Market Failure and Government Failure Assignment

Market Failure and Government Failure - Assignment Example The governance failure under these circumstances best describes the law studied for my policy. This is based on the fact that the government is destined to always respond in two ways to market failure and that can be through action or inaction. Both the two approaches can always succeed or fail. Market failure as identified with negative externalities b) Negative externalities occur when the action from one player in the market is harmful to the other. For instance, the factory owners in most instances concentrate on their production than the likely harm that the emissions from their plants are causing to the general public. The pollution secondary thus become secondary to them at the expense of the environment and health of the people. c) Public good and its framing within market failure Public goods have two outstanding features: nonrivalrous and non-excludability consumption. Under non-excludability, it amounts to being prohibitive the cost of non-payers enjoying benefits of certa in goods or services. For example, in the case of a show of fireworks, other people are likely to watch this show from either their backyards or windows. For this reason and on the basis that the one staging the show is not in a position to charge rates for consumption by the observers, then the show is likely to be dismissed. This would happen no matter how strong the demand aspect of the show. The underlying factor, therefore, is that there exists an assumption of free markets determining prices, which prevents market failures. This is entirely false in the sense that situations may arise where those who pollute the environment do not pay for whatever they produce and this already is a market failure. On the same precept, the failures can emanate from the government through actions such as distortion of market prices like when they subsidize production. This has been particularly witnessed in the aerospace as done by most states in Europe. The various policies and the theories dic tating market failure and government failure are blended in such a way that the two are interdependent on one another.

Wireless communication in business (On the Apple example) Essay

Wireless communication in business (On the Apple example) - Essay Example Wireless communication permits people much flexibility in communicating, because they can do so anywhere they want and with a less restrictions. According to Craig Mathias and Lisa Phifer in their article entitled "The Evolving Wireless Landscape", the wireless technology today is frankly amazing.They furthered that wireless technologies have made foremost development in their quest for broadband.Wireless technology has also entered the world of business. The said modernism has helped the business world in different ways such as wireless monitoring in establishments, control devices; video streaming that allows easy access in communicating with people that are distant form each other. It also allows voice messaging, wireless access of the Web through mobile phones, and bar code scanning.Furthermore, wireless technology enables people involve in business to easily access to whatever they need for their businesses. For instance, they can surf the net whenever they want through the help of mobile phones, laptop computers and broadband wireless communication.These assure constant freedom of stable access to the Internet with great speeds without the restriction of connection cables. And with these, users could enhance productivity and accessibility.Wireless technology has of course its benefits especially to the world of business. They improve the convenience, dependability and appropriateness of communication thus, allowing people to, first is to stay steadily connected with other people in spite of the location and without being plugged into anything. It also saves time and money as well through cutting off seconds of usual tasks like tracking down people, examining items and receiving mission-critical warnings (Wailgum, 2006). Challenges of Wireless Communication There also noted challenges of this said technological advancement. First and foremost is that such technologies are now flooding in the market, giving buyers a lot of different choices making them very confusing to choose. Also, wireless technology is mainly limited compared to those wireless alternatives. There is also a delayed factor when it comes to wireless security. Moreover, decline of connections mirrors the inherent restrictions of signals that are easily blocked by physical obstructions like mountains, tunnels, buildings, and the noise produce by radios and the absence of cellular towers and sites in a specific region as well. Physical appearance of the technologies also hampers the great benefit a user can get. For example, small screens in personal digital assistants or PDAs and other wireless devices limit the user to view the screen at once. Also, short battery life duration indicates that the users must be careful in using the said gadgets and in charging the batteries as well (Wailgum, 2006). Just a year ago, Apple Computers launched one of it greatest product, the iPhone. Apple practically surpassed its competitors, with its magnificent graphical interface and user friendliness, the iphone got 37% of the market share of global mobile phone sales. This indeed has put Apple in the lead and supremacy in the digital mobile phone technology race. iPhone will practically change the way people live and do business. Its ability to access the Internet, great graphical interface, multi-touch function, big storage capacity and user friendliness will equip people and business to be mobile yet connected. One fascinating feature is the ability of the iphone to determine the its exact location using google maps, making it easier to find one's way to and forth any destination. It can also assist

Communicating In Health And Social Care Organisations Social Work Essay

Communicating In Health And Social Care Organisations Social Work Essay INTRODUCTION Language in particular and communication in general, permeates every aspect of peoples lives. It is important in everything that a person does, in whatever profession an individual might be in. It fosters greater understanding as well the possibility of establishing better relationships between the parties which are communicating. This paper seeks to address the issue by the provision of the theories of communication which are applicable in health and social care, how to use effective communication skills in such a context, methods of dealing with inappropriate communication practices, strategies for effective communication, and the benefits and need to be engaged in effective and efficient communication practices, especially in the context of the said profession. The author will stipulate significant factors which are assumed to be highly influential in the process of communication include culture, values, legislations, and other regulations which govern the practice of the profession. The author will also provide suggestions on how the communication process can be improved so that it can be more useful in the field of health and social care. Furthermore, the author will discuss the standard software which are used by the health and social workers in their profession, an analysis of the benefits which were brought about by such applications, provide an analysis of how such technology enhances activities in the profession, and evaluate the legal considerations which are critical to be understood in the application of the information and communication technology. The author will further discuss the nature of the workplace where the author is working. The organization provides care services for clients with physical and mental disabilities and for clients with dementia. USE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN HEALTH CARE THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION Four theoretical approaches in the practice of health and social care will be highlighted in this section: psychodynamic, behaviourist, humanistic and cognitive. The main foundation of the psychodynamic theory to communication is grounded on the works of Sigmund Freud. This does not involve only a single theory but stems to a number of other theories which were all grounded on the foundations of the work of Freud. This theory combines those which are associated to psyche which includes not only the mind but the entire inner feelings, thoughts and experiences and dynamics which refer to the notion that psyche is not stable, rather active. According to this theory, communication with the individuals self is very critical as it is the foundation of that persons communication practices to others. One of the basic assumptions on this theory is that the individual is the author of his own history; therefore, the individuals earliest experiences form the foundations of how that person deals with others. Such can be modified along the process. Another basic assumption is that the individual lives in two worlds at the same time, internal and external. The internal world is unconscious while the external is controlled. The theory also assumes that all behaviour is logical and acted upon with purpose. These factors are highly influential with how the individual communicates in health and social care setting (Ellis et al., 2003). Another theory which can be noted is the behaviourist theory. The main foundation of this theory is the notion that all behaviour is largely based on learnt responses about specific stimuli. This can be able to explain the method of language acquisition such as that of the echoic response wherein the infant imitates the sound which is made by the health or social professional, who, on the other hand, reinforces the behaviour of the infant. This theory focuses on behaviour and highlights the present and the future (Ellis et al., 2003). The third theory which will be considered in this paper is the humanistic approach. Under this theory, the person is the highlight of interest rejecting the significance of behaviour and the unconscious impulses which result from the past. Two of the theories which are under this approach are the person-centred theory and the transactional analysis. The former highlights the importance of childhood and current experiences in life while the latter reiterates the significance of personality, child development, social psychology, and psychopathology (Sully Dallas, 2005). According to Carl Rogers (1902-1987), People are essentially trustworthy, that they have a vast potential for understanding themselves and resolving their own problems without direct intervention on the therapists part, and that they are capable of self-directed growth if they are involved in a specific kind of therapeutic relationship. In relation to health care context, the goal of this theory is to make the clients become more open in their own personal experience, to accept themselves in all aspect, and to minimize things that might challenge their concept of self. To achieve this, there must be a good relationship between the therapist and the client. The therapist must be realistic but not offensive, accepting but critical to the misconduct of the client. Trust between the therapist and the client is important so the client will not feel social distance scale. It is basically understanding and accepting the client as a whole being, not judging the clients impurities. The fourth is the social cognitive theory. According to Bandura (1986), individuals obtain more information through observational learning. At home, how a parent would nurture their child can be an environmental factor that influences the child the way he behaves. Learning starts from the home whereby a child imitates the people around him. Behaviour then is being shaped and as the child grows; his natural curiosity is reinforced by his motivation to learn. The social cognitive theory explains the interaction between the person and the environment which involves cognitive competencies such as achievement that are developed and modified by social influences and structures within the environment such as parents and society. USE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS There are many ways to communicate; it could be verbal, non-verbal, writing and listening. Verbal communication is used when giving information or doing trainings, on the telephone, hand over and when talking face to face with a client. For verbal communication, there are things to consider like the tone of voice, pitch and talk on the same level, never talk with your back on your client. Non-verbal communication is used for clients who have difficulty hearing, deaf and mute. Factors to bear in mind are facial expression, hand gestures, physical appearance and body posture. Aids that might help communication are the use of symbols, picture cards and communication board or writing pad. The art of good listening is practiced by letting the clients talk in their own pace and giving them time to express themselves. Transmission of information becomes effective by getting the message across clearly and reflects on how the message was conveyed. The benefits of effective and efficient communication skills in the practice of health and social care can be highlighted by how it is used in the profession. One of the uses of communication in this field is to foster the growth and development of the practice. It must be noted that communication does not only exist between the health professional and the client. It is also evident between health professionals themselves. Communication can be used in this field to be assured that innovative ideas, trends, and best practices are shared amongst the healthcare professionals and social workers for the betterment of their profession (Santy Smith, 2007). Communication can also be used in the context of health and social care to be able to promote an advocacy. This kind of communication is often utilized in mediums like advertisements on print and other channels. The use of media for health promotion campaigns is very convincing that people understand healthy living and what is best for them. Lastly, it has also been noted that communication can be used in the health and social care setting to be able to foster partnership with clients or patients, treat them with respect, provide patients with self-esteem, provision of practical help and advice regarding their condition, stimulate their intellectual development, improve the clients sense of self-being or self-worth, satisfy the physical, emotional, and social needs of the patients and to be responsive of their needs (Haworth Forshaw, 2002). DEALING WITH INAPPROPRIATE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION To be able to reap the benefits of a good communication practice, health and social workers must be able to properly deal with any inappropriate communication practices. For instance, any barrier to communication should be resolved as such can result into misunderstanding in the professional practice. An example of a factor which can be a hindrance to good communication practice would be culture and language itself. Professionals in the field of health and social care should see to it that both parties understand each other, especially when decision making is involved. The use of jargons should be limited as it can lead into inappropriate communication leading into misunderstanding. Another factor which can be considered as an inappropriate practice in communication in the context of health and social care is privacy. Patients are private individuals, their records should therefore be held with confidentiality and there should be no presence of breach of contract as well between prac titioners or professionals. Health and social workers have the inherent duty to not disclose any information without the knowledge of all the parties which are concerned. The lack of trust of the patient to the medical worker can also be a barrier to effective communication. Lastly, the lack of knowledge can also serve as another barrier to communication (King Wheeler, 2007). STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT USERS To be able to be potentially engaged in efficient and effective communication practices, as a carer VARIOUS FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE COMMUNICATION PROCESS IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE VALUES AND CULTURE Two of the factors which are assumed to be highly influential in the communication process, specifically in the field of health and social care, are values and culture. These may include factors which are related in demographics such as age, gender, race, educational and economic status, and also beliefs, among others. Culture, which can be defined as the identifiable integrated pattern of human behaviour that includes customs, beliefs, values, behaviours, and communications (Servellen, 1997), is said to be highly influential in this field basically because they arise from almost every group that are involved in the communication process. In tackling the issue of culture and its influence in the communication process, one of the factors which should be understood are the sub-groups, for instance, Asian. Among the Asian cultures, people from different countries have various approaches to communicating. For instance, in the Vietnamese culture, talking is customary. Professionals who ar e working with people who are accustomed to the Vietnamese culture must be able to take such cultural factor into account so that the communication process can be carried out more efficiently and more conveniently. Another factor which should be understood on this note is cultural identity. One of the inclusions in this identity is the fact that all people are influenced by cultural programming which makes it essential to have an understanding of that culture so that communication can be carried out better (Servellen, 1997). As mentioned earlier, one of the dimensions of culture and values which influence the communication process is gender. Men and women are naturally equipped with differences and such can be reflected in the way they engage themselves into the process of communication. Having different communication styles base on gender, interpretation may also vary in both sexes. Health and social workers should be aware of these differences so that they will be sensitive on how to deal with each patient or client. One of the key to understand these differences is to be an active listener so that the professional can be able to better understand the patient. The same is true with age and ethnicity. Communication with elderly should be done on a different approach wherein the health or social worker should demonstrate more respect. A different approach is also given when communicating with the younger ones. Furthermore, each nationality also has different approaches to communication. Some verbal and n on-verbal communication techniques might be appropriate for other cultures while it may prove to be rude for some. These should be understood clearly so that there will be no misinterpretation and confusion with regards to the transmission of the message (Basavanthappa, 2004). LEGISLATION, CHARTERS, AND CODES OF PRACTICE Despite the fact that communication in the field of health and social care is highly influenced by culture and values, it has also influenced the existence and stipulations which are provided by legislations, charters, and codes of practice. The institution is often left with no option but to follow such stipulations as it is a legal requirement in the context of their practice. One of the most important factors by which legislations and charters influence communication techniques can be demonstrated by the fact that such allows the provision of equality. The existing laws which govern the practice of health and social care are based on the principle of equality which does not allow discrimination of any party, be it a patient or a health or social worker. For instance, legislations such as those which provide fair employment, sex discrimination acts, race relations, and others are some of the laws which demonstrate and influence in professional practice. These laws serve as the foundation of the behaviour of the healthcare professional and form the basis of how they act and how they communicate. The serious consequences of going against such legislations will be undeniably a critical factor in the observance of a good communication practice (Cambridge Training Development, 2000). The Data Protection Act 1984 is a good example which demonstrates legislations in good communication practice in the field of health and social care. This can be able to provide protection to information which are assumed confidential and should be used solely for the purposes known by the persons involved. Service users could possibly demonstrate loss of trust from the service providers if confidential information are leaked making it important for laws to provide protection for such. Certain legislations are also made available to provide equality and anti-discrimination in the workplace. These factors are highly influential in shaping the communication practice and activities of people in health and social care (Moonie, 2005). Furthermore, the stipulations in the code of practice and ethics in a certain institution are also highly influential in communication practices especially in consideration of the fact that they can affect confidentiality and privacy of information. For instance, the use and access to the internet for health and social workers are often limited and defined by codes of conduct, depending upon the institution, to be assured of good communication practices and work ethics. The use of other technological aids can also be regulated by existing rules and regulations to be able to protect the rights of the institution, the workers, the patients, and the public in general (Martin, 2003). ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS AND POLICIES For all concerned parties to be engaged in effective and efficient communication practices, one factor which can be considered as essential would be effective organizational systems and policies. These systems and policies will be able to shape the communication activities and will make it more appropriate and meaningful. Health and social care institutions need to develop systems and policies which can foster good communication. This can include factors which are related to documentation, information systems, establishment of procedures and practices. For instance, the development of a dynamic and advanced information system can demonstrate effectiveness and efficiencies in the various activities which are undertaken. In the absence of such systems, it will be highly impossible to transmit and share information which might prove to be significant in the profession. For instance, at Ashleigh Court Rest Home, policies are strictly implemented. Stated below are some of the policies tha t the home adheres with: Whistle Blowing Policy this document has been written to comply with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which was introduced to protect employees who blow the whistle about any wrongdoing. The policy gives clear guidance to all members of staff regarding the correct procedure for bringing to attention any wrongdoing or suspected wrongdoing which they feel could affect the reputation of the home, other members of staff, visitors, residents or any other organization or persons connected with the home. The policy outlines commitment to openness and good communications. Bullying In The Workplace The home believes that all staff have the right to work in an environment that is free from bullying, harassment or intimidation, from either colleagues or management. The home seeks to enable staff to enjoy their work and fulfil their personal and professional potential, by creating and sustaining a stimulating and supportive work environment. It is recognised that staff who feel powerless, vulnerable or even persecuted will not be able to give of their best work or work successfully. Prevention of Accidents The home fully accepts the responsibility to ensure that all reasonable steps and precautions are taken to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, which comply with all statutory requirements and codes of practice. The home fully supports and complies with the relevant National Minimum Standards and Regulations, which relate to the promotion and protection of the health, safety and welfare of service users and staff. It is recognised, however, that even in the safest of working environments, accidents will occur, from time to time. Where and when this does happen, the Registered Providers (employers) will abide by the requirements of The Health and Safety at work Act 1974. As such, employers must, by law, notify certain categories of accidents, specified cases of ill health and specified dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive or the Local Authority to comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). By undertaking these notifications, the home will not only be meeting the legal requirements but will be able to determine local patters and causes of accidents, so that preventive measures can be put in place to prevent recurrence. A written record such as Accident/Incident Report will be kept, of any accident, however minor, which occurs in the home. Policy on Racial Harassment Every Service User has the right to live and every staff member has the right to work in the home without the threat of racial harassment, discrimination or abuse. Any occurrences of this nature will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be subject to disciplinary procedures. The home fully upholds the principles and guidance of the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Racial harassment is any behaviour, deliberate or otherwise, pertaining to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, which is unwanted by the recipient and creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. It may include racist jokes or insults, abusive comments about racial origins and skin colour and ridicule of an individual on cultural and/or religious grounds. IMPROVING COMMUNICATION PROCESS Health and social workers must be perpetually engaged in the improvement and development of the communication process to be better in their profession. One of the ways by which such can be improved is through the provision of security of information. In this way, privacy and confidentiality can be achieved and it can to help prevent any misunderstanding and confusion in the communication process. Furthermore, the communication process can also be improved through the provision of dynamic and sustainable rules which relate to documentation, presentation, and use of outputs and reports so that their purpose can be maximized by its users and providers. The provision of technological aids and communication tools can also help improve such process. Furthermore, the following are other ways by which communication can be improved in the health and social care setting: provide communication access to persons with difficulties; be aware of the various communication barriers and develop strate gies by which they can be minimized or reduced at an acceptable level; teach workers about ethics and values related to communication practices; and rigorous training and education to enhance workers knowledge about effective and efficient communication. There is a need to make service providers understand what are the processes and activities involved in the complex communication process and the need to teach them to be active listeners. By doing the earlier mentioned, the health and social care workers can have an improved communication process and it can foster greater understanding and build better relationships between providers and users (Malone, 2005). EXPLORING THE USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STANDARD I.T. SOFTWARE The activities in the provision of health and social service would not be possible to carry in the absence of various I.T software and applications. Some of these include: word-processing, spreadsheets, presentations, internet, intranet, and email. These tools are assumed to have critical significance in the profession as it helps in the completion of day-to-day activities in the organization. Word processing is important because it allows the creation, editing, reading, and amendment of various documents which might prove to be vital with health and social care work. If these documents are handwritten, there is no form of standardization and it will be hard to understand as well as too slow to accomplish. Therefore, word processing is considered as one of the most significant I.T. software package as it allows ease in work and reduces the intensity of labour in the creation of documents. Spreadsheet, on the other hand, allows them to do mathematical calculations with ease as it has formulas which can make their works easier while presentations allow them to prepare and present visual presentations in order to communicate better. The internet and intranet is also a good tool as it allows connectivity between the network of users within the organization and through the globe using the internet. Lastly, emailing would allow them to exchange information within each other and share documents in the workplace (Cook, 2006). One of the most advanced application of information and communication technology in the field of health and social care is through telecare which is a business-to-consumer service provision without personal interaction as it just completed on channels such as telephones and computers. This includes services which are related to health and social care such as automated appointment reminders and client monitoring services at home. Traditionally, these things are done by trained professionals at the clients home until the inception of technology which defies distance and allows greater interaction between the users and providers (Niman et al., 2006). BENEFITS OF USING ICT The use of information and communication technology would have not proliferated in the field of health and social care if it did not bring numerous benefits and advantages to the organization, users, providers, and the general public. One of the benefits is the accuracy of records. Because of the use of the various applications of information and communication technology, it will be easier to have readily available information about the condition of the client and it will be easier for the staff to provide an answer to the concerns of the patients. The health professionals are also able to enjoy the benefits of information and communication technology because such allows them to have safe, modern, and speedy IT systems which can help them in their routine, it allows them to utilize time more efficiently, and it allows the possibility of remote monitoring (Gillies, 2006). Information and communication technology is also beneficial in the field of health and social care because it allows the possibility of meeting individual needs, it provides ease in the administration of treatment procedures, it makes the administrative practices more efficient, records and documentation can be more accurate, it fosters better communication, and it promotes independence. Information and communication technology also provides collaboration among users and providers which inevitably leads into more efficient service delivery (Leathard, 2003). ENHANCING ACTIVITIES OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE WORKERS Information and communication technology demonstrates the possibility of enhancing the activities by which health and social care workers are engaged. This is assumed to be done through the following ways: efficiency in business administration, meeting the needs of the employees, improving the quality of service, accountability, and meeting what is required from them. Because of information and communication technology, the field of health and social work is able to experience increased efficiency. The use of various tools associated to such form of technology has allowed them to be engaged into better practices in their profession. For instance, the internet and the intranet, along with the methods by which documentation has improved, are all seen as highly contributory to the improvement of business administration. Service has also seen a dramatic improvement because of the applications of the said technology. Because of such, it is easier to access records and information, althoug h such has also been limited by existing legislations to protect privacy and to promote confidentiality. LEGISLATIONS To be assured that the use of information and communication technology is maximized and not detrimental to the society, certain legislations, both internal and external to the company also exist to govern information and communication practices in the field of health and social care. The Data Protection Act provides restrictions and limitations on the use and access of personal information, especially those of the clients or the patients. Some of this information includes personal information, medical records, treatment history, and credit information. Record keeping is very important and should not be underestimated. Disclosing of information is tantamount to breach of confidentiality. Furthermore, another legislation which is assumed to be significant in the use of information and communication technology is the Access to Personal Files Act 1987 which stipulates general considerations with regards to access to personal information, specifically those data which relate to social services. In addition to these legislations, Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 has also been provided to give right to access into medical reports for the purpose of employment or for insurance. The client, under this legislation, is also endowed with the right to see the information before it is supplied and can also be subject for correction. Lastly, another important legislation is the Access to Health Records Act 1990 which is more concerned about records which could be accessed manually. It gives the client or any other representative the right of access to medical records, in whatever form, electronic or manual (Jones Jenkins, 2004). Moreover, to keep information within the limits o f the workplace, bringing of storage devices are also limited so as the providers cannot transfer any information about the service users which can be leaked and used for purposes which are not under the consent of the parties concerned (Moss, 2008). RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Technology has brought a number of benefits realized in the health and social care sector such as meeting the individual needs, ease of administration of procedures, making efficient administrative practices, accurate documentation, and fostering a more dynamic communication practice. Information and communication technology also enhances activities of health and social worker such as by improving efficiency of service, accountability, and quality of outputs. To be able to engage in a more meaningful communication practice, there is a need to be aware and to understand the existing differences in culture and values because they will be able to foster better relationships. There is a need for continuous improvement process in communication by being able to identify ways by which such could be improved. The health and social care sector needs to identify, without a halt, ways by which communication can be improved, so that the profession, in general, can also be improved.

Coming to Terms :: Personal Narrative Writing

Coming to Terms It's not a light bulb that suddenly turns on. It's not a bolt of lightning that strikes you without pain. It's more like a boot; a steel toe boot that literally drops out of the sky and kicks you directly in the face, knocking out the majority of your teeth and smashing your nose into a bloody mess. That's more what it's like when you come to a realization. All that talk of a magical epiphany is left in the dust while the boot moves on to its next victim. It doesn't let you see through some new set of eyes; it dulls your other senses so that all you can do is see. You see what you've been missing for a long time. Being a person of many passionate convictions, its fair to say that I've had to have facial reconstructive surgery quite a few times. It most notably happened my sophomore year of college, taking a class called â€Å"Cubans in the USA .† Of course my family warned me that the professor was a raging communist, known for such ghastly evils as not believing in the embargo, questioning the motives of the Cuban American National Foundation, and, dare I say it, not thinking that Fidel Castro was the anti-Christ in the flesh! (Oh no! Stone Him!) So sure enough, the first day I went in, wearing a Cuban flag pendant, guns ablaze, ready to strike down this hedonistic infidel with my passionate patriotism. But something happened. He told us to give him a chance to ward off these notions our grandmothers instilled in us. (Oh no, he's already using some evil mind control technique! ) But I did give him a chance. And at the end of the semester, I was eager to learn more of how to correct my mis-education, without loosing my sense of pride in my background, while slowing recovering from the boot's most vicious attack. But even more recently, and more notably, it happened during our visit to the South Florida Water Management District. I scanned the website the night before class and went in on Friday morning, armed with my deep, uncontestable knowledge of the everglades, ready to battle this evil government agency whose sole purpose had to be to serve as a faà §ade for the fact that the government didn't care about the everglades.

Poverty and Horse Film Essay

This is a story of two tribal Armenian boys who belonged to the Garoghlanian tribe. For their family, even at times of extreme poverty nothing could match the importance of honesty. They never did anything wrong and never lied or never even stole anything. The story talks about an incident that revolves around two cousins Aram who is nine years old and Mourad who is thirteen. The world, for Aram, at that time, seemed to be a delightful and extremely joyous yet mysterious dream. People believed in every imaginable kind of magnificence. Mourad was considered to be crazy by everybody he knew. The story opens with Mourad coming to Aram’s house at four in the morning one fine day. He tapped on the window to Aram’s room. When Aram looked out of the window, he was taken aback and startled to see Mourad riding a beautiful white horse. In fact, he was so dazed that Mourad had to say â€Å"Yes, it’s a horse. You are not dreaming.† All this was too unbelievable because Aram knew that they were too poor to be able to afford to buy a horse. The only way Mourad could possess it could be by stealing. They were too honest to lie and yet too crazy to ride a horse. Thus, they kept the horse for two weeks, enjoying its ride in cool air and singing to their heart’s content on the country roads. They hid it from the rest of the world by keeping it in a barn of the deserted vineyard. Meanwhile, Aram came to know that the horse was stolen from John Byro. They planned not to return it to him so soon although it pricked their conscience to steal, which was completely their ethics and tribal norms. One fine day they came across John, the farmer. Such was the boys’ family famous for their honesty that the thought of his horse being stolen by the boys never crossed John’s mind. He was just amazed at the resemblance and said: â€Å"I would swear it is my horse if I did not know your parents.† This moving experience led the boys towards John’s vineyard the very next morning. They left the horse in the barn after patting it affectionately. Later that day, John seemed to be very pleased and shared the news of the return of his horse with Aram’s mother. The story teaches us the importance and necessity of honesty even in the face of greed and passion.

Baz Luhrmann’s appropriation “Romeo and Juliet” Essay

Baz Luhrmann’s film, Romeo and Juliet, is very successful as an appropriation of the original play by Shakespeare. Transforming the pre-16th century play into a contemporary popular culture film was done creatively by keeping the same values and language, but changing the context. This is illustrated by the use of anachronisms. For instance, daggers and swords are replaced by guns as well as cars stand in for horses. The disputes between members of the two families (the Capulets and the Montagues) evoke associations with multi-ethnic gang warfare. Their feud reflects the behaviour of mafia families. Using these modernising elements, he achieves an appeal to the contemporary teenage audience and the changes in the film create a more comprehensible meaning to the audience because people can relate to it better and this is why the film is so engaging. The film is set in a modern day city where violence occurs regularly. In the opening scene, a television screen is in view and a news reporter is talking. This immediately allows people to realise the time period which the film is set in. Then there is a sequence of scenes which includes shots of scenery, people fighting, newspaper articles and loud string music is played in the background. There is a lot of editing and cutting in this sequence which makes it move very fast. The next scene is where the Montague gang is at the petrol station. Loud upbeat music is played in the background. The loud music and bright coloured costumes represent the life of this city. The use of guns and convertible cars contribute to the contemporary atmosphere. The film techniques include using a handheld camera which creates a â€Å"realistic† effect. This is used in the sequence of different shots where there is fire and helicopters and guns. The reason why it is so realistic is because the quality of the shot and the way it is presented make it seem like something that would be seen on the news. But the words that appear between the shots, for example, â€Å"In fair Verona† and â€Å"a pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life† is taken from the play so it is Shakespearean language. The text is placed with contemporary visual graphics, yet they do not clash together. The effect of this is that people do not take their attention away when they are presented with language that they may not completely understand. Instead, they can connect the text and the sequence together. Also, the characterisation used in the film is done well to add to the contemporary atmosphere. For example, the Montague gang is not presented as â€Å"well-behaved servants†. Instead, they are loud, extrovert, and outrageous. Paris is â€Å"bachelor of the year† instead of being a â€Å"kinsman of a prince† type figure. No one in the film is presented as a model of a â€Å"perfect citizen†. The Capulet gang wears Hawaiian shirts, one even unbuttoned to reveal their bare chest. They have more rebellious styles of hair; pink, shaved and bleached. Luhrmann uses the images of the families to make one appear submissive and docile while the other is unscrupulous and aggressive. The Capulet’s have quite clearly been portrayed as the ‘baddies’ of the story. The reason why Luhrmann have done this is to portray the typical â€Å"villain† role, which is given to the Capulet gang. In Shakespeare’s time, homosexual men were not accep ted in the society and different ethnic groups did not mix together. In the film, Mercutio is a homosexual and also black, and in today’s society the different sexuality and race are accepted. Even the master of the household, Mr. Capulet, is not perceived as an archetypal â€Å"wealthy and noble† character. The priest is also not a typical Christian and he would have been a controversial character if he was presented during Shakespeare’s time. Also, Baz Luhrmann has chosen two beautiful, â€Å"blonde hair and blue eyed† actors to play the part of Romeo and Juliet. This makes their role idealistic. All of the characters in the film are not â€Å"refined†, as they would have been in the play. This is a reflection of today’s culture and the audience can relate to the film better. And because of this, the dialogue will not affect the audience too much and they would still be able to follow along with the storyline. Although the characterisation of the film is quite different from the characterisation of the play, Baz Luhrmann has kept the original values and issues and has presented them well in the film. The issue of â€Å"peace and order† is presented with the police captain talking to the Capulets and the Montagues in a conference room. Once again, Luhrmann has used elements of today’s culture in the film to replace the existing culture in the play. The police are used to deal with justice and punishment instead of the prince. The character’s religion is very important in the film and the crucifix is a  symbol that is used. Romeo and Juliet get married in the church where they are accompanied by the priest and a chorus. The large statue that reoccurs in many scenes is a religious figure and inside the building, where Juliet lays on her deathbed, is filled with crosses and candles. All of these elements make up a very observable fact that religion is, to a great extent, acknowledged in the film. Luhrmann has made the values and issues raised in the play more distinctive in the film by using these modernized elements. A change in the context of the play also add to the modern atmosphere. A creative interpretation of the original text is used, when Luhrmann turns the Queen Mab speech, which Romeo gets from Mercutio before they go to the Capulet’s party, into an Ecstasy pill. Furthermore he leaves a few text-passages out by presenting it visually. In a few cases he even changes Shakespeare’s plot. This becomes obvious when Juliet awakes before Romeo has died. This differs from Shakespeare’s original text. With the use of special film-techniques, Luhrmann achieves a dramatisation of the scene. In the scene when Juliet awakes before Romeo has drank the poison, the change of the plotline results to a more astonished reaction from the audience, as they would be expecting the clichà ©d ending, which is the one in the original play. Baz Luhrmann’s film is very successful as an appropriation of the original play not only because of his creative ways in modernizing the play, but because the film itself can make one understand the extremeness of the situation in the storyline. That is, in the original play, horses and swords were used in the battles and when people read the play, they may not realise how severe and dangerous the circumstances are because there are too many historical references to swords and horses that it has lost its effectiveness. But in the film, Luhrmann has used fire, guns, cars, and explosions to emphasise the seriousness of the situation. People are more familiar with this sort of violence because it is seen in the media and therefore it will appear more realistic to them. And the sentiment that people may obtain will be more practical and dynamic. This is why the film is so successful, it compels people to understand the original play a lot better.