Social Observation Paper free essay sample

Usually the ones to travel to the extremes are adolescents and teenagers. This is what I observed. As I sat in the chair near the entrance to Bergner’s I noticed a couple groups1 of kids, they looked like they were probably in 8th grade or near there. One group totaled six kids and you could tell who the leaders with high status2 were in the group. They displayed achieved status3 and walked in the middle typically with couple others following behind trying to keep up and stay in the conversation. I call it achieved status because they had more confidence and walked taller than the others, of course they could be from a rich family but from visual evidence achieved status seems to be the case here. The group seemed playful and was very pushy towards one another. While the leaders looked like they came out on top and were more dominant keeping the others in line, and sometimes ignoring the other members of the group, showing they weren’t impressed by them. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Observation Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Another Group was smaller with only three kids in it. These kids seemed like they had less energy and were more of wandering at a leisurely pace compared to the other group which was moving swiftly. Both groups walked by about three times, apparently they had nothing better to do with their time and weren’t shopping. I’m assuming they were probably dropped off by their parents to hang out at the mall with their friends and maybe get some food at the food court. Another idea is that their parents could be busy shopping and they are just wandering while their parents are busy, I think this is less probable. The larger group was Dominated by all males, which is another thing I didn’t expect. You would think that the group would have at least one or two females in it, statistically speaking. The smaller group was female dominated with two females and a single male in it. I observed the male and he didn’t seem to follow his gender role4. This made me think because I have a gay friend and homosexual men seem to familiarize with females more easily than heterosexual males. Also I noticed a trend that most gay men spent most of their time being raised by their mother with a more distant or even non-existent father figure. It is probably not fair to make assumptions about the lone male in the group, but I’m assuming he fits in this stereotype5. The other thing I noticed about this group is that they all seemed to be equal; there wasn’t one that put themselves before the others. I also sat in the cafe at Barnes and Noble for a while and observed socialization and interactions. The first people I noticed when I was sitting were a couple walking through the store. The Female had her man by the hand, I noticed her hand was palm down, signifying authority, and was leading him off somewhere, maybe she was in a hurry to get somewhere or had just caught him eying another female. Either way she seemed to be the more dominant one in the relationship, which does not correspond with gender roles or the typical culture6 of ours. The next thing I noticed were the people sitting in the cafe. There were pairs of people everywhere, there were people sitting by themselves reading but there were a lot of groups of two, but never a group more than two. This to me was interesting and I asked why this might be. I came to the conclusion that the coffee shop is a more intimate setting to socialize one on one, also the space was smaller so that could have contributed to the fact too. I noticed an elderly couple, they seemed to comfortable and familiar with each other that they didn’t need to even communicate verbally they could sort of sense what the other wanted and then asked a question. For example I noticed the man shifted his body and glanced toward snack sign, luckily I was within earshot to hear the conversations of the people around me. She knew right away the old man was hungry and asked him if he wanted a cheesecake, Apparently this was one of his favorites cause he said â€Å"heck yeah! †. The couple did not display value7 over one another, but rather value for each other. This was my day out evaluating the interactions and socialization of our local people here in Rockford. I am curious to see what kind of interactions I would see at a market in indo-china and how different that would be to our culture here. It might be so different that I couldn’t understand it. I learned a lot by watching the people and found a few interesting things. Like how groups of teenagers with time can be so full of confidence and have what seems like all the time in the world on their hands. Also on the other side of the spectrum are the seniors I observed that seemed to be content and also have all the time in the world. While it seems for me there are not enough hours in a day to get everything I need done. 1. Groups: a number of people or things that are classed together 2. Status: The economic or social level of an individual 3. Achieved Status: The level of status gained through effort or work 4. Gender Role: The social expectations of a male or female individual 5. Stereotype: an unreliable generalization about all members of a group 6. Culture: the totality of learned socially transmitted customs, knowledge, material objects, and behavior. 7. Value: a collective conception of what is considered good, desirable, and proper-or bad, undesirable, and improper in a culture.

Free Essays on Go Down Moses

Political Thought in Literature Some key points to consider in Faulkner's Go Down, Moses: The book's title: Comes from an old Negro spiritual, "Go Down, Moses, 'way down in Egypt land; Tell Pharaoh †¦ let my people go!" (Part of it is sung in the title story, last chapter of the book). Why did Faulkner choose this story? (The spiritual of course is comparing the enslavement of blacks in America to that which the Jews endured in Egypt. Each chapter in the book explores some aspect of the legacy of slavery for the South - and for America as a whole, perhaps?). "Was": Set off from the rest of the book: not numbered as a chapter. Takes place in 1859. "Was" because (1) it depicts events that took place before the birth of any character who appears in the remaining chapters; (2) it's the only chapter depicting events prior to the Civil War and emancipation; i.e., it takes place while slavery still exists; (3) it's mediated BOTH by the memory of Cass, a boy through whose only partly comprehending eyes we witness the events it depicts, AND by that of Ike, to whom Cass told it. Nature of the McCaslin household: Buck/Buddy are bachelor twins, live like boys who never grew up (fox/ hounds chase around the house, only one necktie between them). As we learn in "The Bear": as soon as their father died, they freed the slaves at least in title (couldn't literally have freed slaves in the Deep South by that time), moved them into the big house, themselves moving into a cabin they built for themselves on the plantation; "sealing" the slaves into the big house with a single nail each evening, actually allowing them to roam free (250-51). Evidently Buck - who married Sophonsiba and became Ike's father after the Civil War - was unwilling to marry/ pass on any legacy so long as the institution of slavery remained. The "hunt" for Tomey's Turl a comical imitation of a slave hunt. The whole event only dimly ... Free Essays on Go Down Moses Free Essays on Go Down Moses Political Thought in Literature Some key points to consider in Faulkner's Go Down, Moses: The book's title: Comes from an old Negro spiritual, "Go Down, Moses, 'way down in Egypt land; Tell Pharaoh †¦ let my people go!" (Part of it is sung in the title story, last chapter of the book). Why did Faulkner choose this story? (The spiritual of course is comparing the enslavement of blacks in America to that which the Jews endured in Egypt. Each chapter in the book explores some aspect of the legacy of slavery for the South - and for America as a whole, perhaps?). "Was": Set off from the rest of the book: not numbered as a chapter. Takes place in 1859. "Was" because (1) it depicts events that took place before the birth of any character who appears in the remaining chapters; (2) it's the only chapter depicting events prior to the Civil War and emancipation; i.e., it takes place while slavery still exists; (3) it's mediated BOTH by the memory of Cass, a boy through whose only partly comprehending eyes we witness the events it depicts, AND by that of Ike, to whom Cass told it. Nature of the McCaslin household: Buck/Buddy are bachelor twins, live like boys who never grew up (fox/ hounds chase around the house, only one necktie between them). As we learn in "The Bear": as soon as their father died, they freed the slaves at least in title (couldn't literally have freed slaves in the Deep South by that time), moved them into the big house, themselves moving into a cabin they built for themselves on the plantation; "sealing" the slaves into the big house with a single nail each evening, actually allowing them to roam free (250-51). Evidently Buck - who married Sophonsiba and became Ike's father after the Civil War - was unwilling to marry/ pass on any legacy so long as the institution of slavery remained. The "hunt" for Tomey's Turl a comical imitation of a slave hunt. The whole event only dimly ...

Special-Needs Offender Programs Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Special-Needs Offender Programs - Research Paper Example According to estimates, mental illness affects 50 percent of the population in U.S. prisons (DeGroot, 2015). The high population leads to overcrowding in prison because of the high population. As a result, mentally ill inmates may be put under solitary confinement and may not receive adequate mental health medical attention. Mentally retarded offenders require treatment in facilities that can adequately address the issues affecting them. The treatment helps in their rehabilitation (Lamberti, Weisman, & Faden, 2014). Crime close relates to substance or drug abuse. Most offenders in prisons committed crimes while under the influence of intoxicants. Such offenders should be given specialized attention during their detention and incarceration. Formulation of rehabilitation is necessary to provide the necessary help to drug users (Atabay, 2009). The main challenge that substance abusers face is the fact that prisons in the U.S. serve many prisoners. The provision of services to many offenders makes it difficult to single out substance abusers in order to rehabilitate them. A sexual offence by definition is an unwanted sexual encounter between two or more adults or minors. The sexual offence may involve actual contact or no contact. Sexual offenders are individuals who engage in such activities. Unfortunately, sex-related crimes are quite common in the U.S (Sample & Kandleck, 2008).Estimates have it that one out of five girls faces sexual abuse before attaining adult age. In the case of boys, it is one out of seven (CSOM, 2015). Women offenders are also under the special-needs offender categories. The reason for this is the fact that women have psychiatric attributes that make them different from male offenders. For this reason, women detention is done in specific correctional institutions. As at 2010, there were 113,000 women facing incarceration in the correctional

Interpret Lee's film Do the Right Thing using one of the discussion Essay

Interpret Lee's film Do the Right Thing using one of the discussion questions as prompt-argument - Essay Example Its message is clear and straightforward. Desperate situations need not half-hearted measures but desperate measures capable of delivering the desired results. The movie pinpoints the racial flashpoints and demands purposeful action. Eradication of racism is not about passing the legislation after legislation and making more and more laws. Challenging racism is not about giving equal constitutional rights to blacks and whites. Eradication of racism is about creating noble individuals, black or white, to implement the existing laws in a fair and equitable manner. Provisions of the laws are adequate but the capacity of the men to understand and implement them is sadly inadequate and if the situation goes out of hand, both blacks and whites will suffer at the cost of nation. The title of the movie â€Å"Do the Right Thing† is a simple moral statement about the current practicalities of the problem of racism, in the light of the past experiences of African Americans in understanding the issue. A movie relating to such a sensitive subject is bound to invite varied reactions, favorable, unfavorable and bitter. But Spike Lee, the Director of the movie, has the perfect grasp of the issue and deals it with a balanced mental attitude. The responsibility of a good and imaginative Director is not to give moral sermons and to tell the audience what is good or bad. His assignment is to explain the realities. It is not his responsibility to give solutions and the audience should not expect it from a movie director, when the think-tanks, administrators and politicians have failed to hammer out a perfect solution to the problem of racism so far. As such, when one sees liberal virtues or militancy, understanding and detestable characters, good and the bad ones, one should not be judgmental about it. That is the state of affairs prevailing in America today which baffles solution. As such do not expect clear cut answers but try to

Professional Resume and Cover Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Professional Resume and Cover Letter - Essay Example CH2M HLL is a global leader in consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management where success of turnkey projects is critical part of organizational success. My skills and professional expertise in office management can be judiciously exploited to accelerate the progress of ongoing projects. I strongly believe that role of leaders, managers and the administrators of the organizations have increasingly become more challenging especially when new strategy and policy decisions are introduced in the organizations. As such, I have often undertaken leadership role to ensure effective feedback through participatory approach and helped solve the problems and workplace conflicts. My professional competencies, experience and my desire to acquire more knowledge would help me to become top performer in your company also. My work experience has involved extensive interaction with major clients and public, thereby equipping me with necessary traits of effective verbal communication techniques. I have attaches resume for your kind perusal. My key strength have been my ability to function under limited direction and worked independently using initiative and good judgment. I can assure you that my personal and professional competencies would add value to your organization. I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss the same with you in person and look forward to meeting you. Strong leadership initiatives in performing liaison work for CEO and proven record for excellent office management. Talent for organizing meetings and ensuring effective coordination with different stakeholders for resolving conflicts and promote communication. Highly efficient in managing confidential information and drafting agendas for important meeting and ensuring smooth conduct of the same. Exceptional organizational skills; Leadership initiative in prioritizing

Data Analysis Interpretation

Data Analysis Interpretation Introduction Based on the literature review in chapter 2 and the primary and secondary data collected as outlined in chapter 3 , the researcher has detailed his analysis and his interpretation of his understanding based on in-depth and clear research keeping the aim and objective of the research in mind. This chapter emphasizes the main issues in connection with the studys aims , previously outlined . The chapter has been accordingly broken down into main sections To study the set of processes used in a world-class organization (Infosys) to effectively and efficiently manage software projects To study the involvement of senior managements and the role of managers in delivering software products To suggest possible future courses of action through which Infosys can maintain an edge over the competition Data Analysis and Interpretation Using the primary and secondary data identified in the literature research , the researcher now explains the main areas in order to answer the objectives of the study AIM : To study the set of processes used in a world-class organization to effectively and efficiently manage software projects . The literature review pointed that in terms of Infosys project management, software project work is split into two components: onsite and offshore, according to where it can be best done, at the lowest cost, and with the lowest level of acceptable risk, thereby de-coupling capability development and delivery. Infosys has established a systematic pattern of succession planning whereby board members remain in the vanguard but are underpinned by a three-tier leadership structure for high-potential managers . Infosys executes hundreds of projects each year. Full responsibility for executing a project rests with the project manager, who must make sure that the project team delivers high-quality software to the customer on time and within cost . At Infosys , in the project planning stage, as revealed by Marsh (1998 p.29) , the project manager reviews contractual commitments and creates a plan to meet them. Creating a project plan involves defining a life-cycle process to be followed, esti mating the effort and schedule, preparing a detailed schedule of tasks, and so on. It also includes planning for quality and configuration management as well as risk management. At Infosys , the second phase, as in the words of Finney ( 1999 p.43) , project execution, involves executing the project plan, tracking the status of the project, and making corrections whenever project performance strays from the path laid down in the project plan. In other words, it involves tracking and controlling the implementation of the project process. This phase is the longest in the project management process, incorporating periodic tasks such as monitoring project status and quality and taking any needed corrective steps. Objective 1 : To analyze the project management process adapted by Infosys in delivering effective software systems Infosys project manager performs startup and administrative tasks and creates the project plan and schedule. He is also responsible for defining the objectives of the project . The suitable standard process for the project execution is identified . Also the standard process to meet project requirements are tailored . Also a process for managing changes in requirements is designed . The estimation of effort involved is undertaken . Also the plan for human resources and team organization is determined . The project milestones are defined and schedules created accordingly. Also the quality of objectives and a quality plan to achieve them are determined . A defect prevention plan in designed. The risks are identified and plans are made to mitigate them. A measurement plan for the project is defined .A training plan for the project is designed . The project-tracking procedures are analyzed for effective execution . Also a review of the project plan and schedule are performed . Authorizati on from senior management is obtained . The configuration management plan and defined and reviewed . Also orientation of the project team to the project management plan is executed Once planned the project manager executes the project as per the project plan. , tracks the project status., reviews the project status with senior management. , monitor compliance with the defined project process. , analyze defects and perform defect prevention activities, monitor performance at the program level and conduct milestone reviews and replan if necessary. Other members of the team also participate in this stage. The entry criterion is that the project plan is complete and approved, and the exit criterion is that all work products delivered are accepted by the customer Post-project data analysis constitutes the main activity; metrics are analyzed, process assets (materials, such as templates and guidelines, used to aid in managing the process itself) are collected for future use, and lessons are recorded. Because learning from the project is the main goal, this is a group activity that involves the project manager, the SEPG, and other members of the team Infosys software project has two main activity dimensions: engineering and project management. Infosys engineering dimension deals with building the system and focuses on issues such as how to design, test, code, and so on. Infosys project management dimension deals with properly planning and controlling the engineering activities to meet project goals for cost, schedule, and quality. If a software project is small (say, a team of one or two working for a few weeks), it can be executed by infosys somewhat informally. The project plan may be an e-mail specifying the delivery date and perhaps a few intermediate milestones. Requirements might be communicated by infosys in a note or even verbally, and intermediate work products, such as design documents, might be scribbles on personal note pads. These informal techniques, however, do not scale up for larger projects of Infosys in which many people may work for many months—the situation for most commercial software projects. In such projects, each engineering task must be done carefully by Infosys following well-tried methodologies, and the work products are been properly documented so that others can review them. The tasks in the project are been carefully planned by infosys and allocated to project personnel and then tracked as the project executes. In other words, to successfully execute larger projects, formality and rigor along these two dimensions must increase in infosys Formality requires that well-defined processes be used for performing the various tasks so that the outcome becomes more dependent on the capability of the processes. Formality is further enhanced by quantitative approaches that are employed by infosys in the processes through the use of suitable metrics. A process by infosys for a task comprises a sequence of steps that should be followed to execute the task. For Infosys, however, the processes it recommends for use by its engineers and project managers are much more than a sequence of steps; they encapsulate what the engineers and project managers have learned about successfully executing projects. Through the processes, the benefits of experience are conferred to everyone, including newcomers in the organization. These processes help managers and engineers emulate past successes and avoid the pitfalls that lead to failures. For a project, Infosys engineering processes generally specify how to perform engineering activities such as requirement specification, design, testing, and so on. The project management processes, on the other hand, specify how to set milestones, organize personnel, manage risks, monitor progress, and so on. Project managers at Infosys actually want to use processes but only if theyre reasonable and will help the project managers execute their projects better. Project managers do, however, resent processes that seem to be unnecessarily bureaucratic and add little value to their work. The trick, then, is to have lightweight processes—those that help project managers plan and control their projects better and that give them the flexibility to handle various situations. Objective 2 : To analyze the CMM framework applied by Infosys in delivering effective software projects To consistently improve process performance on its projects, Infosys enhance the process capability frequently that the process itself must become more mature. In level 1, the initial level, Infosys executes its project in a manner that the team and project manager see its fit. At the repeatable level (level 2) infosys applies established project management practices are employ them , although organization-wide processes may not exist. At the defined level (level 3), organization-wide processes have been defined and are regularly followed by Infosys project team. At the managed level (level 4), quantitative understanding of the process capability makes it possible to quantitatively predict and control the process performance on a project by the Infosys project team. At the optimizing level (level 5), the process capability is improved in a controlled manner and the improvement is evaluated quantitatively. Each maturity level is characterized by key process areas (KPAs), which specify the areas on which the organization should focus to elevate its processes to that maturity level. For Infosys to achieve a maturity level, it must satisfy all the KPAs at that maturity level as well as the KPAs at all lower maturity levels. Maintaining processes at higher levels of maturity is a challenging task requiring commitment from infosys and its proper work culture. Objective 3 : To study the KPAs for Infosys project management performance KPAs at Level 2 : Requirement Management RM : Here the software requirements of Infosys are controlled to establish a baseline for its software engineering and management activities. Also software plans, products, and activities are kept consistent with requirements Software Project Planning SPP : Here Infosys estimation are documented for use in planning and tracking the project .Project activities and commitments are planned and documented. by Infosys .Also affected groups and individuals agree to their commitments related to the project Software Project Tracking and Oversight SPTO : Here the actual results and performances of infosys are tracked against their software plans. Corrective actions are taken by management and they manage to closure when actual results and performance deviate significantly from their software plans. Software Subcontract Management (SSM ) : Infosyss prime contractor and the subcontractor agree to their commitments. The prime contractor tracks the subcontractors actual results against its commitments. The prime contractor and the subcontractor maintain ongoing communication. Similarly the prime contractor tracks the subcontractors actual performance against its commitments Software Quality Assurance SQA : Here Infosys plans its software quality assurance activities . Also adherence of software products and activities to the applicable standards, procedures, and requirements is verified objectively. Similarly affected groups and individuals are informed of software quality assurance activities and results. Noncompliance issues that cannot be resolved within the project are addressed by senior management of Infosys Software Configuration Management SCM : Infosys plans its software configuration management activities Also selection of software work products are identified, controlled, and available. Similarly changes to identified software work products are controlled. Affected groups and individuals are informed of the status and content of software baselines KPAs at Level 3 Integrated Software Management ISM : Here Infosys projects defined software process is a tailored version of the organizations standard software process. The project is planned and managed according to the projects defined software process Intergroup Coordination IC : Infosys affected groups agree to the customers requirements. And all groups agree to the commitments between different groups.The groups identify, track, and resolve intergroup issues. Peer Reviews PR : Infosys plans its peer review activities and any defects in the software work products are identified and removed KPAs at Level 4 : Quantitative Process Management QPM : Infosys plans its quantitative process management activities and its process performance of the projects defined software process is controlled quantitatively. The process capability of Infosys standard software process is known in quantitative terms. Software Quality Management SQM : Infosys projects software quality management activities are planned. Any measurable goals for software product quality and their priorities are defined. The actual progress toward achieving the quality goals for the software products is quantified and managed Objective 4 : To analyze the SEPG support Infosys applies to its projects The quality department at Infosys contains the software engineering process group (SEPG). The SEPG is responsible for coordinating all the process activities, including process definition, process improvement, and process deployment. It also manages all information and data related to the use of processes Although the responsibility for all aspects of delivery, including quality, belongs to the project team, the SEPG facilitates the project team in following the right processes. The SEPG also forms an independent channel for monitoring and reporting to senior management on process and quality issues. Because processes wont stick by themselves,6 the SEPG helps to ensure that the defined processes are implemented and become standard practice. To this end, in addition to offering training on processes, the SEPG provides a member who is associated with a project as a software quality adviser. The quality adviser assists in defining and following processes, ensures that the processes are followed, aids in analyzing the data, and provides any needed process training. Because the adviser is well versed on processes, guidelines, and so on, the advisers main help comes during project planning. The adviser also reviews the project plan to ensure that it contains all the key elements. In addition to providing consulting and help with processes and metrics, the Infosys SEPG schedules and manages regular independent audits to ensure that the defined processes and standards are being followed. Objective 5 : To study the involvement of senior managements and the role of managers in delivering software products ( PRISM and IPM ) Infosys prides itself in providing value to its customers through delivery excellence. Everything at Infosys, including its organizational structure, is driven by the aim of serving customers efficiently and effectively and quickly tapping new business opportunities. For delivery of customer services, Infosys has many business units. Within a business unit, a team, headed by a project manager, executes a project. The project manager is responsible for all aspects of project execution, from determining the requirements to final installation of the software. The project manager reports to a business manager, who in turn generally reports to the business unit head. To handle situations that cannot be resolved by the project manager, senior management involvement in projects is essential. At Infosys, the business manager regularly interacts with the project manager and monitors the project through status reports and milestone reports . In addition to regular monitoring, the business manager also helps to resolve issues and problems that cannot be handled by the project team and are escalated to his level . The business manager also interacts with customers to ensure that they are satisfied and that any issues are promptly raised and addressed. In addition, other senior people also review projects periodically by regularly taking part in internal audits Through two systems—called PRISM (project review by senior management) and IPM (integrated project management)—milestone reports and project plans are available for senior management to review. All senior managers are expected to review some projects periodically through this system and to give feedback to the project leaders. Overall, senior management maintains involvement in the project primarily by monitoring to ensure that the project objectives are met and that the customer is fully satisfied. Because project managers have the main responsibility for satisfying the customer, they need to master not only executing the technical aspects of a project but also interacting with customers, eliciting requirements, managing the team, and so on. Clearly no one is likely to possess all the skills needed, so its crucial to train people to develop the necessary skills. Infosys has implemented a variety of programs to help people transition from being engineers to being project leaders. All fresh entrants undergo a three- to four-month induction training program. In addition to training in engineering and technology, this program contains one- or two-day programs in business etiquette, written communication, public speaking, body language, and so on. Later, when engineers are ready to become module leaders (those who manage the development of a system module, especially in larger projects) or project managers, they attend a series of technical and soft-skills training programs. Included in the former is a five-day project management course that focuses on all aspects of project management: planning, monitoring, controlling, and so on. A two-week course on requirements specification and management teaches how to elicit requirements, how to document them, how to verify them, and so on. The five-day residential soft-skills training program includes modules on appraisals and team management, customer focus and customer management, leadership, social and business etiquette for different countries, and so on. Other regularly offered programs focus on various aspects of management; project leaders take these courses when their schedules permit. Also, team-building workshops are conducted by professionals. Objective 6 : To suggest possible future courses of action through which Infosys can maintain an edge over the competition For Infosys to continue its success stories in developing world class software projects , it has to concentrate on the following issues IN DEPTH The software projects process plan focusing on customer requirements Analyze the impact of software requirement change request Extended efforts in estimates and the high-level schedule, along with a description of how they were obtained More focus on the quality plan containing quality goals and plans for achieving them, including plans for defect prevention and reviews Extended support on the risk management plan describing the major risks, their risk exposure and impact, their prioritization, and the risk mitigation plans for the high-priority risks Effective measurement and tracking plan Detailed and clear project management plan, including the team management plan and the customer communication and escalation plan The complete configuration management plan Efficient project tracking documents, including the defect log, the issues log, the status report, and the milestone report Details of defect prevention, including defect analysis results and the impact on the project of the defect prevention plan Clearly illustrated complete closure report, which includes the metrics data on quality, productivity, cost of quality, defect removal efficiency, and so on

The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism In The Forest :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter: Symbolism in the Forest "The path strangled onward into the mystery of the primeval forest"(179). This sentence displays just one of the multiple personalities that the forest symbolizes in The Scarlet Letter written by Nathaniel Hawthorn. As seen in the epic story Wizard of OZ, the forest represents a place of evil and delight, but in the Scarlet Letter the forest symbolizes much more then that. Each character brings out a different side of the forest, however the forest also brings out a different side in each character. For some the forest may be a place of sinister thoughts and wrong doing, but for others it is a place of happiness and freedom. The first encounter with the forest we have symbolizes just some of the evil that lingers within the darkness of the forest. As Hester and Pearl are leaving governor Bellinghams estate they are confronted by mistress Hibbins who explains that the witches are meeting in the forest, and she then invites Hester to become more deeply involved with her evil ways. "Wilt thou go with us tonight"(113) asked mistress Hibbins, yet Hester refused to sign her name in the black mans book on that night. She explains that the only reason she does not sign is because Pearl is still in her life. At this time the forest itself is a open door to another world, a wicked world that would take her away from her present situation, but that is not the only door that the forest holds. The forest is an open door to love and freedom for both Hester and Dimmesdale. It is a place where the letter on their bodies can no longer have an effect on them if they choose. A world ruled by nature and governed by natural law as opposed to the artificial strict community with its man made puritan laws. Its as if the forest represents a key to the shackles the Hester and Dimmesdale have been forced to wear, all that they have to do is unlock it. Although if they choose not to unlock them, they begin to dwell on the things that they have done to deserve the shackles. In this the forest represents a thing of truth, weather it be good or bad. In pearls eyes the forest has a totally different concept. To Pearl the forest is like a best friend. It treats her as if she were one of its own. The animals do not runaway at her ever move, instead they come to her with open arms. The light is chasing her no matter where she goes.

Examine Shakespeare’s presentation Essay

When Hamlet was first performed in 1601, England had been successfully ruled for forty-three years by Elizabeth I, a strong and influential monarch who reigned without a male counterpart, establishing England as one of the most powerful and prominent countries in the world. This is proof that women can be as successful as men; however women were still seen as second class citizens, and â€Å"property† of their husbands, during the Elizabethan period. Polonius says of Ophelia â€Å"I have a daughter – have while she is mine. † (2.2, line 106). This is reflected in Shakespeare’s portrayal of women in Hamlet, which shows Gertrude in a very different light to Elizabeth Tudor. For many years in the past, many women played a small role socially, economically and politically. As a result of this, many works of literature of this time, including Hamlet, were reflective of this diminutive role of women. Shakespeare suggests the danger of women’s involvement in politics at the sovereign level, and reflects the public’s desire for a return to a state of stability through a change to a patriarchal system. We can examine Shakespeare’s presentation of women in Hamlet through the way the two women in the play, Gertrude and Ophelia, are treated by the men in their lives, and by analyzing the context in which they are referred. The first time Claudius refers to Gertrude he says: â€Å"Our sometime sister, now our Queen, Th’ imperial jointress of this warlike state,† (1. 2, lines 8-9) which shows how he took advantage of his dead brother’s wife whilst she was still mourning her husband’s death to settle his place on the throne. â€Å"She married. O most wicked speed, to post, with such dexterity to incestuous sheets. † (1.2, lines 156-157) Here Hamlet is accusing his mother of corruption because of her improper sexual activity and marriage. Even though a marital bond existed between Claudius and Gertrude, the rushed and incestuous aspects of the marriage enrage Hamlet. The couple were married less than three months after the death of Hamlet’s father, and in Hamlet’s eyes, Gertrude’s actions have defiled her character. Royal sexual activity created concerns about both power and purity in the Elizabethan world. As women had no opportunity to fight on the battle field, chastity was the principle measure of their honour and virtue. Therefore Hamlet’s opinion of his mother has a negative reflection of a woman’s virtues. Sir Walter Mildway, 1510, said: â€Å"Choose thy wife for virtue only. † Elizabeth’s sexual conduct drew public attention, and she publicly vowed her purity, even adopting the title â€Å"Virgin Queen. † When King Hamlet’s ghost appears he refers to Gertrude as his â€Å"most seeming-virtuous Queen. † (1. 5, lines 4-6) He is expressing his belief that Gertrude had always seemed faithful, but now she has married much less of a man she has dishonoured him, and lost all his respect and trust. Even though Hamlet and his father are seeking revenge on Claudius, they continue to speak of Gertrude. In his second soliloquy we expect Hamlet to be expressing his hatred towards Claudius, however he is focusing all of his energy on this â€Å"most pernicious woman,† (1. 5, line 105) who is his mother. This dis-belief at his mother’s behaviour is understandable, however, as it is so soon after his father’s death, and you would expect Gertrude to still be mourning the death of her husband that she apparently loved dearly. One of the most famous quotes regarding women in Hamlet is â€Å"Frailty – thy name is woman. † (1. 2, lines 146-147) This quote sums up the attitudes of the male characters in the play, that women are by far the weaker sex and gives us a clue as to why the men treat Gertrude and Ophelia with so little respect. In 1558, writer, John Knox described women as â€Å"weak, frail, impatient, feeble and foolish. † Emphasizing the way that women were viewed at the time Hamlet was written. Both the women are greatly controlled by the men of the play, particularly Ophelia who is often told what to do and who has been treated as if she does not have a mind of her own all her life. When asked a question Ophelia often replies with â€Å"I think nothing,† (3. 2, line 118) and when she does express an opinion it is dismissed. Polonius says â€Å"Affection? Pooh, you speak like a green girl unsifted,† (1. 3, line 101) which is extremely patronizing, saying she speaks like an inexperienced and untried girl who does not know what she is talking about. Ophelia could have an out-going personality; however, she is so oppressed that we never get to see a true reflection of her character, due to the constraints of the society she is living in. We even hear Gertrude, the Queen of Denmark, saying to her husband: â€Å"I shall obey you. † By obeying the men and giving in to a passive existence Gertrude and Ophelia are living up to the label that women are the weaker sex. The men give ‘good advice’ to both women, telling them what to do and when, Polonius tells Ophelia not to give her virginity away too easily when he uses the metaphor â€Å"set you entreatments at a higher rate then a command to parley,† (1. 3, lines 122-123) where her virginity is compared to a castle under siege. Even though Polonius is Ophelia’s father, he seems to have no respect for her, or her privacy, and rarely thinks of how she may be feeling. He reads Hamlet’s love letters out-loud to the King and uses Ophelia as bait to improve his image in front of Claudius, which is extremely self-centred and obsequious. Another quote that really stands out in ‘Hamlet’ that shows how little respect the men have for Gertrude and Ophelia is â€Å"Get thee to a nunnery. † (3. 1, line 121) This is Hamlet telling Ophelia that because he can not have her, no one can, so she has to go to a nunnery, away from all other male contact. He does not ask her how she feels, and is willing to make the rest of her life miserable simply because he can not be with her. It never even occurs to Hamlet that she might be willing to move on and find someone other than him to spend the rest of her life with. After the nunnery scene, Ophelia speaks to Polonius and we hear her opinion for the first and only time. She presents herself entirely as the victim of Hamlet’s rough treatment. She says: â€Å"I of ladies most deject and wretched, that sucked the honey of his musiked vows,† (3.1, lines 158-159) showing how Ophelia had believed in what Hamlet told her and how she feels dejected about the fact that he claims to have never loved her. â€Å"God has given you one face, and you make yourselves another,† (3. 1, lines 145-146) is Hamlet saying that women wear too much make-up and in doing so are deceiving men into thinking that they are something that they are not. He accuses Ophelia of being a typical woman and is therefore not treating her as an individual. He says: â€Å"For the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is bawd,† (3.1, lines 111-112) explaining his opinion that beautiful women are untrustworthy and insincere. Even though Hamlet accuses women of this, he is saying it in the heat of an argument so he may be exaggerating and may not be giving his true opinion. Ophelia hardly says a think back to him though, again reflecting the idea that women are frail and passive. Throughout the play Hamlet makes reference to prostitutes, and seems to make a connection between women, sex and corruption. When Hamlet and Polonius are speaking he says: â€Å"For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a good kissing carrion. † (2. 2, lines 184-185) He uses this metaphor of a dead dog, and a pun on the word â€Å"sun,† to make the point that if the son (Hamlet) kisses the daughter (Ophelia) then she may breed, like the maggots in the dead animal. The characters of the play often refer to sex in a negative manner, and it is never described as a loving act between a couple. In Hamlet’s second soliloquy he is blaming himself, and compares himself to a slatternly woman saying that he â€Å"must like a whore, unpack my heart with words, and fall a-cursing like a very drab, a stallion. † (2.2, lines 592-594) His references to women are always negative, and he presents them as objects that men can use for sexual pleasure whenever they want. The final point to make about the way Shakespeare presents women is the fact that Ophelia is the only character driven to suicide, and that she is one of only two women in the play. This is possible another way for Shakespeare to make his point that women are by far the weaker sex. Audiences today would find the way that the women in Hamlet are treated extremely surprising as today women are so much more independent. Instead of being a husband’s possession, a wife is seen as an equal. Women today have the freedom to be more open-minded, and are allowed to voice opinions other than their husbands’. Women today have almost total sexual freedom as well, so the connection between women, sex and corruption would probably cause mixed reactions. This, however, also brings me to the point that even though Shakespeare’s presentation of women is negative, so is his presentation of men. He shows the men being insensitive, selfish, oppressive and shows them treating women with very little respect. â€Å"Frailty – thy name is woman,† no longer applies to the women of the 21st Century as there are more or less equal opportunities for men and women now, and everyone has the same education and job opportunities no matter what sex you may be. I think that this quote sums up Shakespeare’s overall presentation of women and the treatment of Gertrude and Ophelia shows us how women were oppressed, and often seen as objects rather than human beings.

Remembering the Murder of Shanda Sharer

Remembering the Murder of Shanda Sharer Few crimes in modern times caused more public horror than the grisly torture and murder of 12-year-old Shanda Sharer at the hands of four teenage girls on Jan. 11, 1992 in Madison, Indiana. The callousness and brutality exhibited by the four teenage girls, ages 15 to 17, shocked the public then, and it continues to be a source of fascination and revulsion as the subject of dozens of books, magazine articles, television programs, and psychiatric papers.   The Events Leading to the Murder At the time of her murder, Shanda Renee Sharer was the 12-year old daughter of divorced parents, attending school at  Our  Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic school in New Albany, Indiana, after transferring the previous year from Hazelwood Middle School. While at Hazelwood, Shanda had met Amanda Heavrin. Initially the two girls fought, but eventually became friends and then became entered into a youthful romance.   In October of 1991, Amanda and Shanda were attending a school dance together when they were angrily confronted by Melinda Loveless, an older girl that Amanda Heavrin had also been dating since 1990. As Shanda Sharer and Amanda Heavrin continued to socialize through October, the jealous Melinda Loveless began to discuss killing Shanda and was observed threatening her in public. It was at this point, concerned about their daughters safety, that Shandas parents transferred her to a Catholic school and away from Amanda. The Abduction, Torture, and Murder Despite the fact that Shanda Sharer was no longer in the same school as Amanda Heavrin, Melinda Loveless jealousy continued to fester over the next few months, and on the night of Jan. 10, 1992, Melinda, along with three friends- Toni Lawrence (age 15), Hope Rippey (age 15), and Laurie Tackett (age 17)- drove to where Shanda was spending the weekend with her father. Just after midnight, the older girls convinced Shanda that her friend Amanda Heavrin was waiting for her at a teenage hangout spot known as the Witchs Castle, a ruined stone home in a remote area overlooking the Ohio River. Once in the car, Melinda Loveless began to threaten Shanda with a knife, and once they arrived at Witchs Castle, the threats escalated into an hours-long torture session. It was the details of the savagery that followed, all of which came out later in testimony from one of the girls, that so horrified the public. Over a period of more than six hours, Shanda Sharer was subject to beatings with fists, strangling with a rope, repeated stabbings, and battery and sodomy with a tire iron. Finally, the still living girl was doused with gasoline and set ablaze in the early morning hours of Jan. 11, 1992, in a field alongside a gravel county road.   Immediately after the murder, the four girls had breakfast at McDonalds, where it is reported that they laughingly compared the look of the sausage to that of the corpse they had just abandoned.   The Investigation Uncovering the truth of this crime thankfully did not take long. Shanda Sharers body was discovered later that same morning by hunters driving along the road. When Shandas parents reported her missing in early afternoon, the connection to the discovered body was quickly suspected. That evening, a distraught Toni Lawrence accompanied by her parents arrived at the  Jefferson County Sheriffs office  and began to confess the details of the crime. Dental records quickly confirmed that the remains discovered by the hunters were those of Shanda Sharer. By the next day, all the involved girls had been arrested.   The Criminal Proceedings With compelling evidence provided by Toni Lawrences testimony, the four girls involved were all charged as adults. With a strong likelihood of death penalty sentences, they all accepted guilty pleas in order to avoid such an outcome.   In preparation for sentencing, defense attorneys spent considerable effort assembling arguments of mitigating circumstances for some of the girls, arguing that these facts reduced their culpability. These facts were presented to the judge during the sentencing hearing. Melinda Loveless, the ringleader, had by far the most extensive history of abuse. At the legal hearing, two of her sisters and two cousins testified that her father, Larry Loveless, had forced them to have sex with him, although they could not testify that Melinda, too, had been so abused. His history of physical abuse to his wife and children was well documented, as well as a pattern of sexual misconduct. (Later, Larry Loveless would be charged with 11 counts of child sex abuse.) Laurie Tackett was raised in a strictly religious household where rock music, movies and most other trappings of normal teenage life were strictly forbidden. In rebellion, she shaved her head and engaged in occult practices. It was not entirely surprising to others that she could have participated in such a crime.   Toni Lawrence and Hope Rippey had no such troubled reputations, and experts and public onlookers were somewhat baffled at how relatively normal girls could have participated in such a crime. In the end, it was chalked up to simple peer pressure and a thirst for acceptance, but the case continues to be a source of analysis and discussion to this day.   The Sentences In exchange for her extensive testimony, Toni Lawrence received the lightest sentence- she pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Confinement and was sentenced to a maximum of 20 years. She was released on December 14, 2000, after serving nine years. She remained on parole until December, 2002. Hope Rippey was sentenced to 60 years, with ten years suspended for mitigating circumstances. Upon later appeal, her sentence was reduced to 35 years. She was released early on April 28, 2002 from Indiana Womens Prison after serving 14 years of her original sentence.   Melinda Loveless and Laurie Tackett were sentenced to 60 years in the Indiana Womens Prison in Indianapolis. Tacket was released on Jan. 11, 2018, exactly 26 years to the day after the murder.   Melinda Loveless, the ringleader of one of the most brutal murders in recent time, is due to be released in 2019.

Questioning the Psychologists’ Involvement Essays

Questioning the Psychologists’ Involvement Essays Questioning the Psychologists’ Involvement Paper Questioning the Psychologists’ Involvement Paper Defining and understanding the concept of torture according to the first article of the UN declaration against torture entails a careful scrutiny of its three pillars: the relative intensity of pain or suffering inflicted; the purposive element; and the status of perpetrator. An act would then be torture when the pain is severely inflicted in an aggravated form of cruel degrading treatment and punishment in order for a public official to obtain necessary information (American Society of International Law). All of these three key pillars were reported to be present in a detailing facility in Guantemana, where several psychologists are employed. These practitioners were accused of abusing psychology to get information withheld by detainees. In an article by Neil Lewis, several tactics used in the facility include techniques that violate human rights (cited in Summers, 2007). Stephen Soldz in his article â€Å"a profession struggle to save its soul†, described these techniques as behavior modification (2006). A New Yorker told â€Å"democracy now! † that a psychiatrist gave an overview of what happens inside the detaining facility. A specific prisoner would receive only seven squares of toilet paper in a day. They also sometimes use one’s fear in order to breakdown a prisoner for instance; they would confine someone who feared total darkness in a dark place. Another behavioral scientist even promoted the use of learned helplessness in treating detainees (Soldz, 2006). American Psychologists Association’s Move The outbreak of these disturbing reports earned the American Psychologists Association lot of criticism its integrity have been continuously questioned as they get themselves involved in military and security related setting. To address this issue and to help guide psychologist in facing ethical challenges in these situations a taskforce on psychological ethics and national security was established by the then president Dr. Ron Levant. These taskforce consisted of individual equipped with extensive experience in working under a security related setting and individuals that have a different point of view. This taskforce was assigned to examine this issue and to release a guideline based on the association’s code of ethics (Behnk, 2006). In June 2005, the taskforce released a report stating that psychologists may take part in interrogations and in other security-related activities as long as they act in accordance to the code of ethics. It further reiterated that the taskforce is not assigned to conduct any investigations; hence, the report focused only on the 12 statements outlining the psychologist’s obligations in a national security setting (Behnk, 2006). The release if these statements did not put an end to the media’s and other professionals’ criticisms. This further raised questions and invoked movements to change the association’s policies. Questioning APA’s Actions and Stand The American Psychologists Association supports the involvement of psychologists in military. In the advent of these disturbing reports, the PENS task force was created simply to come up with a guideline regarding psychologist’s activity within a military or security related setting. Hence, the task force released only a report containing a vague and ambiguous guideline. Despite its claims that each of the PENS, task force statements was based on the association’s code of ethics, a conflict still arises between the code and the guideline (Summers, 2007). According to the ethics code, whenever a conflict is between the principles of the code of ethics and the order comes up, the order may be followed (cited in Summers, 2007). However, the PENS task force report suggests the violation of these orders when basic human rights are not followed. This conflict may even used to justify torturous interrogations (Summers, 2007). Moreover, the report did not contain any specific acts or treatment that should not be utilized during interrogations. It also did not state any sanction or action to prevent psychologists from getting involved in torture. This only strengthens the notion that the APA wishes to continue its involvement in Guantanamo. The involvement of the psychologist in a detaining facility like the one in Guantanamo is already a violation of the professional code of ethics. However, the previous president, Dr. Levant, reported the opposite after visiting Guantanamo in 2005(Summers, 2007). He claimed making observations by only talking with psychologists, who assured him that every action is bound by the ethical guidelines (Soldz, 2006). Without the interaction with the detainees, the APA president’s observation is invalid. Contrary to Levant’s observation is a report issued by the United Nations Commission on human rights that documented violations of the Geneva Convention and a breach of professional ethics (Summers, 2007) . Moreover, according to a New England Journal of Medicine article written by Gregg Bloche and Jonathan Marks, interrogation at Guantanamo often utilizes increased amounts of stress that constitutes torture. Examples of these counter-resistance measures are â€Å"sleep deprivation, prolonged isolation, painful body position, feigned suffocation, and beatings† (cited in Soldz, 2006). The mere occurrence of these acts in Guantanamo implies that psychologists neglect their ethical responsibility of reporting such abusive measures to appropriate authorities. One cannot argue on the lack of awareness on these occurrences as some of the proponents of these measures are psychologists (Soldz, 2006). In an editorial written by Gerald Koocher, APA’s new president, in The Monitor, he defended psychologists employed under detaining facilities. He further attacked the allegations as simply based on speculations and rumors. He also stated that those who criticize psychologists’ involvement in the military cannot provide data to support their allegations. The lack of names and other data supports his consistent position that these reports are merely rumors (cited in Summers, 2007). The lack of names and data does not justify his claim that these allegations are merely speculations. It is known for a fact that the identities of these psychologists are concealed for security purposes (Soldz, 2006). Dismissing these reports as merely rumors clearly shows the association’s lack of interest in the validation of theses allegations. They simply do not want to find out the truth about the abuses in the applications of psychology in a security-related setting. It only strengthens the notion that the APA supports this involvement and that the relationship with the Department of Defense is their primary concern (Summers, 2007). APA’s Position Clarified Pyschologists’ involvement in these facilities is also being questioned: whether or not there is a breach of their professional code of ethics. Hoping to drive away the attention from the association, the APA created the PENS task force. The PENS task force issued its final report on a vague and ambiguous guideline, which in part is in conflict with their code of ethics. Moreover, the report only showed the association’s support on the psychologists’ involvement in such facilities. The report did not even outline prohibited treatments. Protection was also given to the military psychologist by both the previous and current president of the association. By taking this course of actions, the APA clearly shows it no intentions of validation the allegations of the human rights violations. Moreover, the existence of these conflicts between the guideline and the code of ethics provide a loophole for the justification of each inhumane act. Hence, people are left without a guarantee that these behavioral scientists would not breach their code of ethics and would not be involved in torturous acts in such facilities. References The American Society of International Law. (nd). The Definition(s) of torture in International Law. Retrieved September 26, 2007 from asil. org/is060630/Rodley_Def_Torture_paper_06_06_30. pdf. Counter Punch. (2006, August 1). A Profession Struggles to Save Its Soul Psychologists, Guantanamo and Torture. Retrieved September 26, 2007 from counterpunch. org/soldz0812006. html. Benke, S. (2006). Psychological ethics and national security: The position of the American Psychological Association, European Psychologist, 11, 153-156. Summers, F. (2007). Psychoanalysis, The American Psychological Association, and the Involvement of Psychologists at Guantanamo Bay. Psychoanalysis, Culture Society, 12, 82-93.

Firms Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Firms - Research Paper Example The firm prides itself on being, â€Å"Dedicated to design innovation and technical excellence† (Bluarch 7). Having expanded its ventures to many areas of the globe Bluarch has been discussed in various publications and has also been involved with several exhibitions from all over the globe. The firm has used its extensive marketing to extend its boundaries significantly in the few years they have been established, enabling them to carry out projects not just throughout the U.S.A but also in a in a wide range of countries which include Korea, the U.K., Italy, Russia and the Ukraine. In the area of interior design, the company works on projects in both residential and commercial settings. In the commercial area this can encompass work in hospitality (including restaurants and nightclubs) as well as within retail and office spaces. Whilst in the area of architecture their projects are extended to include opera houses, movie complexes and even a parachute pavilion that was constr ucted in Brooklyn. Fisher Maranz Stone Like Bluarch, Fisher Maranz Stone is based in New York City. More specifically the firm is housed in a classic district loft space and has been around for a little longer than Bluarch having been established in 1971. The company was originally founded by the trained architects and interior designers Jules Fisher and Paul Maranz who continue to operate as the company’s principle designers. They were later joined by Charles G. Stone who, whilst specializing in theatre lighting, has since become the President of the company. They are assisted in the workings of the business by several principal associates who function not only in the area of design but also in finance, marketing and IT. They also employ a dozen junior designers and several administrative staff thereby making it significantly bigger than Bluarch. Specializing in lighting designs, the firm claims to â€Å"Use light to narrate the architect’s story enhancing the commun ication of design through environmentally and economically conscious lighting solutions†. (FMS 1) Furthermore, for over forty years the company has incorporated their designs into a vast range of locations and has created lighting solutions for over 2500 projects around the world, that include museums and towers, corporate interiors and concert halls, private residences, casinos and universities, and have even extended their practice to airports and train stations. Jeffrey Beers International The introduction to this company’s website opens by describing how one can â€Å"Step into an environment by Jeffrey Beers International and you will discover a setting rich with imaginative variations on classic themes of glamour, elegance, wit, and seduction†. (Jeffrey Beers 1). Again this company resides in New York City, and was established there in 1986 by Beers who graduated from university with a degree specializing in architecture. Concentrating its projects mainly w ithin the areas of hospitality and retail, the company has nevertheless expanded to carry out projects in private residencies and office spaces as well as nightclubs. The company has now expanded its operations to encompass some 12 countries up to the present time although they are continually looking to expand even further afield. The team is built on the specialists skills of a number of associates who operate not only in the field of

Policy Evaluation Findings and Recommendations Paper WK5 BPA 303 Essay

Policy Evaluation Findings and Recommendations Paper WK5 BPA 303 - Essay Example Social service programs are to be devised that could identify the social needs of children and their parents such as food, clothing and housing and ensure that these services are continuously available to families. The company currently has a policy that they comprehensively meet cognitive and academic needs of children; however, the organization must be focused towards providing development of a child across all domains (Chicago Department, 2010). The Federal Government should form a body of stakeholders that could address the matters of the organization and to assemble their workforce. The government should convene a pool of professionals that could be able to provide their suggestions voluntarily to generate more funds for the organization. The Federal Government should also develop a team of researchers that could find out new ways to teach young children and to improve their learning standards. The involvement of the family is the key to early learning of childhood which could help in successful parent engagement (Chicago Department,