Phenomenology in Peter Zumthor’s architecture

Phenomenology is not a new invention, although it became synonymous with modernistic art in the early 1900’s. In fact the idea of phenomenology and the meaning of life and its numerous connections became not only an existential question, but also a study of reactivity between human beings in the hope that we might understand why things happen and why we behave in the way we do. In the social sciences, sociologists such as Max Weber wanted to understand this relationship between humans and in art this relationship culminated in the relationship between the artists and the subject and the inherent ties that are visible between the two. Peter Zumthor has become a paragon of his art and his architecture is something of a phenomenological artefact and in this case we examine his architectural pieces at Vals in Switzerland and Cologne in Germany. We look specifically at his spa complex (Therme Vals Spa) and his art museum (Kolumba). We also look at the meaning and the theory of phenomenology as a discipline in the attempt to understand the connection between Zumthor’s personal standpoint and the ideology as a whole. We look first at phenomenology as a discipline and its forefathers while also looking at the very first revelations of phenomenology in the arts. What is phenomenology? How did it come into being and why is it such a powerful tool for the arts? Phenomenology is described as the â€Å"study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view. †(Smith, 2008). What is central to the idea is the intention of the subject, for instance, what does the individual intend to do with the experience? The direction of an experience is geared towards the object with pertinence to the meaning of the relationship (Smith, 2008). It was used in the social sciences by masters such as Heidegger, Husserl and Sartre and encompasses four major aspects of the philosophy of social science: epistemology, ontology, ethics and logic (Smith, 2008). Naturally, these aspects of humanity cannot be explained by scientific inquiry alone, as the human brain consists of unseen reactions as well as the physiological and observable. This posed a problem for social sciences in the sense that something could not be proven unless it could be observed. What we are able to observe, clearly, is interaction, action and reaction. What we are not able to observe is the ‘why’. Smith (2008) explains that where conscious experience is concerned the major affect is that we are able to live through them and perform them. We are able to relate a past experience only from our own standpoint, based on how we felt at the time and therefore we interpret it as it affects us personally (Smith, 2008). Hermeneutic phenomenology is a branch of the discipline that stems from the interpretive which means that we are only ever able to interpret experiences and relationships thereupon and never able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that it is true or not (Marcelle, 2005). At present, the nature of phenomenology is changing with the advent of new communication methods such as the internet (Marcelle, 2005). Indeed, artistically speaking, architecture also remains a means of communicating via its ability to relate a feeling or atmosphere that is pertinent to the emotion it wishes to convey. For example, an art museum wants to convey a different experience to that of a spa. After we have interpreted experiences, we then have to analyze them and remove notable aspects for further observation. Thereafter, phenomenology tries to expand upon different ways of thinking and understand what type of thinking allows that particular experience to be interpreted in that way. Empirical experiments attempt to determine the commonality of that experience and whether it can be proved (Smith, 2008). Some forms of phenomenology try to explain these experiences with the added benefit of neurological knowledge which is of course, empirically and scientifically proven (Smith, 2008). ` Now we know what phenomenology is but what we need to do it examine where is it began in terms of representational art and architecture. Upon viewing something it immediately invokes some sort of emotional connection: whether you like it very much or hate it, there is a reason for this connection. When we view a flower in the open air, some of us may feel euphoric and happy amongst the beauty while others may not be greatly affected by it. The same is true when viewing a rubbish heap, but with the opposite emotion. How we view this experience depends very much on the frame of mind we are in at the time and the overall mental state or personality. This was used in early Surrealist art where those such as Salvador Dali attempted to relate the internal subconscious of the self to the viewer. Dali himself used architectural type hypercube structures to convey a certain transcendence of Christ in his famous Corpus Hypercubus (1954) (Fudjack & Dinkelaker, 1999). The purpose of using this 3 dimensional construction was to invoke the sense not only of transcendence but also omnipotence with the past, present and the future all being present in one picture (Barrette, 2007). Prior to Zumthor’s work and wedged in between Dali’s was Antonin Gaudi whose post-modernist art nouveau architecture can be seen as both garish and outrageous. Gaudi’s work was not only intended for a purpose, but was also employed to have specific affect on the viewer. Sagrada Familia was not completed before Gaudi’s death in 1926 (Schumacher, 1991). Gaudi used angularity, columns and vaults in true architectural classicism and combined it with modern eclecticism to produce a gorgeously outrageous modern gothic temple. In other works, he used mosaics and facades to produce candy-like buildings that both pleased the eye and served a purpose. So phenomenology is not a new idea in the arts and was used with great effect also by artists such as Rene Magritte and in writing by Roland Barthes. Marcel Duchamps created yet another dimension to modernistic phenomenology which included a form of cerebral art that made it necessary not simply to view the piece, but to think about it and to react to it. For him, it was not so important that you liked the work, but rather that you thought about it. Duchamps constructed the Three Standard Stoppages (1914-1915) which used found articles such as string and mirror in a wooden box. This piece therefore made use of mathematical questions that were of course, not answerable. The purpose of the work was in fact to create for Duchamps his own physical ‘oeuvre’ (Betancourt, 2003). Roland Barthes created the idea that what we see is not reality if it is reproduced. Barthes viewed a picture of his mother with the knowledge that although it was his mother in the picture, it was also not his mother. It was really only a representation of her (Barthes, 1980). The question is really, what is the individual experience of the photograph? The experience of the individual is very different depending on whether or not of course, you know the object depicted. We see that phenomenology has been used for many years in the arts and in writing, and now we look specifically at the work of Peter Zumthor. Peter Zumthor was born in Switzerland on the 26 April 1943. Zumthor was the son of a cabinet maker and learnt carpentry early in life. He studied at the Pratt Institute in New York and was awarded the Carlsberg Architecture Prize in 1998 (Spiritus Temporis, 2005). Peter Zumthor also wrote extensively about his philosophy for architecture saying that: â€Å"In order to design buildings with a sensuous connection to life, one must think in a way that goes far beyond form and construction. † (Zumthor in Arcspace, 2009). The phenomenological approach of Zumthor’s work is clear in this statement as it employs the purpose and necessity of thinking about the work more than merely accepting it as a piece in which we either reside or gather. For Zumthor, the building not only has to be facilitative, but also be emotionally or sensually charged. It is only in this manner that we are able to connect with it on a personal level. The building is itself, and does not have to be representational of anything. In other words, as the Chartres Cathedral is representational of a religious artefact, Zumthor’s work has an existence beyond its representation (Zumthor in Arcspace, 2009). The Kolumba Art Museum of the Archdiocese of Cologne is a culmination of old and new religious art which was meant initially to make one think about how the two worlds intercept (Carrington, 2008). It is described as a museum of reflection (Carrington, 2008). First founded in 1853 by the Society for Christian Art and is home to 2 000 years of religious art. The most important aspect of this art however, is that it has two parallel histories. The original building was almost completely destroyed during World War II and during the year of 1973, excavations revealed medieval, Roman and Gothic remains. All the ruins were used by Zumthor to collaborate the history into one astounding piece of work (Carrington, 2008). Zumthor essentially raised the walls on cement covered steel columns and embedded both sets of historical ruins into the new walls (Carrington, 2008). The result is an amalgamation of old and new that somehow allows the viewer to notice the old rather than the new while also providing us with the same vision Zumthor himself had. Upon viewing the structure it appears to be a patchwork that is carefully constructed to produce a time-frame continuum. Yet while the building is a thoughtful invocation of old and new, it is also environmentally considered. It is constructed with ‘filter walls’ that have a air and light permeable membrane which is separated between the chapel and the exhibition rooms (Architectural News, 2007). Zumthor collaborated the use of the old world material with brick, mortar, plaster and terrazzo as a backdrop for the artworks exhibited (Architectural News, 2007). Clearly, if Zumthor wanted to he could have created a modernistic and highly technological piece of architecture like the Sydney Opera House, but his sensitivity as an artist allowed him to produce a dignified and respectful piece of architectural history that is not seen before. Windows placed across the entire space of the wall allows light to enter at all directions and also provides changing lights spaces at different times of the day (Architectural News, 2007). There is not a great difference in colour between the old and the new parts of the building considering the different materials used at any time. The gothic vaults that appear along the side of the building are embedded onto plastered and textured walls. The texture however, does not appear directly behind the gothic facade, but rather some meters above it. This means that there is no detraction from the original facade (Figure 1). Kolumba Art Museum Figure 1 Markus Bachmann (Architectural News) 2007. The Therme Vals, Switzerland has a completely different countenance altogether. Zumthor appears to be a master at replacing older structures with refreshing new ones. The spa reopened in 1996 after it was reconstructed by Zumthor from the original 1960’s building (McLaughlin, 2006). Zumthor created a modern bathing complex out of 60 000 local quartzite slabs. The buildings itself appears to be truly new age and almost alien-like, with granite dotted around geometric and glass sliding doors. In a sense, Zumthor has attempted to internalise the mountain backdrop of the exterior of the building, by incorporating the natural light available through frosted and clarified glass (Baus, 2007: 9). Holes in the sky-lights of the slabs allow natural light into the rooms where the baths are situated. The floor plan reveals lights situated under the water in the baths that glow a magical blue in the evening and is a perfect place to reflect upon ones self (Baus, 2007: 14). This is of course, the point of a spa, that one is assisted in self exploration. The domes appear to resemble eyes placed upon a shield from which the light is radiated. The purpose of this architecture is therefore not only to accommodate and enhance well being, but also to accommodate the natural environment (Baus, 2007: 5). The building itself resembles the gentle ebb and flow of the stream that feeds the spa as well as the Alpine mountains that surround it. The interior glass is frosted with yin/yang shaped apertures that allow the light into the building as seen in figure two. One is quickly able to see how the light is utilised to produce an ethereal and magical area of meditation which is particularly important to the person who is attempting to find emotional help. It is not a palatial and sentimental piece as is seen in the art museum, but then the personality of the people visiting it is not likely to be the same either. Figure 2 Interior Vals Spa – www. flickr. com/photos/amirkorour/269995495/ Remove frame The loss of senses is a contributing factor to emotional disruption and the allowance of this building to connect with the beautiful environment facilitates the reconnection of the person with the senses whether they be beauty, love, peace or euphoria. Sensory deprivation is something we have come to tolerate as humans due in part to our fast paced lifestyles and our intense need for social airs and graces. In a space such as the Vals Spa, we are able to shed these nuances of life and expect to be move back towards what Zumthor had previously explained was a sensual connection with the environment. In an interview with Zumthor available online the Termae of Stone is explained by the man himself. Zumthor states that he wanted the visitors to be able to connect with the environment and to be able to find themselves within the architecture (Zumthor, 2007). Zumthor also wanted the architecture to be a part of the healing process rather than an abstract work of art on its own. For this reason it must facilitate the human experience rather than detract from it (Zumthor, 2007). The meaning behind the architecture is that is becomes almost a mythical and ritualistic appearance of cleansing in a very spiritual manner. The spiritual is inherent in the building by virtue of it meaningful change and by symbolism. Zumthor uses the ritual of removing ones clothing as a part of this stripping of extraneous material to reveal the purity of self and of the environment, essentially becoming one with it (Zumthor, 2007). Stone and skin are two of these important factors as well as the senses being able to experience different temperatures of the water and textural changes in the light and building material. Coupled with this is an acoustic effect that tantalises all the senses: touch, sound, sight and taste. There is a clear parallel between the building and its meaning which is the essence of phenomenology. This was also attempted by Frank Lloyd Wright many years before at Falling Waters. Zumthor states too that on a formal level everything is simple and un-intrusive, an important aspect of the purpose of a healing spa. Part water and part stone, the functionality of the material is elemental to the human body which is mainly water itself (Zumthor, 2007). There is a juxtaposition between the mobility of water and the solidity of stone similar to the opposites visible in the art museum which old and new are encapsulated together. Zumthor clearly also enjoys the opposing of various opposite sets as well as the sensuality that theses opposites grant the viewer. For most people healing entails the need for the senses to be reawakened and for experience to be reinvented. In a sense, we stop experiencing the world around us when we run out of time or are clinging to the need to survive rather than seeking time for the self and its needs. The idea of a spa is not only the range of treatments that it gives the person, but also a healing form within where the person is able to completely relax. The reflection of light against the monochromatic pool floors is the same example used in the Art Museum at Kolumba where the light allowed into the building illuminates the various pieces differently all the time. Only natural light can do this, not artificial. For Zumthor, thinking is also important to the individual, because thinking is what makes us different from one another. In the same way as we do not all think in the same way, light reflections are never the same at any given time. The result is purely interpretive and hermeneutic. The effect is as much psychological as it is physiological and the spa is as much naturalistic as it is modern which is largely thanks to the quartzite slabs Zumthor has used. Zumthor is quick to explain it is his own idea of the architecture that he wishes to convey and that he takes the liberty of interpreting the piece the way he sees it (Zumthor, 2007). The idea of the piece is always accompanied by a powerful image and the visualisation of the experience (Zumthor, 2007). For Zumthor it is never an abstract idea, it is very clear. The first images that Zumthor has upon undertaking an architectural piece are naive and child-like and gradually mature into something realistic (Zumthor, 2007). The process of building never loses the initial image even though it is built upon and matured. For him it is a self defining form of architecture and not an abstract, detached one (Zumthor, 2007). Interestingly this is opposite to the previously mentioned modernist architect Antonin Gaudi whose architecture was outrageously abstract and indulgent. Zumthor has clearly focussed on communication, opening the ‘mouth’ of the architecture to allow his image to proceed. Communication is key to the hermeneutic experience, predominantly because communication is the way we define ourselves and others. It is the way we are able to relate to one another and it the only observable practice there is to humanity. Zumthor is therefore also humanistic in his approach to art and architecture. Jacky Bowring describes how as Westerners we have become detached from our senses and uses the example of Anthony Giddens that globalisation, westernisation and modernisation are intertwined. This means that the global village is slowly but surely become a Western one where sensory deprivation causes the volcanic outburst of deviant behaviour (Bowring, 2005: 81). But Western culture is also dominated by the visual meaning that what is pleasing to the eye is considered pleasing to the soul. However, other cultures such as the Indian and the Oriental employ the use of all the senses and produce an holistic effect (Bowring, 2005: 81). For this purpose, Zumthor cleverly escapes the Westernized jail in which Western society had holed itself and employs the use of other sense that essentially make us humans rather than just non-rational animals (Bowring, 2005: 81). Bowring believes that our optical and visual culture has made us deprived of other senses, which is partially true. She states: â€Å"A counter to the one-eyed focus of ocularcentrism is the recognition of senses of place that is found in the philosophy of phenomenology. †(Bowring, 2005: 82). As a result of this deprivation we have become dislocated and not a whole and functional body, hence the need for multi-sensory architecture and connectivity with our environment (Bowring, 2005: 82). For Bowring the problem is that the Western obsession with appearance has caused landscape artists to produce masses of gardens and landscapes that are ‘pretty’ or ‘stunning’ but have no other sensory satisfactions (Bowring, 2005: 83). Sturich looks at the image as a poetic one, as a hermeneutic experience by which we create images that invoke certain feelings and for Zumthor the poetry is an ‘unexpected truth’ (Sturich, 2003: 4). The poetic strengthens our relationship between the world or ourselves, making us more able to experience that world for what it really is – a culmination of all senses and not merely a material setting (Sturich, 2003: 4). Memory is another aspect of the poetic that Zumthor uses as the senses are memory precursors. The senses and the poetic becomes narratives by which we build our current worlds, beliefs and experiences (Sturich, 2003: 6). For this reason, we associate things we do not like with things that have bad memories or experiences. We may not like thatched houses because one caught fire once as a child or we may enjoy the Palace of Versailles because of a sweet cake we indulged in when visiting it. The association of what we enjoy and do not enjoy is based on our experience of it. Zumthor’s idea of what a kitchen should be is based on his memory of his aunt’s house when he was a child, as evidently he has good memories of it (Sturich, 2003: 7). Poetry relates these memories through words, architects relate these memories through their works. Sturich explains that we use buildings as repositories for poetic images that increase our awareness of the world around us (Sturich, 2003: 10). So we have the memory and the poetic image as two aspects of the hermeneutic or phenomenological that facilitate creative and healing properties of the human being and the human mind. Davidovici explains yet another interesting aspect to the phenomenology of Zumthor and that is in the culture of modern Europe. Critically speaking, Zumthor did away with the cultural need for ‘art for art’s sake’ and replaced it with a moral concern for the environment (Davodovici, date unknown: 1). Herzog and de Meuron were two of Zumthor’s counterparts, but there idea of architecture was as an artistic vehicle with a motion towards emotive charging of all materials used in a single building (Davidovici, date unknown: 1). The morphology of the building therefore entertained the idea that humanistic approaches were too formal and there was thus a need for impersonal and neutral surroundings to be banished. Zumthor, in his Kolumba Art Museum gave way to the fact that our memories are embedded in our pasts and that patriotism is a necessary part of national spirit. We see that the use of two to three worlds entwined with the modern gives exactly the right amount of emotive past and sensory present. Zumthor was concerned with creating something that we could â€Å"know, understand and feel. †(Davidovici, date unknown: 4). Again, for Zumthor the idea of building and of dwelling is the same as Heidegger’s that dwelling is the personal and identifiable space where people reside as human beings (Sturich, 2003: 1). The importance of this is that our personal space is a reflection of the self in the same way that it is also impersonal in its creation. It is the way in which we adorn our personal space that allows the true self to become self-evident. The building itself is built by someone else and very rarely is indicative of the self, but in these cases, sometimes this works as a slate upon which one can paint their own image. We see without doubt that Zumthor has created in the Vals Thermal Spa, a place where the individual is able to connect with the self because the surroundings are impersonal. However, it is very clearly natural and down to earth. Compare this for instance to the Hilton Hotel’s dotted around the Unites States that are lavish but also impersonal but offer no real opportunity to connect with the personal. The same sort of comparison can be made between the Chartres Cathedral and the Kolumba Art Museum where both themes are the religious. In the Chartres Cathedral the purest place of the architecture as a product is itself. The Kolumba, by contrast is that it should show the character of the works contained within it rather than the building itself. Zumthor also shows a very important character reference too in that the main source of his inspiration was not to show himself as being a great architect, but to preserve the past. The gothic and Romanesque arches that Zumthor preserves are beautifully melded into the modern cement walls of Zumthor’s own interpretation. The interior is also clearly geared towards preserving the art within it rather than being a work of art in itself. The need to preserve the past is also related to the importance of memory and the personal relationship both a nation and an individual has. The Vals Thermal Spa on the other hand is created in an impersonal and natural way so as not to detract from the experience that one is supposed to have. Here begins the phenomenological application: the experience, the interpretation and the analysis. The first thing one is goaded into at the spa is to experience the multi-sensory application. You are required to feel the water, see the reflection, hear the sounds of the water and also taste it. This is important to the personal experience, as every one has different ones. Also important is the fact that within the water the quartzite is locally mined and is not an anachronism for the person viewing it. The purpose is to reawaken emotion and experience of the world around and you as well as be able to reconnect with the self. We see that phenomenology is concerned with action, reaction and interaction, which is also personally experienced rather than imposed upon the individual. The theory of Roland Barthes was also pertinent to the understanding that what we see visually is not always the realistic, it is often merely a representation. What the other senses do is to make that sight into a tangible reality. One can see a picture of a something and it excites the visual sense but when we are able to feel it, smell and taste it, it becomes a tangible reality. The baths of Thermal Spa able to be felt, seen, and heard and are therefore real things. Salvador Dali also attempted to make the representational into a reality, he tried to convert the two dimensional into the three dimensional causing the person to optically believe they are able to touch and fell the article or the object. One is able to analyse the feelings one has only from the personal standpoint and never from the third person, hence the personal nature of narratives and novels where the writer places themselves in the position of the character in order to create the person they wish to describe. This means that the poetic narrative is also an inversion in a sense, of the phenomenological even though it is not truly the personal experience: the personal experience being of the first person rather than an interpretation of the first person by the third person. The importance of the relationship between the personal and the interpersonal is evident again in the fact that although we cannot prove how we feel or how others feel, we are at least able to empathise with what we see and feel around us. Zumthor is clearly wanting us to reconnect with the surroundings, our sense and our selves. In conclusion Peter Zumthor has succeeded in creating an architectural world where there is a good relationship between the past and the present; the natural and the man-made; and the self and the world. It is not merely based on the visual but also on all the senses. He relates to the human need to embrace the sensual rather than living the life of prescribed society. While science offers us a very distinct set of truths about the world around us, such as that the earth is round and that the body needs water, what it does not do is tell us how we think or why we do what we do. In architecture such as Zumthor’s, the architect recognises that in human nature very little is formulaic and we are seldom able to predict human behaviour. Certainly this cerebral art is a departure from classical, also formulaic artistic pieces. The thinking architecture is one that is able to produce the self in the its architecture and is able to allow the person to reflect on the environment as well as themselves. The Art Museum is a place where the individual is able to reflect on the person’s national past while also allowing us to be able to see the changes over time in the art in question. The Thermal Spa allows the person to reflect on themselves as well as their surroundings, hereby facilitating healing.

Impact of Technology on the Work-Life Balance Essay

Technology has done a lot for human beings. Without the development in technology it is possible that the pyramids would never have been built and neither would we be able to communicate with each other from remote places all over the world. Some say that these technological advances such as the internet and cellular phones are a boon on society and humankind yet there are also those detractors who say that it is has not simplified life in so much as it has complicated matters. While we enjoy everything that technology has to offer, it cannot be argued that there are times that we are more inconvenienced by it. There are times when one would rather turn his or her cellular phone off so that they can relax more and take it easy. There are also times when they wish they had battery power on their technological devices so that they can work more or accomplish more. The problem it seems is that as technology becomes more advanced and incorporates itself more in the daily lives of people it becomes more difficult to escape from it. The biggest difficulty nowadays is actually turning that piece of technology off without fearing that doing so will leave a person uninformed or make him feel so isolated and left out of this world which is moving at a very rapid pace. It is commonplace to see a person check his computer (either desktop or laptop) every few minutes or so just to make sure that they read the email as soon as it comes in. People bring their work with them almost everywhere they go these days. Work is no longer limited to the confines of a cubicle or an office but can now be performed virtually anywhere thanks to the technological advances that have enabled the invention of portable workstations such as blackberries, laptops and cellular phones. The introduction of teleconferencing has made travel to meetings all but obsolete and the push for more digital convergence has made it possible for people to work from their homes. The proper characterization of this phenomenon is not increasing worker productivity, as it is claimed, but rather invasion of privacy. There is no longer any place that is safe from the summons from work or the orders of a superior. Virtually every place on this planet allows people to perform work at any time and from any location. This means that since the day has still remained at 24 hours, unless scientists have found a way to alter that, and the more that time is devoted to work, the less time on that 24 hour clock is left for privacy and relaxation. Even certain studies have shown that the work hours have dramatically increased from the levels that it was at previously. More and more people put in longer hours with each technological breakthrough that is introduced. It has been argued that this is a good thing because people make more money and more money means happier people. While there is no arguing the fact that more money does make people happy, in general, the devices that have been invented to allow the generation of higher incomes has also reduced the time left to spend that hard earned money. The extra income that is generated by these devices now seems so meaningless and useless since it cannot be spent due to the lack of time to do so. Another problem is also the cost of worker burn out. While productivity is theoretically increased per worker, the added stress and workload that is given per worker leads to a faster deterioration of the human resource and means that in the long run the potential productivity gains are actually nullified by the deterioration of human capital. All of these time saving devices which claim to increase productivity were invented for a simple reason, to decrease work time. They were not really invented to free time up for other work but were envisioned to allow a person to do more with less. We should learn to keep it that way, be happy with doing more with less and do not fret about doing more with more.

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: Women’s Roles in Umuofian Society

Literature and Liberation- Prof. Sicari December 3rd, 2012 Women’s Role in Umuofian Society Chinua Achebe’s â€Å"Things Fall Apart† depicts the downfall of the once great tribe of Umuofia at the hands of imperialistic European white men. However the downfall of this advanced tribe would come to be inevitable due to its numerous flaws, in terms of their â€Å"justice† system, extreme religious interpretations of the Oracle and perhaps most heavily because of their intensely misogynistic views.Umuofia’s harsh and brutal treatment of women in their society reveal the fact that women are not acknowledged to even be human, much rather they are treated as possessions – as property. Men believe women to be powerless, defenseless and ultimately useless but this ignorant belief proves to have detrimental consequences. These misogynistic views in turn become the very foundation upon which this society will unravel. With imperialistic missionaries arri ving with the tempting offer of a different and more appealing lifestyle, the once united Umuofia will wither away.Umuofia is a tribe located in Nigeria, Africa coming from humble beginnings, the means of success in this tribe come through hard manual labor such as farming. Having to start from scratch several times many men have solidified their status because of their persistence, earning themselves many titles. However, a man who earns no titles is referred to as an â€Å"agbala† (p. 13) – which also means women, but when used to refer to a male it is an insult. This exposes to the reader the fact that the word failure is synonymous with women, they are interchangeable, having the same meaning.In â€Å"women† being the choice word to insult a man it also paints the picture under which light women are viewed by men, to be a woman is to be unsuccessful and to carry no value. Another manner in which a man further reinforces his titles is in acquiring several wiv es. The number of wives a man has affects his social status, exemplifying that women are possessions of men. It’s a numbers game with men, using women as their pawns so they can further embody the â€Å"true meaning† of what it is to be a man Further exemplifying the misogynistic views of this society is demonstrated in the domestic abuse females face at the hands of their spouse.Okonkwo, an aggressive being by nature is no different towards his wives. In Chapter 4, Okonkwo violently beats his third and youngest wife, Ojiugo, â€Å"And when she returned he beat her very heavily† (p. 29) because when he arrived home food was not yet prepared and she instead of having a hot meal waiting for him went to get her hair braided. Okonkwo blind in his rage beats her brutally claiming negligence, completely forgetting the fact that it was the sacred Week of Peace – â€Å"His two wives ran out in great alarm pleading with him that it was the sacred week† (p. 9). For beating his wife during the Week of Peace, Okonkwo is punished, the priest demands that Okonkwo sacrifice a nanny goat and a hen and pay a fine of one length of cloth and one hundred cowries. This scene reveals just how corrupt the Umuofian justice system is, Okonkwo is punished not because he laid his hands on his wife but because of the time in which he did it. It is not frowned down on when a male hits a female, in fact it is encouraged and Okonkwo from time to time threatens to kill his wives.It is not viewed as monstrous when a male beats a female in this society and is applauded, they feel as though women must be kept in line and know their duties as well as complete them fully anything less is negligence and physical abuse is their wake up call. Adding to the fact that men can get away with hitting their wives, the very few times in which this justice system does side with women it is very partial – with men relatively receiving a slap on the wrist. This is sho wn in Chapter 10, a dispute that comes before the egwugwu (the clan’s ancestral spirits) that involves a husband and wife.The husband, Uzowulu, states that the three brothers of his wife, Mgbafo, beat him and took her and the children from his hut but would not return her bride-price. The woman’s brothers justify their actions in stating that Uzowulu beat their sister mercilessly. They state that Uzowulu’s punishment if Mgbafo returns with him will be that his genitals be cut off if he ever beats her again. Uzowulu claims that he sees no wrong in his ways, â€Å"I married her with my money and my yams, I owe them no cocoyams† (p. 90) is his defense. He feels as though he owes his in laws no explanation and how he treats his wife is no ones oncern. This statement proves that he views his wife as just another possession of his, he paid the price and he can do as he pleases with her from that point forward. The egwugwu decide in favor of Mgbafo, telling Uzow ulu to take a pot of wine to his in-laws. One village elder complains that such a minimal matter should not be brought before them, again exposing the fact that domestic abuse is not seen as an issue in this society. In Umuofia, there are two types of crimes that can be committed, feminine crimes and masculine crimes.Okonkwo accidentally kills a clansman during a funeral, this crime falls under the category of feminine because it wasn’t a killing on purpose – â€Å"Okonkwo had committed the female, because it had been inadvertent. † (p. 124). In categorizing crimes under these two types the reader receives insight as to what characteristics pertain to each gender in the eyes of this society. Feminine crimes are accidental, without intent, inadvertent – these characteristics all associate with the way that men view females, carrying negative connotations that make it seem as though women don’t have strength.Masculine crimes on the other hand lie on the other side of the spectrum; these crimes consist of blunt, direct acts with an intent or purpose to be completed. These characteristics are some of the many males wish to possess in their attempt to fulfill what it is to be a man. Men are strong with a sense of direction and purpose and so are these crimes. Okonkwo agrees with the society’s interpretation of genders, primarily in his wishing that his daughter, Ezinma, were a boy.Ezinma, is Okonkwo’s favorite child, he loves her very much but does not show affection towards her due to his fear of being viewed as weak by the men of his tribe. Any emotion other than anger is a feminine emotion in the opinion of Okonkwo. Multiple times throughout the novel Okonkwo catches himself wishing that Ezinma were a boy, â€Å"If Ezinma had been a boy I would have been happier. She has the right spirit† (p. 66). Okonkwo claims that she would have been the ideal son, strikingly similar in their nature and mindset, Ezinma f ulfills all the qualities her father desires in his children- except for one.As she is a woman all of these talents and qualities will go on unexplored and unused. Society feels as though it is the duty of a woman to bear sons, â€Å"prosperous men and great warriors your daughter will bear us sons like you† (p. 117). Ezinma has proven herself time and time again but will always fail in the eyes of Okonkwo, through the love and fondness he has for her she will never be able to change the fact that she is a female and he will never be able to change his misogynistic views.Okonkwo is very capable of feeling feminine emotions but as for exposing and expressing them he is blind in his immense resentment towards his father, Unoka, and everything he represented. These misogynistic views take a toll on the tribe and prove to become their undoing. Christian missionaries soon arrive to the tribe with the intent of converting as many of the tribe members as possible, presenting them wi th a tempting offer that proves to entice one too many for the liking of Okonkwo.On the surface Okonkwo resist the implementation of Christianity because it is not â€Å"manly† enough, but frankly it is the deep rooted fear of losing societal status that prevents him from embracing this religion. His sense of self-worth is solely based on the traditional standards by which society judges him. The system of evaluation that the Christians introduce causes many of the tribe members embrace Christianity; the evaluation of self, not possessions is what composed one’s worth.Those who were once outcasted, scorned and belittled found value in Christianity. In their new community, these converts enjoy a more elevated status – no longer being the underdog was a more then welcomed change, the biggest underdog of them all being women. Presently, Works Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor, 1994. Print. Denny, Frederick Mathewson, Carlos M. N. Eire, Marti n S. Jaffee, and John Corrigan. Jews, Christians, Muslims: A Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2012. Print.

Mobile Phone Use and Distraction while Driving Assignment

Mobile Phone Use and Distraction while Driving - Assignment Example This involves both innocent lives of school children, pedestrians and passengers traveling in crashing vehicles. Others involved are inside buildings upon car crashes when navigating away from the roads for an expected situation. The other category is those who survive from crash injuries. They either receive minor injuries like scratches and intense bruises and sometimes treatable minor body fractures, or the accident leaves them with permanent damage. Physically permanent body injuries could be a damaged spinal cord, amputated legs, paralysis, major brain injury, which could put the victim on a wheelchair all his life, or impair brain function for coordination. All these injuries could translate into costly medical expenses to treat or maintain where impossible to correct, which is another financial burden. Destruction of private and public property that costs the taxpayers’ money to put up or to own are either partially or fully destroyed. Most of the serious car crashes on highways render the vehicles unusable or irreparable. Most of these vehicles result to waste in scrap metals sites in the USA, while minor bends cost more to repair. If properties outside the road are affected too, owners could claim damages for loss of properties. Human-Related Errors that cause Car Accidents Cell phones: Handheld cell phones are recklessly used anywhere without people taking any measures to control themselves. With the advent of new technology smartphones, the majority of the driving youths have this irresponsible use of gadgets. Most cars and trucks accidents, 22 and 71 percent respectively, meet distracted drivers on cell phones chatting, texting, reading messages, or calling (CARRS 1). It is advisable that drivers avoid taking phone calls while driving because it risks causing accidents. If the issue is urgent, they can stop by the roadside and communicate in a rush, rather than trying to handle two tasks at the same time, which is usually disastrous.

American Unjust Drug War Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

American Unjust Drug War - Research Paper Example Such premises, as will be discussed below, are stronger than those which seek to justify the state’s tough anti-drug laws. II Thesis This paper asserts that America’s war against illegal drug use is unjust because it does not simply violates but violently repress the drug user’s inherent right to choose, putting the American society at greater risk. This argument strongly weakens the popular assertion of prohibitionists that illegal drug use poses extreme harm not only against users but the society as a whole, thus must be prohibited at all costs (Huemer 135). Moreover, this vividly illustrate that a law founded on distorted truth could create more rather than resolve problem, demonizing rather than humanizing society. Essentially so, the end could not justify the means; neither the means could justify the end. Democracy, which the American society proudly upholds, is founded on giving due respect to the inherent rights of every individual, as enshrined in the Bi ll of Rights of the Unites States Constitution. Violating any of these fundamental rights contradicts American principles on civil liberties, that could weaken the very foundation of this powerful nation. One of the rights inherent in every individual is no other than the right to choose, as this acknowledges the individual’s freedom to make personal decisions. This means, the body, self and life of the individual is his/hers alone. Whatever he/she would like to do about it is his/her sole right. Meaning, an individual has the fundamental right to choose and the freedom to decide whether or not he/she will use drugs, despite knowing the harm such choice may effect on him/her. As such, the government has no business over an individual’s decision on what to do with his/her body, self, and life. Therefore, America’s war against drug is unjust, because anti-drug laws do not simply deny but violently attack drug users of their personal autonomy, subsequently violatin g their other basic human rights such as the right to liberty and the right to life. This is not to say that criminalizing drug use unjustly tarnishes the user’s reputation, causing him/her to be socially isolated and depriving him/her of opportunities and decent life. Furthermore, since the right to choose is inherent in every individual, no one – not even the majority will and not even legislation – can take away this right from an individual; only the individual him/herself can surrender this right if he/she freely chooses to do so. Meaning, if the individual knowingly decides to subject him/herself to drug use regulation or prohibition, for example under medical care, then that is the only time that his/her drug use, specifically related only to the health problem being medicated, can become the business of the authority – in this case the medical health professional. But even under such circumstance, the failure of the individual to regulate or forbi d him/herself of drug use as medically prescribed does not make him/her a criminal. If the prohibition of drug use already violates the individual’s right to choose, criminalizing it is tantamount to state repression, further proving therefore, that America’

Political Science- Indigenous Autonomy and State Development Tensions Research Paper

Political Science- Indigenous Autonomy and State Development Tensions - Research Paper Example Examining the different effects which this has as well as how it can be altered to begin to incorporate different concepts within both areas then provides alternatives to ensure that there is more unity between the two populations while creating a stronger balance with both the indigenous and state populations. The difficulties which are occurring in Latin America between the state and indigenous populations are based specifically on the agenda of both and the identity which both holds. The indigenous populations have specific issues with the development of the country into modern terms. This is taking away the identity, cultural affiliations and basic rights of the indigenous population and the beliefs which they hold. At the same time, the state is being pressured to continue to develop and open the country for different activities that can stimulate the economy, communities and other objectives that are within politics. The pressures which are arising have come from the belief that the indigenous populations are becoming oppressed with the actions of the state while losing both identity and culture in Latin America. This is being developed specifically by the political movements, social conflicts and the pressures to establish new components within the country (Sieder, 29). The problem which is a part of the indigenous and state cultures of Latin America needs to find new solutions for both development and preservation of the cultures which are associated in given regions. The question of whether corporate social responsibility is one which can be used to alter the tensions in the region then become associated with the culture and affiliations with Latin America. The ideology of corporate social responsibility is one which requires businesses recognizing the indigenous cultures and needs within the general population. The actions which take place are then developed to help those which are in

Low Income Housing Authority Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Low Income Housing Authority - Essay Example From this study it is clear that  like any other management style, planning is an essential tool. To achieve the best results, managers should make concrete plans to sustain their businesses. Low income housing authority makes planning strategies to accommodate the demands of the low income people. The stakeholders submit their plans to the public housing director providing detailed information of how they intend to serve the locals. â€Å"Planning helps the management to improve their services†.According to the paper  proper planning will ensure proper housing, equal allocation and provision of quality facilities. It helps the housing department to analyze the trends of housing and predict any challenge in future. Essentially, planning helps in creating affordable housing while safeguarding the already existing premises. Nevertheless, planning requires competent planners put in place. For instance, planning to safeguard the suppliers of cheap housing may aim at incrementa l processes of change that may result in reducing the availability of houses of a particular type. â€Å"Mechanisms aimed at protecting low cost stocks are to ensure that the planning tools contain the general objective so as to protect or retain the existing affordable housing sources†.  When the policy makers are involved in creating more affordable housing, more emphasis is given to the duration the affordable house will be retained and by whom. Essentially, â€Å"there is no sole technique of securing affordable housing.

Nursing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Nursing - Assignment Example Both studies seem to promote the idea that critical thinking could be based on the learning process, but just partially. The personal attitudes of nurses are able to affect their critical thinking. It has been made clear that critical thinking, as all other elements of nursing, can be influenced by the social and economic environment of nurses. In this context, critical thinking has been proved to be a rather complex process, which could be only partially controlled through the learning process. Critical thinking is an important element of nursing. In the literature, emphasis is given on critical thinking as a vital skill of nurses. In this context, most studies published in this field promote the idea that critical thinking should be an indispensable part of education in nursing. The specific issue is explored in the two studies analyzed in this paper. In the first of these studies, the study of Raymond-Seniuk & McGrath (2011) emphasis is given on the philosophical perspectives of critical thinking, especially in regard to nursing (Raymond-Seniuk & McGrath 2011, p.45). The specific study presents a series of definitions of critical thinking, aiming to show the potential role of critical thinking in nursing. At the same time, a comparative analysis is provided between critical thinking and certain philosophical concepts, such as person, knowledge and truth (Raymond-Seniuk & McGrath 2011, p.47-48). The above study aims to show the relationship between nursing and critical th inking especially in regard to the following issue: whether critical thinking in nursing can be taught or not. On the other hand, the study of Wang & Liao (2012) presents a critical example of the incorporation of critical thinking in nursing education: reference is made to the communication skills incorporated in the English communication classes of baccalaureate nursing students’ (Wang & Liao 2012,

PORTFOLIO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

PORTFOLIO - Essay Example unds that I have made in my journey through this class this semester and explain the methods I used to come up with thought inducing topics but also to be able to express papers through methods in which the assignment was clear but still had a point. When I would first try to determine the topics for which I would write about, I would consider my own personal experiences and the things around me that influence my thinking. The best way to determine a topic for me was to take a subject of interest and conduct research in order to elaborate more on it. When I did some thinking, writing and research my ideas would change and I thought of ways to narrow down a topic and the way in which to portray what I was trying to say. There were several times when I had to determine whether or not the topic that I was most interested in was one that I really wanted to write about or if I could find enough research about it. To decide, I would use library services and also the Internet to find topics that had supporting research. I still wanted to maintain my own voice in these papers because they were of interest to me. When looking at some of the most difficult problems I faced while writing, the fact that I am a non-native speaker and student made it difficult. There were some issues or concepts discussed in writings that I was unfamiliar with. I found that some of my information should focus more on the United States and some of the situations found in the culture and society here. The cultural differences and importances in society made a difference in some of the things that I would write about. My grammar and basic way of thinking is a struggle when compared to American English and it was a bit of a challenge to overcome. I did my best to seek out help in order to write to the best of my ability and still organize papers so that they made sense. When researching, I took the advice of my professor, my tutor and my peers. I was often provided with information

Undergraduate Essay on Teaching and Education Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Undergraduate on Teaching and Education - Essay Example Utilizing brief video clips of both children and adults to support its premise. This report e will outline and discusses relevant aspects of observation for understanding and introduce the concept of the vindictive as a powerful resource for revisiting and analysing documented observations. It will analyse and critically evaluate the multi-faceted role of the teacher and critically assess the importance of education on the life of a child. This is because teachers affect eternity and they never tell where their influence stop. This paper makes a conclusion that developing a high-quality system of teacher preparation requires the coordination of human and financial resources so that there is equity and quality in the programs offered by institutions within a state. This coordination is particularly critical in preschool education because the workforce is extraordinarily diverse in qualifications, knowledge, and experience, and the workforce is located in a range of settings that have historically been regulated differently. Most states probably have the leadership and much of the expertise needed to develop high-quality programs, but without coordination and support, it is unlikely that states will be able to transform the early childhood workforce in the way that research indicates is necessary. Education is often used to refer solely to formal education. However, it covers a range of experiences, from formal learning to the building of understanding through day to day experiences. Ultimately, all that we experience serves as a form of education.

NewCorp Scenarios of Workers Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

NewCorp Scenarios of Workers Protection - Essay Example The essay "NewCorp Scenarios of Workers Protection" talks about the employment laws that stipulate rights of workers and it is the duty of all employers to ensure that they safeguard the rights of their workers by offering good working conditions. In the case of NewCorp, Paul has been exposed to work in a dangerous environment, which has made him be claustrophobic. He explains that the condition arose because of working in the confined spaces and if this issue is taken to court and he proves this, the court will rule in his favor and compensation will have to be made. The working environment has had a case before of another worker who was injured while doing his job and this proves that the environment is not conducive. The occupational safety act requires that employers provide safe working environment for all employees. The specific duty standards set rules that guard employees from being exposed to the hazardous working environment and in this case the confined spaces. NewCorp has exposed its workers to the hazardous working environment, and this has resulted to one of the employees being injured and Paul becoming claustrophobic. The organization has the responsibility of ensuring that it sets down safety standards for all workers and failure to do this means that it has violated the set rules, which will require them to pay compensation in the event that an employee is injured. NewCorp has also violated the Occupational Safety Act that gives it a general duty to provide an environment.

Examining Yourself as a Writer Essay Example for Free

Examining Yourself as a Writer Essay The art of writing is a unique skill that requires the writer to have great flexibility and be open to improvement. Some may consider themselves a â€Å"perfect writer†, when in reality, no one is, and will ever be. Writing is a process that requires one to continuously build on skills learned in previous situations, applying new techniques and strategies to future writing projects. Different settings require different writing styles, and with that being said, one must be willing to change their writing skills to suit the requirements of their current setting. In the following essay I will reflect on past writing assignments, identifying my best and worst writing courses, strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and my opinion on why writing may or may not be beneficial to me throughout my career. Although I consider English/Composition one of my strong points, writing wouldn’t fall into the category of things I like to do. As bad as it sounds, I’m the type of person who only writes when it’s required of me to do so. As I look back on my writing career I’d have to say my best writing course was a course entitled Health Disparities. I took this course my junior year at Spelman College and was required to write quite a few papers. I would name this course my best in terms of writing because we were able to choose between a number of topics to write our papers on, versus just one, and each topic focused on something I personally am very interested in, which is health. Most of the papers required 5-10 pages, but because I was interested in the topics 5-10 pages felt like 3-5. The professor provided detailed feedback on our papers, giving us the opportunity to revise the paper before turning in the final copy. I would have to say that my worst writing co urse was Intro to Eastern Religious Traditions. I disliked this course because the subject matter itself confused me. The writing assignments were outlandish and required a great deal of critical thinking and research on a topic that I found to be very complex and confusing. I am not a big fan of research papers, especially when I have no interest in the topic of discussion. Another thing that made it so bad was the fact that the professor was very strict and it seemed like nothing was good enough. It was from this course that I learned the importance of being an open writer, in  terms of adjusting my writing style to accept new forms and topics of writing. All writers have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their ability to formulate a piece of literature. One of my main strengths in writing is the ability to formulate sentences that are grammatically correct. I have always been particular about using correct punctuation, spelling words correctly, and making sure my sentences flow. I would also consider my vocabulary to be quite extensive, allowing for the use of more sophisticated words throughout my writing. My weaknesses include issues with starting my introduction, expressing my ideas and thoughts in a concise and coherent manner, and formulating the body of my paper, as far as weeding out what is and isn’t important in relation to my thesis statement. When given a prompt, so many thoughts start flowing through my head that I sometimes get overwhelmed and can’t decide what information I should and shouldn’t use. One thing Ive never been too keen on is outlining my thoughts before beginning a piece of writing. I’m the type of person who thinks and writes at the same time, which may not allow me to adequately brainstorm on the information that should be provided in my writing. With that being said, I will work on first, placing my ideas on paper, then placing those ideas into an outline, and lastly formulating my paper into a smoot h and concise piece of writing In my opinion, writing is a fundamental aspect of all facets of life, especially in most, if not all careers. If one is unable to write, it can be very hard for them to carry out even the smallest tasks. You don’t have to be an expert writer, but basic writing skills are a must. In my future career as a Nurse, writing will be very relevant. Nurses have to complete patient charts, provide detailed explanations of the patients care regimes for those who will be providing care to the patients after them, etc. Communication between nurses and doctors is crucial and if not documented with precision a patient’s life could be in jeopardy. A nurse without writing capabilities would not be able to perform their job with the proficiency that they should. As previously mentioned, writing is a process that welcomes proficiency, but not perfection. One must understand the importance of being flexible and open to change when it comes to writing. Practicing good writing skills can be a little difficult but, it’s a long-term commitment which facilitates the ability to develop better writing habits. With great effort, weaknesses can be turned into strengths,  and current strengths can always be improved. I look forward to improving my ability to articulate my ideas in a clear and intelligent manner, as well as practicing my new skills in and outside of this course, as well as in my future career as a Nurse.

Developing Privacy in Clinics | Research Study

Developing Privacy in Clinics | Research Study Introduction Privacy has some deep historical roots, however because of its complexity; privacy has been difficult to define. It has often been a heated debate among sociologists, philosophers and scholars (Pritts,2015). The term â€Å"privacy† is frequently used, yet there is no universally accepted definition for the term. Confusion persists over the value, meaning and concept of privacy. At its core, privacy is experienced on a personal level and often interpreted differently by different people (Whitman, 2004:1153). Today, the term is used to signify different, yet overlapping concepts such as the right to disclose personal information about one’s self or to be free from intrusive searches (NRC, 2003:18). Our report focuses on Privacy within the Ikhwezi clinic, in the context of personal information and confidentiality. There are a variety of reasons to improving privacy within Ikhwezi, one being many theorists depict privacy as a basic human right. They see privacy as an essential component of the human well-being. Respecting privacy of an individual contributes to a human’s moral uniqueness (Pritts,2015). The ethical principle of nonmaleficence requires safeguarding personal privacy. Exposure of an individual’s privacy and confidentiality may not only affect their dignity, but may also cause harm (NRC, 2003:18). An example; if confidential information is passed on or over heard by another individual stigma, discrimination and embarrassment may be the end result. Thus, without some form assurance of privacy, patients may be reluctant to provide sensitive information to their doctor. Ensuring privacy can promote more effective communication between the staff of Ikhwezi and patients, which is essential for quality care. However, it is important that the perceptions of privacy differ among individuals, groups and different cultures. No matter how privacy is defined, it is an on-going battle among staff and patients in Ikhwezi Clinic. It is important that all members within our societies work together to ensure every patient are treated according to the Patients’ rights charter. 1.1 Research problem: Ikhwezi is a clinic located on the out skirts of Nomzambo, a rural area that runs parallel to the N2 (Medpages, 2015), tries to help their local community by prevention of disease and to promote community health by offering family planning services and other basic health care. The poor living conditions in Nomzambo entails the community to live restricted lifestyles where residents are susceptible to disease and live in poor conditions. This creates a constant worry among the residents about their health status. Ikhwezi Clinic is growing and struggles with an extreme form of a lack of privacy. 1.2 Problem statement: Ethical health practice and privacy protections both provide valuable benefits to society. Health treatments are vital to human health and health care improvement and protecting individuals’ rights is essential to the conduct of ethical practice. The primary justification for protecting personal privacy is to protect the interests of individuals (Nass, 2009: 10). Privacy is a large issue being faced within Ikhwezi Clinic. As a group we decided to focus mainly in Ikhwezi’s HIV waiting and counselling area. What would be an effective way to solve Ikhwezi’s privacy problem? Where is privacy a present issue in Ikhwezi clinic? How would patients benefit from privacy structures being implemented? Who would be affected most by the lack of privacy Ikhwezi clinic? 1.3 Background: Informal settlements have become a common problem in developing countries around the world due to the rapid population growth, social and economic systems (Ndingaye, 2005:1). Due to limited resources available and minimal municipal support, these settlements often face social and economic concerns that result in poor living conditions and transmission of disease, therefore health care is needed in rural communities. Ikwezi Clinic, located on the out skirts of Nimzambo, helps their local community and others by prevention of disease and promoting community health. Ikwezi is growing each and every day and sees an average of 500 patients a day. It is noisy, busy which results in a lack of privacy among the patients and staff. Literature review: This literature review will provide an analysis of privacy and privacy in third world countries . According to Gaede and Versteeg the relationship between social and health causes is poverty and food security (2011: 100). From whichever lenses or angle viewed, poverty poses, financial, emotional social and physical predicaments that puts residents in a state of jeopardy (Rose and Charlton, 2001:383 ). It deprives and often pushes victims of poverty to grapple in getting even their most basic needs. Deprivation in rural areas contribute significantly to the nation’s poor health status and has impacted the availably of healthcare services (Sankar, 2003: 659). Today, accessing affordable, good quality and comprehensive health care in South Africa remains a real challenge for many (Gaede and Versteeg, 2011: 101). Since 1994, there have been significant improvements in the healthcare system, an example; free primary health care (Sankar, 2003: 659). According to section 27 of the Constitution the right to access healthcare services is guaranteed. It went as far as creating The Patients Rights Charter in 1996 which includes confidentiality and privacy as a sub heading (Gaede and Versteeg, 2011: 101). However, even with this law set in place many patients are still unaware or misunderstands their legal or ethical legal right to medical confidentiality (Sankar, 2003: 659),( Lammes, 2005: 903) . Despite the diminished state of medical confidentiality it still remains highly important among medical practitioners and patients. Effective treatment requires accurate information. Patients are mostly likely going to provide the information needed when they do not have to worry about any of their private information being publicly exposed (Gaede and Versteeg, 2011: 100),( Nass, 2009: 12) . Communication between doctors and patients has attracted an increasing amount of attention within health care studies over the past few years. Notably the doctor-patient relationship is one of the most complex ones. It involves interaction between two individuals; often personal information is disclosed and requires close cooperation from both individuals. Inter personal communication is still the primary tool which the doctor and patient exchange information (Sankar, 2003: 660). Information exchange consists of exchanging information to establish the right diagnosis and treatment plan. However a patient is not going to freely discuss personally information if they do not feel comfortable or feel that their information will not be kept discreet (Sewell, 2013: 17). Privacy has some deep historical roots, however because of its complexity; privacy has been difficult to define (Sankar, 2003: 660). The same as in the Xhosa society, the term â€Å"privacy† is frequently used, yet there is no universally accepted definition for the term. Confusion persists over the value, meaning and concept of privacy ( Nass, 2009: 15), ( Lammes, 2005: 908). Privacy has been depicted as a basic human right by man theorists (Lammes, 2005: 904), (Gaede and Versteeg, 2011: 100). However it is felt that privacy is also a requirement when wanting to develop interpersonal relationships with others. By giving people the ability to control who knows what and who has access to their information would alter their behaviour with different people, allowing them to maintain and control various social relationships (Nass, 2009: 15) . The South African society has placed a high emphasis on an individuals’ right to medical confidentiality. Medical records can include some of the most intimate details about a person’s life. They often contain information about a patients mental a physical health, personal relationships and social behaviours. It is strongly advised for staff to reassure their patients that their information is kept confidential. It has been proven that when patients perceive that their health services are not confidential, they are less likely to seek care or disclose vital personal information (Lammes, 2005: 904). Protection of personal information is key, as it is sensitive, potentially embarrassing and private. However, if personal information is breached, the individual may face potential harm. The patient could face social harm as a stigma may be created, which may result in a cause of social isolation. These articles show that the protection of health care information is vital for ensuring that individuals’ seek and obtain quality health care. Methodology This research report is shaped by themes such as privacy, privacy in Ikhwezi and privacy experienced by different cultures. However, the fundamental goal of this project was to help a local rural clinic Ikhwezi in Strand from privacy issues faced within the clinic among the staff and patients. Objectives were established to obtain this goal: Gather information about privacy. Gather information about Ikhwezi, the patients and staff. To find where Ikhwezi struggles with privacy by interviewing patients and staff. Explore different options to alleviate privacy issues. Propose an idea or solution The most important aspects of research will be to find possible solutions to alleviate the privacy issue faced by both staff and patients in Ikhwezi, with the hope by the end of the research a solution could be recommended. 3.1 Research Type Literature review The literature review will take care of correcting the theoretical material available on privacy and rural clinics in third world countries around the world. It helps to widen the scope of knowledge, strengthen thoughts to be more independent on the discussion of the evaluation of the effects of privacy. Necessary background information and current situations will be looked at in order to gain more insight and knowledge. Case Study Case studies allow for in depth descriptions of the studies which generate a richness of perceptions while exploring, recording and reflecting data recorded. Case studies are particularly useful when one needs to understand specific people, situations, a particular problem or a unique situation in greater depth (Trochim, 2013). Why Choosing a Qualitative Approach? This study is done in a qualitative informative research paradigm. The reason to why the qualitative methodology was selected to gather information was because a certain issue and problem needs to be explored for this study. A complete understanding of the issue is required; therefore empowering individuals to share their stories would be the way forward (Thagaard , 2003: 12). Qualitative research allows one to place yourself among the subject matter within ‘real life’ situations which could also be referred to as a ‘natural setting’. Qualitative helps provide insights into the setting of the problem and helps generate ideas or hypotheses for later quantitative research (Trochim, 2013). Qualitative methodology allows one to also obtain first-hand knowledge about the social world and experiences of people in Ikhwezi. It also develops the analytical and conceptual components of explanation from the data collected. Another reason to why the quantitative method was selected as a form of gathering research was because most of the patients in Ikhwezi we not English speaking and illiterate, therefore a verbal and more personal interaction with the community would benefit this study Participant Observation To gather the needed research, our group made a two hour visit to Ikhwezi. We were given a guided tour and we were allowed to walk around freely. According to Thagaard (Thagaard , 2003: 15) observation is based on an attempt to understand the culture from the inside by participating with the subjects of the study. The position as an outsider can contribute to a more distanced perspective on the other culture. This, further helped by gathering more in-depth insight towards the problems faced. References : Gaede, B and Versteeg, M. 2011. The state of the right to health in rural South Africa. SAHR. 9(1): 99-106. Lammes, B. 2005. Doctor-patient communication: a review of the literature. Elsevier Scienc. 40(7): 903-918. Medpages, 2015. Ikhwezi Clinic. Medpages. [Online]. Avaiable: http://www.medpages.co.za/sf/index.php?page=organisationorgcode=113375. [25 February 2015]. Nass, J. 2009. Beyond the HIPAA Privacy Rule: Enhancing Privacy, Improving Health Through Research. United States: Institute of Medicine. Ndingaye, X. 2005. [An evaluation of the effects of poverty in Khayelitsha: a case study of Site C]. Bellville: University of Western Cape. (Unpublished Masters of Arts in Development thesis). NRC, 2003. Who goes there?: Authentication through the lens of privacy.Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Pearson, M., Wilson, H. 2012. Soothing spaces and healing places: Is there an ideal counselling room design? . Psychotherapy in Australia. 18(3): 46 – 53. Pritts J. 2015. The importance and value of protecting the privacy of health information: Roles of HIPAA Privacy Rule and the Common Rule in health research. Bookshelf. [Online]. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9579/#a20016f79rrr00082. [20 February 2015]. Rose, D and Charlton, K. 2001. Prevalence of household food poverty in South Africa: results from a large, nationally representative survey. Public Health Nutrition. 5(3): 383–389. Sankar, P. 2003. Patient Perspectives on Medical Confidentiality. J Gen Intern Med. 18: 659-669. Sewell, J. 2013. Overcoming barriers to HIV testing in the UK: Lessons from Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Mediscript Ltd. 13(4): 14-18, Winter. Trochim, W. 2013. Qualitative Measures. Research Methods and Knowledge Base. [Online]. Available: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qual.php. [20 February 2015]. Whitman, J. 2004. The Two Western Cultures of Privacy: Dignity. Yale law school. 113(1):1553-1221. Fall. The Trojan Horse Virus: An Overview The Trojan Horse Virus: An Overview Another type of malware that is not technically a virus because there is usually no auto-replication is a Trojan horse program, which seems to be something useful, as a free utility, but actually contains some kind of malware. The unhappy about a Trojan program that is running the software users willingly and still do not know what is causing problems on their systems. Rootkits are a form of Trojan horse programs that can monitor the traffic from a computer, monitor keystrokes and capturing passwords. Are the most modern backdoor on one system and are between the most insidious Trojan horse software because they can mask that the system has been compromised by changing the file system and drivers needed for the normal operation of the computer. Viruses A virus is a program that spreads, replicating it in other programs or documents. Its only purpose is to interrupt the operation of your computer or network by deleting or corrupting files, disk formatting or by using large quantities of computer resources. Viruses and worms that spread through e-mail attachments were common place for years. They are simple to avoid; just dont open any attachments from emails sent by someone who you arent expecting a message. Even if you know the sender, careful; malware programs may use address book from an e-mail program to send messages, causing you to believe that the message is safe. In fact, most virus scanners detect a virus or worm contained in an e-mail message and often excludes the annex before it ever reaches your Inbox, but if the virus is very new, it cannot be detected. Worm A worm is similar to a virus that replicates automatically, but a worm does not attach to another program; indeed, it is a standalone program. Worms are now more common than viruses, because with the Internet and network connectivity, worms in general do not need help to spread. Whereas a virus requires a user to run the program that contains the virus to operate and then copy this file to spread a worm can do their work without any help and can propagate through a network connection available. Some insidious actions that a worm can commit include using the network bandwidth, deleting files, send e-mails and creating backdoors in computers. NETWORK SECURITY POLICY Without a security policy, the availability of your network can be compromised. The policy begins with the assessment of risk to network and build a team to respond. Continuation of the policy requires the practical implementation of change management and monitoring of network security for breaches of security. Finally, the review process modifies the existing policy and adapts the lessons learned. The last area of responsibility is the answer. While often network monitoring identifies a security violation, the security team members that are the real solution and fixing of such violation. Each Member of the security team should know in detail the security features provided by the equipment in its operational area. While we define the responsibilities of the team as a whole, you must define the individual roles and responsibilities of the security team members in your security policy. Approving Security Changes Security changes are defined as changes to network equipment that can have an impact on overall network security. Your security policy must identify the requirements of specific security configuration in non-technical terms. In other words, instead of setting a requirement as no outside sources FTP connections will be allowed through the firewall, set the requirement as outside connections should not be able to retrieve files from inside the network. You need to define a unique set of requirements for your organization. The security team should review the list of simple language requirements to identify issues of design requirements or specific network configuration. After the team created the network configuration changes necessary to implement the security policy, you can apply these possible future configuration changes. Although it is possible for the security team review all changes, this process enables them to only review the changes that risk sufficient to justify special treatment. We recommend that the security team to review the following types of changes: Any change in the firewall configuration. Any amendment (ACL) of access control lists. Any changes to the configuration of the simple network management protocol (SNMP). Any change or update software that differs from the list of approved software revision. We recommend that you also meet the following guidelines: Change passwords for network devices on a routine basis. To restrict access to network devices to a list of approved personnel. Ensure that the current revision levels of environments software network servers and equipment are in accordance with the security configuration requirements. Monitoring Security of Your Network Security monitoring is similar for network monitoring, except focuses on the detection of network changes that indicate a security breach. The starting point for security monitoring is to determine what constitutes a violation. Conduct a risk analysis, we identify the level of monitoring required based on the threat to the system. By adopting security changes, we identify specific threats to the network. Looking at both of these parameters, I will develop a clear picture of what you need to monitor and frequency. In risk analysis matrix, the firewall is considered a high-risk network, indicating that he should follow. In approving security changes section, youll find that you must monitor for changes to the firewall. This means that the SNMP polling agent should monitor things such as failed login attempts, unusual traffic, changes to the firewall, access granted to the firewall and configuration of connections through the firewall. Following this example, create a monitoring policy to each area identified in your risk analysis. We recommend that the equipment of low risk, medium risk equipment weekly and daily monitoring equipment high-risk per hour. If you need more rapid detection, monitor in a short time interval. Finally, your security policy should address how to notify the security team of security breaches. Often, your network monitoring software will be the first to discover the breach. It should trigger a notification to the operations centre, which in turn shall notify the security team using a pager number, if necessary.

Japans Economic Development and Times of Instability

Japans Economic Development and Times of Instability Japan Economic status Japan’s possibility of controlling the 2011’s Disaster The enormous tremor and tidal wave that struck Japan in March 2011, and the accompanying arrival of radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi atomic force station, speak to one of the best catastrophes to strike the country of Japan in late memory (Bacon, 2014). Canadian media differ on some degree that it was conceivable to control the catastrophe however on my perspective I see Japan had done everything conceivable to keep it from happening. This is as per the way I will clarify underneath. Planning to react to, and relieve the effect of, debacles and conveying help amid and after the occurrence include the readiness and reaction part of managing fiascos. The country of Japan sorted out a huge, fast reaction. Official interchanges that adequately recognize dangers to the general population relieve catastrophes by advancing measures and practices that stay away from, minimize, get ready for, or react to dangers. For such hazard correspondence to be successful it should justifiable, believable, and significant. Japan depended intensely on formal early cautioning frameworks, departure arranges, and alarms to farthest point death toll. As noted, Japan has a far reaching cautioning framework for fiascos like seismic tremors. The administration additionally utilized an assortment of mediums from conventional cautioning sirens to social networking instruments, for example, Twitter Different countries, global associations, non-legislative offices, and outside donors and volunteers routinely offer guide and support in the wake of fiascos. In any case, it is less regular for the most created and well off countries to oblige or demand outside guide. The administration of Japan has a blendsed record in applying remote guide. Role of OPEC on Japan’s Economy Association of the Petroleum Exporting Countries a changeless, universal association headquartered in Vienna, Austria, was created in Baghdad, Iraq on 10–14 September 1960. Its command is to organize and bring together the petroleum approaches of its individuals and to guarantee the adjustment of oil markets to secure an effective, monetary and general supply of petroleum to shoppers, an enduring wage to makers, and a reasonable profit for capital for those putting resources into the petroleum business. It has influenced Japans economy in the accompanying ways. The high and rising cost of oil weights on Japan in two ways. First and foremost, it brings down the way of life underneath what it would some way or another be. Second, it influences the economy in ways that are troublesome for policymakers to oversee. from one viewpoint, the rising oil value goads general expansion. on the other, it discourages local interest and vocation. Policymakers normally dont completely counterbalance the impact on job on the grounds that they all the while attempt to hold down the rate of expansion (Tanimoto, 2006) .Price levels in the Japan rise more with oil cost increments than do value levels in other modern oil-importing nations. The Japan Consumer Price Index rises more than shopper cost lists in different nations primarily in light of the fact that vitality masses bigger in Japan. utilization. The GNP deflator, regularly counseled as a more extensive measure of value execution, likewise rises more in the Japan than in different nations. The deflator measures the cost of locally created yield ; its increment reflects bigger Japan. household oil generation in respect to aggregate GNP an outcome of more prominent Japan. vitality independence. Hence, an ascent in salary and oil utilization will expand Japan oil import volume by a generally bigger rate than it will that of other significant oil-importing nations. Lexus a Legend and not a myth Most incredible autos attained to their status because of one of a kind thoughts, unique configuration, character (whatever may that be) or bliss they convey to their proprietors and drivers. Things being what they are, is it even feasible for a businesslike, coldly proficient and for the most part subsidiary auto to turn into a legend? At the point when the first Lexus, called LS400, was presented in 1989, it unquestionably wasnt the most unique auto available. Truth be told, it not just looked a ton like a W126 Mercedes S-class of the time, it was even named comparably (uproot the L and the auto would fit directly into the naming framework Mercedes began utilizing a couple of years after the fact). Furthermore, it was no occurrence – the LS400 was a consequence of Toyota metals choice to move their business upmarket (Dawson, 2011). A valid example, the 1990 LS400 you can see on pictures here. I obtained it from my companion and kindred motoring writer, who purchased it after he drove it in no holds barred correlation test with another LS600h, and figured out the old one is not just more agreeable than the present one, and even feels more strong.. For one, the thing feels a great deal more cutting edge than any quarter-an exceptionally old auto has any privilege to be. From the cool lit up instrument group with recessed nitwit lights, making an interesting three-dimensional impact like something from Star Trek, to the very much suppressed and exceptionally complex sound of the four-cam, four-liter V8 giving 250 pull. So its actual Lexus is a Legend. Another brand that tackled the greatest names in the business, and hit the nail on the head surprisingly. Furthermore, even after quarter of a century, a standout amongst the most agreeable autos, ever. Recommendation on Japan’s Millitary SHINZO ABE, Japans head administrator, came back to power in 2012 promising to switch a long haul fall in military spending. He has kept that promise. On August 29th the nations resistance service put in a record spending plan solicitation of 5.5 trillion yen ($53 billion), for one year from now, up 3.5% from FY2014. On the off chance that acknowledged by the Diet, it will be the third continuous ascent in spending, compensating for 10 years of decay. The militarys shopping rundown incorporates three automatons, 20 observation flying machine, six F-35 stealth warriors, a submarine and cash for area to manufacture another army installation on a remote island. These buys ought to trigger no alerts, demands Itsunori Onodera, Japans resistance priest (imagined). They are, he says, only about upkeep of Japans protection. China is, obviously, prone to see the overdo it in an unexpected way. A significant part of the resistance assemble up is gone for preventing an assault on Japans far-flung south-east, site of a strained standoff with China over the Senkaku islands (known in China, which asserts them, as the Diaoyu). Japans most recent resistance white paper again refers to perilous exercises by Chinese boats and air ship, which have organized a series of invasions into the oceans around the islands in a high-hazard offer to drive Japan to the arranging table. The planets second biggest economy has turned into an inexorably advanced and independent military force, says Narushige Michishita, a security master in Tokyo. More military spending may not be sufficient to check this advancement, he says. We may need to think of the Asian rendition of NATO; inexactly characterized, approximately arranged†¦ and barring China. Will the Japanese economic bubble burst by 2020? The Japanese resource value air pocket was a financial rise in Japan from 1986 to 1991 in which land and securities exchange costs were extraordinarily swelled .The air pocket scene was portrayed by quick speeding up of benefit costs and overheated monetary action, and an uncontrolled cash supply and credit development More particularly, arrogance and hypothesis with respect to resource and stock costs has been nearly connected with over the top fiscal facilitating arrangement around then. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics put Japan on the guide universally, gave the nation the self-assurance to turn into a worldwide monetary and social power, kickstarting 3 many years of marvelous development. When 2020 comes around (Mansharani, 2011), 56 years will have gone by and Japan will be pretty much 3 decades past its financial crest. Where can Japan get to in the following 7 years and what does this mean for organizations and brand in Japan? A significant part of the universal response to Tokyo being named as host city for the 2020 Olympics has given the news a role as an appreciated fillip to a slow economy and desolated national mind. Those of us who experience life in Japan direct have ended up usual to the differentiation between the truth on the ground and the Japan-on-the-ropes story delineated by universal news channels, thus we see the 2020 Games comes about through a marginally diverse lens. So it is against this background that Japan acknowledges the honor of facilitating the 2020 Games, remunerated for being the financial and social safe pair of hands that the Tokyo offer effectively proposed to the IOC board. It is no big surprise Prime Minister Abe portrayed the outcome as a larger number of cheerful than his 2012 decision result. Olympics gives the inspiration to the infrastructural venture program that is as of now at the heart of Abenomics, yet all the more essentially fills the ideological void in Japanese governmental issues, and can unite the country around a typical subject that is worldwide in stand. References Bacon, P. (2014). Human Security and Japans Triple Disaster: Responding to the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear crisis (Routledge Humanitarian Studies) . London: Routeledge. Dawson, C. (2011). Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit. New Jersey: Wiley. Mansharani, V. (2011). Boombustology: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst . New Jersey: Wiley. Tanimoto, M. (2006). The Role of Tradition in Japans Industrialization: Another Path to Industrialization (Japanese Studies in Economic and Social History Series. London: Oxford University press.

Sleep Paralysis :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Sleep Paralysis You are lying in bed taking a much-needed nap. You have had a long day and this little refresher is just what you need. You are slowly becoming awake and aware of what is going around you. You can hear someone in the kitchen cooking and through the open window by your bed you can hear the sounds of the kids of the neighborhood jumping rope and playing hand games. You can even hear Old Mrs. Jones yelling at Little Johnny for running all over her flowers. You have been sleeping for about an hour and you feel that it is about time to get up. So you open your eyes, or at least you think you do. For reason some they are not open. So you think to yourself, "That is odd, I thought I mentally told my eyes to open?" So you try again, and this time you hear your voice in your head say, "Eyes open;" but again nothing happens. Now you think maybe you are really out of it, and that you must be extremely tired and just need to rub your eyes a little to get them moving. So next you try to move your arm, only it is stuck. Then you realize that your entire body is stuck. You think that this situation has to be unreal. You are awake; you have to be. You can obviously think to yourself, and you can hear everything that is going on inside and outside, but why are you not moving? You try to open your mouth and call for help, but you cannot do that either. You are completely paralyzed! Then you start to think this that is some sort of nightmare-and it is, except it is very much real. You are experiencing sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis is a condition that occurs at either the onset or upon awakening of sleep. The medical terms for the two forms of sleep paralysis are hypnogogic and hypnopompic (1). When a person falls asleep, the body secretes hormones that relax certain muscles within the body, causing it to go into paralysis. Doing this prevents the body from acting out a person's dream, which could result in an injury. Sleep paralysis generally runs within one's family or in those who suffer from narcolepsy (2), but there is currently no explanation for why some people get it while others do not.

Comentary On Line Training Essay -- Training Job Workforce Essays

Comentary On Line Training Constant training, retraining, job-hopping, and even career-hopping, will become the norm, predict Mary O'Hara-Devereaux and Robert Johansen (qtd. in Pritchett 45). This makes the trainer's position all the more valuable in the work place. The demand for training will continue to increase as employees move more frequently from job to job. It is important that trainers realize and act upon this fact. Training programs will need to fit the changing needs of the work force. Many of the employees will enter a new position with prior experience and need to be brought up to speed quickly. Optimization of resources, in this case the resources each new employee brings to the company, will be important. The implementation and use of training programs within companies is many times a vital resource that assists in the overall success of the company. "Industrial leaders have made it clear that one important factor for attaining economic competitiveness is adequate levels of knowledge and skills in the work force" (Gordon 2). Training departments strive to prepare employees to optimize their potential for success within the company. At the same time, these training programs should be optimizing the potential of their department. In order to do this, training departments need to reassess their training programs. There are numerous opportunities available through multimedia such as the Internet, online training programs, CD-ROM training, and many more. Trainers need to continually to be aware of their surrounding and the environment they work within. Many facets of the corporate world impact the workplace environment, and these facets continue to change at ever-increasing rates. As part of the Informa... ...f the training experience. Works Cited Bunn, Bill E. "Multimedia Scripting." Intercom April 2000: 14-18. Chu, Francis. "Don't Train in Vain." PC Week April 2000: 1,20,22. Coleman, Mary Ellen and Carol Bahruth. "Animation." Intercom March 2000: 6-8. Gordon, Sallie E. Systematic Training Program Design. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: P T R Prentice Hall Mason, 1994. Mason, Robin and Anthony Kaye, ed. Mindweave: Communication, Computers and Distance Learning. Oxford: Pergamon P, 1989. O'Hara-Devereaux, Mary and Robert Johansen. "Global Work: Bridging Distance, Culture, and Time." Pritchett, Price. "New Work Habits for a Radically Changing World." Dallas, TX: Pritchett, n.d. Rosenberg, Nils A. "Communication for the World". Intercom May 2000: 6-9. Webb, Wendy. A Trainer's Guide to the World Wide Web and Intranets. Minneapolis: Lakewood Books, 1996.

because I like them but just because these products are advertised. :: essays papers

How does media influence the male and female body Media is the most important factor that influences us on how we view our body’s image. Throughout time, we saw how many famous singers and actors were role models for our society. It is an unpleasant fact, that we see these perfect figures as our role models, and struggle to have a perfect body as they do. Advertisements also show models that have perfect figures and they use these models to sell products that unfortunately damage our bodies. We take every necessary action to achieve that goal of having a perfect body. Personally, the media also influences me and I buy certain products, not because I like them but just because these products are advertised. Initially, many famous singers and actors have perfect figures and as they appear in the society, they show us that this is how we should look. For example, if I see a singer or an actor on TV or in a magazine, I look at them and then I start comparing my body to theirs. I feel like I need to change my body and wear clothes that the celebrities are wearing, so I could become more like them. Moreover, when I see myself in the mirror, I get a negative view of myself and I start feeling very uncomfortable about the way I look. Luckily, I do not go too far to change my body but there are people who take drugs, change their eating habits, or even go through painful surgeries to change their body. If we present our society with actors and singers who are more like an average person then we might save many men from taking certain drugs and women from getting breast implants. Advertisements also influence our society on how we view ourselves. We see so many advertisements where models are smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. All of these advertisements presented to adults and children are spreading a negative message; these advertisements are proving that smoking and drinking is all right for our bodies. None of these advertisements expose how these products will damage our bodies. These advertisements do not care about our health; they are more concerned about their profits. Many teenagers start smoking because of these advertisements and most of them keep smoking until the day this poison kills them.