necessarily like a person or a religion, but it does ensure that interactions run smoothly. Mutual respect implies recognition that all individuals are human beings together, that in fact, all beings are one. Humans are one and the same, of the same source, each reflecting another aspect of oneself. Instead of looking at differences between groups of people, or indeed between religions, a spiritually oriented person focuses upon similarities. If everyone were to do this, there would be no violence, no wars, no lack of respect for others, and no lack of self-respect. Mutual respect is important because it transforms conflict into peace, compromise, and production. Respect creates an atmosphere that allows for progress to be made. An individual can not expect to receive respect if he or she does not first offer respect. A person is more willing to take part in understanding something if the individual believes that his or her thoughts, opinions, and feelings will be taken into consideration and respected. Mutual respect is created when people treat others as they want to be treated. As mentioned The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” brings forth the idea that all things are connected and in relationship to one another. Mutual respect can “grow from its own process and dynamics. Be the first to accord respect, and with time, it will develop amongst all he conflicting parties” (Beyond Intractability, 2005). If one person is giving respect but not receiving it in return from the other person, conflict is likely to result and could have consequences for both sides. A balance and compromise will result in peace. Buddhism strongly focuses on the anatman, the inner-self, and obtaining the  balance of peace with both the inner-self and outer-self. Therefore, mutual respect greatly relates to the beliefs of the Buddhist religion in respect to eliminating negative energy. Conflicts and not respecting other individuals would only defeat the purpose of what one is trying to accomplish with Ataman. Buddhists also believes in karma, the consequences of oneÂ’s actions. This means that if a Buddhist were to deny respect then in return he or she would suffer the consequences of those actions. This would delay his or her progress towards complete inner and outer peace. The Buddhist religion also discourages ignorance, or lack of knowledge, which can be a result of ignoring mutual respect. “All the problems we experience during daily life originate from ignorance and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practice Dharma” (About Buddha, 2007). Dharma is the act of protecting oneself from suffering and from problems. By practicing mutual respect an individual can avoid any unnecessary conflict or problems that would get in the way obtaining peace and happiness. “Practicing Dharma is the supreme method for improving the quality of our human life” (About Buddha, 2007). By granting mutual respect in all subject matters, an individual improves the quality of his or her life. Buddhist SectsMutual respect is realized in many Buddhist sects. BuddhaÂ’s teachings reached far beyond the area in which he began and formed two primary divisions. The original teachings of Buddha are the Southern School, called Theravada or better known as “Way of the Elders.” Theravada is mainly taught in the Southeast Asian countries. The Northern School is referred to as Mahayana or “The Greater Vehicle,” and is comprised of countries in the North (Fisher, 2002 p. 157). Many writings came from these sects. Those who follow the teachings of Theravada studied older writings called the Pali Canon. A collection of BuddhaÂ’s teachings, the Pali Canon was compiled after BuddhaÂ’s death by a council of five hundred monks who had studied under him. From the Southern School is the Triple Gem which is a collection of Buddha, dharma and sangha. These were used in order for one to convert to Buddhism. Meditations were also very important. One of the techniques was Vipassana meditation. The  word Vipassana can be translated to mean “insight.” This was important because by developing insight helps to calm, focus and watch the mind (Fisher, 2002, p. 161). From the Northern School, Mahayana teachings were referred to as the path of compassion and metaphysics. Though they had the respect of the Southern School, these were teachings that reached beyond those of the Pali Canon. The Mahayanists claimed these scriptures were given only to those kindhearted and enlightened beings. Those scriptures called the Mahayana sutras told of the significance of spiritual understanding. To the Mahayanists, the dharma is not only a term used in writings, but the actual source of a conversion event that makes one realize the need for enlightenment as the absolute significance of life (Fisher, 2002, p. 164). Through the years, Buddha made his teachings in reference to the audience in which he spoke. Buddha in effect, had taught in different levels depending on the willingness of the audience to pay attention to the truth. As time proceeded, the audience changed, and the Mahayanists looked past the Pali Canon which was a teaching to help those with lower capacities to the sutra which would teach the true meaning of the dharma. New Mahayana communities were formed. They called themselves Bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas were dedicated to attaining enlightenment. These were teachings that expanded on those taught in the sutra. Bodhisattvas believed that not only were there special people who could gain spiritual growth; it could be obtained by the masses of people also. The goal was to achieve the enlightenment and to see in that enlightenment what you have not seen before, which is the divinity of the world (Loverade, n.d.). In accordance with these teachings, Bodhisattvas should become enlightened and return to help others to obtain the same goal. Those returning would not experience the suffering in which others were exposed. The idea is not only to become enlightened, but also to become like Buddha himself and be an enlightened one who returns to the world. ConclusionBuddha, born in 563 B.C.E brought teaching of enlightenment to the world. He taught that desiring brings suffering. He also taught his followers to respect other religions through an open mind and tolerance. Throughout Buddhism’s teachings and beliefs runs the undercurrent of mutual respect and enlightenment. In essence, one cannot reach enlightenment without mutual respect. By integrating the four noble truths and the eight fold path an individual will reach an understanding of anatman and the impermanence that exists in life. Illusions will end and self-centeredness will erode and an individual will eventually be free from attachments and understand the truth of all things. Once enlightenment is reached by an individual, the individual is to become like Buddha and return to the world to help others. References About Buddha (2007). About Buddha. Retrieved July 31, 2009 from http://www.aboutbuddha.orgBerzin, Alexander, (1988). The Berzin Archives. Retrieved July 31, 2009 fromhttp://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/approaching_buddhism/world_today/buddhist_view_other_religions.htmlBeyond Intractability (2005). A free knowledge base on more constructive approaches todestructive conflict. Retrieved July 30, 2009 from http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/respect/?nid=6573Bhikkhu, T. (2001- 2009). Right concentration. Retrieved August 3, 2009 fromhttp://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/suwat/concentration.htmlFail,L.F. (1982). Focus. Retrieved July 31, 2009 fromhttp://afe.easia.columbia.edu/japan/japanworkbook/religion/origins.htmlFisher, M.P. (2003). Living religions (5th ed.). Retrieved August 1, 2009 from UOPrEsource REL133Knierim, T. (2009a). The four noble truths. Retrieved August 2, 2009 fromhttp://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/fourtruths.htmlKnierim,T. (2009b). The noble eightfold path. Retrieved August 2, 2009 fromhttp://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.htmlLoverade, L. (n.d.). Five stages of consciousness in religion and the returning buddha.

African American Religion Essay

Before Africans were brought to America during the slave trade, they had their own culture and society. They had their own language and dance. They also had their own religion. History tells us that the Europeans justified their abuse toward the Africans as helping them become more civilized because the Africans lifestyle appeared primal to them and not as developed and industrialized as theirs. What is often overlooked is that even though Africans were taken from Africa and Americanized and have been stripped of their religion, culture, language and even their name, the very essence of the African as a people did not go away. Some African American slaves rejected Christianity’s religion because they saw it as the â€Å"white man’s religion†. History tells us American Slave Masters abused the Africans by whipping them like animals and by treating them inhumane. The fact that these slave masters wanted the African American to worship their god was unacceptable for some because they could not fathom why they should worship a god who allowed people to be so badly treated. Some Africans accepted Christianity’s religion and faith by identifying with Jesus Christ, the son of God who according to the Bible was innocent of sin and yet he was beaten, bruised and crucified for the sins of the world. Some African Americans wanted to remain faithful to their heritage yet did not agree with the conjure practices. Seth Holly’s character is a good example of conforming to the economic prosperity of America which was founded by Christians. White Christians enforced Christian beliefs, values, and some practices based on the Euro American Christian interpretation of Christian text. Seth developed a kind of hatred for his own people proving that he has adopted the practices of white America in the early 1900s. â€Å"Niggers coming up here from that old backwoods†¦ coming up here from the country carrying Bibles and guitars looking for freedom. † Seth says. â€Å"They got a rude awakening† (6). Seth signifies the African American who resents assimilation to the white American culture. But, at the same time, he too attempts to connect with his heritage by simply allowing Bynum to live in his home and bless it with his conjures rituals. Seth also participates in an African dance ritual called the Juba. Bynum’s character is introduced by practicing conjure rituals. He cuts open pigeons and spreads its blood onto him as a type of cleansing to communicate with spirits. Bynum represents the African American who chose to remain faithful to the religion of his heritage. Others who have chosen the faith of Christianity view conjure rituals as evil, witchcraft, or demonic. Some African Americans wanted to remain faithful to their heritage yet did not agree with conjure practices anymore. Loomis walks in on the juba dance and goes into a trance after dinner at the boarding house. He had a vision of skeletons emerge from a body of water. â€Å"Loomis: I done seen bones rise up out the water. Rise up and walk across the water. Bones walking on top of the water† (53). Loomis recognizes through the vision, his state of ignorance to the knowledge that will lead him to the new way of thinking. Bynum serves as a supporting character reacting to Loomis’s trance. â€Å"Bynum: They walking around here now. Mens. Just like you and me. Come right up out the water† (56). Loomis’s trance and Bynum’s interpretation of it is a turning point in the story. The skeletons coming from the bottom of the sea in Loomis’s vision represent the slave ships, the disorientation experienced by the slaves during emancipation, and the confusion of his release from Joe Turner. Both Loomis and Bynum have tapped into their ancestral religion. The difference between the two is that Bynum represents the African who never renounced his religion and Loomis is the African-American who turned from conjure religion and converted to the faith of Christianity. After Joe turner took his life away from him, Loomis questioned his Christian faith and his identity. By walking in on the ancestral ritual of the Juba dance, Loomis literally walked into what he had actually been looking for, his religion, consequently, his ancestral identity and this is why he fell into the trance. Throughout the play conjures is encompasses four generations; Bynum’s father, Bynum, Loomis, and the neighbor boy Reuben. Reuben’s vision is of Seth’s mother by the pigeon coop, she encourages Reuben to release the caged pigeons. Wilson writes in a way that leads the reader to believe that Loomis needs to find his missing wife. Martha Pentecost is not the one who was lost; Loomis was the one who was lost, wondering around from town to town, searching. Loomis came into the state of belief when Bynum helped him translate his vision. That vision represented Loomis going back to his ancestral conjure religion. Loomis needed to find Martha Pentecost simply to say good-bye to her and their life former together. Up until this point of the story, I believed that Loomis needed to find his wife so they could live out the rest of their lives as a happy free family with their daughter. However, it is made pretty obvious this was never Loomis’s intentions. â€Å"That goodbye kept me out on the road searching,† Loomis says, â€Å"now that I see your face I can say my goodbye and make my own world† (90). Martha Pentecost, a woman of Christian faith, represents the African who assimilated into white America’s culture and Loomis needed to find her to say good-bye to her and the Christian faith. Martha stands by her Christian faith by accusing Loomis â€Å"you done gone over to the devil† (91). White man’s religion believed that conjure was evil or the way of the devil. Loomis finds it easier to reject her for her Christian beliefs. â€Å"Loomis: Great big old white man†¦your Mr. Jesus Christ. Standing there with a whip in one hand and a tote board in another, them niggers swimming in a sea of cotton† (92). Loomis proves with his statement, his version of a bible story that differed from other African Americans but was similar to that of the white man who believed that they were on a level below God and the African’s were beneath them, African’s were one third of a person. Loomis now believes that if African’s are going to be free then they have to take charge of their own destiny. Martha Pentecost represents the African American’s religion, she identifies that Loomis needs to â€Å"be washed in the blood of the lamb† (92) and â€Å"you done gone over to the devil. (91) Through class lessons I learned that African American slaves compared themselves with stories in the bible to instill hope of a life free from oppression, violence, and bondage. Jesus according to the bible was innocent of sin and yet he was beaten, bruised and crucified for the sins of the world. The hope of reigning in heave with Jesus is considered the ultimate reward for suffering life’s trials and tribulations. It is the faith of the African Americans who accepted Christianity religion. Blacks trusted in the Lord instead of man. America was Egypt in the exodus story and as long as the enslaving and oppressing took place America would face the same wrath as Egypt. â€Å"Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. † The bible was depended on in justifying and motivation rebellion for the blacks and used as a tool to keep blacks enslaved by the whites. African Americans used sermons, song, and prayer to convey and teach their message of travail and triumph of Israel. Some African Americans could not get past the treatment from the white people that called themselves Christians and as a result they rejected Christianity. Selig’s role suggests that the link between characters is the acquisition of material goods. Selig admits that his ancestors have always made their living pursuing African Americas; his great grandfather transported slaves from Africa, his father captured runaway slaves and returned them to their masters for a reward, and Selig locates displaced people for a fee. Selig attains his ecstasy through consumer capitalism, through the selling of material goods. African Americans are objects for exploitation and exchange in the new economy. He binds African Americans to the economic system, demanding payment of his services and products which necessitates subsistence labor by taking them from one construction site or work site to another, similar to a temporary employment agency today. You pay for an employee to work for some time, but Selig is getting paid by the person looking for work or a ride to a chance of freedom. Selig cannot find a person that has not purchased a dustpan from him because he keeps the names of his customers. Seth is determined to achieve material success, he has very little patience for African Americans migrating north looking for the same prosperity that he desires. Seth is very demanding of his patrons, insisting on advance payment in full, and is preoccupied with maintaining a respectable house. â€Å"It’s hard enough now without all that ignorant kind of acting. Ever since slavery got over with there ain’t been nothing but foolish-acting niggers. Word get out they need men to work in the mill and put in these roads†¦ and niggers drop everything and head north looking for freedom. (5, 6) Seth wants to blend in with the white man’s world; therefore he keeps a link with Selig by negotiating the manufacturing and sale of dustpans. Seth does not have any idea of what it would be like to be a slave, as he was born free in the North and was educated. He demonstrates his education with his math calculation when dealing with the boarding house patrons and the quick notation of him letting Selig know that he is trying to overcharge him for the dust pan materials. Educational differences played a role in tension with Southern blacks, most of who were forbidden from learning to read, saw religion as a matter of oral tradition nd immediate experience and emotion. Northerner blacks, stressed that one could not truly be Christian unless they was able to read the Bible and understand it. This play denies individual worth and identity for some of Wilson’s characters. To be defrauded of the products of one’s labor or to see that creation diminished, like with Jeremy and the guitar contest, is to be denied a reflection of individual worth and identity. If people have been separated from this truth of individual worth and identity through oppression their capacity to bond with one another, form friendships, or couples, families are undermined. Social alienation in Wilson’s characters are expressed in their stores of broken relationships, uncertainty, or suspicion that they feel toward one another. â€Å"Seth: Something ain’t setting right with that fellow, Bynum. He’s one of them mean-looking niggers look like he done killed somebody gambling over a quarter. †(20) Connection between oppression, alienation from self and inability to form bonds with others is displayed in the character of Loomis. Joe Turner’s ability to oppress Loomis carried a judgment of non-worth. â€Å"Loomis: He told me I was worthless. Worthless is something you throw away. Something you don’t bother with† (73) Turners judgment of worthlessness forced Loomis to accept the reality of the white man’s power; he was marked as â€Å"one of Joe Turners niggers and forced to forget his song. †(71) Being alienated from himself and displaced with his relation to the world, Loomis is unable to establish bonds with people around him. The oppression encountered by Wilson’s characters is material or economic, that oppression is spiritual as well in the capacity to deprive the individual of a sense of himself or his unique song. The reawakening of Loomis after his encounter with cultural wisdom is not the self discovery of an average African American but creation of a new source of cultural wisdom, a new African holy man. Wilson uses many metaphors throughout the play. The song is a metaphor for Loomis’s identity and the African American cultural identity. Music is a large part of African American identity, so it makes since that in search of one’s identity they are searching for their song. The boarding house serves as an inn for traveling folk, but the tenants actually receive a form of healing during their stay. Tenants get direction and guidance from Bertha and Bynum. The shiny man that Bynum is in search for signifies African American independence. The man that Bynum met on the road was an independent African American, just as Loomis was freed by his past when he cleansed himself in his own blood. â€Å"Bynum: Herald Loomis, you shining! You shining like new money! †(94) Loomis has dismissed that the blood of Christ can wash away his sins and make him the man he used to be, but by washing himself in his own blood he has sacrificed the old life to begin his new journey on his terms. Bynum’s shining man has been found, meaning his work is complete; he has passed his powers on to the next generation, Loomis. â€Å"They tell me Joe Turner’s come and Gone† is a song that is sung by Bynum, when I first read the story I thought that the meaning was came and now he is dead however, the second time I read the play I realized that it meant that Joe Turner has come and snatched the men and now he is now gone. August Wilson uses symbolism in the play as a very important part in conveying the meaning of the story. Wilson’s use of symbolism is demonstrated through Mr.  Wilson’s use of the road, Martha Pentecost, and Herald Loomis. Symbolic importance is give to the word freedom. The word freedom has instilled hope into the lives of African Americans: during slavery, hope for the release from bondage; after emancipation, the right to be educated, employed, and to move about freely; twentieth century, social, political, and economic justice. Freedom has always stood for the absence of any restraint, because God made all men from his image. There are a number of characters that travel around searching for their place in the world. Mattie, mentions that she keeps on looking, seems like she just keeps starting over, I ain’t never found no place for me to fit. † (76) Reuben tells Zonia, when he finds out that she is leaving the boarding house in search of her mom, â€Å"when I get grown, I come looking for you. †(84) Jeremy does not seem to care much when he loses his job because, â€Å"don’t make me no difference. There’s a big road out there, I can always get my guitar and find me a place to stay. I ain’t planning on staying in one place for too long noway. (64) Martha & Reverend Tolliver moved the Church up north because of the trouble the church was having. When the Civil War finally brought freedom to previously enslaved African Americans, the task of organizing religious communities was only one element of the larger need to create new lives, to reunite families, to find jobs, and to figure out what it would mean to live in the United States as citizens rather than property. August Wilson’s play, Joe Turner’s come and Gone, examines African Americans search for their cultural identity following slavery.

Villa Savoye

Constructed by Le Corbusier in 1929-31, the Villa Savoye, one of the greatest masterpieces of modern architecture, has been widely contested on the part of its originality and its accordance to the practical significance requirements every building should meet.Following the tradition of International style (a major architectural style in the 1920s and 1930s, also known as a Modern movement, the modernistic style of maximum minimalism), the Swiss architect Le Corbusier dreamed of breaking all architectural rules and principles (such as scope, tectonics, prossemic etc) and building simple, geometrically designed, unornamented, spacious houses: as he called them, â€Å"machines to be lived in† (`machines à   habiter').Of course, this outburst of the twentieth century architecture towards the total mechanization and simplicity was numerously criticized for the lack of humanism (box-shaped building dehumanize and deprive people of their individuality, they say), yet Le Corbusierâ €™s (and other modern architects’, such as Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, Mart Stam, Hans Scharoun, as well) intention was absolutely humanistic – to provide every man with a place to live in this constantly growing world.Le Corbusier sought efficient ways to house large numbers of people in response to the urban housing crisis. He was a leader of the modernist movemnet to create better living condition and better society through housing concepts.But apart from the problem of efficency, many art historians prefer to look on his works, and particularly on the Villa Savoye, as on the works of art which provide many artistic effects and influence human perception with unexpected geometry. As a matter of fact, Le Corbusier disproves Umberto Eko’s functionalistic theory of architecture by costructing buildings to exceed all levels of expectation (as it is required from works of art). Many critics refer to his buildings as to the true masterpieces.William J. R . Curtis, for example, analyzing the elaborate shape of the Le Corbusier’s building, compares the Villa with a Cubistic painting. While Mark Wigley pays much attention to the colour of the Villa Savoye – his admiration of its glairing whiteness is unconcealed. So, let’s take these two critics’ analyses into pieces in order to find out who sounds more convincing and whose point of view looks more original and advanced.William J. R. Curtis takes the most evident uniqueness of the Villa Savoye for analysis – the shape. What he actually notes is Le Corbusier’s excellent ability to combine severe and inanimate square horizontal forms with intricate curvatures and asymmetrical forms. This is the top formalistic skill, he claims.It is a well-known fact that Villa Savoye in Poissy is Le Corbusier’s major work, associated to his cousin Pierre Jeanneret. In this construction he pioneered to concretize the revolutionary â€Å"five points for a new architecture†:1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   constructing buildings that stand on pilotis: thus they should elevate the mass from the ground. The loads are carried punctually and release the peripheral walls, allowing points 2), 3) and 4). Pilotti was one of the most favorite Le Corbusier’s devices to free the lower levels for pedestrians.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a free plan3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a free faà §ade4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   long horizontal windows running from one wall to another and outcropping the frontage. They allow generous opening on light and sun.5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a roof garden : the terrace, build on the roof, totally resembles the garden.  Ã‚   Curtis is free to operate almost all the principles, although he pays more attention to deconstructing the overall shape of the Villa Savoye. That’s why any principle he includes into the analysis serves to show this unordinary combination of forms and lines, which make the whole building opened toward the â€Å"conversation† with the outdoor atmosphere and the horizon behind it.â€Å"It is sculpted and hollowed to allow the surroundings to enter it, and its formal energies radiate to the borders of the site and to the distant horizon†, – keenly observes William J.R. Curtis in his essay about the Villa. In fact, he uses many arguments to sound more convincing. For example, he speaks of the faà §ade to be somewhat blank and forbidding in the whole picture of the first-level box that at first sight makes an impression of only horizontal lines predominance. While the faà §ade is a simple key to open an elaborate asymmetry of the Villa, hidden in the other three sides one can â€Å"rediscover† the building from.The faà §ade with its long horizontally placed ribbon of windows   seems to be a difficult riddle that at first glance requires a simple answer (â€Å"the Villa is incorrigibly symmetrical†) but can be solved only after taking a glance f rom the rear (â€Å"its symmetry is upset by the curved volumes behind†).Another argument the author refers to is the use of pilotis, which Le Corbusier favored so much. The cylindrical pilotis are actually the only vertical lines of the building helpfully holding the massive first-level box so that create an impression of hovering.Thus, Le Corbusier not only frees the low-level space for pedestrians but also breaks the architectural archetype of tectonics (in a common view such a thin pilotti cannot hold such a massive ‘box’). But it is the architect’s great achievement to be able to supply this huge â€Å"machine to be lived in† with an airy sense of lightness.Mark Wigley chooses another path to the Villa Savoye. Unlike William J.R. Curtis, who takes a drive to the Villa and a walk around it so that grasp the overall expression, Wigley assesses the close picture of it, i.e. analyzing the colour of the building Le Corbusier preferred, having been i nfluenced by the vernacular whitewash technique.For the design of the buildings themselves, Le Corbusier said that all buildings should be white by law and criticized any effort at ornamentation. What Wigley states in his essay is that the nature of white colour in LeCorbusier’s houses is not as simple as only an echo of Mediterranean vernacular whitewash the Swiss archtect admired so much during his travel to the East at the end of 1910. His new found love of white is of a complex origin, Wigley claims. For example, he cites Le Corbusier’s letter to his friend William Ritter, in which the architect share his newly made discovery of   white, as a proof for his guess.This subtle critic cannot accept the view that the reason for such a faithful love to the white colour is only a result of submission to â€Å"the irresistable attraction of the Mediterranean†. In fact, â€Å"the architect’s appeal to the universal status of white seems to be founded on a h ighly specific and idiosyncratic set of personal experiences and fantasies†. Le Corbusier’s choice of the white wall is motivated by synthesis rather than by a simple influence.That’s why the phenomenon of white in modern architecture surely exceeds all the discourses (a collective idea of the white colour) and rests on the intimate emotional experiences of every architect that rediscovers the colour for him/herself.To some extent I really feel this personal modernistic view on white. I can feel the author’s attitude towards the colour that obviously contradicts the common idea of white as a symbol of purity (yes, Le Corbusier was a purist architect, but only in terms of the usage of simple geometrical forms) and sanctity. His white is deprived of the collectivistic views and is rather a symbol of vanguard blank page. Le Corbusier rubbed off the messages scripted by the previous cultures.

American Dream Lost

American Dream Lost It is the natural inclination of all men to dream. Some may have short-term goals, and others may have life-long ambitions. Despite what cynics say, the American people are hopeful and waiting for something great. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck paints a portrait of characters who, longing for something outside of their monotonous lives, each have a lost dream that supports Steinbecks view that the American dream is a lost cause. Lennies dream to tend to rabbits does not come true because of his own deficiencies and the obstacles of society. As Lennie and George, Lennies companion and protector, travel through the woods to their next ranch-hand job, George confronts Lennie about keeping a dead mouse in his pocket and demands Lennie hand it over, Lennie hesitate[s], back[s] away, look[s] wildly at the brush line as though he contemplated running for his freedom. George insists, The mouse aint fresh, Lennie; and besides, youve broke it pettin it, and reminds Lennie of his past history of killing mice, so, then Lennie look[s] sadly up at him Id pet em, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinched their heads a little and then they was dead' (9-10). Lennie, who has a fetish for soft things, has the severe deficiency that he does not realize his own strength. His dream to own rabbits is important to him because he wants something to be responsible for, but it is obvious by his past history of roughness, and e ven his reluctance to hand the mouse over to George, that he is too reckless for his dream to ever to come true. In a conversation between Lennie and Curleys wife, Curleys wife tells Lennie that she has soft hair and that he may pet it, so, Lennies big fingers fell to stroking her hair Lennie said, Oh! Thats nice, and he stroked harder And then [Curleys wife] cried out angrily, You stop it now, youll mess it all up. She jerked her head sideways and Lennies fingers closed on her hair and hung on. Let go, she cried. You let go!' (99). Lennie panics, and, in an effort to silence her, shakes her so hard that he breaks her neck, showing that he has absolutely no self-control. He does not stop petting Curleys wifes hair when she asks him to, even demands him to, partly because he is too dumb, but also because he lacks the physical capacity to control himself. Although Lennie is inherently innocent, his dumbness and lack of self-control combined with his obsession with soft things and his unknown strength, produce a deadly formula. Unfortunately for Lennie, society does not understand his mental handicap (earlier in the book George makes reference to the fact that Lennie was kicked in the head as a boy), and because he murdered Curleys wife, George must shoot him. Before George shoots him, Lennie asks him to recite their shared dream aloud, We gonna get a little place, George began He reached in his side pocket and brought out [the gun] Look down there acrost the river, like you can almost see the place. And George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennies head He pulled the trigger (117). Lennies dream is his security blanket. His only measure of the seriousness of his actions is how it will affect his dream, and in his last moments of life, he asks to hear about it, still is too naive to realize that surely now it can never come true. After George pulls the trigger, Lennie dies along with the lost dream. For Lennie , the American dream is dead. Crooks dream does not come true for different reasons. A lonely man desperate for companionship, he has the ambition to work on George and Lennies future farm that will never become reality. When Lennie first tells Crooks about his and Georges plan to buy a piece of land, Crooks reacts, Youre nuts I seen hundreds of men come by on the road an on the ranches, with their bindles on their back an that same [darn] thing in their heads An never a [darn] one of them ever gets it. Crookss pattern of pessimism and negativity brings him down, and he even attempts to dampen the hopes of those around him, relating to Lennie that hundreds of men have passed through the ranch, all of them with dreams similar to Lennies, but not one of them, he emphasizes resentfully, ever manages to make that dream come true. However, when he hears more of the plan, he offers, If you guys would want a hand to work for nothing-just his keep, why Id come an lend a hand (80, 84). A plan so daring and uncertain requi res its followers to have absolute faith. Crooks, who never believes in the plan from the very start, has a great chance of suddenly giving up again. Crooks physical disability along with his race will prevent him from reaching his dream. Steinbeck narrates, Crooks, the Negro stable buck, had his bunk in the harness room; a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn His body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine (73). Crooks is not allowed in the bunkhouse with the white ranch hands and remains in a forced isolated state. He wants a place where he can be independent and have some security, but there is no security for a black man in a prejudiced world, least of all one with a crooked back. Farm work requires strength and physical endurance, and though Crooks offers to do odd jobs for George and Lennie, he would only end up hindering them with his disability. While Lennie, Candy, and Crooks fantasize about the land they hope to have one day, Curleys wife enters and mak es attempts to draw all attention to herself. When Crooks tells her to leave, She turned on him in scorn. Listen, Nigger You know what I can do to you if you open your trap? Crooks stared hopelessly at her Yes maam.' Curleys wife retorts, Well, you keep your place then, Crooks had reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego-nothing to arouse either like or dislike. He said, Yes, maam, and his voice was toneless (88-89). The fact that Crooks is black cements his fate, and he realizes this. The moment Curleys wife, who on a larger scale actually represents all society, brings Crooks back to reality and keeps him down in his place, he loses the little bit of hope he had gained and again becomes nothing. The American dream that everyone has equal opportunity to achieve his goal through hard work and determination is dead to Crooks. Crooks pessimism, physical disability, and race prevent him from reaching his dream. Though Curleys wife, who walks the ranch as a temptress, seems to be cold and cruel, she too has a lost dream. Continuously throughout the novel, Curleys wife reminds those around her about the time a man came through town and told her that she could be a star. Another man told her that she was a natural and promised to write, but the letter never came. She tells Lennie, I always thought my ol lady stole it. Well, I wasnt going to stay no place where I couldnt get nowhere or make something of myself So I married Curley. Met him out to the Riverside Dance Palace that same night, (97). Curleys wife is a poor decision-maker because she does not think out her actions. Instead of pursuing her dream by taking acting lessons or moving to Hollywood, she marries Curley the same night she met him. Entering the marriage, she believes it is a means of escape, but she only ends up stuck in Salinas, even more tied down. In not giving Curleys wife a name, Steinbeck makes Curleys wife a universal ch aracter; she represents every woman. Curleys wife has no personal identity; she is only identified with her husband. A woman who does not have even an identity can never make it big or even on her own. Later, in the same barn scene, Curleys wife flirts with Lennie and encourages him to pet her hair. When she tells him to stop, Lennie becomes frightened and breaks her neck. Steinbeck describes, Curleys wife lay with a half-covering of yellow hay. And the meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention were all gone from her face. She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young, (101). Even before Curleys wife dies, she is bound to remain in the same circumstance her entire life, never able to make anything of herself. Only in Curleys wifes death does Steinbeck grant her virtue, because only then does she dies does she regain her innocence. Her dream is lost forever, and now without all her plans for the future she becomes fully human. Steinbe ck seems to show through her that even the worst of us have our humanity. For Curleys wife, the American dream to rise out of ones humble roots will never be a reality. Lennie, Crooks, and Curleys wife all have lost dreams because of their own personal deficiencies and those society forces on them. To them, the American dream is dead. Although the loss of dreams is depressing, all men must eventually face this harsh reality of life.