Buddhist funerals Essay Example

Buddhist funerals Essay Example Buddhist funerals Paper Buddhist funerals Paper Funerals vary from culture to culture; some are simple and quite, whilst others are loud including partys, celebrating life and death. However for Buddhist a funeral is usually a simple and private affair. There are many different types of Buddhist communities, and each one holds a different type of funeral, from a cremation, to a sky burial. Some of the main Buddhist communities are the Theravada Buddhists, the Tibetan Buddhists and the Mahayana Buddhists, each of them holding a different style of ceremony. The Theravada Buddhists who mainly live in Thailand, encourage a dying person to read or chant passages from the Suttas, they do this to try and improve their Karma as they are very close to the time of their re-birth. After the death, the relatives, pour water over a hand of their dead family member, the body is then placed in a coffin. However he or she is not then just shut away in the dark, the body is surrounded by lights and incense, and sometimes passages from the Abhidhamma will be read over the body, by Bhikkuss. Traditionally the bodies are cremated, as was the Buddha. In Theravada Buddhist communities the cremation usually takes place about three days after the death, until his point the body lays in the home, visited by friends and family, and then at night some one would watch over the body. On the day of the funeral, the body is carried by the community elders, and Bhikkus, at the place of cremation the Bhikkus chant passages from the Suttas as the coffin is being placed upon a pyre, the mourners then light a fire under it, they usually then throw incense into the flame. The Tibetan Buddhists traditionally read the Bardo Thodol to the dying to prepare them for the passage into their next life. Monks carry on saying the Bardo Thodol for 49 days after the death to help the Anatta on its way. In the Tibetan Buddhists views they traditionally cremate the body of the dead like the Theravada Buddhists, however as the Tibetan Buddhists are based in countries with usually scarce amounts of fuel, and wood so the body is given a Sky Burial. Three days after the death, the body is washed and put into the foetal position so that it leaves the world as it arrived; it is then wrapped in a white cloth, the white representing purity. It is the taken to a top of a hill, an area walled off which is usually near a monastery. As the body is taken the monks would chant, and the body would be disposed off at dawn. For a sky burial the body is then unwrapped and a body-breaker craves the body into pieces, then it is mixed with flour, this will act as food for the Vultures. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the body is then taken to Bardo. Bardo is believed to be A human soul between the stages of after-death and rebirth. (1) The Mahayana Buddhists are mainly based in China, the day of the death is very important to them, they believe that as soon as the body is taken the personality goes into a trance for four days in the trance the person does not know if he or she is alive or dead, the Mahayana Buddhists call this period the Bardo, and though out this period monks say special verses. Some of the most important readings that are recited are the Amitabha Sutra and the name of Amitabha. The Mahayana Buddhists also believe that during this period the dead person will see a brilliant light, if it does not scare them, and they can welcome it then they no longer need to be re-born, however most people run away from the light which then fades. The person then relieves that that they have died, and enter the second Bardo, they see everything that they have ever done, or thought. They also think that they have a body, they later relies that they do not, and enter the third Bardo, which is a state in which they search for a another body. * ways morning periods observed * prayers * offerings Buddhist believe in Karma; Karma is everything that you have ever done I your whole life, added up when you die and then weighed. If you have more good Karma then bad Buddhists believe that in your next life you will have a better life then the one that you just lived, how ever if you have more bad Karma then good karma you will be re-born in to a worse life. How great you life can be judged on many points, your family, friends, how wealthy you are, any disabilities, your home, some Buddhists even say that it can determine how pretty you are when you are re-born. This is all decided when you die and enter the second stage of Bardo; Bardo is a place between death and being re-born. Most Buddhist are believed to just be re-born, however there are Buddhists that have reached the end of being re-born, and karma, they enter Nirvana, enlightenment, which is the ultimate aim for all Buddhists. This teaches Buddhists that their lives are in their hands, they can improve it or not. So, Buddhists try to make as much good karma as they can, to reach enlightenment. They do this by following the 10 precepts, which consist of, not killing or harming any living thing, not stealing, not to misuse sex, not to lie and not to cloud the mind with alcohol or drugs, a Buddhists mind should at all times be clear so they can concentrate on reaching enlightenment. The other 5 precepts are not quite as widely practiced, it is usually monks that practice these continually, but are still very important. They are to refrain from eating after midday, to refrain from dancing, singing, or watching unsuitable entertainment. They should also try not to use scents or garlands, they should not sleep on a high or luxurious bed, and they should not touch gold, silver or handle money. Another way Buddhists can reach enlightenment is by following the 8 fold path, the 8fold path has three sections, the way of wisdom, the way of morality and the way of mental training. The way of wisdom teaches Buddhists a true insight and deep understanding of lie. (3) The way of morality teaches them how to behave towards other people and the environment. (3) Whist the way of mental training teaches them the spiritual practices that the Buddha can perform in order to reach Nibbana. (3) Under these headings they have the 8 points of the 8 fold path that they must follow, they are having the right view, the right intentions, the right speech, the right action, the right livelihood, the right effort, the right meditation and the right mindfulness. If a Buddhist follows the rules of the 8 Fold Path, then he is on his way to making himself a better Buddhist, not only this, but the more he or she practices the 8 Fold Path the closer they get to reaching enlightenment which is their ultimate aim. By following these rules, they allow them selves to enter a state of mind, which Makes the mind still and steady opens vast vistas of bliss, serenity and power, and helps them to generate the insights unveiling the ultimate truth of things. (2). Red: Wisdom Training. Right View, understanding the 4 Noble Truths, and understanding Karma. Right Intentions, having Good Will (Metta) and Harmlessness. Blue: Ethics Training. Right Speech, not harsh, rude, false, slander, or idle chit-chatter. Right Action, not killing anything alive, stealing, or sexual misconduct. Right Livelihood earning your living legally, honestly, peacefully, and without harm. Purple: Meditation Training. Right Effort in path of enlightenment, and the undertaking of the great endeavors. Right Concentration/ Meditation, opening your mind, being calm and in control. Right Mindfulness, not being lazy, mindful contemplation of the body, feelings, states of mind, and phenomena.

Are Concerns over Immigration to Do with Culture of Economic Reasons Essay Example for Free

Are Concerns over Immigration to Do with Culture of Economic Reasons Essay Almost all economists are in agreement that immigration has positive economic effects. Indeed in the United States it â€Å"provides natives with a net benefit of at least $80,000 per immigrant, or as much as $10 billion annually† (Bolin, 2006). However despite this there are huge numbers of advocacy groups pushing the pros and cons immigration to the populations of the host countries, with natives having negative views towards immigration (McLaren & Johnson, 2007). Through the course of this essay I will examine whether the root cause of these often xenophobic views towards immigration have root causes in economic reasons (immigrants taking jobs from natives, and leading to lower wages) or symbolic reasons, where the natives are fearful that the immigrants will bring their culture to the host country and cause change. Enoch Powell, the Conservative British politician, gave a warning that immigrants were causing such strife that â€Å"like the Roman, I seem to see the River Tiber foaming with much blood† (Powell, 1969). This turned out to be nonsense, and his advice that immigrants should be encouraged to leave, would have left Britain, and many other countries that rely on cheap foreign labour in a horrific state of affairs. Immigrants are now taking far longer to integrate into their host country and this is upsetting many natives. â€Å"In the past a third-generation migrant, for example in America, would have been expected to have shed much of his grandparents’ identity† (The Economist, 2008), not speaking his mother tongue and having little loyalty to the country his family originated from. This is changing â€Å"as migrants feel loyalty to more than one country† (The Economist, 2008). For example, Moroccans in Europe, even fourth generation, are encouraged by the Government to identify with the African country, and are granted Moroccan citizenship under the constitution. As many source countries such as India and China grow intent on gaining remittances from their emigres, â€Å"migrants even several generations on may come under great pressure to retain some of their old identity† (The Economist, 2008). This can all lead to immigrants never becoming fully integrated into the host country, causing social problems such as immigrants bunching together in the same place. Due to globalisation and time-space compression, it has become far easier for migrants to emigrate further away from their own country, this causes problems as they subsequently have little in common with their host country and find it harder to integrate into the community. Traveling long distances to emigrate is no longer a problem and in the future there will be the problem of â€Å"people moving greater distances and settling among different ethnic, religious and cultural groups† (The Economist, 2008), meaning they will have problems integrating. â€Å"Danes in Sweden or Albanians in Greece have little trouble integrating into the relatively familiar societies next door. Even Poles in Ireland prosper, perhaps thanks to the incomers’ good standard of education and skill and the shared Catholic faith. But Iraqis in Sweden, Somalis in Canada or Pakistanis in Norway typically find integration harder† (The Economist, 2008). Samuel Huntington blames this on the â€Å"great divisions among humankind† (Huntington, 1993) that are the differences between civilisations. He believes that immigration will ‘intensify civilization consciousness and awareness of differences between civilizations and commonalities within civilizations’ (Huntington, 1993). This leads to a ‘them versus us’ attitude, with the natives having the xenophobic view that the immigrants are qualitatively different from themselves. As the natives of the host country would have spent time constructing â€Å"discursive practices that attempt to fix meanings which enable the differentiation between the inside and the outside to be made† (Doty, 1996), they will resent immigrants not properly integrating themselves into the community. Research on social identity appears to conclude that identity is highly important to individuals, with individuals protecting these identities even if they have no realistic meaning (Monroe, et al. , 2000). People use these identities to provide a sense of self (Sniderman, et al. 2004), partly in order that they may distinguish between those similar to themselves and those different. The ‘identities tend to have their basis in perceptions of differences’ (McLaren & Johnson, 2007)with those viewed as outsiders thought to have radically different values and approaches to life. â€Å"The threat posed by minorities and immigrants may be symbolic in nature and may stem from concerns about the loss of certain values or ways of life† (McLaren & Johnson, 2007), due to immigrants having a significant presence in the host country. Immigrants also often congregate in areas of the host country, London for example has a huge immigrant and minority presence with only 44. 9% classing themselves as ‘White British’ (Gye, 2012), in the 2011 census. This all means that natives are fearful that immigrants will cause them to adapt or change their ways of life. Migrants who preserve â€Å"a strong religious sense that cuts across any national loyalty may be the hardest of all to assimilate into broadly secular Western societies†. In the post-9/11 world Muslims are often seen as being the greatest cultural threat to Western societies. In a recent survey McLaren and Johnson measured anti-Muslim feeling in the United Kingdom. They found that 62% of people agreed with the statement that British Muslims are more loyal to Muslims around the world, than to other Britons, only 12% disagreed. Only 30% of Britons felt that Muslims living in Britain were committed to Britain, with 47% feeling that they could never be committed to Britain. 52% of people thought that Britain would begin to lose its identity if more Muslims came to live there. Clearly there is considerable anti-Muslim feeling in Britain and concern that British-Muslims pose a threat to the identity and culture of Britain (McLaren & Johnson, 2007). Most economists are in agreement that immigration has very little effect on native’s wages; this should mean that natives won’t oppose immigration based on the misbelief that immigrants lower wages. Although conventional economic wisdom states that an increase in supply of labour will lead to a decrease in price, this doesn’t happen. Friedberg and Hunt conclude that a 10% increase in immigrant levels in the population, decreases wages by 1% (Friedberg & Hunt, 1995). Economist Francisco Revera-Batiz came to the same conclusion, noting that although immigration has increased the supply of low skilled workers into the United States, there has been very little impact on the wages of high school dropouts, the lowest skilled people in America (Rivera-Batiz, 1998). One of the most influential studies is Card’s 1990 study on the Miami Labour market after the sudden influx of 125,000 Cuban immigrants in 1980 due to a sharp downturn in the Cuban economy. Surprisingly the arrival of so many immigrants didn’t affect native wages, although it did lower the overall wage level in Miami; due to the immigrants being employed in low-wage jobs (Card, 1990). This tallies with the outcomes of other natural experiments in recent history such as the homecoming of 600,000 Portuguese after the collapse of their empire in Africa in 1974-76, the return of 900,000 Frenchmen from Algeria in 1962 (The Economist, 2008) or the influx of 610,000 Russian Jews into Israel 1990-94, increasing the labour force by 12%; all had negligible effects on native wages. Immigrants don’t decrease wages because as well as increasing the supply of labour, they become a domestic consumer for goods as well as services, they â€Å"create jobs as consumers and fill jobs as producers† (Bolin, 2006). A higher total population, ceteris parabus, will lead to the production of more goods and services, boosting the host countries gross domestic product (GDP). In some rare cases immigrants can even boost native’s wages. Illegal Mexican immigrants, who are â€Å"predominantly low skilled† (Bolin, 2006), have a positive effect on other workers’ wages (Bean, et al. 1998). This is due to immigration increasing the productivity of native workers by â€Å"taking low-skilled jobs, freeing higher-skilled workers to work in higher-skilled employment where they can be more productive† (Bolin, 2006). Based on the results of a range of economists, using results based on a â€Å"range of methodologies† (Bolin, 2006), it can be seen that immigrants have a small negative impact on native wages, although mainly low-skilled workers. Based on this, natives shouldn’t be concerned over immigration levels based on their own wages falling. The popular theory that immigrants ‘come over here and take our jobs’, has been shown to hold very little truth, as most studies â€Å"find no or negligible effect[s]† (Bolin, 2006) on employment rates. The ‘lump of labour fallacy’ is the mistaken idea that there are a set number of jobs in the economy, and when an immigrant takes one of those jobs, it is a job lost for a native. This is incorrect for three reasons. Firstly, by coming to a country â€Å"immigrants increase the supply of labour and hence reduce wages. In turn, cheaper labour increases the potential return to employers to build new factories or expand their operations. In so doing, they create extra demand for workers† (Grinda, 2006), and more jobs are created. Secondly, immigrants are consumers as well as producers. When there is a large influx of immigrants such as the 610,000 Russian-Jews into Israel in the early 1990’s, they are in need of goods and services. People are employed to provide these goods and services, meaning more jobs added to the economy, and immigrants simply enlarge the economy. Thirdly, immigrants are 10 to 20 percent more likely to become entrepreneurs and start their own business than natives (Briggs & Moore, 1994). In 1999, The Wall Street Journal reported that â€Å"Chinese and Indian immigrants run nearly 25% of the high-companies started in [Silicon] Valley since 1980†¦The 2,775 immigrant-run companies had total sales of $16. 8 billion and more than 58,000 employees† (Thurm, 1999). â€Å"Immigrants not only take jobs, they make jobs. They open new businesses that employ natives as well as other immigrants and themselves. And they do so in important numbers† (Simon, 1999). Similarly, the findings by Friedberg and Hunt discovers â€Å"no evidence of economically significant reductions in native employment†. Card, as well as examining the impact of the Muriel boatlift on wages also examined the impact of it on employment. Even though Miami’s workforce was increased by 7%, virtually overnight, with an influx of relatively unskilled Cuban workers he finds â€Å"no evidence of an increase in unemployment among less skilled blacks or other non-Cuban workers. Rather the data analysis suggests a remarkably rapid absorption of the Muriel immigrants into the Miami labour force† (Card, 1990). Again with immigrant’s impact on wages, the evidence seems to suggest that a lack of evidence that immigration causes native unemployment. This should mean that concerns over immigration should not be linked to worries over employment. Due to immigrants being â€Å"disproportionately low-skill[ed]† (Bolin, 2006) they tend to have lower wages than natives. It is often assumed therefore that they depend more upon the welfare system than natives. The level of benefits are often higher in the host country than the source country, and it is often suggested that it is this difference that brings in migrants. Borjas coined the term â€Å"welfare magnet effect† (Borjas, 1999), making the point that immigrants are drawn to the country with the highest benefits. This however has all been shown to be completely false, and many economists believe that over the long term immigrants more than pay for the public services they use (Simon, 1999). In the United States â€Å"most immigrants, including Mexicans, are usually less likely than comparable natives to receive welfare†, with the per capita cost of social welfare for immigrants being 8% less than the per capita cost for natives (Bean, et al. 1998). It is plain to see that objections to immigration come from those who are worried about the identity and culture of their nation being eroded, rather than for economic reasons. Immigrants are solving many problems for the host countries, such as the problems of aging populations and those participating in the workforce being increasing choosy about the jobs they do. Immigrants have few economic disadvantages, although high immigration may bring about a small decrease in jobs for the natives, the tax revenue that they bring in more than displaces this negative effect. As the immigrants have little impact on jobs, and simply create more jobs in the economy, disproving the lump of labour fallacy, they don’t have a negative impact on wages which is a positive for the economy as a whole. The argument that immigrants have a negative impact on the identity and culture of a nation holds some truth. Due to the fact that a nation’s identity is made up of what its inhabitants believe it to be, immigrants having different views, can water this identity down. Are Concerns over Immigration to Do with Culture of Economic Reasons. (2016, Oct 02).

Ecology paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ecology paper - Essay Example The focus of study in the article was to understand how invasive species, pathogens and disease vector affect human health and determine appropriate measures to reduce disease emergence. The study depicts that invasive species and infectious diseases have become prevalent and widespread because of the increased connectivity in human population. The connectivity in the current world has attributed to the disease outbreak. The new developed trade routes in the previously disconnected countries increase human interactions. Crowl et al., (2008) demonstrated that the enhanced transport systems such as airplanes have increased spread of pathogens. The invasive species has become the second contributing aspect to extinction and endangerment of species in the United States after the increased human population and related activities. The United States government spends almost 120 billion dollars to cater for the non-native species in the country (Crowl et al., 2008). The evidence used to support contrasting point of view was the explanation of the spread of the avian-dispersed H5N1 avian influenza disease worldwide. In-depth and integrated network of research platform was es sential in full understanding of the spread and impacts of the invasion species. The point of view that I most agreed with was the fact that modern technology such as airplanes contributes to the increasing spread of pathogens and invasive species. Most disease in the world emerges from a single area and spread to the entire world. The point became convincing because of the evidence given involving the spread of avian-dispersed H5N1 avian influenza disease. Other points of view in the article such as cause of non-native species extinction became less convincing because of lack of material evidence. Crowl, T. A., Crist T.O, Parmenter, R. R., Belovsky, G., & Lugo, A. E. (2008). The spread of invasive species and infectious disease as drivers of ecosystem change.

Supply & demand & elasticity issues. Theories of the firm Essay

Supply & demand & elasticity issues. Theories of the firm. Macroeconomic issues - Essay Example The governmental actions include labor reforms which are discussed under a separate head. Supply & Demand and Elasticity Issues, Theories of the firm, Macroeconomic issues Table of contents PART ONE: Supply & Demand and Elasticity Issues 4 1. Supply and demand 4 2. Elasticity of demand 5 PART TWO: Theories of the Firm 7 1. Premises which underline the classical firm 7 Competitive markets 7 Perfect information 8 Full employment 8 Pricing of the products 9 2. Environmental changes 9 Role of the governments 9 Legal system 10 Globalization and liberalization 10 Corporate social responsibility 10 3. Theories of the firm 11 The Neoclassical Theory 11 The Transactions Cost Theory 12 The Principal–Agent Theory 12 Evolutionary theory 12 Behavioural theory 13 PART THREE: Macroeconomic Issues 15 i) GDP and Budget deficit 15 ii) Governmental actions and economy 16 Cuts in spending    16 Tax hikes 17 Borrowing money 18    Multiplier effect 18 Aggregate Demand 19 Aggregate Supply 20 Spe cific actions 20 iii) Supply side reform of the labour market 21 Conclusion 22 References 23 PART ONE: Supply & Demand and Elasticity Issues 1. Supply and Demand - Analysis of Statements â€Å"Both factors of demand depend on the market price. When the market price for a product is high, the demand will be low. When price is low, demand is high.† (Whelan & Msefer, 1996, p. 6) a) The price of a good falls, causing the demand for another good to rise. Hence, the two goods are substitutes. In fact in the case of substitutes, the demand for the substitute will fall leading to the price of the substitute to fall. Example: If the price of mutton falls, demand for mutton will increase, and not the demand for chicken which is a substitute for mutton. Conclusion: The statement is not correct. b)... This essay presents a modern comprehensive analysis of the relevance of the fundamental principles of supply and demand and elasticity concept in the today`s world. Also various microeconomic theories of the firm are discussed in the paper, such as neoclassical theory, transactions cost theory, principal agent theory, evolutionary theory and behavioral theories. The impacts of macro-economic factors on the firms are analyzed. The relevance of GDP and budget deficit to the operations of the firm in terms of its impact on their business is discussed with particular reference to Spain’s economy. The micro and macro economic theories have been evolving over the period time in tune with the changes that have taken place. What is relevant during a particular period of time loses its validity under the changed circumstances. However, the understanding of these concepts is very important for charting out the new course of actions and formulate future strategy Since 1945, many of the premises which underpin profit maximisation have been questioned, in particular whether firms operating in the real world actually behave like the â€Å"classical† firm. There are changes which have taken place in the structure and/or conduct of industry that provide evidence to reject the â€Å"classical firm hypothesis†. Maintaining flexibility in production and supplies is essential for responding quickly to the changes in the external environment which may be caused due to competition, governmental actions or state of the economy.

Comparing the Theme of Self-Discovery in Demian and Siddhartha Essay

   Literature reflects many aspects   of human nature.   It can be seen as a collection of mankind's thoughts.   The intangible is transformed from brainwave patterns to ink patterns.   What leads to the writing of literature varies from author to author.  Ã‚   In the case of Hermann Hesse, it was his personal experiences in life.   In the novels Demian and Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse was influenced by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, both psycho-analysts.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A personal crisis, which caused Hesse to undergo psycho-analysis with Dr. J.B. Lang, led to the writing of Demian in 1919.   His fascination with Eastern cultures and his trip to India in 1922 directly resulted in the creation of the novel Siddhartha.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The fundamental theme of self-discovery is evident in both novels.   Self-discovery involves developing the mind,   experiencing life, obtaining wisdom, learning about oneself, coming to an understanding and acceptance of this, and by the end, discovering one's identity.   This theme of self-discovery was important to Hesse because he experienced similar events in life.   He was born in Germany in 1877 and raised in a Protestant household with expectations to follow in the footsteps of his forefathers and become a missionary.   He did not wish to do so, partly because he was interested in Eastern religions.   This personal crisis of the questioning of fundamental beliefs deeply affected Hesse.   In Demian he writes, "There is only one true vocation for everybody - to find the way to himself." (Hesse, Demian, 1989, p.120)   Through his struggles, he found that the road to self-discovery could only be experienced firsthand and could not be e... ...ld Literature. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1972.    13. Timpe, Eugene F. "Hesse's Siddhartha and the Bhagavad Gita". Comparative Literature, V.22 No.4 , 1970.    14. Walter, Soreil. Hermann Hesse The Man Who Sought and Found Himself. London: Oswald Wolff, 1974.    15. Wast, R.W. (Ed.). Modern German Authors New Series. (Vol.2).    16. Benet's Readers Encyclopedia Third Edition.   Toronto: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1987.    17. "Hesse, Hermann". The New Encyclopedia Britannica Micropedia, (Vol. 5),   Ã‚  Toronto: Encyclopedia   Britannica, Inc., 1990, p. 899.    18. "Nirvana". The World Book Encyclopedia, (Vol.14).   Ã‚  Toronto: World Book, Inc., 1987, p.332-333.    19. Twentieth Century Authors. New York: The H.W. Wilson Company, 1942.    20. The Works of Hermann Hesse. Toronto: The Publishing Company Ltd., 1980.      

Tim O’Brien “The Things They Carried”, and His Writing Style

In his story â€Å"The Things They Carried† O’Brien depicts casualties of Vietnam war through evolution of characters’ emotional and psychological state. Psychological pressure is caused by war, but O’Brien portrays it symbolically through material and emotional things the soldiers carry. He gives a detailed list of everything soldiers take. The evolution of emotional perception of the world and values is depicted through the character of Lieutenant Jim Cross.His negligence, passion for a girl and narrow-mindedness causes a death of one of the soldiers, and this event forces his to revise his values and ethical code of a soldier. O’Brien uses a simple language, but symbolism and stylistic devices helps him to unfold the message of the story. The short story â€Å"The Things They Carried† was published in 1990. It describes the events of Vietnam War and analyzes deep personal feelings of the main heroes, and things they were faced with during wartime. Soldiers carry different â€Å"things† with them.Under â€Å"things† O’Brien means weapons and ammunition as well as terror, love, personal values and beliefs, but â€Å"almost everyone humped photographs† (p. 4). This story vividly depicts inner state of the characters during wartime and their living essentials such as fear, kindness, love, and uncertainty. These things are so important for them as ammunition during wartime, because they help the main heroes to overcome depression and difficulties they face with. It is important that â€Å"a set of things† has been changed, and at the end of the story the heroes carry a completely different â€Å"things† with them.As Kaplan characterizes war stories: â€Å"Almost all of the literature on the war, both fictional and nonfictional, makes clear that the only certain thing during the Vietnam War was that nothing was certain† (Kaplan, 1993, p. 43). The main character of the book i s Lieutenant Jim Cross, a man who falls in love with a girl who does not return his feelings. Jim suffers greatly and can do nothing but dreaming about close relations with this girl. His negligence of duties costs life one of his soldiers, and after this terrible event, he puts an end to his false dreams, and rethink most of his values and views.It was really difficult to him to change his worldview but he was strong enough to cope with emotional burden, and re-sort his â€Å"things†. The main idea of the text is that wartime has a great impact on feelings and views of people. When one person's actions begin to affect another person, we have moved from personal ethics to social ethics and often have to place some limits on human behavior (Bowen, Weigl, 1997). The story morality states that everyone is responsible for his own actions, and it is useless to blame everything on the people around you.Jim Cross is depicted as the person who is full of life experience, but still ha s not found the truth of life. The story â€Å"The Things They Carried† portrays that for some soldiers their burden is too heavy and they cannot carry it any longer. At the beginning of the story O’Brien describes things they carry: â€Å"what they carry was partly a function of rank, partly a field spatiality† (O’Brien, p. 5). Further, for most of them it is difficult to change their attitude towards life, but the rat-trap of war has an great influence on their outlook.For instance, Jim Cross has burned all pictures of Martha and shifts his attention to duties. â€Å"These burdens – the supplies the men carried to stay physically alive – are placed on the same level in terms of description as the objects carried that provided emotional sustenance to the men of the platoon† (Posek, 1997). The other main characters, Ted Lavender, Kiowa, Lee Strunk, and Henry Dobbins, are also carry their â€Å"things† which differ because they have different life experiences and expectations. Nevertheless, war forces them to carry the same psychological things as scary and hope.They need to adapt to war, but the only way for them is to change their habits and personal values. Some of them like Ted Lavender’s conditioned to this reality using their own way, but fails. Subconscious persuasion and mind-altering drugs have no effects. This causes lack of coincidence between war and personal feelings, since many of the characters struggling to develop their emotions while everyone else struggles to suppress their feelings. O’Brien depicts that when fear starts to dominate, people usually act in their own interests, they degrade as the keepers of customs and morality.It remains disappointing that the social issues that are generally identified as pertaining to deal with questions of individual choice, rather than of communal responsibility. Besides, material things the characters carry emotion burden: â€Å"Grief , terror, love, longing these were intangibles, but the intangibles had their own mass and specific gravity, they had tangible weight. † (O’Brien p. 6). The remarkable feature of O'Brien’s style is very exact descriptions: â€Å"As a first lieutenant and platoon leader, Jimmy Cross carried a compass, maps, code books, binoculars, and a . 45(c) caliber pistol that weighed 2.9 pounds full loaded. † (O’Brien p. 4). Detailed list of material things the soldiers carried helps O’Brien to force a reader to understand a burden they carried. O’Brien goes far beyond a simplistic description given a weight of each item the soldiers carries. â€Å"The weapon weighed 7. 5 pounds unloaded, 8. 2 pounds with its full 20 round magazine. The riflemen carried anywhere from 12 to 20 magazines†¦ adding on another 8. 4 pounds at minimum, 14 pounds at maximum. † (O’Brien, p. 5). O’Brien is a keen observer of people, historical and w ar events which is manifested in his style of writing.O’Brien depicts that a battlefield is the most terrible place he has ever seen. In this collection of the short stories he portrays the futility of soldiers deaths and sufferings of men who are still alive, but know that death is â€Å"around the corner†. The message of his stories is that war is senseless, war brings only grief and constant tension to be killed. In the story O’Brien rings up questions concerning moral health of people, and in spite of all the negative life lessons soldiers understand what it is to be an individual.Throughout the story there is a definite blame unmoral behaviour of the people, but it is most poignantly and symbolically demonstrated with the rejection of previous life. O’Brien shows that the inner state of soldiers has changed, and the readers cannot find a cynical man as most of them were before the war. On the other hand, war causes people to become insensitive. Obrie n depicts that the psychological state of Jim Cross has changed. He has not a â€Å"a love man† as he was depicted at the beginning of the story.To some extent, the moment of death caused the awakening of many characters in the story. For instance, Jim Cross sees the truth of life only when the soldier dies because of his negligence. O’Brien depicts that fear applied to love leads to individual degradation. Tolerance protects that diversity and demands respect. Jim Cross is a person who fights with his own imperfection changing his personal views after Ted Lavender’s death. When fear starts to dominate, people usually act in their own interests, they degrade as the keepers of customs and morality.It remains disappointing that the social issues that are generally identified as pertaining to deal with questions of individual choice, rather than of communal responsibility. The most impressive and powerful is the last scene of the story, when after the death of Lave nder Jim burns Martha’s letters and photographs promising never have fantasies. The facts mentioned above prove the idea that only in difficult situations people show their real nature and values. Toughness stems not from insensitivity but from a strict persona; code which functions as the characters' sole defense against the overwhelming chaos of war.O’Brien possesses a unique style of writing which appeals to readers mind and emotions. Writing of the author is filled with meaning and symbolism, hidden in plain sight beneath a seamless narrative style that breathes not a word of agenda, of dogma, or of personal belief. In this way, his writing contains knowledge that is hidden to all, but give only hints to be comprehended. Also significant in the writing style of O’Brien is a tendency to take on the character point of view in the narrative. The representation of the material is very affective.The structure of the piece is aimed to compel readers to think the p roblem over. Clear representation underlined the author’s awareness of the issues under discussion. The vocabulary is mostly neutral. Style and choice of words create a sophisticated tone, but, as the most important, unprepared readers understand the message of the chapter without difficulties, because the O’Brien’s language is very vivid and clear. He appeals to such universal virtues as equality and faith, and gives insight look into the root of the problem.The most important that the second chapter provides it readers, especially those who are not familiar with the reality of war. There are no romantic and lengthy descriptions in the short stories, but description of events and emotions ae very concise and brief. O’Brien depicts that our ordered and organized world one feels sometimes the need of a change. He â€Å"draws the reader into the text, calling the reader's attention to the process of invention and challenging him to determine which, if any, of the stories are true† (Calloway, 1995, p. 249).The repetition technique helps to shift logical stress and draws the readers attention to some key elements of the sentence structure, helping to shape authors message: â€Å"That's what stories are for. Stories are for joining the past to the future. Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can't remember how you got from where you were to where you are. Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember except the story. † (O'Brien p. 40). The collection of his stories can be called a â€Å"true† war story as it describes casualties of life experienced by soldiers.O†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Brien states â€Å"that war is Hell† potraying â€Å"in-depth and sensitive exploration of soldiers’ hearts and minds† (Literary Encyclopedia. 2005). The author depicts that war is a dangerous and tremendous evil which change emotion and feeling, views and customs of so ldiers. In spite of all the negative life lessons Jim Cross understands what it is to be an individual, and re-sorts his â€Å"things he carried†. It was the only way for all soldiers to survive during war. At the end of the story â€Å"things† form a strict ethical code which functions as the characters' sole defense against the overwhelming chaos of war.They set of things include the ideals of honor, courage and endurance in a world that is sometimes chaotic and always painful. The story teaches that a mature person acts in accordance with his own ethical code developing an approach to life that helps him get through the day. As O’Brien writes: â€Å"By telling stories, you objectify your own experience. You separate it from yourself† (O’Brien, p. 9). His characters are mature persons who act in accordance with their own morals developing an approach to life that helps them get through the day.The evolution of a character from a narrow-minded per son who does not care much about the consequences of his actions to a mature personality is another feature of style of writing: â€Å"I’d come to this war a quiet, thoughtful sort of person, a college grad, Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude, all the credentials, but after seven months in the bush I realized that those high, civilized trappings had somehow been crushed under the weight of the simple daily realities. I’d turned mean inside (O’Brien, p. 9).To conclude, O’Brien uses different specific techniques and different stylistics devices to convey a message of the stories and appeals to emotions of readers and imagination. Evolution of characters, simple vocabulary and a deep emotional impact on the reader are the main writing features of O’Brien.Brainstorming IdeasWhy did O’Brien give detailed list of all things the soldiers’ carries?O’Brien depicts a death of Ted Lavender. Why did he select this character?Was it so impo rtant to â€Å"kill† someone?O’Brien uses the theme of love at the beginning of the story. Why?What material and emotional things the soldiers carry? What is their meaning?What is the link between morality of the characters and their actions? Did it affect the other characters? How?The war is not sweet for those people who suffer from it. O’Brien describes, explains and justifies soldiers in terms of a deep and ineradicable difference between â€Å"past† and â€Å"present†. In stories O’Brien uses emotional impact with the implication of uncertainty, hesitation and deliberation. At the end, O’Brien criticizes horrific and piteous nature of war which change people and their world perception.Symbols, metaphors, repetition helps to impress the reader and appeal to his emotions. Emotional burden should not be taken for granted at a causal explanation of death. However, a war giving special significance to the ‘uniqueness' led to a p articular concern about the common sense of reflecting the desire of individual to find relief from emotional pressure. For most of the soldiers a a sense of being in the army to be fully expressed and developed requires that the people enjoy the right to decide upon their destiny.Second, at a personal level, it obviously makes relationships with others possible, creating a world of meaning. War is a true journey for men: it helps to make choices, makes possible relationships with others, and gives strength and resilience. At the beginning of the story many characters were not prepared to rescue the life to save the life of others while at the end they became real soldiers ready to rescuer their life.Note Cards1. â€Å"One thing for sure, he said. The lieutenant's in some deep hurt. I mean that crying jag — the way he was carrying on — it wasn't fake or anything, it was real heavy-duty hurt (O'Brien 17).2. (about cowardice) â€Å"In many respects this was the heavies t burden of all, for it could never be put down.† (O'Brien 13).3. The emotions are the heaviest burden because we cannot throw it down.4. The death of Ted Lavender is a push, which forces soldiers to look for the truth (sense) of life.5. The death of Ted Lavender is a watershed between past and future, old values and new ethics of a soldier.6. â€Å"It was very sad†¦ the things men carried inside. † (O'Brien 10). 7. â€Å"By telling stories, you objectify your own experience. You separate it from yourself† (O’Brien, p.9).8. â€Å"They carried the soldier’s greatest fear, which was the fear of blushing. Men killed, and died, because they were embarrassed not to. It was what had brought them to the war in the first place, nothing positive, no dreams of glory or honor, just to avoid the blush of dishonor. They died so as not to die of embarrassment† (O’Brien, p. 3).9. Fear applied to love leads to individual degradation.10. Soldiers carried the burden of the world (war).11. â€Å"Some escaped the fear, but dealt with the death and damage. Some made very hard decisions, and some just tried to survive† (O’Brien, p.11).Work Cited1. Bowen, K. , Weigl, B. Writing between the Lines: An Anthology on War and Its Social Consequences, University of Massachusetts Press, 1997.2. Calloway, C. â€Å"How to Tell a True War Story: Metafiction in the Things They Carried†, Critique, Vol. 36, 1995, pp. 249-257.3. Kaplan, S. â€Å"The Undying Uncertainty of the Narrator in Tim O'Brien's the Things They Carried†. Critique, Vol. 35, 1993, pp. 43-52.4. O'Brien, T. Literary Encyclopedia. 2005. Available at: http://www. litencyc. com/php/speople. php? rec=true&UID=33705. O’Brien, T. The Things They Carried. Broadway, 1998.6. Posek, J. â€Å"The Paradox of Necessity in Tim O'Brien's â€Å"The Things They Carried† Literature Seminar 180J, November 17, 1997.Available at: http://www. nd. edu/~frsw rite/mcpartlin/1998/Posek. shtml Draft Quotes: â€Å"As a first lieutenant and platoon leader, Jimmy Cross carried a compass, maps, code books, binoculars, and a . 45(c) caliber pistol that weighed 2. 9 pounds full loaded. † (p. 4). â€Å"The weapon weighed 7. 5 pounds unloaded, 8. 2 pounds with its full 20 round magazine. The riflemen carried anywhere from 12 to 20 magazines†¦ addin

Management Styles - 1872 Words

Management Styles of Apple, Google, and SEMCO There are some businesses in the world that stand out more then others due to their success and ability to stay relevant in their sectors. Three such companies, Apple, Google and Semco are like the all-star team of corporations that command respect at the mention of their names. The reasons for their success are illustrated in the business articles â€Å"Managing Without Managers,† â€Å"How Apple Got Everything Right by doing Everything Wrong,† and â€Å"Where does Google go from here?† These articles give us some historical information about the companies, and some insights into their management styles. Apple has become very successful with an autocratic system under Steve Jobs, Google is very good to†¦show more content†¦Semco has done so well in generating quality products in an unconventional managerial environment that American companies are trying to understand Semco’s organizational skills. The biggest issue, elating to the success or failure of any business is management. In fact, the need for high standards of leadership has led to businesses spending millions of dollars every year to shape current employees into future assets. As Althouse et al. state, companies today usually rely on managers to guide the daily process using human, technological, financial, and other resources to create a competitive advantage (206). The traditional method of management involved a triangle shaped hierarchy. At the top of this hierarchy, were the authorities, or bosses. Below them, were managers, and underneath, supervisors and entry-level staff at the bottom (210). However, many companies have started to adjust this system in varying degrees, because as Semler mentioned, it is simply too far from the top of the pyramid to the bottom. In other words, the minor staffs do not communicate enough with the executives (Semler 1). 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