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Olaudah Equiano Slave Narrative

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Olaudah Equiano Slave Narrative

In the American literature canon, Olaudah Equiano’s narratives were distinctive as they held as they were particularly important and influential in the 18th century (Richards & Sandra,70). The narratives by Olaudah are mostly based on his experience as an enslaved man who was able to buy his freedom. The experiences date to when he was sold to a Royal officer at the age of 11 years from the kingdom of Benin until he rose to be a prominent figure spearheading the campaigns to abolish the slave trade (Equiano).

The most common form of slavery that was known to Americans was the slavery in which an individual was considered as someone’s legal property, the chattel slavery. This form of slavery allowed people to be bought, sold or even owned forever and was supported by many powers in the 18th century. Olaudah’s narrative writings and songs that developed from the period were aimed at opposing the pro-slavery propaganda through the development of his experiences and other horrific treatment that the African slaves were subjected to giving a rather unique perspective into the American chattel slavery methods (Richards & Sandra,70). Most of these narratives were guided and influenced by the thoughts of abolitionists.

The interesting narrative of the life of Olaudah Equiano was first published in the 1700s in London represented various styles such as the slavery, travel and spiritual narratives that are considered to be integral and important parts of the African American literature (Richards & Sandra,70). This essay is written to analyses and find patterns that are developed in telling collection of stories and examine the structural elements of the writings that are used in telling the stories. Mentioning Equiano’s narrative, the essays seek to analyze the musical genres such Spiritual, gospel and work songs with highlights of traditions, subversive language, governance and identity that were developed from the Narrative Life of Olaudah Equiano.

Spiritual genre is usually the type of American folk music that was developed by Africans narrating the suffering of slaves as they articulate their longing for freedom and passion of religion during and after the era of slavery (Ammerman & Tatom). The slave narratives helped in the creation of music that developed hope and a sense of belonging. These songs often covered their traditions as they remembered their homeland in instances like the abduction of Equiano from his African home and be sold to a royal solder who owned him and controlled his life hence lacking his identity. The narrative by Equiano develops a spirituality concept in that he often attributes and regard the good things to him as the works of divine providence as shows whereby he acknowledges that his sufferings were great but comparing them with his fellow countrymen, he regarded himself as a favorite of the heavens. The spiritual nature of songs developed from this narrative was well understood in the context of the experiences the African American slaves had experienced. These songs are often adapted by the audience over a period of time as they are understood and collectively composed (Ammerman & Tatom). As the narrative life of Equiano tries to depict the horrors of slave trade is the same as songs that are created from the slave narratives try to articulate the suffering and longing for freedom of the slaves just like Equiano was able to be a freeman finally despite being prosecuted and discriminated because of his color(Equiano). The spiritual songs mostly used subverting languages with double meanings as some surface meaning may be a cry and a longing for a place in heaven that might in the real sense be a cry for freedom and desire to escape slavery that Equiano used as a form of language in his writing.

Gospel genre is a type of music that was created by slaves’ narratives that tend to tell their stories articulating their longing (Will & Lawrence). These kinds of songs developed can be traced to the early 17th century as the content of the songs normally tend to emphasize on messages of God, salvation, the kingdom of God and development of other biblical instances. The songs developed from slaves’ narratives tend to praise the mighty God and acknowledge their privileges to a mighty God. As from the introduction, Equiano introduces self as a pious Christian, whose conversion religious meant some form of freedom that would be referred to the manumission from slavery. This kind of manumission represents a certain form of salvation. Referring to biblical texts shows a front piece in governance through the life story of Equiano. With the tradition of a protestant Christian Equiano in his narratives tells his story as a testimony of Gods actions in his life. In order to be accepted by his American and British audience, Equiano uses religion that develops gospel genre songs to maneuver and be accepted as a credible writer although forces of acculturation take over to dismiss the religious perspective of Equiano (Equiano). Equiano uses religion for his readers to accept their racial identity and also be racially aware and critique the society with religion piety whereby he quotes on the authority of Moses and the Egyptians. The biblical texts help to show governance and develop a sense of identity for the audiences. The African slaves included the biblical contexts in songs to express their anger of bondage (Will & Lawrence).

Work songs around the world are traditional songs developed by labourers for many different occupations such as the agricultural picking of cotton or even industrial building of roads (Nagy &Gregory, 14). These songs helped to keep work moving slowly as their purpose was to increase coordination and reduce boredom at work. These were mostly developed after emancipation whereby most Africans felt that the spirituals should be left behind with slavery. Some of these songs were developed in a creative for in that they showed Africans working in restriction some form of light (Nagy &Gregory, 19). From the narrative by Equiano show that from their abduction the adults were out to work, Work songs would develop from the sails to make the work flow smoothly as Robert King had tasked Equiano to work on the ships so as to enable him to buy his freedom (Equiano). Equally selling tumblers and fruits would help in the generation of the work songs genre. Even after freedom, Equiano continued to work at sea with Dr Charles Irving. Even though he never worked at the plantations several events made him question faith as his friend was kidnapped and taken to work at the plantation where he worked at until his death. He quotes prophet Micah on what makes any event important. The working recorded by Equiano was to develop the economy, social and educational conditions that were poor in Africa (Equiano).

Equiano refers to himself as almost an English man after he was signed to be a freeman and no longer a property of another person, whereby he could make his own decisions without control (Mottolese & William, 160). The poetry developed in this narrative shows how Equiano regard the good things to him as the works of divine providence as shows whereby he acknowledges that his sufferings were great but comparing them with his fellow countrymen, he regarded himself as a favorite of the heavens

Non-fictional prose of the narrative is presented as the literature work of Equiano’s in his book were based on facts and real-life events that happened to him. These events were developed in the narrative as his journey from birth as a free man through which he was sold as a slave to the moment he bought his freedom and started to fight for the abolition of slave trade as an abolitionist. The conclusion of his introduction, Equiano noted that he was not foolish to expect literary reputation but rather he wanted his book to offer satisfaction to his numerous friends under whose request the book was written with the promotion of humanity interests that would be fully attained at the end. The prose in this book developed from the instance where Equiano explains how he was abducted from Africa, giving details of his abduction and its consequences (Equiano).

The genre of prose is developed in the writings of this interesting narrative as the work could be described with the use of neoclassic prose that was developed primarily as the age of reason (Khosa, Maurice & Kalitanyi). It was hard for the author to project and report his experience as a slave to the audience that did not consider him or other slaves as part of their society but rather an alien thus the encompassing of drama and the subversive language to attract the attention of the reader from the period in which he describes his homeland capturing the attention of the whites(Mottolese & William, 160). The age of reason saw his writing and the narrative as an integral part as it played a big role in the abolition of slave trade. With part of the narrative written as an enslaved African giving the horrors of the slave trade first-hand the neoclassical prose was intended to reach and influence most of the abolitionists (Khosa, Maurice & Kalitanyi).

“Accordingly, he signed the manumission that day; so that, before night, I who had been a slave in the morning, trembling at the will of another, became [sic] my own master, and completely free. I thought this was the happiest day I had ever experienced…” (Equiano) this statement meant that the author on purchase of his freedom he was for once a freeman which many other slaves had dreamt of, thus an essential part of the narrative towards self-identity and awareness. This accomplishment saw him govern himself as a man and no longer a property although the consequences of being still subjected to discrimination and persecution as a black man he was able to make decisions and control his life. The narrative depicts the early life of Equiano as an African slave who had no identity but despite all that he perseveres to shape one (Wiley, Michael, 165).

Even though the author identified himself with British culture, religion and manners he is aware of his African roots whereby despite the view of the Britons that African were backwards he argued that they were not any much different as they only lacked information (Equiano). The life of Olaudah Equiano develops all genres of literature with spiritual and gospels and works songs being derived from quotes whereby he referred to God and attribute his life to divine intervention and experiences of the author as a slave and a freeman. The autobiography written by a former slave shows the on matters of governance and how the Africans slaves were regarded as legal property (Wiley &Michael,165). They lacked identity until the purchase of their freedom whereby they are able to make decisions on their own despite discrimination and persecution as black people. At the end of the narrative, the author after showing the horrors and other terrific episodes that befall the African slaves, he made clear that abolition of the slave trade was his intent. Equiano uses subversive language to undermine the normalization of slave trade and ownership of people as property through the use of emotions and his experiences and horrors as a slave to influence the rise of abolitionists undermining slavery and advocating for the abolition of slave trade.

Works Cited

Ammerman, Nancy Tatom. Sacred stories, spiritual tribes: Finding religion in everyday life. Oxford University Press, 2013.Boulukos, George E. “Olaudah Equiano and the Eighteenth-Century Debate on Africa.” Eighteenth-Century Studies (2007): 241-255.

Equiano, Olaudah. The interesting narrative of the life of Olaudah Equiano. Broadview Press, 2001.

Equiano, Olaudah. The Life of Olaudah Equiano: Or Gustavus Vassa, the African. I. Knapp, 1837.

Khosa, Risimati Maurice, and Vivence Kalitanyi. “Migration reasons, traits and entrepreneurial motivation of African immigrant entrepreneurs.” Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy (2015).

Mottolese, William. “” Almost an Englishman”: Olaudah Equiano and the colonial gift of language.” Bucknell Review 41.2 (1998): 160.

Nagy, Gregory. “Genre and occasion.” Mètis. Anthropologie des mondes grecs anciens 9.1 (1994): 11-25.

Richards, Sandra L. “Writing the absent potential: Drama, performance, and the canon of African-American literature.” Performativity and performance. Routledge, 2013. 64-88.

Wiley, Michael. “Consuming Africa: Geography and Identity in Olaudah Equiano’s” Interesting Narrative”.” Studies in Romanticism 44.2 (2005): 165-179.

Wills, Lawrence M. The quest of the historical gospel: Mark, John and the origins of the gospel genre. Routledge, 2002.

sociology by definition

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Generally speaking I believe sociology by definition is a science that tackles issues affecting an individual’s life and how the issues generate a response. I also strongly support the idea that sociology is a science. This is as a result of using methodological study in learning about the human behavior. Fascinatingly enough its fields of interest seem to be manipulated by common emerging trends in the world. They include popular trends fashions and new ideas (Kuhn, 2010).

After studying the science keenly I realized the human psychology is very delicate where a slight experience can cause insurmountable impact on one’s life. Distortion of family dynamics, personal growth and group behavior can occur due to the sensitivity of the human psychology. Anthony Giddens a renowned sociologist defined sociology as the scientific study of mankind’s social life societies and groups (Comte, 2010).The study however covers a wide scope ranging from the growth of Islamic fundamentalism to the scrutiny of passing encounters.

In my opinion before the discovery of modern science and sociology many people thought that spirits and gods were responsible for natural events such as earthquakes. After the discovery of sociology that dealt with family matters culture religion language and poverty people became more intelligent (Tischler, 2011). I will discuss all this aspects in detail but first we will need to discuss the reason why both you and I need to understand sociology and the benefits resulting from understanding the science.

The main reason why we study sociology is because the science has an impact on our lives daily. If the study is taken earnestly valuable modules and lessons to improve our lives will be generated. The Science is intended to make tomorrow a better place for our children. Remarkably also the study of the mortal human behavior benefits the whole world. After studying sociology certain characteristics have started influencing me (Heywood, 2007). Where of late I have been very keen on appreciating and considering other people’s perceptions .Rather than assuming my own perspective is unquestionable and perfect. Taking other people’s ideas for granted is a thing of the past now.

My reasoning after studying sociology grew astonishingly. I was able to understand other people in a better way. This intelligence could be useful especially in the working environment. Employees who have an idea or have learnt sociology in most occasions have a unique form of bond with their bosses. Production from my point of view is also increased (Newberg, 2011).

To acquire a vibrant understanding of the society certain sociological theories were formulated to assist in the study. The most well-known theories are three namely functionalism, conflict and symbolic internationalism theories. Functionalism focuses on the whole society. Conflict theory focuses on a specific group in the society and finally the Symbol Interactional deals with personalities within the group (Barkan, 2012).

The symbolic interactionism perspective as I believe directs sociologists to contemplate the details and symbols of life. George Mead H an American philosopher introduced the perspective in America. The theory traces its origin from the Max Weber’s contention. The contention insinuates that people make decisions based on their interpretation of what their world revolves around on (Brunner, 2011). Individuals assign different meanings to symbols evidently shown by the verbal conversations. Spoken words act like predominant symbols meaning that words require interpretation and intention. A conversation according to the theory is an intermingling of symbols between constant world interpreters of the world.

A Symbolic interactionism has solemn interests on how people behave .Even before striving to define the means used by people to allocate their own symbols. Symbolic interactionism in my own point of view however disregards the macro level or the big picture in social interpretation. In simple terms the theory may be left out in recognizing mega issues affecting the society by focusing on the minute matters (Murdock, 2008). My second criticism on the approach is its rather weak swaying capabilities on institutions and social forces.

The second theory is known as the functionalist perspective which I believe insinuates that every trait of the society is interdependent. The government offers education to children belonging to a certain family the family in return pays taxes that maintain the state. I keenly observe that the family relies on the school to ensure the children are well educated. This is to ensure respectable jobs are acquired by the children after growing up. Later the children will in return also pay taxes after reaching adult hood and maintain the government (Durkheim, 2011).

The perspective considers consensus to be the pillar of the society. The social consensus is divided into two sections namely the mechanical solidarity and the organic solidarity. The two were established by Emile Durkheim an eminent sociologist. My criticism on the approach is its neglect on undesirable functions such as divorce (Jones, 2009). I strongly disagree with its justification of complacency and the status quo in the society. The theory seems to discourage active involvement in the transformation of the social environment which is intended to be beneficial.

The last theory is known as the conflict theory with its origins dating way back to writings by Karl Marx’s. This approach according to me is rather mind provoking since unlike the rest it concentrates on the negative challenged society. The theory proves its marvelous intention when it agrees to challenge the status quo and encourage social change. The frequently changing nature of the society is due to the conflicting agendas and values among the imbalanced groups (Comte, 2010).

Sociology also deals also with family matters. A family is a lesser social group of individuals who are either related by affection or by ancestry. They may live in the same residence and have an ongoing emotional bondage. When I observed America for instance I noticed their evolution of the traditional family system (Heywood, 2007). Currently the existing one is that of a couple and their kids but in recent years as I learnt in historical books most generations lived together in a common residential area.

Another astonishing discovery that I discovered is that extremists such as Hitler, Osama and Bush were able to manipulate both you and I after establishing the power of sociology. The extremists discovered the supremacy acquired after gathering the strength of public opinion. They later used it to their advantage thus enabling them to manipulate both you and me into doing whatever they wanted us to do (Kuhn, 2010).

Religion is another aspect involved in Sociology. Am sure you are wondering what relationship exists between the two. I will answer your query with the most suitable answer which is that religious faith has almost similar results with sociology on a person. I strongly believe in religion. I am sure defining it as a unified or cohesive system of practices and beliefs that relate to what is presumed to be sacred is the perfect definition (Brunner, 2011). Being a Christian by faith does not mean I do not respect other religions such as Buddhism Hindu and Islam in fact my knowledge on sociology has helped me appreciate them. You will be surprised to learn that most religions share common aspects like rituals.

Language is another aspect in sociology that I believe is very crucial especially in matters involving social relations. I discovered that interactions take up a linguistic form. Language is very vital where matters of organization or distribution are mentioned. I believe by now you have understood how important the language is not only for interaction purposes but also for a course like sociology. Detecting a societal disturbance then becomes an easy task since you can notice a change in dialect or language (Murdock, 2008).

I will conclude by saying that activities such as relationships, lifestyles and technology affect an individual’s behavior. Recently technology has proved to be on top of the list of innovations that has many positive and negative consequences on an individual (Jones, 2009). Sociology nevertheless has shown a marvelous job of trying to help us understand ourselves extensively. In my opinion everyone should be given a chance to study the splendid course.

References

Kuhn. T .2010. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Comte, A. 2001. Sociology 4th ed. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Tischler, H. L. 2011. Sociological Research Methods. Retrieved from <www.fdbond.com/Sociology>

Heywood, A. 2007 Politics 3rd ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

Newberg, A .2011. Religious Experiences Shrink Part of the Brain, retrieved from <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=religious-experiences-shrink-part-of-brain>

Barkan, S. 2012. Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World, retrieved from http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/pub/1.0/sociology-understanding-and-ch/364125

Brunner, Dr. 2011, The Function and Dysfunction of Religion in our Secular State, retrieved from <http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/religion_and_conflict>

Murdock, G. (2008). Social Structure. New York: The MacMillan Company.

Durkheim, E. (2011). The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. New York: The press.

Jones, R. A. (2009, March 19). Durkheim homepage. Retrieved from The Durkheim Pages:

<http:/www.durkheim.uchicago.edu/index.html.org>

Speech, First I wish to candidly thank the people of Gulf, Waite Mata and the Auckland

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“First I wish to candidly thank the people of Gulf, Waite Mata and the Auckland council for supporting me with resounding energy. My name is Ed miliband and I am vying for the seat of a city councilor and during this campaign period I have enjoyed walking along the streets of the democratic electorates and meeting with the local residents. The lovely gardens and old homes reminded me of just how unique this place the Bay, Grey Lynn and Ponsonby is. We are extremely lucky to live in this suburb. I would humbly request you to allow me to contest in the race for the seat of a councilor in this ward as I have previously worked with the council as a member of the local council (David, 2011).I have worked in the local government for over 18 years and most of the time as a member of the Auckland Local Council.

I would also like to acknowledge the Bristol northwest labor party for choosing me as their preferred candidate in order to fight for this ward in the up-coming councilor elections. I promise to work tirelessly to ensure the federal government appreciates our inimitable techniques in handling problems facing our people in the ailing economy. I will offer a vivid vision for the bright future of this ward (Stephen, 2011). All these will be achieved by creating more job opportunities to restructure the local economy and health services free to all and extra front-line police officers to ensure our neighborhood is safe.

I will definitely campaign alongside the community together with my labor party associates. As an evolution referring to the new style of political affairs I will engage with all the organizations and all people regardless of their political affiliations .In order to acquire the best deal for this ward. I will be very honored and delighted to be selected to contest in this election. I was motivated by the head of hall city council who attempted to challenge the coalition government (Cheles, 2010). The motivation has influenced me into trying to secure the rights of the labor victor.

If you allow me to work with the council I will ensure it handles the local parks network. Ensure the Auckland port is in the able hands of the public. Redevelop the Wynyard quarter into a marvelous headland park inside the Wynyard point. Opening the Queen Wharf to the members of the public, proclaiming and refurbishing it as the main cruise ship station will be my second priority (Joseph, 2013). Then concentrate on the refurbishing of Auckland rail. The project will involve setting up the groundwork for linking the city with the rail networks and electrifying the rail in Auckland. The move aims at delivering an efficient transport network system.

Then I would like to raise a question concerning the bus route which is a factor affecting access to the park. The biggest concern is about the 294 buses that transport passengers from Harold Hill to Collier Row. The 294 actually takes about an hour from Harold Hill to Collier surprisingly enough it takes just ten minutes when using a personal car. A new housing country estate has been built in the Whitworth and Broxill centers thus taking away the privilege of the people from that region the chance to shop in either HH or Collier Row. Also, the Broxhill road has no single bus route thus denying access to the park. Most people without cars have to walk for a long distance in order to reach the visitor Centre and the Park (Dundas, 2009). There is also another rumor that the Bedford’s Park at the Georgian walled kitchen garden will soon be history due to the rumored community project on food growing. I am not against any industry project but they should not interfere with the recreational facilities at all.

An environmental factor that the council should handle with a lot of seriousness is on how the north island kokako island is being endangered .Unique species of birds almost disappeared overnight due to the unsustainable decreasing population. This definitely unmasked the critical situation of the figures of breeding birds. Through a political initiative I will actively tackle the problem and protect the Kokako solemnly. As an active bird and forest member I am vividly aware of the plight facing kokako. That is why if I am allowed to contest and win the election I will definitely conserve the Hunua Ranges (Stephen, 2011). Charles Fleming once said “The skylines of the natural forest represent the adventure and mystery of the unknown to almost every youngster”.

I addition to the Hunua ranges I will welcome the new suggested ideas of introducing brown kiwis in the range if I am elected. Expanding the kokako management from the current 1050 ha or establishing more secondary zones is also an idea that could be under implementation. The reason for this type of attitude is to ensure capitalization of the investment is done in establishing pest free regions and restoring birds such as kokako (David, 2011). This will attract the public support and imagination support since conservation is supposed to be our biggest ally.

The housing system in Cranham is very impressive but recently a pungent smell has been permeating into our houses and the surrounding environment. The smell is very offensive and perhaps the most worrying issue is that no one seems to know the source of the smell. If I am given a chance I will definitely investigate the problem and report back after tackling the issue. I have been living in Cranham for the last 30 years and I am sure that is not the normal smell of the fertilizers in the fields. I think that an immediate and proper investigation should be carried out to find if toxic fumes that could be hazardous to the human health will be found. On matters of police officers dealing with serious accidents it is weird that none of them wears a head gear for the purpose of differentiating them with security guards and impose a sense of authority. I think the issue should be dealt with a lot of seriousness, the police should definitely proclaim a lot of authority in matters dealing with security and emergencies (Stephen, 2011).

I believe there is no time for kid gloves or even beating around the bush. Mealy mouthed speaking has no exception at all. I will do my duties the same way men fight in battles. If we join hands and try to do it half as well we will win one of the greatest victories ever known. I will advocate for a lasting peace and avoid premature peace (Dundas, 2009). I will stand firm to promote the development and encouragement of the awesome national resources and ensure fairness among all the people irrespective of their different social classes. Thank you for listening”

References

David, P.P. 2011. Inside the Radical Right .Chicago: University of Chicago press.

Stephen, J.M. 2011. Understanding British Party Politics .London: Polity Press

Cheles, R. 2010. Neo-Fascism in Europe. London: Longman press.

Joseph, P. 2013. Race with the Devil: My Journey from Racial Hatred to Rational Love. Charlotte, North Carolina: St. Benedict Press.

Dundas, L. 2009. The Spider and the Bee: The Artistry of Spenser’s “Faerie Queene” .Urbana: University of Illinois Press.

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The Winchester Bible (1160-70)

The Winchester Bible is referred to a Romanesque illuminated manuscript that was produced for Winchester Cathedral between 1150 and 1175. It is vital to comprehending the history of medieval art since it was left partially completed, providing insights into how these kinds of Bibles were created and produced. The Winchester Bible is a clear representation of the giant bibles that originated in Italy in the mid-eleventh century, containing the whole Christian Bible text from Genesis to Revelation. The Winchester Bible was quite significant to the monastic communities during the Romanesque period which is evident in the context of the Gregorian reform movement, initiated by Pope Gegory VII.

Works Cited

Bombi, Barbara. Henry of Blois: New Interpretations. Boydell & Brewer, 2020.

Clarkson, Christopher. “The Winchester Bible: Notable Features Observed During Conservation, 2012–15.” Journal of Paper Conservation 20.1-4 (2019): 49-55.

Griffiths, Toni. “The Early Jewish Community in Twelfth-Century Winchester: An Interdisciplinary View.” Early Medieval Winchester: Communities, Authority and Power in an Urban Space, c. 800-c. 1200 (2021): 225.

Norton, Christopher. “Henry of Blois, St Hugh and Henry II: The Winchester Bible reconsidered.” Romanesque Patrons and Processes. Routledge, 2018. 117-141.

The Winchester Bible (1160-70)

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The Winchester Bible (1160-70)

The Winchester Bible is referred to a Romanesque illuminated manuscript that was produced for Winchester Cathedral between 1150 and 1175. It is vital to comprehending the history of medieval art since it was left partially completed, providing insights into how these kinds of Bibles were created and produced. The Winchester Bible is a clear representation of the giant bibles that originated in Italy in the mid-eleventh century, containing the whole Christian Bible text from Genesis to Revelation. The Winchester Bible was quite significant to the monastic communities during the Romanesque period which is evident in the context of the Gregorian reform movement, initiated by Pope Gegory VII.

Works Cited

Bombi, Barbara. Henry of Blois: New Interpretations. Boydell & Brewer, 2020.

Clarkson, Christopher. “The Winchester Bible: Notable Features Observed During Conservation, 2012–15.” Journal of Paper Conservation 20.1-4 (2019): 49-55.

Griffiths, Toni. “The Early Jewish Community in Twelfth-Century Winchester: An Interdisciplinary View.” Early Medieval Winchester: Communities, Authority and Power in an Urban Space, c. 800-c. 1200 (2021): 225.

Norton, Christopher. “Henry of Blois, St Hugh and Henry II: The Winchester Bible reconsidered.” Romanesque Patrons and Processes. Routledge, 2018. 117-141.

Recruitment Methods

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Recruitment Methods

Organizations always consider the best methods that can provide them with the most qualified and fit candidates for specific job postings. Recruitment methods, by definition, imply the means that organizations use and apply in reaching out to their specific potential job seekers. Simply methods, these are just methods used for establishing relationships and contacts with the organization’s potential candidates (Gummadi 18). The digital world and transitioning in life implies that recruitment and selection is done from different perspectives. For instance, digital media, like social media and other social networking sites are used for recruiting employees by sending or posting advertisements. However, the gig economy also implies that people are most likely to meet at events and as such, develop or create networks (Faliagka et al. 153). These are equally exploited by organizations and businesses to recruit their employees. Yet, much attention has been directed towards interviews through mobile phones and videos, proper and direct way for comprehensive screening and evaluation or assessment of the employee. Therefore, in a modern-day organizational and job market, despite the availability of different recruitment methods, mobile phone and video interviews have become central to effective recruitment of the employees.

The changing modern environment, especially as it concerns to business management and how organizations are run, implies that modern recruitment methods must be considered. One such is networking events including seminars, open houses, job fairs, Human Resource events, and conferences (Gummadi 18). They have been identified as the perfect source of recruiting interns and job candidates. Yet, body shopping, as a direct recruitment approach, has equally been exploited as a way of recruiting individuals into the organization (18). This is a method whereby individual organizations set up the future employment talent pool. Hence, for any prospective employer, these organizations are then approached for recruiting skilled and trained talent. As such, it has led to the emergence of employee leasing, whereby the organizations are engaging in the commercialization of the recruitment process.

The advent of technology, as such, has made it easier for organizations to communicate with people and this explains why social media, as social networking sites, have become a vital method of recruiting employees. For instance, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are full of job seekers and most companies advertise their impeding or upcoming vacancies (Faliagka et al. 153). One of the major sites of recruiting professionals is LinkedIn, a professional site where people post their profiles, including professional and career objectives and CVs. This platform has played a key role for organizational recruitments, especially targeting the most qualified as the site rates individuals based on the completeness of their profiles, which in this case, entails a focus on specific attributes like their past job experiences, references, referrals and, specific areas of knowledge and development. In so doing, it is one of the best sites that make social media an important tool for recruitment. Yet, verification of the profiles could be a challenge and this explains why social media is sometimes questioned as to the best method for recruiting employees’ vacancies (Faliagka et al. 153). Still, recruitment, through social media has been advanced into innovative ways, including selection or recruitment methods through apps like Tinder, Bumble, Snapchat as well as Spotify in hunting talent.

A more effective way of recruiting and selecting employees is by consulting the employer review sites. Times have changed and a digital word whereby everything can be possibly reviewed and rated online, even employers, recruiters have not been missing out on this as a most effective and viable approach to understanding and learning about their employer (Silberman 505). As such, with the modern-day job seekers, there are better means and approaches to researching about the company’s perks, culture, pros, cons, and pay. These reviews are used by prospective employees seeking to work for their employees. The same applies to employers who use specific sites and databases to search for information concerning their prospective candidates.

Technology also offers companies and organizations with the best incentives and methods for evaluating and assessing their prospective candidates through video interviewing and mobile recruitment. As a strategy, mobile recruitment is a must consideration for any company operating in the contemporary business environment (McColl and Marco 637). Millennials and Generation Z are more inclined to use their mobile phones and consider it a means of engaging or interacting with people. This is also applied with organizations in presenting information about job vacancies, incoming recruitment, and training opportunities. As such, a mobile-responsive approach to recruitment implies that it will be considerably easy to access the current breed of busy job-seekers and the company enjoys the benefits of not missing out on the best, qualified, and the most talented candidates (Chhabra and Vandana 24). This also explains why video interviewing is finding its use in contemporary recruitment and selection, especially a new recruitment method that has rendered it much easier for employers to screen through their candidates while equally guaranteeing the convenience in the process and also a positive experience. Video interviews are the best forms of recruiting the candidates because it is easier for the employer to ask as many questions as possible, while at the same time, studying the prospect’s body language and even personal presentation. This method is effective because it reduces on-site interviews while at the same time improving the comprehensiveness of the screening process.

As shown above, different recruitment methods exist for companies and employees. An employer will only consider a method that provides comprehensive and detailed information about its prospective employees or candidates. This explains why technology is being exploited as the best approach and method for recruitment and selection. Yet, more concern has to be directed towards proper time for screening, face-to-face engagement, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates. In so doing, mobile and video interviewing are considerably the best recruitment methods. This is because the methods allow detailed screening and evaluation or assessment of the candidate. Furthermore, they allow firsthand experience and engagement with the respective candidates, to understanding and assess their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. The interviews also allow the candidates to express themselves while at the same time ask for clarifications. Therefore, in a modern-day organizational and job market, mobile phone and video interviews have become central to effective recruitment of the employees.

Works cited

Chhabra, Anu, and Vandana Ahuja. “Recruitment Trends in the Contemporary Era.” Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Human Capital and Information Technology Professionals. IGI Global, 2018. 24-37.

Faliagka, Evanthia, Maria Rigou, and Spiros Sirmakessis. “An e-recruitment system exploiting candidates’ social presence.” International Conference on Web Engineering. Springer, Cham, 2015.Gummadi Dr. Ravi Kumar. Recruitment and Selection Practices of It Companies in Andhra Pradesh – A Study of Select Units. Zenon Academic Publishing, 2015.

McColl, Rod, and Marco Michelotti. “Sorry, could you repeat the question? Exploring video‐interview recruitment practice in HRM.” Human Resource Management Journal 29.4 (2019): 637-656.

Silberman, M. “Operating an employer reputation system: Lessons from Turkopticon, 2008-2015.” Comp. Lab. L. & Pol’y J. 37 (2015): 505.

The Black Panther Party’s Ten Point Plan

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The Black Panther Party’s Ten Point Plan

The speakers of the 10-point program or plan are Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. Both of these men were the founders of the Black Panther Party. The party was founded for the sake of providing self-defense to the Black community and especially with focus on armed self-defense, nationalism and socialism of the Black community at a time when racism was at its peak. Its formation was in October of 1966. The establishment of the Black community’s destiny was at the forefront of the direction of the party and the motivating factor amidst the ongoing racial issues.

The speakers are trying to communicate the need and importance of freedom and access to rights for the Black community as a way of bringing equality for them in a similar manner as the White community enjoys it. They are trying to convince those in power that they are just as entitled to all these rights as everyone else who gets to enjoy them freely. While communicating this, the speakers are also trying to bring to light the line that exists between the Black and White communities, identifying how racism remains pronounced for the Black community and how this has made it difficult for them to live at ease and in peace (Calloway).

This topic is of great concern to the speakers since they have been the victims of racism before and they are, therefore, creating a platform for all members of the Black community where their needs and difficulties can be heard. It is a matter that they have had enough of and they are hoping that the mobilization of the Black folk would mean that the creation of this platform would increase the volume for the change that they need and want as a way of creating equality across the United States. The topic is also of a great concern since it affects the livelihood of the Black community members and how they get around their lives on a daily basis. Airing this concern and having adjustments made as a result would mean more freedom for the community on their day to day lives and being placed on the same pedestal as the White community. This would eventually lead to communities that work together for the good of themselves and the country at large.

The speakers of the Ten Point Program are addressing the White racist government of America, which has been continuously victimizing the Black community within the United States of America. The demands that the speakers make within the plan are all those that the government is required to meet for its people without bias. However, these needs are only being met for the White community while leaving out the Black community to fend for its self while enabling the White community to remain racist in all views. The government is supposed to help out its people by ensuring that there is freedom for all, employment is provided to all, provide compensation for those who have suffered in the hands of the government, provision of decent housing and provision of education. On top of this, the government is required to end brutality by the police, to try all men fairly and provide the basics of life to all. The speakers want to be heard by the government that has been biased against their community while making it clear that color ought not to be the reason for divide or treating others differently (Courtright).

The mode or medium of communication that has been applied by the speakers is the written version. The speakers took to an approach that would be easy for the people from the black community and others to subscribe to. At the same time, this written option would easily have access by the public given the fact that it was published within the party’s newsletter, accessible by many, if not all, of the members. This greatly relates to their purpose of being heard and seeking freedom while putting across the message of equality to the government. Having the written work published would mean that both the members of the Black community and the public at large would catch a glimpse of the writing so that the government would know that it is in the limelight and it would not get to deny facts put across.

The three types of appeal are evident in the ten point program. Logos is used in the case of the demand for the forty acres and two mules, the speakers are trying to bring sense to the table by sharing the fate that the Black community suffered, comparing this to the case of the Jews who suffered an ill fate and were compensated. It would then only make sense if so many Americans suffered a fate that the government was liable to, thus demanding an overdue debt for their troubles. Ethos has been used in the case of the plea of exempting the Black men from military service for defense with the White men already exempted, for the sake of killing other people of color. This is morally wrong since the government is using victimized Black people to kill others who have been victimized too, while excluding the Whites in the process. The speakers use pathos to show the audience the pitiful sight that the Black community has to go through. In the process, the appeals have been used to the pain and trials that the Black community goes through and identify why these struggles have to come to an end given that they are inhumane.

References

Calloway, Carolyn R. “Group Cohesiveness in the Black Panther Party.” Journal of Black Studies 8.1 (1977): 55-74.

Courtright, John A. “Rhetoric of the gun: An analysis of the rhetorical modifications of the Black Panther Party.” Journal of Black Studies 4.3 (1974): 249-267.

Significant Modification of Abuse Law

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Significant Modification of Abuse LawDrug abuse is one of the depriving offenses in America that significantly affects the society as well as the individual users. Various laws have been put in place where the drug users have punished accordingly regarding the law. However, the act of jailing and casting various punishment to the victims raise the disturbing question. Does punishing the users have any impact on a life of the offenders or is just subjecting suffering to them? What are the other ways to make the victims better after the jail term and rectify their bad behavior as they get back to the community? Many of these drug traffickers in America have used the substances for a long time and are addicts. Therefore, the point of interest is that apart from the users just being punished there can be a mechanism where for a significant portion of their jail term they can be taken to a rehab where they can rectify their behavior (Kerrison, page 11). In this paper, the pro and cons of changing the law regarding drug abuse in a way that the victims can spend part of it serving the jail term and the other half on rehab are discussed into an In-depth extent.

It is right that they deserve the punishment for their unlawful deeds, but they are nation’s civilians whom after the jail term are supposed to be productive to the society. From the point of view, the current law is not fair as to the offenders as they are citizens as well as brothers and sisters to various people in the community who would like to see a change in their lives. Change is inevitable and for the nation to develop both socially and economically productive solution has to be put into action. The point of interest regards incorporating the law that will do not only state punishment to drug users but also efficiently state they should be taken to rehab (Arora et.al page 136). For instance, there before when establishing the law, the forefathers had an intention of making the offenders rectify their behaviors in the term of punishing them so that they can realize their mistakes. However, as time goes, it is evident that the victims do not change their character and after the jail terms, they continue with the same behavior of abusing the substance.

Substances are addictive, and they also have long-term effects on the users as well as the community. For instance, through passive smoking non-smokers are significantly affected by the nicotine available in cigarettes. The addicts experience lots of health implications and hallucinations that the possibility of committing crimes are high. Also, they require finances to purchase the drugs which are at many times costly as the drug traffickers take high risks when they are supplying them, and in return, they expect high profits. Therefore, the addicts at many times found in criminal activities such as robbery and burglary so that they can get the money to purchase the substance. The family, as well as other community members, suffer significant consequences as they are the victims of all these misconducts done by the drug users. Thus, rectification of the drug users’ behavior during their imprisonment is a valid thing that immediate actions are supposed to be taken (Johnson, et al. page 4).

The act of introducing rehab session as a part of jail term has its pros and cons which make different people come up with a different point of views and arguments. To begin, with are the advantages of rectifying the law regarding punishing drug users in America overpowers the repercussions. It is true that the users are offenders of law, and they deserve the punishment, but taking them to the rehab will not only help them to cease from the unethical behavior but also shapes their life and changes the character. Rehab centers in the country play a vital role in the community as they derive the pessimistic users from substance addiction into a drug-free lifestyle. Many people fall into the trap of drug use unaware mostly due to peer pressure and depression as a way of relieving stress. Therefore, it is morally upright to help them change their behavior and get back to the community productive.

Also, taking the prisoners to rehab gives them a chance to meditate and think about their future as well as that of the society as they are taught the effects of substance to their well-being as well as the community in general. The rehab centers have been primarily put in place to shape and change drug addicts. Therefore, there are experts in guidance and counseling who knows how to approach drug addicts as well as how to psychologically change their perspective regarding the use of the substance. It is right that not all drugs are prohibited in the country, but the fact remains that with abuse all the substance are hazardous to human health. For instance, the experts may decide to regulate the rate at which the addict take drugs up to a point where they can comfortably survive without their use (Chie et.al page 90). The case is different with imprisonment as the drug user has no option apart from entirely ceasing from drug use during the jail term where many ends up suffering to the extent of demise.

Furthermore, apart from being taught the technicalities of surviving without substance abuse in the rehab, the drug addicts are equipped with moral values as well as discipline and how to approach the community comprehensively after the session. Ethnicity is the key to discipline and well-being in the society. Thus the rectification of the moral deprivation due to drug use is a sound action. The victims will be taught on how to stay together with family, relative and other community members without the ego of disownment. The family, as well as society at large, are for the rectification of behavior, and that is the primary reason behind putting the law in action.

On the other side, the act of taking the prisoners to the rehab for a significant portion of imprisonment has its disadvantages. First, the government will incur extra cost for the programs and other operations to be carried out during the process. However, with sufficient results that are beneficial to the society, it is worth to incur the extra cost. Also, it is clear that the act of drug abuse will increase as people will be confident that even after addiction they will get out of it for free by the government. It is correct, but the better part of it is that the jail term, as well as punishment, remains in place. First and foremost the offenders have to serve their jail term as per the law and the only change expected is an addition of the rehab bit. It is common that all things have pro and cons, but it is prudent to go for the ones that their benefits suppress the shortcomings.

As discussed above, the act of changing drug abuse law in a way that the offenders be spending half of it serving a jail term and the rest of the rehab is sound and beneficial to the society. However, the burden of changing the behavior of drug addicts should not be put aside only for the government but should also be an individual responsibility of accepting the victims back into the community as well as showing them a right path toward ethical conducts.

References

Arora, Hobinder, et al. “Evaluation of socio-demographic profile of the drug abusers visiting drug deaddiction centre at Faridkot, Punjab.” Journal of Advanced Medical and Dental Sciences Research 4.2 (2016): 136.

Chie, Qiu Ting, et al. “substance abuse, relapse, and Treatment Program evaluation in Malaysia: Perspective of rehab Patients and staff Using the Mixed Method approach.” Frontiers in psychiatry 7 (2016): 90.

Johnson, Byron R., et al. “Faith and Service: Pathways to Identity Transformation and Correctional Reform.” Finding Freedom in Confinement: The Role of Religion in Prison Life (2018): 3.

Kerrison, Erin M. “Exploring how prison-based drug rehabilitation programming shapes racial disparities in substance use disorder recovery.” Social Science & Medicine (2017).

Literary Analysis of Young Goodman BrownB

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Literary Analysis of Young Goodman Brown

“Young Goodman Brown” a story by Nathaniel Hawthorn which commonly talks about the power of social expectations, the transformation of people’s way of living as well as the grip of the past. It is a precise and well-elaborated story on how the community is corrupt and how hypocrisy hides the real image of the society. It is about Goodman Brown on how he used to figure out the politicians, spiritual leaders, the community members and his wife Faith as the epitome of moral ethics in the society. However, all this trust and believe ended changing him to an independent person who cannot trust on anyone in the community even his wife after knowing that they were all involved in the evil ceremony that usually happened during the night on the sacred forests. Hawthorn appropriately applies literary devices to bring out the plot of the story as well as its clear interpretation. Characterization has been well put off in the story where the main characters are Goodman Brown, Faith, and the Old Man. In this paper, the literary critical analysis of the “Young Goodman Brown” in regards of the themes, symbolism, historical content, motifs, themes, settings, the dark romantics and fall of man as well as the plot as brought up in the story are elaborated into an in-depth extent.

The settings of the story reflect the historical context of the community as well as the cultural beliefs and erosion of ethics in the society. Considering its environmental settings is in a rural area at Salem village where the evil people were associated with dark things used to attend the evil ceremony at night. The witch and people who were believed to be going the religion rules were the ones associated with such ceremonies (Hawthorne, page 13). Even though the author does not put clear whether it was the reality or a dream, it shows that during the nineteenth-century people were corrupt in superstition and other cultural beliefs that put a boundary between them and Christianity. Women were associated with purity and were regarded as vital pillars of the family in the matters regarding religion in the community. Good Brown believed that his wife was pure and the one to lead him towards the kingdom of heaven and attended the ceremony saying that it would be the last time and he follows Faith’s footsteps. However, it was against his expectations and surprising to meet her on the evil’s ceremony during the night. The case was not different with the deacons, and other community leaders who were regarded as the mirror of the society and Young Goodman Brown could not trust them anymore.

Dark romantics are also part of the story which author uses to express the cultural beliefs of many others writers in the early nineteenth-century deed. The gothic story composes a description of gloomy events followed with the psychological nuisance. The author uses his wife to illustrate the act of evil in the society and hypocrisy ending up never to trust anyone and living according to his principles and religious beliefs. It is traumatizing that Goodman Brown has kept hope for his wife as the one to transform and lead him towards the Christianity ways, but later realized she was also involved in the evil ceremony. The religious leaders and politicians are respectable heads of the community who tricks people about their love of God and public, but they are hypocrites who get involved in witchcraft and all other sorts of evils (Takeuchi, page 21). The “Young Goodman Brown” acts as a metaphor for the fall of man in the society regarding the author’s illustration of what he sees as hypocrisy and integral imperfection in the nation’s religion. It symbolically reflects the story in the bible on how the serpent enticed Eve to take the forbidden fruit which also put Adam in the same action and finally they were exiled from the garden of Aden and subjected to the pain of evils they deed. Goodman Brown was enticed by the Oldman to attend the dark ceremony where afterward realized the hypocrisy and moral degradation in the society and ended up trusting no one even his beloved wife.

The author accurately uses themes to bring out the conflict and other critical devices as well as development of the story’s plot. The themes that are mainly reflected in the story include the weakness of public morality, fear of wilderness and the inevitable loss of innocence. The mentioned above themes are the ones that the author applies bringing out the conflict and enhancing readers understandability. The theme of the weakness of public morality is reflected in the story where all the people in the community beginning with politicians to religious leaders and civilians are involved in unethical deeds. It illustrated in a conflict of the story before Goodman Brown attending the evil ceremony and at the climax where he decided never to trust anybody in the community and live his own moral life. The theme of fear of wilderness also significantly enhances plot development. Goodman Brown was in high terror as he gets into the lonely forest and meets with the Oldman (Melville, page 17). The wilderness represented evil as he was afraid and ashamed of being seen by other community members in the forest such as the woman whom they met on their way to the evil ceremony. The theme of inevitable loss of innocence creates the climax of the story. After realizing that all the community members are evil and eroded with hypocrisy, Goodman Brown decided to live independently and seek his interventions towards religion and the kingdom of heaven.

According to the discussion above, hawthorn’s “Young Goodman Brown” is a reflection of the today’s society where people have to live on their means and they are responsible for the evil deeds that one commits. The story is educative not only to the present but also the future generations as it shows how hypocrisy has corrupted the society in all the sectors both social-economically and political basis.

References

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. Young Goodman Brown. Booklassic, 2015.

Hawthorne, Nathaniel. Young Goodman Brown. Simon and Schuster, 2012.

Melville, Herman. “Hawthorne and his Mosses.” Literary World 17 (2015): 17.

Takeuchi, Kisaki. “An Analysis of Hawthorne and Akutagawa.” (2016).