Fieldwork observation report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fieldwork observation report - Essay Example The classroom has four walls with a blackboard. The classroom has mathematics section, writing center and the class schedule. There are also artifacts and that students made displayed in the window. Students also have desks arranged in the middle of the classroom as the teacher’s desk stay next to the blackboard. The teacher does not spend so much time on the board. Instead, the teacher takes most of her time assisting students who seem not to have understood. Both teacher-centered method and learner-centered ones are used in the classroom. For instance, the teacher allows students to work independently as well what the teacher gave them (Bonjour, 2010). The teacher involves at least one student at a time in during class work to attend to students with individual differences. In addition, the teacher uses question and answer method to check mastery. Further, the teacher is female and ensures positive reinforcement of knowledge by praising and rewarding those who perform or behave well in the classroom. The teacher also helps students to develop their motor skills and enhance learner-centered type of instruction when the school exposes learners to experiments. Co-curricular activities are not exception; learners get a five minutes opportunity to play during before resuming class work. There are students with different cultural backgrounds in the school. Some students come from Spanish Americans, others from African American, white Americans while others come from among the American Jews. The school is a private special school located in the Long Island. In the classroom, students mainly depend on working as individuals for class work. The teacher gives them work through PowerPoint presentation of through their computers. The teacher is in charge throughout, provides instructions on what students need to learn. She also commands the learners to possess handouts, workbook, and pencil. The teacher follows up the students

Consumer tastes and habits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Consumer tastes and habits - Essay Example It is important to point out that most of Pierre Bourdieu’s focus was on things that have aesthetic component and the manner in which consumption patterns on such things reflected the class and social class that people want or do not want to associate with (Miles 1998). The concept of social class and status Different fashions adorned by different people are attributed to the certain degree of social class and status that people want to identify with. Upon recognition of this phenomenon, marketing experts wrote numerous articles on the subjects particularly, in the 1950s. Consumer behaviour experts have since recognised the need to pay attention to social classes and status and this is in agreement with numerous research works that have been done on consumer behaviour; there is general agreement that consumer behaviour of different people conforms to their social class. To some extent, consumer behaviour overrides the income levels. This, through research, is demonstrated by t he facts that as people grow older, their income levels increase but in most case, they do not change their social class. There is a tendency for people to maintain their social classes they grow older; they remain within the class and this is a clear demonstration that social classes’ overruns income levels with regard to tastes and preferences. In this regard, social class and status are strongly affected by the values and the lifestyles that people have as opposed to the amount of money or income they get periodically.

Forms and Substance Dualism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Forms and Substance Dualism - Essay Example If, conversely, dualism can be convincingly maintained, then our evidence obtained from studies of the brain would simply not suffice in gaining any form of insight into the human mind. Dualism is a logical necessity: sustained as a question that does not need to be answered as it can be fulfilled a priori, owing to the fact that humans have the ability to seek introspection regularly. (Almog, 129-34) Indeed, we experience the separation between our body and mind, which would support the notion that they are separate entities and empirical evidence is not required to prove such a concept. However, this does not mean that dualistic theory is foolproof: for example, can our experience be enough to prove such a concept Indeed, many philosophers are not in favor of dualistic ontology. The first classical representation of dualism can be recognized in Plato's work; more specifically originating in The Phaedo. Interestingly, in dualism, 'mind' is contrasted with 'body', but in different historical periods, different aspects of the mind have been the center of attention. For example, in the classical period it was the intellect of the mind, which was considered to be the crux of what separated us from the physical. However, from Descartes onwards, the opposition to materialism came from our apparent 'consciousness' and experience of 'sensation'. The emphasis on intellect is certainly echoed in Plato's work: as he believed (as did many other Greeks) that the body was a prison for the intellectual soul. Indeed Plato believed that the true substances are not physical bodies, which are ephemeral, but the eternal Forms of which bodies are imperfect copies. He came up with the idea of a realm of "Forms" and said that intellect was immaterial, for it does not last you, the refore Forms are immaterial, and thus intellect must link to those that it apprehends. He then continued to say that such a link forced the soul to want to leave the body to enter a realm of Forms. In his later writings, The Republic, Plato furthered his ideas on Forms and the soul; he claimed that not only was the soul the true form but belonged to a higher status within reality than the body did, and that the soul was a separate, immortal substance. Plato's study of dualism in The Phaedo was indeed complex, and more a metaphysical study regarding the imprisoned soul. However, it can be seen, especially amongst his writings in The Republic, that Plato was clear on his belief that the body and soul were separate entities, forming the base for philosophical extensions in more recent times. Continuing from Plato, St Thomas Aquinas extended earlier works on dualism in his endeavor to unite philosophy with proof of God. Aquinas agreed with the Aristotelian notion that when the soul entered the body it animated it and gave it life; calling it anima. Moreover according to Aquinas, the soul operates independently of the body and it cannot decay; for only things that can break into parts can decay, Thus, following Aquinas' argument, the soul is able to survive death. He also said that through

Death of a Salesman - Discuss the Importance of Dreams in the Play Essay Example for Free

Death of a Salesman Discuss the Importance of Dreams in the Play Essay The American Dream is strongly linked to a consumer culture and capitalism, and this is the main theme of the play. Dreams are the main structure of the play. Dreams can be many things; they can be divided into two types. They can be your hopes and ambitions, fantasies, hallucinations, and can also the dreams in your subconscious mind whilst you are asleep. The American Dream is what Willy bases his life on. The only way for him is up. Dreams seem to motivate the characters actions, they express and explain their past and present behaviour. The American Dream is the most important part in A Death of a Salesman. Willy strives to achieve for himself and his sons, Biff and Happy, to be rich and successful having money to pay off all the bills and not being in debt is the ideal. The American Dream is literally having the best of everything, owning your own car and land, being popular and having the opportunity and qualifications to be successful. All the way through the play Willy strives for The American Dream. He idolizes two people. His name was Dave Singleman. And he was eighty-four years oldAnd old Dave, hed go up to his room, yunderstand, put on his green velvet slippers-Ill never forget-and pick up his phone and call the buyers, and without leaving his room at eighty-four he, made his living. The other is his elder brother Ben who had found wealth colourfully, romantically, by walking into the jungle and discovering diamonds. To Willy therefore success means two things being rich and being popular. Willy strives to the point of obsession to achieve this end. This obsession of The American Dream pressurises Willy to bring up his sons to think the same and like a tree, the branches representing his sons reach up towards this dream and the subsequent pressure it puts on them. Biff begins to doubt The American Dream when he says its me, Im a bum and Im one dollar an hour. Biff realizes that life is not always happy and sometimes you just have to settle with what you have got. Willy still thinks Biff will actually achieve all the aspects of his dream. Biff tries to tell him Pop! Im a dime a dozen and so are you! Willy responds Im not a dime a dozen I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman! Willy will not accept this and tries to shut and block out what Biff is saying. He cannot work out that there are an exceptional few that achieve the The American Dream. Happy is totally absorbed in his fathers dream, and tries to believe that he will achieve it. Happy tells Biff that he cannot be promoted. All I can do now is wait for the merchandise manager to die. He does not appear to be working for promotion and is stuck in a dead end job. The author uses Bernard, Charleys son as a story contrast to the two Loman brothers. Willy refers to him as an aneamic and says although he gets the best marks at school he is not as popular and does not have the personality of Biff and Happy. But the complete opposite happens when they finish school and get into the big wide world. Bernard becomes part of the Supreme Court. Oh, just a case I got there, Willy. Bernard was a hard working school pupil who seemed to have achieved the dream and also got married and had two children. This proves that popularity and a likeable character is not enough for the American Dream. Both Biff and Happy have many hopes and dreams dominated by their father Willy. Biff tries to fulfill his fathers dreams in the beginning. Well, I spent six or seven years after high-school trying to work myself up. Shopping clerk, salesman, business of one kind or the another. This repeats the theme of the play that one cannot live by anothers dream. What the hell am I doing, playing around with horses, twenty-eight dollars a weekAnd now, I get here, and I dont know what to do with myself. Biff is so confused with life because he was brought up to believe that he should be manager of a big company and will always be rich and successful. He seems to like his job in the open space but thinks that he should be earning more money than he is. Happy is like his brother Biff, lost but in a different way. He is thirty-two and is totally absorbed in his fathers dreams and ambitions. Happy continually boasts about his sex life. About five-hundred women would like to know what was said in this room. he tells Biff. Happys dreams are like his bosses. He should be able to build a large estate and then sell it two months after, because he doesnt like it and then start to build another. The two boys hopes and dreams come from their father. They were brought up to want the very best and are force-fed the wrong hopes and ambitions from childhood. The hopes and dreams that the Loman family have, have affected their lives in many different ways. Biff tries to live up to his fathers expectations but seems to realize that he cannot live other hopes. Happy is the only person with a steady job. Even though he is achieving one part of The American Dream he is lonely and keeps telling Linda and Willy Am gonna get married Pop. He is not content because he still wants everything beyond what his job can provide. He seems to still be absorbed in his father dreams. Willy is all talk and never achieves anything. He blames people for his downfalls in life. The only way he thinks he will resolve all of his problems in life is to commit suicide. Hopes and ambitions are extremely important for the people in the play as they are always striving for success. At the end of the play Biff says at Willys funeral He had the wrong dreams. All, all, wrong. Willy needed to accept that he could not live his dreams and had to settle with what he had and make the best of the situation. Willys memories affect the main structure of the play. There are many types of stagecraft to show the difference between the past and present. Lighting is used in the way that in the present times the stage is very dull and gloomy showing misery and unhappiness. The stage is shown as bright and lively at the points of Willys daydreams and hallucinations of the past. Sounds depend on the mood of the occasion, faint and lifeless sounds seem to be in the background when the play is in the present. The tone of the music changes when Willy goes into the past, it appears chirpy and happy. Clouting plays an important role. The clothing also depended on the mood of the character the colours of the dress indicates what temperament they were in. Willy seems to always be in the past, this is because he feels its a refuge from the life that he is really living in and all the problems in it. The flashbacks Willy gets are all describing what happened in the past and show how the other characters were. I got it, Pop. And remember, pal, when I take of my helmet, that touchdown is for you. Biff tries to impress his father; this shows that Biff was always the centre of his life at this time. These flashbacks show the sides of the characters in the play that we have not seen before. The flashbacks also show the way Willy has brought up his two sons. Willy brings Biff and Happy up in the hope that they will fulfil The American Dream, that popularity and good personalities will get them good jobs. This affects them in later life because they still believe that this doctrine will get those good jobs but it can not. Happy depends on the death of others higher ranked than him for promotion rather than his own skills. The past events are never shown as they actually happened, they are shown the way Willy interprets them. Willy seems to distort the event when Biff finds Willy and The Woman in the bedroom in Brooklyn. He does this to try and block out the bad thoughts, and create a past he can hide in from others. Dreams are so important in the play because they seem to link everything together The American Dream, Hopes and Ambitions and Daydreams, Fantasies and Memories. Throughout this play, Miller is saying to the audience that our society, promotes things to strive for that are way beyond the reaches of that person. Peer pressure is mainly what drives us to want more and the best of everything, getting into debt. Miller says that the characters in the play are affected by the dream, The American Dream. Although the play was written over fifty years ago in 1949, it still has relevance today. In the 1950s, capitalism was taking hold after the Second World War; today commercialism still has a powerful hold in the Western worlds culture. I think Miller is telling us to live our lives according to our own dreams and not others.

The Relationship between Rhetoric and Social Conflict :: essays research papers

The Relationship between Rhetoric and Social Conflict In society there are daily occurrences that happen as a result of rhetoric, which then question and mold our individuality. How we react to these responses define us as a society and can then cause us to have a conflict socially. These occurrences challenge our perceptions allowing us to think independently about each issue. Without the linkage of rhetoric and conflict, we would have a difficult time justifying our understanding of these issues. A reaction to rhetoric can also characterize us from each other in a way that creates a singular identity. This individuality combined with the identities of others, make up our community and allow rhetoric and conflict to occur almost naturally. To further explain why rhetoric and conflict are so important we must understand the importance of this issue, in trying to relate everyday activities as examples of rhetoric and conflict. Our Society creates certain rhetorical ideologies, which are contained in social institutions, such as churches, communities, or clubs, in which conformity is a must. These ideologies bring people together to stand behind a common interest and fight for their own beliefs, morals, and values. It is when these social institutions collide with each other that social conflict is formed and problems arise. In order to understand the relationship between rhetoric and social conflict one must be able to define these terms adequately. Rhetoric is the ability to use words effectively in order to receive a response that is either positive or negative. To create a positive response, a person might appeal to the emotions of another who is sympathetic to the situation or who is currently involved with the same experience. They may use familiar experiences and memories to help the response take its shape. An example of this would be in the article ' The Cigarette as Representational Ideograph in the Debate over Environmental Tobacco Smoke'; by Mark Moore. Moore describes both sides of this controversy of smoker and antismoker rights, but when reading this article both sides are conformed to their own beliefs and support them quite well. 'Smokers discuss their rights as an American and their right to liberty, while anti-smoking activists talk about the hazards of second hand smoke discovered by scientific knowledge'; (Moore 48). The ideas of both sides make up an ideology, which is expressed over and over again through their justifications. Only a smoker can sympathize with a fellow smoker when explaining the right to be able to smoke in public.

Book Reviews Essay

1. To what does the title of the book refer? Having a detailed and well-constructed setting in Packingtown, Chicago, Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle can easily be mistaken as a story that has its central on the setting. Therefore, it is but natural to point out that the title is referring to Packingtown itself. Reading thoroughly into the book, though, one is led to realize that the jungle actually refers to something larger than just the city where the story happens. Aside from a vivid description of the setting, which greatly resembles the darkness and gloominess of the jungle, a reader has to note what the characters in the story have to go through. The novel depicts scenes where characters do everything in their power to survive the cut-throat environment in which they live in. These scenes point to what the title actually refers to: the concept of survival of the fittest. Much as the most cunning animals in the jungle are those who survive, The Jungle reflects that those who are devious reign supreme. 2. What is the main point(s) of the book? Why did the author write it? Did the author achieve his objective? Upton Sinclair wanted to reveal the evils of the meat-packing industry during his time. But more than just wanting to abolish the barbarity of the meat industry, Upton Sinclair wanted to take a jab at the evils of capitalism and the meat industry was just a start for him. Being a socialist, the author wanted to show how capitalism is detrimental to the poor as it only makes the rich richer. Though Sinclair was not totally successful in abandoning capitalism, he was, at the very least, successful in urging the government to take a look at the meat-packing industry and take steps in bettering the said industry. To date, The Jungle remains one of the most influential books in American history. 3. When was the book written? Is that relevant in this case? The novel was written in 1906, which holds significance as to why the story was written. The setting depicted in the novel is one that Upton Sinclair has experienced, urging him to write the book. 4. What do you know about the life of the author that would have led him to write The Jungle? Upton Sinclair was born to a family who once enjoyed aristocratic status but was thrown into the binge of poverty towards the end of the 1870’s. Growing up in a poor environment and hearing stories of the rich lifestyle from his once wealthy grandparents had its mark on young Sinclair. This contrast between the rich and the poor greatly affected his writings. Aside from this, though, something that led him to write The Jungle was the introduction to the socialist philosophy during his college years. Not only did the philosophy instill the principles that were apparent in The Jungle, it literally pushed Upton Sinclair into the industry he represented in the novel. Being an avid fan of socialism, the author became a writer for a socialist paper that sent him to investigate the lives of stockyard workers – those working in the meatpacking industry included. 5. How well does The Jungle reflect political, urban, business and immigrant life in America in the early twentieth century? Do you think it is an accurate reflection? Why or why not? Upton Sinclair is often criticized for his tendency to exaggerate; hence, it can be assumed that his portrayal of what was happening in the meat-packing industry is sort of larger-than-life. Assuming that this is true, one can still not deny that The Jungle still is a reflection of the political, urban, business and immigrant life in America during the early twentieth century. Despite whatever embellishments were written in The Jungle, Upton Sinclair still truthfully revealed the atrocities regarding the capitalist society – how the immigrants have to fight for their lives in order to ensure survival in the city and how the authorities turn a blind eye to industries that have the capacity to â€Å"pay†. 6. What were the problems immigrants faced at the turn of the twentieth century? Are those problems still evident? How or how not is that the case? That is, what has changed or not changed in the last hundred years for immigrants? The face of immigration in the United States has changed several times in the past decade. Towards the end of the 19th and during the earlier parts of the 20th centuries, immigrants faced numerous kinds of discrimination. Coming to America under circumstances where the country was riddled with poverty, crime, and disease, the immigrants in this period were feared and ridiculed. They were seen by the majority as the source of everything bad in American society during that period. Also, the growing number of immigrants has led the U. S. government to take some steps to curb the entrance of more people into U. S. shores. Positive changes have occurred for immigrants as well. The quotas were eventually removed, welcoming more immigrants to fulfill their â€Å"American† dream. Also, the concept of white ethnicity shifted from scientific evidence to common knowledge – making race dependent on social boundaries rather than scientific definitions. 8. What did you like most and least about the book? I could have done without the overly vivid depictions of the meat-packing industry, though I also have to admit that it was those depictions that made the novel deliver an effective message. The fact that the book spoke truthfully of the anomalies in the food industry and urged changes that up to now I am benefitting from is what I loved most about it. Rarely do we come across a literary piece that affects lives as much. 9. What was the most important and/or interesting thing(s) you learned from reading the book? The most important thing I learned from the book is the beauty of socialism and an appreciation for the kind of capitalism that America has at the moment. I also found it interesting how a literary fiction greatly affected one aspect of corruption in the country. 10. Are there any other comments you would like to make that were not addressed above? Whether or not socialism would have been a better system for the United States is something that we all have to just imagine. I guess despite the evils that capitalism may present, one cannot deny that capitalism is not such a bad thing, considering how much growth it has brought to this country. We all just have to be wary of possible corruptions and act upon these when spotted. QUESTIONS FOR GRAPES OF WRATH 1. Who was John Steinbeck? Why did he write his book? What was there in the author’s background or the time period of the book’s writing that might have led him to write the book? Living in California most of his life (with just a brief stay in New York), John Steinbeck has been exposed to the events that went down in Californian history. Grapes of Wrath was a direct result of the happenings that transpired in America during the 1930’s. With the Great Depression dawning over the â€Å"Dust Bowl† states of Oklahoma and Texas, many of the farmers migrated to California. Steinbeck was a witness as to how California became crowded, making job and food scarce for the migrant farmers who became known as ‘Okies’. 3. What is the time period of the book’s action? The book’s action occurs mostly in the 1930’s – mostly 1930’s when the migration of the ‘Okies’ to California and when the discrimination occurred. 4. What were the attractions of California? Are there any parallels today? California was seen as the ‘salvation’ of the Okies farmers. It was a land that promised fertile lands which equated to jobs. Though California is no longer the agricultural land that it once was, it still is a refuge for people who want to get good employment. Instead of lands to till, California offers movie studios that equate to jobs for aspiring actors and actresses. 5. What was the opposition to the Okies? Was any of it valid? The ‘local’ Californians were greatly opposed to the Okies because they saw the migrants as threats wanting to take over the land as they once had over the Mexicans. Though total land domination was not what the Okies intended, 6. When was the book written? Why is that relevant? First published in 1939, Grapes of Wrath was penned in 1938. The time period is relevant as it tells a lot as to why Steinbeck chose the subject matter for the novel. 7. To what does the title of the book refer? Grapes of Wrath refers to the fruits of wrath. John Steinbeck wants to communicate the good thing about maintaining a sense of anger towards people who intend to clip your wings or who attempt to trample your dignity. There’s this line in the novel that clearly depicts this: â€Å"as long as fear turn to wrath† – when fear turns to wrath, self-respect is maintained. 9. How well did the book expose what some would call the social ills of the nation? Many have criticized the book to be merely a sentiment rather than a true exposure of the social ills of America during the time of its publication. However, its continuing popularity to date – not just with casual readers but with students as well – reflects just how effective Steinbeck was in exposing the ills of society. Even though the story was something central to the setting, the morals and themes exposed still rings true at present times, making Grapes of Wrath a truly classic story. 10. Do you think the book is an accurate reflection of America at that time? Why or why not? I guess even with the contention from some Americans, Grapes of Wrath is an accurate reflection of 1930’s America. With the Great Depression dawning over America, one cannot blame the people for being selfish and doubtful of other people. And though Steinbeck’s novel is considered fiction, the stories depicted in it are those that have been painted in history books as well. 11. What have been some of the racial criticisms of Steinbeck? Why? In this novel, John Steinbeck focuses on â€Å"white† racism. He mostly deals with a rich white to poor white discrimination. He wanted to paint the discrepancy between the rich and poor at that time. Though he also touched on discrimination of the black Americans in Chapter 19, â€Å"Why, Jesus, they’re as dangerous as niggers in the South! If they ever get together there ain’t nothin’ that’ll stop ’em. † Steinbeck wanted to reiterate the fact that racism exists and that it is still an issue Americans have to address. 12. What does the book say about the state of socialism or communism in America at that time? What are the author’s greatest criticisms of capitalism? Are they valid? Explain. John Steinbeck portrayed America in a state of unrestricted capitalism. His greatest critique of this kind of philosophy is that the â€Å"haves† continually drive the â€Å"have nots† into extreme poverty. Because of inconsideration and a desire to constantly acquire more wealth, the landowners and bank people deprive the small landowners and share-croppers of the basic needs of survival, such as the case with oranges being spilled with kerosene. Basing on accounts of the Great Depression, one can say that Steinbeck did paint a realistic picture. Given that, one can say that his criticisms are valid in that they needed attention from the people and action towards change. 13. If the author’s points are valid regarding problems depicted in the book, then why weren’t there more violent uprisings? Violent uprisings were not possible given the fact that most of the poor people have survival as their primary concern. With families starving, small landowners and share-croppers worry more about where their next meal will come from rather than how they can better their lives through insurgency. 14. Do you think Steinbeck supported or rejected the New Deal? Explain. Explain what the book has to say about the effects of technology, both negative and positive. Though the ending of Grapes of Wrath shadows Steinbeck’s belief that communism may be a better way of living (the breastfeeding scene tells that sharing of resources is a better option as compared to capitalism), I think Steinbeck may have accepted the New Deal in that it aimed to put a control over capitalism. 15. How did the philosophy of Jim Casey, who some critics say embodied the ideas of Steinbeck more than any other character, fit the philosophy of the New Deal? Jim Casey was the voice of reason in Grapes of Wrath. His philosophy meshes well with the New Deal as it speaks of how Steinbeck wanted ‘structure’ in the capitalism ruling over America. New Deal streamlines programs that will attempt at balancing the scale that at that time favors the rich and tip it to favor the oppressed. 16. What did you like most and least about the book? Steinbeck’s novel had too many characters that one needs to keep track of. However, his point of view and manner of narration was effective, making one crave for the pages to come. 17. What was the most important and/or interesting thing(s) you learned from reading the book? Much like Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, The Grapes of Wrath makes one see into commercialism as not entirely the evil that everyone may lead to believe. Proper control of the businesses and willingness in everyone to help each other out is just what we need to make capitalism work and to have it fair for all involved. 18. Why did some Americans not like the book? Some, if not most, Californians and Oklahomans at the time of publication did not appreciate Grapes of Wrath because of the thinking that they were poorly – if not wrongly – represented in the novel. They argue that the books’ depiction of the events were not true to life. 20. Are there any points you would have liked to see developed more in the book? I would have liked to see more of what kind of steps Steinbeck wanted America to partake. It would have been a more effective read had there been more suggestions as to what the citizens or government needed to do to alleviate poverty. 21. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? I would certainly recommend this book to others because I enjoyed reading it. It gave me a look into American history that I never would want to be repeated in present times. Given this, it made me realize what I need to do to prevent history from repeating itself. 22. Are there any other points you would like to make that were not addressed above? I guess all points have been discussed in the above questions. QUESTIONS FOR IN RETROSPECT, The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam 1. Who was Robert McNamara? Why did he write his book? Robert McNamara was the United States’ 8th Secretary of Defense. The book IN RETROSPECT: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam was born out of his experiences as the Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. 2. What are topics covered in the book? What is the book’s time period? Why? After a brief autobiography of his life up to the point when he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara went on to discuss everything he knew about the Vietnam War. In each chapter, he outlined how America came to a point of deep involvement with South Vietnam’s fight against succumbing to communism. He detailed JFK’s decisions and on to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s plans on Vietnam. Since this is mostly about the Vietnam War, the book covers the 1960’s. 3. What were the arguments for staying in Vietnam during the 1950s and ‘60s? JFK’s reason for involvement in Vietnam is containment, suppressing communism and ensuring American influence in Asia. When JFK started to withdraw U. S. troops in Vietnam, he was shortly assassinated. When LBJ took over, U. S. troops were still highly visible in Vietnam. On top of pressure for more military support, LBJ’s reason was that he wanted to retaliate for attacks on the American presence in Vietnam. 4. What does McNamara say are the false assumptions the U. S. had about the Vietnam War in the early and mid 1960s? Being a strong to reckon with, America has falsely assumed that it can – single-handedly – prevent communism and help South Vietnam fight off the force of the North. What America failed to see was that it needed the support of other nations regarding the causes being fought in the Vietnam War. Also, America thought South Vietnam needed Americans to fight their war when in fact all they would have needed was mere aid. 5. Why did the U. S. escalate the war in the mid 1960s? The attacks on the U. S. troops at the Tonkin Gulf led to the escalation of the war in 1965. 6. What does McNamara say were some of the basic questions we failed to ask and answer before committing U. S. forces in Vietnam? McNamara listed the following basic questions that we failed to ask ourselves before involving ourselves deeper into the Vietnam War: (a) Was it true that the fall of South Vietnam would trigger the fall of all Southeast Asia? (b) Would that constitute a grave threat to the West’s security? (c) What kind of war — conventional or guerrilla — might develop? (d) Could we win it with US troops fighting alongside the South Vietnamese? And (d) Should we not know the answers to these questions before deciding whether to commit troops? 7. Why does McNamara feel that a greater U. S. military effort in Vietnam would have been disastrous? McNamara felt that escalating war in Vietnam will have its grave effects mostly because the effort will not be something that the Congress has agreed upon, leading to unrest from the American people. Also, the fact that America has failed to answer the â€Å"five basic questions† prove that America really is yet unready to take things a step further in Vietnam. 8. Are there any lessons from the Vietnam War that might have significance for America’s current policy in Iraq? Though unified agreement on a looming war is impossible, America should have learned from Vietnam the lesson that the nation needs to be unified in the causes of a war. Also, America should wholly ready in facing any impending war instead of making head-on collisions without any preparations. 10. What is the most important thing you learned from the book? The book taught me about a period in my country’s time that I was not able to bear witness to. It made me understand as to why Americans had the sentiments about Vietnam and why the same sentiments are being applied to Iraq. 11. Did you like the book? Why or why not? Though the book was a historical account rather than a fictional stab at past events like the books above, I did enjoy reading it. It also made me look into events that have unfolded as of late. 12. What sources did the author use to make his points? McNamara pointed to his own experiences to drive his point. 13. Does the author achieve what he set out to do? I think Robert McNamara was fairly effective in opening the eyes of the nation to the truths about the Vietnam War. The objective was achieved because for the first time, Americans were able to get a perspective from an insider. It was a relief to actually get an admission of the mistakes of the Vietnam War straight from the â€Å"author of the Vietnam War† himself. 14. Are there any points you would have liked to see developed in the book more? I guess the book pretty much covered all bases, especially since we were getting an â€Å"insider’s perspective†. 15. What have you learned from reading this book? I have learned that by looking deep into the inner workings of the Vietnam War will prevent America from making the same mistakes over again. Also, I learned that a deliberation of the nation’s actions will yield better results than making hurried decisions. 16. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? To any American who cares to have a glimpse of one of the most eventful periods of America, I will recommend this book because this is a really good insight to the Vietnam War. Also a lot of lessons can be learned from it. 17. Are there any other comments you would like to make that were not addressed above? None, everything has been said above. QUESTIONS FOR THE KITE RUNNER 1. What is the time frame and location of the book? Kite Runner takes us to Afghanistan during the last days of monarchy (1973) into recent times. We also get glimpses of America but the story mostly occurs in Afghanistan. 2. What did you learn about the history of Afghanistan from reading the book? Afghanistan’s history is very much described by socioeconomic class, with the lower classes having little to almost no hope of moving up the ladder. Discrimination was central to the poor and this discrimination led to uprisings and upheaval of monarchy. I have also learned how the history of Afghanistan was riddled with a lot of turmoil such as civil war and the Soviet invasion. I also got a glimpse of how the Talibans started to try and take control. 3. What did you learn about the Cold War? The Cold War left Afghan in a more turbulent state, having been in the center of two superpowers’ desire to take over. Having acquired help from Soviet Union, Afghanistan became sort of a target for the U. S. , who saw an opportunity to bring down the communist country. 4. What did you learn about the immigrant experience from reading the book? Did it support or change your views about immigrants? The book supported my view about immigrants. Immigrants are not entirely a trouble to a country, as one may have been led to believe by previous media works. Immigrants, who have as much difficulty leaving their homelands as settling in a new place, can actually contribute something good to the country. Amir, in one hand, lived in America righteously. 5. What part of the book was the most memorable or meaningful to you? For me, the part where Amir tells Sohrab about his father Hassan is the most memorable part of the book. Not only was it emotionally-laden but any child who has had a good relationship with his/her father can relate to it. It proves that bonds within families are the most important of all. 6. Farid (Amir’s driver) tells Amir that Amir has always been a tourist in Afghanistan – he just didn’t know it (page 323). Do you agree or not? Why? Do you think it’s true for you in your country? I do agree with what Farid told Amir. Amir’s story is not a story that tells what a normal Afghan will go through during the time of the story’s writing. Amir was born of money, something that only a few Afghans have the privilege of having. I don’t think I am like Amir though, because my lifestyle and family stature are what one can describe as being in the middle spectrum of American society. 7. What did you learn about Afghanistan and the Middle East from reading this novel? I learned that the turbulences that we hear in the news of Afghanistan and the Middle East are something that has deep roots in the nations’ histories. 9. Were you surprised to read about the racial tension between the Pashtuns and Hazaras? Why do you think the oppression existed? Does it have parallels in America? I guess I can say that I was surprised to read about the racial tension between Pashtuns and Hazaras. I think the oppression came from the fact that the majority group (Pashtuns) wanted to eliminate the minority (Hazaras). This was mainly because they had different beliefs and they wanted one belief to reign supreme. Though in present-day America, this kind of oppression no longer exists, one can recall the kind of racial tension during the American Civil War. 10. Did the end of the book express hope for the future? Why or why not? The ending, for me, presented a lot of hope as I think Sohrab’s little smile is a step towards achieving better things not only for Sohrab himself but for Afghanistan and the Afghanis. Amir allowing a link of the past and the present and a reversal of roles symbolizes the fact that if one is willing to give way, things will eventually be better. 11. How did the book get its title? Who was the kite runner? The original kite runner was Hassan. The act of flying a kite expresses â€Å"controlled† freedom as flight is controlled by that string that binds it. 12. What did you like most and least about the book? The book was generally a sad one, painting stories that are almost heart-wrenching. But since it was a book that presents hope and is a book that has great potential to move people into action, I loved reading it. 13. Why did Baba like Ronald Reagan? Why do you think the neighbors disliked the president? Known for his acceptance of immigration, it was but natural that Baba liked Ronald Reagan. The neighbors, though, disliked the president because he was known to have passed policies that sank America into greater poverty. Baba’s neighbors blamed the president for the oppressed state they were in. 14. Who are the Taliban and how are they portrayed in the book? Do you think the portrayal is accurate? The Talibans were portrayed as the â€Å"bad people†, being shown to do random killings and unjust executions. If one is to believe the things being aired in the news, one can say that the portrayal was accurate. Given that the story was written by an Afghan, one may also assume that the portrayal can only ring the truth. 15. The book talks a lot about courage. Cite some examples of how courage was displayed. Who do you think was the most courageous character? I think the most courageous character was Hassan. His acts of covering up for Amir and standing up against the Talibans are prime examples of courage. 16. With which character did you feel the greatest attachment? Why? I had the greatest attachment to Hassan. He was a real friend and a real admirable character, making him someone that people easily want to know. Please let me know if you have any further question.

Hk and Mainland Chinese Generation Changes

HK and Mainland Chinese Generation Changes Introduction: Since Hong Kong return to China, there always have some comparison between Hong Kong and Mainland China. In this essay, I would like to talk about the generation changes in both Hong Kong and Mainland China and make the comparison. HK: (1976~1990) Historical background: The fourth generation of Hong Kongers is the children of the second generation, they live in plenty and unlikely to worry about their conditions. Growth environment and current situation of the fourth generation: They growth up in affluent circumstances, but this kind of environment is not equal to happiness.They need to face the competition earlier than their parents, grandparents. What is it like to be a good fourth generation of Hongkongais? He/she need do much better than others even form kindergarten, because there is no circumstance for the late developers. The loser will be wash out by the society. The difference between the fourth generation and previous generation is they always under surveillance from their parents. The second generation comes through the spoon-fed education, so they do not want their children come through again.But on the other hand, they still want their children can well prepare for the competition. Therefore, they show too much attention to their children. Lui Tai-lok said, to the fourth generation, personality is a luxury. They really hardly to find their own personalities. For example, we blindly denounce CantoPop for Euro-American pop; and blindly loves the film by a Western director – any Western director; and blindly denounce packaged tour to Japan for a shopping trip organized ourselves; and blindly denounce our ellow shoppers, our fellow schoolmates, our fellow CantoPop fans, and our fellow quantitatively-manufactured fourth generation Hongkongais, by means of using different goods and products, instead of having different mind-set. Besides, we seldom have chances to present our opinions. The ad ult always make the conclusion replace the fourth generations. They think they have more social activities than us; their decision must be more perfect than us. Under that social environment, it is really hard in finding personality. China: (1979~1990) Historical background:This generation called â€Å"little emperors† was born after 1979 when China began to promote the one-child family planning policy. Also, it was a period that â€Å"Culture Revolution† ended and â€Å"reform and opening up policy† started. Chinese economic start taken-off. Growth environment and current situation of the â€Å"little emperors†: Under the â€Å"one-child† policy in Mainland China, which was implemented in the late 1970s, instigated a new phenomenon in families: 4-2-1, which means four grandparents, two parents to bring up the only child in the family, and this is the standard family structure for â€Å"little emperors†.This generation called â€Å"litter e mperors† that is spoiled by eldership and they are the center in the whole family. They can get whatever he likes and avoid whatever he dislikes.? It has been a common practice that the parents have to obey their child’s â€Å"order†.? As a result, the spoiled child becomes the â€Å"little emperor† who rules the whole family. That gives them a sense of self importance and entitlement, which is the origin of the term â€Å"little emperor†. Also they are the crucial market vanguard that they can increase Chinese economic clout and lead to enhanced spending power.The first generation of little emperors are now in their twenties, so the self-indulgent consumerism has expanded from children's products into luxury goods, and this has been a driving force behind the rapid expansion of the luxury goods industry in recent years. From a young age, parents want to let their single children to be the best in their classes. Even toys, games, DVDs, video games a nd TV shows are more likely to be marketable if they have an educational edge. On the other hand, the little emperors have become the conduit to come true all their families hope and dreams.Some of them are the rebel against to the social rule. Since they were young, they are force-fed to study hard and education by rote memorization. The sentence â€Å"good good study, day day up†, which said by Chairman Mao Zedong is be hung on the wall in each of the classroom. Their parents impose their own dream and interests to them. Therefore, make them disgusted with what parents said, they want to be difference with the previous generation, contend for their own fate. Han Han’s phenomenon† is such an educational phenomenon, but also a phenomenon of a diverse value orientation culture and dare to rebel and innovative social. â€Å"Han Han’s phenomenon† is named from Han Han, who is a professional rally driver, blogger, writer and singer and he is also involv ed in music production. He is really an inferior student when he was in school because he cannot get high grades in exam. In his first year of high school, he won the first prize in China's New Concept Writing Competition with his essay on the Chinese national character.But he fell seven subjects at the year-end examination. This incident was reported in the media and ignited a heated debate on China's â€Å"quality education† policy, whether holistic or specialized learning should be implemented in schools, and other educational issues. Han Han quit school in the senior middle school 2nd year, and worked on a series of essays, which always occupy the highest Sales Volume. Besides, he is one of the best rally drivers in China. Han Han is good at almost everything except study.Han Han’s phenomenon became a hot issue and cause controversy between some public characters. The traditional view and standard of an all-around person are queried. Also, the bad impression to thi s generation is changed. They are not merely â€Å"little emperors†, but also can be the strong people in life. They are generally called â€Å"after-eighty generation†, because most of them were born after 1980. But several pundits would like to call them as â€Å"the Beat Generation† as they know only comfort and ease; they cannot responsible to the society.Therefore, they are the most controversial and special generation during the Chinese history. Similarities of the fourth generation in HK and Mainland China: Either fourth generation or â€Å"little emperors†, they are both under the surveillance from their parents, they have high ambitions to come true their own dream rather than their parents’ dream. Dissimilarities of the fourth generation in HK and Mainland China: For â€Å"little emperors†, only part of them wants to contend for their own fate, the person who does not want to establish their own life, they can live with parents coz ily.But for the fourth generation, they have to compete with others, because the main trend is powerful to persuade them walk on the road which adults believed. Therefore, the fourth generation in Hong Kong misses the first and second generations simply because they have the knowledge and ability like the fourth generation, plus they have the dream, the commitment, the passion and the willingness to give their dreams the highest priority, and many great values that were not discarded. Conclusion:Whatever the fourth generation or the â€Å"little emperors†, both of them have the highest profile, they have to face the pressure from the previous generation, so that they should make more effort on increasing their value of life.Reference:http://zh-yue. wikipedia. org/wiki/%E5%9B%9B%E4%BB%A3%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E4%BA%BA Lui Tai-lok , 2007 Deane, Daniela, One world, Many cultures. 7th edition. 2009 Stanat, Michael. China’s GenarationY.