Greg Critser and Obesity Arguementative Essay

He believes that stigmatizing overeating in children will be a feasible solution to end the increasing epidemic of childhood obesity. However, Critser has several problems linked to his simple solution to a very complex problem. First, Critser doesn’t talk about the discrimination and the rude treatment that people struggling with obesity face. Second, he claims American families are to blame for this epidemic, but really parents are the ones who are held responsible for their children’s eating behaviors in the first place. Third, by enforcing children to avoid overeating will only cause mental problems associated with the tension and stress on when and how to eat their food. Fourth, parents should set an example on how they eat their food, because a child will act the same way as how they see their parents eating. Lastly, by stigmatizing the unhealthy behaviors due to obesity, in accordance to, trying not to stigmatize the person or people, really is stigmatizing the children who are suffering from being obese. There are many variables involved in the epidemic of childhood obesity that Critser does not recognize, for example the diseases or genetics that are involved with obesity. The feasible solution Critser argues might help in the short run with a decrease in childhood obesity, but in the long run his solution will not solve the overall epidemic to end childhood obesity. To begin with, Critser never mentions the discriminating effects and rude treatment that obese people deal with the minute they step out in society. Mary Ray Worley begins in her article â€Å"Fat and Happy: In Defense of Fat Acceptance† explaining what fat people go through day to day, and involved are all the emotions and feelings fat people go through when other people see them. If you’ve grown up in the twentieth-century American society, you probably believe that being fat is a serious personal, social, and medical liability. Many Americans would rather die or cut off a limb than be fat, many believe that fatness is a serious health risk, and many are convinced that is a simple matter to reduce one’s body size and are so offended by body fat that they believe it is acceptable to shun fat people and make them the butt of cruel jokes. Those who are fat quickly learn to be deeply ashamed of their bodies and spend their lives trying to become what they are not and hide what can’t be hidden. Our society believes that thinness signals self-discipline and self-respect, whereas fatness signals self-contempt and lack of resolve. 66) Worley goes into depth on some of the thoughts that are running through obese peoples’ mind when going out in society. This is including all adults and children. The discrimination that obese children suffer from is long lasting detrimental effects. These feelings and emotions that are developed as a child can play a vital role in one’s self-esteem along wit h their confidence and how they will conduct themselves day by day. Nowhere is the article Critser talks about the discrimination an obese person has to deal with. Critser would mention two things in his article that would affect the feelings of obese children and one of them was the feeling that obese children deal with is that â€Å"pressure causes tension† (1). The other thing was his solution he thinks that will end the epidemic of obesity, which was, to stigmatize the behavior of overeating while yet not to stigmatize the person engaged in the behavior. Critser was all wrong in thinking this would actually work around the world and not just the Westernized countries. In addition, Critser says, â€Å"No one should be stigmatized for being overweight. But stigmatizing the unhealthful behaviors that cause obesity would conform with what we know about effective health messages† (1). He then goes on to add a false analogy with the campaigns against unprotected sex and smoking. He first is wrong when trying to link obesity with smoking. The two problems are irrelevant to each other besides the fact that both are bad for your health. His focus on unprotected sex and homosexuals in one of his analogies takes offense to anyone who is bigoted, because heterosexuals and homosexuals are the same kind of people with different interests. People who are bigoted go onto discriminate them. That is a false analogy because what does unprotected sex and also homosexuals have to do with obesity in children. Next, Critser’s solution in ways of stigmatizing the unhealthy behaviors associated with obesity and overeating is not the overall solution to conquer this growing epidemic worldwide. The solution is one that may help slow down obesity, but his solution is such a simple solution to such a complex problem. There are many problems associated with obesity; along with there are many solutions to help conquer childhood obesity. Critser is wrong that society can stigmatize overeating without stigmatizing the person engaging in the behavior. â€Å"Food for thought: Children’s views on the psychological aspects of childhood obesity† in Educational and Child Psychology, Debbie Mansfield and Georgina Doutre discuss the â€Å"psychological aspects of childhood obesity† along with the â€Å"children’s views† and â€Å"how to protect obese children from stigmatizing effects† (23). Children are being stigmatized for being obese. The children are subject to â€Å"negative stereotyping and discrimination by their peers,† and â€Å"self-esteem issues, negative body image, depressive symptoms† (Braet, Calamaro and Waite, Hesketh, Koplan, Miller and Downey 24). This proves that Critser’s solution is not going to work. His solution won’t work because, when one is trying to stigmatize the behavior of overeating, then the person who is obese is also subject to the stigmatization. Furthermore, the parents also play a vital role when their child is obese. Children learn through what they see especially when they are at a young age. The â€Å"foot soldiers against obesity† is the American family and are needed to put their children on a â€Å"dietary restraint† to avoid â€Å"gluttony† (1). According to Critser, this saying that the American family is a problem to childhood obesity but later says parents aren’t to blame. Critser uses a strawman tactic saying pressure causes tension by Diamonds. This is true in a sense, but the way Critser uses this saying is that he leaves it at that. He says no more. He doesn’t mention anything else about pressure causing tension. He just quotes Diamonds and what they have to say. The tactic works well in his article, because this is true but it is not linked to his primary solution. â€Å"Childhood obesity could be related to the ignorance or denial of the negative consequences from an individual or family perspective† (Davidson and Birch 24). Critser may agree with this. â€Å"On the other hand, parental acceptance and lack of concern regarding weight issues can be a protective factor for the self-esteem of overweight children† (Stradmeijer 24). A study on obese children concluded that participants are â€Å"accepting attitudes and mpathy towards obese children,† obese children make their own choices over their own â€Å"destiny† (Mansfield and Doutre 27). There were also negative consequences linked to obesity. Being obese caused a lack of friends for children, more bullying occurred, limited to different sporting activities, and serious health consequences (Mansfield and Doutre 28). Parents can help their children in ways to avo id all these emotional consequences their obese children have to deal with along with the psychological effects it has. Mansfield and Doutre provide a table of children’s views of supportive mechanisms for obesity. Some parental discipline and encouragement could be for their children to stop lounging around and do more exercise and eat more fruits and veggies instead of snacks (Mansfield and Doutre 29). A few coping strategies would be to ignore it, their personal choice, and avoidance, accordance to that children think it’s not anybody else’s life to choose who you want to be and rather skinny or fat it is what you want to be (Mansfield and Doutre 29). Critser thinks that kids don’t know much, when really they seem to have an understanding and knowing about the problems associated with obesity. The school systems try to promote exercise to prevent obesity from occurring. It is healthy for children to make their own positive choices. Instead of stigmatizing the behavior of overeating, schools can provide a real good background to children. Moreover, Critser’s article shows weakness in some parts of the article. Critser included a Pennsylvania state university scholar Barbara Rolls that talked about a study she conducted. Her study noticed that the three years old children stopped eating when they were full no matter what the portion size was, but the five year old children devoured everything that was in front of them. Earlier in the article Critser stated that â€Å"kids don’t know when they are full† (1). Another weakness that Critser wrote was when he mocked the experts saying that kids have the right to make bad nutritional choices. This doesn’t have much support in his paper or evidence along with Critser is comparing two different eras. â€Å"Nutrition, Health, and Schoolchildren† written by Judy Butriss states alternative dietary suggestions whether it refers to healthy snacks to the decrease of food intake in a child. the dietary suggestions include; A balanced, varied diet for the whole family, avoiding grazing and TV snacks, healthy snacks (fruits) as alternatives to sweets, chocolate, biscuits, whole food that take time to eat, and grill or boil food instead of frying† (Butriss 294). Finally, in Critser’s article he uses loaded language and unfair argumentation with words like gluttony, foot soldiers, and infantry. Critser uses the term foot soldi ers in a way against obesity that we are pushing for obesity and not seem to care as much. In a way that foot soldiers can be like foot soldiers that just are taught to march and march and nothing else. Critser sounded bias with this term. He also uses the term infantry. Infantry is referring to the American family along with the term foot soldiers. The two terms go together and act as if the American family just keeps encouraging obesity rather than preventing it. This is unfair argumentation because this is not necessarily true. Critser is being bias in the terms he uses. The last piece of loaded language Critser uses is gluttony where he uses the term twice. The term gluttony can be defined as greedy or excessive indulgence, and many children with obesity are labeled as gluttonous. In the beginning of the essay Critser says, â€Å"needs to promulgate [. . . ] dietary restraint, something our ancestors knew simply as avoiding gluttony† (1). Critser says that no person should be stigmatized for being overweight, but his idea is to stigmatize the unhealthy behaviors associate with obesity (Critser 1). This is an unfair argumentation because Critser uses the inconsiderable word gluttony a few times and is also bias to the idea of anti-fat. This is a mistake by using the fully loaded word gluttony, because obese people have enough on their plate and don’t need any more judgments that obesity implies. In conclusion, Critser’s simple solution to such a complex problem is just not going to work. His claims that stigmatizing the behavior of overeating due to obesity, American families cause obesity, portion control and dietary restraint needs to be enforced, and even never to put a kid on a diet seems to not be supportive enough to back his simple solution. His loaded language use of gluttony causes a problem due to the judgmental attitude it implies. Instead, this causes the many social, physical and even economical problems to rise. When one is obese this does raise the thought of a shortened life span and risks to mental diseases, due to the seclusion, one may receive just for seeing themselves as obese. The parents and school teachers come up with ways children can cope a lot easier with being obese. For example, the ways of exercise, change the behavior in how a child will eat snacks (healthy alternatives), and the knowledge that obese children can gain without the loss of self-esteem and confidence. In the end of it all, Critser’s solution to stigmatize the behavior of overeating in a child is the complete reverse approach.

Differences between Shiite and Sunni Muslims

The religion Islam was founded by Mohammed (peace be upon him) in the 7th century. In 622, he founded the first Islamic land, a theocracy in Medina, a city in western Saudi Arabia located in the north of Makkah. According to Huda, an Islamic scholar, â€Å"The word â€Å"Sunni† in Arabic comes from a word meaning â€Å"one who follows the traditions of the Prophet. â€Å". Most Muslims believe that â€Å"leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family [the Quraish tribe], among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.†On the other hand, the Shiite group believes â€Å"that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed straight away to his cousin/son-in-law, â€Å"Ali†. † (Huda, pg. 1) Moreover, according to Blanchard, a Middle East foreign affairs analyst, â€Å"the majority of the world’s Muslim population follows the Sunni branch of Islam and approximately 10-15% of all Muslims follow the Shiite (Shi’ite, Shi’a, Shia) branch†. (Blanchard, P, 1) Shiite populations constitute a majority in, Azerbaijan, Bahrain Iraq, and Iran.Furthermore, Shiite populations constitute a minority in, Kuwait, Syria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Yemen and Afghanistan. Shiites and Sunnis share most fundamental religious tenets. Nevertheless, their dissimilarities sometimes have been the basis of political & religious fighting and sectarian violence.Differences between Shiite and SunniThe differences between Sunni and Shiite are initially ideological, not political . Over the hundreds of decades; these ideological differences have spawned a number of deviating practices and positions which have come to carry an ideological significance.A major difference between Shiite and Sunnis dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the question arose who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim country. Sunnis agree with th e position taken by almost all of the Prophet's companions that the new leader should be chosen from among those capable of the work. This is what was actually done, and (Hazrat) Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s close friend and advisor became the first Caliph of the Islamic country.The Shiite group says that caliphate should have been handed over to (Hazrat) Ali, the Prophet’s cousin and close companion who later became the fourth Caliph. Another major difference between Shiites and Sunnis has to do with â€Å"Imam Mahdi†, â€Å"the rightly-guided one† whose responsibility is to bring a just, worldwide caliphate into being. â€Å"The major difference is that for Shi`is he has already been here, and will return from hiding; for Sunnis he has yet to emerge into history: a comeback v. a coming out, if you will. † (HNN Staff, n. p. )According to Shiites, Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority is infallible as it comes directly from the God. Hence, t hose belonging to Shiite sect venerate the Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages on their graves and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession On the other hand, Sunni Muslims believe that there is no root in Islam for a hereditary honored class of spiritual leaders, and obviously, no basis for the veneration of saints. Sunni Muslims believe that leadership of the community is not a birthright, but a faith that is earned and which may be given or taken away by the individuals themselves.Shiites also believe in animosity towards some of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), based on their actions during the early years of discord about headship in the community. These companions include (Hazrat) Umar, (Hazrat) Aisha, (Hazrat) Abu Bakr, and so on. The first four caliphs as the rightful successors of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) have taken place as the leaders of Muslim Ummah, which has been believed by the Sunni branch. Recognition of legitimate religious leaders has been given to the heirs of the four caliphs.The Arab world has continuously been ruled by these heirs until the Ottoman Empire broke up after the end of the First World War. Shiites, on the other hand believe that only the heirs of the 4th caliph, (Hazrat) Ali, are the legitimate successors of Mohammed (peace be upon him). In 931, the 12th Imam disappeared. This was a seminal event in the history of Shiites. â€Å"According to Loeffler Shiite say that Amir al-Mu'minin is the viceregent and successor of the Prophet. The Sunni say that the successors to the Prophet are Abu Bakr, Umar, and ‘Uthman†. (Loeffler, P, 39).The fourth caliph of the Prophet has been considered Ali by them. â€Å"Shiism has repeatedly split into smaller sects. The main branch, the â€Å"Twelvers,† believe in 12 imams who linked God and man after Muhammad's death.To Sunnis, he was the last of the prophets†. (The War within Islam, p, 2) Similar beliefs of Shiite and Sunni I t is significant to remember that in spite of all of these differences in belief and practice, Shiite and Sunni groups share the main articles of Islamic principle. Some say that some Muslims do not differentiate themselves by claiming membership in any particular group or sect.However, they give preference to call themselves simply Muslims. According to Terrill â€Å"Shi'ites, like other Muslims, believe in the Koran as well as the documented sayings and traditions of the Prophet Mohammad adhered to by Sunni Muslims.Nevertheless, and despite some contrary Shi'ite claims,there are important differences in doctrine. † (Terrill, p, 3) â€Å"Shia's share same beliefs as Sunnis one God; Muhammad as prophet; day of judgment; and life after death†. (Divisions within Islam, p, 3) They also confess that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the messenger of God â€Å"Allah†.In Islam, all Muslims are supposed to live in accordance with the 5 pillars of â€Å"faith†: sh ahada (testimony), salat (prayers), saum (fasting), hajj (pilgrimage) and zakat (almsgiving). However, there are ideological differences regarding zakat in Sunnis and Shiites.In addition, in between the two groups according to Knapp, Shiites and Sunnis â€Å"agree, in terms of just cause, that jihad applies to the defense of territory, life, faith, and property; it is justified to repel invasion or its threat; it is necessary to guarantee freedom for the spread of Islam; and that difference in religion alone is not a sufficient cause† (Knapp, p, 82+)According to Dekmejian, â€Å"messianic notion-mahdism has received greater theological significance among the shittes , it is also a part of the Sunni belief system, as embedded in about fifty traditions (ahadith) in an unbroken chain of authority†. (Dekmejian, p, 64) Attacks of 9/11 and Difficulties for Muslims in New York According to Dr Shahid Sheikh, â€Å"Muslim families in New York City face unique problems in addit ion to those driving up homelessness citywide and beyond†. (Sheikh, p, 4) There are over 600,000 Muslims living in New York City, more than 7. 5% of the population.About 12% of students attending New York City’s public schools are Muslim. In New York City, a large percentage of the immigrant population is represented by Muslims. In the New York City, every third immigrant is the Muslim, and Muslims comprise of approximately sixteen percent of total foreign-born population of the New York City. Over forty different countries have been the destinations and origin countries of Muslim immigrants who are residing in New York City. In this regard, various social, cultural, and historical diversities have been brought in the city by these immigrants.Some of the regions are West Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Central Asia, etc. Since the incident of 9/11, suffering has been confronted by 1. 2 billion Muslims in the world. The name of Islam has been used for ca rrying out the crimes by extremists;Muslims have observed the prosecution of war by non-Muslim armies. It was pointed out by liberals that while terrorism has not been done by all Muslims, all terrorists are followers of Islam. On the other hand, it has been argued by terrorists that most of the victims are the Muslims. Extreme pressures on Muslim people are the result of this argument from different people.In the result, injury to the Muslim people has been emphasized recently. However, the reason of the occurrence of these injuries has not been mentioned in the emphasis. â€Å"Sept. 11 altered the course of Muslim life in America. Mosques were vandalized. Hate crimes rose. Deportation proceedings began against thousands of men. Some Muslims changed their names to avoid job discrimination, making Mohammed â€Å"Moe,† and Osama â€Å"Sam. † Scores of families left for Canada†. (Elliott, n. p. ) â€Å"Within weeks of 9/11 and the al-Qaeda attacks on the World Tr ade Centre's Twin Towers, all talk turned to terrorists and their possible connections with Islam.As a result, New York's 600,000 Muslims found themselves suddenly under the eye of suspicion†. (New York Muslims Cope with Life in a Changed Society, p, 2) At the sprawling Manhattan mosque, one of the several clerics, Imam Shamsi Ali, told that a lot of change has been observed in many things.In this regard, two perspectives of Islam have been brought in the New York City, that is, the negative, and the positive perspective. People are being reached out by us for their better understanding regarding the Islam, and the variation in their perceived understanding of the religion, which might be different from the real one.The Muslim community is now going through a kind of fear. However, self-confidence regarding Islam and community trust has also been learned through fear. In the Muslim work, political environment was changed by the incident of the 911. In this regard, dynamics dri ving changes have been examined by this study, which has considered the political-religious situations of the Muslim world.Firstly, a typology of ideological tendencies in various regions has been developed by it. Religious views are not the only difference between the Muslims, but political and social orientation of the Muslims has also been responsible for the gap among them.Secondly, the main cleavages, that is, the Sunni and Shi’a branches, have been explored by it. In addition, the difference between the Arab and non-Arab Muslim worlds has also been analyzed during the paper. It was also found in the study that the Sunni branch comprises most of the Muslims. Conclusion Conclusively, this paper has tried to define, examine, analyze, and differentiate between Shiites and Sunnis. In the introduction, the origin and history of Islam was studied that Mohammed (peace be upon him) founded Islam in the 7th century.As already been discussed, it was indicated that majority of the Muslim population comprises of the Sunni Muslims. Over the hundreds of decades, these ideological differences have spawned a number of deviating practices and positions, which have come to carry an ideological significance.The concept of Imam Mahdi was also studied and examined in the paper. On the other hand, the paper also examined similarities shared by Sunnis and Shiites. Oneness of the God, the Prophecy of Muhammad (peace be upon him), etc. are some of the similarities. In this regard, this study will help people in understanding Islam in a proper way.

Reinvestigation of Editorial Genre on the Basis of Generic Structure

Reinvestigation of Editorial Genre: On the Basis of Generic Structure Potential Abstract Editorial research has been developed since about 2005 by some professionals in the field such Scholar Ansary or Babaii because there are many following journals of editorials citing their previous development such as Fartousi and Dumanig (2012), Ansary and Babaii(2009) and so on.Out of the gap in the confirmatory developed by Ansary and Babaii (2005), the research attempts to apply their framework in the online editorials of China Post and the consequence manifests that their editorial GSP matches the consequence of the study, further confirming their research result; however, there are some limitations in the study: there are many other English editorials in non-English-speaking countries not researched yet, so if the future study can confirm the previous research results, then the reliability in the editorial GSP can be more stabilized to the extent of a principle-like theorem.Then, an editori al GSP slightly differs from the work of Ansary and Babaii (2005), id est, that of Fartousi and Dumanig (2012), but the most order or acronyms in Ansar and Babaii’s (2005) editorial GSP is nearly the same; consequently, if the future study can make comparisons among editorial GSPs, the editorial GSP will be developed more completely and perfectly.For the pedagogical implication, the editorial GSP can be designed into a curriculum as an extra-curricular course or even an in-class one for students in the secondary or tertiary education in order to raise learning interest and the medium of communicating competence through absorbing and internalizing the editorial content as a subject or the discipline of in-class oral communication. IntroductionIn light of Ansary and Babaii (2005), during the past years, there has been much research in genre in and across many linguistic use domains; then, the concept, genre, has been a framework for the analysis of the form and rhetorical funct ion such as research articles, dissertations, editorials†¦, serving as a tool for developing educational practices in rhetoric, linguistics, composition studies, ESP, EAP, and so onThe interest in the research lies in the need to confirm a genre model that can be applied into non-English-as-L1 pedagogical environment, the one in Taiwan in order to discipline students’ capability of understanding editorial genre to bolster their reading comprehension for the better effective communication competence. Therefore, based on such stance, it is expected that the editorial genre model may also be applied to the editorial genre in the online version of Taiwan editorial genres which will be discussed in the methodology.For the research relative to the study theme, there is considerable. For instance, Anaray and Babii(2005) have formulated the editorial GSP on the online Washington editorials, which is the main base of the study. Next, Flowerdew and Dudley-Evans(2002) refer to thei r findings that they may contribute to the comprehension of the function and nature of letter editorials regardless of none generalization about it.Then, Katajamaki and Koskela(2006) studies rhetorical structure of editorials in English, Swedish, and Finnish business newspapers whose conclusion finds that when there is variation, it concerns two stages of the rhetorical structure, i. e. solution and moral, and that editorials in business newspapers seldom present any direct solutions for the critical issues discussed.Besides the aforementioned studies, Ansary and Babii(2009) report that an ‘unmarked’ English newspaper editorial, published either in Iran or Pakistan or the USA, typically consists of four obligatory and two optional generic rhetorical elements. Furthermore, Fartousi and Dumanig (2012) identify the rhetorical pattern of an English editorial titled ‘the Hoodies of NWO’ published on October 8, 2011 in the Tehran Times –the most read Engli sh daily newspaper- in Iran: RH ^ AI ^ (BI) ^ (IA) ^ A ^ (CR) ^ (AS): RH: Run-on Headline, CR: Concluding Remark, AS: Articulating a Solution.In accordance with Ansary and Babaii (2005), they investigate the 30 editorials from online Washington Times in a perspective of SFL—Systemic Functional Linguistics—founded by Michael Halliday and creates a genre model for editorials; however, she expresses in the final textual page before the references that There is a dearth of confirmatory research attempting to examine whether the identified generic patterns apply to other corpuses. To serve this line of investigation, then, it seems advisable to consolidate the findings of previous exploratory genre analyses, including the one reported here, through further research.Therefore, the purpose of the paper is to reinvestigate the gap in the aforementioned journal by Ansary and Babaii (2005), The Generic Integrity of Newspaper Editorials: A Systemic Functional Perspective, on the basis of the work of them and the British linguist, M. A. K. Halliday. If the research successfully proves the fact the genre model with respect of editorials can be applied to the online Chinese Mandarin versions of editorial model, then, it will benefit the pedagogical domain and contribute the academic value concerning the development of the editorial genre format more completely and even fully to academic boundary.Literature Review This research is to reinvestigate if the editorial GSP developed by Ansary and Babaii (2005) and based on Halladian Systemic Functional Linguistics model of texts analysis, can be applied into that of online China Post in Taiwan and to be more specific and detailed, this study is check whether their GSP ( Generic Structural Potential) of English newspaper editorials can be applied into it.What relates to the concepts of the study theme are SFL, Systemic Functional Linguistics, GSP, Generic Structural Potential, and certain acronyms of a certain genre, say, editorial, exemplified later as follows. Accordingly, the study explores relevant research: First, there will be some relevant editorial works from different scholars; then GSP, is stated in detail and one real GSP of editorials listed below for illustration. For SFL, it’s a textual analytical tool or model or framework (Ansary and Babaii, 2005 & Hughes, 2009) set up by M.A. K. Hallidy and by Morley (1985), it states that SFL interprets language as a systematic network of meaning potential and that systems compose language. For the GSP Hassan and Halliday develop it in 1989, and according to Ansary and Babaii(2005), a GSP of a genre is a condensed statement of a text (or a genre) in its CC (Contextual Configuration), and by Hassan(1984), he describes the GSP of a certain genre as â€Å"a statement of the structural resources available in a given genre.Furthermore, in accordance with Halliday and Hasan (1989), a GSP is an abstract theoretical concept that †¦ expres s[es] the total range of optional, [iterative], and obligatory elements and their order in such a way that we exhaust the possibilities of text structure for every text that can be appropriate to [the Contextual Configuration of that text]. In order to further specify the definition of GSP, the following is given and from the research result on editorial GSP done by Hassan: [pic]For each symbol acronyms, the following is its explanations: the caret, ^, is sequence; H stands for Heading; BI, Background Information; AI, Addressing an Issue; IA, Initiation of Argumentation; A; Argumentation; CA; Closure of Argumentation; AP, Articulating a Position; round brackets, ( ), represent optionality; the square brackets, [ ], the limit concerning sequence(the none changeability of sequence); the dot, . means the changeability of order; the braces with an arrow— {[pic]}— stand for the degree of repetition. At last, n and m represent several sets of iteration. To sum up, under SFL theories, it is practicable to use its model later developed, i. e. , GSP, to analyze a structure of a certain genre and the analytical consequence can be formulated by symbols and acronyms in a line. MethodologyThe Framework for the Analysis of Online China Post Editorials Based on the work of Ansary and Babaii (2005) with regard to editorial GSP: [pic], the experiment will be conduced by the same analytical framework for the identification of texts used by Ansary and Babaii (2005). Analytical Procedure: The Sample Analysis of a Full Text As to the in-depth textual analysis, a sample from China Post Online will be given in order to show the how; for the analysis presentation, it just centers on higher-level rhetorical structure of texts, the mode constituting the larger parts of textsThe sample below is an editorial from The China Post electronically published on the column titled Editorial, on the website: http://chinapost. com. tw on Wednesday, December 26, 2012. Result |HEADLINE : |Seeking Christmas while sifting the man from the myth | | | | |The explanation of Jesus’ birth on Christmas. | |ADDRESSING AN ISSUE: |Christmas in Taiwan is not a traditional or mandatory occasion. Contrary | | |to most Western countries, where the annual holiday is celebrated and | |Christmas for Taiwanese is not a traditional or |given so much importance, Christmas is rather an occasion of convenience | |mandatory occasion but a day for friends and |for friends and family. |family reunion. | | |INITIATION OF ARGUMENTATION |For sure, there is more and more convenience for shopping — almost one in | | |two Christmas shoppers do their shopping online — and searching for that | |Buying Christmas gifts for the important one |special someone during the Christmas season.Every time we celebrate | |becomes more convenient, but the faith or the |Christmas, however, we shouldn't run away from the challenges that come | |concepts to Christmas should be challenged |wit h it: to question one's faith. | |ARGUMENT 1: |In his new book, â€Å"The Infancy Narratives — Jesus of Nazareth,† Pope | | |Benedict XVI addresses such challenges when he tells us that there is | |In Pope Benedict XVI’s new book, there are some |something wrong with the timing, animals and angels of Christmas.And | |challenges against the customary Christmas |these little changes make a huge difference. | |concepts. | | |ARGUMENT 2: |Everybody knows that Jesus wasn't actually born on Dec. 25, but the pope | | |indicates that the date for Christmas was based on a blunder by a | |In spite of the common sense about Jesus’ |sixth-century monk who was several years off in his calculation of Jesus' | |birthday not on Dec. 5, the pope further |birth date. | |indicates the wrong origin. | | |ARGUMENT 3: |What significance might this have? It doesn't change the themes and the | | |narrative of the biblical story, which is: Jesus came as a baby, as a | |Pope Bened ict manifests that Jesus was a real |savior to redeem mankind.But in Pope Benedict's words, it shows that | |figure despite the narratives about him in the |Jesus was a real historical figure, who walked on Earth and talked to | |bible. |people like anyone else. | |ARGUMENT 4: |Another thing that the pope challenges is our understanding that farm | | |animals were present on Christmas Eve. In fact, there were probably no | |The pope raises that the farm animals weren’t |oxen, sheep nor donkeys.The pope says in his book that the animals were | |present on Christmas Eve. |implicitly referenced in the text, not explicitly, like in this passage | | |from Luke 2:7, which reads: â€Å"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and | | |wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was| | |no place for them in the inn. | |ARGUMENT 5: |What about the angels singing? Were there any angels singing? The pope is | | |also saying that there were angels but they were talking, not singing, to | |The angels on the scene were talking instead of |the shepherd. The angels offered directions as to where to find the baby. |singing and were showing the way to find the |The angel said to them, â€Å"Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good| |infant Jesus. |news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is | | |Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the | | |sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a | | |feeding trough. | |ARTICULATING A POSITION 1: |While we are celebrating Christmas, we should follow the pope in trying to| | |understand the world where Jesus was born and try to better understand | |A thought from the writer is that we should |contemporary Taiwan. Through his new book, Pope Benedict tells us that | |follow the pope’s argument of Jesus’ birth place |even though Caesar brought peace to the Roman Empire, a tiny child brought| |and try to better understand contemporary Taiwan. something much more wonderful: God's peace and a promise to eternal life | | |and the end to sin. | |ARTICULATING A POSITION 2: |If you are also wondering why Christmas came to be such a great | | |celebration in the West, you should also try to find the answer for | |The writer suggests the attitude of questioning |yourself and question your religion and beliefs.While we may all agree | |the reader’s religion and beliefs and refers to |that the pope is a traditional man, we should find comfort that he is | |his feeling on the pope’s contribution with |attempting to explain how the birth of Jesus changed history forever, | |regard to the birth of Jesus. |especially on Christmas Day. | Validity and Reliability of the AnalysisIt is a must to do logical tests to found the analytical validity and reliability, and in light of Yin (1984), construct validity is referential to â€Å"setting up correct operational measures for the studies notations† and reliability refers to proving that the study can be reiterated with the same results. Additionally, Yin (1984) suggests the steps in add- ing construct validity and the how is reviewing and cross-examining the analytical result y the frequent discussions with a postgraduate researcher (Dr. E. Babaii), yet, out of the lack of such suitable one, it is temporarily put off. Besides, for vindicating the analytical reliability, the approach mentioned by Ansary and Babaii (2005) is in the following: First, they randomly selected 10 texts from the corpus and requested two judges with a beforehand training background to independently code the texts. Second.They used Kappa coefficient (K) as a felicitous non-parametric measure to index the degree of agreement between coders and their codings, and the inter-coder and intra-coder reliability indices were calculated: kappa coefficient must exceed . 60 to be dependable and valid index of an acceptable degree of agree ment between judges. Under Prof Chen’s requirement, there are 5 extra GSP analyses from the same editorial website in the following: New Taiwan dollar closes flat after sharp surge (January  8,  2013)GSP:H^[AI]^{IA^A1^A2}{AP}{IA^A1}^{AP} KMT leaves year-end bonus loophole: DPPJanuary  8,  2013, GSP:H^[AI]^{IA^A1^A2^A3^A4}^{AP1^AP2^AP3^AP4} Opposition, ruling parties must agree: time is not on our side December 19, 2012 GSP:H^[AI]^{IA^A1^A2^A3A4}^{AP1^AP2^AP3^AP4} Benefits for the aged are more than just a handout December 11, 2012 GSP:H^[AI]^{IA^A1^A2^A3^A4}^{AP1^AP2^AP3^AP4^AP5} In Diaoyutais dispute, time has come for pragmatic diplomacy November 8, 2012 GSP:H^[AI]^{IA^A1^A2}^{AP1^AP2^AP3^AP4} Discussion The GSP for the editorials based on online China Post can be listed as: [pic] [pic]H^[AI]^{IA^A1^ A2^ A3^ A4^ A5}^{AP1^AP2} In the above GSP, the caret sign indexes sequences order; the square brackets delimit sequence; the braces with an arrow indicate the degree o f iteration. In sum, the aforementioned GSP is a condensed statement signifying an editorial from online China Post may appear in this way: an editorial typically begins with a headline and then addresses an issue and later argumentations and finally end with the articulation of the position. In ddition, such arguments and positions can be repetitive until the conclusion is mentioned. Conclusion Based on the result and discussion, it is obvious that the GSP of the editorials in the online China post matches the one raised by Ansary and Babaii(2005), but the limitation is that if there are more different data sources in the respect of editorials, the editorial GSP may be further confirmed and the degree of reliability may also be increased. For the comparisons between the literature findings as well as mine, it is elaborated below.First, in light of Katajamaki and Koskela(2006), they further indicate the variation in business editorial GSP bout their possible changes, whose result pa ttern is quite similar to Ansary and Babaii’s (2005) and more detailed; therefore, it is a point the future study may refer to. Then for Fartousi and Dumanig (2012) in the comparison between their and mine findings, they’re fairly similar as well: they their editorials GSP contains AR(Articulating a Resolution).Later, for Flowerdew and Dudley-Evans(2002), their finding is that they couldn’t form a formula but can describe of the nature and function about the editorials they analyze. Additionally, in terms of Ansary and Babaii(2009), they express that the non-native English language newspapers often carry a translated version of the same editorial printed in the native language edition of the newspapers, so it is a good research direction in the multiple comparisons in different editorial GSP with regard to whether L2 editorials may transfer their L1 into the editorials.Finally, the pedagogical implication lies in that the model can be applied into teaching mater ials as part of the development for student’s interest in learning English instead of being restricted to the dull textbooks merely, especially for the textbooks in tertiary education and their comprehension in this field. REFERENCES Ansary, Hasan, & Babaii, Esmat (2005). The Generic Integrity of Newspaper Editorials: A Systemic Functional Perspective, Indian Journal of Applied Linguistics Ansary, Hasan, & Babaii, Esmat (2009). A Cross-culture Analysis of English Editorials: A Systemic-Functional View of Text for ContrastiveRhetoric Research Fartousi, Hassan & Dumanig, Francisco Perlas (2012). A Rhetorical Analysis of an Editorial: â€Å"The Hoodies of NWO†. World Science Publisher, United States Flowerdew, John & Dudley-Evans, Tony (2002) Genre Analysis of Editorial Letters to International Letters, Oxford University Press Katajamaki, Heli & Koskela, Merja (2006) The rhetorical structure of editorials in English, Swedish and Finnish business newspapers. Teoksessa Proc eedings of the 5th International Aelfe Conference. Actas del V Congreso International AELFE.

Implementing innovation in organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Implementing innovation in organizations - Essay Example m, in his innovation implementation article, an organization’s first step should entail knowing the ideal definition behind successful innovation for it to be on the safe side. The introduction part starts with the statement that ‘Successful innovation is turning ideas to money’, which depends on ones comprehension of the statement (Woods 2011). Essentially, the outcome should not necessarily be money but successful innovation should give something that is valuable in return to the organization or specific facets of it. Definitely, understanding innovation comprehensively forms a foundation for successful implementation, which is profitable to the organization in long term or short-term basis depending on the organizational goals. Decisively, I think that the understanding section should also entails evaluating your organization’s strategies, culture and other equally significant aspects such as size and core objective. This way one can relate how different approaches would apply in their organization, a factor that the article does not cover in depth. After forming a basis for implementation through utter comprehension, the next step in the article is determining the type of innovation the organization aims at achieving (Woods 2011). The statement is baffling but Tim goes ahead to explain what this step should involve. The innovation process can entail incorporation of new practices to the older ones or an exclusively new practice to bring value to the organization. I think this is essential because different corporations are in varying fields and markets; however, it is important that the way an organization chooses reflect on their needs. It is an important step, especially as the second because it relates with understanding innovation and the organization. However, the author does not give examples of how this step practically applies, which would give significant assistance to the readers. The author is keen to state out that organizations should

The Role of Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Role of Economics - Essay Example According to Schumacher, economics plays a central role in determining as well as setting the criteria that is used to determine what is economic or not. There are many factors that are involved when one talks about the economy of a given region. Therefore, economists will be in place to determine how the factors can be brought together to ensure that there is maximum production or the returns that are realized are at the peak. An economist will therefore be given the role of deciding whether a given idea or investment is economic or uneconomic. This is done by weighing the inputs that need to be put and the returns that are to be realized after the idea has been actualized. Schumacher (1973) notes that when an economist makes the verdict above the questions that arise are on the criteria that was used to make the final verdict. This should therefore be explainable by the economist to a layman or another individual who does not have a sound understanding of the subject. On top of tha t people are interested in understanding how the verdict means. Can one continue with the investment or should they halt it at the grounds? Are there any options that can be adopted and make the idea work? All these need to be addressed by the economist. Schumacher goes back in history to bring the concept of professorship which was founded for political economy at Oxford about 190 years ago. He cites Edward Copleston who was among the people unhappy about the introduction of a science into the curriculum .

Network Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Network Planning - Essay Example The network planning model refers to a smooth structured approach that eliminates some of the redundant elements from the system so as to obtain an optimal network. The logistic network for a single warehouse needs to encompass all the essential elements of the logistic activities so that there is smooth flow of products and information along the logistic chain consisting of a single warehouse. The single warehouse would serve as a centralized warehouse for the overall business operations and would comprise of all the necessary facilities that would be required for the effective coordination amongst all the other elements encompassing marketing department to the customers (Radhakrishnan, 2001). The first step that would be essential for the network design would be proper analysis of all the required information of the company’s operations. This information analysis would enable in incorporating the best strategy for the logistic network. Since there would be a single warehouse that needs to be centralized and handle all of the operations starting from inventory keeping to that of semi-finished or finished products it is very much important to decide on the size and location of the warehouse that would be the next step of the logistic network planning. The next step in designing this optimal network would be calculation of the facility and transportation costs. There needs to be a proper estimation on what are the major costs that is associated with the logistic framework that would be required in the network set up comprising of single warehouse (Waters, 2010).The next step for the design of optimal network would be consideration of various facilities such as vendors, manufacturing center, customer service and the distribution center. These facilities need to be given importance as there is continuous flow of finished products and raw materials amongst these facilities

Economies, Markets and Strategic Decisions Essay

Economies, Markets and Strategic Decisions - Essay Example It affects almost our entire lives, from the quality of our lives, our health and well-being; it determines not only our choice of transportation means but also our choice of work, and status2. Oil also affects our economic well-being, family structure, choice of friends and status in the society. It is with no wonder that, All things being equal an increase in the demand of a commodity will increase the price in the short run and supply in the long run. This is certainly true, for the short period in the case of an ordinary commodity. In the case of oil, the number is highly dependent on the availability of reserves. In the case of commodity, an increase in price would ensure an increase in supply which would serve to check the rise in price. Production on a larger scale leads to improved methods of production, and a fall in price below its original level. In the case of housing, no such reaction is possible3. There is nothing, to restrain the price (and the rent) of housing from rising indefinitely without limit, if the demand continue to increase. Conversely, if the demand for houses falls off, there is nothing to check the consequent fall in price and rent. In the case of ordinary commodities, supply would be diminished, because most things are either consumed4. 1.2 Demand and Supply Forces determining the price of Oil Over the last thirty years, OIL prices have risen in real terms by around 2 ' % a year and according to HM Treasury (2003) report this stands in contrast to other European countries such as Sweden, France, and Germany where real house prices have decline or remain relatively constant. In a study conducted by Guri (2003), it was postulated that low oil supply responsiveness must have contributed in greater trend increase in real oil prices in the world before the outbreak of the credit crunch that started at the end of the year 2007. According to Kuenny et al. (2007), paradoxically, while there is a problem associated with a shortage of hydrocarbons, there is also a problem associated with their superabundance which results in the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere producing a dramatic impact on climate (Kuenny 2007). Kuenny (2007) stipulates that, the latter problem appears more important than the former, geopolitical crises, which may be generated by a shortage of hydrocarbons, appear to influence public opinion more than progressive climate change. Unless new energy fields can be Figure 1 and Two From Figure one above, an increase in the demand for oil from D1 to D2 has not been matched by a corresponding increase in the supply of oil. Oil are not like ordinary commodities. This has forced up price for oil from P1 to P2. This is because with the present state of the world economy, market, higher demand is translated into higher prices than supply. With the government weak oil supply in the previous years, and it inability to assume responsibility to increase the number of oil reserves, prices will continue to increase As supply becomes more elastic over time, assuming the conditions of demand remain unchanged, we expect to see downward pressure on prices and a further increase in the equilibrium quantity of oil bought and sold5.Because of the time lags and resources

Google verses Microsoft Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Google verses Microsoft - Research Paper Example They offer a variety of IT products that include the operating systems, design of site operations by companies, products that facilitates efficient advertising. The company majorly engages in the provision of search, advertising, operating system platforms, and enterprise services in general. Microsoft on the other hand does not deal so much on different products than those of Google. Microsoft came into existence in the 1980’s with the major object of ensuring that business IT solutions are well effected, it offered the earlier IT services that included the Microsoft office tools which it has kept upgrading till recent. Its latest product is the Bing, which has been developed to counter the Android that is a product provided by the Google incorporation. Microsoft had been divided into five divisions in terms of the product, hence termed as product divisions. They include; Windows and Windows Live Division, Server and Tools, Online Services Division. All the above are engaged in the production and distribution of operating system products including their upgrade components, Microsoft Business Division; this departments is that which is engaged in the actual business operations which ranges from management to marketing, this department is that which fuels the objectives of helping businesses achieve active business solutions. Entertainment and Devices Division takes care of the entertainment sector. This is a major revenue-generating center for Microsoft incorporation and the corporation derives most of its income from this branch of the division. Microsoft employs the Total Quality Management style (TQM) of leadership. This is a management style where the every employee in the organization employs a proactive measure to ensure that the VMO’s of the organizations are met. Total Quality management also involves management by providing services high quality services that can withstand international completion. Google on the contrary employs a sought of beaurcratic management leadership style where a chain of command flows from the CEO downwards (Vise, 2008). Other competitors are Apple, twitter, Face book which are also IT service companies in the industry. Google financial ratios Name Formula 2008 2009 2010 Current Ratio Current Assets/Current liabilities 8.7 10.6 4.1 Return on Asset EBIT/Total Assets 8.4% 5.8% 5.1% Return on equity EBIT/Shareholders Earnings 13% 16% 14.1% Debt ratio Total debt/Equity 8.1% 7.6% 2.1% Fixed asset turnover Inventory/Fixed Assets 32.2 41.2% 21.4% Dividend payout ratio Earnings/Ordinary Shares 1.8% 2.1% 2.7% P/E ratio MPS/EPS 1.18 2.86 3.27 The movements in their financial ratios determine the performance of any company. The ratios as identified above are determines the liquidity of the company, profitability, the long-term prospects, and even the growth of the company. Liquidity on this case is shown by the current ratio. The current ratio shows the value of current assets as compared to the liabi lities of the companies. Google has high progressively increasing current assets ratio. This shows overcapitalization. It therefore means that, Google has invested much on Current assets than they have liability. The impact of this is that the company risks having liquidity problems in the future since the since it does not have an appropriate liquid cash to undertake their day-to-day operations. Profitability ratios are return ratios that depicts the profitability trends of the company. It is normally the wish

Diabetic patient Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Diabetic patient - Assignment Example Treating diabetes has become one of the most significant challenges for the healthcare providers around the globe. Approximately 3 million people are affected by the disease in UK alone while there is substantial majority which does not even know about their association with diabetes Hence it is important to critically analyze the different affecting variables for diabetic patients while investing the most appropriate medications. This paper aims to study the importance of diabetic medication especially using Betty Neuman’s Mode in NANDA format. Moreover, it will develop a teaching learning intervention for such patients while analyzing healthcare disparity. Importance of Diabetic Medication Diabetes is a common disease prevailing in the world today. It is a lifelong health stipulation which actually occurs due to increased amount of glucose in blood. Primarily the body is unable to utilize all the excess glucose in this condition because of poor performance and lack of insuli n production in the pancreas (What happens when you have diabetes?, 2012). Insulin is a hormone which helps the glucose to enter into the blood cells. Glucose is an essential source of instant energy which facilitates us in playing and working. However, when an individual encounters diabetes then it becomes significantly difficult for the victim to perform his/her daily tasks efficiently leading towards other dangerous conditions. Diabetic Medication is very important in order to control the level of glucose. This subsequently helps people in fighting against the disease while performing their routine duties. Although the diabetic medication cannot completely cure the disease but it plays a vital role in combating the adverse outcomes and hence patients are required to take these medicines lifelong. Neuman’s Mode in NANDA format is significantly used for treating the diabetic patients (Neuman& Fawcett, 2010). Before discussing the real impact of this methodology on patients i t is important to first analyze the narrow characteristics of Neuman’s system model. Initially Neuman assumed certain things, for instance, he supposed that patients are entirely different from one another and that their responses to variable treatments are also unique. They are primarily influenced by numerous stressors and the overall external environment which creates hindrance in their medical recovery. Hence according to Neuman it is important to first cater to all these factors in order to treat a diabetic patient. The major components of his theory are basic structure, environment, open system, defense line, reaction, resistance, reconstitution and prevention(Betty Neuman's System Model, 2012). The Neuman’s system model is applied on diabetic patients through investigating their problems in the light of environmental stress, interpersonal factors, influence of social environment and the physical examination. It motivates the patients so that they can help themse lves in their fast recovery. Thereafter it defines a clear treatment methodology to provide comprehensive care with the help of nurses (Neuman & Fawcett, 2010). Although Neuman’s NANDA format is found effective in curing the disease to some extent but on the whole it lacks the knowledge of diabetes and the symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Moreover, it does not have an ability to formulate a follow up plan while on the other hand it has insufficient resources to identify the core reasons of diabetes. Developing a teaching and learning intervention The behavioral change theories tend to study a particular disease, physical issue or a mental problem in the light of behaviors which are triggered by the socio-economic and environmental factors. Today theorists and researchers believe that most of the diseases can be cured only by making an intervention in the behavioral patterns of the patients (Hayden, 2009). For instance, in order to cure diabetes nurses can play a sig nificant role

Managed Care Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managed Care Organizations - Essay Example The group is paid a fixed fee per month. Independent practice association model HMO - This is similar to group model. The HMO enters into contract with a group of individual health care providers (through a legal entity - practice association). The difference is that the independent practice association (IPA) can treat patients other than the HMO enrolled patients as well. Network model HMO - It is a combination of all of the above. The HMO can have multiple contracts; it can hire some doctors and pay them salary, it can have IPA contracts with other doctors, and can have exclusive contracts with groups. Point of service model HMO - In point of service (POS) model, the patients enrolled in the HMO can consult with doctors who are not outside the network of HMO, without needing a referral from a doctor of HMO network. This provides the patients the flexibility consult any doctor of their choice although they have to pay more to consult with doctors outside the HMO network. A PPO is a form of MCO which makes arrangements with health care providers to seek reimbursement at lower rates. Thus, the patients pay lower than regular fees when they consult the health care providers (preferred providers) who are part of the PPO network. The managed care organizations generally reduce cost by improving efficiencies. ... Techniques Used by Managed Care Organizations to contain costs The managed care organizations generally reduce cost by improving efficiencies. The efficiency can be increased by optimally utilizing technology, reducing overheads, enhancing patient care treatments, and increasing utilization rate of the available medical equipment. The managed care organizations also provide incentives to health care providers if they select economical ways of treatment. They provide guidelines on various matters; for instance, how to maximize utilization rate of hospital rooms for in-patient treatment; what should be the length of hospital stay for particular treatment; eliminating unnecessary office processes and procedures so that costs can be reduce; etc. These techniques assist the hospitals and doctors to provide better services to patients, and at the same time, to reduce the cost of these services. The patients, thus, have to pay lower amounts to the managed care organizations. Hence the objective of providing low cost health care services is achieved. However, in order to ensure that providers do not exhibit unethical behavior by providing lesser than required services to the patients in order to reduce costs, all the medical records are kept for future reference and are periodically reviewed by external party. In addition, quality assurance reviews are undertaken to verify the quality of services provides to the patients (Managed Care Magazine, 2000). Reimbursement for Services There are various ways the providers are reimbursed for services by the managed care organizations. These include: Salary: Normally used for staff model; the doctors are hired and are provided fixed monthly salary. Fixed Capitated Fee: The provider is paid

US Foreign Policy during the Cold War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

US Foreign Policy during the Cold War - Essay Example The foreign policies followed during the Cold War have always been a subject of debate and many books have been written on them. One such book is the Ugly American, authored by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick and set in the 1950s. The book exposes the incompetence of those who shape foreign policy. The novel struck a chord in many Americans who felt that the US was not following the right kind of foreign policies and that the Soviet Union might just get an upper hand in the Cold War. Several foreign policies were formulated and launched during the Cold War. One such policy was the European Recovery Program, known as the Marshall Plan. This plan, the details of which were announced by George Marshall, was meant to restore prosperity and thereby help in the growth of the European Union. George Kennan was the chief architect of the "Containment" policy wherein he called for the "containment of Russian expansive tendencies". He also believed that the poor economy of a country put p ressure on that country to adopt communism. According to Kennan, politics and economics were directly related. Healthy economies would cause the death of communism.

The OSI model Essay Example for Free

The OSI model Essay Question: Write a 2-3 page paper describing the OSI model and how it relates to a network. Your response should include answers to the following: †¢ On which layers of the OSI model do WAN protocols operate? †¢ What are some of these protocols? †¢ On which OSI layers do switches and routers operate? †¢ If routers reside at more than one layer, what is the difference between the OSI layers? Introduction: The OSI model was introduced in 1984. Although it was designed to be an abstract model, the OSI model remains a practical framework for todays key network technologies like Ethernet and protocols like IP. The OSI model defines internetworking in terms of a vertical stack of seven layers. The upper layers of the OSI model represent software that implements network services like encryption and connection management. The lower layers of the OSI model implement more primitive, hardware-oriented functions like routing, addressing, and flow control. In the OSI model, data communication starts with the top layer at the sending side, travels down the OSI model stack to the bottom layer, then traverses the network connection to the bottom layer on the receiving side, and up its OSI model stack. How OSI model relates to a network: Information being transferred from a software application in one computer system to a software application in another must pass through the OSI layers. For example, if a software application in System A has information to transmit to a software application in System B, the application program  in System A will pass its information to the application layer (Layer 7) of System A. The application layer then passes the information to the presentation layer (Layer 6), which relays the data to the session layer (Layer 5), and so on down to the physical layer (Layer 1). At the physical layer, the information is placed on the physical network medium and is sent across the medium to System B. The physical layer of System B removes the information from the physical medium, and then its physical layer passes the information up to the data link layer (Layer 2), which passes it to the network layer (Layer 3), and so on, until it reaches the application layer (Layer 7) of System B. Finally, the application layer of System B passes the information to the recipient application program to complete the communication process. Interaction Between OSI Model Layers A given layer in the OSI model generally communicates with three other OSI layers: the layer directly above it, the layer directly below it, and its peer layer in other networked computer systems. The data link layer in System A, for example, communicates with the network layer of System A, the physical layer of System A, and the data link layer in System B. The following figure illustrates this example. Figure : OSI Model Layers Communicate with Other Layers On which layers of the OSI model do WAN protocols operate? A WAN protocols is a data communication protocols which is use in the data communications network that covers a relatively broad geographic area and that often uses transmission facilities provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies. WAN Protocol in WAN technologies, generally function at the lower three layers of the OSI reference model which layers are as following: †¢ Physical layer †¢ Data link layer, and †¢ Network layer. Following figure illustrates the relationship between the common WAN technologies and the OSI model. Figure : OSI Model Layers and WAN Technology specification What are some of these protocols? some protocols which are also operated in the WAN technology are PPP, X.25 etc. On which OSI layers do switches and routers operate? The Network Layer of the OSI model is responsible for establishing paths for data transfer through the network and router are the devices which are used to establishes the path for data transfer. So, routers operate at the Network Layer. And Data Link Layer of the OSI model is responsible for communications between adjacent network nodes. Hubs and switches operate at the Data Link Layer. If routers reside at more than one layer, what is the difference between the OSI layers? Routers generally do not reside at more than one layer, because the router devices are operated in the network layer and they can apply the data link headers when they switch the packet interface and put the signals at the physical layer wires . In this way the routers do work on three different levels, but each job is separate and distinct per layer.

Benefits and Strategies of Learning Through Play

Benefits and Strategies of Learning Through Play Play is essential in child’s early years. In my model of play, every area is interrelated in regards to play. Play can happen at any point of time and at any place. From a child’s perspective, play is enjoyable and imaginative. Educators play an important role in planning play activities in the curriculum and to sustain their thinking. Background of the family reflects how children play at home and with their peers. In my model of play, a cultural-historical theory drives my play practices. According to Vygotsky, â€Å"Children will give new meaning to objects in their play in order to progress imaginary play† and to understand reality by learning how people work through role-playing (Fleer, 2013). He also continued that professionals in early childhood will contribute in children’s play through interactions in sustained shared thinking and through play connections with children (Fleer, 2013). Thus; my model of play revolves around these important aspects for a child – culture, play, educator, curriculum, family and educator. Each aspect will be further explaining in the following: Play Cultural –historical view of play can be reflected in my model of play. In this model, children engaged in both structured and unstructured play. In unstructured play, children will develop a state of mind, helping them to deal with feelings or challenges in their life and at the same time, providing opportunities for them to explore different ways in doing things (Bruce, 2011). From a child’s perspective, they use very minimal effort to move between play and real world (Edmiston, 2008). When they play, they create imaginary situations. These imaginary situations are based on their real-world experiences and children give new senses to their movements and objects (Fleer, 2013). I observed how these two girls, Ann (three years old) and May (six years old) playing at the kitchen corner. They are creating imaginary situations. In their play, they take on roles. They pretend to be mother and baby. As they are in their imaginary situations, children began to move away from r eality. They became more detailed in taking their roles. In my observations, Ann began to sound like a baby and will seek attention from her â€Å"mother†. Both children learn about everyday concepts as they observe how their mother takes care of baby. From there, they also picked up scientific concepts about movement like walking, carrying baby dolls and cuddling. Culture The family background of the child sets conditions for play. Usually, children imitate the role of the people they have most contact with. For example, if children will imitate the role of the teacher when they are at home; or in school, they will take on the role of their mother as they had been observing how she manages the kitchen daily. As children develop their play, they adopt the role and create their make-believe stories. In my observations on my play model, Ann and May adopt the roles of mother and baby and they moved on to puppetry play and bake cookies. When children are in play, children move in and out of imaginary situations (Fleer, 2013). They use special languages to communicate to draw a line between real worlds and play experiences. Children also use their language based on their family background. As May and Ann are Malays, they have included their mother tongue in their play conversations. They used, â€Å"ka kak† which means sister in their conversation. T his also explains that culture reflects on how children interact in their play experiences. It frames on how children play occurs based on their everyday experiences. In Vygotsky’s theory, he noted that a child’s daily life experiences sets and frames on how play may occur and children will not play freely (Fleer, 2010). Curriculum In my school, we believe that children learn through play. In our planning, we engage children in purposeful play and as well as free play. Thus, we do not provide worksheets for children to work on. For example, children (aged 3 years old) will be hunting for items associated with letter ‘f’, explore what they can do their feet and traced the letter by walking on the letter. As children are still developing their fine motor skills, teachers should not be stressing if the child is able to write. Instead, teachers can work on their gross motor skills and they learn through kinetic movements. From children’s perspective, they view it as play as they get to walk, jump and most importantly, it is enjoyable and fun. In my school, children also participated in projects. We lead provocation through their play activities. During the interactions, teachers and children are involved sustained shared thinking. Sustained shared thinking is an effective interaction where two or more parties and â€Å"working together† to understand concepts, cracking a problem and extending conversations and activities (Siraj-Blatchford, 2007). In our play incidents during our project, we sustain children’s thinking by asking open-ended questions. Our curriculum is also tied closely to Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergarten framework. In a Kindergarten Learning Forum opening speech by Ms Indranee Rajah, she mentioned that MOE strongly believes that the critical principle of learning in the early years is engaging in learning through purposeful play (MOE, 2012). They believe that children will learn through purposeful play as they are feeling competent about their ability to learn and develop their physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills. In my centre, we believe that children are competent and engage children in both purposeful play and as well as free play. Therefore, my model of play ties in closely with my school’s curriculum which we encourage children to learn through play and as well as referring to MOE’s kindergarten framework to support children in purposeful play activities. Educators As educators, we play critical role in sustaining children in play. We need look into our pedagogical role in engaging children in play. As children change the meaning of objects we have to look into the depth of play experiences to ensure that these play experiences benefit the children. When a purposeful play activity happens, Educators have to thoughtfully plan the activities with appropriate resources and materials for children to explore. Teachers have to constantly reflect on their teaching practices to see whether their planned activities are inviting children’s interest to be engaged and learning (Lim, 2010). Thus, teachers should provide a variety of play activities in child’s learning and a balance of play and work activities. These balance of play and work activities should include unstructured play to structured play such as from child-initiated play to teacher directed play. Educators should also take note of the sensitivity interaction between child and adult in play and playful experiences activities. Some play does not have to be guide by adults but educators should note that they have to be around even though it is free play for children. Even though the school has a strong curriculum, teachers have to be culturally sensitive to understand each and every child who enters to the classroom. Thus, as educators, we should not be stereotyping the children through similar characteristics of the children. Instead, we should take time to listen to the children when they are at play and interactions before we really make any conclusions on the child’s need and making it into his or her individual goals. This also explains that educators are also assessing for play. In Fleer’s (2010) explanation, assessment for play is how educators assess formative assessment and summaries the assessment at the end of a project or event. While observing the children, we also assess the children through play. This helps educators to do their observations and analyse when children are engaged entirely in play activities (Fleer, 2013). Teachers play a critical how in documenting down these play moments. Documentations can be recorded down in photographs, children’s voices or drawing which children is comfortable with and they can be displayed in the classroom. From all these play moments, children can find out what do they want to find out, and apply their knowledge gained from their inquiry. Fahey (as cited in Fleer, 2013) reasons in inquiry learning, that it is important to provide children the chance to ask questions, clarifying points and to be engaged in the topics which they are interested. This is also useful and going in depth of the child’s play so that learning can be furthered in play (Fleer, 2013). Teachers and children can also review their play activities in a form of KWL chart. This helps children to revisit the play activities and find out what they have learnt and how they can apply their knowledge gain in other situations. Environment Another aspect to discuss is the environment conditions and affordances in play. I believe that environment has an impact in play practices. Whether it is at school, community or at home, it provides different opportunities for the child to learn in daily life. At school, based on child’s interest, educators can then work on setting up the relevant resources in the classroom. Hedges (as cited in Lim, 2010) even inspire teachers to work together with children and sharing responsibility in order to have a child-initiated curriculum where teachers and children can co-construct appropriate and meaningful knowledge. In my school setting we believe that the environment is the third teacher. From a child’s perspective, the visual influences interaction and developing thinking and learning (Strong-Wilson Ellis, 2007). As our school is inspired by Reggio Emilia, it advocates that teachers to take note to the numerous ways to use the space to invite interactions (Strong-Wilson Ellis, 2007). To encourage children to participate in their culture community and to engage in meaningful play activities, teachers who are influenced by Reggio Emilia have capitalize on the environment’s potential as a developmental niche where children acquire knowledge skills and understandings (New, 2007). Thus, at my school setting, the classroom has wide windows to allow natural light to shine through the class. The resources used in the classroom are closest to the natural materials such as twigs, leaves, branches. This can form part of children’s play as they use these materials to create new meanings and interact with their peers and teachers. The environment also reflects school’s basis in John Dewey’s educational philosophy and Vygotsky’s social constructivist learning theory (Tar r, 2001). Both theorists â€Å"believe that children can best create meaning and make sense of their world through living in complex, rich environments which support complex, varied, sustained, and changing relationships between people, the world of experience, ideas and the many ways of expressing ideas† (Tarr, 2001, p.7). The outdoor environment also supports in children’s play. In my school, children are encouraged to engage in outdoor play activities. As my school setting are able to afford big spaces for children, we have the space for water play and sand play. This provides children to be exposed to a variety of play activities be it in classroom or outdoors. Family With reference to cultural-historical theory, play is learned in families (Fleer, 2013). Families can engage children in play and they can learn to pick up valued skills. For an example, parents will do house chores and from a child’s perspective, it is a play and fun activity in helping their parents. In this case, play has developed into an activity which children have contributed to the family. I feel that families should not neglect children’s play at home or when they are with them. Involving families in children’s play can motivate the child in learning and exploring new things, and fostering relationship between them. In conclusion, play is leading activity (Fleer, 2013) in a child’s life. By viewing at how each and every aspect contributes to play, as an educator, I have to constantly reflect on my teaching practices on how I can engage children in play. As technology has been moving rapidly, children are more engaged in technology such as iPad, children may forgo about playing physically with peer interactions. Thus, families and educators should be reminded that there should also be a balance between play activities for the child to be engaged and learn. Reference List Bruce, T. (2011). Learning through play: for babies, toddlers and young children (2nd ed.). London: Hodder Education. Edmiston, B. (2008). Chapter 1. Ethics in play. In B. Edmiston. Forming ethical identities in early childhood play, pp. 1 – 24. New York: Routledge. Fleer, M. (2010). Chapter 2. Parallel conceptual worlds. In Early learning and development: cultural-historical concepts in play, pp.20 -32. New York: Cambridge University Press. Fleer, M. (2013). Play in the Early Years. Port Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. Lim, S. M-Y. (2010). Reconsidering the play-work dichotomy in pedagogy. In M. Ebbeck M. Waniganayake (eds.). : Learning in diverse contexts, pp.141 -156. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Ministry of Education. (2012). Kindergarten learning forum. Retrieved June 19, 2014, from http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/2012/11/20/opening-address-by-ms-indranee-rajah-at-kindergarten-learning-forum-2012.php New, R. S. (2007). Reggio Emilia as cultural activity theory in practice. Theory into Practice, 46(1), 5-13. Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2007). Creativity, communication and collaboration: The identification of pedagogic progression in sustained shared thinking. Asia-Pacific Journal of Research in Early Childhood Education, 1(2), 3-23. Strong-Wilson, T., Ellis, J. (2007). Children and place: Reggio Emilias environment as third teacher. Theory into practice, 46(1), 40-47. Tarr, P. (2001). Aesthetic Codes in Early Childhood Classrooms: What Art Educators Can Learn from Reggio Emilia. Name: Loo Si Hui Student ID: 25687514 Page 1

Culture and Gender Differences in Communication

Culture and Gender Differences in Communication CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION While studying culture and communication, it is found that gender is an important factor that makes a difference in communication. Using evidences and examples from local and international, highlight and explain those differences. In a wider context, the use of signs and symbols has different meaning in verbal and non-verbal communication. Using examples explain and illustrate the most popular signs and symbols used in communication worldwide and discuss the key differences in their meaning. ‘For men and women, communication can be a very long drive, using different roads most probably to get to the same place.’ Having said that, it would be appropriate to first give a definition of the word communication followed by what gender is all about. Therefore, communication is known as a two-way process involving individuals trying to seek mutual understanding. Initially, it does not involve only the process of exchanging informations, ideas and feelings but also helps to develop and share meaning. It generally connects people or places in society. Communication is an essential key function for the management of individual, be it in the society, in an organisation or at home. Intriguingly, nothing can operate effectively if communication does not prevail as it should. As planned, we have to give a definition of the word gender which is an important factor that creates a gap between males and females. Gender refers to the attitudes, feelings and behaviour that a giv en culture associates with one’s biological sex. We also find it important to delineate culture which is the behaviour and belief of people depending on their particular social, ethnic or age group. Men and women are somehow being introduced to their particular gender roles at a very tender age. For example: â€Å"Little girls talk more indirectly; little boys talk directly. Little girls talk more with words; little boys use more actions.† Also, the differences can clearly be seen among teenagers in college and further at the workplace whereby women have the tendency to ask loads of questions before even starting the work as compared to men who are more prone to simply roll up their sleeves and get on with the work and assume that ladies are somehow worthless. As a matter of fact, these differences reflect in the: Style Content Structure Unique combination of influences on cognitive behavior According to researches, it can be said that men and women communicate differently by adopting distinct speech skills in regards to the situation they are facing, the purposes and the roles they play in society or at work. All these are consequently derived from gender differences emerged from both social and professional settings. Furthermore, gender can also be redefined as a paramount factor affecting communication within an organisation. In point of fact, gender differences are in one way or the other revealed during conflict or even serve as a cataclysm for conflicts while communicating. Generally speaking, women are famous to ‘read between the lines’ while men communicate to build up status. It is unfortunate that most of the times, girls use words to express their feelings, associate themselves emotionally or build rapport whereas men often contribute facts and figures as in a report. In regards to contents, men are more interested in talking about sports, money a nd business while ladies are always busy debating about feelings, relationships and people. Structure-wise, men are precise by directly coming to the point. Unlike women who are more detailed, regretful and animated, men are mostly not descriptive. Surprisingly, gender differences being a threat to the society and installing misunderstanding at work can however be beneficial in a certain way to both environments. The importance of communication maybe noticed in everyday life, for instance, a little connection can have a large impact and influence in one’s life. We all share the same ideas that males grow up learning some essential elements considered as being the center of masculinity such as being successful, aggressive, sexual and self-reliant. Certainly most men individually see life as a competition, therefore it can be put forward that the way they communicate becomes more of a brawl where they have to win. On the other side of the coin, females are taught that appearance is important, showing sensitivity and care is a must and they should anywise expect negative treatment from others. It is believed that ‘through communication with others, we come to understand how society defines masculinity and feminity.â⠂¬â„¢ Let us see how we can proceed accordingly. Most women are conditioned by culture to maintain harmonious relationships with others. That condition is revealed in softened demands, constrained statement and generally more tentative or lack confidence speech. Both men and women differ in the way they manage people and give orders. Many well-known studies have featured the fact that women have the tendency to soften their demands and statements, as compared to men who tend to be more direct. Women for example, use tag lines, phrases like ‘don’t you think’ preceding the presentation of an idea, ‘if you don’t mind’ following a demand or ‘this may be a crazy idea, but’ followed by a suggestion, trying to make their opinions and ideas be accepted and understood by others. As it has been mentioned above, in most cases women tend to ask more questions as compared to men. Indeed, asking, questions have different meanings when it comes to gender differences. Men ask questions for only one reason; to gather information. For women, asking questions have purposes to gather information, but as it can be noticed, women inquest when they already know the answer. The reason behind this is that they want to seek interest in what the other person has to say in order to cultivate the relationship. Moreover, be it in Mauritius or elsewhere, we normally observe that men are more likely to lean towards setting and acquiring goals contrary to women who show more passion for acceptance. Most men are known to act independently which means that they hardly seek advice or help from others while women chose to be in mutual understanding rather than showing unnecessary pride in most situations whereby they take decisions based on their colleagues. In most countries, men tend to expose their respect to their peers in the way the latter communicate opposed to women who show empathy through their actions. Also, women are well-known for their effective listening skills as compared to men. In addition to what has been said above, studies have proven that in Japan, men and women are expected to use different words to make reference to same points as compared to most other countries including Mauritius whereby both genders are supposed to use the same words to deliver a piece of information. Amazingly, it has been noticed that in the Chinese culture, the pitch and pronunciation that men and women use can differ. Men can take longer to express themselves as compared to women overall, of course depending on the topic raised. Similarly to the rest of the world, Chinese men converse more about politics and economy rather than family and education which are dedicated mainly for women. Unlike most Mauritian women, Chinese ones barely engaged themselves in conversation involving love and marriage. We also came to the conclusion that Chinese, Japanese and Indian women are not expected or rather allowed to talk about sensitive topic with strangers, contrary to Americans and Europ eans whether male or female who surely can interact with whoever they want. In Japan, men and women have different ways of communicating. Women in Japan speak more politely as compared to men. The Japanese language features elements that make women’s speech sound polite and feminine. In the meanwhile, men’s speech sound less polite and masculine. The language difference between genders reinforces Japanese social norms. Where women are the subordinates of men. In England modern society, it would therefore appear that women are equal with men. However the harsh reality tells us that women are not provided with an equal opportunity even for discussion, due to the fact that the two sexes respectively command different communication styles. In other words, the language women use is different from the one that men use. For further information, we made some researches and decided to interview a few people in the sole aim to gather unbiased data regarding the main differences that exist between the communication that flows between local men and women. Surely, we were delighted to know that most women in Mauritius are not keen to get themselves involved in conversations with strangers. Adversely, the majority of the local men will not hesitate to start conversing with someone they come across. Men hereby find it easier and comfortable to interact with others opposed to women and we strongly believe that this is due to on the way they have been brought up and develop their personality. In point of fact, this can help in building new relationships. More onwards, we also understood that Mauritian men pay more attention to football and other sport games and women mostly to fashion and make up. There is also another interesting point that we would definitely like to add is that amongst the working class people in Mauritius, women have the tendency to communicate more about the price of food and children and men are happier talking about politics or which cars are available in the market. Also, alike to most countries, women in Mauritius are always engaged in trend of GOSSIPING contradictory to men who most of the time try to escape from it. For a fact, it can be observed that while travelling, we can see many key differences in gender communication around the globe. In terms of couples, we can see that Asian people find it normal to communicate at higher pitch as compared to Americans and Europeans who usually opt to talk at a lower pitch. Typically speaking, most local people whether men or women, they both communicate at high pitch depending on the regions from which they belong and circumstances. Assuredly, gender communication difference is a worldwide issue. Communication between men and women differ in many ways, affecting their speech and outcomes. Nonetheless there are many other differences that can be highlighted in the way men and women communicate but we do believe that the above examples would help you have an idea of people interact with each other on a day to day basis. Without a doubt, gender differences help to resolve conflicts and strengthen healthy relationships. Now we shall give you an insight of the gender differences of both local and international people: GENDER DIFFERENCES MEN (LOCAL INTERNATIONAL) WOMEN (LOCAL INTERNATIONAL) Conversation Report talking (12 500 words/day) Rapport talking (25 500 words/day) Problem-Solving Are problem solvers Desire to understand problems Changing Subjects Tend to focus on the details of fact May mix personal and business talk Requests Tend to seek the respect of their peers Care for the approval of peers Equality Relate to others as rivals Relate to others as equals Managing ups downs Freely offer advice and analysis Tend to ask for help, advice and directions Body Language Desires space Desire closeness, togetherness and affinity Feedback Choose or resolve by force, persuasion or majority rule More concerned with feelings It has been discussed before that woman is more expressive than men. Research has shown that women are more focused on social-emotional interactions with others. Men and women tend to cope with stress and difficulties differently. Gray, 1992 stated that men cope with stress by drawing themselves from the conversation while women cope by reaching out and talking about the cause of the stress. Gray coined the phrase, ‘Men go to their caves and women talk.’ This is why; women in average speak about 25,500 words in a day and men in average speak about 12,500 words a day. Thusly it can be added that both gender should keenly comprehend each other in purpose to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

The Stranger Essay -- Literary Analysis

While reading The Stranger I noticed that traits that Albert Camus character depicts in the book are closely related to the theories of Sigmund Freud on moral human behavior. Albert Camus portrays his character of Meursault as a numb, emotionless person that seems to mindlessly play out his role in society, acting in a manner that he sees as the way he’s supposed to act, always living in the moment with his instincts driving him, and if the right circumstance presents itself the primal deep seeded animal will come out. I believe that most of the character’s traits fall under Freud’s notion of the Id and Ego mental apparatus, and don’t believe that his idea of the super-ego is represented in this book. In the beginning of The Stranger Meursault first showed himself as a numb, emotionless person, who goes through the motions of life simply driven by his instincts when he attended his mother’s funeral. When at the funeral he showed no emotion whatsoever, here his mother lies dead and he should be grieving, yet all he really notices is how hot the room was they were holding the funeral in. He didn’t even wish to see her body before she was buried to say his goodbyes. This shows me that he has no moral bind to anyone or anything, and the only feelings he has is those given to him from primal instinct, of which are just needed for survival like being hungry, tired, hot, and so on. Freud would say that’s depicts how all humans are. According to James Strachey, Freud believes that the way we as humans conduct ourselves throughout our lives is directly related to the Id, which is everything that is inherited from our ancestors and is fixed into us at berth, and i t’s the force caused by the need of our Id that is our instincts (14... ...he Stranger. New York: A.A. Knopf, 1946. Print. Costigan, Giovanni. Sigmund Freud, a Short Biography. New York: Macmillan, 1965. Print. "Freud's Personality Factors." Changing Minds and Persuasion -- How We Change What Others Think, Believe, Feel and Do. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. . Freud, Sigmund, and James Strachey. An Outline of Psychoanalysis. New York: W. W. Norton, 1949. Print. Freud, Sigmund, and James Strachey. The Ego and the Id. New York: Norton, 1989. Print Freud, Sigmund, James Strachey, and Peter Gay. An Outline of Psycho-analysis. New York: W.W. Norton, 1989. Print. "Superego." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 29 Nov. 2011. . "The Stranger." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides. Web. 29 Nov. 2011. .

Motivation and Manipulation in Julius Caesar Essay -- William Shakespe

In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare illuminates the themes of human motivation and manipulation. He examines the relationship between actions and motivations, cause and effect, and word and deed, using the symbols of hands and hearts. Throughout the play, the characters Brutus and Marc Antony express their different understandings of this relationship rhetorically. In his 1953 film interpretation, Joseph L. Mankiewicz demonstrates these characters’ understanding through both the play’s original dialogue and his own interpolated action. It is interesting to see the different effects of spoken rhetoric, as we experience it in the play, and the visual rhetoric of the film. The play itself complicates matters of motivation and therefore does not answer the question of blame. When reading one character, the audience feels connected with their point of view, and when reading the other, they are made to feel unsure about their initial opinion. In the end, it is nearly impossible t o discover the characters’ inner motives, and it is therefore difficult to place blame on one or the other. However, Mankiewicz visually presents the complex relationship between these two symbols and in doing so, he creates a more sympathetic persona for Brutus than the one in the play. He focuses on the hands as a symbol of unity, love, and friendship, and where characters use hands for evil acts, he is quick to juxtapose the actions of hands from the motivations of the heart. While Shakespeare uses this juxtaposition to merely complicate the matter without solving it, Mankiewicz uses it to simplify the question. For Mankiewicz, Brutus’ involvement in the murder of Caesar, does not wholly reflect his character, and the audience is made to see a more human, vulne... ...wn in the play. In Brutus’ words, â€Å"Th’ abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power,† and in that instance, the film shows Antony’s abuse of authority (2.1.18-19). Because Antony believes that the hands’ actions and the heart’s motivations cannot be separated, his language demonstrates this belief, and he acts accordingly. While Brutus may act maliciously at times, he believes that hands and hearts are not always inextricably linked and therefore, that is especially true of his evil actions. Though Shakespeare may the leave the audience in doubt, Mankiewicz does not avoid blame and suggests that the exclusive joining of hands and hearts disjoins compassion from power and leads to true butchery. Works Cited Mankiewicz, Joseph L., dir. Julius Caesar. 1953. Film Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. New York: Barnes & Noble, 2007. Print.