ms Essays (486 words) - James Madison, United States Constitution

The Constitution Constitution is a set of rules and regulations drafted to protect and govern a state or a country. In the case of America, it did not come easily. It took educated, wealthy and brave men to make that decision. In those days, majority tyranny was the other of the day, unlike lately where just a hand full of people care about what the government does. At a point the citizens will rebel, as in the case of Shay?s rebellion that took place in Massachusetts. Farmers were being incarcerated for defaulting in the payment of mortgages and other taxes. Their properties were foreclosed and later seized by the banks. The farmers, through the leadership of a former revolutionary war officer Captain Daniel Shays, prevented the State judge from entering the courthouse. The motive behind this act is to prevent the judge from issuing arrest warrants. This rebellion challenged the constitution, then known as the articles of confederation. The loop holes were later fixed regarding the short comings of the articles, which we now have as the constitution. Even though the constitution at that time, was challenged by people like judge Thurgood Marshal and progressive historian Charles Beared, for being andocentric, racially biased, and a conspiracy to protect immediate and personal economic interests of the framers, it was not necessarily based on th at. Rather it was a good work of educated and dedicated citizens. It is very interesting how the constitution provided checks and balances on its institutions. For this reason none of the institutions will lord over the other. During last summer, one night I went with my cousin to a Conner store about eleven pm, to get a chilled bottle of Becks. My impatience led me to start drinking while we were walking. We stood at a point and were chatting, out of nowhere the undercover police pulled over, my cousin took to his heels but I stood. As though a dream, I was hand cuffed. After a few minutes of chasing around the block, my cousin gave up and was also hand cuffed, we both found ourselves at the prescinct, we were scared as rats. Later we were given our charges and were freed. We had to go pay twenty dollars as a fine for drinking outside at the criminal court. Sometimes we read and hear stories but to experience it is a different story. This experience made me appreciate and not take for granted any little law that is set as part of the constitution. We could have paid our fine right at the precinct if we were in other countries such as Africa, but the separation of power in the constitution as drafted by th e founding fathers, led us to be referred to the judiciary after the law enforcement had done its part. The constitution is such an interesting set of law if we are to abide by them.

Free Essays on Music Piracy

Ever since we were little, we have been taught that stealing is wrong. When we were caught in the act, we were punished. But what happens when we are presented with something we want and there is no one around to see us take it? Many of us would take it because they feel they aren’t going to be caught and with this freedom of mind, we take it guilt free. Music piracy has been steadily growing and the idea of not getting caught has provoked more and more people to try it. The government has recently been making a conscious effort to try and downplay this new fad of illegal file sharing. Music piracy is not only stealing music, but it is stealing copyrighted art and money from the artist. People think that no one will noticed they were taking the music, but the fact is many people are being affected. Music piracy is harming to everyone as a society because not only is it unethical, but it takes money from the artists and labels. Music piracy is a new era in which people can download a song or file over the internet by a music sharing system. Many services online, like Napster or Limewire, provide people with a link to all their favorite songs. What most music people download is copyrighted material by the artist. â€Å"Copyright is a property right given to producers of creative expression. Copyright does not protect ideas or facts, but it protects works of literature, music, drama, art, sound recordings, photography, movies, software and other original works of authorship.†(Gauntlett 196).This means that the artists have a special right over the use of their creation and if people want to use it, there is usually a payment of some sort. People using the internet to get their music for free are stealing from the artist. Napster, in 2001, was taken to court by artists that were frustrated with the service the program was providing. Napster went under as a business and lost a lot of its money, but tha t did not stop other file sharing p... Free Essays on Music Piracy Free Essays on Music Piracy Ever since we were little, we have been taught that stealing is wrong. When we were caught in the act, we were punished. But what happens when we are presented with something we want and there is no one around to see us take it? Many of us would take it because they feel they aren’t going to be caught and with this freedom of mind, we take it guilt free. Music piracy has been steadily growing and the idea of not getting caught has provoked more and more people to try it. The government has recently been making a conscious effort to try and downplay this new fad of illegal file sharing. Music piracy is not only stealing music, but it is stealing copyrighted art and money from the artist. People think that no one will noticed they were taking the music, but the fact is many people are being affected. Music piracy is harming to everyone as a society because not only is it unethical, but it takes money from the artists and labels. Music piracy is a new era in which people can download a song or file over the internet by a music sharing system. Many services online, like Napster or Limewire, provide people with a link to all their favorite songs. What most music people download is copyrighted material by the artist. â€Å"Copyright is a property right given to producers of creative expression. Copyright does not protect ideas or facts, but it protects works of literature, music, drama, art, sound recordings, photography, movies, software and other original works of authorship.†(Gauntlett 196).This means that the artists have a special right over the use of their creation and if people want to use it, there is usually a payment of some sort. People using the internet to get their music for free are stealing from the artist. Napster, in 2001, was taken to court by artists that were frustrated with the service the program was providing. Napster went under as a business and lost a lot of its money, but tha t did not stop other file sharing p...

Animal testing should not be banned Research Paper

Animal testing should not be banned - Research Paper Example Since the Roman Church had burned dissecting of human beings, researchers opted to go the animal way as they provided the best alternatives to human being and indeed, animal testing should not be forbidden considering that animal testing is beneficial for science field. One of the primary reasons of performing animal experiment is that animal testing is beneficial for science field. Scientists and doctors argue that every achievement in medical field in 20th century has relied on the use of animals in some way. Thus, scientists have prior knowledge and experience of using animal testing in carrying out experiments for many years (â€Å"National Academics Press† 12.) First, animal testing plays an essential role in developing the surgical field. According to Cooke (18), toxicologists have the responsibility of determining the level of exposure that is either safe or harmful to human health, animals as well as to the environment. Certain reasons make it necessary to use animals in scientific research and testing. By the fact that the composition of all organisms is chemical, introduction of a substance into the animal interacts in various parts of the body and effects of one process could bring unexpected consequences in others. It is important to understand the relationship between dosages given to a person and those administered to different organs and body tissues. Studies conducted on a whole animal are very important for ensuring proper use of beneficial chemicals to avoid causing harmful effects to receiving organs. Laboratory tools such as tests and computers cannot make a duplicate of the phenomena and thus the only sure method of testing is the use of animals. A study on chemical interaction with living organisms normally helps scientists to unveil some of the most fascinating mysteries of living organisms functioning. There is a dynamic relationship between plants, environment, and animals. According to McCally (1), the physiological processes al low living systems process chemicals that are in constant balance with the world. Scarce information relating to these fundamental processes is available. When disturbed by increasing levels of one substance, the measure of available toxic level becomes credible (Connel, et al. 102). Toxicologists in understanding chemical toxicity of substances have developed critical knowledge. The knowledge is important in protecting human beings, animals as well as the environment from both artificial and natural exposures. Animal testing is an important procedure in ensuring drug`s safety and efficiency. All chemicals, whether harmful or otherwise, have harmful effects to people if administered in wrong proportions. Any small amount of a useful or harmful substance when administered hardly causes a detectable significance in the body of a human. According to Cooke (18), toxicologists have the responsibility of determining the level of exposure that is either safe or harmful to human health, ani mals as well as to the environment. It is important to understand the relationship between dosages given to a person and those administered to different organs and body tissues. Studies conducted on a whole animal are very important for ensuring proper use of beneficial chemicals to avoid causing harmful effects to receiving organs. The process of making medicines, beauty products, foodstuffs, and chemicals for use in the environment requires mixing of different kinds of chemicals in

No topic needed this is part of paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

No topic needed this is part of - Research Paper Example This amount then helps in developing an economic structure so that the investor can afford the health expenditures in the future. Thus, the person plays a safe game by being insured. But lately, because of the recession, many people living in the United States have become unemployed because of which they are unable to renew their insurance packages. Secondly, uninsured people usually go to any physician irrespective of his expertise in the field. These physicians have no previous medical records of the person under treatment, thus they are not specialized in prescribing any sort of drugs to the person. When people intake wrong drugs, they risk their lives in the process. Wrong treatment results in side reactions, births of new diseases and outbursts of epidemics. Other than the doctor, the local government has to face all these troubles and allegations as well. When payment regarding the health insurance is not made, the cost incurred is to be covered by the hospitals of the health institutions. This results in the medical services deteriorating. Health problems are more prevalent in insured people than the insured ones. This is because the uninsured individuals resort to implementing on the medical advice taken from the local doctors. Or they try to treat themselves without any professional advice whatsoever which leads to chronic illnesses. Recent calculations show that 2 million uninsured individuals have been told that they have arthritis, 1.8 million have asthma and 1.3 million have chronic bronchitis. An additional 613,000 people have diabetes and a further 615,000 have cancer. These findings are evidence of the fact that uninsured people bear a greater risk of falling prey to chronic and deep-rooted illnesses, which is a bigger threat to the health of the nation as a whole. Many people – the number is unknown - suffer from a particular illness so they are uninsurable. One way of solving the problem of

Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Technology - Essay Example For a school setup, the preeminent suggested computer placement arrangement entails the use of laboratories. In this setup, the placement of the machines should be done in the two 30-station computer labs. This method is suitable in this particular setting since the student’s improvement in learning computers can be closely scrutinized. Moreover, the vulnerability of destruction of the machines will be significantly reduced. In addition, the computer teachers are able to monitor the computers in order to avoid cases connected to theft of computers and the peripheral devices. According to the lab station method, the computers are arranged in the room in an organized manner to prevent learners and other individuals from stumbling over the peripheral devices. In the arrangement of computers, in a lab, there are three main arrangement setups. They include computers arranged in clusters of four, horse shoe facing the walls and rows of computers facing the front board (Andrew, 2010). Experts prefer the use of the horse shoe organization method. This is because the lecturer is able to move around the lab pretty effortlessly in case any novice needs aid on something (Andrew, 2010). In the horseshoe setting, the wiring method will be from the mains circuit to the feeder wires that will transmit power to the computers in the lab. In terms of security, the school should install an alarm system for the two lab rooms, and also introduce strict rules that will protect the computers from damage by the learners. Also, the arrangement setup should also consider that the lab is well aerated to prevent the machines from overheating. This will improve the effectiveness and performance of the computers (Tison, 1991). On the one hand, the school board should pick apt and learned individuals who will be responsible for maintaining the computers and the computer labs. The selection made

How to Identify Different Types of Learners

How to Identify Different Types of Learners How does a teacher identify the different types of learners in a language classroom and how best plan for this afterwards? ‘†¦plan, teach / act, observe and reflect†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Sue Davidoff and Owen van den Berg, 1990) The Observation My observation was undertaken at the British Council in Kuwait/Gulf Region[ej1]. The observation class was of mixed nationality Arabic Language speakers at Intermediate level. There were twenty students in total, 80% males to 20% females. The class comprises of 30% students, 60% working or professional people 10% homemakers others. The age range is between 20 to 55 years. The class is halfway through a 6 months language course. I observed and was involved in a 90 minute lesson focusing on vocabulary, reading and speaking. At the end the teacher answered my prepared questionnaire (see Appendix)[ej2]. The following essay consists of a brief theoretical, analytical and practical examination of learning styles and typologies in a language classroom and how best to plan for them. It includes an analysis of specific elements from the observed lesson (see Appendix for a transcript[ej3]) put in the context of theory and intended future practise. To support the lesson, the teacher used the white board, an overhead projector with one transparency and three handouts. Whole class work focused on provision of vocabulary and contextualisation of the material. The material was real and relevant to contemporary interests and cultures. The teacher used discussion starters to motivate and encourage student interest and involvement (as Allwright and Bailey advise, 1991) Responses were elicited from the class and supported through teacher modelling of pronunciation and writing on the white board. Individual work was limited. The teacher had established small groups (three to four students) aimed at balancing ethnic background and gender. Research shows the importance of understanding and catering for different learning styles and cognitive strategies. When a learning style is not catered for, the student can easily become ‘bored and inattentive, do poorly on tests, get discouraged about the course, and may conclude that they are not good at the subjects’ (Zhenhui, 2001). Various parameters have been constructed for defining student’s preferred way of learning, such as Knowles (1982) concrete, analytical, communicative and authority-orientated learning styles (cited in Richards, 1994). Another defines the groups as auditory, visual and kinaesthetic learning styles (Krause et al, 2003, pp154-155) whilst figure 1 gives a representation of student and teacher inter-reactions dependent on learning styles. Some researchers such as Richards (1994, pp.59-77) consider an individuals culture as vital to understanding learning styles. Ladson-Billings (1995) advocates a method of Culturally Responsive Teachin g which integrates cultural points of reference through out the learning process. Others disagree (Kubes, 1998, cited in Krause) and cite more universal forms of learning. This class was both interested and engaged in its learning. However, during the interview, the teacher expressed a wish that there was more time for individual tailoring. The teacher acknowledged that this would better cater for the range of learning styles. More concrete resources (actual materials eg fruit, etc) and increased use of visual aids (magazines, more transparencies, laminated pictures) may also help to convey understanding and increase retention. Two ‘tests’ were used during the class one was a linking exercise and one a reading exercise. The teacher finished the lesson with each student expressing an opinion on an article using the lessons language. Whilst these were not formal tests, they involved assessment strategies. As Nunan points out (1990, p62) assessment contributes part of the information for student evaluation. As this infers, the tools for student assessment, be they observational, formative or summative, need to balance with an understanding of the ‘bigger picture’. For example, the goal may be to allow students to understand, practise and develop their own language and learning strategies (see Hismanoglu’s exploration of Language Learning Strategies, 2000) – be they direct or indirect strategies (Oxford, 1990, p9). Most students require clear and precise scaffolding (Vygotsky, in Krause, 2003, pp60-65) to develop their metacognitive practises for making meaning. Assessme nt can act as a benchmark to the success of the learning process and show the teacher areas that need to be covered again or in a different way. There is no space here to do full justice to the impact of the learning environment upon students yet it needs inclusion for a balanced understanding of students learning styles. Suffice it to say that, as Nunan and Lamb say (1996), the teacher needs to aim for a safe, positive and progressive environment that encourages student participation, thinking and risk-taking. Much as assessment is an end result of reflection upon what one wants to define, the learning environment should be based upon a thorough understanding of theoretical aspects. For example, traditional teaching methods tended towards a unitary approach to intelligence. Contemporary theories, such as Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences (cited in Krause et al, 2003) allow for the inclusion of variable factors that define a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Many agree with Wilson’s (1998) assertion that Gardner’s MI theory helps teachers createâ€Å"†¦more personalized and diversifi ed instructional experiences† and develops â€Å"empowered learners† (http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/mi/wilson1.htm) Figure 2. Adapted from Huitt, 2004, http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/regsys/maslow.html This holistic approach agrees with an understanding of other influences upon learning, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for example (see Figure 2), or Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological systems theory. These ‘ecological’ factors encourage more integrated forms of assessment and are particularly useful in understanding various forms of ‘washback’ (see Cushing Weigle, 2002) that may result. Other more structured tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indications Survey, (Myers McCaulley, 1985) may also have their place. The teacher used gender and ethnic background to balance the groups. The groups worked well together in a pro-social manner. However, Woods encourages conscious examination of an educators own attitudes, especially when the may cause subconscious actions and opinions to form (Woods, 1996). Should the two parameters of gender and ethnicity become constraints, then they are not valid means of group construction. Sometimes is appeared that not all group members contribute in their cooperative learning. However, research has shown that even those who do not appear to be so communicative do benefit to a degree from the listening and processing that this format provides. It may be that they are better at working individually and as such should have the opportunity to do so. The teacher used elements of the 3 P’s approach presentation, practise, production. However, as the lesson transcript shows, the language was expanded in what became more of a Harmer-style engage – study – activate method. I would like to list the implications for my own teaching under the following points: Use a wide range of teaching strategies and styles to ensure comprehension eg support spoken material with writing on the white board, leave the transparency up on the overhead projector, bring in concrete materials, provide visual clues, model your required responses, â€Å"set short, realistic goals and review and recycle often.† (Antonaros, 2005 ), role play, use song. Use methods according to the area you wish to cover, the materials you have prepared and present concisely and precisely. If the area is suited best to direct instruction then use it, if student-centred instruction or co-operative groups then vary accordingly. Motivation and interest are paramount, but sound understanding is the goal. Prepare your materials so that they are interesting, real, relevant, encourage thinking whilst supporting language development. Take an action research approach to (for example Wright’s, 1987, 2005) to develop a thorough understanding of my students learning and cognitive styles and my own attitudes. Use active listening to understand, modelling to improve and discussion to encourage communication Use teacher modelling strategies to develop the student’s autonomous language learning skills as exemplified by Lowes and Target (1998) in Helping Students to Learn. Providing a positive learning environment where mistakes are not derided Assign homework that re-caps and therefore re-enforces the issues covered in the lesson. Ensure equity in communication – make sure everyone has a chance to speak. â€Å"Every teacher who has taught a group of grown-ups knows that some individuals may be reluctant to speak, especially when they realize or assume that other students are more fluent.† (Turula, 2002) References Allwright, D. Bailey, K. (1991). Focus on the Language Classroom. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Antonaros, S. (no date) Looking Inside and Out for the Answer to Motivating Our Learners http://www.tesolgreece.com/nl/75/7505.html) Accessed 7th February 2006 Davidoff, S., Van Den Berg, O. (1990) Changing Your Teaching. The challenge of the classroom. Pietermaritzburg: Centaur Publications Gardner, H. (1983) Frames of Mind. New York: Basic Books, Harmer, J (1998) How to Teach English. Harlow, UK: Longman Hismanoglu, M. (2000) ‘Language Learning Strategies in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching’, The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. VI, No. 8, August 2000 Knowles, L (1982) Teaching and Reading. London, UK: National Council on Industrial Language Training. Krause, K., Bochner, S., Duchesne, S. (2003) Educational Psychology for learning and teaching. Southbank, Victoria: Thomson. Kubes, M (1998) Adaptors and innovators in Slovakia: Cognitive style and social culture. European Journal of Personality, 12(3), pp.187-198 Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). But thats just good teaching! The case for culturally relevant pedagogy. Theory into Practice, 34(3), 159-165. Lowes, R. Target, F. (1998). Helping Students to Learn. London: Richmond. Malamah-Thomas, A. (987). Classroom Interaction. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Nunan, D., Lamb, C. (1996). The Self-Directed Teacher. Cambridge, UK : Cambridge University Press. Oxford, R. (1990). Language Learning Strategies: What Every Teacher Should Know. New York, USA: Newbury House Publishers. Richards, J.C., Lockhart, C.L. (1994). Reflective Teaching in Second Language Classrooms. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Richards, J.C. Nunan, D. (eds.). Second Language Teacher Education. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Turula, A (2002) Language Anxiety and Classroom Dynamics: A Study of Adult Learners. Forum English Teaching Online, US Dept of State, Vol. 40 (2). http://exchanges.state.gov/forum/vols/vol40/no2/p28.htm#top Wilson, L (1998). Whats the big attraction? Why teachers are drawn to using Multiple Intelligence Theory in their classrooms? http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/mi/wilson1.htm Accessed 7 February 2006 Woods, D. (1996) Teacher Cognition in Language Education. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press Wright, T. (1987). Classroom Management in Language Education. Hampshire, UK: Palgrave Macmillan Wright, T. (1987). Roles of Teachers and Learners. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Zhenhui, R. (2001) ‘Matching Teaching Styles with Learning Styles in East Asian Contexts’, The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. VII, No. 7, July 2001 Websites Matching teaching styles: http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Zhenhui-TeachingStyles.html accessed 3 February 2006. Language Learning Strategies: http://iteslj.org/Articles/Hismanoglu-Strategies.html accessed 3 February 2006 Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs, Huitt, 2004, http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/regsys/maslow.html. Accessed 7 February 2006 Language Teaching http://www.ittmfl.org.uk/modules/effective/6a/paper6a4.pdf accessed 5 February 2006 [ej1]Where exactly, or does this remain hypothetical? [ej2]Need to verify and add number [ej3]Need to verify and add number

Benito Juarez Essay -- essays research papers

Benito Juarez was one of the most prominent and resourceful leaders in Mexico’s history. He raised the standard of living and championed the poor. However, it took Juarez half his life to become such a dominant political figure. He was born in San Paulo Guelatao in the Mexican State of Oaxaca. His parents were Indians, and he was raised a shepherd boy. His parents died when he was three, leaving Benito to his unmarried uncle. His uncle believed that the only way for him to better his place in society was to become a priest. So, on December 18, 1818, Benito at the age of twelve ran away to the city to learn. He entered the city penniless, and didn’t even speak the language. He soon got a job helping a bookbinder, and attended a parish school. He soon left the school because of discrimination, and social class divisions. He worked, and was then able to enroll in the Holy Cross Seminary. Benito did not want to become a priest, but the free education kept him there. Then, at 22 he entered the Institute of Sciences and Arts, and he studies Physics, and then law. In 1831 he finished his studies, and went to work in a law office. That same year, at age 25 he was elected to the position of city alderman. Then, in 1833 he was elected to the Oaxaca State legislature. Next, in 1834 he became the attorney for the state. Governments changed, as was characteristic in Latin America, and he was thrown in jail. He then was released, and gained support of both Libe...

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water

Nicole Freche Mr. Ontiveros World Literature – 2nd period December 5, 2010 Friends Forever! â€Å"Trust is like a vase†¦ once it’s broken, though you can fix the vase, it’ll never be the same again† – Author unknown. Almost every person has had at least one person who he or she can confide their secrets. Over time one can learn whether or not he or she can trust or believe another will hold that confidence. If that certitude is shattered, it takes time again to reconcile and to earn it back.In Michael Dorris’s novel, A Yellow Raft in Blue Water, Ida is a girl who entrusts in her young Aunt Clara with secrets from school to boys. When Clara reveals Ida’s hope about Willard Pretty Dog, the trust is broken; despite this, Ida still helps Clara and also creates herself a new certitude through Clara’s daughter, Christine. Clara comes to live with Ida and her family to take care of Mama and instantly Ida becomes infatuated with he r. Clara is the opposite of Ida: pretty, little, and neat. Ida acts very friendly and giving towards Clara.After a while she admits that she â€Å"confided my secrets and sought her advice† (Dorris, 303). Ida even felt â€Å"encouraged by her sureness† (304) with what she has told her; especially when Ida tells Clara about her crush and hope of Willard Pretty Dog. Clara makes Ida feel good about herself with the advice she gives her. Ida feels as if she has a friend that she can trust and a person who can be a role model. Ida has created her certitude through Clara. Clara has brought shame to the family and is pregnant with Ida’s father’s child.In order to hide this shame Clara came up with the idea of Ida pretending to be with child. Clara mentioning this hurts Ida but what hurts Ida even more is the reason behind the story that makes it more plausible to Mama and Papa. Clara tells them that â€Å"No one would be surprised. Everyone’s aware sheâ €™s after Willard Pretty Dog† (309). Ida is shocked at Clara’s betrayal of revealing her hopes. Clara’s remark does not only break Ida’s certitude in her, but also shows the low inclination Clara has on Ida.

Bedouin Changes essays

Bedouin Changes essays Bedouins are nomads recognized by their lifestyle, specific dialects, social structure and culture. It is estimated that Bedouins only make up about ten percent of the Middle East population. They are a rural people: they herd sheep, goats, camels and cattle. Another source of their income has to do with handicrafts. In Abu Lughods article Honor and Shame she writes about the Bedouin culture and the new hardships that culture is trying to endure. The new generation of Bedouins is trying to break loose from their old customs in order to become modern like the Egyptians. Abu Lughod an Anthropologist is concerned about the new generation of Bedouins. The new generation is more concerned of being modernized rather than following the traditional way of Bedouin life. Abu Lughod went to Egypt and lived with the Bedouins; she had encountered a bright young Bedouin girl called Kamla she was the daughter of the tribes chieftain. Kamla is a bright young girl who has been educated; it is rare for a Bedouin girl to be educated because it is against their beliefs. According to the Bedouins the woman are there to take care of the children and the house work. Abu Lughod examines Kamla and how she thinks about the Bedouin way of life. Kamla is young a naive according to Abu Lughods study. Kamla does not really enjoy her culture and wants to be more like an Egyptian girl. Abu Lughod states most of the time, though, she says she wants to get out. I worry about Kamlas blithe confidence that life in the city will be so much better... I argue with Kamla that she delib erately ignores the richness of their relationships and the way they have always struggled back (51). Kamla ignores the richness of her own culture and does not see the great bonds that Bedouin women have that Egyptian dont. Abu Lughod hopes Kamla realizes how fragile her culture is and she hopes some day Kamla will realize the great bon...

The eNotes Blog National Book Award FinalistsAnnounced

National Book Award FinalistsAnnounced For book geeks, October is a month of thrills. First, on October 7,   the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa. The Swiss Academy praised the author â€Å"for his cartography of the structures of power and his trenchant images of the individual’s resistance, revolt and defeat.† On October 12, the Man Booker  Prize was presented to British author Howard Jacobson for The Finkler Question, a comic  novel about anti-semitism. You can read a review of the work here. And now, the National Book Award Finalists have been revealed. On October 13, author Pat Conroy (The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini) announced the nominess from Flannery OConnors childhood home in Savannah, Georgia. Peter Carey, whose novel Parrot and Oliver in America was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, is also a nominee for the National Book Award. Among the non-fiction contenders is Patti Smith, often called the Godmother of Punk, for her work Just Kids, a memoir of her life on the punk scene in the 1970s and her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. You can listen to a fascinating interview with Smith on NPRs Fresh Air With Terry Gross here. Poets nominated include C.D. Wright for  One with Others and Terrance Hayes for Lighthead. Young-adult fiction authors include well-known names like Walter Dean Myers (for his novel Lockdown) as well as lesser-known authors such as Laura McNeal (for Dark Water). You can check out the full list of all twenty nominees here.   Happy reading!

International relations - contemporary global security Essay

International relations - contemporary global security - Essay Example Social constructivism may be a helpful tool in studying international relations. The discussion will be based on the thesis developed by Alexander Wendt: â€Å"Anarchy s what the state makes of it†. International relation theory is basically material. Social constructivism brings in a social ‘zest’ to theory of international relation. This research paper considers social constructivism as a perfect alternative for neorealist theory widely applied for international relations. Materialist theory analyzes behavior of states on the basis of material assets distribution. A balanced relation between states is usually measured by distribution of material power. It is relevant to note, that â€Å"social constructivists reject this narrow approach to analysis of the states’ power† (Social constructivism). From the perspective of social constructivism, a social aspect of international relations is of crucial importance. This point of view can be explained as f ollows: politics and society is developed under the influence of human consciousness (Social constructivism). Moreover, international system doesn’t exist separately. There are a lot of external and internal factors influencing on the global system development. Therefore, making analysis of global relations basing on a material basis is a narrow approach and there is a need to apply another theory that is more complex and socially-oriented. Anthropocentric context of the modern world’s development coincides with the ideas of Wendt, whose claim is discussed further on. Basic claims of social constructivism and neorealism applied for international relations The international society exists among people and thus is influenced by people’s ideas and not just by material assets. The system represents the result of human mental activity. As it is explained, the international system is â€Å"a set of ideas, a body of thought, a system of norms, which has been arranged by certain people at a particular time and place, a human invention or creation not of a physical or material kind but of a purely intellectual and ideational kind† (Social constructivism). In this paradigm, a claim made by Alexander Wendt â€Å"anarchy is what states make of it† (1992) may be interpreted in a different manner: for example, the system stability is questioned for sure. A constructivist theory of international relations should be considered in detail. For example, the main claim of constructivists is that it is possible to observe a correlation between neorealist uncertainty and materialist nature of the theory. Thus, in accordance with the social constructivism, it is better to focus on thoughts and ideas to realize the core essence of theory about anarchy and power balancing (Wendt, 1992). The difference between neorealism and constructivism can be seen in the following explanation of anarchy from these two different perspectives: thus constructivists c laim that structures (i.e., factors and regulations which direct social actions) can’t give explanation to the actors’ mechanical activities and neorealists state that â€Å"the structure of anarchy is oppressing for the state actors† (Fierke at al, 2001). Thus, we can see that both theories are focused on discussion about interrelation between actors and structures (Booth, 2005). Structures are actors’ constraints, but constructivists claim that structures can act in such a way that structures would be transformed in new directions. Therefore, there is a need to refer to ‘structuration’ which provides with a more flexible vision of structure and actors interrelation (Wendt, 1992). If to apply structural constructivism to international relation theory it will be clearly seen that anarchy should be considered in a less rigid manner. Power and interests of the state are not material factors, but rather are ‘objective entities’ (Wen dt, 1992). Moreover, Wendt claims that anarchy doesn’t lead to self-help. The interaction between states is a decisive factor of the

Eliminating the celibacy requirement for catolic priests Essay

Eliminating the celibacy requirement for catolic priests - Essay Example Without doubt some serious arguments can be presented supporting retaining clerical celibacy. One argument maintains that since Jesus himself was celibate and for the reason that the priesthood is a special vocation by which one follows Jesus, such a sacrifice is appropriate. In addition, celibacy serves as a sign of total devotion to the kingdom of God, a kingdom in which there will be no marriage: â€Å"for at the resurrection men and women do not marry; no, they are like the angels in heaven† (Matt 22:30). Lastly, celibacy functions as a witness that sexual activity, despite the fact that good, beautiful and important, is not the absolute essential it is held to be in western culture. To alter the celibacy requirement would be observed to give into cultural mores. (Sipe 85-88) On the other hand, there are a lot of arguments in favor of eliminating the requirement of celibacy. For instance, though it seems obvious that married, many of his apostles were married men. Further, the law of celibacy is a church law, not a divine law and can be changed should the Church believe it essential. A further suggestion supporting the lifting of the requirement of celibacy states that a married priest would be more pastorally sensitive to the needs of married couples as well as families if he were married himself.