Brazil Culture Night Essay

We have a lot of different cultural events going on, but at the International House there is always a culture event every two or three weeks. They usually dedicate a week to a specific culture. They show movies, do lectures, have coffee night and much more. They have different cultures every time. International House had culture events on different cultures like: China, Brazil, Japanese, French, Nepali, German, India, and many more. I have been to many of these culture events. One event in particular that I had been to recently is Brazil culture night. Brazil culture night was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. The doors opened at 6:00 but the actual event started at 6:30 and it lasted until 8:30. The event was held in the International House Great Room where all the events are usually held. I was very excited to go to this event because I know very little about Brazil but I have heard a lot and I was very excited to go and find out new things about Brazil. I specially wanted to see the food and the music. And the language, Portuguese. When I first walked in the lobby of International House it was packed! Everywhere there were lots of people. I saw different age group people from kids to late adults. This made me even more exciting, I love to see lots of people coming to event it just makes it even more fun. In the beginning as soon as you go in, you get your food and you find a place to sit. When I saw the food, my mouth got so watery. My Portuguese professor from last semester was serving us food, and she had told me that she made most of this food. This surprised me because I never thought that she could make this great food. The food was amazing, I specifically loved the desert, I did not know what it was called but it was all chocolaty and it was shaped like a round ball. After every one got sattled in, which completely filled the Great Room there was no space for anyone to sit, some people were even standing. And then the program started around 9:30. There were two presentations, one from the Brazilian people itself and another one was a students here who went there to do the study abroad program. Both of these presentations were very interesting, I learned a lot from them. It made me want to go to Brazil to do the study abroad program. The places they went to were just so beautiful. Later they had the band, â€Å"Cafà © Basil† and they played amazing as well. I realized that I really enjoy Portuguese music I never thought that I would like this type of music but I really enjoyed it. Later they had the Jiu-Jitsu demonstration, which was really interesting. I wish I could something like that. And at the end there was some Samba dance demonstrations, which Joanna presented. I was just mind blown when I saw it! They taught people from audience and then some people just joined them. I really enjoyed the Samba dance. They also had a traditional dancing. Overall I really enjoyed myself there. There was not a better way I would have wanted to spend my Wednesday night. I really enjoyed the food and loved the Samba dancing. I am really glad that they pass flyers around campus, post these events on International House website and also they use facebook to get a lot of people coming to these events. They always have a great out come. Sometimes they do not even have enough food left for the helpers. They have volunteers helping during these events. These volunteers are students and most of them are from the club, Asian American Association. I believe that these students do a great job, in weather it if preparing the food or preparing for the event. One another positive thing about these events held at the International House is that, these events allow us to meet new people outside of what we normally see, who our normal friends are. I have made a lot of new friend from going to these events. I have friends from lots of different culture only because I go to these culture events and I see them there. These events also allows us to experience other culture but in our own comfort zone. I also like how the main focus of these events is that, it show people on campus the similarities and differences between cultures in an interesting fun way, which everyone enjoys. I learned a lot from these events. Like I learned to do a little of Samba dancing and some interesting facts and also the food was amazing. I think they should just keep up the good work that they are doing. They should find a bigger room so that everyone could sit and enjoy but other then that it was wonderful. I loved it!

Children of Men Film Essay

Children of Men is a thought provoking film directed by Alfonso Cuaron which explored the possibility of hope in the face of overwhelming despair. The film has a fearful, chaotic mood within the setting of a dystopian world in London 2027. Visual and verbal techniques such as camera techniques, diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and symbolism were effectively used across the film. Cuaron used these techniques to show the audience that the search for self preservation demonstrates ignorance for the good of humanity. However, Even though morality is lost when the world deteriorates, hope can still be found in mankind’s bleakest moments; as the darkness of humanity cannot exist without the light, which shows that it’s future. In a world where the deterioration of humanity has caused destruction to a society, people tried to hold on to the last bit of hope while having to survive in the abyss of despair. An example is the diegetic sound of a news reporter on TV in a coffee shop, reporting the tragic death of Baby Diego. â€Å"The world was stunned today by the death of Diego Ricardo. Diego Ricardo, the youngest person on the planet was 18 years, 4 months, 20 days, 16 hours and 8 minutes old†. By stating Diego’s age to the exact minute, the reporter emphasizes his significance as he was the youngest person alive after 18 years of infertility. Cuaron used this technique to enlarge the great grief and devastation that the rest of the world suffers due to the tragic event. Making the audience see that the fragile fate of humanity has been dealt a shattering blow, it looks as if mankind’s last flicker of hope has been extinguished along with Diego’s death, and the species of human ra ce will perish. Another successful sound effect used by Cuaron was tinnitus. This verbal technique is a ringing sound one hears when ears are damaged after loud noises, and it was used after the bomb explosion in the coffee shop. The tinnitus is sympathizing as the ringing sound is heard by Theo as well as the audience, relating the audience to Theo’s experience and making them more involved in the film. This technique is symbolic as Cuaron expresses that the dull reality prevents us from hearing our surroundings, foreshadowing Theo’s numb emotion and reaction towards the situation. Cuaron used this technique to highlight the fearful and chaotic environment, constantly reminding audience the death and despair Theo experienced. The film is very much relatable to our society as the destructed world in the film does not seem so distant from our own. Cuaron makes the audience realize that if we are not careful and take care of crucial issues, it is possible that similar situations in the f ilm could become our future. The frequent use of visual techniques by Cuaron also developed the despairing environment in the film. One example is a reverse angle shot of Theo and the suicide kit Quietus at Jasper’s house. The suicide kit was handed out by the government, showing that even the government had no intention of dealing with existing issues and preferred the easy way out. The white and pale blue colour of Quietus symbolizes peacefulness, showing that instead of keep living in the abyss of desperation, people would rather die to escape the corrupted world. This is appalling to the audiences as Cuaron makes them realize that life was no longer important in the gloomy society of the film. Without hope and faith for the future, the only control people had when facing despair was the option of suicide. Another example that develops the idea of despair is the use of a mid shot out of the bus to Bexhill. The mid shot shows refuges caught by immigration police; locked up in cages, beaten and shot. This technique reinforces audience to see the visual allusions created by Cuaron, as the situation is somewhat similar to the Nazi roundups. With the use of this visual technique, Cuaron is able to show us a world where government control has become so powerful that humanity no longer exists, and the inhuman treatments that the immigrants received were not noticed or cared by British citizens. The refugees were hidden away from society and irresponsibly dealt with so the issue doesn’t have to be taken care of. Cuaron’s purpose is for the audience to see that society tends to, and is, ignoring larger issues which cause discomfort simply because it is the easy way out. However, we all have the responsibility to help each other out and solve existing issues within the community, in order to bring right and justice to the society. There are also hopeful situations throughout the film. This can be explored by the use of non diegetic music â€Å"Fragments of a Prayer† as Kee symbolically revealed her pregnancy to Theo in a barn. The music was implemented several times in the film during moments of hope. The holy shrill voices of the song manipulates viewer to believe that there is always hope as Kee undid her clothes to show her miraculous pregnancy. Theo’s dialogue of â€Å"Jesus Christ† after he saw Kee’s belly symbolically brings realization of biblical allusion to the audience. Surrounded by sheep and cows, Kee was the connotation of Virgin Mary. The similarities allow viewer a deeper understanding of how important Kee’s pregnancy was to mankind, in both cases it was the carrier of humanity’s savior that was in undergoing the long journey. Cuaron also used lighting techniques to highlight the unborn baby’s representation of hope midst despair. The chiaroscuro lighting creates a light shade effect during the revelation of the baby. Darkness in the barn emphasized a patch light on Kee’s belly. Her glowing belly seemed radiate shine, making it look angelic. Cuaron successfully used these techniques to tell the audience that Kee’s pregnancy was a brief moment of humanity allowed that existed in a world determined to tear itself apart. A further biblical reference is Theo’s similarities to Jesus. His character is non-violent, despite being surrounded by guns and bombs. While defending and protecting Kee, he never used or carried weapons. Theo was also consistently surrounded by animals, which are used throughout the film as indicators of goodness and trustworthiness. By using these Christianity symbols, Cuaron reveals a cautious faith in humanity in the characterization of Theo as he came to demonstrate man’s best attributes, compassion, self-sacrifice and hope. Another example which develops the ide a of hope is the establishing shot of Kee, the baby and Theo on the boat staggering towards the Ship of Tomorrow to get to the Human Project. The non diegetic music of â€Å"Fragments of a Prayer† was again used, setting ablaze to hope as Kee was getting closer to safety. When Kee questioned whether they were too late, Theo answered â€Å"Trust me, they’ll come back†. This dialogue contrasts with his dialogue earlier in the film â€Å"Why do people believe this crap†¦ Too late the world went to shit†. Cuaron used this contrast to show the change in Theo to which he was no longer numb about the corrupted world and finally found hope and faith for the future. This provides the audience with catharsis, and it is a release from action to allow viewer to believe that everything will get better. Cuaron’s purpose is for the audience to understand that dread and fear can have a damaging effect on society but is also a driving force behind the vital change needed to save our planet. We should always hope but think and act now because the final result is up to us. In conclusion, a variety of visual and verbal techniques were used by Cuaron throughout Children of Men. These techniques created a destructed and gloomy society which allows viewers to seek through the failure of future construction along with the bleak and brilliant of hope and humanity. Revealing how humanity’s nature and glory is essential in order for human race to maintain faith and stay in a balance of compatibility. Challenging viewers to consider the effect of manmade actions on the current world and how it is shaping the future.

Jacques Bertrand’s ‘Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict in Indonesia’

The book to be analyzed is Jacques Bertrand's ‘Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict in Indonesia', published by Cambridge University Press in 2004. This book is seen as one of the most recent writings on the subject of ethnic conflicts as they are, and through the prism of the situation in Indonesia.Jacques Bertrand is known for the deep scientific research in the area of Asian studies; Bertrand is the authors of numerous works related to Indonesian conflicts and ethnic backgrounds, so the book may be seen as either a continuation of this research, or as the means of concluding all previous knowledge and making it more systematic, thus eliminating unnecessary information and creating a clear picture of what the situation is and what the roots of this situation are.A question may appear (as well as serious doubts) as for how a Professor and a scientists of Toronto University, which is not even close to Indonesia could perform such deep research and whether the ideas given in the book can be trusted and can be relevant, but Bertrand was able to view the situation from inside, visiting Indonesia and conducting the research there. These ‘research trips' as the author calls them, transformed the initial idea and image of the book, and the resulting work is the one we read now.Speaking about the situation when a foreign author writes about ethnic conflicts of some other country, it has both its advantages and drawbacks. Taking into account that the author states ‘many people from various non-governmental organizations across Indonesia provided me with assistance, contacts and resources' (Bertrand 2004, p. xv), it may be assumed that the conclusions made in the book are relevant and reliable. 2.The author's purpose of writing this book was systematization of the information which had already been at disposal and needed deeper analysis and application in the theories described in the book; however, probably the principal aim of writing this book was to fin d possible solutions of the conflict situation. ‘I only hope that my work, in its very small way, can help to elucidate some aspects of the conflict and perhaps contribute to the reconciliation process'. (Bertrand 2004, p. xv) 3. One of the principal benefits of the book is that Bertrand was able to make huge systematization of the already existing material.This is clearly seen through the strict structure of the book, with each part addressing the separate aspect of the conflict without tearing it off the general line of discussion. Thus, step by step, the reader fills the image of the situation which he has given through the beginning of the book, with additional aspects and details, making it multidimensional. ‘The argument of this book consequently differs from other studies that have addressed various aspects of the ethnic violence of the late 1990s'. (Bertrand 2004, p.6) The principal difference and one of the main advantages of this classification is that it is do ne through three lines – the first one described what role elites play in raising ethnic conflict; here Bertrand was brave enough to deny the strength of certain arguments and evidences (for example, the role of outside forces) and to re-direct discussion into understanding, what forces linked local groups to elites, and why so many people joined the riots. The whole structure of the book is made as leading the reader to the possible conclusions step by step.From the very beginning the author gives basic theoretical approaches as for the possibilities of escalating ethnic violence. The advantages of making this chapter the first is in giving serious background for the reader to understand what roots of violence and ethnic conflicts exist at present, which helps to make personal conclusions as for which of the theories is applicable to the situation in Indonesia. Bernard tries to explain the core of ethnic violence through the conjunction and interrelation of nationalism, inst itutions and relations between ethnic groups.It has been emphasized through the book that all previous studies had focused on national ethnic identities as well as various socio-economic factors; not a single theory had made any stress on the assumption that ethnic violence becomes relevant through the periods of institutional reconstruction of the state. (Bertrand 2004, p. 10) These theoretic approaches are also seen through the light of the nationalism/ ethnic conflict connection, in which Bernard sees the essential aspect – nationalism is what links nations to the states (Bertrand 2004, p.15), and while it is often seen as a very negative aspect, in its moderate forms nationalism is what defines the ‘face' of nation. Having once paid attention to the assumption that religion is the core of the ethnic conflict in Indonesia, Bernard follows this line across the several more sections, coming to the point that the discussion of how religious issues are managed in the cou ntry and how islamization influenced the ethnic structure and relation of people in Indonesia will finally become the correct choice giving the ideas as for how this conflict should be solved.Making logical structure, Bernard leads the reader to the issue of religion as leading in Indonesian ethnic conflicts, gradually; starting the section of religious conflicts with the description of their essence, the reader goes through the explanation of connections between riots and religion, as well as the fall of Sukarto's regime which is seen one of the pushing forces for the escalation of ethnic violence. ‘Though the violence was directed most clearly at the ethnic Chinese, religious undertones were nevertheless present'. (Bertrand 2004, p. 102) – this quotation shows the objectivity of analysis.Bernard tries to avoid categorical statements and assumes that the analysis of the Indonesian ethnic conflicts should be done very carefully; the author is rather cautious in many sta tements which make the reader understand the striving for being objective. In explaining the reasons for religious riots, for example, Bernard was rather critical of the previous analyses made by other authors, but even in that case it has not been done in denying way, but through the prism of the knowledge which the author possessed and wanted to deliver to the public.(Bertrand 2004, p. 111) Making autonomy or federalism the best resolution of the ethnic conflict, Bernard explains this position stating that ‘autonomy could redistribute political power, representation, and control over the state's resources to provincial or district levels. As such, it gave political elites in these territorial units more power to direct resources to their specific needs' (Bertrand 2004, p.185) Thus, having started the book with the discussion of the political local elites as one of the major participants of ethnic violence, having gone through historical and religious aspects, Bernard still c omes back to these elites in the solution, seeing it as the most beneficial. As it has become clear, the structure is absolutely strict, vivid, logical and correct. The book can be viewed as the basis for deep analysis and understanding the misconceptions which existed in the previous studies on the same subject. These misconceptions have also partially been mentioned here.4. The assumptions which underlie the author's argument mainly touch the aspect of religion; the basic assumption is that religious conflicts become the moving forces for the ethnic conflict, as well as that local elites need self-identification, which also leads them to riots and ethnic violence. One more useful assumption is that though many riots had no religious tint on the surface, the conflict between Islam and Christianity is the ground on which ethnic conflicts grew; with assuming that local elites play not the last role in creating these riots.It is also possible to assume that ethnic violence is used as cover for elimination of the undesired religious layers; this assumption can be seen through the whole book, though it is not expressed openly, but is rather implied. 5. How to categorize the author's approach to the problem? I would state that it is a combination of sociological and political approaches. It is suggested that sociological approach is viewed through the analysis of the connections between the elites of various level (national, local).Political approach is seen through the suggestion that autonomy will be the best resolution of the conflict. The question is here what other views and perspectives could be used here and how they could change the whole book. Let's think – the two approaches used by the author are beneficial because they make it possible to come to the relevant conclusions and to make real suggestions as for the possible solutions. If this approach was philosophical – it would be absolutely different and probably deeper, but it would not be possible to create basic resolutions for the conflict.6. Methodology which was used by the author is mostly interviewing – Bernard spent rather long time speaking to native people and living among them to gather all information possible for the book. As it is stated in the very first section of the book, ‘colleagues provided useful comments on parts of the manuscript or related papers, some influenced my ideas in discussions at various venues where I presented my work, or forced me to revise my analysis significantly in light of their constructive criticism'. (Bertrand 2004, p. xiv) 7.It may seem difficult to define what audience Bernard addresses in this book. Looking closer at the language in which the book is written, and thinking of what audience should be the best for reading the theoretical and practical material, it may be assumed that this book will be the most suitable for the researchers who now only work in he area of Asian conflicts and would be interested i n information about Indonesia – the theoretical background is so strong that it can be used in any related sociological and political studies in the area of the ethnic conflicts, violence and their reasons and sources.Moreover, the line which the author makes through the book (the logical line) can also be used by professionals in analyzing other regions of the world in the similar manner. Though the references made by Bernard to other works and authors, are all noted in the book, it is still easier to be read for those who have an idea about these works and what these works are about. 8. Any author can be criticized and it is always possible to find weak sides in any work, no matter how professional it can be.There of course can be other views on the problem, and Bernard was wise enough as to show these viewpoints in this work and to critically analyze them on the basis of the knowledge available from her life in Indonesia, though it is also possible to look at the problem n ot through religious prism, but through the prism of political reasons of striving for autonomy, for example, and in this case the research would take a different form.For example, Bowen (1996) speaks about ethnic conflicts viewing them through social conflict and the importance of political choices, without any relation to religion. In his article he writes that emerging of the political systems is the crucial element for avoiding violence in any form, and though Bernard relates to institutional changes in the political structure, the arguments are still directed towards religion. 9.Though it may be suggested that while the book was published in 2004, three years might have created serious effect on the Indonesian regime and much could have changed after that. One of the recent articles in Washington Times about Indonesia (Anonymous 2005 p. A22) and its violence on the ethnic background has given assurance that Bernard was right – the arguments given about the Sukarno regime and its impact on raising ethnic conflict are only supported and are not denied and even neutralized.Though the tendency towards democratization of the Indonesian society was noted as an important political factor for eliminating violence and destroying the grounds for the conflict; when population has received the right to elect and to vote, it has become clear that the Sukarno regime's supporters would not have many chances to win the elections. While Bertrand states at the end of the book that ‘the end of regime opened up opportunities for renegotiating new terms of inclusion, or secession, for ethnonationalist groups', (Bertrand 2004, p. 217) this assumption is supported by the abovementioned article.Thus, it is not possible to say that the arguments given by Bernard were weakened with time; the perspective drawn by the author was developed as predicted, and the absence of any recent articles on violence in Indonesia is the best support for the prediction that renegotiati ng of ethnic groups has taken place. 10. The significance of the writing analyzed here is not under any doubts; it has become clear that the analysis made by Bertrand is so deep that it cannot be stated any other author has been able to conduct the research of such large scale over the recent years.The significance of this writing is more increased through the two following factors: first of all, it has been done ‘from inside' of the situation with Bertrand undertaking multiple research trips to the country; and second, seeing the serious conclusions touching the need of autonomy, to which the author was able to come. References Anonymous 2005, ‘Democratizing Indonesia', The Washington Times, September 23, p. A22 Bertrand, Jacques 2004, Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict in Indonesia, Cambridge University Press. Bowen, JR 1996, ‘The myth of global ethnic conflict', Journal of Democracy, vol. 7, no. 4, p. 3-14

Biology What Are Your Career Goals and How Do Your Immediate Educational Plans Fit Into Them Essay

Biomedical Science Biomedical Science is the application of biology – based science for medical use. It will allow you to learn the human body at the whole body, organ, tissue, cell and sub cellular level. You will also learn how these systems can go wrong in various diseases and how accurate diagnosis can be made using a variety of laboratory tests. Biomedical Science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long-term career prospect including research, management and education. Biomedical Scientist Biomedical Scientist learns scientific and personal skills and gain qualification that can be transferred all over the world and can be recognised globally. BTEC HND Biomedical Science graduates may apply for the associate membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science in the UK after obtaining 5 years of relevant work experience. Careers Hospital laboratory biomedical scientist Industrial laboratory bio-scientist Bio-science research Medicine or Dentistry (after acceptance in medical school and further training) Science teaching Transfer Opportunities Students, who successfully complete HND in Biomedical Science, can transfer to Northumbria University Biomedical Science Degree which is accredited by the Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS). It provides the education and training required to become a Registered Biomedical Scientist. awarded by BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) BTEC HND in Biomedical Science is a 16 unit higher level qualification which is awarded by Edexcel UK. Programme Structure Unit 01 Unit 02 Unit 03 Unit 04 Unit 05 Unit 06 Unit 07 Unit 08 Cell Biology Biochemistry Human Physiology Laboratory Techniques Medical Microbiology Project Analysis of Scientific Information and Data Quality Assurance & Quality Control Unit 09 Unit 10 Unit 11 Unit 12 Unit 13 Unit 14 Unit 15 Unit 16 Histology and Haematology†¦ [continues]

Christian man Essay

Miller re-defined what a hero is 1949. He did this because up until this point it was Aristotle’s definition that writers followed when writing a tragic drama. Aristotle wrote that it was only a character with nobility from birth could become a hero. This means that only a character that is a King or a nobleman could become a hero. Aristotle also said that a hero is a character that overcomes a conflict with a higher power, usually the Gods. However Miller wrote in 1949 that a hero could be any character that ‘to secure one thing – his sense of personal dignity. ‘ This shows us that Miller thought that any character could be a hero as long as he had the willingness to become one. Miller also seemed to think that rather then a hero fighting a higher power he could fight against his own society (which may include fighting a higher power) to ‘gain his ‘rightful’ position in his society. ‘ Miller argued that the common man could become a hero. He said that he â€Å"believe that the common man is as apt a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as Kings were. † This basically meant that commoners were as suited to be heroes as Kings were. This completely re-defined who heroes were and who they could be. This opened up the range of different characters that writers could introduce in a tragic play and therefore led to more of this type of plays being written. Miller also defined a hero as a flawed character who is broken down to his raw core and then he is built back up again (in the eyes of the audience) through his heroic actions. This new definition shows us that Proctor is the ideal character for a hero in the play. He is an honest, working man and he has sinned but he is ready to end his sinning and become a true Christian man. We can see this by the way he is ashamed of his sin with Abigail and the way that he tells her that it is over. The audience can now see that he is trying to regain his dignity and pride. The audience can also see, by the end of Act 1, that Proctor is the main individual that may become a hero throughout the play. This leads the audience to forge assumptions of Proctor’s future actions and reactions. After the conversation between Proctor and Abigail, in Act 1, of their relationship and previous affair the audience has preconceived ideas of Elizabeth and her relationship with Proctor. The first we hear of Elizabeth is at the beginning of Act 1 when Abigail is talking to Parris. She says that Goody Proctor is a ‘bitter woman, lying, cold, sniveling, woman. ‘ This is all brought about because Goody Proctor dismissed Abigail from her services, secretly for her affair with John, however Abigail says it is because she would not be a slave for Goody Proctor. This is the first the audience hears of Elizabeth and at this point they do not know of the affair between Proctor and Abigail so they have no reason to question Abigail’s information of Elizabeth. Also up until this point in the play Abigail has been admitting to her misdeeds. Again this gives the audience no reason to question what Abigail says. The opinion of Elizabeth given to Parris from Abigail suggests that Elizabeth is mean as she was spreading rumors of Abigail. The audience knows that at the time in which the play was set young girls had many rules of conduct that they had to follow, shown in the way that the girls will be punished for dancing. If Abigail hates a woman so much that she talks of her in such a ruthless manner to an adult then the audience may conclude that Elizabeth is an evil character. This depends on the audience’s thoughts of Abigail. I think that they would perceive Abigail as a bad character. I think this because of what has been revealed about Abigail. At this point we know of her affair (‘I know how you clutched my back behind your house’ and ‘I know you, John’) and of the potion she drank to kill Goody Proctor (‘You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor’). Both of these facts give the audience the idea that Abigail is a troubled, evil character. ‘Evil character’ is supported by the way that Abigail threatened the other Girls in Act 1, ‘I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you’ she said. When the audience learn of the affair between Proctor and Abigail they assume that the relationship that Elizabeth and Proctor is not a loving one. They would argue that if it were a loving relationship then Proctor would not have engaged in an affair. When Abigail and Proctor are arguing over Elizabeth Abigail says ‘you bend to her John. ‘ This makes the audience think that Elizabeth is threatening and has great power over John, this is seen as a very bad quality. In the 17th century the man in a marriage was the boss and the threatening character, to see a woman being portrayed like this is quite shocking to the audience. Elizabeth is expected to be an unloving and gossiping character by the audience. These two characteristics are shown by the way that John had an affair and when Abigail says that Elizabeth is ‘blackening her name. ‘ Both of these traits would have been frowned on in the 17th Century, Elizabeth was expected to be quite, loving and obeying as a wife in this time period. This shows us how what others say can affect the audiences opinions. This is very important. If Elizabeth and Proctor had an unloving relationship when John dies at the end of the play the audience would be not quite as attached to him. If he had an unloving and hard time in his home life some may see him dying as a blessing. When Elizabeth is introduced in Act 2 for the first time she is singing to her boys. This suggests that she is a caring mother, she is singing which is a loving trait. She is introduced as a calm, caring mother making the audience take notice because they immediately think that their perceived idea of her is completely wrong. Her singing shocks the audience because they may have expected her to be shouting and ruling the house as Abigail’s comments had suggested in the previous scene. However there is still some credibility in the suggestion that the character is unfeeling as she has not spoken to Proctor. Her first line to Proctor is an accusation ‘What keeps you so late? ‘ This keeps alive the idea that though she may not be evil she still seems cold. It will be thought by the audience that if the Proctors had a strong, loving relationship Elizabeth may have welcomed Proctor, kissed or hugged him. In the first snippet of their long conversation at the beginning of Act 2 there are many more accusations made between the couple, and even if the inquiry is not made an answer is provided. For example when Proctor comments on the stew ‘It is well seasoned. ‘ Just before Proctor sits down to dinner with Elizabeth he re-seasons the stew without her knowing. This symbolizes many different things about the Proctors. Firstly I think the seasoning of the stew symbolises the couple marriage. I think it shows the audience the lack of heat, passion and ‘seasoning’ that the couple seems to have between them. Also, I think that John seasoning the stew shows his love for Elizabeth and wanting to please her. I think that he seasons the stew so that he can make an honest compliment to her later about it; he knows that the compliment will please her. The audience may feel that when Proctor is eating the stew the atmosphere is uneasy. Proctor’s comment of the stew may suggest that Elizabeth is asking for his acceptance. Though when Proctor kisses her after his meal it says in the stage directions that she accepts it but he is left disappointed. This suggests that though she wants his approval she does not wish for his tenderness. This shows the audience that though Elizabeth is a fragile character (she needs Proctor’s acknowledgment and approval of her cooking) she is not necessarily a loving, affectionate character. Elizabeth shows how fragile she is throughout Act 2; for example when John questions her over letting Mary go into Salem – she says Mary ‘frightened all of her strength away. ‘ The kiss in Act 2 leaves the audience with speculation over the couples relationship. However it has a much more important role later in the play. In Act 4 when Proctor dies there is another kiss shared between the Proctors. The audience can compare this to the kiss in Act 2 to confirm any variation in the relationship between the couple. If it is even less affectionate the audience will feel that if Proctor dies he is not leaving a lover behind and there will be less hope that he will not die. However if it is more passionate the audience will think that the couple are much closer and the relationship has blossomed in that last 3months. They will be seen as a much bigger tragedy for Proctor and Elizabeth to lose the new stronger relationship that they have obviously not had for a very long time. This shows us how important the kiss in Act 2 is. At the end of Act 2 Elizabeth is accused of being a witch and is taken to the jail. Proctor promises to get her out of jail and bring her back home. This is where the hysteria that the play accelerates. Act 3 starts with the court hearing of another woman who has been accused like Elizabeth. The hearing is very biased and the judge seems convinced in his verdict from the beginning giving the impression that the court hearing is simply for show and that it is realistically impossible for the ruling to be in favour of the defendant. This makes the audience worry that Elizabeth will have an unfair trial and she will hang for her ‘sins. ‘ We see the first accusation made in the scene quite early on. It is made from Judge Hathorne to Martha Corey (the defendant) ‘I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is. ‘ ‘How do you know then, that you are not a witch? ‘ Here we see how a witch is prosecuted, this makes us think of fragile Elizabeth and wonder of how she will cope under the strain of court. Here we also see the power used by Hathorne. He uses accusations to make him seem in control and that he holds the power. Proctor and his friend storm into the court and the judge sends them out but then goes to talk to them for disturbing his courtroom. Proctor tries to use Mary Warren’s confession to lying to the court to free Elizabeth but soon realises that the only chance of saving his wife’s life is to prove that Abigail is lying. The only way he can do this is by proving that she has a reason for wanting Elizabeth dead, to take her place. Proctor confesses to lechery and Danforth says that if Elizabeth will confirm that Abigail and Proctor had an affair he will let all the accused go free. This will prove that Abigail had an evil aim that she was trying to accomplish by accusing women of witchcraft. Elizabeth is brought in and Miller makes this part of the play a semi-climax. There is a lot of tension because the audience are pleading for Elizabeth to claim lechery on John, knowing that it is one of the Ten Commandments. Miller makes this moment dramatic using stage directions. This is a part in the play where Miller is very particular about where each character is and how the stage must be set out. The first directions are give as dialogue from ‘(to Abigail) Turn your back. (To Proctor) Do likewise. Now let neither of you turn to face Goody Proctor. No one in this room is to speak one word, or raise a gesture aye or nay. ‘ This series of speech shows that seriousness of the court and also the power of Hathorne. Proctor has been told not to speak but the audience hope that he will do the exact opposite. At this point in the play the audience know that Proctor loves Elizabeth and that he would do anything for her, however they are not aware of the strength of Elizabeth’s affections towards her husband. If Elizabeth’s morals come above her love for Proctor she could tell the court that he committed lechery and in this bizarre sequence of events this could save her life. This moment in the play may be seen as a build up to the confession and execution of John Proctor. These moments may be seen as similar because it is at both these points in the play where the audience is wishing for the Proctors to not follow their morals and confess to a crime. Tension is built up at both of these points, however there is a considerable amount more of strain in Act 4, this is because the consequences are clear. In this scene the consequences are clear if Elizabeth prompts lechery upon her husband, she will save not only her and her husbands lives but she will put an end to the witch trials. Firstly tension is caused here by the pure fact that Elizabeth can not rely on her husband to give her answers, after all it was his crime and she may fear that if she tells the truth he will suffer for it. This is shown by the many attempts that she makes to look at Proctor for guidance. Each time Danforth stops her until she sees that it is impossible to receive an answer from her husband. Repeatedly Elizabeth strays from the subject to try and show how her husband is a good man but again she soon realises that she can no come to a faint conclusion. This is shown when Danforth asks her directly, after interrupting her many times, ‘Answer my question! Is your husband a lecher! ‘ This shocks the audience because up until this point Danforth has remained relatively calm because he is seen with such great power that no one dares deceive him. Elizabeth angers Danforth because she seems to be more concerned of the wellbeing of her husband then acting in the court. At this point Elizabeth sees no other option then to give an answer and the audience feel that should break her personal morals and say that Proctor did not commit the crime of lechery. The audience thinks this because so far Elizabeth has tried to defend Proctor with irrelevant information that he is not a drunkard and that he is not slovenly. This shows that in her mind she is debating of which answer to give and though the audience suspect that she will tell a lie they are pleading with the play that she does not. Millers directions of when she gives her answer to the enraged Danforth is ‘(faintly): No, sir. ‘ At this moment time seems to stop because all of a sudden there is uncertainty in the future of all of the characters; whether Danforth will reverse his demands and believe Proctor, whether Abigail will crumble under the pressure and what will happen to Proctor. At this point Miller restarts time quickly and it seems that in a matter of minutes Mary (a character that had been forgotten in this Act) crumbles under the increased pressure of Abigail and accuses Proctor of being involved with the devil. This is the very end of Act 3 and at this point Proctor breaks down and lets all of his thoughts and emotion run wild by screaming every words that he thinks for all to hear. This is all shown in his last lengthy speech of Act 3. ‘A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it’s my face, and yours, Danforth! ‘ This shocks the audience because like Danforth Proctor has kept himself quite controlled and also like Danforth he explodes with rage. It is very relevant when he likens himself and Danforth as being both images of the devil. Though they may seem complete opposites (Danforth is condemning people to death and Proctor is trying to save these people) their characters are very similar. They both fight extremely hard for what they believe to be right. This similarity gives the audience hope that Danforth may be lenient in Act 4 when Proctor has pain and difficulty in confessing.

General Kantian Perspective on Punishment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

General Kantian Perspective on Punishment - Essay Example In this theory, punishment is not justified by any good results but by the guilt of the criminal and therefore, a criminal must pay for their misdoings in a way that is proportional to the harm inflicted by their wrongdoing. This was very common in many traditions and it is clearly seen in the Jewish tradition in the Bible specifically in the Law of Moses. In the event that a person is tried and found guilty and punishable of a crime, the individual automatically forfeits or suspends an equal value of his or her right to something. Kant contends that the punishment must fit the crime committed and argues that a crime committed to another person is a crime perpetrated to one self. He contends that the most appropriate punishment for a murderer is capital punishment (execution). If a person who has committed a murder is allowed to live, justice is not done and this exemplifies a subversion of justice and the very essence of humanity in the world. Punishment of an equal measure is in al l ways justified by the criminal act of the criminal, this is the right of retaliation and punishment in the mode of ‘like for like’. Retributive justice often faces a lot of criticism especially from human rights activists who say that it is a violation of the natural rights of the offender. Natural rights are the basic and fundamental rights to all human beings by virtue of being creatures of nature; these are the rights that every human being is born with and cannot be taken away by anyone or any government or society. These rights protect us against the deprivations that can be imposed by the interests of others on us. Chief among natural rights is the right to life and the right to own property. Other natural rights include the freedom of worship, right to participate in government and politics, and the freedom of expression. Natural rights are based on the assumption that human beings are naturally rational and good and thus enjoy certain rights that are absolute at all levels or stages of the human life. Punishment should not violate the natural rights that individuals are entitled to because this would cause more harm than good, â€Å"we ought not to impose such harm on anyone unless we have a very good reason for doing so† (Golash 1). In retributive justice, the punishment in most cases is seen to override and violate the natural rights of the culprits/offenders. It is seen to be very punitive and does no good to the society. Retributive punishment is in no way tied to the impact it might have on the society but in the punishment of the offender in a manner that is commensurate to the crime committed (Rosen 7). The only fit or rather reasonable punishment for a person who has killed another person is that he should die; therefore, in taking away another man’s life, which the offender cannot reinstate, he or she forfeits or suspends his/her natural right to life, this is the right punishment for like with like. Justice should never at any time be exercised for the encouraging another good either regarding to the unlawful or the society. Justice is administered because an individual has committed a crime and is solely responsible for his actions and should be subjected to a punishment of an equal measure to the crime committed. Matters of justice are therefore not in any way contingent with the natural rights of a guilty individual. According to the maxim of the Pharisees, it is better that one man is put to death than that all people should perish; in this regard if righteousness and justice perish then human life loses its value dignity and essence in the world. The idea of keeping a man who has been condemned to death alive is therefore a

MGT Leadership and Ethics Unit 2 IP Research Paper

MGT Leadership and Ethics Unit 2 IP - Research Paper Example An effective leader exhibits a combination of both in-born traits and skills acquired through experience and biological background. â€Å"Leadership style is the combination of traits, skills and behaviours leaders use as they interact with the followers.† (Lussier and Archua, 2010) thus the individual characteristics and traits of the leader depend on two factors: Heredity and Environment. The heredity factor includes the generic composition of the leader along with his biological background. However environment includes the culture, religion, family, location and education etc. The interaction between heredity genes and the environmental forces help build up the leadership characters. The differences in the traits possessed by the leaders arise from the demographics, values, personality and aptitude. ‘Individual behaviour is determined to a great extent by internal elements such as attitudes, personality, perceptions, and ability.’ (Lewis & Goodman et al., 2007) The demographics of the leader includes his background, age and other physical attributes and whereabouts, the values are the long lasting preferences and beliefs, and personality is what makes the leader unique showcasing the different physical and psychological characteristics. Lastly the important individual characteristic is the aptitude of the leader, the natural talent of doing something both mentally and physically. ‘Executives who can effectively focus on others emerge as natural leaders regardless of organizational or social rank.’ (Goleman, 2013) This aptitude cannot be enforced on anyone however skills can be acquired through training. A leader cannot be made through training however new skills can be taught for better and effective leadership. Thus the conventional theories of leadership involve the trait and behavioural theories that focus on the traits as well as the acquired behaviour of the leader also mentioned in the above discussion. The contingency theory brings in the situation and its characteristics into the leadership equation. The test of leadership depends upon the nature of the situation and the success depends upon how well the leader manages the situation at hand. The power and influence theory that will become the main focus of this discussion, focus on the different ways the leaders use their power in order to get things done. All these believes and theories are reflected in the leadership model where the leader has to deal with the personal front involving his set of his abilities and traits, the group where he manages the organization and lastly the public involving the environment and the stakeholders of the leader’s organization. The power of the leader in an organization is vast (see Appendix). A CEO of a large organization has the power to influence the board of directors. He is the sole figure that can change the philosophy of the entire organization. The power of the CEO is to decide how much input he wants from the subordinates and how stringent or relaxed the work hierarchy should be. His expertise in the organization is supposedly more enriched as compared to other employees in the organization. It is this knowledge and official responsibility that gives the CEO the power to control. He is the one who can turn a bad situation to a positive through his influence tactics. For example, Proctor and Gamble (P&G) the consumer