Swan Lake Higher Learning by John Singleton Essay Example For Students

Swan Lake Higher Learning by John Singleton Essay In the 1995 movie, Higher Learning, John Singleton gives evidence to numerous sociological issues. In which, Singleton emphasizes that our society needs to be re-socialized, so that society as a whole can overlook all of our preconceived stereotypes and norms, and pass judgement on people not based on the color of their skin or beliefs. As such, three major, and five minor sociological issues arise in the film. The major sociological issue is the use of symbols. Symbolic Interaction asserts that society is composed of symbols, which use to establish meaning and relationships, to coordinate actions, and to develop a view of the world and the self Henslin, p. 15. Singleton uses many examples of symbols throughout the film. For example, the statue of Columbus signifies the need for a global change in attitude. Disproving the common theory that the world was flat, Columbus revolutionized societys outlook on their contemporary lifestyle. Singleton uses this revolutionary figure to signify that universities and other such institutions can also be used as avenues for a global mindset change, by learning. We will write a custom essay on Swan Lake Higher Learning by John Singleton specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Another symbol used throughout the film is the act of running. Malik is portrayed throughout the film as running, signifying a progression from a typical gangbanger to an educated athlete. Conversely, periods throughout the film where Malik is off the track team or not running, Singleton digresses Maliks education and reverts the character back to a hoodlum. Evidence of this is when Malik is kicked off the track team, and Dr. Phipps informs Malik that his paper is not up to university standards. Another symbol strongly used in the film is the character Deja. Dejas character exemplifies tolerance and innocence lost. She dedicates her efforts on studying, yet manages to fulfill her role on the track team; whereas, Malik loses his motivation for schooling after being depicted as just a thoroughbred. Deja throughout the film encourages Malik to make use of his opportunity and not to succumb to his pride. Likewise, the ending of the film would not have brought forth the same emotions in the audience if any of the other characters had died. Deja represented the studious and hard working pupil, and her death signified an innocent lost. Another major sociological issue arising in the film is the role of groups. Groups mold basic perception and ideals, and these groups become part of each members identity and the lens through which a member views society Henslin, p. 101. An example of this from the film is when Fudge categorizes the student body. Fudge enlightens Malik to the fact that all the Asian students socialize with each other, all of the white students socialize with each other, and how Malik being a black student, should congregate with the rest of the black student body. Even though all of the students preside on the same campus, or a secondary group, the general student body breaks down into more individual primary groups. Moreover, Singleton illustrates how peer pressure affects individuals in these primary groups. For example, Remys skinhead friends coerce him into beating people up on Halloween. At first Remy seemed shocked by the actions of his friends, but Scott assures Remy that they are just ethnically cleansing society. As such, Remy soon partakes in the assault on the fellow students. Another group example Singleton uses is the process of groupthink. Irving Janis coined the term, groupthink, as a narrowing of thought by people, leading to the perception that there is only one correct answer and that they suggestion of alternatives is a sign of disloyalty. Singleton provides a good example of groupthink when Fudge sets off to vindicate Monets honor after having been called a black bitch. Fudges friends need no explanation on what was said, or by whom, only that there was an injustice done. The last major sociological issue arising in Higher Learning is the Authoritarian Personality. .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .postImageUrl , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:hover , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:visited , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:active { border:0!important; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:active , .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281 .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u12b01cb76d6f258e1938c06eedc8e281:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Learning Styles (3167 words) EssayTheodor Adorno used the term authoritarian personality for people who are prejudiced and rank high on scales of conformity, intolerance, insecurity, respect for authority, and submissiveness to superiors. The character of Remy, is a classic example of having an authoritarian personality. Remy is in desperate need of attaching himself to something or someone. Throughout the film, Singleton depicts Remy as a loser who says inappropriate things at the wrong time. For example, after Kristen rushes out of the fraternity, Remy walks over to Billy and congratulates him on gettinglaid. However, Remy misinterprets the scenario and is deemed an outcast by the majority of the fraternity brothers. Another example of Remys insecurity is when he blames the minorities in his class for his failure at becoming an engineer. Another character with authoritarian characteristics is Kristen. She too seems desperate to fit into the college lifestyle. Singleton exemplifies this when Kristen is talking to Dr. Phipps about her term paper. Phipps informs Kristen that her work lacks an argument, and she should argue on her beliefs and not what she thinks her professors want to hear. Soon there after, Dr. Phipps states a thesis statement that Kristen could have argued, and Kristen thanks the professor for the idea. Phipps informs Kristen that is his argument, and encourages her to generate her own ideas and not to argue someone elses beliefs. The final character Singleton portrayed with an authoritarian personality is Malik. Numerous times during the film, Malik is shown asking for someone elses opinion on what course of action he should take. For example, at the end of the film, Dr. Phipps tells Malik on how impressed he is on the improvement of Maliks paper, especially through all of the tragedies. Malik asks Dr. Phipps on what does he think the right course of action would be regarding Maliks future. Malik is characterized as a person who needs the reassurance of someone else to ensure that he is on course. Singleton also sheds a light on some minor sociological issues. One example is deviance. Deviance is the violation of rules and norms Henslin, p. 126. An e xample of deviance from the film is the date rape of Kristen. Although Kristen seems to originally give consent to have sex, she asks Billy to stop and put on a condom. Since Billy showed no signs of succumbing to her wishes, she insisted that he stop. This disregard for Kristens welfare, not to mention the possibility of transmitting numerous sexually transmitted diseases, constitutes rape. An additional minor issue is social status. Social status is the position that someone occupies in society or a social group Henslin, p. 83. An example of a social status originating from the film is the change in attitude in Remy upon joining the skinhead group. Before joining this group, Remy seemed to lack confidence and self-awareness; however, after joining the group his confidence seemed to grow as did his self-awareness. Further minor issues arising from Singletons movie is subcultures. A subculture has values and related behaviors of a group that distinguish its members from the larger culture Henslin, p. 43. An instance from Higher Learning is Scotts group. Singleton illustrates this particular group to be either a skinhead or neo-nazi group. Either of these groups believes in white supremacy, and wishes to achieve an Aryan race. Scotts group shows numerous signs of deviance against minorities and ascribes to hate literature. An additional minor issue emerging from the dramatization is gender. The term gender infers those social characteristics that a society considers proper for its males and females Henslin, p. 229. Singleton provides an example of this when Kristen is raped. Singleton shows Kristen as a weak, helpless woman unable to defend herself. Conversely, Singleton shows how this weak female needs a strong male to defend her honor. .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .postImageUrl , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:hover , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:visited , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:active { border:0!important; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:active , .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187 .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7ec47540fd7e6af680ae5a87f9dff187:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The butterfly effect EssayThis is illustrated by Fudge going over to the fraternity house and dragging Billy out by the scruff of his neck and forcing an apology out of him. The movie, Higher Learning, is a not-so-subtle movie illustrating numerous sociological issues. John Singleton is trying to show how societys preconceived notions affect the world we live in, and how society at large should unlearn; however, this task is not easily achieved. Only through learning can individuals shed some light on creating a socially responsible society. Unfortunately, there are too many people who would rather live in the dark.

Biography of Zachary Taylor, 12th U.S. President

Biography of Zachary Taylor, 12th U.S. President Zachary Taylor (November 24, 1784–July 9, 1850) was the 12th president of the United States. Born in Orange County, Virginia, he grew up near Louisville, Kentucky. Taylors family built its wealth over the years, but as a young man he lacked the funds for a college education. His decision to enter the military helped catapult him into the White House with the nickname Old Rough and Ready. Though he served only a short period of time as president, he was well-liked and respected. A theory that he was assassinated has been debunked. Fast Facts: Zachary Taylor Known For: 12th president of the United StatesAlso Known As: Old Rough and ReadyBorn: November 24, 1784 in Barboursville, VirginiaParents: Sarah Dabney (Strother) Taylor, Richard TaylorDied: July 9, 1850 in Washington, D.C.Education: Grammar school and home educationAwards and Honors:  Appeared on postage stamps; namesake for several roads, counties, highwaysSpouse: Margaret Mackall Smith,Children: Sarah Knox Taylor, Richard Taylor, Mary Elizabeth Bliss, Octavia Pannell, Ann Mackall, Margaret SmithNotable Quote: I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish- nothing to serve but my country. Early Years Zachary Taylor was born on November 24, 1784 in Barboursville, Virginia, and was the third of nine children of Richard Taylor and Sarah Dabney Strother. The family inherited a plantation in Virginia but, unable to make the land productive, they moved to a tobacco plantation near Louisville on the Kentucky frontier. It was there that Taylor learned the frontier skills of shooting, farming, and horsemanship- skills that would serve him well in later life. While his father, a slave owner, became increasingly wealthy, Zachary attended only grammar school and did not go to college. Taylor married  Margaret Peggy Mackall Smith on June 21, 1810. She was raised in a wealthy tobacco plantation family in Maryland. Together they had three daughters who lived to maturity: Ann Mackall; Sarah Knox, who married Jefferson Davis (the president of the Confederacy during the Civil War) in 1835; and Mary Elizabeth. They also had one son named Richard. A daughter named Octavia died during childhood. Military Career Taylor was in the Army for four decades, from 1808 until he assumed the presidency in 1849; at that time he had the rank of major general. During the War of 1812, he defended Fort Harrison against Native American forces. He was promoted to major during the war but briefly resigned at the end of the war before rejoining in 1816. By 1832, he was named a colonel. During the Black Hawk War, he constructed Fort Dixon. He took part in the Second Seminole War and was named commander of all U.S. Forces in Florida as a result of the role he played during the Battle of Lake Okeechobee. In 1840 he was assigned to a position in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he made his home. Mexican War, 1846–1848 Zachary Taylor played a major role in the Mexican War, successfully defeating Mexican forces in September 1846 and allowing them two months armistice upon their retreat. President James K. Polk, frustrated with Taylors clemency toward the Mexicans, ordered General Winfield Scott to take over and lead many of Taylors troops into immediate action against Mexico. Taylor, however, ignored orders and engaged Santa Annas forces against Polks directives. He forced Santa Annas withdrawal and became a national hero at the same time. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican War, was signed in 1848; by that time Taylor had become a military hero and was the candidate of choice for the Whig Party. During this period of tension between North and South, Taylor combined a military record that impressed the North with slave ownership, which attracted southerners. Becoming President In 1848, Taylor was nominated by the Whigs to run for president with Millard Fillmore as his running mate (he did not learn about his nomination until weeks later). He was challenged by Democrat Lewis Cass. The main campaign issue was whether to ban or allow slavery in territories captured during the Mexican War. Taylor, a dedicated supporter of the Union, did not express an opinion, while Cass supported the idea of allowing residents of each state to decide. Former President Martin Van Buren, leader of the Free Soil abolitionist party, entered the race and took votes from Cass, allowing Taylor to win with 163 of 290 electoral votes. Events and Accomplishments of Taylors Presidency Taylor served as president from March 5, 1849, until July 9, 1850. During his administration, the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty was made between the U.S. and Great Britain. The agreement stated that canals across Central America were to be neutral and outlawed the colonization in Central America. It stood until 1901. Taylor himself was a slave owner and thus, for a period of time, he had significant support from the South. He was, however, dedicated to preserving the Union and believed that the best way to ensure the continuity of the Union was to avoid extending slavery into the territories. He disagreed with Congress over the question of whether California should be admitted to the Union as a free state; his successor Millard Filmore was more sympathetic to the Southern cause. By 1850, Taylor started suggesting he would be willing to take up arms to preserve the Union. The Compromise of 1850 was introduced by Henry Clay; according to History.com, the Compromise traded California’s admission to the Union with the abolition of the slave trade in  Washington, D.C. (supported by abolitionists), and a strong fugitive slave law (supported by southerners) while allowing New Mexico and  Utah  to be established as territories. Taylor was unimpressed by the Compromise and showed signs that he might veto it. Death On a hot day in July, Taylor ate only raw vegetables, cherries, and milk. He contracted gastroenteritis soon after, along with violent cramps. He died on July 8, 1850, at the White House, and Vice President Millard Fillmore was sworn in as president the next day.  Some believed that Taylor might have been assassinated by poison. His body was exhumed in 1991, and testing concluded there were no signs of arsenic present in his remains (though its possible that other poisons could have caused his death). Legacy Zachary Taylor was not known for his education and he had no political background. He was elected solely on his reputation as a war hero. As such, his short time in office was not one full of major accomplishments outside of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. However, if Taylor had lived and in fact vetoed the Compromise of 1850, the events of the mid-19th century would have been very different. Sources The Editors of Encyclopaedia Brittanica. â€Å"Zachary Taylor.†Ã‚  Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 7 Mar. 2019.Editors, History.com. â€Å"Zachary Taylor.†Ã‚  History.com, AE Television Networks, 29 Oct. 2009.â€Å"Zachary Taylor.†Ã‚  The White House, The United States Government.

Essay 2 - see attachment for topic and readings

2 - see attachment for topic and readings - Essay Example This view divides cities by class into areas occupied by those who control the means of production i.e. the bourgeoisie as well as the proletariat who works for a living. The Marxist view of the development of cities certainly takes class very seriously as there are rich neighborhoods and poor areas which are demarcated quite strongly by the developments taking place in a city. With time, the changes in the development of the city took factories out of the city centers and moved them to the outer edges of the city limits. Gary, Indiana is used as an example of that occurrence and the cause given for this change is that the factory owners wanted to avoid the presence of unions on their factory floors. Unions were difficult to form and maintain outside the city limits therefore unions could be avoided in this manner and control over the workers could be maintained with a capitalist agenda (Gordon, 1978). The same ideas are supported by Harris & Lewis (2001) but they given other economic reasons for the changes in the cityscapes of North America. They suggest that polynucleation was the reason for these changes and this was caused by the diversification of population and the lack of availability of workers of one type or another in a given location. Low prices for land as well as labor also helped the cause of those manufacturers that were ready to offset the cost of moving their production units by gaining access to cheaper tools for producing their goods. Thus the reasons for the development of our cities as they have are not based on social theory, but rather an economic agenda. Perhaps the most important point made in the both the essays is the idea that technology will affect the development of cities in the future as it has done so in the past. For example, the advent of the automobile meant that people could easily cover a lot of distance on their own without the use of trains or other transport and that meant that they

Analysis Of HR Strategy Of Seagate Technologies Essay

Analysis Of HR Strategy Of Seagate Technologies - Essay Example Apart from that the company also has its relationship with potential distributors who sell their products to other small OEMs which have their operations in manufacturing and integrating systems on small scale (Seagate-website A, n.d.). The primary focus of the company remains on their core activities of research and development with emphasis on the customer relationship and quality management. The company has its well developed long and short-term plans which support its decision-making process. This indicates that the company has significant involvement of strategic approaches into its business functions and operations. The present case is the analysis of the human resource strategy and its evaluation considering the various internal and external factors of the organization. The evaluation of the case also analyzes the roles and responsibilities of organizational members towards the successful implementation of the human resource strategies of the organization. Apart from the organizational point of view, the strategies have also been assessed on the basis of the factors which are external to the organization but have the potential impact over the decision-making process and the human resource strategy of the organization. The strategic approach towards the human resource management has resulted into many positive outcomes for organizations but still, it has remained a debatable issue in terms of its applicability and effectiveness. Organizations still find it difficult to understand the co-factors which relate to the SHRM. Sometimes authors consider SHRM as a concept within itself for human resource management only while some researchers have indicated that SHRM has its relation to the organizational effectiveness.

Engagement Letter Apollo Case Essay Example for Free

Engagement Letter Apollo Case Essay Anderson, Olds and Watershed (AOW) will audit the balance sheet of Apollo Shoes as of December 31, 2011 and the related statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit will be conducted in accordance with the Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Our audit will include examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used ad significant judgments and estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. An audit includes obtaining an understanding of internal control sufficient to plan the audit, including making risk assessments, and to determine the nature and extent of audit procedures to be performed. An audit is not designed to provide assurance on internal control or to identify control deficiencies. However, we are responsible for communicating to the Board of Directors of Apollo Shoes significant deficiencies and material weakness in internal control that come to our attention during the course of our audit. AOW is required to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, whether caused by error or fraud. However the audit does not guarantee the accuracy of the financial statements. Even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the PCAOB standards, an unavoidable risk exists that some material misstatements may not be detected due to inherent limitations of an audit, together with the inherent limitations of internal control. Consequently, our audit is not designed to detect errors or fraud that is immaterial to the financial statements. At your request, but pending approval by your Board of Directors, we will prepare all required federal tax returns and the state franchise tax returns. We will also provide your staff with a list of schedules needed by our staff during the audit. The delivery dates have been discussed and mutually agreed upon. We understand that your staff will prepare all schedules in the package, all financial statements and notes thereto, and the Form 10-K for our review. The scope of our services however, does not include preparation of any of these statements. GA-1.2 Fees Our billing for services set forth in this Engagement Letter, which we have estimated will total $750,000 discussed with you on October 18, 2011. For the services rendered the due date of the audit report will be February 15, 2012. Matters that can cause work in excess of fee estimate We want you to receive the maximum value for our professional services and to perceive that our fees are reasonable and fair. The following matters explain what issues arise most frequently: Changing requirements Although we attempt to plan our work to anticipate the requirements that will affect our engagement, three types of situations make this difficult. Sometimes, these new requirements are not communicated in time for us to anticipate their effects in our preliminary planning. Secondly, in spite of our anticipation and planning, the work necessary to comply with new requirements may be underestimated. Finally, in some instances, you may decide that it is advantageous to you to have them applied immediately. Incorrect accounting applications or error in your records We generally form our fee estimates on the expectation that your accounting records are in good order so that our work can be completed based upon our normal testing and other procedures. Should we find numerous errors, incomplete records or disorganized bookkeeping methods, we will have to do additional work to determine the necessary corrections have been made and properly reflected in the financial statements. Lack of audit facilitation or timely preparation To minimize your costs, we plan the means by which your personnel can facilitate the audit (e.g., what schedule they will prepare, how to prepare them, the supporting documents that need to be provided). We also discuss matters such as availability of your key personnel, deadlines and working conditions. Therefore, if your personnel are unable, for whatever reason, to provide these materials on a timely basis, it may substantially increase the work we must do to complete the engagement within the established deadlines. Unforeseen events Even though we communicate frequently with clients and plan our engagement with management and their staff, unforeseen events can occur. Examples include the following: accounting problems, litigation, changes in your business or business environment, contractual or other difficulties with suppliers, third-party service providers, or customers, etc. when those circumstances occur, additional time is needed to provide you with assistance and complete our engagement in accordance with professional standards. GA-1.3 Authorization This Engagement Letter sets forth the entire understanding between Apollo Shoes and Anderson, Olds and Watershed regarding the services described therein. Please confirm your acceptance of this Engagement Letter by signing below and returning one copy to us in the enclosed self-addressed envelope. We appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with Apollo Shoes and ensure you that this engagement will be given our closest attention.

Aesthetic Response to Only Justice Can Stop a Curse :: Only Justice Can Stop a Curse Essays

Aesthetic Response to Only Justice Can Stop a Curse Reflecting back on the piece that I have just read, I can only think of the extremity of desperation that the two authors were going through to make them feel the way that they did: that suicide would possibly be better than living in a "white man's world". If these powerful documents were not enough to let people come to the realization of how bad African-Americans had it (and still do to a degree) then I do not know what could possibly be more convincing. I cannot stop thinking about the atrocities that the woman in the first writing was calling upon to spite the whites in which had caused her so much pain. Though seemingly extreme, I can clearly recall an instance in history where tactics such as these denouncements and curses actually worked. In Egypt, Mosses did the same thing in order to lead his people (the Jewish slaves) out of bondage so that they could find their own land in which to dwell freely. The curses, though wishing pain and suffering upon their offenders, were not unlike the ten plagues that Moses called upon the Egyptians, the last of the ten being the death of the youngest son of all the families. It was then that the Jewish people were given the permission to leave Egypt in search of a new life. These documents remind me much of that because, like the Jews, these blacks are searching for their freedom in a white world in which it does not exist. They feel as if their last resort and the one that will finally bring about results in these denouncements and prayers to God. The second document alludes to a statement that I remember from the movie The Matrix. The author states that it is the whit mans goal not only to dominate the country, but the planet and universe as well. In the movie, one of the men stated that the human race (and in this case, the white race) are like viruses, they multiply and then move on to consume every natural resource in an area until it is time to move on once again and multiply and then the cycle of destruction continues on.

Psychology Paper; How Stress Affects the Human Mind

My topic of choice is stress. My first article informs you about the effects stress can have on your body and what you can do to avoid stress to keep your body healthy. (http://www. webmd. com/mental-health/effects-of-stress-on-your-body). The Effects of Stress on Your Body Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life that happens to you and many things that you do yourself put stress on your body.You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts. How Does Stress Affect Health? The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger. Stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. As a result, the person becomes overworked and stress-related tension builds. Stress t hat continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress — a negative stress reaction.  Read also Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder  (PTSD).Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases. Stress also becomes harmful when people use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to try and relieve their stress. Unfortunately, instead of relieving the stress and returning the body to a relaxed state, these substances tend to keep the body in a stressed state and cause more problems. Consider the following: * Forty-three percent of all adults suffer  adverse health effects from stress. Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor's office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. * Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asth ma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. * The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace. Stress costs American industry more than $300 billion annually. * The lifetime prevalence of an emotional disorder is more than 50%, often due to chronic, untreated stress reactions.My second article below, talks about the myths of stress. What we should believe and the other factors of stress that are simply not true or unrelated to stress. (http://www. apa. org/helpcenter/stress-myths. aspx). Six myths surround stress. Dispelling them enables us to understand our problems and then take action against them. Let's look at these myths. Myth 1:   Stress is the same for everybody. Completely wrong. Stress is different for each of us. What is stressful for one person may or may not be stressful for another; each of us responds to stress in an entirely different way.Myth 2:   Stress is always bad for you. According to this view, zero stress mak es us happy and healthy. Wrong. Stress is to the human condition what tension is to the violin string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the music is shrill or the string snaps. Stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The issue, really, is how to manage it. Managed stress makes us productive and happy; mismanaged stress hurts and even kills us. Myth 3:   Stress is everywhere, so you can't do anything about it. Not so. You can plan your life so that stress does not overwhelm you.Effective planning involves setting priorities and working on simple problems first, solving them, and then going on to more complex difficulties. When stress is mismanaged, it's difficult to prioritize. All your problems seem to be equal and stress seems to be everywhere. Myth 4:   The most popular techniques for reducing stress are the best ones. Again, not so. No universally effective stress reduction techniques exist. We are all different, our lives are different, our situations are different, and our reactions are different. Only a comprehensive program tailored to the individual works.Myth 5:   No symptoms, no stress. Absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of stress. In fact, camouflaging symptoms with medication may deprive you of the signals you need for reducing the strain on your physiological and psychological systems. Myth 6:   Only major symptoms of stress require attention. This myth assumes that the â€Å"minor† symptoms, such as headaches or stomach acid, may be safely ignored. Minor symptoms of stress are the early warnings that your life is getting out of hand and that you need to do a better job of managing stress.My articles presented facts on stress I was unaware of. Such as how a little stress can be good for you, because it keeps you alert and well managed. An individual with too much stress could have quite the opposite effect and become severely depressed and even eventually, lead to death. Another thing I came across is that everybody can have stress; however, everybody deals with stress in different ways. The stress I have most likely isn’t the same kind of stress that my parents have, and that means we all cope with stress with different techniques.The stress that I most often experience has to do with school, work and dealing with my addict mother. From what I’ve read, school and work are some of the most frequent stressors that a person my age has to deal with. However, living with a severe drug addict has increased my stress in work and school exponentially. My articles also explain the negative and harmful effects that stress can have on a person’s body. If someone is too overwhelmed with stress they then start experiencing a condition known as distress.Distress is followed by headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pains and problems sleeping. When I’m stressed and have a lot on my mind, I find that I have difficulty sleeping. Th e lack of sleep then results in more stress and it becomes a vicious cycle. Also, seeing how people become stressed from being overworked, some people turn to substances to compensate and relieve stress. However, research has shown that substances can worsen the effects of stress tremendously. Substances such as alcohol keep the body in a stressed state and eventually cause more problems.Any form of stress that you may be experiencing should be brought to attention. Covering up stress with medication and not treating the source could be damaging in the long run. The minor symptoms of stress are signs that your life is getting somewhat out of hand, you need to make necessary adjustments for your mental and physical well-being in order to avoid further stress. This is what is recommended anyways, but this is said so much easier than done. It’s insane how many people do not take these precautions and let their lives slip through their fingers.Some Forty three percent of adults s uffer health effects from stress and seventy five to ninety percent of doctor office visits are stress related, and if stress is camouflaged or ignored it can lead to an emotion disorder. Fifty percent of emotional disorders are the result of untreated stress. As I said earlier, everybody experiences stress differently, therefore, not everybody will have the same exact regiment to treat stress as others have. Stress not only affects you, but also affects the people at home and in your work environment. Stress can cause even the closest of relationships to diminish.Stress is also present in your work atmosphere. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration declared stress a hazard of the workplace. Stress costs American industry more than $300 billion annually. Reading several articles pertaining to stress and my knowledge from class has presented me with different outlooks on how to avoid stress and more importantly how to handle stress in every task. By doing so, I can prevent myself from harming my body, mentally or physically. It’s imperative for people to realize that stress is an inevitable factor of life and that there are ways to cope with it.