Importance of Understanding Cultural Diversity Essay

Cultural and Ethnic diversity continues to impact day to day life making diversity in the workplace more common. Diversity refers to the qualities that are different from our own and can include race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, background and much more. Not only does diversity involve how people identify themselves, but how they perceive others as well, which, in turn, can affect their interactions in a culturally diverse work environment. Accepting and understanding the differences of any culture, and embracing diversity can reduce conflict and help team building in the workplace. â€Å"Different voices of a diverse workforce are respected and heard (Bell, 2007, p.5).† Recognizing and understanding cultural differences in the workplace is just the beginning. Subordinate groups opinions that have developed over time may cause defensive and cautious behaviors and attempting to bridge the gap between dominant and subordinate groups could provide better communication. Managers and supervisors need to strive for a deeper knowledge and understanding of cultural differences. By establishing relationships at work with individuals different from yourself, you can begin to learn the knowledge that culture may have to offer your organization. Prejudice and prejudgment also need to be addressed including the misconceptions based on cultural values or stereotypes. For example, it may be thought that men work harder at their jobs and are more committed than women, or that younger employees have no motivation to work, or even that a Jamaican employee is lazy because of his/her laid back culture. A manager can become a role model for all employees to embrace cultural diversity in the work place by confronting these prejudgments. â€Å"Managing diversity is a comprehensive managerial process for developing an environment that works for all employees (Bell, 2007, p8).† The majority of nursing homes have come to realize that employees from various ethnic and cultural back-grounds, as well as those of different gender can bring a completely different perspective. It is becoming more important to have an understanding of different cultural backgrounds since there are more and more patients being cared for in this country with very different cultural backgrounds. At the same time it is essential that the nursing unit is running smoothly and that patient care is the highest priority. Misunderstandings regarding culture or ethnic background can impact the patient’s care and his/her perception of treatment. There has to be a balance of different cultures, ethnicities and genders so it is important to keep in mind the importance of making the units as diverse as possible when hiring healthcare staff. In order for employees to feel comfortable in the workplace and achieve satisfaction, education and teaching on culture and diversity is essential. Thanks to the increasing education among nursing staff on cultural diversity, changes are being seen in the nursing profession. The lefty for a day was quite a challenge. Trying to cook dinner, writing, doing homework was all very difficult and I was unable to use the scissors I had since they are specifically made for being right handed. This experience gave me more of an understanding of what it must be like for those of different cultures to adapt in new surroundings and a new appreciation for the challenges faced by those that do not fit into what society considers to be normal. References Bell, M. (40). Diversity in Organizations (2nd ed). Retrieved from http://devry.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781285700878/pages/70644609

Why Did Americans Pass the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act?

During the late 1800s, The Gilden Age was in full effect. After the Decade of Crisis, when thousands of settlers came to the West in search of gold, reconstruction began. While many of these temporary settlers left when the Gold Rush was over, some stayed like the Chinese.They worked on the Transcontinental Railroad, more commonly as replacements for fellow Irishmen, Germans, Englishmen, or Italians who were unreliable for miscellaneous reasons. Tensions rose between the two groups once the railroad was finished in 1869. By 1878, courts ruled that any Chinese man couldn't be naturalized.Americans then passed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 which denied all Chinese the right to American citizenship, even those born in the United States. Americans passed the Chinese Exclusion Act because they resented the competition for work, they had stereotypical hatred toward the Chinese, and they felt exclusion was the Chinese's only protection.Americans passed the Chinese Exclusion Act because they resented the competition for work. When approximately 25,000 Chinese had immigrated to America, about 15,000 of them were employed by the Central Pacific Railroad.After the railroad was finished, many Chinese continued to find work elsewhere within the West. â€Å"Today, every avenue of labor, of every sort, is crowded with Chinese slave labor worse than it was eight years ago. The boot, shoe, and cigar industries are almost entirely in their hands†¦They monopolize nearly all the farming done to supply the market with all sorts of vegetables† (Doc C). After the Fourteenth Amendment was passed, slavery was no longer an issue in all U. S. territories, although Americans saw Chinese labor equivalent to the same threatening competition of slavery from the early 1800s.The Chinese argued that their work was fair, hard, and respectable work that had no resemblance to slavery, and demanded a high market price. â€Å"No one would hire an Irishman, German, Englishman, or Ita lian when he could get a Chinese, because our countrymen are so much more honest, industrious, steady, sober, and painstaking† (Doc D).Americans denied Chinese citizenship and lives in the United States is mere fear of their virtues which were mistaken as vices. Americans passed the Chinese Exclusion Act because they had stereotypical hatred toward Chinese.Many Americans saw the Chinese as pseudo-men, they were short and small with ponytails. The Chinese were also underestimated and seen as uneducated. Document A: Anti-Chinese Play, 1879, The Chinese Must Go, states that a Chinese man thinks white men are foolish for having families and less money for themselves. This document fails to mention that Chinese women were banned from immigrating to the U. S. in 1870, then courts preventing Chinese workers to have families in the America once interracial marriage was banned later on in 1879.Document A also says that a Chinese man reminds Frank B. of his mother's debt of six dollars to himself. In reality, no uneducated man would so boldly denounce their employer for pay, let alone know how much from what month. Not only were the Chinese killed and discriminated against in anti-Chinese violence through your the late 1800s, but America's courts made it nearly impossible for them to pursue happiness. The Chinese Exclusion Act only made this hatred more apparent. Americans passed the Chinese Exclusion Act because they felt that exclusion was the only protection for the Chinese.Within one year of the act being passed the Chinese immigration dropped from 40,000 to 23,000. This difference smoothed out a lot of heat between Americans and Chinese because there were less Chinese â€Å"flocking into our States† (Doc C).Even the Chinese felt the resentment once they were denied any sort of naturalized or natural born citizenship. â€Å"More than half the Chinese in this country would become citizens if allowed to do so, and would be patriotic Americans. But how ca n they make this country their home as matters now are! †¦Under the circumstances, how can I call this my home, and how can any one blame me if I take my money and go back to my village in China? † (Doc D). The Chinese felt more comfortable and protected going back to their homes across the pond than what homes they made in the United States through hard work and opportunity.Document B illustrates Columbia, America's feminine symbol, standing between a group of aggressive Irish and German thugs and a lonely Chinese man who seems to have done nothing to provoke them, other than being Chinese.Artist, Thomas Nast portrays that not only is America trying to stop the anti-Chinese violence, but that the only way the Chinese can protected and safe is separated from the people of America. The Chinese were victims of the later 19th century, who were persecuted for their virtues, not their vices.Americans banned any sort of legal citizenship and immigration to appease the jealous s ociety of the West. The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed because the ignorant and judgmental Americans hated to see someone else do what they did with better ethics and spirits, therefore their aggressive acts resulted in racial exclusion.

Enzyme Reaction Rates Under Different Conditions

Enzyme Reaction Rates Under Different Conditions Introduction In this lab you will observe how the rate of a reaction is changed as certain factors are changed. You will observe how changing factors like temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration changes the rate of an enzymatic reaction. In this experiment you will act as an enzyme by breaking toothpicks witch act as substrates. After observing the results of this experiment you will be able to determine what causes the fastest enzymatic reaction. Methods and MaterialsThe materials needed for this lab are 240 toothpicks and a timing mechanism. To start you should divide your toothpicks into six piles of forty toothpicks. Then you should break as many toothpicks as you can in different time intervals. You should note the amount of toothpicks broken at: 0,10,30,60,120, and 180 seconds. Then you should repeat this process with other factors added in. (In the lab make up we just did a control table) Results For o ur results we took class averages of the various experiments. The class averages are shown in the graph.Graph 1. Class Average Breakdown Discussion/ Conclusion After performing our tests we came to the following conclusions. Increase in enzyme concentration speeds up the enzymatic rate. The reason for this is when you increase the amount of enzymes (enzyme concentration) then you have more enzymes breaking substrates. Since there are more enzymes more substrates will be broken down than if you have less enzymes. Decrease of temperature leads to decrease of enzymatic rate. This is because when you decrease temperature, you decrease energy.Since energy is decreased the speed of the enzymatic rate goes down. Decrease in substrate concentration leads to decrease in enzymatic rate. When the number of substrates goes down the enzymatic rate goes down because since there is less substrate to break down. The farther the pH is from 7 the slower the enzymatic rate is. This is because ionic bo nds (how substrate and enzyme bonds) work better when pH is 7. Through the test preformed I have learned what factors contribute to the enzymatic rate and how they contribute to the enzymatic rate.

Friedrich Nietzeche Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Friedrich Nietzeche - Assignment Example On the other hand, slave morality embraces the standards of what is beneficial to the powerless. The morality holds that the independent and strong people possess evil attributes (211). In effect, the slave morality advances virtues such as humility, sympathy, and kindness. Thus, the two types of morality have remarkable differences. The master morality gives the masters a sense of fullness, including ability, wealth, and power. In this respect, the noble people perceive themselves as the originators of value, and can decide on what is good or bad. Such masters do not need the outside force to affirm their goodness because they believe devotion for greatness is in them (212). Thus, Nietzsche thinks that master morality is superior because it emphasizes strength, freedom, power, and egoism, and concern less with the externals. The morality evokes fear, inflicts suffering, and exploits the people in the lower order. In essence, the masters consider the non-masters in the society contemptible. To them, the non-masters are secondary and insignificant. Nietzsche thinks that religion and democracy fall under slave morality because the two tend to ease the suffering of the people. The expression of the slave morality adheres to the moral standards inherent in religion and democracy. Hence, the religion and democracy exemplify the same ideology as in slave morality. In effect, the religion and democracy exhibit the ideology of herd, majority, and convention contained in the slave morality. Similarly, religion and democracy embrace values such equality, pity, and humility that typify slave morality. Thus, Nietzsche uses the values to classify religion and democracy under the slave morality. In my opinion, relativistic morality cannot be defended. The relativistic morality tends to exaggerate the extent of diversity among cultures. Notably, the superficial differences among the cultures mask the underlying shared agreement. I

Human Resources Re-Engineering Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Resources Re-Engineering - Research Paper Example We are the business." Competitive pressure is the main reason for the above phenomenon. As a point of start, instead of imposing rules, it would fetch a better result if the process is started right from knowing what others (employees) want. Also, according to Ulrich, Smallwood and Sweetman (2007), "Being an effective leader starts with self." Employees should take up the responsibility of streamlining the Human Resources as a business partner and the top management should create the necessary ambience atmosphere. A proper intersection of people and business will certainly yield sustainable human capital resources of the organization, as per Ulrich, Brockbank HR can be linked with profitability metrics. They may either partner with Audit staff or give directions for hiring requirement or they can partner with sales & marketing team and work in designing and negotiating health care programs. In order to carry on this process effectively, develop a leadership program that includes hands of training of all functional disciplines and insist HR staff to receive basic training on financials so that they can understand impact of cash flow, receivables, billing cycles etc. Encourage them to participate in sales strategies, customer visits, technology reviews etc. Hold all members accountable for achieving the company's critical numbers and include HR employees as full business partners. Following is the example of my current company where 5 of the positions can be re-engineered (according to me) to allow for reductions in work force availability. Here are the total 16 total positions currently in our company. General Manager (1 position), Marketing Manager (1 position), HR Manager (1 position), Accounts Lead (1 position), Sales & Marketing (3 positions), Auditing (2 position), Recruiting & Training (3 positions), Payroll Staff (1 position), Accounts Assistants (3 positions). According to the explanation above, HR teams can be partnered with other departments and necessary changes can be made. Recruiting & Training team can be partnered with Sales & Marketing team and gradually, the total 6 positions can be reduced to 4. Clubbing of Recruiting and Marketing team helps in collaboratively working "within the company" & what is needed "outside the company." Auditing staff can be partnered with payroll and accounting staff and the total number may be changed from 6 to 4. This combination is because of the similarity between finance and accounts. My current role is one among a team of 3 in Sales & Marketing. There is a potential chance of my position getting disturbed with the above re-engineering. However, for the overall well being of the company, I feel this is the right approach. Also, as long as I am good performer, my position shall be definitely safe. References The HR Value Proposition by David Ulrich and Wayne Brockbank (2005) The Leadership Code: Five Rules to Lead By by Dave Ulrich, Norm Smallwood, and Kate

Annoted Bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Annoted Bibliography - Essay Example Banks were existing during that time. There were both private and temple banks. Loans were given out to people with houses being collateral while others were just freestanding religious institutions. There was encouragement of to invest his or her capital in vineyards, and if someone would enter this amount as a debt, the owner was to realize a six percent profit. He further reiterates that the investment idea and advice to the Romans show was an indicator of some degree of financial power during that era. People knew that loans are not grants and can be used for investment purposes. People were told to think of the opportunities brought by the invested funds, whether they have received legitimately or as a loan. Many people took a loan to enhance trading and finance their business activities. Before the industrial revolution, merchants formed a huge population that was a foundation of the capital market in the Roman Empire. In the history of Roman Empire, other assets were functioning in place of physical money. Grains and wines are some of the many commodities that were allowed in making payment, facilitating exchange and trading activities, measuring values and wealth of an individual. The use of coins reduced because of such assets in some sectors of the roman economy. During the last days, the empire, it was an important factor in evalua ting impact and nfluence of the ultimate increase in the coin supply. The article remains a great resource in this research, and I will not do without it. Its content is rich, and provides a provocative content that would be detrimental in research

Online Services Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Online Services - Assignment Example The first service is to share and exchange used books. The students are always in need of books whenever they enter a new semester or some new course material is introduced. With the increasing costs of the books, it is becoming difficult for the students to buy new books; rather it is effective and productive idea that students can share the books with each other for example if a student has passed a semester then he can offer them to exchange and share them with others. The second service is the tutoring facilities. In the modern competitive educational systems, many students find it hard to have a sound grasp on many subjects. Professors and experts are needed in order to teach the students. The proposed website will provide the tutoring services and students will easily locate the required experts and they can negotiate with them. The third effective service provided by the proposed website is to help the students’ in doing different kinds of dissertations, assignments, tr anslation and problem solving. Options for online advertising Google ads are one of the most prolific and effective means of advertising. Google ads are given by different companies and business after a certain amount of traffic start coming to your website. In our scenario, the effectiveness of Google ads depends upon the quality of content and services. In the scenario of the website, our service will be advertised on different websites based on the preference we give to the Google ads. Most appropriate choice in this case is to give the Google ads of the website on the student learning outlets like essay help websites, science websites, research based websites, Slide sharing websites and mathematical problem solving websites. Because of these ads, the students will come to know that they can get help from our website in the academic domain and thus the traffic on our website will increase and more people will use our services. Pricing Cost-per-click (CPC) This option is more econ omical because we will only have to pay to Google when someone will click our ad, this we can also maintain a track of our website traffic and can change the package if it is not being proved to be productive. Normally Google charges around 1$ to 1.5$ per click on the ad in this scenario, average cost per click is the best option because the ads can be given different rate depending upon the media outlets. In average cost per click, the cost can get low as compared to absolute click cost. The other option is the geographic advertising known as Google places in which the service is displayed with the exact location. This option has the benefit that the customer can have the confidence that the potential service really exists and he contacts the service provider immediately. The cost of Google places is high and charged in advance by the Google. The packages are given according to the web rankings and the billing is increased when this threshold payment is increased. The initial billi ng threshold is of 50$ which is used for one month and full advertisement is done. After one month, the cost is increased to 200$ but the span of web rankings in increased drastically. In the scenario of the website, the initial package of 50$ is enough. The third option is the banner advertisement and this can be very effective in online educational services website scenario because mostof the students visit popular websites like Yahoo, alta

Document Comentary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Document Comentary - Essay Example Though people with such thinking are in absolute minority, but the fact that they are carrying out the bomb blasts, the killings and the hate campaign in the name of Jihad, has brought a bad name to the Islamic community. While often citing Allah and the Holy Quran, these anti-social elements have put the entire Islamic community on defensive. Though there are Muslim leaders, who have often expressed their opinions against the campaigns carried out by such groups, but it failed to have much impact as there were some others, who have also been assisting the terror elements. The lack of unity amongst the Islamic nations has further aggravated the problem. Many countries in the Gulf nations are economically well off and are the key suppliers of oil to the world community in general. But the fact that these countries are dependent on Europe or America for needs like defence and other strategic requirements. This has compelled Crown Prince Abdullah to come out with a call for unity amongst the Islamic world. The leader with a modern and broad outlook has been trying to emphasise that the Islamic world must use afflictions and catastrophes as opportunities and challenges for making a self scrutiny. The key objective of the document is to seek unity amongst the Islamic nations, to review the happening that are taking place in the name of Islam to find out ways and means for repairing such errors. HRH Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz feels that such an introspection is a must for a broader unity amongst the Islamic nations in general and Gulf nations in particular. The audience includes members of GCC, opinion builders and the media persons attending the conference. While sending across a strong message of solidarity amongst the gulf nations, Prince Abdullah is candid enough to admit the weaker areas lapses being committed by some of the Islamic nation. This has provided covert or overt support to the anti-social elements. The

Memorandum. The intentional infliction of emotional distress case Assignment

Memorandum. The intentional infliction of emotional distress case study - Assignment Example The relevant law to be used in this case is the intentional infliction of emotional distress. In this case, it will be determined whether Mr. Crane should be charged for intentional infliction of emotional distress on Ms. Jeffers. The case has not been filed but it is probable that Ms. Jeffers will sue Mr. Crane for intentional infliction of emotional distress, particularly, his conduct was extreme and outrageous. The law states for the conduct to be extreme and outrageous, the distress must be able to affect the functionality of the plaintiff’s professional or personal life. Several cases have used the law and different interpretations have been given on the outcome of the cases. Mr. Crane’s conduct is probably not extreme and outrageous. This is because the law states that for a conduct to be regarded as extreme and outrageous, the distress is supposed to have a significant impact on the plaintiff’s professional and personal life. Mr. Crane acted out of goodwill and Ms. Jeffers interfered with the conversation between him and Christy. According to the cases discussed, it is evident that prove must be given to indicate that the defendant’s conduct was extreme and outrageous. The law states that for the defendant’s conduct to be regarded extreme and outrageous, it must be outrageous in character and extreme such that it is beyond the degree of decency. The extreme and outrageous behavior may arise from abuse of the individual or from the significant authority given to defendant (or the power he or she possesses) over the other such that he can influence his or her interests. ... Application Mr. Crane’s remarks are not enough to prove that he caused emotional distress on Ms. Jeffers. Based on the second case, it can be argued that Mr. Crane was doing his duty as a â€Å"gymnastics coach† and he knew the strengths and weaknesses of each student. Thus, in his opinion based on the performance of the student, he could give a conclusive statement about the student. Just like Mattix-Hill, conflicts of duties and interests emerged. Though Mr. Crane talked in a harsh tone, this cannot be enough to consider his conduct as extreme and outrageous. In the first case, it is clearly stated that indignities, annoyances, mere insults, petty oppressions, or even threats do not amount to be considered as extreme and outrageous conduct. Ms. Jeffers has not yet claimed that she has suffered emotional distress from the remarks made by Mr. Crane. However, if she claims, it will be important that she prove that the coach caused emotional distress as seen in all the four cases. Th e fact that Mr. Crane talked in an inhumane manner, his conduct can still be regarded as extreme and outrageous if Ms. Jeffers gives sufficient evidence. Thus, Ms. Jeffers can win the claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, Mr. Crane’s conduct is probably not extreme and outrageous.

United States Postal Service Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

United States Postal Service - Case Study Example While analyzing the ergonomic issues the paper mainly focuses on the ergonomic issues that have been addressed in the report. The research conducted method focuses on the methodology part of the report, that is how the required and relevant information about the study has been acquired and the approach that has been undertaken in fulfilling the objective of the study. The ergonomic issues: The report reveals the health hazards that are associated with the work performed at an organization. The ergonomists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) examined the ergonomic hazards that are associated with the particular work and whether that can result in musculoskeletal disorders. The report introduces the musculoskeletal disease that the employees are exposed to due to the kind of work they do. The report identifies the musculoskeletal hazards which arise from the repetitive movements of the upper limb of the employees working in the postal service organization. It not only identifies the problems associated with the work, but also focuses on the causes of the health hazards like forceful grasping of any tools or pinching anything with the help of the tool. For instance, the study reveals that the prolonged period of sitting or standing against a stool can aggravate the disorder. It also gives the measures of avoiding such hazards by suggesting ways such as tilting the seat pan or by maintaining the trunk in the neutral position. (Heta, 1993, p.4) The research Conducted: The research conducted is mainly based on primary observation of a specific ergonomic situation in a government organization. The report takes into account a case of the employees of the Denver general Mail facility. The health hazards has been analyzed and discussed in the paper. The paper identifies each kind of work that is being performed in the organization and what kind of health problems this might lead to. Hence an ethical dilemma also arises with respect to workplace. The paper adopts a case study based approach where a particular organization and situation has been identified and the discussion and recommendation revolves around it. The human resource aspect of the firm has been addressed in the paper. This is a discussion paper that takes into account several aspect of the issue, like the type of machines, the pace of work and other factors that are required in evaluating the situation properly. The paper after analyzing the problems recommends measures in avoiding those problems. The report also produces a comparative framework against working situations of the General Mail Facility (GMF) at Denver and Virginia. (Heta, 1993, pp.5-8) The Findings and recommendations: The findings of the paper revolve around the musculoskeletal disorder that the employee has to face as a res ult of their sitting postures and standing postures while working. In case of mail casing it has been found out that the work needs repetitive operations hence the organization has rightly provided the workers with the tilt chair facility. The report notes that the sit and stand stool provided to the employee rightly serves the purpose as it can be adjusted and accommodated accordingly. The report reveals that the works which are associated with the automatic mail processing machines requires frequent stooping which puts the employees in the danger of low back injury, hence a height size has been recommended to avoid the problem of low back

Graphic Novel vs Movie Essay Example for Free

Graphic Novel vs Movie Essay Books that have become sources of scholarly learning have been categorized under these titles to make the field sound more appropriate than comic book, which could be mistakenly perceived by others as something that may be childish or adolescent. Such a thing would cost the literature its’ credibility and cause people to lose sight of what is really important, the content. So why is there such a sudden sense of acknowledgment on the academic end? This type of literature has never been sophisticatedly observed up until recent times. More and more complex stories have been using this form as their outlet. Reading and comprehending the world of comics has evolved into quite the mental task that is not as basic as pictures and words. Most graphic novels/narratives (GN) are basically composed of frames and gutters, which call reader’s attention visually and spatially to the act, process, and duration of interpretation. GN use the artwork to help narrate the story. This leaves an important part of translation up to the artist. GN offer an intricately layered narrative language (the language of comics) that include the verbal, the visual, and the way the two both interact on the page. The world of GN are so complex that books have been dedicated to understanding them. Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics(1993) was used as a medium for comics. It defined comics as â€Å"a medium using words and pictures for reproduction. † This guide may have proved useful before but now the field has evolved into longer more elaborate and complex books rather than your old traditional comics. Some of the more recent GN drawing attention include Watchmen and V for Vendetta. Both of which are written by Alan Moore who is recognized as a major graphic novelist of our time. In a interview Moore once stated about GN that â€Å"Its a marketing term that I never had any sympathy with. The term comic does just as well for me. † Alan Moore is recognized as one of the famous comic writers in the history of the genre. Few writers in the field can compare to his level of success. Moore was born in North Hampton, England on November 18th, 1953. He was also raised in North Hampton and still lives there to this day. Moore considers himself an â€Å"anarchist† and you see him express this in his writings. Moore is popular for creating alternate universes of actual history. He does this by placing several of his stories in alternate histories, meaning that many details to the time period are accurate, but some event has been changed. This is seen in Watchmen and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Watchmen is set in an alternate history during the presidency of Richard Nixon. The story includes other altered historical events such as the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy and the Vietnam War. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen alters history such that England landed on the moon in 1901. These alterations of history are one of the signatures Moore is most popular for. They often have political meanings behind them and are a way for Moore to subliminally express his own personal thoughts and feelings in his stories. His popular works also include From Hell, Swampthing, and V for Vendetta. Moore is such a distinguished writer that many of his works have been targeted for adaptation into film. Comics and GN have long been major targets for films. They are often very popular and draw a large fan base of readers that are eager to see a version of their favorite comic book characters brought to life. A major popular string has been categorized as â€Å"Superhero Films†. All these films are comic book adaptations onto the big screen. Some the pioneers of this type of film were the Adventures of Captain Marvel(1941), Batman (1943),Captain America(1948) and Superman (1948). This was just the first generation of comic adapted films. The trend would continue through the years. The decade where these films would pick up and become most popular in would be the 2000s. The list of adapted comics and GNs were endless. X-men(2000),Spider-Man(2002), Daredevil(2003),The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen(2003),Hulk(2003), Catwoman(2004), Hellboy (2004),Ghost Rider ( 2007),Iron Man (2008) and Watchmen(2009). Sequels to many of these would also come out after a successful first film. The decade of 2000 was a major generation for comic adaptation. Several of these were graphic novels. The biggest box office hits were the traditional Superhero films such as The Dark Night which brought in $533. 3 million dollars followed by the wall crawler in Spider-man which brought in $403 million. The films actually based off books categorized as graphic novels didn’t do so bad as well. Frank Miller’s 300 made number 10 on the list of the top 50 comic book movies in history by bringing in $210. 6 million. The very same director, Zack Snyder, whom directed 300 also directed Watchmen. In his second major adaptation of a graphic novel Snyder didn’t due to shabby, Watchmen brought in $107. 5 million and was considered to be a pretty true representation of the graphic novel (it’s was the original source). Other graphic novels that made it into the top 50 include Sin City, Hellboy, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and V for Vendetta. The latter two were both original works of Alan Moore. Alan Moore hasn’t exactly had the greatest history with directors, especially with the ones being paid to adapt his films. Whether the director of the film was very distinguished or even a fan of Moore’s work it did not gain him any more cooperation on Moore’s end in the adaptation to film. Zack Snyder who was both well distinguished and a fan of Moore’s mentioned in an interview about the making of Watchmen When I arrived to do the movie and I said to the producer So when do we call Alan and he said Never. He doesnt want to talk about it, Snyder said. Moore has refused to cooperate since he felt Hollywood butchered his last novel The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The film itself was a success and Moore was still left unsatisfied. Moore has had several conflicts with DC comics and Warner Bros. regarding the film adaptations of his novels. Moore refused to be associated with anything he did not write and told Warner Bros. to keep his name out of any of the films. During a press conference at Warner Bros. about the film adaptation of V for Vendetta producer Joel Silver said that Larry Wachowski had spoken to Moore about the film and that Moore was very interested in what he had to say. This was it for Moore and he asked that his name not be included with anything done in Hollywood. The film version of V for Vendetta opened in theatres on March 17, 2006. The film was directed by James McTeigue and its screenplay was written by the Wachowski Brothers who are well known for their work on The Matrix. Alan Moore was not credited in the movie as he wished. The film version contrasted to its original version in many ways. The film was not an exact translation of its graphic novel, but rather another version of the story with the same type of concept. Alan Moore’s GN was written as a political response to British Thacherism and set a conflict between a fascist state and anarchism. The screenplay written by the Wachowski Brothers kept the theme of the film as a political expression that also involved anarchy but chose to incorporate more current political issues in the film. The film involved many of the same characters and plots from the graphic novel. The actress cast in the role of Evey Hammond was Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving was chosen to play V. The graphic novel was set in the early 1990’s while the movie chose to set itself in the near future between the years of 2028 and 2038. That alone would leave many differences in setting and technology between the GN and film. My Analysis of the film†¦To be continued..

La Live Dance Concert Essay Example for Free

La Live Dance Concert Essay One of the remarkable dancing show that I have seen during the semester is the dance show called â€Å"Flower of the Season†. The dance show contains four pieces and each of the piece was performed by different performers- â€Å"Kudzu† choreographed by Kim Nakakura, â€Å"Lupin† choreographed by Amnnelien Goetschalckx, â€Å"Grey Stem† choreographed by Cat Westwood, and there was one untitled piece choreographed by Eric Losoya. â€Å" The Flower of the Season† was performed at Electric Lodge. Though I had no idea of how the dancers would be performed, but I was so excited since it was the first time I went to see a dance performance. I expected that I would be so relaxed while watching the gentler poses and saltant performances by the dancers. However, as the show began, I realized this was not a kind of dance show I had been imagined. The first piece began with the performer standing at the entrance. While people were passing through the performer and to grab a seat waiting for the show to begin, the performer was still standing at the entrance emotionlessly, and I was wondering if that was a part of the show. After all the audiences had their seats and silently watching the dancer, she finally started to move into the stage extremely slowly. It was funny to me at first, but after the dancer moved to the center of the stage, I was so impressed when I saw her face that was hidden behind her long hair. Her eye was fulled with upset and pain, and then she even began to cry. Although there were limited dancing techniques in the show, the performer successfully conveyed a sense of hopeless to the audiences. Before I can be dispassionate from recollecting the emotions and performances of the dancer in the first piece, the â€Å"Grey Stem† began with the performer rapped by a bag and slowly rolled down from the stair. As she reached to the stage, the dancer was released and began waving her arms as she was swimming in the ocean. The whole piece seemed to illustrate a sorrowful story that a person was abandoned and She was trying to find the way to home without any help from others. At the end of the show, I felt that It was glad to be there. Though the interpretations of the pieces played in the show might vary between the audiences but I enjoyed the whole show would never forget all the impression that I had received from the show.

Midlife Crisis From Crisis To Positive Transition

Midlife Crisis From Crisis To Positive Transition All human beings have to go across different developmental stages of life from womb to tomb. These human development stages are inevitable, very common in all human beings and are not very surprising things in human life. What it is interesting in these developmental stages is that each stage has uniqueness and there are many things that can be studied while human beings of different times undergo differently in different settings. The stages can be varied based on the social structure, culture and norms: there are environmental factors contributing the human development and developmental stages (Papalia et al., 2009). The transitions in the stages are the most interesting stage because it can lead either to positive or negative consequences. According to Golembiewski (1978), he found out that those who are quite aware of this transition can well adapt with the change, having good adjustment while those who are not aware have negative consequences by the transition. Developmental scientists had explained by applying theories that adulthood transition is the major transitional period where physical and psychological changes can be seen obviously. Midlife crisis is the most common that takes attention when we talk about middle adulthood. Papalia et al. states that changes in personality and lifestyle come together to attribute to the crisis, however, whether or not these changes lead to crisis depends on individuals. Hunter and Sundel (1989) speak out that there are some stereotypes about midlife: social problems occur in this period brought about by those midlife persons, especially men. The following are the stereotypes that they presented in their work: Men at middle age are obsolete at work. They have neither sufficient education nor updated technical training to compete with younger, more educated workers. Men at middle age leave (or at least want to leave) their wives for young women. Hunter and Sundel defend that these stereotypes are just myths about transitional crisis in men. They also came up with theories to proof that. These can not be said as myths alone in some settings because the real cases are showing that these are true. There are some other contributing factors that affect these myths. In this paper, I will try to discuss the contributing factors effecting the midlife transition based on human development. In chapter 2, I will try to explore about the subject for better understanding of the definition of midlife and midlife crisis in middle adulthood. In chapter 3, I will try to discuss the two myths which are commonly conceptualized by the people. I would also discuss contributing factors to these myths. Then, in chapter 4, I will conclude by bringing up the subject to social work practice and discuss what and how as social workers can intervene in this transition so that the transition would be smooth. Chapter 2 Understanding of middle adulthood and midlife crisis Middle adulthood There is no universally agreed period of middle age or middle adulthood. Papalia et al. defines middle adulthood in the book Human Development as the years between 40 and 65 but it is said to be not absolutely exact considering the facts that different peoples perception about middle adulthood varies depending on social, cultural and geographical factors. It is also explained that middle age can be a time for decline and loss but also for mastery and growth for the rest of the life. Middle adulthood/age is not decided by the chronological age but rather on the perception of oneself. Midlife crisis The mid life crisis was regarded as second adolescence and a crisis of identity (Papalia et al., 2009). It does not specifically talk about the stress and problems faced in specific age but the main essence of the midlife is that people in middle adulthood face huge transition period where they can encounter stress and problems (Hunter and Sundel, 1989). It is very interesting that Hunter and Sundal provided two different views in discussing midlife crisis; Crisis View and Transition or Non-Crisis View. They explained that the Crisis View is adopted by the crisis model under which each individual experiences a particular type of crisis at each stage of development in a particular chronological age range (p. 14). In Transition view, it is explained that most major life events are expected according to a timetable largely linked to age such as when one is to marry, raise children and retire (p. 19). It implies that the crisis is not necessarily stressed on midlife but can occur in diff erent stages of development. In many of the literature, it is found that the crisis is mainly stressed in men rather than in women although the transition has impacts on both genders. It could be because of the reasons that men are more focused towards self achievement (Papalia et al). It is also found that men are the major participants of research studies of midlife crisis. When this account is taken into consideration, it is hypnotize that gender roles and the shift of gender identity in this stage might also make men more expressive and more obvious to point out. Hunter and Sundel also discussed that why most studies focus on men could be because of the difference between traditional socialization between the two genders where women are more expressive of their emotions while men are potentially more stressful since they are more self-contained. Chapter 3 Discussion on the two myths 1) Men at middle age are obsolete at work. They have neither sufficient education nor updated technical training to compete with younger, more educated workers. Hunter and Sundel argue that middle age are not obsolete at work but they even get higher satisfaction with their job comparing to younger generations. They claim that there are even more men at middle age who appear to be workaholics and the midlife persons normally hold the managerial levels. However, it would depend on the nature of job and the productivity that the job demands. Considering the facts that job opportunities nowadays are scarcer and more competitive than before, employers and businessmen naturally tend to employ more productive with lower pay. One can not completely claim that the myth is not true but a stereotyping. The advancement of Information Technology is also a spokesperson in this account. It is obvious that younger generations are better than the middle age persons in these days. In the professions related to the advance technology might very possibly favor younger generations. It is true that middle age persons have more life experience in problem solving, taking things under control in a mature way. One can not just claim that the middle age persons are obsolete at work and they can not compete with younger generations. To a certain extent the myth is true. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010) also reported in their survey that unemployment rate in middle adulthood had declined. However, the generatively of middle age persons in this stage should be appreciated. 2) Men at middle age leave (or at least want to leave) their wives for young women. In the discussion of Hunter and Sundel, they argue that marital unfaithfulness is not caused by the transition to middle age but because of poor marriage and unhealthy marriage. According to gender identity shift as explained by Papalia et al., men tend to have intimate relationships in this transition. It is assessed according to Hunter and Sundel that for those men who can not fulfill their needs with within their marriage life because of poor marriage, they tend to leave (or want to leave) their wives to satisfy their needs of intimate relationship with younger women. The personality theories by Erickson, 1902-1994 as cited by Boeree (2006) explains this myth with the seventh stage of the developmental stages which talks about the crisis: Generatively vs Self absorption or Stagnation. This explanation tends to prove that the myth about men wanting to leave their wives for extramarital affairs. In the clarification of this theory done by Boeree, he explains that when people arrives this stage, they sometimes look at their lives and ask themselves about their meaning of life which more often leads men to have affairs. The myth, men leave or want to leave their wives depends on the personality of individuals and other environmental factors such as marriage satisfaction and social norms. Whether or not one successfully overcomes the crisis is an answer. Chapter 4 Conclusion As helping professionals, social workers need to be aware of the situation of midlife crisis and how it can affect individuals and the environment. Hunter and Sundel (as cited in McGill, 1980, p. 267) explained that many men in mid-life experience events which cause them to dramatically and significantly change their personality and behavior. There are challenges and difficulties during the transition of midlife. For men, according to gender role, who are stereotyped to be the responsible persons for the family may find it more stressful in terms of their job security and in struggling with the developmental needs for intimacy. The so called crisis is a real crisis only if someone can not over come the changes occur in the transition. The crisis can be shaped out to be a positive change. Going back to the myths, the myths are to some extent turn out to be true contributed by different factors. If middle age persons can be able to upgrade and adapt themselves with the speeding advancement, they would be less stressful and be able to make the developmental transition out to be positive change. Similarly, if they are aware of their own developmental needs, if they can build up their personality and enhance marital relationship, they would not need to find their intimacy needs outside the marriage. Social workers may take the role of providing self awareness to middle age persons, at the same time can advice continuous learning.

Judge First: Bite Last Essay -- social issues

Judge First: Bite Last The soccer ball hit the grassy field with a minor thump, while screams centered attention near the goalie’s post. The child’s puny hands showing little resistance to the canine incisors planted deep within his pierced left arm. The Pit Bull only winced his eyes to squeeze the blood laden arm beyond the shattering point. The Pit Bull’s head shaking as a crocodile with morning’s breakfast, forced his meal to lifelessness on the soiled grass. The child’s lame arm dropped, signaling the lost battle. Why do we have a maligned image of the Pit Bull? Pit Bulls strike fear in the hearts of their onlookers. Their body features look similar to that of a Rottwieler, with a blocky head, square body, and clamp-like jaws. Separated only by a leash, an unknown Pit Bull would terrify me. For example, imagine walking down the street and seeing a gentleman walking his Pit Bull. The jingle of dog tags grows louder, revealing a shadow that moves. Its cold stare, combined with unpredictability would bring me to swiftly move to the furthest sidewalk from them. The ability of that dog to bring my body an unexplainable mess is far from what I want to tango with. The carelessness of owners is our greatest source of danger with the Pit Bull. Picture a jogger embarking on his daily exercise. The last of daylight leaves as the sun disappears over the horizon. The man’s body tires as he pushes on down the nearby neighborhood block. Suddenly stopping with large sweat drop...

Free College Admissions Essays: Emerson :: College Admissions Essays

Emerson When I received the criteria for this essay I knew that writing this would be a personal challenge to myself. My motivation and interest in being a journalist is so vast that I knew that I would have trouble squeezing it all into a mere 500 word essay. In addition, I would have to list my experience in journalism. During my high school years I have accumulated so much experience due to the responsibilities bestowed on me, that it would be hard to describe them all. As I entered my sophomore year of high school, our school district had just completed both the new high schools. This was necessary because of the overcrowding within our district. With the new high schools came a new school paper, and with a new paper came new opportunities. That first year was hard, but because of the gumption by my fellow journalists and I, we were able to have a successful inauguration year of The Voice. We received several awards that year for the quality of our paper, and as high school continued The Voice continued to mature with the staff. We learned to work together as a team and how to help each other with our articles. No single person stood out against the other, and no single article could be accredited to a single writer. We all had our own individual responsibilities, but we all stayed those long nights at the school until midnight or one, in order to ensure that our paper was the best it could be. During this time I was given many responsibilities. I was given the honor of being spirituality editor, copy editor, managing editor, in-depth editor, business editor, and co-news editor. I was privileged to be given these opportunities, and thankful to have such great supporting journalist to help make our paper, in my opinion, one of the best local high school papers. I embraced every new responsibility given to me in order to make myself the best journalist that I could be. My motivations for wanting to be a journalist are so deep rooted that I could not even begin to spe culate as to there beginnings. Ever since I was in elementary school I have had a desire to be a journalist. I do not believe it to be a genetic passion since there are no journalists in my family, I think it is just a drive for the truth that sparks my desire. Free College Admissions Essays: Emerson :: College Admissions Essays Emerson When I received the criteria for this essay I knew that writing this would be a personal challenge to myself. My motivation and interest in being a journalist is so vast that I knew that I would have trouble squeezing it all into a mere 500 word essay. In addition, I would have to list my experience in journalism. During my high school years I have accumulated so much experience due to the responsibilities bestowed on me, that it would be hard to describe them all. As I entered my sophomore year of high school, our school district had just completed both the new high schools. This was necessary because of the overcrowding within our district. With the new high schools came a new school paper, and with a new paper came new opportunities. That first year was hard, but because of the gumption by my fellow journalists and I, we were able to have a successful inauguration year of The Voice. We received several awards that year for the quality of our paper, and as high school continued The Voice continued to mature with the staff. We learned to work together as a team and how to help each other with our articles. No single person stood out against the other, and no single article could be accredited to a single writer. We all had our own individual responsibilities, but we all stayed those long nights at the school until midnight or one, in order to ensure that our paper was the best it could be. During this time I was given many responsibilities. I was given the honor of being spirituality editor, copy editor, managing editor, in-depth editor, business editor, and co-news editor. I was privileged to be given these opportunities, and thankful to have such great supporting journalist to help make our paper, in my opinion, one of the best local high school papers. I embraced every new responsibility given to me in order to make myself the best journalist that I could be. My motivations for wanting to be a journalist are so deep rooted that I could not even begin to spe culate as to there beginnings. Ever since I was in elementary school I have had a desire to be a journalist. I do not believe it to be a genetic passion since there are no journalists in my family, I think it is just a drive for the truth that sparks my desire.

The Filmmaking of Michael Moore Essay -- Entertainment

Michael Moore, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker is known for his highly controversial documentaries. He appeals to the newer generation, trying to educate people along with addressing our unresolved social issues in the United States. He gives insight to corrupt things that our government is involved in that citizens do not know about if they do not read or watch the news. Michael Moore proved to be a big-time influence through his work in the movie industry. His main message is to get people to stop following their government blindly, but rather speak out, ask questions, get involved, and most of all shows people’s power to be able change what needs to be changed. He proves being patriotic means taking responsibility and being informed about what’s happening in the media and all of Michael Moore’s films give the audience this. Time magazine named Michael Moore one of the World’s 100 most influential people. Through his Oscar and Emmy awards, he proves even a powerless author and producer with nothing more than a pen and a movie camera can make a tremendous difference. His documentary Bowling for Columbine reiterated that by a determination and persistence that not only him, but patriots can create change. He interviewed some of the surviving victims of the Columbine shootings along with Charlton Heston, the NRA president. He shows the gruesome effect of allowing guns and bullets to be so easily accessible. Kmart was his main destination and he took it upon himself by going right to the top of a major corporate food chain. The documentary was about how he was able to get them to stop selling bullets completely. Getting Kmart to stop selling bullets doesn’t mean that you’re going to prevent kids from going somewhere ... ...own opinion in public, which many people are not courageous enough to do, and for that many respect him. Michael Moore proves that one man can make a difference. He is a great example of exercising our right to free speech and questioning the government. If something doesn’t seem right he is a spokesperson for finding out the truth. Michael was a small town boy who grew up to become one of the most influential documentary film makers of our time. Works Cited Bowling For Columbine. Dir. Michael Moore. 2002. Fahrenheit 911. Dir. Michael Moore. 2004. Penn, Sean. Time.com. 18 April 2005. 8 March 2012 . Sicko. Dir. Michael Moore. 2007. The Oprah Winfrey Show. Michael Moore's Sicko. 1 January 2006. 8 March 2012 .

President: American Civil War and United States Essay

What’s the best president of the United States of all time? In my opinion most of the 44 presidents have been good to descent guys. But my all-time favorite is number sixteen the one and only Abraham Lincoln. Born in Hodgenville, Kentucky in 1809 he grew up to be one of the most influential presidents. He was selected in to office in 1861 until 1865 when he was killed. He’s my favorite because he lead the civil war, because he abolished slavery, and risen from the poor beginnings to become a president. Probably the most important thing he did was to lead and unify the country by choosing to go to war. With a firm conviction, Lincoln declared South Carolina’s secession illegal and pledged to go to war to protect the federal union in 1861, that’s when everything went to shit resulting in the baggiest casualties number in any war which are 620,000 Americans. This war last four years and with Abe’s helped he drove the north to victory. One of the most important ways he did that was with a speech that was called Gettysburg Address where justify why to protect the image of the United States by not allowing the Southern states to secede. What an important turning point of the war and that basically when union started to kick the south ass. This showed everyone what an amazing president he was and helped him gain momentum in the war. The second and also every significant action that he did were to abolish slavery. Abraham Lincoln opposed slavery in public and privately matter one of the reasons was because in his youth his Baptists church had moral standards against alcohol, dancing and slavery. So when he was elected in to office he issued an order called Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Where he basically he said that all union states know too as â€Å"free states† were not allowed to have salary and south states can but with certain limitations. This was first stepping stone for freedom of Africans Americans. He did lot of small less know speeches that were anti –slavery and kept conniving people that it was wrong to own people. Son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Lincoln he lived in Indian where help out his parents with chores and other labor work. Lincoln was never closed to his father having a family troubles was not the only thing wrong with childhood. Another trouble that young Lincoln’s had was his formal education consisted approximately of a year’s worth of classes from several homeschooled teachers, he was mostly self-educated and was an avid reader and often sought access to any new books in the village. Making him a remarkable and successful well know president. I this is I think one of the best unknown accomplishments a good role model for anyone that thinks they can’t be successful because they were poor or uneducated beginning. So next time people are talking about presidents or of popular political figures you can talk about Abraham Lincoln. You can tell then that he lead the bloodiest war of the United States and won, and he abolished slavery making it illegal to own anyone , or and that he had a bad childhood and that later in his life he became one of the most know president to this day. He did all this in four years before being assassinated in the fords theatre in Washington D.C. By a man named john Wilkes booth a known confederate spy from Maryland. He fired his gun in to the head of the Lincolns in point blank range killing him after 72 hours.

Private Wealth Management Internship Sample Writing Paper Essay

I am a business and economics major interested in interning in a Private Wealth Management institution in Washington. I plan to have a career in Private Wealth/Asset Management also known as Private Banking. Private Banks can either be a department in a larger bank or independent investment firms. In the past, they solely served wealth individuals. However, now former middle class entertainment stars, politicians, writers are now turning affluent overnight. They will need the services of a Private Banker to oversee. This is a crucial branch of the financial industry. In view of the current crisis rocking the financial and real estate markets, most property owners want to spend less and save more in case there is a recession. Therefore, Private Bankers are necessary to guide the high net worth individual to design and implement a beneficial financial portfolio for both parties. Private Bankers assist in the management of personal and business properties. First, they protect and preserve already existing assets by applying all the business or economic competencies, accounting skills and law knowledge that they acquired through education or experience, to ensure that the client’s portfolio does not diminish in value. Alternatively, they can work jointly with other professional such as lawyers and government agencies e.g. The Trust Department. Second, Private Bankers invest their client’s properties and monies in diverse investment vehicles to grow their clients’ portfolios while reducing the risks of losses and maximizing profits. Third, these Private Wealth Managers balance the investments of their’ clients with a view to finding them fair tax regimes creating enough income to cater for expenses.   Fourth, they advise clientele on personal finance decisions including the purchases of real estate, insurance etc. Fifth, some offer distinctive services such as: planned donations for charity; transfer and running of agricultural real estate; purchase, valuation, sale and administration of art collections; assessment of intellectual properties; and liquidation of royalties accrued from book or movie sales. ( Martinez and Martinez, 1-43) Initially, I want to get an internship as a Private Wealth Management Trainee in any of the major private Asset Management firms in Washington, then later move up the ladder and open up my own firm one day. Private Wealth Management is not just about multiplying dollars, but it also has a personal side, which is why I was attracted to it in the first place. It is remnant of the banking industry of the Wild West banking style when your banker was your friend and involved himself completely in the financial activities of his customers. I prefer Private Banking because of three reasons which have nothing to do with money. One is the personal service offered to the client. The Private Banker will interact intimately with his client. They share a cordial relationship based on trust. Finances are one of the most important issues in anyone’s life. Money is vital for survival. A client should be able to know who is handling this precious commodity by face and why this private banker makes those decisions for him. Two, the investment strategies are tailored to satisfy the needs of the customer. In private banking, the managers take into account the different backgrounds and goals of their clientele. Ultimately, the client is the own who determines what path his investments will take. This is because he shares his financial dreams with the private banker who designs financial plans based on these thoughts, invest the money and adjust the portfolio accordingly. Three, there is a degree of independence. The Private Banker does not work under the same time-space constraints as banker. They deal with their clients at different locations and may work in different deadline and schedules from a corporate or retail banker. They conduct business in different environments and are not confined to offices. This freedom of movement and spontaneity is very attractive to me.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As much as Private Banking is personal, the principal in private management is making profit. I know how to calculate figures and combine varied investment media in such a way as to maximize on the benefits of the market. I make an excellent Private Banker because I already have the qualities for this career. I am patient, possess great people skills, have sound business and economic training and I am not afraid of dealing with large sums of money, prime property. My greatest asset is my good rapport with people. A Private Banker needs to have a convivial relationship with his clients and that description describes to a tee.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While in Washington I plan to research on the diverse communication and relational methods that Private Bankers employ to attract, attain, and retain clientele. This is because the emphasis of Private Banking to me is based on not just portfolio management but client management.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, Private Banking is an area of the finance industry that has lived for many years with the unfair tag of snobbery. However, I believe that Private Banking is the way of future. I predict in 10 years time Private Bankers will be in high demand as the financial market grows in complexity and the public becomes more educated about the importance and relevance of asset or wealth management to assure their current financial freedom and that of their loved ones. Bibliography Martinez, Mike. and Michael, Martinez. Vault Career Guide to Private Wealth Management. Vault Inc. 2007.

African American Studies

American Literature has come a long way. It dates back as far as the pre-colonization-period America which is contrary to the current belief of almost everyone that English has always been the language in America. Although it was noted that â€Å"some fifty years after the political establishment of the United States, the concept of an American literature barely existed† (Delbanco), American literature did exist and is still existing. Literature as a communication involving some degree of emotional or aesthetic response is both an independent discipline and one of the tools of anthropology.The latter is a description and explanation of social behavior in every possible environment-from the primitive to the sophisticated-in every part of the world. (Dennis and Aycock 41) In this regard, looking at how literature emerged and how it evolved, identifies the kind of society and the kind of people living in a certain era. II. Evolution & Era The discovery and/or development of a cer tain type of literature did not just happen in a flash. American Literature, the different types of it, sprouted in a seasoned manner.This means that there would not be political writings, or none of them would be popular, if there were no political issues looming around the corner. It is quite amusing to know that American writing (in English) started not as a seriously intended literary piece but as a work â€Å"chiefly for the benefit of readers in the mother country. † (â€Å"American Literature†). These were the English travelers and explorers who became Americans during those olden times, circa 1583 to 1763. Following is the timeline of the American Literature (Trent):1. English Travelers and Explorers, 1583-1763 – retaining their own language as they travelled to America and became Americans while chiefly influencing the literature with this language: the heritage of the English race; 2. The Historians, 1607-1783 – this was the period of gentlemen adventurers writing about America’s colonies; 3. The Puritan Divines, 1620-1720 – again, Englishmen who gave their intellects to a strict scheme of doctrinaire theology, and gave up their freedom to the letter of the Hebraic Scriptures; 4.Edwards – was a special time when he, Edwards, inscribed a sequence of reflections, foundation to a great metaphysical discourse of his own; 5. Philosophers and Divines, 1720-1789 -a traditional categorization of the human ability giving reason for the American thought in the eighteenth century, which is believed to have led to the overthrow of high Calvinism: those who went after the intelligence were the rationalists, or deists; those who went after receptivity or sensibility were the â€Å"hot† men, or enthusiasts while those who went after the will were the moral or ethical reformers.6. Colonial Newspapers and Magazines, 1704-1775 – the knowledge of and about Europe had erupted so commonly through colonial new spapers; 7. American Political Writing, 1760-1789 — this was the period of â€Å"storm and stress†, of â€Å"revolution and evolution†, bringing forth a literature dominated by politically-themed content. Most of the topics involved â€Å"the nature of the British constitution, the formulation of colonial rights, and the elaboration of schemes of government and administration†; 8.The Beginnings of Verse, 1610-1808- the beginning covered early colonial verse starting in 1610 while in 1700 it began with transition in purpose, subject, and style and later on during, the beginnings of nationalism that is related to the passage of the Stamp Act in 1765 ending with the publication of Bryant's Embargo in 1808. 9. Travellers and Observers, 1763-1846- this was the literature of travels, brand new, wide-ranging, and sophisticated, taking its magic from the sense of wonder; 10.The Early Drama, 1756-1860 –The American native drama, even though it antedated the novel and the short story, has arrived only during the latter half of the eighteenth century having Androborus in 1714, which was noted to be a satirical embarrassment. 11. Early Essayists-during this period the first essays that were in print in colonial newspapers were written with a cognizant ethical purpose. 12. The time of Washington Irving (April 3, 1783 – November 28, 1859)-a well-known American author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century who authored â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow† and â€Å"Rip Van Winkle†;13. The time of Bryant – an American who has the gift of poetic genius, and writing verses that last; 14. Fiction/Novels-the moment for literary lies;† that they served no virtuous purpose; that they melted rigorous minds; that they crowded out better books; that they painted adventure too romantic and love too vehement, and so unfitted†¦Ã¢â‚¬  III. The Role of Printing Press Taking into consideration th e lack of other means of publication those days, early American literature succeeded with the big help of the printing press.Some Americans even had an undying zeal for literary outputs that they were â€Å"stimulated by a desire to render Washington City as well the seat of literature as of government, a number of gentlemen have formed themselves into a ‘ Printing and Bookselling Company† (McMurtrie 266). It may appear funny but it is true. IV. Current Scenario & Conclusion â€Å"Who in the four corners of the globe reads an American book? † (Edinburgh Review, cited Delbanco) Contrary to this insult, there are still the likes of Twain that many people all over the world know and many hunger for their literary pieces.Another noted American literary figure is Toni Morrison, a Nobel Prize awardee for literature. She is noted to be â€Å"a public intellectual, she's influenced how we think about race and storytelling †¦ how we use language, what we do with lan guage, how we keep language alive and well. â€Å"(â€Å"Toni Morrison Society Honors† 15). Thus, American Literature, no matter how it is being viewed, is sure to be existent, alive and persisting. Works Cited â€Å"American Literature. † The Columbia Encyclopedia. 6th ed. 2009. Questia. Web. 19 July 2010. Delbanco, Andrew.â€Å"American Literature: A Vanishing Subject?. † Daedalus 135. 2 (2006): 22+. Questia. Web. 19 July 2010. Dennis, Philip A. , and Wendell Aycock, eds. Literature and Anthropology. Lubbock, TX: Texas Tech University Press, 1989. Questia. Web. 19 July 2010. McMurtrie, Douglas C. A History of Printing in the United States: The Story of the Introduction of the Press and of Its History and Influence during the Pioneer Period in Each State of the Union. Vol. 2. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1936. Questia. Web. 19 July 2010. â€Å"Toni Morrison Society Honors Nobel Laureate with 70th Birthday Tribute.† Black Issues in Higher Education 29 Mar. 20 01: 15. Questia. Web. 19 July 2010. Trent, William Peterfield, John Erskine, Stuart P. Sherman, and Carl Van Doren, eds. The Cambridge History of American Literature. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1917. Questia. Web. 19 July 2010. According to Langston life can be equated to a staircase. This can be interpreted to mean that life is not a pain-free experience where people get to walk through with ease. On the contrary, it is a roller-coaster with ups and downs, a long and hard journey which should be viewed as such.Many people in the world have gone through untold suffering and despair and know exactly what a hard life is but none has seen it quite as much as Angel, at least none that I have so far met. Now Angel is not the regular teenager whom you would expect to be fretting about boys, hairstyles, which parties to attend or what to wear. Angel has been to hell and back and such issues would seem petty if you were fortunate enough to meet her. Yes, I say fortunate to meet her beca use most of us trudge through life trifling about very unimportant things which do not matter at all while people go through real problems.Angel is an embodiment of resilience and has proved it by living the life she has and come out triumphant. I met Angel last year while on a volunteer program at a shelter in Chicago, Illinois whose identity will remain undisclosed at the request of those involved. Angel was born 17 years ago to a single mother who was barely a teenager herself. Her father had gone to jail or so she was told whenever she asked. Her mother eked a living by working three jobs to support Angel and her three siblings; two sisters and a mentally challenged brother.The first few years were bliss but she later found out that her mother was shielding her from most of the suffering. By the time she was ten, her mother had been ravaged by the pressure of her jobs and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To worsen matters she started doing drugs among other vices. A devout Chr istian had given up and Angel and her siblings started witnessing visits from strange men who apparently were her mother’s boyfriends. There was a particular man who was a frequent guest and stayed longer. He was the meanest. He would beat up her mom, regardless of her condition.Then he would turn on Angel and the other kids. Whenever she tried to protect them she would get bruises and broken bones. Her jaw was broken thrice in a span of less than a year and there was nothing she could do about it. As if this was not enough, the man would sneak into her bed every night after her mother had passed out and force himself on her. Angel was forced to leave school and take care of her brother and sister. When she thought things could not get any worse, her mother disappeared for days on end. Her lifeless body was found in a dark alley, stripped naked; apparently it was a drug overdose.Then hell broke loose. Angel was left with two kids to take care of at the tender age of twelve. T hey moved from street to street and foster to foster since no relative would take them in. The things she did to ensure her siblings would live a semblance of a life were too much for a twelve year old. She faces each day at a time. Every morning she wakes up and looks to the sky and asks why her life had to be so rough, so early. Robbed of her childhood and innocence she can only hope for the best and thank the church that runs the shelter.Perhaps she will never know the answers to the several questions she has but you can’t help but admire her courage and hope that someday she will become someone. The system will be forced to eject her once she gets to 18 but she would rather not worry about that now, hope for a better future is all that keeps her going. Essay 2- Original Folk Tale. Since time immemorial, the art of story telling has been used as a source of entertainment and a way of transmitting knowledge and wisdom to the younger generations.Perhaps there is nothing that is as universal as human beings and their ability to stretch their imagination to create stories with so much meaning and entertaining. Folk tales were laden with a group’s culture, tradition and beliefs that were passed on for posterity. From the Americas to Asia and the African continent millions of folk tales abound and though the culture of story telling is fading, most of these tales have been documented for posterity and perhaps someday they will get the attention they deserve.Once upon a time, the little red hen wanted to make bread and so she picked up some wheat grain and headed out. On her way to the farm she met the pig and asked whether she could help plant the wheat. The pig refused to offer any help and so the little red hen decided to plant the wheat by herself and it grew. One day on her way to pick some wheat she met the pig who was rolling in the mud. Once again she asked for her help in picking the wheat to which she refused again. Nobody in the animal kin gdom was willing to help. (Williams, 2009)When the little red hen went to the mill to get flour from her wheat she asked the dog whether he could help and he too refused adamantly. Very tired and weary, the hen climbed the hill and had her wheat ground. On her way back she met the cat and asked her to help her carry the flour to which the cat replied that she was too busy and therefore could not help. When she got home, the little red hen asked the cat and the duck to help her make bread. Both lazy animals refused to help her make the bread. The little red hen had no choice but to bake the bread herself which she did.When the bread was ready, all the animals wanted a piece of it but the hen had it all by herself. (Williams,2009) The story of the little red hen is a very popular folk tale that extols the virtues of hard work and personal initiative. The moral of the story ultimately boils down to the fact that those people who have no intention of contributing to the production of a beneficial product should not expect to benefit from it. This folk tale also emphasizes the biblical teaching that he who does not work should not eat. ESSAY 3- Frederick Douglass.Frederick Douglass was blessed with many feathers in his hat including being a statesman, orator and author but he is best known for his profound contributions to civil and women liberties for which he fought for all his life. Born in 1881 near Maryland, Douglass was a firm advocate for the equal treatment of all people regardless of gender, color and whether they were Native American or immigrants. Douglass' turning point as a slave came in the from of fighting back against Edward Covey, a Maryland farmer and renown slave breaker.Douglass' perceived lack of respect had caused his former master Thomas Auld to send him to Covey perhaps in the hope that Covey would be able to break him. After several months of generous labor and repeated beatings, Douglass snapped one day and fought back. Covey was taken aba ck by the 16 year olds reaction, unnerved he was forced to back down. This action reenergized the young lad and a confidence grew in him that he should live free. From then on he knew that he had to disentangle himself from the bondage of slavery and free his fellow slaves. (Blassingame, 1979)Being an American of Haitian origin is in itself a challenge. My grandparents migrated to the US several years ago with the hope of making a life for themselves and pursue the ever elusive ‘American Dream. ’ We live in the ghetto side of town and there is no easy way of telling how hard life is and the kind of things we are exposed to ranging from drugs, prostitution and so many other vices. For most kids on the block, school is really optional and very few ever make it past the eighth grade. The indifference of adults does not help much most of whom do not even care to ask how their children are doing or what they are up to.All they worry about is the payment of bills as they are due, everything else they leave to God and fate. It is against this background that I joined a local gang of six. Our activities ranged from carjacking, drug-peddling and robbing local convenience stores. My best friend, Curtis, was also a member of the gang and we have come a long way and through so much, he is like a blood brother. One day, Curtis and I were ordered to rob an African-American owned grocery store along the highway. When we go there, the proprietor’s wife was manning the counter while her husband was in the back.Curtis whipped out a weapon and ordered the lady to empty the till while I looked around for the police. Suddenly, I heard a gun shot and when I looked back Curtis lay in a pool of blood and the shotgun was aimed at me, I ran. When I got home, I could not believe what had just happened-that my best friend was probably dead and all for a few dollars. Then I heard the sirens and I knew they had come for me, I wondered how fast they had put the pieces to gether. I was whisked away to juvenile detention. No one from the gang ever came to see me not even making an appearance in court.Then it hit me that I had lost my best friend for nothing, courtesy of the choices we had made. We did not have to be members of any gang nor did we have to drop out of school. There is so much more to life. There and then I resolved to make something out of my life at least in memory of my dear friend. I first had to pay my debt to society then get back to school. Whatever the cost and however long it takes I vowed to change my life for the better and I did. I have come thus far and I thank God and the local youth support group for who I have become today, I would not even be here without their love, care and patience.Essay 4- Booker T. Washington. Born in 1856, Booker T. Washington was an African-American political leader, orator, author and educator. Washington’s philosophy was based on the principles of racial solidarity, forgiveness, accommoda tion and self help. He urged the African American community to accept prejudice for the time and concentrate their energies on lifting their standards through hard work and material prosperity. Washington believed in the cultivation of virtues like patience and enterprise among the black community.He believed that such virtues would earn Blacks some respect from the White community and ensure that they are fully integrated into the society as equal members. Undoubtedly, his philosophies put him on a collision course with notable leaders of the Black community especially W. EB. Dubois with whom they differed bitterly. (Bauerlein, 2004) Booker T. Washington’s philosophy can be summed up in the following quote, â€Å"With God's help, I believe that I have completely rid myself of any ill feeling toward the Southern white man for any wrong that he may have inflicted upon my race.I am made to feel just as happy now when I am rendering service to Southern white men as when the ser vice is rendered to a member of my own race. I pity from the bottom of my heart any Individual who is unfortunate as to get into the habit of holding race prejudice. † Washington's philosophy may be applied in the Jena Six case that happened in Jena, Louisiana in 2006. The Jena Six were a group of six teenagers of African American origin who were convicted in the beating of Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High school.The case has often been cited as an illustration of racial injustice because many people believed they were charged with grave offences and had received unfair treatment. The convictions of the six resulted in an escalation of racial tensions in the community. Many Jena residents viewed the arrests and ensuing convictions as racially prejudiced and unwarranted. Protesters argued that white youths involved in other incidents were treated mildly by the authorities. Massive protests were witnessed not only in Jena but in other US cities as well as the case rec eived nationwide attention. Booker T.Washington believed strongly that the African American community needed to address their safety and survival needs before seeking belonging, self esteem and self actualization within the community. In Jena, the Black community felt outnumbered and left out. This is illustrated by the emotional outpour that followed the arrests and convictions of the six teenagers. There were deep seated issues that had not been addressed and the Jena Six situation was actually the boiling point. The African-American community had been able to address their self esteem issues yet Essay 5- Marcus Garvey/Harlem Renaissance Vs W. E.B Dubois/Reconstruction Time. The Harlem Renaissance refers to a period between the 1920s and 30s which experienced the flowering of the intellectual life of the African-American community. Although the revolution was based mainly in Harlem, New York, its influence was felt across the world and more especially the in Paris, France where ma ny French-speaking black writers from Africa and the Caribbean lived. Perhaps, the growth and span of the Harlem Renaissance can be attributed to the changes that had been experienced in the Black American community since the abolition of slavery and the advent of industrialization.World War 1 and the social and cultural changes in the US at the turn of the 20th Century. Many black intellectuals played significant roles in the growth and sustenance of the renaissance including James Weldon Johnson, Alain Locke, Walter White and Jessie Fauset among many other prominent Black intellectuals of the time. The Renaissance did not receive unanimous support from the black intellectual community. In fact it received harsh criticism from black intellectual giants of the time including W. E. B Du bois, William Stanley Braithwaite and Benjamin Brawley.These men did not believe in the nature of the Renaissance literature. (Wintz, 1988, p 130) Marcus Garvey, one of the most influential black lead ers of the time had a strained relationship with the movement. Marcus came out as a critic of the renaissance. He is recorded as having hailed the Harlem Survey Graphic as being irrelevant to the Black cause. For instance he said of the Survey graphic that â€Å"it was not built around the needs of Negroes and their grievances but their contributions-around talents still half buried in the napkins of prejudices and underprivileged. † (Helbling, 1999, p60)The Harlem Renaissance declined in numbers and influence in the early 1930s. The dissipation was gradual rather than sudden. The movement failed to attract new recruits and thus there was no injection of new ideas and this led to the stagnation of the once vibrant society. New writers actually strived hard to build and maintain an identity separate from the Renaissance even as older writers were dying or cutting short their productivity. (Wintz, 1988, pg217) The term, Reconstruction, refers to the period that spread from the end of the 1865 American Civil War up till the withdrawal of the Union troops from the South in 1877.It was a defining era in American history and more in particular that of the African Americans because of the end of slavery as an institution. The war had also bequeathed the North and South a considerable amount of anger and mistrust. The African American community met the end of the civil War with hope, joy and anxiety. (Stroud and Schomp, 2007) For a long time, many historians and leaders had viewed the Reconstruction as a colossal failure in US history. They claimed that the leaders of the time especially in the South were corrupt, evil and incompetent.This view was however challenged by one of the most brilliant African American scholar and activist W. EB. Du Bois who portrayed Reconstruction as a brave and fine fight in his book Black Reconstruction in America. He argued that the Reconstruction was a step in the right direction in terms of building a democratic society up from the vestiges of slavery. He acknowledged the existence of the crooked politicians but he adds that the evil of corruption was widespread in the post- Civil War era in both the North and the South among members of both the Republican and Democratic parties.Du Bois goes ahead to support this era as being the time when significant strides were made in the economic and political standing of former slaves. His thoughts compelled many scholars to reshape their ideas on Reconstruction leading to a radically new analysis of one of the most controversial periods in the history of the United States. (Stroud and Schomp, 2007, p65) The Harlem Renaissance and the Reconstruction Era were defining moments in the history of the United States. While both periods received massive criticism they were turning points that brought a lot of change during those respective periods.Marcus Garvey and W, E. B Du Bois were critics of the Harlem Renaissance and did not see what it could contribute to the better ment of America. However, Du Bois comes out strongly to see the brighter side in the Reconstruction, a period that was tainted with a lot of controversy, twists and turns. We live the final judgment of these two eras to posterity. Essay 6- Nikki Giovanni/Black arts Vs Maya Angelou. Nikki Giovanni was born 66 years ago in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since 1987, she has taught writing and literature at Virginia Tech and she is a distinguished professor of English.Nikki is one of the most widely read American poets and she still is committed to the fight for equality and civil rights. Giovanni began writing poetry in the 1960s at a time when she was associated with the Black Arts Movement. Giovanni was one of the most influential figures of the Black Arts movement along with Sonia Sanchez, Jayne Cortez and Johari Amini among so many other leading lights. The Black Arts Movement emphasized the need for Black people to define the world in their own terms. The Black Arts Movement was intrinsica lly tied to the Black Power Movement in more ways than one.It was considered its aesthetic and spiritual sister and envisioned an art that directly spoke to the needs and aspirations of Black America. The credo of the Black Arts Movement was Art is the Arm of the Revolution. † It was also believed that all forms of Black Art were weapons whose sole reason for existence was to overthrow White oppression on all its forms. (Steele, 1998) Giovanni has always displayed profound interest in Black history and black identity. Much of her early poetry was inspired by the civil rights movement and the black power movement.This influence is seen in her first works including Black Feeling, Black Talk and Black Judgment. The themes covered in these books are homogenous but their form, tone and style vary. The poems in these two collections touch upon political events of the time including Martin Luther King Jr's assassination alongside those of Malcolm X and President J. F. Kennedy. (Bloom , 1995) Nikki Giovanni has been described both as an evolutionary and a revolutionary poet. She is also known to speak her mind on prevailing issues that she holds dear ever since her days at the Black Arts Movement.In a magazine article, she points out that the old virus of racism was still rampant in the American society. She goes on to acknowledge the Million Man March where thousands of Black men came together to seek love, oneness, atonement and support from one another. (Giovanni, 1996) Maya Angelou is not much different from Giovanni. Maya is a renown autobiographer and a poet. She has also been very active in the Civil Rights Movement. She has also taught at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.Maya is a recognized and highly respected spokesperson for African American people and women. Her books have traditionally been centered on the themes of identity, racism and family. Maya Angelou was born in 1928 in St Louis, Missouri and she has documented most of her life in her bestselling autobiography, I know why the Caged Bird Sings. Maya has always had a gift of bringing people together and she believes that people are more alike than they are different; Maya also believes that poetry can inspire a whole nation and its strength for the spirit.Her works were inspired from an early age by African American writers like W. E. B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes and also renown European playwright William Shakespeare. Maya Angelou is no stranger to suffering and despair. Her parents had a divorce when she was still a kid forcing them to go live with their grandmother in Stamps. When they moved to Stamps with her brother Bailey, racism was the order of the day and the Blacks were expected to live on a separate side of town. Maya was sexually abused as a child and she had to go through a trial that led to the conviction of Mr.Freeman. (Kite, 2006) Perhaps the differences between these two great women is the fact that there politics are far apart. Where Nikki chooses themes that are sometimes militant and takes strong political stands, Maya is more conciliatory and uses her gift to bring people together. Maybe this is because of the differences in the influences of their formative years. Giovanni was an active member of the Black Arts Movement which was seen to be radical in their approach to solving the issues affecting the African-American community.It is not lost to the eye that both women are exceptionally talented and they have used their unique gifts to bring change to the American society and for that we owe them loads of gratitude. Both women are can actually be described as American living legends. References Bauerlein, M. (2004). Washington, Du Bois and the Black Future. Wilson Quarterly Bloom, H. (1995) Contemporary Black American Poets and Dramatists. Chelsea House, New York, NY Blassingame, J. (1979) The Frederick Douglass papers. New Haven, Conn. : Yale University Press, 1979–. Giovanni, N. (1996) A Million Reasons to Hope. Black Collegian, Vol. 26(3) Helbling, (1999). The Harlem Renaissance: The One and the Many. Greenwood Press. Westport, CT. Kite, L. P (2006) Maya Angelou A Biography Learner Publications Co. Minneapolis, Minnesota Steele, V. (1998) Tom Feelings: A Black Arts Movement. African American Review. Vol 32(1) White, W. F. (2009) The Little Red Hen and other stories. Project Gutenberg, 1914. Stroud, B and Schomp, V. (2007) the Reconstruction Era. Marshall Cavendish. Tarrytown, NY. Wintz, Cary. (1988) the Black Culture and the Harlem Renaissance. Rice University Press. Houston, Tx

Obesity In the United States

In the United States today, obesity has become an enormous problem. In the last 3decades, the number of people overweight has increased dramatically. A study done by theCenters of Disease Control showed that since 1980, one third of our adult population has becomeoverweight. America is the richest but also the fattest nation in the world, and our obese backsides are the butt of jokes in every other country (Klein 28). The 1980s were a time whenAmericans suddenly started going crazy over dieting, jumping onto the treadmills, and buying prepackaged non-fat foods.However, while all of that was going on, the number of obeseAmericans began to increase. According to a report in the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, 58 million people in our country weigh over 20 percent of their body’s ideal weight. The article â€Å"Fat Times† states, â€Å"If this were about tuberculosis, it would be called an epidemic†(Elmer-Dewit 58). The eating habits of society have stea dily become more harmful and havestarted to produce gluttonous children, over-indulgent adults, and a food industry set too muchon satisfying our appetites.Obesity can begin at a very young age. Many children in our society are overweight,setting themselves up for serious health problems later in life. Type 2 diabetes, high bloodcholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart problems are just some of the risks. Children who areoverweight also tend to feel less secure, less happy, and be stressed more than normal weight children do. They get teased, criticized, and judged. In many cases, the problem is not the child’sfault.Being overweight may run in that child’s family, or their parents do not encourage them to be active and get enough exercise. Many children spend too much time indoors wasting away infront of the TV, playing video games, or spending time on the computer, and consuming high fatsnacks, soft drinks and candy at the same time (Weight Management). The CDC per formed astudy in 1994 that was described in the book Fat Land; it showed that children who watched over four hours of television a day had higher body mass index (body fatness) numbers than thosewho watched less than one hour a day.In 1994, The Centers for Disease Control studied the TVviewing time, exercise patterns, and weight gain of 4063 children aged eight to fifteen. Theresults found that the less a child exercised and the more they watched TV, the more likely theywere to be obese or overweight. When they surveyed the parents, they discovered that theconcern about crime was a reason that the parents didn’t want their children outside being active. That is why they were not concerned about the harmful effect of sitting in front of the TV allday; they were just glad that their children were safe.Surveys, studies, and reports that came outin the 1990s began to show shocking results of how â€Å"socially disfranchised† children were becoming from being obese (Critser 73-74). Schools aren’t helping the children either;How can the school nutritionist compete against BigFoot pizzas and Super-Size fries? The $50,000 the U. S. government allots each state annually to teach kids to eat right islost next to the billions spent designing food and packaging that will ring the kids'Pavlovian bells†¦ the percentage of teens who are overweight, which held steady at about15% through the 1970s, rose to 21% by 1991. The kids eat nothing but junk food’ saysLiam Hennessey, a special-ed teacher from San Francisco who watches students on school trips open the lunches their parents pack for them, gobble up the Oreos and Pop-Tarts and toss out the sandwiches† (Elmer-Dewitt). A Harvard Health Report, â€Å"Weight Less, Live Longer,† discusses how many people donot realize that their appetite and diet can be closely related to many psychological factors. Any person who has ever binged on chips or cookies when they feel upset can underst and this.Several studies have shown that people tend to eat more when they feel anxious, depressed, or have symptoms of other emotional disorders. Certain foods have been known to have a calmingeffect, although unfortunately it is usually the fattening foods that do. When a depressed personeats to feel better, they gain weight, and being overweight can in turn cause depression and theemotional problems that signal overeating. A vicious cycle begins. Being overweight can causemore emotional problems than just overeating, however.Sadly, obese people are very oftensocially shunned, judged, criticized, and made fun of. They have more trouble finding jobs,friends, and mates. Being discriminated against just adds to the emotional strain that overweight people have to deal with. Their depression from being obese can cause feelings of hopelessness,making it seem impossible for them to try to lose weight and change the way they look (WhyPeople Become Overweight). The book Food as a Drug desc ribes some studies that have beendone to try and see if obesity could be considered the same as a drug dependency disorder.Foodcan sometimes be a powerful psychoactive substance, and â€Å"one way to view eating disorders isto appreciate that food is a complex mixture and that the body responds to food as it does tochemicals, such as those found in alcohol and other psychoactive drugs. Eating disorders aretherefore chemical disorders† (Food as a Drug). The food we eat in America is another factor contributing to the nation’s obese population. The desire for junk food has rapidly replaced the desire for fruits and vegetables and other healthy edibles. Who can blame people for buying it? It’s easy, quick, cheap, and fun.What people can be blamed for is the amount they eat. Junk food defined is food packed withchemicals, sugar, and sodium, such as french fries, hamburgers, and sweets. Junk food is not justlimited to snacks; fast food was put on the list when the ca lories, fat, sodium, and chemicalcontent surpassed the nutritional value. â€Å"Although many health authorities insist that there is nosuch thing as junk food, consumers find it a useful term for distinguishing nourishing food from products whose chief appeal is fun, convenience, and addictive taste; ‘bet you can't eat just one’†(Junk Food). Americans are spending about $4. billion a year on potato chips, and 23. 5 billiona year on candy and gum. 46 Percent of adult Americans eat out on a typical day, and one thirdof them choose fast food. That is because the fast food industry has slowly become one of thesymbols of American culture and is spreading to other cultures as well: McDonalds has 26,000locations in 119 countries, Pizza Hut has more than 10,000 in 86 countries, and Subway has14,500 in 75 countries. Commercials, signs, and huge advertisements are pushing junk food at usevery day; people can not even go to the grocery store without candy bars being lined up right bythe checkout.The junk food industry realizes how appealing it can be. When a person is in arush, they can easily eat a large meal without having to make a lot of decisions, work, dress up,or get out of their car. The speed and convenience fit Americans’ pressured lifestyles. It does notfit, however, to our health and wellness. A fast food meal, such as a Burger King DoubleWhopper with cheese, contains 965 calories, more than double the amount of fat, and as much as750 grams too much sodium for the day. The food is providing all the wrong ingredients; it hastoo much protein and fat and no fiber or vitamins. It is o wonder our nation is so overweightwhen the food they make habit of eating can be so dangerous. It is very unfortunate that Americans get to the point where fat caters to their hurried lifestyles. Junk food may not bealtogether toxic, but when it is eaten on a habitual basis it can be deadly (â€Å"Junk Food†). Excessive weight on the body can pose some extremely serious health risks. Just some of those risks are type 2 diabetes, infertility, hypertension, heart attacks, colon cancer, prostatecancer, hyperlipidemia, and breast cancer. The general mechanism for gaining weight is obviousand simple.When people consume more calories than the body can burn, the body stores thosecalories as fat tissue. However, some genetic factors can play a part, such as how the bodyregulates the metabolic rate and appetite. Some people use their genetics as an excuse, butactually those that have the predisposition to gaining weight do not have to be fat (Carson-Dewitt). â€Å"People with only a moderate genetic predisposition to be overweight have a goodchance of losing weight on their own by eating fewer calories and getting more vigorous exercisemore often.These people are more likely to be able to maintain this lower weight† (Why PeopleBecome Overweight). It is mainly the amount of fat that people make a habit of eating and their lifest yle that plays the biggest role in their overall health. Some symptoms of obesity are excessfatty tissue and excessive weight gain, causing arthritis, lower back pain and other orthopedic problems, hernias, heartburn, adult-onset asthma, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure,gum disease, gallstones, skin disorders, shortness of breath that can be incapacitating, sleepapnea, and emotional and social problems.Studies have shown that individuals who are â€Å"apple-shaped† tend to have higher risks of risk heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes than peoplewhose weight sits in their hips and thighs and are â€Å"pear-shaped† (Carson-Dewitt). The book Eating Disorders and Obesity points out also that where fat is deposited in the body makes adifference in disease risk. The intra-abdominal fat is very dangerous. In this area, fat cells produce harmful chemicals that go to the liver. Lipacidemia (the presence of fatty acid in the blood) obstructs oxygen and glucos e from being transported to the muscles, thus increasing the body’s resistance to insulin.The book also shows statistics that adult onset diabetes is mostsensitive to weight gain. â€Å"A gradient in risk of more than 50-fold is seen from the leanest to theheaviest men and women, and even modest gains in weight from age 18 to midlife are associatedwith an increase in risk several times greater than that of a person who maintained a stableweight† (Eating Disorders and Obesity). Increased BMI (body mass index) of 23 to 25 hadincreased abnormalities in blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and serum lipids.People who areoverweight may try to present the benefit of less hip fractures and broken bones than people whoare lean (because of more padding), but heart disease and diabetes are far more important anddangerous health risks. There are no benefits to being overweight (Eating Disorders andObesity). Preventing obesity at an early age is very beneficial to people’s he alth and self-esteem. Parents can prevent their children from becoming obese later in life more than they know. Theyneed to be role models for their children, and set examples of a good lifestyle.Regulating howmuch the child eats is important, especially what they’re eating. Sugar should be cut down, aswell as high-calorie snacks. Limiting time in front of the TV and computer could increase physical activity as well (Weight Management). The article â€Å"Obesity† explains that obese adultswhose parents never taught them good eating and health habits have to take care of themselvesand change their lifestyles. Treating obesity is not just about quick weight loss, it is about settingup a lifelong pattern of good choices. Yo-Yo† dieting is very dangerous and can increase a person’s risk for fatal diseases. Behavior-focused treatment should concentrate on learning andunderstanding the fat content and overall nutritional value of most foods. Overweight individua lsmay need to keep a food diary to record their calories and food choices, and change habits in grocery shopping, times of meals, and actual rate of eating. Some psychological factors, such ashow a person views food, could play a part. Some people overeat when they are under extremestress, for example, and see food as a comfort.Others may eat to reward themselves for success. Many views of food are contributing to why people gain weight so quickly, and if people canidentify the psychological reasons behind why they eat so much, they could prevent a lot of problems. The article continues by describing how physical activity is another life habit that isvital to make. The amount of time someone spends exercising and being active can contributemuch to his or her overall health. As many as 85% of dieters who do not exercise on a regular basis regain their lost weight within two ears. In five years, the figure rises to 90%. Exerciseincreases the metabolic rate by creating muscle, which bu rns more calories than fat. Whenregular exercise is combined with regular, healthful meals, calories continue to burn at anaccelerated rate for several hours. When individuals work hard and build endurance, it helpsthem not feel discouraged. New activities and varied routines can help them not lose interest instaying active. Individuals trying to make these life changes would be wise to be encouraged andsupervised by a medical professional.Weight loss programs, such as â€Å"Weight Watchers† cansometimes be effective, as they emphasize realistic goals, sensible eating, gradual progress andexercise. However, some can be dangerous because they promise extreme weight loss and may put people on dangerous diet plans or pills. Most doctors would not approve of those, but wouldrecommend a low calorie diet (about 1200 to 1500 calories a day), or a liquid protein diet for upto three months. Along with the supervision of dieting and exercise, the doctor would probablyrecommend a psychi atrist to help the patient deal with their views on food.Sometimes appetite-suppressant pills are administered, which increase levels of serotonin or catecholamine,chemicals that control feelings of fullness. Food plays a huge part though; â€Å"getting the correct ratios of protein, carbohydrates, and good-quality fats can help in weight loss via enhancement of the metabolism. Support groups that are informed about healthy, nutritious, and balanced dietscan offer an individual the support he or she needs to maintain this type of eating regimen†(Obesity).Obesity experts have made the point that monitoring fat consumption is moreimportant than just counting calories. Just 30 percent of calories eaten per day should come fromfat, and only one third of those calories should come from saturated fat (Obesity). Many Americans are trying to fight the battle against obesity. Many aren’t winning. Howcan they when packaging on junk food is distracting children from the salad bar , or when adultssee commercials for huge meals every 10 minutes on television? Food is being pushed atAmericans constantly; there seems no way to get around the message of â€Å"you have to eat. There seems to be no way to achieve fitness goals because there are too many obstacles. Whether a person’s obstacles are their genetics and metabolism, their depression, or their habits andlifestyle, being overweight is one of the hardest things in life to deal with. The things that obese people have to deal with are very unfortunate. The health problems are harmful enough to well- being, but the cycle of depression and emotional problems that comes along with obesity in somany cases can be worse.Obese people have to walk through life constantly being reminded of their damaging habits and things can seem so hopeless. It is so important to start healthy habitsearly in life. The benefits of good behavior and good life patterns can make life more fulfilling,worth living for and longer l asting. Americans used to embrace healthy eating habits but thecountry got so busy that good ideals were thrown away. The problem of obesity is not just aboutfood; it is about an entire lifestyle Obesity In the United States In the United States today, obesity has become an enormous problem. In the last 3decades, the number of people overweight has increased dramatically. A study done by theCenters of Disease Control showed that since 1980, one third of our adult population has becomeoverweight. America is the richest but also the fattest nation in the world, and our obese backsides are the butt of jokes in every other country (Klein 28). The 1980s were a time whenAmericans suddenly started going crazy over dieting, jumping onto the treadmills, and buying prepackaged non-fat foods.However, while all of that was going on, the number of obeseAmericans began to increase. According to a report in the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, 58 million people in our country weigh over 20 percent of their body’s ideal weight. The article â€Å"Fat Times† states, â€Å"If this were about tuberculosis, it would be called an epidemic†(Elmer-Dewit 58). The eating habits of society have stea dily become more harmful and havestarted to produce gluttonous children, over-indulgent adults, and a food industry set too muchon satisfying our appetites.Obesity can begin at a very young age. Many children in our society are overweight,setting themselves up for serious health problems later in life. Type 2 diabetes, high bloodcholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart problems are just some of the risks. Children who areoverweight also tend to feel less secure, less happy, and be stressed more than normal weight children do. They get teased, criticized, and judged. In many cases, the problem is not the child’sfault.Being overweight may run in that child’s family, or their parents do not encourage them to be active and get enough exercise. Many children spend too much time indoors wasting away infront of the TV, playing video games, or spending time on the computer, and consuming high fatsnacks, soft drinks and candy at the same time (Weight Management). The CDC per formed astudy in 1994 that was described in the book Fat Land; it showed that children who watched over four hours of television a day had higher body mass index (body fatness) numbers than thosewho watched less than one hour a day.In 1994, The Centers for Disease Control studied the TVviewing time, exercise patterns, and weight gain of 4063 children aged eight to fifteen. Theresults found that the less a child exercised and the more they watched TV, the more likely theywere to be obese or overweight. When they surveyed the parents, they discovered that theconcern about crime was a reason that the parents didn’t want their children outside being active. That is why they were not concerned about the harmful effect of sitting in front of the TV allday; they were just glad that their children were safe.Surveys, studies, and reports that came outin the 1990s began to show shocking results of how â€Å"socially disfranchised† children were becoming from being obese (Critser 73-74). Schools aren’t helping the children either;How can the school nutritionist compete against BigFoot pizzas and Super-Size fries? The $50,000 the U. S. government allots each state annually to teach kids to eat right islost next to the billions spent designing food and packaging that will ring the kids'Pavlovian bells†¦ the percentage of teens who are overweight, which held steady at about15% through the 1970s, rose to 21% by 1991. The kids eat nothing but junk food’ saysLiam Hennessey, a special-ed teacher from San Francisco who watches students on school trips open the lunches their parents pack for them, gobble up the Oreos and Pop-Tarts and toss out the sandwiches† (Elmer-Dewitt). A Harvard Health Report, â€Å"Weight Less, Live Longer,† discusses how many people donot realize that their appetite and diet can be closely related to many psychological factors. Any person who has ever binged on chips or cookies when they feel upset can underst and this.Several studies have shown that people tend to eat more when they feel anxious, depressed, or have symptoms of other emotional disorders. Certain foods have been known to have a calmingeffect, although unfortunately it is usually the fattening foods that do. When a depressed personeats to feel better, they gain weight, and being overweight can in turn cause depression and theemotional problems that signal overeating. A vicious cycle begins. Being overweight can causemore emotional problems than just overeating, however.Sadly, obese people are very oftensocially shunned, judged, criticized, and made fun of. They have more trouble finding jobs,friends, and mates. Being discriminated against just adds to the emotional strain that overweight people have to deal with. Their depression from being obese can cause feelings of hopelessness,making it seem impossible for them to try to lose weight and change the way they look (WhyPeople Become Overweight). The book Food as a Drug desc ribes some studies that have beendone to try and see if obesity could be considered the same as a drug dependency disorder.Foodcan sometimes be a powerful psychoactive substance, and â€Å"one way to view eating disorders isto appreciate that food is a complex mixture and that the body responds to food as it does tochemicals, such as those found in alcohol and other psychoactive drugs. Eating disorders aretherefore chemical disorders† (Food as a Drug). The food we eat in America is another factor contributing to the nation’s obese population. The desire for junk food has rapidly replaced the desire for fruits and vegetables and other healthy edibles. Who can blame people for buying it? It’s easy, quick, cheap, and fun.What people can be blamed for is the amount they eat. Junk food defined is food packed withchemicals, sugar, and sodium, such as french fries, hamburgers, and sweets. Junk food is not justlimited to snacks; fast food was put on the list when the ca lories, fat, sodium, and chemicalcontent surpassed the nutritional value. â€Å"Although many health authorities insist that there is nosuch thing as junk food, consumers find it a useful term for distinguishing nourishing food from products whose chief appeal is fun, convenience, and addictive taste; ‘bet you can't eat just one’†(Junk Food). Americans are spending about $4. billion a year on potato chips, and 23. 5 billiona year on candy and gum. 46 Percent of adult Americans eat out on a typical day, and one thirdof them choose fast food. That is because the fast food industry has slowly become one of thesymbols of American culture and is spreading to other cultures as well: McDonalds has 26,000locations in 119 countries, Pizza Hut has more than 10,000 in 86 countries, and Subway has14,500 in 75 countries. Commercials, signs, and huge advertisements are pushing junk food at usevery day; people can not even go to the grocery store without candy bars being lined up right bythe checkout.The junk food industry realizes how appealing it can be. When a person is in arush, they can easily eat a large meal without having to make a lot of decisions, work, dress up,or get out of their car. The speed and convenience fit Americans’ pressured lifestyles. It does notfit, however, to our health and wellness. A fast food meal, such as a Burger King DoubleWhopper with cheese, contains 965 calories, more than double the amount of fat, and as much as750 grams too much sodium for the day. The food is providing all the wrong ingredients; it hastoo much protein and fat and no fiber or vitamins. It is o wonder our nation is so overweightwhen the food they make habit of eating can be so dangerous. It is very unfortunate that Americans get to the point where fat caters to their hurried lifestyles. Junk food may not bealtogether toxic, but when it is eaten on a habitual basis it can be deadly (â€Å"Junk Food†). Excessive weight on the body can pose some extremely serious health risks. Just some of those risks are type 2 diabetes, infertility, hypertension, heart attacks, colon cancer, prostatecancer, hyperlipidemia, and breast cancer. The general mechanism for gaining weight is obviousand simple.When people consume more calories than the body can burn, the body stores thosecalories as fat tissue. However, some genetic factors can play a part, such as how the bodyregulates the metabolic rate and appetite. Some people use their genetics as an excuse, butactually those that have the predisposition to gaining weight do not have to be fat (Carson-Dewitt). â€Å"People with only a moderate genetic predisposition to be overweight have a goodchance of losing weight on their own by eating fewer calories and getting more vigorous exercisemore often.These people are more likely to be able to maintain this lower weight† (Why PeopleBecome Overweight). It is mainly the amount of fat that people make a habit of eating and their lifest yle that plays the biggest role in their overall health. Some symptoms of obesity are excessfatty tissue and excessive weight gain, causing arthritis, lower back pain and other orthopedic problems, hernias, heartburn, adult-onset asthma, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure,gum disease, gallstones, skin disorders, shortness of breath that can be incapacitating, sleepapnea, and emotional and social problems.Studies have shown that individuals who are â€Å"apple-shaped† tend to have higher risks of risk heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes than peoplewhose weight sits in their hips and thighs and are â€Å"pear-shaped† (Carson-Dewitt). The book Eating Disorders and Obesity points out also that where fat is deposited in the body makes adifference in disease risk. The intra-abdominal fat is very dangerous. In this area, fat cells produce harmful chemicals that go to the liver. Lipacidemia (the presence of fatty acid in the blood) obstructs oxygen and glucos e from being transported to the muscles, thus increasing the body’s resistance to insulin.The book also shows statistics that adult onset diabetes is mostsensitive to weight gain. â€Å"A gradient in risk of more than 50-fold is seen from the leanest to theheaviest men and women, and even modest gains in weight from age 18 to midlife are associatedwith an increase in risk several times greater than that of a person who maintained a stableweight† (Eating Disorders and Obesity). Increased BMI (body mass index) of 23 to 25 hadincreased abnormalities in blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and serum lipids.People who areoverweight may try to present the benefit of less hip fractures and broken bones than people whoare lean (because of more padding), but heart disease and diabetes are far more important anddangerous health risks. There are no benefits to being overweight (Eating Disorders andObesity). Preventing obesity at an early age is very beneficial to people’s he alth and self-esteem. Parents can prevent their children from becoming obese later in life more than they know. Theyneed to be role models for their children, and set examples of a good lifestyle.Regulating howmuch the child eats is important, especially what they’re eating. Sugar should be cut down, aswell as high-calorie snacks. Limiting time in front of the TV and computer could increase physical activity as well (Weight Management). The article â€Å"Obesity† explains that obese adultswhose parents never taught them good eating and health habits have to take care of themselvesand change their lifestyles. Treating obesity is not just about quick weight loss, it is about settingup a lifelong pattern of good choices. Yo-Yo† dieting is very dangerous and can increase a person’s risk for fatal diseases. Behavior-focused treatment should concentrate on learning andunderstanding the fat content and overall nutritional value of most foods. Overweight individua lsmay need to keep a food diary to record their calories and food choices, and change habits in grocery shopping, times of meals, and actual rate of eating. Some psychological factors, such ashow a person views food, could play a part. Some people overeat when they are under extremestress, for example, and see food as a comfort.Others may eat to reward themselves for success. Many views of food are contributing to why people gain weight so quickly, and if people canidentify the psychological reasons behind why they eat so much, they could prevent a lot of problems. The article continues by describing how physical activity is another life habit that isvital to make. The amount of time someone spends exercising and being active can contributemuch to his or her overall health. As many as 85% of dieters who do not exercise on a regular basis regain their lost weight within two ears. In five years, the figure rises to 90%. Exerciseincreases the metabolic rate by creating muscle, which bu rns more calories than fat. Whenregular exercise is combined with regular, healthful meals, calories continue to burn at anaccelerated rate for several hours. When individuals work hard and build endurance, it helpsthem not feel discouraged. New activities and varied routines can help them not lose interest instaying active. Individuals trying to make these life changes would be wise to be encouraged andsupervised by a medical professional.Weight loss programs, such as â€Å"Weight Watchers† cansometimes be effective, as they emphasize realistic goals, sensible eating, gradual progress andexercise. However, some can be dangerous because they promise extreme weight loss and may put people on dangerous diet plans or pills. Most doctors would not approve of those, but wouldrecommend a low calorie diet (about 1200 to 1500 calories a day), or a liquid protein diet for upto three months. Along with the supervision of dieting and exercise, the doctor would probablyrecommend a psychi atrist to help the patient deal with their views on food.Sometimes appetite-suppressant pills are administered, which increase levels of serotonin or catecholamine,chemicals that control feelings of fullness. Food plays a huge part though; â€Å"getting the correct ratios of protein, carbohydrates, and good-quality fats can help in weight loss via enhancement of the metabolism. Support groups that are informed about healthy, nutritious, and balanced dietscan offer an individual the support he or she needs to maintain this type of eating regimen†(Obesity).Obesity experts have made the point that monitoring fat consumption is moreimportant than just counting calories. Just 30 percent of calories eaten per day should come fromfat, and only one third of those calories should come from saturated fat (Obesity). Many Americans are trying to fight the battle against obesity. Many aren’t winning. Howcan they when packaging on junk food is distracting children from the salad bar , or when adultssee commercials for huge meals every 10 minutes on television? Food is being pushed atAmericans constantly; there seems no way to get around the message of â€Å"you have to eat. There seems to be no way to achieve fitness goals because there are too many obstacles. Whether a person’s obstacles are their genetics and metabolism, their depression, or their habits andlifestyle, being overweight is one of the hardest things in life to deal with. The things that obese people have to deal with are very unfortunate. The health problems are harmful enough to well- being, but the cycle of depression and emotional problems that comes along with obesity in somany cases can be worse.Obese people have to walk through life constantly being reminded of their damaging habits and things can seem so hopeless. It is so important to start healthy habitsearly in life. The benefits of good behavior and good life patterns can make life more fulfilling,worth living for and longer l asting. Americans used to embrace healthy eating habits but thecountry got so busy that good ideals were thrown away. The problem of obesity is not just aboutfood; it is about an entire lifestyle