Reaction paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 10

Reaction paper - Essay Example The best perspective to approach a reading, which creates some form of discussion between the reading and the reader, is to first pose the question; â€Å"what argument (s) is the writer responding to? Is he agreeing or disagreeing?† (Graff and Birkenstein, 146). Applying this approach enables the readers to approach a reading like a discussion, which opens the possibility of more perspectives, than would be possible while just trying to evaluate what the author is trying to say. The best approach therefore while reading is not to view the author is isolation, but rather to assume that the author is engaged â€Å"in an ongoing multisided conversation† (Graff and Birkenstein, 147). This manner of reading opens the door for the reader to apply critical reading, which is engaging with the author through questioning them, as much as allowing them to challenge the reader (Graff and Birkenstein, 152). However, while engaging with the author, it is wrong to criticize the work even where full understanding of the work does not exist. There has been an assumption that the best way to demonstrate the intellectual prowess of academicians is to find fault in others’ work and criticizes them, a concept known as â€Å"agonism† or programmed contentiousness†( Graff and Birkenstein, 215). However, this is bad for academics. Further, it is also essential to acknowledge that there are different facets of intellectualism, so that one should not be purely judged on the basis of academic prowess, while ignoring the other relevant contributions that such individuals can make. Discussions that responds to other by name and the points they have contribute is one such way of showing recognition of the contribution of others. Similarly, even educational institutions should not only focus on the academic achievements of the students, but should rather encourage such â€Å"students to take their nonacademic interest as

The Peculiar Institution of Slavery Essay Example for Free

The Peculiar Institution of Slavery Essay Slavery in America Northern Colonies Southern Colonies Slave Labor The African Slave Trade -10 to 11 million africans kidnaped and brought to usa most of those slaves went to south and latin america those who came to america were a minority europeans don’t create slavery and don’t invent the slave slave they tapped into existing slave trading in africa it already was apart of the african culture myth the white people go and bring them back to own a human being you need to dehumanize them lavery creates racism not the other way around this racism emerges in this myth that africa was backward and it was the dark continent. that africans were lesser civilized beings. estimated on the eve that euro tapped into slavery that africa had as big of a population as eruope and it was diversified middle class, rich, poor, etc agriculture in africa was as sophisitcated as it was in paris, rome, etc many socities in africa had their own legal system and codified laws The Kingdom of Mali Timbuktu and islamic universities huge studied math and astronomy education and scientific progress was apart of africa Europe and the Slave Trade they got through the slave trade through the portuguese Price Henry went through the african waterways and this was when theyt apped into the slave trade portugese got slaves in return for equal valued goods iron, guns, brass pots, etc equitable business trade europeans alter slavery expands it scope and the number of slaves bc of new crops sugar in Caribbean, rice, etc. the capture and transport of slaves from the west cost of africa 3 stages of getting them to the plantations First Leg frican agent would have bought stolen bartered for african slaves and they would have been marched to the coast leg is from the inland to coast this is the beginning of brutilization of slaves slaves march in a single line with chain around their neck waste legs walking upward of 500 miles this is where first slave rebellions began they couldn’t run away so the salve rebellion came in the form of suicide. they’re being ripped from their families and villag es and they don’t know what’s going to happen so there were two ways the slaves found to commit suicide 1. hey had their hands free, the soil turned into clay after rain, they would scoop up some of the clay and would choke to death 2. through rocks at hives of killer bees and allow themselves to be stung to death those who survive get to the coast and they’re sold to a european ship captain they’re branded with the companies logo on the back and inside of the cheek then put into the canoes to the harbor to the big slave ships another form of suicide they would tip the canoes and drown because they didn’t know how to swim Second Leg middle passage ships were cargo ships not passenger ships squished together because you want as many â€Å"product† to get to the new world to sell delicate situation for captain they didn’t want to waste food on them but they couldn’t die of starvation slave owners allowed to happen allowed the slaves to act out their tribal dances (this is how you get the transfer of african cultural music to the united states) despite what the ship owners did 0-15% didn’t make it through starvation and rebellion attempted mutinies wanted to take the ship back to africa when they failed the punishments were brutal you don’t kill a slave because you’re killing your economic property instead you would cut out a tounge or brand them again in really sensitive areas won’t kill because doesn’t make economic sense Third Leg in the ports auctions if a family was somehow able to survive first two legs, this is where they would be auctioned off and split up the slaves were poked and prauded to see their physical stance and their cavities were checked for disease compaired to cattle acution Slavery in America irst africans came to america in 1619 and were brought over by the dutch and sold to americans those first africans were indentured servants and not slaves 7 year contract when it was up they got their own land and materials slavery takes a long time to develop by the 1660’s we have black slave labour in america not because they’re african but because they need a labour force The Virgina Codes further the path to racism 1660s if you’re born under a slave mom the child is a slave for life Norther Colonies there were slaves here but very small in number white families owned maybe 1 or 2 slaves and they lived in the house with them. They sat down and ate meals together many were allowed to marry and have children different institution part of the reason it’s different because of the Quakers Quakers all about social equality and the first abolitionists racism is against moral code and gods plan bigger reason slaves were not as necessary and an economic drain economically not needed smaller farms type of agriculture is different and you don’t need the labour force industrialization and there are mechinized ways to pick apples or milk a cow immigration, to the north the poor immigrates go and many are catholic. or many norther colonies africans were higher on the scale from catholics. many of the few african slaves had rights and some could own property and shops ( cottage industries ) some were able to have children and marry so different that by the 1800’s there were no slaves (mason-dixon line) Southern Colonies slavery defines the south with their economy, politics, race structure huge implication through southern society Free Black Persons former slaves that are now free and exists in an odd world most had to carry identification papers saying they’re a free black person how achieved freedom bought freed military participation work out a deal with master to buy freedom money could be made by having your own side business other salves were freed by masters often seen in will lave owners in western regions of south that were facing indian wars and white masters would make deals with slaves to fight with them against natives and they would grant freedom some of these free black people were slave owners and gave two reasons to whyt hey onwed slaves as a black person themselves they would be more humane than the white slave owner would this was usually bunk and never the case simple economics black slave owners wanted to be rich and the cheapest source of labour were slaves (one black owner in louisiana had 91 slaves)

Is There Any Solace For The Lonely :: essays research papers

Is There Any Solace For The Lonely? Our culture is too civilized to allow the physical torture of criminals. Therefore, solitary confinement is used as an alternative punishment for prisoners serving time. Solitary confinement seems like a joke, being alone in an enclosed room with no human contact for a few weeks. Yet, being alienated and lonely are very effective methods of psychological torture. In fact, the sense of loneliness is so overwhelming, it tends to drive criminals mad. The problem with loneliness is that it does not just affect prisoners in solitary, it can overwhelm anyone at anytime. What was once an emotional state of being that only afflicted the elderly, is now commonplace for the youth of tomorrow. Many are looking for deeper insight about the causes of loneliness in adolescents, which is defined as a "sense of absence or loss even in the midst of a crowd" (Jain 1). The best source for a greater understanding about loneliness is poet, Brian Brennan. His poem "Under Solace Tree&qu ot; reveals how social gauntlets and adolescent alienation are the primary causes of loneliness. Social gauntlets are the primary differentiation between adult and teenage loneliness. Adults are not as likely to undertake social "tests" to try and fit in. Older individuals usually have discovered who they are and accept it. The problem with youngsters is that they are still looking for acceptance and a sense of belonging. As a result, the "in-crowd" develops unspoken tests and tribulations for newcomers who wish to join. Such trials could be as discreet as being a good athlete, in order to be accepted into the "jock" crowd. On the other hand, "burn-outs" would not trust you, or even remotely invite you into their "club" if you refused to smoke marijuana with them. Social gauntlets are used to weed out those that are deemed "not worthy" to join, from those that are. When a new member is accepted, it acts like an ego boost for that individual, thereby increasing their self-esteem. Although, the self-image boost lasts only as long as the group, leaving the youth worse off than before when it disperses, because now they have sacrificed their independence for acceptance. On the other hand, failing to pass social gauntlets will have detrimental effects on the flunky. It will cause loneliness, the feeling of an ache more painful than any physical wound (Jain 2).

A History of World in Six Glasses Essay

A History of World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage: An Analysis In his book, Standage presents the readers not just an evolution of time and unraveling of history but also the embodiment of people and their culture in the image portrayed by the six types of drink. In this paper, we shall deal with the ramification a certain drink can contribute to the evolution of society. In particular, we shall discuss the role played by these drinks in the economic, political and social aspects of human life. Tom Standage reveals how the six drinks have played certain roles in history. First, he mentions beer as the drink that symbolizes the dawn of civilization. According to him, the farmers in the ancient times planted barley and made beer out of it. Also, â€Å"the guys who built the pyramids were paid in beer and bread. It was the defining drink of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Everybody drank it. Today it’s the drink of the working man, and it was then as well. † This denotes that from the beginning, beer had been part of history and commerce as people used it everyday in their meals, and to celebrate occasions. From this, we can also infer that people used the drink to establish connections or build good relationships. The concept of beer being used as a medium for celebration is similar to the way other prodigious drinks are being served today including the wine. â€Å"Wines may be as old as beer or even older† (Standage 2003). Unlike beer, though, wines are more difficult to produce and preserve. The earlier people used it on special occasions such as weddings and other religious rites. In the Bible, we see different kinds of wine befitting occasions or the people who drank them . Wines also served seemingly as the demarcation line between the rich and the poor, with the first able to afford the more precious and older wines. The history of wine suggests its value in commerce as it was used to trade with other countries for metals, leather and even slaves. Today, wine still marks its place in the important events in society from the simplest family gatherings to grand celebrations of the most important people in the society. Spirits such as brandy and rum were mentioned as drinks associated mostly with sailors and pirates. Although they were consumed limitedly due to their effect, these drinks have also evolved with time as they marked history during the 17th Century in the Caribbean islands with sailors tasked to protect planters from pirates and European enemies. Rum was given as a reward to sailors for the sacrifice they endured aboard, but essentially these drinks helped the crew shake off their hardships and nostalgia, and continue with days ahead. To this day, spirits are still very popular among younger generations as they are mixed with juice and other flavors. Another famous drink that originated centuries ago was coffee. From the Arab Peninsula where it first originated, the aroma and taste of brewed beans have traveled across the world, in every house or establishment that appreciates the warmth coffee can bring. Its popularity can be attributed to the concept of alcohol-free drinks during the Age of Reason in the 18th Century. Today, coffee is loved and enjoyed by billions of people not only for its taste and aroma but also for its anti-oxidant effects. Its caffeine content is said to increase the speed of rapid information processing by ten percent, and a cup of regular (caffeine-containing) coffee after lunch helps to counteract the normal ‘post-lunch dip’ inability to sustain concentration, aiding alertness. Tea, a drink widely associated with China dates back to as early as the third century A. D. According to Standage, it played a leading role in the expansion of imperial and industrial power of Great Britain for many centuries later. Similar to coffee, it helps workers and those who need to stay alert with its caffeine content, which is why tea or coffee breaks have been part of every business establishment. Remarkable of the 19th Century, the Coca-Cola began was introduced to the market by its inventor, the pharmacist John Stith Pemberton. It has become a symbol of the United States due to its unprecedented sales all over the world among popular drinks today. Notes in history ascertain â€Å"East Germans quickly reaching for Cokes when the Berlin Wall fell, while Thai Muslims poured it out into the streets to show disdain for the U. S. in the days leading up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq† (Standage 2003). The popularity of Coca-Cola also represents the rise of consumer capitalism and instigates the emergence of America as a superpower. Overall, Standage believes that it is â€Å"globalization in a bottle. † Seeing the history of the world in these six types of drink, Standage is able to show us the role that each drink played in economy and society in general. It impresses upon us how each stage in history can be changed or affected by what people drink and how each drink reflects the market it represents. In particular, market technologists and economists can make a good sense out of the pattern rooted out by Standage for every drink. They can take note of the marketability of their product based on the points offered inductively by Standage. As established, these drinks have helped change the economic situations of the countries of their origin. In particular, we see these drinks being used for trade as export products and as factors or images responsible for commercialism and achieving niche in the economic scene. We also see how these drinks have become part of the political systems of the world in the form of symbols of unity or disparity among nations. Furthermore, the six drinks have served as images to represent social status, conventions, and individuality of the people who drink them. While it is commendable of Standage to use these drinks as portals to what developed in history, it may also be wise to look at other drinks that similarly mirror our evolution. In this regard, we may suggest the inclusion of other drinks such as juice, chocolate drinks, and other liquids sold today which are very popular among the youth in the present generation, and which do not necessarily explain political or economic status but simply elucidate on the options people take in response to stimuli in their environment. To give an account of these drinks would complete the details of history of his book, not just centering on the antiquities but also explicating on the modern times. Works Cited Ancient Greece. All About Greek Wine. 2003. 24 November 2007. . Coffee and Your Health. Heine Brothers’ Coffee. 24 November 2007. . Handwerk, Brian. â€Å"The World in a Glass: Six Drinks That Changed History†. National Geographic News. 3 October 2003. 24 November 2007. . Jesus Changes Water to Wine. Biblegateway. com. 1995. 26 November 2007. . Standage, Tom. A History of World in Six Glasses. Canada: Doubleday Canada, 2005. The Tradition of Rum and the Sea. The Ministry of Rum. 2003. 25 November 2007. .

Economy, Religion, Government & Education

The essence of politics is power. Power is the capacity of people or groups to control or influence the actions of others, whether those others wish to cooperate or not. There are three mechanisms for controlling the actions of others: reward, punishment, and controlling of information.Authority and power legitimating Two classification of Power that categorized by Sociologist: Legitimate power – Power used in a way that is generally recognized as socially right and necessary. Illegitimate power – Power used without social approval. Example: Gangsters who demand and receive protection money from a shopkeeper y threatening violence are using illegitimate power. Government agencies that demand and receive a sales tax from the same shopkeeper are using legitimate power. Democracy – literally means â€Å"rule of the people. In a true democracy, the powers of government derive from the formal consent of the governed, and citizens have a right to participate in decisi on-making process. In a representative democracy, the most common type, citizens vote for officials to represent them. Only in very small democratic systems can each citizen affect government by direct involvement; this hype of democracy is called participatory or direct democracy. Totalitarianism – is run by a single party, in which there is governmental surveillance and control over all aspects of life.The totalitarian state creates an official ideology, a total world view and a set of rules of behavior. Rival worldviews are suppressed, rival religious groups are persecuted, and the works of many artists and intellectuals are censored. Authoritarianism Authoritarianism – ultimate authority is vested in a single person. The ruler may be either a monarch (a hereditary ruler), or a dictator (someone who as come to power and typically holds that power by means of force). Ideology and political parties do not play a major role in the authoritarian regime.There are importa nt differences between authoritarian and totalitarian regimes: An authoritarian regime is one that does not tolerate political opposition but is prepared to allow institutions and sectors of society to function free of the state provided they do not engage in political activity. A totalitarian regime is one that seeks to impose state control over every institution of society, regardless of whether it engages in within an all-embracing political design. Berger, 1986:83-84) Authority refers to legitimate power that is institutional in nature.Max Weber classified the main sources of social authority into three types: Traditional authority is authority that is conferred by custom and accepted practice. In a hereditary monarchy, the power of the head of the government is legitimated by birth. Charismatic authority is authority that is generated by the personality or exceptional personal appeal of an individual. Legal-rational authority is authority that rests on rationally established ru les. State – Some legitimate power or authority is found in every group or organization.Formal and Non-Formal Education Informal education is learning through interaction with others in the group. Non- formal education consists of sets of definite learning goals and objectives. Non- formal education is not covered by traditional school system. Social organizations, private companies, government offices, livelihood training centers, and other institutions administer non-formal education. Formal education is synonymous with â€Å"school. † It sets definite goals and objectives reached through systematized, formal instruction methods. Schools are run by the state, by private individuals or reparations, or by religious groups.