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Cultural and Ethnic Studies. Anthony Giddens identity Project and cultural identity

Cultural and Ethnic Studies

Anthony Giddens identity Project and cultural identity

By modernity, Anthony Giddens is not referring to the modern times that we are currently living in but rather the times that have already been influenced by constant developments that take place daily in the society. This aspect influences some of the choices of people who are in a dilemma about their identity. Additionally, these types of people may also tend to enquire about important stuff about their lives (Giddens 1991, p. 23). Some of the most common questions they may seek to find out about themselves include what to wear, what to do with their free time, how to deal with their personal relationships, or how to behave at the place of work. External influences play a big role on humans’ identity because in most cases, people try to act as they feel and if they would make them fit in the world. The extent to which individuals personally decide on their own identity is compared to when it is imposed on them through the external influences (Brockmeier 2001, p. 69). This aspect is considered more often unlike an awareness matter or consciousness. In the traditional society, the set up social order that would help humans in making decisions about their self-identity is different from the modern world where a person is left to make his or her own decisions. Every day people are faced with rational questions about which they are or how they should be or act; however, as they live in their societies, most of these questions are usually answered whether discursively or through social behavior (Brockmeier 2001, p. 87).

Giddens suggests that the society as a whole is to blame for the kind of individual that person is. This is because humans, just like animals, adapt to the environment. The cultural patterns around the person will have an influence, as the one will try to act as others do or try to be what he or she believes the society would approve of (Czarniawska 1997, p. 58). Additionally, in the traditional world, religion played a major role in influencing people’s choices and behaviors. Over the years, religion has changed, and new types have come up. Some religions may also condone certain life choices and even give room to diverse sexuality, which may lead one as an individual to believe that maybe the act is not so bad after all (Czarniawska 1997, p. 67). Giddens blames the social changes that have taken place in the modern society for the way people choose to act or according to their social behaviors. He stipulates that the change must not have happened on a day, but must be something that has been gradually changing over the past years, and the society may just not have realized it. These changes are fostered by both micro and macro forces.

The Media and Cultural Identity

In the same context, Giddens is of the opinion that the media plays an influential role on people’s relationships, especially in the current world. He states that people are so dependent on the media and often rely on the information that it gives. It could be gossip about certain people, relationships, fictional programs, comedies, or family drama. The media, in this case, has been significant in bringing out the aspect of cultural identity throughout the world. There are various forms of media, which effectively bring out the aspect of cultural identity. Some of the common forms in this sense include advertising, web based, print media, and the audiovisual. In talking about the web based media form, the most common type is the Internet. Generally, the media brings out the aspect of cultural representation, according to Anthony Giddens. One of the most common types that can effectively bring out this aspect is advertising. In most cases, it takes up different forms, and it is also regarded as an essential aspect where people can pass particular information across. Additionally, advertising is a form of communication, which is essential in encouraging, persuading, or even manipulating a particular audience. In this case, the audience includes listeners, readers, viewers, or a particular group. The purpose of this type is to encourage the audience continue with a particular action. Alternatively, through the advertising, humans are able to identify their cultures and behaviors. This is the reason why Anthony Giddens came up with this notion. In his identity project, Giddens says that the world of advertising can also take up various forms, especially in its quest to pass the message across. In this case, the author points out the print media and web based one as some of the aspects which advertising would use. Generally, the world of advertising is broad (Giddens 1991, p. 63).

Print advertising

Print advertising is one of the most powerful forms of media that helps in getting the message across. The growing code switching occurrences phenomenon in advertising has generally led the rise of identity construction study through code switching advertisements. Alternatively, there have been views regarding identity and aspects of its construction with the use of language. Identity in this aspect can be marked through various similarities, representation and differences (Czarniawska 1997, p. 76). Generally, printing advertising plays a big role in today’s society especially in personality identification, which is seen as difficult and problematic in some cases. Two examples of this aspect are magazines and newspapers. Generally, magazines and newspapers are vital in changing people’s ideas and believe about various aspects of life. A magazine for example has various messages, which can determine a person’s perspectives in life. Some magazines can influence an individual either positively or negatively and in doing this, it is shaping the identity of the person. Newspapers are mostly informative. Although they do not directly influence a person’s identity, they play a key role in people’s opinion about certain aspect of life and by doing this; they are generally constructing the identity of the person.

How Identity is constructed

Anthony Giddens states that identity of a person is one’s own reflective understanding of his or her own biography. Additionally, the author claims that self-identity has aspects of continuity (Giddens 1991, 53). In saying this, he meant that this particular aspect could not be completely changed at will, but instead, it is a person’s reflective belief product about his or her own biography. Generally, ‘identity’ depicts the intersection that exists between media study and cultural institutions or the material culture. Additionally, it entails the study of language, representation, and meaning in texts production. The creation of identity is usually theorized via self-relation aspects to societal and culture.

Giddens views a stable identity aspect as a self-identity, which bases upon a person’s life account, influences, and actions, which make sense. Additionally, a person can explain this aspect to various people with a lot of ease. Generally, it explains a person’s past and is oriented upon an anticipated future (Sturken 2009, p. 56). Alternatively, a person’s identity does not reflect behavior, or this aspect is not seen as a very important one. However, it usually depends on the reactions of other people, but generally relies on the capacity or the ability to ensure that a particular narrative keeps on going. An individual’s biography, in case one wants to maintain an interaction, which is regular with other individuals on a daily basis world, cannot be wholly fictive. This aspect can continue to integrate events that happen in the external world. Additionally, it sorts them into going stories.

Historical Emergence of Identity and Individualism

An individual’s self-fixed sense through divine order of things that are fixed can generally define a person’s status, position, or a particular rank. In this case, individualism is the aspect of self-ownership and the ability to have the freedom to express feelings (Hall 1997, p. 78). It relates to identity in that identity in this perspective is connected through the ability to reason and rational processes.

Identity as a Project

Generally, Anthony Giddens viewed self-identity aspect as a project. In this case, he referred to it as the changes that occur in humans’ social life and in-world experiences (Sturken 2009, p. 98). Giddens states that the mechanisms of self-identity are shaped depending on the aspects of modernity. Other aspect, which defines identity, includes reorganization of space, time, disembodying mechanisms expansion and radical doubts. The aspect of self-identity among people entails uncertainties, trust, choices, risks, distant happenings of local life influences. The importance of mediated experiences depend biographical narratives and lifestyle choices (Giddens 1991, p. 33).

Approaches

Generally, there are two approaches which are dominant with regards to identity aspect by Anthony Giddens. They are essentialist and interactionist, also known as social constructionist.

In this case, essentialism entails the aspect where identity is generally a person’s essence; thus, fixed set of values, practices, and ideals remain to be defining characteristics. In most cases, this aspect would presume that the universe has a way of being a person, be it man or woman, black or white, homosexual or heterosexual (Berger 1974, p. 78).

The social constructionism or social interactionism is generally the theory of knowledge regarding the communication and sociology fields, which examine jointly, constructed understandings and world’s understanding. This aspect also assumes that a particular understanding, importance, and meaning are usually developed together. The social constructionism states that they are not separated within an individual, but in most cases, they are coordinated with other people. Some of the most important elements to the social constructionist theory are human beings assumptions that they can rationalize their own experiences by the aspect of creating social world model. It also checks on how this particular model functions. Additionally, there is the element of language being an essential system, which helps human beings in constructing realities (Woodward 1997, p. 45) The social interactionism theory also closely relates with the symbolic interactionism aspect/theory. In this case, the symbolic interactionism entails sociological perspectives, which are influential in various areas of this particular discipline.

The aspect of media in relation to these theories is relevant. In this case, the aspect of media (internet and advertisements) entails the general interplay that exists between sound, images, and technology. The idea behind online community is regarded as a social construct. The two theories encompass discursive communities’ aspects and social realities. Additionally, they portray the public sphere and anonymity in interactions.

The aspect of media and, in this case, advertisements, can categorically be related to the theory of social constructionism (Giddens 1991, p. 49). Social constructionism, being a theory of knowledge regarding the communication and sociology fields, examines jointly constructed understandings and world’s understanding, generally shares almost a similar notion with the aspect of advertising. These two aspects talk about communication aspect and the sociology field. Just like the social constructionism, advertisements also try to get an understanding with its viewers or listeners. The catch behind an advertisement model is an understanding of concepts and ideas.

References

Berger, J 1974, Ways of Seeing. London, Penguin

Brockmeier, J., & Carbaugh, D. A. 2001, Narrative and identity: studies in autobiography, self and culture. Philadelphia, Pa, Benjamin.

Czarniawska, B 1997, Narrating the organization: dramas of institutional identity. Chicago, Univ. of Chicago Press.

Dolby, N. E. 2001, Constructing race: youth, identity, and popular culture in South Africa. Albany, NY, State Univ. of New York Press.

Eagleton, T 1996, Literary Theory: An Introduction. Chapter 3- Sttucturalism and Semiotics. Oxford Blackwell; especially pages 79-85

Hall, S 1992, The Question of Cultural Identity in Stuart Hall & Tony McGrew (eds) Modernity and its Futures. London: Polity

Hall, S (ed) 1997, Representations: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London, Sage: Introduction and Chapter

Sturken, M & Cartwright, L 2009, Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. Oxford: Oxford University Press; Chapter 1

Woodward, K 1997, Identity and difference, London: Sage

Tim O’Brien’s

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How to Tell a True War Story-Tim O’Brien

Summary

Tim O’Brien’s How to Tell a True War Story (1990) is a story about love, memory, and sorrow. The story has nothing to do with war. Rather, it is about how the special ways through which dawn spreads when a person knows that they have to cross the river and enter the mountains, face their fears, and do things they are afraid of. The story explores the complicated relationship between storytelling and experience. The story is narrated from two perspectives. Half of the story is told by O’Brien, in his perspective as a soldier, as a repeat of various old Vietnam stories, while half of the story is narrated by his persona as a storyteller as a discussion about the art of storytelling. In summary, How to Tell a True War Story is about a anonymous narrator that talks about the actions and thoughts of Jimmy Cross in third person. Jim Cross serves as a lieutenant in an army unit that is on mission during the Vietnam war. Cross seems preoccupied with the letters that Martha sent him before joining the army. He dated the young lady before joining the army. He wonders whether she is a virgin or not. Cross thinks about the love he has for Martha, although the letters do not day of Martha feels the same way too.

The Theme of Truth

The theme of truth stands out as the overall theme in O’Brien’s story How to Tell a True War Story. In general, truth has to do with a fact of belief being accepted as true. According to O’Brien, something cannot be deemed true unless it feels as true. In this viewpoint, whether the action took place or not is not important because things happen all the time but that does not make them true. Towards the end, the audience feels disappointed and betrayed after realizing that Kiowa, Rat, and Mitchell Sander are not real but rather fictional creations. The author tries to pass across the message that despite the characters being made up, they carry with them great truth and meaning. True characters and stories do not necessarily need to fit perfectly into their character roles and narratives. In essence, the best way for the author to tell his Vietnam experience in the story is tell a story about the truth and not the happening truth. Tim O’Brien’s use of truth in this story indicates a shifting reality during war times. Without a doubt, O’Brien attempts to use story-truth to connect his audience with the subject of Vietnam. The attempt is unsuccessful because instead of connecting readers to the author’s experiences, it alienates them hence breaching the trust of writers and readers.

Setting

Tim O’Brien’s How to Tell a True War Story setting is in the Vietnam War at a time when Curt lemon has just lost his life in the mountains. This marks the beginning of the conflict encountered throughout the play since Curt Lemon succumbed because of war and the jungles of Vietnam that are always filled with traps. This death made Rat to let his emotions get the better of him. Curt’s death is the main reason why Tim told his story in the first place.

Characters

How to Tell a True War Story employs both major and minor characters to tell the story and push forward O’Brien’s agenda. One of the main characters is Lieutenant Jonny Cross, who serves in Alpha Company. He was never in support of the idea to go to war and lead men, but instead, he concentrates on his newfound love for a girl named Martha. Elroy is a man whom O’Brien considers as his life hero. After O’Brien’s attempt at going to Canada, Elroy is the one that takes him in. Martha is Jimmy Cross’ Lieutenant love interest. They have only been to one date back in college and she sends him love letters and pebbles, to which him good luck in the war. Norman Bowker and Dave Jensen are also other main characters. Norman returned with seven medals from the war but he is tortured with the guilt of Kiowa’s death. He feels responsible for his death (Gallagher, 56). Dave Jensen is a soldier that served in the same platoon as O’Brien. Tim O’Brien is also a character in the text. The collection is a collection of O’Brien’s experiences before, during, and after serving as a soldier in the Vietnam war. Other supporting characters include Ted Lavender, Azar, Henry Dobbins, Bob “Kat Rilley, Mitchell Sanders, Lee, Kathleen, Mark Fossie, Essie Diamond, Mary Anne, Billie, Max, among others. The author does a good job of depicting them as the perfect supporting cast for the story. They play a critical role in expounding the theme of truth.

Plot

The plot in Tim O’Brien’s How to Tell a True War Story is unlike any other. In the traditional sense it is not a story because it does not proceed in the usual chronological and straight path from the beginning to the end. Instead, it is a compilation of many shirt stories that interspeed with instructions has to do with true stories during the Vietnam War. The story starts begins with the words, “This is true” before narrating a story about his friend Rat who is writing a letter to the sister of his late friend. The letter can be described as long and heartfelt. Rat waits for reply for two months but unfortunately she never replies the letter. One cannot necessarily say that the story lacks flow because the events in the story relate to each other. Despite the stories being written in the form of a collection of the short story, they follow each other smoothly and there is no doubt that it is how the author intended them to be.

Works Cited

Gallagher, Molly J. “Opening a Trapdoor in Your Soul: Tim O’Brien’s Pursuit of a True War Story.” (2019).

Cultural and ethnic studies social political and economic development

Cultural and ethnic studies: social political and economic development

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University

Abstract

Every society in the world has its own beliefs and culture that shape their way of life. Cultures are mostly reflected through artifacts like music, art, architecture, religions and even philosophy among others. As citizen of the United States of America, I am surrounded by many artifacts that reflect the culture and beliefs of this country. Among the many artifacts that exist in this country, the statue of liberty stands out from the rest. This artifact was a gift to the people of the United States from their French counterparts and its completion was meant to coincide with the centennial celebration of the American declaration of independence from Britain.

Among all the statues and artifacts in the country, the statue of liberty stands out from the rest because it reflects the culture, spirit and values that drive the American society. From time immemorial, the United States has established itself as the land of freedom where individuals have the right to achieve their full potential and where all people are equal under the law. This important aspect of the American culture is clearly reflected in this artifact. This paper will address the historical roots of this cultural artifact as well as how it symbolizes the beliefs and values of the American culture.

The statue of liberty is one of the main cultural artifacts in the United States that I believe best represents the culture and the values of the American society. This cultural artifact was a present given to the people of the united states by France in celebration of the friendship between the two countries that begun during the American Revolution. The statue was developed by a French sculptors namely Fredric Auguste Bartholdi. According to the terms of the contract, Bartholdi was expected to finish developing the statue in 1876 so as to coincide with the centennial celebration of the American declaration of independence. Although the statue was a gift to the American people from their French counterparts, it was a joint venture between the two countries (Martin H. Manser, 2008). The French were to build the statue its self and the Americans were to construct the pedestal on which the statue was to be placed. Shortage of funds during the early days of the project was a challenge to both countries and the two governments were forced to come with ways of generating the required money. In France, funds were raised through lotteries, entertainment and public fees among other methods. In the United States funds for supporting the project were raised through art exhibitions, theatrical performances and prize fights among others.

Back in France, Bartholdi did not work on the statue alone but sought the help of a renowned engineer namely Alexandre Gustave Eiffel who designed the Eiffel tower in Paris. Mr. Eiffel was to take care of the structural aspects of the statue while Bartholdi took care of the rest. Back in the United States, the construction of the pedestal was slow than expected and it took the efforts of Mr. Joseph Pulitzer to get things back on track. Joseph owned a newspaper namely the “The world” and used it to urge Americans to contribute funds towards the financing of the construction of the pedestal (Martin H. Manser, 2008). He particularly criticized the rich for keeping all their riches to themselves and failing to fund the project as well the middle class whom he accused of relying on the rich to provide funds for the project. This campaign of harsh criticism proved successful and in short time, the project received more funding than it actually needed.

The statue of liberty represents a female form standing on a raised ground. The form holds a tablet in one hand and on the tablet the following inscriptions are written, July IV MDCCXXVI (July 4, 1776) which is indicates the date that the United States gained independence from the United Kingdom. Other than the tablet, the statue also holds a torch on the other hand. From the Brooklyn Bridge, the statue of liberty appears like a small figure but indeed it’s magnificent when viewed from close range. From the base of the pedestal to the topmost spike on her head, the statue weighs about 225 tons and has a height of 305 feet. The face alone measures about 8 feet in height and has a waistline of 35 foot (Marc Tyler Nobleman, 2003). There are 154 steps that are used to climb the statue from the pedestal to the head. Occasionally, a green color appears on this cultural artifact of the United States and this is due to effects of weather on the copper that was used to make the statue. Until 1986, the torch held by the statue was made of copper but was replaced with a 24 carat gold torch. Lastly, the female form of the statue of liberty has chains on her feet and a crown with seven spikes.

Since its foundation, the United States has stood for freedom and democracy where individuals have the freedom to realize their full potential. These national values are clearly portrayed in the statue of liberty. To begin with, the statue holds a torch in her right hand. Just like in all other societies, the torch is used to symbolize the authority of light over darkness and that of hope over despair. The torch also symbolizes the many struggles that the United States had to pass through in her efforts to ensure that freedom and democracy were embraced by all in the society. The female form in the statue appears to be looking upwards to suggest that in her fight for freedom, she knows that no forces will conquer her because her strength comes from God. Another feature of this artifact that relates to the beliefs and culture of the people of United States is the tablet that she is holding in her right hand (Susan Ashley, 2010). The tablet symbolizes the constitution of the United States which stands for liberty and justice for all. The tablet also symbolizes the key principles upon which the United States was founded and which are contained in the declaration of independence. The table also symbolizes individual freedom and the basis upon which all people should live and be judged therefore reflecting the famous phrase that “all men are born equal and have a God given right to freedom, life and pursuit of individual happiness”. The statue of liberty symbolizes these values contained in her tablet while symbolizing hope and determination to stand against all forces of evil that oppression that may try to violate them.

The crown with seven rays on her head symbolizes the seven ways through which God manifests himself to the human beings. These rays are part of human consciousness that the statue of liberty has mastered over the years. These arte the basis upon which her thoughts and consciousness are founded and they also link her with God. Finally, the statue appears to wear a flowing gown which symbolizes authority and her majesty (Jill Braithwaite, 2010). The gown is a mythology one to symbolize her relationship with past, present and the future therefore portraying her as timeless. The gown together with the crown stands for her heavenly origin and everlasting mission to be the spruce of hope and light to all mankind.

The historical political cooperation between France and the United States had a lot of influence in the development of the statue of liberty. The idea to build the statue was first put forward by a French law professor namely Edouard Rene de Laboulaye in 1865. Although his idea was not meant to be a proposal, Frederic Bartholdi took it seriously and begun to think on how a statue could be built in the United States and act as a symbol of freedom and liberty to all mankind (Darlene R. Stille,2008). The development of the statue was greatly influenced by the neoclassicism which borrowed a lot form the culture of ancient Greece. The statue of liberty has been identified as a heritage site and is therefore well taken care of to protect it from destruction and ensure that it’s kept intact for the sake of future generations. As a cultural icon, I don’t foresee the statue of liberty undergoing any kind of changes regardless of cultural changes. Although interpretations about the statue have changed over the years, the statue has remained intact and this is expected to continue even in future.

References

Darlene R. Stille (2008). The Statue of Liberty; our nation’s pride. ABDO; ISBN1602701156, 9781602701151

David Glassberg (2003). Rethinking the Statue of Liberty: Old Meanings, New Contexts. Department of history, university of Massachusetts.

Jill Braithwaite (2010). The Statue of Liberty. LernerClassroom; ISBN0761360522, 9780761360520

Marc Tyler Nobleman (2003). The Statue of Liberty; First Facts American Symbols. Capstone Press; ISBN0736816321, 9780736816328

Martin H. Manser (2008). The Facts on File Dictionary of Allusions. InfoBase Publishing, ISBN0816071055, 9780816071050.

Susan Ashley (2004). The Statue of Liberty; Places in American History. Gareth Stevens Pub; ISBN0836841506, 9780836841503

William A. McGeveran (2004). The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2004. World Almanac Book. ISBN0886879108, 9780886879105

Why Are Men More Likely to Die of Covid

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Article Title: Why Are Men More Likely to Die of Covid? It’s Complicated by the New York Times

This article delves into the gendered impact of the ongoing global covid-19 pandemic. Various experts mentioned in the article hold that social-economic factors between men and women play a huge role in influencing health disparities. The text opines that compared to their female counterparts, men are more likely to succumb to the illness. Initially, it was thought that reason was mainly biological and that sex-based treatments could reduce the likelihood of death. However, a new study revealed that death rates varied across states and over time suggesting that other factors including behavioral patterns, job types, and underlying health issues had a significant impact as well. I agree with the text that behavioral patterns coupled with other factors explain the health disparities of men and women. It is no surprise that states that have proximity to each other had varying death rates. This was the case for New York and Connecticut where despite the two states being close to each other demonstrated different results. Men recorded a higher death rate in New York while women had a higher death rate in Texas. This has a lot to do with the restriction measures each state took to curb the stress of the virus. I second the researchers that sex differences in hormones, genes, and immune responses cannot alone explain the high gendered mortality rates.

The text further explains that the occupation of men is likely to place them at more risk compared to women counterparts. The fact that men hold more jobs in transportation, construction, agriculture, factories, and meat packaging plants places them at greater risk of fatalities and exposure to covid-19. The text further explains that men are at greater risk of incarceration and homelessness placing them at more risk to the virus. Women on the hand are more cautious and are likely to adhere to safety practices of regular hand washing, wearing masks, and social distancing which places them at lower risk of contracting the virus. Additionally, women are more likely to be vaccinated than their male counterparts. In my opinion, this is not always the case because there is no concrete evidence to show that women are compliant with the restrictions and vaccine uptake than men. In my opinion, men also adhere to the safety health protocols but they are not likely to be as intentional as the women which places them at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/19/health/covid-gender-deaths-men-women.html

Reflection of Mother Tongue

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A Reflection of Mother Tongue and Snow

What Language Does for its Speaker

Language is important because it facilitates communication. Language is a double-edged sword; it has both advantages and disadvantages. Worth noting, language can be an enabler or a deterrent to communication. In the articles Snow by Julia Alvarez and Mother Tongue by Amy Tan, language was important in shaping the authors’ experiences. Tan went through both good and bad experiences because of her language. As an immigrant, it was obvious that she struggled a bit with perfecting language, but once she made up her mind that she would become a writer, there was no looking back. Despite her teachers telling her to take up a career in accounting and she would not excel in English, she decided to become a writer. She eventually perfected her writing and speaking skills. This empowered her to the point that she would confidently give speeches with hundreds of audience. On the other hand, Tan’s mother did not have such a good experience as her daughter. Her English was rather broken, and this presented a communication barrier. It made him be treated unequally at stores and in the banks where people pretended not to understand her. Furthermore, in Snow, Alvarez’s experiences were not exciting either. As an immigrant who had just moved to New York, she could not communicate effectively like other children, and as a result, she could barely express herself well. However, with the help of Sister Zoe, she eventually improved her vocabulary and, by extension, her language.

Why Language is a Political Instrument, Means and Proof of Power

James Baldwin once said that language is a political instrument, means, and proof of power, and I could not agree less. Language is a political tool because world leaders and politicians employ it to push the agenda. Language is the basis of communication’ it enables people to communicate with each other. If a person is not familiar with a language, there are less likely to be actively involved in decision-making because of the language barrier. Politics speak the language of power, and people who are not familiar with the language tend to be excluded from politics and decision-making.

Is Language a Key to Identity?

Without a doubt, language is key to identity. People who share a common language tend to relate and identify with one another, while those who do not share a common language barely understand each other. Language gives people identity because it connects people that come from the same geographical region. People that share a common language can easily have a meaningful conversation. For instance, in the article Mother Tongue, Tan writes, “When I was fifteen, she used to have me call people on the phone to pretend I was she. In this guise, I was forced to ask for information or even to complain and yell at people who had been rude to her.” Tan can easily have a conversation with her mother because they are from the same ethnic background. Other people complain that they can barely understand what her mother says, but Tan understands everything. Tan is the one that translates to other people what other people are saying. This is a clear indication that language is crucial in identity formation.

Does Language Reflect Family, Education, and Future Influences?

Yes, I agree that a person’s language reflects their family, education, and influences on the future. This is because how a person expresses themselves tells a lot about their level of education and background. If a person speaks good English, it is an indication that they come from well of background. High economic status is an indication that the individual was taken to the best schools where they attained the best educational training. People that speak good language stand out from the crowd, and they have an opportunity to shine. If they place themselves in the right company, their careers will likely take off, leading to an even better future.

Simplicity as a Perspective

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Simplicity as a Perspective

Without a doubt, everything is as simple as it always seems. The concept of simplicity has many dimensions; however the main meaning has a lot to do with ease and clarity. Being sparse, minimalism, and sparse are evident where simplicity is concerned. There is a saying that goes that ‘less is more’. This saying is the closest way to demonstrate the power of simplicity. This is an approach that demonstrates that having less aesthetically is more effective than having a lot. Simplicity is all about quality rather than quantity. This is a paradox concept that insists that having something in less amounts tends to be more appreciated than having it in large quantities. Even the makers of media tools mentioned in the text understood the concept. This explains why they developed tools which despite being sophisticated are simple to use. Think of the services that Facebook, Paypal and Youtube provide, it is hard not to notice how easy to easy these applications. Looking at the interface of these applications and websites, they have one thing in common; simplicity. Youtube and Facebook are simple to use for new users as the menu and icons have been strategically placed on the landing page. This makes it easy for first-time and continuing users to navigate the website easily. Additionally, the search icons are easily visible. The same case applies to the pay pal application. Moreover, the developers of these applications incorporated the concept of simplicity in color coordination. Paypal has blue as its main theme color, Youtube has red as its theme color, white, and Facebook also has dark blue as its theme color. The developers stick to one color to brand themselves in a specific manner and keep it simple while at it. All these dimensions showcase that we should strive to live by the mantra of simplicity because there is power in being simple and not complicating things.

Irony in Oedipus the King

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Irony in Oedipus the King (358 words)

First performed in 429 BCE, Oedipus the King is an ancient tragedy playwright that follows the story of King Oedipus as he discovered the truth about his father’s death, King Laius. The play is characterized as a Greek tragedy, plays that employ characters that are already known to the audience. The entire play is a dramatic irony as it entirely focuses on Oedipus condemning himself by wanting to know who killed the former kind. The irony is that Oedipus is the murderer that he seeks himself. This essay discusses examples of irony in Oedipus the King.

The first example of irony is seen in the first scene of the play. Oedipus says, “ I did not think it fit that I should hear myself, I Oedipus whom all men call the Great”(5-7). The opening of the play is already a dramatic scene. Thebes city is suffering a plague and people have turned to King Oedipus for assistance. In the past, Oedipus has rescued them from Sphinx, which is why they trust him to resolve this problem for them. However, none of them or Oedipus himself realizes that he is the reason for their predicament. In the second instance, Oedipus writes, ” Whoe’er he be, I order that…all men from their houses banish him; Since it is he contaminates us all, Even the Pythian oracle divine Revealed but now to me.” At this point, oracle had just informed Oedipus about the plague in the City of Thebes as the murderer is yet to be found and punished (Zachrisson, 314). Here Oedipus says that once found the murderer must be punished which is ironic because the audience knows Oedipus is the culprit. The third example of irony is demonstrated in Oedipus’s words. He says, “On these accounts I, as for my own father, will fight this fight and follow out every clue, Seeking to seize the author of his murder.”. Here, Oedipus insists again that he will not rest until Laius’s murder is punished. He curses himself unknowingly. He says that he will look for the murderer all night just like his father would. This is a classic example of dramatic irony since we already know he is the murderer.

In closing, the use of dramatic irony is demonstrated throughout the play Oedipus the King. Irony is showcased right from the opening scene, where the people turn to Oedipus for help after the king dies. Irony is also showed in the way Oedipus vows to locate his father’s murderer yet the audience knows he is the one that killed him.

Works Cited

Sophocles, E. A. Oedipus the king. Canada: Vancouver Island University, 2014.

Zachrisson, Anders. “Oedipus the King: Quest for self‐knowledge–denial of reality. Sophocles’ vision of man and psychoanalytic concept formation.” The International journal of psychoanalysis 94.2 (2013): 313-331.

Teamwork

Name

Professor’s name

Course

Date

Teamwork

My class discussion group was the best team I have ever been a part of. We were a team of six individuals, all known to each other since we were in the same class. The worst team I have ever been a part of was the project team I had signed for. The leadership training attracted individuals from all corners of the world from diverse backgrounds. The trainees gave us tasks we were supposed to complete in the group selected randomly. My class work group was the best pick because we understood each other well, and everyone knew their role and was committed to the process. I liked that we did not have a team leader, but somehow everybody contributed equally to the discussions without being pushed. On the other hand, the leadership program project team was the worst because coordinating tasks had proved to be an uphill task. I was the team leader, and I disliked having to call and text people reminding them to join a Skype call or to research something specific. It felt like the team members were not committed to the process, making it difficult to finish the assigned tasks. When I am meant to complete assignments as part of a team, I tend to struggle with deciding if I should handle things on my own without coming off as a micromanager. In most scenarios, I feel the team members are not committed to the process, so I take matters into my hands. I do not trust team embers to do an excellent job like I would, so I tend to take over the team and impose my ideas on them.

Resume Advice to a Friend

Name

Professor’s name

Course

Date

Resume Advice to a Friend

Dear Arlene,

How are you doing? I trust this email finds you well.

I write in response to your recent application for a social worker position at the City of Plantation. I have taken the time to read through your application and come up with the following insights that might boost your chances of selection in the future.

While it is clear that you made quite an effort to craft the application, I must mention that the resume could use a few touch-ups to make your application more outstanding.

The first suggestion is that should ensure that your resume showcases a basic understanding of your skills or talents. As the hiring manager reads through your resume, they should be in a position to pinpoint the skills that make you stand out for the role. You should see this as an opportunity to sell your strengths and get the position. Secondly, you should demonstrate that you understand the role that you are applying for. You can do this by convincing the hiring manager that you understand what the organization is looking for. Furthermore, your resume should always be customized for that specific position. I have noticed that while your resume fit well for the social worker position you were applying for, it had lots of generalities. It did not illustrate the outcome or achievements of your previous positions. I recommend you incorporate them as they tend to go a long way in selling you for the position. Fourthly, I would recommend getting more creative with your resume format. For instance, consider incorporating a colored passport photo as part of your header. Finally, I would advise that you include a referees section. A list of referees is important to show credibility to the hiring manager. Showing credibility is important as it sells you as a great ambassador for the position. Additionally, a list of referees is helpful to the hiring manager as it gives them a point of reference when running background checks for qualified candidates.

regards,

Name

Cultural and Ethical Differences

Cultural and Ethical Differences 

Name

Institution

Cultural Diversity in European Countries

Most of the countries in the world have constantly been affected by the diversity in culture, values and ethics. European countries being our case study, it is fascinating to note that the cultural diversity has affected the societal values at a great length. Prevalently, culture connotes to how the members of a society relate themselves to the past or their historical background. In addition, culture entails the identity or a sense of belonging. Furthermore, culture relates to the societal customs and beliefs. In the United States and U.K majority of the citizenry does express their culture through religion, Christianity. On the other hand, ethics tend to guide the entire society on what is right or what is perceived to be just. Ethics dictates that the society should behave in a particular way, due to this; we can resolve that ethics act as a guide of societal behaviour. On the other hand, values are what are perceived to be good or evil. Also, value is what a member of the society’s belief in. Worth noting is the fact that values affects the behaviour and attitude of members of a given society. A point to note is the fact that culture, ethics and values are different since the individuals come from different background. The cultural diversity constantly affects the values of employees at workplace either positively or negatively. It is for this reason that the management must come up with proper management skills to handle the cultural differences. Reportedly, most of the managers have raised their concern about the economic implications of cultural diversity (Ferrell et al, 2009). On the same note, ethical issues and ethical dilemmas is also a matter of concern in the business. The paper seeks to explain how the cultural diversity affects the values at the work place, it also highlights the economic implication of cultural diversity on a business. In addition, the paper addressed how ethical issues and ethical dilemmas can be solved.

As mentioned earlier, values and ethics majorly focus on what is right or what the society believe to be fair, just and moral. On the other hand, culture is based on the custom and belief of a society. The cultural difference arises when what is perceived to be good by a given society is perceived as a wrong by another society. Worth noting is the fact that the background, environment and the child upbringing play a crucial role in nurturing a person’s culture. Since a large number of individuals were brought up in different environments, with different background and dissimilar individual upbringing, this leads to the cultural diversity. For instance, a bribe is considered as a wrong in the United Stated and U.K, but the same bribe is viewed as something good in Romania, this is due to the cultural diversity. Interesting to note is the fact that each and every society has a custom and belief, what is believed to be right by a given society at the same time is perceived to be bad by another society. For instance, in the past United States viewed the act of slavery as just while African society believed that the act was a barbaric.

Cultural diversity has a significant economic implication in the business community; the diversity affects the business either positively or negatively. It is for this reason that the management must conjure more effective approaches on how to manage and handle the cultural diversity. To start with, the cultural diversity has brought employees with different experience and talent together. Prevalently, for a business to increase its production then it must harness the talent and experience of its employees (Davies, 1997). A point to note is the fact that, diversity and talents when consolidated can be used to develop new ideas and technology leading to competitive advantage and mass production. The cultural diversity provides the management with an opportunity to learn each and every employee, and to identify the employees’ capability, therefore, allocating the mentioned employees to areas in which they best fit. As such, leads to specialization which will further lead to excellent performance from each employee; this will guarantee the firm a competitive advantage as compared to other firms.

On the contrary, if the cultural diversity is not managed properly then the business can face adverse challenges. To start with, cultural diversity in significant business firms in both U.S and U.K has been a matter of concern due to the challenges that it present, the cultural diversity in most cases has lead to conflict and misunderstanding among employees. Conflicts arise when other employees feel they are more momentous than others, also, the conflict may arise when different employees differ in opinion whether an act is evil or right. As a matter of fact conflict has consequences to the firm has it leads to employees’ low performance and failure of a firm to attract and retain qualified and competent employees. As such, may lead to loss of profit or at worst lead to collapse of the business.

Similarly, the cultural conflict profoundly affects the individual’s values at work place. Notably, the cultural diversity can either affect the values of employees positively or negatively. Not to mention, the diversity enables the employees from different diversity to work and interact together, through interaction right values are acquired (Ferrell et al, 2009). In addition, the negative beliefs are dropped while positive beliefs are embraced and adopted. Consequently, a positive change of employee’s behaviour has been reported. On the other hand, cultural diversity has led to conflict among employees resulting into jealously, enmity and unhealthy tension among employees. Worst to mention is the fact employees of decorum have acquired wrong and unaccepted behaviour. It is for this reason that the management of various firms should come up with better policies that with protect employees from wrong values.

Prevalently, business community faces ethical issues in their operations. To start with, the pressure from customers to ensure the business produces safe products, fair prices, and proper disclosure. Similarly, the business also receives pressure from employees to provide safe and healthy environment, discrimination and sexual harassment. Also, the set laws expect the business not to engage in child labour and any unethical practises. On the same note, ethical dilemmas also affect the business decision making, the business is in a dilemma whether to engage in illegal activities or not, that is, whether to take bribes or not. The business must ensure all the decisions made must be in a line with the set ethical standards. The above mentioned issues have constantly the business.

The business must incorporate the ethical codes to guide the employees. In drafting the code, all ethical considerations should be taken into account. The rules, which emphasize on the accepted values must be incorporated in the code. A well drafted code will iron out all ethical issues and also solve the ethical dilemma. This will guide the management and employees to only practise what is ethically accepted (Davies, 1997). In the drafting of the ethical code, management must bring into board all the concerned parties; employees, management, stakeholders and customers. The parties will list all the emerging issues which continually affect them, and a proposal of the effective ethical practises which should be adopted.

From the above discussion, we can confidently conclude that the difference in background, environment and upbringing will give rise to cultural diversity; cultural diversity profoundly affects the operation of businesses either positively or negatively, due to this fact, the management must come up better strategies to handle the cultural diversity. On the same note, the management should set up ethical codes to solve the prevalent ethical issues and ethical dilemmas.

References

Davies, P. W. (1997). Current Issues In Business Ethics. New York: Routledge.

Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J. Errel, L. (2009). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making And Cases. USA: South-Western.