The opening of a novel Essay Example for Free

The opening of a novel Essay Charles Dickens was a 19th century writer who is renowned for his fantastically written novels and his knack for story-telling. Originally a journalist, he wrote for the Victorian magazine All the year round which captivated its readers who would purchase it every week just for the next addition to one of Dickens novels. An enthusiastic social campaigner, Charles Dickens liked to explore and challenge the ways of Victorian society and culture in his novels, rarely basing his stories in past times in this way he was like a soap writer of his time. His writing appealed to anyone and everyone who had the ability to read, especially those who were working class as his characters were like them, and could be related to. His novels also allowed audiences of this type to indulge and fantasise in his stories, Dickens took his readers to a place where they could escape, and experience the adventures that his characters did, and this is perhaps why he was so popular. One particular novel that he started in 1860 was called Great expectations a tale about a boy named Pip; in this novel Dickens explores the social barriers of Victorian society. In the Victorian era life was hard, a large percentage of the population were working class people who were considered bottom of the social hierarchy. These people had to work for a living, and as they usually were poorly educated which meant any form of work they endured was laborious and caused both physical and mental strain on them. There was little pay and unfortunately this way of life was a continuous cycle, few rarely breaking free of the social barriers that condemned them to a life of continuous strenuous physical endurance. Those who were born into a family like this often took on the role of their parents, boys would inherit their fathers job and girls would be married off to other families, their life mainly consisting of housework, reproducing and attending to their husbands needs. This was all because of the lack of money. Without a large amount of money coming in from somewhere, educating children was simply unaffordable, and therefore they had no hope of getting a job that would have a much larger pay and wouldnt consist of any hard labour. It is made clear to us that Pip is a child born into a working class family as Dickens explains that most of Pips siblings died in early childhood: five little brothers of mine who gave up trying to get a living, exceedingly early in that universal struggle. This would not have happened if Pips family had the money to cater for their health. In universal struggle Dickens refers to life indicating that life at that time was hard, and reinforcing the points I made earlier. The novel starts with Dickens having Pip tell us that his mother and father are dead, and that he couldnt remember either of them and never knew what they looked like in the form of the words I never saw my father or my mother, and never saw any likeness of either of them. Pip also tells us their days were long before the days of photographs, referring to the historical context and telling the readers that it is set in Victorian times, or rather, when it was written, in the present. The fact that Pips parents and most of his siblings are dead creates an image that Pip is a very lonely little boy, and makes us feel sorry for him. After explaining that most of Pips family are dead, Dickens aquatints us with the current setting marshland, 20 miles from the sea. Dickens says a raw afternoon towards evening which indicates that it is growing darker, and with no-one about this puts Pip in a very vulnerable position. Dickens then goes on to describe the setting in a way that would be frightening, especially to a child, if you were alone in such a place. He uses phrases like bleak place overgrown with nettles, dark flat wilderness and distant savage lair from which the wind was rushing and one would usually associate features like these with fear. Dickens also tells us of Pips realisation that he is alone, at such a time I found out for certain that Phillip Pirrip and also Georgina wife of the above were dead and buried and that his parents arent with him, they were six feet under. He was alone and unprotected. Dickens says all of this in a very long sentence, which would build up tension and the impression that Pip was in a very frightening place. The most effective part of doing this is the way Dickens ends the sentence and that the small bundle of shivers going afraid of it all and beginning to cry, was Pip hed built up this terrifying image of a setting and then in the middle of it all was a frightened little boy who was completely alone and vulnerable a brilliant use of juxtaposition.

An Anlysis Of The Islamic Group Hezbollah Politics Essay

An Anlysis Of The Islamic Group Hezbollah Politics Essay Hezbollah literally means the Party of God. The Lebanese Hezbollah has multiple translations including Hizbullah, Hezbullah, Hizballah, Hizbollah and Hizb Allah (as used by Al-Jazeera). It is also referred to as Islamic Jihad (Islamic Holy War) or Islamic Jihad Organization. Some call Hezbollah as Ansar al-Allah (followers of God) Al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah. There are references made as the Organization of the oppressed on earth, Revolutionary Justice Organization, Organization of Right against wrong, and also as the followers of the Prophet Muhammed. Hezbollahs members often introduce themselves as the sons of the Umma (muslim community). Identity: Essentially we can call Hezbollah as a political and military organization. It was founded in 1982 to fight Israel in southern Lebanon. The group is headed by Sheik Hassan Nasrallah. The Arab Muslim world, (along with by some European Union countries) look at Hezbollah as a legitimate, militant, political party in Lebanon; while the Israeli government and many Western governments view it as an Islamic fundamentalist, or Islamist terrorist organization. As it evolved, Hezbollah outgrew its originally objectives of expelling Israel and the Americans and French from Lebonan. It diversified into various wings to establish itself as an identity of note, not only in its area of operation, but across the world. Its military men and material supply is primarily credited to Iran who is often seen as the soul behind the face of Hezbollah. In addition, it has a dominant civilian arm, wherein they run hospitals, schools, orphanages and even a television station. Finance largely comes by Iran and Syria, but it also raises funds itself by charities some commercial activities. Hezbollah has a notable representation in the Lebanese parliament. It currently holds 80 seats out of 128 in Lebanese Parliament. Prime area of operation for them is the Bekaa Valley, suburbs of Beirut, and southern Lebanon. Lebanon has a population of app. 3 million people, out of which about 40% belong to Shia community. Hezbollahs social services programme is very popular amongst Shias. Some of its propagandas have been regarded as anti-Israeli or even anti-Semitic, but it doesnt necessarily qualify it as a terrorist organisation. Prime areas of operation: In Lebonan, Hezbollah operates mainly in the Al Biqa (Bekaa Valley), along with southern suburbs of Beirut southern Lebanon. Over a period of time, it has established centres in Europe, Africa, and South North Americ etc. The training bases are mostly in Biqa Valley, while its headquarters and offices are in southern Beirut and in Baalbek. Culture: Members of Hezbollah say that their culture it is based on the Holy Koran, the Sunna and the legal rulings of the faqi (whom they call their source of imitation). Organisations strength: It is estimated that the organization has over ten thousand fighters and this can strength can be easily increased if and when needed from their reserves from its stronghold areas in Lebanon. To add to it, they have numerable activists and moral supporters. Their militia is equipped with small arms including automatic rifles, mortars, rocket grenades, and Katyusha rockets. Hezbollah member have been seen on television conducting military parades in Beirut which often include tanks and armoured personnel carriers (that might have been taken over from Lebanese army) Funding: Hezballahs primary sources of aid are from Iran and Syria. They provide sourcing in terms of finances, weapons training, explosives, and even political, diplomatic, and organizational aid. It is estimated that Iran probably provides annual assistance worth app. 50 million dollars. However, Hezbollah has the capability and willingness to act independently. Families of suicide bombers are believed to be facilitated by The Martyrs Charity (Bonyad-e Shahid). In 2001, Paraguayan police raided the home of Hezballah operative Sobhi Mahmoud Fayad and found receipts from the Martyrs Organization totalling more than three million dollars for donations Fayad sent, though the authorities believed he had sent over fifty million dollars to Hezballah since 1995. Hezbollah operates a worldwide network of fundraisers. In addition, funds are also raised by charity funds. These funds are donated by some extremist Islamic institutions while are not directly connected to Hizballah. While these funds pay for its military and terrorist operations, other funds enable them to provide its members with day jobs. History: Hezbollah had a long gestation period from its incorporation in 1982 to 1985. It was marked by 3 key events: (1) Israels occupation of southern Lebanon from and its Invasion in 1982 (2) Iranian revolutions effects on the Arabs political scenario. (3) Affirmation of the Shiite communities in 1960s 70s. Israel repeatedly invaded Lebanon since 1973. In 1982, it occupied southern Lebanon up to the capital Beirut, killings thousands. It was against the background of this brutal invasion, coupled with the arrival of foreign forces, namely, America, France Italy that Hezbollah came into picture. Its goal was simply to remove the foreigners and popularise the Islamic movement in Lebanon. If the group was not necessarily conceived by Iran, it was surely was aided in its inception by arrival of over 1000 revolutionary guards from Iran. Hezbollah cells establishing its base in Lebanon in 1982 and expanded strengthened ever since. It developed a count of about four thousand members, equipped with over eleven thousand rockets, anti-tank weapons and heavy mortars. They also established a network of social assistance, mosques and schools in southern Lebanon. During mid eighties, they launched a flurry of suicide bombings including an attack on the Americas embassy and marine base in Beirut. Members of the organisation were often responsible for kidnapping and detention of hostages in Lebanon. It gained a name for its hit run tactics. It also was particular in kidnapping of Israeli military personnel. Although, there have been accusations of carrying out attacks on civilian targets abroad, no evidence has confirmed the claims. Amongst the muslim community, Hezbollah soon received acclaim and creditability. So much so that it replaced the other prominent organization in Lebanon, namely Amal, as the dominant force. Over the years, their military operations grew to include attacking outposts, ambushing, laying explosive devices, and launching long range mortar shells and rockets at outposts. Israel eventually withdrew from Lebanon in the month of May 2000. Hezbollah made claims that a portion of land comprising of shebaa farms, golan heights and other places which lie on the Israeli side of the border were belonged to Lebanese. Though UN dismissed their claims, Hezbollah continued terror attacks on Israeli towns in order to liberate these lands and to free prisoners held by Israel. Later, they exchanged the bodies of 3 Israels kidnapped soldiers in return their prisoners. Since Israels withdrawal, the organisations focus shifted to increase and expand its activities within Israel with the objective of conducting attacks in Israels own territory, hence spoiling any attempt at talks or opportunity to return. Hezbollah has eventually stabilised the border, excluding the areas around the Shebaa Farms, which are still occupied by Israel. OBJECTIVES Hezbollah says that freedom, justice, peace and peoples rights are the values on which a society develops rises. Freedom, they say, is the key element for the rise; while rights lead to justice and it ultimately results in peace. Adoption practice of these values demand commitment and focus on all as they are all universal: freedom is not what is available to one group and denied to another, rights should be prevalent everywhere; limited justice is injustice; peace by nature has to be for all. The organisation believes divine religions are responsible for establishment of these values. They specifically credit Islam, declaring it clearest and most comprehensive be it in theory or practical concepts. It is an organisation based on striving current that has been based its struggle to achieve these values in Lebanon region while eliminating all those barriers that may obstruct their goal. Keeping in view its values of peace, Hezbollah says it rejects all forms of aggression and terrorism. They condemn worlds outlook to certain instances as accepted violence and terrorism while rejecting the counter-violence, which, they say, is a natural human reaction to violence and terrorism. Sheik Ibrahim al-Amin, the leader of Hezbollah issued their manifesto on 16th Feb 1985; it was titled An Open Letter: The Hezbollah Program. The manifesto indentified the following three primary objectives of Hezbollah: To put an end to colonialist entities in Lebanon by expelling Americans, French and their allies from their land. To submit the Phalanges to a just power and bring them all to justice for the crimes they have perpetrated against Muslims and Christians. To allow all their people to choose their own future and have a government of choice. The organisation encouraged people to incorporate Islam which guarantees justice liberty for all. They said that only an Islamic regime could stop attempts of infiltration on the country. They call all oppressed people across the world as their friends. Ones who fight their enemies defend them from their evil are its friends. They called out for their friends to overlook their different viewpoints on the methods of struggle, and on the levels on which it must be carried out, and asked them to consolidate cooperation in view of the grand purpose. Hezbollah has always had an underlying objective of spreading the message of Islam. They want all the oppressed to study the divine message in order to bring justice peace into the world. However, they claim that they dont want to impose Islam upon anybody. We dont want Islam to reign in Lebanon by force is the message. Their opposition to the then existing system is worked on two major grounds (a) They believed that no reform or modification could remedy the present regime and it demanded radical change, and (2) Hostility of the world imperialism to Islam needed correction. Another objective that Hezbollah had in their agenda was to make an impression on the minds of high percentage Christian population in the country. They advocated that the politics followed by the political chiefs through the Lebanese front and the Lebanese forces didnt guarantee peace and tranquillity to the Christians of Lebanon and it also proved that outside help was of no use to the Christians of Lebanon when they need it most. They insisted that the Christians should answer the appeal from heaven and have recourse to reason instead of arms, to persuasion instead of confessionalism. Hezbollah asked the Christians to tolerate that Muslims shared with them certain domains of government saying that if you search for justice, who is more just than Allah?. They said that it is Allah who sent the message of Islam through his successive prophets in order to judge the people and give everyone his rights. The organisation made it clear that it doesnt we anticipate vengeance against Chris tians and that their fears were unjustified. They called upon the Christians to embrace Islam so that they shall be happy in this world and the next; and asked them to open themselves up to Islam where they will find salvation and happiness upon earth and in the hereafter. Hezbollah has had rejection for both the USSR and the US, calling them both capitalist and communist, and rendering them incapable of laying the foundations for a just society. Similar were the rejections against UNIFIL calling them as messengers of world arrogance to occupy areas evacuated by Israel and serve as a buffer zone. Hezbollah repeatedly stressed on the necessity for the destruction of Israel. They saw in Israel the vanguard of the US in their Islamic world. They called them the hated enemy that must be fought until the hated ones got what they deserved. They saw it as the greatest danger to their future generations and to the destiny of their lands. The organisations primary assumption in their fight against Israel states was that the Zionist entity has been aggressive since its inception, and built on lands wrested from owners at the expense of the rights of the Muslim people. Hence, they said that their struggle will end only when this entity is obliterated. Hezbollah made it clear that they intend no treaty or cease fire or peace agreements, whether separate or consolidated. They vigorously condemned all plans for negotiation with Israel, and regarded all negotiators as enemies. Therefore they rejected all programs that included the recognition, direct or implied, of the Zionist entity. Hezbollah functioned against Israel in four main ways: (a) They brought terrorists and collaborators across the border with use of foreign documents (b) They set up a terrorist organization inside Israel and in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip (c) Promoted cross border operations like smuggling of weapons and terrorists (d) Worked on financial support for Palestinian organizations and groups. In conclusion of their objectives and conceptions Hezbollah says that these objectives serve as basis and inspire their march and ones who accept them should know that all rights belong to Allah and those who reject them, Hezbollah will be patient with them, till Allah decides between its followers and the people of injustice. HEZBOLLAH AN ISLAMIST ORGANISATION Critics across the world claim that the real reason why Hezbollah was set up was to spread the Iranian Islamic revolution into Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Since Israeli withdrawal, organisation has continued to fight the Israeli defense forces (through its active fighting force known as the Islamic Resistance) around the disputed, Shebaa farms area. UN has regarded Shebaa farms as Syrian territory. Hezbollah still considers the area a part of Lebanon and contoues to fight for it. The Shebaa farms were overtaken by Israel from Syria during the 1967 war. Syria was asked to notify the United Nations that it considered the area to be part of Lebanon but no official statement was ever sent. As a result, most of the specialists believe that Hezbollahs attempt to recapture the area was a pretext (backed by Syria) of keeping military pressure on Israel. Hezbollahs dedication has been on liberation of Jerusalem, along with the elimination of Israel. It has openly advocated the establishment of Islamic rule in Lebanon. They are dedicated to creation of Iranian style Islamic republic in Lebanon and removal of all non-Islamic influences from area. Its approach has been strongly anti-Western and anti-Israeli. Hezbollah considers the Iranian model as best form of governance. It finds an Islamic republic as the ideal and eventual form of state and enjoys co-operation of other militant Islamic organizations in persuit this goal. Islamic Revolution in Iran, that promoted the inception of Hezbollah, consolidated new Islamic thoughts. It generalized Islamic expressions against the West, labelling them as arrogant, hypocrites and the oppressed. Hence, it was obvious for these ideologies in Iran to find place in Lebanon. It was very quickly translated into direct support from the Islamic Republic of Iran through its revolutionary guards and then to Hezbollah that was fighting the Israeli occupation. This religious and ideological tie had a great effect on generating vital material and moral support to Hezbollah. The group ideological virtues saw no legitimacy in existence of Israel; the conflict of legitimacy which was actually based on religious ideals. The seed of resistance is embedded in the ideologies of the group The US Policy makers see the party of God as the manifestation of the Islamist phenomenon. Understandably too, as Hezbollah has positioned itself as an opponent of U.S. policy in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon. It has been involved in various notorious incidents like attack on the marine barracks in killing over two hundred marines, the kidnapping of US citizens, and bombing of the embassy. It had a declared goal of removing the Americans (diplomats and otherwise) from Lebanon. Some observers think that Hezbollah has had little real support in the general population (even among the Lebanese Shii Muslims). Variations on these views can be often heard and read, especially by those whose conclusions are based on conjecture rather than field work. Reality, though, seems very different, especially when you consider the level of popular support that the organisation enjoys. There is always a temptation to dismiss Hezbollah as an extremist or terrorist group. But one cant deny the fact that the organisation has managed to build an extremely impressive social base in Lebanon. It is probably the most effective and efficient political party in the country. Across the areas of its significant presence, especially the suburbs of Beirut, the northern Beqaa valley, Baalbek, and in parts of southern Lebanon, Hezbollah provides a gamut of services. The medical facilities offered are much superior to the ones provided by government hospitals, which the poor would otherwise have to rely upon. Doctors working in their hospitals say that medical facilities are available to and are used by both Muslims and Christians. In addition, the group offers a network of schools, community centres; companies and facilities like food distribution centers for the needy. Hezbollah runs its own engineering and construction company, and has been lending material support and expertise to ones whose homes have been destroyed by Israeli attacks or during clashes within Lebanon. Regular pensions and other assistance are provided to families of martyred members of the party. What these examples reflect is that the party works on two complementary aspects. It has focus on the militant pursuit of its objectives, while simultaneously working extremely hard to build and sustain a political constituency. Last few years has seen a trend of increasing cooperation between Hezbollah and operational entities on other Palestinian terrorist organizations. This is particularly evident between Hezbollah and the Tanzim. In fact, in recent months Hezbollah has served as an external command for the Tanzim organizations in the territories. They have been enough instances for Hezbollah supporters to draw references from; for example the French resistance against the Nazis, resistance of the Americans against the colonialists etc. We know how the free world countries and the people across the world have respect for these resistances. Therefore, when Hezbollah resisted in Lebanon, it should be seen as its legitimate and sacred right, similar to that was once exercised by the French and American peoples. Considering their resistance as terrorism maybe is a kind of injustice, discrimination, besides being a renunciation of the Bill of Human rights and the Charter of the United Nations. Therefore, the organisation calls on the peoples of the world to differentiate between aggression of terrorism, and the honest resistance that they believe was the only way to deter the aggression and confront the terrorism resulting from that aggression. They claimed that Israel was an aggressive entity which practiced terrorism as occupatio n is a form of terrorism. The group advocates that it is legitimate in war to attack soldiers and shouldnt be labelled as terrorism. They say resistance of occupation is not terrorism because the occupiers are normally armed combatants. Hence, it defies the definitions of terrorism which only applies to non-combatants or to those not taking an active role part in hostilities. It is therefore not illegal to use force in resisting an occupier, provided that civilians are not made the specific object of attack. The group adheres to the creed of the Muhammadan Islam and human values emanating from it. They say that this observance is derived from ideological conviction based on proofs and evidences and not from emotional liking or sectarian, denominational or racial group spirit. Therefore, they are always ready to exchange dialogues with others about their convictions, creeds, methods and positions. They do not impose their convictions on anyone, as they do not like anyone to do so, proposing a mutual understanding with others. Hezbollah claims that it is its religious duty to considers, as its religious task, serve human beings, protect their rights, maintain their interest, make all needed efforts to provide them with a dignified life and develop their society. Keeping in view their desire to focus on fulfilling their duties toward that human being, the organisation has efficiently contributed in providing humanitarian services to the citizens in various areas of the country without discriminating one citizen from another, or one sect from another. They have made contributions in many domains; some of them being restoration of damaged buildings, providing farming guidance, selling utilities for the least cost prices (sometimes even for free), providing primary and intermediate schooling, offering the needy students with scholarships to continue their college schooling plus giving them scientific orientation, securing fresh water to the areas where the public water network fail to reach etc. Probably, the most important contribution was that Hezbollah sacrificed its own blood and lives, in order to maintain is the right of the Lebanese human beings in their land and in determining the political system they desire. Hezbollahs inception resulted in immediate formation of the Islamic resistance units for the liberation of the occupied territories and for the expulsion of the aggressive Israelis. Besides its core objective of freedom, the group has always been equally concerned about the presentation of Islam which addresses the mind, and reasons. They have been focused on presenting Islam that is confident of its fundamentals its very civilized understanding of men, life and the universe. They have made efforts to show Islam as being self-assured about its capability to achieve the basis of right and justice. They were anxious to present Islam as the religion that is open hearted towards all the nations and their varied political and cultural trends along their numerous experiences. It wants Islam to be seen as the guardian for human rights the one who defines choices, adopts convictions and expresses them socially. They decided to form political pressure in social benefits announced in the Bill of Human Rights such as education, pedagogy, medical case etc. There has been evident anxiousness to prioritize their cultural projects which utilize persuasiveness polarization by the civilized and the human methods confirmed by the Bill of the Human Rights. The group has been keen to offer a model of systematically targeting the enemy which represents a challenge / threat to the existence of the entire nation along with its regimes and people. Hezbollah members say that they condemn the conflict that doesnt serve the main aim, of fighting the enemy, or one which could create discord at the front, that has to be unified around the common interests. They have tried time and again to make it clear that the kind of Islam they want is a civilized endeavour that rejects injustice, humiliation, slavery, subjugation, colonism and blackmail, while stretching out its arms for communication among nations on the basis of mutual respect; Islam as the religion which never accepts controls or delegations by others, simply for the sake of manipulating the rights and the interests of the nation. They say they promote the religion that recommends communication among civilizations and rejects collision amongst those civilizations. An Islam that believes in cultural communication among nations, and refuses setting up barriers and also sees it as its right to remove those barriers by the diplomatic means is what Hezbollah advocates. But they say, when others launch wars against it, they believe it is their natural right to defend its representing supporters and their achievements. Hezbollah wants people to see Islam a a message that aims at establishing justice, security, peace and rights for all people irrespective of the nation, race or religion they belong. They say that they dont have any complex toward anybody, but they feel its their responsibility toward others to make others understand the essence of their religion away from obligation and fanaticism. It doesnt seek application of Islam by force or violence but by peaceful political action. They insist that Islam rejects violence as a mean to gain Power, and this formula should be adopted by the non-islamists as well. They say if Islam becomes the choice of the majority then they will apply it; else, they will continue to coexist and discuss till correct beliefs are reached

Hinduism Essay: History, Beliefs and Culture

Hinduism Essay: History, Beliefs and Culture Hinduism Hinduism is the world’s oldest organized religion existing for 4500 years. Based on the prehistoric Vedic text, it is a faith in constant change. Populated by an infinite amount of gods, the belief system is open to adopting any of the gods produced by younger religions. Reincarnation and Karma are the primary mechanisms of Hinduism. The Hindu religion also consists of a belief that man has seven principles; these principles consist of the Dense Physical Body, the Etheric Double, Prana, The Desire Body, Manas, Atma, and Finally Buddhi. The Indian Subcontinent is home to some of the world’s largest religions. Some of the religions are Jainism, Sikhism, and Hinduism. The word Hinduism is not found anywhere in scriptures, and the term Hindu was introduced by foreigners who referred to people living across the Indus or Sindhu River, in the north of India, around which the Vedic religion is thought to have originated. Hinduism believes that there is only one absolute called Brahman. Nevertheless, it does not advocate the worship of one God. Hindu’s believe that one characteristic of God is human, and their different Devas are nothing but various characteristics of nature, each recognized and worshipped. Sanatana Dharma which also means everlasting religion is a label preferred today for Hinduism. Sanatana reflects the principle that these ways have always existed, while Dharma includes duty, natural law, social welfare, morals, wellbeing, as well as transcendental awareness. Dharma is then a holistic approach to the good of all, subsequent to order in the cosmos. The holy language of Sanatana Dharma ranges from great simplicity to extreme sensuality, from the heights of individual dedication to the heights of intangible beliefs, from metaphysical proclamations of oneness behind the physical world to adoration of images representing a variety of deities. The cultural influences that have made Hinduism essential to the region in which it originated is that thousands of years ago, the beliefs in the Vedas were broken into various schools of thought by philosophers. These values were brought forth experientially by methods of great spiritual discipline. Unlike many other religions, Hinduism is a way of life; Therefore people who practice the Hindu religion attempt to teach their religious values by passing the word to their children and others. There are many sacred teachings that relay the word of Hinduism; the first is called Samhitas, these were hymns of praise to the gods. Soon after there was the Brahmanas, this was a book of guidelines regarding ceremonial sacrifices to the deities, finally, the last of the sacred teachings was the Upanishads, and this was a collection of teachings from highly recognized divine masters. These teachings explained the transformation that results from psychic contribution to the rituals. The Sanatana Dharma honors the divine in numerous forms; As a result, there is a religious celebration in India almost every day. There are sixteen religious holidays that are recognized by the Indian Government. Most Hindu celebrations articulate theology in its happiest parts, these festivals keep the religion alive. Every individual that practices Hinduism typically finds a way in which to place him or herself to a Guru, also known as a saintly educator. The label guru is applied to admired holy guides. Gurus do not declare themselves as teachers; followers are drawn to them because they have achieved the spiritual status the seekers aspire. Gurus are frequently regarded as enlightened individuals. A guru does not provide scholarly training; they offer guidance, good examples, and encouragement to those in search of enlightenment or self-realization. Works Cited Primary Source Easwaran, Eknath. The Bhagavad Gita. Trans. Eknath Easwaran. 2nd ed. Canada: Nilgiri P, 2007. The Bhagavad Gita, Prince Arjuna asks direct, adamant  questions of his holy guide on the eve of a great battle. In this expanded edition of the most renowned of Indian  criptures, Eknath Easwaran analyzes and explains the key concepts of Hindu religious thought and the difficult vocabulary of yoga. Accordingly, this translation uses simple, comprehensible words to convey the poetry, universality, and timelessness of the Gita’s teachings. Secondary Sources Besant, Annie. The Seven Principles of Man. 2nd ed. London: Theosophical Society, 1892. Besant lays out in specific terms the theosophical doctrine of our multidimensional being. Besant claims that mans nature has seven aspects that can be studied from many different points of view, with seven principles consisting of the Atma, Buddhi, Manas, Kama Rupa, Prana, Linga Sharira, and Sthula Sharira. Bhaskarananda, Swami. The Essentials of Hinduism. 2nd ed. Seattle, WA: Viveka P, 2002. Bhaskarananda’s book, â€Å"The Essentials of Hinduism† explains the philosophical ideas of Hinduism in a clear and easily understandable way, with many excellent analogies. The book covers the foundation and goal of Hinduism, concepts of God; the four yogas; creation and the three Gunas. The book explores the different spiritual paths, the holy books and doctrines of karma, reincarnation, and predestination. Panikkar, Raimon. A Dwelling Place for Wisdom. Trans. Annemarie S Kidder. Louisville, KY: Westminster, John Knox P, 1993. The title of this book is taken from the first chapter: â€Å"Prepare a Dwelling Place for Wisdom,† a lecture given in Munich by the Panikkar in 1990. The following three long chapters are lectures or essays given at various times and places, now translated into English. Panikkar draws on his broad understanding of Hinduism and Buddhism to present the reader with his unique insights into Wisdom. Wright, Leoline. An Anchient Basis for a New Psychology. Pasadena CA: Theosophical UP, 1998. Leoline Wright looks deeper into each principle of man, like Besant she explores mans nature in seven aspects, and thoroughly investigates the qualities of each principle. Works Cited Primary Source Easwaran, Eknath. The Bhagavad Gita. Trans. Eknath Easwaran. 2nd ed. Canada: Nilgiri P, 2007 Secondary Sources Besant, Annie. The Seven Principles of Man. 2nd ed. London: Theosophical Society, 1892. Bhaskarananda, Swami. The Essentials of Hinduism. 2nd ed. Seattle, WA: Viveka P, 2002. Panikkar, Raimon. A Dwelling Place for Wisdom. Trans. Annemarie S Kidder. Louisville, KY: Westminster, John Knox P, 1993. Wright, Leoline. An Anchient Basis for a New Psychology. Pasadena CA: Theosophical UP, 1998. Hinduism and the Seven Principles of man Price Controls: Advantages and Disadvantages Price Controls: Advantages and Disadvantages Price Control I. Introduction In a market economy, such as in the United States, the price of a good reflects the demand relative to the supply. This is a term known as scarcity.(Ten Things 2015) When an item has a high price it is said to be scarcer than an item of lower price. By looking at the relative prices of an item, consumers and producers can choose how to respond to market scarcity.(Ten Things 2015) Higher prices for example, can lead consumers to choose products that require less scarce resources. The government can play a significant role in a market economy in different ways. One of which is by setting what is called â€Å"price controls† on certain products and services. A price control is a maximum or minimum price that a government imposes on specified goods.(Sowell 2011) The most common type of price control is a price ceiling. This is simply when the maximum price is set below the market price. Common examples of price ceilings are rent controls. On the other end of the spectrum is a pric e floor. This is the opposite of a price ceiling in that a minimum price is set below the market price.(Sowell 2011) A common example of a price floor can be found in the agricultural markets. Price controls have existed all over the world for thousands of years and have applied to almost everything at some point in time.(Sowell 2011) According to economist Thomas Sowell price controls are imposed â€Å"in order to keep prices from rising to the levels that they would reach in response to supply and demand†(Sowell 2011) A large topic of interest regarding price control is, what affect does not allowing prices to fluctuate freely according to supply and demand but rather by law, have on the overall market. Most agree that price controls in the long run lead to shortages and surpluses as well as black markets and corruption, however most also agree that in markets where prices are volatile, price controls are a necessary evil. This paper will discuss the advantages and disadvan tages of price controls in regards to maximum and minimum price setting, as well as touch on the policies used to implement them. II. Disadvantages of Price Controls The disadvantages of price controls can be summed into two different scenarios. Both scenarios while relying on completely opposite regulations, lead to an unbalanced market. The first of the two scenarios is when a price ceiling is imposed. To reiterate this is when the maximum price is set by law to be lower than the market price. The instatement of a price ceiling leads to a fundamental Keynesian problem. By keeping prices artificially low, consumers naturally demand more of the product. When this number becomes greater than the producer is willing to supply we have what is called a shortage. Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman once said, †We economists do not know much, but what we do know is how to create a shortage. If you want to create a shortage of tomatoes, for example, just pass a law that retailers can’t sell tomatoes for more than two cents per pound. Instantly you’ll have a tomato shortage† A market shortage commonly results in one or more of the following negative consequences. Black markets can arise in which products that are unavailable in the regular market are sold.(Price Controls Adv.) This can also be true of products with excess demand that are sold at higher prices than in the conventional market. Black markets often involve non-monetary bargaining methods such as nepotism and violence. Another common result of a market shortage is price discrimination. This is when similar goods or services are priced differently by the same producer to differing regions or groups of consumers.(Investopedia) Essentially this is the practice of charging different prices to different buyers of the same product. Theoretically price discrimination discourages the resale of a good and leads to a decrease in competition.(Investopedia) This is the foundation for a monopolistic economy that does not operate at maximum efficiency. Yet another result of a market shortage is the use of rations, or the controlled distribution of scarce goods and resources. A prime example of when rationing was used is during World War II, when food shortages pushed up prices so high that price controls and rations were used in an attempt to keep the cost of living reasonable. (World War II) Rationing often leads to the emergence of a black market as people seek out goods that are not available in the rationing system. ( The second scenario in the disadvantages of price controls is when the result of a price floor is a surplus. A surplus can be just as detrimental to the market as a shortage. Having an excess supply can result in the market being in disequilibrium. This occurs when the price of a good cannot be adjusted naturally due to price controls. In a state of disequilibrium a market is not operating efficiently. (Price Controls) One example of a price floor that can cause a surplus is that of the labor market. The minimum wage is an example of a price floor, which establishes a base line per hour wage. This can result in employers hiring fewer employees and subsequently the supply of workers exceeds the amount of work available causing the unemployment rate to go up. (Boundless) III. Advantages of Price Controls While there is certainly no arguing that in the long run price controls can lead to major economic drawbacks, there is a brighter history in the success of price controls in the short run. Generally speaking price controls can achieve three things. The first is that certain control regulations can ensure that necessary goods, such as food, remain affordable to most citizens. (Boundless) This can also be seen in more luxury markets such as football games. Tickets to important games are often set at a maximum price rather than the market price (which would often times be absurdly high) in order for the common supporter to attend the game.(Price Controls Adv) Secondly price controls can make sure producers receive enough revenue allowing them to adjust to the market climate and limit the possibility of a shortage. (Boundless)This is extremely important in the commodities market where there is frequent fluctuations in price.(Price Controls) Without price controls farmers would experience extreme ups and downs that would not allow for continued production. Price controls can also help during a time when a shortage has taken place. (Boundless)In the latter case price controls prevent producers from overcharging consumers. The most popular form of when price controls helped during a shortage is in the housing market. The use of a rent ceiling put a limit on the amount landlords could charge their tenants when the market would allow for detrimental price gouging. (Rockoff) Another practical example of a necessary price control is the use of a ceiling on interest rates. A ceiling here can take the pressure off of borrowers who were forced to take out loans in a time of desperation that very well could have been caused by the state of the nation. IV. Analyses of Price Controls Price controls can be quite tricky to analyze because there are contradictory ways of looking at each individual case. Going back to the football ticket example, while a proponent of price control legislation would argue that a ceiling allows for the common fan to attend games, a critic would argue at the same time that a shortage has been created and less total fans attended the game. Both sides are correct yet one policy must be made. This is a prime example of where long-standing political views collide with market economics. In analyses of the negative impacts of price controls one could argue that without letting a market naturally work its way back to equilibrium then we will never achieve efficiency. This is also where the positive impacts of price control show that welfare and market intervention can increase the standard of living. So it is a choice of whether the government wants to adhere to strict economic idealism and respect the balancing nature of Keynesian economics o r if it wants to intervene in order to prevent a possible disaster. I think the answer lies on a case to case basis. For instance in the case for putting a price floor on agricultural products, our country relies on the farming industry for our well-being and survival. Without control of the weather and other exogenous factors farmers often are in need of assistance to survive and I think most economists would argue that the most effective way of helping the would be to have a consistent price floor. In a different case however, such as the pharmaceutical market I believe there should be little government intervention. The danger in such an area is that a proposed price ceiling to make drugs affordable for seniors on Medicare would result in less profit gained by pharmaceutical companies. This would in turn cause a downward trend in their research and innovation spending prohibiting the discovery of new cures and medications. Another example of when a price control wasn’t per haps the best solution was in the 1970’s when the administration rose the demand for gasoline so high that long lines were found at gas stations throughout the country. (Rockoff) Most would agree that a good as necessary as gasoline, especially at the time, should not inhibit a citizens day to day schedule. V. Conclusion So in conclusion, the amount someone is willing to pay for an item is the items price. From here we derive our basic set of supply and demand functions for our market economy. Essential to the market economy is the term scarcity, demand relative to the supply. Scarcity is what determines the market for goods and services. If the government feels the need to intervene in the market it can implement a price control. The government can approach implementing a price control in two different ways. Price controls are defined as when a government sets a minimum or maximum price for a particular good or service. (Sowell 2011) In the arguments for and against price controls it can be found that most all price controls lead to an inefficient economy in the long run but a possible increase in market stability in the short run. (Sowell 2011) It is up to each administration to decide if government intervention is necessary and most economists agree that it is wise to proceed with the utmost cauti on when doing so. Price controls when ineffective can result in not only long term disequilibrium, but also negatively affect the day to day life of citizens. (This can be seen in the oil example of the 1970’s.) When effective price controls can protect both consumers and producers, increase market stability, and maintain a reasonable cost of living.(Such as the farming example) In analyses it is best to determine whether a price control should be used on a case by case basis because each market represents different views, challenges, and characteristics. It is important to learn from the past examples of price controls, as they have been occurring for thousands of years, as they will continue to shape not only our financial future but our political future as well. VI. References Boundless. â€Å"Arguments for and Against Government Price Controls.† Boundless Economics. Boundless, 03 Jul. 2014. Retrieved 25 Feb. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/economics/textbooks/boundless-economics-textbook/introducing-supply-and-demand-3/government-intervention-and-disequilibrium-49/arguments-for-and-against-government-price-controls-188-12286/ Hugh Rockoff. Price Controls.The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics.2008. Library of Economics and Liberty. Retrieved February 25, 2015 from the World Wide Web: http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/PriceControls.html Parker-Lue, S., Santoro, M., Koski, G. (2015). The Ethics and Economics of Pharmaceutical Pricing. Annual Review Of Pharmacology Toxicology, 55191-206. doi:10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124649 Price controls – advantages and disadvantages. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/621/economics/price-controls-advantages-and-disadvantages/ Price Controls: Maximum and Minimum price. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.dineshbakshi.com/ib-economics/microeconomics/161-revision-notes/1766-price-controls-maximum-and-minimum-price Price Discrimination Definition | Investopedia. (2007, May 17). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/price_discrimination.asp Sowell, T. (2011).Basic economics: A common sense guide to the economy(4th ed., p. 21). New York, N.Y.: Basic Books. Ten Things Debaters Should Know About Economics. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.csun.edu/~dgw61315/aboutecon.html World War II on the home front: Rationing. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/ww2-rationing/5922

The Impact of Electronic Media and the Internet on Print Media Essay

The Impact of Electronic Media and the Internet on Print Media New technology has developed rapidly since the birth of the internet, and it continues to expand and evolve affecting many domains, especially the print media. This essay will investigate the influence and impact of current technology of the electronic media and World Wide Web on print media, and how future developments in technology will affect the future direction of the traditional newspaper. The way in which â€Å"Bloggers† have influenced traditional journalism will also be explored and how this has affected the journalism profession. In addition, the negative impacts of how the electronic media is being used as a political forum will also be investigated. Finally, the author will predict the consequences of future developments in this rapidly growing industry and the implications this may have on the direction of print media. Through technological advancements the television and internet now deliver the news instantly into our homes, which has inadvertently put pressure on the traditional newspaper to deliver up-to-the minute news. As technology developed swiftly over the 20th century, some academics could see the demise of the newspaper as early as the late 1960s. Marshall McLuhan (HREF1) an academic and commentator on communications technology prophesied â€Å"that printed books would become obsolete, killed off by television and other electronic information technology†. To compete with other more sophisticated electronic media systems, and to survive, newspapers joined the technological revolution and many publications went online in the fight to remain the number one information provider (Kesley 1995:16). In contrast, Kelsey (1995) states the main reaso... ...eration Newspaper: Avoiding Future Shock. Editor & Publisher, February 4, 1995, pp. 16-18 Matheson, D. (2004). Weblogs and the epistemology of the news: some trends in online journalism. News Media & Society 6 (4) pp.443-468. (on-line) http://nms.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/6/4/443 (Accessed 15 September.2004) Shawcross.W. (1999). Rupert Murdoch: He turned a small-town newspaper in a diverse media empire that informs and entertains half the world. (on-line) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/intl/article/0,9171,1107991025-33716 (Accessed 15 September.2004) Stahl, J. (2004). Islamic Fundamentalists Adept at Using Media, Analysts say. CNSNews.com Cybercast News Service. (on-line) http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus (Accessed September 16.2004) Blogger Websites www.hughhewitt.com www.command-post.org campaigndesk.org www.Technorati.com The Impact of Electronic Media and the Internet on Print Media Essay The Impact of Electronic Media and the Internet on Print Media New technology has developed rapidly since the birth of the internet, and it continues to expand and evolve affecting many domains, especially the print media. This essay will investigate the influence and impact of current technology of the electronic media and World Wide Web on print media, and how future developments in technology will affect the future direction of the traditional newspaper. The way in which â€Å"Bloggers† have influenced traditional journalism will also be explored and how this has affected the journalism profession. In addition, the negative impacts of how the electronic media is being used as a political forum will also be investigated. Finally, the author will predict the consequences of future developments in this rapidly growing industry and the implications this may have on the direction of print media. Through technological advancements the television and internet now deliver the news instantly into our homes, which has inadvertently put pressure on the traditional newspaper to deliver up-to-the minute news. As technology developed swiftly over the 20th century, some academics could see the demise of the newspaper as early as the late 1960s. Marshall McLuhan (HREF1) an academic and commentator on communications technology prophesied â€Å"that printed books would become obsolete, killed off by television and other electronic information technology†. To compete with other more sophisticated electronic media systems, and to survive, newspapers joined the technological revolution and many publications went online in the fight to remain the number one information provider (Kesley 1995:16). In contrast, Kelsey (1995) states the main reaso... ...eration Newspaper: Avoiding Future Shock. Editor & Publisher, February 4, 1995, pp. 16-18 Matheson, D. (2004). Weblogs and the epistemology of the news: some trends in online journalism. News Media & Society 6 (4) pp.443-468. (on-line) http://nms.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/6/4/443 (Accessed 15 September.2004) Shawcross.W. (1999). Rupert Murdoch: He turned a small-town newspaper in a diverse media empire that informs and entertains half the world. (on-line) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/intl/article/0,9171,1107991025-33716 (Accessed 15 September.2004) Stahl, J. (2004). Islamic Fundamentalists Adept at Using Media, Analysts say. CNSNews.com Cybercast News Service. (on-line) http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus (Accessed September 16.2004) Blogger Websites www.hughhewitt.com www.command-post.org campaigndesk.org www.Technorati.com

Free Essays - Characterization in A Farewell to Arms :: Farewell Arms Essays

Characterization in a Passage from A Farewell to Arms       Anger was washed away in the river along with any obligation. Although that ceased when the carabiniere put his hands on my collar. I would like to have had the uniform off although I did not care much about the outward forms. I had taken off the stars, but that was for convenience. It was no point of honor. I was not against them. I was through. I wished them all the luck. There were the good ones, and the brave ones, and the calm ones and the sensible ones, and they deserved it. But it was not my show anymore and I wished this bloody train would get to Mestre and I would eat and stop thinking. I would have to stop. (Hemingway 232)    This previous is an excellent example of how one passage in the book can relate many of the feelings demonstrated throughout the entire novel. The events and feelings of this passage determine the outcome. A few examples of symbolism are clearly presented and those symbols can also help the reader gain a better understanding of the character's situation. The passage also illustrates how the character has evolved and developed since the beginning of the story. The passage is also a big event because it is the first major pivotal point that occurs throughout the novel. By closely analyzing this passage we can form many predictions that Hemingway was foreshadowing, and relating to the end, with use of symbols and development of character.    The two symbols best noticeable in the passage are the river and the stars on Frederic's uniform. The river as in many stories represents a change or baptismal. In this case, the river was representing the removal of Frederic from the war front. On one side of the river he's still an ambulance driver for the Italian army during World War I; on the other side, however, he is a civilian in the middle of a war that is now foreign to him. The stars also serve as a symbol but represent the same thing the river does. When he removes them he is simply calling it quits and removing himself from the war.

Autonomy and Society During the Industrial Revolution :: Essays Papers

The Industrial Revolution gave mankind more control over natural forces and made the production of more goods possible. One of the biggest changes from the Industrial Revolution was the movement of the population from a rural setting to the urban areas. Many new cities were created, and most of the already existing urban centers expanded in size. The population of Great Britain, France, and Germany increased by a combined 14 million people between 1831 and 1851.1 Living conditions for all classes were improved, and the people began to live in less poverty than ever before. More people of the time came to have extra money, creating an economy that grew by having a wider domestic base instead of concentrating more on trade. The industrialization of Europe created progress for all, improving the quality of life, and availability of products, as well as help close the gap between proletariat and bourgeoisie. The population was divided into two classes, the bourgeoisie and proletariat. Both groups had differing ideas of culture, society, laws, and general lifestyles. The bourgeoisie, or middle class, was the controlling group, consisting of merchants, tradesmen, and professionals. The middle class was the wealthier class, in charge of factories and involved in governmental positions. In middle class families there was a distinct separation between men and women. The men went out and earned money for the family, while the women stayed at home and raised children. Bourgeois children were treasured by their families, and educated in both schools and at home. "Daily experience shows that it is energetic individualism which produces the most powerful effects upon the life and action of others, and really constitutes the best practical education."2 An education gave the bourgeoisie a sense of superiority over the working class as well as a sense of responsibility for them. The bourgeoisie had a firm belief that the market was the ultimate expression of individual liberty. The middle class society controlled the fate of the working class and oftentimes exploited them to further their own ends, all in the name of improving society. Most middle class people were concerned mainly with gaining wealth, and ensuring that the working class did not rise up against them. The bourgeoisie felt that the lower class was lazy and would be unproductive if they were not properly disciplined. Therefore, working conditions in factories were very difficult on the life of the working class man.

Effects of the Vietnam War

Abstract While it takes societies to start wars, war changes societies. Whether it be the loss of life, wealth or influence, war determines what a society becomes. This paper will look at some of the effects on U. S. society following the war in Viet Nam. The Effects of the Vietnam War on American Society The Conflict in Southeast Asia had lasting effects on the United States society. It was sold to the American people as necessary to stop the spread of Communism and quickly become one of the longest and costliest wars in U. S. history.Looking at the war strictly from the point-of-view of society, the after effects of the war were staggering. There was weakened public faith in the government and a change in the public image of the American soldier. The loss of national pride was deep. America had effectively lost a war to what Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had called â€Å"a fourth-rate power. † The U. S. was no longer looked at as an invincible giant. Because President J ohnson wanted to fund the war without raising taxes, the government deficit skyrocketed. Additionally, troops returning home could not find jobs in the private sector.These factors together caused double digit inflation and unemployment rates. The people felt that the government was not taking care of them like it used to. These factors led to a change in the country's role around the world. Congress was worried that the world was viewing the U. S. as the planet's policeman, ready to jump in anytime another country seemed ready to fall victim to Communism. In 1973, the mostly Democratic Congress enacted the War Powers Resolution, which limited the president's powers. The Commander-in-Chief could only send U. S. troops into combat for less than ninety days without congressional approval.Besides the lack of jobs, returning soldiers were not given parades and hailed by the people as conquering heroes as they were following previous conflicts. Instead, they were viewed with disdain, bot h for losing the war and for the vicious actions taken by a few soldiers. The hero gave way to the villain, the soldier became the baby-killer. The American sensibilities had changed as well. While soldiers were fighting and dying in Viet Nam, the United States had a few other conflicts within its own borders. Race riots and anti-war protests were shown side by side with battlefield reports on the nightly news.National Guard intervention and the shooting of students at Kent State and Jackson State universities did little to gain support for the government. According to Sen. Frank Church, Viet Nam â€Å"has already stretched the generation gap so wide that it threatens to pull the country apart. † (â€Å"Vietnam War Quotations†, para. 13) Whether the outcome of the war was beneficial or detrimental depends entirely on your point of view. On one hand, the more liberal attitude of government towards foreign intervention, the redefining of the right to protest and the skep ticism toward the government can be looked at as positive effects of an unpopular war.On the other hand, the image of the country in the eyes of the world, the loss of traditional values and the blow to the economy can be viewed as negative. No matter what personal stance one has on the Viet Nam Conflict, there is one truth; The War in Southeast Asia definitely changed the United States as a world power, as a country and as a people. References Frey-Wouters, E. , & Laufer, R. S. (1986). The Vietnam Generation's Views of the Combatants. In Legacy of a war: the American soldier in Vietnam. (pp. 108-109). M. E. Sharpe. Sitikoff, H. (n. d. ). The Postwar Impact of Vietnam.Universtiy of Illinois. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from http://www. english. illinois. edu/maps/vietnam/postwar. htm The Vietnam War: An Overview. (n. d. ). The Wars for Viet Nam: 1945 to 1975. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from http://vietnam. vassar. edu/overview/index. html Vietnam War and the American Economy. (n. d. ). History Central. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from http://www. historycentral. com/sixty/Economics/Vietnam. html Vietnam War Quotations. (n. d. ). VietnamWar. net. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from http://www. vietnamwar. net/quotations/quotations. htm