Chaucers Canterbury Tales - The Modern and Mediaeval Merchants Tale :: The Merchants Tale

The Modern and Mediaeval Merchant's Tale  Ã‚   "The Merchant's Prologue and Tale" is mainly concerned with the infidelity of May while she is married to Januarie. Infidelity is undoubtedly a popular topic for discussion in modern times and is often the subject of magazine or television stories. Despite the concern with marriage and the status of men and women within such a relationship keeping the story applicable to the audience even more than 600 years later, there are many elements of the Prologue and Tale which root them in a mediaeval context. The reasons to marry and the opinions cited show the attitudes of the mediaeval period as do the references to mythological figures such as "Ymeneus, that god of wedding is". Symbolising how the mediaeval and modern aspects of the Tale can be easily combined is the story of Pluto and Proserpina. Although Pluto captures his wife, she is able to spend much of the year away from Hades. This is symbolic of the greater liberty that many women can enjoy in the modern world. Opposing this modern link is the relationship between Januarie and May which is shown to have followed mediaeval tradition to a greater extent concerning the actual marriage and the mercantile nature in which it is brought about. Rather than the freedom for Proserpina agreed between herself and Pluto, Januarie desires a wife of "warm wex" that he can control, ultimately causing May to betray him. Januarie's reasons for marrying are seen as improper both in the mediaeval and modern contexts. He wishes to be married simply because he is old and society seems to say that he should. There is no consideration of love, only of lust as he declares, "I wol noon oold wyf han in no manere". A mediaeval audience would have been aware that an emphasis on carnal pleasure was displeasing to God, while this would be less of an issue to a modern audience. As marriage was considered by the mediaeval audience to be an embodiment of Christ's devotion to the Church, the theme of infidelity would be apparent to the modern audience, but without the ironic details obvious to the earlier audience. In addition to this, the simple fact that Januarie's friends are prepared to find "to whom [he] may be wedded hastily", rather than let Januarie look for himself roots the Tale in a mediaeval context as such an idea is almost inconceivable in the year 2000.

Biblical Allusions and Imagery in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath :: Grapes Wrath essays

Biblical Allusions and Imagery in Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck always makes it a point to know about his subjects first hand. His stories always have some factual basis behind them. Otherwise, he does not believe that they will be of any value beyond artistic impression. Therefore, most of his novels take place in California, the site of his birth and young life. In preparation for writing his novels, Steinbeck would often travel with people about whom he was going to write. The Grapes of Wrath was no exception to his other works. To prepare for it, he joined migrants in Oklahoma and rode with them to California. When he got to California, he lived with them, joining them in their quest for work. By publishing these experiences and trials of the migrants he achieved an effect that won him the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962. The writing of The Grapes of Wrath coincided with the Great Depression. This time of hardship and struggle for the rest of America gave Steinbeck inspiration for his work. Other peoples' stories of everyday life became issues for Steinbeck. His writings spoke out against those who kept the oppressed in poverty and therefore was branded as a Communist because of his "voice." Although, it did become a bestseller and receive countless awards, his book was banned in many schools and libraries. However, critics never attacked The Grapes of Wrath on the artistic level and they still consider it a beautifully mastered work of art. More than any other American novel, it successfully embodies a contemporary social problem of national scope in an artistically viable expression.1 In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck utilizes Biblical imagery and allusions to illustrate the struggle of the Joad family as a direct parallel with that of the Hebrew people. Steinbeck bolsters the strength of structure and character development in the book through Biblical allusions and imagery. Peter Lisca has noted that the novel reflects the three-part division of the Old Testament exodus account which includes captivity, journey, and the promised land.2 The Joads' story is a direct parallel with that of the Hebrews. Just as the Hebrews were captives of the Pharaoh, the Joads' are captives of their farm. Both make long and arduous journeys until they reach their promised land. Israel is the final destination for the Hebrews and California plays the same role for the Joads. Hunter mentions several of the parallels in the novel. When the Joads embark on their journey, there are twelve members which corresponds to the twelve tribes of Israel who are leaving the old order behind.

Media Literacy Essay

Literacy gives us minorities the ability to read and write. Today, we get most our information through an interwoven system of media technologies. The ability to read many types of media has become an essential skill in the 21st Century. Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media. I came up with this topic because Media literate youth and adults all over America to better understand the complex messages we receive from television, radio, Internet, newspapers, magazines, books, billboards, video games, music, and all other forms of media.Media can present content that seems and is more or less real, however, it is our duty as the viewers to be able to distinguish, and differentiate between â€Å"reflections of reality, and constructions of reality†. The prime targets of the media are young people because they so unwittingly believe everything the media tells them, from â€Å"how to talk, how to dress, and how to relate to others†. Media literacy skills are included in the educational standards of every state in language arts, social studies, health, science, and other subjects. My potential strength is giving my audience various types of important effects of global media literacy such as education ,health related issues, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, body image, obesity, sex distractions , lack of knowledge and all types of sports that does and does not effects our globalization. I researched and found out many researchers have discovered that media literacy is an effective and engaging way to apply critical thinking skills to a wide range of issues. My main Importance I want my audience to know about media literacy, according to Edward Donnerstein who is a major research interests in mass-media violence, as well as mass media policy. He has published over 240 scientific articles in these general areas and serves on the editorial boards of a number of academic journals in both psychology and communication. Donnerstein States that in his book † Media literacy skills can help youth and adults by developing critical thinking skills, Understanding how media messages shape our culture and society ,recognize, bias, spin ,misinformation, lies and also evaluate media messages based on our own experiences, skills, beliefs, and values. † I learned from Donnerstein that this project with media literacy fit within the existing globalization because media literacy is a delicate issue that has some good and bad effects on everyone in today’s society. For example, Communication has become a major tool to connect if we want to travel to Africa or learn  about Australia information is at our fingertips .We can text someone instantly and get a response back from Russia immediately. We can call someone over Skype in India and talk for free on our computer for as long as we want. Not to mention Facebook and Twitter which have become the most popular social networking tools on the worl d. My study according to Cole VT 2006, an article on television and obesity talks about how the media has strong influence over public thought because of the universal demand of the media, because of the accessibility of media it becomes more influential to those who watch it and the viewers who believe the ideas and stereotypes portrayed through the media; nevertheless, they become the individuals who become influenced by the media. The media demonstrates the ability to create and influence those who watch television; however, one particular group that the media has targeted is children. Television and internet has allowed for the expansion of knowledge to expand globally, but also has the ability to corrupt the mind of the youth. Cole gives us audience a quote stating†The expansion of knowledge is spreading and so is the waist size of the American youth†. It has been established that television, internet and social medial allows for children to become educated through these conventional outlets; however children should be limited to a minimal amount of television because there is correlation between excessive television, internet and an increase in BMI, which has been linked towards the causes of obesity in children. Obesity effect children’s who consume a significant am out of television such as erratic behavior, less active in physical activity, deprivation of sleep, mood swings, Increase in laziness, and increase in weight again which consents of obesity. According to Kong JP, in 2010 his Journal of Society for development in new net environment in B&H. â€Å"children who watch up to three hours of television on average, watching up to at least 40,000 TV commercial per year and developing a favorite television show or program that retains their attention. Based on the fact these impacts can lead to a significant decline in health and overall performance of children. If these bad habits remain continuance this could lead to an unhealthy life and unhealthy habits, which can ultimately be fatal†. However, we parents need to set a good example, because they are role models for their child, and the behavior that children have is usually a replica of the parents. Some parents allow for children to be consumed by television, while they  gallivant in their own activities instead of spending time with their child. By allowing a child to consistently watch television instead of being active in a physical activity can result in the child becoming lazy. It is important to encourage your child to do other activities outside of watching television, so it’s good not to invest all your time on television and find an outside source for entertainment. For instance, if a child asks to play with their mom or dad and the mom tell their child I do not have time, go watch television. Ultimately, the child will begin to rely on the television as there daily activity. It is imperative as a parent that you find quality time to spend with your child and that quality time should be spent awa y from the television. My Methodology of data I collected throughout a quantitative and qualitative research study is that I gain from Elsevier Health Sciences that it is imperative to understand that childhood obesity is at all-time high, and as the years increase so does the sizes of the American children. If children are going to is watching a significant amount of television and internet daily there should be other alternatives and activities provided in place of the television. For instance, for every amount of television or technology being used will result in the same amount of time spent actively engaging in an activity that does not require you to sit in front of the television or , or iPad, Xbox 360 and etc. Also, it is recommended that a maximum of two hours should be spent watching these technologies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2001), it is recommended in order to help reduce the amount of television and internet being consumed is to not watch television or use technologies while eating meals, remove all televisions from blatant/obvious places in the houses, such as the living room. There should be no television located in the children’s room because children will stay up all night with their eyes fixated at the television or technologies. Also, it’s good to implement days without television and to plan family activities that allow to children engage actively. By limiting the amount of hours spent on television and internet can help reduce the risk of children becoming obese and allow for them to find other activities that can be beneficial to their growth and allow for them to live a healthy life. Children’s greatest exposure to violence comes from television. TV shows, movies edited for television, and video games expose young children to a level of violence unimaginable just a  few years ago. According to Salmon J, Campbell KJ, Crawford DA states in their Journal of Society for development in new net environment in B&H that majority of teenagers and children today know the underlying themes of the media, and know that it is all scripted even the violence, however, the matter of fact is that teenagers can relate so much to the themes in the media that they slowly begin to believe it. Once they get introduced to the characters, they gradually start to consider them real and starts to partipate in bad behavior Cambell states in his journal that â€Å"our community in today’s society face many obstacles with our youth and the media that is destroying the foundation of family’s and juvenile delinquency. For example, social learning theory, strain theory and control theory, just to name a few, are typically postulated for being directly related our media juvenile delinquency. In dealing with all of these effects and how they play a role with delinquency the question still remains as to whether or not higher crime rates in juveniles are significantly increased when media plays a big factor†. The media has the ability to influence social constructed ideas and creating stratification amongst minorities and ethnic groups allowing for the uses of the television and social media outlets to become addicting. As a result of this addiction it enable individuals such as children to become or remain fixated on these primitive idea of life. And because of this strong addiction towards being entertained it is important to stay tuned to the media and the most up to date gossip or the newest television show. However, According to Tracy Marie Scull who is The National Association for Media Literacy Education’s Journal of Media Literacy Education talks about sex in her article she states,†During adolescence, young people are exposed to information about sex from a myriad of sources including mass media Adolescents frequently cite mass media as a primary source of information about sex (Sutton et al. 2002). Somewhat surprisingly, the media far outrank parents or schools as a source of information about birth control for 15-19-year-olds .In fact, young teens (ages 13-15) rank entertainment media as their top source for information about sexuality and sexual health. Unfortunately, while the media are communicating a plethora of sexual messages, many of those messages would not be considered accurate or healthy. For example, while the amount of sexual content on TV has nearly doubled since 1997 very few teen television shows mention any of the  responsibilities or risks (e.g., using contraception, pregnancy, STIs) associated with sex and almost none of the shows with sexual content include precaution, prevention, or negative outcomes as the primary theme†.

Government Spying Essay

Austin Bryan Period-1 http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/news/2006/intell-060101-voa01.htm In some instances, governments believe that it is okay to spy on their citizens in order to preserve their freedom. I personally find this concept to be absurd. Living in a country that’s history is founded upon freedom of its citizens, and escaping oppression of tyrant governments, leaves me very skeptical on this concept. I believe that if the government is spying on its citizens it is actually taking away their freedom rather than preserving it. Living in an era of increasing technology has made it much easier for a government to spy on its citizens. Because of this, it has become a problem in many places around the world. Think about back in elementary school when you had pen pals from other countries. How would you feel if the government was able to intrude on your personal life just because you made contact abroad? For us in America, a government spying on its citizens sounds pretty crazy right? In 2006 president Bush did just that by enabling a â€Å"Government Phone Tap†. President Bush thought in order to preserve citizen’s freedoms that is was justified to tap into people’s phones and emails. The only people that were supposed to be the recipients of phone tapings where those who were making calls abroad, particularly to suspected al-Qaida connections. Not only is this a complete violation of peoples constitutional rights and privacy, but Bush also neglected the need for a warrant in this instance. To this day many immigrants from other countries come to America seeking asylum from oppressive governments. America is supposed to be a safe haven where people’s rights and privacy are protected under the constitution. Acts of government espionage upon its own citizens like this are completely unacceptable. I believe that the only way from a government to protect its citizen’s freedom is to respect everyone’s freedom regardless of circumstances.

“Friendship. Does It Exist Nowadays?”

Every person has a devoted friend and their relations are called friendship. Could you give the definition of the word friendship? Friendship means relations between people who help each other, have common interests and hobbies, and share the same opinions. So, it’s great! The title of today’s special lesson called friendship. What words can you bring out as associations with a good friend and with a bad friend? (at the blackboard). Support Appreciate Betray Envy Feel jealous Ignore Honest Quarrel Defend – Children, do you know any proverbs about friends? One man – no man; One for all, all for one.A man is known by his friends. -I see, children, you know a lot! Good for you! -And I have some new proverbs for you. Look and match them! (at the blackboard).- And now I’ll give you a card with a question, you should address this question to any person.Do you have many friends?What is friendship for you?What is special about your friends?What is your friend like?Why do we like our friends?What shows that you are friends?Does your friend support you?Do you appreciate your friend’s advice?Does your friend envy your success?Do you have a friend in your class?Is your friend a kind person?Is your friend talkative?Is your friend honest?Do you like spending time with your friend? How?4. Thank you, children. And now – a special task for you. You see on your papers an extract from Oscar Wilde’s story. Could you translate the title? Let’s listen to the story and say who was the devoted friend. Oscar Wilde. The Devoted Friend. Once upon a time there was a young man whose name was Hans. He lived alone in little house. He had a lovely garden where he worked every day. His garden was the best in the village and there were a lot of beautiful flowers in it. Releted essay –  An Empty Purse Frightens Away FriendsLittle Hans had a devoted friend, big Hugh the Miller. Indeed, the rich Miller was so devoted to little Hans, that he always picked some flowers or took some fruit when he was passing Han’s garden. â€Å"Real friends must have everything in common,† the Miller used to say, and Hans smiled and felt very proud that a friend with such noble ideas. Sometimes the neighbours were surprised that the rich Miller never gave little Hans anything, but Hans never thought about these things. He worked and worked in his garden. In spring, summer and autumn he was very happy.But in winter he had no flowers or fruit to sell at the market, and he was often very hungry and cold. He was also very lonely, because the Miller never came to visit him in winter. â€Å"There is no good in my going to see little Hans in winter,† the Miller used to say his Wife, â€Å"Because when people are in trouble, you must leave them alo ne. That is my idea about friendship, and I am sure I am right. So I shall wait till spring comes, and then I shall go to see him, and he will give me a large basket of flowers, and that will make him happy. † The Miller’s Wife sat in her comfortable arm-chair near the fire. It is very pleasant,† she said. â€Å"to hear how you talk about friendship. † â€Å"But can’t we invite little Hans to our house? † said the Miller’s son. â€Å"If poor Hans is in trouble, I will give him half my supper and show him my white rabbits. † â€Å"What a silly boy you are! † cried the Miller.â€Å"If Hans comes here and sees our warm fire and our good supper, he may get envious, and envy is a terrible thing. Besides, maybe he will ask me to give him some flour, and I cannot do that! Flour is one thing and friendship is another. † â€Å"How well you talk,† said the Miller’s Wife. So, who was the devoted friend in this st ory and why? 5. Say what sentences are true or false. |   |True |False | |1. Little Hans lived in his little house without family. |   |   | |2. The rich Miller was so devoted to little Hans, that he always brought him some flowers or some fruit when he was passing. |   |   | |3. The Miller used to say that felt very proud to have a friend with such noble ideas.    |   | |4. â€Å"There is good in my going to see little Hans in winter,† the Miller used to say his Wife. |   |   | |5. Miller’s son suggested inviting poor Hans to their house. |   |   | |6. Miller didn’t want to make Hans feel bad. |   |   | |7. Hans would be glad to see his friend whenever he came. |   |   | 6. Some people say that there is difference between girls’ friendship and boys’ friendship. Now you’ll read the talk between two teenagers. Try to find out that difference.Tom: Is there any difference between girls’ friendship and boysâ €™ friendship? Mary: Yeah, definitely. I mean, it’s much more important for girls having close friends, we can tell each other everything, you know, our secrets and our feelings. We depend on each other much more. If I am upset, I know, I can get support from my best friend. Well, not, actually, from my best friend, but two or three other good friends, as well. Boys are not just like that. They always talk about things: sports, films, technology, whatever, never their feelings. Tom: OK, that’s true most of the times.But we can be very good, very close friends. I know some of my friends would lend me money or support me in a difficult situation. Mary: Boys don’t stick with their old friends. They are always getting new ones. My two best friends are from primary school, so I’ve known them for 15 years. Haven’t you got a friend from primary school? Tom: Well, no. The thing is they have changed, I’ve changed. I don’t think, it’ s a good thing to keep the same friends forever. I just mean, it’s boring. -So, children, is there any difference between girls’ friendship and boys’ friendship? And now let’s speak about an ideal friend. Make a small message on theme â€Å"An Ideal Friend†. Work in groups of 4. Pay attention to the following aspects: -Character -His or her attention to you 8. In conclusion I want to say that not everybody has a real friend. But if we have such a friend it makes our life happier and more interesting. It’s dear to us and we should care for friendship. Especially nowadays it’s necessary, perhaps more than ever to have a devoted friend. Let’s be patient and love each other. â€Å"Real friendship cannot be bought at a fair†.

Analysis of Unconscious Bias Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis of Unconscious Bias - Essay Example    There were five specifically enumerated classifications of biases noted: pattern-recognition, action-oriented, stability, interest, and social biases that decision-makers tend to disregard and subconsciously continue to infiltrate major decision-making processes. The authors suggested ways and mean counter these five biases through taking various points of views and perspectives; taking uncertainties into account; enhancing awareness by thinking beyond the box; adopting broader interests; and by encouraging corporate debate (Lovallo and Sibony, 2010). Likewise, four steps in adopting behavioral strategies were proffered to improve the quality of decision making after incorporating the suggested ways to counter biases in the organizations. In the video, â€Å"A Class Divided†, a grade three teacher, Jane Elliot, taught her students the crucial lesson on discrimination through an effective method of making them feel discriminated and prejudiced in terms of the color of thei r eyes. The results of group activities of ‘discriminated’ children were surprisingly shown as generating lower grades as their morale and perception of status were diminished. In contemporary organizations, these biases still exist in various styles and form: through gender discrimination, ranks within the organizational hierarchies, and even in the race. In a study conducted by Lyons & McArthur entitled Gender's unspoken role in leadership evaluations (gender discrimination and leadership qualities, the systemic bias â€Å"illustrates the challenges that women face in accommodating themselves to male-defined executive roles and suggests how corporate leaders--men in particular--can make these detrimental effects discussable within their own executive suites† (Lyons & McArthur, 2007, 1). This kind of bias could fall under the interest and social biases discussed by Lovallo and Sibony (2010) as there continue to pervade organizations in terms of confining to the respective interests of male-dominated leaders in organizations, deep-rooted in human tendencies and manifested in socials structures globally.   

Analysis of the FTAA Case Study and the FTAA after Action Reports Essay

Analysis of the FTAA Case Study and the FTAA after Action Reports - Essay Example As the paper stresses, this mission is regarded as the largest joint law enforcement operation in Miami’s history and perhaps the country’s as well. While the operation had its fair share of pitfalls, the FTAA action was overall successful because the Summit went on uninterrupted and thousands of protesters worked out their freedom to free speech. This paper touches on key challenges and their cause, viable solution to such problems, ramification of solutions, and policy recommendation by the county board commissioners. The analysis will focus on the three after Actions reports by the city of Miami PD, and civilian investigate panel report and the independent FTAA review panel. After the end of FTAA summit, it was time to reflect and evaluate the performance the combined law enforcement and identify the challenges experienced. At-least with reference to the after action reports, the challenges arose from the way operation was conducted and were further heightened by aggressive protesters’ tactics. The first two reports however are little biased because they are compiled the two protagonist groups – the law enforcement and the protesters as each party try to blame the other. The independent review panel is the most reliable because it not only involved all parties at arriving conclusions, but also it used interviews or public hearings to identify the real challenges. The key issues included training, organization and deployment, non-unified command, excessive use of force, labor concerns, and communication. Prior to summit, a series of law enforcement training for the FTAA was initiated because of the unprecedented in capacity, concentration and the huge number of command agencies. The Miami Police Department Commander headed this six-month exercise.