Nature In Emerson Essays - Transcendentalism, Nature,

Nature In Emerson Analogy of Nature Ralph Waldo Emerson explores the intricate tie amongst nature, man, and language. His function is to define reason and understanding through nature. Emerson uses the analogy between mans life and the transformation he finds through his soul. He changes the idea of logic and reason, but its meaning remains similar. He draws on images of flowing events and metaphorical illustrations. Nature represents all essences untouched by man. He changes previous ways of thinking, such as Franklin, where God is rational. Emerson uses this analogy to respond to ideas of the Enlightenment and its beliefs. However, nature is separate from spiritual reality. Emerson uses the image of seeing to portray nature as mystical, nonconforming, and based on reason and understanding. Emerson uses the image of the eye, and vision, to portray the direct communication with nature. Nature becomes invisible and will vanish and is seen no more. The last few lines say, ?he shall enter without more wonder than the blind man feels who is gradually restored to sight. Only through faith can we trust in nature and its unity of the universe. Emerson embraced nature, and saw beauty resided everywhere. His interpretation of nature is with new eyes, and becomes a natural world with a higher reality. Emerson encourages nonconformity and individualism. It begins; To go into solitude? a man needs to retreat from society in order to discover nature. This break from society enables man to become tranquil somewhat as beautiful as his own nature. The woods become his platform of experience. As he becomes a part of the forest, solitude enables him to be self-reliant. Man must think for himself, Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist. Reason and understanding are repetitive terms, which interchange to portray different meanings. Previously, many American authors used the analogy of good reason. In the Age of Reason, Franklin was clear thinking, and the interpretation of nature was seen through a rational God. Emerson, however, celebrates reason through nature. The idea of logic and reason changes, but remains similar in function. Reason and faith become intertwined as he says, in the woods, we return to reason and faith. The American Heritage Dictionary defines reason as the Basis or motive for an action, decision, feeling or belief. Emerson defines reason as mystical and idealistic. The only way of understanding reason is through faith. Emerson's interpretation of reason is through intuition, not logical reasoning. He says, ?the natures of Justice, Truth, Love, Freedom, arise and shine, this universal soul he calls Reason. We belong to reason, we are its; we are its property. Emerson shifts from one aspect of nature to another. Through the analogy of nature we can see the beauty of the world. Nature is nonconforming, its own microcosm, and faithfully renders the likeness of the world. Emerson transcends himself above society, into a world of understanding. He changes mans way of thinking. Previously, authors such as Edwards portray nature and God as innately evil. Here nature is a mystical experience of the natural world. Through reason, understanding, and faith, we discover the Unity of Nature-the Unity of Variety, which meets us everywhere. English Essays

U.S.and Lybia Economy essays

U.S.and Lybia Economy essays The economic stability between the United States and Libya is exceedingly distinct. The U.S. has a better stability not only because the country is more develop but also because the education, health, info structure, and labor are higher than what Libya has. In addition, the standard of living and the factors of production in Libya are very deprived. The U.S. has better literacy than Libya. More people in the U.S. know how to read and write. The U.S. expects 97% of the population and everyone over 15 to read and write while Libya has 76.2% of the population and everyone 15 and over to read and write (photius.com). The U.S. is richer than Libya because it has a greater literacy rate. Having a greater literacy rate is important to the economy. This is important because if people cannot read and write the country could not have been well developed. They also would not have the workers ready for the new and advance industries. Many people have to stay home or in their farms helping their families since this is a problem because the children stay home, and they are not learning how to read or write. Having a greater literacy rate also means that the country has money to spend building schools and buying textbooks and other supplies for learning. Libya has spent around $2.3 billion while the U.S. has spent around $115.6 billion in education (terra.com). Since Libya could not spend a lot of money in education, they could not train the workers. This is also one major cause of poverty. People with education not only have the opportunity to maintaining job but with education, it is more likely to be hire in other jobs. For example, a person who talks Spanish yet it was train for an English teacher could be a Spanish and an English teacher since both field related and they have the training. Since the U.S. has a better literacy rate than Libya, it is wealthier. The lower education level in Libya helps explain the poor health ...

Whites of West Virginia term paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Whites of West Virginia - Term Paper Example This crime can be explained through various criminology theories; strain theory and genetics theory are two which will be discussed in this paper. Drug possession, trafficking, and distribution are crimes which include the possession, selling, importing, or transportation of any illegal control substance. For drug possession, the offender must have physical control of the drugs. Drug trafficking can be done by an individual or a group of people but the punishment depends on various factors such as the location, type of drugs, people involved, and amount of drugs trafficked. These offenses come under criminal charges and can result in heavy levels of punishment. It is difficult to ever know clearly what the reason behind a crime being committed was. Criminology gives several theories which help in determining the reasoning of crimes. Two of those theories will be covered which the strain theory by Robert K Merton and the genetic theory which focuses on ‘nature vs. nurture’. The strain theory suggests that ‘no legitimate means, substitute illegitimate means’. The genetic theory suggests that acting criminally is in a person’s DNA, maybe because they are born in a life of crime. The reasons why individuals commit crimes in Merton’s strain theory are because they have a lack of opportunity, deviance, and a need to accomplish the ‘American Dream’ (Samaha, 2005). The causes of crime according to the biological theory of genetics are faulty genes, lack of moral development, and a limited rationality. In Merton’s strain theory, the lack of equal opportunity and no legitimate means are the major reasons for crime. Merton believed that the reason why a person is forced to commit a crime is that they don’t get equal opportunities. In order to eliminate crime, Merton believed that more equal opportunities must be provided. Practically it may be impossible to give an equal salary cap to everyone but the society must ensure

Middle School Advisory Program Evaluation A Program Evaluation Essay

Middle School Advisory Program Evaluation A Program Evaluation ProposalSelf Reporting can be problematic Disconnect between Likert Scale Responses and Free Responses Low Response Rate on Staff Survey - Essay Example To use of likert scale on such population would not provide accurate result considering that the views of the teachers in the Pacific Cascade Middle School were varied. This means that the scale would not be able to measure the honest attitude of the teachers. Further, this method of collecting data was must have presented the respondents with the opportunity to be influenced by the previous questions. There was tendency that the respondents were leaning towards one side of the scale just to avoid being extreme. Moreover, it was difficult to test whether the respondent were lying, even though the tools were tested for their reliability, it was still difficult to deal with the error that may have accompanied the responses. The law response rate by the respondents particularly on the free response was a major setback to verify the findings that the teachers had provided. This highly reduced the sample size that could have been very significant in obtaining facts. Mugenda & Mugenda (2010) reveals that in a population of 30, accuracy would be yielded with a turnout of over 90%. In this study, only 17 teachers returned their questionnaires. The law of research has not been able to discern how to deal with the problem with the self-reporting. This make such problems part of research. This study was affected by self-reporting that present issues like lie. Though the study attempted to place validity measures, controlling a huge number of students in shaping their attitudes towards the research was a hard

Global Economic Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global Economic Crisis - Essay Example According to Ernhardt and Brighams 2010 book, the downgrade of T-bonds has the potential to cause a disastrous economic situation across the country. A single step down in credit rating is often a bad sign for future rating decisions, and so the US would be at a greater risk of gradually falling into economic despair. As the dollar continues to drop in worth, foreign investors like those in China would predictably respond by trading their US T-bonds for domestic currency to conserve value. The response would add to pressure on the dollar, further weakening it, and continuing a vicious cycle that could result in the complete collapse of the US economy. Since the writing of the previously mentioned book the US T-bond has experienced the first downgrade by an investor watchdog agency, and as of now the country has not crumbled into economic obscurity. However, the country remains financially compromised and may be yet to experience the first ripples of the effects predicted by the

Examine Radical Social Work Theory Social Work Essay

Examine Radical Social Work Theory Social Work Essay First of all, social work theory is defined as an explanatory framework, the accumulation of knowledge, ideas, skills and beliefs social workers draw upon to help to make sense of what social work is and how to do it. (Oko, 2008: pp.6) In other words, theory in social work helps to organise and structure the world we live in and help us to make sense. Particularly this is important when dealing with service users. Vulnerable people are those in need and under stress who often lost control under their lives. Therefore, it is critical to assist them in explaining reality to make sense of what is going on and why. Not being able to understand reality is stressful for both service user and practitioner. (Howe: 2009). Beckett (2006: pp.33) defines social work theory as a set of ideas or principles to guide practice. The definition stresses the importance of how theory informs practice leading to assessment and intervention. This is supported by Teater (2010: pp.1) who hold the view that t heories help to predict, explain and assess situations and behaviours and provide a rationale for how social workers should react and intervene with clients who have particular histories, problems or goals. It is worth pointing out that theory to be right has to explain the situation and provides us to solution. However, different types of theory can be used differently in the wide spectrum of intervention. Alternative theories can lead to a different process of understanding, assessing and intervention. It is essential therefore to analyse and adapt theory all the time. (Teater: 2010) Howe (2011) similarly refers to theory as a guide that influence practice in five key area such as observation, description, explanation, prediction and intervention. According to Howe (2011), social workers must answer a serious of question to understand complexity of the situation and to see pattern. Firstly, social workers have to define problems and identify needs of the service users. Secondly, m ake sense of what is going on by analysing and assessing situation. Thirdly, set out goals, and make action plan. Fourthly, assess available resources, skills and methods that will be utilised in social work process. Finally, review and evaluated the whole process. The origins of social work theory can be traced back to the early nineteenth century and are strongly embedded within the Industrial Revolution and development of social sciences. (Howe: 2009) The age of Enlightenment was very tough and disruptive period follow by the Scientific Revolution and rapid industrialisation. Migration of people, high degree of destitution, crime and poverty forced to change. Significant attempts were made to utilise developing social sciences such as psychology, sociology and economy to improve social and political conditions of society. (Howe: 2009) The work of Wilson et al. (2008) emphasises the importance of formation the Charity Organisation Society (COS) in the 1869 as the date from which social work as a recognise practice began. It has been suggested that social work originated by the COS resulted in creation a social work theory as a response to social disadvantage and unrest. (Wilson et al. 2008: pp.50) The above explanation the origins of social work theory lead to justification why social work theory is contested. Social work theory has explored all types of knowledge and experience in its attempt to understand relations within society and help people. The work of Maclean and Harrison suggested that no single theory can explain everything. An eclectic approach is usually required. (2011: p.15) The statement means there is no dominant theory in social work practice. People their relationships and interactions are complex, consequently social work theories must derive from different sources discipline to explain human behaviour, position in society, relationships within psychological, social, economical and political context. This agrees with the view of Payne (2005: 44) who refers to borrow knowledge in social work practice. Oko (2008: p.7) draws attention to social constructionism and fluidity as a view of social work where everything can changed depends on context, time, legislat ion, policies and different expectations about peoples behaviour. Social work theory is contested because embrace a variety of different practice setting, with different groups of service users as well as working pattern and constantly changing context of policies and directives. When discussing types of social work theory, it is important to recognise that those can be seen at three different levels; theories of what social work is about, how to do social work and theories of service user world. (Payne: 2005, p.6) The first statement apply to grand theories, these are orthodox theories that seek to explain society as a whole. It is important to mention that there are three main sources of social work theory such as psychology, sociology and systemic. (Howe: 2011) However, social work theory also derive from other discipline such as philosophy, law, medicine, social policy etc. (Howe: 2009) An example of grand theories are psychoanalytic theory, behaviourism, systems theory, humanis m, Marxism and Feminism. (Wilson et al. 2008) The other group are mid-range, theories that Wilson et al. (2008: p.107) called practice theories these indicate the methods of intervention and are the result of the contribution of grand theoretical perspective with practice experience. The last but not least, are informal theories, use to explain individual cases or behaviour. Informal theory is the practitioners own ideas about a situation based on personal and professional experiences. Wilson et al. (2008) refers to practice wisdom, self-awareness, intuition, not knowing and personal experience as issues related to informal knowledge. Whereas, Beckett (2006: p.185) discusses informal theory as common sense. This section of the essay will examine radical social work theory and empowerment paying special attention to the factors such as professional and political contributors. By the 1960s, more attention was beginning to be paid to the social consequences of capitalism. Capitalism started to be seen as the economic order of an unequal and unfair society shaped by psychodynamic theory especially casework. (Howe: 2009) First strong critical view of the social and personal effect of capitalism and the economic structures became known as Marxism or radical social work. The origins of radical social work date back to 1970s to the Case Con manifesto. (Wilson et al. 2008) People like Karl Marx, Beatrice Webb or Octavia Hill radically questioned existing structures that caused poverty and deprivation. (Howe: 2009). Radicals expressed necessity to work with people within a wide socio-political context and not in isolation. (Wilson: 2008) Ideology of Marxism has had immense impact on social work t heory as a result created collectivism, empowerment, anti-oppressive and critical theory. These lead to development of practice method with service user such as, anti-oppressive practice, advocacy, welfare rights, service user involvement, radical casework and community development. (Wilson: 2008: p. 107) It is clear that on the grounds of radical theory grew up the idea of empowerment. The concept was developed based on the critique that services provided often contributing to service user sense of powerlessness and lack of choice. Empowerment is about the service users having choice and control over own life. It promotes a way of working with service users based on equality and partnership. There is no doubt that social work is deeply rooted and shaped by socio-political context. (Wilson et al. 2008) Horner (2009: p.3) rightly points out that good practice is not a truth, but is a function of political, moral and economic trends and fashion. Currently, it has been suggested that the space for practicing in an ethical and empowering manner have been progressively limited by the managerial, budget-driven polices of the last few years. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.15) Social workers still work with service users but normally in the conditions that do not depend on them. The constraints often lead to excessive caseload, lack of resources as well as lack of support, supervision and unfilled vacancies. Professional work setting can limited creative use of theories by imposing favourite well know theories, as a consequence of managerial and bureaucratic agenda. Managerialism and bureaucratisation seems to be a potential danger for contemporary social work theory and critical r eflection. Meeting deadlines, filling in forms, standardised and integrated assessment framework are crucial nowadays. It looks like humanity has been lost in paperwork and one size fits all approach. In addition, issues are trivialized by media and political hostile approach to social work. (Ferguson Woodward: 2011) This can be clearly seen when a tragedy happens such as the death of the child in care then the response is often a blaming one bloody social worker instead of wider social and political context. (Thompson: 2009) An illustration of this can be a case of Victoria Climbià © and the social worker who was working on this case Lisa Arthurworrey. (The guardian: 2007) When discussing political influences it is important to recognise that the publication of the Kilbrandon and Seebohm Reports are a matter of the relationship between social work and politics. It is clear that these documents and the follow legislation lodged social work firmly within the state sector with the voluntary sector as supplementary. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.57) Since then social work has been driven to a different degree by politics, professionals, central government and administration. The subsequent evidence of political influences can be observed in a case of Clement Attlee and Jacqui Smith, politicians who have affected contemporary social work. Clement Attlee former Labour Prime Minister has seen social workers as activists. In his understanding social workers should ..work in non-oppressive waychallenge polices and structural inequalities.. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.15) The statement shows political influences of radical tradition such as to be critically refl ective, willing to change the system not the service users. It also identifies the empowerment theory and anti-discriminatory practice in working with service user. In contrast to this, Jacqui Smith, the former Minister for Health argued that social work is a very practical job.. not about being able to give a fluent and theoretical explanation of reasons and causes of problems. (Horner, 2009: p.3) Smith claimed that new social work degree courses had to focus on practical training. The above is an excellent example of political influences social work has to deal with. Surely, Jacqui Smith was right practical abilities are critical in social work practice but on the other hand, she has decreased the value of theoretical issues that are equally important. Only through explanation of service users world a social worker empower the individual, make sense of his/her reality, by understanding the situation service user can take control over own life. The next important point when discuss ing political influences are devolved administrations that shape the politics of social services (Drakeford: 2011) The actions of central government shape the terms and the capacity of social work services but the delivery of those provisions lies within local authorities. This is seen as another example of relationship between social work services and wider political and organisational context. This part of the essay attempts to show the prospects of discrimination and empowerment in social work. It is worth pointing out that in the new global economy, neo-liberalism has become a central issue for radical social work practice. In the UK, neo-liberal policies have resulted in creating an unequal society where the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer. (Ferguson Woodward 2011) Neo-liberal approaches such as consumerism and marketism, undermine social work values and relationships with service users as well as limit possibilities for critical and creative practice. An example of this are the differences and dilemmas in terminology between patients, clients, service users and users of service that reflect on the way practitioners think and relate to people. A strong critique is presented by Ferguson and Woodward (2011) who blamed the management of social work for being too willing to decrease values base and increase managerial agenda. The authors also argue that nowadays too many social workers present authoritarian role in relation to service users treating them like objects rather than subjects. In relation to discrimination, radical social work theory direct social workers to work as agents of social control by helping people to understand their situation and unfairness as well as why and how it was created. In other words, social workers are raising peoples political and social awareness; consequently, people are able to recover power and control over their lives. Discrimination in social work, from radical point of view can be viewed through social policy, identification of service user needs, allocation and accessibility of resources. Therefore, it is important to recognise respect of rights, responsibilities and opportunities as main issues of anti discriminatory practice. Social workers can be discriminative because they have a power and control over peoples lives. That is why, they have to exercise them with awareness, thought and sensitivi ty. (Howe, 2009: p. 146) The concept is supported by Backett (2006: p.186) who suggests that common sense which is often used by practitioners in theories, tends to incorporate the prejudices and assumptions of a particular time and can be insufficiently used especially by social workers with little personal experience. Practitioners bring into social work practice and theory their own beliefs, values, histories, culture experiences and biases. Judged by these criteria, it is clear, that social workers must be critical and self-reflective. It seems to be a matter to understand that we do not live in equal society. Oppression is deeply rooted in the process of our socialisation. If social workers want to work in anti-discriminatory way they need to develop confidence and skills in exploring the way oppression operates in society. This is supported by Thompson (2009) who argues that empowerment in social work is something more than process of gaining control over service users life bu t is about taking account of discrimination and oppression at the first place. Social work theory can assist practitioners by guiding and explaining the models of oppression. This is necessary in order to support service users to understand and tackle the oppression they may face. An example of this is PCS model presented by Thompson. (2009: pp. 144) The model has been designed to express how our personal prejudices are strongly embedded within cultural influences and structural power. The PCS model operates at three levels such as personal, cultural and structural. Personal refers to individual oppression thoughts and attitudes as well as psychological factors. This can also refers to prejudice and personal views of social workers. Cultural explores the way that groups, based on commonly agreed values, define what is normal. Empowerment in this case will include challenging stereotypes. Structural level refers to oppression within wider socio political climate and social power and refers to the way differences are viewed by society such as class, race, gander etc (Maclean and Harrison: 2011) It is worth pointing out that to treat everyone the same is not to treat everyone equally. Dominelli (1997, pp. 31) draws attention to colour blind approach based on false premise that everyone is the same. The potential discrimination when using theories can be recommended theories on the grounds of their effectiveness with similar case. Social workers when using theories must take into consideration that everyone is different, has different experiences, needs, problems. They have to be reflective and work against one size fits all approach. It is important not only to assess needs but also to consider differences. The intervention in peoples lives without taking account of key issues such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation can do more harm than good. (Thomson, 2011: p106) Form this perspective social work is a part of emancipatory project pr omoting social equality and social justice among people who are marginalised or disadvantages. Croft and Beresford (2005) noted that empowerment has potential to be both regulatory and liberatory, it brings about social change based on collective obligation to the individual. Therefore, empowerment is often used as part of discourse of individual rights and responsibilities. (Oko: 2008) It is more than enabling is helping service users to become better equipped to deal with the problems and challenges they face. (Thomson: 2009) It is worth noting that empowerment is not about transferring power from social worker to service user this can be very disempowering as well can cause addiction to social work services. Another potential danger in utilising empowerment theory is seeing service users as weak and vulnerable rather than experts who require support to address the needs and achieve goals. (Maclean Harrison: 2011) Wilson et al. (2008: p. 81) argues that people are own agents with not only rights but also the capacity to make choice and decision. Empowerment theory in contemporary practice can be seen by not only having a voice but also having an advocate; informing about services available in relation to needs, supporting in developing skills such as parental skills, information technology etc. The aim of empowerment is to increase self-esteem of service users, currently this is carried out by putting in place self-directed support and personalisation programmes. The last section of this essay assesses how perception of theory can support to be a more effective practitioner. As presented earlier theories outline explanatory framework for helping to make sense of the situation as well as shape our thinking (Oko: 2008) In other words, theories represent organised ideas and beliefs that guide social workers thinking and practice. Doel (2012: p135) compare theory and practice to a cup of oil and a cup of vinegar which shaked mix for a while and separate out. Theory is necessary, in order to gain control over the situation. It not only explains the situation, from a different perspective but provide guidance about what to do with these explanations. (Doel: 2012) Theory to be useful has to be constantly verified and updated. The relationship between theory and practice can be build upon IBL so issue based approach to learn (Oko: p. 99). The approach inspires social workers to think about what has been learned and how this new knowledge, experience or skill can be assimilated and utilised in practice. There is no doubt that values base, skills and knowledge facilitate personal and professional development. This is a key of being a critically reflective practitioner. A good understanding of the different theories can guide practice and create effective and successful intervention. Theory makes sense of the situation and creates ideas about why things are as they are. It not only shows the direction of intervention but also explain service users behaviour and actions. Theory can indicate why an action has resulted in a specific behaviour, it also helps to see patterns. Consequently, social workers may get to know the issues affecting service user lives. Another argument for using theories is that its assist social workers to be more confident and better prepare to critique of their point of view. It is vital to be able to justify the decisions made in social work practice. Using theories give social workers a backup to justify a ctions and explain working practice to service users, managers, other professionals or themselves. This justification of actions on the grounds of theories leads to greater accountability. An example of this can be assessments or reports both are professional papers that look for evidence and not unjustified judgements based on common sense. When working with service user, empowerment theory can be utilised by building positive self-esteem and focus on strength and potential of service users rather than problems and difficulties. It is essential to attempt to work in partnership and collaboration with service users. Radical social theory in practice can be seen as attempt to change system to fit to service user rather than change service user to fit the system. It is important to acknowledge that even if theory seems to match to a service user, it does not always mean that this is the right understanding of service users life. Even if theory appears to work, social workers still nee d to stay open minded and continue the process of being critically reflective. Social work practice is part of a process of evidence making where issues have to be constantly verified and checked out in the light of new circumstances or information. As mentioned before no single theory can explain everything. (Maclean Harrison: p 15) Different approaches in social work practice are needed to suit different circumstances. As a qualified social worker, having in a depth knowledge of theories will assist me to be a reflective and critical practitioner, open to a greater degree to the needs of service users. Deeply and accurately consider all facts and issues and not taking anything at face value. Instead, one must remember to always probe beneath the surface in looking for a right answer.

The Yellow Wallpaper as an Attack on Radical Feminism -- Yellow Wallpa

The Yellow Wallpaper as an Attack on Radical Feminism  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† explores mental illness and, through this exploration, presents a critique of the place of women in a patriarchal society. Interestingly, Charlotte Perkins Gilman never intended the latter. The primary intent of her short story is to criticize of a physician prescribed treatment called rest cure. The treatment, which she underwent, required female patients to â€Å"’live as domestic a life as possible’† (Gilman). This oppressive treatment, however, parallels the oppression of women. As such, â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† has been interpreted as a feminist work. In the story, Gilman comments on the status of women, the nature and source of their confinement and the possible modes of escape. Afflicted by hysteria and â€Å"nervous depression,† the narrator in this story, symbolic of all women, is confined. The condition of the narrator is such that she is â€Å"absolutely forbidden to ‘work’† and unable to â€Å"relieve the press of ideas† through creative endeavours. The narrator makes continued reference to immovable objects and thereby, creates a sense of confinement. â€Å"Hedges and walls and gates that lock† seem to enclose the colonial mansion and hereditary estate. The garden is â€Å"full of box-bordered paths.† Everything is structured, rigid and restrictive. The windows of the nursery are barred. The narrator sleeps on a â€Å"great immoveable bed† which â€Å"is nailed down.† Yet, the nursery is a paradox of images; the images of confinement are contrasted with descriptions of the nursery. The nursery is â€Å"a big, airy room† that has â€Å"windows that look all ways, and air and sunshine galore.† and was, at one time, a â€Å"playroom and gymnasium.† The use of contrasting image... ...front her confinement the wrong way. It is through these events in the story that Gilman does seem to be criticizing women for seeking their freedom at the expense of men. Gilman, while attacking the repression and oppression of women, seems also to attack radical feminism by pointing out that contempt for the opposite sex does nothing to further the feminist cause. Feminists, therefore, should be examples of proper conduct. They should continue to strive for equality but in a manner, that does not alienate men and other women.    Works Cited Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper.† The Harbrace Anthology of Literature. Eds. Jon Stott, Raymond E. Jones, Rick Bowers. 2nd ed. Toronto: Harcourt Brace, 1998.    Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. â€Å"Why I wrote the Yellow Wallpaper† [reprinted article]. URL: http://fmc.utm.edu/~lalexand/reply.htm   

Letters to a Young Poet Essay

Rilke’s â€Å"Letters to a Young Poet,† ostensibly a series of reflections about and advice regarding the inner-life of an accomplished poet, reveal as much about philosophical and moral attitudes as those attitudes or concepts which are commonly associated with literary theory and literary technique. In fact very little, if any, evidence of traditional literary criticism exists within the series of letters; Rilke, in fact, comments in the first letter that: â€Å"†Nothing touches a work of art so little as words of criticism : they always result in more or less fortunate misunderstandings† (Rilke, 1). With that quite clear admonition as a sort of preface to his ensuing reflections and advice, Rilke establishes a far more urgent and profound set of considerations regarding creative expression, considerations which arise out of the human capacity for self-exploration and spiritual odyssey. To begin with, Rilke advises young artists to eschew traditional â€Å"markers† of success, such as publication and critical acclaim. Such things are aspects of what he terms the â€Å"outer† world and have little to do with the composition of poetry. Instead of looking outward for signs of success, the aspiring poet should look within: â€Å"†You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you – no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself† (Rilke,1). While it is relatively easy to comprehend Rilke’s meaning here that an aspiring poet should not allow themselves to be judged by outside sources for fear of losing their individuality, the method by which one attempts to â€Å"go into yourself† (Rilke,1) are both complex and dependent upon th aspiring poet’s level of devotion and patience. It is not certain that a turning inward, alone, will produce the emotional and intellectual response that feeds into the creation of great art, but without such a turning inward, great art can not be accomplished at all. When Rilke comments that â€Å"if out of this turning-within, out of this immersion in your own world, poems come, then you will not think of asking anyone whether they are good or not† (Rilke, 2) he is beginning to introduce the most crucial point in his set of principles and advice for young artists. This first, and most important, concept is that: artists are self-reliant. This means that not only do artists plumb their own depths of emotional response for themes and techniques with which to advance self-expression, but the process of turning inward makes of any potential artist, a sort of â€Å"exile† within their own respective societies, a loner who must accept, first, subjective experience and response, and only later consider the repercussions of their journey. The searching into the deep and personal subjective reality of the artist is not only a search for self-identity, bit a search for an escape from irony. And here, Rilke makes an amazing and very profound point regarding the â€Å"pose† that many people adopt to their lives. It would be easy to recognize this pose, say, in a corrupt politician who espouses love for his fellow-citizen but steals for personal wealth and empowerment from the taxes which are meant to improve his society. Equally easy would be to recognize the irony and hypocrisy of literary critics who pontificate about works without ever bothering to understand them. However, Rilke takes the idea of irony and hypocrisy to an additional level and views it as one of the primary obstacles, as well as primary instruments, of creative expression. To dwell in irony may make for quick expression and readily comprehensible art, but it is also a path to the trivial. Rilke writes â€Å"Search into the depths of Things: there, irony never descends† (Rilke, 3) and so, lack or irony, and hence — honesty — is also a hallmark of the odyssey of the artist. Once the prospective artists has made the decision that they could simply not live without being an artist, that they must plumb the depths and take on the journey within, the ensuing time of solitude and reflection will allow the artist to slowly replace conventional modes of logic and thinking with modes of logic and thinking that are far more conducive to artistic expression. It is important to remember that Rilke states plainly that anyone who imagines that they can live without being a poet should not bother to write at all. This is a key point in his overall vision because Rilke regards poetry and artistic expression not as crafts or vocations, but as a â€Å"calling† not unlike that which is commonly associated with religious traditions. The poet or artist has no choice but to be a poet or an artist; there is no-one to teach them craft or skills, there is simply the immersion into one’s â€Å"soul† and the re-emergence as an artist with a unique voice and vision. The thought process of the artist is â€Å"To let each impression and each embryo of a feeling come to completion, entirely in itself, in the dark, in the unsayable, the unconscious, beyond the reach of one’s own understanding, and with deep humility and patience to wait for the hour when a new clarity is born† (Rilke, 5). In this statement Rilke places great emphasis on the erosion of the ego in the artist, signifying that it is not the artist’s conscious ego which creates art, nor learned technique, but submission to unconscious processes, and openness to sensation and understanding: â€Å"this alone is what it means to live as an artist: in understanding as in creating† (Rilke, 5). Along with the substitution of a new â€Å"logic† for the old, Rilke mentions that perception of linear events, such as time itself, are not the business of the true artist: â€Å"Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn’t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come† (Rilke, 5). Along with self-reliance and patience, internal emotional, spiritual, and psychic growth are aspects of an artist’s journey. Simply by removing oneself from the â€Å"mainstream† (and often ironic) flow of common society and common thinking, the artist becomes something apart from human society and something which is more in touch with Nature nd the processes of natural growth. Such a diversion from the ordinary means that the poet or artist will carry with them the additional burden of being misunderstood, possibly envied, and likely written off as a â€Å"crank† because the diversion of vision, mission, and personal bearing is radical enough to cause visible manifestation. For this issue, Rilke advises â€Å"be happy about your growth, in which of course you can’t take anyone with you, and be gentle with those who stay behind; be confident and calm in front of them and don’t torment them with your doubts and don’t frighten them with your faith or joy, which they wouldn’t be able to comprehend† (Rilke, 9). The prospect of internal joy and a magnificent experience of one’s self and of nature are the artist’s true rewards, not notoriety and publication, just as self-reliance, patience, and honesty — rather than technique, theme, and medium — are the important aspects of composition. In the long run, the journey inward which is made by the prospective artist will reveal itself to be a journey toward a deeper and more complete communion with God. Of course, Rilke avoids any dogmatic interpretations of precisely what God is or is not, but he advises young poets to understand that art is a spiritual, rather than a material or commercial, process. He mentions that it is very helpful for an artist to view God as â€Å"the one who is coming, who has been approaching from all eternity, the one who will someday arrive, the ultimate fruit of a tree whose leaves we are† (Rilke, 10). This latter observation sums up, quite readily, the ultimate â€Å"thrust† of Rilke’s advice: that any prospective artist should view the process of becoming an artist as something more akin to religious than material experience. Art is not only a way of life, it is life and for a true artist, there is no other path. Rilke’s letters are important not only for their veracity and honesty, but for Rilke’s insistence that the artist be regarded, rightfully, as a visionary rather than a craftsman, especially in an age which values above all else, reduction of human experience to merely material principles. Work Cited Rilke, Rainer Maria. Letters to a Young Poet, W. W. Norton & Company, 1993.

Inspired by nature.

Inspired by nature. Inspired by NatureKnown as the Quaker Poet, the majority of Whittier's work revolved around around the harsh New England farm life with which he was familiar with. Whittier grew up on the Massachusetts farm of his Quaker family. His first poem, published in a local paper when he was fourteen, attracted the attention of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, who urged the boy to pursue his education. Though the family had long suffered in poverty, Whittier managed to put himself through two years of school at the Haverhill Academy. In his twenties Whittier began editing regional newspapers. He served one term in the Massachusetts legislature (1835) and was one of the founding leaders of the antislavery Liberty Party in 1839. Throughout the 1830s, 1840s, and 1850s, he continued his newspaper work, editing several abolitionist papers in a time before the antislavery movement was generally favored in the North. At the same time, he wrote prose and poetry about his own rural region, collect ed in such volumes as Legends of New England (1831) and Lays of My Home (1843).English: Black-and-white bust portrait of John Gre...Whittier's reputation received a boost in 1857, when the new Atlantic Monthly started to publish his poems and humorous tales. His long poem Snow-Bound (1866) ensured Whittier's fame and financial well-being for the remaining years of his life. "Although his early life was one of relative hardship and isolation, his constant exposure to the wonders of nature gave him a poet's appreciation for the beauties of the world around him," said famous americans an internet biography site.John uses New England's nature as a setting and often theme for a majority of his poems. Snow Bound is an idyllic picture of his boyhood home. In his poem he skillfully paints an image in our head with his words. He wrote in a...

Population Biology Basics

Population Biology Basics Populations are groups of individuals belonging to the same species that live in the same region at the same time. Populations, like individual organisms, have unique attributes such as growth rate, age structure, sex ratio, and mortality rate Populations change over time due to births, deaths, and the dispersal of individuals between separate populations. When resources are plentiful and environmental conditions appropriate, populations can increase rapidly. A populations ability to increase at its maximum rate under optimal conditions is called its biotic potential. Biotic potential is represented by the letter r when used in mathematical equations. Keeping the Population in Check In most instances, resources are not unlimited and environmental conditions are not optimal. Climate, food, habitat, water availability, and other factors keep population growth in check due to environmental resistance. The environment can only support a limited number of individuals in a population before some resource runs out or limits the survival of those individuals. The number of individuals that a particular habitat or environment can support is referred to as the carrying capacity. Carrying capacity is represented by the letter K when used in mathematical equations. Growth Characteristics Populations can sometimes be categorized by their growth characteristics. Species whose populations increase until they reach the carrying capacity of their environment and then level off are referred to as K-selected species. Species whose populations increase rapidly, often exponentially, quickly filling available environments, are referred to as r-selected species. Characteristics of K-selected species include: Late maturationFewer, larger youngLonger life spansMore parental careIntense competition for resources Characteristics of r-selected species include: Early maturationNumerous, smaller youngShorter lifespansLess parental careA little competition for resources Population Density Some environmental and biological factors can influence a population differently depending on its density. If population density is high, such factors become increasingly limiting on the success of the population. For example, if individuals are cramped in a small area, the disease may spread faster than it would if population density were low. Factors that are affected by population density are referred to as density-dependent factors. There are also densitys of density-independent factors might include a change in temperature such as an extraordinarily cold or dry winter. Intra-Specific Competition Another limiting factor on populations is intra-specific competition which occurs when individuals within a population compete with one another to obtain the same resources. Sometimes intra-specific competition is direct, for example when two individuals vie for the same food, or indirect, when one individuals action alters and possibly harms the environment of another individual. Populations of animals interact with each other and their environment in a variety of ways. One of the primary interactions a population has with its environment and other populations is due to feeding behavior. Types of Herbivores The consumption of plants as a food source is referred to as herbivory and the animals that do this consuming are called herbivores. There are different types of herbivores. Those that feed on grasses are referred to as grazers. Animals that eat leaves and other portions of woody plants are called browsers, while those that consume fruits, seeds, sap, and pollen are called frugivores. Predators and Prey Populations of carnivorous animals that feed on other organisms are called predators. The populations on which predators feed are called prey. Often, predator and prey populations cycle in a complex interaction. When prey resources are abundant, predator numbers increase until the prey resources wane. When prey numbers drop, predator numbers dwindle as well. If the environment provides adequate refuge and resources for prey, their numbers may again increase and the cycle begins again. Competing Species The concept of competitive exclusion suggests that two species that require identical resources cannot coexist in the same location. The reasoning behind this concept is that one of those two species will be better adapted to that environment and be more successful, to the point of excluding the lesser species from the environment. Yet we find that many species with similar requirements do coexist. Because the environment is varied, competing species can use resources in different ways when competition is intense, thus allowing space for one another. When two interacting species, for example, predator and prey, evolve together, they can influence the evolution of the other. This is referred to as coevolution. Sometimes coevolution results in two species that influence (both positively or negatively) from each other, in a relationship referred to as symbiosis. The various types of symbiosis include: Parasitism: One species (parasite) benefits more than the other species (host).Commensalism: One species benefits while a second species is neither helped nor injured.Mutualism: Both species benefit from the interaction.

Art Management ,Collector management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Art Management ,Collector management - Essay Example First of all, the site will incorporate smart points where consumers will get loyalty points from which they can redeem them. For example if a consumer buys a piece of art through the website then the more they spend the more they get loyalty points. For every 100 dollars a consumers spends through the site they will get one loyalty point hence the more a consumer uses the site to buy art the more the accumulate loyalty points. These loyalty points can be redeemed in order for a consumer to enjoy a discount, a gift hamper or specific fine art for free depending on the amount of points a consumer has. For instance, a twenty percent discount can be given by redeeming 10 points. For some fine arts one can get them at no cost at all by redeeming one hundred loyalty points. This is systems will encourage consumers to use the site since currently no online auctioning site for fine art offers loyalty points to its consumers. JFlora.com will use social networking to ensure that its customers are always up to date with any new work of art that is for sale. This is another aspect of the website that currently no online auctioning website for fine art is using. The use of social networking marketing has proved to be cheap, convenient, and reliable since it has worked for other companies in other industries. Social marketing will be incorporated into the website in that once a customer registers in the website then they will be able to get information about art galleries, art events, and art products on sale making it easy for them to know what and when to buy. For instance, if a painting has been posted to be on sale on the website, then customers do not have to wait until they log in into the website. They can simply place their bids using social networks such as twitter and face book then if they are the highest bidder they will be contacted by personnel from the website informing them on their successful bidding. This is when they will be prompted to log into their acc ount where they will choose the method of payment they see fit. Jflora.com will also be conspicuous from other online auctioning websites for fine art such as paddle8 and VIP Art in its wide list of payment option. Normally such auctioning sites usually offer a limited range of paying options which are credit and debit card. However, J Flora has come up with a system where a customer can pay for the items purchased using Bank transfer, Credit card, internet currencies, wire transfers, mobile money, and personal cheques. This wide variety of payment options will be made available by the website through a system where, instead of the customers paying directly to the owner of the painting, he/she will pay to the company where the company will release the item to the buyer once they have received proof of payment. This means even if the customer pays for a painting using a personal cheque, the company will release the item to the buyer as long as a copy of the personal cheque is receive d by the company meaning that the buyer does not have to wait until the cheque matures. The J Flora company will incorporate security measures not being used by other websites to ensure that customer information is treated with a lot of privacy ensuring that they do not lose their money to identity thieves or fraudsters which has been the case in online buying and selling. In fact, quite a number of consumers

Blood Spatter Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Blood Spatter Analysis - Essay Example Interpretation of bloodstain patterns entails physical measurements of blood droplets, knowledge of motion in Physics, use of trigonometry, as well as recognition of patterns using already known experiments or photographs (Gardner & Bevel, 2008). Other evidence such as tool mark, footprint impressions, fingerprints, chemical analysis, DNA evidence are used together with splatter analysis to create the sequence of events that led to the crime. While collecting evidence using splatter analysis; care should be taken since bloodstains cannot be carried to the laboratory lab for interpretation. Photographs should also be taken in addition to drawing of sketches to facilitate piecing of the puzzle together. The photographs and sketches are essential since they help in keeping visual records of the evidence. Substrate splatter analysis technique is one of the most accurate techniques. This is attributed to the fact that it facilitates the preservation of the samples for additional chemical and biological analysis (Gardner & Bevel, 2008). Additionally, the hyper-spectral imaging used in substrate splatter analysis offers a clarity for visualizing the blood splatter; thus, necessitating easy and detailed analysis. From the above information, it is extremely essential to employ the use of splatter analysis in solving violent