Automatic Room Light Controller with Didirectional Visitor Counter

CHAPTER :- 1 Project Overview 1. Introduction Of Project 1. 1 Project Definition: Project title is â€Å"AUTOMATIC ROOM LIGHT CONTROLLER WITH BIDIRECTIONAL VISITOR COUNTER â€Å". The objective of this project is to make a controller based model to count number of persons visiting particular room and accordingly light up the room. Here we can use sensor and can know present number of persons. In today’s world, there is a continuous need for automatic appliances with the increase in standard of living, there is a sense of urgency for developing circuits that would ease the complexity of life.Also if at all one wants to know the number of people present in room so as not to have congestion. This circuit proves to be helpful. 1. 2 Project Overview This Project â€Å"Automatic Room Light Controller with Visitor Counter using Microcontroller is a reliable circuit that takes over the task of controlling the room lights as well us counting number of persons/ visitors in the room v ery accurately. When somebody enters into the room then the counter is incremented by one and the light in the room will be switched ON and when any one leaves the room then the counter is decremented by one.The light will be only switched OFF until all the persons in the room go out. The total number of persons inside the room is also displayed on the seven segment displays. The microcontroller does the above job. It receives the signals from the sensors, and this signal is operated under the control of software which is stored in ROM. Microcontroller AT89S52 continuously monitor the Infrared Receivers, When any object pass through the IR Receiver's then the IR Rays falling on the receiver are obstructed , this obstruction is sensed by the Microcontroller CHAPTER :- 2 BLOCK DIAGRAM AND ITS DESCRIPTION 2. 1Basic Block DiagramEnter Exit Relay Driver A T 8 9 S 5 2 Signal Conditioning Exit Sensor Enter Sensor Light Signal Conditioning Power Supply Fig. 2. 1 Basic Block Diagram 2. 2 Blo ck Diagram Description The basic block diagram of the bidirectional visitor counter with automatic light controller is shown in the above figure. Mainly this block diagram consist of the following essential blocks. 1. Power Supply 2. Entry and Exit sensor circuit 3. AT 89S52 micro-controller 4. Relay driver circuit 1. Power Supply:- Here we used +12V and +5V dc power supply. The main function of this block is to provide the required amount of voltage to essential circuits. 12 voltage is given. +12V is given to relay driver. To get the +5V dc power supply we have used here IC 7805, which provides the +5V dc regulated power supply. 2. Enter and Exit Circuits:- This is one of the main part of our project. The main intention of this block is to sense the person. For sensing the person and light we are using the light dependent register (LDR). By using this sensor and its related circuit diagram we can count the persons. 3. 89S52 Microcontroller:- It is a low-power, high performance CMOS 8-bit microcontroller with 8KB of Flash Programmable and Erasable Read Only Memory (PEROM).The device is manufactured using Atmel’s high-density nonvolatile memory technology and is compatible with the MCS-51TM instruction set and pin out. The on-chip Flash allows the program memory to be reprogrammed in-system or by a conventional nonvolatile memory programmer. By combining a versatile 8-bit CPU with Flash on a monolithic hip, the Atmel AT89S52 is a powerful Microcontroller, which provides a highly flexible and cost effective solution so many embedded control applications. 4. Relay Driver Circuit:- This block has the potential to drive the various controlled devices.In this block mainly we are using the transistor and the relays. One relay driver circuit we are using to control the light. Output signal from AT89S52 is given to the base of the transistor, which we are further energizing the particular relay. Because of this appropriate device is selected and it do its allott ed function. CHAPTER :- 3 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM Transmission Circuit:- Fig. 3. 1 Transmitter circuit Receiver Circuit:- Fig. 3. 2 Receiver circuit * CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION: There are two main parts of the circuits. 1. Transmission Circuits (Infrared LEDs) 2. Receiver Circuit (Sensors) . Transmission Circuit: Fig. 3. 3 Transmitter circuit This circuit diagram shows how a 555 timer IC is configured to function as a basic monostable multivibrator. A monostable multivibrator is a timing circuit that changes state once triggered, but returns to its original state after a certain time delay. It got its name from the fact that only one of its output states is stable. It is also known as a ‘one-shot'. In this circuit, a negative pulse applied at pin 2 triggers an internal flip-flop that turns off pin 7's discharge transistor, allowing C1 to charge up through R1.At the same time, the flip-flop brings the output (pin 3) level to ‘high'. When capacitor C1 as charged up to about 2/3 Vcc, t he flip-flop is triggered once again, this time making the pin 3 output ‘low' and turning on pin 7's discharge transistor, which discharges C1 to ground. This circuit, in effect, produces a pulse at pin 3 whose width t is just the product of R1 and C1, i. e. , t=R1C1. IR Transmission circuit is used to generate the modulated 36 kHz IR signal. The IC555 in the transmitter side is to generate 36 kHz square wave. Adjust the preset in the transmitter to get a 38 kHz signal at the o/p. round 1. 4K we get a 38 kHz signal. Then you point it over the sensor and its o/p will go low when it senses the IR signal of 38 kHz. 2. Receiver Circuit: Fig. 3. 4 Receiver circuit The IR transmitter will emit modulated 38 kHz IR signal and at the receiver we use TSOP1738 (Infrared Sensor). The output goes high when the there is an interruption and it return back to low after the time period determined by the capacitor and resistor in the circuit. I. e. around 1 second. CL100 is to trigger the IC555 which is configured as monostable multivibrator. Input is given to the Port 1 of the microcontroller.Port 0 is used for the 7-Segment display purpose. Port 2 is used for the Relay Turn On and Turn off Purpose. LTS 542 (Common Anode) is used for 7-Segment display. And that time Relay will get Voltage and triggered so light will get voltage and it will turn on. And when counter will be 00 that time Relay will be turned off. Reset button will reset the microcontroller. CHAPTER :- 4 HARDWARE DESIGN ; DESCRIPTIONS Hardware Design:- Infrared Sensor TSOP1738 Microcontroller AT89S52 Relay 7-Segment Display Timer IC 555 Fig. 4. 1 Snap of the entire circuit 4. 1 Procedure Followed While Designing:In the beginning I designed the circuit in DIPTRACE software. Dip trace is a circuit designing software. After completion of the designing circuit I prepared the layout. Then I programmed the microcontroller using KEIL software using hex file. Then soldering process was done. After completion of the soldering process I tested the circuit. Still the desired output was not obtained and so troubleshooting was done. In the process of troubleshooting I found the circuit aptly soldered and connected and hence came to conclusion that there was error in programming section which was later rectified and the desired results were obtained. . 2 List of Components: Following is the list of components that are necessary to build the assembly of the Digital Speedometer Cum Odometer: * Microcontroller – AT89S52 * IC – 7805 * Sensor – TSOP 1738 (Infrared Sensor) * Transformer – 12-0-12, 500 mA * Preset – 4. 7K * Disc capacitor – 104,33pF * Reset button switch * Rectifier diode – IN4148 * Transistor – BC 547, CL 100 * 7-Segment Display 4. 3 Description of Components 4. 3. 1 Microcontroller AT89S52: The AT89S52 is a low-power, high-performance CMOS 8-bit microcontroller with 8K bytes of in-system programmable Flash memory.The device is manu factured using Atmel’s high-density nonvolatile memory technology and is compatible with the Industry-standard 80C51 instruction set and pin out. The on-chip Flash allows the program memory to be reprogrammed in-system or by a conventional nonvolatile memory pro- grammar. By combining a versatile 8-bit CPU with in-system programmable Flash on a monolithic chip, the Atmel AT89S52 is a powerful microcontroller which provides a highly-flexible and cost-effective solution to many embedded control applications.The AT89S52 provides the following standard features: 8K bytes of Flash, 256 bytes of RAM, 32 I/O lines, Watchdog timer, two data pointers, three 16-bit timer/counters, a six-vector two-level interrupt architecture, a full duplex serial port, on-chip oscillator, and clock circuitry. In addition, the AT89S52 is designed with static logic for operation down to zero frequency and supports two software selectable power saving modes. The Idle Mode stops the CPU while allowing the RAM, timer/counters, serial port, and interrupt system to continue functioning.The Power-down mode saves the RAM con- tents but freezes the oscillator, disabling all other chip functions until the next interrupt or hardware reset. FEATURES:- * 8 KB Reprogrammable flash. * 32 Programmable I/O lines. * 16 bit Timer/Counter—3. * 8 Interrupt sources. * Power range: 4V – 5. 5V * Endurance : 1000 Writes / Erase cycles * Fully static operation: 0 Hz to 33 MHz * Three level program memory lock * Power off flag * Full duplex UART serial channel * Low power idle and power down modes * Interrupt recovery from power down modes * 256 KB internal RAM * Dual data pointer 4. 3. 2TSOP1738 (INFRARED SENSOR)Fig. 4. 2 Infrared Sensor Description: The TSOP17.. – Series are miniaturized receivers for infrared remote control systems. PIN diode and preamplifier are assembled on lead frame, the epoxy package is designed as IR filter. The demodulated output signal can directly be decode d by a microprocessor. TSOP17.. is the standard IR remote control receiver series, supporting all major transmission codes. Features: * Photo detector and preamplifier in one package * Internal filter for PCM frequency * Improved shielding against electrical field disturbance * TTL and CMOS compatibility * Output active low Low power consumption * High immunity against ambient light * Continuous data transmission possible (up to 2400 bps) * Suitable burst length . 10 cycles/burst Block Diagram: Fig. 4. 3 Block Diagram of TSOP 1738 Application Circuit: Fig. 4. 4 Application circuit 4. 3. 3 555 ( TIMER IC): Fig. 4. 5 Timer IC(555) Description: The LM555 is a highly stable device for generating accurate time delays or oscillation. Additional terminals are provided for triggering or resetting if desired. In the time delay mode of operation, the time is precisely controlled by one external resistor and capacitor.For astable operation as an oscillator, the free running frequency and duty cycle are accurately controlled with two external resistors and one capacitor. The circuit may be triggered and reset on falling waveforms, and the output circuit can source or sink up to 200mA or drive TTL circuits. Features: * Direct replacement for SE555/NE555 * Timing from microseconds through hours * Operates in both astable and monostable modes * Adjustable duty cycle * Output can source or sink 200 mA * Output and supply TTL compatible * Temperature stability better than 0. 05% per  °C * Normally on and normally off output * Available in 8-pin MSOP package Applications: * Precision timing * Pulse generation * Sequential timing * Time delay generation * Pulse width modulation * Pulse position modulation * Linear ramp generator 5. 3. 4 LTS 542 (7-Segment Display) Description: The LTS 542 is a 0. 52 inch digit height single digit seven-segment display. This device utilizes Hi-eff. Red LED chips, which are made from GaAsP on GaP substrate, and has a red face and red segment. Fi g. 4. 6 7 Segment Features: * Common Anode * 0. 52 Inch Digit Height * Continuous Uniform Segments Low power Requirement * Excellent Characters Appearance * High Brightness ; High Contrast * Wide Viewing Angle 5. 3. 5 LM7805 (Voltage Regulator) Fig. 4. 7 Voltage Regulator Description: The KA78XX/KA78XXA series of three-terminal positive regulator are available in the TO-220/D-PAK package and with several fixed output voltages, making them useful in a wide range of applications. Each type employs internal current limiting, thermal shut down and safe operating area protection, making it essentially indestructible. If adequate heat sinking is provided, they can deliver over 1A output current.Although designed primarily as fixed voltage regulators, these devices can be used with external components to obtain adjustable voltages and currents. Features: * Output Current up to 1A * Output Voltages of 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 24V * Thermal Overload Protection * Short Circuit Protection * Output Transistor Safe Operating Area Protection 5. 3. 6 RELAY CIRCUIT: Fig. 4. 8 Relay A single pole dabble throw (SPDT) relay is connected to port RB1 of the microcontroller through a driver transistor. The relay requires 12 volts at a current of around 100ma, which cannot provide by the microcontroller.So the driver transistor is added. The relay is used to operate the external solenoid forming part of a locking device or for operating any other electrical devices. Normally the relay remains off. As soon as pin of the microcontroller goes high, the relay operates. When the relay operates and releases. Diode D2 is the standard diode on a mechanical relay to prevent back EMF from damaging Q3 when the relay releases. LED L2 indicates relay on. CHAPTER :- 5 SOFTWARE DESIGN FLOW CHART: Start Infrared Signal Transmission Interrupted from Sensor1 Interrupted from Sensor 2 Turn On Relay Counter Incremented Counter DecrementedCounter set to 0 Relay Turn Off Turn On Light Turn Off Light F ig. 4. 7 Flow Chart * If the sensor 1 is interrupted first then the microcontroller will look for the sensor 2. And if it is interrupted then the microcontroller will increment the count and switch on the relay, if it is first time interrupted. * If the sensor 2 is interrupted first then the microcontroller will look for the sensor 1. And if it is interrupted then the microcontroller will decrement the count. * When the last person leaves the room then counter goes to 0 and that time the relay will turn off. And light will be turn off. CHAPTER :- 6 TESTING AND RESULTSTesting And Results We started our project by making power supply. That is easy for me but when we turn toward the main circuit, there are many problems and issues related to it, which we faced, like component selection, which components is better than other and its feature and cost wise a We started our project by making power supply. That is easy for me but when I turn toward the main circuit, there are many problems and issues related to it, which are I faced, like component selection, which components is better than other and its feature and cost wise also, then refer the data books and other materials related to its.I had issues with better or correct result, which I desired. And also the software problem. I also had some soldering issues which were resolved using continuity checks performed on the hardware. We had issues with better or correct result, which we desired. And also the software problem. We also had some soldering issues which were resolved using continuity checks performed on the hardware. We started testing the circuit from the power supply. There we got over first trouble. After getting 9V from the transformer it was not converted to 5V and the circuit received 9V.As the solder was shorted IC 7805 got burnt. So we replaced the IC7805. also the circuit part around the IC7805 were completely damaged.. with the help of the solder we made the necessary paths. CHAPTER :- 7 FUTURE E XPANSION FUTURE EXPANSION * By using this circuit and proper power supply we can implement various applications Such as fans, tube lights, etc. * By modifying this circuit and using two relays we can achieve a task of opening and closing the door. CHAPTER :- 8 APPLICATION, ADVANTAGES ; DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION, ADVANTAGES ; DISADVANTAGES Application * For counting purposes * For automatic room light control * Advantages * Low cost * Easy to use * Implement in single door * Disadvantages * It is used only when one single person cuts the rays of the sensor hence it cannot be used when two person cross simultaneously. CHAPTER :- 8 BIBILOGRAPHY Bibliography * Reference Books * Programming in ANSI C: E BALAGURUSAMY * The 8051microcontroller and embedded systems: MUHAMMAD ALI MAZIDI JANICE GILLISPIE MAZIDI * The 8051 microcontroller: KENNETH J. AYALA * Website * www. datasheets4u. com * www. 8051. com

Helping Children Master the Basic Facts Essay

The chapter â€Å"Strategies for Multiplication Facts† provides detailed overview of strategies used for mastering and enlarging multiplication facts. It is suggested that basic facts may be improved due to relating existing knowledge to new facts. The author outlines five group strategies stating that the first four are easier and they cover 75% of multiplication facts. Nevertheless, it is noted the offered strategies are simply suggestions, not the rules to follow. Actually, these strategies help students think of various facts easily. The special attention in the chapter is paid to doubles, zeroes and ones, helping facts, division facts and ‘near facts’, etc. It is noted that fact remediation should be used in case when students are unable to master basic facts mentioned above. Such students need new approach to comprehend basic facts. Therefore, fact remediation is of great importance, because it aims at providing hope for students having problems with mathematics. Often students experiencing difficulties with getting facts, start thinking they are unable to learn facts at all. The author recommends to â€Å"let these children know that you will help them and that you will provide some new ideas that will help them as well†. (184) It is admitted in the chapter that students who comprehend the basic multiplication facts doesn’t reason better that student who find it difficult to get the idea of basic facts. The author states that nowadays the goal of mathematics isn’t simply to learn how to count, instead it aims at learning how to reason, how to make the sense of things around. What is more important, mathematics develops the skills of critical thinking and punctuality. Mathematics teaches students to solve problems and, therefore, students experiencing difficulties with mastering basic facts shouldn’t be excluded from mathematical experiences. Summing up, the author claims that all students should be involved in â€Å"exciting and meaningful experiences, they have real motivation to learn facts and real opportunities to develop relationships that can aid in that endeavor†. (185) References Van De Walle, John. (2003). Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally. USA: Allyn & Bacon.

Adult Antisocial Behavior

The Antisocial Personal Disorder or APD is recognized to be a psychological mental health problem and is deemed to cause certain kinds of behavior in an individual.   Although the effect of this mental illness in a person would greatly vary, the disorder is said to result to violent tendencies, like destructive behavior even committing crimes like rape or murder.There are of course interventions that can be applied to suppress its impacts on children and adult, and there are early warning signs that can be detected that signals personal affliction of the ailment. (McCord and Tremblay, 1992) The inability to prevent this disorder from early childhood can result to the sustaining of the disorder until adulthood, which can lead to violent outcomes.   The antisocial disorder can be more common that what is usually perceived, as there are cases when people would be mild psychopaths – those who have violent tendencies, but not as threatening as full-blown psychopaths. (Kantor, 2 006)   How the disorder can affect an individual can be wide and varied, and the capacity for treatment can also be ranged.The prevalent and general feature of the APD is the individual’s indifference or ignorance of other people, and the pattern of such behavior is consistent and sustained, often resulting to violence.   Diagnosis would be dependent of the people surrounding the individual – those who witness his/her behavior – and the childhood history of one’s conduct and attitudes.   (Lykken, 1995)The occurrence of the antisocial personality disorder is higher in males than in females, with 3% and 1% respectively, of the population diagnosed as having the mental disorder.   (Wolman, 1999) Several symptoms serves as red flags that indicate affliction, and these attitudinal indicators can vary widely among individuals.   It would be the consistency of the dysfunctional behavior that would determine if the person is indeed antisocial.The indivi dual’s inability to feel remorse or guilt after committing repetitive dysfunctional attitude would be a strong indicator of antisocial disorder.One of the markers of the antisocial disorder is the constant resort to deceit and manipulation of a person.   Acts of violence and crime are committed without regard for others or care for the law or any other implications or ramifications.   Violating the rights of others is a known characteristic of APD, as with the tendency to lie or steal.   Disregard for others and difficulty to make and maintain friends is common in antisocial individuals.They can also be susceptible to alcoholism, drug dependency, or any other substance abuse, and can be prone to committing acts of violence.  Ã‚   People with the antisocial behavior disorder can experience extreme difficulties in relating with others, or maintaining relationships, as they have little regard for the emotional and physical well-being of others.Other characteristics that would show consistent dysfunctional behavior in terms of the persons capacity to socialize can be an indicator of the disorder.The etiological background of the APD finds some connection to genetics, as the disorder is argued to be something inherited or passed over from parents, although the relationship would only refer to higher probability of occurrence and not the actual genetic transmission of the disorder.   Ultimately, the behavior of the person would be shaped by his/her social environment.The family of the individual with APD can be a strong cause for the development and progression of the disorder.   For one, individuals with fathers that are alcoholics or sociopaths can be said to be more prone to developing the disorder; also, it can cause somatization disorder in females. (Kantor, 2006)Another probable cause of antisocial disorder is the lack of maternal care or a mother, in the first years of the life of the child.   Parents of individuals with the disorder are usually lenient and do not show consistent effort to discipline the child.   Also, these parents displays unbecoming attitude, like alcoholism or abuse, which can impact on the behavior of the child.   Improper rearing can distort the emotional and mental development of a child, and therefore lead to antisocial behavior in adulthood. The Macdonald triad – pyromania, bedwetting, and animal cruelty – is identified by scholars to be a sign of antisocial disorder in people below 18, which can easily be sustained until adulthood. (Heginbotham, 2000)But the true cause of antisocial behavior in adults can be difficult to pinpoint, are prediction and tracing is quite complex and tedious; but the above indicators are noted to be the common characteristics of adults diagnosed with the disorder.In our society, the antisocial behavior disorder is estimated to be found in a certain percentage of the population- with males having more propensities for acquiring the mental diseas e.   Studies show that 5.8% of males are under a lifetime risk of being antisocial, which is significantly higher than the female risk rate. (Wolman, 1999)   For the females, the lifetime risk factor can be present in 1.2% of the population.   Actual prevalence the mental disorder is similarly higher in males, with 3% of the population said to be antisocial, which equates to almost 10 million in the United States. (Wolman, 1999)   The females have a 1% rate of antisocial behavior.Environments where violent is prevalent, like penitentiaries and prisons, are noted to have 75% of the population diagnosed as being antisocial.   This clearly shows that individuals with the antisocial disorder are more likely to commit crimes and be penalized.The treatment of the antisocial behavior would necessitate the mapping of the behavior of the person in able to determine the appropriate therapy or treatment that would be applied.   Although treatment and various social techniques is so mething that is available to people with the disorder, psychologists would claim that conduct disorders would be something that can be resistant to treatment.Treatments of adults with the disorder is especially difficult, can no scientific evidence would prove that certain treatment indeed works.   Therapy and communication training is children can be a more effective tool, as it would prevent development of the behavior.   Exposing a person to social environments and cultivating positive relationships, like a good classroom setting, or more importantly, as healthy family life, can be a long-term deterrent to antisocial behavior.In conclusion, antisocial behavior is a mental disorder that can lead a person to commit acts of violence – how violent it would be can vary to a wide extent – from domestic violence to theft to heinous crimes like rape, murder, and homicide.The absence of remorse or any signs of guilt is cause by APD, and this type of emotional behavior wo uld cause the individual to continuously exhibit dysfunctions in their behavior.   The antisocial disorder is something that can start from early childhood and can be developed to psychopath behavior until adulthood.   Although genetic relationship can also be found, it is basically caused by the environment and situation of a person during his formative years of childhood, which can have massive impacts on behavior later in life.   Individuals with the APD are difficult to interact with, usually always in solitude, irritable, moody, deceptive and manipulative.The disorder can occur in a small percentage of the population, and the prospect for cure or repression can be more effective if intervention would start from the onset of detection, or preferably, from childhood.ReferencesBlack, Donald. (2000). Bad Boys, Bad Men: Confronting Antisocial Personality Disorder. C. Lindon Larson. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.Brain, Christine. (2002). Advanced Psychology: Applicati ons, Issues and Perspectives. United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes.Heginbotham, Christopher. (2000). Philosophy, Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy: Personal Identity in Mental Disorder. England: Ashgate.Kantor, Martin. (2006). The Psychopathy of Everyday Life: How Antisocial Personality Disorder Affects All of Us. United States: Praeger Publishers.Larsen, Randy, and David Buss. (2008). Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge about Human Nature. Boston: McGraw Hill.

Pop Art and modern popular culture Research Paper

Pop Art and modern popular culture - Research Paper Example The new pop art broke taboos which were experienced in the traditional western culture. It is no wonder pop art criticized the traditional art. In that case, the young people were the ones mostly involved with pop art as a new identity, different from the relatively old people. Pop art became popular with the young musicians who had the artistic of the time create covers for their music (Osterwold 8). Robert Rauschenberg's is quoted stating he had never seen a beautiful art as the Marcel Duchamp’s urinal art which the painter named the retina art. The idea was to capture the attention of the people in the Armory Show in New York in 1917. The art captured the attention of many including Robert Rauschenberg who vowed to continue with pop art. Rauschenberg worked very hard with pop art especially in the 1950s contributing to its popularity. Other artists credited for pop art in the 1950s are Andy Warhol, and Jim Dine. These artists used different styles some using modern styles o f the time and others using traditional art styles especially Rauschenberg and Dine who incorporated prints and collage into their styles. Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol and Jim Dine focused a lot on the pop art in the early 1950s and turned the tables round this time. Many people appreciated the pop art as stated above. The number of pop art artifacts grew from just 10,000 to more than 4 million in a span of one decade. These artists worked in the neo-dada times and seemed to know just how to make pop art work. A few years later, other pop artists who focused on modern methods for example camera photographs came up and are known as photorealist. The main objective of this art is to capture realist imagery using art. These artists used two different photographs one with limited depth of field and another with good field depth and combined them to make one painting (Desmond 13). Characteristics of Pop Art Art was not appreciated by the society and many artists were concerned that t he comments that art was ending could hold grounds soon or later. However, Pop art which became popular in the 1950s and the 1960s changed all that (Osterwold 6). Many people appreciated art and its influence became more than it would have been thought (Osterwold 6). Pop art is different from other art in that it is realist but based on the photographs which are used

Textual Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Textual Analysis - Essay Example Besides, the imagery and open form provides the reader with opportunity to get satire intended by the poet and the interpretation thereof. The poem’s assumptions are that, in the contemporary world, brutality and violence constitute the order of the day and leaders, and the people associated to them, are immune from the adverse effects of the political oppression and riots. In contravention, the UAE culture encourages general well-being and harmony amongst the citizens. My sentiments are that the poem is contradictory to the expectations and morals of the modern society. People should coexist and, through the leaders, solve the problems that they encounter. The oppression that the Colonel conducts on the citizens of El Salvador is a matter that should be sternly condemned. In the UAE culture, leaders are agents of empowering the citizens to air their voices and views on matters of concern. Additionally, being from the UAE, the poet’s use of clichà © words and symbolism can be interpreted differently because of the disparities involved in the two cultures. Arabic and English have trivial similarities and, as much as people from the U.S. can correctly interpret the various textual strategies used by the poet, it is likely for me to have a different interpretation. Even so, Forche presents the poem in a way that overcomes the cultural disparities. The presentation of the calmness that existed on the Colonel’s house satirizes the political situation encountered in El Salvador. At the beginning of the poem, Forche uses poetic language to depict the homey and domestic nature the colonel’s family was going about their daily lives. She narrates that, â€Å"What you have heard is true. I was in his house. His wife carried a tray of coffee and sugar. His daughter filed her nails; his son went out for the night† (Forchà © 1). The family is

Literature Review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Literature Review - Research Paper Example This has opened doors to Taco Bell, KFC and other fast food joints (Weimer, 98). Alarmingly, this has brewed conflict between the anti-hunger reformists on one side and nutritionists / food reformers on the other. Controlling for the socioeconomic status, women who receive the food stamps have recorded a higher estimate in obese numbers than women that don’t benefit from the same. Nevertheless there has been no realization of any probable correlation between food stamps benefit and obesity in low-income men. Studies have been unable to show a similar consistent relationship in children. Several hypotheses explain a correlation between food stamps and obesity in adults. This review suggests a conceptual framework connecting the food stamp program and obesity relationship (Correl, 10) It is important to note that correlation is not causation despite this fact numerous surveys have reflected that obesity and food stamps benefits are strongly related. Food stamps programs have made a considerable effort in battling with hunger but through its expansion in the country it has equally influenced the rates of obesity .More than 40% of women in the U.S.A in the low-income category are obese, the rate is gets higher in the woman populace that participates in the food stamps program (Vosti & Sumner 207). Researchers have consequently been trying to decipher whether this is caused by the provision of food stamps or rather if there is a correlation between obesity and food stamps. It is rightfully assumed that the women susceptible to obesity are the ones that are most riveted in accruing the food stamps benefits. A major contributing factor is that the supermarkets in these poor neighborhoods make junk food available these unhealthy consumption habits choices underwrite an obesity epidemic that affects mostly the poor ( Mullaly, 208). Research seeks to discern the effect of

Color blindness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Color blindness - Essay Example Color blindness is usually caused by genetic problem where men are more prone to this condition. There are many test developed to distinguish those color blind (Turnbull, 2011). One of the ways to test if the person is color blind is to let the person read or recognize a message consisted of dots with colors (Turnbull, 2011). According to studies, there is no cure for this type of condition. This is one thing that is very disheartening to those affected by color blindness. But the case of Virgil who suffered virtual blindness since his early childhood was a story of hope for those who are color blind. Ever since he was young, he had thick cataracts and a speculated retinitis pigmentosa. Nearing to his wedding day, Dr. Hamlin gave the 50 year old Virgil a new hope to see. When his medical history was by reviewed Dr. Hamlin, it was discovered that there was no problem with his retina since he can still see light and dark. It was only his cataracts that were said to have been destructed and the only cure was the simple cataract extraction procedure. Since there was just little surgical risk, Virgil agreed to undergo the procedure. Miraculously, after the surgery, Virgil was able to see and eventually, his vision was restored. The experience of getting the sense of sight back was not as easy as Virgil and his family expected. It was much difficult than a child getting his sight because in Virgil’s case, he was already fed with a lot of information thus there was a radical change in his neurological functioning. Virgil faced a terrible experience when he got his sight back. However, this will just be a temporary situation because after he will be able to grasp and adjust, he will be seeing like the visually gifted people. The gift of sight to Virgil was a miracle and the best gift he could ever receive for his wedding and his life. According to Kozlov (2011), it is

Content Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Content Analysis - Assignment Example 3G helps fulfill the needs of its users to have instant access to corporate networks, e-mail and the internet. 3G also helps use certain personal-use applications ranging from multimedia and e-commerce applications to â€Å"smart† appliances. Evolution of 3G also ensures the development of the envisioned advanced applications in the near future. The article also mentions some perfect advantages of the 3G technology. This technology enables managers’ instant teleconferencing with their colleagues in case they r on drive. This is made as simple by 3G as making a phone call to someone while driving or being busy. Similarly, mobile video on demand is another interesting use of 3G that helps users to watch sports highlights, news and video clips of their choice anytime on their cell phones. Today 3G enabled vehicles are capturing the auto industry. These enable the drives to have access to the traffic view cameras, gaming, internet access, and video-streaming. The second selected article shows the positive aspects of social networking. Reading this particular article will allow you to know and understand the benefits that accrue to the users while using social networking. These benefits are: Social networking provides a cheaper way to advertise as it costs very less to a person in employment of social networking strategies online compared to paying huge amounts for other alternatives. Social networking enables businesses to know what their customers and users like in their products or services and what they do not. Since advertisement is impersonal and this concept does not work so well now, the personal relationship gained through socializing with customer is very much valuable comparing to advertisement. It always creates trust and credibility when you connect with your customers on a personal level. Simply ask for help, offer expertise and services by socializing with customers because you may be deemed spam if you

Peter and Harvey have ambitious plans to grow the business Essay

Peter and Harvey have ambitious plans to grow the business - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that in this age, competitiveness is witnessed in each and every segment. As a result, developing a dominant position is extremely difficult in the market among other rival players. However, it might be possible only if the entrepreneurs desire to maintain a good relationship with its clients or customers. This is because; it is the relationship marketing that helps a new entrant (SPSL) to enhance its image and popularity in the market that may enhance its portfolio and reliability. Moreover, relationship marketing also acts as a weapon to enhance the profitability and productivity of the organization thereby amplifying its equity and market share to a significant extent as compared to others. Similarly, in case of SPSL, Peter and Harvey offered high concentration over relationship marketing that may amplify its total sale and revenues. This strategy might amplify the level of sustainability in the market among other existing rivals. In thi s age, awareness is an essential requirement of any business organization.   Only then, it might improve its image and demand of product lines within the minds of the customers that may amplify its reputation and profitability. However, awareness might be enhanced only with the help of promotion. Promotion might take place through the personal selling process. It is processed in which, an organization or entrepreneur recruits a wide range of sales forces or sales persons so as to sell its products.

Unexpected College Life Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Unexpected College Life - Personal Statement Example I heard that some companies are offering a scholarship for excellent students to study abroad in either in the USA, UK even Japan and Korea. One day, me and my family went to my grandmother’s house and spent the weekend. It is one and a half hour far away in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. There I met my uncles Obaid and Khalid who graduated from the USA as engineers. I have been impressed listening to their stories and college life here in US and it felt like my college life journey already began during that day. Afterwards, I went out to the big garden that is surrounded by the palm trees and took I took a deep breath while I was pondering whether I wanted to study abroad or apply in one of many universities in my country. It was one of the most difficult choice I have to make and I decided to study abroad. I worked hard in the last semester to raise my grade so that I will have a better chance to be accepted in one of those scholarships that companies offer. As a result, I g ot a grade of 96.5 when I graduated from high school. I was so happy and my whole family was very proud of me. They prepared a big party for my graduation. I was very happy but I was also concerned about the scholarship so the fun only lasted for a shorted time. I have to apply for my scholarship. I applied for two companies which are National Electronic Security System (NESA) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. My first option was NESA because my best friends also applied for scholarship in the same company and ADNOC was my second option.

Nursing Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Nursing Leadership - Essay Example 3. Yes, there are a lot of differences between central and decentralized organization structures n terms of authority, responsibility and accountability. First of all, in a centralized system, the people responsible for decision making are the top organization. If anything goes wrong then they have to be held accountable unlike in a decentralized structure where many people are held accountable and the responsibility is divided (Dale, 2007). Unit 2.2., Part A My selected rationale for the quality indicator is the pain reassessment documentation which is always forgotten by most nurses after delivering their pain medication. This assessment is very important to the patient but sometimes nurses tend to ignore it due to assumptions made that the patient is okay. To spread the information on the methods that can be used to improve quality, I will use a memo to all the nurses concerned and ensure that they know that it is their duty to perform the pain reassessment and document it. To eva luate the success of the plan, I will monitor the reassessment process of every nurse who is on duty to ensure that they follow the right reassessment procedure without skipping it. I will also print a confirmation report signed by both the patient and the nurse that the whole process has been completed up to the reassessment documentation. Yes, I have built in a form that the nurses would use to evaluate themselves based on the performance that they provide to the patients. Every nurse who does not abide to the new regulations and does not reassess the pain medication will be subject to a punishment that the hospital shall give. Unit 2.2., Part B In our organization, change is one of the major problems that people find hard to adapt to. The organization therefore should look at ways to see that people effectively adapt to change without any complications. This assessment was very critical to understanding the organization well. As an organization, there are roles that the managemen t, the employees, and the customers have to know. This assessment was able to identify specific weaknesses that my organization has. I got to know that there is a fair relationship and understanding between the employees and the customers. The needs of the customer are fairly understood by the employee in a fair manner. However this was not good as the relationship needed to be perfect to ensure that the customers get exactly what they deserve. Communication with the customer is however good and so most of the customer complains reach the staff and recommendations are made. However there is need in the organization to educate the employees on some of the customer needs and some of the ways of treating the customer. Teamwork is also fair in the organization. Most of the tasks that are given are either solved individually or by a small group of employees, since teamwork is very important, there is need to educate the employees on effective teamwork and how to improve quality by workin g together as a team. However, most of

Im African American, Not Ghetto Yet Im White Essay Example for Free

Im African American, Not Ghetto Yet Im White Essay I’m African American, Not Ghetto Yet I’m â€Å"White†? Stereotypes are a part of the reason why people are so judgmental today. In the world, speaking â€Å"like† an African American usually refer to slang/illiterate terms while speaking Caucasian would refer to intelligence. The stereotype I chose, â€Å"If you’re black but don’t act ghetto you’re considered â€Å"white†; is seldomly brought up but constantly judged throughout the business world and education systems or even in everyday tasks such as shopping. Deon Cole Black Box is a comedy show that The first media selected was an episode from â€Å"Deon Cole’s Black Box†. This video focused on an African American man working in a business consisting of mostly Caucasian people. The speaker, Deon Cole spoke to a moreover adult audience conveying that African American speaking intellectually and using words such as â€Å"awesome† are considered speaking white and is not acceptable. The purpose of this stereotype is to compare the speaking difference between African Americans and Caucasians. The speaker delivered the message with a humorous point of view. He consistently talked in a different way compared to when he talked to people of his same race. Although to his other coworkers he sounded normal, to people of his own race he sounded odd. The speaker confronted him on this saying how he talked â€Å"white†. This added to the stereotype ‘If you’re black but not ghetto, you’re automatically considered â€Å"white†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. The Second media I chose was an article called â€Å"Racism in High School I’m not Oreo or ghetto—I’m just being me†. The author Nesshell Rainford communicated her opinion on how others were considering her an Oreo. This meaning others felt she talked white on the inside but was African American on the outside. The intended audience was any teenager who may have experienced or is experiencing this. She expressed how she felt towards teasing, insults, racism and judgments she dealt with in high school.

The Different Forms and Theories of Governments

The Different Forms and Theories of Governments Government is a group of people either elected or imposed who exercise rule on behalf of citizens. The government should maintain law and order, ensure equality and provide public goods (Goldman et al, 2008). In the social contract theory, before government existed, life was short, brutal and nasty. Insecurity was very rampant due to the fact that there was no system that enabled there to be order in the society so it was survival for the fittest mode of life. Hence man sought for a way to improve the situation which was by giving up some of his powers to a higher authority called the leviathan, to control his selfish nature. They drew up a contract and that was the beginning of government. Ever since, there have been many forms of governments but for the interest of this paper, only three will be discussed presidential, totalitarianism and democracy. Totalitarianism is a form of government where there is no control of state power in the country and hence the ruling class seeks to consolidate its power via whatever means possible. The state is usually under control by one person, a faction or a ruling party with an ideology that controls all the public and private aspects of the people. This is the case in China where the ruling party dictates the affairs of the country and has for years consolidated its power (Li,2008).The state also controls the flow of information in and out of the country. That means that there is state controlled media and the government filters internet content. There is also control of the market economy whereby the state owns the wealth of the nation while the people are left to have a few. There is also the presidential form of government where the executive and the legislature exist two separate entities. In the USA, the Congress and the presidency are separate even though they both check each others powers (Goldman et al, 2008). The cabinet is made up of members who are not in the congress but their appointment must be approved by the congress. They exist for a set time in office after which elections are held. Likewise in Indonesia, the system is the same in that the president can be impeached by the congress if he does not perform according to the required standards and has the power to veto bills passed by the parliament (Ramage, 1995). This system of government has advantages in that decision making is faster and that there are checks and balances which prevents abuse of power. But in cases where there is change of power there is a stop of polices as different presidents come up with different ways of solving problems for example: In the US, the Bush- Obama trans ition that led to economic policies being changed. Democracy is the other form of government which comes from Greek a word demos which means people and kratos which means rule. It is a form of government that is meant to ensure equal representation of people of all kinds and also that they are free to express their views without fear to create a fair and just society (Goldman et al, 2008). Democracy has a number of problems. In the USA, apathy is a factor that has caused democracy to fail in that since it is a capitalist system only the people with money rule the day. The various interest groups who lobby at congress corridors to stop policies bribing legislators at the expense of the people who elected them in power. Also having money means that one can be elected in parliament as elections are costly and also that the electorate can be bribed to vote in a particular way or for a particular person. Although there is free press, this is an impediment to democracy as the media can favor a particular idea more than the others as long a s the people have money. There is also the problem of immigrants who the US government finds them hard to integrate especially radical Muslims. Democracy entails that there be freedom and equal rights but the Muslim beliefs makes it impossible for them not to be held without suspicion in the country. The terrorism threats, suicide bombings have caused the US who is the mother of democracy to be at war all over the world with terrorists (Goldman et al, 2008). In China, democracy has failed due to a closed system of government that has restricted the flow of information in and out of the country and also the control of media content in that whatever the state does cannot be criticized. China views democracy as a Western ideology hence seeks to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“protectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  its citizens from that influence. Even though there are elections, only the candidates that the ruling party approves will be elected and this means that the people do not have a say on who will represent them (Li, 2008). In Indonesia democracy has failed because of threats from militias who bring terror and intimidation to the people causing them not to vote. This happened in East Timor, where the militia supporting the ruling party intimidated people to vote in a certain way (Ramage, 1995). There is also foreign interference in elections whereby different world powers want a government that will support their interests. The US will tend to back a moderate pers on who will not tolerate the radical Islamists. In conclusion, I still believe even with all these problems caused by the government that it is necessary for us to have one. Countries in a state of anarchy are chaotic women are raped, children are violated, there are massive killings as people are struggling to be in power because there is no one to maintain order. History has taught us that the people have their destinies in their hands and that they can overthrow a government that does not advocate for their interest and put in place people who can bring the change that they want.

The Liberation Of The Peon Film Studies Essay

The Liberation Of The Peon Film Studies Essay The Liberation of the Peon uses art to communicate a political theme, much like Osiris and Isis by Kiefer. Although similarities do not end there. Both pieces feel relatively earthy. Riveras piece is earthy because of the way he chose to do his mural, in fresco. This is a technique of mural painting done on plaster right after it has been laid.  [2]  We see this in Kiefers piece as well. However, the main difference is that Kiefer uses it a paint application and contributes meaning to his piece, while Riveras decision was based on doing a mural for the purposes of reaching out to as many people as possible. Although, the earth tones do add to the themes of origin and history as both pieces suggest similar themes. In Kiefers piece, he is relating to his own past and the past of Germany. The struggles he faced as an individual in a society that was not very kind toward Germans. Kiefer portrays a stepped temple that is the central focal point of the piece. The work is physically overwhelming, measuring 150 inches by 220 inches. The piece feels very messy, the colours are all over the place. Jumping out yet, they still seem to produce a strong image. For example, on the middle-left on the piece, there are vertical strokes going over from the bottom of the page at the way to the sky. Yet, it still feels like its a part of the piece, creating a glowing-like effect. It is painted with an array of earth tones, grays, browns, beiges. All the colours have a little bit of each other of them. For example, if you look at the highlights, the whites arent pure white they have a mixture of the colours around them. He also includes mixed media into the piece. At the top of the piece, one can find an odd use of a television circuit board. The board connected by copper wires to pieces of what seems to be plumbing fixtures. These pieces of porcelain plumbing fixture can be found all over the canvas. Furthermore, they represent Osiriss lost body parts. This use of multi-media adds layers of meaning to the piece, in which one has to slowly peal back to really know what he intended. Rivera designed his composition such that it reflects the Lamentation. Similarities can be found on the naked body of the peon, and the cloth used to surround him. It draws on a piece by Giotto di Bondones Lamentation at the Capella degli Scrovegni of which Rivera had studied first-hand.  [3]   References to Mexican artistic traditions specifically, the Pre-Columbian influence, which can be seen in the rounding of the hands on the revolutionary soldier; who is covering the Peon with a red blanket, add to Liberation of the Peons impact. In his portable mural, Rivera carefully depicts the individual whip-wounds that cover the peons broken body. The piece seeks to answer the purpose of the Mexican Revolution. He uses muted greens, browns and yellows with an earthy tone because it emphasizes the brighter colours and thus the objects like the blanket. The blanket is a symbol of comfort and warmth. Two things that a peon would not be familiar with and the people providing this would be the Rebels. The use of colour does add to the propaganda theme of the piece. It also simply isnt coincidence that the blanket is the same colour as the dominant Communist Red. This then increases the popularity of the current government. Using those colours in that way, it also creates a center of interest around the Peon. The viewers eye is drawn to it because the blanket pops out and the theme becomes even easier to understand as a result as the slave now becomes the center of interest, not the soldier or the burning buildings. All movement leads to the focus. For example, that revolutionary soldier is using a knife to cut the rope. Movement is also created when the viewer follows the direction in which the revolutionaries are looking-directly at the peon. This ultimately creates visual movement toward the focus. Interestingly, the eyes of the horses are not pointing toward the slave, but the horses look directly at the viewer. This cunning trick draws the viewer into the grouping of figures and horses. Now, with Kiefer size is normally not an issue with mixed media paintings or paintings of any sort of that matter, size does play a role and does have a connection with his theme. Unlike Rivera who did his piece large because it was to be a public piece and because he wanted it shared with as many people as possible. Kiefer may have done a large painting because it could have reflected the large issue he was dealing with.  [4]   In terms of colour, Kiefer uses dirty, earthy and undesirable colours creating a doomsday atmosphere over the painting. He uses computer boards and other mixed media to specifically achieve a different set of meanings adding more depth to the value of his piece. Before the Mexican Revolution, haciendas, were large farms owned by very wealthy individuals, dominated the countrys social and political landscape.  [5]  In under fire, hinting that these individuals were the ones that inflicted the wounds on the peon. The mural depicts the reasons for the Mexican Revolution, making the theme relatively obvious for individuals who probably did not receive a formal education and individuals whom were likely illiterate. Although both pieces are extremely political, they both try to achieve completely different goals. In one sense they are similar because both pieces are about telling a story that has deep connections to the painters and they are both making references to the past. However, the way Rivera is depicting the past and Kiefer is depicting the past are two very diverse takes. For one, Kiefers piece is messy, dark, and somewhat mute. To someone without a background in Kiefers life or Egyptian mythology would not be able to understand what hes really trying to say. However, with Rivera although he has a personal connection to the piece, his background is not required to understand what the piece is about. Based on what we see we can assume that this is taking place in Mexico and that the people in the foreground, are the good guys because they are freeing the Peon, an innocent slave to a cruel master. We know those individuals were cruel because of the lash marks on the back. And we get the basic idea that these men likely burned the buildings in the background and because we know these guys are good, they must have burned the masters home, the bad guy. With Kiefer its a lot harder to peel back those layers without some form of background knowledge. There is no direct symbolism to the aftermath of Germany during the Post-WWII Era in the piece. His links are brilliant in that sense because the choosing of the Egyptian myth as an allegory for what took place could not be more fitting. Kiefer has pieces of porcelain all over the piece. Symbolically they represent the fragmented dismembered body of Osiris and he is literally in the piece because of this, Kiefer directly and physically links the tale of Osiris and his personal link, Germany after World War II. There is an obvious Pre-Columbian Influence to the Liberation of the Peon, seen in the rounding of the hands, the face and the fingers. Also, because this is a fresco, we tend to see a lot of washed out colours, this is because fresco is a technique of mural painting executed upon new plaster that has not set yet. Although, I personally feel that the Kiefers piece, Osiris and Isis, is cleverer in terms of how he depicts his artwork. He combines so effectively the different Egyptian and German civilizations and relates it all to his theme under multiple layers. However, if I had to choose which piece I felt was the better artwork in terms of which artist had more efficiently met their goals I would pick the Rivera piece. There are a number of reasons, the first being the fact that it is very easy to understand the theme and what Rivera was saying about the subject. Everyone who lived in Mexico would have been able to piece together exactly what Rivera wanted them to. He used the composition effectively, embracing a religious-esque approach to the way the Peon was depicted. The piece would have also met its goal of substantially helping the Party gain more members and the piece was very inspirational. The relationship between the background and the foreground is emphasized with what those sectio ns depict. With the foreground containing the victim and the good guys. We assume that they must have burned the estate, owned by the same person that caused the harm on the Peon. Justifying the actions of the good guys. His genius relies on how the piece seems relatively simple, however in reality we are dealing with a very cunning and intelligent use of space.

Wisdom Leads to Suffering in Brave New World by George Orwell Essay

Solomon spoke once, after a life filled with great wisdom of nature- chochmah tata’ah- that all of life exists for vanity, that purpose erases itself from existence and man is left with only a mean, purposeless life. Orwell, in 1984, realizes in his work that insight gained of the workings of a dystopic society, leads only to the discovery of purposelessness- the reduction of life to something other than that it purports to be. Orwell’s attack of wisdom takes shape through his usage of juxtaposition in character description, the telling nature of Winston’s state post-discovery, and a most mystifying metaphysical description: the peril of knowing too much. In the same way that Solomon captured the essence of chochmah tata’ah, the wisdom of the external, so Winston gains more knowledge of the external world, in the same way that Solomon (or a Qohelet pretending to be him) wrote of despair issuing from wisdom in Ecclesiastes, Winston finds himself suffering more than the people around him, due to his wisdom. In 1984, Doublethink forces the entire society, both the proles (because of their intelligence quotients) and the higher echelon of people (in order to keep power), into a stupor which leaves the without any knowledge of their situation in life, and completely- obliviously- happy. Though Orwell paints a picture of a crumbling world, the people within see no need to improve it because the simply choose to ignore problems. The people around Winston find themselves duped into believing blindly, without wisdom, and are content while Winston, aware of his surroundings, constantly struggles. Orwell’s message here screams to t he reader that knowledge leads to pain. Winston, strolling to work one day, sees a man with a twitch- fightin... ...fering and death of the combatants. The only outcomes of increased knowledge and wisdom of the external- chochmah tata’ah, exist as oppression and death. Orwell, though speaking out against the oppressiveness of societies, argues more strongly that humanity’s gain of wisdom about corruption leads only to suffering. The author of 1984 brings these points to fruition in his character analysis, and his analysis of reality itself. In the same way that Adam sampled the fruit of The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and gained only death, the addition of wisdom to the human consciousness leads only to suffering. The epic told to represent this story by Orwell ends with the argument that â€Å"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.† (4), the argument that when ignorance is lost, suffering and weakness follow. Work cited: Brave New World, by George Orwell.

Two Types of Love in Platos Symposium :: Plato Symposium Essays

Two Types of Love in Plato's Symposium I have always thought that there was only one type of love, which was that feeling of overwhelming liking to someone else. I am aware that Lust does exist and that it is separate from Love, being that the desire for someone's body rather their mind. In Plato's Symposium, Plato speaks of many different types of love, loves that can be taken as lust as well. He writes about seven different points of view on love coming from the speakers that attend the symposium in honor of Agathon. Although all these men bring up excellent points on their definitions on love, it is a woman that makes the best definition be known. I will concentrate on the difference between the theory of Common and Heavenly love brought up by Pausanias and the important role that Diotima plays in the symposium. Pausanias brings up an excellent way to think about Love. He explains that love can be broken down into two types, that of Common and Heavenly love. The common love is that when a man and a woman join merely to satisfy their sexual desires. On the other hand the heavenly love is the type that occurs when two people are attracted to each other with a strong force that goes past the physical appearance but comes from deep within as if from the soul. Although Plato presents examples of the two loves with having the common love as if only happening between a man and a woman and the heavenly love happening between a man and a man, there is not enough proof in the text to say that this if what the whole of Athens really believed. Lust or the common love was looked upon in the symposium as vulgar and immoral. This was the type of love was filthy with sin "since all they care about is completing the sexual act."(p.466, 181 b) This is because it comes from a strong sexual attraction that is produced from only desiring the physical body rather the soul. This common love was thought to come from the younger Aphrodite born from Zeus and one of his many mistresses.

Nonviolent movement

There is a wide-spread conception in the theory of nation-building that violence is an ultimate way to express disagreement and overcome injustice as well as fight a dictatorship. But the last century has proven the fallaciousness of this conception. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Dalai Lama and many others have shown that nonviolence can be more powerful force in defeating oppressive rulers and laws. Their lives and actions are examples how oppressors or unjust legislation may be defied by the force of word and soul rather than by the force of weapons. Gene Sharp summarizes the effectiveness of nonviolent actions with such words: â€Å"nonviolent action is possible, and is capable of wielding great power even against ruthless rulers and military regimes, because it attacks the most vulnerable characteristic of all hierarchical institutions and governments: dependence on the governed† (p. 18).Nonviolent action is an application of a very simple t ruth: people do not always do what they are told to do, and sometimes they do that which has been forbidden. When people refuse their cooperation, withhold their help, and persist in their disobedience and defiance, they do this to deny their opponents the basic human assistance and cooperation which any government or hierarchical system requires. If they do this collectively through their established independent social institutions or newly improvised groupings for a sufficient period of time, the power of that government will weaken and potentially dissolve.The world history has witnessed the cases when nonviolent means have been chosen over violence for religious or ethical reasons. In some cases, even when pragmatic political considerations were dominant in the choice of nonviolent struggle, the movement has taken on certain religious or ethical overtones. This was the case in the campaigns of the Indian National Congress for independence from Britain in the 1920s, 1930s, and 19 40s. Those struggles, often under Gandhi’s leadership, and also the civil rights campaigns in the 1950s and 1960s in the Deep South of the United States, under the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr., are very important.Mohandas Karamchand  Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, is the first name that comes to mind when one speaks of nonviolence in the 20th century. His charisma and his action not only had a profound effect on India’s modern history, but also provided firm basis for all future nonviolent struggles in the world. Gandhi’s political philosophy revolved around three key concepts: satyagraha (non-violence), sawaraj (home rule), and sarvodaya (welfare of all). Whereas satyagraha was essentially a tactic of achieving political ends by non-violent means, sawaraj and sarvodaya sought to encourage ideas of individual and collective improvement and regeneration. Such regeneration, Gandhi insisted, was necessary if India was to rediscover her enduring historical and religious self and throw off British rule. (Andrews, 1949)Perhaps Gandhi’s best-known act of civil disobedience, known as the second satyagraha (‘hold fast to the truth’) was Salt March that was taking place in 1930 from  12 March to 6 April. It expressed increasing frustration by Congress at its own impotence and, specifically, the British refusal to grant Dominion status to India. Gandhi chose the hated salt tax as the object of his campaign. At the time, the Indian government maintained a monopoly over the manufacture of salt, an essential basic commodity which was thus heavily taxed. Those using their own salt, e.g. if they were living close to the sea, were subject to heavy punishment.The 61-year-old Mahatma started the 240-mile-long march from Sabarmati to the coastal town of Dandi together with seventy-eight of his followers. He was joined by thousands along the way, in a march that received vast international and national attention. When the protesters marched on to a government salt depot, he was arrested, as were between 60,000 and 90,000 other Indians in subsequent months, as well as the entire Congress leadership. Gandhi was released and called off the campaign in March 1931 following the Gandhi–Irwin Pact, which allowed Gandhi to participate in the second Round Table Conference, and symbolically permitted the production of salt for domestic consumption.From the 1920s to early 1940s, he led a series of passive resistance campaigns in pursuit of Swaraj, which redefined the character of Indian nationalism. He sought tolerance between Hindus and Muslims and the eradication of caste untouchability. In January 1948 he was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic for his pro-Muslim sympathies. Gandhi’s insistence that means were more important than the ends distinguished him from other great political leaders of the twentieth century.Since his death Gandhi has become the source of inspiration for non-violent poli tical movements such as the Civil Rights Movement in the USA. Desmond Tutu in the article A Force More Powerful a Century of Nonviolent Conflict rightfully points out: â€Å"The leaders who opted for nonviolent weapons often learned from resistance movements of the past. Indian nationalist leader Mohandas Gandhi was inspired by the Russian Revolution of 1905. The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other African American leaders traveled to India to study Gandhi’s tactics.† (Tutu, 2000) Non-cooperation was a major tactic employed by Gandhi when he felt the state had become immoral or unjust. In the King movement, such action was called boycott, the most effective nonviolent tactic employed in the movement to abolish discrimination in public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama.The justification for such action lies in the fact that rejection is as much of an action as acceptance. Thus, King, like Gandhi, while emphasizing the necessity of courage, utilized the boycott to achieve rejection of unjust laws regulating public transportation and public lunch counters. The net effect of the various expressions of the nonviolent protest, especially the boycott, strike, demonstration and jail, was to draw one’s opponent off balance, hoping thereby to change his mind. (Smith, p.58) Nonviolence, therefore, was not a sign of weakness or of a lack of courage. Quite the contrary, King believed that only the strong and courageous person could be nonviolent. He advised persons not to get involved in the civil rights struggle unless they had the strength and the courage to stand before people full of hate and to break the cycle of violence by refusing to retaliate.King just as Gandhi emphasized the need to prepare for action. The Civil Rights Movement initiated by Martin Luther King, Jr. succeeded in mobilizing massive nonviolent direct action. Innovative tactics included economic boycotts, beginning with the yearlong boycott of a bus company in Montgomery, Alabama, begun in December 1955 and led by Martin Luther King, Jr.; sit-in demonstrations; and mass marches, including a massive mobilization of whites and blacks in the August 1963 March on Washington, which culminated in King’s â€Å"I have a dream† speech, and protest marches led by King that met with police violence in Selma, Alabama, in January 1965.The goal of these protests was to overthrow the entire system of racial segregation and to empower African Americans by seizing the franchise. Participants of the Civil Rights Movement were often beaten and brutalized by southern law enforcement officials, and thousands were arrested and jailed for their protest activities. Some leaders and participants were killed.Nevertheless, an endless stream of highly visible confrontations in the streets, which contrasted the brutality and the inhumanity of the white segregationists with the dignity and resolve of black protesters, made the cause of black civil rights the major i ssue in the United States for over a decade during the 1950s and 1960s. The nation and its leaders were forced to decide publicly whether to grant African Americans their citizenship rights or to side with white segregationists who advocated racial superiority and the undemocratic subjugation of black people.In conclusion it would be relevant to provide a brief revision of the similarity and differences the detection of which was purpose of this analysis. The parallels between Gandhi and Martin Luther King are self-evident. This preliminary look at Gandhi and King’s activity gives us the understanding that nonviolent movement cannot be limited by time frames or specific location. It rather needs a leader with strong character, resilience and ability to persuade people. The two leaders preferred nonviolence at a time when their people were being oppressed. Both struggled against the yoke of white oppression. Like Gandhi, King valued the power of nonviolent political action in keeping with the spirit of Gandhi’s satyagraha. King’s role in organizing the Montgomery bus boycott enabled him to emerge as the creator of a strategy of civil disobedience that earned for the civil-rights movement in the United States unprecedented media coverage, new forms of public recognition, and greater access to political power.Though both agreed that nonviolence is successful tactics on condition that every individual is committed to truth and justice, Gandhi tended to lay stress upon the necessity of personal suffering when participating in nonviolent movement, an attitude that to some extent was less aggressive than King’s emphasis on self-sacrifice. Moreover, Gandhi claimed that to achieve the goals through nonviolence one needs patience and non-cooperation and King believed that it is a certain degree of confrontation that is necessary to accomplish change. One more difference between Gandhi and King lies in the paradigm of their activity.While Gand hi was concerned about social injustice suffered by Indian people, King’s concerns bore upon racial discrimination of African Americans in the USA. And probably the most striking difference is the result of their struggle. While Martin Luther King’s ideas after his death were followed through by his followers and found an echo in common American’s heart, Gandhi was criticized that his tactics unnecessarily delayed the departure of the British, precipitated the partition of India, and led to the Hinduization of Congress because of his over-emphasis on religion. Few of Gandhi’s ideas were put into practice by independent India.While both of them deserve respect and admiration, it is possible to recognize that their approaches to the practice of nonviolence later grew strong one as opposition, the other as protest. Gandhi and King help us to believe that peaceful resolution of a conflict will live up to its promise.References:Andrews, C. F. Mahatma Gandhiâ⠂¬â„¢s Ideas.   London: Allen & Unwin, 1949McCarthy, R. and Sharp, G., eds., Nonviolent Action: A Research Guide. New York, 1997Sharp, G. The Role of Power in Nonviolent Struggle. Monograph Series, No. 3. The Albert Einstein Institution, 1990Smith, Kenneth and Zepp, Ira. Search for the Beloved Community: The Thinking of Martin Luther King. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1974.Tutu, Desmond. â€Å"A Force More Powerful a Century of Nonviolent Conflict†. Social Education. (64):5, 2000

Compare the use of language of the two editorials Essay

Compare the use of language in the two editorials, considering in particular how far the fact that they were written at different times is reflected in the language of the two texts The two texts are extremely contrasting in their use of language and it is apparent from the dates that they were written as to why this is the case. The first editorial was published in The Daily Mirror (broadsheet) in 1912 and is based upon the fatal disaster of the Titanic. The second editorial was printed in The Sun (tabloid) in 1999 and comments about the train wreck that occurred in the channel tunnel. The graphological features of each text are quite differing, even though they both have the discourse structure of an editorial. The Titanic article’s text is split unevenly into five conjoined, long paragraphs and is of a slightly smaller font, yet also features significantly more words, indicating a more sophisticated reader. In comparison the article on the train accident has very little text and features each sentence to be a separate paragraph, replicating the format of a list/bullet points. This makes the text much more accessible to the reader as it can appeal to a wider range of intellects and age groups when considering audience. The article on the Titanic’s only typographical variation of font is the bold, capitalised and center-underlined title â€Å"one touch of nature† and also the dropped capital of â€Å"Draughtsmen† to begin the editorial, showing that the piece is quite old fashioned in style as a dropped capital is a very traditional technique that dates back to monastery writing. The article in The Sun however portrays a lot more typographical variation as the beginning, middle and end sentences/words are in a bolded, underlined font and the â€Å"Why† for each question as well as the title â€Å"The sun says† and the â€Å"The† to begin the article are also all bolded and capitalised to add emphasis and focus importance and attention. There is also an italicised sentence that claims â€Å"this is clearly not true†, this has most likely been italicised to stress the point of persuasion into agreeing with The Sun’s overall opinion, as this is not a fact so it has to be empathised with for it to gain status as a reputable opinion. The use of ‘Chunnel’ at the end of The Sun’s article, is a blend word made up of the two words ‘channel’ and ‘tunnel’, indicating a more modern, up to date audience. The Daily Mirror article is extremely descriptive and is much more formal in tone, imitating he narrative of a story as it proceeds in chronological order, referring to the disaster in a poetic manner whilst using long complex and compound sentences to engage the reader and enhance escapism, leading the reader to feel as if they were actually present at the time as they are taken through this journey. Each sentence is particularly well crafted and precise to also further exemplify that of a story, as there is no spontaneity and the words put in place to capture emotion have been very well structured and created. The ‘story’ is split into four stages of the journey, the first being the planning of the ship, the second the actual building of it, the third the launching of the Titanic and the fourth the sinking. Even though the ‘sinking’ of the Titanic is supposed to be the main topic of the article as it is the end, shocking result, there is no indication of this when reading through the piece and only after having read the entire article does the title ‘one touch of nature’ seem to fit. This may be for overall impact and to embody the ‘story’ like structure as without preconceptions the reader would not know that this was to be the outcome. There is a technique of parallelism in the first article which makes up the second paragraph with the sentence ‘work of the disciplined hand was to follow labour of directing mind’ creating a balanced sentence. There is also the literary use of opposites (antithesis) supporting the notion that the text is well crafted with the sentence ‘A permanent population is appointed to live here, with the changing passengers ready to begin the voyage†¦ ‘ the opposite words being ‘permanent’ and ‘changing’ as they juxtapose each other. The vocabulary used is extremely archaic in nature e. g. ‘At once, with formidable din of ringing blow’ and this is reinforced throughout with the high detail of description, whereas in The Sun (the more recent dated newspaper article) it is shown that the main focus is on the actual matter at hand and that becomes the full body of the text, there is very little description to aid it and the purpose and subject is exploited promptly. The article from The Sun is extremely critical of the fire in the Channel Tunnel and seeks to point blame, acting as if it was someone’s fault whereas in the article on the Titanic, the fault seems to be ‘our stepmother nature’ of whom is a natural occurrence so no blame can physically be put in place. The Sun appears to put the blame on everything but nature – ‘The train’, ‘Eurotunnel’, ‘the driver and train chief’, ‘the staff in general’ and ‘the sophisticated ventilation system’. The Sun’s article is based upon a ‘near disaster’ where no one died or came to any immediate harm and it acknowledges this within the article ‘happily, everyone survived – but it could all have been so different. ‘ Yet the overall air of it personifies an ‘angry/heated’ tone. Whereas, in the article based on the Titanic, even though masses of people died, there was no blame directed and it was merely accepted as ‘nature’s doing’. However, this greatly reflects on the period that the article was written as recently, people have been trying to find blame for this great disaster and making assumptions of poor craftsmanship etc, so maybe at the time that the article was published (1912) people were less ready to point blame and more accepting of what they were told. The Sun seems to demand answers through rhetorical questions (e. g. the constant and bolded use of ‘why’ to highlight six main questions, taking a very direct approach and using a major public campaigning aspect) and proceeds to group the reader into asking these questions themselves through its high use of persuasion and collectives. For example, ‘the one thing everyone feared†¦ But we were assured†¦ ‘, ‘the public deserves†¦ ‘, all of these sentences are persuading and trying to engage the reader through the use of possessive pronouns ‘we’, ‘our’ and collectives ‘everyone’ and even commenting that the public ‘deserves’ an explanation, taking an extremely personal yet quite informal tone to connect with the reader and attach with their apparent views. The opening, second heading ‘Black Hole’ is a pun/metaphor which also ends the article and shows how newspaper headlines are written at this present time (they have to be catchy, short and are usually in some form of a pun) as opposed to when The Daily Mirror article was written as the heading mimics a story like title. Overall, the language and techniques used in each editorial greatly highlight and portray their differing published times and although their subjects are quite similar, the portrayal of each is very different through numerous aspects of language and lexical change.

Relationship between Private and Public Police Essay

In the beginning before private security it was the responsibility of the public police to protected the society and property within their jurisdiction that public law enforcement served. In today’s society public police work hand and hand with private security on a regular basis, either in public or in private functions. Also in today’s society you see off duty cops working as a part-time security officer at a local retailer or safeguarding assets for a company. Certain cities have giving Security officers within certain jurisdiction, such as Boston the power to make arrest do to the lack of public officers availability. The major thing that has changed over time for both public and private security and public servants is the training they must go through before entering the streets or the property they are protecting. The training and education and public officer must get is very hard and they must pass the training and schooling to be hired within the department, it is more in depth compared to what a normal security officer must go through. Security officer now half to go through a lot more training then they use to they must be able to handle people and deal with people on a daily basis. The training for a security officer has really change over the years it’s not only getting a drug test and background check some security companies not do extensive training because of the public views the security. Companies have chosen to educate the security officer because of liability problems that have occurred and exist in the workplace as a result companies have trained professional individuals to work within private security. Large security companies have realized how important security officers are for the public and how important it is to have trained security officer and increasing level of professionalism within the security officer force to establish better contracts to compete with public law enforcement officers. Normally public officers receive there pay from tax payers and are part of unions that back officers up. With that said most officer are not held accountable for their actions compared to an individual private security  officer. On the other hand private security officer can also avoid more serious liability issues, such as law suit due to someone constitutional rights, and injuries that they may have cause by passing them off to the company they work for due to the companies policy. Over the recent years there has been major increases within the hiring of private security officer compared to using local public law officer. It is becoming a huge trend to hire local private security to protect CEOs, political figures, and celebrity figures. They are now using private security companies to be personal protection which are subcontracted out to these individual in need of security. They important people have hired these personal security guards to protected them and also there assets. The small business have also started hiring private security officers to protected them and their assets You use to see Local law enforcement patrolling private property or parking lots but now you have private security taking over those roles. You also have private security such as shopping malls, casinos, and even airports have hired private security officers to protected the business assets. This is not just happening with security guards you also have private investigators who have started taken over the local law enforcement role in investigating murders, rapes, and abductions. Due to not enough funding for public law enforcement, companies like Target have open up their own investigation center that investigate crimes with in there company without having local law enforcement do it for them. Private security companies can now investigate crimes side by side with the police department and also work longer on the case compared to the police department because of funding. Private investigators have been known to build cases against criminals that will support the laws case or it can work the other way and the defendant can hire a private investigator to support their case to prove there innocent. The relationship between the public police and the private security are becoming more positive in a really good way. People are noticing that there is not enough public police officer to protected all of the community so to  let private security take over some of the roles it helps public police do jobs they may actual need to do. Companies have noticed that it is better to have extra eyes watching over there companies. Criminals will also noticed that private security officer and police officer are now working together and are not conflicting with each other and will it will prevent criminals from doing criminal behavior. The only down side for police is the concern that private security officer will take over for local law enforcement and they will be pushed out which puts a negative impact on private security officer to a point where local police officers are upset because they have dedicated their lives to their training and sole propose of becoming a police officer. There is a conflict between public and private space, which in fact can influence the relationship between private security and public police. Police at any time can detain someone that is a threat to someone or can even question them after being apprehend. Private security on the other hand cannot employ any police powers and may only detain and arrest as a citizen. Also Public police must have probably cause to search someone, while private security is exempt from violation an individual 5th amendment rights. Reference Li, G. (2008). Private security and Public policing. Retrieved May 10, 2009, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2008010/article/10730-eng.htm

All Quiet on the Western Front Essay Essay

A soldier must have the mentality of, â€Å"I must kill or I’ll be killed† or they will surely perish. Taking this idea to heart can be a very moralistic test that most people can’t handle. All Quiet on the Western Front is one of the greatest war novels ever written because of its exposing graphic depiction of war. In the short note before Chapter One, Remarque lets the reader know exactly what themes he intends. War is savage, unjustified and unnatural. He intends to explain why the war was responsible for the destruction of an entire generation. Remarque is very clear on the strength of his themes, and uses graphic imagery to show the reader the physical and psychological impact that war has on a person. War brings about hardship, pain and suffering to all involved. It is the battle of two sides made of young men; many of them do not understand what they are fighting for or who they are fighting. Remarque’s novel All Quiet on the Western Front helps portray the image of war and idea of warfare in a pretty gruesome way. He also made his point through the physical deterioration, but mostly through mental and emotional destruction of Paul Baumer and his comrades. In the novel, Remarque does a flawless job conveying the horrible misfortunes of war. Through the eyes of Paul Baumer, a story is told of hopelessness and desperation on the German front lines of WWI. As Baumer and his comrades experience starvation and injury among other hardships, the reader begins to comprehend how tragic war is. They experienced things that can and will traumatize most human beings. â€Å"It’s unendurable. It is the moaning of the world, it is the martyred creation, wild with anguish, filled with terror, and groaning. Ch. 4, p. 62. This scene was the most graphic and horrendous part of the book. It really exemplified the tragedy of war. Detering was very disturbed by this because he’s a farmer. He believed that the horses have innocent souls and that they’re beautiful and should never have been involved. Detering has a special place for animals in his heart so much so that he’d risk his life to find them and put them out of their misery. Remarque knew that war changes people mentally and emotionally, more often than physically. It is very possible that he himself was damaged mentally and emotionally through his service in WWI. â€Å"We have lost all feeling for one another. We can hardly control ourselves when our hunted glance lights on the form of some other man. We are insensible, dead men, who through some trick, some dreadful magic, are still able to run and to kill. † Ch. 6, p. 115. This quote embodies the thesis that Remarque was portraying in this novel. It explains how the soldiers notice their mental and emotional corrosion caused by the horrific things they have witnessed and committed during the war. They can’t really understand why they are still able to fight, but they know that they can’t stop under any circumstances. Soldiers are forced to adopt the dominating mindset of â€Å"kill or be killed. † Remarque realized that when this embracement happens it’s just a matter of time before they become â€Å"dead men. † During WW1 men between the ages of 18 and 30 had to enter the military draft. This meant that post teens would be fighting for their country and risking their lives, while all they knew was school and the safety of their own homes. The protagonist in Paul Baumer was only 19 years old in the novel and he frequently thought about girls and liked to drink a lot. In many ways, Paul is ordinary, and that’s why it’s so easy to relate to him. We see ourselves in Paul, and because of that, the war he suffers through seems all more horrible to us. This age group during WW1 was a damaged and broken generation. They fought for the principle of hatred and the dream of going back home to their families. â€Å"We are none of us more than twenty years old. But young? That is long ago. We are old folk. Ch. 1 Pg. 18 The war has altered these boys; it has turned them into matured old men. Remarque was just solidifying the idea of the bad effects that war can have on a person. These boys are just out of school and most of them have probably experienced some sort of traumatic stress, which can permanently damage someone beyond repair. War affects everyone and everything it gets its hands on. It turns innocent boys i nto murderous men right before your eyes. It obliterates generations and makes millions suffer through the benefit of no one. Erich Remarque was a German war veteran and experienced firsthand the atrocity that warfare can bring. All Quite on the Western Front symbolizes war exactly. It portrays the horribleness of war through the German soldiers; Baumer and his companions. Remarque has them killed, brutally injured and mentally destroyed, all to prove how terrible war can truly be. Through this novel we can truly go back and see the experiences of WW1 soldiers and how the war changed them in every way possible, as a result All Quite on the Western Front is considered one of the best war novels ever written.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The zero tolerance policy strives to reduce violence in schools and make schools a safer place for students. Anne Atkinson, a member of the Virginia Board of Education defines zero tolerance as a â€Å"policy that mandates predetermined consequences or punishments for specified offenses. † The policy first became effective in 1989, but grew most rapidly in 1994 when the Gun- Free Schools Act was passed (1). There are many controversies about the zero tolerance policy including whether or not the policy is effective in reducing violence in schools, whether or not schools are trying to handle disciplinary actions in a fair manner, and whether or not all students are treated equally when punishments are determined. While many supporters, such as school administration, believe that the zero tolerance policy is necessary in schools, those who oppose the policy, such as parents, believe that the policy is unfair and ineffective in schools. Those who support the zero tolerance policy believe that the policy is effective in reducing violence in school. Atkinson argues that â€Å"strict policies are needed to send a clear message and are designed to protect students† (2). Agreeing with Atkinson, Richard Curwin and Allen Mendler, scholars on the zero tolerance policy, believe that by using the zero tolerance policies, it is evident to students that aggressive behavior is unacceptable. By allowing the students to realize that misbehavior will not be tolerated, students become more likely to obey the rules and cooperate with schools (1). According to the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence (NCCEV), 17. 1% of students carried weapons at school and 71% of elementary and secondary schools have experienced at least one violent crime by a student. A nationwide survey suggested that 15% of students have been involved in a physical fight on school grounds. By using the zero tolerance policy, those students who are violent in school are expelled or suspended, resulting in schools becoming a safer environment for students and teachers (3). Although defenders of the zero tolerance policy agree that they policies are effective, those who oppose the policy do not believe that the policies are effective in reducing school violence. People who are against the zero tolerance policy agree that the policy is ineffective in reducing school violence. Members of the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, agree that schools are no safer and more effective in teaching discipline that before the zero tolerance policy in the 1980s. They also agree that school violence is not out of control, so zero tolerance policies are not necessary (1). Russell Skiba, chairman of the Indiana Education Policy Center and Reece Peterson, a scholar on the zero tolerance policy, conducted statistics that show â€Å"violent crimes occurred at an annual rate of fifty-three per one hundred thousand students. Because evidence shows that violence rates are not out of control, critics argue that there are many other alternatives that can be used to promote a safer environment for students and teachers (2). According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), some alternatives that reduce violence in schools include a prevention curriculum, help from school workers, counselors, and psychologists, and parental/family involvement (3). Whether the policy is effective or ineffective is only one aspect of the controversy; there are many other controversies that occur within the policy. Whether schools are handling disciplinary action in a fair manner is a main controversy when discussing the zero tolerance policy. Russell Skiba believes that the way in which schools punish students is fair. He thinks that rash punishments improve overall student behavior and discipline. Skiba acknowledges the fact that harsh disciplinary actions are determined by the degree of the student’s violent actions (29). While some people agree that schools are just when using the zero tolerance policy, others disagree and believe that schools are extremely unfair. Those who oppose the zero tolerance policy believe that the way in which schools use the zero tolerance policy to punish students is very rash and unfair. Those against the zero tolerance policy, such as Skiba, believe that rash suspensions and expulsions, rather than improving student behavior, forces students to misbehave more frequently. He also believes that rash suspensions and expulsions lead to an increased number of school dropouts and failure to graduate on time (28). A personal example of zero tolerance proves schools to be rash and unfair when punishing students. My ten-year-old cousin went to a public school where he was a part of the minority group. He found a pocketknife at home and thought it was the coolest thing he had ever seen. Being an immature, unknowing child, my cousin brought the pocketknife to school to show his friends, not intending on using it in any dangerous way possible. As he took the knife out of his pocket to show is closest friends, a teacher spotted him and immediately jerked him away from his friends and into the principal’s office. The principal, being the one to decide punishment, automatically expelled my ten-year-old cousin for bringing a pocketknife to school, even though he did not harming anyone or anything with the knife. Because my cousin was expelled from school, he is no longer in school this year and now has to repeat the grade. This is a perfect example of how the zero tolerance policy leads to school dropout and failure to graduate on time. Not only is the process of punishment a controversy, but whether or not racism is used to punish is also an issue concerning the zero tolerance policy. An important controversy when debating on the zero tolerance policy is whether or not racism is involved when schools are punishing students. Russell Skiba and Allen Mendler argue that schools are completely just and equal when determining punishments for violence in schools. They agree that no matter race, ethnicity, language, or abilities, if you portray a violent action, rash punishments will result (1). Although supporters agree that the policy treats all people equal, those who oppose the policy agree that racism occurs when punishing students using the zero tolerance policy. According to those that oppose the policy, zero tolerance is an unjust policy that does not treat all students equally. The American Psychological Association (APA) agrees that the disproportionate discipline of students of color is and continues to be a concern when discussing the zero tolerance policy. They believe that most expulsions and suspensions are punishments that result from African Americans or Latinos that are violent in schools. Another target group of schools that use the zero tolerance policy are those people with disabilities, especially with emotional and behavioral disorders (2). There are many important controversies dealing with the zero tolerance policy, and many people either support the controversy or are opposed to the controversy. Zero tolerance attempts to prevent violence in schools and create a safer environment for the school community. It is viewed as a policy that that tries to teach students wrong from right, and gives students a sense of discipline. Although some believe that the policy has good intentions, there are many controversies that aroused, causing many debates that challenge the effectiveness of the policy. While many people who believe that the policy creates a safer environment for students and teachers support the zero tolerance policy, there are many who oppose the zero tolerance policy, arguing that it is unfair and ineffective in reducing violence in schools.