Free Essays on Social Capital

Introduction Social capital has commonly been studied in recent years from the perspective of sociology and political science. Through the various different works of Robert Putnam, Francis Fukuyama, and James Coleman, as well as others, the complexity of social capital has been broken down to people’s relationships and the values which they hold with each other. Social capital has been regarded as a useful element in democratic governance (Putnam) and economic stability in countries (Fukuyama). Trust has become a main element in the development of social capital. Civic engagement, social networking, and participation in public organizations help boost social capital, but these trends are on the decline in America. Many theorists believe this is the reason for our lack of trust in the government. If the people do not place trust in each other, than how can they trust the people which they elect into office. This is the very concept in which I developed my hypothesis: In comparing individuals, people who place more trust in others are more likely to trust their government than are people who place less trust in each other. The independent variable for this experiment will be the level of trust placed in others by people and the dependent variable will be the trust placed in the government by the people. The relationship between the two variables should have a positive correlation if the hypothesis is correct. There have been many studies conducted by both sociologists and political scientists concerning these two variables and its effects on social capital. Social Capital 3 Academic Sources â€Å"Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital† Robert D. Putnam Robert Putnam addresses a few political science subfields in this article which can be found in the January 1995 issue of the Journal of Democracy. Public policy and American politics are the key subfields in which Putnam ventures in to. He examines the policies... Free Essays on Social Capital Free Essays on Social Capital Introduction Social capital has commonly been studied in recent years from the perspective of sociology and political science. Through the various different works of Robert Putnam, Francis Fukuyama, and James Coleman, as well as others, the complexity of social capital has been broken down to people’s relationships and the values which they hold with each other. Social capital has been regarded as a useful element in democratic governance (Putnam) and economic stability in countries (Fukuyama). Trust has become a main element in the development of social capital. Civic engagement, social networking, and participation in public organizations help boost social capital, but these trends are on the decline in America. Many theorists believe this is the reason for our lack of trust in the government. If the people do not place trust in each other, than how can they trust the people which they elect into office. This is the very concept in which I developed my hypothesis: In comparing individuals, people who place more trust in others are more likely to trust their government than are people who place less trust in each other. The independent variable for this experiment will be the level of trust placed in others by people and the dependent variable will be the trust placed in the government by the people. The relationship between the two variables should have a positive correlation if the hypothesis is correct. There have been many studies conducted by both sociologists and political scientists concerning these two variables and its effects on social capital. Social Capital 3 Academic Sources â€Å"Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital† Robert D. Putnam Robert Putnam addresses a few political science subfields in this article which can be found in the January 1995 issue of the Journal of Democracy. Public policy and American politics are the key subfields in which Putnam ventures in to. He examines the policies...

Stegners View of the True Hero of the West essays

Stegners View of the True Hero of the West essays The West -" home on the range where the deer and the antelope play; where seldom is heard a discouraging word and the sky is not cloudy all day."" The romantic idea of the land west of the hundredth meridian has often inspired songs and poetry, like this one, about idyllic conditions in this dry "paradise."" Often these ideas did not prove to be completely accurate, and a very few people attempted to present the facts to the public to dispel the romantic ideas of an effortless existence in these western lands. John Wesley Powell was one of these people. Wallace Stegner viewed Powell as a champion for science and one of the true heroes of this time because he did not follow the romantic ideas that so many of his contemporaries held about settlement in the West. One of the men Stegner presented as the epitome of Western romanticism was the Honorable William Gilpin, who eventually became the first territorial governor of Colorado. Throughout Stegner's book, he used Gilpin as a contrast to Powell, who represented science. Gilpin was the example of the people that Stegner believed to be enamored with the idea of the West as a huge frontier, able to support millions, without looking at the facts and examining the situation from a scientist's point of view. He pointed out several differences in Powell and Gilpin that illustrate how he believed Powell to be the hero, even though he was never recognized as one, and Gilpin to be a dreamer. Stegner gave several examples to prove that the loudest promoters of settlement were often ignorant of the lands in which they lived, which proved that they were in fact, unable to determine whether the West was ready to be settled. One of the examples Stegner used was the fact that Gilpin believed all Indian tribes to be the same. In his zeal to promote Western settlement, he made the statement that with settlement in these lands came a unity of the people of the United States. Native Americ...

For the third essay, you are going to select an issue that you feel Research Paper

Cyber Insecurity - Research Paper Example In fact, as part of globalization and for that matter technology, communication and commerce have been more enhanced than they used to be before. But as much as we talk of the advantages of globalization, it is also important to have a look at what the repercussions of globalization and for that matter influx of technology have been on the larger population of the world. Cybersecurity is a term that is often used to represent the kind of protection given to personal information and digital documents. In his article â€Å"Winning the fight against cyber crimes†, Lurrent (2012) argues that the need for cybersecurity has increased and become timely mainly because of increases of activities of illegal cyber operations. By this, reference is being made to the numerous acts of cyber attacks that are launched in the field of information systems. In the use of both personal and organized information systems, reports of information thief, virus attacks and other forms of information irregularities have been reported on a daily basis. Some of these are so serious that they easily result in people losing thousands of dollars especially when the bank details of users are tapped by cybercriminals. As much as these acts of cyber insecurity increase, there is the need for advanced countermeasures that can put the minds of end users at rest. In his article â €Å"Countermeasures for cybersecurity†, Deritck (2011) clearly states that unless pragmatic steps are taken to give total protection to users of the internet and other information systems against cyber insecurities of all forms, the interest that people have in using technology in advancing communication and commerce will bring down.  

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - Xidi and Hongcun Essay

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - Xidi and Hongcun - Essay Example However, in the villages of Xidi and Hongcun the ancient and traditional Huizhou-style houses are still well preserved. The houses which belong to the period of the Ming and Qing dynasties are considered to be architectural marvels, specially in terms of the design, material and craft used, as also from the environmental and social context they represent (english.cntv.cn, 2010). The villages thus represent a style of human settlement that came into vogue during a feudal period that symbolized a prosperous trading economy. The buildings and the street patterns in the two villages signify the socio-economic structure of a well established and long-lasting period of Chinese history. With the Huizhou businessmen natives of the time, that is, during the period of the Ming and Qing dynasties, strongly supporting the economic development of their hometowns, the areas became culturally prosperous. The houses constructed during that period displayed much aesthetic elegance and uniqueness. A n umber of prominent village landscapes also came to be established. A unique feature of life and culture of these ancient villages in southern Anhui is that their progress occurred generally independent of agriculture. Thus, in terms of their awareness, lifestyle and taste, the people of these areas were generally of a higher level than the common peasants and other common citizens. Thus, a strong cultural environment was created. They laid great emphasis on education since it was their constant endeavor to maintain a close interaction with the literati and officials. The villagers respected Confucianism. The picture below (Fig. 2) depicts an ancient Xidi clan temple. Fig. 2. An ancient Xidi clan temple (Source: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-... Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - Xidi and Hongcun The ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun located in the southern Anhui province of China are World Cultural Heritage Sites. They are marvelous examples of well preserved traditional non-urban settlements most of which have disappeared or transformed during the last century. They possess architectural complexes of much historical and artistic value. Heritage sites everywhere are prone to environmental degradation while the inhabitants of those areas could likely experience socioeconomic problems. The preservation of such heritage sites requires active participation by the local government, international funding agencies such as UNESCO and the World Bank, local communities and the visitors who throng the sites. Another key issue related to tourism development is enhancement in tourism transportation which could lead to pollution caused by transportation (Jiang et al., 2010). A car is the mode of transport commonly used by tourists which has a high impact on the environment due to carbon dioxide emissions. An important issue related to social demography is the migration of villagers from Xidi and Hongcun to cities either as a result of the economic prosperity they have come to enjoy because of tourism or in the face of their inability to meet the competition from the same industry. Residents' perceptions and attitudes need to be periodically assessed, and conditions that encourage the local populace to continue to live and thrive in their hometowns should be created.

Effects of Education Essay Example for Free

Effects of Education Essay Education is an act of learning which enables one to realize his or her full potential and know areas that one is talented in order to exploit them[Grusky, 2001]. Education basically entails impacting of knowledge to individual. Social inequality on other hand is lack of basic necessities in life example access to health care and employment opportunities and others. Those individuals who are socially unequal with others are excluded form full and equal participation from what is important is one’s social life. Education has not had effect in increasing opportunity for all but instead it has reinforced existing social inequality. This is evidenced since one can only be educated on basic of his or her social class and their results to division between individuals, those who are educated continue to prosper while those who are not remain in poverty. It can also be evidenced in economic inequality since this is mainly as a result of social inequality. Economic inequality links with social inequality in that poor financial status hinders people from obtaining some education while some standards as others is , they cannot obtain the same housing, healthcare and also education. Lack of these basic necessities results to people living in the different classes to use different technologies according to their income. Socially education places people in different status which are mainly achieved through education because it determines over occupation which is the main determinant of one’s status in a community. In this, education brings about these differences since those who are educated bring up their siblings in the same status but for those who are not educated they cannot afford good education for their siblings. The position of a person in community can be determined by the social class one is in due to what he or she has achieved. This mainly comes in varying level of education that one has attained since those who are educated are employed and subsequently their standards of living are raised which make them different from common man who did not access education and therefore has not been able to achieve anything. People in different status are positioned differently in the society in regard to the way they can access different goods and services. Therefore the issue of education in status makes it clear that the social standards are very different between the education and those who are not learned because they have no opportunity to experience the high status of life. The difference brought about by effect of education on reinforcing social inequalities has resulted to basic life change. Such changes include physical health where by people don’t get access to the same health intervention which results in deterioration of health in those individuals who did not benefit from education. Apart from Medical intervention, learned individual have gained access to learning how one can live healthy, eat well to prevent diseases and they can readily access healthy product as compared to those who have no money nor basic education to help them overcome the poor health. The educated tend to keep the knowledge to themselves and help those who are also educated and leave the less fortunate to suffer with no =one to help them since they do not have money or basic education to help them overcome poor physical health. More also, social inequality brought about by difference in education background has brought about life change in psychological health in that those who are not educated have so many problems which keeps on torturing the affected person mentally. The psychological health can be brought about by depression or isolation from the others who consider one to be of low life since he or she has not gone through education system. Others engage in excessive drinking of alcohol and other illicit drugs which end up in destroying their mental capability which results to poor psychological health. In contrast social inequality comes in since those who are educated, even if problems comes their way they have different means of dealing with them and thus why they are always in good psychological health unlike the unlearned ones. Inequality can also be evidenced in basic life changes in food and shelter one uses. The issue of education does not benefit all since the educated can have good standards of life and live in good houses and eat better food than those who are not educated. These differences make people to have different social style since poor will only socialize with those whom they share the same social class with and the same applies to the rich. Particularly, social inequality comes in when one is wealthy which make them to use their money power to achieve various political powers but in contrast the poor remain poorer since they have no one to represent them due to lack of education. In other words education only benefits those who are educated but it’s not for all. The poor who are basically not educated, politically are much different from the uneducated since they are not equally represented which increases inequality in the society. Education has also brought difference in different racial; and ethnic group. This is because a different group views the value of education differently and the educated one continues to benefit while those who are not remain poor and poorer. Some groups values education while others do not which makes them to live in two distinct social classes. Their social inequalities are much strengthened by education since the educated and uneducated persons cannot interact freely. Also the level of education is different in different races and ethnic groups regarding to the way each group values the concept of education. Those who are learned can afford different technologies example the use of computer as compared to those who can not afford advanced technology and end up using manual methods to carry put their tasks. These differences makes individual not to interact freely with each other. Education has brought existing social inequality since it has brought difference in accessing job opportunities. Those who are educated mainly gets better jobs which distinct them from their uneducated counterparts who can not be offered the same job since they belong to different social class brought about by the level of education. Also operation of basic businesses requires educated individuals which entirely create a gap in operation between those who are educated and those who are not. The amount of wealth one has determines his social class which creates a gap between the rich and the poor. Those who are not learned are at a risk of social inequality since they lack access to basic education. This creates difference between the learned individual and therefore they can not relate freely. Socially these people are discriminated by those who are learned. Education has also brought about inequalities in goods and services taxes. During payments of these taxes inequality based on social class is evidenced since different individuals are taxed differently and in this, less educated may pay less taxes as compared to those who are educated since they have many assets as compared to poor. Sex and gender can also cause social in equality (Grusky, 2001). Many people view works differently and see to it that different jobs are for different sex. For example in most countries women are considered to perform domestic chaos while men go to work in offices. This creates inequality since even women can work in their areas and they should not be denied chance to work. Like in military jobs are viewed to be for men but in real sense even there are some women who can perform those tasks better than men. Geographical location of individual also matters since it depends on how those living in that geographical area view education and the impact it have in their lives. Citizenship is another factor since you find those living in different countries has achieved different levels of education which is different from each other. Their differences shows that the two groups cannot interact freely which brings about social inequality. Social inequality can Stimulate social conflicts and lead to political instability. People of different social background do not interact freely and incase of political instability you can see the two groups fighting. These social inequalities can result to family violence and breakups and this is evidenced when one is more educated than the other and therefore they share different social background. They can also stimulate street crimes whereby some people see to others as more advantaged than others since may be they are looking for jobs which are not forthcoming due difference in their educational backgrounds. Therefore, they can end up fighting those who they consider their rivals. These inequalities can also result to hate- crimes where one consider another person as a hindrance to his or her success or may be you hate your parents since they did not give basic education which is much needed. Therefore education has effect in increasing opportunity for all can only be achieved if everyone has had access to basic education which can be used to unify everyone. Otherwise, for unequal distribution of education it results to social inequality which is the case in real life today. So education has reinforced the existing social inequalities because not every one has an access to basic education to give opportunity to all.

The Signs and Effects of Autism Essay -- Autism Autistic Disorders Ess

The Signs and Effects of Autism Autism is a rare disease that has been noticed for centuries. The purest form of autism (high IQ and almost normal behavior yet still self-contained) occurs in about â€Å"one in 2,000 people†. When the many other forms of autism are added in, the ratio is â€Å"one in 750†. Autism is found in every race, ethnic group, nation, and social standing, although â€Å"males outnumber females by four or five times† (â€Å"Autistic Disorder† – 2). Autism is a broad range of disorders that stretch from mild to severe. There are many theories on the cause of autism, but no definite solution. Because of the broadness of the disease, there are many types and categories. The effects of autism are frustrating, and hard to live with. Since the causes remain unknown, there are no specific treatments that can cure autism. The first signs of autism are shown within the first three years of life. As an infant, parents will notice that the child is distant and does not respond to many things. The baby usually doesn’t develop any bonds with his/her mother or caretaker. When parents go to pick up an autistic child, he/she will seem rigid, limp, and will not do normal things like reach out for the parent. Another symptom is little to no eye contact. As with autism at any age, the child is obsessed with sameness and routines. For example, a child will want to eat the same foods every day at the same time. Inanimate objects also fascinate autistic children, though they do not use them as they are intended. They will play with a single toy for hours at a time. Autism was once thought to be the result of cold and distant parents. If the mother disliked or did not want the baby, it was thought that the baby knew this and would enclose itself in its own world. That theory has now been disproven and ma ny scientists now believe autism is caused by -1- genetics and/or illnesses. There are many stated genetic and biological causes but none seem unique to autism. Likewise, no specific gene has been targeted to cause autism. New evidence reveals that â€Å"the serotonin-transpoter gene† (Rapin, Isabelle – 101) may be related to the cause of this disease. Complications in birth are also taken into consideration. â€Å"Prenatal factors are intrauterine rubella, tuberous selerosis, chromosomal abnormalities, and brain abnormalities. Perinatal factors have little to no ... ...â€Å"Autistic Disorder† – 4). Another way of helping an autistic individual have a somewhat successful adult life is to develop his/her communication skills by age five. With the knowledge of communication he/she will likely improve. Yet, most will still need some sort of help from one or more adults. In conclusion, the broad range of disorders, known as autism, can’t be cured, but they can be helped in many ways. Many autistic people receive help from family and relatives. In an autistic person’s life, all he/she needs is love and understanding. -4- Although they may seem mentally challenged, many are very bright. Many have a higher IQ then what is usual. Autism can be a devastating disorder but to the affected individual, it is his/her normal world. BIBLIOGRAPHY â€Å"Autistic Disorder† McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. CD-ROM. 1998 ed. Campbell, Robert. The Enigma of the Mind. New York: Time-Life Books. 1976 Rapin, Isabelle. â€Å"Autism.† The New England Journal of Medicine 10 July 1997: 97 Wing, John. Reasoning About Madness. New York: Oxford University Press. 1987. Wing, Lorna. â€Å"The Autistic Spectrum.† The Lancet 13 July 1997: 1761-66.

Ap Us History Essay

Thesis Sentence: The lives of the Plains Indians in the second half of the nineteenth century were affected by technological developments and government actions politically, economically, religiously, socially, intellectually, and geographically. Body Paragraph #2 Background Paragraph – How the Indians were treated before the second half of the 19th Century. Body Paragraph #3 The technological developments and government actions affected the Indians in the second half of the 19th Century politically because: †¢ They did not have a say in government very much even though they were more â€Å"civilized† Body Paragraph #4 The technological developments and government actions affected the Indians in the second half of the 19th Century economically because: †¢ Transcontinental Railroad – Indians lost their food sources, such as bison, due to the rapid constructions of buildings and technological things that did not let the bison roam free Lots of bison caused hunting -> they almost went extinct Body Paragraph #5 The technological developments and government actions affected the Indians in the second half of the 19th Century religiously because: †¢ Indians that changed left their culture and spiritual practices behind Became Christians – only a few Were allowed in churches †¢ Indians that did not changed were being forced to change Body Paragraph #6 The technological developments and government actions affected the Indians in the second half of the 19th Century socially because: †¢ Indians who changed left their practices and became more â€Å"civilized† according to the white Americans They were more accepted than the non-changed Indians Body Paragraph #7 The technological developments and government actions affected the Indians in the second half of the 19th Century intellectually because: †¢ Indians who changed got the same education white Americans did Went to better schools †¢ Indians who did not change were not as well educated as the other Indians †¢ All Indians were better equipped when it came to hunting because they had guns instead of bows n’ arrows Death rate while hunting went down Body Paragraph #8 The technological developments and government actions affected the Indians in the second half of the 19th Century geographically because: †¢ Were given crappy land Were kicked out of them when the Americans found out that there was gold in that area Homestead Act/ Dawes Act Conclusion: During the second half of the 19th Century, the Indians were affected by the technological developments and government actions in many ways more than one. They were still not accepted politically. They lost a lot of economical resources in the process of the technological progression. The Indians were forced to change their religion to Christianity in order to become â€Å"civilized† in the eyes of the white Americans. They were socially accepted in some ways by the white Americans if they converted to Christianity. The Indians became intellectually smarter when they grasped new technological developments like the gun (new for them) so that they could hunt properly. However, they lost a lot of land to the white Americans geographically. The second half of the 19th Century gave the Indians more problems than happiness.

Nonverbal Communication Codes Essay

1. What nonverbal messages are being sent in this image? Why are you looking at me? Is the nonverbal message that I would take from the woman with the bad tan. 2. What type of nonverbal communication codes are being used to deliver the messages? I believe the nonverbal message in this image is Affect Displays. A woman with an obvious bad tan seems as though she has a negative reaction to the gentleman that’s doing a double take, looking at her. Her facial expression has a look of irritation from the staring 3. What effect does each message have on the other people in the image? It is hard to determine the effect on the other people that is in the image; however, I suppose the people that are around them that saw the interaction should’ve felt the awkwardness as well. It would be obvious that the signal would be not to get involved and to look away. 4. What nonverbal communication skills and strategies could be used to communicate effectively in this situation? Smiling or showing a friendly face and eye contact should have been made to reduce the feeling of inadequacy or awkwardness. 1. What cultural barriers are seen in this image? I believe the gentleman is focused on the group of woman because he is trying to figure out their dress and culture because it is different than his. 2. What type of nonverbal communication codes are being used to deliver the messages? I feel like the type of nonverbal communication codes that is being used is Affect Displays and Regulators. The gentleman’s posture is used to communicate his emotion and his posture asked the question, â€Å"what are you are doing, and why you dressed that way?† This is an example of the affect Displays because his posture is showing emotions. The other code that is then displayed is the regulator because he is giving eye contact to the group with a facial expression, and open mouth or raised eyebrow, trying to get the group’s attention. 3. What effect does each message have on the other people in the image? The effect that each person has in the image is of non-affect. No one has notice the gentleman’s non-verbal communication methods. Either no one sees it, or he is being ignored, based off of the individuals in the picture. 4. What nonverbal communication skills and strategies could be used to communicate effectively in this situation? The nonverbal communication skills and strategies that can be used to communicate effectively in this situation were simply being a friendly face and smile to show no threat. Also, if the gentleman was really serious, he should have stopped and face the group that he was trying to get their attention 1. What nonverbal messages are being sent in this image? The nonverbal message in this image says that there are still places in Asia where smoking continues to be allowed in some public places; and, smoking is a popular thing to do. 2. What type of nonverbal communication codes are being used to deliver the messages? The nonverbal communication code that is used to deliver this message is the Adapters. Adapters are nonverbal behaviors that help you satisfy personal needs and adapt to the immediate situation or surroundings. 3. What effect does each message have on the other people in the image? The effect that being an adapter in this image has on other people in the image I believe is that smoking is addictive and if one person smokes a cigarette and you are a smoker thing you will want a cigarette as well. 4. What nonverbal communication skills and strategies could be used to communicate effectively in this situation? I am not a smoker; I would either leave the room or show displeasure from secondhand smoke. 1. What cultural barriers can be seen in this image? 2. What nonverbal messages are being sent in this image? 3. What type of nonverbal communication codes are being used to deliver the messages? 4. What effect does each message have on the other people in the image? 5. What nonverbal communication skills and strategies could be used to communicate effectively in this situation? 1. What cultural barriers can be seen in this image? The cultural barriers in this image can be defined as business people who are possibly on their way to work on being a know it annoyed by a woman on her cell phone, not paying attention to where she’s going. 2. What nonverbal messages are being sent in this image? In this image, the people display a busy, business like image. The affect display can be displayed through their posture, and by putting little expression on their faces. It is almost as if it is a hostile rush to get where they’re going. 3. What type of nonverbal communication codes are being used to deliver the messages? The nonverbal communication codes that can be displayed from this image is the Affect Display. 4. What effect does each message have on the other people in the image? It seems as though the people in this image are annoyed by the woman was talking on her cell phone and not paying attention to where she’s going or having a very loud conversation. 5. What nonverbal communication skills and strategies could be used to communicate effectively in this situation? Lady, please hang up the phone and watch where you’re going.

Analysis of Act IV scene 1, in three different versions of The Merchant Of Venice Essay Example

Analysis of Act IV scene 1, in three different versions of The Merchant Of Venice Essay Example Analysis of Act IV scene 1, in three different versions of The Merchant Of Venice Paper Analysis of Act IV scene 1, in three different versions of The Merchant Of Venice Paper Essay Topic: Merchant Of Venice Play Act IV scene 1 is an intense scene in the play where we see many of the plays main themes such as justice and mercy, money and status, revenge, loyalty, love and prejudice and tolerance. Shakespeare presents a harsh character in Shylock the Jew, but the fact that he also gives him the chance to speak more than any other European playwright preceding him would suggest that his portrayal is not conventional but much more complex for example in his words in Act III scene 1, lines 57-58: I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions? Much of Shakespeares enduring appeal has been in his amazing portrayal of the complexities of the human condition for example Hamlet or Macbeth. Traditionally Jews were the evil villains of Elizabethan drama, frequently Machiavellian or greedy but unlike his contemporaries Shakespeares characters were never simply good or evil but embody the complex mix within each of us that makes us human. The main dilemma in staging this play today is in the consideration of Shakespeares possible anti-semitism and/or sympathies towards his character and indeed whether Shylock only represents the Jewish people or whether he is symbolic of oppression of minority races in general. Through Shylocks forced conversion in this scene we are reminded of the conversions of other religions according to the ruler of the time such as Henry VIII. This would suggest that Shakespeare is using Shylock as more than a symbol of Jewishness. In this piece of coursework I will be examining mainly how sympathetic or unsympathetic the various versions seem to be and how each Director has succeeded in making the character of Shylock worthy of Shakespeares realism. Jews were traditionally viewed as outsiders and were not citizens. Christians as far back as the 11th century could not lend money without interest and many Jews earned a living from this profession as they could not join the artisan guilds. As they became their own debt collectors they soon became the target of resentment. A myth was born; with which Shakespeares audience would have been familiar, of ritual murder or blood libel that Jews would kill adult Christians. It is to this myth to which Shakespeare seems to allude in the pound of flesh incident in this scene. Shakespeare is original in showing us the extent to which Shylock is oppressed by Christians surrounding him and it is through this that Shakespeare succeeds in drawing out sympathy from his audience. Analysis of Act IV scene 1 In the text of Act IV scene 1 before we meet Shylock he is described as a stony adversary, an inhuman wretch, incapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy. Antonio describes Shylocks spirit as being full of tyranny and rage. When Shylock enters into the scene the Duke challenges him saying The world thinks, and I think so too, that thou but leadest this fashion of thy malice To the last hour of act, and then tis thought Thoult show thy mercy and remorse more strange than is thy strange apparent cruelty. At this point the audience is immediately drawn into the suspense of the scene. The Duke speaks for everyone in hoping that Shylock will back down. The combination of the Dukes speech on mercy and his hope for a gentle answer with Shylocks contemptuous reply serves to further provoke the audience. Calling Shylock Jew instead of using his name also manipulates the audiences reactions into thinking of the stereotype rather than the individual. At this point the Duke says Let him stand before our face suggests Shylock should stand centre stage for this speech. Shylocks reply to the Duke and onlookers is so long winded that he immediately loses favour. This speech would be effective if he was standing up as he speaks about his values. It is a central point in the scene as it is his first opportunity to defend himself but he does not elicit sympathy from his onlookers. He is instead twisting, evasive and difficult: So can I give no reason, nor I will not, more than a lodged hatred and a certain loathing I bear Antonio. He ends this key speech in his defence with an open admission of his hatred. His illustrations of animals, later paralleled in Antonios speech, are deliberately offensive. He plays with the words of Bassanio, twists them and turns them back on the speaker providing a quickfire dialogue which builds up the tension from the outset. The repeated references to the Jew suggest an element of anti-semitism. The imagery of the wolf and the lamb is very effective as it evokes both blood lust for an innocent creature and also the key theme of religion in the form of the lamb of God. His Jewish heart again evokes the stereotype of the unfeeling moneylender. The Dukes repeated pleas for mercy, a key theme in the scene, serve only to enforce Shylocks determination to have exactly what he is owed: the pound of flesh. Ironically this steadfast and unrelenting desire to have his bond is what ultimately results in his downfall at the end of the scene. There is a certain irony in Shylocks swearing on our holy Sabbath to have his bond as God teaches forgiveness. His demand of What judgement shall I dread, doing no wrong? conveys his arrogance as he seems utterly convinced of being in the right. When Shylock challenges his onlookers as to their treatment of slaves, this could suggest a defence of those oppressed and support the view that Shakespeares position was not only pro-Jewish but more globally in support of oppressed minorities in general. The climax of Shylocks claim is spoken with great force and evokes some sympathy finally when he alludes to how the pound of flesh is dearly bought. I would exploit this line as a key point in his speech. When he demands the fatal reply from the Court it is ironic as it is the intricacies of the law of Venice which eventually condemns him. He could conceivably be holding his bond in his hand at this stage for maximum visual impact. Bassanios words The Jew shall have my flesh, blood, bones and all are somewhat reminiscent of Shylocks earlier words in Act III scene I: I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions? His reference to one drop of blood also sets the scene for what will unfold and heightens the audiences suspense as to a possible blood libel. Gratianos pun on sole and soul indicate for us how Shylock is sharpening his knife. At this point sympathy for Shylock must be at its lowest as he does indeed come across as having bloody and ravenous desires and he again seems to dismiss Bassanios words with contempt. Antonio and Bassanio must surely end this section feeling thoroughly pessimistic. Their speech would surely be filled with tension and a desperate sense of urgency. With Portias arrival, however, the mood immediately lightens. As a symbol of Christianity her determined pleas for mercy provide hope for a more positive outcome and compel the audience further. Even Portia refers initially to Shylock as the Jew. Her lyrical and moving speech regarding the quality of mercy dropping as the gentle rain from heaven contrasts sharply with Antonios earlier speech on Shylocks lack of mercy: You may as well forbid the mountain pines to wag their high tops and to make no noise when they are fretten with the gusts of heaven. It also contrasts with Shylocks short punctuated sentences. When Portia suggests that Shylock will be blessed in return for showing mercy it is loaded with irony as at the end he is granted mercy regardless of not having done the same. Shylocks patience seems to be running out when he challenges Portias words: My deeds upon my head, I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond. I imagine this said with controlled anger. Throughout this speech Shylock remains determined and unmoved. He continues to make religious references and begins to compliment Portia on her apparent wisdom. He recites passages from his bond one imagines in a tone of expectation at things going his way. When Bassanio and Gratiano speak with great emotion of their own wives whom they would sacrifice for Antonios sake, their words are contrasted with Shylocks to great effect: I have a daughter. This for the first time really underlines the pain that Shylock has been caused and shows that rather than being a man incapable of emotion, that he too has suffered greatly and that this is at the root of his determination to have what he is rightfully owed. The change in mood at this point makes Portias verdict even more shocking and sudden. Ironically Shylock who seemed earlier to know every word of his bond now seems somewhat uncertain for the first time as Portia recites the word of the law to him: Is that the law? He then persists in d emanding the bond thrice and seems suddenly unsettled, edgy and in a hurry to depart. This is conveyed through his short, punctuated speech. Towards the end of the scene in a dramatic and ironic role reversal we see Shylock begging for his livelihood and his life: Nay, take my life and all, pardon not that. You take my house, when you do take the prop That doth sustain my house; you take my life, When you do take the means whereby I live. His poignant words I am content in reply to the verdict granted by the Court I imagine being said with utmost humility. His claims of being not well could elicit sympathy from the audience. We are reminded here of him as not only being a cantankerous man but primarily an old man, fragile and ephemeral like other humans. It is on this note that Shakespeare chooses to herald Shylocks exit. Discussion of version 1 The Channel 4 television version was produced and directed by Alan Horrox and starred Bob Peck as Shylock and Benjamin Whitrow as Antonio. This version was very traditional it was set in Venice in the sixteenth century and was filmed both in studio (Millennium studios) and on location in Venice. Music is also used in this version both during Portias speech on mercy and again when Shylock is going to cut Antonio this adds to the suspense of the scene. This version portrays Shylock in parts as a harsh character for whom you would show less sympathy. He is portrayed as a haughty character and points his finger at Antonio saying The pound of flesh which I demand of him is dearly bought, tis mine and I will have it. In a later part of the scene his haughty attitude is reinforced when he is again asked to show mercy he replies On what compulsion must I? Tell me that. Close up camera work was used effectively at this point. Shylocks character changes when he feels things are going his way, he grovels to Portia and praises her, he has a look of pleasure on his face when he unsheathes his knife and is ready to cut Antonio. When Shylock is about to cut Antonio he notices that he has a cross around his neck and so he pushes it over his shoulder demonstrating his dislike of Christianity. However, his attitude changes to one of shock when Portia stops him. From this point onward one is inclined to feel sorry for Shylock as he goes from being quite wealthy to losing everything because of his own stubborn attitude and lack of sympathy. At the very end of the scene when Shylock is on his knees you are inclined to feel sympathetic towards him. Discussion of version 2 Trevor Nunn directed this version and it starred Henry Goodman as Shylock and David Bamber as Antonio. It was filmed at Pinewood Studios. The setting was very stark with most actors wearing dark suits and it was set in the 1920s in between the two World Wars. Through this version we see the many different sides to Shylocks character. At the start of the scene he appears as an old man who has difficulty in walking which elicits a little sympathy. However, Shylocks character is strong and when he is insisting on his bond the previous feeling of sympathy changes to one of abhorrence. His dislike of both Christianity and Antonio is noted early in the scene by his facial expression when he states, More than a lodged hate and a certain loathing I bear Antonio, that I follow thus. Antonio further emphasises Shylocks Jewishness when he states As seek to soften that than which whats harder? His Jewish heart. here showing how Shylock is viewed as hard hearted. Feelings change again when Shylock says with regard to his daughter dearly bought as this evokes sympathy for him and close up camera work is used effectively at this point. Shylock speaks with anger refusing to show mercy and insisting on his bond. When Bassanio said Yes, here I tender it for him in the court, Yea, twice the sum, if that will not suffice, I will be bound to pay it ten times oer On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart. If this will not suffice, it must appear That malice bears down truth applause was used effectively to show support for Antonio and to isolate Shylock. Shylock goes on to appear very happy and excited at the prospect of receiving his bond. However, when the tables are turned he is stubborn and refuses to beg for mercy this could evoke anti-semitic feelings as he is portrayed standing alone while Antonio has the support of his Christian friends. Although Shylock remained seated at the end I still felt sorry for him as he looked old and frail especially when he removed his Jewish hat and cloth placing them on the scales as he left. Discussion of version 3 This version was directed for television by John Sichel and starred Laurence Olivier as Shylock, Anthony Nichols as Antonio. The actors all wore Victorian costumes and the setting was like a board meeting with all in attendance sitting round it and the furniture was very ornate. This created a highly pressurised environment. Shylock was more confident and walked round the table, his voice was strong and facial expressions were used effectively to portray his emotions. Again we see the confident, stubborn man in early scenes when Shylock is demanding his bond. He shows his disgust and hatred of Antonio both by his facial expression and tone of voice, when he says a certain loathing I bear Antonio. He shows his confidence in his demands when he walks about saying What judgement shall I dread, doing no wrong? His feelings show pleasure as he smiles when sharpening his knife to cut his pound of flesh. He speaks with great arrogance when he says, On what compulsion must I? showing his determination to have what is owed. There is sarcasm in his voice when he refers to Christian husbands willing to sacrifice their wives for Antonio by saying These be the Christian husbands. The lighting was impressive throughout the scene and there was effective close up camera work during Portias speech, for example, when she said, It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. and also when Shylock made the statement I have a daughter because this focused on Shylocks suffering for the first time.. In this version Shylock is a more arrogant character. He raises his voice and gets extremely angry and looks shocked and surprised when he asks the question Is that the law? At the very end of the scene you feel sorry for Shylock, as he seems old, fragile and weak. He looks as though he has lost everything in the world and he has to hold onto a pillar for support. He falls to the ground and is helped out of the room. The scene ends with just the sound of Shylock crying outside which is very effective as it emphasises his isolation. Comparison of versions and personal opinions Although all three versions told exactly the same story they all had very different settings and portrayed Shylock in a slightly different way although each one elicited sympathy for him. The Channel 4 version was very colourful and used traditional Shakespearean costumes. Lighting and music were used effectively and the setting gave the impression of a real courtroom. I felt some sympathy for Shylock in this version The Trevor Nunn version was simplistic, with most actors dressed in dark suits. It gave me the impression of rival mafia style gangs. The final version, which was done by the National Theatre Company, was my favourite. Laurence Olivier portrayed Shylock as a strong confident character who moved around the room making him appear more arrogant than in the other two versions but also eliciting sympathy. I felt this version was the best as it succeeded in conveying the complexities of Shylocks character. We saw both arrogance and frailty and I thought it conveyed the story as Shakespeare was trying to put it across in the text.

Free sample - Mending Wall Analysis. translation missing

Mending Wall Analysis. Mending Wall AnalysisI find myself struggling to decide if the author of the â€Å"Mending Wall† is unreliable or somewhere in the middle between reliable.   I feel a tugging in the direction of unreliable as the author seems not to know all the relevant information to consistently interpret the events accurately. The author conflicts with what he says and what he lacks to do or doesn’t do in that he is constantly questioning the purpose of the wall in his particular case and the necessity of it, but he does nothing to remove the wall or to discuss the need of the wall to his neighbor. This leaves me to interpret that the speaker is trying to express his ideas about barriers between people and the feeling or sense of security that walls can give, and that the wall in the poem is symbolic of the barriers people erect in relationships. An odd observation in this poem I noticed is that the author is speaking to the stones â€Å"stay where you are until our backs are turned!† it seems that the man may be so bored not having anyone to speak with that he would talk to anything. The only thing in the poem the neighbors says is â€Å"Good fences make good neighbors† so maybe the neighbor isn’t much of a conversationalist and maybe the author has only the wall to converse with which would make the wall really a better neighbor than the actual neighbor. It is amusing that the author referrers to his neighbor as an â€Å"old stone savage,† but, I believe the author means his neighbor is single mindedly focused on the wall and the idea of maintaining its existence will somehow make good relations with his neighbors. The one sided fixation approach to the maintenance of the wall by his neighbor is what prompted the author to call him an â€Å"old stone savage,† that won’t go against his father’s advice.

Managing the HR Function Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing the HR Function - Essay Example So it is possible in principle to be included via representative participation (e.g., by union members or by members of the same group assessing acceptability and fairness of selection processes or instruments) (Dale, 2006). The importance of rigorous and detailed job analysis in underpinning human resource development and in sustaining an integrated approach to human resource management cannot be overestimated. Recruitment and selection procedures, training needs analysis, and appraisal procedures etc., are all likely to benefit from job or competency definitions which are produced directly from an analysis of job behaviors. As a result procedures for recruitment and selection, etc. are likely to be more accurate and less susceptible to bias and distortion than some other previously utilized techniques, for example, the traditional interview process relying on instinctive criteria or a 'gut feeling'. Person specification involves education and training information, qualifications and personal qualities. It is likely that job descriptions would conform to the framework discussed earlier for competencies. That is, they would be composed of elements which appear to be generic to most managerial positions (Dale, 2006). Second, that strong occupational sector-specific criteria are also to the fore, and third, that some considerable individuation occurring either through organization-determined or individual needs would also be present in any actual job description that applies to a particular manager in a particular organization (Wood and Payne, 1998). Information is collected about a job in a structured manner and computer analyzed in order to meet a variety of objectives; including, the specification of job tasks and job context, profiling of human attributes required for effective job performance, and the identification of relevant assessment methods. For example, a job descriptio n and person specification can be made through a questionnaire, and can be supplemented with 'validation' interviews conducted by the job analyst where the respondent is questioned about his/her responses Dale, 2006). The advantage and strength of person specifications is that the occupational standards approach advocates the use of 'range statements', describing the range of contexts and applications in which a employees would be expected to achieve the outcome. A specification of the range of contexts in which competence is to be demonstrated is not however a substitute for an assessment of competence which reflects the influence of the organizational climate/environment on an individual's actions/behavior (Wood and Payne, 1998). Where the latter is seen as a necessary and essential part of an individual's competence assessment the occupational standards approach may not, at least in its entirety, be sufficient. In order to perform the job effectively, the breadth of job related knowledge is regarded by managers as substantial across all functions. Leaders of large organizations see the job itself as undergoing basic change. It would seem necessary therefore, first, that anyone who wishes succes sfully to discharge leadership functions must anticipate coping with ongoing change in the organizational environment, and second, that he or she must recognize that leadership is itself undergoing a substantial transformation (Slowik, 2001). Person

Philosophy of Human Conduct Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Philosophy of Human Conduct - Essay Example I agree with Pojman's thoughts and see the fault with society's focus on only the end result and generalizing merit by not taking into account an individual's struggles and strengths I agree when Pojman points out that "nondeserved merit can be features that the natural lottery has distributed such as ones basic intelligence, personality type, skin color, good looks, and physical endowments" (86). I also think that merit comes more easily to those who are properly equipped to achieve it. For example I look at celebrities or wealthy aristocrats who have been granted merit for their large contributions to charity. These individuals may receive more praise and admiration than an everyday working class citizen who gives their last dollar to a homeless man on the street. I believe that the everyday citizen deserves just as much merit as the celebrity or wealthy aristocrat because the amount of money that one gives is not what warrants merit, but the generosity of the individual depending on their own personal income and what they can afford. Pojman points out that "Dessert then, is closely connected to effort and intention, whereas merit signifies positive qualities that call forth a positive response, including qualities that we do not deserve" (87). I think that Pojman used a great example out of Mickey Mantle discussing that just because he was a famous baseball player does not mean that he earned or deserved a liver transplant more than anyone else. I don't think that any human being can truly give merit to another because we can never know the inner workings of someone other than ourselves. Pojman says, "Whereas God, knowing our inner motivations, rewards purely on the basis of desert, we fallible beings, being far less certain as to how to measure effort and intentionality, tend to reward merit, the actual contribution or positive results produced" (87). The essay goes on to say that, " Another objection that underlines much of the suspicion of merit is the natural lottery, the idea that we do not deserve our genes, or natural talents, our families, our society, or even our determination to make an effort" (99). I agree that it would not be fair to give merit to someone for being successful in something that they were born to do. Just because someone is good at something doesn't mean they deserve any credit, credit should be given to the person who put in the most effort no matter the result of the effort. Someone could train everyday for a triathlon and still lose the race to someone who was born with more athletic ability than they have. Just because that person won the race does not mean that they put in as much effort or deserve to win. This belief that "effort is the decisive criterion of merit" (91), means that just because something comes easily for one person does not mean it is easy for everyone. Pojman says, "We are stewards of our talents and are judged on the basis of what we can do with them. Those who use their talents wisely and industriously deserve to be rewarded, whereas those who neglect their talents deserve reprobation" (90). I also think that if you acknowledge your ability, and push yourself in it, becoming the best that you possibly can, then merit is definitely deserved for your effort. I like the story Pojman told of the carpenter building the chair in the factory of the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur is talented in finding ways to make money