Individualism as an American Culture Essay Example for Free

Individualism as an American Culture Essay Question: How do the examples involving the child who has fallen, the way food is served and eaten, and the newspaper route provide the author with significant insights into American cultural value? Do you agree with her interpretations? Poranee like many other immigrants are faced with various changes/challenges when they leave their homeland to start a new life in another country. Some of these changes are obvious, while others are not so blatant. Poranee first realized these changes with the simple question â€Å"how are you?† While somethings are consider normal and acceptable in one country, it may be consider rude or inappropriate in another. Poranee was raised in culture that emphasis service and togetherness, which is why she felt comfortable enough to help the fallen child. Without being told, she wouldnt have known that letting the child get up himself will teach him to be independent from an early age. Just like the fallen child, eating off someone else plate or reaching across the table isnt consider inappropriate since the Thais focuses more on forming a community than individualism. The American way of eating is consider inappropriate to the Thais because it is seen as selfish and inconsiderate to have so much food on your plate. I agree with the author on her interpretation of the examples except for the example about the newspaper route. I dont think that the couple who own the BMW’s were materialistic because they were well off but still made their children work. I think that by making their son sell newspapers and their daughter babysit, they were teaching them the value of hard work Working teaches them that just because their parents have money, doesnt mean they can sit around and do nothing.

Disadvantage of democracy Essay Example for Free

Disadvantage of democracy Essay The primary disadvantages of democracy are a general lack of accountability, the prospect of personal interest becoming the predominant factor in decisions, and negative financial implications. A democracy lays the power to make decisions in the hands of the majority. This, ironically, places an emphasis on both individual and group power. A group controls the decision-making process, but an influential individual can control the group. The issue with democracy, in spite of the power of the people to control the decision-making process, is that there is no sense of accountability when the group makes a decision that turns out to be a bad one. Even particularly influential individuals in the group who may have persuaded the majority to vote for what led to the bad decision is free from blame because, ultimately, everyone in the group is responsible for his or her choice. In this way democracy, although a group-oriented approach, can become very much about what individuals believe is best for themselves and not for the majority. This type of decision-making also can be very expensive and have negative financial implications. First, a considerable amount of money can be spent in persuading voters to support an idea or cause. Second, voters may embrace an idea or cause, such as lowering taxes, because it sounds ideal when, in practice, it could lead to financial disaster. Disadvantages of Democracy Making the wrong choice In a democratic country, it is the common man who has the supreme right to choose their legislature and their prevailing authorities. As per a general study, not all the people are completely conscious of the political circumstances in their nation. The common masses may not be acquainted of the political matters in their society. This may lead to common man taking an erroneous selection during election. Authorities May Lose focus As the government is bound to changes and modification after each election tenure, the authorities may function with a interim objective. Since they have to go through an election procedure after the conclusion of each tenure, they may lose focus on functioning effectively for the citizens and  instead might concentrate on winning elections. Hordes Have Influence A further disadvantage of democracy is that hordes can manipulate citizens. People may vote in support of a party under the pressure of the bulk. Constrained or influenced by the ideas of those around, an individual may not put across his/her accurate judgment. Democracy averts radicalism and encourages teamwork and synchronization. It also slows things down, stops those in authority doing what they wish regardless of the majority’s desires. Since the military incursion into the Nigerian political scene on January 15, 1966, all the woes of this country are placed on the military. Most Nigerians do not want to hear the word â€Å"military†. They see the military as synonymous with evil. But does the military symbolize evil? Colonel Muamma Gaddafi is a military officer who seized power from the Libyan Monarch in 1969. Colonel Muamma Gaddafi as a military leader, was able to transform Libya to the envy of the world so much that other nationals including Nigerians are queuing at the Libyan embassy for her visa. Under a military leadership in Libya, Nigerians are rushing to the country on a daily basis because the country has a lower inflation of 1% than that of Nigeria which is 20% and a per capita of $8,400 while Nigeria’s per capital is $50. If military regime is synonymous with evil, why are Nigerians running from a country that is under civil rule to a country which is under a military leader? Ghana, our neighbouring West African country was also transformed from a corrupt and poverty stricken nation it was, to a transparent and an accountable nation by a military officer, Flight lieutenant, John Jerry Rawlings. At the moment, Nigerians are running to live in Ghana because the country has improved tremendously in terms of economy and infrastructural development. Ghana has also attained democratic growth and stability having transited from one democratically elected government to another two times. However, let us now compare and contrast the difference between military and civil rules in Nigeria. Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. Out of the 50 years of Nigeria’s existence as an independent  nation, the military has ruled the country for 29 years. Within the 29 years the military ruled the country, 3 years were used to prosecute the Nigerian civil war, between 1967 to 1970, this means the military actually spent 26 years to rule the country. Out of the 50 years of the nation’s existence, civilians have ruled for 21 years. So, the difference between the years the military have ruled the country and those of civilians nine years. The questions one is asking are, if the military has destroyed the country within the space of 29 years as claimed by the civil leaders, can’t the civil leaders repair it within a space of 21 years? How long does it take to repair what is damaged? What has the civilian leaders be able to remedy since they have been ruling the country? Since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, we are still hearing the same old song by politicians, â€Å"You know the military have destroyed the country and you know that it is not easy to repair what has been destroyed†. I find this excuse unacceptable to the Nigerian people because something that was destroyed can be repaired. For instance, Germany, France, Austria etc were devastated during the first and second World War but today they have rebuilt to enviable status. Of all the things the military destroyed, which of them has the civilian leaders been able to put right? Some politicians who are out to deceive the poor masses will say that â€Å"the worst civilian regime is better than military regime.† But is it always true that the worst civilian regime is better than military regime? Politicians are also quick to say that â€Å"at least we can talk now that we are in a civilian regime and that we could not talk during the military administrations.† I found this argument very amusing because our mouths were not muzzled by the military during their administrations. I make bold to say that we spoke more during the military administrations than we do today because then we all saw the military as our common enemy and were united to fight against them. There were so many civil society organizations such as National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which was headed by late Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Campaign for Democracy headed by late Dr. Beko Ransom Kuti, Civil Liberties Organization headed by former President of Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Afenifere, the Yoruba socio- cultural group headed by late Pa Abraham Adesanya, Association of Senior Staff Union of Uni versities, headed by the INEC Chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN ), headed by Chief Frank Ovie Kokori etc. These civil society groups spoke openly against the ills of the military and sent them back to the barracks. At that time too, journalists engaged in revolutionary journalism which made the press very vibrant and added impetus to the voice of the masses. During the military era, television and radio stations were mostly owned by both states and the federal governments. DAAR communications, owner of African Independent Television and Ray power Radio station and Minaj television and FM radio station which started in 1994 were the only privately owned broadcast organizations in the country, the rest belonged to both the states and federal governments. Would the governments have allowed the masses to use their media to criticize them? There is no government that allows such a thing in any part of the world. Let us assume that we did not talk during military administrations, what have we achieved since 1999 that we have been talking? Have those who claimed to be representing us both in th e State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly ever taken our advise? We said the National Assembly should pass the Freedom of Information Bill into law, have they done it since it was introduced into the house? We said the Justice Mohammed Uwais recommendations on Electoral Reform be adopted by the National Assembly, have they adopted them? The Federal Government has earmarked #6.6 billion towards the celebration of Nigeria’s 50th anniversary, which the masses condemned in totality, yet the Federal Government is bent on wasting such amount of money on the celebration of failure. Will the States and Federal Governments ever listen to the masses? We said the huge allowances our so call representatives are receiving should be reduced, did they agree to reduce their allowances? A senator receives #45 million allowance quarterly, while each member of the House of Representatives receives #27.2 million allowance quarterly. Each senator receives #500 million constituency development allowance yearly which is not accounted for. Their salaries and other benefits are not included these allowances. Is there justification for such huge allowances considering the fact that they sit for 180 days in a year? Can we say with a sense of pride that the lives of Nigerians have improved positively since we returned to democracy in 1999? Let me make it clear that democracy is not just about having freedom to talk, it goes beyond mere talking. Democracy is about quality leadership that translates  into accelerated development and growth in all areas of human aspirations. Democracy goes beyond just having civilians in government. Any administration, be it military or civil government that cannot better or improve the lives of the people is a monumental failure. The main purpose of governance is to coordinate and harness the wealth of the people for an effective development that will enhance the standard of living of the people. Have we seen such achievements and development since 1999? Let us compare and contrast civil administrations since 1999 till date and military administrations from 1985 till 1999 when the military handed over the reins of power to civilians. We shall start this comparison with the economy. Before the civilians took over government in 1999, a 50 kg bag of rice was sold for N2,500, today it is selling for N8,000. A small bag of beans that was sold for N1,800, now sells for as much as N7,000. Is this not outrageous. Before the commencement of the Obasanjo’s regime in 1999, Nigerians were able to eat twice daily. Morning and night, which was popularly called one –zero-one. At present, most Nigerians eat once daily, which is popularly called zero one- zero. Is this not regression? If the agricultural sector is well funded and productive, why are prices of foodstuffs on the increase? The unemployment rate has gone up drastically because many industries are closing down while some are relocating to our neighbouring countries due to lack of regular supply of electricity. The Obasanjo’s regime in 1999, inherited 3,500 megawatts of electricity from the military, today it has reduced to a mere 2,500 megawatts for a population of 150 million people. The problems of industries and other organizations that consume large quantity of electricity are compounded as a result of the high cost of petroleum products such as petrol and diesel. These products are used to power generators which provide alternative power for industries. As at the time Nigeria return to democracy in 1999, the prices of petroleum product were cheap. But before ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, who also doubled as petroleum minister, left office in 2007, he had increased the prices of these products eleven times. A litre of kerosene that cost N9.00 in 1999, now sells for N125.00. Petrol that cost N11.00 at that time, now goes for N65.00 while diesel that cost N10.00 then now sells for N120 per litre.

The Culture Of Singapore Cultural Studies Essay

The Culture Of Singapore Cultural Studies Essay Singapore is effectively a multilingual nation. Although English is the first language of Singapore, there are also a multitude of other languages spoken in the country that reflect its multiracial, multicultural and multilingual society. As of 2008, there are more than 20 languages being spoken in Singapore. The four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. English is widespread and is the language which unites the various ethnic groups. Children are taught in English at school but also learn their mother tongue to make sure they dont lose contact with their traditions. The only communication problem English-speakers are likely to have in Singapore is with older Singaporeans who did not learn English at school, though trying to understand the unique patois called Singlish which uses a clipped form of English mixed with Malay and Hokkien words can be taxing. Tamil is the main Indian language, though Malayalam and Hindi are also spoken. The majority of Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The variety of religions found in Singapore is a direct reflection of the variety of races living there. The Chinese are main followers of Buddhism and Shenism (deity worship), though some are Christians. Malays are Muslims and most of Singapores Indians are Hindus; there is, however, a sizeable proportion of Muslims and Sikhs amongst the Indian population. Religious tolerance is essential in Singapore. In fact, religions often cross boundaries and some even merge in unusual ways in this modern country. Younger Singaporeans tend to combine a little of the mysteries of the older generation with the realistic world that they know of today. Religion is still an integral part of the cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its most interesting buildings are religious, be it old temples, modern churches, or exotic mosques. An understanding of these buildings does play a part in contributing to the appreciation of their art. Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and ancestral worship are combined into a versatile mix in Chinese temples. Most Buddhists are of the Mahayana school although there are some from the Theravada school. In Singapore, the Buddhist faith is linked with Taoism and the practical doctrine of Confucianism. The Malays in Singapore are Muslims. A few of the Indians are also Muslims, but even more uncommon are the Chinese Muslims. Islam has a fundamental influence in the lives of those who follow the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad. The religion involves praying five times a day, eating only halal food, fasting during Ramadan, and going to Mecca on the Haj (pilgrimage). Halal food means food that has been specially prepared as according to the religions dietary requirements. When Indian immigrants migrate to Singapore, they brought with them Hinduism. The early temples are still the central points of ceremonies and festivals, which are held throughout the year. Christian churches were actually established with the arrival of various missionaries after the coming of Sir Stamford Raffles. Together with Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, Christianity is considered one of the four main religions today. There is quite a large number of Christians in Singapore. Minority faiths are not forgotten. There are at least two synagogues for the Jews and Sikhs. The Zoroastrians and Jains are also represented in Singapore. Food of Singapore Singapore is the food capital of Asia. Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western foods are all on offer, and some of the tastiest creations are those sold from the atmospheric street stalls. Nonya cooking is a local variation on Chinese and Malay food, mixing Chinese ingredients with local spices such as lemongrass and coconut cream. The popular spicy, coconut-based soup laksa is a classic Nonya dish. Singapore is a great place to discover tropical fruits. Some of the more unusual ones on offer include rambutan, mangos teen, durian, jackfruit, pomelo and star fruit. Furthermore, food and entertainment often go together like hand and glove. Many places offer both excellent food and entertainment options, thus enabling you to enjoy the best of both worlds in one location. Indeed, all these attractions have created a food paradise like no other. Food has become something that is thoroughly appreciated by every Singaporean and visitor. The cuisine of Singapore is indicative of the ethnic diversity of the culture of Singapore, as a product of centuries of cultural interaction owing to Singapores strategic location. The food is influenced by the native Malay, the predominant Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western traditions (particularly English) since the founding of Singapore by the British in the 19th century. Traces of cuisines such as Thai and Middle Eastern exist in local food culture as well. In Singaporean hawker stores, for example, chefs of Chinese ethnic background influenced by Indian culture might experiment with condiments and ingredients such as tamarind, turmeric and ghee, while a Tamil chef might serve a fried noodle dish. In Singapore, food is viewed as the great importance to national identity and a combination of cultural thread; Singaporean novel declares eating as a national pastime and food, a national obsession. Food is a frequent topic of conversation among Singaporeans. Religious dietary strictures do exist; Muslims do not eat pork and Hindus do not eat beef, and there is also a significant group of vegetarians. People from different communities often eat together, while being mindful of each others culture and choose food that is acceptable to all. There are also some halal Chinese restaurants catering to Muslim dietary preference. Singaporean cuisine has been organized as an attraction for tourists by the Singapore Tourism Board, as a major attraction alongside its shopping. The government organizes the Singapore Food Festival in July to celebrate Singapores cuisine. The multiculturalism of local food, the ready availability of international cuisine and styles, and their wide range in prices to fit all budgets at all times of the day and year helps create a food paradise. The dish Singapore noodles does not exist in Singapore, as it was invented by chefs who worked and lived in Hong Kong. The cuisine is similar to the cuisine of Malaysia because of the close historical and cultural between the two countries. While a number of dishes are common to both countries, their preparation different between the countries, according to local taste. Singapore is a small country with a high population, land is not many resource given up to industrial and housing purposes. Most pfood ingredients are imported, although there is a small group of local farmers who produce some leafy vegetables, fruit, poultry, and fish. Singapores geographical position connects it to major air and sea transport routes and thus allows it to import a variety of food ingredients from around the world, including costly seafood items such as sashimi from Japan. Music Singapore has an urban musical scene, and is a center for rock, punk and other genres in the region. The 1960s produced bands like The Quests, who had hits like Shanty, Dont Play That Song, Jessamine and Mr. Rainbow; as well as other pop-rock bands including The Thunderbirds, The Trailers, The Western Union Band, October Cherries and The Silver Strings. Folk music includes the ethnic Chinese, Malay and Tamil sounds. Folk music Peranakan Pop and rock music Punk and hardcore genres Heavy metal Singaporeans Etiquettes Singapore is a small island off the coast of Malaysia and Indonesia. There are many different etiquettes, some original and some different. Singapore is a unique country that also has many rules. Singaporeans do not usually get appetizers or any drink. Singaporeans have their meal set on the table along with all other dishes with food. When you have finished eating your meal when you are with someone, it would be polite in showing that you recognize their kindness by leaving some of your meal in the plate. Apart from other Asian culture, in Singapore it is not favored to tip after the meal, which tries to impress other people around. When at a social dinner it is not good to share your food with anyone. Singaporeans eat with chopsticks. They specifically use the thin end of  the chopsticks though when getting food from the big dish that is available to everyone they use the thick side of the chopsticks. You should not tell a person any jokes until you know them very well because the jokes might be misunderstood. Do not bring up any ideas or start a conversation about subjects like religion or politics. No affections (kissing, hugging) between couples or anyone should be demonstrated in public areas. You should be calm and not show anger in the public areas. Singaporeans believe the head is sacred so it should not be touched, whether it is a child or an adult. To get someone to notice you and get his/her attention you should raise your hand. Singaporean stands and talks to someone their hands should not be placed on their hips because it demonstrates the feeling of anger. You should not blow your nose and/or clear you throat in a public areas. It is considered polite and appropriate to cover your mouth with your hand as you yawn. Gift Giving: 1.  People think the respectful thing to do is to refuse a gift a few times before accepting it to show that he/she is not greedy. After a couple of attempts of insisting that they take the gift you should tell them how thankful you are that they did so. 2.  To not seem rude or impatient, the person who is receiving the gift should wait until the giver of the gift has left. Then you may open the gift. 3.  Some recommended gifts are chocolates, a memento from your country, a gift with your company logo and maybe even a brand gift. No gifts should be too pricey. 4.  Singapore is very against bribery. This makes it not a possibility for anyone of employment with the government to take a gift. 5.  As you give a small individual gift everyone should be acknowledged and treated to one. 6.  Gifts that are supposed to surprise the person getting the gift are not a good idea to give. It would cause an awkward reaction. 7.  There should be a reason and an explanation to giving a gift to someone. Business: 1.  When asked a question you should not answer too rapidly for the reason that you might miss the correct answer. The correct thing to do is to refrain from answering for at least 15 seconds. 2.  In business Singaporeans are not that assertive and sometimes when they yes to something they might be feeling differently than how they answered. In other words yes doesnt always mean, yes. 3.  Singaporeans are tough on things like money, or business due dates. 4.  When given a compliment it is usual to humbly disagree or deny it. 5.  In business Singaporeans just go straight down to the main concept of the meeting. They will make numerous decisions very quickly. 6.  When appointed to be at a business meeting a Singaporean should call ahead of time if they are to be late. Being late without notice is rude and disrespectful. 7.  Singaporeans expect people to deliver information, reports etc. needed when requested. Greeting: 1.  When shaking hands you should have a nice firm grip. 2.  When at a social occasion or another event with many people, it is appropriate to shake hands with everyone there. 3.  When shaking hands with someone, it is polite to give a generous bow (Westerners can be a little taller than Singaporeans so it is nice to bow.) 4.  Giving a person you business card when first meeting is a proper thing to do. You must have the writing on the card facing the person and it should be given with two hands. 5.  As you meet you should introduce the people of higher position or status and elderly fellows. 6.  To be kind and courteous a Singaporean may not have direct eye contact with the person they are greeting, but instead look down. They do this to respect people of that are of older age or higher rank. 7.  Instead of greeting with the typical How are you or Good Morning Singaporeans will usually greet by saying Where are you going or Have you eaten. 8.  Greetings shouldnt be said using your nickname unless you are wanted to in a special case or you know the person well and have developed a friendship. Everyday Living: 1.  You shouldnt tell a person any jokes until you know them well because the jokes might be misunderstood or just favored. 2.  Dont bring up any ideas or start a conversation about subjects like religion or politics. 3.  No affections (kissing, hugging) between couples or anyone should be demonstrated in public. You should be calm and not show anger public areas. When crossing your legs it is good to put one knee over the other.Home | JapanHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page357.htmHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page357.htms Etiquette | ChinaHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page444.htmHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page444.htms Etiquette | SingaporeHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page531.htmHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page531.htms Etiquette | KoreaHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page621.htmHYPERLINK http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00723/index_files/index_files/Page621.htms Etiquette | Fun and Games | Credit | About Us Singaporeans are strong on things like money, or business meetings due dates. Demographics of Singapore 4,483,900 (July 2006 est.) Age structure Age percentage male 0-14 years 15.6% 362,329 15-64 years 76.1% 1,666,709 65 years and over 8.3% 165,823 (2006 est.) Population by residential status Residential Status Number Total Population 4,017,733 Citizens 2,973,091 Permanent Residents 290,118 Non-resident Population 754,524 (2000 est.) Population growth rate 1.42% (2006) Birth rate 9.34 births/1,000 population Death rate 4.28 deaths/1,000 population Net migration rate 9.12 migrants/1,000 population (2006 est.) Sex ratio Age at birth under 15 years 15-64 years 65 years and over total population (2006 est.) Infant mortality rate 2.29 deaths/1,000 live births (222 est.) Life expectancy at birth total population: 81 years male: 79 years female: 83 years

Irish Immigration 18001880 Essay -- essays papers

Irish Immigration 18001880 INTRODUCTION The history of Ireland "that most distressful nation" is full of drama and tragedy, but one of the most interesting stories is about what happened to the Irish during the mid-nineteenth century and how millions of Irish came to live in America (Purcell 31). Although the high point of the story was the years of the devastating potato famine from 1845 to 1848, historians have pointed out that immigrating from Ireland was becoming more popular before the famine and continued until the turn of the twentieth century. In the one hundred years between the first recording of immigrants in 1820 and the passing of immigration restrictions in 1924, over four and one half million Irish immigrated to the United States. HOW THEY PAID TO COME TO AMERICA Most of the pre-famine immigrants were single men who found jobs as laborers in the North and Northeast (Purcell 32). Although these were low paying jobs, they were still better than what they had in Ireland. Another thing typical of the Irish immigrants in the pre-famine years was something called the chain migration (Purcell 36). The first immigrants found jobs, saved most or all of their money, and sent money or tickets for sailing on the ships to relatives in the old country. By very hard work, immigrants made it possible to pay for their entire family to follow them to America. To save up all of the passage money was very difficult but they worked hard and did it. Many immigrants from other countries also used the chain migration idea, and it is still common for immigrants to use this system. However, the Irish were the first to use chain migration in such a big way. THE LAWS OF IMMIGRATION During the 200 years that this ... ...live in a free land, and a more full appreciation of the life we lead today, as well as a thankfulness to those who, long ago, paved the way. Bibliography: WORKS CITED Anderson, Kelly. Immigration. San Diego: Lucent, 1993. Danilov, Dan. Immigrating to the USA.1st ed. British Columbia: Self-Counsel, 1978. Danilov, Dan. Immigrating to the USA. 5th ed. British Columbia: Self-Counsel, 1989. Gmelch, Sharon. Irish Life and Traditions. Dublin: O'Brien, 1986. Griffin, William. The Irish Americans. Hong Kong: Hugh Lauter Levin, 1998. "Immigrants." November 1993. 10 November 1998 . Long, Robert Emmet.Immigration. Dublin: H. W. Wilson, 1996. Purcell, L. Edward. Immigration. Phoenix: Oryx, 1995. Reimers, David. The Immigrant Experience. New York: Chealsea House Publishers, 1989. Sandler, Martin. Immigrants. New York: Eagle, 1995.

Will The Global Economy Help Or Hurt The Next Generation Of Americans?

Will the Global Economy Help or Hurt The Next Generation of Americans? Will the global economy help or hurt the next generation of Americans? This is the question I am going to investigate in this paper. The global economy is the system pertaining to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services around the globe. It is important that we understand the global economy because it is and will be affecting the way we learn, work and live. How all of these factors are affected will be discussed in the following paper. I take the position that the global economy will hurt the next generation of Americans. One argument for this position is that our schools are not adequately preparing out students for the types of new work that will be required in the next generation. American schools are using teaching techniques that taught existed in the 1950's. Textbooks date back to the early 1970's. Requirements may have changed but our reaching techniques have not. Every year, students take the same courses with the same prerequisite: A good memory. True, they are teaching classes that are essential to get into a good college but are they teaching the skills that our future generation will need? Are students going to be able to problem solve? Are today's students going to be able to access tomorrow's information? Our schools teach American students to be good at memorization. To be able to spit out recorded information. "You do have the knowledge but you are basically robots with skin; machines, tape recorders that teachers use to record their information. At the end of a chapter, they rewind you and press the 'play' button to see if you can repeat everything they said."1 Also, our schools are not stressing the importance of math and science. Because of this fact, foreign born workers such as engineers are taking over the jobs American workers could have. Our students need to be truly smart because memorized skills can only go so far. Grades cannot always determine the real skills of the students. Anybody can receive a diploma but what do these grades really mean? Not much unless a student can apply their memorized skills for the new way of work. "Just possibly we have a surplus of graduates and a scarcity of real skills."2 The improvement of o... ...t as earnings plunge. Mothers are going to have to work longer hours if the family is going to have it's old standard of living."25 This means that people are going to have to work twice as hard for the same quality of living. This also means a constant upgrading of skills necessary for peak job performance. "Important efforts should be better education and a committed and constant upgrading of skills. Our future is a more educated one rather than a cheaper one. Technological revolutions in the past have consistently led to gains in production, commerce, employment and living standards."26 Yet if workers don't improve their skills and constantly upgrade them, shrinking the gap between man and machine, this revolution will be detrimental to the welfare of our workers, their families and most importantly the global economy. Despite all the information on how the global economy will hurt the next generation of Americans, there are also ways in which it will help the next generation. My objection to my original position; that is the global economy will hurt the next generation of Americans is that it will instead help them due to the new ag

Three Forms of Irony in Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- GCSE English Li

   Macbeth, is a story of a man who's ambitions have brought him to commit treason and murder. Visions of power grew within his head until his thirst for power causes him to lose that very source of his ambition to the blade of Macduff's sword. It is the ironic and symbolic elements such as this in the play which contribute to much of the acceptance the work has enjoyed for centuries. Three forms of irony may be found in the play, Macbeth: Dramatic irony, being the difference between what the audience knows and what a character knows to be true; Verbal Irony, being a difference between what is said and what is meant; and Situational Irony, a difference between what happens and what is expected to happen. I will attempt to show examples of each of these forms of irony and explain their relevance to the characters and the plot.   There are many examples of dramatic irony in the play which we might discuss. A major example is where Lennox asks Macbeth whether the king is to leave Macbeth's castle for home, Lennox: "Goes the king hence today?" Macbeth: "He does: he did appoint so." (II,iii,54-54) Obviously Macbeth is lying through his teeth, for the audience was fully aware that he planned to murder King Duncan that night. But if one takes Macbeth's reply literally, Duncan did "plan" to leave the castle the next day; there is no lie to be found in that. One can look back on the porter's hidden truths at the beginning of the scene, Porter: "Knock, knock! Who's there, i' the other devil's name! Faith, here's an equivocator, that could swear in both the scales against either scale; who committed treason enough for God's sake, yet could not equivocate to heaven: O! come in, equivocator." (II,iii,7-11) .. ....   Criticism on Shakespeare s Tragedies . A Course  Ã‚  Ã‚   of Lectures on Dramatic Art and Literature. London: AMS Press, Inc., 1965.  Ã‚   Shakespeare, William.   Tragedy of Macbeth . Ed. Barbara Mowat and Paul  Ã‚   Warstine. New York: Washington Press, 1992.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Steevens, George. Shakespeare, The Critical Heritage. Vol. 6. London:  Ã‚   Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1981.  Ã‚   T.W. Shakespeare, the Critical Heritage. Vol. 5. London: Routledge & Kegan  Ã‚   Paul, 1979.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wills, Gary. Witches & Jesuits. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995.     Epstein, Norrie, The Friendly Shakepeare, New York, Viking Publishing, 1993. Harbage, Alfred, Macbeth, Middlesex England, Penguin Publishing, 1956. Magill, Masterplots- Volume 6, New Jersey, Salem Press, 1949. Staunten, Howard, The Complet Illustrated Shakespeare, New York, Park Lane Publishing, 1979.

Religious Education S.B. Essay

Introduction The Rastafarian symbols are important tools to the Rasta’s and their religion and a massive amount of Rasta’s see it as a way of life rather than a religion as a result of this the researcher did a research in order to find out â€Å"The importance of the Rastafarian symbols to the Rasta’s and why does the Rasta’s of the community of Rose Hill District, St.Mary join this religion?† Acknowledgment The researcher would like to thank a number of persons for their assistance and cooperation throughout this research without them the successful completion of this study would not have been possible. Firstly the researcher would like to thank his teacher Mrs. Thomas and his friend Christopher Stephenson for giving him the task of completing this research truly it had positively impacted and the researcher and for instructing the researcher so he could put the research together. The researcher would like to thank his parent for relieving him from his chores and for her encouragement throughout this stressful period so that the research could be properly conducted and completed. The researcher would also like to thank the Rasta’s of the community of Riversdale, St. Catherine for answering the given questionnaires, for making sure the researcher was on the right track in conducting his research and the Highgate Library and their internet source for providing the researcher with the necessary important information and last but not least the researcher would like to thank God for giving him the strength and patience so that the research could be properly conducted and completed. Topic: Rastafarian Symbols Aims The importance of the Rastafarian symbols. The significance of the Rastafarian symbols. The founder and foundation of the different Rastafarian symbols. The different uses of the Rastafarian symbols. INFORMATION COLLECTION The researcher used both primary and secondary sources to obtain information. The primary source used is questionnaire. A questionnaire may be defined as a written set of questions answered by a number of people to provide information for a survey. A total of twenty (20) questionnaires were issued to twenty Rastafarians, eighteen males and two females living in the Riversdale community in St.Catherine on July 28, 2011 and were collected back within ten working days. The reason the researcher decided to use written questionnaire are: Questionnaire allow data to be collected from a large number of people Questionnaire is cost effective Questionnaire make it possible to compare the responses of many respondents Questionnaire can be used to collect data that can be expressed in statistical for using graphs and tables. The secondary source used to obtain information is literature review. The researcher used literature review to gain factual information of what books and reliable websites have said about the topic, Rastafarian symbols and this allow for comparison of the different views. The limitations experience in using these methods to collect data is that the respondents may not answer the questions truthfully and the questions may be ambiguous. Summary of finding Literature review have shown that the Rastafarian religion was formed in 1930 by a group of Rasta’s and from that time until now it have been widespread throughout the world. The Rastafarian movement is said to be a male dominated religion with about 92% of the members of this religion been male and a small 8% been female. Rasta’s are expected to be purity and righteous people and are not expected to eat any & everything thus they eat what is  known as ital food as been part of their main diet to remain healthy & fit. The ganja is one of the most recognized symbols of the Rastafarian and thus is smoke in abundance by them and all some none Rasta’s as they said it help them to meditate. The marijuana is not only use for smoking by the Rasta’s but they use it as medicine and they also use it in worship to get closer to God. The word jah is used in the everyday life of the Rasta’s and also non Rasta’s whether in worship when reaching out to th eir supreme being Haile Selassie or in their every life talking. The word jah has become a profound word use by almost every entertainer in the music industry today in their songs whether Rasta or non Rasta and is seen printed on buildings and vehicles of Rasta’s and non Rasta’s. Unlike the word jah the Rastafarian flag is seen printed on the buildings & vehicles of many Rastafarian living in the world today. The dread locks should be a symbol that as you see a Rasta you know that he or she is a real Rasta but it is not quite so in the world today, many person living in the world today tend to use the dreadlocks hair style as a fashion and not as a symbol of been part of the religious group. This is not good for the Rastafarian religion for if these imitators when out and do something which is not righteous or profound to the Rastafarian religion it would not only give this person a bad name but instead giving the Rastafarian religion a bad name. Many person today use the dreadlocks hair style & the Rastafarian religion as just a stepping stone for making money and one place where this is widely use is the entertainment industry. The Rastafarian religion today have not just benefited Rastafarian alone but also non Rasta as during the fast tourist season such as the summer time many person make arts of the Rastafarian symbols & other instrument of the Rastafarian movement and sell it to tourist to make a living and also some men tend to Rasta up their hair to become marketable to the tourist as it is said that tourist love and cherish Rasta men and are willing to pay for their service sex wise.