Monday, May 25, 2020

Analysis Of The Book Unaccustomed Earth By Jhumpa...

In the short story collection, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, immigrants and memories have a very particular relationship because their memories surrounding a large part of their identities are derivative of diaspora. Somehow they are able to have this double consciousnesses, the memories and thoughts as immigrants, and the memories and thoughts as Americans. The time spent in their native country or in their host country cannot be replaced, even if the experiences immigrants encounter are negative. Even if the immigrant misses what they have lost migrating to another country, what is lost cannot come back. There is a constant battle between how much and how little memories do the Indian-American characters in the book have of being either Indian or American to be â€Å"Indian-American.† In Year’s End, whether or not memories are â€Å"too excessive† or â€Å"not enough† is a question that is explicitly asked. Kaushik criticizes his father for gettin g rid of too much evidence of his mother’s life, but after finding her pictures, too little. While his mother was alive, people criticized his father for giving her too much, but after learning that she is dying from cancer, there seems to never be enough that he can do for her. Kaushik tries his best to be â€Å"okay† with his mother’s death, and that his father’s remarriage didn’t spite him. But his true feelings come out after he finds his step-sisters opening up his mother’s album of photos that he tried to lock out of sight, out of

Monday, May 18, 2020

All Quiet on the Western Front - Film Version Compare and Contrast

There are two film adaptations of All Quiet on the Western Front  Erich Maria Remarques  novel (1928).  Conscripted to serve in the German army during World War I, the novel reflects many of his personal experiences. Remarque left Germany after the novels publication when the Nazis banned his writings and publically burned his books. His German citizenship was revoked, and four years later  (1943) his sister was executed for stating that she believed Germany had already lost the war. At her sentencing, the court judge is reported to have said: Your brother is unfortunately beyond our reach—you, however, will not escape us. Screenplays Both versions are  English language films (made in America) and both take a hard look at the tragedy of war using  World War I  as its backdrop. Following Remarques story, a group of German schoolboys is encouraged to enlist at the beginning of World War I by their war-glorifying teacher. Their experiences are told entirely through the point-of-view of one particular recruit, Paul Baumer. What happens to them in and off the battlefields, on the no-mans-land of trench warfare,  collectively highlights the tragedy of war,  death,  and  mutilation all around them.  Preconceptions about the enemy and the rights and wrongs of the are challenged leaving them angry and bewildered. Film reviewer  Ã‚  Michele Wilkinson, University of Cambridge Language Centre  noted. The film is not about heroism but about drudgery and futility and the gulf between the concept of war and the actuality. That sentiment is true of both film versions. 1930 Film The first black and white version was released in  1930.  The director was  Lewis Milestone, and the cast starred: Louis Wolheim (Katczinsky), Lew Ayres (Paul Baumer), John Wray (Himmelstoss), Slim Summerville (Tjaden), Russell Gleason (Muller), William Bakewell (Albert), Ben Alexander (Kemmerich). The version ran 133 minutes and was critically acclaimed as the first film to win the Oscars combined prize (Best Picture Best Production) as Best Picture.   Frank Miller, a writer for the Turner Movie Classics website recorded that the battle scenes for the film were shot on Laguna Beach ranch land. He noted that: To fill the trenches, Universal hired more than 2,000 extras, most of them World War I veterans. In a rare move for Hollywood, the battle scenes were shot in sequence. After a 1930 release by Universal Studios, the film was banned in Poland on the grounds that it was pro-German. At the same time, members of the Nazi Party in Germany labeled the film anti-German. According to Turner Movie Classics website, the Nazis were deliberate in their attempts to stop the showing of the film: Joseph Goebbels, later their propaganda minister, led pickets in front of theatres showing the film and sent party members to lead riots inside the theatres. Their tactics included releasing rats in the crowded theatres and setting off stink bombs. Those actions say a great deal about the power of this film as an anti-war film. 1979 Made-for-TV Movie The  Ã‚  1979 version  was a made-for-TV movie  directed by  Ã‚  Delbert Mann  on a  $6 million budget. Richard Thomas starred as Paul Baumer, with Ernest Borgnine as Katczinsky, Donald Pleasence as Kantorek and Patricia Neal as Mrs. Baumer. The film was awarded the  Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Made for TV.   All Movie Guide.com reviewed the remake as: Also contributing to the greatness of the film are the exceptional cinematography and special effects that, while realistically gruesome, truly emphasize the horrors of war.​​ Although both of the films are classified as war movies, each version shows the futility of war. Questions for All Quiet on the Western Front As you watch the movie, please answer the following questions.   Fill in the critical information including: Title of this film?When was it made?Director?Screenplay by? These questions follow the sequence of action for EITHER version: Why did the students join the Army?What role did the mailman (Himmelstoss) have? Was he particularly mean to these recruits? Give an example.How were conditions at the Western Front different from their expectations in training camp?(note: visual, audio, special effects used to create mood)What was the impact of the shelling on the new recruits?What happened after the bombardment?In the attack, what did the machine gun do to the glory of war and individual heroism?How many of the company died in this first battle? How do you know? Why were they able to eat so well finally?Who did they blame for this war? Who did they omit in their list of potential villains?What happened to Kemmerichs boots? How did the doctors react to Kemmerichs plight?How was SGT  Himmelstoss received when he arrived at the front?What was the pattern of a battle? What preceded the attack? What followed it?(note: visual, audio, special effects used to create mood)What happened to Paul Baumer when he found himself in a shell hole in No Mans Land with the French soldier?Why did the French girls - ostensibly the enemy - accept the German soldiers?After four years of war, how has the German home front been affected? Were there still the parades, crowded streets, and joyous sounds of going off to war?(note: visual, audio, special effects used to create mood)What were the attitudes of the men in the beer hall? Were they willing to listen to what Paul had to say?How does Paul Baumer confront his former teacher? How do the young students react to his vision of the war?How has the company changed during Pauls absence?What is ironic about Kats and Pauls deaths? [Note: WWI ended on November 11, 1918.]Select one scene in order to describe the attitude of this film (Director/screenplay) towards World War I and all wars.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Aristotle s Best Advice For Leaders - 1909 Words

In The Price, Machiavelli lays out his best advice for rulers. His main point to rulers is to do whatever is necessary to remain in power. He looks at how effective a leader is and what the leader was able to accomplish. He is not concerned with the morality of the leader or the good acts the leader performed. To Machiavelli a leader should do anything and everything to protect his rule. He lays out directions for leaders in charge of different types of governments, informing them of the strengths and weakness of their particular regime. He makes sure that all leaders know how they can successfully stay in power and take power from others and thus become good leaders by Machiavelli’s standard. In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle offers his best advice for leaders. His focus is on the behavior of the leader. Aristotle’s primary argument is that to be a good leader, one must know oneself, and know how to be a good person. Aristotle spends much of Nicomachean Ethics explaining how to become a good person and what being a good person looks like. Throughout the book Aristotle explains the character traits good leaders display and the things good leaders should possess. Aristotle says that only people who are experienced and possess high levels of virtue should be leaders. He argues the character of a leader is what makes a person a good leader. When one reads The Prince by Machiavelli and Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, a very interesting conundrum is proposed. On one handShow MoreRelatedComparing Aristotle And Niccolo Machiavelli Essay1698 Words   |  7 Pageshas been used to describe both Aristotle and Niccolo Machiavelli, but does that term do the work of either man justice? From the outset it is very easy to see the philosophical differences between the two men and their visions of the political system(s). It is fairly obvious that both men were products of their times, Aristotle coming from the end of the Golden Age of Greece and Machiavelli coming from end of Medieval Europe, but in both cases their ideas and advice have endured the centuries andRead MoreThe Aspects Of Business Ethics1435 Words   |  6 Pages13 years, and there are regulations that pertain to these three topics. The Armed Forces is a very diverse organization, and all entities stress regulations and procedures when it comes to equal opportunity. During my time in the U.S. Army, I had leaders of all different race, gender, and ethnicity. We all knew that we were a team fighting for one another if it came down to it. There were classes given about discrimination, equal opportunity, and sexual harassment to keep us aware of the workplaceRead MoreAlexander The Greats Influence On The World1431 Words   |  6 Pagespleasures or anything like that, however, he had infinitely ambition which created him a good leader. Alexander strengthened his position in the power, he tamed people that were trying to make a revolution to take power in their hands. To get support from wealthy and other people in Alexander’s kingdom, he canceled taxes, and killed other people that might claim for the king’s position. Alexander was a great leader, and had plans to enter the war not only with some kingdoms, but to capture and controlRead MoreOutline Of A Successful Leader1677 Words   |  7 PagesKristen Hofner November 11, 2014 To be a successful leader, you must motivate others to achieve their full potential, lead by example and be influential to your team. Memorable leaders all possess these key qualities, and when used correctly, will facilitate successful leadership. Even if a great leader innately possesses these qualities, leadership skills can also be developed and gained through building up your confidence, practice and experience. The basis of leadership is seizing the beliefRead MoreEthical Decision Making And Religious Faith Essay1244 Words   |  5 PagesUnited States military. Ethical decision-making or moral decisions has been defined (Gibson, 2004) essentially as the use of moral judgment to aide in the process to determine the right conclusion when faced with a conflict in â€Å"norms or rules†. Aristotle was seemingly the first to announce that he believed that â€Å"virtuous people acted within moral guidelines,† (Coleman Wilkins, 2004), consequently moral people make virtuous moral decisions. This succession of thought was accepted as true perhapsRead MoreThe Real Tragic Hero Of Sophocles Antigone3370 Words   |  14 PagesBrennan Vicker John Carlberg English 102 9 December 2014 The Real Tragic Hero in the Play Antigone A tragic hero according to Aristotle is someone who is of high nobility, and has a major internal character flaw. That flaw will eventually by the characters ultimate demise which is most likely death. If their demise doesn’t end in a death the tragic hero usually goes through a catharsis. The most common flaws of a tragic hero are hubris, pride, and stubbornness. Tragic heroes can be found throughoutRead More George Gemistos Plethon on God: Aristotle vs Plato Essay4387 Words   |  18 PagesGeorge Gemistos Plethon on God: Aristotle vs Plato In this paper I examine George Gemistos Plethons defense in his De Differentiis of Platos conception of God as superior to that of Aristotles. (2) Plethon asserts that the Platonic conception of God is more consistent with Orthodox Christian theology than the Aristotelian conception. This claim is all the more interesting in light of the fact that Plethon is, as it turns out, a pagan. I argue that Plethon takes the position he does becauseRead MoreCreativity And The Creative Personality1479 Words   |  6 PagesCreativity is a specific human activity, which is manifested most fully formed personality (D. Piryova). The problem of the psychology of creativity and the creative personality is rooted in antiquity, especially in the writings of Greek philosophers Aristotle and Plato. In more recent times the need to explore creative activity highlighted by Descartes and Leibniz. L. M. Terman made first attempts to study the psychological character of creativity of children with highly dev eloped skills. In terms ofRead MoreSocialism : A Controversial Topic That Americans Either Love It Or Hate It?1533 Words   |  7 PagesS By: Jaden Fisher 05/4/16 ocialism is such a controversial topic that Americans either love it or hate it. People are either educated on the consequences involved with adapting a socialist government or they firmly believe that socialism will be the solution for the United States’ problems. To tell you the truth, socialism will have a negative effect on our society. It may not seem as though capitalism is working for the U.S. based on its huge national debt as well as its wealth disparity, but stayingRead MoreMalcolm X the Tragic Hero1843 Words   |  8 PagesRandi Francis English II Final Paper December 11, 2001 Malcolm X and The Shakespearean Tragic heroes Aristotle defines a tragic hero as good but flawed, must be aristocratic, must be believable, and must behave consistently. -Aristotle. The Muslim leader Malcolm X can be compared to such tragic heroes such as Othello and Hamlet. Malcolms life and his personality have similar traits from both of the famous Shakespearean heroes. In this paper we will look deeper into the life

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Essay about The Character of Prospero in Shakespeares...

The Character of Prospero in The Tempest The presence of Prospero is felt continuously in The Tempest, even in those scenes in which he does not appear personally. He is the manipulator of the action of the play, and occupies the center of the stage very markedly, especially if one compares his position with that of the central characters of, say, most of Shakespeares history plays. For in the latter plays, England itself becomes the hero - the English crown, in its resistance to civil war and factionalism, and therefore there is usually no one character of quite the same stature as Prospero. In Latin, the name Prospero would mean, I hope for. That which a member of English Renaissance society would generally†¦show more content†¦It might be better to describe the process the characters all go through as initiation, not simply education. The point is that Prospero also learns. While he is master all through the play, he has learned well before its opening that a Prince cannot abdicate his responsibilities. It will be recalled that Prospero had lost his Dukedom in Milan in part because he neglected his everyday duties in favor of his more abstract and theoretical studies. A Prince, Duke, or King cannot abdicate his responsibilities. Prospero had been wrong when he had tried to do so, and in a way had himself been punished by exile. But during his exile he has mastered both his own nature and his surroundings, and has learned what his duty is as a ruler. He is doing only what he should when he resumes his position as the ruler of Milan. In other Shakespearean plays, any ruler who abdicates or surrenders power, such as King Lear or Richard II - especially if he surrenders power voluntarily as did Lear - always comes to grief, and his act may lead not only to his own destruction but to the ruin of the political order of the state, as nearly happens in King Lear. The theory of kingship held by many Elizabethans implied that once God had appointed his viceregent in the person of a ruler, it was not for the ruler to attempt to modifyShow MoreRelatedA Character Comparison of Macbeth and Prospero from Shakespeares Macbeth and The Tempest676 Words   |  3 PagesThese two Shakespearean characters, Macbeth and Prospero, from Macbeth and The Tempest can greatly compare to one another. From the very beginning, these two men are hard to understand and seem like your average warrior and ruler. Both of these characters are dealing with struggle of power; however, they both deal with this issue in different, interesting ways with different results. At the end of these two plays, we meet two entirely different characters than the ones that we were introduced toRead MoreExplore the Ways in Which Prospero Is Presented as a Character in William Shakespeares ‘the Tempest2219 Words   |  9 PagesProspero is ar guably the most interesting and diverse characters within William Shakespeares ‘The Tempest. He is a man that was wronged by his usurping brother, however he is somewhat difficult to like as his story unfolds and the story of others is submerged. His power over and treatment of other characters shows him as a man that is struggling with his own importance and ability, however his isolation from the world for so many years clearly plays an important part in the way prospero uses hisRead More Conflict and Harmony in The Tempest Essay1390 Words   |  6 PagesConflict and Harmony in The Tempest   Ã‚  Ã‚   William Shakespeare describes a utopic world saturated with supernatural images and ideas which works to create the mysterious island where The Tempest takes place.   This is one of Shakespeares best examples of how a natural harmony reveals itself through the actions of discourse and confusion.   To illustrate this idea best one must examine the historical context upon which The Tempest is based.   Because this play was published in the early 1600sRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s The Tempest1267 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Enlightenment Era, William Shakespeare’s writing were a form of social commentary on the English Government. Endorsed by the king, Shakespeare’s works told tales of tragedy and whimsy, incorporating both fiction and nonfiction elements. One trademark of Shakespeare s plays were the subtle allusions to the concurrent events in the English government. This is evident in his well known and final play, The Tempest. The story of The Tempest tells the tale of Prospero, a fallen duke forced to liveRead More Aime Cesaires A Tempest Clarifies Shakespeares The Tempest1683 Words   |  7 PagesCesaires A Tempest Clarifies Shakespeares The Tempest      Ã‚  Ã‚   Negritude, originally a literary and ideological movement of French-speaking black intellectuals, reflects an important and comprehensive reaction to the colonial situation of European colonization (Carlberg).   This movement, which influenced Africans as well as blacks around the world, specifically rejects the political, social, and moral domination of the West.  Ã‚   Leopold Senghor, Leon Damas, and Aime Cesaire are the three pioneersRead MoreEssay on Quest for Power In The Tempest1208 Words   |  5 PagesQuest for Power In The Tempest      Ã‚   I suggest that engraved into humanitys essence is the intense desire for power. William Shakespeares play, The Tempest not only depicts this concept, but breaks it down for the reader; enabling effective analysis of this concept. Through notable characterization, Shakespeare is able to convey key concepts regarding the idea of power versus ambition. Specifically, the role that ambition and the moderation of ones ambition play in the effectiveness of controlRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Prospero Of The Tempest1747 Words   |  7 PagesOn the very face of it, it might be hard to think how Prospero of The Tempest would be William Shakespeare, or even to imagine that this play is a set of symbols and metaphors that provides an allegory for which is to express this play. The research into the argument of Prospero reflecting Shakespeare has made a valid discourse, because it is based on the extending the premise that all of Shakespeare’s works are to some degree associat ed with his own life. This idea that using symbols to somehowRead More tempcolon Confronting Colonialism and Imperialism in Aime Cesaires A Tempest1403 Words   |  6 PagesColonialism in A Tempest   Ã‚  Ã‚   A Tempest by Aime Cesaire is an attempt to confront and rewrite the idea of colonialism as presented in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.   He is successful at this attempt by changing the point of view of the story.   Cesaire transforms the characters and transposes the scenes to reveal Shakespeare’s Prospero as the exploitative European power and Caliban and Ariel as the exploited natives.   Cesaire’s A Tempest is an effective response to Shakespeare’s The Tempest because heRead MoreFred Wilcoxs Science Fiction Film, Forbidden Plane has a Resemblance to Shakespeares The Tempest727 Words   |  3 Pages1956 science fiction film by Fred Wilcox, Forbidden Planet closely resembles many other pieces of literature. The most obvious resemblance to Forbidden Planet is Shakespeares The Tempest. As expected, the characters and plot of Forbidden Planet closely mirror those characteristics of The Tempest, with the exception that where The Tempest enga ges magic, Forbidden Planet utilizes technology. What is more important, however, is that how the technology works is irrelevant for the purpose of the movieRead More Art and Nature in Shakespeares The Tempest Essay examples1146 Words   |  5 Pageshas ever produced.   In the Tempest, he decides to determine which is more powerful – art or nature?   He symbolizes art through civilization and nature through man and his natural place on Earth.   Through the plot, Shakespeare reveals his own beliefs concerning which force is greater.   The Tempest shows the respectable differences between art and nature, but eventually concedes that art is weaker and must bend itself to nature. In The Tempest, Shakespeare’s Prospero has gotten himself into trouble

Leadership Styles And The Third Interstate Bank s Data...

What are leadership styles, and how can one apply these concepts and ideas; like to the situation with the Fourth Interstate Bank’s data center. Leadership styles are a leader’s way of implementing direction, plans; and motivation though that of different leadership types. So, what are these three leadership styles, they are as follows: dictatorial, participative, and free-rein. Although, one can use different approaches to solving problems, finding the proper approach can be difficult unless one balances them out by using certain concepts; which could include participation and decisiveness. But before we consider what style to use one needed to look at each characteristic individually, then determine if it’s the best alternative in helping solve one’s problems; or concerns within the principal form. One of this style’s is the autocratic style, a style designed for leaders to teach others to follow by example; letting others knows what you expect from them by using a straight forward approach. Basically, they lay out the situation to others, and take full responsibility for their own and others actions; through the process of decision making. Though, most people would say that this style is not be any means the most positive, other would disagree since it seems to work quite well were leadership is concerned; especially at accomplishing the goals they set for the organization. However, for this to be beneficial in all aspects, one needs to have a wide range of choiceShow MoreRelatedMaking Differences Matter8932 Words   |  36 PagesMATTER: A NEW PARADIGM FOR MANAGING DIVERSITY BYLINE: by David A. Thomas and Robin J. Ely; David A. Thomas is an associate professor at the Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. Robin J. Ely is an associate professor at Columbia University s School of International and Public Affairs in New York City. Their research and teaching focus on the influence of race, gender, and ethnicity on career dynamics and organizational effectiveness. ABSTRACT: MAKING DIFFERENCES MATTER: A NEW PARADIGM FORRead MoreBric Analysis Essay11111 Words   |  45 Pagesits democratic and regional prominence, Brazil has become an effective political entrepreneur at the global level, initiating and participating in multilateral fora as diverse as the trade G20, the financial G20, and now the BRICs club. On issues of style, inclusion, and distributive justice, Brazil reliably sides with the ‘‘South.’ Yet its core public policy instincts ’ embrace familiar ‘‘Northern’’ preferences: liberal, and mixed-capitalist, democracy. Polity (2010) 42, 14–37. doi:10.1057/pol.2009Read MoreProfile of Top 5 Ceo in the Philippines4291 Words   |  18 PagesProfile of Top 5 CEO in the Philippin es 1.- Data show that 49-year-old  Federico Lopez  earns the most both in terms of monthly salary and total compensation in 2011. In the 30-company PSEi list, Lopez is head of two firms: First Gen Corporation (FGEN) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC). As Chairman and CEO of FGEN, his basic monthly salary is around P1.79 million. Yup, that’s P1.79 million basic salary  per month. He receives another P1.19 million per month as bonus and additional compensationRead MoreWalmart in China7398 Words   |  30 Pageslevels, this allows firms to reduce product cost, time-to-market and inventory storage costs—a network domination resource that fosters the ability to move rapidly and autonomously in response to changes in market conditions. This ensures a cost leadership position which when effective captures a significant portion of market share and positions the firm to exercise network domination. Success of MNC retailers in new markets has been widely asserted to be primarily based on localization. AccordingRead MoreStudents Role in National Development9194 Words   |  37 Pagesconditions in the schools. Jonathan Blanchard, Wheaton College’s first president and a strident abolitionist, believed strongly in preparing Christian young men and women to fight injustice and improve life for those in need. Under Blanchard’s leadership, Wheaton College was the first four-year college in Illinois to graduate an African American and to enroll women on an equal basis with men (Maas, 1996). As an advocate for social reform, Blanchard’s activist role and nineteenth century idealsRead MoreHistory of Management Thought Revision17812 Words   |  72 Pagesas his virtues. Though sometimes inconsistent in what he said and what he practiced, there is little doubt that his contributions for his era were substantial. A. Taylor s Early Years 1. His family background provided no indication of what his career would be like. His father had money and property and his mother s family history was deeply rooted in colonial times. Taylor had the advantage of a fine prep school, travels to Europe, and a membership in an exclusive social club. Yet, dueRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 PagesManagement Capital Feigenbaum−Feigenbaum International Management, Sixth Edition Hodgetts−Luthans−Doh Contemporary Management, Fourth Edition Jones−George Driving Shareholder Value Morin−Jarrell Leadership, Fifth Edition Hughes−Ginnett−Curphy The Art of M A: Merger/Acquisitions/Buyout Guide, Third Edition Reed−Lajoux and others . . . This book was printed on recycled paper. Management http://www.mhhe.com/primis/online/ Copyright  ©2005 by The McGraw−Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reservedRead MoreSouthwest Airlines11551 Words   |  47 Pages_________ ____________________________________________________ Professor James L. Heskett prepared this case. HBS cases are developed solely as the basis for class discussion. Cases are not intended to serve as endorsements, sources of primary data, or illustrations of effective or ineffective management. Copyright  © 2003 President and Fellows of Harvard College. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials, call 1-800-545-7685, write Harvard Business School Publishing, BostonRead MoreTraditional and Contemporary Issues and Challenges14128 Words   |  57 Pagescola purchases were steady through both strong and weak economic conditions, and that cola drinkers were willing to pay a premium price for the number one soft drink. Yet over the last ten years, Coca-Cola’s tale has been one of poor strategy, weak leadership, shoddy implementation, and innovation failures. Everyone failed to predict the coming health backlash against soft drinks, with water and sports drinks replacing cola as the trendiest beverages. Unfortunat ely for Coke, LEARNING OBJECTIVES AfterRead MoreHbr When Your Core Business Is Dying74686 Words   |  299 Pages www.hbr.org April 2007 58 What Your Leader Expects of You Larry Bossidy 66 Finding Your Next Core Business Chris Zook 78 Promise-Based Management: The Essence of Execution Donald N. Sull and Charles Spinosa 90 The Leadership Team: Complementary Strengths or Conï ¬â€šicting Agendas? Stephen A. Miles and Michael D. Watkins 100 Avoiding Integrity Land Mines Ben W. Heineman, Jr. 20 33 FORETHOUGHT HBR CASE STUDY Why Didn t We Know? Ralph Hasson 45 FIRST PERSON

Adinkra free essay sample

The very essence of the word ‘Adinkra’ is ‘farewell’; as such, every symbol that is encapsulated in the whole body of Adinkra communicates or corresponds to a unique message or idea. Documented history has it that, as far back as the nineteenth century, unique Adinkra symbols were used in customary and traditional rites of society to depict the ideological stance of that society as regards to the ceremony or event in question. The art was showcased in various forms during festivals, funerals, marriages among others. Today, the use of Adinkra has been widely extended to cover almost every facet of life. In recent times, Adinkra symbols have become a suitable choice of branding the modern, competitive, and trendy Ghanaian clothing lifestyle. Over the years, Adinkra has gone beyond traditional cloth-making designs and has been fashionably incorporated into the designing of t-shirts, buttons, linen fabric clothes. Today, young people would prefer t-shirts with screen-printing inscriptions like ‘Me firi Ghana’, with an Adinkra like ‘Gye Nyame’ boldly designed beneath. We will write a custom essay sample on Adinkra or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Indeed, some acclaimed Ghanaian fashion designers like Mawuli Okudzeto, Kofi Ansah among others, have received international recognition by carving such niches for themselves, with popular brand names like MKOGH and PKOG, just to mention a few. Beyond that, apparels like footwear have also had a taste of Adinkra art. Artisans who make local footwear like sandals, slippers and ‘ahenema’ have also included these symbols in their designs. For instance, a locally made ‘ahenema’ has a carefully designed Adinkra symbol of three concentric rings encircling each other, known as ‘adinkrahene’ at the nose of each slipper. One other art is the design of bags with Adinkra symbols woven or sewn on the surface with fabric, (often kente pieces). The most popular addition to this art collection is the use of these designs in making jewellery and other fashion accessories. It is popular to see rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces, anklets, beads and many others designed with symbols like ‘ohene aniwa’, ‘epa’, ‘nkonsonkonson’, etc. In Ghana, the Precious Mineral Marketing Company (PMMC) is a typical example of an enterprise in this regard. Thus, on the international stage, Adinkra symbols have been employed as one of, if not the best indigenous symbols that give all manner of clothing, a unique fashion identity easily recognisable as truly Ghanaian. Quite apart from clothing, these symbols have formed part of locally designed fine and visual art. This has been such that, in creation of several Ghanaian sculptures, Adinkra has been one of the most recognisable themes. There many instances of metal and wooden sculpture designed into Adinkra. More often than not, these visual and fine arts have been used by individuals for decorative purposes. It is now commonplace to see a wall hanging in someone’s home, at the lobby of a corporate institution or in the sitting area of an afro-centric restaurant with the caption ‘welcome’ and a popular symbol like ‘Gye Nyame’ underneath it. Without a shred of doubt any Ghanaian who sees this in any institution in any distant part of the world, feels quite homey and comfortable, to some extent, immediately. Moreover, the designs of wooden plaques lately have also adopted Adinkra symbols. For instance, African institutions of late present Adinkra-designed plaques to individuals and entities, as gifts and awards for splendid performances. Woodcarvers as at today, still design stools for domestic as well as traditional purposes with these popular symbols. In Akan traditional homes, stools often known as ‘asesedwa’ are carved out of wood with these designs. Today as a unique of catching up with the west, local artisans have modernized their design of home furniture placed in areas like the living room, dining room and the study. Beautiful and attractive-looking sets are being carved daily. A common example is wooden coffee-table, which has an Adinkra symbol like ‘sankofa’ at the base with a glass plane on the surface. Hence it is ordinary to see the prolific use of Adinkra in fine and visual art because of the inherent artistic merits they possess. In present day, the use of symbols for trademarks and emblems cannot be over-emphasized. In corporate branding and marketing, many institutions have resorted to the use of symbols, both tactile and visual, as a mark of exclusivity and Adinkra are symbols of no exception. There are countless examples of institutions of all sorts who have adopted these symbols as logos, emblem, etc. In Ghana, for instance, a corporate institution like HFC Bank uses the symbol ‘ebankese’ as its corporate logo. Interestingly, Vodafone Ghana has designed their recharge cards such that whichever denomination has a long strip Adinkra symbols in front of the card. A popular plastics company by name ‘Strong Plast Ltd’ also uses the popular symbol, ‘Gye Nyame’ as a brand name for its plastic chairs. A very popular flour mill also uses ‘sankofa’ as the brand name of it flour. On a lighter side, along the coastal area it is fun to see fishermen decorate their canoes with these symbols as an interesting way of ownership.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Contraceptives in School free essay sample

During the past decade, there have been stark generational differences in terms of moral and social norms. In order to accommodate for these changes, society has had to make difficult decisions regarding the protection of todays youth. One of the biggest controversies that have been ongoing deals with the gray area regarding the roles of educators and parents. School systems today are distributing condoms and contraceptives to students as young as 11 years old with the intention of preventing their students from suffering from the negative side effects of sex. From an ducators perspective, the distribution of condoms has become a necessity due to the overwhelming lack of morals instilled in the youth at the fault of their parents. They also argue that it encourages safety and that it is completely foolish to assume that abstinence is always practiced. On the contrary, conservatives will argue that condoms promote sex and their distribution will show minors that sex at a young age is socially acceptable. Conservatives opinions are naive because they blatantly condone the fact that standards and practices have changed dramatically over time. The rising issue of under aged sex has made the distribution of condoms a necessity in order to combat the negative ramifications of the decisions made by todays uneducated youth. A misconception that is widely believed is that passing out condoms in schools will influence or pressure teens to have sex. According to Dr. Kevin J. Minch, if young people believe they will be safe when using a condom they are much less likely to be deterred from engaging in dangerous and immoral behavior (Minch). The conservatives believe that with the introduction of condoms at an early age, this would lead to the unnecessary exposure of the youth to a concept hat should only be tackled by legal adults. It allows them to stray into the obscure world they are not yet ready for. Widespread condom distribution will establish sexual activity as the norm among young teens, creating peer pressure to participate in sex. The added temptation to engage in sexual activity is protected will result in more women having sex at a younger age, perhaps furthering their exploitation. Minch) Sex is a topic that should be addressed at the discretion of each parent and the fact is that educators are slowly taking over the responsibilities of the parent. The opposition would argue that parents of every ethnicity and background have spent years of their life attempting to instill solid morals and values to their children. It is understandable how a parent would feel for a high school teacher to pass out condoms t o students at such a young age. Education systems are making the decision on what they think is best for the child rather than having the parents deciding the verdict on this issue. It is said that teenagers who have a good relationship with their parents are less likely to experience a pregnancy and the harsh consequences from unprotected sex. Good communication between parents nd children helps ensure that children make the right decisions when it comes to their sexual activity. However, as seen by the statistics, the amount of parental involvement in the lives of teens today is limited. Educators are simply picking up the slack since some parents do not educate their children on the simple right and wrongs like previous generations were taught. In addition to educators programs that educate our youth and that taxpayers should not fund these programs. Is it really the responsibility of hardworking taxpayers to pay for the use of protection for irresponsible teens? I certainly do not think so (Cook). Educators do not need to sanction the idea of a sexually active lifestyle; however they should hearten all young teenagers to make Judicious decisions when it comes to being sexually active. In this case, schools provide their sex-education classes and many prefer it stayed Just that, that it is not fit to provide a basket of condoms upon the exiting of a classroom. What the conservatives fail to do is look at the logical perspective and to take into account the statistics and reality of todays youth. What needs to be widely noticed is that the United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births. It is fact that that the teen pregnancies in our nation cost the United States at least 7 billion dollars each year. For the fiscal year of 2006 the federal government spent over 38 billion dollars to support families that began with a birth from a teenage mother. Nearly eight billion dollars is spent each year to diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases. Either the money paid towards taxes can contribute to pregnancies and their after effects, or the money can be well Prevention is much more important when all the facts are spent on prevention. displayed. Every year, around 750,000 teenagers will get pregnant. As a result, more than two thirds of teenagers who give birth will drop out of school, thus leading to an uneducated and difficult future. Teenage mothers and their children are more likely than others to be placed in the poverty bracket; therefore billions of dollars are spent taking care of them. Teen pregnancies are seen as a disadvantage in todays society due to the fact that many children born to teenage mothers tend to have a low birth rate. In addition to this, children born to teenage mothers are said to do poorly in school as they age and are more suceptible to abuse and neglect. The ruth is that the Centers of Disease Control reports nineteen million new STDs each year and approximately half of these reports are from our youth. One in four sexually active teenagers become infected with a sexually transmitted disease every year, which includes but is not limited to Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Warts, and Herpes. (The Alan Guttmacher Institute). Another mind wrenching fact coming from the American Social Health Association is that of nine million new STD cases in the year 2000, ninety percent was accounted for by HIV and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) in ages fifteen to twenty-four years of age. Chesson HW, Blandford JM, Gift TL, Tao G, Irwin KL. According to an educator working out of a New York City public high school, the idea of distributing condoms has her approval. If I could, I would give out condoms in my classroom. I think we should make it as easy as possible for teens to access condoms. This statement could cause an upheaval of opinion, but this teacher is looking out for the welfare of her students. High school students main focus should be education, goal setting, and discovering their own individu ality. These teenagers should live an energetic and active life without worrying about remarital sex. Even though this is true, it has been proven that over 50% of teenagers have had sexual intercourse before graduating High School. So what is to come of this? Considering a high percentage of high school students are in fact having sex, there are outstanding statistics proving many STDs and teenage with the prevention classes and protection. When students are provided with condoms, it at least gives them the opportunity to be responsible with such an irresponsible act. Condoms are proven not to be 100% effective protecting against pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. However they have and will cut the odds by a landslide. Their distribution could have a significant impact on many lives by protecting them from diseases and unforeseen pregnancies that can end a young mothers future. The best defense against STDs and under aged pregnancies is simply knowledge and protection. Frequently, parents are too embarrassed to approach their child about any type of sexual activity. For this reason students are left uniformed and in harms way. A catastrophe will take place if sex education and protection are taken away from the students today. Parents need to be active and not permit sexual activity and disregard its existence. Often our society does not recognize these situations. Regardless of the parents opinions of moral and religious rights, someone has to protect the youth considering abstinence is not a sure avenue for these children. This is why our education systems have, and need to continue doing so, taken a step forth to protect our nations future.