Female characters Essay

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a novel published in 2003 which tells the story of Amir, a young Afghan boy with a traumatic past, a guilty conscience, a war-stricken homeland and a broken future. The Kite Runner explores many different issues throughout the novel; one such issue is the representation of females. Females can be seen as â€Å"material goods†, and are often shown as marginalized, weak, demeaned, and subject to many double standards in todays society, and throughout earlier history. The Kite Runner shows the idea of female representation through the development and construction of make and female characters, combined with the setting and culture in the novel. The idea of marginalized female representation is also shown in other texts such as A Lot to Learn, and Hamlet, all of which used character construction to portray these ideas. The Kite Runner portrays the idea of females as being marginalized in many different cases. There are only two females that have any backstory or focus in the book The Kite RunnerAmir’s wife Soraya, and Soraya’s mother. Hassan’s wife is also mentioned briefly. The fact that women are not focused on, and barely mentioned in the novel also show that in Afghan culture, women do not play a large role, they simply blend into the background and do as they are told. Hassan’s wife, Farzana, is described as a ‘shy woman’, ‘courteous’, and spoke in a voice just ‘barely higher than a whisper’. It seems that she cooks, cleans, and does most of the basic housework. The fact that she is so shy, polite, and quiet shows how women have been brought up in this culture. Farzana has been brought up to obey men, and to speak only when spoken to, to be polite and courteous, and to always be virtuous. The only time Farzana stood up for herself, and her family, was when Hassan was shot by the Taliban. She ‘came screaming and attacked them’ and the Taliban promptly shot her. The fact that the men could so easily and quickly shoot a woman, who was simply defending her house and family, shows again the way that women may be seen as almost worthless in the Afghan society. Soraya Taheri, Amir’s wife, on the other hand, was the complete opposite of Farzana. When we first meet Soraya, she is described as a ‘slim-hipped beauty’, ‘decent’, ‘hardworking and kind’, with a ‘princess-like’ beauty to her, and she speaks with confidence, which is unlike all of the other Afghan women described in the story. Soraya has a past that she, and everyone around her, is ashamed of. After arriving in America, Soraya saw the care-free environment, the way that women were accepted, and Soraya realized that maybe she herself could have independence too. Soraya ran away to Virginia at the age of 18; she was ‘rebellious’, she felt that she should be allowed to be independent. When she returns to her family and moves to California, the rumours spread like wildfire. All of the Afghanis here about Soraya’s shameful act, and everywhere she goes, whispers follow her. No suitable suitors appear at her doorstep, and no one forgets her ‘mistake’. ‘Its so fucking unfair’, she says, and it really is. A double standard in this society, where the men can do whatever they please and ‘no one does a god damn thing’, and when a woman does something of the same nature, they are shunned. There is a small amount of talk about Baba’s wife, who died giving birth to Amir. The Afghan community claimed that Baba would never be able to marry a woman like her; she was virtuous, clever, studying at university, and to to pit all off, she was of royal blood. Baba finally does marry this woman though, and refers to her as his ‘princess’. The way that this marriage is described accentuates the idea that men want women the way they would want material goods. The marriages are described almost as if the men are simply picking an object, and showing said object off to the world. Gertrude is seen as unequal to the the almost all-male cast. Gertrude is a female character from Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet. The play is set in Denmark, early 14th century, and tells the story of a young prince, Hamlet, who gets a visit from his dead father’s ghost, and realizes that not all is right in the state of Denmark. Gertrude is Hamlet’s mother, and the queen of Denmark. After the death of her husband King Hamlet, Gertrude quickly remarries to the King’s brother Claudius. Hamlet depicts this sudden remarriage as betrayal, unfaithfulness, and the breaking of ‘sacred vows’. He feels disgusted that his mother would grieve so little, and move on so fast, and hatred for his mother beings to grow. The play Hamlet has been created so that we, as readers, see Hamlet’s point of view, but we do not see the way that the other characters think. I believe that this sudden remarriage was not simply because Gertrude was seduced, but because Gertrude could not hold her position of â€Å"power† without a male by her side. If we had Gertrude’s side of the story, I think we would realize that there were other motives to Gertrude’s marriage to Claudius. Gertrude could not run the state of Denmark, or even the castle, without a man in power with her; in the time Hamlet was set in, women were often demeaned, and were never seen as equals. To keep the state functioning as a whole, Gertrude realized she would need a new king to rule. Gertrude also may have realized how easy it would be for another man to take advantage; if they controlled Gertrude, they could control the state. Her marriage to Claudius at least guaranteed that the state was run by someone she trusted and could see as a ruler. None of these ideas were explicitly stated, because Gertrude was never really given a chance to defend herself and her actions, due to Hamlet being the focus of the story. ‘Frailty, thy name is woman’, Hamlet says, referring to poor Gertrude. He refers to the way that Gertrude was moulded so quickly to another’s will, the way her confidence faltered so soon, and how weak Gertrude really was. Hamlet is a character that has no respect for women. He holds a grudge against his mother, and as the play progresses, these dark feelings that he feels towards his mother grow stronger. Hamlet starts to feel so strongly to his mother ‘betraying’ him, that he starts to apply this idea to all women, even weak Ophelia. He seems to be under the impression that, though women are frail, weak, and delicate, all women deceive and take part in treachery. He does love Ophelia, but in the end, he feels that Ophelia would betray him, as all women do. He is applying a stereotype to all women, saying that they are will of weak and physical being, and treacherous at heart. Ophelia is also doted on quite a lot by her father and brother. Both men lecture Ophelia about staying virtuous, warning her not to ‘lose her heart’, but this is, again, a double standard. Laertes especially is being quite the hypocrite, since he, as a young man, would have been messing around with many young girls, and not had it held against him since it was socially accepted for men. Polonius also lectures Ophelia to keep her chastity, and talks to her as one would talk to a young child. He depicts Ophelia as being weak, innocent, nothing more than a child, and often gloats to the King Claudius about how ‘dutiful’ and ‘obedient’ Ophelia is as a daughter, as if she has no will of her own. He seems to be demeaning her, without even consciously meaning to, and Ophelia takes no offense to it; in that day and age, girls were simply brought up to accept it. ‘The object Ophelia’, Hamlet refers to Ophelia at one point. He says this the way he would say ‘the object of his affections’. He seems to be referring, yet again, to material goods, to objects, as if Ophelia is simply another prize he can add to his trophy cabinet. He also uses a great deal of sexual innuendos when around Ophelia, but neither Ophelia or any other members of the court find it offensive or out of context. He lays his head upon her lap and whispers comments that are obviously making her uncomfortable, but Ophelia never objects, simply because it was normal for women to be taken advantage of. Just like Ophelia being referred to as an object, the short story A Lot to Learn depicts an innocent girl as yet another material good. A Lot to Learn is a story about Ned Quinn, a scientist that has created the Materializer, a large machine that can create anything at the push of a button. The story tells the tale of Ned experimenting with the machine, and wishing for a girl. Before Ned mutters the word ‘girl’, he wishes for ‘money’, then a ‘martini’, then ‘beer’. These are two stereotypical goods that a person would probably wish for if he could have anything; money and alcohol. When Ned wishes for this girl, after wishing for two in-demand material goods, he seems to be sending a subtle message that perhaps he sees women as nothing more than objects of desire, yet another material good instead of a sentient being. If his experiment was a success, Ned would most likely hold on to this girl the way one would hold onto a trophy; a record of his achievements, simply for memories sake. The idea of being nothing more than an object is terribly demeaning, and another show of dominance from males. Women are very subtly discriminated and marginalized in this short story. As well as the idea of the girl being simply an object, Ned seems to be under the impression that this girl would obey him. Before wishing for a girl, Ned did not stop to think that maybe the girl would scream, or run in terror, or struggle; he simply assumed that the girl that appeared would obey. This is a show of Ned believing that women are weak – both physically and mentally. This shows an immediate message about dominance, the way that Ned believes that this girl would do exactly as he wished. He seemed to be under the impression that because he was a man, he is strong, powerful, and has a sense of dignity and respect, therefor meaning that the woman that he expected to appear would simply obey. Ned seems to be very confident in himself and his invention. Though he is nervous as he wishes for each new object, he seems to be under the impression that everything will turn out fine. Ned comes across a slight hitch, however, when he mutters the word ‘girl’. In our society today, the word ‘girl’ often refers to woman, not literally a girl or child. Its a misconception, just a word in our culture that has developed to mean something else from the original meaning. Ned obviously does not want the small, innocent child that appears in the machine, as he curses ‘Hell! ’. Referring to a woman as ‘girl’ is almost demeaning in a way. The fact that Ned wishes for a girl as well is slightly disturbing. Upon reading it, most people would immediately assume that Ned wants this girl for nefarious purposes, to fulfil a fantasy or something of that drift. This is another symbol of the female representation being marginalized, shoved aside as the weaker gender. All of these different characters from these three stories easily show the idea of females being marginalized and disenfranchised. Characters such as Ned Quinn, Hamlet, and General Sahib are constructed to be dominant over the female characters. The settings and culture, when combined with these strong male characters, show the many double-standards that exist between females and males, and also show the idea of females being represented as trophy objects.

Knowing the Culture of India

This paper will review some of the recent literature on the culture of India. This is an important culture to study, because India†s population of more than 900 million makes it one of the most heavily populated countries of the world. India is also important to study because it possesses one of the world†s oldest surviving cultures. In addition, there have long been ties between India and the nations of the West. Beyond these considerations, Indian culture is fascinating to study because it is extremely diverse and complex. Regarding this, Pandian (1995) notes â€Å"the existence of an underlying Indus or Hindu cultural unity (melting pot) which enables us to understand the nature of Hinduism and the caste system† (p. 9). Despite this apparent unity, however, Pandian also points out that â€Å"India is indeed a salad bowl with groups who do not blend or mix, and this fact of non-blending renders the label ‘Indian† meaningless to signify the cultural, linguistic, or religious unity of India† (Pandian, 1995, p. 9). Therefore, the situation of India poses an interesting challenge for anthropological study. Yet another reason why it is important to study Indian culture is because, although many of the nation†s traditions remain strong today, the nation is also undergoing rapid change and development. This paper will examine the diversity that exists in India†s religious beliefs, language, and social and gender roles. It will then conclude with some views on what people should be aware of when they travel to India to do business. In terms of religion, the majority of people in India (80 percent) are followers of the Hindu faith. The concepts of karma and reincarnation are among the predominant beliefs of Hinduism. Karma is the belief that a person†s actions, good or bad, will result in either good or bad things happening in that person†s life. This belief has an effect on behavior because it influences people to treat others, as they themselves would like to be treated. Reincarnation is the belief that a person†s soul will return to an earthly body again and again until it is liberated from the cycle of life and death. The way to become liberated is by becoming increasingly detached from worldly things, a process that is understood to take innumerable lifetimes. Belief in reincarnation has an effect on behavior by giving Indians a more casual attitude toward the demands of time than is found among Westerners (Lewis, 1996, p. 80). Hindus also believe that the goal of reincarnation is to eventually become united with Brahman, the ultimate ground of being, which has no attributes that can be seen or felt. Aside from these basic beliefs, Hindus have a great deal of choice in adapting their own personality to their style of worship. There are different spiritual paths that can be chosen, depending upon whether the worshipper is more disposed to work, devotion or knowledge. In addition, there are hundreds of different deities, both gods and goddesses, that a worshipper can choose from in picking a â€Å"personal god. † The personal god is meant to provide a focus for worship and devotion and to thus help the believer become more aligned with the impersonal god known as Brahman. Even after choosing a personal deity, Hindus still have flexibility in their style of worship. According to Pandian (1995), â€Å"a Hindu may change the focus of worship, emphasizing the worship of different deities in relation to changes in his or her own intellectual/emotional growth, or may remain devoted to the worship of a particular deity† (p. 56). Although there is a great deal of flexibility in Hinduism, it restricts behavior in certain ways because there are many rituals and obligations that must be consistently followed. In addition to the village temples where people gather to worship, each Hindu home has its own shrine for the purpose of worshipping the family deity. Religion is such a pervasive influence in India that Potter (1989) says: â€Å"The daily life of a Hindu villager involves frequent reminders of traditional norms† (p. 338). The Hindu system has also affected behavior because the belief in karma and reincarnation has supported the Indian caste system, in which it is understood that different classes of people have distinctly different roles in life. There is even more diversity in Indian language than there is in the country†s religion. Hindi is the official language of the nation; however, as Mehta (1993) points out, â€Å"it is understood by only forty per cent – or, at most, fifty per cent – of the population† (p. 459). In addition to Hindi, â€Å"there are fourteen officially recognized regional languages, two hundred and fifty major dialects, and thousands of minor languages and dialects,† and many of these are â€Å"completely unrelated to one another† (Mehta, 1993, pp. 458-459). Throughout India†s history, there have been efforts among intellectuals and scholars to develop â€Å"a common pan-Indian religious or political language† (Pandian, 1995, p. 8). Over the course of time, the official national language has changed from Sanskrit to Persian to English to Hindi. Although it seems like a positive thing to try to develop an official language for the nation as a whole, this effort has also resulted in enforcing the social divisions of the Indian people. Pandian (1995) notes that the people of India are required to know how to speak Hindi fluently if they are to obtain successful jobs. As Pandian further notes, this has created an unfair advantage for the 40 percent or so of the total population that consists of native Hindi speakers (p. 34). The social roles of the Indian culture are strongly impacted by the traditional caste system. According to this system, there are four main classes, ranked hierarchically: the priests, the warriors, the merchants and artists, and the servants. In addition to these four major groupings, there are also numerous smaller occupational class groupings, known as jatis. In the words of Madan (1989), castes and families are â€Å"the building blocks of Hindu society,† and â€Å"an overwhelming majority of the Hindus of South Asia, particularly those living in the rural areas, identify themselves in terms of their jati or caste† (p. 64). As a general rule, people never leave the caste they are born into. They tend to marry within the same caste, and sons tend to adopt the occupations of their fathers. Despite the prevalence of the caste system in Indian culture, however, Pandian (1995) points out that the system is more complex than it appears on the surface. Thus, anthropological studies of Indian village communities â€Å"have shown the existence of multiple labels of caste identity and multiple levels of caste ranking† (p. 209). There are also controversial views regarding gender roles in India. According to Azad (1996), working women in India are subject to oppression, poverty and poor health, and they basically live in an â€Å"environment of powerlessness† (p. 220). Indeed, Indian women must contend with such things as arranged marriages, female infanticide and wife abuse, among many other things. On the other hand, Seymour (1999) argues that respect is also given to women in India, especially when they undertake the role of motherhood. This sense of honor is enhanced by the religious beliefs of Hinduism, in which female deities are seen as being the source of power for the male deities. Because of the high status of motherhood and the belief in powerful goddesses, Seymour (1999) says â€Å"female power and authority is real in both secular and sacred contexts† (p. 281). Seymour further claims that there have been signs of change in recent years in terms of gender relationships in India. She reports, for example, that recent studies have shown an increasing number of Indian women taking â€Å"post marital residence in nuclear households where they can be independent of in-laws and have a more intimate relationship with their husbands† (p. 289). Seymour also emphasizes that the restrictions of Indian culture do not only affect women, but the nation†s men as well. Because of caste and religious obligations, â€Å"men also have a series of roles and life stages through which they must move, and they are also expected to control their personal desires for the sake of the collective whole† (Seymour, 1999, p. 280). After attaining independence from colonization, India, within a span of 50 years emerged as one of the fastest developing economies in the world. Ranking as the seventh largest country in area and second in population. She is also the largest democracy in the world. She is the world's second largest producer of rice, world†s largest exporter of tea, jute and computer programmes. She is the third largest manufacturer of motor scooters, the second largest exporter of booster rockets for the space industry, and the second largest center in Asia for low-tech subcontracting and the development of offshore software. On the Economic front, it adopted a Mixed Economic policy on the five-year plan basis. India chalked out a plan for her economic growth in a protective manner. She made major steps forward in improving agricultural output and her industries have expanded to the stage, where she is one among the world's top 10 industrial powers. However, after 1990, India opened her door for liberalization and now the economic growth is approximately 6% per annum. When people travel to India to do business, it is important for them to be aware of the unique characteristics of the nation†s culture. Because India has long had ties to the West, there are many ways in which business relations between Indians and Westerners can be expected to go smoothly. However, Indians also have certain differences in their business style that are related to their cultural and religious beliefs. Belief in the importance of the soul†s liberation, for example, causes many Indians to have a less materialistic orientation than their Western counterparts. Belief in karma has the effect of causing many Indians to have a heightened awareness of right and wrong. Regarding the way belief in reincarnation affects the Hindu perspective on time, Lewis (1996) warns the Western business traveler that Indians often show â€Å"little respect for punctuality† (p. 80). The relatively low social status of Indian women has an impact on how women are viewed in the world of Indian business. According to Lewis (1996), business travelers should also understand that the Western value of individualism â€Å"contrasts with Indian collectivism† (p. 80). Despite the differences in business style between Westerners and Indians, however, Lewis points out that Indians can be shrewd negotiators when they want to be. In business dealings, Indians do not hold Westerners â€Å"in awe,† and they are quite capable of using â€Å"acting skills† in order to negotiate on behalf of themselves or their families (Lewis, 1996, p. 80).

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Essay

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close encourages us to closely examine the time we have in our lives. We never know when the last time we will be seeing someone will be, we must be responsible with how we spend our time and we are responsible for the way we treat people. The message that is conveyed to me an abundance of times is to not take advantage of the time you have, because it ï ¬â€šies. This is represented on the pages with red ink (pages 208-216). The commas are circled as if they are a mistake. Commas represent a pause in the sentence, and with most of them circled it infers that time moves very quickly. The red pen pages, also represent looking closely at something. The circled red pen means that there is an error there and we must look closely to ï ¬ x it. Therefore the author wants us to closely look at the way we distribute time in our lives. 3) The unique narrative style in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is chosen to further prove certain themes throughout the book. One way that this book is unique is the fact that it is ï ¬ lled with symbolic pages. The blank pages are a very strong way to express the themes in the novel. These pages thoroughly express points that Foer is trying to make throughout the novel. Page 121 is an example of a blank page, conveying the constant theme of emptiness. The blank pages represents Oskar’s grandmothers mind. She does not want to think about anything, she is suffering from loss and emptiness inside. The photos scattered throughout the book of doorknobs conveys another big message in the book. This message is one door closes, another door opens. Even though the protagonist is faced with a loss and is looking for closure, eventually he obtains the closure by meeting many new people to ï ¬ ll the empty space within him by literally opening new doors. This narrative style creates a more interesting thought provoking reading experience and that is why I believe Foer has chosen to include these symbolic pages. 4) Oskar, his grandmother, and the renter all have loss in common. They all have a feeling of emptiness inside them. Oskar’s father â€Å"died the most horrible death that anyone could ever invent† (201). Grandmother and the renter have both lost a son, and Anna. Grandmother’s husband â€Å"the next  morning he went to the airport† (185.) He had left her, she had lost him. Besides the common loss that they share, they all have issues involving thinking. The renter and Oskar have the problem of overthinking everything in their lives. The overloaded pages, like page 282 express the renters thoughts clouding up his head. The renter used thought as a reminder to let him know he was alive during the bombings of Dresden. He just would think and think to know that he was alive, his brain was overloaded. Oskar is similar with the fact that he could never stop his thoughts. Oskar expresses that â€Å"all [he] wanted was to fall asleep at night but all [he] could do was invent† (258). Oskar invents many different things, like â€Å"a teakettle that reads in Dad’s voice†(1) and many other things that just keep going through his mind.. Grandmother differed from them in thought, Grandmother would try not to think. She would write blank pages so that she did not have to think about a single thing like everything that has gone bad in her life. Although Grandmother relates to thinking in the opposite way, she still has thought in common with them.

Cognitive development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cognitive development - Research Paper Example Teachers can plan lessons effectively and create positive learning environments for their students if they are more cognizant of how people process, learn, and remember information (Blake & Pope, 2008). Piaget perceives learning process from a constructivism perspective, where people get to know through gradual stages by adapting to the environment, while Vygotsky believes that learning occurs through social interaction. As a teacher prepares to teach, there is need to balance the approaches of Piaget and Vygotsky given that learning is both a constructive process and a product of social interaction. Piaget holds the view that cognitive development happens through a series of schemes, which are basic building blocks of thinking. To Piaget, people make sense of the world and create knowledge from direct experiences with people, objects, and ideas. Additionally, the development of the thinking process is influenced by maturation, social transmission, activity and need for social equilibrium. These influences make thinking processes and knowledge develop via alterations in thought organization (schemes), adaptation, assimilation, and accommodation (Woolfolk, 2013, p. 57). It is the duty of the teacher to know what the learners can assimilate, meaning placing the environment in existing cognitive structures, and what they can accommodate, which means changing the cognitive structures to accept something in the environment (Blake & Pope, 2008, p. 61). The teacher must know the state of existing cognitive structures of the learners and their capability to change to be effective. On his part, Vygotsky holds that people’s mental structures and processes are attributable to social interactions with others. Vygotsky upholds the notion that scaffolding, which is the idea that children utilize the help of adults and peers to create a firm foundation that eventually allows them to deal with problems on their

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Essay Example The various methods that can be applied in the research include participant’s observation. A sample of participants are selected and keenly scrutinised so as to note the characteristics and record appropriately. The other method may include the cross cultural comparison. This may involve the comparison of varied linguistic users basing on their culture. A survey research can also be applied to the research work so as to find the general trend of linguistic aspects. It may also involve interviewing of participants and use of archival research retrieval. Media analysis of the same can be done in order to carry out an efficient historical analysis. There are various indigenous languages that face the risk of extinction. This call for the need of anthropologists to carry out research on the community. In this article, the above methods have been used to carry out the research on pormpraaw which is an aboriginal community in Australia. Native languages which are faced by extinction may be chosen for such analysis in order to prevent the language from extinction. From this linguistic methods analysed from the research, the main objectives of the research are

Free topic (contact me by email) Research Paper

Free topic (contact me by email) - Research Paper Example Non-verbal forms of behavior are expressive while verbal behavior is indicative. In a normal communication between two people, only one-third of the meaning is transmitted on a verbal level while two-thirds on a non-verbal level (Sielski, 1979). Nonverbal communication provides an insight into why people behave as they do. Such insight and information is invaluable for professions such as counseling because body language can actually contradict verbal communication (Sielski, 1979) and non-verbal cues are processed differently in different cultures (Yammiyavar, Clemmensen & Kumar, 2008). Terms ‘body language’ and NVC are interchangeably used throughout the paper. This subject has been of interest to evaluate how an understanding of body language can actually influence counseling. I have gone through some literature on body language and counseling and since I intend to enter the counseling profession, I felt motivated to go deeper. This research paper is purely based on textual analysis. Based on the literature review, the framework for the research would be formed. The methodology would be briefly discussed and then the findings would be analyzed based on theoretical framework. Body language as a means of communication has been of immense interest to many researchers and psychologists. It is considered to be an outward reflection of a person’s emotional state, according to Yammiyavar, Clemmensen and Kumar (2008). It is a study of the mixture of all body movements that could be involuntary or deliberate; it could also apply only in one culture or across all cultures. Non-verbal communication refers to all stimuli generated for the purpose of communication. Various body movements such as facial expression, gestures, eye contact, tactile communication and paralanguage have been identified as principle non-verbal cues. Areas of study in non-verbal cues

Fair Value of Accounting Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fair Value of Accounting - Research Paper Example Fair value accounting has cemented its place really well in the world of accounting on the grounds that it gives more relevant information to users. This method is a realistic approach that gives the actual worth of an entity. According to Patricia McConnell1, fair value accounting method requires the preparers of financial statements to adjust them according to the fair values. This requirement helps the investors to make a better analysis of financial statements. The primary objective of financial statement analysis is the comparative measure of risk and return. General purpose financial statements do not provide the required data for this comparative analysis without significant adjustments. A clearer picture of financial statements provides the investors with a chance to make good decisions. â€Å"†¦fair value accounting method gives fair value estimates and discloses a range of possible outcomes which may help a sophisticated investor but at the same may plague the unsophisticated investor with ambiguity and information overload.† Fair value’s biggest drawback, and the major reason of its opposition, is the lack of reliability. It is because unless an asset is exchangeable in an arm’s length transaction, its value would always be an estimate. According to a study by Avinash, Arvi & Alan Reinstein3, critics have argued that fair value accounting method aggravated the recent crisis by requiring significant write-down of assets and hence resulting in sharp decreases in regulatory capital of banks and other financial institutions. Fair values tend to fluctuate vastly in a short period at times. According to Michael Power4, there are many arguments against the fair value accounting method but they don’t automatically become arguments in favor of historical cost accounting method. The definition of fair value shows that it is the amount which might be obtained in a market. Various commentators have argued about

LION KING film analysis of the leadership issues in the film Essay

LION KING film analysis of the leadership issues in the film - Essay Example The question is, what are those qualities that make a strong leader? Why is it that some leaders are loved and respected by their followers forever while others fail to maintain the faith from their followers? The answer lies in their leadership styles. The movie â€Å"The Lion King†, is an excellent example of different leadership styles (1994). Through the characters of Mufasa, Scar and Simba, the movie has clearly and distinctly described the qualities that make a strong and a weak leader. Leadership can be defined as â€Å"an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes that reflect their mutual purpose.† (Rost 1991). This definition shows that a relationship is developed between a leader and the followers only when they have a common goal to achieve (Rost 104). A relationship cannot be developed if the goals of the leader and the followers differ. In the movie ‘The lion king’, Mufasa is able to gain respect and love from his followers because he is able to understand their needs and works towards the fulfillment of those needs harmoniously. Mufasa displays a transformational leadership style through the quality of the relationship that he develops with his followers. A strong leader is the one who is able to form a relationship with his followers not on the basis of expectations but on the basis of trust and understanding. Transformational leaders take effort in nurturing the sense of self worth in the followers and boosting their self-esteem (Bass 1998). When the followers realise that their individual qualities are being recognised and nurtured by their leader, they feel that their individual needs are being taken care of. They feel enthusiastic and energetic under the guidance of such leader and hence, commit themselves to the achievement of goal in a genuine way. They are willing to give their best in an effort to reach their purpose (Bass 1998). In the movie ‘The lion king’, Mufasa

The Importance and Challenges of European Ministries of Foreign Research Paper

The Importance and Challenges of European Ministries of Foreign Affairs - Research Paper Example This brings the aspect on which continents diplomacy is very important. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the countries in Europe are viewed as very important and this means that these ministries have an uphill task in their diplomacy towards other countries in the world. This has led to the fact that the European continent has faced many challenges and they are still increasing as the world is undergoing through various changes. There are many aspects under which the challenges are increasing and this calls for more efficient diplomacy tactics to be adopted by entire Europe. It is important to note that Europe is viewed as a motivator for developing countries and this means that it is in a very tricky position and the continent’s foreign policy will need to address some issues that have been rising in recent years around the world. This is the art and practice of accomplishing negotiations and it is done by representatives of an entity, most notably states or groups. It is used mainly in reference to international diplomacy which is concerned with international relations between different countries of the world. One of the key factors of diplomacy is the intercession of professionally trained diplomats who negotiate such aspects as trade, economics, peace-making, war, and culture. In regards to international treaties, diplomats are involved in the negotiations while the politicians of a nation will endorse the treaty. Diplomacy cannot be limited to formal sense and hence in an informal sense or a social sense, diplomacy is seen as the application of tact in order to have an advantage which is deemed advantageous to a group or to somebody. It can also be seen as a means by which different groups come to an agreeable solution to a common problem (Berringe, 2005). There is a notable difference between the real world diplomacy and the intellectual university debates since in a university debate, an argument is decided upon the merits  that the arguments have and the negotiators can split the difference to come to a deal.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - Essay Example At the age of six, he had already developed contractures with the calf muscles being the most severely affected (Larsen & Lubkin, 2013). By the age of nine climbing stairs and rising unaided was impossible, and at ten years, he was confined to a wheelchair. He has weakening trunk muscles which can easily cause scoliosis. His diaphragm muscles are also weakened which makes breathing and coughing difficult, and increases chances of lung infection. Complications such as sleep-disordered breathing; ineffective cough and nocturnal hypoventilation are being experienced. The patient also has difficulties learning through listening and attention span is low (American Thoracic Society, 2010). DMD symptom management The focus of this study is the symptom management of neuromuscular and skeletal muscles. In a review article by a team of 84 practitioners representing the specialists who provide care to DMD patients selected by Centre for Disease Control (CDC), they independently rated the interv entions and assessments that are used in DMD management (DMD Care Considerations Working Group, 2009). From this assessment, CDC expert panelists came up with management interventions for the neuro and skeletal muscles for a DMD patient at the stage in which this patient is. The first intervention for muscle strength and function is pharmacological intervention to address the progression of muscle degeneration in a DMD patient. The treatment that the review focuses on is the use of the glucocorticoids to optimize strength and function of these muscles. Glucocorticoids slow the collapsing of muscle strength, as well as its function, thereby reducing the risk of scoliosis and stabilize pulmonary function. The initial RCTs of patients on 0.75 mg/kg daily dose of prednisone for six months showed improvement in muscle strength. Prednisolone and deflazacort are other glucocorticoids that were shown to be effective on a daily dose instead of alternate days. These medications were shown als o to prolong ambulation and in patients that have become non- ambulatory showed reduced risks of progressive scoliosis and stabilization of pulmonary function. There is no agreed time to start the glucocorticoids therapy since this is based on serial assessments, as well as parental report in the disease’s three phases. However, for a patient who has lost ambulation such as this one, the CDC experts review points the therapy can be introduced or continued in order to preserve upper limb strength, reduce progression of scoliosis and slow down a loss of respiratory and cardiac function. The review concludes that other supplements could be used to manage the neuro and skeletal muscles weaknesses such as coenzyme Q10, carnitine, and antioxidants such as fish oils, vitamin E, green tea extracts and amino acids. In another review article by the CDC expert panel on the implementation of multidisciplinary care in the management of DMD, the expert panel of the CDC project addresses sk eletal and respiratory management (DMD Care Considerations Working Group, 2009). In spinal management, the earlier management with the use of glucocorticoid treatment is retaliated to curb progression of scoliosis and a small chance of developing vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Risk and return of entrepreneurial investments Essay

Risk and return of entrepreneurial investments - Essay Example In this regard, venture capital partnerships have played a significant role and have made this industry grow (Kaplan and Schoar, 2003). In order to validate their claim, Kaplan and Schoar (2003) analysed the history of venture capital partnerships which had increased in the year of 1990 from less than $10 billion to over $180 billion till the year of 2000. Entrepreneurial investments require taking many risks and return measurement methods. But, before going to take risk, capital is required to be available for the purpose of investments. Many methods are available that can be used for the purpose of arranging capital. Venture capital can be a good source of finance. In which mostly, wealthy individuals provide their capital to investment companies, small business, and limited partnerships. This type of capital is collected to invest in a new business or ventures. A considerable amount of capital is required to invest with the intent of receiving high returns.Furthermore, angel investors also provide capital for those who wants to establish their small business or those who want to become investment entrepreneurs. This type of capital is mostly provided and given for a one-time injection. This one time injection provides a root to grow the tree of a business or investment. Also, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) can also be used for the purpose of raising capital. This raised capital can be used for the purpose of doing further investment in different and variety of assets. But, using this method of collecting capital requires a company to issue a publically tradable shares and securities. After arranging and investing capital, return can be measured and understood with the use and application of the Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The internal rate of return provides a figure of the annual yield on an investment (Gottschalg & Phalippou, 2007). This yield measurement tool is considerably helpful to determining the level of yield that can be expected from a set of investments. A particular numerical method of the internal rate of return is used to obtain the figure of yield. Also, Net Present Value (NPV) is a widely used as a tool of evaluation. This tool of evaluation can be used to determine and highlight an investment project from a set of different investment projects that have positive cash flows. Thus, the posi tive net cash flows authenticate and validate to go with the project for the purpose of investment. In the subsequent parts of this piece of work, first, private equity funds, angel investors, venture capitalists, IPOs are further elaborated. Then, IRR and NPV are explained. But before conclusion, some focus is given to US or EU returns of entrepreneurial finance are explained. Private Equity Funds____________________________________ Private equity is not quoted like public equity in the capital markets. Fund managers first try to arrange some funds. And subsequently, these funds are invested into public and private companies. Various sources are available that can be used for the purpose of raising funds. For example, angle investors, venture capitalists and so on. Mostly, it is these sources that play a vital and pivotal role in raising funds. Additionally, some academic gurus call them institutional investors as well. Various reasons can require a need to raise funds or capital. Sometimes, a company may require to facilitate and to fulfil the purchase needs of new assets to add to the efficiency of a business; to fulfil a short term

Blue Highways Essay Example for Free

Blue Highways Essay The beginning to an end, and round again, for Least Heat Moon was when he lost his teaching job. He figured he had two choices – to sleep the matter over or to go crazy. He chose neither. Instead, he decided to take a self-fulfilling journey in search of â€Å"places where change did not mean ruin and where Time and Man and Deeds connected. † Least Heat Moon took a circular route from one end of the United States to another using the back roads or the blue highways because he believed that â€Å"life does not happen along interstates. † He likened Life to a circular route that comes round again, to start over and anew. Least Heat Moon came from the Sioux tribe and like most Native Americans believed that those who embrace the new by discarding the old do not deserve to be honored. His trip gave him the opportunity to meet and talk to people, in the process learning from their experiences. In most cities he visited, people ask about his job. Inasmuch as he had just lost his, Least Heat Moon was vague with his replies and was tempted to answer differently each time. Someone from Grayville, Illinois thought people with nothing to do was common in any part of the country, while someone from Shelbyville, Kentucky distinguished job from work and from occupation in terms of motivation, time and money. He saw people moving and renovating homes in Kentucky. They were log cabins of 1807 and Bob Andriot took pleasure in preserving them for another two hundred years. Bob has something from the past that he is making into something new to pass on to the future. Bob’s kind is so unlike those in Frankfort which was named after their local hero, Stephen Frank. From the old Frank’s Ford it became Frankfurt out of convenience without regard of its historical significance. The entire look of Frankfurt was similarly modernized. Kentucky’s name became associated with Col. Harlan Sanders and his crispy-fried chicken. Least Heat Moon dined in Claudia Sanders Dinner House. Least Heat Moon believed nothing beats the delicious and authentic regional food served in local cafes like they did three decades or so years ago. The Hammonds of Palisades made building a boat their life, a dream made true by their relentless pursuit of it. He lodged and dined at the Shakers’ Trustees Hall, which was built in1839. The Shakers have not outlived their building for their unrealistic views of life and adversity towards progress. On the other hand, Ida, south of Appalachia, was slow to progress because of its isolation. At Gainesboro, Least Heat Moon found that even if he was traveling alone he was to an extent sociable because of the chance that he will meet someone at every stop. At Shepardsville Road, Madison Wheeler refused to part with his old store’s signage despite a tempting offer for the simple reason that he wanted to keep his name. Least Heat Moon was invited to sup at Wheeler’s table, something that Least Heat Moon appreciated noting that those who â€Å"live on little are the ones to ask you to dinner. † In Nameless, Tennessee Least Heat Moon spent an evening with the Watts who showed that him simple pleasures that last and stay in the heart like buttermilk pie, old music, hot bread and a doctor who â€Å"calms like the hand of the Lord. † He made several futile attempts to meet and talk to Native Americans, Hopi or Navajo, for fear of rejection. At Echo Cliffs in Arizona he noticed that White Men in station wagons bought beads from Indians, when it was the White Men in wagons who sold beads to Indians before. When history is repeated, there is a twist in the course of events. In crossing Colorado, the Spanish missionaries of 1776, navigated the Vermillion cliffs in 10 days, ate cactus and 2 horses, made steps to climb and cross 400-ft walls. Least Heat Moon made his in 20 seconds, sitting down. What was terrifying to the Spaniards was magnificent to Least Heat Moon. What was a hurdle to the Spaniards was a breeze for Least Heat Moon. There were 2 observation towers containing reminders of WWII in the southern part of Rehoboth Beach. The young would have no idea at all, but had they been born earlier they would have been among the fallen heroes. Glen Marshall of Smith Island found running a boat a good job because he had no boss to take orders from. , which to him was better than money. Alice Middleton thought that Island Belle brought progress to their island by bringing in provisions, news, medicine, and mails as well as transported the sick and the dying. It was their equivalent to the cars of America. Kendrick Fritz was a Hopi Indian studying Medicine at the Southern Utah State College. Fritz re-acquainted Least Heat Moon on their shared heritage. Fritz said that prejudice against Indians came from seeing them make trouble and that already made them a savage in the eyes of the White Men. The Indians hated the White Way but they enjoy their pleasures as much. Fritz would go back to Tuba, to his people, to practice medicine and money will never be a consideration. To a Hopi, religion is praying for harmony, as well as rain and crops, and a good life. A common symbol among Native Americans is the emergence or the â€Å"road of life. † People go through birth, death, and rebirth. The symbol is also about the journeys we take as well as the â€Å"cosmic patterns that human beings move in. † The Hopi Way teaches that every one is a part of one whole, a greater family. A hunter is forgiven if he hunts and kills for food, for â€Å"only life can feed life. † In the Hopi religion a person is not just one but a part of many things and that if he respects himself then he respects all things too. A person must not set himself above the rest as that would set him apart. The Hopi Way is the Way of the Spirit which is everywhere. Through his encounters with people Least Heat Moon gains insightful knowledge that it serves no purpose to hold on to the past for it will never return, but, it would be regretful if the past is totally forgotten. It is within man to renew the past, not as a repetition but an exciting variation, like the log cabins with beautiful interiors. The present should always connect to the past for there will always be something to learn from and improve on. Without Claudia Sanders kitchen, the world would never know taste of the famous Col. Sanders chicken. The rich cultural heritage of Least Heat Moon seen through the eyes and heard from the lips of Kendrick Fritz replaced his fears with pride and a deeper appreciation of the beautiful journey he had made. It gave him the answers to the questions he sought when he started out and the meaning of the â€Å"wrong turns and blind alleys †¦ fumbling and chance discoveries† he made in his trip. Walt Whitman’s Song of the Open Road from his Leaves of Grass collection was a reinforcement of the enriching lessons that came along to Least Heat Moon in his travels. Whitman’s verses spoke from the past to Least Heat Moon’s present. Despite the distance he had covered Least Heat Moon’s journey is not finished, because he discovered that â€Å"a true journey has no end. † Works Cited Least Heat Moon, W. (1982). A Journey into America. Blue Highways. An Atlantic Monthly Press Book. Little, Brown Company. Boston/Toronto.

The Ara Pacis: Monument of the Age of Augustus

The Ara Pacis: Monument of the Age of Augustus After 31 BC, as Augustus secured overall power in Rome, he set about a series of radical reforms which affected almost every area of public life, and some areas even of private life (the marriage laws, for example). His intentions were on a grand scale; he planned to regenerate Rome and its people after the disturbances of the late Republican period, and in more ways than one might have expected he succeeded. The price, of course, was the loss of republican liberties. Syme says â€Å"It was the end of a century of anarchy, culminating in twenty years of civil war and military tyranny. If despotism was the price, it was not too high† (Syme, 2). Suetonius’s account of the reign of Augustus is partly a list of reforms, in the army, the fabric of the city, the administration of justice, the customs of dress, the securing of public health and many others. Paul Zanker says that â€Å"The goal of his â€Å"cultural program†, pursued with far-reaching and concentrated e ffort over the next twenty years, was nothing less than a complete moral revival† (Zanker, 3), in which the focus of national and cultural attention would be himself, a ruler chosen by the gods, who embodied practically as well as symbolically the soul of the state. The excesses of the previous period were to be replaced by nobler and more serious public values, by a greater sense of national loyalty which would reject personal rivalries in the world of power politics and bring about an era of peace and security which would allow Rome to thrive. Such a radical revision of the public world naturally required a public imagery to support it and express its new codes. â€Å"Invidious private ostentation [was replaced] by a program of publica magnificentia† (Zanker, 3). Building in the city, and the visual arts generally, naturally became vehicles for conveying the new values. Favro says that Augustus â€Å"continuously used the built fabric of the city to convey policy† (Favro, 141). The Ara Pacis was built between 13 and 9 BC, and is a key monument for the display of the Augustan principles. Augustus himself records its construction in the Res Gestae: â€Å"When I returned from Spain and Gaul after successfully settling the affairs of those provinces†¦ the Senate decreed that the Altar of Augustan Peace should be consecrated for my return near the Campus Martius† (Brunt Moore, 25). Augustus had been away on this military campaign for three years, and the Ara Pacis was a tribute to him, but also to the idea of peace, which he reminds us in the next paragraph of the Res Gestae came through war and victory: â€Å"Peace had been secured by victories throughout the Roman Empire by land and sea.† It is not surprising, then, that in the carved panels flanking the doors of the Ara Pacis, the figure of Tellus/ Ceres/ Venus, surrounded by the images of fertility and peaceful abundance is matched by another figure, of Roma, seated on a pile of arms, reminding all viewers of the serious truth â€Å"that the blessings of peace had been won and made secure by the newly fortified virtus of Roman arms† (Zanker, 175). The altar enclosure carries sculpted friezes on all four sides. Tellus and Roma flank one door, Aeneas and Mars with Romulus and Remus the other. On the long sides a procession is depicted, showing Augustus himself and members of the Imperial family, accompanied by senators, lictors and priests preparing for a rite of sacrifice. Perhaps the processional image records the actual event of Augustus’s return to Rome. Some of the figures have been identified, rather tentatively, as individual people in the ruling group, but for the most part the faces are idealized, though distinctly human. Clearly there is a classicizing influence at work here. These are dignified and serious people, displaying â€Å"the Roman traditional concepts of dignity (dignitas) and sobriety (gravitas)† (Henig, 85). Although Henig argues that the procession commemorates â€Å"a specific event of contemporary history†¦ with anecdotal detail in three dimensional relief† (Henig, 74), it is s urely more the case that the classical dignity of the image is meant to convey â€Å"the idea of the return of Augustus, the guarantor (auctor) of peace† (Gallinsky, 142), and the presentation shows â€Å"not so much an individual action as a reflection of the underlying idea† (ibid). Augustus had refused the senate’s offer of a triumphant entry into the city, and accepted the Ara Pacis in its place, a structure of quite modest scale for a dictator, and understated in its imagery. The classicizing generality of the figures is part of the Augustan taste for moderation and restraint in all areas of life. The â€Å"elegant simplicity and clarity of style† (Henig, 74) reflect the classical model behind the design, the 5th century BC Panathenaic procession depicted in the Parthenon. Augustus’s inspiration could hardly have been more noble. The miraculous thing is that the Ara Pacis frieze escapes completely from the frigidity of the Parthenon sculptures , and from the pomposity of much nineteenth-century neo-classical statuary. It is interesting at this point to consider the images of Augustus himself produced during his lifetime. The Prima Porta statue of 27 BC is based on a Greek model, the Doryphoros of Polyclitus, which Quintilian calls â€Å"gravis et sanctis†, and thus a telling choice as a precedent. Augustus is shown addressing the troops, his right arm raised to command attention. Syme describes it as â€Å"showing the Princeps in his middle years, firm and martial but melancholy and dedicated to duty† (Syme, 470). The face has a calm, noble expression, its features â€Å"marked by a harmony of proportions, inspired by the Classical canon† (Zanker, 99). Like the Doryphoros, the hair has been arranged with careful attention to the rules of symmetry. The result is a look of â€Å"timeless and remote dignity† (ibid). It had little to do with Augustus’s actual appearance, but that is beside the point. This is how Augustus wished to be seen, it is the â€Å"image† of Augustus, an image which derives much of its authority from the great Classical models, with all their associations of seriousness, nobility and the ideals of human grandeur. The armour Augustus wears carries emblems of his achievement and reminders of the nature of the peace. â€Å"The rich panoply of symbols and personifications that decorate his cuirass refers to the establishment of peace (pax Augusta) in the Empire and Augustus’s role as restitutor orbis† (Henig, 85). At the centre of the cuirass a Parthian king hands the legionary eagle to an armed figure – a Roman centurion, perhaps, or even Mars Utor himself, to whom Augustus built a temple in Rome. Around them are placed heaven and earth. Two mourning women are on either side, emblems of the defeated nations. Apollo and Diana ride traditional animals, a griffin and a hind. Above, Sol is in a chariot above Apollo, Luna above Diana, while Caelus spreads out the cloth of heaven. Luna is being replace d by Dawn, who pours dew from a jug. Augustus’s victory over the Parthians thus takes on qualities imagined in terms of eternity, timeless like the idealized Classical face of the Emperor. â€Å"The Princeps who wears the new image of victory on his breastplate becomes the representative of divine providence and the will of God† (Zanker, 192). The second statue, from the Via Labicana, is from later in Augustus’s reign and shows us the Emperor dressed as a priest. The face is more individualized – the eyes are smaller, the cheekbones are visible, and the ears protrude. This is a more â€Å"real† Augustus, but the overwhelming effect of the statue is to show him as a serious and thoughtful figure. â€Å"The spirituality of the wise and benevolent father of the state and restorer of traditional morality emanates from the shaded deep-set eyes† (Henig, 85). The military commander is absent, but the same underlying conception is there; the god-like Emperor, who is both guardian of the security of the state, and also richly human in the most virtuous, intelligent, and pious ways. The sculptures of the Ara Pacis can be understood in these terms. The procession is towards a sacred ceremony. Around two thirds of the scenes involve members of the four principal colleges of priests, which Augustus had revived in his reform programme. The flamines can be identified by their traditional dress, a woollen cloak and a cap with a metal point. Membership of the priesthood was a mark of high status. Augustus entrusted the management of the annual sacrifices to officials of all the major priesthoods (thus skillfully diluting their real individual power). Here, some of the priests have veiled heads, which shows that the ceremony has begun. A woman puts her fingers to her lips to call for silence. â€Å"The dense rows of figures all similarly veiled in their togas give the impression of unity and uniformity. The sculptural style and composition, inspired by Classical reliefs, elevates the scene beyond the historical occasion into a timeless sphere† (Zanker, 121). Amon gst the Imperial family the women are draped in the style of Classical statues. Drusus, the successful general, stands in their midst. Children try to get the attention of their parents. As with the two Augustus statues, dignity and authority merge subtly with humanity. There is, as Gallinsky says, an â€Å"exquisite balance between stylization and informality† (Gallinsky, 152). The postures and gestures are varied, and in a way that is not merely the result of the artist’s desire to add variety to a potentially monotonous subject. â€Å"These are real people. They chat, even to the point of having to be admonished to be quiet, and the children wriggle and squirm as we know them to do at any official ceremony or church service† (ibid). That this is true, even though the principal mood is that of Classical decorum and sobriety, is a remarkable artistic – and perhaps political – achievement. Gallinsky goes on to call the Ara Pacis â€Å"one of the m ost humane monuments ever built by a powerful ruler†¦ This is not the pompous and grim monument of a party leader whose subjects are bullied into conformist succession. The relaxed attitude of the participants†¦ is in fact another manifestation of the blessings of pax† (ibid, 151-2). Mortimer Wheeler argues similarly for the remarkably relaxed grace of the work. He notes the delightful gestures of the lady hushing the chatterers, and the children â€Å"particularly vital in their display of childlike interest or boredom† (Wheeler, 165). While Bandinelli rather insensitively describes the work as â€Å"frigid in conception, sharing the programmatic conformity which stamps all official art† (Bandinelli, 189), Wheeler says that this is â€Å"wide of the mark. If frigid, these figures owe their aloofness to the calm assured, unanxious society which they represent† (Wheeler, 165), surely a very astute understanding of the relationship between Augustan art – even â€Å"official art† – and the mood of the society it expresses. Another fine piece of observation is Wheeler’s note that as we look along the frieze slabs form one vitally depicted head to another â€Å"there is no dramatic concentration upon the Emperor† (ibid). He stands, indeed, at the centre of the frieze, but he is only slightly taller than those around him, a quality he shares with Agrippa. The Emperor may be a god, but there is no personality cult at work. â€Å"He is merely primus inter pares† (ibid) and Wheeler sees this too as an example of the virtues of the Augustan era, â€Å"its quiet good manners and its undemonstrative confidence† (ibid). He contrasts this modest presentation of the Emperor with the image on the Arch of Titus about 100 years later, where the figure of the victorious Emperor is more prominent than the glory that seeks to crown him, and whose frontal positioning causes hopeless distortion of the perspective. This notion of Augustus’s modesty is certainly supported by Suetonius. He notes how Augustus â€Å"felt horrified and insulted when called ‘My Lord’† (Suetonius, 80), and would not let even his adopted children or grandchildren address him in this way. He al ways tried to avoid leaving or entering Rome in daylight â€Å"because that would have obliged the authorities to give him a formal welcome or send-off† (ibid). (This seems to be supported by his rejection of a triumphal entry after the Hispano-Gallic campaign, and the preference for the modesty and decorum of the Ara Pacis). Suetonius also describes the simplicity of Augustus’s living conditions. The furnishings of the palace would â€Å"now hardly be considered fit for a private citizen† (Suetonius, 92), and his dress was unostentatious. Of course he held formal dinner parties, but â€Å"There was no great extravagance, and a most cheerful atmosphere, because of his talent for making shy guests†¦ join in the general conversation† (ibid). And yet Syme reminds us that the blessings of the Augustan reign had a cost: â€Å"The new dispensation, or ‘novus status’, was the work of fraud and bloodshed, based upon the seizure of power and red istribution of property by a revolutionary leader† (Syme, 2). Both Bandinelli and Henig have complained of the lack of coherent plan in the Ara Pacis, â€Å"not in the quality of the sculpture, nor in the style and technique, but in the subject matter† (Henig, 73). The question is whether the processional friezes have anything to do with the mythical and allegorical panels flanking the doors at either end. If we have understood the nature of the friezes correctly, and their relationship to the Augustan vision of the Roman world, it is clear that the subject matter of the panels and their treatment are central to the statement of the work. Most important in this sense, as well as best preserved, is the panel depicting Tellus (or Venus, or Ceres). The subject of the panel is the blessings of abundance. A matronly woman sits in Classical dress, with two babies at her sides, reaching for her breast. Her lap is filled with fruit, and her hair is bound with a wreath of grain. Wheat and poppies grow behind her, and below her are farm animals. T he image celebrates growth and fertility. Either side of her are female figures, aurae, icons from Greek Classical tradition, who are emblems of the winds on land and sea. The land figure sits on a goose over a stream, the other has the sea monster under control (like Browning’s Duke, â€Å"taming a seahorse†). The aurae are the bringers of warmth and rain, the bestowers of abundance and successful harvest. â€Å"The overall structure is a paean to the fecundity, wealth, and harmony made possible by the Augustan peace† (Favro, 266). The female figure is Tellus, Mother Earth, but also Ceres, Venus, and perhaps Pax herself. The multiplicity of identities is enriching, not confusing. But this idyll is not allowed to stand alone as a dream vision. On the other side of the door, in the corresponding position, we see the figure of Roma sitting on a pile of arms, reminding us that the price of peace is military preparedness and conquest, â€Å"Peace based on world dom ination† (Gallinsky, 146). At the other end the panels celebrate the heroic past, putting the Augustan present into the grandest possible context. In one panel Aeneas is shown preparing to sacrifice after he has seen the portent prophesying his future in Italy. With Venus, and his son Julus, founder of the Julian family, who stands behind him, he is the ancestor of the Roman people, as are Romulus and Remus, presented in the corresponding panel with Mars, god of war, their father and thus also a Roman ancestor. It is the members of that family and the leaders of that people who walk in procession in the long friezes. Much of the wall surface is covered in delicate, symmetrical patterns of tendrils and vine clusters. This was a traditional decorative motif, but here the imagery of abundance takes on a particular relevance, which is reflected in the poetry of the period. The reference is to the myth of the Golden Age, and the implication of the use of such imagery, and so much of it, in the Ara Pacis is that the glorious present has recovered some of the qualities of that legendary past. As David Castriota says, â€Å"For poets like Horace and especially Virgil, who sought to idealize the stable and ordered Peace of the Augustan regime in the comparative terms of the mythic precedent, the analogy of a pristine era of blissful abundance and moral virtue must have seemed irresistible† (Castriota, 124). Such imagery was central to the Augustan picture of the world. In one sense the Ara Pacis might be seen as not entirely the modest and restrained monument suggested here, in that it appears that it was planned as part of a giant structure which sounds rather more Mussolini-like than anything hinted at so far. The Ara Pacis was placed where it would be part of a giant sundial, the hand a huge obelisk 100ft high, with Augustus’s mausoleum at the opposite end of the dial. Elaborate astronomical functions have been claimed for the design. The obelisk was of course a monument to the conquest of Egypt, so that the peace-through-victory notion is repeated. The Ara Pacis faced the Via Flaminia, which was the way Augustus had reentered the city after his campaign, and positioned in open ground â€Å"midway between Augustus’s Mausoleum and the built-up area of the southern Field of Mars, possibly coinciding with the pomerium (the sacred boundary of the city where soldiers had to lay aside their weapons)† (Claridge, 189). The positioni ng probably carried symbolic significance, joining secular and sacred ground, emphasizing the universality of Augustan rule. How much of this must one dismiss as the propaganda of a dictatorial regime? The Res Gestae is a curious document, hardly notable for its modesty. â€Å"Always it is the first person that is stressed† (Brunt and Moore, 4), say its editors, and it presents a highly selective view of the events of Augustus’s reign. He claims that he was unwilling to accept untraditional honours and powers, but â€Å"This plea is an example of clever propaganda writing†¦ He naturally did not mention that there was no precedent for any one man holding so many different positions and powers at the same time† (Brunt and Moore, 5). Syme says that Augustus’s account of recent history is nothing more than â€Å"official truth† (Syme, 522-3), and Tacitus, writing over 100 years later, was cynical: â€Å"He seduced the army with bonuses†¦ Opposition did not exist. War or judicial murder had disposed of all men of spirit†¦ Upper-class survivors found that slavis h obedience was the way to succeed† (Tacitus, 29-30). And yet for Horace, who we must remember fought against Octavius at Philippi, the Augustan peace was something very real. The Centennial Hymn, â€Å"a triumphal ode which is unique in the way it breathes serenity† (Horace, 31), is a tribute to Augustus’s achievements seen in terms of the establishment of peace, prosperity and safety. Now the Parthian fears the Alban axes, the forces mighty by sea and land; now Scythians and Indians, lately so proud, await our answer. Now Faith, and Peace, and Honour, and pristine Modesty, and Manhood neglected, dare to return, and blessed Plenty appears With her laden horn. (Horace, 168) The Augustan peace was something genuine for Horace, and it is difficult to see work of the quality of that in the Ara Pacis as the product of official artists merely. It is little wonder that both the Renaissance and the English eighteenth century saw the Augustan period, and its art architecture and poetry, as the great models to emulate. Works Cited Bandinelli, R.B., trans. Green, P. Rome. The Centre of Power. Roman Art to AD.200. London: Thames and Hudson, 1970. Brunt, P.A. Moore, J.M. (eds), Res Gestae. Oxford: Oxford U.P, 1967. Castriota, D. The Ara Pacis Augustae and the Imagery of Abundance in Later Greek and Early Roman Art. Princeton: Princeton U.P., 1995. Cooley, M.(ed.). The Age of Augustus. London: LACTOR, 2003. Claridge, A. Rome: an Oxford Archaeological Guide. Oxford: Oxford U.P., 1998. Favro, D. The Urban Image of Augustan Rome. Cambridge: Cambridge U.P., 1996. Henig, M. (ed.). A Handbook of Roman Art. Oxford: Phaidon, 1983. Galinsky, K. Augustan Culture. Princeton: Princeton U.P., 1996. Horace, trans. Shepherd, W.G., introd. Radice, B. The Complete Odes and Epodes. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1983. Suetonius, trans. Graves, R. The Twelve Caesars. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1957. Syme, R. The Roman Revolution. London: Oxford U.P.1960. Tacitus, trans. Grant, M. The Annals of Imperial Rome. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1956. Wheeler, M. Roman Art and Architecture. London: Thames and Hudson, 1964. Zanker, P., trans. Shapiro, A. The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan P., 1990.

Using The Strategy Of Preemption For Preventing Terrorism Politics Essay

Using The Strategy Of Preemption For Preventing Terrorism Politics Essay Terrorism is a broad phenomenon which can have many subjective interpretations. Even if its definitions vary widely, it is well known that terrorism relies on the use of violence and it can be seen as a result of bargaining failure. Terrorist actions are carried out by non-state actors and are designed to achieve specific political changes. In order to achieve their objectives, terrorists are looking for different targets which, hit, assure not only a considerable loss, but also a psychological impact on public opinion, endangering human lives, values systems, standards and political systems. As terrorism became a global issue, states adopted different strategies such as defensive measures, preemption, or negotiation and compromise in order to prevent and fight against it. In this essay I will analyze one of the strategies mentioned above, the strategy of preemption against terrorism and I will examine its costs and benefits. In the first part of my essay I will present this strategy in detail, explaining what it represents and how it can be adopted. In the second part of this essay I will emphasize the costs and the benefits of this strategy, giving certain examples. I will also try to explain in what sense it can increase support for groups who are using terrorist strategies. In the end, I will state my conclusion, based on arguments. The strategy of preemption is based on taking the initiative and destroy terrorist networks before they attack. This strategy can be applied by destroying terrorist camps or their hiding places, or by assasinating them. This was the most outstanding strategy adopted by the Bush administration as a response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. In September 2002, the President George Bush emphasised the need of using this strategy in order to preempt attacks from states which may posses weapons of mass destruction. Both wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were justified by the President of the U.S. as ways of preventing terrorism.(Haynes, Jeffrey. World Politics. Harlow: Longman/Pearson, 2011. Print) As it has recentely been adopted by the U.S, terrorism preemption could be defined as those offensive military and associated actions by the services and other appropriate agencies that are initiated against terrorists, their organizations, supporters,and sponsor states to prevent or deter acts or c ampaigns of terrorism directed against US citizens and interests.( Sloan, Stephen 2000:39 ) The terrorist attacks on 9/11 had a great impact not only in U.S., but also on the whole international security context. Before these events, the imbalance and balance between the states represented a normal geopolitical framework, but which was seriously affected because of the emergence and development of civil, nongovernmental and transnational organizations which took the shape of terrorist organizations. Washington is dealing with actions carried out by terrorist organizations including Al-Qaeda, which is the most important. European Union may be destabilized quite seriously, if it will not manage effectively with the fate of millions of Islamists whose political culture is totally different from the liberal democratic system. There is emphasized the idea that the destabilization of the current world order has its roots in Washingtons failure in Iraq. Also, it is quite certain that it could reach the same result even if the U.S. intervened elsewhere than in Iraq or Afghanistan. It could reach the same result even if it did not intervene at all, anywhere, because the danger comes from non-state actors, who are determined to end the existence of states, civilizations and cultures that seem to be in conflict with their religious believes. (Amoore, Louise, and Marieke De Goede. Risk and the War on Terror. London: Routledge, 2008. Print.), (Baylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens. The Globalization of World Politics: an Introduction to International Relations. New York, NY: Oxford UP, 2008. Print.), (Chomsky Noam, Hegemonie sau supravieÃ…Â £uire. America à ®n căutarea dominaÃ…Â £iei globale, BucureÃ…Å ¸ti, Ed. Antet, 2003) Fighting against terrorism represents a war, strategies made in detail, not only large-scale actions such as the counterblast of the U.S and their allies in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is a conflict that depends on political decisions, information technology and on the capability of mobilizing the resources. The year 2003 represented an important moment during this fight against terrorism, even from its beginning, when in March, the war started in Iraq. The campaign from Iraq is unique, characterized by shock, by the precise usage of the ammunition which occurred at a scale as has never been, and also by the use of overwhelming forces. Using well prepared strategies, allowed the execution of the operation in a sustained manner and minimized the collateral damage. (Amoore, Louise, and Marieke De Goede. Risk and the War on Terror. London: Routledge, 2008. Print.) This brings me to the second part of this essay. Even if the good strategies used during the war minimized the loss, the strategy of preemption remains very costly in many ways. First of all, surveillance must be continuous; otherwise it will be impossible to prevent all the terrorist attacks. Secondly, tracking all the possible terrorist activities is also a hard and costly activity. More than these, surveillance can violate the civil liberties of innocent citizens. Accomplishing all of these, an important amount of financial and human resources are needed. The key to an effective fight against terrorism is the accountability of the democratic states, a process of strengthening their institutional instruments, in order to apply better and strictly impose the law. In the same time, the democratic states have to be trained in an international cooperation of preventing and fighting against terrorism from a political, economical, social and military perspective. The international cooper ation is essential for an efficient monitoring system of the terrorist threat.( Andreescu, Anghel, and Nicolae Radu. OrganizaÃ…Â £iile Teroriste Conceptualizarea Terorii vs Securitatea Europeană. Bucuresti: M.I.R.A, 2008. Print.) Another problem of this policy is that preemption itself is illegal under the international law, which makes it impossible to finance it and to be supported by many countries. There is though an exception of this law, an exception which allows a strategy of preemption when it is known for sure that a state will be attacked. This law appeared right after the Second World War, and because of that it refers to a military threat from other states. Regarding the fact that terrorist networks act on their own, without asking approval from any state, the strategy of preemption can not be approved by the UN. (Shue, Henry, and David Rodin. Preemption: Military Action and Moral Justification. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2007. Print.) Of course, making public the adoption of such strategy of fighting against terrorism in certain areas, can draw the attention of the terrorist groups and they can use these information to prepare themselves. This will make defeating them much harder and will take much longer than expected. Using preemption as a long term strategy and by attacking all the people involved in terrorist activities, terrorists will be able to adapt themselves and be prepared for a war, knowing the strategies of the target country from previous attacks. This is why, from a practical perspective, this strategy can be used only on a short term. (Chomsky Noam, Hegemonie sau supravieÃ…Â £uire. America à ®n căutarea dominaÃ…Â £iei globale, BucureÃ…Å ¸ti, Ed. Antet, 2003 ) The most important aspect is, when talking about a strategy of preemption, the amount of money spent on financing the war which will prevent a terrorist attack. Since the events on 9/11, the U.S. spent a huge amount of money in order to financially support the war of terror. The Americans invaded Iraq because, as Bush administration affirmed, it was financially supporting terrorism and was possessing weapons of mass destruction. This invasion caused instability in the U.S economy. The economist Joseph Stiglitz said in 2008 that the U.S adventure in Iraq is more expensive than any war that has ever been fought. More than that, 4.421 Americans died when the invasion started, in March 2003 and 32.000 were hurt during the attacks. Almost 100.000 of Iraqi citizens died during the war. In 2009, the U.S. military expenses numbered $663,3 mld, but according to the Congressional Research Service, the costs of the war will be around $802 mld at the and of 2011. (Rosca, Cristina, and Andreea Neferu. US Ended the War in Iraq. Financial Newspaper 1 Sept. 2010. Print.) As it can be seen, the costs of a preemtive war are very high, and not only from a financial point of view. Besides the costly military operations and the suffering caused to civilians, the strategy of preemption also leads to a ruined infrastructure. After the terrorist threat will be removed, more funds will need to be allocated to pay for the reparations that the war caused. Another fact that needs to be noticed when talking about preemption is that foreign countries may find this strategy a disproportionate response to the terrorist threat. Because, by definition, preemptive actions occures before a terrorist attack, the target countries may have good reasons to exaggerate the real threat . Also, because predictions can be sometimes deviant, other states may remain skeptical on this strategy when a country adoptes it. The decision that the Bush administration took regarding the invasion of Afghanistan was seen by many states necessary and totally justified after the attacks on 9/11. On the other hand, the decision of expanding the war from Afghanistan to Iraq, which was never linked with the terrorist attacks that took place on 9/11, excepting by the Bush administration, made people from all around the world to fear a possible invasion. Now, the countries worldwide were at risk of preemptive war if they were accused for terrorism actions or for financia lly supporting terrorism. Many foreign governments opposed to this actions which was seen by them as a violation of the sovereignty of a country.(Haynes, Jeffrey. World Politics. Harlow: Longman/Pearson, 2011. Print.) Using the strategy of preemption, even for fighting against terrorism, can result in more support from the people for those who are carrying out the attacks. As I have mentioned above, preemptive actions can cause many damages in the states accused by terrorist actions. Ruining the infrastructure of a country, and more than that, causing suffering to innocent civilians will make the citizens of that country fight against the state that attacked them, and even support the terrorist networks. In the case of the U.S actions, even if they gained many allies to fight with against terrorism, the Americans also made many enemies in the countries they attacked. When talking about preemption, some people sustain the idea of self-defence, justifying the actions that need to be taken according to this strategy. Other people, espacially those who opposed to the Iraq War, deny the fact that a preemptive action could be ever justified. (Shue, Henry, and David Rodin. Preemption: Military Action and Moral Justification. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2007. Print.) In conclusion, the strategy of preemption, used in fighting against terrorism is not totally effective. Even if it seems to remove the terrorist threat and it is seen in some countries as one of the best actions that a stat can adopt against terrorism, it can be very costly because of the military operations that it involves. On a first sight it seems to be working but, in order to state this sentance, the damages that it may cause need to be excluded. It can violate the civil rights, it seems to have a lack of legitimacy, creates suffering among civilians, can make more people suport the terrorist networks and, probably the most important aspect, it can not be adopted for a long term period.

Graduation Speech: We Must Give Back! :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

When I was asked to be your commencement speaker I figured it was my responsibility to say something so significant that it would help you make sense of what you have experienced over the last two years. I figured that I should answer one of life's great mysteries that you may have been confused about. And I am prepared to do that today. The question is, we have been dealing with them, writing papers about them, but what in the world are these Learning Outcomes anyway? And why have you made us study them? Well, here is how you can make you education work for you. As many of you leave the protective walls of Lennon , you will be looking for jobs and careers that require interviews. When the interviewer asks you (and they will, I promise) tell me a little about your educational background, you won't just look at them confused like a graduate from BCC, NO! Whip out those learning outcomes and here is what you are going to say: I graduated from one of the most technologically advanced community colleges in the country where I was required to integrate advanced software into my learning to be successful. I have the ability to be a member or leader of teams of any size composed of people from very diverse racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. My degree is evidence that teams have successfully completed tasks within a short amount of time. I can express my ideas clearly and confidently to large groups of people. And last but not least, I can evaluate the world around me to make critical decisions that will benefit your company immensely. And if you deliver your responses with confidence and conviction, all they will hopefully say is, your hired. On a more philosophical note, my fellow students and I have truly made history. We are the first two-year graduating class of Lennon Community College. Our wisdom as students helped shape this institution. Every school in the world has a certain feel to it. That feeling is made up of the quality of the people within the school. That feeling is also based on the legacy of the upper classmen whom have added there own identity and passed it down. In our case, being a brand new school, there was no legacy to adopt, we were the first, and the class of 2002 took it upon ourselves to create what many observers think is the most nurturing, open minded and healthy educational atmosphere in the State of Washington.

Small Classrooms :: Education Teaching Essays

Small Classrooms One of the things that many teachers at Grace Dunn Middle School complain about is the large number of students they have in each class. Likewise, I face this situation in my classes; and since the start of observation there have been a few more additions, thereby making one class twenty-five in total. There are disadvantages for teachers and students in large classes; yet schools, especially in urban districts, still allow them. Although not all large class sizes signify poor academic and social performance, classes with students that are at-risk or classified cannot provide them with proper education and attention. However, in small classrooms, teachers have better management and use more interactive teaching approaches; and students perform academically higher and exhibit positive social skills. Thus, smaller class sizes with less than fifteen students provide a healthier learning environment than those with twenty or more. There are three major factors in smaller classes that allow teachers to better help students. Because of the reduction in class size, classroom management is easier and less time consuming. Smaller classes ensure that students have less of an opportunity to misbehave because teachers can monitor them more closely. Thus, teachers do not have to focus their class time on classroom management but rather on studentsf learning. Since student misbehavior is less problematic, smaller classes yield more time for teachers to develop their learning activities and concentrate on their teaching strategies (Handley 2). On the other hand, with larger classes, teachers spend less direct interaction with students and also tolerate more noises in their classes (Finn 22). For example, in my class of twenty-five, the task of handing out and collecting papers wastes time that can be used for instruction. Thus, classes often fall behind schedule because of these minor tasks that are time consuming . In addition, there are more direct interaction between the teacher and students. There is less competition between students for the teacherfs attention when there are fewer students in the class because with fewer students, the teacher can provide more attention for each student (Finn 18). Thus, teachers can create more student-oriented learning activities. For example, class discussions are more effective in smaller classrooms because students are more engaging and more likely to volunteer (Meier 109, Finn 18). In addition, individual students ask more questions because they are familiar with each other, and it also gives each student more time to speak (Handley 2).

Aids/Hiv Essay 6

Kimberly S. Johnson SOS 313: Social Implications of Medical Issues Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Its Deadly Effects Deanna Swinford March 14, 2010 Over the past few decades Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention strategies has focused on helping high risk individuals including individuals uninfected with HIV. The responsibility of National programs is to inform the public regarding prevention strategies, identify priorities, plan, and implement disease prevention strategies. It’s common knowledge all over the world that HIV infection is the leading cause of death. â€Å"Human immunodeficiency virus HIV and AIDS remain the leading causes of illness and death in the United States. As of December 2004, an estimated 944,306 persons had received a diagnosis of AIDS, and of these 529,113 (56%) had died† (Center for Disease Control, 2010). Approximately 40,000 new cases of HIV infection occur each year and 40 million people worldwide are now living with HIV† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 318). Everyone knows, or should be aware that there’s no way to restore their damaged immune system, and no cure for HIV, nor for AIDS. Advances in medical systems today have shown improved life expectancy. â€Å"Since 1995, the number of deaths from AIDS in the United States has declined so sign ificantly that HIV/AIDS is no longer treated as a terminal illness but rather as a chronic condition to be managed† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 18). â€Å"A virus is an infectious organism that cannot grow or reproduce outside living cells. To survive, it must enter a living cell and use the reproductive capacity of that cell for its own replication. Consequently, when a virus enters a cell, it instructs the cell to reproduce the virus† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 313). Normally the body recognizes these as foreign, this is how a healthy immune system is suppose to work, as I remember from anatomy and physiology, then will destroy the foreign cells. Some will remain dormant, sometimes for long periods of time, and without causing problems, but still will remain in our body with other cells and can replicate at any time. â€Å"HIV infection is caused by a retrovirus called HIV. A retrovirus uses a complicated process called reverse transcription to reproduce itself. This process uses a viral enzyme called reverse transcriptase to integrate the virus’s genetic material into the other cells. HIV essentially takes over these cells—primarily the CD4 cells to produce more HIV. They multiply extremely rapidly and some errors caused by this rapid generation of ells are not corrected, so there are constant mutations of the virus. Some of the cells containing the virus burst, releasing HIV directly into the blood stream. Consequently, there can be both infected cells and virus in the blood traveling to other sites† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 313). This rapid generation of cells explain why some patients who may have been somewhat stable, then they rapidly deteriorate or their medications do not seem to work anymore. The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary depending on the phase of the infection. â€Å"Early infection—when first infected with HIV, you may have no signs or symptoms at all, although it’s more common to develop a brief flu-like illness two to four weeks after becoming infected. Signs and symptoms may include: * Fever * Headache * Sore throat * Swollen lymph glands * Rash Even if you don’t have symptoms, you’re still able to transmit the virus to others. Once the virus enters your body, your immune system also comes under attack. The virus multiplies in your lymph nodes and slowly begins to destroy your helper T cells (CD4 lymphocytes) —the white blood cells that coordinate your entire immune system† (Mayo clinic, 2010). In my opinion, this phase is when most HIV is transmitted, sexually people don’t know they have it, they are engaging in unprotected sex and it’s just too late. This among others is a priority needed regarding informing public awareness. â€Å"Later infection—you may remain symptom free for eight or nine years or more. As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic symptoms such as: * Swollen lymph nodes-often one of the first signs of HIV infection * Diarrhea * Weight loss * Fever * Cough & Shortness of Breath This phase is scary in itself; it could be a multitude of conditions, an individual wouldn’t know, depending on their lifestyle, probably have a clue that they have aides. I do not think any of our physicians would guess HIV infection either. Thinking back, I have taken care of a few HIV patients, and if I didn’t already know they had the infection, I don’t think I could have guessed it! But they do have a dark circles around their eyes, deathly look, and very pale. A number of the signs and symptoms are just what you would guess for the flu, or respiratory infection. Just think for so many years, they are carrying the virus, and not knowing! â€Å"During the last phase of HIV—which occurs ten or more years after the initial infection, more serious symptoms begin to appear, infection may then meet the official definition of AIDS. In 1993 the CDC redefined AIDS to mean the presence of HIV infection as shown by a positive HIV antibody test plus at least one of the following: * The development of an opportunistic infection-an infection that occurs when your immune system is impaired. Such as: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) * A CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 of less (normal 800-1200) By the time AIDS develops your immune system has been severely damaged, making you susceptible to opportunistic infections. The signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include: * Soaking night sweats Shaking chills or fever higher than 100*F for several weeks * Dry cough and Shortness of Breath * Chronic diarrhea, Headaches * Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth * Blurred or distorted vision, Weight loss You may also begin to experience signs and symptoms of later stages HIV infection itself, such as: * Persistent, unexplained fatigue * Soaking night sweats * Shaking chills or fever higher than 100*F for several weeks * Chronic diarrhea, persistent headaches Everyone should get tested especially if they are engaging in high risk behavior, like IV drug use, unprotected sex. Every community should also make their people knowledgeable about services available to them. High risk individuals also need to know these test are private and not released to anyone else, including the federal government, employers, insurance companies and family members, unless of course the individual gives permission or consent to do so as stated by the Mayo Clinic. (2010). There are several ways to become infected with HIV: Sexual Transmission: Vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner whose blood, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. * Infected blood: Since 1985, American hospitals and blood banks have screened the blood supply for HIV antibodies. * Needle sharing: Needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia puts individuals at high risk * Accidental Needle sticks: HIV positive people and health care workers through needle sticks are low. Experts put the risk at far less than 1%. Mother to child: Each year nearly 600,000 infants are infected with HIV, either during pregnancy or delivery or through breastfeeding. If women receive treatment during pregnancy, the risk to their babies is significantly reduced. â€Å"In the U. S. most pregnant women are prescreened for HIV, and antiviral drugs are given. Not so in developing nations, where women seldom know there status, and treatment is limited or nonexistent. When medications aren’t available, Caesarean section is recommended instead of vaginal delivery. Other options, such as vaginal disinfection, haven’t proven effective† (Mayo clinic, 2010). Other sources of transmission can be sexual devices that are not washed or covered with a condom. The virus also can be present in vaginal tears or the rectum, which places the person at greater risk of developing HIV. Needle users also should be informed that some communities have a needle exchange program where they can trade used needles and syringes for new ones. Most individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS use a test to predict their prognosis called viral load. This measures the amount of virus in the blood, of course the lower the load the better their prognosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages adolescents and adults ages 13 to 64 as a part of their routine medical care for these ages. Yearly testing should be done. Several tests can be done, including ELISA, and Western Blot tests. ELISA looks for antibodies to the virus in a sample of your blood. If the test is positive, meaning you have the antibodies to HIV, they would repeat the test, and then do the western blot test, which checks for HIV proteins, combining the two tests confirms the diagnosis† (Mayo clinic, 2010). There are home tests in which you mail in a drop of your blood, and call a toll free number to receive the results in three to seven business days. This test is marketed by Home Access Health, is as accurate as a clinical test, and if positive, they are all retested. We all know, there is no cure for HIV, nor for AIDS, which was first identified sometime in the 80’s. Since that time a number of drugs have been developed to treat both HIV, and AIDS. The other problem, and a big one, with this condition, is the secondary infections that come along with HIV/AIDS. According to current guidelines, treatment should focus on achieving the maximum suppression of symptoms for as long as possible. This aggressive approach is known as highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of HAART is to reduce the amount of virus in your blood to very low or even nondetectable levels, although this doesn’t mean the virus is gone. This is usually accomplished by three or more drugs . The first anti-retroviral drugs developed: Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI’s). They inhibit the replication of the HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase. They include zidovudine (Retrovir), Iamivudine (Epivir), didanosine (Videx). A newer drug emtricitabine (Emtriva), which must be used in combination with at least two other AIDS medications, treats both HIV and hepatitis B† (Mayo clinic, 2010). Treatment should be also aimed at quality of life in my opinion, as most of these drugs cause a number of side effects, including the most common nausea, and diarrhea. Another drug, the Protease inhibitor, which interrupts HIV replication at a later stage in the life cycle by interfering with an enzyme known as HIV protease. It causes HIV particles in your body to become structurally disorganized and noninfectious. Protease inhibitors are usually prescribed with other medications to help avoid drug resistance. â€Å"A clinical trial with a Chemokine co-receptor inhibitors (CCR5 antagonists) make up a new class of drugs used to treat a type of HIV infection call ed CCR5-tropic HIV-1. The only drug in this class—maraviroc (Selzentry) was used in this trial , approximately twice as many people with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infection who received maraviroc had undetectable viral loads after 24 weeks as did those who received more standard therapy in the control groups. The side effects of maraviroc may include liver and cardiovascular problems, as well as cough, fever, upper respiratory infections, rash and abdominal pain. â€Å"The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the most recent international social program instituted by the U. S. Government to combat HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 2003, this foreign policy initiative has dedicated $63 billion for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in foreign countries. Despite PEPFAR’s many accomplishments, it continues to promote controversial prevention strategies† (Barney, Buckingham, Friedrich, Johnson, Robinson, Sar, 2010, p. 9). The most important thing to remember, and to be able to implement is to get individuals, and doctors to coordinate HIV testing into routine medical care. The CDC has initiated several strategies for prevention: Strategy 1: Incorporate HIV Testing as a Routine Part of Care in Traditional Medical Settings. CDC will issue recommendations strongly encouraging all health care providers to include HIV testing, when indicated, as part of routine medical care, like other routine medical tests by: * Promoting removal of real and perceived barriers to routine testing, including â€Å"de-coupling† HIV tests in the medical setting from extensive, pre-test prevention counseling. In some jurisdictions, statutory requirements, e. g. for pretest counseling, can serve as barriers to testing. * Working with professional medical associations and others to promote adoption of the recommendations. CDC will work with public and private payors to promote appropriate reimbursement incentives. Strategy 2: Implement New Models for Diagnosing HIV Infections Outside Medical Settings. * Encouraging the use of HIV rapid test—Some persons do not have access to traditional medical settings * Funding pilot projects in 2003, aimed at identifying the most effective models for HIV diagnosis and referral for medical and preventive care which CDC grantees can employ outside traditional medical settings Strategy 3: Prevent New Infections by Working with People Diagnosed with HIV and their partners. CDC will promote preventive and treatment services within and outside traditional settings by: * Working with HRSA to reach those who have been diagnosed with HIV but who are not receiving treatment and care * Conducting demonstration projects through health departments to provide prevention case management and counseling to people living with HIV. * Standardizing procedures for prevention interventions and evaluation activities to ensure that such measures are appropriate and effective. * Ensuring that requirements related to partner notification in grant guidelines are fully met. Piloting new approaches to partner notification, including rapid HIV testing for partners and using peers to conduct appropriate partner notification, prevention counseling, and referral. Strategy 4: Further Decrease Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission: Treatment of pregnant women and their infants can substantially reduce the number of babies born with HIV infection. * Promote screening of every pregnant wom an for HIV, using the â€Å"opt-out† approach. Make prenatal HIV screening a routine part of medical care. * Promote screening of newborns whose mothers HIV status is not known (Center for Disease Control, 2010). Historically, HIV and AIDS have been treated differently from other diseases or conditions. Since the last decade or so, it has changed, as far as how it is viewed medically. No longer is AIDS viewed as a deadly condition, rather it’s more looked at as a chronic, long term condition, that is treated like other diseases, we treat the symptoms, and the secondary infections. The problem with AIDS/HIV is the public doesn’t have the knowledge that the medical community has, and will probably never understand, or believe the real ways of contracting the infection. We as health care professionals need to continue to inform the public regarding prevention, and encourage more public awareness of the need to be tested before it is too late. References: Barney, R. , Buckingham, S. , Friedrich, J. , Johnson, L. , Robinson, M. , Sar. , B. (2010, Mar). The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR): A Social Work Ethical Analysis and Recommendations. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare. 37(1), 9-22. Retrieved from Ebscohost database. Bashook, P. , Linsk, N. , Jacob, B. , Aguado, P. (2010, Feb). Outcomes of Aids Education And Training Center HIV/Aids Skill-Building Workshops on Provider Practices. Aids Education and Prevention. 22 (1), 49. Retrieved from ProQuest database. Center for Disease Control. (2010). A Career with the CDC Global Aids Program. Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/globalAIDS/johs. html Falvo, D. (2009). Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness & Disability. Boston: Jones & Bartlett. HIV/AIDS: ALL. (2010) . Retrieved from http://www. mayoclinic. com References Insert References Here.