Explain Benthams Utilitarianism

Explain Benthams Utiliarianism (30 marks) The theory of utilitarianism was put forward entierly by Jeremy Bentham, who wrote about Ethics and Politics. He was a social reformer keen to improve the lives of the working class. Many of the improvements made in the treatments of criminals in the 18th and 19th centuries were the results of Benthems ethics. Bentham believed that which is good is that which equals the greatest sum of pleasure and the least sum of pain. (Hedonism). We can divide his theory into three parts: His view on what drove human beings, and what goodness and badness was all about. ( The motivation of human beings)The principle of utility, which is his moral ruleThe hedonic calculus, which is his system for measuring how good or bad the consequence is.The motivation of human beingsBentham maintained that human beings were motivated by pleasure and pain, and so he can be called a hedonist. He said, in principles of morals and legislation, ‘nature has placed mankin d underthe governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do' The principle of utilityOnce Bentham had established that pleasure and pain were important qualities for determining what was moral, he developed the utility principle. The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its ‘utility' or usefulness, Usefulness refers to the amound of pleasure or happiness caused by the action – hence it is a teleogical ethical theory which determines a good act by the ends it brings about. The theory is known as the greatest happiness principle, or a theory of usefulness.‘An action is right if it produces th greatest good for the greatest number', where the greatest good is the greatest pleasure or happiness and the least pain or sadness, and the greatest number are the majority of people. When faced with a moral dilemma, Bentham argued that one should chose an act in such a way that brings about the maximum possible happiness for the most people. However the possible consequences of different possible actions must be measured clearly to establish which option generates he most pleasure and the least pain. To measure the results, Bentham proposed the hedonic calculus This calculus was  supposed to measure the amounts of pleasure and pain according to seven factors. The seven factors1. Intensity: How intense is the pleasure or pain? 2. Duration: How long does the pleasure or pain last? 3. Certainty: What is the probability that the pleasure or pain will occur? 4. Propinquity or remoteness: How far off in the future is the pleasure or pain? 5. Fecundity: What is the probability that the pleasure will lead to other pleasures 6. Purity: What is the probability that the pain will lead to other pains 7. Extent: How many persons are affected by the pleasure?In the hedonic calculus. Benthem considers how strong the pain or pleasure is, whether it i s short lived or life long and how likely it is that there will be pain or pleasure. He considers how immediate the pain or pleasure is and how likely it is to lead to more of the same, the extent to which there might be a combination of pains and pleasures, and lastly the number of people affected. The balance of pleasures and pains is compared with those of other options and the best result determined. The action that leads to this best consequence is the morally correct one to pursue.

Culture Shock Essay

Culture shock is the personal disorientation a person may feel when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a visit to a new country or to a move between social environments also a simple travel to another type of life. One of the most common causes of culture shock involves individuals in a foreign environment. Culture shock can be described as consisting of at least one of five distinct phases: Honeymoon, Negotiation, Adjustment, Mastery and Independence, are the most common attributes that pertain to existing problems, further hindrances include: information overload, language barrier, generation gap, technology gap, skill interdependence, formulation dependency, homesickness (cultural), infinite regress (homesickness), boredom (job dependency), response ability (cultural skill set). There is no true way to entirely prevent culture shock, as individuals in any society are personally affected by cultural contrasts differently. The four phases Honeymoon phase During this period, the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new food, the pace of life, and the locals’ habits. During the first few weeks, most people are fascinated by the new culture. They associate with nationals who speak their language, and who are polite to the foreigners. This period is full of observations and new discoveries. Like most honeymoon periods, this stage eventually ends.[4] Negotiation phase After some time (usually around three months, depending on the individual), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. Excitement may eventually give way to unpleasant feelings of frustration and anger as one continues to experience unfavorable events that may be perceived as strange and offensive to one’s cultural attitude. Language barriers, stark differences in public hygiene, traffic safety, food accessibility and quality may heighten the sense of disconnection from the surroundings. While being transferred into a different environment puts special pressure on communication skills, there are practical difficulties to overcome, such as circadian rhythm disruption that often leads to insomnia and daylight drowsiness; adaptation of gut flora to  different bacteria levels and concentrations in food and water; difficulty in seeking treatment for illness, as medicines may have different names from the native country’s and the same active ingredients might be hard to recognize. Still, the most important change in the period is communication: People adjusting to a new culture often feel lonely and homesick because they are not yet used to the new environment and meet people with whom they are not familiar every day. The language barrier may become a major obstacle in creating new relationships: special attention must be paid to one’s and others’ culture-specific body language signs, linguistic faux pas, conversation tone, linguistic nuances and customs, and false friends. In the case of students studying abroad, some develop additional symptoms of loneliness that ultimately affect their lifestyles as a whole. Due to the strain of living in a different country without parental support, international students often feel anxious and feel more pressure while adjusting to new cultures—even more so when the cultural distances are wide, as patterns of logic and speech are different and a special emphasis is put on rhetoric. Adjustment phase Again, after some time (usually 6 to 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more â€Å"normal†. One starts to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture and begins to accept the culture’s ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced. Mastery phase In the mastery stage assignees are able to participate fully and comfortably in the host culture. Mastery does not mean total conversion; people often keep many traits from their earlier culture, such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the biculturalism stage Reverse culture shock Reverse Culture Shock (a.k.a. â€Å"Re-entry Shock†, or â€Å"own culture shock†) may take place — returning to one’s home culture after growing accustomed to a  new one can produce the same effects as described above. This results from the psychosomatic and psychological consequences of the readjustment process to the primary culture. The affected person often finds this more surprising and difficult to deal with than the original culture shock. This phenomenon, the reactions that members of the re-entered culture exhibit toward the re-entrant, and the inevitability of the two are encapsulated in the saying â€Å"you can’t go home again,† first coined by Thomas Wolfe in his book of that title. Outcomes There are three basic outcomes of the Adjustment Phase: Some people find it impossible to accept the foreign culture and integrate. They isolate themselves from the host country’s environment, which they come to perceive as hostile, withdraw into a â€Å"ghetto† and see return to their own culture as the only way out. These â€Å"Rejectors† also have the greatest problems re-integrating back home after return. Some people integrate fully and take on all parts of the host culture while losing their original identity. They normally remain in the host country forever. This group is sometimes known as â€Å"Adopters†. Some people manage to adapt to the aspects of the host culture they see as positive, while keeping some of their own and creating their unique blend. They have no major problems returning home or relocating elsewhere. This group can be thought to be somewhat cosmopolitan. Culture shock has many different effects, time spans, and degrees of severity. Many people are handicapped by its presence and do not recognize what is bothering them. Transition shock Culture shock is a subcategory of a more universal construct called transition shock. Transition shock is a state of loss and disorientation predicated by a change in one’s familiar environment which requires adjustment. There are many symptoms of transition shock, some which include: Excessive concern over cleanliness and health Feelings of helplessness and withdrawal Irritability Anger Glazed stare Desire for home and old friends Physiological stress reactions Homesickness Boredom Withdrawal Getting â€Å"stuck† on one thing Suicidal or fatalistic thoughts Excessive sleep Compulsive eating/drinking/weight gain Stereotyping host nationals Hostility towards host nationals Culture Shock The term, culture shock, was introduced for the first time in 1958 to describe the anxiety produced when a person moves to a completely new environment. This term expresses the lack of direction, the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to do things in a new environment, and not knowing what is appropriate or inappropriate. The feeling of culture shock generally sets in after the first few weeks of coming to a new place. We can describe culture shock as the physical and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live in another country or a place different from the place of origin. Often, the way that we lived before is not accepted as or considered as normal in the new place. Everything is different, for example, not speaking the language, not knowing how to use banking machines, not knowing how to use the telephone and so forth. The symptoms of cultural shock can appear at different times. Although, one can experience real pain from culture shock; it is also an opportunity for redefining one’s life objectives. It is a great opportunity for leaning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity. Symptoms: Sadness, loneliness, melancholy Preoccupation with health Aches, pains, and allergies Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country Loss of identity Trying too hard to absorb everything in the new culture or country Unable to solve simple problems Lack of confidence Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity Developing stereotypes about the new culture Developing obsessions such as over-cleanliness Longing for family Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused Stages of Culture Shock Culture shock has many stages. Each stage can be ongoing or appear only at certain times. The first stage is the incubation stage. In this first stage, the new arrival may feel euphoric and be pleased by all of the new things encountered. This time is called the â€Å"honeymoon† stage, as everything encountered is new and exciting. Afterwards, the second stage presents itself. A person may encounter some difficult times and crises in daily life. For example, communication difficulties may occur such as not being understood. In this stage, there may be feelings of discontent, impatience, anger, sadness, and feeling incompetence. This happens when a person is trying to adapt to a new culture that is very different from the culture of origin. Transition between the old methods and those of the new country is a difficult process and takes time to complete. During the transition, there can be strong feelings of dissatisfaction. The third stage is characterized by gaining some understanding of the new culture. A new feeling of pleasure and sense of humor may be experienced. One may start to feel a certain psychological balance. The new arrival may not feel as lost and starts to have a feeling of direction. The individual is more familiar with the environment and wants to belong. This initiates an evaluation of the old ways versus those of the new. In the fourth stage, the person realizes that the new culture has good and bad things to offer. This stage can be one of double integration or triple integration depending on the number of cultures that the person has to process. This integration is accompanied by a more solid feeling of belonging. The person starts to define him/herself and establish goals for living. The fifth stage is the stage that is called the â€Å"re-entry shock.† This occurs when a return to the country of origin is made. One may find that things are no longer the same. For example, some of the newly acquired customs are not in use in the old culture. These stages are present at different times and each person has their own way of reacting in the stages of culture shock. As a consequence, some stages will be longer and more difficult than others. Many factors contribute to the duration and effects of culture shock. For example, the individual’s state of mental health, type of personality, previous experiences, socio-economic conditions, familiarity with the language, family and/or social support systems, and level of education. How to Fight Culture Shock The majority of individuals and families that immigrate from other countries have the ability to positively confront the obstacles of a new environment. Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are: Develop a hobby Don’t forget the good things you already have! Remember, there are always resources that you can use Be patient, the act of immigrating is a process of adaptation to new situations. It is going to take time Learn to be constructive. If you  encounter an unfavorable environment, don’t put yourself in that position again. Be easy on yourself. Don’t try too hard. Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. This will help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner. Exercise, swim, take an aerobics class, etc. Relaxation and meditation are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress Maintain contact with your ethnic group. This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation Maintain contact with the new culture. Learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you feel less stress about language and useful at the same time. Allow yourself to feel sad about the things that you have left behind: your family, your friends, etc. Recognize the sorrow of leaving your old country. Accept the new country. Focus your power on getting through the transition. Pay attention to relationships with your family and at work. They will serve as support for you in difficult times. Establish simple goals and evaluate your progress. Find ways to live with the things that don’t satisfy you 100%. Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future. If you feel stressed, look for help. There is always someone or some service available to help you. What Is It? Culture shock isn’t a clinical term or medical condition. It’s simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture. When you move to a new place, you’re bound to face a lot of changes. That can be exciting and stimulating, but it can also be overwhelming. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, and want to go home. It’s natural to have difficulty adjusting to a new culture. People from other cultures (whom you’ll be hanging out with and going to school with) may have grown up with values and beliefs that differ from yours. Because of these differences, the things they talk about, the ways they express themselves, and the importance  of various ideas may be very different from what you are used to. But the good news is that culture shock is temporary. What Causes Culture Shock? To understand culture shock, it helps to understand what culture is. You may know that genes determine a big part of how you look and act. What you might not know is that your environment — your surroundings — has a big effect on your appearance and behavior as well. Your environment isn’t just the air you breathe and the food you eat, though; a big part of your environment is culture. Culture is made up of the common things that members of a community learn from family, friends, media, literature, and even strangers. These are the things that influence how theylook, act, and communicate. Often, you don’t even know you’re learning these things because they become second-nature to you — for instance, the way you shake hands with someone when meeting them, when you eat your meals each day, the kind of things you find funny, or how you view religion. When you go to a new place, such as a new country or even a new city, you often enter a culture that is different from the one you left. Sometimes your culture and the new culture are similar. Other times, they can be very different, and even contradictory. What might be perfectly normal in one culture — for instance, spending hours eating a meal with your family — might be unusual in a culture that values a more fast-paced lifestyle. The differences between cultures can make it very difficult to adjust to the new surroundings. You may encounter unfamiliar clothes, weather, and food as well as different people, schools, and values. You may find yourself struggling to do things in your new surroundings that were easy back home. Dealing with the differences can be very unsettling; those feelings are part adjusting to a new culture.

Barriers Faced by Human Service Workers Essay Example for Free

Barriers Faced by Human Service Workers Essay â€Å"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. † – Albert Einstein Human service workers act as a liaison between clients in need and the agencies clients seek to obtain help from, and while human service workers strive to provide services in an adequate and timely manner this is not always possible. Human service workers are human therefore there can be a large margin of error. All human service agencies are subject to barriers that prevent perfect service from being rendered. While certain barriers do exist in the human service field improvements can be made that can lead to greater service. In today’s society technology is dominating the workforce causing former work methods to become obsolete. While technology is constantly changing the changes made are often for the better, allowing companies to thrive and overcome existing barriers once faced. Technology not only benefits â€Å"business† companies, but also greatly improves the barriers faced by human service workers. One potential barrier that human service agencies can face is falsification on company records. Falsification of records can prove fatal, especially in Child or Elder Protection cases. While falsification of records may not be the human service workers intention it can indeed be committed when time restraints prevent case workers from visiting their clients in a given time frame. In August 2006 lack of time and falsification of records proved fatal for 14 year old Danieal Kelley of Philadelphia, Pa. Danieal Kelley a then 14 year old cerebral palsy victim died from neglect at the hands of her own mother. The nightmare of forced starvation and infection that killed Danieal while under the protection of the city’s human service agency is documented in a 258 page grand jury report that charges nine people, her parents, four social workers, and three family friends- in her ghastly death† (CBS3,2008). In the case of Danieal Kelley â€Å"the department of Human Services received at least five reports of Danieal being mistreated between 2003 and 2005†(CBS3, 2008), and while social workers were assigned to Daniela’s case, none appeared to follow through. According to CBS3 news it’s suspected that after Danieal’s death Mickal Kamuvaka the company director of the agency in charge of Daniela’s case held a â€Å"forgery fest† in her office where she had employees â€Å"concoct almost a year’s worth of false progress reports†(CBS3, 2008). The fact that no one took time to protect Danieal sheds light on the terrible fact that â€Å"some† social workers falsify documents to protect themselves. In order to prevent future case like Danieal’s its imperative that a system be in place to prevent social workers from simply doctoring records when it’s convenient for them. A method that could be used to track the whereabouts of said social workers could be a G. P. S. Agencies could provide social workers who are required to make home visits with cell phones implanted with G. P. S. systems. The tracking system could be used while the social workers are on the clock to ensure that home visits are indeed being made within the required time frame. This tracking system could prevent workers from falsifying documentation because their whereabouts would be known ahead of time. An online G. P. S. racking system called World Tracker Web GPS (webgpstrack), which allows devices to be tracked through internet access. According to Mobile GPs online, â€Å"Web GPS Track is a self contained hardware and software package that allows a user to track his assets from anywhere through an internet connected PC† (Mobile GPs, 2008). The Web GPS Tracker works by using the world tracker and a SIM card from a local GSM wireless network carrier. Once the SIM card is inserted into a cell phone, GPS tracking can begin. One’s location can then be accessed by using platforms such as Google maps. This small device can be a very helpful tool in the human service field when it’s necessary to obtain truthful information about a workers true whereabouts. Web GPS Track can become expensive depending on the number of units needed for a given agency. The cost includes a onetime purchase fee of the World Tracker unit which is $350 each. An additional on time subscription fee of 99. 89 per unit is needed to activate the account. Additional fees include a monthly service fee of 19. 98 per unit, a onetime SIM card fee ranging between $25 and $ 50, and any SMS service fee charged by a local service provider. While the cost of GPS tracking can be expensive, it can prove beneficial when proper records are needed, and it may save an agency from facing a large lawsuit because of false documentation, it could also prevent another case of Danieal Kelley. Another potential barrier faced by human service agencies is Intellectual Property Theft. â€Å"Intellectual property is anything from names, images, symbols, and designs used in commerce, intellectual property is considered a valuable asset and most organizations have protected their intellectual property from infringement by others† (Hefter,1995). Intellectual property theft becomes possible when secure information is left unattended and within reach of possible culprits. Some ways that intellectual property may get out is through emails sent to incorrect recipients, when confidential information is left in common areas, or left laying on printers or scanners. Information can also be lost when employees speak on their cell phones in public areas. Intellectual property theft in the human service field can wreak havoc on clients. Personal information can fall into the wrong hands whether it in a domestic violence shelter or and employment shelter. While intellectual property theft is very serious solutions exist that can help combat Intellectual Property Theft. Aside from agencies limiting access to non business related websites to help prevent being hacked, a program called Symantec Data Loss Prevention which is used by leading technological companies can also be used as a safety measure. â€Å"Symantec Data Loss Prevention protects companies from malicious employee behavior, pirating, or accidental leaks that expose confidential information† (Symantec Security, 2008). Symantec Data Loss Prevention works by â€Å"1. Discovery; the software finds confidential data where ever it’s stored, creates an inventory of sensitive, and automatically manages data clean up. 2. Monitor; SDLP helps a company understand how confidential information is being used whether the user is on or off the cooperate network, and gain enterprise visibility. 3. Protect; SDLP helps companies gain visibility into policy violations to proactively secure data and preventing confidential data from leaving an organization.   4.  Manage; SDLP helps companies define universal policies across an enterprise, remediate and report incidents, and detect content accurately within one unified platform† (Symantec Security, 2008). A program offered by Symantec is Norton Internet Security which performs the necessary features above. The cost of the Norton software is fairly inexpensive costing 69. 99. This cost allows a computer to be fully protected for a year before needing to renew the software subscription. Norton is inexpensive software which will help rotect company files and serves as a valuable investment, whether in a corperate office or a human service agency. Another potential barrier faced by human service agencies is the loss of data. As technology becomes more prevalent in the workforce more records are being transferred from paper to computers. As with any form of technology the possibility of records being lost is very real if computers crash or other technological difficulties arise. The best way to protect data is to always backup files. A number of technological software exist that can do this. For agencies using windows, â€Å"The windows server backup software can be used to automatically and continuously backup a number of devices like NAS,CD/DVD, hard drive and tapes† (Computer Customizing, 2008). One form of windows backup software is Acronis True Image which creates a replica of the disk image of the windows server. According to Computer Customizing this backup software helps aid in server disaster recovery by creating backups on a number of media, SAN volumes, and NAS. This software also restores huge databases and all the individual files with instant bare metal restore (Computer Customizing, 2008). This software will help protect all important files preventing valuable files from being lost. Human service workers and human service agencies are bound to face barriers on any given day and while this is an unavoidable truth there are solutions that can allow for a faster paced, safer, and more ethical workplace. While the vast majority of services rendered by human service agencies are completed by hard working human beings, technology is paving the road for a more effective work environment as long as agencies properly utilize the technological tools that are becoming available at a lightning fast rate. Technology is the way of the future and needs to be embraced in order to keep up with the times and not get lost in an overflow of paperwork which distracts from the true purpose of a human service worker which is to be an advocate for those in need. Barriers Faced by Human Service Workers. (2017, Feb 23). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

The importance of understanding how people form perceptions and make Case Study

The importance of understanding how people form perceptions and make attributions about others with his employees - Case Study Example The social learning theory of Bandura (1997) would be most appropriate for Joe to apply in this situation. This theory would help Joe to alter the behaviors and the attitudes of his sales team. By continuous efforts, his sales team would gain more motivation; Joe would come in a better position to understand the psychological traits and behavioral attributes of his employees in a certain environment of competition and stress. It would be an ideal opportunity for Joe to implement this theory in his organization as this would help him to attain his goals in a defined time period without causing stress on his employees. As a result, his employees are expected to become more productive and thus, would generate more sales to the company. Joe can effectively improve the performance of his employees by implementing this theory. Firstly, Joe would positively influence the mindset of his employees which would directly influence on their abilities. Secondly, this theory would also help Joe to design better environment for work and learning. This would help Joe to gain feedback of his employees and remain in constant support for them. This will allow the employees to develop increased self-efficacy and to maximize the productivity. Self-efficacy enables organizations and the leaders to get the maximum out of their employees. High level of self-efficacy enables employee to be more productive when they are motivated by their employers. Joe should realize the fact that self-efficacy either high or low, is the outcome of workers’ perception of their employer’s behavior (positive or negative), their commitment towards fulfillment of company’s goals and the environment (Hellriegel, 2011). Joe needs to understand the fact that the more he will be involved with his employees, the more productive they would become. Motivation and positive behavior of an employer play a significant role in determining the success of an

Whats wrong with buying counterfeit goods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Whats wrong with buying counterfeit goods - Essay Example For instance, buying a counterfeit mobile phone will obviously cost the client due to possible short life span besides poor irradiation regulation systems in the phone. The customer always faces at least a possibility of regretting the exorbitant price paid against poor quality and short-lived product. The law is very clear when it comes to products to be bought. It is therefore the liability of the customer if found in possession of a counterfeit product. The consequences include arrests and prosecutions which factor in additional monetary costs, psychological pressure and physical health deterioration. This is particularly obvious in line with the legal requirement that direct customers to buy from companies that their products pass through government quality check. Counterfeit products particularly medical have led to loss of life. The medical prescriptions and subsequent purchase of counterfeit medicine has resulted into poisoning or opposite effect that only worsen the condition of the patient and in extreme cases die. It is a general advice to the society to uphold the spirit of awareness against counterfeit buying. The cost goes beyond monetary but the good news is that this mistake can well be taken care of by the

Culture experience growing up in the Philippines and Culture Essay

Culture experience growing up in the Philippines and Culture experience growing up in the United States - Essay Example At the same time, the past experiences of each individual are always associated with his/her culture. In addition, the elements of modernization and urbanization have caused cultural shift especially in economically developing and developed countries. This paper tends to discuss the culture experience growing up in Philippines and in the United States. Philippines is a developing country that is blessed with a great traditional culture named Filipino. It is a nation of 7107 islands, which is located at the Pacific rim of the Southeast Asia and the islands are volcanic in origin (The Philippines). The Philippines’ culture is reflected as a mixture of Spanish, American, and Asian cultures. Spanish colonization in Philippines lasted for 333 years and it had modified the conventional practices of Philippine population to some extent. During that term, the islands were ruled by Mexico and later the islands came under the control and administration of Spain. It is evident that Hispa nic influence has played a vital role in Philippine folk arts, festivals, religion, and language. From 1898 to 1946, Philippines were regarded as the territory of United States; and the popularity of English language and contemporary pop culture in Philippines can be attributed to this American influence. The gradual growth of cultural experience can be attributed to different factors such as past and shared experiences, institutions, and outsiders (Worldview perspectives). When a group of people share some common experience, they make certain generalizations on the basis of their concepts and thoughts. This phenomenon can be seen in the fashion industry of Philippines as Philippines are largely attracted by modern fashion trends. People share their thoughts on recent trends in fashion industry and often it is identified that this sharing practice has a direct influence on the traditional perceptions of Philippine people. Similarly, the influence of outsiders may alter the cultural structure of a country and it is experienced in Philippines also. In olden days, they maintained indigenous music that was introduced by Taiwan native tribes. This art form underwent various phases of transformation, and recently, pop music has gained popularity which could be attributed to the influence of western culture. The pop western culture has also profound influence on the lifestyle of Philippine people. It is known to everyone that United States is an agglomeration of different cultures, and therefore, the intensity of cultural experience is also comparatively greater across the nation. The role of minorities in the overall development of the nation is extravagantly important. African Americans, Japanese Americans, Muslim national settlers and others constitute the population. It is said that â€Å"living in U.S. is like playing water polo†. However, the United States owns a popular culture that is formed on the strength of ideas and beliefs generated by various soc ial institutions such as politics, media, and commercial systems. Consumerism is the recently identified cultural trend in US; for instance, today people tend to eat out more than ever before. A growing practice of maintain food diversity is also noticeable among different age groups, especially among different ethnic communities. The growing influence of media and other modern technology have given new interpretation to

USA Contract Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

USA Contract Law - Assignment Example The contracting parties need to be of legal age and sound competence and they should agree mutually on the terms of the contract. The contract law is governed by the provisions of the UCC and the Restatement of Contracts. The UCC governs the sale of tangible and movable assets, property leases, and financial transactions. The common law principles of a contract are summarised, restated and published as the Restatement of Contracts by the American Law Institute. Legal professionals quote the provisions of the Restatement in their written opinions, though this does not have the force of law.[2] When a contract is made, both parties expect some benefit from it and the terms and conditions are consensual. Since unforeseen events in the future may create a loss for any one party, it is essential that both parties are very thorough about the meaning of the content to which they are putting their signature. The whole concept of contracts deal with the future and in many cases gives rise to problems; one or both parties may find that the events that they had anticipated had not gone their way. The problem may be due to a 'mistake.'When one or both parties, to the contract, erroneously believed that certain facts in the contract are true, then a 'mistake' is said to have occurred. In contract law, a mistake can be used to invalidate the agreement. There are two different types of mistakes, according to common law. A 'unilateral mistake' occurs when only one party is mistaken about the terms or contents of the contract. A 'mutual mistake' or a 'common mistake' occurs when both par ties, to the contract, are mistaken about the same term or condition in the contract. Since these mistakes can be used as 'excuses' to invalidate a contract, the provision of 'objective standard of agreement' becomes important in contract law.  

JOHN AUGUSTUS AND EARLY PROBATION Research Paper

JOHN AUGUSTUS AND EARLY PROBATION - Research Paper Example It is the term that could be applied to the action of John Augustus when, in 1852, he bailed out an offender who was convicted for a conduct of misdemeanor. Howard Abadinsky (2009) narrated that he successfully proved before the Court that an offender has a chance to be rehabilitated and to become a good member of the society once again. In his first experience, Augustus saw in the offender the promise of behavior change. He also introduced investigation, which he carried out before he handled a case. Some features of his investigation process remained to be a part of the modern probation process. Augustus investigated the character, the age and influence of people he helped because he will be their guardian during the probation period. He also kept records of each offender which he surrendered to the court when probation period was over. This helped the judge to pass on a final decision. Maurice Vanstone (2009) discussed in his book that John Augustus was the first man to volunteer to become a probation officer, although at that time, probation was not yet established. His humanitarian motives could not be doubted because he worked for free. Although friends assisted him and donations poured in, his business as a shoemaker was eventually affected. He was not a lawyer, but he believed on the purpose of the law, that is for him is to â€Å"reform criminals, and to prevent crime, and not to punish maliciously, or from spirit of revenge†. His first focus was on drunkards but later on moved to other cases. He handled 2,000 cases of men, women, young and adult alike, with only 10 persons who jumped out of probation in all of his life. His crusade was not completely hassle-free because prosecutors, clerks of courts and policemen did not agree with him, since these men received a fee for cases disposed of by the Court. Thus, we see here professional jealousy, or corruption,

Coperate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coperate Social Responsibility - Essay Example In continuation with their philosophy on CR, these businesses focus on CR activities through the Community Committees, which have been formed to initiate, guide and channel employee engagement for the purpose of contributing to economic development while improving the quality of life of the local community that they function in. Proactively creating service excellence environment rather than reacting to end customer need is one of the ways of attaining sustainability. Positive Employee Engagement means creating a management practice which complements speedy knowledge enhancement and proactively rewards performance by staff. Proactive Relationship Management means to become a forward-looking company that anticipates business partner needs and satisfies future demand as "first movers" or at least early movers. The environmental effects of infrastructure and power plants that may cause potential harm to the environment. People are now more engaged in making their companies up for sustainable development wherein they continuously strive for success and expansion of business but still very willing to promote environment safety and protection. The United States should ensure that the new and existing companies are all geared toward sustainable development and also motivated in helping alleviate or prevent environmental pollution which also affects economic status and international trade due several reason stated below. US should also ensure that their property rights are specific, encompassing and executed properly so as to prevent losses due to violation of these international laws. Fair-trade A country's comparative advantage in environmentally intensive goods depends on, among other factors, its natural resource endowments, climate, distance to neighboring countries, and length of shared borders. It also depends of density, health, wealth, demographic structure and preferences of its population, including their valuation of environmental resources and amenities, their willingness and ability to pay for conservation, and their tolerance for pollution. Exploitation of natural resources may be sustainable such as in eco-tourism and logging carefully coordinated with reforestation or unsustainable such as when reducing stocks of endangered species and rampant deforestation. Exploitation depends on how property rights are assigned, the level and pace of society's economic and technological development, and possible profit margins and social preferences concerning the environment. Changes in environment can also influence trade patterns. Trade raises welfare only when the gains from the trade more than compensate for environmental degradation. Conversely, environmental policies should balance environmental improvements against reduction in the gains from trade at the margin. There is trade in endangered species, trade in toxic waste and trade in other environmentally hazardous products. The Role of NGOs and pressure groups These modern day heroes of corporate social

Choose one of the three Flexible , Fearful, or Feisty Essay

Choose one of the three Flexible , Fearful, or Feisty - Essay Example I always enjoyed to get engaged in a range of activities most often involved art activities. This activity pattern and craze towards colors polished my creativity. So, in the later stages of my childhood I proved to be a good cartoonist. I participated in many inter school events and won several prizes. Later on, I came to know the fact that being a flexible personality; I was really blessed as I was more adaptive towards new situations. I always enjoyed creativity and innovative ideas. I always liked to show positive attitude and this approach of my childhood has, definitely, affected my current life in a positive way. My flexible personality trait brought up confidence, optimism and tolerance in my personality. It is amazing to note that I never argued like younger siblings while mother used to serve some new food. It always made me curious to have new tastes and flavors. However, sometime ambiguous situations made me confused. As I have told that I was flexible at one end but I was not so clever. I was not very good in decision making as well. This was the basic reason why I most often adopted what my parents felt better for me. I was quite adaptive and bendy towards the decisions they put forward. And now when I am a grown up guy, I can differentiate that my intentions were not wrong. For me, my parents always did what they thought the best among all. From my childhood behavior, I analyze that living with flexibility and adjustment always offers a right path. Life is a continuous process offering give and take relationships. It goes on and on. So, those who prefer to adjust and accommodate with new situations always get the full benefits. This is what I really learn from my childhood. 1. Hanns M. Trautner, Diane N. Ruble, Lisa Cyphers, Barbara Kirsten, Regina Behrendt and Petra Hartmann. â€Å"Rigidity and Flexibility of Gender Stereotypes in Childhood: Developmental or Differential?† Infant and Child Development (2005): New York University,

Two Different Countries Essay Example for Free

Two Different Countries Essay Britain and china are both historical counties, therefore, there were many social change which caused by different reasons. However, even if those reasons were different, the results are the same which are these two countries made the some achieved. Britain is caused â€Å"the developed revolution† on the other hand, china developed due to â€Å"the reform and open policy.† This essay will illustrate the cause and consequently effects of rapid social change in Britain and china. The technology and science are significant in the Britain. In 1765, the spinning jenny (Mary. B) was appeared in Britain, therefore, the first machines which can instead of the hand labour, after that since 1800, the Britain is the first country used the steam engine (Mary.B) which was improved by James Watt, these events start the Britain become the first industrial revolution country. Those things effect the some countries who studied the British way. There are European, America, Canada and Japan. Therefore, those countries rapid their social change quickly in technology and economic. The watt’s contributed not only in the steam engine, but also to invent the barometer which is benefit for the second times industrial revolution. Moreover, the industrial revolution started in to Britain created by new technology and made UK pay attention on industrial. The rapid of social change in china is due to the political changes, because Chairman Mao holds the Seclusion the door which is means limited foreign trade and maritime industry. This cause led the china in past time was poor and stopped social development. After that, in 1978, Deng Xiaoping put forward the â€Å"reform and open policy â€Å"(Zhang.TY, 2009), in this times, Deng used the developed country’s technology to improve the market system and economic development, make the china have an international trend. No more time, the amazing that china becomes the GDP country in the top2 of the world. Therefore, this political change make china from the poor society to affluent society, it is means Chinese can have a comfortable level of living. Comparing the china and UK, they both have some similar and different points. In the past time, china used the food stamp (ROAP) to exchange the food; the Britain had the ration book (Mandy, B,1930) that if someone who wants to get the food, their name must show in the book. These two case shows that in the past time was no more food can support the people , therefore, government put the this two way made some people can have food. Moreover, it is shows that government is more power can control in the past time. China and Britain both have stronger government, therefore, government used this way to that people can’t have enough food so that to promote people want to development the technology to produce the food and agriculture. In addition, it is can make the people to cooperation, because in Britain, people who have name in ration book, someone no have, maybe the no food people will get some value to exchange the food, therefore, it is become the teamwork, if a country have a good cooperation , the economic will developed together and easy got the achieve. On the other hand, some poor country why can’t development, because they don’t like team work, like isolate, this country maybe become the poor people more poor, rich people difficult to continue rich. This situation shows the society can’t rapid change higher standard of living. However, china and UK both are stronger in cooperation so that the technology and economic will increase quickly in this two country . UK and china not only cooperation by itself, these two country always have team work which is have a trade between this two country. As we know that china is the bigger industrial country and UK is a bigger investment country, due to they are cooperation so that they were open the door to accept each other and begin communication. In the communication with china and UK, the rapid of social change effects is by the internet, transport and education. Internet make this two country can sent the message as soon as to receive it; the transport is too convenience, in the past time, Marco polo (Amber, E, S, 1997) travel around the china used the 17 years, nowadays, we only used 30 days by airplane; education also change a lot, in the past time, Chinese education is feudal, Man is superior to woman and woman no have power, such as limited to outside and must take care the children in the home. Because Deng Xiaoping have been go abroad, therefore, he used the reform and open policy to change people’s live, it is means the foreigner education is more worthwhile that people to study, due to rapid social change, the economic growth quickly that more and more Chinese students go abroad to learn the new knowledge and turn back to development the china and share the education make the social change become the Everyone is equal thinking and plan the development. In the conclusion, UK and china are similar to economic growth quickly when they change the policy; both of them focus on the technology, when they change the policy, the technology developed quickly of each country. The trade of Britain and china was play the cooperation role, not only developed by itself and developed together, such as in education, in technology and in the policy. All this things due to they are have the good policy, UK is used the industrial revolution, china is used the reform and open policy. Each policy make these two country become high level live and higher economic country that rapid the social change. Reference: Mary Bellis, 1764: Increased Yarn and Thread Production During Industrial Revolution. Available at: http://inventors.about.com/od/indrevolution/ss/Industrial_Revo_3.htm ï ¼Ë†Accessed: 01 March 2011) Mary Bellis, 1712: Newcomen Steam Engine and the Industrial Revolution. Available at:http://inventors.about.com/od/indrevolution/ss/Industrial_Revo.htmï ¼Ë†Accessed: 01March 2011) Zhang Tuya , 2009: the reform and open policy needed in china. Available at: http://www.focusire.com/archives/280.html ï ¼Ë†Accessed: 01 March 2011) ROAP: Agricultural Policy and Food Security in China. Available at: http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/004/AB981E/ab981e0c.htmï ¼Ë†Accessed: 01 March 2011) Mandy barrow, 1930: Introduction to Rationing in Britain during World War 2. Available at: http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/war/rationing.htm ï ¼Ë†Accessed: 01 March 2011) Amber E Stiner, December 2, 1997: Marco Polo Travels in China. Available at: http://www.thenagain.info/webchron/china/MarcoPolo.htmlï ¼Ë†Accessed: 01 March 2011)

Truman Show Essay Example for Free

Truman Show Essay Society watches and is attracted to these shows because they are supposed to relate to ordinary people’s lives. Even though it appears that their real lives are playing out on television, it is not as real as it seems when compared to people’s â€Å"real† lives. These â€Å"actors† have nothing to fear. They have security guards surrounding them when filming the show. They do not have to pay for anything because the company pays for their needs and wants. The director cuts and edits the clips to show the adience how he wants the actors’ lives and show to appear. The only difference between the reality shows of today and the Truman show is that Truman was not aware that he was part of a show. In today’s reality shows, the actors are very aware of their surroundings and display behavior that will make the shows more amusing to their audience. Truman’s world was in a way almost a â€Å"utopia† with no worries and no fear. It was, however, repetitive. Every day was the same. There were no difficult choices to make; much like reality television is portrayed today. The decisions they make and the outcomes do not truly reflect what would happen if an ordinary person does the same. The actors in today’s reality television have welcomed the public eye to see everything they are doing, but this isn’t true for everyone in society. While the rest of the society hasn’t invited anyone to track their actions, government and other organizations are already doing this in many ways. These groups have the ability to put up surveillance cameras to track when people are in different locations. They can track internet, credit card and cell phone usage. When traveling by a cell tower, for example, the tower stores the location information in a database. It is ready to be revealed to any government official when solicited (ACLU). Purchases can be tracked, along with, vacations, hotel stays, etc. According to an article written by Daniel J. Solove, for The Chronicle of Higher Education, the most common response to privacy advocates is â€Å"Only if you’re doing something wrong should you worry, and then you don’t deserve to keep it private. † (cite ). The problem with the government collecting private information goes beyond someone doing right or wrong. Some of the problems resulting from collecting and using personal data include the fact that people do not know that this data is being collected about them. They cannot fix an issue if they do not know this technology exists. Another problem with government gathering and using personal data is the distortion of the data. It often fails to reflect the whole person and can paint an untrue picture (Chronicle). Privacy is not typically lost with one major action, but it occurs over time with many pieces of information being collected and used to make assumptions about a person. The question is can it be stopped? The best way to slow down the invasion of privacy is to be careful of the information a person is freely giving out, especially on the internet. Information provided in emails, Facebook, on-line shopping sites, use of credit-cards, or completing surveys for a â€Å"free-gift† all contribute to an ongoing database of personal information. Consumers can continue to express their opinions with government representatives on how this personal information is collected and used. Those who want an increase in privacy should encourage the policy makers to look at the spending programs, regulatory agencies, privacy-invading regulations and investigative agencies for influence (Privacilla). The Truman show portrays the government or â€Å"creator† as having all personal information of Truman and is able to influence and control his entire life. This is not a future that society wishes to imitate. Bibliography ACLU. American Civil Liberties Union. American Civil Liberties Union. ACLU, n. d. Web. 12 May 2013. Privacilla. Welcome to Privacilla. org. Welcome to Privacilla. org. Privacilla, 3 June 2012. Web. 12 May 2013. Solove, Daniel J. Why Privacy Matters. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Chronicle Review, 15 May 2011. Web. 12 May 2013.

Masculinity As A Construction Of Identity

Masculinity As A Construction Of Identity This thesis seeks to investigate the understanding of masculinity as a construction of identity. This study explores developing identities, and how this may relate to wider constructions of masculinity in the media, with particular reference to lifestyle magazines aimed at men. Methodologies This Study focuses on For Him Magazine known now as FHM, one of the leading mens magazines that is published in 27 countries. The methodology that will be used to carry out this study will be a content analysis. Through a content analysis, 6 issues of FHM in from the years 2005 through to 2010 will be examined, in order to examine if there has been any shifts in the portrayal of men or what is meant by the term masculinity. Bibliography from year two Benwell Bethan, (2003) Masculinity and mens lifestyle magazines: chapter 6; Published by Wiley-Blackwell) Bignell, Jonathan (1997), Media Semiotics, an introduction. Manchester: Manchester University Press Edwards Tim, (2006) Cultures of Masculinity; men masculinity and feminism, chapter 1 (Routledge) Jackson Peter, Stevenson Nick, Brooks Kate (2001) making sense of mens magazines; chapter four (Wiley-Blackwell). Galician Mary-Lou, L. Merskin Debra (2007) Critical thinking about sex, love and romance in mass media: media; chapter three (Routledge) Gaunlett David, (2002) Media, gender, and identity: an introduction, Mens magazines and modern male identities; chapter eight (Routledge) Gunter Barrie (2002) Media sex: what are the issues? chapter 6 (Published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates) Itzin Catherine, Newman Janet (1995) Gender, culture and organizational change: putting theory into practice chapter fourteen (Routledge) Litosseliti Lia, Sunderland Jane (2002) Gender, Identity and discourse analysis. (John Benjamins Publishing Company) The Construction of the Male Identity in the UK Mens Lifestyle Magazine FHM (DRAFT) INTRODUCTION: THESIS OUTLINE This thesis seeks to explore how masculinity is represented and constructed within the pages of FHM (UK) magazine of the modern male identity. Through a content analysis of the branding of masculinity in the UKs leading mans magazine, the study explores the trends and the portrayal of men but also the types of products advertised in mens magazines. It will examine the rationale of FHM in constructing the portrayals of men and masculinity and the role that FHM plays in shaping attitudes about masculinity. The central research question is: Exactly what ideas does FHM generate or convey about masculinity? More specifically, in the magazines construction of masculinity, what is emphasised and what is ignored? Considering gender and sexuality to explore and address the stereotypical representations and attitudes that are likely to be reinforced to its readers. The first chapter of this thesis demonstrates a detailed depiction of the UKs FHM position and role in the mens lifestyle magazine market, from its inception from For Him Magazine through its incredible development to its contemporary brand expansions. It also discusses FHMs influence on the mens magazine market as well as on broader industry concerns related to the young male market, particularly advertising. Essentially, this chapter offers a rationale for why FHM is an important site for investigation. Chapter 1 The mens magazine market is a moderately new phenomenon. Mens magazines today have become sites of significant inquiry that offer alternative views on the representation of the modern man. Men have purchased and read magazines in the past, though previously, the term mens magazine referred to publications structured around masculine themes to designed to interest men, such as cars, fishing, DIY and pornography. However, as sociologist Tim Edwards (1997) notes, It is, to put it simply, that they werent called mens magazines and this is what constitutes the key difference: the self-conscious targeting of men as consumers of magazines designed to interest men if not necessarily to be about men (p.72, emphasis in the original). Since contemporary mens magazines are embedded in the rise of a new lifestyle genre, they are considered mens lifestyle titles as opposed to simply mens interest magazines (Edwards, 2006).1 The growth of the mens magazine market in the UK, which saw an invasion of lifestyle titles in the 1980s, commencing with the launch of Arena in 1986. The Focus The aim of this study is to investigate and analyse the different representations of masculinity in the modern day 21st century. The endeavour of this is to answer the research question, which is; has the definition of masculinity and or the portrayal of men changed over time, in particular in print advertisements in mens lifestyle magazine FHM (For Him Magazine). Although this may sound like a popular research case study, very little academic research has been performed in the field of mens magazines and even less on the construction and representation of masculinity. This study therefore aims to firstly, classify the term masculinity, to conclude a definition, of what is means to be a men?, which is often used to ascribed to males in todays society. This study will also explore sex roles and common stereotypes that men are regularly being labelled with. This study will further examine if the characteristic that what once associated with traditional masculinity is dying out, or if t here is more than one masculine identity. Thirdly, this study will examine the presentation of male images and products in advertising exploring the emerging trends of mens images where the predominately female female-orientated markets of body enhancements, cosmetics, and personal grooming products are being aimed at male consumers. Through a context analysis, this study addresses male images in advertisements in For Him Magazine (FHM) from 2005 to 2010. Examining the changing trends in the portrayal of men and the types of products advertised in mens magazines. Furthermore, this study will argue, that masculinity makes more sense in relation to individual performances of identity than it does in terms of any measurement of gender or sexuality, a notion which is often disregarded in both popular and academic discourses about gender identity. Chapter 1: Introduction Over the last few decades the role of men in British society has changed considerably. Traditional notions of masculine images, such as males being the sole breadwinner or provider has come under attack, undermining traditional images of the masculine identity. Males have also faced a changing Image in advertising. Traditionally, females were the ones that have been associated with sex in advertising, but today males are also being used to connote or imply sexual situations in advertisements. Modern day advertisements feature provocative images of men and women in reveal outfits and postures selling a variety of products, most of which have no association with sex. There has too been an increase in product advertisements in mens magazine, most popular out of these is beauty and accessions. Suggesting that men today, have developed a conscious self-awareness of the way they look. Men in are taking great pride in their appearance, replacing beer or health supplements and abs tonners. M en now have a keen eye for fashion, and indulge in grooming/beauty products- this identity has today been coined as metrosexual. Adapting the characteristics of men, this new man has blurred the distinction of masculinity. Traditional masculinity referred to heterosexual men, interesting in extreme sports, cars and DIY. This request the question is the term masculinity (means to be macho) changing? Or is there more then one masculine identity? Metrosexuality was first developed by Mark Simpson in his book Male Impersonators. According to Simpson (2003), metrosexuality is a new, narcissistic, self-conscious kind of masculinity produced by film, advertising, and glossy magazines to replace traditional repressed, unmoisturised, unreflexive, unmediated masculinity. However, this term has become widely used in the United States media and in the advertising industry in the late 1990s, referring to straight men who posses feminine traits and care about fashion, grooming, cleaning and using beauty products (Mereditch and Wells; 2003). However, very little academic research exists on the meaning of metrosexuality for masculinity. This study examines modern masculinity and metrosexuality of men in the 21st century mens lifestyle magazines, within the UK, drawing particular attention FHM. However, there are limited studies on masculinity and mens images (Windholz, 1999/2000; gates 2001; Tincknell and Chambers, 2002). Although media across the globe are widely discussing the newly emerged phenomenon- metrosexuality- there is almost no academic research on this phenomenon. Since metrosexuality and masculinity are so closely related to each other, this study aims to explore both issues within mens lifestyle magazines. Chapter 2: Definitions of Masculinity Whilst, we have identified the main attributes that can be grouped under the term traditional masculinity, we still do not have an recognized definition of what masculinity itself might be. Craig contests that masculinity is what a culture expects of its men (1992:3). This description suggests that masculinity exists only in a cultural context, as something that stems from traditions, codes and in particular expectations commonly held by society. Similarly, Mosses definition of masculinity as the way men assert what they believe to be their manhood (1996:3) insinuates that masculinity is widely understood as a way of behaving in accordance with ones sex-defined characteristics, either as a manifestation of ones sexual identity, or by the way of a responsibility towards the general order provided by understanding of gender. Gilmore (1990; 1) defines manhood as the approved way of being an adult as the approved way of being an adult male in any given society. Within the cultures, where value is attracted to a notion of manhood, Gilmore further claims that there is three particular criterias that are repeatedly associated with the masculine role, firstly, to impregnate women and secondly, to protect dependents from danger (1990; 223). Berger, Wallis and Watson (1995) states that masculinity, the asymmetrical pendant to more critically investigated femininity, is a vexed term, variously inflected, multiply defined, not limited to straightforward descriptions of maleness. Masculinity takes a variety of forms for men and it differs according to sexuality, race, class and age. It is noticed the society and media hold very distinct stereotypes towards different ethnic and race groups. For Caucasians, the most common dominate ideology of masculinity represents ideals of strength, toughness, coolness, attractiveness, heterosexuality and whiteness (OShaughnessy 2003). However, these ideals are very difficult for men to attain in reality. With the increased attention given to mens bodies and the resurgence of their imagery with the media, men nowadays pay more attention to the media and work to improve their physical appearance (Wienke, 1998; Shilling, 1993). These effects are further pushed forward with the new ideal met rosexual, which simply suggests that men who possess feminine traits are ideal. As men are now facing so many identities, so what makes a man? A closer investigation is presented next. Chapter 3: Gender and Masculinity In general, the characteristics associated with men are grouped under the term traditional masculinity by many writers. Three of its main character traits are strength, command and ambition- all useful in getting ahead, and more often than not viewed in a positive light. Even the less positive attributes associated with traditional masculinity such as competitiveness, aggression and stubbornness maintain an air of respectability in that they remain symptomatic of power and control rather than weakness. Theorists in the field of gender studies have sought to understand how these masculine traits came to be associated with the male role first and foremost, and why they continue to permeate society and popular discourse as common sense notions of gender roles. Consequently, gender as a concept is open to much greater debate than sex, and it is clear that masculinity, as one aspect of gender identity, can take on an entire range of potential meanings. Mort observes that we are not dealing with masculinity, but with a series of masculinities (1988; 195; his emphasis). As well as recognizing that class, race and sexual orientation, and several other factors all enter the equation at the level of identity, the term masculinities refers to the fact that no two peoples performance of so-called masculine characteristics will ever be exactly the same. As Horrocks states, there is clearly not a homogenous monolithic identity possessed by all men in all contexts (1994:3). Byne suggests that, as human beings, we are motivated to create an identity for ourselves that allows us to make sense of our position in the apparent world. In order to be understandable, this must accord with the already existing conventions, as we perceive them; no matter how we seek to position ourselves in relation to these, we still accept that they exist. Conversely, men must strive to meet an extremely demanding stereotype of the male role as provider, achiever and conqueror- a task that is, in its self unattainable, and which causes men much self-doubt and anguish. This, Kaufman conclude, also inspires fear for it means not being a man, which means, in a society confusing gender and sex, not being a maleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦losing power and ungluing basic building blocks of our personalities (p.149) Together, these two behaviours are more destructive than either on its own, combining to both cause the problem and make it impossible to escape from. Chapter 4: Masculinity in the United Kingdom British Men According to Benynon (2002), there are three ideal versions of contemporary masculinities in the United Kingdom. The old man is relatively uninterested in fashion, is married and holding down a regular job, and remains somewhat sexist and homophobic in outlook. The new man is narcissistic, progressive and ambivalent in his sexuality, yuppie- influenced and generally anti-sexist. When he first emerged he was viewed variously as the same as the same old wolf, but in designer clothing, a revolutionary in his relations with women and his willingness to display the emotional side of his nature, and a marketing opportunity, for new visual codes. The new lad is defensive about fashion, ambivalent in his attitude towards women (he has pornographic notions of them rather than relationship with them) and he believes life should be one huge alcoholic and drug induced festival. (Beynon, 2002, p.118) Among the above three ideals, the new man seems to be the most popular ideal in the United Kingdom. These ideals can be illustrated by the most influential British celebrity football player, David Beckham. David Beckham defines a new trend of men in the United Kingdom. In a recent study reported in The Observer (Campbell 2003), One David Beckham: Celebrity, and the Soccerati, co-authored by Andrew Parker of Warwick University and Ellis Cashmore of Staffordshire University, highlights how Beckham successfully combines a mixture of traditional and modern values to create an inspirational healthy role model. The study praises Beckhams different public personae including the national ambassador, aggressive competitor, loving husband, doting father, fashion model and gay icon. This study further concludes that Beckhams massive popularity could influence young males, encourage greater tolerance and acceptance of a new concept of masculinity. As suggested by the author of the study, Beckham has helped create a complex new concept of masculinity by defying expectations in areas such as what clothes men should wear or how men should style their hair. Indeed, Beckham fits all of the contemporary masculinity ideals he is a combination of new man (nurturer and compassionate partner), new lad (football legend, fashionable father, conspicuous consumer) and old man'(loyal dedicated, bread- winning) (Cambell, 2003). Chapter 5: Gender Representation in Advertising Research has revealed that advertising does not exist in a vacuum but instead is very much interrelated with the existing social relationships within society (Duffy, 1994). Goldman (1992) suggested that we tend to take for granted the deep social assumptions embedded within advertisements as we are so used to the quantity of advertisements around us and the routine ways in which we read them. More importantly, we do not see or recognise advertising as a sphere of ideology. In a consumer society, advertising acts as a magnet, luring individuals into embracing a consumption culture that is part of an economic and social institution that helps to perpetuate what Goldman called the supremacy of commodity relations. Interactions between individuals are now greatly being defined by the material possession of commodities. The consumer society is primarily about contentment and pleasure, but there are broad complications beyond the realm of Contentment and pleasure. One of the most important implications is the area of gender identity. Sex-role stereotype, like any other stereotype, allows us to make sense of the world that we live in. Gender, of course, is one of the most important forms of systematised behaviour in all societies, and every culture has accepted routine forms for communicating gender identity (Leiss, Kline Jhally, 1990, p. 215). Our everyday environment is articulated mostly by what we see in the media and the task of advertising is crucial. The target audiences self-identification with the gender images is a basic requirement for an advertisements effectiveness, and the meanings encoded in the images are persuasive cultural symbols for societal behaviour. The earliest research into the portrayal of men in sex roles in advertisements was carried out in the 1970s by many researchers an d drew many conclusions: men were portrayed as more self-governing than women. They were portrayed in different occupations in comparison to women who were usually shown as housewives, cleaning, cooking and caring for children. Specific products such as Alcohol and cigarettes were most frequently portrayed by men, while women were mostly depicted in advertisements for household products (Dominick Rauch, 1972; Schneider Schneider, 1979; McArthur Resko, 1975; Courtney Whipple, 1974). According to Fejes (1992), the results from these researchers carried out in the early 1970s, did not fluctuate much from those conducted in the late 70s and early 80s. In the last few decades, the role of men in the UK has changed considerably there has been an increasing visibility of the male body in the media and popular culture. Men are getting increased exposure not just of their bodies, but of their lifestyles, consumption preferences and emotional needs. Men are gradually gaining on women in the display of their bodies on billboards, fashion photography and magazines. Moreover, it is not just the number of images of men that has increased; it is the emergence of a new representation in popular culture where male bodies are depicted in an idealized and erotized manner (Moore 1988; Simpson, 1994). Furthermore, in the consumer markets around the world-the predominantly female-oriented market like cosmetics, personal grooming and even body enhancements are attracting seeing more male consumers. Through a content analysis of advertisements over six years in a magazine for men, this paper studies the trends in the representation of images, product s and sexual portrayal of men. Chapter 6: Men in Advertising Fejes (1992) noted that Skelly Lundstrom (1981) conducted a study on print advertisements analysing a total of 660 magazine ads from 1959, 1969 and 1979 to establish whether there was any change in the portrayal of men in print advertisements over the two decades. They found that there was a small and gradual movement towards more non-sexist portrayal of men. Fejes (1992) also noted that Lysonskis study (1985) showed similar results. Kervin (1990) too carried out a research study on the ads, focussing particularly on Esquire magazine. He examined whether the representation of men and the definition of masculinity had changed or remained over time. The study closely examined at ads from Esquire magazine for 50 years from the 1930s to the 1980s, and discovered that specific stereotypical representations of masculinity still remained after 50 years. What is fascinating, though, is her suggestion that these stereotypes exist because they complete certain needs and concerns of the men in society relating to their sense of powerlessness as individuals. She suggested that these stereotypes may be there to offer some form of compensation, in the form of admiration from others and possession of products for the men to define themselves adequately in society. She also discovered other new constructions of masculinity emerging over the years. The form of the male body is beginning to be portrayed as an erotic spectacle, suggesting that advertisers are adjusting to the changing attitude of consumers and exploiting it. Marian Salzman, Director of Strategic Content, JWT Worldwide, in her new book, The Future of Men (2003), interestingly, notices an important gap of the young male demographic that marketers and advertisers often fail to notice. Salzman, who conversed about the rise of the metrosexuals in 2003, deems the days of the metrosexual are numbered as men want their manliness back, and they are tired of taking their behavioural and fashion cues from their female companions and from mens magazines. But this may not be true, as Kelton Research discovered in his research which was performed on 600 men, found that men can now be classified into men who value their personal style and appearance without sacrificing their masculinity, and ubersexual men who care about their appearance from head to toe. Moreover, men may try to act laid-back when it comes to personal maintenance, but the reality is, nearly two out of three surveyed not only own a variety of grooming products, but use them again and again. More importantly, about 98% of these products- men have no qualms about strolling into a store to buy a grooming related product (Wellikoff, 2006). Chapter 7: The Macho The Metrosexual Lee (2003) noted that men of all sexualities are taking a wider interest in their appearance. Hairdresser is where they go for a haircut instead of the barber shop and they are turning to other form of cleanser as soap is too harsh on their skin. More men are going to the gym instead of engaging in outdoor activities such as sports and some of them are even indecisive when it comes to choosing something to wear. These men are called the metrosexual and David Beckham who has been credited as the man who is changing male behaviour is classified as the ultimate metrosexual. A few years ago, concern over weight and diet regimes was strictly womens issue and having a pot belly was accepted for a man. But now, it is completely acceptable for men to watch their weight too and follow diet plans. This new breed of man blurs gender lines. In the Future Man'(Salzman, 2003) concludes that British men are becoming metrosexuals who have embraced customs and attitudes once deemed by women. Salzman further connotes that men today are confident in their masculinity and in their sense of self. In addition, they look and feel good and are knowledgeable about fashion and accessories regardless of what people might consider these things unmanly. This new breed of man does oppose the traditional male role. ABC news reported that Leo Burnett, a Chicago advertising firm, conducted a global study of masculinity in 2005 and half of the men in their sample say that their role in society is unclear than in previous decades. More than seventy percent of them said that advertising is out of touch with mens reality. Reports seem to indicate there is a new form of manliness emerging that is both macho and sexual at the same time. Stephen Perrine, editor in chief of Best Life magazine in the United States, mentioned on ABC news, The new manliness is about being competent and of value. Its less of men looking into their own navels. He also listed actors like Huge Jackman and Brad Pitt as the role models for this new manliness (ABC news, 2006). Research Questions Advertising is an incorporated part of any economy in the world. And where there is rapid growth and changes in the economic profile of a society, there is a parallel increase in consumption patterns. This study aims to examine the portrayal of men in advertising as the emerging trends indicate that the predominantly female-oriented markets like cosmetics, body enhancements and personal grooming, are being directed at more male consumers. By studying the changes taking place in the portrayal of gender roles in advertising, it would allow us to get an insight into the changes that are taking place in society at given times and trends over periods of time. RQ1: What are the changes in the images (as per the categories) of men in FHM Magazine from 1998 to 2005? RQ2: What is the classified level of dressing (as per the categories) of the male models in FHM magazines used for the various categories of pictures? RQ3: What are the differences in the race of male models in FHM magazines in the categories of photographs/illustrations? RQ4: What are the differences in the types of products advertised in FHM magazines from 2000 to 2010? RQ5: What is the classified level of dressing (as per the categories) of the male models for the various categories of products? RQ6: Has the portrayal of men in Print advertisements changed in any way over the last six years? Methodology For the purpose of this study a content analysis was chosen and deemed appropriate as it will provide an overview on the coverage and frequency of use of male models in the advertisements selected. This quantitative research method is also useful for evaluating empirically the changing trends in society, while allowing us to summarize results and report findings in accurate, quantitative manner. The unit of analysis enables replication of the study over periods of time, thus providing an opportunity for comparison and review. Sampling Selection and Sample Size Six years (72 issues) of FHM magazine, from the United Kingdom were selected for this study. These magazines were published over a six year period from 2005 through to 2010. Through a systematic random sampling method of these 72 issues, one was selected from each year making it a total of 6 issues in the sample size. The unit of analysis is all full and half page advertisements or posters that have male or female models. Those advertisements without any models were excluded from the categorization. Categorization System The advertisements and posters from each year were systematically coded by placing them in pre-defined categories. Category of dressing Description Demure dress Everyday, casual clothing, including walking shorts and sports outfits. Suggestive dress Excluding evening gowns, which expose cleavage. Mini skirts, short shorts, muscle shirts, hiked skirts that expose thighs Partially clad Models in bathing suits, wearing undergarments and three-quarter length or shorter lingerie. close- up shots of models bare shoulders. Models in nothing except a towel. Nudity Unclothed Models, including; translucent lingerie/ undergarments and silhouettes. Extent of Contact Description No contact Positioned side by side. Not touching. Tame contact Holding hands. Hands on shoulders or around waist. Intimate contact Kissing. Very intimate contact Depiction and suggestion of sexual behaviour. Category of Race Description Caucasian of European or North American Origin Others Races that does not fit into the above category or race can not be established. Category of product Description Clothing All cosmetics, skin care, hair care, oral care products. Beauty Clothing manufactures, department stores and fashion houses Transport All cars, motorcycles and airlines. Technology-related All electrical products, cameras, phones and websites. Food-and food related All food and equipment, drinks, health- supplements, cooking oils, cutleries and utensils. Accessory All watches, sunglasses, jewellery, footwear and bags. Tourism- related All holiday packages and hotels. Other All products that do not fit in the above categories. Category of Content Description Family man Fatherly role depicted with wife and Children. Can be seen wearing a Wedding band. Working man Depicting an occupational role, e.g. at work. Mans man/ Engaging in conservative mens Classic man activities. Drinking beer, smoking, football etc. Can be portrayed as overcoming physical challenges e.g. mountain climbing. Carefree man Portrayed with unbridled laughter and enjoying the moment with a woman or a group of friends. The gentleman Alone or in the company with just one woman. Playboy Depicted in the company with one or more women. Women are shown to be objects of desire.

put me in coach :: essays research papers

With the increasingly frantic, crass commercial push for premature seasonal spending, the holidays seem to commence earlier and earlier every year. Walk into any mall on Nov. 1 and you'll find holly-adorned halls already decked. The first Christmas catalogs come so early, you can swat mosquitoes with them. The broad definition of the holidays as a "season of giving" is a sentiment whereby spiritual, secular, and commercial interests collide: To give, you've got to spend. This year, though, just about every American--whether he or she celebrates Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Ramadan--can probably pinpoint how early the urge to give set in. For many, the most immediate response to Sept. 11 was to give: time, blood, cash, comfort to their fellow Americans. The spirit of unity and generosity that's prevailed in the wake of the attack on our country dovetails nicely with the ideals of the holiday season, although that "peace on earth" thing seems pretty much shot to hell. At any rate, this year holiday shopping and tourism aren't just an indulgence, they're a patriotic duty. President Bush and New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani have urged us to keep recession at bay by spending like mad and following through with any travel plans we may have, and why not? When else are you going to have a built-in excuse for both compulsive shopping and touring? Besides, as far as demonstrating patriotism goes, both sure beat enlisting. Travel and tourism businesses especially have been feeling the pain of the post-Sept. 11 pinch, and they could probably use a boost. Which is why, on a balmy November morning, I'm boarding a charter bus for a day trip to New York. I've convinced a few game colleagues to join me, figuring we can help give an ailing local business a shot in the arm, furnish a beleaguered metropolis with some tourist bucks, and get some Christmas shopping done to boot. Pikesville-based Superior Tours--whose Manhattan-bound bus is a fave among my friends for its quirky perks as much as for its reasonable cost ($40 round-trip)--haD reportedly been having trouble filling it's once-popular New York runs. put me in coach :: essays research papers With the increasingly frantic, crass commercial push for premature seasonal spending, the holidays seem to commence earlier and earlier every year. Walk into any mall on Nov. 1 and you'll find holly-adorned halls already decked. The first Christmas catalogs come so early, you can swat mosquitoes with them. The broad definition of the holidays as a "season of giving" is a sentiment whereby spiritual, secular, and commercial interests collide: To give, you've got to spend. This year, though, just about every American--whether he or she celebrates Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Ramadan--can probably pinpoint how early the urge to give set in. For many, the most immediate response to Sept. 11 was to give: time, blood, cash, comfort to their fellow Americans. The spirit of unity and generosity that's prevailed in the wake of the attack on our country dovetails nicely with the ideals of the holiday season, although that "peace on earth" thing seems pretty much shot to hell. At any rate, this year holiday shopping and tourism aren't just an indulgence, they're a patriotic duty. President Bush and New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani have urged us to keep recession at bay by spending like mad and following through with any travel plans we may have, and why not? When else are you going to have a built-in excuse for both compulsive shopping and touring? Besides, as far as demonstrating patriotism goes, both sure beat enlisting. Travel and tourism businesses especially have been feeling the pain of the post-Sept. 11 pinch, and they could probably use a boost. Which is why, on a balmy November morning, I'm boarding a charter bus for a day trip to New York. I've convinced a few game colleagues to join me, figuring we can help give an ailing local business a shot in the arm, furnish a beleaguered metropolis with some tourist bucks, and get some Christmas shopping done to boot. Pikesville-based Superior Tours--whose Manhattan-bound bus is a fave among my friends for its quirky perks as much as for its reasonable cost ($40 round-trip)--haD reportedly been having trouble filling it's once-popular New York runs.

Free Essay: The Three Ages in Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken :: Road Not Taken essays

The Three Different Ages in The Road Not Taken  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   William George, in â€Å"Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken,’† describes the way in which Frost depicts three different ages of the narrator of the poem.   These three different speakers all have to make a decision, and they face it in different ways.   The middle-aged self is the most objective speaker, and he mocks the younger and older selves as they â€Å"are given to emotion, self-deception, and self-congratulation† (230).   While the middle-aged self is able to maintain his objectivity, the younger and older selves are given to delusion and cannot maintain any objectivity. The first part of the article describes the relation between the middle-aged self and the younger self.   The younger self must make a decision about which path he will take.   While the middle-aged self â€Å"stresses the similarity of the two roads,† the younger self lies to himself because he is â€Å"too dismayed with or too ‘sorry’ about the nature of choice to notice that ‘passing there / Had worn [the two roads] really about the same, / And both that morning equally lay / In leaves no step had trodden black’† (230). The younger self pretends that one path, the path he is going to take, is different, that it is less traveled. The second part of the article describes the relation between the middle-aged self and the older self.   The older self must make a decision about whether or not he will tell the truth about his past. â€Å"In this ‘age’ of the persona, the choice will be either to tell the truth or to lie about the choice made ‘ages and ages’ before. . . . [But] the older self ignores what the middle-aged self had come to know about that first choice: that ‘both [roads] that morning equally lay.’ Only self-aggrandizing self-deception could cause the older self to ignore what the middle-aged self clearly knows† (231).

Elegy for Himself Essay -- Elegy for Himself Chidiock Tichborne Essays

Elegy for Himself Tichborne was not even thirty when he was executed and his bitterness at his life ending almost before it is begun can be seen. 'And now I die and now I am but made:' He was sentenced to death for being part of a Catholic plot to murder Elizabeth. He wrote this poem just three days before he was to meet with death. The tone of Tichborne's poem is one of regret and sorrow that his life is being ended before it's time and that what is left of his life will be very unpleasant. In Elegy For Himself we can tell that its verses are sextains - six lined verses with a rhyming scheme ababcc. What is both interesting and unusual in Tichborne's structure is the strength of the caesura in every line - the pause in the middle of a metrical line. The poem has 5 beats and adds to the melancholic feeling with its sad, slow rhythm. When I read this poem and truly hear it, I picture a man huddled in the corner of his cell, awaiting death, listening to the slow plodding sounds of the jailor's feet, who comes to take yet another man to his fate. I also can imagin...

Comparison Paragraph of Macbeth and Othello Essay

Shakespeare shows a high level of regret in both plays by raising the emotional turmoil sensed by Macbeth and Othello. The climax of this repentance highlights the mental state of distress of both of the main characters, and is followed by a dramatic conclusion. Shakespeare presents Macbeth as regretful by portraying his desire to be king as damaging from the start. This is evident in the play when Macbeth says: â€Å"will all great Neptunes ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?† This use of language is regretful. Many bad things then go on to happen to Macbeth, providing that he was wrong to murder the king and this was against the laws in Jacobean times. Macbeth’s reference to â€Å"Neptune† conveys a sense of prayer to the language and the question mark suggests doubt at his actions. Neptune is the God of the sea, and the Jacobean audience would have known this. However, as this was not the Christian God, the audience would have also viewed this with suspi cion. This also shows that Macbeth feels regretful because it suggests that this is something that will not go away easily; all the water in the ocean will not make his hands clean. Shakespeare makes Macbeth’s guilt and regret apparent with a direct link to the metaphor of having blood on your hands. This heightens Macbeth’s internal disturbance by the constant pressure laid on by Lady Macbeth. The metaphor is used throughout the whole play as Lady Macbeth sees a â€Å"spot† on her hand and, at the end of the play when Macbeth’s downfall is imminent, it is said that â€Å"His secret murders† are â€Å"sticking on his hands.† The outcome is inevitable because Macbeth will not wash his hands clean and the audience knows that this will end in his own death creating drama and tension. Before in the play, the murder of the king is not shown because in the Jacobean Era, murdering the king was against the law. Similarly, Shakespeare presents Othello as regretful. This is evident in the play when Othello says: â€Å"oh fool, fool, fool!† Othello calls himself a â€Å"fool† when he finds out the truth and knows that he was tricked by Iago and is regretful for killing his wife. The use of the word â€Å"fool† shows the audience that h e was not very clever as he was tricked quite easily. However, it was easy for Iago to deceive Othello due to his gullibility. This may have been due to the fact that as an outsider, he did not belong in the society. It also highlights the fact that Othello was easily confused because of Desdemona’s betrayal of her own father. Othello felt that Desdemona could betray Othello as well. The evidence in support of  this fatalistic belief was overwhelming. It had links to Othello being a Moor and Desdemona’s seemingly pernicious friendship with Cassio. The Jacobean audience was aware of this dramatic irony and possibly knew what was going to happen next.

Compound sentence

The setting is a very important part of any plot. It sets the scene, gives visualization, and develops the theme. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, the settings of Scouts house, Mrs. Dubos house and the schoolhouse are exceptionally important. It is in these places that Scout learns important life lessons. In the Finch's house Scout learns about manners and to tolerate other people. Clearing, the housekeeper, spends lots of time teaching Scout proper manner and how to treat people.One of the biggest lessons learned is that looks deceive us and not to Judge someone till you walked in their shoes. She learns to tolerate people when Walter Cunningham comes over for lunch one day. Walter Cunningham is described as, â€Å"looked as if he had been raised on fish food†¦ Had no color in his face†¦ And fingered the straps of his overalls,† (Lee )which is an insult to his health. It describes his as skinny, pale, and not in good health. As they eat the poor molasses all over his meal, disgusting but also intriguing Scout at the same time.Not understanding she comments, â€Å"what the Sam hill he was doing†(Lee ). This immediately enrages Clearing and she scolds Scout. Callers reaction caused Scout to realize that she must be more aware of the ways of other people and that she needs to tolerate and accept them and accept them for who they are no matter how different or strange. However, Calendar Isn't the only person In the Finch home that has taught her important lessons. Attic's Finch has taught Scout some of the most Important lessons about society and why people are the way they are.

Fool Chapter 21

TWENTY-ONE AT THE WHITE CLIFFS YEARS AGO – â€Å"Pocket,† said Cordelia, â€Å"have you ever heard of this warrior queen named Boudicca?† Cordelia was about fifteen at the time, and she had sent for me because she wished to discuss politics. She lay on her bed with a large leather volume open before her. â€Å"No, lamb, who was she queen of?† â€Å"Why, of the pagan Britons. Of us.† Lear had recently shifted back to the pagan beliefs, thus opening a whole new world of learning for Cordelia. â€Å"Ah, that explains it. Educated in a nunnery, love, I've a very shallow knowledge of pagan ways, although I have to say, their festivals are smashing. Rampant drunken shagging while wearing flower wreaths seems far superior to midnight mass and self-flagellation, but then, I'm a fool.† â€Å"Well, it says here that she kicked nine colors of shit out of the Roman legions when they invaded.† â€Å"Really, that's what it says, nine colors of shit?† â€Å"I'm paraphrasing. Why do you think we've no warrior queens anymore?† â€Å"Well, lamb, war requires swift and resolute action.† â€Å"And you're saying that a woman can't move with swift resolve?† â€Å"I'm saying no such thing. She may move with swiftness and resolve, but only after choosing the correct outfit and shoes, and therein lies the undoing of any potential warrior queen, I suspect.† â€Å"Oh bollocks!† â€Å"I'll wager your Boudicca lived before they invented clothing. Easy days then for a warrior queen. Just hitch up your tits and start taking heads, it was. Now, well, I daresay erosion would take down a country before most women could pick out their invading kit.† â€Å"Most women. But not me?† â€Å"Of course not you, lamb. Them. I meant only weak-willed tarts like your sisters.† â€Å"Pocket, I think I shall be a warrior queen.† â€Å"Of what, the royal petting zoo at Boffingshire?† â€Å"You'll see, Pocket. The whole of the sky will darken with the smoke from my army's fires, the ground will tremble under their horses' hooves, and kings will kneel outside their city walls, crowns in hand, begging to surrender rather than feel the wrath of Queen Cordelia fall upon their people. But I shall be merciful.† â€Å"Goes without saying, doesn't it?† â€Å"And you, fool, will no longer be able to behave like the right shit that you are.† â€Å"Fear and trembling, love, that's all you'll get from me. Fear and bloody trembling.† â€Å"As long as we understand each other.† â€Å"So, it sounds as if you're thinking of conquering more than just the petting zoo?† â€Å"Europe,† said the princess, as if stating the unadorned truth. â€Å"Europe?† said I. â€Å"To start,† said Cordelia. â€Å"Well, then you had better get moving, hadn't you?† â€Å"Yes, I suppose,† said Cordelia, with a great silly grin. â€Å"Dear Pocket, would you help me pick an outfit?† â€Å"She's already taken Normandy, Brittany, and the Aquitaine,† said Edgar, â€Å"and Belgium soils itself at the mention of her name.† â€Å"Cordelia can be a bundle of rumpus when she sets her mind to something,† said I. I smiled at the thought of her barking orders to the troops, all fury and fire from her lips, but those crystal-blue eyes hinting laughter at every turn. I missed her. â€Å"Oh, I did betray her love and flay her sweet heart with stubborn pride,† said Lear, looking madder and weaker than when I'd seen him last. â€Å"Where is Kent?† I asked Edgar, ignoring the old king. Drool and I had found them above a cliff at Dover. They all sat with their backs to a great chalk boulder: Gloucester, Edgar, and Lear. Gloucester snored softly, his head on Edgar's shoulder. We could see smoke from the French camp not two miles away in the distance. â€Å"He's gone to Cordelia, to ask her to accept her father into her camp.† â€Å"Why didn't you go yourself?† I asked Lear. â€Å"I am afraid,† said the old man. He hid his head under his arm, like a bird trying to escape the daylight beneath its wing. It was wrong. I wanted him strong, I wanted him stubborn, I wanted him full of arrogance and cruelty. I wanted to see those parts of him I knew were thriving when he'd thrown my mother on the stones so many years ago. I wanted to scream at him, humiliate him, hurt him in eleven places and watch him crawl in his own shit, dragging his bloody pride and guts behind him in the dirt. There was no revenge to be satisfied on this trembling shell of Lear. I wanted no part of it. â€Å"I'm going to go nap behind those rocks,† said I. â€Å"Drool, keep watch. Wake me when Kent returns.† â€Å"Aye, Pocket.† The Natural went to the far side of Edgar's boulder, sat, and stared out over the sea. If we were attacked by a ship, he'd be Johnny-on-the-spot. I lay down and slept perhaps an hour before there was shouting behind me and I looked over my boulders to see Edgar holding his father's head, steadying him as the old man stood on a rock, perhaps a foot above the ground. â€Å"Are we at the edge?† â€Å"Aye, there are fishermen on the beach below that look like mice. The dogs look like ants.† â€Å"What do the horses look like?† asked Gloucester. â€Å"There aren't any horses. Just fishermen and dogs. Don't you hear the sea crashing below?† â€Å"Yes. Yes, I do. Farewell, Edgar, my son. I am sorry. Gods, do your will!† With that the old man leaped off the rock, expecting to plummet hundreds of feet to his death, I reckon, so he was somewhat surprised when he met the ground in an instant. â€Å"Oh my lord! Oh my lord!† said Edgar, trying to use a different voice and failing completely. â€Å"Sir, you have duly fallen from the cliffs above.† â€Å"I have?† said Gloucester. â€Å"Aye, sir, can you not see?† â€Å"Well, no, you git, my eyes are bandaged and bloody. Can you not see?† â€Å"Sorry. What I saw was you fall from a great height and land as softly as if you were a feather floating down.† â€Å"I am dead, then,† said Gloucester. He sank to his knees and seemed to lose his breath. â€Å"I am dead, yet I still suffer, my grief is manifest, my eyes ache even though they are not there.† â€Å"That's because he's fucking with you,† said I. â€Å"What?† said Gloucester. â€Å"Shhhh,† said Edgar. â€Å"‘Tis a mad beggar, pay him no heed, good sir.† â€Å"Fine, you're dead. Enjoy,† said I. I lay back on the ground, out of the wind, and pulled my coxcomb over my eyes. â€Å"Come, come sit with me,† said Lear. I sat up and watched Lear lead the blind man to his nest beneath the great boulders. â€Å"Let the cruelties of the world slide off our bent backs, friend.† Lear put his arm around Gloucester and held him while he spoke to the sky. â€Å"My king,† said Gloucester. â€Å"I am safe in your mercy. My king.† â€Å"Aye, king. But I have no soldiers, no lands, no subject quakes before me, no servants wait, and even your bastard son hath treated you better than my own daughters.† â€Å"Oh, for fuck's sake,† said I. But I could see that the old blind man was smiling, and for all his suffering, he found comfort in his friend the king, no doubt having been blinded to his scoundrel nature long before Cornwall and Regan took his eyes. Blinded by loyalty. Blinded by title. Blinded by shoddy patriotism and false righteousness. He loved his mad, murdering king. I lay back down to listen. â€Å"Let me kiss your hand,† said Gloucester. â€Å"Let me wipe it first,† said Lear. â€Å"It smells of mortality.† â€Å"I smell nothing, and see nothing evermore. I am not worthy.† â€Å"Art thou mad? See with your ears, Gloucester. Have you never seen a farmer's dog bark at a beggar, and thus chase him off? Is that dog the voice of authority? Is he better than the many for denying the man's hunger? Is a sheriff righteous who whips the whore, when it is for his own lust he punishes her? See, Gloucester. See who is worthy? Now we are stripped of finery, see. Small vices show through tattered clothes, when all is hidden beneath fur and fine robes. Plate sin with gold and the strong lance of justice breaks on decoration. Blessed are you, that you cannot see – for you cannot see me for what I am: wretched.† â€Å"No,† said Edgar. â€Å"Your impertinence comes from madness. Do not weep, good king.† â€Å"Do not weep? We weep when we first smell the air. When we are born, we cry, that we come to this great stage of fools.† â€Å"No, all shall be well again, and – â€Å" And there was a thump, followed by another, and a yowl. â€Å"Die, thou blind mole!† came a familiar voice. I sat up in time to see Oswald standing over Gloucester, a bloodied stone in one hand, his sword driven down through the old earl's chest. â€Å"You'll not poison my lady's cause further.† He twisted the blade, and blood bubbled up out of the old man, but no sound did he make. He was quite dead. Oswald yanked his blade free and kicked Gloucester's body across Lear's lap, as the king cowered against the boulder. Edgar lay unconscious at Oswald's feet. The vermin drew back as if to drive his sword into Edgar's spine. â€Å"Oswald!† I shouted. I stood behind my boulders as I drew a throwing knife from the sheath at my back. The worm turned to me, and pulled his blade up. He dropped the bloody stone he'd used to brain Edgar. â€Å"We have an arrangement,† said I. â€Å"And further slaughter of my cohorts will cause me to doubt your sincerity.† â€Å"Sod off, fool. We've no arrangement. You're a lying cur.† â€Å"Moi?† said I, in perfect fucking French. â€Å"I can give you your lady's heart, and not in the unpleasant, eviscerated, no-shagging-except-the-corpse way.† â€Å"You have no such power. You've not bewitched Regan's heart, neither. ‘Tis she who sent me here to kill this blind traitor who turns minds against our forces. And to deliver this.† He pulled a sealed letter from his jerkin. â€Å"A letter of mark, giving you permission in the name of the Duchess of Cornwall to be a total twatgoblin?† â€Å"Your wit is dull, fool. It is a love letter to Edmund of Gloucester. He set out for here with a scouting party to assess the French forces.† â€Å"My wit is dull? My wit is dull?† â€Å"Yes. Dull,† said Oswald. â€Å"Now, en garde,† said he in barely passable fucking French. â€Å"Yes,† said I, with an exaggerated nod. â€Å"Yes.† And with that, Oswald found himself seized by the throat and dashed several times against the boulders, which relieved him of his sword, his dagger, the love letter, and his coin purse. Drool then held the steward up and squeezed his throat, slowly but sternly, causing wet gurgling noises to bubble from his foul gullet. I said, â€Å"While unscathed by my rapier wit You're choked to death by a giant git By this gentle jester, is argument won I'll leave you two to have your fun.† Oswald seemed somewhat surprised by the turn of events, so much so, that both his eyes and tongue protruded from his face in a wholly unhealthy way. He then began to surrender his various fluids and Drool had to hold him away to keep from being fouled by them. â€Å"Drop him,† said Lear, who still cowered by the boulders. Drool looked to me and I shook my head, ever so slightly. â€Å"Die, thou badger-shagging spunk monkey,† said I. When Oswald stopped kicking and simply hung limp and dripping, I nodded to my apprentice, who tossed the steward's body over the cliff as easily as if it were an apple core. Drool went down on one knee over Gloucester's body. â€Å"I were going to teach him to be a fool.† â€Å"Aye, lad, I know you were.† I stood by my boulders, resisting the urge to comfort the great murderous git with a pat on the shoulder. There was a rustling from over the top of the hill and I thought I heard the sound of metal on metal through the wind. â€Å"Now he's blind and dead,† said the Natural. â€Å"Bugger,† said I, under my breath. Then to Drool, â€Å"Hide, and don't fight, and don't call for me.† I fell flat to the ground as the first soldier topped the hill. Bugger! Bugger! Bugger! Bloody bollocksing buggering bugger! I reflected serenely. Then I heard the voice of the bastard Edmund. â€Å"Look, my fool. And what's this? The king? What good fortune! You'll make a fine hostage to stay the hand of the Queen of France and her forces.† â€Å"Have you no heart?† said Lear, petting the head of his dead friend Gloucester. I peeked out between my rocks. Edmund was looking at his dead father with the expression of someone who has just encountered rat scat in his toast for tea. â€Å"Yes, well, tragic I suppose, but with succession of his title determined and his sight gone, a timely exit was only polite. Who's this other deader?† Edmund kicked his unconscious half brother in the shoulder. â€Å"A beggar,† said Drool. â€Å"He were trying to protect the old man.† â€Å"This is not the sword of a beggar. Neither is this purse.† Edmund picked up Oswald's purse. â€Å"These belong to Goneril's man, Oswald.† â€Å"Aye, milord,† said Drool. â€Å"Well, where is he?† â€Å"On the beach.† â€Å"On the beach? He climbed down and left his purse and sword here?† â€Å"He was a tosser,† said Drool. â€Å"So I tossed him over. He kilt your old da.† â€Å"Oh, quite right. Well done, then.† Edmund threw the purse to Drool. â€Å"Use it to bribe your jailer for a bread crust. Take them.† The bastard motioned for his men to seize Drool and Lear. When the old man had trouble standing, Drool lifted him to his feet and steadied him. â€Å"What about the bodies?† asked Edmund's captain. â€Å"Let the French bury them. Quickly, to the White Tower. I've seen enough.† Lear coughed then, a dry, feeble cough like the creaking of Death's door hinges, until I thought he might collapse into a pile of blue. One of Edmund's men gave the old man a sip of water, which seemed to quell the coughing, but he couldn't stand or support his weight. Drool hoisted him up on one shoulder and carried him up the hill – the old man's bony bottom bouncing on the great git's shoulder as if it was the cushion of a sedan chair. When they were gone I scrambled out of my hiding place and over to Edgar's prostrate body. The wound on his scalp wasn't deep, but it had bled copiously, as scalp wounds are wont to do. The resulting puddle of gore had probably saved Edgar's life. I got him propped against the boulder and brought him around with some gentle smacking and a stout splashing from his water skin. â€Å"What?† Edgar looked around, and shook his head to clear his vision, a motion he clearly regretted immediately. Then he spotted his father's corpse and wailed. â€Å"I'm sorry, Edgar,† said I. â€Å"‘Twas Goneril's steward, Oswald, knocked you out and killed him. Drool strangled the scurvy dog and tossed him over the cliff.† â€Å"Where is Drool? And the king?† â€Å"Taken, by your bastard brother's men. Listen, Edgar, I need to follow them. You go to the French camp. Take them a message.† Edgar's eyes rolled and I thought he might pass out again, so I threw some more water in his face. â€Å"Look at me. Edgar, you must go to the French camp. Tell Cordelia that she should attack the White Tower directly. Tell her to send ships up the Thames and bring a force through London over land as well. Kent will know the plan. Have her sound the trumpet three times before they attack the keep. Do you understand?† â€Å"Three times, the White Tower?† I tore the back off of the dead earl's shirt, wadded it up, and gave it to Edgar. â€Å"Here, hold this on your noggin to staunch the blood.† â€Å"And tell Cordelia not to hold for fear for her father's life. I'll see to it that it's not an issue.† â€Å"Aye,† said Edgar. â€Å"She'll not save the king by holding the attack.†