Explain why you would rather live in the city, the suburbs, or in the Essay

Explain why you would rather live in the city, the suburbs, or in the country - Essay Example My learning need is better addressed by the city because all good universities are located in urban areas. This is evident with a lot of students from the rural areas who come to the city to attend the universities. While there are also colleges in the countryside, the really good learning institutions are located in the cities. Big cities are also a host of a lot of experts in different fields who offer lectures either in class or symposia. As a young student like me, these lectures offers me an invaluable opportunity to gain insights in my chosen field of endeavor which is otherwise not available had I lived in the rural areas. I also grow better as a person and a professional by living in a city. There are a lot of people with different backgrounds living in a city. Acquainting myself with them widens my perspective and enhances my social skills. We are now living in a globalized environment where it will be necessary for me to work with different people of varying orientation in the future and this exposure to different kind of people afforded by living in a city will enable to better deal with them when I become a professional. I believe that to become successful in my chosen endeavor, my academic preparation should be coupled with social skills which the city can better prepare me. It is also fun living in a city. Almost all type of entertainment is located just nearby. Whenever I feel bored, I can always go to the movie house or watch a concert. There are also bars in the city where I can party to unwind myself. For a young person like me, the city also keeps me abreast not only with the latest news, but also with the latest fads. There are also a lot of interests in the city where I can engage myself in. Living in a city makes me a well rounded person which is why is I prefer living in it than in the countryside. I may prefer living in the city but it does not mean I do not like the countryside. I like the

Impact of cigarette packages warning labels on Saudi Arabian people Research Proposal

Impact of cigarette packages warning labels on Saudi Arabian people and to what extent - Research Proposal Example In 2012, six Gulf States enforced a law to use graphic warnings which will be printed in all cigarette boxes. Some of the images are of ill people, skeletons, black teeth, and other pictures that are discouraging smokers to quit their behavior. Furthermore, the images are accompanied by warning phrases. However, a study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia indicates that these measures have done very little in deterring smokers from going on with their behaviors. With Saudi Arabia being the 23rd country with the largest number of smokers despite having a small population of approximately 25 million people, the measures are yet to yield any fruits. Many of the smokers in the country have stated that they are more aware of the consequences of their behavior than before (Fischhoff, Brewer, Downs, & United States, 2011). Have the graphic images have not dampened their desire to smoke. Many state that whenever they come across the graphic warnings, they become more aware that smoking is hazardous to their health. Nevertheless, the addition empowers these cautions and the desire to quit the vice. Labeling of cigarette packages with warnings has a major impact on deterring new smokers from starting this behavior. Many of the young people feel that the graphic images make them to think of the repercussions of starting this behavior. However, those who were already affected by addition find it very hard to stop it (La, 2013). Therefore, the number of people who are joining the list of smokers has reduced in Saudi Arabia. However, the number of those who are quitting is very minimal. This is an indication that the warnings are more effective in deterring non-smokers not to engage in smoking behavior rather than encouraging the smokers to quit this vice. Therefore, the government should implement other more effective measures such as imposing stricter law on public smoking and stiff penalties to those who

Comparison Between Wimax And HSDPA

Comparison Between Wimax And HSDPA ABSTRACT: The future of wireless networks lies in the coexistence of multiple access network technologies. This paper deals with two data oriented access networks, the worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) and the high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA). HSDPA and Mobile WiMAX are two different high speed mobile technologies with distinctive backgrounds. WiMAX is based on OFDM as HSDPA is based on CDMA. INTRODUCTION: The objective of this paper is to provide a techno-economic comparison of two wireless broadband technologies, Mobile WiMAX and HSDPA. The comparison is divided into two parts. The first part is a general overview and comparison of the two technology standards. The second part describes the different releases of WiMAX and HSDPA and the market opportunities. What is WiMAX? WiMAX is the new term for IEEE 802.16 STANDARD. It is based on the wireless MAN technology. It is a communication technology that works with the radio spectrum to transmit tens of MB/sec in bandwidth between different devices like laptops. The two stimulating forces of present internet are the wireless and the broadband. The WiMAX standard joins the two high speed broadband internet access over a single wireless connection. As WiMAX can be used for long distance purposes it is a very effective way to solve the last mile problem. WiMAX would operate similar to a Wi-Fi but at higher speeds, large distance and for more number of users. WiMAX has the capability to provide service in areas which are difficult for wired infrastructure to reach and has the ability to overcome the limitations of the traditional wired infrastructure. It will provide wireless broadband access to the buildings, either to existing wired networks or in the rural areas. It can also be connected to the WLAN hotspots to the internet. Some of the characteristics of Mobile WiMAX are: Scalability: Mobile WiMAX has been framed in such a way that it is able to work in different channel BWs ranging from 1.25 to 20 MHz. High Data Rates: when Maximum Input Maximum Output (MIMO) 2*2 is used and DL: UL is in the ratio of 1:0 and 0:1 respectively, in a 10 MHz channel high data rates can theoretically support peak download data rates up to 63Mb/s per sector and peak upload data rates up to 28 Mb/s per sector. Mobility: Seamless handoff which is less than 50ms latency and Quality of Service (QoS): QoS measures for WiMAX include availability of service, throughput of data, jitter and the rate of error. WHAT IS HSDPA? High speed Downlink packet access (HSDPA) is a packet based data service feature of the WCDMA standard. In the WCDMA downlink, the data transmission is up to 8-10 Megabits/sec over a bandwidth of 5MHZ. It is sometimes referred to as a 3.5G technology. HSDPA is an advancement of the WCDMA standard which is created to increase the data rate by a factor of 5 or more. HSDPA improves on W-CDMA by using different techniques for modulation and coding. It defines a new WCDMA called high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH). That channel performs contrastingly from other channels and helps to fasten the downlink speeds. HS-DSCH is used only for the downlink communication of the mobile. That means that data is sent from the source to the phone. It isnt possible to send data from the phone to a source using HSDPA. The channel is shared between all users which lets the radio signals to be used most effectively for the fastest downloads. Multimedia: From the technical point of view the choice between voice communications in VoIP/WiMAX or WCDMA/HSDPA is a matter of taste. But not in economic terms WCDMA traffic is much costlier than VoIP traffic. For transmitting multimedia data both technologies have practically the same capacities. Both WiMAX and HSDPA have traffic prioritizing and Quality of Service. Security: The security service in a WiMAX is used by an operator to gain benefits from this service as there is always a chance of theft of service in connections, bandwidth and so on. Hence the security service is divided into two parts namely the encryption and the authentication/key derivation. WiMAX supports modern cryptographic algorithms. In HSDPA, Users are authorized by their SIM (or R-UIM) cards. HSDPA does not provide any additional security functions. Typical of all CDMA standards, data encoding for various users works better than any cryptographic algorithm, but doesnt work if an interrupter somehow gets its channels code (like special agents) or is in a base station. Whereas, in WiMAX the base station is strongly protected from management attacks and as the system is organized strongly a certificate based security is easy to deploy and is advisable. Bandwidth: When HSDPA and WiMAX are at same distance from a base station, the gain in HSDPA vs. WiMAX is not clear yet. One of the main reasons for this is WiMAX doesnt have many frequency ranges. But if HSDPA, being an evolutional step in the development of WCDMA, is getting close to the threshold of spectral efficiency, while WiMAX has many likely ways of progression such as new modulation schemes (as well combined with the old ones),MIMO(multiple-input-multiple output)and new frequency ranges (ranging from 10GHz to 66GHz). Modulation: With the use of a robust modulation scheme at long ranges with high spectral efficiency WiMAX gives tremendous throughput and also bears multipath fading. WiMAX base station interchanges throughput for range and this is allowed by the dynamic adaptive modulation. HSDPA supports 16 QAM and QPSK modulation whereas WiMAX supports QPSK, 16 QAM and 64 QAM. This implies that Mobile WiMAX supports higher order modulation than HSDPA. With 64 QAM 6 bits can be carried per symbol and thus higher data rates can be achieved.

Jesus Role as Reigning King :: essays research papers

Emphasizing Jesus Role as Reigning King page 277 3 & 4 In ANCIENT TIMES . . . must ACTIVIETY AND FAN FAIR was done in the CARINATION of kings, and they were given GREAT HONOR AND LOYALTY by the people Why because a KING of a nation had ultimate POWER AND RULERSHIP. What a KING said or WANTED done . . there were NO questions asked. The MORE LOYALTY that the people had for their KING the greater his kingdom would become. And If the KING also had Jehovah’s DIVINE BACKING, there was nothing he could NOT ACCOMPLISH. Although EARTHLY KINGS . . . lived and died . . . they were also IMPERFECT and MADE MISTAKES. But, . . . Jehovah God . . . would though . . . .ESTABLISH a RULERSHIP with a PERFECT KING who would live forever AND NEVER DIE. This INFORMATION was revived to Mary the EARTHLY MOTHER of the future king. Open your bible to Luke 1: 30 – 33. and Lets see how this was told to her. Even BEFORE this conversation between the angel and Mary took place it had be PROPHECY years ago about this KINGSHIP. Opens bibles to Daniel 7: 13, & 14. When Jesus was on EARTH and BEFORE his death . . . it was FIRMLY established by his disciples that he was the Son of God . . . and would be the KING of God’s kingdom. That is why the people said . . at Luke 19: 38 â€Å" BLESSED IS THE ONE COMING AS THE KING . . .IN JEHOVAH’S NAME. â€Å" Jehovah has GREAT LOVE for his son, who OFFERED HIMSELF up to die a PAINFUL AND SHAMEFUL death, on a torture stake. This was NOT . . . JUST ANOTHER DEATH. . . . . God Son DIED in behalf of mankind. So ACTIVE FAITH and BELIEF in the LIFE AND DEATH of God’s Son would divide those whose would RECEIVE everlasting LIFE and those who would not. As PREACHERS AND TEACHERS of God’s word . . .it IMPORTANT That we BUILD appreciation TO THOSE WE TALK TO. . . for what Jesus’ LIFE AND RULERSHIP truly means for mankind. And it will REFLECT in the way a person lives their lives. To BEGIN with . . . OUR OWN WAY OF LIFE . . . shows whether we REALLY BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is King and we are WILLINGLY submit to his rulership.

Gillian Clarke Essay

Before even reading â€Å"Miracle on St David’s Day†, I knew that something very special was going to happen from the word in the title â€Å"Miracle†. Clarke’s use of this word suggests that an amazing event is going to occur and that the poem is therefore going to be emotional and poignant. Gillian Clarke uses the first verse of the poem to create a pastoral idyll due to the use of personification-â€Å"An afternoon yellow and open mouthed with daffodils†. This conjures a happy and warm image of daffodils with their trumpets open wide, laughing in the sunlight, and it successfully personifies the flowers. Clarke also places people in the description to make it seem even more vivid in our minds-â€Å"the rumps of gardeners between nursery shrubs†. The line, â€Å"country house, guests strolling† pulls together a vivid image of a beautiful, opening scene in the reader’s mind. Clarke also introduces the importance of nature right at the beginning of the poem in this first verse. lAt the start of the second verse, Clarke dramatically dispels the pastoral idyllic that she created in the first verse. â€Å"I am reading poetry to the insane† is a blunt line, completely in contrast to the last verse as it is so insensitive. As readers, we instantly realise the harsh reality of the situation that she is in fact in a mental institution. Clarke’s dispelling of the original image is effective because it catches the reader’s attention immediately as it is a completely unexpected twist. It also makes the poem poignant because it makes the reader’s realise that there is never a perfect place and that there is always suffering around. Clarke goes on in this verse to describe some of the patients around her and the length of their mental disorders-â€Å"An old woman interrupting offers as many buckets of coal as I need. Clarke describes the poignant image of a schizophrenic, beautiful boy absorbed in her poetry making us realise that her poetry may be powerful for these people. After verse two, Clarke introduces verse three by stating â€Å"on a good day, they tell me later† to show how the split between a verse is a like the dramatic split personality of a schizophrenic. In verse three, Clarke goes into more detail about her moving surroundings to build up a vivid idea of the situation in the reader’s mind. She describes ow the sun causes shadows of window bars into the room and how a woman is sitting in these shadows as if she is in a cage. â€Å"In a cage of first March sun a woman sits†. Clarke repeats the word not, â€Å"not listening, not seeing, not feeling† to result in the woman appearing to be trapped inside herself and entirely vacant. Finally in this verse, Clarke writes, â€Å"a big, big mild, man is tenderly led to his chair†. The use of the adverb â€Å"tenderly† makes us understand just how much care and attention these people need. Clarke continues with the poem’s tone of compassion in verse four, by the slow reading caused by several instances of pauses in the line due to commas such as â€Å"†¦ hands on his knees, he rocks†¦ â€Å". â€Å"I read to the big, dumb, labouring man as he rocks† also brings about the sad sense that although this man seems self-sufficient and big on the exterior he is mild and insecure on the inside and in the mind. Finally Clarke uses an oxymoron, â€Å"I read to their presences, absences† to show how although they are physically in the room, some of their minds aren’t really there at all. In verse five, Clarke’s writing makes everything suddenly change. The slow and thoughtful pace of the poem ends dramatically in a similar way that Clarke destroyed the pastoral idyllic after the first verse. Gillian Clarke’s use of alliteration also strongly suggests that something special is about to happen, â€Å"He is suddenly standing silently, huge and mild but I feel afraid. † Clarke then cleverly uses two similes to portray the moment before the man speaks, â€Å"Like slow movement of spring water or the first bird of the year in the breaking darkness†. These similes are closely linked to new life spring which is convenient because the poem is set on the first day of spring. We also grasp from Clarke’s use of similes that the man is going to do something new. This is a significant and poignant moment in the poem because the man is so well-built and huge yet what he is about to do is something really big and special for everybody in the room and the reader, â€Å"the labourer’s voice recites ‘The Daffodils’† The reaction to this man’s speech is shock and no one is able to speak. The nurses are speechless and prepared for violence from the man but even they freeze. The patients, some of which are seriously mentally ill also suddenly listen, â€Å"the patients seem to listen†. It is effective and poignant, how Gillian Clarke then personifies the daffodils to match the characters and mood of the room. She expresses that even nature outside can react at this incredible moment. The hyperbole that she uses, â€Å"a thousand, ten thousand† is an excerpt from the Wordsworth poem that the man is reciting. Clarke successfully employs this hyperbole to exaggerate the number of daffodils who stop to observe to the man breaking free of speech and his life. I think that the seventh stanza is the most heart-breaking stanza, especially â€Å"Since the dumbness of misery fell†; because that implies that the man was once a happy child and only stopped talking and became miserable when something tore his life apart. This is poignant because it makes us imagine tragic events that could have stopped this man from speaking and that it really shows the power and impact that poetry can have. I think â€Å"the daffodils are flame† is a very effective and clever way of Clarke to finish the poem because it is ending with the daffodils where it first started. The way that nature outside corresponds to the event in the room is truly miraculous. In verse six Clarke personifies the daffodils as â€Å"still as wax† whilst the man is reciting and the daffodils are then â€Å"flame† in the last verse during the man’s applaud (we can see a fiery theme). The poem is so poignant because of the way Clarke creates successful images and personification so that we can feel we are in the room at the time of the miracle. The pathetic fallacy at the end leaves reader’s reflective and astounded by the description in poetry of such an amazing account.

Functional Transition Assessment

Functional Transition Assessment attempts to integrate the student into the work force while the student is still in high school. It provides a temporary bridge or support structure for the student making the transition from an educational to a vocational environment. Although all students can benefit from such support, for students with disabilities such a program can prove especially critical. Also by incorporating vocational education early on to the student's high school career, Functional Transitional Assessment can instill a sense of responsibility in the student and confirm the practicality of the student's education. Thus, in can act as motivational tool to succeed in the classroom and in workforce. In your opinion, how important is self-determination for the Exceptional Student Education student in accomplishing his/her educational goals? The Exceptional Student Education student may often feel that he or she has been denied the ability to exercise much autonomy and control over his or her daily life, even when under the guidance of well-meaning parents and educators. It is critical that students, to function effectively in the workforce and in society, achieve a sense of autonomy and independence through reasonable, self-determined actions and choices throughout the educational process. Why do you think occupational guidance has become progressively and increasingly more prominent in high schools? The workplace has grown more competitive, technical and specialized in nature, thus there is more pressure upon students to specialize earlier and earlier in their educational careers. The price of a college education has also escalated, causing many students to turn to specifically vocational and technical schools after high school. Students may also wish to seek internships and part-time jobs to fund their educations that convey relevant skills and knowledge to their future full-time careers. Personal-Social Skills. In your opinion, how important is it for a student's future success in the transition to the work force? Emotional Intelligence, or the ability to work well with others, and to be sensitive to other persons' needs is a critical aspect of vocational success. It is not enough to know how to perform a task. One must know how to perform to one's best ability in an organizational context.

Counseling and divorce

Counseling and divorce Executive Summary Counseling is an essential aspect in the field of psychology. This principle was introduced so as an avenue of tackling issues that require a third party in any given situation. Counseling has a number of counseling tools that guide a counselor on how to approach each situation. There are a variety of life changing situations that may cause a strain to the normal development of an individual (Sells Yarhouse, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Counseling and divorce specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These situations may be permanent or temporary, avoidable or unavoidable depending on the circumstance at hand. One of the ways a person can overcome these changes and move forward is through guidance and counseling. Counseling enables an affected party to cope with their current state so as to maintain their previous mental, physical and emotional state before the infliction of change. It is thus ideal to analyze the components of counseling in relation to the provided topic. As stated earlier, life changing situations cause a person to lose ground making them vulnerable to the rest of society. A common life changing experience that people go through is divorce (Worthington, 2005). Divorce takes place in different stages depending on the cultural background of the involved persons. Divorce in the country continues to rise due to the change in cultural perceptions in society. A counselor has to establish a sense of ethics so as to represent the principles involved when approaching each situation. The different approaches taken by the counselor determines the improvement experienced during therapy. Dealing with divorce requires a proper understanding of the stages experienced during the whole process. Proper understanding of the patient’s stages assists the counselor in examining the patient who in turn achieves a healthy mental state (Blocher, 2000). Introduction One of the present issues that communities face in a large magnitude is the dynamic of divorce. Divorce is basically the end of a marriage or union that binds two people whose unity is recognized by society. Divorce affects the people involved and the immediate surrounding, making it a key issue in present day. The end of a marriage is one of the most difficult experiences to undergo in any cultural setting. One of the end results of divorce is the change of the emotional and mental state of an individual. The use of counseling is thus recommended as a problem solving tool. In order to approach any counseling topic, a counselor needs to identify a number of elements that shape the study.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This in turn, dictates on the way a counselor approaches each circumstance. A look at the principles of counseling in regard to dealing with i ssues of divorce requires a number of procedures for success to be achieved. This leads to a proper understanding of the growth effectiveness of family counseling over the years (Orlans Van, 2009). The focus of this paper is to provide an analysis of components of counseling in a cultural and a multicultural settings. Counseling comprises of principles that control the field and all the aspects that are involved. The paper looks at the observation of counseling and the ethical research practices followed when conducting counseling. The topic in this case is divorce in the country and the role of counseling in such situations. The paper entails the discussion of principles of responsible research conduct in the counseling field that involves the description of problems in the past studies that have encouraged the development of ethical standards. The paper looks at the various ethical considerations in conducting a research study. This is summed up with the analysis of the central c omponents of the counseling as a field in psychology. The above is done with the consideration of the topic at hand which is divorce in the country. The paper further provides a concluding paragraph that summarizes the components of the research and the way forward. Counseling as a field in psychology Counseling as a profession has changed over the years due to change in a number of variable aspects. This change is brought about by a number of conducted researches that seek to define the modern approach of the current situation. It is significant to understand the initial stages of counseling so as to recognize the changes experienced over the years. This involves the proper understanding of the history of counseling and its role in the advancement in psychology. Counseling was introduced in the country in the 1950s owing to the recognition of the vitality of its contribution to understanding the mental state of an individual. Counseling has as a result made major strides which have changed the society’s perception of the field (Perry, 2008). The early forms of counseling are traced to the collaboration of a number of credible societies at the time. Another factor that proved to be a major contributor to the growth of counseling is the occurrence of the world wars. The world wars changed the political, social economic and environmental state of the country and its citizens. Early counseling had some disadvantages such as lack of ethics and proper diagnosis of a patient.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Counseling and divorce specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This created a negative attitude towards counselors and therapist thus slowing the development of the industry (Worthington, 2005). Most of the affected individuals changed their view of the normal life they were accustomed to. It was difficult to communicate with people undergoing such situations making the intervention from a professional the ideal way to interject. The introduction of family counseling was thus recommended to all people who displayed a change in character as a result of their involvement of the war. This step resorted to a number of discovering which acted in favor of the use of counseling as problem solving tool. Most of the issues were related to the world war at the time making it the central issue. This however, changed on the introduction of counseling of number issues such as marriage, family, professional, educational and career. The merging of counseling with a number of life experiences led to improvement of the emotional condition of individuals. This in turn, created the conduction of a number of research topics that paved the way of modern counseling. One of the essential changes made to the field was the definition of the principles and ethics in the trade (Blocher, 2000). Ethics is a significant concept to observe when practicing counseling. Counseling involves listenin g to the issues of an individual so as to offer guidance. This should be done without interference of personal opinions and gain. It is difficult to observe ethical counseling due to the fact that counselors are also human beings. It is therefore expected for personal experiences to influence the proper judgment of a professional. Ethics involves respecting the current condition of the patient without passing judgment. Another ethical aspect looks at the observation of confidentiality between the patient and the counselor.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is difficult to observe in that some of the information revealed in the counseling room is beneficial to outside parties. Maintaining ethics in counseling enables patients to feel comfortable so that they can respond to their treatment adequately. It thus considered one of the key principles when taking on the responsibility of being a counselor (Perry, 2008). Another factor to take into consideration when offering counseling is the difference in the cultural practices. Culture is a way of life since it determines the way individuals perceive different situations, events and practices. One of the elements of culture is its aspect of diversity. A cultural practice that is accepted in one place can be completely deified in another place. Proper understanding of a person’s culture is thus essential when offering counseling. Multicultural situations also dictate on the way a counselor approaches an issue. Being culturally sensitive entails learning about the different forms of cultural and ethical diversities. This acquaints a counselor with the level of tolerance of each patient has (Worthington, 2005). Divorce in the United States As stated earlier, divorce is the permanent dissolution and separation of two people who are legally bound in a marriage. This is one of the most difficult experiences owing to the societal view of the divorce being associated with failure. The rate of divorce is on the rise making the issue more critical than ever. A number of coping factors have been introduced to overcome the hardships that come with the situation at hand. These factors are, however, effective depending on the culture. The possibility of divorce brings forth the change of the circumstances of people involved. These changes are life changing and thus act as a barrier to the progress one needs to move to the next stage in life. In order to tackle divorce associated issues one has to understand the major causes of divorce amongst married couples (Orlans Va n, 2009). Marriage is presumed to be everlasting in the fact that a couple should only be separated by death. This notion is defined by a number of authoritative references such as the Bible and the Koran which influence the cultural practice of a particular community. Society relies on young couples to continue the growth and sustainability of the family though reproduction. This makes marriage arguably one of the vital goals of each individual in society. Having a successful family provides a backbone for the improvement of any society. This is initiated with a prosperous marriage that entails the healthy union of a couple (Worthington, 2005). The perception of Marriage has been changed over the years owing to the change of culture. In the past communities were not regularly accustomed to issues of divorce and separation due to shame and condemnation by the public. This made married couples strive to make their unions successful by avoiding all forms of scandals. Some argue that m arriages in the past experienced the same difficulties and challenges as that of the present. The only difference is that people in the past preserved all the hardships to avoid any form of judgment by the watchful community. The change in social causes such as globalization, education, human rights, women rights and the economic state of the country have influenced the dynamics of this institution. This has in turn, changed the views of the majority of the communities making people understand the divorced. Despite the change of the perception of divorce by society, people are still forced to avoid the occurrence due to the level of turmoil experienced during the event. Divorce is thus defined by the change of one’s comfortable situation to a different or alternative state. This change is uncertain since it affects the economic and social aspects of a person’s lifestyle. Divorce varies from couple to couple making the solution and approach different in each case. It is thus the responsibility of the counselor to recognize the problems at hand (Blocher, 2000). Approaches taken during counseling divorced parties Counseling is one of the recommended steps when two people are undergoing a divorce. People going through divorce stand to lose a lot apart from their spouses, for instance, their economic status, social status, acquaintances and custody of their children. This is a significant change owing to the amount of dedication involved when forming these relationships. Losing some of these relationships changes the entire life of an individual. Divorce also disrupts the life of a person in that they have to build their life from scratch. This requires an enormous amount of work and dedication which in most cases is not easily attained. People undergoing divorce are recommended to seek alternative forms of advice and counseling apart from their family. This is to remove any forms of influence from a relative or friend of one of the divorcees (Worthin gton, 2005). Taking on alternative advice from a third party is, therefore, one of the recommended choices to make. Counseling services can be provided from professional in the community depending on their qualification in the field. The most recognized form of however requires the use of a therapist who is well equipped with the psychological knowhow in the field. A therapist is well versed with the various mental states a person experiences from the loss of life to divorce (Orlans Van, 2009). America is one of the leading countries that records the highest divorce rates. More than fifty percent of the country’s population have either gone through a divorce or they originate from the divorced families. The society is, therefore, knowledgeable about the effects of divorce on an individual. A therapist should be able to to provide the patient guidance on the way forward. Divorce is a culturally sensitive topic following the level of diversity in the country. It is essential f or a counselor to remove all forms of bias without ignoring the different cultural aspects in each case. A number of methodologies are recommended when dealing with multicultural issues. Counseling research is thus pivotal in the fact that it creates awareness of the new forms of research available in the field. The ethical and theoretical foundations of multicultural research ensure that a counselor observes the different behavioral patens and character traits displayed by each person (Perry, 2008). Dealing with divorce Professional counseling requires a therapist to distance oneself from the primary parties in this situation. This, however, allows for the counselor to acquire all forms of personal information which dictate the advice to give. A counselor should be able to identify the state a patient is witnessing in order to provide an analysis of their mental and emotional reaction. One of the theories that a counselor uses to form a precise understanding of different stages and developments is conducting an examination on the developments of patients from the inception of the treatment (Sells Yarhouse, 2011). There are different stages that people display when receiving guidance from a therapist. The first stages portray emotions of anger, grief, shame and anxiety. All these character traits are reflective of the emotions and mental feelings that the patient undergoes. The cultural background of the patient is a major factor since it influences the amount of time taken to overcome these stages. A counselor should look into the different alternatives available to the patient so as to provide the correct form of advice. Despite the significant role diversity influences the process of divorce, the patients show the same feelings such as personal failure. The failure of a marriage may lead to different emotional states such as depression, hopelessness and low self esteem. Therapy enables a person to acquire a new perspective on the way forward in their new l ife (Perry, 2008). An essential aspect in divorce is the future of the children. Children turn out to be the most affected persons when a couple divorces. The children are at the center of conflict due to their connection to both parents. Children are also in their early stages of development and are more vulnerable to the outcomes of the divorce. Therapist should actively involve the parents in the progress of their children. This as a result solves a number of issues such as acting out amongst their peers and in school. The main aim of counseling is to restore the previous healthy state that a person experienced before the event. Both parties thus have to come to an understanding on the direction they would like their relationship to progress. Divorces last for as long as ten years due to the fight of interested parties such as custody and property. Counseling eases the hardships that people in this situation undergo making the process progress in the long run. Conclusion The chan ge in society continues to affect the rate of divorce in and outside the country. Most marriages end as a result of lack of understanding of their spouses. The inability to reconcile marital differences acts as a cause for a lifelong journey. It is inevitable to control the rate of divorce due to the fact that it is a personal affaire. Society should thus aim at ensuring people to cope well with it when exposed to such situations. One of the recent introductions in the field of psychology is the provision of counseling for people experiencing divorce. Counseling uses the principles of psychology to analyze, examine and diagnose issues and challenges faced. This as a result creates a health environment whereby the growth and sustainability of the members of the community can continue to prevail. References Blocher, D. H. (2000). The evolution of counseling psychology. New York: Springer. Orlans, V., Van, S. S. (2009). A short introduction to counselling psychology. Los Angeles: SAGE . Perry, C. W. (2008). Basic counseling techniques: A beginning therapists tool kit. Bloomington, IN: Author House. Sells, J. N., Yarhouse, M. A. (2011). Counseling couples in conflict: A relational restoration model. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic. Worthington, E. L. (2005). Hope-focused marriage counseling: A guide to brief therapy. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press.

Biography of Juan Ponce de León, Conquistador

Biography of Juan Ponce de Leà ³n, Conquistador Juan Ponce de Leà ³n (1460 or 1474–1521) was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was most active in the Caribbean in the early part of the 16th century. His name is usually associated with the exploration of Puerto Rico and Florida, where, according to popular legend, he searched for the legendary Fountain of Youth. He was wounded in an Indian attack in Florida in 1521 and died in Cuba shortly thereafter. Fast Facts: Juan Ponce de Leà ³n Known For: Exploring the Caribbean and discovering FloridaBorn: 1460 or 1474 in Santervs de Campos, SpainDied: July 1521 in Havana, CubaSpouse: LenoraChildren: Juana, Isabel, Maria, Luis (some sources say three children) Early Life and Arrival in America Ponce de Leà ³n was born in the Spanish village of Santervs de Campos in the current-day province of Valladolid. Historical sources generally agree that he had several blood ties to an influential aristocracy, but his parents are unknown. His date of arrival in the New World isnt certain: Many historical sources place him on Columbus second voyage (1493), while others claim that he first arrived with Spaniard Nicols de Ovandos fleet in 1502. He could have been on both and gone back to Spain in between. In any event, he arrived in the Americas no later than 1502. Farmer and Landowner Ponce de Leà ³n was on the Island of Hispaniola in 1504 when native Indians attacked a Spanish settlement. Ovando, by then  the governor of Hispaniola, sent a force in reprisal that included Ponce de Leà ³n as an officer. The natives were brutally crushed. He must have impressed Ovando because he was awarded a choice piece of land that came with a number of natives to work it, as was the custom at the time. Ponce de Leà ³n made the most of this plantation, turning it into productive farmland and raising vegetables and animals including pigs, cattle, and horses. Food was in short supply for all the expeditions and exploration taking place, so he prospered. He married a woman named Leonor, an innkeeper’s daughter, and founded a town called Salvaleà ³n de Higà ¼ey, now in the Dominican Republic, near his plantation. His house still stands and is open for tours. Puerto Rico At that time, nearby Puerto Rico was called San Juan Bautista. Ponce de Leà ³n made a clandestine visit to the nearby island sometime in 1506, probably following rumors of gold. While there, he built a few cane structures at a site that would later become the town of Caparra and, even later, an archaeological site. In mid-1508, Ponce de Leà ³n asked for and received royal permission to explore and colonize San Juan Bautista. He set out in August, making his first official voyage to the island in one ship with about 50 men. He returned to the site of Caparra and began setting up a settlement. Disputes and Difficulties Ponce de Leà ³n was appointed governor of San Juan Bautista the next year, but he quickly ran into trouble with his settlement following the arrival of Diego Columbus. Christopher Columbus son was made governor of San Juan Bautista, Hispaniola, and the other lands his father had found in the New World. Diego Columbus wasnt happy that Ponce de Leà ³n had been given royal permission to explore and settle San Juan Bautista. Ponce de Leà ³ns governorship was later validated by King Ferdinand of Spain, but in 1511, a Spanish court found in favor of Columbus. Ponce de Leà ³n had many friends, and Columbus couldnt get rid of him completely, but it was apparent that Columbus was going to win the legal battle for San Juan Bautista. Ponce de Leà ³n began looking for other places to settle. Florida He asked for and was granted royal permission to explore for lands to the northwest. Anything he found would be his, as Christopher Columbus had never gone there. He was looking for Bimini, a land vaguely described by the Taà ­no natives as a wealthy land to the northwest. On March 3, 1513, Ponce de Leà ³n set out from San Juan Bautista with three ships and about 65 men. They sailed northwest and on April 2 discovered what they took for a large island. Because it was the Easter season (known as Pascua Florida, roughly Easter flowers, in Spanish) and because of the flowers on the land, Ponce de Leà ³n named it Florida. The location of their first landfall is unknown. The expedition explored much of the coast of Florida and several of the islands between Florida and Puerto Rico, such as the Florida Keys, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. They also discovered the Gulf Stream. The small fleet returned to San Juan Bautista on Oct. 19. King Ferdinand Ponce de Leà ³n found that his position in San Juan Bautista had weakened in his absence. Marauding Carib Indians had attacked Caparra and Ponce de Leà ³n’s family had narrowly escaped with their lives. Diego Columbus used this as an excuse to enslave any natives, a policy that Ponce de Leà ³n didnt support. He decided to go to Spain. He met with King Ferdinand in 1514. He was knighted, given a coat of arms, and received confirmation of his rights to Florida. He had barely returned to San Juan Bautista when word reached him of Ferdinand’s death. Ponce de Leà ³n returned once again to Spain to meet with the regent, Cardinal Cisneros, who assured him his rights to Florida were intact. Second Trip to Florida In January 1521, Ponce de Leà ³n started preparations to return to Florida. He went to Hispaniola to find supplies and financing and sailed on Feb. 20. Records of the second trip are poor, but evidence suggests it was a fiasco. He and his men sailed to the western coast of Florida to found their settlement. The exact location is unknown. Soon after they arrived, a ferocious Indian attack drove them back to the sea. Many of Ponce de Leà ³ns soldiers were killed, and he was seriously wounded in his thigh by an arrow that possibly was poisoned. Death The trip to Florida was abandoned. Some of the men went to Veracruz, Mexico, to join conquistador Hernn Cortes. Ponce de Leà ³n went to Cuba in the hopes that he would recover there, but it was not to be. He died of his wounds in Havana sometime in July 1521. The Fountain of Youth According to legend, while Ponce de Leà ³n was in Florida he was searching for the Fountain of Youth, a mythical spring that could reverse the effects of aging. There is little hard evidence that he seriously searched for the spring; mentions appear in a handful of histories published years after he died. It wasnt uncommon for explorers of the time to search for or supposedly find mythological places. Columbus himself claimed to have found the Garden of Eden, and countless men died in the jungles searching for El Dorado, the gilded one, a mythical place of gold and precious jewels. Other explorers claimed to have seen the bones of giants, and the Amazon is named after mythological warrior-women. Ponce de Leà ³n might have been looking for the Fountain of Youth, but it would certainly have been secondary to his search for gold or a good place to establish his next settlement. Legacy Juan Ponce de Leà ³n was an important pioneer and explorer most often associated with Florida and Puerto Rico. He was a product of his time. Historical sources agree that he was relatively good to natives who were assigned to his lands- relatively being the operative word. His workers suffered greatly and rose up against him on at least one occasion, only to be brutally put down. Still, most other Spanish landowners were much worse. His lands were productive and very important for feeding the ongoing colonization effort of the Caribbean. He was known, however, for brutal attacks on indigenous populations. He was hard working and ambitious and might have accomplished much more had he been free of politics. Although he enjoyed royal favor, he couldnt avoid local pitfalls, including constant struggles with the Columbus family. He will forever be associated with the Fountain of Youth, although he was far too practical to waste much time on such an endeavor. At best, he was keeping an eye out for the fountain and any number of other legendary things as he went about the business of exploration and colonization. Sources Fuson, Robert H. Juan Ponce de Leà ³n and the Spanish Discovery of Puerto Rico and Florida. McDonald and Woodward, 2000.Puerto Ricos History, WelcometoPuertoRico.org.

Quotes That Reveal the Most Hate Around Us

Quotes That Reveal the Most Hate Around Us Hatred is a powerful emotion. Unless kept in check, hate can cause an avalanche of destruction. It wreaks havoc on relationships, breaks up families and even takes innocent lives. It preys on civil societies. With hate, dark thoughts of revenge and destruction can cloud the mind. These quotes illuminate this most devastating and destructive emotion that has been with man throughout time and illuminated in religious texts as well as pop culture. Famous Quotes on Hate Jonathan SwiftWe have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another. Kurt TucholskyThose who hate most fervently must have once loved deeply; those who want to deny the world must have once embraced what they now set on fire. Maya Angelouâ€Å"Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.†Ã‚   Coretta Scott KingHate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated. Oprah WinfreyYou cannot hate other people without hating yourself. George Bernard ShawHatred is the cowards revenge for being intimidated. William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatraâ€Å"In time we hate that which we often fear.†Ã‚   Rene DescartesIt is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve, and bad things are very easy to get. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it. â€Å"Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.†Ã‚   Napoleon BonaparteA true man hates no one. Lord ByronHatred is the madness of the heart. AristotleTo enjoy the things we ought, and to hate the things we ought, has the greatest bearing on excellence of character. Stephen KingMonsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win. Victoria WolffHate is not a good counselor. Charles Caleb ColtonWe hate some persons because we do not know them, and we will not know them because we hate them. Sir Walter RaleighHatreds are the cinders of affection. Zsa Zsa GaborI never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds back. Arnold SchopenhauerHatred comes from the heart; contempt from the head; and neither feeling is quite within our control. Henry Ward BeecherThere is no faculty of the human soul so persistent and universal as that of hatred. Kathleen NorrisHate is all a lie; there is no truth in hate. George EliotHatred is like fire - it makes even light rubbish deadly. Henry Emerson FosdickHating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat. Ivy CullerHate less; live longer. John Steinbeckâ€Å"Try to understand men. If you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and almost always leads to love.†

John Browns importance in the antebellum slavery debate Essay

John Browns importance in the antebellum slavery debate - Essay Example Christian savior Jesus Christ (â€Å"John Brown’s Holy War,† 2010).John Brown can be a banner for which all abolitionists really under to continue the fight for the freedom and dignity of all of the people who have been wrongly chained and enslaved. The harder that we deny these winds of change the greater the force will ultimately be all the more destructive; do you not see this only brings us further from bringing this country together, but only further tear us apart. John Brown’s crime is not the charges levied against him, but what he represents and the likelihood fuel he can add to the fight against slavery. The time for change is now. Thoreau’s message speaks volumes of the respect that many have for this condemned man. He explained that his character will likely live long after him and that is his legacy (â€Å"John Brown’s Holy War,† 2010). Ultimately, the court will decide his fate, but we can take up his cause, pass the torch, and continue the fight to the end. We can no longer allow injustices that so freely and legally occur in the southern states; crimes of the most heinous kind. If ever there was a time to rise up the banner of John Brown is now. Let his cause be ours as we bring Americ a into a whole new era and very different

Family Medical Leave Act Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Family Medical Leave Act - Research Paper Example The employees should meet the 1250 minimum working hours under their current positions, as well, to gain eligibility to have the leave. The law outlines the procedure for the acquisition of a leave under the act. An eligible qualified employee for the leave files a thirty-day advanced request for leave. The acceptance of the request filed by the employee depends on the employer’s receipt of the required documents for approval. There is a provision for eighteen days for the return of certification healthcare forms from a qualified healthcare provider. Non-compliance with the provisions outlined in the procedure amounts to non-approval of the request for the leave. At the end of the leave, the employee brings a notification, from the health provider, stating the position of the employee to return to duty. The notification shall provide, where need be, restrictions that the employee should consider in relation to the execution of duty. The notification submission is a day before the employee returns from the leave. The FMLA covers a number of categories of employers in various sectors. It covers employers who have fifty or more than that number of employees under their service. It covers state employers. Also covered in the act are local government employers. The later does not have any provision of the minimum number of employees (Alexander & Alexander, 2005). Under the law, there are provisions that allow employees to who is eligible to take work leaves. The employees’ right to take twelve weeks to leave should have its basis on the various reasons stipulated therein, within any period of twelve months. The circumstances, under which the break can be granted, include the birth of a child. An employee also has the right to a work break within twelve months period to take care of a newborn. The law also provides for work breaks for employees for reasons of placement of a child, by the employee.  

Eugene Smith Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Eugene Smith - Essay Example He began taking photographs in 1932 and early subjects included sports, aviation and the Dust Bowl. After studying at Notre Dame University for a year he joined the staff of Newsweek. In 1938 Smith became a freelance photographer working for Life Magazine, Collier's Weekly and the New York Times. In 1942 Smith became a war correspondent and spent most of the next three years covering the Pacific War. His most dramatic photographs were taken during the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945. On 23rd May Smith was seriously wounded by a Japanese shell fragment. He was taking a photograph at the time and the metal passed through his left hand before hitting the face. Smith was forced to return to the United States and he had to endure two years of hospitalization and plastic surgery. In 1947 Smith joined Life Magazine and over the next seven years produced a series of photo-essays that established him as the world's most important photojournalist. These included essays entitled: Country Doct or, Hard Times on Broadway, Spanish Village, Southern Midwife and Man of Mercy. Granted a Guggenheim Fellowship (1956-57), Smith began a massive picture essay of Pittsburgh. Smith's last great photo-essay, Minamata (1975), deals with the residents of a Japanese fishing village who suffered poisoning and gross disfigurement from the mercury wastes of a nearby chemical company. While photographing this project he was severely beaten by several local factory workers who were opposed to the revelations that his camera exposed. An extensive collection of his work was acquired by the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona in 1976. Smith severed his ties with Life again over the way in which the magazine used his photos of Albert Schweitzer. Starting from his project to document Pittsburgh, he began a series of book-length photo essays in which he strove for complete control of his subject matter. This was followed by another large project on New York (1958-59). Smith also taught photojournalism at New York's New School for Social Research and was president of the American Society of Magazine Photographers. Complications from his consumption of drugs and alcohol led to a massive stroke, from which Smith died in 1978. Today, Smith's legacy lives on through the W. Eugene Smith Fund to promote "humanistic photography," which has since 1980 awarded photographers for exceptional accomplishments in the field. Of him, he says: "I am an idealist. I often feel I would like to be an artist in an ivory tower. Yet it is imperative that I speak to people, so I must desert that ivory tower. To do this, I am a journalist-a photojournalist. But I am always torn between the attitude of the journalist, who is a recorder of facts, and the artist, who is often necessarily at odds with the facts. My principle concern is for honesty, above all honesty with myself..." His Works and Analysis: "A Walk to Paradise Garden", 1946 Smith's war wounds cost him two painful years of hospitalization and plastic surgery. During these years he took no pictures and whether he would ever be able to return to photography was doubtful. Then one day, during his period of convalescence, Smith took a walk with his two children and even though it was still intensely painful for him to operate a camera, came back with one of the

Who should receive experimental treatment (of Ebola) Essay

Who should receive experimental treatment (of Ebola) - Essay Example One such mechanism is the emergency Investigational New Drug (IND) initiative (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). The Ebola virus has been principally restricted to underdeveloped nations of the world. Consequently, no vaccine or drug to address it has been produced, despite its presence for nearly four decades. The current outbreak of this disease has been of such gravity that the developed nations have been seriously striving to produce vaccines and drugs to deal with it. The rapidity with which this dread infection is spreading has necessitated an approach that ignores the existing rules governing the delivery of new drugs. The WHO clearly stated that when certain conditions were satisfied, it would not be unethical to provide vaccines and drugs, in the experimental stage to prevent infection (The Economist, 2014, p. 85). The experimental serum ZMapp, developed by the US, was injected to two missionaries of the US, after they had been infected with the Ebola virus in Liberia. These missionaries were subsequently relocated to the US and were undergoing treatment in that nation. In the aftermath of this incident, the WHO conducted a meeting to discuss the ethical issues involved in administering experimental drugs to individuals infected with the Ebola virus (Dionne, 2014). In addition, this drug had also been given to a small number of US health officials who had been infected with the Ebola virus in West Africa. The apparent success of this drug in combating the dread Ebola virus induced the US health officials to ask some of the most advanced biology laboratories to present it with plans for producing it (The Guardian, 2014). As such, the provision of healthcare is biased, and the above evidence demonstrates it adequately. The American missionaries had been given the promising new drug, whereas no attempt was

Topic of the week explain the development of self-concept, Coursework

Topic of the week explain the development of self-concept, self-esteem, and self efficacy - Coursework Example causes improved performance, or vice-versa† (1). In this regard, the discourse would initially differentiate and define the meanings of the abovementioned terms in conjunction with delving into a discussion to explain their development. Self-concept has been defined by Neill (2005) as â€Å"the nature and organization of beliefs about one's self.   Self-concept is theorized to be multi-dimensional† (1). The depiction that one conceptualizes on oneself is perceived to be one’s holistic understanding and knowledge of the self. Shivakumar (2009) acknowledged this concept as parallel with self-identity where distinct components of physical, social and psychological attributes compromise its existence (5). This concept is indicated to be learned, can be organized and experienced in its dynamic form. On the other hand, self- esteem is the term synonymous with feelings of self-worth and value. As averred by Shivakumar (2009), self-esteem â€Å"encompasses both beliefs and emotions† (34) where certain factors contribute to their development. Childhood experiences were noted to provide a crucial role in its development depending on the quality of events and learning potentials.

Philosophy, Sartre's Existentialism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy, Sartre's Existentialism - Essay Example 6). But at the end he says "even if God existed that would make no difference from [Existentialism's] point of view". Is he contradicting himself Does Sartre's Existentialism depend on atheism, or is it compatible with theism or agnosticism Jean-Paul Sartre argues that human beings are fundamentally incomplete. Self-consciousness brings with it a presence-to-self. Human beings consequently seek two things at the same time: to possess a secure and stable identity, and to preserve the freedom and distance that come with self-consciousness. This is an impossible ideal, since we are always beyond what we are and we never quite reach what we could be. The possibility of completion haunts us and we continue to search for it even when we are convinced it can never be achieved. Sartre suggests that we have to continue seeking this ideal in the practical sphere, even when our philosophical reflection shows it to be an impossibility. Sartre puts this existential dilemma in explicitly theological terms. 'God' represents an ideal synthesis of being and consciousness which remains a self-contradictory goal. This dilemma remains unresolved in his thinking. A richer conception of God, such as that proposed by Thomas Aquinas, might resolve the dilemma without denying the existential restlessness that underlies it. Aquinas shares Sartre's understanding of human life as an ecstatic existence that takes one beyond one's present identity towards a future fulfilment. In Aquinas's scheme, God is not just the ideal goal of human longing, he is the real possibility of ultimate completion, which must exist as a practical possibility, even if we think that this possibility cannot be realised within the limitations of temporal human life as we now understand it. Aquinas concludes that there must, therefore, be some other kind of existence possible for us. 'Happiness' is not a key term for Sartre - as we shall see, he prefers the obscure neologism l'en-soi-pour-soi - but it can stand for this universal goal which plays such a significant part in his philosophy. Sartre writes that human reality is by nature a conscience malheureuse,'an unhappy consciousness', since we are constantly frustrated in our desire to find fulfilment in a stable and freely chosen identity.1 The suggestion, however slight, is that this fulfilled identity would be a state of happiness. What is happiness Why is it an impossible ideal Why does Sartre associate it with the Divine Can an ideal continue to function as a goal even after someone has accepted that it is a practical impossibility These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this article. In the final two sections I will look at how Aquinas can help us to draw out some of the unacknowledged implications of Sartre's existential ontology. Sartre puts the whole ontological dilemma in explicitly theological terms.11 'God' represents the ideal synthesis between being and consciousness which we can never achieve: 'Is not God a being who is what he is, in that he is all positivity and the foundation of the world, and at the same time a being who is not what he is and who is what he is not, in that he is self-consciousness and the necessary foundation of himself'

Topic of the week explain the development of self-concept, Coursework

Topic of the week explain the development of self-concept, self-esteem, and self efficacy - Coursework Example causes improved performance, or vice-versa† (1). In this regard, the discourse would initially differentiate and define the meanings of the abovementioned terms in conjunction with delving into a discussion to explain their development. Self-concept has been defined by Neill (2005) as â€Å"the nature and organization of beliefs about one's self.   Self-concept is theorized to be multi-dimensional† (1). The depiction that one conceptualizes on oneself is perceived to be one’s holistic understanding and knowledge of the self. Shivakumar (2009) acknowledged this concept as parallel with self-identity where distinct components of physical, social and psychological attributes compromise its existence (5). This concept is indicated to be learned, can be organized and experienced in its dynamic form. On the other hand, self- esteem is the term synonymous with feelings of self-worth and value. As averred by Shivakumar (2009), self-esteem â€Å"encompasses both beliefs and emotions† (34) where certain factors contribute to their development. Childhood experiences were noted to provide a crucial role in its development depending on the quality of events and learning potentials.

The Adoption of Electrically Powered Vehicles Essay Example for Free

The Adoption of Electrically Powered Vehicles Essay The non-internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles consists of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), single-fuel all electric vehicles (EV), and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). Earlier attempts at non-ICE vehicles were faced with many challenges resulting in abandonment of research and development. General Motors (GM) discontinued the EV1 electric vehicle after investing about $1 billion in the development. The Toyota RAV 4-EV, which was popular among environmentalist, was discontinued based on sales not high enough to justify production costs. The attention that non-ICE vehicles are receiving is driven by environmental concerns, scarcity of fossil fuel, high gasoline prices and others. The environmental concerns stems from the pollution from carbon dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels. In 2009, the United States used 19. 6% of the world primary energy consumption and 17. 7% of world carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption ranking first and second respectively. There is a correlation between the carbon dioxide concentration and the earth’s surface temperature. There is a general increase in global temperature with increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The high initial cost of the non-ICE vehicles as compared to ICE versions is also an issue. The cost differential is mainly due to the technology, with battery being a major cost driver. For example, in 2009 the cost of Toyota Camry HEV was $26,160 whiles the cost of a comparable ICE version was $20,445. The price of gasoline in the U. S. is relatively cheap, thus affecting the adoption of the non-ICE vehicles. In 2008, the average retail price of gasoline in the U. S. was $3. 25 per gallon, with 14% as tax component. In the same year, the average price of gasoline in the UK, Germany, and France were $7. 53, $7. 72, and $7. 53 with tax components of 161%, 170%, and 154% respectively. The movement from ICE powered vehicles to the non-ICE powered vehicles was due to signs of oil shortages and air quality concerns. The government responded with the Clean Air Act in 1970 requiring cars to have catalytic converters to reduce pollutants. Other government intervention placing restriction on vehicle emission standards forced the industry to launch research and development projects in battery powered electric vehicles. There are four major non- ICE design concepts, which are as follows: ? ? ? ? HEV, the use of on board electricity and gasoline to move the vehicle PHEV, the use of on board electricity and gasoline to move the vehicle and also ability to plug into an external power outlet to recharge the battery. EV, the use of only electricity to move the vehicle and also ability to plug into an external power outlet to recharge the battery. FCV, the use stacks of electrodes and electrolytes that generates electricity to move vehicle Page 1 of 2 The non-ICE vehicle market has gone through rough times in shaping the current, HEV, PHEV, EV, and FCVs. The HEV, PHEV, and EV are different products but share some commonality by way of infrastructural needs. However, FCVs appear to have a lower rate for adoption due to cost involved in providing the necessary infrastructure. The approximate cost of providing installed fuel station for the FCV is $50,000. The comparable cost for the electric plug-in station is $3,000 to $6,000. Automobile companies need to continue investing in research and development in the non-ICE vehicles. It is their interest to improve fuel efficiency well above the standards set by government imposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. A particular attention to improving the range of the vehicle is required. The range of the vehicle is the distance of travel per charge and or full tank of gas. The miles per gallon (MPG) is another attribute which is interrelated to the range. The sales figures provided shows that in November 2009, Toyota Prius had 49. 7% of the total 19,334 HEVs sold in the US. Toyota Prius also happen to be the HEV with the highest miles per gallon (MPG) rating at 50. This clearly indicates that the mileage rating is an important attribute of the HEV. Consider reducing the cost premium on the vehicles and articulating the long-term savings in non-ICE vehicle ownership. The survey response regarding the likelihood of buying a PHEV with fuel savings of 75% shows a steep decline in chances of buying with increasing cost premium. Develop vehicle for specific driving need by providing different cost options, guided by customer segmentation by driving mission. The high cost of the initial purchase will be addressed by focusing on providing options due to driving needs of the customer. This can be addressed by having different range points which will typically imply reducing the battery packs in the vehicle. Therefore, the price per vehicle can be reduced per specific need. The FCV appears to have a very low possibility of success, hence its research and investment funds will be reallocated. Partner with government, competitors, and other stakeholders to develop the infrastructure to support main stream adoption. The major cost driver to the non-ICE vehicles is the battery. Therefore by scaling down the cost by driving needs, a prospect with a shorter commute distance can opt for a less costly version of a model with just the right mix. With 2. 28 vehicles per household in the US, it expected that household will consider having a non-ICE vehicle in the mix for shorter commute and errands. To discontinue non-promising project will free up human resource and money to be used to improve other investments. The freed up resource will support an increase in marketing related plan and implementation. Together with other government and other stakeholders, incentives will be sought to encourage non-ICE adoption by citing environmental challenges to the country in specific and the earth in general. These strategies overall will improve early the adoption of Electrically Powered Vehicles in the U. S.

E-Business Versus Traditional Retailing

E-Business Versus Traditional Retailing Abstract As the Internet access becomes widespread, both businesses and consumers worldwide used web as a main tool for marketing and shopping. As a result, the impact on retailers and consumers are relatively significant with the rise of the E-business. This project looks into the advantages and disadvantages of E-business and traditional retail stores, and then by comparing the two different business modes concludes an integrated business, which is more adapted by public. Further, an analysis of Amazon.com and Wal-Mart also support the notion that multi-channel retail seems to be more satisfy the need and want of retailer and consumers. Introduction The origin of e-business was 20 years ago. In the 1990s, the definition of e-business was used by one of the first supplier, IBM, in its advertising campaign. It was defined as the transformation of key business processes through the use of Internet technologies. (Li ,2007:9) Today, the meaning of e-business is much broader. According to Cunningham (2002) E-business refers to the transactions, processes, and systems that support the act of doing business through electronic networks. Businesses in industries such as banks, automobiles, travel, and many others are undergoing a significant transformation. In the past, traditional retail stores were constrained by geography, location, and size; on the other hands, in the age of information, these are not important anymore. Although the Internet has a great influence on the growth of E-retail, there is one thing of concern, it also presents with threat and opportunity. The aim of this project is to compare and contrast E-Business and traditional business in retailing across a variety of criteria from customers and retailers perspectives, and then to analyze the two biggest retailers in the world in terms of E-retailer and physical retailer and then conclude which business is better adapted to e-commerce. Firstly, the project will consider advantages and disadvantages of E-business from retailers and consumers view, then analyses Amazon.com and Wal-Mart by the means of SWOT analysis (which can be defined as Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) and finally will forecast future retail developments. E-Business Versus Traditional Retailing There are numerous opportunities for businesses to reach new markets on the Internet across nations, lower costs, and relationship-build with customers. For most businesses, opening a virtual retail seems like to be filled with opportunities as well as challenges. The rest of this project will address these opportunities and challenges. The opportunities in E-Business Market There are a number of advantages for e-business. First, with regard to the location, it is clear that online business have the opportunity to access farther than physical stores. According to Dennis and Harris (2002), the three most important elements in retail are location, location and location. Without constraint on geography, the Internet has provided the e-retailer with a store in every home all over the world. Almost every product and service on the Internet has an opening to be sold globally. In other words, e-business sells equally well to anywhere in the country and even overseas, compared to traditional stores. Since building a business online does not need to lease a building on a specific place, which saves a great deal of money on rent. Compared to the existing stores, running a business need to situate on one street, town and country, which is the most expensive part due to paying high-priced rent monthly as well as tax. In addition to location, another factor needs to concern is size. In the past, size of stores was principal when competing with other stores. A large store has the capacity to stock as many products as it can; however, there is a limitation of quantity for those small stores. Thanks to the invention of the Internet, even a small e-business has the chance to vie with large traditional stores. Secondly, as far as the number of consumers and opening time are concerned, online business can reach a larger number of consumers than the traditional stores. Without boundary on the Internet, everyone in the world have equal chances purchasing online. Especially for overseas shoppers, could easily reach web sites in which they are interested. Additionally, with fewer barriers in both time and limitation of consumers, online businesses have a better opportunity to market their product on the Internet. In other words, the problems of time difference between nations and nations have been solved. In contrary, it is difficult for traditional stores to sell further, when considering the limitation of time and geography. In the past few existing stores are opened 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, since online business is on the web all the time, consumers with different shopping habits do not have to worry about the opening and closing hours of physical stores. There are many other advantages regarding to online business. Usually, building a traditional store need to concern the expenditure of ongoing costs, including renting, tax, electricity. In addition, for those traditional stores reaching consumers either face to face or by telephone, have to pay for a significant additional cost. On the other hand, for those businesses that open e-shops could save a great deal of money on the wages costs of face-to-face salespeople and the costs of premises. Furthermore, a virtual store may save budget on all the other needless expenses, such as additional training requirements. Many studies have shown that many online stores in the existing marketing making a big profit on account of reduced costs and increased sales. Furthermore, The Challenges in E-Business Market Generally speaking, although there are many advantages for e-business, considering about disadvantages is also needed. First of all, online business is less powerful than face-to-face selling in many ways. In the traditional stores, salesperson with high skill of convincing shopping can be a part of reasons influencing consumers to shop. For example, when going shopping we are always easy to be persuaded by people around us who support for purchasing. On the other hands, due to fewer impulse of salesperson online, it is easier to say no to a computer. Consumers are totally decide buy or not to buy. Moreover, e-Selling is also less powerful than face-to -face selling. For example, for certain products, it is difficulties with products not sold by touch, feel, and smell. E-businesses are lack of theses advantageous positions. A further disadvantage is that consumers have a perception of lower prices online. They expect online prices to be lower than prices in traditional stores. This puts pressure on margins for online business, and can lead to shoppers expecting consistent how prices in store. Looking for low prices online is one of major factors affecting consumers to shop on the Internet. However, such a perception across all product categories may be unwarranted. Only in some areas such as airline tickets and books can find much lower prices on the Internet. Also, there is a limitation for selling products online. Not everything could be selling on the Internet, such as daily products and fragile items, which limit consumers product selection. In addition, cost in Internet customer contact and maintaining technology could be expensive. Although a beneficial thing for e-business is save the costs of wages of salesperson and rent, the system requires regular maintenance to ensure customer satisfaction. Compared with traditional stores, they do not have to pay the extra maintenance fee on system due to most of they are lack a sophisticated computer system. Finally, after-care can be difficult, especially if the shopper is overseas. It is always not easy to collect those unwanted products which have been return by online shoppers. When ever any of products have technique problems, it is a trouble to return it back to e-shop, especially for those overseas customers.Because not only consumers require to pay the delivery fee but also the online shop, which is a burden for both consumers and e-retailer. Drivers of Consumers Adoption There are considerable potential benefits for consumers to shop online. The main reason for consumers to buy online is to save money. In some given products categories, online prices are significantly cheaper than existing stores. On the Internet, shoppers could always get good value of bargains. Furthermore, consumers could also save the cost of traveling to the existing stores, the cost of finding a parking space, parking, walking through the mall to the stores, finding the item in the store, waiting in line at the checkout, Internet shopping provides in-home access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which enhances convenience by minimizing many of these costs. The other advantage for online shopping is the convenience of shopping at any time of day. On the Internet, the stores are opened 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Consumers could never worry about missing the open hours of the exiting stores. The other good thing about e-shopping is that the webs offer older consumers, those with disabilities, and those live in remote areas to access to information and services. The other motivation for people to accept shopping online is that consumers could make a purchase at home instead of leaving from house. In addition to convenience, consumers could not only save more time on the travel time, but also save the time on walking through all the stores to find what they want, especially when at the height of the holiday. Whether on booking a ticket for an event, purchasing a book, or registering and paying for a fee, the Internet saves time. With regard to breadth and depth of products, consumers could find a great variety of products on the Internet than in any one single store or mall. Rare items can be purchase easily by simply click a mouse; the web sites can take shoppers from one online store to another. The benefit of online shopping is even greater when purchasing foreign-made products. Many traditional businesses will shift a significant part of their operations and selling to the Internet. Growth in the consumer segment is likely to be slower. Security concerns regarding online transactions and the difficulty of modifying consumer behavior can explain the slower pace of growth in the business-to-consumer marketplace. Barriers to Consumers Adoption Although shopping online can by easy, there are a variety of reasons related to security deters online shoppers from making a purchase. Dennis indicated that Security fears as the number one barrier to more consumers shopping online (Dennis et al. 2002). Safety of credit card and other private information are key issues that discourage many consumers e-shopping. A study sponsored by the Better business Bureaus Online found that over 80 percent of users had some concern about security online. (Better Business bureaus, 2005) Most web sites today require users to create personal accounts and provide a lot of personal information. Some consumers are afraid that personal information may be broken in by website hackers or be access by unauthorized organization; moreover, personal accounts provided to online vendors may have a risk to be rejected due to service attacks and human error. Therefore, security of credit card information is quite negative for online consumer. The inability to talk to a live salesperson is another concern for consumers. Even though the Internet brings the world into our homes, customer may still wish to speak to someone to seek advice on the product when shopping online. Also, for older consumers, and those who are relatively new to Internet shopping, exceptionally need a live salesperson to get information they are interested in. However, many of online business have not provided customer service for online shoppers reached by phone, live chat. A report by Data Monitor (www.datamonitor.com) found that only 8 percent of the over 60000 call centers in the US were Web-enabled, and only 1 percent of Web sites currently offer live customer assistance (Venkat, 2001:307). Additionally, the difficulty in returning products is major reason for a large number of consumers not shopping online. BizRate.com, a company that measures post-purchase satisfaction found that in a survey of 9800 consumers, 89 percent said that return policies influence their decision to purchase online. (ibid: 2001:304) Above all, the reason why returns sometimes are difficult may say is because of the lack of face to face negotiations. In addition to returning, the cost of shipping is another concern for consumers. A survey by Greenfield Online revealed that 32percent of consumers surveyed mentioned high shipping costs at the reason for not shopping online (Greenfield, 2002) Most consumers perceive online prices to be lower than prices in conventional stores. It is true; however, sometimes shipping costs can negate other price advantages. Although various products sell at a discount online, when adding into the shipping rate, the consumer may end up paying more than traditional store. Many consumers are still uneasy with online shopping because they prefer to see and touch the goods. Plus, some products are difficult to buy on the Internet. Take clothing for example, it is impossible for online shoppers to feel the fabric. When buying clothes, most people still like to try them on. Online shopping provides a lower sensory stimulation (through smell, touch, music, in-store decorations, etc.) than does offline shopping. (Fernie, J. 2005:106). People incline to use five senses in developing beliefs and bias towards various products. However, on the Internet, only three of these senses can be used. Case Study of Amazon.com and Wal-Mart There are a range of criteria of SWOT Analysis about Amazon.com and Wal-Mart, and this paper will only focus on the areas related to the above sections based on current developments and future developments in how e-retail and traditional retail adapt to e-commerce. SWOT Analysis of Amazon.com With regards to strengths, according to Harris and Dennis (2002:258), Amazon as a US-based multinational e-business company, is the biggest online retailer all over the world. Over the years since it opened its online bookstore in 1995, has established a customer around 30 million people. Besides books, now has launched various products including electronics, computer software, toys, video games and home improvements, apparel, furniture, and food. In addition, Amazon has created different website pages in the USA, the UK, Europe and Far East. It also provides international shipping to certain countries for some of its products. The major weakness for the company is that it heavily depends on external delivery companies, which may tackle a major problem. Due to the rising fuel and vehicle taxation, a potential increase costs should be concerned. As a consequence, the increasing shipping fee may lead consumers rather to visit a local retailer than purchasing online. It is realistic that the rise of Amazon.com has had a profound influence on virtually every sector of business in the world. There are many opportunities for Amazon.com to expand further. One of the priorities is to open exiting stores to solve the disadvantages of E-business. As far as threats are concerned, it is easy to attract competition on the Internet. Since Amazon.com markets similar products as physical retail, it pose a negative impact on Amazon.com within the price competition between e-business and traditional stores. SWOT Analysis of Wal-Mart Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the world. It is famous for its convenience and a wide range of products all in one store. The retailing giant has annual revenues of over $ 100 billion. According to Grant (2002) the Fortune 500 ranking list, published in 2002, showed that Wal-Mart was the worlds largest public corporation by revenue. These years, Wal-mart has experienced global expansion to 3,600 stores and more than 750,000employees worldwide. Although Wal-Mart stores, Inc. has expanded to the global market, they have a presence in a relatively small number of countries Worldwide. They only focus on the market in the UK, but their competitors are grown in the other countries. Besides, Wal-Mart has a risk in the location of their stores. Since Wal-Mart is the leading physical retailer in the USA, it has a magnificent opportunity to become the largest retailer in the world. Therefore, international expansion will be a huge opportunity for Wal-Mart. Although the stores are currently only trade in relatively few overseas there are many opportunities for future business in expanding consumer markets online. A major threat to Wal-Mart is the intense price competition with online business. Being a leading retailer also represents being the target of competition locally and globally. How to compete with e-retail in the international market will be a major question for Wal-Mart. Evaluation From the SWOT Analysis, it is clear that both mazon.com and Wal-mart have its specific strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation concluded that, based on the criteria mentioned above, the e-retail has competitive advantages over e-retail stores while physical retail stores have advantages over e-retail. With regard to disadvantages, online retail faces many difficulties compared to existing stores. For online retailers, the major challenges are face-to-face interaction and immediate delivery, and this is an area where traditional stores have an advantage. On the other hand, online retail also affects opportunities of traditional retail to certain extents. Take location and opening hour, for example, E-retail outweighs traditional retail stores. Many consumers are willing to select products on the Internet, but would not want to wait for delivery. Due to the need of consumers, it stimulated the boom of multi-channel retail (physical stores plus e-retail) becoming dominant, which has both e-retail and physical retail stores components, provides consumers with a higher degree of satisfaction. Thus, more and more e-shoppers find online shopping and in-store pickup more attractive than pure E-railing and traditional retail stores. According to Harris and Dennis (2002:258), the proportion of e-shoppers preferring to shop from e-sites run by physical retail stores rather than Internet-only is soaring 9 up from 22 percent in October 2000 to 33 percent in April 2001. As a result, many E- businesses are attempted to establish physical stores, and just as traditional stores are also creating online business. That competition is not about E-business versus traditional business. Gandy (2000:122) claim Its about integrating both-pulling together the best of what is available through the physical distribution with the best of the Web world. As traditional companies begin to provide multi-channel services to combine online business and it would make sense for pure online businesses to offer services of physical stores. The example of Amazon.com and Wal-mart also support it. According to The Sunday Times, Amazon.com had planed to open existing stores to support its growing website. (Mashable, 2009) Similarly, Wal-Mart stores Inc. has continually increased the integration of its physical stores with its Internet business, in order to respond with the growing web-based stores. (Reuven, 2000) Conclusion Both e-business and traditional stores has its advantages and disadvantages in many criteria. Physical stores has the edge on criteria such as after-sell service and face-to-face selling, while e-business is beneficial on the wide-range of products, time saving and convenience. The project presented a comparative business channel to evaluate the two types of retails and concluded that whether e-retail or traditional retail stores is not in perfection, multi-channel retail stores which combine the best of e-retail and traditional retail may be more adaptable to the business environment in the future. The analysis of Amazon.com and Wal-Mart has also been highlighted, particularly with regard to integrating e-retail with existing physical stores. These can be summarized as multi-channel retail is becoming a dominant. In 1999, Andy Grove, Chairman and CEO of Intel, once have noted that all companies will be Internet companies or they will be dead. (Venkat, 2001) However, even though e-business is able to provide consumer greater service and choice in a variety of the product, the consumers adoption toward the Internet need to be concerned. It should be noted that a detailed examination of multi-channel retail lies outside the areas of this project and further work could be done in this area, which would be of particular interest to those business involved in this area.

The Concept of Self-Efficacy Essay -- Self Efficacy Essays

The Concept of Self-Efficacy Self-efficacy, for the purpose of this study, may be defined as a person’s optimistic self-belief. This is the belief that a person can develop the skills to perform new or difficult tasks to cope with changes in health and functioning. When a person perceives self-efficacy, it will facilitate goal-setting, effort, investment, persistence, overcoming obstacles and recovery from disappointments and failures. It can be regarded as a positive outlook or proactive way to handle stress factors. It is the ability to successfully cope with health changes, and implies an internal and stable acceptance of changes and ability to successfully adapt to those changes. Perceived self-efficacy is functional in relationship to behavioral change, and health care maintenance or improvement. In health care, the concept of self-efficacy is important in developing effective strategies for health education and interventions. Self-efficacy emerged from theories related to motivation, competence and a feeling of control. Rodgers’ (1993) stated that the â€Å"evolutionary† method of concept analysis is used in clarifying the concept of interest. By following this approach, abstract characteristics of a concept can be identified and grouped for the purpose of developing a clear and useful definition of the concept. Once the concept is defined, a model case can be described to demonstrate the concepts attributes, antecedents, and consequence. A literary search and a grouping of characteristics will be used to process a constant comparative analysis and to refine the data into a clear and concise definition appropriate for our use. The term effectance is used to describe the motivational aspect of competence. The theory of motivation is not solely based on the basic animal instinct of drive. People are motivated to behave in certain ways because they perceive themselves as being able to effect a desired change. As a persons behavior is repeated and actually effects the desired change a person is providing reinforcement of their confidence in their competence at effect the desired change. The person is energized by the concept of self-efficacy and it’s feeling of empowerment. (White, 1959). Empowerment and control are essential to elements to self-efficacy. According to Bandura, early social learning theory of behavioral change... ...s all treatment and continues on the road of self-destruction. These examples show how self-efficacy in the health care field can be a valuable an necessary tool for improving health care, but like most concepts, self-efficacy is only as good as the person willing to practice it. It is not experienced by everyone and is impacted by self-esteem, self-confidence and many other variables. References Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change. Psychological Review, 84, pp191-215. Gecas, V. (1989). The Social Psychology of Self-Efficacy. Annual Review of Sociology. 15, pp. 291-316. Maibach, E. & Murphy, D.A. (1995). Self-efficacy in Health Promotion Research and Practice: Conceptualization and Measurement. Health Education Research, 10 (1), pp. 37-50. O’Leary, A. (1985). Self-efficacy and Health. Behavioral Research & Therapy, 23, 437-451. Rodgers, L. & Knafl, K.A. (1993). Concept Development in Nursing: Foundations, Techniques, and Applications. (pp.73-92). Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders. White, R.W. (1959). Motivation Reconsidered: The Concept of Competence. Psychological Review, 66 (5), pp. 297-331

A Handmaids Tale :: Handmaids Tale Essays

A Handmaid's Tale A new society is created by a group of people who strengthen and maintain their power by any means necessary including torture and death. Margaret Atwood's book, A Handmaid's Tale, can be compared to the morning after a bad fight within an abusive relationship. Being surrounded by rules that must be obeyed because of being afraid of the torture that will be received. There are no other choices because there is control over what is done, who you see and talk to, and has taken you far away from your family. You have no money or way out. The new republic of Gilead takes it laws to an even higher level because these laws are said to be of God and by disobeying them you are disobeying him. People are already likely to do anything for their God especially when they live in fear of punishment or death. The republic of Gilead is created and maintains its power structure through the use of religion, laws that isolate people from communication to one another and their families, and the fear of punishment for disobeying the law. The new law would follow God's law that all are brothers and sisters, and according to Aunt Lydia will cause women to live in harmony together and support each other. The wife of the commander, Serena Joy was an strong advocate for submissive female roles and gospel singer before the war and the formation of Gilead. Since the creation of Gilead, she was forced into the submissive role of a housewife. Serena spoke on television about the sanctity of the home and how women should stay in the home. After taking on her new housewife role, "She doesn't make speeches anymore. She has become speechless. She stays in her home but it doesn't agree with her. How furious she must be now that she has been taken at her word" (chapter 8, pg.46). Serena has failed in producing children which is the purpose of woman's life in the beliefs of the Gilead society. She is jealous of Offred because Offred serves as a constant reminder of her failure. She is also resentful of the sexual relatio nship that Offred must have with her husband. A Handmaid's Tale :: Handmaid's Tale Essays A Handmaid's Tale A new society is created by a group of people who strengthen and maintain their power by any means necessary including torture and death. Margaret Atwood's book, A Handmaid's Tale, can be compared to the morning after a bad fight within an abusive relationship. Being surrounded by rules that must be obeyed because of being afraid of the torture that will be received. There are no other choices because there is control over what is done, who you see and talk to, and has taken you far away from your family. You have no money or way out. The new republic of Gilead takes it laws to an even higher level because these laws are said to be of God and by disobeying them you are disobeying him. People are already likely to do anything for their God especially when they live in fear of punishment or death. The republic of Gilead is created and maintains its power structure through the use of religion, laws that isolate people from communication to one another and their families, and the fear of punishment for disobeying the law. The new law would follow God's law that all are brothers and sisters, and according to Aunt Lydia will cause women to live in harmony together and support each other. The wife of the commander, Serena Joy was an strong advocate for submissive female roles and gospel singer before the war and the formation of Gilead. Since the creation of Gilead, she was forced into the submissive role of a housewife. Serena spoke on television about the sanctity of the home and how women should stay in the home. After taking on her new housewife role, "She doesn't make speeches anymore. She has become speechless. She stays in her home but it doesn't agree with her. How furious she must be now that she has been taken at her word" (chapter 8, pg.46). Serena has failed in producing children which is the purpose of woman's life in the beliefs of the Gilead society. She is jealous of Offred because Offred serves as a constant reminder of her failure. She is also resentful of the sexual relatio nship that Offred must have with her husband.