Monday, November 25, 2019

Post-Wwii Discontent Essays

Post-Wwii Discontent Essays Post-Wwii Discontent Essay Post-Wwii Discontent Essay In this essay I will be analyzing how and why postwar prosperity led to discontent in western European societies during the 1960s. The decade following WWII was surprisingly prosperous, with many nations in a state of political and economic recovery. Material wealth seemed to be growing for the middle classes of both continents. During the 1960s a new generation of baby boomers were approaching the forefront of revolution. These college students were inspired by a combination of Marxist radicalism and anti-Authoritarianism, which led them to resist the old social structure created by their parents. There was a sudden surge of student-led protests starting in 1968, composed of young people who were morally opposed to the rigid social hierarchy of postwar Europe. They sought immediate political liberalization, and were in total defiance of the bourgeois values that had sacrificed social equality in exchange for postwar prosperity. Student disaffection and radical idealism were major catalysts for the revolutions in 1968, most evident in the restless German, French, and Italian youth. Supporters of this activism argued that the working class was corrupted by materialism and prosperity. Therefore they couldn’t rely on the middle class to engage in a class struggle, which is why younger people took it upon themselves to begin a movement. The generation of 1968 â€Å"was fired up by a potent blend of Marxist radicalism, anti-Americanism, antiestablishment rhetoric, alienation from the values of their parents, and a yearning to challenge what they viewed as a static, consumer-centered postwar society† (Hitchcock 247). In France, the need for educational reform was what caused the first demonstrations. Students in the University of Nanterre (Paris) saw their university as simply a product of bourgeois authoritarian society. There was a general sense that people were emerging without any real culture, being trained to fit into the economic system of a highly industrialized society. Although many countries experienced a â€Å"miracle† of postwar economic recovery under their parents, the younger generation was still morally opposed to the values that allowed it to happen. Postwar prosperity led to a clash between the â€Å"New† and the â€Å"Old†, making generational conflict a major cause for discontent in every western European society. Students all blamed professors, parents, government officials, and party leaders for â€Å"the creation and perpetuation of a social system based on crass worship of wealth, on the rigid segregation of society along class and gender lines, and on a refusal to debate the profound philosophical questions about how society should be organized to bring about fairness and justice for [everyone]† (Hitchcock 248). This proves that the atmosphere of youthful rebellion emerged from a need to break down the foundations of a postwar state built through social inequality. The German and Italian movements were significantly violent, and student protests had convinced many workers to start putting pressure on industrial elites. However, some hardcore extremists from the left began using terrorism to carry out a violent crusade against the state. The governments had to balance their postwar commitment to civil liberties and democracy with the use of extreme measures to contain the terrorism. Hitchcock accurately claims that, â€Å"These years of rebellion and terror in Italy, and in Western Europe as a whole, serve as a reminder that the postwar European miracle was never universally accepted by some segments of society† (Hitchcock 261). This supports my idea that European postwar prosperity actually caused many people to re-evaluate the inner workings of their own government. With a direct focus on government, student protests emerged to shed a spotlight on the inequalities of their own social structure. Generational differences between values of parents and their children was a major cause of discontent and revolution throughout Western Europe. The next decade was an ugly period of time, but in the end â€Å"European democracy had survived, bloodied but intact, and perhaps the better for the struggle† (Hitchcock 262).

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The New Testament and its influence on Homosexuality Term Paper

The New Testament and its influence on Homosexuality - Term Paper Example The Bible is a religious scripture and is the foundation of Christianity around the world. Bible ‘s new testament has laid down certain principles regarding the human lifestyle, ethical and moral standards one need to follow to prove to be god – loving person. Considering homosexuality, one can see that Bible points it to be a most abominable sin. Homosexuality is in no way regarded as a favorable sexual activity by Jesus or other prophets. Primarily, it is Moses who did condemn homosexuality and categorized it as a capital crime. Apart from him, Apostle Paul considered homosexuals worthy of death penalty. Even though homosexual behavior was seen among people of Bible era, these were practiced secretly,Homosexuality was seen as a social taboo and people looked at them as sinners and atrocious personalities.The New Testament specifically accepts a marriage between a man and a woman as a perfect sexual union. It is detestable to engage in sexual activity with same sex peop le as it is against God and nature. Bible recommends that by natural selection men are supposed to unite with women and anything against it is sin and unspiritual behavior. There are of evil nature and does not fit into the category of law – abiding citizens.Homosexual acts are considered to be extremely shameful according to Bible and these individuals are observed as immoral and sinners. The homosexuals were seen as indulgers of sin and were given death penalty or other punishments which were heinous. Homosexual acts are seen as ritual transgression and their blood is interpreted as guilty. Not only Bible, even Hebrew scripture view homosexuality as abomination. Both the parties involved in this unnatural act are given punishment without excuse. As prisons were absent in those days, capital punishment was the answer to all despicable crimes. It is described how Gods hate homosexuals and it is classified as a practice completely against natural law of God. 2â€Å"Whether or not a person accepts what the Bible says concerning this subject, he will have to

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Right to Work - Employment Relations Act Research Paper

The Right to Work - Employment Relations Act - Research Paper Example The formal name for the legislation was the Labor Management Relations Act (Decker and Covington, 2002). Apparently, the act was aimed at protecting workers from forced unionization and gave them the freedom to decide on whether or not to join labour unions but still enjoy job security (NRTW, 2011). This paper is a critical evaluation of labour relations in the states of Texas and New York in terms of the right to work. The right to work as per the US labour laws protects workers from losing their jobs or applicants being denied job opportunities on the basis of their affiliation with labour unions either financially or otherwise (NRTW, 2011). In this context, it would be important to mention that labour organizations are an important entity in the society, which, among other responsibilities, fights for the betterment of employee’s lives by acting as a unified force through which workers concerns and grievances are presented to the relevant stakeholders such as employers and the government at large for consideration. In general, labour unions are supposed to be the major champions and defenders of workers’ rights to ensure that they are not discriminated in any way by scrupulous agencies and employers. However, it is notable that some labour laws in different states in the US provide for the same unions to trample on some of the fundamental rights of employees that are included even in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states categorically that it is every person’s right to work. Such states are for example New York, which is pro-forced unionization. In New York State, unions are given the right to demand union fees from employees as a condition for their continued employment (FindLaw 2011). To achieve this, the employers work hand in hand with the unions to ensure that the fees are deducted from the salaries and delivered to the unions. If an employee refuses to pay up, they are faced with the possibility of losing their jobs, a factor which is categorized as a major challenge especially for the young generations, who opt to move to other states such as Texas, which have the right to work.  Ã‚  

Monday, November 18, 2019

Discuss the advantages of learning Standard American English as it Essay - 1

Discuss the advantages of learning Standard American English as it relates to your previous experiences - Essay Example One merit I can personally attribute to knowledge of the English language is that it enables one to faster access to the news. Global news networks such as NBC and CNN use standard American English as their main language. Hence with just tuning in to these networks I was able to obtain access to worldwide news without having to use a translated version of the network. Using a translated version can be associated with problems since most entities focus on the English part rather than the translated version. In the entertainment industry, Hollywood productions account for most of the viewed material in the world. Hence since these productions mainly incorporate American English as the default language then it naturally is spread more in the world. Thus a person who is literate in American English will be able to enjoy the films. The music industry is also dominated by the English language. Thus being fluent in English will subject one to greater enjoyment of the music. Most global magazines are written in English. For example ‘SLAM’ is a sports magazine that focuses on basketball. It is written in American English. Hence for a basketball fan who wants to keep in up to date with the happenings of the basketball community, being conversant with the English language will result in the person being able to do just that. Personally, having a couple of friends who are fans of the sport and are conversant with standard American English, this fact becomes evident to me. Many websites in the internet primarily use English as their default language. Hence with knowledge of the same one can be able to navigate effectively and make maximum use of them. These sites will in essence be more difficult to use for a person who doesn’t understand standard American English. Owing to the fact that English Is widely used in the world it is advantageous to know it when travelling. This is because it will provide you with a platform to communicate with the residents of the

Friday, November 15, 2019

How To Tame A Wild Tongue English Language Essay

How To Tame A Wild Tongue English Language Essay How to Tame a Wild Tongue is a chapter from the book titled Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza written by the author, Gloria E. Anzaldua. In this chapter the writer talks about her Chicana life in a time full of immigration controversies where Latinos living in the United States struggled to find their national identity and a language to speak freely without shame and fear. Hispanic immigrants or Hispanics born in the United States are mentally tortured by the dominant English language and culture into changing into something that is neither English nor Spanish but a mixture of both. Anzaldà ºa targets Chicano readers who share her experience in finding a clear identity and American readers as well in order to better understand Chicano life. In the title Gloria Anzaldà ºa chose for this chapter in her book, is a title that does not make much sense at first sight but as the reader beings to read the first few paragraphs, he realises that the meaning of the title is how to change a persons language and way of speaking, such as accent, on an immigrant population. In this case it would be the authors own experiences and her maternal language Spanish or to be more precise, Chicano Spanish. As the reader continues reading, he discovers that forcing someone to only speak another language is near to impossible. Anzaldà ºa showed strong opposition by talking in Spanish with her friends: My home tongues are the languages I speak with my sister and brothers, with my friends. They are the last five listed, with 6 and 7 being closest to my heart. (56) She loved speaking Spanish and wanted at least her name to be spoken and heard in Spanish but instead she remembers being sent to the corner of the classroom for talking back to the A nglo teacher when all I was trying to do was tell her how to pronounce my name. If you want to be American, speak American. If you dont like it, go back to Mexico where you belong.(53). Anzaldà ºa is showing defiance by not wanting to let go of her maternal language. She is proving the futility in changing ones language and speaking patterns by switching back and forth between Spanish and English. When a teacher would catch her speak Spanish at school she would be punished by that teacher. I remember being caught speaking Spanish at recess that was good for three licks on the knuckles with a sharp ruler. (53). She was accused of talking back to a teacher when all she did was giving an explanation. I remember being sent to the corner of the classroom for talking back to the Anglo teacher when all I was trying to do was tell her how to pronounce my name. (53). A society such as the one described in Gloria Anzaldà ºas How to Tame a Wild Tongue cannot be easily influenced or changed if that society is still living in their territory or close to it. It is in this type of settings that futility manifests the most. On the other hand, once a society or group of individua ls are taken away from their territory they will, unknowingly, become heavily influenced if not entirely changed when it comes to their language, culture and history no matter how proud they are. In her book, the author discusses the cultural and gendered impacts of the language itself. From an early age girls are taught not to talk too much, not to talk back and not to ask questions. In Northern parts of Mexico and Southern most parts of the United States, the female plural in Spanish is excluded from the language, leaving women fall under the masculine plural. Many Latinos and Latinas think people living in these parts of the world are ruining the Spanish language by letting yourself influenced by the English language. You are being criticised for learning or speaking English, the language of the oppressors, thus being treated as a traitor by your own people. Pocho, cultural traitor, youre speaking the oppressors language by speaking English, youre ruining the Spanish language, I have been accused by various Latinos and Latinas. Chicano Spanish is considered by the purist and by most Latinos deficient, a mutilation of Spanish. (55). In this chapter, Anzaldà ºa discusses some examples of how the Spanish language changed and evolved in this part of the world since the first Spanish colonisations began in the region. A combination of different languages, Spanish, English and native American sounds and words were combined to develop into the present day Chicano Spanish. But because of these combinations, the language was viewed as a bastard form which is neither Standard Spanish nor Standard English. It was considered by other Hispanics that the language was of poorer quality and thus caused Chicanas and Chicanos to feel uncomfortable in expressing themselves. Anzaldà ºa sees this as something that needs to be changed. The attack on the Chicanos native language needs to be stopped because If a person, Chicana or Latina has a low estimation of my native tongue, she also has a low estimation of me. (58). The author states that language is part of ethnic identity and should be something you can find pride in if women hope to improve their self-estimation. Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself. (59). Closing to the end of the chapter, the author discusses the language in terms of learning what it is incorporated within oneself. Through Chicano literature, such as books and poetry, through Mexican movies, such as Nosotros los pobres, the first real Mexican movie (60), and music, Chicanos felt a sense of belonging. It is an expression of their language and thus an expression of them. With these works, the Mexican people get an external reinforcement of their heritage and culture. Anzaldà ºa discusses that on the border, the language is getting forgotten. Living in the lands between America and Mexico seems to be a place of confusion, of separation of not knowing to which side you belong. Nosotros los Chicanos straddle the borderlands. On one side of us, we are constantly exposed to the Spanish of the Mexicans, on the other side we hear the Anglos incessant clamouring so that we forget our language. (62). However, Anzaldà ºa states that deep down in their hearts, being Mexican is not about where you live or where were you born. It is not in your mind but in your soul. Around the border, conflict and confusion is strong but as Anzaldà ºa states, her people have been patient and hope that one day the conflict and confusion will end. In the meantime, the Mexican people will survive as they always had. In coclusion, Gloria E. Anzaldà ºas story of How to Tame a Wild Tongue proved to be a convincing argument because she is the voice of the Chicano people living on both sides of the border. She narrates from her own experience of being a Chicana living in the United States where all the pressure of forgetting her language was put on her shoulders for many years. Anzaldà ºas writing style is very poetic and moving and chose to use a lot of imagery to impress her readers and also to let Non-Latin American people learn more about the life of Chicanos which is known so little about to an outsider. Work Cited Anzaldua, Gloria. Borderlands La Frontera. San Francisco : Aunt Lute Books, 1987

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Jane Eyre is one of the earliest English novels with a strong, female E

Jane Eyre is one of the earliest English novels with a strong, female central character. Do you think she sells out by marrying Rochester, thus enabling a conventional, romantic ending to the novel? "He stretched his hand out to be led." (Jane) Form start to finish, this novel has had one strong, female central character - Jane Eyre. We see her fight for independence as a female from her childhood right up until her marriage. These ardent, passionate beliefs do not leave her once married, if anything; they get stronger. Jane does not 'sell out' by marrying Rochester for now she is the more powerful half of the relationship. Jane is her husband's eyes and "He (Rochester) saw nature...books through me." She has everything she wished for and is dependent upon no one just as she had dreamed. "I resisted all the way- a new thing for me" Here Jane declares her independence for the first time in the novel after an argument with her cousin, John Reed. It was to be a turning point in her early life as now she did not take anything lying down, "(She) was a discord at Gateshead Hall." The next time we see Jane express her passionate nature is in her outburst with Mrs Reed. Here Jane realises she has made a mistake but excuses herself, "Something spoke out of me over which I had no control I was now in for it." Jane's lack of submission seems to be a recurring theme throughout the novel as she displays it once again in her meeting with future principal, Mr Brocklehurst. When Jane is quizzed by him, she tells the truth to the shock of Brocklehurst. "And the psalms, I hope you like them?" "No, sir" She also displays a huge amount of wit when asked by Brocklehurst what she must do to stay out of hell... ...nding. We have established that Jane is unquestionably a strong, female, central character. As you have read she displays her emotive and controversial views on more than one occasion and finds courage when she needs it the most. These are all factors which contribute to my argument that Jane does not 'sell out'. However, in my opinion, the most important argument is; how could she have 'sold out' if she is happier than she has ever been in her life? I can understand where critic, Sally Mitchell was coming from in 1983 when she said that, "their subsequent marriage not only ends the many conflicts involved, but also fulfils every woman's wish of achieving both independence and love." The overwhelming bliss combined with the strong feeling of self-reliance can assure us that Jane has sold out on nothing apart from the misery with which her life began.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Delivering Bad News

| Delivering Bad News: Helping your patients retain dire details| Modern Medicine Oct 1, 2009| | The purpose: This article focuses on providing healthcare professionals with suggestions that will help their patients remember important information immediately after receiving bad news. Although nurses usually don’t deliver the bad news, they are often in the room when it is given and are often the person that has to give the patient instructions immediately afterward. Research supports the fact that patients might not hear much of the nurse or physician tells them at this time, therefore they retain very little of the valuable information. Patients with poor prognoses are especially at risk and retain even less than patient with fair to good prognoses. This research also revealed that the more information given to the patient the less they retained. Information data: The first suggestion that will help patients retain information in the event of bad news is to prepare the patient ahead of time for how they will hear the results. Ask them to bring a spouse, supportive friend or a tape recorder. The second suggestion is to have a face to face conversation with the patient. This will enable you to watch the patient’s body language. Nonverbal language plays a big role in the assessment of a patient’s well being of state of mind at the time. This meeting should be during a reserved time period, so that you or the patient doesn’t feel rushed. A third suggestion is to decide on a few key points to make and stick with presenting these few only. Giving a patient too much information will result in them retaining even less. The fourth suggestion is start with the prognosis, not the diagnosis. Say something like â€Å"you have a condition that is very treatable with medication. If it is a grim diagnosis start with empathy and then convey the commitment to the patient. State â€Å"we’re here to talk about what the test showed and I want you to know that I am committed to working with you closely throughout the course of your treatment. † The fifth suggestion is use simple language so that the patient can understand what is being explained to them. Many times Dr will use many words that the p atient’s just don’t understand. It is important to remember that everyday language in the hospital or Dr Office setting may not be so in the everyday setting for the patient. Explaining valuable information in a language that patients can understand is important in helping them retain the information. The sixth suggestion is to use a â€Å"teach back† or â€Å"chunking and checking† teaching strategy. This method gives the patient a small piece of information and asks them to explain it back in their own words. One good way to do this is have them explain to you how they are going to relay the information just give to their spouse or another family member not present at the meeting. Another way would be for them to show you how they are going to teach others about their treatment plan. The seventh suggestion is to use handouts in simple language as supplements to verbal teaching. These work well as references that can be referenced at a later time. The eighth suggestion is to give the patient resources to help them with further coping. Resources such as websites, support groups or social workers can be very helpful in promoting coping. The ninth and finial suggestion is to set up follow up visits to assess how the patient is feeling as well as answer any additional questions the patient may have. This is very important in order make the patient feel as if they are not alone in dealing with this issue and that you are committed to working closely with the patient throughout the prescribed treatment. Conclusions reached by author: Today healthcare providers are doing better at communicating information, but there are still areas to improve. These nine suggestions have contributed to the improvements and will continue to impact the way healthcare professionals communicate. In the authors opinion the most important thing is being honest and open. As nurses it is important to take the time to get to know the individual and appreciate the journey with the patient. Critique This article was very easy to read and had a good flow with the presentation of the information. I was able to read the article easily and did not have to stop to clarify much of the information. I liked that the author summarized the suggestions in a numbered list at the end of the article. This made it easier to present each suggestion in my summary. The article seemed to be more directed at Physicians, however I think the suggestions could be very valuable to any healthcare professional involved with direct patient care. Any healthcare professional that is involved in the teaching or communicating the treatment plan to the patient could benefit with the application of these suggestions. As a nurse I can apply these suggestions anytime I need teach patients about treatment plans. Good communication is a very important skill to develop and will be beneficial not only with the patients but with coworkers as well.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Trumam on the Korean War essays

Trumam on the Korean War essays Thoughout Truman's narration of his actions and decisions in regarding the Korean conflict, he strongly emphasizes that his first priority is to prevent a third world war. He addresses that the public has questioned his actions as to why he doesnt bomb the aggressors (line 5), but he assures that that would only instigate a major war, not help prevent one. Another major complication that would go hand in hand with bombing the aggressors would be that it would entangle America in Asian politics, and America's influence worldwide could possibly weaken due resources focused on another Truman continues to state, once again, that America will have no part in prolonging this war or extending it to new frontiers. However, Truman shows concern that the communists will widen the hostilities beyond Korea if they soon do not realize that America isn't a force to be reckoned with (line 16). Therefore, Truman implies that it would only be "foolhardy" for the Koreans to make such an attempt (line 19). Here Truman is providing confidence to the American people while at the same time, attempting to strike fear into the enemy. Fittingly, at the end of his intimidation segment, he offers a chance for North Korea and the communists to opt for a peace agreement. Though he briskly notes that any peace deal reached must not compromise the principles of the United Nations. It appears to the reader, with Truman constantly stating that he wants the war done with, that it is he who is actually scared and concerned with the threat the communists hold with their large and re-enforcing numbers (line 36). Truman once again elaborates on his decision of not bombing the aggressors with again stating that he is trying to prevent World War Three. But now he is also adding that ...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Definition and Examples of Symbolism in Rhetoric

Definition and Examples of Symbolism in Rhetoric Symbolism  (pronounced SIM-buh-liz-em)  is the use of one object or action (a symbol) to represent or suggest something else. German writer  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe famously defined true symbolism as that in which the particular represents the general. Broadly, the term symbolism may refer to the symbolic meaning or the practice of investing things with a symbolic meaning. Though often associated with religion and literature, symbolism is prevalent in everyday life. The use of  symbolism  and language, says Leonard Shengold, makes our minds flexible enough to grasp, master, and communicate thoughts and feelings (Delusions of Everyday Life, 1995). In Dictionary of Word Origins (1990), John Ayto points out that etymologically a  symbol  is something thrown together. The words ultimate source is Greek  sumballein  . . .. The notion of throwing or putting things together led on to the notion of contrast, and so  sumballein  came to be used for compare. From it was derived  sumbolon, which denoted an identifying token- because such tokens were compared with a counterpart to make sure they were genuineand hence an outward sign of something. Examples and Observations [T]he symbolic elements in life have a tendency to run wild, like the vegetation in a tropical forest. The life of humanity can easily be overwhelmed by its symbolic accessories. . . . Symbolism is no mere idle fancy or corrupt degeneration; it is inherent in the very texture of human life. Language itself is a symbolism.(Alfred North Whitehead, Symbolism: Its Meaning and Effect. Barbour-Page Lectures, 1927) The Rose as a Symbol Pick the rose. It used to symbolise the Virgin Mary and, before her, Venus, the pricking of its barbs being likened to the wounds of love. The association still survives in the common meaning of a bunch of roses (I love you). Flowers might be delicate and short-lived but they have acquired a vast range of unpredictably durable meanings, a whole bouquet of significances: affection, virtue, chastity, wantonness, religious steadfastness, transience. The modern multiplication of floral emblems and trademarks has, however, taken its toll. When the red rose can stand for the Labour Party, a box of chocolates and Blackburn Rovers FC, it seems fair to say that its symbolic potency has been somewhat diluted by over-use. (Andrew Graham-Dixon, Say It With Flowers. The Independent, September 1, 1992)The rose . . . has collected around itself many layers of meanings, some of which contradict or challenge each other. As associated with the Virgin Mary, the rose symbolizes chastity and purity, whil e as associated with sexuality in medieval romance literature, it symbolizes carnality and sexual bliss, its tightly furled bud a favorite symbol of female virginity, its full-blown blossom a symbol of sexual passion.Multiple meanings may jostle for dominance around a symbol, or, in contrast, a symbol may over time, come to possess a single, fixed sense. Symbols, therefore, can enrich language by bringing it an array of different possible meanings, or they can reinforce a single meaning, as with images that constantly dehumanize. (Erin Steuter and Deborah Wills, At War With Metaphor: Media, Propaganda, and Racism in the War on Terror. Lexington Books, 2008) Jung on the Range of Potential Symbols The history of symbolism shows that everything can assume symbolic significance: natural objects (like stones, plants, animals, men, mountains and valleys, sun and moon, wind, water, and fire), or man-made things (like houses, boats, or cars), or even abstract forms (like numbers, or the triangle, the square, and the circle). In fact, the whole cosmos is a potential symbol. (Carl Gustav Jung, Man and His Symbols, 1964) Real and Symbolic Suns Once when I was analyzing the symbolism of sun and moon in Coleridges poem, The Ancient Mariner, a student raised this objection: Im tired of hearing about the symbolic sun in poems, I want a poem that has the real sun in it.Answer: If anybody ever turns up with a poem that has the real sun in it, youd better be about ninety-three million miles away. We were having a hot summer as it was and I certainly didnt want anyone bringing the real sun into the classroom.True, a distinction could be made here corresponding to the difference between concept and idea in the Kantian terminology. The notion of sun qua sun, as the sheerly physical object that we grow our crops by, would be a concept. And the notion of the sun as avenger . . . would carry us into the realm of ideas. The student was correct in feeling that a stress upon symbolism can blunt our concern with the sheerly literal meaning of a term (as when critics become so involved with the symbolism of a story that they ignore its natu re simply as a story). (Kenneth Burke, The Rhetoric of Religion: Studies in Logology. University of California Press, 1970) The Symbolism of the Filibuster The filibuster has at times symbolized, justifiably or not, the courageous stand of principled individuals against a corrupt or compromised majority. That symbolism was captured in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the classic Frank Capra film in which James Stewart plays a naà ¯ve newcomer who holds the Senate hostage for longer even than Strom Thurmond did, before collapsing in fatigue and triumph. (Scott Shane, Henry Clay Hated It. So Does Bill Frist. The New York Times, November  21, 2004) The Symbolism of Book-Burning As an act of wanton barbarism, there is little to rival the symbolism of setting fire to a book. It is, therefore, genuinely shocking to learn that book-burning is taking place in south Wales. Pensioners in Swansea are reportedly buying books from charity shops for just a few pence each and taking them home for fuel. (Leo Hickman, Why Are They Burning Books in South Wales? The Guardian, January  6, 2010) The Dumber Side of Symbolism Butt-head: Look, this video has symbols. Huh-huh-huh.Beavis: Yeah, is that what it means when they say videos have symbolism?Butt-head: Huh-huh-huh. You said ism. Huh-huh-huh-ha-huh.(Customers Suck. Beavis and Butt-Head, 1993)

Monday, November 4, 2019

NYC Subway Strike in 2005 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

NYC Subway Strike in 2005 - Essay Example On the other side, the transit workers have bigger wages than the teachers although their work is unqualified . In December 2005 the contract between Transport Workers Union and Metropolitan Transportations Authority expired so they had to sign another one. The two parts didn't agree because the Union asked wages too big and the MTA wanted to increase the retirement age from 55 to 62 and the retirement funds would have been reduced. These demands were considered unacceptable for the transit workers and MTA didn't drop out their requirements mostly because of the Taylor Law, which was very much used by the Metropolitan Authority during that period. The public employees fair employment(or the Taylor Law) defines the rights and obligations for public employees. If they have the right to organize and to elect their union representatives they are not allowed to strike. The fine for striking is twice the employees' salary for each day the strike lasts. MTA relied on this law and thought the workers will not strike. Christmas time was an important period for New York and the renewal of the contract overlapped with this moment. The Transport Workers Union took advantage of this, thinking that in this way they will obtain all their claims. The Union wanted raises of salary(6% per year for each of the five years of contract) , more expensive accommodation for maternity leave, finance for station maintenance , to lower the age of retirement from 55 to 66(while MTA wanted to raise it), improved health plans and a stronger pension fund. They didn't agree with the age of retirement or the percent for health insurance. One of the most intriguing demands of MTA was that the new workers should contribute to their pension plan with 6% of gross salary and to pay 1% for their health insurance and offered only 3.5% raise every year. However it should be specified that the average salary for a normal New Yorker is 45.000 dollars a year while that of an employee in public transportation is 51.000 dollars a year, with the mention that a bus or subway operator could earn even 63.000 dollars a year. During the strike seven million people were forced to go to work on foot or by bike , and the whole system almost collapsed .Some blamed the strikers for the crisis, saying that their wages are big enough for an unqualified work and some blamed MTA for taking advantage of the Taylor Law and having exaggerating demands. However 54% of the New Yorkers believed the complaints and requirements of the Union were fair and 36% didn't agree with it. The city was the one that suffered most from this crisis because all happened during the holidays and the tourist season when the city is like a throng. One thing is for sure none of the two parts didn't think at these. MTA thought they could ask anything because the Taylor Law would allow them and the Union speculated the period hoping that they will get what they want. The public response about who was responsible for the strike was once again divided: 41% said the both sides are guilty, 27% that MTA was to blame and 25% didn't agree with

Friday, November 1, 2019

Celebrity Interventions - Government Class Essay

Celebrity Interventions - Government Class - Essay Example Some of the interventions by such celebrities have seen the establishment and shaping of policies that have enhanced the lives of the people in the rest of the world who suffer from illnesses, poverty, and injustices. For example, the activism by Bono, to have the African countries relieved off its debt is an act of honor by a top celebrity (Nelsen, 2). Such intervention is for the interest of thousands of millions living in the African continent, whose country’s economic status cannot survive without debts from other countries and from the World Bank. Through such an intervention, millions of people benefit by having the money that would have been committed to debt repayment be invested in other social and economic projects that can directly benefit the people. His concern for the uncontrolled spread of HIV in Africa is yet another major intervention worth recognition, in that, it enhanced the participation of the developed countries to offer free medical equipments and drugs for the control and intervention of HIV in Africa. This way, the celebrity has played an active role in saving the lives of many people in the African continent who would have otherwise succumbed to HIV and die. Celebrities are in a better position to make such interventions, since they can easily mobilize, persuade, and influence people and leaders in positions of authority to indulge in interventions for addressing humanity problems (Liza, Christos, and Asteris, 59). For example, the call for relief of African debts by Bono saw a meeting of highly ranked world leaders to discuss the issue. Such intervention was a success, since it saw the world’s most developed country make a decision to relief debts for African countries, which were perceived to be most affected by worse economic situations, to the point of making them unable to service such debts. In support for justice