What Is Eating Gilbert Grape Review (for a Special Ed Class) Essay Example

What Is Eating Gilbert Grape Review (for a Special Ed Class) Paper Summary Written by Peter Hedges, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is the story of the Grape family, which consists of Gilbert, Amy, Arnie, Ellen, and Bonnie. The movie is narrated by Gilbert Grape. Arnie is one of the main characters in the movie. Arnie is a 17-year-old male who shows signs of having Mental Retardation and Autism. Throughout the majority of the movie, Arnie is looking forward to the birthday party his family is going to be throwing for him for his 18th birthday. The movie is based on how the members of the Grape family are affected by Arnie’s disabilities, and the daily struggles they go through while caring for a family member with disabilities. All of Arnie’s siblings help out, but Gilbert does the majority of the work when it comes to caring for Arnie. Gilbert takes Arnie to work with him at the local grocery store, gives him his bath on a daily basis, and is always looking after him. Although, sometimes, Gilbert does not watch his brother close enough and he usually ends up climbing the water tower in town or is getting into some other kind of trouble. We will write a custom essay sample on What Is Eating Gilbert Grape Review (for a Special Ed Class) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What Is Eating Gilbert Grape Review (for a Special Ed Class) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What Is Eating Gilbert Grape Review (for a Special Ed Class) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Gilbert Grape was the one appointed to caring for Arnie since he is the only man left in the house since Mr. Grape committed suicide seven years ago. Mr. Grape’s death left their mother, Bonnie, severely depressed and morbidly obese. Bonnie has not left the house in seven years, and her weight has left her incapable of caring for Arnie for years. Although it is obvious that Bonnie does feel guilty about leaving the care of Arnie completely up to her children, it is at times apparent throughout the movie that Bonnie and the children make it sound like Arnie may be the cause behind the death of Mr. Grape and the reason for the depression and current condition of their mother. It is evident throughout the movie the stress the Grape family is under. They are always arguing, and all of their arguments seem to revolve around one thing; Arnie. Accuracies, Inaccuracies, Stereotypes In What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, there were many things about the movie that were very truthful. The performance of Arnie Grape, played by Leonardo DiCaprio was very believable and consistent throughout the entire film. His portrayal of an individual with disabilities was spot on and I believe that anyone familiar with working with individuals with disabilities similar to Arnie’s would be proud of DiCaprio’s performance in the movie. Also, the second accuracy within the film was the way that the family sometimes treated Arnie like he was a nuisance. At times, families with a child who has a disability feel as though their child is nothing but a large burden to their life. As sad as it may sound, it is the truth in most cases; and it was very true especially with the Grape family. It was obvious at times throughout the movie that Arnie did have a negative impact on the lives of the members of the Grape family and sometimes they just did not want to be bothered because it was just too much for them. I believe that that is accurate because anyone who cares for a family member with a disability needs a break sometimes, and without the occasional break or help from another family member, it can be very strenuous to one’s own health. One of the most ridiculous inaccuracies that were stated in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape happened within the first couple minutes of the movie when Gilbert, the narrator, says that the Doctor said that Arnie would not live past the age of 10, and that he could now go any day now. Having a disability is not a death sentence, and even though the movie was set back in the early 1990’s, I don’t think doctor’s views on developmental disabilities such as Arnie’s have changed much since that time. There are many things that can be done for an individual with developmental disabilities as long as they are taken care of properly. Another inaccuracy in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is that several times throughout the movie, Arnie’s younger sister, Ellen calls Arnie crazy. Individuals with disabilities are not crazy. Sure, they may do things out of the ordinary, or do things that we as regular people may not find acceptable to do, but that does not make them crazy, it just makes them different from us. Everyone is different from each other in one way or another, but that definitely does not make them crazy. Although, Arnie does do things over and over again, such as climbing the water tower in town, and does not learn from being reprimanded, but that in the least does not make him crazy. Also, another inaccuracy I would like to point out from the movie is when his family member’s think and say that Arnie is totally helpless. Although, in some cases, this may be a true statement, in Arnie’s case, it is not true at all. He is able to do many things on his own. He is very capable of finding the water tower on his own, he is able to speak and express his wants and needs clearly, and he is also able to communicate clearly with others. There were quite a few stereotypes in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and most of them were very common among people today. Like for example, when Arnie climbed the water tower and the police decided to arrest him, they thought that he should have known better. Although, he was told numerous times before not to climb the water tower, for an individual with a disability, it is not an easy concept to grasp, and individuals with developmental disabilities more often than not do not understand right from wrong. Also, when arresting Arnie, they do not take his disability into consideration whatsoever. They were very rough with him and very rude as well. Another stereotype that was cast upon Arnie in the movie was when Gilbert was with his friends as the restaurant and Arnie was playing the pinball machine. He was being very verbal while he was playing the game, and many of the other patrons eating in the restaurant were staring at him as though no one else would be excited if they won a game or upset that they lost. They sort of glance at him like he has some sort of horrible disease, but much to their dismay, he is just as normal as the common folk. Take-away Message In the movie there are quite a few negative scenarios that could leave many viewers who are unfamiliar with individuals with disabilities with a bad taste in their mouths. One of the take-away messages that one may get from What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is that it is acceptable to yell and reprimand an individual with disabilities in public. This could not be further from the truth. This could have been taken from the scene where Ellen is watching Arnie, and he is headed toward the water tower and in her attempts to stop him, she pulls him down to the ground by his shirt, and proceeds to yell and scream at him like he is an animal. She also hits and kicks him while he is lying on the ground. This is a very negative thing for anyone to witness and it could not be further from the truth. Another message that people could have taken-away from the movie is that many family members and caregivers for individuals and family members with disabilities will eventually leave the family due to frustrations, commit suicide, or hit their disabled child. This is a very untruthful statement as well. Even though Mr. Grape did commit suicide and in the movie, the children and Bonnie do casually mention that it is because of Arnie that Mr. Grape is dead, it is not said for sure. Many people choose to be caregivers for individuals with disabilities and do it for their entire lives. It takes a special person to take care of a person with disabilities, and it takes a lot of time and patience, and without that, you will most likely be an unsuccessful caregiver. There are certain characteristics that a caregiver for a person with a disability must hold, and if you lack any of those characteristics, you will most likely not be able to handle the stress of caring for a person or child who is disabled. In addition to the ones mentioned before, another common take away message is that all individuals with disabilities are â€Å"crazy†. This was covered in another part of my paper, but it applies here as well. When Ellen calls her brother â€Å"crazy† numerous times throughout the movie, it makes people who are not familiar with disabilities wonder â€Å"are people with disabilities really crazy? † and the answer is no, they are not. Although there are many different kinds of disabilities out there, the disabilities that Arnie has do not make him crazy. There is not any time during the movie where Arnie shows any signs of being â€Å"crazy†. He is just a typical teenage boy who needs a little more help than others at times. Last but not least, the last take away message from the movie is that all persons with disabilities constantly misbehave and need to be under constant 24 hour supervision. This is not true in any sense of the word. There any many independent individuals who have disabilities who have their own apartments, have jobs, pay their own bills, and do not need any help or supervision whatsoever. Just because Arnie needs to be watched closely so he does not get into trouble does not mean that every single individual with a disability needs to be supervised with a close eye at all times. Every person and every disability is unique, and every person deals with their disability in a unique way. Some individuals with disabilities are able to go out and live completely independent lives, where others may need to live with a parent, caregiver, or roommate forever. It just depends solely on the individual. Likes, Dislikes, Changes In What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, there were a lot of things that were definitely likable about the movie. For one, the reality of the family and community setting where the movie took place. Also, the acting of DiCaprio as Arnie who was a teenager with developmental disabilities was exceptionally realistic. In addition, the reactions that the people in the community had to Arnie and his sometimes impulsive and irrational behaviors were very similar to the reactions people would have to an individual with disabilities out in the community today. Another thing that was much desired about What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was the fact that it probably opened the eyes of many people who thought it was out of the ordinary for parents to keep their disabled child and care for them and not send them away and institutionalize them. I believe that it made many people realize that it is normal for families to keep and care for their child whether it has a disability or not. Lastly, the movie also sent out a very positive and important message to viewers that could make many people feel more comfortable with people who care for individuals with disabilities, individuals with disabilities themselves, and giving the people who care for such individuals more credit for the hard work that they do. Some of the dislikes in the movie What’s Eating Gilbert Grape were the way the family and the community sometimes treated Arnie. Even though, that is the way it actually is at times, it is still unnecessary to treat anyone, disabled or not, disrespectfully and rudely. Throughout the movie, there were several scenarios where Arnie was treated with much disrespect. Although, that is how many individuals who are like Arnie are treated in today’s society, it is not acceptable and very terrible. Another dislike of the movie was the part of the movie where Gilbert was so frustrated with everything in his life, and had all of his emotions built up and he took it all out on Arnie and he hit him. Although, everyone gets angry at times, it is never acceptable to hit someone else, especially someone like Arnie who is unable of properly defending themselves. It may have been a very honest and true situation to see a family member with a child or sibling with a disability struggle through; there are plenty of other ways that Gilbert could have effectively expressed his emotions without hitting Arnie. He was under a lot of stress from the rest of his family, but that was no reason for him to take it out on Arnie, when it was his mother and other siblings that were causing all of his built up frustration and anger. Lastly, a dislike was very disheartening was the fact that whenever they went somewhere with Arnie, the people in the community would point, stare, or ask â€Å"what is wrong with him? †. Although, most times in today’s society, children and even some adults will do the same things to individuals with disabilities; that is the most disrespectful thing you could ever do to a person. It is a giant reality and it happens very, very often, but it tops the list of my dislike list in the movie What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Some of the changes that would have been ideal to the movie would to have been given the opportunity to see how Arnie performed and acted during school. It was very apparent how he acted outside of school and how he acted while around Gilbert and his other siblings, but it would have been interesting to see how he acted around his peers and other individuals who are like him. Also, another change that would be idealistic would be to have his other sister’s more involved in his care. Amy and Ellen were always too busy to care for Arnie, so all of the responsibility was always dumped completely onto Gilbert. It would have been nice to see how differently Arnie would have acted, and if he would have behaved any different if he were to be with Amy or Ellen more often than he was throughout the movie. At one point in the movie, Ellen was supposed to be watching Arnie and he ended up running towards the water tower and Ellen grabbed him and pulled him to the ground and was dragging him away from the water tower, while yelling at him and kicking him in public. Thankfully, Gilbert was there to intercede and stop Ellen from hurting Arnie anymore than she already had. It makes you wonder if Ellen showed more interest in Arnie if he would not have acted out while with her, and scenarios such as that would not have happened. Back in 1993, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was a very controversial movie but portrayed a positive message to those families and individuals who did not understand disabilities and just how much work goes in to caring for individuals with disabilities. Many of those who did not understand before still may not completely understand and sadly, they may never. The movie does not do complete justice to all individuals with disabilities, because every individual and every disability is different and Arnie’s condition was a mild to moderate disability. From working with individuals with disabilities for the past eight years, every stereotype you can imagine was cast upon them, and many people do not take into consideration that they are people just like themselves and they have feelings too. Many people believe that individuals with disabilities do not hear or understand what is being said about them, but you would be surprised how smart some individuals with disabilities can be. It is sad that many individuals with disabilities are hardly ever recognized for their good attributes, it always seem to be the bad one’s that outshine and catch people’s attention.

Ellis Island essays

Ellis Island essays There is a small island on the New York Harbor that has witnessed over twelve million immigrants pass by its doors from 1892 to 1954; the golden portal is called Ellis Island. I went to see this museum on Wednesday, November 26, 2004 and I loved it. As soon as I walked in the Museum I felt as if I had walked into another time, the foyer is huge and I tried to imagine myself as an immigrant seeing all this for the first time and it was intimidating. People came from many lands; there were Bantu, Chinese, Germans, Irish, Italians, Jews, Mexicans, Palestinians, Poles, Russians, Vietnamese, etc. Countless of Americans are descendants from these waves of immigrants. On the main floor you also the see Baggage Room that was restored to resemble the baggage from the period. When I stepped into the Registry Room I was in awe. Here was the focal point for the newcomers because they were question in the same are that I was standing in. This was where they were given permission to enter the lan d or denied access. Ellis Island was originally known to the Native American as Kioshk, or gull Island, because those birds were its only inhabitants. The Dutch then purchased the island and called it Little Oyster Island because of the delectable oysters found in its bay. The Island was then referred to as Gibbet Island because they would hang criminals on gibbets or gallows trees. Then Samuel Ellis was given ownership about the time of the American Revolution, he died in 1794 and in that same year the city began to fear British attacks so they built a defense on Ellis Island. I was briefly talking to a tour guide and she informed me that to the immigrants Ellis Island looked like a gracious haven on the outside but on the inside it was a place of cruelty and corruption. Newcomers were sold tickets at inflated prices and the seller would then pocket the money, pretty young girls were given passes by conductors on...

Utterance Definition and Examples in English

Utterance Definition and Examples in English In linguistics, an utterance is a unit of speech. In phonetic terms, an utterance is a stretch of spoken language that is preceded by silence and followed by silence or a change of speaker. (Phonemes, morphemes, and words are all considered segments of the stream of speech sounds that constitute an utterance.) In orthographic terms, an utterance is a  syntactic unit that begins with a capital letter and ends in a period, question mark, or exclamation point. EtymologyFrom the Middle English, outward, make known Examples and Observations [T]he word utterance . . . can refer to the product of a verbal act, rather than to the verbal act itself. For instance, the words Would you please be quiet?, spoken with a polite rising intonation, might be described as a sentence, or as a question, or as a request.  However, it is convenient to reserve terms like sentence and question for grammatical entities derived from the language system, and to reserve  the term utterance  for instances of such entities, identified by their use in a particular situation.(Geoffrey N. Leech,  Principles of Pragmatics,  1983. Routledge, 2014)Utterances and Sentences-  We use the term utterance to refer to complete communicative units, which may consist of single words, phrases, clauses and clause combinations spoken in context, in contrast to the term sentence, which we reserve for units consisting of at least one main clause and any accompanying subordinate clauses, and marked by punctuation (capital letters and full stops) in writin g.(Ronald Carter and Michael McCarthy, Cambridge Grammar of English. Cambridge University Press, 2006)- An utterance can take sentence form, but not every sentence is an utterance. An utterance is identifiable by a pause, a relinquishing of the floor, a change of speaker; that the first speaker stops indicates that the utterance is, temporarily, complete and awaits, invites a response.(Barbara Green, Experiential Learning.  Bakhtin and Genre Theory in Biblical Studies, ed. by  Roland Boer. Society of Biblical Literature, 2007) For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech,To stir mens blood: I only speak right on.(Mark Antony in William Shakespeares Julius Caesar, Act 3, scene 2)Intentionality[T]he problem of meaning can be posed as follows: How does the mind impose Intentionality on entities that are not intrinsically Intentional, on entities such as sounds and marks that are, construed in one way, just physical phenomena in the world like any other? An utterance can have Intentionality, just as a belief has Intentionality, but whereas the Intentionality of the belief is intrinsic the Intentionality of the utterance is derived. The question then is: How does it derive its Intentionality?(John R. Searle, Intentionality: An Essay in the Philosophy of Mind. Cambridge University. Press, 1983)The Lighter Side of Utterances: Kate Beckett: Um, do you know how you talk in your sleep sometimes?Richard Castle: Oh yeah.Kate Beckett: Well, last night you said a name.Richa rd Castle: Ooh.  And not your name, I assume.Kate Beckett: No.Richard Castle: Well, I wouldnt read anything into one random utterance.Kate Beckett: Fourteen utterances, and the name was Jordan. You said it over and over again. Whos Jordan?Richard Castle: I have no idea.Kate Beckett: Is it a woman?Richard Castle: No! Its nothing.Kate Beckett: Castle, I know nothing. Nothing is a dear friend of mine and this is not nothing.Richard Castle: Yes, it is. Besides, most of what I say is meaningless. Why would it be any different when Im asleep?(Stana Katic and Nathan Fillon, The Wild Rover. Castle, 2013)

Internet and Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Internet and Education - Essay Example 12). While this technology, in this instance the Internet, is argued to fundamentally shape the nature of knowledge, it does not mean it does so in a positive or effective way. One of the fundamental functions of Internet technology is the immediate access to large sums of information; such access shifts understandings of education such that people feel they have a sort of false wisdom, when in reality they have not truly digested the information available. For Postman, such a notion means that Internet technology has not increased our knowledge in a significant regard, as new technologies do not add wisdom, instead the nature of education has been structurally changed (Postman, p. 18). Ultimately, for education this does mean that our classroom thoughts, ideas, and interests have been significantly altered. The extent that such a shift is positive or negative remains one of subjective

Earth Sciences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Earth Sciences - Essay Example Thus, careful study of the accurate cardinal orientation of the Great Pyramid at Giza, Egypt, and the Venus alignment of the Maya Palace of the Governor at Uxmal in Yucatan can reveal to what extent associated ancient cultures were advanced in their knowledge of astronomy and possibly provide scope for amazement at such achievements of monumental precision ((The Center for Archaeoastronomy, 2002). Stonehenge (Figures 4 & 5) has special significance to archaeoastronomy. It is certainly not the largest ancient stone circle in the world but it is certainly the only one with lintels on the upright stones (English Heritage Website, FAQs on Stonehenge). "Stonehenge, the word, is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon period, from the old English word "henge' meaning 'hanging' or 'gibbet'. Thus, Stonehenge literally means the 'hanging stones' and may have been derived from the lintels that seem to hang above the uprights (English Heritage, Historical Background, Stonehenge, 2006). Today 'henge' has a special significance in archaeology meaning a circular construction of either stone or timber (English Heritage, Historical Background, Stonehenge, 2006). The discoveries at Stonehenge in the 60s have made the interdisciplinary fields of archaeoastronomy and ethnoastronomy (the study of contemporary native astronomies) active fields wherefrom scholars derive knowledge of our species' continuous interaction with the cosmos (The Center for Archaeoastronomy, 2002). The report seeks to find clearly why Stonehenge was built, when it was built and by whom. It shall explore available literature with research findings in recent years to attempt to do so. 2 Stonehenge - The English Heritage Monument: 2.1 Introduction: English Heritage and the National Trust look after Stonehenge jointly. Though curious visitors have been coming to the ancient site to gawk at the monumental constructions for over 5000 years it has only recently in 1986 been declared a World Heritage Site (English Heritage, Historical Background, 2006). Researchers from the English Heritage Scientific Dating Service used a variety of dating techniques to assess dates when the monument was built. The researchers assert that Stonehenge was built in three phases - the oldest construction was the Mesolithic activity in the present car park attached to the site. It must be noted here that the team

Expository essay Essay Example for Free

Expository essay Essay Expository writing is a life skill. More than any other type of writing, expository writing is a daily requirement of most careers. Understanding and following the proven steps of the writing process helps all writers, including students, master the expository essay. Expository Essay Structure Usually, the expository essay is composed of five paragraphs. The introductory paragraph contains the thesis or main idea. The next three paragraphs, or body of the essay, provide details in support of the thesis. The concluding paragraph restates the main idea and ties together the major points of essay. Here are expository essay tips for each part of the essay structure and writing process: 1. Prewriting for the Expository Essay In the prewriting phase of writing an expository essay, students should take time to brainstorm about the topic and main idea. Next, do research and take notes. Create an outline showing the information to be presented in each paragraph, organized in a logical sequence. 2. Drafting the Expository Essay When creating the initial draft of an expository essay, consider the following suggestions: The most important sentence in the introductory paragraph is the topic sentence, which states the thesis or main idea of the essay. The thesis should be clearly stated without giving an opinion or taking a position. A good thesis is well defined, with a manageable scope that can be adequately addressed within a five-paragraph essay. Each of the three body paragraphs should cover a separate point that develops the essay’s thesis. The sentences of each paragraph should offer facts and examples in support of the paragraph’s topic. The concluding paragraph should reinforce the thesis and the main supporting ideas. Do not introduce new material in the conclusion. Since an expository essay discusses an event, situation, or the views of others, and not a personal experience, students should write in the third person (â€Å"he,† â€Å"she,† or â€Å"it†), and avoid â€Å"I† or â€Å"you† sentences. 3. Revising the Expository Essay In the revision phase, students review, modify, and reorganize their work with the goal of making it the best it can be. Keep these considerations in mind: Does the essay give an unbiased analysis that unfolds logically, using relevant facts and examples? Has the information been clearly and effectively communicated to the reader? Watch out for â€Å"paragraph sprawl,† which occurs when the writer loses focus and veers from the topic by introducing unnecessary details. Is the sentence structure varied? Is the word choice precise? Do the transitions between sentences and paragraphs help the reader’s understanding? Does the concluding paragraph communicate the value and meaning of the thesis and key supporting ideas? If the essay is still missing the mark, take another look at the topic sentence. A solid thesis statement leads to a solid essay. Once the thesis works, the rest of the essay falls into place more easily. 4. Editing the Expository Essay Next, proofread and correct errors in grammar and mechanics, and edit to improve style and clarity. While an expository essay should be clear and concise, it can also be lively and engaging. Having a friend read the essay helps writers edit with a fresh perspective. 5. Publishing the Expository Essay Sharing an expository essay with the rest of the class can be both exciting and intimidating. Remember, there isn’t a writer on earth who isn’t sensitive about his or her own work. The important thing is to learn from the experience and use the feedback to make the next essay better. Essay Variations Essay writing is a huge part of a education today. Most students must learn to write various kinds of essays during their academic careers, including different types of expository essay writing: Definition essays explain the meaning of a word, term, or concept. The topic can be a concrete subject such as an animal or tree, or it can be an abstract term, such as freedom or love. This type of essay should discuss the word’s denotation (literal or dictionary definition), as well as its connotation or the associations that a word usually brings to mind. Classification essays break down a broad subject or idea into categories and groups. The writer organizes the essay by starting with the most general category and then defines and gives examples of each specific classification. Compare and contrast essays describe the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, or things. Comparison tells how things are alike and contrast shows how they are different. Cause and effect essays explain how things affect each other and depend on each other. The writer identifies a clear relationship between two subjects, focusing on why things happen (causes) and/or what happens as a result (effects). â€Å"How to† essays, sometimes called process essays, explain a procedure, step-by-step process, or how to do something with the goal of instructing the reader.

Cameron’s The Terminator and Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale as Responses to Neo-conservatism :: Movie Film Essays

From abortion to pornography, the â€Å"war on drugs† to the end of the Cold War, the 1980s played host to considerable controversy; amidst such political uneasiness, then, it seems that Reagan Era rejuvenated middle-America’s latent conservatism. This return to the traditional Puritan values of the â€Å"nuclear family† also sponsored heightened State intervention and policing of the private sphere, thereby buttressing cultural myths of the dangerous, unknown â€Å"Other†. As such a fear of the Other was socially perpetuated, it seemed the responsibility of liberal-minded skeptics to note such propaganda as an alarming preparation for totalitarianism. Many cultural texts from the period, such as James Cameron’s 1984 science-fiction film, â€Å"The Terminator†, and Margaret Atwood’s 1986 feminist predictive-text, â€Å"The Handmaid’s Tale†, used this opportunity to illustrate the drastic outcomes of a society founded on such mass ignorance. Following in the tradition of â€Å"dystopian†, or anti-utopian, fiction, both texts use a depiction of a â€Å"perfect† future world in order to isolate, exaggerate and expose certain problematic social trends. While not intended as realistic or plausible predictions, these dystopian texts seek to expose extremist attitudes (such as radical conservatism, religiosity, or technological reliance) as fundamentally threatening to human nature and individualism. Dystopia, then, can be understood as a locale for the constant impediment of human freedom, maintained by a regime’s oppressive control of technology, gender and ideology. What makes this fictional society so fascinating, however, is its cunning transformation from utopia to dystopia, or from Heaven to Hell; each of these corrupt worlds is originally presented as a safer, more stable and efficient alternative to contemporary society. Atwood’s tale, for example, presents a portrait of a society, Gilead, which is superficially ideal: it is free of (visible) violence, hatred or suffering. Yet this apparent perfection comes with sacrifice, for all aspects of the population are controlled: social class and intellectual ability are all carefully regulated, with stability maintained at all costs. Similarly, Cameron’s â€Å"Terminator† presents members of modern-day (circa 1984) Los Angeles in a beneficial symbiotic relationship with machinery: as technology improves daily life for humans, so too do humans improve technology. Yet this techno-friendly society based on social alliance is jaded once the machines begin to overpower and out-wit humans; here the oppressive regime that threatens humanity is technology itself. In both texts it seems clear that both technological advancement and control are imperative to the succession of an autocratic state. And as the audience is always kept keenly aware of the dangers that homogeneity poses to the quality of life, these dystopian texts question whether technology necessitates a sacrifice of human individuality.

OSHA Lawsuit

In this article, there are no details given on what was the nature of the complaints filed by the employee originally, however, searching the internet for other related articles, I found one of a reason for which the employee may had been ruminated, â€Å"OSHA says the employee was fired after complaining about a potentially unsafe situation of finding the building unsecured when she arrived, alone, to open the store. The worker also filed a safety and health complaint with OSHA, which triggered an OSHA inspection that identified two unrelated violations. (Two Whistler's†¦ , n. D. , p. Xx-xx). In my opinion, the employer, Xebec Inc. Could have done a lot to address the situation as soon as It learned of the complaint. First of all, securing the doors of the business should have been of outmost priority, not only to Insure the safety of the employees, but to safeguard the equipment, Inventory and other Items that may been left In the store overnight. Launching an Investigation t o find out why the door was not secured, should not have been a major issue as it was.Making sure the employee's was heard and safety precautions put in place should be a first priority to every employer, these safeguards could not have been costly at all either, there should not have been any excuse. Secondly, the employer should have reassure the employee once the safeguards were put into place, that a situation such as this would be addressed every time she rough it up, to make her feel secure on the performance of her duties.Also, if the employee had any suggestions as to how to better guard her well-being when she enter the store first-thing In the morning, should have been part of a plan of action. Often, employers are not present at all times to Insure that everything goes smoothly during business hours and they must rely on their employees to be their eyes and ears during their absences. Lastly, terminating the employee was not going to end the employer's responsibility to o ther employees and their community.If the store's door was constantly left open overnight, word could have gone out the undesirable members of community as a place where they could commit crimes, therefore, putting the rest of the business owners at risk. References; Todd, E. , & Rodriguez,J. (201 3, January 31 Us department of labor files whistle- blower lawsuit against Helena, Mont. Based xebec Inc.. Retrieved November 8, 2013, Unknown (n. D. ). Two Whistler's Lawsuits Filed over Workplace Violence Allegations Ð’Â » Safety's. Retrieved November 8, 2013, from http://safety's. Com/ Article

Cultural Sensitivity Essay

Cultural sensitivity is vital to remember when any firm does any business in a foreign market. Certain strategies and procedures used in the United States may not translate the same way in other countries or have the same impact. Other areas in the world operate their businesses with different priorities and in different cultures so it is crucial to consider how these differences may affect how business is done. Ethical situations will inevitably arise when a firm begins operations in a new international market so it is best to be prepared to face such situations with character. Company A now feels ready to enter the Eastern Asia market to continue its plans to grow the company and its profits. Taiwan is the country chosen for the next international expansion and there are many things to consider before entering this market. After researching several Eastern Asia markets to globalize in Taiwan, a republic of China was chosen as the country to expand in because there is the potential to manufacture a large volume of their engine parts there while paying very little in labor costs. The absence of any organized trade union is also a factor because there will be little resistance offered from any form of union. With expansion to any new country or region there are always cross-cultural ethical differences to take into consideration since all countries or areas hold their own world-views, religions, politics, traditions etc. Expanding to Taiwan with obviously has an impact on both Company A and Taiwan itself. While labor costs in Taiwan are much cheaper than the United States Company A must act ethically with concern to culture of Taiwan and the people who the employ there. Some people in Taiwan are grateful for American expansion to their country because there are more jobs available but there are also currently many in Taiwan who look at the American expansion in their country as a negative. There is a major concern in both Taiwan and the US that many of the multinational corporations doing business in Taiwan are doing far  more that just operating a company there. Most believe that these multinational corporations have a significant influence on the political agenda’s of Taiwan w ho have the interest of their company in mind before that of the people of Taiwan. There is also major concern for the worsening of government regulation in Taiwan, as there appears that they are not protecting workers from any physical, mental or social risk in the workplace. Company A should also consider creating some form or insurance benefits package for its Taiwanese workers as this would go a long way in showing them that they are ethical, that they care about their workers, and that they respect the Taiwanese people. This all has an affect on company A because they must make a conscious effort protect their image and brand so that they can continue to grow their business within the US and worldwide. Company A must make ethical decisions towards their operations across the company and within Taiwan so that they are not branded as a company who is simply taking advantage of cheap labor in a foreign country. With the majority of Taiwan believing that workers are not protected and that multinational corporations are attempting to influence political issues, I t hink it would be wise for Company A to make massive effort towards showing the people in Taiwan that they will protect their workers and use any influence they hold to help improve government regulation and attempt to mutually benefit both the company and the people of Taiwan. Company A must also consider the traditions and general way of life for the Taiwanese people. For instance learning their foods, drinks, religious practices, and recreational activities and somehow blending them into the company culture may help workers feel more comfortable and trusting towards Company A. Taiwanese people drink a lot of tea and juice drinks with boba in them so maybe offering or selling those within the company property would be a good idea. Also Buddhism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religion are the common practices in Taiwan so perhaps offering a place of worship on company grounds would be a great gesture. As far as work hours are concerned, Taiwanese people are working similar business ours that Western countries typically will work so they are hard working people and are accustom to similar schedule to what the factory in the US would for Company A. The will also be critical adjustments needed to be made regarding Company A’s marketing strategies in Taiwan versus how they would typically market their products in the US. There are different consumers in Taiwan because of their dense population and their culture. Most Taiwanese people would not tend to purchase large trucks or vehicles that would necessitate the heavy duty parts that Company A manufactures so they must concentrate almost all of their marketing efforts around a specific group of Taiwanese consumer or business that utilizes larger vehicles on a consistent basis. Company must market their product mainly to businesses that use heavy-duty equipment in their operations and in industrial areas since the average Taiwanese consumer would not buy a large truck, as they are not sold in such large volumes as they are in the US. As far as marketing to consumers Company A’s focus should be on the wealthy people of Taiwan who can afford to operate and maintain larger vehicles. Company A should also reduce the price of their product to ac commodate for a smaller volume of sales on trucks in Taiwan and also to begin attracting new clients since they will be new to the area. This price reduction should be offset somewhat by the less expensive labor costs experienced in Taiwan. Cross-cultural communication is also important for Company A to build a strong relationship with its Taiwanese workers. The first barrier to communication is language. The primary language in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese and while most Taiwanese businessmen do speak English, it would be a good idea for some representatives from Company to a learn some Mandarin Chinese to help with communication efforts. Company should also consider having some translators available to maintain clear communication as well. Taiwanese business is based mainly off of respect so it is important to meet fact-to-face whenever possible, include senior executives meetings whenever possible, direct presentations to the senior ranking person and also make sure to give and receive any gifts with both hands as a sign of respect, and always look people in the eyes. It is also very important to refrain from being too frank or outspoken because this will be viewed as disrespectful. Is it vital to keep these practices as well as learning other important cultural traditions when conducting business in Taiwan or with any Taiwanese people. As far as marketing is concerned, while in the US marketing can be based around creativity and branding, it is important in Taiwan to focus  their marketing around integrity and respect. Taiwanese people and their businesses are less concerned with gimmicks and flash and maintain an emphasis on ethics and as always respect is absolutely vital. There will without a doubt be many cultural differences to overcome when opening a new plant in Taiwan. Marketing strategies and how businesses are viewed will not be the same in Taiwan as they are in the US so while A Company may be accustomed to operating their plants at home in a certain way, they must make adjustments to accommodate for the cultural variances of the environment their new plant is operating in. The impact that the cultural differences will have could be minor or they could be significant depending on how well Company A does their research and how they handle adapting their new plant to conform to the Taiwanese market while maintaining efficiency and their core company beliefs. Taiwan is densely populated country and their consumers purchase mainly small fuel efficient vehicles and since Company A specializes in engine components for heavy duty trucks they must focus their marketing strategies on smaller sized trucks with an emphasis on the advantages of their engi ne components, along with businesses that utilize heavy duty trucks in their operations.

School Vouchers1 essays

School Vouchers1 essays Education School Vouchers There has been a lot of debate recently over the use of school vouchers. Voucher programs offer students attending both public and private schools tuition vouchers. It gives taxpayers the freedom to pick where their tax dollars go. In theory, good schools will thrive with money and bad schools will lose students and close its doors. Most people feel that taking taxpayer money from public schools and using this money as vouchers for private schools is a violation of the constitution. Most private schools in America right now are run by religious organizations. There has been a lot of controversy over this issue mainly because of the importance of an education in a modern society. School choice initiatives are based on the premise that allowing parents to choose what schools their children attend is not only the right thing to do, but is also an important way for improving education. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, School choice programs offer parents various options from which to pick the educational settings they believe will work best for their child. However, there is Supporters of school vouchers claim that it levels the educational playing field for lower income families who would have the option to send their kids away from an ineffective poorly funded public schools. Some lower class families feel that their kids would have a better chance with a tuition voucher to go to a private school where more money is spent on education. Many feel that vouchers would undermine public schools, by taking away public money for smaller class sizes, teacher training and innovative curriculum. Also, many feel that vouchers would erode the support for public education. In Milwaukee, voucher schools say they do not give special services to students with disabilities. Most of the voucher schools refused to sign a letter that they will ...

Chariots of Fire

In marriages, family units and even friendships, falling-out is a common circumstance. It is apparent that there are oppressive forces that manipulate us. While some filmmakers offer the public entertainment as remedies to this dissatisfaction, others reinforce the sense that individual worth is being assaulted from several areas. Chariots of Fire is a film that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Two very different approaches to religion and sport are at the heart of this movie. The film is based on the true story of two British sprinters in the 1924 Paris Olympics; one Christian and one Jewish. Neither runner is out for personal or national glory. These two men are competing for the same reason; a matter of a higher calling but in very different ways. For Harold Abrahams, a proud English Jew from a well-to-do family, running is a weapon against anti-Semitism; a way of validating his worth, and by extension his Jewishness, to his Anglo society and to himself. There is something to be said for this approach: After shattering a long-standing speed barrier at Cambridge’s Trinity College, the master says â€Å"Perhaps they’re the chosen people after all. † In a way, he is right. As an athlete, Abrahams is driven by rebellious anger and shame endangered by the legacy of anti-Semitic prejudice that has gone hand in hand with the Jew’s divine determination. For Eric Liddell, a devout Scot with missionary aspirations, running is something he can do to give glory to God, the same way the grass glorifies him by growing and the sun by shining. In one part of the movie, Liddell tries explaining the value of running to his sister, who doesn’t see the value of it at all by saying â€Å"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure. † The difference between their motivations is highlighted in a number of ways. Each runner’s commitment goes well beyond whatever obligation either feels to the expectations of their society. Where Abrahams’ commitment leads him to dispense himself from unwritten rules about amateur athletes not receiving professional coaching, Liddell brings his own additional unwritten rules to participation. For Abrahams, the chief crisis he faces is whether he can win after losing a race to Liddell and for Liddell; the crisis is whether he can even qualify when en route to the Olympics discovers the qualifying heat for his event is on the â€Å"Sabbath. While Abrahams must swallow his pride and find the courage to run in the Olympics, Liddell must swallow his hopes and find the courage not to run. Chariots of Fire is an aesthetically well realized work of art. The authentic drama deals directly with issues such as athletic competition, the nature of winning and losing and the central place of beliefs in sports. It touches sensitively and strongly on the longi ng for perfection, the search for meaning and the struggle for acceptance.

Sun Exposure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sun Exposure - Essay Example The most important information to capture in educating patients about the skin and sun exposure relates to the benefits and damages that the sun causes to the skin. The patients need to understand the extent of sun that is necessary for their skin. This is in the view that vitamin D; a crucial vitamin in the human body can be derived from sun rays (Reichrath, 2008). However, excessive exposure of the skin to the sun is harmful, and can result in skin diseases; among them skin cancer. The patients have to be equipped with vast explanations as to how such scenarios may arise. On the other hand, the damaging aspect of sun exposure to the skin would be crucial to account for, making patients understand the process behind the harmful aspects of sun exposure to the skin. Personally, the underlying risks of sun exposure are well understood. On the simple step towards reducing such risks, covering the skin in extreme sunny days comes in handy. Over and above this, use of certified products that protect the skin from harmful aspects of sun exposure also works. On the same note, having regular checkups by a dermatologist and seeking relevant advice and information towards minimizing sun exposure, or actually alleviating the underlying risks