A Cultural Approach Essays - American Studies, Cultural Assimilation

A Cultural Approach Essays - American Studies, Cultural Assimilation A Cultural Approach The cultural and developmental aspects of American history in the 17th and 18th centuries are certainly among the most important and influential factors in the shaping of this country's long and storied history. Historiographically speaking, there are undoubtedly thousands upon thousands of different studies and opinions on the most influential cultural strides of early Americans well as the pros and cons that each colonial region developed in shaping America and readying it for the Revolutionary Era. Each of these four studies brings a slightly different and even, at times, conflicting approach to analyzing the cultural and social roots of early America, but each one provides a fresh perspective that enhances the idea that America is a true "melting pot" of ideas, social values, and cultural traits. Zuckerman, in his article, focuses his attention on the middle colonies and the erroneous tendencies of historians to ignore controversial or pertinent historical issues in favor of obvious, harmless social arguments. Historians have focused on New England as the true "birthplace of America" because of its early literature and thought that focused solely on Puritanism, and therefore offered an obvious and easy starting point with which to measure the region's cultural metamorphasis. However, as Zuckerman points out, New England was fairly unrepresentative of the real America, as it was a homogenous society dominated by English Puritans and their inflexible doctrines and unstatic customs and economy. The middle colonies, on the other hand, were made up of people of many different origins, races, and creeds, and their interrelationships are definitely more symbolic of American culture. Like most people's idea of America, the middle colonies developed a commercial culture ba! sed on a balanced economy, and, besides that, showed no real homogenous cultural traits that ran through the region. Indeed, most of the different groups that coexisted in this region did not intermingle with each other at all, but instead kept their own distinctive cultural and social habits. Because of this, the argument can be made that the middle colonies were not the heterogenous, "melting pot" culture that Zuckerman claims existed. After all, heterogenous seems to suggest a fusion of different types of people, when in fact these colonies offered more of a clannish type of policy when it came to dealing with their new neighbors. However, the simple fact that they coexisted with relative peace in such a dynamic and volatile atmosphere is evidence enough that the middle colonies were indeed representative of America's "melting pot" reputation. Jack Greene hypothesizes that the idea of mastery and the relationship between the new colonies and Great Britain were foremost in shaping America's colonial culture. Greene suggests that the idea of the English who migrated to the Americas was to achieve mastery over the rugged land of America as well as other groups, a mastery that was unavailable to them in their homeland. The problem with this mastery hypothesis is that it covers only the English migration to the New World, and only a relatively small portion of that group. After all, many English people chose to relocate to America for a wide variety of reasons that had nothing to do with mastery over others, and mastery was surely not at the top of their wish list once they arrived in the New World. Greene also advocates relating the culture of colonial America back to that of Great Britain, and that technique can be useful in some ways, such as delineating the differences between the two areas. However, taking thi! s approach too far can be extremely dangerous, as the English in America were quick to develop cultural traits that had no connection whatsoever to their homeland and a comparison of some of these cultural aspects would only serve to confuse. Also, the many people who came to America from countries besides England would not fit into this historical approach. Mintz and Price focus their concentration on the development of a distinct Afro-American culture in the New World. Their conclusion that the majority of Afro-American customs and cultures were consummated in the New World and did not directly stem from any particular pre-migration group culture seems sound, even if some of their methods of documentation are somewhat dubious. Their hypothesis can also

The Godfather essays

The Godfather essays "The Godfather" is the beginning and ending of a mafia novel. Its not the only wonderful book about organized crime, but its the richest and grandest. It looks inside a family of organized crime so deeply, that we dont think of them as bad guys per say. They have respect and are behaved in a way that is very elegant. But there is also a bad part of their behavior in which they act to take actions upon them selves even if it is against the law. It is a highly known fact that the main focus of a stereotypical Mafia family should center around the use of violence. The Godfather as well as The Last Don are two novels which hold true to this focus and are interestingly enough both written by the same author: the late Mario Puzo. Although being written more than twenty-five years apart, the two novels almost mirror each other throughout. For instance, near the beginning of each book the only daughter of each family gets married. Aside from that we also see one son die in each novel as well as the husband of the familys only daughter to be killed by the family. Throughout all these instances the only thing dissimilar regarding the two Mafia families is their reasons for violence. A familys use of violence is determined by how much power they hold. In The Godfather, the main purpose behind all killing and violence can be directly related to attaining power. There are many different ways in which an author expresses himself in the creation of his novel. When a novel becomes a great seller it is usually a target for a great movie. The most important thing is to create the characters and bring them to life. When reading the novel The Godfather, a vision of how the characters look is formed, the role they play and their surroundings. It captures your imagination and takes you deep into the novel, almost making you a part of what you are reading. In this essay ...

Standard of Care Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Standard of Care - Assignment Example (4) Discuss the repercussions that could arise, both for the patient and you, in regards to injection of contrast media. Repercussions with the advent of contrast media could be severe for the patient. The patient might begin to have an interaction should he or she be receiving ink within the blood to have the patient’s innards show up on an imaging technology. The injections could not only prove to be only annoying or beginning a reaction, but the injections could also prove fatal if the patient had a very severe reaction and the injection was not stopped before the interaction progressed to the point where the patient was having a very bad reaction—whether it be due to certain medications the patient was on or other concomitant factors. (5) Explain the organization of the information supplied in the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR). The Physicians’ Desk Reference, or PDR, is basically a book that lists all of the medications that are administered today. One mu st, however, have the most recent copy of it, which is most relevant—because new medications are put on the market every year. The organization of the information in the PDR is generally just placed in alphabetical order. Usually, the generic and brand names are both listed in the book, but you just might have to look up the generic name instead of the brand name. It really depends upon what year of the PDR one is looking at, per se. (6) What are the benefits of physicians using PDRs in ordering prescriptions for their patients? The benefit of physicians using PDRs in ordering prescriptions for their patients is helpful, but not necessarily recommended. When a doctor is making out a prescription, he or she should carefully note... From the research it can be comprehended that the procedures, policies, and ultimate controls concerning Deanna have a lot to do with how well people manage patients’ medications. Deanna’s situation is special because she may have a worsening of her symptoms due to her extensive smoking habit every day. Thus, an inhaled corticosteroid will probably be prescribed for Deanna which will help relieve her symptoms considerably. So, a lot of the important decisions fall on the shoulders of doctors as well as nurses. It is only with much careful consideration and contemplation that doctors and nurses must take into account what are the proper limitations that must be considered when prescribing or, respectively, dispensing medication to patients. It is only with the greatest of care that these decisions should be taken into account. Hopefully, with the guidance of good doctors and nurses, it only makes sense that patients should be able to feel secure in their own environments , knowing that substances are properly controlled around them. If patients feel insecure about their environments because drugs are not properly controlled, this will be the downfall of a healthcare organization. It is with the careful planning and proper controls on medication that these differing situations can be kept under control, of course by having rigorous and stringent policies in place which control such situations. It is very important that all of these elements work in conjunction with each other in order to form organized healthcare organizations.

Ban smoking in public places Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ban smoking in public places - Essay Example Smoke from cigarettes is affecting the environment as a whole and is also affecting the individuals who smoke. This is the very reason that smoking is being banned in public places so it cannot harm other individuals. This argumentative essay would further expand the points of smoking ban on public places and would provide with a definitive conclusion as to which side is more convincing (Vallero 2008, Goudie 2000 & Cooper 2001). The proponents of the ban on smoking in public places present with researches carried out on the topic which clearly shows that smoking in these public places is harmful to the health of many individuals who are exposed to the smoke involuntarily (Carb 2003). They argue that the smoke in these public places can cause non smokers to passively smoke and some asthmatic patients can have a triggered asthmatic attack because of it. (National Health Survey 1994). Similarly patients who are already suffering from fatal diseases would be triggered by this tobacco smoke if they are exposed to it highly as reported by the CDC (Washington Post 2004). They bring forward laws which provide every human life in this world with the right that they should not be exposed to carcinogens which would affect their health and if this ban on smoking does not take place then these individuals would be exposed to the carcinogens of cigarette (U.S Department of Health and Human Services). They also bring forw ard other harms which may be caused by cigarette smoke to the society. The cigarette butts that are left behind by the smoker can be a cause of fire at many places and by imposing ban on smoking the government can ensure that these incidents are avoided (Daily Courier 2004). Similarly it is found that these butts of cigarettes also constitute a great part of the litter found on the beaches and if bans are strictly imposed on these recreational places the cost of cleaning the places would be much low. (Chicago Sun Times 2003). It is seen that many of the

ESSAY Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Essay Example One of the key reasons why television bears the blame is that women’s role and portrayal on television has remained constant although a few insignificant changes have been made. The reason for this is that one, the woman is depicted as an overly feminine object only capable of executing â€Å"female† roles in films, advertisements, and programs. For instance, men still play the hero roles in most films, mostly protecting, saving, or tormenting women. Additionally, advertisements portray women as attractive objects used to market things by use of their sexual appeal. The final evidence regarding preservation of cultural stereotyping is racial segregation in films. There is still white domination in most films, with the people of color playing mostly secondary roles, or being portrayed as inferior, unintelligent, criminals, or slaves. In short, an above average of television broadcasts places the white man above the black, or the black playing secondary to the white. One of the key examples is the film The Gods Must Be Crazy which portrayed a black man as being overly primitive. The 21st century has brought with it digitalization which has in turn given birth to digital networks and communities. Unlike in real-life communities where contact, communication, conflicts and all other aspects of life are done face to face, the same are virtually executed on these digital communities. This therefore presents a twofold scenario when it comes to socializing; it can either foster of degrade it. Again, there is a danger in that owing to its virtual nature, digital networking is easy to manipulate thus give rise to virtual creations which may not exist in reality. What this means is that digital communities allow people to â€Å"write† themselves, meaning they can create multiple personalities of who they are not. The idea of people writing themselves into being might be a conscious or

The Progress Of The English Reformation Theology Religion Essay

The Progress Of The English Reformation Theology Religion Essay The evidence analysed in this investigation suggests that Thomas Cranmer established various aims to help further the English Reformation. He met with both successes and failures. The extent to which his successes outweighed his failures will determine how important he was for the progress of the Reformation. A careful analysis will be made of his work regarding introducing the English Bible, helping reform church institutions, doctrine, liturgy. In addition his contributions as a reformed theologian including the durability of his accomplishments will be considered. Other figures also helped spur on the Reformation such as King Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, and Queen Elizabeth I. To further evaluate the importance of Cranmers contributions this investigation will compare his work with these other personas of historical importance. Cranmer set out to achieve various goals during his life regarding the English Reformation. Cranmer assumed an important role in the introduction of the English Bible. He endorsed the Great Bible in April 1539 was issued to the public for the first time. By late 1541 five more additions of the Great Bible had been released. (Dickens 1989, 152) He even contributed a preface to the second edition. Bromiley states in Thomas Cranmer: Theologian Of all his achievements in the earlier period, the introduction of the English Bible was perhaps the most far-reaching and influential (xiv) The archbishop of Canterbury also helped reform the church institutions. He was involved in diplomatic work as he wanted to link England with international Protestantism. Cranmer believed true catholicism (universality) was the unification of the scattered churches of the reformation. Hence catholicity meant unity. He attempted to bring in foreign reformers to England. He successfully brought in Martin Bucer and was helped by English clerics Hooper, Ridley, Holgate ( Dickens 1989, 270) The influence that spread into England came mostly from the followers of Zwingli and Calvin. Cranmer also made valuable contributions to the reformation of church doctrine. He originally believed in transubstantiation, but then decided that the bread and wine were only symbolic of the body of Christ. King Henry VIII was strongly in favour of transubstantiation and burned people who opposed his view. Cranmer survived due to the Kings protection. Dickens argues that Cranmer was the English forefront man supporting the true presence belief agreed upon by Calvin and Bullinger in the Zurich agreement of 1549. Bullinger believed that transubstantiation was false, but that the bread was sacred, was to be revered, and that the spiritual presence of Christ was there when people took the Eucharist. Like the sun is in the heavens but we can only feel its light and heat, Christ is in heaven but he is working in the hearts of those that believe. (Schaff, I. 471)Â   Between 1539-1543 there is a turbulent return to Catholicism, heretics burned, and Bible reading prohibited for the laity. Cranmer opposes the 1539 act of six articles, which includes clerical celibacy and as a consequence he has to send his wife away. King Henry VIII wields absolute power and thus Cranmer cannot overtly support great doctrinal changes as long as the King reigned. It was unfortunate for [Cramner] that he could never persuade Henry VIII to share his enthusiasm [regarding humanist reformation (MacCulloch 1996, 213) because The Kings own theology became a moving target during the 1530s (MacCulloch 1996, 213) Cranmers view of church doctrine was that it be scripturally based, be proclaimed by the monarch in parliament, and be accepted without fighting over minute details. (Dickens 1989, 208) The Ascension of Edward VI in 1547 opens the doors for doctrinal reform. Cranmer issues the Book of Homilies a set of 12 official model sermons. He even writes several of the sermons. In 1553 he issues the 42 Articles of Religion, which is a code of doctrine. Under Queen Elizabeth the Homilies are amplified and reissued. The articles lead to the Elizabethan Thirty Nine Articles. Dickens calls these Elizabethan articles a decisively Protestant interpretation of the faith, (Dickens 1989, 280) However, Cranmer also encountered failure in his attempt to advance the English Reformation. Regarding his reforms of Church institutions his diplomatic work in the sense that he failed to bring any Lutheran leaders or Lutheran representatives to England. Cranmer also wanted to rewrite and arrange the canon law into an organized system but failed due to several factors. Many did not favour the canon law because they believed it was too disorganized and needed be replaced by civil law. Cranmer also wrote a plan of reform for the canon law entitled Reformatio Legum Ecclesiasticarum. Unfortunately this was not published until well after his death. Ultimately none of his proposed reforms for the canon law were enacted. He had proposed changes such as having annual diocesan conferences attended by clergy and laity, which may well have been beneficial for the church. ( Dickens, 1989, 279-280.) The Archbishop of Canterbury beginning in 1540 focused on revision of the English church liturgy with a specific emphasis on putting it in language comprehensible by the laity. King Henry VIII showed Cranmer considerable favouritism by endowing him the authority to create and spread his own English litany while he rejected proposals of other bishops such as the 1543 Rationale of Ceremonial. When Henry authorized Cranmer to modify the mass by adding devotional passages in English the King did not anticipate great doctrinal changes. However, this laid the foundation for an extreme change of the aim of the mass, replaced sporadic communion for the laity and private medieval masses with regular congregational services of worship. The King passed away in 1547 and Cranmers first edition of the Book of Common Prayer was released in 1549 under Edward VI. It was conservative but it led to a rebellion in South-Western England. Dyson Hague notes his Story of the English Prayer Book that this rebellion may have occurred due to the introduction of totally foreign concepts for those used to attending the mass such as the The Supper of the Lord and Holy Communion. (Hague 1949, 133) The 1552 second edition of the Book of Common Prayer was Cranmers most explicit Protestant liturgical document. Examples such as the mass became communion, tables were to be removed and altars provided, and surplices replaced Eucharist religious robes reflected Zwinglian influence. This 1552 edition later became the basis for Queen Elizabeth Is prayer book of 1559 and the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Interestingly the 1662 versions Eucharistic liturgy commits several catholic compromises. The 1549 Prayer Book at the beginning of the sacrament states The body of our Lord Jesus Christ which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. In contrast the 1552 version states Take and eat this, in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving. Finally, the 1662 version is a merger of the 1549 and 1552 Prayer Books. (Jasper and Cuming 1990, 232-249) MacCulloch argues that Cranmer would have looked at the alteration of his eucharist by the 1662 reviser with strong suspicion and concern. (MacCulloch 1996, 628) In the 1549 Act the Parliament authorized the doctrine and liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer which is of historical significance because this had been the exclusive area of activity of the monarch since 1534. According to Dickens although not very much is known concerning the origins of the second prayer book, it is certain that its literary qualities are based on Cranmers book of 1549. (Dickens 1989, 277) The prayer books according to R.T. Beckwith are predominantly the work of Cranmer. (Beckwith 1992, 101-105) A significant aspect of Cranmers contributions regarding liturgy is the system of canonical hours that were increments of time between prayers specifically for the morning and evening prayer sessions. The canonical hours were no longer to be exclusively controlled and regulated by the clergy. (MacCulloch, 630) MacCulloch states that Cranmer established a strong foundation of liturgy that helped the laity look beyond the surface of events and say that there is more to human life and creation than the obvious, the everyday. (630) Cranmer strongly upheld his prayer book in great esteem. He did not heed the Councils request that he alter the rubric commanding that individuals receive Communion while kneeling. However, he could not stop the introduction of the black rubric , which denied any intention to revere the elements.(Dickens 1989, 278.) Cranmer asked for advice from his colleagues as he crafted the 1550 revision of the Ordinal. Its imperfections were later used as grounds for reje ction by Rome coming from Anglican demands. The first ordinal was a conservative document, based on medieval sources, though not permitting the social ordering and grouping of bishop, priest and deacon. It maintained the tradition of providing a silver or gold plate for the eucharist bread and chalice to priests recently ordained. Bishops received pastorals staffs. Cranmer also had the priests receive a Bible to represent their purpose of preaching to the congregation. Later an extra amendment of the Ordinal was included in the 1552 prayer book. In this amendment Cranmer reformed the system so that bishops and priests received no items except a Bible. (Dickens 1989, 270) Cranmer eased access to the liturgy, collecting everything that was indispensable in one book in the common tongue. He likely did not plan on his services being used for 400 years. However, his services were intended for repeated and frequent use. Cranmers text has been long revered as originating from an author sensitive providing formal English prose. Contemporary learning demonstrates the indispensable reputation of the structure of language to greater culture.. If, as MacCulloch states, Cranmers language lies at the heart of our English-speaking culture, (632.) Cranmers work towards the English language is likely his most important tribute. There are those that oppose this conclusion. A view is that Cranmers liturgies have become ingrained in English literary identity and have predisposed the religious rationale of English-speaking people. In contrast, Donald Gray states it is far too simple to romanticize the historic links between Anglican society and liturgy. Often claims made regarding the importance of the Book of Common Prayer are exaggerated elitist claims stated by and for a segment of society that possessed the time and opportunity for worship. Many enormous areas of England were not significantly influenced by the Book of Common Prayer and possessed very limited knowledge of its contents. (Gray 1991, 135-143) In addition, one may argue that contributions to English religious literature are not necessarily contributions to religious reformation. When Edward VI rose to power as a youth, the opportunity for positive change was met with rapid reformation in the church. MacCulloch demonstrates that as as the truth liberated the populace, many came to love the Bible. (613-614) The attacking and rejecting of orthodox beliefs such as religious processions and destroying Latin service books was received well. The walls of churches began to display Biblical messages such as The Ten Commandments, The Lords Prayer, and the beatitudes. When Mary ascended to th e throne Cranmer was put in prison and threatened violently to sign recantations accepting fundamental Catholic doctrines. He signed the documents. However, he publicly withdrew the recantations right before he was incinerated as a heretic on 21 March 1556. In conclusion, Cranmer was indispensable to the progress of the English Reformation. His work had impacts on events of the reformation during the reigns of King Henry VIII, Edward VI and Elizabeth I. The evidence demonstrates that he is among the most if not the most important figure in the English Reformation. Cranmers most important reforming achievements are demonstrated by the great documents he created. The access to the Bible and obedience to it that he helped establish was also significant. Cranmer did a great deal more than simply write liturgy and doctrine. The sources demonstrate if had not accomplished his aims at the level of excellence that he did, the efforts of the sixteenth century English reformation would likely have been far less effective and much more short lived. Word Count: 2002 The above essay is all my own work: the source of all material used in its compilation has been duly cited and all help received is acknowledged. The essay does not substantially duplicate material previously or simultaneously submitted to academic staff at any academic institution. Jesse Alvarez

Lord of the Flies :: Lord of the Flies Essays

Lord Of The Flies Book Analysis Title: Lord of the Flies Author: William Golding Date of original publication: 1954 Setting:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The setting of Lord of the Flies is somewhat vague. The island is unnamed, and besides stating that it is during wartime, there is no specific date given. The island is uninhabited, and characterized by a beach, jungles, orchards, and a rocky mountain. The jungle that surrounds the characters represents death. It is dark and entangled in vines, which remind the small boys of snakes, and instill fear. This setting is also significant because it is isolated from civilized society. As the plot progresses, the lack of civility causes the society, built by the children, to deteriorate. Characters: Ralph:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At about twelve years old, Ralph is among the oldest of the boys on the island. He is described as a â€Å"fair-haired† boy with mild facial features. He is the first character introduced and plays the role of the protagonist. He is somewhat charismatic, but is admittedly frightened by the situation. Ralph begins as an innocent boy but ends up very mature from dealing with conflicts and adult decisions throughout his leadership. He believes that survival can only be achieved by the presence of peace and order. He tries, somewhat unsuccessfully, to build a stable, civilized society. Ralph is a perfect character however. He struggles as a leader, and has to rely on Piggy, a boy who he respects for his maturity and knowledge, for advice. As the chief, Ralph notices that many of the boys are not following the rules, but he does not subject anyone to punishment. This leads to anarchy, and the creation of Jack’s tribe. Eventually, many of the boys abandon Ralph, and although against his initial values, he tries to join Jack to escape the loneliness he has experienced. Toward the end of the novel, Ralph is hunted by Jack and his followers, but is able to the beach where he finds a naval officer to rescue him. This is the first time that Ralph is relieved from his internal and external conflicts. Piggy:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Piggy, who is about the same age as Ralph, never reveals his actual name throughout the novel. He is overweight, asthmatic, and wears glasses. These physical weaknesses cause him to be whiny and less useful in work. He is described as a bad looking character, who is disrespected and considered an outsider by the rest of the boys.