The American Influence in the post-Cold War Era: a Critical Perspective

Introduction The post-Cold War era saw the end of the simple bipolarity in international affairs, and the redistribution of power in the international system resulted in the revision of classic concepts of war, power, security and conflict. The new agenda for economic development of the poorest regions and their political integration in a globalizing world, led to an increased role of non-governmental organisations in foreign affairs (Cox, 2003; 2008; Baylis & Smith, 2007; Brown, 2005; Strange, 2002). With globalization, the capacity of the state was undermined, and transnational corporations and global firms became the landmarks of a new world order, which some labelled as post-democracy (Crouch, 2004). In the age of post-democracy, the debate around the reorganization of power in the international system and the sustainability of the main continuities in US foreign policy such as trade liberalization and democratization became a question of new debate (Nye, 1990; Strange, 2002; Cox, 2003; 2008). The question whether the United States was going to preserve its economic and political primacy in a much more complex world divided experts, and existing theories of imperialism clashed with newly emerged visions of a multilateral world, where influence and resources are shared among a relatively strong America, and emerging Asian powers. This short essay will critically examine the influence of the United States in the post Cold War world, and will explore whether the demise of the American dream for political and economic freedom is really on its way. This will be observed in the context of US foreign policy. Research question This essay will explore whether the American dream and its replications in foreign policy is in its demise in the post-Cold War era. It will defend the view, that despite the rising powers from Asia and the political and military capabilities of Russia, Israel and Iran, the American continuities in foreign policy remain resilient and to a large extent – sustainable in a multi-polar world. In order to do this, the author has decided to look at two specific tenets of US foreign policy and their sustainability as factors in global politics – economic trade liberalism and democratization. Both of them will be discussed separately. First, the author will briefly mention the replications of the American dream in foreign policy. The American dream re-examined – the foreign policy dimension The American dream largely reflects the American values, embedded in the ideas of social equality for all people and economic freedom. Its replications in foreign policy have had two shapes – one is economic trade liberalization, and the other one is the spread of democracy. In the post Cold War era, theories related to the contested powers of the United States permeated the political discourse, and the ubiquity of the American influence in the world became a topic of discussion. According to Gowan (2008), one of the characteristic traits of American foreign policy has been the preservation of its capitalist policies, through the spread of liberal values all over the world. He argues that despite the rise of Asian powers, the US has managed to maintain its â€Å"world empire image† (347) through the sustainability of American dominated free market and institutions. The result of this post-Cold War strategy is the increasing political influence of the US in military and security issues. In sum, the American dream in foreign policy in the post-Cold War period can be looked at on two levels – one is economic and is related with the ever expanding policies of trade liberalism. The other one is related to growing political power, stemming from t he preservation of American controlled markets. For the purposes of this essay, both will be examined. The American economic liberalism in the new era In this section, it will not be sufficient to explore only the American macroeconomic performance after the end of the post Cold War. First, we need to briefly highlight the ideological tenets, on which this performance rests. The ideology, which has shaped the US performance since WWII is related to economic liberalism, free trade and cooperation, for the purposes of sustaining a capitalist model of production (Gowan, 2008; Brown, 2005 Cox, 2003; 2008). It rests on the image of liberal values and openness, which the US embraced during its expansion in Latin America in the 19th century. This image, described by some as American exceptionalism (Hunt, 1987; Levy, 2001) has remained continuity in US foreign policy, despite the changing conditions of the external political environment. The idea of open trade, dynamic industries and multi-lateral trade relations are all tenets of the perpetuating image of the United States as a key player in trade and economics, and a proponent of capital ism. Although it is argued whether this consistency has revolved around economic multilateralism, mercantilism or neo-imperialism (Wallerstein, 2003; Gowan, 2008), its perpetuation in international affairs is undisputed. Despite the global recession and the rising Asian powers, the US has preserved its position as one of the leading powers in the global economy. Official figures for American gross domestic product show that since 1994, the American economy has grown at a significantly faster rate than other main advanced economies such as the Eurozone and Japan (Gowan, 2008). Growth declined sharply in 2001 and 2002 but recovered shortly after, and before the recession, figures show that the US total share in the global economic output has grown to 49.6 per cent (Gowan, 2008:351). With the global recession, the American economic ideology was challenged, and the supremacy of the dollar as the world currency – put to question because of issues related with mounting trade deficits and foreign debt. However, at present America remains one of the largest actors in the global economy, because of its ascending productivity, increasing competitiveness and domineering trade relations. Undisputedly and despite the global economic conditions, the American market will always be attractive for capitalisms from the rest of the world, because of its enormous size (Gowan, 2008; Dam, 2004; Verdier, 1994). This would perpetually encourage other economic powers from Asia and Latin America for example, to accept â€Å"American-centred economic regimes† (Gowan, 2008: 353). Also, the tangible American presence in the international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, makes the US a dominant power in terms of development economics and recovery. In this sense, the ideology and the structural characteristics of American capitalism have succeeded in a post-Cold war world, and despite the challenges ahead, at present the US remains a leading economic power. Democratization and the United States As the previous section briefly outlined, despite the formidable challenges on the global horizon, which the US faces, it has managed to preserve its economic position in the world. This economic position, however, is not simply the result of the rise of American capitalism within the world economy, but also of the political rise of the American values and the ability of the US to use its political power and influence in a globalizing world (Gowan, 2008). Authors such as Wallerstein (2003) and Gowan (2008) suggest that the US has managed to reshape the ideas of world peace and cooperation, through the historic preservation of its capitalist ideal. Also, the attempts to export democracy (Chua, 2004) and democratic values in many parts of the developing world have led to the widespread influence of the United States. Some are willing to speculate, that this was a devised strategy, designed to sustain the position of the United States as a leading political power (Cox, 2003). What was l abelled as neo-imperialism or the spread of American values through the use of â€Å"soft power† (Cox, 2003; Nye, 1990) is one of the main reasons, why the United States is likely to keep its place in the international system in the decades to come. The American democratic model has been exported to Africa, the Middle East and Latin America and despite the criticisms related to its implementation, it has served as a means for the preservation of the American position in foreign affairs. Conclusion This essay has attempted to show, that despite the challenges on the US foreign policy agenda, its influence in the international system remains significant. Therefore it would be exaggerated to say that the American dream is a reminiscence of the political past. The most powerful manifestations of the perpetuating American presence in foreign affairs are related to economic liberalism and political exports, such as democracy, human rights, and social equality. In the post-Cold war period, the United States has continued to spread its influence, and has largely remained at the centre of international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In terms of political governance, the American formula remains uncontested. America’s greatest export commodity – democracy – has established a sphere of influence in the developing world, where the American presence will remain strong, at least for several decades to come. Whether one will take the mercanlitist, multilateralist or imperialist approach to understanding America’s future role in the world is less relevant compared to the fact that the United States remains an important element in a shared world leadership, where the swing of China and Russia towards capitalism, and the rise of a global civil society, have already shifted the balance of power in a totally different direction. Bibliography: Baylis, J. & Smith, S. (2007) eds, The Globalization of World Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press Brown, C., (2005) Understanding International Relations, Palgrave: Macmillan, Ch. 6, pp. 106-123 Chua, A. (2004) â€Å"Our Most Dangerous export†, Guardian, Saturday, February 28 Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/feb/28/globalisation.iraq Cox, M. (2003) â€Å"Empire’s Back in Town. Or America’s Imperial Temptation – Again†. Millennium: Journal of International Studies. ISSN 0305-8298. Vol.32, No.1, pp. 1-27 Cox, M. & Stokes, D. (2008) â€Å"Introduction: US Foreign Policy- Past, Present and Future†, in US Foreign Policy, Cox, M. and Stokes, D. (eds), Oxford University Press, New York, pp. 3-23 Crouch, C. (2004) Post – Democracy, Polity Press Dam, K.W. (2004) The Rules of the Global Game: A New Look at US International Economic Policymaking, Chicago: University of Chicago Press Gowan, P. (2008) â€Å"Global Economy†, in US Foreign Policy, Michael Cox & Doug Stokes (eds), Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 336-350 Hunt, M. (1987) Ideology and US Foreign Policy. Yale University Press Levy, S.M. (2001). American Exceptionalism and US Foreign Policy. Palgrave, New York Nye, J. S. (1990) ‘Soft power’, Foreign Policy (electronic source), issue 80 (Fall), pp.153-71. Strange, S. (2002) The Declining Authority of States, in The Global Transformations Reader: an Introduction to the Globalization Debate, 2nd edition, Held and McGrew (eds) Cambridge: Polity Press, pp.127-134 Verdier, D. (1994) Democracy and International Trade, Princeton: Princeton University Press Wallerstein, I. (2003) Historical Capitalism with Capitalist Civilization London: Verso

Event That Changed My Life Essay

When I was in second grade, my dad and I did not get along very well. I used to think my father did not care about me. I would get frustrated with him because he would get mad at me about my grades and my behavior at school. I felt that there was no way that I could please my father. It made me lose all hope; I felt that I would just be a failure for the rest of my life. He would tell me that I did not care or try hard enough to get good grades. He was right. When I was younger, I did not care about grades. I had a friend who was a troublemaker. One time, we had to go to the office because we had a coat hanger sword fight in the locker room with some other kids. I went to the office so many times that year, and I am lucky I did not get kicked out of school. My dad did not like my bad attitude, and he helped me shake it off over the next three years, but it was not some mere walk in the park. It was a rough path my dad and I were on. I hated my dad back then, and I did not love him. I thought he was out to get me, but I am glad that he persisted in helping me. I eventually realized that he was trying to help me, but that was not until around fifth grade. One day, in fifth grade, our anger and frustration had built up, and it erupted into a huge fight. â€Å"How can you say that you love me and care about me?† I yelled at my dad. No, I would not believe it! There was no way he could say that to my face! I continued shouting, â€Å"All you ever do is punish me, ground me, and get mad at me!† Instead of the rage and anger I had expected, my dad grasped me in a hug and whispered in my ear, â€Å"You will not understand how much I love you until you have children of your own.† He went on to tell me that he wanted the best for me and that he was trying to discipline me so that I could take care of my own family one day. Read more:  A Book That Changed My Life Essay It was as if my eyes were opened. I realized my dad was trying to help me, and that he did love me and care about me. I understood that to be able to have children, I would need to discipline them like my dad had done with me. To take care of them, I would need money from my job. It was then that I understood that my dad was preparing me for the future, and I will never be able to thank him enough for that. That is why I love my dad so much. I remember when my dad read a paper I wrote in seventh grade. It was about who inspires me the most. He read it and asked why I said he inspired me the most. I answered, â€Å"That day, that one day back in fifth grade, it all clicked in my brain. I love you dad, and you are my inspiration.† All my dad replied with was a smile, and I could tell that meant a lot to him. Whenever someone asks me who inspires me the most, I always answer, â€Å"My dad is who inspires me the most.† Without my dad, my future would have been destroyed by my past actions. My dad has changed my life for the better. Through the pain I felt, through the tears I shed, through the rage I released towards my father, I have realized my dad does love me. He has also shown me how important it will be for me to discipline my own children, and how good grades will help me get a good job so I can take care of my family. My dad and I are closer than ever now, and I can not believe I ever hated him. I guess sometimes it takes difficulties and arguments to really show you how much someone cares about you.

Macbeth’s diary

On the day that the battle had ended, I galloped through the misted heath on my valiant steed. Along side my trust worthy, noble partner Banpuo. The battle had been against the traitors of the king's victorious country. As I galloped I looked apon the heath as if it was my own. Our clothes dripped with the blood or the rebels. One clear image remains, an image of McDonald, and I, Macbeth, unseaming him from the nave to the chop. In the distance were three figures. As they became clearer I sensed that Banpuo became unsteady on his horse. As we continued the figures also continued to become clearer. The figures were not man or women. Not black or white. An expeditious decision led me to believe that the figures were witches. At that point I became uneasy on my steed as my fear grew. I stepped down from my horse closely followed by the brother I never had. Banquo gasped I breathed in deeply and stepped forward. He then asked how far isn't called to Forrest. He rapidly stepped back, I followed his eye movement and it was at that moment I realised that they were not to be taken lightly. Then as I stared in horror and a slight fear, Banquo began to speak. I then stood straight demanded for them to speak unless it was beyond their ability. They stepped forward and then they began to reveal themselves to us. They called upon me as my thane name. I lowered my head a little so that they would know that this was I. I looked at Banquo, he seemed to be as confused as I was. Then a second stepped forward. It also called out but this time of a different name. ‘Thane of Cawdor' is how they addressed me. So many questions went through my head. How Thane of Cawdor – he still lived. Then before I could ask myself any more questions, a third stepped forward to join the other two. Only this time it said, â€Å"All hail Macbeth! That shall be king hereafter!† Those words where the so exhilarating but at the same time I had so many questions. How? The king had two sons. I was no relation. But what if it was true how would it happen I could only think of one thing. No it will not happen. The only reason I met the witches was because I was on my back form a battle in which I had fought for king and country. Then I looked at Banquo; he then asked me why I seemed to fear. After he spoke this he stepped forward and wanted to know his destiny (if that was what they spoke of or maybe it is truth.) Then all three witches hailed Banquo but I was put to rest when they said â€Å"Hail Banquo lesser than Macbeth† I let out a sigh, â€Å"But then greater†. How greater than king. If I was to become king I knew that he couldn't be better than be as I had been greater than he had all of my life. Then the witch's started to drift away but they would not. I demanded for them to stop but no such reply did I get from the imperfect speakers. I was shocked yet all I could think about was why would Banquo's sons be king and not my own. I looked back at were my horse stood. I climbed upon my trustful steed and galloped deep into the heath with Banquo aside me. I recall the sound of footsteps. In front of us were Ross and Angus bringing news of the king's greatest gratitude. I was showered with praise then I heard what would be some of the most memorable words in my intire life. † And, for n earnest of a greater honour. He blade me from him call thee thane of Cawdor† Banquo yelled out in my presence â€Å"What can the devil speak true?† A thousand questions trust trough my mind. How, Why. The thane of Cawdor still lived. Was it a joke? No truth was spoken. I asked them why they dressed me in borrowed robes. They told me how he was under heavy judgement. I remember asking Banquo if he hoped that his children would be kings. As the first part of the devils words came true for me. I thought about the two truths that they spoke off. I was rapt. I felt as if I cleaved not to their mould. I wondered whether the message was good or bad. I had a very sudden thought. A horrid image or death and murder, evil. I was given the titles Glamis and Cawdor with out killing but then again king is a much greater title. I wanted to see the king maybe to remind myself of the good man that he was. I stirred, I was horrid, Banquo seemed to want to go but I was still very weary of what Banquo was feeling. I felt anxious to be king for it was always my dream it brought back memories and dreams that I once had to be king. Would they finally come true? Before I left I sent a letter to my dear wife telling her of my encounter with the witches and my thoughts about Banquo's supposed future. As Banquo and I fled into the castle accompanied by Ross and Angus, King Duncun labelled me worthy cousin. At this point in time I was overwhelmed with emotions. I was proud because the king of Scotland said that I as his worthy cousin. But also that it was another reason for me not to kill him after all being labelled a worthy cousin of the king is reward in its self. I was smiling but I couldn't help but wonder to myself if I was just pretending to like when I knew that it would only fill me with more contrition than I already had. I told Duncun of how I owed him everything and that doing it was a reward in itself. How could I lie to my king? I told him â€Å"Is to receive our duties; and our duties are to your throne and state, children and servants.† Then to my complete amazement he announced that he would be coming to my house for a feast. I was over come with astonishment. The king at my house it was such an honour but then after thinking that It was an honour I thought of how uncomfortable I would be knowing that I was thinking about, about murdering the king. Then with out anyone knowing he announced that his son was the new prince of Cumberland. This meant that he was inline to be the next king. So any hopes that I had of me getting the title without doing anything had disappeared. It was at this moment I felt more strongly but also scared about killing the king after all he was my king. The man who gave me such titles as, Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor. As I left the room I tried to find something to hide my anger. So I looked to the stars and asked the solemnly, † Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires.† I wanted to be hidden so that all of my raging anger was concealed. Then I solidly remember what was going through my mind I was thinking and looking at my hand, the hand that might possibly kill the king of Scotland. I wrote a second letter to my wife telling her that the king was coming to our house but also some of my thoughts I didn't want to trouble her with all of them. As I set off the king told everyone to follow me and that I would bid them all welcome to my home. As we all arrived at my castle my wife greeted me not by darling or husband but as great Glamis and worthy Cawdor. This one a exceedingly special occasion for me because my meant so much to me that I felt so proud and just happy. Then I told her when Duncun was coming and when he would hence. As we began to talk about the letters, the witches and all of the happenings she began to seem determined and different in someway I can't explain how. The banquet was set for the king but I could not stay in the Kings Company. The guilt of my thoughts was too much. I was struggling with my conscience. I remember thinking that is I was to it, it would have to be done quickly with no hesitation. But he was a fair king how could I do it, he was such a gentlemen. I was his host I was surpposed to close the door on the murderers not bare the knife myself. If I were to do it there would be tears all over the kingdom and everyone would mourn his death. How could I do it to such a dear and well thought of man? My wife came to speak to me and asked why I left the banquet, I didn't answer, I just wanted to know if he had asked for me. She said no but she also started to insult me because I told her that we would not proceed any further in the business. She was using language that she of all people knew would agitate me no end. I told her to stop but she wouldn't if I was to do. This then I would a monster. I tried to be the best that I could be but for some reason it was only now I felt as if it was insufficient. Then I began to wonder what had changed as she said, â€Å"Be so much the man†¦. I have given suck, and know how tender't is to love the babe that milks me.† Had she really changed or was she just trying to shock me into the action. Either way I felt as if it was working. But what if we should fail? My doubts grew yet as she answer they all began to dissolved like a drug in water. I began to feel as if my wife was stronger than I was. I was just filled with a feeling of confusion. Then out of nowhere she suggested to blame the guards that would lay outside the king's chamber. Then I told her that she should only give birth to males. I couldn't kill him; she must have seen my doubts in my expressions because once again she began to attack my manhood. Then putting my entire disbelief aside I settled on the decision that I would do it I would kill the king of Scotland. I would kill him but until then I would be like a flower hiding the great serpent. As I walked through the long corridors that seemed never ending, I recall seeing Banquo and his son Fleance. I felt so much guilt for the intense concoctions that brewed in my mind. When Banquo informed me of his dream about the witch's I was overwhelmed with guilt for lying to such a pure man. As I left Banquo I proceeded along the long and winding corridors, a fatal vision appeared before my eyes. Could the mind create such a false vision? I said to myself. As I looked closer it seemed to resemble a dagger of my own. I reached for my dagger grasping it but never taking my eyes of the dagger. Then I tried to grasp it but to my own amassment my hand went straight through it. It began to move, so I followed it my heart pounding like the drums at a beheading. I was short of breath and my mouth was completely dry. Whilst I was following the knife I realised that it was leading me to the king's chamber. I felt as if the witches were there, that they were influencing me but I still decided to follow the dagger. I felt that on a night such as the one that night there was evil in the air. Then out of nowhere gouts of blood appeared on the dagger dripping from the tip. This disturbed me because even though I have seen lots of blood before never the kings. I felt like a ghost, almost invisible as I walked through the passages getting closer to the King's room. All of a sudden the bell that invited me to Duncun's murder chimed. The bell of Duncun's death called me. I looked out of the and then for the first time taking my eyes of the bloody dagger. I peered out of the window and found myself lost in thought. I was sweating and was very hot I went into the room were the king lay asleep and the deed was done†¦ Then suddenly I heard footsteps I felt uneasy and quit scared. My mouth became dry once again and my palms became very sweaty. Then my wife appeared I was breathing heavily. With two bloodstained daggers in my hands. I told her that the deed was done. I began to hear things. I was extremely effected by the murder that I had committed that I had forgotten the instructions that my wife had given me. As I had still had the bloodstained daggers in my hand which dripped the blood of Duncun. I told her that I was never going in there again. I just couldn't go back in the room were the king had died, were he was murdered, by me. Her anger was immense she quickly took them from me and followed her own instructions. I remember feeling and knowing that I would be dammed for this dishonourable crime that committed. I was looking at my hands so red so wet†¦ so bloody. Such a sight will remain in my mind forever! I heard one of the guards screaming murder! He was saying prayers. I was so frightened. I was sweating; I could feel the river flowing down my back and trickling down my forehead down to my nose then into my mouth the salty sensation almost took my mind of the murder. Only to be interrupted by my oh so changed attitude from my wife. It was remarkable; I didn't know that someone so close to me, someone who I had known for so long could change so quickly and considerably. I would sleep no more. I felt so scared that I would never sleep or even be able to rest again. I could never of thought that this murder would effect me this much but it did and that in itself confused me. I was indescribable fear. No words can say what I was going through. It was the worst moment of my life. Suddenly there was knocking at the door, which gave me a fright, I yelled with no hesitance, â€Å"Wake Duncun with thy knocking! I would thou coulst!† I regret saying this, and then my wife dragged out me away. As I walked down stairs in a fresh set of cloths Macduff and Lennox were there. Macduff asked me if Duncun was awake, so I took them to Duncun as we walked Lennox and Macduff kept on asking me questions. Each time I was filled with dread and deep remorse. Almost every sentence from my mouth was a lie. Then we arrived at the door; I was the only one there who really knew what was inside. Macduff went inside the room, whilst Lennox and I stood outside. He was telling me about the weather last night, he was taking about hearing screaming and strange things happened. I was being eaten from the inside. Macduff ran out of the chamber and screamed â€Å"O horror! †¦ Horror! †¦ Horror!† We both asked what he was talking about, I felt expectant, and I was just waiting for him to say it was Macbeth who killed him but he didn't. Lennox was confused but I knew what he meant. We went into the room and we looked around. Outside I could hear Macduff shouting things like, † Ring the alarm bell!†¦ Murder and treason!† Everyone was outside so I killed the guards and made it look like an act of anger when I did this I thought that it would take the focus from me but to Macduff it just made it worse. He asked my why I did it, I thought that he was suspicious, I told him that I couldn't help it and that I was so angry that I saw the blood on them and their daggers that I just lashed out. My dear wife then fainted, I think she did this because she knew that I was not up to talking to anyone at the moment and I might have broken down. Then Banquo said something unforgettable to me, â€Å"And question this most bloody piece of work to know it further.† I knew that he would be suspicious. He thought that there was more to his death. This made me very worried I thought that I had very good reason. I thought that I was finished. I mean he was there when I met the witch's. Then with good reason the two sons of the king Donalbain and Malcolm fled the country afraid of their own lives. So I, Macbeth, was crowned the new king of Scotland my coronation was brief but for filling I was proud of myself even though I was not proud of what I did to do it. Then came the day after my egotistical coronation. I felt so much better because I was organising a banquet to celebrate my coronation. I saw Banquo in the morning and questioned what he was doing for the day. I told him that I wanted him to come to the banquet. Banquo and Fleance left for a day of hunting. I spoke to the rest of my men and told them that they could have the rest of the day of until seven o'clock when they would all attend the banquet. As everyone but one of my many servants left the room, I told my servant to fetch me those men. As I was left alone I began to speak to myself and re assure myself that I had to do this to keep my crown safe and that I needed to be done if I wanted to keep my crown. He was the competition he would produce a long line of kings, inless I stopped him and to do that I would have to kill him and his son. For the first time I felt determined but I also felt something's that had been frequent in my feelings like fear and anger. If I wouldn't keep the crown then it was fruitless. I was not willing to let that happen so I decided that when the murderers got back I was to give them the go ahead, to kill Banquo and Fleance. My servant and two murderers came through the door. I didn't want to speak with them for long so I just told him that Fleance's death was just as important as Banquo's and that it must be done far away from the palace also that it was to be done that very same night. Even th ough I was swamped with guilt and anger I also knew that it had to be done. I didn't tell my wife, I locked her out because I had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to deal another murder. I went to see her; she was my clueless wife. I was trying to protect her, I told her, â€Å"Thou know'st that Banquo and his Fleance lives.† Something would be done when the darkness came then I would be jocund. Then I left her to get ready for my Banquet to celebrate that I became king. The Banquet was ready everyone had arrived accept for Banquo, I walked swiftly into the room and the atmosphere was like no other. Everyone stood up and applauded me. This was the proudest moment of my intire life†¦ king such an achievement, I thought it could only be dreamed about until that moment in time. As my lords who were once my fellow fighters stood up I looked around but did not see Macduff. But at that moment in time I want bothered. I could feel my jaw aching from the full smile on my face. I looked around and saw a spare seat upon my men and lords so I walked over and sat with them. I did this so that they would think of me as a peoples king, a good king. As I began to sit down. Lurking in the doorway was one of the murderers walked over to him and said, † There's blood upon thy face!† To my greatest satisfaction he told me that it was Banquo's blood. I told him that it is better on him than inside Banquo. He told me of how he slit his throat. Relief ran through my veins. But before I got to excited I asked about his, but there was no such luck to be had there. He notified me that he had run away. I was filled with dread something had to be done but what I didn't know what. I was filled with complete horror I was shocked, mortified and extremely troubled. I melted into as much fear that was in my bones when I committed the murder of Duncun. As I turned round I tried my best to be strong; I fled back to the spare seat only to be greeted by the cold corps of Banquo. All I could do was shout which one of you has done this? â€Å"What my lord?† They were totally clueless; I reacted to the goast almost screaming at it, Thou canst not say I did it! . . . Never shake thy gory locks at me! My wife then whispered to me, â€Å"Are you a man?† I told her that I was but a bold one, she kept answering back so I told her to look and behold. Then the ghost disappeared, I told her victim's appered with twenty mortal murders on their crowns, and push us from our stools. This was stranger than such a murder was. Then I spoke to my company and told them not to look mutely at me. Then the ghost reappeared at first I didn't see it but when I did I quickly reacted by yelling avaunt and quit my sight! Let the earth hide me. The reason that I remember so much about it is because it was such an ugly sight that I will never forget what I had to say to him or it. My wife lied to my guests telling them that I was ill. Then I carried on shouting, screaming trying to scramble to safety in my mind. It disappeared so I said †¦why so †¦ being gone. I was still unaware that only I could see the ghost, I was speaking to my guests but I don't remember what I was saying. Ross then said, â€Å"What sights, my lord?† It was only now that I finally realised that only I could see the ghost, my wife told everyone to leave us and Lennox told me to have better health. After everyone had left I told my wife that there was no going back and that I would be punished for this. I decided to go back the witch's, I am determined to know what's going to happen to me next. I knew that I had to find out what was to come and if it was worse than had already come. Before I left I asked if she had noticed if Macduff was at the banquet that started of to be a celebration. She said no, so I began to worry about his suspicions and why he wasn't there. Having found no conciliation or help I decided to go to bed and then in the morning return to the heath where it had all started. After a restless night, I had decided to go to the heath to find the witch's. As I arrived at the heath upon where we had first met I saw the hags and addressed them for what they were. When I called them old hags it was to try and show them that I had more power than they did. I soon realised that they were not afraid when then replied, † A deed without a name.† This worried me slightly, I remember thinking what I was thinking trying to overpower such evil. I demanded to know what was coming I educated them with what I had to say. Then I told them that I demanded them to see their masters and not hear from them. As I was waiting the flashes of lightning and the lions roaring from above shocked me. Then all of the witches chanted, † Come high or low, thyself and office deftly show.† It was at this moment that I knew that I was going to find out what my future was. Then suddenly, out of the cauldron arose an armed head and spoke, † Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff!† I had come to the heath looking for good news, some informative information but so far all I had got was confirmed suspicions. I said a quick thank you and asked them to know more and to tell me of it. â€Å"He will not be commanded. Here's another more potent that the first.† One of the witches's quickly announced. Then another image appeared from the cauldron called on me just as the first but then said, † Be bloody, bold and resolute. Laugh to scorn the power of man; for none of women born shall harm Macbeth.† Why should I fear, all men are born of a woman then why should I fear? It was at this point I began to wonder if I was immortal, if I was blessed with the gift of ever lasting life. I will remember those words for as long as I shall live. Then I had an outburst and shouted and then live Macduff. What need I fear? But just in case I was to have him killed I remember feeling such relief, joy, delight, I had renewed bravery and a new spirit. Then another apparition arose from the cauldron and it was a child, crowned, with a tree in his hand. At first I remember not knowing what it meant so I asked the witch's what it was, they told me to listen but not to speak do I did and only to find out the best news so far. It said that I would not vanquish until the great Birnam wood moves. This only confirmed my suspicions about being immortal. Then the cauldron began to disappear and the next eight kings of Scotland appeared all resembling and carrying Banquo's spirit. I screamed out to the witch's and interrogated them on why they showed me this. Before I could ask them anything else they danced and vanished. All of a sudden Lennox appeared startling me, I asked if he had seen the hags, he replied with a simple no. Looking back I don't remember all that he said but I did hear the sound that triggered my anger and my fear, which was that Macduff had fled to England. This meant that I couldn't kill him. So instead I went to his ca stle were I was to kill his wife and babes. So of we went to the castle. I told all of my attendants not to bring me anymore reports that I didn't care, until the wood moves I shall not fear. I remember that no matter how many times I said it I didn't fear, if anything it made me stronger. I felt so succour, so safe and strong. Not just my heart but my mind, for the first time in a long time. I was interrupted by one of my servants, he informed me that there were English soldiers in their thousands. I began to realise the depth in which I had sunk. I called in my chief officer, Seyton, and I told him to tell me what was happening with the English. He said â€Å"All is confirmed, my lord, which was reported.† At this I recall asked him to bring me my armour, but he then went on to saying that it was not needed yet. I turned to my doctor and asked him how the patient was referring to my wife. He then said that she wasn't so sick but she did see fancies that stooped her from sleeping. I wanted it all to just go away, my wife did not deserve to not sleep. I did the deed so I should be punished. She did nothing so why was she suffering so much? Then I shouted out that I would no fear till the wood of Birnam wood come to Dunsinane. I met with my soldiers to tell them that I did not fear that they would not starve me out. I could feel my strength and my security. Then I heard an ear piecing scream from above, I had almost forgotten the taste and smell of fear itself. I was told that it was my wife's cry. This made me feel like falling to my knees. But I couldn't deal with it; the English soldiers were coming. After doing everything I now have no one to share it with no one. Then one of my servants rushed in and I told him that I didn't want to hear it. But still he told me, â€Å"I looked towards Birnam and anon the wood began to move. I screamed liar slave! I remember being in extreme anger and disbelief. Then I went with the messenger to see for myself and when I did I felt a shiver down my spine I began to doubt the witch's. Still with some respect left I took all my strength and went to the gate with my amour on to face the fiends. The alarms where sounded and I appeared to show my face to Macduff. I wasn't afraid of him because no man could kill me so I told him and the answer was not so nice as the question he told me that he was ripped from his mothers whom. This made me scared, the witch's had tricked me into thinking that I was immortal and that no man could kill me. But I was not a coward I told Macduff that I would fight only to lose. We fought our heavy swords dragging us down. I felt as if every muscle was being dragged out of my body and then Macduff drew his sword at me for one last time and†¦

Flow Charts and an Accompanying Memo Assignment

Flow Charts and an Accompanying Memo - Assignment Example The company has been spending considerable amounts of resources and time and ending up with the wrong candidate. It is the right time for a change for the betterment of the Company. In order to guarantee a steady growth and attainment of the set company objectives, it is of the essence to consider a dynamic recruitment process. It is also apparent that many companies, at present, are adopting innovative recruitment processes for senior-level staff members, especially our competitors. Additionally, our competitors have broadened their horizons on the subject of recruitment approaches. In particular, Companies are investing in the social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Job websites to find prospective employees. On the other hand, companies consider the mobile and online applications to recruit staff members. These activities indicate that managers and human resource administrators see the value of technology in targeting the highly qualified and relevant candidates for job positions. It is also clear that acquiring the right candidate for distinctive job positions is not an easy task. This is considering that our company has been spending considerable amounts of time, money and resources in conducting a recruitment process (wh ­ich entails combing through hundreds of academic and work portfolios) and still end up with hardly any reliable candidates. The Master Computer Services Company must adopt new and innovative ways of recruitment of its senior staff members in order to save on the recruitment costs and resources. This will be made possible by considering the following new and innovative recruitment approaches. Social channels of recruitment - Social channels are developing fast and many employers are considering using the social media to reach out to the potential candidates.

Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Islam Essay

Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Islam - Essay Example The essay "Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Islam" aims to develop a comparative analysis of the Christian and Muslim belief system or philosophies as pertains to the concept of spiritualism, and how the philosophies manifest themselves. The key questions suggested by James Sire in understanding the concept of worldview. A focus on the aspect of prime reality is important to start with. God is the prime reality for Christians while for the Muslims, it is Allah. God and Allah are perceived as the supernatural being that determines all conditions or situations that humans experience. Muslims have their prayer, referred to as Du’a, which seeks to ask Allah to heal the sick people. The prayer of Du’a can be traced from the Quran 21:83-84; the prayer of Prophet Ayyub. The verses state: â€Å"Truly distress has seized me, but You are Most Merciful of those that are merciful†. It is inscribed that the early Muslims would seek the advice of Prophet Muhammad whene ver they were sick. The prophet would thus recite one of these Du’as for them while touching the area of pain: â€Å"Oh Allah! The Sustainer of Mankind! Remove the illness, cure the disease. You are the One Who cures. There is no cure except Your cure. Grant us a cure that leaves no illness†. Christians also pray to their God to heal the sick. During the days of Jesus, he healed many people with prayer. Psalms 41:3 has the recognition of God as a healer. The verse notes: â€Å"The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness†.

Next Generation 9-1-1 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Next Generation 9-1-1 - Research Paper Example Information on the occurrences of these types of emergencies or crimes were getting reported but due to the lack of a sophisticated communications system, there always seemed to be a lapse of time between the occurrence of the incident and information to the authorities and their ultimate arrival on the scene. The result was that there was a lot of loss to life and property damaged which sometimes ran into billions of dollars. Efforts made to curb this loss only resulted in greater losses and crime and violence continued unabated. With a view to bring this situation under control and effect a sense of coordination in to the system people became aware that there was an urgent need in finding suitable solutions to end this problem and therefore, in 1957, at a conference called the National Association of Fire Chiefs, it was mooted that a SINGLE telephone number be made available to the general public, that could be used for reporting fire accidents which would significantly bring down the loss of time between communication. This idea was wholeheartedly accepted and duly recommended by all. Ten years later (1967) the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice was so taken up with this idea that it was suggested that a â€Å"single number† should be established countrywide, for any emergency and not limiting it to reporting of fires alone. It was the general opinion and rightly so, that the use of different telephone numbers for a variety of incidents, would only increase time lapse. This suggestion received huge support with the result that the task of identifying and implementing such a number that would be convenient and acceptable to all was entrusted to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) The FCC set out on the task without any further delay, once they had been entrusted with the assignment of locating such a number. The FCC met and had extensive discussions with the American

TOPONYM SWEET TOPONYM Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

TOPONYM SWEET TOPONYM - Assignment Example Cockrell accepted that it was George Mifflin Dallas, VP of the United States throughout the organization of President James K. Polk. Dallas County is for the most part accepted to have been named for George Mifflin Dallas since Polk County, named for President Polk, was made on March 30, 1846, that day that Dallas County was made. There is no proof, nonetheless, that Bryan ever knew George Mifflin Dallas. Likewise, the town of Dallas bore that name no less than three prior years the district was made. George Mifflin Dallas had no reported enthusiasm toward Texas until he made a cool reference favoring Texas statehood in a 1844 letter to a congressperson from Mississippi- -once more, after the town of Dallas, Texas was named. 4. Look at a map of your home county. In your opinion, what is the most unusual place name in your county (other than the county seat)? How did it get its name? Your answer should be a full paragraph, at least 10 lines Euless. Euless is named after Elisha Adam Euless, a local of Tennessee who moved to Texas in 1867 and later purchased 170 sections of land (0.69 km2) of arrive on the current convergence of North Main St. also West Euless Boulevard.[5] Elisha began a cotton gin and a group focus on his property, and rapidly turned into a noticeable figure in addition to different pioneers. From the census of of 2000, there were 46,005 individuals, 19,218 family units, and 11,626 families living in the city. The populace thickness was 2,828.3 individuals for every square mile (1,091.7/km ²). There were 20,136 lodging units at a normal thickness of 1,237.9 for every square mile (477.8/km ²). The racial cosmetics of the city was 75.52% White, 6.49% African American, 0.64% Native American, 7.15% Asian, 1.86% Pacific Islander, 5.38% from different races, and 2.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.31% of the populace. Euless has the biggest populace of Tongans in an

Discuss how Death of a Salesman comments on American society and Essay

Discuss how Death of a Salesman comments on American society and values - Essay Example In the story, we see Willy as a desperate man in terms of financial and family relationship success. He is constantly in argument with Biff and is always troubled by his inability to earn more money as compared to his brother Ben. Biff and Happy, at their thirties, are still unable to achieve financial success and are characterized by adolescent behavior. This is in contrast with their cousin, Bernard, who became a well- respected lawyer. Linda is depicted as a sympathetic wife who suppresses her disappointment with their family financial and relationship status. The story culminated in Willy's suicide. The story illustrates how deep-seated is the dream of financial success in American society. The pervading aspiration is to achieve financial success. Willy dreams of making more money like his brother. He still retains his belief that his sons are capable of such success too. However, the story also illustrates how failure to achieve such success can affect the psyche of a person. This is shown by Willy's suicide. His act is the mark of a failed man, but, more importantly, it shows the disparity between his aspirations and his actual achievements. From the story, one can see the implications of the concept of the American dream.

Health Promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health Promotion - Essay Example First of all, each program should be described for the sake of clarity and specific goals thereof. In this vein, ACAP is well based on the provision of proper information on the issue and the way of emergency training (Asthma Australia, 2011). The main objective is to implement educational standards applied to the healthcare in the country. It is vital to note that the main parties concerning ACAP are education staff, parents, and adolescents (Asthma Australia, 2011). Thus, it is aimed at providing children with ultimate care so as to make sure their attitudes will be loyal toward the program itself. Triggered in November 2009, the program is advantageous for training more than 148 104 staff in schools and preschools providing 7 514 1 hour Asthma Australia training sessions across Australia (Asthma Australia, 2011). Thus, the program is aimed at making education staff aware of the problem itself and safety options required for keeping up a good job with children with asthma accordingly. Moreover, it is valuable in a hospital setting, involving children into a friendly atmosphere of understanding and counseling on the part of adults. Moreover, keeping in mind the fact that the rate of asthma prevalence in Australia is one of the highest in the world, the annual costs varies from $500 million to $1 billion (Mulberg, Silber, & Anker, 2010, p. 25). Definitely, ACAP is seen to have the largest amount of funding on the part of the government. Nevertheless, it needs more inclusion of additional directions aimed at the optimization of ACAP’s mission throughout different states in Australia. ACSP is another program included in the national program on community and hospital admission of asthma training in order to increase people’s awareness of the diseases while decreasing cases of emergency in the future. The program deals with both community and hospital awareness and is based on education, information, and support (Asthma Australia, 2011). In this respect the program is effective due to its widespread popularity a a host of positive feedbacks from all participants engaged in this program. The question is that ACSP is called to prevent Australians with asthma from lethal outcomes. It is all about the conclusions made by the Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring state that during the period of 2000-2005 there were 145 deaths per 100,000 patients with the highest rate of mortality among patients over 45 years old (Watson, Pharma, & Rabe, 2007). Thus, commenced in response to such a poor statistics in November 2009, ACSP provides the hospital staff al ong with the rest of population with proper training and assessment regarding asthma. To say more, 511 session were realized in the last year (Asthma Australia, 2011). However, the program lacks impact on the western states of Australia having less performance in there. Finally, AAP is the oldest health-promoting anti-asthma program commenced in Australia at the end of the 1980s in order to timely analyze and define the detrimental factors for and preventive measures against asthma. In this respect the first two programs seem to repeat the methods prescribed in AAP. It is all about the main benefits of AAP for Australians realized through the awareness of the symptoms, seeking medical attention, resources for better management of asthma, training community members with what they can do in cases of asthmatic manifestations in an individual, etc (Harver & Kotses,

Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare - Coursework Example The suitability of things to everyone is ensured by these regulations. This involves making parts of the workplace such as passageways, lavatories, stairs, particular doors, showers, and workstations accessible to those with disabilities. The major focus of workplace health, safety and welfare are on concerns such as the improvement of the work and its environment for conduciveness in relation to health and safety, the promotion ad maintenance of the health of workers and their capacity to work, and the development of cultures of work, working organizations in a direction supporting safety and health in the workplace as well as promoting an optimistic smooth operation and social climate which may eventually enhance their undertakings in terms of productivity. The working culture concept here means the reflection of an essential system of value that is adopted by the concerned undertaking. The mentioned culture if reflected in practice of the personnel policy, managerial system, train ing policies, principles of participation, and the quality management of the employee undertaking. Generally, the primary reasons why employers have no choice but to adopt the workplace safety, health and welfare regulations include: moral reasons like the unacceptability of placing the safety and health of people at risk, reasonable care duty owed to people, the attitude of society to the moral obligations, and making cases of morals to the senior management; legal reasons which may result into compensatory as a result of law effects, punitive, prevention of the effects of the law; and the economic reasons including both the indirect and direct costs that are associated with the safety... The paper describes the importance of all areas of work. The general guidance on workplace safety is applicable on particular subjects such as temperature, ventilation, cleanliness, lighting, workstations and seating, room dimensions, falling objects, floor conditions, translucent and transparent doors, windows, gates and walls, ventilators, escalators, skylights, washing facilities, and sanitary conveniences among other matters. The requirements under the regulations demand that the employers perform a general duty of ensuring that the health, safety and welfare of the employees at workplace are taken care of appropriately. Even people who control the non domestic premises carry a duty to people who use those premises even if they are not their employees. The health and safety regulations ensure all employers carry on their duties to protect the safety, health and welfare of everyone within and around the workplace as well as the provision of sufficient welfare facilities to the peo ple in the workplace. The set regulations see to it that all places of work meet the safety, health and welfare requirements of all the employees as well as those with disabilities. The suitability of things to everyone is ensured by these regulations. This involves making parts of the workplace such as passageways, lavatories, stairs, particular doors, showers, and workstations accessible to those with disabilities. The employers should perform various plans of action that ensure the principles of workplace safety, health and welfare are implemented.

Tv Food Essay Example for Free

Tv Food Essay Have you ever sat in front of the TV devouring tons of snacks and not even paid attention to how much you had already eaten? That is why this essay sparked my attention! I constantly find myself in front of the TV craving snacks and chomping away, not even thinking about how much I am eating. Dolly Mittal, Richard J. Stevenson, Megan J. Oaten, and Laurie A. Miller conducted an experiment to find out if our memory is a factor for what we’ve already eaten. One amnesiac patient HM started this idea when he sat down to eat a second meal immediately after consuming the first because he had forgotten he already had eaten. This experiment is trying to show that snacking while watching TV, in opposition to snacking while not watching TV, can lead us to eat more later on. They want to prove it is because the TV affects our memory of how much we snacked earlier. In experiment one they take thirty-two female women that are not dieting and not diabetic with a BMI between 18 and 25 and let them spend 20 minutes eating as much snack food as they want. They are given chocolate balls, pringles, coca cola, and orange juice. Half of these ladies did it watching a 20 minute TV episode and the other half did it sitting quietly. Afterwards the remains were taken and measured; both groups consumed around the same amount of snacks. Around one hour later they sat the ladies down to eat lunch which would include: sandwiches, biscuits, crackers and dip. They found the result they were looking for when the women who had watched TV earlier while snacking ate more of this meal than the ladies who had earlier snacked without the TV. The result was finale when the TV group also couldn’t remember how much they had snacked on during the time they watched the TV. In experiment two the experiment was very similar to experiment one except that they wanted to see if the type of TV show would affect anything. This time they had the ladies watch different types of shows- funny, sad, and boring. The results were very similar to the first experiment and they learned that the type of TV show made no difference to the food they consumed. It was confirmed that when normal weight non-dieting females snack while watching TV, they later consume more food on a TV free meal than participants who snacked without TV. Also, participants who watched TV while snacking were less accurate in remembering the amount of snack food they had consumed. Something that I thought was interesting about this experiment is that it doesn’t work on men. In the journal it is mentioned that men take a different approach to this and try to eat as much food as possible, yet in the beginning the amnesiac patient HM that Hebben reported was a male. I didn’t like that the women fasted before they came to do the experiment. It is not a real life situation. Most of the time when I’m snacking in front of the TV I might have already eaten before that or I am just about to eat. Also If I knew that this experiment was all about food – I do not know if I would have eaten what I normally do. I might have been embarrassed and not given correct information. There is no way to make this experiment work 100% but that is how it is with most experiments. They conclude †Our data suggest that TV probably exerts some as yet unspecified effect on participants’ ability to recall earlier bouts of food consumption, leading to over consumption on a later TV free test meal. As TV viewing is associated with eating in so many different ways and as over consumption of food is a major problem in most industrialized nations, it would seem important to study exactly how this occurs. â€Å" Obesity is a HUGE problem in our country and I think that this could possibly have something to do with it. Even small children are watching TV now with a bag of chips in one hand and a soda in the other. Our nation is constantly getting fatter. Now when I sit in front of the TV I will think about what I’m eating and apply what I know to help me consume the right amount of food.

Growing Old in a New Age Faculty Guide Essay Example for Free

Growing Old in a New Age Faculty Guide Essay Physical you have to balances your body everyday, balances everything, life styles, but you have to keep balances nutrition a good diabeth, there are tools help you with arthritis, blood presser, diabeth, and sleeping pattern there way that can help us as we aging. 2) New information gained from watching the video? The most important it shows me is that is important keep a daily a role to a healthy life like going to doctor and truth to talk about the changes of aging that’s one way to keep healthy. Keep balances. 3) Any other comments you have regarding the video? Yes I have thank you I think its wonderful aging. Aida I. Rivera GRT110 introduction to the study of Aging Dr. Jackie Griswold Video reaction: 2) How our body age Functions, capacity senescence are as normal process understanding the aging process as normal as we aging in the terms as biological theories of aging is a process universal all members experience the phenomenon this are some of the changes first graying hair or sagging wrinkle skin stooped shoulders spot slow walking shuffling gait. The process decline losses must be gradual. The biological phenomena are different from aging distinguish disease to normal aging the wear and tear theory cellular aging occurs as cells slow replications, our body tissues are replaced and regenerated at different stages in life taking any where from weeks to years to complete the process our gins, I know our everything changes our vision, hearing, smell our patter of sleeping, immunological. Like they said in the video, we have to change as we aging . we have to a dot as we aging as long we understand why we live as long we live the better its get. ) New information gained from watching the video? That satisfaction that I can do something for the future aging and that we can do thing as, we aging that’s find with me, because I like to keep do. 2) How the experiences of the older adults in the video affected your personal view of aging? That I can be a better elder went get there, it’s affected no, I love it, I would a friend at that age. 3) Any comments you have regarding the video? I personally would recommend the video very understands examined the entire important thing you need to know. Aida I. Rivera GRT 110 Introductions to the Study of Aging Dr. Jackie Griswold Video Reaction: 1) Myth s and realities of Aging 1) Aging is not how you look is how you feel about getting old makes the different, when you get old things change memoirs the way you think and look, some people that will critical you on how you that you show act you age, they will said negate things all is important what you feel and you look. Future aging is how you feel about yourself and your attitude of your and thru you. In the video they said they feel free and take decisions for themselves one said they act as you feel, you could keep doing, what you were doing before went if you are 90 well that different you will be surprise all you have accomplish knowing from where you are and what you have done or came its important to be positive before there was a pyramid, but there a trends the role as parent we play a important role good relationship with the family in very way and different, they feel very proud of their parent the impact baby boom have the demo policies went baby boom want re 75% women will live long than men as the population raisins as we look to the future aging not as a dieses, aging as a grand exist. 2) New information gained from watching the video? They show me that everything has different culture in aging. The Knowledge and the process of very stage and model role. And that religion ass not change thru aging is whites’ people and that knowledge will be there. 3) Any other comments you have regarding the video? I like the part where the daughter of 95 years is having a happy meal with her mom whose 125 years she was very proud, as we aging its get better. Aida Rivera GRT 110 Introductions to the Study Aging Dr. Jackie Griswold Video Reaction: 4 Loves, Intimacy and Sexuality 1) Many changes occur in the body between the ages of 45 and 60 as 10 and 25. How changes in young peoples bodies an effect their behavior change that occur in older bodies. Most America seems obsessed with sex and love. The media over flow with sexual image and inurn does they focus exclusively on youth American popular culture the conclude that the young are preoccupied with love and sex the interest in these matters disappears when a person hits middle age some would look for sexual stereotypes would look at television and hardly see an older person involved in an erotic, deep loving relationship you see young people in their 20s and 30s if you look at television commercials reflect advertisers wanting to be aware of how reflect society’s attitudes you hardly see an older person in a television commercial in a erotic situation or loving situation all they do on television all is making coffee or worry about their dentures will fall out commercial it’s nonexistent image stereotypes sex is for young people. The exception the way when older people are show in humorous cast engaging in sex or in relationship of course the golden girl’s older woman brings sexually interested in somebody they may be inappropriate for older woman to still be sexual? All you have to do go to these card shop and they will tell you about your decline how to deal with it sympathy cards about your loss they being in your 30s older people laugh at that is still offensive to see that something that is important in life to find the source of stereotypes about greeting card contemporary some people don’t stop think our culture sex is for reproduction, the people that are preserved as appropriate for ex they’re people of childbearing and ears, people who are healthy, attractive these bring sexual, they are supposed to do sexually, lead to reproduction and negative attitudes in our society about adult masturbation because don’t lead to pregnancy lot people think sex is to connected with pre gnancy negative attitudes about lesbians and gay men because what they do couldn’t lead to reproduction look at our stereotypes, ideas and values about what is appropriate sex it boil down to having socially approved pregnancy and that does not include older people. The competing influences what’s appropriate and what’s not the facts remains that older adults are sexual brings what they do and how they do it is as divers the population itself sex is an ongoing thing as we grow older our sexual and reproductive systems change women and men experience these changes differently the female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus and the vagina a mature woman every month is ovulating will produce and egg if not fertilized will menstruate the ovary produces along with the egg hormones that are needed by the female body to reproductive structures in fertile situation and these are estrogen and progesterone when a woman ages the eggs within the ovary became resorted and the ovary stops producing estrogen to continue with the normal cycling normal processes an adult woman expects. She will stop menstruating when this condition persists more than a year the woman is termed menopausal the physiological change associated with menopause are affected by a woman’s estrogen levels very from woman to woman the primary source of estrogen is the ovary but women also produce estrogen from their adrenal glands there certain amount of variation individual to individual, the body as it decreases we find that the uterus became smaller, the vagina became drier, the tissues of the vagina became thinner, there change in the breast, some changes in the skin, there organ and tissues react to estrogen and the absence of estrogen changes that ensue estrogen replacement is prescribed by physician for menopausal women there are benefits and risks the benefit of taking estrogen replacement therapy is to control the hot flashes 2) How the experiences of the older adults in the video affected your personal view of aging? 3) Any other comments you have regarding video? Aida I. Ri vera GRT 110 Introductions to the Study of Aging Dr. Jackie Griswold Video Reaction: 7 The social roles implication of that are as fellows is every important to begin with the recognition we’re in the middle of a demographic revolution and stated simply never before in history of our species have many individuals lived so long that’s the demographic background the social roles of implication of that are fellows most of human history we have had roles which are social positions that have rights and duties and expectations associated with them has a fairly clear definition of childhood roles and them of adult roles like parent and marriage partners and economic roles we haven’t had are retirement roles today’s aged are pioneers in time they are creating social roles for a large number of individuals first time in history been old in our soctily mean different things to different people, older people have much autonomy when you think about role of an older person as an attribute thinking is freedom and autonomy most people who are retired wh o launched their children where really don’t have to do anything with anybody they don’t want to do anything with they don’t have to be with people they want to be with nor occupy a role they don’t want to occupy there’s lots of choice operating there which means there won’t be specific roles you can point to and say this is what older people are doing . Friendships are important to older people and especially important for those with few family members, sometime older people take on surrogate family roles for their neighbors in senior housing or retirement communities relatively few people are still working at age 65 freed from the pressures of work they enjoy a wide range to leisure activities some are things they’ve always done other activities are new . As the older population grows accurate information about aging and older people, important increase researchers collect information about social roles through three basic methods observation, interviews and surveys in observational analysis researcher makes a detailed recording of a person’s behavior and interactions with others in an objective neutral manner Dr. Vern Benton give an example and here I’m thinking of the work of Jaber Gubrium at Florida state university he spent a year in a nursing home several years just writing down what was happened and he published his account in a book called living and dying in Murray manor all he did was watch the interaction of the patients in a terminal long-term care facility the interactions of the staff with each other, the staff with the patients, the doctor occasionally came in very occasionally and the administrator from that he come up with a astonishing variety of activities that reflected roles a second way together information interview people and to categorize their responses . Dr. Archly Learned the value of the interview method early in his career the first study that he does to look at the relationship between the job role and the self-concept what he was interested in was the effect of retirement on self-concept of careen women and he picked two different occupational categories school teacher and telephone operators these were the days when mostly women were telephone operators his gone through the traditional sociology literature found that everybody predicted that, you know when people retired this was the end of life as we know it you expected that people retired just dropped off the face of the earth he had all of negative hypotheses what he expected retirement to do to these women , he did he’s first practice interview on a 82-year-old school teacher at end first he said thank I appreciate your answers she said when will you ask about good stuff? He said â€Å"tell me about it† for the next hour and a half he sat there getting writer’s cramp listening to all the good stuff about retirement why it wasn’t a problem for her and her self-concept here cast the interview schedule and did another study looking for both positive and negative out comes that be great, if he done that survey in the mail or sent people to do the interviews or hadn’t done them myself he never would have found those positive effects because he was there to listen a third method for gathering information is the survey the rope and gall up polls are example of well-know national surveys collects data from a representative sample of a relatively large population information is gathered by questionnaire which can be mailed to participants or administered by telephone or personal interview surveys on social roles might ask these questions like are you employed? Are you a Grandparent? You have one or more hobbies? Compared the roles of older men and women suggests it holds a message for young men of today older females characteristically have more roles than 70 to 75 year old males the implication for that at least for college students college men should right now begin diversifying they should begin investing effort in variety of roles in 30 years, 40 years when they retire from a formal occupational role, they will not have to look around and say â€Å"now what do I do† that’s long term-planning understand the behavior of older people may be missing very important information they are always analyzing data collected from people they haven’t talk to the advise students who are doing that to find people who are like the folks who responded to that survey do the interview with them . They understand what they were facing, if they had problem with the question use multimethod they are tool effective looking at social roles, reseacher’s who study the roles and relationship. 2) How the experiences of the older adults in the video affected your personal view of aging? I can wait to see what will happen. 3) Any comments you have regarding the video? Aida I. Rivera GRT11O Introduction to the Study Aging Dr. Jackie Griswold Video Reaction: 8 Families and Intergeneration Relation Changing values as parent or grandparents A popular assumption tends to abandon or distance themselves from older members of the family statistics don’t bear this out. Research shows that about ? f older adults live with or hear a family member, most of those who don’t have frequent phone contact or correspondence a look at the modern family structure shows that is getting more complex with a increase in four and five generation families. The fabric of older society is woven with many distinct and colorful threads approximately 5% of older people have non marry such as the case with Ethel Cooper, she never marry, but she doesn’t regard it, she not sorry. Social work against success marriage, Celestine Eggleston come from a broken home and her own marriage failed, leaving her as the single head of the household, coming from a background where there was not happy marriage long-lived marriage. What we’re exposed in these time not much about how marriage work, what was real. Our history in terms of the fact in early days in quotes-blacks weren’t allowed to marry, were not allowed to really in quotes have family in a traditional sense as a European family would suddenly to be some expectations that there was going to be this family with black male carrying out a particular role that person didn’t understand was bit much, on top that the economic expectation, one didn’t have the education, didn’t have the skills to continue to provide for that family net work was something that moved that black male outside of the family, when we talk about the older black woman bring the matriarch. The social situation there was no choice for her to be stabilizing factor in the family with great pride that one was able to keep that family together it also very sad that had to be, but as the children came and grew things began to change differences over child-raising causing marital tensions. Research tells us that marital distress increases the husbands on his wife, who used to have her realm-a private one now someone who is making demands on her time, she doesn’t enjoy it another body research say exactly the opposite after the initial adjustment period of having the husband home it’s a positive time their leisure time activities their political activities, their traveling time increases and very positive time of increased intimacy and warmth with one another we do need more research. However a person won’t necessarily go directly from being a contributing family member is a example to become completely dependent they talk about Pasqual Capone family said he a example for them, they love him every much, about some of roles older parents and grandparents player within the family as we seen a variety of helping patterns, whether is financial or emotional, support, a good deal of help commonly flows from older to the young generation. If older people became frail can they expect to receive the they need from their families or they became caregivers to their own parent, care giving a term used to refer to the support, financial, physical, emotional that families provide to an older family member especially, when this older family member is frail by frail is one is on longer able to be as completely independent as one would like too. Now when we talk about care given we’re looking at a combination or convergence of demographic and socio-economic term weâ €™re looking at the fact that their older people the fact that there are less children. Women are back to work in the past the majority of care given and care giving is an unpaid job, women who were in tradition sense of what wives were about husbands worked and wives stayed at home. Average age of care givens today’s is 57 or 58 the women grow up in different time than today, there been warning of this term with us last 20 years, but maybe we are not listening the fact that women will not be able to quit a job to take care of mom and dad, because women work for necessity for financial neglect that women are single parents and are divorced a job absolutely not luxury vice neglecting all of these trends so it should be a concern for everyone in our society who will pick up this job of caring for mom and dad. When we know that 80% of the frail are care for not by institutions if not by a family members, we mean women. What will happen to this huge source of free labor is not longer available this mean this is a conflict, if women are no longer able to do this someone has to and it will cost plenty to govement are to provide incentives to families to try to get them to continue to care for our elderly. 2) How the experiences of the older adults in the video affected personal view of aging? There are program that take care them and day care and that every good for them too. And that marriage hard work, but is worth it. 3) Any other comments you have regarding the video? Yes I like video remember me of mi having fun with granddaughter. Aida I. Rivera GRT 110 Introductions to the Study of Aging Dr. Jackie Griswold Video Reaction: 10 Health status the presence or absence of disease, disability level of functioning in ability to complete multiple tasks ADL’S- Activities of Daily Living and IADL’S- Instrumental Activities Daily Living quality of life in health and illness ability to activities, daily living, satisfaction social interactions and function health adjust to there health to the aging process chronic and acute diseases, heart disease, cancer and strokes among older people this are common chronic disease. Older drivers are less likely to speed, bad weather, at night, freeway traffic, rush hour and while there drunk they don’t drive. The primary health promotion programs of older adults to reduce the incidence disabling chronic diseases, improving health program designed lifestyle, preferences and culture of older adults a relationship between personal health habits and well active aging Aida I. Rivera Title: Introduction to the Aging Calculating Your Real Age and Your Life Expectancy Calculator: living to 100 life Expectancy Calculator: The Real Age Test 1) What was your reaction to the real age test and the life expectancy age calculated for you? Well I think your age is how you feel if you feel good and young there’s nothing to say about. My calculation of age was 49. 9 went, I’m 50 years, I think I’m doing well. 2) Have you been thinking your age your health or how long you may live? About my age I don’t think much, but about my health I do think a lot with out health your time go faster there nothing better than a good health that, if I want to live long, if God lets me live to 100 years that be good. 3) How might you make changes in your age your life, if your real age is higher than your chronological age to extend your life span and improve the quality of your health? Well my age came good 49. 9, I’m 50 years, but still I have to make changes and improver in, how I eat healthier and exercise more like walk more than I do. 4) What your estimated life expectancy are influence you’re thinking about your career(s) and retirement? No it’s doesn’t change, I think, I’m doing well, I meaning the right thing keep a good health and a family that care for me too. 5) What are implications of your estimated longevity in term of your health and income needs? I hope to have a good health so I can have a income, because if I don’t have a health, I can work and I like to work keep myself. 6) Any other thoughts or feeling about your real age or estimated life expectancy that you want to share with me? Oh yes another test tell me that, I’m going to live 95 years since that good; I hope to keep the good work up. What can I said I feel good. Its good went they said you look young for your age it makes you feel so, so good inside and outside.

Huckleberry Finn Moral Development Changes

Huckleberry Finn Moral Development Changes Introduction Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (2006a, pp.1-504), first published in 1884, starts out in a small fictional town of St. Petersburg in Missouri situated close to the Mississippi River, and is set a few decades before the outbreak of the American Civil War. The story is narrated by the protagonist, Huck, and follows his journey wherein he is faced with a number of moral choices, which subsequently lead him to question the morality and supposedly ‘civilised’ nature of society, outgrowing his own instincts of self-preservation and moral deviancy in the process. Using Kohlberg’s theory of moral development (1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76), this essay will analyse how and why Huck begins to take responsibility for his own moral choices, rejecting the prescribed morality of some of the authority figures in his life and accepting that of others, thus demonstrating how life experiences of kindness and cruelty can affect the development of an individual’s mortality. Huck’s Initial Absence of Morality At the opening of the novel, the reader finds Huck feeling restricted after being placed in the guardianship of Widow Douglas and her sister, Miss Watson. This occurs after he has come into possession of a large sum of money as a result of his earlier adventures with friend, Tom Sawyer – who, of course, features alongside Huck in Twain’s earlier text, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (2006b, pp.1-375) – and is placed under the widow’s guardianship by a judge who hopes she can â€Å"sivilize† him (Twain, 2006a, p.7) by teaching him the Christian faith. Huck is keen to demonstrate that her attempts have been unsuccessful, describing his desire to join up with Tom’s gang of thieves rather than being trapped in such a respectable household, feeling cramped and sweaty in the new clothes she makes him wear, and being frustrated at not being allowed to smoke, curse or slouch (Twain, 2006a, pp.7-9). He is dismissive of the morality contained within the religious teachings that the widow offers him, noting that he has no interest in the dead are they are â€Å"no good to anybody, being gone† (Twain, 2006a, p.9), and even goes so far as to tell the widow that he would prefer to go to Hell rather than Heaven, because he could â€Å"see no advantage in going where she was going† (Twain, 2006a, p.9). He is similarly pleased to hear that the widow believes Tom Sawyer will go to Hell (Twain, 2006a, p.10), as that means they will be together, showing his flippant approach to serious issues (Blair, 1973, p.138). He also demonstrates his tendency to lie (Twain, 2006a, p.53), steal (Twain, 2006a, p.32), and exhibit his prejudices, such as can be seen in his initial stereotyping of the black slave, Jim, who Huck repeatedly disregards as a simple â€Å"nigger† (Twain, 2006a, p.22). Huck’s morality at this point corresponds well with the ‘pre-conventional’ (otherwise known as the ‘pre-moral’) stage identified in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development (1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76), wherein the individual’s behaviour is dictated by self-interest and self-preservation. His avoidance of further arguments with the widow regarding Heaven and Hell, for instance, is not a mark of respect for the woman trying to raise him as her son, but rather a recognition that pursuing his point would â€Å"only make trouble† for himself (Twain, 2006a, p.9). His response is dictated by the possibility of punishment or gain, rather than by a moral sense of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ (Kohlberg, 1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76). This is also demonstrated by Huck’s adherence to superstitious behaviour and beliefs, such as his worry that burning a spider will bring him bad luck, his use of horseshoes to frighten bad spirits, and the binding of his hair to ward off witches (Twain, 2006a, p.10). However, it is important to note the distinct lack of authority figures in Huck’s life that would have provided him with moral guidance and ensured his beliefs did not become confused during his early childhood. Bloom (2005, n.p.) supports this by stating that â€Å"Huck is an impoverished and uneducated orphan who [has to] raise himself in a corrupt and bigoted world†. Little information is supplied about Huck’s mother, but Huck reveals that he was regularly beaten by his father (Twain, 2006a, p.23) and thus reacts to Pap Finn’s unannounced return with fear and suspicion (Twain, 2006a, p.25), concerned that his father is after his fortune. Although Widow Douglas treats him with kindness, he is initially resistant to the love and lessons of morality she offers him. Altschuler (1989, p.31) notes that Huck’s early experiences are the reason why he cannot accept Widow Douglas as a substitute mother figure at this stage. Altschuler (1989, p.31) observes that his moral development would likely have been stunted during early childhood, as â€Å"motherless children have great difficulty developing into moral human beings†. Viewed in regard to child attachment theory (Bowlby, 1988, cited in Waters et al, 2005, pp.80-84), Huck’s comments regarding the non-importance of moral lessons given by those who are â€Å"[long] gone† (Twain, 2006a, p.9) and his subsequent trust issues are particularly pertinent, as they suggest Huck’s ability to form paternal attachments has become disorientated (Ainsworth et al., 1978, p.282). Huck’s ‘Bad’ Morality, Personal Sympathy and Dilemma of Conscience After being placed in the custody of his father and moved to an isolated cabin, Huck fakes his own death in elaborate fashion (Twain, 2006a, pp.35-36) before escaping down-river to Jackson’s Island. He appears to feel no remorse for doing so. It is here that Huck re-encounters Jim, the black slave of Miss Watson, who Huck discovers has also run away (Twain, 2006a, p.43). It is at this point that the protagonist is faced with the first of the series of moral questions which serve to define his character as the novel progresses. Huck initially agrees to help Jim escape to freedom, although he recognises that by keeping his promise to not inform the authorities, he would be thought of by others as a â€Å"low-down Abolitionist and despise[d]† (Twain, 2006a, p.44) – an idea which he is clearly affected by later, as he decides to betray his friend and turn him over to the authorities. It is anticipation of their arrival in ‘free’ country that sparks Huck’s intended betrayal – he realises that he will be considered an accomplice of Jim’s because, although he did not actually help Jim with his initial escape, he has remained silent since (Twain, 2006a, pp.79-80). As can be seen in the passage outlined below, Huck’s conscience is very much orientated towards a white, middle-classed conception of morality wherein the concepts of ownership, law and order are valued much more highly than a slave’s right to freedom: ‘Conscience says to me: ‘What had poor Miss Watson done to you, that you could see her nigger go off right under your eyes and never say one single word? What did that poor old woman do to you, that you could treat her so mean?’’ (Twain, 2006a, p.80). Huck is even more horrified to learn that Jim intends to free his family one way or the other, and is prepared to ‘steal’ them away in order to ensure their safety. He is unable to view Jim’s family as anything other than another man’s property, and feels compelled to turn him in as soon as he is able: ‘Here was this nigger which I had as good as helped to run away, coming right out flat-footed and saying he would steal his children—children that belonged to a man I didn’t even know; a man that hadn’t ever done me no harm My conscience got to stirring me up hotter than ever, until at last I says to it: ‘I’ll paddle ashore at first light, and tell.’’ (Twain, 2006a, p.81). In terms of moral development, this passage (and subsequent events) sees Huck entering into the second stage identified by Kohlberg (1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76), which is known as the ‘conventional’ stage of morality. Although Huck has begun to accept some form of morality (i.e. by trying to determine what is the ‘right’ thing to do), he judges his actions only in relation to societys views and expectations, rather than relying on his own personal judgment. In rural Missouri during the period leading up to the American Civil War, slave ownership was widely accepted as a legitimate form of possession and was not subjected to critical pressure – subsequently, Huck views turning Jim in to the authorities as being the ‘right’ thing to do, despite the fact that Jim has shown him only friendship, and Miss Watson (and the ‘civilised’ society she represents) has mainly offered him criticism, chastisement and cruelty. According to Bennett (1974, p.127), this is a typical example of ‘bad’ morality, meaning the principles upon which a moral code is based have become somewhat skewed and require re-examination. One of the ways this can occur is when emphasis is placed in an individual’s mind upon what is legally, rather than morally, right (Kohlberg, 1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76). However, Huck experiences a change of heart when he paddles away from Jim intending to turn him in, and Jim calls out that Huck is â€Å"de bes’ fren’ Jim’s ever had, en de only fren’ ole Jim’s got now† (Twain, 2006a, p.81). Huck loses his nerve, and lies to the authorities when asked the skin colour of his companion (Twain, 2006a, p.82). It is important to note here that some critics would argue that this does not constitute a sufficient moral shift, as Huck’s change of heart is not initiated by a realisation of the inhumanity of slavery, but rather his reluctance to betray a friend in his time of need – thus, the black struggle is reduced to a motif no more powerful than Huck’s imprisonment at the hands of his father which, although awful, cannot compare to the horror that was enslavement (Lester, 1999, p.201). Huck does begin to show a level of remorse for his pranks and jests as well though, as can be seen when Jim reprimands him for making him think that he dreamt up the fog that separated them briefly and made Jim so anxious. Jim tells Huck that: ‘My heart wuz mos’ broke bekase you wuz los’, en I didn’t k’yer no mo’ what become er me en de raf’. En when I wake up en fine you back agin’, all safe en soun’, de tears come en I could a got down on my knees en kiss’ yo’ foot I’s so thankful. En all you wuz thinkin ’bout wuz how you could make a fool uv ole Jim wid lie. Dat truck dah is trash; en trash is what people is dat puts dirt on de head er dey frens en makes em feel ashamed’ (Twain, 2006a, p.79). As Trilling (1960, p.195) notes, the sense of shame and humility that this sparks in Huck leads him to be compelled to apologise for his behaviour, stating that after â€Å"fifteen minutes [of] work[ing] [him]self up to go and humble [him]self to a black person [he] done it, and warn’t sorry for it afterward† (Twain, 2006a, p.79). Though, again, this passage has been criticised for portraying Jim as being something less than human (Lester, 1999, p.202), it does indicate that the distance between the two characters is closing in Huck’s mind. Huck’s Increased Morality in the Face of Hypocrisy, Cruelty and Deception Once separated from Jim in Kentucky, Huck is offered shelter with the aristocratic Grangerford family (Twain, 2006a, p.87) after confirming he has no connection with the Shepherdsons, a family who – despite attending the same church and subscribing to a religion that teaches â€Å"brotherly love† (Twain, 2006a, p.97) – have been locked into a blood feud with the Grangerfords for the last thirty years. The irony of a religious community that accepts feuding as part of everyday life and allows the carrying of guns in church is not lost on Huck who, despite his age, has begun to recognise the hypocrisies existing within the supposedly ‘civilised’ society (Tucker, 1990, p.17). After unwittingly helping Miss Sophia elope with a member of the Shepherdson family by passing a message hidden in a Bible, Huck witnesses the ambush and murder of various male members of the Grangerford family, including his young friend Buck (Twain, 2006a, pp.101-102), in an act of retaliation by the Shepherdsons. Huck is subsequently left questioning the validity of the community’s customs-based morality. According to Kohlberg (1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76), this signals that Huck has entered into the final stage of moral development, which is known as the ‘post-conventional’ level. Here, an individual is able to examine the laws, traditions and customs of a community and evaluate whether or not these promote its general welfare (Kohlberg, 1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76). Where laws and customs are not found to promote the ‘greatest good’ for the greatest number of people, they can be abandoned accordingly (Kohlberg, 1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76). Subsequently, Huck shows increased sympathy for ‘outcasts’ like himself and Jim – who, after the murders of Grangerfords, he is reunited with (Twain, 2006a, p.102) – and behaves in a more charitable manner. When he and Jim come across the â€Å"Duke† and the â€Å"King† fleeing an angry mob (Twain, 2006a, pp.106-108), Huck decides to help them without any real hesitation or wariness (Carrington, 1976, p.76), although he comes to regret this later. The two men commit a number of money-making scams which Huck finds amusing at first, such as the Royal Nonesuch show swindles, but later, when they become caught up in an inheritance fraud in which the two crooks try and imitate the Wilks’ brothers, Huck has a change of heart and informs the niece of the deceased that the Duke and the King are, in fact, common criminals (Twain, 2006a, p.162). Despite the fact that he made his fortune through theft and mischief, he sees the error in the two criminal’s actions and wants to see justice done – a clear indication of his shifting morality. Another notable moral development comes in the form of Huck’s decision to rescue Jim from the Phelps’ farm, after learning that the Duke and the King have resold Jim into slavery and he is to be returned to his original home with Miss Watson (Twain, 2006a, pp.179-180). Despite Huck’s initial intention to write to Tom Sawyer and let him know Jim’s location, to thus allow Miss Watson to retrieve her ‘property’, this decision conflicts with Huck’s increasing sense of individual morality and responsibility. Although some of the worries he expresses are selfish, such as the shame he would experience if anyone knew he â€Å"helped a nigger to get his freedom† (Twain, 2006a, p.180), he is equally distressed that Jim has been condemned to live as a slave amongst strangers for â€Å"dirty† money (Twain, 2006a, p.180). Consequently, he tears up the letter, stating he is willing to go to Hell for his actions: ‘I took [the letter] up, and held it in my hand. I was a trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things.†¦ I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: â€Å"All right, then, I’ll go to hell† – and tore it up’ (Twain, 2006a, p.182) Although this statement mirrors his earlier sentiments regarding going to Hell, this time there is no flippancy to his comment. As his conscience and sense of morality has developed, Huck has abandoned superstitions in favour of prayer and adherence to religious morals, and so the decision to go against the moral norms of civilised society and selflessly embrace his punishment for helping his friend represent a significant shift in his principles. Trites (2012, n.p.) argues that Huck’s recognition of Jim’s right to freedom demonstrates his whole-hearted rejection of the conventional morality of Southern racism, but Lester (1999, p.201) disputes this, arguing that Huck is only able to justify his fondness of Jim by stating â€Å"he was white inside† (Twain, 2006a, p.232), thus demonstrating Huck’s inability to â€Å"relinquish whiteness as a badge of superiority† (Lester, 1999, p.201). Huck enlists Tom’s help to set Jim free when, by pure coincidence, it turns out that Tom is the nephew of the Phelps’ and is expected to visit. The two boys undertake an elaborate ploy involving secret messages, a hidden tunnel, a rope ladder sent in Jims food, and other elements from adventure books Tom has read, including an anonymous note to the Phelps warning them of the whole scheme (Twain, 2006a, pp.202-210). It is later revealed that Jim is actually already free – a fact which Tom Sawyer was already in possession of, but failed to mention – as his owner died and freed him in her will (Twain, 2006a, p.243). Tom’s thoughtless and reckless behaviour is demonstrative of the self-serving ‘pre-morality’ which also defined Huck in the opening stage of the novel (Kohlberg, 1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76). Huck, though, has evolved to the ‘post-conventional’ stage of morality (Kohlberg, 1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76), wherein laws are valid only insofar as they are grounded in justice, and a commitment to justice carries with it an obligation to disobey unjust laws. He acted under the belief that he would be punished for his actions, with Jim’s best interests at heart, rather than his own. For many critics, the juxtaposition of these two characters’ attitudes serves as a â€Å"silent but eloquent comment† regarding the ability of a â€Å"sound heart† to correct a â€Å"deformed† conscience (Twain, 1985, cited in Hutchinson, 2001, p.xvii; Blair, 1973, p.343). Huck also demonstrates a sense of Christian compassion when, at last, the Duke and the King are captured by the wronged townsfolk and the two men are subsequently tarred, feathered and ridden out of town on a rail (Twain, 2006a, p.447). Instead feeling a sense of pleasure in this revenge, Huck instead feels pity and reflects on how cruel human beings can be to one another: ‘They had the king and the duke astraddle of a rail Well, it made me sick to see it; and I was sorry for them poor pitiful rascals, it seemed like I couldnt ever feel any hardness against them any more in the world. It was a dreadful thing to see. Human beings can be awful cruel to one another’ (Twain, 2006a, pp.447-448). Gone is the prankster who enjoyed the downfall of those who wronged him – Huck is, in contrast to his earlier character, compassionate and uninfluenced by the opinions of the other townsfolk. Kohlberg (1981, cited in Gibbs, 2003, pp.57-76) and other literary critics (Chadwick-Josua, 1998, p.116) would argue that Huck is no longer restricted by what society believes he ought to think, as he has completed all three stages of his moral development. Conclusion As has been demonstrated in the essay above, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Twain 2006a, p.1-504) is a tale about how society tends to corrupt true morality, freedom and justice, and how individuals like Huck must follow their own conscience and establish their own principles based on a ‘post-conventional’ concept of morality. Though Huck undoubtedly undergoes a moral transformation, there is considerable debate over whether racial prejudice still exists at the end of the novel. However, despite this, Twain’s novel remains a prominent and frequently referred-to example of how an individual’s morality can develop in response to life experiences, even when that individual is hindered by a pre-existing sense of a ‘bad’ morality. In the end, Twain believes that a sound heart will win out against a deformed conscience and, after reading this text, it is not difficult to share in that hope. Bibliography Ainsworth, M.D., Blehar, M., Waters, E., Wall, S. (1978) Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum. Altschuler, M. (1989) ‘Motherless Child: Huck Finn and a Theory of Moral Development’, American Literary Realism 1870-1910, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 31-42 Bennett, J. (1974) ‘The Conscience of Huckleberry Finn’, Philosophy, Vol. 49, pp. 123–134. Blair, W. (1973) Mark Twain Huck Finn (Library Reprint Sales edition). Los Angeles: University of California Press. Bloom, H. (2005) Background to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Blooms Literary Reference Online. [Online] Available from: http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54SID=5iPin=BGTAOHF3SingleRecord=True. [Accessed 13/10/2014] Bowlby, J. (1988) A Secure Base: Clinical Applications of Attachment Theory. Routledge. London. Carrington, G.C. (1976) The Dramatic Unity of Huckleberry Finn (Ohio State edition). Columbus: Ohio State University Press. Gibbs, J.C. (2003) ‘Kohlberg’s Theory: A Critique and New View’, in Moral Development and Reality: Beyond the Theories of Kohlberg and Hoffman. London: Sage Publications, pp.57-76. Hutchinson, S. (2001) ‘Introduction’, in Twain, M. (wtr.) Hutchinson, S. (ed.) Tom Sawyer Huckleberry Finn. London: Wordsworth Editions, pp.vii-xix. Kohlberg, L. (1981) Essays on Moral Development, Vol. I: The Philosophy of Moral Development. San Francisco: Harper Row. Lester, J. (1999) ‘Morality and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, in Leonard, J.S., Tenney, T.A., Davis, T.M. (eds.) Satire or Evasion? Black Perspectives on Huckleberry Finn. USA: Duke University Press, pp.199-207. Trilling, L. (1960) The Greatness of Huckleberry Finn (2nd edition). New York: Vintage Books. Trites, R.S. (2012) ‘Irony and Moral Development in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, in Baxter, K. (ed.) Critical Insights: Coming of Age. Salem: Salem Press [Online]. Available from: < http://www.literature.salempress.com/doi/full/10.3331/CIComing_Age_0011 > [Accessed 14/10/2014]. Tucker, N. (1990) The Child and the Book: A Psychological and Literary Exploration. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Twain, M. (2006a) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. USA: Gutenberg Press, pp.1-504 [Online]. Available from: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/76> [Accessed 12/10/2014]. Twain, M. (2006b) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. USA: Gutenberg Press, pp.1-375 [Online]. Available from: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/74> [Accessed 12/10/2014]. Waters, E., Corcoran, D. Anafarta, M. (2005) ‘Attachment, Other Relationships, and the Theory that All Good Things Go Together’, Human Development, Vol. 48, pp.80–84