Development Of Agriculture In Southwest Asia And East Asia

Southwest Asia is a region surrounded by seas and mountains and lies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia. Southwest Asia was the center of development of the earth’s civilizations. Towns emerged on the plains of Mesopotamia and highlands of Iran and Anatolia by 7000BC and some of these became centers of chiefdoms. The first efforts to form empires are documented and are used by archaeologists from different countries to reveal the processes that gave rise to these successively more complex socio-political systems. This varied geographical and climatic setting of south west Asia encompasses the natural habitats of wild plants and animals which were the first to be domesticated. The area was conducive for farming as well for hunting-gathering since its annual rainfall was over 250mm. Environmental changes occurred during the period between 11,000-9600 BC and recovery took 50 years. (Human Past 2005).  Plant and Animal Domestication Plant domestication – Southwe st Asia was very conducive for plant domestication especially wild legumes and cereals. The main domesticated cereals were wheat, rye and barley which began in the early aceramic period. This domestication was evidenced by plant species rye in abuhureyra, Jordan valley and southern Syria. Cultivation was intensified during the Neolithic period, which was around 8800 BC, during this time the climate was conducive and population had grown.Hunting and Herding – Southwest Asia’s potential for animal domestication was evidenced from the long-lived settlement sites and may have occurred after plant domestication at around the transition period of earlier and later Neolithic(World Archaeology 2007). The domesticated goats have been found in Ganj Dareh in Iran, sheep and pigs in turkey and northern Syria.Mixed Farming Economies: More settlements emerged during the period of between early and later a ceramic Neolithic period. The demographic theory which states â€Å"that the rise in population following the end of ice age forced people to adopt agriculture† seems to hold water although an agreement is yet to be reached (Human Past 2007).The Evidence of Ali Kosh: Ali Kosh lies in areas which are conducive for wild resources and domesticates (World Archaeology 2007). Successive strata indicate permanent and large buildings as well as increased cultivated and wild plants. The oasis theory which states that â€Å"The relationship between humans and environment is the key reason for agricultural development,† comes forth. Also there were few ecotones for supporting sedentary hunters-gatherers but many locations for domesticated species especially in the sites of hureyra, catalhoyuk and ain Ghazab.Social Exchange and Networking: This is the feasting hypothesis which argues that the desire for new things, new states, respect and recognition as well as ability to throw feasts led to development of agriculture in this region. Due to the fact that th e obsidian and marine shells were found hundred of kilometers from their sources serve as an evidence of exchange networks where communities are believed to have kept and used a proportion of the obsidian acquired and then exchanged the remaining for gifts to be given as tokens during parties. Part.2. Agriculture in East Asia.The Pleistocene- Holocene transition occurred in East Asia between about 14,000-6000BC. Climatical changes also made the plants and animals to change making the hunters-gatherers to begin harvesting and propagating new plants. Between 8000-6000BC farming differed in two areas, in the south, wild rice was domesticated while in the central china region millet was the major domesticated grain. During the last ice age (36,000-10,000BC), hunters-gatherers lived in open cares and river terraces in the yellow river region, presence of arrow needs at the sites was an evidence of hunting cattle and wild sheep whose bones were present.More wild millet seed resources arou nd shunwangpin, xveguan and shizitan, menjiaquan and nanzh vangton were evidence of farming. Although there are not true transitional sites to reveal adoption of agriculture by hunter-gatherers, there are many sedentary Neolithic villagers since 6000 BC. Cultural transformation is however evidenced by permanent villages, houses and inhuman cemeteries. Store jewelry, polished axes, wooden and bone spades were an indication of social strata at sides like dadiwan, cishan and peiligang.  Growth of Agricultural CommunitiesMillet farming in yellow river region intensified resulting into social complexity and formation of states. The yangshao culture in the loess plateau of central plains and dawenkon culture to the east emerged. The yangshao culture varied regionally but their sites share semi-subterranean house, millet storages and ceramics. While dawenkou culture concentrated around the lower yellow river valley and is attributed with population densities and social ranking. There gro wth of agriculture In these two cultures is supported by the oasis theory, Demographic theory and The hilly flanks hypothesis Sedentary settlements with increasing number of cemeteries and grave goods like fenshan bao and hujiawuchang around the rice cultivation region of yangzi river valley are sites that reveal conditions in early Neolithic(Human Past 2005).Between 4500-3300 BC villages increased and spread. Settlement was chosen near dry wetlands in order to facilitate the creation of wet rice fields. Houses were rectangular and made of clay, bamboo leads and rice husks and these villagers were referred to as the Daxi culture (World Archaeology 2007). Domestication of animals was evidenced from the identification of plowing at around 4 millennium BC. Presence of boat and sea faring technology support the believe of family along water routes. The major sites include chengtoushan and Daxi.Historical linguistics is one of the major methods that may have been used to test the idea of migration and expansion movements of farmers. This is evidenced by the presence of several languages and language families in East Asia.   These languages are divided into five linguistic blocks which include; austroasiatic, Austronesian, Hmong Mien, Kadal with Tai and Sino-Tibetan (World Archaeology 2007). Three of the major branches of Austronesian family are in eastern India, Vietnam and south in the islands o Indian Ocean. Wordings of the languages over east and Southern Asia are believed   to have originated from Asian main land (Human Past 2005). Archaeological evidence for the origin and spread of rice agriculture and crafts such as weaving supports this belief.Part 3.Comparing and ContrastingDevelopment of agriculture in southwest Asian and East Asia corresponds with the growth of human population as well as environmental changes. Early theorists argue that the growth of human population resulted to food shortage and hence introduction of domestication of both wild and domesticated plants and animals. Development of agriculture in both regions is supported by evidence produced by the achaeobotanists and archeozooligsts.The beginning of agriculture also corresponds with the reduction in the range of food eaten. This is because in most of the farming societies identified in the two regions, south west Asia and East Asia they grew one or two plant species on which they relied very heavily and equally then domesticated a small range of animals whereas the hunters-gatherers had a wide range of foods that they collected or hunted in their local environment. It is therefore evident that the hunters and gatherers in both regions consumed a good diet than the farmers due to variety.The oasis theory â€Å"the hilly franks hypothesis† which suggests that other than occupying a particular ecological region/niche, where plants and animals could flourish, the transition in agriculture in both south west Asia and East Asia, the shift to agriculture also i nvolved changes in human cognition and people developed, skills needed for successive farming. This was evidenced by emergence of complex social villages, which involved permanent housing, improved technology, and presence of storage pins.Demographic theory is also evident in both regions as to have been the driving force behind adoption of agriculture. This is because during the beginning of agriculture, there were population/demographic increase and environmental changes. People were forced by these external forces to invent/adapt agriculture. Theorists also argue that societies played a significant role in the domestication. This is because of social status. Cultivation may have been adopted in southwest Asia to provide food and drink to be consumed during competitive feasting and this is the feasting hypothesis.Evolution and intentionality hypothesis is supported by the belief that hunters-gatherers were organized through kinships that had flexible membership whereas the farmers had larger groups that were institutionalized with social destinations and due to these complexity there were accumulation of goods and hence population growth as well technological advancement. However, the development of agriculture in both regions deferred in that in southwest Asia was between the end of epipaleolithic and Pleistocene periods while in East Asia. It began during the Pleistocene Holocene transition period. Also in East Asia there was existence of many cultures unlike in South West Asia.Agricultural development began at the end of the last glacial age where wheat and barley were the first domesticated plants. Researchers argue that population growth and climatical changes were the major factors for adoption of agriculture but there are minimal evidences to support the argument since agriculture is labor intensive as compared to hunting and gathering. However, evolution social status, and emulation are other factors behind the development of agriculture other than p opulation growth and climate changes.References:Scarre Chris (2005), the human past. United Kingdom accessed online on 26/09/07http://www/thamesandhudsonusa.com/web/humanpast/links/index.htmlPerkins Phil. (2007), World Archaeology. United Kingdom, Audio CD transcript. (Track2) p6-14Assessment Booklet,  © 2007.World Archaeology: United Kingdom pp 4-6Perkins Phil (2007). World Archaeology Study Guide. (A251) the Open UniversityUnited Kingdom pp 16-17

Jonestown Mass Suicide. Jim Jones

Jonestown Mass Suicide: A Look at Jim Jones diagnosis and the People's Temples 918. This is the number of people that died in Jonestown, from apparent cyanide poisoning because of Jim Jones. This mass murder/suicide was one of the largest in modern history that resulted in the largest single loss of American civilian life, without being caused by a natural disaster until the events of September 11,2001. Jim Jones was the leader of the Peoples Temple, a religious organization also seen as a sect. Criminal psychology is the study of the wills, thoughts, intentions and reactions of criminals.This is why, in the following essay, I will discuss, take a look and analyse Jim Jones and his diagnosis. I will also explore many ideas surrounding the Peoples Temple and their members. It is my hope that my research paper will provide an extensive and interesting psychological look at Jim Jones behavior, Jonestown mass suicide and the members of the Peoples Temple. Born on May 13,1931 in a rural a rea of Indiana, James Warren ? Jim? Jones had an uncommon childhood . His dad James was a World War 1 veteran, and his mother Lynetta believed that she had given birth to a messiah.Jim was Irish and Welsh, and was claiming that he was partial Cherokee, but it wasn't true. Hall (1987) basically explain that because of the Great Depression, his family had economic difficulties that necessitated them to move in another town in Indiana in 1934. He grew up there in a shack without any plumbing. According to a childhood friend and Jim Jones himself, his father, James, was associated with the Ku Klux Klan, which is a far-right organizations in the U. S who had advocated extremist reactionary currents such as some white supremacy, nationalism and anti-immigration through terrorism.In one of the interviews that took part in 2006 for the documentary ? Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple? some acquaintances of Jim childhood described him as being a ? really weird kid obsessed with religion and death?. They also reported that Jones was frequently holding funerals for small animals that he killed or that he found dead, and he had once stabbed a cat to death. As a child, Jim was a big reader and he studied Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Karl Marx and Mahatma Gandhi a lot. He was looking to find every strengths and weaknesses of them.Lately, Jones became a member of the Communist Party USA in 1951. In a way, Jones wanted to demonstrate his Marxism, and the only way that he found was to infiltrate the church. In 1952, he become a student pastor in a Methodist church. One theorist suggest that he didn't stay not much longer because they were barred him from integrating black people into his congregation (Wessinger, 2000). Jones started to do faith-healing services, and he observed that it was attracting people and their money. He started to organized religious convention with healing evangelist .He then began his own church, the Peoples Temple. It was initially made as an inter-racial mission. Then, Jones left the Communist Party because they were criticizing some of the policies of Joseph Stalin. During these years, Jones helped to integrate black communities into churches, restaurants, telephone company, police department, a theater, an amusement park and the Methodist Hospital. A lot of people were criticizing his integrationist view. Jim and his wife adopted several children with non-Caucasian ancestry. For him, this was his ? ainbow family? , and he was encouraging the member of his Temple to do the same. In the same year, Jones and his family travel in Brazil to find another location for the Temple. He then came back from Brazil and claimed that there would be a nuclear war, so the temple had to move to California. Like other cult leaders, Jones was easily able to gain public support and contact with important figures, such as politicians from among the United-States and other countries. The Peoples Temple and Jones were getting more and more known by the entire population.He was forging media alliances and was getting a lot of attention by political figures. It is in the summer of 1977 that Jones and several hundred of members moved to Guyana. This Temple was a ? Agricultural Project?. He named it Jonestown. This Temple was created both for a ? socialist paradise? and also a sanctuary to be hide from the media. According to both (Reiterman;Jacobs,1982), Jones didn't permitted members to leave Jonestown. For him, it was the beginning of one of his belief called ? Translation? here he and all of the members would die together to move to live on another planet. When Jones left, a lot of political allies broke ties with him. This is why, on April 11, 1978, a document called ? Accusation of Human Rights Violations to the Peoples Temple? by Jones had been distributed to members of the press and congress. With the testimony of an escaped Temple member, US delegations had enough details about rimes and the living condition s to an investigation on human right abuses. By this time, Jones hired Mark Lane and Donald Freed to repair his reputation.The investigation group, that included news reporter, congressman and cameraman arrived in Jonestown on November 17, 1978. Finally, they had an abrupt end because one of the members tried to kill the congressman with a knife. However, they succeeded to take fifteen members that wanted to leave with them. They were about to leave when a group of Jones Guard arrived in a trailer, armed, and started to shoot the group. The guards killed the congressman, the deputy chief of mission and three other news reporter. It is later on the same day that the mass suicide happened.The reason that gives Jones to convince people to commit suicide was his conspiracy theories of intelligence organizations against the Temple. He was saying that some men would parachute in Jonestown, shoot some innocent babies and torture the children and the seniors. It is in a big storage containe r that they made the mix ? Kool-Aid. For him, it was a worthless suicide  Ã¢â‚¬Å"We didn't commit suicide; we committed an act of revolutionary suicide protesting the conditions of an inhumane world† (Jones,1978). Children's were given the drink first, and families were told to lie down together.Some people escaped, but the majority drink the poison. Jones, for himself, committed suicide with a gun. According to the (DSM-IV-TR), Jim Jones is suffering from several personality disorders. One of it would be Anti Social Personality Disorder Cluster B. ASPD, is define to be ? a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood?. There is several point form that makes you diagnosed as ASPD, and you need to be indicated by three or more.For the case of Jones, there is easily three points that can be indicated. The first one is deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of alia ses, or conning others for personal profit of pleasure. One good example of it would be that Jones was doing some faith-healing. By doing this, one time, he engaged a woman to fake that she was handicapped and wasn't able to walk. Then, Jones did his faith-healing, the woman got up of his wheelchair and started to walk. He was getting attention and was making money for personal interest out of it.Also, Jones was lying repeatedly to his members, saying that they had to leave to California because the world would engage in a nuclear war and they had to move for safety. Also, this is only few examples from all of them. The second one is the reckless disregard for safety of self or others. An obvious example of it is that Jones wasn't letting people to leave Jonestown, and he obligated everybody to committed suicide. Also , he ordered his guard to shoot at the group who were coming to investigate the issue.The third one is the lack of  remorse as indicated by being indifferent to or  rationalizing  having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another. Jones had killed 918 peoples, and didn't express any remorse. For him, he was helping them to live on another planet. References Hall, John R. (1987), Gone from the Promised Land, Transaction Publishers. Chidester, D. (2004). Salvation and suicide: Jim jones, the people's temple and jonestown (religion in north america). (2nd ed. ). Indiana University Press. Wessinger, Catherine (2000), How the Millennium comes violently: From Jonestown to Heaven's Gate, Seven Bridges PressReiterman, T. , & Jacobs, J. (1982). Raven: The untold story of Rev. Jim Jones and his people. Dutton. Rosenburg, J. (2005, April 10). About. com. Retrieved from http://history1900s. about. com/od/people/p/jimjones. htm Jones, J. J. (1978, 11 17). [Audio Tape Recording]. Alternative considerations of jonestown and peoples temple. Jonestown project. Transcript of Recovered FBI tape Q 42. , San Diego State University. Antisocial personality disorder - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR)  American Psychiatric Association (2000) pp. 645-650

Health risks associated with plastic surgery Essay

Health risks associated with plastic surgery - Essay Example One expert physician skilled in plastic surgery offers the risks of rhinoplasty, which involves surgery to correct or restructure the nose. These risks include ongoing bleeding from the surgery site and â€Å"serious nasal blockages caused by swelling of the nose† (Essig, 2008, p.1). Many of these health risks are temporary, however they can have long-lasting repercussions on the patient at the emotional level if the procedure does not reproduce the aesthetic look they desired. From a physiological perspective, these health risks can include lifelong problems with nasal breathing caused by improper nose adjustment. Rhinoplasty is especially popular with youths, who generally tend to rely on their youth peers and advertisements for beauty when making decisions as to whether to explore this procedure. One critic of cosmetic surgery for youths offers, â€Å"look in the back of any teenage magazine and you will see pages of adverts for surgery offering to correct every imperfection, however slight or even imagined† (McCartney, 2007, p.10). The method by which these procedures are marketed to youths pose considerable health risks of many different varieties as these advertisements play on youths’ needs for looking beautiful and are willing to provide services without proper consultation or health risk assessment. â€Å"There are even examples of clinics across Europe offering to do cut-price multiple cosmetic procedures on special offer† (McCartney, 2007, p.10). In this case, cosmetic surgeons are using promotional materials to elicit offers for these procedures to youths who a re ill-equipped, at the emotional level, to understand the potential mental and physical risks. Even though these procedures may be carried out using state-of-the-art technology and superior process, the potential emotional damage caused to youths who are just now

Womens Occupational Distribution in the U.S Essay

Womens Occupational Distribution in the U.S - Essay Example Most particularly, women have been able to take paid jobs. However, they encounter difficulties in balancing between their work and house lives. Under the pressure of the double day, women have put pressure on government and employers to recognize the value of child bearing roles.  Ã‚   Many women strive to attain skills that will help them acquire well paid jobs and better working conditions. Women have also become organized and created movements that break down discriminatory barriers that hinder them from accessing better jobs.   In addition, â€Å"increased participation of women in labor force has spurred women struggles to improve wages and working conditions, and attack head on multiple discrimination they face in the labor force,   from sexual harassment to racism† (Amott and Matthaei 309). This has enabled women to gain financial freedom and avoid dependence on men. A substantial number of women have entered the paid labor force. The work force has ceased from b eing a preservative of white males.   Amott and Matthaei noted â€Å"In 1900, white men made up 72 percent of all workers, but by 1990, their share had fallen to 43 percent† (317).In conclusion, it can be noted that the occupational distribution of women in the United States has a historical background. It has been affected by racial-ethnicity, gender and class statuses. Women in the United States have risen above these challenges and have taken well paid jobs in the labor market. However, the current occupational distribution has in part been influenced.

History 1112 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

History 1112 - Essay Example On the contrary, Russia advocated for communism, and thus wanted its allies and other of its friendly countries to adapt this (49). Consequently, Joseph Stalin, the then Russian president issued a very hostile speech in February 1946, postulating that capitalism and communism were not compatible, and that communism was more superior and public friendly. This was followed by a requirement by the then USA president Truman, that Russia leaves Iran, on March of the same year (65). The subsequent periods were marked by an arms race between the two countries, each launching major nuclear bomb tests by Russia in 1949 and USA in 1953 (38). The hostility continued for the better of the 1960-1970s, with each country seeking to contain the spread of the other countries ideology and dominance. This period was marked by among others the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the Afghan war of 1979 to 1989 (51). While the Soviet Union blocked the access to West Berlin, the USA and its allies sought to supply it through air. This greatly increased the tension. Several agreements were entered to throughout the period to stop any breakout of a physical war, since it would have seen nuclear weapons used, which would have caused untold damage

The Development of International Managers Assignment

The Development of International Managers - Assignment Example In the present-day organization, because any discussion about how an organization succeeds or fails ultimately comes back to the way individuals are managed, Academics and Practitioners agree that as the dynamics of competition accelerates, people are perhaps the only true source of competitive advantage4. According to, Turner, Keegan & Human (2006:317), for an organization to be effective and successful, the human resource management functions must be integrated into the various organizational strategy. According to this model, the HRM functions its goals and aims, need to be aligned with the strategy of the organization. Here the emphasis is both on the on projects and routine products and services and where the job requirements are well defined and stable. This paper has been initiated to support to examine an ideal training package for an international manager. Using the work of prominent researchers in the field issues taken into consideration when developing training packages for an international manager will be presented. The field of human resource (HR) management is one of the many interesting areas of research that has witnessed a paradigm shift within the last few decades5. Within this area of research, an increasing body of literature contains the argument that high-performance work practices, including comprehensive employee's recruitment, selection procedures, incentives compensation, and performance management systems, and extensive employee's involvement and training can improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of firms6. Today, with the increasing researchers desires to demonstrate the importance of an effective human resource policy on organization performance research has shifted from a micro level that previously dominated research interest to a more general, strategic macro level7. The term human resource management is not new. It has been widely used by scholars and managers to refer to the set of policies designed to maximize organizational integration, employee commitment, flexibility and quality of work8.

Education in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Education in China - Essay Example And because of the rapidly growing economic sector and global presence of China, it is imperative to understand how the education system works in the country. This essay discusses education in China and the similarities and differences between the Chinese and American education system. Education in China is categorised into elementary school, middle school, and high school. Similar to the United States, twelve years are spent in elementary school and high school, though in China, it is divided quite differently. In China, six years are spent in elementary school, then three years in middle school, and three years in high school, with the initial nine years spent in compulsory education (Peterson, Hayhoe, and Lu 22). One should successfully pass a competitive exam in order to be admitted into high school. High school is offering vocational education and general education. Parents pay for their children’s high school education, and scholarships are granted to those from low-inco me families. High school students are required to stay in school from 8:00 am to 5:15 pm. Generally, a particular school in every city is authorised to offer special education for pupils with impairments (Wang 73). Home schooling is not practised in China, not like in the United States. There are hardly any non-academic extracurricular and sports activities. Nevertheless, numerous students take part in after-school activities to review for examinations, particularly for university admission exams, which they can take once, not like the ACT and SAT Reasoning Test which can be taken several times in the U.S. (Liu 62). In China, a large number of students in elementary school are taught mathematics by a professional math teacher. The math teacher is also allowed to teach Chinese literacy in grades 1 and 2. In several areas, math teachers may also teach science, but science is not a major subject in the elementary school curriculum (Peterson et al. 44). In schools in far-flung or rural places, elementary teachers are also allowed to teach all subject areas, just like in the United States. However, math teachers in elementary schools are usual in China and less usual in the U.S. Moreover, Chinese pupils use a single classroom for their primary classes whilst in the United States students use different rooms for different subjects or classes (Guo and Lamb 75). The major difference between the education system of China and the U.S. is that in the former, the system in general is far stricter with more rules and in the latter there are considerably fewer limitations and greater freedom (Liu 38). For instance, a pupil having the liberty to choose his/her own classes is not common in China. Every class that a student in China should take is fixed. According to Peterson and colleagues, this lack of freedom in China may be attributed to the huge population of students and giving every student the freedom to choose his/her own classes is clearly problematic. Another import ant difference between the Chinese and American education system is the notion of head teacher. The head teacher in China performs an extra responsibility in overseeing their particular classes, providing instruction, and knowing and communicating with the students and their families. The Chinese head teacher will not merely teach his/her particular class that

Foreign Oil. America Must Remove Its Dependence on Foreign Oil In Essay

Foreign Oil. America Must Remove Its Dependence on Foreign Oil In Order To Preserve Its Future - Essay Example America must remove its dependence on Foreign Oil in order to preserve its future. However sometimes it appears like every effort to solve the issue leads to more problems. This is because alternative sources of energy proof to be too expensive and not cost effective. Everyone in America including average person should have a potential to make a contribution to the solution. The average person in America in trying to solve the oil dependency problem starts through education in schools and university. Students can be taught on the impacts of foreign oil dependency on the countries economy. University lecturers can also engage in research that can b help in coming up with cheaper sources of energy and incorporate students in such research according to Greenberg (2007). The community needs to be sensitized on the dangers of oil dependency in their homes and be encouraged to use other alternatives which are cost effective. The average persons such as experts in matters of energy can educ ate the community through meetings on how to use solar or wind as sources of energy. These experts also need to write books, magazines and other form s of literature on the disadvantages of using foreign oil as the only source of energy. Companies need to generate news stories demonstrating to the ordinary people on how to install renewable energy sources in their homes. Local groups need to come together and sensitize people on the issue of global economy resulting from dependency on foreign oil. Local groups should mobilize public opinion against national policies and commitments which favor the use of foreign oil The average person can also contribute the problem by encouraging reduction on the use of oil as source of energy. Individuals should reduce oil consumption at homes by increasing the use of solar energy and wind energy. For instance solar energy can be used as source of power for television, radio and lighting. At the places of work the use of oil as source of energy ca n also be reduced by the increased use of solar energy which is readily available during the day. There is also the need for everyone engaged in the transport industry to recognize the dangers of using oil as the sole source of energy. Vehicle owners can engage in oil use reduction techniques such as reducing the use of personal cars and embark on public transport as suggested by Chiras (2010). This way, the rate of oil consumption in America is bound to decrease. Researchers should also find an alternative source of energy for vehicle. For instance, David Blume who is an organic farmer provided a proof of ethanol alcohol being a reliable and renewable source of fuel in vehicles which reduces the dependency on oil. There is a need for individuals to engage in alternative energy sources which take over the dependence of oil as source of energy. The use of solar energy as an alternative source will help remove the burden of foreign oil. In order to develop this, it requires the govern ment to rationalize tax thus providing a commercial feasibility. Though the cost of developing and implementing alternative energy sources like the solar energy may be high, it is the initiative of everyone to find the best way to apply this method. The average person such experts in matters of energy can generate information that demonstrates the way people can install solar technologies and advantage of net metering programs in workplace. Those familiar with the market transformation to renewable energies like thorium nuclear energy need to educate others on the importance of using them. According to Congress (U.S.) (2010), the ordinary peop

Keynesian Economic Policies and Its Effective Implementation During Research Paper

Keynesian Economic Policies and Its Effective Implementation During the Golden Age - Research Paper Example The increase in the level of liquidity in the economy resulted in increased production of goods thereby leading to higher GDP growth rates. The end of golden age prompted policymakers to resort to monetarist economic policies. Keynesian economic policies and its effective implementation during the Golden Age According to Keynes’ economic theory, the expenditure of one person leads to an income of another person. The purchase of goods and services from one person leads to the expense of another person. This expense results in the earnings of the person that has sold the goods or services. According to Keynes, this is the underlying theory for a circular exchange of money in the economy which leads to its smooth functioning (Hein and  Stockhammer, 2011, p.59). Keynesian economic policies state that the aggregate demand in the economy could be boosted by raising government expenditures. The increase in government spending would encourage private investment. This is supported by a rise in investment savings (IS). Thus the IS curve would shift from IS1 to IS2 as shown below. The IS-LM curve shown below is interpreted as follows. Due to a shift in the IS curve, the point of general equilibrium with the LM (liquidity preference and money supply) curve also shifts upward. This gives rise to a rise in interest rates from i1 to i2 as shown in the graph. Also, the liquidity level of the economy enhances due to rising in money supply from Y1 to Y2. After the great depression in 1929 and during the post world war period from 1945, the economy of the UK experienced unprecedented growth. The economic prosperity in the UK during this period of reconstruction and industrialization led to the emergence of the golden age which prevailed from 1945b to 1970s (Rollings and Middleton, 2002, p.5). This could be attributed to Keynesian economic policies. During the golden age, the policymakers banked on the underlying theories of Keynesian economics and increased government sp ending. The policymakers embraced government deficits and reduced government taxes in order to boost the income level and employment rates in the economy of the UK. Thus the government spending was increased in order to boost the productivity and demand of the economy in the UK (Tobin, 1989, p.27). The growth rate of GDP and per- capita income level increased rapidly. This was comparatively much higher with respect to the earlier phases of the economy. The income- level per person grew at the rate of 3.4% in the 1960s as compared to 2% in 1950s. The total productivity of labor increased doubly as compared to earlier stages in the economy. As compared to the last century, the GDP growth rates were also double. The trade volumes increased eight times as compared to the period before the World War. The growth of industries, total factor productivity, growth in the volume of trade and increase in capital stock led to booming conditions in the economy of the UK (King, 2003, p.60). Thus t he golden age during the period of 1945 to mid-1970s showed the effectiveness of Keynesian economic policies. The end of the Golden Age The golden age which existed in developed countries like the UK in the post world war period came to an end during the later stages of 1970.  

The Causes Of World War One Essay Example for Free

The Causes Of World War One Essay In the immediate view, it seems that there are two main arguments attributed to the origins of the First World War. One is that the war was planned, the other that it occurred due to accident and miscalculation. I aim to give a detailed analysis of these two arguments with the focus being on the main European powers at the time Germany, Great Britain, France and Russia. It is my view that the First World War was effectively planned, all be it for a later date, and that due to some miscalculations, it was then brought forward so that war would break out in Europe in August 1914. Using sources from various historians, I will argue this point of a planned war blaming it almost solely on the part of the German Empire and bringing in the other side of the argument, that the First World War was the result of accident and miscalculation. The most important idea in the argument that Germany planned the First World War is to be found in the Foreign Policies that she pursued from the late Nineteenth Century to the outbreak of war in 1914. It was the view that no matter how achieved, a German dominated Europe would provide a successful base for the ideal of Weltpolitik. This idea of Weltpolitik was the aim at the head of the hierarchy of German Foreign Policy; it gave the notion of a world mission, but an aggressive one, a mission where no man or nation would stand in the way of its objectives. The key point when describing German Foreign Policy before 1914 is of their willingness to risk war for their own gains in order to achieve world domination and the status of a major power. Michael Gordon argues that this war Germany risked did not, in their minds, involve Britain their greatest rival; As far as German policy is concerned, its readiness to risk war for its own ends either a local Balkan war fought by its ally in Vienna or a larger, continental-sized war in which it, France and Russia participated now seems unshakably established. therefore it seems that by 1914, the Germans had already decided that some form of war would occur. It is also evident that she had a clear plan of her ambitions and military aims later undone by her miscalculation of British and Russian policy which would result in a German dominated Europe; By either one of these two wars the German government thought its interests would be served: at minimum, a successful localised war kept limited by Russias backing off in fear would in the German view probably break up the Franco-Russian alliance, shore up the tottering Austro-Hungarian Empire, and clear the way in Central Europe for an eventual German breakthrough to successful Weltpolitik. It is my view that German Foreign Policy therefore dictated a planned war. This planned war may have been intended to be a fairly localised affair, but then the Germans had obviously either been misled or been ignorant to the stances of both Britain and Russia concerning this idea. Gordon argues that German leaders did not consciously aim at it , but that world war merely emanated from continental war in 1914. The previous German generation were devotees of the world policy , devised by Bismarck but taken up and massively extended by his successor Kaiser Wilhelm II. On his accession to the German throne in July 1888, Wilhelm quickly laid out his programme for country; he wanted to secure Germany a place in the sun . This could have meant anything, but translated, it meant that the basic and primary idea was to destroy Englands position in the world to Germanys advantage . Further translated, the Kaisers ideas aspire to the German jealousy of Britain and her wealth, colonial rule, ind ustrialisation and above all, world naval supremacy. Previous wars of the early Twentieth Century, for example, the Sino-Japanese and Boer Wars had proved the importance of sea power. Fritz Fischer argues that the construction of a great fleet was at the centre of Germanys political plans and that to build such a supreme fleet was the only way of catching up with Britain and being equal to other world powers. Again this jealousy is re-iterated by the lack of self-belief from the German government. We can see therefore, that her Foreign Policy was aggressive when it need not have been and that the idea of Weltpolitik was based on insurances from her huge army and navy. The government now had the full backing of groups of industry, which now heavily concentrated on shipbuilding. Pre-war German Foreign Policy can be summed up by Max Schinkel, the director of Germanys second largest bank; the broader basis in Europe was necessary for laying economic foundations of German world policy It can be argued that this world policy originated under Bismarckian rule, but it is my view that Bismarck merely fuelled the German people with ideas and the accession of Wilhelm made sure that these changes were not only made, but also radically altered and put harshly into place. All armies make plans. However do they make such specific and intentional plans as the Germans did before the First World War? The m ain reason that people think Germany planned the war is due to the Schlieffen Plan. However, as John Keegan argues, the Schlieffen Plan was merely a military affair with military objectives if such a conflict in Europe arose. However it did contain very specific aims in accordance with where the first attacks would be made and then where the majority of fighting would take place; In no sense did it precipitate the First World War Neither did its failure it was a plan for a quick victory in a short war Nevertheless, Schlieffens plan dictated where the wars focus would lie and through its innate flaws, the possibility of its protraction. I believe that what Schlieffen had in mind was a purely military plan, if, by chance, such a crisis arose. I do not believe that Schlieffen himself had anything to do with how the war came into being; he was purely commissioned to draft such a plan. However, the Kaiser, who wanted this war plan drawn up, did have many ulterior motives. He is the main figure in Germany at this time and it is very much as what he says goes. No one would dare question him due to his absolute intolerance of argumentative characters. What Schlieffen came up with was; a plan pregnant with dangerous uncertainty: the uncertainty of the quick victory it was designed to achieve; the greater uncertainty of what would follow if it did not attain its intended object. it seems, therefore, that the Germans, although they had this plan, had no kind of backup or alternative strategy. That idea is typical of the Kaisers character. On many occasions he would just throw everything out of the window and go for his objectives by the shortest possible route. This also confirms and is confirmed by the definition of Weltpolitik that no man or nation would stand in the way of Germany. Did other countries have war plans? Yes, of course, but none were as grandiose and as specific as the German idea. The French war plan confirmed her timidity in the face of her great enemy Germany. At first, they toyed with the idea of defence of the common frontier in the event of war , as; A French attack was though impossible by reason of disparity of numbers. A static French population of forty million could not challenge an expanding German population already fifty million strong and rising fast .. However, this was later disposed of and after some altercation concerning which was the best form of attack, Plan XVII was created in April 1913 but kept secret until the outbreak of war which dictated a headlong attack across the common Franco-German frontier, into Lorraine and towards the Rhine . This then became the French war plan. It was minimal and uncomplicated compared to that of Germany and in my opinion how a war plan should be set out. I believe a war plan should contain certain objectives, but mostly a lot of room to manoeuvre as there is always the problem of miscalculation (which Germany will later become the victim of). It is Fischers view (and I am inclined to agree with him) that it is the idea of world power and German domination that led to the outbreak of war. He argues that Germanys claim to world power was based on her consciousness of being a young, growing and rising nation . This national expansion on all fronts meant that Germany was developing into a high ly industrialised exporting country. However she was running out of options, with so many enemies, of finding markets and raw materials. This did not affect the Germans and played right into their hands and their world mission idea. Through this forced change of markets, she shifted her trade from the traditions of Britain, France and Europe to a worldwide trade; in 1913 the share of Europe in her imports and exports had gone down by 30 per cent; overseas countries, the tropics and above all South America, were supplying an increasing proportion of her raw materials. This advance of Germany in the world of business was based on the expansion of the great iron and steel industry, however new industries, including global communications, were starting to become successful. Therefore this reinforces the view that Germany was becoming a great power and that the people themselves through the Kaisers erratic ideas thought that they were becoming a real force and that the world mission was now a realistic target. It had already been proven that naval power was an incredibly important asset for a country to own; to free hers elf from dependence on British ships.., to enable her to bring her exports, financed by her own capital, to their markets abroad without British middle-men, Germany had to have her own merchant marine. the idea of this new naval power was that it would protect shipping and force Britain to regard her as an equal. However I believe that the new German Navy was a status symbol as much as it was a powerful weapon, as all of these domestic policies were geared towards strengthening Germany and therefore, it being easier to weaken other countries. Moreover, with her lack of raw materials, it became difficult for Germany to maintain her penetration of world markets; the narrowness of her raw materials market became increasingly apparent, and as she penetrated more deeply into world markets, this narrowness became more irksome. by now we can see the extent of Germanys (but predominantly the Kaisers) ideas. It is clear that there are no alternatives but to go for the highest objective by the quickest route, ignoring all other possibilities. I believe that these policies were absurd considering how close they were to fulfilling their goal of Weltpolitik. When taking into account the second argument; that the First World War was the result of accident and miscalculation, I do not believe that any cause s of the war can be attributed to accident, because when nations have such rigid policies and plans concerning Foreign and Domestic Policies and long-term war plans, it is impossible to see how any accidents can happen. However there were a miscalculations made, although I do not believe that these miscalculations were direct causes of the First World War. The idea of a German dominated Europe and all of Germanys war plans were greatly undone by her total miscalculation of British and Russian policy. As previously mentioned German Policy makers believed that their fight would be a short, successful and localised affair, due to Russia being too weak to try to deal with Germany now this Great Power; at minimum, a successful, localised war kept limited by Russias backing off in fear it is clear that the Germans really thought that Russia was basically insignificant. They drew this conclusion from the fact that Russia had already fought in a large war less than ten years earlier the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5 as Russias drive across Asia and the Far-East continued. However, either by Russias secretiveness or by Germanys lack of detailed research, the German government did not realise that Russia w ould be able, not only to defend herself, but also to attack Germany. After much confrontation in the Balkans, Kaiser Wilhelm II was convinced that we shall soon see the third chapter of the Balkan wars in which we shall be involved . He was convinced that the balance of powers depended on that in the Balkans. It was to be these relatively small Balkan Wars that would lead to world war. The Kaiser gave the notion that Germany could deal with that though and therefore started to lay out diplomatic ideas for war with Russia. I believe that a German-Russian war was always going to occur; it was just a matter of when. In conversation with Archduke Franz Ferdinand the German Ambassador to Serbia the Kaiser argued that it was vital for Austria-Hungary her great ally to take action against Serbia, and that Russia wouldnt oppose, as she was by no means ready for war . However, with the assassination of Ferdinand by the Serbs, Germany agreed that the Balkan crisis was irreconcilable. Therefore, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and this was a move designed to improve Germanys position for eventual war with Russia. However, German assumption that Russia wasnt ready for war and wouldnt oppose Austria-Hungarys action s proved to be mistaken. Therefore, this eventual German-Russian war followed by four days and not four years as it had been laid out to do in 1917 in accordance with the Schlieffen Plan. However, Wilhelms arrogance and stupidity grew further. He saw the German-Russian war merely as a nuisance and that the Russian recovery gave them an unexpected problem, as their main objective was to acquire extra European Empire at Britains expense. I believe it was Russias attitude that Germany miscalculated, as she was and always has been a very secretive nation. We can also see through the alliances, how this conflict merged into world war. Moreover Germany underestimated Britain. She saw her archrival as being merely a diplomatic power, which was not big enough or daring enough to risk war for the sake of others. I believe it was this German attitude and her supposed increased threat that caused Britain to intervene militarily, more than her alliance with Russia. Therefore due to these great miscalculations, the Schlieffen Plan became void and Germany found herself encircled and in a world war situation. I have already mentioned that Schlieffens plan was pregnant with dangerous uncertainty of what would follow if it did not attain i ts intended objectives , and that is precisely what happened. Since the Germans had no backup plan, they forced themselves into a situation for which they werent prepared. Keegan finally points out that Secret plans determined that any crisis not settled by sensible diplomacy would, in the circumstances prevailing in Europe in 1914 lead to general war. In conclusion, I agree with Keegan, that through all events, war became an inevitable prospect. However through my arguments and chosen sources we can see that the First World War was ultimately planned and due to miscalculation on Germanys part, brought forward to August 1914. Moreover, her argument that the war was the result of accident and miscalculation does not stand up. This is shown mostly in Fischers argument that ultimately she could have prevented a world war even though she planned some kind of war such was her control over Europe at this time. BIBLIOGRAPHY FISCHER, F., Germanys Aims in the First World War (London: Chatto Windus, 1967) GORDON, M., Domestic Conflict and the Origins of the First World War: The British and the German Cases, Journal of Modern History, vol. 46 (1974) KAISER, D., Germany and the Origins of the First World War, Journal of Modern History, vol. 55 (1983) KEEGAN J., The First World War (London: Pimlico, 1999) KEIGER, J., France and the Origins of the World War (London: McMillan, 1983) WEHLER, H-U., The German Empire 1871-1918 (1985) WILSON, K., European Diplomacy 1871-1914, in PUGH, M, ed, A Companion to Modern European History 1871-1945 (Oxford: Blackwell, 1997)

Examples of Literary Text Analysis

Examples of Literary Text Analysis The written word can spark so much in a person. It can bring a person to have a great imagination, transform a person into a hero, villain, anything that person wants to be. The written word can take a person to any part of the world without even leaving the comfort of your home. The written word breaks through cultural barriers, gives a person other perspectives. The written word can also be used to terry down those bridges people try to climb over to get to the other side. The written word is like an artist without an actual painting. The writer takes a person into the future as well as into the past and back into the present. William Blake, put the art of imagination into eloquent words, This world is a world of imagination and vision. But to eyes of the man of Imagination, Nature is Imagination itself. As a man is, So he sees. (DiYanni, 2007 page 2200) Emotions transpire throughout each piece of work an author has written. Repeated elements in action, gesture, dialogue, descripti on, as well as shifts in direction, focus, time, place. The journey begins with a well known author Cathy Song and her poem Lost Sister. Lost Sister by Cathy Song and the Bible the Prodigal Son This story starts in a culture and identity-envisioning narrative. In China, even peasants named their first daughters Jade-the stone that in the far fields could moisten the dry season. (Cathy Song, (DiYanni, 2007 pp 1188) in the beginning of this story, a father in China, has a daughter and is proud to name her Jade. This is setting the tone from the attitude toward the daughter with love and admiration from a father that is poor and works for a living. The story gives the illusion of maybe the timeframe is placed in an ancient town where there could be different social groups. Known is when the writer says, even the peasants. The narrator goes on to explain the setting metaphor (could make men move mountains for the healing green of the inner hills glistening like slices of winter melon) Figurative Language, metaphorically the narrator is speaking of the stone jade and what it means to men, and how they will attain this precious stone. Structuralism and Social Criticism is applie d when the narrator goes into what was expected of a daughter given the historical period. (And the daughters were grateful: They never left home. To move freely was a luxury stolen from them at birth. Pp 1189) Feminist Criticism In this line the interpretation is that the women are restricted to what they are allowed to do and not allowed to do. The narrator changes the daughters attitude from being grateful into feeling trapped and helpless for being a young girl that is born into this life. (Instead, they gather patience; learning to walk in shoes the size of teacups, without breaking-the arc of their movements as dormant as rooted willow, as redundant as the farmyard hens. Pp 1189) Lost Sister by Cathy Song and the Bible the Prodigal Son This gives the reader the since that the daughter does not look forward to what she does day in and day out. In these lines, she is wishing she could go away somewhere better. The poem goes on mentioning a sister; however, this sister is on the other side of the ocean. (There is a sister across the ocean, who relinquished her name, diluting jade green with the blue of the Pacific. Pp 1189) this sister apparently did not like the restrictions put on her way of life so she did something about her situation and left China. In comparison the in Acts the New Testament, the author Luke, The Prodigal son, did not like where he lived and so took upon himself to go to another country. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 27). This poem uses Flashback and Symbols (You find you need China: your one fragile identification, a jade link handcuffed to your wrist. You remember your mother who walked for centuries, footlessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ and like her, you have left no footprints, but only because there is an ocean in between, the unremitting space of your rebellion.) (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 1190). Both sisters have a conscience of an inner conflict one sister desires to please her family by staying in China, Acts the New Testament, the author Luke, Just like the oldest son in The Prodigal Son, Now the elder son was in the field, and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. In addition, the son said to the father; Lo, these many years do I serve, neither transgressed also obeyed what you have command. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 27). The sister in America flashing back and is regretting leaving her life in China, she is finding out freedom is not so free and this life is not what she probably had imagined. Girl by Jamaica Kincaid and Alice Walker in Everyday Use The similarities of these stories are the relationships that mothers and daughters have with each other. In the Girl by Jamaica Kincaid, it starts with a mother giving instructions on how the wash is supposed to be done. (Wash the white clothes on Monday and put them on the stone heap; wash the color clothes on Tuesday and put them on the clothesline to dry.) (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 397) There is no introduction of the characters, no action, and no traditional plotline. In the story of Everyday Use by Alice Walker, this story has a similar theme, a mother with two daughters narrates this story and how she interacts with each daughter. In similarities both stories are Anthropological each story gives a history behind the story. In Everyday Use Mrs. Johnson, starts out describing how her relationship is with her eldest daughter. Then the mother goes on telling about the day when Dee, the daughter came home from college. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 743) Both stories give an allusion to where the sett ing takes place. Girl, by Kincaid, the setting took place in their house, during the instruction on how to keep the house clean. (This is how you sweep a corner; this is how sweep a whole house; this is how you sweep a yard; (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 398)In Walkers story Everyday Use The daughters have different view points on how they see their identities and on how they view their heritage. The conflict is over some heirloom quilts. The story Girl by Jamaica Kincaid continues with other instructions on how to become a Young woman should act like. (dont walk barhead in the hot sun; cook pumpkin fritters in very hot sweet oil; soak your little clothes right after you take them off.) (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 397) These values are passed on to their daughters which are frequently heard by mothers throughout the story especially in Jamaica Kincaids story of Girl by Jamaica Kincaid and Alice Walker in Everyday Use Girl commands to help prevent her daughter from becoming a slut. the slut that she is so bent on becoming.(DiYann, 2007, Pp 397) There is not much difference in a cultural relationship between mothers and daughters in the past to the present day. The mother wants to pass on the necessary cultural and moral practices and values that she was taught by her mother. In both points of view, the narrator is speaking in the first person. In Girl by Jamaica Kincaid, the mother is referring to herself as I for example; the slut I know you are so bent on becoming and the slut I have warned you against becoming. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 397) Mrs. Johnson, an uneducated woman, tells the story herself. Mrs. Johnson said, I never had an education myself. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 745) The church raised money to help send Dee to school in Augusta, GA. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 744). The stories both depict a social and economic view on how life was. Girl by Jamaica Kincaid showed the economy by how she brought to atten tion in pp 397; dont sing benna in Sunday school; you mustnt speak to wharf-rat boys, not even to give directions. Critics appreciate the quality of how Kincaid and Walker represented the image of how mother and daughters bond and how powerful one person can effect ones life. The reader learns a particularly relationship operates in a colonial culture and in the deep south of Georgia. Both writers use the observation of life to validate their experiences in their own life. Both writers used this technique to authenticate oppressed group of people: lower class, black women. This is point of view is also shared with the oppressing of a group of people by the poem by Langston Hughes; Dream Deferred and Woody Guthries poem This Land Is Your Land. This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie and Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes This land is your land, this land is my land, From California to the New York island; from the redwood forest, to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and me. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 897) Woody Guthrie, started his poem out with a patriotic song that sets the tone for being proud of ones country. Compared to Hughes poem Dream Deferred, he starts questioning the American dream. What happens to a dream deferred? (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 896) Gathrie, goes on in his poem stating; As I walking the ribbon of highway I saw above me the endless skyway: I saw below me that golden valley: This land was made for you and me. This stanza is pointing out that dreams and possiblities are possible. Nevertheless, in Hughes poem the question is not having the dream but points out that the narrator has the dream but because of cirumstances that is not knowing to the reader he goes on asking, Does it dry up like a rasien in the sun? (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 897) Or fester like a sore-and then run? This par t of the poem in oness opioin is asking if he should put the dream aside for awhile but then it becomes to strong of a desire to make this dream come true it may just come out despite the obscales in the way. On the contrary, in Guthries poem Ive roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts; And all around me a voice was sounding: This land was made for you and me. When the sun came shining, and I was strolling, And the wheat fields waving and dust clouds rolling, As fog was lifting voice was chanting: This land was made for you and me. As I went walking, I saw a sign there, And on the sign it said No Trespassing. Here the narrator roams the United States however there are parts in the This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie and Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes United States those are not free to roam. Guthrie, a radical, was inspired to write the song as an answer to Irving Berlins popular God Bless America, which he thought failed to recognize that it was the people to whom America belonged. The words to This Land Is Your Land reflect Guthries assumption that patriotism, support for the underdog, and class struggle were all of a piece. In this song, Guthrie celebrates Americas natural beauty and bounty, but criticizes the country for its failure to share its riches. Reflected in the poem least-known verse: In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people, By the relief office I seen my people; As they stood hungry, I stood there asking Is this land made for you and me. (DiYanni, 2007, Pp 898) Woody Guthrie, This was material deliberately created to promote the war effort, expressing the passionate fervor of left-wing resistance to fascism. The poem Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes and the poem This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie, is clea rly a supporter of the American culture to have change in how America views freedom for all. Langston Hughes poem Dream Deferred is expressing the same theme as Woody Guthrie has pointed out that words can transform a person into a hero, capture a persons since of what is right and what is wrong. The imagery that is vividly written on paper touches a persons emotions to make things right or at least reflect on how the future can be changed. Both poems have a way of being a window through the construction of the poem so one can see the reality of what message they want to get across. Using irony and figurative speech help strength each line to understand what the message was. Conclusion Even during the 1960s, American progressives continued to seek ways to fuse their love of country with their opposition to the governments policies. The March on Washington in 1963 gathered at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. famously quoted the words to My Country Tis of Thee, repeating the phrase Let freedom ring 11 times. (Dreier and Flacks, 2005) This tone is set through out Hughesand Guthrie poems and short stories and songs, seting the stage to get this message out that all men should be free to choose where they want to live and all men and women should be free to pursue their dreams without another telling them what dream they should have. Along with woody guthries songs that freedom should be granted not just to the people that have money. But to all that do an honesty days work and get paid equally. In all the short stories and poems that have been represented in this essay, the one thing that all of the authors have in common is their basic values, and ec onomic and social equality to mass parcipation in politices. The desire to have free speech and civil liberties an eleminate the second-class citizenship and racial minorities. William Blake, put the art of imagination into such eloquent words, This world is a world of imagination and vision. But to eyes of the man of Imagination, Nature is Imagination itself. As a man is, So he sees. (DiYanni, 2007 page 2200) John Kotter wrote, The single biggest challenge in manging change is not strategy, structure, or culture, but just getting people to change their behavior. Kotter goes on to say that People change their behaviors only when they are motivated to do so, and that happens when you speak to their feelings. These authors speak to ones feelings to motivate a person to make things right.

Romantic Love: An analysis of Andrew Sullivan?s Article :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people want to have a romantic love in their life; however, romance is such abstract feeling so that we do not know whether it exists or not. In many cases, we can find that romantic love do exist in varieties of movie, song, and even books. Therefore, some people do believe that romantic love exists, and they feel that romantic love does not seem to be abstract. For example, we can find in many movies that the main male character sees the main female character, and then all of a sudden, he realizes that she is the one he wants to be with for the rest of his life, and vice versa. We also can find the same scenes in numerous of songs and books. After all of these movies, songs, and books, we seem to be hypnotized; there is such thing as we called â€Å"romantic love.† In the American Heritage Dictionary, romantic is defined â€Å"expressive of or conducive to love.† However, what is love? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, love is de fined as deep affection and warm feeling for another. Besides this one, love also have another definition such as, the emotion of sex and romance; strong sexual desire for another person. The ideal romantic love—expressive of deep affection and warm feeling for another—is what we’ve been taught the true meaning of romantic love is. But according to the American Heritage Dictionary, romantic love can also mean the expressive of strong sexual desire for another person. It comes down to one question—Does the ideal romantic love really exist or not. According to Andrew Sullivan in the Love Bloat: Why Obsess Over Romance?, there is not such thing called romantic love as we idealized, and his opinion about romantic love is right; there is not such thing called romantic love.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the Love Bloat: Why Obsess Over Romance?, Sullivan says that the concept of romantic love is crock by any serious person before the 19th century. And Sullivan applies Shakespeare’s idea of love—it comes; it goes. If taken too seriously, it kills. Sullivan also gives some his idea of what relationships truly are, and which are useful economic bargains. Sullivan uses Rousseau as another support for his opinion about romantic love; Rousseau saw bourgeois love as a salve for the empty emotional center of restrained, law-bound societies. Rousseau wanted to substitute the passion of people for truth and honor and power with something just as absorbing but nowhere near as dangerous.

Kurt Cobain Essay -- essays research papers

Kurt Cobain A look Into the Life and Career of a Legend; A Proposal Kurt Donald Cobain was the lead singer/songwriter of the band Nirvana, until April 5 1994 when he committed suicide. Troubled by depression, chronic stomach problems, and an addiction to heroin, his ailments in his personal life showed through in his music. His music evolved from the hard "punk" sound of their first album, to the intelligent "tell all" tales of his fourth and final album In Utero. Through his music he changed an era of â€Å"lost souls†, to a generation with a vision of who they were. The songs he wrote and played captured the attention of the world, but also brought him the fame and fortune that led to his downfall. The pain and the hate of his life filled the lines, tough hidden under his sarcasm. He couldn't take the voices in his head that had plagued him all his life, that compiled with his dislike of the fame caused him to end his own life. The life that gave him no joy. The first time I heard Nirvana they changed my life. I was sitting in class and one of my friends tapped into the P.A. system. He hooked it up to his Walkman and started playing Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana's first single. I was sitting in class day dreaming and suddenly I was pulled out of it by this amazing sound. A few seconds later the principal shut off the song, but by that time I was hooked. Later that day I went to the record store and bought their second fi...

Working class and racial discrimination

Each period of U. S. history presents an opportunity to think about the history of working class and racial discrimination. Having yet to develop thorough, critical, and radical interpretations of the civil rights struggle, historians have tended to share a sympathetic attitude toward the quest for civil rights. They also lack the advantage recently gained by diplomatic historians with the end of the cold war, and they cannot, and do not want to, declare the straggle to be â€Å"over† because racial discord has not ended and racial justice has not been achieved.Historians will, therefore, continue to write about an ongoing movement for equal rights in which their advocacy and support seem to them important to the movement's success. Surveys of the literature by Upton Sinclair and Anne Moody have already made important contributions in identifying persistent problems. For these writers, direct personal participation preceded writing about the movements. Unlike Sinclair’s The Jungle, Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi is compelling autobiographical narratives in the African American literary tradition.In a voice that is as subtle as it is insistent, as unpretentious as it is uncompromising, Moody maps her coming of age in Mississippi during the repressive 1940s and 1950s and the turbulent early years of the 1960s. Yet Moody’s narrative is more than a poignant personal testimony; it is an immensely valuable cultural document that offers an insightful view of life in Mississippi during the middle decades of the twentieth century and the carefully orchestrated resistance to that way of life that the civil rights movement initiated during the 1960s.The beautiful descriptions of Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi are all very good. They served a purpose and served it well. Coming of Age in Mississippi was a great book. It is lively and warm. It is written with pain and blood and groans and tears. It says not what man should be, b ut what man is forced to be in our world. It presents not what our country should be, but it describes what our country really is, the residence of pressure and unfairness, a nightmare of suffering, an inferno hell, a jungle of wild brutes.But I consider that The Jungle, which has beautiful theories, is even a greater book. It was the novel, which was responsible for the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act. In 1906, Sinclair's The Jungle catapulted him into almost-immediate fame. The Jungle became a best-seller in many languages and actually made Sinclair's name known all over the world. The New York Evening World announced: â€Å"Not since Byron awoke one morning to find himself famous has there been such an example of world-wide fame won in a day by a book as has come to Upton Sinclair† (Foner 89).The Jungle produced big public excitement. I think that Upton Sinclair was emotionally involved in the creating of The Jungle. Though Upton Sinclair's The Jungle concentrates mo re on working-class struggle than mobility, it does as well good job in getting readers to think about socialism, immigration, capitalism, and future reform. Written in Chicago's immigrant neighborhood under the name the Back of the Yards, The Jungle beckons readers to look for history of this neighborhood.Descriptions of the neighborhood encourage readers to think about places where the author was writing and to understand historical events. The labor struggle in the book is based on the ineffective stockyard strike by workers of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen in Chicago in 1904. Sinclair, who was there as a journalist for the Socialist weekly Appeal to Reason, stood among a growing number of pro-labor social workers. Unlike Moody, however, Sinclair evidently had much less sympathy for the struggles of African Americans, as his racialist description of the strikebreakers makes clear.In fact, Sinclair described a group of the strikebreakers as â€Å"a throng of st upid black Negroes, and foreigners who could not understand a word that was said to them† (260). Sinclair describes the strikebreakers – especially the African Americans – as idle, unqualified, and threatening. He had the most tractable pupils, however. â€Å"See hyar, boss,† a big black â€Å"buck† would begin, â€Å"ef you doan’ like de way Ah does dis job, you kin get somebody else to do it. † Then a crowd would gather and listen, muttering threats. After the first meal nearly all the steel knives had been missing,and now every Negro had one, ground to a fine point, hidden in his boot (261). Sinclair's recurring mention of African American men as  «bucks » deserves attention. Studying the stereotypes of African Americans, Donald Bogle observes the character of the black buck or black brute in D. W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation. Bogle depicts the African Americans as â€Å"subhuman †¦ nameless characters setting out on a rampage of black rage. Bucks are always big, baaadd [sic] niggers, over sexed and savage, violent and frenzied as they lust for white flesh† (Foner 41). Sinclair presents a similar stereotype.He dramatizes the accusation by union officials in Chicago where African American strikebreakers brought amoral conditions to the plants because they were more lecherous than white workers. The lack of remonstrance to racist passages gives additional proof of white supremacy during this time, which claimed â€Å"that the Negro belonged to an inferior race and warned their comrades against violating the Caucasian purity of their association†. Unlike Sinclair, Moody presents the South through the eyes of Negro in the battle against Mississippi’s deep-rooted racist institutions and practices that remained largely unchallenged until the 1960s.While Sinclair again minimizes the cruelty against African American workers by simply saying that the â€Å"scab† who made the mi stake of going into Packingtown â€Å"fared badly† (263) Moody emphasizes the harsh realities of life in the Deep South in the mid-twentieth century—in Arkansas and Mississippi, respectively. As the critic Roger Rosenblatt has asserted, â€Å"No black American author has ever felt the need to invent a nightmare to make [her] point† (Foner 89). Touched by the powerful effects of these destructive forces, Ann Moody holds herself with dignity and self-respect.She moves forward toward a goal of self-sufficiency, combining a consciousness of self, an awareness of the political realities of black life in the South, and an appreciation of the responsibility that such awareness implies. Moody, however, is not entirely uncritical of the blacks in Mississippi. In fact, like Richard Wright’s Black Boy, the autobiography of Anne Moody can be read as an articulate yet restrained critique of certain aspects of southern black folk culture. It is a culture of fear that a ttempts to stifle inquisitiveness.Many black adults actively discourage the children from asking probing questions about race relations. A curious black child, they are afraid, might grow up to be a rebellious adult, and rebellion, they knew, could be lethal in Mississippi. When Moody, as a child, wants to know why whiteness is a marker of privilege or when she asks questions about reports of racially motivated violence, she is faced with a wall of silence or sometimes even intimidation. Later when she becomes an activist, some of her relatives plead with her to abandon her activism; some, in fear of white retaliation, refuse to associate with her.However, Moody’s fiercest criticism is directed at the whites. She is relentless in her assault on the Mississippi way of life. While she freely acknowledges the decency of some individual whites, even contemplates the possibility of interracial unity, she carefully exposes how the politics of color informs every aspect of life in M ississippi. With appropriately sharp sarcasm, the title of her autobiography alludes to Margaret Mead’s famous text Coming of Age in Samoa.Mead, an American anthropologist, examines in her work the social rituals and cultural codes that govern an individual’s passage from childhood to young adulthood in a supposedly â€Å"primitive† Samoan culture. In Coming of Age in Mississippi, with nearly anthropological precision, Moody maps her initiatory journey from innocence to experience among the seemingly â€Å"primitive† whites of Mississippi. Coming of Age in Mississippi is divided into four sections. In the first section, titled â€Å"Childhood,† Moody remembers her early years amid the grinding poverty of rural Mississippi.Even though her parents labor in the cotton fields from dawn to dusk almost every day of the week, they are barely able to feed and clothe their children. At age nine Moody starts doing domestic work for white families. After her father abandons the family, she works several hours a day after school and on weekends to help feed her siblings. The opening section of the autobiography concludes with her recollection of her first calculated act of resistance to the southern racial codes. She begins to work for Mrs. Burke, a white woman. On her first day on the job Moody enters Mrs.Burke’s house through the front door. The next day, when she knocks on the front door, Mrs. Burke directs her to the back entrance and Moody complies. However, the following morning, Moody knocks on the front door again. Once Mrs. Burke realizes that she cannot dictate Moody’s conduct, she lets her do the domestic chores without complaining. â€Å"Working for her,† says Moody, â€Å"was a challenge,† and Mrs. Burke would be the â€Å"first one of her type† that Moody would defy as she grows older (117). Moody’s minor revolt against Mrs. Burke foreshadows her later civil rights activism.Her poli tical awakening begins during her teenage years, and Moody chronicles those years in the book’s second section, titled â€Å"High School. † When she asks her mother for the meaning of â€Å"NAACP† (127)—something she had overheard Mrs. Burke mention to a group of white women who regularly meet at her house—her mother angrily tells her never to mention that word in front of any white persons and orders her to complete her homework and go to sleep. Shortly thereafter Moody discovers that there is one adult in her life who could offer her the answers she seeks: Mrs.Rice, her homeroom teacher. Like Mrs. Bertha Flowers in Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Mrs. Rice plays a pivotal role in Moody’s maturation. She not only answers Moody’s questions about Emmett Till and the NAACP, but she volunteers a great deal more information about the state of race relations in Mississippi. Moody’s early curiosity about the NA ACP resurfaces later when she attends Tougaloo College. Titled â€Å"College,† the third section of the autobiography reveals Moody’s increasing commitment to political activism.The fourth and final section of the autobiography, titled â€Å"Movement,† documents Moody’s full-scale involvement in the struggle for civil rights. In the opening chapter of the final section Moody narrates her participation in a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Jackson. She and three other civil rights workers—two of them white—take their seats at the lunch counter. They are, predictably, denied service, but the four continue to sit and wait. Soon a large number of white students from a local high school pour into Woolworth’s.When the students realize that a sit-in is in progress, they crowd around Moody and her companions and begin to taunt them. The verbal abuse quickly turns physical. Moody, along with the other three, is beaten, kicked, a nd â€Å"dragged about thirty feet toward the door by [her] hair† (226). Then all four of them are â€Å"smeared with ketchup, mustard, sugar, pies and everything on the counter† (226). The abuse continues for almost three hours until they are rescued by Dr. Beittel, the president of Tougaloo College who arrives after being informed of the violence.When Moody is escorted out of Woolworth’s by Dr. Beittel, she realizes that â€Å"about ninety white police officers had been standing outside the store; they had been watching the whole thing through the windows, but had not come in to stop the mob or do anything† (267). This experience helps Moody understand â€Å"how sick Mississippi whites were† and how â€Å"their disease, an incurable disease,† could prompt them even to kill to preserve â€Å"the segregated Southern way of life† (267). In the chapters that follow she comments on the impact of the assassinations of Medgar Evers and Pre sident John F.Kennedy on the civil rights movement, the escalating turmoil across the South, and her participation in the attempts to integrate white churches in Jackson on the Sunday after the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. The short final chapter ends with her joining a busload of civil rights workers on their way to Washington, D. C. As the bus moves through the Mississippi landscape, her fellow travelers sing the anthem of the civil rights movement: â€Å"We shall overcome† (384). As she listens to the words of the song, Moody wonders. The autobiography ends with two short sentences: I WONDER. I really WONDER† (384).The word wonder, in the context of the autobiography, lends itself to two different meanings. On the one hand, it suggests that Moody is skeptical if blacks in Mississippi will ever â€Å"overcome,† as the anthem asserts. On the other hand, the word reveals her awe over her participation in a mass movement, her remarkable journey from her impove rished childhood on a plantation to her defiant participation as a young adult in a social rebellion that will shake the foundations of Mississippi, and the dignity and determination she sees on the faces of her fellow travelers on the bus to Washington, D. C. Both novels work well in determining the distinction between revolution and reform.The result, the Meat Inspection Act of 1906, was championed as a victory of progressive reform, but in many ways it was a defeat for Sinclair and his revolutionary ambition. Coming of Age in Mississippi expanded coverage and broadened understanding of the black freedom movement beyond the traditional major events, individuals, and institutions. Moody examined the relationship between organized labor and the black freedom struggle. Her book opened new ways of understanding the southern movement.The economic forces that inspired the works by Upton Sinclair and Anne Moody still operate. And the books do more than prove the importance of interracial labor solidarity. The works remind us that racialized enmity and violence are never without moral, political, and socioeconomic consequences. Works Cited Foner, Eric. The New American History. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1990. Moody, Anne. Coming of Age in Mississippi. Laurel Editions, 1992. Sinclair, Upton. The jungle. Memphis, Tenn. : St. Lukes’s Press, 1988.

Blackrock by Nick Enright Essay

The impact of difference that is revealed in nick Enright’s text ‘Blackrock’ and Ed Fischer’s ‘go to the closet’ is that gender difference and those who are of different belief can majorly impact a group/individual badly. In peculiar being a female in a immature male’s society. or holding the belief that homosexualism is acceptable in society. The drama ‘Blackrock’ portrays gender difference within the community where adult females are discriminated against and don’t have ample chances in which the males about ever have. The male characters have a close bond and an equal sum of regard for each. due to being a male. Whilst handling females with small regard. The males expect that the females have to listen and make what is asked of them. exteriorizing them sexually. Then utilizing derogative linguistic communication towards them. Scott- â€Å"piss off. you old scoria. † When non populating up to their criterions. In a figure of scenes. the intervention of the males to females is shown significantly. When ricko asks jarred to cover up for him and lie to the constabulary. jarred feels obligated to protect his ‘bro’ alternatively of helping in justness for one of the misss. At the party the misss are yet once more expected to move a certain manner and harmonizing to the male childs they should move flirty every bit good as ‘put out’ . As the misss explore their gender. as requested by the male childs they get sworn at every bit good as abused. Scott-â€Å"she’s been through ricko already. Now its Gary. Now she’s a fucken set mole. † Towards the terminal of the drama the males show no compunction for their behavior against Tracey. and suggest that Tracey was moving a certain manner for them to prosecute in sexual dealingss. claiming that she consented. As a effect of their actions Tracey was left entirely and vulnerable. go forthing ricko the opportunity to take advantage of the province Tracey was in. However in supporting toby. Stewart expresses apprehensiveness of what would go on to toby if he was convicted of his offenses. and one time imprisoned as a immature male would so perchance go a victim of sexual assault within the prison walls of adult work forces. Rachel points out that gender difference in the affair of everyone being disdainful about Tracey’s assault and the fact of affair that the behavior being excused and unaccounted for. The misss stick to together earlier. during and after the party. Scott- â€Å"couple of lezzos. are you. † Additionally the text ‘go to the closet’ besides depicts favoritism due to gender differences. In this sketch facial looks and manus gestures by the Puritans who look disgusted and intolerant of the homosexual twosome. indicating them towards the cupboard. This suggests that society does non digest homosexualism because it is different. Ed Fischer’s is carrying the audience about difference of same sex matrimony. and his sentiment on the Puritans. every bit good as the unlawful intervention that some people receive is unbearable. it is incorrect and to non know apart against people with different sexual mention. In add-on to both the text and sketch. difference in gender or gender can consequence an individual/group in such a harmful manner. whether it be traceys decease. or the 2 homophiles being ‘sent back into the closet’ . Not merely adult females but other different pinioned people should ever be accepted and acknowledge the facts that it is acceptable in today’s society.

Automobile Pollution Essay

Automobiles can cause many different kinds of pollution in the environment. Air, health and groundwater pollution are of the most common. The reasons for these problems can be contributed to exhaust systems and light switches that are standard equipment on most cars today. Older and newer cars alike are equipped with a catalytic converter system. Which are supposed to convert hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into harmless materials emitted from the automobiles engine. According to Robert Harley, when nitrogen oxide from the engines exhaust is â€Å"over- reduced,† a complex chemical reaction ensues. Ammonia gas (NH3) forms in the catalytic converter, which is then emitted from the vehicles tailpipe and released into the air. These ammonia gasses are the cause of haze and may also cause serious health problems. The catalytic converter not only hurts but also helps the environment. Automobiles that have this system on them produce close to 50% less hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and other gasses. (Converters 1) Which in the long run helps the ozone from depleting even more than it has already. Another problem we face is having vehicles with mercury light switches in the trunk and hood. Mercury is a fluid metallic element that is toxic and can cause various health problems, air and groundwater pollution also. Ford is one of the automobile companies that still use mercury in light switches and certain antilock brake components. The mercury becomes a problem only after vehicles containing it are taken to a junkyard and destroyed. When these vehicles are destroyed the mercury seeps out into the environment and is absorbed into the ground eventually to make its way in to our water supplies. While in the water it can contaminate the fish that in turn we end up eating. Another way the mercury makes it way into the environment is during the process of melting the vehicles in steel furnaces where the mercury vaporizes into the air. (Mercury 1) These particles then can act as a contribution to global warming. Ford has been urged to remove these mercury switches and replace them with a ball bearing switch that costs about 38 cents in all vehicles that are brought in for service, repair, or recall. As of right now Ford has no plans of removing these mercury switches in any of its serviced vehicles. But Ford is currently working with the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures and the Association of International Automobile Manufactures and waste-management directors to eliminate and replace the switches containing mercury in their upcoming vehicles. (Mercury 2) If Ford and other car companies that use mercury switches decide to do this it can eliminate up to 2. 5 tons of mercury from our environment. The problems of automobile pollution mentioned above are only a small portion of the pollution problems we face from automobiles. Many people wonder how these and many other problems that automobiles cause can be fixed, and many have come up with possible solutions. But only a few of the solutions are actually practical. I think we should abolish gas burning engines and start using electrical vehicles. This would eliminate all of the pollution problems. Electric vehicles were once thought to only be a futuristic fantasy, but recently have become a reality. These vehicles are a very environmentally friendly replacement for older gas burning automobiles. Electric vehicles do not require tune-ups or oil changes. These vehicles also don’t emit any ozone depleting gasses and or fumes. Making them a perfect remedy for the already hurting environment. As of right now the idea of an electric car is still in it works and the common gas burning automobile will be around for many more years to come. All we can do is hope that one day that someone will come with a vehicle that is environmentally safe and can help eliminate these problems that automobiles cause today.

Arguments for and Against Term Limits Essay

My research indicated there is more public support for term limits. The most common reason was voters feel dissatisfied and misrepresented by the candidate in office. It is believed that career politicians are elitists and do not have a clear understanding of what â€Å"real† people are dealing with or need. Term limits would create an even playing field for newcomers allowing new ideas and fresh thinkers into the mix. Newcomers would be less influenced by special interests and reduce corruption. Those opposed to term limits primarily support the premise that replacing seasoned experienced politicians with inexperienced members that are unfamiliar with the issues is detrimental to moving things forward. It takes years of experience to get up to speed on the issues and the rules of government. Limiting terms would be restrictive and eliminate the â€Å"good† guy politicians that are doing a good job representing the people. It is common that term limited politicians are not as committed toward the end of their term because they don’t have to worry about their record of accomplishments for re-election. When I first started to work on this assignment I was convinced that I was in favor of term limits for federally-elected officials. I was convinced that term limits were a good idea in order to reduce corruption and generate fresh ideas. After doing some initial research I realized that term limits are not the solution to government reform. The people elect government officials. It is up to the voters to vote in change, get involved, and support their candidate of choice. Voting is a civil liberty for all secured by the sacrifices of others. It is our citizen responsibility to invoke our right to vote and to be informed, educated voters. References htttp://dbp.idebate.org /en/index.php/Debate:_Term_limits_for_legislators http://suite101.com/article/term-limits-are-set-at-the-polls-a214115

Genetic Engineering and the Law Essay

To understand the ethical implications of genetic engineering, we must first understand what genetic engineering is. Genes are units that code for specific characteristics. Such characteristics are hair and eye colour and we inherit these from our parents. It is chromosomes in the cell nuclei than enable your body to inherit features or, more specifically, it is the DNA that makes up the chromosomes that forms a unique genetic code for every human being (apart from identical twins). It is estimated that the human body has around 50,000 to 100,000 different genes contained inside, some of which have been linked to certain diseases. Scientists claim to have identified 4,000 conditions that are linked to just one fault or defect in a persons genetic makeup, which is where genetic engineering comes in. At present a project is taking place to identify the function of every gene in the human body. ‘The Human Genome Project’ aims to uncover the cause for many diseases and find a cure for them. One such way, is genetic engineering. Genetic engineering, as a cure for disease, is the removal of a defective gene sequence and the remodelling of it. But this isn’t the only definition given for genetic engineering. Compassion in World Farming describes it as ‘the taking of genes from one species of plant or animal and inserting them into a completely different species’. It is obvious, therefore, that genetic engineering is used for different things, in different situations. In this essay I will look at some of the varying uses genetic engineering has in today’s world and the ethical implications of such uses. Genetic Engineering and the Law At present human cloning is illegal in the UK, although there are many countries were such a law does not exist. And although, technically, it may be possible to clone humans in the way animals have been, the Act of Parliament strictly forbids ‘ever doing with human eggs what we have done with sheep eggs’ Dr Ron James Head of PPL Therapeutics. Nor are scientists allowed to mass produce human eggs for in-vitro fertilisation- something that many scientists have been pushing for for years. Genetically modified crops are also strictly controlled by the law. Such UK laws include: The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992 and The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992. These laws are in addition to the standard For Safety Act which specifies that food ‘must be fit for consumption’. Several government bodies have been set up to assess and regulate GM foods including ACNFP, COT, FAC and, the most important, The Department of Environment. The DOE requires tat anyone proposing a release must apply to them for consent first. It is then advised by the Advisory Committee on Release to the Environment on the granting of consents. At a European level, the Regulation on Novel Foods and Food Ingredients was introduced in May 1997 and covers labelling of foods ‘no longer equivalent’ to it’s conventional counterparts. But despite the introduction of laws, many people are still unhappy, and are pushing for further action. For example the CIWF believe GM meat should be clearly labelled, although they also say it should not be sold in the first place. They see the genetic engineering of farm animals for food as cruel and unnecessary. But the question remains: are they right? Few people know the implications of genetic engineering and what it really involves and many are ignorant of what to expect from GM. Genetic Engineering and Animals/ Humans Everyone knows the story of the first cloned animal. The Finn Dorset sheep, known as Dolly, was the first new-born mammal to be cloned from adult cells and is a miracle for scientists the world over. She had opened many new windows of opportunity for scientists who hope to soon be able to clone humans using the same technology. The possibilities really are endless. A single cell from an elite racehorse could be used to create hundreds of identical copies, each with the same elite genetic makeup. However pleasing this heady new discovery is, there is a widespread argument over whether or not cloning is right. Is it simply a wonderful new way to develop a generation of disease-free animals and humans or is it tampering with nature and playing God? Many people see it as the answer to all problems, that screening can reveal vital information about a person’s life span and health future. Genetic engineering could, in theory, identify genetic defects early on, giving time to replace the faulty gene and cure the sufferer. Predicting disease is a major use for genetic engineering and one that could change the way we live forever. At present scientist are working on a genetic test known as the GeneChip. They claim in a few years doctors will be able to take a simple mouth swab and, using the GeneChip, look through your DNA for disease prospects. Although they have come under fire from their critics, geneticists argue that anyone is entitled to know what their future holds for the health-wise. Indeed they say the information can be vital for planning out the rest of your life if, for example, you are a woman with a likelihood to develop breast cancer. Pre-natal diagnosis is also another option that could soon be open to the public. Parents could be made aware of any flaws there may be in their child’s DNA and could decide whether or not to carry on with the pregnancy. Genetic engineering could also be used to grow substances like human insulin and growth hormone on a huge level. Currently scientists are looking at introducing blood-clotting genes for haemophiliacs and purifying milk from GM sheep for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. They are also hoping to study presently incurable diseases in the hope they might be able to introduce a cure using genetic engineering. There are also high hopes for animals in genetic engineering. Transgenic animals (or those that have been given a gene from another animal) have many uses. They can produce more meat and milk, feeding the starving, and they can grow faster, with the possibility of less fatty meat. They can be bred to resist disease, but also develop disease so they might be tested on for further research. A biotechnology firm in Cambridge is working on a transgensic pig that could be bred to grow desperately needed organs for transplant into human beings. The technique can also be used to ‘knock out genes’, deleting proteins so that they might prevent BSE in cows. But it isn’t all good news for genetic engineering, in fact there is a lengthy and strong argument as to why it is dangerous to go to take it to these levels. Many have disagreed with the predicting of disease, saying that many people may not be able to cope with the knowledge that they may contract a terminal disease- it could ruin lives. Also there has been widespread outcry over the Association of Insurance Brokers’ announcement that it will not offer life insurance over i 100,100 to anyone who had taken a genetic test that had predicted fatal disease and since 1995 there has been pressure form MP’s to develop a code of practise concerning genetic screening. There are also fears of employers discriminating against potential employees who have the potential for life threatening illness in later life. Although scientists hope genetic engineering will provide many choices for parents, the BMA has voiced it’s concerns that the industry will cause ‘selective breeding’ or the choice to abort a baby because of undesirable characteristics such as physical traits. The BMA have also said people have been mislead about the power to screen for later abnormalities. It says ‘The number of abnormalities which can be detected in this way is limited and few of the tests are conclusive’. The problem many people have with genetic engineering is the risk of error that is involved. Screening is complex and it is difficult to be precise every time. Faulty diagnosis could put an end to job prospects or insurance benefits, not to mention the psychological problems arising from finding out you have the potential to contract a fatal disease.