The Lost Man Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Lost Man - Essay Example In the 2011 movie, Adrien Brody has the main role with other cast members being Caroline Dharvernas, Ryan Robins and Adrian Griffiths. The movie plot has been directed in such a way that it invokes certain emotions; this is evidence through the flow of the movie to the end. As much as the movie starts with a general feeling of loneliness a sense of motivation is evident as Brody in the films struggles to get back on his feet. The movie plot has been devised in such a way that the mystery has been brought in the beginning of the film. With this having been done, the movie then grasps the attention of the audience as one is left to wonder what happened. The movie begins with an injured man; Adrien Brody who has no idea how he came to be in this particular place as he awakes from a car wreck with an almost shut eye from injury. The feeling from this first shot of the movie is very sad; the setting is in a forest far from civilization with a man that requires medical attention. The feeli ng of sadness is then hyphened by the discovery that the area his man is trapped in is full of wild animals and his life is most likely in danger. The feature that is most evident in the beginning of the movie is the mystery which can be seen through most of the films beginning. This aspect is also evident from the fact that there is a dead man besides him. He appears to be oblivious of the dead man as he seems to be amnesic from the accident. The feeling of dedication and motivation is evident throughout the movie as the man who does not even know who he is and how he appeared in this place is dedicated to get back in his feet and return to whatever place he belongs. He befriends a dog somewhere in the movie; this depicts the loneliness that he was experiencing. Loneliness is evident as in parts of the movie he is alone and he wishes there was someone around that could help him figure out how he came to that place and offer him a solution on how he could get back home. In one of th e scenes, the man talks to the dog and tells him that he used to have a dog named duke. This illustrates the loneliness that the man experiences while in the forest. The man is dedicated as he struggles and manages to get out of the car where one of his legs was stuck. He ties his leg with some sticks and sets off to figure out what has happened to him. Through the rhythm of the movie from the beginning to the end, there are revelations of the man’s life and this has been depicted in such a way that it unfolds what had previously taken place before the man came to this place. The man keeps having delusions of this girl that appears to him in this place. Through the rhythm the story flow establishes in the end that this girl that appears to him by his flashback where he was in a bank robbery and the girl is actually his girlfriend. The overall emotion that can said to have prevailed in the movie is loneliness, though the man has no memories of how he came to be in this place, he has memories of people that he wishes were around him at this time. The point and climax of the movie is then brought forth in the movie in a dramatic way that most movie critics said that it was breathtaking. At the end of the movie when the man is rescues, he asks the police to take the dog with him. The police inform the man that he had no dog, at this point, the audience gets to realize that the man was going through delusions the whole time that he

What Attracts People To Do Social Work Social Work Essay

What Attracts People To Do Social Work Social Work Essay I have always been deeply committed to helping others, especially helping those who come from similar backgrounds such as mine. Several experiences have stimulated my attraction to the field of social work. The first step towards my passion to study social work was formed when I was about four. My parents were unfit to raise my siblings and me, which consequently led to foster care. At age four I had no idea that day would lead me on the path of becoming an effective agent for social work. While in foster care, I met some amazing social workers who went beyond the call of duty. My social workers were talented, committed, and hard working. As I became older, my interest in social work grew. I started asking my social workers how do I become a social worker. In so many words, they explained that I have to do well in school, and go to college. While in college, I can major in the field of social work or closely related field. My social workers were my first insight to what a social work er is and what a social worker does. The fact that my social workers were committed to my well-being and pushed me to my full potentials demonstrated their concern for me as well as their ethical commitment. Secondly, are the three premises on which social work is based on. Which are very straightforward. First is that the person or group is important. The person or group has a problem that may arise from many different factors, and lastly finding a solution to help solve those problems so that person or group can live a better life. Finally, is the range of opportunities for a social worker in the field of social work. Social workers can be found in hospital, schools, community health agencies, and international organizations just to name a few. I give my social workers credit for the knowledge they have shared with me as well as encouraging me to reach my personal goals to become a social worker. 2. What influences, persons, or work/life experiences guide your choice of social work as a profession? I have not always been the strong confident person I am today. My outside involvements were my social workers, and independent living coordinator. They play a huge role in my influence to study social work and to become a social worker. Sometimes I often wonder how different my life would be now without my social workers involvement. I adopted many things from my social workers, things such as how to be compassionate and caring towards others, how to set and reach my goals, as well as how to be a hard worker. Some people fail to realize the impact of encouraging words to others. I can remember when I was in the twelfth grade my social worker Tameko was picking my sister and me up from school to help us fill out some important paper work for college. On the way home, she explained to us that we are smart and beautiful girls who can be anything we put our minds to. Do not let our circumstances define who we are. That moment of encouragement has not only stuck with me but has changed the way I think about my life. I then realized that I determine my future and should not be ashamed of my parents mishaps. Studies show that the cycle of poverty repeats it self for at least three generations. I new at a young age I did not want to repeat the cycle of abuse, poverty, and addiction so I worked hard to accomplish my goals. In practice, I have had an opportunity to work with Independent Living Program. Which is a program that helps youth ages 14-21 with career training, educational opportunities, p ersonal finance, job-hunting skills, independence skills, and so much more. I also took a Counseling Practicum class, which gave me an opportunity to observe and experience working within the Augusta Pregnancy Center. Which is a non-profit agency that provides services to women who are facing challenging situations? In this course, I was able to learn the specific skills required to care for the women and their unborn child, ethical principles, and ethical standards. These experiences has only increased me love for the field of social work and given me valuable experiences working with women and children. 3. Discuss personal strengths you possess which will make you an effective helping person. I chose social work, but in retrospect, I think social work chose me too. I often wonder what kind of career I would be interested in if I was never in foster care. My own personal background would make me an effective helping person. Growing up in the foster care system I will be able to relate to the youth and families I will be serving. I know what it feels like to be sent to different foster families. I know how it feels being afraid to trust people and being afraid to talk about being in foster care. I believe that children who have been abused and neglected find it difficult to trust people. I believer children in foster care would feel a sense of understanding, being that I have came from similar backgrounds. My personal strengths that I posse are the willingness to help others unconditionally. My social workers were very committed to me, and I want to share that same commitment with others who are vulnerable. My experience has taught me how to be non-judgmental, how to demons trate empathy, and how my improbable journey can inspire others. In addition, my undergraduate study in Psychology-Counseling has provided me with a better understanding of why people think, feel, and act the way they do. I believe that understanding the behaviors of people is very important tool to posses in the fields of social work. I also understand the importance of volunteering to help improve my community and neighborhood. I am currently a foster care club member as well as an on line message board member for foster care. I also volunteer in the Jefferson County Public School system and Woodhaven Place social committee. Volunteering is one of my most rewarding experiences for me and it gives me an opportunity to help my community as well as gaining skills to better help others. With my experiences during my undergraduate studies and currently I know that social work as a profession is ideal for me. 4 Discuss your vulnerabilities as these influence your development as a professional social worker. Specifically discuss any history of substance abuse, problems in a work setting, criminal activity, and/or help-seeking for personal issues. We are all vulnerable at any given point in time because of life circumstances. For example, illness, humiliation, harassment, natural disasters, poverty and abuse; however, some of us are more vulnerable than others. In my case, I was susceptible to physical abuse and neglect which has made me a strong person. My life experiences has not crippled me, but has inspired my concentration in public welfare so I can serve others. My past vulnerabilities will help me because they provide me with a better empathy of what children and families are going through in disadvantage situations. I thank God for my fears. One of my biggest fears in life was to end up like my parents. My fear has led me to never have an interested in drinking or using drugs. I never had any problems in a work setting nor have I had any criminal activities. I never seek any professional help for any personal problems that I have had in the past, however, there was a group that I was involved in call ILP that stands fo r Independent Living Program. This organization is amazing. This is where I met my Independent Living Coordinator who has been such an influential role model. The Independent Living Program is where I got my voice. In this program, I learned how to be more confident as well as how to share my life story with other youth that were in similar situations as me. I think this program help me cope with the personal issues that I was experiencing at that time. 5. Describe your special work practice as you anticipate it five years from now. Five years from now I see myself helping abused and neglected children who are in need of a positive social worker. This is with out a doubt the right vocation for me. I am passionate about working with this selected group, because of my own personal experience as an abused and neglected child. I have a special place in my heart for children especial those who are suffering because of their parentsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ inability to protect and provide for them. I often wished I had a magic wand to protect the kids who are being abused, but realist I do not. However, what I can do is take the necessary steps to become an accomplished social worker, which will enable me to help protect children from all forms of child abuse. In the years ahead, I also see myself volunteering to help educate foster parents on how to be equipped foster parents. To often there are foster kids placed with families who are not properly trained. In order for me to succeed in my endeavors towards protecting chil dren, I realize that a masterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s degree in the field of social work is essential. After attending your information sessions, I had the opportunity to better understand how Spalding University can help me reach my academic and personal goals. I became more aware of the importance of social work principles. I was able to learn more about your Masterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s in Social Work program. I was so impressed with Spaldingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s devotion and history to their Social Work program. I am very excited about learning the fundamentals which will help me sharpen my skills as I pursue my dream of becoming a professional social worker as well as sharing my knowledge. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills that I will develop at Spalding University to help abused and neglected children reach their greatest potentials. I promise to uphold and exceed all that is expected of a student at Spalding University, as well as a professional social worker.

Music Censorship Essay -- Censoring Censorship Music Lyrics Essays

Music Censorship   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today, in the 1990's, citizens in our society are being bombarded with obscene material from every direction. From the hate lyrics of Gun's 'N Roses to the satanic lyrics of Montley Crue and Marilyn Manson to the sexually explicit graphical content of today's movies, the issue is how much society is going to permit and where we, as a society, should we draw the line. The freedom of speech has always been considered a right, but that doesn't mean that you can shout, "Fire!" in a crowded movie theater. The real question is whether such material is harmful or dangerous to our society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people are asking whether or not we should censor offensive material. They believe that some material is too obscene for society to hear or see. The advocates of censorship get riled up because the movie rating council doesn't give a move an R-rating for having the occasional f-word. One rap group, 2 Live Crew, has already had one of their albums banned because in one song they used explicit references to male genitals and 87 references to oral sex. They used the word "bitch" more than 100 times and the f-word more than 200 times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although most people agree that we are being overwhelmed with offensive material, there is no consensus on how to deal with the problem. There are three possible solutions. The first is the possibility of government censorship, which would include laws and penalties for breaking these laws. The second solution is self-imposed censorship by individuals and corporations. The third solution is total free speech with no censorship.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first possible solution is government censorship. In the past government legal actions have been taken to control offensive messages. For example, in 1988, the Ku Klux Klan wanted to appear on a Kansas City, Missouri public access cable channel. The city council decided that it would be better to shut the public access cable channel down instead of letting the KKK air their show. Later, under the pressure of being sued, the city council reversed their decision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Critics of this sort of action agree that these offensive messages do exist, but legal action is not the way to deal with them. They believe that no individual acts the way the messages portray just because the messages exist. Another belief is that legal actions will intimidate creative people because it mak... ...ce Clay, considered offensive by some, shouldn't be censored from those who find him humorous   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Freedom of speech is an important part of any democratic country. While some people may find Rush Limbaugh's portrayal of President Clinton offensive, his show should not be censored. This is the price that we pay to live freely in a democratic society. Censorship does not have to be the solution. You always have the right to change the channel or put down a book. You have control over what you hear, see, or read. You are not forced to see or hear the offensive speech.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Opponents of the "first amendment view" believe that "just saying no" is not enough. For example, children most likely will not say no. This is why these people believe that the government should at least have the right to censor what children see.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some people believe that censorship is the answer, others do not. I believe that this issue will be left up to the courts to decide. I fear that the media may become a swamp of regulations with no more entertainment value whatsoever, and I hope that this never happens. I think that the first amendment is a great right and that we should never abridge it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet Essay

Nowadays, the Internet is growing rapidly. Many people open Internet because it assists a lot of benefits to humans. However, many people become victims after accessing the internet. In this essay, I will discuss the benefits and dangers of the internet. The internet has many benefits. One of these benefits of Internet is it is the medium of communication. There are many facilities on the internet helps us to communicate such as E-mail, Facebook, Twitter and others. All these facilities enable people to communicate with other people from different countries in the world so that it can explore other cultures of different ethnicity. Also, Internet is a medium of information. Today, a lot of people need the information from the internet. Because every second on the internet, updates the information required by humans. For instance, Google and Yahoo are search engine information on the internet that provide all kinds of topics the information we need. Furthermore, Internet is a medium of entertainment. Internet becomes successful because it provides a lot of entertainment that humans need. For example, today many people are watching or downloading free entertainment on the internet, and many people are playing on-line games. In contrary, the internet has a lot of disadvantages. The fact of the matter is that the internet has thousands of porn sites. This is the greatest threat to human life, especially the children. There have been many people who became victims of pornographic sites on the internet. For example, now in Indonesia, many teenage girls do not have virgin. That is because porn sites affect their lifestyle so that they eliminate the virgin with boyfriend easily. Also, the Internet sends viruses to your computer. When your computer connects to the internet it is often the case that a virus attacks your computer hard disk. In addition, many people steal personal information on the internet. The case is often occurring in today’s world, when people save personal information such as name, address, credit card number, and others, so many criminals will access the data. Therefore, beware of internet because he has a lot of harm to human life. In conclusion, I believe that the Internet helps people in the communications, information and entertainment. However, the Internet also has much negative side. Therefore, use the internet for positive things so that we get a lot of benefits. Advantages and disadvantages of using the internet Essay Nowadays, the internet is a widely used instrument, without which the modern human might find it difficult to properly function. Every new technology has its ups and downs and the internet is no exception to this rule. Among the positive aspects related to the internet, one can mention the huge amount of information that can be found, helping the users stay informed and able to search for any type of data. The internet can also ease all kinds of daily activities that would usually be time consuming, in a world where wasting precious time is not an option. For instance, one can buy groceries, pick a present for his loved one, pay his bills, check his bank account and search reviews for that laptop that caught his eye passing by the electronics store. All this can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. However, some might say that the negative aspects of the internet are the ones that prevail. Not all the information available is correct, and it can also be easily manipulated. Also, the internet is not represented only by wikipedia.com, economist.com, or imdb.com. Read more:Â  Use of Internet in Education There are tons of websites that promote violence and pornography and even if an adult might be able to make good choices in his internet activities, monitoring a child’s activity in relation to these websites might become difficult. Other disadvantages are represented by the viruses that may harm the performance of the device connected to the internet or even exploit security vulnerabilities to spread automatically to other computers through networks. Among the negative aspects, the possibility of becoming a victim of online fraud should also be mentioned. Even if there are many disadvantages to consider, the internet is still a necessary evil. It helps mass communication to become a process that is completed in only a few seconds, it is useful in relation to all types of daily activities and we all have developed some kind of dependency on its functions.

The Bible Among Myths

Old Testament Introduction July 6, 2014 Introduction The author, a research professor at Wesley Biblical Seminary by the name of John N. Oswald, attempts to explain the similarities and differences of the Holy Scripture and its teachings from that of the neighboring Ancient Near East beliefs.Moreover, he attempts to answer the question of how scholarly opinions of the disagreements found between Genesis and Babylonian accounts of the origins of the world. He points out how the modern-day scholars are now comparing the Bible to other religious documents and considering it as Just another mythical belief. Oswald credits this world-view change to a study of similarities between the Bible and like Near Eastern writings rather than before when perhaps more interest was placed on viewing the differences.These studies are explained in the first half of this publication and sub-titled The Bible and Myth. Within the second part of the book sub-titled The Bible and History, he solicits the rea der to ask questions about the authenticity of the Old Testament, or is it even important that the Bible be historically accurate? Even if those inaccuracies are proven, does it hold any significance in the theological beliefs presented within? To summarize the books overall theme, Oswald desires that his reader gives any evidence of accuracy the credit it is due.Not to be swayed by unsubstantiated conjectures that might diminish the focus of what is fundamentally true. His is not a request for us to look past the inaccuracies or to take a stance that if the Bible says it's so then that's all there is to it. Mr.. Oswald asks the reader to allow the possibility f ‘harmonistic' and not Jump to any conclusions without allowing for the truth to reveal itself in the scripture. Part I The Bible and Myth Chapter One The Bible In Its World In the opening chapter, Oswald looks into the diverse views of world creation and being.He compares and contrasts how Greek philosophy influenced t he monotheistic culture of the Israelites which ultimately contributed to the Western world beliefs we know today. Early Greek philosophers reasoned that there is but one â€Å"universe† with a sole point of unification and not a â€Å"powers† with variable sources of creation. They taught that everything could be reasoned and that something could be so and not so at the same time. This belief conflicted with that of the world view of the Ancient Near East (ANNE).The world view supposed that existence on earth was the result of many unseen forces in the realm of the invisible. Apparently the Greek philosophers proposing this message didn't win over the acceptance of that culture and they found themselves forced out and into hiding, some taking their own lives thus ending the age of Greek philosophical thought. This struggle was displayed in he play Beach by the Greek playwright Euripides wherein the conflict is played out between the rational human-nature component act ed out by men who were pitted against the women that played the part of the irrational side of Human existence.The men were killed by the women depicting the two opposing views could not coexist and the polymers of many deities would dominate cultural thought. At about the same time, it seems that the Israelites were experiencing a similar battle of faith. The Hebrew believed that there was a sole Creator that rewarded and disciplined based on obedience to God's will. This view was quite the opposite from that of the polymers thinkers and against the beliefs of the Ancient Near Eastern cultures that trusted in the parallel invisible world.Even them, the Hebrew held to their conviction of a monotheistic God and the prophet's ability to predict the exile and return of the Israelites strengthened that resolve. Christianity was to be the compilation of Greek thought and Hebrew belief. The Greek logic provided cause and effect for the Hebrew creation theory of God. Finally acknowledgment that God is not the world and the world is not God. Logic and science working together. Oswald writes here that an important conclusion is derived in that science and logic are not self-evident, neither able to stand alone.Together, the system provided value to the individual and the importance of history and why things are as they are. Closing out Chapter one Oswald laments the apparent modern reliance on rationalism and less on our God. History and the people are becoming less relevant and there is more emphasis placed on comfort, pleasure and self-preservation. Assault's hope is that the younger readers will realize this direction and reconsider the turn away from God and toward the enemy. Chapter Two The Bible And Myth: Oswald lays out the root for Biblical reality.He questions how the Bible can be included with the Ancient Near Eastern arguments as a myth when it is so radically different. The true question being the actual definition of a myth. Oswald allows that this questio n fully depends on the definition of the term. It is also important to grasp why there is a desire to place it in the mythological category to begin with. Here Oswald compares the many definitions of a myth. He assembles all the similarities possessed by each to redefine a true myth. Oswald provides allegory reasoning to establish that a definition too broad will result in a loss of validity.He explains that only to broaden the scope of the definition to suit (or include) the Bible does nothing to add credit to the validity of the meaning. Oswald ends this chapter with a compilation of definitions and has primarily grouped them into two categories. Within this the first, we find etymological, sociological and the literary. Primarily, Oswald wants the reader to know that to appropriately define a myth, you must have narrowed down the definition. In this category, the definition is narrowed down to hat of Just characteristic rather than function or quality.Something with order and pre dictability. This section summarizes the attempts to provide more adaptive definitions and theories to define a myth led to commonality or continuity to describe the world-view. He offers that the philosophy of continuity states that all things are continuous and are one, defining that God and earth are one but separate. That said, an item made from earth is God. This is true for all religions except those beliefs which have derived from the Hebrew being Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Chapter Three Continuity: The Basis Of Mythical ThinkingIn this chapter we follow Oswald as he delves into the ideology supporting the supernatural aspects of myth. It provides that myth views are Just another way of tuning into reality than what we accept using Westernizes logic. By defining myth as â€Å"all things continuous†, there can be no distinction between the three realms of human, nature and divine. Oswald describes the term pantheism and how things that look and sound alike are con sidered the same therefore to worship an idol is to worship a God. Through this logic, mankind can alter the outcome of natural events by way of their idols.He states that this is the single most important aspect to the way of thinking that characterizes myth. It is believed that in Myths, a magic spell can disrupt the continuous nature of things, bringing chaos and disorder between the realms. Myths are polytheism meaning many Gods. They are often represented through symbolism. It is fundamental in myth that all things begin with matter. In myth, humans exist to serve the gods. They have no significance in the mythical world. Personalities are exceptions to the norm creating chaos to the continuity.That world is a continuous circle coming and going nowhere at all times. Chapter 4: Transcendence: Basis Of Biblical Thinking The Bible, when compared to the surrounding ANNE, is radically different in how it approaches reality. The Old Testament, regardless of the historical statements being true or false, is consistent. Common Characteristics Of Biblical Thought: The two biggest differing traits in the Old Testament are monotheism and iconoclasm. Monotheism maintains that Heehaw is the sole creator and separate from the world.The Hebrew people are the only culture ever to exist that believed in monotheism. Israel, which was less advanced in all aspects of culture then the surrounding ANNE, insisted on a monotheistic religion above all. Iconoclasm states that God cannot be made in any image or any created form. It is clearly stated and defined in the Old Testament (Ex. 20-4-5); muff shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them. † This belief is the basis of transcendence.God is not the world, God cannot be identified to the world, God cannot be recreated and God cannot be manipulated by the world. Other distinct characteristics that sep arate Hebrew thought from all other belief systems are: 1 . God is spirit and not matter which is the polar opposite viewpoint of myth. Myth states that matter is the basis of everything. 2. ) There was no conflict during the creation process. In myth creation evolves from chaos but in the Old Testament the world exists only because God spoke it into existence. 3. ) The Old Testament has a very high viewpoint of humanity.In fact man is made in the image of God. God created man last and man is the apex of all creation. In myth humanity is an afterthought and the only purpose is to provide for the gods. 4. ) God is reliable and consistent. Heehaw will bless people and be there for his people even when it is not to God's advantage. In myth the gods are fickle and only self-serving. 5. ) God is supra-sexual which simply means God is not sexed. He is neither male nor female. He is spirit being and does not take on any traits of sexuality and sex played no part in the creation process.In myth gods comes into existence by sexual means. They have sex with each other to make other gods and also have sex with desirable women to make semi-gods. 6. ) Since God is not sexed in the Bible, sex is dissocialized in the Old Testament. God set clear boundaries o establish what is acceptable and what is forbidden when dealing with sexual relationships. Mythology uses all types of sexual rituals so that they can influence and manipulate the gods. There are no boundaries and anything goes. 7. ) The Old Testament also prohibits the use of magic.Sorcery of all kind is forbidden and may not be used to attempt to manipulate God in any ritualistic way. The attempt to manipulate God to gain self-interest is vile to God. You maintain a personal relationship with God though prayer and obedience. In mythology magic, sorcery and rituals are common and essential to dealing with the gods. There is no individual as the individual is Just part of the continuous nature. The gods are only influenc ed through the rituals of society. 8. Humans relate to God though ethical behavior and to the disciplined obedience of God.What matters most to the Israelites is how people treat their parents, their children, their neighbors and strangers. They show their commitment to God by how they interact with others. God gives strict laws for his people to uphold and follow. Strict obedience to this covenant will create holiness for oneself bringing one closer to the holiness of God. Transcendence As The Underlying Principle: The underlying and most important distinction in the biblical understanding of reality is how God is in relation to the cosmos.In mythical thinking god is the cosmos or the cosmos is god. The source and the manifestation are indistinguishable and are continuous. In Biblical thought God is transcendent. God is not the cosmos and the cosmos is not God. God is separate and apart from the creation. This belief is completely contrary to continuity and distinguishes that God a nd heaven are not part of the natural world. The world is separate and only exists cause God willed it into existence by his word. This is the law of transcendence that clearly shows God is other than the cosmos.Oswald established in this chapter that all the reasons which make something a myth are opposite from the biblical worldview of the Old Testament. The Bible can therefore not be considered a myth. This does not say that the Bible is true but it is definitely not a myth. One thing is true; the Bible is unique and consistent which gives credence to the approach. Chapter 5: The Bible Verses Myth Ethics: In mythology there are two kinds of ethical misbehaver, offenses against gods ND offenses against people. Most offenses against the gods deal in the magical realm with rituals or spells.It is an attempt to ward off the gods from interfering or to manipulate the gods to gain favors. The repercussion of the offense depends on the mood, reaction and the personality of the god at th e time. Offenses against other people are another matter. It is a crime against the laws of society that have predetermined punishments. In myth the laws are understood to be human creations. Therefore Judgment is by the people and there isn't reason to appeal to gods for help. In biblical thought, God has a covenant with man and all the laws for how people relate to God and to each other come from God through transcendence.One is either obedient or not to the law of God. There is no distinction between sin against God and crime against society. They are both lack of obedience to the written commands from God. What is unique is that the standard of the law and covenant with God is formed from the character of the one true Heehaw. Another biblical thought on ethics to consider is that the expectations are clear to all. There are clear results from compliance or noncompliance by the individual. One can gain more insight into God's nature by how one reacts ethically in the physical wor ld.Things happen too person because of what that person has done or is doing. It is no longer an unknown act in the divine world. Lastly, is the free choice from allowed by God, a person's choice can impact what happens; it is no longer Just a reflection from the other realm or from a cosmic event. Jerusalem fell not because other gods in the divine defeated Heehaw, but because the people broke their covenant with God and God allowed the fall. It was a result of free choices and the consequences from those hoicks.The Significance of Similarities Between Israelites and Non-illustrates: Oswald now turns to similarities between the Israelite belief system and other surrounding cultures of the ANNE. There are five main topics that Oswald reviews: 1). Similarities in Practice: Without question there are similarities in the practices of the Hebrews and their neighbors. One obvious similarity is that both had laws that were delivered to them from God. Another similar practice is the ritual of sacrifice and the ceremonial cleanness associated with the practice.Still further is the set-up of the tabernacle ND covenant with God which is almost identical to the Canniest sanctuaries. What makes the Hebrews stand apart is the obedience to the concept that if I do something to my neighbor it has a direct correlation to my relationship to God. The Egyptian, Canniest and Mesopotamia could not accept that if one stole from another person it was a violation to the creator. No matter how similar any of the beliefs or practices seemed, the deciding factor that separated the Hebrews was their relationship of the individual to God.There is a system of ethics that affect by one's behavior in all matters. 2. Similarities in Expression: There are references in the Bible to the cosmos and to other mythical things such as the Leviathan. Some argue that the Hebrews believed in the chaos of cosmos or continuity because of the mention of mythical things that are used as reference in the Bi ble. Oswald states the difference is that, â€Å"the transcendent God is accomplishing his will through an obedient nature in a specific historic event.In a unique moment in time and space, never to be repeated, but also ever to be forgotten, God has worked redemption for his people. † The Bible doesn't necessarily believe the myth of the surrounding ultras, but makes the point of the myth, to only break the myths validity, to make it absolutely clear it is God who prevailed. 3,) Similarities in Thought Patterns: There is a scholarly consensus that believes the Israelite religion is based on the principle of continuity which is similar to the surrounding ANNE culture. The Israelites abandon the belief system of continuity because of a cataclysmic event.It is further argued that the event was the exodus from Egypt and that all documented history of the Israelites prior to the exodus was rewritten to mirror the recent adopted reenactments God belief. The problem with this argum ent is that the Hebrew believes that God reveals himself through unique events and persons in time and space. The historical relevance is absolute and the inspired written word of God. It is contrary to the entire belief system of a transcendent God that defines the Hebrew thought. 4. ) Genesis: Is Genesis, especially the early chapters, written in myth?The problem with this thought is that the characteristics that define a myth are absent. There are not multiple gods, there is no continual creation that the world reflects, sex is not a part f the creation story, there is a high view of man not a low one and there is no conflict between order and chaos. Scholars have attempted to say that in Genesis 1:1 â€Å"When God began to create the heaven and earth, the earth was without form and void. † that Hebrews believed in a preexistent chaos. The second point scholars make to say that Genesis is a myth, is that the creation story is similar to the Babylonian.When observed closely the texts of the two stories do not really match. The majority of the Babylonian creation story focuses on the creation of the gods and the battle between gods for a supreme rule. They are only similar in a logical progression of how things were made The bottom line is that there is no conflict between good and evil or any sexual deeds that transpired to make the creation process start. The world both in heaven and on earth are because God willed it and commanded it to be so by his word. Psalms: There are many Psalms that can be construed as similar and describing pagan gods and viewpoints.Oswald demonstrates in Psalm 29, Psalm 68 and Psalm 104 the comparison that the author could be describing Ball instead of Heehaw. Both are cloud riders and both control the rain. In all accounts it is clear hat God is separate from the rain and storms, God is not the rain or the storm but apart from it. God is the maker and giver of all things. In myth there is no separation only oneness with al l things. Ball is god, Ball is nature and Ball is the idol. Ball cannot be separate from the storm because of continuity Ball is the storm.Chapter 6: The Bible And History: A Problem Of Definition The main distinction of biblical Old Testament thought is that God interacts in unique non-recurring events in a specific time and place. The Bible contends that the events are factual and happened as written. The idea that human choice and actions can effect outcomes in the natural world and that these choices are non-repeatable and are aligned toward a single measurable universal goal are all unique and recorded in the Bible. Definitions Of History: Like a myth, history needs a clear definition.History can refer to the recording of an event, the study of the past or Just a connected experience of an event in time and space. Oswald reviews different definitions and interpretations of what history means and how it will refer to the Old Testament. Oswald then offers his own definition: â₠¬Å"A history is a narrative of a series f events revolving about human beings acting in time and space. Existing for the purpose of human self-knowledge, it purports to be an accurate account of all significant elements for the eventual outcome. † History is about the accurate account of human beings.Understandings Of Reality On Which History Writing Depends: In order to establish the importance of history, it must be established that the belief in human free will and choice is absolute. If not then history doesn't matter. Oswald reviews six theological points and six historical practices of the ANNE that historic writings depend on: 1 . Humans are free and responsible. If there isn't free will and choice then everything is preconditioned and Just part of a continuous cycle. History and the knowledge gained from the study of history cannot change a predetermined fate of a future event. Choice is Just an illusion. . ) There is cause an effect to an event in time and space. Thin gs are not Just by chance as a result from events in the invisible world. 3. ) Truth is absolutely necessary to establish order to study history. If an event in history never happened, what is the point of learning from the choices made by a person in that event? If there is only speculation and interpretation without fact, then the event is meaningless. 4. ) Humans are dynamic and goal- oriented. Humans must believe that we can change for the better. If we are Just part of a repetitive cycle there is no reason for goals and improvement. 5. Relationships within time and space have significance. If this is true then what happens in the physical world matters. If not relationships are all continuous and predetermined. 6. ) A consistent standard must be established to measure against. If there isn't a standard there will never be agreement and it all becomes meaningless. Omens: An omen is a sign which foretells the results of a particular event or Journey. Omens diminish the value of f ree choice and lead to predetermination by the gods. In Babylonian culture much time has been spent on documenting all the different omens and meanings of their signs.King Lists: Is simply the names, lineage and length of each king being documented. Date Formulae: In ANNE it was standard practice each year to document the name of the ruling king with his title and announce what he accomplished within that particular year. Epic: Epics are narratives that reveal events of a hero on a Journey. Many of the characters have been found to be based on historic individuals with the feats based in fact. E. G. Ulysses was an actual character who fought in Troy and did have difficulty getting home. Royal Annals: These annals record in detail the events in each a kings reign.They describe in detail military conquest, building projects, interests and favorite topics of that king. Chronicles: Chronicles are an objective documented account of the life of a king describing his victories and defeats as well as his line of succession. It does not evaluate the value of the feats. Reasons For The Absence Of History Writing: Oswald outlines five reasons why there would not have been documented writings in the ANNE: 1 . ) Focus on â€Å"NOW': If we conclude that the ANNE was founded on and believed in continuity then all that matters is the present.Nothing in the past or future influence or effect what was happening today. There was no need to document it. 2. ) Subjective Orientation: Historical writings gain credibility when written by an outside person. In the ANNE all is connected and one with each other so there is no outside or subjective opinion. There was no point to have it written by a neutral person as there is only me. . ) Multiplicity of Causes: In continuity there are infinite causes to an event. How the stars line up in the sky have more impact on what happens then human free choice.What happens in the invisible world effects the physical world giving infinite reasons why it happened. 4. ) Determinism: Choice is just an illusion because of the cyclical and interconnected nature of reality. In reality there are no choices because everything is dictated by outside forces. What a person does is predetermined regardless of what they believe. What is the point to document and study an event if they have no future choice? . ) Preoccupation with Order and Security: The forces in the cosmos are constantly battling each other over good and evil, creating and destroying at all times.Chaos is always around whether in the physical, material or political world. Security is completely dependent on the outcome of the victory of order. The study of events from the past would have no impact on the battles waged in the cosmos which is where order and security is decided. The Bible's Unique Approach To Human-Historical Experience: 1 . ) Humans treated as Real Individuals: The Bible is radically different from other literature of the ANNE. The Bible uses characters that are real and human. Truth is found in the individual not in the normalcy of things, but in the character of that individual.The ANNE literature uses semi-gods and supernatural representatives which is contradictory to the Bible. The emphasis of the individual in the Bible is important and had no relevance in ANNE culture. 2. Failures and defeats Not Glossed Over: In the Bible both positive and negative traits of the individual character are highlighted. Failures are documented and Judged by God. There isn't glory in failure as in Greek Eric literature, Just lessons to be learned. 3. Significance of relationships: The Bible deals explores in detail, relationships with individuals and with God.It does not pass over them as insignificant, but rather goes into them in detail from a purely neutral perspective. Our actions and what we do to others matter. What David chose to do with Bathes was done and Judged by the transcendent Heehaw. Heehaw dealt with the result, but allowed the choice of the individual to be made. 4. Significance of Human Choice: The Bible states that it is human choice that shapes the events on earth, not a predetermined continuous force in the cosmos. A person can interact with God, but that person has the right to choose and the results are determined by the choice. . Developmental Relationships: The Bible relates past events to the present and compares the results. This is completely in contrast to the ANNE literature which only deals in the â€Å"NOW'. The writings are strictly to document the current reign. They do not demonstrate or compare one reign to the next one. There is no purpose to documenting as it is Just another repetitive report in an endless continuous circumstance. Implications of Transcendence For Israel's View Of Human- Historical Experience: Transcendence is the belief that God is separate and not part of the world.This concept is a major difference in approach to all the surrounding ANNE. Transcendence makes it im possible to believe that human events correspond to a mirror opposite invisible world. There isn't a connection between the two, what happens in invisible world doesn't affect the physical world. 1 . ) Possibility of Transcending Events: Since God is separate and apart from creation, there is a space beyond this created world. Since this world is purposefully created by God who judges all things, then there is a reason to act beyond ones own self-interest.This concept is documented many times in the Old Testament with how the individual relates to the covenant presented by God. There is a force outside this world to Judge the events of the individual. 2. ) Impossibility of misleading God: God is all knowing and all is revealed to God. You can't fool God. In the ANNE the gods are part of the system, so they can be manipulated. I can document things that are not true because I can trick the gods. Not so with a separate God who created all and is transcendent. God knows everything and will Judge according to integrity of the individual's choices and actions.God used the Prophet's to write the history of the Bible and to uphold God's integrity. All of Israel respected and knew that the Prophets were chosen by God. The Prophets could write the truth without fear of consequences of man. In the ANNE culture if a person wrote something the king didn't like he could be killed. 3. ) A Simplified Understanding of Causation: In the Bible God is responsible for all and God has no rival. God is the only one to answer to and the cause of everything. Humans are personal and at the same time disconnected from God.Everything that a person chooses to do is either in defiance or compliant to God. This makes relationships with humans to God and humans to humans very significant. God wants our obedience and more importantly God wants a relationship with people. That is something that cannot be predetermined. 4. ) Speech as the Mode of Accomplishing Divine Purposes: God chose to com municate to his people by entering the lives of individual's through personal experiences and non-recurring historical vents. Since God is not continuous, but separate from this world, one cannot participate in God's life.Any attempt to do so is forbidden in the Bible as discussed in earlier chapters. So how does a person then participate in the life of God? By that person demonstrating an ethical character and obedience to God's law, a person receives God's blessing and approval. God reveals himself through the human historical experience at a specific time and space. Therefore what God does is very important and how it is truthfully documented is extremely significant. That is why commented history is captured. History writing As Myth-Making: ANNE culture used nature to express myth in culture.Did Israel choose another mode for myth and use historical myth to express their faith? The answer is no. In pagan worship idols are made from nature and nature is the gods. All is continuou s with each other. There is no separation. With Israel God is not the history rather the history is the people who experience God along the way. This is because God is separate and transcendent. Israel, like the neighboring ANNE, attempted many times to place God in a box to control God. Unlike the recurring continuous pagan gods of the ANNE, God liked to perform miraculous one-time events to keep the people on track.God also used the prophets to constantly remind the people that they were different and God was different. The Hebrew therefore, does not witness faith by retelling a fictional story or by a ritual of drama to recreate an outcome. The Hebrew recites how God intervened with individuals and the nation of Israel that was directed by God through the prophets. Chapter 7: Is The Bible Truly historical? The Problem Of History (l) The Bible is thought by many to contain â€Å"historical-fiction†. Is the Bible history like or is it historical fact? The bigger question is, are biblical accounts history and does it matter?Historians argue that history is accepted only if complete human responsibility for events and outcomes are present. Clearly events and outcomes of the Bible are not only human responsibility. Other historians now believe that history is accepted if the historical writing is for a divine purpose. Human involvement and choice is always involved but divine intervention explains what happened. Since there is no way to document the purpose and true nature of God, we are only left tit speculation. E. G. There is no way to prove biblical accuracy to the events of the exodus.So does that make the Bible a myth or historical fact? History as Revelation: INADEQUACIES: The Bible can be considered as history revelation. That is the interpretations of God's actions in the Bible are through humans and are flawed but still bear witness to the revelation of God. Revelation Is Not Confined to Divine Action: James Barr argued, the problem with this ex planation is that the Bible doesn't distinguish the division between revelation and witness to revelation. If there is a preference then the miracles all disappear and the reports of the events are not valid.If the only access to the events is the witness, then that source isn't trustworthy; there is no truthful access to the acts at all. If history is rooted in faith the history disappears. This argument states there is no revelation in the Bible. The Bible is Just speculation, a vehicle of history writing the Hebrew people chose to use. Divine Action in History Is Not Unique to Israel: Another attack on the uniqueness of the historical revelation of the Bible is that there are many other cultures that use gods o intervene on behalf of an individual in a specific event in history.The thought that a god could act in history was not a new concept to the ANNE. Oswald stated the difference: â€Å"that this was the only place he acted that had significance for human beings, that those actions were according to a consistent, long term purpose, that he was using the details of human-historical behavior to reveal that purpose, and that he was Just as capable of using enemies as he was friends to accomplish his good purpose—that, I maintain, is not found anywhere else in the world, ancient or

Absolutism and Parliamentary Rule in England Essays

Absolutism and Parliamentary Rule in England Essays Absolutism and Parliamentary Rule in England Essay Absolutism and Parliamentary Rule in England Essay During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, England had many rulers who held varying religious beliefs. These competing religious ideologies tore England apart. Issues such as the divine right of kings, the conflict between the English Monarchy, and the Protestant Reformation would all lead England to rule with a parliamentary monarchy. The Protestant Reformation (1517-1618) was a great religious movement that began in Germany and spread through Northern Europe. At this time, the medieval Roman Catholic Church was under scrutiny for abusing their power. People everywhere could be heard complaining about the clergy’s exemption from taxation and, in many instances, also from the civil criminal code. People also grumbled about having to support church offices whose occupants actually lived and worked elsewhere. Townspeople also expressed concern that the church had too much influence over education and culture (Craig, Graham, Kagan, Ozment, Turner, 2009, p. 510). † The Protestant Reformation eventually broke the religious unity of Europe and began to divide Roman Catholics. Two of the greatest monarchs were the Tudors (1485-1603) and the Stuarts (1603-1714). The Tudor period saw the confusion and upheaval of two changes of official religion, Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. The Stuart dynasty was the result of the end of the Tudor monarchs with no heirs to the throne. The first Tudor king was Henry VII (1457-1509). â€Å"Henry shrewdly construed legal precedents to the advantage of the crown, using English law to further his own ends. He confiscated so much noble land and so many fortunes that he governed without dependence on Parliament for royal funds, always a cornerstone of strong monarchy (Craig, et al. , p. 486). When he died, the monarch’s finances were in a healthy surplus and the realm itself stable. King Henry VIII (1491-1547) reigned from 1509-1547. The English Reformation began during the reign of King Henry VIII. It began because King Henry VIII wanted a divorce from his wife Catherine because he had no male heir. The papacy denied his request for a divorce. Thomas Cromwell decided Parliaments powers should be us ed to decide. This resulted in a series of Acts that cut back papal power and influence. Henry VIII was granted his divorce and promptly married Anne Boyeln. Pope Clement VII (1478-1534) responded with excommunication. Legislation from Parliament backed King Henry VIII’s decision to break away from the Roman Catholic Church. The Parliament believed that England was an empire that was governed by one supreme king who possessed authority within the realm and that no excommunications from Rome were binding. By doing this, Parliaments involvement in making religious and dynastic changes was firmly established. This in turn forced clergy, office holders, and others to choose an allegiance to either the king or the Pope. Due to the population overall being upset with the Roman Catholic Church because of the way they made money, Henry was able to use this to his advantage. In 1534 Henry established the Church of England as the official state church, with himself as the Supreme Head of the Church. This effectively ended the papal power. Another effect of the English Reformation was the Dissolution of Monasteries (1536-1541). King Henry VIII retaliated against the Pope by breaking up and selling off monastic lands and possessions. The smaller monasteries were shut down by 1536 while the larger and more valuable ones were shut by 1540. King Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boyeln (1507-1536) also failed to produce a male heir. Anne was charged with treason and executed in 1536. Henry VIII married his third wife, Jane Seymour (1508-1537), in 1537. Edward VI (1537-1553) was the result of this union. Edward was educated by people who believed in Protestantism so that Henry VIII’s anti-papal nature was more firmly enforced. During Edward’s reign, the Church of England became even more Protestant since Edward himself was firmly entrenched in Protestant beliefs. â€Å"Under his regents, England enacted much of the Protestant Reformation. Henry’s Six Articles and laws against heresy were repealed, and clerical marriage and Communion with the cup were sanctioned. An Act of Uniformity imposed Thomas Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer on all English churches, which were stripped of their images and altars. His forty-two-article confession of faith set forth a moderate Protestant doctrine (Craig, et al. , p. 507). † During the reign of Queen Mary I (1553-58) Roman Catholicism was restored to England, and Protestants were repressed. â€Å"Mary Tudor succeeded to the throne and restored Catholic doctrine and practice with a single-mindedness that rivaled that of her father (Craig, et al. p. 507). † Mary was succeeded on the throne by her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) who was Protestant, therefore restoring Protestantism to England. â€Å"An astute, if sometimes erratic, politician in foreign and domestic policy, Elizabeth was one of the most successful rulers of the sixteenth century (C raig, et al. , p. 516). † With assassination attempts by Catholic extremists along with Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), and attempts to overthrow Elizabeth encouraged by the Pope, the Protestants grew suspicious of the Catholics which led to more persecutions of Catholics. In 1603, King James I (1603-1625) succeeded Queen Elizabeth I. James I was also known as James VI of Scotland. He was the first king of the Stuart dynasty. King James I was known for being tolerant in terms of religious faith. In fact, his wife, Queen Anne (1574-1619), was a Catholic. However, the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, which was an attempt by conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament, resulted in the strict penalties being imposed on Roman Catholics. King James I was a believer in the divine right of kings. Throughout Europe, monarchs maintained control of their kingdoms because of the belief that monarchs were chosen by God to rule and not by the people. The divine right of kings gave them authority over government and limited the rights of their subjects. Any attempt to get rid of a monarch or restrict his powers ran against the will of God. Charles I (1625-1649) was the son of King James I and took the throne after his father’s death. He also believed in the divine right of kings. King Charles I inherited tensions, especially regarding finances, with Parliament from his father. Both King James I and King Charles I tried to rule as much as possible without Parliament interference. They â€Å"also resisted the Puritan demands and at the same time favored peaceful relations with the Roman Catholic powers Spain and France. Consequently the first two Stuarts confronted a combined political and religious opposition to their efforts to make the English monarchy the supreme power in the land (Craig, et al. , p. 608). † Due to the continuing conflict between King Charles I and Parliament, by 1642 a civil war began primarily over religion and arbitrary taxation. By 1645, Parliament along with Puritan forces had won the battle with Parliament soon abolishing â€Å"the monarchy, the House of Lords, and the established Church of England. What replaced them was a Puritan republic led by Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658), the victorious general in the civil war (Craig, et al. , p. 608). † Puritan disillusionment allowed for the Stuart monarchy to be restored with King Charles II (1630-1685). In 1685 King James II (1633-1701), who was a Roman Catholic, became monarch. In 1688 the Glorious Revolution began that â€Å"finally limited royal authority and established the supremacy of the Parliament (Craig, et al. p. 640)† with William III and Mary II at the throne. England had many rulers ascend to the throne with different religious and political agendas. Throughout, Protestantism and Catholicism varied as the primary religions. Parliament fought back and forth with the monarch over power. By the time of the Glorious Revolution, Englan d ruled with a parliamentary monarchy. ? References Craig, A. Graham, W, Kagan, D, Ozment, S, Turner, F. (2009). The heritage of world civilizations. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education Inc.

My Struggle for Literacy in America

My Struggle for Literacy in America The main purpose of this presentation is to convince the audience that literacy is one of the skills that a person can and should develop. Moreover, an individual should not become despondent, if he/she has to confront some difficulties. This is the main message that is conveyed to the audience.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on My Struggle for Literacy in America specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, it is aimed at increasing people’s awareness about the problem of illiteracy and its influence on the experiences of individuals who have to face this difficulty. This video clip can be of great interest to viewers who may have various cultural or educational backgrounds. Yet, it can be particularly relevant to individuals who attempt to develop his literacy skills. The author skillfully achieves this goal by adopting various rhetorical techniques. First of all, she relies on ethos and lays stress on her credi bility. It should be noted that the speaker presents a personal narrative which describes the difficulties that she faced due to lack of literary skills. Moreover, this narrative shows how the speaker was able to overcome her difficulties and achieve success (â€Å"My struggle for literacy in America†). In this way, the author demonstrates that she is knowledgeable enough to discuss this topic. Additionally, the author makes use of pathos or emotional appeal. It should be mentioned that this presentation tells the story of a girl, who becomes despondent because of academic failures. In this way, the author makes the audience empathize with this character. Apart from that, emotional appeal is created with the help of music which reflects the experiences of an individual who may feel helpless sometimes, but is able to regain one’s confidence. In turn, one can say that logos or appeal to rationality does not play an important role in this presentation. This is one of the aspects that can be distinguished. Overall, the use of these rhetorical strategies makes the presentation more convincing. Furthermore, the speaker is able to address the audience by combining verbal and visual elements. For instance, the viewers can see that the most important parts of this speech appear on the screen. In most cases, these words replicate the author’s speech, especially at the beginning when she mentions the scale of illiteracy in the United States (â€Å"My struggle for literacy in America†). However, they also supplement the ideas that the speaker expresses. In particular, they can throw light on the experiences of a girl named Samantha who cannot overcome her illiteracy. For instance, she becomes obsessed with the idea that she cannot â€Å"keep up with the readings’ (â€Å"My struggle for literacy in America†).Advertising Looking for essay on rhetoric? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF L earn More So, one can say that this text helps the speaker make the presentation more fluent. Yet, this text is also necessary to help viewers who may have some hearing impairments. Judging from the tone of the author, one can say that she is extremely concerned about the issues that she discusses. The word choices of the speaker indicate that she wants to provide encouragement to the audience. Moreover, the author includes various images in the presentation. In particular, one can speak about the combination of cartoons and drawings. These images depict people who are mentioned in the author’s narrative. In most cases, these cartoons and drawings are related to a girl named Samantha who attempts to develop her literacy skills. This story is necessary to make the speech more vivid. It should be noted that while depicting Samantha, the author does not try to describe the face of this character. This is one of the details that can attract the attention of a viewer. Prob ably, the use of this technique is necessary to show that such difficulties can be encountered by a great number of people. One can say that the text and images supplement one another. Moreover, this presentation includes a link to a website which can show how literacy skills should be developed. This is another aspect that should be distinguished. It is possible to say that the author attempts to support her claim with the help of personal examples. In particular, she argues that if she was able to overcome her illiteracy, other people may also cope with this task. Moreover, the speaker mentions that there are various methods that can enable a person to improve his/her literacy skills. The main limitation of this argument is the personal story of Samantha may not be applicable to other people. For instance, some of them may have cognitive or visual impairments. Therefore, they may not be able to follow the recommendations offered by the author. However, this limitation does not und ermine the ideas expressed by the speaker because many people can cope with this problem only because they do not know much about educational methods that can help them. One can argue that the speaker examines the topic from a personal perspective. Therefore, she relies primarily on her own experiences while the problem of illiteracy. This approach prevents the author from identifying the main reasons why many people may lack literacy skills. This is one of the short-comings that should be considered. â€Å"My struggle for literacy in America.† Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 17 Jun. 2013. Web. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poZmf4JFVoQ .Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on My Struggle for Literacy in America specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Writing Spaces Where to Write Why it Actually Matters

Writing Spaces Where to Write Why it Actually Matters Writing Spaces: Where to Write Why it Actually Matters You know that writers writebut did you know your writing spaces matters significantly?You’re a writer when you put your pen on your paper and create words that combine together to form a sentence. You’re a writer when you stroke the keyboard and type out an email. You’re a writer when you comment on a Facebook post.The fact is, you’re a writer whenever and wherever you add anything in writing in a physical or virtual location- but especially if youre writing a book.But where should you write? What makes a great writing space? And how do you create one?Heres what well cover about your writing space:Writing spaces at homeWriting spaces outside of the houseWhere to writeUtilize at-home writing spaces alwaysBlock out noise with headphonesSet a timer in your writing spaceWrite in the same placeWriting space tips from famous authorsRead on, my friend.You’re going to learn about my favorite writing spaces and tools for where to write and creating a writing space.NOTE: We cover everything in this blog post and much more about the writing, marketing, and publishing process in our VIP Self-Publishing Program. Learn more about it hereWriting Spaces at HomeCreating a writing space at home is not difficult and can generally be done without spending a lot of money. I am lucky enough to have my own writing office, but even without that, you can still create a space that is just for you and your writing.Here are a few tips to start building your writing space:Clear off the corner of your table. (It might mean that you throw away the mountain of mail you’ve been meaning to open or you finally put your laundry away, but a corner of a table will do just fine for this).Find a paper and pencil, pen and notepad, or a computer.Put your tools in that space and you’ve built a writing space.Tell your kids, your significant other, or your cat (although best of luck on training the feline) that this is your space and it is protected in a ma gical bubble where only you are allowed!Now, you have a writing space where you can do what writers do, write.If you have a small budget (less than $100) to set up a writing space, you can scour buy, sell, trade groups for small writing desks. My husband found this gem of a writing desk for $75 on a local Facebook swap site.I use it to journal during my morning routine (don’t forget to check out Chandler’s morning routine video) and outline things with good old-fashioned pen and paper.Once my brain dumping to my journal is finished, I often transition to a more standardized office desk where I have my computer set up.So if your budget is a little higher, between $300 $500, you can buy an office desk from a used furniture store and get a nice desk, with delivery and set-up.This helps you feel like you’re in more of a work mode and will be able to get things donePerhaps you have a grand budget to use. You can go to a higher-end furniture store and buy a cherry o r an oak desk for $1000-$2000. But, it is absolutely not necessary.So, if you have have as little as $0 or as much as $2000+ dollars to spend, you can set up a writing space at home for you to meet your daily writing goals.Where to Write Outside of Your HomeAnywhere!Really, anywhere? Sure, you can go anywhere to write. I have some places that I recommend and some places that I would stay away from, but you can write anywhere.Most writers have a favorite coffee shop. I have three. I love writing at a chain coffee shop when I need a little more background noise. It helps me zone into my rough draft writing and I work well when I am surrounded by others, coffee in hand, and can dedicate my time to writing. There’s also an independent coffee shop that I enjoy going to.During NaNoWriMo we had some of our write-ins there. I love that it was designed so that at any table there is a spot where we can plug in our devices and type away.I find this particularly useful when I am needing some motivation from being around other creatives, as there’s also a wall of art that changes frequently. Finally, I really like a pay-it-forward cafe that has a community table where I can go when I need to concentrate on editing. Sometimes the different niches help me out the most so that I can focus on doing what writers do write!Here are some ideas for writing spaces outside our home:The libraryA museumA parkA dinerYour backyardYour front or back porchIt will depend on what you’re writing though as to which works the best.Anywhere that you can go with your notebook, computer, or your phone is a location that you can write.So, there you have it! You can write anywhere that you can take a writing device.These are my overall recommended writing spaces:An area of your home, dedicated to writingA local coffee shopA libraryA MuseumA parkA shared officeThe beachA friends houseA dinerAnywhere that you can take a writing deviceWhich Online Writing Spaces to UseOn a noteboo k, a computer, a phone. Anywhere that you can record words and be a writer. Because that’s what a good writer does, you write.There are many different writing softwares to use for your virtual writing space.Personally, I prefer to outline, mindmap, prewrite with a good old-fashioned pen and paper. But I know many writers who prefer to do their prewriting in a Google Doc, on Scrivener, Microsoft Office 365 or in a similar space online. Be sure that no matter where you decide to write that you are free from distractions and that you write. Once you have your prewriting done, then you can move into creating a first draft.Google DocsThis is when I generally switch over from pencil and paper to an electronic format. I open up my Google Doc and I make an electronic version of my outline. This is important, because then I can quickly move from place to place in my document. After I outline on my Google Doc, I move into writing out sentences. At this point, I don’t necessarily worry about whether or not I am writing cohesive sentences, I just get words on the paper, because I am doing what writers do- they write.As Ray Bradbury says, â€Å"Quantity makes up for quality.†Microsoft WordIf you’re not a Google Docs person, there are other tools out there that you can use to capture your words electronically.The most well-known is Microsoft Word.This is great if you always have access to it, which is possible with Office 365, but for me, Google Docs works better.ScrivenerScrivener is another tool that you can use to capture all your ideas, outlines, and planning in one place. The best thing about this is that it’s web-based, so you access it anywhere that you have access to the internet. Most writers that use this tool absolutely love it- so let us know if you have it and you love it.Finally, if you’re driving and have ideas come to you, you can capture them with a speech-to-text app and then transfer them to a word processing docu ment later.This is particularly useful, as I often have ideas come to me when I am traveling. Do not let the excuse of â€Å"I don’t have a writing space† hold you back from writing, because with very few tools (most are free or minimal cost), you have a writing space or a location to write.Writing Spaces Tips for BeginnersSetting up a writing space is not always easy, but you know you want to write and you need to have a space to do what writers do: write! So here are some tips to help you.#1 Use your at-home writing space for writingYou wouldn’t take a bath in the kitchen sink, right?Right! Don’t use your writing space for other activities only use it for writing.â€Å"But I only have one computer where else do I go to get on Facebook, watch YouTube, or pay my bills?†I am guessing that if you’re like my family, you have a mobile computer a laptop, a surface, an iPAD, or something similar. For the purpose of writing at-home, make sure t hat the device goes to the designated spot you have set up for that.Then move when you’re not writing.When we move to specific places to accomplish a task, our brains engage in those tasks and we are able to focus on doing what writers do write.#2 Block out noise with headphonesYou will be distracted. If you’re writing at home and have children, your kids will distract you. If you’re writing at a coffee shop, there will be other customers (hey, you want coffee shops to have customers that’s what keeps them in business and gives you a space to write).Invest in some headphones. Our brains can process doing other things with music or white background noise. Create some by tuning into your favorite playlist.I personally find meditation music especially helpful for this.#3 Set a timerEquip your writing space with a timer. I, personally, usually have enough self-discipline to use my phone as a timer, but I love my Google Home Mini for this too.Simply say, â€Å"Hey Google Set timer for 25 minutes.† Twenty-five minutes is my magic number to get a lot of words written in a relatively short amount of time.#4 Write in the same place, at the same timeWhether you write as a part of your morning writing routine, when you get home from work, or some other time of day, write in the same place at the same time.That’s why it’s important for you to have some kind of writing space even if it’s only the corner of the table.#5 Write when inspiration hits tooKeep a dedicated writing space, but don’t forget about diving into the spontaneity of writing also.That’s why I keep my Google Doc app on my phone. I can make brief notes and then splice them together into coherent sentences later.Writing Space Tips from Famous AuthorsThe advice from almost any best-selling author is to always be ready to write anywhere. You never know where inspiration will hit, so always have something to record your thoughts. J.K . Rowling also says, â€Å"I can write anywhere.† Jodi Picoult says â€Å"I can write anywhere.† E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web, â€Å"A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.†So don’t wait until you have the perfect space prepared to start writing. Just start writing, because that’s what writers do write.Writing Space Tips to Get You StartedFind a device a laptop, a computer, a phone, a notepad, a notebook, a journal to record your thoughts. Then do what writers do write.Do not wait until you can make your writing area perfect or until inspiration hits to write. Write right now. Because that’s what writers do, they write.That’s right! All you need for a writing space is a dedicated space to write and the desire to put one word in front of another and you’ve created your writing space, so write on, my friend.For additional tips on setting up a home o ffice or working from home, be sure to check out How to Successfully Work from Home (Habits, Handling Distractions, And The Ultimate Office Setup video created by Chandler Bolt.Are You Ready to Get Started Today?Publishing your book is SO CLOSE.If your ready to get started, check out this free training to help you write, market, and publish your book within 90 days!

Cultural Dimensions of Wal-Mart Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cultural Dimensions of Wal-Mart - Case Study Example The cultural dimension affects not only the human resources, but the company is also affected by the culture of the country/ region of its operation. There were widespread protests in December 2006 against the game, "Left Behind: Eternal Forces". This game was being marketed by Wal-Mart. The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations urged Wal-Mart to stop retailing this game. Their contention was that this video game propagated religious violence. The group reminded Wal-Mart of its corporate social responsibility to take along people of all culture and faith (UPI Security & Terrorism, 2006). Headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas Wal-Mart Stores (Wal-Mart) is the largest retail chain in the world. Since it caters to a wide variety of customers, its HR strength too belongs to a wide range of culturally diverse groups and communities. The company operates retail stores in the form of supercenters, discount stores and neighborhood markets. Wal-Mart has its footprints in many big markets like US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Japan, China and Mexico. Besides the physical stores, the company also provides an opportunity to its customers to buy the products online from its website. Since the company's market base is very wide, it is very crucial for the company to take care of the cultural values and emotions of different communities, ethnic groups and societies. For example, now a days the company is actively pursuing its ventures into the Indian market. From the marketing perspective Indian market is said to be a potential market, therefore taking fullest advantage of globalization o f economy and rapid liberalization of Indian economy, most of the big companies/ MNCs are making it a point to see that their venture into Indian market sees light of the day as soon as possible. Wal-Mart too is in talks with a leading Indian business group Bharti Enterprises Ltd. (Bharti) for exploring business opportunities in the Indian retail industry. Indians are supposed to be very much protective about their values and cultures, for example though a vast majority of Indians enjoy non-vegetarian food, but some non-vegetarian items like beef and pork a strict no-no in the public domain, because of religious reasons. These items are not supposed to be advertised in the media, not to be sold publicly. Wal-Mart will have to take care of such sensibilities. In the context of cultural dimension, the 'Wal-Mart effect' is known to have a range of effects signifying the ways in which Wal-Mart carries out its business operations (Fishman, 2006). The Wal-Mart effect in essence is the reshaping of shopping habits, draining out of viability of traditional local shopping areas, downward pressure on the prices, and the success of a large business at the expense of its rivals. The company therefore tries to take into account the local character. Some of the strengths of Wal-Mart are its strong market position in US, a world class supply chain, and a strong portfolio of private label products. Farra (2006), states that while the principles of retailing could be universal but the actual implementation of these principles varies from country to country based on country, culture and context. A study conducted by A T Kearney finds out that from 2002-06,

Argumentative paper in the fire service Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Argumentative paper in the fire service - Essay Example However that is not the view of some other religions, for instance Islam. In Islam topics such as sexuality are not discussed out right openly and are not considered appropriate at all for their teenagers to be taught. However a high school student will not be allowed to graduate unless they take and pass their sex education class. Does sexual education really provide a platform where it helps the teenager; regardless shouldn't the beliefs of a religion be respected first My own parents tried to talk to the dean and principal and tried to explain to them that they do not wish for me to take this class, however to their shock the request was denied. It is amazing since the American culture itself teaches nothing but respect for other cultures. Toleration is taught all through life. No prayers are said specifically since that might violate the practices of another religion. But when it comes to sex education, it is not understandable why this rule cannot be bended for Muslim children. Has it really been proven that a sexual education class actually has helped increase teenage abstinence Or has it actually decreased it Let us take a look at some statistics. According to a survey conducted by the Global Virtual University in 2002, teenagers between the ages of 15 and19, there were 53 out of every thousand teenager getting pregnant in US. United States of America is a country where we pay severe attention to sex education and make sure that it is drilled into our children's heads that it is unsafe to have sex without any protection and that teenage pregnancy are not good for their and their baby's health. The same survey was taken for a completely eastern country, where it is almost unlawful to even discuss anything related to sex, Pakistan. The figure that we see there is that every 50 girls out of 1000 become pregnant. It is not safe or recommended to completely eliminate sex education from schools; however it also not fair to hold children back from graduation ju st on the basis that they didn't attend a sex education class. It should not be mandatory in a society where we respect other religions. Even though the statistics are almost the same in both western and eastern countries, so does this justify the practice to mandate the sex education classes as a requirement for high school graduation "When it comes to opinions about sex, people all too often inhabit different worlds, speak different languages, hold incompatible and widely divergent views. The situation is further complicated by differences compounded by gender, social class, culture and other factors, and by the existence of numerous pressure groups, each with a different agenda, and often each talking at cross-purposes with the others, vying for influence in sec education policy"(Halstead, and Reiss 15). The main concern of making sex education mandatory for every student is that it violates the practices of many cultures and religions. It is not an accepted practice to discuss such issues in many cultures with their young. In the previous paragraph it has been shown that providing sex education and not providing i t has not really made a difference in the statistics of teenage pregnancy. It only varies over a 3%. So than what is to say that sex education is the only way to reform sexual attitudes in a society. "The immigrant Mus- lims are experiencing new pressures, both domestic and foreign,

President Obama's Speech in Cairo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

President Obama's Speech in Cairo - Essay Example Throughout his speech, the radical idea was that of respect for the Muslim and Arab world. He believed that this was an issue that those who had been in power had omitted. His speech addresses six issues that cause tension between the two divides, including violent extremists, the situation between Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs, responsibilities and rights of nations on nuclear weapons, democracy, religious freedom, and women’s rights (Huff Post). Personally, the second issue of the situation between Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs. Question Two The situation between Israeli, Palestine, and the Arab world is the greatest source of crisis in the Middle East. The conflict in the Middle East, which began in the early 1990s, has been the source of serious economic downturn in the world. Despite countries endeavors to heal the prevailing state of economy, this conflict has remained an obstacle. The Middle East region exports the largest quantities of oil products to the US, E urope, and other parts of the world. The persistent conflicts between the Israelis and the Palestinians often result to surging of oil prices, driving the global economy into a recession. At a recession, every plan by the government in power stops progressing. Worst of all, business, which earn governments revenue get to a point of shut down. Moreover, a majority of the Arab states take advantage of the crisis to achieve their own gains and misgivings (Huff Post). Question Three President Obama downplays Tehran by highlighting the diplomatic recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia, with attempts to hasten the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestine conflict. President Obama addresses the Middle East conflict beginning with the Palestinian suffering from 1967 (Huff Post). On what Palestinians refer to as the nakba catastrophe; President Obama expresses his acknowledgment of the issue than any other American president, urging for the cease of Israeli settlement. However, he also de fends the Israeli, referring to US ties with Israeli as unbreakable, and proceeding to condemn Muslim Holocaust and anti-Semitism denials as hateful, ignorant, and baseless. Moreover, he urged Hamas (which has majority of support from Palestinians) to stop acts of violence, recognize the rights of Israeli existence and recognize past agreements, promising America’s alignment policies with countries that promote peace. In his speech, the president preaches for peace among settlers. His main emphasis was violence against children and old women by Hamas, stating that their actions surrender moral authority rather than claiming it. Any form of violence, precisely violence against children and old women to him, is an inhuman act that should be shunned. He gives an example of American struggle for civil rights against slavery and apartheid, asking Hamas to follow a similar non-violent path of resistance (Huff Post). Considering the fact that president Obama is an African American, this statement has significant weight attached. In summary, president Obama exhibits the American devotion to Israel and Palestine. In this, he advocates for a secure and safe state for both nations through the two-state solution. His conditions are that Israeli must stop settlement and the Hamas (supported by Palestinians) must stop terror and violence

Detecting Plagiarism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Detecting Plagiarism - Essay Example In my view the student cannot provide an explanation for such an act and he would have to be reported to the university officials for this act. In that particular course he would be given a zero with a warning that if such a case occurs again he would never be able to give the course again. In an attempt to inform the student about plagiarism I would provide him with all the information revolving around the aspects of plagiarism. I would tell him that plagiarism is a dishonest act because it does not let an individual think but rather takes away his abilities to think. The person who copies does not even know what he is doing because of this act. It does not show the instructor the capabilities that one student possesses. The student can be told as to how is he being dishonest to his fellow students who are giving their full when it comes to completing assignments. The student would be informed about all the aspects which revolve around academic dishonesty so that such an act is not repeated. The student would be told about copyright infringement, falsehood and assistance without the permission of the instructor. All these are acts of dishonesty which are an attempt to change the course of assignments. If these acts of dishonesty are not recognized the student following them can gain higher marks than his peers who have worked hard with the truth. Hence it can be said that these acts of dishonesty are unjust to

History of Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

History of Cinema - Essay Example In particular, the history of cinema dates over 100 years, beginning from late 19th century to the current time. Since the evolution of the cinema during the 1890s, it was considered an economical method of providing mass entertainment. During the first three decades of film discovery, motion pictures did not have sound as the pioneers had not yet figured out how to link sound with the motion pictures. Through continual improvements, inventors succeeded in merging motion pictures with sound in 1923; hence, this resulted in the end of the silent era, while marked the beginning of the sound era (Goodwin, 129). The cinema has undergone various stages of development to reach the current 3-Dimensional films, which has been made possible by continuous learning and improvements. This confirms the fact that the history of Cinema has been useful as it has allowed the ultimate transformation of primitive film to a world class and reliable cinema. Without studying the history of the cinema, there would be nothing to improve. Consequently, the film industry would be lagging behind. As such, we must study the history of cinema because it will enlighten us on new ways of establishing better services than are currently being offered. In conclusion, the study of the past assists us to appreciate the present and makes us ready for the

Challeges ESOL Somali learner face when learning how to read Coursework

Challeges ESOL Somali learner face when learning how to read - Coursework Example Most educators teaching ESOL Somali learners assume that these students have prior knowledge of various literary genres such as myths and legends. As a result, teachers teaching ESOL Somali learners fail to develop a good background for basic vocabulary of the English language. Though ESOL learners may be able to read some vocabularies, it is quite difficult to fathom the content presented. In essence, ESOL learners face various challenges when learning how to read. The data for this report was corrected from a number of past studies regarding the challenges ESOL Somalis face when learning how to read. The paper explores the learning experience of Somalis with little or no formal education. ESOL Somali learners have challenges in hearing and speaking the English language. For instance, most ESOL students cannot speak or hear the language they are learning. Actually, since the ESOL students learn English as a second language, various difficulties are present. As a result, sound recognition and production of the second language becomes challenging for ESOL students. Phonics entails the understanding of written words and their corresponding literally sound. In other words, phonics refers to an approach employed to teach reading and writing of English words to non-English speakers. The approach involves developing the learner’s ability to identify and manipulate sounds in order to demonstrate the correspondence between different sounds and the spelling patterns that stand in their place. It is imperative to identify that sound production and manipulation is largely dependent on letter patterns. ESOL learners might have insufficient knowledge regarding their native language since they rarely interact with linguistics scholars. For people to understand all aspects of a particular language, interaction with other scholars is an imperative exercise. ESOL students should not only rely on the little skills

History of Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

History of Cinema - Essay Example In particular, the history of cinema dates over 100 years, beginning from late 19th century to the current time. Since the evolution of the cinema during the 1890s, it was considered an economical method of providing mass entertainment. During the first three decades of film discovery, motion pictures did not have sound as the pioneers had not yet figured out how to link sound with the motion pictures. Through continual improvements, inventors succeeded in merging motion pictures with sound in 1923; hence, this resulted in the end of the silent era, while marked the beginning of the sound era (Goodwin, 129). The cinema has undergone various stages of development to reach the current 3-Dimensional films, which has been made possible by continuous learning and improvements. This confirms the fact that the history of Cinema has been useful as it has allowed the ultimate transformation of primitive film to a world class and reliable cinema. Without studying the history of the cinema, there would be nothing to improve. Consequently, the film industry would be lagging behind. As such, we must study the history of cinema because it will enlighten us on new ways of establishing better services than are currently being offered. In conclusion, the study of the past assists us to appreciate the present and makes us ready for the

Post 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Post 6 - Essay Example In case the land is not for sale, I would try doing this business myself. On the part of the agencies responsible for the protection of wildlife, this is like going so far in the attempt to safeguard the rights of the animals that the rights of humans start getting violated. So I would also like to call a press conference emphasizing that the agencies protecting animals’ rights need to review their practices as they have started to protect animals’ interests on the cost of humans’! It is time that the fundamental superiority of humans over animals is acknowledged and this principle be referred to in cases of mutual interest between humans and animals. My first classmate has made a wonderful reply to the question by bringing into light the potential negative ways in which certain animals that humans tend to protect affect humans. I am impressed with the detailed discussion of the real-life examples of bats and minnow that my classmate has cited. I totally agree that the wildlife protecting agencies should consider the extent to which saving certain species on the cost of humans’ interests is beneficial for the environment. I also agree that any individual in possession of such a piece of land should be compensated by the government. My second classmate has offered a number of amicable solutions that may be considered to have the land owner compensated without causing any harm to the endangered green-toed guttersnipe lizard. Sure enough, the first and the foremost reaction of every person would be extreme anger and irritation. It would be the first priority of any sensible person to get rid of such property. It’s quite sensible as well to consider offering the land to the government for tax exemption if the sale is not possible. I am particularly impressed with my classmate’s idea of bringing a premade house into

The Effectiveness Of Mass Media Advertisements Marketing Essay

The Effectiveness Of Mass Media Advertisements Marketing Essay For many years mass media advertising was seen as the strongest form of creating awareness to a companys brand. However, the 21st century brings with it the decline of traditional mass media. As humans are being exposed to more and more advertising on a large scale, it is only inevitable that the effectiveness of the mass communication will greatly diminish. Magazines and newspapers are losing readers, radio is losing listeners, and most importantly television is losing viewers. Whats driving this trend is that consumers are drifting more towards digital media driven by online content typified by social media sites and online gaming, as well as more and more homes having access to broadband internet connectivity   and its capability to provide an ever-growing and an ever-higher quality of video content. Marketers also face a general proliferation of media and distribution channels, with declining trust in advertising, multitasking by consumers, and digital technologies that give u sers more control over the their media time. These trends are simultaneously fragmenting both the audience and the channels needed to reach them. The danger for marketers is that this change will render the time honoured way of getting messages to consumers through TV commercials less effective at best and a waste of time and money at worst. Therefore, companies must be intuitive in seeking alternative marketing communications to increase their brand awareness and therefore utilise this now wider scope of tools. Tools that companies already acquire can be utilised and modified into an effective medium of communication. Promoting public relations and accompanying it with one of the reasons for the decline in the effectiveness of television advertising (social media). Companies are able to generate an effective, yet efficient means of delivering a brands message through a two way relationship. Accompanying an advertising industry that is in decline with the economic downfall, consumer s have little confidence towards brands and therefore developing a medium that can deliver a message that is portrayed through a story enables brands to once again deliver effective brand awareness. Brand awareness refers to the ability of the consumer as to whether they can recall or recognise a brand, that is, whether consumers know about the brand (Keller, 2008). Brand awareness must be established before building brand equity. The brand name develops the memory nodes in consumers minds (Aaker, 1991). Brand awareness consists of two factors: brand recognition and brand recall performance (Keller 1993). Consumers tend to link related brand knowledge to the brand name, this ultimately constitutes in the end product of brand equity (Aaker, 1991  and  Keller, 1993). Hence, brand awareness evokes an important learning advantage for the brand (Keller, 2008). Consumer decision making is also affected by brand awareness, especially for low-involvement packaged goods. Brands that consumers know are more likely to be included in the consumers consideration set (Hoyer and Brown, 1990  and  MacDonald and Sharp, 2000). Consumers may use brand awareness as a purchase decision heuri stic (Hoyer and Brown, 1990  and  MacDonald and Sharp, 2000). Therefore, brand awareness amplifies brand market performance. The decline of mass media advertising In its prime, network television was seen by marketers and ad agencies as the benchmark to successful brand awareness campaigns. This was due to the sheer number of consumers that tuned into the most popular television shows. The emphasis of these marketers was mass messaging of the brand to the consumers as companys based their television spending on the share of voice, that is making sure your market share, expenditure of competitors and the companys growth expectations of the brand was in line with the advertising budget. However, fragmenting media and shifting behaviour by consumers are revealing the traditional models limits due to the following trends. Media propagation. In the United States, what used to be a handful of stations has developed and evolved into 1,774 full power TV stations. Multitasking. With the development of the internet, more and more people are multitasking. According to Ulla G. Foehr, the average US teenager engages in an average of two other activities, one of these activities in homework. Therefore, as students are studying they have the ability to selectively listen to the television. Meaning that they can zone out when advertisements are aired and back in when the program returns. The same concept is applicable with the multitasking of surfing the internet and watching television. In a similar concept that supports multitasking. Switching Off is the process of consumers being selective of what they watch and the advertisements they trust. Yankelovich Partners state that 65% of consumers believe that they are constantly being bombarded with too much advertisement, with 65% saying they would be interested in products and services that would help block marketing, and 54% saying that they would avoid purchasing products that engulf with advertisement and marketing. What Communications should be exploited? As Brand awareness is scrutinized as being the focal point towards the succession of a brand, and therefore the company, it is essential that marketers develop efficient and effective messages in a communication that ultimately would increase the recognition and recall of the brand. Therefore, as the decline in the effectiveness of mass media continues, it opens a Pandora box of opportunities throughout other communications for marketers to develop and exploit. Marketers need a more meticulous approach to a fragmenting world, one that dismisses mentalities and norms from mass media advertisings golden age and understands the investment it really is. In other words, it will be necessary to boost marketings return on investment (ROI). Academicians and practitioners have debated the merits of integrating the related yet distinct functions of marketing and public relations (PR) for decades to develop an alternative route in developing brand awareness (Kotler and Mindak 1978.) Public relations is commonly related with communication activities that are designed to craft and maintain an organisations image with its publics (Kitchen P Proctor R, 2010) The role of organisational public relations is expanding with the changing times: PR doesnt just focus on your business product; it also assists in shaping strategic messaging .(Anonymous, 2010, p. 28). Traditionally, this meant that public relation professionals would meet and work with members of the news media to build a favourable image by publicising the brand throughout newspapers and broadcast media. However, with the development of web 2.0 defined as a platform whereby content and applications are no longer created and published by individuals, but instead are continuously modified by all users in a participatory and collaborative fashion (Kaplan Haenlein, 2010, p. 61), Winchell (2010) states that brands are being dismissed, measured and documented in real time and should therefore join the conversatio n in social media. American Airlines, one of the worlds largest air carriers, believes that public relations can help to maximize shrinking advertising budgets in tight economic times (Bush, 2009). It is therefore seen in modern society that the role of public relations can be two fold. As creator of the story, such as the conversation towards the consumer, and, as the curator of the medium to use, ie., social media. As a result of the economic downturn, many consumers have lost trust and confidence in the business environment. In a 2005 Starcom study, it was stated that 65% of consumers believed that advertisers paid to have their products placed or featured in magazine articles (Starcom Study 2005). Therefore, marketers must attempt to instil a new sense of comfort and confidence between the consumer and the brand. This is where public relations can be extremely effective, as authenticity can illicit strong connections from brand to consumer through the means of storytelling (Allen 2005). Storytelling has a role throughout organisations and even throughout public forums, as word of mouth through brand conversation is on the rise (Finchum 2010). Therefore, when consumers come into contact with a brand for the first time; strong, favourable and unique brand associations would have a higher probability of being evoked when an authentic story is told by the product or service itself, or by the cust omer word-of-mouth or by a credible third party (Denning, 2006, p. 43). Schipul (2009) proclaims that since todays society is centre of a conservative economy, the aim is to focus on an organisations relationship with its publics and social media is the communication medium for such a thing to transpire. Social media, with its greater ROI and its two way communication with consumers is the solution to support public relations in creating brand awareness with positive associations. Extraordinary advances in technology are dramatically altering the way, speed and nature humans are communicating with each other (Bandura 2001). Moxham (2008) states that when an organisation is in conversation with a consumer they should tell the brands story and empower the consumer to also spread the word. This is ultimately delivered through storytelling in the communication of social media. This never used to be the case, as public relations was only seen a one way sender-orientated approach to communication, whereby mass media such as television, newspaper and radio were used to address the public (Helder Kragh, 2002). However, in the digital age, there is now what is known as receiver oriented approach and this involves having two way conversations through the medium of social media. Therefore this polar opposite approach results in individuals shifting fluidly and flexibly between the role of audience and author. The creation of basic, easy to use software enables any consumer to comment, post, share content and form an online community around shared interest (Thornley 2008). McDonalds is an organisation that has successfully incorporated the sharing component through the social media communication of Facebook. They have achieved this by delivering a message, and encouraging its consumers to share it if it relates to their friends. This is where the traditional one way, sender orientated communication protocol fails, as communication will only occur because the consumer sender wants it to. This message will only work if the consumer is able to ascertain the meaning that the advertisement was attempting to portray (Stidsen 1975). Nikes 2012 Olympic Twitter campaign flourished as 16,000 people tweeted the hash tag Nike during the event, demonstrating the audience that can be i nteracted. Public relations, as skilled relationship builders, therefore have the advantage over traditional advertisement as they are able to ensure the consumer has a deep understanding of the message that the brand was illustrating. As the effectiveness of traditional mass media declines, organisations must be able to adapt their communications with the changing times to ensure that they have the greatest probability in creating consumer brand awareness whilst not only having a superior ROI but a communication that will reach the masses. Through the fusion of public relations and social media, brands have an opportunity to develop relationship between the brand and its publics, creating deep and meaningful stories that intend to divulge strong, unique and favourable brand associations with the consumer through online social networks. Companies then hope that these stories will continue to be shared by publics to other new consumers. These findings hold significant importance to the marketing communications industry, particularly companies who partake in mass media advertisement. A lot of uncertainty surrounds the issue of companies creating brand awareness and loyalty when consumers are becoming more immune to m ass advertising effects. This is why public relations has been emphasised, as it attaches more credibility to the brand and emphasises to two way communication, which completes the communication cycle by ensuring feedback from customers to ascertain brand experience and value. Therefore integrating public relations with social media will be the new key to unlock the door of the consumers mind. As medias golden age has come to a close, many marketers are frustrated and have limited agreement about what to do next. Some business managers are attempting to dissect marketing-mix models that exercise refined econometric methods to meticulously decipher the diverse effects of the marketing mix on business results. Managers should utilise public relations and ensure that they convey a strong and deep message to the consumer. This is a simplistic, yet effective proposal, and would be efficiently installed in most companies. The consequences of not implementing this marketing strategy are for everyone to see. Mass media advertising was exceptionally effective in previous decades as it was able to target such a large audience, particularly television viewers. The reasons for this can be seen as the downfall of it today. In consideration to todays amount, there were only a handful of channels, resulting in an increased target size. People do not watch television in the same manner as they used to. A majority of the population multi task and therefore disregard advertisements as it is being aired. Therefore, whilst advertisement expenditure increases it can only be predicted that companies that do not apply this strategy have the risk of not creating enough brand awareness and losing brand loyalty with its customers. It is therefore recommended that companies take advantage of these findings as it can only provide future benefits for the brand by accessing a wider audience, because it could be a consumer th at is multitasking between television and social media only to take all attention away from the televised commercial and onto the social media page where they become aware and informed about a brand online. Further research can deeper analyse the forms and methods that can be put incorporated in using this social media, such ways that take into account the costs and audience scope. Studies can also be partaken to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating social media and public relations in developing brand awareness compared to other forms of communication.