Animal Rights Protests Essays - Animal Welfare, Fur, Animal Testing

Animal Rights Protests Essays - Animal Welfare, Fur, Animal Testing Animal Rights Protests Over the past fifteen years a powerfully charged drama has unfolded in New York's Broadway venues and spread to the opera houses and ballet productions of major cities across the country. Its characters include angry college students, aging rock stars, flamboyant B-movie queens, society matrons, and sophisticated fashion designers. You can't buy tickets for this production, but you might catch a glimpse of it while driving in Bethesda on particular Saturday afternoons. If you're lucky, Compassion Over Killing (COK), an animal rights civil disobedience group, will be picketing Miller's Furs, their enemy in the fight against fur. These impassioned activists see the fur trade as nothing less than wholesale, commercialized murder, and will go to great lengths to get their point across. Such enthusiasm may do them in, as COK's often divisive rhetoric and tacit endorsement of vandalism threaten to alienate the very people it needs to reach in order to be successful. The animal rights idealogy crystallized with the publication of philosophy professor's exploration of the way humans use and abuse other animals. Animal Liberation argued that animals have an intrinsic worth in themselves and deserve to exist on their own terms, not just as means to human ends. By 1985, ten years after Peter Singer's watershed treatise was first published, dozens of animal rights groups had sprung up and were starting to savor their first successes. In 1994 Paul Shapiro, then a student at Georgetown Day School, didn't feel these non-profits were agitating aggressively enough for the cause. He founded Compassion Over Killing to mobilize animal rights activists in the Washington metropolitan area and "throw animal exploiters out of business." Since then, COK has expanded to over 300 members with chapters across the country, including one at American University, which formed in the fall of 1996. COK organizes protests as a primary activity of the group, although some chapters may choose to expand into other areas if they wish. COK's focus on direct-action protests and demonstrations is just one way that the animal rights movement has mobilized to end the fur trade. The larger animal rights organizations have conducted attention grabbing media blitzes with the help of stars like Paul McCartney, Melissa Etheridge, Rikki Lake, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. Lobbying efforts by animal advocacy groups have resulted in trapping restrictions in numerous states and an end to federal fur industry subsidies. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has persuaded several fashion designers including Calvin Klein and Donna Karan to stop using fur in their clothing lines. In addition, anti-fur concerts, videos, compact discs, t-shirts, drag revues and award ceremonies have been used by animal rights groups to advance their cause. Each side of the conflict over fur coats has an entirely different way of conceptualizing and talking about the issue. Animal rights groups bluntly describe fur as "dead...animal parts" and emphasize that animals are killed to produce a fur garment. Those involved in the fur industry consistently use agricultural metaphors and talk of a yearly "crop of fur" that must be "harvested." Manny Miller, the owner of Miller's Furs, refused to describe his business in terms of the individual animals; "I don't sell animals. I sell finished products. I sell fur coats." These linguistic differences extend to the manner in which both sides frame the debate over fur. COK refers to the industry in criminal terms; fur is directly equated with murder and those involved in the industry are labeled killers. Industry groups like the Fur Information Council of America (FICA) always describes fur garments as objects and clothing; it is "the ultimate cold weather fabric" that is "your fashion choice." On Saturday, April 12th, Compassion Over Killing demonstrated outside the White House, protesting the Clinton administration's opposition to a European Community ban on the importation of fur coats made from animals caught in the wild. In addition, the demonstration called for the release of several Animal Liberation Front (ALF) members imprisoned for vandalizing property and liberating animals from research labs and factory farms. Several dozen high school and college students turned out for the event, but the protest attracted a handful of thirtysomethings and an elderly woman as well. Most of the

Criminal Behavior Conditioning Essays

Criminal Behavior Conditioning Essays Criminal Behavior Conditioning Essay Criminal Behavior Conditioning Essay Dr. Terrie Moffitt provides consent to the detection and early intervention concept for developmental/behavioral issues. Since 1993, Dr. Moffitt has focused on two youth types- both developmental in nature- that lead to delinquency. Dr. Moffitt defined these problematic individuals as either life-course-persistent (LCP) offenders, or adolescent-limited (AL) offenders. Where the AL offenders exhibit shorter cycles of delinquency that begin and usually end within his/her adolescent years, the LCP offenders begin at much earlier age and continues into the adolescent years. Researchers agreed with Dr. Moffitt that high-risk youth can be identified at an early age with great accuracy (Dodge Pettit, 2003; Hill, Lochman, Coie, Greenberg, 2004; Lochman Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group, 1995). But an important factor to note, is that they begin to parallel influence/cause during his/her adolescent years of delinquency. It is not enough to simply review statistics or parental accounts because it may confuse anyone trying to identify the two types of offenders (Moffitt, Caspi, Dickson, Silva, Stanton, 1996). Since Dr. Moffitt first standardized her developmental theory, she also brought forth the significance of many different but interwoven variables including: genetics, social pressure, observation, and parental nurturing (Moffitt et al, 1993, 1996; Moffitt, 1995, 2005). Another comparable theory also contends that younger offenders are at greater risk of more serious criminal offending (Gerald Patterson 1982, 1986). This (Coercion Developmental) theory cites parental involvement as major factor in psychosocial related delinquency. In addition, negative transitions or inconsistent monitoring of the child will contribute to the onset of delinquency (Brennan et al. , 2003; Patterson, 1982). A child may use temperamental actions to gain control. This behavioral pattern continues until the adolescent develops a consistent interpersonal approach of coercion. Whatever the root cause of delinquency, finality comes in the form of treatment or incarceration. However, more restraining measures for the serious offender- out-of-home treatment or incarceration- are not as effective and are extremely expensive (Henggeler, 1996). Indeed, data show that incarceration may not even serve a community protection function (Henggeler 1996, p. 139). † One theory is that prevention programs or treatment that only focuses on one risk factor â€Å"is unlikely to lead to long-lasting change in delinquency because multiple other forces act to support anti- social development (Dodge Pettit, 2003). † Alternately, selective pre vention (or incarceration) is designed to corral these â€Å"at risk† youth. The principle with selective prevention/incarceration is that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The programs may range from family involvement to exterior intervention; regimented treatment to outdoor activities. However, it is important to begin the selective prevention/incarceration early in the child’s life and cross-examine multiple influential factors. Then, continue the same preventive measures to ensure new influences do not create new risks (Tremblay and Craig, 1995; Dodge Pettit, 2003). Dr Moffitt encourages programs designed at identifying the â€Å"at risk† youth before defining the subsequent delinquency. A similar theory involving multiple planes of identification is multi-systemic therapy (Henggeler Borduin, 1990; Henggeler, Melton, Smith, 1992; Scherer, Brondino, Henggeler, Melton, Hanley, 1994). When interpreting this therapy approach, multiple major factors come into play- school, family, counselors. Based on Dr. Moffitt’s developmental theories and mindset, I believe that she would have the same opinion of some researchers- utilize every social and genetic variable and create selective prevention/incarceration as a (best practice) approach to early detection of potential delinquency. In my freshman opinion, I feel that it requires a multitude of data to determine exact cause and effect. If you combine the following: National Crime Victimization Survey; broad-spectrum interviews of delinquents; Census interviews; marital patterns; religious or faith data; medical-intervention records; and psychosocial observation in the form of treatment, one may be able to create a better understanding in the patterns of delinquency. Unfortunately, research-to-date is small in comparison to the magnitude of influence. The relationship between parenting (disciplinary practice) and family (background) with delinquency is far too in-depth for a few hundred words to define. Parental styles, genetics, social interaction, socio-economic factors, religion, academic standards- the list goes on, and on- all factor into the potential to become an offender. Simply stated, exposure is the common denominator. While many factors can be a major, let us first address parental styles. There are four types of parental styles: authoritarian; permissive; authoritative; and neglecting (Diana Baumrind 1991a). While one parent chooses to control child’s life, another parent may be permissive and render no control. Even as a parent tries to be rational and reasonable, a different style is neglecting and detached from the child. Alone, no style is without imperfections. Other factors combine with the parenting style to create a more complex behavioral pattern. Coercive, easier methods of parenting require less administrative energy when compared with a style that emphasizes emotional interaction and patience. A pattern of too much corporal punishment to maintain control promotes a negative self-concept in the child or may carry the cycle of violence to another victim. Nonetheless, it is not easy to assume which styles provide more â€Å"at risk† factors than others without additional rationale. Parental practices that involve consistent interaction are additional strategies employed by some. A child may be pushed to achieve specific academic, social, or athletic goals across different contexts and situations (Hart, Nelson, Robinson, Olsen, McNeilly-Choque, 1998). A child may receive monetary gratuity designed to teach him/her to manage money. Some children thrive in other event-specific interaction- reading, attendance to sports or arts events, or giving time to school rooms and/or activities. Herein, lies factors that produce the advent of self-esteem and results may vary. Studies also reveal that observation has a responsive affect and often leads to social competence, peer acceptance, and less antisocial behavior (Hart et al. ,1998). An inviting parent that elevates care and affection or one that encourages higher educational are examples of styles hat promotes rather than demotes development. Secondly, a child’s socio-economic situation may hinder development into a non-offender. While the parent can deter negative behavior and reinforce positive outlook, the child may nevertheless fall prey to social environmental factors. Observation of deviant behaviors may possibly encourage the same. The nation’s economic crisis of 2009 resulted in many parents assuming second jobs- such as low-paying part-time work on weekends- to keep the family financially afloat (Bartol, 2008, 2011). This may necessitate â€Å"juggling† child care duties among day-care centers, relatives, babysitters, and neighbors. Likewise, caregiver styles and practices can escalate negative results. The early relationship between an infant and a caregiver largely determines the quality of social relationships later in life (Bowlby, 1969). Similar to the notion that â€Å"it takes a village to raise a child,† interaction with perceived models of authority and care can mold a child into positive results or into patterned delinquency. In addition, impoverished parents (or family), may create internal stresses and possibly abuse- both physical and mental. Further, the child’s development may digress into inadequate social, self-regulation, or temperament skill sets. Stress caused by poverty in urban settings is believed to diminish parents’ capacity for supportive and consistent parenting (Dodge, Greenberg, Malone, and Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group, 2008; Hammond Yung, 1994). If anti-social peers reject someone who is already struggling, then there may be a compounded risk factor. As Terrie Moffitt (2005) provided, we know certain risk factors are closely linked to delinquency and criminal behavior, but how or why they are linked is largely unknown. Thirdly, depending on the definition of â€Å"family,† the structure necessitates the parenting style. It is estimated that over 12 million American families with children are maintained by only one parent (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 2001). Early studies based on official data found that delinquents were more likely than non delinquents to come from homes where parents were divorced r separated (Eaton Polk, 1961; Glueck Glueck, 1950; Monahan, 1957; Rodman Grams, 1967). This led to conclusions that the single-parent home- or the â€Å"broken home† as it was called- could be blamed for much delinquency and thus could be considered a risk factor (Bartol, 2011). More recently, researchers examine associated factors such as the quality of the relationship, economic status, and levels of emotional suppo rt provided to the family by other modeling adults- extended family members or community agents. However, there is definitive results that single-parent homes that are conflict-free produce children from that are less likely to be delinquent than those shaped in highly conflicted, but â€Å"intact† homes (Gove Crutchfield, 1982). A family of different origin, has become a normal part of today’s society. Many researchers agree to also define a family as persons related by blood or by legal arrangements- adoptions, legal guardianships, civil unions. Researchers also point out that long-term committed relationships- either as friends or as sexual partners- are also considered as family. No matter the style of the living arrangement, blood-relative, or single-parent family, the structure becomes the focal point. As Flynn (1983, p. 13) asserts, â€Å"One point is indisputably clear in the literature: A stable, secure, and mutually supportive family is exceedingly important in delinquency prevention. † Parental alcoholism elevates risk for a variety of negative child outcomes, including behavioral difficulties, antisocial behavior, and subsequent alcoholism (Loukas, Zucker, Fitzgerald, Krull, 2003; Zucker et al. , 2000). Interestingly, Loukas and her colleagues (2003) found that the presence of paternal alcoholism in the family may be more important than maternal alcoholism in contributing to a son’s antisocial behavior and maladjustment. The aggressive behavior that is demonstrated in domestic violence is clearly a form of parental psychopathology. Lastly, related to parental styles is the parental supervision or monitoring of children. In parental monitoring, â€Å"refers to parents’ awareness of their child’s peer associates, free-time activities, and physical whereabouts, when outside the home† (Snyder Patterson, 1987, pp. 25–26). Just as a â€Å"structured† or â€Å"broken† home dictates, so too is the amount and quality of parental monitoring is influenced by a number of things- divorce, finances, job loss, parental psychological disorders, substance abuse, or death. Monitoring appears to be especially important from about age nine to mid-adoles cence, an observation that has received substantial support from several studies (Laird, Pettit, Bates, Dodge, 2003). Will a Substantially-Recruited High School Football Player Alter His Tackling Style By Observing His Favorite NFL Player Doing the Same? In recent months, the National Football League (NFL) has mandated various penalties to players for purposely making violent tackles on unsuspecting opposing players. The penalties were usually a monetary fine imposed; growing by each offense. However, the rash of career-ending and life-threatening injuries was not subsiding. In fact, Rodney Harrison, a former NFL player and NBC Analyst who was penalized for illegal hits at several points in his career was quoted, â€Å"that the NFL has to do more than fine offenders if it really wants to change the big-hitting culture.. Harrison further added, Ive had plenty of hits like this and fining me $5 or $10 grand really didnt affect me. But I got to a point where they suspended me and I knew the effect on my teammates, the disappointment of me not being out there; not the $100,000 that got taken away from me, but the fact that I wasnt out there. Thats what they are going to have to do if they want to change the nature of these hits. You hav e to suspend guys. † The NFL is currently utilizing other methods of penalty- suspension- as a method of deterrence. Will a substantially-recruited high school football player model himself and alter his tackling style by simply observing his favorite NFL player doing the same? If not, what if he met both the victim of a violent tackle and the offender? The independent variables are equally the favorite NFL players that give violent hits, and ones that received violent (and injury resultant) hits. The dependent variables are talented defensive players (decisions) about to leave high school and are being heavily recruited into college. Both Ordinal and Ratio data will be collected. To determine a level of persuasion, Ordinal data will be necessary (influenced more severe tackling, same/unchanged tackling; influenced less severe tackling); for both observation from afar, and actual/perceived interaction with victim and offender. Ratio data will be collected to determine the percentages of players that felt their respective play (influenced/uninfluenced) somehow altered their ability to be recruited. The hypothetical result is to segment how violence may be altered when measured through observation of others and through social interaction with participants. This may be able to translate how offenders may be able to recant their violent tendencies if a â€Å"role model† also recants. Operant conditioning is fundamental to some criminal behavior. It is present in all humans and probably less-focused as a pre-cursor to progressive criminal behavior. Do this, get response; do that, get a different response. Now, which response was â€Å"better or worse† in the offender’s opinion? And, if for the worse, how bad and is the offender prepared? Unfortunately, smaller crimes or even lawful activities can often lead to greater severity of deviant behavior. For instance, a male interprets the â€Å"mixed† sexual signals of a female during intercourse as â€Å"okay† this time. In fact, without knowing, is reinforcing the mixed signal by continually giving positive overall feedback without focusing on the things that are not okay. Then, the male continues this activity(s) to other partners until someone finally signals the behavior as improper or deviant. The reaction up to this point may not replicate the reaction in the instant- rejection. The eventual offender reacts in an emotional manner now considered criminal- an aggravated assault. Somewhere the operant conditioning has misaligned the offender to think that it was always â€Å"okay. † Now, it is not okay and the offender is not prepared for the response. On another angle, the victim is married to the offender. He/she has typically submitted to the behaviors and finally decides the behavior to be deviant. He/she has continually obliged due to conditioned reasons and pre-conceived consequences. Hopefully, the offender will see the reasoning, understand, and agree to dismiss harmful aggression. However, he/she may not and now operant conditioning is present for both sides. Sutherland’s (1939) position of differential association theory centers a neutrality of initial human behavior. The criminal tendency is learned through association with other, â€Å"bad company. † Likewise, good behavior can be attributed to the association with positive influences of other’s actions. Over the course of observation of others within a group, a subject is more likely to duplicate the consensus of behavior- good or bad. This is due, in part, to the conceived definition of what may be right or wrong because others are doing the same. While a valued approach, this theory did not break down the types of learning from other’s actions. By simply boiler-plating that all will do as the majority does, leaves many influences on the table. Differential Association-Reinforcement (DAR) theory gives greater detail into the interactions with others. In especially deviant behaviors, a subject would also need to observe other factors- strength, frequency, reinforcements (positive and negative) all packaged in a stimuli. In other words, a subject may run with a â€Å"bad company,† but if they receive other positive reinforcements for other aspects, then he/she is not pre-destined to become deviant. The physiological factors associated with aggression have great range- from genetics that some researchers parallel with animal instincts to cognitive reasoning for choosing how to deal with the aggression. The genetic and animal approach can easily be identified by observation of humans. Humans can be territorially aggressive in protection mode, as well as, in social matters. This trait is â€Å"built-in† through years of development and remains unchanged. I believe it may also be defined as impulsive- stimuli will invoke a reaction. However, humans have also developed a â€Å"knack† for deciding what is, or is not, appropriate behavior. Through social interaction and learned behaviors, humans as a whole can discern if aggression is necessary and to what level it should or should not be levied. Equally important is the ability to observe punishment and negative consequences in order to draw conclusion on appropriate (aggressive) behavior. Medicinal and medically-invasive measure may also be taken in order to subside aggressions. Later it was proposed (Zillmann, 1988) that arousal carries substantial weight in factoring situational aggression. These factors may include sexual, negative excitement, or other stimuli that combine to create an aggressive behavior. Pre-existing conditions can intertwine with real-time observations and carryout immediate aggression. Other recent researchers add that skill-sets and gender help determine the aggressor’s initial reaction. Once the arousal is recognized, the person may react with reflexive response and/or cognitively think before reacting. The research is varied when relying on simple factors such as, driving (road rage), video games, and peer rejection. Social observation (socialization) also factors into the potential aggressor’s reaction. Therein, I believe genders have an internal â€Å"triage† that quickly determines the most valuable return on behavioral investment. In addition, if aggression becomes favor with the person, he/she must then determine the types of overt aggression are pointed threats of bodily harm, physical assault, rape, murder, or road rage and can be linked to childhood tendencies of similar behaviors. Covert aggression is indirect and most often, unders of covert aggression are passive-aggressive exchanges, disguised theft or fraud, internet or electronic hassle. Social and aggressive behavior is managed largely through daily experiences by cognitive scripts. â€Å"A script suggests what events are to happen in the environment, how the person should behave in response to these events, and what the likely outcome of those behaviors would be†(Huesmann, 1988, p. 15). Scripts may be learned through direct experience or observing significant others (Bushman Anderson, 2001). Once learned and established, the script is usually adhered becomes resistant to change into adulthood. However, each script is different and unique to each person, and to become established must be practiced from time to time (Bartol, 2011) Furthermore, an important role in determining which scripts are stored in memory is the â€Å"evaluation of the appropriateness. † (Huesmann, 1988, p. 19). Conflicting scripts that intrude someone’s personal standards are unlikely to be stored or utilized. According to Blackman, chronic criminality can be understood as â€Å"an attempt to maintain status or mastery of a social environment from which they feel alienated† (1998, p. 174). The well-rehearsed cognitive script of persistent, lifelong offenders, therefore, is to dominate- often in a hostile manner- social environments they perceive as hostile. The other model has been developed by Kenneth Dodge and his colleagues (Dodge, 1986; Dodge Coie,1987), and is called the hostile attribution model. Insomuch, there is a bias because youth (and adults) prone toward violence are more likely to interpret unsuspecting actions as hostile and threatening than are their less aggressive counterparts (Dodge, 1993b). People described as having hostile attribution bias â€Å"tend to view the world through blood-red tinted glasses. † (Dill, Anderson, Anderson, Deuser, 1997). Children with a hostile attribution bias are much more likely than the average child to misinterpret actions from others as aggression (Hubbard et al. , 2001). Also, the bias is present in both boys and girls (Vitale, Newman, Serin, Bolt, 2005). Similarly, Serin and Preston (2001, p. 259) conclude, â€Å"Aggressive juvenile offenders have been found to be deficient in social problems of reactive aggression include: anger expressions; temper tantrums; and vengeful hostility- â€Å"hot-blooded† aggressive acts. Reactive aggression appears to be a reaction to frustration and is associated with a lack of control due to high states of arousal. In general, reactive aggression is a hostile act displayed in response to a perceived threat or provocation. However, proactive aggression includes: bullying; domination; teasing; name-calling; and coercive acts- more â€Å"cold-blooded† aggressive actions. (Dodge, et al. 1997). In difference, proactive aggression is less emotional, and hopeful of rewards. In theory, the basis of proactive aggression is found in social learning that is controlled and maintained by reinforcement.

Business Law - s 18 of the Australian Consumer Law within the Assignment

Business Law - s 18 of the Australian Consumer Law within the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (ACL) - Assignment Example t it is, how it is applied, the difference from the previous law, its sections; specifically section 18, the effect on State laws, and its limits considering the common law application. These are discussed under specific questions as given below. The Australian Consumer law is single national law about fair trading and consumer protection. It is uniform in each State and Territory, as well as nationally. This law was implemented in January 2011 and provides the consumers with the same expectations and protections about business conduct in Australia. Businesses are also guided by this law about their obligation whenever they operate in Australia. The Australian Consumer Law is a replacement of 20 different national consumer laws and applies as the Commonwealth law of Australia. It clarifies understanding of the law for businesses as well as consumers2. It is an agenda to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, and it is implemented by all Australian courts and tribunals including those of Territories and States. Since it is a law of the Commonwealth, ACL is a law of its jurisdiction in each Territory and State so that the same provisions apply everywhere in Australia. The requirement that products and services be treated the same way has also seen the law reflected in comparable conditions, in the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act2001. ACL is administered by each Territory and State’s consumer law agency, and the ACCC3;4. The Australian Consumer law has brought man changes. It was designed to foster competition, and provide consumers with confidence to participate in markets in which both businesses and consumers trade fairly. It was designed to empower and protect the consumer hence improve the consumers’ well being. It was also designed to reduce costs to business through the provision of the law as a single uniform law for all parts of Australia. The ACL provides new protections for consumers which these are; increased protection from

Ways Prehistoric Art can be Interpreted Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ways Prehistoric Art can be Interpreted - Essay Example Ways Prehistoric â€Å"Art† can be Interpreted Prehistoric art are generally artifacts and artwork ranging from cave paintings, megaliths, to figurines that were produced prior to the existence of written language. The interpretation and analysis of prehistoric art requires the collaborative efforts of both historians and archeologists. For example, archaeologists are usually involved in looking for any tangible evidence through the examination of rocks, stones and minerals while historians may be needed to help in creating a chronology as well as the relationship of the artifact to the culture of its time. Generally, during the interpretation of any prehistoric work, a number of concerns regarding the driving force behind the creation of such works usually arise. Consequently, in order to fully interpret and understand prehistoric arts, archeologists, historians as well as art historians usually make their interpretations based on the clues of the cultures of the people that produced such artifacts. The interpretation of any prehistoric work usually begins with understanding and placing them in the context of human creative expressions, the age, as well as the form of the artifact. Additional investigations can also be carried out to determine the tools that were used to make the artifacts and other necessary material evidences that can help towards the formation of a working explanatory hypothesis. For example, archeological evidence reveals that rituals or religious purposes were behind most of the prehistoric artifacts. The interpretation of ancient depictions generally focuses on t he probable message of the art, aesthetic and principles and norms, their composition, and reflection of life. Although many archeologists, historians or art historians may interpret prehistoric arts differently depending on their own personal understanding, scientific clarity requires that any interpretation must not negate the narrative possibilities of the remains of the prehistoric art. This paper discusses some of the different ways through which prehistoric â€Å"art† can be interpreted. Contextual Interpretation One of the most important ways of interpreting prehistoric artefacts and artworks is the contextualization of images during the interpretation of their symbolism based on the prevailing cultures of their time. Generally, this method involves making judgments on prehistoric artifacts within the presumed context of the peoples daily routines and domestic structure. For example, the interpretation of prehistoric works such as the vulture paintings of Mellaart†™s shrine VII.8 can be effectively interpreted as an evidence of the excarnation of the dead. This is particularly because the vultures were not related to any of the archeological practices of the time and therefore it is more likely that such paintings may have seen the vulture as a Goddess of death when they saw vultures cleaning copses (Lewis-Williams, 73). It can be argued that contextual interpretation is based on the fact that most prehistoric artists were more concerned with the abstract relationships of their artifacts than with the artworks themselves. It is however worth noticing that the contextual interpretation of prehistoric archeological artifacts is normally based on unjustifiable assumptions regarding the tastes or religious practices and ideologies of the people who designed or made the artifact. As earlier been noted, prehistoric art can be several things from the dolmens to little stone collectibles. Sometimes paintings on the walls of the ancient man’s caves as well represent prehistoric art which are vital in the interpretation of the ancient history of the development of art by man. Many palaeontologists, geologists and geneticists while studying the past art use the participant observation in formulating hypothesis concerning social behavior of man during the Stone Age periods when the artistic nature of men improved greatly.

World Views on theism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

World Views on theism - Essay Example Just as Hackett recounts, the absence of the divine Being immediately creates the limitations of cultural relativism. This is because, the notion that a divine Being exists and created the universe and the fullness thereof immediately gives room for moral absolutes or the universal law. Since a personal example suffices, living in America made me note that as globalization continues to render the US and the entire world a cultural melting pot because of multiculturalism, the danger of cultural relativism has certainly become inescapable. This danger has mainly manifested itself in a clash between legislative pieces and cultural values. For instance, because of the constant but radical shifting away from theism, the US government with all its constitutional maturity still remains ambivalent and unsure about the publication of literature such as Phillip R. Greaves II’s The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure, despite the risks it poses to children. Only theism can here by strike this delicate balance between freedom of speech and conscience and that of children’s safety.... The crux of the mater herein is that when stimuli are introduced, there must be a response, as a corresponding action. Personally, I readily identify with behaviorism because I have come to note that results or consequences shape individual or collective action. Action in turn develops into behavior. Particularly, I have come to note that most of my colleagues did not take their assignments seriously until lecturers set deadlines. Reflecting on my past life also reinforce my belief in behaviorism, since we worked hard in high school, mainly upon knowing that entry into college or university learning would be based only on merit. Learning Styles Personally, kinesthetic approaches to learning have proven the best and most fruitful. This is because, this approach proves to be the most practical since it involves learning by performing, and therefore incorporates hands-on approaches such as movements, observing and other physical activities. Alongside note-taking and ensuring physical co mfort, joining study groups, using appropriate technology such as visual aids and reviewing information have catalyzed learning. The foregoing has especially been the case during encounters with cognitive sciences such as linguistics. Particularly, it has been virtually impossible to master phonetics, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA chart), the phonological processes and supra-segmental features thereof, without looking at the mirror to watch the movement of articulators, or feeling the movements of my articulators, or both. In courses pertaining to political science, history and sociology, I have found it most benefiting to my memory when I place the world map before me, as a reference material. Likewise, as one given over to kinesthetic approach, I have found

Rational Characters Versus Irrational Characters In Candide English Literature Essay

Rational Characters Versus Irrational Characters In Candide English Literature Essay Reason is a mental sense found in an individual that is able to generate conclusions from assumptions or premises. In other words, it is among other things the means the way that rational beings propose specific explanations of cause and effect. Rationality, by definition, is the exercise of reason within an individual being. This is presented in the story through the characters; Candide, Cacambo, the old woman, and the farmer. Irrationality is cognitive thinking, talking or acting without inclusion of reason. This is presented in the story through the characters; Pangloss, Martin, Cunà ©gonde, and the Baron. Candide, the protagonist of the novel, is a good-hearted but hopelessly naÃÆ' ¯ve young man. His mentor, Pangloss, teaches him that their world is the best of all possible worlds. After being banished from his adopted childhood home, Candide travels the world and meets with a wide variety of misfortunes, all the while pursuing security and following Cunà ©gonde, the woman he loves. His faith in Panglosss undiluted optimism is repeatedly tested. Candide is less a realistic character than a conduit for the attitudes and events that surround him. His opinions and actions are determined almost entirely by the influence of outside  factors. It seemed to me at first that Candide was an irrational character, but I felt differently by the time I finished the story. He is the one who suggests that he and his comrades move from the temptations of the city to the quiet easy life on the farm. I thought that the way that he continuously fights for his love, against all odds along with his s olution to all the characters problems made Candide one of the most rational characters of the story. Cacambo becomes Candides bodyguard when he travels in South America. A mixed-race native of the Americas, Cacambo is highly intelligent and morally honest. He is savvy and single-handedly rescues Candide from a number of scrapes. He is also directly responsible for Candides reunion with Cunà ©gonde. As a practical man of action, he stands in direct opposition  to ineffectual philosophers such as Pangloss and Martin. In my opinion, Cacambo is the most rational character of the story. Everything he does throughout the story is rational in helping his friend Candide in his journey of love. He saves Candide over and over, which is a very rational thing to do for a friend. The old woman was born the daughter of a Pope. She has experienced the death of a fiancà ©, rape by pirates, slavery, and cannibalism in wartime. She becomes Cunà ©gondes servant. Her misfortunes have made her cyn ical about human nature, but she does not give in to self-pity. She is wise, practical, and loyal to her mistress. Though she has often been close to suicide, she always finds a reason to live. I think that the old lady falls under the category of rational because of her reactions. She has simply had a tough life, and instead of being depressed or overly optimistic, I believe that she has found a good balance. The farmer has a modest farm outside Constantinople.  Candide and his friends are impressed with his lifestyle of hard work and simple pleasures, and adopt it for themselves. I believe that the farmer is rational because he ignores the sin and temptations of the city to live a simple, hardworking life and earn his own way through life rather than have any real help. Every rational character is contradicted by an equally irrational character. Pangloss is a philosopher and Candides tutor. His optimistic belief that this world is the best of all possible worlds is the primary target of the novels satire. Panglosss own experiences challenge this belief, but he remains faithful to it nonetheless. He is an exaggerated parody of overly optimistic Enlightenment philosophers. Pangloss is irrational in my opinion because he has had so many misfortunes in his life that he has the right to be at least a little bit sad. Yet, he stays way more optimistic than anyone in their right mind should be. I also believe that Pangloss philosophy itself is irrational because nothing in this world is perfect, and his biggest belief seems to be that everything is perfect and happens for a reason. This couldnt be more untrue. Martin is a cynical scholar whom Candide befriends as a travel companion. Martin has suffered a great deal in his life and preaches a philosophy of u ndiluted pessimism. More knowledgeable and intelligent than either Candide or Pangloss, Martin is nonetheless a flawed philosopher. Because he always expects nothing but the worst from the world, he often has trouble seeing the world as it really is. Martin is irrational for exactly the opposite reason of Pangloss. I believe that Martin is irrationally over pessimistic. Everyone has a little pessimism in their life, but it seems as though Martin lives by it. I mean he has the right to be sad about some of the things that have happened to him, but there has been good too that Martin seems unaware of. His pessimistic character is a little bit over the top. Cunà ©gonde is the daughter of a German baron who acts as Candides benefactor until he discovers Candides love for his daughter. Throughout much of the novel, Cunà ©gonde is young and beautiful. After her fathers castle is destroyed in war, a number of exploitative men enslave her or use her as a mistress. Cunà ©gonde returns Can dides love but is willing to betray him for the sake of her own interests. Like him, she is neither intelligent nor complex. Her very blandness casts a satiric light on Candides mad romantic passion for her. She is irrational because she has someone who loves her so much and would do anything to be with her and she doesnt seem like she really cares. There are people who would die to find someone like that. It appears as though she cares more about herself than others or what others are doing for her. I believe that is both irrational and stupid. The baron is Cunà ©gondes brother. After his familys castle is destroyed in wartime, he becomes a Jesuit priest. It is implied numerous times that he has homosexual tendencies. He is arrogant about his familys noble lineage and, though he is fond of the commoner Candide, he refuses to allow Candide to marry Cunà ©gonde. His egotism towards his family and his denial of Candides marriage proposal to his sister is irrational and unnecessary. In conclusion, the story Candide, in my opinion gives the reader a lesson on what reason is through the presentation of rational and irrational characters.

Impact of Advertising on American Society Essay -- BTEC Business Marke

Impact of Advertising on American Society American society has changed drastically over the past years and some people say advertisements reflect the society that we live in now. Advertising in our society encourages unhealthy habits, focuses in on our weaknesses and leads us to believe that we are materialistic. Advertisements can also change our vision of reality and makes us believe the impossible. Advertisements use sexual and racial stereotypes to help sell their products. People in our society encourage the commercials that demonstrate these things, like focus in on our weaknesses. A recent commercial I just saw advertising for Pizza Hut uses sex and famous people to promote their product. The ad was introducing their new Four for All pizza. Jessica Simpson, a young popular singer, was eating this new pizza (four separate squares, with four different toppings but considered one pizza) and Kermit the Frog was in the same room with all the Muppets. Jessica Simpson said to Kermit, "Kermmy, there is some for you, your favorite." Kermit then blushed and floating hearts appeared above his head. The next scene was Jessica Simpson sits on the couch next to Kermit, and Miss Piggy walked over to Jessica and pushed her off the couch because she was jealous. Then the slogan came on the screen, "Everyone Gets What They Want." Then, their famous slogan, "Gather ‘Round the Good Stuff." This commercial in a way does reflect our society. The producers put famous people or characters in this commercial, Jessica Simpson and the Muppets, to get more publicity so more people will actually watch it and pay attention to it. Or maybe the producers thought that people would think since Jessica Simpson or Kermit the Frog eat this new pizz... ...d it was very inappropriate for television. The whole point is, that commercial will stick in the head and this will give more publicity for Budweiser, even if it was unacceptable to a lot of people. I never actually saw it, but I read an article about it in the newspaper. So I prove my point, that it will stick in people’s heads since it was so controversial. It did for me at least! People will always remember commercials that were offending and debatable. Producers are only trying to please our society. So overall, I definitely believe advertising is based on our society. We live in a world where everything has to be easier and more convenient for us, that we need to get everything we can, and we strive to be perfect. Advertising does focus in on our weaknesses and does lead us to unhealthy habits. So we are the one’s that make advertisements the way are today.