Social Justice In Education Essays (616 words) - Raewyn Connell

Social Justice In Education Social Justice in Education ?Social Justice in Education? by R. W. Connell discusses the role of education in society and the implications that social justice issues have on education. Connell begins by establishing that education and social justice can be examined separately yet they are inescapably linked through the social medium of their implementation. ?Education concerns schools, colleges and universities, whose business is to pass knowledge on to the next generation. Social justice is about income, employment, pensions or physical assets like housing.?(Connell, 1993) Three points validating the equal importance of social justice and the education system to people of all delineations are: 1.) in Western society public schools are key forums of social interaction and comprise some of the largest social institutions 2.) educational institutions are highly economic bodies and have become ?major public assets? (Connell, 1993) 3.) teaching becomes a vehicle by which society is ultimately determined and has a g reat influence over society's morality. Connell describes the meaning of justice in education as being ?a question of fairness in distribution? equality.?(Connell, 1993) ?Justice cannot be achieved by distributing the same? standard good to? all social classes.?(Connell, 1993) By stating this, Connell summarizes that in the attempt to achieve equality, unequal means must be employed. The implications for teaching presented by Connell's article are immense. The concept of equality in education and the equality of access to education are matters that are determined by the social constructs of the society in which we live. The notion of equality in education means that educators must approach all material and subject matter with a premise of unbiased predetermination. Music, math, science, fine arts, English, Japanese, history, etc? must all be considered on a par. Our current educational system does not treat all subjects as equal in our public education system. The stereotypical reading, writing and arithmetic (primary subjects) take precedence over the fine arts and like subjects (secondary subjects). Social justice criteria as presented in this article, establish that economic variables are a means of determination for favouritism within the educational institution. Where the primary subjects receive ensured funding, the secondary subjects receive funding when d eemed viable. This creates inequality at the very base of the institution itself. The result is degradation to all facets of the educational system. ?The moral quality of education is inevitably affected by the moral character of educational institutions. If the school system is dealing unjustly? The quality of education for all? is degraded.? (Connell, 1993) I sometimes wonder why administrators and educators, the facilitators of education, cannot realize the reasons behind the success and failures of our education system. I have often heard educators and scholars refer to the greatness of the Renaissance and Romantic eras in world history and their frustrations due to the loss of the benefits of those times. The secondary subjects during those times of grandeur were not secondary, but they were primary and equal subjects to all others; therefore, the benefits of equalization of subjects importance is essential in achieving those past benefits as well as a highly developed society. Connell presents an intriguing argument and concludes with several ideas. ?Individual equality is the condition, not the goal, of a just social order.?(Connell, 1993) Education which favours is a ?corrupt education? (Connell, 1993) and ?social justice is? fundamental to what good education is about.? (Connell, 1993) Finally Connell states that good means different things to different people and ?justice cannot be achieved by distributing the same? standard good to? all social classes.? (Connell, 1993) Bibliography Connell, R. W. ?Social Justice in Education?. In Schools and Social Justice. (Toronto: Our Schools/Our Selves Education Foundation, 1993) pp. 11-19. Education

Life bestowed by life destroyed essays

Life bestowed by life destroyed essays Now at days logic plays an important role in our way of thinking. It is outrageous to belief that if a treasure map would be found, the individual who detected it would leave the massive treasure to be undiscovered. It is cogent that throughout time noting has obstructed the human race from extracting all opportunities to all scientific findings. A little more than a decade ago a treasure was found. The treasure to seize human suffering by fatal diseases throughout stem cell research was initiated. A reasonable and logical rebuttal to this miraculous discovery is to be pro embryonic and adult stem cell research, uncover all opportunities for progress, surpass all barriers to progress, and to learn about the stem cells inexhaustible potential. Stem cell research offers unprecedented opportunities for developing new medical therapies for terminal diseases All specialized cells arise originally from stem cells and ultimately from a small number of embryonic stem cells that appear during the first few days of development.(Monitoring Stem Cell....P.2) . Embryonic stem cells are one of the various stem cells being explored so far. This is by far the most promising of all. Embryonic stem cells are found in the inner cell mass of the human blastocyst, an early stage of the developing embryo lasting from the 4th to 7th day after fertilization.(Stem Cells and The....P.1) Embryonic stem cells mainly come from in vitro fertilization, which is the developing of an embryo outside the human body. Another resource from which scientists obtain embryonic stem cell is by aborted fetuses that are donated for research. All opponents to stem cell research know that embryos are destroyed tin the process of study, but what they dont know is that the embryos are being destroyed anyway. Because many couples will continue turning in to vitro fertilization, in order to have children, this destruction of embryos will proceed regardless of ste...

Case management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case management - Assignment Example Creating such an institution requires massive financial resources to build the physical structure and procure equipments. The second step is to have a team of various professionals to run the program (Master and Taniguchi, 2006). Nurses should be available to coordinate the program as they are well versed with the care of patients and the skills to make clinical decisions. There are instances when the institution requires advanced medical expertise and the nurses` skills might be limited. In such cases, another team of specialized professionals are hired in order to cater for specific disabilities faced by the children. An example in this case is a child with autism. A medical expert who specializes in autism will have to be hired. The other group of workers central to the program is social workers. This team will have to be hired to coordinate the social needs of the family, specifically the patient when they are out of the program. A team of educational providers ought to be put in place in order to teach the family all things pertaining to child disability. Acquiring the needed funds to kick start the case management program is one of the key milestones which should be solved. The initiators of the project can convince the government to extend financial aid to the program as it is mainly a social welfare initiative. This can be achieved by writing proposals of detailed case management program to government officials such as the governor and the senators. The case manager can apply for coverage under the umbrella of Medicaid and Medicare (Master and Taniguchi, 2006). Another approach is to use lobbyists to present the case to the government. Several economists on the other hand have insisted that the government should be spared the burden of business in order to maintain the ideals of capitalism. In that case, the proprietors of the case management program should invite the private sector players to invest in the project. They can

Freshii restaurant (report about staffing and job analysis ) Assignment

Freshii restaurant (report about staffing and job analysis ) - Assignment Example On the other hand, Bayo-Moriones & Ortà ­n-à ngel (2006, p.451) mentioned that â€Å"Internal promotions are used to protect and favor specific investments, especially those made by firms to assess their workers skills† (p.451). For fresh employees, only one month is fixed as probation period in Freshlii restaurant. Thereafter, the newly recruited employees will be accepted as permanent staff. Some of the prerequisites for a person to consider for a job position in Freshii restaurant are; knowledge about healthy diet, restaurant business in UAE, UAE’s local culture, etc. Moreover, they should have skills such as money and man management as well as problem solving, decision making, English language skills and communication skills. The importance of communication skills for the success of an employee is better understood by Freshii restaurant. Since the business of Freshii is smaller in size, the company is keen on employing more fresh talents. At the same time, the company is interested in keeping a diverse workforce by blending the fresh and experienced employees in a proper manner. The company knows that fresh employees may bring fresh ideas and the support of experienced employees is necessary for the fine tuning of those new ideas brought by the new employees. Honesty is the most important requirement while the company is looking for the recruitment of new employees. Only honest employees would bring better results to the company. Moreover, communication skills and competitiveness are some of the other requirements for an employee to excel in his profession in Freshii. Both verbal and nonverbal communication abilities are essential for a person to get a job Freshii restaurant. â€Å"Verbal communication is the communication which uses words whereas nonverbal communication is the communication which uses body languages†

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 71

History - Essay Example Another reason why the Peloponnesian War was a defining moment in the Greek history is that it resulted in devastating economic costs that caused wide spread poverty across both the Peloponnese and Athens. Athens was completely devastated and the city state was never able to regain its pre-war prosperity. The weakened Greek city states became vulnerable to attacks by Persia and Macedonia and were eventually conquered by King Philip of Macedonia. Lastly, unlike the Persian war, the Peloponnesian War brought a number of social changes in Greece. For example, after the war, civil wars became a common occurrence in ancient Greece thereby resulting in devastation and complete destruction of ancient Greek cultures, whole cities, depopulation and the eventual end of the ancient golden age of Greece (Thucydides, 1.1 pg. 15). In conclusion, although the Persian war had a number of effects including the signing of the thirty years of peace, the Peloponnesian remains the most defining moment in the history of the ancient Greek. I therefore, agree with I agree with the assessment of Thucydides that Peloponnesian Wars were the most important wars in the Greek

Genetically Modified Food And Crops Biology Essay

Genetically Modified Food And Crops Biology Essay Genetic modification of crops and food stuffs is one of the major controversial debates in the world. There have been doubts on the safety of genetically modified foods especially in the area of human health and environmental degradation. Many people have fears that their health could experience unforeseeable effects by altering the genetic content of a plant. Genetic modification might have resulted to the growing of pesticide and herbicide tolerant plants but the new technology has dangerous effects on human health and the environment. Genetic modification of crops has led to reduced effectiveness of herbicides and pesticides, transfer of genes to species that are not targeted, and has caused harm to important organisms. It has also caused allergies to most people in different parts of the world and raised economic concerns. Though the supporters of the new technology argue that it has led to increased crop yields and alleviation of nutrition deficiencies, genetic modification has obviously caused more harm than good. Introduction Genetically modified foods have been used widely in the 21st century and have splashed in the media lately. Public awareness groups and European environmental agencies have been frequently protesting against genetically modified foods and crops for years, and the latest controversial studies regarding the effects of GM corn pollen on sovereign butterfly caterpillars have prompted the issue of genetic engineering hence bringing it to the front position of public awareness in the United States. As a result, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has held three public meetings in Washington D.C., Oakland, California, and Chicago to importune opinions by the public and start the procedure of establishing an effective regulatory method for government sanction of genetically modified foods. GM foods have resulted to adverse effects especially in regard to environmental hazard, human health risk, and economic concerns. In respect to this, the government should discourage the g rowing of genetically modified crops and establish policies that ensure GM foods and crops are labelled (Institute of Medicine U.S. Committee on Identifying and Assessing Unintended Effects of Genetically Engineered Foods on Human Health 23) Literature Review Genetically modified foods and crops refer to plants scientifically created for animal or human consumption using the most recent molecular biology techniques. Basically, these crops are modified in the laboratory to improve nutritional content. Traditionally, enhancement of plants nutritional content was achieved through breeding but such conventional crop breeding methods proved to be time consuming and not quite reliable in terms of accuracy (Ferry and Gatehouse 59). On the other hand, genetic engineering creates crops that rapidly exhibit the exact desired traits with great accuracy. For instance, its possible for a plant geneticist to cut off a drought tolerance gene and insert it to a different plant. Consequently, the genetically-modified plant will become drought tolerant after acquiring the essential gene. Surprisingly, its also possible to transfer non-plant organisms besides the plant-to-plant gene transfer. The Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis, genes transfer to crops such as corn is a good example of non-plant organisms genes transfer. Bt is a bacterium that occurs naturally and produces insect larvae lethal protein crystals. Moreover, the Bt protein genes are transferred into corn, making it possible for the corn to generate pesticides of its own for instance the European corn borer (Ferry and Gatehouse 60). Pesticide resistant rape plant is on of the genetically modified crops. Scientific researchers have introduced a foreign gene to the rape plant which gives the plant the capability to resist certain pesticides. Consequently, a farmer is able to safely spray his genetically engineered rape plants with pesticides and destroying harmful pests without killing the crops. However, there is a possibility that the introduced genes may be transferred to the pests hence making them resistant to the pesticide as well and the plant spray becomes ineffective (Institute of Medicine U.S. Committee o n Identifying and Assessing Unintended Effects of Genetically Engineered Foods on Human Health 24). In this context, its possible for rape plants to pollinate the navew weed which occurs in rape crop fields. The navew weed acquires resistance to pesticides after gaining the introduced genes from the rape plants. Another example of GM crop is the golden rice which has been genetically engineered to increase its nutrition content by introducing an extra amount of vitamin A. More precisely, golden rice contains the beta-carotene element which is converted into vitamin A by the human body. Beta-carotene is the element responsible for the orange colour found in carrots and the golden colour in this particular rice. However, for the rice to produce beta-carotene, two genes from daffodils and one from bacterium must be implanted (Ferry Gatehouse 60). Methodology The study on genetically-modified crops/foods is very important and adequate information is required to determine the possible downfalls of the new technology. Books by reputable authors will be used to gather sufficient information on the topic. Additionally, relevant articles touching on the current progress of the new technology will also be used to realize recent discoveries. Discussion Natural breeding techniques have been used safely for the past numerous thousands of years. On the contrary, Genetically modified plant technology abrogates reproductive processes that occur naturally, selection takes place at the single cell stage, the process is extremely mutagenic and more often than not breaches genera barriers even after being in use for about ten years. In spite of these differences, the assessment on the safety of genetically modified crops is often based on the substantial equivalence idea such that In case a new crop or food is found to be considerably equivalent in nutritional and composition characteristics to an already existing crop/food, it may be regarded as harmless as the conventional food/crop (Gordon 144). Nevertheless, a number of animal studies designate serious health risks linked to GM crop/food consumption including dysregulation of genes related to synthesis of cholesterol, accelerated aging, and protein formation. Religious organizations, Environmental activists, professional organizations, public interest groups, and other government and scientist officials have raised their concerns about genetically modified foods/crops. Agribusiness pursues profits showing minimal concern for possible environmental and human health hazards as well as economic concerns. Environmental hazards Reduced pesticide and insecticide effectiveness; most insects and pests are likely to develop resistance to Bt just like some mosquito species have developed resistance to DDT pesticide which has already been banned from the market. In addition, there is a possibility that insects and pests may develop resistance to pesticides produced by genetically-modified crops. This will eventually lead to destruction of large amounts of crops both in the field and in the store. Harm to other organisms: In reference to a laboratory study published last year, 2009, pollen from Bacillus thuringiensis corn caused a high rate of deaths in monarch butterfly caterpillars. These caterpillars do not consume corn but milkweed plants, but there is a possibility that pollen from Bt may be blown by wind onto the neighbouring milkweed field and hence the caterpillars will consume them and die. Even though the study wasnt conducted on natural field, the results are likely to support this viewpoint. Unfortunately, Bacillus thuringiensis toxins indiscriminately kill many insect larvae species, its impossible to produce a Bt toxin that only kills pests that are crop-damaging and remain safe to other insects (Heller 227). However, this study is under re-examination by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA, and other non-governmental research agencies. Interestingly enough, data from recent studies suggests that data from the original study may not have been accurate. Currently, the debate on the results of these studies is still on-going, and the possible risk of harm to organisms that are not targets will need further evaluation (Institute of Medicine U.S. Committee on Identifying and Assessing Unintended Effects of Genetically Engineered Foods on Human Health 50). Gene transfer to non-target species: Another major concern is that crops modified for herbicide tolerance and field weeds might cross-breed, hence leading to the transfer of the resistance genes from plant crops into the adjacent weeds. The resulting weeds will be super and are more likely to become tolerant to the herbicide as well. Other new genes may cross into non-engineered plant crops adjacent to GM crops. The interbreeding possibility is shown by the farmers defence against labelling of GM foods. A good example is the Monsanto case, where the company has filed exclusive rights intrusion lawsuits against GM crops farmers (Gordon 144). The only possible ways through which GM crop farmers can resolve these environmental hazards is by creating male sterile plants. This will ensure that non-target species do not receive new genes from GM crops. On the other hand, the farmers can modify the GM crops in a way that the pollen doesnt consist of the introduced genes. Consequently, there would be no possibility of cross-pollination and harmless insects would survive after consuming pollen from GM crops (Ferry and Gatehouse 121). Another probable solution will be creating buffer zones around GM crop fields. For instance, non-GM corn can be cultivated to surround a Bt. GM corn field, although the non-GM corn should not be harvested. Harmless or beneficial insects would take refuge in the non-GM corn, and pests can be allowed to wipe out the non-GM corn field without developing resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis pesticides. The wind-blown pollen will not cross over to weeds or other crops since the buffer zone wouldnt let it. Nonetheless, this planting method maybe unpractical if large buffer zone acreage is required (Ferry and Gatehouse 150). Human health risks Allergenicity: Allergy emergence is one of the most common human health threat posed by genetically modified foods (Puszta 2001). In the event of genetic modification, a protein with allergic effects could be transferred to a different crop. Additionally, allergic effects could be exacerbated through the biotechnology process, and new proteins that become allergens could be created in GM crops. For example, lots of children and grown-ups in Europe and the United States have developed allergies that are life-threatening to foods such as peanuts. There is likelihood that plant may create a new allergen or cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. A good example is the Brazil nut-to-beans genes transfer proposal that was rejected because of its possible allergic reactions. However, GM foods may require extensive testing in order to avoid possible consumer harm through allergies (Gordon 144). Unknown effects on human health: Transferring or introducing alien genes into food crops may result to unexpected negative effects on human health. An article recently published in Lancet scrutinized the effects of genetically-modified potatoes on the digestive system in rats. This study argued that there were significant differences in the intestines of GM potato fed rats and those of rats fed naturally cultivated potatoes. Until now critics argue that this results, like the monarch butterfly data, is faulty and doesnt hold up to scientific examination. Furthermore, the gene transferred into the potatoes was lectin, a snowdrop flower already known to be poisonous to mammals. The research scientists who produced this variety of potato decided to use lectin gene just to test the methodology, because these potatoes were not intended for animal or human consumption (Gordon 143). Economic concerns Introducing GM foods to market is a costly and lengthy process, and certainly agri-biotech companies aspire to ensure a cost-effective return on their investment. Several new plant genetic-modification technologies and GM crops/foods have been unapproved and patent breach is a great concern of agribusiness. Yet consumer advocates are concerned that patenting the new plant varieties is likely to raise seed prices so high such that small-scale farmers and third world nations will be unable to come up with the money for GM crop seeds, thus increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. People are hoping that in a compassionate gesture, more non-profits and companies will offer their products at a fair cost to poor countries (Ferry and Gatehouse 172). Enforcement of patent may turn-out to be difficult, as the farmers contention that they unwillingly grew Monsanto-modified strains when their crop plants were cross-pollinated. Introducing a suicide gene into GM plants would be an excell ent way of contesting possible patent breach. These crop plants would be feasible for one planting season and would produce seeds that dont germinate since they will be sterile. Farmers would have to purchase a fresh supply of planting seeds yearly. However, this would strain farmers financially especially in third world nations where they cannot afford to purchase seeds every year (Ferry and Gatehouse 173). In contrast, genetic-modified crops have been known to exhibit pest resistance. Insect pests can cause serious crop destruction and loss, hence resulting in distressing financial loss for farmers and prolonged starvation in third world countries. Most farmers buy and use many tons of insecticides and pesticides yearly. Moreover, pesticides can cause potential health hazards and excessive use can contaminate water sources and the environment. Cultivation of genetically-modified crops can eliminate the need for pesticides hence minimizing on costs. However, this method may harm pests that are important for crop growth processes such as pollination. Apart from this, genetically-modified plant crops exhibit herbicide tolerance. Considering that physical weed removal may not be cost-effective for certain crops, farmers are forced to spray large quantities of herbicides to destroy weeds which is expensive and time-consuming. Cultivating plant crops that are genetically-modified to resist a powerful herbicide might help in preventing environmental contamination by minimizing on the herbicides used. Despite the risks involved in genetic-modification of crops/foods, the biotechnology industry continues to claim that genetically-engineered crops can feed the entire world by producing higher crop yields. Nutrition Malnutrition has been reported to be a major problem in developing countries where poor people depend on crops such as rice as their key staple food. Nevertheless, such foods do not contain sufficient amounts of nutrients necessary to prevent malnutrition. If such crops were to be genetically-modified to contain extra minerals and vitamins, deficiencies of nutrients could be alleviated. However, an up to date report by Union of Concerned Scientists analyzed twelve academic studies and indicated that GM foods form a small percentage of the worlds produced food. Bt. corn proved to be the only exception since a high yield in GM corn was reported. As a matter of fact, the report further sated that the significant increase in crop yields was as a result of improvements in trad itional breeding (Institute of Medicine (U.S.). Committee on Identifying and Assessing Unintended Effects of Genetically Engineered Foods on Human Health 101). Conclusion Genetically-modified foods/crops may be the potential solution to many of global malnutrition and hunger problems, and to aid in preserving and protecting the environment by minimizing dependence upon chemical herbicides and pesticides, and increasing crop yield. Nevertheless, there are several challenges ahead for farmers and national governments, particularly in the areas of, international policy, regulation, safety testing, and GM food labelling. Needless to say, genetic-modification is the inevitable future wave and that the society may not afford to ignore this technology though it has several dangers which outweigh its benefits to both the consumer and the farmer. However, members of the society must carry on with caution to avoid causing environmental hazards and unintentional harm to human health as a result of enthusiasm for this new technology. Recommendations Considering that GM foods pose serious health risks in the areas of allergy, reproductive health, metabolic, and immune function, farmers ought to adopt the precautionary principle. This principle is the key European Union environmental regulatory tool and health policy which has formed numerous international agreements. The precautionary approach is to be applied by nations in accordance with their capabilities in protecting the environment. In case of serious threats of irreversible damage, presence of limited scientific certainty should not be utilized as a reason for postponing gainful measures to prevent degradation of the environment. Bearing the precautionary principle in mind, physicians should educate the public, patients, and the medical community to avoid genetically-modified foods if possible and offer educational materials on health risks arising from GM foods. Moreover, the scientific and medical community should gather information related to health effects resulting fr om the consumption of GM foods. This may include conducting research on safe and effective methods of considering GM foods effects on human health. Lastly, implementing long term labelling and safety testing methods of genetically-modified foods/crops will be an important factor.

Two Key Scenes Between Eddie and Marco in A View from the Bridge Essay

Two Key Scenes Between Eddie and Marco in A View from the Bridge Examine the dramatic effectiveness of two key scenes between Eddie and Marco. In the play, the lead character, Eddie Carbone is an â€Å"A View from the Bridge†: Examine the dramatic effectiveness of two key scenes between Eddie and Marco. â€Å"In the play, the lead character, Eddie Carbone is an Italian longshoreman working on the New York docks. When his wife’s cousins, Marco and Rodolfo, seek refuge as illegal immigrants from Sicily, Eddie agrees to shelter them. Trouble begins when his wife’s niece, Catherine, is attracted to the glamorous younger brother, Rodolfo. Eddie’s baffled jealousy culminates in an unforgivable crime against his family and the Sicilian community.† The playwright, Arthur Miller, writes about an era and district with which he is very familiar. The two scenes that I have chosen to analyse for dramatic effectiveness between Eddie and Marco are: o The last scene of Act 1, where Eddie attempts to teach Rodolfo to box and is challenged by Marco to lift the chair. o The last scene where Eddie refuses to leave the apartment pending Marco’s arrival. In the last scene of Act 1 dramatic effectiveness is displayed in a very strong and powerful way. The effect of this scene is very dramatic on the audience because before this particular scene takes place, Eddie’s anger and jealousy has been building up. The audience is keen to see how Eddie is going to react to the closeness of Catherine and Rodolfo. When Eddie went to see Alfieri, prior to the final scene of Act 1 he explained how he felt about Catherine seeing Rodolfo. Eddie made it very clear that he thinks Rodolfo â€Å"ain’t right.† When Alfieri makes it clear t... ...o the Immigration Bureau. This is a hint as to what Eddie may do later on in the play. The story of Vinny Bolzano is a precursor of what is to become Eddie’s fate. This also prepares the audience for the fact that Eddie may do something that is â€Å"unforgivable for people of Red Hook.† Although Vinny was obeying the law what he done was seen as unjust and wrong by the Red Hook as they have their own law. In conclusion I feel that both the last scene of Act 1 and the last scene of the play have a very dramatic effect on the audience. The last scene of Act 1 shows the audience the build up of tension and suspense between Eddie and Marco and the last scene of the play brings the suspense to a tragic end. Both scenes have a dramatic effect on the audience because they both contain the most exciting and predominant elements of the play – tension and suspense.

Patrick White’s “A Fringe of Leaves” Essay

Social interactions and relationships are often used in novels to establish and develop thematic concerns within the text. Within A Fringe of Leaves, Patrick White constructs characters and their relationships to expose the constraints of social expectations and simultaneously illustrate the metaphysical journey to self-realisation that the protagonist, Ellen undergoes. It is through Ellen’s complex and often confusing relationships with other characters that her journey may be traced and the extent of change at each level may be realised. The text remains, throughout such a journey, concerned with the contrast between appearances and reality, revealed though all levels of interaction, but poignantly exemplified in the upper class. Such contrasts are juxtaposed to the relatively natural, however none the less complex, relationships appearing deep within the Australian bush. Social relationships are vital in establishing themes, however Ellen’s inner struggle remains the focus of the novel. Relationships are therefor presented as complex and confusing in order to shape a deeper understanding of both the tribulations and personal conflicts Ellen must face and the complex product of her journey. Ellen Gluyas is of working class origins and it is only through her relationship with Austin that she comes to be the ‘Mrs. Roxburg’ of class and social stature. This transcending of class, although provides her with stoic and expedience, valuable in her journey, is the cause of much confusion for Ellen and she is constantly reassessing her situations in able to assume her appropriate role. White clearly expresses that Ellen and Austin’s marriage is for reasons other then romantic love. Austin’s selection of Ellen as his wife enables him to fulfill his Pygmalion fantasies, however the prospect of marrying would not have come about at all without the instruction of his mother. The marriage may thus be seen as, as equally fulfilling for ‘old’ Mrs. Roxburg as it is for Austin. Ellen, in complying with the Pygmalion concept, marries as it is her only means by which to achieve social mobility. Her acceptance of Austin’s ‘extraordinaryâ €™ proposal is prompted by her father’s death (a complex relationship in itself) as her resulting social position leaves her with little alternative choice. Their relationship is thus grounded on a precarious combination of unequal power, gratitude, unfamiliarity, duty and ‘a bungling attempt to  prove their love’. It is in the initial stage of the novel that the impacts of such a relationship are introduced. Ellen constantly struggles to camouflage her working class roots and beneath that, her spiritual and instinctual self. This creates conflict and confusion in her understanding of her self and her relationships with other characters. Ellen plays a ‘many faceted role’, which is made possible through the layers of social practices imposed during her initiation into the upper class. Although Austin provides her with the opportunity, it is her relationship with ‘old’ Mrs. Roxburg that begins the construction of the new young Mrs. Roxburg. Ellen becomes Austin and his mother’s molded and manipulated ‘work of art’ and it is during this time that she realises the importance of appearances within the upper class. Ellen also becomes aware of the innocence and ignorance of her working class self, and hence White foregrounds the notion of the class system as divided by a thin veneer of respectability. This notion of a superficial ‘fringe’ as the determinant of position within society is further criticised through the construction of Austin’s brother Garnet. White’s portrayal of Garnet and the insights Ellen gains from her relationship with him, reveal the potential for corruption and immorality within the upper class. Garnet, although banished from respectable society in Britain, is able to resume his authoritarian role, transposing his familiar existence of privilege and power to an Australian society. White’s ironic portrayal of Garnet as a stereotype of the upper class is critical in its exposure of the double standards apparent in a stratified social structure. Garnet is expected to uphold social ideals by setting moral examples for those ‘lesser’ than him, yet he, in every respect, defies the concept of ‘Christian morality’ through his advantageous and corrupt nature. White’s depiction of Garnet’s relationship with the servant girl Holly reveals how a man of his position is able to manipulate the lives of those around him, with little concern for the consequences. The character of Holly is marginalised within the text however this may be read as furthering White’s ironic portrayal of the upper class, as the minimal description of the girl’s fate is representative of just how little Garnet’s actions effect  his life. Although the portrayal of Holly also criticises dominant ideologies on gender, the extent of double standards towards male and female sexuality is fully exposed in the construction of the relationship between Ellen and Garnet. Their relationship is strongly contrasted to the sterile and repressive nature of Ellen and Austin’s relationship. Within her marriage Ellen is unable to explore her sexuality as when she ‘had†¦once responded with a natural ardour†¦discovered on her husband’s face an expression of having tasted something bitter’. Her relationship with Garnet thus proves to be complex in its meaning. It first represents Ellen and Garnet as parallel characters in their sensualist desires that must be censured in light of social morality. Whilst simultaneously juxtaposing the perception of sexuality in males and females within phallocentrically informed societies. Garnet’s sexuality is defined as a source of virile power. It is condoned and somewhat celebrated within the text. In strong contrast, Ellen’s sexuality is represented as dangerous and immoral. She suffers guilt after the experience, and in resuming her relations with Austin, continues to ‘refrain†¦from tearing†¦off†¦the mask which evidently she was expected to wear.† In the Roxburg’s confusing relationship of supposed love and stifled interactions, Ellen must repress her sensual desires in order to conform to social expectations of a ‘lady’, and thoughtful wife. Thus Garnet is the ‘tool which she used to measure the depths she was tempted to explore’. Their encounter unleashes Ellen’s repressed sensual nature and sexual desire, which prompts and foreshadows her journey to self-realisation. White depicts Ellen as a complex character whose complexity is enhanced by her experiences within the upper class of society. By focusing on Ellen’s social relationships, White is able to construct her character to the point where her descent may be as interesting and many leveled as her ascent. As a working class girl, Ellen existed with a few layers of constructed self. As she is initiated into the upper class she is constructed by external forces (‘old’ Mrs Roxburg and Austin) and internal forces (her new ‘knowledgable’ self, exemplified within her journal). This construction of self, imposes layers upon layers of ‘culture’ and false or rendered identity. In ellen’s  journey to self realisation she is stripped of her constructed or social self. The initial stages of the novel develop these layers so that the second part may remove them. Social relationships are thus used to develop and measure both her ascent and her descent. Parallels are thus drawn between the Roxbourg’s and the Aborigines, as they are characters whose relationships with Ellen denote periods of marked and rapid change. This notion of allining the two experiences is introduced when Ellen is ‘dragged to her feet’ by the group of Aboriginal women. Omniscient narration allows the parallel to be drawn through the line, ‘Ellen Gluyas had not encountered a more unlikely situation since forced as a bride to face the drawing rooms at Cheltenham.’ This line is significant also in the use of naming. It is the first of an interchanging of identity, which represents both the confusion Ellen undergoes and also the shedding of her ‘cultivated’ layers. Within the Aboriginal society Ellen is pushed and pulled to suit those around her. This may be read as representative of her treatment by civilised society, on a more basic and primitive level, symbolising manipulation through social relationships. Ellen’s relationship with the aborigines mark the beginning of her descent, as she is returned to the most basic and subsistence level of humanity. However to exist within the community she still must assume certain roles, such as slave and nurturer, savage and ‘work of art’. Ellen becomes the Aborigines ‘work of art’, just the way she did for Austin. And the ordeal she suffers exemplifies physically, the psychological effects of her ‘work of art’ rolein her marriage. Her role as nurturer and savage, reveal her instinctual and primitive self . Ellen is allowed to explore this side of her nature as she is freed from the constraints of civilised society. White constructs relationships between Ellen and the Aboriginal children, through Ellen’s role as nurturer. These relationships are important in revealing the contrasts of good and bad within human nature, and White explores the notion that good and bad exist collectively within people, and that nothing is truly good or truly bad. This is first introduced through the portrayal of Garnet who, despite being vilified within the text, encompasses vital characteristics in the development of Ellen’s journey. The  first relationship Ellen has with an aboriginal child, blatantly exposes her evil side, whilst nurses the sickly child. There is stark contrast of good and bad in Ellen’s thoughts and speech. She first refers to it as disgusting an then wishes it to ‘sleep, sleep†¦sleep-my darling’. Later she wishes the child dead. Her relationship with other Aboriginal children, within the text are equally confusing. There are moments of idyllic contentmen t with the children, and then they become solemn and determined or even violent. They become for Ellen a means by which she may be comforted, however there there is never any developed example of love. In the context of Ellen’s journey, the children are also ‘tool’s, by which she may explore her nurturer side, denied through her fruitless marriage with Austin. White’s construction of the character Jack Chance, Ellen’s convict hero, provides a heightened example of good shrouded in evil. Jack is a murderer, and a criminal, whilst he is Ellen’s protector. In contrast to Garnet, Jack is unable to escape the consequences of his actions, and has suffered the brutalities of the upper classes’ corruption. His character thus evokes sympathy despite his immoral past. The union of Ellen and Jack is complex as it reveals the contradiction and multiplicity within the individuals’ true self. Jack is presented as both a murderer and protector, whilst Ellen’s heightened awareness of self, is only made possible through the darker and more primitive side of her nature. The positive portrayal of their Eden-like existence valorises the multiplicity and contradictions within themselves and their relationship. It is both a spiritual and sexual union in which Ellen appears her most natural self. It is with Jack that she makes the final transition to full enlightenment and self-realisation, symbolized by the sheding of her fringe of leaves. Their relationship remains confusing though. Ellen replaces the fringe of leaves to distance herself from Jack. Although ‘she loved him’, social relationships remain complex for Ellen, and Jack is of course another tool in Ellen’s journey. Through him she may rekindle her sensuality and extend her self knowledge. He is her means to return to civilization, and thus their idyllic relationship is temporary. White implies that their union is not possible within civilised society. Their natural existence of unrepressed desires and sensuality may not be transposed onto a world of appearances and constructed social fronts, such  that Ellen returns to civilization alone. Throughout the novel Ellen’s social relationships trace and reflect the stages of her journey. On returning to civilisation there surfaces a new confusion as Ellen realizes that ‘self-knowledge might remain a source of embarrassment even danger.’ She is forced to repress all of her new knowledge to fit back into a society of superficiality and unjustified stratification. White constructs Ellen’s journey to criticise the nature of society and to expose the tribulations of those ‘less’ than the upper class white male. Through the construction of confusing and complex relationships, White is able to delve deeper into the multitude of perceptions and understandings of his characters. Few characters reflect a one sided and purely good or bad person, thus White reveals that morality and ‘goodness’ is often blurred. In the context of class, by employing omniscient narration, social relationships are constructed to reveal the superficialities and uneven power distributions within society. Through his critical depiction of class White enforces that such divisions are but thin veneers, and criticizes them as a false basis to build social relationships. Through Ellen’s journey, more heightened experiences take precedence over her somewhat tedious social existence. Juxtaposed to her inner thoughts and spiritual awareness, her social front is predominantly a piteous reflection of her true self. White explores such contrasts in order to invoke a critical reflection of society in all contexts.

Cause and effect: gambling Essay

Throughout life we take chances with many different things. We take chances for ourselves, and we take chances for others close to us. Chances are things which will give you so much good in your life if you go for the right things and succeed when taking the chance. As is everything in this life taking chances are all and only good within moderation. When you take yourself to an abusive level with anything it becomes dangerous for you and all who surround you. An unsuccessful gambler may carry the same attributes of a very greedy person. A greedy person is someone who always wants more, and in essence a person gambling is looking to get more then they have. Gambling is considered to be addictive for many people, and depending on the degree of your addiction it can affect your life in more places then just your wallet. People engage in gambling through its ever-present incentive. The incentive in gambling is most commonly a financial reward, but it may also be many other different things. The mind of a person is hopefully set to learn from mistakes, and this is the mindset of many gamblers, these are successful gamblers. The reason they are successful is because they are able to establish what the problem was in their loss. After establishing their problem they learn to not repeat their fault. Next, when the mind set of a person is not gauged to learn from their mistakes, but only learn through extreme measures is when gambling becomes a larger problem. A gambler can be successful and not greedy, but a bad gambler is made through greed. If the gambler does not want to lose anymore or accepts his winnings they become unsuccessful. Greed is one of the seven deadliest sins, andn it is so fitting indeed. When a good gambler suffers from losing he or she turns around and puts their loss aside and does not let it intertwine with any aspect of their life other then gambling. When an inexperienced or unsuccessful gambler loses, the loss effects more then just the gambling aspect of their life. The unsuccessful gambler will turn to things of more negativity. The reason the gambler turns to these things is to ease their mind and hide their feelings. This way of coping with losing could ultimately result into hurting financially, as well as emotionally, and even physically. The first problem the gambler will face will be financial loss. The first thing to go in gambling is your wallet, and unfortunately one of the most commonly related problems to depression is debt. Losing money will affect the mindset of the gambler causing possible depression. This is when the problem reaches the emotional aspect it may take. The chain of events continues from depression on ward to abuse among substances, most commonly drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol are substances made to relax the mind and take them away from the reality of things. The reality of the situation is that all drugs and alcohol will do is further affect the gambler financially as well as emotionally, and physically. When abuse of alcohol and drugs is brought to the home life of someone all it brings is deceit and ultimately pain. If the gambler has a family life the habits of drugs and alcohol will be tried to be concealed by the user to not hurt anyone else, and ultimately the truth surfaces taking an even bigger toll on the gambler. The abuse of alcohol and drugs is also closely related to physical abuse. Being intoxicated on drugs and alcohol can in fact lead to abusing close friends or family. It is most likely never said, but gambling can lead a person to rehabilitation. It is somewhat ironic that a hobby usually carried by wealthy, or well off people with strong mentalities can lead to complete collapse and weakness. This chain of events the gambler goes through can have almost a ruining effect on their life. Gambling is caused by the mentality of a risk taker or someone who enjoys taking chances wanting more then they have. Taking chances is not a bad thing by any means. It only becomes bad when it is abused. The effects of abusing gambling are never ending. Abusing gambling can lead to many extremes of negativity. It is up to the mind of the gambler to know when it is time to stop, or if it is not risking too much by continuing on.

Short Commentary on Othello Act 4 scene 1 lines 1-46 Essays

Short Commentary on Othello Act 4 scene 1 lines 1-46 Essays Short Commentary on Othello Act 4 scene 1 lines 1-46 Paper Short Commentary on Othello Act 4 scene 1 lines 1-46 Paper Essay Topic: Othello The opening scene of Act 4 in Othello succeeds one in which Othello begins to confront Desdemona about Cassio via the loss of her handkerchief. Bewildered by her husbands strange new violent and jealous behaviour, Desdemona, unknowingly, tries even harder to help Cassio. She continually implores that Othello gives him back his position as officer, if just in order to remind her husband of his esteemed position among the society, and in general, of his own sense of honour and morality that she, as his wife, had always seen in and respected of him. Act 4 Scene 1 opens up in media-res of a conversation taking place between Iago and Othello. This scene chiefly introduces to the audience Iago as having gained full control, as we see Othello now to be the one unconsciously repeating after him. Through the use of intimation, imagery and the theme of appearance vs. reality, the audience is convinced of Iagos success and Othellos deterioration.   In this scene, the overarching theme of appearance vs. reality is an implied but a recurrent and significant one. Through Iagos character, Shakespeare analogizes materialistic/physical things to the main values explored in the play, successfully conveying to the audience the importance of both, but on a deeper level, how Iago has the ability both to hinder and manipulate them in his acts of double knavery. The handkerchief Othello gives to Desdemona, for example, embodies his love and trust for her, but more deeply his honour in her having accepted him, the moor, the outcast. Thus, the loss of the handkerchief grew to become synonymous with the loss of its value, as is evident from Othellos change in narrative form, as it goes from a form of verse to prose. In addition, Othello says, in line 35 on page 153, Handkerchiefconfessionshandkerchief! To confess and be hanged for this labour. First to be hanged and then to confess. in prose form, and Shakespeares use of it accommodates Othellos use of chiasmus in his speech. Ironically, where chiasmus is used typically as a device to articulate balance or order within a text, the use of it in Othello marks precisely the opposite. Through this Shakespeare conveys Othellos convoluted state of mind both mentally and emotionally, and therefore, Iagos success in his motivations. Furthermore, in pairing both the physical and non-physical things, Iago is also able to draw contrasts between them, as, unlike Desdemonas handkerchief, her honour is an essence thats not seen, thus insinuating her deceit to Othello. Likewise, the reverberation of Iagos use of the word poison throughout several acts reflects his own duplicity, almost as if he chose to name it as such. Poison works slowly but effectively the same way Iagos deception worked on Othello. However, on a deeper level, it also marks Iagos character development as his successes continually accelerate more of his schemes and plans, while at the same time weakening Othello. However, it is the analogy between and a value and a sensual physical action, in an unauthorized kiss in line 3, that epitomizes and conclusively portrays Iagos complete manipulation of Othello, that by combining values of reputation and authority with love and emotion, Othellos weaknesses are used in Iagos power, leaving Othello to seemingly self-destruct. In conclusion, it is Shakespeares use of language and his successful implicit portrayal of themes through characters that allows his audience to unwrap themselves not only the true nature of the relationships between the characters, but also the complementing and contrasting values and ideals that inevitably exist amongst them.

Managing for the future Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Managing for the future - Assignment Example The analysis of the performance then focuses on how the company has performed in these three factors. Finally scenario development is done and the management initiative that needs to be taken for the success of the organization in future has been recommended. Company Overview Marks and Spencer (M&S) has been operating in the retail industry for last 129 years and has transformed itself from a single market stall to a multi-channel retailer who has international presence. The company is operating in more than 50 territories with employee strength of 82,000 people. They stand on the pillars of trust, innovation, value, service, quality and works hard to ensure that that they sustain in the market by continuing to offer value relevant to the customers. They are shifting their focus from United Kingdom and diversifying their product range, location and channels in order to broaden their focus towards the international market. The turnover of the company from the market of UK comes from g eneral merchandises (46%) and food (54%). They offer great value, high quality, stylish clothing and home products. Beside this they also offer quality food that is sourced from several suppliers present all around the world. In UK they have around 766 stores facilitated with flourishing e-commerce business. In UK they are the market leader in menswear, women’s wear and lingerie section. ... In order to make these initiatives successful the company has engaged their customer, suppliers and employees (Marks and Spencer plc, 2013a). Company’s History from 2007 to 2013 M&S aims to place itself as a multi-channel retailer that is truly international and making them accessible to more and more customers present around the world. The company has implemented wide range of activities and claims to make progress and extract benefits from them. One of the most significant initiatives that the company has taken is the design of Plan A. Through this plan M&S aims to make the operation of Republic of Ireland and UK carbon neutral, broaden sustainable sourcing, no waste is send to the land fill, set standards for ethical trading and help the people to move towards healthy lifestyle (Marks and Spencer plc, 2007). This plan creates an impact on the corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental issues and sustainability. Following is the overview of what the company has don e in these past seven years. 2007 In this year M&S plans to initiate a five year, 100 point, ?200 million ‘eco-plan’ that touches every part of the company and transforms the way in which they conduct business. This plan aims towards â€Å"doing the right thing†. The company initially started with 100 commitments which were later extended to 180 commitments. This plan is made to work in collaboration with the suppliers and the customers who look towards combating with the climatic changes, trade ethically, use raw materials that are sustainable, reduce waste and encourage the customers to lead a healthy lifestyle (Marks and Spencer plc, 2013b). This

Women Roles Throughout History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Women Roles Throughout History - Research Paper Example It is here that historians and scientists first encounter the role of women in society. In addition to Biblical teachings, the roles of women have evolved differently all over the world from Europe to Middle East, Africa to South Asia and America to Australia (Brown and McBride (2005). The differences in roles are mainly attributed to different cultural and religious beliefs that determine the role of women in society. For example, the role of Muslim women living in Middle East may be quite dissimilar from those of women in European countries dominated by Christians. The same applies to South Asia and Africa. This implies that culture and religion is a major determinant of the women’s position in society. Despite the differences, it is also true that certain roles are the same irrespective of the geographical region. For instance, at the beginning, in the backward society, women dominated the society and family due to the important roles they played. This is due to the fact that finding food like vegetables and fruits which were the major food during this period was left for women. In most cases, women were inferior to their men and were denied several rights in male dominated societies according to Brown and McBride (2005). ... The paper will also explore how the lives, roles and status of women in the society has changed and varied over different cultural areas and early world history eras. Throughout history books and the Bible, several events are documented pertaining to the different roles played by women in the society that has helped transform the society. In the Bible, for example, Esther is depicted as playing her role as Queen, and helped save the Hebrews at the verge of being exterminated. It can, therefore, be argued that the Jewish community could not have been in existence were it that Esther could not have played this important role. In Europe, the role of women throughout history has been centered on equality and injustice. Nevertheless, one thing that is acknowledged among historians is that the role of women has changed greatly in Europe since prehistory to the end of 1500. It is reported that, during the Middle Ages that lasted from 5th century to about the fifteenth century, women played an important role in helping family produce enough food supplies. As such, they participated in planting, wedding and harvesting, as well as storing the food harvested from the farms. In addition, female gender, wives and daughters were also responsible for cooking meals for the family; attend to home chores such as maintaining general cleanliness of the house and home compound. They were also responsible for rising of children (Bardsley, 2007). It is also reported that women during the middle ages in Europe were supposed to be submissive to their male counterparts in the family. In this regard, they were expected not only to obey their father, and other family members such as brothers. As such, any woman who is rule was to be forced into submission and disrespect was perceived as a