Economic systems envisioned by Adam Smith in An Inquiry into the Essay

Economic systems envisioned by Adam Smith in An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations and Karl Marx in The Communist Manifesto - Essay Example The food in the farms is produced for the global village and manufacturers produce for the entire globe. The consumers of the products remain to be the entire world. Adam Smith however, unlike Carl Marx, believes the wealth of the nations’ originates from the ability of laborers to work, this being skill and also the proportion of the employed to the unemployed. He says, this is what differentiates the wealthy nation and the poor nation. In that, a wealthy nation has less people working but everyone due to the sill of the laborers has abundant and is satisfied. However, in poor nations, the labor is more but unskilled such that, the little that is produced is not enough for the nation (Smith, 1776). Unlike Carl Marx, this perspective draws to attention the skills of labor and the units thereof that are accommodated by the capital. Another perspective in the causes of the wealth of nations is division of labor. Both Carl Marx and Adam Smith agree that it has led to growth of wealth. However, according to Carl Marx, it has continued to grow the rift between owners of factors of production and its laborers. Division of labor according to Adam Smith has contributed greatly in enhancing wealth. This is because, first, it has led to specialization. There are different branches of trade more so in the manufacturing industry. The different branches have given rise to expertise per work space (Smith, 1776). This has led to labor’s ability to do more than when they aren’t specialized. Another aspect is that of time. Time is greatly saved in production when division of labor is involved. According to Smith, it becomes easier for a worker to perform his work with specialty without wasting time changing and adopting to new skill. Another important cause of wealth through labor division has been the technological inventions (Smith, 1776). It is rather true that when one has one focus on work, they are able to come up with easier

Prostitution A Psychological Perspective Sociology Essay

Prostitution A Psychological Perspective Sociology Essay As psychologists, we hope to see a change in the health professions relative silence regarding prostitutions harm to women, as well as a change in the perspective on prostitution held by the criminal justice system. -Melissa Farley Avnessa Kelly There is a lot of debate about whether prostitution should be legalized and regulated or whether the continuing laws(in India and elsewhere) which criminalize the act of brothel keeping, living off the earnings of a prostitute, soliciting or seducing for the purposes of prostitution should remain a punishable offence. The arguments for either side ultimately boil down to the question of why one stance over the other? The decision is largely influenced by a persons perception of what benefits society as well as the exploitative nature of this profession .If prostitution were to be legalized these individuals would become part of a system that sanctions their work and also condones the act of selling ones body as well as paying for sexual services. Such a system would be accountable for the repercussions this occupation has upon its members. For every occupation that is sanctioned by law and society there exists a representative in the form of an organization or a union that supports t he best interest of its employees and ensures their well being. However the question that arises in the case of prostitution is whether the occupation is such that it poses a serious immediate threat to a womans psychological and physical health on a regular continuous basis? if so, then the act of sanctioning such an occupation and creating a system that supports it leads to a paradox not only in a moral sense but also in keeping with the actual negative effects of the occupation versus the benefits of legalizing prostitution. The present paper is an attempt to gain greater clarity about the potential risks of this occupation. To assess whether commercial sex workers will ultimately suffer traumatic experiences to such an extent that their psychological and emotional health will prevent them from leading functional productive social and healthy lives. Some might argue that traumatic experiences or harmful effects are faced by individuals in various other professions such as the military, war journalism, psychiatry, medical science or people working in factories where they are exposed to harmful substances on a daily basis. Thus these occupations are also a great cause for concern. However prostitution has been described as an act which is intrinsically traumatizing to the person being prostituted.(Farley et al, 1988) Researchers have found that 92% of people interviewd stated that they wanted to leave prostitution .Also it has been reported that Sexual and other physical violence is the normative experience for women in prostitution (Baldwin, 1992; Farley and Barkan, 1998; Hunter, 1994; Silbert and Pines, 1982) In light of such evidence one can hardly suggest that prostitution is an occupation that an individual would willingly participate in if she truly had another option or was entirely aware of the health risk involved.Infact Silbert and her colleagues(1982) have described a psychological paralysis of prostituted women, characterized by immobility, acceptance of victimization, hopelessness, and an inability to take the opportunity to change, which results from the inescapable violence they encountered throughout their lives (Silbert Pines, 1982). According to Farley (2006) Prostitution is sexual violence that results in massive economic profit for some of its perpetrators. The sex industry, like other global enterprises, has domestic and international sectors, marketing sectors, a range of physical locations out of which it operates in each community, is controlled by many different owners and managers, and is constantly expanding as technology, law, and public opinion permit. She further stresses that prostitution as a profession is rife with every imaginable type of physical and sexual violence. If prostitution is to be legalized, would it then become a recognized profession such as teaching, management, law etc? Would it be part of a career guidance course, would the individuals engaged in this occupation be treated with the same respect, dignity and rights that are allotted to others? Although it remains a personal choice to judge another human being, collective morality exists in every society and forms the basis for norms and beliefs in that society. Legalization of prostitution would condone an act that is considered inhumane by many yet legalization might afford better right to prostitutes and improve their standard of living. This debate eventually turns into a circular argument that requires a subjective approach rather than an objective methodology applied to all other aspects of human science. It becomes a matter of safety and humanity rather than a debate of legality and morality. Hence from the authors perspective a Psychological study aimed at evaluating the men tal health of prostitutes and determining to what extent this correlates to their occupation will indeed contribute to the argument and perhaps indicate how one can decide the matter of whether prostitution should be legalized and thus condoned by government and subsequently (but unlikely) be accepted morally; or whether we must at some point accept that the oldest profession in the world has seriously contributed to the psychopathology of women engaged in this profession. There are several different perspectives on prostitution that have been discussed and documented. The perspective that prostitution is violence against women has been described and critiqued by Jeffreys (2000).She argues that that child and adult prostitution are inextricably interlinked, both in personnel (the women and children work together), in terms of the abusers (who make no distinctions), in the harm they cause and in that both constitute harmful traditional practices which must be ended. Another perspective suggests that in recent decades prostitution has been industrialized and globalized. Industrialization means the ways in which traditional forms of organization of prostitution are being changed by economic and social forces to become large scale and concentrated, normalized and part of the mainstream corporate sphere. Prostitution has been transformed from an illegal, small scale, largely local and socially despised form of abuse of women into a hugely profitable and either legal or tolerated international industry. In states that have legalized their prostitution industries large-scale, industrialized brothels employ hundreds of women overseen and regulated by government agencies (M. Sullivan, 2007). In some parts of Asia the industrialization of prostitution has taken place in the form of the creation of massive prostitution areas within cities. In Daulatdia, formed 20 years ago, in a port city in Bangladesh, 1,600 women are sexually used by 3,000 men daily (Hammond, 2008). This paper is presented in three parts. The first part highlights the Framework that governs the sex trade industry in India, the second part focuses on the Psychological implications of prostitution and the third part discusses the implications of legalizing and regulating sex trade. Prostitution in India India is a country that prides itself for upholding age old traditions and cultural practices rooted in religious beliefs which encourage a way of life that is morally correct and ethically sound. It is a country which has great respect for the elderly, believes in the integrity of honesty and fidelity and places much emphasis on purity. Right from the religious scriptures to the common mans notion about what is the ideal way of living one can witness a belief in simplicity, generosity and secularity. This comes from the fact that India is a country of a hundred cultures all inter-mingling to create a nation that is unified in language, sport and entertainment and often diversified in religion, custom and caste. However one thing that remains collective and common to all the culturally opposed regions is the practice of sex trade. Prostitution in India has a long history. Devadasi System: In ancient India prostitutes have been referred to as Devadasis. Originally, Devadasis were celibate dancing girls used in temple ceremonies and they entertained members of the ruling class. But sometime around the 6th Century, the practice of dedicating girls to Hindu gods became prevalent in a practice that developed into ritualized prostitution. Devadasi literally means Gods (Dev) female servant (Dasi), where according to the ancient Indian practice, young pre-pubertal girls are married off, given away in matrimony to God or Local religious deity of the temple. The marriage usually occurs before the girl reaches puberty and requires the girl to become a prostitute for upper-caste community members. Such girls are known as jogini. They are forbidden to enter into a real marriage. In Karnataka, the most common form of traditional sex work is associated with the Devadasi system.   Today, the districts bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka, known as the Devadasi belt, have trafficking structures operating at various levels. The women here are in prostitution either because their husbands deserted them, or they are trafficked through coercion and deception Many are devadasi dedicated into prostitution for the goddess Yellamma. In one Karnataka brothel, all 15 girls are devadasi. (Meena Menon, The Unknown Faces). Researchers have found that differences between Devadasi and non-Devadasi Female sex workers (FSWs) with regard to the pattern and environment of sex work were substantial. Devadasi FSWs were much more likely to entertain clients at home, reported a higher average number of sex partners in the past week, and charged less on average to each client. Devadasi FSWs were less likely to migrate to work at another location within the state of Karnataka but were somewhat more likely to have migrated to another state for work. Devadasi FSWs were more likely to accept every client and reported client initiated violence much less often than did non-Devadasi FSWs. Devadasi FSWs also were significantly less likely to report having ever been harassed by the police (Laanchard, F, J et al 2005). Sex trade Industry in India: There are approximately 10 million prostitutes in India. (Human Rights Watch, Robert I. Freidman, Indias Shame: Sexual Slavery and Political Corruption Are Leading to An AIDS Catastrophe,  The Nation, 8 April 1996).The largest red light district in India, perhaps in the world, is the Falkland Road Kamatipura area of Bombay. There are more than 100,000 women in prostitution in Bombay, Asias largest sex industry center (Freidman, R.I 1996). At least 2,000 women were in prostitution along the Baina beachfront in Goa. (Moronh,F 1997).There are 300,000-500,000 children in prostitution in India. ( Bedi,R 1997) India, along with Thailand and the Philippines, has 1.3 million children in its sex-trade centers. (Soma Wadhwa, For sale childhood, Outlook, 1998) India and Paksitan are the main destinations for children under 16 who are trafficked in south Asia. (Masako Iijima, S. Asia urged to unite against child prostitution,  Reuters, 19 June 1998) In India, Karnataka, Andha Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are considered high supply zones for women in prostitution. Bijapur, Belgaum and Kolhapur are common districts from which women migrate to the big cities, as part of an organised trafficking network. (Central Welfare Board, Meena Menon, The Unknown Faces) A few hundred thousand men have sexual relations with prostitutes every day in India.  Ã‚  Insights derived by health practitioners and social workers from the experience of working in red-light areas suggest that the following categories of men are frequent visitors to prostitutes: low-level workers in the manufacturing and transport industries; other workers living away from their families for a length of time; traders and customers in transitory markets; visitors to fairs, festivals and pilgrim centres; defence personnel living away from families; students; pimps and others who have some control over prostitutes; traders and service providers in red-light areas. According to one author of The Unkown Faces There are three routes into prostitution for most women in India. 1) Deception 2) Devadasi dedication and 3) Bad marriages or families. A study conducted by researcher s in Karnataka, a Southern state of India found that Participants gave diverse reasons for entering sex work . Overall 26% stated that induction into the Devadasi tradition was at least 1 reason that they entered sex work, and 66% of these Female sex workers (FSWs) listed it as the only reason that they entered sex work. Other stated reasons for entering sex work included financial need- 36%, marital or family discord or dissolution -30%, and being coerced or lured- 20%. Chattopadhyay M, Bandyopadhyay S, Duttagupta C, (1994) conducted interviews with 33 female prostitutes in Domjur, Howrah District, West Bengal, to understand the processes by which women become prostitutes. Twenty-one of them were married. More than 50%, who had been married before the age of 18, became prostitutes before 25 and were older than 30. 66% did not engage in illicit sex before becoming prostitutes. About 20% had been prostitutes for more than 15 years. Most prostitutes earned about Rs. 1000 per month. 66% had a maximum number of five clients/day. Three prostitutes had as many as seven to eight clients/day. Life events and their reactions that led them to become prostitutes belonged to two categories: (1) women who were either widowed (17 women) or abused by husband and in-laws (4 women), leaving them with no social or economic support and (2) women who chose prostitution as an easy means to support themselves (9 women) or because they had sexual urges or were curious (3 w omen). Empirical studies along in red-light areas of a few large cities corroborate the common knowledge that prostitutes, in general, lead a poor standard of life in dilapidated and unhygienic environments (Gilada n.d.; Ghosh and Das 1994). A major portion of what their clients pay is shared by pimps, landlords, madams, financiers and policemen. They do not get nutritionally adequate food and they are exploited by local traders who sell them essential goods. Because of strong prejudice against them they cannot take advantage of the government health facilities and have to depend mostly on local quacks who charge them exorbitantly for treatment and medicines. A large proportion of them suffer intermittently from various kinds of STDs. Most of them are forced to enter this occupation because of adverse circumstances. In a country that has strict values and restrictions towards marriage,dating and pre-marital sex there seems to be a rampant disregard for the value of a womans right to dignity and integrity.In India, It is generally considered unacceptable for a woman or man to engage in sex before marriage or with more than one partner. Speaking about sex related issues is taboo in most households and sex education in schools is strongly opposed and rendered inappropriate. It is believed that one should respect traditions and avoid places,people,movies,books or music that are provocative or in any way of a sexual nature. Conservatism and orthodox customs are welcomed and whole heardtedly preached and in some cases practiced in India. Thus, it comes as a shock to realize that the hub of the Sex trade throughout Asia and possibly the world is housed in the biggest city in India-Mumbai. It is a sad and cruel paradox that a country that preaches about purity and chastity has the largest brothels in th e world and is a central point in the human trafficking system. Legal position in India: Laws related to prostitution in India:   Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girl Act -1956   Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act-1956   Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act-1956 In legal terms, the Indian Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956, criminalized the volitional act of a female offering her body for promiscuous sexual intercourse for hire whether in money or in kind. But, under the revised 1986 Act, prostitution means the sexual exploitation or abuse of persons for commercial purpose, and the expression prostitute shall be constructed accordingly so there is not only no criminality if there is offering by way of free contract, there is not even prostitution. In India the primary law dealing with the status of sex workers is the 1956 law referred to as the  The  Immoral Traffic (Suppression) Act (SITA). According to this law, sex work in  India  is neither legal nor illegal; it is tolerated since prostitutes can practice their trade privately but cannot legally solicit customers in public. Unlike as is the case with other professions, however, sex workers are not protected under normal workers laws, and are not entitled to minimum wage benefits, compensation for injury or other benefits that are common in other types of work. Although prostitution (the act of selling ones body in a non public setting) is legal in India, brothel keeping, living off the earnings of a prostitute, soliciting or seducing for the purposes of prostitution are all punishable offenses. (Robert I. Freidman, Indias Shame: Sexual Slavery and Political Corruption Are Leading to An AIDS Catastrophe,  The Nation, 8 April 1996) Psychological distress among sex workers Considerable research has been conducted in the area of sex trade and prostitution. Most of this research in the social sciences focuses on the health risks involved, particularly HIV, AIDS. There is a large-scale ignorance of the psychological harm that is faced by women who are prostituted. Prostitution has been defined in many ways either by political or legal organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined prostitution as a dynamic and adaptive process that involves a transaction between seller and buyer of a sexual service (World Health Organization, 1988). WHO has since recommended decriminalization of prostitution (Ahmad, 2001). Much of the health sciences literature has viewed prostitution as a job choice (Deren et al., 1996; Farr, Castro, DiSantostefano, Claassen, Olguin, 1996; Green et al., 1993; Romans, Potter,Martin,Herbison, 2001; UN/AIDS, 2002). However the notion that prostitution is work tends to make its harm invisible. Important questions remain unanswered regarding the epidemiology and etiology of psychological distress among sex traders. Many sex traders and drug users from poor neighborhoods have experienced homelessness, rape, and other violent events associated with psychological distress. High proportions of prostitutes are drug-dependent and have experienced physical and sexual abuse in childhood and adulthood (Church, Henderson, Barnard, Hart, 2001; El-Bassel, Schilling, Irwin, Faruque, Gilbert, Von Bargen, Serrano, Edlin, 1997; El- Bassel, Simoni, Cooper, Gilbert, Schilling, 2001). The Psychological literature on Prostitution has focused on different theories to explain the role of a prostitute either as a victim or a risk-taker. There has been tremendous debate over the underlying factors that lead a woman into this profession. It is assumed that prostituted women have personality characteristics which lead to their victimization. Rosiello (1993) described the inherent masochism of prostituted women as a necessary ingredient of their self-concept. MacVicar and Dillon (1980) suggested that masochism plays a central role in the acceptance of abuse by pimps. Psychoanalytic theories that prostituting originates in maternal deprivation or from the anal desires of the child -have been described by Weisberg (1985) and Bullough Bullough (1996).Vanwesenbeeck, et al (1993) identified three groups of prostituted women as 1) those who had a positive, businesslike attitude and consistent condom use, 2) those who had a negative attitude and occasional failure to use condom s),and 3) risk takers who did not use condoms and who reported feeling powerless. The risk takers reported fears of violence and despair in situations where they were powerless. One woman stated that health planning was not a priority when your whole lifes a misery and pain (Vanwesenbeeck et al., 1993). Women in prostitution are often assumed to have an underlying personality disorder. De Schampheleire (1990) concluded that 61 prostituted women had emotional difficulties that resulted first in addictions, and later in prostitution, which was itself described as a diversion from other psychological problems. This is clearly indicative that there is a belief that emotionally disturbed or vulnerable women are more likely to enter into prostitution, further become victimized and continue in this profession as a means of coping with their initial sense of turmoil or unworthiness. This literature fails to recognize the various other reasons that women enter into prostitution (such as financial need or coercion), and ultimately suffer psychological difficulties as a result of this profession. It is assumed with a stance of such stoicism that women willingly enter into a profession in which they become victims of battering, rape, fatal physiological conditions, constant trauma and degradation. However there is literature that supports the idea that prostitution does indeed inflict psychological distress on the individual. Graaf et al. (1995) and Plant et al (1989) found that womens alcohol use in prostitution was related to the psychological trauma of prostitution. It permitted a chemical dissociation, as well as a means of anesthetizing their physical aversion for the act of sex for payment. Green et al (1993) noted that some Glasgow women were only able to prostitute under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alegria et al (1994) found that 70% of 127 Puerto Rican women in prostitution had symptoms of depression which were associated with increased risk behaviors for HIV. Violence against women in Prostitution: In the past decade, a number of authors have documented or analyzed the sexual and physical violence that is the normative experience for women in prostitution, including Baldwin (1993, 1999); Barry (1979, 1995); Boyer, Dworkin (1981, 1997, 2000); Farley, Baral, Kiremire, and Sezgin (1998); Giobbe (1991, 1993) .Sexual violence and physical assault are the norm for women in all types of prostitution. Nemoto, Operario, Takenaka, Iwamoto, and Le (2003) reported that 62% of Asian women in San Francisco massage parlors had been physically assaulted by customers. Raymond, DCunha, et al. (2002) found that 80% of women who had been trafficked or prostituted suffered violence-related injuries in prostitution. Among the women interviewed by Parriott (1994), 85% had been raped in prostitution. In another study, 94% of those in street prostitution had experienced sexual assault and 75% had been raped by one or more customers (Miller, 1995). In the Netherlands, where prostitution is legal, 60% of prostituted women suffered physical assaults; 70% experienced verbal threats of physical assault; 40% experienced sexual violence; and 40% had been forced into prostitution or sexual abuse by acquaintances (Vanwesenbeeck, 1994). Most young women in prostitution were abused or beaten by customers as well as pimps. Silbert and Pines (1981, 1982) reported that 70% of women suffered rape in prostitution, with 65% having been physically assaulted by customers and 66% assaulted by pimps. Of 854 people in prostitution in nine countries (Canada, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, United States, and Zambia), 71% experienced physical assaults in prostitution, and 62% reported rapes in prostitution (Farley, Cotton, et al., 2003). Eighty-nine percent told the researchers that they wanted to leave prostitution but did not have other options for economic survival. To normalize prostitution as a reasonable job choice for poor women makes invisible their strong desire to escape prostitution. Vanwesenbeeck (1994) found that two factors were associated with greater violence in prostitution. The greater the poverty, the greater the violence; and the longer one is in prostitution, the more likely one is to experience violence. Research and clinical reports have documented the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse and chronic traumatization among prostituted women (Belton, 1992; Burgess,et al., 1987; Giobbe et al., 1990; James Meyerding, 1977; Paperny Deisher, 1983; Silbert Pines, 1981, Simons Whitbeck, 1991; Widom Kuhns, 1996). Weisberg (1985) reported that 70% of women suffered rape in prostitution, with 65% of prostitutes having been physically assaulted by customers; and 66% assaulted by pimps. The Council for Prostitution Alternatives in Portland, Oregon, reported that prostituted women were raped an average of once a week (Hunter, 1994). Women in prostitution are battered women. Prostitution, like battering, is a form of domestic violence. Giobbe (1993) compared pimps and batterers and found similarities in their use of enforced social isolation, minimization and denial, threats, intimidation, verbal and sexual abuse, attitude of ownership, and extreme physical violence to control women. The techniques of physical violence used by pimps are often the same as those used by torturers. Gray (1973, cited in Weisberg, 1985) reported that one teenager was beaten with a 6-foot bullwhip and another was tied to a car and forced to run behind it. It has been reasonably estimated that prostitution is 80% to 90% pimp-controlled (Giobbe Gamache, 1990; Hunter, 1994). The primary concern of prostituted women in Glasgow was violence from customers (Green et al., 1993). Rape was common. The women in Glasgow were physically abused as part of the job of prostitution. They were whipped and 1 7 beaten up, with payment at times received per individual blow (Green et al., 1993, page 328). Prostituted women described a minority of customers as extremely dangerous. These men were likely to assault or murder women in prostitution for pleasure. They used fists, feet, baseball bats, knives, or guns in their assaults on the women. One man inserted a shotgun into at least one womans vagina and mouth. 87% of prostituted women interviewed by Miller (1995) were physically assaulted in prostitution, with 31% having been stabbed, and 25% being hit with an object. 37% of her sample had been held captive. Prostituted women were often assaulted and robbed (Green et al, 1993; Hardesty Greif, 1994; Miller, 1995). Miller Schwartz (1995) found that 94% of those in street prostitution had experienced some form of sexual assault; 75% had been raped by one or more customers. In spite of this, there was a widespread belief that the concept of rape did not apply to prostitutes. If rape of a prostituting woman occurs, some have considered the rape to be theft or breach of contract rather than rape. Many people assumed that when a prostituted woman was raped, it was part of her job and that she deserved or even asked for the rape. In an example of this bias, a California judge overturned a jurys decision to charge a customer with rape, saying that a woman who goes out on the street and makes a whore out of herself opens herself up to anybody. One juror interpreted the judges decision as a refusal to give rights to prostitutes (Arax, 1986). Psychological Trauma as a result of prostitution: Dissociation is the psychological process of banishing traumatic events from consciousness (Herman, 1992). It is an emotional shutting-down which occurs during extreme stress among prisoners of war who are being tortured, among children who are being sexually assaulted, and among women being battered or raped or prostituted. Vanwesenbeeck (1994) considered dissociation in those prostituted to be a consequence of both childhood violence and adult violence in prostitution. She noted that a proficiency in dissociation, perhaps learned in order to survive sexual abuse as a child, was required in prostitution. Ross et al (1990) noted dissociative symptoms in women in strip club prostitution. Belton (1998) reported that depression as well as dissociative disorders were common among prostituted women. It is clear that women in prostitution suffer from psychological trauma which affects their functioning.Other than dissociation,drug use an emotional vulnerability women in prostitution suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms are anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, flashbacks, emotional numbing, and hyperalertness. Farley et al., (1998) interviewed 475 prostituted people in 5 countries (South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, USA, and Zambia) and found that 67% met diagnostic criteria for PTSD, suggesting that the traumatic sequelae of prostitution were similar across different cultures. The violence of prostitution, the constant humiliation, the social indignity and misogyny result in personality changes which have been described by Herman (1992) as complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Symptoms of CPTSD include changes in consciousness and self-concept, changes in the ability to regulate emotions, changes in systems of meaning, such as loss of faith, and an unremitting sense of despair. Once out of prostitution, 76% of a group of women interviewed by Parriott (1994) reported that they had great difficulty with intimate relationships. Not only were sexual feelings destroyed in prostitution, but the emotional part of the self was eroded. (Hoigard Finstad,1986; Giobbe, 1991, 1992) One of the longer-lasting effects of CPTSD involves changes in relations with other people, including changes in perception of the perpetrator of abuse. Previous research on women who engaged in prostitution has found a high rate of drug abuse among this population (Kuhns, Heide, Silverman, 1992; El-Bassel et al., 1997; Nadon, Koverola, Schludermann, 1998; Potterat,)The need for drugs, both physical and emotional, often overpowers prostitutes aversion toward the degrading aspects of their occupation (Weeks et al., 1998). In another study, El-Bassel and colleagues (1997) found that drug-using prostitutes scored higher than drug-using non-prostitutes from the same community on several measures of psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation, and suggested that psychological distress among prostitutes was brought about by the dangerous and degrading circumstances surrounding their work. Researchers found that the women who were prostituting were more likely to report using drugs to increase their feelings of confidence, sense of control, and feelings of closeness to others and to decrease their feelings of guilt and sexual distress. (Young,A,M et al 2000). Furthermore the researchers found that the subservient, humiliating nature of prostitution suggests that these women would tend to feel less confident and in control while working, and would wish to regain these feelings, and the ability to feel close to others, after being sexually involved with a stranger or strangers. Other studies have found that women engaged in prostitution use drugs and alcohol to feel more confident on the job, more calm and able to suppress negative feelings, and more relaxed and sociable (Gossop et al., 1994; Silbert et al 1982; Feucht, 1993). The evidence is clear and alarming, Psychological distress is an inevitable result of prostitution and is more than likely to inte

The Need for Reform in Collegiate Sports Essay -- science university a

The Need for Reform in Collegiate Sports The current institutional structure of intercollegiate athletics is attempting to maximize educational quality and athletic excellence simultaneously. Each of which will inevitably impinge on one another. Universities claim that their athletes are amateurs who are attending college for academic achievement and play sports in their free time. This is an impossible task for anybody. Higher education has entered the arena of big business with its athletic programs and with it many problems have emerged for coaches, athletes, and the athletic system itself. There is systematic corruption. Exploitation and hypocrisy are givens in college athletics. Athletic personnel are mistakenly given the responsibility for academic integrity of student athletes. With this responsibility emerges at best indifference and at worst complicate the corruption in college athletics. There is a huge demand for reform. The critics argue the issue of amateurism versus professionalism in college athletics. They also disagree on the means in which reform should be instigated. Many look towards the government for answers while the NCAA would like to regulate itself. There needs to be resolution somewhere because the integrity of sports is in jeopardy. College athletes are expected to combine their athletic dreams with academic endeavors. Many athletes use college as a stepping-stone into professional leagues. College is simply a means to their athletic career. Charles Reed, a chancellor for Florida State, feels that the purpose for education is being lost to these individuals. Universities primary existence is due to an academic mission, not athletic entertainment. However, athletes are expected to practice 30 hours a week, attend at the minimum 12 hours of class, do homework, study for exams, travel to out of town games, and have some kind of a social life. To meet the needs of athletes, universities have lowered their academic standards and programs. Athletes are often clustered into classes that they have the best chance of passing. The goal of striving towards academic integrity has shifted from the best education to the easiest one. Raymie McKerrow, a professor, seems to think this is not all negative. She says that sports ar e an educational entity in their own right. Sports teach, â€Å"enduring values of challenge and response, teamwo... ...the state graduate with me from high school, but he did not attend college. He couldn’t read or write. Even at the high school level teachers and coaches were shuffling him along to keep him eligible. This cannot be allowed. Teachers must be held accountable. Shannon Brownlee also recognizes the failure of middle and high schools. I agree with Tom McMillen that the NCAA cannot regulate itself. It has been trying for years, but nothing ever seems to truly change. The NCAA has proposed strong bills such as Proposition 8 and then passed a weaker version. They passed regulations that limit summer play for football and then schedule a Pigskin Classic for August. They say that they are in favor of academia, but slate games across the country in the middle of the school week. I feel that they are hypocritical in their actions and become part of the problem. There is very little research on actual reform programs. Those that have been implemented are on paper only. This is not a new idea, but the amount of money and popularity generated by this enterprise has overshadowed any progress. The only test for current reforms lies in the future. Only time can tell what that will hold.

Computer Architecture Essay

1. Describe Von Neumann architecture and explain why it is important. The Von Neumann architecture explains the architecture of an electronic computer. It is attributed to be root of every electronic computer that has ever been made. According to Von Neumann architecture an electronic computer has Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit, Memory & Input / Output Devices. The following diagram shows this architecture:- Memory: – Memory holds both data and the instructions. Control Unit: – The Control Unit manages the movement of data and instructions in and out of the memory and also deals with sequential carrying out of the programs. Arithmetic Logic Unit: – Carries out all the calculations on the data. Apart from operations like addition, subtraction etc, ‘greater than’, ‘less than’ etc would also be provided. Input / Output: – Input/output devices to feed into the data and take out the data. This component served interaction with the human who was operating the device The most basic principle of development of Von Neumann architecture was that it not just stored the data and the computation that was involved; it also stored the set of orders and instructions that had resulted in the computation. The entire set of instructions were stored in what is called as ‘registers’ and the control unit used to process this in a sequential manner – which means one at a time. In this architecture the instructions were encoded into numeric form and the data as well as the instructions were then stored in the memory. The Von Neumann Architecture is important because it led to the development of the earliest computers. Even the computers we see today, that are fifth generation and have a drastically different architecture, draw their parallels from Von Neumann Architecture. Obviously there has been lot of improvements. However, the base of having memory, control unit, input / output devices still remains integral to all the machines. Von Neumann architecture can hence be easily regarded as mother of all computer architectural designs. 2. Explain what a system bus is and why it is needed. The system bus is the pathway over which the data travels between the CPU and the rest of the components on the motherboard. The system bus speed is defined as the capacity to move the data through the system, as it is the speed that connects the different parts of the system. The front-side bus (FSB) is that part of the bus which is responsible to carry the data between RAM and the CPU. FSB is the part that usually has the greatest effect on the performance of the system. A system with high-performance processors and components would need to have a fast front-side bus. Bus speed is quite important and can have a significant impact in the performance of the machine. The data in a system is stored, manipulated and processed in the system memory. The system needs to move this information in and out of memory, and at the same time, a track of which data is stored at which location need. This entire info travels using the system bus. If the bus speed is low, there will be a very low transmission data speed, leading to the computer working very slowly. We know that in all the modern systems that we use, the processor is running at a speed that is much faster than the memory bus. If we compute the ratio of processer speed to bus speed (something called as bus multiplier), we will find that the lower the multiplier the better it is. If the multiplier is large, it would mean that the bus speed is slow as compare to the processor speed, in which case the processor will remain idle. On the other hand, if the bus speed is higher, then more data can be fed to the processor resulting in lower latency (time to start a request). 3. Summarize the use of Boolean operators in computer-based calculations. Boolean Operators are the most popular operators used for computer based calculations. Boolean operators are simple words (AND, OR, NOT or AND NOT) which are used to carry out these calculations. Together, these keywords help in finding, joining or excluding a particular keyword in a search and hence arrive at results efficiently. These operators and their use can greatly help in saving time by doing searches for getting to ‘on-target’ results – which are more relevant and accurate to the questions/needs that are posed. Every different search engine makes use of Boolean operators in varying fashion. While doing Boolean based calculations, a lot of proximity operators can be used to combine strings which can then help with the search. A brief overview of various operators is given below:- AND This Boolean operate requires both the terms to be in each item returned. For example, if only one of the term is contained in the document and the other is absent, the item is excluded OR This Boolean operator would return either term (or even both the terms) NOT While using this Boolean operator, the first term is searched, and then any records containing the term after the operators are subtracted from the results. Using Parentheses to include different strings will help in giving more customized and accurate results for the operation. 4. Categorize the various types of memory and storage. Computers need to have a storage space and memory units to store information and to run programs. There are various types of memory and storage, with various specifications and different purposes. These different types of memory and storage are:- Random Access Memory (RAM) RAM stores the data on a temporary basis, and as such it can be quickly/promptly accessed by the processor. This information, which includes both the application data and the data related to operating system, is loaded from the hard disk of the computer. The catch however is that as soon as the system is switched off, all the stored information is lost. Read Only Memory (ROM) Unlike RAM, ROM is active, even if the system is turned off – thus making it somewhat a permanent non-volatile storage memory. The contents of ROM cannot be modified. ROM has all the data which should be present so that the computer can carry out the normal functions.. Cache Cache is a more responsive memory than RAM. The CPU, in case of Cache, for finding the required information the CPU first searches the cache memory before searching the central memory storage area Computer Hard Drive This has a set of devices that are integral components of data storage components in the CPU. This particular memory has different ranges and a particular user may chose the size of the memory. The hard disks can store a very large amount of information, including photos, videos, music, documents, programs and more and this memory remains even after your computer is turned off. External hard disks An external hard disk is a great way to store more digital photos, videos, music, and other large files. It can add huge volume to the storage space on your computer’s internal hard disk. Flash Memory Unlike the other storage and memory options, this is a portable storage and felicitates a convenient data transfer between two computers. Easy deletion and re-programming of data is possible as per the user’s requirements. References Backus, J. 1978. Can programming be liberated from the von Neumann style? A functional style and its algebra of programs. Communications of the ACM 21, 8, (August), 613-641. Myers, G. J. 1982. Advances in Computer Architecture. John Wiley & Sons, New York. von Neumann, John (1945), First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC, retrieved August 24, 2011 Linda Null; Julia Lobur (2010). The essentials of computer organization and architecture (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. pp. 36,199–203. ISBN 978-1-4496-0006-8.

Being Fat a Big Issue

Being Fat a Big Issue Daniel Gutierrez English 1430, Fall 2010, Section 02 Professor A. Hepner October 14th, 2010 Daniel Gutierrez A. Hepner ENG 1300-01 October 14th, 2010 Being Fat a Big Issue Being fat is one of the biggest issues lately. Our society has created a stereotype of how people should look and it is not exactly a fat boy/girl. People who are fat have suffered every day for how they look and many times our society ignores fat people’s feelings.Obese people have been suffering depression and discrimination for being fat, even though sometimes it is a disease or compulsive eating (eating disorder) that makes them fat, there are also some irresponsible cases of eating unhealthily and it not working out. Obese people today tend to be discriminated for being fat in our society. Overweight people are not different to us; they are people like you and me, for that reason we should not judge them. They are part of our society and they deserve respect and understanding. Ms.C laudia Gomez said, â€Å"It is hard for us when I take the bus and everybody looking us like if we are different or if we are funny, they don’t know how painful it is. † In addition, there are some studies to show that depression can be responsible for overweight especially in women (Overweight and Depression). Moreover, some obese people have eating disorder like compulsive overeating. Compulsive overeating is an addiction to food in big quantities. People suffering compulsive overeating used to eat to hide their emotions, to avoid what they feel inside or their life problems.As Susie Orbach said in her essay, Fat as a Feminist Issue, â€Å"Women suffering from the problem of compulsive eating endure double anguish: feeling out of step with the rest of society, and believing that it is all their own fault†¦. (201)† Overweight people have a disease which means people having extra body weight from muscle, bone and fat (What are Overweight and Obesity). There are some options to lose weight such as: surgery, diets by a nutritionist, exercise and some medicines. According to Medline Plus one of the common options for very obese people is the Gastric by Pass Surgery.After this surgery the patients will not be capable of eating like they ate before. This is an alternative to lose weight faster but also the patients have to follow a diet and do exercise (Gastric Bypass Surgery). Furthermore, obese people have not been practicing healthy habits. The most common unhealthy habits among overweight people are: they do not do exercise, they eat too frequently, usually eat more than one time at the same meal, they stay away from lightest activities (like use the stairs or walk a little), and they eat when they are not truly hungry (Frisch).Likewise, overweight people might be more responsible. Everybody knows what we can do or what we can’t. If I know that I’m gaining weight, I also know that I have to take care of what I eat and do exercise. But many obese people know that they are fat and they still eat unhealthy food and also they do not do exercise. I think this is happening because we like to blame the circumstances (depression, divorce, childhood, etc). But at the same time they also know that being overweight may not be their fault but they are responsible to remain so, because what we do is our choice.Even though there are many advertisements that encourage us to eat unhealthy, nobody is forcing us to eat that food. Also you are the only one who can make the simple decision of taking the elevator or go up stairs. Being obese or overweight is an irresponsible act that makes people sick and this affects everybody because this is a public health problem that should not be. In his essay, What You Eat Is Your Business, Radley Balko maintains that, â€Å"the best way to alleviate the obesity â€Å"public health† crisis is to remove obesity from the realm of public health (157). As he said, here some p eople would probably say that people should be responsible with their own health because we are the only ones who make the choice of living healthy or not. On the other hand, some fat people are proud of how they are. Mr. Alvarado who is weighting around 310 pounds describes himself as a big man and he said, â€Å"I don’t feel bad because I’m fat, I am happy how I am, a big man. I’m comfortable with my weight, I am healthy and I don’t want to change because the society says that people should be thin. In my opinion, over the years and following the bad habits that he has, I am not sure if he is going to be healthy. He maybe is proud of how he is but if he does not start to eat healthy and do exercise, he is going to see the consequences in a few years. In conclusion, being obese or overweight is an issue but it is also a disease. Although, it is unhealthy and unsightly, the hardest is some of them feel like they cannot fit in our society. In my opinion, we should not judge them; we should help them to make the correct decision to have a healthy life and also we have to change the stereotype that the society has showed us.Also, I used to think all obese people were unhappy to be fat. But my recent researches show me that some obese people simply do not care what people say about them and they are happy how they are. Works Cited Pages: †¢ â€Å"Compulsive Overeating† Something Fishy, Website on Eating Disorders. Web. October 07. 2010. http://www. something-fishy. org/whatarethey/coe. php †¢ â€Å"Gastric Bypass Surgery. † Shabir Bhimji MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland , TX Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A. D. A. M. Medine Plus, Trusted Healthy Information for You. Update Date, May 17. 2010. Web. October 07. 2010. http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007199. htm †¢ â€Å"Overweight an d Depression. † Women’s Health Resource, Taking Care of Your Body. Web. October 07. 2010. http://www. wdxcyber. com/overweight-depression. html †¢ â€Å"What are Overweight and Obesity† Overweight and Obesity. Revised March. 2010. Web. October 07. 2010. http://www. nhlbi. nih. ov/health/dci/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare. html †¢ Balko, Radley. â€Å"What You Eat Is Your Business. † They Say / I say with Readings. Ed. Graff, Birkenstein, Durst. New York-London. 2009. 157-161. Print. †¢ Frisch, Louann. â€Å"7 Bad Habits of Overweight People. † Community and Resources. 24 Hours Fitness. Web. October 07. 2010. http://www. 24hourfitness. com/resources/weight_loss/articles/bad_habits. html †¢ Orbach, Susie. â€Å"Fat as a Feminist Issue. † They Say / I say with Readings. Ed. Graff, Birkenstein, Durst. New York-London. 2009. 200-205. Print.

SAT vs ACT Math Which Is Easier

SAT vs ACT Math Which Is Easier SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you put to a vote whether the ACT Math test or the SAT Math test is easier, there's going to be heavy contention on both sides. Some will swear up and down (and sideways) that the SAT Math section is easier. Others will not be moved by any force in the world away from the position that the ACT Math section is the simpler one. But which faction is right? And more importantly, which test should you take? We’ve broken down the ins and outs of each math test to tell you which is easier, depending on the type of test taker and math student you are. Note: This article is based on the old (pre-2016) SAT Math format. For an updated comparison of the ACT and SAT Math sections, refer to our guide on the differences between these two tests. SAT and ACT Math Basics Though there are more similarities than not between the ACT Math section and the SAT Math section, there are still distinct differences in the structure, content, and timing of each test. And these differences are what make many people favor one math test over the other. In this section, we'll break down the basics of the style and content of each math section. We'll then compare the two tests in more detail side-by-side, giving you the pros and cons of each. Style of the SAT and ACT Math Tests While the tests are, of course, both math tests, each has its own distinct "flavor" and testing style. In this case, the "style" of the test includes the pacing of each test, the way the questions are phrased, and what each test sets out to measure. At the most basic level, the ACT Math section is set up to test how well you’ve retained your mathematical knowledge up to this point in your academic career. It also does this on a rapid timetable to make it a little more challenging. The questions will be a mixture of scenario ("Mary has 12 apples ...") and non-scenario ("Solve for x"), but each problem is designed to be as clear and straightforward as possible. The goal is to test you on the math concept at hand more than anything else- do you know how to solve it, or don't you? The SAT, on the other hand, is designed to test both your accumulated math knowledge as well as how well you can apply this knowledge to new math scenarios. The test is slower (meaning you have more time per question than you do on the ACT) and generally requires you to have a higher level of reading comprehension. The questions will be a mixture of scenario and non-scenario in addition to straightforward and "tricky." In general, questions at the beginning of each section will be straightforward, while questions at the end of each section will require more creative mathematical thinking and attention to detail. As you can see, although both the ACT and SAT Math tests are, at their core, a test of your math skills, their styles are noticeably distinct. Content of the SAT and ACT Math Tests Now that we've talked a little about the style and presentation of the SAT and ACT Math tests, let's talk about the math content each section covers. Both tests are designed to measure the math skill levels of millions of students each year, each of whom comes from a different background and brings different strengths to the table. This means that each test must be challenging for the vast majority of students (after all, if everyone got 100% of the questions right, it wouldn't do much to indicate individual skill level, would it?). Some of this challenge comes from the style of the test, as we saw earlier, and the rest comes from the content of each test. The ACT covers a wider range of math content than the SAT does, including algebra, plane and coordinate geometry, pre-calculus (including logarithms, rational numbers, complex numbers, and polynomials), and trigonometry. It's a good idea to take the ACT only while or after taking a class that covers pre-calculus and/or trig (or at least taken a stab at learning the subjects on your own). It's also important to note that you will not be given a formula box on the ACT, so you will have to memorize every formulayou'll need. The SAT covers a much narrower math subject range compared to the ACT and is limited to algebra and plane/coordinate geometry.You will never see trigonometry questions on the SAT and can realistically do quite well on the test without taking a pre-calculus class (though, of course, the more math classes you take in school, the better prepared you'll be for any standardized math test). You will also be given a formula box. But while the math content of the SAT is less extensive, each concept is tested in more detail and in new and creative ways. For example, you might have two questions on slopes for the ACT, but five or six slope questions- each of which will test you on a more nuanced facet on the subject- on the SAT. Naughty-nice list, pros and cons ... basically the same thing, right? ACT Math vs SAT Math: Pros and Cons So we’ve looked at the basics for the SAT and ACT Math tests, but how do you weigh in on the pros and cons of each? Let’s take a look. Aptitude vs Achievement Whether or not you agree that the ACT and SAT Math sections achieve what they were set up to measure, each test was designed with a specific purpose in mind. The SAT was designed to test the aptitude of a student- basically, one’s raw potential. How well do you solve puzzles? How well can you incorporate and use new information? Though you can (and absolutely should!) study for the SAT, the test was designed to measure a student’s ability to reason. The ACT, on the other hand, was designed as a test of achievement. How well have you learned a topic? Can you prove that mastery on paper? In this way, the ACT is more like the tests you take in school: learn a topic and take a test to illustrate that you’ve mastered it. Now, again, it can be argued that the tests are more alike than they are different when it comes to reflecting student ability (as well as other factors), but this is how they were set up and designed, and so some of these values still hold true. Special Note: The new SAT is making more of a transition toward testing student achievement, much like the ACT. This means that the two tests will soon have less variation on this measure than they do now. Reading Comprehension vs Trigonometry The SAT Math section is like a cross between a math test and a reading test. To solve each math question, you must first break down exactly what the question is asking you to find (often trickier than it sounds!) and then use your mathematical know-how to find that information. The ACT Math section is more straightforward and will generally only ask you to demonstrate your existing knowledge in exactly the same way the math tests you take in school do. The drawback is that you must have a wider range of math knowledge going into the test. If you don’t know trigonometry or logarithms (and if you haven't memorized your formulas), then you will miss questions on a significant chunk of the test. Trickier Questions vs Time Crunch Many SAT Math questions in the medium- and high-difficulty range are designed to make students who aren’t paying attention fall into math traps and choose bait answers. If you have familiarized yourself with the types of questions on the SAT, you will often be able to dodge these metaphorical pitfalls- but it’s not always easy. To balance this out, you will have 1.25-1.4 minutes to answer each math question (depending on the section). This is to give each student long enough to both answer the question and double-check the work, but always keep in mind that everyone’s test-taking pace is different. The ACT Math questions are, again, more direct and aren't designed to trick you, though this does notmean they are easy. You must also answer more questions in a shorter amount of time to make up for the benefit of more straightforward questions. You will only have an average of one minute per ACT Math question, which means you only have 70% as much time to answer each question as you do on most SAT Math questions. Multiple Short Sections vs All at Once Some people thrive on getting tasks done all at once, while others need breaks between subjects. How you test utterly depends on you. The SAT breaks up each of its three topics- Writing, Critical Reading, and Math- into multiple sections and scatters them throughout the whole test. You will never have to focus on one topic for more than 25 minutes at a stretch on the SAT. This can be a great gift for people who need to vary up their routine or who run out of steam in the long-term, but can be distracting for others who have trouble switching focus from topic to topic. The ACT tests each of its four subjects- Reading, Math, English, and Science- individually and completely. The subjects are not broken up and scattered but are arranged in order and must be completed one at a time. The ACT Math test is a full 60 minutes and takes place all at once, which is good for anyone who likes to get tasks completed and out of the way; however, this might be exhausting for others. Leaving Blank Answers vs Strategically Guessing The SAT penalizes random guessing by issuing a -0.25 point penalty for any wrong answer. If you can eliminate answer choices, your best bet is to guess, but if you can't, then you're better off leaving the answer blank. This point penalty can also be a huge blow to your score if you aren't careful about selecting your answer choices. Remember that many questions in the medium- and high-difficulty section on the SAT are engineered to make students make "careless errors." These errors include finding the wrong value (e.g., finding x instead of 2x), stopping the process of solving a math problem too soon, or performing a math function the wrong number of times. Often, you will see bait answers in the answer choices that correspond with these mistakes. This means that you should always be as sure as you can be about your answer choices before you make your final decision, especially with those questions in the medium- and high-difficulty range. Note that the SAT Math questions are in ascending order of difficulty and this resets for the grid-in. So the "high difficulty" range on the SAT is in the last several problems of each Math section, and in the multiple-choice questions right before the grid-in questions begin. The ACT, on the other hand, does NOT issue a point penalty for guessing or wrong answers. If you can eliminate answer choices, great! If not, it’s still fine! Always make a guess on an ACT question and never leave a question blank. It might seem that the ACT is easier than the SAT- after all, why be penalized when you don’t have to be?- but remember that the test is also curved across all students who take the test. So it might be the case that you as an individual will lose fewer points on the ACT because there is no guessing penalty, but it will be the same for everyone elseas well. In the end, the curve is about the same whether your guessing is penalized or not, so your best option for either test is to eliminate answer choices where you can and guess with as much strategy as possible. For more on how to guess questions on the SAT and ACT, check out our individual guides. Though we can't promise you'll be entirely "happy" taking either test, you will likely have a preference for one over the other. SAT Math vs ACT Math: Which Test Is Better for You? What it all comes down to is which test should you take: ACT Math or SAT Math? Unfortunately, the only way you will truly be able to determine which test is better for you is to sit down and take each one. If you're going to dedicate the recommended amount of time to studying (about 40 hours is a good rule of thumb) for your standardized test of choice, you may as well start by finding the right test for you. After all, how awful would it be to spend 30 hours studying for the ACT only to discover that you like the SAT better, or vice versa? So check out where to find real, free practice tests online for both the ACTand the SAT,and carve out some time (on separate days!) to take each one. But if you’re truly determined to only take one test, or if you simply want to know where to start first, take a look below. Be honest with yourself about your mathematical strengths and weaknesses, and find the test that you feel you can soundly conquer. Type of Math Student ACT SAT Does well on math tests in school âÅ"“ âÅ"“ Is good at memorizing mathematical concepts âÅ"“ Is good at solving new puzzles âÅ"“ Works well at a fast pace âÅ"“ Is good at paying attention to details âÅ"“ Does well on reading comprehension âÅ"“ Doesn’t get bored or tired easily âÅ"“ Has taken pre-calculus and/or trigonometry âÅ"“ Likes to switch focus from topic to topic âÅ"“ SAT Math or ACT Math? The Takeaways Both the ACT and SAT Math sections are entirely trainable, and you will be able to build up your scores no matter where you start. So take a look at each test and find the one that is more comfortable for you, both in terms of the math content and the test as a whole. Different people have different strengths and weaknesses, so don’t worry about what anyone else says is easier or better. Colleges have no preference whatsoever anymore for which test you take, so the decision is entirely up to you! What’s Next? Worried that your school of choice really does have a preference for the ACT or SAT? Check out how the Ivy Leagues feel about the ACT and SAT. Running out of time during your ACT or SAT Math section? Our guides will help you beat the clock on both the ACT Math section and the SAT Math section. Aiming for a perfect SAT/ACT Math score? Once you've decided on your test of choice, check out how to get a perfect 36 on the ACT Math section or a perfect 800 on the SAT Math section. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? Check out our best-in-class online SAT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your SAT score by 160 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes what you study to your strengths and weaknesses. If you liked this Math strategy guide, you'll love our program.Along with more detailed lessons, you'll get thousands ofpractice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Check out our 5-day free trial: Disappointed with your ACT scores? Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Art in Modern Times

Art in Modern Times The first article is authored by Michael Fried and it explores the form of the photograph. The article begins by discussing the nature of still-life paintings. The paper also looks into the views of some art critics concerning still-life art pieces.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Art in Modern Times specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to the author, visual art gives several but particular impressions to the viewer. Consequently, painters are more aware of the ‘expected’ end results than they were in the past. The article proposes that for artists to avoid looking like they are trying too much to produce an ‘effect’, they have to try to ‘do nothing’. The author concludes by exploring the issue of absorption and invisibility in the interpretation of photographs. The other article is authored by Nicholas Brown and it forwards the argument that artwork is just like any other commodity. The article begins by exploring an excerpt by Karl Marx and then continues to outline the roles of art buyers and sellers. The element of satisfaction and its relation to commodity exchange in the art market is explored by the author. Art as a commodity that can be sold and purchased applies to culture and its capital value. According to the author of this article, the commodity market leads to self-representation. Consequently, it has been argued that most of modern art is produced under restrictive environments. The lack of ‘real subsumption’ is a factor that has affected art in modern times. This paper is a discussion of the arguments that are presented by both articles concerning art in modern times.  The place of art in modern times is adequately investigated by Michaels in his article. One of the most prominent arguments in the first article is the connection between still-life art and photographs. According to the author, the photograph is a represe ntation of the Diderotian still life (Michaels 1). In this regard, photographers are nowadays regarded as artists.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, the claim that photographers are a part of the fine art community has been challenged by several stakeholders. The main opposition against photography being an art form is based on the argument that photographs do not carry with them the adequate ‘intentional meaning’. The argument against legitimacy of photographs as a form of fine art is still debatable. Most art scholars are of the opinion that photographs are not art because they ‘capture’ rather than ‘convey’ meanings. This argument is quite solid especially in an age where photographs and videos have bombarded everyday art life. Consequently, admitting photographs into the category of fine arts would saturate the market wi th a ‘shaky’ art form. For instance, the intention of modern photography is to present audiences with products that are pleasing to the eyes.  The argument of most art scholars is that art should carry ‘intentional meaning’ (Michaels 4). Michaels also explores the idea of ‘art and objecthood’ in a modern context. According to the author, in the past art has responded to ‘theatricality, minimalism, postmodernism, and literalism’ (Michaels 5). Consequently, art and objecthood makes the silent nature of photographs to be ‘artistic’ in translation. Nevertheless, the author notes that the objecthood of various forms of art varies.  On the other hand, the author of the second article uses Marxist arguments about commodities and the market place to explore the place of art in modern times. According to Marx, whenever the element of money is featured in a transaction, the most important relationship is between the artist a nd the market (Brown 1). This argument is quite interesting because it covers a large part of modern culture. For instance, some paintings can fetch millions of dollars in the market while others only sell for a few hundred. After a close investigation, one might find that the quality of the materials that is used to make both paintings is similar.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Art in Modern Times specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, one painting becomes very appealing to the buyers while the other one is hard to sell. Naturally, the artist will seek to find out what appeals to the buyers during art auctions. In the process, the artist will abandon his/her self-expression in favor of the tastes of the buyers. This argument appears simple to most people. However, given the capitalistic nature of the modern art industry, this argument is quite significant. The author solidifies this argument by explaining that modern artists only strive to produce products that are of value to others and not to themselves. Both authors reckon that art has changed over the course of time. For Fried, the proof is in the fact that the consideration of photographs as a form of art is commonly debated in modern art circles. On the other hand, Brown investigates the place of art in the modern capitalistic environment (Brown 2). In both articles, the authors do not offer blanket judgments on the place of art in modern times. However, the authors explore the arguments of other art experts such as Ranciere, Diderot, Robinson Crusoe, and Hegel among others. Both articles discuss modern complexities that characterize modern art. On nature and theatricality, Fried explores Ranciere’s argument that paintings are legitimately artistic because they only imitate non-art without themselves being ’non-art’ items. On the other hand, photographs can be non-art (Michaels 4). This argument was broken down by Fried when he explained that a photograph acts like one of the many items in the world but it does not act like a representation of any of these various objects. This argument is quite similar to Brown’s argument that modern art only exists in a market place. Consequently, art has always been produced in accordance with the needs of the users and not the artists. This argument also translates to the fact that not all art has managed to retain its autonomy in the prevailing market conditions.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For Fried, the legitimacy of art depends on its form while for Brown authenticity relies on the intended market (Brown 7). These two arguments focus on the factors that give art a place in modern society.  In both articles, there are several arguments that appeal to art enthusiasts. The argument about photographs being termed as people, places, and objects can resonate with any art scholar. For instance, when most people see the photograph of the president they say that ‘is the president’ instead of using the latter explanation. Therefore, photographs are more like reflections than they are expressions. All these circumstances solidify the argument that photographs do not fit the description of art. Fried’s article is a deep analysis of the form of photographs in relation to art. Previously, art was rarely taken to the market place and in most occasions, the market itself found the art. This interesting argument is contained in Brown’s article. Furthermo re, the author notes that today’s market place is quite competitive as a result of globalization. The article maintains that art has the potential to achieve autonomy in modern times. However, factors such as globalization, capitalism, and mass marketing prevent art from gaining autonomy. Brown’s arguments appeal to art scholars because like Fried’s claims, they provide important points of discussion. Brown, Nicholas. The Work of Art in the Age of its Real Subsumption under Capital. Nonsite, 13 Mar. 2012. Web. Michaels, Walter. Neoliberal Aesthetics: Fried, Rancià ¨re and the Form of the  Photograph. Nonsite, 25 Jan. 2011. Web.

Themis the Goddess of Justice

Themis the Goddess of Justice Justice is blind. Themis, in Greek mythology, was the personification of divine or natural law, order, and justice. Her name means justice. She was worshipped as a goddess in Athens. Themis was also credited with wisdom and foresight or prophecy (her sons name, Prometheus, means foresight), and with knowing secrets unknown even to Zeus. She was also known as a protector of the oppressed and a protector of hospitality. Law and Order? The law and order which Themis protected was in the sense of natural order or law, what was proper especially related to family or the community. Such customs were perceived as natural in origin, though would today be seen as cultural or social constructs. In Greek, themis referred to divine or natural law, while nomoi to laws created by people and communities. Images of Themis: Themis was depicted as a beautiful woman, sometimes blind with a bandage over her eyes, and holding a pair of scales in one hand, a sword or cornucopia in the other. A similar image was used for the Roman goddess Iustitia (Justitia or Lady Justice). The images of Themis or Lady Justice blindfolded is more common by the 16th century C.E.; seen as gifted with prophecy, thered be no need for her to be blindfolded. Nemesis and Themis shared a temple at Rhamnous. The idea was that when Themis (divine or natural law) was ignored, then Nemesis would go into action, as the goddess of retribution against those who committed hubris (arrogance) in rejecting divine law and order. Parentage of Themis: Themis was one of the Titans, a daughter of Uranus (the heavens) and Gaia (the earth). Offspring of Themis: Themis was a consort or wife of Zeus after Metis. Their offspring were the Fates (Moirai or Moerae or Parcae) and the Hours (Horae) or Seasons. Some myths also identify as their offspring Astraea (another personification of justice), nymphs of the Eridanus River, and the Hesperides. By her Titan husband Iapetus, Themis was said to be the mother of Prometheus (foresight), and she gave him the knowledge that helped him to escape the punishment of Zeus. (In some myths, the mother of Prometheus was Clymene.) Dike, another goddess of justice, said to be one of the daughters of Themis, in early Greek depictions would carry out the decisions of the Fates, decisions which were above the influence even of the gods. Themis and Delphi Themis followed her mother Gaia in occupying the Oracle at Delphi. Some say that Themis originated the Oracle. Themis eventually turned over the Delphic office some say to her sister Phoebe, others say to Apollo. Themis and the First Humans In Ovids telling, Themis helped Deucalion and Pyrrha, the first human beings, learn how to re-populate the earth after the great worldwide flood. Apples of the Hesperides In the story of Perseus, Atlas refused to help Perseus because Themis had warned Atlas that Zeus would try to steal the golden apples of the Hesperides.

McDonalds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

McDonalds - Essay Example They use renewable resources and quality control over the industry, which is done through random checks and random audits. The main weakness is the media backlash. On operations, the industry has on line and onsite kiosk job application systems and is the second largest employer in the U.S. on the marketing, sales the products are of high quality, and the industry promotes health and wellness campaign and product offerings and does a lot of consumer and market research. The company also makes promotions such as the Coca Cola endorsement promotion. Their services have a high accuracy and done in a clean environment and often accompanied with friendly customer service. However, the industry lacks employee apathy and some customers complain of dissatisfaction (Collier 2010). As is with other companies McDonalds relies on its resources for its capabilities and core competencies to be able to create value through this, McDonalds claims to have capabilities including its own employees and the training experiences provided to them. A global food vision and a stable of full time chefs in studios, which are located in Hong Kong, Munich, and Chicago, are some of the resources that are combined to form the firm’s product innovation capability. To make all this work is dependent on the firm’s organizational structure. McDonalds uses its resources to focus on being a better instead of concentrating on being big and this has been evident since the McDonald is becoming better through creating value for customers. Any strategies that the firm chooses must be based on its resources. The McDonalds uses its skills on human resources to lay a foundation of producing a number of new products to serve local customers. To implement a strategy the managers int egrate or combine different resources so that the firm is able to complete tasks. From the importance of resources, managers complete an internal analysis (Hess 2010). The McDonalds

Response to the three students with no more than 80 words with at Coursework

Response to the three students with no more than 80 words with at least 2 references for each response - Coursework Example Worse of all, there was no reference list and a couple of grammatical mistakes. It is said that in the comparison of leaders to show evolution of leadership, fallouts done in the comparison of the leadership attributes exhibited by the various leaders hinders the success of the whole comparison (Herman, 2000). This is because there ought to be comparison so that the real moments of evolution can be identified but this was lacking in the student’s presentation. Even more, the student presented his dates in a descending order instead of ascending order to give a clear link between the leaders. Clearly, dates do not flow in descending orders (Almah, 2008). The writer did a great job by linking the personal attributes and natures of the leaders to their leadership reign and this brought out a great sense of the leadership styles practiced by the leaders. This has always remained an important practice in the comparison of leaders for evolution of leadership (Amahe, 2011). The writer could however have widened his search of leadership database to include leaders from different backgrounds instead of two leaders from United States presidential background. Once this is done, the comparison lacks dynamism (Grey,

Social & Ethical Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social & Ethical Issues - Essay Example Kant formulated the categorical imperative as a foundation for ethical action. Two aspects of the categorical imperative are that a person should act such that he1 can also will that the maxim of his action should become a universal law, and he should act such that he treats humanity-both in own and another's person-as an end and never as a means. Kant's theory thus defines ethics on the nature of actions, and not on their outcome (Kay, 1997) The morality of an action depends on intention only. A moral action may cause distress rather than happiness to the one who acts. But morality is more important than happiness. Moral action will ultimately lead to peace of mind (happiness) at having done the right thing. The motive for a moral action should not be the fact that it could lead to happiness, but that the action is moral in itself. Kant maintains that this principle does not recognize any exceptions. Utilitarianism states that the ethicality of an action depends solely on whether it increases utility or not. Therefore the morality of an action depends on its outcome, and on nothing else. Utility is happiness or pleasure, and suffering is disutility. How do these conflicting dicta help us in deciding ethical courses of action, in today's confusing times Let us look at euthanasia. The word euthanasia means "a happy death" and refers to legally sanctioned death. Although some countries have legalized euthanasia (E g Netherlands), there are several ethical issues that arise in its application. First of all, there is the very definition of death. Now that life can be prolonged by sophisticated machines, it gets difficult to decide whether the life that is kept artificially going has really gone beyond a point, where it cannot be brought out of its vegetative state. There have been cases when machines have been switched off, and bodies that were expected to cease, continued in a coma. With the rapid pace at which medical science has been progressing, conditions which were considered untreatable yesterday, can be dealt with today. Therefore, should we not wait before euthanasia is carried out in any instance, as tomorrow may bring a cure Can it be done even if a person while in a healthy state of body and mind has willed that he should be administered euthanasia in case he slips into an irretrievable state of death Is suicide okay Should doctors assist in suicide Then how about unborn children Is abortion permissible Do we have the right to decide on the ending of any life-that of an unborn child, as well The questions are numerous. But evidently there are no clear-cut answers to these. Mill talks about competing utilities. He says that all we need to do is to compute the utility that would be generated by opposing course of actions, and choose that set of actions that generates a higher utility. This is easier said than done. How does one compute utility What is the objective standard to measure this Since utility is based on feelings, how does one measure the strength of feelings If maximizing utility were the only concern, we would be led to bizarre and dangerous conclusions on ethical issues. If morality consisted merely in promoting the greatest happiness of the greatest numbers, then the majority rules, and the minority suffers. Let's look at the

Professional writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Professional writing - Essay Example The general idea of getting out of difficult and testing times is to keep moving forward. The basic and fundamental purpose of life is to inspire and attempt to be a better person every now and then (Thrash & Elliot, 2004). The whole nations are plunged into entropy because they are not moving into the direction of intellectual growth. The global rule of national development is simple and it states that either nations develop and grow economically or die. Thus, if any nation is not growing then, it means that it is dying. The movie with the title of â€Å"The Shawshank Redemption† is a story of a bank manager who was falsely imprisoned in the case of murder. But, on the basic level, he was aware of the fact that he was innocent. The man was in cover, he had a fragile body and he walked like a broken person. The strong current of wind could have taken him with it. The fellow prisoners were accustomed to laugh at him. The more cruel ones tried to sexually abuse him but, he manag ed to avoid it with the help of knowledge. The superintendent noticed him and found that he was an honest man and therefore, the former entity deployed the prisoner as a financial manager. The falsely imprisoned person was now responsible for recording and managing financial matters of the jail (O'Sullivan, 2001). Nevertheless, when the manager came to the jail, he requested the assistant to bring him a hammer. The information travelled to a fellow prisoner and he consequently thought that it will take a century to dig a hole that can be used as an escape route from this tiny hammer (O'Sullivan, 2001). But, the manager had a plan and they always do and he was already on it without anybody knowing it. He was digging the hole in a wall and behind the wall; he knew that the sewerage line is present that will surely lead towards his freedom. But, he needed to hide the hole that he was digging and he placed a film poster at the mouth of the hole. Thus, he concealed his plan when actually it was present right in front of everyone and just hidden by thin, fragile paper. The prisoner came to know that the superintendent was committing corruption in the financial management of the jail (O'Sullivan, 2001). However, his digging project successfully ended in more than thirty years. But, he did it and used it to get to the sewerage line and made his way out. But, this is not the end of the story because he freed himself and took the financial records of the jail with him. Then, after getting out he posted the original financial records to the authorities and the high-ups decided to close the jail and take the superintendent into custody. But, the superintendent committed suicide before that (O'Sullivan, 2001). The key message of the story is persistence, patience and belief in the justness of the cause. Firstly, the bank manager believed that he was doing the right thing. He never doubted that he was doing the wrong thing because from the inside he somehow knew that he was innocent and therefore, the freedom was his essential right. The success was written when the manager believed that he was right and at the end of the day he rose victorious. The elementary concepts of planning and execution were conveyed in the whole movie. The man did not talk much but, he achieved his goal of freedom by sticking to the plan. He not only freed himself

Evolution Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Evolution - Term Paper Example Moreover, such explanation (Mayr, 2002) of the evolution has emphasized primarily the God, foremost and final cause of appearances of first organism in this world that is the cell. From this cause, there has been evolution involving millions of years that enabled the single cell to evolve and transform into a mammal, or more specifically, the humans. In this regard, the theistic interpretation of evolution has been a factual explanation of the human evolution while involving the role of supernatural dynamics in the form of God that commenced everything. On the other hand, there exists the theory of evolution by Darwin (Larson, 2004) that has been the most popular name in this area of study, and has been successful in influencing and convincing a huge number of world populations. Especially scientists that follow Darwin in the case of human evolution, and agree that all creatures in this world have come after evolving from organisms of one cell, and millions of years turned them into multiple-celled organisms. Another explanation of the human evolution exists in the story that points out the location of East Africa, a heavily forested region that was a home for primate inhabitants of varying kinds approximately ten million years ago. However, after five million years, the region began to experience radical climatic alterations that altered from wet to more dry and barren conditions, and subsequently, the forested region changed from wet jungle to a desolated land. Such alteration inclined the primates to change their habitat from tree to the land that brought together the most atrocious forces of marauders on the land area of the globe. Such stories then connect the different varieties of wild animals found in African forests these days. In addition, such transformation from tree dwelling to ground-inhabitants provided the opportunity of humans to

Theater Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Theater - Research Paper Example It portrays the writer as one who lived in the small estate outside Moscow and loved travelling while those he created slug in the rural parts of Russia. The play entails a lot of ironies and off stages performances that requires an acute sense of listening and sight to connect. The Seagull is the pioneer among the Chekhov’s four plays, his work are praised for the projection of melodrama intertwined with conventional dramatic topics and techniques that transcends Chekhov’s styles. The Seagull introduces the technique of â€Å"indirect action† a situation in which violent or intensive events in the play are not presented on the stage. Such events occur in the intervals of play as viewed by the audience and involve the inaugurated major changes in both the writing and execution of the play on the stage which is a persistent evolution in the present day play writing (Jae, 2012). Chekhov’s main plays capture little of traditional plot with primary activities of quotidian performed by characters with conversations of illusions of the unseen events which are intermingled with issues of daily affairs and discussions from random observations. Chekhov’s plays are characterized by momentous events which are depicted from the characters’ actions and scripts seen in their effects to each other. These plays often seem to focus more on the characters’ reactions to events than on the main events themselves. His plays are able to analysis and convey the effects of crucial events in the character’s lives more precisely than in other plays. These characteristics and techniques are clearly portrayed in the play The Seagull where highly charged events of drama are traditionally displayed though is not portrayed on the stage. We only see the effects of usual life in the lives of characters and no crises are clearly shown in the usual sense. This is only presented by the precipitating events and the effects of their consequences in

Evolution Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Evolution - Term Paper Example Moreover, such explanation (Mayr, 2002) of the evolution has emphasized primarily the God, foremost and final cause of appearances of first organism in this world that is the cell. From this cause, there has been evolution involving millions of years that enabled the single cell to evolve and transform into a mammal, or more specifically, the humans. In this regard, the theistic interpretation of evolution has been a factual explanation of the human evolution while involving the role of supernatural dynamics in the form of God that commenced everything. On the other hand, there exists the theory of evolution by Darwin (Larson, 2004) that has been the most popular name in this area of study, and has been successful in influencing and convincing a huge number of world populations. Especially scientists that follow Darwin in the case of human evolution, and agree that all creatures in this world have come after evolving from organisms of one cell, and millions of years turned them into multiple-celled organisms. Another explanation of the human evolution exists in the story that points out the location of East Africa, a heavily forested region that was a home for primate inhabitants of varying kinds approximately ten million years ago. However, after five million years, the region began to experience radical climatic alterations that altered from wet to more dry and barren conditions, and subsequently, the forested region changed from wet jungle to a desolated land. Such alteration inclined the primates to change their habitat from tree to the land that brought together the most atrocious forces of marauders on the land area of the globe. Such stories then connect the different varieties of wild animals found in African forests these days. In addition, such transformation from tree dwelling to ground-inhabitants provided the opportunity of humans to

Business Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Business Economics - Essay Example This essay stresses that government policy influences the main circulation of money in the economy. The annual budget shows opportunities and threats for our manufacturing industry. This is because it enables us to know the sectors of the economy that is being encouraged and those areas that are being discouraged. Through this, we can make decisions about how to distribute our scarce resources and also pay our obligations to the state in a way and manner that suits our best interest. Microeconomics is about the elements of demand and supply and it studies trends and patterns in consumer decision-making in a given industry. This paper makes a conclusion that the presence of state-owned firms that have the objective of improving the lives of people implies that our manufacturing company will do quite well in China because we will be up in competition against entities that are not positioned to compete as aggressively as other UK entities around the world. Hence, we have an advantage in China and the propensity to attain better results and achieve better successes than our competitors, the SOEs of China. locating our business in China gives us the chance to get lower operation costs. This is because the costs of doing business in China are low due to the current economic policy which encourages businesses from overseas to set up their operations in China. Hence the knowledge of the Chinese macro-economy and the current economic policy will be a plus for us in dealing with our expansion policy.

Propaganda In Hollywood Movies Film Studies Essay

Propaganda In Hollywood Movies Film Studies Essay 1. Thematic justification: The movie is based during the Second World War and precisely at the time the United States of America entered the war after a series of attacks by the Japanese on their naval installations in the Pacific region, primarily Pearl Harbor and the main theme of the movie, Wake Island, which came under attack soon after Pearl Harbor. The movie can be interpreted as a propaganda film that justifies the need for America to join the war and more importantly fight the Japanese. 2. Violence as a necessary part of patriotism: The movie shows American naval forces fearlessly engaging the Japanese forces with all their might. Though they were heavily outnumbered and their defeat at the hands of the Japanese was guaranteed, the soldiers continued to fight till their last breath to show their patriotism. 3. Ideological justification: The prominent ideological justification that was being promoted here was to avenge the Japanese attacks on the American Naval installations in Wake Island and Pearl Harbor. This was also evident in the title of the movie that had the phrase We will never forget wake Island attached to it. Also the movie is considers the defeat of the 4. War as a rite of passage: The movie does not contain any instances that promote War as a rite of passage. Though it does promote the idea like, war unifies people who are otherwise rivals and that war makes people more responsible and diligent. 5. Alienation and dehumanizing the enemy: The movie portrays the Japanese as ruthless, cold blooded killers slaughtering the outnumbered American forces on Wake Island. They also focused on the use of the Kamikaze by the Japanese which was a fighter plane used to carry out suicide missions during the Second World War. As explained above the movie promoted the need to avenge the attack on Wake Island and Pearl Harbor and the inhuman portrayal of the Japanese enemy added fuel to the fire. 6. Portrayal of hatred with the Japanese and likeness with the Chinese: The movie does say anything about the Chinese but certainly portrays the Japanese as the enemy. The last few words uttered by the weary and wounded protagonist Donlevy were send us more Japs! that was relayed to the headquarters in America. Such scenes are used to reinforce the idea that the Japanese are enemies in the minds of the common American citizens. 7. Oversimplified Dichotomy: Though America joined the war for various reasons other than the attack on Pearl Harbor the movie paints a different picture. According to the movie, the Japanese are the bad guys who attacked the good Americans and so the Americans who lost their lives at the hands of the ruthless Japanese have to be avenged. IRONMAN Iron Man is a superhero film inspired from the from the famous Marvel Comics character of the same name. The movie was released in 2008 and was directed by Jon Favreau starring Robert Downey Jr as the main protagonist Tony Stark better known as the Iron Man. Tony Stark is an engineering genius and the owner of Stark Enterprises, a company that manufactures high tech civil and most importantly military equipment. In the movie he is abducted by a group of terrorist while he was on business trip to Afghanistan. The leader of the terrorist group, Ten Rings, forces him to build a missile in order to carry out his evil agenda. Instead Tony Stark builds an exoskeleton suit with the resources given to him that makes him almost invincible and helps him defeat the terrorists and escape. After he gets back home he builds a more refined version of the high tech suit and decides to take on the responsibility of keeping his city safe from such terrorist and become a vigilante of sorts. Such movies can be interpreted as propaganda that is aimed at young people to make them aware of the whole idea of terrorism and the importance of fighting it. 1. Thematic Justification: Thematic Justification is defined as the theme of the movie or the background which shows social disorder and loss of control in the country. War is considered the only way to find a way out for the communal disharmony. In the movie Iron Man Tony Stark played by Robert Downey Jr is attacked by an Afghan terrorist group Ten Rings. The leader of the group, Raza offers Stark freedom as he was held captive by the group. But in turn they asked for the Jericho Missile, Knowing well that they wouldnt agree after the transaction is complete, Stark refuses. Once he gets back to the city he is informed that the Stark equipments were transported to Ten Rings. One of the equipments was the Jericho Missile. The artillery was transported to destroy Yinsen Town. Stark to avoid the mass destruction dons his armor and flies to Afghanistan for a epic war. 2. Violence as a necessary part of patriotism: Violence is always very evident in all Hollywood movies. No matter how much the degree of it is present. Iron Man is no less. There is considerable amount of violence. Even though the concept is fictitious Iron Man does have a battle with the terrorist group. The violence is quite evident but does not end up in any bloodshed. 3. Ideological Justification: It is difficult to point out if there was any ideological justification in the movie. Though if analyzed it could show the tense and strained relationship between The United States of America and Afghanistan. Tony Stark gets back at the terrorist group, Ten Rings and at the end of he saves Yinsen village from mass destruction. To some extent one could say that Iron Man fights for freedom and all his actions echoes this statement. 4. War as a rite of passage: This parameter is true in the case of Iron Man. Tony Stark is a Genius, billionaire, playboy and a philanthropist (as mentioned in the movie Avengers [2011]) This is enough to prove that Stark is a spoiled and care free individual. But once he encounters his exoskeleton suit and the power it holds he becomes more disciplined. 5. Alienation and dehumanizing the enemy: Ten Rings is a monstrous and evil group. They shipped in Starks equipments to destroy the village of Yinsen. If they succeeded there would be mass destruction and innumerable bloodshed. But Iron Man comes into the picture and does what is needed to done. So it is justified that the terrorist group must be killed. 6. Portrayal of hatred with the Japanese and likeness with the Chinese: There is no portrayal of any likeness towards China or hatred towards Japanese in the movie. This movie mainly comprises of the terrorist group, Ten Rings from Afghanistan. Militants and terror groups like Al-Qaeda, from the Middle Eastern region are currently considered the main enemies of the United States especially after the September 2001 terrorist attacks. 7. Oversimplified Dichotomy: Here to justify this parameter Iron Man does have visuals where Iron Man (representing America) is treated as the hero of the movie and Ten Rings (enemy; Afghanistan). Just as any comic based movie ends, Iron Man wins the battle. The viewers tend to believe that the USA is always on the right and ethical track. This brings in a feeling of bias in the minds of the public THE KINGDOM The Kingdom was directed by Peter Berg in 2007, starring Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner. It talks about how a terrorist group attacked and unleashed a massacre inside a Western housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The incident became a huge international issue during a time when the relationship between the two countries was undergoing a lot of strain. Meanwhile, diplomats in Washington were slow to act and debated territorial issues. But FBI agent Ronald Fleury decided to take things in his own hands and quickly assembled a team and worked his way around the bureaucracy to somehow carryout an investigation in Saudi Arabia and catch the people responsible. But things didnt go so smoothly in Saudi Arabia, agent Fleury and his team were tearted with suspicion as most of the Saudi government officials and royals were sceptical about the whole idea. Fortunately, the team find Colonel Al-Ghazi, a dedicated and sincere official. They formed a good bond and he helps the team get around the bureaucracy in Saudi Arabia and help them in their investigation. In the end, as usual, they capture and kill the terrorists after a series of gun fights and dramatic action sequences. The plot of the movie is fictional, but it is obviously influenced by the bombings at a similar American housing compound on May 12, 2003 and the Khobar housing complex on June 26, 1996, in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The movie does not provide any critical information or thought provoking insights. It is produced with an aim to simplify the Americas political agendas in other countries and moreover, to justify its interventions in the Middle East. Such propaganda is aimed at young people all over the world to influence them to join the so called War on Terrorism. 1. Thematic justification: The movie is based on the American war on terrorism and inspired by bombings at the Riyadh compound on May 12, 2003 and the Khobar housing complex on June 26, 1996, in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the movie a a terrorist bomb detonates inside a Western housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an international incident is ignited and FBI Special Agent Ronald Fleury quickly assembles an elite team and decides to take things in his own hands. They go into Saudi Arabia to investigate and more importantly kill the people responsible for the bombings. 2. Violence as a necessary part of patriotism: The main casualties of the terrorist attack are Americans and this prompts agent Fleury to go on a mission to Saudi Arabia with just one aim, identifying and killing the people responsible for the attacks. 3. Ideological Justification: The movie does not seem to any ideological justification other than avenging the death of the American workers in Saudi Arabia at the hands of terrorist thus instilling a false sense of justice. They just go about killing the terrorists until they reach the mastermind of the terrorist activities there and kill him as well without even asking any questions. 4. War as a rite of passage: This movie does not promote war as a rite of passage but rater it conveys the message that war breeds hate and hate perpetuates more hate leading to a vicious cycle of suffering. 5. Alienation and dehumanizing the enemy: In this movie the enemies are terrorists, ruthlessly killing innocent civilians and instilling fear among the people. Therefore they are naturally treated inhumanely and killed without question. 6. Portrayal of hatred with the Japanese and likeness with the Chinese: There is no portrayal of likeness with the Chinese or hatred towards the Japanese in the movie. As mentioned above the enemies are the terrorists from groups like Al-Qaeda, from the Middle Eastern region who are currently considered the main enemies of the United States especially after the September 2001 terrorist attacks. 7. Oversimplified Dichotomy: In this movie it is very obvious that the bad guys are the terrorists and the good guys are the FBI agents. The terrorists are responsible for killing innocent civilians and thus the FBI agents are justified in killing these terrorists without any question.