Analysis Of The Poem Aint I A Woman - 1079 Words

Alonia Lewis Canonical Text Prof. Barnes March 16, 2016 In 1992, Bell Hooks published â€Å"Aint I a Woman† after working on it for several years. â€Å"Aint I a Woman† is a book detailing the lives of Black women in America from Slavery to the present and their relation to feminism. Hooks felt that there was an absence of books about the African American woman that were available. While there were books about individual African American women and their experiences in the oppressive American system, she believed that those women’s stories could not be generalized for all African American women. It was necessary to have a book at this time that acknowledged not black women and the two types of oppressions they experienced that formed their present status in America. Bell was encouraged by her peers to write this well needed book. She was especially motivated by the views that others had toward black women at the time: â€Å"I can remember a dinner where I talked about the book and one person, in a big booming voice choking with laughter exclaimed, ‘what is there to be said about black women!† I had written†¦ the existence of black women was often forgotten, that we were often ignored or dismissed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hooks). One of the most important ideas that Bell expresses in â€Å"Aint I a Woman† is double jeopardy. Black women have been silenced by two kinds of oppression: racism and sexism (Hooks 1). The racist aspect comes from the white community, while the sexist aspect comes from the African American

Causes Of Myasthenia Gravis Health And Social Care Essay Free Essays

Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune upset, the immune system attacks portion of the organic structure. In MG that portion is the muscular system. The organic structure produces antibodies that mark receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine on the musculus cells at neuromuscular junctions. We will write a custom essay sample on Causes Of Myasthenia Gravis Health And Social Care Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Peoples with MG have a one -third the normal figure of acetylcholine receptors here. On a whole -body degree, this causes weak and easy fatigued musculuss. MG affects 100s of 1000s of people worldwide. Mostly adult females in their mid-twentiess or mid-thirtiess, and work forces in their 1960ss and 1970ss. The particular symptoms depend upon the site of onslaught. For 85 % of patients, the disease causes generalised musculus failing. Many people develop a characteristic level smiling and rhinal voice and have trouble mastication and get downing due to affected facial and neck musculuss. Many have limb failing. About 15 % of patients experience the unwellness merely in the musculuss environing their eyes. The disease reaches crisis degree when respiratory musculuss are affected, necessitating a ventilator to back up external respiration. MG does non impact esthesis or physiological reactions ( Shier, 2010 ) . Causes of Myasthenia Gravis The exact cause of MG is non known. One theory is the status may be triggered by a virus or other infection that has a similar construction to a portion of the acetylcholine receptor. Sometimes adult females with MG who give birth transmit these peculiar antibodies to their babes, doing musculus failing in the baby. This is called neonatal myasthenia and occurs in approximately 12 % of babes whose female parent has MG. â€Å" It is different from inborn myasthenia because the infant gets better in a few hebdomads as the antibody blood degrees go down † ( MediResource, 2013 ) . The other abnormalcy that frequently shows up in people with myasthenia gravis is an hyperactive, overlarge, or otherwise nonfunctional Thymus. The Thymus is a secretory organ located where the cervix joins the thorax. It is of import for the normal development of the immune system. Normally, the Thymus is larger in childhood than in maturity and becomes inactive around pubescence. In people with MG, nevertheless, it frequently keeps traveling into maturity ( MediResource, 2013 ) . Some people with MG turn out to hold a thymoma ( a tumour in the Thymus ) . This is a type of malignant neoplastic disease, but really few people die of thymomas ( MediResource, 2013 ) . The most common symptoms of MG are the dual vision which is called diplopia, every bit good as saging palpebras which is called ptosis, and musculus failing that normally gets worse after exercising or at the terminal of the twenty-four hours and improves with remainder. ` Swallowing troubles are of peculiar concern as they can be unsafe. MG typically does good at the beginning of a repast but tyre at the terminal, do get downing excessively hard. Some deteriorate to name where there is entire loss of ability to masticate and get down. At this point, nutrient may lodge in the pharynx, or nutrient and drink may get down to travel the incorrect manner, for illustration into the trachea, doing coughing and choking. Foods which may trip MG symptoms may be: Very hot, Spicy, Dry and britty Foods which require a batch of masticating attempt, such as tough meats or chewy Sweets, could besides pall out the myasthenic and cause trouble in get downing ( Boyce, 2013 ) . Many people with MG upset find it temporarily impossible to eat may hold to be admitted to a infirmary and be fed intravenously. Of more immediate danger is when the disease causes trouble in breathingaˆÂ ¦This is called a myasthenic crisis, and it ‘s responsible for most of the little figure of deceases due to myasthenia gravis. Peoples with take a breathing jobs must travel to a infirmary instantly. ( Boyce, 2013 ) How is Myasthenia Gravis treated? Today, MG can be controlled. There are several therapies available to assist cut down and better musculus failing. Medicines used to handle the upset include anticholinesterase agents such as Prostigmin and pyridostigmine, which help better neuromuscular transmittal and increase musculus strength. Immunosuppressive drugs such as Orasone, cyclosporine, and Imuran may besides be used. These medicines improve musculus strength by stamp downing the production of unnatural antibodies. They must be used with careful medical followup because they may do major side effects ( Nursing Link, 2013 ) . What is the forecast? With intervention, the mentality for most patients with MG is bright: they will hold important betterment of their musculus failing and they can anticipate to take normal or about normal lives. Some instances of MG may travel into remittal temporarily and muscle failing may vanish wholly so that medicines can be discontinued. Stable, durable complete remittals are the end of thymectomy. In a few instances, the terrible failing of MG may do a crisis which requires immediate exigency medical attention ( Nursing Link, 2013 ) . How is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed? The first stairss of naming MG include a reappraisal of the person ‘s medical history, and physical and neurological scrutinies. The marks a doctor must look for are impairment of oculus motions or musculus failing without any alterations in the person ‘s ability to experience things. If the physician suspects MG, several trials are available to corroborate the diagnosing. A particular blood trial can observe the presence of immune molecules or acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Most patients with MG have abnormally elevated degrees of these antibodies. However, antibodies may non be detected in patients with lone optic signifiers of the disease ( Nursing Link, 2013 ) . Another trial is called the edrophonium trial. This attack requires the endovenous disposal of edrophonium chloride or tensionA ® , a drug that blocks the debasement ( breakdown ) of acetylcholine and temporarily increases the degrees of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. In people with MG affecting the oculus musculuss, edrophonium chloride will briefly alleviate failing. Other methods to corroborate the diagnosing include a version of nervus conductivity survey which trials for specific musculus â€Å" weariness † by insistent nervus stimulation. This trial records weakening musculus responses when the nervousnesss are repetitively stimulated. Insistent stimulation of a nervus during a nervus conductivity survey may show decreases of the musculus action potency due to impaired nerve-to-muscle transmittal ( Nursing Link, 2013 ) . The Future The hereafter of Myasthenia Gravis lies in the elucidation of the molecular immunology of the anti-acetylcholine receptor response with the end of developing a rational intervention for the unwellness that will bring around the abnormalcy in the immune system that consequences in the AChR immune response. To this terminal, six wide classs of theoretical intervention schemes need to be explored. First, those interventions which target the antigen specific B-cells ; Second, those interventions which target the antigen specific CD4+ T-cells ; Third, those interventions which interfere with co-stimulatory response for antigen presentation, Fourth, interventions aimed at bring oning tolerance or anergy of the CD4+ T-cell to the car antigen or the CD4+ epitopes ; Fifth, those interventions designed to excite those immunological circuits which activate CD8+ cells specific for the activation antigens expressed by CD4+ cells and Sixth, those interventions which intervene with cytokine map and discourage autoimmune mediated inflammatory responses ( Howard, 2010 ) . How to cite Causes Of Myasthenia Gravis Health And Social Care Essay, Essay examples

Slaughter house Five Critical Analysis free essay sample

Kurt Vonnegut uses Slaughterhouse-Five as a way to cope with his experience in the Dresden massacre. By taking the narrator’s voice, and by employing the themes of time and fate, Kurt Vonnegut seeks to reach out to the world, exposing to humanity the horrific aftermath of war. During World War II, Kurt Vonnegut was captured by the Germans and sent to the Dresden, â€Å"an open city with no significant targets,† to be held as a prisoner of war. On February 13, 1945, the Allied forces dropped incendiary bombs on the city, which created a â€Å"firestorm† that killed an estimated 135,000 people, and destroyed the city (Cox). When asked his purpose for writing, Vonnegut stated that he â€Å"agrees with Stalin and Hitler and Mussolini that the writer should serve his society,† however he disagreed with how they serve, saying, â€Å"they should be- and biologically have to be- agents of change† (Merril). In witnessing the massacre, Vonnegut felt as though it was his duty as a writer who had witnessed it first hand to write about this horrific massacre. We will write a custom essay sample on Slaughter house Five Critical Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Remaining the single heaviest air strike in military history, Dresden is relatively ignored in histories eyes (Cox). Kurt Vonnegut takes an anti-war stance in order to enlighten the world of the unnecessary strike and to emphasize, as someone who witnessed it first hand, the horrors of war. The book uses the massacre as a foundation of the main conflicts in the novel, with every other event, simply as fleeting as a passage of time. In most novels, the author speaks through his characters, using the characters to represent the author’s overall message. However, by directly addressing the readers, Kurt Vonnegut conveys a much deeper personal significance behind his experience in Dresden. Twenty-three years after the massacre, Vonnegut finds himself â€Å"outlining the Dresden story many times† resulting, finally, in the writing of this book (Vonnegut 5). After so many years, this book represents his attempt to â€Å"come to terms with the horror of Dresden† (Vanderwerken). Yet, in the twenty-three years, he has not figured out what to say about it, as he expresses his struggles, â€Å"I have written five thousand pages by now, and thrown them all away† (Vonnegut 15). Ironically, Vonnegut compares the Dresden firebombing to a bird’s song, â€Å"Poo-tee-weet† (Vonnegut 19). He believes that â€Å"everything is supposed to be quiet after a massacre†¦except for the birds,† who say, â€Å"all there is to say about a massacre, things like â€Å"Poo-tee-weet† (Vonnegut 19). In this, Kurt Vonnegut emphasizes that nothing intelligent can be said about a massacre, only gibberish. Gibberish, in which even the birds cannot comprehend, let alone the men that fought in the war. Throughout his entire introduction, Kurt Vonnegut does not go into detail of the massacre, instead he emphasizes its aftermath. By focusing on the response (or lack of their of) and the affects of the massacre, he enhances overall power of his message. Vonnegut has played down the immediate impact of the war in order to make a â€Å"powerful little statement about the kinds of social attitudes responsible for war and its atrocities† (Merril). The solid, personal foundation of the book, which is the Dresden airstrike, builds a strong framework for the rest of the book and the moral statement it’s trying to show. Although this soon becomes covered up by the fantasy of the rest of the book, it is still very much there. Just as the individual impacts of war gets quickly covered up by the overall picture of war, they are still very much there, haunting the soldiers, even twenty-three years later. Kurt Vonnegut ends his introduction by introducing the beginning and end of the book: It begins like this: Listen: Billy Pilgrim has come unstuck in time. It ends like this: Poo-tee-weet? (Vonnegut 22) He tells us the beginning and the end, forgetting what is in the middle, jumping through time in order to introduce our main character, Billy Pilgrim. His writing shifts from the recollection of memories into short, fragmented flashbacks and flash-forwards. He explains this structure to his publisher, saying, â€Å"It’s so short and jumbled and jangles, Sam, because there is nothing intelligent to say about a massacre† (Cox). We are then emersed in the world of time travel as we become unstuck in time and travel with Billy throughout his memories Billy Pilgrim has become unstuck in time. Traveling back and forth throughout his life, Vonnegut introduces the theme of time in order to better explain the aftermath war. Reinforcing the concept of time itself, Billy is abducted by aliens known as the Tralfamadorians. Here, on the planet of Tralfamadore, time is not linear and does not take place in a sequential timeline of events. Instead, everything is simultaneous, occurring at the same time everywhere, â€Å"all moments, past, present, and future, always have existed, and always will exist† (Vonnegut 27). The Tralfamadorians are able to look at all moments like â€Å"looking at a stretch of the Rocky Mountains† (Vonnegut 27). They can choose to look at the entire landscape, or rather, the big picture, or they can focus in on one specific piece. This creates an important contrast with how humans view their lives, and how the Tralfamadorians view theirs. Humans are too focused on the minute details of the day-to-day things, instead, they need to step back and look at the big picture, or focus on the happy moments. The Tralfamadorians believe, in fact, that the way humans look at time is an â€Å"allusion† and that â€Å"like beads on a string, once a moment is gone, it is gone forever† (Vonnegut 27). On Tralfamadore, nothing is ever gone forever, which brings into consideration the concept and the importance of death. On Earth, humans believe that death is the most permanent thing, yet, on Tralfamadore, it is as insignificant as a blade of grass in the mountain landscape. There is no longer any sense of finality in their concept of death, and once they see a corpse, â€Å" all [they] think is that the dead person is in a bad condition in that particular moment, but that same person is just fine in plenty other moments† (Vonnegut 27). On Tralfamadore, they have managed to render death almost entirely unimportant, something that on Earth is considered almost impossible, that is, with the exception of war. In war, the individual solders no longer matter, deaths can occur by the thousands and a battle can still be considered â€Å"won. In Dresden, the mindless slaughtering of thousands of innocent people has somehow, in the eyes of war, been considered â€Å"necessary† for the greater good. Billy Pilgrim’s life literally began to flash before his eyes, as he was forced to relive his most traumatic memories. One of the first few times he became unstuck in time, Billy â€Å"began to swing grandly through the full arc of his life, pass ing into death, which was violet light. There wasn’t anybody else there, or anything. There was just violet light- and a hum† (Vonnegut 43). Experiencing the sudden, finality of death as calmly as any other step in life’s process is reserved for those of whom who were exposed to the horrors of massacres or wars. While stuck traveling through time Billy, â€Å"has no control of where he is going next†¦He is in a constant stage of fright, he says, because he never knows what part of his life he is going to have to act out next† (Vonnegut 23). Billy keeps being torn from his life, as he loses a sense of something that everything is innately given: reality. He has lost his sense of self and begins to feel the need to â€Å"act out† his life. Billy’s loss of identity and loss of control connects to the life of a soldier after war. After experiencing truly horrific situations over and over again, many solders begin to question who they are and the purpose of their life, leaving an empty hole of uncertainty where it used to be. If all of time was spontaneous with everything already mapped out, and death, therefore rendered insignificant, what then, is the purpose of action? If one could not change his destiny, would he have anything to fight for anymore? The last theme of free will questions action and inaction and its affects on life. As Billy begins to adjust to his life on Tralfamadore, he begins to question one of the greatest meanings of life, asking, â€Å"why me† (Vonnegut 76). The Tralfamadorians reply, â€Å"Why you? Why us for that matter? Why anything? Because this moment simply is. Have you ever seen bugs trapped in amber? Well here we are, Mr. Pilgrim, trapped in the amber of this moment. There is no why† (Vonnegut 77). In essence, we have no control of our destiny; we are left to watch as our lives play out before us, immobilized to change anything. According to Cox, â€Å"such a philosophy can, of ourse, lead to being passive and resigned rather than trying to oppose evil and make the world better. † For Billy, this realization resulted in living a life of inaction, for, â€Å"among the things Billy Pilgrim could not change were the past, the present, and the future† (Vonnegut 60). In fact, almost every character in Slaughterhouse-five has resolved themselves to inaction a nd slothfulness, even when their lives are on the line. Wandering across enemy lines, suddenly, Billy, Weary, and some others find themselves being shot at by German snipers. Seeing that the shot intended for him missed, â€Å"Billy stood there politely, giving the marksman another chance,† after all, â€Å"it was his addled understanding of the rules of warfare that the marksman should be given another chance (Vonnegut 33). Billy Pilgrim essentially looked death in the eye, and simply shrugged his shoulders in indifference. His entire time in war, Roland Weary had been trying to keep Billy alive, â€Å"he had been saving Billy’s life for days†¦it was absolutely necessary that cruelty be used, because Billy wouldn’t do anything to save himself† (Vonnegut 34). Instead of being fueled by the pursuit of freedom and the survival of their country, these soldiers seem beaten down, so much to the point of resolved hopelessness and acceptance of death as a consequence of their inaction. The idea of war, fighting for a common cause, for the survival of the country, and for the future generations has been crushed in this book. Nothing about war is beneficial, and it is reflected in Vonnegut’s characters. When asked about their moral inaction, Vonnegut responded, saying, â€Å"There are almost no characters in this story, and almost no dramatic confrontations, because most of the people in it are so sick and so much the listless playthings of enormous forces† (Cox). The author’s commentary once again confirms the deflating, and dehumanizing aspect of war. There are no characters in this story, simply because there are no true humans in war. No man can retain his self-identity after witnessing and experiencing the horrific aspects associated with war a massacre. Kurt Vonnegut employs the theme of free will to emphasize the lack of humanity regarding war. In this, we see a personal struggle of his surface. Like every other person who has been in war, Kurt Vonnegut came back a different man, a man who no longer recognized himself. Yet, he finds a certain resolved acceptance that this pain, the pain of war and the pain of suffering, is engrained into our nature. In his introduction, he met with a man named Harrison Star who asked him if his book is â€Å"an anti-war book,† when Vonnegut confirmed, he replied, â€Å"you know what I say to people when I hear they’re writing an anti-war book? I say why don’t you write an anti-glacier book instead,† Vonnegut replied, â€Å"I believe that, too† (Vonnegut 3). There will always be suffering, murder, massacres and wars; its part of our human nature. To revert back to a world where there is no longer suffering, one must trace their roots all the way back to â€Å"two perfect people named Adam and Eve† (Vonnegut 74). As a somewhat comforting sentiment, Vonnegut begins to cope with his war experiences simply by understanding that many people have been in his place before him, and there will be many after him. After witnessing so much tragedy in war, Kurt Vonnegut wrote Slaughterhouse-Five as a way to cope with what he lived through during the war and as a way to reach out to humanity and induce understanding of the after affects of war. Witnessing firsthand the mindless slaughter of thousands of innocent lives in the Dresden massacre, Vonnegut felt as though it was his duty as a writer to write about it, and hopefully, bring awareness to the horrors of war. Published during the height of the Vietnam War, Slaughterhouse-Five did just that. Cox) At this time, anti-war protests were beginning to circle the country and, as a result, â€Å"struck such a chord with the reading public and [it] made its author a cultural icon† (Cox). Slaughterhouse-Five no doubt played a role in the public realization of the â€Å"horrors of war (and American responsibility for some of those horrors)† Slaughterhouse-Five’s enormous impact and powerful moral statement will continue to stand the test of time, remaining a â€Å"masterly novel†¦of compassion,† as fate would have it (Cox). Slaughter house Five Critical Analysis free essay sample TitanCoping with Porn Stars and Plungers Inside a fantasy world of time travel, aliens, and porn stars, Kurt Vonnegut delivers an iron hard moral statement on the aftermath of war in his novel, Slaughterhouse-Five. We follow the fictional character, Billy Pilgrim, as he struggles, like Vonnegut did, to discover the purpose of life. Kurt Vonnegut uses Slaughterhouse-Five as a way to cope with his experience in the Dresden massacre. By taking the narrator’s voice, and by employing the themes of time and fate, Kurt Vonnegut seeks to reach out to the world, exposing to humanity the horrific aftermath of war. During World War II, Kurt Vonnegut was captured by the Germans and sent to the Dresden, â€Å"an open city with no significant targets,† to be held as a prisoner of war. On February 13, 1945, the Allied forces dropped incendiary bombs on the city, which created a â€Å"firestorm† that killed an estimated 135,000 people, and destroyed the city (Cox). We will write a custom essay sample on Slaughter house Five Critical Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When asked his purpose for writing, Vonnegut stated that he â€Å"agrees with Stalin and Hitler and Mussolini that the writer should serve his society,† however he disagreed with how they serve, saying, â€Å"they should be- and biologically have to be- agents of change† (Merril). In witnessing the massacre, Vonnegut felt as though it was his duty as a writer who had witnessed it first hand to write about this horrific massacre. Remaining the single heaviest air strike in military history, Dresden is relatively ignored in histories eyes (Cox). Kurt Vonnegut takes an anti-war stance in order to enlighten the world of the unnecessary strike and to emphasize, as someone who witnessed it first hand, the horrors of war. The book uses the massacre as a foundation of the main conflicts in the novel, with every other event, simply as fleeting as a passage of time. In most novels, the author speaks through his characters, using the characters to represent the author’s overall message. However, by directly addressing the readers, Kurt Vonnegut conveys a much deeper personal significance behind his experience in Dresden. Twenty-three years after the massacre, Vonnegut finds himself â€Å"outlining the Dresden story many times† resulting, finally, in the writing of this book (Vonnegut 5). After so many years, this book represents his attempt to â€Å"come to terms with the horror of Dresden† (Vanderwerken). Yet, in the twenty-three years, he has not figured out what to say about it, as he expresses his struggles, â€Å"I have written five thousand pages by now, and thrown them all away† (Vonnegut 15). Ironically, Vonnegut compares the Dresden firebombing to a bird’s song, â€Å"Poo-tee-weet† (Vonnegut 19). He believes that â€Å"everything is supposed to be quiet after a massacre†¦except for the birds,† who say, â€Å"all there is to say about a massacre, things like â€Å"Poo-tee-weet† (Vonnegut 19). In this, Kurt Vonnegut emphasizes that nothing intelligent can be said about a massacre, only gibberish. Gibberish, in which even the birds cannot comprehend, let alone the men that fought in the war. Throughout his entire introduction, Kurt Vonnegut does not go into detail of the massacre, instead he emphasizes its aftermath. By focusing on the response (or lack of their of) and the affects of the massacre, he enhances overall power of his message. Vonnegut has played down the immediate impact of the war in order to make a â€Å"powerful little statement about the kinds of social attitudes responsible for war and its atrocities† (Merril). The solid, personal foundation of the book, which is the Dresden airstrike, builds a strong framework for the rest of the book and the moral statement it’s trying to show. Although this soon becomes covered up by the fantasy of the rest of the book, it is still very much there. Just as the individual impacts of war gets quickly covered up by the overall picture of war, they are still very much there, haunting the soldiers, even twenty-three years later. Kurt Vonnegut ends his introduction by introducing the beginning and end of the book: It begins like this: Listen: Billy Pilgrim has come unstuck in time. It ends like this: Poo-tee-weet? (Vonnegut 22) He tells us the beginning and the end, forgetting what is in the middle, jumping through time in order to introduce our main character, Billy Pilgrim. His writing shifts from the recollection of memories into short, fragmented flashbacks and flash-forwards. He explains this structure to his publisher, saying, â€Å"It’s so short and jumbled and jangles, Sam, because there is nothing intelligent to say about a massacre† (Cox). We are then emersed in the world of time travel as we become unstuck in time and travel with Billy throughout his memories Billy Pilgrim has become unstuck in time. Traveling back and forth throughout his life, Vonnegut introduces the theme of time in order to better explain the aftermath war. Reinforcing the concept of time itself, Billy is abducted by aliens known as the Tralfamadorians. Here, on the planet of Tralfamadore, time is not linear and does not take place in a sequential timeline of events. Instead, everything is simultaneous, occurring at the same time everywhere, â€Å"all moments, past, present, and future, always have existed, and always will exist† (Vonnegut 27). The Tralfamadorians are able to look at all moments like â€Å"looking at a stretch of the Rocky Mountains† (Vonnegut 27). They can choose to look at the entire landscape, or rather, the big picture, or they can focus in on one specific piece. This creates an important contrast with how humans view their lives, and how the Tralfamadorians view theirs. Humans are too focused on the minute details of the day-to-day things, instead, they need to step back and look at the big picture, or focus on the happy moments. The Tralfamadorians believe, in fact, that the way humans look at time is an â€Å"allusion† and that â€Å"like beads on a string, once a moment is gone, it is gone forever† (Vonnegut 27). On Tralfamadore, nothing is ever gone forever, which brings into consideration the concept and the importance of death. On Earth, humans believe that death is the most permanent thing, yet, on Tralfamadore, it is as insignificant as a blade of grass in the mountain landscape. There is no longer any sense of finality in their concept of death, and once they see a corpse, â€Å" all [they] think is that the dead person is in a bad condition in that particular moment, but that same person is just fine in plenty other moments† (Vonnegut 27). On Tralfamadore, they have managed to render death almost entirely unimportant, something that on Earth is considered almost impossible, that is, with the exception of war. In war, the individual solders no longer matter, deaths can occur by the thousands and a battle can still be considered â€Å"won. In Dresden, the mindless slaughtering of thousands of innocent people has somehow, in the eyes of war, been considered â€Å"necessary† for the greater good. Billy Pilgrim’s life literally began to flash before his eyes, as he was forced to relive his most traumatic memories. One of the first few times he became unstuck in time, Billy â€Å"began to swing grandly through the full arc of his life, pass ing into death, which was violet light. There wasn’t anybody else there, or anything. There was just violet light- and a hum† (Vonnegut 43). Experiencing the sudden, finality of death as calmly as any other step in life’s process is reserved for those of whom who were exposed to the horrors of massacres or wars. While stuck traveling through time Billy, â€Å"has no control of where he is going next†¦He is in a constant stage of fright, he says, because he never knows what part of his life he is going to have to act out next† (Vonnegut 23). Billy keeps being torn from his life, as he loses a sense of something that everything is innately given: reality. He has lost his sense of self and begins to feel the need to â€Å"act out† his life. Billy’s loss of identity and loss of control connects to the life of a soldier after war. After experiencing truly horrific situations over and over again, many solders begin to question who they are and the purpose of their life, leaving an empty hole of uncertainty where it used to be. If all of time was spontaneous with everything already mapped out, and death, therefore rendered insignificant, what then, is the purpose of action? If one could not change his destiny, would he have anything to fight for anymore? The last theme of free will questions action and inaction and its affects on life. As Billy begins to adjust to his life on Tralfamadore, he begins to question one of the greatest meanings of life, asking, â€Å"why me† (Vonnegut 76). The Tralfamadorians reply, â€Å"Why you? Why us for that matter? Why anything? Because this moment simply is. Have you ever seen bugs trapped in amber? Well here we are, Mr. Pilgrim, trapped in the amber of this moment. There is no why† (Vonnegut 77). In essence, we have no control of our destiny; we are left to watch as our lives play out before us, immobilized to change anything. According to Cox, â€Å"such a philosophy can, of ourse, lead to being passive and resigned rather than trying to oppose evil and make the world better. † For Billy, this realization resulted in living a life of inaction, for, â€Å"among the things Billy Pilgrim could not change were the past, the present, and the future† (Vonnegut 60). In fact, almost every character in Slaughterhouse-five has resolved themselves to inaction a nd slothfulness, even when their lives are on the line. Wandering across enemy lines, suddenly, Billy, Weary, and some others find themselves being shot at by German snipers. Seeing that the shot intended for him missed, â€Å"Billy stood there politely, giving the marksman another chance,† after all, â€Å"it was his addled understanding of the rules of warfare that the marksman should be given another chance (Vonnegut 33). Billy Pilgrim essentially looked death in the eye, and simply shrugged his shoulders in indifference. His entire time in war, Roland Weary had been trying to keep Billy alive, â€Å"he had been saving Billy’s life for days†¦it was absolutely necessary that cruelty be used, because Billy wouldn’t do anything to save himself† (Vonnegut 34). Instead of being fueled by the pursuit of freedom and the survival of their country, these soldiers seem beaten down, so much to the point of resolved hopelessness and acceptance of death as a consequence of their inaction. The idea of war, fighting for a common cause, for the survival of the country, and for the future generations has been crushed in this book. Nothing about war is beneficial, and it is reflected in Vonnegut’s characters. When asked about their moral inaction, Vonnegut responded, saying, â€Å"There are almost no characters in this story, and almost no dramatic confrontations, because most of the people in it are so sick and so much the listless playthings of enormous forces† (Cox). The author’s commentary once again confirms the deflating, and dehumanizing aspect of war. There are no characters in this story, simply because there are no true humans in war. No man can retain his self-identity after witnessing and experiencing the horrific aspects associated with war a massacre. Kurt Vonnegut employs the theme of free will to emphasize the lack of humanity regarding war. In this, we see a personal struggle of his surface. Like every other person who has been in war, Kurt Vonnegut came back a different man, a man who no longer recognized himself. Yet, he finds a certain resolved acceptance that this pain, the pain of war and the pain of suffering, is engrained into our nature. In his introduction, he met with a man named Harrison Star who asked him if his book is â€Å"an anti-war book,† when Vonnegut confirmed, he replied, â€Å"you know what I say to people when I hear they’re writing an anti-war book? I say why don’t you write an anti-glacier book instead,† Vonnegut replied, â€Å"I believe that, too† (Vonnegut 3). There will always be suffering, murder, massacres and wars; its part of our human nature. To revert back to a world where there is no longer suffering, one must trace their roots all the way back to â€Å"two perfect people named Adam and Eve† (Vonnegut 74). As a somewhat comforting sentiment, Vonnegut begins to cope with his war experiences simply by understanding that many people have been in his place before him, and there will be many after him. After witnessing so much tragedy in war, Kurt Vonnegut wrote Slaughterhouse-Five as a way to cope with what he lived through during the war and as a way to reach out to humanity and induce understanding of the after affects of war. Witnessing firsthand the mindless slaughter of thousands of innocent lives in the Dresden massacre, Vonnegut felt as though it was his duty as a writer to write about it, and hopefully, bring awareness to the horrors of war. Published during the height of the Vietnam War, Slaughterhouse-Five did just that. Cox) At this time, anti-war protests were beginning to circle the country and, as a result, â€Å"struck such a chord with the reading public and [it] made its author a cultural icon† (Cox). Slaughterhouse-Five no doubt played a role in the public realization of the â€Å"horrors of war (and American responsibility for some of those horrors)† Slaughterhouse-Five’s enormous impact and powerful moral statement will continue to stand th e test of time, remaining a â€Å"masterly novel†¦of compassion,† as fate would have it (Cox).

The Chocolate War Book Report Essay Example For Students

The Chocolate War Book Report Essay 1. Robert Cormier wrote The Chocolate War. The copyright of the book is 1974. 2. In the exposition of The Chocolate War, Jerry Renault, the freshman quarterback, was receiving constant blows from opposing players. Jerry was trying to get the ball to his receiver, the Goober, but not having any luck. In The Chocolate War, the rising action was the majority of the story. At Trinity High School, the school that Jerry attends, there is a group of elite students called the Vigils. The Vigils give out assignments to random students at Trinity. Archie, the head, told the Goober that his assignment was to unscrew every screw in Room nineteen. The Goober spent several hours doing his assignment, and eventually finished with the assistance of a few Vigil members. As the story goes on, the reader learns that every year at Trinity, there is a chocolate sale run by the assistant head master, Brother Leon. The last major detail in the rising action was when Archie informed Jerry of his assignment, Jerry s assignment was not to sell chocolates for the first ten days of the annual chocolate sale. We will write a custom essay on The Chocolate War Book Report specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The climax of the novel was on the eleventh day of the chocolate sale when Jerry was supposed to start selling the chocolates but he didn t. As a result of Jerry not selling any chocolates, the other students sales began to plummet during the falling action of the story. Brother Leon began to feel nervous and had to go to Archie and the Vigils for help. Incredibly, the Vigils turned the whole school against Jerry and made selling chocolates the cool thing. Students began to look down upon Jerry for not conforming to the chocolate sale tradition. Someone even vandalized Jerry s locker and cut up his gym sneakers. A group of boys, including Emile Janza, one of the biggest bullies at Trinity, jumped Jerry after football practice and abused Jerry s body with their fists and football cleats. The Chocolate War didn t have a happy ending, but there was a resolution in the story. Archie set up a boxing match, of all things, between Jerry Renault and Emile Janza. Emile ended up beating Jerry to a bloody pulp in a matter of minutes, while Jerry landed only three punches the entire match. As a result Jerry finally learned that he couldn t beat the system, and that he d be better off doing what his authorities instructed him to do. 3. The main conflict of The Chocolate War comes from Jerry Renault wanting to be different. The conflict involves Jerry, who doesn t want to sell the chocolates, and Brother Leon and Archie who want him to sell the chocolates. I would consider this conflict to be external human conflict. 4. The story doesn t actually state a certain time period in which the story takes place, but I d say the story takes place in the late seventies or the early eighties. Most of the story takes place at Trinity High School in a town that the author doesn t reveal. 5. Jerry Renault, the protagonist in The Chocolate War, is a brave and caring young man. He proved himself to be brave by standing up to the vigils like no other student had, and agreeing to be in the boxing bout knowing his chances of winning were slim to none. Jerry always felt sorry for his dad whose wife had died, and he always was trying to cheer up his best friend, the Goober, who had a low self-esteem. Both of these acts make Jerry a character with whom the reader empathizes. 6. The main antagonist was Archie Castello. Archie is a cold-hearted selfish individual. By forcing students to do the assignments that they didn t want to do and making the Goober cry, Archie proved himself to be very cold-hearted. Archie using Emile in the boxing match so he didn t have to get beat up and taking all the credit for the chocolate sales proved Archie to be quite selfish. .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 , .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .postImageUrl , .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 , .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0:hover , .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0:visited , .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0:active { border:0!important; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0:active , .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0 .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf6b2a90e14d721907a40cfdcb28755e0:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Civil Engineering And American Engineering7. Jerry agreed to fight in a boxing match knowing that he didn t have much of a chance because he didn t want to be like a coward and he didn t like getting pushed around. 8. The Chocolate War was told from about a dozen characters points of view. This point of view would be third person omniscient. Had the author chosen to tell the story from just one point of view, I wouldn t have been aware of so many details only made available through a third person omniscient point of view. 9. The mood of The Chocolate War is sorrow. The author makes the reader feel sorry for Jerry when he gets beat up on two occasions. Neither time was for a very good reason. I felt sorry for the Goober when he was crying after receiving his assignment. 10. The theme of The Chocolate War was, don t mess with the authorities. Jerry tried to stand up to Leon, Archie, and the Vigils by not selling chocolates. He was successful for a few days, but he couldn t hold his own when it came to battling his authorities in the chocolate war. 11. I did enjoy The Chocolate War because its main character was a freshman boy just like I am. I didn t understand why the leaders of Trinity High School allowed the Vigils to exist. Some of the content of the book was a little graphic for a high school level when the author used several sexual terms. My favorite character in The Chocolate War was Jerry because he stood up for what he believed in. Even after he was beaten up, he still refused to sell the chocolates. I thought the title was fitting to the story because there really was a chocolate war.

Its All Fine

Its All Fine It’s All Fine It’s All Fine By Mark Nichol The two diverse meanings of fine- as a noun or a verb referring to payment of a penalty and as an adjective denoting quality- stem from a common root. Fine and its various derivations come from Latin finis, meaning â€Å"border,† â€Å"limit,† or â€Å"end†; from the early days of the printing press until into the modern era, this term was often printed at the end of a book regardless of the language of the text in the volume, and aficionados of French cinema are familiar with its Gallic descendant, fin, shown at the conclusion of many French-language films. The verb finish, meaning â€Å"to bring or come to an end,† and the noun form, describing a conclusion, as well as a surface coating intended to complete a crafted object, also derive from finis, as does the noun final, which pertains to that which comes or happens last; it is also often employed as an adjective, though adjective-noun phrases such as â€Å"final competition† or â€Å"final examination† are frequently truncated to merely final. The adjective fine, meaning â€Å"of high quality† or â€Å"pure,† comes from the Old French term fin, a back-formation of finis. By extension, fine also became synonymous with structural delicacy and intricacy, as well as monetary value and moral standing. It is also used casually to mean â€Å"good† or â€Å"satisfactory,† though when uttered with an edge, it is being delivered sarcastically to indicate that the situation is anything but that. (In print, to indicate a speaker’s or writer’s sarcastic emphasis, the word is best treated in italics to convey this sense.) In medieval times, the word meant â€Å"end of life† or â€Å"termination†; although this sense eventually became obsolete, the word survived in the later sense of â€Å"payment for compensation or punishment.† The verb form originally meant â€Å"pay,† but the sense was subsequently reversed to mean â€Å"impose payment.† Another word related to fine in the monetary sense is finance, which was borrowed directly from the French word meaning â€Å"payment† or â€Å"settlement.† The noun acquired a verb form meaning â€Å"ransom†; the sense, as well as that of the noun form, was later extended to refer to money management in general. Other terms descended from finis include affinity, meaning â€Å"natural attraction† and referring to relationships in scientific and other scholarly contexts; it is descended from the Latin term affinis, meaning â€Å"adjacent.† The noun confine, almost invariably in plural form, refers to boundaries or limits; confinement developed as a euphemism for the period in which a pregnant woman prepares to give birth. The verb confine originally meant â€Å"border on† but later acquired the sense of â€Å"keeping within limits.† To define was originally to end, but from the sense of â€Å"limit† it acquired the meaning of â€Å"explain†; the sister adjectives definite and definitive, respectively, mean â€Å"clear† or â€Å"unmistakable† on the one hand and â€Å"settled† and â€Å"most accurate or complete,† or â€Å"best,† on the other. Definition first meant â€Å"decision† or â€Å"establishment of boundaries† but followed the semantic shift of the verb form, developing a sense of â€Å"statement of what something means.† Later, it came to apply to the meaning of a term and then to the degree of distinctness in an image. Infinite, meaning â€Å"limitless,† is also descended from finis; related terms are the noun form infinity, as well as the adjective infinitesimal (â€Å"infinitely small†) and the noun infinitive (â€Å"uninflected form of a verb†). The Latin phrase â€Å"ad infinitum† (literally, â€Å"to infinity†), adopted into English, means â€Å"endlessly.† 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 Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:16 Substitutes for â€Å"Because† or â€Å"Because Of†The Possessive ApostropheList of Prefixes and Suffixes and their Meanings

North American Birch Tree Identification

North American Birch Tree Identification Most everyone has some recognition of the birch tree, a tree with light-colored white, yellow, or grayish bark that often separates into thin papery plates and is characteristically marked with long horizontal  dark raised lines (also known as lenticils). But how can you identify birch trees and their leaves in order to tell different types apart? Characteristics of North American Birch Trees Birch species are generally small- or medium-sized trees or large shrubs, mostly found in northern temperate climates in Asia,  Europe, and North America.  The simple leaves may be toothed or pointed with serrated edges, and the fruit is a small samara- a small seed with papery wings. Many types of birch grow in clumps of two to four closely spaced separate trunks.   All North American birches have double-toothed leaves and are yellow and showy in the fall. Male catkins appear in late summer near the tips of small twigs or long shoots. The female cone-like catkins follow in the spring and bare small winged samaras drop from that mature structure. Birch trees are sometimes confused with beech and alder trees. Alders, from the family  Alnus, are very similar to the birch; the principal distinguishing feature is that alders have catkins that are woody and do not disintegrate in the way that birch catkins do. Birches also have bark that more readily layers into segments; alder bark is fairly smooth and uniform. The confusion with beech trees stems from the fact the beech also has light-colored bark and serrated leaves. But unlike the birch, beeches have smooth bark that often has a skin-like appearance and they tend to grow considerably taller than birches, with thicker trunks and branches.   In the native environment, birches are considered pioneer species, which means that they tend to colonize in open,  grassy areas, such as spaces cleared by forest fire or abandoned farms.  You will often find them in meadowy areas, including meadows where cleared farmland is in the process of reverting to woodlands.   Interestingly, the sweet sap of the birch can be reduced into syrup and was once used as birch beer. The tree is valuable to wildlife species that depend on the catkins and seeds for food, and the trees are an important timber for woodworking and cabinetry. Taxonomy All birches fall into the general plant family of  Betulaceae, which are closely related to the  Fagaceae  family, including beeches and oaks. The various birch species fall into the  Betula  genus, and there are several that are common North American trees in natural environments or used for landscape design purposes. Because in all beech species the leaves and catkins are similar and they all have very much the same foliage color, the main way to distinguish the species is by close examination of the bark.   4  Common Birch Species The four most common birch species in North America are described below.   Paper birch (Betula  papyrifera): Also known as canoe birch, silver birch, or white birch, this is the species more widely recognized as the iconic birch. In its native environment, it can be found in forest borders across the northern and central U.S. Its bark is dark when the tree is young, but quickly develops the characteristic bright white bark that peels so readily in thick layers that it was once used to make bark canoes. The species grows to about 60 feet tall but is relatively short-lived. It is susceptible to borer insects and is no longer used widely in landscape design due to its susceptibility to damage.  River birch (Betula nigra): Sometimes called black birch, this species has a much darker trunk than the paper birch, but still has the characteristic flaky surface. In its native environment, it is common to the eastern third of the U.S. Its trunk has a much rougher, coarser appearance than most of the other birches, and it is bigger than the paper birch, sometimes growing to 80 feet or more. It prefers moist soil, and although short-lived, it is relatively immune to most diseases. It is a common  choice in residential landscape design.   Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis): This tree is native to forests of the northeast U.S. and is also known as the swamp birch due to the fact that it is often found in marshy areas. It is the largest of the birches, easily growing to 100 feet in height.  It has silvery-yellow bark that peels in very thin layers. Its bark does not have the thick layers seen in paper birches nor the very rough texture seen in river birches.  Sweet birch (Betula lenta): This species, also known in some areas as the cherry birch, is native to the eastern U.S., especially the Appalachian region. Growing to 80 feet, its bark is dark in color, but unlike the dark river birch, the skin is relatively tight and smooth, with deep vertical scores. From a distance, the impression is of a smooth, silver bark marked by irregular vertical black lines.

Inside Job from a Legal Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Inside Job from a Legal Perspective - Essay Example According to Inside Job, the issue securities of Goldman Sachs were crowded with fraud and deception.This is because the borrower of the security had borrowed all the money for the mortgage and therefore was under no threat of loss if the deal went wrong. These loans were however highly rated, prompting many people to purchase investments from the firm. Henry Paulson, the CEO who masterminded this scum was rewarded with a high salary. He was later offered government employment as secretary of treasury, a position that enables him to dispose more of his personal risky shares without having to pay taxes. Goldman also managed to earn extra finances by betting against the same securities that it was claiming to be high quality investment. The manager of Hedge fund, John Paulson made a lot of money by betting against the mortgage industry. He however continued to work with other stakeholders to create more mortgage securities so that he could bet against them to increase his income (Insid e Job). Morgan Stanley also made plenty of securities in the mortgage business that was of low quality. These securities were however rated as high investment securities, making many people to purchase them. The investors ended up losing millions of money while Morgan Stanley made much more by betting against the investments. Fraud is a sort of criminal involvement characterized as misuse of position or false representation, or prejudicing somebody's rights for individual gain. Essentially, fraud is a form of double-dealing and deception planned for individual gain or to bring about a misfortune to another party. The general criminal offense of misrepresentation can incorporate duplicity whereby somebody purposely makes false representation, they neglect to uncover important information or they mishandle a position. Fraudsters are continually discovering better approaches to deceive others for their own benefit. They employ different of channels to deceive others.

Standardisation of management consulting service Essay - 1

Standardisation of management consulting service - Essay Example Some of the challenges include organizational culture, organizational change, workforce diversity, discrimination, work stress etc. The study aims at explaining the various challenges. The various management styles are discussed and their advantages and disadvantages will be analyzed. Some challenges that will be addressed in the research include: When one wants to change an aspect of the culture of an organization one has to keep in consideration that this is a long term project. Corporate culture is something that is very hard to change and employees need time to get used to the new way of organizing. For companies with a very strong and specific culture it will be even harder to change. This is a huge challenge for management. Change has become a way of life for most organizations. Pressure from increasing competition, globalization, technological developments, and other forces has created an environment that rewards an organization that are capable of identifying trends and issues and responding quickly to them. Change is the only permanent thing in this world and when organizations change there are many forces of resistance against the change and culture is one of the important forces of resistance. HRM Techniques play a major role in changing the organizational culture. The major Interventions used in bringing a change include Human Processual, Techno structural, Socio technical systems and organization transformation. The various HRM Techniques include Action research, Organizational development, Sensitivity Training, Survey Feedback, Process Consultation, Team Building, Inter group development, Appreciative enquiry. The worlds increasing globalization requires more interaction among people from diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds than ever before. People no longer live and work in an insular marketplace; they are now part of a worldwide economy with competition coming from nearly every continent. For this

Unstructured interviews to investigate violent crime Essay Example for Free

Unstructured interviews to investigate violent crime Essay Assess the strengths and weaknesses of using unstructured interviews to investigate violent crime. (15 marks) Violent crime is difficult to study in the context where it occurs; this is because by their nature, violent crimes are often swift and unexpected. It is very difficult, if not impossible, for a researcher to know when and where a violent crime is likely to be committed. Unstructured interviews are a research method which entails a sociologist asking participants a series of open-ended questions in an unstructured format. This method has both strengths and weaknesses, but is overall preferred by interpretivists as it provided qualitative data and is highly valid. This method is highly valid as it uses open-ended questions which allow for follow up questions to be asked. There aren’t any pre-set questions on the topic; the participant’s answer to a question determines what is asked next. This means that participants are more likely to answer questions about violent crime and they will be more inclined to give in depth answers which can be used to paint a true to life picture. However, unstructured interviews lack reliability, this is because they aren’t standardised. As the questions are created based on previous answers, no two people will have the same interview; they also cannot be repeated as it is unlikely that someone will provide the same answers on separate occasions. Also victims of violent crime are likely to answer differently to perpetrators as they have different experiences, for example, in cases of domestic violence. Another issue is representativeness as unstructured interviews are very time consuming, sociologists can only focus on small groups of people. Also as they are so personalised, they may not be representative of all who have a connection with violent crime. A factor in unstructured interviews is the interviewee’s view; participants can speak freely about themselves due to the fact that there are not set questions. The greater freedom allows the participant to bring in new ideas about themselves and what they have experienced within violent crime. One problem found with using interviews to study violent crime, is that victims are less likely to agree to participate, especially if the violence was recent (Crawford et al, 1990). Aldo investigating the perpetrators of violent crime after the event raises problems of cooperati on, memory and ethics. Unstructured interviews allow for the interviewer to form a rapport with the person being studied.

Noughts and Crosses Essay -- essays research papers

Noughts and Crosses ‘Noughts and Crosses† by Malorie Blackman is a novel which follows the lives and experiences of two characters, Callum and Sephy. Throughout the book Blackman deals with a number of issues including relationships, alcohol abuse, power abuse, depression and violence. However, the key issues of the book are racism and prejudice. These issues of racism and prejudice are conveyed through the narrative techniques of characterization, point of view, language, structure and setting. The author uses language as a tool to show the characters’ status in society as black or white. Various language techniques are used to display the classes of society. The words â€Å"blanker† (used by blacks to describe whites) and â€Å"dagger† (used by whites to describe blacks) are used repeatedly throughout the novel. This use of language reflects the intolerant attitudes towards one another in Blackman’s radical world. There is a significant amount of symbolism used in these words. â€Å"Blanker† is used to describe a blank, worthless, brainless white person. And â€Å"dagger† is used to depict a weapon that is capable of scratching and severing, reducing and disconnecting a person, or even bringing them to an end completely. â€Å" I bet it was one of her blanker friends, they’re blank by name and blank by nature†. Through the difference of educated, formal language used by Crosses and the sometimes tasteless, simple lang uage of the noughts, the reader can see the grades in which noughts and Crosses are separately classed. Through this technique I believe Blackman is trying to show the extent to which racism can affect people. It can lessen, degrade and have heavy social affects on a person proving where they belong and what they will never be. The language is also used to emphasize the feelings and emotions of Callum and Sephy. The use of descriptive writing is employed by Blackman to give the reader insight into the effects and emotions of racism. â€Å"I was talking like my mouth was full of stones – and sharp jagged ones at that.† The book is full of descriptive writing and figurative language with use of similes and metaphors to explore the feelings of Callum and Sephy. The way in which Blackman uses these language techniques influences the reader to especially pity the white race and the way they are treated in the book. Blackman has created her own world to resemble our own op... ...fective in presenting both sides of their story accenting the differences in life standards, opportunities and rights. However Callum’s despair still affects Sephy, even when you are the wealthy daughter of a respected politician, Sephy will never be happy until she can be with Callum in an equal society. I think the authors values and attitudes are clearly shown through Sephy’s unhappiness. Blackman believes love and family to be more important than business, material goods, money and skin colour. Noughts and Crosses is an in depth story which explores the issues of racism and prejudice and the effects they can have on society. Blackman has created a world of her own in complete contrast to the society we live in. By doing this she has impacted her readers, challenged our contexts and allowed the reader insight into the effects of racism and the suffering it can cause. Blackman has effectively used a range of narrative techniques to bring her world to life giving the white reader a taste of the discrimination blacks have suffered for centuries, provoking feelings of empathy and understanding. By turning the world upside down, Blackman makes her readers see things more clearly.

Queen Elizabeth II Christmas Message: A Parody

Christmas is a time to be cherished by all those who celebrate, a time in which the spirit of community and family is at its pinnacle, a time in which every shop in existence goes on sale. Decorating one's castle, gifting one's servants, and tinselling one's corgis are but a few of the customs which contribute to such a jubilant atmosphere†¦ The ungrateful children, unwanted presents, and garish Christmas specials are amongst those which do not. Nevertheless, one must not lose sight of the reason for such a joyous occasion: which is to celebrate the birth of our saviour, not Santa Claus, but Jesus Christ. A meaning often forgotten by those of common upbringing, who see this occasion as an excuse to drink wine to the point of intoxication, and then later regurgitate turkey and stuffing in a snow-topped bus shelter. And thus the prime principle of Jesus' teachings – to love one's neighbour – is more applicable than ever during Christmastide. Such love is demonstrated by you, the people of Britain, through the public funding which you so generously bestow upon myself, and my ever so needy family. It is through such funding that I buy my vibrant hats and organise my splendid garden parties. However, it takes but a simple visitation to a local shopping centre to demonstrate that some people are just impossible to love. (Cut to footage of hooligans spitting, riding mopeds and fighting) Many are those who carelessly loiter on street corners, countless amounts of unwanted offspring in tow, cigarette in mouth, alcohol in grasp. Copious amounts of this kind were exhibited during the widespread riots this August. Prince Philip and I would like to thank such rioters, for leaving Buckingham Palace undisturbed and instead besieging local ‘Tesco Extras' in slums such as Birmingham and Manchester. How obvious it would be, for me to imply we are a nation of peace and cohesion, with people who are loyal and respectful to those of supreme eminence, such as myself. Alas, I ensure many of you do not watch this broadcast due to royalist ideals, but have tuned in early for the 3:30 showing of â€Å"Shrek 2†. (Obligatory clip of Shrek 2, complete with advertisement for the blu-ray release) Unfortunately, our nation is in a state of utmost disharmony – a nightmare cesspit of crime, violence and vulgarity. Had it not been for my ever so vital role in the governing my kingdom, I fear the very fabric of our empire would have been torn to shreds by conceited anarchists. Waving from balconies, shaking hands with people whom I neither know nor wish to know, inheriting tax payer's money: but a few examples of the strenuous work which I endure for the sake of my country. Undoubtedly a stellar demonstration of expressing love for one's neighbour. The common folk of our country have previously proven hindersome to communities, with their spray paint and lacklustre futures. However this year this has changed, with the marriage of my grandson William, and his wife Kate – or should I say Catherine as she so prefers. She may be a royal, but she is still a mere laywoman is the eyes of the aristocracy. Despite the many elegant Princesses and majestic Duchesses whom I attempted to marry William off to, he instead settled with a commoner with rich parents. He really could have done better, but it's better Kate than never, I suppose. (Cut to footage of The Royal Wedding, mainly plebs frantically waving miniature union jacks) The rare marital union of proletariat and aristocrat spurred the excitement of many citizens of the commonwealth and fuelled the temporary harmony seen across the land. It gave us the opportunity to express pride in our country, wreck streets with streamers and novelty bunting, cause heavy traffic with road closures, buy tacky merchandise and hang Union Jacks from our windows. The chance that the populace celebrated due to legitimate pride and joy for their country is unlikely, many simply embraced the day off work. Regardless, the Royal Wedding instilled a sense of community where there was previously dissonance, gave us a well deserved boost in tourism, and finally made other countries pay attention to us. It put the Royal Family back in the good books after my husband accused a 14 year old boy of being â€Å"on drugs†. As Christmas is a time for reflection, I feel we must look back on the achievements and accomplishments of the 21st century thus far. As consumers, we owe a great sense of gratitude to the innovators and inventors behind the â€Å"iPhone†. (Cut to footage of the Queen on face time with Prince Philip, both laughing merrily.) Not only for revolutionising the way we communicate with one another, but also for â€Å"Angry Birds† and â€Å"iBeer†, which have managed to enrich me (and assuredly many others) with hours of entertainment and joy. 2011 has been a time of great development in industry, technology, science, but not economy. With a packet of â€Å"Space Raiders† crisps now at 15p and â€Å"Freddos† now at a staggering 20p, the effects of inflation are evident. We should take time, this Christmas, to reassure those whom have suffered the hardships of financial loss, including those irritating carolers begging for small change. But with such tribulation, we are only strengthened. We are a proud nation, we may moan, but we are proud. Some express this pride through celebration, and some express it through harsh xenophobia and degrading racism. But still we have managed to maintain our composure, as a family; together enduring obstacles such as rioting, terrorism, recession and disastrous coalition. Through my faith, and through the support you have given me, I continue to serve my country with utmost aspiration. Even to those who mock my accent, those who see me as nothing more than a device for tourism, and the Sex Pistols: I am thankful, for you are the catalyst behind my efforts. I wish you all a very happy Christmas. Unless you are of other religions, in which case absolutely no offence was intended, and you may continue with your heretical customs. (Fades to uniformed men with brass instruments playing typical patriotic themes.)

Self Account

At my senior secondary level, I was surrounded by lots of art related competition or activities. Personally, I love drawing and designing. I have studied art and participated in lots of art competition in order to broaden my horizon. I am glad that I have got the champion in a competition organized by the Hong Kong Civic Education Foundation Ltd and an outstanding grade in drawing competitions organized by the Hong Kong Heart Foundation Limited. These awards really built up my confidence. In my opinion, drawing is not only a hobby but also a great way to improve your interpersonal skills and become more patient.In addition, I enjoy getting along with people very much. I was the peer counselor at senior secondary level and I join a community service group which help the needy once a month. I like meeting people and helping them through community service. Every month I went to the kindergarten or elderly home to do volunteer work, I play and chat with them. The experience enriches my l earning, enhances my communication skills and exerts a positive impact on my life. I also become more analytical, observant and aware of people’s needs. I hope my cheerful personality can bring joy to the needy and contribute to the community.Besides, I am intrigued by discovering something new every day, which makes me particularly interested in science. My most beloved subjects are Physics and Biology. Physic gives me the propensity to look in depth into the daily application of Physic, how they affect our life and theory behind. I have to admit that it is fairly a challenging subject and it trained me to have an inquiring mind and be conscientious to perform the best in my sheer ability. Biology allows me to learn about our own remarkable human body, I relish in learning the part regarding different types of diseases and the miracle of body structure.It is a paramount importance for the medical professionals when they are avidly performing their duty. We are able to compet e with others only if we are well-equipped. Hence, I think academic result is very important, so I would work very hard to achieve a good result, I hope I can enter a great university and pay back the community in the future. Also, I have set a career goal to participate in a service industry that could benefit the needy. I would try my best to love and serve the community to make us live a better world.

Famous Quotes That Reveal the True Face of Politics

Famous Quotes That Reveal the True Face of Politics Here are 20 famous people who have made especially astute, witty, or informative  statements about politics. Some have been in a position of power, others have had a birds eye view of the drama that goes on within hallowed halls. Their opinions carry a wealth of wisdom. Dalton Camp Canadian politician Dalton Camp was a supporter of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, and was one of the foremost voices of Red Toryism. Camp made this comment to mean that politics often concentrates on unimportant things instead of paying attention to bigger issues.   Politics is made up largely of irrelevancies. Will Durant American philosopher and historian Will Durant was well known for The History of Civilization. His words basically sum up what governments actually do.   The political machine triumphs because it is united minority acting against a divided majority. Nikita Khrushchev Nikita Khrushchev was  a Russian politician, and served as the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He made this comment on 22 August 1963 to Chicago Tribune in the context of the construction of a bridge in Belgrade, to emphasize that a politicians word is completely redundant.   Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river. Texas Guinan Texas Guinan was an American actress. Her clever use of irony express the shrewdness of a politician who can use anyone for the benefit of ones country. A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country. Napoleon Bonaparte One of the greatest military leaders of the world, Napoleon Bonaparte was a master strategist and a consummate politician. Bonapartes words carry a wealth of wisdom when he says that irrationality is a welcome quality in politics.     Ã‚     In politics, an absurdity is not a handicap. Saul Bellow Saul Bellow was a Canadian-born American writer, who won the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes. His words belie a sense of disdain for politicians who seem like amateurs. Take our politicians: theyre a bunch of yo-yos. The presidency is now a cross between a popularity contest and a high school debate, with an encyclopedia of clichà ©s the first prize. Francis Bacon Francis Bacon was an English philosopher and his quote here means that politicians find it tough to remain absolutely true to their calling, just like it is difficult to be completely moral. It is as hard and severe a thing to be a true politician as to be truly moral. Albert Einstein Famous scientist Albert Einstein urges citizens to be involved in politics. But he also concedes that politics is more complex than science.   Politics is more difficult than physics. Mao Tse-Tung Mao Tse-Tung was the founder of the People’s Republic of China. He explains that politics and war are almost the same except that in the former there isnt actual bloodshed involved.   Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed. Otto Von Bismarck These words by conservative Prussian Otto Von Bismarck mean that politics can make anything happen.   Politics is the art of the possible. Henry David Thoreau American writer Henry David Thoreau opines that no country can be completely free and unshackled, unless it accepts that the individual is supreme.   There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power. William Shakespeare English playwright William Shakespeare tells us that a politician would always try to avoid God, as the politician is not truthful. A politician†¦ one that would circumvent God. Tom Wolfe American author and journalist Tom Wolfe expresses that there are no true liberals in this world.   A liberal is a conservative who has been arrested. Marianne Thieme Dutch politician Marianne Thieme says that politicians have given more importance to money rather than to nature. She said this to the International Press Association members during a speech in The Hague. Politicians and corporations have always placed economic interests above moral interests. This is now hurting the entire planet. Aristotle Greek philosopher, and the father of politics, Aristotle reveals the sad truth about politicians who have no free time as they are always aiming for something.   Politicians also have no leisure, because they are always aiming at something beyond political life itself, power and glory, or happiness. Charles de Gaulle French President Charles de Gaulle talked about how politicians pretend to serve the people, but their ulterior motive is to always rule them. In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant. John Fitzgerald Kennedy US President JFK reveals the irony of life. His own illustrious career, as a politician and a president, is testimonial to this. Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president but they dont want them to become politicians in the process. Abraham Lincoln American President Abraham Lincoln was a man of democratic views. He believed in the power of the people, in the truest sense. This quote was made during his speech at the first Republican State Convention of Illinois on May 29, 1856. The ballot is stronger than the bullet. H. L. Mencken Liberal thinker American journalist H. L. Mencken reveals the dirt beneath the rock. He expresses that politics is mostly about parties trying to bring each other down.   Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule and both commonly succeed, and are right. Eugene McCarthy   American Senator Eugene McCarthy says it with a straight face. He does not mince words. Through this quote he reveals that politics takes a lot of shrewdness to understand, not to mention bravado to think that it is important enough to be involved in.   Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think its important.

Breast Cancer : A Common Cancer

Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the world. Even though each patient’s condition is different, breast cancer with the same stage tend to have outlooks that are similar to each other, and they are often treated the same way (1). Like other cancers, breast cancer is ordered by stages according to the size of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread. Pathology reports will incorporate information about the stage of the breast cancer. That is, whether it†¦ 7, 2014 Breast cancer in women Breast cancer in women For the purpose of this assignment, I chose breast cancer as it is very common and second leading cause of death among cancers in United States, after heart disease. However, due to the improvement in drugs, technology, early detection and better understanding on the disease, the rates are declining as compare to the past. Some of the common risk factors that can results in breast cancer are women’s age, history of breast cancer, presence†¦ Cancer has been around for a longtime, but breast cancer has become more prevalent in the past ten years, and the second leading cause of death in women. Although breast cancer is a more common factor for women, men can also have breast cancer. However, the survival rate of men is less than that of women with breast cancer. There are different types of breast cancer, however; Ductal Carcinoma Cancer is the most common type of noninvasive breast cancer women experience. The American Cancer Society†¦ Breast cancer is the 2nd most common, occurring cancer in women. By exploring the pathophysiology of breast cancer, one will understand the causes and be able to educate women on how to reduce the risk associated with breast cancer. Concept, System, Anatomy, and Physiology Breast cancer falls under the concept of cellular regulation. The main body system that is affected by breast cancer is the reproductive system. Breast cancer is defined as the unregulated growth of abnormal cells in the breast†¦ Problem With breast cancer awareness month recently passing, breast cancer is getting more attention than it ever was every year. Breast cancer is so prevalent that it is the most common type of cancer among women other than skin cancer. A disease of this caliber has proven to deserve the awareness it is spreading. Breast cancer is developed from harmful tumor cells that occur in the breast. Normally, cells are multiplied appropriately to differentiation, cell division, and growth†¦ Every minutes a woman dies of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Every year, invasive breast cancer is diagnosed in many women alone. Doctors have not been able to find the cure yet. But thanks to nonprofit charities, such as the Susan G. Komen, researchers are receiving enough money that is donated to breast cancer to look deeper and try to find ways to cure and to help prevent such a fatal disease. Early detection of breast cancer helps prevent fatalities among†¦ IORT II. Problem: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women. It is when there is a lump in the breast that contains cancer cells. Some lumps do not contain cancer cells though. The doctor will have to diagnose someone with breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the top ten leading causes of death in females. Even males can get breast cancer. At least 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. In 2011 40,000 women died of breast cancer. Breast cancer is genetic. That†¦ Cancer occurs as a result of mutations in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves , healthy new cells take over as old ones die out but, over time, mutations can â€Å"turn on† certain genes and â€Å"turn off† others in a cells. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells like it and forming a tumor. Breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has†¦ women with breast cancer since 1895 (x-ray) 1956 (ultrasound) 1977 (MRI), and 1992 (mammogram). They have all been very beneficial to women. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. About one of three cancers are diagnosed. Cancer is a group of diseases that cause cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most cancers will form a lump or mass in the breast, which is called a tumor. It is named after a part of the body where the tumor originates. Breast cancer begins in†¦ Abstract Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. It is the second most common cancer death with lung cancer being the first. African American women have a higher incidence of dying from the disease than any other race or ethnical group. For many years, it was thought that this was due to African American women not having access to the same health benefits as those of other races and that it was often found at a more advanced state. Though there†¦

The People of the Book Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The People of the Book - Research Paper Example The Quran view on the question of salvation is, to a significant determined by the question of difference in terms of practice. There seems to be some deep brotherly concern as the Quran engages the Christians in a reflective argument about some practices, which are inconsistent with its own beliefs. For instance, the Quran embraces the practice of religion as carried out by Abraham and suggests for the Christians to engage in the same â€Å"They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah,† (Quran 2:135)1. A clearer view of the Quran perception on Christianity and Judaism could be understood from the perspective of the Quran on biblical figures. In the perspective of the Quran, Jesus was just among the great prophets sent by God to the world and should be treated as such without necessarily elevating him to the level of a deity. This position appears to challenge the position adopted by Christians on the position of Christ. Further, the Quran reserves special recognition for religious figures who feature prominently in the old testament such as Abraham and Isaac. This appears to affirm some close kinship between the Christians and the Muslims. ... It holds that Christians and Jews should make amends for their wrongs in order to reestablish themselves in the true worship of God. There seems to be a deep yearning in the Quran to reestablish connections with the Christians and Jews if they change certain aspects of their lives. â€Å"So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing,† (Quran, 2:137)3. The Quran expresses concern to particular religious practices conducted by the Christians. It suggests change from such practices and stipulates the correct manner in which they should be conducted. For instance, the Quran argues against the Christian practice of baptism with the view that only God can baptize, â€Å"(Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah: And who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship,† (Quran 2:138)4. Despite the heavy cri ticism that the Quran reserves for the Christians, there is an acknowledgement of the kinship between the religions. The underlying message is that the Christians have just lost their way leaving the Muslims to worship the God they share, â€Å"Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that We are sincere (in our faith) in Him?,) (Quran 2: 139)5. In order to create impact for change the Quran offers Christianity and Jews various examples of personalities in the old testament famed for great deeds but who never practiced the kind of religious practices that is generally common in the Christian doctrine.

Case studies Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Studies - Case Study Example There could be other test which could clarify the situation as to whether the patient has actually a lung cancer. Reason being giving the patient timeline of 6-9 months to live could have a huge physiological affect on him. Even though patient looks competent, as he/she only has 6 – 9 months to live, he would have no time to reflect upon this situation and fully comprehend this information. If the patient is told about the condition, it is necessary that it is burdensome neither to the patient nor to his family. It could be a good time for the patient to prepare his will if he hasn’t up till now which would definitely benefit his family financially. If the patient has been living a sound, happy life before being admitted to the hospital, his active life style could just go apart if told about his condition. This would in turn result in his family suffering. Its better not to inform patient about his condition if his family and himself would be well off as others around him would be unfamiliar with his situation. If his family members fully understand the situation he is in, which should at the first place not be in, filling a malpractice claim would be the way to go given that the physician would eventually be found. Even if the family goes to court, there are particular laws which would eventually help his family to charge the physician. If the hospital suffers a major liability, it could close down thus, making it difficult or impossible for other patients to be treated and could result in them loosing there life. The filling claim has something to do with financial issues of the family as they might have run out of insurance cover for the patient thus, having liquidity issues and might be looking to redeem via filling a lawsuit. The patient has had a similar medical problem that is GL bleed due to alcoholism. This medical status suggests that his issues are more linked to something he can

Homosexuality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Homosexuality - Research Paper Example Homosexuals emphasize that their sexual inclination towards the same gender is a result of their nature. They say that they did not choose to be gay, they were born gays! In fact, this is only a fake argument. There is no truth in it. Homosexuality is just as much a matter of choice as is the matter of choice of clothes, school or friends. There is no doubt in the fact that human nature is attracted towards evil things. Porn attracts even the most pious of humans because it is human nature, though not everybody watches it. It is our own decisions that depict what we our irrespective of our sexual inclination. Many straight people may feel attracted towards people from the same gender sexually at some points in their life. Likewise, many homosexuals feel sexually attracted towards people from opposite gender at some points in their life. It so happens with everybody and is quite normal to happen, but this does not depict if an individual is a gay or not, unless the individual chooses to resolve that he/she is a gay. The validity of this argument can be estimated from the fact that homosexuality is strictly forbidden in nearly all the religions. If one was destined to be a gay, one would not be punished for indulging in homosexual practices. But that is not the case. The Holy Books clearly mention the punishment for homosexuals as will be discussed shortly. Homosexuality may, in part, be an outcome of the nurture. Adopted children growing up in gay families in gay marriages may not consider homosexuality wrong, since they have been seeing their so-called parents cohabit since the very early years of life. Their cognitive development approves of the relationship of their so-called parents, and they develop the tendency to be homosexual as well, but again, it is a matter of choice! The religious perspective: Homosexuality is considered a sin in many religions including Islam, Christianity, and Jewism, though it has always been there. In Quran, that is the Holy Book of Islam, there is the discussion of the people of Lut, who was the messenger of God. A vast majority of the people of Lut were gays. The men did sex with men. Women were not taken interest in. God sent Lut to those people so as to advise them to leave homosexuality and obey God. But the people refused to follow the word of God. Owing to their disobedience, they were punished by God. The people of Lut rejected (his) warning. We sent against them a violent Tornado with showers of stones, (which destroyed them), except Lut's household: them We delivered by early Dawn,-   As a Grace from Us: thus do We reward those who give th anks. And (Lut) did warn them of Our Punishment, but they disputed about the Warning.  (Surat al-Qamar:, 33-36 cited in Anon, n.d.). Homosexuality is a heinous crime in many religions like Islam, and the religions dictate severe punishments for those who indulge in homosexuality both in this world and in the world hereafter. God made man and woman two separate genders purposefully. Their bodies have been designed in a way that the two can produce children. Two people belonging to the same gender can not produce children. This essentially tells that homosexuality is against the law of nature. Homosexuality: A social taboo: Despite the advancement and modernity of societies in the present age, homosexuality is still considered as a social taboo even in countries where gay rights have

Heavy Metal More Than Music Cultural Studies Essay

Heavy Metal More Than Music Cultural Studies Essay Subcultures are present in all societies around the world. Their members usually differentiate themselves by clothing style, music or even behavior. Studies and theories of subcultures have been conducted by various sociological schools. The Birmingham School came up with three levels of general analysis in their theories about subcultures: structure, culture and biography (Stanley Cohen, Symbols of trouble, 1980). He viewed subcultures as a political battleground between the classes (p.50). The first level on analysis, structure, refers to the problems of society that cannot be controlled by individuals, it refers to constraints put on people by the distribution of power, the labor market or wealth. The culture represents the solution to all the problems imposed by the structure. The culture includes the responses of the people to the structure, responses based on traditions, ideologies. The culture represents the more broad form of group present. A subculture, as defined by Cohen, is the specific, especially symbolic form through which the subordinate group negotiates its position. Two dominant themes were defined. The first one represents the style, which constitutes a type of resistance to subordination encountered in most subcultures, for instance Punks, Rockers or Hippies. The second theme refers to the fact that the resistance by style becomes symbolic or magical for the people that are part of the subculture. The process of resistance is seen as a symbolic one in three contexts. The first circumstance is when the subculture attacks a target which is not connected to the source of the problem. The second circumstance is when the solution to the problem is seen as magical without any real chances of being fixed. The final form of symbolic meaning is represented by what the style stands for. The style can symbol something that is beyond the surface appearance. Common objects are borrowed and used as symbols of opposition and insubordination, often in an ironical way. Biography represents the third general level of analysis that can be distinguished in the new theories of subculture. It is defined as the pattern and sequence of personal circumstances through which the culture and structure are experienced (p 151). This refers to the symbolic meaning of a subculture and the way its followers actually live given that they are part of the subculture. Heavy Metal Subculture Heavy metal has become more than just a subgenre of rock or metal music. It has become a subculture that not only listens to bands that play heavy metal and attends concerts. Fans of this music embrace its style, way of thinking, behavior, language and symbolism. Heavy metal music appeared first in Birmingham with groups like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. The unique sound of Black Sabbath was given by Tony Iommi, a factory worker that cut his fingers while handling a metal cutting machine thus being forced to wear plastic prosthetics on his fingers in order to be able to play the guitar. The background of the singers remained deeply integrated into their music and lyrics. However, defining songs as heavy metal remained a constant debate among metalheads. Defining the term strictly pushes fans to accept as heavy metal only songs that have a harsh, dark sound and include songs which have as a theme alienation and anger, traits which characterized the life of Black Sabbaths member, Toni Iommi. In contrast, defining the term heavy metal more loosely allows other bands to be included in this genre. These bands can have as their focus other themes, such as angry love, lost love, desired love and even partying. The lyrics of the songs are generall y focused on violence and angst, giving the songs a constant mood of anger and sorrow. Even if heavy metal has its roots in 1969, with the band Black Sabbath, it became a defined form, different from hard rock much later, in the early 1980s. The term heavy metal was popularized in the hit born to be wild by Steppenwolf with the phrase heavy metal thunder. With the popularity surrounding this distinct type of rock, several heavy metal bands rose from the dark. Groups like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden developed a darker and abrasive sound, Metallica and Megadeth energized their songs which were used to present several themes: religion, political hypocrisy, alienation and existential emptiness. Moreover, Slayer used violence and chaos to attract its audience. All these bands contributed to what came to become a subculture of alienation  [1]  . In her book Heavy metal: The Music And Its Culture, Deena Weinstein argues that heavy metal has persisted far longer than most genres of rock music due to the subculture which identified with the music. The fans of heavy metal formed an exclusionary youth community which became very distinctive and marginalized from the mainstream society. The heavy metal community developed their own norms, values and behaviors. The code of authenticity must be followed by bands which have to show a disinterest in commercial appeal and a refusal to sell out. Another factor present in the metal code is the opposition to established authority, and separateness from the rest of society. The metal performer becomes an ideal image of the music and subculture, being compelled to show total devotion to the music. A performer needs to be an idealized representative of the subculture. This idea that metal shapes what young people should think and their view of the world built up the ideology of pervasive ali enation, which is a reason of pride and defiance for the subcultures members.  [2]  However, Phil Collen, a guitarist for the band Def Leppard, says in one of his interviews They think they are alienated but they are not. There are two million people exactly like them. The members of the subculture are in majority white males that come from middle class backgrounds. They are tolerant of those outside its core demographic base who follow its codes of dress, appearance, and behaviour  [3]  . Their code involves attending concerts, buying albums of the groups they support and building friendships among the members of the subculture. Solidarity is built on the activities they do together, for instance going to concerts. This is a ritual in which the members can celebrate their common appreciation of music. They use magazines and, more recently, websites, to connect with others and express their solidarity. Moreover, a person who does not fully embrace the culture is considered a poseur by the rest of the members. A poser, as defined by the Webster dictionary, refers to person who pretends to be what he or she is not: an affected or insincere person. Authenticity and sincerity are necessary in order to not fall under the poseur label. James Hetfield , the lead singer of Metallica, stated in one of their 1980s concerts This will kill all the posers out there, all the fake people. The members of the heavy metal subculture do not have a well-defined name; instead, they are referd to as metalheads, headbangers or even trashers. The term metalhead is applied to a member of the subculture who, in addition to being extremely enthusiastic about the music, follows the fashion and behavioural rules imposed by the subculture. The amount of young people that identify with the heavy metal culture exceeds a couple of million individuals just in the Unites States of America. A performer states in the documentary Heavy-the story of Metal: Why do kids like heavy metal? They can be whatever they want, be dumb, be cool, be crazy. Metalheads find meaning in several aspects of their involvement with heavy metal; for instance, in their resonation with the meanings of the songs, their admiration of the performers, their participation in the collective ritual of the heavy metal concert, and also from being part of a subculture that shares their taste in music and view of the world. Being a metalhead means being a true believer. Metalheads have authority over each other in what concerns acceptance as a true believer. Confirming to the heavy metal style and ideology of alienated individualism grants acceptance by the other members. The absence of community is substituted by the heavy metal subculture. Connections between members are made based on their enthusiasm for the music. This also often becomes the basis for new friendships. A resemblance between the community of metalheads and a geographically distinct traditional community can be made. Listening to music pushes metalheads to think they are sharing the declaration of the songs message. This makes it easier for them to observe the imperfections of society and the hypocrisy that comes with adult life. By embracing heavy metal, young people think they are helping the world expose its falsity. Performers declare their authenticity through the music they make as well as their dressing style. Breaking all social conventions regarding dressing and behavioural codes shows their lack of interest and disrespect for the corrupt society. Solidarity to other metal fans is shown by following the same pattern of dressing. In addition to this, metalheads use their style to show that they agree with the messages put out by bands in their songs, they too agree with the fact that the societys corruption needs to be exposed. Sebastian Bach, a heavy metal performer, states in the documentary Heavy the story of Metal: Heavy metal does have a message for the rest of the society, and that is F*ck you! Reckless behaviour is often associated with metalheads. This behaviour ranges from driving under the influence of alcohol, to doing drugs or having sexual intercourse without protection. Vandalising and shop lifting are also more often associated with members of the heavy metal subculture than with other young people. One reason behind this is said to be the heavy metal music that influences their behaviour. The antisocial themes of the songs can awake the same feelings in those who listen to them. However, reckless behaviour is linked with heavy metal music by sensation seeking. Young people that are in the look for intense feelings or new experiences are attracted to the dark, rough sound of heavy metal music as well as to the danger and novelty that comes with risk-taking behaviour.  [4]   Heavy metal style In addition to the music, heavy metal style occupies a very important place within the subculture. It offers metalheads a degree of independence compared to the other factors that constitute this subculture. Elements of this fashion are derived from several other youth cultures of the 1960s, for instance motorcycle culture, hippie culture, but it also has influences from military clothing. There are several functions that the elements of the style have: social, psychological and symbolic. With the help of style, members of the subculture can distinguish between insiders and outsiders and at the same time allowing them to create their own identities by providing them with forms to express their attitudes, norms and values. Heavy metal fashion consists of clothing and other visual elements added to a members image. It is predominantly male because all metal styles are inscribed by the masculinist ideology. The uniform consists usually of a black T-shirt, leather jacket, blue jeans and boots. T-shirts and sometimes baseball caps can have imprinted the name or logo of a metal band, allowing others to see what is that persons favourite band, fact that often leads to mutual appreciation of each others musical tastes. What is more, jeans jackets, which are legacy of the hippie culture, can replace the leather jacket. However, both types of jackets are decorated with pins, buttons, spikes, metal bullets or other homemade decorations, like patches. Designs preferred range from skulls, skeletons to snakes or dragons. Heavy metal jewellery also consists of leather objects, like wrist bands, gauntlets or belts, decorated with metal spikes or chains. Necklaces often have a cross or a skull medallion. Moreover, colourful tattoos can be often found on the arms of metalheads. Long hair is also one of the best ways to show your dedication to the subculture because it is a feature that cannot be concealed. It became one of the aspects that best defined the boundaries of the metal subculture because only a dedicated member would accept to always be associated with heavy metal. Headbanging and the heavy metal hand sings, often referred to as metal fingers, metal horns or Satan fingers also play an important role in the subculture. Headbanging is the dance of choice of metalheads. It is an activity most metalheads engage in, refers to a violent rhythmic shaking of the head by fans of heavy metal music  [5]  . The audience members of a concert usually headbang in order to show that they get lost in the music. It is more often seen in the near proximity of the stage and it is not absent from any show. The metal horns were popularised in the subculture by Ronnie James Dio, a member of Black Sabbath, who claimed his grandmother used the sign to keep away the evil eye. Nowadays, this is a sign widely used by fans not only in concerts, but also in othe social gatherings. Members of the heavy metal culture also indulge in some recreational substances. Beer is the most popular drink among metalheads. It was taken from the bikers and is consumed in high amounts at festivals and concerts. Weed is another substance commonly used in the subculture, originally used by the hippies. In addition to these, other drugs such as cocaine or vodka are associated with heavy metal performers. In conclusion, metalheads use their music and style to rebel against the norms of society. They fight back by breaking the rules and adopting an ideology of alienation. As Rob Halford from Judas Priest said You kick back, you punch back, you fight back, you claw back, you scream back with Heavy Metal. Word count: 2391 Additional sources Documentaries Heavy: The Story of Metal The Decline of Western Civilisation Part II The Metal Years Heavy Metal Parking Lot Get Trashed