Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 37

Case Study Example As a teacher, I can engage the students in the session twice in two consecutive days. The session involves students in handling bean bags with their hands and throwing them to their partners. They, therefore, end up taking part in a movement pattern of throwing and catching. The session has instructional strategies where the teacher takes a bean bag and demonstrates the movement with one of the students. He or she remains stationary and does an overhand throw of the bean bag to the travelling student. The student also uses an overhand movement pattern to throw the bean bag back to the teacher but with increased accuracy. All students in the physical education engage in the activity in pairs and do what they are instructed by the teacher. The two partners engage in a two-handed catch of a thrown bean bag and reciprocate with one remaining stationary while the other travels and vice versa. The physical exercise of throwing and catching a bean bag improves the developmental needs of students involved in the 45-minute session. It increases their attention span and interest in the physical exercise. In addition, a student is able to mingle with another colleague from outside his or her group of friends and experience fun together. The overhand throws movement pattern also increases the manipulative and motor skills of the students. This develops their muscles and other body

Trade and Exchange in Early England Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trade and Exchange in Early England - Essay Example By reviewing the history of trade and exchange in England, Curtin's assertion will be proven true. The River Thames is where England's first foray into trade and exchange began. With its estuary opening out to the North Sea and beyond that the Baltic and the River Rhine leading to continental Europe (Clout, 22), the structural basin rimming its shores provided an ideal location to establish England's biggest city, London. Beginning circa AD 50, Londinium was established by the Romans and populated with citizens who used the River Thames to not only do their laundry and provide their drinking water, but as a thoroughfare which encouraged trade with other countries through its junction of road, river and sea-going traffic (Clout, 22) and even its own mint to create coins. The Roman, Tacitus, in the second century, described Londinium "as a place teeming with businessmen and a famous centre of commerce" (Clout, 25). By the late fifth century, the Romans had abandoned the city but it was their early efforts of building roads, bridges, and houses of commerce, while establishing a busy importing business, which first gave London its reputation as a thriving port. Under Anglo-Saxon rule, London and the country of England continued to be developed specifically for ease of trade with other regions of the empire. Lundenwic was another major city of the period specifically established by the East Saxons as a trading town and river port (Clout, 40). In the Middle Ages, London continued to grow and prosper while the royal and government offices migrated from other areas in the country to reside in the city proper. The majority of overseas trade was channeled into the Port of London, although the east and south ports remained busy as well. Wool and cloth became the two main exports, while Cornish tin, hides, sheepskins, and foodstuffs were also sent to foreign merchants, although it was London's reputation as a major marketplace for imported goods, in particular wine, which had a greater impact on the Medieval economy. Fleming and Italian merchants use their considerable financial backing to organize this trade (Clout, 52). High demand for imported raw materials and manufactured goods was a boon to merchants and bespoke the higher standard of living many Englanders had come to expect in the fifteenth century. Icy conditions in the winter, however, precluded far-reaching travel during those months while spring and summer were the busiest periods for cargo ships. Ships of this time period were built with vast holds to carry the maximum of goods (Marshall, 12) for exchange. England lagged behind other countries in exploring across the Atlantic Ocean, however. Consequently the country's major exchanges were made only between European ports of call (Marshall, 33) until viable trade routes were discovered by Portugal, Spain, and France. During the Tudor and Stuart periods, much of London was rebuilt and its major waterways redirected; the River Walbrook was filled in and the ditch surrounding the city, created by the Romans centuries earlier to stem invasion attacks, also covered over (Clout, 58). London's ports became official quays, confirming the city as the major hub of commerce in England. According to

Peace Essay Example for Free

Peace Essay Christianity and Islam have similar teachings on peace and it is evident that there is a strong relationship between these fundamental teachings and the ways in which the religious traditions and their organizations actively strive towards world peace. World peace is understood in both faiths, not just as an absence of violence and conflict, but also as an overall sense of wellbeing and social cohesion. Inner peace is essential in achieving world peace, and must be attained in order to work towards peace at a higher level. Christianity teaches that peace is Christ’s parting gift and a concept that begins with Him, â€Å"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you† (John 14:27). The Catholic peace movement â€Å"Pax Christi† stands for the ‘peace of Christ’ and has launched a policy for a culture of peace and non-violence. â€Å"Pax Christi† uses the teaching of the peace of Christ to guide them, calling adherents to state that they are recognizing their responsibility to â€Å"respect life†¦practice active non-violence [and] defend freedom† (Pax Christi International Manifesto for a Culture of Peace and Non Violence 1999) in order to contribute to the achievement of world peace. Islam teaches that peace can only be attained through the submission to Allah’s will. One is able to submit to Allah through the process of jihad, which is to struggle to overcome the obstacles in the way of submission, or the process of Shahada. The Sufism movement provides Muslims with a path to follow in order to contribute to the attainment of world peace through 3 stations. These mirror the teaching that peace can only be found in Allah, encouraging the submission as the initial step in moving towards world peace, â€Å"Submitting our†¦bodies to Allah is Sufism† (Sufism Equals to Islam). The teaching of submission and anticipation of pleasing Him, establishes a Muslims role in actively working towards achieving world peace. The Quakers are a Christian denomination that follows the principal teaching of pacifism, as modelled by Jesus’ ministry. Christ’s teaching of the Beatitudes is fundamental in guiding the Quakers, especially in â€Å"Blessed are the peacemakers† (Matthew 5:9). The Quakers work towards world peace through things such as rallies and marches for peace and justice, as well as campaigning and raising awareness about social justice and supporting those looking for an alternative to violence. The Quaker’s choice to refrain from war to contribute to world peace can be seen by their silent vigils against war, such as that in King George Square. In 1660, the Quakers presented â€Å"A Declaration from the Harmless and Innocent†¦Quakers†, which has been the basis for the Quaker’s peace testimony in which they strive towards attaining world peace. Rufus Jones, a Quaker, stated that Quakers have an â€Å"obligation to assist and to forward movements and forces which make for peace in the world† (The Quaker Peace Position). Peace is a fundamental aim of Islam and teaches that war is only permitted to overcome oppression and tyranny. The Qur’an teaches that â€Å"whosoever killed a soul†¦it is as if he had killed all mankinds† (Al-Madiah 5:32). However, this is overlooked due to common misconceptions about the Islamic faith, especially due to exploitation by the media. After the violent aftermath of the London bombings in 2005, the NSW Islamic Council stated on their website, â€Å"We firmly hold the view that these killings and atrocities have absolutely no sanction in Islam†¦terrorism†¦has no support from†¦the Islamic community†¦and would never be endorsed†. Partnerships exist between Muslim, Jewish and Christian organizations so that their voices aren’t overlooked, for example the 1991 ‘Prayer for Peace’ in which it was asked, â€Å"Forgive our violence towards each other†. Even though overlooked by the media, Muslims work tirelessly towards world peace. Christianity expresses that justice must come before peace is achieved. In 1972, in the World Day of Peace Message, the Catholic Pope Paul VI said, â€Å"If you want peace, act for Justice†. Accordingly, the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), seek peace, justice and reconciliation. In a report titled, â€Å"Called Together to be Peacemakers†, Catholics and Mennonites hoped to work together to assist the WCC’s DOV, stating, â€Å"Our similar identities as ‘peace churches’†¦our commitment to be followers†¦of Jesus Christ†¦Prince of Peace. † They quote John Paul II in the World Day of Peace (2002), â€Å"no peace without justice†, adding, â€Å"in the absence of justice†¦peace is a mirage†¦justice is an inseparable companion of peace† (CTBP 177). It is evident, the relationship between the doctrine of justice before peace, and then the actions to chieve this to strive towards world peace. The Qur’an teaches that, â€Å"Allah guides those†¦to the ways of peace†¦and guides them to a straight path† (5:16), often termed ‘the paths of peace’. This teaching of being guided on a path of peace is demonstrated by the organization Muslim Peace Fellowship, declaring on their website that their main objectives are to â€Å"work together with all people of good will to keep open the straight path† and to â€Å"work against injustice and for peace†¦in our world† (Muslim Peace Fellowship Blog). This organization actively seek world peace through the use of conferences, publications, speeches and interreligious action, as well as interior work and prayer. Evidently, principal teachings in both Christianity and Islam help to guide and encourage both their roles in the attainment of world peace. The fundamental teachings act as guidelines to be interpreted by current followers in order to play a role in the triumph of world peace. There is a strong correlation between the theoretical principal teachings and he actions performed by leaders and adherents to gain peace at a world level.

Arguments For and Against Minimum Wage in the US

Arguments For and Against Minimum Wage in the US Patrick Tawadros, Corinne Dexter, Mark Hanna, Yuanwen Dong Mediated Speech Outline Minimum Wage I. Introduction In this country, regardless of views and opinions, the controversial topic of minimum wage has resounding effects on workers, businesses, and consumers alike. We will try to parse out the gory details by debating the pros and cons of: increasing the minimum wage. We have done extensive research, as well as worked our fair share of minimum wage jobs giving us the ability to speak confidently on matters related to minimum wage. Its likely most of you have minimum wage jobs giving you something to relate. If you dont work for minimum wage you are probably still a consumer and thus either through wage increases or cost increases the results of this debate will have an impact in your life. There are strong arguments both for and against raising the minimum wage including The potential to improve health, academics, and reduce crime rates. The potential to lead to a spike in unemployment The potential to reduce poverty levels And finally the potential to lower demand How might just a few dollars do all this? Well lets start with the first: health academics and crime. II. Body Pro Argument 1 (PATRICK TAWADROS): Increasing the minimum wage would have positive health effects, improve academics in the overall sense, and reduce crime rates. Increasing minimum wage sustains a healthy population and lowers mortality. In a study done by Rajiv Bhatia, MD, on the California minimum wage, it was found that a higher minimum wage would ultimately allow workers to have enough to eat, be more likely to exercise, and even prevent premature deaths (Bhatia). In another study conducted by Barhii, he concluded that policies that reduce poverty and raise wages of low-income people can be expected to significantly improve overall health and reduce health inequities (Barhii). To add to the added health benefits, increasing minimum wage would increase school attendance, while simultaneously decreasing high school dropout rates. Teens living in poverty are twice as likely to miss 3 or more days of school per month when compared to teens who do not live in poverty (Bhatia). A higher minimum wage would reduce crime. In a study done by the Executive Office of the Presidents Council of Economic Advisors, it was found that by raising minimum wage to $12 by the year 2020 that there would be a three to five percent crime decrease. This is primarily due to the fact that higher wages provide viable and sustainable employment. (Executive Office of the President) In another study conducted at the University of Virginia, it was found that an increase in wages is associated with a reduction in property-related crimes. (Fernandez) Response to pro argument (con) (YUANWEN): At first glance, the increasing of minimum wage would allow people of lower incomes to live a better life. But increasing minimum wages adds many potential threats to the equilibrium of the free market. The net effect of this interference is not necessarily good. To specify, increasing minimum wage will cause higher unemployment rate, and has no significant links to lowering the crimes.. There is few evidence to show that there is a link between the increasing of minimum wages and decreasing of crime rates. According to a study conducted by Boston College in 2013, crime will increase by 1.9 percentage points among 14-30 year-olds as the minimum wage increases.' (Fuller). Due to the higher unemployment rate caused by the increasing of minimum wage, some of the next generation will not be able to afford the education. In 2009, a study by the American Journal of Economics and Sociology discovered that in Maryland, a 25-percent increase in the real minimum wage was associated with a 0.55 percent increase in the dropout rate for Hispanic students. (Crofton, Anderson, and Rawe). Con argument (YUANWEN): On the contrary, increasing the minimum wage would force business to lay off more employees to save budgets and raise the unemployment rates. Sub point 1: Increasing minimum wage will raise the cost of businesses, lower their employment levels, and cause higher unemployment rate. Raising minimum wage will increase the cost of businesses, forcing businesses to lay off more employees. The Congressional Budget Office predicted a $7.25 to $10.10 minimum wage increase could potentially cost 500,000 jobs. (Congressional Budget Office). Increasing minimum wages will lower the willingness of businesses to hire more employers, due to the rise of the cost. There was a survey conducted of 1,213 businesses and human resources professionals and 38% of the employers who payed minimum wage said they would resort to letting go some employees if it was raised to $10.10. Among them 54% said they would decrease hiring levels (Kast). Statistically, comparing to countries that do not have minimum wage policy, countries with minimum wage policy have higher rate of unemployment. In 2014, Steve H. Hanke, Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University, conducted a survey of the 21 European Union countries that had a minimum wage and discovered they had an average unemployment rate of about 11.8%, which was a third higher than the 7.9% average in the remaining EU countries with no minimum wage (Hanke). Sub point 2: Increasing minimum wage will put lower-skilled worker at a disadvantage, since the rise of wage exposes those lower-skilled to the same competition with those more skilled. Raising minimum wage will put lower-skilled workers at disadvantages. From an employers point of view, people of lower skills do not justify the rise of minimum wages, but they have no choice but to join the competition with the more skilled, if minimum wages are increased. James Dorn stated that a minimum wage increase by 10% leads to a 1-3% decrease in employment of low-skilled workers in the short term, and to a larger decrease in the long run (Dorn). Increasing minimum wages puts lower-skilled workers at a disadvantages by forcing them to be exposed to the same competition with people who are more skilled. George Reisman stated that if the minimum wage was increased to $10.10, jobs that presently pay $7.25 had to pay $10.10, than workers who previously would not have considered those jobs because of their ability to earn $8, $9, or $10 per hour, will now consider them. The effect is to expose the workers whose skills do not exceed a level corresponding to $7.25 per hour to the competition of better educated, more skilled workers presently able to earn wage rates ranging from just above $7.25 to just below $10.10.' (Reisman). Response to con argument (CORINNE): Despite the claim of a rise in unemployment, studies on past minimum wage hikes have shown little effect on unemployment in both federal mandated and state mandated hikes. Sub point 1: A case study of the fast food industry which compared two states, New Jersey and Pennsylvania after New Jersey increased the minimum wage, and Pennsylvania did not, showed that there is no evidence that the rise in New Jerseys minimum wage reduced employment at fast-food restaurants in the state' (Card, Krueger). The department of labor statistics further contends that in 65 years of federal minimum wage hikes, unemployment rates in the past have generally gone down, or stayed the same after increases in the minimum wage with only one exception in the 70s and that unemployment spike is linked to other causes such as recession and an energy crisis (Real Minimum Wage). History shows that it safe to assume that if anything a higher minimum wage will put more money in peoples pockets to be used for discretionary spending which will stimulate the market or keep it the same, but not increase unemployment. Pro argument (CORINNE): What, hoever, minimum wage increases always do, is reduce poverty and in turn reduce government spending. Sub point 1: Currently, the minimum wage is not enough to live on. The economic policy institute using government sources found that the average cost of living in the U.S., excluding discretionary spending is roughly $50,000 more than what a minimum-wage worker earns (Cooper). As a result many people are either barely making it by, or are below the poverty line entirely and relying on government assistance to do so. In the 2014 Congressional Budget Office report, it showed that increasing the minimum wage to $9 would lift 300,000 people out of poverty, while raising it to $10.10 would bring 900,000 people out of poverty (Congressional Budget Office). Accounting for inflation minimum wage should actually be even higher at $10.52 or more depending on where someone lives implying that poverty rates could shrink even lower with a more aggressive raise (Cooper). Sub point 2: By helping families survive off the the diligent work that they do we are also helping the taxpayer burden. It was reported in 2014 by The Center for American Progress that by raising the minimum wage to $10.10, SNAP spending would decline by $4.6 billion (West, Reich). Likewise The Economic Policy Institute found out that by making the minimum wage to be $10.10, at least 1.7 million Americans would not depend on government assistance programs (Cooper). The wage increase would save $7.6 billion on annual government spending for income-support programs (Cooper). This money could either go back into the pockets of the everyday person or be used for other beneficial programs. Response to pro argument (MARK HANNA): Unfortunately a decrease in government spending for income support programs could lead to unintended negative sideeffects down the road for the poor and unemployed. People who have then been laid off would suffer from reductions in benefits because of congressional budget cuts to programs such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly called food stamps), temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), child-care subsidies, housing vouchers, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) due to the benefit rates fading as income rises (Sherk, 2013). Those people still employed would be able to afford more so the need for these programs would diminish and as more people will have to use those defunded programs as unemployment increases, poverty will rise as the budget will not be able to support them (Sherk, 2013). The standard of living will also increase as minimum wage increases. In a study conducted by Purdue Universitys School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, they found that increasing wages to $22 an hour raises consumer prices by 25% (McClure, 2015). Con argument (MARK HANNA): Thus, raising the minimum wage would actually lower demand for market development and products as a result of higher prices, resulting in negative long term outcomes for families and the economy. Studies show that if the minimum wage was to increase from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour, the demand for workers would decrease and many people would get laid off. Meanwhile, those who were not laid off pay 15% more on payroll and income taxes for each additional dollar that is added to the minimum wage (Sherk, 2013). This decrease in demand will have unavoidable negative consequences for unskilled workers and their families in the long run in the form of less opportunity for employment and skill acquisition. Chaplin, Mark, and Andreas (2003) found through a study they conducted that increasing the minimum wage would lower the continuation rate for grades 9-12 in states with dropout ages under 18. Raising the minimum wage will cause demand to fall for what James and Mary Kau (1973) call industrial incentive, which is described as the incentive for industry to progress itself forward. This fall in incentive was documented in a study conducted by Van Sickle (1946), where he found that the south was booming with industrialization for a few decades then plummeted after the Fair Labor Standards Act was passed. The rising costs created by low demand for work would also impede competition, as the cost of production of goods from the south to the north would increase (Kau Kau, 1973). Response to con argument (PATRICK TAWADROS): Long term effects of the minimum wage being increased do not affect educational opportunities for teen workers and do not hurt demand for consumer goods. In an journal article by Warren and Hamrock (2010), they describe how the effects of a minimum wage increase would not impact teen workers who were not already doing poorly academically as others say it may. They claim it would only impact those who would have had a history of failure; who are not engaged in meaningful extracurricular, social or athletic activities in school; and, perhaps most importantly, who are in a position to meaningfully increase their levels of labor market participation (Warren Hamrock, 2010). They continue to state that if the raise would impact a certain educational subset, it would be those students who are competing with adults for jobs and/or who would be dropouts either way (Warren Hamrock, 2010). Minimum wage increases do not impact market development as innovation has always been outrunning minimum wage increases. This is shown in an article published by The Economist (2015), stating that in most developed countries minimum wages rise with income levels, but in America that is not the case, as one would think that in a country with a GDP of $53,000 per person, the minimum wage should be at least $12 an hour, but it is not. Therefore, because it has not kept up with income rises, it cannot be safely said that raising the minimum wage kills innovation. Thus far, what have we learned from our discussion? Lets recap. III. Conclusion: Ultimately, increasing minimum wage could reduce poverty, hence, improving health, academic performance, and decreasing crime rates. However, on the other hand, increasing minimum wage could pressure business to lay off employees and could decrease demand for labor and products. Regardless of perspective, the controversial and divisive topic of minimum wage is a far reaching issue in the United States of America and so it is important to weigh all sides equally to come to a balanced conclusion. Works Cited Patricks Pro Argument Sources Executive Office of the President, Council of Economic Advisors, Economic Perspectives on Incarceration and the Criminal Justice System, whitehouse.gov, Apr. 2016 Fernandez, J., Holman, T., Pepper, J. V. (2014). The Impact of Livingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Wage Ordinances on Urban Crime. Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, 53(3), 478-500. Rajiv Bhatia, Health Impacts of Raising Californias Minimum Wage, Human Impact Partners website, May 2014 Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative (BARHII) The Minimum Wage and Health: A Bay Area Analysis, barhii.org, Oct. 2014 Warren, J., Hamrock, C. (2010). The Effect of Minimum Wage Rates on High School Completion. Social Forces, 88(3), 1379-1392. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/stable/40645895 The Economist. (2015, May 20). Pay dirt. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2015/05/minimum-wages Corinnes Pro Sources: Card, D., Krueger, A. B. (2000). Minimum Wages and Employment: A Case Study of the Fast-Food Industry in New Jersey and Pennsylvania: Reply. American Economic Review,90(5), 1397-1420. doi:10.1257/aer.90.5.1397 Cooper, David. Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $10.10 Would Save Safety Net Programs Billions and Help Ensure Businesses Are Doing Their Fair Share. Issue brief no. 387. New York: Economic Policy Institute, 2014. Print. Real Minimum Wage Rate vs Unemployment Rates January 1950 to January 2013 [Chart]. (2013.). In Bureau of Labor Statistics . Reich, Michael, and Rachel West. The Effects of Minimum Wages on Food Stamp Enrollment and Expenditures. Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society 54.4 (2015): 668-94. Web. The Effects of Minimum-Wage Increase on Employment and Family Income. Rep. no. 4856. N.p.: Congressional Budget Office, 2014. Print. Yuanwens Con Sources: Congressional Budget Office, The Effects of Minimum-Wage Increase on Employment and Family Income, cbo.gov, Feb. 2014 Kast, S., New Express Employment Professionals Survey of Employers Shows 38% of Those Who Pay Minimum Wage Will Lay Off Workers If Wage Is Hiked, prweb.com, Mar. 19, 2014 Hanke, S.H., Let the Data Speak: The Truth Behind Minimum Wage Laws, Cato Institute website, Apr. 2014 Dorn, J., The Minimum Wage Delusion, and the Death of Common Sense, Forbes, May 7, 2013 Reisman, G., How Minimum Wage Laws Increase Poverty, Mises Institute website, Apr. 4, 2014 Crofton, S.O., Anderson, W.L., Rawe, E.C., Do Higher Real Minimum Wages Lead to More High School Dropouts? Evidence from Maryland across Races, 1993-2004, American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Apr. 2009 Fuller, D., Multilevel Study Finds No Link Between Minimum Wage and Crime Rates, uc.edu, Nov 18, 2013 Marks Con Sources Sherk, J. (2013, June 25). What is Minimum Wage: Its History and Effects on the Economy. Retrieved from http://www2.heritage.org/research/testimony/2013/06/what-is-minimum-wage-its-history-and-effects-on-the-economy Chaplin, D. D., Turner, M. D., Pape, A. D. (2003). Minimum wages and school enrollment of teenagers: a look at the 1990s. Economics of Education Review, 22(1), 11-21. Van Sickle, John, Geographical Aspects of a Minimum Wage, Harvard Business Review, XXIV (Spring 1946), 288. Kau, J., Mary L. Kau. (1973). Social Policy Implications of the Minimum Wage Law. Policy Sciences, 4(1), 21-27. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/stable/4531512 McClure, G. (2015, July 27). Study: Raising wages to $15 an hour for limited-service restaurant employees would raise prices 4.3 percent. Retrieved from http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q3/study-raising-wages-to-15-an-hour-for-limited-service-restaurant-employees-would-raise-prices-4.3-percent.html

Bricolage: A Womans Use of Canonical Ideology :: Canonical Ideology Literature

Bricolage: A Woman's Use of Canonical Ideology le bricolage: travail dont la technique est improvisà ©e, adaptà ©e aux materiaux, aux circonstances.[1] In chapter one of The Savage Mind, Claude Levà ­-Strauss explains bricolage as a way of understanding the structure of mythical thought in "savage" societies. The term bricoleur can be used practically, to represent a kind of craftsman though Levà ­-Strauss brings the word to an analytical level, and it is with this level that we are concerned. The bricoleur's "universe of instruments is closed and the rules of his game are always to do with `whatever is at hand'"[2] so, as a craftsman, he is conservative and ecological. He works from within a structure in order to build out of it: "the materials of the bricoleur are elements which can be defined by two criteria: they have had a use.... and they can be used again either for the same purpose or for a different one if they are at all diverted from their previous function."[3] For more information on this chapter, "The Science of the Concrete", click here. In this paper, I will examine this concept as it applies to certain patterns an d ideas that exist in canonical American ideology and literature in the nineteenth century and how its double nature presents an opportunity for those "marginal" or "other" Americans. In examining this, the American writer will be considered a sort of craftsman. The concept of bricolage resonates strongly in the American literary tradition that is constructed alongside the nation itself. T.S. Eliot and Octavio Paz both support its prevalence in the tradition. They conceive of the literary canon as an ivory tower, "a closed edifice... that cracks open to allow entrance only to the work of genius - by implication, to a gifted man."[4] As Eliot perceives this monument as necessarily alterable, one which allows a new work to enter upon it if "the relations, proportions, values of each work of art toward the whole are readjusted,"[5] Paz presents a similar, though significantly radicalized view of the "constant revolt" of tradition" rather than its "continuity."[6] Paz's "tradition against itself" extends Eliot's with the notion that "what constitutes the modern tradition is the constant renewal of literary forms, as contemporary textual practices."[7] However divergent, both of these theories rely on a similar concept which shapes an American li terary tradition according to Levà ­-Strauss' bricolage: "in order to belong to tradition...

Kipling, Kim, and Anthropology :: Essays Papers

Kipling, Kim, and Anthropology It is widely recognised that the relatively recent sciences of anthropology and ethnology have often seemed in thrall to, and supportive of, the colonial project. Supposedly objective in outlook, anthropological discourse has often been employed to validate and justify theories of race, hierarchy, and power. So-called factual knowledge becomes a means through which racial stereotyping can be bolstered or created. The ethos of Western rationalism allied with the discourse of pseudo-science in Orientalism and Indology creates a body of knowledge which can be used as leverage in the acquisition ,or, retention of power. Such theories, however flawed, become essential ingredients in the process of defining the Other, inevitably a process which measures itself against definitions of the Self. Nineteenth-century anthropological investigations in India proclaimed a body of supposedly verifiable truths about the land and its people. In the process of formulating what or how the Indian people are, ideas of individual agency are stripped from them. Ronald Inden writes that essentialist ways of seeing tend to ignore the "intricacies of agency" pertinent to the flux and development of any social system (Imagining India. Oxford: Blackwell, 1990.p20). Rudyard Kipling's Kim exemplifies this in a variety of ways. Kim reveals a genuine love and sympathy for India but remains a jingoistic product of its time and place. Benita Parry points out that the history of Kipling criticism mirrors the history of attitudes to the imperial encounter itself (Delusions And Discoveries: Studies on India in the British Imagination. London: Penguin, 1972. p205). Several of the characters in Kim illustrate the underlying links between imperialism and anthropology, even as Kipling himself seems to be engaging on a similar project. The encounter between the lama and the museum curator at Lahore is the first instance of this type of relationship in Kim. It is surely anomalous for the white curator to have the authority of knowledge in this meeting . The lama is meant to be a venerated Tibetan sage, and yet the curator presumes to educate him through "the labours of European scholars, who...have identified the Holy places of Buddhism"(p7). By cataloguing, labelling, and classifying Indian ritual and practice the curator has somehow acquired a body of knowledge which renders the lama helpless "as a child" (p7). Time and again in Kim it will be seen how Western knowledge is used to appropriate autonomy and agency from the Indian people.

Revenge in the Great Expectations Essay

Revenge is a primary theme in the novel Great Expectation by Charles Dickens. In this novel, many characters go out of their way to extract revenge, leading them to misfortunes such as death and imprisonment. Dickens makes it very clear that nothing positive can come from revenge through his characters and the results that come from their revenge. These acts range from petty resentment filled with passion, to long and drag out strife laced with malice, to lifelong vendettas driven by hatred. Revenge comes in many forms—and for Orlick, his was the sort of petty resentment filled with passion, rather than stone cold hatred. In the novel, Orlick acts as the main antagonist; he is described as tardy, as Pip explained: â€Å"he was†¦never in hurry, and always slouching.† (102), and hostile, by telling Pip that â€Å"the Devil lived in a black corner of the forge†¦and it was necessary to make a fire once in seven years with a live boy and I might consider myself fuel.† (102). Orlick was also abusive due to his outburst at Mrs Gargery when she pose her opinion on the fact that Joe was letting both Pip and Orlick have a half-holiday by saying â€Å"I’d hold you, if you was my wife. I’d hold you under the pump and choke it out of you.† Despite being mere words, from that moment on; Orlick held a grudge on both Pip and Mrs Gargery. Orlick resented Mrs Gargery for her attitude towards him. And he resented Pip for having everything Orlick wanted; at the forge, Pip was favoured and Orlick was â€Å"bullied and beat.† In Orlick’s eyes Pip â€Å"was always in Old Orlick’s way since ever you was a child.† (388) This tempts him into extracting revenge, by assaulting Mrs Gargery, he justifies his actions by telling Pip that â€Å"it was done through you,† (389) Orlick blames Pip for his misfortunes, and hates Pip to the extent that he attempted to murder him. Orlick says â€Å"I’m a going to have your life!† (388) this is an allegory—and has two meanings: one literal, and one figurative. Orlick literally wants to take Pip’s life, and kill him, depositing of his body so no one would ever know of his crime. However on the other hand, Orlick figuratively wants Pip’s life—his resentment of Pip comes from his jealousy. Orlick wishes to have Pip’s life, to be favoured, to be liked, to be a gentleman. But when his plans of killing Pip fails, and Orlick resorts  to breaking into Pumblechook’s house, and robs and beats him, h e is ultimately caught and imprisoned—this reveals the result of obtaining revenge, and how it will lead only to misfortunes. Nothing good can come from revenge as shown by Orlick’s eventual destination: prison. Like Orlick, Magwitch wishes to extract his revenge as well—which is a long dragged out strife between him and Compeyson. Magwitch loathes Compeyson for setting him up as a scrape goat in their trial. Because Compeyson looked like a gentleman he had a more lenient punishment than Magwitch—who faced most of the blame for both of their crimes. Due to this, Magwitch has sworn to â€Å"smash that face of his (Compeyson’s), and I swore Lord smash mine! To do it.† (322) Magwitch was willing to give up anything, and everything to get his revenge on Compeyson. He wanted Compeyson to face his wrath and feel his suffering; Magwitch was willing to give up his chance of freedom in doing so. He could’ve â€Å"got clear of these death-cold flats likewise—if I hadn’t made discovery that he was here.† (34) In the beginning of the novel, Pip meets the escaped convict—later introduced as Magwitch, who had filed down his leg iron to the point where he could’ve broken it off, and flee from the marshes—but when he had heard Compeyson had escaped as well, he gave up his freedom, to search for Compeyson. The guards, along with Pip and Joe later found Compeyson and Magwitch in a ditch—fighting each other. Magwitch gave up his chance to flee, and forsake his freedom in the name of revenge and was dragged back to the prison alongside Compeyson. Which begs the question, what is the result of chasing revenge? Magwitch was then sentenced to imprisonment for the rest of his life—where upon if he ever escaped again, he’d face the death sentence. Magwitch is sent off to New South Wales, where he worked several jobs—and made a handsome amount of money all of which he sent to Pip through Jaggers anonymously. It isn’t until later in the novel does Magwitch sneaks back to England as an escaped convict, under an alias and he reveals to Pip that he is Pip’s benefactor. Pip’s discovery makes him very discontent but later realizes the only way to get Magwitch out of his life is to help him escape England, on a boat. However again on his journey to fredoom Magwitch is faced with the same dilemma, when their steam boat is intercepted by another boat and Compeyson is on it. Magwitch is forced to choose between freedom and revenge; and he again chooses the latter, tackling Compeyson, they both sink into the water—only Magwitch comes up. As  expected, Magwitch is sentenced to death—immediately, only his sentence is delayed when he is stricken by illness. At this point, Magwitch’s death is ascertained, either he was going to die of illness or he was going to die at his sentence. This was the result of Magwitch’s actions; by choosing revenge over all else—not just once, but twice. These results help emphasis that revenge is nothing more than a gateway to misfortunes, and in Magwitch’s case that gate way is to death. Miss Havisham faces a lifelong vendetta driven by her hatred of all mankind. This vendetta of her, twists her personality in cruel, sadistic and vicious ways. Out of all the characters in this novel, Miss Havisham is less active in her campaign of revenge—but she holds the longest and most pure revenge. Miss Havisham achieves her revenge through her adoptive daughter Estella. Estella is never given the opportunity to forge her own ideas and personality—instead she is objectified into a young and beautiful tool, used exclusively for avenging Miss Havisham’s broken heart. There are many instances of Miss Havisham’s cruel and sardonic personality revealed through the words she says and her actions and responses to Pip. In the beginning of the novel, she has asked Estella to play with Pip, but she refuses to play with such a common boy—in return Miss Havisham says â€Å"Well, you can break his heart.† (54) She says it in a way that makes the human heart seem almost like a toy that can be easily broken and would be irrelevant if it did so. This demonstrates Miss Havisham’s view on men, and how th ey should have their hearts broken as she once did—and how she’s trained Estella to do. Miss Havisham gains much pleasure from the discomfort and humiliation of men, she has no problem hurting anyone in order to extract her revenge—not even Pip is spared, someone who had done nothing to often her, beside be born the wrong gender. Miss Havisham lets Pip believe that she was his benefactor and that Estella was his, but when this was proven untrue and Pip confronts her she says â€Å"Yes†¦I let you go on†¦ [but] who am I, for God’s saje, that I should be kind!† This shows Miss Havisham’s view on life; she wonders why it is that she should be kind, when the world hasn’t been kind to her. Why should she be nice, when the world hasn’t been nice to her. Why she should love, when the world hasn’t loved her. This idea of hers later becomes the very idea that eventually destroys her. Miss Havisham lives through Estella, she gains pleasure from seeing men swoon and pursuit Estella’s attention. She  enjoys decorating Estella in jewel—almost like she was a doll to be shown off, not at all like a daughter. However, her actions lead to many consequences—because of her lack of affection for Estella, Estella then grows up to be a â€Å"beautiful creature† rather than a human. Estella claims that she has no heart so she cannot show anyone love, not even Miss Havisham, who craved attention and love. This outrages Miss Havisham, how could her own daughter not love her? The answer was simple, â€Å"I am what you have made me. Take all the praise, take all the blame; take all the success, take all the failure, in short, take me.† (277) Estella reveals the nature of their relationship, for her entire life Miss Havisham has only learned to take, and never had she given, she lived a selfish life—and was intent on acquiring revenge. She took the happiness away from Pip, she took away Estella’s humanity and replaced it with a cold, hard, and beautiful exterior, and mostly she took away her own life. Miss Havisham froze in time, the moment she decided to avenge herself, and she gave away her life, her emotions and feelings all in the name of revenge. Like the clocks in her house, everything was frozen in Miss Havisham—because she wanted nothing more than to see other suffer as she did. Only in doing this, she forced herself to suffer even more. Miss Havisham eventually dies—alone, and unloved. This shows the result of pursuing revenge as obsessively as Miss Havisham did; in return all she had left was a ruined estate, a monster for a daughter, relatives who were after her wealth, and a life time of sorrow. Throughout this novel, Dicken’s idea and opinion revolving around revenge becomes quite clear. It is evident that nothing good can come of revenge; and misfortunes befall those who attempt to achieve it. Dickens makes an example out of his characters, to illustrate the aftereffect of being consumed by revenge—and acting upon its temptation. Nothing good can come from trying to avenge oneself, no matter how small or large the act is: the results will all be the same.