Interview Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Interview - Research Paper Example He is now staying with his daughter Mary Slater in the same city. It seems that he is of 90 years now. I got acquitted with him by one of my friends, Alex. Actually Mr. Anderson is a relative of Alex. Last month I had visited the aunt of Alex, Mary Slater and from there I got acquainted with Anderson who talked a lot about his period when he was a boy. He was very friendly with me and so when I thought of such an assignment I had no other choice, but Anderson. I went to his house and I showed the list of choice of assignments on which he would have to talk a little of his experience. He chose the topic ‘silent motion picture’ that he had seen when he was a boy. Actually his father was a dramatist and who had acted in many plays. Anderson too had deep interest towards the making of films. He had seen the film ‘The Kid’ by the greatest comedian of all ages, Charlie Chaplin. Anderson was much excited to speak on the first film that he had seen in his life. He navigated me through the film: the comedies and at the same time the pathos associated with it. How the child in the film happened to be parentless and how the Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) tried his level best to return the baby to its mother. This aroused much laughter among the audience. As he failed in this attempt he had taken the pain of looking after the baby. Their attempts to earn a living by breaking windows and mending the same made the audience roared wit h laughter. He remembers that people laughing together at the farce of the characters created a sense of unity. For ‘little Anderson’ the play of the Tramp and the Kid seemed to be real and he associated it with his father. He remembered that situation of the period was also the same as in the film. The poor had to struggle a lot to earn their livelihood, and he was familiar with the Tramps in his surroundings. Mr. Anderson admitted that he had seen the same film in a second time in the Chaplin’s festival at New York City. And this time

Mumbai-the City of Dreams Essay Example for Free

Mumbai-the City of Dreams Essay Mumbai – the city of dreams, the city of broken dreams. Millions go unnoticed like sand castles washed away at the beach, millions are attracted by the skyscrapers of Elphinstone, and millions are immortalized like the Elephanta-s. From Haji Ali to Siddhivinayak, from local trains to the Vada Pav, from the boulders of Bandstand to the sands of Juhu, from Mangeshkar to Tendulkar, from the Khans to the Bachchans, it is ‘Aamchi Mumbai’ all the way. From the trawlers’ struggle for fresh catch to the country’s top CEO-s’ meetings, India’s business capital doesn’t seem to sleep. With fruit juice at Rs. 5 a glass outside railway stations, to Rs. 200 a cappuccino at the Trident, life in Mumbai sails smooth with all its diversity. The night remains young from DJ jamming sessions to ek chaalis ki last local. Almost a hundred Bollywood movies have had as their opening scene a long shot of Victoria Terminus, introducing Mumbai as sapno ki nagari. Arvind Swami’s lovelorn ‘Tu Hi Re’ on old fort reminds us of Bombay, whereas Ranbir Kapur’s ‘Wake up Sid’ sketches Mumbai on a realistic canvas. Dreams come true here, dreams shatter here, but life doesn’t go off the tracks. The locals move on, carrying few lakh dreaming hearts every day. The Churchgate slow local arrives on platform 3 of Lower Parel station at 11am with about a dozen hanging on each footboard; the ladies compartments have decked up corporate women in formals and topknots to Marathi fisherwomen rushing to the markets to sell their fresh catch. In fact, Mumbai traffic compels few office goers to park their cars at stations and take the reliable local to office everyday! ‘Bombay to Goa’ to ‘Saathiya’, the local train has repeatedly come on the silver screen. Even the Oscar winning Indian movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ had one of its popular songs shot at the famous Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus platform. Over the decades, it has turned out to be Mumbai’s lifeline. The tracks take a three hour daily break from 1:40am to 4:45am, CST to Khopoli, Churchgate to Dahanu. There are three main lines — the Western, Central and the Harbour line. Life in Mumbai revolves around local trains; the truth about which was felt when the Motormen strike on May 3rd, 2010 had left Mumbai chaotic and overturned. Another thing that raises tourist’s eyebrows is the ‘on-track’ vendors and their items. The ladies on their way buy household items to earrings to kurti-s. There is trial option also; anyone can try a kurti before choosing to buy! Another familiar face in the 9:01am Ambernath-Lower Parel II class ladies compartment is a lady who sells home-made sweets. She has an amazing style of calling out the names of the sweets, a shrill loud voice coming unexpectedly out of her frail structure, and women indeed go berserk buying her delicacies. It is perhaps correctly said, â€Å"You will find answers to all the mysteries of the world, except one— What does a woman want?† The engine siren pierces through the silence of the night, the bogies rattle on the tracks, the signals go red and green, the pebbles on the fishplates turn and overturn, and the Mumbai locals go on and on.

The Supernatural in H.P. Lovecraft’s The Outsider Essay -- Lovecraft

The Supernatural in H.P. Lovecraft’s The Outsider One of H.P. Lovecraft’s many short stories, â€Å"The Outsider† has been praised since its publication as his most profound and meaningful. This story has been interpreted many different ways, varying from an autobiography of Lovecraft himself to several different philosophical analyses. One such interpretation, by Dirk Mosig compares the plot and settings of â€Å"The Outsider† to Lovecraft’s own doubtful views of religion and an afterlife. Mosig supports his interpretation with many facts from the story, I believe he pinpoints one very possible meaning of the story. His argument successfully uses the plot and details to convince the reader that his hypothesis is correct. In order to understand Mosig’s interpretation, one must first understand â€Å"The Outsider† and its general themes, from an unbiased viewpoint. The story begins with the narrator explaining his origins. He, a nameless creature, tells of his environment: a dark, decaying castle amid an â€Å"endless forest† of high, lightless trees. (Lovecraft) He has never seen light, nor a single living human being. He lives among crypts lined with decomposing bones and rats. He never mentions eating, but lives alone, with only the thousands of books that the castle holds as a mental way to escape from the boredom of his prison-like home. Everything he know has come from his reading of the â€Å"antique books† that line the walls of his castle. (Lovecraft) There is no escape from his world save one tall tower which seems to reach above the soaring treetops. He explains that he had once tried to escape through the forest, but became scared in the endless woods and returned before he became lost. He has... ... It seems strange that H.P. Lovecraft, who made his fortune from stories about the supernatural, would be seen as not believing in the subject which made him famous. This may subtract from Mosig’s arguments. Also, other sources suggest that this should be read as a horror story; not just for the people who saw the outsider, but also for himself, when he realized his own fate and past. Dirk Mosig’s arguments are convincing however, and his interpretation makes good sense with the complex story that is â€Å"The Outsider.† Works Cited Lovecraft, Howard Phillips. â€Å"The Outsider.† H.P. Lovecraft Library. 1921. 6 Nov. 2002 . Mosig, Dirk W. â€Å"The Four Faces of The Outsider.† Discovering H.P. Lovecraft. Ed. Darrell Schweitzer. Mercer Island, Washington: Starmont House, 1987. 6754

Margret atwood

In the book The Penelopiad, Margret Atwood gives the 12 hanged maids a voice throughout the novel. She tells the story of the odyssey and Penelope's voice is powerful while also truthful and honest throughout the story. There is a reason and a purpose of why Margret Attwood chooses to give the maids a voice and let them be heard. In the story, Margret Atwood talks and discusses the maids for a specific reason. I believe that she thinks that the maids had no voice, they are all females, and there eath was not explained.That leaves one explanation that Margret Atwood is a feminist and thought that it would be important to include the maids and give them a much bigger part to show that its not 0k to treat women that way. In the first telling of the story, it was never stated that the maids had restrictions as to who and whom they couldn't sleep with. What also was not explained was why they slept with the suitors in the first place.That is why Margret Atwood found it to be intriguing to write bout what actually happened and give the maids a voice. Another reason for why Margret Atwood chose to give the maids a voice is because women didn't exactly have a say back in that time period and were also looked down upon. I think that Margret Atwood The last reason why Margret Atwood chose to include the maids into the story is because she wanted people to see and understand the daily life of a maid back then and what they had to go through. Margret atwood In the book The Penelopiad, Margret Atwood gives the 12 hanged maids a voice throughout the novel. She tells the story of the odyssey and Penelope's voice is powerful while also truthful and honest throughout the story. There is a reason and a purpose of why Margret Attwood chooses to give the maids a voice and let them be heard. In the story, Margret Atwood talks and discusses the maids for a specific reason. I believe that she thinks that the maids had no voice, they are all females, and there eath was not explained.That leaves one explanation that Margret Atwood is a feminist and thought that it would be important to include the maids and give them a much bigger part to show that its not 0k to treat women that way. In the first telling of the story, it was never stated that the maids had restrictions as to who and whom they couldn't sleep with. What also was not explained was why they slept with the suitors in the first place.That is why Margret Atwood found it to be intriguing to write bout what actually happened and give the maids a voice. Another reason for why Margret Atwood chose to give the maids a voice is because women didn't exactly have a say back in that time period and were also looked down upon. I think that Margret Atwood The last reason why Margret Atwood chose to include the maids into the story is because she wanted people to see and understand the daily life of a maid back then and what they had to go through.

Chapter 6 The Portkey

Harry felt as though he had barely lain down to steep in Ron's room when he was being shaken awake by Mrs. Weasley. â€Å"Time to go, Harry, dear,† she whispered, moving away to wake Ron. Harry felt around for his glasses, put them on, and sat up. It was still dark outside. Ron muttered indistinctly as his mother roused him. At the foot of Harry's mattress he saw two large, disheveled shapes emerging from tangles of blankets. â€Å"‘S time already?† said Fred groggily. They dressed in silence, too sleepy to talk, then, yawning and stretching, the four of them headed downstairs into the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was stirring the contents of a large pot on the stove, while Mr. Weasley was sitting at the table, checking a sheaf of large parchment tickets. He looked up as the boys entered and spread his arms so that they could see his clothes more clearly. He was wearing what appeared to be a golfing sweater and a very old pair of jeans, slightly too big for him and held up with a thick leather belt. â€Å"What d'you think?† he asked anxiously. â€Å"We're supposed to go incognito – do I look like a Muggle, Harry?† â€Å"Yeah,† said Harry, smiling, â€Å"very good.† â€Å"Where're Bill and Charlie and Per-Per-Percy?† said George, failing to stifle a huge yawn. â€Å"Well, they're Apparating, aren't they?† said Mrs. Weasley, heaving the large pot over to the table and starting to ladle porridge into bowls. â€Å"So they can have a bit of a lie-in.† Harry knew that Apparating meant disappearing from one place and reappearing almost instantly in another, but had never known any Hogwarts student to do it, and understood that it was very difficult. â€Å"So they're still in bed?† said Fred grumpily, pulling his bowl of porridge toward him. â€Å"Why can't we Apparate too?† â€Å"Because you're not of age and you haven't passed your test,† snapped Mrs. Weasley. â€Å"And where have those girls got to?† She bustled out of the kitchen and they heard her climbing the stairs. â€Å"You have to pass a test to Apparate?† Harry asked. â€Å"Oh yes,† said Mr. Weasley, tucking the tickets safely into the back pocket of his jeans. â€Å"The Department of Magical Transportation had to fine a couple of people the other day for Apparating without a license. It's not easy, Apparition, and when it's not done property it can lead to nasty complications. This pair I'm talking about went and splinched themselves.† Everyone around the table except Harry winced. â€Å"Er – splinched?† said Harry. â€Å"They left half of themselves behind,† said Mr. Weasley, now spooning large amounts of treacle onto his porridge. â€Å"So, of course, they were stuck. Couldn't move either way. Had to wait for the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad to sort them out. Meant a fair old bit of paperwork, I can tell you, what with the Muggles who spotted the body parts they'd left behind†¦..† Harry had a sudden vision of a pair of legs and an eyeball lying abandoned on the pavement of Privet Drive. â€Å"Were they okay?† he asked, startled. â€Å"Oh yes,† said Mr. Weasley matter-of-factly. â€Å"But they got a heavy fine, and I don't think they'll be trying it again in a hurry. You don't mess around with Apparition. There are plenty of adult wizards who don't bother with it. Prefer brooms – slower, but safer.† â€Å"But Bill and Charlie and Percy can all do it?† â€Å"Charlie had to take the test twice,† said Fred, grinning. â€Å"He failed the first time. Apparated five miles south of where he meant to, right on top of some poor old dear doing her shopping, remember?† â€Å"Yes, well, he passed the second time,† said Mrs. Weasley, marching back into the kitchen amid hearty sniggers. â€Å"Percy only passed two weeks ago,† said George. â€Å"He's been Apparating downstairs every morning since, just to prove he can.† There were footsteps down the passageway and Hermione and Ginny came into the kitchen, both looking pale and drowsy. â€Å"Why do we have to be up so early?† Ginny said, rubbing her eyes and sitting down at the table. â€Å"We've got a bit of a walk,† said Mr. Weasley. â€Å"Walk?† said Harry. â€Å"What, are we walking to the World Cup?† â€Å"No, no, that's miles away,† said Mr. Weasley, smiling. â€Å"We only need to walk a short way. It's just that it's very difficult for a large number of wizards to congregate without attracting Muggle attention. We have to be very careful about how we travel at the best of times, and on a huge occasion like the Quidditch World Cup†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"George!† said Mrs. Weasley sharply, and they all jumped. â€Å"What?† said George, in an innocent tone that deceived nobody. â€Å"What is that in your pocket?† â€Å"Nothing!† â€Å"Don't you lie to me!† Mrs. Weasley pointed her wand at George's pocket and said, â€Å"Accio!† Several small, brightly colored objects zoomed out of George's pocket; he made a grab for them but missed, and they sped right into Mrs. Weasley's outstretched hand. â€Å"We told you to destroy them!† said Mrs. Weasley furiously, holding up what were unmistakably more Ton-Tongue Toffees. â€Å"We told you to get rid of the lot! Empty your pockets, go on, both of you!† It was an unpleasant scene; the twins had evidently been trying to smuggle as many toffees out of the house as possible, and it was only by using her Summoning Charm that Mrs. Weasley managed to find them all. â€Å"Accio! Accio! Accio!† she shouted, and toffees zoomed from all sorts of unlikely places, including the lining of George's jacket and the turn-ups of Fred's jeans. â€Å"We spent six months developing those!† Fred shouted at his mother as she threw the toffees away. â€Å"Oh a fine way to spend six months!† she shrieked. â€Å"No wonder you didn't get more O.W.L.s!† All in all, the atmosphere was not very friendly as they took their departure. Mrs. Weasley was still glowering as she kissed Mr. Weasley on the cheek, though not nearly as much as the twins, who had each hoisted their rucksacks onto their backs and walked out without a word to her. â€Å"Well, have a lovely time,† said Mrs. Weasley, â€Å"and behave yourselves,† she called after the twins' retreating backs, but they did not look back or answer. â€Å"I'll send Bill, Charlie, and Percy along around midday,† Mrs. Weasley said to Mr. Weasley, as he, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny set off across the dark yard after Fred and George. It was chilly and the moon was still out. Only a dull, greenish tinge along the horizon to their right showed that daybreak was drawing closer. Harry, having been thinking about thousands of wizards speeding toward the Quidditch World Cup, sped up to walk with Mr. Weasley. â€Å"So how does everyone get there without all the Muggles noticing?† he asked. â€Å"It's been a massive organizational problem,† sighed Mr. Weasley. â€Å"The trouble is, about a hundred thousand wizards turn up at the World Cup, and of course, we just haven't got a magical site big enough to accommodate them all. There are places Muggles can't penetrate, but imagine trying to pack a hundred thousand wizards into Diagon Alley or platform nine and three-quarters. So we had to find a nice deserted moor, and set up as many anti-Muggle precautions as possible. The whole Ministry's been working on it for months. First, of course, we have to stagger the arrivals. People with cheaper tickets have to arrive two weeks beforehand. A limited number use Muggle transport, but we can't have too many clogging up their buses and trains – remember, wizards are coming from all over the world. Some Apparate, of course, but we have to set up safe points for them to appear, well away from Muggles. I believe there's a handy wood they're using as the Apparition point. For those who don't want to Apparate, or can't, we use Portkeys. They're objects that are used to transport wizards from one spot to another at a prearranged time. You can do large groups at a time if you need to. There have been two hundred Portkeys placed at strategic points around Britain, and the nearest one to us is up at the top of Stoatshead Hill, so that's where we're headed.† Mr. Weasley pointed ahead of them, where a large black mass rose beyond the village of Ottery St. Catchpole. â€Å"What sort of objects are Portkeys?† said Harry curiously. â€Å"Well, they can be anything,† said Mr. Weasley. â€Å"Unobtrusive things, obviously, so Muggles don't go picking them up and playing with them†¦stuff they'll just think is litter†¦.† They trudged down the dark, dank lane toward the village, the silence broken only by their footsteps. The sky lightened very slowly as they made their way through the village, its inky blackness diluting to deepest blue. Harry's hands and feet were freezing. Mr. Weasley kept checking his watch. They didn't have breath to spare for talking as they began to climb Stoatshead Hill, stumbling occasionally in hidden rabbit holes, slipping on thick black tuffets of grass. Each breath Harry took was sharp in his chest and his legs were starting to seize up when, at last, his feet found level ground. â€Å"Whew,† panted Mr. Weasley, taking off his glasses and wiping them on his sweater. â€Å"Well, we've made good time – we've got ten minutes.† Hermione came over the crest of the hill last, clutching a stitch in her side. â€Å"Now we just need the Portkey,† said Mr. Weasley, replacing his glasses and squinting around at the ground. â€Å"It won't be big†¦.Come on†¦Ã¢â‚¬  They spread out, searching. They had only been at it for a couple of minutes, however, when a shout rent the still air. â€Å"Over here, Arthur! Over here, son, we've got it.† Two tall figures were silhouetted against the starry sky on the other side of the hilltop. â€Å"Amos!† said Mr. Weasley, smiling as he strode over to the man who had shouted. The rest of them followed. Mr. Weasley was shaking hands with a ruddy-faced wizard with a scrubby brown beard, who was holding a moldy-looking old boot in his other hand. â€Å"This is Amos Diggory, everyone,† said Mr. Weasley. â€Å"He works for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. And I think you know his son, Cedric?† Cedric Diggory was an extremely handsome boy of around seventeen. He was Captain and Seeker of the Hufflepuff House Quidditch team at Hogwarts. â€Å"Hi,† said Cedric, looking around at them all. Everybody said hi back except Fred and George, who merely nodded. They had never quite forgiven Cedric for beating their team, Gryffindor, in the first Quidditch match of the previous year. â€Å"Long walk, Arthur?† Cedric's father asked. â€Å"Not too bad,† said Mr. Weasley. â€Å"We live just on the other side of the village there. You?† â€Å"Had to get up at two, didn't we, Ced? I tell you, I'll be glad when he's got his Apparition test. Still†¦not complaining†¦Quidditch World Cup, wouldn't miss it for a sackful of Galleons – and the tickets cost about that. Mind you, looks like I got off easy†¦.† Amos Diggory peered good-naturedly around at the three Weasley boys, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny. â€Å"All these yours, Arthur?† â€Å"Oh no, only the redheads,† said Mr. Weasley, pointing out his children. â€Å"This is Hermione, friend of Ron's – and Harry, another friend -â€Å" â€Å"Merlin's beard,† said Amos Diggory, his eyes widening. â€Å"Harry? Harry Potter?† â€Å"Er – yeah,† said Harry. Harry was used to people looking curiously at him when they met him, used to the way their eyes moved at once to the lightning scar on his forehead, but it always made him feel uncomfortable. â€Å"Ced's talked about you, of course,† said Amos Diggory. â€Å"Told us all about playing against you last year†¦I said to him, I said – Ced, that'll be something to tell your grandchildren, that will†¦.You beat Harry Potter!† Harry couldn't think of any reply to this, so he remained silent. Fred and George were both scowling again. Cedric looked slightly embarrassed. â€Å"Harry fell off his broom, Dad,† he muttered. I told you†¦it was an accident†¦.† â€Å"Yes, but you didn't fall off, did you?† roared Amos genially, slapping his son on his back. â€Å"Always modest, our Ced, always the gentleman†¦but the best man won, I'm sure Harry'd say the same, wouldn't you, eh? One falls off his broom, one stays on, you don't need to be a genius to tell which one's the better flier!† â€Å"Must be nearly time,† said Mr. Weasley quickly, pulling out his watch again. â€Å"Do you know whether we're waiting for any more, Amos?† â€Å"No, the Lovegoods have been there for a week already and the Fawcetts couldn't get tickets,† said Mr. Diggory. â€Å"There aren't any more of us in this area, are there?† â€Å"Not that I know of,† said Mr. Weasley. â€Å"Yes, it's a minute off†¦We'd better get ready†¦.† He looked around at Harry and Hermione. â€Å"You just need to touch the Portkey, that's all, a finger will do -â€Å" With difficulty, owing to their bulky backpacks, the nine of them crowded around the old boot held out by Amos Diggory. They all stood there, in a tight circle, as a chill breeze swept over the hilltop. Nobody spoke. It suddenly occurred to Harry how odd this would look if a Muggle were to walk up here now†¦nine people, two of them grown men, clutching this manky old boot in the semidarkness, waiting†¦. â€Å"Three†¦Ã¢â‚¬  muttered Mr. Weasley, one eye still on his watch, two†¦one†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It happened immediately: Harry felt as though a hook just behind his navel had been suddenly jerked irresistibly forward. His feet left the ground; he could feel Ron and Hermione on either side of him, their shoulders banging into his; they were all speeding forward in a howl of wind and swirling color; his forefinger was stuck to the boot as though it was pulling him magnetically onward and then – His feet slammed into the ground; Ron staggered into him and he fell over; the Portkey hit the ground near his head with a heavy thud. Harry looked up. Mr. Weasley, Mr. Diggory, and Cedric were still standing, though looking very windswept; everybody else was on the ground. â€Å"Seven past five from Stoatshead Hill,† said a voice.

Free Essays on A “Great Speech“ On Winston Churchills Iron Curtain Speech

Great Speech: Winston Churchil â€Å"The Sinews of Peace† (the â€Å"Iron Curtain† speech.) â€Å"An iron curtain has descended across Europe, all of her famous cities and populations around the line in what I might call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and in some cases increasing measure of control from Moscow.† When Winston Churchil delivered a speech to Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri on March 5th, 1946, he was not thinking about destroying the Soviets, or trying to threaten them. Churchil named this speech â€Å"The Sinews of Peace† in order to call for peace. He spoke to contain communism, and to form a strong union between American and Great Britain, that would last for â€Å"centuries to come.† â€Å"The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. With the power of democracy, comes responsibility for the future. It is important that we inscribe nothing less than the safety and welfare, the freedom and progress, of all the homes and families of all the men and women in all the lands. To give security to these homes, they must be shielded from the two gaunt marauderswar and tyranny. Our supreme task and duty is to guard the homes of the common people from the horrors and miseries of another war. We are all agreed on that. We must be certain that our temple of peace is built not upon shifting sands or quagmires, but upon the rock. Anyone can see, with his eyes open, that our path will be difficult and also long, but if we persevere together as we did in the two world wars I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end.† In this last excerpt, Churchil puts responsibility on the shoulders of America and the allied forces. He establishes characteristics of peace: safety, welfare, freedom, and progress, as the necessities to achieve, and maintain peace. This foundation alludes to a later portion of the speech, when Chu... Free Essays on A â€Å"Great Speechâ€Å" On Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech Free Essays on A â€Å"Great Speechâ€Å" On Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech Great Speech: Winston Churchil â€Å"The Sinews of Peace† (the â€Å"Iron Curtain† speech.) â€Å"An iron curtain has descended across Europe, all of her famous cities and populations around the line in what I might call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and in some cases increasing measure of control from Moscow.† When Winston Churchil delivered a speech to Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri on March 5th, 1946, he was not thinking about destroying the Soviets, or trying to threaten them. Churchil named this speech â€Å"The Sinews of Peace† in order to call for peace. He spoke to contain communism, and to form a strong union between American and Great Britain, that would last for â€Å"centuries to come.† â€Å"The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. With the power of democracy, comes responsibility for the future. It is important that we inscribe nothing less than the safety and welfare, the freedom and progress, of all the homes and families of all the men and women in all the lands. To give security to these homes, they must be shielded from the two gaunt marauderswar and tyranny. Our supreme task and duty is to guard the homes of the common people from the horrors and miseries of another war. We are all agreed on that. We must be certain that our temple of peace is built not upon shifting sands or quagmires, but upon the rock. Anyone can see, with his eyes open, that our path will be difficult and also long, but if we persevere together as we did in the two world wars I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end.† In this last excerpt, Churchil puts responsibility on the shoulders of America and the allied forces. He establishes characteristics of peace: safety, welfare, freedom, and progress, as the necessities to achieve, and maintain peace. This foundation alludes to a later portion of the speech, when Chu...

Post-Colonial Literature for Children Essays

Post-Colonial Literature for Children Essays Post-Colonial Literature for Children Essay Post-Colonial Literature for Children Essay Essay Topic: Literature As members of the culture that has colonised Aboriginal Australia, how can European Australian writers possibly represent Aboriginal experience and perspectives? Through a discussion of 3 key texts outline what you consider are important issues for making these judgements. Australian Literature has come a long way since the arrival of European settlers in 1788. As a nation, we have become a nation in our own right with an identity separate from the British Empire (Huggan, 2007). It is only in the last few decades however, that Aboriginality in a postcolonial context has become prevalent in our literature (Bradford, 2001 and Huggan, 2007). In recent times an issue has arisen: who exactly has the right to tell these stories. In this essay I will be exploring the important issues to consider when making these judgements. I will be referring to the following texts: Deadly Unna? by Phillip Gwynne, Children of Mirrabooka by Judith Arthy and My Girragundji by Meme McDonald and Boori Pryor. I will also make references to other texts where appropriate. Before judgements can be made about who should write Indigenous stories, we need to work out whom the story actually belongs to. There are those stories that are personal biographies that celebrate the indigenous culture through first hand knowledge for example, My Girragundji. Then there are those stories that are set in a wider context, that have indigenous themes as part of the plot for example Deadly Unna? The difference between the two is crucial when making judgments over the custodianship of the literature. The former is a work of fiction. However, it is certainly a personal account of the life of author and Indigenous Australian Boori Pryor (Scan, 2000 Scutter 2001). There is no question here about Pryor being entitled to tell this story after all it is his. Deadly Unna is also in some respects, an autobiography. It belongs to Phillip Gwynne (Ridge, 2000 French, 2002). It tells the story of Blacky, a young boy growing up in a small country town. There are Aboriginal themes, although they tend to be based on perspectives from Blackys narrative point of view rather than assumptions made about the cultural of indigenous people. With reference to the Aboriginal boys on the football team Blacky makes statements such as Its like theyre playing a different game with completely different rules (Gwynne, 1998, p. 5). This shows he is merely noting differences in the two cultures. So, it can be said, that although Australian European authors are known to write about indigenous matters, they can, in certain situations have as much right to tell the story as their indigenous counterparts provided they write with sensitivity to indigenous cultural practices (Clancy, 1997). This being said, when a European author wishes to take on subject matter as sensitive as indigenous issues, things need to be considered regardless of who the story belongs to. Some might argue that it is an authors job to get inside the characters they are writing about. John Marsden for example, writes many of his stories from the perspective of young female characters (Prain, 1997). The same could be said about a white author writing about a black character in the first person. The difference, in my opinion, is the sensitivity of the issue. As a woman, I am not offended by the writing of Marsden in fact I generally relate easily to his methods of story telling, but it has been clear, that the same cannot be said for the writing on the behalf of Aborigines by European Australian authors. Take for example this statement made by Aboriginal writer Ruby Langford (Clancy, 1997) in Old neighbours New Visions (1997, p. 52) Aboriginal people are sick of the bullshit of non-aboriginal people attempting to define and identify the origins of Aborigines. This statement suggests that there are frustrations within the indigenous community, with non-aboriginal people speaking on the behalf of Aboriginal people. To confront the issue of custodianship, authors such as Gwynne chose not to write in the first person from an Aboriginal perspective. Bradford explains in Wielding a black Pen, that it is generally the more culturally experienced authors and those more aware of indigenous issues, that often take the most ethical approaches to representation while others are more foolhardy (2002). Pat Lowe, an author who has done extensive work and research into the Walmajarri culture, says I cant get in the mind of an Aboriginal person (Bradford, 2002 p. 21). This is an important point to look at when making judgements about the telling of a particular story. She tells her stories from a white persons perspective rather than attempting to understand something she believes is out of her ability to comprehend. Gwynne also resembles this attitude in his writing of deadly Unna? This can be seen in Blackys narrative explanation of his Aboriginal mate Dumby. For example: Nukkin ya is Nunga talk for see ya' (Gwynne, 1998, p. 25). This is a cultural observation made by Blacky. Dialogue such as this reflects Gwynnes stance of telling the story from the white perspective rather than make possibly inaccurate assumptions from the point of view of a black character. Not all non-Aboriginal authors writing Aboriginal themed stories take this stance. Take for example Diana Kidd. Kidd is a white author that choses to write in the first person from the Aboriginal perspective. In her book The Fat and Juicy Place, Kidd delves quite deeply into the character of a young Aboriginal child. The use of language is the most identifying feature of this story. For example: Me and Fleabag had a deadly time hunting in the Fat and Juicy Place. We saw this real giant goanna (Kidd, 1992, p. 54). This is culturally identifiable language and poses the question: What gives Kidd the right to take this first person stance? Like with My Girragundji, as I will explain in more detail further on, there is an extensive list of external involvement in the making of the story take for instance the endorsement of the New South Wales Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (Kidd, 1992). This is what helps give Kidd her credibility and integrity as a white author writing from the perspective of Aboriginal characters. According to Linda Burney who is an Aboriginal educator (Clancy, 1997) it can be okay for non-aboriginal authors to tell the stories of Aborigines as long as authors and publishers become more attuned to Aboriginal involvement in the production of the material (Clancy, 1997, p. 39). Lets now look at My Girragundji. The story belongs (at least in an autobiographical sense) to Boori Pryor who is an Aboriginal man. His wife, Meme McDonald is white and worked with Pryor to write this book. It can be seen when reading the long list of acknowledgments in the book, that there were many stories and many people involved in its production. The thanks Pryor and McDonald give to Joe and grace for inspiring My Girragundji also to the Pryor family for so many memories (1997, p. 81) shows this. It is clear from these expressions of thanks and approval that great cultural sensitivity was taken to complete the book. The fact that Pryor deems it as integral to gain approval from his family highlights just how important it is for authors to understand what it is they are writing about on a deep level. Sometimes despite their best intentions, authors struggle to shake the constraints imbedded in them by the colonial power. This can work as a negative in terms of their ability to capture the postcolonial context from the indigenous perspective. I will look now, at Children of Mirrabooka. It is generally safe to say that Judith Arthy is writing in the postcolonial context. After all, the themes in the story relate to issues such land rights and the stolen generation and the stance is pro Aboriginal. When one looks deeper at the story however, there are traces of an in ground loyalty to the colonial power. For example, it could be said that Arthy places the Aborigines in an inferior position that are in need of being saved by Jenny the white girl. It was her role to unravel the mystery surrounding the rock pool (Arthy, 1997, p. 105). This is reflective of the general plight of Aborigines in our country for the past two hundred years (Bradford, 2001 McLaren, 1996). Throughout the novel, the truth of the ghost children at the rock pool is discovered and the children are left in peace all thanks to Jenny. In spite of all the themes relating to land rights Jenny is the one that ends up owning Mirrabooka Mirrabooka was mine. All mine (Arthy, 1997, p. 166-167). This Euro centric attitude towards ownership is contrary to the Aboriginal attitude of belonging to the land. This evidence suggests that despite the best intentions of authors, it is difficult to be completely post colonial when writing stories such as these. It is important for non-Aboriginal authors to be aware of issues such as this. Stories like Children of Mirrabooka although it is unintended, dont always reflect the postcolonial theory of emphasizing their differences from the assumptions of the imperial power (Ashcroft, Griffiths Tiffin, 1989, p. 1). Our culture is born from the British Empire; therefore we cannot ignore the stronghold it has on our postcolonial context. This leads me to my next point. We live in a country where Aborigines and European Australians (not to mention immigrants from all over the world) must live together and work towards reconciliation and cultural understanding. Childrens Literature has an important role to play in this issue. As Saxby explains in Images of Australia (2002) it has been argued strongly in recent years that Childrens Literature places readers in a position where they are forced to form a particular world-view. It is for this reason that it is important to teach the new generation the importance of cultural understanding and identity so we can move one step closer to reconciliation. For this knowledge to be developed in Childrens Literature, it is important for non-Aboriginal as well as Aboriginal perspectives to be told. The two are often very different in terms of their political points of view but they both can offer much in terms of their purpose. Take for example The Rabbits by John Marsden. I could go into a critical analysis of the book as a postcolonial text, but that would take another essay entirely. These books raise discussion about topical issues and this is how children learn. Stories told from the Aboriginal perspective are often about the land, and relationships with the land and each other. They dont tend to be politically loaded like the European contexts. They are generally a celebration of indigenous life and culture rather than an attack on white people. In fact, often there is little mention of white people at all not as a point for discussion at least. An example is in My Girragundji where there are virtually no references to white people at all. The story revolves around a boy and his Girragundji who he shares his problems with our spirits always together you are strong no matter what (McDonald and Pryor, 1998, p. 70). It is important to acknowledge the western and indigenous cultures at play in My Girragundji. There are two authors Meme McDonald and Boori Pryor, non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal consecutively. Using the European literary skills of McDonald and the oral story telling traditions (Van Toorn, 2006) of Pryor (Scan, 2000), the two work together to come up with a successful combination that displays cultural sensitivity as well as diversity. This is an example of how different cultural perspectives can combine to reflect the hybrid lifestyle of many Aboriginal people. Wharton and Pryor refer to this hybrid upbringing in Scutters article Writing the Childhood Self (2001). We require both of these perspectives in childrens literature so that reconciliation between both cultures can manifest (Clancy, 1997, p. 52). It is clear that this issue is an extensive one. Each portion of this essay could have a lengthy analysis of its content. What I have done though, is to point out some of the main issues that non-Aboriginal authors face when taking on the task of conveying Aboriginal stories, points of view and themes. Questions I have touched on ask: Is the story solely an Indigenous one? From whose perspective is the story being told? Is the author unintentionally upholding colonial attitudes in the text? Has there been sufficient Aboriginal involvement in the story? Finally, I looked at the importance of this literature in terms of its role in society and highlighted the fact that both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal can be heard with potentially equal merit.

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More than One Kind of Irony More than One Kind of Irony More than One Kind of Irony By Maeve Maddox Irony and its adjective ironic have joined the class of carelessly used words–like literally and awesome–that drive many language lovers wild. As early as 1926 H.W. Fowler decried the use of irony and ironic to refer to happenings that are merely coincidental or odd. For example, if I run into you in Walmart and an hour later bump into you at OfficeMax, that’s not ironic; it’s a coincidence. If I’m driving to school with barely enough time to make it to class on time and get stuck at a train crossing, that’s annoying or frustrating, but it’s not ironic. Fowler describes three kinds of irony: Socratic irony, dramatic irony, and the irony of Fate. Socratic irony takes its name from the philosopher Socrates who would pretend to be ignorant, so as to encourage his students to argue their beliefs. The television detective Columbo is a master at this kind of irony. Just as Socrates used apparently innocent questions to show up his students’ shaky arguments, Columbo uses feigned humility and ignorance to lure his suspects into talking too much and revealing their guilt. Dramatic irony is the irony of classical Greek drama, written for an audience that knew the details of the drama being presented. This kind of irony produces goose bumps in the audience or reader. When Oedipus swears he’ll bring his father’s murderer to justice, the audience knows that Oedipus is his father’s murderer. When Oedipus innocently marries Jocasta, the audience knows that she’s his mother. Strong stuff, dramatic irony. Novelists set it up by letting the reader know what the characters do not. Irony of Fate occurs when misfortune is the result of Fate, Chance, or God. In Fowler’s words, â€Å"Nature persuades most of us that the course of events is within wide limits foreseeable, that things will follow their usual course† If you watched the video clips of the floods that ravaged England in early 2014, you may have seen the pictures of the fabulous, recently completed mansion, its four-acre grounds ringed by a protective moat; despite the owner’s efforts, the waters triumphed. This is an example of the irony of Fate or Chance, also called cosmic irony. Reedsy defines it from the point of view of writers: Irony is a storytelling tool used to create contrast between how things seem and how they really are beneath the surface. The term â€Å"ironic† comes from the Latin word ironia, which means â€Å"feigned ignorance.† Two other types of irony not mentioned by Fowler are â€Å"verbal irony† and â€Å"situational irony.† Verbal irony occurs when a person says one thing, but means another, for example, saying â€Å"Lucky me!† when you slip on the ice and break your arm. Situational irony is similar to cosmic irony. You go into a situation expecting one outcome, but experience the opposite result. The O. Henry story â€Å"The Gift of the Magi† is built on situational irony: the wife sells her hair to buy her husband a watch fob; the husband sells his watch to buy his wife a decorative comb. The irony is that neither spouse can use the thoughtful gift. Irony has more than one meaning, but â€Å"coincidental† and â€Å"odd† are not among them. Related article: What Is Irony? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Addressing A Letter to Two PeoplePeace of Mind and A Piece of One's MindSupervise vs. Monitor

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Compare and contrast the character of the state in two Euopean countries with particular reference to the link between nation and sovereignty from Britain, Fra - Essay Example These premises will help in building towards the relevant theories that link the nation and sovereignty that support the definition of the character and nature of the two states that have been studied in this paper. Political legitimacy was a firm belief that emanated from various political quarters following the French Revolution in this country. Federalism is essentially a concept surrounded by political philosophy in the politics of France. This has special importance as far as sovereignty is concerned within the nation. According to this concept, a nation that follows federalism is one that believes in binding it various people, from diverse corners of the world, together. (Gill, 2003) Federalism is that system which brings people together under the able guidance of a representative who puts forward their issues without an iota of partiality. Under federalism, the nation looks at each of its citizens as equals and as brothers who are bound together geographically as well as in respect of national sentiment. The nation thus follows federalism is one that follows the principles irrespective of age, caste, creed, race, origin or color. The basic nature that has come up in the definition of the state in the case of France is one that adheres to the structuring of an international culture and society for politics that has to do with the building and propagation of new ideals. This has been well administered in France through the use of federalism so as to garner support and ideas from various quarters. (Hirst, 2001) From the concept of federalism have come various other schools of thought, which have culminated into sub concepts in their own right within the state of France and its character. One of these is the concept of dual federalism according to which the best option before any government or nation is to organize itself into separate yet equal branches of government so as to divide the state and national government in various spheres of functioning and significance. This has been used by France in the creation of a well defined state. According to this, the state government may exercise sovereignty within its own boundaries while the national level authorities will be slated to have exclusive and enumerated powers. (Gellner, 2006) Another concept that has branched out from federalism is that of cooperative federalism. According to this school of thought, the best course of action is to establish a strong network of consumer cooperative societies through which cooperative wholesale societies will be formed in order to undertake the purchase of farms and factories. According to federal cooperatives, the proceeds and profits thereof would be paid as dividends to the member cooperatives instead of the workers. This has been a major part of the definition of the nature of the state in France. (Skinner, 2003) Having studied the various aspects of federalism, it would

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Organization external operating environment reflection paper - Essay Example In addition, the technological consideration is an intense area of concern due to the advancing technology in Apple’s industry due to the prevailing tough competition in it. As a response to this, Apple remarkably settles not just for less, but tries to be the top innovator in its industry, in as much as possible. On the other hand, the ecological consideration has also influenced the decision of Apple with respect to its sustainable growth in its industry. In as much as possible, Apple is adhering to the prevailing environmental concerns affecting the ecological balance. In this case, Apple is one of the myriads of companies out there advocating the value of ecological sustainability and balance. After all, it is from the environment where the raw materials are generated and if the nature stops to supply all these essential requirements for product development, a company’s sustainable production may have to be put to a halt, and some businesses may cease to exist at some

Health education in Malawi Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health education in Malawi - Research Proposal Example According to the United Nations Economic and Social Council , women and girls form a majority of individuals who are undernourished. This statistic reveals the societal inequities that females face in some societies. Women in developing countries are not educated as their male counterparts. They are less educate and, therefore, not well equipped in solving food security issues in their families. To resolve this, most programs involve increasing women’s access to education and improving their decision making power. Education empowers women as it improves the bargaining position of women in household matters. Programs such as IMAGE intervention try to empower women through microfinance ventures. Rural women, through IMAGE, are able to access microfinance services such as credit and savings to rural women (Kim et. al., 2007). IMAGE intervention enables women to start, develop and benefit from their own enterprises. This, in effect, reduces the occurrences of gender-based violence, as women are able to contribute to the economic welfare of the household. Women empowerment is the key to both the economic and food security problems in developing countries such as Malawi. The programs suggested in resolving the aforementioned problems in Malawi should be effective if successfully implemented. They all share one objective, empowering women who are undervalued by the ethnic communities in Malawi and the rest of Africa. In the case of Eva and Peter, the programs would solve their problems to an extent.

Holy Byzantine Women Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Holy Byzantine Women - Term Paper Example While we do have well documented accounts of powerful empresses, it is often more beneficial to understand the plight of the average Byzantine woman to truly understand the inner-workings of this particular civilization. Many women during this time period were quite religious and became the saints of their particular generation. Thankfully we do have some wonderful and cherished memories of their lives that will prove most helpful in this endeavor. It is important to see, through the perspective of history, the important role that women played in many different aspects of Byzantine society. This will allow us to envision that life, without Byzantine women, would have been difficult at best. Through a careful examination of four different holy Byzantine holy women, we will establish that the economic, social, and religious contributions of the common Byzantine woman enabled the continued existence of this society for centuries.  Biographical Analysis Saint Theodora of Arta is the fi rst holy woman we will discuss. As is typical of Byzantine women, we do not know exactly when she was born, but it must have been somewhere between 1224 and 1230. She was from Servia and her father was John Pertraliphas. He was quite famous in his own right, being the governor of Thessaly and Macedonia. She became married to the ruler of Epirus and Thessaly, apparently when she was still a child. This happened shortly after the husband’s accession to the throne in 1231. She became saintly due to her circumstances. Her husband preferred his mistress, which meant that Theodora was not allowed in the house or on the grounds, forcing her into a life of poverty on the streets. From written accounts, she suffered through these various hardships without complaining, even while she was pregnant, eventually gaining the attention of a village priest. The priest gave her shelter for nearly five years until Theodora’s husband saw the error of his ways and invited his wife back to live with him. From this account, we envision that Theodora’s mind and heart was pure. She did not choose the life she was given, yet she remained of positive attitude and worked hard to do right by her child and her God. Over the course of her life, she founded the convent of St. George, which was in Arta, and actually lived there after her husband died. To this day, her tomb is a pilgrimage site and many have ascribed miracles to it. Another saintly woman that we have a written account of is Saint Thomais of Lesbos. Thomais was in Lesbos, but spent much of her life in Constantinople. Subsequently, much of what we know about her is confined to that region. The parents of Thomais were named Michael and Kale. From all accounts, they were quite a pious and god-fearing couple. In addition, they were happy as a couple, so we are left to assume that Thomais was raised in a solid and pleasant environment and, while they did not have much, she received love and compassion at home. S adly, her particular marriage was not so happy. She married Stephen and we read that their marriage was a disaster. Thomais was perfectly content staying at home with her parents, and did so until the age of 24, perhaps foreshadowing her own fear of marriage. She did not have children of her own. During her adult life, she was in the habit of walking the streets of Constantinople and was

The Nursing & Management of a Patient with an Acute Exacerbation of Essay

The Nursing & Management of a Patient with an Acute Exacerbation of their Asthma - Essay Example Between 10 and 20 per cent control their condition well, but there continues to be about 2,000 deaths a year (Dolan and Holt 2000, Davies-Gray 2000, Eaton 2002, Resuscitation Council (UK) 2000). British Heart Foundation (2003) statistics show that mortality from coronary heart disease is falling significantly, and, although the number of asthma deaths is small by comparison, the static nature of asthma mortality rates is alarming especially because asthma deaths are probably more preventable than those from direct cardiac causes are. Asthma is defined as narrowing of the airways, which is reversible either spontaneously or because of treatment. The well-known symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, wheeze and cough which may develop suddenly, in an acute attack, or over a period. Nurses need to be aware that adult people with asthma who experience breathlessness associated with activities of daily living, such as putting out washing or walking up stairs, may discount these symptoms and put them down to old age and lack of fitness, when in fact it may be their asthma becoming increasingly active and uncontrolled. The Stages of an Acute Attack are very terrible for the affected patients. These symptoms often start out similar to a usual attack; coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and recession (drawing in the flesh between the ribs and sternum). In an acute attack, however, the symptoms persist, and become more marked or even change in nature. The asthmatic often becomes quiet and withdrawn, focusing on the struggle to breathe. The patient sits hunched over, which enables the muscles of the upper body to help expand the chest and consequently the lungs.

Holy Byzantine Women Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Holy Byzantine Women - Term Paper Example While we do have well documented accounts of powerful empresses, it is often more beneficial to understand the plight of the average Byzantine woman to truly understand the inner-workings of this particular civilization. Many women during this time period were quite religious and became the saints of their particular generation. Thankfully we do have some wonderful and cherished memories of their lives that will prove most helpful in this endeavor. It is important to see, through the perspective of history, the important role that women played in many different aspects of Byzantine society. This will allow us to envision that life, without Byzantine women, would have been difficult at best. Through a careful examination of four different holy Byzantine holy women, we will establish that the economic, social, and religious contributions of the common Byzantine woman enabled the continued existence of this society for centuries.  Biographical Analysis Saint Theodora of Arta is the fi rst holy woman we will discuss. As is typical of Byzantine women, we do not know exactly when she was born, but it must have been somewhere between 1224 and 1230. She was from Servia and her father was John Pertraliphas. He was quite famous in his own right, being the governor of Thessaly and Macedonia. She became married to the ruler of Epirus and Thessaly, apparently when she was still a child. This happened shortly after the husband’s accession to the throne in 1231. She became saintly due to her circumstances. Her husband preferred his mistress, which meant that Theodora was not allowed in the house or on the grounds, forcing her into a life of poverty on the streets. From written accounts, she suffered through these various hardships without complaining, even while she was pregnant, eventually gaining the attention of a village priest. The priest gave her shelter for nearly five years until Theodora’s husband saw the error of his ways and invited his wife back to live with him. From this account, we envision that Theodora’s mind and heart was pure. She did not choose the life she was given, yet she remained of positive attitude and worked hard to do right by her child and her God. Over the course of her life, she founded the convent of St. George, which was in Arta, and actually lived there after her husband died. To this day, her tomb is a pilgrimage site and many have ascribed miracles to it. Another saintly woman that we have a written account of is Saint Thomais of Lesbos. Thomais was in Lesbos, but spent much of her life in Constantinople. Subsequently, much of what we know about her is confined to that region. The parents of Thomais were named Michael and Kale. From all accounts, they were quite a pious and god-fearing couple. In addition, they were happy as a couple, so we are left to assume that Thomais was raised in a solid and pleasant environment and, while they did not have much, she received love and compassion at home. S adly, her particular marriage was not so happy. She married Stephen and we read that their marriage was a disaster. Thomais was perfectly content staying at home with her parents, and did so until the age of 24, perhaps foreshadowing her own fear of marriage. She did not have children of her own. During her adult life, she was in the habit of walking the streets of Constantinople and was

British Airways Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Organisational functions Essay Example for Free

Organisational functions Essay All organisations require resources to carry out their functions. One way of judging the success of a business is to compare the resources it uses with the value of the product that results.  Resources of the business.  One way of considering the resources used by a business is to classify them into factors of production. The main factors of production are capital, labour and land. Capital-refers to any manufactured product used by the business to make products. This category therefore includes all machinery, vehicles and office equipment used in businesses.   Labour-is the human resource used by business organisations during production. It refers to the input of physical or mental activity by employees.  Land-in the context of this classification is not only the site on which the business is located , but also all the natural resources it might use. The functions of business.  All businesses combine factors of production as an essential part of their production activities. To combine these factors, to engage in production and to achieve their objectives organisations undertake a number of functions. The major business functions include:  Finance  Production  Human resources  Marketing  Administration  Research and development.  Finance. A separate department normally carries out the finance function of the business. The finance department carries out a number of key activities.  These are summarised in the diagrams beside.  Production  Production covers all the activities that must be undertaken to make firms products. Human resources.  In modern businesses, human resources management is now taking on the role previously carried out by personnel management. There is a very clear distinction between personnel management and human resource management.  Personnel management considers the tasks involved in managing people-recruitment, selection and so fourth as separate elements.  Human resource management (HRM) elevates the effective use of a businesss labour

Sepsis An Overview Health And Social Care Essay

Sepsis An Overview Health And Social Care Essay Sepsis is an infection of the bloodstream. The infection tends to spread quickly and often is difficult to recognize. One of our roles as a nurse is that of patient advocate, and as such we are closest to the patient, placing us in a key position to identify any subtle changes at their earliest onset and prevent the spread of severe infection. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of SIRS, sepsis, and septic shock is key to early recognition. Early recognition allows for appropriate treatment to begin sooner, decreasing the likelihood of septic shock and life-threatening organ failure. Once sepsis is diagnosed, early and aggressive treatment can begin, which greatly reduces mortality rates associated with sepsis. sepà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢sis (ˈsep-sÉâ„ ¢s) n. Sometimes called blood poisoning, sepsis is the bodys often deadly response to infection or injury (Merriam-Webster, 2011) Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the immune systems reaction to an infection; it is the leading cause of death in intensive care units (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic 2010). It is defined by the presence of 2 or more SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) criteria in the setting of a documented or presumed infection (Rivers, McIntyre, Morro, Rivers, 2005 pg 1054). Chemicals that are released into the blood to fight infection trigger widespread inflammation which explains why injury can occur to body tissues far from the original infection. The body may develop the inflammatory response to microbes in the blood, urine, lungs, skin and other tissues. Manifestations of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) include abnormalities in temperature, heart, respiratory rates and leukocyte counts. This is a severe sepsis that arises from a noninfectious cause. The condition may manifest into severe sepsis or septic shock. Severe sepsis is characterized by organ dysfunction, while septic shock results when blood pressure decreases and the patient becomes extremely hypotensive, even with the administration of fluid resuscitation (Lewis, Heitkemper, Dirksen, OBrien and Bucher (2007), pg 1778). The initial presentation of severe sepsis and septic shock is usually nonspecific.    Patients admitted with relatively benign infection can progress in a few hours to a more devastating form of the disease. The transition usually occurs during the first 24 hours of hospitalization (Lewis, et al 2007, pg 1779). Severe sepsis is associated with acute organ dysfunction as inflammation may result in organ damage (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic 2010). As severe sepsis progresses, it begins to affect organ function and eventually can lead to septic shock; a sometimes fatal drop in blood pressure. People who are most at risk of developing sepsis include the very young and the very old, individuals with compromised immune systems, very sick people in the hospital and those who have invasive devices, such as urinary catheters or breathing tubes (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic, 2010). Black people are more likely than are white people to get sepsis and black men face the highest risk (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic 2010). Severe sepsis is diagnosed if at least one of the following signs and symptoms, which indicate organ dysfunction, are noted; areas of mottled skin, significantly decreased urine output, abrupt change in mental status, decrease in platelet count, difficulty breathing and abnormal heart function (Lewis et al, 2007 pg 1779). To be diagnosed with septic shock, a patient must have the signs and symptoms of severe sepsis plus extremely low blood pressure (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic 2010). Sepsis is usually treated in the ICU with antibiotic therapy and intravenous fluids. These patients require preventative measures for deep vein thrombosis, stress ulcer and pressure ulcers. Hunter (2006) explains that the reason why sepsis is rarely given attention and popularized for public information and attention is because it is not a disease in itself, but a reaction of the body to a lowered immunological response. Sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-coronary intensive care units (ICUs) and the 10th leading cause of death in the United States overall (Slade, Tamber and Vincent, 2010, pg 2).   The incidence of severe sepsis in the United States is between 650,000 and 750,000 cases. Over 10 million cases of sepsis have been reported in the United States based on a 22-year period study of discharge data from 750 million hospitalizations Annually, approximately 750,000 people develop sepsis and more than 200,000 cases are fatal (Slade, et al 2010, pg 1). More than 70% of these patients have underlying co-morbidities and more than 60% of these cases occur in those aged 65 years and older (Slade, et al 2010, pg 1). When patients with human immunodeficiency virus are excluded, the incidence of sepsis in men and women is similar. A greater number of sepsis cases are caused by infection with gram-positive organisms than gram-negative organisms, and fungal infections now account for 6% of cases (Slade, et al 2010, pg 1). After adjusting for population size, the annualized incidence of sepsis is increasing by 8%. The incidence of severe sepsis is increasing greatest in older adults and the nonwhite population. The rise in the number of cases is believed to be caused by the increased use of invasive procedures and immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy, transplantation, and prosthetic implants and devices, as well as the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance (Slade, et al 2010, pg 1). Despite advances in critical care management, sepsis has a mortality rate of 30 to 50 percent and is among the primary causes of death in intensive care units ((Brunn and Platt, 2006, 12: 10-6). It is believed that the increasing incidence of severe sepsis is due to the growing population among the elderly as a result of increasing longevity among people with chronic diseases and the high prevalence of sepsis developing among patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (Slade, et al 2010, pg 1). During an infection, the bodys defense system is activated to fight the attacking pathogens. These invading pathogens, especially bacteria, possess receptive lipopolysaccharide (LPS) coverings or release exotoxins and endotoxins that activate the T-cells and macrophages and trigger the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to respond by releasing antibodies, eicosanoids and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukins. The antigens may also result in the production of lysozymes and proteases, cationic proteins and lactoferrin that can recognize and kill invading pathogens. Different microbes also induce various profiles of TNF and interleukin to be released. These molecules results in a heightened inflammatory response of the body and vascular dilation. The TLRs also affect a different cascade that involves coagulation pathways, which results in preventing the bleeding to occur at the area of infection. With too much molecular responses and signals, the recognition of the molecules sometimes fails and attacks even the bodys endothelial cells. These compounded immune and inflammatory actions result in the development of the symptoms of sepsis (Hunter, 2006 pg 668; Van Amersfoort, 2001 pg 400). Brunn and Platt (2006) believes that events leading to breakdown of the tissue such as injuries or infection, that naturally results in the activation of the immune system, is a major event that causes sepsis. During host infection, the release of tumor necrosis factor and interlekin-1 signals the dilation of the arteries and inflammation. These released cytokines also activate the coagulation pathway to prevent fibrinolysis but an increase in the concentration of these molecules may result in abnormalities in the hosts defense system (Gropper, 2004 pg 568). The common belief that sepsis is caused by endotoxins released by pathogens has fully been established but genomic advancements is shedding light on current insights that sepsis can also occur without endotoxin triggers, that is even without microbial infections (Gropper, 2004 pg 568). Diagnosing sepsis can be difficult because its signs and symptoms can be caused by other disorders. Doctors often order a battery of tests to try to pinpoint the underlying infection. Blood tests and additional laboratory tests on fluids such as urine and cerebrospinal fluid to check for bacteria and infections and wound secretions, if an open wound appears infected. In addition, imaging tests to visualize problems such as x-ray, computerized tomography (ct), ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (mri) to locate the source of an infection are also ordered. Early, aggressive recognition boosts a patients chances of surviving sepsis. Sepsis should be treated as a medical emergency. In other words, sepsis should be treated as quickly and efficiently as possible as soon as it has been identified. This means rapid administration of antibiotics and fluids. A 2006 study showed that the risk of death from sepsis increases by 7.6% with every hour that passes before treatment begins. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic 2010). Early, aggressive treatment boosts the chances of surviving sepsis. People with severe sepsis require close monitoring and treatment in a hospital intensive care unit. Lifesaving measures may be needed to stabilize breathing and heart function. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic 2010). People with sepsis usually need to be in an intensive care unit (ICU). As soon as sepsis is suspected, broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy is begun. The number of antibiotics may be decreased when blood tests reveal which particular bacteria are causing the infection. The source of the infection should be discovered, if possible. This could mean more testing. Infected intravenous lines or surgical drains should be removed, and any abscesses should be surgically drained. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, and medications that increase blood pressure may be needed. Dialysis may be necessary if there is kidney failure, and a breathing machine (mechanical ventilation) if there is respiratory failure (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic, 2010). While severe sepsis requires treatment in a critical care area, its recognition is often made outside of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). With nurses being at the side of a patient from admission to discharge, this places them in an ideal position to be first to recognize sepsis. Thorough assessments are crucial and being able to recognize even the most minimal changes in a patient could be the difference between life and death. Once severe sepsis is confirmed, key aspects of nursing care are related to providing comprehensive treatment. Pain relief and sedation are important in promoting patients comfort. Meeting the needs of patients families is also an essential component of care. Research on the needs of patients families during critical illness supports provision of information as an important aspect of family care (Gropper et al, 2004 pg. 569). Teaching patients and their families is also essential to ensure that they understand various treatments and interventions provided in severe sepsis. Ultimately, prevention of sepsis may be the single most important measure for control (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic, 2010). Hand washing remains the most effective way to reduce the incidence of infection, especially the transmission of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic, 2010. Good hand hygiene can be achieved by using either a waterless, alcohol-based product or antibacterial soap and water with adequate rinsing. Using universal precautions, adhering to infection control practices, and instituting measures to prevent nosocomial infections can also help prevent sepsis (Lewis, et al 2007, pg 248). Nursing measures such as oral care, proper positioning, turning, and care of invasive catheters are important in decreasing the risk for infection in critically ill patients (Fourrier, Cau-Pottier, Boutigny, Roussel-Delvallez, Jourdain, Chopin, 2005 pg 1730). Newly released guidelines on the prevention of catheter-related infections stress the use of surveillance, cutaneous antisepsis during care of catheter sites, and catheter-site dressing regimens to minimize the risk of infection (Fourrier, 2005 pg. 1731). Other aspects of nursing care such as sending specimens for culture because of suspicious drainage or elevations in temperature, monitoring the characteristics of wounds and drainage material, and using astute clinical assessment to recognize patients at risk for sepsis can contribute to the early detection and treatment of infection to minimize the risk for sepsis. Critical care nurses are the healthcare providers most closely involved in the daily care of critically ill patients and so have the opportunity to identify patients at risk for and to look for signs and symptoms of severe sepsis (Kleinpell, Goyette, 2003 pg 120). In addition, critical care nurses are also the ones who continually monitor patients with severe sepsis to assess the effects of treatment and to detect adverse reactions to various therapeutic interventions. Use of an intensivist-led multidisciplinary team is designated as the best-practice model for the intensive care unit, and the value of team-led care has been shown (Kleinpell, et al 2003, pg 121). As key members of intensivist-led multidisciplinary teams, critical care nurses play an important role in the detection, monitoring, and treatment of sepsis and can affect outcomes in patients with severe sepsis (Kleinpell, et al 2003, pg 121). 5 Priority Nursing Diagnosis Diagnosis #1: Deficient fluid volume related to vasodilatation of peripheral vessels leaking of capillaries. Intervention #1: Watch for early signs of hypovolemia, including restlessness, weakness, muscle cramps, headaches, inability to concentrate and postural hypotension. . Rationale #1: Late signs include oliguria, abdominal or chest pain, cyanosis, cold clammy skin, and confusion (Kasper et al, 2005). : Intervention #2: Monitor for the existence of factors causing deficient fluid volume (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty maintaining oral intake, fever, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, diuretic therapy). Rationale #2: Early identification of risk factors and early intervention can decrease the occurrence and severity of complications from deficient fluid volume. The gastrointestinal system is a common site of abnormal fluid loss (Metheny, 2000). Intervention #3: Monitor daily weight for sudden decreases, especially in the presence of decreasing urine output or active fluid loss. Weigh the client on the same scale with the same type of clothing at same time of day, preferably before breakfast. Rationale #3: Body weight changes reflect changes in body fluid volume (Kasper et al, 2005). Weight loss of 2.2 pounds is equal to fluid loss of 1 liter (Linton Maebius, 2003). Diagnosis #2: Imbalanced nutrition less than body requirements related to anorexia generalized weakness. Intervention #1: Monitor for signs of malnutrition, including brittle hair that is easily plucked, bruise, dry skin, pale skin and conjunctiva, muscle wasting, smooth red tongue, cheilosis, flaky paint rash over lower extremities and disorientation (Kasper, 2005). Rationale #1: Untreated malnutrition can result in death (Kasper, 2005). Intervention #2: Recognize that severe protein calorie malnutrition can result in septicemia from impairment of the immune system or organ failure including heart failure, liver failure, respiratory dysfunction, especially in the critically ill client. Rationale #2: Untreated malnutrition can result in death (Kasper, 2005) Intervention #3: Note laboratory test results as available: serum albumin, prealbumin, serum total protein, serum ferritin, transferring, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and electrolytes. Rationale #3: A serum albumin level of less than 3.5 g/100 milliliters is considered and indicator of risk of poor nutritional status (DiMaria-Ghalli Amella, 2005). Prealbumin level was reliable in evaluating the existence of malnutrition (Devoto et al, 2006). Diagnosis #3: Ineffective tissue perfusion related to decreased systemic vascular resistance. Intervention #1: If the client has a period of syncope or other signs of a possible transient ischemic attack, assist the client to a resting position, perform a neurological assessment and report to the physician. Rationale #1: Syncope may be caused by dysrhythmias, hypotension caused by decreased tone or volume, cerebrovascular disease, or anxiety. Unexplained recurrent syncope, especially if associated with structural heart disease, is associated with a high risk of death (Kasper et al, 2005). Intervention#2: If the client experiences dizziness because of postural hypotension when getting up, teach methods to decrease dizziness, such as remaining seated for several minutes before standing, flexing feet upward several time while seated, rising slowly, sitting down immediately if feeling dizzy and trying to have someone present when standing. Rationale #2: Postural hypotension can be detected in up to 30% of elderly clients. These methods can help prevent falls (Tinetti, 2003). Intervention #3: If symptoms of a new cerebrovascular accident occur (e.g., slurred speech, change in vision, hemiparesis, hemiplegia, or dysphasia), notify a physician immediately. Rationale #3: New onset of these neurological symptoms can signify a stroke. If the stroke is caused by a thrombus and the client receives thrombolytic treatment within 3 hours, effects can often be reversed and function improved, although there is an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (Wardlaw, et al, 2003) Diagnosis #4: Ineffective thermoregulation related to infectious process, septic shock. Intervention #1: Monitor temperature every 1 to 4 hours or use continuous temperature monitoring as appropriate. Rationale #1: Normal adult temperature is usually identified as 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C) but in actuality the normal temperature fluctuates throughout the day. In the early morning it may be as low as 96.4 degrees F (35.8 degrees C) and in the late afternoon or evening as high as 99.1 degrees F (37.3 degrees C). (Bickely Szilagyj, 2007). Disease injury and pharmacological agents may impair regulation of body temperature (Kasper et al, 2005). Intervention #2: Measure the temperature orally or rectally. Avoid using the axillary or tympanic site. Rationale #2: Oral temperature measurement provides a more accurate temperature than tympanic measurement (Fisk Arcona, 2001; Giuliano et al, 2000). Axillary temperatures are often inaccurate. The oral temperature is usually accurate even in an intubated clients (Fallis, 2000). The SolaTherm and DataTherm devices correlated strongly with core body temperatures obtained from a pulmonary artery catheter (Smith, 2004). A study performed in Turkey found that axillary and tympanic temperatures were less accurate than oral temperatures (Devrim, 2007). Intervention #3: Take vital signs every 1 to 4 hours, noting changes associated with hypothermia; first, increased blood pressure, pulse and respirations; then decreased values as hypothermia progresses. Rationale #3: Mild hypothermia activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can increase the levels of vital signs; as hypothermia progresses, the heart becomes suppress, with decreased cardiac output and lowering of vital sign readings (Ruffolo, 2002; Kaper et al, 2005). Diagnosis #5: Risk for impaired skin integrity related to desquamation caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation. Intervention #1: Monitor skin condition at least once a day for color or texture changes, dermatological conditions, or lesions. Determine whether the client is experiencing loss of sensation or pain. Rationale #1: Systemic inspection can identify impending problems early (Ayello Braden, 2002; Krasner, Rodeheaver Sibbald, 2001). Intervention #2: Identify clients at risk for impaired skin integrity as a result of immobility, chronological age, malnutrition, incontinence, compromised perfusion, immunocompromised status or chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, spinal cord injury or renal failure. Rationale #2: These client populations are known to be at high risk for impaired skin integrity (Maklebust Sieggreen, 2001: Stotts Wipke-Tevis, 2001). Targeting variables (such as age and Braden Scale Risk Category) can focus assessment on particular risk factors (e.g., pressure) and help guide the plan of prevention and care (Young et al, 2002). Intervention #3: Monitor the clients skin care practices, noting type of soap or other cleansing agents used, temperature of water and frequency of skin cleansing. Rationale #3: Individualize plan according to the clients skin condition, needs, and preference (Baranoski, 2000). As a nursing student with a strong interest in working with trauma patients, I am intrigued by the fact that as to why some trauma patients are more susceptible to contracting sepsis than others. Therefore my suggestion for future research would be to determine if there is an underlying factor that we, as healthcare professionals are overlooking. Apparently, I am not alone in my thinking and in performing additional reading on sepsis I was pleasantly surprised to learn that an investigation into this matter is underway. Hinley (2010), a staff writer for Medical News Today, reports how an emergency room nurses curiosity about why some trauma patients develop sepsis while others dont has led to an expanded career as a researcher studying the same, burning question. Dr. Beth NeSmith, assistant professor of physiological and technological nursing in the Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing received a three-year, $281,000 National Institutes of Health grant in September, 2010 to examine risk factors for sepsis and organ failure following trauma. Based on her own research, Dr. NeSmith concluded that trauma kills more than 13 million Americans annually and sepsis is the leading cause of in-hospital trauma deaths, yet little data existed to explain differences in population vulnerability to these deadly outcomes. NeSmith believes lifetime chronic stress may be the culprit and a simple test on hair may identify those at risk. Her theory is that a person who grows up with chronic stress, such as socio- economic stress or abuse, will have a different response to trauma in terms of their inflammation profile, NeSmith said. Inflammation is a normal body response to trauma, but if it gets out of hand its dangerous. The only care for it is supportive until if the body gets better. (Hinley, P., Medical News Today, 2010) As the trauma clinical nurse specialist at MCG Health System from 1997-2003, NeSmith was intrigued by the limited treatment options available for sepsis. Her grant will allow her to test the theory that people with existing chronic stress respond differently physiologically to trauma than non-stressed individuals. NeSmith spends three days a week in the lab working with basic science research techniques. Nurses play a critical role in improving outcomes for patients with sepsis. To save the lives of those with sepsis, all nurses, no matter where they work, must develop their skills for recognizing sepsis early and initiating appropriate therapy. With nurses dedicated to understanding and stopping this deadly disorder, the goal of reducing mortality will be realized.  Ã‚  

Adolescents on Mental Illness :: essays research papers

Watson, Amy C., Otey, Emeline, Westbrook, Anne L., Gardner, April L., Lamb, Theodore A., Corrigan, Patrick W., & Fenton, Wayne S. (2004). Changing Middle Schoolers’ Attitudes About Mental Illness Through Education. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 30, 563-572. Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This article shows the attitudes and intellect of Middle Schoolers about Mental Illness. The investigators are interested in the amount of improvement that the Middle Schoolers receive after being well-informed and educated about Mental Illness. They are especially interested in the changes in the attitudes of the pupils that think pessimistically about Mental Illness. Finding out if a curriculum informing the students about Mental Illness would significantly impact them is the other main interest of the investigators.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Previous studies show that many adults are almost naturally prejudice to people with Mental Illnesses. Most adults automatically stereotype them as people that are dangerous, shouldn’t be talked to, and have a slim-to-none chance of recovering. This comes from their lack of knowledge of Mental Illness growing up. In their childhood, they see Mental Illness as a disturbance and sway away from anything related to it. This concept is truly an unnoticed act of discrimination. Ultimately, the goal of the experiment was to find out how the minds of the students change toward Mental Illness after more knowledge of it is found out. The investigators supposed that there would be a bit of knowledge or at least some awareness of Mental Illness in the students’ minds. They figured that there would be many pessimists in the group (students that initially think negatively about Mental Illness.) Also, they assumed that the curriculum would benefit all of the students (especially the ones with the negative attitudes.) Method   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The investigators used The Science of Mental Illness curriculum to educate the students. This curriculum consists of unique scientific discoveries and case studies that help students understand the link between the sciences and their applications to health care. Some parts of the curriculum are classic, lecture-style teachings and some are more interactive including online programs and situations on video clips. The variety of the curriculum keeps the students interested throughout the 5-week program.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Helping the students understand that Mental Illness can be diagnosed and treated very well (unlike they might have thought) is one of the curriculum’s main goals. The other is to make the students more aware of Mental Illness and understand its different aspects. The curriculum is broken up into 5 lessons that cover everything from the brain’s functions to recognizing Mental Illness to methods of treatment.

Nigger

Nigger is a derogatory term used to refer to individuals whose skin color is dark. Most of these people are of African descent. For centuries, the term nigger holds a negative implication, and in contemporary period is taken as a racial insult in most circumstances. Modern slang uses takes in a synonym for a person and an attempt to retrieve the word for black people, which continues to be a contentious subject. Former variations like â€Å"neger† or â€Å"negar† originated from the Spanish term Negro which literally means black, and in all probability also the French word nà ¨gre, which has also been used negatively, however it was also used in a positive manner such as in Negritude. Negritude originated from the term Negro. In French, they commonly use the term â€Å"noir† for black. â€Å"Negro† and â€Å"noir† alike (and consequently the terms â€Å"nà ¨gre† and nigger) eventually came from â€Å"nigrum†, the accusative form of the Latin term â€Å"niger† which means black. In Colonial America, the term â€Å"negars† was utilized in the year of 1619 by John Rolfe, illustrating the slaves which are being transported to the colony of Virginia, â€Å"neger† or â€Å"neggar† also exists in Northern New York as well as on Philadelphia. For an instance there is an African cemetery in New York which was initially known as â€Å"Begraafplaats van de Neger† which could be translated as â€Å"Cemetery of the negro† (Pearson, 2003). In US, the term â€Å"nigger† was not always believed to be offensive; rather the term is used by some people simply as a connotative of a black or dark complexion. In 19th century literature, the term nigger had been used in many instances without intending to use it in a negative manner. Charles Dickens and Joseph Conrad for one, authors of Nigger of the Narcissus† made use of the term nigger without having any bigoted intention. Mark Twain, another example, often uses the term in most of his works with Southern characters, white and black alike. However, he did not use the term when discoursing in his own voice in his autobiographical work, â€Å"Life on the Mississippi†. In UK, the term nigger was usually used to refer to individuals of individuals with Pakistani or Indian ancestors. They also uses it to denote the dark skinned foreigners generally. In 1926 â€Å"Modern English Usage† H. W. Fowler scrutinized that when the term was used to other people who is not a full blooded negro, they take the term as ome kind of an affront to their person. In 1800s, as the term nigger started to gain the derogatory implication it now have today, the term â€Å"colored† attained recognition as a better alternative to the term nigger and other related terms. Southern vernacular in most areas in US modifies the articulation of the term â€Å"negro† to â€Å"nigra† which is used in particular by Lyndon B. Johnson, a well-known advocate of civil rights. In North American English, the evolution from â€Å"negro† to â€Å"nigger† symbolized a previously prevalent sound change, in fact in the first editions of Noah’s Webster’s dictionary; he proposed the new spellings of â€Å"neger† for Negro. â€Å"Black† happened to be the favored term in English in the late 1960’s, and this prevails up to now. In US this has been replaced to some degree by African American, in any case in politically acceptable practice; this bears a resemblance to the term Afro-American that was in trend in the early years of 1970. Nonetheless, â€Å"black† remains to be in prevalent use as a racial description in US and is seldom considered as insulting. Nowadays, the term is often spelled as â€Å"nigga† or â€Å"niggah†, in simulation of the way in which some articulate it, there are also other variations of the term, intended to duck the term itself, this includes â€Å"nookah†, â€Å"nukka†, â€Å"nagger† and probably the most popular of them all â€Å"jigger†. However, â€Å"Nigger†, according to Professor Randall Kennedy is debatably the most significant racial affront in United States history, although, all together, it is a term that is reminiscent of the paradoxes and problems, catastrophes and splendors of the American experience. In fact, his work â€Å"Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word† is at the middle of debates because of its controversial issues. It tackles questions among an assorted audiences of students and scholars of all cultural and national milieus in its search to discover how and why the term should or should not be used in today’s time (Kennedy, 2002). A large number of black Americans claim that the term â€Å"nigger† invokes within them certain hatred, resentment, aggression, repression, as well as a very appalling and ill-fated part of the US history. The word represents the perpetual sequences of individuals afflicted with abhorrence and bondage merely because of the color of their skin. Amongst black people, â€Å"nigger† is the most derogatory term in the English lingo. Even when contrasted to other racial insults such as â€Å"kike, â€Å"cracker†, â€Å"white trash† and the like, nigger is illustrated as the most horrible affront in the English lingo. The term â€Å"nigger† implies that black people are second class citizens, ignorant, and not as human as the whites are. Although many blacks and whites concur that the term should not be repressed from the English language, it definitely should not be used again by every people due to its historical importance. For an instance, black militants suppose whites ought not to use the term â€Å"nigger†. Conversely, the term â€Å"nigger† has been â€Å"domesticated† by black youths predominantly in the hip-hop culture. These contemporary adolescents maintain that it is merely a word and that people give words meaning and not the other way around. If such is indeed the case, the term â€Å"nigger† could be changed once in a while. In other words, youth in the hip-hop culture are maintaining that situation is the determinant of the meaning of the term â€Å"nigger†. Kennedy states the same line of reasoning regarding the use of the term â€Å"nigger†. He maintains that everyone, regardless of the color of ones skin, may use the word â€Å"nigger†, provided that the framework or the way it was used is apparent and proper (Kennedy, 2002). On the other hand, the historical importance of the term â€Å"nigger† is greatly rooted in American History. For an instance, Kennedy’s book illustrates historical examples of â€Å"nigger† in its derogatory milieu. Examples of these were when Michael Jordan was suspended from his school because a white girl called him a nigger and â€Å"Tiger Woods was tied up in kindergarten by his older schoolmates who called him nigger† (Kennedy 2002) and it is specifically due to this history that a large number of African Americans are supports the vetoing of the term from the English language. Even though the historical importance of the term â€Å"nigger† frequently sets off deep-seated antagonism in the African Americans, it has also gradually developed into an expression of endearment in today’s African American society. Accordingly, a fine line exists between the past and the present descriptions of the term that heralds the prospect of misunderstanding and the likelihood of further injury. Should the term â€Å"nigger† then be used as a way to express of endearment? Kennedy asserts that the term â€Å"nigger† should be used by everyone on the condition that no one be injured. According to Kennedy nothing is wrong with the use of the term nigger no matter what color your skin is. According to him, what should be of importance is the milieu in which the term is being used. Kennedy maintains that the context could influence how nigger is used, and to regard the word otherwise would change the term â€Å"nigger† into some kind of an obsession. On the other hand, Kennedy’s contention that everyone could use the term â€Å"nigger† is easily challenged because although the term is some kind of an obsession, it is still an obsession with no reason whatsoever. The term â€Å"nigger† produces a fixation for people because of its historical connotation. In other words, if the history of the term stigmatizes it, then how could the ordinary use of the term, even by those individuals who ring about its historical significance, produce a new meaning? Kennedy’s insinuation of individual’s using the word only with good intents illustrates his setting aside of the background of its past. Kennedy also asserts that background determines the meaning of the term â€Å"nigger†, nigger, according to him could signify numerous things, all depending upon, amid other things, intonation, the site of interaction, as well as the connection between the speaker and the one to which the term is being addressed. Kennedy, among other thinkers, maintain that African Americans use the term themselves, the fact that the term â€Å"nigger† has been and remains to be used by the African Americans themselves makes up a logical fallacy on the part of the African Americans because for them to believe that they could use the term undamagingly without question whatsoever while others could not use it is nothing short of illogical (Kennedy, 2002). In fact, Vernon Davis on his work, â€Å"The Sense and sensibilities of Using the N Word† stated that only when African Americans unite and insist that their society stops the use of the term in any milieu could they have the moral power to contend that the term not be used in any place or by anyone at all (Davis, 1999). This standpoint on the contention implies that the blacks, and not the whites, stopped thinking about their own history. There could be contentions claiming that rappers such as Jay-Z and comedian Alex Thomas, that the blacks took possession of the term and thus they are did not really stopped from thinking about their own culture, rather they are merely rewriting some part of it. In juxtaposition with the hip-hop culture, Kennedy asserts that the blacks are regaining the term and redefining it in so as to disrobe the term nigger of its initial meaning (Kennedy, 2002). For example, a performance on Black Entertainment Television, a cable system meant for black Americans, illustrated the term â€Å"nigger† as a â€Å"term of endearment, Davis also stated that in the African American society, the term â€Å"nigga† (not the term nigger) elicits a feeling of pride. The term, here, calls to mind a sense of community and oneness among Black Americans (Davis, 1999). A large number of teenagers I have talked with believe that the term does not mean anything or could not hurt a person when it is being used by a friend. However, when it is used by white people the word suddenly changes its definition or meaning. Alex Thomas could be noted saying that he does not want the whites calling him a nigger. This philosophy is in a way self-defeating. If only black people are making use of the term â€Å"nigger† and they are doing so in so as to achieve a conversion of power, the endeavor is useless because the hurt which accompanies the term has not yet been stopped. The whites, for an instance, still could not utter the term â€Å"nigger† without inducing some kind of an antagonistic response. If blacks have effectively transformed or domesticated or repossessed the term, than everyone then anyone would be open to use the term without concerning one’s self with matters of race, class, or perspective. And while this may actually be the final objective of redefining the term â€Å"nigger†, it is evidently not the case at today’s time. It is mainly due to this that Kennedy proposes that everyone should be allowed to use the term, in so as to avoid people from being held back from the use of particular terms, which would be a kind of suppression (Kennedy, 2002). However, historical importance looks like it weigh heavily on the mind of a large number of black people. For example, Shani Saxon (music editor of VIBE magazine) could be noted saying that white people makes use of the term in an insulting manner and she also stated that this is primarily the reason why they should not be permitted to use the said term, since it is insulting and it brings about unpleasant memories (Saxon, 2002). However, it is for certain that words do evolve, however history could never change the way words could. In today’s time, I found through my research and close examination that â€Å"nigger† is not an acknowledged word. Jay-Z among other artists makes use of the term in their music in order amuse their audiences, however, their use of the term does not necessarily mean that the term no longer holds any kind of power to hurt. Take into consideration Jay-Z’s song â€Å"Jigga my Nigga† or Eve’s â€Å"What y’all Nigga’s want?†, the said songs may appear harmless since they make use of the term in a milieu of amity and friendship, however, it could be maintained that while milieu could alter the meaning of the term, contexts or milieu itself could never modify history. Kennedy states that the term on speech or literature, while Kennedy may have a point on his assertion, one could not just pay no heed to history. The term â€Å"nigger† is very much stigmatized that redefining it entails that slavery and oppression never occurred, in spite of the fact and many other things which point that it did. Try to examine an account given by Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, â€Å"The word Nigger carries with it much of the hatred and repulsion directed toward Africans and African Americans. Historically, nigger defined, limited, and mocked African Americans. It was a term of exclusion, verbal justification for discrimination. Whether used as a noun, verb, or adjective, it reinforced the stereotype of the lazy, stupid, dirty, worthless parasite† (Pilgrim, 2002). Truth is the present use of the term â€Å"nigger† could never be wiped away, changed, eliminated, or effectively redefines its authentic and appalling description. In truth, if the persistent use of the term â€Å"nigger† could eliminate it of its original meaning then by now it would be alright for a white person to call black people a â€Å"nigger†. However, a white person could never do that because of the deep-rooted history associated with the term. It is then very important that people come to an understanding that using the term in numerous instances does not alter or take the sting out of its original meaning, because, as already mentioned earlier, although words may change, its history could never be altered. In addition, this new use of the term does give â€Å"nigger† another connotation; probably the notion that language is the same could disprove the argument that history overrides the modern usage of the term. Even though there are several long standpoints which surround the controversy of the usage of the term, there actually is no right or wrong answer for using the term â€Å"nigger†. Works Cited Davis, Vernon. â€Å"The Sense and Sensibilities of Using the â€Å"N Word.†Ã¢â‚¬  Journal of National Association of Black Journalist. Fall 1999 (1999). Kennedy, Randall. Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word.† New York: Pantheon Books, 2002. Pearson, Kim. â€Å"Nigger.† (2003). Pilgrim, David. â€Å"Jim crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia.† Fall 2002 (2002). Saxon, Shani. VIBE Magazine 2002.