Asian-Americans and their Progress towards Essay Example for Free

Asian-Americans and their Progress towards Essay During the many years of the continuous immigration of various nationalities in the United States, it could be noted that many immigrants have already absorbed the culture that Americans have. One of the many ethnicities which had migrated in the United States is the Asians. In the current society of the United States it is known that these groups of people are one of the many ethnic minorities that is housed by the United States. In fact, many of the families of the past migrants have now stayed in the United States had had lived their lives similar to full blooded Americans. However, although most of these immigrants have already acquired all the culture, the language and life style of the Americans it is still not enough for the society that they would be called Americans. On the other hand, the Asian-Americans like other ethnic minorities in the United States are somewhat confused to on the proper identity that they must maintain. One of the main examples of the uncertainty is the Asian-American popular culture which presents evidences regarding such group in the society. In the current popular culture, it is noticeable the many of Asian-Americans had been inclined with certain identity which could be very noticeable in the choices of their consuming behavior. In addition, personal choices such of the music, clothing style and etc. In the written work of Min Zhou and Jennifer Lee (2004), they have clearly stated that the Asian-American youth is directly seen by the American culture as not fitting to the popular images which are most associated with the current popular culture. Such popular cultures that are being discussed were being rap artists, skin heads, punks and the likes. For the longest time, Asian-Americans are seen as stereotypically geek who only focuses directly on their studies instead of being socially active. (Zhou Lee, p. 1, 2004). Many of the Asian-Americans are obviously shying away from these concepts of being geeks and nerds. Instead, they follow the popular culture and act similarly to the demands of the American society. First and foremost, we could see that many of the Asian-American youth are more inclined to look like a gangster rather than a typical Asian-American. In many television shows and advertisements, there are numerous Asians who steps away from the light that they are individuals who are very serious in being successful that they study very well. Due to the very advanced technological innovations that we have such that of YouTube people could truly see that Asian-Americans are truly absorbing and creating new a type of culture when it comes to music. One of the best examples is David Choi who is known to be a Korean-American. Choi is singer, songwriter and guitarist on his own channel in YouTube. As noticed, Choi is very far from the typical stereotype of Asian who shies away from the crowd. After attaining success and massive support from different individuals he was able to have his own album. Instead of being the stereotypical Asian-American, he proclaims and continuously re-invents his music to suit his fans and the current trend in the society. In the film industry there had been few individuals who are known to be popular in the United States due to the certain film which they have done. One of the most famous Asian-American is Lucy Lui who played one of the Charlie’s Angels. In the movies, it is not often that an Asian-American plays a â€Å"kick-ass† role and presents her self as a strong assertive woman. In the stereotypical eyes of most Americans, Asian-Americans are simple and mostly quiet and demure because this is how they are culturally trained. However, due to such character played by Lui, the concept of how and what a woman should be (through an Asian context) is changed. With such, the Americanization of the Asian woman is clearly seen through the portrayal made by Lui. (â€Å"Is Lucy Liu a Heroine or a Curse? †) In terms of music, an article was written regarding the sudden boom of the Asian-American artists in the music industry. In the article, the author stated that various American-Asian artists are suddenly emerging into the music scene within in various localities in the United States. Most of the tunes that these musicians and artists play are mostly western music when do hip-hop and RB, as well as a DJ in various clubs. Such artists were Yellow Peril, Seoul Brothers, Mountain Brothers, and a lot more. These artists are said to have gained significant success and a symbolic presence of the developments of the Asian-Americans (Wang, 1998). Therefore, Asian-Americans were already able to join the band wagon of having the same musical preference as the Americans. In addition, they are not only listening to type of music Americans hear but also imitating or innovating towards a new genre of music. In the most current popular culture many Asians are excelling in the freestyle dancing, break dancing and etc. (Tseng, 1998) From the lessons that we have taken, it is known that through consumption and consumerism that the factors of living is defined. From my own personal point of view, I do believe that consumption is a cultural issue that must be deeply studied due to the various concepts attached such as social class, cultural norms and etc. Cultural consumption is also affected by advertising as well as the culture of being brand conscious rather than quality conscious. I have stated this due to my personal experiences as a consumer. As I have observed in the super markets most of the time people spend so much time in thinking on what type of brand they would buy. Just last week I needed to do my grocery when I saw a Filipino woman and her son in the cereals and oats lane. She meticulously surfs for the proper brand of cereals while her son stated that â€Å"Mom, why are we staying too long in this section? We don’t really eat cereals for breakfast. I want rice. † Then the mother replied, â€Å"No darling, rice is too heavy for you, studies say that it could cause diabetes. And your playmates eat cereals every morning so you should also eat cereal. † Being in a class that studies such concept of culture, I was amazed on how real the concept of Americanization is. I do know that most Filipinos prefer rice for breakfast because it is a custom meal for them everyday. But through my first hand experience, I did see that people who are not Americans are in need to attain cultural citizenship in order for them to be accepted. Although I do believe that Asians are accepted in the American society, the acceptance is not as whole in comparison to being a white American. In a sense, the mother who was with her child in the grocery would want her son to be culturally American that she is shifting the norms which her son know in order for him to be suitable in the American society. Just like the story presented in â€Å"Consumption Fantasies of Upward Mobility,† Richard wanted to move away from the typical concepts of Asians. Therefore, Richard wanted to be a professional who is likely to be the choice of a typical American who works inside the office. In addition, there is a concept of attaining the â€Å"American Dream in which most important thing for Asian-Americans. Moreover, due to the desire to attain such, they also want to be treated like Americans. As a result, they act and absorb the American culture and norms which they believe will grant them cultural citizenship (Hee Park, p. 112, 2005). In conclusion, the current Asian-American culture is still in the process of attaining acceptance in the American society. In addition, they want to change the stereotypical concept that most of them are geeks and losers thus, the Asian-American community is shifting towards a much western culture. The community is not only doing such in order to be within the trend of the popular culture but also to be accepted and not discriminated by others. In terms of consumption, it is real that it is one of the factors which could justify the Americanization of an individual not only Asian-Americans. Through decision making and choosing what type of product must be used is obviously dictated by the society around them. In addition, professional choice is also an aspect the shows that Asians are Americanized or desires cultural citizenship. Like one of the most famous saying stated: â€Å"If you can’t beat them, join them. † Reference Is Lucy Liu a Heroine or a Curse?. GoldSea . Retrieved 9 December 2008 from http://www. goldsea. com/Air/Issues/Liu/liu. html. Lee, J. and Zhou, M. (2004). Asian American Youth.United States of America: Routledge Publishing. Sun-Hee Park, L. (2005). Consuming Citizenship. United States of America: Stanford University Press. Tseng, J. (1998). Asian American Rap: Expression Through Alternate Forms. Model Minority. Retrieved 9 December 2008 from http://www. modelminority. com/article128. html. Wang, O. (1998). Asian Americans and hip-hop. Asian Week. Retrieved 9 December 2008 from http://asianweek. com/111298/coverstory. html. David Choi : http://www. youtube. com/user/davidchoimusic? ob=4

The Role of Diplomat and Functions

The Role of Diplomat and Functions INTRODUCTION Communication and technology has been the driving force of a new world order of globalization affecting areas of the international system bringing about certain developments and changes that affects statecraft and the roles of the professionals that carries out this functions for the state. The role of a diplomat has a tremendous impact on foreign policy decision which consequently finds expression through certain means such as communication and technology, with the primary motive of using information and representation as a vital instrument of diplomacy. Diplomacy therefore can be said to be defined â€Å"as the professional management of relations across sovereignty† (Melissen, 1999, p.1). Over time the growth in communication and technology has had major effect on how diplomats carry out their functions and the major roles they play bringing about certain changes from the diplomacy of the Ancient periods to the present day modern diplomacy. However, in examining how the changes in communication and technology has affected the role of the modern diplomat this essay is going to examine the historical context of diplomatic communication, the roles of the modern diplomat, the impact of communication and technology in diplomacy, how certain changes have affected the roles of the modern day diplomat and thereby concluding with certain solutions that would improve the negative effects of communication and technology on the roles of the modern diplomat. THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATION. Diplomatic communications in the past was basically done by non technological means through the use of very obscure methods such as signs, wooden tablets and the use of messengers. According to Melissen the first record of a diplomatic communication was in form of a letter written on a stone which was to be delivered by a messenger who walked 2000 kilometers to perform his roles.(1999,p.3). The use of the messenger symbolized representation of the country in communicating certain issues of foreign policy to the other country making sure that every information was confidential and delivered to the right person with total understanding of its content. During this period the method of delivering letters was one of the most effective ways to carry out diplomatic relations with the messenger as the professional who has the ultimate role of making sure the purpose of the representation is achieved and also responsible for giving his home government feedback on his diplomatic mission. The messenger served as a form of sovereign equality between the countries and was being sent because of certain qualities which he possessed and as the countrys confidant. (Melissen 199 9,p.4) Also elites in the society and men of very high reputations experienced in states affairs were also given roles of negotiating agreements on behalf of their state government. (Leguey-Feilleux 2009, p.25) The messengers served at different levels of state postings for a period of time reporting and collating many conversations with the king, palace officials and other foreign diplomats (Melissen 1999, p.4). They basically helped in carrying out major functions that facilitated the several achievements of their government. The messengers also engaged in several strategic activities such as forming alliances with neighboring countries and intelligence collation of political issues. (Melissen 1999, p.5). They were also used to foster trade negotiations between counties on behalf of their home countries. These messengers also had to be resident abroad to constantly perform duties because traveling was very dangerous and often difficult. (Leguey-Feilleux 2009, p.24). At this time there were no good road networks or viable transportation system in other words messengers traveled very long distances to perform roles in very unsafe conditions. Consequently Leguey-Feilleux emphasizes on the fact that, these messengers were been used as a source of contact between their countries and their neighbors playing roles of mediation and were also used to make preparation for court visits, served as agents on temporary and adhoc missions, engaged in crucial debates with other representatives over their governments policies and engaged in information gathering of both internal and external relations (Leguey-Feilleux 2009, p.31-36) Consequently diplomats also submitted protest, presented legal claims for review, made proposals, represented at social functions and tolerated diversity of civilizations (Melissen 1999, p.9) There was also the exchange of objects, drawings and gifts that clearly stated out the diplomatic intentions of the diplomats and the kind of relationship they want to maintain. (Bianca, 2009, No 1). Despite all these roles clearly stated there were some limitations that brought about the need for an improvement on the roles of the diplomat (messenger). Challenges such as animosity in a mission and bad behavior altered communications between states and made some representatives unfriendly with each other. (Eban, 1998, p.27). Governments were also in doubts of the representatives they sent on missions in other words they were not given total authority on certain issues of international politics considerably there was the problem of cultural and language differences which sometimes made missions not so productive and some times the messengers were captured for ransom.(Leguey-Feilleux,2009,p36-40). But with time things began to change especially as country moved from one political era to another and with the creation of improvised means of communication and the lingering evidence of interdependence which is today known as globalization coupled with the conscious growth of technology. Melissen confirms this by emphasizing on the growth of civilization as flourishing diplomatic practice (1999, p.7). According to Leguey-feilleux, the fourteen and the fifteenth century improvement on communications and technology intensified diplomatic practices and sharpened the roles of a diplomat marking the renaissance period the beginning of modern diplomacy which brought about significant diplomatic innovations. (2009, p.37) During this period slight changes were made to make the roles of the diplomat more efficient and specific. As regards this there were more diplomatic missions established abroad giving the instance of the first realistic resident embassy in Italy (Melissen1999, p.13) New forms of activities arrived; government started using couriers, ciphers, codes, telegrams, pomps and ceremonies were seen as being vital but traveling still remained difficult. (Leguey-feilleux, 2009, p. 42) In addition the nineteenth century brought an improvement to the roles of diplomat with the creation of multilateral diplomacy where by diplomats had a larger playing ground to perform their roles. (Leguey-Feilleux, 2009, p 43). THE ROLES OF THE MODERN DIPLOMAT. Gradually with the emergence of the twentieth century the roles of the modern diplomat increased in different dimensions and moved considerably to a global level with obvious changes in communication and a severe impact from technology. According to the Vienna Convention some of these roles are as follows; The representation of state socially, politically and ceremonially in other countries. The protection of states interest, overseas nationals and states commercial activities. Negotiations on behalf of government and signing of agreements. Information gathering of states activities externally, and in missionary cases, gathering information from host countries. The promotion of cordial and friendly relations in the international system. (Encyclopedia Britannica,2009, No.164602) Other major functions are as follows; which finds expression in political activities, trade activities and consular activities. This trade activities as to do with knowing about commercial developments, while the consular deals with the major local activities of its host country and political activities are majorly maintaining good political relationships abroad. (Eban 1998, p.33-39) Consequently the roles of the modern diplomat can extend to his family basically on the social aspect and morals of good behavior. According to Wood, the roles of a diplomat has a form of professional identity on their wives and family, giving the example of the wife of a Mexican diplomat who contributed to her husbands roles by writing a book on diplomatic identity.(2004,volume 25) Diplomats also play major roles such as being among a committee to draft a charter giving the example of Lord Gladwyn a British diplomat who took part in drafting the United Nations Charter. (Stout, 1996, p.2) Diplomats also create relationships and maintain good level of communication between external affairs and internal structures.(Watkins, 2008, No1). THE IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY AND ITS EFFECT ON THE ROLES OF THE MODERN DIPLOMAT. Globalization is the major catalyst of the wind of change that has blown into the works of the modern diplomat. Starting from the consular diplomat to the political and all other areas, the issues of global interdependence and its continuation through technological means of communication as left little for the diplomat to function on but in no doubt there are some major achievements as a result of this change. Consequently technology as brought about faster means of carrying out diplomatic statecraft functions which can be seen according to Melissen â€Å"through the invention of devices such as telephone, technological transportation systems, telecommunications and the internet. (1999, p.171) As a result of this diplomats can do their works faster without fear of danger especially while traveling, there are better methods of communicating with friendly relations without walking long distances, there are more graphical technological instruments that describes complex economic and political situations that helps the diplomat to be effective in his work and also help the government of the day to whom he reports to. According to Melissen. The creation of the rail way transportation gave the diplomats a very good edge in performing their functions on land, also with the creation of electric telegraph and fax machines which has enabled faster communication between diplomatic relations.(1999,p.171) Leguey_feilleux also describes major technological innovations as substantially contributing to the evolving of new diplomatic methods that shapes the roles of the modern diplomat at the level of communication (2009, p.46). The impact of the media in fostering the roles of the modern diplomat are not underestimated as well, giving information and sometimes helps in relaying diplomatic intentions to the public creating a from of feedback process from the public to the government. The creation and the application of IT (information Technology) is no exception to the fostering of modern diplomatic roles with the increasing performance of hardware and software for information gathering (Melissen, 1999, p.171). With this development information is easily accessible and can be codified there by serving as a source of security for important documentations and intelligence finding. This would practically make the diplomat work more efficiently to accomplish missions. Looking closely all this impact on modern diplomatic roles finds expression in digitalization bringing new management tools, low cost on access to information and integrated resources of information. (Melissen, 1999, p.171) The use of media especially as regards public diplomacy has fostered the role of the diplomat in breaking down cultural barriers between its policy officers and the specified public. (Gilboa,2000,No. 3) This thereby creates a political atmosphere for better functioning. Despite all this major impact of communication and technology, there has been major changes that as served to displace the roles of the modern diplomat. Melissen confirms this by saying that, â€Å"the position of a diplomat is related to the sovereignty of a state which as a result of globalization as thrown into questions the viability of a state to manage social, economic and political affairs.†(1999, p.173) Looking closely as well, the creation of international organizations, such as ILO (international labor organization), United Nations and Commonwealth undertake certain functions diplomats carry out because of the states membership and inability to solve certain problems. (Leguey- Feilleux, 2009, p.45). Economic initiatives such as the Bretoonwoods system and GATT were majorly done out of the context of the roles of the diplomat, it was basically done and concluded by international organizational members (Leguey- Feilleux, 2009, p.45). Without any doubt, the use of telephones, media and satellite communication has weakened diplomatic representatives (Melissen, 1999, p.171) Heads of states now conclude on foreign relations via telephones without the representation of the diplomat and also hold conference meetings with other heads of state via video calls and internet conferencing. This gives the diplomat little to do because its role on representation is being replaced with some form of technological breakthrough. Also some international organizations perform major diplomatic assignments on their own by sending special officers on special missions, interfering in external dispute thereby altering the roles of the diplomat (Leguey-feilleux 2009, p.46) Further more there is the emergence of transnational actors whom as a result of technology have supporters around the world, yielding into political power itself without any form of representation. (Leguey-Feilleux 2009, p.46) For example looking at the connections between elites of a society with other elites outside its countries who basically have business relationships with each other and make decisions that affect states policies without official representative of the state. Consequently also the relationships between diplomats and their government is changing, when there are misconceptions on issues states actors just use the most effective technology to communicate.(Leguey-feilleux,2009,p.86) More so giving the fact that the concept of power as changed in the international system, there is no more clear distinction of the concept of diplomacy. (Melissen.1999, p.175). This simply refers to the obvious that major international organizations mediate the act of diplomacy on their own especially when it comes to war situations or peacekeeping without totally involving diplomats but involving state actors at some point. More over the source of information is regarded to be more powerful than even territory and physical resources. (Melissen 1999, p.175) According to Nye and Owen in this fast growth of an international political system aided by technology, information is seen as the ultimate weapon of state relations (Nye and Owen cited in Melissen, 1999, p.175). As a result of this states actors on their own hirer special officers to look into certain issues and bring viable information rather than leaving it to the diplomats. Nye and Owen further argue that; the importance of technology, education and institutional flexibility is increasing and its changing the roles of foreign policy actors and also their governments in managing and promoting national interest.(Nye and Owen cited in Melissen 1999,p.175). the understanding this gives is that supranational organizations are becoming more powerful in the international system which affects statecraft and consequently affects the works of the technocrats under its administration not making them effective as they use to be. Information technology is gradually making spatial concept irrelevant looking at the use of satellite in space to get first hand information which basically alters a diplomats role in gathering information (Melissen 1999, p.176). This basically implies that others especially the media already have the same information as well and can deliver the information even before the diplomat does. Another major effect of technology is the Media. According to Leguey-feilleux, The CNN factor makes information instantly known around the world which mounts pressure on state to find solutions in time which consequently gives diplomats very short time to deliberate, strategize and respond to issues. (2009, p.87). Eban in his book calls this â€Å"The Intrusive Media† (1998, p.75). The media is basically seen as an obstruction often which basically slows diplomatic duties and bring about inadequate decision making. But Eban points out to the fact that no matter the situation of the media the diplomat still as to put in to consideration his partner and his own public opinion.(1998,p.75) CONCLUSION Consequently the many changes in communication and technology has its major positives sides using the telephone as an example which can be used to carryout roles especially in warring situations without being in physical danger of any kind. Giving the example of the â€Å"mediation by telephone in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which brought the signing of the Oslo peace process between the two countries in 1995† (Leguey-Feilleux, 2009, p. 89). Technology has also helped to facilitate the work of diplomatic intelligence with the creation of electronic spying, network power, early warning and crises management and cyber security.(Leguey-Feilleux,2009,p.92-94) Therefore the role of a modern diplomat can basically be managed with respective cooperation from the state actors, civil service and the Foreign Service itself. With each understanding the underlying factors of its functions without clashes of any kind as regards communication, information and technology. BIBLIOGRAPHY Leguey-Feilleux, J.(2009),The Dynamics of Diplomacy (Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc.). Eban, A. (1998), Diplomacy for the Next Century (Yale University). Melissen, J. (1999), Innovation in Diplomatic Practice (Macmillan Press Ltd.) Wood, M. (2004), â€Å"A Diplomats Wife in Mexico: Creating Professional, political and National Identities in the Early Twentieth century† A Journal of Women Studies Volume 25. Stout, D. (1996), â€Å"Lord Gladwyn, British Diplomat, U.N Leader (News) (Obituary)† Daily News Los Angeles CA,October 27.,pp.2. Gilboa, E. (2000), â€Å"Media coverage of International Negotiation: A taxonomy of levels and effects† International Negotiation Journal, Volume 5, NO.3 Bianca, C. (2009) â€Å"Digging for Antiquities with Diplomats:Gisbet Cuper (1644-1716) and His Social Capital† Republic of Letters : A Journal for the study of knowledge, politics and the arts Volume 1, No.1 Watkins J. (2008), â€Å"Toward a New Diplomatic History† Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies Volume 38, No.1. Encyclopedia Britannica, (2009). â€Å"Diplomacy†, Retrieved 07/01/10, from Encyclopedia Britannica online. Http://www.britannica.com/EB checked/topic/164602/Diplomacy. Melissen, J.(2009), â€Å"Americas Information Edge† in S. Nye and W.A. Owen, Innovation in Diplomatic practice. (Macmillan Press Ltd),PP. 175

The Last Supper Essay -- Religious Jesus Painting Last Supper Essays

The Last Supper The Last Supper was a very powerful Biblical event, in which Jesus and his disciples gathered for one final dinner together. According to the Bible, important events took place during the Last Supper, including an announcement by Jesus that one of his disciples would betray him and the first communion. To artists in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it was necessary to give proper deference to such notable occurrences. Both Leonardo da Vinci and Jacopo Robusti, known as Tintoretto, took upon the challenge of recreating the Last Supper. While Last Supper by da Vinci and Last Supper by Tintoretto are very similar in subject matter, they differ in composition, symbolism, and the choice of narrative moment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is the first great figure composition of the High Renaissance and the definitive interpretation of its theme. Jesus and his twelve disciples are seated at a long table that is parallel to the picture plane. The room is spacious and peaceful, and Christ has his arms spread in disposed trust . The rest of the group is in intense and dramatic excitement, with their hands out in shock and question at Jesus’ words. The viewer can just feel the tense excitement sweeping through the groups of disciples. Jesus, the most important figure in the painting, has been placed in front of three windows that are in the back of the room, and he is framed by the cen...

Acupressure and Shiatsu :: Health Therapy Asia Papers

Acupressure and Shiatsu Massage Therapy/ Oriental methods/ Acupressure and Shiatsu The Purpose of Acupressure/ How Acupressure Works/ Claims of Acupressure/ Support of Claims/ The Purpose of Shiatsu/ How Shiatsu Works/ Claims of Shiatsu/ Support of the Claims/ Conclusion/ Tests ans Studies Massage Therapy Massage therapy is a procedure that affects all systems of the body; digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, circulatory, endocrine and the nervous system. Massage can change the blood by increasing the oxygen capacity, affect the muscles, increase the body's secretions and excretions, affect the nervous system, enhance skin condition and it affects internal organs. Massages benefit you physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Examples of such benefits are stress relief, a relaxed state, quicker recovery time and a bigger sense of self awareness. Massage aids in the circulation of blood, the movement of the lymphatic fluid, the release of toxins, the release of tension, mind/body integration, reduction of stress, energy and enhancement of all bodily systems. It was found in a study of University of Miami students that " a month's worth of massages heightened brain wave activities, decreased anxiety and helped students complete math problems in half the time and with f ewer errors." ( http://www.latimes.com:80/CNS_DAYS/980831/t000079147.html) There are many different methods of massage therapy such as traditional European massages, Contemporary western massages, Structual/Movement/Functional/Integration massages, oriental methods and energetic methods. Oriental Methods " The goal of oriental medicine is to diagnose the nature of imbalance- to discern the 'pattern of disharmony', not to diagnose the name of the disease. There is a saying ' illness is goodness'. Health is balance- illness is a signal of imbalance, and of the body's action to regain that balance." (http://www.shiatsucanada.com/shiatsu/oriental.htm) Oriental methods are taken from the fundamentals of Chinese medicine which are based on flow of energy or chi through the meridians. The oriental way of thinking is the yin and yang. Therefore, the oriental view of good health is when there is a balance between the yin and the yang. The yin is cold, dark and interior while the yang is warm, light and exterior. Despite the fact that they are complete opposites, the Orientals view them as one. " They create each other, define each other, control each other and transform into each other." ( http://www.shiatsucanada.com/shiatsu/oriental.htm) Health includes one's physical, spiritual and emotional roles.

Peer-Reviewed Article: Heart Disease Essay -- Article Review

There are many reasons I have used health care services at different times in my lifetime from birth to the present time. I have utilized pregnancy healthcare services. I have used health care services for preventive care such as a yearly Pap smear or health physicals. My friends, family and my co-workers may use health care services for the same reasons as mine, especially if they are of the same gender. The peer-reviewed article that I chose was about heart disease. Heart disease needs particular attention from health care administrators, since â€Å"Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a progressive syndrome that results in a poor quality of life for the patient and places an economic burden on the health care system†. (Ramani, Uber, & Mehra, 2010). There is no one test to diagnose heart failure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure 2 to 3 fold. (He, et al, 2001) The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has identified 4 stages of heart failure. (Hunt, Abraham, Chin et al, 2009). Screening patients for heart failure is sometimes controversial. Health care administrators...

A Tale Foreshadowing Pre-Civil War Society

Long ago, animals lived just next door to the moon. But as Brer Rabbit ‘squabbles’ his way to Sister Moon, Brer Rabbit finds himself living way down below the Moon—on earth, where every night the animals would stare up at the silvery loop that dangles just above them. As Brer Rabbit notices Sister Moon getting puny one night, he offers her his help—to go to Mr. Man and tell him that Sister Moon might need to rest even for just one night. Imagining all the yummy vegetables, sheep and goats in the yard of Mr. Man—as narrated by the clever Brer Rabbit—the animals take a great leap downward to the earth.As problems and arguments enter their way, the animals—especially Brer Rabbit—start to act more like a man than any other. Until Brer Rabbit outwits Brer Fox and Mr. Man in an adventure that is heightened by the fox’s scheme of cooking fresh food for all the animals to see. Main Body Although the Tales of Uncle Remus is often t hought of as a children’s tale, it is much more complex than that. Superficially, it is a book comprised of entertaining fictional tales filled with comical trickster characters. There is the witty Brer Rabbit, the proud Brer Fox, the pretty, silvery Sister Moon, the without-tail Brer Bear, and the wise and sharp Mr.Man. However, just below the surface lies the teachings of everyday life and a foreshadowing of everyday life today, which is one reason why the book is not intended for kindergarten children anymore (not like the original version of the Joel Chandler Harris folktales) but for those that are of ages 9-12 (Amazon. com 2008). One of the most spectacular spectacles can be seen right at the beginning of the story, when each character represents a group in the society at a time before the civil war during the 1800: (1) Mr.Man represents rulers and plantation owners. (2) Sister Moon represents white English Americans of the middle-class society, who would love to have t he assistance of the black slaves. (3) The animals represent black slaves that were once enjoying their freedom in their own land, but would have to ‘leap down’ to America because there are lots of goods and fresh food to eat. (4) Brer Fox represents white shrewd political members of the middle-class society, who wish to take the trust of the black slaves by providing them things that they would want to have.(5) Brer Rabbit represents the witty black slaves that show the true nature of Brer Fox to the outwitted members of the black society. At first, it appears that there is no discrimination or distinction among the characters in this book. They seem to live among one another in the same community, but a closer look proves otherwise. In every tale, there is some kind of conflict; yet regardless of the situation, the little guy always outwits his opponent, such as when Brer Rabbit finds a wily way to outdo Brer Fox, who makes up a scheme of cooking fresh food for all th e animals living in the forest.Here, it is evident that there is distinction on who has the power to rule over the society, or who belong to the average society that lacks the wit and the cleverness to see things that are beyond what the eyes can see. The slaves used tales like these to teach children some valuable life lessons. They demonstrated that, with the use of a sound mind along with good common sense, the weaker ones can overcome the more powerful. Conclusion In the undying tales of Uncle Remus, the clippity-clop of the ever-alive animals takes a modern turn that rubs out the Gullah dialect that was used in the original version.Describing the way of life back in the 1800s, the story is actually a way of foreshadowing pre-civil war society, which comes alive right in between the pages of the book. Works Cited Lester, Julius. Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit (Puffin Modern Classics). Retrieved April 2, 2008, from the Amazon. com database: http://www. amazon . com/Tales-Uncle-Remus-Adventures-Classics/dp/0142407208/ref=sr_1_2? ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207108345&sr=8-2.

Journal Entry 11 and 9 Oncourse

Journal Entry #11 In this activity, you will create a personal affirmation. If you repeat your affirmation often, it will help you make choices that will strengthen the personal qualities needed to achieve your goals and dreams. 1. Write a one-sentence statement of one of your most motivations, goals, or dreams in your role as a student. My biggest goal to achieve in my career is to know that I made a difference in someone's life and helped them to feel their best. I would like to work with children at Children’s Hospital. 2. Write a list of personal qualities that would help you achieve this educational goal or dream.Compassionate, dedicated, good-listener, encouraging, understanding, caring, easy to talk to and willing to help in any way I can. 3. Circle three qualities on your list that seem the most essential for you to achieve your goal or dream as a student from step 1. It is being compassionate, good-listener and caring. 4. Write three versions of your personal affirmat ion Format A: I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman. Format B: I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman, following my life calling. Format C: I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman, and I enjoy feeling needed. . Choose the one sentence from Step 4 that you like best and write that sentence five or more times. I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman, and I enjoy feeling needed. I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman, and I enjoy feeling needed. I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman, and I enjoy feeling needed. I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman, and I enjoy feeling needed. I am a compassionate, good-listening, caring woman, and I enjoy feeling needed. 6. Write three paragraphs- one for each of the three qualities in your affirmation.The first quality from my affirmation is compassion. I demonstrated that quality was when my friends grandmother passed away. I was there for her at school, nearly ever y day after school, and as much as I possibly could. I was there to help her get her mind off things, and I was there for her when she was grieving and needed a shoulder to cry on. This is just one of the many times that I have been compassionate. I have a big heart and when others hurt, I hurt and I want to do anything I can to make them feel better.The second quality from my affirmation is good-listening. A specific experience in my life when I demonstrated this was when my best friend told me her husband cheated on her while she was going through the surgery. It took her quite a while to get over the pain. I didn’t mind talking to her about it every day, and I’m glad that she felt like she could come to me to let her pain out. I listened and gave her my opinion. I'm always there to listen to people's problems. If they are going through something and I feel like I can help them, then I'm all for it. The third quality from my affirmation is caring.A specific experien ce in my life when I demonstrated this quality was when my friend got really sick and needed surgery. After the surgery she was in pain and needed care. I was happy to stay with her and help her to feel better and recover faster. Journal Entry #9 1. Below the title, complete the part of your life plan for your role as a student My Dream: My dream is to be successful in a career that I love and look forward to going to everyday. My Life Role: Currently I am a wife, a mother and a college student but in the future I want to be the helper, and the go-to person in my career.And I want people to feel like they can come to me for anything they need. My Long-Term Goals in This Role: Help patients or anyone that needs physical therapy help. I want to help them and encourage them to do the best they can in recovery process. I want to make good money and be able to support my family. I want to know that I made a difference in someone's life. My long term goals as a college student are to exce l and graduate as soon as possible so that I can dive into my career and start helping people around 2015.Achieve an Associate Degree by 2015 My Short-Term Goals in This Role: To pass all my classes, and ace as many of them as I can by end of May 2014. Finish all the essays, tests and quizzes I have to write as soon as I can by the end of each week. Enjoy this first semester of college before it’s over. 2. Write about what you have learned or relearned by designing your life plan. By doing the life plan, I realized that I am going to have to work very hard to achieve my dream, meaning I need to take school very seriously so that I can start my career as soon as possible.My long term goals are going to take a lot of dedication and sacrificing to achieve them, but I know I can do it. It's not just about getting through this semester, it’s about excelling in every semester to come and doing the best I can in all of my classes. In terms of a career, I am extremely excited for when that day comes. I want to be needed and I want to help people. I learned that the hopes for my careers can become realities if I follow through with this life plan.