Womens Roles in Religion Essays

Womens Roles in Religion Essays Womens Roles in Religion Essay Womens Roles in Religion Essay Contemporary women are faced with oppressive traditions that restrict their roles in world religions, but notable women are taking steps to promote a more egalitarian future. Nick Maki Historically, women have held prominent and influential roles in several religions, but women have been deprived of these roles as the majority of religions have become increasingly institutionalized. In this analysis, I will review women’s roles in Indigenous Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to highlight how androcentric cultures have led to women’s diminished religious influence. I contend that women have been ostracized from religious hierarchies based on ancient cultural beliefs. Therefore, I will show that many misogynistic religious traditions have arisen primarily out of fear of female biology and subsequent attempts to control what was not understood. I believe that our collective human knowledge has advanced far beyond these early superstitions, but many religions still obstinately cling to these primitive traditions because they clearly benefit the ruling male hierarchies. First, I will give brief overview of each religion, and then I will discuss some of the notable women that are challenging these archaic traditions in order to attain equality in these religions. In order to understand the affect that culture has had on several of these â€Å"Great Religions† it is necessary to first examine the roles of women in non-institutionalized religions. These religions are often referred to as â€Å"Indigenous Religions,† however there are many other terms used to describe this vast group of disparate religious beliefs, practices, and oral traditions (Eller). Therefore, â€Å"indigenous religions† is merely â€Å"a catch-all term encompassing all remaining cultures, generally tribal, in which local religious practices and beliefs are still alive, usually in close relationship to the land upon which the people live† (M. P. Fisher 35). In these cultures, â€Å"[r]eligion and everyday life are often so intertwined that the people may have no word for ‘religion’ as a thing apart that occurs only sometimes in temples† (M. P. Fisher 35). Women in these cultures have traditionally held socially powerful roles and â€Å"[m]any Native American groups were apparently matrilineal† (M. P. Fisher 37). Furthermore, women in these cultures have often held considerable political power as well (M. P. Fisher 37). I believe that women in indigenous religions generally have more influence and power since most of these religions do not have religious texts. Instead, these religions are typically passed on orally and these cultures tend to rely on simple subsistence methods of survival. As such, these small tribal cultures must depend heavily on the equal cooperation of every member of its group for survival and I believe this has resulted in more egalitarian traditions. Paula Gunn Allen, a Native womanist believes that: ‘gynocracies’ by which she means ‘woman-centered tribal societies,’ in which matrilocality [the tradition by which the husband lives with the wife’s community], matrifocality [households consisting only of the mother and her children], matrilinearity [kinship traced through the mother’s side], maternal control of household goods and resources, and female deities of the magnitude of the Christian God were and are present and active features of traditional tribal life. . Some distinguishing features of a woman-centered social system include free and easy sexuality and wide latitude in personal style. This latitude means that a diversity of people, including gay males and lesbians, are not denied and are in fact likely to be accorded honor. Also prominent in such systems are nurturing, pacifist, and passive males (as defined by western minds) and self-defining, assertive, decisive women. . . (M. P . Fisher 38). Therefore, based upon many of the traditions of various indigenous religions, there is strong evidence to support the view â€Å"that the more religion is an integral aspect of life, rather than something institutionalized and separate from daily life, the more women are likely to be involved in it† (M. P. Fisher 39). As such, the lack of religious texts in indigenous religions has helped to prevent the androcentric interpretations that are ubiquitous in many of the institutionalized religions. Hinduism is considered an institutionalized religion, yet it â€Å"is not a ‘single’ unified tradition,† but rather a diverse group of beliefs that have primarily evolved from the Vedas (M. P. Fisher 64). While it appears that women were respected in ancient India, this respect has been slowly eroded (M. P. Fisher 67). As Hinduism evolved, male babies were increasingly favored due to the overwhelming burden of the dowry system. Around 400 BCE to 100BCE it is believed that Brahman men’s influence was threatened and previously independently worshipped goddesses were transformed into the wives of gods (M. P. Fisher 68). Further evidence of the erosion of women’s roles is found in the Upanishads, the latest of the Vedic writings, which advises â€Å"that if a wife refuses her husband’s sexual advances, he should try to persuade her by coaxing, then by gifts, and finally by beating her with his fists or with rods† (M. P. Fisher 67). However, there are contradictory views in the Laws of Manu that assert that â€Å"where women are honored, there the gods are pleased; but where they are not honored no sacred rite yields rewards† (M. P. Fisher 67). Therefore, since the Vedas are comprised of a multitude of various additions, there is no singular religious canon that comprehensively defines the religion. I believe that this religious subjectivity has resulted in traditions that are based as much on prevailing cultural practices as on any specific religious texts. As such, Hinduism is open to a broad variety of interpretations that have generally been defined by the ruling, Brahman class. Nonetheless, Hindu women have begun to take progressive steps to overturn these misogynistic cultural traditions. Perhaps one of the most influential of these contemporary female leaders is Sri Mata Amritanandamayi. She is an extremely popular guru who suggests that women must simply â€Å"wake up† and assert their roles in religion (M. P. Fisher 89). She further suggests that women have merely been conditioned to believe that they cannot overturn these outdated hierarchies. Amritanandamayi teaches that women and men can attain the state of universal motherhood which is a â€Å"love and compassion felt not only towards one’s own children, but towards all people, animals and plants, rocks and rivers- a love extended to all of nature, all beings† (M. P. Fisher 91). Therefore, she believes that women must simply awaken from centuries of conditioning in order to once again express their powers of the â€Å"Divine Mother. † (M. P. Fisher 91). Buddhism is an institutionalized religion that is based on the â€Å"Four Noble Truths† (Eller). These truths state that all suffering is caused by human desire; by overcoming human desire it is possible to end all suffering and become enlightened (Eller). Unfortunately, the Buddha never wrote down a comprehensive outline of his teachings. Therefore, his teachings were passed down orally for centuries. As any player of the â€Å"telephone game† can attest, the retelling of even simple information can lead to outlandish and entirely incorrect interpretations. Furthermore, if you consider the multiple language translations that were necessary, it becomes even more likely that there were at least minor discrepancies between the Buddha’s original teachings and the subsequent writings of the memorized texts three hundred years later. â€Å"In other words, as soon as the Buddha- who had apparently made it clear that women and men were spiritual equals- passed on, culturally-based negative views of women became apparent among the monks† (M. P. Fisher 104). It is written in the texts that a senior Theravedan monk destroyed a stupa dedicated to a revered sister (M. P. Fisher 105). The monk claimed that it was distracting him from his meditations, but I believe that jealousy was the more likely culprit. Also, the Thai nun Dhammananda points out that many of the weaknesses of women are actually the weakness of the men. She asserts that monks have subjugated women because they cannot control their own sexual desires (M. P. Fisher 118). Therefore, Buddhism, in its purest form, should not make any distinction between genders. Professor Gross states that â€Å"gender roles and gender privilege are matters of worldly thinking, not of enlightened thought. If ‘egolessness’ is the goal, then there is no argument supporting male dominance over women† (M. P. Fisher 119). Of course, this hypocrisy has been noted by women since the inception of the religion and many notable Buddhist women are striving for greater equality. Although there will not be a woman Dalai Lama anytime soon, it is important to note that Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is available to anyone regardless of gender (M. P. Fisher 119,123). I agree with the Venerable Tsultrim Allione, a Tibetan Buddhist nun, in that we are in a transition and we must facilitate the groundwork for those who follow (M. P. Fisher 120). As such, significant structural change within the Buddhist religion may take a long time, but some diligent women are currently laying the foundation for future changes. Judaism is considered an â€Å"ethnic religion† in that it is based as much on tradition as it is on scriptures (Eller). Therefore, Judaism is an epitome for how religions have been molded by culture. For example, it seems likely that early Jewish cultures were fearful of the female form because it was not fully understood i. e. pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, sexuality. These fears resulted in misogynistic traditions, such as mikveh, that equate these natural processes with impurity. Furthermore, women were discouraged from studying the Torah so they could attend to other household duties (Eller). This resulted in deep-rooted, patriarchal, male-based interpretations of the Torah that have served to suppress female participation in religious ceremonies. Nonetheless, contemporary Jewish women are taking promising steps in gaining equality, such as â€Å"the right to be called up to the Torah, to be counted in the minyan, to initiate divorce, to have equal rights in carrying out the commandments, and to be rabbis and cantors† (M. P. Fisher 174). As such, â€Å"[w]omen are becoming active participants in midrash- the ongoing process of interpretation of the bible† (M. P. Fisher 177). This is a critical step toward long-term, structural changes in the religion, because female interpretations of the Jewish scriptures are finally being acknowledged and studied. Rabbi Patricia Karlin-Nuemann, who was ordained in 1982, believes that â€Å"there was always an attempt to minimize the differentness and the newness of what it meant to be a woman rabbi† (M. P. Fisher 184). However, she embraced these differences because they introduced a new and refreshing perspective to the religion. These new perspectives will provide a reassuring light for the next generation of Jewish women to follow in this religious evolution. Christianity is perhaps one of the most institutionalized of the â€Å"Great Religions. This has been a result of numerous divisions and a multitude of differing perspectives. For example, there are striking contradictions between the original teachings of Jesus Christ and the practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Mary Pat Fisher, author of Women in Religion, explains that: The movement that developed around [Jesus Christ] was unique in its outreach to people from all levels of society, especially those considered unclean by the Jewish temple priests and rabbis, who placed great emphasis on ritual purity and moral piety. These marginal people included the very poor, the physically handicapped, those suffering from skin diseases, the socially despised such as tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes, slaves, and women. Women had been considered impure because of their bleeding during menstruation and childbirth and were thought of as possessions of men. Collectively, Jesus referred to them all as the ‘poor. ’ He invited them all to eat together at the same table, as brothers and sisters in a community that excluded no one from God’s grace and recognized no hierarchy. However, the Roman Catholic Church is explicitly hierarchical â€Å"with traditionalist, male-dominant policies, such as its stands against birth control, divorce, and abortion, its resistance to liberation theology, and denial of priesthood to women† (M. P. Fisher 215). Further explicit misogyny is contained within the Malleas Maleficarum, a document that justified the torture and execution of millions of women who did not conform to church expectations. However, feminist biblical scholar, Phyllis Trible, believes that Christian sexism and faith are so deeply intertwined that few ever question it (M. P. Fisher 211). Contemporary women in Christianity â€Å"have tried to redefine the interpretation of Christianity so that it is true their understanding and experiences- not necessarily as historically interpreted by men† (M. P. Fisher 221). This shift toward theological feminism coincided with the feminist revolution of the 1960’s, and it focused on â€Å"re-evaluating the patriarchal language and patterns of power, as well as making their voices heard on other ethical issues (M. P. Fisher 222). These female interpretations are aimed at re-defining the patriarchal languagewhich portrays God as an aggressive male ruler- in favor viewing God as a loving figure. Sallie McFague, an American Christian Theologian, views â€Å"God as a lover, a mother, a friend,† while Dorothee Soelle, a German Theologian, argues â€Å"that a concept of God as male ruler supports oppression and violence by men against humanity† (M. P. Fisher 223). Islam is perhaps the most feared and misunderstood of the â€Å"Great Religions. † Ironically, Islam shares similar qualities with its rival, Christianity. First, both religions were founded by a prophet who had relatively enlightened views about equality between the sexes. Muhammad, like Jesus, shared many of his private revelations and visions with women, specifically his wives Khadija and A’isha (M. P. Fisher 237, 240). As such, these women were originally revered and celebrated with temples, but these temples have since been destroyed (M. P. Fisher 238,241). Second, the religion of Islam sustained a massive division early in its development i. e. Sunnis and Shi’as, similar to the split of the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox sects. The foundation of Islam is based on the Qur’an, but many of Islam’s anti-female traditions have been enacted by different legal schools (M. P. Fisher 243). As such, the Qur’an actually serves to protect the rights of women, yet cultural interpretations have taken it out of context in order to support cultural biases (M. P. Fisher 244). Islamic studies Professor, Riffat Hassan, believes that the Qur’an is inherently â€Å"open† and â€Å"strongly guarantees all fundamental human rights, without reserving them for men alone,† but, unfortunately, many Muslim cultures have chosen to â€Å"regard the Shari’a [the code regulating all aspects of a Muslim’s life] as fixed† (M. P. Fisher 245). Muslims form the majority in 44 different countries, and there are as many variations in the Muslim practices. Some cultures enforce very strict rules and regulations, such as the Taliban and Deoband reform movement, while other Muslim cultures have adapted a fairly liberal lifestyle (M. P. Fisher 253,254). Therefore, the religion of Islam does innately regard women as inferior, but various cultures have hijacked the Qur’an to further their own cultural beliefs. As you can see, nearly all religions have been molded by the cultures in which they have arisen. Most of these religions wish to convey absolute truth, but it is impossible to ignore how these truths have been molded by prevailing cultural biases. Therefore, I contend that culture and religion are intrinsically intertwined. These primary components of the human experience do not exist in a perfect vacuum. Therefore, they are not exclusive of each other. It is important to note that women have gained significant levels of equality in many cultures, but they have yet to attain comparable equality in any of the institutionalized religions that I have analyzed. I believe that misogyny is still prevalent in these religions, because we have been conditioned to believe that religion perfectly iterates the natural laws of the universe and that it is not overtly affected by prevailing cultures. However, religions are always evolving and I believe that as human cultures become progressively egalitarian, religion will eventually reflect these changes, too. Eller, Cynthia. (2004-2011). Revealing World Religions 4. 0 [computer software]. Thinking Strings LLC. Electronic. Fisher, Mary P. Women in Religion. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. , 2007. Print.

What Were You Doing ESL Beginner Dialogue

What Were You Doing ESL Beginner Dialogue This dialogue focuses on the use of the both the past continuous and past simple. The past continuous is used to speak about actions that were interrupted in the past such as: I was watching TV when you telephoned. Practice the dialogue with your partner and then practice the use of these two forms on your own beginning with the question What ​where you doing when past simple.   English Dialogue Practice: What Were You Doing? Betsy: I telephoned you yesterday afternoon but you didnt answer? Where were you? Brian: I was in another room when you called. I didnt hear the phone ringing until it was too late. Betsy: What were you working on?​ Brian: I was photocopying a report that I needed to send to a client. What were you doing when you telephoned? Betsy: I was looking for Tom and couldnt find him. Do you know where he was? Brian: Tom was driving to a meeting. Betsy: Oh, I see. What did you do yesterday? Brian: I met the representatives from Drivers in the morning. In the afternoon, I worked on the report and was just finishing when you telephoned. What did you do Betsy: Well, at 9 I had a meeting with Ms. Anderson. After that, I did some research.​ Brian: Sounds like a boring day! Betsy: Yes, I dont really like doing research. But it needs to be done. Brian: I agree with you on that- no research,no business! Betsy: Tell me about the report. What do you think of it? Brian: I think the report is a good. Tom believes its good, too. Betsy: I know that every report you write is excellent. Brian: Thank you Betsy, you are always a good friend!

Unit 7 Case Manegment Seminar Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unit 7 Case Manegment Seminar - Research Paper Example However not all people accept change as some become very resistant. Recovery in this context refers to a process of change that an individual goes through in order to improve their health and wellness and try to reach their full potential. It can’t be confined only to people suffering from addictions only; it applies to all other people who are receiving human services. For example a person with a mental health issue and a disabled person will undergo recovery. So for a human service worker, recovery would be viewed as way of gradual change that helps clients to accept their situation and move on whereas for the client, it is the only and most important hope they can have once they get themselves in those situations. As a human service professional, when a client gets discouraged, I will ensure they learn to accept the situation and encourage them that they are not the only ones in that state. I will try and make them understand the purpose of life and ensure that I am in close contact with them so that they don’t feel neglected. I will also encourage and help them speak with others who have same experiences but have managed to overcome. When on a working service for a client, not one worker can be able to do all the activities. Different skills will be required at same time which on worker can’t deliver. For example, there could be people with different problems ranging from drug addict, mental illness, disabled etc. All these people would require different kinds of guidance and counseling which can’t be provided by one social worker hence need for many professional in that particular

Banking Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Banking Crisis - Essay Example The crisis is thus perceived to have occurred as the result of exposure to Market Risks due to such risk transfer mechanisms (Banks normally are never exposed to market risks because they reply on internal systems in managing the credits) that caused many loopholes in the Credit Risk Management in management of lending to Sub-Prime customers. These customers are individuals or companies who do not have clean credit history or regular source of income. The Banks & Financial Institutions preferred to lend loans to Sub-Prime customers to avail the benefits of higher interest rates at a perceived calculated exposure of the investment capital to higher risks. To facilitate this in a secured and manageable manner, the banks & financial institutions used the mechanism of "Securitization" that essentially is the mechanism of distributing the risk of the lending to the investors outside the Banking system through a process. The process of "Securitization" resulted in the boom of Credit Deriva tive Market and was used extensively in the US Sub-Prime Mortgage Market by increasing the number of risky products but still reduce the liabilities on their balance sheets (thus shielding the same from external auditors). The money was shown to be flowing through so called "conduits" from investors to the borrowers through the SPV and SIV system. As described by experts the primary drawbacks that occurred in this process are poor valuations of assets acquired against the credit instruments thus resulting in uncertain asset valuation & high credit risk exposure that couldn't detect the imperfections in the Credit Markets. Even the external rating agencies got trapped in this mirage and couldn't predict the Sub-Prime crisis because the Securitization Process was extremely complex and the dependency was upon scattered and unreliable data outside the core banking system. Moreover, the Bank's risk assessment didn't demonstrate due diligence in screening the sub-prime borrowers and infor ming the investors about the associated risks in the so called securitized products. The overall system expanded uncontrollably and the competition became very stringent resulting in loans getting sanctioned at the flash of light and there was no time for adequate risk management. The actual risks ware completely covered under hyped data and analytics about the new credit instruments which, frankly no one understood correctly - not even the external auditors and the statutory & governance

Art and Culture Essay Example for Free

Art and Culture Essay Art and culture are two terms which can never be separated and are deeply interlinked. Art refers to the quality, creation, appearance, or realm, based on aesthetics of what is beautiful, appealing, or is completely out of the ordinary. Art has many facets like theatre, paintings, music and other kinds of visual and abstract art. It has been seen that different cultures have different kinds of art because art of a country always reflects its culture, traditions and norms. The thoughts, ideas, rules routines and famous signs and symbols common among the people of an area are displayed through art. A particular culture develops gradually and if its components are embedded in a family, generation or several generation this culture becomes permanent and its language and traditions become an imperative part of the society. By language, one does not only mean verbal enunciation of people to communicate but it also means communication through music, poetry, architecture etc. These cultural representatives show both meaning and value of art creation and more deeply the reason and value for the civilization taking place at that time. Each kind of art is an expression; it is the expression of human beings who exist as a part of culture. Therefore, culture and art go side by side and cannot be deemed as completely different phenomena. American culture and art have an old bondage. Pop Art became popular extending from America to all over the world in 1950’s and 60’and instantly became a very popular and widely accepted image of a modern America. Pop Art incorporates hard edges and displays the real life style. Warhol who is considered to be the father of Pop Art created and popularized its concept; pop art is a representative of the cultural aspects of society and is also deemed as abstract expressionism (Mamiya, 1992). The signs, symbols and artifacts represented by Pop Art are based on true American culture rooting from history. Another example is the local cultural activities that take place in the form of theatre, musical shows and dance. The visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the cultural activities at different venues in New York and Chicago such as Dallas Museum of Art, M Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the Nasher Sculpture Center (Sherman, 2009). These activities are a true depiction of the American society and portray its traditions, values, norms and preferences in the form of art. References Mamiya, C. J. (1992). Pop art and consumer culture: American super market. CA: University of Texas Press Sherman, L. (2009). America’s Cultural Tourism Capitals. Retrived 21st March 2013 from: http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/20/america-culture-capitals-lifestyle-travel-arts.html

Free College Essays - The Motif of Magic in Rip van Winkle :: Rip Van Winkle Essays

The Motif of Magic in Rip van Winkle The story of Rip van Winkle is a popular folktale of the United States. Its general motif is the magical passing of many years in what seems only a few days. Japan’s popular version of this story is Urashima Taro. In addition to the common motif, the personality of the main characters, Rip van Winkle and Urashima Taro, and plot structures are similar as well. The main characters, Rip van Winkle and Urashima Taro, in both stories are very similar. Both are simple men. One example of this is how they spend their time. For example, Urashima Taro likes to spend his days fishing, but does not really care if he catches anything, and Rip van Winkle likes to go hunting in the mountains with his dog as an excuse to get away from his duties. However, both men have social responsibilities that do not fit well with this lazy lifestyle. For example, Rip van Winkle’s short-tempered wife constantly scolds him for his lack of ambition and initiative. Taro either has a mother or a wife who depends on him for the very few fish he bothers to bring home. Although we recognize that these men are irresponsible, we sympathize with their simple desires and we understand they are very kind as well. As examples, Rip is described as a friendly and caring father and Taro saves a turtle that is being cruelly teased by a group of boys. It is easy to imagine the m as basically the same man. The first episode in both stories emphasizes these aspects of their characters and habits. The next episode involves them having experiences with magical people far away from their own communities. In one case, Rip goes hunting in the mountains and meets fairies bowling and drinking. He enjoys their company and, after drinking some magical drink, falls asleep for many, many years. In the other case, the turtle takes Taro to the Ryugu Palace at the bottom of the sea. After joining the beautiful women in a variety of fun pastimes, he too discovers that he has been gone many, many years. The third episode of both stories involves the men returning to their communities. In both cases the men find their old homes strange an very unfamiliar. They experience loneliness, isolation, and old age. These similarities of structure and character help to make the stories almost the same. Free College Essays - The Motif of Magic in Rip van Winkle :: Rip Van Winkle Essays The Motif of Magic in Rip van Winkle The story of Rip van Winkle is a popular folktale of the United States. Its general motif is the magical passing of many years in what seems only a few days. Japan’s popular version of this story is Urashima Taro. In addition to the common motif, the personality of the main characters, Rip van Winkle and Urashima Taro, and plot structures are similar as well. The main characters, Rip van Winkle and Urashima Taro, in both stories are very similar. Both are simple men. One example of this is how they spend their time. For example, Urashima Taro likes to spend his days fishing, but does not really care if he catches anything, and Rip van Winkle likes to go hunting in the mountains with his dog as an excuse to get away from his duties. However, both men have social responsibilities that do not fit well with this lazy lifestyle. For example, Rip van Winkle’s short-tempered wife constantly scolds him for his lack of ambition and initiative. Taro either has a mother or a wife who depends on him for the very few fish he bothers to bring home. Although we recognize that these men are irresponsible, we sympathize with their simple desires and we understand they are very kind as well. As examples, Rip is described as a friendly and caring father and Taro saves a turtle that is being cruelly teased by a group of boys. It is easy to imagine the m as basically the same man. The first episode in both stories emphasizes these aspects of their characters and habits. The next episode involves them having experiences with magical people far away from their own communities. In one case, Rip goes hunting in the mountains and meets fairies bowling and drinking. He enjoys their company and, after drinking some magical drink, falls asleep for many, many years. In the other case, the turtle takes Taro to the Ryugu Palace at the bottom of the sea. After joining the beautiful women in a variety of fun pastimes, he too discovers that he has been gone many, many years. The third episode of both stories involves the men returning to their communities. In both cases the men find their old homes strange an very unfamiliar. They experience loneliness, isolation, and old age. These similarities of structure and character help to make the stories almost the same.

Death of a Parent Essay

I believe we are defined by events that happen throughout our lives both passivity and negatively. Most of the events that change people’s paths often happen suddenly in their life and sometimes have long term effects. Whether it is a personal, religious, life style, or even a career change the fact still remains the cause for change was caused by the event. The statements above are true for my life; my life was about to change forever. This is the day I found out my mother had only six months to live, I was only 19 years old. I was picking my mother up from a routine follow-up appointment she had at Keesler Air force Base Hospital in Biloxi Mississippi, on the afternoon of 3 March 1997. I was walking up the steps of the hospital when I saw her walking out her face was pale I asked her if she was ok, her response was no. At this point in time everything went silent she asked me to sit down on the steps but I couldn’t I just wanted to know what was wrong. My mother while holding my hands then told me the results of the test and that she had liver cancer and it was untreatable. I was frozen not knowing what to say I just grab her and held her close and begun to cry. She told me to stop crying because she was going to need me to be strong for her and my brothers, that she wanted her last six months to be happy memories not sad ones. Let’s step back for a moment so I can explain the relationship I had with my mother because it was not your normal one. My mother was so much more to me than just a mom, she was my best friend I told her everything and she told me everything. We spent many late nights talking about everything in life from how our day went to what life would hold for us in the future. My mother was one of those people who never wanted or asked for anything for herself but was one who gave everything and would do anything for her children. When I say her children I don’t just mean her biological ones, she took care and provide for so many more, whether it was local neighbor hood, friends, family, co-workers and sometime even complete strangers who just need help. I remember many nights sitting at the kitchen table with people eating dinner with us who I did not know and many of them I would never see again after that night. My mom would always say we don’t have much but what we do have is sometimes way more than what others have. My mother was the strongest person I ever known, who also had the biggest heart. Two years before we found out she only had six months to live my mother kicked breast cancers ass. At least so we thought until the cancer showed back up in her liver and the doctors only gave her six months to live. At first nothing changed for her life or mine after finding out the bad news in fact she made me promise not to tell my brothers or anyone else. She continued working up to about the last two months. That is when things started to fall apart. The first thing to go for my mother was her memory. I can remember coming home from work and my mother talking to me about going camping like I was five years old. Not knowing how to handle it I just played along with the conversation, it seemed to make her happy. This went on and off for about two weeks and then things really started heading down hill pretty quick. I had to get help from hospice care, to have help taking care of her, because she was basically bedridden and unable to care for herself. Hospice came into our home and set up a medical bed and other medical equipment in our formal living area, this was the open area in our house. At this point I quit my job to take care of her because hospice care was only coming to the house like twice a day the rest was up to me. I had made a promise to her not to let her die in a hospital and I was trying to keep that promise. As the days went on the care became more and more demanding not really physical but mentally. I was doing everything thing for her, from bathing, changing her clothes, and bed pan to forcing her to take the meds she still need to take for pain control. At this point she was no longer able to speak, it seemed like her mind was completely gone just a blank stare. My breaking point was met, I was unable to care for my mother at home anymore she had pretty much slipped into a coma. I had to have my mother moved to the hospital, I couldn’t keep that promise I made her and still to this day I beg for forgiveness from her. She was only in the hospital for three nights before she passed. My brothers and I took turns at night staying with her and my night was night three. That night was a special night, it was her birthday. On the night she passed away we got her a birthday cake and song happy birthday to our mother for the last time. After singing happy birthday and blowing out the candles we each gave her a hug. When it became my turn to give her a hug I told her it was ok for her to go, that we will be ok and I love you. It wasn’t long after that she passed away at the age of 40. Not long after my mother died my life begun to fall apart. I could not deal with people always asking me if I was ok or if I needed anything. I started pushing everyone away and shutting out the ones I love. I needed to make a positive change in my life because my mother would not want me to live this way. So I joined to U. S. Army and left home and everybody I loved. I didn’t really have a plan I just knew I needed my space and this was the only way I was going to get it. In fact I wrote a letter to my girlfriend breaking up with her on my flight to Germany, after I had completed all my initial training. I was completely alone for the first time after my mother died. Not a day goes by that I do not think about my mother and how her passing changed my life. Today I live my life the way I believe she would have wanted me to, with an open mind, trying to see the positives in every situation I find myself in. There are things I wish I would have handled differently when it comes to my love ones I left behind when I joined the Army. My mother’s passing away changed my life in so many ways and has dad a major impact on the way I raise my kids, I do not take the time I have with them for granted. You never know when your time is up, so I say make the most of it and never wait until tomorrow to tell someone you love them.

Culture of Jamaica

The first settlers of Jamaica called the land â€Å"Xaymaca† which means â€Å"Land of springs† (Pillai, 2013). It is said that this is where the name of the country came from. Jamaica is known for many things like its beaches, wildlife, and reggae music. Jamaica has a mix of people from different races, religions, and countries so its culture is varied. Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494, but people have in habited the island for thousands of years before.The Arawaks and Tainos are said to be the first ribes to settle on the island, between 4000 B. C. AND 1000 B. C. (Pillai, 2013). From 1494 to 1655, Jamaica was a Spanish colony. It was a British colony from 1655 to 1962. Jamaica was granted a new constitution in 1944 and gained universal suffrage. The country gained independence August 6, 1962 (Purcell, 2013). The population of Jamaica is 2,909,714 (FindTheData, 2013). 16. 5% of the population lives below the poverty line. Africans make up most of the Jam aican population. After Africans, many of the Jamaicans are multiracial and from Indian or Chinese decent (Pillai, 2013).English is the official language of Jamaica (Purcell, 2013). Jamaican Patois is the de facto national language of Jamaica, which is a Creole language (Pillai, 2013). It is the most commonly spoken language in the country. Many religions are practiced in Jamaica. Tainos, the first settlers, worshipped forces of nature like plants and animals. They believed in the God Yucahu and Goddess Atabey. They also worshipped good and evil spirits to prevent natural disasters (Pillai, 2013). Christianity made its way to the island with the colonizers. About 80% of Jamaicans are Christians.Rastafari developed in the 1920s in Jamaica. It is a â€Å"blend of Old Testament Christian faith, mystic beliefs, and African fundamentalist ideology. † The Rastas keep their hair long in dreadlocks, reject western society, and use marijuana spiritually (Pillai, 2013). Jamaicans have certain traditions and beliefs. A common birth rite is to bury the umbilical cord of a newborn baby, and usually a tree is planted over it, signifying that they are always connected to their birth place. Funerals are an important ritual to the Jamaicans. A big funeral is a sign ofa good life (Purcell, 2013).Nine Night is a Jamaican ceremony or funeral where friends and family sing, dance, and drink for eight nights then sing farewell songs on the ninth night. They rearrange the room of the deceased so their spirit will not recognize it and return. A last meal is set out under the silk-cotton tree, a hiding place for the spirits, for the diseased spirit (Pillai, 2013). Jamaican weddings are big, lavish, and family-oriented. Both families of the bride and groom meet before the wedding and friends start sending gifts like eggs for the cake (Pillai, 2013). Jamaican foods are usually hot and spicy.Their strong spices and herbs make heir dishes popular around the world. The national dish is the Ackee and Saltflsh. Spicy Jerk pork and Jerk chicken are very popular Jamaican cuisines. The national drink is Jamaican rum (Pillai, 2013). Rice is a ceremonial food. Curried goat meat is the main meal at parties, weddings, and tunerals (Purcell, 2 Jamaican attire is a combination of European and African style. Jamaican women wear brightly colored outfits of a skirt, top, and headscarf. Men wear brightly colored western-style clothes with short sleeves. Due to the humid weather, Jamaicans don't wear heavy clothing; they prefer cotton clothing.Rastafarians wear clothes made of natural fibers. These clothes are always in their sacred colors of red, yellow, and green. â€Å"According to the Rastafarians, Red signifies the blood of the black people, Yellow stands for the gold that was stolen from Africa, and Green symbolizes the lost African lands† (Pillai, 2013). The also wear a tam or hat to go over their dreadlocks. The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dolla r (FindTheData, 2013). Manufacturing and services are the main sources of economy. Service includes tourism, which is a great contributor to the economy.Jamaica's main trade allies are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Caribbean Economic Community. Major imports are consumer goods, construction hardware, electrical and telecommunication equipment, food, fuel, machinery, and transportation equipment. Jamaica's major exports are bauxite and alumina, apparel, sugar, bananas, coffee, citrus and citrus products, rum, cocoa, and labor (Purcell, 2013). Jamaica's gross domestic product (GDP) is $25,620,000,000. Their GDP per capita is $8,900, which is also the world average. Jamaica has a high inflation rate of 6. 9%.They also have a high unemployment rate of 14% (FindTheData, 2013). The country is in a bad economic situation. Jamaica has a bicameral parliamentary legislative system. They are a member of the British Commonwealth. The British monarch, the governor genera l, the prime minister and deputy prime minister, and the cabinet make up the executive branch. The Senate and the sixty members elected to the House of Representatives make up the legislative branch. The Judicial branch is the Supreme Court and lower courts. The main political parties are the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labor Party Purcell, 2013).Sociologists would need to know about Jamaican custom to know what not to say or do around Jamaicans to not offend them. They would need to know some of Jamaican history which would let them know that there was much slavery and oppression during the colonial period. Jamaicans might get offended if this subject is brought up in the wrong manner. It would be wise for sociologists to know that the Jamaican Patois language is a symbol of defiance from European cultural authority (Purcell, 2013). Their Jamaican identity is very important to them. Their identity ncludes many things like their religion traditions and customs.

William Shakespeares Hamlet A Review Essay

William Shakespeares Hamlet A Review Essay William Shakespeares Hamlet: A Review Essay Rich Martinez Period 6th 01-18-13 Act 3 Scene 1 Hamlet’s Soliloquy (Kenneth Branagh) *what is a Soliloquy? -An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself of regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play. Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1 is one of the most momentous instances in the play. Kenneth Branagh’s interpretation of Hamlet’s words brings to life the deeper meaning of this famous passage. By making specific decisions in his movements and tone, Branagh facilitates the understanding of Shakespeare’s writing. The passage begins with the infamous lines, â€Å"to be, or not to be, that is the question;† (55). Hamlet is trying to decide weather it would be easier to kill himself or live his life. As he does so, he is looking at himself in a mirror and speaks almost in a constant tone. The fact that Branagh is speaking in front of a mirror reveals that perhaps Hamlet is so insecure with himself that he needs the comfort of his own image to encourage him to take action. But Branagh’s decision to deliver this line in monotone suggests that Hamlet does not care about his life. However, this it contradicted when he asks himself if it would be better to just â€Å"suffer† (56) from all of his problems or â€Å"to take arm against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them† (58-59). Branagh shows that Hamlet does indeed care but his life, but his madness will not allow him to think lucidly. At the moment when he delivers this line, Branagh bends his elbow and makes a f ist with his right hand, and then takes a step forward. His actions suggest that he will actually take action and stop his suffering. The fist evokes a sense of violence, which may imply that Hamlet will use violence to deal with his problems. The fact that Branagh takes a step forward after he makes a fist is another sign of Hamlet’s insecurity. It shows that he will act violently before thinking about his actions, which might lead him to even greater problems. The passage continues with Hamlet wondering if it were better to sleep or to dye. He confuses himself even more by coming to the conclusion that dying is sleeping; therefore dreams are a part of dying. Branagh shows Hamlet’s agitation by breathing heavier while delivering the line â€Å"-ay, there’s the rub, For in that sleep of death what dream may come† (64-65). Hamlet is afraid that he will not be able to get rid of his problems even after death. Also, while he is delivering the line, suspense classical music begins to play in the background, which acts as an emphasis on Hamlet’s confusion. The music evokes a sense of loneliness that has taken over Hamlet. He is unable to share his troubles with anyone causing him to drown in a sea of thought. The movement in the music symbolizes that turbulence that is happening in Hamlet’s mind. Further on, Branagh stops and says, â€Å"When he himself might his quietus make† (74). Hamlet says that it would be easy to just end one’s own life, which is correspondingly portrayed by the stop in the actor’s motion. By instantly stopping the movement of his legs, Branagh is symbolizing the easiness with which he could stop the movement of his heart. At this moment, he also takes out a sword and places it in front of

How to Write a Thesis Proposal

How to Write a Thesis Proposal How to Write a Thesis Proposal A simple framework is followed in compiling a thesis proposal. At first, a particular issue on a given topic is identified. Afterwards, various findings and scholarly works on the given topic are identified and studied. An evaluation is then done on the collected documents where information, that would be necessary to solve such an issue from the collected documents, is singled out. An analysis of the data is then done where the results that are related to the stated issue, get reported. Thesis proposals are written using simple language for the purpose of quick understanding by the preferred reader. All thesis proposals should have a thesis proposal cover sheet that bears the authors title and other relevant information about the writer. Another rule that should be observed, while writing a thesis proposal, is that the writer should not include a title page. This is mainly because it is a minor requirement for this case. A title should always be given in the case of a thesis proposal, which should be relevant and must accurately describe the focus of the writer’s thesis statement. In the advent of writing a thesis proposal, various procedures need to be followed. For instance, the writer is supposed to first outline the objective of the thesis proposal. This part entirely entails creating awareness of the available research issue and probable approach to it. It also involves giving a clear problem statement that is done by looking at current research on the subject matter. The second step that is followed, while writing a thesis proposal, is presenting a good and clear outline of the required thesis proposal document. This step involves various sub-topics that form the body of the document. Such topics include the title; an abstract, a brief introduction on the subject matter; proposed findings; related research and conclusion; then lastly, a bibliography is given. In the case of the heading, it should be laid out clearly in order to attract the readers. This involves being careful for the sake of the writer, so as to avoid some common writing mistakes, hence the presentation of an outstanding thesis proposal. The last step towards writing a thesis proposal involves giving various details on minimal concerns, together with expectations. This largely includes issues to do with timing, length, flexibility and finally, preliminary works. For example, on the issue of time, some particular persons may feel that they need their proposal done by the end of two and a half years. This means that those, handling this particular thesis, need to consider performing the given task before the given time is over, in order for them to have met the thesis requirements. At you can easily get professional thesis proposal help online, from PhD academic writers. Custom thesis proposal writing of the highest quality guaranteed.

Political and Social Analysis of America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Political and Social Analysis of America - Essay Example This took place from the earlier 15th Century. Moreover, the 15th century saw a great increase in African immigrants, who the explorers brought in to America as slaves (Vigdor 184). However, after the end of slave trade, these Africans settled in America to raise the Afro-American race. Immigration to the US still exists even today. Besides, the US also has illegal immigrants. This manuscript will look into these US immigrants, considering the factors and impacts of their immigrants. Factors that Led to the US immigration settlements Various factors led to the immigrants settling in the US. For instance, due to the increase in industrialization, most of the immigrants’ home nations failed to provide them with employment opportunities (Coates 83). Conversely, the US provided these immigrants with better working conditions and increased wages. Consequently, these immigrants had to settle in the US. Additionally, some immigrants settled in America as a result of natural calamitie s. They left their home nations as they escaped from disasters such famine, drought and other adverse weather conditions. For instance, most Irish immigrants to the US came because of the potato famine. Some American government policies also resulted in an upsurge of these immigrants. In the mid 1800, the US government passed a bill that gave the settlers over 150 acres of land. This resulted in an increase in the number of immigrants, since their driving force was the free land on offer. Many immigrants settled in America based on their own free will. However, some former immigrants came to the US through force. For instance, the African American settlers came into America as slaves that provided inexpensive labor and also helped during wars. Moreover, some illegal immigrants settled in America because of political unrest and peace in the US. Nations such as China, Germany, Cuba, and Russia and others faced various forms of political instabilities and their citizens had to move to the US where there were peace and better policies (Vigdor 185). Moreover, the US had enacted regulations that encouraged foreigners into settling in the land, since they were in serious need of both skillful and non-skillful employees to drive their growing economy. Effects of the Immigrations to America Positive Effects Some natives liked the idea of the immigrants settling in the US, citing that they provided cheap labor that steered economic growth (Coates 83). However, others opposed this idea, claiming that the immigrants were the core reasons for their labor problems. As a result, there were positive as well as negative consequences that resulted from the immigrations. Among the positive impacts of these migrations included the cheap and readily available workforce (Coates 84). The immigrants provided inexpensive skilled and unskilled labor, thereby improving the productivity of most companies, resulting from lower production costs. This in turn led to reduction of the prices of goods and services, and thus it improves the lives of both American natives as well as other immigrants. Besides, immigrants have resulted in a significant population increase in America. Despite the fact that an increased population leads to other negative implications, the huge population also comes with its advantages. For instance, the large population provides the US with a steady market for the goods and