The film jaws Essay Example For Students

The film jaws Essay In this essay i intend to discuss and analyse the techniques used to create tension in the film Jaws. Jaws has had a great influence on films today , films such as Deep blue sea and the sequels of Jaws , all blended into the idea of a monstrous sea creature reaping havock on a small town idea. However Jaws was very much influenced itself by the book Moby Dick , which also talks about a man getting revendge on a shark for taking something loved from him. Jaws is part of the horror/thriller genre, and its general conventions , freaky music and dark, stormy settings. We will write a custom essay on The film jaws specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will see how these conventions could build up tension in the film. In attack two the camera techniques are used very carefully to create a significant amount of tension in the film. Towards the beginning of the scene, the camera uses tracking to follow the young boy run up the beach to his mother, this focuss just on him, immediatly showing us that he will be the child to get killed, but we dont know when. There is then a midshot of the boy asking his mother for 10 minuetes longer in the water, this shows the relationship between mother and son, which will underline the tragedy of the boys death. The camera then takes a closeup of brody watching the water , the closeup on his face shows hes tense and anticipating somethings going to happen. A dog then runs into the water , they use a tracking shot of the dog to show the peace has been distruped, anticipating the sharks presence. There is then a close up of the dog swimming with his stick, this is a happy moment which acts as a sence of relief. The next closeup of the boy on his lilo, shows us his vunerability, another thing to make us think he is the one to be killed. A midshot of brody watching the water then shows hes aware of the shark but not positive of its presence, his anxiety makes the viewer just as nervous as he is. There is next a long shot of a woman int he water screaming, this immediatly makes us tense we think somethings happened to the woman, but shes fine, this acts as short relief. There are then two different feelings captured by a tracking shot , there is a contrast between the boys peaceful singing and the man franticly calling his dog build up the tension, show us the mood of the beach. Suddenly there is a close-up of legs under water, shows us the shark is watching and moving in, focusing on its victim. The attack is getting very close, the young boy has no idea. The attack is then seen in the distance using a long shot, this is an overview of the of the action, we still cant see the shark properly , making our imaginations build up tension , in thereselves. A close up is used on brody, making us feel his emotions of terror, realisation. The general panic of the beach is then captured by jump shots , showing us the confusion and panic, making our hearts race. A mid-shot then follows the lilo washing up on the shore , brings back the calm , but the blood red lilo reveals to us that it was alex who was attacked. Making us then feel for his mother. All these shots and techniques in this attack show how the camera angles build up alot of tension in not just this scene but in the hole film. Another key technique of building up tension in the film , is the music. The biggest tension builder in the film must be the crescendo, which is the piece of music that plays just before every attack, the music tells us the shark has spotted its victim and builds up, mor and more until the attack has finished. The contrast of music and the horrors of the scene espcially helps build tension in attacks one and two. The contrasts between the nice calm , peaceful, funfilled music on the beach with the horror of the attack show us what was there before the tragedy, and what it just killed . .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 , .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .postImageUrl , .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 , .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84:hover , .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84:visited , .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84:active { border:0!important; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84:active , .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84 .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub81b551a504d1aedda958d1dc28a5c84:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Human Emotion in Equilibrium EssayMusic is truelly the ruler of our emotions, therefore tense music like crescendos make use tence also, whereas calm music makes us feel relieved and safe. Therefore if the two are contrasted together it makes us jump from one to the next, building great tension. The character representation in Jaws is also used as a means to create tension. The stereopical white male heroes in the film help create tension in the film because of there contrasting personalitys. Quint is very experienced at sea however hopper is wrecksless and eager , posh little colledge boy. Whereas Brodys very nervous and unsure. People with these contrasting personalitys wouldnt get along in a normal situation, but just imagine the atmosphere when they were stuck on a tiny boat in the middle of the ocean under threat of being attacked by a great white shark. They had to bite there tongues and get along, this situation in the scene makes the atmosphere very tense. Through the film the shark is gradually revealed to us , but why dont we see the whole shark straight away? Our imaginations are the answer, if we dont see much of the shark it lets out imaginations run wild, the shark could be as big and hidious as we want them to be, Imagination being more powerful than reality, like when you lie in bed at night, for example, and you here creeking noices above you, your imagination starts and you imagine it to be a ghost or a murder getting ready to kill your family, when in reality its just a rat or the wind. Another very small but significant way of creating tension used in Jaws is the use of signs and codes. The fire on the beach fore instance builds tension without us knowing because red is a code for danger, the music is also a big code for danger, lets us know when something bad is going to happen. The narrative structure of Jaws also helps to build tension. The moments of tramatic relief help make the tense parts more tense. If the film was tense all the way through it would become a bore, we wouldnt jump anymore, therefore the narrative structure has been carefully planned to make the tense parts extremly tense, without this strategy the film wouldnt be as tense and shocking as it is today. Throughout Jaws there are many things that have been carefully grafted to make the film as tense as possible and a success. The use of music, camera angles, the contrast between the characters representations, the signs and codes, and the narrative structure of the film have all been blended together to make an equilibrium of tension. Without anyone of these things the film wouldnt be nearly as tense, its the small things that count in life.

Free Essays on Teenage Alcoholism

Teenage Alcoholism Are today’s teenagers drinking more than their parents did 20 or 30 years ago? Are there reasons for drinking any different? Is teenage drinking, a problem that has suddenly spiralled out of control? Teenage alcoholism is a significant problem in contemporary culture that concerns me. For this reason, I am going to discuss some of the leading questions that were questioned commonly among New Zealanders. What are the effects of alcohol in the body? What are the causes of teenage alcoholism? What are the problems of teenage alcoholism in New Zealand? What are the possible preventive measures and treatments for alcoholics? There is a tendency in New Zealand to discuss the bad effects of alcohol use, largely in terms of its health hazards. Mitchel R. Hayley, author of the book "Teen Alcoholism", suggests that alcoholism is a chronic usually progressive disease that includes both a psychological and a physical addiction to alcohol. Alcohol is a mood- altering substance; when we drink it enters our brain and affects the chemicals there, and this changes the way we feel and the way we respond on the amount that we drink, and the state of mind we are in. Alcohol is also an intoxicating substance; this means that if we drink to excess it becomes toxic or poisonous to us. Gradually with more alcohol, our brain activity becomes more depressed and our lead of consciousness is reduced. Consequences of alcohol addiction can cause damage to every organ system of a patient’s life. It will cause liver disease (Cirrhosis), pancreatic disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, neurological diso rders and reproductive system disorders. (Source: â€Å"Teen Alcoholism†) These are clearly depicted in the figure below. Teenagers pass through a time of turbulence. Intense pressures to perform and succeed are felt by many youths, according to the book "Alcoh... Free Essays on Teenage Alcoholism Free Essays on Teenage Alcoholism Teenage Alcoholism Are today’s teenagers drinking more than their parents did 20 or 30 years ago? Are there reasons for drinking any different? Is teenage drinking, a problem that has suddenly spiralled out of control? Teenage alcoholism is a significant problem in contemporary culture that concerns me. For this reason, I am going to discuss some of the leading questions that were questioned commonly among New Zealanders. What are the effects of alcohol in the body? What are the causes of teenage alcoholism? What are the problems of teenage alcoholism in New Zealand? What are the possible preventive measures and treatments for alcoholics? There is a tendency in New Zealand to discuss the bad effects of alcohol use, largely in terms of its health hazards. Mitchel R. Hayley, author of the book "Teen Alcoholism", suggests that alcoholism is a chronic usually progressive disease that includes both a psychological and a physical addiction to alcohol. Alcohol is a mood- altering substance; when we drink it enters our brain and affects the chemicals there, and this changes the way we feel and the way we respond on the amount that we drink, and the state of mind we are in. Alcohol is also an intoxicating substance; this means that if we drink to excess it becomes toxic or poisonous to us. Gradually with more alcohol, our brain activity becomes more depressed and our lead of consciousness is reduced. Consequences of alcohol addiction can cause damage to every organ system of a patient’s life. It will cause liver disease (Cirrhosis), pancreatic disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, neurological diso rders and reproductive system disorders. (Source: â€Å"Teen Alcoholism†) These are clearly depicted in the figure below. Teenagers pass through a time of turbulence. Intense pressures to perform and succeed are felt by many youths, according to the book "Alcoh...

Can you follow the reasoning of the Fine Tuning Argument Are you Essay

Can you follow the reasoning of the Fine Tuning Argument Are you convinced by it's reasoning and it's response to many universes hypotheses Why or why not - Essay Example Everyday science is discovering new things, so it would be inadequate to conclude that God is omnipotent. This is a response to the reasoning and responses to the universe hypotheses of the fine tuning argument (Collins, 3) I am not convinced by the general principle reasoning. It formulates the fine tuning argument against the ‘atheistic Single-universe’ hypothesis. It uses the prime principle of confirmation. The confirmation principle states that for two hypotheses H1 and H2. Something counts as evidence for hypotheses rather than another that is when is truer under a certain hypothesis than another (Collins, 8). Therefore in probability, the greater the difference, the greater the probability of counting as evidence. The examples offered in the principle of confirmation are, firstly, find rocks. Whereby if you find rocks in the mountain errand Saying ‘welcome to mountains’ there is a great probability that it is your brother who wrote it rather than chance. Secondly, a defendants fingerprints found on a murder weapon would more probably suggest that he is the murderer. I do not agree to the application of the principles that relies on the fact that that the universe has th e fine-tuned life factors being more probable under the theism hypothesis. The belief that the universe along with the essential life factor is an inexplicable brute fact (Collins, 18). The principle questions whether there are other universes. If there are, then one of the universes has to be fine tuned. It happens that the only fine-tuned universe could be ours because the other does not support an intelligent life. I am not convinced by the response to many universes hypothesis because it describes the universe as large or perhaps infinite thus it differs with the fundamental physical parameters. I agree that the majority of the universes do not support life-permitting values only a one. Its hard to understand the existence of improbable universe such

The Concepts of Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium Research Paper

The Concepts of Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium - Research Paper Example Concepts of Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium: The concept of phyletic gradualism was developed by Charles Darwin and supports the fact that the evolutionary process and speciation occurred gradually. On the other hand, the concept of punctuated equilibrium supports the fact that the process of evolution had been a rapid process and this concept was suggested by the naturalists, N. Eldredge and S.J. Gould. Although both the techniques tend to involve similar mechanisms of allopatric, parapatric, and sympatric speciation, yet the difference occurs in the rates of changes that have been suggested by the theorists. It is still a continuing study that might be able to determine which model had actually supported the evolutionary process. It has been realized that complete records of fossils would be able to assist such a study. According to the punctuated equilibrium theory, modifications occurred in the evolutionary process in smaller levels and were separated over longer p eriods of time. It was termed as punctuated equilibrium as it reflected â€Å"periods of stasis punctuated by rapid evolutionary change† (Shukla, 2009, pp.28-29). Thus the two theories represent two different concepts regarding the process of evolution. ... Based on this concept it could be obtained that if new species were developing in an allotropical manner and in small secluded levels, it could be suggested that speciation might have occurred. Before this new species leaves fossils record in the location of its antecedent, it could be observed that they had fully developed. Such transitions would not be recorded at the concerned location since the fossils would remain incomplete indicating the occurrence of an evolution. The concept of stabilizing selection was used to explain stasis as obtained through the fossil records (Ridley, 2004, p.599). Processes of Rapid Evolution: Two processes that can explain the production of rapid evolution are the processes of polyploidy and RNA Recoding. Polyploidy in the botanical environment provides the mechanism that proves that evolution can occur in a rapid manner thus leading to speciation in a single generation. Allopolyploidy is another related process that represents similar possibility of speciation within a particular generation. With the passage of time, this process has also proved its significance in the animal kingdom as well as among the insects proving rapid evolution. RNA Recoding is the other process that involves the ribosomes influencing the synthesis of proteins in the body that created rapid speciation in the process of evolution (Corey, 1994, pp.283-285). As described by the supporters of punctuated equilibrium, it can be understood that the change from one evolution to another leads to the periods of rapid speciation to be followed by periods of relative stasis. The primary factors responsible in the process reflect the â€Å"macroevolutionary forces of change† present in the evolutionary society on earth (Prentiss,

International Business. Marketing policies Essay

International Business. Marketing policies - Essay Example This paper focuses on the International marketing mix for the number one bank in the Netherlands called ABN AMRO. The paper is divided into two sections. The first section speaks about the essential components in a marketing mix and then goes on to compare and contrast the differences in a domestic marketing campaign with that of an international marketing campaign. The second part of the paper focuses on ABN AMRO launching itself and its credit card campaign to be more specific into the growing markets of India. As the international marketing manager in charge of this venture, I focus on the areas and topics which we research, analyse and finally decide upon before venturing into the Indian market. This write up is simple yet interesting, focussing on the differences one has to consider in launching an international campaign from that of a domestic one, and the careful planning and research that needs to be adopted on critical topics so that the launch of ABN AMRO into India would n ot only be popular and successful but also rewarding and provide long term benefits including that of establishing a back office, so that ABN can take advantage of the outsourcing fraternity in India in the long run ahead. International Business (Section: A) ABN AMRO BANK: The merger between ABN BANK and Amro Bank created ABN AMRO Bank on 22 September 1991 in Amsterdam. ABN may not be as popular as the Bank of America or American Express but one only has to walk down the streets of Amsterdam or Rotterdam to be surrounded by the presence of ABN in the form of advertisements, promotions and numerous ATM's located all over the city. In the Netherlands ABN is in your face wherever you may go, for its reputation and brand name is a household name. Having been the domestic marketing manager for ABN in the Netherlands for 7 years and seeing the way the Bank steadily expanded in revenue and brand name had made my role as domestic marketing manager not only remarkably challenging but also tremendously satisfying. With the steady growth and performance year after year, ABN has followed the current trend of business and now looks to spread its international presence and expand its products and services. Keeping this in mind, I was promoted to International marketing manager and asked to spearhead, plan and co-ordinate the International campaign. Marketing Mix: The task is one that is exciting and involves a lot of research and careful planning. Those who are familiar with the rudiments of general marketing theory will know that marketing is far more than selling: profitability and added shareholder value is the ultimate aim of all marketing pursuits. Marketing is a collection of activities, including advertising, public relations and sales promotions, marketing research and new product development, package design and merchandising, personal selling and after-sales service and the determination of selling prices. (R Bennett, J Blythe, H Alder, 2002). The term marketing mix is frequently used to describe the combination of marketing elements applied in a given set of circumstances (Borden, 1965). Although the whole marketing scenario is in many ways different when it comes to the International market, they are in some ways similar to that of the domestic market, because the key areas in both aspects are more or less the same but need to be implemented in a new way. Major components of the marketing mix can be listed under seven headings. (R Bennett, J Blythe, H Alder, 2002). Major Components 1. Promotion: including advertising, merchandising, public relations, and the control and deployment of sales staff; 2. Product: design and

Is Marxism And Democracy Are Incompatible Politics Essay

Is Marxism And Democracy Are Incompatible Politics Essay Karl Marx is widely thought of as the modern pioneer of the Socialist  movement. His theory of radical social  change through upheaval and class  struggle has undoubtedly left its mark on the history of the world. Countries  such as Russia, Yugoslavia, Albania and Cambodia have all attempted to use his  model of Socialism. There are  some present states such as Cuba, China and North  Korea that would still be considered Communist. The  question of whether or not  Marxism is compatible with democracy is in effect two questions.  Ã‚  First whether  Marxism can be brought  about within a pre-existing democratic framework and secondly whether democracy  can  endure and thrive within a Marxist regime. As  a starting point, it should be noted that there are a number of different  models of Marxism, including many  formulated since the death of Marx.  Ã‚  I will initially focus on the model as  formulated by Marx himself, discussing  some of the conte xt in which he wrote  and then I will then consider different critiques of the models that followed  Marxs writing. The term democracy is made up of the two Latin words Kratos  (which means rule) and demos (which means  by the people). Democracy is  widely defined by five key features: participation through elections, open and  fair  competition for power, avoiding tyranny of either the rulers or the  majority, ensuring accountability of government  and providing a forum for  discussion of political issues.  Whilst there are many different forms of democracy, Marx  wrote extensively on his critique of liberal democracy  and of the menace of Capitalism  in  The Communist Manifesto. Marx  refers to the abolition of the state through  radical change and social  upheaval. This change is needed because Marx contends that laws are made for  and  serve in the interest of the bourgeoisie. He writes the executive of the  modern state is but a committee for  managing the common affairs of the whole  bourgeoisie'[1]and that  the first step in the revolution by the working  class is to raise the proletariat to the position of the ruling class to win  the battle of democracy.[2] As a starting point for a  critique of Marxisms compatibility within a pre-existing democratic framework, it is clear that, for Marx,  winning the  battle of democracy is not about playing within the rules of  democracy. The  radical uprising and  social upheaval he  talks of in  The  Communist Manifesto  involves power being seized by the workers from  the ruling classes by  revolutionary and non-democratic means. Whilst the  Marxist- Leninists of the early 20th  century would say that  this  would be the lesser of two evils and that social harmony would be reached in  the end, the road by which  they achieved this would be undemocratic. Marx talks at length in  The Communist Manifesto  about the means  in which the proletariat would seize the  power. He explains that they would  abolish all private property, income tax, inheritance rights and ultimately the  class system. An aspect of Marxs vision that one could argue is democratic is  the way that he critiques  Capitalism in terms of the way the individual is  suppressed by the employer. He holds that in a truly democratic  society people  would be able to create  what ever they wanted and  that through the abolition of social classes  people would become individuals,  creative and free. In place of the old bourgeois society, with its classes and  class antagonisms, we shall have an association, in which the free development  of each is the condition for the  free development of all.'[3]  Carol Pearce writes that the desirability of Marxism  lies in  Ã‚  the freedom of the  individual to express their own tastes and perso nality, explore her own  interests, and thus develop her human  potential.[4]  Whilst there are other positive aspects of the Marxist  utopian vision that our modern society would  advocate, such as the abolition of  child labour, the growth of individual freedom and (for some) the state control  of the transport networks, there are many aspects of the Marxist utopian vision  that do not coincide with a truly  democratic society. The question at hand also seeks to discover if democracy can  thrive in a Marxist regime, thus questioning its  compatibility with democracy.  Norman Geras (1987) asserts, it is an axiom that  Socialism should be democratic  [5], but  this assertion is not necessarily true.  It has been argued that Lenins and then Stalins interpretation of the  Marxist vision distorted  the original ideals of Marxism. Stephen Boner  (1990) explains in the chapter  Leninism  and Beyond  that at the time of the Bolshevik October revolution in 1917 the  Bolsheviks believed that democracy  would become the price for a premature  seizure of power under conditions of underdevelopment.[6]  However  Gramsci, an Italian Marxist theorist, primarily saw these events as, a  revolution against Marxs  Capital  [7].  This  is because of the fact that under Lenin there was to be a short cut'[8]  on the road to Socialism. In an ideal social  revolution, Marx explained in  Capital[9],  there would be gradual changes in order to reach true social democracy  but this  was not the case in terms of the October Revolution and critics of Lenins brand  of Communism have  affirmed that there are no short cuts to achieving a true  Marxist society. Lenins successor Stalin  is also interesting to look at when discussing the democratic accountability of  the  Russian Socialist state in the years that followed. Stalins dictatorship  is well known for the cult of personality,  his collectivisation policies, the  mass death (from the famines that followed this policy) and the large-scale  work camps for prisoners (the gulag system) that he created. Whilst Stalinists  would have claimed that this  was being done in the interest of the policy they  called Socialism in one country, which would in the end  strengthen the Soviet  position in the world (with the aim that that the ideals of Socialism would  ultimately  spread), there are clearly many aspects deeply flawed with Stalins  interpretation of Marxism on a  humanitarian level and the consequences that followed. When considering the humanitarian implications of Marxism  it is worthwhile to compare the different forms of  Communism that have emerged  up in the 21st  century. While Lenin focused on the needs of the  working class as  the ruling class the dictatorship of the proletariat Mao in Communist China was concerned with the needs of the  peasantry.  Bernard-Henri Là ©vy, a French New  Philosopher, who became despondent with Marxism (he had  been a Maoist)  said there is: No socialism without camps, no classless society without its  terrorist truth.'[10] Ultimately one could argue  that all forms of Communism leads to the same place, namely that when the political state is  abolished via revolutionary activity and non-democratic means ultimately this  is followed by death, destruction of the people or that of their political  freedoms. Max Weber explains this notion: no ethics in the world can  dodge the fact that in numerous instances the attainment of good ends is  bound to  the fact that one must be willing to pay the price of using morally  dubious means or at least dangerous ones   and facing the possibility of evil  ramification  [11] One of the main reasons one could argue that democracy is not  compatible within a Marxist framework is  because Marxism has never successfully  coexisted with democracy on a large scale. The federation of  communes that Marx  describes in his ideal social democracy is an institution, which under everyone  makes  decisions together a direct democracy. In this collective everyone  would have a say, however it could be  argued that in order for a society to  work you need people with expertise in certain fields or there would be social  chaos and nothing would be achieved.   One of the key events that influenced Marxs political  writings was the French Revolution.  Ã‚  Marx wrote near the  end of the 19th  century and it could be  suggested that it was the events of the hundred years before him that  shaped  many of his ideas. He had been born into time just after an age of democratic  revolution.[12]  The  American, English and French Revolutions had taken place in these years and  the democratic world seemed to  be a plethora of unrest and rebellion. Marx saw  and commented on what had happened at this time. He writes in  The Civil War in France  -part III  (1871) the features by term he  understands democracy. He wrote that the Paris  Commune that took place from 18th  March to 28th  May 1871 where the workers took control was a good  model  of democracy. Anarchists and Marxists are well known to celebrate this  form of direct democracy. One might argue that one of the only truly democratic models  where Marxism has been known to work in the world was within the  Kibbutz in Israel. The Kibbutz  is or at least was a form of Communism in which there are small communities  in  which the people work together for equal pay and for equal share of the  land. Originally these communes were  set up by the Russian refugees in the  early 20th  century many of which who were escaping persecution from  the  Russian Tsarist regime. They set up these communities that were based  around agriculture and with the strict  view that each person would receive a share  of whatever work they put into the community, a lot like Marxism. This  model,  although not entirely Marxist, is based on Marxs ideals of collective  responsibility and is thought of to be  one of the only known models of Marxism  that has successfully incorporated a democratic element, perhaps  because it is on  a small scale. Another way that one can  approach the question of Marxisms compatibility with democracy is to consider the  ways in which Marxism, as a form of social democracy designed by and for the  people, falls short of success.  Schumpter (1965) refers to the idea that  democracy is not an end in itself. The book  Can  Democracy Be  Designed?[13]  looks at the transitions to democracy from different societies and the  intuitional choices that are  made . Stable democratic societies  are  usually the product of natural democratic evolution. In the 1830s the  Peel-  and Pitt-ites who were anti revolutionary would have called it the organic  system of government and  society that works best and that is the most  stable.  Ã‚  Professor Mayo writes that  democratic societies are  economically advanced where the emphasis is on the  rights of the citizen and on freedom and tolerance.  Democracy of this kind has  evolved slowly and is the result of long historical struggles.  [14]  This means that because democracy comes about through slow development, that the violent change and class struggle that is associated with Marx is incompatible with the idea of democracy or it existing after a Marxist revolution. Marxism emphasises the need to restructure the economic  order and the way in which the workers relationship  with the employer is taken  advantage of.  Ã‚  The inconsistency  with democracy therefore lies in terms of taking the  power from the ruling class  and then everything naturally failing into place with democracy after such  radical  social change. This would seem to be  one of the major  problems with democracy and Marxisms compatibility.  Critics of Marxism  have said that the key incompatibility lies in terms when used together.  Ã‚  Joseph V.  Femia  writes, arent the two terms in the title mutually contradictory? Is Marxist  democracy not an oxymoron?'[15]  A  Marxian democracy if one were to exist would simply be a dictatorship of the  proletariat'[16]as Marx called it.  Ã‚  He explains that once the masses have taken control from the  bourgeois parliamentary government that the  dictatorship of the proletariat  has to be cruel, stern, bloody and painful  [17]and that in terms of Lenins legacy it  is difficult  to treat him as a philosopher of freedom'[18] Writer  Francis Fukuyama  (1992)  posits that  liberal  democracy  has continually confirmed to be a more successful  structure than any other system and that the world has entered the final stage of sociological development. He writes, The twentieth century saw the developed world descend into a  paroxysm of  ideological violence which amounted in the Cold War to ,finally an updated  Marxism that threatened  to lead to the ultimate apocalypse of nuclear war.'[19]  Perhaps the concept  that liberal democracies are the finalised and best-developed models of world than  that of Marx is true an extent but his theory falls short in other ways.  Fukuyamas  The End of History and Last of Man  states that the societies are in its final stage of development and that other models that have come before such as Marxism, the World has progressed past. Fukuyama states that ultimately society has reached the end of its development democratically with the end produ ct being what we have today. However one can argue that his suggestions are parochial in the sense that in every society people would have assumed that their understanding and development would be the final knowledge of the world as they knew it. To say that we may have progressed passed Marxism would be one assertion because perhaps due to what we have learnt from the dangers of Communism we have indeed developed past it. However to say that this is the end of history and that we have no more knowledge that will developed from democracies in the world is a narrow perspective no one can ever know what will happen next. This is even more so the case if we look according to what has happened in the world thus far. Usually it is out of the Capitalist or liberal democracies that comes the most revolutionary regimes in society such as Marxism. We can never know what will come next. Since the fall of the  Berlin wall and the end of the Cold War it seems there is a growing importance surrounding  the notion of democratic peace theory.  Democratic peace theory aims to explain  how and why  in the liberal democracies, states that are democratic generally do  not fight each other.[20]  However neo-Marxists such as  Imma nuel Wallerstein who is  a world systems theorist would say that it due to there being a  collective  interest for peace within these countries that world wars and rebellions do not break out. He also says that this is not supposedly to  do with the triumphs of liberal democracy but the fact that it is not in the economic interests of the most powerful countries to be at war. In essence the  question whether Marxism can be brought about and work within a pre-existing  democratic framework  Ã‚  and  if democracy can endure and thrive  within a Marxist regime is one that clashes because the two notions in both cases are incompatible. I think one of the fundamental arguments  in terms of  the apparent  eclipse of socialism is that Socialism has been superseded by other forms of government and ones that are more humanitarian, stable and that have worked for a longer time. Whilst it may be nice in some cases for a there to be direct democracy where people could vote on every issue they wanted to and for and some aspects of Marxism to be applied today, features of it would be impractical. If there were to be a referendum and monthly, weekly or daily commune I doubt this would work very well. Not only would decisions take a long time to be counted, but perhaps you need people in society with certain expertise like the men in parliament who we ent rust our civil liberties with. Not only can the failures of Marxism been seen and the impracticalities of a purely Socialist democracy , but also Marxism can be perceived as outdated. Aspects of the Capitalist world such as the competition that is created in the markets could be argued to be compatible with democracy as there is a genuine choice people face whether or not they enter into this competitive race. Democracy in terms of economics is something that Marx focuses heavily on, whilst seemingly failing to handle the social problems that inevitably arise from radicalism. His utopian vision is one that I believe is inherently incompatible with democracy. [1]  Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (1888)  The Communist Manifesto, Chapter 1, ed David Mc Lellan,  Oxford  Worlds Classics [2]  ibid Chapter 2 [3]  ibid Chapter 2 [4]  Carole Pearce (1991) A Critique of Marxism-Leninism as Theory and  Praxis,  Review of African  Political  Economy,  No. 50, Africa in a New World Order, pp.102-114, Taylor and  Francis Ltd   [5]  Norman Geras,(1987) Post Marxism?,  The New Left Review  163, May-June 1987 [6]  Stephen Eric Boner ,(1990)  Socialism Unbound  ,pg.87, Routledge: New  York [7]  Antonio Gramsci, The Revolution Against Capital in  Selections from Political Writings  1910-1920,  ed. Quinton Hoare, trans. John Mathews (New York, 1977), pp.34ff [8]  Stephen Eric Boner ,(1990)  Socialism Unbound  ,pg.87, Routledge, New  York [9]  Karl Marx (1867)  Capital  Vol. 1 [10]  Bernard-Henry Levy (1979)  Barbarism with a Human Face,  1st ed  ,New York:  Harper   Row, pp.155 [11]  Max Weber (1964) , Politics as a Vocation, in  From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology,  ed  H.H.Gerth and C.W.Mills, New York, 1964 p.121 [12]  R.R Palmer, (1969)  Age of the Democratic Revolution,  The: A Political History of Europe  and  America, 1760-1800: v. 1: Challenge,  Princeton: Princeton University Press [13]  Can Democracy Be Desgined?  (2003),,  Ed .Sunil Bastian and Robin Luckham,  Zed Books, London [14]  H. B. Mayo; Walter Bedell Smith (1957)  Democracy and Marxism  by  The  Philosophical Reviewà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Vol.  66, No. 2 (Apr., 1957), pp. 268-271 [15]  Joseph V. Femia (1993)  Marxism  and democracy,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  Oxford University Press: Oxford p.1 [16]  Marx (1852),  Letter to Weydemeyer [17]  Marx  Andrzej  Walicki  Ã‚  (1995)  Marxism and the Leap  to the Kingdom of Freedom  The Rise and Fall  of the Communist Utopia,  Standford Universtiy  Press: Chicago pp.280 [18]  ibid  Ã‚  pp.332 [19]  Fukuyama, Francis  (1992).  The  End of History and the Last Man. London: Penguin. [20]  Daniele  Archibugi(2008)  The Global Commonwealth of Citizens.  Toward Cosmopolitan Democracy,  Princeton University Press: Princeton

The Brain & Its Functions

Opening Notes: * Interest and research in the brain is at an all-time pace The cure for some common diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis has accelerated the efforts of many scientists * Many of the names for the parts of the brain have come from Latin and Greek words * The easiest way to learn about the brain is to look at it as three divisions; the hindbrain, the midbrain and the forebrain * Modern imaging has allowed us to study the brain and locate where important functions are occurring * Functions do not happen in just one area of the brainMany neural layers and areas are found in any one activity that happens. * Some areas do appear to be predominantly involved in certain functions. The hindbrain: * The hindbrain is located where the spinal cord goes into the cranium * The first area that we see if the medulla. It is the swelling at the tip of the spinal cord. * It is concerned with all of our automatic functioning, such as breathing, h eart rate and swallowing medulla: controls all involuntary responses * reticular formation: regulates sleep and wakefulness reticular formation: regulates sleep and wakefulnessInside the medulla is the reticulum activation system It is concerned with arousal, attention and sleep * The second part of the hindbrain that we see is the cerebellum Is sometimes called the small brain cerebellum: controls coordinated motor activity e. g when you first learn to ride a bike, you have to think about everything you do. After you learn to ride a bike, it becomes totally automatic, and that is because of the cerebellum * The next part that we see is the ponsPons means bridge in Greek and that’s exactly what the pons is * It is a bridge taking in all of our sensory information and taking it to the cortex to be interpreted. pons: the bridge from brainstem to cortex The midbrain: * The midbrain takes all of the incoming neural information and channels it to the correct part of the cortex to be interpreted. * It is also involved in muscle tone and helps in sleep, wakefulness and attention. The forebrain: * It is the most complicated part of the brain, and it is what separates us as human beings from other animals. When we first look inside the skull, what we see is the cerebrum. * The cerebrum is composed of two parts called hemispheres; the right side and the left side * The outer covering of the cerebrum is called the cortex * It is made up of what is called convolutions – the worm-like structures that you see when you look at the brain convolutions: folds in the brain that store memories * We can look at the cortex in another way and divide the cortex into four sections called lobes; function of the lobe is to interpret information coming in from our senses cortex: surface layer of brainLobes: * Located in the back of the head is the occipital lobe. * The occipital lobe processes visual information, or what we see. occipital lobe: interprets visual information * Coming to the top of the head is the parietal lobe. * The parietal lobe processes information on pain, touch, temperature and pressure parietal lobe: interprets temperature, pain, pressure and touch * Located on the sides of our head, right above our ears, are the temporal lobes. * The temporal lobes process auditory information, emotion, and have a part in memory temporal lobe: interprets auditory information Located right above our forehead is our frontal lobe; it is the largest part of the cortex and the part of our brain that makes us human. * It is involved in speech production, logical and rational thought, and has the ability to understand and plan the future. frontal lobe: controls speaking, thought and future planning * There are two areas behind the frontal lobe. * The first one is the motor cortex and it interprets our muscular sensations. motor cortex: controls voluntary movements Right behind it is the sensory cortex and it is the part of the cortex that tries to coo rdinate all of the information coming in from all of our senses. sensory cortex: processes body sensations Inside of the cerebrum is the limbic system: * The limbic system is a primitive part of the cerebral cortex. It is made up of several parts that have a function in the everyday working of the brain * The first part is the corpus callosum. corpus callosum: connects the hemispheres of the brain * It is a band of nerve fibers that hold the right and left hemisphere together. It allows the right side of our brain to know what the left side is doing, and the left side to know what the right side is doing. * The second structure is the thalamus. The thalamus is sort of a relay center of the brain. * It takes in all of the sensory information and takes it to the cortex to be interpreted, and takes it from the cortex back to the spinal cord to get back to the body. thalamus: relay station for visual, auditory and somatosensory information * The next part is the hypothalamus. The hypoth alamus controls all of our drives and tries to maintain homeostasis; homeostasis is an equilibrium at which our body functions best. hypothalamus: controls drives such as hunger, thirst and sex * The next structure is the hippocampus. * The hippocampus is very important in the processing of our short-term memories into long-term memories. * This is the part of the brain that is first attacked by the disease Alzheimer’s. * The hippocampus also helps us in facial recognition. hippocampus: stores short term memories and takes them to long term memories * The next part is the amygdala. The amygdala adds emotion to memory. * It also has a direct role in the formation of our memories. amygdala: holds emotion and emotion laden memories Located inside our frontal lobe are two areas that help in our speech production: * The first is Broca’s area. For most people, all right-handed people, and most left-handed people, Broca’s area is located in the left hemisphere. Brocaâ €™s area: controls our ability to speak * This allows us to speak. It coordinates what we want to say with our tongues and our muscles. The next area is located a little bit behind Broca’s area more toward the temporal lobe is Werniche’s area. * Werniche’s area allows us to understand what is spoken to us. Werniche’s area: creates the understanding of written and spoken language Lateralization in Epilepsy Patient: * Patients with severe epilepsy have allowed us to discover another important concept about our brains. * To help severe epileptics when drugs failed, a dramatic operation was performed and it involved cutting the corpus callosum. Separating the hemispheres allows the seizures to be localized and not spread from hemisphere to the other. Split-brain patients learn that the hemispheres will have distinct, different functions; this is called lateralization. Hemispheres: * The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body. * It also coordi nates our language abilities because it has both Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area in it. * The left side is also the logical, rational brain and excels in such areas as science and math. left hemisphere: controls language, logic and sequential tasks * The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body. It excels in spatial abilities. * It is our artistic and musical part of our brain. It also has a function in detecting and emoting emotions. * In all but split-brain patients, we use all of our brains and both hemispheres since they communicate with each other. * The right hemisphere knows what is happening in the left hemisphere, and the left hemisphere knows what’s going on in the right hemisphere. right hemisphere: controls spatial-visual tasks, facial recognition and creativity Extra Keywords (NEED TO KNOW THESE): * septum: controls and create rageful behavior * cerebrum: the largest part of the brain divided into two hemispheres

Organizational Culture, Business Strategy and HR Practices affect diverse teams‘ performance Essay

The Later Findings: Organizational Culture, Business Strategy and HR Practices affect diverse teams‘ performance Effects of Organizational Culture and Business Strategies Effects of Organizational Culture and Business Strategies Diverse groups show a higher level of performance in a people-oriented culture Educationally diverse groups perform better within a growth-oriented business strategy Educationally diverse groups perform worse within a stability-oriented business strategy Growth-oriented cultures need creativity and innovation, this is provided through a diverse group Diverse work teams need an appropriate work environment (innovative, creative, group ID) Effects of HR Practices Members of diverse groups are generally rewarded higher in stock options within a diversity-oriented HR environment Companies, which manage diversity well are well managed overall Good diversity management is provided through a strong support from the CEO The Expanded, Nuanced Leadership Role 2050 non-whites will be the majority in the USA Specific and practical recommendations for leaders of diverse teams: 1. Be attuned to issues of social category diversity and identity groups Reflecting about the own social identity, about the one of others and the associated reactions to it 2. Keep refining and developing your own emotional and social intelligence Becoming more aware of the own strength and weaknesses, be aware of the own mood and how to manage it. A high level of self-awareness and flexibility are vital for social intelligence. Be aware about your own verbal and non-verbal language and try to manage them well. Be able to adapt to different cultures and gain crucial knowledge about them. 3. Focus on the diversity values of the team, early and often A good performance is provided through an early alignment of vision and values. 4. Create a strong team identity or brand Team leaders need to build the team’s identity and connection to the organization. Shorthand identification, which can be repeated and demonstrated until it becomes accepted and well known. 5. Hone your skills at having tough conversations See conflict as creative tension that can build positive results. 6. Focus on building organizational culture and human resource practices that are needed to translate diversity into positive results Ensure that a suitable work environment, business strategy and HR practices are in place for diverse teams.

Aeneid By Virgil Essays - Roman Mythology, Aeneid, Free Essays

Aeneid By Virgil Essays - Roman Mythology, Aeneid, Free Essays Aeneid By Virgil The Aeneid, by Virgil, is an epic that attempts to give the Roman Empire an illustrious founding. As the story progresses, Virgil presents two very real human emotions: pietas, and impious furor. Pietas is duty towards the Gods, country, and family. Impious furor, in contrast, is the feeling of fury and passion. These two emotions are consistently at odds with each other. Many characters within the epic, such as Juno, are consumed by their own fury, a trait which Virgil sheds negative light on. Aeneas, the hero and central character, on the other hand, is a man who is presented as pious and dutiful. He obeys the Gods and journeys to Rome. However, at the end of the novel, Aeneas himself is overtaken by rage, and he kills out of vengeance. Virgils goal in writing the Aeneid is to present Aeneas as a pious individual, and thus giving Rome a glorious founding. By closing the novel with an act of rage, however, Virgil portrays Aeneas as a ruthless killer. The ending is inappropriate beca use it casts doubt on the very reason for which Virgil wrote the Aeneid. Aeneas is presented as someone who is the model of pietas. A Roman must show piety towards his family, his country, and above all, piety to the Gods. When Aeneas visits Carthage, he falls in love with Queen Dido, and plans to remain there for an indefinite amount of time. However, he is quickly reminded of the more important task at hand. Are you forgetful Of what is your own kingdom, your own fate? remember Ascanius growing up, the hopes you hold For Iulus, your own heir, to whom are owed The realm of Italy and land of Rome. (Aeneid, 4:353-369) Mercury, the messenger god, is scolding Aeneas for remaining in Carthage. Mercury reminds him that he must remember his fate, and that he should leave for Italy immediately. He also reminds Aeneas of his son Ascanius, and that he should leave for Latium so that his son can eventually rule over the realm of Italy. Aeneas now must make a decision, does he stay with Dido, the woman he loves, or does he continue his journey to found Rome? Even though Aeneas longs to soften, soothe [Didos] sorrow (Aeneid, 4:540) because he cares for her, pious Aeneas carries out the gods/instructions (Aeneid, 4:544-545). Pietas is love for Gods and putting aside your own heart to comply with the will of Gods. Therefore, Aeneas gives up Dido and instead chooses Rome and its glorious future. He is being dutiful by following the words of Mercury, who in turn represents Jove, God of Olympus. Virgil clearly intends this to be seen as a commendable trait. In addition, Aeneas is explicitly referred to as pious w ithin the text. This description of Aeneas is appropriate, because by choosing the Gods over Dido, he has now become worthy of the term piety. Virgil is attempting to make a distinction between Aeneas and the other characters of the Aeneid. While others may indulge their anger, Aeneas has control over his emotions. One different point of view that can be presented against Aeneass piety is his killing in the war against the Latins. Aeneas kills many of Turnus men in the course of the battle. However, Aeneas, in his battle with Lausus, feels compassion for the man he has beaten. Poor boy, for such an act what can the pious/ Aeneas give to match so bright a nature?/ Keep as your own the arms that made you glad;/ and to the shades and ashes of your parents I give you back- (Aeneid, 10:1132-1136). Aeneas has mortally wounded the man, but he still shows compassion towards him. Instead of taking Laususs weapons, Aeneas allows him to keep them, and he gives the man his blessing. For this reason, Aeneas displays piety, even when he takes the life of a man. In contrast to pious Aeneas, Juno, Goddess of marriage, is someone who is overtaken by her own anger. She does not want the Trojans to reach the site of Rome, and her dislike of them is recounted early in the epic. And Saturns daughter- remembering the old war the causes of her bitterness, her sharp and savage hurt, for deep

Free Essays on Decline Of Italian Folk Music

Music is a form of art that captures the feelings and emotions of its people. In order to do so, it must interact with the listeners and change with the times. Italy’s musical landscape is a perfect example of this. This is seen in the transition from peasant folk songs to commercial pop music during the early nineteenth century to the Nineteen-Nineties. The decline of traditional folk music, not its total disappearance however, and the rise of commercial pop can be culturally linked to the changes in Italian society. This movement can be contributed with the help of technology, musical influence from America and the ascent of the combined singer and songwriter. The beginnings of Italian folk music echo the sounds of the Balkans, Eastern Europe, North Africa and so forth. All these cultural influences have gathered and meet in Italy, â€Å"the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean†(Stone 1). Folk music was the raw, and natural music of Italy. It captured â€Å"work chants of fishermen and peasants, love songs, courting and wedding tunes, tarantellas (dances of possession), religious and pastoral songs, and lullabies†(3). Italian folk instruments include the accordion, zampogna, which is similar to a bagpipe, flutes, acoustic guitars, violins and fiddles. In 1954, Alan Lomax, an ethnomusicologist, journeyed to Italy to study and record folk music. It was then when he came to the realization that the tradition of folk music began to decline. The following expresses Lomax’s opinion of the scarcity of appreciation for the Italian traditional folk song: So far as the Italian amusement industry is concerned, the only worth while native traditions of those of Naples and the Alps. The combined battery of radio, television and the jukebox pours out a steady barrage of Neapolitan song, American jazz, and opera, day in and day out, as if some unseen musical administrators had resolved to wipe o... Free Essays on Decline Of Italian Folk Music Free Essays on Decline Of Italian Folk Music Music is a form of art that captures the feelings and emotions of its people. In order to do so, it must interact with the listeners and change with the times. Italy’s musical landscape is a perfect example of this. This is seen in the transition from peasant folk songs to commercial pop music during the early nineteenth century to the Nineteen-Nineties. The decline of traditional folk music, not its total disappearance however, and the rise of commercial pop can be culturally linked to the changes in Italian society. This movement can be contributed with the help of technology, musical influence from America and the ascent of the combined singer and songwriter. The beginnings of Italian folk music echo the sounds of the Balkans, Eastern Europe, North Africa and so forth. All these cultural influences have gathered and meet in Italy, â€Å"the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean†(Stone 1). Folk music was the raw, and natural music of Italy. It captured â€Å"work chants of fishermen and peasants, love songs, courting and wedding tunes, tarantellas (dances of possession), religious and pastoral songs, and lullabies†(3). Italian folk instruments include the accordion, zampogna, which is similar to a bagpipe, flutes, acoustic guitars, violins and fiddles. In 1954, Alan Lomax, an ethnomusicologist, journeyed to Italy to study and record folk music. It was then when he came to the realization that the tradition of folk music began to decline. The following expresses Lomax’s opinion of the scarcity of appreciation for the Italian traditional folk song: So far as the Italian amusement industry is concerned, the only worth while native traditions of those of Naples and the Alps. The combined battery of radio, television and the jukebox pours out a steady barrage of Neapolitan song, American jazz, and opera, day in and day out, as if some unseen musical administrators had resolved to wipe o...

What is about 'mercy killing' Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

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Exxon Mobile Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

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