Indian Thought in Emerson Thoreau and Whitman Essay

VEDANTA philosophy was one of several thought currents from abroad that reached New England in the early decades of the 19th century and contributed to the thinking of Emerson and Thoreau. Emerson’s interest in the sacred writings of the East probably began: . ring his Harvard days and continued throughout his life. He knew Laws of Manu, Vishnupurana, the Bhagvad- Gita, and Katha Upanishad: There are numerous references to these scriptures in his Journals and Essays. Thoreau, too, was introduced to Oriental writing while still at Harvard. His initial contact was with an essay on Oriental poetry by Sir William Jones; in 1841, at the age of 24, he began an intensive study of Hindu religious books. In the January 1843 issue of The Dial, Thoreau published selected passages from Laws of Manu. From a French version of the Sanskrit Harivansa, he translated a story, â€Å"The Transmigration Seven Brahmans,† and in The Dial of January 1844, he published excerpts from Buddhist scriptures under the title â€Å"The Preaching of Buddha. † Emerson, Thoreau, and other Transcendentalists, interested in the concept of â€Å"selfhood,† found in Hindu scripture a well-elaborated doctrine of Self. Hindu scripture tells us that the central core of one’s self (antaratman) is identifiable with the cosmic whole (Brahman). The Upanishad state: â€Å"The self within you, the resplendent, immortal person is internal self of all things and is the universal Brahman. † Concepts similar to this cardinal doctrine of Vedanta appear in the writings of the Transcendentalists. But there are many ideological similarities among Oriental literature, the neo-Platonic doctrines, Christian mysticism, and the philosophy of the German Idealists such as Kant and Schelling. And, since the Transcendentalists were acquainted with all of these writings, it is not always possible to identify specific influences. Nevertheless, the striking parallels between Transcendentalist writing and Oriental thought make it clear that there was a spiritual kinship. In â€Å"Plato; or, the Philosopher,† Emerson writes that â€Å"the conception of fundamental Unity† – the â€Å"ecstasy† of losing â€Å"all being in one Being† – finds its highest expression â€Å"chiefly in the Indian Scriptures, in the Vedas, the Bhagavat Geeta, and the Vishnu Purana. † In this essay, Emerson quotes Krishna speaking to a sage:†Ã¢â‚¬ËœYou are fit to apprehend that you are not distinct from me†¦. That which I am, thou art, and that also is this world, with its gods and heroes and mankind. Men contemplate distinctions because they are stupefied with ignorance. ‘ ‘†¦. What is the great end of all, you shall now learn from me. It is soul, – one in all bodies, pervading, uniform, perfect, preeminent over nature, exempt from birth, growth and decay, omnipresent, made up of true knowledge, independent, unconnected with unrealities, with name, species and the rest, in time past, present and to come. The knowledge that this spirit, which is essentially one, is in one’s own and in all other bodies, is the wisdom of one who knows the unity of things. ‘† In formulating his own concept of the Over-Soul, Emerson might well be quoting Krishna once again: â€Å"We live in succession, in division, in parts, in particles. Meantime within man is the soul of the whole; the wise silence; the universal beauty, to which every part and particle is equally related; the eternal ONE. And this deep power in which we exist and whose beatitude is all accessible to us, is not only self-sufficing and perfect in every hour, but in the act of seeing and the thing seen, the seer and the spectacle, the subject and the object, are one. We see the world piece by piece, as the sun, the moon, the animal, the tree; but the whole, of which these are shining parts, is the soul. Only by the vision of that Wisdom can the horoscope of the ages be read†¦. † Some of Emerson’s poetry resembles Vedanta literature in form as well as in content. A striking example is the poem â€Å"Brahma. † This is â€Å"Brahma† in its entirety: If the red slayer think he slays, Or if the lain think he is slain, They know not well the subtle ways I keep, and pass, and turn again. Far or forgot to me is near; Shadow and sunlight are the same; The vanished gods to me appear; And one to me are shame and fame. They reckon ill who leave me out; When me they fly, I am the wings; I am the doubter and the doubt, And I the hymn the Brahmin sings. The strong gods pine for my abode, And pine in vain the sacred Seven, But thou, meek lover of the good! Find me, and turn thy back on heaven. The first stanza is essentially an adaptation of these lines from the Katha Upanishad: If the slayer think I slay, if the lain think I am slain, then both of them do not know well. If (the soul) does not slay, nor is it slain. The second and the third stanzas echo the following lines of the Gita: I am the ritual action, I am the sacrifice, I am the ancestral oblation, I am the sacred hymn, I am also the melted butter, I am the fire and I am the offering. I am immorality and also death. I am being as well as non-being. In some respects, Henry David Thoreau was even more than Emerson attracted to Oriental thought and philosophy. For while Emerson found the Hindu doctrines of soul congenial to his own ideas about man’s relationship to the universe, Thoreau found in Hindu scriptures a way of life with which he felt a profound affinity. When Thoreau began his intensive study of Hindu scriptures, he wrote in his Journal, â€Å"I cannot read a sentence in the book of the Hindoos without being elevated upon the table-land of the Ghauts†¦. The impression which those sublime sentences made on me last night has awakened me before any cockcrowing†¦. The simple life herein described confers on us a degree of freedom even in perusal†¦ wants so easily and gracefully satisfied that they seem like a more refined pleasure and repleteness. † Later, in his first book he said: â€Å"Any moral philosophy is exceedingly rare. This of Manu addresses our privacy more than most. It is a more private and familiar, and at the same time a more public and universal work, than is spoken in parlour or pulpit nowadays. As our domestic fowls are said to have their original in the wild pheasant of India, so our domestic thoughts have their prototypes in the thoughts of her philosophers. Most books belong to the house and street only, and in the fields their leaves feel very thin†¦. But this, as it proceeds from, so it addresses, what is deepest and most abiding in man. It belongs to the noontide of the day, the midsummer of the year, and after the snows have melted, and the waters evaporated in the spring, still its truth speaks freshly to our experience†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thoreau sought throughout his life to live a life of meaning – a life in which he would understand the truths of his own nature, his relationship with other men and his relationship with Nature and with the Universe. In the Bhagavad-Gita Thoreau found clues for his quest which he transposed into his Journals: â€Å"The man who, having abandoned all lusts of the flesh, walketh without inordinate desires, unassuming, and free from pride, obtaineth happiness. † â€Å"The wise man†¦. seeketh for that which is homogeneous to his own nature. † We know too that Thoreau’s reading led him to an interest in Yoga. He wrote in a letter to a friend: â€Å"Free in this world as the birds in the air, disengaged from every kind of chains, those who have practiced the yoga gather in Brahma the certain fruit of their works†¦ The yogi, absorbed in contemplation, contributes in his degree to creation†¦. Divine forms traverse him†¦. and, united to the nature which is proper to him, he goes, he acts as animating original matter†¦. To some extent, and at rare interval, even I am a yogi. † And in Walden, Thoreau describes a state of mind that has a close resemblance to the experience of the yogi. It is similar also to the transcendental Self of the Upanishads which as Sakshi or spectator merely looks on without participating in the pageant of the world. â€Å"By a conscious effort of the mind we can stand aloof from the actions and their consequences; and all things, good and bad, go by us like a torrent. We are not wholly involved in Nature†¦ I may be either the driftwood in the stream, or Indra in the sky looking down on it†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ [I] am sensible of a certain doubleness by which I can stand as remote from myself as from another. However intense my experience, I am conscious of the presence and criticism of a part of me, which, as it were is not a part of me, but spectator, sharing no experience, but taking note of it; and that is no more I than it is you. When the play†¦ of life is over, the spectator goes his way. † When Walt Whitman published Leaver of Grass in 1855, he was almost universally condemned for the formlessness of his poems and the grandiosity of his heretic philosophy. But Emerson made it a point to write a letter to the author: â€Å"I am very happy in reading it†¦. It meets the demand I am always making of what seemed the sterile and stingy Nature, as if too much handiwork or too much lymph in the temperament were making our Western wits fat and mean. I give you joy of your free and brave thought. I have great joy in it. I find incomparable things said incomparably well. † The ideas that Emerson referred to as â€Å"incomparable things said incomparably well† Thoreau was later to characterize as â€Å"wonderfully like the Orientals. † For the long opening poem of Leave of Grass – â€Å"Song of Myself† – contains Whitman’s exultant concept of â€Å"myself† in which he expressess the essence of Vedantic mysticism. Mysticism, as it is understood by the Vedantist and as it finds expression in â€Å"Song of Myself† is a way of embracing the other, the objective world, in an inclusive conception of Selfhood. It is a way of finding the World in the Self and as the Self. Like the â€Å"Cosmic Form† described in the Gita and the Dynamic Self of the Upanishads, Whitman’s â€Å"Self† sweeps through the Cosmos and embraces it: What is a man anyhow? What am I? and what axe you? In all people I see myself, none more and not one a barleycorn less And the good on bad I say of myself I say of them. And I know I am solid and sound, To me the converging objects of the universe perpetually flow, All are written to me, and I must get what the writing means. And 1 know I am death less. † The critic Malcolm Cowley points out that Whitman’s mysticism has its counterpart in modern Indian writing too. Sri Ramakrishna writes, â€Å"The Divine Mother revealed to me in the Kali temple that it was She who had become everything. She showed me that everything was full of Consciousness [Divinity], the Image of Consciousness, the altar was Consciousness, the water-vessels were Consciousness, the door sill was Consciousness, the marble floor was Consciousness†¦. I saw a wicked man in front of the Kali temple; but in him I saw the power of the Divine Mother vibrating. † Earlier in the 19th Century, Whitman had written: I hear and behold God in every object†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ I see something of God each hour of the twenty-four, and each moment then, In the faces of men and women I see God, and in my own face in the glass; I find letters from God chopped in the street, and everyone is signed by God’s name. ’ While there are innumerable points of similarity in thought and experience between Whitman and Oriental scripture, in some respects Whitman goes against the mainstream of Indian Philosophy. â€Å"Unlike most of the Indian sages, for example, he was not a thoroughgoing idealist. He did not believe that the whole world of the senses, of desires, of birth and death, was only maya, illusion, nor did he hold that it was a sort of purgatory; instead he praised the world as real and joyful. He did not despise the body, but proclaimed that it was as miraculous as the soul. He was too good a citizen of the nineteenth century to surrender his faith in material progress as the necessary counterpart of spiritual progress. Although he yearned for ecstatic union with the soul or Oversoul, he did not try to achieve it by subjugating the senses, as advised by yogis and Buddhists alike; on the contrary, he thought the ‘merge’ could also be achieved by a total surrender to the senses. † Thoreau, Emerson, Whitman – they were all good citizens of the nineteenth century and of the West. In the bulk of their work, all three writers built on native American material and embodied American attitudes, especially the concepts of individualism and self-reliance. Perhaps the most fitting commentary on their relationship to Indian literature was made by Gandhi after reading Emerson’s Essays: â€Å"The essays to my mind contain the teaching of Indian wisdom in a Western ‘guru’. It is interesting to see our own sometimes differently fashioned. † ****** ****** ******

American expansion in the 19th century Essay

In the years between 1830 and 1860, the United States grew economically, socially, and most noticeably, geographically. In this time period, Texas, Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Arizona were gained, completing the continental United States. Many Americans in the 19th century believed this acquisition of territory was a manifest destiny, or event accepted as inevitable. They thought it was the destiny of the U.S. to control all land from the east coast to the west coast. However, I believe that this land was taken as an act of aggressive imperialism on the part of the United States. Imperialism is the practice of extending the power and dominion of a nation by direct territorial acquisitions of other areas, and clearly America took much of this land by force rather than negotiation with other nations. The motives of the United States was not that of expansion, but in hopes of gaining new resources, land for agriculture, and natural resources. Also, the gain of this territory was far from inevitable. During the 19th century, the United States engaged in conflicts with both Great Britain and Mexico with victories yielding land. Although the boundary between Maine and Canada was determined by the Webster-Ashburn Treaty, the â€Å"battle of the maps† between Americans and British spurred negotiations. The southern border of Texas was set at the Rio Grande River following a three year war with Mexico, also resulting in the acquisition of the Mexican cession (California and New Mexico). The terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo called for the United States to pay Mexico $15 million for this land, but this payment was more of a compensation for the war rather than purchase of land. The United States used force to gain much of the western territory, just as imperialist nations did overseas. I see no difference between the United States taking land from Mexico and France taking control of Northern Africa; both cases are imperialism at work. The east coast of the United States was well settled and developed by the mid 1800s, but was by no means overcrowded. Earlier in the history of America, the government forced Native Americans off their lands to show its power and authority over lesser people. The theory of manifest destiny seems to be just another show of power. The American people were not desperate for this land, it was more of a novelty. By gaining this land, new natural resources  could be gained, as proven by the gold rush in California in 1848. The people inhabiting these regions were often not American, but British or Mexican in the case or the Oregon Territory or California, respectively. The completion of the continental United States was not motivated by the need to expand, but for a desire of power. The term manifest destiny refers to an inevitable event, but the expansion of America was actually avoidable. At one time, politicians such as President James K. Polk were set on a division between the Oregon Territory and Canada at the line 54’40†. In fact, the term â€Å"54’40† or fight† was a popular campaign slogan for the election of 1844. When all was said and done, the boundary between the United States and Canada was drawn and the 49th parallel, much shorter than initially desired. Cuba was considered for purchase from Spain in the 1850s, but eventually this was defeated by antislavery members of congress, as the warm climate and plantations already in existence there would benefit the south alone. Mexican land was also threatened following the war, as Americans captured Mexico City, and many Democrats hoped to gain all land under Mexico’s jurisdiction. In each of these cases, the opportunity existed to further expand the United States, but more aggressive measures were not taken. America did not have to have any of this additional land. I feel that the idea of manifest destiny is simply a way to rationalize the United States practice of imperialism in North America. None of the land gained in the 19th century was given to the U.S., it was taken using force and often violence. Financial compensation is irrelevant considering wars took place to complete the southwest. The government was motivated by the power that could be attained by expanding the size of the nation, motivating many of the decisions regarding territory in this time period. Also, if the belief in manifest destiny were held true, the United States would currently encompass much of Canada, Cuba, and Latin America., which is obviously not the case. The actions of our nation in the 19th century were not that of manifest destiny, but in fact aggressive imperialism.

Citizens United Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Citizens United - Assignment Example At the present, anybody can fund their favorite candidate albeit indirectly. This goes a long way in buffering corruption that may be brought by big money. This is because, the constitution does not demand for any reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures. Spending is termed as a speech, which is protected by the constitution in the First Amendment even if the speaker is a corporation. The Supreme Court decided that everybody including large corporations. The court argued that impeding corporations from funding elections interfered with the provisions of First Amendment that guarantees freedom of speech. Despite the fact that corporations are not people per se, corporations represent groups of people, and therefore, their political support during campaigns is like support of the people. At last, the decision on the case of Citizen United was that corporate expenditures in elections did not violate the First Amendment hence politicians can use the corporate money to finance their campaigns. Neil Genzlinger. On Electoral Map, the Green Is Obscured ‘Big Sky, Big Money’ on PBS Frontline. Retrieved on 13 March, 2015 from

Interdiction for experiments Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Interdiction for experiments - Assignment Example A conventional cell culture media generally consist of vitamins, glucose, well balanced amino acids, serum as a source of growth factors, hormones as energy source for the regulation of cell cycle (Waymouth, 1972). Osmolality and pH are the other two aspects which govern the environment of cell culture. pH 7.4 has been proved as the optimum pH to grow mammalian cells in culture. Although small deviations exist. The culture medium acts as a buffer and inhibits the pH change. As bicarbonate and dissolved CO2 has an impact on the pH of the medium, atmospheric CO2 also plays a crucial role in maintaining the pH of the medium. Therefore CO2 is used form a exogenous source and in the incubator it is generally maintained at 5%. For most of the culture conditions the temperature is maintained at 37Â °C for normal growth of the culture cells. Finally, osmolality is maintained in culture condition since at 37Â °C the culture media can be evaporated. Hence to prevent the evaporation of the cu lture media, humidifying condition is maintained by keeping water in the incubator. A failure in controlling the culture environment leads to contamination of culture, unhealthy cells, more apoptotic cells and other abnormal morphologies (Waymouth, 1970). What is the fluorescence-activated cell sorting, why it is important? Flow cytometry or fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) is generally used to examine the microscopic particles like cells. First the cells are suspended in a fluid and then a stream of fluid containing the cell suspension is passed over a laser beam. This results in light scattering and fluorescence emission. The next step is the filtration and collection of the scattered and emitted lights which are then converted to digital signals. These signals are then analyzed by appropriate software. Thus the fundamental basics of flow cytometry comprises of fluidics (cell suspension and the hydrodynamic focusing of the fluid), optics (laser beam, light scattering and fluorescence emission) and electronics (conversion to digital values and output through computer). By FACS one can analyze multiparametric physical and chemical behavior of cells. It allows the analysis of thousands of particle in a second. The stream of fluid is hydrodynamically focused and the beam of light usually a laser is pointed towards the stream of fluid. Two different types of detectors are placed to detect the scattered light. One is in line with the laser beam known as forward scatter (FSC) and many detectors are in perpendicular with the laser known as side scatter (SSC). FSC is attributed to the size of the particle where as the SSC refers to the granularity that is the internal complexity of the particle (Ormerod 2000). Fluorescence-activated cell sorter is generally used in biomedical science which includes the fields like pathology, transplantation, hematology, immunology, molecular biology, signal transduction. Various parameters can be ascertained by FACS. Some of which are- cell cycle and tumor ploidy (El-Naggar 2004), immunophenotyping, ion flux, membrane potential, intracellular protein staining, cell proliferation, pH changes (Rabinovitch and June 2000), cell viability, cell sorting, chromatin structure, redox state, total protein, lipids, surface charge, enzyme activity, gene expression and DNA degradation (Darzynkiewicz et al 1997) What is the Immunoprecipitation Immunoprecipitati

Develop an ethics program for a company X Essay - 1

Develop an ethics program for a company X - Essay Example Excel Finance offers financial services to clients from all backgrounds in the region of Los Angeles where employees are expected to demonstrate high ethical standards. Firstly, at Excel Finance, it is unacceptable to report for duty late. Obviously, as a financial institution, Excel Finance would like to show that every detail is met. According to the instructions on the entrance, Excel Finance opens its doors exactly at eight o’clock in the morning. Therefore, it means that if employees report late, there are chances of opening the business late. This will create the wrong integrity about the company in the eyes of the highly esteemed clients (Brink, 2011). In addition to observing punctuality, the employees of Excel Finance are expected to communicate with the customers in English language unless where impossible. Politeness while addressing the client is imperative, and any report by client of a staff’s rudeness will be extensively investigated after which disciplinary actions may be taken. Concerning use of company equipment- telephones and other utilities-, every employee is expected to exercise responsibility. Usage of company telephones and another equipment for purposes not related to the business is not allowed, and the staff could be penalized if this is contravened. In regard to handling money from clients, all employees at Excel Finance are expected to issue a document indicating receipt or issuance of the same. No staff is allowed to receive money from customers without a purpose. For cashiers, all money must reflect in the client’s account as soon as they are done with depositing. As for the loan officers, assessment of customer’s business has to be done before approving a loan. Also, ensure that all the spaces that ought to be filled by the client have been filled without exception. All staffs are expected to show respect

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Attitude Toward Aging Process - Essay Example They are faced with other complications such as hearing and eyesight impairment, memory loss and diminished joint mobility. Wrinkling of skin We need to infuse change in the nurses' attitude since they are not just interested in the status of elderly health. For this case this negative attitude should be changed fro them to be able to serve elderly people with confidence in future. The medical curriculum recommended interdisciplinary subject that includes multiple specialty subject on aging process and a number of diseases of elderly people. The subject provided both community and hospital based teaching materials. Since then there are a number of theory have come up to explain the aging process. (Rieder, 2004) These theories are the wear and tear theories and Genome based theories. The wear and tear theories are old theories which include; cross linkage theory, free radical theory, error catastrophe theory and the waste product accumulation theory. On the other hand, the genome based theories are the most recent theories of the aging process and they include; somatic mutation, finite doubling potential of cells and the programmed aging. (Rieder, 2004) According to Reider (2004), people with over 65 years in United States most often spend a lot of their time in health care than those below the age of 65 years.

Kant and Hume on Morality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Kant and Hume on Morality - Essay Example Later on these views are critically analysed to establish which point of view is better. Kant Kant argues for an a priori basis for morality in his work. The central concept is the â€Å"categorical imperative†. The author sees morality springing from nothing other than pure reason. This contradicts Hume directly who held that reason could never be ground to justify morality. However, Kant states that people’s personhood and dignity should always be respected. People can be treated as both a means and an end simultaneously but not merely as means. Lying has been used as an example by Kant to justify his notion. He considers lying to be immoral under any circumstances and for any purpose at all. Actions must be universal according to Kant. Moreover, morality cannot be treated as an issue of mere preference or taste. Kant has utilised maxims to establish the a priori basis for morality. Volition is wanted that is a rule that is followed by an intentional act. He argues th at any moral actions must fall into one of the five categories that constitute the categorical imperative. ... thing: â€Å"can be regarded as good without qualification, except a good will.† 1 Good will is seen as the beacon that guides a person to doing the right thing. In case that a person fails to do a good thing, the good will has not failed. Instead the ability to carry out the good will has failed. Following the establishment of good will, Kant moves to establish moral obligations and duty. He delineates that many acts are done out of personal consideration rather than for the sake of morality. A shopkeeper who uses honest prices is doing so because he wishes to be respected by his customers and not merely for the sake of morality alone. Kant believes that such a person â€Å"deserves praise and encouragement, but not esteem.† 2 People who commit the greatest moral acts are the ones who commit such actions without regard for reward. Kant affirms that these are the only people who are actually acting morally. Durkheim’s altruistic suicide is seen by Kant as an este emed action because the man giving up his life gains nothing out of it. As per Kant: â€Å"Duty is the necessity to act out of reverence for the (moral) law.† 3 Following the moral law in intrinsic sense of right and wrong is a person’s greatest obligation. Hence, morality is a priori as per Kant. He further proposes four situations that demand decision making to with respect to duty. These are: actions contrary to duty for example stealing; dutiful actions carried out in fear of reprisal or penalties for example paying taxes, not violating traffic signs; dutiful actions that are carried out because of the agent’s prior inclination to them generally because such actions are pleasurable for example any labour of love; dutiful actions that contradict personal inclination for example not resorting to suicide

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 107

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SCHOLARLY ETHICAL PAPER Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

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Comparing and Contrasting Poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Comparing and Contrasting Poetry - Essay Example ier to access and, in some ways, lighter, and the distance of the poet from the subject creates an atmosphere within which we can observe what is really going on. Both poems illustrate strong emotions: envy and love. The strong iambic trimeter of Papa’s Waltz is made slightly uneven by the extra unstressed syllable on the even lines, suggesting that, perhaps, the steps of the waltz are not exactly even either. However, in Richard Cory, we have iambic pentameter and the quatrain structure rhyming every other line, suggestive of a sonnet, which is only changed by adding the last two lines. The slightly uneven meter of Roethke’s poem creates a certain image of a stumbling dance, while Robinson’s keeps its perfect structure throughout, mirroring the poem’s statement of the perfection of Richard Cory. While there is a lot of imagery and symbolism in Papa’s Waltz, the poem Richard Cory is a symbol in itself, almost a painting in words, representing everything we dream about and everyone we envy. We hear description of things like he was â€Å"imperially slim†, or he â€Å"glittered when he walked†. Robinson uses words that hint of royalty: crown, king and imperially, but contrasts these with the meagerness of saying that â€Å"we† (the narrator’s group) â€Å"went without the meat, and cursed the bread†. Roethke is a bit more subtle with his poem, first allowing us to peek in at the scene, watching the boy and his drunken father stomp about. We know that the household is not rich, and that the father is a manual laborer, or maybe a farmer, from the dirt caked rough hands. The language is plain and driect, using words like â€Å"romped† and â€Å"scraped† while the language in Richard Cory is quite formal, increasing the mood of quiet admiration which bordered upon envy, and increasing the power of the simply stated ending. We suspect that the father in Roethkes poem is, at least a little, abusive. However, there is also a certain relationship shown between the

Trickster Tale Essay Example for Free

Trickster Tale Essay In ancient India, there used too live a Bengal tiger in the jungle of Sundarban. He was the king of the jungle. He was very cruel and used to treat his animals harshly. Once he ordered that he would not go for hunting and assigned duties to animals to provide him large quantities of hunted meat bring hunting meat on daily basis. One day, it was the turn of one rabbits, Harry, to bring hunted meat for him. He was very disappointed when his fellow, John, met him in the way. John was blessed with certain supernatural power, the power of prophesy and to see the past events. He was very sharp minded also. Due to his excessive pride in his supernatural powers and intelligence, he desired to become the king of the jungle. He used to intermingle with other animals at parties occasionally and used to propagandize against king. But his desire only remained a dream. John saw Harry as worried and gloomy. He asked the cause of his gloominess. Harry replied; ‘em! Nothing’, ‘Then why are you worried’, said John. ‘Hoon, but you can not help me’. John insisted and Harry told, â€Å"I have to hunt for king today but being a meager creature, I can not hunt an animal to provide meat to the king.†   John mocked him and said ironically, â€Å"Kill hundred thousands of ants and insects, make mince meat of them and provide that to the king. Ask him that you killed an elephant for him†. Harry started moving when John said, â€Å"Listen†¦I have an idea.† Harry turned and John said, â€Å"Leave the matter to me and I will go to the king in your place. Go and hide yourself somewhere.† They leave and John went to the King empty-handed. When King enquired what he has brought for him. He started weeping and crying. King thought that due to his little stature, he was unable to hunt. King started laughing at him and said, â€Å"Not to get worry†¦Not to get worry†¦.I am going to have your own meat for my dinner†. Harry stopped weeping and said to King, â€Å"I killed a 2000 KG elephant for you but transportation was a problem. And when I arranged that, another Lion came in the way and warned me that it is for him. I was left with no option †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..I came empty handed.† King became furious at this and asked him to lead that way. John led the king to the well and asked him that other lion lived in this well. When King looked down in the well, he saw his own reflection in the water of the well. He took it as the other lion. As he was furious, he jumped into the well and drowned. He started shouting aloud. When other animals gathered around him, He said that Harry has thrown king into the well and has escaped. He further informed that while King was taking his last breathe, he appointed him the new king. By using his supernatural power, he showed animals where Harry was hiding. Furious animals went there and killed Harry without seeking explanation. John was appointed king. Although his lust for power and wealth was unlimited but he did not harmed his animals. He served his animals by using his intelligence and supernatural powers. One day, Powell, a donkey came to him and asked that his daughter was missing. John used his prophetic powers to know the location of his daughter. He found that Powell’s daughter has been abducted by neighboring jungle kingdom. This provided him to prepare his people against that kingdom. His real motive was not to get free Powell’s daughter but to capture the wealth of that kingdom. He attacked with full force. Kings of the neighboring jungle was quite of the greediness of John. So he prepared a deep ditch and covered with a jewels and gold. When John saw abundance of wealth, he jumped over it and was thrown into the ditch. Armed animals bruised him with their arms. When he was taking his breathe, he realized that positions gained through wrong means had no permanence and greed only brings misfortune.

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) Literature Review on Treatment

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) Literature Review on Treatment INTRODUCTION Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a major health issue in the western world and is a significant burden on health care; Americans spend $37 billion annually with a further $19.8 billion lost in absenteeism [1]. There is 58% life time prevalence of back pain in the UK, a 22-65% 1-year prevalence and 6-7% of all adults have constant back problems [2]. Although CLBP is usually benign ( Modern (Verum) acupuncture originates in ancient Chinese philosophy which claims pain and disease manifest because of imbalances in bodies forces of Yin and Yang. It is believed these forces flow through specific courses (meridians) and can be manipulated using specific acupuncture points to regain the balance. Acupuncture has evolved from the traditional Chinese application and some styles incorporating adjuncts such as electrical stimulation of the acupuncture needle [4], A recent systematic review of articles published between 1966 and February 2003 [4] concluded that the efficacy of acupuncture on CLBP was inconclusive due to the low methodological quality of selected studies. They found acupuncture had some short-term improvements in pain and function compared to control or sham but due to low methodological quality they concluded a need for higher quality studies. This review updates that study [4] by including articles published after February 2003 or studies that were published prior but were of high relevance and methodological quality. The objective is to provide firm conclusions about the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for CLBP. METHODS Study Selection Criteria Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) available in English and available free of charge were included. Search Strategy In October 2009 the MEDLINE database (period 1950 to date) was searched for RCTs published after February 2003 and matching the search string Chronic low back pain AND acupuncture OR dry needling OR Sham OR Placebo AND randomised controlled trial OR randomized controlled trial. Further searches using PEDro, Web of Science (using ISI Web of Knowledge) and Cinahl (period 1982 to date) (see appendix A). Each articles reference list was also used as a source of relevant publications. Participants For inclusion the studies participants needed to be =18-years old with non-specific CLBP. Non-specific CLBP was defined as pain between the 12th costal margin and the inferior gluteal folds =12-weeks. If radiating leg pain was present this must be secondary to the lumbosacral region pain. RCTs that included participants with specific pathologies as the root cause of their CLBP, such as malignancy, prolapse of =1 inter-vertebral disc or spinal fracture were excluded. Interventions Studies that investigated the effects of traditional (Verum) acupuncture, trigger-point acupuncture and dry needling were reviewed. RCTs were included regardless of hand of electro-stimulation. Studies investigating non-needle based acupuncture, such as laser acupuncture, were excluded. Control interventions included sham, usual care, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or conservative orthopaedic therapy. Outcome measures There are four outcome measures considered to be important when assessing CLBP Pain intensity (e.g. visual analogue scale (VAS-P), numerical rating scale (NRS-P)) A global measure (e.g. Overall improvement, proportional recovery of patients) A back specific functional status measure (e.g. Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)) Return to work (absenteeism, speed of return) RCTs must include =1 of the above. The primary outcomes were pain and function. Study selection A total of 544 studies were found through the searches with 17 potentially eligible RCTs identified. Of these 5 were excluded due to study duplication (n=1), sole inclusion of participants with specific CLBP (n=2) or use of non-needle based acupuncture (n=2). The remaining 12 articles were reviewed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) to determine their methodological quality. CASP enables the systematic review of an RCT for validity, design, execution and reasoning. Assessment criteria included randomization and allocation of participants, blinding of participants and assessors, identification of potential observer bias, participant numbers at RCT start and conclusion, presentation and accuracy of results, and any identified limitations. Results were recorded and documented (Appendix B). RCT commonalities: Participants were excluded: if they exhibited contraindications to acupuncture, had received acupuncture for their CLBP previously, previous spinal surgery, infectious spondylopathy, malignancy, congenital spine deformity, compression fracture due to osteoporosis or spinal stenosis. No differences in demographic variables or baseline levels of pain and disability were detected between the groups at baseline (P >0.05). Randomization was computer-generated with random number tables. All participants gave informed consent. Each RCT received ethical approval Usual care is defined as a combination of drugs, physiotherapy and exercise. RESULTS [5] 298 participants with CLBP =6-months randomised to 12 sessions of acupuncture (n=146) or sham acupuncture (n=73) over 8-weeks, administering therapists had =140 hours training and 3-years experience, with a third delayed acupuncture group (n=79) who received no acupuncture for the initial 8-weeks followed by the acupuncture groups protocol. Outcome measures were VAS-P and back function using the validated German Funktionsfragebogen Hannover-RÃ ¼cken (FFbH-R) questionnaire. At 8-weeks VAS-P decreased from baseline in all groups; after 26 and 52-weeks the acupuncture groups results were better than sham however differences were not significant. Results from the delayed acupuncture group followed the acupuncture groups pattern. The trial had good methodological quality: outcome measures were assessed independently with participants completing questionnaires, attrition was reasonable (18%) but the acupuncture group was double the size of the others which may have influenced results. [6] 638 participants with CLBP =3-months randomised to standard acupuncture (n=185), individualised acupuncture (n=157), sham acupuncture (n=162) or usual care (161) groups. Acupuncture groups received 10 treatments over 7-weeks by acupuncturists with =3 training. The Primary outcome measure was RMDQ. Compared to baseline all groups showed improved function and pain at 8-weeks. Mean values for RMDQ were consistent up to 52-weeks with the usual care group having greater dysfunction than all acupuncture groups (P=.001). There was no significant difference between real and sham acupuncture groups (P>0.05). All forms of acupuncture had beneficial and persisting effects over usual care for CLBP treatment with clinically meaningful functional improvements. There were no significant differences between acupuncture groups. Outcome measures were gathered by blinded telephone interviewers and attrition was low (6%) resulting in good trial internal validity [7] 1162 participants with CLBP =6-months randomised to 5-weeks of twice-weekly acupuncture (n=387) or sham acupuncture (n=387), performed by acupuncturists with =140 hours training. A third group received usual care (n=387). Outcome measures were Von Korff Chronic Pain Grade Scale (GCPS) and Hanover Functional Ability Questionnaire (HFAQ). Results were presented as a percentage of improvement in function and pain at 6-month follow-up. At 6-months both acupuncture groups had significant improvements in pain and function compared to baseline and usual treatment. There was no difference between acupuncture groups (p=0.39). The trial was methodologically strong with good internal validity: the control group was an active multimodal conventional therapy, had high power with stated calculation, follow-ups at 1.5, 3 and 6-months, low attrition (4%) and balanced dynamic randomisation. This was a good, highly relevant, large, rigorous trial. [8] 35 participants, =65-years, with CLBP =6-months randomised to 1 of 3 groups receiving 2 3-week phases of 30-minute acupuncture sessions, with a 3-week interval between. Group A (n=12) received standard acupuncture, Group B (n=10) superficial trigger-point acupuncture and Group C (n=13) deep trigger-point acupuncture. Outcome measures were VAS-P and RMDQ score. Group C showed a statistically significant VAS-P and RMDQ reductions from baseline after phase 1 with VAS-P reduction persisting over 12-weeks. There was no significant reduction in VAS-P or RMDQ for either other groups. The RCTs methods are described well however small sample size, high dropout (27%), short-term follow-up and potential bias limited internal validity [9] 26 participants, =65-years, with CLBP =6-months randomised to 2 groups. Over 12-weeks each group received 1 phase of trigger-point acupuncture and 1 phase of sham acupuncture with a 3-week break between. Group A (n=13) received trigger-point phase first followed by sham, Group B (n=13) vice-versa. Acupuncturist had =4-years training and =7-years clinical experience. Outcome measures were VAS-P and RMDQ score. After phase 1 Group A had significantly lower VAS-P (P [10] 60 participants with CLBP =6-months randomised them to 6-weeks of 30-minute weekly sessions of either acupuncture (n=30) or placebo TENS (n=30). No details of administering therapists were given. The primary outcome measure was VAS-P. Although acupuncture showed highly significant differences in all the outcome measures between pre- and post-treatment, the differences between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. Generally the RCT was poor: therapists were not blinded, high noncompliance (23.3%), cointerventions might have influenced results, the dropout rate was not explained and there was no intention-to-treat analysis. [11] 131 participants 18-65 years old with CLBP =6-months were randomised to groups receiving 20 30-minute sessions of traditional and auricular acupuncture (n=40), physiotherapy (n=46) or sham acupuncture and physiotherapy (n=45), over 12-weeks. Outcome measures were VAS-P and pain disability index (PDI). After 12-weeks of treatment the acupuncture group showed significantly reduced pain and disability compared to the physiotherapy group but not compared to the sham group. At 9-months the acupuncture group was more effective than physiotherapy in reducing disability only and not different to sham. The trial was methodologically strong but short-term dropout was 24% and long-term 37%. The treatment scheduled was five-a-week for 2-weeks then weekly for 10-weeks which may not be clinically practical. [12] 55 participants =60 yrs, with CLBP =12-weeks were randomised to 2-weeks of twice-weekly acupuncture and electrical stimulation alongside usual care (n=31) or usual care alone (n=24). Primary outcome was RMDQ. At 6-weeks results indicate clinically and statistically significant improvements in the acupuncture group for pain and disability compared to control. Effects remained and only diminished slightly at 9-weeks follow-up. The trial was methodologically strong: balanced randomisation, clear methods, low attrition (14%). Participant inclusion criteria included prior imaging limiting generalisability. [13] 186 participants aged between 20 and 60 with CLBP =6-week were randomised to 4-weeks of usual care alone (n=60) or with either acupuncture (n=65) or sham acupuncture (n=61). Acupuncturists were experienced doctors trained in Beijing. Primary outcome measure was VAS-P. Immediately after treatment 65% of the acupuncture group reported a =50% reduction in VAS-P compared to 34% of the sham group and 43% of the usual care group. At 3-months 79% of the acupuncture group, 29% of the sham group and 14% of the usual care group reported a =50% VAS-P reduction. Methodological quality was high: balanced (stratified) randomisation and excellently described methods however there was 30% attrition at 3-month follow-up and data collection was from general practitioners leading to potential performance bias. [14] 241 participants, aged 18-65, with CLBP for 4 to 52-weeks were randomised to 10 sessions of acupuncture (n=160) or to usual care (n=81) over 3-months. Acupuncturists were training for =3-years and =12.8-years clinical practice. Outcome measures were SF-36 pain scores and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (ODI) taken at baseline, 3, 12 and 24-months. A power calculation stated a required 100 participants per group to detect a 10-point difference on SF-36 (90% power and 5% significance level). A 5 point difference in SF-36 was deemed significant. The number of participants in the acupuncture group was increased to 160 to allow for between-acupuncturist effect, usual care group decreased to 80 participants without power loss. Results were presented as point differences between randomisation, 12 and 24-months. At 12-months a 5.6 point intervention effect difference in SF-36 pain was found and 8 point at 24-months. No treatment effect was found for any other dimension o f SF-36 or ODI. Participants were representative of UK population, randomisation was balanced, methods were thoroughly documented and acupuncture treatments were individualised resulting in high methodological quality and generalisability. However 25% of participants were unaccounted for at conclusion reducing internal validity. [15] 11630 participants with CLBP =6-months were allocated to three groups. Group A were received 15 individualised acupuncture sessions with usual care as needed (n=1549). Group B received delayed acupuncture with usual care as needed (n=1544). Group C declined to be randomised but received 15 individualised acupuncture sessions with usual care (n=8004). Treatment was over 3-months. Outcome measures were FFbH-R and SF-36 pain scores. At 6-months the acupuncture group showed significant improvements in FFbH-R and SF-36 pain compared to routine care alone. The large sample size and broad inclusion criteria meant results were generalisable however groups were different at baseline and findings identified a degree of randomisation selection. [16] 52 participants with CLBP =6-months were randomised to 4-weeks of physiotherapy with daily 1-hour electro-acupuncture sessions (n=26) or standard physiotherapy (n=26). Outcome measures were pain (NRS-P) and function using the Aberdeen-LBP. There was a significant reduction in NRS-P and Aberdeen-LBP scores in the acupuncture group immediately after treatment and at 1 and 3-months follow-up. Methodological quality was limited by possible breach of blinding integrity due to lack of patient blinding and subjective outcome measures. DISCUSSION Acupuncture vs. no treatment Two high quality studies (11928 people) [5] and [15] found acupuncture more effective in short-term pain reduction and functional improvements than no (delayed) treatment. However both studies were weakened by insufficient blinding and participants were recruited from newspaper adverts [5] or an insurance company [15] limiting generalisability; both of which reduce results confidence. Acupuncture vs. sham Studies comparing acupuncture and sham acupuncture (2460 people) ([5], [6], [7], [11] and [13]) found both effective at reducing pain and increasing function compared to baseline measures; however no study found a clinically significant difference between groups With five methodologically sound trials all reporting similar results clinicians can have confidence in the effectiveness of acupuncture or sham-acupuncture in pain and functional improvements. However with no clinically significant difference between groups, placebo effect seems to be a substantial contributing factor. Acupuncture vs. usual care Five RCTs comparing acupuncture and usual care (12164 people) ([12], [13], [14], [15] and [16]) concluded that acupuncture was more effective at reducing pain. Increased function in the acupuncture group compared to control was reported in 1 RCT [12] at 6- and 9-weeks, [15] at 6-month and another [16] investigated effect immediately after treatment and 1- and 3-months follow-up; however 1 RCT [14] found no significant improvement in function in their longer-term study at 12 or 24-month. Unlike other papers reviewed, Thomas and colleagues used UK based participants who received treatments in private or GP clinics adding confidence to their conclusions when applied to the general UK population. From study findings clinicians can have confidence that the addition of acupuncture to their treatment of CLBP will be more effective than usual care alone. Acupuncture vs. deep and superficial trigger-point acupuncture One study ([8] 35 people) found greatest improvements in pain and function using deep trigger-point-acupuncture. However this study, while being methodologically thorough and having patient and assessor blinding, was limited by small size, high dropout (23%), short-term follow-up and possible centre bias leading to reduced clinical confidence. Acupuncture vs. TENS One RCT ([10] 60 people) found significant improvements using both TENS and acupuncture but no significant intergroup difference over 6-months. However, confidence in results are limited because participants also received usual care and exercise so may have improved regardless; furthermore the study had no therapists blinding, high noncompliance (23.3%), unexplained dropouts and no intention-to-treat analysis. Trigger-point acupuncture vs. sham In 1 cross-over trial ([9] 26 people) trigger-point acupuncture was found to be more effective than sham however small sample size, high attrition (23%), restricted to short-term follow-up and possible bias due to centre location (Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Meiji University of Oriental Medicine) limit confidence in findings. LIMITATIONS Studies were commonly limited by being unrepresentative: of the 12 studies 2 were UK based ([10], [14]), six restricted participants by age ([8], [9], [11] [12], [13], [14]), 2 used participant recruitment methods which may have introduced expectation bias (newspaper adverts, [5], insurance company [15]) and five had underpowered sample sizes or non-stated power calculations ([8], [9], [11], [12], [13]). Without representative sample groups the outcome measures cannot be applied to the general population with any reliability. Discrepancies were noted in treatment frequency with control group participants receiving less attention than intervention participants [16]. Blinding was inconsistent across studies: 1 study ([5]) blinded participants in the acupuncture groups but not the delayed group, 1 study ([6]) blinded participants only, four ([7], [8], [9], [13]) blinded assessors and participant, 1 ([10]) blinded assessors only, 1 ([11]) blinded assessors and participants but not acupuncturists, three ([12], [14], [15]) had no blinding and 1 ([16]) blinded assessors but not participants. CONCLUSIONS There is some evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture for CLBP; compared to no treatment there was short-term ([5] 8-week and [15] 3-month) pain reduction and functional improvements. Compared to sham therapy both showed similar improvements in pain and function at short-term ([5] 8-week, [6] 8-week, [11] 12-week and [13] 3-month) and mid-term ([5] 6-month and 1-year, [7] 6-month, [11] 9-month) follow-up but no significant difference was detected between groups. Compared to usual care acupuncture showed significant improvements in primary outcome measures at treatment, short- ([12]6- and 9-week, [13]3-month, [16]1- and 3-month) and long-term ([15]6-month, [14]1- and 2-year) follow-up. Compared to superficial and deep trigger-point all treatments showed improvements but none were significantly different from each other. Both acupuncture and TENS were found to produce long-term ([10] 6-month) improvements but no significant difference was found between interventions. Comparing trigger -point therapy to sham, trigger-point was found to be more effective although benefits were not sustained. There is evidence that acupuncture alongside other treatments relieves pain and increases function better than individual therapies alone. Further research needs to be conducted to determine treatment frequencies and sustainability of treatment effects. Effective sham treatments need to be developed to establish placebo effect compared to acupuncture and other therapy types. Additional Resources Stewart WF, Ricci JA, Chee E, Morganstein D, Lipton R. (2003). Lost productive time and cost due to common pain conditions in the US workforce. JAMA;290(18):2443-2454. Maniadakis, N. and Gray, A. (2000) The economic burden of back pain in the UK. Pain, 84, 95-103. Koes BW, van Tulder MW and Thomas S (2006). Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. BMJ; 332, p1430-1434 Furlan AD, van Tulder M, Cherkin D, Tsukayama H, Lao L, Koes B, Berman B. (2005). Acupuncture and Dry-Needling for Low Back Pain: An Updated Systematic Review Within the Framework of the Cochrane Collaboration. Spine 2005;30:944-963 Reviewed Journals Brinkhaus B, Witt CM, Jena S, Linde K, Streng A, Wagenpfeil S, Irnich D, Walther HU, Melchart D, Willich SN. (2006) Acupuncture in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of internal medicine. 166: 450-457. Cherkin et al (2009) A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Haake M, Muller H, Schade-Brittinger C, Basler HD, Schafer H, Maier C, Endres HG, Trampisch HJ, Molsberger A. (2007). German Acupuncture Trials (GERAC) for chronic low back pain- randomized, multicenter, blinded, parallel-group trial with 3 groups. Arch Intern Med. 167(17):1892-1898. Itoh E, Katsumi Y, Hirota S, Kitakoji H. (2006). Effects of trigger point acupuncture on chronic low back pain in elderly patients a sham-controlled randomised trial. Acupuncture in Medicine. 24(1):5-12 ItohK. Katsumi Y. Kitakoji H. Acupuncture in Medicine. (2004) Trigger point acupuncture treatment of chronic low back pain in elderly patients: a blinded RCT. 22(4):170-7, Kerr DP, Walsh DM, Baxter D. (2003) Acupuncture in the management of chronic low back pain: a blinded randomized controlled trial. The clinical journal of pain. 19: 364-370 Leibing E, Leonhardt U, Koster G, Goerlitz A, Rosenfeldt JA, Hilgers R, Ramadori G. (2001). Acupuncture treatment of chronic low-back pain a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial with 9-month follow-up. Pain 96 (2002) 189-196 Meng CF, Wang D, Ngeow J, Lao L, Peterson M, Paget S. (2003). Acupuncture for chronic lower back pain in older patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Rheumatology. 42:1508-1517 Molsberger AF, Mau J, Pawelec DB, Winkler J (2002). Does acupuncture improve the orthopedic management of chronic low back pain a randomized, blinded, controlled trial with3 months follow up. Pain 99 (2002) 579-587 Thomas KJ, MacPherson H, Thorpe L, Brazier J, Fitter M, Campbell M J , Roman M, Walters S J, Nicholl J. (2006). Randomised controlled trial of a short course of traditional acupuncture compared with usual care for persistent non-specific low back pain. British Medical Journal.doi:10.1136/bmj.38878.907361.7C Witt CM, Jena S, Selim D, Brinkhaus B, Reinhold T, Wruck K, Liecker B, Linde K, Wegscheider K, Willich SN. (2006). Pragmatic Randomized Trial Evaluating the Clinical and Economic Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain. American Journal of Epidemiology 2006;164:487-496 Yeung CKN, Leung MCP, Chow DHK. (2003). The Use of Electro-Acupuncture in Conjunction with Exercise for the Treatment of Chronic Low-Back Pain. The Journal Of Alternative And Complementary Medicine..2003:9:4:479-490

The causes of global warming

The causes of global warming Introduction: With the rapid development of economy, the issue of the causes of global warming has been brought into public focus. The reason is that global warming results an increase in the average temperature of the earths atmosphere, which effects humans living, animals living, and plants growth. However, most of people state that the most significant reason of the cause of global warming is a natural phenomenon. As a matter of fact, it is modern anthropogenic global warming. In this research paper, I intend to research this thorny topic from five aspects. There are population, eating meat, pets, forest destruction, and air pollution. In addition to examining causes, I will also consider some briefness of the effects of the global warming. First of all, I want to begin my research paper with three definitions of the key ward â€Å"global warming†. I will provide a brief description of the causes of global warming. Definition: First of all, according to my research paper topic â€Å"the causes of global warming†. I want to begin with the keyword â€Å"global warming†. It means â€Å"an increase in the earths atmospheric and oceanic temperatures† (Merriam-Websters Online Dictionary). Therefore, when people talk â€Å"global warming,† it is a fact that people are living in a earth where the temperature is becoming higher and higher. The cause of global warming refers to the global temperature increasing. The cause global warming is mainly due to human beings in nearly a century, using a lot of fossil fuels (such as coal and oil), discharging large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, leading global warming. The consequences of global warming will lead to a global redistribution of precipitation, melting glaciers and permafrost, and rising sea levels. Not only global warming endangers the balance of natural ecosystems, but also it threatens human food supply and living envir onment (Rationalwiki). From internet, I also get some specific definitions. The online dictionary says that global warming is â€Å"an increase in the earths average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse effect† (dictionary.com). In other sources, Wikipedia claims that global warming is â€Å"the increase in the average temperature of the Earths near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation† (Wikipedia). In other words, the situation means that people are living in a place where the temperature of the Earths near-surface air and oceans is raising constantly and the different species are continually decreasing. That is a very critical condition that people in face ,because human can not live in that high temperature and the resources of humans living are reducing in that situation. Description of the causes of global warming People have paid most attention on the different explanation of the causes of global warming, at the same time it raises the debate on the political and economic. Global warming is caused by many things. The causes are split up into two groups, man-made or anthropogenic causes, and natural causes. â€Å"The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that most of the observed temperature increase since the middle of the 20th century was caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases resulting from human activity such as fossil fuel burning deforestation† (Wikipedia). From this section, it is no exaggeration to say that the most important reasons for this situation people who be confronted with global warming is resulted from human themselves. â€Å"Human activity since the Industrial Revolution has increased the smount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to increased radiative forcing from CO2, methane, tropospheric ozone, CFCs and nitrous oxide. The concentrations of CO2 and methane have increased by 36% and 148% respectively since the mid-1700s† (Wikipedia). From this definition, we can simply understand the causes of global warming. The source of global warming is from the CO2 of the air and fossil fuel burning has produced about three-quarters of the increase in CO2 from human activity over the past 20 years, however most of the rest is due to deforestation. Most of scientists believe that a large number of emissions of greenhouse gases caused by increased greenhouse effect may be the basic causes of global warming. The Causes of Global Warming Now I will discuss the causes of global warming, there are five causes of global warming: 1) population (The Canadian Press,2009 and CBC News); 2) eating meat (Juliette Jowit, environment editor The Observer, Sunday 7 September 2008); 3) pets (Cathal Kelly Feature writer); 4) forest destruction; and 5) burning. I intend to provide a brief description for each cause. Population As we know from the Canadian press, some experts said that in developing countries offering contraceptives to women could slow down climate change through presenting population growth. In this report, it said that as a matter of fact over 200 million women want contraceptives but they do not keep them. However, it results in 76 million women conceive without consciousness every year (The Canadian Press, 2009). In other ways, the editors say that if those women had some ways to keep the free condoms or other birth-control ways, the rates of population growth would increase slowly. Then it is possible that the pressure on the environment would reduce. It is because we breathe out CO2 into air that the CO2 contributes to global warming. It is said that the population around the world will rise to 9 billion by 2050, in which over 90 per cent of that growth is from developing countries (The Canadian Press, 2009). The most important is that experts state that although the normal population growth is not a substantial increase in global warming, but overpopulation also could result increased demand for food and shelter, which could threaten the environment because it brings global warming with much CO2 (The Canadian Press, 2009). In recent years, one of the main factors that the rapid increase in population is leading to global warming. Meanwhile, this is a serious dangerous situation affecting a balance between the natural ecological environment. So many people, only its own emissions of carbon dioxide per year would be an amazing figures, the result will directly lead to the content system of atmospheric carbon increasing (CBC News, 2008). Eating meat The second cause I want to discuss is that â€Å"UN says eat less meat to curb global warming† (guardian.co.uk THE OBSERVER). The editor said that people should give up eating meat on one day per week if they want to help solving climate change. Dr Rajendra Pachauri (chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change) also said that â€Å"people should then go on to reduce their meat consumption even further†. However, his comments are very controversial ideas and added on how personals can help solve global warming. On the other hand, Dr Pachauri also stressed other ways in lifestyle would help to curb global warming. He provides his advice to the food industry, and hoping food industries reduce meat consumption. Because if people stopped buying imported food, people would save a lot of carbon emissions. He said that â€Å"if the average UK household halved meat consumption that would cut emissions more that if car use was cut in half† (Dr Rajendra Pachauri from guardian.co.uk). Pet A third cause of global warming is about pet. According to New Zealand-based researchers Robert and Brenda Vale (CATHAL KELLY, feature writer The Toronto Stan) said that a great many household pets chew up more resources than a lot of cars. According to their figures, â€Å"feeding a medium-sized dog for a year has twice the environmental impact of driving a luxury SUV for 10,000 killometres†. It means that a dogs food in a year is equal to a persons food consumption. Vale said that â€Å"if a person want a big dog, maybe he or she should be a vegetarian and take the bus† (Brenda Vale from The Toronto Stan). This cause is related to the second cause eating meat. Some pets only eat meat, so it is impossible that let those pets be vegetarians. Therefore, Vale advices that people should limit themselves to eco-friendly, vegetarian pets, like hamsters or rabbits (Brenda Vale). So people can image that pets food consumption is an amazing. Forest Destruction Around the world, due to natural or man-made factors are causing forest area dropped significantly, which has also been a controversial topic. Because atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide is increasing and that it showed the trend of faster and faster. One of major cause is forest destruction. For fuel in living, using forests is one cause of deforestation. Because the use of forests for wood and charcoal, people have to use them from forests. However, deforestation let large amounts of carbon increasing, and then it will threaten global warming. The most important function of forests is there can absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. â€Å"Rainforests play the important role of locking of locking up atmospheric carbon in their vegetation via photosynthesis† (rainforests.mongabay.com) . It is reported that when forests are burned, degraded or cleared, will have the opposite effect: a lot of carbon in the atmosphere is being transformed into carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (Rainforests). Deforestation is one of the causes to global warming, and it also is the most important reason enhanced greenhouse effect. It is said that â€Å"tropical deforestation is responsible for approximately 20% of world greenhouse gas emissions†. In many tropics, forests can save our air from pollution because trees can remove carbon from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis and release oxygen back into the air during normal respiration (Wikipedia.). Burning The final cause I want to provide is burning. A second major cause of global warming has been burning gasoline for transportation. Since the industrial era in 1750, human activities have increased the degree of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In living, burning is using in many aspects such as transportation and industries. In nowadays, there are many cars that burning gasoline in many developing countries. On the other hand, there are also many industries that burning coal and oil, again there are thermal power stations that burning coal and oil. At present, human activity of carbon dioxide is more than 20 times of natural sources of carbon dioxide (Wikipedia). Burning of fossil fuels results in higher carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations for two main reasons: first, the rapid increase in population, second, the rapid increase in consumption of fossil fuels in industrialization in the development of human society. All aspects of that burnings are making atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increased (Wikipedia). The effects of global warming The effects of global warming has been brought into human attention. Human health depends on good ecological environment. It is said that global warming will be the most factor that effecting human health. Extreme high temperature will be the next century plagued human health, which will also become more frequent, more widespread (Wikipedia). On the other hand, global warming effects water stressed. Global warming affects drinking water and agriculture in some coastal zones. Because global warming firstly effect climate change, then increased evaporation will decrease the effectiveness of reservoirs (Wikipedia). Conclusion As we can see from this paper, I discuss five causes that have severely affected the global warming. There are pollution, eating meat, pets, forest destruction, and burning. Every cause of global warming is connected with another one. From the industries starts to present, human activity continually create different effects to global warming. However, human beings are constantly research the causes of global warming, the researchers hope that in the near future they can find some way to slow down the speed of global warming. Because, after all, the reasons of global warming is result of human, so the solution also begins with human. From the impacts of global warming, the main factors are the emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Human not only increase the carbon dioxide emissions, but also increase deforestation reduction of carbon dioxide.

GlenGarry Glen Ross :: essays research papers

Psychology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Glen Gary Glen Ross I thought was interesting. There were many different kinds of characters in this film. The salesmen in this movie are all after the same goal money and power. There is a constant competition between the salesmen to see who can close more deals to earn the top leads. The Glen Gary leads are the best leads and they become the symbol in this movie. They symbolize the greed that is in each one of these salesmen’s eyes. In the movie there are bosses and managers standing in the way of the men achieving their goals. The head boss played by Alec Baldwin has the most power in the company because he is the owner of the company. He is a cocky man who shows off his power.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the first scene of the movie, Alec Baldwin’s character is in the office with the three other salesmen. Alec being that he is the boss is talking down to the employees and treating them like garbage. Alec talks to them this way because money and power has taken over his body. He has no idea what employee moral means. He gets a kick out of treating people like this. When the employees respond to him he makes a smart remark and yells at them. He acts this way because he knows that they will follow anything he says because he is the boss. When Jack Lemon’s character questions him about something Alec tells him off because Alec does not want to hear any complaints. Alec just wants the job done and if they cannot do the job he will find people that can. Alec is screaming at them to try to get them to comply with his orders and if they do not he will fire them because he does not need employees slowing him down.

What Happened to Disco? Essay -- essays research papers

What happened to Disco? Bellbottoms, afros, music, sex and drugs can best describe the Disco Era. The Disco Era was a care-free time in which there were no rules. People danced the nights away. Most of the people of the Disco Era lived normal lives, working nine to five jobs during the week, but when the weekend rolled around they put on their bellbottoms and dancing shoes and hit up the Disco Clubs. This is an era that will never be forgotten but will probably never be relived. Disco is said to have begun in the gay nightclubs of New York City in the mid 1960's. At these clubs Deejays played records from little known black artists and quickly and accidentally began channeling underground music to the population. This quickly caught the attention of major record production companies. Up until this point in time, deejays didn't get very much respect for their profession. Disk Jockeys began to play a major role, and soon they became celebrities, in the entertainment world. The whole idea to "Disco Music" was mixing recorded music with other forms of music. This included mixing it with live music as well as mixing it with other recorded tracks. As this type of sound became very popular, recording artists started mixing different types of music in the recording studio. There were so many popular artists during the Disco Era, and much of their music is still listened to today. One particular group that gained much fame during this era was the Bee Gees. When the Bee Gees first came out their popularity skyrocketed. They were said by many to be the next Beatles only with a different type of music. Those who did characterize them as the next Beatles were exactly right. They produced number one hits one after the other. Some of their biggest hits were placed on the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever, which became the biggest selling album in history up to that point. Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta, was a movie based on the life of Disco. John Travolta became a cultural Icon to young males during the 70's. Every guy dressed like him and wanted to live like him, and every female wanted to date him. This movie became one of the biggest influences on disco goers of this era. Before this movie came out, disco was very popular. After the re lease of the mo... ...because they acted like themselves. They didn't feel as though they had to be "Politically Correct" anymore. They went out and did what they wanted to do, when they wanted to do it, including, the chronic drug use and the careless sex. The sad thing about the Disco era is, although it will always be a part of our culture as a nation but it will never make a comeback. Sure, people still wear bellbottoms, and there are still hippies and disco music is still very popular, but the United States has become too modernized for the disco era to ever make a comeback. Personally, I think that it would be very cool if it were to make a comeback. I think that it would be fun to wear bellbottoms and crazy shirts, but I'm sure that I would get sick of it very quickly and go back to the way that I am used to living. First of all, the music industry would never allow for new disco acts to burst upon the scene. The music industry is what got the era going in the first place. Secondly, the United States government would never allow for such an era to occur again. The Disco Era will always play a very important role in the history of the United States and will forever live on in spirit.

Women in the Developing World Essay example -- Female Females Women Es

Women in the Developing World Studies of political and economic change in the developing worlds usually say little or nothing about women’s issues. In the past two decades, two factors have contributed to the new understanding of women in developing nations: the emergence of feminist or gender-related social science research and the growing awareness by policy planners that women play an important role in the modernization process. Third world women, just as woman in industrialized nations, are largely represented in particular occupations. The majority work in agricultural employment or jobs that are unregulated by the state, such as street vendors and small businesses. Similarly, as in industrialized nations, Third World professional women are over-represented in such professions as nursing and teaching. Divisions between women’s and men’s work have obvious economic and political implications. Evidence of gender inequality and exploitation of women exist in most societies, yet some of the worst cases are found in the developing world. The murder of some five thousand woman annually in India by dissatisfied husbands; the enslavement of women working in Pakistan’s brick-making industry; wife beatings in Zambia and the Andes; and the sale of child brides are only a few of the many instances of women’s subservient status in many Third World countries. Less dramatic examples of gender inequality include divorce laws that favor husbands; the restricted opportunities for women’s employment in universities, the professions, and higher-paid blue collar jobs; and the double clay that woman must frequently face (coming home from a long day’s work and having to do all the housework and child care). After years of neglect, man... ...dership positions. The Third World is surely no exception. During the mid-1980’s, women constituted only six percent of the national legislators in Africa and only two percent of all cabinet members. Throughout the developing world, United Nations surveys repeatedly show that even in countries where women are active professionally, their level of responsibility as policy-makers and planners is low. Analysis reveals that the political and economic status of Third World women is anything but uniform. Their position varies considerably from region to region and country to country. Within individual countries, the condition of women differs according to their social classes or ethnicity. Three factors seem most relevant in this regard: the prevailing cultural values, a region or nation’s level of socioeconomic modernization, and the type of political regime in place.

Development of Communities

Communities, like tribes, were traditionally considered to be the second stage of human grouping, right after families. They however now mean different things to different people, making the definition of community too broad and incapable of clear description. The notion of community, as per the Oxford English Dictionary, is defined to be â€Å"the people of a country (or district) as a whole; the general body to which all alike belong. † This definition is however largely inadequate, considering the many contexts in which the word is used today.At one level communities stand for clusters of persons, larger than families, who are related by specific common features like the language they speak, the gods they worship, the ethnicity they belong to, the traditions they practice and the place they stay in. Again whilst communities represent human groupings that are more populous than families, many extended families like the tribes that people the islands of the Indian Ocean can e asily qualify to be treated as communities.Communities are further known to have the same social standards, plainly discernible structures and come from specific locations. Communities are powerful entities and have on many occasions achieved remarkable goals in self determination and the pursuit of autonomy, ergo the many struggles for independence in Asia and Africa in recent decades. The sustained struggle of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka in the face of the most horrendous deprivation captures the essential resilience of community feeling and the extent to which it binds community members.Much of this internal strength comes from the sense of solidarity, identification and support that exists within these structures, the instilling of social values, and the development of attitudes and common strengths. The growth of terrorism is clearly linked to the influence of community attitudes and values; the London bombers, for example, owe their religious fanaticism to community feeli ngs, which superseded the influence of factors like education and financial and social well being and led them to take plainly irrational decisions.Whilst the notion of community has attracted attention and debate from the time of Aristotle, the social, economic, and political developments that have occurred on the global platform since the 1980s have put the relevance of community into sharper focus. Globalization, a phenomenon that took off in the 1980s after the collapse of the Soviet Union and entailed the breakdown of physical, economic, and trade barriers between peoples of different regions has truly made the world a much smaller place.Apart from the much greater interconnectedness that has happened in areas of business, trade, economics, education, travel and other areas of human activity, globalization has also led to substantial migrations of peoples from their native lands, Bangladeshis into India, East Europeans into the UK, people from South and Southeast Asia into the US and UK, and an ever increasing stream of Mexicans into the US.Spurred on by the desire for better living standards, people from economically backward and politically unstable countries are moving into neighboring or distant areas, putting up base, and settling down, changing local demographic structures, interacting with the original inhabitants, bringing their culture and tradition with them, influencing and being influenced by their adopted lands.By no means is this phenomenon restricted to the affluent countries, (viz.  global magnets like the USA and the UK), which have traditionally attracted the deprived with their economic affluence and individual freedoms. Bangladeshis, Tibetans and Nepalese, for instance, have crossed their porous borders with neighboring India and spread out all over the country, offering cheap labor at construction sites, restaurants, and to security companies, changing local equations, provoking sympathy as well as hostility and resentment.The Unite d States, which has for long been known to be a multicultural and welcoming haven for the poor and needy of the world is now home to millions of people from the Latin speaking countries of South America, Asia and the Pacific Rim, who have settled down in large numbers and significantly changed what was essentially a society dominated by whites, with peripheral roles played by African Americans. The inflow of these outsiders has led to the establishment of communities, where people with commonalities cluster together, sustaining and supporting each other, and interacting in various ways with the larger society around them.This study examines the issue of survival of such communities in the era of globalization, using readings from two distinguished and well known books, â€Å"Becoming neighbors in a Mexican American Community† (2004) by Gilda L. Ochoa and â€Å"The Politics of Diversity: Immigration, Resistance and Change in Monterey Park, California† (1997) by John Hor ton. Commentary and Analysis Gilda Ochoa, a professor of sociology at the California State University at Los Angeles picks up an intriguing subject, the relationships and interaction between Mexican Americans, for detailed investigation and analysis.Referring to a variety of sources like direct interviews, observations from participating in group discussion sessions, minutes of board meetings of local schools, and other relevant papers, Ochoa presents a vivid and disturbing picture of the relationships that are emerging between established Mexican Americans and the new immigrants from Mexico, who are pouring in, legally and illegally, from across the southern border of the United States in hundreds of thousands every year.Whilst the two communities of Mexican origin do have common historical, cultural, ethnic and religious traditions, their relationships and interaction are characterized by a number of contradictions and insecurities that include sympathy, helpfulness, and cooperati veness, as well as resentment, fear, and mistrust.Apart from emphasizing the role played by women in the construction of communities, Ochoa deals with issues pertaining to the use of Spanish at home and English in the outside world, the formation of identity and the dynamics of group working during the interactions of the two communities in commonly frequented public places in the small and predominantly working class city of La Puente, 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County.John Horton’s book focuses on the small (just 60,000 inhabitants) town of Monterey Park; which in recent years has generated substantial media and researcher interest. At one time Monterey Park was a suburb located some distance east from downtown Los Angeles. Immigration from China, Hong Kong and other Pacific Rim countries that began in the early 1970s and gained momentum thereafter led to the city becoming the first in the United States with a majority of Asian inhabitants.Hor ton’s book is actually one of a duo on the subject, the other being authored by Timothy Fong. The evolution of Monterey Park into an Asian majority city in the United States is important for the social and economic ramifications that arise out of the coming together of people of different races, different ethnic backgrounds and different classes in a nation that is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of cultures, languages, religions and income groups.Horton refuses to see Monterey Park as another Chinatown and views it in terms of a bustling and diverse location that has witnessed the political changes that arose from the interaction of immigrants and earlier residents of Asian, Latino and Anglo American lineage; he uniquely showcases the political battles that started off on the basis of ethnicity and race, which were thereafter gradually abandoned in favor of accord and harmony.The steady evolution of a multicultural, multiracial, and multiethnic society in the United S tates has led to significant demographic shifts and political changes. With the Latina/o population in Los Angeles expected to outstrip the white population by 2 million by 2010, the city is already known as the Chicano capital of the US. Such events have led to the development of complex relationships between the original inhabitants and newcomers and to the emergence of feelings of conflict as well as solidarity between different population segments.Whilst the entry of large numbers of migrants is bound to lead to the development of complex local relationships, the impact of globalization on the modern day economy and the consequent migration of industries and jobs to low wage areas in South America and from other parts of the world have also led to escalation in hostility, resentment and the tendency to lay the blame for difficulties arising out of such events on the influx of immigrants.Ochoa uses a number of research techniques to investigate the evolution of the Mexican immigr ant community in La Puente in the face of white resentment and hostility, the many obstacles and difficulties that characterized their lives in the city and the strange and complex relationships that developed between the incoming Mexican immigrants and the established Mexican Americans who had arrived earlier, put down their roots, brought up their children, and built their homes in the face of white resistance.Her investigations lead to the development of a piquant tale, warm and heartbreaking, and documents events that often go completely unnoticed by members of the majority and older community, for whom the newcomers often represent nothing more than unwelcome intrusions who clutter residential areas, litter streets, strain existing infrastructure, and take away jobs.Ochoa recounts, through a number of personal interviews, the travails of the Mexican community in the face of a dominant white population that felt strongly enough about immigration to enact laws seeking to deny und ocumented Mexicans â€Å"access to public services, such as excluding children from the public school system, another that denied affirmative action in schools and workplaces, and a third that stemmed from the larger English-only movement and aimed to eliminate bilingual education† (Ochoa, 2004, 3).Ochoa’s work is unique in the sense that most studies on the Mexican community until now have been quantitative in nature, have focused on demographic and work related issues and have not, like her study, taken cognizance of the impact of the environment and local interaction on the evolution of the Mexican community. Working purely within the confines of La Puente, Ochoa addresses issues that affect the evolution of the Mexican American community and the complex attitudes and behaviors that characterize the relations between Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrant newcomers.Her investigation also throws up the impact of the dominant culture on immigrant cultures and the pro bability of new cultures and new communities becoming assimilated in the culture of the majority community. With most assimilative and integrative methods practiced through local schools, Ochoa’s work focuses strongly on the working of schools and school boards, on the attitudes and impressions of local parents and how control of schooling provides the dominant community with strong weapons to suppress the expression of newer communities, take away from them the language of their forefathers and break their links with their ancestors.Apart from the pernicious effect of schooling on the latent aspirations of incoming communities, Ochoa’s investigation of interaction between Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants brings out the areas of conflict as well as solidarity and the extent to which the constant flow of immigrants can affect the assimilation process of older and established inhabitants from the same ethnic and geographical background. Immigrant communities from different cultures have to often face resistance to their traditions, language, and customs in their adopted homes from members of the home community.A phenomenon that has repeatedly expressed itself in the past in various settings, it has led to the immigrant community assimilating itself with the culture of the local community, adopting their way of life, language, customs and traditions. The United States has itself played host to impoverished immigrants from Ireland and other countries of Europe like Poland and Germany, who have over decades learnt English, Anglo traditions and customs, conformed to local expectations and become Americans.Assimilation of foreigners is not restricted to the United States and expresses itself in all societies that play host to immigrants. The United Kingdom for example is redrawing immigration procedures that now require all immigrants to take tests on their knowledge of England, English, and English society. Much of this assimilation is carried out at the level of local schools, where school policies are predominantly weighed in favor of maintaining the local language and local culture to the exclusion of alien languages and cultural influences.Ochoa makes the point that with schools being reproductions of the larger surrounding society, their structure, policies, procedures, and regulations, in La Puente, work towards strengthening the established values, attitudes, ideologies and inherent discriminatory attitudes of the American way of life; their socialization process emphasizes the integration of children of immigrants and other colored people by teaching and inculcating values, norms, attitudes and expectations of the dominant class.The emphasis on English to the exclusion of all other languages, including Spanish, is one of the most important tools for the gradual elimination of Mexican identity and the assimilation of children of different communities into the Anglo way of life that characterizes American society. L a Puente’s investigations also lead to the inescapable conclusion of immigrant communities having to do with poorer school quality and the routing of their children to inferior career paths, conditions that tend to perpetuate existing hierarchical and power structures.Such discomfort, which is supposedly normal in the early years of immigrant arrival in terms of the assimilationist paradigm, (Ochoa, 2004, 21) is expected to gradually lead to a betterment of conditions; the Mexicans are expected to follow in the footsteps of the Irish, Jewish, and Italian communities who came before them and gradually shed their community attributes and adopted the American way of life, i. e. entered into the activities and general life of the dominant community.The assimilationist paradigm further postulates that with immigrant communities expected to become less distinguishable from the dominant community with the passage of generations, such assimilation leads to greater acceptance and less er hostility and a gradual easing of difficult living conditions. Apart from the tactics of assimilation practiced in schools, Ochoa also documents the complex and dichotomous relationships that exist between Mexican Americans and immigrant Mexicans, with the reactions of Mexican Americans moving from feelings of distaste, shame and rejection to cooperation, assistance and solidarity.With the responses of Mexican Americans being shaped by (a) their feelings about California once being part of Mexico and now occupied by Americans, (b) their experiences in La Puente, their adopted homeland, their struggles and the hostility they faced in their efforts to settle down in La Puente (c) their affinity towards their people from Mexico, and (d) their feelings of embarrassment arising out of the backwardness of the new entrants, their reactions are contradictory and, going by the interviews with Mexican immigrants, veer from goodwill and cooperation to rejection and hostility.Much of the neg ative attitudes can presumably be put down to insecurity that could stem from feeling that their acceptance in American society could be adversely affected by the buildup of negative perceptions in the face of continuing influx. Ochoa also documents the struggles the Mexican community has faced and is facing in preserving their language and culture from established institutional and social culture and their need for preservation of their cultural and social identity.Horton’s book focuses on the emergence of diversity in politics in Monterey Park from one and a half decades (mid 1980s to late 1990s) of interaction between immigrants and native residents. Employing techniques like ethnography, the use of exit polls and interviews, Horton is able to represent the process of change, which encompasses the giving way of established networks of loyalty, the increasing importance of women, minorities and newcomers, and the makeover of identities.Horton examines the municipal election s of 1988, 1990 and 1992 to show that voters made their election choices in the first 2 elections mostly on the basis of ethnicity. By 1992 feelings of ethnic solidarity appeared to have diluted significantly and voting patterns did not appear to move along ethnic lines.Horton furthermore also investigates areas other than those concerning politics like civic organizations and social events to assess the results of interaction between the city’s multi-ethnic residents, and seeks to show that whilst ethnicity was an important political force, it was in a state of fluidity and was mined and modified for political advantage.Elaborating on the divisive and essentially racist approach of the Slow-Growth and the Official-English movements, (Horton, 1997, 121) Horton also points out the importance of class stating that integration at Monterey Park was furthered because both native inhabitants and immigrants belonged to the middle class. The middle class resources of the newcomers an d the middle class status of the established inhabitants helped in reducing differences between the two groups. This point is extremely valid; it reinforces the force of class as a divisive factor in society and its power to overcome differences in culture, traditions and ethnicity.Based upon a wide range of data that comprised of reviews of newspapers, exit polls, interviews and eyewitness accounts, Horton compares the issues of ethnicity, immigration and race in Monterey Park with larger regional, national, and global contexts. Opposing the view that that cultural diversity will lead to disunity among American people, Horton makes the point that diversity does not inescapably lead to lasting competition and conflict (Horton, 1997, 182) and that moreover the politics of diversity based on alliances between different ethnic groups can bring about unity and harmony.His effort is important for the analysis that interethnic politics lead to the redefinition of ethnic identities. A comm unity is far more than a collection of individual humans with some common bonds or purposes, such groups being more appropriately described as associations. Communities develop mores and are characterized by a sense of self identity that comes about from a common and shared past as well as a collective vision of the future, an identification with the concept of â€Å"us† and â€Å"them†, and finally of collective thought and attitudes, (features of community characteristics that are brought out very clearly both by Ochoa and Horton).Again communities need individuals to be integrated by principles, be active, and participate strongly in the pursuit of its interests. Communities, experts say, are united by an identifying principle, which represents the value, the ideal, and the good that the community revolves around for its sustained survival, and shapes the processes for assessing such principle.With the establishment of the values and principles and the organization of the community requiring its members to participate in such processes, interaction between community members is dependent upon communication, an essential feature of community life that is destroyed through negation of the use of ethnic languages by assimilative processes. Communities require communicating to grow and consolidate. With humans living in communities by virtue of the things they share and possess, ideal communities are restricted in size and distinguished by strong communication between its members.Globalization, migration, and assimilation of traits of other cultures obviously work against the strengthening of communication bonds between community members and affect its furtherance. The subject of globalization and its repercussions have come to the vanguard of socio-political debate and discussion, there being a growing concern that globalization, through its various manifestations, is wiping out communities and cultures and creating an ugly similarity all over the world.Events like the protests against the WTO in Seattle during 1999, the objection to the entry of McDonald’s in various parts of the world and other insurrections, suggest that the concept of a unified world is not just difficult but also unwanted by many peoples. It however needs to be realized that the personal and cultural impact that globalization is having all over the world is as important as its economic impact. The creation of a global society actually needs diversity in its constituents, the diversity in a society adding to its novelty and, hopefully, to its ability to be flexible.The integrating principle of a global society should not just reject sameness but should try to represent the views of all those involved in its creation and maintenance There is an increasing feeling that globalization can lead to the destruction of a myriad ethnic cultures in favor of one common culture, which most people feel will be predominantly Euro-American, considering the soft and hard powers of the western nations and their domination of global media.In both La Puente and Monterey Park, the cultures of ethnic communities have been subjected to a fierce assault by the dominant culture, much of which is played out in schools and by the imposition of the English language. The all pervasive effect of American advertising and television programs is also seen as a strong culturally invasive force, not just with immigrant communities in the US but all over the world; the concern about loss of cultural identity and local uniqueness is substantial and is caused by the perception of the imposition of cultural hegemony through all possible means.With globalization impacting the world at all levels, society, community, and individual, it is not difficult to foresee that the assimilation of individual cultures and unique community traits into the folds of the dominant community can have a negative impact upon community life. It however remains a fact that the homogen ization of the world, as also of different communities in the United States, is happening at a fast clip, a phenomenon that is adversely affecting the independence, growth and sustenance of a myriad communities. A number of reasons are behind this decline in community life.With globalization involving travel and migration of labor forces in large volumes from areas of deprivation and excess labor availability to those deficient in workforce and willing to pay for the same, it is become progressively difficult for communities to retain their distinguishing characteristics in the new areas that some of their members decide to make their homes in. Whilst increases in communication technology and cheaper air travel are making communication cheap and easy between people in different areas, the absence of direct face to face communication that existed in the past is bound to affect the integrity of community life.Limited communication will not allow for the development of relationships to levels that are needed for the continuance of communities. Apart from the deterioration in 121 relationships, community spirits are also hurt by cultures of consumption, market cultures and the cultures of dominant communities, all of which lead community members, especially those who are young to conform to what they feel to be the most popular, acceptable and esteemed culture. Market cultures affect community life adversely, leading to the dominance of commodification and the decline of neighborhoods, communities and common links of history and tradition.The adoption of the cultural mores and ways of life of the dominant community by immigrant communities is, in many cases, as highlighted by Ochoa, due to need for increasing the self esteem and self worth of members of immigrant communities. Such feelings in the minds of new immigrants are moreover reinforced by seeing people of the same community, who had come earlier, having already adopted the culture of sameness, and conseque ntly lead to greater assimilation with dominant communities and submersion of individual community traits.Homogenization of individuals into persons with similar behavioral and cultural norms arises from (a) environmental forces that do not appreciate and do not tolerate any deviation from accepted norms and (b) the erroneous notion that social or national unity requires all individuals to follow the same culture; much like the concept of organizational culture in the private sector. A nation or a society is however significantly different from a private sector corporation and such notions lead to the creation of utmost confusion over concepts of homogeneity and unity.Strong unity, most policymakers and intellectuals assert, comes from the affirmation of diversity in the context of similar objectives. Homogeneity in fact leads to dogma, intolerance, prejudice, and divisiveness and works against the concept of unity and effective progress towards common goals. Diversity has time and again been shown to be associated with the successful working and goal attainment of most groups of people.Communities and larger societies thrive on diversity and the underlying objective for the achievement and establishment of a beneficial structure, concepts and ideas that cannot progress in the absence of tolerance for other ideas and perspectives. The necessity of changing with the times is critical for all communities and larger societies. Globalization is also steadily eliminating the sense of responsibility necessary for the growth, purpose and consolidation of community life, with most community affairs being decided by state or national governmental bodies, and even by large corporate organizations.All this as well as the process of assimilation is leading to the steady deterioration of community life and the construction of associations that are characterized by sameness to the exclusion of oneness in the reinforcing presence of diversity. Lack of diversity, tolerance, a nd communication, leads to the stifling of communities. In actual fact, the concept of a truly global society allows communities to grow and flourish; it takes strength and sustenance from their various inputs and features, even as it strives for the achievement of common and not selective good.Such a society will work optimally only after the striking of a proper balance between the needs of globalization and the dominant and minority communities in areas of political, social and economic activity. Whilst globalization does not appear to be a reversible phenomenon, actions need to be taken to ensure that it is not allowed to destroy the notion of community. Both the studies, by Ochoa and Horton, reveal that whilst immigrant communities come under enormous pressure in early years, such strains disappear with the progress of assimilation.Although most community members show mixed approaches to the process of assimilation, resenting the taking away of the characteristic features of th eir life and at the same time wishing to be held in esteem by members of the dominant host community, the preservation of communities depends greatly upon the tolerance and openness of establishment members and the extent to which they are ready to respect the uniqueness of newcomers in their midst.Assimilation can actually instead of leading to unity result in a false sense of sameness, and such societies, which press for the establishment of sameness rather than diversity, can lead to the suppression of growth and sustenance of communities. Conclusion The continuance of communities in a fast globalizing world, as is evidenced from the foregoing discussion, depends to a large extent upon the tolerance and open-mindedness of dominant communities.Whilst most communities are formed over the ages and are by nature extremely resilient, excessive fragmentation, migration and exposure to more politically and economically powerful cultures that are furthermore negatively disposed towards a lien communities can put such communities under immense strain and lead to irreversible changes.Horton makes the point that modern day society, whilst containing elements of dogma and intolerance, are by nature receptive to the concept of multi ethnic structures; they are open to being shaped by and responding to external influences, and to the creation of freer and more vibrant social structures. The concept of a globalized world allows communities to retain their distinguishing and reinforcing features, even while it strives for the betterment of the common good.The successful progression of such social structures work towards the advantage and benefit of the many communities that sustain its diversity and multifaceted nature and it becomes the responsibility of all individuals to ensure that diversity is not sacrificed at the altar of sameness. Communities are critical to the successful progression of human society; they facilitate the establishment and sustenance of bonds betwee n humans at elemental levels, lead to joint and cooperative action for the betterment of society and to the continuation of different identities and cultures that have grown over centuries.Such features of diverse and multiethnic societies need to be valued and not extinguished by narrow and insecure parochialism and the desire to create a globally similar society. Unthinking efforts to assimilate separate cultures and extinguish their unique characteristics in favor of the establishment of uniformity can lead to nothing but the detriment of globalization efforts and society needs to be ever vigilant against such regressive tendencies.Recognizing the impact of globalization on communities and making of concerted efforts to preserve them is an imperative for the establishment of a truly globalized society and should be a priority of leading world societies. Globalization need not lead to the decline of community. Shifting of short sighted perspectives will help in the preservation, s ustenance and growth of unique communities and to the diversity and strength of a truly globalized society. References Ochoa, G.L, (2004), Becoming Neighbors in a Mexican American Community: Power, Conflict, and Solidarity, University of Texas Press Horton, J, (1997), The Politics of Diversity: Immigration, Resistance, and Change in Monterey Park, California, Temple University Press