Evaluating Adtopia (Advertising and Utopia) Essay

Evaluating Adtopia (Advertising and Utopia) - Essay Example Hummer: A High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) with supreme off road ability, and a major league attention getter. You can go from being an outcast to a winner with this non-environmental friendly vehicle. This ad attempts to describe a driver's utopia, an advertising promise. When in reality, the Hummer as many other vehicles, pollute the environment, destroy the landscape and may be responsible for injury or death. Could the Hummer in many ways be a secret war on humanity This ad gives the idea that the Hummer is the ultimate off road warrior. However, it drives poorly on the street, and there is no room for such a big vehicle with low power at such a high price. It needs are roads with dirt or mud, preferably with rain or snow. If you live on a farm, a ranch or in the desert, it is one unstoppable and indestructible vehicle but if you live in the city where most of us live, the Hummer is only useful for getting you around the city. The utopia in this ad does identify with the fantasy, idealization and an image of impossible perfection. However, it is evidence that the Hummer is another utopia that has gone sour. Budweiser: Because Budweiser, the nation's most widely consumer alcohol beverage has lost ground recently to liquor and wine, the brewing company seeks a more stylish image for its beer. These ads display new and unusual packing, and are placed in bars and restaurant to create a sense of utopia which Sam Adam as managed to successfully convey. As you mentioned, everyone in the ad is having a great time in such happy togetherness. Negatives of alcoholism, fighting, hangovers and discrimination are absent. The ads do exclude the unattractive, elderly and obese and only contain those who are attractive. But hoping to make its existing products seem more distinctive and without changing the content of the ads, Budweiser new ads are chic and the colorful aluminum bottles give the product a funky post-modern look. The ads give the product a hip, retro-chic appearance. How impressive Though alcohol is harmful to health, through advertising, the brewer has achieved utopia with its more sophisticated, upscale image. Red Lobster: Great service, good seafood where a family can share a plate of crab legs and discuss the topic of the day. Girlfriends can meet to gossip while dipping lobster tails in butter and keeping track of who is doing what. Without the use of people in their commercials, Red Lobster's ads make this connection possible. You are absolutely correct in your observation: endless quantity, no consequences for eating, no people in the commercial, and the relationship with food is significant. But these ads show an extraordinary sense of utopia. In my experience at Red Lobster, the food was delicious and this ad was excellent in delivering my experience. The commercial revealed clues as to where quality and quantity reside. It was a remembered utopian experience. Walt Disney: Welcome to happiest place on earth: Walt Disney World. The television commercials all advertise the utopia that Walt Disney has managed to build. Such ads boast the perfect week, fun for the whole family, not just the kids. These ads typically show a family of four-mother, father, and children-laughing, smiling, and enjoying their time at Walt

Dune and The Dispossessed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dune and The Dispossessed - Essay Example An excellent example of how Herbert brings the principles of general semantics to life in Dune is found in the Bene Gesserit, "an ancient school of physical and mental training for females" (Touponce p.18). For centuries, the Bene Gesserit have conducted a human breeding program with the objective of eventually producing a person with superior mental powers whom they refer to as the "Kwisatz Haderach" or "one who can be many places at once" (Herbert p.508). All signs indicate that Paul Atreides might be that person. To create Bene Gesserit training Herbert combined principles of general semantics with yoga, Zen, biofeedback, and nonverbal communication to produce these powerful beings of superior intelligence and ability (O'Reilly p.60). Meaning in this passage stems almost exclusively from gesture and not from spoken language. Both Jessica and Paul show their respect for the Reverend Mother, but only minimally and without wasted effort. This economy of gesture and language provides for effective communication with a minimum of effort, and is the foundation of "ecological semantics." Paul's actions serve as proof for what the Reverend Mother already knows about Jessica's training of the boy. Paul is powerless and under the control of t... Here, the capitalized term "Voice" refers to an aspect of Bene Gesserit training where, through shadings of tone in voice utterances, a user can control others (Herbert p.532). This passage reveals Paul's understanding of the power of language. Assigning physical qualities to the words personifies their power. The words are "outlined in brilliance," have "an edge," and are capable of lifting Paul "out of his fleshworld." Even Herbert's emphasis on the power of language found in the ordinary spoken word, (i.e. lower case "voice") is evident throughout the novel. At times it is subtle; at others it is overtly stated. An examination of the episode in which Paul makes himself known to the Fremen reveals Herbert's emphasis on language in action. In the epigraph preceding the chapter, a quotation from the "Private Reflections on Muad'Dib," the Princess Irulan, chronicler of Paul's life and times, overtly acknowledges the power of language: "Does the prophet see the future or does he see a weakness, a fault or cleavage that he may shatter with words or decisions as a diamond-cutter shatters his gem with a blow of a knife" (Herbert)).277). The episode that follows represents a pivotal point in the novel for it vividly recounts the Fremens' capture of Jessica and Paul after their ordeal of escape into the desert. More importantly, however, this experience marks Paul's entry into the Fremen culture to whose le adership he eventually will ascend. From this pivotal point forward, Paul faces many challenges and tests over a period of time which serve to solidify his position as leader of the Fremen in their quest for control of Arrakis. Paul matures and develops into manhood. In the novel's climatic scene, Paul and the

Supply Chain Management and Lean Production Essay Example for Free

Supply Chain Management and Lean Production Essay Abstract The system of interconnected businesses used to push a product from supplier to consumer is defined as a supply chain. Supply chain management focuses on managing the supply chain in an effort to improve the quality and time it requires to manufacture a product. In addition to implementing supply chain management, a helpful lean production practice called Just-in-time can be used to remove any waste present along the supply chain. The marriage of lean production and supply chain management creates lean supply chain management, which provides a much leaner and more economical supply chain for the product to flow through. Supply Chain Management and Lean Production Much uncertainty about what supply chain management entails is present in today’s society. Many people treat supply chain management as being synonymous with logistics, which is the management of the flow of goods from the origin to the consumers However, supply chain management encompasses much more than the purchasing or management of goods to the consumer. Supply chain management (SCM), as defined by Lambert (2008), is the management of relationships across the supply chain, which includes a network of interconnected businesses involved in providing a product or service to the consumer. The management of the relationships between businesses on the supply chain is significant to ensure successful and efficient processes are used in providing products and goods to the customer. Definition of Supply Chain Management (SCM) What is a supply chain? A supply chain is defined as a system of organizations, as well as people and information, which are directly involved with the manufacture and delivery of a product (Phelps, Smith, Hoenes, 2004; â€Å"Supply Chain,† 2008). The supply chain includes the transformation of raw materials at the site of the supplier to finished goods that can be used by the consumer, as shown in Figure 1. The path the product travels is similar to that of a river. A river, when properly banked, is flowing in one direction towards a goal (Tompkins, 2000). Mark Twain stated that â€Å"Without banks the river is just a puddle. † A supply chain, like a river, needs communication and integration as its banks to create a force towards the destination, which is the consumer. Without the presence of the banks, the river would go nowhere and therefore be merely a puddle. Effective communication in business relationships that cross over different departments, as displayed by the arrows in Figure 1, is necessary to provide quality products to the consumer. What is supply chain management? Lambert (2004) defines supply chain management as â€Å"the integration of key business processes from the end user through original suppliers than provides products, services, and information that add value for customers and other stakeholders. † An illustration of supply chain management is displayed in Figure 2. This figure represents a basic supply chain network structure, as well as the flow of information and the product. The eight supply chain management processes, which integrate various tasks within the organization across the supply chain, can also be found in Figure 2 (Lambert, 2008). The implementation of the eight supply chain management processes is necessary to manage the relationships between various departments and tasks across the supply chain. Supply chain management is ultimately about the management of relationships within the network of businesses in the supply chain. Lambert (2008) expresses that the management of a supply chain is managed â€Å"link-by-link, relationship-by-relationship, and the organizations that manage these relationships best will win. † Role of Supply Chain Management (SCM) Overview of the role Supply chain management places attention along the entire supply chain, from raw materials at the supplier to finished goods in the hands of the customer. One role that supply chain management plays within a company is producing more efficient, quality products, which creates a competitive advantage among other companies. Today, management of the supply chain can be completed through the use of supply chain management software, such as E2Open. Supply chain management allows a company to document and track data pertaining to the supply chain. Benefits of the supply chain management Supply chain management places importance on managing the customer relationship, as well as the supplier relationship. By effectively managing these relationships, the company can become more competitive, while increasing the quality of the product to the customer. Placing emphasis on the supplier relationship and the businesses along the supply chain increases product efficiency and quality. The importance placed on the customer relationship focuses on the demands and needs of the customer. Through effective communication within the relationships along the supply chain, a basic balance of supply and demand is established.

Advancing Nursing Practice Current Role and Personal Learning

Advancing Nursing Practice Current Role and Personal Learning The idea of Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) is reported to have commenced in the USA in the early parts of the 20th century (Mantzoukas, 2006) and its development has been well recorded in the literature (Ketefian, Redman, Hanucharurnkul, Masterson Neves, 2001; Furlong Smith, 2005). But lack of clear definitions for the concept, its scope of practice and standards has resulted in a great diversity in practice (Woods, 1999; Pearson Peels, 2002; Daly and Carnwell, 2003). Furlong and Smith (2005) identifies that several attempts have been made to conceptualise advanced nursing practice. This has resulted in some consensus on the core concepts that underpin ANP such as clinical autonomy, professional and clinical leadership, research capabilities, application of theory and research to practice and graduate level education requirement (Ketefian et al., 2001; Furlong Smith, 2005; Mantzoukas, 2006). Knowledge level, skill level and population of response model developed by Calkin (1984) and from novice to expert model by Benner (1984) are some of the models that were developed but none of these analysed contextual influences on advanced nursing practice. Manley (1997) developed a conceptual framework that describes four integrated sub roles (expert practitioner, educator, researcher and consultant); necessary skills and processes as well as contextual prerequisites for the advanced nurse practitioner to achieve outcomes strove for. This framework was developed from a model by Hamric (1989) and shares similarities in the four sub roles, some skills and processes. However, the framework by Manley (1997) establishes a relationship between the ANP role, its context and its outcomes, giving it an advantage over the models of Calkin, Benner and Hamric. It is worth stating, at this point, that the term ANP is not for a single role but for different advanced nursing roles such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, nurse anaesthetists and clinical nurse specialists (Ketefian et al., 2001) I have worked for one year as a general nurse (Nursing Officer rank) after completing my four-year nursing training in Ghana. My responsibilities include ensuring adequate nutrition and elimination, administering medication and reporting on patients response, allocating task based on skill of staff, supervising staff and students in the ward, and participating in ward rounds (GHS, 2005). Henry (2007) states that Ghanaian nurses have automatic promotion after every five years of service until they reach the rank of Principal Nursing Officer. It seems that this is changing. My experience is that, recently, higher education certificate as well as evidence of continuous professional and personal development is a requirement for certain roles in the nursing profession. Moreover, research, leadership and application of theory to practice are some of the advanced nursing skills that are not well developed in my current role. I have, therefore, enrolled in the MSc. Advanced Nursing course to develop these skills to advance my nursing practice. It appears that the four advanced nursing roles described by Ketefian et al. (2001) are present in Ghana, although the term ANP is not used. East and Arudo (2009) identifies that due to shortage of health personnel, nurses in sub-Saharan Africa perform certain roles and tasks that would be classified, in other countries, as advanced practice. Ghanaian nurses in these roles have some degree of clinical autonomy, especially in the district hospitals, but not necessarily a graduate level education. Instead, a post-basic diploma is required for some of them (nurse anaesthetist and clinical nurse specialist roles). Until recently, post-basic diploma was the qualification for medical assistants (similar to nurse practitioner role). Thus, ANP roles in Ghana developed as a result of shortage of health personnel and the health needs of the population. However, the roles are different from those in the UK and USA in areas such as research, professional and clinical leadership, academic qualifi cation, and clinical autonomy. Therefore, with the ANP conceptual framework of Manley (1997) as the focus, I hope to achieve the following objectives in advancing my practice: Develop a teaching package to slow progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with diabetes Advance myself as a nurse educator and the other sub roles identified by Manley (1997) Develop leadership and effective change management skills Contribute to the professional development of my colleagues. The Project: Introduction and Rationale for Selection In advancing my nursing practice, my focus for this project is to develop a teaching package to slow progression of chronic kidney disease among patients with diabetes. Other patients at risk of developing kidney failure, including those with hypertension would also benefit from this project. The package would, also, be used among patients with stages 1 4 chronic kidney disease. In the final year of my nursing training, I had to submit a care study to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana. The patient I worked with had been diagnosed with type II diabetes. The care study required that I participate in the active management of the patient and present a report on that, as well as a literature review on the condition. I reflect on the entire process now and I realise that complications of diabetes were just mentioned to the patient, with no adequate information on how they can be prevented. This project is, therefore, anticipated to create awareness of chronic kidney disease as a major complication among patients with diabetes in Ghana and how to delay its progression, if not avoid it. My primary focus would be to develop a strategy that would reach out to all patients, including those with low literacy skills. This would advance the nursing care and health education given to such patients, thereby, delaying the need for dialysis (Thomas et al., 2008). Literature Review WHO (2002:11) defines chronic conditions as health problems that require ongoing management over a period of years or decades and has labelled them as the biggest challenge faced by the health sector in the 21st century. While the economic cost of managing chronic diseases is high, Suhrcke, Fahey McKee (2008) identify some strong economic arguments that may be made in support of the need for societies to invest in their (chronic diseases) management. They identify some primary benefits such as improved health (in terms of patients quantity and quality of life in years), long-term cost savings from complications avoided and workplace productivity experienced by patients and their employers. Nevertheless, preventing their occurrence is central in the general management of chronic conditions (Nolte McKee, 2008) and this is a responsibility for all, including governments, private sectors, healthcare systems and individuals (Novotny, 2008). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is becoming a global pandemic (Mahon, 2006; Chen, Scott, Mattern, Mohini Nissenson, 2006; Clements Ashurst, 2006). The disease causes gradual decline in kidney function (Silvestri, 2002). It has been categorised into 5 stages according to the glomerular filtration rates (Johnson Usherwood, 2005) and the progression through these stages is influenced by several processes, mostly lifestyle-related (Riegersperger Sunder-Plassmann, 2007). Management of stage 5 (end stage) is either by dialysis or kidney transplant (Johnson Usherwood, 2005, Chen et al., 2006). Patients with CKD stages 4 and 5 experience other complications such as anaemia and metabolic acidosis that must, also, be managed efficiently (Silvestri, 2002; Murphy, Jenkins, McCann Sedgewick, 2008). This, in addition to dialysis, accounts for the reported higher costs of managing CKD (Gonzalez-Perez, Vale, Stearns, Wordsworth, 2005; Kaitelidou, Ziroyanis, Maniadakis, Liaropoulos, 2005). Presently, more than 23,000 adults in the UK undergo dialysis treatment as a result of kidney failure and this number is expected to increase yearly (World Kidney Day, 2009). Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (Ghana) recorded 558 cases of CKD between January 2006 and July 2008 in the country (All Africa, 2009) and this may represent less than 30% of the total disease burden as the hospital serves a few regions in the country. Several studies have identified diabetes mellitus and hypertension as the major causes of CKD (Clements Ashurst, 2006; Rosenberg, Kalda, KasiuleviÄ ius Lember, 2008; Marchant, 2008; Stropp, 2008; Thomas, Bryar, Mankanjuola, 2008; Ulrich, 2009). Amoah, Owusu and Adjei (2002) report of little, but outdated, statistics on the prevalence of diabetes in Ghana. Another report is on the assumption that diabetes is uncommon in Ghana (ibid.). However, it appears that my clinical experience at KATH alone suggests otherwise to the latter. Amoah et al. (2002), again, report that data on diabetes in Ghana is unreliable and this is confirmed by incongruent data observed in the literature. For example, Abubakari and Bhopal (2008) report that prevalence of diabetes in Ghanaian adults (25years and above) was 6.3% in 1998 while the Ministry of Health, Ghana (2001 cited by Aikins, 2004) estimates diabetes in 4% of Ghanaians between 15 to 70 years. Notwithstanding, Aikins (2004) reports of incr ease in the prevalence rates of chronic illnesses in the country, and diabetes is no exception. Primary care management delays nephropathy and other complications of diabetes (Thomas et al., 2008). They add that there could be a lot of potential savings if the need for dialysis can be delayed, even if for a short period for a few patients. Since prevention reduces healthcare costs (Booth, Gordon, Carlson Hamilton, 2000), Ghana, not being a rich country (CIA, 2008) stands to benefit from such an approach. Chen et al. (2006), also, identify that delaying the progression of CKD improves clinical outcomes and moderates costs. Strategies to delay progression include good glycaemic control, blood pressure control, smoking cessation and other lifestyle modification (Nicholls, 2005; Clements Ashurst, 2006; Rosenberg et al., 2008). Patients knowledge on these factors may lead to a change in behaviour which, in turn, would yield positive outcomes in the management of their conditions. Health education is one of such strategies to achieve positive outcomes and prevent complications, especially if the method used is appropriate for the age group as well as their cultural background (Funnell et al., 2008). It is often used interchangeably with health promotion in the nursing literature and criticisms have been made on that (Whitehead). The argument has been that health promotion has shifted from preventing specific diseases or detecting risk groups towards health and well being of whole populations (Naidoo Will, 2000). Hitherto, health education remains central to health promotion (Whitehead, 2), and, because of the dominance of the medical model, health promotion is mostly equated to prevention of disease, through primary, secondary or tertiary prevention in clinical settings (Naidoo Wills, 2000). Secondary and tertiary prevention interventions prevent complications such as chronic nephropathy development in patients with diabetes and health education is one of such interventions (Rosenberg et al., 2008; Naidoo Wills, 2008). Diabetes is, predominantly, self-managed (Collins et al., 1994; Funnell Anderson, 2002), making education very necessary as it empowers the patients to take charge of their health behaviour and other factors that influence their health status (Piper, 2009). Whitehead (1) adds that health education focuses on lifestyle-related and behavioural change processes, making it an integral part of comprehensive diabetes care (type II education). The above implies that when patients with diabetes receive health education, it enhances their ability to collaborate with the effective management of the disease and, consequently, avoid its complications. However, very little knowledge on CKD as well as misunderstandings of illness and treatment has been reported (Jain, 2008; Holstrà ¶m Rosenqvist, 2005). Patients may not appreciate the role that lifestyle modification, in addition to pharmacological interventions, can play in effective management of diabetes. Since diabetes, usually, do not present any physical symptoms, patients tend to distance themselves from it and, as a result, ignore the education being provided because they do not feel ill (Holstrà ¶m Rosenqvist, 2005). Complexity of self-management of diabetes may also be a major contributor to the reported misunderstandings (Szromba, 2009). The primary concern then becomes who should educate these patients and what strategies should be used to achieve positive outcome s? Making time to educate patients and their families on everything that they need to know is seldom easy because of the busy schedules of nurses in the ward (Rankin Stallings, 2001). Yet, Hamric (1989) and Manley (1997) have documented the integration of health education into the roles of advanced nurse practitioners and Rankin Stallings (2001) have attested to this. Advanced nurse practitioners are able to draw on their knowledge and skills related to higher education as well as their expertise from practice to achieve positive outcomes in the clinical settings (Manley, 1997). Szromba (2009) suggests that alternative methods to the traditional lecture method of health education should be utilized to enhance self-care. Babcock and Miller (1994) suggest that discussion, demonstration, modelling, group activities and role playing are other teaching strategies that the health educator can employ. However, they add that consideration should be given to the strategy that best fits the obj ectives, content, the clients, the health educator and the reality of the learning situation. This underscores the importance of client needs assessment in health education. Literacy skills of the clients should, also, be taken into consideration during health education. This project is to be implemented in Ghana and WHO (2009) estimates an adult illiteracy rate of about 35% of the total population. The use of written materials may be a difficulty in such settings, especially as the literates may not understand the jargons used in health very well. Therefore, the health educator should ensure that materials are simplified so readers do not have difficulties in understanding the content. Rankin Stallings (2001) suggest that health educators should, therefore, focus information on the core of knowledge and skills that clients need to survive and cope with problems, teach the smallest amount possible, make points vivid, present information sequentially and allow patients to restate and demonstrate what has been learnt. They also suggest the strategic use of educational media such as flipcharts, photographs, drawings and videotapes to enhance understanding. Aims and Anticipated Outcome The primary focus of this project is to develop a teaching strategy to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease among patients with diabetes in Ghana. Consideration would be given to strategies that would reach out to and promote understanding among patients with low literacy skills. It is anticipated that when patients have enough information on their disease condition, they would collaborate with the healthcare team in the management of the condition. I hope to enhance my knowledge on the management of chronic kidney disease and my role as a nurse educator. This experience would, also, be transferred to my colleagues in Ghana and lead to general improvement in the management of chronic kidney disease in the hospital. This collaboration would, therefore, reduce complications of the disease and enhance patients quality of life. As has been identified by Thomas et al. (2008), when complications such as kidney failure and the need for dialysis is delayed for a short period among few patients, a lot of financial savings is made. Therefore, in addition to providing quality care for patients and enhancing their quality of life, this project would reduce the cost of managing complications of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Ghana. The Professional and Organizational Context Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) is the second largest teaching hospital in Ghana, training many doctors, nurses and other paramedics in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It is an autonomous service delivery agent under the Ministry of Health of Ghana (MOH, 2009a). In addition to training many of the health personnel in the Ashanti Region at KATH, many people within and outside the Ashanti Region seek healthcare there. As a result, provision of quality healthcare has always been the focus. An organisation that recognises the need for change, weighs costs and benefits, and plans for the change when the benefits outweigh the costs is ready for a change (Dalton Gottlieb, 2003). KATH is, therefore, ready for change because some of its employees are sent overseas or to other parts of the country, whenever there is the need for a new skill or knowledge to be gained, to bring about a positive change within the institution. This may be a factor that would facilitate my agenda to implement s ome changes within the institution upon my return to Ghana. However, Ghana, as a country is underdeveloped (CIA, 2008). Therefore, financial support, many a time, becomes a difficulty. Another challenge may be the fewer nursing staff. The Ministry of Health (2009b) estimates that there was a nurse-to-population ratio of 1:2024 in Ashanti Region and 1:1451 for the entire country in year 2007 while the WHO estimates that there are 9 nurses/midwives per 10,000 of the Ghanaian population (WHO, 2009xxxxx). Nevertheless, the desire to provide quality patient care and reduce healthcare costs, and dedication from the health personnel are factors that would supersede the anticipated obstacles to the implementation of this project.

tom clancy :: essays research papers

"Vampire, Vampire!" The CIC talker said aboard Ticonderoga. "We have numerous incoming missiles. Weapons free."1 Tom Clancy, the best modern fiction writer, and probably, one of the all time best. Above was an excerpt from his second number one bestseller, Red Storm Rising. Tom Clancy is a civilian genius that knows more about top-secret weapons systems than the men who designed them. This makes for an explosive, could be real, story. It is because of his gripping story lines, and powerful descriptions of battle scenes that have drawn me, along with millions of other Americans to his master works of art. Ironically Mr. Clancy’s dream of becoming a writer was not fulfilled until he wrote The Hunt For Red October in 1984. Until then, he was an insurance salesman whose previous stories had been turned down. That is another thing that I like about Mr. Clancy, he doesn’t give up. Clancy once said, "In America, there ain’t no excuses. You can go out and do anything you damn well please if you try hard enough."2 Finally, this author, was the only one that didn’t p ut me to sleep with a warm cup of milk. Thomas L. Clancy Jr., son of a mailman and department store credit employee, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1947. He attended a local catholic parochial elementary and secondary school. Most of his friends were interested in sports, and following their favorite teams throughout the season, but Tom had more important things on his mind like guns, tanks, and planes. He went to Loyola College, a Jesuit college of liberal arts in Baltimore where he majored in English. While attending college he joined the ROTC in order to serve in Vietnam, but poor eyesight kept him from fulfilling his desire. The first short story he wrote was rejected by Analog Sci-Fi magazine, crushing another dream of having his name on a book. In 1973 he became an insurance agent, as he wasn’t making any head way as a writer. Eventually he joined his wife’s father’s insurance agency, and later bought it in 1980 for $125,000. It was an established business with around 1,000 clients. Tom was so effective, and the business so profitable, that he could accomplish all the work in the morning and have the rest of the day to devour all sorts of technical journals and papers.3 After his writing career took off in 1984, he eventually moved into a 400 acre estate on the Chesapeake Bay.

The Significance of Language in Richard Wright’s Black Boy :: Wright Black Boy Essays

The Significance of Language in Richard Wright’s Black Boy Richard Wright had the "privilege" to experience America society, probably, at its worst. He saw how humans had the ability to treat other humans. His autobiography tells the tale, but it also gives life to words, to language. Wright had a gift for writing and he uses many techniques to bring that writing to life; for example, the exchange of words between whites and blacks gives the reader insight as to how much respect each race held for each other, or the degree of imagery he uses to bring the book to life. Both of these techniques show how language-words set us apart in society. Back in the 1920's there were lines set before a black man that he was expected not to cross. Blacks were looked down upon in American society; not just by whites, but by everyone, including Jews. When a white person spoke to a black person, that white person expected and demanded respect from that black person. And if the kind of respect that was sought after was given, then you might as well run and never come back. Richard saw this in his everyday life, it was normal, and he conveys it in his writing. For instance, when Richard is arguing with his principal about his valedictorian speech the language that comes from Richard is full of anger and resentment; however, though his tone sings one tune, his words sing a totally different one. The words that Richard spits out at his principal are filled with a certain respect that is not practiced or learned but built in. In any place that Richard ever worked or visited if and when he encountered a white man or woman he removed his hat an d always answered with "yes or no ma'am" or "yes or no sir". That kind of respect and speech had always been around and was assumed around. Richard knew that if you were black and in the white-world you didn't speak until spoken to; and this can be found all through Black Boy. Imagery, Richard uses a plethora of it throughout his book. It is the collection of images that helps you see what Richard is trying to show the world. When Richard is arguing with his principal, you can picture it perfectly.... This tall skinny black boy standing in a small office arguing with this red faced fat white man who is sitting at a desk.

Position Paper- Rene Descartes Essay

Rene Descartes was known as a modern philosopher who questioned everything unable to be proven true, a type of thinking called skepticism. He also was intrigued by reason and opinions of people and how they created the opinions from society and their surroundings. His ideas have evolved into modern philosophy all around the world. People are born with the natural sense of reason (the instinct to determine right from wrong). This natural sense is what creates opinions. No two people have the exact same opinion, because no two people reason the exact same way. The distinction between right and wrong is an opinion itself, therefore, reason is just a subject of opinion. Opinions are becoming a problem. Many people are either open minded or close minded based on society and their surroundings. Descartes’ was neither here nor there about how someone thinks, but the best lesson he learned during his life was â€Å"not to believe too firmly anything of which I had learnt merely by example. † This basically means to caution yourself from making opinions based on a set example, which implies the greatness of an open mind rather than a closed mind. Another subject of opinion is acceptance. Take the average Joe for example. He has an opinion, he accepts it, and that opinion is true, no question. But what about the other millions of people in the world who accept something different than Joe? Won’t they think Joe’s opinion is not true and he’s accepting something wrong? In the grand scheme of things, no one really knows what is true and what’s not. That’s why everyone should have an open mind and be willing to accept more than what’s in their zone of comfort or belief. Our society has a bad habit of manipulating the human mind and forcing it to believe what’s popular. This has become a controversy all over the world. Descarte would not appreciate what society has done to many of its citizens because more people than not are obsessed with their own belief and aren’t willing to think outside of the box. Everyone needs to remember what Descarte talked about in this document and create a balance of what they currently believe in and what beliefs they would like to explore.