Friday, December 27, 2019

New Hispanic American Honors Track Essay - 898 Words

New Latinos in the American Honors Track I was a junior at Brentwood High School, who arrived to the United states from Peru a couple of months ago, and after complaining for three months, Christine Burrows, my guidance counselor, decided to change my Algebra class by a â€Å"higher† level math. â€Å"I took Geometry and Trigonometry already; is there other math I can take?† I said to my guidance counselor. â€Å"I will make an ‘exception’ and I will enroll you in pre calculus† She responded. I was surprised by the word â€Å"exception† in her sentence that I started questioning some aspects of the American school system. Jie Zong and Jeanne Batalova, analysts at the Migration Policy Institute, suggest that almost 3 million of South American immigrants moved to the United States in 2014, where 77% of the total population were from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. In addition, they stated that New York state was one of the areas that accounts for the greatest population of these Latin American immigrants who come to this country to pursue better educational opportunities, especially in the math and science fields; however, the English barrier becomes an obstacle for those who want to achieve it. The age at which they arrived is crucial for their learning because the younger they are; the more time they will have to learn the English language as well as adapt to a new system and culture; but what happens with immigrants who come at an older age? Simply, the obstacles are more than just theShow MoreRelatedThe Geography Of Inequality : Why Separate Means Unequal Essay1360 Words   |  6 Pageseducatio n. In the study titled, The Geography of Inequality: Why Separate Means Unequal in American Public Schools (2012), Logan, Minca, and Adar noted that inequalities of performance between schools that have a majority of minority groups and found connections between the performance of school when looking through the lens of race and ethnicity. Key findings included that African American, Hispanic, and Native American students were most likely to attend a school that averages between the 35th-40th percentileRead MoreThe Educational Tracking System And The Harm It2571 Words   |  11 Pageseconomically and educationally. In order to prevent this foreboding future, we must get rid of the practice behind it - Tracking. Tracking, or homogenous grouping, is a process in which groups of students are assigned to different sets of classes, or tracks, based on factors such as academic performance, teacher recommendation, and potential for acquiring more knowledge (Oakes 3; Gamoran and Mare 1152). Schools use tracking to determine class placement for students for optimal instruction. The placementRead More The Harmful Educational Tracking System Essay2560 Words   |  11 Pageseconomically and educationally. In order to prevent this foreboding future, we must get rid of the practice behind it - Tracking. Tracking, or homogenous grouping, is a process in which groups of students are assigned to different sets of classes, or tracks, based on factors such as academic performance, teacher recommendation, and potential for acquiring more knowledge (Oakes 3; Gamoran and Mare 1152). Schools use tracking to determine class placement for students for optimal instruction. The placementRead MoreThe Educational Tracking System And The Harm It2203 Words   |  9 Pageseconomically and educationally. In order to prevent this foreboding future, we must get rid of the practice behind it - Tracking. Tracking, or homogenous grouping, is a process in which groups of students are assigned to different sets of classes, or tracks, based on factors such as academic performance, teacher recommendation, and potential for acquiring more knowledge (Oakes, 2005). Schools use tracking to determine class placement for students for optimal instruction. The placement of these studentsRead MoreAnthropology Essay : Practicing Anthropology1715 Words   |  7 Pagesbelong in this family because we were nothing alike. Growing up I always sensed that my family did not like me much because I was so different from them. When I was five years old, I was outside playing with a neighbor boy who happened to be African American. When I was caught play with him, I received a spanking and was told to never play with him again. This was confusing to me because I hadn’t understood what I really did wrong. I mean, I was just playing cars. Incidentally, the society that I grewRead MoreSchool Structure And Family Influences1787 Words   |  8 Pagesfavor. I came from a working class family of six whose ethnicity was mixed - my father, White and my mother, Hispanic. My siblings and I all went to Slater Elementary School from Kindergarten to 6th grade. The school was less than a mile from my home, and the community was made up mostly of working and lower middle class families. The ethnic distribution of my neighborhood was 53.8% Hispanic, 28.2% White, 9.3% Black, 5.5% Asian, and 2% mixed race. Coming from a mixed race family had its own challengesRead MoreEssay On Worksite Wellness1631 Words   |  7 Pageshaving higher risk of high cholesterol, which is associated with other health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The LDL-cholesterol tends to vary between the races, with Non-Hispanic Blacks being at an average of 32.2%, Mexican Americans averaging at 35.3% and Non-Hispanic Whites averaging at 30.7%. With the aim of this wellness program being on bettering the employee’s health, there are considerations that come to mind. Each ethnicity has eating habits that have beenRead MoreThe Ku Klux Klan. Cody Weber : Honors American History Essay1164 Words   |  5 Pages The Ku Klux Klan Cody Weber Honors American History Period 8 The Ku Klux Klan took a stand against equal rights for African Americans in a negative and racial manner by assaulting and abusing them. By doing this, the KKK wanted to make them feel like a lesser race. The KKK was founded in 1865 by six college students in the small town of Pulaski, Tennessee. The fore fathers of the Klan were John Lester, James Crowe, John Kennedy, Calvin Jones, Richard Reed, and Frank McCordRead MoreEffects Of The Hospital On Patients Missing Belongings1178 Words   |  5 Pages the name was change to recognize and honor the people who have contributed to its development and foundation. In 2014, the U.S. News World Report, MUMH was ranked as the 4th regionally and 4th around the Baltimore metropolitan area and is being recognized among the top 100 of â€Å"America’s Best Hospitals† for Intensive Care Cardiovascular services. The hospital has changed his name around 2012 to MedStar to emphasize its growth strategy as a part of a new brand future. As of July 1st 2015, theRead MoreCommunity Assessment Essay5210 Words   |  21 PagesAbstract This paper will conduct a community assessment of Marion County, Indiana. Marion County is located in the heart of Indianapolis, which is the capital of the state of Indiana. Marion County was created April 1, 1822 and was formed from Delaware New Purchase. It was named after General Frances Marion from South Carolina in the Revolutionary War period. This assessment will address the health needs and risks of Marion County through the use of the WGU assessment forms identifying the population’s

Thursday, December 19, 2019

The Space Settlement Of Space - 880 Words

1.1 What is a space settlement The human civilization, after centuries of existence is now facing problems on earth and is in need of a new home, the space settlement. Space settlement is a simple concept developed to overcome the dangers which the human species is facing and would face in the future. It is a complex structure providing the essential needs for a person to live, which is constructed in space. In simple words, a habitat in space. It would be something where people would live, work and survive their life. The space settlement will orbit the earth with equal access to earth’s and moon’s resources and communication. 1.2 Why A Space Settlement : Earth is surely the right place to live with all the resources needed for mankind to survive. But like anything else it is limited. The current population on Earth has it all but not the future. The growing population will face scarcity of resources like oxygen, land, food, water etc. to overcome this and others is the need of a space settlement. Some reasons for a settlement : 1.2.1 Depletion of natural resources As the population on earth increases we will need much more space for agriculture, power plants, water treatment plants and also homes for the new citizens of earth but only in the limited amount of land. As the population on earth increases we will need much more space for agriculture, power plants, water treatment plants and also homes for the new citizens of earth but only in the limited amount of land.Show MoreRelatedPublic Space And Why Is It Important?1466 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is public space and why is it important? Public space is the physical landscape of the public realm that fosters social interaction and communal life in a city. A city is a combination of public and private spaces that are are defined by each other and have overlapping economic, social, cultural and political dimensions. Public space, as a term and as a concept in design, is ambiguous. What constitutes a public space, what role it plays, and how design should approach and deal with it is aRead MoreUsing Birth Control Medicine And Education951 Words   |  4 Pagestry to solve this problem there could be many consequences. From research, this problem could be resolved by using birth control medicine and education people about sexual intercourse, ending vaccines for diseases, and by sending people to live in space. â€Å"Overpopulation occurs when an organism s numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat.† (Global Footprint Network) As humans, people use a lot of resources to help themselves. â€Å"Today humanity uses the equivalent of 1.6 planets to provideRead MoreThe Expansion Of Space Architecture1610 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The collective space vision of all the world’s countries at the moment seems to be Mars, Moon, space colonization, permanent settlement etc. Even Steven Hawking does not think that humans will survive another 1000 years ‘without escaping beyond our fragile planet’. Architects are designing colonial habitats on Mars and Moon creating large flimsy structures for permanent settlements. But is that space architecture is all about? Just to create a new living environment for rats abandoningRead MoreThe Overpopulation Of The Human Race1377 Words   |  6 Pagessolution is just a huge civil rights problem; it worked in china because their government is not like the United States. Perhaps the one child policy does not agree with everyone, another more cruel solution could be killing criminals to free up space and save more money and food. There are around nine million currently in prisons all around the world. Criminals that have been found guilty and are serving a life sentence to this date or ones that are found guilty recently. Other candidates are onesRead MoreEarth-Like Planets1727 Words   |  7 Pageslife in outer space? I remember being in grade school wondering if there were humans or aliens on other planets and if they were trying to communicate with us. Around January 1986 the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded during takeoff in front of the entire world. 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Companies like SpaceX and Deep Space Industries are driving a new age of exploration and their lofty goals are reaching the public and investors. SpaceX founder Elon Musk has frequently released ambitious announcements in recent years regarding his plans for Mars. His latest aspiration is to send a Tesla Roadster into Mars’ orbit because it is an entertaining thought. Space colonization is not solely a race to make history for billionaires like MuskRead MoreNo Sugar--- Replacement of the In-Class Presentation Essay1231 Words   |  5 Pagesgovernment policy of `protectionism. Focusing on the experiences of the Millimurra family, No Sugar underscores the view of Aborigines as uncivilized, the attempt to assimilate them to white culture through Aboriginal reserves such as the Moore River Settlement, and the resilience and determination of Aborigines faced with almost complete disempowerment. A fundamental concern of No Sugar is the notion of the definition of power along racial lines. This concern would draw significantly different responsesRead MoreForeign Investment And Its Effects On Economic Development1171 Words   |  5 Pagesforeign direct investment without lowering any environmental standards in its territorial. However, protecting environment might cause regulatory expropriation[footnoteRef:2] to affected foreign investment. In other wor ds, host state requires policy space to adopt new regulations in protecting environment. In fact, BITs and other International Investment Agreements (IIAs) have been quite restricted in scope and generic in content.[footnoteRef:3] [2: Regulatory expropriation and sustainable development]Read MoreReligions of the World Essay1063 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Amish settlements in northeastern America. These settlements exist without electricity and other things that we consider necessities. Religious organization of geographical space is also a common characteristic in the relation of religion and geography. For example, religions often ritualize their living space through myths about ancestors. These settlements have sacred connection to elements of the original territory. As a religion becomes more complex, space in a settlement is divided

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Does Amis Present A Picture Of America free essay sample

In Decay In The Moronic Inferno? Essay, Research Paper Amis himself describes the phrase # 8216 ; the moronic hell # 8217 ; as a metaphor for human opprobrium, and this appears to be a unusually disposed rubric for a aggregation of essays which recount positions on an America frequently portrayed as being ill-famed. America # 8217 ; s preoccupation with money is world-renowned and this subject continuously emerges during Amis # 8217 ; s Hagiographas. With one of the highest slaying rates in the universe, it is barely surprising that a figure of essays contain mention to violent deaths and two concern themselves to the full with this subject. Death and disease, although in some instances no mistake of America or its people, can besides be seen as marks of a decaying society. Further illustrations of a deteriorating civilization found in # 8220 ; gt ; The Moronic Inferno # 8221 ; gt ; include the intolerance and hatred expressed by many members of the population and the unscrupulousness and amorality expressed by many more. The Killings in Atlanta offer us our first acrimonious gustatory sensation of American life and merely as # 8216 ; the kid # 8217 ; in the gap paragraph is # 8216 ; existent insouciant # 8217 ; , so Amis informs us in relaxed, American-style address that # 8216 ; these yearss, adult male, it # 8217 ; s your money # 8220 ; gt ; and # 8221 ; gt ; your life. # 8217 ; This drama on the old highjacker stating offers a blithe debut into a serious essay and the usage of the word # 8216 ; insouciant # 8217 ; appropriate as the American public seems to hold a comparatively relaxed attitude towards slaying: # 8216 ; Conversation about slaying in America is every bit stoical and everyday as talk about the weather. # 8217 ; The usage of the three points in the 2nd paragraph is a common stylistic device employed by Amis and in this instance they allow us a brief intermission between each clause in which to digest the old atrociousness. By the terminal of the first subdivision of t he essay, the scene has been set and utilizing Atlanta as an illustration, Amis has displayed to us the extent to which slaying has become portion of American life. He briefly describes the assorted incidents which have taken topographic point during the hebdomad that he has spent in the metropolis, all of which would hold made the headlines in England, but are reasonably platitude in America. And so we move on from the # 8216 ; everyday # 8217 ; violent deaths to the Killings which form the topic of the essay and whose importance is signified by the usage of an upper instance missive. It certainly says something for the province of a society when alternatively of nursery rimes, it is necessary that kids are taught vocals stating them # 8216 ; neer go with aliens # 8217 ; . However, the vocal and consciousness run attach toing it have non had the desired consequence and, at least in Altlanta, # 8216 ; childs still go with aliens, one every month # 8217 ; . Throughout the essay there is an implicit in negative motive and the usage of the word black, alternatively of colored or Negro, helps add to the sense of pessimism and fright. Negative repeat in the first paragraph of the 2nd subdivision besides creates a sense of desolation and weakness. The subject of money is one which is incorporated in many, if non most, of Amis # 8217 ; s essays in # 8220 ; gt ; The Moronic Inferno # 8221 ; gt ; , and one which rears its ugly caput here on page 14. First we hear Mrs Bell, female parent of one of the victims, kicking about the rates of wage for her talks and so Amis without really impeaching anyone, makes his viewpoint rather clear: Mrs Bell has her critics. There is talk of cashing in, of fall ining the parade. I would be ashamed to oppugn Mrs Bell # 8217 ; s motivations ; but these are hapless people, and these things are inevitable in America. It is true to state that these people are hapless and money plays a big portion in American life, but certainly it is non the mark of a healthy society when female parents are rather willing to do a fast vaulting horse out of their kid # 8217 ; s decease. The subject of racial intolerance is besides touched on in this essay. The misgiving which still survives between inkinesss and Whites in America becomes evident in the 3rd subdivision # 8211 ; # 8216 ; The Time Bomb in the Nursery # 8217 ; . As at that place appeared to be no nexus or motivation for the slayings in Atlanta, and the lone thing that the victims had in common was that they were hapless black kids, people began to presume that the violent deaths were racial. There was no cogent evidence that this was the instance, but the misgiving between races led people to believe it # 8211 ; a mark that America # 8217 ; s racial jobs have still non been overcome. We are told that # 8216 ; racial anxiousness climbed in the metropolis # 8217 ; and that when a bomb exploded in a twenty-four hours nursery killing three kids and a instru ctor, the full metropolis may good hold exploded every bit good had it non been quickly proved that the detonation was the consequence of a faulty boiler. Amis is told that # 8216 ; if that thing hadn # 8217 ; t been unfastened and shut the same twenty-four hours, it could hold been a bloody dark in Atlanta. # 8217 ; The 4th subdivision of the essay is entitled # 8216 ; Circus of the Supercops # 8217 ; , and the imagination of the rubric is surely appropriate as the well-known hatchet mans brought in from other provinces have a great trade in common with the buffoons in a circus collapsible shelter. As the despair saddle horses, more and more attempts are made to catch the slayer: psychics, the FBI, epidemiologists, the Guardian Angels, German Shepherd Canis familiariss are all brought to Atlanta and here Amis uses three points at the terminal of the paragraph as if to state that the list is eternal but that all the methods were every bit ineffective as the others. One method w hich people are certain will work as it entreaties to the greed of America is the reward money of $ 100,000, but even this fails to take to an apprehension. The chief motivation behind the reaching of so many # 8216 ; detectives # 8217 ; was merely PR and as one observer provinces, # 8216 ; they all merely wanted to # 8220 ; gt ; look # 8220 ; gt ; good. # 8217 ; However, this selfishness is displayed by other members of the public, among them politicians, who are besides concerned more with how the Atlanta slayings issue will impact them than the issue itself. The disintegrating province of America # 8217 ; s society is once more described by Amis as the offenses of Atlanta are discovered. Hidden organic structures, guns and stolen goods are found ; diseased teenage stealers, kid cocottes are exposed but none of these are related to the Killings. There are still no hints and about the lone thing that people can make up ones mind on is that there # 8216 ; has to be money i nvolved. Bottom line for a whole lotta material is money. # 8217 ; We are reminded of the jangle from the start of the essay as Amis sums up the state of affairs, # 8216 ; Despite the propaganda, the runs, the fright, the childs still go with strangers. # 8217 ; In the concluding subdivision, Amis leaves Atlanta briefly to associate incidents of racial violent deaths in other metropoliss across America before giving us his position on the affair, # 8216 ; it is really alluring to see forms here. # 8217 ; The stoping to the essay is baleful as he describes the ghettos utilizing imagination to show a baleful image of the hereafter in Atlanta. The short concluding sentence, # 8217 ; some will split # 8217 ; , helps to reenforce his point in clear and concise linguistic communication. In # 8216 ; The Killings in Atlanta # 8217 ; Amis uses flooring enunciation to mirror violent state of affairss and leaves us with the feeling that America has vast societal jobs and a authorities incapable of managing them. The subjects of slaying, disease, greed, selfishness, and racial intolerance are all dealt with and the shutting sentence of the PS reminds us that America # 8217 ; s jobs are ongoing: # 8216 ; Possibly, so, the Killings in Atlanta are over, while the violent deaths in Atlanta go on. # 8217 ; Murder is once more the subject of treatment in # 8216 ; The Case of Claus von Bulow # 8217 ; and once more money is a subject entwined throughout. The episode has captivated the American populace, all of whom have their ain positions on the affair – ‘the whole of tabloid and small-screen America are split down the middle.’ The essay trades with the slaying of Sunny von Bulow and whether or non it was committed by her hubby, Claus von Bulow. Amis’s choice of linguistic communication and diction are of import in this essay, even in footings of the names. In the sentence, ‘Named after the adult female who started life as a Liszt and ended it as a Wagner’ , we can see a clear passage from a weak, inactive ‘Liszt’ to a loud and showy ‘Wagner’ . As he sets the scene and relates the history of the instance, Amis makes the narrative more reliable by stealing in assorted colloquialisms: ‘It’s refuse about Sunny being an alky and a pill-popper.’ and ‘ Well, what do you cognize? ’ There is a motive of drugs running throughout the essay, a capable really much portion of American life and yet another indicant of a deca ying society. We learn that ‘Claus was to a great extent reliant on Valium’ and that ‘Sunny and Claus used to mess around with drugs. Panpipes were so much a portion of the furniture that childs used to utilize them as water-pistols.’ Again there is usage of the three points doing a intermission of idea and a opportunity to reconsider the old point. Other linguistical devices employed by Amis include lytotese ( a few million here or at that place ) , repeat ( improbably beautiful, improbably rich and, it seemed, improbably easy to rule ) and hyperbole ( a intimation of flab is an abomination ) . ‘The Life of Pure Money’ is the rubric to subdivision three, as we see the subject of money appear one time more. The message in the gap paragraph is that worlds, and Americans in peculiar, are by nature greedy and ever endeavoring for more than they have. Later on in the essay we once more see grounds of this fact, as we are told, ‘The hotel staf f loved him. â€Å"So gracious. And every forenoon ever $ 10 for the amah In other words – in America – money does purchase you love. Towards the terminal, there is usage of the device foremost seen in the rubric of ‘The Killings in Atlanta’ – the capital missive: ‘the Manipulator. Here Amis uses it to do the word seem like a proper noun and to pull notice to it. Amis concludes the essay with a sum-up of his theory of the events, corroborating his belief that von Bulow is guilty and in the PS he once more points an accusative finger at the American justness system, which, as in ‘The Killings of Atlanta’ essay, appears really corrupt and has allowed two really rich work forces to get away a prison sentence. Death is besides the subject of treatment in ‘Double Hazard: Making Sense of AIDS’ . Although the AIDS epidemic can barely be blamed on America, their handling of the state of affairs as described in the essay leav es a batch to be desired. > At the start of the essay, Amis introduces us to the topic by telling an incident which he instead ironically depict as ‘banal’ . A immature, cheery adult male passes two ‘tough’ misss and finds the words ‘Fucking AIDS-carrier’ directed towards him. Amis doubtless sees this incident as really distressing and spends the undermentioned three paragraphs detailing the deductions of it. We once more see the usage of a capital missive at the start of the word ‘Death’ , in order to do it look even more powerful and noticeable. After demoing us the effects on one adult male, Amis moves onto a more general treatment of the fiscal effects of AIDS. In America, where the Health Service is non free, AIDS sufferers non merely have to endure the existent disease and its effects but besides the rough worlds of a money-orientated state. The ill adult male faces mean medical measures of $ 75,000 and with a medical-insuran ce system which ‘is a shambles of pedantry and expedience’ , slender opportunity of lasting to pull his first check. Again it is a instance of people believing of their ain involvements before those of others.American dishonesty, as Amis himself describes it, is looked at with respect to euphemisms. We are told that in New York everyone on the public wing refers to AIDS patients as PWAs: individuals with AIDS and how in America as a whole, disabled people are simply ‘challenged’ , and the ‘exceptional’ kid is the kid with encephalon harm. This is merely a method of acquiring rid of a job by glossing over the truth, as Amis puts it: ‘Having named a painful world, you besides dispatch it ; you get it off your desk.’ Self involvement is once more apparent in politicians as we are told that the ground the Mayor of New York came across with a $ 6.5 million bundle was non in response to the countless protests and requests, but due to the fact that it was election twelvemonth. This political ego involvement is once more apparent in ‘Too Much Monkey Business: The New Evangelical Right’ , where we see Ronald Reagan saying positions on development which are likely to win him 50 million ballots. The essay describes the rise in popularity and importance of the Evangelical Right, a motion which is continually ridiculed by Amis, although he does express concern over the issue. Right from the start Amis sets out to demo the Evangelical Right as ludicrous and foolish, an nonsubjective often fulfilled by his pick of citations. The initial rhyme of the first paragraph is a good illustration of this selective pick of citations: ‘†I call it Mickey Mouse mentality†¦ monkey mythology methodological analysis monopoly, cryptic contemplations and everyday dreams of all this monkey concern! †Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Later we see him carefully taking quotation marks from the choice of propaganda cusps he finds in the Reunian Arena, Dallas. He writes: †Why A Bankrupt America? explains how the Trilateral Commission is helping â€Å"Russia Enslave the World!†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Most of the pamphlets are presented as being so far fetched, that the people who wrote them cannot be taken seriously. However, Amis insists this is exactly what we must do as he opens the second section with the line: ‘This is a good deal more serious than it may at first sound.’ The Evangelical Right are the Republican Party’s new champions, their electronic ministers of the air. This expression, used by Amis throughout the essay, is an evocative piece of imagery and bares similarities to the description of Reagan’s speech delivery, as depicted in ‘Ronald Reagan’: ‘It is all delivered with mechanical verve’ In both cases there is a sense of the inhuman and the unfeeling. >We can gauge Amis’s feelings on the subject by his use of the word ‘apparentlyâ€℠¢ signifying that he does not share the views of the Evangelicals. How does this essay help add to the argument that Amis is presenting a picture of American society in a state of decay? Well, the Evangelicals show a great deal of intolerance and hatred towards many sections of society and according to Amis, ‘†¦have thwarted pro-homosexual and women’s rights legislation†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Also, the movement is allowing some men to get very rich indeed, as TV preachers turn over billions of tax-free dollars every year. The majority of the remainder of the essay is spent relating the various styles of these preachers, from the animalistic Dr James Robinson, who ’strode’ on-stage in a ’sensual, predatory manner’, to the sweet-talking Jerry Falwell, who ‘eased’ himself up on to the stage. So, we have seen murder, death, disease, intolerance, hatred and the evils of the dollar all described in vivid detail in the ‘Moronic Infern o’ and although these things can be found in any country in the world, it is the sheer scale of them in America that is worrying. Perhaps soon the moronic inferno will cease to be a metaphor and will become a reality.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Red Badge Of Courage By Stephen Crane Essays -

The Red Badge of Courage By Stephen Crane The Red Badge of Courage By Stephen Crane Four main characters (and one-sentence description of each) Henry Fleming (the youth) - Henry, the main character of the novel, was at first very excited to go to war joining the army against his mother's wishes, but he finds war frightening and he becomes a coward to later become a hero. Jim Conklin (the tall soldier) - Jim was a close friend that Henry had met in the army where he gets shot and is nursed by Henry. Wilson (the loud soldier) - Wilson was a friend of Henry in the army who was at first loud and obnoxious but proves helpful when Henry became wounded. Henry's mother - She shows up at the beginning of the book and tells Henry that she does not want him joining the army, but wishes him luck when he does anyway. Two minor characters (and one-sentence description of each) Tattered soldier - He pestered Henry at the camp before they set off to fight. Cheery soldier - He helped Henry back to camp after Henry fled. Three main settings (and one sentence description of each) The forest - All of the fighting occurs in the forest where Henry learns about fear and valor. The camp - This is the Union base where the army set up for the night. One paragraph plot outline The book starts out with a new regiment for the Union army waiting around for some fighting. Jim Conklin, a friend of the main character, Henry Fleming, hears some rumors about their next movements. He tells the other soldiers of the rumors telling them that they're going to go around the enemy and attack them from behind. Sure enough, a few days later, they start marching and they attack. This is the first battle for the regiment so a few soldiers, including Henry Fleming, desert the regiment. After Henry deserts, he finds Jim and walks with him for a while before Jim dies. Henry wanders about a bit and gets in a fight with another lost soldier of the Union army who hits him across the head with the butt of his rifle causing Henry to bleed. By night, Henry, with the help of another soldier, finds his way back to his own regiment. Luckily, no one suspects Henry of deserting. Henry lies about the head wound being from the battle. During the night, Henry is cared for by a friend named Wilson. By morning, Henry is well rested and fights with his regiment several battles that day. Henry always stayed in the front and encouraged the other soldiers to fight harder showing much courage. He was complimented by the Colonel, but despite his victory, he still feels guilty about deserting his regiment the day before. Two symbols and references The red badge - The red badge, a blood stain, was a symbol of courage for other soldiers, however, for Henry, it becomes a sign of cowardice since he received his from a fight with another union soldier after deserting. The flag - The flag carried during battle is a sign of an army's place in the battle. It also displayed the courage of the person who had to carry it since the flag bearer must always stand at the front lines. Two or three sentences on style Crane's style is short and simple. His sentences are not long or flowery. Although he does not use very many figurative devices, his writing is easy to understand making reading quick and easy. One or two sentences on dominant philosophy The dominant philosophy in this book was that Henry and his fellow soldiers were not in complete control of their actions during the heat of battle. They fought despite the risk of death not because of their love for their country but for adrenaline, while the soldiers who deserted did so not because of apathy for their country, but for the fear of the moment. Four short quotations typical of the work. (Include speaker, occasion) "He felt a quiet manhood, nonassertive, of sturdy and strong blood." Henry becomes a man after fighting courageously in battle. "The landscape gave him assurance... it was the religion of peace." This is an example of imagery as Crane describes the area around the battlefield. "There was a silence safe for the chanting chorus of the trees." This is another example of imagery. Crane describes the atmosphere between shots on the battlefield. "He, too, threw down his gun and fled. There was no shame in his face. He ran like a rabbit." Crane describes the way Henry fled from battle. It was not thought out or decided upon, but

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Gender Issues in the Workplace free essay sample

One of the keys to leadership is good communication. According to the 2011 Catalyst Censuns: Fortune 500 Women Board Directors, Executive Offers and Top Earners, women held 16.1% of board seats in the United States. This statistic contradicts the fact that women are excellent communicators. The contradiction of this statistic suggests that women communicate differently than men, which has huge impacts on women advancing up the corporate ladder. For a woman named Tanya at my workplace, differences in way men and women communicate leave her feeling insignificant; more importantly, she has been passed up many times for a promotion. Describe the situation In my department, there are five male managers. I hear their constant picking on Tanya. They ask why she gets up from her desk to talk to technicians. They avoid conversations with her in the hallway for fear of being â€Å"chatty†. They don’t invite her to meetings that she should be part of. We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Issues in the Workplace or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She has been passed up for promotions by men who have been at the company for a shorter time. All of these behaviors are due to Tanya’s extremely friendly communication style and lack of assertiveness. Tanya is the customer liaison for our department. When customers have a problem, they go to Tanya. She is excellent at communicating with upset customers. Her communication is reflective of Wziatek-Staceko’s theory that women use communication to make stable contacts and cooperation to reach a common goal (2008). She has a way of making friends with the upset customers. They enjoy working with her because together they reach the goal of completing service requests. Tanya is a breed of her own in the male dominated department. Not only is she good with customers, but she is also good with the technicians. When someone on the team has not completed their tasks, she uses open communication to understand the problems. This is supportive of Mueller’s theory that women make decisions based on subjective values, allowing emotion, sympathy and the desire for harmony to enter in the equation (2007). Meanwhile Mueller states that men prefer logic, objective values, and standards in making a decision (2007). A male would be far less understanding about someone not completing a task on time. However, Tanya is open to hear teammate’s issues. This evokes a collaborative team environment where technicians are not afraid to tell Tanya if they are running behind. She then works with technicians to find a solution. Everybody except managers feel comfortable talking to Tanya. The very trait that makes her effective at being an amazing customer liaison sets her back from getting higher positions. Tanya, like most women, has a soft voice and high pitched tone. Buttner explains the high tone of a women’s voice is perceived as a submissive quality to men (n.d.). In addition, Tanya, like most women, does not use powerful language. Women tend to speak more politely and use more tag questions (Lakoff, 1975).This is why people are comfortable talking to her. The managers view nonassertive communication as a sign of being inferior and submissive. This is due to the fact that men and women use communication for different things. Men use conversations as a means towards establishing power and dominance (Maltz Borker, 1982). Women use communication to restore unity and reduce tension (Sterkel, n.d.). Because the manager’s view Tanya’s communication as a sign of being inferior, they shun her because they know she won’t respond assertively. They exert dominance and power by locking Tanya out from being a future manager. By mimicking the fact that she talks to technicians rather than emailing them, the managers are using communication as a means to downplay Tanya’s role and increase the power of their own role. Simply not using assertive language has plagued Tanya’s rapport with the male managers. The managers demean Tanya by telling her to â€Å"Go get those people!† referring to employees who may be slacking on their tasks. This makes Tanya feel like she isn’t doing a good job. It makes her feel like they don’t appreciate all the good liaison work she does. The emotional response from Tanya is even further viewed as weakness by the managers. According to Wziatek-Stasko, female emotionality is perceived as not only a weakness, but also a lack of professionalism (2008). Because the male managers speak more assertively and Tanya speaks more tentatively, it gives the impression that she is not confident and capable as a leader. This is contrary to the fact that Tanya enables the smooth operation of services provided between the customers and the IT Department. If the customers weren’t kept happy, and technicians were not happy working for the customers, the whole operation would fall apart. Essentially Tanya is already managing technicians and their work output for customers. It just goes unrecognized and underappreciated due to her interpersonal communication style. Analyze the differences in communication, problem solving, and leadership styles of the men and the women in the situation. The leadership style of the male managers is very dominant and conquering. It seems as though leadership is a competition to them. They take every opportunity to outsmart others or down play other’s efforts, even when it is for the good of the team. According to Wziatek-Stasko, men perceive people via prisms of positions (2008). This stems from behaviors learned in adolescence. Typical males played sports growing up where they learned how to be aggressive, play to win, strategize, and mask emotions (Norton, n.d.). The leadership style that Tanya displays represents a flat feminist style; she protects employees by negotiating differences and seeking win-win situations. This is known as a â€Å"flat† leadership style (Norton, n.d). Tanya’s emails tell employees if they do a certain action, she will help them with another task. Because Tanya attempts to equalize power, the men take this an opportunity to seize power leaving Tanya without career advancement and not viewed with management potential. When it comes to problem solving, Tanya asks team mates what they think the best approach would be . This creates a team atmosphere where everybody is willing to help solve the problem. Meanwhile, the male managers tend to dictate. When someone does not do as they say, this is a sign of being insubordinate. While neither problem solving method is more right or wrong, it does not absolve women from understanding the hierarchical communication approach from men, not does it relinquish men from learning the communal communication style of women. According to John Gray’s book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, the reason for such communication differences is due to the fact that women and men have different needs, goals, and values from their communication. According to Mr. Gray, men are goal-oriented and their sense of self is defined through their ability to achieve results (1992). Meanwhile, women are relationship-oriented. Therefore, they use communication to establish relationships and create win-win situations. Differences in what men and men value create differences in how they communicate. Identify best practices. By employing some best practices Tanya could dissolve her soft image and gain respect from the male managers. Tinsley, Cheldelin, Schneider Amanatullah suggest that women work within the core feminine stereotype to capitalize on society’s stereotype of the nurturing female (2009). One suggestion is having customers and team members praise Tanya’s accomplishment to the managers. This avoids the backlash that could occur if Tanya self-promoted herself. Another tool Tanya could use is reframing her position during dialogues as one on behalf of the larger group. This makes her role seem more important and is consistent with the nurturing stereo-type of women. As Tanya becomes more assertive in her role, it is important that she explains where the behavior is coming from so that this â€Å"out of the norm† behavior is not seen as emotional or erratic behavior. With a little more assertiveness, teammates that promote her, and re-positioning herself to represent the en tire team, Tanya can re-define her position and shed her previous un-important image. Displaying masculine communication techniques in combination with feminine communication techniques is known as being â€Å"androgynous†. Using a combination of both gender communication styles is promising for women (Kent and Moss, 1994). The balance of typical gender behaviors is important. This is based on the fact that stereotypical male behaviors are considered important for leadership roles. According to Wziatek-Stasko, the following communication behaviors are masculine: talk to give information; focus on facts; use assertive language; user order, rules, and structure (2008). By employing some of these male behaviors, Tanya will reduce the image that she is a typical female which will help her to gain rapport with the male managers. Identify challenges and differences. The challenge and differences of gender communication styles lies in the premise of biologically determined character traits. Gender is simply a predecessor of behavioral traits that affect communication. Due to biological differences, women are brought up differently than men. Young ladies play dolls where they learn it is never good to be the â€Å"boss† doll or to boss people around. Young boys play sports where they learn to play their role in the hierarchy by obeying the coach and conquering other teams. The behavioral tendencies due to sex-differentiated experiences at a young age eventually effect why genders communicate differently. Studies show that women tend to interrupt less and weaken their statements (Thorne Henley, 1975). These actions derive from the fact that women perceive themselves to be of a lower status than males. The reason is also attributed to the fact that women are afraid to be wrong. Women attach their emotions to the conversation while men remain unemotional. Because men are less emotional, they take more risks in being dominant. When resolving a crisis, men create solutions while women give unsolicited advice (Gray, 1992). In the business world, this increases the opinion that women are inferior to the solution-driven male. When faced with a difficult situation, men are more prone to withdrawing themselves; women want to talk about their cause of stress (Gray, 1992). This communication difference furthers the stereotypical opinion that women are emotionally unstable. Interesting, communication between males is centered on doing something; communication between females is created for the sake of communication and intimacy (Tannen, 1990). According to Szell Thurner, women have more communication partners than men, but this does little in the hierarchal corporate world where respect and power are needed for advancement (2012). While men live in the world of status and women live in a world of connections, it is no wonder men easily climb up the corporate status ladder. Stereotypes seem influencing behaviors of the women and the men Stereotypes influence the way performance is perceived, interpreted, and evaluated. Traditional sex stereotypes depict women as deficient in the attributes necessary become a leader (Martell Block, 1995). Long standing stereotypes of women are that of a care giver, not a manager at an important cooperation. Traditional stereotypes of men include being the primary bread-winner for the family, dominant, independent, and emotionally stable (Chapman, n.d.). These stereotypes drive actions which further embed believes. Because it is stereotypical of males to be leaders, females often feel subor dinate from the stereotype alone. All of these pre-defined beliefs are grounded in biological differences and long standing history which have programmed people to act out stereotypes. By age 4, children understand the attributes of their gender and try to abide by these roles (Eddleston, Veiga, Powell, 2003). This is why girls play dress up, and boys play war. Because gender roles are embedded at such a young age, by the time people reach adulthood stereotypical gender roles subconsciously control how people communicate and behave in the workplace. According to David Scheider, stereotypical characteristics for females are affectionate, emotional, and sympathetic (2005). Typical traits for males are aggressive, dominant, rational, and unemotional (Scheider, 2005). Because the stereotypical feminine characteristics do not match up with common leadership trait, there is an underlying belief that persists in society in which women are deemed unfit for leadership positions. Women and men both belief the stereotype leading to women communicating in a submissive manner to men. The biological and physiological gender differences in communication enhance the stereotypes for men and women in the workplace. Develop recommendations to strengthen the behaviors of both the women and the men. The key to effective communication is listening. Both genders need to understand what the other person is saying before they reply. A good rule of thumb is waiting 3 seconds after someone else is done before responding. Although interrupting is viewed as a masculine behavior aimed at increasing dominance, this behavior is not a practice of good communication. Being clear and direct on the intent of communication is another recommendation for both genders. Rather than m anagers telling Tanya to â€Å"Go Get Em†, they should tell her all technicians are to be accountable for their actions. Being clear and direct ensures the receiver understands the intended message. Lastly, both genders need to stay positive. When a manager says something upsetting, Tanya should stay focused on performance and long term implications rather than getting upset. The managers also need to focus on being positive in regards to Tanya’s performance. Listening, being direct, and staying positive will strengthen communication of both genders. Identify three to five personal action plans that you will implement to strengthen your behaviors in the workplace. I have already implemented masculine characteristics in the work place to exhibit more androgynous behavior. First, I am more assertive. Instead of saying, â€Å"Shouldn’t all service requests have a ticket?† I say, â€Å"All service requests should have a ticket. If there are any questions, please see my manager.† The ability to be more assertive stems from the fact that I no longer see myself as a subordinate to males. Second, I use my relationships with people to gain rank or influence. When an issue arises with a male, I get other managers on my side to respond rather than me responding directly. This indirectly increases my rank and increases my value to male man ager who are happy to be my dominant voice. Thirdly, I am more goal-oriented. Instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead on a project, I gladly take charge in an  effort to accomplish goals like improving processes. Finally, I am flexible in my communication style. I use both male and female approaches to communication. In one meeting, I will give information and collect information. I thrive on competition and relationships simultaneously. I am assertive, yet still cooperative. I understand and empathize. By using a combination of communication improvement techniques, I have already strengthened my place in the workforce and accomplished many new projects.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Atomic Mass From Atomic Abundance Chemistry Problem

Atomic Mass From Atomic Abundance Chemistry Problem You may have noticed the atomic mass of an element isnt the same as the sum of the protons and neutrons of a single atom. This is because elements exist as multiple isotopes. While each atom of an element has the same number of protons, it can have a variable number of neutrons. The atomic mass on the periodic table is a weighted average of the atomic masses of atoms observed in all samples of that element. You can use the atomic abundance to calculate the atomic mass of any element sample if you know the percentage of each isotope. Atomic Abundance Example Chemistry Problem The element boron consists of two isotopes, 105B and 115B. Their masses, based on the carbon scale, are 10.01 and 11.01, respectively. The abundance of 105B is 20.0% and the abundance of 115B is 80.0%. What is the atomic mass of boron? Solution: The percentages of multiple isotopes must add up to 100%. Apply the following equation to the problem: atomic mass (atomic mass X1) Â · (% of X1)/100 (atomic mass X2) Â · (% of X2)/100 ...where X is an isotope of the element and % of X is the abundance of the isotope X. Substitute the values for boron in this equation: atomic mass of B (atomic mass of 105B Â · % of 105B/100) (atomic mass of 115B Â · % of 115B/100)atomic mass of B (10.01Â · 20.0/100) (11.01Â · 80.0/100)atomic mass of B 2.00 8.81atomic mass of B 10.81 Answer: The atomic mass of boron is 10.81. Note that this is the value listed in the periodic table for the atomic mass of boron. Although the atomic number of boron is 10, its atomic mass is nearer to 11 than to 10, reflecting the fact that the heavier isotope is more abundant than the lighter isotope. Why Arent Electrons Included? The number and mass of electrons is not included in an atomic mass calculation because the mass of the electron is infinitesimal compared to that of a proton or neutron. Basically, electrons dont significantly affect the mass of an atom.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Bibliography for Ayuba Suleiman Diallo Annotated

For Ayuba Suleiman Diallo - Annotated Bibliography Example being sold accidentally as a slave and undergoing harsh treatments as a slave, Ayuba finally found his way back home having made friends with many prominent people in England. His account provides insight information of how life was during the eighteenth century in America. 1. Bluett, Thomas. Some Memoirs of the Life of Job: The Son of Solomon the High Priest of Boonda in Africa; who was a Slave about Two Years in Maryland; and Afterwards Being Brought to England, was Set Free, and Sent to His Native Land in the Year 1734. By Thomas Bluett,...Vol. 9. Richard Ford, 1734. This is a description of the life of Ayuba Suleiman Diallo by Thomas Bluett. Bluett was later involved in Ayuba’s life. He was also responsible for his freedom. This is the main source of information about Ayuba Suleiman giving detailed accounts of Ayuba. What lead exactly to his capture and release after two years of hardship in Maryland. This article gives an account of Ayuba’s life. How he was captured in Gambia River, taken to Maryland as a slave for about two years. He was a slave till he finally ended up in England, was set free and sent to his native land. William Piersen gives an account of Africans who appeared at the English Court. Among these Africans, was Job Ben Solomon, who was highly celebrated. Ayuba dined with the royal family and other prominent people in the English Society. In fact, he was well recognised by them that they rewarded him with an expensive present before leaving for his native land. This is an account of Ayuba Suleiman’s rise to popularity while in England. His struggles and successes are narrated in this book. Struggles like working a tobacco firm where he experienced difficulties working since he wasn’t used to such hard labor and successes like meeting Her Majesty, the Queen of England who gave him a gold watch as a present. In this book, Douglas also writes a detailed life of Ayuba as according to Bluett Memoir. He tells of how Ayuba was captured,

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Pathophysioloty of a chronic condition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Pathophysioloty of a chronic condition - Essay Example On questioning the patient had a localised pain score of 8/10 in her back and a pains in her joints and muscles with a pain score of 4/10. When questioned about her medical history, she stated she had a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus. This is not a condition I had heard of before I, therefore, questioned her more about it. A 20 year-old women patient presented with fatigue, heart palpitations and anxiety. Examining her medical history including her ANA, CBC, skin biopsy of lesions on her legs, complementary series, and anti-DNA antibody test, reveals vessel vasculitis. The results indicate hematocrit: 10.5 g/dL. ANA: 1.640, an elevated Anti-DNA antibody test, 3.8 million/mm3 for red blood cell count, 6000/mm3 of White blood cell count, 35% for Hematocrit, 138,000/mm3 for platelets, 6000/mm3 for White blood cell count, Decreased C3 level at 43 mg/dl for the Complement assay, and a decreased C4 level a 14 mg/dl (Appendix A). The patient’s rheumatoid arthritis factor had been found to be negative with

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Competitor Analysis- Mcdonald's Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Competitor Analysis- Mcdonald's - Research Paper Example It operates correspondingly through a chain of restaurants, company operated and franchised across the world. Michael Porter presented a framework for analyzing competitor. The key aspects that Porter discussed are Competitors objective, Competitors assumptions, Competitors strategy and his Capabilities. In simple terms one should analyze his competitor’s strengths and weaknesses to draft his own strategy. Although both the fast food giants belong to the same family, but have specialization in different nature of products served. McDonald’s are famous for their Hamburgers and other’s in the Burger family, while KFC specializes in fried chicken. Both the corporations have the same geographical reach in the world and strong brand recognition. To its added advantage McDonald’s is listed in the NYSE giving it room for more growth through access to an enormous fund pool (McDonald’s Official Website, 2011; Porter, 2004). Toady due to its rapid expansion M cDonald’s have its presence in 119 countries with an employee base above 400,000 worldwide. KFC on the other hand has similar presence but with an employee base little above 25,000. It may be small in size but has been the most successful fried chicken chain in the world. Due to his excellence in chicken products it has not faced any social issues till date. Chicken is the most consumed protein in the world with none social or religious restrictions placed upon it. KFC has faced certain protests from animal rights groups. McDonald’s has also seen the same from these organisations. On the contrary McDonald’s apart from animal rights organisation have witnessed many social and religious obstacles throughout the world. McDonald’s specializes in Hamburgers, but the fact that it is completely banned in Islam, Muslims across the world refuse to eat it. Therefore the company has limited its product range in the Muslim world. Further McDonald’s has faced i ssues with Hindus especially in India who refuse to eat Meat on religious grounds. This again has forced McDonald’s to cut back its product range. None of these issues have been faced by KFC, and hence it has a steady and strong growth trend across the world (KFC Official Website, 2011). KFC is a private corporation and is not listed as McDonald’s; its financial results are unavailable. Still its magnificent power can be witnessed as it is present in almost similar capacity and has maintained its strength in the Fast Food sector all over the world. Based on McDonald’s capacity to capture such revenues and the pace of its expansion, due to exposure to a massive fund pool being listed at the NYSE, it can be said that McDonald’s have overpowered many Fast Food networks on the planet. It can be advocated that KFC’s policy of slow expansion or its ability to have its corporate presence in many countries without being listed, is in itself a remarkable ac hievement. There is a huge possibility that such policy might change and in a situation of a price war between the giants, KFC has definitely the ability to challenge McDonald’s on all fronts. McDonald’s should show resilience in drafting strategies for corporate expansion; as such moves require a lot of investments. In case of any turbulence in the economic environment or KFC’s idea to get listed materializes, it would ring alarms towards McDonald’s to have in its grip a lot of liquidity so should it be in a price war situation with KFC. As McDonald’

Friday, November 15, 2019

The Environment Of Perhentian Island, Malaysia

The Environment Of Perhentian Island, Malaysia For many small islands tourism is economically significant as a source of income and employment. Islands, especially small islands, continue to fascinate and attract tourists, and for tropical Less Developed Countries (LDCs) such as Malaysia with many offshore islands, developers and government planners see the potential to develop resorts. However, what if small islands that already host international tourism, even small-scale such as backpackers? What issues and tensions might emerge as these small island destinations face significant change? Peninsular Malaysia has many small islands off the east coast, they all have become increasingly popular among foreign and local tourist alike. Islands like Perhentian is drawing more and more people to visit and this popularity although good for the economics has brought about a mass tourism phenomenon whereby large amounts of people visit the island at one given time thus crowding the island. This drives the tourism authorities, hotels and t our operators to supply to the demand, focusing more on the mass tourism and the revenue it generates, thus neglecting the environmental degradation that brings about many negative impacts to the island. Many conservation programmes have been since embarked by the tourism authorities after realising the need for protection for the environment but most are just ad hoc and has not been sustained. The Perhentian islands off the east coast of peninsula Malaysia have been a tourism destination since the late 1980s when backpackers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¾discoveredà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ these islands. The two main islands of perhentian have experienced differing forms of development since then, and this island has since attracted more and more visitors to its majestic islands. And this paper examines how mass tourism can affect a particular destination as a result of its popularity. 1.2 Research question What are the effects of mass tourism to the environment of Pulau Perhentian that will be my research question My problem comes with mass and advancing tourism industry and its effect to the natural setting that we have in Perhentian Island. Urbanization is not indeed a problem to anyone, judging by the way everyone is living compared to 20 years back. The convenience to carry out a task is made so simple by so many gadgets, storing, managing and sharing data and information has never been easier after the invention of the internet and so on. Its a virtual world now that we are living in. Tourism is the no 1 hospitality industry in the world, with the advancement of technology in transportation and information transfer. Booking, choosing, travelling and experiencing has never been more easy. But have we ever stop to think what is required for us to experience these holidays? Hotel? Land? Natural resource? , and have we ever taken a step back to think what and how our activities have done to our environment? I am not arguing saying that tourism industry is the main cause of all the pollution and devastation caused. But in this paper I am going to show what some irresponsible stakeholders have done to Perhentian and how our mother nature suffers while watching us frolicking. 1.3 Research objectives Malaysia is a country which embraces its modernity while its tradition and world old charm, together with this is its thriving beauty of the natural setting, the tropical jungles and its diverse ecosystem. Therefore this destination is fuelled by an increasing number of local and international tourists, and with advancement of global communication, the numbers are rocketing up. But with the increasing number of tourist host and suppliers in Malaysia need to cater to the demand thus causing development and urbanization, and thus causing Malaysia to lose much of its land, rain forest, sacrificing endangered species of animals along the way This research has three specific objectives in order to understand the impact of mass tourism to the environment. The first objective is to examine perhentian island which have been affected, the result of these pollutions and to prove that these pollutions are caused by mass tourism activities. The second objective is to understand how government, NGOs and the public are doing to preserve the environment. The third objective is to provide solutions and ideas that can be used for the future of tourism and also preserve the environment at the same time so that tourism and sustainability can coexist without destroying each other. 1.4 Significant of studies This research provides several benefits to the tourism industry , the local community and Perhentian island. This research will help to show how mass tourism has been affecting the natural setting of perhentian island, and the danger that it poses to the endangered species of animals that share the islands warm water and jungles with us. Second, by identifying the cause and effect of the damage to perhentian island, measures can be than taken by local authorities and other government bodies to preserve the remaining of the island and set boundaries and rules which may in return bring back the balance in the ecosystem and the natural setting of perhentian island. Third, by implementing ;travel laws in perhentian , this would help to reduce on the damage that has hit perhentian. And help to preserve the environment and its ecosystem for the younger generation to experience. Lastly, this research also contributes knowledge to sustain the natural setting not only in perhentian but also other destinations in Malaysia that could face the same problem as Perhentian. 1.5 Limitations of studies This research is done to identify the relationships between Mass tourism activity and its direct impact to Perhentian island. Besides that, this research examines the results of such activity and the solutions that can be resorted to in order to maintain a balance. This research is conducted in Perhentian Island, Malaysia. Interviews will be carried out to both local and international tourists who are visiting Perhentian. . The sample size is limited to 100 respondents. As perhentian is a small island 2.0 Literature review 2.1 Mass tourism What is tourism? There is no single definition of tourism which everyone uses. Many definitions have been used over the years, some of which are universal and can be applied to any situation, and others terms for a more specific purpose. Different tourism organisation, for example, often devises definitions that satisfy their own specific requirements. The more universal definition builds on Goeldner and Ritchie (2006) Tourism may be defined as the sum of the processes, activities and outcomes arising from the relationship and the interaction among tourist, tourism suppliers, host governments, host communities and surrounding environments that are involved in the attracting, transporting, hosting and management of tourist and other visitors. Tourism according to the Cambridge online dictionary states that its the business of providing services such as transport, places to stay or entertainment for people who are on holiday. Meanwhile the oxford online dictionary says that its the commercial organization and operation of holidays and visits to places of interest. What is mass tourism Mass tourism is the act of visiting a leisure destination with large amounts of people at one time. The development of mass tourism is parallel to the development and improvements of technology. Transportation and internet has evolved so much in time , making communication fast and easy, this allows tourist to research, find out and book and even pay for their holidays online, this thus contributing to the rise of mass tourism, besides that the improvement in technology in the transportation industry also helps in the transport of large numbers of people in a short space of time to places of leisure interest, so that greater numbers of people could begin to enjoy the benefits of leisure time. Mass tourism has always been the subject of criticism for its negative impacts around the world. Many books point out mass tourisms potentially destructive impacts on societies, culture and environment. Many authors condemned and still condemn this mass consumption and those who enjoy it. Actually the debate over the advantages and the disadvantages of tourism has raged incessantly and will continue. Tourism development in many places, and especially mass tourism, has led to deterioration in environment quality. In the 1960s, the effects of mass tourism and the increasing awareness of the human impacts on the environment led to a general state that nature is not an inexhaustible resource. Relation between environment and tourism Today, one can assist to a high degree of sensibility for the natural environment. The reason is that tourism is the only economical sector that offers natural environment as a very important part of its product. In other words, the natural environment is a key element of the tourism activity. Krippendorf (1982) the landscape is the real raw material of tourism; it is the reason for the existence of tourism as well as its economic driving force. It highlights the fact that tourist product quality is linked with environment quality. This highly dependence between tourism and environment is often used as basic argument to make the tourism industry aware about the negative impacts of mass tourism on the environment. MA European Tourism Management Environment The environment constitutes a tourism resource and has to be considered as a part of the tourism product because no other economic sector is so vitally and directly affected by environmental quality (Mieczkowski, J. 1995). This close relationship or interdependence between tourism and environment, Mieczkowski (1995 ) defines it as the environmental part of tourism Multiple surveys confirm the hypothesis that the quality of natural environment constitutes the primary factors that attracted the present-day tourist (WTO, 1983: 28). So, if tourism wants to survive, it seems imperative to reach this harmony between people and nature. It is the only way to minimize the costs of tourism on the environment and permit the tourist to enjoy undisturbed nature. (Mieczkowski, J. 1995) This symbiotic relation, term used by Budowski (1976) has a name, it is sustainable tourism. Mass tourism creates intense environmental pressures due to the fact that such activity involves a large number of tourists in small areas. Moreover, those pressures are accentuated by the temporal polarization of mass tourism (Shaw, G. and Williams, A. 2002). Hudman and Jackson (2003) acknowledge that coastal resorts are a good example of changing pre-existing forms associated with both the human and physical environment. In Spain, for example, several coastal villages have been changed rather dramatically in the past few years. Travel posters of the area usually highlight the area as it was before tourism. Yet, with the growth of mass tourism, the scattered villages of Torremolinos, Benidorm or Lloret del Mar, and other small villages are no longer recognizable. Lloret de Mar, was among the first in Europe to be developed for mass tourism (Telegraf.co.uk, 2001). More recently, the development of transport facilities such as airlines have permitted to those places to attract still m ore tourists. For example, since the arrival of Ryanair, the low cost airline company, at Gerona airport, the town of Lloret de Mar has become far more accessible, especially to those who maintain a strict travel budget. Mass tourism has a range of impacts of all types on natural environment (e.g. coastal, mountains or inland) but also on built environments (e.g. historic sites or cities). Mass tourism leads to the direct degradation, pollution, even destruction of elements (air, soils, geology, vegetation, water and wildlife) and ecosystems (coastal, mountains, inland and polar) (Mieczkowski, Z. 1995). The main causes are the construction of tourist facilities such as hotel complexes, theme parks and marinas and the concentration of tourists in the same place. The simplest way to view such environmental impacts is to consider mass tourism within specific environments. Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to mass tourism because they represent the most desirable places to spend vacation. In some places such as the Mediterranean, there has been widespread destruction of the ecosystems. It is the marine ecosystem which supports and is affected by mass beach tourism, especially concentrated during the high season (from June to August). The summer months have most sun and they include the longest school holiday period when families take their main vacation. The marine e cosystems suffer from garbage disposal by hotels and littering by tourists, oil spills from cruise ships and other motorized boat traffic, etc. (Mieczkowski, Z. 1995). All the construction of tourism facilities required for mass tourism in coastal areas affects the beach in any ways. Infrastructures are required to cope with the large volume of consumers in a short period of time (Shaw, G. and Williams, A. 2002) Why did mass tourism happen Mass tourism appears after the World War II, it was initiated in the back streets of the industrial towns and cities in the north of England. The development of mass tourism in the western world was linked to the economic development of society and as a matter of fact to the incorporation of a more powerful middle and lower class inside the tourist market. This expansion has been based on external factors such as generalisation of paid holidays, rising standards of living and a rapid improvement in the means of transportation such as the increase in air travel. The growth of such tourism represents a democratisation of travel and this democratisation means that status distinctions will be drawn between the different classes of traveller, but less between those that can travel or not. Increase in car ownership Increase in leisure time: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ holiday entitlement à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ shorter working week à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ early retirement with pensions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ ageing population Greater wealth: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ larger incomes à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ less children à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Two wage-earner families Motorways Jet aircraft Computer reservation systems Internet on-line booking The package tour The package tour, also called package holiday, package travel or all-inclusive package are often standardised and with limited flexibility. The package refers to the purchase of a package of travel services including transport and accommodation. All other types of trips are non-package tours. When buying a package, the tourist feels sure to receive the service promised. Today, the industry tourism has adapted its offer to the customer needs and expectations and proposes tailor-made packages where the customer can combine all the components of his trip. The idea of the package tour is the same but more flexibility is granted Weekend breaks Ecotourism Technology Popularity of the certain place Trend What are the effects? The impact of the mass tourism is quite popular, especially upon the environment. Besides, very limited share of money spent on holidays actually get to the local people, which regional and native cultural attractions we all enjoy. These are the people who actually save the traditions and habits of their local areas. The people, who allow us to catch a glimpse of their cultural heritage, they are who have preserving and taking care of the un-spoiled nature for all of us. Maybe many of the people are used to think that big tour operators and large travel consortiums have a responsibility to preserve that local cultural heritage and environment. But they are only concerned about their profit and nothing else. But if one do not look a bit further in future and see that this way, one day there would not be many remaining tourist resources and gains will start descending fast. Unfortunately, this will affect no one so greatly, but the locals. After all, alternative tourism forms include s mall groups of people, who surely do not harm the environment that much. Besides, if not familiar, as I am sure most of them are, one of the aims of the alternative tourism forms is to acknowledge how to preserve the environment and local traditions and culture. Actually, some alternative forms are meant to enable man to appreciate the greatness of nature, a great such example is the eco-tourism. However, it is totally different situation in some big resorts with thousands of people running around and a lot of hotels keeping the beautiful nature views away from your sight. Of course, there are many ways of entertainment in view of the tourists animation, nightlife, and other. But is it not exactly that what we are running from? Could great nightlife and various animations with the difference they are at different place, compare with the variety of all alternative forms; to compare with the naked nature and cultural heritage? Advantage 1) Jobs are generated by tourism in many areas in the initial construction of the resorts, in travel, in food provision and in other service related industries. 2) Local people benefit directly from employment 4) Transport facilities are developed 5) The local tax base increases so the local government/council can invest in schools, healthcare and social services. DISADANTAGES 1) TNCs (Trans National Corporations) from rich countries are often involved this can result in a lot of profits leaving the country. 2 Jobs can be seasonal especially in beach and skiing based resorts. people can therefore find themselves out of work in the close season. 3) Tourists consume huge amounts of resources including food and water this type of tourism is particularly UNSUSTAINABLE in this manner. 4) Tourists introduce new values and cultures this causes cultural pollution. 5) Land is lost from farming to tourist developments. Example of a place affected by mass tourism For years Bali, the pearl among the Sunda Islands, has been touted as an earthly paradise, thanks to the its tropical landscapes, its white sandy beaches, the tormented beauty of its Hindu temples and its inhabitants reputation for kindness and tolerance. But this idyllic spot may soon be a thing of the past, with the threat of Bali becoming a prey to the accumulated effects of mass tourism, unbridled consumption of resources and environmental collapse. From the 1970s onwards Bali really became a tourist destination. Hundreds of hotels use up a large share of freshwater reserves,with each four-star room consuming 300 litres a day. By 2015 Bali could be facing a drinking water crisis. More than a million visitors came to Bali in 2001. The figures for 2011 suggest that numbers have more than doubled since, ultimately unaffected by the 2002 terror attack, which left 202 dead, including many Australians. Every year 700 hectares of land is lost to hotels, luxury housing for rich foreigners or just roads to improve connections on the island. Every day some 13,000 cubic metres of waste is dumped on public tips and only half is recycled. With 13% more cars on the roads every year, the steadily increasing traffic causes massive jams. In an attempt to mitigate the ill effects of mass tourism on the local Hindu culture , an exception in largely Muslim Indonesia , the authorities have introduced environmental legislation. One of its provisions makes it compulsory for resorts to be set back at least 150 metres from beaches, with no hotels within 5km of Hindu temples. In January 2011, the governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, issued a ban on new buildings in heavily developed areas, warning that Bali was in danger of becoming a sterile land bristling with concrete. The ban is far from popular with investors. Tourism is partly due to the attraction of our culture: if mass tourism develops in a way that threatens the culture, and this will result in the locals losing their specific attraction. Compared with other holiday venues in south-east Asia, Bali has retained much of its magic, at least in the areas so far spared by mass tourism. But if nothing is done to halt current trends, it may suffer the same fate as other dream destinations. 2.2 Perhentian Island Asia-Pacific is one of the worlds fastest growing tourism areas in terms of international arrivals, especially in the South-East Asian sub-region with booming tourism in established destinations such Thailand (14.1 million international arrivals in 2009) and newer, emerging destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos (UN WTO, 2010). The focus of this paper, Malaysia, also has a growing international tourism sector with 24.6 million international arrivals in 2010 generating over US $18.2 billion in receipts, and contributing at least seven per cent of GDP (MOTOUR, 2011). 4International arrivals data to Malaysia is disaggregated according to country of origin and not by market segment so it is unknown how many backpackers visit, but one estimate suggests at least 300,000 per year (Ian and Musa, 2005). Within the emerging South-East Asia backpacker trail, the Perhentian islands are one of the hotspot sites in northern peninsula Malaysia. Typically, backpackers enter Malaysia from so uthern Thailand (or travel north from Singapore) and then journey in a circuit between Penang via the Cameron Highlands and then to the east coast specifically to visit the Perhentians. Backpackers often stay on islands or at other beach resorts as mini break from harder travelling within their larger trips around the region. The Island of Perhentian Not less than an hour on a boat from the east coast of Malaysia, Northeast of Peninsular Malaysia, nearby the city of Kota Bharu, there are two small islands that form the Perhentian Islands. The names are Perhentian Besar, the larger of the two and popular among couples and families with children, and Perhentian Kecil, the smaller island and very popular among budget travelers. Both the islands have plenty of accommodation available to stay overnight. This ranges from luxurious resorts that offer cabanas complete with air-conditioning, to simple lodges where you will have to do with cold water and a fan. There are no (internationally renowned) hotels. Perhentian is most popular because the great places for diving and snorkeling; in most cases you can enjoy the underwater world right in front of the resort. It is also very popular because the island is easy to reach; though during the monsoon season (October to March) practically the whole island is closed to tourists. As Perhentian Island is part of a marine park visitors have to pay a conservation fee of RM5. The island is situated about 20 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. http://divezone.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/perhentian-islands-map.gif http://go2travelmalaysia.com/tour_malaysia/images/perhentian_map.gif The Perhentian Islands are two islands named Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Large Perhentian Island). The Malay name Perhentian is translated as place to stop and this is exactly what these two islands were for traders travelling between Malaysia and Bangkok in years gone by. These islands are still a gorgeous place to stop and rest today. The laid-back atmosphere and the natural beauty of the Perhentian islands immediately transport you to a different world. The white sand is dotted with sun-worshipping holiday makers, some retreating to the shade for a glass of freshly squeezed juice. A group of scuba divers are boarding a boat to venture out into the turquoise waters and submerge themselves in the underwater wonderland. Later, as the sun sets, a quiet buzz of music and chatter fills the air, together with the thin wisp of smoke from the barbeque fire. The islands remain relatively untouched and the only permanent inhabitants live in a small fishing village on Perhentian Kecil. Apart from footpaths that cut through the jungle, there are no roads on the islands. The only way to get around is by walking through the jungle or taking a sea taxi. If you tread carefully, you may even encounter some of the islands shy wildlife on the way, such as monitor lizards, fruit bats, squirrels or even the elusive mouse deer. Simple chalets and some moderately luxurious resorts line the picturesque beaches along with restaurants, dive centers and boat operators advertising their services with hand-painted signs. Perhaps it is the stretches of white beach or the crystal clear water and the superior scuba diving. Perhaps it is the untouched forests or the relaxed atmosphere and unspoiled charm. We like to think that the lush greens and the wildlifes habiting the island makes Perhentian Islands the perfect place to relate ecotourism adventure tourism. Activities In the island Attractions in Perhentian island are all nature based, ranging from snorkeling to scuba diving and jungle treeking. All eager to teach tourist about the ecosystem that surrounds the island. These islands have been gazette as a marine park and as such littering, fishing and collecting of any marine life (whether dead or alive) is strictly prohibited. As it is a marine park, this also means that the rich diversity of aquatic life has been preserved and it is beautiful to experience. Snorkelling Perhentian is famous for its great snorkeling possibilities. A lot of resorts on the island have their own house reef. This means that you can snorkel directly in front or within walking distance of your resort. On the Perhentians there are dozens of diving schools. There, you can rent diving goggles, an air tube and flippers for a small fee (usually around RM15 per day). With this equipment you can snorkel in front of your bungalow. Sadly the fish in front of the resorts often are very spoiled. This means that, as soon as you are in the water you will be surrounded by small (and sometimes also large) fish that expect you to feed them. Also, the coral reefs near the resorts usually are less beautiful, because boats regularly pass by to drop people off at the resort. Some of the popular spots for snorkeling are Shark Point, Teluk Pauh and Tanjung Basi. If you are lucky, a combination of these stops may mean that you see a turtle, some black tip reef sharks and an abundance of colourfu l coral all in one. But the sheer amounts of visitors and careless practices have resulted in damage to the coral and consequently the marine life around the islands rip. Scuba Diving Many tourists visit Perhentian Island to enjoy a couple of great dives. As there is fierce competition between operators diving at the island is relatively cheap, usually ranging between RM60 and RM80 per dive. Diving at Perhentian is especially for beginners as there are almost no currents and visibility is almost always fine. There are better places to dive in Malaysia, but almost none of them are so affordable and easy to reach as on Perhentian. Marine life is in abundance here and apart from the many species of hard and soft coral that form the backbone of these ecosystems you can also expect to encounter turtles, several species of sharks, mackerel, jacks, moray eels, nudibranchs and various other reef fish. This gives a chance for ecotourist to learn about marine life in their natural habitat and to learn how not to spoil their habitat. Jungle Trekking On both the islands there are a number of hiking trails, there are no roads however. The trails are light and usually dont take more than 30 minutes to complete. Perhentian is too small to spot real wildlife, but there are monitor lizards, monkeys, fruit bats and some species of birds on the island. Because walking in the heat is not very pleasant for many, you can take water taxis to return to your resort after the hike. When going to secluded locations, come to an agreement on the pickup for the return trip. Tropical forest covers the greater part of the Perhentian Islands and a few trails that twist through the greenery allow you to explore the diversity of plant life. Tread quietly and you may just meet a few of the islands animals along the way. Monitor lizards are in abundance, as are numerous species of insects and birds. If you are lucky, you may even spot a group of long-tailed macaques (a type of monkey). The elusive mouse deer is also said to inhabit the island, but these tiny animals are rarely seen. Perhentian a conservation island ? In line with the conservation effort Perhentian Island has Marine Parks as Marine Park are ideal places for viewing the rich aquatic life that abound in Malaysias water. There are 5 marine parks and tourist wishing to visit these parks must take note of regulations. A Marine park is an area of the sea zoned as a sanctuary for the coral reef community which is considered as possibly the most productive ecosystem in the world, with its diversity of flora and fauna. Coral reefs are also important breeding and nursery grounds for many commercially important species of marine organisms and fish. Among the objectives of the Marine Park and Marine reserves are: Preservation and protection of coral reef areas from the impact of development. Upgrade and preserve the natural habitat of endangered species of aquatic life. Establishment of zones for preservation of the aquatic flora and fauna and also for the purpose of research and educational activities. Establishment of zones for recreational uses consistent with the carrying capacity of the area. With the establishment of the Marine Park, the benefits are as follows, the ecosystem and habitat of marine life will be protected and maintained, besides that it will also help in rejuvenation of over exploited zones and their maintenance for the protection of endangered species of marine organisms, and establishment of zones for research and educational purposes. Perhentian and mass tourism The growth of tourism changes and modifies the environment. Environment is land, water, air, flora and fauna, but also people and culture and the impacts of tourism are reflected on elements of the natural environment as well as on the man-made environment or built environment (development of environments for tourism as for example holiday resorts). The development of tourism requires the existence of an infrastructure, as well as hotel accommodation and another facilities specific to tourism. In some areas highways and airfields have been constructed to make stimulate tourism but not always has the local population benefited from these developments. Infrastructure and facilities require land and the consequence is that land prices rise in the areas were tourism is developing What are the effects so far? The Perhentian Islands are fast taking the middle ground of the tourism industry. Not big enough for runways and golf courses like its neighbour Redang Island, tourism comes in two main forms backpackers on Pulau Kecil and weekenders on Pulau Besar. There are only a couple of high-priced resorts, while the bulk of the accommodations cater to the mid-range crowd. Only two decades ago, Perhentian was considered a well-kept secret; now the beaches are chock-a-block full of resorts, chalets, dive shops and cafes. Back in 1985 less than ten chalets occupied the coastline of both islands, but a buildin

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Th Future of Hip Hop Essay -- Hip Hop Music, Total Chaos

From its conception in the 1970's and throughout the 1980's, hip hop was a self-contained entity within the community that created it. This means that all the parameters set for the expression came from within the community and that it was meant for consumption by the community. Today, the audience is from outside of the community and doesn’t share the same experiences that drive the music. An artists’ success hinges on pleasing consumers, not the community. In today's world, it isn’t about music that rings true for those who share the artists' experiences, but instead, music that provides a dramatic illusion for those who will never share the experiences conveyed. This has radically changed the creative process of artists and the diversity of available music. Most notably, it has called in to question the future of hip hop. In Total Chaos, Jeff Chang references Harry Allen, a hip hop critic and self-proclaimed hip hop activist. Harry Allen compares the hip hop movement to the Big Bang and poses this complex question: â€Å"whether hip-hop is, in fact a closed universe-bound to recollapse, ultimately, in a fireball akin to its birth-or an open one, destined to expand forever, until it is cold, dark, and dead† (9). An often heard phase, â€Å"hip hop is dead,† refers to the high occurrence of gangster rap in mainstream hip hop. Today’s hip hop regularly features black youths posturing as rich thugs and indulging in expensive merchandise. The â€Å"hip hop is dead† perspective is based on the belief that hip hop was destined to become the model of youth resistance and social change. However, its political ambitions have yet to emerge, thus giving rise to hip hops’ criticisms. This essay will examine the past and present of hip hop in o... ... in which the expansion never ends, but all vitality is lost. The past shows us that hip hop has transformed and evolved; it doesn’t have to end and it doesn’t have to lose its momentum. Works Cited Chang, Jeff. Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip-hop. New York: BasicCivitas, 2006. Print. Farley, Christopher J. "Rapper Nas Says Maybe Hip Hop Isn't Dead After All." Wall Street Journal, 20 May 2010. Web. Merwin, Scott. "From Kool Herc to 50 Cent, the Story of Rap -- so Far." Pittsburgh Post- Gazette, 15 Feb. 2004. Web. Nas. 2006. â€Å"Hip Hop is Dead.† Hip Hop is Dead. Def Jam Recordings. Nas. 2006. â€Å"Hope.† Hip Hop is Dead. Def Jam Recordings. Rose, Tricia. The Hip Hop Wars: What We Talk about When We Talk about Hip Hop - and Why It Matters. New York: BasicCivitas, 2008. Print. Williams, Saul. 2004. â€Å"Telegram.† Saul Williams. Fader Record Label.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Handmaid’s Tale †the character of Offred Essay

Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale houses a very authentic range of characters, in a complex world. Set in the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian and theocratic state, where a reproduction rate is rapidly decreasing, some women are labeled as handmaids and assigned to elite couples that have difficulty conceiving. The personality of one character in particular, however, may seem hasty and misunderstood at first glance. But given the circumstances, she proves to hold the values of humanity: she has her own set of opinions, flaws, and habits; has regrets; and a balance of courage and fear. Furthermore, the setting this character must survive in is not much different from today’s society. The government is deemed corrupt, fear of punishment is instilled, and the leaders ensure that the citizens adhere to the law. Finally, the aid and support that she receives, the faith and hope she has, and the development of friendships she makes also has a likeness to ordinary relationships in our world. Hence, the novel’s protagonist, Offred is a relatively relatable individual, especially in terms of her character, her surroundings and her supporting roles. Offred conveys a sense of reality in her personality as she is not perfect and has her own set of opinions, flaws, and habits. For instance, Offred has many moments and flashbacks where she reminisces about her past. This implies that she has regrets and obstacles in her life, just as every human being does. When Offred describes her appearance, albeit briefly, it signifies the insecurities that she keeps bottled up inside â€Å"I am thirty-three years old. I have brown hair. I stand five seven without shoes. I have trouble remembering what I used to look like. I have viable ovaries. I have one more chance† (Atwood, 143). Had she been proud of what she looked like, she most likely would have gone into more detail, but the lack of words plainly states that she thinks nothing special about herself. At one point that she mentions that she does not like to look at herself in the mirror. This shows that she does not look at her self as superior and she is also self-conscious of her own appearance. She also possesses a certain attributes that any person would possess; she is rebellious and disobedient in constricting situations. This is what makes her more interesting and what sets her apart from the rest. Although Moira, Offred’s best friend, was an even more revolutionary character, she seemed too daring to be true. A real life person would not be likely to pull off stunts that Moira had accomplished, for example escaping from the Red Centre â€Å"She had both hands on the lid when she felt something hard and sharp possible metallic jab into her ribs from behind. Don’t move, said Moira, or I’ll stick it all the way in, I know where, I’ll puncture your lung†, â€Å"I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get out of the Center. In that brown outfit I just walked right through. I kept going as if I knew where I was heading, till I was out of sight† (Atwood, 130, 244). Offred had just enough courage and just enough fear to seem realistic. Keeping these points in mind, it is clear that Offred could have been an ordinary character in our society. The Republic of Gilead, as strange as it may seem, actually has some similarities to the modern day and this is primarily seen by Offred’s response to its laws and regulations that they instill. To her, the government appears as corrupt as most governments in this world, and dictators still thrive, just as they do in Offred‘s society. Offred responds to this by doing nothing, which would be the decision of most people if forced to live under these conditions. The leaders of Gilead, after all, employ obedient enforcers to make sure that citizens abide by their laws. She mentions this in the book when she retells how the changes in her nation started. She describes in full length that she, along with all women in the U. S. , were forced from their jobs by men in uniform carrying machine guns â€Å"Not fired, he said. Let go. You can’t work here anymore, it’s the law† (Atwood, 176). The fear of punishment is instilled, akin to the terrors of being imprisoned or given a death sentence in our world. Penalties are dreaded so much in Gilead, for most of the time they are unjustly given out and they vary from hanging to ‘Salvaging’; which is being beaten to death â€Å" The three bodies hang there, even with the white sacks over their heads looking curiously stretched, like chickens strung up by the necks in a meat shop window; like births with their wings clipped, like flightless births, wrecked angels† (Atwood, 277). Offred ultimately responds passively, on account of this fear, and because liberal ways are shunned in Gilead. Margaret Atwood was right in not giving Offred any extraordinary abilities to surpass or overthrow the tyrants that ruled over her life as it would result in a loss of Offred’s relatable self. Relationships with other people are a necessity of life that defines human existence. As Offred progresses with day-to-day life, she develops these friendships, which ensure that she exists. The friends and allies that she made were essential for keeping her sanity intact because without any shoulders to lean on in times of sorrow, a person’s mental capacity could break. Amongst her friends were Cora, whom Offred was not very close with but did not have any tension with, Ofglen, Moira, her best friend, and Nick, the Commander’s chauffeur that Offred opens up to and confides in towards the closure of the story. Offred frequently finds herself seeking support and knowledge in people who share the same beliefs and opinions as her, most significantly from Ofglen and Moira. This portrays the doubts about her world that she holds: another human quality. From Ofglen, she realizes that she is not alone in thinking that their country is corrupt and that something must be done to change things â€Å"At last Ofglen speaks. â€Å"’Do you think God listens,’ she says, ‘to these machines? ’ She is whispering: our habit at the Center†(Atwood, 168). However from Moira, Offred finds out that escaping from their strict nation is not as easy as she had thought, as Moira could not even arrive at such a courageous feat. Without her supporting roles, Offred could have been an ignorant citizen in Gilead that was brainwashed into believing every word that the government fed them. If that were the case, Offred’s connection to the readers would have been lost. Furthermore, Offred turns to hope and faith to console her and help her to move on with life. Just as her friends helped her, these virtues aided in protecting her wellbeing; though forced, since she had nothing else to look to. The hope that Offred’s husband is still alive is very similar to the feelings of families in modern day society that pray for the safe return of their lost, loved one from war or other degrees of separation. Faith is introduced to Offred when she acknowledges the pillow in her room with the word ‘faith’ printed on it â€Å"There’s a hard cushion on it, with a petit point cover: FAITH, in square print surrounded by a wealth of lilies† (Atwood, 57). The fact that it is something she can read implies that there is still hope, as not everything has been taken away from her. This knowledge strengthens her belief that change will come, though subconsciously since Offred never mentions it. The faith that she puts into the Commander also ties into the trust she gives him when playing games, reading magazines and when he brings her to Jezebel’s â€Å"He wanted me to play Scrabble with him†, â€Å"He sits me down, and sits himself down beside me. He puts an arm around my shoulder† (Atwood, 144, 236). Trust is a very common issue that people have trouble giving out. But in examining these elements it is clear Offred’s confidantes have impacted her life and how they make her into a real character. The Handmaid’s Tale is appealing due to its main character, Offred, who shows a great deal of realism in a world of impossibilities. Her character itself is strong-willed, but moderate, and is the perfect mix of what it is to be human. Through her, many of the readers can see a bit of themselves in Offred. She is an excellent example of how a regular person would behave if they were thrust into the world of The Handmaid’s Tale.