Effect of computer usage to the academic performance of the selected senior students Essay

INTRODUCTION Video games have come a long way since today’s adults sat down at a computer to play Pong or Donkey Kong. The newest-generation gaming consoles are as powerful as personal computers, and can accomplish many of the same things. And today’s games are increasingly realistic and technologically advanced. Social networking has even made its way into the video game industry with online gaming. These virtual worlds can be complicated and perplexing to parents, which is why it’s important for you to understand what your child is playing and when to get worried. Did You Know? In 2009, over 11 million people played World of Warcraft, an online, subscription fee-based multiplayer game. According to one study, nearly 1 in 10 young gamers displayed behavior patterns similar to addiction.1 The Kaiser Family Foundation found that 8- to 18-year-olds are exposed to an average of 10 hours and 45 minutes of media each day. Whether your child is an avid gamer or rarely picks up a controller, it’s important to understand the world of video games–especially in the age of online gaming–so you can make your child’s experience with games both a positive and a beneficial one. ————— 1. Douglas Gentile, â€Å"Pathological Video Game Use among Youth 8 to 18: A National Study,† CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Background of the study The youth of today no longer seem to spend their leisure activities like in the olden days; outdoor games or playing with toys, instead, they spend their free time in their homes, internet cafà ©s or computer shops simply to satisfy their hunger; and that hunger is Online Gaming. Online gaming has such a profound impact on not only the young, but dynamically every age group as well. So far, virtually anyone is able to go on a computer and  punch through the keys and mouse in order to get a high score, chat with players, get the rarest items, and level up as fast as possible. Yes, there seems to be no restriction as to whom, how or what online gaming can extend to. As in any situation where new technology is introduced, the social impact of the Internet is being looked at. One social problem that has been observed is that the Internet cafà © has become mainly game centres. About one-half to two-thirds of the computers in a typical Internet cafà ©, according to one study, are devoted to games (violent and gory games). The use of the remaining computers was roughly split between browsing, email, online chat, word processing and research. The Internet cafà ©s have become not just game centres. They are becoming centres off addiction among the youth, mostly boys, including elementary school pupils. According to one concerned Internet cafà © entrepreneur, â€Å"Internet cafà ©s are seducing youths to a new form of addiction, one which may not destroy their bodies as drugs do, but which is certainly twisting their minds. To the young play is reality and reality is play.† (Maslog C. (1998) Internet and Social Issues, Philippine Communication Today, Quezon City: New Day Publishers). Online gaming has emerged as a popular and successful source of entertainment and play for people of all ages, especially for the students. It refers to the games that are played over some forms of computer network, typically on the internet. These games are played online, in which you can connect with multiple players. It is normally platform independent, relying on the web browser and appropriate plug-in. It is one of the best inventions that is made ever by human beings. It has the ability to link players together. It has been one of the most popular activities in entertaining for younger people. Because of this, almost everybody is into it. Its fantastic characteristic makes a lot of students become hook on it. It provides entertainment and at the same time, online socialization with different kind of people. But sometimes, it causes negative effects. Development in technology brings many things that people don’t have many years back. One of these things is online gaming that is provided by the internet. Online gaming is one of the widely used leisure  activities by many people. Teenagers who are playing these online games said that they are playing these games just for fun, to keep away from the heat of the sun, without knowing that there are a lot of effects of playing these games that are more than what they think. Playing online games, according to some research is beneficial. It enables the mind of the players to be more active, especially those puzzle-based games. It helps the player to come up with decisions in tight situations, especially those adventure games that keep the players to be alert, active and strategic. Playing these types of games makes the player experienced different feelings because it is as if the player is really the one taking the challenges. Introduction As time passes by, technology continues to evolve. Because of technology, new things were created that sustains and lightens human work. Computers were created because of technology. Computers were the greatest thing ever invented by man itself. In the modern age, computers have become a part of man’s life. Almost all the things around us were made by computers with the aid of modern machines. From the edited books, design, special effects in movies, and televisions etc., were all made by computers. Along with the evolution of technology, computers continue to upgrade as well until the time that computer has now become a part of man’s everyday life that are hooked to computers. Computers can now edit documents to your PC, play mini games, search information you need using the internet, save documents to your PC and play online games. It’s like an all-in-one gadget that can do all the things you want anytime you need it. From 1990 to the present year, online games had a big impact to us especially teenagers. Online games have many genres, including FPS games, MMORPG, Casual games and multiplayer games. A game will become an online game if it involves in using a computer or a series of computers with one player in each computer to battle it out with other players using the Internet depending on the game genre. â€Å"Effects of computer usage to the academic performance of students† Chapter II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE The scope of Computer effects derives a wide scope of related literature that is worth mentioning. In this regard, this literature review concerning the effects of computer usage to the academic performance of students, will address the following areas relevant to this study: History of the Computer; Importance of Computers, Negative Effects of Gaming; Computer Crime; Computer Use recommendations; and conclusion. HISTORY OF THE COMPUTER Many people do not know how, or even when computers were first made. Even before the first electronic computers were made, many people believe that computers started with the abacus, a simple counting device. The abacus is believed to have been built in Babylon in the fourth century B.C. The â€Å"First Generation† of computers started in the very late 1930’s. These computers were grotesquely slow, colossal in size, created much heat, used hundreds of kilowatts of power, and were about as reliable as a used up match (www.pbs.org). As time went on, these computers evolved from using vacuum tubes to transistors. Transistors mark the beginning of the â€Å"Second Generation† of computers in 1947. Unfortunately, the 2nd Generation did not advance as much as most people hoped, but eventually, the â€Å"Third Generation† was brought about by the invention of integrated circuits in 1958. Integrated circuits replaced transistors, and many computer languages came out in this time. Many more computer companies were born during this time, and eventually this led to personal computers for everyday use. Microprocessors introduced the beginning of the â€Å"Fourth Generation† and a time where computers were in almost every house. What Is The Importance Of Computer? Computers are extremely important in the modern world of today. In the fast moving life of the modern world of today, computers hold tremendous significance. Many of us will feel crippled without a computer, as we have gotten so used to this machine. The importance of computers can not be denied in the corporate or business world, at the work place and even in one’s personal life. In the modern work place, pen are paper are becoming extent. It will not be long ,before pen and paper stop to exist altogether. Same is the case in schools and colleges. Children today are forgetting how to write and many blame their awful hand writing on this machine which has taught everyone to type at a speed of at least 50 to 60 words per minute. The children of today have bad handwritings and the children of tomorrow may not even know how to hold a pen. Thanks to the computer. Computer has become an important tool for keeping databases, filing systems, track records. It has made record keeping and account keeping much much easier than it ever was. It helps an organization save tons of times. It has made data analysis extremely easy, and it can be done at a single click of the mouse. Computers also serve as useful tools for communications . Normal post is now commonly referred to as snail mail, as the must faster email has replaced it. INTRODUCTION Development in technology brings many things that people don’t have many years back. One of these things is online gaming that is provided by the internet. Online gaming is one of the widely used leisure activities by many people. Teenagers who are playing these online games said that they are playing these games just for fun, to keep away from the heat of the sun, without knowing that there are a lot of effects of playing these games that are more than what they think. Playing online games, according to some research is beneficial. It enables the mind of the players to be more active, especially those puzzle-based games. It helps the player to come up with decisions in tight situations, especially those adventure games that keep the players to be alert, active and strategic. Playing these types of games makes the player experienced different feelings because it is as if the player is really the one taking the challenges. Despite those benefits, playing these games also bring negative effects. It requires much of the player’s time, leaving school activities and home works unattended. DEFINITION OF TERMS Online gaming —– are games that are played online via the Internet Internet ————— an electronic network of computers that includes nearly every university, government, and research facility in the world. ICAD——————- Internet Cafes Association of Davao City Eyestrain————- pain and fatigue of the eyes, often accompanied by headache, resulting from prolonged use of the eyes, uncorrected defects of vision, or an imbalance of the eye muscles. Obesity————— the condition of being obese; increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat. Aping—————– the act, practice, or art of copying the manner or expression of another Epidemic———— as used in the study, is a widespread or scattering youth violence

Reduced scale

The reforms aimed at the eradication of poverty and unemployment challenges through substantial recovery and improvement or productivity of investment economizing the private sector as the main engine of growth. In discussing the issues of the liberalizing of cooperative policies practices and legislation its clear that the societies have both successes and failures.Successes of the liberalizing of cooperatives up to date To the cooperative movement, liberalizing measures were put in place with a view to create commercially autonomous member-based cooperatives that would be democratically and professionally managed; self-controlled; and self-reliant. To this effect in 1997 government published Session Paper No. 6 of 1997 on â€Å"Co-operatives n a Liberalized Economic Environment† to provide the new policy framework for the necessary reforms.To date the role of the government was redefined from control to regulatory and facilitative in nature. The Ministry of Co-operative Deve lopment duties were confined to registration and liquidation of co-operative societies; enforcement of the Co-operative Societies Act; formulation of co-operative policy; advisory and creation of conducive environment for co-operative growth and development; registration of co-operative audits; and carrying out of inquiries, investigations and inspections which is still applicable today.Successfully also was the enforcement of co-operative principles of voluntary and open Membership; democratic member control; member-economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; co-operation among cooperatives; and concern for community. The reforms have given autonomy to individuals will to Join or leave the cooperatives, which is still effectively being practiced, up to date. The 1966 Co- operative Societies Act was repealed and replaced by the Co-operative Societies Act, No. 2 of 1997 the new Co-operative Societies Act served to reduced government involve ment in the day-to-day management of co-operatives. Cooperatives were granted authority to rule over themselves from the previous state controls by transferring the management duties in co-operatives from the Commissioner for Co- operative Development to the members through their duly elected management committees. This trend is still applicable up to date where by members have the discretion to make policies through Coco's that benefit them. Co-operatives were no longer required to seek the permission of the Commissioner to invest, spend or borrow.They were now free to borrow against part or the whole of their properties if heir by-laws allowed, provided the annual general meeting approved such borrowing which is still applicable today. The reforms have also given cooperatives the power to hire and fire grade staff without the commissioners consent. The cooperative movement as a result of liberalizing has seen a growth in the cooperative movement with a growth in 2004 of 10,642 coo peratives in Kenya and currently the number is increasing rapidly with the inception of other better laws such as the new constitution.Despite the reducing trend of membership surprisingly there's an increase in member registration in Coco's over the years up to date new CACAOS are being formed even among the self-employed persons in the informal AU Kali) and agricultural sectors, which is a complete departure from the past where these co-operatives were only formed among the employed persons in the urban areas.To this extent, it can be said that liberation has transformed the cooperative movement and that many citizens are appreciative of it. Liberalizing of the cooperative movement has transformed the structural organization of cooperatives. The inefficient cooperative unions are increasingly loosing their members, for cooperative societies now have the freedom to seek better service provision from there organizations or make provision for such services on their own.Another advant age is that Agricultural co-operative unions have particularly been affected through monopoly. For instance, in the dairy sub-sector, co-operative societies were affiliated to the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KC) that monopolized the processing and marketing of milk up to the early sass's. It is in these circumstances that some of them like Guthrie and Lemur dairy co-operative societies have put up their own milk processing plants that are still running up to date.With this, vertical integration f cooperatives in the dairy sector has virtually collapsed as cooperative societies now have the freedom to sell their produce to any willing buyer rather than KC and some of the societies have put up their own milk processing plants to offer the services previously provided by KC. Despite all that, non-agricultural co-operative unions have remained vibrant, particularly those in the financial sector, and have subsequently maintained the vertical structure of the cooperative movement.For ex ample, to date Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperative (COUSCOUS) brings gather over 2,600 active COCO societies with a membership of over two million while the Kenya Rural Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies Union KEIRETSU has 45 active rural COCO societies with a membership of 1. 5 million. These unions serve as the mouthpieces of the respective CACAOS in the country; a feat that has helped the unions continue to attract rather than loose membership.COUSCOUS also provides common shared services like education and training; business development, consultancy and research; risk management; and the inter-lending program for CACAOS called Central Finance Program. These services have attracted CACAOS to main loyal members of COUSCOUS, and helping it attain the status of the largest COCO movement in Sub-Sahara Africa. Successfully with the current liberalizing of cooperatives most of the cooperative organizations are functioning without reference to the apex organization.The r ole of spokesperson and representative of the cooperative movement is increasingly being played by national cooperative organizations and cooperative unions. As an example, COUSCOUS being the mother of all Coco's now stands out as the mouth-piece and advocate of CACAOS in all matters that affect the development and growth of these cooperatives. COUSCOUS has been vibrant in the recent past by being vocal, in opposing the retrenchment of employee's as that would affect the membership of Cacaos.Even more significantly, COUSCOUS was recently involved in the formulation of the yet to be debated and enacted COCO Act that sets out to make special provisions for the registration and licensing of Cacaos, prudential requirements, standard forms of accounts, co-operate governance, amalgamations, divisions and liquidations; establishment of a COCO Regulatory Authority, savings protection insurance, and setting up a Central Liquidity Fund, among others. In the circumstances, the collapse of the vertical organization of the cooperative movement in the country is increasingly becoming evident.Another success of the liberalizing is that with liberalizing of the economy, banks such as The Cooperative Bank of Kenya have opened shareholding to individual members of co-operative societies as was duly recommended by their societies in 1996. The bank has however, retained its association with the co-operative movement by restricting 70% of the shares to co-operatives while individual members of societies hold only 30% of the shares and are not entitled to attend the annual general meeting of the ann.. This has helped to keep out private shareholders who might have bought out the bank as has been the case in other African countries.The coming of this policy framework also saw the International Cooperative Alliance's (CA) cooperative principles of voluntary and open membership, democratic member control; member- economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training, cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community became formally incorporated in the cooperative policy. The 1997 policy failed to provide for the separation of the responsibilities of elected management committees from managerial staff responsibilities.Consequently, management decisions were still made by elected leaders that may not be qualified managers. In such response to the inadequacies of the 1997 policy, the Ministry formulated a revised policy framework titled â€Å"Kenya Cooperative Development Policy 2008†. The 2008 policy themed at ‘expanding the economic space for sustainable cooperative growth in Kenya', focused on restructuring, strengthening and transforming cooperatives into vibrant economic entities that can confront the challenges of wealth creation, employment creation and poverty reduction as private business ventures.To date the policy is still up and running. After the fall of Kenya National Federation of Cooperatives KNIFE, the interim Board started developing the strategy in 2007 by holding provincial consultative meetings that focused on how to revive the organization. This culminated in the National Cooperative Leaders Conference in November in 2007, which endorsed a new governance structure, revised By-Laws (2008) and a new funding strategy.The revised By-Laws (Kenya National Federation of Cooperatives, Bibb) proposed a governance structure consisting of a secretariat composed of the Executive Director ND four heads of sections; a technical committee comprising of the Chief Executive Officers of Nachos; the General Assembly as the supreme authority consisting of 75 elected delegates; and the National Governing Council as the executive authority comprising of eight Chairmen of Nachos, seven elected regional representatives, the Commissioner for Cooperative Development and the Executive Director.The By-Laws also address the need for strengthening of the financial capacity of KNIFE, as they propose a graduated sc ale of annual contribution by members based on the type of cooperative organization and annual turnover. This amends have helped to shape the federation up to date with increased number of people. The revitalization program has charted a new direction for the organization, as it restricted its activities to the core objective for which it was formed. That is, to be the mouth-piece of the cooperative movement in Kenya by engaging in advocacy, lobbying, collaboration and networking activities.At the end of the revitalization process, the investment in institutional capacity building of KNIFE should has enabled it to address wealth creation and poverty alleviation of the cooperative movement. Liberalizing has rough about growth of banks such as the Cooperative Bank of Kenya. The Bank has not only been instrumental in providing banking services to cooperatives, but has also been the source of affordable credit for the cooperative movement. For instance, today it lends approximately EKES 3. 5 billion (USED $46. Million) annually to Cacaos, in order to increase their liquidity levels so that they can meet member demands for loans associated with school fees. Moreover, the Cooperative Bank still serves as a mechanism through which most donors to the agricultural sector, particularly those that produce coffee, can channel their support. This has allowed the Cooperative Bank to network with many donors, such as Food Aid Organization (FAA), and the European Union, among others. In the financial sector, CACAOS are also increasingly becoming innovative by developing new products to enhance their income.For instance there's some diversification of traditional products of savings and credit of Coco's by introducing Front Surviving liberalizing: the cooperative movement in Kenya Front Office Service Activity (FOSS). FOSS offers services that members can use to process their monthly salary, while having access to instant cash advances (based n their salary) and maintaining wi thdrawal savings deposits. Currently, slightly over 250 CACAOS operate with this activity in Kenya.In addition, the COCO movement is quickly spreading from its traditional urban and wage employment strongholds into the agricultural sector in rural areas and informal economy. As a success liberalizing has enabled the setup of free market cooperative entities that have led many people to derive their Jobs from marketing products produced by cooperatives. For instance, dairy cooperatives produce various products such as fresh ilk, ghee, butter and yoghurt; while other agricultural cooperatives market coffee, fish, pyrometer and eggs. These products are then passed on to other entities to market to retailers, wholesalers and consumers.To date this trend continues and has helped reduce poverty and provide employment as it was the expectation of the 1996 framework policy paper. Liberalizing has made Cooperatives to be sources of income by generating opportunities for many people, particul arly members of cooperatives. In 2007, primary cooperatives in the agricultural sector had a membership of 1 approximately 50% of whom were estimated to be active. The CACAOS had 6,286,894 members, 98% whom were active in the lending activities of their cooperatives. The other non-agricultural primary cooperatives had a total membership of 334,000, with approximately 50 per cent active.These figures are clear pointers to the significant contribution of cooperatives to poverty reduction and poverty prevention in Kenya to date. This is particularly true as most of the income generated from cooperatives is mainly used to address long-term poverty prevention measures. Liberalizing has brought focus on cooperatives to the core activities of operatives, including agribusiness, entrepreneurship, savings and credit advancement regulations, leadership and governance of cooperatives, and the economic benefits of membership in cooperatives, among others.It is apparent that any cooperative that doesn't provide Economic gains in Kenya tends to be deserted by the members. This is evidenced by dormancy that cooperatives are currently experiencing. A few activities of such successful cooperative ventures could be viewed as attempts at offering social protection to the members and this has brought the growth in some cooperatives in the country. As an advantage the framework policy has seen transformation of the cooperative movement where benevolent funds have been introduced in most CACAOS to which members contribute regularly and only draw from them when they are bereaved.The schemes define the relatives in whose death the member would get assistance to meet the burial expenses, as well as the respective amount of money to which he/ she would be entitled. Gracefully the institutionalizing of the framework paper policy and liberalizing has seen the transformation of the Cooperative Insurance Company(ClC). This company has the ore business of giving protection against risks ass ociated with operation of cooperative enterprise, as well as cooperators themselves.Significant ICC has also developed a micro-finance insurance scheme specifically for covering savings of micro-finance institutions (Miff) in case a person with a loan passes away before completing repayment. Negative aspects of the liberalizing of cooperatives Consequently, the immediate impact on most co-operatives was mainly negative. The elected leaders abused the freedom bestowed on them and to the detriment of many cooperative societies.Corruption cases; gross mismanagement by officials; theft of operative resources; split of viable co-operatives into small uneconomic units; failure by employers to surrender members' deposits to co-operatives (particularly Cacaos); failure to hold elections in co-operatives; favoritism in hiring and dismissal of staff; refusal by co-operative officials to vacate office after being duly voted out; conflict of interest among co-operative officials; endless litiga tion; unauthorized co- operative investments; and illegal payments to the management committees were increasingly reported in many co-operatives and up to date the trend is till continuing though at a reduced scale.Though there's a surge of cooperative societies the indication is that up to date there's recorded numbers of dormant cooperative societies. In 2004, the Kenya Union of Savings and credit cooperatives actually estimated that 42% of the cooperative societies were dormant. The number is still increasing and this isn't beneficial to the eradication of poverty through employment and innovation. The relative poor performance of agricultural cooperatives could also be attributed to the liberalizing of the co-operative sector without adequately preparing the co-operatives. There's also the element of over dependence of the agriculture sector, which leads to failure unexpectedly. Liberalizing has brought about immense changes in the cooperative movement.The Kenya National Federat ion of Cooperatives was the national apex of cooperative movements in Kenya. Its dominance declined drastically due to corruption and mismanagement reason being that poor management over the years saw KNIFE deviate from its core business into other activities, such as auditing, education and training as well as research and consultancy. Such activities were already being performed by some of its members, and subsequently KNIFE ended up competing with some of its members hat were offering the same services to the cooperative movement. In the circumstances some cooperatives found no reason for being members of a federation that they saw as a competitor.However its quick revival was established in 2005 after the then minister of cooperatives dissolved Knife's Board of Directors and replaced it with an interim board (Kenya National Federation of Cooperatives, AAA). Interim Board of Directors that was appointed by the Minister in May 2005 immediately embarked upon developing strategies f or reform and restructuring to revivalist the organization (Kenya National Federation of Cooperatives, 2007). As a active impact KNIFE has largely been ineffective in representing the cooperative movement during policy and legal processes. As an example, it failed to effectively participate and influence changes to the 1997 Cooperative Societies Act that produced the Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2004.KNIFE started monopolizing donor support after the ACT had been enacted to hold consultations on the implications of the Act, which was too late to achieve any impact. Perhaps this also explains the absence of cooperatives in national development debates. KNIFE has lacked even up to date the urge to influence policy and legislative debates in Kenya, aging it difficult to improve the visibility of the cooperative movement. This is surely a liberalizing downfall a thing that the paper framework couldn't expect to happen. As a negative effect liberalizing has reduced government s upport since autonomy was given to the private sector this free market approach has unfortunately brought to the decline of, the number of trainees from Cooperative college of Kenya.Cooperatives attending the college have been reducing since the liberalizing due to the tremendous reduction in government sponsorship to the cooperative movement for training purposes. Left on their own, most cooperatives, especially in the agricultural sector, have been unable to raise the required fees for their staff to train at the college. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the impact of liberalizing has seen cooperatives survive the market forces and open up more enterprising innovations that secure the welfare of employees. Successfully much legislation has been put in place that is still working up to date and this has helped to attract more members to cooperatives. On the downside corruption is still rampant as the societies grow new schemes are being hatched to hamper the progress of the cooperatives.

6 Rules of Authoritative Leaders

6 Rules of Authoritative Leaders Authoritative Leaders are really good at setting the vision and painting an appealing picture of where we are going. The authoritative leader will not tell you how to get there, but will be inspiring you to follow. So he or she will say ‘Come with me’, ‘Look at where we are going’. When we catch someone we don’t tell them what to do, but we help people to find their own answers. A coaching style is really good to help the individual to unlock their potential. Some of the questions that we may ask in a coaching style is ‘What are you trying to achieve?’, ‘How can you get there?’. Democratic means that we share the problem space and in that sense a democratic leader will almost take a step back and denounce their leadership roles. They will ask people what they feel is the right thing to do. It has been proven that decision making by consensus is not most effective way of finding a good decision. Affiliative style is all about the harmony. It’s a very heart based style. People come first. If you are working with a team that feels a bit unsettled. Maybe, because two organizations have merged or something has happened. In that case people may not be ready to focus on the job because they are too much in the emotional part of the brain. In that case affiliative style can be really effective. As a pace setter I set a standard. ‘I will show how the job is to be done’. so I am not afraid of getting in there and really working with my team to show them how it must be done. In a long run that can be quite an exhausting style because I am here as a leader. I do it and I expect you to follow it. This is the old fashioned. Command and control management style where ‘It is my way’ or ‘No way’ or ‘You do as I tell you’. Coercive style, as you can probably imagine is not very effective in the long run because it doesn’t leave a lot of room for an individual to perform well and its not very empowering. But there is a time and place where it is appropriate. For example: In a crisis situation when a building is burning, I give you the direction to get out but we shouldn’t abuse this style because we think there is always crisis going on.

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History- World War I - Essay Example From the many quantifiable losses of WWI we consider further some of the major impacts of the war as far as the civilian populace is concerned. First, the war created a major social and moral blow upon the society resulting to social disorders (Bourne, â€Å"Total War,† par. 62). Most of the European states involved in the war like Russia, Germany, and Italy experience social chaos. Political leaders are finding reasons for their failures and created oppositions from various sectors. The weak governments that were created after the war invited new ideologies to come out. The leaders and the populace are looking for identity which leads to the rise of ideologists that created totalitarian regimes in their desperate moves to control society and return the country to order. The rise of Mussolini, Hitler, and Stalin are proof to this argument. The effects could have lasted if not for the eruption of another war as the consequence and the end to major autocratic regimes. The wars t hat erupted changed the perspective of the people against the use of power to resolve conflict and this effect lasted until now where the general public favors diplomatic resolutions against violence. These facilitated the birth of International Peace Organizations like the League of Nations, predecessor of the United Nations in the worlds attempt to control global order (Townshend, â€Å"The League of Nations.† Par. 1) The emotional trauma was equally important aftermath of WWI. This trauma is brought by deaths of fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, relatives and friends. However, the effects vanished or reduced in intensity as years passed as new generations replaced those who were directly involved in the war. But war memorials, which still stand until this time, served as reminders to mankind of the consequence of his actions. In the economic side, some countries gained while others losses. Much of Europe became economically burdened due to the cost of war including

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Management in Apple - Case Study Example This was a threat to the company in their own country. There is also a negative expression on the company contributed by poor working condition cases at Foxconn. The opportunity for Apple Company is the expected high profit of $321 per iPhones that is an evidence of a global company’s profit. 3. The assertion sounded a bit harsh because as a citizen, the executive would have considered the company’s obligation towards America vital. However, considering the aim of every company of making the profit, the executive was right because the most important thing is growth, quality, and maximum profit. 4. Some of the key stakeholders are Apple Inc., Foxconn, the society and the government who have obligations. The company has an obligation of offering best quality products to their consumers. Foxconn has an obligation of adhering to high-quality work ethics that do not interfere with the Apple’s quality brand. The government has to ensure that Apple adheres to the trade and labor laws put in place. 6. If assembled in China with better labor conditions or pay, I will pay an averagely higher price compared with the current price because there will be an increase in labor cost. However, the lower cost of raw materials in China may make the cost of production not go that high. 7. The negative media coverage has hugely affected Apple’s recent decision to ask the FLA to do an independent assessment and the subsequent decision by Foxconn to raise some salaries because the company is committed to maintaining a brand name and wants to be associated with quality but not failure in the ethical issues.

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Keyword Critique - Research Paper Example In sociology, persons are normally classified into groups according to their socio-economic conditions. Social stratification tries to understand political, social, ideological, cultural, and economic dimensions of social inequality. However, stratification is not homogenous concepts. It is by definition has multiple meanings and the meanings changes when placed against different contexts and different actors. In sociology, the use of the term stratification has changed from time to time. It even substantially changes in terms of meaning and practice in different schools such as Marxism, functionalism and structuralism. II. The Conceptualization of Stratification When someone tries to find answer of poverty in any society the concept of stratification becomes important. If we try to locate reasons behind the backwardness of Black people or women vis-a-vis White people or we try to gauge chances of a child born into working class family to climb the social ladder, we will lend into ou rselves into the study of social stratification. The methodological analysis of stratification seeks ‘to discover social gulfs- to find the gaps in people’s social relations and experience- which might explain the fissures in people’s perception of each other. ... Max Weber has tried to elaborate the concept of social stratification wherein he studies stratification in traditional societies or we could call them status-based societies and of modern societies. According to him in traditional societies, person’s social status was depended upon his ascribed status wherein a person possesses qualities, which are beyond his control like sex, class at birth ethnicity, race, caste, or religion. Whereas in modern society element of achievement or personal qualities defines persons social status. Max Weber has made distinction between social class, which is defined according to material wealth, and status class, which depends upon social honor, prestige and links to the religious institutions. Studies of social stratification try to understand at what extends class or status system affects modes of social action. It analyses class and status structures and its reproduction in the society. Social stratification tries to understand how inequality of condition and opportunities affects outcome and what are the methods used by groups to protect their class or status boundaries. In simple word, how people maintain their class privileges and how other sections try to get access to it, these are the issues which get importance in the study of social stratification. Social stratification investigates various ways through which class, status-groups are formed in the society, and through it sociologist understand the society. While fiercely criticising the empirical sociology dominated in the United States, Anderson and Massey points out that â€Å"as the status attainment model came to dominate American sociology, the study of stratification became progressively despatialized. Socio-economic outcomes were conceptualized as individual-level

Careers in Lodging and Food and Beverage Industries Essay - 1

Careers in Lodging and Food and Beverage Industries - Essay Example The National Restaurant Association notes that there are a variety of positions that exist in the food industry. Some of the job titles in this respect include baker, bartender, beverage manager, banquet manager, general manager, pastry chef, wine steward, president, and human resource manager among others. Generally, restaurants employ people to work in the kitchen, front-of-house, back-of-house, and as servers. Restaurants always employ people to work as managers in different capacities. Some of the management positions in the restaurant industry include banquet manager, general manager (quick service), beverage manager, catering manager, dining room manager, general manager (fullservice), human resources manager, kitchen manager, public relations manager, and president/CEO. The banquet manager is charged with the responsibility of planning and overseeing parties, conventions, and banquets among other special events that the restaurant hosts or caters for (National Restaurant Assoc iation, 2013). More specifically, the banquet manager solicits business, supervises and coordinates banquet functions, and ensures that customers are satisfied with the products and services they receive during the events. In order for one to qualify as a banquet manager, they have to be knowledgeable in food production and service. Furthermore, they should be able to perform all duties related to banquet operations, and lead, train and supervise banquet staff. The beverage manager is charged with the responsibility of managing lounges and bars among other outlets that deal with beverages and ensuring that they are profitably run (National Restaurant Association, 2013). On the other hand, the catering manager has the responsibility of overseeing all catered functions. The catering manager delegates duties to catering staff, works hand in hand with the sales team to ensure that the restaurant gets and maintains clients, and listens to and addresses customer complaints. Other function s of the catering manager are organizing decorations, photographs, and flowers; booking entertainment bands and facilities, and planning the rent of facilities that may be needed for functions such as linen and tables. The dining room manager oversees the operations of the dining room and ensures that food service activities are properly coordinated (National Restaurant Association, 2013). The manager also directs staff to plan menus and perform related activities; budgets for supplies; and supervises and trains employees. The dining room manager also ensures that budget limitations are respected in addition to maintaining bookkeeping and payroll records. The food and beverage manager generally manages the operations of the food service outlet, kitchen and catering services. The manager also liaises with the sales team to ensure that the restaurant maximizes its profits. The human resources manager is in charge of maintaining a qualified and well motivated staff to work in the resta urant. In particular the manager hires workers, develops in-house training programs, and solves any other issues related to employees and their careers (National Restaurant Association, 2013). The public relations manager has the duty of ensuring that the restaurant has a positive image. They are also concerned with such activities as fund raisers, newsworthy

HISTORY ON FILM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

HISTORY ON FILM - Essay Example Also implied is the fact that there would be inaccuracies. The first time I viewed Amadeus, and that was eons ago, I was absolutely bedazzled, awed and completely swept off my feet by the gripping story, the cinematography, the elaborate costumes, the art direction, the makeup, the magnificent acting of the two leads F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri and Tom Hulce as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and of course the impeccable direction of Milos Forman. But what makes it memorable through the years is the revival of the music of one of the greatest composers the world has ever known and the restaging of his operas. Here, we are treated to a glimpse to some of Mozart’s everlasting operas e.g. The Abduction From The Seraglio, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute. This movie gives free lessons on opera and music appreciation. We have to give kudos to Milos Forman, the director and the scriptwriter, Peter Shaffer for faithfully recreating and transporting all of us viewers to 18th century Vienna and Salzburg. This was spe cifically 1769, the time that Mozart displayed to all and sundry glimpses of his immense talent before the arrogant Archbishop of Salzburg and his court to the year 1791, the year of Mozart’s demise and Salieri’s confinement in a mental institution. Both Forman and Shaffer ensured that we, viewers, become a part of the excessive bacchanalian revelries of the aristocrats and people who matter in Austria; the pompous celebration of art, music and culture; that we view the ornate, majestic edifices of the 18th century Austria ruled by the Hapsburg royalty, which at this juncture in time was governed by the highly cultured Emperor Joseph II, the son of Empress Maria Theresa and Francis I and the brother of the ill-fated Marie Antoinette of France. We have to note that this is the heyday of the renaissance and thus, there is rebirth of classical art, literature, learning and architecture in Austria. Swept out

The movie Thor (2011) [N] Holywood Film Critique Essay

The movie Thor (2011) [N] Holywood Film Critique - Essay Example The titular character is the eldest son of Odin, the King of Asgard. As such, he has been prepared to eventually take on the mantle of leadership. The young prince is, as one might expect, proud and impetuous. Some would say, ill-equipped to fully understand the ramifications and intricacies of rule. So, it hardly comes as a surprise that when frost giants, the Asgardians’ defeated enemy, infiltrate the palace on the day of Thor’s succession, the once and future king is eager to retaliate despite his father’s express orders not to do so. Instead, the young prince takes some of his friends to the frost giants’ homeworld, demanding they answer for the attack on Asgard. Thor’s foolish actions nearly result in the outbreak of war were it not for the timely intervention of Odin. As punishment for his egregious lapse in judgement, Thor is stripped of his power and cast out. He soon finds himself on Earth where, as fate would have it, he meets Jane Foster, a brilliant young physicist that specializes in studying wormholes. Back on Asgard, Odin falls into a coma, which allows his younger son, Loki, to assume power. Of course, this is all part of Loki’s plan to seize power. As the film unfolds, Thor’s experiences on Earth temper his youthful impetuousness and teaches him the true meaning of rule. This culminates in Thor making the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life so that Earth might be spared. Interestingly enough, his heroic act restores his powers. The two brothers fight and eventually Loki is defeated. Thor’s transformation throughout the film highlights an interesting shift in our notions of â€Å"heroes† or â€Å"champions†. At the start of the film, Thor is pretty much a â€Å"champion† in a pre-Christian sense of the word. He is strong, brave, and eager for battle. But by the film’s end, Thor has transformed into a somewhat messianic figure. In fact, this is

Promoting Family Involvement and Providing Program Management Assignment

Promoting Family Involvement and Providing Program Management - Assignment Example They can talk about what works and what does not work. Teachers working collaboratively will make preschool an enjoyable teaching and learning experience for both the children and the teachers. They are more organized and better prepared for parents, visitors, and other people who may enter the school. They are also better prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Teachers work as social workers when they deal with various ethical dilemmas. Some of the ethical problems teachers need to work through are as follows: 1. Teachers must know and be able to keep confidentiality. The provider must keep what the parents tell them in confidence. They must be trusted to listen and to help, and not to tell others. This could be a problem when dealing with possible child abuse. 2. What are your beliefs for the child and the adult. This means do you always agree with how each of you will handle different problems that arise. 3. Showing respect is one way to get reasonable behavior from people, adults and children and this is a way to make them feel they are capable of reason, of thought. 4. Listening and paying attention and showing how they decide what to report if danger could be around the corner. 5. They have to know that there are limits to being helpful. 6. Teachers have to learn about different views, values and beliefs to make a child’s life richer. 7. They also must know how much information to give pertaining to the child and the family to be able to care for them. The three of them that could pertain to children are to make sure that they listen and pay attention to what goes on around them and you. They also need to learn about showing respect for the people around them. The three that pertains to teachers could be the ones dealing with the information and knowing how much to tell when problems arise with the child or the family. Teachers need to know how to gain the confidence of the parents and must have the ability to keep

Scene between Elizabeth and Proctor Essay Example for Free

Scene between Elizabeth and Proctor Essay During the two exchanges Miller creates semantic fields using temperature as the subject. In Act 1 this field focuses on heat to describe the relationship between John Proctor and Abigail. Within the exchange Abigail uses this imagery of heat frequently â€Å"I have a sense for heat† and â€Å"burning in your loneliness†. The words â€Å"heat† and â€Å"burning† create the semantic field and are used to portray the passion and lust that caused the affair. This use of heat also presents their relationship as alive as â€Å"heat† is immediately linked to fire through the use of the word â€Å"burning†. This causes their relationship to be seen as intense and bright like flame in a fire. The images of heat are immediately linked to their affair when Abigail says how he â€Å"sweated like a stallion†. This, â€Å"sweated†, is caused by their desire which is presented by heat during the scene. Miller uses this semantic field to present the relationship between the two characters as uncontrolled and based on carnal desire and lust rather than a relationship based on love which would last. Miller goes further to emphasise this as Abigail says â€Å"You are no wintry man†. This confirms that their relationship is based on â€Å"heat† as she even goes as far as to say that no coldness or even common sense is present within John when he is with her. This defines their relationship completely as she denies that coldness exists within them. In complete contrast to the semantic field of heat in Act 1, during the exchange between Elizabeth and Proctor the semantic field revolves around the cold. Miller uses this to present their relationship as controlled and strained. Elizabeth and Proctor’s relationship has been affected badly by the affair and the trust between the two is lost. John says how â€Å"it is winter in here yet.† The word â€Å"winter† affirms the feelings that the relationship is cold and now they are distant from one another. The use of â€Å"winter† also makes the audience feel as though, like nature in winter, the relationship between the two is dead. This is contrasting to the exchange in Act 1 as their relationship is portrayed like a fire which is alive and burns brightly and intensely. This dead atmosphere continues to grow as Proctor states how a â€Å"funeral marches round your heart.† The word â€Å"funeral† immediately conjures the images of death and the audience is alerted more prominently to the theme of death that surrounds their relationship. The mention of a â€Å"funeral† also stretches further to bring an element of sadness and despair to their relationship. This adds to the themes of cold and dead. Miller goes further to present their relationship as like ice. Proctor describes Elizabeth’s judgement as â€Å"your justice would freeze beer!†. This links to the semantic field of the cold and presents their relationship as hard and unyielding as ice. The use of the exclamation mark makes the feeling of cold more definite and pronounced. During both exchanges the atmosphere is presented as tense due to the affair which Proctor had with Abigail. In the scene with Elizabeth and Proctor it is prominent in the way they interact with one another and how the pace and volume begin to increase as the scene progresses. At the very beginning of the scene John is shown to be tampering with the stew Elizabeth has produced, â€Å"takes a pinch of salt, and drops it into the pot†, however, Elizabeth is not aware of this. Proctor does not want to offend Elizabeth or make their relationship more awkward so he seasons the stew without telling her. This could be interpreted as the beginning of the tension in Act 2 as the audience would think it unnatural that a married couple do not share their true feelings to one another. The tension is amplified when Elizabeth is presented as being suspicious of Proctor, â€Å"What keeps you so late†, she appears to be insecure and suspicious as to whether he is still having an affair with Abigail. Their relationship is not presented as stable but forced and strained. This causes tension in the audience as they are aware of the underlying issues but here feelings are being suppressed and the audience know that at some point they will have to be released. The biggest increase in tension is caused by the increase in volume. John begins to shout at Elizabeth, â€Å"I’ll not have it!†, the exclamation mark shows this obvious increase in volume. Here, the audience knows that all the emotions that have been suppressed are now being expressed. This is similar to â€Å"the crucible† imagery as their emotions have been â€Å"bubbling† under the surface and have now spilt out. This increase in volume creates the most tension as it is similar to the build up of volume that the audience experienced in Act 1, the audience know that there will soon be climax of tension which will lead to a disaster. Similarly, in the exchange between Abigail and Proctor, tension steadily increases as the scene progresses. The first cause of tension within the scene is the audience’s realisation of an affair between Abigail and Proctor. This domestic tension is already strong as the audience are aware of the religious back ground from which both characters belong.  Another contrast between the two exchanges is how feelings are shown between the two characters. During Abigail’s and Proctor’s exchange the feelings between the two are presented as uncontrollable and wild. Abigail says how John â€Å"sweated like a stallion whenever I come near!† The bestial imagery is used to describe their sexual relations. Miller does this to show how low their actions were and how they responded to carnal desire instead of abstaining and following their heads. The bestial imagery also presents them as untamed and so therefore not in control of their reactions or emotions. This sense of uncontrollability is continued with the repeated use of the word â€Å"wild†. â€Å"A wild thing may say wild things† This portrays Abigail and John as untamed and reinforces the idea that they are animal like. This makes the audience understand how they are relying on pure instinct alone and not using common sense to make decisions. During the exchange Abigail is not hesitant to respond to any sign that John is being affectionate. John is described as having â€Å"his smile widening†, this could be perceived as slightly flirtatious and therefore confirms that there is an attraction between the two. Abigail immediately responds to this slight flirtation quite strongly. â€Å"Give me a soft word, John. A soft word. [Her concentrated desire destroys his smile]†, Abigail is shown as pleading with John. Her dialogue presents her as desperate for his affection and the use of the phrase â€Å"concentrated desire† during the stage directions shows her inability to control her emotions as they are â€Å"concentrate† which impies they are incredibly strong and not easily contained. During the exchange between Elizabeth and Proctor, the portrayal of their emotions is much more controlled than in the exchange between Proctor and Abigail. The two characters are hesitant and are careful in picking their words. Elizabeth and Proctor seem to be making â€Å"small talk† and exchanging pleasantries. The two characters do not elaborate and act as if they have just met, â€Å"are you well today?† to which Elizabeth replies â€Å"I am†. These short sentences show the simplicity of their exchange and present their relationship as false and acted. Elizabeth and Proctor keep their emotions contained and stay on safe topics to avoid the underlying issues. During the stage directions Miller wrote â€Å"It is as though she would speak but cannot†. This immediately shows her emotions being suppressed as it appears that she cannot move on from Proctor’s betrayal. Elizabeth is hesitant to talk about her feelings or about the problem within their relationship. This is a stark contrast to the previous exchange between Abigail and Proctor as during their exchange their feelings were clearly shown and the issue was tackled directly. Elizabeth continues to control the output of her emotions when John kisses her. Her response to Proctor is minimal and she appears quiet and unresponsive. â€Å"Kisses her. She receives it†, Millers use of short sentences again shows the simplicity of the exchange. The verb â€Å"receives† shows her to be passive as she does not respond to Proctor’s affectionate gesture. This again contrasts to the previous exchange as Abigail immediately responded to any slight indication of affection.

Symbolic Interactionism Essay Example for Free

Symbolic Interactionism Essay Living in the modern feverish world with its unprecedented level of change which is generating new developments in social, political, cultural, technological, and other spheres of our life, one may easily become engulfed by the dynamics of our social environment but remain ignorant of the actual mechanisms and hidden driving forces behind social processes. In their turn, various branches of social science have never abandoned attempts to establish and elaborate proper accounts that would explain how societies function, and what laws govern them. This ambitious task is on one hand made more difficult by the mentioned ever accelerating dynamics of our modern social environment, as the rapid pace of changes produces new phenomena that social theories must accommodate or be amended. On the other hand, the modern dynamic world serves as a kind of a laboratory that can test the validity of some fundamental and influential theoretical perspectives. One such major school of sociology is symbolic interactionism, the theoretical perspective which suggests that attention to the subjective aspects of social relationships is necessary to understand that people are pragmatic players who have to correlate their actions with behaviour of other people, and that such adjustment is done through assignation to our actions, actions of other people, and even to ourselves of symbolic meaning that influences not only our behaviour and attitudes but existing social structures as well (Gingrich, 2000). However, despite the firm place that this perspective holds in the field of social sciences, it has been suggested that explanations that symbolic interactionism gives for the influence of social structures on behaviour and attitudes are unconvincing. In this regard, let us take a closer look at the basic postulates of symbolic interactionism, and try to find out whether it indeed is incapable of proving itself out. For this purpose we should establish in what ways social structures can influence our behaviour and attitudes from the point of view of symbolic interactionism, and then critically examine whether symbolic interactionist’s explanations are always adequate. Symbolic interactionism has a long history of development that can be traced to the German sociologist Max Weber (1864-1920), and to the American scholar George H. Mead (1863-1931). Both of them accentuated the importance of pragmatism as the factor that influences social processes, and of subjective meanings ascribed to social processes and human behaviour. In 1902 Charles Cooley (1864-1929) detailed the way people tend to perceive themselves, and introduced the concept of the looking glass self under which people construct self-images as if through eyes of others. In 1934 George H. Mead in frames of his investigation of deviance proposed a theory that was focused on processes of differentiation of the conventional and denounced behaviour. One of the important conclusions of Mead was that our self-perception is always placed in the larger social context, and that the self has to be treated as the product of processing of social interactions and symbols by an individual mind (Denzin, 1992, pp.2-21). In fact, the further studies of deviance greatly contributed to the development of symbolic interactionism. For example, another influential social theorist Howard Becker (born 1928) also elaborated the view of deviance as of not merely some type of behaviour, but as of a product of social interaction. Becker criticised theories of deviance that conformed to the commonly accepted values, and pointed out that it was not that crucial to examine concrete individual deviant actions because deviance is only a behaviour that breaks rules and leads to the attachment of labels by opinions of the majority (Becker, 1997). Finally, the very term symbolic interactionism was introduced by Herbert Blumer (1900-1987), who also formulated one of leading versions of this perspective (Gingrich, 2000). In general terms, symbolic interactionists are devoted to microsociology and mostly explore interpersonal everyday interaction. The symbolic interactionist perspective is concerned with the task to understand how people behave individually, and how they influence one another in the social environment. Naturally, for this perspective macro elements of society like government and the economy are not interesting. For interactionists, their attention to the interaction of individuals and groups is the tool to obtain new useful perspectives, to confirm or disprove expectations, and to define the boundaries of that pertaining to an individual and to a group. Simply put, this sociological perspective, in contrast to macro perspectives, analyses societies from bottom up, as for it society emerges out of interaction between individuals and small groups, which makes society inherently dynamic and constantly changing. Thus, for the interactionist perspective it is constant change, instead of fixed patterns, that defines the true nature of society, and these are acting people who constitute the true social basis. All other formations present in societies are simply human creations that emerge out of the mentioned interaction. What adds dynamics to this perspective is the ensuing conclusion that society is actually permanently being re-created, which makes symbolic interactionist perspective indeterministic. In many cases interaction that is interesting for symbolic interactionists is occurring in the so-called reference groups – various professional organisations, like for example doctors or teachers, groups based on friendship, groups united by education, groups formed within communities we live in, etc. While some groups are more cohesive, and others do not last long, dynamics and change that emerge when people communicate is what is common between them. When taken together, such reference groups represent society. In this connection, a branch of symbolic interactionism termed ethnomethodology raises a relevant question of how it is possible that interaction between people, who do not always have a complete understanding of each other and who have different world views, can produce what is seen as a social order. Harold Garfinkel highlighted problems that ethnomethodology deals with by conducting series of the so-called breaching experiments, when students, among other things, were for instance trying to essentially prevent the possibility of maintenance of common conversations as they refused to accept as fact that they could be sure that they understood what their conversational partners were saying (Garfinkel, 1985, pp.35-75). This demonstrates that what is normally viewed as a routine social procedure of communication is based on sets of social instructions that govern our behaviour, and that violation of such rules may break social order and prevent meaningful interaction between people. Considering the interest of symbolic interactionists in immediate communication, in their investigations they favour the methodology of participant observation instead of traditional sociological surveys. They believe that to properly comprehend actions of people and of social situations it is necessary to get immersed as much as possible in lives of subjects of studies. On ground of what we have observed, it is not surprising then that the notion of symbolic interaction holds a very important place within the field of social sciences because it draws our attention to the fact that the interaction between people and groups takes place via symbols and symbolic representations of social reality. In fact, what forms the basis of symbolic interactionism is the concept of symbol. In this case symbol can be defined as something that can properly represent some other element of reality. In this way, symbolic interactionist perspective introduces into the social life a set of widely spread conventional traditions and customs, and thus deals not only with the immediate interaction between people and groups, but at the same time studies common meanings that people instill in society as they interact. Therefore, one of the key features of symbolic interactionism is its interpretation of social structures, which in the general sense can be defined as social formations and groups that stand in a certain relation to each other, as growing out of the symbolic perception of reality by human beings. The importance of this quality of human interaction is hard to overestimate, as symbolic part of social life often substitutes reality, as exemplified by an observation of W. I. Thomas that if people define situations as real, then consequences of those situations are real (Denzin, 1992, pp.16,18). And as Erving Goffman (1922-1982) put it, there can be no ultimate truth but only its interpretations. Goffman also viewed humans as actors, thus turning the adoption of social roles into a principal means of symbolic interaction between people that enables us to share alternative perspectives and understand how our actions might be construed by other actors in our field of communication. This justifies Goffman`s view of society as an inhomogeneous theatre-like formation in which we have to behave differently in different situations, so that there is no one grand context that society is placed in, but a lot of specific contexts (Goffman, 2004, pp.238-252). Now, I believe that our above considerations should somewhat change our perception of possible accusations of symbolic interactionism in its inability to provide a convincing explanation of the influence of social structures on behaviour and attitudes. Indeed, as long as we agree that it is the propensity of human beings to attachment of widely accepted symbolic meanings not only to material object but as well to patterns of social behaviour that underlies social structures which are being constantly recreated from bottom up, then symbolic interactionism is clearly a perspective that seems to confirm on the micro level the existence of inseparable link between social structures and behaviour of people. In fact, it places actions of human agents prior to formation of social structures, and is mostly focused on the influence of the immediate interaction between people on larger social formations that emerge from it. Thus, this perspective tips the scale of macro-micro opposition in soc ial sciences towards the micro sociological methodologies. However, if we agree with Goffman`s comparison of society with a theatre, we should also not forget that as there is something behind the scene there equally is a larger context behind symbolic interaction between people. So, symbolic interactionism may be rightfully accused in overemphasising subjective factor, which deprives this perspective of the traditional methodological strictness of social sciences. Moreover, the ascription of pragmatic, and hence rational, qualities to human actors by symbolic interactionism cannot fully interpret new developments that open possibilities for conflicts. For instance, culture shocks that happen in the modern globalised world demonstrate that there are incompatible elements of social and cultural structures symbolically transmitted by each participant of intercultural communication that interfere into the face-to-face communication between people and shape its patterns, but which can be rationally modified by communicating pragmatic agents only to a limited degree. This observation may be construed as demanding the return of social studies to macrosociological theories as in this case the problem is not only to explain how social structures are re-created in symbolic interaction, but what types of symbols and social and cultural structures that correspond to them interacting agents should make sense of in the first place to be able to interact effectively at all (Ward, 2001, pp.61-63), which commands the reversal of the direction of symbolic interactionism`s research from bottom up. Still, I suppose that even though the doubts about the persuasiveness of symbolic interactionism`s explanation cannot be completely disproved, this perspective is very effective within its realm of microsociological studies, so all the difficulties that symbolic interactionism experiences may be attributed to the difficulties in bridging the conceptual gap between micro and macro views of society. Finally, coming back to the mentioned dynamics of social environment that has become the hallmark of modernity, the attention that symbolic interactionism pays to change as an inevitable and natural consequence of interaction between agents within societies, in any case makes this perspective especially urgent for our better understanding of the complex social world we live in. Sources Becker, H., S., (1997), Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance, Free Press Blumer, H., (1986). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method, University of California Press Denzin, N., K., (1992), Symbolic Interactionism and Cultural Studies: The Politics of Interpretation, Blackwell Publishers Garfinkel, H., (1985), Studies in Ethnomethodology, Polity Press Gingrich, P., (2000), â€Å"Symbolic Interactionism†, University of Regina Department of Sociology and Social Studies, viewed 11 May, 2006, http://uregina.ca/~gingrich/f10 0.htm. Goffman, E., (2004), The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Gardners Books Ward, C., (2001), Psychology of Culture Shock, Routledge

What Islam Bestows To Humanity Religion Essay

What Islam Bestows To Humanity Religion Essay ABSTRACT Humanity needs Islam for its spiritual transformation. It needs Islam to live happily and successfully in this life. It needs Islam to find salvation in the life to come. Islam is the religion of truth and it guides to all that is good. WHAT ISLAM BESTOWS TO HUMANITY? Almost all moral or religious reform revival movements prior to Islam emerged as reactions against existing orders. This explains as to why they were one-sided failed to address all aspect of human life. For example, Taoism-a Chinese version of mysticism- taught a corrupt and vice-ridden China to neglect material pleasures. Confucianism-a middle of the road approach- was opposed to these principles and called upon those who had retreated to monasteries to seek spiritual purification and individual piety in and through the thicks of life to establish a virtuous state and live a social life among the people. Indias vast fertile land was invaded several times, which caused its religions to become very mystical. In addition, asceticism grew as a reaction against the previously prevalent luxury and debauchery.  [1]  Likewise Judaism was heavily this worldly in its approach. Christianity, on the other hand, particularly in the beginning, developed too much as an otherworldly religio n. It was a revelation, as Jesus Christ himself emphasized, for a particular nation at a particular time and in particular circumstances, and so was not the final and complete Divine message.  [2]  Only Muhammad (PBUH) emerged a the last Prophet of God to reveal His truth. Before this, polytheism and other variants of disbelief were prevalent: Most of humanity did not believe in God, but associated other gods with Him.  [3]  As people measured not God with His true measure  [4]  , some believed that He had a son while others erroneously considered the angels to be His daughters.  [5]   The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) revealed the truth about God and uncompromisingly emphasized His oneness Unity. With him, God perfected His religion and declared that the true religion with Him is Islam  [6]  and: therefore, whoso desires another religion than Islam, it shall not be accepted of him and in the next world he shall be among the losers  [7]  . God revealed that the message , the prophet of islam, brought was universal,  [8]  that he spoke only what was revealed to him, and that he did not speak on his own authority. We appointed for you a Messenger from among you so that he will recite to you Our signs, purify you, and teach you the Book, wisdom, and what you do not know.  [9]  Such facts were foretold by Jesus  [10]  and mentioned in the Quran  [11]  . Only purified souls can use science and technology to benefit humanity. If this fact is ignored, such knowledge can lead to death distruction as we witnessed in the twentieth century. Only purified s ouls fully conversant with science and technology can lead humanity toward true happiness here and salvation in the here after.  [12]   Any religion or system that lacks the principles of spiritual purity or the conditions of a virtuous social life cannot provide true happiness. As will be explained, Islam provides a complete guidance for our lives here and in the hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as the blessing for all the worlds, and so there is no need to renew the Divine message through another Prophet-so long as we hold the eternal and uncorrupted Quran,  [13]  Ã‚   Sunnah of the prophet (PBUH). Islam presents for mankind an equitable, fair and complete system of life, for while it exalts the human spirit and prescribes ideal ethical and spiritual principles for man, it does not deny the importance of the material aspect of his life either.  [14]  It is rather a comprehensive way of life, spiritually and materially, in the conscience of the individual as well as in the behaviour of the society, and includes the principles of social rights and obligations in all dealings, whether they pertain to economics, politics or to international relations.  [15]  Some people contend that Islam, now 1,400 years old, is obsolete and outmoded and, that new guidance is required. Such an assertion is totally unfounded, for Islam was revealed by God as an eternal final message of God to human kind. Further, the Quran assures us that not only the Quran was revealed by God Almighty but it would also be presented by Him. Those who think that Islam has had its sway once, and now it is fu tile to attempt its rebirth, are labouring under grave misconception. The effervescence of its wave-is still curling the waters as the consequences of the Islamic revolution are by no means exhausted. Islam is destined to prevail over all other religions. And this assertion expectation of Quran is yet to be materialized in full. It will be realized nonetheless-with us o without us is a separate question. Moreover, Islam is addressed to essential human nature, so long as his nature remains the same the guidance remain operative effective. It is a modern illusion that everything is subject to change. Human nature show a beautiful balance between elements of permanence and change: Outward forms change, while fundamental principles, basic values, and essential human nature and needs do not.  [16]  Islam is the only religion that embraces all dimensions of life and possesses an established method that allows for the perennial evolution of human society in accordance with lifes fundamental principles and permanent values.  [17]  It is an outlook which manifests itself in all shades of human behaviour. Thus the Islamic concept of social, political and moral order is more concrete and tangible than of any other religion.  [18]   HUMANITY The Islamic concept of religion as a complete code of life has in fact spiritualized all aspects of human existence. It was hitherto thought that the spirit and matter are entities essentially opposed to each other. Religion is concerned only with the soul and has nothing to do with mundane activities of human body which gravitate him towards evil. The depravity of human nature, especially the supposed essential evil of the body, led to the absolute suppression of the whole sensual side of man. The idea of a religious man was that of an extremely detached , unsocial being. To flee from the social order, and take up the solitary life is the presupposition of salvation. It is in absolute loneliness, isolated from all other human beings that the religious and pious man stands face to face with himself and with Allah. Each person is composed of three parts-spirit, mind and body. Each of these needs to be satisfied. They are so interrelated, and their needs are so different, that neglecting one results in our failing to attain perfection.  [19]   As we read in the Quran: Fair in the eyes of men is the love of what they covet: women, children, stored-up heaps of gold and silver, horses of mark, cattle and tillage.  [20]  Our physical make-up and individual characteristics produce certain inclinations, and we can neither avoid satisfying these lusts implanted in us by the Creator nor be able to get rid of them. This does not mean that people attempting to satisfy their lusts are free to do as they please or cannot overcome their inclinations. On the contrary, this means that we can change our inclinations by exercising our free will, and can control our lust, anger, and other emotions and then use them to propel ourselves along the path of perfection and wisdom.  [21]   Islamic attitude towards the physical needs of a man can be well judged from the following Hadith. It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah b. Amr b. alAs that he was once asked by the holy Prophet (PBUH) whether it was correct that he observed fasts during the days and spend nights standing in prayer. Abdullah affirmed that. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: Dont do that. Keep fast at times and break at times, offer prayer and go to bed also. Your body has a right upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, and your guests have also a right upon you.  [22]  Just as our physical body has its own pleasures and pains, our spirit has its own joys and ailments as well. Sickness hurts the body, while the physical well-being, health, and whatever is in harmony with its nature gives it pleasure. As for the spirit, its pleasures and diseases depend on whether or not the carnal soul has been purified.  [23]   All of us want to reach happiness. The most consummate happiness is to embody and manifest the Divine Attributes and characteristics. The soul of a truly happy person develops by knowing and loving God.  [24]  True happiness cannot be reached or retained unless all of the souls faculties and powers are purified and reformed.  [25]  Partial or temporary Reform or purification will not result in true happiness. Just as a body can be considered healthy only when all of its limbs and organs are healthy, people can attain perfect happiness only when freed from all evil-commanding animal passions preventing their ascension to higher realms.  [26]  Islam does not subscribe to soul-body dualism. Physical urges are an integral part of mans nature: not the result of the original sin, and therefore the demand of their burial is unnatural fraught with unnatural problems. Islam stands for their transformation, education training in order to redirect them to better ends and ideals. Re ason left to itself could be barren impotent. It requires the concurrence of passions to be operative effective. The order that Islam recommends is that our passions should be sub-ordinated to reason; while reason should be guided by revelation. We should never allow the passions to run wild. Piety in Islam does not consist in suppressing the demands of the body; it aims at coordinating them with the demands of the spirit in such a way that life might become full and righteous. The Muslims have been asked not to forbid themselves the use of the bounties of Allah.  [27]  Say: who has forbidden the beautiful gifts of Allah, which He has brought forth for His servants? And the things, clean and pure, which He has provided for sustenance. My Lord forbids only indecencies such of them as are apparent and such as are concealed and sin and highhandedness without justice, and that ye associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down any authority and that you say of Allah what you know not.  [28]   Self Purification does not mean eliminating desires and anger or destroying our reproductive instincts and capacity for self-defense, for such abilities are essential for our survival continued existence. For example, we are endowed with intellect to see the distinction between the devil the Devine. And we are endowed with freedom so that we could choose either of the two. Islam does not condemn outright the appetites of man; it justifies them to the extent where a man can put restraint upon them and control them according to the moral consciousness and thus use them for spiritual development.  [29]  O you apostles! Eat of things that are good and do what is right; of your good things I am cognizant.  [30]   We must express our powers and faculties in a balanced and moderate way so that they can perform their functions properly. Purifying and training the intellect brings knowledge and wisdom, purifying anger engenders courage and forbearance, and purifying passions and desires develop chastity. The moral virtues acquired by those moving toward perfection and the realization of true happiness are wisdom, courage, and chastity.  [31]   Our earthly life covers social, political, and economic aspects as well as spiritual ones. Our worldly nature presses us to be obedient to our desires. History testifies that when the power seekers finally do attain power, they turn to tyranny oppression and enslave the poor and the weak. On the other hand, God is All-Just and never approves of injustice and oppression. Thus the religion He revealed must-demands that our rulers must be conscious of the Day of Judgment. They must be fair just avoid cruelty oppression.  [32]   Muslims believe that the Quran is the word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It serves as the source of the Muslim worldview together with the Hadith and Sunnah and contains all the guidance that we require to lead a good life, both as individuals as members of an Islamic state.  [33]   WHAT ISLAM OFFERS TO HUMANITY? Humanity needs Islam for its spiritual transformation. It needs Islam to live happily and successfully in this life. It needs Islam to find salvation in the life to come. Islam is the religion of truth and it guides to all that is good. The Quran has mentioned in three places: It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it). (al-Tawbah 9:33 see also al-Fath 48:28; al-Saff 61:9). The truth is also called Al-Ilm or knowledge which is the opposite of Al-Zann (the conjecture) Allah says that most people follow conjectures (al-zann) or wild speculations. Were you to follow the common run of those on earth, they will lead you away from the Way of Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but surmise.  [34]  These are nothing but names which you have devised  µ you and your fathers for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire! And indeed there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord.  [35]  But they have no knowledge about it. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against Truth.  [36]   When people do not follow Allahs guidance (al-Huda) they end up in error and go astray (al-dhalal). They wander. Today the humanity is in error (al-dhalal). There is corruption every where. There are those who do not know what is wrong and there are those who know what is wrong but they do wrong things. There are those who know what is right and they do not do right things. The whole world is sick with godlessness, immorality, racism, violence, injustice and oppression. The humanity needs Gods guidance. We human beings have mind, soul and body. We live as individuals and in families and communities. We are confronted with life and death. We need a religion that satisfies all our needs and answers all our questions and queries. Islam, if put to practice, satisfies our minds and souls and takes care of our physical needs. Islam, if translated into actions, brings balance between our individual needs and our social and collective concerns. Islam, if our profession is put to practice, provides success, felicity and happiness in this life and salvation in the eternal life. Islam is the religion that is based on the true natural disposition or Fitrah of human beings. Islam culminates in the most authentic form the same religion that Allah gave to all His Prophets and Messengers. In brief Islam offers to humanity: A clear, simple, sound and profound belief system and Guidance. A balanced action plan, with clear principles that are suitable for all times and places. A universal outlook with a worldwide community of believers and brotherhood of the faithful. A clear and practical vision for success and happiness in here and salvation in the Hereafter. Let us elaborate these points a little further. A clear, simple, sound and profound belief system and Guidance a- Oneness of Allah: This is the most logical, rational and spiritual belief. It is simple, yet ultimate truth and desire of all human beings. Islam teaches that Allah is One, the Lord, Master, Creator with Most Beautiful Names and Attributes. b- The Message of Islam is presented in a Book, the Quran. This book is most authentic. Nothing in this Book is falsified with the advancement of science technology or our knowledge in general. Its message is clear and always fresh and contemporary. c- With the message and the Book there is a human personality who is not mythological but historical. He was the ideal human being who lived the message and presented it to the people in the most beautiful and loving way. Islam is Allahs guidance; it is He who has guided us to this way. Guidance is one of the most important themes of the Quran. The Quran tells us that Allah created everything and He has guided everything: Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created) thing its form, and further, He gave (it) guidance.  [37]  Glorify the name of your Lord, Most High, Who created, then shaped in proper proportion; and he determined the way, then He granted guidance. (al-Ala 87:1-3)  [38]   Allah has guided every thing by fixing its nature and ability. To human beings he also granted moral and spiritual guidance through His Prophets and Messengers. Islamic guidance is for all humanity. Allahs guidance is for all people, in all places and at all times. Islam is the way to which Allah guided all human beings. This religion did not begin with Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him. Islamic guidance is the same that came with the first couple of humanity when they arrived on this earth. When Allah sent Adam and Eve to this earth He told them: We said: Get down you all from here: and if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.'  [39]   Messengers and Prophets of Allah at different times and in different parts of the world received this guidance. This same guidance came to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses and to Jesus and then finally it came to Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him and upon all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah. Allah says: That was the reasoning about Us, which We gave to Abraham (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will, degree after degree: for your Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge. We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do good: And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the Righteous: And Ismail and Elisha, and Jonah, and Lot: and to all We gave favor above the nations: (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and We guided them to a straight Way. This is the Guidance of Allah: He gives that guidance to whom He pleases of His servants. If they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them. These were those whom We gave the Book, and Authority, and Prophethood: if these (their descendants) reject them, behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new People who reject them not. Those were the (prophets) who received Allahs guidance: follow the guidance they received; say: No reward for this do I ask of you: this is not but a reminder for the worlds.  [40]   Allah has given us many sources for guidance. Five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch all these guide us in our life and help us a great deal. It may be observed that the Quran has emphasized the eyes, the ears, the hand heart as the main sources of knowledge. Eyes stand for observational empirical knowledge. Our ears stand for collective heritage of human kind. Our head is the source while our knowledge matures we draw inferences for the future. Heart is the recipient of wisdom values. It is the core of our being. Reason: It is a gift of Allah. He gave human beings reason (Aql) and made the Aql as a condition for all responsibilities. Reason and intellect help us in finding the right direction. Intuition: Sometime we know things and are guided by our instincts feelings without using senses or reason. Revelation: This is the supreme and perfect source of guidance. It is a special gift of Allah that He gave to humanity through His chosen beings people who were the Prophets of Allah. In Islam all these sources are recognized and respected. We thank Allah for our senses and consider them Allahs gifts. Islam is not against reason. Reason and revelation are not mutually contradictory but are mutually complimentary in Islam. Science and religion are also not incompatible in Islam. Islam does not say that we should suspend reason or dismiss science in order to become good believers. However, Islam does emphasize that our senses, our reason, and our intuitions or instincts though necessary are not sufficient sources to guide us. We need divine revelation Prophetic guidance. Reason by itself, without the guidance of revelation, is prone to commit errors. Reason, senses or intuitions cannot guide us in metaphysical eschatological matters, which provide us the true anchorage to our moral spiritual life. We need divine guidance. Allahs guidance is the real guidance: Say: The Guidance of Allah, that is the (true) Guidance. Were you to follow their desires- after the knowledge which has reached you,- then you would find neither Protector nor Helper against Allah.  [41]   Balanced Action Plan: This action plan takes care of the individual, family and society. Its guidance is comprehensive, practical and balanced. It guides: a- In the matters of worship to establish deep and loving relationship with Allah. b- In ethics and morality it teaches discipline, moderation, virtue and goodness. c- Laws and rules it gives rules that are practical, dynamic and progressive. The rules are not rigid. They are practical and their purpose is not to burden us but to guard guide us. Islamic law gives us the knowledge, of our fundamental rights and obligations and of what is good and bad for humanity on the individual and collective levels. Thus the Islamic view of life consists of a set of rights and obligations by which Muslims are expected to follow. Broadly speaking, Islamic law deals with our life in terms of our relationship with our Creator, ourselves (our rights upon ourselves), other people, and our natural environment (the rights of the resources that God has given to us for our benefit).  [42]   Muslims are urged to perform their daily prayers in congregation, and must do the same for the Friday noon congregational prayer. This creates a bond of love and mutual understanding, arouses a sense of collective unity, fosters a collective purpose, and inculcates a deep feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood. Prayers are a symbol of equality, for poor and rich, low and high, rulers and ruled, educated and uneducated, black and white all stand in rows and prostrate before their Lord. Furthermore, this gives a strong sense of collective discipline and obedience to the communitys leader. Prayers train Muslims in those virtues that engender the development of a rich individual and collective life.  [43]   Islam regards human beings as Gods vicegerents and cannot tolerate the degradation brought on by their submission to humiliation or oppression, for Islam is the real way to freedom and liberation. It invites people to struggle against oppression and tyranny for their freedom and dignity. By prostrating before God, Muslims declare that they bow to no other power. Islam forbids serfdom; promises universal freedom, independence in thought, action, property, and religion; and safeguards a persons integrity, honor, and dignity.  [44]   Islam frees people from their lusts so that sensual pleasure does not tempt and corrupt them. Consuming intoxicants and engaging in gambling, nightclubs, mixed social activities, overspending, conspicuous consumption, arrogance, greed, and so on are all humiliating factors that destroy a persons honor and dignity. Colonialists and imperialists used such practices to enslave Muslims and many other peoples. Only the daily prayer and other forms of worship, such as alms-giving (zakat), inculcate the will to struggle against self-degradation.  [45]   Universal Outlook: Islam is not racist or ethnocentric. It teaches that all human beings are equal. It removes the barriers of nationalism, color, caste or language. It is against all discriminations and prejudices. It teaches justice for all people. It teaches peace and tolerance, freedom of opinion and expression. Islam establishes a worldwide community of faith and brotherhood. Islam is a word derived from the root words Silm and Salamah. It means surrendering, guiding to peace and contentment, and establishing security and accord. Islam is a religion of security, safety, and peace. These principles permeate the lives of Muslims. When Muslims stand to pray, they cut their connection with this world, turning to their Lord in faith and obedience, and standing at attention in His presence. Completing the prayer, as if they were returning back to life, they greet those on their right and left by wishing peace: Remain safe and in peace. With a wish for safety and security, peace and contentment, they return to the ordinary world once again. Greeting and wishing safety and security for others is considered one of the most beneficial acts in Islam. When asked which act in Islam is the most beneficial, the Prophet (PBUH) replied, Feeding others and greeting those you know and those you do not know. How unfortunate it is that Islam, which is based on this understanding and spirit, is shown by some circles to be synonymous with terrorism. This is a grave historical mistake; wrapping a system based on safety and trust in a veil of terrorism just shows that the spirit of Islam remains unknown. If one were to seek the true face of Islam in its own sources, history, and true representatives, then one would discover that it contains no harshness, cruelty, or fanaticism. It is a religion of forgiveness, pardon, and tolerance, as such saints and princes of love and tolerance as Rumi, Yunus Emre, Ahmed Yesevi, Bedià ¼zzaman  [46]  and many others have so beautifully expressed. They spent their lives preaching tolerance, and each became a legend in his own time as an embodiment of love and tolerance. Jihad can be a matter of self-defense or of removing obstacles between God and human free choice. Our history is full of examples that show how this principle has been implemented in life. Of course there are and should be occasions where war is unavoidable. However, the Quranic verses on jihad that were revealed for particular conditions have been generalized by some short-sighted individuals. Whereas in actual fact war is a matter of secondary importance, it has been given priority as an essential iss

A Pair of Tickets by Amy Tan Essay -- American Literature

"A Pair of Tickets" by Amy Tan In the story "A Pair of Tickets," by Amy Tan, a woman by the name of Jing-mei struggles with her identity as a Chinese female. Throughout her childhood, she "vigorously denied" (857) that she had any Chinese under her skin. Then her mother dies when Jing-Mei is in her 30's, and only three months after her father receives a letter from her twin daughters, Jing-Mei's half sisters. It is when Jing-mei hears her sisters are alive, that she and her dad take a trip overseas to meet her relatives and finally unites with her sisters. This story focuses on a woman's philosophical struggle to accept her true identity. The protagonist of the story is Jing-mei. She is a flat character who turns out to be dynamic. Throughout her life, she has been very stubborn about accepting her identity. An example of this is when she explains, "I was 15 and had a vigorously denied that I had any Chinese whatsoever under my skin" (857). She shows her dynamic characteristic at the end of the story when she finally does accept her heritage. The main conflict of this story is Jing-mei's struggle between accepting her identity based on her heritage and not on a personal image. There is no real order in which this conflict is clarified, because the climax and resolution come about at the same time. The conflict is internal due to the fact that she cannot accept her true identity. The climax comes when she finally meets her twin sisters and says, "I get beyond the gate, we run toward each other, all three of us embracing, all hesitations and expectations forgotten" (870). It is then that the resolution comes into play and "After all these years, it can finally be let go" (870). It is at that point, when she can finally a... ...Also an important quote is when she says, "But today I realize I've never really known what it means to be Chinese. I am thirty-six years old" (857). Even though she was in her 30's and still had that identity crisis, it was uplifting knowing that all it took for her to resolve that conflict was one meeting with her sisters. The story "A Pair of tickets" examines a woman who has grown up with American influence all her life and struggles to accept her true identity. Through the story you can see Jing-mei struggles with her identity for over 30 years, but it finally is resolved once she is able to meet her twin sisters that have been missing from her life for over 30 years. Works Cited Tan, Amy. â€Å"A Pair of Tickets.† The Longman Anthology of Short Fiction. Compact Edition. Ed. Dana Gioia and R.S. Gwynn. New York: Longman, 2001.