The Concept of Sacrifice

The Concept of Sacrifice

The Concept of Sacrifice

As part of life, sometimes people have to make sacrifices to achieve the desired goal or for the sake of those that they love. The concept of sacrifice and duty for the sake of oneself and others is a prominent theme in many stories, both fictional and based on real-life events. Some of the stories covered in class also feature these ideas prominently. For example, in the New Testament of the Bible, the death of Jesus Christ is a perfect example of sacrifice and duty. God sacrificed his only son, Jesus Christ, to die to save humankind from their sins. In addition to the New Testament, The theme of sacrifice and duty is evident in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Koran.

The Concept of Sacrifice in the New Testament

The New Testament of the Bible revolves around the teachings of Jesus Christ. Throughout his adult life, he went around preaching to others about the teachings of Christianity. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of sacrifice in the Bible. God sent him to earth to die for the sins of humankind, and Jesus agreed. Even when he was suffering before his death, he was still willing to go through with the plan until he was crucified on false claims (Matthew 27: 48). Jesus wanted to obey God’s will at all times, even when it was at great pain and cost to him. Jesus was arrested and severely beaten on his way to be crucified. Although he could have stopped all this suffering at all time, he knew that his death would save humanity. God also made a sacrifice in sending his only son to die on behalf of humankind. Any parent would keep their child from unnecessary suffering, but God made the sacrifice to save human beings.

In addition to Jesus’ sacrifice, his disciples also made a lot of sacrifices to be with him. Jesus traveled with his disciples across the countries he taught, and they had to leave behind their families and worldly wealth to accompany Jesus on his journey. Jesus taught his followers that they had to leave behind everything else if they were to obey his teachings. Being his follower left no room for earthy worries, such as material possessions and family responsibilities. Many could not imagine leaving everything behind; therefore they could not follow him. Jesus and his disciples also faced ridicule and rejection from people for their choices. Despite this, they did not abandon their cause, which is a perfect example of their sacrifice. They stood by Jesus, and even though they sometimes faltered, they did their best to get back on their chosen path.

The Concept of Sacrifice in the Old Testament

The Old Testament of the Bible also features some prominent examples of duty or sacrifice. One of these is the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham and his wife Sarah had no children until their son Isaac was born in their old age. After decades of waiting, they eventually had a child. For this reason, the parents must have been overly protective and possessive of the son for whom they had waited so long. Unfortunately, God asked Abraham to offer up his only son as an offering (Genesis 22:2). Being a staunch believer and follower of God, Abraham was willing to make this painful and impossible sacrifice. He took his son Isaac all the way to the mountains to sacrifice him. God saw that Abraham would have done anything asked of him, and he was pleased. God sent a ram for Abraham to sacrifice instead of Isaac, and the boy was saved. The main point of this story is that Abraham would have sacrificed anything, including his only son, at God’s request.

The story of Job in the Old Testament is an example of duty and sacrifice. Job was a wealthy man from the land of UZ, living with his family in abundance. He was a blameless man, always careful to stay away from evil, and believed firmly in God (Job 1:1). On seeing this, the devil approached God to test Job’s faith. God permitted Satan to do this. Job lost his family and wealth, yet his faith in God remained strong despite all this. His wife and friends all mock his faith in God, but Job never abandoned his faith. This story is an example of sacrifice because Job was willing to sacrifice everything to preserve his faith in God. Even when those around him told him that God abandoned him, he stuck by his faith. After all the trials, God blessed Jacob with even more wealth and children than before because he remained faithful even in the most challenging times.

The Concept of Sacrifice in the Epic of Gilgamesh

The epic of Gilgamesh contains several examples of sacrifice or duty. Gilgamesh is the king of the kingdom of Uruk, a king who mistreats his subjects. The people cry out to the gods to save them from their tyrannical king, and they send Enkidu to save them (George 33). Enkidu and Gilgamesh strike up a great friendship afterward. After Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh goes on a journey to seek eternal life. Gilgamesh is willing to sacrifice his life on earth to gain eternal life. When he finds a plant that would give him eternal life, he sacrificed it so that the older men of the town would have it. Given his desire for eternal life, this was undoubtedly a significant sacrifice for Gilgamesh to make. However, despite his honorable intentions, a snake steals the plant from Gilgamesh.

Enkidu’s death in the epic is another example of sacrifice. Gilgamesh and Enkidu entered a forest forbidden to mortals and cut down some trees. They kill the demon Humbaba guarding the forest, and after cutting down the trees, they return to Uruk. Upon their return, Gilgamesh becomes the subject of Ishtar’s love, but he rejects her. Ishtar, the goddess of love, is angry at Gilgamesh’s rejection, and she asks her father to punish him. Her father sends the Bull of Heaven to fight Gilgamesh, but Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill the bull (George 109). For this, the gods decide that one of the two must die, and Enkidu is the chosen one. This part of the story shows the sacrifices that the two friends made for each other. Enkidu sacrificed his life to help his friend fight the Bull of Heaven, and he dies as a result. Gilgamesh also sacrifices Enkidu’s life, although the situation was between Gilgamesh and Ishtar.

The Concept of Sacrifice in the Koran

Just like the other three texts, The Koran also offers some examples of duty and sacrifice. The fifteenth verse of Chapter 49 of the Koran speaks about the value of sacrifice. The verse states, “Without doubt the true believers are only those who have faith in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) and then do not change their belief into doubt, and (the believers are those) who struggle with their wealth and their lives in the way of Allah.” (The Dwellings, 49:15)This verse emphasizes the value of self-sacrifice. A person must be willing to give up all of their wealth and even their lives for their faith. In the Koran, there are several examples of people who lay down their lives for the Prophet and Allah. One of these is Sa’ad bin Ar Rabbi, who died in the battle of Uhud. In his final moments, Sad Rabi was grateful to have given his life to protect the Prophet and urged all the Prophet’s other companions to be willing to sacrifice anything for Allah and the Prophet.

The second example from the Koran is the sacrifice of Abu Bakar for the Prophet Mohammad during the Hijrah to Medinah. Through the perilous journey, Abu Bakar was ready to sacrifice his own life to save that of the Prophet under any circumstances. Through the journey, Abu Bakar remained on the lookout for any impending danger that might threaten the Prophet’s life. When they stopped at the cave of Thur, Abu Bakar went inside first to check that everything was safe (Surah 9:40). Abu Bakar put his own safety and comfort last to ensure that the Prophet was safe through the journey. Abu Bakar’s story follows the concept of sacrifice outlined in the Koran, where a person must give his life and wealth for Allah and the Prophet.

In conclusion, the concept of sacrifice and duty is found in many works of literature, religion, and everyday life. The Bible, Koran, and the epic of Gilgamesh all contain several examples of people willing to make sacrifices, both big and small, for those around them. For religious texts, sacrifice is regarded as a crucial component of faith. A believer must always put others before oneself. Self-sacrifice is a virtue like no other. In other stories, self-sacrifice is an admirable trait that not all people are capable of. Human nature leans more towards selfishness and self-preservation, and that is why the concepts of duty and sacrifice matter so much.

Works Cited

Bible, King James. King James Bible. Proquest LLC, 1996.

George, Andrew, ed. The epic of Gilgamesh: the Babylonian epic poem and other texts in Akkadian and Sumerian. Penguin, 2002.

Qur’an, Holy. Holy Qur’an. Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Incorporated, 1985.

Love, Friendship and Sexuality in ‘Gilgamesh’

Love, Friendship and Sexuality in ‘Gilgamesh’

Love, Friendship and Sexuality in ‘Gilgamesh’

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a story about men and gods, set in ancient Mesopotamia. Gilgamesh is king in the kingdom of Uruk, where he rules with impunity. The epic follows the events in Gilgamesh’s life that culminate in him becoming a humble person after a great friendship with Enkidu. Just like any other work of literature, the Epic of Gilgamesh contains several important themes, such as immortality, the nature of the gods, as well as love and sexuality. Although the story is set in ancient times quite different from ours, readers stand to learn quite a lot from reading the story. The central theme in the story is love, friendship, and sexuality, and the significance is that readers can relate these to their own lives.

Gilgamesh and Enkidu met under difficult circumstances, yet they grew to become the best of friends. Gilgamesh was a harsh and ruthless king who mistreated his people at will. For example, he raped any woman he desired and also used forced labor to build his temple. The people of Uruk cried out at these injustices, and the gods heard them. To challenge Gilgamesh, the gods sent a creature named Enkidu, who lived in the wild with animals. When a trapper discovered Enkidu’s extraordinary strength, he brought a prostitute named Shamhat to tame Enkidu and make him human. Sex was considered a calming force. After meeting with Shamhat, the wild animals ran away from Enkidu. He went to Uruk in search of Gilgamesh, who was just about to rape a bride, and the two men fought for a long time. Eventually, Gilgamesh prevailed, but the two later became good friends. They went on various adventures, but they angered the gods, and Enkidu was punished with death. Heartbroken over losing his friend, Gilgamesh sought a way to become immortal.

The friendship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh is the major part of the epic. Although the two met under strained circumstances, they later went on to become great friends (Ackerman,18). After their first fight, they set out on adventures together. One of these was to a forest belonging to the gods and forbidden to mortals. The two disregarded this and entered the forest, after killing Humbaba, the demon guarding the forest. They then journeyed back to Uruk on a raft made from cedars from the forest. When they returned, one of the goddesses named Ishtar fell in love with Gilgamesh, but he ignored her. Ishtar had her father send the Bull of heaven to destroy Gilgamesh, but he and Enkidu managed to kill the bull. This enraged the gods who killed Enkidu.

Love is evident in the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, as well as between other characters in the story. The theme of love and friendship is significant because it shows readers how powerful the force of love can be. When Gilgamesh and Enkidu met, they were supposed to be enemies because Enkidu was sent to stop Gilgamesh and his evil ways. However, even after the two fought, they later became good friends. This shows that friendship can strike between any two people, no matter their circumstances. Love is an integral part of friendship because it is the force that binds two people together (Ziolkowski 31). The love between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is even more apparent after Enkidu’s death. Gilgamesh was stricken with grief after his friend’s death and worried about his own death in the future. This deep grief is a sign of how much Gilgamesh loved Enkidu and valued their friendship.

The theme of love and friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh also shows how far people are willing to go for love and friendship. The goddess Ishtar fell in love with Gilgamesh, although he did not return her feelings. This deeply wounded and enraged the goddess, and she set up a scheme to punish Gilgamesh. She asked her father to send the bull of heaven to destroy Gilgamesh, all because her love was not returned. This situation shows that love is a powerful and also destructive force when it is not reciprocated (Besamusca 12). Enkidu and Gilgamesh teamed up and eventually killed the bull, a testament to their great friendship. Enkidu could have left Gilgamesh to deal with his problems, but as a true friend, he stood with him in his challenges. Sexuality is shown in the situation between Shamhat and Enkidu. Sex was considered a powerful tool that could calm Enkidu from being a beast into a man, and it worked. The significance of this is that with the right weapon, anybody can be subdued. In the epic of Gilgamesh, sex was a powerful tool, and the trapper used wisely to tame Enkidu.

In conclusion, the theme of love, friendship, and sexuality in the epic of Gilgamesh is significant in many ways. The friendship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh teaches readers that even the worst situation can result in positive outcomes. Enkidu and Gilgamesh should have been enemies, but they struck up a great friendship in trying times. Love is a major part of friendship and other relationships because it allows people to support each other in good and bad times. Enkidu and Gilgamesh shared a great love, and this is why Gilgamesh was greatly wounded by the death of his friend. The theme gives readers a chance to reflect on their own situations, and see the positive side of any terrible situation. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a great lesson due to its relevant themes.

Works Cited

Ackerman, Susan. When heroes love: the ambiguity of eros in the stories of Gilgamesh and David. Columbia University Press, 2005.

Besamusca, Bart. “The human condition, friendship and love: The Epic of Gilgamesh and medieval Arthurian romance.” People and Texts: Relationships in Medieval Literature. Brill Rodopi, 2007. 1-15.

Ziolkowski, Theodore. Gilgamesh Among Us: Modern encounters with the ancient epic. Cornell University Press, 2011.

Comprehensive analysis of the Book of Amos

Comprehensive analysis of the Book of Amos

Analysis of the Book of Amos

Introduction

The book of Amos consists of nine chapters, and is one of the twelve minor prophetic books in the Bible. Accordingly, religious researchers argue that the book of Amos was the first prophetic book to be written during this time, and for that reason, it set the pace for the rest of the prophetic books to be written (Rendsburg, 1994). Carrying various themes of divine judgment, repentance, divine power, and social justice, the book of Amos presents the prophecy of Amos regarding the fall of the different states in Israel and Judah. This book is said to have been written during the period when Israelites had forgotten God’s place in their hearts and Amos, the perceived author of the book aws sent to deliver a message of repentance to his people. Considered a prophet of doom by others, Amos foretold of a time when the Israelites will be punished for their sins, and forsake of God and his teachings.

However, Amos did not only speak of negative events and happenings, he also spoke of a time of restitution thus encouraging Christians to works towards the achievement of God’s teachings so as to avoid his wrath. Fundamentally, the book of Amos presents one of the greatest prophesies of the time, illustrated in the simplest and most comprehensive manner for all readers to understand.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the Book of Amos. Specifically, the paper examines the date, authorship, historical and cultural backdrop, as well as, scholarly interpretations of the meaning and themes of the book. The paper concludes by providing a personal reflection of the book of Amos.

Summary of the Book of Amos

Arguably, the book of Amos is divided into five main sections. The first section of the book consists of the readings of Amos Chapter 1 and 2. These two chapters introduce the readers to Amos’ message and prophesy with regards to the various nations of Judah. Observably, Amos gives his prophesy regarding the judgment of various nations namely, Aram, Philistia, Phoenicia, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel (Rendsburg, 1994). Accordingly, because the book of Amos was intended for passing the message of God to the Israelites, the judgment of Israel as a nation is emphasized. Chapter 2 examines the different short fallings and sins of the Israelites and explains how each sinner will receive judgment for their sins. Some of the sins that were up for judgment as listed in the book include oppression of the poor, dissent of religion, and the different attitudes of the Israelites regarding the religious way of life (Rendsburg, 1994). The entire chapter explains how different sinners will receive different judgments with regards to their committed sins.

The second section of the book presents Amos’ prophesies regarding the future of Israel. Chapters 3 to 5 make up the second section of the book and they explain the different oracles against Israel as per the vision of Amos. Chapter 3 explains the judgment to be provided on the chosen people of Israel. Specifically, this chapter elucidates on the God’s punishment on these people if they did not adhere to his teachings. In addition to this, chapter 3 also vindicates the announcements and the punishments that the Israelites will receive for the sins committed respectively (Rendsburg, 1994). The chapter explains the various ways through which they shall receive punishment if they do not repent their sins and ask God for forgiveness. Chapter 4 elucidates on the judgment to be provided on those individuals who are unrepentant of their sins. Specifically, this chapter explains how God will judge the socialites, those who have falsified religious living, as well as, those whose sins have hardened them to the point where they do not recognize their own sins. As the chapter also explains, past calamities that the Israelites were unfortunate to undergo did not encourage repentance, and for that reason, God shall induce more calamities so as to compel Israelites to repentance hence deliverance. However, in this chapter, Amos is quick to explain that there will be no hope for the hardened souls owing to their inability to recognize their own wrongdoing. Chapter 5, the last chapter of the second section of the book examines God’s judgment on the unjust populations. In this chapter, Amos laments about the death of the unjust Israelites who chose to live their lives with complete disregard for the word of God. He explains how these individuals will be indicted for their injustice and for that reason be unable to live their lives as they would expect. In essence, the key message that Amos intends to pass in this chapter is that sinners who are prosperous during their lives on earth will experience grief that will come as a result of their inability to repent their sins (Rendsburg, 1994). Accordingly, Amos calls for the repentance of sins by this group of people in the chapter.

Chapter 6 is the key component in the third section of the book of Amos and this chapter provides various announcements of exile for the Israelites. The chapter consists of three main messages and announcements including the messages on the perversion of religion, complacent pride by the Israelites, as well as, pride and injustice. As Amos explains in this chapter, individuals who pompously embrace these attitudes and characters will receive immediate judgment and punishment from God, and for that reason, he encourages such individuals to repent their sins before they come face to face with their doom. This is the smallest section of the book of Amos that is intended to act as the prophesy of Amos to the Israelites. The messages passed in this section of the book aim at encouraging Israelites and other Christians to change their ways and embrace the religious life as demanded by God.

The fourth section of the book of Amos presents Amos’ prophetic visions with regards to divine reckoning on the Israelites. This section consists of chapters 7 and 8, as well as, the beginning of chapter 9. Chapter 7 provides different visions related to God’s judgment on the people of Israel. Visions relented to judgment as provided in this chapter include Amos’ vision on the swarm of locusts, as well as, as the consuming fire that had the power to sweep out the entire population of Israel (Rendsburg, 1994). These two visions explain God’s anger towards the people of Israel, and for that reason, they explain the degree of his wrath if the Israelites were unwilling to repent their sins. The second vision that is seen as having no direct relation to the judgment of Israel is the vision of the plumb line, which indirectly draws attention to the various ways in which the Israelites have lost their sense of religious direction. Other visions in the chapter also include the vision of the basket of ripe fruit, as well as, the vision of the lord by the altar. In essence, the visions presented in section four of the book of Amos cement his prophetic skills and abilities and they provide readers with a feel of what is expected to happen if they do not repent their sins as expected by God.

The fifth and last section of the book of Amos carries the theme of restoration, and speaks of a time when Israel will be restored to their promised land. Chapter 9 is the sole component of this section and is explains how the house of David will be revived from the sins committed by the Israelites at the end of time. As explained in this section of the book, Israel will receive its restoration only after they have repented their sins, and those Israelites who do not, received their rightful punishments for the sins committed (Rendsburg, 1994).

Date and Place

Researchers and religious academicians hold the firm belief that the book of Amos was written between750 and 760 BC (Maeir, 2004). This is because of the narrative presented in the book that represent some of the real live events that took place in Israel during the time. Accordingly, the storyline of the book of Amos is assumed to have bordered the period between the reign of both King David and Solomon, and for that reason religious scholars link this to the writing of the book. Researchers and religious academicians have noted that Amos, who is also the author of the book performed his duty as a prophet and preacher some years before the well-famed earthquake that rocked Israel, owing to the references provided in the book. This then, provides a timeline between the actual prophesy and preaching by Amos and the writing of the book, which are said to have occurred at the same period of time.

As researchers explain, the time during which the book was written can also be estimated through a closer examination of some of the chapters in the book. For example, chapter 1 and two highlight the various sins that various nations, including Judah and Israel, had performed during the time. Specifically, the first verse of the book speaks of the reigns of Uzziah over Judah and Jeroboam over Israel, which are said to have occurred during 740-792 BC and 753-793 BC (Maeir, 2004). This, therefore, confirms that the prophesies and writings of the book of Amos are more likely to have taken place between 740-760 BC (Maeir, 2004). This period also saw the increase of the practice of idolatry, immorality, corruption, injustice and the oppression of the poor, thus linking the period between the plot of the book of Amos and the actual time the book was written.

In relation to the place where the book was written, researchers and religious academicians argue out that the book of Amos was written in Tekoa. Tekoa was Amos’ home of origin, and researchers explain that he wrote his scriptures after returning home from preaching to the Northern Kingdom (Maeir, 2004). Amos had been called by God to deliver his prophesy to the Israelites, and just like all other prophets, he left his home to prophecy to the different regions and people that God intended him to deliver his message to. As he could not write the book during the time when he was delivering the actual prophesy, researchers assume that the only time when Amos would have been able to record his prophesies, was immediately after his return from duty. However, other researchers believe that the book was written in the northern region during his call of duty. The argument here is that Amos did not write the book by himself and for that reason, the disciples who accompanied him during his prophetic mission wrote the book of Amos, as he continued to preach to the various communities and regions in the northern region (Maeir, 2004). Because of the differing perceptions regarding the actual location of Tekoa, researchers have been unable to come up with the correct geographical location of where the book of Amos was actually written.

Authorship

Named after the prophet Amos, the book of Amos is believed to have been written by Amos himself, but researchers and religious academicians have long debated on the actual author of the book. There are three main theories regarding the authorship of the book of Amos including, Amos as the actual author, the disciples of Amos as the authors, and a member of the northern Audience as the author of the book. All researchers and religious academicians have come out to defend their perceptions of the authorship of the book of Amos, with each providing evidence as to who they believe a particular person or particular people were the authors of the book. Those who claim that Amos was the author of this scripture explain that he was the first “minor prophet” to have taken the initiative of writing down the his teachings and prophesies. As observed in the book of Amos, there are various verses where Amos speaks of himself as a person and as a prophet. He explains that he is not a professional prophet, and for that reason, did not believe that he belonged to any group of prophets; instead, he considered himself as a shepherd of God who was out to spread the word of God (Maeir, 2004). Researchers argue that only Amos could tell of his background and his call to prophecy, meaning that he was the only viable author of the book of Amos, as other people did not know him or where he came from. Other researchers argue that the book of Amos was written by his disciples, whereas other believe that the book was written by one of his keen audience members during the time when he went out to spread the word of God as instructed by God. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this beliefs, and for that reason, theologians have drawn to the conclusion that Amos was the sole author of The Book of Amos, disregarding the perception that other his disciples and listeners may have taken part in the writing of the book.

Historical/Cultural Backdrop

As previously mentioned, the chronicles presented in the book of Amos represent some of the actual events that were taking place in Judah and Israel during the time. These representations, therefore, provide a historical and cultural background for the book of Amos, which helps readers understand the message being brought out in the scripture. The historical and cultural background of the book of Amos can be traced back to the rule of Kings David and Solomon. Both these leaders were identified as two of the greatest leaders of Israel as they led their nation into growth and prosperity. However, after the death of these two kings, the kingdom of Israel was split into two, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah (Rendsburg, 1994). The teachings in the book of Amos were based on the events that took place after the split of these two nations, as the kings who took over these kingdoms did not lead their states in accordance with religious laws. The constantly fought with each other and the cities were conquered and re-conquered over time, thus diminishing the cultural and religious ways of life for Christians during the time. The book of Amos, therefore examines this religious and cultural disillusion and is aimed at bringing Christians back to their religious lives so as to avoid the wrath of God.

Scholarly Interpretations of the Meaning/Themes in the Book of Amos

Scholarly articles in the book of Amos have identified three main themes in the book of Amos including, social justice/injustice, repentance, as well as, divine judgment and power (Rendsburg, 1994). As most researchers and religious academicians explain, the book of Amos examines the various social injustices that Christians have voluntarily and involuntarily engaged in during their time of living. By doing so, scholars also argue that the book of Amos explains why each of the highlighted social injustice is considered a sin in the eyes of God. This, therefore, helps the readers understand what God considered as wrongdoing, as well as, the sins that he intends to punish people for committing during their lives. The theme of repentance has been highlighted in the way through which Amos urges Christians and other religious believers to repent their sins and go back to the lord (Rendsburg, 1994). As researchers interpret this, it is only through repentance that Christians be delivered from evil and their lives restored. The last theme as identified by scholars is the theme of divine judgment and power. Researchers and other religious academicians explain that this theme has been used to inform the readers on the power of God the almighty. As they explain, God is the Supreme Being, and for that reason has the power to judge and punish individuals for the sins they have committed.

Personal Reflection on the Book of Amos

Though considered one of the minor prophetic books in the Bible, the book of Amos, provides a great contribution to the Christian life and religious ways as demanded by God. The message communicated in this book is applicable to the modern society, especially since the society today is characterized by oppression of the poor and false Christian living. Today’s society is ruled by the rich and elite, and for that reason, the poor have always been sidelined, as they cannot afford to live a rich and luxurious life like their rich counterparts. Individuals today place so much emphasis on the need for material wealth that they have become too arrogant and ignorant of the poor in society. The poor are slowly and continually being oppressed in almost all parts of the world and the readings in the book of Amos assist helping its readers in understanding the sin associated with oppressing the poor and how God will pass judgment and punishment on this. Additionally, the book of Amos is well suited for this period in time when individuals have forsaken God and are indulging in false Christian living, which is against the command of God. In conclusion, the book of Amos provides a good guideline for Christians today as it explains the different sins that are being committed by Christians today, as well as, the punishment that Christians should expect if they do not repent their sins.

References

Maeir, A. M. (2004). The Historical Background and Dating of Amos VI 2: An Archaeological

Perspective from Tell eṣ-Ṣâfī/Gath. Vetus Testamentum,54(3): 319-334.

Rendsburg, G. A. (1994). Review of Shalom M. Paul ‘Amos: A Commentary on the Book of

Amos. AJS Review, 19(1): 244-247.

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change has different effects in human and animal life

Effects of climatic change

Climate change has different effects in human and animal life in particular and the environment in general. Changes in climatic conditions such as air, temperature and precipitation affect various aspects of animal and human life (Ringius et al. (1996))

Fisheries are affected by altering habitat availability or quality. Their availability may be affected by changes in water temperature; the magnitude and pattern and pattern of annual stream flows; surface water deviations and the snowlines of lakes marine reservoirs and near shore marine environments (carpenter et al, 1992). Mean annual temperature changes the distribution of fish in large lakes. Large lake fish production could increase about 6% with 1% in average annual temperature (meisner et al, 1987 IPCC 1996, WG 2 SECTION 16.2.1).warm lakes generally have higher productivity than cold water lakes and existing warm lakes will be in areas with the least change in temperature. Elevated temperatures shift the centers of production and composition of fish species as ecosystem move geographically and change internally. This is in contrast to freshwater species (herons et al; 1995).

Climate change has effects on gender. Flooding, for example, leads to women experiencing increasing care giving responsibilities when men in their families resisted evacuation and were less likely to delay evacuation, in part due to concerned about the safety of youth. People are also pushed to new residential areas. In such an event, kinship networks frequently provide immediate temporary housing for those who evacuate from disaster, and it is often women’s extended networks that pull members and resources to aid in successful evacuation(lit,2008). Accommodation in shelters and temporary housing communities are not always designed around the needs of women and children (Emerson, 1999).migration out of a flooded region can lead to an increase in female headed households and women’s care giving responsibilities there is also different patterns of return migration. In U.S.A, for, example, there are gender dimensions to Katrina related migration which shed light on the broader association between migration, gender and disasters. There were several distinct migration flow as residents returned to new Orleans and, in general early analysis suggested that the return migration. Streams resulted in a city that was whiter, older and more affluent (falk et al; 2006; Frey et al).

Extreme weather conditions, for example, floods, storms, fogs cause deaths, injuries, certain infectious diseases and mental health disorders. Organic and biological systems that determine the spread of infectious diseases typically are sensitive to climatic variables.net climatic change related increases in the geographic distribution of vector organisms, for example, ticks, mosquitoes and flies of various infectious diseases, along with changes in life cycle dynamics of vectors and infectious parasite, would in aggregate, increase the potential for transmission of many vector-borne diseases in Europe. Summer conditions Europe are warm enough in some countries for native mosquito species to spread malaria. An increased frequency of severity of heat waves would increase in heat related mortality and illness. In contrast, less severe cold weather would reduce deaths in winter. Climatic change would also affect human health indirectly through other impacts, for example, a potentially important human health impact would result from deterioration in social and economic circumstances that might arise from effects of climatic change on patterns of employment, wealth distribution population mobility and settlement.

Conclusion:

Climate is a vice in the modern world that need to be addressed in order to alleviate some of the risks mentioned earlier flora and fauna. Various groups of people across the globe should come together since this is a universal problem.

References:

Antoine, ettiene,p,de guchteneire,p,(2011). Migration and climate change.Cambridge:UNESCO, NEW YORK.

Cambrige university press 1998(ntergovernmental panel on climate change, unep.

Integral panel on climate change,working group 2: an assessment on vulnerability.

Societies creation of the perfect image- How has it affected young peoples view of self-image today

Societies creation of the perfect image- How has it affected young peoples view of self-image today

Societies’ creation of the perfect image- How has it affected young people’s view of self-image today?

Each and every period in history has had standards of what is perceived as being or being not beautiful. Further, each and every contemporary society possesses its unique concept and idea of the best physical characteristics. During the 19th century, beauty was attributed to dressing in a corset that usually caused complications in the respiratory and digestive systems. In the society we are living in today, people try to diet in order to achieve the societal accepted image of slenderness. This often comes with serious problems in our bodies. Technological advancements particularly the rise of the media has accelerated the concerns of our appearance to obsessions. Due to the influence of the media, people are now accustomed to rigid beauty standards. The media has made people see the extremely good looks as achievable and make them to be real. Due to these societal views on beauty, it is normal for people to look in the mirror. This is usually out of insecurity even for very beautiful people. Such poor development of body image is commonly associated with young people. This is because as they grow and mature, they tend to get more conscious of their appearance.

The media, magazines as well as celebrities have a certain image. If women’s beauty does not bear any similarity to the kind that has been perceived as widely accepted, they often result to questioning their body image. Moreover, a very great role is played by culture especially among African Americans. For these people, they glorify curvy women whereas the Americans view thin women as attractive. It is therefore true that it is the society that shapes what is viewed as beautiful.

These societal and media perceptions as to what is considered beautiful has a reflection on how people react when they look at themselves in the mirror. They have made people to become dissatisfied with how they look like and therefore make them to have a less positive feeling about their appearance. This feeling affects their performance and self-esteem.

Moreover the society has placed pressure on overweight people by making them feel that they are unattractive since they do not conform to what the society perceives as the ideal body shape. This makes the have a very poor body image of resulting to a low self-esteem.

These societal standards have forced people especially teenagers to result to ways that are detrimental to their health to achieve the standards. They turn to ways like vomiting, starving as well as consuming diet foods only in an effort to be thin. The news is full of Hollywood actresses who are suffering from eating disorders. Some of the actresses die eventually as a result of these eating disorders.

These societal standards have a great impact on teenagers and mean little to adults. This is because teenagers are growing and as they grow they get more conscious of their bodies. Due to this increased consciousness, they are likely to succumb to societal pressures on what beauty is.

Most of the people are aware of how the society emphasizes on physical appearance as well as what the society considers beautiful. However, not everyone will internalize the standards. There exist strong minded people who shun these standards. Such people are likely to possess a positive and hence have a high self-esteem.

How the media views women

The media does have a powerful influence on how women view their body image. The media’s view of an ideal woman is one who has achieved the thinness that can only be achieved by only five percent orb even less of the female population. It is quite evident that the beauty standards are now very difficult to attain especially for women. The media judges women more on their appearance than it judges men. The media make the standards of female attractiveness very high as well as inflexible. It constantly and continually bombards women with the images of what an ideal figure and face should be like. Naomi wolf has named it, “The Official Body.”

Moreover the media has constant exposure of these images and this has the effect of making these extreme good looks as a normal thing. If there is anything that is short of this, it will be perceived as ugly. This has made women to strive to achieve these looks to the extent that they have become unrealistic. These standards concerning weight can only be achieved by as less as 5% of women. The standards placed on the facial appearance and body shape can be achieved by roughly 1% of the female population.

Television shows like Melrose as well as Beverly hills have made women believe that they need to be thin just like the women in them. These shows have brainwashed the women into a belief that it is very important to be thin. There are images of female bodies all over. Actresses are becoming thinner each day to an extent of fainting because of lack of food. There are very many women’s magazines that are full with articles giving women tips on how to lose weight. They in fact emphasize that if women succeeded in losing weight they are going to have a good marriage, quality sex as well as a great career.

There have been very many images on televisions, magazines as well as billboards of women who are Barbie like as well the major focus by the media that skinny women are perfect females. This has contributed to the high rise of eating disorders especially in young women.

Movies and television have reinforced that it is important to have a thin body. In fact they have shown that a thin body is equal to their worth.

Due to the very large number of females who are extremely thin and who are frequently viewed on television, a very large number of Americans are feeling overweight, even though many are average in size.

This pressure put on women by the media has had serious effects on them. The media does not put the same pressure on men. The effect of the pressure has resulted in women developing eating disorder. This is particularly so for female celebrities who have become anorexic in their bid to conform to the media requirements. This is not the same for male celebrities as there is no pressure for them to maintain a perfect body shape (Peres 2001) .It is prudent to ask ourselves why these beauty standards are being imposed on women. Some people have held that the whole idea is economic. If they represent an ideal physical attribute that is difficult to achieve the manufacturers of cosmetics are assure of regular and constant profits .The most disturbing aspect of these media images is that most of them are not attainable.

However, there are some sections of the media that are not with this current state of affairs. For example, some magazines have tried to buck up this trend. A magazine called Quebec has been using plus size models in the pages that they are displaying fashion. In other countries like Spain, The fashion houses have banned ultra-thin models from participating in the runway. This was done in the year 2006.

Effects of society on self-image

The society plays a very significant and crucial role in influencing one’s self-image. This is because people will only be comfortable when they achieve what the society expects of them. In this case, people will feel comfortable and project a positive self-image when they achieve what the society dictates as physical attractiveness. Social perceptions as well as social expectations for the young people are an issue that affects both men and women (Peres 2001).

Fat actresses have usually received from their fellow male characters very negative comments about the appearance of their bodies. Mostly they suggest that such far people can only dress in sacks and this comment is usually followed by laughter from the audience. These requirement of being skinny have forced people especially teenagers to result to ways that have their health to achieve the standards. These societal standards have a great impact on teenagers and mean little to adults. This is because teenagers are growing and as they grow they get more conscious of their bodies. Due to this increased consciousness, they are likely to succumb to societal pressures on what beauty is. They turn to ways like vomiting, starving as well as consuming diet foods only in an effort to be thin. The news is full of Hollywood actresses who are suffering from eating disorders. Some of the actresses die eventually as a result of these eating disorders.

When people are constantly subjected to this debate and pictures on the ideal physical characteristics, they start to lose confidence especially on their body image resulting to low self-esteem. Body image refers to how one looks at herself as well as how we think other people perceive us. There have been various advertisements with beautiful women and a caption encouraging people to be like the person in the picture. These messages create an impression on people that if they do not look like the picture, then they are not good enough. They form a belief that the only way they can achieve success is if they change their body appearance. When women see skinny women on television, they form this idea that to be skinny is the only way to achieve their happiness. This therefore weakens their body confidence.

The views of the society especially among the young people are influenced by the media, magazines as well as celebrities. Women’s beauty is expected to bear a resemblance to the beauty as represented by these media. If it does not bear any similarity to the kind that has been perceived as widely accepted, they often result to questioning their body image. Moreover, a very great role is played by culture especially among African Americans. For these people, they glorify curvy women whereas the Americans view thin women as attractive. It is therefore true that it is the society that shapes what is viewed as beautiful (Becker 1995).

These societal and media stereotypes on what is considered beautiful has a major reflection on how people react when they look at themselves in the mirror. They have influenced people to be obsessed with changing how they look like and if this is not forthcoming, they develop a less positive feeling about their appearance. This feeling affects their performance and self-esteem.

As a result of these societal misconceptions on beauty, people are now accustomed to rigid beauty standards. The society especially the media has made people to see the extremely good looks as achievable and makes them to be real. Due to these societal views on beauty, it is normal for people to look in the mirror to confirm their beauty. This is usually out of insecurity even for very beautiful people. Such poor development of body image is commonly associated with young people. This is because as they grow and mature, they tend to get more conscious of their appearance (Peres 2001).

Weight issues

This has been an issue that has affected people and how the view their body image. It is particularly common in young women who have been brainwashed by the society misconception that an ideal woman is one who is petite. Due to this, they spend sleepless nights dieting in order to achieve the ideal shape. There are two groups of people battling with weight issues. They are as discussed (Becker 1995). This battle with weight issues usually occurs for both anorexic and obese people. The reason why people have developed these weight issues can be attributed to the way society views beauty as well as how the media has tried to depict what beauty is. As a result of these outside factors, people develop low body image and as a result start having issues with their body weights. They often result to unhealthy measures to fight these weight issues (Peres 2001).

Anorexia

Anorexia refers to a situation where a person avoids eating food for the fear of becoming fat. It is usually an eating disorder usually as a result of disturbance of one’s body-image. This is usually an obsessive fear of getting fat. People exhibiting anorexic traits usually have a self-image that is distorted that has altered the manner in which the person perceives her body (Becker 1995). These people feel hungry but refuse to eat to satisfaction. There is a research group in America called, ‘The American Research Group on Anorexia and Related Eating Disorders that has found out that almost two in out of six college girls are using weight control methods like vomiting, fasting , skipping some meals as well as doing excessive exercises in order to stay thin. Majority of celebrities have been reported to be anorexic. In fact a couple of them collapse on stage due to lack of enough energy in their bodies. To add salt to the injury celebrity deaths out of anorexia have been reported in Hollywood and even outside Hollywood (Becker 1995).

Anorexia normally develops among individuals at the onset of puberty. These people will usually suffer from a very extreme weight loss and their weight is usually 15% below that of a normal person. It is common with adolescent girls who continue to believe that they are fat albeit being extremely thin.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition of being overweight. There is a lot of fat-phobia and prejudice leveled against obese people making them to have a poor body image hence affecting their self-esteem. This feeling of low self-esteem is particularly high in women than men. Studies have shown that the feeling is greater than when one is suffering from a severe disease (Becker 1995). Further the studies have shown that this feeling of low self-esteem is not cause by being overweight but rather because of how the society perceives fat people. In countries or place with no fat-phobia obese people have no these feelings. The issue of obesity has been prevalent for a longtime especially among children and adolescents. Despite this increase, there is pursuit of thinness among girls who view thinness as attractiveness. This cultural emphasis on thinness coupled with the stigma attached to obesity is likely to lead to the youth especially young girls to have a feeling of dissatisfaction about their bodies. These people are likely to engage in eating disorders in bid to lower their weight.

Weight issues before and now

In the year 1917, a woman was considered physically perfect if she was 5feet in height and whose weight was 10 stone. Moreover approximately like 25 years back models ideal weight was supposed to be less than that of an average woman by 8%. Today, the ideal weight of a beauty queen is supposed to be 23% less than that of an average woman. In fact most of the models we see on the catwalk are so skinny that one is amazed what they eat to have such a body. These appearances have had a negative impact on women as they strive to achieve such a body shape no matter the consequences (Becker 1995).

Earlier, an ideal woman was a curvy woman. This situation helped women to stay healthy as they did not have to starve themselves to conform to the society’s misconceptions. But either way, it was a headache for the slender women as not everyone is capable of being curvy. This shows that it is not good for the society to define what is ideal but rather people should be appreciated for who they are and not what they look like. There was an article appearing in the New York Times in 2008 which discussed how models are getting thinner and thinner each day. The paper said that such models are required to have a very small waist of about 28 inches and a weight of about 150 pounds. Due to these demands, the article acknowledges that there has been an increase in eating disorders among young people.

It should be note that it doesn’t matter how the society project beauty. Whether the society prefers curvy or skinny women will still have negative effects. This is because; all people can never be the same. We have both curvy and skinny women. Therefore, if the society prefers curvy women to skinny women, the skinny women are likely to result to low body image and vice versa.

How artists show weight issues

There are many images showing celebrity faces as well as body parts. These artists are role models of very many people who are usually their fans. We usually watch videos of artists singing of very beautiful girls that they are in love with. All these girls are skinny. When people especially teenage girls view these videos, they get an impression that beautiful girls are supposed to be skinny. These videos show body sizes that are impossible to attain hence creating a pressure on people. Artists pose in magazines like playboy, pinups thereby creating the society’s obsession with body image. Moreover most of the fashion designers and their shows mostly exhibit clothes that are to be worn by thin women (Becker 1995). It is rare to find a fashion show that exhibits outfits for all groups of people. By so doing, they help in emphasizing the notion that only being skinny is the ideal definition of beauty. Since artists are role model for young people, they tend to imitate what they do, wear or look like.

Bearing in mind that a majority of these artists are skinny, pressure is put on their fans most of who are young to be thin so that they can be like them. Instead these artists should reach out to their fans to avoid dieting but rather live healthy lives. This way, young people will be encouraged to live healthy lives and to avoid conforming to societal stereotypes. Artists should especially bear in mind that they are role models for young people and that these young people are likely to copy what they do (Becker 1995).

Conceptual art

Definition

One should be careful not to confuse this type of art with concept art. Conceptual art is the type of art where the ideas that have been used in the work come first before any concerns that are material as well as aesthetics that are traditional. This is to mean that in this type of art, the most important thing is the concept.

History

This type of art basically emerged in form of a movement in the 1960’s. It emerged as a reaction that was against a type of art called formalism. This type of art originated from France by a French artist called Marcel Duchamp. His most famous conceptual art was a basin used in the urinal. Traditionally, such a common object could not be said to be a piece of art. This is because it had no elements of uniqueness. However his work as art was recognized by an artist called Joseph Kosuth who held that all pieces of art are conceptual owing to the fact that art can only exist conceptually.

How it works

This type of art has removed the need for having objects. The works of conceptual artists are only known through documents like photographs as well as written texts. They usually emphasize on concept rather than on other qualities like the aesthetic value of a piece of art. It further centers on language and holds that language is the very first wave for conceptual artists. This is to say that their excusive medium in their art is language. This use of language removes the need for use of and handling of materials to create a piece of art.

Examples and explanations of conceptual art

There are very many conceptual artists in the world today. However, for the purposes of this discussion, we shall only focus on two conceptual artists. We shall use them to explain and show examples of conceptual art. They are discussed as follows:

Jenny HolzerShe is a conceptual artist from America. She was an abstract artist originally and her work was focused on painting. She later became a conceptual artist. The example of conceptual art she uses is words and ideas on a public space. The visible medium she used was LED. However she also uses bronze plaques, t-shirts as well as condoms. She used to write her own texts for her use but now she uses texts written by other people. Her most famous works of conceptual art are ‘Truisms’ which was written in 1972, ‘inflammatory essays’ that was based on texts written by other people, a living series written in 1980’s in which she used bronze plaques as well as billboards and also a ‘survival series’ as well as a text called ‘under a rock’ among other works.

Barbara Kruger

She was also an American conceptualist whose majority of work was black and white photographs that had captions that were declarative. Her type of conceptualistic artistry involves merging of photographs with text that is usually aggressive and engaging the viewer to struggle for power. She uses her imagery and juxtaposes it with texts with criticisms about sexism as well as the circulation of power among cultures. Her work is an example of conceptual art whereby texts are used as the main concept in a piece of art.

Conclusion and findings

To start with, it is good to appreciate that the society has greatly erred by defining what beauty is. The society should instead focus on one’s inner character and leave the physical characteristics lone. It doesn’t matter whether the society prefers skinny or curvy women since each preference will have an effect on the less preferred category. Without these definitions, people will be able to appreciate their bodies. But it is not easy to dictate to people what they should do. It therefore clear that to fight this low body image as a result of these perceptions should begin with an individual.

Society’s stereotypes on what is the ideal physical appearance have had a negative impact on body image especially of young people as seen in this discussion. If something is not done to educate the young people on the dangers of conforming to these stereotypes, they could end up losing it all .Most of the influence for these young people is coming from the media. The media should be encouraged to promote healthy living and to advise young people to lead a healthy lifestyle as well as avoid imitating what they see on television. They should further emphasize that a person should be judged from the inside and not merely from physical appearances.

Most of the people are aware of how the society emphasizes on physical appearance as well as what the society considers beautiful. However, not everyone will internalize the standards. There exist strong minded people who shun these standards. Such people are likely to possess a positive and hence have a high self-esteem (Peres 2001).

It is very unfortunate that our today’s society, people do not remember that it is usually what is in a person inside that count. It is prudent to realize that we should accept people for what they are and not what they look like. Any time that one decides on dieting, we should shun that thought and instead join a self-esteem class. It is good to learn to accept ourselves as this will help us to begin to love our bodies not withstanding our sizes.

It is every person’s responsibility to try hard and rise above these societal expectations and instead stand on their self-worth and valuation. Since young people are not mature enough to disentangle from the society’s perspective, they require their parents to protect them.

There is also need to impact knowledge in our children that they should be proud of who they are. They need to be reminded that people will never be the same but rather they will be of different sizes and shapes. They should therefore learn to appreciate all people. Moreover, they should be constantly reminded the values of eating healthy foods for their bodies. The move by some magazines to include plus size models in their fashion pages is commendable. This is because it will assist in boosting the body image of the plus size. This is owing to the fact when these women appear on magazines, an impression is created that even plus size people are attractive (Becker 1995).

Moreover, there is need to educate teenage girls of the dangers of anorexia. They should be made aware that anorexia cause one to develop bones theat are shrunken, loss of minerals, an abnormally low body temperature as well as irregular beating of the heart. When these dangers are highlighted then many young people will be deterred from developing this condition. This effort can be supplemented by using people who were anorexic but changed, to persuade others against it.

Finally, it is important to instill the value of independent mindedness and high self-esteem among the young people. It is also good to note that even though most of the people are aware of how the society emphasizes on physical appearance as well as what the society considers beautiful, not everyone will internalize the standards. There exist strong minded people who shun these standards. Such people are likely to possess a positive and hence have a high self-esteem.

Works cited

Becker, Anne E. Body, self, and society: the view from Fiji. 2nd Ed. Pennsylvania. University of Pennsylvania Press. 1995. pp24-pp78

Perse, Elizabeth M. Media effects and society. New York. L. Erlbaum Associates. 2001. pp248-pp279

To What Degree Did World War 2 Affect the American Society

To What Degree Did World War 2 Affect the American Society

To What Degree Did World War 2 Affect the American Society?

World War II occurred between 1939 and 1945. It led to many developments, some of them positive, others negative. One of the effects of World War II in America is that it led to deaths of many Americans. Among these were soldiers and civilians. Some of them were shot while at the war front. Others died due to the harsh environment of the war. According to Sommerville (2008) the war left about 418,500 Americans died. This was about 0.32% of the total population. World War II was the highest in position terms of cost in U.S. history with costs over $350 billion and more than 292,000 American military men killed in action. The war also led to the destruction of properties worth billions of shillings. It was an enormous blow to the American economy, although not as much as other countries suffered (Kenneth, 2007)

World War II changed the American social structure in a number of ways which included the empowerment of women especially in the workforce. Also many minorities groups got more jobs beside the discrimination by the rich Americans. Also the divorce rate increased and many families were weakened.

Economy and the Great Depression

World War II did affect almost every sector and aspect of American life. The decade of economic hardship is clearly marked to be 1930’s. In 1930, the Great Depression got deep, and millions of American citizens were forced out of their jobs. Americans had too little money to provide necessities for their families. President Roosevelt created several government agencies, which yielded thousands of jobs. The jobs created were targeting the minority groups since they were mostly affected by the war. The rich could still access industries for goods and services.

World War II initially led to a neutral position taken by USA. However, the Army made its aggressiveness known making it increasingly difficult for America to stay as a neutral nation. Before officially declaring its participation in WWII, America temporarily gave assistance to Britain, France and the Soviet Union. This was by means of the Lend-Lease Act. After the signing of Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt initiated the War Production Board where he made appointments. Sears- Roebuck became the executive vice president. Donald Nelson went on duty to organize the nation’s wealth and resources in an effort to help pull America out of war. Roosevelt was a believer. He believed that, in a capitalist country, one has to let business make money out of the development [of war], or business will not work. Roosevelt also was a believer in the close cooperation of business and government (Norton, et al., 2011 Pg. 592). American’s wealth increased making them realize their dream.

Moreover, WWII influenced the US economy was by encouraging large-scale investment in new technologies. The partnership of key government, science, and prominent business established in the1940 created a secure base for future projects. There was commissioning of scientists to perfect new weapons and other products. There was the improvement of radar, development of such antibiotics as penicillin. In the 1940s, A. Schatz and S. Waksman discovered streptomycin. It helped to treat patients during the war. There was also development of jet engines. This was an addition to the progress of the atomic technology.

World War II led to change in management systems of business. During WWII, business executives were in management of key positions under Roosevelt, in a determination to combine industry with government. As a result of the interaction with the government, corporate profits and industrial production profits nearly came to double, as there was demand in markets that in the past had not existed. Inflation was to be brought to control by the Office of Price Administration. Food rationing was the cry in the American households. The Office of Price Administration (OPA) was set up to set up rationing regulations. With the military as top precedence, American families began to feel the pressing. There were no such substitute foods as paraffin and dried powder eggs instead of cooking oil. Violators of the rationing rules were handed strict punishment. There were profits in the commercial farming industry as they made use of the war to their advantage. The integration of small farms into large commercial farms, as well as the increase in demand for fertilizer, led to a steady rise of profit. Americans reacted to the crisis of WWII efficiently and effectively. They created the supplies and hardware that did made an impact to the turning point of the war, and had armies marching back in progress to Berlin, and the Japanese island moving quickly in the Pacific back to Tokyo. From airplane to rubber factories, expectant Americans did flood the work force. This significantly reduced the unemployment rates to about 20%.

The government encouraged its citizens to start “Victory Gardens” where they could grow their own food. The government conducted competitions over states. It then published winning recipes to make use of home-grown vegetables. That effort was successful. At one point, during the war, 50% of the nation’s vegetables were advanced in victory gardens. Although the nation’s farm populace was on the decline down to 17 percent during the war, good weather, modern farm machinery and improved fertilizers were significant for agricultural production. Although discrimination did not entirely end, minorities and women were in access to many new opportunities. By the cease fire, 19.5 million women were working in the task (WriteWork.com, 2004).

Effect on Family Structure

Although the war had opened up fresh opportunities, it also brought much grief and a far more serious facts regarding life in its normal state. The distance away from fathers or sons left worrying effects, and in a sense, many had the perception that they had been robbed of their childhood. With the household changing roles, each member was filled with conflicting emotions. Women started working for their children’s feeding. They inhibited the roles of the fathers leading to weakness in their marriages. Divorce case also increased as women realized that they can also work (Weatherford, 1990, Pg 87).

World War II led the African Americans in accepting that the war industry positions migrated from the south. These factors did raise their economic standings. Professionalism came into being as they acquired skills but in spite of the issuance of The Fair Employment Practices Commission and Executive Order 8802, the African Americans still did face harsh discrimination. Like African Americans, Mexican-Americans were given chances to go to war, but they were also exposed to racial discrimination and prejudice. Increased migrations gave birth to violent situations.

World War II affected the lives of several Americans in countless ways. The war enhanced work morals and reduced unemployment rates close to nil. There was leisure time for the hardworking people. This was made up of hours in front of the television; movie watching and radio. Industrial opportunities in the World wars brought out the migration of southerners.

Despite a large number of American casualties, the United States received approval of victory, and due to the determination and drive of its people, America came out from the shambles of war as the world’s influential industrial nation. Americans were confident of increased economic growth after the war. For the first time, Americans were satisfied, because of the presence of possessions and materialistic comfort. The working class was earning more income than people in other technical jobs. This was as a result of its successful lobbying in numerous groups by many organizations. Most Americans could say they were living the “American Dream.” Despite the increase wages, poverty index rose. Some families were forced to opt out to look for work. Some 20 million people existed on the brink of starvation as families faced a serious shortage of housing, hospitals, lack of schools, and child-care facilities.

Those factors led to an upsurge in divorce, resulting in critical problems among the young. There were five million “war widows” trying to bring up their children as a single parent. Women with employment outside the home left behind tens of thousands of “latchkey” children who were not looked after much of the day. There was the rise in truancy, juvenile delinquency and Venereal disease. This gives evidence of the significance of the family.

Taxes skyrocketed. It was impossible to purchase a car because there were no manufacturers. Telephones were reserved for those in the military front and yet the standards of living were high. The country had pulled out of an inspiring economic depression, thanks to immensely expanded manufacturing.

The national and global influence of the United States changed significantly after World War II. World War II marked a time of success for millions of Americans. There were jobs during and after the war. America had amassed a lot of wealth during World War I when other states were busy at war. She concentrated on industrialization during this period and expanded through extending her influence to these nations. There was enough money to pay workers during the period. Most of them worked industriously to earn income. Farmers benefitted significantly during this period as agricultural production increased. The role of women also changed as many of them acquired employment opportunities.

Benefits for Veterans

The G.I Bill was established in 1944 as a range of benefits for the veterans returning from the World War II. These benefits included a cash payment of school tuition, high school or vocation education, expenses for living while attending college etc. The Act also provided them with one year compensation for unemployment. The bill thus was mostly utilized by veterans in education where 2.2 million people attended colleges and universities by 1956 (Glenn & Stuart, 2009, p118). Many people received education either in colleges and universities or on other vocational training.

Through the G.I Bill, the women who were serving the military also managed to get the education. The social change had been experienced since even the marginalized groups were being educated. This set the pace for even their children, hence eradicating poverty and loss of job since one could get a right job.

The position of United States in the world changed. It emerged the world’s Super Power after the World War II. It became superior to all other nations. Comparatively, America had fewer casualties meaning it was able to handle the war more technically compared to other nations in the world.

The end of World War II marked changes such as psychological changes. The United States started thinking differently. It was the world super power and hence had to lead from the front. It had to have a firm stand on its ideologies. It also had to make sure that other nations looked at it as a bench mark. USA concentrated on extending her influence in other parts of the world. It influenced the political situation in other countries by calling upon them to become capitalists. It also cancelled past deals.

The war also marked an increase in government spending on military affairs. The United States wanted to remain superior militarily as compared to other nations. It invested heavily on the military arms such as the navy, air force and army. The federal government also invested a lot of money in offering increased protection for the president. Moreover, it also invested heavily on maintaining territorial integrity and peace at the borders. Business corporations also supported the move to increase military strength by offering financial support to the federal government. The government became more conscious and concerned about peace than before. This is because the United States knew that after winning the war, chances of enemies attacking her were also high.

Discrimination and Racism

The war also marked increased discrimination within the United States of America. The Second World War Industrialization was towns growing significantly. More people started moving towards towns in an abrupt rural urban migration move. People were going to towns to look for jobs. Racial segregation became more evident in this rush than had happened before. The whites discriminated against the African Americans. This was a high form of discrimination. Whites obtained preference in job opportunities. To acquire services such as health, racial discrimination became rampant. In schools, the whites discriminated against the blacks. They felt they were more superior to the blacks. In the political front, most elective positions went to the whites.

After the war, Allies decided that they would sue all enemies for their criminal involvement against the Allies. The Nazi trial occurred in Germany. Here, the court tried about twenty one Nazi supporters. The Allies launched charges of deportation, rape and crimes against humanity. The court sentenced fourteen of the suspects to hanging. The court then declared prison sentences upon the remaining seven. The presence of concentration camps also attracted charges against war perpetrators. The Allies accused 25 men in Tokyo. The court found twenty two of them guilty and sentences them to severe punishments including hanging.

The United Nations came into being when the League of Nations failed. End of World War I saw the inception of the League of Nations where countries formed an alliance. However, the League of Nations failed in its primary mandate to prevent a future war. After 1945, it was crucial to form a similar organization, this time round, more powerful than the previous. This is how the United Nations Organization developed.

The Cold War

The end of World War II also marked the beginning of the cold war in the world. With America and USSR as the superpowers, each of them of these two countries wanted a fair share of their ideological principles to reign over the world. Each of them wanted to prove the other one wrong. United States wanted to spread capitalistic ideologies in the world while the USSR wanted to spread socialist ideas in the world. This resulted into the emergence of tension. The tension was marked by propaganda, political issues against each other, sanctions against certain countries and support for different blocks (Lightbody, 1999, Pg 18).

Conclusion

World War II saw significant changes especially on the social structure. People gained education. There was a change in technology as many weapons and technologies came in during the war. Changes in medicine were also evident as many casualties suffered in the war. These casualties needed medical attention. Necessity is the mother of invention. This explains why all these changes came in place. People needed weapons, medical care food and other necessities. There was increased research so as to take care of all this as educational boosted the sector. Moreover, politics also changed. All this saw the beginning of a “new world” and the realization of the American dream.

Works Cited

Glenn, Altschuler, Stuart Blumin. The GI Bill: A New Deal for Veterans, 2009, p 118

Kenneth, D. Rose. Myth and the greatest generation: A Social History of Americans in World,New York, Oct 10, 2007

Lightbody, Bradley. The Cold War, London, Routledge, 1999. Print.

Norton, Mary, et al. A People & A Nation: A History of the United States since 1865. Volume 2Cengage Learning, 2011

Sommerville, Donald. The Complete Illustrated History of World War Two: An Authoritative

Weatherford, Doris. American women and World War II / by Doris Weatherford Facts on File,New York, 1990

WriteWork.com. WriteWork.com, 03 April, 2004. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.

Biological and Environmental Factors Affecting Adopted Children from Developing Countries

Biological and Environmental Factors Affecting Adopted Children from Developing Countries

Biological and Environmental Factors Affecting Adopted Children from Developing Countries

Adoption is a process where a person or family takes over the right of raising a child through legal means from the previous guardians. Adoption of children from developing countries to developed countries falls under international adoption, which is in itself adoption across national borders. Usually, adopting kids from developing countries is a laborious process. The potential parents make numerous trips overseas to complete the legal process, which involves a licensed adoption agency as well as many government agencies from both countries.

Bioecological theory on Human Development

The bioecological theory by Bronfenbrenner states that human development goes through complex interactions among biopsychosocial human beings and that individual’s objects, symbols and systems within the individual’s proximity. When a child is removed from his previous environment to a new one, his body will have to adapt to fit well in the new adaptation. Biological differences between the child and the adopted parents mean that the child will grow differently in some aspects. He will however adapt slowly with time. This is evidenced in children who are adopted from families where they were many and shared everything to an environment where he/she practically has his own room and shares nothing. They will tend to feel lonely in their new environments, before getting used to it.

Usually, kids from abusive, neglectful homes find it rough in their development. For example, an African child who is dark skinned in color being adopted by a white Caucasian family will feel like a sore thumb due to his color pigmentation. In addition, the child will tend to develop either faster or slower depending on the country of origin. Such factors will greatly influence a child’s development and his physical growth. The child will have to take a while before catching up with the rest of his peers, or will develop much faster at the new country.

Behavior Modification Therapy for Depression. Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Behavior Modification Therapy for Depression. Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Behavior Modification Therapy for Depression: Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Abstract

The last few years have demonstrated the need for an evidence-based practice in psychology, especially in relation to social interventions. Both sociologists and psychologists have looked into various theoretical and practical strategies for treatment of patients suffering from various clinical conditions. Epidemiologic data illustrates that depression, a common condition for adults, is one of the most demanding and debilitating disorders in terms of treatment. The recurrent nature of depression requires an effective, evidence-based social work intervention strategy to prevent the reoccurrence of the disorder. Several types of interventions have been identified in treating depression with the most perceptible intervention method being interpersonal psychotherapy. Accordingly, the effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy as treatment for depression makes it the most preferred social intervention strategy for depression.

Key Words: Depression, Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Introduction

Proper medical management of depression has proved to be a difficult task, with most patients suffering from depression having a hard time recovering from the disorder. Statistics on depression illustrate that over 2 million adults in America are diagnosed with depression annually. The number of patients who succumb to this disorder is even higher, with most depression cases resulting to mortality. For that reason, a number of empirically supported treatment options have been developed to help curb the effects of depression on patients. Treatment for depression ranges from a combination of medication to psychotherapeutic interventions, with most of the cases involving the use of both (Thase & Friedman, 1999). These treatment options have been widely practiced all over the world, with the choice of treatment depending on the effectiveness of treatment. However, because of the different patient responses to treatment, researchers have not identified one specific treatment method for depression. For that reason, psychologists and other medical practitioners are forced to pick one treatment method for their patients. Accordingly, two main treatment options have been identified as the most effective social intervention strategies for depression.

These treatment interventions include interpersonal psychotherapy and behavioral cognitive therapy. These two social intervention strategies have been accredited with effective treatment of depression. More specifically, interpersonal psychotherapy fares well in the treatment of depression, as compared to other treatment for the disorder (Thase & Friedman, 1999). This treatment intervention has a delayed effect on depression, which is good for treating the recurrent disorder, thus preventing a relapse of depression. In addition to this, interpersonal psychotherapy can work for both acute depression to severe depression, thus its effectiveness in treatment.

This paper examines interpersonal psychotherapy as a social intervention strategy for depression. The paper draws attention to the theoretical foundation of this social intervention and quantity and quality of literature available on this intervention. In addition to this, the paper also looks into the intervention techniques used in interpersonal psychotherapy, as well as, the effectiveness of the intervention on patients.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Interpersonal psychotherapy is a social intervention strategy that is primarily focused on the patient’s social roles and interpersonal relationships (Stuart & Robertson, 2003). It is a short but highly effective treatment option for problems related to social functioning, especially when treating psychiatric problems such as depression. With interpersonal psychotherapy, medical practitioners explores the patients’ issues with other people, as a way of identifying the causes of depression in the patients. The goal with this intervention strategy is to identify and modify interpersonal problems for the reduction of depression in patients. As an intervention strategy, interpersonal psychotherapy involves three main phases, all of which are designed to reduce the effects of depression on the patients, if not stoppage of depression. The first phase of interpersonal psychotherapy involves the exploration of the patient’s interpersonal problems. The therapist takes full charge of this phase, and the strategy here is to identify the possible social problems that have resulted to the patient’s depressive state. This will help build a history of the patient, which is necessary for the identification of possible social problems. The second phase of this treatment involves allowing the patient to talk about his social problems, as a way of identifying the patient’s perception of the causes of depression (Thase & Friedman, 1999). Accordingly, the patient leads this phase, and the main goal in this phase is to encourage change. Throughout this stage, both the therapist and the patient are expected to maintain focus for the treatment for better results during treatment. The last phase of interpersonal psychotherapy involves the participation of both the therapist and the patient, and it involves the identification of the achievements during training. Because it is a short term intervention treatment strategy for disorders such as depression, interpersonal psychotherapy usually involves a number of sessions, in most cases 20 sessions, with the focus of these sessions being the identification of the causes of depression in patients.

Theoretical Foundation

Interpersonal relations and events are not the immediate causes of depression, but the interpersonal component of the disorder makes it an issue that demands the use of interpersonal psychotherapy for treatment. In terms of the theoretical foundation of this social intervention strategy, interpersonal psychotherapy is primarily designed to address interpersonal issues. Theoretically, it is founded on the belief that interpersonal relationships and events affects individuals in a number of ways, and for that reason, could be the cause of depression. These interpersonal events range from interpersonal roles transition, conflict, and even cases of complicated grief. These events may lead to depression in patients, thus the need for interpersonal psychotherapy as an intervention strategy (Thase & Friedman, 1999). Interpersonal psychotherapy assumes that a severe psychosocial stressor, coupled with inadequate social support is likely to lead to depression in individuals. This, therefore, implies that, unlike popular belief, difficulties in interpersonal relationships may be concomitant factors for the occurrence of depression in patients. According to Stuart and Robertson, this social intervention strategy has two main theoretical targets (Stuart & Robertson, 2003). At the outset, interpersonal psychotherapy draws on interpersonal conflict and transition in the patient’s social setting. This aims at improving communication, as well as, readjusting the patient’s expectation during and after the intervention. In addition to this, interpersonal psychotherapy facilitates proper utilization of social support networks for crisis management (Stuart & Robertson, 2003). In essence, interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the treatment of current and existing issues, as opposed to, developmental issues.

Literature

There exists a considerable amount of literature on the use of interpersonal psychotherapy for the treatment of disorders such as depression. Literature on this intervention strategy dates back to the late 1980s proving that this intervention strategy is effective and efficient for patients suffering from depression (Markowitz, 2003). More specifically, literature on interpersonal psychotherapy provides the required information on the effectiveness of this treatment for patients. For example, Arean & Cook compare the use of interpersonal psychotherapy and other paradoxical treatment options for depression, and the findings from this study expound of the use of this intervention treatment by therapists (Arean & Cook, 2002). In terms of quality, the literature on interpersonal psychotherapy as an intervention strategy does not fall short of academic eminence. The information provided regarding interpersonal psychotherapy is based on findings from research studies conducted by professionals or students in the field. This, in turn, illustrates the validity and reliability of the intervention strategy in practice.

Intervention Techniques

Interpersonal psychotherapy involves the utilization of four main techniques of social intervention. These techniques include clarification, supportive listening, communication analysis, and encouragement of affect. Clarification involves the questioning of patients so as to identify and clarify existing emotional problems, as well as, biases. This technique helps the therapist uncover the patient’s existing emotional problems for the identification of causative social problems. Supportive listening, on the other hand, is a technique that involves listening with minimal but meaningful interjections by the therapist. This technique is specifically designed to encourage the patient in identifying the causes of depression, as well as, the necessary procedures for the prevention of this. Communication analysis is a technique whereby the therapists engages the client in various aspects of communication, so as to gauge the patient’s ability to communicate in their individual social settings.

This technique allows the therapist to identify any communication problems that the patient might have, as well as, the different methods of dealing with this. The last and most useful technique of interpersonal psychotherapy is encouragement of affect, which involves the promotion of the effects of this treatment for the patient. Put simply, it is whereby the therapists encourages the patient to engage in the activities suggested during the therapy sessions. This allows the development of a positive attitude for the patient, as well as, encouraging the patient to improve their social relationships. Therapists have the option of choosing the best technique for their patients, and this is usually dependent on the patient’s response to treatment. Once the therapist identifies the patient’s needs, he or she can use one of the above-mentioned techniques to help the patient deal with their depression.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy has been a highlight for a number of individual and aggregated studies and analyses. Accordingly, the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of this intervention strategy for the treatment of depression is of pooled data from various controlled studies of patients suffering from depression. The effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy for the treatment of depression has been measured in two main ways, including, as individual treatment, as well as, combination of interpersonal psychotherapy with other treatment options for depression (Thase & Friedman, 1999). All the studies carried out illustrate that interpersonal psychotherapy is the best social intervention strategy for the treatment of patients suffering from depression. For example, in their study on interpersonal psychotherapy, O’Hara et. al., compare the effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy as an individual form of treatment for depression against other treatment options (O’Hara et al., 2000).

Conclusion

As a social intervention strategy, interpersonal psychotherapy is the best practice model for the treatment of depression. This assumption bases on the research studies and findings by a number of individuals such as de Mello et al., who tested the effectiveness of this intervention treatment on a number of psychiatric disorders such as neurotic depression and dysthymia. Such findings illustrate the efficacy of this treatment on depression, making it the most preferred treatment intervention for patients suffering from depression.

References

Arean, P.A. & Cook, B.L., 2002. Psychotherapy and combined psychotherapy/pharmacotherapy

for late life depression. Biol. Psychiatry 52: 293–303.

De Mello, M.F et. al. (2005). A systematic review of research findings on the efficacy of

interpersonal therapy for depressive disorders. EurArch. Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 255: 75–82.

Markowitz, J.C. (2003). Interpersonal psychotherapy for chronic depression. J. Clin. Psychol. 59,

847–858.

O’Hara, M.W. et al. (2000). Efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy for postpartum depression.

Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 57: 1039–1045.

Stuart, S. & Robertson, M. (2003). The history of IPT. Interpersonal Psychotherapy: A

Clinician’s Guide. London: Arnold publishers.

Thase, M.E. & Friedman, E.S. (1999). Is psychotherapy an effective treatment for melancholia

and other severe depressive states? J. Affect. Disord. 54: 1–19.

Odysseus The Journey

Odysseus The Journey

The Journey

Introduction

Odysseus is the chief character of the novel Odyssey, and it records his homecoming journey since his departure from Troy. Odysseus is seen to be present in the Iliad, but he has a different mission from that of the poem. The story talks about the challenges he encountered on land and sea. The story also gives an account of how he will avenge the honor of his family from the suitors, who are surrounding his house waiting for his wife to choose another man. Through out his journey he is assisted by Athena but to be disillusioned by Poseidon who says that “I will make his journey very difficult because he blinded my son”. Telemachus is the son of Odysseus, and he wants to stop the suitors from taking advantage of his father’s estate. He searches for his father’s news so that they can proclaim their estate. Telemachus and Odysseus journey is similar to some extent because both of them face challenges in their trips.

Odysseus

Odysseus is portrayed as a leader with Homeric character. He is powerful, confident, and courageous, and he wants to achieve glory. Odysseus has a character trait that makes him different from the others since he is extremely intelligent, and this is evident by his calculations before an action. His intelligence and quick thinking helped him in difficult situations that he encountered. His intelligence saves him when he escapes from Cyclops cave, and when he hides the suitor’s slaughters “please play the wedding song for the guests”. Odysseus is remarkably eloquent in his speeches, and he manipulates and convinces the audience (Steinruck, Pp 23). His soft tongue makes many people in the audience favor and agree with him. This is evident when he wins the trust of Nausicca by using a comforting approach when addressing them. Just like other Homeric heroes, Odysseus is striving to achieve glory from the society by the good deeds and he also wants to go home.

He is an adventures person, and this is portrayed by his luxurious life with calypso in an exotic land even though it lasts for a moment. He practices infidelity with Calypso for a short time and realizes he wants to go back home because Calypso does not compare to his wife. He is concerned about his home, and this is evident because he constantly thinks about home while spending time with Phaeacians. Odysseus is torn between the quest of getting home and achieving glory. Most of his time of getting home is wasted by his search for glory. He is troubled when he looses men and time while sacking land. Odysseus is a patient man “I will wait for as long as it takes in these caves” while enjoying milk and cheese (Steinruck, Pp 35). His patience makes him trapped in the cave when the Cyclops returns.

Homeric characters are presented to be static since they are complex and realistic. These characters do not move from their mission and course of work as portrayed by characters in modern novels and stories. However, this rule is broken by Odysseus and Telemachus. Odysseus is consumed by his quest of achieving glory, and this makes him reveal his identity to the Cyclops, thus bringing Poseidon’s anger on him. He is willing to temper his pride with patience at the concluding part of the epic. Even when he is disguised as a pauper Odysseus does not react to the abuse, “I will wait until the traps I have set and loyal people will place me at a suitable position for striking back” (Steinruck, Pp 44).

Telemachus

Telemachus was a child when his father left for Troy. At the beginning of the novel, Telemachus is still growing up. He is encountered with many challenges because he does not know how to protect the land from the suitors. Athena tells Telemachus to fight for his father’s estate as she tells him “you are no longer a child” (Steinruck, Pp 54). He is facing this challenge because he recently became aware of the real intentions of the suitors. Telemachus is told by Athena that his father is still alive and he must make a journey to Pylos and Sparta to enquire about any news of his father. While he prepares to move make his journey to Pylos and Sparta, Athena visits masked as a mentor. She tells Telemachus “your journey will be successful” (Steinruck, 2008). Athena moves to town and assembles a crew to sail with Telemachus on his journey. He is courageous like his father because he takes the open sea with faith that God is on his side. When Telemachus and Athena arrive at Pylos they witness a religious ceremony where dozens of bulls are sacrificed. Telemachus is not good as his father in public speaking and this is evident as he fears to talk to city king. Athena encourages Telemachus by telling him “go and speak to King Nester”. Telemachus is then accompanied by Pisistratus the son of the king to Sparta and the two set out on land. Telemachus resembles his father as he is quickly identified by the queen of Sparta Helen “you are the son of Odysseus” (Steinruck, Pp 60). When Telemachus is told that his father is imprisoned in an island, he returns back to pylos to set sail for Ithaca. He faces the same challenge like his father because the suitors want to ambush him. Telemachus is courageous like his father as he moves alone around southern Greece to learn of his father’s fate. Telemachus is has the skill of impressing host and this is evident as he impresses the host in Ithaca.

Telemachus confronts the suitors and commands them to stop taking advantage of his father’s estate. He takes control of the estate even when Penelope and Eurycleia become angry of his actions. Telemachus is different from his father because he has different talents. He is portrayed as a person with a stout heart, intelligent mind and a little bit of a temper. However, he does not have the skills of speaking fluently and softly as Odysseus. He is a careless man because he leaves the weapons store open and this allows the suitors to take arms. Even if, Odysseus makes mistakes on his course during the epic, he can not afford to make a careless mistake like that of Telemachus. Telemachus is different from his father because he has not inherited his pride. He has not developed perfectly as his father, and this is evident while he tries to string the bow. He nearly does it but not quite and this shows the he cannot match his father’s skills, but he is on his way.

Telemachus and Odysseus journey is similar to some extent because both of them face challenges in their trips. Telemachus wants to be ambushed by suitors while Odysseus is imprisoned in an island by calypso. Both of them are protected by the gods in their journey to reach their destination. Telemachus is different from his father since he does not have the skills of public speaking and convicting a crowd. Although he is courageous like his father, he is not intelligent as Odysseus because he makes serious mistakes. Odysseus has a character trait that makes him different from the others since he is extremely intelligent, and this is evident by his calculations before an action. Just like other Homeric heroes, Odysseus is striving to achieve glory from the society by the good deeds and he wants to go home. Odysseus is torn between the quest of getting home and achieving glory. Most of his time of getting home is wasted by his search for glory. Telemachus is courageous like his father as he moves alone around southern Greece to learn of his father’s fate.

Conclusion

Odysseus has been transformed because of the challenges he experienced throughout his journey. He has learnt not to trust everybody because some people do not have good interest of him in heart. He has learnt this because the people who betrayed his family are those who were close to his father. His journey has transformed in that he has become a patient man and he is focused on achieving his goal. He has learnt to listen to other people advice first before making a decision.

Works cited

Steinruck, Mogn. The Suitors in the Odyssey: The Clash between Homer and Archilochus. New York: Peter Lang. 2008

Related article: https://www.applewriters.com/troy-paper-prompt-telemechus-heroic-journey

Analyze political ideologies Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism

Analyze political ideologies Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism

Analyze political ideologies Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism

Conservatism

Conservatism is one of the political ideologies that most of the states have undertaken as a way of governing their states. According to Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.23) conservatism is a political ideology that ensures that the indigenous institutions are maintained and supported. Conservatism aims to ensure that there is minimal or any form of change in the societies. With these traditional systems in place, the societies maintain its operations with no alterations to the system. Analysts believe that this form of system is favorable for maintenance of constancy and stability in the state. This system is also a cheaper way of doing things in the state as there is no need to incorporate (Eric, David, and Osvaldo pp.29).

Conservatism advocates for maintenance of existing routines in the society as opposed of inclusion of rapid measures to change the existing routine. Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.44) argue that philosophers of conservatism aim at ensuring that all economic, as well as political systems are not altered for the creation of an ideal society. Most of the advocates of conservatism argue that with religion and education of indigenous forms of authority is the basis on which conservatism is based. Rational ideas on dealings in the society have a long time been associated with the erosion of conservatism ideologies in the society. Philosophers and analysts of conservatism argue that if the status quo is maintained in society the state is bound to progress. Developments will be evident with the existence of free markets, advocating of human rights and liberties, democracy, and minimal connection to traditional aristocratic and support for specific religion.

The main assumptions of conservatism are that man should be irrational and have no desire of change in the community. Analysts continue to argue, that social strata in the community are completely unachievable and individuals must have total dependence on mores and traditions in the community. Human beings must have total belief in the forces that guide human affairs and must be keen to steer social change in the society.

Conservatism has been applied in many societies to accentuate individual responsibility and inseparability in trade and industry or political sovereignty. Low taxes have been imposed on individuals; justice has been termed as the best form of freedom.

Liberalism

Liberalism is a political ideology that advocates for the provision of human rights and freedoms with no forms of constraints. Liberalism has a strong base on the strong maintenance for comprehensive elucidation of human rights in terms of the right to express one’s view freely, a chance to be of any religious affiliation, ability to take part in the political process and reforms in the state as well as have a right to champion for existence of a capitalist and liberated economy.

Liberalism advocates for societies based on social base and total belief in the human beings’ ability to judge things and ideologies based on human ability to use reason to criticize activities and ideologies. Liberty aims to secure human rights over responsibilities based upon their lives. The rights of the marginalized and minority groups in the society are adhered.

The human race is considered extremely kind and considerate; therefore, human beings are able to live with each other in the society with no conflicts of interest and choice. The human race has been credited with indispensable integrity that is mandatory for thriving of peaceful community. Too much power concerted in one area may raise suspicions in the society. Human beings, therefore, have a right to evolve and fight for what they term as rights and liberties of human beings. Too much regional power must be challenged through the rise of revolution to break the bonds of dictatorship.

Liberalism has been applied in society to advocate for change in the societies. The government must be coerced to provide equal opportunities and prospects for change in the society. There must equal redistribution of wealth in the society and not only reliance on the government dealings but also political and social liberties of individuals.

A liberalist society is one that has pro-planned labor rights that advocate for emphasis of the rights and liberties in the society. The government must have limits on their dealings with its citizens careful not to coerce the citizens into forceful endeavors. Use of force may infringe on the rights and freedom of citizens. Extremist powers in liberalistic states are not given a chance to thrive or concentration of powers on one part of the government.

Socialism

Socialism is a political ideology that advocates for an economic system that allows for all resources in the society as part of the government. All resources must be pulled together for the benefit ever individual in the state. Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.58) argue that all the business prospects must be managed and properly monitored by the government. The private enterprise must not have a chance of running the state’s property. If the private sector runs the businesses, inequalities and protection of minority groups in the society is likely not to occur. The market processes of governing the market operations have no place is socialist states.

In general, socialism allows for communal ownership and management of various modes of production and equal allocation of goods produced in a state. According to the famous philosopher, Karl Marx, socialism is the intermediate ideology between capitalism and communism. Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.77) argue that socialism is only achievable through the initiative of proletarian in the society. Unlike other models like capitalism that results into unfair redistribution of resources in the society, socialism ensures that all people acquire wealth in a fair and just manner. Socialism aims at designing an egalitarian society where power and the states resources are shared equally. However, debates have come up on the methodologies of ensuring that there is an equitable distribution of wealth and resources in the society.

Socialization, hence, advocates for nationalization of the states’ resources and the means of production in the society. The state should, also, control all the income generating activities for the purposes of nationalizing all resources in the society for the benefit of all regardless of their background.

Best perspective on freedom and equality

Socialism is the best ideology that societies can advocate for their modes of governance. Society’s modes of distribution of wealth are left for social control factors to take over. In terms of economy socialism ensures that there are collective modes of production for all people despite the backgrounds. This mode, therefore, minimizes the chances of having a society that is not equal. All people are provided with an opportunity of having an equal share of the society’s production methods and results. Through councils that represent workers, all people in the society have a chance of maximizing the chances of acquisition of wealth.

In general, socialism is the best method if a society aims at creating collective a unified means of ownership and management of property. In contrast to capitalism, which has been termed as a self-centered mode, socialism ensures less competition but more cooperation and coordination in contributing towards the societies’ welfare.

Why do some feminists view women as oppressed?

According to Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.103) Oppression of women is one of the major forms of oppression in the globe today. Majority of women in the globe today end up behaving as a result of various forms of coercion but not from their own free will. Oppression may be embedded in one’s way of thinking, changes in the society my not be a good basis of judgment on perceptions of oppression. Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.113) continue to argue that the perceptions of men on the place of women in the society has to change. There must be equality between men and women in terms of all aspects of life starting from access to quality education to equal job opportunities to the women.

Social feminists believe that if the roles between men and women are equalized, there is a great likelihood that prostitution that has for a long time been regarded as a profession of women will play no tangible role in society. On the other hand, liberal feminists have a different view on equality between men and women. Based on their arguments, feminists argue that if facts about the undermine of women are brought forward, and then women will be in a better position to fight for their rights on a universal ground. If facts based on research are presented on the place of women and the best place they should have, based on facts, woman may be in a better position to champion for their rights and place in society.

If the standards of women are accepted on a political ground, rather than presumed theories that have no basis, diversity of all people might be achieved. If women claim a higher percentage of political backing, they are in a better position to champion for their rights rather than presentation of ideologies that may not have any tangible backgrounds. Unlike the radical feminists who present ideas on the grounds of perceptions that may have no basics of reality, liberal feminists incorporate all the finer details of women oppression and need to change the perceptions of women as an inferior gender.

Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.111) indicate the rate at which women are being oppressed in the entire world is of the same magnitude. Women undergo various forms of oppression whilst under the hands of men. Some of the forms of oppression may be extreme based on the ability of the men to acquire the oppression mechanisms. Some women in the society undergo rape, oppression of all forms, degradation, and denial of rights amongst others.

It is from the oppression of these women that the majority of them opt to undertake prostitution as a means of survival in the society. Though there have been heated arguments on women, rape and prostitution, Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.115) argues that either way, the two are contributors to the degradation of the rights of women as human beings. Men have been regarded as natural oppressors, the reasons why most women have recorded numerous reports of mistreatment whilst at the hands of men.

Women of a radical feminist point of view argue that in as much prostitution may be done out of the will of the concerned female, prostitution is a way in which men find grounds of judging women a lesser human beings who are willing to do anything for their survival. While men find other methods of acquiring income, women demean themselves by taking part in prostitution as a way of survival. These feminists continue to argue that it is from such basis that men find a lee way of oppressing the women in the society.

Myths indicate that men are the stronger sex and should take up the dominating roles in all aspects of life be it in politics, acquisition of job opportunities, and access to quality education among others. From this argument, men believe that they have a right to respond to their sexual urges that are higher than that of women. Other men will claim that it is their right to have a woman under their control if they have to be labeled as real men. Thus, many women go through a lot of aggressiveness from men that ultimately render them an oppressed that survives under the mercy of men. Other men make it completely difficult for women to advance in any forms of life by controlling women’s sources of income and ability to progress.

In contemporary Canada, women have been viewed as lesser beings that have to depend on decisions made by the males in the society. Men have been seen with the urge of completely dominating women as much as they can in all aspects of life. In this regard, women are constrained from conducting roles in the society that might lead to their realization as dominant and successful beings. Whether the form of degradation is on a moral or social aspect, it all sums up to degradation of women.

In contemporary Canada women are inclined to live traditional lives that confine them to the bringing forth and nurturing children. Men have been given an upper hand in the society through the freedom of choice and decision making. The women are clearly an oppressed lot in Canada. They have no ability to take part in key sectors of the society like making decisions or even active participation in politics for fear of overtaking the men.

How can an environmentally sustainable society be best achieved?

The scope of sustainability can either be national, or global, and is related to where Canadians live, and this is according to Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p. 125). Statistics provided by the Canadian government estimate that the urban population is eighty percent of the total population. This means that at the local level is where environment sustainability take place. This is because the lives of most Canadians are presently at the local level as they engage in activities such as shopping, working and living. The reality of making the Canadian society environmental sustainable is achievable. Every community has a role to play in this extremely vital issue.

The environment, society, and economy, are words used to describe the meaning of a society that is sustainable. Furthermore, the authors Eric, David, and Osvaldo define it as the different environmental, social and economic systems that enable society to have life are that are meaningful both in the future and the present. Also, it seeks to ensure that the society is aware that there built, social and natural systems that have to be depended on. The society should be involved in the process of making decisions. In order to become a society that is environmental sustainable, the local government should increase the participation of the society. There are guidelines that exist concerning sustainability issues in Canada.

Will is an essential consideration when the society is to be involved in matters related to sustainability as it needs a consensus. This is because change is affected by barriers that are psychological, bureaucratic and political in nature. The government should offer support that is top-down, and it must be included in the processes that society is involved. Several Canadian jurisdictions that are complex in nature make sure that decision making focuses on the environment. It gives priority to economic and social matters whereby, Canadians will benefit from international considerations and knowledge that is scientifically complex. The process of coming up with a society that is sustainable takes a long time and the government is aware of this fact. In turn, it requires support from other sectors such as citizens, nongovernmental organizations and industry.

The Canadian population is dispersed, and the distances are vast, as well. The country benefits a lot from population growths that are high, northern climate and the exportation and production of natural resources. The latter is responsible for both non renewable and renewable resources through which it supports the Canadian economy. It also has to ensure that all times the health care, transportation and infrastructure systems are well taken care of. The Gross Domestic product of Canada is improved by the contribution of natural resources that are indirect and direct. In terms of percentage, the GDP obtained is between twenty to twenty five percent.

An act created by parliament known as the Federal Sustainable Development provides information required for environmental sustainability. The country’s economic, social and natural resources are responsible for efficient, ecological use. Canada’s government is making sure that the environmental impact is reduced as through its sustainable development goals. The government seeks to ensure that Canadians will benefit from wealth derived from sustainability. It has come up with a program on fisheries that are effective, affordable and science based.

In almost every part of the world, Corporate Social responsibility is a requirement for standard operating procedures. In Canada CSR is in a way mandatory as it contributes to a society that is environmentally sustainable. It ensures that companies participate in activities that are ethical and transparent, also contribute to sustainable development. In turn competitiveness, productivity and innovation are achieved by companies that engage in CSR activities. Other benefits that occur as a result of CSR include branding, improved reputation, excellent society expectations and capital access, among other things. Eric, David, and Osvaldo believe that the practice of CSR will help the Canadian society become sustainable. Furthermore, it motivates other players in the economy especially those who are wealthy to participate in CSR.

The best way possible of obtaining a society that is environmentally sustainable is through educating people. Training, education and public awareness are in line with the economic development that is current will help in achieving sustainability. Different perceptions exist concerning whether it is possible to have a society that is environmentally sustainable. According to the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the guidelines that exist concerning sustainability are eighteen in number. An example of one of the principles states that those who engage in pollution should pay for engaging in this act. They should face the consequences of engaging in pollution. Consumption and population are the key issues in sustainability. Increases in resource and population usage jeopardize a future that is sustainable, also one that is linked to education. Other factors that it is associated with are resource consumption and fertility rate. Educating women concerning reproductive health reduces fertility rates and thus leads to population growth. By reducing the rates of fertility and reducing the risk of overpopulation, Canada is on its ways in achieving a society that is sustainable. The opposite is accurate for a relationship concerning a resource and education use. Moreover, those who are extremely educated and have high incomes, consume many resources than those who are poorly educated. They latter tend to have low incomes as compared to the former. This means that more educational opportunities increase the threats and barriers to sustainability.

More should be done to ensure that women are well educated as they are the ones who will make the society environmentally sustainable. Education benefits women in many life-altering processes and ways. A woman who is educated acquires a high status and an efficacy sense that is enhanced for women, education has proven to changes their ordinary lives, also how they interact with society as well as maintain their economic status. By educating women, it ensures that their lives are more equitable as well as that of their families. Their ability to participate in decision making in the community is increased and it leads to achieving goals of a sustainable nature.

Canadian citizens have a role to play in ensuring that they have a society that is environmentally sustainable. In order to achieve sustainable development individual citizens can control their actions in an attempt to make progress. The environmental, economic, and social impacts of sustainable development are as a result of decisions made by citizens. The latter must make informed decisions such as reducing pollution, recycling, and waste reduction, as well as water and energy conservation. Other ways through, which they easily contribute to sustainability, is through basic activities such as being healthy, using vehicles that are fuel efficient and even biking. The mentioned activities contribute a lot in achieving sustainability according to Eric, David, and Osvaldo (p.156).

Globalization is defined as the process of ensuring that different parts of the world are connected. The authors seem to believe that, through globalization, the Canadian society can become sustainable. Furthermore, the global economy is not making as much progress as that of the modern state. As a result of technology, people are becoming informed about many issues, which in turn, increase their life’s quality. Globalization brings about communication, and in turn, various products become available to the Canadian society. Terrorism is a problem, which has been brought about by Globalization, and its effects are disastrous. Society cannot be at peace if they are constantly being threatened. Thus, it seems that terrorism affects sustainable development in a negative manner. This is the reason why organizations such as the UN, EU and NAFTA have been formed. They are concerned with global politics that is beneficial to society by making it environmentally sustainable. Membership to these organizations has proven in many scenarios especially those dealing with climate change to be extremely helpful. Thus, more should be done to make the Canadian society be well informed on such issues, through proper education.

In conclusion, it is indeed possible to have a society that is environmentally sustainable. Everyone in the society should step up and ensure that they engage in activities that are sustainable. Women should become informed about the power that they have, and how it can assist society. The government has a role to play in promoting sustainable development as it this is what is expected of it. It should come up with effective regulations and policies that seek to improve the environment. Cooperation between the Canadian government and other interested stake holders should be promoted. These efforts will make the lives of people become well in the futures and the present situation. According to Benjamin Barber, a political scientist from the United States, globalization will help in achieving sustainable development. The society should aim at having a society that is democratic in order to become sustainable. Indeed, a lot needs to be done to make the reality of having a society that environmentally sustainable possible.

References

Mintz, Eric.& David, Close & Osvaldo, Croci. Politics, Power and the Common Good: An Introduction to Political Science. 3rd ed. Toronto, Ontario: Pearson Education, 2011.

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