Storm Born Chapter Nine

â€Å"What's the point of a bedroom? I mean, you guys seem to be more into public sex anyway.† Dorian gestured me around a corner to his suite or wing or whatever. â€Å"What we do is natural. We don't hide it. Besides, it's actually quite titillating to know others are watching. Haven't you ever done it?† â€Å"Sorry. I'm not an exhibitionist.† And yet, as soon as I said the words, I thought about Kiyo. We'd been all over each other at the bar, and then we'd had sex out on the balcony. We hadn't drawn that much attention, but we could have. Just thinking about it made me shudder – in a good way. We passed through another set of double doors with two guards standing outside. They had weapons, but I knew their magic posed the true threat. Once Dorian had closed the doors behind us, I turned and took in the room. â€Å"My God. Why would you have sex in the dining room when you could do it in here?† â€Å"I do do it in here. I do it in there. Honestly, it doesn't matter. I like variety.† The room spread out for what seemed like miles, the far wall composed almost entirely of windows. It probably had a stellar view in the daytime. Everything from the paint to the enormous satin-covered bed was painted in shades of gold and wine. The torches on the wall added a charming, almost kinky touch. To one side I saw a room that must have served as a bathroom, judging from the giant marble tub. Opposite that, a parlor of sorts extended off on the other side of the room. He beckoned me there to an ornate chair with velvet cushions. â€Å"Wine?† he asked, picking up a crystal decanter from a little table. â€Å"You know the answer to that.† â€Å"I'm sure a small taste won't hurt.† â€Å"Yeah, and Persephone thought a few pomegranate seeds wouldn't hurt either. Now she rules the Underworld.† He poured himself a glass and sat down in a chair facing mine at an angle. â€Å"Would it be so bad to rule here?† â€Å"I'm going to ignore that question. Now look, I need to talk to you about a guy named Aeson. He kidnapped a human girl – â€Å" Dorian waved a hand to stop me. â€Å"No business yet.† â€Å"But I need to get her back soon – â€Å" â€Å"And I will help you, I swear it. Now. One more hour won't matter. Sit with me, and I'll tell you a story.† â€Å"A story? You're serious?† â€Å"My dear Odile, I assure you I am always serious – well, no, actually that's a lie. Most of the time I'm not. But this time I happen to be. So make yourself comfortable.† I sighed, slouched back in the chair, and took out the other Milky Way. Seeing his eyes on it, I broke it in half and handed him a piece. Nodding his thanks, he ate it with the wine, something that looked ridiculous and nearly made me smile. â€Å"Now. Tell me something. Have you ever heard the story of Storm King?† â€Å"No. Is or was he a real guy?† â€Å"Very real.† â€Å"So what, is there, like, a Storm Land or something?† â€Å"Not exactly. He did rule a vast area, but the title was more honorary due to his ability to control storms and the weather.† â€Å"Sounds reasonable.† He quirked me a half-smile. â€Å"I'm guessing you don't realize just how important that is.† â€Å"Not really. I mean, all of you have some kind of magic, right? Why not storms?† â€Å"Ah, but to control storms and the weather is to literally control the elements. Water. Air. The fire of lightning. To see him in his fury was a terrible and amazing thing. He could call down the very heavens to smite his enemies. Few of us have such strength. I've never seen his equal, and I've lived almost two centuries. Even when crossing into your world, his powers didn't dim.† â€Å"What do your own powers do?† That was probably something I should have known before being alone with him. â€Å"I can summon and control materials that come from within the earth. Dirt. Rocks. Magma on occasion.† â€Å"The magma sounds cool, but the rest†¦well, sorry. Not so impressive.† Those golden eyes sparkled. â€Å"I could call down the stones that have built this keep and reduce the entire building to a pile of rubble within minutes.† I glanced around us. â€Å"Yeah. Okay. That's impressive.† â€Å"Thank you. Anyway. With power like that, he inevitably drew followers. In those days, we were more fractured†¦split into smaller kingdoms. Our political and geographic divisions are always changing. Storm King sought to remedy this. He conquered and united a number of the smaller rulers, attempting to unite all of the shining ones under his rule. He made astounding progress.† â€Å"Was he a good king?† I was getting sucked in despite my best resistance. â€Å"Depends on how you define ‘good.' He was a good war leader, certainly. And he was ruthless – which is an ugly but sometimes necessary part of ruling. But, with such power, he had no qualms about taking what he wanted – no matter the inconvenience to others. Those who angered him died without question. If he wanted land, he took it. If he wanted a woman, he took her. Some of those women thought it was an honor, some were taken forcibly.† Dorian paused, giving me a look both studious and sympathetic. â€Å"Some were human.† I stiffened. â€Å"Like Aeson.† â€Å"Unfortunately, yes.† â€Å"‘Unfortunately'? You're one of them. You must have a thing for humans.† â€Å"Of course I do. We all do – men and women alike. You all smell like musk and sex. It screams fertility. It calls to our most basic, primal instincts to reproduce. For a people whose children are dwindling, that means something. So, yes, I understand men like Storm King and Aeson, but† – he shrugged – â€Å"I've never been with a woman who didn't want me, never taken one by force. Not even a human.† â€Å"You seem to be in the minority.† â€Å"No, as I told you earlier, it's only a small number of us who infringe on humans. You have your own rapists. They too are only a small number.† I shifted and leaned my head against the chair's back. â€Å"Fair enough. Get on with the story.† He paused a moment, looking surprised, like he couldn't believe I'd conceded a point to him. I could hardly believe it myself. â€Å"Very well. Storm King's ambitions extended beyond conquering this world. He wanted to conquer yours as well.† â€Å"That's impossible.† â€Å"Not so. The desire to return to our homeland burns in all of us; it would push many to extreme actions. He drew a lot of support, armies willing to cross over for this dream. He had the power to make it happen. He planned a massive Samhain invasion, consisting of shining ones and spirits alike.† â€Å"What happened? Obviously it didn't work.† Dorian had propped up his elbow again, resting his hand in his chin as he had on his throne. That gorgeous hair hung off to one side, a stream of molten copper. â€Å"I'll tell you in a moment. First I'd like your opinion on all of this. What do you think about this plan of his in light of your earlier noble words about conquerors and how the conquered must simply accept their fate? If our forces took yours in fair warfare, would you accept that so easily?† â€Å"I hate hypothetical questions.† He simply smiled. â€Å"Okay, then. ‘Accept' is a funny thing. I mean, I guess if our armies and infrastructure were destroyed, I'd have to accept that on a certain level. Would I like it? Would I just let it go? Probably not. I'd probably always keep fighting. Looking for some way to change things.† â€Å"Then perhaps you understand our attitudes toward you and the world you live in.† â€Å"Yeah, but†¦why not let it go? You have a perfectly nice world here.† â€Å"You're contradicting yourself.† â€Å"Well, in the scenario you described, we don't have a new world. We're subjugated in your new one.† â€Å"Would it make a difference?† I stared off at one of the flickering torches. â€Å"No. Probably not. I don't know.† He was making me empathize with the gentry, and I didn't like it. I turned back to him. â€Å"What happened, then? Is this Storm King someone I should go hunt down?† â€Å"No, alas. He's already dead.† Dorian watched me for a moment, weighing me for some purpose I couldn't understand. â€Å"Roland Markham killed him.† I straightened up. â€Å"What?† â€Å"You didn't know that.† â€Å"No. Of course not. I've never even heard of this Storm King guy until tonight.† This answer turned Dorian pensive, momentarily halting his normal jocosity. â€Å"That rather astonishes me. Storm King must have been the greatest conquest of Roland Markham's career. How can you not know? Isn't he your father?† â€Å"My stepfather. But he trained me.† I turned the information over in my mind. â€Å"I don't know why he never told me. When did it happen?† â€Å"Oh, about†¦thirteen years ago. Maybe fourteen.† That was around the time Roland had started training me. Coincidence? Had the threat of Otherworldly invasion frightened him into defying my mother's wishes? When I didn't say anything, Dorian continued: â€Å"Not surprisingly, Roland Markham has his own reputation around here. But some say with your kills, you have surpassed him.† â€Å"I wish you guys wouldn't paint me like some bloodthirsty avenger.† â€Å"Prejudice works both ways.† â€Å"Yeah, but come on. Half the time, I just send them back here.† â€Å"You kill enough to scare most of the people out in the main hall.† â€Å"But that's not why you're telling me this story.† â€Å"True enough.† He poured another glass of wine. â€Å"You are brave, Eugenie Markham. You are brave and strong and beautiful. But your perspective and view of the world – worlds – are flawed. You don't understand us. We don't behave as we do out of an evil nature. We have reasons for our actions.† â€Å"Just as I do for mine. I don't kill because I enjoy it.† â€Å"Well, I wonder about that, but yes, I get your point. You do what you do out of loyalty to your own kind. You want to protect them and see that they have the best lives they can.† â€Å"This is where you say you're doing exactly the same thing.† He laughed out loud, the sound rich and melodious. â€Å"Why, Eugenie, did we just have a moment of rapport?† â€Å"You've stopped calling me Odile,† I noted, deflecting the question. â€Å"We aren't in public. It doesn't matter.† â€Å"Whatever. So†¦when Storm King was gathering his armies and followers†¦were you one of them?† Dorian's levity faded. â€Å"Yes. I was. One of his biggest supporters, actually.† â€Å"Would you do it again? If you got the chance?† â€Å"In a heartbeat. I would give anything to see his vision realized. Since his death, prophecies and omens have abounded, whispering of other opportunities that might come in the future. I pay attention to them all.† I didn't respond. â€Å"What are you thinking about?† â€Å"I'm trying to decide if I should break my hospitality vow and kill you.† His good humor returned. â€Å"Do you know how glad I am that you stopped by tonight? I haven't had this much fun in years. But you won't kill me. Not tonight, at least, and not even because of the promise.† I looked up at him again, a smile suddenly playing on my own lips. â€Å"Oh? And why are you so sure of that?† â€Å"Because I told you exactly how I feel. If I'd lied and said I had no interest in the human world or following Storm King's vision, you wouldn't have believed me. In telling you the truth, I shall live another night. You may not like me, but I think honesty might have bought me your respect.† â€Å"It might have.† Again, I lapsed into silence. Dorian seemed incapable of handling that. â€Å"Now what are you thinking?† â€Å"That you almost seem human.† He leaned toward me, a bit closer than I felt comfortable with. â€Å"Should I be flattered or insulted?† I gave a small, rueful laugh. â€Å"I don't know.† â€Å"You have a lovely smile.† â€Å"Hey, don't start with that. I don't care how honest you are or how musky I smell.† He leaned back in his chair. â€Å"As you say.† I still couldn't get over the idea of a massive invasion. â€Å"So, is your attitude toward Storm King pretty common? Do others feel the same way?† â€Å"Some do, some don't. Maiwenn, queen of the Willow Land, believes he was evil incarnate. She wouldn't join up with him and thought his plan would lead us to ruin. Others gave up after Storm King's defeat. If he couldn't do it, no one could. But others†¦well, many others still carry the dream. Including your King Aeson.† I sighed. â€Å"At last we get down to business.† â€Å"If we must. So. I gather you want to remove this girl from him.† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"And how are you doing this? With your servants and that human?† â€Å"Yes.† Now Dorian didn't say anything. â€Å"Hey, I know it's crazy, but I don't have any choice.† â€Å"Which is why you come to me.† I nodded, and at long last, I saw the wisdom of Volusian's plan. If Dorian really could destroy this castle, he'd be a pretty good asset on a rescue mission. â€Å"Despite my compelling story about protecting my own kind, you actually think I would go against Aeson.† â€Å"Volusian – my servant – told me you two don't get along.† â€Å"He's right. Aeson is one of our strongest leaders, but I don't like the way he rules or deals with his so-called allies. Yet, that doesn't mean I can walk over there with you and openly oppose him.† â€Å"But you said earlier – â€Å" â€Å"That I would help. I still will. I'm just not going to do so in person.† Whatever kindly feelings I'd been building toward him disappeared. My voice turned icy. â€Å"Okay, so what are you going to do?† â€Å"I have a servant here who used to be one of Aeson's men. I'll send him with you as a guide.† â€Å"What good is that? My spirits already know the way.† â€Å"They don't know the back ways. My servant knows the place intimately. He is far more likely to get you in unseen. I don't know much about human tactics, but I imagine even in your world, subtle and stealthy is safer than marching in openly. Especially when you're outnumbered.† I slouched back in the chair. â€Å"I suppose.† â€Å"Now you're pouting,† he teased. â€Å"No, I'm not.† â€Å"I don't mind. It's charming.† â€Å"No, it's not.† He touched my chin to turn my face toward his. â€Å"It is. But it's still unwarranted. Would you have helped me even a little if I'd come to you in a similar way?† â€Å"No.† I didn't even try to make a pretense otherwise. He withdrew his hand, still smiling. â€Å"We are all honest tonight. Well, then. I suppose I should introduce you to Gawyn.† â€Å"Wait,† I said. I stood up uncertainly. All of this honesty talk had put me in mind of Kiyo. So had the sex talk. Okay, everything made me think about Kiyo lately. â€Å"You have another question?† I studied Dorian carefully. He was one of the gentry, but something about this brief encounter made him†¦well, if not exactly trustworthy, then less untrustworthy. And really, he was the closest thing I might have to a true gentry resource. â€Å"Yes. I do.† I took off my jacket and then turned around, facing away from him. I wore no backless tank top today and had to completely pull off the long-sleeved shirt I had on. After a moment's consideration, I took off my bra too. â€Å"Oh,† said Dorian. â€Å"I think I'm going to like this question.† I wrapped my arms around my breasts, still keeping my back to him. â€Å"Do you see the scratches?† â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"Do you know what they are? I think something Otherworldly made them.† I heard him stand up and approach me. Moments later, his fingertips lightly grazed the marks, following their tracks. His touch was slow and considering, one that truly sought to feel me. It shouldn't have been erotic – for a lot of reasons – but it was anyway. His fingers trailed all the way down the scratches and then back up. â€Å"I can't tell you what made them,† he said at last, â€Å"but I can tell you they were magically inflicted. If I had to guess†¦I'd say you've been marked.† â€Å"Marked how?† â€Å"I think whoever – or whatever – made these did so to track you. As long as these are on you, the maker can find you.† I shivered, and it had nothing to do with being topless or the fact that his fingers were still on me. â€Å"Can you get rid of them?† â€Å"No. They might eventually go away on their own, but I can't tell you when. Who made them?† I hesitated. â€Å"A man.† Dorian spread his fingers out so that his palms were facedown on my back. â€Å"I'd be hard-pressed to scratch you like that standing here. I'd need to have my arms around you.† I didn't answer. I could feel his soft laughter against my skin, and somehow, he now stood closer. â€Å"Why, Eugenie Markham, slayer of gentry, what have you done?† â€Å"I don't know.† He ran his hands down my back until they rested on my hips. â€Å"And that's killing you, isn't it? That you might have let something you despise touch you like that. Did you enjoy it?† â€Å"None of your business. And you're standing too close.† I turned around, still wrapping my arms around me as I stepped away. â€Å"The inspection's over.† â€Å"If you wish. I'm not sure you really want it to be over.† â€Å"I don't do†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped. â€Å"Gentry?† He stepped forward again, resting his hands on my arms, holding more tightly than he needed to – not that he needed to be touching me at all anymore. I should have decked him, but I didn't. He had considerable height on me but had to lean down to close the distance between our faces. He smelled like cinnamon. â€Å"You know, in spite of your deadly reputation, any man in this keep would bring you the world to be your lover. Come to my bed tonight, and I'll take you to Aeson myself. I'll fight by your side.† I stared up at him, half tempted. I needed the help. And he wasn't too hard on the eyes. But I couldn't do it, no matter how reasonable he'd seemed tonight. I had gone to Kiyo unwittingly. I couldn't have sex with another of the gentry, knowing exactly what he was. That instinct wouldn't budge. â€Å"No. You have plenty of women out there,† I said lightly. â€Å"You don't need me.† â€Å"None of them will conceive like you. Your body promises many children.† â€Å"Not likely. I'm on the pill.† â€Å"The what?† I explained it to him, and while he didn't back away from me, his eyes looked like he wanted to. He sighed. â€Å"I don't understand humans. You're gifted with fecundity, yet you stifle it.† â€Å"The world's overpopulated. And I'm not ready for a baby.† â€Å"I don't understand humans,† he repeated. â€Å"And here I thought we'd made such progress. I guess you can let go of me now.† â€Å"My offer still stands.† I felt my eyebrows rise. â€Å"Even with no chance of pregnancy?† â€Å"Don't discount your many charms. I'd still sleep with you for other reasons.† â€Å"Like what? I mean, aside from the fact you'd probably sleep with anything female.† He looked down at me and then back up to my face, giving me the feeling I wasn't covering my breasts very well. â€Å"I won't bother with the obvious things,† he said. â€Å"Honestly the main reason†¦well, in one night, I think I might have convinced you that not all gentry are monsters. Might. You still have a long way to go. But you've already been intimate with one – or something else from this world – and you can't stop thinking about it. And not because you hated it. You'll mix that with what you've seen tonight, and then you really won't know what to think. â€Å"I want to make love to you while that indecision still torments you, while you're still not sure if I'm a god or a monster or simply a human like you. I want to be with you in that ultimate moment of vulnerability, when your desire wars with your instincts and every touch of my body triggers both fear and pleasure in you.† â€Å"Fear? Are you threatening to rape me like every other gentry lately?† â€Å"No. I told you, I don't take women by force. But it doesn't matter. You'll come to me by choice.† â€Å"Not likely.† â€Å"Oh, very likely. Your own nature is conflicted, Eugenie. You're attracted to things you know you shouldn't be, even if you don't realize it consciously. You like playing with danger – it arouses you. That's why you fight the creatures of this world so aggressively. That's why you've come for this girl – despite how foolhardy you know it is. And that's why you'll return to me. You won't be able to help yourself. You want to walk that line, put yourself at risk, see how far you can let yourself go. You protect yourself so fiercely from the things you fear that the thought of letting down your defenses and submitting excites you. Now, you won't let someone you hate – like Rurik – touch you, but me? You don't hate me. Not quite. I'm the perfect mix. The perfect way – the safe way – to give in to what you want.† â€Å"You're crazy.† I broke away, pushing with my hands, not caring if he saw my chest or not. â€Å"And you get off on some pretty crazy shit.† â€Å"No crazier than your own desires.† â€Å"You're wrong. Besides, if I were going to fuck one of you, it wouldn't be one who harbors plans to take over my world.† He shrugged, watching me put my clothes back on. â€Å"If you say so. Do you still want my earlier offer of help?† I hesitated. His little sexual tirade had unnerved me – only I couldn't exactly articulate why. I still needed his help, regardless of my mixed feelings about him. That was becoming increasingly clear. â€Å"Yeah, I'll still take your servant.† â€Å"Then let's introduce you.†

Motivating Middle School Boys Essay

Abstract Middle school is a time of physical, emotional and social change for boys. When students hit middle school, academics tend to take a back seat to all of the new activity in their lives. For boys, middle school is increasingly difficult. In addition to the physical and emotional changes, the academic curriculum becomes more challenging and rigid. This does not align with a typical boy’s learning style. Many boys in middle school are struggling through hard times at home. Situations may include challenges such as little to no parental support, poverty, and malnutrition. With all of the possible circumstances disrupting their home lives, it is hard for these boys to concentrate on how to solve an equation in math class. Teachers need to motivate boys by providing relevant, hands-on curriculum. Three ways that teachers can do this is by including family members in the classroom, using friendly competition in the form of games and contests, and by relating mathematical lessons and material to real-life situations and interests that the boys might have. Introduction By seventh grade, most students have had years of poor attendance, little parental support, and many other issues related to poverty. They simply do not see the importance of mathematics in everyday life and how math can lead to better things for them. Males, in particular, want to continue the lifestyle they were raised in; showing little to no effort when it comes to the math classroom. This paper discusses three reasons why mathematics teachers should incorporate meaningful motivation strategies as a tool to motivate middle school males in the mathematics classroom. Including Family in the Classroom. One way that teachers can help to motivate boys in the middle school classroom is to include their families in the classroom. The relationship between family and school influences the academic achievement of middle school students. These family relationships and parental involvement mold students’ educational development drastically. Murdock and Miller (2003) refer to family as a major influence in how middle school boys deal with learning, peers, and motivation. They state â€Å"families play the most important role in students’ lives as they transition from elementary school to middle school†. The absence of a parent can play a very important role in the success of a student, so when the student sees that there is a connection between the classroom and their family, they are motivated to succeed. Middle school math teachers should try their best to create a sense of family cohesion and teamwork in the classroom. Teachers can do this by always making sure parents are aware of what is happening in the classroom, keeping the lines of communication open, and even incorporating projects that might need the student to work with a member of their family to complete it. Haim Ginott’s theory of congruent communication states that teachers should always use communication that is harmonious with students’ feelings about situations (Charles, 2008). This can be applied to idea of including families in the classroom because teachers need to keep the lines of communication open not only with their students, but with their students’ families. By taking the time to talk to students about situations arising in the classroom, it will be easy for teachers to communicate with parents about similar situations and the lack of motivation within the classroom. When students know that their families are involved in their academics, they are more inclined to succeed in the classroom. Introduce Competition Next, a second way that teachers can help to motivate middle school boys while in the classroom is to include the use of different games and contests. Most boys respond well to competition with their peers. They will force one another to greater speeds, improved accuracy and higher achievement in the name of winning. Boys thrive on competition, so any type of game or activity that allows them to go against a peer in a competitive manner will motivate them to perform. In the following quote, Conti explains why he believes that competitions in the math classroom can spark an interest in math for boys. â€Å"Mathematics competitions are probably the extracurricular academic programs with the widest participation. The most immediate value of these math contests is obvious – they pique students’ interest in mathematics and encourage them to value intellectual pursuits. Boys love games, and many will turn just about any activity into a contest, or in other words, something to get good at. Math contests thus inspire them to become good at mathematics just like sports encourage physical fitness. Eventually, students put aside the games. By then, hopefully an interest in the underlying activity has developed† (Conti, 2001). Teachers should create competitions by having students race against one another to solve math problems or turning a test review into a basketball game, allowing students to shoot a basket for every correct answer. The teacher could also place students in groups and award points based on certain behaviors and completed tasks. A prize would be awarded to the group with the highest score at the end of the week. Jacob Kounin would agree with this point based on his theory of lesson momentum and withitness. Kounin believes that classroom teachers should be able to do a multitude of things at one time, including presenting motivating and engaging lessons, managing the class, and being aware of the classroom surroundings (Charles, 2008). He states that good teachers keep students from getting bored or otherwise frustrated with lessons. By including competition in the form of games and contests in the classroom, the teacher is able to keep the boys motivated with a lesson while still controlling the needs of the class. When boys know they have a chance to show off their skills by winning something, they will immediately become engaged and motivated to participate. Provide Connections to Real-Life Therefore, a third way that middle school math teachers can motivate boys within the classroom is to connect the material to real-life applications. Students, particularly those who come from backgrounds that undervalue education, will benefit from this strategy. Stein (1993) expressed his belief in real-world connections revolving around math lessons by stating â€Å"Because students often feel that mathematics is the subject least relevant to their daily lives, it is an important arena in which teachers can attempt to incorporate students’ funds of knowledge in the context of culturally relevant mathematics instruction†. For middle school boys, school itself is often the least important factor in their lives. Teachers can tap into their focus by relating topics to important interests in their lives. One way for teachers to do that is to use democratic teaching; a theory of Rudolf Dreikurs. Democratic teaching occurs in a classroom in which the teacher and students work together to make decisions about how the class will function (Charles, 2008). This applies to the idea of connecting math with real-world situations. Students want to know how what they are learning will benefit them in their future lives. By brainstorming different topics and careers that the students are interested in, the teacher can then develop lessons that explain how those interests or careers are affected by mathematics. Teachers should show boys how math affects their everyday lives in areas such as: household maintenance, calculating car mileage, budgeting, making larger purchases (cars and houses), or solving problems that are important to them. Connecting math to future careers can also help to motivate boys in math class. Many unmotivated boys do not realize the importance of math for success in college or the role that math plays in careers that are not overtly math-oriented. Stein also claimed that by using problems that interest and excite the students’ curiosity, students are keen to develop important problem-solving strategies. These strategies can be applied in everyday situations, not just in the mathematics classroom. Conclusion The use of meaningful and male-related motivational strategies in middle school mathematics classrooms are a great way to motivate and help boys succeed. Most boys are very intelligent when it comes to numbers and math, however it may seem â€Å"too cool† to get good grades and to apply yourself. Middle school is where students generally begin to find themselves, and a determined teacher can help to motivate students to choose the right path. A teacher’s responsibility is to make sure they have done everything in their power to help their students succeed. This means reaching out to parents, changing lessons to fit the needs of the unmotivated students in the classroom, and changing your classroom management strategies to help engage and excite the students. With little to no parental support or guidance for many boys in the classroom, a male math teacher may be exactly what these boys need. But will these same strategies work with a female math teacher? References: Charles, C. M. (2008). Twentieth-Century Pioneers in Classroom Discipline. Building Classroom Discipline (Ninth Edition). Boston: Pearson. Conti, R. , Collins, M. A. , & Picariello, M. L. (2001). The impact of competition on intrinsic motivation and creativity: Considering gender, gender segregation  and gender role orientation. Personality and Individual Differences, 31(8), 1273- 1289 Grossman, H. (2004). Classroom behavior management for diverse and inclusive schools. (3rd edition). Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. Murdock, T. , Miller, A. (2003). Teachers as Sources of Middle School Students’ Motivational Identity: Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Analytic Approaches. The Elementary School Journal, 103(4), 383-399. Stein, S. L. (1993). Young’s vision. The Mathematics Teacher, 86, 330-333.

Supply and Demand Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Supply and Demand - Term Paper Example Third, if demand remains unaffected and supply rises, there will be surplus causing a decreased equilibrium price. Fourth, if demand remains unaffected and there is a decrease in supply, there will be a shortage causing an increased equilibrium price. This paper will look at supply and demand. On the supply side, it will discuss Ronald Regan, and on the demand side, it will look at Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Caplin and Schotter 43). The paper will go on to highlight the difference between supply and demand while looking at the economic environment then and now, and other components such as interest rates, housing market, etc. Supply side economics is a branch of macroeconomics which asserts that economic growth may be most adequately developed by lessening barriers for individuals to produce services and goods, for example, lessening capital gains tax rates and income tax, and by permitting enhanced flexibility by lessening regulation. Consistent with supply side economics, customers will benefit from a significant supply of services and goods at decreased prices. Standard supply side economists’ policy recommendations are less regulation and lower marginal tax rates. The Laffer curve symbolizes a principle of supply side economics that government tax revenues from a specified tax are identical at100% tax rates as at the 0% tax rate correspondingly. The tax rate which attains the highest or optimum government revenues is placed in the middle of the two values. Reaganomics is an example of supply side economics. Reagan aspired to control the growth of special spending and promote entrepreneurship as well as the decrease of inflation and regulation (Caplin and Schotter 56). During the Reagan era, the economic growth was approximately 3.2%. During the Ford and Carter era, the economic growth averaged 2.8%. In subsequent years, the economic growth averaged 2.1%. In addition, during the Reagan era, the real median family income rose by $4,000 after experienci ng no rise before the Reagan era. Nonetheless, in the post-Reagan era the median family income experienced a loss of approximately $1,500. Moreover, the unemployment rate, housing sector, inflation, and interest rates declined rapidly under the Reagan administration than they did instantly after or prior to his leadership. The sole economic variable that was worse in the Reagan era than in both the post- and pre-Reagan periods was the savings rate, which rapidly decreased in the 1980s. Also, the productivity rate was elevated in the pre-Reagan era but much lesser after the Reagan presidency. Demand side economics refers to the economic model which proposes that economic inspiration comes adequately from enhancing the demand for services and goods. This notion is typically placed in direct contrast with supply side economics. Similar to a large number of economic theories, it is extremely easier to comprehend the standards of demand side economics in theory instead of practice. First and foremost, demand side economics is a way of eliminating an economy of recession and accelerating economic growth while thwarting inflation. It is meant as a restraint on both retraction and enlargement to keep an economy in a steady state. The concept is that to accelerate growth, an administration should decrease taxes on the working and middle class and enhance government spending. To deal with

Bodily Effects of Hazardous Materials Research Paper

Bodily Effects of Hazardous Materials - Research Paper Example Some technologically advanced landfills also leak from time to time. The tanks used to store petroleum or chemicals can easily leak and catch fire. Tanks in the underground can weaken and leak their hazardous materials. There are many risks when transporting hazardous materials, for example, when trucks overturn or train crash. People can also dump hazardous materials in sewer systems, warehouses that are abandoned or remote areas, ditches to escape the costs of safe dumping. There are three routes of entry that hazardous materials enter into the body: ingestion, absorption, and inhalation (SYKLI, 2012). Health risks commonly linked with hazardous materials are grouped as acute and chronic. It is a must for one to get medical attention when one is exposed to harmful materials. Most of these exposures have treatment if one takes immediate action. Acute/ immediate effects result from a short-time exposure to hazardous substances. Some of the immediate warning signs include headaches, nausea, dizziness, skin, eye or respiratory damage or irritation, unconsciousness and even death. The most noticeable and common warning signs are skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Occurrences of deaths are very rare, and the majority of these exposures can be treated if immediate attention is taken. Chronic/delayed effects occur after a long time exposure to hazardous materials. The exposure can also be very small over a lengthened period. The effects mainly target the liver and kidneys as all chemicals that get into the body pass through these organs. A perfect example of an unending health effect is called lung cancer from radon inhalation or cigarette smoke. There are some products that can cause large health risks, though used as directed. For instance, there are products taken off the market or banned due to their health or environmental risks, for example, those containing PCTs, PCBs, asbestos fibers, mercury, lead and arsenic

Monetary Policy and its Effects on Stock Markets Essay

Monetary Policy and its Effects on Stock Markets - Essay Example Despite claims that monetary policy should not affect stocks, there is evidence that the policy can affect real stock prices in the short run (Bernanke & Kuttner 2005) and also an opinion that the nature of the monetary policy regime can affect the performance of asset markets over longer horizons. It has also been observed that by altering the path of expected dividends, the discount rate or the equity premium is one of the effects of the monetary policy on stocks1 Observers of Financial Markets have noted that an unexpected decrease in the federal funds rate target leads to a rapid and positive reaction in stock prices thus implying the effect of the Monetary Policy on Stock Markets. Research Methodology - Our research methodology includes secondary data indicating the effect of policies on stock markets. We shall also examine the behaviour of important macroeconomic and monetary policy variables during stock market booms which will lead us to understanding the effect of macroeconmic policies like the Monetary Policy on Stock markets. The effects of Monetary Policy on Stock Markets. Monetary Policy Tools that affect stock prices Discount Window Lendings - The Monetary Authority can directly change the size of money supply by using the Discount Window tool. By calling in existing loans or extending new loans, the money supply in the country is regulated. When the money supply is ample, investors look to investments and when money supply is low, invetments are diluted to increase liquidity. Thus Discount Window Lendings influences stock prices. Reserve Requirement - A certain reserve of their assets is meant to be held by the Central Banks which is for withdrawals and the remainder is normally invested in mortgages and loans. A change in the reserve... In this essay, the researcher aims tol ascertain the importance of the Monetary Policy and its effect on the stock markets. Despite claims that monetary policy should not affect stocks, there is evidence that the policy can affect real stock prices in the short run and also an opinion that the nature of the monetary policy regime can affect the performance of asset markets over longer horizons. The research methodology includes secondary data indicating the effect of policies on stock markets. The researcher also examines the behaviour of important macroeconomic and monetary policy variables during stock market booms, which lead to understanding the effect of macroeconmic policies like the Monetary Policy on Stock markets. The researcher then concluds that early effects of the monetary policy can be observed when asset prices tend to focus on the impact of changes in liquidity on the demand for various assets that compromise the portfolio of the Private Sector. Extended periods of ra pidly appreciating equity housing and other asset prices in the United States and elsewhere since the mid 1990s have increased attention towards the effects of monetary policy on asset markets. The researcher also can conclude, that 20th century stock market booms typically were associated with the business cycle arising, when output growth was above average and ended as output growth slowed showing the effect of economic policies which affect stock markets and the stock markets globally are affected by Monetary Policy.

Marketing management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Marketing management - Essay Example This essay discusses that the dairy products can come under promotion and advertisement by accentuating the customers towards the appetizing and delicious taste of the products. By, drawing the attention of the customers towards the nutritional values of the dairy products that express the advantages of consuming such products can also be another eminent way to catch the customers’ interest. Another dominant method that can take away the customers’ concentration is to lay emphasis on the unique selling point of the products.The marketing and promotion budget would come under distribution in portions that include print media that is newspapers and billboards, electronic media that include television and internet. The marketing of the product line would be high at the initial level of the launching in order to create mass awareness amongst the local residents.Since the smallholders have taken the market share with their cheap and low-quality dairy products, therefore, the DANONE needs to increase their marketing budget from the standard share allocated for the marketing purpose. This is important in order to support their sales of their premium dairy products.DANONE Company needs to allocate a higher percentage of the marketing budget from the overall budget as they are new entrants into the market of East Africa and customer awareness and loyalty would require huge marketing budgets. The marketing budget would incorporate a comprehensive market research study that can determine the facets of customers, suppliers, target customers.... Background Information The records and evidences provide with information that Ethiopia has been in the top ratings in livestock keeping with considerable amount of cattle in Africa and in the world as well. The livestock has been a leading and chief source of livelihood for quite a few households in several parts of Africa. In addition, extensive research studies suggest that agriculture is the key prominence aspect or the backbone of the Ethiopian economy. The agricultural sector significantly contributes to the GDP and exports of the country (Tesema, pp. 9-10, 2006). Furthermore, abundance of natural and organic resources is another key point of emphasis for Ethiopia and Africa on a broad spectrum. The dramatic increase in the buying population in Africa in general for the last few decades is an additional factor of consideration for setting up a new company, especially in the dairy product industry. The economic growth in the recent years in connection with the technological tran sfers makes Africa, one of the potential prospects largely for launching a new dairy product or line of products (Sanginga, & Woomer, pp. 3-6). Although Ethiopia comes under consideration for having a sufficient population of livestock, yet the overall productivity of livestock sector in Africa still exhibits to be very low with a small fraction of contribution to the overall GDP and the local inhabitants dominates the cattle population. It has also come under consideration that a big proportion of the annual production of milk does not come under advertisement or promotional activities, rather only the small amount of milk consumed comes under marketing (Sanginga, & Woomer, pp. 3-6). However, it has come under witness that government has put up their efforts for the improvement and

Personal and Organizational Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personal and Organizational Ethics - Essay Example Therefore utilitarianism in developing morals seeks to develop an account of moral evaluation and moral direction that expands it. Ferrell & Fraedrich (2010) argues that relativism perspective indicates that ethical behavior is derived from the experiences of individual groups and individuals. Therefore, relativists view themselves or the people around their areas, as their basis for defining ethical standards. These are the guiding principles behind developing morals and ethics that form the personal ethics, which have to be exercised on a personal basis and have to be exhibited in private and in any organization. Personal Morals and ethics Largely, my personal values are more shaped by having a good interaction with others. The values that I hold include viewing each and every one as important and having a purpose either in private life or in the organization. Through these values, I have learned to listen to others with keen interests and offer due diligence to their perspectives. Each and every one has a point of view that can be important, and which if followed would offer a better understanding or aid in performing better in a certain perspective. Through these values, I have managed to relate well with others, and earn respect, honor and many leadership positions that I have excellently found myself in. These have put me in a better place to lead a larger setting such as an organization. Through these values, I have always developed an elaborate code of ethics that have aided in achieving good relations with people. As argued above, the principle of utilitarianism requires that one has to increase the good of action to others or promote the benefit that a certain action has to present. This in addition indicates that we have to abide within strong professional and individual ethics that are related. Velasquez (2008) argues that ethics are the rules in which one has to operate. It is through morals that are derived in my values that the rules of action in ethics are derived and have enabled me to cope harmoniously both on private platform and in an organization setting. Ethics are based on morals in that as Velasquez (2008) argues morals are standards of individual that regard what is good or bad , and in the principle of utilitarianism, a good act has to be advocated, leading to being morally upright and hence ethical in practice. The personal mission is always to act ethically and uphold my esteem in private and in an organization level and value the importance and purpose of others whom we have to have close contact in official and unofficial basis. The vision is to be helpful and create value to the lives of others in the organization through my strategic operations or interaction. This is the roadmap through which I have to achieve the overall growth and development on personal basis and in the organization. Organization’s mission statement The mission of the company is â€Å"to sustain commercial success as a global ma rketing company of branded casual apparel. We must balance goals of superior profitability and return on investment, leadership market positions and superior products and service. We will conduct our business this way and demonstrate leadership in satisfying our responsibilities to our communities and to society. Our work environment will be safe and productive and characterized by fair

B202 TMA01 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

B202 TMA01 - Essay Example It is applied when there is a new employee who takes a new position in an organization. This process involves a new worker being introduced to his or her managers, supervisors and colleagues. They are also shown new ways of doing things, new environment and the employment conditions to help them learn the job. For instance, at the workplace, one is introduced to the orientation on; the job requirements, office layout, local workplace issues or customs, health and safety information and the workstation. It also involves the use electronic mail and communication system, working conditions, processes and procedures. Apprenticeship is another training program where an agreement is established between a person (apprentice) who wishes to learn a skill and an employer who needs skilled employees. Apprenticeship is an industry -based learning system that involves combining the on-the -job experience with the theory learnt in the classroom. For example in an institution, apprenticeship for learners in a technical classroom may be a continuation from the secondary school system and then followed by successive years of on-the-job-training. When the apprentice completes the specified training period, a certificate of qualification is awarded. Shadowing is the type of training where individuals are given a chance to broaden their knowledge and understanding of a particular role that concerns their current department or other departments. In organizations for instance, it involves making observations on the day to day aspects of the roles, asking questions on various work practices and sharing of the best approaches that can improve on the performance of employees of an organization. Mentoring is the kind of developmental relationship whereby a person who has a long experience in a given field of study assists a person with less experience. At the workplace for instance, mentoring can take place in form of interacting face to face with persons that need constant help on how to carry out their activities. Coaching is a way through which a group of people are directed, instructed and trained with the aim of achieving a particular goal or the development of specific skills. For instance, when people are directed, it involves motivational speaking while training may involve the attending of workshops, seminars and supervised practice (Carter, and McMahon, 2005: 192). Job rotation is a situation whereby there is a lateral transfer of employees among the different positions and tasks within the workplace with the aim of acquiring different skills and responsibilities. In job rotation, the workers are given an opportunity to learn several different skills and perform those duties for a specific time period. In essence, job rotation enables individuals to gain some experience at the various phases in a business to expand their perspectives. For instance, at the senior management it may be done in readiness for a succession plan while at the lower management level job rotation may be done to ensure skill enhancement and also promotions. Tesco Supermarket It is a British supermarket with profits surpassing over billions of dollars. It has employees who are over 400,000 in number and the number of stores exceeds 3,720. It generally deals with foods, drinks, software, financial services, insurance, dental plans, electronics, clothing and internet services. Training at Tesco

A Teacher's Expectations of Students Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Teacher's Expectations of Students - Essay Example This is so that each student in a school will have goals that they should be obtaining in their learning each year. Without guidelines written in stone passed down from the state departments of education, there would be no map of direction for teachers to follow. When expectations are developed, whether true or not in reality, it can be perceived as being true. If these expectations are met, students experience a self-fulfillment prophecy (Stipek). In an average classroom, students on the first day of school will not only learn the name of their teacher, but they will be given a basic idea of what their classroom rules will be throughout the year or semester. Situations may arise and students may test their teachers patience with behavior but as long as guidelines for discipline are set in stone and every student is treated fairly, the students will learn to respect the unsaid expectations of the teacher. A teacher must enter his or her classroom that first day with a mapped out plan . With older students, a teacher might distribute a syllabus that describes the expectations and objectives of the class. However, with younger students, giving them a written out format like a syllabus may not be as useful because they may not be able to read it yet if they are very young or may not have the ability to interpret it well enough to make it apply to them personally. When a teacher expects a lot from his or her students, he or she has the ability to push them to learn. Through a teacher's own passion for learning and teaching, he or she can instill that same drive into the students' minds. When looking at students in grades fourth through sixth grades, this is a trying time to get the students to become more independent with their studies. They will be learning that they are in charge of completing their own assignments. It is also a crucial time when harder homework starts trickling in and the students begin to realize the importance of taking initiative to complete t heir assignments on time. In these grade levels, it is also still a time when it is normal to reward students for excellence by offering trinkets or other awards for a job well done. Students respond well to positive reinforcement. While they are not yet young adults and are not still young children, this age of students are in a transitional period. If a teacher rewards a student for a perfect score on a vocabulary test, it is evident that he or she is encouraging the students to push themselves to also receive perfect scores. This can then influence their academic achievements and improve their grades. This also gives them incentive to get a better grade next time. Sometimes teachers give their students materials that go beyond what other students their age are doing. If a fourth grader is given an eighth grade level book to read and write a report on, it is fulfilling because they are working with more advanced materials. This increases their mastery and productivity by exposing them to curriculum that is beyond regular achievement. Why reach for the clouds if you can touch the stars? If you dream it, you can become it. These are both statements that propose reaching for higher expectations. Students will achieve more if they are pushed to their boundaries and beyond. In the process, students will become brighter and more intelligent when exposed to curriculum that is above their grade level. Some expectations that would positively influence a student's achievements would be to

The human sexuality for women in Middle East Essay

The human sexuality for women in Middle East - Essay Example This partly explains the strong dominance of men over women in Islamic societies as a form of social hierarchical structure that needs to be maintained at all costs. Presently, there is considerable debate among both academics and religious scholars whether Islam has managed to keep pace with changes in modern life just the way Western civilization changed during the Renaissance period. Women in the Middle East lead lives controlled by men such as when they are can go outside of the house, whom to talk to, what to wear, what parts of the body should be covered and what topics they can discuss openly. There is considerable suppression of women’s rights in which women are viewed as chattels and not in control of their sexuality. They are not considered worthy to be in positions of political, economic or social power. There is great importance attached to female chastity and any doubts on it resolved through honor killing or the suspected women forced or pressured to commit honor suicides. When human sexuality is discussed within the context of the Middle East, it should always be viewed within the confines of religion, primarily either Islam or Hinduism. The two religions condition and define the sexual beliefs and practices of their faithful in this region. It is useful to bear in mind that certain basic cultural attitudes in the Middle East are primarily influenced by Islam which is the dominant religion in this part of the world. As such, it helps to explain a lot of things observed in the Middle East today such as a fatalistic view of life, a candid and realistic feeling about sex in general, the view that sexuality, pleasure, abstinence self-restraint and continence are matters of degree and personal taste. Additionally, women are viewed as inferior human beings that partly explain the debauchery, intolerance and cruelty observed in some Middle Eastern societies as

Ernest Gaines’s novel Essay Example for Free

Ernest Gaines’s novel Essay Education is widely defined as the act or process of imparting knowledge of skill. But the primary function of education is the eradication of ignorance. Ignorance is multi-layered. A social awareness can be a camouflage for spiritual ignorance. An erudite thinking can be used to mask philosophical ignorance. A teacher can learn hither to unknown aspects of his teaching through the very act of teaching. Because Ignorance is like the mythical beast who can grow ten heads for each head that is slain. Education is the sword that accomplishes the eradication of social, spiritual and philosophical ignorance – but only gradually and by continuous application to daily life. That precisely is a powerful underlying theme of Ernest Gaines’s novel â€Å"Lesson before Dying† Though looked at different perspectives by different characters of the novel, Education is the ultimate aim of most of them throughout the novel. Tante Lou looks at education as the necessary ability to die like a man, aware of his actions, his fate and the courage needed to face it head on – the education she wants her nephew Grant to impart to Jefferson, the convicted black. For Jefferson, who awaits the date for his execution, education is the ability to dispel the images of being non-human, the opinion which his lawyer fosters on him while using it as his defense. For Grant, education, as it reveals itself is to be able to relate to the needs and emotions of others, the ability to look beyond himself, and the ability to deal with his perennial running away from his past. For the black community of the Louisiana, the education that results from this incident is an increased awareness of their oppression, and the realization of a reality greater than their squalid living would allow them to contemplate – honor in the face of adversity. The setting for the quest of education is set in the initial chapters when the defense attorney uses the weirdest of arguments to plead the case of Jefferson. â€Å"This skull here holds no plans,† the defense attorney explains. â€Å"What you see here is a thing that acts on command. A thing to hold the handle of a plow, a thing to load your bales of cotton, a thing to dig your ditches, to chop your wood, to pull your corn. . . What justice would there be to take this life? Justice, gentlemen? Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair as this. † This sort of defense has its impact on two people. Jefferson internalizes the argument and starts believing that he is in fact a fool, a hog. While his god mother Emma is determined to ensure that Jefferson does not die in a way to justify his description in court but with the dignity of a man. She enlists the support of Grant Wiggins’s aunt Tante Lou. They come to Wiggins’s place to convince him to educate Jefferson on human dignity before he is executed. Wiggins anticipates and deeply resents this task. Initially Grant is highly reluctant to perform what is required of him. He sees himself as symbolic of all black men who are constantly under the pressure of their folks to be heroic, to perform feats that defy their limitations of ability and social status. He sees Emma’s and Tante Lo’s expectations out of him and Jefferson as a perennial cross that burdens all black men. At the same time he is consumed by guilt – of his reluctant to help Jefferson, his desire to run away from the demands of his society. Vivian, his girl friend tells him that though he does not acknowledge it, he loves his folks and that is the reason he keeps returning to the same roots and past that he so deeply resents. He is at the same time angry and afraid. He is himself consumed by serious doubts about the purpose and the method of his living and now is bewildered how he can teach somebody how to die when he himself does not know how to live. Slowly, Grant begins to understand the enormity and the importance of his task. He is required to transform Jefferson’s execution as an educating experience for a lot of groups of people. To Jefferson himself, he needs to educate the concepts of human dignity. To the blacks of his neighborhood, Jefferson’s death needs to be a spiritual education of revolt against suppression. To the whites, the oppressors, Jefferson’s death needs to be an education in Christian concept of martyrdom. He, the reluctant teacher, who always wanted to follow the advice of his teacher Professor Antoine and leave Bayonne for good (chapter 13), starts realizing the immediacy of his duties. Grant starts to warm to the task at hand. More than Jefferson, this experience gives him lessons on living. His girlfriend Vivian is a case in point. She teaches him the virtue of hope. She is afraid that their affair might become public knowledge leading her to lose custody of her children from the previous marriage. At the same time she has the courage to be led by her heart. She visits Grant at his place, they make love under the sky in a field. She allows herself to be questioned by Grant’s aunt about her religious affiliations. All these instances provide Grant with a counter point to his own world view. His girlfriend has a lot of problems to deal with But she never gives in to cynicism. She never gives up her religious beliefs but, when questioned, has the clarity of thought to say that she will give up her religious affiliation to be united with Grant. Throughout the novel she is a good sounding board to Grant’s rants of cynicism and is a constant source of an alternate point of view. This teaches Grant though very subtly, that his cynicism is a cloak to hide his fears. There builds an uneasy camaraderie at first between Grant and Jefferson. Gradually both men start feeling that the other is helping them deal with their predicament or their life in general. Grant gets Jefferson a radio and book to write his thoughts in. This book starts exerting all the pressure of being an educated and aware man in Jefferson. He confesses that he has never had to think so much in all his life. He had spent all his life doing hard menial labor, pandering to the whites and grinning. If it was meant to be different, he never knew it. This realization that he had the potential to become somebody else which he never actually had the opportunity of becoming makes Jefferson both sad and poignant at his life’s prospects. The change in the attitude of all his friends and the community as a whole is in itself an educating experience. This teaches Jefferson that though they might not have been overtly good to him before, his community identified itself with him and adored him as one of their own. His execution was not just an event of individual pain. His suffering was a point of reference for his family, his friends and his community. In regards to religion, Grant is an unbeliever. He loses faith when in college. But upon Reverend Ambrose’s insistence he does talk to Jefferson about religion. Grant is unable to accept a God who seems to accept and encourage the vast differences in man based entirely on his skin color. His overwhelming cynicism takes him away from religion for which Reverend Ambrose chastises him that he was â€Å"uneducated because he never learnt to care for others†. Though Grant does not regain his faith in organized religion, his mind starts looking for the mercy he wants out of a God who can correct the wrongs of his society. He so desperately wants to get his society to a better station, but feels so powerless to do anything. â€Å"I want you to show them the difference between what they think you are and what you can be. † This is Grant’s demand from Jefferson, and slowly Jefferson internalizes this demand and acquires a composure and dignity worthy of a highly educated man, somebody who is capable of viewing his life philosophically. By behaving with utmost dignity towards his white captors, the sheriff and people around him even the day prior to his execution, he provides valuable lessons in human decency to the bigoted community of whites. The night before his execution, Vivian comes to visit hm and her behavior towards the Jefferson is exemplary. She sets to rest Jefferson’s shame that he is ugly and unclean by kissing his face. This act of compassion helps boost the self-image of Jefferson and enables him to meet his destiny with great equanimity. â€Å"Good by mr wigin tell them im strong tell them im a man† – This entry in Jefferson’s notebook, with all its spelling mistakes is the ultimate grade given to Grant the teacher. He succeeds in making Jefferson an example of Christian charity and dignity. When Paul shaves Jefferson’s head, wrists and ankles before the execution, he calmly entrusts him with his book, his radio and presents him a marble. This act of compassion makes Jefferson the strongest man in the novel and makes Paul realize the gravity of education Grant could provide Jefferson in such a short while. That is the reason he feels proud to shake Grant’s hand in the last chapter of the novel. Martyrdom of an ignorant person which seems to light up the sense of hope of a large community is so replete with religious symbolism. At the same time it is a praiseful hymn to education, not as a system of teaching skills or imparting knowledge, but as a method of eradicating the darkness in its various forms from man’s heart – loss of hope, cynicism, self centeredness, bigotry. Education is also the method of erecting monuments for virtuous qualities in human heart after it has succeeded in eradicating the grossness of vilifying emotions- monuments of forgiveness, selflessness, sharing, and dignity in the face of death and danger. Lesson before Dying is about Lessons in Living. Works cited Gaines, Ernest J. A Lesson Before Dying: A Novel. Vancouver: Vintage Books, 1994.

Views on bullying in schools Essay Example for Free

Views on bullying in schools Essay a) Legal View The legal system rarely deals with cases of bullying though there are some laws that have been set up to fight against it. This is mainly because there are many cases of bullying that are not very serious. The legal system hence allows the school to deal with these small minor cases. Schools and the parents are given a chance to work together to come up with strategies that help prevent and stop it. It is important for the bullying cases to be handled quickly and efficiently before they bring more damages when they become too serious (Antibullying, n. d). This however does not eliminate the chances of legal action being used to stop the bullying. There are circumstances that call for legal intervention as a last resort due to the seriousness of the incident. The parents, victims and other bystanders have the responsibility to report the incident to the police. Legal action can also be carried out if the other methods that have been used to intervene by the parents and the teachers have failed. It is also encouraged when there is a possibility that the bullying will reduce once the case is reported. When the bullying also takes place outside the school compound, the parents and teachers together with the community can cooperate with the police to prevent and stop it. Bullying is treated as an offence that is against the law when it becomes too serious and the consequences are very damaging. It is seen to affect the rights of other individuals and their freedom. When it is carried out against other students on the basis of race and cultural differences it is termed as being racism (Antibullying, n. d). b) Parents, Teachers and School Administrators View Despite the seriousness of the matter, some views exist that portray the behavior of bullying as acceptable. Parents have been known to have views on bullying that encourage the practice even further especially if it is their child who is bullying others. Some parents hold the view that boys will be boys. This view tends to imply that physical bullying is an acceptable behavior and hence they encourage the children to be more aggressive and physically abuse other children. Research has proven that the aggressive behavior to bully is learnt and it is not a natural response (The National ALLIANCE for Parent Centers, 2003). Some other views that are used by parents include the view that words cannot hurt. This view is argued that even though the words do not leave any physical marks or bruises on the children they are able to leave emotional scars that are more damaging than the physical bruises and words. The words spoken tend to have long term consequences and effects on the victims as they affect the self esteem and confidence. Some bullies are able to learn this from an early age and they use this approach to intimidate other children (The National ALLIANCE for Parent Centers, 2003). Bullying by some parents is viewed as a natural part of childhood and they tend to dismiss their children when they disclose the fact that they are being bullied in schools (The National ALLIANCE for Parent Centers, 2003). Parents normally take up this view since the occurrence of bullying is so common hence it looks like a normal thing to occur to children when they are in school. The truth of the matter is that the aggression that is both physical and emotional should not be taken to be a normal part of childhood and action should be taken against it. Some parents are of the view that bullying is carried out to make the children become tougher. They hold the opinions that the more that the children are bullied the more they are able to toughen up and become strong emotionally and physically. The truth however is that bullying lowers their self esteem and makes them more afraid. It also lowers their self worth and affects their academic and social life even in their adulthood. Bullying is normally carried out with an intention to harm the victim and inflict a sense of power among the bullies (The National ALLIANCE for Parent Centers, 2003).

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Technology

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Technology Investigation on the physical layer technologies employed in the GSM System Absyarie Syafiq Bin Shahrin Abstract Basically in this paper, we intend to give a rundown on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) specifically on the technologies employed at the physical layer in the GSM system. The GSM system is a very interesting topic as it revolutionized the way we communicate and it is still being used till this day. It is actually the 2nd Generation (2G) wireless system as it uses digital instead of analog and it also deploys Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) that is implemented on multiple frequency subbands. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). GMSK modulation and demodulation technique will also be discussed together with how it works and what their advantages/disadvantages are. The problems with ISI (Intersymbol Interference) in GSM systems will also be addressed together with how to mitigate ISI using channel equalization. With that, we will also give a simple explanation on how speech coding is accomplished in GSM transceivers. Keywords: Gaussian Pulse, GMSK, ISI, channel equalizer, ISI equalizer, speech coding I. Introduction GSM is a standard developed by the ETSI (Europe Telecommunication Standards Institute) to describe the protocols of the 2nd Generation (2G) communication technology used by mobile networks and cell phones. It was first launched in Finland with a data speed of up to 64kbps. The GSM is given the term 2G because it is something completely new compared to the first generation (1G) with the usage of digital signal signals instead of analog. It was designed from scratch with no backward compatibility with the previous 1G technology. Using 124 channels per cell, it can accommodate up to 8 users by using a combination of TDMA and FDD scheme [1], though some of its channels are used for control signals. It also introduces the SIM (Subscriber identity module) card which allows for roaming calls. At first, it was only designed for operation in the 900 MHz band but later it was adapted for 1800Mhz. GSM is a very popular standard used today with over 90% market share, with availability in over 21 9 countries and territories worldwide. Originally the GSM was developed with the intention that it will replace the first generation analog networks by having digital, circuit-switched networks which are optimized for full-duplex voice telephony. However as time passes, the GSM system was further developed to include data communications by firstly having it on circuit-switched transport, and then changing it later to packet-switched transport via GPRS ( General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE ( Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) . In GSM, Gaussian pulse shaping is used and Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) as a modulation/demodulation technique with a modulation index of 0.5 [2]. This modulation method however gives rise to inter symbol interference. Inter Symbol Interference (ISI) in the GSM system are usually caused by two factors; Multipath propagation and Bandlimited channels. An ISI equalizer is used to solve this problem by implementing the Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation (MLSE) via vertibri algorithm. To make things easier to understand, Figure 1 is attached to relate how the GSM system can relate to the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model. We will however, focus more on the Physical Layer of the GSM system. Figure 1: How the GSM is realized in the famous OSI model [7]. Pulse Shaping In digital telecommunications systems, we strive to achieve broad spread spectrum with significant low-frequency content. This in return, requires a lowpass channel that has a bandwidth sufficient enough to accommodate the essential frequency content in the data stream. Gaussian function fits this requirement perfectly. The speciality of this waveshape is that, the pulses rise and small smoothly until it settles to a value [14]. This is a valuable asset as it gives a solution to problems such as precursors, overshoot and ringing in a pulse signal [14]. This problems cause uncertainty to the actual value so it is very troublesome. Besides that, it also addresses the two required needs of communication systems which are band-limited channels and reduced Inter-symbol interference (ISI) by applying a Gaussian filter symbol-by-symbol. It is nearly impossible to get the perfect sinc spectrum in the time domain as the bandwidth needs to be infinity. We can only have an approximation or near the same sinc spectrum. ISI can also still happen if control is not exercised over the pulse shaping. Figure 2: An impulse response of a Gaussian Filter [15] In GSM, we apply Gaussian filtering for Gaussian Filtering Minimum Shift keying (GMSK) a modulation technique. Basically it is similar as the Minimum Shift Keying (MSK) but the data stream must first go through pulse shaping via Gaussian filter before being applied to the modulator. MSK is already a good modulation scheme as it possess constant envelope and maintains phase continuity. GMSK allows for reduced sideband power which results in the reducing of out-of-band interference between the signal carriers in adjacent frequency channels. The GMSK technique has an advantage of being able to carry data while still maintaining an efficient usage of spectrum. The reduce power in the GMSK is very useful especially for mobile phones as lower battery consumption is needed for operation [16]. The drawback of GMSK is that, it requires more modulation memory in the system and causes ISI. We have two ways to generate GMSK modulation. The most basic way is to apply Gaussian filter on the input signal and then apply a frequency modulator with a modulation index of 0.5 [2] [16]. The problem with this method is that it must have an exact modulation index of 0.5. In the real world, this is impossible as component tolerance drift can vary[16]. Figure: Flow chart of GMSK modulation using a Gaussian filter and Voltage controlled oscillator The second method is more realistic and widely used. This GMSK method uses the Quadrature (I-Q) modulator. The operation starts by having the Gaussian filtered data separated into two parts, in-phase I and quadrature phase (Q). The I and Q components will then be mixed up to the frequency of the RF carrier to have a modulated RF signal. This kind of modulator can maintain 0.5 modulation index without having any modifications. The performance of this quadruple modulation depends on the accurate creation of I and Q components. For demodulation, this scheme can be used in reverse [16]. X – mixer or multiplier LO – Local oscillator Figure 3: Block diagram of I-Q modulator Inter symbol interference and channel equalization ISI in the GSM system is mainly caused by multipath propagation. Multipath propagation is a result when signals arrive at different times (delay) because it is does not travel in line of sight (LOS). In reality, connection will never be in LOS all the time so the signals will go through different paths by being reflected or refracted from different objects to reach the destination. When the signals travel through multiple paths, they will arrive at different times depending on the route they used. It is also possible for reflected signals to overlap with the subsequent signals [13]. This in addition, results in distortion to the received signals because all the signals have different delay. This situation happens either from mobile station to base station or vice versa. Since the delay spread is more than the symbol time, frequency selective fading occurs. Figure 4: An example of multipath propagation Figure 5: ISI as a result of multipath distortion [13] To combat the problem with multipath propagation, we use and ISI equalizer. This equalization technique is based on the MLSE which uses the Viterbi Algorithm [3] [10]. Figure below shows the block diagram of the ISI equalizer. Figure 6: Block diagram on how ISI equalizer is used in GSM environment When the base station or the mobile station transmits a TDMA burst, not all of is user data. Instead, 26 bits are allocated for the training sequence and they are known by their receivers (either mobile station or base station). Each of the known sequence bits unique for a certain transmitter is unique for a certain transmitter and this sequence bits is also repeated in every transmission burst. The figure below shows the normal burst structure in the GSM burst. Figure 7: GSM Normal Burst Structure A channel estimator is needed because to perform MLSE, we require information on the CIR (Channel Impulse Response). The channel estimator will estimate the CIR for each of the bursts by comparing the transmitted bits with the received signal to produce he(t) [10]. Channel estimation in GSM uses Linear MMSE (Minimum mean square error) [11]. Since the match filter is in time domain, r(t) will be convoluted with the signal obtained from the channel estimation, he(t) to create a model signal Y(t). The output model signal obtained can then be used to estimate the transmitted bits based on the bits received by performing MLSE. The last process uses Viterbi Algorithm hence the process, Viterbi equalisation [2] [9]. Speech coding in GSM transceivers Speech is originally analog in nature and GSM is a digital system. In order to use the speech information, we need to run to a series of process known as speech processing. Figure shows how the speech processing is done in a GSM system. In speech coding, the GSM system has used a variety of ways to fit in 3.1 kHz audio into between 6.5 and 13 kbit/s. The first two codecs used was called Half Rate (5.8 kbit/s) and Full rate (13 kbit/s) [4]. Both of this codecs use LPC (Linear Prediction Function) where voice signals need to be digitized, and secured using encryption over a narrow voice channel. As time passes, the GSM system was further developed to use the Enhanced Full Rate (EFR) codec which is a 12.2 kbit/s codec and it uses a full-rate channel. Figure 8: Flow-diagram on GSM speech processing [8] Full rate speech coder is actually part of the Regular Pulse Excitation – Long Term Prediction (RPE-LTP) coders [4]. Firstly the speech encoder will take an input of 13 bit uniform PCM signal from either the audio part of the mobile station (MS) or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) side by using 8 bit/A-law to 13 bit uniform PCM conversion. The encoded speech is then delivered to the channel coding function which will then produce an encoded block having 456 bits with a gross bit rate of 22.8 kbps [4] [5]. The remaining 9.8 kbps is used for error protection purposes. The reverse action is performed for decoding. When encoding, 160 frames in 1 sample is encoded to a block of 260 bits with a sampling rate of 8000 samples/s, hence the bitrate of 13kbps [5]. On the decoding part, 260 bits of encoded blocks is mapped back to the 160 frames output reconstructed speech sample. EFR (Enhanced Full Rate) is a newer version of the speech codec which uses ACELP (Algebraic Code Excited Linear Prediction) algorithm. The motivation for this development is because of the mediocre / poor quality of the GSM-Full Rate codec. This codec is a step-up from the previous FR because it provides speech quality equivalent or close to wireline telephony which uses 32 kbps ADPCM (Adaptive Pulse Code Modulation) [6]. This codec can provide wireline quality in both error and error-free conditions [6]. EFR which is also a form of traffic channel is bi-directional and can transmit both speech and data [9]. Figure 9: shows how error correction is done at layer 1 of the GSM air interface Conclusion All in all, this paper has helped me to better understand the GSM system and how it works in the physical layer. GSM has many sources including but not limited to, books, journals, application notes, lecture notes, documentation as well as survey papers. After reading from various sources, I learned to read efficiently and think critically as the papers written are quite hard and requires a meticulous reading to thoroughly understand what is being presented. I acquired basic research and development (RD) skills and technical writing skills after almost a month of heavy reading and research. How the physical layer in the GSM system works is also understood. The acquired signal must first be shaped through a Gaussian filter in the GMSK modulator. The Quadruple modulator scheme is used as it does not require modifications to maintain 0.5 modulation index. ISI in the GSM are mostly caused by multipath propagations in which gives frequency selective fading. Frequency selective fading happ ens when the delay time is spread because symbols arrive at different times. To address the problems with ISI, we need to have an ISI equalizer. ISI equalizer consists of many components such as match filter and MLSE by Viterbi algorithm. I also learned that we have two speech coding options; full rate speech coder and EFR. All this components are essential when building a GSM system. References [1] Guifen Gu, Guili Peng â€Å"The Survey of GSM Wireless Communication System† International Conference on Computer and Information Application (ICCIA) , 2010 [2] B. Baggini, L. Coppero, G. Gazzoli, L. Sforzini, F. Maloberti, G. Palmisano â€Å"Integrated Digital Modulator and Analog Front-End for GSM Digital Cellular Mobile Radio System, Proc. IEEE 1991 CICC vol. 31, pp.7.6.1{4, Mar. 1991. [3] M. Drutarovskà ½, â€Å"GSM Channel Equalization Algorithm – Modern DSP Coprocessor Approarch† Radioengineering Vol. 8, No 4, December 1999. [4] Besacier, L.; Grassi, S.; Dufaux, A; Ansorge, M.; Pellandini, F., GSM speech coding and speaker recognition,Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, 2000. ICASSP 00. Proceedings. 2000 IEEE International Conference on, vol.2, no., pp.II1085,II1088 vol.2, 2000 [5] www.etsi.org, â€Å"European digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 1); Speech Processing Functions; General Description (GSM 06.01)†, GTS 06.01 version 3.0.0, January 1991. [6] Jarvinen, K.; Vainio, J.; Kapanen, P.; Honkanen, T.; Haavisto, P.; Salami, R.; Laflamme, C.; Adoul, J.-P., GSM enhanced full rate speech codec, Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, 1997. ICASSP-97., 1997 IEEE International Conference on , vol.2, no., pp.771,774 vol.2, 21-24 Apr 1997 [7] â€Å"Fundamentals: Signalling at the Air-Interface† Rohde and Schwartz Training Center v1.0 [8] http://www.rfwireless-world.com/Tutorials/gsm-speech-processing.html [9] â€Å"GSM Air Interface Network Planning† Training Document, Nokia Networks Oy, Finland, Jan 2002 [10] Vipin Pathak,â€Å"MLSE BASED EQUALIZATION AND FADING CHANNEL MODELING FOR GSM† (Hughes Software systems, Delhi), pp. 100-104, 2003 [11] Manoj Bapat, Dov Levenglick, and Odi Dahan, â€Å"GSM Channel Equalization, Decoding, and SOVA on the MSC8126 Viterbi Coprocessor (VCOP)† Freescale Semiconductor Application Note, Rev.0, 2005 [12] Baltersee, J.; Fock, G.; Meyr, H.; Yiin, L., Linear MMSE channel estimation for GSM, Global Telecommunications Conference, 1999. GLOBECOM 99 , vol.5, no., pp.2523,2527 vol.5, 1999 [13] Kang, A. S., and Vishal Sharma. Pulse Shape Filtering in Wireless Communication-A Critical Analysis. Pulse 2, no. 3 (2011). [14] James R. Andrews, â€Å"Low-Pass Risetime Filters for Time Domain Applications†, Picosecond Pulse Labs, Application Note AN-7a, March 1999. [15] http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3876/en/ [16] http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/rf-technology-design/pm-phase-modulation/what-is-gmsk-gaussian-minimum-shift-keying-tutorial.php [17] Fred Kostedt, James C. Kemerling, â€Å"Practical GMSK Data Transmission†, MX.com, INC, Application Note GMSK, 1998.

Fossil Fuels Effects on the Environment :: Environment Ecology Ecological Impact Essays

Our world as it stands today is a truly magnificent place, amazing technological advances have been made over the years that have helped form a truly advanced place. However in order to achieve these technical advancements we need power. Many years ago the only power we needed or used was the power created with our own bodies, but as our society grew both larger and more intelligent we had to turn to other sources- the most obvious of those sources being fossil fuels. These almost â€Å"magical† resource including coal, natural gas, and petroleum, from millions of years ago, seemed the perfect solution to all our energy needs. Unfortunately we now realize that these resources have a very strong impact on the environment in the form of conventional pollution, and what could be even more severe greenhouse effect. There is a severe environmental impact in all stages of fossil fuel use including: recovery, transportation, preparation/ refining, and storage- not only the end use(the actual combustion) that most people think of. When recovering coal from the earth there are three major issues: The destruction of topsoil, acidic water runoff, and land subsidies. Some recovery issues with petroleum include drilling on land and offshore, gushers, and accidents. The transportation of fossil fuels can be a very risky proposition, with risk of oil pollution of the seas and accidents during routine operations. Petroleum transportation was brought to the forefront with the Exxon Valdez accident. The preparation/refining stage can produce sludge from coal cleaning plants and air/water pollution from petroleum refining. The storage of gasoline in underground tanks at your local gas station can be risky because those tanks have been known to leak. Almost all fossil fuel use is by combustion, the final stage of of fossil fuel. It produces waste products due to impurities in the fuel, especially particulates and various gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These waste products may affect our environment and people, in harmful ways (â€Å"By† ). These oxides created during combustion combine with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, and nitric acid. When it rains or snows, these acids are brought to Earth in what is called acid rain (Britannica ). Fossil Fuels' Effects on the Environment :: Environment Ecology Ecological Impact Essays Our world as it stands today is a truly magnificent place, amazing technological advances have been made over the years that have helped form a truly advanced place. However in order to achieve these technical advancements we need power. Many years ago the only power we needed or used was the power created with our own bodies, but as our society grew both larger and more intelligent we had to turn to other sources- the most obvious of those sources being fossil fuels. These almost â€Å"magical† resource including coal, natural gas, and petroleum, from millions of years ago, seemed the perfect solution to all our energy needs. Unfortunately we now realize that these resources have a very strong impact on the environment in the form of conventional pollution, and what could be even more severe greenhouse effect. There is a severe environmental impact in all stages of fossil fuel use including: recovery, transportation, preparation/ refining, and storage- not only the end use(the actual combustion) that most people think of. When recovering coal from the earth there are three major issues: The destruction of topsoil, acidic water runoff, and land subsidies. Some recovery issues with petroleum include drilling on land and offshore, gushers, and accidents. The transportation of fossil fuels can be a very risky proposition, with risk of oil pollution of the seas and accidents during routine operations. Petroleum transportation was brought to the forefront with the Exxon Valdez accident. The preparation/refining stage can produce sludge from coal cleaning plants and air/water pollution from petroleum refining. The storage of gasoline in underground tanks at your local gas station can be risky because those tanks have been known to leak. Almost all fossil fuel use is by combustion, the final stage of of fossil fuel. It produces waste products due to impurities in the fuel, especially particulates and various gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These waste products may affect our environment and people, in harmful ways (â€Å"By† ). These oxides created during combustion combine with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, and nitric acid. When it rains or snows, these acids are brought to Earth in what is called acid rain (Britannica ).

all quiet on the western front :: essays research papers

What was going through Remarque’s mind? Paul is caught in WWI fighting to prove his loyalty to his country. Amidst the war, he struggles to find meaning in the new image he has become. In the beginning, their teacher persuades everyone in the class to enlist in the military to fight the glorious war. Thinking this is an honourable idea; everyone joins even those who secretly fear the battlefield. However, they are forced into volunteering. Not enlisting is like turning their back on their own country. To the teachers, schoolmasters, and older men, going to war is the best thing a man could do for his country. In reality, Paul and his friends do not want to kill or be killed. After Behm became Paul's first dead schoolmate, Paul viewed the older generation bitterly, particularly Kantorek, the teacher who convinced Paul and his classmates to join the military, feeling alone and betrayed in the world that they had left for him. Paul's generation felt empty and isolated from the rest of the world due to the fact that they had never truly established any part of themselves in civilian life. In the story, Paul tells us that all the older soldiers are stilled linked to their present lives. These older soldiers have wives, children, jobs and interests to come back to. According to Baumer, all the younger soldiers have to come back to is their parents and maybe a girlfriend. The young soldiers have no jobs and no idea on what life beyond the war will be like for them. All the young soldiers know how to do is fight in the war. And that is what they do till they are injured, or killed. This war has totally ruined the lives of Baumer, his friends, and all the young G erman soldiers who fought in this war. At boot camp, Himmelstoss abused Paul and his friends, yet the harassment only brought them closer together and developed a strong spirit amongst them. After a battle Paul was given leave and returned home only to find himself very distant from his family as a result of the war. He left in agony knowing that his youth was lost forever. Before returning to his unit, Paul spent a little while at a military camp where he viewed a Russian prisoner of war camp with severe starvation problems and again questioned the values that he had grown up with, compared to the values while fighting the war.

Black Reparation: Social Justice through the visibility of the Black na

In American history, the people of color narrative have historically been invisible; the dominant discourse of American society has been predominantly white with Eurocentric emphasis. Thus, we see the silencing of the narrative of minority groups in American history. In his literature The Price of Reconciliation, Ronald Walters argues for a Black political agenda that includes reparations; he believes that the legacy of slavery has produced a domino effect that produces the oppression of Blacks till this day. Conservatives on the other hand disagree with Walter’s argument; they believe that reparation is unnecessary because America is now fair to Blacks. Furthermore, conservatives believe that Blacks should move on since slavery happened a long time ago. In order to understand Walter’s argument we must understand his claim that Blacks still suffer from the legacy of slavery. In addition, we must analyze his argument for Black reparation. To comprehend the impact of rep aration we must assess the effects of it in the Black community; thus we must analyze how reparation can both aid and hurt the Black community. By taking these steps, we look at the arguments about reparation with a critical eye. To understand Walter’s claim for reparation we must first understand his view on the effects of the legacy of slavery and its cascading effect on current Black oppression. According to Walters, slavery was a means of legitimizing Black subordination. He states that, â€Å"whites had to pretend that they [Blacks] were subhuman species unworthy to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of free citizens in a free society (Walters, 84).† By the legitimization of slavery, whites are able to label Blacks as inferior creates undeserving of similar... ...ack reparation. Walter provides a viable justification for Black reparation. He believe that through the passage of Black reparation, the Black voice will finally be visible in American society. However, white conservative contest the idea of Black reparation as â€Å"opening up old wounds†; thus they advocate for the idea of â€Å"moving on.† In order to fully help the Black community, a viable alternative form of Black reparation must be achieved. Aiding Blacks with educational opportunities seems the most viable not because blacks are intellectually inferior but rather the education system in America is systematically racists; thus, it obstruct the success of many Blacks. As Walter suggest, reparation to Black should occur because it is the social responsibility of America to rectify its wrongdoing; thus with this argument, reparation becomes a form of social justice.

Charge of the Light Brigade Analysis Essay

Charge of the Light Brigade Mini-analysis The poem, Charge of the Light Brigade, has quite a complex rhyming scheme which can make the poem difficult to understand at first. I think that he may have designed it this way to instil a feeling of victory and valour at the end of the poem. I would argue that this, along with other literary techniques, shows that Tennyson was successful in glorifying the Charge of the Light Brigade in his poem. As I mentioned before, the rhyming scheme is an integral part of the poem. The rhyming varies for each stanza, which at first seems like a large fault of the poem. The length of each stanza lengthens as the poem goes on, perhaps trying to simulate how the battle escalated. This pattern continues on until the last stanza where the number of lines is significantly reduced. This indicates the resolution of the poem. For the first verse, Tennyson utilizes an ABA pattern for the first half. â€Å"Half a league, half a league, half a league onward. †A large part of the poem is the repetition. This repetition of certain phrases creates a rhythm not unlike the galloping of horse’s hooves on the ground. This creates a feeling of verisimilitude and provides an authentic experience for the reader. The repeated phrase, â€Å"Cannon to the right of them/Cannon to the left of them/Cannon in front of them. † suggests that they were surrounded by enemies on all sides. The sentence also suggests the large imbalance of numbers on the British side compared to the Russians. This emphasises the victory at the end of the poem. While Tennyson tried hard to glorify the Charge of the Light Brigade, he also attempted to express the large amount of casualties as well. Tennyson utilized metaphor and allusion to acknowledge the amount of death on the field without being overly graphic in his description. He used the phrase, â€Å"Into the jaws of Death/Into the mouth of Hell† repeatedly to further his point. In my opinion, Tennyson accurately portrayed and glorified the Charge of the Light Brigade in his poem, using a variety of literary techniques.