Native Son Essays (479 words) - Native Son, , Term Papers

Native Son Richard Wright is the author of the novel, Native Son. By writing the novel, he wanted to awaken America to the realities of the relationship between blacks and whites in the controversial 1930s. When he wrote this novel, it caused many disputes among Americans. Many people thought that some of the issues Wright included in his novel were not appropriate to write about. Richard Wright believed that even the bad parts of America should be seen, though. This story takes place in Chicago, Illinois in the late 1930s. The main character is Bigger Thomas. He is a twenty year old black man who lives in a one-room apartment with his mother, sister, and brother. The part of town they live in is infested with crime, and most of the buildings are dilapidated. Bigger believes that he could never get far in life because of his being an inferior black man in a"white" world. Bigger wants to help support his family, so he decides to apply for a job as a chauffeur. He is hired by a millionaire named Henry Dalton, who allows Bigger to live in his house. Mr. Dalton and his wife, who is blind, always try to help their employees succeed in life. Everything goes well for a while until one night when Mr. Dalton's teenage daughter, Mary, gets drunk. Bigger carries Mary to her room after she falls down while climbing the stairs. While Bigger is in Mary's room, Mrs. Dalton comes to check in on her. Although Mrs. Dalton wouldn't be able to see Bigger in Mary's room, he is afraid that Mary might make a noise and Mrs. Dalton might think that he is raping her daughter. In his terror, Bigger covers Mary's face with a pillow and accidentally smothers her. When Bigger sees that he killed Mary, he freaks out, chops up her body with an ax, and hides it in the furnace downstairs. Although he acts out of fear and doesn't know what he is doing, Bigger still feels a sense of control that he's never felt before. Bigger leads everyone to believe that Mary's Communist friend, Jan, kidnapped her. Nobody suspects Bigger until one day, when the remains of her body are found in the furnace. He gets his girlfriend, Bessie, involved to help him get money and run away, but he kills her to avoid betrayal. Bigger is finally caught by the police and put on trial. During the course of the trial, he is amazed to find that Jan has forgiven him for all that he did. He can't believe that a white man actually treats him like a human being. Bigger is convicted of murder and ultimately pays with his life to learn that all humans are equal. I love this book! It shows the true story of how hard it can be to live in a prejudiced society. This novel is full of suspense and is really able to stir up controversies within oneself. I would definitely recommend this book to people.

My Personal Philosophy in Life Essays

My Personal Philosophy in Life Essays My Personal Philosophy in Life Essay My Personal Philosophy in Life Essay An element of my personal philosophy of life is related to the dynamics of ‘contentment’. Since the whole canon of Western Philosophy is centered on the causes, states and conditions of contentment, it is fair to say that my contribution through this narrative is a minuscule one. Yet, I would like to voice my assessment of this universal human concern and try to refine my theory through the responses it will elicit from the audience. I have synthesized my personal experience with a larger political event and have studied them both in a philosophical framework. I hope that the audience will eventually agree with me as they see the logic and weight of my arguments given below. I would describe my personal philosophy of life as closely allied to Epicureanism. Although this school of thought is grouped under Hedonism, it is markedly more moderate in the principles it espouses. As opposed to Hedonism, which is living life for the sole purpose of sensory enjoyment, ‘restraint’, ‘control’ and ‘moderation’ are the keywords describing Epicureanism. One of the sayings of Epicurus which had touched me and later influenced me was this: â€Å"A blessed and indestructible being has no trouble himself and brings no trouble upon any other being; so he is free from anger and partiality, for all such things imply weakness.† (The Principle Doctrines of Epicurus, 2011) There are unmistakable Buddhist undertones to this tenet – perhaps not a coincidence considering the blooming of Buddhism in Asia during the time of Epicurus. When I first came across this tenet a few years back, it immediately struck me as valid and releva nt to the personal and political domains. That it was intended as an instruction to conducting personal life is obvious, but its political application is not straightforward. On careful reflection, though, the tenet’s relevance to contemporary politics comes to light. Thomas E. Ricks’ 2006 book titled Fiasco, The American Military Adventure In Iraq, helps us connect Epicurean thought to a major political event. For instance, Ricks notes in his book how the United States invaded sovereign Iraq for the sake of oil and not for the stated reasons. He also documents the human and material costs incurred by both sides, with costs being disproportionately high on the Iraqi side. (Ricks, 2006) Placing Ricks’ findings and observations in Epicurean terms, I was able to synthesize the following argument: One could interpret America’s continued occupation of Iraq as a manifestation of ‘partiality’, in this case toward so called national interest, which in turn translates into the interests of military contractors and oil corporations based in the country. The destruction of lives and resources on both sides is as a result of America ‘troubling’ itself and ‘troubling’ its distant and weak enemy in the form of Iraq. Further, consistent with the tenet, the invasion implies ‘weakness’ on part of the aggressor, more specifically a ‘weakness’ for material wealth (in this case fossil fuel). It is interesting to note that the wisdom of Epicurus, set out two millenniums ago, finds application in contemporary political actions as well as in an individual’s personal life. In the case of the latter, I myself have been found falling short of being a ‘blessed and indestructible being’, for my occasional imprudent anger and partiality has gotten me into hot water a few times. One lingering memory in this respect is when I got into a verbal scuffle with a member of the audience during a college football game. I was slightly inebriated when my team was way behind in the game and the chance of winning was slim. At that point I over-reacted to a snide remark from a fan of the opposing team and got into a heated exchange. In retrospect I realized that though his remark was offensive it was not a defeat to my team and it did not mean anything significant. At that point I got the insight that my reaction is comparable to the way our government has conducted itself in the ongoing War on Terror operations. Just as I over-estimated the stakes involved in the defeat of my favorite team, the American government over-estimated the threat posed by Saddam Hussein and his illusory Weapons of Mass Destruction. There is a difference though, in that my adverse reaction was based on an over-spill of emotion (anger) whereas the government’s estimated threats were construed and deliberate. (Burnham, et., al., 2007) Research team of Gilbert Burnham et. al., have elaborated on the misinformation campaign organized by the government (in collusion with the media) in their supplement to the second Lancet study. In the study they identify how American diplomats underplay Iraqi fatalities and hype-up Iraqi insurgencies. When I place this in the Epicurean framework, it is an obvious example of ‘partiality’. My cheering for my football team (none of whose members I know personally) is similar to the cheering from jingoistic American citizens when the decision to invade Iraq was announced. (Ricks, 2006) Just a little bit of reflection made me realize that players of the opposing team are as hard-working, as meritorious and as deserving of their spurs as my own team is. Hence I questioned my allegiance to my team, when the real allegiance should be to broader aspects of the game like sportsmanship, fair-play, execution of skills, etc. Did all Americans similarly express solidarity with human beings in general, including innocent Iraqi civilians? I believe that, in order for civilization to progress, parochialism and narrow-mindedness will have to be overcome by embracing principles of solidarity and compassion toward fellow humans. Bringing about this transformation at the level of nations is a highly challenging project, given the power and efficiency of propaganda systems in place. But transformation at the individual level is more plausible. I personally have endeavored to mould myself in the Epicurean fashion with reasonable success and I implore members of the audience to consider this path. By embracing this philosophy, one can acquire a high degree of sophistication and refinement as a person. It will also enable an individual to navigate challenging phases in life with equipoise, stoicism and mental tranquility. More importantly, it will induce a state of contentment in the mind, which will make redundant conflicts and envy with fellow humans. : Epicurean Philosophy, Principle Doctrines of Epicurus, retrieved from epicurus.net/en/principal.html on 30th January, 2011 Gilbert Burnham, Shannon Doocy, Elizabeth Dzeng, Riyadh Lafta, and Les Roberts., (2007), The Human Cost of the War in Iraq: A Mortality Study, 2002–2006, A supplement to the second Lancet study. Thomas E. Ricks (2006) Fiasco, The American Military Adventure In Iraq. Published by Penguin Books.

Lead a Sales Team Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Lead a Sales Team - Essay Example The company is rapidly expanding to sell it services worldwide through the internet. The sales plan has been envisaged keeping the objectives in mind. The company’s mission is to become the premium provider of adventure vacations for the 25 to 35-year old working men and women. The focus would be on beach packages and the objective is to generate minimum twenty enquiries per day initially by our promotional activity. Advertising would be done in a phased and planner manner and internet would also be used as a medium. Enquiries would also be accepted through the internet. New markets would be tapped to increase the market share. Collectively, the team expects to convert a minimum of 3 enquiries into sales, which effectively amounts to approximately 100 packages per month at a price of $2500 per package. This sounds a rather low figure but it is realistic and has been arrived at after a SWOT analysis. To break-even the company needs to sell at least 3 packages per day. Over the period of one year these figures are expected to grow and it is expected that after taking into account the insurance sales, the gross sales in the fi rst year would be approximately $3,757,000. The sales budget is the first to be prepared before other budgets can be prepared. The sales revenue expected to be generated is $3,757,000 out of which the direct cost of sales is approximately 40%. Almost 50% of the direct sales cost can be allotted to guide services and 7% to sales and marketing costs. In the industry about 2% is considered as the operating cost which has to be accounted (BSA, 2001). It has to be noted that not all would be cash sales and about 20% could be credit sales, in which case the sales would be credited only after payments are received. Thus the revenue collection would differ from the sales that take place every month. Ever level of the organization should

Creating the Decision Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Creating the Decision Environment - Essay Example This is happens because the group welcome outside opinions, so there is no objectivity. This can be prevented by always having a neutral party that hasn’t been part of the group. This brings insight to it, and also leaves room for questioning of that decision and with this, a better decision is made. (Virtualsoft, 2009) Belief in Inherent Morality of the Group: The group has a mindset that the decision they have made is moral and ethical, this is because the group assume that they have done right. To prevent this kind of problem. The group should give the same scenario to an anonymous group of different people and gauge their responses to tell whether their decision is right (Janis, 2009). Collective Rationalization: This happens when the group makes a decision and they believe it rational. This happens when the collection of material is highly selective and biased. This tends to leave out some information that does not fit into the groups’ decision and reason for the s ame. This can cause a big problem because when a decision is made without all the relevant information regarding is examined (Marlene & Antony, 1998). This is mostly because of the close mindedness in the group. This is can be avoided by bringing in experts to examine the problem and advise the group before a group decision can be made. With the inclusion of an expert, critical information is less likely to be omitted. Illusion of unanimity: When the group look to each other to confirm their theories without consulting or involving an outside source (Janis, 2009). This close-mindedness can cause problems during the decision making process. To avoid this, the leaders should not state preference initially. This influences the group and affects the decisions made. Self-Appointed mind guards: this is also as a result of close mindedness, and the avoidance of troublesome ideas, these mind guards are usually to protect the leader. To prevent this symptom, a devil’s advocate should be appointed within the group and the sole purpose should be to critique every decision and look for flaws in it. This individual should ensure that alternatives are explored extensively. Stereotyping: Excessive stereotyping is a major symptom of groupthink; this happens when the group members start forming and constructing negative stereotypes of other rival groups (Janis, 2009). This happens especially if the other group’s opinions or ideas are not the same as theirs. This leads to the group shunning any external input leading to a decision that is a result of close mindedness. This can be prevented in decision making environments by always discussing what is happening with others outside the group (Marlene & Antony, 1998). With this, diversity is brought into the group and the decision in question will have been vetted by different individuals not just the group members, this makes the decision so much better. Pressure for conformity: Another symptom of groupthink is the m embers pressure anyone in the group that expresses an opinion or argument that is against their beliefs or ideas. They make this member or members feel that they have to conform. They make them feel that expressing an idea different from theirs is a sign of disloyalty. So in situation where a member might have a differing opinion they do not express it because they want to

Contemporary issues in management assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Contemporary issues in management - Assignment Example This paper makes a critical analysis regarding the innovation management practices adopted by two well known companies of the world. The names of these companies include Apple Inc. and Haier Group. These companies are well placed into consumer electronic industry and are known for their innovative practices at workplace. This paper aims at making critical analysis of organisational culture and human resource management practices in these two companies and their influence upon creativity and innovation of both the organisation. When we talk about innovation and management of innovation in the context of Consumer electronics, we cannot help talking about Apple Inc. It is considered as one of the most leading companies in the field of technology in today’s world. Initially, it was started with a scratch and grew rapidly in such a way that became a symbol of innovation in technology. It is known worldwide that no company can sustain in the market without innovation and creativity and when it comes to consumer electronic devices, continuous innovation and creativity becomes a prerequisite in order to survive and succeed in the market. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. and a great innovator once said, â€Å"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower† (Gillam 2012). Apple Inc. has set up itself as one of the most prominent companies in industry of consumer electronics. It has made the most significant position in both hardware as well as software through constant innovation and creativity. It was established in 1976 and since that day, it has been continuously focusing on innovation. It has made a great impact on society through its various major innovative products and features in the field of consumer electronics such as Trackpad, Mouse, GUI, iMac , iBook, iTunes, iPhone, iPod, iPad and so on (OGRADY 2008). Research and development is an integral part of any company especially when dealing in consumer

Concerned With Voluntary Euthanasia

Concerned With Voluntary Euthanasia J. David Velleman and Dan W. Brock are both concerned with voluntary euthanasia; a competent patient making a voluntary request to have his or her life ended. The arguments laid out in Vellemans, Against the Right to Die, and Brocks, Voluntary Active Euthanasia deal with active and passive voluntary euthanasia. Active being that the patient actively takes the last step in their death, while passive is usually defined as withdrawing medical treatment with intent to cause death. They do not consider cases involving involuntary euthanasia, when the patient is competent and refuses treatment. Nor do they consider non voluntary euthanasia, when the patient isnt competent at all. Many people believe that giving legality to voluntary active euthanasia (VAE) will in turn lead to involuntary and nonvoluntary euthanasia, the slippery slope fallacy, but for the purposes of this paper Im only concerned with VAE. Both authors agree that anyone could possibly be morally entitled to be allowed or h elped to die. However, Velleman argues against an institutional right to die. He believes that making the choice of voluntary active euthanasia available to the people can make them worse off even if they choose the option that is best for them. The ability to make a choice makes one worse off than going with the default option. In this paper, Im going to analyze Vellemans arguments while explaining how Brock responded to Vellemans arguments. To keep the integrity of each authors thoughts, I am going to use similar word phases which will be identified in quotes and later labeled with the paper number of reference. Velleman agrees that we have an obligation to assist some deaths, however he disagrees with those who use Kantian terms to justify such an obligation. He explains that voluntary active euthanasia deals with two major rights a person has, according to Kantian moral theory. They have the right to dignity and their autonomy. A multitude of life-preserving treatments are said to, violate a persons dignity or to detain him in an undignified state (Velleman, pg 2). A patient has the right of autonomy, or self-determinism, which is that we respect his/her competent wishes even if its a wish to die. Velleman goes on to explain how these rights become confusing when dealing with Kantian language in the terms of medical ethics. He has reservations about the loose definitions which dont match up with the extreme states of patients who are in question while dealing with euthanasia. Because of these qualms, Velleman disregards these Kantian-based arguments and moves on. Aside from problems in definition, VAE is dealing with other peoples autonomy. If laws are to be made which prohibit this autonomy, than these laws should make people better off. Velleman feels he has an answer to this dilemma which leads to his second argument against the option of euthanasia being given to patients, but unlike the first, this reason is consequentialist. When Velleman speaks of his consequentialist reasoning, he isnt referring to the consequences of mistakingly choosing to die, but instead, the consequences of placing such an option in the hands of the patient. He believes that giving patients this option will actually make them worse off. Im going to explain how Velleman attempts to prove this and then give the objections laid out by Brock. Contrary to natural thought, if we are given a second option besides the default, it will make us worse off than before no matter which option is chosen. Velleman explains this idea with an example of a cashier who is given the power to open the safe. Its not that the cashier doesnt directly want the power, but rather, it would make him a target for robbers. Even though opening the safe while at gun point would be the right thing to do, hed be wishing hed never been given the option of doing it (Velleman, pg 8). This makes him worse off because he can no longer have the default option, not being forced to open the safe at gun point, without choosing it. Multiple options become available and he is now subject to the pressures of possibility. Relative to euthanasia, this is the most important way of harm. We would be denying a patient the status quo of staying alive by default, with the option of euthanasia looming over his head. Because of this, the patient will now see himself in con trol of his own survival, which is ordinarily viewed as given to him. If the patient sees himself as this agent of control, then he will be held responsible for his actions by himself and others. He would then be required to justify his actions, whether it be his continued existence or choice of euthanasia. The burden of justifying ones existence might make existence unbearable and hence unjustifiable. (Velleman, pg 11) It may be perceived as insecurity, but justifying oneself personally and to others is extremely important to those who are ill. When the gift of independent activity is taken from someone, personal intercourse and intercourse with others is the only relief left in life. And so, unless he can defend his existence to the satisfaction of others, his only reasons for life may disappear. A patient who believes that his terminal illness is not an ample reason for ending his life with be faced with the burden of proof. Even if the patient believes that his life is worth living, he may find reasons to assume that those around him think otherwi se. Reasons ranging from the financial or the emotional costs of prolonging life may cause him to rationally judge that he is better off taking the option of euthanasia (Velleman, pg 12-13). Therefore, Velleman believes that if we offer the option of dying, than we may give patients new reason to choose death. Through the preceding arguments, Velleman is lead to believe that euthanasia should be permissible in some cases, yet still forbidden in others. However, he doubts that policymakers could define such conditions in which the option of dying would be beneficial and when the option of dying would be harmful. This leads him think that the best solution to the problem is allowing health professionals to decide. They should be given the power to permit, and never require, the option of euthanasia or to grant the patients request for it (Velleman, pg 19). It would be possible define certain conditions when the option should never be offered, but we cannot define conditions when euthanasia should always be offered. If put into effect, caregivers could withhold the option whenever they see fit, even when requested. Velleman claims that we already put so much trust into health professionals that this would serve as an effective solution. However, he still believes that the best policy of eutha nasia is no policy at all. Velleman states that he is inclined to believe that advances in medical technology have outrun the capacity of institutional rules to regulate their application. (Velleman, pg 20) And so, the policy regarding euthanasia should be weak and vague by design, left up to the individual health care professionals and the patient in question. (Velleman, pg 20) Dan W. Brock takes the opposite stance as J. David Velleman, believing that there should be an established institutional right to die, as stated in his article, Voluntary Active Euthanasia. He lays out many positive and negative potential consequences of euthanasia, but feels strongest about protecting patients right to autonomy. I will briefly explain some potential positive and negative consequences of euthanasia, but will focus more on his direct responses to Vellemans argument. Some potential good consequences of euthanasia include: giving the general public a broader sense of control over their life and death, showing mercy to suffering patients, and once death is undeniable in certain cases its more humane to do it quickly. Some potential bad consequences of euthanasia include: its not compatible with physicians moral and professional commitment as healers; to protect life, and euthanasia could weaken societys commitment to providing optimal care to the sick. Brock directly calls out Vallemans solution to the euthanasia problem and refutes it. Velleman argues that offering the option of euthanasia would make patients worse off than if not given the option at all. This leads Velleman to conclude the best solution is health care professionals having the power to permit, and never require, (Velleman, pg 19) the option of euthanasia or to grant the patients request for it. In doing so, situations in which there are unmistakable and over- powering reasons for persons to want the option of euthanasia (Brock, pg 19) would be the only cases granted it. Brock lists three main reasons why such restrictions wouldnt lead to the best outcome. First, polls and other evidence tend to show that most Americans do, in fact, believe that euthanasia should be allowed. Consequently, the amount of people made worse off by having the option wont outweigh those made better by having the option. Second, if people would be made worse off by the option of a right t o die, than why dont we see any consequences of voluntary passive euthanasia? People already have the option to refuse life-sustaining treatment and there is no evidence of harmful effects or public desire to take away such right. How would establishing an institutional right to active euthanasia make any difference? To this argument, Velleman has a refute. He states that the option of refusing life-sustaining treatment to end ones life may be just as harmful as having the option of active euthanasia. However, the proportions of deaths that occur as a result of passive euthanasia is very small, making the side-effects very small as well. Also, these side effects are to be accepted as an unavoidable byproduct of protecting the right not to be assaulted. Assaulted in this case as morally entitled to refuse treatment because we are morally entitled to not be drugged or punctured with needles. Third, there is a wide range of conditions that are reasonably disagreed about in the terms of euthanasia. If Velleman suggests restricting euthanasia to persons whose conditions indisputably call for it, than we would be denying the most amount of people who want it. In conclusion, Velleman and Brock disagree on whether to establish an institutional right to die or not. Velleman argues that establishing such a right would burden those given the option of euthanasia, that to offer an option of dying gives new reasons to end ones life. Because of this, he suggests the solution of a weak and vague euthanasia policy by design, left up to the individual health care professionals and the patient in question. Brock argues for an institutional right to die. He lists possible positive and negative outcomes and directly refutes Vellemans conclusion with three arguments. Brock and Velleman could go back and forth all day arguing and refuting each other. However, I believe that they disagree in the simple fundamentals of the situation. Brock believes that an individuals well-being and control over his or her own life far outweighs any impact on society, while Velleman believes that even the option would make patients and society worse off overall.

Ceremony By Leslie Silko :: essays research papers

Ceremony by Leslie Silko The novel Ceremony, written by Leslie Silko deals with the actions of a Native American youth after fighting, and being held captive during World War II. The young mans name is Tayo and upon returning to the U.S., and eventually reservation life he has many feelings of estrangement and apathy towards society. The novel discusses many topics pertaining to Native Americans, through the eyes of Tayo and a few female characters. The novel is one that you must decide for yourself what you believe, and why certain ideas or characters points of view are important. When reading the novel Ceremony, you must decide what you actually believe, and what situations were only figments of Tayo's stressed mind. Many of these situations occur throughout the book, some are very clear and others have hidden meanings. On a whole I believed what Tayo had to say about the world from his shoes. There are certain instinces that I know what Tayo is seeing is completely impossible. In Ceremony one must decide why and how the women's perspective is of importance. I believe the reason the women's view is to put a different perspective upon everything that goes on in the book, as compared with the perspective of Tayo. There are two women in the book who put their perspective into the story, one of them is the elderly mistress of Josiah and the other one is Helen Jean who went on one of the many joyrides that Harley and the others went on. These women are actually just a way for the author to explain how the rest of society viewed Tayo. An example of this is when Helen Jean describes Tayo "Too quiet, and not very friendly(161)". Another thing this allows the author to do is to show how the War affected the young women from the reservations. She is able to show you how Helen Jeans life was in just a few pages. Silko was able to show how the Native American war veterans looked to anyone who happened to look upon them, but that wasn't one of them. The perspective of the women also helped to debunk a lot of the stories the men told about the war and their various conquests etc. Another item for discussion that comes up in Ceremony is what did you as a reader actually learn? Well I learned many things that I found to be interesting,