Critically evaluate the claim that Marxism offers a coherent account Essay

Critically evaluate the claim that Marxism offers a coherent account of the modern international political system - Essay Example The most notable example of its failure to build up a fruitful political system is the Soviet Union whose eventual collapse was engendered by the flaws and paradoxes lying at its heart. In the first place, Marxism fails to perceive the corruption of absolute power. Secondly, it fails to perceive that ruling proletariats in the power of a socialist state are bound to assume the behaviors of capitalist elite class. The third flaw lies in its attempt to impose equality and to steal away freedom in the name of a classless society. Such socialist attempt to maintain equality by robbing a man’s freedom is essentially Totalitarianism which inspires corruption and discourages people’s protest against this corruption. Further the paradox of an equal society does not permit a congenially productive economic system. When the equal distribution of wealth among the citizens theoretically seems to contribute to an equal and just society, this distribution ultimately discourages the i ndividual to involve in production activities. Thus a socialist economy goes futile. Again, a Marxist state continually aims at establishing the working class at the power of a country. Therefore, a socialist political system poses threat to other states which do not hold a socialist view. A Brief Overview of Marxism and a Marxist State Being commissioned by the Communist League, Karl Marx and Frederick Engels jointly wrote the book, â€Å"The Communist Manifesto†, in 1848, which is often accepted as one of the most influential political documents around the world. Indeed, Marxism is regarded as a social theory which foretells and philosophizes about the future of modern capitalist society as well as human history. But it is also true that the Communist Manifesto can be considered as the political guidance for those who are involved in the production system of the modern capitalist society. For these authors, modern society is essentially the latest one of those changes in th e mode of production throughout the evolution of human society. At the same time, since Marx and Engels envisaged that the stage of human society, next to Capitalism, is a world of the working class people, in Marx and Engel’s word the proletariats, that is based on the socialist modes of labor as well as production, the proletariat or the working class people of the world should unite themselves to take the society to this stage. Theory of Class-struggle and Marx’s View of a Socialist Political System Marx and Engels have assumed that the Capitalist society has evolved from the breakdown of the previous feudalist society through the conflicts between the feudal landowners and their subjects. Through this dissolution of the feudal society two more incompatible classes emerged: the bourgeoisie and the working class. While the bourgeoisies, occupying a country’s political system, control the instruments of production, the working-class are economically subjugated by those in a capitalist political system. These bourgeoisies are exclusively profit-driven. Though they lack any morals, they continue to support any moral system which is congenial to

Okonkwo As A Tragic Hero

Okonkwo As A Tragic Hero Essay Question. Is Okonkwo a tragic hero? To answer this question, one must first know the definition of the tragic hero. A tragic hero, as defined by Aristotle is a character who is noble in nature, has a tragic flaw and discovers his fate by his own actions. In Things Fall Apart, a novel by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo can be considered a tragic hero because he meets all of Aristotles criteria by being a tragic hero by being a successful and respected leader in Umuofia, having a tragic flaw, and discovering his fate soon after his action. The first Aristotles criterion of the tragic hero requires that the character must be noble or a man of high status. In that sense, as described by Achebe, Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements (Achebe, 3). Starting as a sharecropper with no inheritance from his father, Okonkwo works very hard and makes his way to a wealthy and respected man of titles in Umuofia. From his hard work, Okonkwo has 3 wives with many children, a large compound with obi for each of his wives and a large stock of yams. Okonkwo earns himself respect from people both inside his clan and outside his clan through many of his achievements. When he is a young man of eighteen, he brings honor to his village by throwing the Amalinze the Cat, a wrestler who is undefeated for 7 years. In addition, Okonkwo is one of the nine Egwugwu, a respected judge in the community who is believed to be the spirit of the ancestor. Furthermore, Okonkwo is also chosen by his village to be their representative to negotiate with Mbaino village about the murderer of an Umuofia girl in Mbaino market. With ease, Okonkwo successfully brings back a boy and a virgin as compensation and ends the conflict peacefully, without any confrontation. Similar to other tragic heroes, Okonkwo also has a tragic flaw, which is a fear of weakness and failure. While the fear of failure and weakness drives Okonkwo to work hard and helps him earns his fame and achievements, on the other hand, it also causes him many problems. Many times throughout Okonkwos life, his fear of failure and weakness leads him to act harshly, violently and impulsively toward other people, including his family members. Okonkwo is always harsh and violent with his family members because he doesnt want to be seen as a weak person. Okonkwo solves his problems only by the use strength and violence and it is this attitude that leads Okonkwo to several conflicts within his family, his failings and ultimately, his downfall. For instance, Okonkwo violates the clan rule and beats his youngest wife during the week of peace and almost shoots his second wife who comments on his gun skill. Moreover, Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna, Nwoyes close friend whom Nwoye calls brother who as ks for Okonkwos help because He was afraid of being thought weak (Achebe, 43). By trying to be a strong person and deciding to kill Ikemefuna and beats his wives, Okonkwo not only weaken his relationship with his wives and Nwoye, but also hurts himself mentally. Most important, his violent and impulsive characteristics lead him to kill a court messenger from the British during the clan meeting which soon after leads Okonkwo to the discovery of his own tragic fate. The last Aristotles criterion for being a tragic hero requires that the character must discover his fate by his own actions. Okonkwos self-realization starts when he comes back to Umuofia after his seven years exile with a great plan. However, after his arrival, he realizes that Umuofia is much changed and he is not as important and famous as he used to be before his exile. His arrival doesnt attract as much as attention as he expect and he loses his place in the Egwugwu to the another man as soon as he leaves the clan. Moreover, he also has to wait for another two years to imitate his two sons into the ozo society. But most important, Okonkwo discovers that the white men have settled down in the village. The white men establish a church and a school in the village, and then start converting Igbo people into Christian and attacking Igbo customs and faith. Okonkwo is strongly unhappy with this situation and by his violent nature; he persuades his clan to use violence to drive the whit e men out of the village. However, the clan disagrees and reminds Okonkwo that the white men also have some of the clan members supporting them. Although there is no war between white men and Igbo people, the conflicts between these two groups still often occur, including the unmasking of Egwugwu, the burning of the church and the deceptive meeting held by the white men which results in the capture and humiliation of the five clan members, including Okonkwo. However, despite these failings, it is not until when Okonkwo kills one of the five British court members, who are sent to stop the clan meeting that he discovers his tragic fate. When Okonkwo beheads the messenger during the clan meeting and sees that none of his clan members go after the escaping white men, He knew that Umuofia would not go to war (Achebe, 144). He realizes that he will never be able to drive the white men out of Umuofia because his clan will not fight with him. Realizing that he is defeated and cannot save hi s village from the white men influences, Okonkwo decides to hang himself, which is consider as an abomination in Igbo culture. Okonkwos character greatly fits the Aristotles definition of the tragic hero. From nothing, he rises to the honorable and successful leader of Umuofia. He also has a tragic flaw of a fear of weakness and failure that leads to him to several failings and ultimately, his suicide. Finally, he discovers his own tragic fate because of his impulsive murderer of the British court messenger during the clan meeting. Although Okonkwo starts his life as a successful man of Umuofia but because of his violent and impulsive characteristics, even the most successful man like Okonkwo can still falls from his grace. Work Cited Achebe, Chinua.  Things Fall Apart. Oxford: Heinemann, 1996. Print.

Richard Rodriguez :: essays research papers

Close Reading "It mattered that education was changing me. It never ceased to matter. My brother and sisters would giggle at our mother’s mispronounced words. They’d correct her gently. My mother laughed girlishly one night, trying not to pronounce sheep as ship. From a distance I listened sullenly. From that distance, pretending not to notice on another occasion, I saw my father looking at the title pages of my library books. That was the scene on my mind when I walked home with a fourth-grade companion and heard him say that his parents read to him every night. (A strange sounding book-Winnie the Pooh.) Immediately, I wanted to know, what is it like?" My companion, however, thought I wanted to know about the plot of the book. Another day, my mother surprised me by asking for a "nice" book to read. "Something not too hard you think I might like." Carefully I chose one, Willa Cather’s My ‘Antonia. But when, several weeks later, I happene d to see it next to her bed unread except for the first few pages, I was furious and suddenly wanted to cry. I grabbed up the book and took it back to my room and placed it in its place, alphabetically on my shelf." (p.626-627) As seen in this paragraph of Richard Rodriguez’s autobiographical essay "Achievement of Desire", he looks back on his childhood remembering his family, friends, and himself. Although, he can only recall feeling anger and sadness at the fact that his parents were poorly educated. His feelings are first seen when he listens sullenly to his mother try and pronounce the word sheep correctly. It seems like he is angered at the not only his mother for not speaking correct English but also his siblings for not correcting her harshly. He adds beforehand that his brother and sister would giggle at her for pronouncing words wrong and that they would "correct her gently." Also Rodriguez feels emptiness, and sadness when his friend informs him that his parents read "Winnie the Pooh" to him every night and young Richard wants to know what it is like (being read to). What made him feel this emptiness or sadness was when his friend mistook his question and told him the plot of the book instead. "My companion, however, thought I wanted to know about the plot of the book." He wants to know what it is like to have educated parents that can read to him but that is not possible. Richard Rodriguez :: essays research papers Close Reading "It mattered that education was changing me. It never ceased to matter. My brother and sisters would giggle at our mother’s mispronounced words. They’d correct her gently. My mother laughed girlishly one night, trying not to pronounce sheep as ship. From a distance I listened sullenly. From that distance, pretending not to notice on another occasion, I saw my father looking at the title pages of my library books. That was the scene on my mind when I walked home with a fourth-grade companion and heard him say that his parents read to him every night. (A strange sounding book-Winnie the Pooh.) Immediately, I wanted to know, what is it like?" My companion, however, thought I wanted to know about the plot of the book. Another day, my mother surprised me by asking for a "nice" book to read. "Something not too hard you think I might like." Carefully I chose one, Willa Cather’s My ‘Antonia. But when, several weeks later, I happene d to see it next to her bed unread except for the first few pages, I was furious and suddenly wanted to cry. I grabbed up the book and took it back to my room and placed it in its place, alphabetically on my shelf." (p.626-627) As seen in this paragraph of Richard Rodriguez’s autobiographical essay "Achievement of Desire", he looks back on his childhood remembering his family, friends, and himself. Although, he can only recall feeling anger and sadness at the fact that his parents were poorly educated. His feelings are first seen when he listens sullenly to his mother try and pronounce the word sheep correctly. It seems like he is angered at the not only his mother for not speaking correct English but also his siblings for not correcting her harshly. He adds beforehand that his brother and sister would giggle at her for pronouncing words wrong and that they would "correct her gently." Also Rodriguez feels emptiness, and sadness when his friend informs him that his parents read "Winnie the Pooh" to him every night and young Richard wants to know what it is like (being read to). What made him feel this emptiness or sadness was when his friend mistook his question and told him the plot of the book instead. "My companion, however, thought I wanted to know about the plot of the book." He wants to know what it is like to have educated parents that can read to him but that is not possible.

No one knowingly does evil: an essay on the Socratic principle

The contention that no one knowingly does evil is one of the most fundamental principles championed by Socrates. The very essence of this Socratic principle dwells on the assumption that if a man understands very well that such and such acts are wrong or result to evil, or such that if a man is indeed aware in the first place that this action is wrong in the strictest sense of the word, then that man will tend to revert himself away from committing the act. Socrates stalwartly advances his pivotal idea that men in general cannot, in any conceivable manner, transform man into being fully wise or utterly foolish.Rather, men are inclinedto perform actions at an unfixed and random way, with no great propensity to be inclined to do more evil or to do more good. Consequently, an inexhaustible capability for performing either good or bad conducts is what men do not fundamentally possess. Another principal feature of Socrates’ thoughts is his claim that knowledge is directly associate d to that which is good and that ignorance is tied to that which is evil. Thus, it can be clearly observed that by claiming that no one knowingly does evil what is being meant is that to know and understand one’s actions is to understand that which has goodness.Since ignorance is significantly affixed to evil, Socrates observes, then, that no one knowingly does evil. In instances where man acts, it is immaterial for one to put great emphasis on the goodness or evilness of the action itself. What one should all the more consider is whether such actions are either within the proximity of being just or unjust and not necessarily that of being good or evil. In general, what Socrates is trying to point out is that the very causes of evil acts can ultimately be drawn from ignorance. For example, revulsion of one person to another person results from misapprehension, from ignorance of the related facts.Further, the Socratic assertion that no one knowingly does evil refutes normal re lativism for a few several points. Given such Socratic principle, it implies that it applies to all men who have the innate capacity to act. Likewise, to assert that no one knowingly does evil is to assert as well the claim that human beings by nature cannot be consciously aware that they are doing evil and that, instead, they assume that they are acting in order to amplify pleasure. The term â€Å"no one† in the phrase obviously refutes any relative conception of the principle since â€Å"no one† refers to that which is universal.To have relative views, then, on what actions count as evil and good is to essentially refute the claim that no one does evil voluntarily and willingly, and vice versa. Several contemporary counter-examples can be given to attempt at refuting the Socratic principle. Apparently, suicide, terrorism and sadism all have one thing in common in the context of Socrates’ principle no one knowingly does evil: they purport to exemplify cases whe rein human beings appear to be capable of doing evil with their knowing.All these three may in fact provide crucial grounds for claiming that men have the potential and the actual capacity to inflict harm and do evil while they are fully aware of these actions. However, we might go on to argue that men in these instances are ignorant of the good. Yet, even if they are ignorant of the good, it does not necessarily follow that they know sadism, suicide and terrorism as evil deeds for the fact that no one identifies what is good without actually noting those which are evil or have the actions which have the propensity to result in evil.Thus, these actions could not have been evil in the first place if one has no sense of what it is that is deemed to be good. It might be held valid and true that people who engage themselves in these actions have a leaning towards the evil as others may view them to be, but nevertheless these very people who are a part of the actions are ignorant of the evil that they might have been doing. This is pegged on the presupposition that men have the mental framework that the things they do are aimed at obtaining that which incites pleasure.For the most part of the claims of Socrates, there are hardly any strong refutations which might prove to be callous enough to dismantle the ancient philosopher’s arguments. There is a deep sensibility in Socrates’ dialogues with his fellowmen in the Apology as with the other parts of Plato’s Republic such that, with the Socratic method of inquiry, one arrives at an understanding about one’s little knowledge, that much is left to be understood and that only through a removal of one’s ignorance can one begin to achieve genuine knowledge.

Gender And Emotion Essay

Since time immemorial, emotions have always been a fundamental constituent of human beings. However, not all humans attach or detach the same emotions towards things; different people feel differently about varied things and that is why we are all termed as being unique. It is based on this difference in emotions that a lot of debates and researches have been going around in trying to establish whether the emotions we have affect the brain or conversely, whether the brain affects the emotions. Other researchers have-on the other hand- been looking at the subject of emotions differently by opinionating that it varies from one culture to another, one gender to another or even differing based on varied contexts. It is therefore important to circumspectly look at all the angles that have been propagated by different people if an inclusive and satisfactory answer is to be found for the above questions. Many of the studies that have been conducted by researchers highly suggest that the brain largely determines what we feel about different things. Researches by Norman (2003) support this argument by saying that human attributions for different things result from the brain which in effect dictates human behavior. He further says that humans have large brains than other animals and that is why they are able to act more maturely when expressing their emotions. Elder (1996) gives an example by saying that if we feel fear (which is an emotion), then it is based on the fact that we believe (a signal from the brain) something is threatening to us. According to her, Critical thinking precedes and emotional reaction. However, both of these are equally important and signals them should be treated with equal importance. Waxler (2004) also sentiments that â€Å"Our thoughts have profound effect on our emotions, and by learning how to think in our own best interest, we improve our emotional condition. † He proceeds and says that since it is easy to review our thoughts and even control them, then it becomes even easier for us to control our emotions and feel things that are appropriate for us. However, this capacity of the brain to control things has been subject to misuse by some people. Elder (1996) says that â€Å"As we mature, we learn multiple ways to manipulate others, to influence or control others to get what we want. We even learn how to deceive ourselves as to the egocentrism of our behavior. † this is sometimes even taken to the extent of faking feelings like, empathy, generosity, kindness when in real sense, we mean the exact opposite. So the next time you see someone acting â€Å"all good,† be careful because you may just and read between the lines; you may be happy when all that is being done for you is getting fed on lies. On the other hand, other researches purport that emotions affect how we think. An example is the finals of the 2008 FIFA world cup of where Zinedine Zidane, a renowned footballer of France, head-butted Matterazi (an Italian player) after the Italian allegedly made some abusive remarks to him. Speaking after the Interview, Zidane said that he was overwhelmed by emotions and all he could think of at that particular time was t o harm Matterazi. Matsumoto (n. d. ) furthers this argument by saying that â€Å"It is by controlling their emotions that athletes are capable of maintaining high levels of critical thinking and focus, regardless of what sport they are in. † He goes ahead and opinionates that whenever we are emotional, the capacity to think critically is reduced. As a result, athletes who are normally emotional have the tendency of easily losing focus. Tarleton (n. d. ) similarly support this idea by saying that â€Å"Emotions influence how we perceive and react to life, which in turn, determines how content and/or successful we are. The conceptualization or perception of something-according to them-results from feelings that are harbored in our emotions. So if we are able to control our emotions, then it becomes very easy for someone not to think-and consequently-act irrationally. Elder (1996) reports Goleman’s assertion that sometimes feelings come before thought. According to Goleman, â€Å"the emotional mind is far quicker that the rational mind, springing into action without pausing even a moment to consider what it is doing. † This is relatively dangerous as one may act in a way that is not appropriate and consequently end in problems. On the other hand, it may come in handy more so in situations where a person is in a dilemma and is lost for choice yet needs to act aptly. In addition, there is also a group of researchers who hang in the middle of this debatable subject by saying that both the brain and emotions mutually affect one another. In explaining this symbiotic relationship, Tarleton. edu (n. d) say that â€Å"Our thoughts influence how we feel. How we feel influences how we think. These connections are bi-directional and complex. † They go ahead and explicate this by saying that thinking about something good improves our mood while thinking negatively destroys it. Recent studies by some scholars have fundamentally brought an interestingly fresh dimension to this debate of the brain versus emotions. These scholars argue that gender orientation plays a vital role in how one thinks or feels. In spite of being given much emphasis in the recent times, the issue of gender influencing how a person thinks or feels is not a new concept. Even in the pre-modern times, men and women were expected to think and feel in a specific way based on the stereotypes of that time (Sungur and Tekkaya, 2005). Currently, men are debatably depicted in most areas as being strong and dominant while the women being second. Brescoll and Uhlmann (2007) in their work cite Heilman (2001) and Rudman (1998) articulate that women are should be kinder than men, and they induce negative responses from others when they fail to act according to the premeditated ways expected of them. They expound on this concept by writing that men are believed to be strong and should not show weakly emotions like crying just in the same way, women should not show anger. This has however not augured well with most women-especially the elitists and feminists- who see themselves as being able to â€Å"do better what men can do. † To them, both men and women are equal and none should be given a higher status than the other. When using the gender aspect in depicting intelligence or the capacity to think, the same argument used in emotions is used. Men are disputably depicted as having an upper hand than women. In their defense, they state the numerous organizations that are chaired by them and the many critical positions they hold in the annals of history. Of course this has faced much criticism from the women who consider themselves brighter. However, Pin-pointing who is above the other is not our main concern, what stands out to be counted is the fact that both men and women have made invaluable contributions in various aspects. In addition, their differences and unique qualities make them blend even better in their various roles and thus being to the overall good for both of them. References Tarleton. (n. d. ). Emotions and learning (Mini-mester). Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from http://webcache. googleusercontent. com/custom? q=cache:m7MMnYFicw8J:www. tarleton. edu/~sanderson/Emotions%2520and%2520Learning(mini-mester). Matsumoto, S. (n. d). Do emotions affect critical thinking? Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from http://www. humintell. com/2009/08/do-emotions-affect-critical-thinking/ Waxler, J. (2004) Self-talk: How thoughts affect feelings. Retrieved May 3rd, 2010, from http://www. mental-health-survival-guide. com/cognitive-therapy. htm Lmez. A. Y. Sungur, S. Tekkaya, C. (2005). Investigating students’ logical thinking abilities: the effects of gender and grade level.

Write About Kids and Discover a Pot of Gold

Write About Kids and Discover a Pot of Gold Writing short pieces on kids-related topics is a good way to earn extra dollars as a freelance writer in between writing on longer, more complex projects.    I’m not referring to those long feature articles that child experts often write, but those ideas on children’s crafts, parties, sports, games, educational projects, recipes, short kids’-says, etc. that nearly anyone can write. Have you come up with a solution to end your child’s fear of the boogeyman, for example? Is your five-year-old always saying the cutest things? Well, there’s quick and easy in writing about those things. I began writing short familial or kids’ pieces quite Driving through the South one year with yet another young granddaughter, both of us numbed I wrote about other kid-related incidentsan article for a newspaper about how I remained connected with my twin grandsons in another state when they were young and another for Mature Living about how one preteen granddaughter and I collaborated on writing a middle-grade novel, are but two. My grandchildren are young adults now and my larder of kids’ things to write about is pretty much empty, but for those of you parents-slash-writers (or non-writers) with young children and real-parent advice or ideas on almost anything, a pot of gold (well, almost) awaits you in pursuing these profitable family/child related articles. There are many parenting magazines that deal solely with family/children related features; however, the opportunities don’t stop at THEIR doorstep. Many general magazines, Christian magazines, inspirational magazines, educational magazines, retirement magazines, and even the true romance magazines are always looking for good family/child pieces.    If, like me, however, your children and grandchildren are grown, you can still tap into these markets One of the really neat compensations for writing these short pieces IS the compensation.   I’ve written twenty-page essays that have paid less than what these have paid.   And, if you take into consideration the return of investment vs. the time spent composing these pieces, you definitely come out on top.   Here’s what I mean.   Let’s suppose a kids’ say takes only 20 minutes, give or take, to put together, and pays $50.   If you do three, you’ve earned $150 for an hour’s work.   True, these amusing kids’ quips will not come to you in neat packages of three, but the end-game is still the same$150 an hour.      So, get out your pencil, or crayon, or tap out a few lines on your keyboard and make some fast and easy money writing about and/or for kids. Mature Living- request guidelines Woman’s World- send short kids’ says/anecdotes to Woman’s World, 270 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 (magazine can be bought at checkouts in supermarkets)/ pays $50 for kids’ says. Media for Living- mediaforliving.org/contact/ pays around $50 FamilyFun- http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/contact-us-819817/ pays $1.25 per wd., $75 for simply supplying an idea to be written

Prenuptial Agreements.

Prenuptial Agreements. Marriage is defined as a relationship that is legally recognized and established by a civil or religious ceremony, joining together in wedlock two people who intend to live together as sexual and domestic partners "until death do them part." It is also defined as a blend of two or more entities. The word Blend is defined as a mixture of two or more substances so that they do not readily separate. A marriage should also have trust. Trust is defined as the confidence and the reliance that one places on someone or something. In a nutshell, a marriage is mixture two people and their possessions, and contains within it all of the trust necessary to be lifelong partners; however, there are a wealthy few who feel as if a prenuptial agreement is the only true method of which they can define the level of faith within a marriage. They feel that if a spouse agrees to a prenuptial agreement then that person truly loves them and does not want them for financial benefits.Marriage DayA prenuptial a greement should not be a factor in the engagement process.My opposers would say that a prenuptial agreement is sometimes necessary because people are sometimes not sure of the loyalty of their spouse. A marriage is a union of two people and well as their possessions with all of the trust deemed necessary to be lifelong partners. If one does not trust the person in whom he or she desires to marry then marriage should not be subject of discussion between those particular individuals. The person someone marries should be the person that he or she would trust with their own life. Trust is the key and there is no way to get around it.Prenuptial agreements also cause insecurity within a marriage. A marriage...

Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter

Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter While animal advocates argue against horse slaughter, some horse breeders and owners say that horse slaughter is a necessary evil. According to The Morning News, â€Å"a recent national poll found that almost 70 percent of Americans support a federal ban on horse slaughter for human consumption.† As of May 2009, there are no slaughterhouses killing horses for human consumption in the United States. There is now a federal bill pending that would prohibit horse slaughter in the US and would prohibit the transport of live horses for slaughter. While this federal bill is pending, several individual states are considering horse slaughterhouses. A Montana bill allowing horse slaughter and protecting potential slaughterhouse owners became law in April 2009. A bill modeled on the Montana law is now pending in Tennessee. Slaughter for Human Consumption Horses were being slaughtered for human consumption in the US as recently as 2007. In 2005, Congress had voted to withhold funding for USDA inspections of horse meat. This move should have stopped horse slaughter because the meat cannot be sold for human consumption without USDA inspections, but the USDA responded by adopting new rules that allowed the slaughterhouses to pay for the inspections themselves. A 2007 court ruling ordered the USDA to stop the inspections. Horses Still Being Slaughtered Although horses are no longer slaughtered for human consumption in the US, live horses are still shipped to foreign slaughterhouses. According to Keith Dane, Director of Equine Protection for the Humane Society of the US, about 100,000 live horses are shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses each year, and the meat is sold in Belgium, France, and other countries. A lesser-known issue is that of horse slaughter for pet food and for zoos to feed to carnivores. According to Dane, these facilities are not required to be inspected by the USDA, so statistics are not available. The existence of such facilities usually goes unnoticed until there are a cruelty allegation and investigation. The International Society for the Protection of Exotic Animal Kind and Livestock, Inc. alleges that one such slaughterhouse in New Jersey kills the horses in an inhumane manner, and the case is still under investigation. According to Dane, most major pet food companies do not use horse meat, so there’s little chance of buying cat or dog food that supports horse slaughter. There are many reasons a breeder or owner may decide to sell a specific horse for slaughter, but on a macro level, the problem is overbreeding. Arguments For Horse Slaughter Some view horse slaughter as a necessary evil, to humanely dispose of unwanted horses. Unlike dogs and cats, unwanted horses cannot be dropped off at the local animal shelter. Sanctuaries for horses do exist, but there are not enough of them. Euthanasia is not always financially feasible. Having the horse humanely euthanized and then having the body of a 1,200-pound animal disposed of or transported to a rendering plant is expensive, sometimes prohibitively so. Rendering plants that turn horses into fertilizer and industrial products will accept carcasses, but do not pay for them. Some argue that the alternative to horse slaughter is neglect and abandonment. Horse slaughter proponents argue that horses should be treated no differently from cows, pigs or chickens, and there is no reason horses should not be slaughtered for human consumption. Arguments Against Horse Slaughter Animal rights activists do not believe in killing any animals for food, but there are several arguments that apply specifically to horses. Horse slaughter increases prices and profits for horse breeding. If there is no profitable or easy way to dispose of unwanted horses, fewer horses will be bred. As reported in the Morning News, Before slaughterhouses closed, ranchers knew they could get $1 per pound for the meat. The same meat is now worth only about 20 cents per pound[...] Ranchers are also simply getting out of the horse business, said Ross Lockhart, owner of Stockman’s Pride in Bentonville. He used to raise registered quarter horses but hasn’t bred anything for the past two years. Many Americans believe horses are special and should be treated more like companion animals than livestock. Neglect and abandonment do not increase when slaughterhouses close. According to the International Fund for Horses: California banned horse slaughter in 1998. California has experienced no increase in abuse case, and even noted a decrease 3 years following the ban. During the 4 years that [the Cavel slaughterhouse] was closed, Illinois saw a noticeable decrease in abuse and/or neglect cases. Texas, which had the only two slaughter plants in 2003, had among the nations highest rates of cruelty and theft. Some believe that horse slaughter is unusually cruel. At some slaughterhouses, horses are first stunned with a captive bolt gun, then bled to death. However, the horses are sometimes improperly stunned and are sometimes skinned and bled while still conscious. Allowing horse slaughter creates another source of profit for thoroughbred breeders, thereby supporting horse racing, to which many animal advocates object. Several major horse racetracks oppose horse slaughter. There are about 9 million domestic horses in the US, and approximately one percent of that number are sent to foreign slaughterhouses each year. If shipping live horses for slaughter were banned, that relatively small number of horses could be absorbed by the horse community in the US. The Upshot Whether prohibiting the export of live horses for slaughter will lead to neglect and abandonment remains to be seen, especially in an economy where foreclosures threaten all types of companion animals. However, several major racetracks oppose horse slaughter and taking away an incentive for breeding or overbreeding is a powerful argument against horse slaughter.

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 19

Assignment - Essay Example There are many Companies, providing different services in the field of communication, but such leaders as Century Link, are the perfect examples of high-quality services, ability to be reliable and gain a public trust. These objectives are reached through completion of exact tasks. The company provides the users with high-speed Internet. It is interested in providing the customers with security and PC support services, IPTV, DISH Network, MobiTV and DirecTV services (Century Link). Consequently, Century Link is one of the leading companies, providing the clients not only with high-quality phone and data networking equipment, but also the Company, which is able to develop appropriate solutions. The Company establishes its relations with the customers on the basis of fairness and trust. The employees of the Company are protected, compensated and promoted in an equitable manner.  Business partners are pleased with cooperation of CenturyLink. This can be explained by the fact that the Company develops its policies in accordance with the following statement: â€Å"Treat others as you would like to be treated† (Century Link). Moreover, there is no doubt that Century Link would justify its name and it is interesting to look at the history of the Company. There are many characteristics of this Company, but the point that it is brave and innovative cannot be denied for sure. Thus, Century Link is defined as â€Å"the largest Independent Telecommunications Provider and fourth largest wire line telecommunications provider in the United States - based on access lines - serving 33 states with 7.5 million access lines, 2.1 million broadband customers, 450,000 video subscribers and a nearly 17,000-mile core fiber network† (Century Link). These figures are impressive, aren’t they? Nevertheless, in order to delve into the depths of this success, it is appropriate for the audience to know that the Company was established in 1930! The Company

Leadership and Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership and Change - Essay Example This study outlines that Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard developed a model known as the Situational Leadership theory. This theory states that there is not only one best way to perform leadership. Leadership style depends upon the situation which arises in the company. A particular leadership style is not applicable in all organizational situations, as different situation demand different leadership style. Effective leadership depends upon the task given, and the most appropriate leaders are the ones who react to the leadership style in accordance with the maturity of the group. Yes, the video was impressive as it acknowledged me with the situational leadership concept. It helped me to understand the reason behind Hersey-Blanchard success. They focused on four leadership behaviors, they are telling, selling, participating and delegating. They even focused on four maturity behaviors. They are competence, willingness, motivation and group competence.

Which is bigger Feel the Fear or The Giant Speech Presentation

Which is bigger Feel the Fear The Giant - Speech or Presentation Example Mathematics is used in numerous ways including description of real world research important real world situations, idea test and give predictions of the real world situations among others (Berry et.al 1995 pp24). Generally, in mathematics, modelling of mathematics gives a procedure or a method that can be used for solving certain situations and problems in mathematics. In this report, the process of mathematical modelling was intended to be used effectively in solving the problems and the situations in the report (Berry et.al 1995 pp24). The report also will use the model to analyze the data given and mathematically give solutions to the research question. The analysis section of this report involved some mathematical calculations of numerous problems whose solutions were found through differentiation. The first problem tackled focused on determining the difference in the altitude of each coasters. The determination was performed through manual mathematical calculations, all the steps used in conducting this calculation are highlighted and explained appropriately in the report. The following are the solutions including all the steps used to solve the three mathematics problem during the research: In conclusion, the report analysis used the modelling of mathematics to solve and evaluate the questions asked in the report. Mathematical modelling such as differentiation of first derivatives is used in the report to find the accurate answers. In order to approach different problems in the correct form, the modelling process of mathematics was used. Just from prediction which was tested to give the data to be formulated. Formulation gives the model which is analyzed to give the conclusion as well as the answers to the problems. The methods used to analyze the report were accurately and appropriately

Lifespan Development and Personality Paper Essay - 1

Lifespan Development and Personality Paper - Essay Example In addition, alcohol, drugs such as cocaine, lead, pesticides can damage sperm and cause children wit congenital defects. If the mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy, then the alcohol crosses the placenta and can result in children with ‘fetal alcohol syndrome’. The kind of diet that a mother takes, drugs, both legal and illegal would effect the later development of the infant. Mothers who have a healthy life style give birth to well formed babies with the right development of limbs and brains. Tobacco smoking by pregnant women is seen to cause premature babies that have low birth weight and increase in fetal deaths. Such children also show increased behavior abnormalities and cognitive problems. Motor development is mainly due to natural maturity but it can also be affected by environmental influences such as disease and neglect. Children with alcoholic mothers or ones who are neglected show lesser inclination to learn motor skills and may grow up with learning disa bilities and other problems. Piaget showed that an infants intellect is different from an adult and that an infant begins at a cognitively primitive level and that intellectual growth progresses in distinct stages, motivated by an innate need to know. Three major concepts are important: schemas, assimilation and accommodation. Schemas are cognitive structures or patterns consisting of a number of organized ideas that grow and differentiate with experience. Assimilation is the process of absorbing new information into existing schemas and accommodation is the process of adjusting old schemas or developing new ones to better fit with new information. In the first few weeks of life, an infant has multiple schemas based on the innate reflexes of sucking and grasping. These schemas are primarily motor and may be little more than stimulus and response mechanisms and soon other schemas emerge as the infant starts eating solid food. Assimilation and accommodation are the two major

Discuss the claim that good quality end-of-life care removes the need Essay

Discuss the claim that good quality end-of-life care removes the need for euthanasia - Essay Example On the other hand, the end-of-life practice can be regarded as an optimistic ideology used in medical practices in order to continue caring for patients in their final days/hours, offering them temporary relief from the physical pain. . In the current times, multiple end-of-life treatment processes, such as palliative care and curative care among others are commonly enacted as an alternative step to euthanasia, which faces frequent ethical obligations (Rachels, 1975). Indeed, the practice of end-of-life care and euthanasia diverges into opposite directions, where the former operates with an optimistic view and the latter is strongly influenced by the pessimistic opinion that it is better end the life of the patient through ‘assisted suicide’ permanently in order to give him/her relief from unbearable pain and suffering. Debates emphasizing the moral correctness and injustice associated with such practices have also been astounding in the field of healthcare since the 19th century. In this study, emphasis has been laid on depicting the morality of practicing euthanasia along with reflecting on the limitations of end-of-life care, with the aim to justify whether practicing good quality effective end-of-life care practices can mitigate the need for euthanasia. When justifying the ethical correctness of euthanasia, Dowbiggen (2003) argued that during the late 19th century, a situation had occurred when a significant proportion of American population felt the need of legalizing euthanasia. During that time, this voluntary killing process was completely sighted on the basis of religious beliefs and values, signifying human life as highly precious to be ended without the God’s will (Gielen & et. al., 2009). However, these religious views on euthanasia were ultimately superseded by the scientific thoughts provided by Herbert Spencer, who during the 19th century, provided

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 10

Human Resource Management - Essay Example 155). Human resource planning is the process in which the organization determines and lays strategies to acquire, and maintain the right quantities of human resource pool, in the right ratios of skills ,character and knowledge to fit the organization demands at current and in the future .In a period of recession the strategies employed largely depend on the mission, vision as well as its strategies and functions .Organizations will in most times plan in anticipation of a recession .most organizations result to more efficient utilization of the available human capital especially in states in which large payoffs are required in cases of lay offs .It is inescapable to lay off in cases of large loss making sessions as has been experienced by ZAIN mobile company which operate in parts of Asia and Africa (Punnett, 2004, p. 155).. The other strategy is diversification of product lines to produce more demanded goods such as consumable goods. Companies usually take a thorough evaluation of their product or services and take note of their potential risks .survey conducted in over 130 firms in Europe and America including Microsoft corporation shows that firms engage in revenue generating rather than cost cutting strategies ,this however is common to small startup firms with large widespread firms engaging in cost cutting strategies such as low investment thus cutting on new recruitments .In response to their new skills requirement they result in hiring on contractual basis ,and limited to specific skills .Generally during recession most firms engage in short term human resource planning due to the uncertainties associated with recession ,a good example is the General motors company (Storey, 1999, p. 130). It should be noted that firm sizes affects their response to human resource planning which is largely based on firm size

Discuss the claim that good quality end-of-life care removes the need Essay

Discuss the claim that good quality end-of-life care removes the need for euthanasia - Essay Example On the other hand, the end-of-life practice can be regarded as an optimistic ideology used in medical practices in order to continue caring for patients in their final days/hours, offering them temporary relief from the physical pain. . In the current times, multiple end-of-life treatment processes, such as palliative care and curative care among others are commonly enacted as an alternative step to euthanasia, which faces frequent ethical obligations (Rachels, 1975). Indeed, the practice of end-of-life care and euthanasia diverges into opposite directions, where the former operates with an optimistic view and the latter is strongly influenced by the pessimistic opinion that it is better end the life of the patient through ‘assisted suicide’ permanently in order to give him/her relief from unbearable pain and suffering. Debates emphasizing the moral correctness and injustice associated with such practices have also been astounding in the field of healthcare since the 19th century. In this study, emphasis has been laid on depicting the morality of practicing euthanasia along with reflecting on the limitations of end-of-life care, with the aim to justify whether practicing good quality effective end-of-life care practices can mitigate the need for euthanasia. When justifying the ethical correctness of euthanasia, Dowbiggen (2003) argued that during the late 19th century, a situation had occurred when a significant proportion of American population felt the need of legalizing euthanasia. During that time, this voluntary killing process was completely sighted on the basis of religious beliefs and values, signifying human life as highly precious to be ended without the God’s will (Gielen & et. al., 2009). However, these religious views on euthanasia were ultimately superseded by the scientific thoughts provided by Herbert Spencer, who during the 19th century, provided

Management in context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Management in context - Essay Example A content theory on the other hand defines motivation in terms of the satisfaction of needs. Examples of process theories are the Adams’ Equity theory and the Victor Vroom’s expectancy Theory while examples of content theories are the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory, Fredrick Herberg’s Two Factor Theory and the ERG Theory by Clayton P. Alderfer. The two types of motivation theories not only differ in their definitions of motivation but also in the idea of the applicability of motivation towards work. The Content Theories pay more attention to the identification of the needs of individuals and how these needs are given priority. These theories have more concern for the different types of incentives that give people the drive to attain certain goals. The Content Theories offer a logical approach to understanding motivation, and are easy to understand. They are easily applicable to a real life scenario. The Process theories on the other hand offer a theoretical set of solutions towards the understanding of work motivation. Victor Vroom’s expectancy model and further extensions by Lawler and Porter assist in providing an explanation of the presence of essential cognitive variables in the human body and how they coordinate with each other to create the process of work motivation. Lawler and Porter’s model also looks deeper into the relationship that exists between performance of an act and satisfaction gained by performing such an action. In a nutshell, the Process Theories place more concern on the identification of the variables that contribute to motivation with how they relate with one another being of even greater importance. Abraham Maslow came up with the thought that human needs which can lead to a desire to undertake an activity can be put in a particular order to form a hierarchy of probability of occurrence and pre-potency. This theory assumes

Management of Post-Traumatic Piriformis Syndrome: Case Study

Management of Post-Traumatic Piriformis Syndrome: Case Study Diagnosis and Chiropractic Management of Post-Traumatic Piriformis Syndrome: A Case Study Chief complaint A 37-year-old male patient presented himself at a local chiropractic clinic with a chief complaint of persistent low back pain that was radiating into his left buttock, all along the posterolateral aspect of his left thigh and calf, and to the lateral aspect of the foot. History of the patient illness The pain initiated 2 years ago. The patient reported a blunt trauma of his left buttock in a motorcycle accident 8 months before his symptoms were first noticed. The patient was presented with low back pain, radiating from sacrum and gluteal region to the lateral aspect of the foot, all along the posterolateral aspect of his left thigh and calf. The pain was occasionally accompanied by paresthaesia and burning sensation. When asked to rate his pain with a numeric rating scale (NRS), he noted his low back pain to be 3/10 at best and 7/10 at worst. Prolonged sitting and car driving aggravated his symptoms. And standing up and walking a few steps for a moment would make the pain partially relieved. The patient also noted that prolonged external rotation of the affected hip (sitting posture) made the symptoms more intense. He avoided sitting in a cross-leg posture due to the pain. The patient had a transient relief of his pain after treatment of physiotherapy. However, the pain came back after a few days. Other than the traumatic fall on his left hip in a motorcycle accident, the patient’s medical history was not remarkable. Relative family history, social and environment history Both of the patient’s parents were diagnosed with disc herniation of the lumbar spine in their 50s. The patient went to gym 4 times per week, doing cardiovascular and weight bearing training. And he used to play soccer once a week. However he had to stop playing since his low back pain and leg pain started to bother him. The patient was an attorney and his job required him to sit in front of his desk for more than 6 hours per day. He reported that he had to stand up and walk a few steps in the office every 30 minutes due to the pain. Relevant medications The patient’s symptoms were partially relieved by taking Panadols. He was not taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medications. List of possible diagnoses from the patient history Lumbar disc herniation The patient was presented with symptoms and signs of radiculopathy including sensation disturbance of the lower limb, pain shooting to the foot, and pain worsened by sitting and relieved by walking. According to the dermatome, the nerve roots of L5, S1 or S2 were possibly affected. Considering that both of the patient’s parents are diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation, it should be on top of the differential diagnosis list, for recent studies have suggested that lumbar disc herniation may be attributed more to genetic factors than to environmental and constitutional risk factors. The patient’s occupation which kept him sitting for a prolonged time increases the chance of lumbar disc herniation. The history of blunt trauma could also be a factor of developing lumbar disc herniation. Sciatic nerve irritation of other origins The patient’s altered sensation on the lower extremity is in the distribution of sciatic nerve. Sciatica should be taken into consideration. However, the underlying cause of compression or irritation of sciatic nerve should be revealed with further examination and investigation. Piriformis syndrome Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon form of sciatica in which the sciatic nerve is compressed and irritated by piriformis muscle. It usually occurs in people who are middle-aged (mean age 38 years old). Robinson described 5 significant manifestations of piriformis syndrome in 1947, including: (1) history of trauma in the gluteal region; (2) pain in the sciatic nerve distribution; (3) symptoms relieved by traction and aggravated by sitting or stooping; (4) palpable tenderness or mass over piriformis muscle; (5) positive straight leg raise test. This patient was presented with the first 3 features of piriformis syndrome, whereas the 4th and 5th need further examination. Sacroiliac joint syndrome Sacroiliac joint syndrome is the dysfunction of sacroiliac joint that is attributed to either hypermobility or hypomobility, causing low back pain, buttock pain and sciatic lower limb pain. Lower abdomen, groin and medial thigh are occasionally affected as well. The symptoms of sacroiliac joint syndrome and sciatica are often similar. Hamstring syndrome Another possible differential diagnosis is hamstring syndrome. Hamstring syndrome is caused by entrapment of the proximal sciatic nerve by the hamstring tendons (1). It usually occurs associated with trauma such as hamstring tears or strain (2). However, in many cases, not significant history of trauma is noted (1, 2). Patients with hamstring syndrome present with lower gluteal pain and radiate down to posterior thigh and knee (2). The symptoms are similar to sciatica of other origins. Results of the neurological exams Observation, static palpation and range of motion Observation and static palpation are performed to look for any degree of antalgic posturing, any deviation from a normal spinal curve, pelvic position, and muscle spasm or bulks. Characteristic findings of each differential diagnosis are listed below. Lumbar disc herniation Possible hyper-lordosis of lumbar spine in an antalgic posture; Significant decrease in lumbar active and passive range of motion, especially in lumbar flexion and unilateral lateral flexion; Possible limited hip range of active motion due to muscle weakness; Possible palpable restricted lumbar vertebral segments; Hypertonic or tender lumbar muscles on static palpation, especially erector spinae (ES) muscles; Piriformis syndrome Possible limping or walking with the assistance with crutches due to pain and lower extremity muscle weakness; Possible hip external rotation on the affected side due to excessive piriformis muscle contraction, which is also known as â€Å"piriformis sign† (3); Significant decrease in hip active and passive range of motion, especially in hip internal rotation and adduction; Ipsilateral short leg (3); Tenderness at the sciatic notch on palpation; Possible hypertonic gluteal muscles (3); Sciatica Findings depend on the causes of sciatica such as lumbar disc herniation, piriformis syndrome and hamstring syndrome. Sacroiliac syndrome The posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) on both sides are not at the same horizontal level; Possible redness and swelling at the affected sacroiliac joint; Possible leg length discrepancy; Significant decrease in sacroiliac joint mobility; Possible local tenderness on static palpation; Hamstring syndrome The pain is more localized, but possibly radiating; Tenderness of hamstring tendons or over ischial tuberosity on static in palpation; Significant decrease in hip active range of motion, especially in hip extension; On observation, static palpation and range of motion assessment, the patient was noticed for: Positive piriformis sign (hip external rotation) on the ipsilateral (left) side; A relatively shorter left leg compared with the right leg; Tenderness over contralateral (right) sacroiliac joint; A palpable â€Å"sausage-shaped† mass in the ipsilateral (left) gluteal region (3); Hypertonic left hamstrings; Tenderness over left sciatic notch on static palpation; Limited hip active and passive range of motion, especially internal rotation; Decrease in sacroiliac joint mobility; Other findings were not remarkable. The results of the assessment suggested that piriformis syndrome and sacroiliac syndrome were most possible diagnoses. Coordination and gait analysis Coordination and gait should be examined before other assessments are done, for this test provides us a big picture of the patient’s lower extremity function including motor function, joint integrity and coordination. Any gait dysfunction or antalgic gait should be recognized and further tests should be performed to look for the causes. No abnormal movement or disturbance of the patient’s gait was observed. He also reported a partial relief of symptoms when he was walking. The insignificant findings made lumbar disc herniation less likely, however, there was still a possibility. Sensory exam Sensory exams of peripheral nerves were performed to look for any sensation change on the symptomatic lower limb, which would lead to localization of the lesion. Assessments included fine touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception. Decrease in two-point discrimination and light touch was noticed over the lateral aspect of the left leg and foot. Motor exam Lower extremity muscle strength was tested to identify which nerve roots were affected according to myotomes. On examination, no significant findings were noticed. deep tendon Reflex Abnormal deep tendon reflex may be seen in lesions of muscles, sensory neurons, lower/upper motor neurons, neuromuscular junction and mechanical factors such as joint disease. On examination, the patient’s Achilles reflexes were normal (+2) on both sides. An abnormal Achilles reflex suggests a tibial nerve lesion (S1-2). Neurodynamic assessment Straight leg raise The test is designed to look for any impingement of the dura and spinal cord or nerve roots of the lower lumbar spine, especially in sciatic nerve (L4, L5, S1). The patient’s result was negative (70 °), suggesting less possible lumbar disc herniation. Bonnet’s test Bonnet’s test is a variant of straight leg raise and used to test for entrapment of sciatic nerve by piriformis muscle. The patient’s result was positive, indicating possible piriformis syndrome. Bowstring test Bowstring test is another variant of straight leg raise and used to test for entrapment of sciatic nerve by hamstrings. The patient’s result was negative, suggesting less possible hamstring syndrome. Orthopaedic examinations Valsalva maneuver Valsalva maneuver was done to look for any disc herniation causing radiculopathy. This would increase intrathecal pressure which may reproduce the patient’s symptoms. The patient’s result was negative, indicating less possible lumbar disc herniation. Lumbar compression-distraction test This test is also designed to look for disc herniation. When the compressive force is applied, it increases the intrathecal pressure and replicates symptoms if the patient has disc herniation. And the symptoms are relieved by distraction. The patient’s result was negative, suggesting it was less likely to be disc herniation. Gaenslen’s test Gaenslen’s test is to assess sacroiliac joint involvement. The patient’s result is negative. Yeoman’s test Yeoman’s test is designed to assess the integrity of the sacroiliac joint. The patient’s result is negative. Squat test Squat test is designed for quick screening of lower limb pathologies including joint disease, motor and sensory neuron lesions. The patient’s result was positive. Supported belt test Supported belt test helps to determine whether the pain is of lumbar origin or pelvic origin. The patient was noticed for having pain only without supported belt, suggesting his symptoms were caused by pelvic dysfunction. List of possible diagnoses from the neurological exam Piriformis syndrome Sacroiliac syndrome Further blood and radiological tests At this stage, no further imaging or other tests are needed, for the diagnosis can be made based on the patient’s history and results of neurological and orthopaedic examinations. It is recommended that the patient should be treated for piriformis syndrome at the start. A conservative treatment plan should be designed to reduce pain intensity, stretch hypertonic muscles and increase lumbar and sacroiliac joint mobility. However, if the patient does not respond to the treatment or the symptoms are worsened after the treatment, further investigations should be done. Considering a large extent of soft tissue and nerve involvement, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be the most effective imaging method. A lumbopelvic view should be taken. This does not only demonstrate possible hypertrophied piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve entrapment, but also helps to rule out other differential diagnoses such as lumbar disc herniation. Nevertheless, many studies failed to show consistence of radiographic abnormalities in piriformis syndrome. Therefore, no significant findings on MRI do not necessarily exclude piriformis syndrome. CT and ultrasound are also used to look for abnormality of piriformis muscle, but they are not as sensitive as MRI. EMG is an investigation to assess abnormal spontaneous activity of muscles which are innervated by sciatic nerve, thus differentiating sciatica and lumbosacral radiculopathy; however, EMG findings are often normal in piriformis syndrome. Local injection of anaesthetics or steroid can be applied for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (4). This technique is widely used after initial evaluation. However, the specificity and efficacy is not well determined by clinical trials (4). A certain portion of patients with piriformis syndrome do not respond to piriformis muscle injection (5). Final diagnosis Based on the patient’s history, the results of neurologic and orthopaedic examinations, and likely radiographic findings, piriformis syndrome is the most likely diagnosis. Chiropractic management Conservative treatment is recommended at this stage, for 79% of patients with piriformis syndrome showed a significant improvement with use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, thermo-therapy and rest (fishman, osteopathic approach). The aim of the chiropractic treatment is to reduce the intensity of pain, relax piriformis muscle, increase the range of motion of the hip joint, and increase mobility of lumbar and sacroiliac joint. The tone and length of the left piriformis muscle and other affected muscles (hamstrings, other lateral rotators, gluteus muscles) should be assessed with chiropractic muscle test and static palpation. Any trigger point, tenderness, hypertonia are noted. Stretching exercise and muscle release are introduced first to help the patient relax the hypertonic piriformis muscle. The patient needs to receive the muscle release training daily for 2 weeks until the muscle tone is assessed again and any improvement of his symptoms is seen. Stretching of other affected hypertonic muscles is also required. The mobility of the patient’s lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint should be assessed with orthopaedic examinations and chiropractic motion palpation. Any restricted segment is adjusted with high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation. Chiropractic adjustments help to relieve pain, increase joint mobility and re-establish biomechanical stability of the body. References 1.Saikku K. Entrapment of the proximal sciatic nerve by the hamstring tendons. Acta orthopaedica belgica. 2010 06;76(3):321-4. 2.Puranen J. The hamstring syndrome. A new diagnosis of gluteal sciatic pain. The American journal of sports medicine. 1988;16(5):517-21. 3.Boyajian-ONeill LA. Diagnosis and management of piriformis syndrome: an osteopathic approach. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. 2008 11;108(11):657-64. 4.Jankovic D. Brief review: Piriformis syndrome: etiology, diagnosis, and management Article de synthà ¨se court: Le syndrome du muscle piriforme – à ©tiologie, diagnostic et prise en charge. Canadian journal of anesthesia. 2013 10;60(10):1003-12. 5.Martin HD, Martin H. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for sciatic nerve entrapment in the gluteal region. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA. 2014 04;22(4):882-8.

history :: essays research papers

Make a Gift Mission of CWF Information History Restored CW Journal Careers at CWF News Releases One visit to Colonial Williamsburg and it is hard not to stand back and be impressed by what is indeed a thrilling and awesome achievement. Once home to the budding ideas of independence and democracy and a catalyst to revolution, this historic town was literally restored from the ground up. Today it is a living and working town on 173 acres, with over 500 historic buildings. But more than just a snapshot of 18th-century life, Colonial Williamsburg serves as a testament to a time when colonists started down the path toward becoming Americans. The motivating force behind the town's ongoing operation is the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a group of dedicated men and women with shared values and a shared mission: To help the future learn from the past... by preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg. by engaging, informing, and inspiring people as they learn about this historic colonial capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape our new nation. To understand the Foundation's goals, you must know Colonial Williamsburg's history: After serving as the capital of Britain's largest and most powerful colony and then as the seat of Virginia's government, Williamsburg saw history's path veer away. When Richmond became Virginia's new capital in 1780, Williamsburg was left a quiet country town with fond but fading memories. Later, the Civil War left scars in Williamsburg, but neither time nor war could extinguish its brilliance. The town stirred excitement in the Reverend Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin when he arrived in 1903 as rector of Bruton Parish Church. On evening walks, he sensed the patriots' unseen presence. "They were glad and gallant ghosts," he wrote, "companions of the silent hour of reverie." Inspired, Dr. Goodwin pursued a dream of restoring his beloved town. In 1926, one man's tireless quest met another's visionary generosity. Philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., undertook restoration of the colonial capital on a scale never before attempted in American history. Legions of architects, archaeologists, and historians worked with masses of data. The earth yielded old foundations, walls, and cellars. Buried fragments of marble, brick, hardware, and tiles rendered authentic architectural and ornamental clues. When, in 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt came to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the restoration, he told the nation, "The atmosphere of a whole glorious chapter in our history has been recaptured.

Poltics in America - Without Tolerance, Nothing will be Accomplished Es

Poltics in America - Without Tolerance, Nothing will be Accomplished Donald Kaul, a Tribune Media Syndicate’s newspaper veteran of twenty five years, can be said to be famous for his often sarcastic but astute observations on everything from campaign reform to "Who Wants to be a Millionaire." Occasionally a letter to the editor appears in the newspaper protesting his remarks, usually from a self-proclaimed, right-wing conservative calling him a "bleeding heart liberal." What exactly do these terms mean, however? Are they absolute in what they represent? In general, a conservative opposes social programs and government intervention in business practices. They usually stress Judeo-Christian values as a solution to most issues. Conservatives are opposed to affirmative action, unions, and taxation-- especially of the rich, since they are the ones who provide jobs for the rest. A liberal believes government intervention is necessary to provide all people with equal opportunities before the law. Their most sacred tenets are progr essive taxation, welfare, and public education. Liberals stress diversity and individual civil rights. Donald Kaul exhibits more traits of a liberal, although he is a moderate in his beliefs. The subject matter in the articles analyzed were the separation of church and state, gun control, environmental protection, capital punishment, and the rivalry between Republicans and Clinton.The subjects Kaul writes about are not regional at all;...

What Is Meant by International Business Ethics

While business ethics emerged as a field in the 1970s, international business ethics did not emerge until the late 1990s, looking back on the international developments of that decade. Many new practical issues arose out of the international context of business. Theoretical issues such as cultural relativity of ethical values receive more emphasis in this field. Other, older issues can be grouped here as well. Issues and subfields include: The search for universal values as a basis for international commercial behavior. Comparison of business ethical traditions in different countries. Also on the basis of their respective GDP and [Corruption rankings]. Comparison of business ethical traditions from various religious perspectives. Ethical issues arising out of international business transactions; e. g. bioprospecting and biopiracy in the pharmaceutical industry; the fair trade movement; transfer pricing. Issues such as globalization and cultural imperialism. Varying global standards – e. g. the use of child labor. The way in which multinationals take advantage of international differences, such as outsourcing production (e. g. clothes) and services (e. . call centers) to low-wage countries. The permissibility of international commerce with pariah states. Foreign countries often use dumping as a competitive threat, selling products at prices lower than their normal value. This can lead to problems in domestic markets. It becomes difficult for these markets to compete with the pricing set by foreign markets. In 2009, the International Trade Commission has been researching anti-dumping laws. Dumping is often seen as an ethical issue, as larger companies are taking advantage of other less economically advanced companies. A business has moral duties that extend well beyond serving the interests of its owners or stockholders, and that these duties consist of more than simply obeying the law. A business has moral responsibilities to so-called stakeholders, people who have an interest in the conduct of the business, which might include employees, customers, vendors, the local community, or even society as a whole. Stakeholders can also be broken down into primary and secondary stakeholders. Primary stakeholders are people that are affected directly such as stockholders, where secondary stakeholders are people who are not affected directly such as the government. They would say that stakeholders have certain rights with regard to how the business operates, and some would suggest that this includes even rights of governance. Local culture affects ethical issues greatly because this entails managing two cultures, looking at the fact that a French organization moving production to Nigeria will encounter cultural and language barrier. In Nigeria been a multilingual society, civil service employment is done on quota system, as such positions created may be filled by unqualified candidates were as more qualified personnel may be left out. This is contrary to a French culture were the best hands gets the job. Another ethical issue involves the standard of conducting business in multinational corporations. The US congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission consider it unethical for corporations to make payments to government officials of other countries to promote trade. However, in many countries, for an organization to effectively operate, you need to pay government official usually called kick back. For example the case of Halliburton raised by US congress about their activities in Nigeria.

Human Nature and Discontent in King Lear †Unfinished Essay

The Elizabethans believed, or pretended to believe, that the natural world reflected a hierarchy that mirrored good government and stable monarchy. Even our scientific age talks about â€Å"laws of nature† and â€Å"good government through good laws. † Shakespeare’s era contrasted â€Å"nature† and art, just as one can consider an essential â€Å"human nature† contrasted with culture. As well, Shakespeare’s era distinguished â€Å"natural† and â€Å"unnatural† behaviors; the latter would include mistreating family members, opposing cultural, political, religious, and social â€Å"norms†, as well as presenting the eternal question of fate. King Lear identifies familial relationships and their flaws, questions whether human society is the product of nature or technology, and whether human nature is fundamentally selfish or generous. More than just a consistent theme in the play, this concept of â€Å"nature† in society and practice reveals the core of human nature. In King Lear, nature itself is also an object of controversy. Often used to identify things that are pure, true and peaceful, nature is known also as a device used for the cruel and explicit actions by all things evil or unfortunate. King Lear presents a dichotomy of good and evil, and Shakespeare hopes the reader will consider the harsher, two-faced qualities of nature in his tragedy. The connection between human beings and the â€Å"natural world† is often neglected. Why? Perhaps the concept of a similarity between humans and brute nature repels â€Å"civility† or advance in society; this explains the extreme use of animal imagery as offense in the play. Thus, it is reasonable to ask, what constitutes this highly offensive and scorned â€Å"unnatural† behaviour? According to passages in King Lear, the most common fault of and insult to a human, is to ill-treat family, and more specifically, powerful and royal family. This is evident when a very offended Lear condemns his daughter Cordelia’s unsatisfactory praise, to her suitor, the King of France: â€Å"? T’avert your liking a more worthier way than on a wretch whom Nature is ashamed? † (Act 1, Scene 1, line 210) Here, King Lear almost personifies â€Å"Nature†, and as something capable of passing judgement: a strict division between the proper and acceptable action versus the intolerable one. The concept of nature representing justice and truth is also apparent in the sub-plot when Gloucester denounces Edgar as his son, followed by his praise for Edmund’s loyalty: â€Å"? Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means to make thee capable? † (Act 2, Scene 1, line 83) Thus, the notion of nature as a compliment or praise is similar to society’s view of normalcy. Traditionally and contemporarily speaking, tolerance and acceptance within a community is strictly connected with standardization, and predictability. The Fool, with his sly and witty remarks, portrays a perfect example of this unpredictable and unexpected speech: â€Å"? Truth’s a dog must to kennel; he must be whipp’d out when the lady’s Brach may stand by th’fire and stink.. † (Act 1, Scene 4, line 105) Throughout the play, Edmund’s connection with nature is extremely confusing, and uncommon in his class, deeming his very existence â€Å"unnatural† from the start. As the plot progresses, his role swings back and forth from â€Å"natural† to â€Å"unnatural†, depending on his actions. This is somewhat unusual, as most characters are classified as good or bad, natural or natural, within their first few lines in the play, and here the reader is forced to constantly make assumptions and form opinions about Edmund. More obvious attempts at opposing the â€Å"norms† in King Lear include Cordelia’s modest praise of her father, the Duke of Albany’s eventual recognition and action against the ploys of his wife and her sister, and Kent’s protective disobedience to Lear.

Compare and Contrast the Chinese and Russian Revolutions

China and Russia had various similarities and differences during the early 20th century. They were different in the aspect of goals as Russia was highly concerned in making everyone literate to experience the works of Marx, Lenin and Stalin personally while neither the Chinese communist party nor the Kuomintang cared much about literacy for the masses. Another differences was the characterization of the Russian revolution by World war 1 leading to the revolt against a ruling Tsar while China, was not affected by the war was more of a civil war between the nationalists and Mao’s peasants.Even so, both nations ended up with Communist revolutions, following the proletariat ruling belief. During the early 20th century, the Russian revolutionaries wanted all its people to be literate as to experience by reading the works of Karl Marx, Lenin and Stain first hand. Overall they were very successful in increasing the literacy rate in general. This was possible because immediately after the revolution, education was greatly overhauled in the spending on popular education.Free eduction was ordered for all children from the ages of three to sixteen years old as well as the duplication of schools within the first two years. Coeducation was also imposed as to get rid of sex discrimination and for the welfare of the whole society. However in China, the revolution did not really care about teaching and education for their citizens but rather focused primarily on replacing the existing system of government and its ruler with one headed up by the leader of the revolution, Mao Ze Dong.Another difference between the Russian and Chinese revolution was that the Russian revolution was influenced a lot by the first world war, while the Chinese revolution was untouched by it and still fought for the same beliefs as the Russian revolution. The Russian revolution was highlighted by the overthrow of Nicholas II which was brought on by the end of the first world war. Differently, th e Chinese revolution was not affected by the first world war and was sparked by the Marxist ideas of the working class being able to rule.Even though the first world war was not a cause of the revolution, Mao Ze Dong’s peasant army and Chiang Kai’s nationalist army still fought until Mao’s forces defeated the nationalists in 1949. The major similarity between the Russian revolution and the Chinese revolution would be that both revolutions made the path for the nations to become Communists. They were both led by charismatic leaders Lenin and Mao Ze Dong, who were able to unite the people into the revolution.Both had similar goals and outcomes as they both aimed for the working class, Proletariats, to rule against the ruling class. Both revolutions also aimed to establishing a state ownership in their countries as well as removing any kind of inequalities within the nation. Both ending up as communist nations, the Russian revolution and the Chinese revolution were shaped by different sparks and aimed to reach its goals through different methods but strived for a similar goal inspired by the Marxist ideas of the Proletariat class to rule.

The Indiscriminate Nature of Cancer Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Indiscriminate Nature of Cancer - Case Study Example The WHO and The Pfizer Medical officers held their research from different perspectives of age, one at a tender age, and the other at his sunset days. For instance, Mariam’s case explains why the failure of people to make use of the available knowledge about chronic disease prevention and control mechanism continues to endanger the future generations (Redman, 2007). Mariam case exemplifies the culture shock, most impounding on the poor majority of the global community. The Sridhar’s case is a cancer condition brought by his way of living. Having chewed tobacco and drank heavily since his youthful days, this lifestyle has deteriorated his respiratory and blood systems resulting in cancer. Since cancer continues to endanger people’s lives through such lifestyles, the main issue lies in having enough knowledge and awareness or resources, like Mariam’s problem, to prevent the spread of cancer (Ray, 2005). Studies done in India to examine the percentage of elde rly people at risk of having cancer or already battling with it indicates that 2.3 percent is battling with cancer while 4.5 percent risks being victims due to their lifestyle (Weisman, 2002). In Tanzania, the researcher also found that the younger generation born of able families, despite their lavish and uncontrolled feeding habits had a1.9 percent chances of having cancer. In addition, children from poverty-stricken families have uncontrolled eating habits yet cannot afford reasonable medical cover, hence 5 percent of them are more susceptible to cancer at tender ages of 14-25 years (Mukherjee, 2010). The WHO and The Pfizer Medical researchers separated the two cases in order to highlight their assessment. The most important issue that the group had in place was to disseminate the knowledge in understanding what cancer was. By making cancer more realistic to the youthful generation, not only in India but also in Tanzania, the group thought this would alter the resultant effects of cancer in old days because of unreasonable living (Ray, 2005).  Ã‚  

The construct lifestyle in market segmentation Essay

The construct lifestyle in market segmentation - Essay Example One outcome of the search for marketing innovations is market segmentation. Market segmentation basically deals with allocating the right consumer with the right product. The Investopedia (2011) explains market segmentation as â€Å"aggregating of prospective buyers into groups (segments) that have common needs and will respond similarly to a marketing action.† Closely related to this explanation, Tatum (2011) posits that market segmentation â€Å"is a strategy that involves dividing a larger market into subsets of consumers who have common needs and applications for the goods and services offered in the market.† Because market segmentation tries to limit the division of the market base, it allows for the fullest understanding of basic rudiments of a particular market segment. Out of this benefit, Gonzalez and Bello (2002) came up with a coiled concentration of market segmentation on the tourism market where he writes about â€Å"The construct "lifestyle" in market seg mentation: The behavior of tourist consumers†. This paper seeks to assess the thesis of the author in regard to the construct lifestyle and examine other innovations presented in the article. Assessment of the thesis of the authors in regards to the construct lifestyle The authors make a number of theses as far as the construct lifestyle in market segmentation for tourist consumers are concerned. One of these theses has to do with the inclusion of lifestyle to help segment the tourism market more adequately. The writers are of the view that lifestyle of consumers is very imminent if the tourist market can properly be segmented. In view of this, they define â€Å"the construct lifestyle based on the activities, interest and opinion approach.† The authors therefore believe that for any effect market segmentation that will target specific tourist consumers, players in the industry must not loss sight of the very activities that tourist would want to engage in when they are out there on tourism. As far as tourism is concerned the World Tourism Organization recognizes three groups of consumers who are visitors, overnight tourists and excursionist (Gonzalez& Bello, 2002, pp. 53). Each of these three categories of consumers undertake the type of tourism they do for different purposes. In doing this, they participate in different pre-intended activities based on their interest and opinion of tourism. For example one group of people on tourism would opt for animal related destinations because they have a natural love for animals. Another would opt for plant related destinations because their work has to do with plants. In the view of the authors, when such interests and activities of consumers are well harnessed in the construct lifestyle, tourism operators will be in an excellent position to attract the right consumers at the right time because they will put in place the right segmentation to meet the needs of the consumers. Another thesis outlined by the authors is the need to base the construct lifestyle on the total needs of travelers. Simply out, people’s needs reflect their lifestyle. To this effect, they assert that â€Å"good theory of tourist motivation must consider the total needs of travelers and not limit its focus to one need† (Gonzalez& Bello, 2002, pp. 53). Continuing research in tourism show that there is a lot of relation between tourist motivation

Philosophy of Science is about as Useful to Scientists as Ornithology Essay

Philosophy of Science is about as Useful to Scientists as Ornithology is to Birds - Essay Example Philosophers tend to question why things happen the way they do. Science is a field that establishes answers to the questionings from philosophy. According to Feynman, the philosophy of science is an aspect that helps scientists in immense ways although the scientist may never understand the ways in which it does all these. Feynman, as a physician believed in the empirical calculations of science and did not understand the philosophy surrounding science. However, his analogy gives scientists the impetus to analyze the importance of philosophy to science. There is a probability that philosophy contributes a whole lot to science but scientists do not notice. On the other hand, it would be rational to analyze how the two fields interrelate. Many scientists do not believe in philosophy today. This is contrary to what used to be the case before. Many scientists of the old times merged philosophy and science. In the old times, scientists combined science, philosophy, and theology. In the l ife of a scientist today, experimental evidence is fundamental to prove any theory right. Scientists need to understand and define methodologies that lead to a conclusion. Philosophy applies reasoning and rationality and is not an option for many scientists today. It is worth noting that most of scientific breakthroughs started as philosophical enquiries in the past. Pioneers in science found philosophy a worthwhile field and gave it some consideration as a field that could offer insights on nature (Lange, 2007:33). Albert Einstein is a good example of scientists who attached value to philosophy. In one of early books, Einstein argued that everyone should apply philosophy. Some philosophers argue that scientists should adopt... Science and philosophy are two academic fields that seek to establish new knowledge and validate it to pass for the truth. Philosophy does the bigger part of validation and considers empirical; science as a source of information. Some scientists in the past have given philosophy a dismissal because of its lack of substantial evidence. A clear understanding of the two fields will help an individual realize the worth and role of philosophy. The two fields gather knowledge and qualify it as truth using different methods. Scientists should not expect philosophers to dwell on empirical calculations because philosophy as a field uses rationality and logic. On the other hand, science must use experiments and empirical data to ascertain its findings. The two fields may incline on the same issues but they tackle them differently. Philosophy of science plays a bigger role than Feynman claimed. Some critics argue that he contributed to physical philosophy although he did not acknowledge it. Fey nman and his supporters overlooked the importance of philosophy. Underrating philosophy lacks justification because a close examination of its role indicates that it contributes greatly to science. The example of the contributions of philosophy of biology is an illustration that philosophy of science and science can complement each other.

Deca Commissary - Providing Customer Confidence Research Paper

Deca Commissary - Providing Customer Confidence - Research Paper Example In this case, the commissaries ensure that the personnel and their families obtained goods at prices that saved them approximately 30percent the cost that civilians bought similar products (Skirbunt & Robinson, 2008). While the practice started long before organizations realized the important role of integrating customer’s needs in an organization, DeCA realizes the importance of integrating modern era practices that will ensure that the commissaries created customer confidence. First, it is important to point out that the core competency of commissary benefits were customers’ savings, which is also the main reason for its existence (Skirbunt & Robinson, 2008). In effect, DeCA works towards ensuring that the upholding and maintenance of these key competencies of the commissaries. In line with this, DeCA has integrated technology in its facilities to ensure that products offering were the same throughout their facilities. In addition, technology ensures that all facilities had enough stock and the replenishment of stock was timely since technology ensured that the supply of products was always constant with the facilities always stocked. It is evident that one way of ensuring customer satisfaction was ensuring a constant supply of goods and services. In effect, an organization that ensures customer satisfaction enhances the level of confidence amongst its customers. Therefore, ensuring constant supply of products in all is commissaries ensured that De CA created customer satisfaction, which led to establishing customers’ confidence in all its facilities. In the modern world, the safety of products is a key factor that determines the development of customers’ confidence in an organization. In line with this, Skirbunt and Robinson (2008) noted, â€Å"Food familiarity and safety were also key to success with commissary customers able to shop with

Response Paper (The American Revoltion in Indian Country Essay

Response Paper (The American Revoltion in Indian Country - Essay Example demonstrates how Native American were able to pursue different strategies as they went through difficult experiences but were able to uphold their legacy Colin Calloway writes that, "The Revolution marked an emphatic divergence between the Cherokees and their colonial neighbors as the warriors of both societies "took control of the path. This illustrate the lateness that was at hand because the Cherokee involvement in the revolutions was not a simple sign but it proved a powerful, durable and the same time usable image. The clamor kept on growing especially in the 19th century on how to remove the Cherokees from their only remaining lands, although there were the strong peace efforts emanating from the village headsmen way back before the war, during the war, combined role that was played by the Chota as well as the new societies which were built from the outcome ruins of the war were not listened to but ignored. All this was in the favor of what was termed as memory of Cherokee antagonism in the revolution. Therefore, the Cherokee had the responsibility again to begin afresh the practice of rebuilding their lives and homes past Miss issippi. When the fighting came to an end due to the revolution it was very difficult for the Cherokees because they were like orphans, they were without a place completely in the universe. Because of the repercussion of the war, their population was affected drastically which led to serious drop of about 10,000 in number only and at the same time lost their homelands which was estimated to be around three-quarters as well as hunting grounds and towns were destroyed. The revolutions grouped lower towns to be Chickamauga while those who remained neutral kept on dividing the Cherokee. Their cultural framework was affected so much which disrupted the harmony which existed amongst the Cherokee wellbeing in relation to their spiritual world. This caused a lot of disorder everywhere. Thousands of Cherokees were forced under prevailing

The Same Things Still Fall Apart Essay Example for Free

The Same Things Still Fall Apart Essay In his first acclaimed novel, Things Fall Apart, one of Chinua Achebes many accomplishments is his uncompromisingly toughened rendering of Nigerian tribal life pre and post colonialism. The book was first published in 1958, which was just two years ahead before Nigeria declared independence from Great Britain; the book abstains from the obvious attraction of portraying pre-colonial life as a kind of Eden. Instead, Achebe outlined a world in which cruelty, war, and anguish exist; but at the same time, is filled with a balanced and strong sense of belief, ceremony, and social coherence. But more important than that, let us focus on his protagonist—Okonkwo. Okonkwo is a self-made man. He is the son of a charismatic good-for-nothing father. Okonkwo hated his father for this; and because of such, he worked day and night all his life to triumph over his fathers flaws. He was able to overcome his father’s reputation and has finally arrived at great richness and even greater status amongst his colleagues in the village of Umuofia. He is a champion warrior, a wealthy farmer, has three wives and father to several children. But more important than the characteristic that he portrays in the story, in a deeper and more objective angle, he is the epitome of a man who displays the flaws of a well-known Greek catastrophe: â€Å"Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children. Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness. It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, malevolent, red in tooth and claw. Okonkwos fear was greater than these. It was not external but lay deep within himself. It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father.† (Achebe) At the same time, Achebe was also able to make this man cruel and sympathetic at the same time. And no matter how he conceals it, Okonkwo is fond of his eldest daughter and Ikemefuna—a little boy that was sent from a different village as payment for the wicked death of a young woman from Umuofia (another village). He starts to be delighted in his eldest son, in whom he has too frequently seen his own father. A series of catastrophic events tests the determination of this strong man, and it is his dread of weakness that eventually undoes him. It is only near the end that the real climax of the story begins. By then, Okonkwo and his village are already being colonized by the white men. But, with the traditions of his culture and village, his hopes for redemption are too mighty high to be abolished. The arrival of the white men with intentions to convert them into Christians, and the pursuance of the officials from the colonial government made his village confused and disrupted the Ibo culture completely. Okonkwo realized that it will be very hard on his part and for his fellow villagers to adapt to the incoming modern influences. And with these in mind, Okonkwo is now confused and lost between the abyss of the old and new ways. Because he believed that they should keep their traditions, Okonkwo self-decided that they should rage a war against the colonizers: â€Å"Does the white man understand our custom about land?† â€Å"How can he when he does not even speak our tongue? But he says that our customs are bad; and our own brothers who have taken up his religion also say that our customs are bad. How do you think we can fight when our own brothers have turned against us? The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.†   (Achebe) With this ideology, it is quite clear that Okonkwo does not want to be colonized and he will do anything in his power to avoid that. He was ready to go to war but when he realized that his clan is not ready, he was very disappointed and just decided to hang himself instead. When the commissioner decided to write a book about his rebellion and his clan, from the title of the book itself (The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger), it is sufficient to say that he was not successful in attaining his goal. The title of the book itself implies that the book will only be filled with biased point of views and opinions from him. Both the commissioner and Okonkwo failed in meeting half-way to share their culture. Since it became harder for him adapt and at the same time he does not want to be colonized, he decided and resorted that war is the answer. But his bravery is not the same as his villagers. He failed to emphasize to them the importance of their culture. This scenario not only happens in secluded villages in ancient years. It also happens in modern times in different forms and intensity but the same ideologies persist. Last December 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in her homeland of Pakistan. For the longest time, she kept on fighting for the liberation of the vast minority in Pakistan. With the power that she has, it was inevitable that there will be people who will dislike her, and so, they assassinated her. Though this example is very political in nature, it has similarities from the story because they fought for the same thing—which was liberation for their people and at the same time, both characters were not able to fully achieve what they are fighting for. Somehow, both characters failed to achieve their goals. Works Cited: Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. 1st Anchor Books Ed edition ed: Anchor, 1959.