Thursday, October 31, 2019

Organizational Behavior Terms and Concepts Essay

Organizational Behavior Terms and Concepts - Essay Example There is still some disagreement over the topics that contribute to the composition of the framework for organizational behavior but most people agree that the core topics, part of it would include motivation, leader behavior, leadership power, interpersonal communication, attitude development and perception, learning, group structure and processes, work stress, change processes and conflict management (Robbins, 2004). Now incase of Organizational Behavior, diversity usually refers to the workforce diversity. Workforce diversity refers to the increasing heterogeneity of organizations with the inclusion of workers from different groups. These groups may be created on the basis of ethnicity, age, gender, marital status, immigrants, etc. The key, however, to managing workforce diversity is to bring about flexibility in the organization's culture (Robbins, 2004). The organization might need to come up with better work schedules, compensation plans, physical and work settings, benefits and employees' other varied needs, such as, offering child and elder care, job sharing, flexibility in work hours, etc. Communication, in general, can be defined as the transfer and understanding of meaning or ideas or information (Griffin, Moorehead, 2009). This is basically how information and ideas can be conveyed and holds due relevance for an organization. As the world has globalized, information has become an organizations most vital resource, and organizations are willing to invest heavily in ensuring secure and efficient flow of information from one part of the organization to another. Perfect communication, if such a thing were to exist, would only be achieved if an idea or message was transmitted in such a manner that the picture perceived by the receiver would exactly be the same as envisioned by the sender (Robbins, 2004). Organization, in general, is composed of people, i.e. individuals. So, one way of looking at an organization's effectiveness and efficiency would be to look at aggregating the efficiency and effectiveness of all the individuals who are part of the organization. So, Organizational Behavior would tend to focus on factors that may impact the efficiency and effectiveness of an employee. Now there can be a variety of aspects of the organization's culture or the work environment that may negatively impact an individual's effectiveness and efficiency, which may ultimately hurt the organization in the long run. So, the idea is to tweak and change the work environment, so as to raise the level of effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. Factors such as employee morale, compensation, flexibility of the work environment and leadership play a very vital role in it (Griffin, Moorhead, 2009). These factors result in defining the commitment levels of the individual and ultimately the entir e organization. The concept of a learning organization was something managers and organization theorists came up with in response to the growing interdependence of organizations in times of globalization and change. In simple terms, a learning organization is one that has the capacity to continuously adapt and change given the dynamic nature of the macro or external environment. Just as individuals learn, so do organizations, i.e. all organizations learn whether they consciously choose to or not, in order for their sustained existence learning is a basic requirement. However, some companies such as, Wal-Mart, Xerox,

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

YOUR CHOICE Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

YOUR CHOICE - Assignment Example A president’s removal from office is only possible if there is a two-thirds majority in the Senate. Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton have both undergone impeachment trial, but retained their seats. I believe it is appropriate because it is a thorough and fair process. Original intent plays a significant role in the interpretation of the constitution and laws of congress Supreme Court. It is necessary because it helps to maintain the representative democracy under the federal Constitution and acts as a system of checks and balances. Judges who digress from the original understanding of a constitutional provision have to use their own prejudice, rationality, and social preference, which may be unfair in some cases. Even so, original intent should not be the most important criterion because decisions depend on interpretation of the constitution. State and federal courts should have the power of judicial review to appraise and nullify laws that the legislative and executive branches of government have passed, but infringe a constitutional

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Negligence in Midwifery

Negligence in Midwifery Christine Borg After a spontaneous vaginal delivery a woman suffered a severe haemorrhage leading to hypovolaeima and severe adult respiratory distress. She was admitted to an Intensive Care Unit but had recurrent bleeding, than collapsed. After resuscitation in theatre, a substantial piece of placental tissue was removed under general anaesthesia. Upon routine checking the staff midwife was initially doubtful about the placenta, but then she documented that the placenta was complete. Discuss. Introduction A practising registered midwife is an accountable person who ensures that health and safety laws are implemented in her care provided (Dimond, 2002 pg.312). The registered midwife puts into priority the safety of the mother and her baby. The competent midwife is knowledgeable, understanding, skilled, and accountable. Unfortunately any behaviour that the research based professional carries out or fails to carry out, that result in harm to the mother or the child will have legal implications (Dimond, 2002). Postpartum haemorrhage Uncontrolled bleeding of more than 500mls from the women’s genital tract, at any time following delivery to 12 weeks postpartum is described as postpartum haemorrhage (Williams, 2011 pg.113). Blood lost can be either evident or concealed, resulting in shock (Tiran, 2012). Postpartum haemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal death occurring worldwide (Fraser Cooper, 2009). Optimum management of the third and fourth stage of labour is a matter of great concern towards preserving maternal health. Postpartum haemorrhage is most often a case of inappropriate management of the third stage of labour, along with an unprofessional inspection of the placenta (Fraser Cooper, 2009). Examination of the placenta Inspection of the placenta is a practical examination done in the labouring room by a fully qualified midwife. This exam includes the assessment of both the fetal and maternal membranes. Evaluation of the placenta is part of the duty of care of the midwife in the first hour following birth. On the delivery of the placenta, either by expectant or active management of the third stage, the midwife holds up the placenta from the umbilical cord with the fetal surfaces being examined first. The membranes are examined for integrity, completeness and any present abnormalities. Membranes; the amnion and the chorion should be made sure to be present and complete (De Kock, 2004). This assessment is usually done in the presence of the mother. The maternal surface is examined for completeness, so as to make sure that no cotyledons have been left inside the uterus. If a cotyledon is found to be missing, or if the midwife is uncertain with regards to placental findings, help from other health professionals should be sought and the placenta kept for further examination. Of utmost importance is to include the mother in the examination, describing reasons for the examination procedure, while explaining the possible risks of an incomplete placenta (De Kock, 2004). Women’s right for information The mother has the right to be informed of both the normal and abnormal findings. Communication is a necessary tool in midwifery. While being close to the woman, the midwife should have explained the situation and kept the mother calm, while talking her through the necessary procedures that were to take place (ICM, 2011) The midwife The title ‘midwife’ can only be used by the ’’person who has successfully completed a midwifery educational programme, that is duly recognized in the country where it is located and that is based on the ICM Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice and the framework of ICM Global Standards for Midwifery Education : who has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery and use the title ‘midwife’; and who demonstrates competency in the practice of midwifery’’ (Midwives code of practice, 2005). The core competencies of the midwife The midwife is fit to practise if she has the necessary knowledge and skills, has a good professional behaviour, character and a good health status, meeting the standards and competencies required (ICM, 2011). Competencies are set up as a guide for midwives to fulfil their profession. The guidelines provided by the code of practise in midwifery, aims to put in priority the safety of the mother and the child. The competencies of the expert of normality include her ability to work with the women and provide constant care and support. Being competent means, that a high quality care and a cultural sensitive assistance is given to the mother during birth. Such event is the monitoring of the fetal and maternal wellbeing and providing the assistance towards performing a safe birth. The midwife must be aware of the possible risks occurring during labour being able to observe, recognize and act when warning signs present (ICM, 2011). Being competent and accountable- the case scenario The skills and abilities allow the midwife to inspect the placenta for integrity and completeness, however, in such a case as described above, having a midwife not sure of herself, referral to other health care professionals should have been considered while assisting the latter if possible. Having the mother notified of the findings and given consent with relation to the procedures that needed to take place, appropriate analgesia should have been administered. Once the doctor confirms that a part of the placenta is missing, a vaginal exam followed by an examination of the uterus under sterile conditions is usually performed. Should the midwife acted as a responsible professional, she must have been in control to take the necessary urgent measures if help from other health professionals was not accessible, keeping in mind the risk against the benefits. In such a case the priority of the midwife should have been managing postpartum bleeding so as to avoid the incidence of haemorrhage (ICM, 2011). The skills and abilities of the midwife allow her to perform a fundal massage in order to stimulate a contraction and help any remaining clots left in the uterine or vaginal cavity to be delivered (De Kock, 2004). Of utmost importance in the delivering the appropriate care, was the monitoring and estimation of the maternal blood loss. Oxytocic drugs should have been administered while regularly assessing vital signs of the mother, in addition to the recording of concise and accurate data of the events (ICM, 2011). In such a case were haemorrhage occurred, lifesaving drugs could have been administered to the woman in order for shock and respiratory distress to be avoided. The midwife shall have the skill to identify shock and be able to manage it. An intravenous line should have been inserted in such case and while administering the appropriate fluids and drugs, drawing of blood for laboratory testing could have been made possible. The woman with serious complication needed to be transferred to a higher level of care so as for emergency care to be given as required. In extreme cases the midwife must be able to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (De Kock, 2004). Furthermore, following such care, the midwife must have given great importance to the postnatal period of the woman. Observations of the woman’s progress and monitoring of the vital signs should have taken place (ICM, 2011). Record Keeping- A professional tool Accurate documentation of the process of labour and birth is a responsible role of the midwife. Appropriate written information about the progress of labour and the on-going care provided during this experience, gives out relative information about the mother and the fetal well-being during the birth events. The midwife must ensure that all the records are filled appropriately before transferring the woman to the future health care professionals (De Kock, 2004). The purpose of documentation is to provide a written evidence of events as they take place (Dimond, 2002). Appropriate written communication in the event of labour shall be factual, well dictated, concise, consistent, accurate, clear, legible, relevant and signed. Writing shall include detailed information of the care provided, the plan, actions, observations and the events occurring during labour (Dimond, 2002) All the information being documented is to be written as a contemporaneous manner of events. Documenting childbirth is a description of the birthing process. Relative information shall include data of the estimated blood loss during labour, the findings from the placenta examination as well as the results of the mother’s vital signs, whenever taken during the mother’s stay. Assessment of the perineum and vagina along with identification of necessary repairs, type and quantity of sutures required should also be noted (Dimond, 2002). The midwife must preserve all information recorded. Keeping all the records provides guidance to the health professional (Dimond, 2002). Documentation is a tool in the experts practise and it shall be considered as an essential part of care and not as additional to the care offered (Dimond, 2002) When writing out records one is to eliminate abbreviations and write in a manner that is easily understood by others. Records shall be clear so as to serve as a tool to facilitate an investigation. If any mistake is present in the recording of information, this should be corrected by cutting out neatly the mistake, while making sure that a signature and a date is presented. All information recorded by students is to be seen and signed by the midwife assigned. Information is to be written in a consecutive manner, having problems arising during the birth identified, and the actions and plans noted (Dimond, 2002). Regular training on documentation shall be proposed especially in situations where pressure is present especially at the time of the delivery where time is limited and record keeping is given a low priority. Written information shall reflect a clear evidence of the care being constantly provided to the mother and the baby (Dimond, 2002) ‘’A record becomes a legal document whenever it is required as an evidence of events occurred and is relevant in a court of law’’ (Dimond, 2002). Tools of documentation are necessary in the court of law, as although they are not always a proof of truth; records are an instrument of evidence and are tool for criticism by the judge. All written records are to be accurately dated timed, and signed. Negligence ‘Negligence may be best defined as actionable harm where a patient claims compensation caused by the carelessness of a midwife in breach of their duty of care’’ (Griffith, 2008). Negligence is the failure to take care of someone or something. This is the most brought up action in health services for compensation (Dimond, 2002 pg.182). Compensation can only be given when the midwife infracted the law in her duty of care, when harm has been recognised, or in the presence of a negative result that had been led to by the disrupted duty of care. The midwife has the responsibility of the duty of care towards all her clients. The duty of care involves: caring safely for the women and family, being able to communicate effectively, sharing evidence based information, giving advice, notifying the women of risks and acting in a way to promote health (Dimond, 2002 pg.184). The duty of care does not only relate to the care and treatment, but includes also the act of recording factual information and storing records. Duty of care involves all actions and activities that ensure safety. The midwife must aim to avoid acts that put the person at risk of harm. The person described is one who is directly affected by the midwife act. The aim is to have a positive effect on the mother, new-born, family and the overall experience (Dimond, 2002 pg.185). When a midwife is found guilty of putting the mother close to death a custodial sentence is most likely to be received by midwife (Griffith, 2010). Legislation of care This case scenario is a typical example of a dispute in the legal duty of care. In this case the midwife must have first understood the present standards of care (Dimond, 2002). The midwife described here has failed to understand and follow the protocols, guidelines and procedures drawn up nationally and locally. The midwife has also failed to understand the importance of accurate record keeping. The midwife is challenged on her inappropriate actions. Her records, if written precisely can also aid in defending her actions (Griffith, 2010). As a general rule, midwives who are not certain about the changing and revised standards of care, being practised in the area, are to make sure that all necessary information is gathered, understood and followed, so as to enhance safety in the care given to the mother and the family (Griffith, 2008). All midwives are responsible to obey to all policies. Trained and competent midwives are trusted and the element of trust in a qualified midwife reflects her level of competencies (Dimond, 2002). The government aims to increase the standard of the registered professionals and makes sure that all practioners listed on the registration list are safe and protective towards the public. Legislation aims to protect the mothers from dangerous professional staff. When a professional staff identifies that she has made a mistake, she shall not be complacent. It is the role of the midwife to communicate effectively with the woman and give all the acknowledgment, explanations and apologies, so as to act in the best way to correct her behaviour towards safeguarding the women and her family (Dimond, 2002 pg. 220). Although health professionals are to be knowledgeable and assertive, being over confident with their behaviour might put the mother and child at risk. With regard to this case scenario, having the midwife not seeking help from other professionals signifies, that her over confidence has led her to reduce the quality of care provided. Furthermore, a competent midwife would not only make sure that the placenta is examined correctly, but would also ensure that the placenta is examined in the presence of the mother, having findings continuously being communicated and explained. Any competent assessment of the risk would have to take in account the post birth vital signs of the women. The midwife’s failure to document correctly, take action and evaluate the mother’s vital signs was a direct cause towards the deterioration of the mother (Dimond, 2002). Conclusion The professional care provided by the midwife should be based on research and be within the law. As the claims for compensation continue to rise, the need for midwives to understand and reflect on the cases of negligence is important; so as to minimize the risk of negligence and increase the levels of standards of care (Dimond, 2002 pg.226). It is the midwives’ duty to understand the elements of negligence and take care of their actions and behaviours. A holistic approach of care provided by the midwife includes ’’leadership; clinical knowledge and skills; documentation; guideline development; risk management and debrief; audit; and education’’ (De Kock, 2004). References The core competencies for basic midwifery practice. (2002). Journal of Midwifery and Womens Health, 47(5), 403-404-406. De Kock, J. (2004). Second and third stages of labour. In J. De Kock, C. Van der Walt (Eds.), Maternal and newborn care: A complete guide for midwives and other health professionals (1st ed., pp. 14-1-14-7). Lansdowne: Juta and Company. Dimond, B. (Ed.). (2002). Legal aspects of midwifery (2nd ed.). China: Elsevier Science Limited. Fraser, D. M., Cooper, M. A. (Eds.). (2009). Myles textbook for midwives (15th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. Griffith, R. (2008). Negligence and the standard of midwifery practice. British Journal of Midwifery, 16(10), 676-677. Griffith, R. (2010). Understanding negligence as a crime in midwifery. British Journal of Midwifery, 18(7), 449-450. International Confederation of Midwives. (2011). Essential competencies for basic midwifery practice 2010. (). International confideration of midwives. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.internationalmidwives.org/ Medfort, J., Battersby, S., Evan, M., Marsh, B., Walker, A. (Eds.). (2011). Oxford handbook of midwifery (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. Midwives code of practice. (2005, July). Retrieved from https://ehealth.gov.mt/download.aspx?id=908 Tiran, D. (Ed.). (2012). Baillieres midwives dictionary (12th ed.). London: Elsevier.

Friday, October 25, 2019

William Shakespeare Biography :: essays research papers

William Shakespeare was born to John Shakespeare and mother Mary Arden approximately in late April 1564 in Stratford -upon-Avon. His father was a prominent and prosperous alderman and later became a leather merchant. In William’s family there was at least 8 children, including him being the 3rd and eldest son. There is no solid proof as to which school Shakespeare attended, but there is an assumption it was at Stratford. The school was competitive and had a good reputation, which would explain Shakespeare’s proficiency in Greek and Latin. William did not go to college, which prompts some people to say that Shakespeare did not write his own work. (Hieatt.2) In November 1582 he married Anne Hathaway, who was 8 years older. Shortly after, their daughter Susan was born in May 26,1583. The couple later had twins, Hamnet and Judith, who were born on February 2, 1585. Hamnet, later died at the age of eleven and William then disappeared from the records for about seven years, until 1588 when he arrived in London to establish himself as an actor and playwrighter. A few years later he joined up with one of the most successful acting troupes in London: The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. He then went on to build his own theater across from the old one. Shakespeare entertained the king and the people for another 10 years until June 19,1613 when a cannon fired from the roof of the theater and burned it to the ground. He then invested in the rebuilding of the new theater. After this successful event he then retired from the stage in 1597, but continued to write until his death in 1616 on the day of his 52nd birthday. On average Shakespeare would write about 3 plays a year for his company along. He was A playwright, an actor, and part owner. Shakespeare was also a principle writer of a famous company of actors know as the King’s Men. In his time Shakespeare wrote 13 comedies, 13 historical plays, 6 tragedies, 4 tragicomedies, as well 154 sonnets. He is most noted for his achievements in highly original tragedies. Shakespeare was quite wealthy in his day, considering he left 300 pounds (120,000) to his daughter when he past away. (Fraser.22) Western Civilization still does embrace the works of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is the only playwrighter from his ere whose plays are still being performed today. His influences are still seen today with adaptations of his plays such as: â€Å"Romeo and Juliet†, â€Å"Hamet† and â€Å"Titus†.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Why I Hate Montclair

When I first stepped onto the campus of Montclair State University, I knew it was a place for me. It was so beautiful and walking past the gorgeous, blooming flowers, in the middle of spring was breathtaking. I could imagine what being a student in the school would feel like and how quickly I could become accustom to it. Unfortunately, I had to face the fact that it was all a dream and nothing was perfect as it seems. Even though Montclair State University has many great aspects, it also has negative aspects as well.The three most significant aspects of Montclair State University that I believe can be improved are parking, the shuttle bus, and the registration arrangement. One of the most important negative aspects that I dislike about Montclair State University is the parking system. Most students at the University are aware that parking is indeed very difficult and can be extremely stressful at times. The worst part is that freshman and sophomores are required to park at the transi t deck which is about a ten to fifteen minute walk. Parking in the transit deck is very time-consuming, and usually the reason most students are late to their first class.Finding a good parking spot takes a lot of effort, and takes even more effort at certain times throughout the day. For example, if a student has an 8:30 class, it is extremely difficult to find a parking spot in the first, second, and even third floor. A student must circle around each floor and sometimes drive around the same floor of the deck twice in case they missed a spot. It is nearly impossible to find a perfect spot, so the only thing a person can do is to get the first spot available to them even if it is located in one of the highest floors.One must leave their house or apartment extra early especially if they have a morning class just to find parking. Truly, it does take a lot of time, and even worse when it is packed. All in all, parking is one of the aspects of Montclair that I was not expecting, but i t is something that I must adapt to in order to continue making the most out of my college experience. Another aspect of Montclair State University which I truly dislike is the shuttle buses. These buses take freshman and sophomores from the transit deck to certain areas of the campus to save the ten to fifteen minute walk.Although that seems fair and organized, it actually is not. I can honestly say that sometimes walking is actually much faster and less time-consuming than actually taking the bus to campus. The bus is never accurate in its schedule and never comes when it’s supposed to. Sometimes students must wait at the shuttle bus stop from a range of five minutes to an hour for a shuttle to come. Therefore, on some days it is actually better to walk the mile rather than wait for a shuttle and be late to your next class.Taking a shuttle bus is the worst part of my day because not only do I have to wake up extra early in order to catch a shuttle bus and get to class on ti me, but I also have to wait for a shuttle bus after class ends. After a long day of classes, the first thing I think about is going home to take a nap. However, by the time I get home, it is usually too late to do anything because I have work to complete for the next day. All in all, shuttle buses are not as advantageous as they are supposed to be. Last but not least, the registration arrangement during registration time is something that I hate but try to understand.During the registration process, seniors get first pick and can choose from any courses they want. The next day, juniors get to pick from whatever courses are not closed and anything that the seniors did not take. The sophomores then follow the same arrangement and so on. The freshman or class of 2014 gets last pick and can only choose from whatever courses that may still be open, and are not closed by the seniors , juniors, and sophomores. The freshmen, like myself, not only get to pick last but find it impossible to m ake the perfect schedule.Most times, freshman must forget about their own preference and just take what they can get because unfortunately there are not many choices left by the time it is their turn. Therefore, there is not only competition of courses between freshman and the upperclassman, but also between freshman and themselves. By the end of the last day, students must choose from whatever classes are open even if it means they do not want or need that class. The registration arrangement makes the freshman’s year even more difficult by trying to find open classes to match their preferences.In conclusion, Montclair State University is kan excellent school which I am glad that I have the opportunity to attend. One of the things that I dislike about Montclair is the parking system. Another thing that I cannot stand is the shuttle buses. The shuttle buses can definitely be improved to be a more effective system and an easier system for all students. Finally, the registration arrangement is another thing that I loathe about Montclair. With that being said, Montclair State University is an exceptional school, but, like any other school, has room for improvement

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Gregor and Othello: Disillusionment Essay

An illusion is something that we think is real but is actually not. We produce illusions when our minds play tricks on us. When we discover the truth, we feel a terrible sense of disillusionment. This is when we discover that what have known all along has been false. Disillusionment thugs at our innermost core and lead us to deep misery. The characters of Gregor Samsa in Franz Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis† and Othello in Shakespeare’s play of the same title both experience this sense disillusionment. They both think that the thing that they believe in is real but towards the end of their lives, they discover that what they have believed in are just illusions. When Gregor Samsa turns into a giant insect, he notices the transformation but he still believes that he is still the human Gregor. Even if he notices that he turns into an insect, he is not worried. What he is worried about is that he is late for work and that his boss might get angry at him (1085). He forces himself to get up and thinks that what he has to do even if he sees that he has turned into an insect is to get dressed, have breakfast and catch the next train to work. Gregor’s illusion is that the world will treat him as Gregor the human even if his appearance has turned into an insect. It is an illusion because everybody who sees Gregor sees only the monstrous insect and not Gregor. He tries to make everyone understand that he is still Gregor but being turned into an insect, he talks like an insect and the insect noises that he makes are not understood by his family. The family sees a giant insect and hears insect noises. So even if inside that insect shell, there’s still Gregor who thinks human thoughts and feel human warmth and affection, outside, he is not Gregor anymore. His illusion is that others will see him as human and not as insect. There’s even a point in the when Gregor’s insect body grows on him that he starts to enjoy moving and using his new kind of feet. He learns to crawl around his room, on the wall and on the ceiling. When Gregor’s sister, Grete, notices Gregor’s behavior, Grete thinks that they should get rid of the furniture inside Gregor’s room to allow Gregor to crawl more freely (1098). Gregor initially welcomes the suggestion but is startled because he notices that with that suggestion, he is actually allowing his family to think that he has really turned into a crawling insect (1099). So he scared Grete and his mother while they are carrying the furniture out. Gregor holds on to his illusion that his family will eventually see that he is still Gregor. He always makes it a point to be courteous to his family. Since his family cannot take his hideous appearance especially his sister Grete who comes to his room for food, Gregor hides his body whenever he senses Grete getting inside his room. There is even one time when he labors for four hours just to cover his whole body for his sister Grete (1097). But as days pass, it becomes evident that Gregor’s family members will not look or relate to him as a human. Gregor’s disillusionment happens when he gets out of his room to get closer to Grete who is playing violin for the lodgers. When the lodgers and Grete see him, Grete tells everyone with Gregor in front of her: You just have to try to get rid of the idea that it’s Gregor. Believing it for so long that is our real misfortune. But how can it be Gregor? (1107) When Gregor hears his sister he becomes sad, returns to his room and dies in misery that he really cannot be Gregor anymore to his family. Othello’s illusion is that his wife is cheating on him. This is not real but Othello is tricked and made to believe of his wife’s infidelity. It is Iago, one of Othello’s men who cunningly produces the illusion in Othello’s mind. In Act 1 Scene III of the play, Iago makes a speech about his intention for tricking Othello. He hates Othello, â€Å"I hate the Moor†, because Othello does not make him Lieutenant. Instead, Othello chooses Cassio whom Iago believes to be less experienced and qualified (Shakespeare Act I Scene III Lines 383-404). Iago uses Cassio and even his own wife, Emilia to achieve his plot of ruining Othello by making him believe that his wife is having an affair with Cassio. Iago asks Emilio who works for Desdemona to steal Desdemona’s handkerchief given to her by Othello. Emilia does not initially suspect of Iago’s evil plot; she gets the handkerchief and gives it to Iago. Iago then puts the handkerchief in Cassio’s room (Act III Scene IV). This is what Iago uses to make Othello believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio and Othello believes him. Othello’s disillusionment happens after he has killed Desdemona for believing that Desdemona is cheating on him. In Act V Scene II, Emily tells Othello that Desdemona loves him and that Desdemona does not give Cassio the handkerchief as token of her love (Lines 226-229). Othello confirms this with Iago’s behavior. As Emily is divulging the Iago’s evil plot, Iago kills Emily and runs away (Act V Scene II Line 239). Othello recognizes his foolishness, â€Å"O fool! O fool! O Fool! (Act V Scene II Line 322) The disillusionment leads Othello to misery and takes his own life. The characters of Gregor and Othello both hang on to illusions and feel a terrible sense of disillusionment upon learning of the truth. Disillusionment is a universal human emotion. As in the case of Gregor and Othello, disillusionment always result in pain for us humans because pain is the result of the destruction of that part of us that keeps us ignorant. The pain that comes with disillusionment signals that something in us is destroyed: our illusion and ignorance. Works Cited Kafka, Franz. â€Å"The Metamorphosis. † Literature World Masterpieces. 4th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1996, 1084-1110. Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Othello the Moor of Venice. † The Compact Bedford Introduction to Drama. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 5th Ed. New York: Bedford’s/St. Martin, 2005, 246-288.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Non-Member Countries of the United Nations

Non-Member Countries of the United Nations Although most of the worlds 196 countries have joined forces to tackle global issues like global warming, trade policy, and human rights and humanitarian issues through joined the United Nations as U.N. member states, two countries are not members of the U.N.: Palestine and the Holy See (Vatican City). Both, however, are considered Non-member States of the United Nations, which means they have permanent invitations to participate as observers of the General Assembly and are provided free access to documents of the United Nations. Although not specifically dictated in provisions of the United Nations, the non-member permanent observer status has been recognized as a matter of practice in the U.N. since 1946 when the Swiss Government was given the status by the Secretary-General. More often than not, permanent observers later join the United Nations as full members when their independence has been recognized by more members and their governments and economy have stabilized enough to be able to provide financial, military or humanitarian support for international initiatives of the United Nations. Palestine Palestine currently operates on a Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations because of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and its subsequent fight for independence. Until such a time as the conflict is resolved, though, the United Nations cannot allow Palestine to become a full member because of a conflict of interest with Israel, which is a member state. Unlike other conflicts in the past, namely Taiwan-China, the United Nations favors a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict wherein both states emerge from the battle as independent nations under a peaceful pact. If this does happen, Palestine would almost certainly be accepted as a full member of the United Nations, though that depends on member states votes during the next General Assembly. The Holy See (Vatican City) The independent papal state of 771 people (including the Pope) was created in 1929, but they have not chosen to become part of the international organization. Still, Vatican City currently operates in the United Nations as a Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the U.N. Essentially, this just means that the Holy See- which is separate from Vatican City State - has access to all parts of the United Nations but does not get to cast a vote in the General Assembly, largely because of the Popes preference to not immediately affect international policy. The Holy See is the only fully independent nation to choose not to be a member of the United Nations. States Without Non-member Observer Status Unlike the U.N.s official permanent observers, these states are not recognized by the U.N. However, they are recognized as independent states by some of the U.N.s members. Name Recognized By Kosovo 102 U.N. member states Western Sahara 44 U.N. member states Taiwan 16 U.N. member states South Ossetia 5 U.N. member states Abkhazia 5 U.N. member states Northern Cyprus 1 U.N. member state Kosovo Kosovo declared independence from Serbia  on February 17, 2008, but has not gained complete international recognition to allow it to become a member of the United Nations. Still, at least one member country of the U.N. recognizes Kosovo as capable of independence, though it technically still remains part of Serbia, acting as an independent province. However, Kosovo is not listed as an official non-member state of the United Nations, though it has joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which are two other international communities focused more on international economy and global trade rather than geopolitical issues. Kosovo does hope to one day join the United Nations as a full member, but political unrest in the region, as well as the ongoing United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), have kept the country from political stability to the degree required to join as a functioning member state. Today, Kosovo is recognized by 102 U.N. members. Taiwan In 1971 the Peoples Republic of China (mainland China) replaced Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China) in the United Nations, and to this day the status of Taiwan remains in limbo because of political unrest between those claiming Taiwanese independence and PRCs insistence on control over the entire region. The General Assembly has not fully extended the non-member state status of Taiwan since 2012 because of this unrest. Unlike Palestine, however, the United Nations does not favor a two-state resolution and has subsequently not offered non-member status to Taiwan as to not offend the Peoples Republic of China, which is a member state. Today, Taiwan is recognized by 16 U.N. members.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Anatomy of Sex Essay Example

Anatomy of Sex Essay Example Anatomy of Sex Essay Anatomy of Sex Essay Advertising generally assigns quite varied gender roles to both males and females. For example, women are depicted as carrying out tasks that are related to the household such as taking care of children, preparing food, and tending to their husbands. Such depiction essentially assigns ladies the domestic roles of housewives. Conversely, men in advertising are usually depicted as doing more strenuous and challenging tasks such as working in mines, factories, and elegant blue chip companies. Such portrayal allocates challenging tasks which usually require careful mental input to men. How have women been depicted in advertising? In advertising, women are usually depicted as weak individuals who thrive on fantasy as opposed to reality. Further, adverts generally depict women as being inferior to men and thus doing as the men require them to do. This concept is related to the pattern of depicting women as add-ons to men whereby women act as adornments to various entities. For example, beautiful women are featured on adverts popularizing some stunning entities with the view that the women will make the item more acceptable. How does advertising affect the lives of girls? Due to the allure that is usually associated with advertising, girls are usually negatively influenced by adverts. For example, when very thin models are employed in such adverts, impressionable girls usually strive to have physiques resembling those of the models. To this end, the naive girls usually engage in dangerous activities, such as anorexia nervosa, in a bid to resemble advert models. Girls thus suffer due to advertising. How does advertising affect the lives of boys? Owing to the aggressive nature that is encouraged by adverts, boys usually adopt behaviors that degrade and objectify women. The boys thus lose their respect for women and subsequently find having meaningful relationships with women very hard. Are there any biases in this film? There are obvious biases in Jean Kilbourne’s Killing us Softly 3: Advertisings Image of Women movie because the director seeks to portray women as disenfranchised characters in society. The movie is thus aligned towards femininity, blaming men for women’s woes and urging women to reject this trend. HSC 425I: Human Sexuality â€Å"Anatomy of Sex† Discussion Questions: How has evolution affected sex between humans? Evolution has made humans to adopt new styles and modes of conducting sexual intercourse. For example, with time, humans have devised a myriad of sex poses. Further, time has enabled humans to learn of extra ways of conducting sexual intercourse, including oral and anal sex. How did the participants in the film describe orgasms? The film’s participants described orgasms as indescribable phenomena that leave sex partners almost unconscious due to extreme joy. Further, orgasms are described as making the human body to relax in a pleasant way. How did the MRI images change thinking about intercourse? The presentation of MRI photos has altered thoughts on intercourse because through such images, it is discovered that sexual intercourse is a profound biological process that relies on emotional input to succeed. Analyzing this concept shows that intercourse is essentially a natural process that only utilizes minimal emotional input. Thoughts that intercourse is an exclusively emotional activity are thus quashed. How does the brain affect sexual arousal? After a person sees sexually provocative images, signal are send to the brain which after processing relays information to relevant body parts urging for sexual arousal. For instance, the brain may facilitate to increased blood flow into the penis, thus making it bulge. Do you think the film is in anyway biased? Jonathan Grupper’s 2005 Anatomy of Sex movie is not biased in my view because it just candidly presents factual information about intercourse without urging for any specific action. Such objectivity denotes the film as being unbiased. Reference Catterall, M. ; Maclaran, P. ; Stevens, L. (2000). Marketing and feminism: current issues and research. London: Routledge.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Important History of Cellophane

The Important History of Cellophane Cellophane film was invented by Jacques E Brandenberger, a swiss textile engineer, in 1908. Brandenberger was seated at a restaurant when a customer spilled wine onto the tablecloth. As the waiter replaced the cloth, Brandenberger decided that he should invent a clear flexible film that could be applied to cloth, making it waterproof. Brandenberger experimented with many materials, including applying liquid viscose (a cellulose product known as rayon) to cloth, however, the viscose made the cloth too stiff. The experiment failed, but Brandenberger noted that the coating peeled off in a transparent film. Like so many inventions, the original use for Cellophane film was abandoned and new and better uses were found. By 1908, Brandenberger developed the first machine for the manufacture of transparent sheets of regenerated cellulose. By 1912, Brandenberger was making a saleable thin flexible film used in gas masks. La Cellophane Societe Anonyme Brandenberger was granted patents to cover the machinery and the essential ideas of his manufacturing process of the new film. Brandenberger named the new film Cellophane, derived from the French words cellulose and diaphane (transparent). In 1917 Brandenberger assigned his patents to La Cellophane Societe Anonyme and joined that organization. In the United States, the first customer for Cellophane film was Whitmans candy company, who used the film to wrap their chocolates. Whitmans imported the product from France until 1924, when Dupont started manufacturing and selling the film. DuPont On December 26, 1923, an agreement was executed between the DuPont Cellophane Company and La Cellophane. La Cellophane licensed to the DuPont Cellophane Company the exclusive rights to its United States cellophane patents and granted to the DuPont Cellophane Company the exclusive right to make and sell in North and Central America using La Cellophanes secret processes for cellophane manufacture. In exchange, the DuPont Cellophane Company granted to La Cellophane the exclusive rights for the rest of the world the use of any cellophane patents or processes DuPont Cellophane Company might develop. An important factor in the growth of Cellophane film production and sales was the perfection of moisture-proof cellophane film by William Hale Charch (1898-1958) for DuPont, the process was patented in 1927. According to DuPont, DuPont scientist William Hale Charch and a team of researchers figured out how to make cellophane film moisture-proof, opening the door for its use in food packaging. After testing more than 2,000 alternatives, Charch and his team devised a workable process for moisture-proofing Cellophane film. Making Cellophane Film In the manufacturing process, an alkaline solution of cellulose fibers (usually wood or cotton) known as viscose is extruded through a narrow slit into an acid bath. The acid regenerates the cellulose, forming a film. Further treatment, such as washing and bleaching, yields Cellophane. The tradename Cellophane is currently the registered trademark of Innovia Films Ltd of Cumbria UK.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Wal-mart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Wal-mart - Essay Example Such political opposition emanates mostly from community members who raises economic concerns related to the largest retail store company expansion. The inherent politics reflects constant concerns that mainly results from Walmart’s negligence and insensitivity to corporate concerns besides market dominance. Though the opposition may arguably result from local political pressures, partial contribution of unjust interference and violation of business rights exists. Every company would wish to expand and make profit. Any interference against such expansion is unfair and violates their rights. Though Walmart’s expansion remains a genuine business objective, opponents of such success presents valid concerns. Continual expansion of Walmart have assuredly caused various consumption issues amongst consumers. Expansion of Walmart have reduced consumers’ scope of choice for preferred services and goods while additionally increasing prices of retailed items. Involvement of Walmart in corporate responsibilities including provision of relief food to Hurricane Katrina victims and association with government in providing healthy foods reflects opponents’ valid concerns (Shaw & Barry, 2015). Consequently, Walmart’s expansion faces legitimate political opposition from locals besides unfair partial market system interference. It is imperative for Walmart to enhance their corporate responsibility concerns to help manage such political oppositions to their genuine

Friday, October 18, 2019

Housing Prices in Australia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Housing Prices in Australia - Research Paper Example The headline says: "Government policies, charges 'stifling' housing growth." The report says that "the Property Council of Australia is warning of a looming housing shortfall as prices and taxes increase." The surge in median house prices in the last seven years has shut many people out of the market, ABC News quoted the Council as saying. The report however is on Western Australia and not on the whole of Australia, but still there has to be concern to avoid a possible downturn. From a stable property market, there is a trend of slowing down due to circumstances or causes that are the primary focus of this study. However, the situation may not be serious. The causes will be enumerated in the literature review. Property market in Australia is a major source of wealth creation for investors, contributing to the socio-economic well being of all Australians. The Real Estate Institute of Australia states that in the financial year 2005/2006, property sales totaled $186.1 billion. The Institute further said that 67% of Australians owned their houses and 28% rented on the private market. Property affects everybody in Australia. Those who are renting their houses and those who own their houses are a subject of surveys by the prominent institutions in Australia and even from outside Australia. Over the pa The Real Estate Institute of Australia follows and conducts studies and trends in the real estate business in Australia. It is the national professional association for the real estate industry. Over the past years, right after the 1991-1992 economic recession, there has been a stable residential property market in Australia. But there is a growing defect that the Property Council of Australia has warned in its latest press release. This pertains to the higher taxes imposed by the government. 3.0 Purpose and Objectives This study will examine the underlying growth on the property market of Australia and the impact of the higher taxes. Surveys conducted by prestigious organizations like Standard and Poor's and Real Estate Institute of Australia and other similar organizations that have stakes in the property market have revealed a steady growth. This was recorded over the past 35 years by Standard & Poor's and the years preceding the 1991-1992 economic crisis. We will also study the present policies of government over real estate and their imposition of charges and taxes, whether these taxes or fees are bearable by the general public. The people who are at stake here are those who own or rent their houses. Following are the questions to be answered in the study: 1. Is the stable growth registered by the property

See upload Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

See upload - Assignment Example Tax returns, copies thereof, or other records may be sufficient to establish the use of the method of accounting used in the preparation of the taxpayers income tax returns (i)  Cash receipts and disbursements method.  Generally, under the cash receipts and disbursements method in the computation of taxable income, all items which constitute gross income (whether in the form of cash, property, or services) are to be included for the taxable year in which actually or constructively received. Expenditures are to be deducted for the taxable year in which actually made. For rules relating to constructive receipt, see  §1.451-2. For treatment of an expenditure attributable to more than one taxable year, see section 461(a) and paragraph (a)(1) of  §1.461-1. (ii)  Accrual method.  (A) Generally, under an accrual method, income is to be included for the taxable year when all the events have occurred that fix the right to receive the income and the amount of the income can be determined with reasonable accuracy. Except as provided in section 5.02(2) of this revenue procedure for certain short taxable years, this revenue procedure does not permit deferral to a taxable year later than the next succeeding taxable year The court, distinguishing from the holding in Schlude v. Commissioner, held that accrual method taxpayers are not required to include prepayments in gross income when there is certainty as to when performance would occur. Verdict: the Court held that, under the accrual method, taxpayers must include as income in a particular year advance payments by way of cash, negotiable notes, and contract installments falling due but remaining unpaid during that year. Verdict: It was held that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue did not abuse his discretion in determining that the prepaid dues were taxable as income in the year in which they were actually received and in rejecting

Alison Bechdel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Alison Bechdel - Essay Example The areas of focus are Alison Bechdel, her psychoanalysis ideals, fiction, comic, tale and abstraction. Introduction There remains a common perception among people that fiction has nothing to do about life’s reality. It has nothing to do about the truth, originality which lies with a person’s life (Bechdel). The comic of Alison Bechdel â€Å"are you my mother?† depicts another story. It tells that fiction do have some connection with a man’s life (Bechdel 1-5). The way the fiction gets formed does hold some colors of life of the person describing it in the fictional sense (Bechdel). Alison Bechdel who has come out as one of the popular comic writers in the cartoon comic industry is a woman of fiction bringing certain connections of her inner self and her life experiences in her abstraction. Bechdel’s writing is a demonstration which tells that fiction is a manifestation of life’s reality. It is the reflection of truth and situations which a p erson faces in his or her life periods (Bechdel 1-5). This report is going to assess the comic tale of Alison Bechdel, with an aim to find out that how fiction relates to reality (Martin). Themes here to analyze are psychoanalysis, psychodrama, fiction, comic tale and art respectively. Based on the derived thesis statement â€Å"fiction is an added color to life† and analyzing â€Å"Are you my Mother?† the report will draw certain findings, results and conclusion (Kothari). Method Adapted In cotemporary research studies, there are different methods being adapted to conduct the research. In the field of psychology, art and social sciences several authors have adapted the method of secondary research (Kothari). Secondary research is a research based on secondary sources (books, journals, news articles and periodicals), providing an explorative ground to the researcher to make the research apprehensive. In viewing the contemporary literature in arts and literature, the re searcher has adapted thematic secondary research method to analyze the Alison Bechdel’s art comic fiction effectively (Bechdel). This method adapted has made the researcher to explore several secondary sources, providing a closer and critical view on â€Å"Are you my Mother?† This method adapted will possibly lead to conclusive findings describing the comic drama in a more comprehensive way (Kothari 95). Results and Discussion The comic drama â€Å"Are you my Mother?† of Alison Bechdel opens up with the first chapter of the book in which Bechdel emphasizes on her inner eloquence that she had kept secret throughout her life’s journey (Garner 3-5). This was a book which Bechdel kept on emphasizing- an inner expression that had endured Bechdel from inside and throughout her life period (Luban 1-2). In the opening chapter when Bechdel was in conversation with her analyst, she expressed that her mother has been a looming psychic presence in her mind (Bechdel). She wanted to bring her out by writing a book which describes the story of her mother and the relationship with her as a growing daughter. Bechdel’s mother was like an ordinary mother as the comic drama explains but the relationship she kept with Bechdel was majorly different from her other children (Luban 2-3). The drama explains that when Bechdel was seven years old, her mother stopped kissing her to the good night bed. It was something disappointing for the child and definitely something which made Bechdel disturbed from inside. As â€Å"Are you my Mothe

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Sustainability Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Sustainability - Assignment Example Sustainability has appeared as a consequence of significant apprehensions about the unplanned social, ecological, and economic penalties of rapid populace growth, economic developments and expenditure of our natural possessions. In its untimely years, EPA acted principally as the country’s ecological watchdog, determined to make certain that businesses met lawful requirements to manage pollution. In succeeding years, EPA started to establish hypothesis, tools, and performances that facilitated it to emerge from scheming pollution to averting it (Anink, Chiel and John 240). Nowadays EPA intends to put sustainability the next intensity of environmental fortification by drawing on progresses in science and expertise to guard human healthiness and the surroundings, and promoting inventive green business applications. As population increases, civilization ought to establish traditions to expand devoid of depleting resources permitting subsequent generations to exist comfortably. Green construction and building is a thought developing from this necessity. One idea of green construction is sustainable building (BragancÃŒ §a, 45). This is an increasing eco-friendly technique of construction proposed to reduce unconstructive impact on the surroundings all through the construction process and organization of life cycle. Obtaining sustainable developments requires strict harmonization from the designers, engineers, and proprietors. The course starts with establishing a location that fits the implementation of the project. Throughout construction, there is alteration to the adjacent ecology there earlier. Excellent planning could decrease the consequences of emergent land. Architects utilize innate resources to diminish damage to surroundings. The solar system and the air current could be power resource s in a house. Experts in air conditioning, water, and thermo electricity set up systems to decrease energy use (Calkins,45).

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Aldous Huxleys Brave New World and the Movie Gattaca - Genetic Enginee Essay

Aldous Huxleys Brave New World and the Movie Gattaca - Genetic Engineering and Its Effects on People - Essay Example On the other hand, Gattaca by Niccol seeks to present a biological vision whereby in the future, liberal eugenics drives the society through the selection of potential children through pre-implantation genetic processes. Through this envisioned process, best hereditary traits of the parents are maintained and passed down to their children while comparatively vague traits undergo elimination. Most importantly, the movie shows concern on the effects and consequences of the reproductive technologies that facilitate eugenics. Evidently, both Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Gattaca by Andrew Niccol seek to enhance and adapt the engineering advancements allowing genetic alteration to produce a new generation of humans. However, both illustrate a certain degree of fear of the outcome as well as the effects resulting from excessive genetic engineering on people. At the outset, evidence shows Dr Lamar’s battle within himself stating human nature as the problem. He says that creation of genetically superior society consequences to snatching away of the rights and dreams of the society born as â€Å"God-children.† This quote clearly illustrates the detrimental idealism behind genetic engineering. Realistically, the story in Gattaca mainly seeks to show how aspects of desire and heart prove to be immeasurable but in an ironic way. Moreover, Lenina in Brave New World quotes that everyone works for everyone else. This quote focuses on insisting on the neutrality of humans even with the attempts to create a difference through genetic alteration. Furthermore, this quote depicts the equality of both â€Å"species,† regardless of caste, to death. Moreover, Gattaca portrays a new world in which everybody, especially the successful, undergoes genetic alteration to perfect their DNA. Vincent further insists on the need for genetic alteration to become successful when he quotes that the normal humans who have not been genetically altered are outcasts with less capability in the real world.  Ã‚  

Sustainability Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Sustainability - Assignment Example Sustainability has appeared as a consequence of significant apprehensions about the unplanned social, ecological, and economic penalties of rapid populace growth, economic developments and expenditure of our natural possessions. In its untimely years, EPA acted principally as the country’s ecological watchdog, determined to make certain that businesses met lawful requirements to manage pollution. In succeeding years, EPA started to establish hypothesis, tools, and performances that facilitated it to emerge from scheming pollution to averting it (Anink, Chiel and John 240). Nowadays EPA intends to put sustainability the next intensity of environmental fortification by drawing on progresses in science and expertise to guard human healthiness and the surroundings, and promoting inventive green business applications. As population increases, civilization ought to establish traditions to expand devoid of depleting resources permitting subsequent generations to exist comfortably. Green construction and building is a thought developing from this necessity. One idea of green construction is sustainable building (BragancÃŒ §a, 45). This is an increasing eco-friendly technique of construction proposed to reduce unconstructive impact on the surroundings all through the construction process and organization of life cycle. Obtaining sustainable developments requires strict harmonization from the designers, engineers, and proprietors. The course starts with establishing a location that fits the implementation of the project. Throughout construction, there is alteration to the adjacent ecology there earlier. Excellent planning could decrease the consequences of emergent land. Architects utilize innate resources to diminish damage to surroundings. The solar system and the air current could be power resource s in a house. Experts in air conditioning, water, and thermo electricity set up systems to decrease energy use (Calkins,45).

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

European History 1914-to present Essay Example for Free

European History 1914-to present Essay The period that immediately followed the First World War was marked by the autocratic regimes in Austria, Germany and Russia being replaced by republics as they were overthrown. There seemed to be a promise of an era of democracy as the seven states that had all been newly created adopted the republican form of government giving the impression that democracy had finally been found after the First World War. However, this did not last as after only two decades, a form of dictatorship took over most of the democratic European countries. While some countries became communists, others took to fascism which resulted to totalitarian form of government (Gardner, Kleiner Mamiya, 2005). In totalitarianism individuals had absolutely no freedom in their life as all political, intellectual, social, cultural, economic and even religious and spiritual activities were subordinated to the authority of the rulers and the government. This form of rule was characterized by the rulers of the government as a central power controlling all the aspects of the citizens lives through force and repression such that those who held views that were different from the ideologies of the rulers and had different practices in the mentioned aspects of their lives were considered to be against the state hence enemies. Totalitarianism was manifested through mass-media that was state controlled, one party state in which the party controlled everything that went on in the state, mass surveillance accompanied with state terrorism and restricted free discussion or criticism especially of the governmental ideologies. In European countries such as such as Russia under Stalin and Germany under Hitler, totalitarianism and the practices of the government received overwhelming support from the citizens (Gardner, Kleiner Mamiya, 2005). The support was however not spontaneous, it required the rulers to be charismatic so that he would be able to draw support. The rapid development in infrastructure especially communication and transportation played a great role in the rise and spread of the totalitarianism and growth of its popularity amongst the citizens in the countries in which it was practised. This paper seeks to discuss totalitarianism and the reasons for its rise in Europe in the early 20th century. Totalitarianism is characterized by the state pursuing some goal that is special such as conquest of a certain region, exclusion of all others who hold different ideologies from those ones of the state or industrialization. All resources of the state usually are directed and focussed on achievement of these goals regardless of their cost. Anything that furthers the attainment of the goal is fully supported while the things that threaten to foil this achievement are rejected. It is a form of obsession that triggers an ideology that explains and describes things in terms of the intended goal, justifying all obstacles that could arise and all the forces that may struggle against the state in achieving the desired goal (Gardner, Kleiner Mamiya, 2005). This results to the state getting popular support from the citizens which gives it the power to practice any form of governmental actions. Anyone opposing the goals or ideologies of the state is considered evil and political differences within the state not allowed. Achievement of the goal is never acknowledged even in the event the state actually gets to achieve it. This is because totalitarianism is entirely founded on the ideology of achieving the goal such that in the event the goal is achieved then it should cease to exist. The pursuit of specific goals by different leaders for the states they ruled is considered to be the main reason for the rise of totalitarianism in Europe. As mentioned earlier, fascism was one of the main reasons for totalitarianism. This ideology was common in Germany and Italy. It originated with Mussolini Benito in his rule over the country. This ideology in which the proponents advocated for the creation of a single party state was a reaction against equality, liberty and fraternity that were being proposed by democratic nations such as France and Britain after they won the war. Fascists argued that nations and races usually are in a conflict in which only the strongest and the healthiest survive. Apart from being healthy the strongest also survive by asserting themselves against the weak through repression and in combat (Griffiths 2005). These governments prohibited and suppressed opposition and any form of criticism to the government. In Germany, races that were not German such as the Jews, Slavs and individuals who were either sick or disabled were targeted for execution as Hitler’s government sought to have a nation of pure healthy Germans. Fascism claimed that a nation was the race and hence sought to execute everyone who was not of the race of the rulers (Griffiths 2005). Fascism is also characterized by respect and love for collective organization in which individuals work together to achieve a certain goals and ideology. This formed totalitarianism in Italy and Germany. In which the citizens were organized against other individuals of other races that were considered a threat to achieving a nation that was formed of one superior race. Nazism was movement mostly in Germany which was is also referred to as National Socialism. This movement sought to spread the ideologies of Adolf Hitler’s government in Germany and the world as a whole. Nazism is argued to be a form of fascism as its characteristics are the same as those ones of fascism as it featured racism, expansion and obedience/loyalty to one leader. Hitler expected everyone to be loyal to him and executed anyone who defiled his orders. Nazism also had theories about other races which portrayed them as inferior to German Aryans and a threat to its existence hence the necessity to get rid of them. This led to the massive execution of the Jews and the disabled Germans as they were considered unfit for survival according to fascism. This ideology is therefore one of the reasons for the rise of totalitarianism in Germany and most of its neighbouring nations (Klaus Vondung 2005). Bolshevism-Stalinism was the reason for the rise of totalitarianism in Russia. Bolshevism was a movement formed by professionals who believed in military control over the country and democratic centralism such the party (Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party) took form of internal hierarchy in which individuals from other groups were not allowed to lead the party. Only these members made decisions and any party that was formed to challenge Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party it was purged (Worley, Morgan Laporte 2002). This movement greatly supported single party state and is believed to have caused the rise of Stalinism. Stalinism refers to the form of government used by Joseph Stalin and those who were allied to his ideologies (Worley, Morgan Laporte 2002). This ideology is sometimes referred to as red fascism as it is a form of fascism. Stalinism refers to a form of governance that is characterized by oppression of the citizens and extensive spying by the government so that individuals can not criticize or form movements to overthrow it. This system was also characterized by purging in which those who were opposed to the government ideologies were sent to prison camps or sometimes killed. The state used propaganda and established some form of cult around a leader who was a dictator so that he would have absolute control over the communist party and maintain control over all the citizens of Russia. Apart from the mentioned countries, Austria also participated in the rise of totalitarianism by supporting Nazism and Fascism. Its Prime Minister Kurt Waldheim is said to have assisted Germany in transporting Jews to dearth camps. Several other Eastern and Central European countries also got obsessed with the fascist movement (Klaus Vondung 2005). This included Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovakia, Lithuania and Croatia. The fascist movements in these countries were all characterized racism specifically against the Jews whom they associated with communism which they greatly despised. Spain is the only country which though fascist never got obsessed with race and believing in the ant-Jewish conspiracies that characteristic of German’s Nazism. The rise of totalitarianism in Europe during the early 20th century was mainly due to fascism. Both Nazism and Bolshevism-Stalinism which were the main movements in Europe at this time and are all forms of fascism which emphasizes on the power of the state over the citizens. A significant characteristic of these movements is racism in which each state believed in being occupied by only those who were of its race hence eliminating those who belonged to different races or had different practices than were contrary to the ideologies of the ruling government. The most affected race in Europe was the Jewish. The rise of totalitarianism in Europe can therefore be solely attributed to fascism. References Gardner, H. , Kleiner, S. Mamiya, C. , (2005). Gardners Art Through The Ages: The Western Perspective. Sidney: Cengage Learning. Griffiths, R. (2005). Fascism second ed. New York, NY: Continuum International Publishing Group. Klaus Vondung, K. (2005). The Apocalypse in Germany, Columbia and London: Univ. of Missouri Press. Redles, D. (2005). Hitler’s Millennial Reich: Apocalyptic Belief and the Search for Salvation. New York, NY: New York Univ. Press. Worley, M. , Morgan, K. Laporte, N. , (2002). Bolshevism, Stalinism And The Comintern: Perspectives On Stalinization. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Definition Of Sustainability Engineering Essay

The Definition Of Sustainability Engineering Essay A Sustainable development is a development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet there own needs. The natural environment is the source of all substances that sustain human life on this planet and is also an invaluable sink for our wastes. Because of this it is vital that it doesnt get worn out or become unusable. This is where sustainability comes into play. With the right techniques, measurement and implementation of policy or even law, we, as a race, can act in a sustainable manner and take what we need from the planet without causing it harm. This can be applied from the biggest city down to the smallest design project. (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder) The History of Sustainability The idea of sustainability as we know it emerged in a series of summits and reports during the 1970s and 1980s. The UN Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, in the year 1972, marked the first great international meeting on how human activities and treatment of the earth were harming the environment and putting the human race at risk. The 1980 World Conservation Strategy promoted the idea of environmental protection in the self-interest of the human race and in the interest of the planet. The Brundtland report said that the halting of economic development was not a feasible option, but it must change to work with the planets ecological limits. It also popularized the term sustainable development (http://www.sustreport.org/background/history.html). It was the World Commission on Environment and Development that brought the idea of sustainable development into broader dissertation. Saying this, it was not until the UN Conference for Environment and Development and the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, that the concept was spotlighted on the centre stage of the GPPD (global public policy debate). Our Common Future was the third in a long list of reports to focus attention and discussion in the world scientific community. The interest in sustainability that thrived during that time period was accelerated by a series of incidents and discoveries, such as the leak of poisonous gas from a chemical plant (Bhopal, India), the hole in the Antarctic ozone layer, the explosion and radioactive release (Chernobyl, Ukraine), leaking toxic chemical dumps, such as Love Canal and worry and conflict over decreasing natural resources (e.g forests and fisheries). This has led us to where we stand today on the topic of sustainability and its ever growing need to be properly measured, implemented and sustained in our developments and advances (http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwt.nsf/db900SID/LHON-68ZJDP/$File/Introducing_Sustainable%20_Development_Introduction.pdf?OpenElement). Why do we need Sustainability? The easiest answer is that unsustainable societies collapse. Easter Island and the Maya in Central America are just some example of its importance. These were once powerful societies but they came apart and collapsed because they used there resources relentlessly until they eventually couldnt function as they used to and became victims of devolution. And how does this relate to modern day society? Its all around us, global warming due to our industrial activities, the impending oil/energy crisis due to our dependency and lack of effective, sustainable alternatives and the general breakdown of social conscience through globalisation. It is vital that human kind becomes largely (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder) sustainable to combat these challenges and continue progressing as a race. This kind of sustainability cannot be achieved at once and starts from the basic building blocks of society upwards. This means that each new project thats undertaken should be require d by law, or at least strong policy, to comply with sustainability standards. This is the area that will be focused on in this project, evaluating the sustainability of a design project. This starts with examining the policies that are in place in certain countries/counties and considering the unification of these policies to provide a world wide standard (Rough guide to sustainability. Brian Edwards). Also the way in which sustainability is measured is an area of research which is of vital importance. Without proper measurement, sustainability will never be implemented properly and to full effect. The methods of measuring sustainability will also be studied to determine if its possible to improve on the measuring systems already present. This will take the form of an evaluation matrix to measure the sustainability of a design project. Basis of Sustainability As we enter the 21st centuary, the concerns over the environment and its values that took root in the 1960s have brought into clear focus an awarness of the earths fragility as a natural system. Sustainable development implies a redefinition and review of concepts such as wealth, production and interest. The basic need of sustainability is co-operation and international agreement. In an ideal system, economic theory should find a method of including assets of nature and human development into its equations. Although it is not possible to layout the definition of a fully sustainable society as a situation to aim for, there are some basic principals that can be examined: The consumption of resources should be minimized. Consumption of non-renewable materials should be phased out. Renewable materials and energy sources should be the preferred choice. One should not just contribute to the private good, but to the common good also. The question is asked in many of the articles provided on the web, Can we afford sustainability? After a minor amount of study the answer is clearly, we have no choice. If society continues on the road it has taken then the human race is facing chaos and decline. There is no alternative to sustainable development (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder). Sources of Non-Sustainability As it stands the planet is rife with sources of unsustainability and this is, at last, coming under some strong scrutiny. Apart from population stabilization, five common but quantifiable criteria for sustainability are recommended, including: 1: The stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. 2: The stabilization of acidity in rainfall. 3: The reduction of wasteful uses of heavy metals to natural enlistment rates. 4: The abolition of agriculture based on pumping fossil water from non-renewable sources/aquifers 5: The eradication of loss of arable land because of erosion or salination. Other measures, such as the preservation of biodiversity, might be added to the list. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6VDY-3Y2MYGC-C_user=906470_coverDate=03%2F31%2F1996_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1489005091_rerunOrigin=scholar.google_acct=C000047746_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=906470md5=55b4d1a71740ab0900429fdcc5168d36searchtype=a) Unsustainable actions/activities can be defined as those that: require a constant usage of non-renewable resources or use a greater amount of natural resources than the earth can generate, are the source of degradation to the environment, require such large quantities that they will not be available for future generations, push species towards the point of no return or extinction, actions that promote or stimulate selfishness and actions that create the risk of a disaster. This particular point of the study does seem to extend beyond the reach of the project title but it is important to have a broad understanding of sustainability and its challenges before the m ore intricate areas of its evaluation are tackled (Sustainable development for engineers. Karel Mulder). Measuring Sustainability CEEQUAL Introduction CEEQUAL is an assessment and awards scheme for improving sustainability in civil engineering and public realm projects. Its original title was the Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme. It is based in the united kingdom and is promoted by the ICE (institution of civil engineers) The method is most commonly used for the assessment of large scale projects. It was originally developed by a team led by the ICE and supported by the institutions RD enabling fund and the UK government. It is based on a self-assessment carried out by a trained CEEQUAL Assessor that is then externally and autonomously verified by a CEEQUAL-appointed Verifier. Its objective is to promote the achievement of environmental excellence in civil engineering, and thereby deliver improved environmental and social performance in project specification, design and construction. (http://www.ceequal.com/how.htm) How does CEEQUAL work? The scheme assesses performance across 12 areas of environmental and social importance. The assessment is made up of 200 questions which are contained in the CEEQUAL Manual relating to social and environmental aspects of a project such as the use of water, energy, land, impacts on ecology, landscape, neighbors, archaeology and waste minimization and management as well as community relations and amenity. It rewards project teams in which designers, clients and constructors go beyond the legal and environmental minimum standard to achieve distinguishing levels environmental and social standards. (CEEQUAL PDF) It basically determines how well a project team has dealt with environmental and social issues in work the work being carried out. When used during the design and construction phases, the CEEQUAL assessment is more than likely going to have a positive influence on the projects social and environmental performance. The organization that registers receives a copy of the latest versi on of the CEEQUAL manual and also a scoring spreadsheet for the category of award applied for. A CEEQUAL assessor then carries out an assessment on the project and scores the project accordingly. This assessor will have been trained at a CEEQUAL Assessor training course and also will have his assessment verified by an appointed CEEQUAL verifier. It is always best to carry out the assessment as the project progresses. This allows supporting evidence to be collected alongside the design and construction phases and leads to an overall result which is more accurate and reliable. Based on the assessment an award is allocated to the project, whether it be the client, the designer or the contractor, or all three. (http://www.ceequal.com/about.htm#how) Awards CEEQUAL provides the civil engineering industry with an incentive and set of rules for assessing, benchmarking and labeling the sustainability performance of projects as part of the industrys contribution to sustainable development. This set of rules leads to the proper assessment of the design project and assigns an appropriate award based on the projects performance. The awards available in the assessment method are as follows: The Whole Project Award (WPA), applied for jointly by or on behalf of the Client, Designer and Principal Contractor. The WPA with an Interim Client Design Award (the stage in the design process at which the Interim Assessment is undertaken can be chosen by the applicant to best suit their needs and procurement process). The Client Design Award, applied for jointly by the Client and Designer. The Design-Only Award, applied for by only the principal Designer. The Construction-Only Award, applied for only by the Principal Contractor. Design Construction Award for project teams that do not include the client, on design construct and other partnership contracts. The award achieved at the end of the day is reliant on the score awarded to the project after the assessment. (CEEQUAL PDF) Objectives of CEEQUAL The objectives of the CEEQUAL Scheme are: To recognise the achievement of good, very good or excellent environmental and social standards in civil engineering and public realm projects. To promote and advertise enhanced sustainability performance in project specification, design and construction To create a climate of environmental awareness and continuous improvement in the industry. In essence, CEEQUAL is: a tool for Project Teams to assess how well they have dealt with the environmental and many social issues on their projects, a mechanism for having those assessments externally and independently verified and recognition gained, an evidence-based assessment, not an assertion-based assessment, a question set that can be used by Project Teams as a checklist to significantly influence the development of design and/or construction management made as a project progresses from concept to completion.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Overpopulation :: essays research papers

Overpopulation The twentieth century has drawn to a close and humanity faces the problem of being able to support its population without inducing catastrophic and irreversible destruction on Earth’s life-support systems. Throughout time, humankind has been living as though there are no consequences to its actions. But now, as people of the future, we see what is happening to the world that we live in. Despite all we know, these easily seen problems are still being ignored. Our actions in the past determine the present, and our actions now determine the future. In other words, we caused the overpopulation problems we are facing today, so we must also be the ones to solve them. Every day we share the Earth with 250,000 more people than the day before according to Zero Population Growth, a national non-profit organization working to slow population growth and achieve a sustainable balance of people, resources, and the environment. ZPG is the reason I have become an advocate and t hey have supplied most of my statistical information. Today’s children are likely to see a tripling of the global population within their lifetimes. These children our are next generation of parents, voters, consumers, and leaders. The choices they make are critical to stabilizing the population and protecting the environment. Educating the youth of the future will help them to understand the problems the earth faces and how they can help by influencing and being the political leaders who can adopt responsible population policies. One problem the earth and its inhabitants face today is our lack of resources due to of the increasing number of people. Tropical forests cover only 7 percent of the earth’s surface, but it holds over half of all plant and animal species in the world. The rate of destruction of these resources is now so far in excess of their renewable rates that they have effectively been turned into useless land. Although 3/4 of the earth is covered by wate r, less than one percent is readily available for human use. As the world population increases, this incredibly small amount of water will be the only supply for all humans, plants, and other animals on earth. Once this percent of water lessens even more, the agriculture will suffer, and people will have less food and so on. This cycle will continue until we consume all our natural resources. Humanity today is on a collision course due to our value system.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Hulot in Mon Oncle :: Jacques Tati Charlie Chaplin

Jacques Tati’s irrepressible Mr. Hulot, along with Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp character, is one of the greatest examples of the everyman. He walks through life with a whimsy that becomes his trademark. Although dialogue is sparse, he exposes the curious intricacies of life from behind his trenchcoat and pipe. In Mon Oncle, Hulot goes on outings with his nephew while Tati elucidates the rather arduous issues of modernity. Hulot goes back and forth between the bourgeois neighborhood and what can only be described as the â€Å"modern sector† with a carelessness shared only by the mischievous children and lackadaisical canines that roam the streets. Hulot has no job, but his days remain filled with admiring children, the talkative street-folk and vendors, and his meddling sister in the modern sector. Altogether, the film has one of the most meager, yet clever uses of sound. Tati can do more with periodic buzzers and whistles than the average film could achieve with all of its modern technology, which is concomitant with the issues within the film. The only two exceptions to the slight soundtrack are the clamorous and deafening sounds of construction during the opening sequence and the technological mishaps at the plastic factory, both being examples of the entropy of modern life. While Hulot’s sister and her husband stammer around figuring out whether their awkward fountain is spouting or the phone is ringing, the altruistic Hulot contorts his window so the reflection prompts a caged bird to sing with delight. Tati parodies the sterile efficiency of the modern sector. First there is a montage of cars, each traveling at a uniform distance from the next, never an arrow unfollowed. In comparison, the Arpels (the sister’s family) step clumsily along the circuitous stone paths in their garden. The ineffable Hulot chooses either to walk freely, incongruous with the paths that have been laid out, or to navigate them deftly as if he were engaged in a game of hopscotch like the little children outside of his house. At times, Hulot can maneuver the cobblestones with obliviousness shared only by the family’s dachshund. The people’s movements in deference to the courtyard’s gravel squares are reminiscent of the characters moving around the checkerboard floors of a country estate in Renoir’s Rules of the Game (1939). The silly characters of Mon Oncle play around in a modern world that makes little sense to Hulot. He finds himself uncomfortable with the strange angles of the art-deco chair and grimaces humorously. His bout with the futuristic kitchen brings to memory a similar scene in Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times (1936) in which an unsuspecting

Friday, October 11, 2019

Homosexuality from the Psychological and Christian Perspectives Essay

The â€Å"rightness† or â€Å"wrongness† of homosexuality has long been a subject for debate in both moral and social circles. Some have said that a person’s gender is their own choice and therefore should be respected. Some contend that homosexuality is brought on by factors both biological and environmental and should therefore be understood. Staunch Christian believers on the other hand point out that when God created humans, He created only man and woman. Anything that goes against that is simply wrong and immoral. In the 19th century, homosexuality was defined as one person’s desire and interest for another person of the same sex (â€Å"Homosexuality,† 2004). Today, while the definition is still applicable, homosexuality has also come to be viewed as â€Å"wanting to be of the other gender† different from one’s own biology. â€Å"I can’t help who I am. † Is a person’s homosexuality brought about as a matter of choice, by birth, or is it something in a person’s environment? There have been theories advanced in the field of psychology that state people are influenced by factors both external and internal. The late nineteenth and early 20th centuries saw the first scientific studies into the origin of homosexuality (Vern & Vern, 1993). The first was Karl Heinrich Ulrichs (1825-1895). He was one of the first acknowledged researchers into homosexuality as well as one of the first people to publicly admit he was gay. In those days, he called what we know now as homosexuality â€Å"urning† and stated that urnings should be considered simply as the â€Å"third sex. † Richard von Krafft-Ebbing (1840-1902) was one of the first to issue views on homosexuality as a perversion. Then again, all sexual acts undertaken without the purpose of reproduction, to him, were unnatural and â€Å"perversions of the sexual instinct. † (Vern & Vern, 1993) Several studies then showed that homosexuality, particularly among males, was a common if not natural occurrence. In the journal â€Å"Yearbook for the Sexual Intermediates,† Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, a leading proponent of the thought that homosexuality was inborn and therefore natural, states: â€Å"In the embryonic state, people are bisexual, but in the course of their natural development, most lose their desire for members of the same sex. These people are the heterosexuals, who love members of the opposite sex. Another category consists of those individuals whose sexual organs develop normally but in whom the desire for same-sex individuals in the feeling center fails to recede. The results are men who love men and women who love women. † (Sappho and Socrates, 1896) (Russell, 1995) The field of psychoanalysis also presented their views on the origin of homosexuality. In the early days, homosexuality, as well as other â€Å"deviant† societal behaviors were viewed as â€Å"illnesses† that were treatable by psychoanalysis. One explanation advanced was that of Freud’s Oedipus Complex among males and â€Å"penis envy† among the female homosexuals. Freud says that males with Oedipus complex, preferred their mother and hated their father. Perhaps this can be translated to males hating their â€Å"maleness† because they associate it with their fathers. Women on the other hand, realize â€Å"a repressed desire for a penis† in their psychosexual â€Å"phallic† and â€Å"oral† stages said Freud. (Webster, 2005, p. 324) Feminist critics of Freudian theory however said that Freud’s thinking were too misogynist and distinctly anti-feminine. One pivotal development in psychiatric understanding of homosexuality was a study conducted by Irving Bieber (Dain et al. , 1962, p. 182). In a sample of 106 homosexual patients treated by either him or other psychiatrists, he found that feminine and cross-gender behavior patterns commonly manifested themselves even before the age of puberty. It is from this study that it was determined that homosexuality set in even before males were influenced by any hormonal surges and sexual awareness caused by puberty. These results however, have been interpreted and over-simplified by some quarters to mean that homosexuality must then be attributed to a male individual’s relationship with a strong, dominant mother and a weak or absent father. It was then proposed that homosexuality was not an illness, but rather a developmental problem brought about by conditions of family relations particularly the relationship between father and son. Homosexuality was then treated as the product of a father’s failure to bond and impress the male gender identity on his son. Father needs to mirror and affirm the boy’s maleness. As Payne explains, â€Å"The masculinity within is called forth and blessed by the masculinity without† ( 1985: 13 ). This beautiful and mysterious match is the union of an inner need and an outer reality. The boy seeks to take in what is exciting, fun, and energizing about his father. There is a freedom and power to outgrowing mother—and this power is personified by the father. If father is warm and receptive, the boy will be encouraged to dis-identify from the feminine and enter into the masculine sphere. He will then become masculine-identified and most probably heterosexual. If both parents encourage the boy this way, he will be well on his way to fulfilling his male gender identification and heterosexuality. (Baird & Baird, 1995, p. 52) The year 1973 saw a change in the way homosexuality was viewed (Vern & Vern, 1993). Due to a vote held within the American Psychological Association (APA), homosexuality ceased to be an illness and was subsequently dropped from the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The debate on the origin of homosexuality is basically of a â€Å"nature vs. urture† perspective. Some have posited the idea that being gay is not a choice, one is just born gay. Others have contended that homosexuality comes from failed or uneven relationships within the family. Which truly is which? Thinkers called â€Å"essentialists† hold forth the belief that man’s make up is biological and genetic. Sexual orientation is just one of the things that genes, hormones and brain make up decide. People are born gay and thus, cannot change or escape from that. (LeVay, 1996). (Seutter & Rovers, 2004) At the opposite end of the argument are the â€Å"constructionists. For them, nobody is born gay. Sexual orientation is decided and influenced by an individual’s interaction and reinforced choices in the social context particularly in the family setting. (Seutter & Rovers, 2004) Family seems to play a key role in the determination of an individual’s gender. Be it taken from a genetic contribution to setting the environment that conditions and orients an individual with society. Many psychologists agree that a person’s relationship with people around one’s self will have influences of varying degrees on the individual’s choices and preferences. In fact several theories have been advanced with their basis on such familial contributions. (Seutter & Rovers, 2004) Bowen’s â€Å"Family-of-origin† theory (1978) states that a person’s self-image, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and values are formed by experiences within one’s â€Å"family-of-origin. † Differentiation or the need to preserve one’s self in relationships as an individual as well as the level of intimacy reached is just one of the things that are developed in the family-of-origin. Authority and power were the basis for Williamson’s concept of â€Å"Personal Authority† (1991) In his concept, Williamson believed that an individual’s person and feeling of personal was formed by leaving the parental home in the psychological if not physical sense. He further stated that only when an individual has â€Å"individuated† himself or set himself apart from the family and established his own identity can he reconnect voluntarily with his family. (Seutter & Rovers, 2004) Nowadays, gays and lesbians have become more â€Å"empowered† as opposed to the years past when homosexuals lived in fear of being discovered and isolated from society or prohibited from living normally as they chose. In a journal article by Anthony R. D’Augelli (2003) for the American Journal of Community Psychology, he shares: Homosexuality was not removed from the psychiatric nomenclature in DSM until 1973, a year after I completed my doctoral training. During my clinical training, I wanted to discuss my feelings with someone, but the idea was terrifying; and, I did not seek professional help because of fear that I would be removed from my program. (After all, who trains someone with a mental disorder to be a clinical psychologist? ) In addition, despite my sexual orientation, which was fairly clear to me at that point, I could not even bring myself to share this information even with the Army physicians during my physical examination after being drafted for service during the Vietnam era. This simple truth would have removed me from induction, but I could not say the words. (D’Augelli, 2003) What the Church has to Say The growing numbers of â€Å"out† gays and lesbians have not escaped the notice of the Christian churches. Traditionally, churches of different religions have been hostile toward gays and lesbians. To them, there are only two genders: man and woman. There have even been some instances where there were accounts of physical and verbal humiliation and abuse gay worshippers suffered within the church, at time in the hands of a priest of Father confessor.