Revenge Of Medea And Hamlet - 1436 Words

Medea and Hamlet: Revenge in Any Form Does Not Work â€Å"You’re wise by nature, you know evil acts†¦Ã¢â‚¬  were the words used by Creon to describe Medea (Puchner 535). â€Å"Madness in great ones must not unwatched go† was said of Hamlet by King Claudius (Puchner1849). How different yet similar are the two descriptions of literature’s most discussed figures when it comes to revenge. Medea’s wisdom was known throughout Corinth because of her efforts to save Jason after he captured the Golden Fleece. Her anger after Jason’s betrayal was also known. Hamlet was known as the Prince of Denmark. His anger against King Claudius was only known to his trusted friend Horatio. Anger and vengeance are very dangerous if not handled carefully. The vengeance of Medea and Hamlet were quite different in approach, but both ended with tragic and deadly consequences. Medea was a troubled soul once Jason left her for a younger princess. When the nurse says â€Å"Rulers are fierce in their temperament; somehow, they will not be governed;†, it rings very true of Medea (Puchner 531). Someone so accustomed to getting her way will by no means let anyone, including her beloved Jason, treat her with any disrespect. She not only felt dejected by Jason, but she felt she could do nothing to change her circumstance but take out deadly vengeance against those that committed such a hiatus act towards her. With all things considered, Medea felt Jason took everything from her when he left. Jason became her everything. When sheShow MoreRelatedThe Gendered Struggle: Comparing and Contrasting between Masculine and Feminine Perceptions of Honor in Two Cultures1597 Words   |  7 PagesThe comparisons between Medea and Hamlet are numerous. Both are stories about revenge that end in the controversial main character sacrificing everything in order to preserve one of the most important markers of identity of their time: honor. Medea was a controversial character in ancient times not only because of her filicide, but because she asserted that women have honor, an idea that was not the norm in Greece. In sharp contrast to her is Hamlet, the tragic hero that was honor-bound by his societyRead MoreRevenge By William Shakespeare s Hamlet1625 Words   |  7 PagesRevenge can be defined as â€Å"the act of retaliating for wrongs received†. William Shakespeare s â€Å"Hamlet† is considered one of his greatest plays and the plot is centered on revenge. Euripides Medea also shares a theme of revenge. While both central characters have been betrayed, resulting in their impending revenge, there is more than one theme of revenge in Hamlet, and there are differences in the ways all decide to handle their betrayals and the outcomes of their actions. In â€Å"Hamlet,† he isRead MoreThe Value and Consequences of Women as Property876 Words   |  4 Pagesever done to them, and for their aptitude for revenge. Most women today would disagree with this stereotype, and women have made great strides, but women’s roles in society have not come as far as we may think. The roles of women in Shakespeare’s Hamlet demonstrate that women are fickle, obedient, and passive, but in Euripides’ Medea women are exhibited as aggressive, prideful, and subject to extreme emotion. Ophelia, from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is an innocent young woman who lives a fairlyRead More Tragedy In Drama Essay1713 Words   |  7 Pages Tragedy and Drama In a range of dramatic works from Agamemnon to Hamlet, one sees the range of development of the tragic form, from the earliest Greek to the later Shakespearean tragedies. There are two basic concepts of tragedy: the concept introduced by Aristotle in his Poetics, and the concept developed by Frederick Nietzsche in his quot;The Birth of Tragedy.quot; Many dramas can be reviewed to reveal the contrast between these two concepts of tragedy, and demonstrate the development of theRead MoreAristotle s The Tragic Hero1561 Words   |  7 Pagesknow one tragic hero who contradicts every detail of this statement. Medea is a female tragic hero, who is willing to kill her children for vengeance and kleos. She is also very clever, and with her cleverness she acts out her vengeance on Jason. When Creon attempts to banish her for her threats against Jason, Medea pleads â€Å"Just let me stay this single day to†¦ to arrange my exodus from here and make provision for my children.† (Medea , pg. 348) However her true intention was to by some time to carryRead MoreMan vs. Himself2078 Words   |  9 Pagesfulfillment is what people live for, without it how can a person live? A failed search for self-fulfillment often leads to death. Demonstrated in A Tale of Two Cites, Hamlet, and A Death of a Salesman, each novel includes one character that struggles to fulfill his life, which results in death. Self-fulfillment can include being loved, wealthy, happiness, remembered, respected, or even a being hero. Sadly if none of these objectives is met, the character seems to think death is the only way optionRead MoreThe Renaissance and It’s Affect on William Shakespeare’s Works2369 Words   |  10 PagesAntigone). While Shakespeare probably did not know Greek tragedy directly, he would have been familiar with the Latin adaptations of Greek drama by the Roman (i.e. Latin-language) playwright Seneca (ca. 3 B.C.-65 A.D.; his nine tragedies include a Medea and an Oe dipus) (Schwartz, 2005). Shakespeare never uses a mythological name or place name inaccurately, suggesting a genuine knowledge of the sources.† (Showerman, 2004). One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Julius Caesar, believed to be writtenRead MoreHumanities Test4641 Words   |  19 Pages 11.   Only the opening sentence survives of : Aristotles essay on comedy pg 236 12.   ( T or F ) Satire is always serious. It criticizes ideas and behaviors that are dangerous to society. False 13.   Shakespeares five great tragedies include: Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and: Romeo and Juliet. 14.   The plays of Chekhov feature: Naturalism pg 247-249 15.   Which of the following conventions is seldom found in Elizabethan theaters: Soliloquy or Elizabeth’s Sonnet 16. Know the plot summary ofRead MoreComedy and Tragedy According to Aristotle1912 Words   |  8 Pagestragic confrontation is one in which good is up against good and the contest is to the death.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Revenge Tragedy   Ã‚  Ã‚   There remains one further species of tragedy to define and analyze--namely, revenge tragedy, a type that originated in ancient Greece, reached its zenith of popularity in Renaissance London, and which continues to thrill audiences on the silver screen today.   Ã‚  Ã‚   In general, revenge tragedy dramatizes the predicament of a wronged hero.   A typical scenario is as follows: Your daughterRead MoreHow to Read Lit Like a Prof Notes3608 Words   |  15 Pagesbecomes to us. d. If you don’t recognize the correspondences, it’s ok. If a story is no good, being based on Hamlet won’t save it. 6. When in Doubt, It’s from Shakespeare†¦ a. Writers use what is common in a culture as a kind of shorthand. Shakespeare is pervasive, so he is frequently echoed. b. See plays as a pattern, either in plot or theme or both. Examples: i. Hamlet: heroic character, revenge, indecision, melancholy nature ii. Henry IV—a young man who must grow up to become king, take on his responsibilities

The Other Road in Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken Essay

The Other Road in Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken In his celebrated poem The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost describes the decision one makes when reaching a fork in the road. Some interpret Frost as suggesting regret on the part of the traveler as to not choosing the path he forgoes, for in doing so he has lost something significant. Others believe he is grateful for the selection, as it has made him the man he is. The diverging roads are symbolic of the choices society is faced with every day of life. Choosing one course will lead the traveler in one direction, while the other will likely move away, toward a completely different journey. How does one know which is the right path; is there a right path? The answer lies†¦show more content†¦He takes great care in making his decision, for he stays for more than a moment and contemplates, while looking down one path as far as he could see. Wyatt continues, because this possible divergence confounds so broad a range of fears, so many modes of loss, we are not sorry to linger lon g with the speaker at the fork. (133) Just as the nature of his environment prevents his sight beyond a certain point along the road, one cannot see beyond the present to determine which choice would provide the most successful outcome. Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. The narrator searches for a reason to choose one path over the other, but the reason eludes him. He decides on the second even though he feels it is actually about the same as the first, being just as fair, but might be preferable because it was grassy and wanted wear. Judging there is no real difference in the wear between theShow MoreRelatedRobert Frost s Writing Style1589 Words   |  7 Pages Robert Frost once said, â€Å"The figure a poem makes. It begins in delight and ends in wisdom... in a clarification of life - not necessarily a great clarification, such as sects and cults are founded on, but in a momentary stay against confusion† (Robert Frost Quotes). This same kind of thinking opened the door for metaphorical poetry that helped to show the poets transparency. His love for the social outcast and the struggles of his life are exhibited greatly in his poems. Robert Frost helpedRead MoreEssay on The Intricate Meanings of Robert Frost s Poetry784 Words   |  4 PagesRobert Frost is considered by many to be one of the greatest poets of the twentieth century. Frost’s work has been regarded by many as unique. Frost’s poems mainly take place in nature, and it is through nature that he uses sense appealing-vocabulary to immerse the reader into the poem. In the poem, â€Å"Hardwood Groves†, Frost uses a Hardwood Tree that is losing its le aves as a symbol of life’s vicissitudes. â€Å"Frost recognizes that before things in life are raised up, they must fall down† (BloomRead MoreEssay on Robert Frost1443 Words   |  6 Pages Robert Lee Frost was born in San Francisco on March 26, 1874 and died in Boston on January 29, 1963. Frost was considered to be one of America’s leading 20th century poets and a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize. He was an essentially pastoral poet who was often associated with rural New England. Frost wrote poems of a philosophical region. His poems were traditional but he often said as a dig at his archrival Carl Sandburg, that â€Å"he would soon play tennis without a net as write free verseRead MoreThe Road Not Taken and Neither Out Far Nor in Deep by Robert Frost1436 Words   |  6 PagesThe Road Not Taken and Neither Out Far Nor in Deep by Robert Frost Robert Lee Frost is an American poet who is known for his verse concerning nature and New England life. He was born in San Francisco in 1874. When his father died in 1885, his mother moved the family to Lawrence, Massachusetts. Frost attended college sporadically after graduating high school and made a living by working as a bobbin boy in a wool mill, a shoemaker, a country schoolteacher, editor of a rural newspaper, andRead MoreLife Choices in Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken and Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening970 Words   |  4 Pages Robert Frost’s â€Å"The Road Not Taken† and â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening† both portray weighing of choices in life. The former is about youth and experiencing life and the latter is about old age, or more probably, an old spirit wearied by life. In both poems the speaker is in a critical situation where he has to choose between two paths in life. In â€Å"The Road Not taken† the speaker chooses the unconventional approach to the decision making process, thus showing his uniqueness and challengingRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem The Road Not Taken 849 Words   |  4 Pagesthe outcome can sometimes be life-changing. When making a conscientious decision, one commits oneself to follow the right path. This fate presents itself in Robert Frost’s â€Å"The Road Not Taken† poem, and is present in the poetic piece of Blanche Farley’s â€Å"The Lover Not Taken.† A large percentage of the stanzas in each poem harmonize eac h other, and they both use similar words. For example, in the first stanza of each poem and be one traveler, long I stood (Frost), and and mulling it over, longRead MoreThe Road Not Taken By Robert Frost1297 Words   |  6 PagesI’ll be unveiling is â€Å"The Road Not Taken† by Robert Frost, one of the most well-known poets of the modern literature movement. He lived most of his life in America but moved to the UK a few years before World War 1. (Schmoop, 2008). Frost is known for pioneering the idea that poetry deserves to be spoken out loud, using rhythm and meter, giving his work a traditional ambiance. The title ‘The Road Not Taken’ suggests there is no â€Å"right† path, only the chosen path and the other path. It will always beRead MoreEssay about The Life of Robert Frost1404 Words   |  6 PagesROBERT FROST â€Å"Two roads diverged in a wood and I- I took the road less traveled† How did Robert Frost take the road less traveled in his life? Frost was a poet who lived a hard life. With 6 kids and a wife, he had a lot of people to provide for. He was a man who wore many hats, being a dad, husband, poet, and farmer. Robert was an incredibly gifted man who wrote many famous poems. Robert Frost, a great American poet lived a humble life and changed the world with his profound writing abilityRead MorePoems of Robert Frost Essay1556 Words   |  7 PagesRobert Frost was an American poet, and playwright who became one of the leading pioneers in poetry in the late 1800’s into the 1900’s. Frost grew up in rural New England in the early twentieth century and experienced many hardships in his life including losing his father at the young age of eleven and losing two children at very young ages. He used his experiences of growing up in a rural area in most of his poem s. Another major them in his poems are decision-making poems usually based off of hisRead MoreUse Of The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost980 Words   |  4 PagesThe Use of â€Å"The Road Not Taken† Robert Frost’s â€Å"The Road Not Taken† has been examined time after time by teachers, professors, students, and even those willing to go even farther for entertainment but many people evaluate the poem in their own ways. There are the scholarly who delve deep into the mysteries of Frost’s poem and their critique containing a broader range of vocabulary. There are also the people who understand the meaning beneath Frost’s poem and seek to educate those who do not

Jazz Concert Review Essay Example For Students

Jazz Concert Review Essay Attending my first jazz concert was an unforgettable experience of great live instrumental music. The concert was entertaining and a very educational experience of this course. As a student in this course with little musical education, I never appreciated instrumentals, until the SDSU Jazz Concert. This concert was a really enjoyable experience with the balance of all the instruments. I really enjoyed the experience and the knowledge of music I gained from the concert. The way the conductor opened the show was very nice. As I walked in some of the violins were playing sweet melodies until everyone arrived and took a seat. They asked us to shut off our phones so we would not interrupt the concert. They had an itinerary for us to follow along with all the songs but they did not play every song that was on he itinerary. Also, the songs were not in playing order so it got confusing which songs they were playing. The melodies portrayed in each song were very unique. The first song, â€Å"In a Turkish Bath,† the guitar player, Tim Quinn had a long solo in the beginning that was entertaining because of his enthusiasm and body movements that went with the beats. It was refreshing to see someone with such great skill who so involved in playing the guitar. There was also one pianist, who hit every note on point, and many saxophonists and trumpeters. One of the trumpeters (I unfortunately forgot his name) had a 30 second long solo. He was incredible; his movement as he played was magnificent. The way his body moved with the melody of the song was on point. He was really in the mood of the song and was enjoyable to watch. This song was falling more toward dissonant category then consonant. The instruments were very loud and not kind to the ear. The second song played was a surprise choice, and it was a pleasure to see that each musician was very prepared and put their best effort into the songs. The third chosen song was â€Å"Santa Barbara Samba† and it included great fast beats with the trombone, guitar, and drums. I really enjoyed the melodies of all the instruments played because each had their own timbre. The fourth song played was â€Å"Time After Time,† which is my favorite song played because of the female vocalist, Teagen Taylor, who had a great voice. The vocal component kept me entertained because I was able to greatly appreciate the instruments along with the voice. She sang and also played the saxophone. She had a beautiful voice and is a very impressive musician. That song was a good vocal ensemble that was a balance between vocals and instruments. On the fifth song, â€Å"Latin Espresso, I appreciated how upbeat the song was and how there was such great rhythm as well. The timbre, or tone color, was very happy and bright. This made the music enjoyable and creates a pleasurable mood for the ears of the audience. Lastly, the â€Å"Concord Blues Plus 8† piece was impressive to me because of the piano player. The pianist also had magnificent solos. The piano creates a very unique sound during an instrumental and adds a great amount of rhythm and is my personal favorite instrument, but I would have enjoyed more attention for the pianist throughout the performance. The guitar solos, by Tim Quinn, were very well performed. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and love for music, which was very noticeable during his performance. I enjoyed his part in the song and his great skills on the piano. The rhythm of a song allows the audience to add their own motion to the unique beat and â€Å"Concord Blues Plus 8† created an entertaining beat that I appreciated greatly. .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f , .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .postImageUrl , .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f , .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f:hover , .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f:visited , .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f:active { border:0!important; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f:active , .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue29175923691f855cee3f13e42c6762f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The major musical development of the classical period EssayWhen I was younger I played the piano, so I felt I could relate the most with that instrument and could understand the piano part the best. The songs that were played at the concert added depth to the course because all the musicians were very talented and brought a great jazz experience to the concert. Overall, this experience at the San Diego State University Jazz Ensemble was unforgettable as well as very educational and enjoyable. Even though our class is the history of rock I thought it would be cool to see a jazz concert and learn a different type of music. The jazz ensemble flowed very well, and I sat in the front row, which was a great experience. I feel that San Diego State University’s Jazz Ensemble is very well directed and deserves more recognition. This experience added depth to the course and was much more pleasurable than listening to instrumentals online because I had never taken an interest in jazz until finally seeing it live in concert. While I am not pursuing a career in music, I am interested in attending more live jazz concerts and expanding my musical horizons.

Social Work and Social Problems free essay sample

One mark of your skill as a Macro Social Worker would be your ability to understand why social problems exist critique the conventional understandings of social problems and developing your own working definitions of social problems. One place to begin is with the understanding of how social problems differ from personal problems. Definition of Social Problems Social problems have been defined in various ways, according to Lauer and Lauer (2002) a social problem ‘‘is a condition or pattern of behaviour that contradicts some other condition or pattern of behaviour and is defined as incompatible with the desired quality of life; is caused facilitated or prolonged by factors that operate at multiple levels of social life; involves intergroup conflict and requires social action to be resolved. ’’ Sullivan and Thompson assert that a ‘‘social problem exist when influential group defines a social condition as threatening its values, conditions affects a large number of people, and it can be remedied by collective action. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Work and Social Problems or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ’’ This definition was echoed by Charles Zastrow, again Robert Merton and Robert Nisbert two influential sociologists have defined social problems as ‘‘the substantial, unwanted discrepancies between what is in a society and what a functionally significant collectivity within that society seriously desires to be in it. ’’ We can critique the conventional definition of social problem and develop a new definition that would encompass all the components of a social problem. Now the definition of social problem would be given as ‘‘a condition that is experienced collectively by an identifiable group or community of people, caused by a source external to them that harms their welfare in specific ways, and can only be resolved by the people themselves in partnership with the public and private sectors of society. ’’ Characteristics/Components of Social Problems Many sociologists tend to agree that social problems have the following characteristics and components. 1. The problem must have social causation rather than be an issue of individual behaviour. That is, to say, the cause of the problem must lie outside the individual and his/her immediate environment. 2. The problem must have social and collective solution rather than be an issue of individual solution. That is, to say, the solution of the problem must lie outside the individual and his/her immediate environment. 3. The problem must affect a large number of people. 4. It must be judged by influential number of people to be undesirable. 2 Characteristics/Components of Personal Problems 1. Personal problem is one whose cause lies within the individual and the individual’s immediate environment. 2. Again, its solution lies within the individual and the individual’s immediate environment. The distinction between social and personal problems is not based on the individual’s experience of suffering because a certain amount of suffering occurs in either case (Lauer and Lauer, 2002). For example, in Ghana rural farmers experience a high level of poverty. If we viewed the problem as personal, we would blame the farmer for low production due to his personal inadequacies and the government would not feel obliged or the need to intervene and the problem would continue. If we define the problem as a social problem and state it is due in part to lack of crop diversification, poor rainfall and access to limited farm equipment, it would result in collective action taken by government. New crops irrigation schemes and equipment loaning would all be introduced. Social Change Social Change is the alteration of the basic social structures or social organisation. We would probably always look at the human condition from the perspective of problem orientation, but there may be a better way to approach how to achieve a better social world. One way is by looking at society from the perspective of ‘‘social change. ’’Social change is a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. Instead of looking to the past to discover what went wrong, the social change approach looks ahead to see what is possible. Rather than weaknesses pathologies and problems, people are seen as having strengths, possibilities and solutions with which to build their own futures. Instead of assuming communities are arenas of neglect, crime, and poverty, community is perceived as full of resources, assets and strengths that can be used make better a society. The social change approach/model utilises this assets-based strength approach. AnnWeick and Dennis Saleeby assert that ‘‘to examine the strength and resiliencies ofpeople in their everyday lives signals, an important shift in our thinking. ’’ When this happens, often with the help of a macro social worker, people begin to gain power. This power comes from a new way of thinking called ‘‘social thinking’’ in contrast to ‘‘rational problem solving thinking. ’’Thinking socially begins when people apply their common experiences to mutual reflection, thinking through the issues that plague them, and then arrive at a strategy of action. People who felt helpless, separated and defeated begin to think anew and act anew. They become new people and begin to conceive and construct the world out of those new perceptions of themselves and one another. What began as a problematic and even selfdefeating situation becomes transformed into an opportunity for re-birth and renewal. Macro 3 Social Workers help mobilise people to utilise their assets so they can construct their communities and build their social reality in the way they conceive best. Future Shock Future shock is the term used to describe the trauma experienced by those who are having difficulty accepting the new roles, such as women/girls. Rapid changes like urbanisation can also cause a host of new and unexpected problems like increased crime, faulty shelter and overcrowding. Social Denial Denial takes many forms. We refuse to acknowledge the existence of social problems. When we do admit their existence, we look at them as ‘‘personal’’ problems instead of ‘‘social’’problems. We also deny their existence by excluding problem people from our lives or by rationalising about our inaction. The Objective Subjective Elements in the Definition of Social Problems A social condition maybe defined as a social problem in two ways: (1) Objectively (2) Subjectively The objective definition recognises that a social problem exist as soon as a significant number of individuals are adversely affected by the phenomenon related to social factors, even if no one recognises it (Henshel, 1990). The objective element makes the condition a verifiable situation which can be checked as to the existence and magnitude by impartial observers. This idea was raised by Merton and Nisbert (1971) who made the distinction between a manifest social problem and latent social problem. Latent ones, though real are unnoticed and not defined as problematic. Merton and Nisbert assert that, social problems must be manifest to be objective. This distinction is particularly important one to make in the Africa where social conditions that have historically been perceived as normative are now being redefined as problematic in the context of modernisation. One major example is that of female genital circumcision, which is culturally normal tradition in several African societies but now being redefined as barbaric, dangerous and repressive act used to control the instincts of women. In spite of its significant recognition of the social condition as a problem, the example also highlights a fundamental issue contained in the subjective definition of social problems. The subject definition implies the awareness of certain individuals, not a significant number, that a social condition is a threat to certain cherished values. In the example, it is not the behaviour itself or the social condition that are inherently problematic, but the perception of 4 the event (barbaric, dangerous and repressive) that define the problem. In this regard, one could say that the social problems are fundamentally products of a process of collective definition instead of existing independently as a set of objective social arrangements (Blumer, 1971). In other words, an individual or group often defines a social condition as problematic in terms of his or her own ideology and perceived self interest. The church, the media, lobby groups and social workers, who may not necessarily be in the majority, may consider a social condition as problematic based on their own values and principles. Religious groups are the most obvious examples of those who proselytise about problem areas such as prostitution, homosexuality and drug taking. They therefore, will obviously promote legislations protecting what they consider to be threatening morality. Indeed the role of the media in defining what is and what is acceptable as a social problem, especially to government, cannot be ignored. The process whereby social conditions become defined as a social problem then is complex and problematic in itself. The question that one must is: ‘‘to whom is the event a problem? ’’ Although we might normally state a definition of crime, for example based on specific society’s legal code, this conceptualisation has been challenged by some sociologists (Schwendinger and Schwendinger, 1970). Such a legalistic, state the definition of crime, they argue needs to be considered within a context of universal social justice, ethics, and public wrong and antisocial behaviour. Generally, in developing societies, one issue in re-defining and recognising social condition as social problems, is that this process is now likely to be carried out within an international human rights discourse and related policy documentation, declarations and covenants. However, governments of many African societies regard these developments with suspicion. The question most of them are asking is: ‘‘To whom is the condition problematic? ’’ They argue that the very idea of individual human rights is Eurocentric and maybe foreign to African societies where traditionally, economic, political, cultural and judicial rights were more likely to be held by communities and not by individuals. Shiviji (1989) also maintains that the main human rights discourse in and on Africa, however well mentioned, has objectively been a part of the ideologies of domination. He emphasises that human rights need to be considered within the wider context of the struggles of the African people and the central human rights are the right to self-determination and the right to organise. While considering some of the objective and subjective views inherent in defining social problems, a related issue is that of how social problems should be ranked in terms of their level of seriousness. In the ‘‘Gallup Poll Ratings’’, one sociologist compared the content of thirty-four social problems texts with public definition of social problems over a forty-year period. He found very little similarity between the two. Of the three issues that ranked highest on sociologists’ list (crime and delinquency, marriage and family, and population), two were identified at all in public opinion polls, and one (crime and delinquency) ranked seventh in terms of the frequency with which it was mentioned by the public (Laurer, 1976). In ranking social problems on the African content, Rwomire (2001), asserts that social problems should be classified on the basis of their hypothesised influences. Primary problems 5 as wars and discrimination are the most serious and can lead to secondary problems, which themselves can lead to tertiary problems. War has been one of the most serious and severed social problems experienced in Africa during the past forty (40) years, although paradoxically, it can also be considered a part of the solution to some social problems. One immediate example of the consequence of war in Africa is the destructive capacity of landmines often indiscriminately used over large areas of land. Their capacity to maim and kill arbitrarily long after the wars have ended leads to unacceptable levels of human suffering. The medical care, physical and social rehabilitation of these people is a challenge and a burden to their respective societies. The severe damage caused by landmines is reflected in the ration of amputees to the total population in countries such as Angola (1:470) and Uganda (1:1,100). Wars lead deaths, physical and mental injuries as well as waste of resources. Deaths lead to bereavement, widowhood and orphanhood. Physical and mental injuries lead to occupational handicaps, dependency and traumatic stress disorder. Waste of resources, on the other hand, in turn leads to shortage of consumer goods and increased cost of living. Part of the objective and subjective definition of any social problem, and a necessary pre-requisite for the analysis, interpretation and explanation of the problem is the nature and extent of that problem. What is the problem exactly? How do we measure it? How much of it actually exist? To whom is it a problem? These can be difficult to answer. Individual and group efforts to provide answers to them are not devoid of their own value and principle assumption. The Sociological Study of Social Problems The conduct of human affairs is still outside science in many circles. (Millions of Americans, for example, turn to newspapers astrology for some guidance through their personal problems. In 1977 two out of every three newspapers in the United States carried daily horoscopes. And even within the social sciences there is a constant and bitter controversy about the appropriate mode of thinking about, and gathering information on, social problems. But there is general agreement that sociological knowledge and understanding of social problems must involve two dimensions: The first of these is a systematic set of concepts; the second is that there must be a systematic pursuit of data of evidence about the real world, using these concepts. It is exactly which set of concepts and which data that is still the subjects of argument. Nevertheless, there exist some major sets of concepts, or theories or theoretical perspectives. We shall discuss these briefly because some of them are widely accepted, some are partially accepted, and all are, at the least, interesting for the fifty (50) years. First, we shall discuss concepts from the view point of level of analysis. More simply, we shall see whether theories focus on the individual level of analysis, the cultural level of analysis, or the social structural level of analysis. Second, we shall discuss some perspectives that have been widely used in recent years for the study of social problems. These perspectives will reappear in particular discussions dealing with certain social problems. Some theories are very closely related to particular social problem, for example, individual male pathology may be related to 6 the social problem of rape. Other perspectives are relevant in a broad way to a wide range of social problems, as for example, the American cultural preoccupation with discrimination is an important factor in the social problem of race. Culturally sanctioned discrimination is also important in understanding the social problems of city and country, poverty and affluence, and yet other problems. Third, we shall discuss some of the major sources of evidence used by social scientist in the study of social problems. Sociology also has some special difficulties in the analysis of social problems. Levels of Analysis: Individual, Cultural and Structural Analysis The very first thing that should be understood when we read the literature of sociology is that social scientist cannot search for‘‘the whole truth. ’’It is important to accept the perhaps unwelcome notion that scientific and empirical verification must be limited to a very small piece of social reality. This self-limited sociological approach differs from the manner in which most people apprehend the social realities around them. Perhaps an example will make this clearer. Let us suppose that an average newspaper reader wishes to understand the problem of drug addiction. To help him, a newspaper journalist will write an article purporting to explain the problem. Typically (that is, a good article in a good newspaper, written by reputable and competent journalist), the scientific findings on drug addiction will be presented as a sort of zoo, offering a large collection of truths on a number of levels. The discussion may dwell on body chemistry and about ‘‘neurotransmitters that are involved in feelings of well beings. ’’ It may mention ‘‘genetic mechanisms’’and suggest that heredity may play a major role in predispositions to drug addiction. Quite possibly it will use the terms ‘‘learned behaviour,’’ ‘‘conditioning,’’‘‘personality deficiency,’’‘‘self-esteem,’’ and ‘‘ego defence. ’’ Probably it will offer information about ‘‘drug subcultures,’’ ‘‘social deviance,’’ ‘‘maturing out of drug use,’’ ‘‘social deviance,’’ ‘‘maturing out of drug use,’’ and why the absence of job opportunities in urban minority ghettoes is an important source of ‘‘frustration. ’’ For the average reader this collection of scientific ideas may offer some approximation to the whole truth, but he or she is still looking for the whole truth and is vaguely irritated by this collection of partial truths: Aren’t body chemistry and genes the most ‘‘basic’’ possible explanation of drug addiction? Why is it necessary for a group of psychiatrists and psychologists to study self esteem? Surely the whole truth is there somewhere in the basic genetic mechanisms. Surely the whole truth is there somewhere in the basic genetic mechanisms. Or if there is a drug subculture, why isn’t it possible just to change the subculture and end the problem of drug addiction? A social scientist will look at the problem of drug addiction in quite a different way. He or she attempts to explain the problem in terms of several levels of analysis. He or she attempts to explain the problem in terms of several levels of analysis. Each level is a system of concepts, 7 or a theory. (The relationship between the levels of analysis may also be built into a theory). On the individual level, for instance, personality theory assumes (or takes for granted) the level of body chemistry and neurotransmitters and interest itself in the level of human functioning that involves personality development, where a biologist may dismiss study of personality as secondary, derivative, or even caused by physiology. The social psychologist might be interested in the group processes that influence perception. For him or her, body chemistry and personality are only remotely related to perception. The levels of analysis offered by biology and by personality theory are much less important. The newcomer to the analysis of such a social problem as drug addiction may find this artificial separation of possible causes strange. It is artificial, and it is strange. Yet it is only through such discipline sorting out levels of analysis that meaningful theories can be developed and tested. Without the growth of hypotheses and theories it will not be possible to obtain valid and useful insights into the problems of drug addiction. Without insights public policy on drug addiction will be nothing more useful than a series of falters and stumbles. The Individual Level of Analysis of Social Problems As we deal with the individual level in this discussion, we will be concerned with biological and psychological theories. Such theories are particularly relevant to social problems that involve 1. Certain types of people. Good examples are the youth, the aged, women, blacks and Hispanics. Theories relating to the individual are particularly useful when the social problems involve 2. Special types of behaviour. Good examples are homosexuality and drug abuse There are important and useful biological and psychological theories about why women are different from men and why young people and old people are different from middle-aged people. Individual explanations are useful in understanding why blacks are different from whites. In general, there are three basic grounds for the importance of the level of analysis: (a) Question about the functioning of individuals are well within the interests of sociologists working with social problems. Certain family patterns greatly affect individual development and ‘‘difficult’’ behaviour of adulthood. A significant example is the impact of an absent father on young male children. Lack of a father is supposed to produce certain personality effects. These effects (or processes) in turn are supposed to produce certain social problems. Theories about the effect of an absent father are particularly relevant in some controversial theories that try to account for racial differences. Theories about the dominance of the mother in the home are invoked to explain homosexuality. Sociologists analyse at the level of the individual in order to clarify certain social patterns. 8 (b) The individual level of explanation (changed only slightly to accommodate large groups of people rather than a single person) is a favourite ‘‘man in the street’’approach to the‘‘true’’ explanation for many social problems. It is important for the beginner in sociology to be able to place this particular approach in its sociological context. (c) The individual level of analysis is important in official views of what sociologists consider to be malfunctioning institutions. Usually the man in the street distrusts cultural explanations; he is even more likely to reject structural explanations; Excusing and explaining institutional malfunctions are nearly always done on individual level. Thus the institutional failures so obvious in our society (the school dropout, the criminal who returns to prison again and again; and uncured mental patient) are usually explained by ordinary citizens in terms of individual problems: The child is not motivated to learn; the recidivist cannot learn to control himself; mental patients do not try hard enough to cure themselves. Just why this tendency to individual analysis is so strong is a special worry for sociologist who are concerned about the lack of change in institutions and is of particular importance during the last stage in the career of social problem, i. e. ‘‘institutional criticism’’ The tendency to search for individual level explanation both inside and outside institutions in included in an important new concept. A community psychologist, William Ryan, has worked out the process in detail and somewhat sarcastically describes what amounts to a victim-blaming process: First, identify a social problem. Second, study those affected by the problem and discover in what ways they are different from the rest of usas a consequence of deprivation and injustice. Third, define the differences as the cause of the social problem itself. Finally, of course, assign a government bureaucrat to invent humanitarian action programme to correct the differences. Blaming the victim depends on a process of identification whereby the victim of social problems is identified as strange, different, in other words as a barbarian, a savage. This is how the distressed and disinherited are redefined in order to make it possible for us to look at society’s problems and to attribute their causation to the individuals affected. In other words Ryan is really arguing for a structural analysis (which will be discussed below). He argues further that to mix levels of analysis (explaining the strains and failures of institutions in terms of the characteristics of individuals) is bad social science. Worse yet, mixing levels are convenient and satisfying to bureaucrats inside a malfunctioning institution because it legitimates the way things are and thus deters social change. The Cultural level of Analysis of Social Problems 9 A number of social scientist have tried to describe American culture as a whole; in particular these analyst are interested in recent changes in our basic values and ‘‘designs for living. ’’ An overall description is, however, a difficult task because American culture changes constantly. A great many variations of American culture appear in different, regions, classes and ethnic groups, these are ‘‘subcultures. ’’The norms and values of an upper-middle class black physician in a large southern city probably encompass at least three sets of sub-cultural norms and values that differ from ‘‘basic normal American culture,’’ that is, class, racial and occupational sub-cultures. We are interested in cultural analysis because this is a popular and often useful explanation for the deviations from what seems to be the norm that are in turn factors in social problems. As far as American core culture is concerned, there are some interesting speculations, despite all the difficulties. Some of the best are those done by Francis L. K. Hsu, a Chineseborn anthropologist, and Robin Williams, an important sociologist. Hsu identifies one critical core value in American culture. This is self-reliance. According to Hsu, all other important values spring from this single ideal. Because it is really unattainable in a societal context, it breeds hostility to persons who are dependent and worse yet, a deep sense of insecurity. This insecurity appears in American competitiveness, conformity, ‘‘social climbing,’’ and submission to what Hsu calls the ‘‘tyranny of organisation. ’’Four sets of contradictory themes are linked with self-reliance: 1. Christian love and its contradiction, religious bigotry; 2. Science, progress and humanitarianism and their contradictions, parochialism, group superiority and racism; 3. Puritan ethics and its contradiction, an increasing laxity in sexual mores; 4. Ideals of equality and freedom and their contradictions, totalitarian tendencies and ‘‘witch hunting. ’’ Williams’ core values of American culture are remarkably similar. He lists fifteen of them: activity and work, achievement and success, a moral orientation, humanitarianism, efficiency and practicality, secular and rationality and science, material conformity, nationalism and patriotism, individual personality, racism and group superiority. Both Hsu and Williams tried hard to select persistent themes that distinguish American culture from other cultures, even though some like nationalism, patriotism and group superiority may seem common to all cultures. It is only fair to say that other distinguished scholars have discovered different culture traits. In some areas the core culture maybe important in generating and sustaining social problems. This is true for the nationalism and group superiority themes noticed by Williams. It is also true that contradictions noticed by Hsu and Williams are considered by some theorists as the ultimate source of social problems. A much more controversial view is that certain specific problems, notably drug dependency and violence are deeply rooted in some features of 10 American culture. The basic difficulty in blaming social problems on core values should be obvious. Such argument quickly becomes a kind of sermon or circular explanation: If Americans were better people, we should have less vice; if we were not so racist then then there should be less racism. In this discussion, the cultural explanations will appear in two ways: 1. when there are important changes in the definitions of social categories or types of events over the years and 2. When the subculture of certain groups is directly implicated as a cause of certain problems. The changes in cultural definitions will be particularly significant. Just as our natural history or career, approach to social problems assumes a change over time. Thus the ways in which women, the aged, children, urban life, minorities and the poor are defined have changed dramatically in our own generation and even more during the past hundred (100) years. And as we develop the idea of social problems, we shall see the changing definitions are also very important. Some social problems simply did not exist in earlier ages. Cultural explanations are also used in this discussion when subcultures are implicated as a cause of social problems. Many of the more peripheral or ‘‘outside the mainstream’’ groups in American society might be seen as a problem in themselves. These subcultures may include adolescents, the aged, the poor and minorities. If they tend to develop an antagonistic subculture, this may in turn cause problems. (According to one theorist, many groups of teenagers have their own subcultures, which cause friction with the larger society). We shall be careful about identifying such groups here because American institutions are likely to label sub-cultural groups on the basis of the real or alleged sub-cultural trait even if such traits do not exist. (White policemen, for example are extremely likely to tag black teenagers with certain sub-cultural characteristics, right or wrong). Finally, sub-cultures evolve among the personnel of an institution. School teachers, police and public welfare employees may develop sub-cultures that allow them and their institutions to perform in a manner that aggravates the social problem that the institution is supposed to solve. (If school teachers serving black ghetto children assume that none of their pupils wants to learn, then the resultant lack of interest and bad teaching increase the educational failure of black ghetto children). Thus in order to understand institutional failures to solve certain problems, we must understand the values and norms of institutional occupational groups. The Structural Level of Analysis of Social Problems The approach is concerned with social relationship and the social structure inside which people must live. Sometimes structural theories are almost exclusively concerned with the larger social system. Thus the Marxist perspective (which emphasises social relations in the work place) is 11 basically interested in the ownership of the means of production; for ultimately, according to Marxist view, the capitalist mode of production greatly affects the lives of workers. Many other theorist also emphasise the large social system. Social thinkers, both before and after Karl Marx have looked for explanation of social problems in the differing economic, political and social power of various segments of American (and European) society. Unfortunately, the word ‘‘Marxist’’ is a label that evokes violent partisanship and in controversy it is too easy to dismiss the structural approach to analysis merely in social problems. (On the other side, some Marxists are all too ready to dismiss trivial or derivative any factors except those relating to the economy). Prejudices do not belong in a discipline sociological approach to a set of vexing social problems; to disregard such factors as class and power and the economic life chances of the individuals is to discard one of the major traditions of sociological analysis. The Marxist perspective is a thread in the tradition. In the analysis of social problems, the structural mode is useful in four ways: 1. It is useful in understanding problems based on the inability of certain types of people to gain certain resources: political power, economic advantages, and a group of pleasant benefits that increase self esteem, prestige, deference, being taken seriously. Critical in the acquisition of such resources are the social determinants of age, sex, socioeconomic status  and race. 2. Structural analysis helps us to understand some of the social problems of alcohol, drug abuse, crime, juvenile delinquency as well as some less conventional behaviours generally defined as ‘‘sex problems. ’’ 3. Structural analysis is absolutely critical in understanding the functioning (and malfunctioning) of institutions designed to solve social problems. 4. The structural level of analysis is useful in understanding the behaviour of small groups. It is the source of one of the most famous theories explaining certain types of deviance. In developing this theory, Robert K. Merton argues that, the source of deviance is the disparity between a person’s goals held out to him or her society, history and his or her means of achieving those goals. This neatly explains why lower class boys become delinquent. They have given up identification with the conventional means to success. It can also be use

Willow Tree and Olive essays

Willow Tree and Olive essays Willow Tree and Olive, by Irini Savvides, is about a girl named Olive Alexandropoulos. She is in year 12 and enjoying it with her friend Kerry. Everything looks okay in her life from afar. But when you get into Olive's head, you start to realise that nothing is okay. Olive is Greek, but at times she wishes that she wasn't. She regularly feels uncomfortable in a room with other Greeks, but no-ones notices. Unfortunately she had problem that she couldn't tell anyone. She went to the school counselor and confided in him that she couldn't stop eating, she hated her body and she thought that she was ugly. This continued until she had a regression one day. The regression happened after a lecturer came to her school and spoke about raping and sexual abuse. It is about then that the whole story comes out that when Olive was a little girl, about 5 years old, she was raped and sexually abused by an old man from her village and because of that feels unsafe and insecure. The story goes on about how she realises that it's not her fault at all, and as part of the healing process she is sent to Greece to stay with some relatives. She loves this time away and finally recovers from the trauma that has been tormenting her for most of her life. Not only that but she realizes what a beautiful place Greece is and is no longer ashamed of her country and background. I loved this story. It is excellently written with feelings and thought of every word. I think that this book is aimed at an audience of thirteen years and older, particularly females. It was an excellent book, have recommended it to my mum who also really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to everyone who has not already read it. The original idea came from wanting to write a story about survival in emotionally difficult circumstances and also wanting to explore my own dual culture . . . I wanted to show the strength of young adults when faced with great odds . . . I wanted ...

American Gangster Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

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Love- Ralston Valley Volunteer Fire Department Case Study

Love- Ralston Valley Volunteer Fire Department - Case Study Example e promotion objectives the Rick Wyatt should include in the marketing plan; and (2) to determine the promotional methods that should be designed and used to achieve those objectives. The promotion objectives that should be included in Rick Wyatt’s marketing plan are as follows: (1) to enhance public awareness for the recruitment of committed firefighter volunteers; (2) to apprise the community of the mission, vision and goals of the RVVFD; and (2) to use effective promotional and advertising mediums to ensure that an increase in the number of committed volunteers to as much as 20% per annum would be reached. the need to recruit new volunteers could be attained through effective use of promotional methods. Rick Wyatt, as a marketing degree major, is fully aware that the use of contemporary mediums, like social networking sites, is a potentially effective promotional avenue. As indicated, committed volunteers are needed to be recruited within the age range of 20 to 40. To tap this age group, social networking sites are most appropriate such as using Facebook and Twitter accounts. RVVFD should therefore design an official website where their mission, vision and goals are identified; as well as the plans for recruitment. All needed qualifications could be relayed such as preferred age ranges, physical fitness, genuine interest and commitment, and the benefits of camaraderie and giving back to society. Local newspapers and radio programs could also advertise the need for new volunteers who meet the identified criteria. The use of flyers, posters and spreading the word through current volunt eers’ employment affiliations could be potential sources of new recruits. Finally, by holding a scheduled fund-raising event, Wyatt could use this event to announce that RVVFD is recruiting more committed members and that the ideals and vision of the organization could be effectively announced and