Cultural Diversity Assignment Essay

Religion is an important value in Appalachian culture. Loyal Jones stresses the fact that religion can often become â€Å"fatalistic. † What did he mean by this? How has this attitude come to affect the Appalachian culture in a negative way? Religion, according to Loyal Jones, is one of the ten common values common to Appalachians. Religiosity is often manifested by Appalachians in their values and in the meanings which they regard life. It differs from the orthodox practices of most religions such as attending certain rituals or going on worship days. Sometimes however, they come to view their religion as being too fatalistic. The downside for such is that people then tend to attribute events (often aversive ones) to factors which they believe are beyond their control but in reality, are not. What might have been avoided incidents are often accepted as the way they are. Fatalism however does not only involve disadvantages. For instance, fatalism eases up the burdens that most Appalachian people have to deal with in their everyday life. By thinking about their conditions in terms of fate and destiny, these people come accept their situations more willingly. Thus, it is important that people from Appalachia find where their locus of control (a â€Å"construct which is designed to evaluate a person’s perceived control over his or her behavior† (Locus of Control)) lies. While it is helpful to be fatalistic at times, it is also important that one takes an active part in controlling his or her future. 2. In Morocco, there are only two genders, but the two are very distinct. How do the concepts of private space and public space relate to gender? What is the purpose of the HIJAB AND THE DJELLABA? How do these relate to the concept of cultural relativity? In Morocco, public and private spaces relate to the issue of gender in that these concepts still reflect much modern Moroccan society’s interactions. Although gender divisions are slowly becoming fluid in that men and women can interact publicly; there are still domains in which a particular sex is not allowed to enter or participate in. For instance, certain professions are restricted to males (Women in Morocco). The hijab is worn by Muslim women based on religious doctrines (Parker, 1996) in order to achieve certain purposes. For instance, it is seen as a means to protect women from the male gaze (Parker, 1996). The djellaba on the other hand is worn by men (Djellaba). The primary purpose of the two articles of clothing is to provide a distinction between the sexes. These articles thus address cultural relativity in that they come to stand for greater things (i. e. gender) when they are viewed in a certain cultural context. 3. Asian Americans are often referred to as the â€Å"model minority. † What does this mean? Why do some Asians find problems with this concept? Asian Americans are often referred to as the model minority because most of them eventually excel in their education as well as in their chosen careers although they were initially â€Å"penniless and homeless† when they come to America. Although the stereotype is different from the Black and Mexican stereotype in that it is generally positive; some Asian Americans who haven’t accomplished the said stereotypical connotations feel that they are unduly compared to those who have (Banerji, 2007). As in the case of any stereotype, the dangers of overgeneralization should always be avoided. 4. What is the significance of the video titled, â€Å"Two towns of Jasper? † Why was it important to use 2 film crews in telling the film’s story? What would you hope people take away from viewing this film? The film is significant in that it addressed the issue that supremacist attitudes do and still exist in American society, at least until the late 90s. Almost eight years after the incident involving Rodney King and the LAPD, the truth as to the â€Å"abolition† of racial practices was again put into question with the case of James Byrd Jr. The film in essence, placed emphasis on the need to evaluate whether people still viewed other individuals based on their skin color. The directors of the film, Whitney Dow and Marco Williams employed two film crews in the movie in order to elicit real and untainted responses from the residents of Jasper. Filming was structured in such a way that a white crew filmed white residents and a black crew filmed black residents (Two Towns of Jasper). It was only after the movie was released did the residents know that their responses would be integrated into a single project. I believe that the film hopes to raise people’s awareness to the fact that racial views are still prevalent in American society. The use of the aforementioned filming technique hoped to provide a venue in which the audience could critically think about an important issue that has far reaching implications. 5. How would you respond to the following statement: â€Å"Talking about diversity only makes problems worse? † People who believe that talking about diversity only makes problems worse definitely undermine the value of dialogue as a means to reach a compromise or agreement. Many think that diversity is a touchy subject since various issues are involved and I believe that they do have valid reasons for thinking that way. What I do not agree with however is their belief that sensitive topics should not be talked about and kept private. In my opinion, talking about diversity lessens a person’s â€Å"aversion† towards the issue. But talking about it isn’t the most crucial part of the discussion. There are certain considerations which merit considerable attention. For instance a lot of problems arise when people come to the discussion bringing with them strongly – held convictions as well as prejudices against certain individuals or groups of people. The end result is that more problems arise than are solved. In general, I think that discussions on cultural diversity could not only prove to be important in removing inhibitions on the issue but could prove to be instrumental in addressing a lot of concerns that are crucial to the improvement of a lot of lives, especially of those who are involved. 6. Describe your biggest diversity challenges so far in your life as well as what possible challenges you may face in your professional (Human Services/Education) life. What actions are you taking or will you take to deal with these situations? Living in a country in which a lot of races coexist, I believe that the biggest challenge for me lies on the fact that I am exposed to different people coming from different backgrounds. For instance, the school provides a venue for me to meet new friends. Most of them however come from different backgrounds and hold on to beliefs that are often dissimilar from what I believe. Challenges in my professional life may include the same considerations as mentioned above. I think venturing into any career requires one to be open minded as well as mindful of the â€Å"idiosyncrasy† which may exist among individuals and cultures. Taking the time to learn about another culture helps one to accept the fact that differences do exist among us culturally and that we could coexist in peace and mutual respect if only we go beyond our cultural barriers. References Banerji, S. (2007). UCLA Expert Challenges The Asian – American â€Å"Model Minority† Assumption. Retrieved on 27 November 2007 at http://www. diverseeducation. com/artman/publish/article_7071. shtml Jones, L. (2006). The Proud Appalachian. Retrieved on 27 November 2007 at http://www1. epinions. com/content_4639989892 Locus of Control. (n. d. ). The American Heritage ® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. Retrieved on 27 November 2007, from Dictionary. com website: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/locus of control Two Towns of Jasper. (2002). Retrieved on 27 November 2007 at http://www. pbs. org/pov/pov2002/twotownsofjasper/index. html Women in Morocco. (2007). Moroccan Culture Series. Retrieved on 27 November 2007 at http://french. about. com/library/travel/bl-ma-women. htm Parker, K. (1996). Women, Islam and Hijab. Retrieved on 27 November 2007 at http://www. english. emory. edu/Bahri/Veil. html Djellaba. (n. d. ). Dictionary. com Unabridged (v 1. 1). Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Dictionary. com website: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/djellaba

Van Gogh vs Salvador Dali

Van Gogh vs Salvador Dali The focus of the paper is to make a comparison and contrasts between Van Gogh's ‘Starry Night' and Salvador Dali's ‘Persistence of time'. While Van Gogh's theme formed the basis of expressionism in twentieth century, Dali initially became a leader of the Surrealist movement and later on developed interests in psychology and science, both movements influencing their beliefs and formal approaches in distinctive ways. The ‘Persistence of Time' is regarded as one of the most famous paintings of Salvador Dali. The painting is rendered in yellow, faint brown and blue colors and has earned a world-wide recognition for Dali.Like Van Gogh's ‘Starry Night' that shows typical moonlit scene in Saint-Remy asylum's neighborhood where he stayed for more than a year during his last period of life, Dali's painting resembles Port Lligat, his home. Dali uses sandy beaches and other imagery to which he had been exposed to as a child in his home town. Sim ilar to Van Gogh's ‘Starry Night', the ‘Persistence of Time' could have several interpretations. Although, some could be more meaningful, others remain elusive. The contents of Dali's ‘Persistence of Time' are not only puzzling but open to interpretation.Contrary to Van Gogh, Dali was also a philosopher, besides an artist as mostly known. While VanGogh's was expressionist, Dali was initially a surrealist and later on developed interests in psychology and science. ‘Persistence of Time' is no more than a collection of theme that are perception of time, reality, death, birth, and sexual desire. Orange clock placed on the rectangular table-like object is attacked by the ants show the anxiety related with time. This specific psychology as well as understanding of the reality of death could configure the viewer's behavior.Furthermore, Dali uses light in the painting, in contrast to Van Gogh's ‘Starry Night', for communicating themes of this painting. On the b asis of the arguments presented in the paper, it can be concluded that Van Gogh's ‘Starry Night' and Salvador's ‘Persistence of Time' although had some common aspects, themes of both Van Gogh and Salvador differ. While Van Gogh was an expressionist, Dali was initially a surrealist and later on developed interest in psychology and science, both movements influencing their beliefs and formal approaches in distinctive ways. Van GoghSalvador Dali

Teen’s Alcohol Abuse

The study aims to identify the factors influencing alcohol abuse among teenagers whose age range from 13 to 19 years. Stratified random sampling will be applied, with samples coming from across the state to ensure the heterogeneity of the sample in terms of the variables being studied.Stratified random sampling is done by dividing the population into strata, in this case by the towns the respondents currently reside, then by employing simple random sampling from each stratum (or town) (Johnston, B., and Christensen, L., 2000).The target number of sample will be set at 10% of the 13-19 year old population in each town (rural or urban). A possible barrier to achieving this set number of sample however is the difficulty in achieving this huge target due to the limited time and financial resources.A solution seen to overcome this barrier is through the use of the internet and sending of electronic mails to reach the respondents. The use of this type of method of data gathering may possib ly cause risks in the validity of the answers given by the respondents. Confusion on the part of the respondents may take place, and the researcher may not be available at all times to attend to clarifications. In order for this threat to be avoided, the survey questions have been constructed to be simple and concise.This sample is said to be representative of the population because of the randomization that has been done to assure that the sample is composed of individuals who are not in any way homogenized in one or more traits or characteristics being studied.The survey tool used is a 13-item questionnaire with open-ended and closed-ended questions. Possible answers which are mutually exclusive have been constructed. Should the answer not be found in the list of answers, then the sample may choose to state his response.The survey tool and variables measuredThe variables are demographic in nature such as age, and several socio-cultural variables such as the individuals the respond ent is currently living with, annual family income, the drinking history of the parents, attitude of the parents towards alcohol, and the respondent’s experience in witnessing violence and the frequency of witnessing this violence. Behavioral and attitudinal characteristics of the respondents will also be measured, such current alcohol intake, frequency of alcohol intake, and history of alcohol abuse, and availability of or accessibility to alcohol.The variable â€Å"age† is defined as the age of the respondent in years at the time of the study. This variable is answered by the second survey question, which is a closed-ended one. Since the level of measurement is ratio, the response to this item will be coded as it is.â€Å"Companion in Residence† is defined as the individual/s (if any) with whom the respondent has live with for the most part of his life. This has been defined in such a manner due to the assumption that should an individual’s beliefs or b ehavior be affected by another individual, this effect is said to be incurred by the person he has lived with longest in his life. Possible responses to this question include parents, relatives or guardians, friends or peers, or none. It is a closed-ended type of survey question.The variable â€Å"annual family income† is defined as the average income in US$ incurred by the family in one year. It will be measured in the fourth survey question which is a closed-ended one. The lowest class of the range has been set at less than $5000, whereas the highest has been set at $65,001 and above. Since the level of measurement is ratio, the response to this item will be coded as it is.The variable â€Å"alcohol drinking† is defined as the respondent’s current behavior towards alcohol, i.e. if he at present drinks or does not drink alcohol. This variable will be measured in the fifth survey question, where the respondent answers â€Å"yes† to indicate that he curren tly drinks alcohol, or a â€Å"no† to indicate that he does not currently drink alcohol. The question is a closed ended one.

Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Nursing - Essay Example Scientists have derived many ways to treat such a cancer and the first one involves surgical removal for example lumpectomy- removal of the tumor mass only and a mastectomy- excision of the mass as well as the tissue in the periphery. Then there is also the method of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and the last but not least biological therapy. Cervical cancer is another type of cancer that is prominent among the female gender especially in the developing continents targeting mostly those who are in the age group of 40- 50 years. Unfortunately, this type of cancer can be confirmed only after a Pap smear though the good thing is that if it had been detected during the initial stage, it could be treated. Another gynecological type of cancer is the ovarian tumors. These occupy the first common malignancy among US citizens. The signs and symptoms are mainly vaginal bleeding, pain in back and lower abdomen, vomiting, nausea and loss of weight. The treatment comprises of chemotherapy, thermal therapy and sometimes even hysterectomy. The main side effects are that the patients have a very low immune system and this implies that they are more exposed to infections and other diseases and are physically weak after the chemotherapy. They are given doses of Interferon alpha and also Leukine following the therapy as well as immune system boosters. Contraceptive methods are means of preventing unwanted pregnancy as well as assuring a maximal level of safety. Starting from the most promising way, the major position will be the regular kind of condom which reassures both against STD and pregnancy but provides no guarantee. The next one is the hormonal pills which arevery effective if used in the proper way and the side effect is basically nausea, headache and weight gain. There is also the intra-uterine device which is now adopted by many women who find taking pills difficult have the major disadvantage

The Legacy of Rome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Legacy of Rome - Essay Example For a long period of time Rome used to be the main epicenter of art and architecture for the whole world (Claridge, 61-70). The Roman architecture initiated the use of shapes like domes, arch and the vault. Rome became the most important centre during the Renaissance period. Now let’s have a look on the other aspects of the Roman Legacy. In the seventeenth century, and throughout the entire of the eighteenth, the written works of Rome practiced a majestic influence over European taste. The customary record of the root of written works at Rome, acknowledged by the Romans themselves, is that it was altogether because of contact with Greece (Garwood, 33- 35). The writing time came in the first place, and is signalized by the names of Cicero, Sallust, and Caesar. The commended authors were currently basically men of activity and high position in the state. The standards of the dialect got settled; its syntactic development was altogether comprehended, and its particular genius wisely acclimates to those manifestations of creation in which it was characteristically equipped for outperforming (Edwards, 114-117). The flawlessness of verse was not accomplished until the time of Augustus. The Roman engineering is still mesmerizing and versatile in nature (Caldwell and Caldwell, 123). The first thing the Romans did after entering another locale, in the wake of winning the war that picked up them their new domain, was develop ways and extensions (Dyson, 217-220). The history of Roman law could be separated into three frameworks of technique: that of legis actiones, the model framework, and cognitio additional ordinem. Throughout the republic and until the bureaucratization of Roman legal strategy, the judge was normally a private individual (iudex privatus). He must be a Roman male native. The gatherings could concur on a judge, or they could select one from a record, called collection iudicum. They went down the agenda until they establish a judge

The Christina Commonwelath - analysis and criticism to this little Essay

The Christina Commonwelath - analysis and criticism to this little book by John Eliot - Essay Example (Zakai, 133-151) Perhaps more than anything else, Eliot’s work and its concurrent ideology denounced the interregnum of the Crown with the result that three years following its publication The Christian Commonwealth was banned in England. (Holstun, 128-153) Although Eliot’s work takes a definite position with respect to Puritan ideology of the perfect state it is prefaced by a position against the monarchy. By taking this position in the preface to The Christian Commonwealth Eliot introduces a position against the interregnum of the Crown in such a way that is far more controversial than the Puritanical theocracy embodied in the main part of his book. Eliot’s states his opposition to the monarchy in his preface as follows: â€Å"Much is spoken of the rightful Heir of the Crown of England, and the unjustice of casting out the right Heir: but Christ is the only right Heir of the Crown of England, and all other Nations also.† (Eliot) In his preface Eliot quotes the scriptures at various intervals to support his contention that the best model of human ordinance and government is to be found in the Bible rather than by reference to earthly state nations. The preface is laden with Puritan theocracy and puts forth the concept that it is God who truly governs and protects those who believe in him. Eliot goes on to urge that true guidance should come from God and urges as follows: â€Å"I do beseech those chosen, and holy and faith Saints, who by Councils at Home, or by Wars in the field, have fought the Lords Battels against Antichrist, and have carried on the Cause of Christ hitherunto, That you would now set the Crown of England upon the head of Christ, whose only true inheritance it is, by the gift of his father (1) â€Å" Let him be your JUDGE, let him be your LAW – Giver, Let him be your KING. Take the pattern and

Non-Traditional Advertising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Non-Traditional Advertising - Essay Example One common example linked to narrowcasting is the use of electronic mailing lists used over the internet. Internet users get to subscribe to mails or newsletters from websites they frequent or post web content parallel to their areas of interests. For instance, I receive emails and newsletters from business blog and news sites such as the Huffington Post, an online news that offers news and content on technology, environment, business, politics and lifestyle among others. The emails received from the sites are usually coupled with links to the specific content as requested. The email provides the reader with the headlines and links to their web content, which the reader has the freedom to open and explore more. As such, I find the mailing lists overly resourceful and I receive them positively since I get the chance to access information with one click of a button. The mails and advertisements received in such a manner are long lasting and it is only upon deletion that the data is dis carded. From my point of view, the method is effective since the information is only displayed to interested parties and usually gets the attention it requires to be effective. This method of advertising or promoting products heavily relies on innovation and creativity to have the message delivered to the intended audiences. Companies get to design advertisements that the public may find it difficult to ignore. An example of such a demonstration was a blue leather couch I saw in a hall, the couch was divided into two parts – A rough side and a smooth side.