Africa’s Political and Economic Problems and How to Eliminate Them

The picture of Africa has long been depicted as one with Africans who are malnourished and dying from disease and starvation. This is in irony for Africa being the second largest and second most populous continent in the world very rich in minerals, gold, diamonds and other natural resources. Much of these unsightly images of Africa can be attributed to the political and economic factors that attributed much to its poverty and political unrest.As such, Africa’s political and economic problems are herein enumerated and discussed so as to be able to evaluate and eliminate the aforementioned factors that contribute to Africa’s plight as a continent in poverty and distress. This, with the objective of determining the best possible solutions so as to give sustainability, if not prosperity to Africa that has long been needed and sought for by its people.Africa’s Political ProblemsAfrica has been suffering from the turmoil of instability, corruption, violence and author itarianism since colonial period. Although there are a number of African nations today that are under republic governance with forms of presidential rule, only a few have been able to take advantage and sustain democratic governments.This can be attested by several leaderships that failed to give the people their power of sovereignty and freedom in what can be called misguided democracies.   An example of such leadership abuse happened during the 35-year-rule of Mobutu Sese Seko as head of a â€Å"democratic† government   in Zaire (renamed Congo in 1997) when he and his ministers sold and pocketed the lucrative mining rights to Zaire’s substantial cobalt, nickel, and diamond mines (Payne & Lee).Africa’s Political and Economic ProblemsAfrica has also been suffering from civil wars, violence and crimes as violence is being used as a mechanism for resolving disputes and for bringing about change. Both colonial and apartheid regimes used violence and repression to maintain power and some degree of social order, and on the other hand, opposition movements resorted to violent tactics as a means to attain political change (Rauch).Moreover, violence and crimes have been resorted to during transition periods of repressive, authoritarian governments to more democratic forms of government. For example, following the dramatic reform announcement of   State President F.W. De Klerk , the transition in South Africa was marked by extreme social conflict and violence which can be attested by statistics of more than eight South Africans dying daily as a result of political violence (Rauch).Conflicts and political violence are also triggered or aggravated by poverty in Africa, along with racial and ethnic division, and a culture of political intolerance. Many African states have also cycled through series of brutal coups and military dictatorships. The number of coups and politically motivated crimes are appalling. The period from the early 1960s to th e late 1980s for example, saw more than 70 coups and 13 presidential assassinations in Africa.

Epistemology and Knowledge Essay

For centuries philosophers have questioned whether knowledge exists and if we know anything at all. This discipline is known as epistemology. Epistemology, or the theory of knowledge, is a branch of philosophy related to the scope and nature of knowing. The subject focuses on examining the nature of knowledge and how it relates to beliefs, justification and truth. It is actually quite hard to define knowledge. The dictionary defines it as a general awareness or possession of information, facts, ideas, truths, or principles, but philosophers on the other hand define it as a belief which is in agreement with the facts. So what are the facts, and what do we know exactly? Christopher Norris, the author of Epistemology: Key Concepts in Philosophy, states that whatever we believe now, is only an approximation of reality and that every new observation brings us closer to an understanding. Therefore, knowledge is forever changing/evolving and not pertaining to one’s beliefs. â€Å"†¦ ‘water’ was once defined vaguely as the kind of stuff that fell as rain, filled up lakes, was liquid under normal ambient conditions, boiled or froze at certain temperatures, †¦ etc† (Norris 44). Due to evolution, we now know  that liquid; water, is made up of the molecular structure H20. We no longer believe that the liquid once vaguely defined is anything other than water (H20); now we are knowledgeable. Norris believes science must be integrated with the natural world and the social world to truly understand knowledge. â€Å"When we try to explain all our knowledge of the world as Descartes does we try to understand how the things we believe in science and in everyday life are connected with and warranted by the bases or grounds on which we come to believe them† (Stroud 209). Beliefs are things people have. They aren’t things that can be picked up along the side of the road. Just because a person believes they can fly doesn’t make it true. For many philosophers, this is important. It implies that what someone thinks, could be wrong. In other words, it implies that what one thinks about the world may not match up with the way the world really is. â€Å"†¦ truth occurs when ideas in the mind agree with external conditions or objects †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Soccio 322). Therefore, there is a distinction between belief and truth. Truth is not in your head. Truth is out there. Truth is factual. The molecular structure H2O is factual; therefore it is truth. Knowledge is a kind of interaction. It involves asking questions and inference. One can’t merely know because they believe. Although a person can believe that they know something, that isn’t legitimate knowledge. Knowledge is a belief which is in agreement with the facts. Works Cited Norris, Christopher. Epistemology: Key Concepts in Philosophy. New York: Continuum, 2005. Print. Soccio, Douglas J. Archetypes of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy 8th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2013. Print. Stroud, Barry. The Significance of Philosophical Scepticism. New York: Oxford, 1984. Print.

Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Motivation in Islam among IIUM Employees Introduction Essay

Work motivation is important to encourage a worker to improve productivity and achieve organizational goals. In Islamic perspective, motivation is a form of drive that can influence humans to performance act. In work place, employers are faced with the task which is motivating employees and creating high job satisfaction among their staff. Program and policy can develop job satisfaction and motivate employees. When the employer understands the benefits of job satisfaction and motivation in the workplace, though, the investment in employee-related policies can be justified (Anderson, 2012). Therefore, researchers believe that there are relationship between job satisfaction and motivation. This paper is to study work motivation in Islam the definition of motivation in Islamic terms and how it can improve or decrease the work motivation among Muslim employees. The objective of this study is mainly focus on the elements that can contribute into work satisfaction and work motivation in an Islamic environment such as: job satisfaction, marital status, religiosity and experience, these are all the independent variables that we would like to study their effect on work motivation among IIUM staff members. Hypotheses of this study are: 1. Thos who are married may be motivated to excel the task than those who are single. 2. The more experience the person has the more motivated he became. 3. The more job satisfaction increase among workers they tend to be motivated to do the task. 4. The more religious the worker is the more he/she motivated to excel in work. Moreover, this paper is intended to answer questions: 1. How can marital status effect work motivation? 2. What is the role of religion in work motivation? 3. What is the relationship between experience and work motivation? 4. How can job satisfaction increase work motivation? Therefore, the core objectives of this paper are: 1. To find out the impact of job satisfaction on work motivation. 2. To investigate the importance of experience in work motivation. 3. To figure out the effect of marital status on work motivation 4. To determine the role of religion on work motivation 5. To answer these questions and to study the relationship between these variables and work motivation. LITERATURE REVIEW Conceptualization Motivation Motivation is derived from motive which means needs, desires, wants or drives within the individuals. It is the process of stimulating people to actions to accomplish the goals and later reinforced by motivate. Motivation literally is reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way, desire or willingness to do something (Oxford dictionaries, 2012). Mahmoud (2000) refers motivation as inner process that activates, energies, drive behavior to goal. It is what causes us to act, whether it is getting food to reduce hungry or reading book to do assignment. Motivation in this research means motivation as drive to achieve goal in work field. Therefore, this research focuses on motivation in work place. Technically, Ryan and Deci (2000) states that motivation means someone needs at least desire to inspire him or her to do some action. This person who is energized toward an end is considered motivated while if this person has no inspiration to act is considered as unmotivated. They also distinguish general types of motivation based on different goal and reasons which are intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is doing something because of internal factor for example person has interest on it or like it and want to do it while extrinsic refers to doing something because of external factor such as he or she will get salary. Fundamentally, we have to know motivation theory in order to understand motivation. The following paragraph is about motivation theories which relates to our research. Motivation Theories

Teen pregnancy , planned parenthood ,and similar ideologies relevant Assignment

Teen pregnancy , planned parenthood ,and similar ideologies relevant today - Assignment Example Being ready for something prepares you mentally and emotionally to look forward to, but in the case of it being un-planned, mostly abortion and giving up for adoption are the consequences which result from anger, guilt and denial (Immell 98). From 1970’s to2002, teen pregnancy was the norm of the society. Early marriages, as a sign of self-esteem and prestige were practiced. However, advancement in education and its availability to women, led to a decrease in marriages and births worldwide. At this point it must be considered that modernization from 2008 onwards and concept of marriages in the current century is considered to be a burden and hasty owing to sex being practiced commonly resulting in pregnancies but the contraceptive methods and popularity of options for adoption and abortion has led to a decline in the birth rate. Certain facts regarding worldwide teen pregnancy have evolved and need attention in regard to its wide epidemic and resulting consequences to be understood clearly. The under developed and developing countries are at a higher risk of adolescent pregnancies, with about every year birth of 16 million babies. Girls aged between fifteen and nineteen are the most targeted victims. If we talk in terms of statistics, approximately three million of them go on to put their babies for adoption or un-safe abortions. However it must be noticed that birth itself in this age is dangerous to health and can even cause death. Teen pregnancy in fact is a leading cause of death for girls in ages 15-19. Premature, still births and infant deaths are 50% higher for babies born to teens than to adolescent mothers. Limited or sometimes un-available educational and employment prospects forces early marriages. Concept of children as workforce is still communal. Under-developed and developing poor countries are at a higher level of risk for promoting teen pregnancies as more than 14% of girls in such

Cont wk11 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cont wk11 - Essay Example This constant threat creates challenges when they return to civilian life, and decreases their ability to function well. The major symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, irritability, flashbacks, feelings of detachment, trouble concentrating, and problems sleeping (Weiten, 2001). PTSD encompasses an individuals entire life. In trying to separate it into specific points of view, this researcher found that the literature on the topic did not categorize the problem in the ways that the textbook did. The reason for this is because PTSD has characteristics of many perspectives rolled into one. From the psychological point of view, PTSD is a mental health issue that also carries with it depression and anxiety. These issues create a need for obsessive behaviors or to drug and alcohol abuse. As an example, Tuerk, Graubaugh, Hamner and Foa (2009) studied veterans deployed in Iraq and found that many had developed an obsessive need for safety once they returned home. They also became hyper vigilant, over possessive of their families, and many kept a loaded gun under their pillow (Friedman, 2006). These behaviors are not isolated incidents. They generally happen as a result of a noise or situation that happens in the individuals normal environment. As an example, a barking dog or a car back firing can create a PTSD episode. Sometimes these behaviors can make the individual a danger to themselves and/or others. The soldier with PTSD due to combat stress also has common stressors that may add to their episodes of PTSD. As an example, when they rejoin civilian life, their home has changed, responsibilities have changed, and there can be more incidences of family discord. In looking at the psycho-social aspects of PTSD, many soldiers withdraw from friends and family because the family no longer recognizes the role of the deployed person in the family. This can bring about feelings of isolation and loss (National Center for PTSD). Memory plays a large

The Irish Image in Contemporary Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Irish Image in Contemporary Society - Essay Example In 19th century newspaper cartoons, however, those same qualities are portrayed as negative, as the irresponsible antics of a mentally inferior people. This is a stereotype that has managed to survive into modern politically correct society. Before emigrating to America during the Famine years of the mid 19th century, the Irish had long endured racial intolerance from the British. In a letter to his wife, Charles Kingsley wrote, "...I am haunted by the human chimpanzees I saw [in Ireland]... I don't believe they are our fault...But to see white chimpanzees is dreadful; if they were black, one would not feel it so much," (Curtis, 1968). Phrenology, the study of cranial shapes and characteristics, became highly popular between 1800 and 1850 (Wohl, 1990), and asserted that the Irish skull shape was not that of a human being's, but closer to that of an ape's. The Irish were "primitive." John Beddoe, president of the Anthropological Institute from 1889 to 1891, wrote in his book The Races of Britain (1862), that all intelligent men were orthognathous, meaning they had smaller jaw bones, while the Irish were prognathous (more prominent jaw bones) and were thus more akin to Cromagnon man (Wohl, 1990). Punch cartoons of the Iri sh reflect this belief, depicting them with long, drooping upper-lips and apelike features. The circumstances that the Irish went on to face would often be linked with this belief. In the 1840s, a fungus infected the crops of Ireland and an estimated one-fourth of the population died of starvation (The History Place, 2000). Reports were made of finding bodies lying in the road with green foam oozing from the mouth because the deceased had been eating grass to stave off hunger (The History Place, 2000). Thus, in 1847, the United States saw the largest mass immigration in history. Boston, which had a population of 115,000, was suddenly inundated with 37,000 Irish immigrants (The History Place, 2000). New York City, which had a population of 372,000, saw 52,000 Irish in 1847 (The History Place, 2000). In Boston, the Irish were greeted with scorn by the English Puritans, who saw their rural manners and poverty as boorish. Of all of the foreign immigrant groups, the Irish were the poorest (The History Place, 2000). As soon as they stepped off the boat, they were herded into large houses that had been subdivided into apartments, often with no water or ventilation (Th e History Place, 2000). There were so many Irish arriving, however, that many actually slept in the gardens, backyards, and alleys surrounding the house (The History Place, 2000). A Boston Committee of Internal Health reported these houses as: "a perfect hive of human beings, without comforts and without common necessaries; in many cases, huddled together like brutes, without regard to age or sex or sense of decency. Under such circumstances, self-respect, forethought, and all the high and noble virtues soon die out, and sullen indifference and despair or disorder, intemperance and utter degradation reign supreme," (The History Place, 2000). That could be why the city's crime rate increased by a breathtaking 400 percent (The History Place, 2000). The Irish gained such a notorious reputation for rowdiness and violence that many

Forecasting Exchange Rates Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Forecasting Exchange Rates - Case Study Example The forecast, however, depends on probability which might cause uncertainty. Technical forecast will indicate the depreciation of the baht to help the company understand the how their money could be work for them understand these conditions (International Journal of Forecasting 2008). Technical forecast will however depends on fundamental forecast to get historical data of inflation and interest rate. The market-based analysis is based on the market and their implication of inflation and interest rate. The market analysis depends on demand-supply analysis. The market based analysis will help the company understand the consumption of their products in the Thailand market. It also assists management to know what quantity of export is needed. The analysis is also inclusive of interest rates and inflation rate and how it will affect the demand and supply of their products (International Journal of Forecasting 2008). If in the reality the value of the baht  90 days from now  is $0.22. Using technical forecast, baht will depreciates with six percent to give its vale at $ 0.22. Technical forecast shows that the expected results are equal to the real value. The fundamental forecast has three scenarios. The scenarios depend on the chances of depreciation and their percentage. If the chance for depreciation is 30% then baht will deprecates by 2% making the value of baht to be $0.18. 15 % chance of depreciates, baht will depreciates with by 5%, making the value of baht to be $ 0.21. 35 percent change, baht will depreciate with 10% making the value of baht to be $0.20. The market based analysis is involved in interpreting the calculation. In the calculations, it is true to say that fundamental forecast is accurate but tiresome. It offers a wide range of solution with different scenarios. The values from the fundamental are added

Breach as a Motif in China Mieville's The City and The City Essay

Breach as a Motif in China Mieville's The City and The City - Essay Example Mieville invokes that breach at various points in the novel as a motif that represents the all-pervasive state of the East European states of the Soviet era. These breaches are investigated by a body that itself seems to be a motif that combines in itself the effects of all the motifs of breaches that govern the lives of the people in the novel’s fictional cities of Beszel and Ul Qoma. The journey of Tayodu Borlu, the protagonist of the novel and the detective who seeks to solve the mystery of a murder that serves to frame the story and provide it its thrust, is one that reveals many aspects of modern day life. These range from the lack of freedom that is experienced by people in nation states to the place of man in a universe that may or may not offer explanations. This universe, however, continues to punish its inhabitants for offences the causes of which they may not even know. The lack of knowledge that is shared by the people of Beszel and Ul Qoma is what unites them and gives them a common destiny. The notion of breach refers to an understanding of this unity in ignorance. In this sense, it seems as though the novel points to ignorance as the greatest weapon that is employed by the modern state to express its power and exercise its control over its people. To place them in a state of complete ignorance as to their own condition, accompanied by a fear of the breach makes Mieville’s work closer to a work like V for Vendetta rather than something like The Matrix. Like both these works, the people in the two cities suffer from the fact that their existence is a complex web of lies that is spun by an overarching network of authority. This authority is embodied by the Breach that is able to make a person vanish from the sight of other people. In the context of people who choose to overlook several aspects of life, the notion of a vanished person may refer to somebody who is merely overlooked, much in the same way that Ralph Ellison’s protag onist is, in the book, The Invisible Man. The reasons for the marginality of both are equally absurd and difficult to understand. This is one of the greatest strengths of Mieville’s novel- the fact that it is able to draw allusions to many other major works of fiction that talk of oppressive regimes. His ability to connect his subaltern perspective to other versions of it makes The City and the City a very complex work of fiction. The breach represents a lack of unity. While critiquing the authoritarian regimes that were a part of East European nation states during the Cold War Era, Mieville strikes at the very heart of the philosophy of these nations- the unity of their people in a classless society. He points to the disunity that states sought to perpetrate during this era and the effects that it had on people who had hitherto lived in communities that exchanged ideas and beliefs in a freer society. The lack of freedom that Borlu has in investigating the case owes itself to the lack of unity between the people of the two cities. This can be seen in the attitudes that are expressed initially by his counterpart in Ul Qom, who is cold and condescending towards him. There are, thus, many structures that the state creates for the purpose of perpetuating its own

Basel III Rules Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Basel III Rules - Essay Example Australia also faced such type of economic recession and banks were exposed to market risk. Thus some more financial reforms are needed that can help the organizations to face the emerging new challenges efficiently. Hence, Basel III norms have been implemented by Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). This essay will illustrate the opportunities to be created by Basel III norms that help in providing better financial risk management; it also will discuss the challenges or negative impacts of Basel III. Basel III emphasized on developing risk resilience mechanisms that can be practiced in financial institutions including banks. Basel III norms also called for controlling the financial irregularities by implementing strict regulations. It provided financial protection to banks by following minimum adequate cash reserves that can sustain their financial needs for minimum period of 3-4 months at the time of financial crisis. The risk bearing ability of the banks was also strengt hened through the major financial regulations that are sufficiently dynamic in nature to respond to the market changes positively from time to time (The Economist, 2010). According to the norms of the Basel III, the banks are required to hold a minimum of seven percent of tier 1 capital, namely cash reserves and common stock which is a good jump from present level of two per cent. This is very significant step to provide higher risk bearing ability to banks against the financial crisis. Similarly, the tier one capital is also a core measure of a bank's financial strength and by increasing this component, the risk bearing ability of the banks would be enhanced tremendously. Tier 2 capital will be regulated for its sustainable growth and tier 3 capital will be removed completely according to Basel III norms. In addition, they have to improve the capital requirements for counterparty credit exposures which provide them better cushion to withstand financial shocks. At the same time, as per the norms of Basel III, the risk management of counter party credit exposures and capital buffers have to be strengthened which would provide cushion at the times of financial stress. This would result in higher immunity for the banks against interest rate risk and market risk in future. In consequence, the successful implementation of all these measures suggested in Basel III would certainly enhance the financial stability of the banks and reduce the need for the government bailouts during the financial crises. In contrast, the implementation of some clauses of Basel III has some potential disadvantages and banks have to face new challenges. For example, according to Basel III agreement, the banks are required to hold higher amount of capital reserves with themselves as a protection against the financial risks involved with the longevity of their own debts and the risks that banks attach to different kinds of loans (Peston, 2010). This would certainly provide them better protec tion during the times of financial crisis, but at the same time, the profit margin of the banks and their investment opportunities will erode significantly (Black Swain Insights, 2010). This is because of the fact that the banks have little amount to disburse in the form of loans to the customers and hence they may have to charge additional interest rate. In other words, the

What should be done about Child Obesity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

What should be done about Child Obesity - Essay Example Use of BMI to evaluate obesity in children is more complicated as children are in the constant process of growing. Because children are changing rapidly, the link between adiposity, or â€Å"true fatness,† and the ratio of their weight to their height may be looser than that of adults. However, taking into account specific age and sex peculiarities BMI higher than 85 percent is likely to signify obesity in children (Anderson& Butcher, 2006). Other symptoms of obesity are difficulties with sleep, physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, and frequent fatigue. Caloric imbalance, when the quantity of the calories consumed is higher than the calories expended is primer cause of obesity, along with various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Anderson & Butcher (2006) consider that children normally are very good at understanding their body; nevertheless, it is difficult for them to control the amount and quality of the products consumed. Among the other causes of extra pounds can be psychological defensive mechanisms, as in stressful emotional situations children are prone to eat more than usual concentrating on food with easy fats. Family behavioral eating patterns play the major role in gaining overweight as it is parents who decide which products to buy and which food to prepare. And of course, children have higher risk of turning overweight due to lack of activities (â€Å"Health Effects of Childhood Obesity†, 2010). Being overweight or obese in childhood has consequences for health in both the short term and the longer term. When the child is diagnosed with obesity it turns out that this health problem is complicated in treatment that is why prevention and early notice are crucial. Among immediate effects of extra pounds it is possible to distinguish higher risk of prediabetics, problems with bones, and psychological problems. Children with extra pounds have higher risk factors for cardiovascular

Hal and Henry IV Essay Example for Free

Hal and Henry IV Essay Throughout Henry IV part 1 the character of Hal becomes more and more complex. It is frequently changing in numerous essential aspects. It is evident that there are two main relationships he has, one with his father Henry IV and the other with Falstaff. Hal seems to struggle to sustain a good relationship with both of them at the same time and therefore enters a realm in which he oscillates from one to another. The relationships he has with these two can have powerful similarities at times, however at other times they seem most controversial. Falstaff is a long term friend of Hal and can almost be considered as a father figure to him. In fact, Shakespeare decides to make him act as Hals father at one point which could be considered as a true representation of their relationship; Shakespeare is in fact trying to show that maybe this is how it should be. Falstaff saying that This chair shall be my state, this dagger my/sceptre, and this cushion my crown. (2.4.312-313) is giving him the role of king, and thus the role of Hals father. A father is supposed to be a loving character and it is expected that the son will follow in a likewise manner. This is portrayed in Henry IV part 1 because Hal seems to emulate Falstaff in several things he does, this is especially palpable in Act 1 scene 2 when Hal agrees to go with thee (1.2.152) to the robbery at Gads Hill, precisely like Falstaff. Hal accepts Falstaff as his father when he says Do thou stand for my father (1.2.64), meaning that Falstaff actually is like a father to Hal. Falstaff is a substitute father to one that Hal never managed to please. However, though this may seem apparent, it is quite likely that Hal is actually playing along with Falstaff, but keeping his distance. This is made flagrant through Hals reformation which is planned from the start. Falstaff and Hal have a strong relationship from the start of the play and it is somewhat obvious that Falstaff is Hals entertainer. Through the way that these two speak to each other the spectators can acknowledge a powerful bond. Frequently, comments like I prithee, sweet wag (1.2.12) occur between them showing that they are comfortable speaking together and that they have acquired a firm companionship. Furthermore, in the scene after the robbery at Gads Hill in which Hal, Poins and Falstaff contemplate the robbery (especially 2.4.175-205), it seems to take a very long time for Falstaff to grasp that it was Hal and Poins who robbed him. Hal and Poins discuss how Falstaff failed to get the money from the robbers, therefore Falstaff reluctantly plays on with them to show them that he is powerful and had to out-muscle several men. Yet by looking at the previous and subsequent scenes it becomes rather clear that Falstaff is a clever individual and that it cannot be true that he did not understand what happened at Gads Hill. Therefore, could Falstaff be playing along at this point just for Hals entertainment and resultantly taking his role as a comedian? Throughout the play it is therefore acknowledged that Falstaffs true aim is to make the future king happy; this could be for two vital reasons; he truly wants Hal to be happy or he is trying to secure a firm relationship with the future king for his own benefit. However, soon Hal mentions ending his relationship with Falstaff. During their mock role-play Falstaff (pretending to be Hal) tells Hal (pretending to be Henry IV) to Banish/plump Jack, and banish all the world. Then Hal replies to Falstaffs jovial speech I do, I will (2.4.397-399). These short snappy words give an insight that maybe what Hal is saying he actually means, maybe Hal will discard Falstaff due to the new found light of his reformation, and maybe that kingship should come before this dwindling relationship. Hal will discard Falstaff as can be seen from his soliloquy. When Hal decides to make himself like bright metal on a sullen ground, (1.2.172) he knows that he can use Falstaff to portray Hals ghastly past but then shine like a star as he bursts into kingship. It is for this reason and this reason only that Hal may wish to keep this relationship with Falsftaff, thus using him for his own benefit. Moreover, not long after Hal calls Falstaff a villainous abominable misleaders of youth, which once again is part of the so called role play but could in fact be the revelation of the truth. It may seem that Hal sees Falstaff as an obstruction on his path to glory however Hal is actually using Falstaff to make himself look bad and then have this sudden reformation and make himself look so much better. So instead he is in fact using Falstaff as a stepping stone across the deep and difficult river, known as the public eye. This is the very reason why Falstaff is trying so hard to maintain a companionship with Hal, only to steal his glory. This happens towards the end of the play when Falstaff betrays Hal. Falstaff lies that he killed the gallant Hotspur (1.1.52), not Hal. This can be seen when Hal says For my part, if a lie do thee grace (5.5.148). This has made it very possible and almost inevitable that Falstaff is in search for more honour, this source could indeed be Hal, Falstaffs supposed friend. Henry IV and Hal have a very convoluted and changing relationship. From the very beginning of the play it seems exceptionally manifest that Henry IV is a callous and unloving father and that his priorities lie not in his family but rather in himself and therefore his country. Henry IV is envious of Northumberland that he Should be a father to so blest a son (1.1.79). It is difficult to believe that a father does not love his only son as much as he does another person. Even if he did have these malicious judgments, it is still irregular that he tells it to other people so candidly in such a way. Henry IV is consequently disregarding Hal as part of his family at all and showing signs of hatred towards him. This reaches the extent that Henry IV actually wishes that he would have his Harry, and he mine (1.1.89), so not only is the king disappointed with his son but he would rather trade him for another. This will make Hal feel less happy with his own father and wish to seek this love from another, even Falstaff. The king is not giving his son a chance to prove himself and is seeing riot and dishonour (1.1.84) in him. On the other hand, Hal has a lot of respect for his father and later tries to achieve a stronger relationship. Hal calls his father his thrice-gracious lord, (3.2.93) showing a lot of respect and nobility. In addition, Hal tells his father I am your son, (3.2.134), never before has Hal considered himself as a son to his father or as his characteristics worthy of a son. This is apparent when Hal tells his father that wherein [his]youth/Hath faulty wandered (3.2.26-27) thus admitting his mistakes and that he has not made his father proud. He is therefore agreeing that he has not shown qualities worthy of a son and that maybe that he had never really considered himself to be one. These few words truly stand out amongst the rest that Hal will show his father the respect he deserves and that he will strengthen this relationship between them. Hal is trying to mend his mistakes while leaving Falstaff behind at the same time because he considered Falstaff as one of these mistakes. This scene in particular is a very crucial scene in the bonding relationship between father and son. Hal comes forward to his father and confesses of the wrongs he has done and appeals for redemption from his father. This scene can almost be visualised with Hal down on his knees and his father sitting on high throne by his side. This is the exact moment in the play when the relationship between Hal and Henry IV is restored. It is difficult to hear advice and more difficult to accept it yet Hal does so, not with Falstaff but with Henry IV. Nevertheless, it takes two to make a relationship work and this cannot be done by Hal alone, his father also needs to show equal respect to him. We find that Henry IV cares a great deal for his son, more than we had ever thought from previous scenes (like Act 1 scene 1). Henry IV continually gives Hal greatly needed advice of how As thou art this hour was Richard then (3.2.94), he warns him of how he should avoid being like Richard, the unsuccessful king was. He warns him with his true care that if he is not to show his kingly features Hotspur could easily take the throne away from him. This advice Henry gives with his true care for Hal, with fear of Hals future. Additionally, Henry IV tells Hal things he would only ever tell someone truly near him. This is evident when Henry IV says Why, Harry, do I tell thee of my foes, (3.2.122). By Henry IV telling this to Hal he is showing Hal this respect he has for him and that he too is willing to make this relationship work out. This scene truthfully shows a father and son in a relationship as they ought to be. Therefore, Hal and Falstaff once had a powerful relationship with one another in which Falstaff was a benevolent figure, but it seems that Hal is trying to destroy this relationship and force it to deteriorate because of this kingship he needs to tend to. Despite how strongly Falstaff may try to maintain their relationship it always seems to be falling apart. Furthermore, Falstaff is not actually trying to be Hals acquaintance but instead is trying to steal his glory. Similarly, the relationship with his father is very week to start. The king is very openly disgusted in his son and would prefer not to have him at all. However, later on in the play their relationship becomes much stronger, they have found faith in one another, the father has given the needed advice and the son has submissively accepted it. It seems that there has been a shift from Falstaff to Henry, as Hals relationship with Falstaff deteriorated his relationship with his father has progressed.

African American Cinema Essay Example for Free

African American Cinema Essay The subject of African-Americans in Motion Pictures provides some of the most interesting studies along with the many controversial interpretations of the roles as actors they played on screen. As far back as the silent films era, African-Americans have been featured in motion pictures playing roles depicting some aspect of acting and being purveyors of a black image. The messages or themes of these movies have over the years presented a mixture of images based upon what was thought to please the viewers of each particular film. Unfortunately, many of those films showed black characters in negative stereotypical roles, which the average African-Americans would never truly identify as being like themselves. Since many of our American icons and heroes have come from our motion picture stars, we need to understand what this narrow view presented and compare it with what we presently see at our local cinema today. The movies Guess Whos Coming To Dinner (1967), Shaft (1971), Do The Right Thing (1989), Boys n the Hood (1991), and Menace to Society (1993) show a thematic style and stereotypes in the way that black films have progressed over the years. The motion picture industry was never too quick to change their approach in presenting African-Americans in realistic roles depicting social or civil conditions in an integrated context. Many of these roles required scenes showing African-Americans in positions of authority or relating to white Americans in a positive way. This Integration Period therefore brought together African-American actors with scenes along side white actors in roles showing both players dealing with racial conflict and resolution. Guess Whos Coming to Dinner was truly a unique film for its time in that Sidney Poitiers character breaks all the stereotypical views of blacks in American Cinema. In the early 1930s blacks were portrayed as lower class, slow-witted figures of entertainment, often showed in menstrual shows. Poitiers character broke all these stereotypes. 1971 brought to the big screen a successive series of superhero black or blaxploitation films. Shaft was released in 1971, and Richard Roundtree was the superman black hero detective. He was compared by many to the white James Bond. Related to Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, Shaft took it up a notch in showing a black man as a hero. Poitiers role was one to equalize whites and blacks in their roles in American cinema, but Shaft showed a black man who was an authoritative figure. Different themes can be mixed in between the two movies. They both show an intelligent black man that has a grip on reality. Both movies showed themes of how integration has struck America. They differ though on a level in that Shaft was a black dominant cast and Guess Whos Coming to Dinner was predominantly white. Do the Right Thing, Boyz n the Hood, and Menace to Society were all produced in a more modern era, hence the fact that they all have similar racial themes. The films all paint a picture of urban Black America in their time period. All three films are thought to be racially reactionary films aimed at the psyche of both black and white viewers. The movies were all a success due to the touched topics of racial situations, ethnic tensions, and human encounters of anger. The superb casts of both black and white actors made the motion picture industry aware of a newer avenue for films and race relations. African-Americans in motion pictures in todays expanding world of visual imagery can be seen on many expanding fronts. We see the making of motion pictures on subjects or themes which can be taken from history, life experiences, music, and unexplored events. Todays markets are open, and African-Americans are taking advantage of these open door opportunities. Actors and actresses are expanding their roles from stage acting to movies to TV miniseries to video cassettes or discs, and roles taken from books, plus movie soundtracks. In our world today African-American actors and actresses will always have a place in American Cinema and their future looks bright and promising.

Psychological research into language, and sex and gender

Psychological research into language, and sex and gender In this report I will be evaluating the contribution of social perspectives to our understanding from the two topics found in: OU, DSE212 Challenging Psychological Issues, Book 2. The topics I have chosen for consideration of psychological research are language, and sex and gender. The approaches taken will be analysed the topic in general terms and not to focus on one particular aspect at detailed levels. It points to the lack of a conclusive answer which is caused by Psychology as a discipline being relatively young and still in early stages with a lack of adequately strong theories that might assist to connect otherwise contrasting perspectives co existing. The report concludes that different perspectives within psychology can coexist at times, though conflict is frequent throughout. Sex and Gender The Psychology of sex and gender is one the most topical, important and engaging subjects that psychology, it illustrates many of the difficult issues that psychological explanations must address, including the political implications of different perspectives and the challenging of integrating explanations. It has been a controversial topic since the inception of psychology as a discipline and it powerful illustrates some of the diverse approaches with the field. A deliberation of how psychology approaches the analysis of sex and gender discloses four psychological perspectives, these are: Biological sex differences: Explaining the differences between male and female and biological correlates of behaviour. Investigations ere conducted through scientific processes Evolutionary psychology: Explaining the differences in the behaviour between the sexes in terms of behavioural selection for reproductive fitness. Test are conducted empirically Social constructionist theory: Gender differences between the sexes through the study of discourse in various historical, cultural and social contexts and so is hermeneutic. Psychoanalytic psychology: Development and meaning of sexual differences. Studies are largely done through clinical observation. Direct impressions of the four perspectives are objects of knowledge of each of the perspectives are all valid and useful in general psychology of sex and gender,. They pose somewhat different questions, have different objects of knowledge and use different notions of evidences. These perspectives may be complementary, conflicting however the scope for co-existence is not transparent. Given that the perspectives do not share common objects of knowledge, however is there can be an underlying hope for complementary theories in which together they all contribute to a broad understanding. Sex refer to the biological basis of differences between the sexes, where as gender refers to social constructed categories pertaining to these differences. Assigning a sex to humans can sometimes be a complex process, biological characteristics such as genetics and hormonal used to designate male or female, can be unreliable in small proportions of case, due to genetic abnormalities, such as, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) and Klinefelterss Syndrome ((XXY) (OU, p137) Certainly the biological and evolutionary perspectives appear complementary at the theoretical level in that both regard biological sex as the determinant of gender and view differences between sexes as biological features that have been selected for during evolution. Evolutionary psychologists argue that sexual selections and the different optimal reproductive styles of our male female ancestors have results in some differences in the behavioural predispositions of the two sexes. These are seen to particularly apparent in the area of sexual behaviours and attitudes. Buss (1992), found while both sexes reported experiencing jealousy at the though of their partner being involved with another person, there were differences in the focus of their concerned. OU,p145) In humans, unlike in other animals, clear differences in brain structures that correlate with differences in adult behaviour patterns have proven difficult to demonstrate. Nonetheless, imaging studies show some sex differences in brain functioning of Western adults. This is probably due, at least in part, to the brains plasticity.(Giedd et al, 1999) )p140). While some sex differences are clearly established at birth for most individuals, bodies and brained may become gendered over lifetime of use. A explanations would appear to be consistent with research findings from cross-cultural differences in male and females sexual behaviours, which Allen and Gorski, 1990 study has backed (OU, p139) However, biological psychology attempts to explain differences in male-female psychology in terms of selected physiological characteristics, for example dimorphism in brain structures (cf. Hofman and Swaab, 1991, cited in Holloway et al, 2007, p.139). On the other hand the evolutionary psychologist would principally argue in favour of selected behavioural characteristics such as differences between male and female sexual attitudes (cf. Clark and Hatfield, 1989, cited in Holloway et al, 2007, p.146). There is thus an apparent conflict at the level of analysis. It is therefore ironic that evolutionary psychology must perforce co-exist with biological psychology since, given the understandable constraints on its ability to conduct the sorts of empirical investigations that might be wished for (cf. Herrnstein-Smith, 2000, cited in Holloway et al, 2007, OU p.141), it is dependent on a certain amount of corroboration from the biological perspective, amongst others (cited in Holloway et al, 2007, pp.184). (22) Social constructionist point of view, they regard sex and gender as characteristics that are revealed only through discourse and action. These are consequence of the individuals behaviour and experience in a given cultural, social and historical context. The depth of the conflict is exemplified by a comparison of evolutionary studies that emphasise cross-cultural stability in particular sexual preferences (cf. Singh 1995, p.148; Buss and Schmitt, 1993, p.148, cited in Holloway et al, 2007) and social constructionist ideas such as Sandra Bem, who developed the idea of the cultural lens of musicality and femininity. This lens is a way of perceiving the world that makes behaviour and experiences gendered, this is called the Gender Schema Theory (1994, Holloway et al, 2007, OU p.153). According to the social constructionist perspectives, biological sex is not central to explaining what it is to be a man or a women, rather it is a signpost to which a whole set of us socially constructed gender differences are attached. In this account, social constructionist created discourse about masculinity and femininity are used by individual to create their own gendered subject positions. Whereas the biological and evolutionary perspectives agree that biological sex lies at the heart of explaining gender, the social constructionist perspective explicitly rejects that view; sometimes for political reasons. In relation to Sex and Gender, political differences are often exposed when conflicting accounts of differences occur. Gender and sexuality came to be seen, through Freuds work, as having far-reaching implications for the development of self. It largely complements the social constructionist, in terms of its interpretive or hermeneutic methodology, its explanations largely focus on the unconscious given that its objects of study entail the meaning of the biological differences between men and women and how these become internalised in the childs mind (OU, Holloway et al, 2007, pp.183). Thus both the social constructionist and psychoanalytic perspectives conflict with the biological and evolutionary approaches at the methodological level. Uniquely however the psychoanalysis perspective recognises both biological and cultural contributions to its theorising. It is not without its share of conflict however. Within the perspective, a important critical developments in the psychoanalytic theory sex and gender includes Freuds notion for the symbolic significance of the penis( and penis envy) quickly came under scrutiny from feminist psychologists to scientific practices. through Freud failure to consider the significant of womens genitals. (OU, Horney, 1926, , 2007, p.164). Language and Meaning There are three main perspectives used to examine the complex area of language, these are: Theory Methods Themes. These perspectives focus on different aspects of language including evolutionary developments of languages, the processing of languages and the construction of meaning through interaction. The study of language and meaning, one finds an equally intriguing mix of potential co-existence, complement and conflict when comparing the three principal perspectives. The evolutionary perspective sets out to explore language to understand how are related structurally and historically, how they are used differently by various social and cultural groups and how languages is used to communicate and create meaning. Language is the main medium for communication between humans beings and where we express, explore and pursue those goals that mean most to us .It is possible to view the three perspectives as at least co-existent. Their objects of knowledge are different and one might expect their cumulative product to contribute to some sort of unified theory. However, the potential for conflict between the cognitive and social constructionist perspectives is revealed in how they view meaning as the object of knowledge. For the former it is something that is constructed internally by the individual prior to transmission, and subsequently reconstructed by the audience. For the latter it is negotiated as a result of discourse between individuals meaning emerges as the result of a complex interplay of intentions, interpretations and power-relations. Thus, there is cause for disagreement as to what meaning is and where it comes from (Sperber and Wilson 1986, OU, p100). That this is adequate to justify a claim of conflict seems weak since the types of meaning espoused by the two perspectives are themselves different. A major social constructionist argument against a purist cognitive perspective is that cognitive processes cannot be transparently reported. This argument is one that cognitive researchers have long acknowledged. Commenting on early research into the cognitive modelling of language Boden (1977, pp.113ff, et passim) notes that a persons understanding of language in a given instance is dependent, not simply on their knowledge of the world around them, but crucially on their understanding of their relationship with who they communicate with. Within the evolutionary perspective there is also a debate as to whether language evolved as an adaptation advantage and was the foundation for other cognitive abilities. Pinker (1994) believes that languages may have evolved through natural selection, perhaps in conjunction with other cognitive abilities, OU, p83) or as a consequence of selection for an ability to form our Metarepresentation (Sperber, 2000, p.86). These are contradictory and conflicting views.. The major differences between psychological methods based on natural science principles and those based those on hermeneutic principles means that preservatives based on these methods may have difficulty achieving more than uneasy coexistence. Psychologists do not stand on such substantial bedrock. The questions they pose are often difficult to formulate computationally without reducing the predictive power of any solution, whereas the history of physics can be measured in thousands of years, psychology as a recognisable discipline has existed for just over a century. A inevitable conclusion is that psychology is characterised by perspectives that at one or more of these levels conflict, co-exist or complement, No perspective on its own can tell the whole story. The perspectives and levels of analysis and explanations cannot just be combined without an account of how they interact. Word count: 1793 294 (References + Quotes +Titles + Bullet Points) = 1499

Satellites :: essays research papers

Satellites Satellite is probably the most useful invention since the wheel. Satellites have the capability to let you talk with someone across the nation or let you close a business deal through video communication. Almost everything today is heading towards the use of satellites, such as telephones. At&t has used this communications satellite (top right) ever since the late 1950s. TVS and radios are also turning to the use of satellites. RCA and Sony have released satellite dishes for Radio and Television services. New technology also allows the military to use satellites as a weapon. The new ION cannon is a satellite that can shoot a particle beam anywhere on earth and create an earthquake. They can also use it's capability for imaging enhancement, which allows you to zoom in on someone's nose hairs all the way from space.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Robert Gossard (left) was one of the most integral inventors of the satellite. He was born on October 5, 1882. He earned his Masters and Doctoral degree in Physics at Clark University. He conducted research on improving solid- propellant rockets. He is known best for firing the world's first successful liquid-propellant rocket on March 16, 1926. This was a simple pressure-fed rocket that burned gasoline and liquid oxygen. It traveled only 56m (184 ft) but proved to the world that the principle was valid. Gossard Died August 10, 1945. Gossard did not work alone, he was also in partnership with a Russian theorist named Konstantin Tsiolkovsky. Tsiolkovsky was born on September 7, 1857. As a child Tsiolkovsky educated himself and rose to become a High School teacher of mathematics in the small town of Kaluga, 145km (90mi) south of Moscow. In his early years Tsiolkovsky caught scarlet fever and became 80% deaf. Together, the theoretical work of Russian Konstantin Tsiolkovsky and the experimental work of American Robert Gossard, confirmed that a satellite might be launched by means of a rocket.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I chose the satellite to research because many things such as computers, TVS and telephones are using satellites, and I thought it would be a good idea to figure out how they work and the history behind them before we start to use them more rapidly. I also picked the satellite because I think that my life would differ without it. For instance, The Internet or World Wide Web would run very slowly or would cease to exist altogether. We wouldn't be able to talk to people across the world because telephone wires would have to travel across the Atlantic, and if they did, the reception would be horrible. We wouldn't know

Marketing :: essays papers

Marketing A firm’s international marketing program must generally be modified and adapted to foreign markets. This international marketing program uses strategies to accomplish its marketing goals. Within each foreign nation, the firm is likely to find a combination of marketing environment and target markets that are different from those of its own home country and other foreign countries. It is important that in international marketing, product, pricing, distribution and promotional strategies be adapted accordingly. In order for an international firm to function properly, cultural, social, economic, and legal forces within the country must be clearly understood. The task of International marketing is more difficult and risky than expected by many firms. One of the most controlling factors of international marketing is management. It is very important for managers to recognize the differences as well as similarities in buyer behavior. Many mistakes can occur if managers fail to realize that buyers differ from country to country. It is the international differences in buyer behavior, rather than similarities, which cause problems in successful international marketing. An international marketing manager is a manager responsible for facilitating the exchange of products between the organization and its customers or clients. Sometimes an international marketing manager will find difficulties in completing the exchange of products. Many surprises in international business are undesirable human mistakes. An international corporation must fully understand the foreign environment before pursuing business matters. Problems constantly crop up and many times have unexpected results. Sometimes these unexpected results are unavoidable. Other times they are avoidable. To be sure those avoidable situations do not occur, international marketing managers must be aware of cultural differences. Cultural differences take place among most nations of the world. Differences in culture are one of the most significant factors in an international company. All nationalities posses unique characteristics, which are unknown to many foreigners. Many of the top international businesses are unaware of these cultural differences. It is very important to understand these cultures in order to market a product successfully. As an example, different nationalities have different beliefs on how business matters should take place. Where some countries prefer to work with a deadline other countries can take this as being offensive. Many countries feel it is an insult to be asked to work under a set time period. A country may feel that a deadline is threatening and may feel backed into a corner. On the other hand, other countries try to expedite matters by setting deadlines. To be effective in a foreign market it is necessary to understand the local customs. Knowing what to do in a foreign country is as important as knowing what not to do.

Pragmatism Vs. Idealism (a Man :: essays research papers

Morality is often overpowered by materialistic pursuits. In â€Å"A Man for All Seasons†,Robert Bolt shows the corruption of those who put self interest above all other values. His use of such characters as Thomas Cromwell, Richard Rich, Chapuys and Wolsey help convey this corruption. There is yet another character who is a pragmatist that Bolt successfully represents. Thomas More is an idealist as well as a pragmatist, for he is prepared to give up everything for his beliefs and takes all precautions possible to make his case â€Å"watertight†. It is through this pragmatism and idealism that Robert Bolt shows the corruption of the times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thomas More believed in his ideals to such an extent that he was prepared to sacrifice his life for them, if the need arrived. He was a firm believer in the separation of Church and State. When the King tried to start the reformation of England and the Church by a simple Act of Parliament called the Act of Supremacy, Thomas refused to sign it. He believed that the indictment of the King was â€Å"grounded in an Act of Parliament which is directly repugnant to law of God. The King in Parliament cannot bestow he Supremacy of the Church because it is a Spiritual Supremacy! And more to this the immunity of the Church is promised both in Magna Carta and the Kings own Coronation Oath!†(Bolt, p. 92) The marriage was yet another reason why More refused to sign the Act. He knew that if he signed it then he would accept the King as the Supreme Head of Church and thus give the King the power to â€Å"dispense with the dispensation† which to him was against his morals and religion. Of course the marriage was associated with other things -attack on the abbeys, the whole Reformation policy-to which More was violently opposed. When told by Norfolk that his parish attire is a disrespect to the King and his office. More replies that â€Å"the service of God is not a dishonor to any office†(Bolt, p.26) Even though he loves the King to death as proved by Mores loyalty towards him, he values his morality and religion more. For his conscience is a â€Å"little area where I must rule myself†(Bolt,p.34). His position is perfectly described in his belief that â€Å"when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties... they lead their country by a short route to chaos.

Management Challenges and Concerns Report Essay

Human resources planning is the systematical process of forecasting both the future demand for and supply of employees and defining the required knowledge and abilities needed in the field. At times even with the most accurate information, managing our human capital and protecting out talent has become a challenge. Dramatic shifts in the composition of the labor force require that managers become more involved in planning, since such changes affect the full range of HR practices (such as employee recruitment, selection, training, compensation, and motivation) (Bohlander & Snell, 2007). Not only has managing the talent been a significant challenge so has following all legal compliance. Rules and regulations have to follow to avoid losing employees. Human Capital/Talent Management Managing talent is the most important HR challenge facing organizations across the world today. As an organization addressing the talent management/human capital is important in all the regains of the industry (Eyre, 2008). The shifts in the world economy are playing a role in workforce trend, making it difficult to retain all human capital. To ensure growth potential during a bad economy the organization needs to focus on strengthening key relationships, capitalizing on underutilized staff, clarifying strategic roles and forging stronger links between compensation and results (Mello, 2005). Strengthening the employer-employee relationship is an important goal for human resources departments in any organization. Compliance and regulation The human resources issues are very complex when it has to do with a complex work industry. Compliance with regulations is one the biggest problems occurring in workplaces. This happens more often in small companies than larger because of the turnover in employees in smaller companies. It is a  bigger problem with a newly formed enterprise or company due to the lack of experience. This may be caused by the lack of training the employees receive during the entering of the position. Potential implications as lawsuits, fines from state or federal court can lead to a financial burden to the company. A way to minimize the risk is by keeping up with all state and federal laws that might affect the industry. Better training to all new and current employees in safe and procedures (Mello, 2005). The expertise of the human resources staff is one that is a company’s most valuable resources, and thus, the executive leadership team is better prepared to handle company-wide challenges knowing that a competent human resources leader. A successful organization needs to become adaptable are to be able to change direction. References Bohlander, G., & Snell, S. (2007). Managing Human Resource, Fourteenth Edition. Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western. Eyre, E. (2008). Managing Talent is top global HRM challenge. Training Journal, 10. Mello, J. A. (2005). Strategic Human resource Management 2nd Edition. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning.

Hamlet’s antic disposition is feigned Essay

Hamlet has been known as one of the greatest of Shakespeare’s plays. This is mainly because the protagonist has confused scholarly minds for centuries on end with his complex personality and muddled thoughts, which in turn leads onto his actions, or rather inaction. His incomprehensibility by many leads me only to conclude that he is mad. His irrational and rational thoughts are forever in conflict due to his state of depression and paranoia; therefore, he chooses to put on an â€Å"antic disposition† which serves as a â€Å"convenient outlet† to his â€Å"sanity slipping away† (Wilson), masking the true nature of his mind, which has become â€Å"far gone, far gone†. In Hamlet’s introduction, we see him portrayed as a weak, melancholic man – as exemplified through his clothes of â€Å"nighted† colours. He is consumed by the grief of the passing of his father, the â€Å"dexterity† of which his mother re-marries, and her pleasure in entering the â€Å"incestuous sheets† with Claudius, Hamlet’s Uncle. This melancholic state is shown to be quite serious in his soliloquies, where he states that he wants to â€Å"Thaw and resolve [himself] into a dew†. This sorrowful talk of suicide clearly shows Hamlet’s melancholic mind which can be perceived as mad. In the Elizabethan time, Hamlet’s melancholy would have been seen as an imbalance of humour, therefore, although not as blatant as Ophelia’s madness, Hamlet would have still been perceived to be insane. Perhaps in the modern day, one would state that Hamlet is not completely conscious that he is insane, but rather that there is an underlying layer of insanity in Hamlet’s subconscious which influences the temperamental consciousness which the audience sees on stage. Freud states that the conscious mind is similar to a fountain which rises from a great subterranean pool, which is the subconscious. Complying with this image, due to the fact that Hamlet is inclined to take the path of â€Å"self-slaughter†, which he would have done were it not for his fear of God’s â€Å"canon ‘gainst† it, I can only conclude that Hamlet is emotionally and mentally damaged. He consciously clings onto his conscious sanity by turning his hatred towards Gertrude’s â€Å"incestuous sheets†; however, he is already rotten subconsciously due to his depression. Stoll states that Hamlet was a â€Å"renaissance man, loving contemplation†¦. † implying that Hamlet never intended to take part in murder and insanity, but is merely an â€Å"intellectual spirit† (Coleridge). However, the renaissance was a time of change, a revival of learning and culture. How can Stoll justify Hamlet’s thoughts of suicide with such an absurd argument as he was a â€Å"renaissance man†? His thoughts of â€Å"to be or not to be† are marks of inclination towards the path of suicide; however, suicide is nothing but an escape. It certainly does not relate to a â€Å"renaissance man† whose method of thinking would be that of intellectual learning and change for the better. It is a mere product of his insanity which is in turn produced by his melancholia. Perhaps Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia is the prevailing factor in which we can clearly see Hamlet’s insanity. Wilson Knight states that he is â€Å"murdering his love for Ophelia, on the brink of insanity, taking delight in cruelty. † Hamlet has been summed up quite well within this quote, however, Knight is mistaken in stating that Hamlet was on the â€Å"brink of insanity†. Hamlet was not on the â€Å"brink†. He has passed the â€Å"brink† and fallen into his dismal insanity – this is clearly exemplified through his temperamental behaviour. In his letters, Hamlet writes to Ophelia, â€Å"never doubt I love†, however, in his scene â€Å"alone† with Ophelia, he labels her a whore and states that he â€Å"loved you (Ophelia) not†. His behaviour here cannot be justified by assumptions that he realised Polonius and his Uncle were there, for he only realises this sometime after his mood swings: â€Å"where is your father? † The fact that he suspects another presence to be in the room only further conveys his paranoia. In the nunnery scene of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Hamlet’, Hamlet hears a faints sound which gives him evidence to presume Polonius is present, however, in the original text, there is no such pause or sound. It is said in a fluent motion which when read out loud, making clear that his thoughts are compiled haphazardly upon one another; exemplifying his imbalanced mind. Ophelia was not acting differently to him yet his insanity manifested itself as paranoia. It is a mere coincidence that this paranoia was founded. His treatment of Ophelia is a clear case where his insanity looms into his conscious. Surely this shows his deterioration and progression towards complete subconscious and conscious insanity. Hamlet’s later exclamation that he â€Å"loved Ophelia† in the graveyard scene with apparent sorrow clearly contradicts his earlier statement that he â€Å"loved† her â€Å"not†. Why he would state such lies to a women he loved – for he had no reason to say he loved her after she was dead – is puzzling. It is clear that insanity had created his imbalanced mind, and the graveyard scene merely shows that shreds of his mind before his depression and insanity set in are still present. Another such case where Hamlet shows conscious insanity is in his talk with Polonius where he calls Polonius a â€Å"fishmonger† and answers his questions irrationally. Although he may mask it as attempting to fool Polonius and others by acting insane, Hamlet is too convincing. Hamlet has given too much away and shown his insanity. The foolish Polonius states that Hamlet’s replies are â€Å"pregnant† with meaning, but Hamlet has merely succeeded in convincing Polonius with mere wit. The only thing Hamlet is â€Å"pregnant† with is his insanity which grows and shows itself in full bloom later in the play. Analysis of Hamlet’s psyche leads quite nicely into his possible Oedipal complex. This is the theory which postulates that Hamlet represses his subconscious sexual desires for Gertrude and it is this subconscious sexual frustration which influences his conscious behaviour to become one of obsession and temperamental paranoia. Ernest Jones states that â€Å"Hamlet feels anguish caused by his father being replaced in his mother’s affections† and that the affection he feels for his mother has underlying â€Å"erotic qualities†. In regards to the replacement of his father, this is quite understandable, for change is hard. His father, Hamlet’s idol (as clearly conveyed through his talks of him as a â€Å"Hyperion†) has been destroyed and the whole structure has fallen. Hamlet wishes to almost become his father due to the subconscious sexual desires that would be fulfilled if he was to achieve this. Therefore, it is only natural that he would feel hate for an intruder – Claudius – for he is almost taking what his subconscious describes as rightfully his. In the closet scene, where Hamlet says to Gertrude that he will â€Å"set up a glass where you can see the inmost part of you†, there is a certain ambiguity in the statement which could have one meaning of reflecting evaluation, and another more sexually explicit meaning. In Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, this line is vividly conveyed as if he was about to rape Gertrude. Possibly obsession and insanity followed the anger which spewed out of him coming up to this line, and were it not for the foolish actions of Polonius, it would have gone further. Hans Eysenck has regarded this theory as â€Å"idle speculation†. However, it is not merely â€Å"speculation† for the evidence supporting such a theory refutes this claim. Due to the presence of the Oedipal complex, Hamlet’s speech clearly shows an obsession with the coupling of Claudius and Gertrude. Although this may be due to revenge, the focus on the â€Å"incestuous sheets† and â€Å"adulterous† further supports the Oedipal. Moreover, if Hamlet’s mind was completely focused on revenge, then he would have carried out the vengeful murder directly after the play. He does not because he is confused and internally conflicting against his subconscious sexual desires and his conscious revenge ideas. This is why he does not kill Claudius for quite some time. These conflictions within his psyche is a clear characteristic of an imbalanced mind; implying his insanity.

Leading and motivating a team effectively Essay

1.1. Explain the importance of the team having a common sense of purpose that supports the overall vision and strategy of the organisation (16 marks) A shared sense of purpose in an organisation is important as it unites employees working in an organisation and can also extend to external stakeholders. An organisations shared sense of purpose represents its identity and therefore the services it provides and the persons and organisations that benefit from these services. A shared sense of purpose is important because it: †¢Ensures employees from across an organisation are working towards common goals †¢Ensures employees are motivated and engaged to achieve these goals †¢Encourages employees to feel committed to an organisation †¢Causes employees to find their work meaningful and motivates them to put in extra discretionary effort †¢Makes employees more satisfied with their working conditions and pay and makes employees motivated to stay within an organisation. †¢Provides employees with a context within which they can understand their role within the team and how their contribution plays a part in that team. †¢Enables employees to work collaboratively to achieve a goal rather than choosing their own technique or method potentially at the expense of the organisation or other employees. †¢Allows employees to share in the success of an organisation motivating them to succeed both individually and within a team. 1.2 Explain the role that communication plays in establishing a common sense of purpose (16 marks) Communication plays a key role in establishing and maintaining a common sense of purpose in an organisation. The nature, frequency, style and person communicating all contribute to establishing a sense of purpose. What, when, why and to whom are all important factors effecting the success of communication in creating a shared sense of purpose. Unnecessary communication in organisations wastes time and can create indifference to the message, staff moral is reduced and important  messages can be lost. In order to maintain a shared sense of purpose communications should be targeted to the people you wish to reach. They should be clear and say the things that are needed – not everything that can be thought of. The â€Å"story† should be adjusted to fit the experiences and aspirations of the audience. Communication plays a role in creating job satisfaction for lower level employees. These employees may feel a need for senior leaders to demonstrate that they too live and work to the shared values of the organisation. There is also a need for employees to feel their views are listened to and acted upon so creating a two way flow of information is key to employees’ satisfaction and to them feeling an integral part of an organisation. One to one communication between managers and there team such as appraisals and one to one meetings are also key to creating sense of shared purpose. Top-down communication has a role in conveying direction to employees as well as clear ideas on priorities and organisational goals. Listening and accepting bottom up communication is key to staff moral, making staff feel valued and helping them to understand the importance of theirs and others roles in a team. Peer to peer communication helps to build a knowledge base amongst staff and allows staff to test out and fine tune ideas and work together more effectively. Communications most important role is to inspire others and to convey a passion for an organisation which other people can get behind. 1.3 Assess the effectiveness of own communication skills on the basis of the above (12 marks) I assessed my own communication skills based on informal interviews with previous colleagues from my roles in science co-ordination and project management. I choose previous colleagues as I felt I would get more honest answers not having to work with them on a daily basis and I have not been in my current roles for very long in order for colleagues to assess all aspects of my communication skills. Feedback was as follows. My written communication skills are very strong. I believe this is mostly due to development of my writing in my previous PR role and the 3 years I spent working with a community of international researchers necessitating a need for clear instructions without the use of particularly advanced English vocabulary. My emails are very clear, they are friendly but make clear distinction between information I am passing on and actions which need to be  addressed. Deadlines and what is expected of the recipient is clearly stated. My persuasion skills were also thought to be strong as was ability to motivate and empathise and bring people round to my way of thinking. One respondent commented that I have a â€Å"very nice way of nagging people†. My listening skills could be improved. I am sometimes too keen to ask questions when a person has not finished speaking and my need to plan and â€Å"put things into neat boxes† can feel imposing on people with different learning styles and very creative personalities. I also have a tendency to write extensive notes in meetings and 1-2-1’s in order not to miss anything and to record peoples responses correctly – this can, however, come across as my being disengaged from the conversation and â€Å"not taking on board what is said†. My presenting skills are good. My visuals in presentations are clear and slides interesting with good use of diagrams and illustrations rather than overly wordy however I have a tendency to speak too fast, show I am nervous and not make eye contact with an audience making me appear less confident than I might be in what I am presenting. One respondent also commented that I need to â€Å"stop trying to please everybody and worrying about what everyone thinks of me†. I feel some resonance with this in that I do worry excessively about upsetting or offending people at work and have a tendency to take to heart comments from other colleagues. My colleague commented that you â€Å"can’t get everyone to like you† which is true however you can get everyone to respect you and I feel that as a leader it is important to think about others feelings and make sure they understand the motivation for you actions if they will dislike the outcome. Know how to motivate and develop the team 2.1 Describe the main motivational factors in a work context and how these may apply to different situations, teams and individuals Every employee and team will have a different set of factors that motivates them to do their best. The main motivational factors in the workplace are Extrinsic Motivational Factors †¢Financial This is a basic motivation for work. A salary provides for housing, bills, food, clothing and leisure activities. Some employees will be motivated by  potential for pay rise or promotion and an opportunity to climb the ladder, other employees may be happy to accept a lower rate of pay for a job they find interesting and satisfying or for other benefits such as flexible working, pensions, healthcare or company vehicles. †¢Personal Enjoyment / Satisfaction Although not every employee will feel there work is there main passion doing a job they enjoy is important to most employees and a large motivator in making employees happy to come to work and likely to be engaged in their work and dedicated to the businesses goals. A leader/manager has a role in providing a working environment where employees feel important and that they are rewarded for there dedication whether that be financially or emotionally. †¢Flexibility Flexibility in working practices surrounding annual leave, family leave, normal working hours and home working is important to many employees. By allowing flexibility in these areas an employer also opens up opportunities for potential employees who cannot work a normal working week in the office. Flexible working can take pressure off employees with family or care commitments and giving employees a level of autonomy shows confidence in them which can be a big motivator. Employees may also appreciate and employers understanding that there life outside of work is important and effects the quality of their work when in the office. Intrinsic motivational factors †¢Impact Employees want to know that there work matters and has a positive impact on customers, consumers and the world at large. Encouraging employees to always provide the best service they can and ensuring that customer satisfaction is communicated even to those without direct client contact can keep employees motivated and engaged with the businesses goals. †¢Recognition / Reward Ensuring that milestones such as meeting/exceeding targets or project completion are recognised and rewarded is important in maintaining motivation of individuals and teams. A reward can be financial such as a  bonus or gift or can be as simple as a thank you. Recognition can be made on a one to one basis, in a peer group highlighting an individual’s achievements or as a team recognition helping aid team cohesion and pride in work. 2.2 Explain the importance of a leader being able to motivate teams and individuals and gain their commitment to objectives It is important for a leader to be able to motivate teams and individuals as the leader plays a large part in setting the goals of the team and hence in making work of the team members achievable, enjoyable and satisfying. Leaders need to find out what motivates each employee and the team as an entity in itself so that goals can be modified to achieve agreed outcomes and satisfy all team members in a job well done. Some may be motivated by money, some by praise and thanks and some by work-life balance or a combination of all these factors and more. A manager can undertake one-on-one employee analyses to understand employees work-related desires, it is likely most employees will appreciate a leaders interest in their lives and desires. A leader can help to gain the commitment of employees by being honest and frank and dealing with individuals in a straightforward and fair manner. This ensures each individual feels they will be rewarded in proportion to their effort and also not reprimanded unfairly. A manager can also gain employee commitment by â€Å"leading by example†. If you wish to motivate employees to succeed you should behave in the way you would like them to behave and try to refrain from allowing bad habits such as distraction or procrastination to emerge. Being kind, respectful and giving thanks and praise where due will motivate employees to do the same. It is important for a leader to set realistic goals for individuals and teams in order to maintain motivations. Employees need to have milestones or performance indicators and timeframes against which they can set their achievements and a leader needs to motivate and enable employees to reach these targets. 2.3 Explain the role that a leader plays in supporting and developing the team and its members and give practical examples of when this will be necessary Arguably the most important role a leader plays in supporting and developing the team is to provide a sense of purpose. The leader is responsible for setting and defining a common goal and engaging individuals in a team to work towards this. In large organisations such as UEA there is an organisational goal defined within the mission statement by senior management but this can seem very far away from individuals. The team leader can set goals centred on the teams own daily working practices and herein instil a sense of purpose and achievement individuals and groups. A leader’s focus is to create an effective team. For the team to be effective every member must play there part so establishing a shared set of values for the team is key to ensuring high quality outputs. The leader must recognise the diversity of team members but mesh these individuals skills and aptitudes together so that each member is engaged by their work and shares a sense of satisfaction in the teams achievements as a whole. Even the lowest paid positions are essential to team and these employees should not be allowed to feel anything other than equals to other team members. A reward system that values the responsibilities of each individual can help to aid this. A leader also develops the team by coaching and training. An employee will perform better and be more engaged with their work if they feel they have opportunities to learn and develop. Making sure team members are encouraged and supported to gain new skills and develop wherever opportunities exist will also improve team loyalty, participation and raise aspirations. Some areas of work can be repetitive and potentially boring. It is a leaders responsibility to make work engaging wherever possible. In my own leadership role I have previously employed a number of junior staff to undertake data entry. To try to maintain team interest I constantly moved individuals between projects to keep things fresh in their minds and also created informal â€Å"awards† for speed and accuracy giving the work a friendly and competitive element. I also invited comment on how we could develop and improve the data entry and offered to relay these to senior management. In order to inspire employees to perform better it is often better to delegate a level of authority to team members. There is little engagement in simply performing the tasks you are instructed to do but by giving an employee ownership of a task or process they can help to improve this. Showing this  level of trust in employees, listening to their ideas and trusting there judgement can also empower them to take on further responsibility and a level of self-management. As long as a team member is given clear information about what you need them to achieve and knows you are there to support them when needed they should be able to progress without the need for micromanagement or dictatorial behaviours. Finally clear, two-way communication is key to successful leadership of teams. A leader may be involved in goal setting, allocation of tasks, scheduling work programmes etc. but can be open to team members comments on this. Asking for feedback from the team on how these allocations are working may lead to even more affective assignment of work. If the team are allowed to critic the leader they may also be more responsive to constructive criticism received from the leader. Praise, when it is due, is a very important form of communication and listening to team members ideas and/or concerns will help reassure and motivate individuals.

NASA’s Love Triangle Approach

In the workplace, consensual personal activities of individuals always affect the working relationship in undesirable ways. Often intimate relationships between co-workers emit preferential treatment at its best and discriminatory acts at its worst. Although Title VII does not declare intimate relationships in the workplace as an immoral, unethical and distasteful act, enough room for discrimination often produce a resultant effect when persons are disadvantaged due to a preferential treatment of another. There is a potential for hostility when widespread favoritism exists between male and female employees. In a professional working relationship, the workplace would be ideally free from intimate relationships to prohibit favoritism and thereby banning nepotism. Office romances though are not illegal and discriminatory given the increased amount of time spent together by co-workers giving value to their work. However, work is a serious business and management requires workers to act rationally while doing their job. This phenomenon should be a cause for concern when personal issues interfere with work-related issues. The three-way love triangle situation between Lisa Nowak, Bill Oefelein and Corlean Shipman threaten the traditional ideas of anti-nepotism and non-fraternization in the workplace. NASA capitalizes on its human workforce to proffer its interests. Although it’s governing code of conduct according to NASA’s Shana Dale upon interview (Orlando Sentinel, 2007) do not necessarily insisted regulations that guard and meddle on astronauts and other federal employee’s personal lives. No matter how we try to justify this explanation for NASA’s lapses I continue to insist that American companies have a natural desire to keep personal relationships at bay in the workplace in the face of corporate dilemmas over discrimination and harassments. Often management sees that relationships within the company lead to a conflict of interests and inefficiency resulting from spending time and energy on non-work related activities (Avelenda, 1998: 691). Under the guise of protecting employees from claims of sexual harassment, policies would often widen to informally restrict fraternization and intra-organizational intimate interaction. It was therefore a shock to learn how NASA completely disregarded the personal lives of its employees. Astronauts are usually subjected to stringent rules and equally invasive medical procedures. Nowak no doubt had undergone extensive medical and psychological examinations if protocols were followed prior and after her July 4, 2006 on the STS-121 mission which included a trip to the International Space Station according to NASA (2006). Her NASA bio declared her as a flight engineer with a rank of captain who logged almost 13 days in space and garnered the honor as the first Italian American in space. Her confrontation with a fellow NASA employee who was reportedly a rival for the affections of another space shuttle pilot definitely exhibits her gullibility to submit to effects of an emotional strain that is aggravated by strained relationships. NASA’s lapses in the face of the current situation involving the triangle love affair of their employees indicated the organization’s past disinterest over interpersonal issues involving their own working family. NASA has forgotten that Nowak at the age 43 and likely at the prime of her life after her shuttle trip last summer may have felt a bleak end to her career as an astronaut whose second and third spaceflights would be tough to get after space shuttles are scheduled for retirement in 2010(Orlando Sentinel, Feb.,2007). Bouts of depression are also not uncommon to astronauts who come home and are considered as heroes and overachievers. To recall, Edwin â€Å"Buzz† Aldrin as the second man to step on the moon after Neil Armstrong had alcohol problems after their successful return from their mission. NASA has therefore dismissed the complexities of an unpredictable human emotional response in the face of scientific calculable predictability. In response to Nowak’s arrest NASA should review the procedures involved in their psychological evaluations. The military have been instrumental in submitting their personnel particularly pilots for psychological intervention following extraordinary stress like divorce or deaths in the family (Christian Science Monitor; September, 2004). NASA may not have been helpful on this aspect. They may have forgotten how catastrophic consequences are brought about by a human element of error. It would therefore be beneficial for NASA and its employees to understand the stress of working in the space program and at least delegate focus on the personal relationships among its astronauts. Mccurdy (1999) once said that astronauts, like police officers, treat their profession as a way of life, not just a job. Despite any self-discipline, astronauts are enjoined to focus on their goals and keep on pursuing such goals which was seen in Nowak’s single-minded pursuit against a foe. It would help NASA if it should also establish protocols and policies that treat the grievances of their own personnel. A professional independent body that provides proper psychological help and emotional assistance and counseling for its personnel should be made available for its employees. This body’s aim is for the recognition of possible emotional and psychological trauma experience by its key personnel without being used to leverage employment standing in the organization. Any official involvement into the diagnosis and treatment would alert and divert employee-patients away from the program. Secondly, NASA must also work to regulate workplace fraternizing relationships through a less authoritative disapproval of intra-organizational romance. This would be properly implemented when put into writing for NASA to be able to eliminate its involvement in the future as an employer liability. Further, when inter-organizational romance and sexual relationships are frowned upon naturally, the well-discipline NASA astronauts would be consistent in their efforts to refrain from intimate relationships with their co-workers. Another alternative also is for NASA to require employees to report any consensual relationships within its initiation and aftermath through the proper human relations body. In the face of the current scenario between Lisa Nowak, Bill Oefelein and Corlean Shipman, given the organization’s growing exposure and in conjunction with being held liable for its apparent disregard for the well-being of its employees; I feel that NASA has an ethical and moral responsibility to support Nowak through her misdemeanor and refrain from painting her faults and deviant behavior. After all, Bill Oefelein seemingly exercised his dominion by maintaining two romantic relationships at the same time with two different women in the same organization thereby causing trouble for both. To restrict this trend, it would serve NASA if Oefelein should face a temporary suspension as well. Corlean Shipman is entirely the innocent party and ould not benefit any organizing body to involve her in any internal disciplinary measure that Oefelien shall face. Lisa Nowak is already facing criminal charges and yet, NASA is duty-bound to support her through this ordeal after all it has been remiss in its duties towards its employees and the whole scientific community and the public. Society must therefore scrutinize the various policies involve in National scientific and military organizations and regulate the intimate relationships of employees within their organization. This is to ensure that employees are not placed in an unnecessary position that requires them to choose between duty and relationship to enhance productivity and protect them from any emotional turmoil. Title VII may not be so keen on fraternization within official work and duty but somehow this has provided an avenue for harassment and discrimination in the past (Avelenda, 693). NASA as a healthy organization geared towards training personnel for space excellence must also recognize the full potential of allowing people to deal with their emotional problems with the assistance and help of independent human relations services that provide psychological evaluation, treatment and counseling for personnel particularly the ones who are involved in missions. Works Cited Willoughby, Mariano, Cabbage, M., Lundy, S. and Hunt, A. (2007).The Orlando Sentinel. February 7. Avelenda, Saily M. (1998).Comment: Love and Marriage in the American Workplace: Why No-Spouse Policies Don't Work. PA. J. LAB. ; EMP. 691, 693 . United States. NASA. (2006) Astronaut Biography: Lisa Nowak. Accessed : 04 April, 2007 http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/nowak.html Editorial. (2004). Anyone Ever Prepared To Kill? Christian Science Monitor Magazine, September 29. McCurdy, Howard. (1999). Space and the American Imagination, new ed.   Smithsonian. ;

August Wilson and Racism Essay Sample

Ever since the civil war. African Americans have been fighting to keep an equality with everyone else. They weren’t merely contending to sit at a certain topographic point on a coach. or the right to vote. They wanted to be treated like human existences. There were certain people that basic human rights were awarded to at birth. they merely got them. Others. human rights are still being fought for. and it’s a barbarous. bloody battle. Recently. the battles have been a little more subtle-African Americans aren’t contending for their right to travel to the same schools as Whites. but they are still cognizant that are people that don’t think they should hold those rights. Womans are still contending for their right to do every bit much as work forces. Homosexual twosomes are contending tooth and nail for the right to acquire married. It seems. in America. there ever has to be a clip where person is being oppressed. When August Wilson was composing his dramas. he focused on the African American civilization in America. and how they were oppressed. and besides how their civilization was different from the civilization that we’re used to now. Fences follows Troy Maxon. a in-between elderly black adult male. who is married to Rose. and has three kids. each from different adult females. Troy is enraged that. being an African American. he can’t drive the refuse trucks at work-even though he can non read. and doesn’t even hold his driver’s licence. He doesn’t look to be a bad individual. at bosom. He gives Lyons. his boy from his first matrimony. money whenever he asks. but the money does non come without a monetary value. Troy complains to Lyons that he is neer traveling to acquire the money back. although. subsequently on in the drama. we do see Lyons pay his male parent back. His friend. Bono. begins oppugning Troy. because he thinks Troy is holding an matter with Alberta. a adult female from Tallahassee. We shortly find out that Bono’s leery are true-Alberta gets pregnant. and so gives birth to. Troy’s 3rd kid. Raynell. Troy’s dreams were dashed when he was immature. because he went to gaol. and hence wasn’t able to prosecute a calling in baseball. Because his life was. fundamentally. ruined. he turns to believing semblances that he comes up with in his ain caput. He seems to hold given up on his ain life. accepted his destiny and what will neer be. He talks lovingly about what could hold. but in world neer would hold happened to him if he had neer gone to imprison. The one thing that Troy seems to be able to make right is accept duty for things that he has to-he takes attention of his married woman and his childs. even the bastard 1. The reader is forced to hold a love/hate relationship with Troy. He takes attention of his household. yes. but he besides forces them to be responsible. stating his boy Lyons to acquire a ‘real job’ alternatively of being a instrumentalist. and his other boy Corey to give up on seeking to go a football star. but meanwhile. he goes away and has an matter. In The Piano Lesson. a brother and a sister battle over what to make with an old household heirloom. a piano. Boy Willie. the brother. wants to sell it and purchase the land that his household were slaves on. The sister. Bernice. wants to maintain it. The inquiry August Wilson wanted to inquire with this drama was ‘what is your bequest. and what do you desire to make with it? ’ African Americans didn’t have much in the manner of bequests up until late. After they were slaves. it was difficult for them to happen steady occupations and really get anything that they could go forth behind. Two Trains Runing focal points on the migration of inkinesss to up north. There was less blazing racism. yes. but many African Americans weren’t used to populating in metropoliss. much more used to the rural South. As inkinesss moved into the metropoliss. Whites moved out. go forthing vicinities that were bulk black. One ensuing country. called the Hill District. was a culturally active country. A resturant proprietor reminisces about how his resturant used to see much more concern. We find out that his edifice is traveling to be seized by the metropolis. and he is nervous as to what monetary value he’s traveling to acquire for it. Sterling. a immature adult male merely released from gaol. shows exitement over an approaching mass meeting. something that Memphis. the resturant proprietor. is contemptuous about. August Wilson addresses many jobs in these three dramas. but. non merely that. he examines black civilization with a critical oculus. He looks at the jobs in black civilization itself. non merely the jobs in society about black civilization. He doesn’t do his supporters flawless African American work forces. with evil. white scoundrels. Sometimes. the scoundrel is the African American themselves. but. since they are a creative activity of society’s problems. whose mistake is it. truly?