A critical analysis of the role and functioning of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as it relates to Newland

Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the role and functioning of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as it relates to Newland. Details about the WTO Agreement are presented as well as about the full impact of WTO membership. Positive and negative aspects of WTO membership are outlined in order to provide a relevant account of the role and impact of this international institution on the functioning of member states, including Newland. The paper also presents information about the traditional notion of state sovereignty and how the process of globalisation forces people to rethink this notion and replace it with the idea of welfare states. Introduction The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been equally praised and criticised as a global institution which is responsible for the maintenance of trade between countries (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). Representatives of different movements, such as Globaphile and Globaphobe, have introduced their arguments regarding the impact of WTO. Clarifying the purpose of WTO and the WTO Agreement is important to provide significant insights into the functioning of organisations in the field of global trade (Daemmrich, 2011). The objective of this paper is to critically analyse the role and functioning of WTO as it relates to Newland. Purpose of WTO and WTO Agreement The World Trade Organisation (WTO) emerged as an influential body in the global business environment. As an international organisation, WTO deals with the global principles of trade between different nations. The major function of WTO is to ensure that global trade relations are conducted in a free, proper and smooth manner (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). The core of the system is represented by the nature of multilateral trade relations which have been specified as WTO’s agreements. The majority of trading countries is responsible for signing and negotiating these agreements. Some of the main agreements presented by this institution include Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Therefore, such agreements emerge as a solid legal foundation for international trade (Matsushita et al. 2006). As a result, member countries are guaranteed essential trade rights. In addition, national governments are required to maintain their trade policies within specific limits in order to comply with the interests of all global stakeholders (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). The primary goal of WTO is to contribute to the improved welfare of the populations of the member countries. WTO is also responsible for providing a forum for negotiations among countries. It ensures the proper functioning of a dispute settlement mechanism (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). Standards of living can substantially increase along with economic growth. Countries can achieve these objectives by allowing for the optimal use of global resources in line with the broader perspective of sustainable development (Matsushita et al., 2006). The core WTO rules and disciplines are about opening foreign markets for the benefit of multinationals, the EU and the United States. It would be in the interest of Newland to accept a series of new international obligations. It has been argued that WTO’s system for resolving trade disputes between member countries has achieved a substantial success (Van den Bossche and Zdouc, 2013). The WTO Agreement indicates the condition that each WTO member should ensure compliance with its laws and regulations. A significant part of the commitments in this sector refer to the issue of reviewing and appealing administrative decisions. The WTO Agreement will prevail over Newland’s Constitution in terms of requiring a revision of the country’s laws and regulations (Daemmrich, 2011). Newland’s laws should be consistent with the requirements specified by the WTO Agreement. For instance, Newland may consider the opportunity to create tribunals or relevant processes for the review of all administrative actions (Milner, 2005). The implementation of national treatment and conformity assessment is required to improve Newland’s courts. The country may confirm that all laws and legislative aspects or tools pertaining to WTO provisions may be adopted. It has been reflected in the literature that most constitutions enable central governments with an opportunit y to regulate trade and commerce relations with other nations (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). Yet, the interpretation of these legal provisions remains challenging and unclear. The wide objective of the WTO Agreement has become a complex factor. Newland is expected to describe its constitutional arrangements and thus its WTO obligations need to be applied in a uniform manner throughout the country’s territory (Van den Bossche and Zdouc, 2013). Impact of WTO Membership The full impact of WTO membership reflects in the promotion of peace between countries, handling of dispute by applying constructive thinking and in the idea that rules are established easier for all members (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). In addition, free trade tends to reduce the cost of living by providing a wide range of choices to consumers in terms of products and quality. Other significant effects that may improve the economic performance of Newland relate to extensive economic growth, increased national income and appropriate governance which adhere to solid legal principles and standards (Milner, 2005). WTO membership can help Newland present a balanced view of trade policy. The focus is on balance in the international economic and political system. As a result, the country’s government would be better placed to defend itself against lobbying practiced by narrow interest groups (Narlikar, 2005). Emphasis would be set on trade-offs that represent the interests of all stakeholders in the economy. Newland should be committed to an independent judicial review as part of WTO’s paradigm for the governance of legal principles (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). It is important to improve the body of legislation and judicial interpretations which could be achieved through WTO membership. Notion of State Sovereignty and Impact of Globalisation The traditional notion of state sovereignty refers to a non-physical entity present at the international legal system which is dominated by one centralised government. In accordance with international law, state sovereignty indicates that a sovereign state should have a strictly defined territory, permanent population and one government (Milner, 2005). However, the process of globalisation forces individuals to rethink this concept. Globalisation has presented a dual impact on the sovereignty of states. The framework of human rights has outlined a sense of obligation of the state towards its citizens. Yet, as a result of globalisation, the social contract has a welfare component attached to it (Narlikar, 2005). The process of economic integration facilitated through the mechanisms of trade and development as well as WTO membership has limited the provision of policy options to states. In turn, this aspect has led to countries’ diminished capacity to meet the expected economic and legal obligations (Milner, 2005). For instance, such countries may encounter difficulties in complying with essential legal standards and principles in the global context. The traditional notion of state sovereignty has been replaced by growing understanding of nation states as welfare states. Such shift of perception has indicated that the focus on welfare is a leading element of the global concept of sovereignty. In other words, the idea of state sovereignty has been subjected to changes over time. The focus is on providing social security to the citizens of these states (Daemmrich, 2011). This may be the situation in the state of Newland. Economic globalisation has demonstrated an increased scope which reflected in the economic and legal functioning of Newland. Essential aspects of economic globalisation include the devaluation of currencies, strict regulation of capital markets and substantial public spending which has led to significant public deficits (Dhar, 2013). However, WTO membership can guarantee Newland better integration of its trade and legal system. The country may take proper risks, open up its fiscal market and determine its own polic y outcomes. In an attempt to provide the most reasonable course of action to Newland, it is essential to explore the negative effects associated with the country’s WTO membership. It has been stated that WTO is undemocratic, as this institution lacks transparency (Milner, 2005). The lack of transparency is a serious problem to countries considering the inappropriate mechanisms of governance undertaken by different states. The WTO rules are prepared for corporations that have an access to the negotiations. Moreover, WTO usually undertakes actions to privatise significant services, including education and health care. Another negative effect of WTO membership is that this international organisation undermines national sovereignty and local decision making (Dhar, 2013). An argument presented in this line is that developing countries are prevented from the opportunity to create local laws. It can be argued that developing countries are in a more unfavourable position with regards to the legal system compared to developed countries. The requirement of being internationally competitive poses significant challenges to WTO members (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). That is why Newland should outweigh the advantages and negative effects associated with WTO membership in order to make an adequately informed decision. Conclusion The present paper analysed the role and functioning of WTO as it relates to Newland. Numerous arguments in favour and against WTO’s dominant role in international trade and development have been introduced (Narlikar, 2005). The prevailing function of the WTO Agreement has been discussed in the paper along with the full impact of WTO membership. Other important sections of the paper included the notion of state sovereignty and the impact of globalisation (Devuyst and Serdarevic, 2007). It has been argued that the process of globalisation has altered the way in which nation states function and regulate their trade. Yet, it has been concluded that Newland may benefit from WTO membership if it strictly adheres to essential economic and legal principles outlined by the international organisation. References Daemmrich, A. (2011). ‘The Evolving Basis for Legitimacy of the World Trade Organization: Dispute Settlement and the Rebalancing of Global Interests’. Harvard Business School. Working Paper 12-041. Devuyst, Y. and Serdarevic, A. (2007). ‘The World Trade Organization and Regional Trade Agreements: Bridging the Constitutional Credibility Gap’. Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law, vol. 18(1), pp1-75. Dhar, B. (2013). ‘The Future of the World Trade Organisation’. ADBI Working Paper. Matsushita, M., Schoenbaum, T. J. and Mavroidis, P. C. (2006). The World Trade Organization: Law, Practice, and Policy. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Milner, H. V. (2005). ‘Globalization, Development, and International Institutions: Normative and Positive Perspectives’. Review Essay, vol. 3(4), pp833-854. Narlikar, A. (2005). The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Van den Bossche, P. and Zdouc, W. (2013). The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization: Text Cases and Materials. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Catcher in the Rye Plot Essay

When someone is young, they tend to have innocence about them. As children grow up, they no longer possess this natural innocence. Exposure to all of the hatred in the world causes this loss. Holden Caulfield realizes this simple fact, as he himself grows up, and has a difficult time with the change. He experiences problems with communication as well as his school work. A common theme used throughout The Catcher in the Rye has to do with contradictions Holden makes. In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, first person point of view is used to highlight contradictions Holden makes throughout the novel. Holden’s first contradiction becomes clear in the first few chapters of the book. When it comes to attending movies, he claims that he does not enjoy the company of Robert Ackley or going to see movies. Yet, he attends a show with Ackley. On Friday night, while Stradlater was on a date with Jane, Holden made his own plans. Holden, Mal Brossard, and Ackley went out for a burger and a movie. â€Å"†¦ decided we’d take a bus into Agerstown and have a hamburger and maybe see a lousy movie.†(36) Due to the use of first person point of view, we find out Holden’s inner thoughts instead of just relying on his actions. Also, later on in the novel, Holden goes to yet another movie, despite his claim of not enjoying them. While in the theater, he becomes extremely annoyed with the woman sitting next to him. She cried throughout the entire movie over, in Holden’s words, phony stuff. â€Å"†¦ there was a lady sitting next to me that cried all through the goddam picture. The phonier it got, the more she cried.†(139) We learn about Holden’s inner thoughts because of first person point of view. We can find another contradiction dealing with Holden’s hatred of movies. When he attends the first movie, he goes with Robert Ackley, despite the fact that Holden previously told us that he dislikes him. Holden says that he finds Ackley to be completely annoying. However, he was the one who invited Ackley along. â€Å"I asked Mal if he minded if Ackley came along with us†¦ Mal said he didn’t mind but that he wasn’t too crazy about the idea.†(36) This quote helps show another contradiction of Holden’s through Salinger’s use of first person point of view. Holden also sought out Ackley as a form of comfort after his fight with Stradlater. Holden had no one else to turn to after the fight except for Ackley. â€Å"I had a feel Ackley’d probably heard all the racket and was awake, so I went through the shower curtains and into his room† (46). Salinger again uses first person point of view to show even more of this contraction. Another contradiction that can be found has to do with Sally Hayes. Although Holden calls Sally a phony, he still decides to spend a night with her. In his head, he continues to say how much he hates Sally and how much she annoys him, yet he expresses that he loves her. Holden extends his contradiction by necking with Sally in the back of the cab, and still continues to think about the fact that he hates her. â€Å"I told her I loved her and all. It was a lie, of course.†(125) Holden’s actual thoughts about Sally stick out from the other statements through the use of first person point of view. Holden even goes as far as trying to run away with Sally. He expresses a want of running away and living on their own, right after calling her a pain in the ass. â€Å"I was getting excited as hell the more I thought about it, and I sort of reached over and took old Sally’s goddam hand. What a goddam fool I was.† (132) This contradiction was shown through the use of first person point of view. First person point of view is used by J.D. Salinger to show Holden’s contradictions in the Catcher in the Rye. Holden contradicts himself on a regular basis; it leads him to believe that he is crazy. Due to the fact that he has a problem with communicating to others, letting his feelings out became a challenge. His biggest battle involved his inner thoughts, and the words he actually expressed out loud. We can find most of his contradictions through this battle of words.

American Diabetes Research Paper Essay

For this research paper, I chose the American Diabetes Association. There are three types of diabetes. Two of them are major. Type one is known as Juvenile Diabetes. It is where your pancreas is unable to produce insulin for your body. Juvenile Diabetes affects mainly young people such as children and young adults. People with type one must take insulin daily. (Type 1)The second type is known as Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder ensuing from the body’s failure to produce or appropriately use insulin. It affects mostly adults. People may get Diabetes Mellitus by heredity or lifestyle choices. (Type 2) Gestational is the third type. Women who are pregnant tend to sometimes have this because when women are pregnant, hormonal changes cause your cells to be less responsive to insulin. It is also taken as a sign for women they may have Diabetes Mellitus later on. (Gestational Diabetes) People were first diagnosed with diabetes in the late fifteenth century B.C. in Egypt. The first symptoms were found in 1552 B.C. Many thought diabetes was mostly a urination issue. It wasn’t until 1959, when the two major types were distinguished. (How Long Has Diabetes Been Around) The association itself was formed on August 28, 1940 by twenty six physicians. You can find many programs in all fifty states including the District of Columbia. (Nyondo) I chose to research this association for a few reasons. Diabetes is a huge epidemic that is affecting almost everyone in the world. Everyone I know either knows someone who has it, someone live with it, or they themselves have it. My father and grandmother both have type two. Seeing how it is affecting their lives, it also affects people they live with. It has shown me what diabetes can do to the way you live, eat and act and more. I am also aware of it because of them. They both told me and my siblings to be careful with what we eat. I would like to learn more about this association because  I want to learn how I can take part in helping my family and others with diabetes. I want to make a difference to them and everyone else fighting it. The research foundation was established in 1994 to raise huge contributions to fund diabetes science. Their commitment is to raise funds to improve people’s lives that have the disease. â€Å"100% of all research goes directly to support diabetes research.† (What The Research Foundation Does) There are three main programs to which you can donate. 1. Core Research Program- Investigator projects covering the full spectrum of subject matter in the field of diabetes. 2. Targeted- Donor-driven area of interest as deemed appropriate by the research. 3. General Research Program- Any areas of research currently approved by the association that have the greatest promise. (What The Research Foundation Does) They receive donations by holding up sales such as purchasing flowers for others, special dinners, Step Out, United Way, and direct mail. The cost of diabetes in 2007 follows: $174 billion in 2007 $116 billion- direct medical cost $58 billion- indirect $18 billion- undiagnosed $25 billion- diagnosed $623 million- gestational (Diabetes Statistics) The demographics they serve are everyone in the United States of America. The demographics of people with diabetes are listed as of the 2007-2009 survey: 7.1%- non-Hispanic whites 8.4%- Asian Americans 12.6%- non-Hispanic blacks 11.8%- Hispanic Among Hispanics: 7.6%- Cubans 13.3%- Mexican Americans 13.8%- Puerto Ricans. The years of age: 215,000/2.5%- under twenty years 23.6 million/11.3%- twenty years and older 13. Million/11.8%- men 12.6 million/10.8%- women The total prevalence of Diabetes in the United States: 25.8 million/8.3% – is of the population including children and adults. 18.8% million- diagnosed 7. Million- undiagnosed 79 million- prediabetes 1.9 million- new cases in people ages twenty and older in 2010. (Diabetes Statistics) You can contact the American Diabetes Association by emailing or calling them. By either one, you can request an information packet or have an interview. Their email address is AskADA@diabetes.org, and their calling center is 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2382). Their hours of operation are on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m. till 6:30 p.m. EST. Thursday and Friday at 8:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. (Contact Us) Diabetes is a huge problem for people of all ages everywhere. It has existed from early on and may soon affect everyone. I believe that more and more people are becoming diagnosed with Diabetes in America because of our nutrition and serving sizes. Americans today are indulging more in unhealthy food. With that, they rely on that food as everyday meals and soon, the serving sizes become greater in size. In addition, most Americans forget about the importance of physical activity. I believe that if more Americans are aware of Diabetes and what the effects are, they will begin to change their ways for the better. The American Diabetes Association is a great foundation because all of the donations go towards the research to support Diabetes. I am glad that I did this association for all reasons. They tell you everything about the association and how they are handling things. This shows that they do care about what people want to know, and they are not afraid of what they do. From what I have learned, the American Diabetes Association is one of the greatest foundations existing today, and will be for more years to come. BIBLIOGRAPHY â€Å"Contact Us.† diabetes.org. February 14, 2011. http://www.diabetes.org/help/contact-us.html â€Å"Diabetes Statistics.† diabetes.org. January 26, 2011. Web. February 10, 2011. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/?utm_source=WWW&utm_medium=DropDownDB&utm_content=Statistics&utm_campaign=CON â€Å"Gestational Diabetes.† Diabetes.org. web. February 14, 2011. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/ â€Å"How Long Has Diabetes Been Around† diabetes.ygoy.com. January 11, 2010. Web. February 10, 2011. http://www.diabetes.ygoy.com/2010/11/how-long-has-diabetes-been-around/ Nyondo, Jane. Email. Email interview. February 23, 2011. â€Å"Type 1.† Diabetes.org. web. February 14, 2011. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-1/ â€Å"Type 2† Diabetes. Org. web. February 14, 2011. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/ â€Å"What The Research Foundation Does.† Diabetes.org. February 14, 2011. http://www.diabetes.org/news-research/research/ada-research-foundation/what-the-research-foundation.html

Active Isolated Stretching for parkinson patients Article

Active Isolated Stretching for parkinson patients - Article Example Many patients have found complementary therapies as beneficial to them. Active Isolated stretching- AIS, therapy has proven effective in treatment of Parkinson’s disease. AIS revolves around the physiological principles of specific muscle lengthening, lengthening of the deep and superficial fascia and increased circulation of oxygen and blood to the tissues. The therapy allows the body to prepare for daily activity as well as repair itself. The AIS technique incorporates holding each stretched tissue for two seconds (Boelen 37). This assists the stretched tissue to avoid the stretch reflex. In AIS, the agonist muscle always does the work and this allows for the antagonist muscle to lengthen. In relation to Parkinson’s disease, the patients get to re-educate their neural pathways and muscles because of the active component in AIS. Repeated AIS allows the patient’s range of movement to become improved as well as strengthening their muscle tissues. AIS is a revered technique that assists to improve posture, restore body alignments, help eliminate pain and abnormal curvatures such as Kyphosis and scoliosis. Everyone can benefit from AIS. AIS is a superior therapy in dealing with flexibility problems because it has no age cap or many contraindication limits. AIS has proved to be a popular method of stretching employed by present day athletes, professionals, personal or athletic trainers, and massage therapists. The technique has proved effective in treating autoimmune and neurological conditions (Fatima & Lima 11). Autoimmune conditions treated by the technique include lupus, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia. Neurological conditions treated by the technique include post-polio, stroke, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and incomplete spinal cord. As a practitioner, I would employ the use of AIS therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease. AIS offers a preventive approach towards treating patients with Parkinson’s. Daily exercise is highly emphasized for

Regulation of Fast Food Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Regulation of Fast Food - Research Paper Example The author of the paper states that the preparation of fast food also may involve using high amounts of oil and unhealthy ingredients, which thus raise the question as to whether the consumption of fast food, should be under regulation or control of the government. Moreover, many ingredients used in the preparation of fast food are hardly worth being used in human food since they are extremely unhealthy and unfit. Research (Reynolds, pp 40-55) carried out has shown that by the year 2050, one in every three Americans will be suffering from diabetes due to high consumption of fast food (Reynolds, pp 43-58). Many efforts and plans have previously been under action in order to control the consumption of such meals. Some diseases included in the never-ending list of diseases caused by extensive intake of fast food include cholesterol, cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes. Additionally, it causes people to become overweight which in turn increases health insurance costs. Considering the si tuation mentioned above, it is thus quite important that the government take some action to provide a healthy lifestyle for its people and nation. This is because, as the head of the state or country, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that it guides the people following it, on the straight path and leads them towards what is correct (Allen & Albala, pp. 88-97). This is because it is the job of the government to step in and control matters when the public fails to do so. Of course, it is impossible to completely ban fast food restaurants or the consumption of fast food either, but surely the consumption of such meals can be controlled or monitored. This can be done by limiting the number of fast food restaurants operating in the country and issuing cards to every citizen having the ability to consume fast food. Thus, every time the person consumes fast food a check mark can be put and thus, their intake of such foods can easily be under regulation. Children at scho ol are seen mostly surviving on fast food, and parents are not able to do much about it since they themselves are so busy with work and other responsibilities. Parents themselves consume excessive amounts of fast food and their children just follow them in doing so (Allen & Albala, pp. 105-132). Now, if the government will not take control of the situation then who will take it is the question. On the contrary, there are many people who do not agree with my stance and believe that the government should stay out of their business and let them lead their own lives and raise their children their own method. They believe that there should be freedom to eat what one wants and that no one can be stopped from doing wrong things since they all live in a free country and have certain right s that should not be taken away from them. Most people want to be free to choose what they eat and do with their life and believe it is surely not the business for the government to keep a track of what th ey are eating and in what quantity (Allen & Albala, pp. 100-122). These people believe that issues that are more important need attention from the government at this time, as compared with focusing on people’s consumption of fast food.

Price Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Price Analysis - Essay Example R) promulgates which is a helpful guideline that assists both the parties to transaction regarding the correct price of any article (Subpart  15.4-Contract Pricing). There are different sorts of techniques that are highlighted in FAR, to correctly estimate the price of goods and services (Price Analysis Techniques: Procurement 2011). Some of them are listed below with brief description. This price analysis technique involves use of previous quotations in respect of the same item. However, this technique has the drawback in the form of not incorporating the element of inflation that normally increases with the passage of time. This method of determining the price utilizes the published list of prices in respect of goods and services, of similar types. Normally goods relating to general use are included in this category as the appropriate authority lists the prices of those goods for the general public. This technique refers to the determination of price through different laws. Normally government authorities fix some prices via law so that local producers can take benefit as well as the customers in order to avoid the danger of shortage. This technique is basically not a technique rather a way out to determine the prices when no such technique is available to determine the appropriate price. In this method, prices are sought by the personal judgment of the buyer based upon his past experiences and perception related to that particular product. Among these broad techniques, the most commonly used technique is the comparison of Bid Price Technique. In this technique, suppliers are asked to quote their prices and in the end, when best price is found, the tender is given to that particular supplier (Dahl and Hammond 1977). This technique is also useful as the true price prevailing in the market is sought and the element of monopoly is mitigated through the use of this technique. This technique basically erodes the importance of all other techniques as in this

Direct TV Strategic Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Direct TV Strategic Plan - Essay Example Customers connected to the internet can access the companys library, restart, and rewind shows and also engage interactive TV programs that provide real time information (DirecTV, 2013). The company’s advanced entertainment will involve an expanded capabilities. The company will provide streaming services outside the home with over 50 on-demand channels (DirecTV, 2013). Customers receive an improved user interface that unifies search across multiple screens. This interface is achievable through smart search capabilities across all platforms including mobile devices, tablets and set-top boxes (DirecTV, 2013). A global viewing history will ensure that subscribers can switch from one device to another and continue a previously paused program. The company’s strategy to transform subscriber experience will involve improving workforce and service quality engagement. Generating and testing of new ideas lead to improvements in products and procedures (DirecTV, 2013). A simplified customer interaction and increased subscriber self-service capability will increase productivity by reducing customer contact rates. Customers will also receive bundled broadband, video, and telephone services to improve customer convenience and cut costs (DirecTV, 2013). Providing a responsible pricing and enhanced productivity improves the customer experience and also the company’s profitability increases. The use of market growth and market share in developing strategies is crucial to our expansion. Suttle (2015) states that a company’s method of development is contingent upon its competition and financial situation. DirecTV currently has a little market share and especially in the private businesses. A firm’s market share is useful in determining the company’s strategy such as developing integrated bundling services and improving customer services like billing and packaging (DirecTV, 2013). A

How soda has negative effects on the body.. such as, obesity, sugars Research Paper

How soda has negative effects on the body.. such as, obesity, sugars etc - Research Paper Example Furthermore, continued extensive research has found that the continued consumption of soda does not only increase one’s waistline, but it also has other devastating effects on the human body (Thorndike, Sonnenberg, Riis, Barraclough and Levy 528). A just concluded study by the UCLA revealed that 62% of adolescents aged between 12 and 17 and 41% of kids aged between 2 and 11 years drank on average a single or more sodas in a day (Bubbling 9). This is seconded by the fact that sales of milk in 2009 were exceeded by almost $5 billion; with comparison data coming from the sales of carbonated beverages which averaged about $18.7 billion the same year (Bubbling 11). The high sales recorded in the carbonated beverages may be attributed to the fact that most, if not all, beverages are cheap and easily affordable by many, including children. The year 2000 saw a consumption of more than 15 billion gallons of soft drinks leaving every man, woman and child with a consumption rate of about one-12 ounce in a single day (Malik, Schulze and Hu 274). The increased consumption of soft drinks, mainly soda, in adolescents can be attributed to the fact that they feel they get more bang for their back by buying a super-size soda rather than an 8-ounce carton of milk with low fat content, about 1% (Malik, Schulze and Hu 275). ... This can be attributed to the easy trap posed by the insane overabundance of flavors and varieties of soft drinks. These flavors and varieties of drinks range from diet, regular, with or with no caffeine, to fruity drinks and a host of other energy drinks. Ludwig, Peterson and Gortmaker (505) believe that that the consumption of soda has a detrimental effect on weight control as a result of the additional calories provided by each sweetened soda and or soft drink. Another study revealed that a soda, for instance, Coke, can serve a whole seventeen teaspoonfuls of sugar in every twenty-oz serving. In addition, Sohn, Burt and Sowers (263) argue that a direct estimate or rather conversion of these teaspoons of sugar to calories estimates to about 240 calories that include 65g of sugar. Many argue that these amounts are insignificant but the major problem is persistent consumption of the drink. According to Thorndike et al. (532) consumption of, say, one or two sodas in a day as per the a verage estimates of the U.S and the trend continues for say a year will result in an accumulation of about 87,600 calories which when converted is around 25 pounds gained in just one year. For a person weighing 150 pounds, Ludwig, Peterson and Gortmaker (506) affirm that this increase will result in an increased disease risk of 16%. As a result, the possibility of one developing type-2 diabetes is increased as well due to the increased concentration and or consumption of sugars (Thorndike et al. 533). In children, the choices made regarding diet are believed to have a direct hand in the prevalence of insulin resistance. Other Risks. Weight control and obesity are not the only issues

To what extent did domestic political considerations shape the Johnson Essay

To what extent did domestic political considerations shape the Johnson administrations conduct of the war in Vietnam, 196568 - Essay Example This rapid change of attitudes to the war raises a number of questions. The most important of them is, perhaps, how the USA domestic affairs affected the inclination of the war in Vietnam. Apparently, President's Lyndon Johnson decision to take the United States into a large-scale in Vietnam could not be completely understood without the assessment of domestic political issues and considerations in 1960s. In this project, I will examine all domestic sources of forces as well as forces themselves that shaped to one or either way, Johnson's administration conduct of the Vietnam War. Respectively, I will focus on the 1965-1968 period of the War known as "Escalation and Americanization of Vietnam"4. While analyzing this period of War, I will evaluate the influence of Johnson's administration that determined Presidents' decisions of deployment of combat troops in July 1965, escalation of troops' involvement in 1967, and Johnson's decision to limit the bombing of Vietnam as well as his later decision not to seek reelection. Historically, there are two dominant approaches in analysis of Johnson's administration decision making regarding Vietnam War5. ... Historically, there are two dominant approaches in analysis of Johnson's administration decision making regarding Vietnam War5. One approach emphasizes Johnsons and his administration's irrationality and isolation from critique that consequently resulted in disastrous decisions about Vietnam. This approach describes Johnson as a single-minded "hawk" and extremely ambitious President reluctant to listen to the experts' views6. The second approach implies that Johnson had an access to the full range of information about Vietnam from diverse points of view, particularly from his foreign policy advisers: McGeorge Bundy, Dean Rusk, Walter Rostow and Robert McNamara, as well as from more informal ones78. This view provides a more rational view of Johnson, though makes him a hostage of his informants9. Another question under concern is the extent, to which domestic issues determined Johnson's decisions about Vietnam. In the other words, how domestic economy ("economic crisis" of 1968), growing Congressional opposition, shaping of public opinion and public riots (pacifists' movements), rapid loss of Johnson popularity, etc. determined the way of Vietnam War conduct. As Barrett (1993) believes, this "Vietnam dilemma" has significantly influenced generations of historians and political scientists10. Gulf of Tonkin incident and beginning of Johnson's Vietnam War era Until the August of 2004 Vietnam War was rather a local conflict than an issue, which further preoccupied the minds of average Americans in late 1960s. However, the attacks of Northern Vietnamese on American navies on August 2-4, 1964 prompted the large-scale involvement of American troops in the country. It is still debatable, whether Vietnamese indeed attacked US

Financial Proposal Essay Example for Free

Financial Proposal Essay Looking at the need in place, the year 2010 and the future compels the cardiac specialists to step up their capabilities to meet the rising challenge of the cardiac problems. This is as Wenger (1999) says, â€Å"as a result, the current challenge for cardiac rehabilitation specialist is to assure that their practice meets established expectations and that their programs emerge into a new era recognized for the quality and value of the services they provide† (Wenger, 1999 pp 315). At the same time, we also organize for the rising challenges in cardiac field through focusing on developing a work force that is concerned, creating public awareness on cardiac issues research programs that will open up opportunities for new ways of solving the heart problems. Service description What distinguish cardiac rehabilitation are the services that go on over time, that entail assessment, prescribing appropriate exercise for the patients and giving them appropriate education. In addition to these long-term services, we also have counseling and interventions on patients’ behavior. From the above principles, specialists subdivide Cardiac rehabilitation into parts that engross exercises, guidance on nutritional, supporting patients emotionally, supporting and educating them about way of life that will help reduce the risks of heart issues. This will help patients regain strength, prevent the conditions from getting worse and finally reduce the dangers of heart troubles in future. The infrastructure and technology We plan to have infrastructure, which is at par with the modern and efficient technology. Our focus is to have suits for consultations. This will be for out patients. We also plan to have quality services for the inpatients. Cardio-thoracic theaters will support these. In addition to this, we will have units for giving intensive care to patients with serious cardiac problems and therapy units for them too. The infrastructure we want to put up will mirror the goal that we have for the new cardiac rehabilitation center. Within five years of its establishment, we plan to have a center that offers quality service, albeit many inpatients and outpatients that we anticipate to have started flocking in by that time. We plan to have theaters for cardio thoracic therapies that are set with technology that performs highly complex surgical actions. For those patients in serious conditions we will have â€Å"ICCU’s or intensive cardiac care units† (Srmc. edu,  ¶ 11), which will give an entire care for them. Not forgetting that we need the units to have a pool of experts, we plan to have cardiologist who will take care of the heart problems, nutritionists who will give best guidance on nutrition and help patients to learn safe eating habits. We also need physiotherapists with psychologists who will counsel patients and help them to have a positive attitude towards life. We also value time, and one other reason that drives us to establish a modern rehabilitation center is that patients should always recover quickly and get back to their daily routine in shortest period possible. The infrastructure will include different laboratories that will help in different diagnostic and treatment processes. Electrocardiography, which will mainly use electrical instruments, Echocardiography, which will involve echo technology and nuclear imaging which will use nuclear technology for cases that will require that. We will also have â€Å"The Cardiac Catheterization Electrophysiology Laboratories, Cardio Thoracic theatres, the Intensive Cardiac Care Units, Inpatient Facilities and Cardiac Rehabilitation Units (Srmc. edu,  ¶ 11). The people to serve As earlier mentioned, the need for cardiac rehabilitation centers are ever raising. It is for this reason that we want to establish this center in Atlanta Georgia to serve the people of this state and other neighboring states. We have seen that the heart related problems are still on the top of the list of all the diseases that are claiming America’s people (Lloyd-Jones et al, 2010). It is therefore of a thing of prime importance to come up with Cardiac Rehab and Care Center of Atlanta (CRCCA) to help reduce the deaths that are caused by heart problems in America. From the statistics collected by the American Heart association, we find that the cardiovascular problems are also on the top of the list of the American spending on health. Our goal is to provide a sustainable solution to the people who are suffering from heart problems. The opportunity we have is to serve them all who are suffering from heart problems. Industry This is completely a service industry that has the aim of providing the best to people suffering from cardiovascular problems. Other goals are to build and provide a sustainable service through equipping of a ream of human resource with the necessary know how. This is to be able to serve the future generations, and to protect them from heart related issues.

Canadas Victory in the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadas Victory in the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canada entered World War One as another country considered to be part of the British colony, and left it with a refined sense of nationalism that would finally lead to the end of Britains authority over Canada. The Canadian victory in Vimy ridge brought Canada a sense of pride. Womens active role in Canada during World War One changed the views of many Canadians in a positive way. Canadas achievements during the Great World War made Canadians have more love and loyalty to their country. Men and women had battled relentlessly during World War One and earned great respect from their country, which caused the increase of Canadian nationalism. Canadas involvement and victory in the battle of Vimy Ridge changed the views of many Canadians and it brought them a greater sense of nationalism. Historians have said Canadian nationalism was born atop the Vimy Ridge in the northern France on April 9, 1917, when the 100,000- strong Canadian corps claimed a strategic prize from the Germans near Arras, France that other allies had failed to capture. [1]After Canada conquered Vimy ridge, Canada was the first allied force that achieved a victory against the Germans. Canadian troops from then on gained the reputation of being tough, courageous, and successful fighters. Their outstanding achievement in the battle of Vimy ridge is what brought them a sense of pride. The feeling of empowerment and respect from other nations is what enhanced Canadian nationalism during and after the Great World War. Canadas achievements in the battle of Vimy Ridge brought a great sense of accomplishment to many Canadians. The victory at Vimy, won by troops from every part of the country, helped unite many Canadians in pride at the courage of their citizen-soldiers, and established a feeling of real nationhood.[2]During the battle of Vimy Ridge, it was the first time all Canadians fought together in a combined force. This encouraged troops to come together as one nation and work as a team to defeat the Germans at Vimy Ridge and is what helped unite many Canadians in a sense of greatness and pride. This is what made Canada considered an independent nation and that is what contributed to the increase of Canadian nationalism. The outlook of many Canadians changed as the success and victory of the battle of Vimy Ridge had brought them a better sense of nationalism. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that if Vimy Ridge had been captured by a British or French formation instead of the Canadian Corps, this action would not enjoy its current celebrity, Sheffield writes.Vimy Ridge resonates largely because of its role in the growth of Canadian nationalism. [3]Canadians after the success of Vimy Ridge believed that they could stand on their own two feet and fight for them selves without the help of Britain or other allied nations. This proved Canada was a strong country and an independent one too. This in turn is what made Canada have a greater sense of devotion to its country. The role of women in Canada during World War One changed the perspective of many Canadians and increased their sense of nationalism. Women were an essential component of the Canadian war effort and their efforts on the home front, in factories as well as on the battlefront were important to a successful outcome.[4]During World War One woman were called on by necessity to do work and take on roles that were outside their traditional expectations. They became an important part of Canadian society, and became more valued by the people of Canada. This wasnt considered the norm back in the day for women to be doing things like that. By Canada encouraging women to be involved in helping out in the war and at the home front, more Canadians have a greater sense of nationalism because they feel like their treating women with more respect. Canadian women performed no less than men did during the Great War. Many Canadian women worked in factories. Their contribution to the war showed that women had great courage and could do the same things the men could do. [5] Women moved into the labor force to do the jobs of men so that they can earn a living, help out the country and the men fighting over seas. This increased nationalism in Canada because Women had gained more rights and had a more active role in the society, which brought Canada closer to its national identity. Womens significant contribution to the Canadian war effort showed Canada had different beliefs from other nations. The Great War dramatically changed the lives of women in Canada. Womens active roles during world war one brought a better sense of pride to the country, which set Canada aside from other nations. [6] The Canadian women that help out during the war years changed the way Canadians felt about its country. Women were treated with a little more respect than before and had the opportunity to be apart of the work force which was different from what the world was used to. The womens active roles during The Great World War changed the views of many Canadians in a positive aspect which set aside Canada from the rest of the world. Canadas achievements on the battleground demonstrably promoted Canadian nationalism. One of the battles in which Canada fought courageously and determinedly was the battle of Ypres. Commander of the Second British Army, General Smith Dorrien said No words Could Be kinder or full of praise. The whole army realized that it was only the gallant actions of the Canadians that saved Ypres: otherwise one the greatest disasters in history of the British Army might have occurred.[7] Canadas involvement in the battle of Ypres changed the way many Canadians felt about their country and brought them a better sense of nationalism. When the Canadian army won the battle of Ypres using unreliable artillery (Ross riffles) its showed that Canadians could make due with what they have and win a battle no matter what the circumstances are. Canadas effort in the battle of Ypres changed the way Canadians felt about its country in a positive way. The accomplishments on the battle field increased Canadian nationalism; one of the battles was the battle of Somme which got Canada a new reputation of being known as storm troopers. War correspondent, Phillip Gibbs said The Canadians have gained great glory by their attack. Though swept by machine guns, and meeting stubborn defence, they carried a stronghold and captured hundreds of prisoners. The full story of the Canadian victory will thrill the great Dominion like a heroic song. They were careless of death, so they might win[8] During the battle of the Somme Canadian soldiers got the glorious reputation of being called storm troopers because of their restlessness on the battlefields. Although they were not victorious in defeating the Germans it showed that Canada had some clever tactic such as over the top, (which was when armed forces climbed over the trenches and advanced over the enemy) to attempt to defeat the Germans. The effort of the Canadian soldiers during the battle of the Somme showed Canadas capabilities and potentials in war which enhanced Canadian pride and devotion. The Most bloodiest battle in which Canadians fought in was the battle of Passchendaele. It was one of the most historical and successful battles of Word War One for Canadians although they were not successful in the battle. General Haig said proudly The Canadian have performed superbly, maintaining their spirit and pursuing their objectives in the face of overwhelming odds. They have defined the Passchendaele mud. [9] As the Passchendaele mud was a hard obstacle, the Canadians refused to back down and with spirit they charged forward concurring their goals as well as facing the great unlikely hood of survival. This showed the Canada had mental stability and no matter what the conditions were on the battlefield, they were always determined to win and this is what lead to Canadian nationalism because Canadians to be part of a country that is known to be great and outstanding fighter. During the First World War both men and women had battled courageously, weather it being on the battlefields or on the home front, thus increased Canadian nationalism. Canadas victory in the battle of Vimy ridge increased the positive views of many Canadians. Canadian regarded the active role of women in a positive manner which reflected the increase of nationalism during World War One. Canadas great accomplishments during the Great World War increased Canadas love and patriotism to its country. World War One, as many other events has made a great impact on the increase of Canadian. Birth of nationalism. CTV new report [Electronic Bulletin board]. April 2007- [cited 11 October 2009]. Available form [emailprotected] http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070402/vimy_90years_070402/ The capture of Vimy Ridge. Veterans Affair Canada [electronic bulletin board]. September 1998- [cited October 1 2009]. Available form [emailprotected] http://www.vacacc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=history/firstwar/vimy/vimy5 Vimy Ridge Status in Canadian History Canada.com [electronic bulletin board]. 2001-[cited October 7 2009]. Available form [emailprotected] http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html? id=ccaca4a5-12a7-4b8c-b6a1-9c6469411fd1k=20506 Pat Station, Canadian Women and World War One (Toronto: Green Dragon Press, 2006), 15. Pat Station, Canadian Women and World War One (Toronto: Green Dragon Press, 2006), 31 A.G. Smith and Robert Livesey, Discovering Canada: The Great war(Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry and Whiteside,2006),36 G.W. Larkin and J.P. Matersky, Canada in the Twentieth Century World War 1(Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry Whiteside, 1987),18 G.W. Larkin and J.P. Matersky, Canada in the Twentieth Century World War 1(Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry Whiteside, 1987),23 Kathryn M. Bindon, More Than Patriotism( Toronto: Thomas Nelson Sons Limited, 1979), 121

Literature Review on Gender Inequality

Literature Review on Gender Inequality In Scott Sander’s essay, he shares some personal thoughts and experiences throughout his life with various exposures to viewpoints. He talks about how the physical beauty of women affects men. He talks about how important it could be if girls were to walk naked in order to reduce man’s imaginations. He proves this when he says, â€Å"Until that moment, it had never made any difference to me how much or little a girl’s clothing revealed.† Scott explains how both of them, with the friend Norman, they were warned against looking at women with such lust, because their mother were women too and they would not have liked to be stared at like that. At 11, the girl older than he was revealed her body stimulated the author sexually. Sanders defend men arguing that biology and nature plays a role in men’s sexual desires for women. He gives an example of a goat to explain how the desire is biological by stating, â€Å"Billy goats do not fret over how they should look at nanny goats. They look or don’t look, as seasons and hormones dictate.† For a man to secure the survival of his genetic line, he has to successfully, produce children. He blames biology and his DNA for the reason he desires women in a sexual way. The author exploits another avenue, where he questions whether women intrigue men’s desire because they want the men to see and notice them. Women should try to respect themselves before impressing other people with their looks. To defend his claim, Sanders says,† Whatever their motives, these women had chosen to put themselves on display.† According to Sander’s description of physically perfect women used in playboy’s magazine with no imperfections, is not true because not every woman has the perfect descriptions. This theory puts pressure on the other women lacking these qualities, making most of them begin revealing their body part to be noticed. Women therefore should be treated with dignity and not assumed to be sexual objects. However, in the new generation feminism would challenge Sander’s thinking, as most women tend to fight for equity with the men. Women should stop blaming men when they look at them with sexual motives, as the attraction always comes naturally. The natural sexual attraction occurs a lot in men and therefore, they should stop being so judgmental. Men are at the same time required to look at different women differently, given each woman is solely different from another. Therefore, men are not required to judge all the women with same standards. The growth of equity among men and women, challenges Sander’s argument of men using women as objects. Most women have stable and well-paying jobs and therefore do not find need to depend on men for material support. This has led to respect from men to women, because some of the women are their bosses and managers and therefore men have to respect them. Equitable provision of education has made many changes, and led to women being viewed as academicians and intellects and not by their sexuality. Women are concentrating on their jobs and projects and therefore, do not have time to impress men with the way they wear or by revealing their body parts. The women managers would have to wear official cloths that do not expose any part of the body. Competition between men and women over positions in organizations and institutions, has improved some level of respect to the women because they see them as equals. This has helped the women to know their place in the society. Stage 2 The article, Global Issues/Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, the article defines gender equality as a human right permitting women to opportunities such as economic, education and right to make their own decisions. Attainment of gender equality can be fulfilled when women are given enough opportunities to attain the potential, and the international development objectives. The article discusses gender parity in education and claims that the female gender is still given less opportunity as compared to the male ones. This can be proved from the article stating, â€Å"The higher percentage of school drop-outs includes more girls than boys.† The article continues in the discussion of gender equality in terms of economic and political power. The author compares women’s population in the world, almost half the total, with the worth of the wealth they own less than 5 percent. Some injustices done to them include; long working hours for both girls and women, lack of rights to own land or inherit property, in most of the African cultures, reduced rate of promotions to women at work places and underrepresented in making of important decisions in various institutions. A statement from the article, â€Å"Even though political participation of women is important for the achievement of gender quality and true democracy, they are still underrepresented in the legislatures† support this. These factors discussed in the article discover Sander’s discussion on how men use women as objects. (Global Issues/Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment) Another article by Tamara Cohen, â€Å"Not just a pretty face: Modern men prefer intelligent women to beauty† shows the evolution of the current man from being interested in the physical attractions such as curvy figure, to preferring intelligent women. The author states by saying, â€Å"When a man steals an admiring gaze at a woman, then he has been notified of the woman’s intelligence.† The article states that previously men preferred curvy women meaning they had to be fertile to give him a family, other factors that men considered include women with wifely skills such as being good in cooking. The western societies has given opportunity to women, making both genders to be equal, this has led to women choosing their in terms of appearance and not material as it used to be. The author supports these arguments by stating, â€Å"Women are less concerned with men’s health as most of them are stable financially, and therefore the only they look in man is his looks.† (Cohen, 2012) The last article in this discussion is Ian Brown’s â€Å"Why men cant and shouldnt stop staring at women.† Similar to Sanders, Billy also provides a personal life experience, where he met a girl on a bicycle wearing a miniskirt on his way to work. Even though Billy acknowledges that the girl is young enough to be her daughter, he explains how the body of this girl and her intention to wear the miniskirt and her youth triggered his interest. He explains, â€Å"My first sight of her felt like a light blow to the chest.† The author reveals men secret of feeling guilty when they see something they like but fails to act immediately. He felt guilty for failing to tell her how he felt, even though he was married and had a daughter the age of this girl. The author wonders why the act of men watching girls was posed as a bad reputation, while all the girls he interacted with told him they had no problem even if their partners observed girls passing by. He tells of a 26-year old woman about the matter and gives him this answer, â€Å"Just looking, I dont think it is offensive. But I think i ts offensive if there are comments.† (Brown, 2012). Stage 3 Both stage 1 and 2 have discussed factors that lead to how men look at women. Sanders talks about how the physical beauty of women affect men how they look at them. He shares his personal life experiences from when he was 11 years old and could still be stimulated sexually by a girl older than he was. However, the articles, â€Å"Global Issues/Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment† and â€Å"Not just a pretty face: Modern men prefer women with brains rather than beauty†, prove how facts have changed and the women have been empowered and realized their rights and position in the society, and therefore improve the respect from men. Men should respect women, and stop treating them as objects. When a man sees a woman, he should see something else in her and not sexuality. Women should cease from dressing in an exposing manner, for the men to notice them. They should observe moral and ethics in dressing. Works Cited Brown, I. (2012, March 23). Why men cant and shouldnt stop staring at women. THE GLOBE AND MAIL, pp. 1-3. Cohen, T. (2012, September 9). Not just a pretty face: Modern men prefer women with brains rather than beauty. Mail Online, pp. 1-2. Global Issues/Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment. (n.d.). Peace Corps.

It’s Time to Organize an International Environmental Protection Agency :: Environment Environmental Pollution Preservation

It’s Time to Organize an International Environmental Protection Agency After more than two centuries of destroying the Earth, we have finally come to the point where doing anymore harm will destroy not only our planet but also ourselves. The year is 2100. With average worldwide temperatures rising by six degrees Fahrenheit (EPA qtd Washington Post 1) numerous environmental problems have resulted. With the temperature rise Arctic and Antarctic ice caps began to melt, the resulting sea level rise wiped out numerous coastal cities. Along with the sea level rise came the destruction of ocean habitats and changing currents resulted in the death of numerous species of fish and sea life (Last 6). Temperature increase caused many diseases that only appear in warm parts of the world to spread across the Earth (EPA 5). And temperature rise wasn’t the only problem to plague the population. Over the past century the increase of car and air pollution helped to enlarge the size of the ozone layer. The increased amount of radiation coming in to the Earth made the number of cancer related deaths around the world go up 25 percent (Greenpeace 4). Not only did cancer rates increase due to radiation; immune system deficiencies due to radiation (McMichael 35) caused disease rates to increase. Because of emission increases in the 20th century the amount of carbon dioxide in the air doubled since the beginning of the industrial age (Quayle 1). As many third world countries continued to develop, they also continued to raise their air pollution rates (CO2 rates increased by more than 300%, rates were especially high in China and developing countries in Africa and Latin America (Ciba 62)). Combined with the already existent pollution, the number of reported lung cancer and other air pollution related health problems rise substantially. Although over the past one hundred and fifty years more than a few environmental laws were past by individual countries to try and stop large companies from dumping their waste in unsafe and illegal ways (and places), little worked. This large amount of industrial waste (air, land, and water based) is one of the reasons the world is in such dire environmental straits. In the beginning of the industrial age many countries around the world did nothing to try and stop companies from pumping waste into the world. As time went on it became apparent that steps needed to be taken to stifle pollution.

The Battle for Space in Shaw Essay -- Development Space

The Battle for Space in Shaw "Groups, classes or fractions of classes cannot constitute themselves or recognize one another as ‘subjects’ unless they generate (or produce) a space. Ideas, representation, or values which do not succeed in making their mark on space†¦.will lose all pith and become mere sign†¦Space’s investment - the production of space – has nothing incidental about it: it is a matter of life and death." Henri Lefebve, The Production of Space Lefebvre's quote speaks of the production of space as a common, inevitable Occurrence. Different groups, organizations and people, are constantly producing spaces. These groups are in existence only because they have generated a space and occupied it. Today, a battle for space is occurring throughout DC and other urban areas throughout the country in the vision of new Global, high tech cities. What is left of the existing space and the people who occupied it prior? Lefebvre suggests that these 'ideas, representation, and values' that are unsuccessful in keeping their ground eventually fade and become mere memory. The public commonly hears the word development – a fancier world that legitimizes a particular production of a space. (Class discussion 3-17-01) In mainstream society, producing a new office complex or a shopping center is thought of as an engine that generates new jobs and production that brings great amounts of money into the area. Although this model is successful, it fails to recognize other, less dramatic models of economic development that also stimulate growth and change without hurting an entire community. Development, defined by Raymond Williams "can limit and confuse virtually any generalizing description of the current world economic order, and... ... packet 320) Like McGovern suggest, this way of thinking involves a change in consciousness away from the hegemony that has taught as to think this way. The underlying truth is that development will hurt Shaw – Mayor Williams and other development officials may provide enticing information about the benefits that a Global city will have on DC’s economy. In the long run, however, this help - greater revenues from department stores and cafà ©s, tax incentives for new home buyers and businesses, and attracting the rich suburbanites who finally want a part of city life - will repave and destroy the Shaw neighborhood and eventually all of DC. As Lefebve says "the production of space has nothing incidental about it: it is a matter of life and death" and in the near future, maybe the only thing left, will be a lifeless plaque that commemorates the forgotten residents of Shaw.

Assimilation the Risk of Losing Culture and Identity Essay

Blacks should not assimilate with the popular dominant culture but instead maintain their own sense of cultural heritage. The black person who makes the choice to integrate into the dominating culture really must be honest with his or her self and admit that all their pronouncements of concern for the welfare of the black community take a backseat to their personal desire to assimilate. These black people are more of a role model to other black people on how to assimilate or integrate into the colorless and racially generic whole of American culture that just so happens to be controlled and dominated from the white community. Although it may sound wonderful to hear someone say that they don’t notice people’s skin color, reality says that people notice color all the time. The pressure placed on blacks by the dominant culture forces them to move toward assimilation hooks urges. ell hooks states that â€Å"One of the most tragic manifestations of the pressure black people feel to assimilate is expressed in the internalization of racist perspectives† (227). Young blacks need to realize that conforming to the dominant culture is not necessary to exist within it. hooks says that â€Å"It is crucial that those among us who resist and rebel, who survive and succeed, speak openly and honestly about our lives and the nature of our personal struggles† (221). In order to resist assimilation black people as a hold need to be more open and honest about the struggles that take place striving for education and success, those who have blazed the trail need to reach back and help those striving to get there. An excellent job is done by hooks in getting the point across about assimilations effects, and also gives those who have chosen to assimilate something to think about, what cost is one willing to pay, is one willing to break family ties and friendship because of the pressure from the dominant culture to assimilate. The pressures of trying to maintain family and community ties and succeeding in life are difficult, these issues gives us some groundwork to fix some of the problems. While it is difficult to achieve education and success while keeping community ties it is possible, hooks says that â€Å"The most powerful resource anyone can have to study and teach in university settings is full understanding and appreciation of the richness, beauty, and primacy of our familial and community backgrounds† (228). ooks has some very valid points, everyone has to look at them and put them into perspective on how it can fit into their lives. There is not one right answer or solution to this problem, everyone has to search within to find a solution, but those whom have traveled on this road less taken have an obligation to teach those who follow. It is imperative to let the youth know that their struggles for identity and success or not in vein and show them that they are appreciated within the comm unity. Without the bounding and nourishment needed to continue the ties, youth will continue to choose to assimilate and take the easy road with less pressure and headaches to deal with. Blacks could better serve the community by assimilating to the dominant culture forces, the melting-pot theory. This view is advantageous to both a government and its people. It is believed that the nation has reached its present state of development because it has been able to forge one national identity. Separating citizens by ethnicity or race and providing special privileges to Blacks can be harmful, where assimilation tends to put everyone on an even playing field. By keeping ties to community and family Blacks draw attention to differences and the dominant culture fosters resentment towards their culture. Blacks in society that make a full effort to be incorporated into the mainstream naturally reciprocate the benefits and approval from mainstream America. Blacks become successful by shedding their cultural heritage and adopting the ways of the popular dominant culture. Typically Blacks absorbed by the ways of the host society, while loosening to varying degrees their connection to their native culture become highly successful. Through this process Blacks are accepted into society and become a part of the dominant culture and national unity is retained. Works Cited: Assimilation: Does it hurt Black people? (2007) Retrieved on 2/10/2008, from www. topix. com/forum/afam/TPIKF7CB1VN57ONEJ Bell Hooks (2000), Where We Stand: Class Matters, By Routledge

Millers exploration of the American Dream in Death of A Salesman Essay

In the light of critical opinions discuss Miller’s exploration of the American Dream in Death of A Salesman in relation to the characters of Willy and Biff Loman. Focus upon the ideas of success and failure within the American Dream in relation to Miller’s portrayal of Willy’s idolisation of Biff and the effect this has on Biff’s life. The term ‘The American Dream’ by its very nature is an unrealistic phrase. The use of the word dream reflects the fact that although it is an aspirational concept it may not actually be achieved by the majority of the American population. Some may argue that it is a dream born of a system, which aims to exploit the hardworking people of America. In his critique of Death of A Salesman Leonard Moss states ‘Is he (Miller) not attacking in short, a system that is geared to exploit the common man?’? There are clearly instances within the play where the writer suggests it is impossible for Willy to achieve the dream. Although the concept of the American Dream is thought to result in equality amongst a nation of immigrants, it may be perceived as being dictatorial. This is because it is telling Americans how to live their lives and although one objective of the American Dream may be to achieve freedom, it may in actual fact be oppressing those in pursuit of it. The American Dream is explored throughout Death of A Salesman. Willy deludes himself into thinking that the American Dream is easy to obtain and will result in success for him. He believes that it will all come to him easily and that he is deserving of it. But realistically, he pins his hopes on the American Dream so much that it is the reason behind his demise. Willy’s faith in the American Dream remains strong although his own son confronts him with reality by saying â€Å"Will you take that dream and burn it before something happens?† (Page 102 Act 2). As one critic states, ‘the play romanticizes the rural-agarian dream but does not make it genuinely available to Willy’?. This implies that the American Dream has a purpose to lure Americans into a false sense of security believing that they can achieve the American Dream and financial success. This can be seen in the play as Willy fully believes in the concept of the American Dream but he doesn’t have any hope of achieving it. The play focuses on the American Dream and emphasizes what is perceived as success. Biff describes his desire to work in the country and be free â€Å"We don’t belong in this nuthouse of a city! We should be mixing cement on some open plain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Page 43 Act 1) whereas Willy’s perception of success leads him to believe that he will automatically receive fame and fortune through commercial success. In contrast Biff wishes to live a simple life like that of the pioneer figure in the American Dream myth. This brings us to ask another question: What can be defined as success in the American Dream? For some it could mean that hard work and endurance results in financial security, acceptance and quality. The idea of success is very ambiguous as it could have different meanings to the individuals who want to achieve it as their lives are individual to them. ‘The whole life of the Loman family is dominated by this man’s idea of ‘success†?. Willy is in constant pursuit of the American Dream. Willy believes as long as he appears confident he will be liked by other people and that they will be buying into him as opposed to his products â€Å"Because the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ahead!† (Page 20 Act 1). He bases his work ethic on a successful salesman who had many people come to his funeral as he was very popular. However, at Willy’s funeral, he proves to be almost entirely friendless. Willy has deluded himself into thinking that he is so popular and well liked but it is suggested that self interest in society prevents emotional attachments. A key example of success is Ben. Willy is living in Ben’s shadow as he is the successful brother. He had the opportunity to go to Alaska with Ben but declined to stay in America. Ben was part of a team that discovered diamonds in the jungle and consequently earnt a fortune from this. Biff wants to soul search and find his place in society, but at the age of 34 he has not yet done so. Although, as a child, Biff appears to be popular and successful he finds that he cannot conform to society and is still trying to find somewhere he fits in. Biff challenges his father’s expectations of him by asking â€Å"Why am I trying to become what I don’t want to be?† (Page 99 Act 2). Miller is perhaps suggesting that economic instability results in the repression of individuality. Willy pins all his hopes on Biff. ‘Willy Loman suddenly sees how deeply his own son could care for him. This discovery pushes him to the final extreme of his illusion, crying out: ‘That boy – that boy is going to be magnificent!’ and: â€Å"Ben, he’ll worship me for it!†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ?. He spots the potential in Biff and then begins to live his failed dreams through Biff. He puts a lot of pressure on Biff to succeed. This damages their relationship and may also have resulted in Biffs kleptomaniac tendencies (possibly a sign of rebellion). Biff initially appears to be the all American boy who is capable of achieving the American Dream but the play shows how the most promising of people can ultimately turn out to be nothing in life ‘Richard J. Foster states ‘Biff, who in the play as an amplification of reflection of Willy’s problems, has been nurtured on Willy’s dreams too. But he has been forced to see the truth†?. Willy idolised Biff when he was a child as he seemingly had everything and the potential in life to succeed. Willy tries to make himself a better person by making Biff successful. Subconsciously, Willy has realised that he has failed in life and will not achieve the American Dream, yet he fails to publically admit this; both to himself and his family. Biff is able to see that neither he nor Willy can achieve the American Dream and tries to let Willy know this indirectly â€Å"Biff realizes Willy had the wrong dreams. In accepting the truth about his father, Biff is able to make a decision about his future based on a realistic view of his capabilities†?. He rebels from his father’s ideals of success and ways of life and this could possible be a way in whi ch he is trying to tell his father that they cannot achieve the American Dream. The theme of unconditional support between father and son is explored in the play. â€Å"The character of Willy Loman is the â€Å"the little salesman with a pathetic belief in his worthless son†?. As Willy is living his dreams through Biff, his love for Biff is great. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get Biff to accomplish something in life. When Biff is failing in Maths, Willy encourages him to cheat, and this represents the lengths that Willy would go to, to help Biff. â€Å"That’s because he likes you. If somebody else took that ball there’d be an uproar† (Page 17 Act 1). Willy almost encourages Biff’s bad behaviour and excuses it because of his popularity. Willy’s father left him when he was a child. Moreover, he left no money or legacy to be passed onto Willy and Ben. This may have been the point in Willy’s life in which he began to suffer a social injustice as he felt determined to make something of himself to pass onto further generations to free them from the hardship that he suffered. As Willy does not achieve this Biff is his last hope of having success associated with him. Because his father left him as a child with nothing, he is determined to get Biff to achieve something so that the Loman name is held with high regard. The name Loman is somewhat ironic as its individual components are ‘low-man’. This is significant in the play as it represents the common man and someone of low status who may be stereotyped as being unsuccessful in life and will amount to nothing. The lack of success and achievements in Willy’s life have resulted in shifts between the past and present in his mind. The shifts between past and present represent a time when Willy’s life was promising and the American Dream was attainable. They also symbolize the irrational state of Willy’s mind. He is stuck in the past as it comforts him in times of trouble. He reminisces over, what seemed to be, his prime as both a salesman and a father. When the play is performed, it appears to be very rational and realistic when Willy walks through a wall for example, and this signifies how real these shifts are in Willy’s mind. They show the irrational mental state of Willy. Willy is confused about where he is going in life and his mind is in a state of confusion. The shifts between past and present may indicate his inability to cope with his life in the present and moreover may be a way for him to escape his troubles in the present day. ‘Willy is the dreamy salesman whose imagination is much larger than his sales ability’? and this relates to the shifts between past and present. His imagination may lead him to a world in which he has no fears and feels that his life is fulfilling. In contrast to this, the language he uses is very simplistic. Willy expresses himself through statements and clichà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s that are repeated so frequently that they border on monotonous with one example being â€Å"I’ll make it all up to you Linda, I’ll -† (Page 25, Act 1) The shifts also reveal the truth, which is not distorted by Willy’s perceptions of events. This is a key aspect in the play as the rest of the play is influenced by Willy or Biff’s take on events. The shifts between past and present are an example of expressionism in which Miller explores the psychological state of Willy. A number of motifs are present in the play which are used to represent American materialism. One of which are the stockings. When Willy has a flashback into the past he is with The Woman who he has bought new stockings for. However, in the present Linda is mending her stockings. This epitomizes Willy’s inability to provide for his family. An additional motif demonstrating the same point is the fridge. The use of both of these points shows that Willy has been stripped of his masculinity. The flute is used extremely effectively as an expressionist device in Death of A Salesman. It expresses the mood of the play at a particular moment. At the start of the play â€Å"A melody is heard, played upon a flute† (Page 1 Act 1). The flute gives a feeling of spring and optimism, generally a joyous tone. There is a sharp contrast between the innocence of the initial melody and the description of Willy’s house which is overshadowed by â€Å"an angry glow of orange† (Page 1, Act 1). The flute is significant in the play as it focuses on stages in Willy’s life and notifies the audience of the nature of the scene. The audience is informed that Willy’s absent father played the flute and at this point â€Å"new music is heard, a high rollicking tune†. This might imply that Willy’s father was a happy go lucky salesman and it lays emphasis on the fact that Willy is not, adding to his many insecurities. The flute is quite sombre/sinister towards the end of the play. Willy commits suicide â€Å"as the car speeds off the music crashes down in a frenzy of sound which becomes the soft pulsation of a single cello string† (Page 105, Act 2). The final concept to consider is failure in the American Dream. Is the individual or the system to blame for the failure of the American Dream? It could be argued that if the individual is gullible enough to be taken in by the American Dream, they have no-one to blame but themselves if they fail. Failure in the American Dream may represent the naivety of the American population. ‘The system is not the one to blame; Willy can only blame himself for not becoming what he wanted to be’?. This supports the idea that the American Dream exists but it can only be achieved if the individual adapts the American Dream to their life and is willing to work hard to achieve it. Denial plays a key part in Willy’s lack of success in achieving the American Dream. He refuses to acknowledge that he is a failure. An example of this in the play is where Willy says that he’ll buy a new tape recorder (like the one Howard has) even though he is fully aware that he has no money to pay for it. â€Å"The Loman’s have unrealistic ideas of success. To Willy, the foundation of success is not education or hard work but rather ‘who you know and the smile on your face’?. Willy is a proud man who doesn’t want others to perceive him as a failure, as this would force him to confront reality, whereas he prefers to live in a world where he conceals his problems and keeps a false pretence that everything is fine. Biff, like Willy, ignores aspects of reality that do not fit in with his ideals â€Å"You’re a – you’re an idealist!† (Page 11 Act 1). Some may argue that the system is to blame but ultimately he creates his own destiny. Faith in the system motivated him throughout his life but towards the end it left him â€Å"tired to the death† (Page 2 Act 1) Reference List. ? ? ? ? Craig M. Garrison The System and the American Dream *DEATH OF A Salesman* (Online) http://playwrites.net/salesman1.html ? ? Bamber Gascoigne (1962) Twentieth Century Drama. Hutchinson &Co. ? ? K. Linderholm (1995) The American Dream. (Online) http://members.aol.com/sunny2345/salesman.html Accessed 01/12/2005 ? Leonard Moss (1980) Arthur Miller. Brief excerpt from the preface (Online) * J.C. Trewin (English Reviewer) Drama. Winter, 1949 Bibliography Spark Notes (Online) http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/salesman/ Garrison, M. Craig The System and the American Dream *DEATH OF A Salesman* (Online) http://playwrites.net/salesman1.html Gascoigne, Bamber (1962) Twentieth Century Drama. Hutchinson &Co. Linderholm, K (1995) The American Dream. (Online) http://members.aol.com/sunny2345/salesman.html Accessed 01/12/2005 Moss, Leonard (1980) Arthur Miller. Brief excerpt from the preface (Online) http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/miller-into.html Trewin , J.C. (English Reviewer) Drama. Winter, 1949 Carson, Neil. (1982) Arthur Miller. Macmillan Modern Dramatists. Chapter 4: Death of A Salesman, pp.44-59 Wikipedia (Online) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_a_Salesman http://www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us/death.html Miller, Arthur (1958) From the Introduction to Collected Plays. Pp. 22-37

The Special Education for the Visually Impaired

Special education has come a long way since the room down the hall with the crayon books and easy work. There was a time that special education students were placed together in a classroom, given easy work to do that would not challenge them and provided separate recesses and lunch periods so that they would not mingle with the regular education students. It was a stigma that nobody wanted for their child but it wasn't until the mid-1960's that it began to change. Beginning with Brown vs the school board lawsuit, stemming from a Black student who wanted to attend a predominately white school, the life of a special education student has transformed significantly. Today, special education students are protected from discrimination and segregation by federal and state laws. Students with special learning needs are educated in the least restrictive environment and school systems are ordered to accommodate their special needs so that the playing field will be level for their educational journey. Blind students are classified special education by the very nature of their disability. They are classified as such so that the federal education statutes with regards to special education can protect them from being segregated or shunned by the regular education system. Blind students have their inability to see in common, however, outside of that they are as individual and diverse as their sighted peers. There are federal guidelines in place regarding the education and interventions that pertain to blind students however. A student who is blind can present challenges when it comes to behavioral interventions because some of the tried and true methods are not applicable when it comes to a blind student. Making a student write an essay, write sentences or run laps is not feasible when the student needing the intervention is blind. While many behavioral interventions that apply to sighted students will in fact work with blind students it is important to have alternative plans in place for the behavior intervention of those who cannot see. When the Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 was passed, educators, parents and students began to hammer out plans and pathways to the fair treatment and education of those who had special needs. The students who were blind had previously been sent off to schools for the blind, where they only associated with other blind students, worked with blind geared materials and learned that they were blind in a sighted world. Today, blind students who want to attend regular public schools are not only encouraged to do so they are given the right by federal law to do so, and the school must take whatever steps are needed to allow that education(Anderson, 2004). The 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the resulting final federal regulations published in 1999 describe related services as an essential component of a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for many students with disabilities(Anderson, 2004). † Those related services include everything from transportation to counseling services that will assist the special education student in their quest to receive a public education with their peers. Every special education student, including those who are blind is provided with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). This plan outlines the student's educational needs, the way those needs will be met and what accommodations will be provided by the school system in providing that education(Zabriskie, 2003). While the federal law protects all special education students there are areas of interest that are specifically geared to the education of blind students(Kozub, 2006). As part and parcel of an blind student's IEP it is important to consider the disability and remember its limitations when planning the student's curriculum, extra curricular activities and physical education abilities. Because a blind student is often at a disadvantage when it comes to physical activity in both during the routine school curriculum and the aspects of physical education the IEP team must consider alternatives to include these elements in the school day. In addition the IEP team must consider appropriate behavior interventions for the blind student that acts out due to frustration about not being able to participate as fully as their sighted peers. This frustration may be from the child's anger at his or her limitations or may be founded in messages being sent to that student by well meaning parents who are concerned about their child's physical development as well as educational development. â€Å"The need for heightened levels of fitness in order to navigate barriers found in both home and community settings is important for children and adults with visual impairments. This is a critical mobility issue for children given the need for independence in daily living activities that increases with age and becomes a necessity during adulthood. In addition, issues of mobility within the larger community are a concern later in adulthood if individuals who lack vision rely on public transportation (which may or may not be accessible depending on fitness levels needed to independently reach bus stops). In all, it is imperative that adequate levels of physical activity are encouraged in children and adolescents with visual impairments to facilitate independence into adulthood. The following study is an initial investigation using a family systems framework of activity levels in a select group of children and adolescents with visual impairments(Kozub, 2006). † These and other concerns raise a need for behavioral interventions that are specifically geared to meet the needs of blind students(Robinson, 2001). â€Å"School success may be minimal for students who have difficulties building social relationships and ultimately fail at developing social competence. As a result, social skills training is often provided to increase pro-social interaction. Despite evidence of the effectiveness of teaching appropriate social functioning, there is concern about generalization and maintenance of learned skills(Gilles, 2003). † Blind students are at a specific disadvantage in the regular classroom setting. They are unable to determine when the classroom is noisy when it is appropriate to speak out, when it is appropriate to remain quiet and how to gain the teacher's attention by finding her by sight then moving toward her(Bricker, 2004). It is situations such as these that create a problem when it comes to behavior for the blind student. Not only are inappropriate behaviors a risk when a student is frustrated by being blind, but there are every day behaviors that must be addressed for the blind student and the regular education student to blend into a classroom and create a positive and cohesive learning environment. A student who cannot see where the teacher is to gain his or her attention will often times yell out or shout out the teacher's name. This can not only be disruptive to the classroom from a educational standpoint, but it can also provide a foundation for mimic behavior from the sighted students(Prochaska, 2002). A classroom with 15-23 students all shouting out names of the teacher or others that are needed will quickly become an impossible learning environment. It is important to develop a behavioral intervention for such situations and implement that intervention with the blind student(Bricker, 2004). One intervention would be to provide the blind student with a bell, with which he could ring it once and then patiently wait for the teacher to either arrive at the desk or verbally let the student know he or she will be there momentarily. A blind student may become loud and disruptive when frustrated or angry. It is important for teachers to understand that the frustration may not be with any one person in particular but may in fact be about not being sighted the way the other students in the classroom are. It is important o have appropriate behavior interventions in place from the beginning so that the students who are blind can depend on the consistent response to certain behaviors. When a student acts out and become verbally loud and disruptive it can be disruptive for the entire classroom. Whereas a sighted student can be told to go to the hall or go to the principal the sending of a blind student is more complicated as they will require an aide to accompany them. If less drastic attempts to reduce the undesired behavior are not successful then an aide should be appointed to escort the student from the classroom, however, there should be mandated approaches built into the student's IEP for behavioral interventions before that point arrives. One step that can be taken in behavior intervention with a blind student is to have the student learn how to self direct the anger. If he or she is feeling frustrated it is important that the student have a place to vent that frustration so that it does not come out in inappropriate behaviors in the classroom. Allowing that student to be excused to talk to the guidance counselor about the current frustration is one behavior intervention that will allow the student to address the frustration while at the same time preserving the integrity of the classroom setting and the lessons being taught to the remaining students. Another approach to redirecting undesired behavior will be touch and sound. A blind student cannot read social cues from other students and teachers by the look on their face. It is important to help the student who is blind find ways to read social cues using the other senses. Teachers should instruct the seeing students in ways to use hearing and touch to convey cues to the students who are blind. In addition the students that are blind should be guided in listening to voice cues and other sounds that can clue them to the social attitudes and feelings of those around them. It is important that blind student intervention programs provide clear cut guidelines in helping the students redirect themselves and their behavior to more acceptable avenues. It is important for teachers and students to recognize the very real limitations that a blind student must face on a daily basis. The student who is educated in a regular education classroom is subjected to a well rounded experience, while at the same time must face frustrations that he or she would not have to deal with in a school for the blind. It is important that behavior interventions for the blind student take into consideration the disability and how that disability impacts the student not only from an educational standpoint, but also from a social and emotional standpoint as well. Behavior interventions should include guidance for future behaviors that will provide a foundation for the student to build on successful encounters with each passing year. The federal government mandates that accommodations be put in place but it is up to the individual school to design the accommodations that fit the individual blind student. Blind students are as diversified as sighted students and as such must have behavioral intervention plans in place that address their individual needs.

Fiction Essay Instructions Essay

In Module/Week 3, you will write a 750-word (about 3–4-pages) essay that compares and contrasts 2 stories from the Fiction Unit. Before you begin writing the essay, carefully read the guidelines for developing your paper topic that are given below. Review the Fiction Essay Grading Rubric to see how your submission will be graded. Gather all of your information, plan the direction of your essay, and organize your ideas by developing a 1-page thesis statement and outline for your essay. Format the thesis statement and the outline in a single Word document using current MLA, APA, or Turabian style (whichever corresponds to your degree program). You have the opportunity to submit your thesis and outline by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 2 for instructor feedback. The essay is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 3 and must include a title page (see the General Writing Requirements), a thesis/outline page, and the essay itself followed by a works cited/referenc es page of any primary or secondary texts cited in the essay. Guidelines for Developing Your Paper Topic Chapter 39 in your textbook provides some helpful pointers for reading actively, taking notes, brainstorming, developing a clearly-defined thesis statement, preparing an outline, and writing a cogent fiction essay. Be sure that you have read the chapter before doing any further work for this assignment. Choose 2 of the following short stories to compare and contrast in your essay: â€Å"The Lottery† by Shirley Jackson â€Å"The Destructors† by Graham Greene â€Å"The Rocking-Horse Winner† by D.H. Lawrence â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† by Nathaniel Hawthorne â€Å"The Child by Tiger† by Thomas Wolfe â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game† by Richard Connell Also, make at least 1 of these elements of fiction the focus of your essay: Conflict/Plot/Structure Characterization Setting Theme/Authors’ Purposes Point of View Tone/Style/Irony/Symbol/Imagery If you need help focusing your essay, ask yourself questions that correspond to your chosen element(s). Conflict/Plot/Structure (This is not a summary of the stories) What are the basic conflicts, and how do these build tension, leading to major complicated incidents and climactic moment(s)? What are the ways in which each major character experiences conflict (either with self, with other characters, or with the social and/or physical environment)? How are the conflicts resolved? Do the protagonists succeed in achieving their goals? Who receives your deepest sympathy and why? Characterization Who are the main characters in the stories?  What are their outstanding qualities? Does the author give any indication as to how or why the character developed these qualities? What are the characters’ emotions, attitudes, and behaviors? What do these indicate to the reader about the character? Can the characters’ motivations be determined from the text? Setting Where and when do the stories take place (remember to include such details as geographic location, time of year, time period, if the setting is rural or urban, etc.)? Do the settings make the stories believable or credible? How does setting impact the plot of the story, and how would the plot be affected if the story took place in another setting? Are the characters influenced by their setting? How might they behave if they were in a different setting? What atmosphere or mood does the setting create (for example, darkness may create a mood of fear or unhappiness while light or bright colors may create one of happiness)? Is the setting or any aspect of it a symbol or does the setting express particular ideas? Does setting  create expectations that are the opposite of what occurs? Theme/Authors’ Purposes What is the major theme (or themes) of each story?  Are the themes of the stories similar or different?  How does the author convey the theme (or themes) to the reader? How do the stories’ themes relate to the authors’ purposes (some examples of author purposes are to entertain, to satirize, to realistically portray life’s problems, to analyze emotions and responses, and/or to communicate a moral message)? What unique style, techniques, or devices do the writers use to communicate their themes? Tone/Style/Irony/Symbol How would you describe the tone of the piece?  Does the tone correspond with the action occurring in the plot? What style does the author use (for example, one way an author might satirize is by including a lot of ironies, hyperbole, and unrealistic scenarios)? How might the story be different if the tone or style is changed? Does the writer use irony or symbols to communicate the message?