Gran Torino Essay

After a while, the two bonded and where Walt helped him through manhood by toughening him up, providing dating advice and helping him get a job in construction. During this, Walt learned that Thao had tried to steal the car to be a part of the gang that he confronted earlier in the movie. Throughout the rest of the movie, the gang had harassed Thao by destroying his construction tools, conducted a drive-by shooting, sexual and physically assaulting Thao’s sister. He then realized that Thao and his sister will never safe as long as the gang is still in the neighbourhood. For this reason, he had gone to the gang member house and committed one final act to help save them. In this paper, the effects of social construction of race and how it is portrayed in the film will be examined. First, the concept of social construction will be analyzed, providing an overview of the definition and its effects. Furthermore, how it is illustrated in the film will be examined. Race as a Social Concept Historically, race has been utilized to differentiate individuals based on their biological and physical appearance. Traits including body shape, skin color and hair style were used to divide individuals into particular racial group (Machery and Faucher, 2005, pp. 1208). However, no empirical evidence exists to supports these classifications. This, in turn shows that differentiations are not rooted biologically or based on getting differences. Rather, the concept of race is explained through process of social construction. Through the lenses of social constructionism, it does not deny the evident physical differences in skin color and characteristics of individuals (Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 10). It simply sees these differences on a continuum of diversity rather than as reflecting innate genetic differences among people† (Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 10). Therefore, race exists due to society’s placing significance on the differentiation between individuals. Effects of Social Construct of Race Takaki stated that â€Å"race†¦has been a social construction that has historically set apart rac ial minorities from European immigrant groups† (as cited in Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 9). Throughout time, the categorization of race had form white hierarchy and domination over other groups of race. This in turn caused an effect of inequality, marginalization and unfair treatment towards particular groups. Asians, Blacks, Aboriginals, and Latinos are among the groups who are subjected to this form of treatment. Some examples include the justification of enslavement of black people, and the denial of access to Canada for non-white individuals. The success behind these social constructs is these divisions of race appear to be natural and a part of everyday lives rendering it to be invisible (Perry, 2011, pp. 16). Thus making it easy to be taken for granted (Perry, 2011, pp. 6). As Michael Omi and Howard Winant (1994) stated, Everyone learns some combination, some version, of the rules of racial classification, and of her own racial identity, often without obvious teaching or conscious inculcation. Thus we are inserted in a comprehensively racialized social structure. Race becomes ‘common sense’—a way of comprehending and being in the world. (as cited in Perry, 2011, pp. 16) Therefore individuals are aware of these divisions but choose to accept it as it has become a natural dynamic in society. Identifying Asian The concept of race is a social process that constructs differences creating divisions among individuals. Throughout time, the classification of certain groups has resulted in prejudice and stereotyping of particular racial groups. This is portrayed in one scene in Gran Torino when Walt was looking with scorn at Thao’s grandmother and said, â€Å"Why the hell do this chinks have to move in this neighborhood for? † (Eastwood, 2009). The protagonist’s use of the word â€Å"chinks† shows the stereotypical label of the Asian community. Chinks† is used to refer to the epicanthic fold found in the inner angle of the eye (wisegeek, n. d. ). This use of this term is associated to the racialization of the Asian race because this difference in appearance was utilized to negatively identify members of this group. Other perceptions in the film include Walt’s snarky comments such as â€Å"aren’t Asians supposed to be smart? Or the assumption as the Hmong as â€Å"jungle people† (Eastwood, 2009). These stereotypical and prejudiced statements are seen extensively throughout the movie. The irony of it is the statements reflect society’s views of the Asian identity. This leads to the notion that through the social process of differentiating groups based on racial traits and characteristics leads to the division of races with the effect of oppressing some. This, sequentially cause the stereotypical and prejudiced associations to be made. If society had not placed a meaning on physical appearance or characteristics, the racial assumption would not exist. Furthermore, if no classification were made towards these individuals, the Asian race will not exist. Youth Asian as Gang Members The Montreal police define a street gang as ‘a group of individuals, usually adolescents and/or young adults, who use the power of group intimidation in order to carry out, on a more or less regular basis, violent criminal acts’ (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, pp. 116). Police documentation had identified five ethnic groups where street gangs originated (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 117). Among the five is the Asiatic ethnic group (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 117). The process of police construct of race in terms of street gangs involves the process of racialization (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 123). Robert Miles defines it as â€Å"a process of categorization through which social relations between people are structured by the signification of human biological characteristics in such a way as to define and constructs social collectivities† (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 12). It is when negative characteristics, traits and behaviour are associated with particular groups (Jiwani, 2011, pp. 43). This is due the perception and presumed differences of the group (Jiwani, 2011, pp. 43). In terms of the police construction of police, this can be seen through the provision of â€Å"Images of violence-prone ‘ethnic youth’ from war-torn countries (it is taken as given that the ‘ethnic youth’ in question are male) (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 123). When compared to children in Quebec, Ontario, a police man stated â€Å" ‘ Here in [Quebec] our kids are born with a hocky puck in their hand, but there [a country of origin of immigrants] they come into the world with a grenade in their hands† (Symons, 2002, pp. 18)†The culture belief portrays the racialization of the street gang issue (Symons, 2002, pp. 118). The ideology that street gangs originated from the upbringing in a war-torn country signifies street gangs as an immigration issue. As another police stated â€Å"‘They have guns there [in country of origin],â€⠄¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ‘It’s part of their more’† (Symons, 2002, pp. 118). This is seen with the portrayal of the Hmong gang in Gran Torino. Earlier in the film, Sue had shared to Walt that the reason they resided in America and is to escape the violence that is occurring in their homeland (Eastwood, 2009). By providing this background story of escaping a war torn country and the portrayal of young Asiatic gangs terrorizing the neighborhood, supports the racialization of Asiatic gang members. This has come from the social process of constructing that living a life in a war-torn country makes the individual a gang member. Since this living condition is associated with the Asian youth, these members are automatically perceived as a gang member. Other scenes in the film include the portrayal of the ethnic group Latinos as gang members, which are also identified as the patent of street gangs Minority groups and Immigrants as Criminals A key stereotype of Asians race is that of the mysterious, devious, fearsome Asian† (Zong and Perry, 2011, pp. 115). This consecutively marks the group as different and foreign which causes them to be feared and avoided. (Zong and Perry, 2011, pp. 115). Within society this is reflected through minorities and immigrants being â€Å"over police and under protected† by the criminal justice system (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 69). Often times, during the legal process, immigrants are provided longer sentences and severe punishments compare to those who have lived in Canada for 20 years and more (Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 8). In terms of other minority groups, Blacks and Aboriginals are overrepresented in the correctional system ((Zong and Perry, 2011, pp. 115). Individuals in society are aware of these unfair treatments, but many still links race and crime together. This is due to the belief and perception of immigrants and minorities as dangerous and different. It is important to note that these factors cannot be found when looking at the white population. This leads to the notion that â€Å"‘Canadians’ do not break the law, but racialized ‘immigrant groups do’† (Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 9). The portrayal of minority groups and immigrants in the film can be seen when no white individual is shown to be a criminal. The members of the street gangs were of Latino, Black and Asian descents. The white characters portrayed were successful businessmen, a hero and a priest. In fact, the protagonist was a Korean War veteran where he killed several men in battle. Instead of being convicted for his actions, he was provided a medal of honor. The portrayal of these scenes shows that white individuals do not commit crime and so cannot be identified as criminals. Society had classified certain inviduals to be part of the Asian and Black race dividing them from the white population. Throughout various events and social processes the perception of Asian and Black race to be dangerous was constructed. This in turn had let these groups to be viewed as criminals. This is believed to be taken a significant effect due to unfair treatment and portrayal of minorities and immigrant in the criminal justice system. White as ‘powerful’ The notion of race as a social process has caused an effect where certain groups are marginalized. Within the society, a white individual is the dominant and superior while others are oppressed, and inferior. This perception has led to the view of that the white population is powerful compared to the other racial groups. The portrayal of this can be seen with the protagonist of the film. Thao and the other gang members had gone to his house to attack him. During the fight, Walt comes out pointing a rifle towards the gang threatening them to get off his lawn and leave. By doing this, he earns the respect of Thao’s family and the Hmong community. To show their gratitude, they showered him with gifts, meals and flowers. Through the remainder of the movie, Walt was shown to be a leader, influencer and hero. He was guiding Thao away from becoming a gang member by providing a job, teaching about manhood and purchasing items for him. He was also shown as a savior when he gave up his life so that Thao and his family can live a life without any gang violence. Within the racial context, the representation of Walt as the savior illustrates the ideology that white is powerful, whereas the Asian group is seen to be helpless, powerless and vulnerable. This leads back to the notion of social constructionism where the division of race had caused some groups to be in power and the others as powerless. In this case, the white group is seen to be of dominance while the Asian group is perceived to be inferior and vulnerable. Conclusion A once popular belief in society was that everyone was born into distinctive biologically and natural based differences known as race (Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 9). However as time passed, the notion of race had transformed into the idea that it was created through human interaction known as social construction. In other words, through social processes, the differences between racial groups were constructed and not from nature itself. However, through the development of division among groups, some were placed in a position of power while others in a minority position. Throughout time, the white group have become the dominant and powerful group over other racialized group. This, sequentially have led to several unfair treatment, marginalization, and oppression against this group. These effects have been portrayed in the film Gran Torino in regards to the racial group of the White and Asian. Through social constructionism, prejudices and stereotypical terms have been used to identify the Asians groups. Secondly, the notion of Asian youth as gang members. Thirdly, the perception of Asian individuals as criminals. Lastly, the ideology of white power over Asian groups. These reflections of currents societal beliefs and perception towards the White and Asian groups originated from the process of social construction. In other words, the reason why it the racial groups of Asians and White exist is through social collectivities . If society did not place a meaning towards the differentiation among individuals, race would not exist, thus these assumptions would be of non-existent as well. References Eastwood. C. , Gerber, B. , & Lorenz, R. (Producer). (2009). Gran Torino [Motion Picture]. United States of America: Warner Brothers. Jiwani, Y. (2011). Mediation of Race and Crime. In B. Perry (Ed. ), Diversity crime and justice in Canada. (pp. 39-56). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press. Jiwani, Y. (2002). The criminalization of race and the racialization of crime. In Chan, W. , & Mirchandani, K (Ed. ), Crimes of Colour (pp. 67-86). Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. Machery, E. , & Faucher, L. (2005). Social Construction and the Concept of Race. The Philosophy of Science Association, 72, 1208-1219 doi: 0031-8248/2005/7205-004. Perry, B. (2011). Criminal Justice/Social Justice. In B. Perry (Ed. ),  Diversity, crime, and justice in  Canada  (pp. 3-38). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press. Rothenberg, P. (2010). Race, class, and gender in the United States  (8th  ed. ). New York: Worth Publishing Symons, G. (2002). Police constructions of race and gender in street gangs. In Chan, W. , & Mirchandani, K (Ed. ), Crimes of Colour (pp. 115-127). Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. Zong, L. , & Perry, B. (2011). Chinese Immigrants in Canada and Social Injustice: From Overt to Covert Racial Discrimination. In B. Perry (Ed. ),  Diversity, crime, and justice in  Canada  (pp. 106-124). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.

Ernst Junger and Audie Murphy Heroes of War Essay

Not many people are vested with such courage shown by the two men whom the title of this paper belong. Both men had exemplary displayed extremely great courage that was perhaps slightly short of suicidal attack. Without discounting their heroism, one cannot rest his mind without asking how these people could bravely defy the dangers of death through a daring exploit of the dangers itself. Courage that is inside them is what makes them brave enough to overcome the fears of the dangers and death. It is the courage that yields a man honors yet it will only prove when it is confronted by a particular kind of risk and emerge victorious in that situation. The many particular risk that both men had confronted and had successfully subdued, proves they are indeed men of great courage. Junger and Murphy may have served in the military in the same capacity, and in equally dangerous battlefield but of the opposing sides. They are equally courageous and possessed extra ordinary skills that put them distinct from the others, as evidenced by their war medals. However, there is an obvious difference between their personal backgrounds. Junger was highly educated, born, and grew up in a better family condition. Murphy on the other hand, had but all painful life experiences. His parents died while he was still young with twelve siblings. He grew up under difficult condition and had no proper education. This difference obviously influenced their military manner, Junger sees his accomplishment as an opportunity for advancement, while Murphy sees his accomplishment as merely his duty as a military. He considered his service to military as a family and was willing let opportunity for advancement pass him. Examples of Junger’s accomplishment that clearly reflect his organized out looked in to the future are as follows. First, he had served the German army with distinction. He was indeed a multi-awarded soldier. Second, He became officer of the army at a very young age of twenty-three; third, he became a writer after he was discharge from military service. His Storm of Steel seemed to glorify war although he did not justify nor extenuates the brutalities of war. Perhaps, the one thing that Murphy was very fortunate to have was, first, his extra-ordinary courage and ordinary qualities as a fighting infantryman. His enlistment in the US army proves to be successful as he was able to demonstrate his military skills in combat operations. Second, his military skills gave him numerous military awards and distinction above the others. He was even promoted to the rank of lieutenant despite his limited education and third, his loyalty to the military and his own company earned for him respect and admiration of others. Final Reflections These two men rose from their own ranks because of their courage, extra-ordinary skills and dedication to their duties. Two men of different backgrounds and belong to the opposing armies were able to build their own identities, developed their own outlook in life, and established their lives amidst the dangers of wars. Theirs is a lesson that though life is full of danger, full of opposing forces that affects us, and we are weak compared to these realities, yet they survived, and eventually succeed in life. This gives us hope of our own survival and success in what ever endeavor we are we are currently struggling.

Masque of the Red Death By Edgar Allen Poe

Edgar Allen Poe â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† 1) What does each color in each room mean? These colors represent the seven deadly sins which are laziness, lust, gluttony, greed, pride, anger, and covetousness. The colors can also represent the seven stages of man starting from birth, toddler age, childhood, teen age, middle age, old age, and lastly death. Blue is birth, Purple is royalty and power, Green is growth and life, Orange is destruction, White is purity, Violet is knowledge and memory, and Black is death. ) Why do you think Poe arranged the apartments in this manner? The way Prince Prospero arranged the rooms is very peculiar. He did it from east to west according from when the sun would rise to when it would set. When the sun would rise it would mean birth and when it would set death. Just like the rooms blue was on the east so it would mean birth and black being on the west meaning death. 3) What do the colors add to the suspense in the story?The colors add cert ain suspense to the story because we do not have a meaning to them. They give you a mysterious out look towards what can happen next. We obviously have the idea that the black room means death and that someone will eventually die. 4) What does the ebony clock represent and what in the story leads you to this conclusion? It represents every hour that they live past the Red Death or until it comes since they cannot escape it. The fact that the clock is ebony meaning black it symbolizes the color of death.So we can come to the conclusion that sooner or later someone is going to die. 5) Why does the ebony clock reflect Poe’s personal life? It reflects his personal life because Poe had a lot of deaths happen in his life, starting with his parents when he was young. These deaths were all related because at that time tuberculosis was the main cause of death. Reading his biography we soon see that all his loved ones died from tuberculosis. Although it is not clear of what he died fro m.

High School and Public School Enrollment Essay

In the essay â€Å"Still Separate, Still Unequal,† the author Jonathan Kozol criticizes the educational system practiced in the urban areas of the United States and where he writes about his beliefs that minorities are being placed in poor conditions while the Caucasian majority is obtaining funding for the schools that the majority of them attend. He supports his personal viewpoints, with statistics which he himself gathered from different schools around the U.S. Kozol starts out his essay with logic to prove that the school systems of today are separate and unequal by using demographics from public schools from the larger cities in the country; for example, â€Å"In Chicago, by the academic year 2002-2003, 87% of public school enrollment was black or Hispanic; less than 10% of children in the schools were white. In Washington D.C., 94 % of children were black or Hispanic; less than 5% were white (220).† He emphasizes on these statistics to prove his point that schools are still segregated. Later in the essay the author then mentions in his essay that the word â€Å"diversity†, â€Å"cease to have real meaning; or, rather, they mean the opposite of what they say(223).† Kozol mentions that when he â€Å"visited in the fall of 2004 in Kansas City, Missouri, for example, a document distributed to visitors reports that the school’s curriculum ‘addresses the needs of children from diverse backgrounds.’† He goes on explaining that when he went â€Å"from class to class, [he] did not encounter any children who were white or Asian—or Hispanic (223).† He then makes the reader connect emotionally by writing comments that high school students and third graders from segregated neighborhoods and public schools made about their different situations in their school. For example, he quotes a letter that an eight-year-old girl wrote to him saying, â€Å"We do not have the things you have. You have Clean things. We do not have. You have a clean bathroom. We do not have that. You have Parks and we do not have Parks. You have all the thing and we do not have all the thing. Can you help us (224)?† Kozol then presents facts about how physicians were removed from elementary schools. The author continues presenting conversations with people that he met. Jonathan Kozol’s essay shows how the school system today is in fact still divided and unequal according to somebody’s skin color or race even though the course of ‘Brown vs. Board of Education’ allegedly resolved this. Prev Page

Harry Houdini

Sarah Busi Ms. Roach Honors American Literature 12 March 2013 Harry Houdini: World’s Greatest Magician â€Å"Remembered for his ability to escape from bonds and containers, Houdini is the world’s most famous magician, and his name is instantly recognized, although he died over 70 years ago† (â€Å"Harry 1†). Harry Houdini was much more than any ordinary magician a mother might hire for their child’s birthday party. When one thinks of Harry Houdini, the furthest thing from their mind would be the cliched pulling a rabbit out of a hat or amateur card tricks.Houdini forced his audience to question reality with his outstanding and incomprehensible ability to make the impossible possible. During the 1920s, crime, gangster activity, and racial discrimination were at their peak, but Harry Houdini was able to offset some of those harsh realities by entertaining and fascinating people using the mystery and illusion of his magic tricks. Harry Houdini’s early life influenced and sparked his interest in entertainment and magic.The Weiss family, consisting of Mayer Samuel, Cecilia Steiner Weiss, and their five children, were originally from Budapest, Hungary and later immigrated to Appleton, Wisconsin (Higbee). Harry Houdini was born on March 24, 1874 (â€Å"Harry 2†). Harry Houdini’s father, a rabbi named Mayer Samuel, did not necessarily agree with his son’s interest in magic, but when Harry was sixteen, his father passed away, and he felt free to pursue his passion as a career. Harry’s brother, Theodore Hardeen, born Ferencz Deszo Weiss, helped him to kick-start his career by becoming his magic assistant.The duo became known as the â€Å"Houdini Brothers† (Higbee). Houdini later met Wilhelmina Beatrice â€Å"Bess† Rahner, and two weeks later, he made her his wife. Bess was also in the entertainment business as a struggling singer, so she decided to help her husband with his magic career. Although she replaced Theodore, Bess made a great magic assistant because she could sing, dance, and she was light weight (â€Å"Harry 1†). To most, magic is just a hobby, but instead, Harry Houdini decided to pursue his passion and was very ambitious to become the best in his craft. Houdini’s first exposure to magic was when his father took him to see Dr.Lynn, a touring magician, who used butcher knives to cut off the limbs and head of a victim in a cabinet. Harry Houdini was thereafter infatuated with magic. â€Å"At the age of 12, Houdini ran away from home to find a job and help support his family. When he returned, he greeted his mother with, â€Å"Shake me, I’m magic. † As his mother shook him, coins flew from his body; this was Houdini’s first magic trick. † The young, aspiring magician educated himself primarily with books. Revelations of Spirit Medium by A. Medium exposed the tricks of fake psychics, and The Memoirs of Robert-Houdin was the autobiography of Houdini’s mentor and inspiration. At the age of seventeen, Erich Weiss changed his name to Harry Houdini after Harry Kellar, American magician, and Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, from whom Houdini took his surname and added the letter ‘i’. Houdini had written, â€Å"From the moment I began to study the art, he became my guide and hero. I asked nothing more of life than to become in my profession like Robert-Houdin† (â€Å"Harry 1†). Harry Houdini’s thirty-five year magic career was very successful and his well-known, outrageous stunts made him the legendary magician we know him as today.One of Houdini’s first performances got him the name the â€Å"King of Cards. † He was obviously a talented magician but he performed simple tricks that got mediocre reviews (â€Å"Harry 1†). For about seven years, Houdini worked small shows and labored in obscurity. He was on the brink of reevaluating his career when he was given his big break on vaudeville by theater master, Martin Beck. Beck became Houdini’s manager and helped the young magician get nationwide notoriety. This was a huge leap from the twenty-five dollar a week Harry had been previously making. This was a huge turning point for his career (â€Å"Harry 4†). Harry joined the Society of American Magicians (S. A. M. ) in 1904, an organization established in 1902 by professional and amateur conjurers who shared a common interest in publicizing mystery attractions and sharing their tricks at monthly meetings. † Houdini resigned two weeks later because of disagreements regarding his magazine. Harry Houdini and S. A. M. eventually reconciled their differences and Harry not only rejoined the group, but was readmitted as an honorary member in 1912 and was later even elected president, which was a huge honor to Houdini (â€Å"Harry 1†).He sailed to England in the summer of 1900 where he began his first internati onal tour. Upon returning to the United States in 1905, he was feeling pressure to become bigger and better. Houdini toured for the next ten years, constantly finding ways to stay in the public eye and push his abilities to their limits (â€Å"Harry 4†). But Harry was smart. He knew that his vaudeville tours would not last forever so he started finding alternative ways to further his career. He began appearing in silent films such as Master Mystery and Grime Game.This also sparked his idea to found the Houdini Picture Corporation in 1921. The production company debuted its first film the Man From Beyond (â€Å"Harry 5†). Another venture that Harry Houdini was particularly proud of was the Conjurer’s Monthly Magazine (â€Å"Harry 3†). Harry Houdini is known for his death-defying stunts and escapes and his ability to entertain and shock his audience which is why he is considered to be one of the forefathers of magic and illusions. Houdini had two fundamenta l types of tricks: illusions and escapes.For example, early on in his career, Harry realized that most handcuffs open with the same key. He then took this premise and began to encourage the members of his audience to bring their own handcuffs to lock him into for a sense of believability. This became known as his â€Å"Challenge Handcuff Act†. But later on in his career, his escapes became more and more outrageous. On January 7, 1906, Harry Houdini established himself as a professional magician by escaping from the jail cell of President Garfield’s assassin, Charles Guiteau, in Washington DC.Houdini was stripped down, searched, and locked up in the cell. Not only did he escape from the cell, he also retrieved his clothes that were locked in a different cell, redressed, and switched eight other prisoners to different cells, all in 21 minutes. This stunt was coined, the â€Å"Naked Prison Test Escape†. Harry Houdini then decided to take his escape skills to the ne xt level by challenging himself to get out of a straitjacket. Sure enough, the master escape artist was able to do it, but how? There are theories that Harry had to dislocate his shoulder in order to get slack.Or perhaps another, and more likely theory, is that Harry expanded his chest and strained against the body straps. While those are just examples of Houdini’s most famous escapes, he is also known for being an illusionist as well. One of Harry’s most famous illusions was the â€Å"Vanishing Elephant† which became such a hit, that Houdini continued to perform it on his tour for nineteen weeks. It first debuted on January 7, 1918 when Houdini’s 10,000 pound elephant, Jenni, walked into an empty cabinet with a door on the back and a curtain in front. Two seconds later, Jenni had disappeared. Needless to say, Houdini left the audience dumbfounded.Unfortunately, however, during Houdini’s tour on October 22, 1926, students from McGill University ask ed if Houdini could withstand a blow to the stomach. Before Harry had any time to brace himself for the hit, J. Gordon punched the famous magician three times causing his appendix to rupture. Harry survived but not for much longer. A few weeks later he fell ill from streptococcus peritonitis (an inflammation of the abdominal cavity) and died on October 31, 1926. Harry Houdini’s mysterious illusions and risky escapes caught the attention of people all over the world, and he continued to entertain them for the early part of the 1920s.As the forefather of magic, Harry Houdini set the stage for future, aspiring magicians to try to go above and beyond his already extreme tricks. There have been comparable stunts from magicians, such as Chris Angel and David Blane more recently, but Harry was the first to make the impossible possible. For that he will forever be known as the greatest magician of not only the 1920s, but the greatest magician of all time. Works Cited â€Å"Harry 1 H oudini. † American Decades. Ed. Judith S. Baughman, et al. Detroit: Gale, 1998. Biography In Context. Web. 21 Feb. 2013. â€Å"Harry 2 Houdini. Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. Detroit: Gale, 2001. Biography In Context. Web. 21 Feb. 2013. â€Å"Harry 3 Houdini's Magic. † American Decades Primary Sources. Ed. Cynthia Rose. Vol. 1: 1900-1909. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 33-37. Biography In Context. Web. 21 Feb. 2013. â€Å"Harry 4 Houdini. † St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture. Ed. Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast. Detroit: St. James Press, 2000. Biography In Context. Web. 21 Feb. 2013. Higbee, Joan F. â€Å"Houdini: A Biographical Chronology. † Houdini: A Biographical Chronology. Oct. 1996: n. p. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 22 Feb 2013.

Aed 200/Students Rights and Teacher Responsiblities Essay

If a student is harmed because the teacher was unable to foresee the threat, then the teacher can be held accountable. Also if a student is harmed because the teacher failed to pay attention to entire class, the teacher can be held accountable. A teacher’s responsibilities influence students’ rights because a students’ rights must be limited to maintain student safety on a field trip. One example may be implementation of a dress code specifically for field trips. A teacher may require all students wear red shirts. This would help the teacher keep all students together. A student may feel like the teacher is violating his or her rights to wear what he or she chooses; however, the teacher is simply exercising caution. This is the responsibility of a teacher. As a teacher, I will have many responsibilities. One responsibility is that I should seek to achieve the highest standards in my work. The status of my profession depends directly on teachers. I will have a responsibility to follow a code of ethics and code of conduct. Students must follow these codes, and as an educator, I will also. Another responsibility I will have as a teacher is to ensure the safety of my students. I will have many other responsibilities above and beyond those mentioned. Like responsibilities, I will also have rights as a teacher. I will have the right to exercise all civil rights enjoyed by other citizens. As a teacher, I will have the right to be human and make mistakes. I will have the right to expect an appropriate of respect from students. I will have many more rights as a teacher, along with those I mentioned. Some responsibilities I have may influence the rights of some students. For example, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of my students in my classroom. If there is a safety concern with a student, it is my responsibility to remove that student, or have that student removed, from the class and discipline accordingly. This would influence this students’ rights. In a situation such as this, it is extremely fair and acceptable to infringe on this students’ rights. As a teacher, I must put the safety of my students first. If there is a major safety concern with a student, no other students will be capable of learning until the situation is resolved. One personal example of teachers’ responsibilities limiting a student’s rights involved my oldest daughter. She was attending a field trip to a local library and then to the park for lunch and playtime. I was not allowed to ride the bus, so I followed behind in my personal vehicle. We arrived at the library, completed our walk through and story time and was getting ready to leave. At this time, my daughter, who was five, wanted to ride with me to the park, not on the bus. The teacher had a responsibility to ensure that my daughter was safely returned to the school, therefore prohibiting me from taking her in my vehicle. We then arrived at the park, we ate lunch, played, and it was then time to return to school. At this time, my daughter again was in tears, wanting to ride with me. Again, the teacher explained her responsibilities, which prohibited my daughter from returning to school in my vehicle. This is an example of teachers’ responsibilities influencing a student’s rights. One example of a students’ rights overriding a teachers’ responsibility would be of a special needs child. Fairly recent changes in special education laws require that more and more students be placed in regular classrooms. These special needs students’ have a right to be graded, in these normal classes, according to their Individual Education Plan (IEP). This right would override a teachers’ responsibility of being fair and treating all children equal. This teacher may have to give lenience to the special needs child and not to the other students. Many students’ rights and teachers’ responsibilities work directly with each other. However, some work for and some work against each other. As a teacher, I must be able to make the best moral decision based on both my responsibilities as well as my rights, while at the same time, respecting the rights of my students. Respect, from both sides, and open communication is key in fulfilling the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Response Paper on the poem Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen Essay

Response Paper on the poem Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen - Essay Example Personally, my son has recently informed me that he joined the army, so the poem resonates increasingly strong. When reading the poem I am constantly reminded of the realities of the contemporary armed conflict in the Middle East and conflicted about my son joining the cause for American freedom. Dulce et Decorum translates to ‘It is sweet and right,’ an ironic reference to the reality and of the tragic occurrences of World War I. While I completely support our troops in Afghanistan, one could make a convincing case that this line is a similar justification used in the wars in the Middle East. Although it’s not entirely clear what the ‘sweet’ refers to one could rightly attribute it to the ‘sweet’ revenge that many Americans felt justified the countries attack on these regions for the advances made by Saddam Hussein and the terrorist attacks made on the World Trade Center. The ‘right’ portion of the title refers to the belief that American attacks are justified on the grounds of moral reasons – weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, stopping the Taliban in Afghanistan. I believe that the poem functions to bring the reader’s attention not to these abstract justifications, but to the bitter realities of arm ed conflict. In just the first two lines of the poem, the soldiers are portrayed as tired and sick. In the rest of the stanza, Owens shows how the conditions that theses soldiers had to go through were horrendous. For example, â€Å"Many had lost their boots, but limped on, blood-shod† shows how these soldiers had been fighting in all conditions. He uses connotations of dirt and everyday language to add to the realism "we cursed through sludge." When I consider these lines I envision that the soldiers are demoralized, shadows of their former selves. They dont march proudly as imagined, but trudge wearily and heavily. The punctuation of the verse slows down the rhythm of the poem, to enhance the realism of the soldiers movements. I

Social implications of IT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Social implications of IT - Essay Example It is the fastest growing branch of electronics and computer technology. The distinguishing feature of VR is that its users feel that they are living in the computer – generated scene. VR games and other accessories are generally available with Incredible Universe and CompUSA chain stores. The present estimation regarding sales in the virtual reality market is approximately ninety million dollars per annum; and this is expected to increase to nearly six billion dollars in the future1. Virtual reality can be attributed to Sutherland who performed several pioneering works to develop the concept of virtual reality in the 1960’s. However the phrase virtual reality was coined for the first time in the late 1980’s. Some historians claim that the VR industry emerged during the 1990’s. VR gained popularity due to the extraordinary efforts of the early pioneers in this field2. Virtual reality is a computer – simulated world with which users can interact. These simulations, generally have some common characteristics, such as shared workspaces for the interaction of people with the programme, graphical user interface, real – time action, interactivity and persistence. Almost all simulations can be accessed over the internet. In those simulated worlds, there will be changes to the themes and landscapes, irrespective of the users who access the site. Online real time games come under this category of VR. For instance, Massively – multiplayer online role – playing games or MMORPGS are played in the virtual worlds. These are video games, which allow players to choose the persona of the characters in the play, and these persona are termed as avatars. MMORPGs and other virtual worlds are considered to be social networking programmes. Moreover, players can interact, form clubs, groups and chat with each other3. The availability of personal computers increased in the

Whats wrong with buying counterfeit goods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Whats wrong with buying counterfeit goods - Essay Example For instance, buying a counterfeit mobile phone will obviously cost the client due to possible short life span besides poor irradiation regulation systems in the phone. The customer always faces at least a possibility of regretting the exorbitant price paid against poor quality and short-lived product. The law is very clear when it comes to products to be bought. It is therefore the liability of the customer if found in possession of a counterfeit product. The consequences include arrests and prosecutions which factor in additional monetary costs, psychological pressure and physical health deterioration. This is particularly obvious in line with the legal requirement that direct customers to buy from companies that their products pass through government quality check. Counterfeit products particularly medical have led to loss of life. The medical prescriptions and subsequent purchase of counterfeit medicine has resulted into poisoning or opposite effect that only worsen the condition of the patient and in extreme cases die. It is a general advice to the society to uphold the spirit of awareness against counterfeit buying. The cost goes beyond monetary but the good news is that this mistake can well be taken care of by the

On the sources of international investment law Essay

On the sources of international investment law - Essay Example And it is in this course that we are to understand economic movements in China today. The "People's Republic of China (PRC) is the world's largest market, with a population of 1.3 billion people and an area about 9,600,000 square kilometers in the southeastern Eurasian continent." 2 Being such, it is no wonder that foreign investors are really gunning to do business with her. Thus, the 1978 Third Plenum of the Eleventh Party Central Committee that discarded the slogan "Take class struggle as the key link" and in its place embraced a shift to socialist modernization that entailed "economic and technical cooperation with other countries"3 has been welcomed with great enthusiasm by foreign investors. In fact, this " open door policy has been successful in attracting foreign direct investment (fdi)"4 thereby, making China a "new economic power"5 to reckon with. And everything is no easy task. ... "Hong Kong provides nearly "60 percent of cumulative FDI, its precise contribution is complicated by round tripping and the routing of FDI from many other countries via Hong Kong, especially overseas Chinese from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South East Asia. Being such, the important role of Hong Kong in the international trade and foreign investments of China is something that cannot be relegated in the periphery of the economic reforms and development of China. The status of international trade in China is a result of China's embarking on liberalization coupled with reforms in exchange rates and prices plus decentralization of power. These reforms are made feasible because the government of China has seen that some socialist principles are no longer suitable in meeting the needs of the people. In fact, the restructuring that the Chinese government is working on is geared towards creating a more viable Chinese economy that has for its aim satisfying peoples needs. But all of these arrived only after China has seen the factors that lead her to her own stagnation in terms of economic development. Eight points6 are raised as the root causes of China's economic retardation. And these are first is the blind adherence to high targets in production and construction with out properly attending to economic results. Second, is the investment on heavy industry so much so that agriculture and light industries are relegated to the periphery of the econom y. Third is the focus on new enterprises and capitals while existing enterprises are given minimal support and attention. Fourth, is overemphasis on the output of primary and intermediate products instead of giving attention to production of

The Impact of Evolving Technologies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Impact of Evolving Technologies - Assignment Example In addition, there is production of high-quality animations thereby improving the standards of animations. The costs of animation film production have been reduced by letting the computer carry out most of the technical aspects that would have otherwise been done by other people. Tasks such as preparation of miniatures and the use of other actors have been eliminated (Wright, 2013). For example, CGI has greatly contributed to the success of the animation Shrek. For example, the appearance of the diverse characters in the film was enhanced by CGI. The number of characters varied from normal-looking ones to weird-looking characters that are not normally seen in other films. The antics of the donkey have been greatly influenced by computer-generated imagery (Shrek, n.d.). The animation also appears bright and colorful due to the intricate balance of color, light and texture (Scaramozzino, 2010). That has been made possible with CGI. Without the advancement of CGI, such an animation may not have made the impact it did by appealing to large

Statistical Analysis 10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Statistical Analysis 10 - Essay Example Of the 330 students completing the self administered questionnaire 159 (48%) were male and 171 (52%) were female. Statistical methods used to analyze data A number of statistical methods were used to analyze the data collected. They include calculation of the mean (M) and standard deviation (SD). These measures were calculated for all thirteen (13) variables (both independent and dependent) used in the research. The mean (M) in Table 1 is a measure of central tendency which tells the average of the scores assigned to a particular variable by the respondents while the standard deviation is a measure of the variation of the scores from the mean. Calculating the mean and standard deviation of â€Å"Gender† does not appear to make much sense as the absolute figures on their own serves the purpose of explaining how representative the sample is of the specific college population and college population in general. Tests for correlation of all the variables were also carried out and t he results are shown in Table 2. Correlation is a measure of the relationship between variables. Measures of correlation range from -1 to +1.

Law Torts in economic sense Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Law Torts in economic sense - Essay Example Law Torts in economic sense The value that the law comes up in terms of property and treasure are mainly determined by economics. The law mainly entails making decision and providing guide lines according which the economic activities can operate. Without law people could conduct their business without discipline, thus it brings discipline in the field. To discuss the relationship between the two concepts we shall discuss the main components of law which include; law of torts, law of contract, law of property and the concepts of justice. Law Torts in economic sense This is any wrongful act done to a person hence resulting into losses and therefore the person is liable to some compensation due to the loss incurred. Tort laws are the most unintentional unlike the criminal laws. The tort laws may be divided into two categories either intentional or negligent torts. Torts that result to negligent include actions that touch on intangible resources attached to a person e.g. infringing someone’s safety, while i ntentional including occupying and building on someone’s piece of land. Law of contract and the economics This is a legal binding between two or more people. The law usually recognizes these bindings and any breach of these legal bindings could lead to one be charged in a court of law. The law of contract includes the process of buying and selling of commodities, and signing to long-term supplying agreements between companies and individual suppliers. (Princeton & OverDrive, 2013). Law of property and economics This law entails the ownership by an individual person of anything that is of value. This law tries to bring out the relationship between the person and the object. The important items to this law are possession and transfer of ownership. Possession mainly entails to be established in persons whose possession a particular property belongs, while transfer of ownership is taking the ownership of a particular person to another person (Princeton & OverDrive, 2013). Concept s of justice and economics Justice is doing right according to the society, there are several concepts to justice, these include; social perception, the consequences and the processes involved. In most societies they have, their own perception of what is just and what is not justified, the perception of rape can be justified in some societies while some societies do not entertain the vice at all. Justice is judged depending on the consequences of a particular action. The result from a particular action could lead one to see if it is justified or not. The worse the consequences the more they are not justified by the society. The steps involved in doing a particular action also determines if the action is justified or not (Princeton & OverDrive, 2013). In most countries, laws are legislated by acts of parliament. Thus means that the most powerful and decision-making body in any state is the legislature. This usually explains why some laws are different from other countries. Most state s make their laws depending on the mission and vision statement of the given country. Religion also plays a big role in the determination of the laws of a particular country. This is because religion plays a big role in the life of nay living human being (Princeton & Over

Asnwers questions ( Critical Thinking) Assignment - 1

Asnwers questions ( Critical Thinking) - Assignment Example The client to whom the treatment is being given to has a right to know the truth about her medication and the inability to treat the disease she has. However, the facts in the situation may tamper with the health of the patient. Thus, the nurse may hold back the truth as a way of encouraging the patient The patient chooses not to participate in further treatment determinations while the family differs. The sick client has the right to brand an option although the decision might oppose the nurse’s personal belief. However, the family decision is the best for the patient since she had been in a stable condition despite the cardiovascular attack. The primary option in such a case is the use of a tube that feeds the patient directly to the stomach or the intestine or the direct injection of food into the blood system. The best method if the patient has a working gastrointestinal tract is the use of the device. The option reduces the probability of infections and other complications. The patient should have a critical care nurse due to the problems she is experiencing. Similarly, the kind of decisions she is making requires a nurse who can monitor and thus have the knowledge of the best decisions to

Corporate Performace Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Corporate Performace - Coursework Example McDonald's Corporation was also analyzed under the lens of SWOT Analysis, BCG Matrix and Porter's Competitive Forces. These techniques help us assess the various policies and strategies that the business is following. Furthermore, they are also a snap-shot of business as a whole and tell us at a glance, whether the business is doing well or not In the end, the current performance of McDonald's Corporation is compared with its past performance and its future prospects are discussed in great detail. The future prospects are based on the strategies that McDonald's Corporation is planning to implement. The report ends with some suggestions that McDonald's Corporation could adopt to help them further improve their condition and could help them reach new heights. McDonald is perhaps the most successful corporation of the world. There's no magic formula to it, but the company believes that its success has come due to their insistence on their values and because of their belief in truthfulness and honesty. "At McDonald's, success has always involved a not-so-profound formula involving one-part inspiration and four-parts perspiration. Our founder, Ray Kroc, coined the phrase "grinding it out" to characterize the determination and attention to detail that is required to be successful in our industry. "Grinding it out" was his way of saying the restaurant business is, and always will be, a labor intensive operation. It was hard work and determination that built McDonald's - and today, those same qualities drive our success." (McDonald's Corporation Annual Report, 2008). The above statement clearly indicates that hardwork and determination is the most followed principle in this corporation. They also believe in their past values and think their success has come about due to the value given to the organization by their founding father Ray Kroc. McDonald's Corporation gives a lot of importance to their customer choice. It has recently added new product in line with what customers want. These additions have become instant hit, which is not only good for the business, but has also given increased weight to the McDonald's menu and increased the choice as they now offer variety of products. "Whether you prefer beef or chicken, salads or sandwiches, breakfast or desserts, there's something for every appetite and occasion at McDonald's. In every country, our menus balance classic favorites with new tastes and local flavors. We're also a beverage destination with offerings such as sweet tea, juices and McCaf coffees." (McDonald's Corporation Annual Report, 2007). According to Richard L. Daft, in order assess the success of an organization, you do not look at only the financial figures of the company, but you also

Christology in the Black Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Christology in the Black Perspective - Essay Example According to Wilmore (93), Christology in the Black perspective borrows much from the Bible on the Israelites deliverance from Egypt by God. Advocates of Black theology effectively compare the US to Egypt. They predict that the blacks who are the oppressed people will be led to a promised land soon. They emphasize that God is concerned with the people who lack economic, social and political justice and also for those who are unwanted and poor in the society. They believe that the same God, who liberated the Israelites, is the same God who is a blessing and working for the blacks who are oppressed in the 20th century. They believe that God is helping the oppressed blacks and has, therefore, identified Himself with them. They speak of God as Black.Jesus Christ is seen from the aspect of liberation and oppression. Other texts that are borrowed from the Bible by Christology in the Black perspective include the Gospel of Luke. The book of Luke states that the lame will walk, the blind wil l see, the deaf will hear, the lepers will be cleaned, the dead will rise up and the poor will have the good news preached to them. Therefore it is evident that in Christ, God truly enters human affairs and notably takes sides and supports the oppressed (Wilmore 112).This means that the oppressed become His and the numerous challenges of the 20th century cannot be solved by looking at the past of what Christ did. The main reason for this is that the choices of the past are not similar to the current situation.

Term Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Term - Research Paper Example The country, according to the annual report released by the Department of Health, shows that while there is progress in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, there is still a long way to go in terms of the overall improvement of health services. The country still faces serious challenges for pregnant women, maternal mortality, poverty-related diseases and gender-based violence (2006). South Africa attracts a lot of attention from medical researchers due to the unbalanced health care among its citizens. In addition, the issue of racial apartheid was a problem prior to 1994 and this had a profound impact on the dissemination of health services among its citizens. Therefore, South Africa’s history of apartheid, unbalanced health care/ HIV-AIDS epidemic makes it an ideal place to examine. Location Geographically, the country is located on the Southern tip of the African continent. The Atlantic Ocean borders it on the west while the Indian Ocean borders it on both the South and East. Nam ibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe lie on its Northern border while Mozambique and Swaziland are located on its Northeast borders. South Africa uniquely encloses an independent kingdom called Lesotho (Inter Knowledge Corp, 2010). Population The country is about 472,000 square miles wide (equivalent to 1.2 million sq. km.) and lies beneath the Tropic of Capricorn. It is comprised of three geographical primary regions: an extensive central plateau – and a nearly unceasing cliff of mountain ranges that circle the plateau from the Western, Eastern and Southern side, with a strip of land along the coast (Inter Knowledge Corp, 2010). According to WHO statistics, South Africa has a population of approximately 50,133,000 with a gross national income per capita (PPP international $) of 10,360. In the year 2009, the life expectancy at birth m/f (years) was 54/55 but the probability of dying under five (per 1,000 live births) is currently unavailable. The total expenditure on health per capit a is approximated at 935 with a total expenditure on health % of GDP (2010) estimated at 8.9 (WHO, 2012). Government In pre-apartheid times, the South African government had a highly bureaucratic health care system. The administration of health care was divided into 14 separate departments, which were responsible for looking after the health of the different racial groups, the homelands, and six self-governing territories. The health care services were divided into preventive and curative among government departments, the provinces and the local authorities. The expenditure on tertiary health services was prioritized above primary health care services. This led to the development of a private health sector that is unregulated by the government. In addition, a lack of commitment by the government in terms of training, staffing and ways to eradicate poverty have contributed to the country’s high infant mortality, maternal mortality, life expectancy at birth and incidences of in fectious diseases (such as tuberculosis and measles) among many citizens, especially black people (Department of health, 2010). However, in 1994, South Africa was among the few African countries that had started transforming the health care system. Legislature passed bills that ensured equal distribution of resources, restructuring

Grade Retention Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Grade Retention - Research Paper Example Same-age comparisons show no benefit that accrues to retention. Preconceptions play a strong role. Much critical commentary on retention reflects a hostile predisposition partly grounded in equity or fairness concerns (Appleton et al 174). Minority and disadvantaged children tend to be overrepresented in lower-track placements and are more likely to be held back than Whites or children from higher socioeconomic status families. "That is, simply having a student repeat a grade is unlikely to address the multiple factors influencing the students' poor achievement or adjustment that resulted in the decision to retain the student" (Jimerson 420). When children are separated along racial/ethnic and economic classes (even if the separation is based on educationally appropriate criteria) and then assigned disproportionately to tracks low in the school's hierarchy of prestige, the risk of harm is real. Whether a child should repeat a grade is the implicit question in most evaluations of rete ntion. Technical problems in evaluating retention's effectiveness are found. The studies just reviewed no doubt are flawed in some ways, as shortfall from the ideal is a given in researching this difficult topic. Beyond the same-grade-same-age issue for framing comparisons, there are further complications. For example, to make a fair comparison of a retained group with a nonretained group, the groups should be about equal in terms of ability test results and other relevant qualities before retention occurs (Jimerson 423). This is a large order because promoted children who test at the same level as retained children are not likely to be in other ways the same: if they were the same in all relevant respects, they presumably would also be retained. For example, those who are low in ability but nevertheless promoted may do well because they try hard or because they are more emotionally mature. Equating the two groups only in terms of ability or achievement test scores does not provide a fair comparison, because the later success of promoted students could be due to other qualities, not to their being spared the burden of retention (Harrington-Lueker 45). The best outcome, of course, would be for more youth to realize success in school the first time through, rather than need to recover by way of uncertain "second chance" opportunities. Unfortunately, in high-poverty school systems typically 30%-50% of children drop out. Critics state (Hoffman et al 173) that dropout rates are elevated among

Synthesis Paper Essay Example for Free

Synthesis Paper Essay According to the course syllabus we were introduced to the techniques of psychological research. This course was able to provide an understanding of how research is done, and what methods we can use to do so. By having a clear understanding of research and techniques used, it allows us to communicate effectively in regards to ideas behind the research process. In this paper, I will use myself as the case study to examine exactly what I learned about research. In the field of mental health, professionals must be constantly looking for ways to help their patients. (Cozby Bates 2012). When dealing with research, it allows us to explore valuable information that has been researched before. By understanding the value of research or ways to interpret, it helps you decide the legitimacy of your research and how to apply it while other methods may rely on personal experiences or feelings. By knowing the value of the scientific method, this allows us to hold our information to possibly a higher standard. Ideas are looked at logically and others, to ensure validity, interpret conclusions. (Cozby Bates 2012). Ethical Research After gaining a clear understanding in regards to research, I’ve learned that it’s not necessarily what we find out from research but, where we gathered the information. We always need to be concerned with how we went about finding the information. With all information gathered, we must also gather participants. It is important to gather all participants to find the most accurate results, as well as ensuring equal treatment of all participants. One major step to ensure proper treatment is to gather informed consent. By doing so, this allows all participants to understand all parts of research that may affect their decision in participating. This obviously doesn’t indicate that we have given full disclosure, so that it doesn’t affect our end results. A safeguard is put in place to protect participants which is called the Institutional Review Board. This board is put in place to protect  the participants’ privacy and confidentiality. This can be achieved through anonymous questionnaire, or coding of answers to protect privacy. (Cozby Bates, 2012). Not only is this board put in place for the protection of people, but also for animals. Another major ethical portion of research is to understand fraud and plagiarism. Some may falsify their findings to indicate a result completely different from their research which is fraud. One thing to consider that may be beneficial is peer review, which can help prevent fraud. The findings should be replicated by others to ensure the results are valid. As long as credit is given when using someone else’s research, it is not considered fraud or plagiarism. Fundamental Research Issues and Measure Concepts In research, there are several variables that can change depending on the circumstances. Coming up with an operational definition of those variables ensures that all reading the research understand â€Å"the procedures used to measure or manipulate† them. (Cozby Bates, 2012). When we’re looking at more than one variable, we must be concerned with how the variables relate to each other. These relationships can be defined as negative linear, positive linear, curvilinear, or no relationship. The two ways we can study these relationships are through non experimental and experimental methods. Non experimental does not involve any direct manipulation of the variables as opposed to experimental which involves direct manipulation to see results. Reliability is so important because it ensures the most accurate results as possible. You can then use a test-retest, you can give the test twice and judge based on the similarity of results. (Cozby Bates, 2012) Once a method can be determined and results are attained, we must look for the internal and external validity. Internal validity will occur when we are certain that the changes seen directly the result of the relationship between variables. The certainty is greater when care has been taken to exclude any other possible causes for the changes in variables. (Cozby Bates, 2012). If the research can be repeated in a different setting and the same results still apply, the external validity is high. (Cozby Bates, 2012) When working with research, we must be sure that our methods are accurate in order to trust our results. Observational Methods and Survey Research When referring to research, no matter what research method you chose, an observation will take place. When focusing on quantitative research, quantitative research allows many participants to be involved. When using this type of research, it allows the results to effect a greater population. Qualitative involves a broader investigation with fewer subjects in a natural setting, more of an observational method. (Cozby Bates, 2012). One method that I have learned during this course is a case study. This begins with an observational method that provides a description of an individual. (Cozby Bates, 2012). Experimental Design and Conducting Experiments After doing my own testing and observation, I have found that cofounding variables are something we want to eliminate. Cofounding variables can alter your results and undermine all of your research. A way to eliminate this would be random assignment of participants. Using the pre-test-post-test design helps to ensure the introduction of the independent variable is responsible for any change to the dependent variable. (Cozby Bates, 2012). Self-reports are definitely some ways to measure the variable and are done by the participants. Research can cost a sufficient amount of money and may require a lot of your time; therefore a case study may be beneficial before beginning an entire research study. Biblical Perspective Now all has been heard: here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandment for this is the duty of all mankind. (Ecclesiastes 12:13). By doing so, we follow Gods plan and his word. Sometimes we may not always understand all things, but that definitely doesn’t mean God has the information concealed. I believe that discovery is more of a reward for those who seek him. This course has allowed me to understand the importance of research, how to accurately interpret research and how to protect the individuals that are involved. â€Å"It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings to search things out†. (Proverbs 25:2) This verse is definitely an example in reference to research and whether or not scripture supports it. My understanding of the verse is that it is important to research a topic biblically as opposed to the secular world, if we refer to scripture with every issue we can find the true meaning and validity to  daily living as Christians we are looking for. Overall this course has allowed me to gain clear knowledge of research as well as determine the validity. I have learned that research may have potential holes and cofounding variables so understanding research is extremely important to understand. I have learned different research methods and what methods are best for each individual situation. I have been able to understand research and the ethically aspect of research, but most importantly an understanding of research from a biblical standpoint. Research is important, and we all need research when it is done appropriately. As long as we put God first and refer to scripture for daily living, it will make the research process a lot easier. References Cozby, Paul. C., Bates, Scott. C. (2012). Methods in Behavioral Research (11th ed). New York, NY:McHraw-Hill The Holy Bible: New King James Version. (2010). McLeod, S. A. (2008) Case Study Method. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/case-study.html

Speech as a Patriot Essay Example for Free

Speech as a Patriot Essay They ask everything from us but give nothing in return. For to long have they taken away from us. We need to stand up to them and declare independence for ourselves. In the words of Thomas Paine Man did not enter society to be worse off, or to have fewer rights, but rather to ave those rights better secured. We did not come here to pay taxes and subjected to these injustices, we came to build a life of independence. We need to fight back and take what is ours. We need to stand up to the British and show them that together we stand strong. As a whole we need to come together to fight this battle for independence. Again Paines words ring true in stating, Those who want to reap the benefits of this great nation must bear the fatigue of supporting it. We must fght for what we want, and if that means fighting a war against the British then so be it, e will carry that burden to fght for a free country. When we have independence we will have the right to our own government and our own democracy. We have a right to follow any religion along with the rights to our property, which includes paying taxes. We will have the right to many things that currently we have had taken away from use due to monarchial dictatorship of Britain. Paine also states, The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from its government. And right now the British government is abusing their power. They are using us, and we have done nothing. How long will this go on until we decide that enough is enough? We need to stand up to them now and claim what is rightfully ours. We have varieties of goods that we can trade in order to build our economy, however under the rules of the British we may only trade within their constraints. We have the potential to build up a strong and independent nation, as long as we sever ties with our dead weight mother. We have few numbers as an individual colony, but with the colonies combined to fight we have enough to beat the British. Paine states, It is not in number but in unity, that our great strength lies; yet our present numbers are sufficient to repel the forces of the world. The continent hath, at this time, the largest body of armed and disciplined men of any power under Heaven; and is Just arrived at the pitch of strength, in which no single colony is able to support itself, and the whole, who unite can accomplish the matter, and either more, or, less than this, might be fetal in its effects. We have distinct advantage in numbers as long as we unite as one, not to mention fghting on ur own soil gives us the upper hand in resources. If we refuse to let the British live in our houses, decline them food and leave them with nothing but the ship they came on we will force them back to where they came from. They have no power over us as long as we stand up and fight. The longer we sit submissive to their rules the harder it will be to tight bac k. We do not need them they need us. In closing I leave you with another quote from Paine fighting for independence is Nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.

Terrorism And Mass Media

Terrorism And Mass Media The United States of America law defines terrorism as predominated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents (U.S. Code Title 22, Ch.38, Para 2656f (d). Hoffman has defined a terrorist act as an act of violence vested upon a given people so as to attract the attention of the opponents and the general public which is followed by communication of a message from the terrorists (Hoffman 2003, p. 118). A terrorist Group on the other hand is a group of people which indulges in international terrorism. On the other hand mass media can be defined as any form of communication that is reaching a large and heterogeneous audiences, it may include the use of Television, Radio, the internet, or written literature such as books, flayers, newspapers, periodicals and magazines.  [1]  The terrorist groups have employed the use of mass media as one of their most effective approaches to scaring the citizens to comply with th e terrorist demands; U.S citizens have also not been spared. Among the most renowned terrorist groups of the world is the Al Qaeda  [2]  . The U.S States department considers the Al Qaeda a leading terrorist group that has been very active in the last five years. The group which was started by Osama bin Laden  [3]  has been operational from late 1980s. The group aims a establishing a pan-caliphate in the entire world through working with allies Islamic extremist groups in the endeavor to overthrow the non Islamic regimes in the west as well as eliminating non-Muslims in Islamic states (Hellman 2010, para. 3). The new archetype of terrorism is partly an outcome of a sudden development in information technology, particularly evident in the fact that terrorist groups have recognized the value mass media has on the execution of their aims. It has been noted that between mass media and terrorism there is a very interactive or symbiotic relationship; this is because media industrys patterns and trends for media contents making head towards preference of impression seeking contents, while terrorist organizations can, owing to their actions, make sure that they get the maximum attention of the media. In so doing, terrorist organizations such as the Al Qaeda are constantly trying to maneuver and exploit free media for their own use. Yes we may conclude that its the mass media that provide global reach to terrorist groups since it influences the manner in which the public perceives terrorism and hazards that arise from it, it influences political verdicts used to act in response to terrorism, but a lso the dealings formed through countrywide and international politics. Nevertheless, media does not have to turn out to be an instrument of terrorism as Al Qaeda has been using the media. Through a considerate approach the media can be used as a kind of weapon which can then be used as an imperative device in overpowering terrorists, and the constructive benefits certainly exceed adverse consequences that results from irresponsible actions by a part of media companies and journalists (PereÃ…Â ¡in 2007 p. 1-3). Despite the massive resources that the U.S government has employed in attempt to combat terrorism after the September 11th attack  [4]  , the primary terrorist target; Al Qaeda has mutated becoming more dangerous. Al Qaeda today has ceased to be perceived as an organization or a net work of networks, but by leveraging new technological and information and communication approaches Al Qaeda has been transformed by its stakeholders to a social movement which makes its virulent ideologies accessible to the entire world through the internet (Brachman, 2006 p. 149-151). The Al Qaeda has been very effective in the use of the internet to threaten the citizens of the United States, the employ very high technologies to track the citizens personal information. The group uses this information to siphon money from the subject. Combating of the internal working of the groups becomes even more complex for the victims are threatened not to betray the subject to the authorities otherwise they will be in for trouble (Brachman 2006, 149-151). The Al Qaeda uses the internet in dissemination of propaganda, training materials and educating its members. They also identify information of the opposition groups such as the government and exploit it for their own benefit. Today every terrorism activity is given the first priority over the media coverage. If the Al Qaeda sends a message either by video tape, internet, TV or radios people will not have peace until they get to know what are the demands this time around and where is the terrorists target? (Soriano 2008, p. 1-20). The use of the media by terrorist group has been successful in manipulating the activities of the citizens. No one is willing to place his/her life at stake hoping that the information was just but a threat, the citizens are not willing to jeopardize their lives in the hope that the government will take care of the situation. After the various threats to the U.S government and the fateful hit of 11th September 2001 not many citizens will bet their lives on the governments protection. The news coverage by the media on many events takes just some key events hence people are never fully informed of what takes place but when it comes to a terrorism attack, most Medias will alter the program for the day so that a thorough coverage of the occurrence may be done. The Al Qaeda group uses this understanding to ensure that the citizenly absorbs the power of the groups. The personification role of the media makes such terror groups to be very successful in their endeavor to make their subject to fear them. Personification makes the news watchers and listeners to become more personally involved even in situations where they are buying into a clichà ©. The terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda perceives the media as an important tool of furthering their message hence a friend but also as an enemy if the media fails to do so or distorts the message (Soriano 2008, p. 1-20). The Americans conception of the terror war generally perceives the battle of ideas as a confrontation between the Al Qaeda and the United States. In fact the United States is relatively marginal and seen to be self defeating player in the actual ideological struggle among the Muslims and the Arabs. The struggle by the Americans to overcome those activities of Al Qaeda is seen to enforce the Islamic agenda of portraying the Islamic religion as under siege (Lynch 2006, p. 1). The governments response to the media effort of Al Qaeda has been evolving with the evolution of home grown terrorism. The government has employed coordinated and comprehensive tactical communication and outreach efforts. The government has been alert on all the information delivered through the Aljazeera  [5]  and other Arabic media channels to ensure that the information is contained. Though to some extent those medias have been successful in disseminating their information creating fear, the government has most of the time been successful in convincing the people that the threats are not valid assuring them that the mechanisms of overcoming terrorist attacks are sound. The government has been keen to control the information from Al Qaeda disseminated to the general public to keep people from unnecessary worries (Leslie 2008, p. 1). The government has managed to intercept many internet threats to individuals, groups and the general public through its vast developed technology. The government has not been very effective in its protection role. Robert Gates observed that the Al Qaeda surpasses the US government in the use of communication since the Al Qaeda manages to air all they have to their subject and victims while US government fails in this duty (Leslie 2008, p. 1). Conclusion The information revolution reached its crest in the last centuries 2nd half. It exerted influence in all the spheres of life in the global society hence bringing a vast transformation. This opened the societies access to information form all aver the world. Terrorism found an opportunity to expand its impacts with the information and technology expansion. The mass media has allowed the terrorist activities to gain momentum. Terrorists activities revolve around the use of violent activities to attract attention; after the attention is obtained the mass media provides a very opportune platform for the terrorists to air their views to the target group. The Al Qaeda has used this tool to reach out to the citizenly and hurt the government. The United States of Americas government has been on toes especially from September 11th attack to provide optimum security to the citizens. Threat Information that is aired from Arabic Medias is taken care of before it causes anxiety to the general public. The government has also been keen to uncover all the illegal Medias that are used as tools for the terror groups (PereÃ…Â ¡in 2007, p. 1-7).

Conversation Analysis In A Real Conversation English Language Essay

Conversation Analysis In A Real Conversation English Language Essay In the previous chapter, discourse analysis has been discussed. In this chapter, we are going to talk about conversation analysis, which is one of the approaches to analyze discourse. 8.1.1 What is Conversation Analysis? People are interested in understanding how social interaction work. Linguists discover the ways in which how social interaction are organized, they tried to describe and analyze those features appeared in conversation; they use scientific methods to examine the phenomena. Conversation Analysis is a systematic study established by the American pioneers, Harvey Sacks, Emanuel A. Schegloff, and Gail Jefferson. According to Hutchby and Wooffitt (2008), how is a normal conversation organized, how do people arrange their conversation in daily social interaction, and what is the role of conversation in between each participants, are the major subject matter of this chapter. 8.1.2 Why do we need Conversation Analysis? Conversation analysis represents a methodological approach to the study of social communication (Psathas, 1995). At the fundamental level, conversation analysis is the study of talk. It studies the natural and authentic conversation in real life situations, especially to determine turn-taking organization, silence and repairing problem, sequence of utterances and transcription. The term interaction could apply to numbers of social encounters. For instance, a teacher chatting with students in a staff room is one kind of interaction; others included a doctor asking patient for the illnesses, a professor attending to a formal academic exchange meeting, or a woman chit-chat with the shop-keeper during she buys vegetables at the supermarket, and there are dozens of examples showing that people are involved in different contexts of conversation. 8.1.3 Maxims of Conversation In the field of linguistics, even more specifically in the area of pragmatics and discourse analysis, scholar introduced an important concept: maxims of conversation. It is the unwritten rules that govern people to make an appropriate conversation. The basic description of Grices cooperative principle govern how people ordinarily react in conversations: Be true, be brief, be relevant and be clear. 8.2.1 Turn-taking Organization in Conversation Turn-taking is one of the most critical and noticeable aspects of conversational structure. Harvey Sacks (1995), who the founder of the conversational analytic system, hold the view that the basic small unit of the conversation is turn. We are going to look at some fundamental features about turns (or floors) in order to discover how turns can be allocated. Furthermore, in a normal, polite, Western-styled conversation, participants do not keep on speaking all the time, as to demonstrates patience, cooperation, social etiquette in a conversation, they will wait for their turn to speak. Liddicoat (2007) indicated that speakers keep changing in a conversation: when A is finished, it is Bs turn to talk. Consequently when B has finished speaking, A take turn again. 8.2.2 How does turn-taking works? Schegloff, Sacks Jefferson (1974) introduced a set of turn-taking rules for people who involved in conversation can manage turn transition and turn allocation easily. The turn-taking rules are set for distinguishing who should take the turn at the next transition relevance place (TRP). A transition-relevance place (TRP) takes place at the completion of an utterance; it is the change-of-turn place (Wang, 2011). The turn-taking rules are ordered as the following: If a speaker is selected by the current speaker, then that speaker must take the turn at the next transition relevance place. Example Venus: Where should we go now, turn left or turn right?Winnie. Winnie: Erà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I dont know, I am sorry. In this situation, A pass the turn to B by asking a question. If, however, no next speaker is selected, then any other participant in the conversation may self-select to take the role and start speaking. Example Venus: Where should we go now, turn left or turn right? Hailey: I know. Venus: Yes? Hailey. Hailey: uhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I suppose we should turn left. If no other speaker self-selects to take the role, the current speaker may then continue to talk again. Example Venus: Which is the correct direction to go, left or right? Winnie, Joanna, Hailey: (Silence) Venus: No one knows? Venus: uhà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Ok, turn right then. Speakers will indicate their willingness to stop by using signals, such as turning their gaze to someone in the conversation, or using body languages and gestures, in order to stop and let others continue. Also, they may soften their speech, lengthen the last syllable of a sentence or use some discourse markers e.g. you know, as you see or sort of things etc. If certain markers are showed by the current speaker, another participant will then take over the conversation. There are two types of signals or markers. Implicit markers Most of the time, people use body languages, sometimes prosodic features such as falling tone and rising tone can also be used. Example 1 Have you noticedà ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ that? Example 2 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Cant you see the dolphin? Explicit markers These are different kinds of linguistic features to invite people give response. a) Suggestion Turn-taking by making some suggestions. Example Shall we go to Lamma Island on this Tuesday? b) Request Current speaker may make a request the others. Example Could you please tell me about your journey? c) Question Current speaker will asks question in order to draws people attention and encourage others to get involved. Example We go to Barcelona in the coming Easter, what do you think, darling? 8.2.3 Gaps and Overlaps in Turn-taking Jerfferson (1983) have proposed some of the organizational features of gaps and overlapping. As we mentioned before, turn-taking can be visibly signaled by using body languages and gestures, however, it can also be marked by overlapping (Hutchby Wooffitt, 1998; Schegloff, Sacks Jefferson, 1974). If two or more people are speaking at the same time, overlapping will occur when the next speaker start talking when the current speaker has just completed a thought only, but still decide to continue (Schegloff, Sacks Jefferson 1974). Gaps may be treated as signs of trouble, for example, that the upcoming turn such as disagreements and repairs (Levinson, 1983). Gaps in conversation occur very frequently, such as telephone conversation. Example 1 Joanna: Well, will you help me for these. Hailey: I certainly will give you a hand. Example 2 Hailey: Why dont you come and join me tonight at the party. Winnie: Sure, I would like to. When the next speaker self-selects at a transition-relevance place, but a current speaker would like to add additional information into the completed utterance, overlaps will also occur. Example 3 Hailey: That was a romantic weekend, uh..Ven- Venus. Venus: Im glad you enjoyed your time. Example 4 Winnie: The party should be around seven or so Venus: Well, do you have an extra bed at your place? 8.3 Repairs As Schegloff (1979) said, Repair is defined as the mechanism by which trouble in speaking, hearing, and understanding is claimed and resolved. 8.3.1 Different kinds of conversation repair Repair can be classified by who initiates repair, such as self or other, and by who solves them, such as self or other (Wikipedia: Conversation Analysis, n. d.). Repair therefore can be divided into four types. They are self-initiated self repair, other-initiated self repair, self-initiated other repair and other-initiated other repair. 8.3.1.1 Self-initiated self repair According to Wang (2011), the speaker initiates the mistake or something unknown in his conversation and he repairs it by himself, which is called self-initiated and self repair. Example Ruby: What have you done at the weekend? LiXun: I go toà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦erà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦have gone to see a movie. In the example, LiXun initiates that he uses the wrong tense so he changes go into have gone immediately. 8.3.1.2 Other-initiated self repair Not only the speaker himself can initiate his mistake, but other speakers also can do so. The speaker himself will repair it. This situation is called other-initiated self repair. The same situation as what mentioned above. The situation is changed. Ruby: What have you seen? LiXun: I go to see a movie. Ruby: (surprised) What do you mean? LiXun: I said I have gone to a movie. In this example, LiXun does not initiate that he uses the wrong tense. Ruby however dose. She reminds LiXun to repair. 8.3.1.3 Self-initiated other repair Self-initiated other repair is absolutely opposite to other-initiated self repair. The speaker himself initiates what should be repaired but he fails to repair it. The others help him to repair. Example Ruby is going on talking with LiXun. Ruby: Then what have you seen? LiXun: A movie, er, adapted from a magic fiction, er, so famous. I forget the nameà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Its writer is J.K. Rowling. Ruby: Aha. I see. Its Harry Potter. LiXun: Yes, that is! Thanks. In this example, LiXun fails to remember the name of the movie in the conversation. Even though he knows the detail of the movie, he still cannot tell Ruby what he has seen. The detail which he gives however reminds Ruby of the name of the movie. This situation is defined as self-initiated other repair. 8.3.1.4 Other-initiated other repair In other-initiated other repair, the speaker even does not initiate what he has to repair. Others initiate it and repair for the speaker. You can learn from the following example. Example LiXun wants to go on their conversation. LiXun: What about you, Ruby? Ruby: Er, I think we have to go to the lecture room. Otherwise, we will be late for the lecture. LiXun: Lets go to D1-LP-02. Ruby: No, we are going to D1-LP-04. Ruby initiates what LiXun says is wrong in the conversation and repairs what he fails to say. 8.4 Attributable silences Silence plays an important role in our speech. As stated by Jaworski (1993, p.3), The main common link between speech and silence is that the same interpretive processes apply to someones remaining meaningfully silent in discourse as to their speaking. Jaworski (1993) also suggests that silence has positive and negative value in a speech. His words indicated various silences of different situation perform different functions. 8.4.1 Function of silence Jeasen (1973) suggested that there are five function of silence in speech. The functions he points out are the following: a judgmental function, a linkage function, an affecting function, a revelation function and an activating function. All of the five functions are what we are going to focus on. 8.4.1.1 Judgmental silence According to Jeasen (1973), silence may indicate ones attitude towards the topic he is talking about. Silence can tell whether he supports or he objects the idea. Example LiXun is talking a boring topic with Ruby. LiXun: I think chemistry is so amazing! Ruby: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Smiles and says nothing) LiXun: Wow! You see the chemistry formulaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (He goes on talking excitedly.) Ruby: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Still keeps silent) Its apparent that Ruby holds opposite attitude to what LiXun is talking about. So she keeps silent for politeness. 8.4.1.2 Linkage silence Jeasen (1973) stated that silence is able to bring two or more people together or to separate them. It brings further effects on the speakers in the speech. We are familiar with the following situation. Two good friends misunderstood each other. Every time when they see each other they just keep silent. They, sooner or later, will become strangers. Because of silence, they fail to know what the other thinks. As the time goes by, they are separated by silence. This kind of silence separates people. 8.4.1.3 Affective silence Jeansen (1973) holds the opinion that silence can heal or wound someone. It is believed that silence shows your attitude towards the topic of the conversation, as well as your attitude towards the speakers. For example, people always keep silence when they are talking to someone they dislike. The silence usually wound the speakers. 8.4.1.4 Revelatory silence Revelatory silence is an interesting one. Jeasen (1973) said that there may be some information behind the silence. It, meanwhile, may be known to the speakers or the listeners. What the silence actually means depends on the relationship between the speakers. You can see in the following example. If two closed friends, especially girls, are gossiping, they will keep silence when they are met someone who they are talking about. In this example, the silence conveys a warning. 8.4.1.5 Activating silence Jeasen (1973) indicated that this kind of silence may bring some deep thoughtful signal. It also may bring mental inactive signal. While we are talking, our mind keeps on thinking. A silence is able to show the deep mind of the speakers. As you can see, when we are consulting with the professors, they usually lead us to thinking deeply. The professors, therefore, choose to be silence when we are talking our ideas. The silence can be considered as an encouragement, an agreement or an appreciation. 8.5 Sequence of Conversation 8.5.1 Adjacency Pairs Adjacency pair is the sequence of conversation. It includes two parts which are produced near another (Hutchby Wooffitt, 1998) and is the smallest unit of conversational exchange. Basic form of adjacency pair (Schegloff, 2007): First, adjacency pair involves two utterances. Once the first utterance is spoken, the second is required. Second, each utterance is produced by two different speakers. Third, pairs are adjacently placed. Fourth, pairs of utterances are ordered. They are separated into two parts. They are the first pair parts (FPPs) and the second pair parts (SFFs). For instance, given a question is followed by an answer, then the question is the FPPs and the answer is the SPPs. Lastly, they are pair-type related. Here are some example of some types of adjacency pairs (Wang, 2011): Question à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ answer [At the supermarket] Hailey: Can I get some help over here? I cant get that tin of sardines. Shop-keeper: Ill be right here to help you. Invitation / request à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ acceptance / declination [In Winnies birthday] Joanna: Would you like to dance with me, please? Winnie: Yes. Greeting à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ return greeting Hailey: Good morning. Joanna: Morning. Offer à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ acceptance / rejection [In the library] Liberian: May I help you find something? Venus: No thanks, I can find it by myself. Compliment à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ acceptance Venus: Your dress looks very lovely. Winnie: Thank you. I just brought it from HM. 8.5.1.2 Transition of sequence There are different types of transition of sequence. 8.5.1.2.1 Adjacency/ Nextness To verbalize a turn-constructional unit, every word ought to be placed one by one (Schegloff, 2007). (8.5.1.2.1.a) Ben : Good morning. Bob : Good morning. In the above conversation, Ben greets Bob and then Bob returns the greeting to Ben immediately. (8.5.1.2.1.b) Ben :Would you like to have a lunch? Bob : No, thanks. Ben : How about a drink? The above conversation is called exchange as it includes three utterances. The IRF pattern are initiation, response and follow-up (Wang, 2011). 8.5.1.2.2 Counters Counter means one does not answer SPP directly after one asks a FPP, instead he/she direct the FPP back to the asker (Schegloff, 2007). In this case, SSP given is being delayed. (8.5.1.2.2.a) (Tarpee, 1991:1) 1 Kate : F Æ’Â   What is it? 2 Emily : F Æ’Â   You guess what it is first. 3 (0.2) 4 Kate : S Æ’Â   Pumpkin. 5 Emily : Yes, it is. In the conversation, Kate asks a question (FFP) in line 1, however, Emily does not answer it in return, and instead she redirects the question back to Kate (the asker) to answer. (line2) (8.5.1.2.2.b) (Scheflen, 1961:114, as adapted in Peyrot, 1994:17) 1 Seth : F Æ’Â   Do you love me? 2 Candy : F Æ’Â   Do you think so? 3 Seth : Sure. 4 Candy : But I dont. In the conversation, Candy does not answer Seths question directly. Instead, she answers the question with an insertion of a question-answer exchange. 8.5.2 Pre-expansion Pre-expansion means adding a part before an exchange (FPs and SPs). According to Schegloffs, pre-expansion is expanding the conversation by adding preliminary question in front of the FFP (Schegloffs, 2007). 8.5.2.1 Pre-invitation Before giving an invitation, you need to be sure that he or she is available or not. So, you need to ask some preliminary questions. For example, by asking What are you doing?, if you want one to accept your invitation, you expect the answer to be no; vice versa. (8.5.2.1) (Jefferson G.3:1) (Arthur is the caller; Sylvia is answering to the phone) 1 Sylvia : Hello. 2 Arthur : Hello, how are you? 3 Sylvia : Fine, thanks. 4 Arthur : F(pre)Æ’Â   What are you doing? 5 Sylvia : S(pre)Æ’Â   Nothing. 6 Arthur : F(b) Æ’Â   Do you want a drink? 7 Sylvia : S(b) Æ’Â   Yes, why not? Arthur asks what Sylvia is doing to see if she is free or not. With the go-ahead response of Sylvia (line 5) indicating she is free, Arthur continues to invite her as he knows she is free with the pre-sequence asked at line 4. Finally, Sylvia accepts his invitation. 8.5.2.1 Pre-offer Pre-offer is similar to pre-invitation. It aims to provide the need to someone beforehand. (8.5.2.2.a) 1 Sylvia : Oh, I tear the sheet mistakenly. 2 Arthur : 3 Sylvia : I think I need to buy a tape. 4 Arthur : I have one. 5 Sylvia : Really? 6 Arthur : Do you want it? 7 Sylvia : Sure. From the example, Arthur gives the pre-offer (line 4) to Sylvia after knowing she needs a tape. At line5, when she says Really?, it is a go-ahead response to pre-sequence. Lastly, when Arthur makes the offer, she accepts. 8.5.3 Preference There are different types of responses during exchanges. For instance, when greeting, one says hello to you and you are supposed to reply with a greeting too. Nevertheless, when one asks you a question, you may have different answers which can be preferred or dispreferred by the asker. Like an invitation, the reply can be positive or negative. Nonetheless, an answer with yes does not mean it is a prefered response. According to Schegloff, If the question is built to prefer yes, then no is a dispreferred response, even if delivered without delay and in turn-initial position, vise versa (Schegloff, 1988 c:453). 8.5.3.1 Types of responses There are two types of responses. The first one is preferred responses, which means answers are given positively. Another is dispreferred responses, which means answers are given negatively. In fact, there are some hints indicating the preferred status of a turn. When answering directly and without any delay: Example: Janice : Do you want to go swimming Jill : Yes, I do. Moreover, there are some other hints indicating the dispreferred status of a turn. a) When answering indirectly: Example: Janice : Are you free on Monday? Jill : Well, I need to do my homework, and b) When answering with delay: Example: Hesitation such as Well, Um, Erà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 8.6 Conversation Transcription Transcription of conversation is very essential for analyzing conversation .It should be produced preceding conversation analysis, because it is used as a referential tool for the analysis of conversation (Psathas, 1995). 8.6.1 Tools used for recording A naturally occurring conversation is usually recorded by video recorders these days. Hence, apart from recording the conversation, body languages, gestures as well as facial expressions can also be recorded. These features are very crucial as they allow the relationship between speech and body movement to be observed (Psathas, 1995). 8.6.2 Procedures involved in transcription In fact, the recordings mentioned in 8.6.1 are done by analysts themselves. After producing the recordings, analysts listen to the recordings repeatedly by themselves. Once analysts repeatedly listen to the tape, they can focus on the phenomena that are very crucial for conversation analysis (Hutchby, Wooffitt, 2008). 8.6.3 Characteristics of conversation transcription Conversation transcription is not simply a piece of writing with words and sentences exchanged by the speakers. However, it includes many other different features as well. The information listed below should be included in a transcript (Wang, 2011). Information about the participants Words spoken Sound uttered Inaudible sound Overlapping speech Stretch, stresses, volume Different transcription symbols will be introduced as follows: 1. Latching When latching occurs in a conversation between two people, two = will be placed in the transcript when the second speaker speaks just after the first speaker speaks. The first = will be placed right behind the transcription of the first speaker, while the second one is placed in front of the transcript of the second speaker (Psathas, 1995). Example Mary: Im hungry= Peter: =You never feel full Latching by more than one speaker is represented similarly to latching by two speakers. A = is put after the transcription of the first speaker, but a =[[ is placed in front of the transcription of two speakers instead of = (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: Im hungry= Joanna: =[[You never feel full Venus: =[[So do I Latching by more than one speaker can also occur in a way that two speakers end their conversation at the same time and immediately the third speaker speaks. (Psathas, 1995) Example Venus: Im very very [hungry]= Hailey: [hungry] Joanna: =So do I. In this case, the Mary and Peter end their conversation at the same time and then Paul immediately speaks. 2. Audible breathing Exhalations are represented by an h or more than one h while inhalations are represented by .h or more than one .h (Psathas, 1995). Usually, exhalation expresses tiredness or sadness. Example Joanna: I havent finished my Wiki-book project yet hhhh! As for inhalation, it usually indicates surprise or nervousness. Example Venus: .hhh Im going to have my linguistics exam tomorrow. Sound stretch Sound stretch means lengthening the sound. When speakers would like to strengthen their tone, sound stretch occurs. One colon denotes that the precedent sound is lengthened, while more than 1 colon means a more lengthened sound (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: I am so:::: hungry Venus: I know (.) I can hear that some sounds coming out from your stomach. Intonation Throughout a conversation, there must be rises and falls in the intonation of speakers (Psathas, 1995). A rise in intonation An arrow pointing upwards is put just prior to the rise in intonation (Psathas, 1995). Example Joanna: Would you like to have dinner with me? Venus: à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬ËœYes, sure. A fall in intonation An arrow pointing downwards is put just behind the fall in intonation (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: Would you like to have dinner with me? ((gap)) Venus:à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Yes(0.9)if Im free tonight. Stress When speakers want to emphasize something, they will speak the words more loudly and lengthen the words. The emphasized word is underlined (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: I almost got full marks for my linguistics exam, will I be awarded something, Mum? Venus: Sure (0.9) Ill buy a reference book for you to study so that you can get full marks next time. Pitch A Fall in pitch To show a fall in pitch, the vowel of the word should be underlined, and a colon is added just behind the underlined vowel (Psathas, 1995). Example Hailey: I was awarded a reference boo:k(0.8) for having good results in the exam.. Joanna: If you were awarded the newly released photo album of Rain, you would have been much happier. A rise in pitch To show a rise in pitch, the stress is marked on the prolongation (Psathas, 1995). Example Joanna: My mother gave me a big surprise:::! Hailey: Buying you the photo album of Rain? Joanna: Yes:: Volume Increased Volume is indicated by capital letters (Wang, 2011). Example When Joanna is talking to Hailey, suddenly a dog appears. Joanna: Have you finished the wiki-book project? (.) A DOGS RUNNING TOWARDS US! Hailey: Calm down, Joanna. Decreased volume is indicated by degree marks (Wang, 2011). Example When Venus is telling Hailey something bad about Paul, suddenly Paul approaches. Venus: Paul never hands in his homework on time. Hailey: ËÅ ¡Pauls approachingËÅ ¡ 8. Sound uttered There are not only words within a conversation. Sometimes, when the speakers produce some sounds, they are also recorded. Example Hailey: Oh! Ive dropped my mobile phone into the toilet! Venus:(laugh) Why are you so careless? 8.7 Conclusion Conversation is an exchange of information between people in real-life situations. The aim of conversation analysis is to give an analytic description of the organization of interaction. We can understand how people carry out conversation in the society. In addition, we know more about the secrets behind the conversation, such as silence and preference.