Rock N Roll Research Essay Alice in Chains free essay sample

Alice in Chains for years produced many multi-platinum albums. They also became major influences to new music as well as old music, as the drug phase came upon them, they are still seen as inspirations to many as Laymen Staley, the lead singer, is known to have had one the longest suicides In rock and roll history due to the abuse of drugs. Alice in Chains was one of the biggest bands to emerge from the grunge scene; Rolling Stone magazine acclaimed them as one of the four horseman of grunge (Rolling). The other three were Nirvana, Soundboards, and Pearl Jam.Alice in Chains went multi-platinum off every studio album hey had produced, they also hold the record for having the first PEP to hit number one on the billboards (Rolling). However, billboard spots were just the tip of the iceberg, they had numerous Grammar nominations; individually every studio album produced with new Alice in Chains tracks have reached platinum at least once. We will write a custom essay sample on Rock N Roll Research Essay Alice in Chains or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There top selling album, entitled Dirt, has sold over 4 million copies. The album ironically made its success due to the power of Alice in Chains hardships and struggles with drugs, as most of the album tracks were heroin related.The album was often described as a concept album about heroin (Edge). After the success of Dirt, the band was at its prime soon after releasing their number one billboard PEP, Jar of Flies. Furthermore, in 1995, Alice in Chains would release their last studio album to date, entitled Alice in Chains. Despite the lack of touring, and support throughout the small portions of it, the album had still reached a multi platinum status as it sold over two million copies (Wick). With such a drastic climbing fan base, they had inspired the grunge scene in Seattle greatly. Alice in Chains was influenced by a lot of music. They cited there major influences from Led Zeppelin to Black Sabbath, and of course Metallic (Alice). Ironically, after Alice in Chains had unofficially disbanded, Metallic cited Alice in Chains as a major influence for their album SST. Anger (Metallic). Metallic loved the sound of Alice in Chains, and had planned to tour with them in the summer of 1994 along side with Suicidal tendencies. However, due to the re-occurring drug addiction of Laymen Staley (Lead Singer/Creator) they had to cancel their tour.Additionally, Alice in Chains had their own strict sound; they were often described as grunge, hard rock, and alternative. However, Jerry Central, the lead guitarist, described the bands primary sound as heavy metal with a mixture of blues, rock and roll, and a touch of punk. This sound was a huge influence to many newer bands; some of the major ones who have listed Alice in Chains as a musical influence are bands such as Godsends, Knickknack, Puddle of Mud, Creed, and Stains. Sully Erne, lead singer of Godsends, has cited Laymen Staley as his primary influence for music.Stains covered some of their songs live and also created song called Laymen as a dedication to his memory (Wisped). Unfortunately, Alice in Chains had a rumor following them that there was major drug abuse within the band, mainly Laymen Staley. Although the band did deny these accusations, the rumors were of course true (Edge). As Alice in Chains was based out of Seattle, at the time, the drug of choice, heroin, was all the rage. Even though Laymen was committing major drug abuse, he was not the only one within the band who had substance abuse problems.As Alice in Chains became more and more famous, there drug diction was being fed as well. As the band was reaching an overwhelming fan base and media attention with the album Dirt, the band was reaching Its peak as drug abuse became a major issue among the band members. With an unlimited amount of money, obtaining drugs for the band was as common as daily chores. Furthermore, the band members did have the right intentions of coming clean, but Laymen just could not kick the habit.Rumor has it that Laymen once took 14 stints at rehab just to try to go on tour clean (Hoodwinker). On tour, Mike Starr, the bass player, would bring his heroin addicted father with him So they could shoot up together and chase Women. Laymen, now having a proper touring bus, still choose to bring his old beat up Volkswagen on tour, so he and his girlfriend could shoot up together off- stage. Sure enough being around drugs so much, Laymen eventually pressured Mike one day into trying heroin and that was the start of his addiction as well.As Lanes drug addiction got worse and worse, the band was unable to function without him and they unofficially disbanded. Lanes girlfriend died from bacterial indoctrination, a common death among heroin addicts, in 1996 Alice in Chains). Laymen was more depressed then ever and he shunned himself from society. As drugs certainly did kill Alice in Chains; with being known for having the only PEP ever to hit #1 on the billboards (Rolling), and then suddenly deciding to not go on tour or release anything but greatest hit albums, the band had nothing left.Regrettably, Laymen Staley had decided to block himself off from society, and on April 19th of 2002, his accountants had noticed tha t his account activity had stopped. Police were called and had found Laymen dead on his ouch, he had been there for days, they dont know exactly when he died but they believe it to be on April 5th, which ironically just so happens to be the same day Kurt Cabin killed himself only 8 years later (Rolling).Lanes addiction is known to be one of the longest suicides in rock and roll, and as everyone could see the potential of this band, everyone certainly did their best to try to keep the band members clean, but sadly their addictions led to succession in their music which ultimately allowed for them to have an unrestrained addiction. Once Laymen was dead, that was the end of Alice in Chains for good, however you can only wonder how far this band could have really gone?

Idioms for Fabric and Other Materials

Idioms for Fabric and Other Materials Idioms for Fabric and Other Materials Idioms for Fabric and Other Materials By Mark Nichol Words for various materials used in clothing have been applied to various descriptive terms and idiomatic expressions, including those described below. Cotton-picking is a euphemism to express anger or frustration. To cotton to something is to take a liking to it or to come to an understanding of it (the phrasing can also be â€Å"cotton on to†), and to cotton up to someone is to flatter. Meanwhile, to be in high or tall cotton is to be successful (from the notion of a cotton planter walking among large plants). Dyed-in-the-wool is an adjective meaning â€Å"set in one’s ways,† from the practice of dying wool fibers before they are spun into thread so that the dye is more durable. To pull the wool over someone’s eyes (a reference to a wig made of wool) is to deceive them, to wrap them up in cotton wool is to be overprotective (with the connotation of swaddling someone as if they were a baby), and to live in cotton wool is to live a protected life. To woolgather, meanwhile, is to daydream; the idiom stems from the seemingly aimless act of collecting bits of wool on bushes and fences. â€Å"All wool and a yard wide† and â€Å"all wool and no shoddy† both denote an honorable person or something of high quality. Various other expressions including wool, including â€Å"all cry and no wool† â€Å"great cry and little wool,† and â€Å"more cry than wool,† allude to much attention given to something of little significance. â€Å"Go hell for leather† or â€Å"go hell-bent for leather† means â€Å"act quickly† or â€Å"act recklessly.† (The leather in question originally referred to a saddle, with the notion of riding a horse quickly or recklessly.) â€Å"Tough as (shoe) leather† refers figuratively to physical fortitude or literally to something resembling leather, as a cut of meat. Leathery may describe something akin to leather in appearance or texture, as to skin roughened by exposure to the elements, and someone who is leather lunged has a very loud or strong voice, while the phrase â€Å"as ever trod shoe leather† is a more colorful way of saying â€Å"as ever lived† or â€Å"as ever walked the earth† following a compliment (or denigrating remark) in order to intensify it. Lacy describes something resembling lace, such as a dew-drenched spider web or a delicate coating. To lace is not only to thread or trim but also to add a color, flavor, or other quality to something or otherwise enhance it. Silky describes fluid or smooth movement or texture, and â€Å"smooth as silk† describes something or someone delicate in demeanor or texture. The expression â€Å"You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear† means that something refined cannot be produced from rough materials, while â€Å"silk-stocking district† connotes an affluent neighborhood, from the fact that at one time, only the wealthy could afford such items. To hit the silk, meanwhile, is to parachute from an airplane (an allusion to the material used for the parachute). Satiny also suggests smoothness. Meanwhile, the smooth, plush texture of velvet, which is made of one of several fabrics, is suggested with the adjective velvety. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Idioms About NumbersGrammar Quiz #21: Restrictive and Nonrestrictive ClausesSit vs. Set

Analysis of ICT market in UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Analysis of ICT market in UK - Essay Example The Vodafone and Telefonica-O2 were newly licensed in the same Conservative government. It produced the far-reaching variations in ICT sector of UK. It stimulated the competition and enabled the mobile manufacturing companies to make the innovative products. During the same time, Asian and Eastern Europe countries had become capable to compete in manufacturing the electronic products in market. In reply to this electronic growth, ICT sector of UK concentrated on the software services. ICT sector was much focused to develop the new software instead of making the new hardware. ICT industry in UK is concentrated with most famous fifty companies of the world. On other hands, there are 95000 small level firms. The smaller firms are micro-business with fewer than ten employees. Software design, IT management, IT consultancy, IT reselling and distribution are key activities of ICT market in UK. This paper is focused upon the market analysis of ICT market in United Kingdom. ICT market analysis in the perspective of sub-sectors particularly education and why small medium enterprises (SMEs) are slower in full adoption of ICT in UK? Along with this impacts of ICT on education sector of UK has been also analyzed. Literature review is aimed to summarize ICT market analysis in UK. Market analysis allows seeing the technology impacts on different sectors varying from education to SMEs for their businesses. Review will help to identify the areas, where ICT has impacted positively and investigate the areas which are less or negatively impacted. The ICT market as a whole in UK is most attractive for foreign companies to invest in ICT goods and services. UK’s legal framework is supportive for business in ICT sector. Increased appetite of consumers in UK for technology supports the build up and growth of UK’s marketplace (UK Trade & Investment, 2009). In a report   Middleton (2014) identified that a strong link existed

Market research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market research - Essay Example Henneberg (13) explores the challenges that have been faced by the US during the past decade make it a vital responsibility of the voters to bring about positive change as believed by everyone in the states. Thus, in the research, all these factors among other political reasons will be looked into in the subsequent sections. In the US, the race has always been between two parties, democrats and republicans. The democrat, incumbent president barrack Obama has been on the spot for various reasons against the republican mitt Romney, a white. O n the other hand, mitt has suffered blows in some of the Obama reactions to his allegations that bring him out in a negative way. Considering the ongoing campaigns, Obama tries to defend his seat by convincing them to add him more time to realize his impact but the opposition accuses him of not having utilized his term in office as expected and that he is a disappointment. These impacts on a significant number of voters differently thereby influen cing their probable choice the elections that are yet to come. Some of the significant states have chosen Obama over mitt Romney although by a slight margin. Data results by union times indicate that Obama is still leading in Florida, Ohio and Washington which are key regions in determining the final outcome. The choice of words has been giving mitt a major blow while it works well with Obama who is a better orator and has better choice of words to counter his rival. Race comes in as one of the dictators of the winner of the forthcoming elections. There are slightly more non white voters as there are white voters in the US. This indicates on how tricky it maybe for mitt considering that he is white while Obama is not. However, race in this case may not come in as plane as it is but as a redefinition considered as stereotype (Lipstz 76). Whites are the most likely to be adversely affected by this as the non whites may want to use the opportunity to prove that America belongs to all. As such, they will vote for Obama not because they like him but because they would like to have an alternative race other than white. The whites, on the other hand, may not vote for Obama considering that he has served for one term, and all did not go well with them since non whites have infiltrated and dominated America. This can be supported by the current demonstrations by some whites labeled â€Å"take back America.† most whites feel that America belongs to them so should be the leadership positions. However, this will be outbalanced by the relatively large numbers of the non whites who reason along the same line but to the opposite direction. The economic factors have been a major concern for the Americans since the world’s major economic meltdown that negatively affected the Americans during president Obama’s term. Mitt has at some point picked this as a campaign basis where he blames the Obama administration for the bad situation that befell the Americans . Obama, on the other hand, gives defensive reasoning of the same in an attempt to win the trust that he already lost. The trick in this case for him is that the government has had the issues to do with taxation and payment of bills. The other policy that acts as an indicator of the most likely winner of the election is the foreign policy that has been linked with the history. Obama successfully ended the war in Afghanistan and Iraqi but

Should the U.S. reinstitute corporal punishment Essay

Should the U.S. reinstitute corporal punishment - Essay Example Corporal punishment is diminutive of personal respect to each person. I believe that each person in entitled to a respect of his dignity. And this type of punishment is unacceptable. According to research, corporal punishment has not been effective as means of instilling morals and solving social problems. This type of punishment threatens the physical well being of a person. According to research, corporal punishment also results in depression, anxiety, stress and other emotional related problems. In the bible, there are conflicting provisions when it comes to corporal punishment. According to Robinson (2005), there are passages that contain or recommend the use of the physical pain to discipline children. One of these passages can be found in Prov 22:14 which states that â€Å"Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell (Shoel).† Some of those conservative Christians or followers of the Bible require parents to use corporal punishment. However, the so-called Golden Rule is telling us another point. Jesus always teaches us the theme to treat others as you would wish to be treated. But who wants to be paddled, spanked or whipped? Every person does not like to be inflicted with pain.

African Socialism: Analysis of Ujamaa

African Socialism: Analysis of Ujamaa MAJOR THEMES IN AFRICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT LECTURER: FRED OTIENO STUDENT: CHRIS MUGO NDIRANGU QUESTION What is African Socialism (Ujamaa)? Citing concrete examples from around Africa, examine why this ideology has faced immense opposition. INTRODUCTION African Socialism is an ideology that can be traced to the 1950s and 1960s when most African countries were attaining their independence. The ideology was propounded by African leaders in independent Africa who sought to ground their states in this ideology they believed would achieve the goals and aspirations of independence. The proponents of the ideology sought to differentiate it from other forms of socialism that existed across the world at the time, particularly Marxist-Leninist strands of socialism. African socialism can therefore be defined as a belief in sharing of economic resources in a traditional African way. It is however prudent to accept that the interpretations and definitions of African socialism differ as it is not the brainchild of a single thinker. According to Freidland (1964) : African Socialism differs in that no single leader has been distinctively and uniquely associated with the ideology. Rather the ideology of African Socialism has been the product of diverse leaders operating within the variety of exigencies in their own countries, which helps to account for the lack of development of a unified theory. (p. 2) African socialism can be said to be an indigenous attempt by various African leaders to develop a distinctive â€Å"African† path of economic and political development. It advocates for a return to traditional African values practiced before colonization. As mentioned above African socialism is a product of different leaders. Therefore to understand African socialism we must study the leaders and their works which collectively contributed to this ideology. These leaders implemented this ideology in their respective countries. Some were successful while others were not. The ideology as will be explained in this paper faced immense opposition hindering its full adoption. CHARACTERISTICS OF AFRICAN SOCIALISM Though the African Socialist leaders had their own distinct views on African socialism various characteristics of African socialism can be drawn. According to Martin (19) the socialist leaders’ conception of African socialism had the following common characteristics: Ideology and practice are inextricably linked Politics has supremacy over the economy Socialism is not a sacred dogma but a guide to action African socialism is a socialism building on and adapted to African indigenous values, culture, traditions and society The people are the main agents and ultimate beneficiaries of socialist development African socialism aims at creating ‘a new man’ The single party operates according to the Marxist-Leninist principle of Democratic Centralism, which institutionalizes communication between the leadership and the rank-and-file of the party, with ultimate decision-making power resting with the highest executive organ of the party. Collective decision making is based on collective deliberation and consensus State has control over the economy Furthermore (Batsa, 1965) has summarised some six basic characteristics of African Socialism: It ignores the power of monopoly capital. It accepts the mixed economy as a permanent feature of socialism. It denies the existence of classes in Africa and advances the idea of the neutral state. It advocates a multi-party system where possible, or a single party open to all, irrespective of beliefs, with a specific denial of any vanguard role The African element of the theory consists of a romantic interpretation of our traditional morals and culture Positive non-alignment is treated as neutrality Several African countries on attaining independence sought to establish declarations or policy documents that sought to clearly stipulate the ideology they adopted. In the context of African socialism, very few countries had clear and concrete policy documents on African socialism. Notable among these countries is Kenya and Tanzania that formulated policies or declarations with regards to African Socialism. Tanzania in 1967 formulated the Arusha Declaration a document written by socialist leader Julius Nyerere for the ruling party the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). In this declaration it is clearly stated that ‘The policy of TANU is to build a socialist state’. It further goes on to lay down certain socialist principles it seeks to implement in Tanganyika. In Part two of the document lay The Policy of Socialism. The fist element in this policy is absence of exploitation. The declaration states that in a socialist state all people are workers and in which neither capitalism nor feudalism exists. It believes in a classless society where there is no one exploits another. Every worker receives a just return for their labour. However the declaration points out the fact that Tanzania still has elements of feudalism and capitalism that are remnants of colonialism. The second element is that the major means of production and exchange are under the control of the peasants and workers. The declaration stipulates that this should be done through the machinery of their Government and their co-operatives. The third element is the existence of democracy. This element requires that the government should be chosen and led by the peasants and workers themselves. Finally is that socialism is a belief. The declaration states that socialism is a way of life. A socialist society can only come into existence if i t is built by those who believe in and practice the principles of socialism. The declaration believes that the successful implementation of socialist objectives depends very much up to the leaders. On the other hand Kenya in 1965 produced a sessional paper which outlines in detail both the theory of democratic African Socialism and its practical application in Kenya. The president in introducing this paper states that, ‘we rejected both Western Capitalism and Eastern Communism and chose for ourselves a policy of positive non-alignment.’’ Thus the Kenyan government fully adopted the African socialism philosophy. The sessional paper goes on to outline the operating characteristics of African socialism. They are: Political democracy Mutual social economic responsibility Various forms of ownership A range of controls to ensure that property is used in the mutual interests of society and its members Diffusion of ownership to avoid concentration of economic power Progressive taxes to ensure an equitable distribution of wealth and income The above characteristics are evident in the various works of the African Socialist leaders. The understanding of their concept of African socialism is enhanced by looking critically at the individual African socialist leaders and their ideas and perception of African socialism. AFRICAN SOCIALIST LEADERS JULIUS NYERERE Julius Nyerere was the founding father of Tanganyika and later on Tanzania. He comes up with his own form of socialism known as Ujamaa a Swahili term for family hood and brotherhood. Ujamaa become the official policy of Tanzania in 1967 following the Arusha Declaration. According to Nyerere socialism is an attitude of mind and not strict compliance to a standard or set political pattern (Nyerere, 1977) . Nyerere emphasised on brotherhood or family hood where people view each other as brothers and sisters or as members of one family. Nyerere argues that social institutions and organisations cannot by themselves achieve the purpose of socialism. These institutions can only do so if they are infused with the spirit of brotherhood and care for one another. Nyerere believed that Ujamaa differed from other strands of socialism in that the foundation of the philosophy was to be found in African culture and traditions. Furthermore Ujamaa was opposed to capitalism and scientific socialism or Marxism which legitimizes class conflicts. Nyerere went further to elaborate on the practices of Ujamaa. The first is love where an African doesn’t regard his brethren as another enemy. An African regards all men as his brethren as members of his extended family. People in African Societies cared for one another. Secondly, Nyerere argues that their existed a classless society in Africa. Classes were only brought as a result of the agrarian and industrial revolution. These events produced conditions that brought about a class system. Since these revolutions did not occur in Africa, therefore no classes existed in Africa. Thirdly Nyerere believed that in traditional Africa everyone was a worker. Everyone contributed his or her fair share of efforts towards the production of societal wealth. There was no place for laxity or laziness. Finally Nyerere maintained that wealth was shared in traditional Africa. No one could hide wealth or amass it for personal selfish reasons. The riches or the poverty of an individual or famil y were the wealth or poverty of the whole community at large. KWAME NKRUMAH Kwame Nkrumah’s ideas on African socialism were different from those of Julius Nyerere. Indeed the two showed criticised each other on their perceptions of African socialism. Nkrumah in his own admission subscribed to scientific socialism and described it as the only true socialism. According to (Martin, 2012) Nkrumah viewed African socialism as a means of not only liberating the people from the shackles of imperialism but also empowering the people politically, economically, socially and culturally after independence. Nkrumah believed that the following were the tenents of African socialism; Common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange Planned methods of production by the state, based on modern industry and agriculture Political power in the hands of the people in keeping with the humanist and egalitarian spirit which characterized African traditional society Application of scientific methods in all spheres of thought and production AHMED SEKOU TOURE Toure’s concept and ideas on African socialism was similar to that of Nkrumah. The two had a strong friendship that was evident when he granted Nkrumah asylum when he was overthrown by a military coup in 1966. Toure led an authoritarian regime in Guinea that was strongly oppressive. He arrested over a thousand people who simply opposed his regime. Prominent intellectuals and cadres were jailed, tortured and executed. Sekou Toure’s was more grounded in the Marxist-Leninist education as compared to Nkrumah. He had a great interest in the writings of Mao Tse-tung as well as other Marxist philosophers. Initially during the first decade of his rule, he refused to launch the country into clear path to socialism. He downplayed the role of ideology in the construction of a new society. He adamantly refused to choose between capitalism and socialism. He argued that certain strange theories had little to do with the crucial tasks facing the country. However during the Eighth National Congress of the PDG (the ruling party of Guinea) in 1967, Sekou Toure officially launched Guinea on to a path to socialism. Sekou Toure prescribed to scientific socialism from which he derives the meaning of socialism from. That is socialism is expressed by the effective exercise of political, economic and cultural power by the working people. Toure however was for a socialist ideology adapted to African realities. He preferred the term â€Å"communaucratic’’ instead of African socialism. He believed that African life is communal characterized by collective life and social solidarity. An Afric an cannot organize his life outside that of his social group-family, village or clan. Finally Toure believes in the supremacy of politics over the economy. In this regard he was heavily influenced by the Marxist-Leninist ideology on the roles of the state and the party in the creation of institutions designed to translate socialist ideas into practice (Martin, 2012). Toure believed that the ruling party was the definer of the general interest, the custodian of the popular will and the incarnation of the collective thought of the whole Guinean people. The basic aim of Toure’s socialism is alter the relationship between human beings. This is done by decolonizing their viewpoints and attitudes and by creating a new man freed from a system of capitalistic exploitation and participating with all his strength in the development of his nation. MODIBO KEITA He was the first president of Mali. He led the Nation on a path to socialism, both politically and economically. In 1960 the countries single party, the Union Soudanaise RDA (US-RDA) decided to set the country on a socialist path to development. Keita’s priority was to build a new society aimed at the political, economic, social and cultural empowerment of Mali’s popular masses. Keita firmly believed that a type of socialism adapted to the conditions of Mali would be the best tool to achieve this goal. Mali’s socialism was characterized by the following features; A socialism based on agricultural workers and peasants rather than on a nonexistent proletariat A vibrant private sector encouraged to contribute to national development Respect of the Malian spiritual and religious values Modibo Keita argued that socialism cannot be adopted wholesale; it must be adapted to the specific socio-cultural context of Mali. Keita elaborated that Africa has its own values, its own history. Africa thus can solve its own problems within the African context using African methods. Malian socialism was also grounded in universal human values. Keita argued that socialism cannot be reduced to purely economic or social concerns. Its goal is man itself in its material, moral, spiritual and cultural dimensions. The African man must be open to all kinds of experiments. Keita considered socialist planning necessary to achieve the primary goal of improving the living conditions of the majority of the people, which in Mali were the peasants. He focused on the development of agriculture through an elaborate network of rural cooperatives, down to the village level. Keita also embarked on the complete overhaul of Mali’s educational system to be consistent with Mali’s rich cultural heritage. The above leaders contributed significantly to African socialism. They sought to implement their socialist ideas and concepts in their countries. Some were successful to some extent while others failed. Case in point is Kwame Nkrumah who was overthrown in a military coup. OPPOSITION TO AFRICAN SOCIALISM African socialism as an ideology faced immense opposition as an ideology. This is because of the various cons associated with the ideology. These disadvantages or flaws in the ideology brew dislike for the ideology preventing its adoption or implementation. African socialism faced opposition due to the following. First it is an unreal theory which cannot be implemented as it is. Most of the socialist principles were borrowed from the Marxist-Leninist school of thought. The socialist ideology is not adopted in the same way it was advocated by Marx and other socialist thinkers. Secondly and closely related to the first is improper implementation. African socialism faced rejection due to improper implementation. Few people were in charge of wealth distribution and formulation of policies such as taxation. Thus the notion that the masses or the people have control over the nation’s wealth is a fallacy. Thirdly is that African socialism is economically inefficient. The lack of a self regulating labour market, private ownership of capital and a free financial market affects the economy negatively. Entrepreneurs and foreign investors are discouraged from investing in the economy. This leaves a country economically underdeveloped. This is the case with most socialist countries. Another pitfall of African socialism is no real increase in standard of living. African socialism does not raise the standards of living but lowers it instead. This is because the income of the rich is reduced making them fall closer to the level of the poor. It only reduces the gap between the rich and the poor but does not improve the standards of living in the society. Lastly is that socialism promotes laziness and incompetence among members of society. This is because of the social security system in socialist states that takes care of those with no income. Such provisions by the government deter people from working hard to earn their livelihood. This equally affects the hard working members who feel dissatisfied as they are not rewarded for their toil. Their toil goes to taking care of those who don’t work. Such a system impacts productivity and hence economic growth negatively. REFERENCES Batsa, K. (1965). African Socialism. The Labour Monthly , 514-517. Martin, G. (2012). African Political Thought. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Nyerere, J. K. (1977). Ujamaa-Essays on Socialism. USA: Oxford University Press. William H. Friedland, C. G. (1964). African Socialism. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. Page | 1

Its Not Hard to Make Decisions When You Know What Your Values Are Essa

It's Not Hard to Make Decisions When You Know What Your Values Are Roy Disney explains that "It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are." This is an important theme for the characters of Stephen Dedalus from James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and of Frank McCourt from Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. The two things in life that are supposed to supply stability (parents and the church) have failed, which is why Stephen and Frank discover that only through their own self-reliance will they ever be able to experience true freedom from the forces that have bound them. Stephen's parents let him down by not emotionally supporting him while Frank's parents do not physically support him. Right before Stephen leaves to go to the university, his father shouts out to his siblings, "Is your lazy bitch of a brother gone out yet?" (135). Stephen's father shows a lack of respect for his son by calling him lazy and goes on to imply that he is not very masculine. His father belittles him in front of his family and does not even apologize for his harsh words. Stephen's mother also disappoints him as "he had watched the faith which was fading down in his soul aging and strengthening in her eyes" (126). Stephen sees his mother choosing religion over him. His mother decides to trust the Catholic Church rather than her own son, which shows that her support is not toward Stephen. Through his parents' lack of emotional support, Stephen must look inside himself for strength. Frank's parents support him emotionally, but they do not adequately provide the support he needs physically. Angela "hopes [Malachy] might bring home something from the farm, potatoes, cabbage, turnips, carrots, but he'll never bring ... ...m from the church, his nation, and even his family. However, Frank soon breaks away from his family and even claims, "If my whole family dropped from the hunger I wouldn't touch this money in the post office" (333). The only ticket out of his miserable life is to save up money and move to America. Frank is finally able to put his own welfare above the expectations of his society. It is through the suppression of his individuality that forces Frank to disconnect himself from the bonds of his society. Stephen and Frank are able to gain the courage and strength to leave Ireland and their former lives behind them due to the lack of dependability provided by their parents and the Catholic Church. From the adversity that they must overcome in their lives, Stephen and Frank are both able to achieve true freedom from the limitations that have held them down for so long.

Comparing Gotma to Siddhartha Essay

Siddhartha and Govinda both begin their journeys searching after the same goal, to find themselves and attain nirvana. They travel many of the same paths but each thinks differently in their situations. But while Siddhartha eventually reaches Nirvana, Govinda does not because he never learns to absorb what is around him and learn from life like Siddhartha does but mistakenly tries to find peace through other peoples lives. Even from the beginning you can see distinct differences in the mind set between Siddhartha and Gotma, one as a thinker and one as a follower. Siddhartha had grown uneasy in his state as a Brahman’s son. The riches of his lifestyle babied him too much and blocked him from the real world. He wanted to go off on his own and experience and find himself. Siddhartha is a Scientific thinker, his brain is always wanting and explanation and continues to ask questions and at this point his maturing mind is starting to doubt the Brahman and Hindu ways. The repetitious ways of the daily prayers and rituals seemed an unreal way to finding nirvana. Something that never changes cannot lead higher, it always stays at the same level. So when a group of samanas passes through town he joined their lead, wanting to experience their lives and to learn from them. Everyone was shocked at his decision; Govinda knew not what to say, and Siddhartha’s father became enraged at first thought, but later admits something very important to Siddhartha. â€Å"You will go to the forest and be a samana. If you find salvation in the forest, come and teach me salvation. If you find disappointment, then come back and let us once more sacrifice to the gods together.† His father has never reached the goal he has sought after his whole life, even now as an old man, and he understands that Siddhartha must leave for himself. The next morning Siddhartha leaves early and finds his friend, Govinda, waiting to go with him. This is the first true sign of Govinda’s misconception of how to find himself. Govinda only goes because his friend thinks it will be good. He did not think over in his mind and decide if it was truly right for him. So they wandered and learned from the samanas. Siddhartha had learned self-denial and meditation but started to doubt if they were progressing anywhere in their search for salvation. The Samana teachings were nothing more than trickery, magic and self- control all of which can be taught. None of these qualities would lead even a step towards salvation because you are never learning something new; it is purely a way to keep your mind occupied and content. He even compares drunkenness to the samana teachings. It is just another escape, a way to leave yourself and forget all life’s pains. Even their samsara leader had never attained nirvana so how would they ever get there either following him. Word comes of a great man, Gotma, who had reached nirvana. Surprising to Siddhartha, Govinda decides to seek out the illustrious one. Although Siddhartha has his doubts he is curious and travels with Govinda to listen to the Buddha. After hearing the teachings of the Buddha the simple and accepting Gotma immediately joins as his disciple. But Siddhartha comes to a realization here. He knows that the Buddha has reached nirvana but sees the difference between teaching and experience. The teachings of the Buddha were not for him, they were for the suffering, the weak, a comfort zone which numbs people from the harsh realities and allows them to live in a false contentment. Even the Buddha himself knows this; he is just trying to help the masses that are not as clever as Siddhartha. Siddhartha now sees that experience is the only way to gain knowledge and goes out into the world to try it all. For many years of his life after he tries many new lives. From Kamala, a young courtesan, he learns about Physical love. He learns to become a merchant and indulge in the pleasures of a wealthy life. He lived on many years like this and grows old and worn but finds it is all a false happiness. After everything he obtained he is still discontent. The women, clothes, wine; all do nothing for the mind. He abandons it all and runs away into the forest and falls asleep beside the river, wishing to die. Here he meets Govinda again for the first time since he had joined the Buddha. And Siddhartha saw that Govinda had not changed. Govinda was still blindly following in Buddha’s steps, doing the rituals and living under his ways. Vasuedeva the ferryman is very important to developing Siddhartha. He never tries to teach Siddhartha but hints at where to look. Vasudeva says that it seems as though the river has spoken to him and suggests that he stay with him beside the water. It is through Vasudeva that he realizes the symbolism of the river to life. Life is always flowing, changing but always there and continuing on. Even later on when Siddhartha gains and loses his son he again sees the cycle of life in the river. In grief for his loss he cries into the river and catches a glimpse of his reflection. In it he sees himself, his father, and his young son. Siddhartha sees the pain that his father must have felt when he left as a boy is the same as when his own son ran away. Although he tried otherwise, the same trials and pains he left behind are recurring again and again. He finally sees the true cycle of life. Siddhartha comes to realize that the whole world, everything, is one. We are born of our mothers, live our lives and eventually die, then decompose in the dirt. Trees grow up from the dirt and produce fruit, which is eaten by man and animals alike. The air we breathe is recycled and breathed back in by plants. Everything is made of the same particles that have been around since the beginning of time. The world is constantly changing: destroying, creating, and reforming every molecule into something new. So we are a part of that, apart of everything. Rebirth is made within yourself and what you choose to change. Siddhartha experienced many lifestyles all of which he learned from and his decisions to move forward and change was his renewal. And in the end he comes to see that you must let go of your self and your needs completely and love and appreciate everything because it is all one. Govinda appears once more when he asks the ferryman, now Siddhartha, to take him across the river. Once Govinda realizes it is Siddhartha he presses him to know too how to Nirvana. Siddhartha tries to explain that you cannot search for nirvana it must come to you. Nirvana is not one thing but everything you experience in life and if you are trying only to find nirvana everything around you will be missed and wisdom and understanding cannot be found. But even after Siddhartha’s speech Govinda did not understand, he still could not comprehend what Siddhartha was trying to convey. Nirvana cannot be reached only through writings and other teachings. These things can lead you down the path but it can bring you only so far because it is all feelings and discoveries that others have achieved through their own life. Writings can only convey part of the message because you cannot produce in words your experience and have another understand every aspect of the way you felt. That is how your mind dealt and reacted to that situation. Can you tell someone exactly how good jamoca almond fudge ice cream is? They can tell you how it tasted to them, but can they interpret the exact sense it will have on your tongue? Can you truly understand how much you would like it unless you have tasted some yourself? Some may think it’s too strong, some may not like almonds, some might like vanilla better, and everyone will have their own opinion and slight difference. Life is the same way. Govinda never reached his goal because his whole life he was searching in others lives. First he followed Siddhartha with the Samanas then leaves the samanas by his own choice, only to follow another. And in the end he comes back to Siddhartha with one last desperate plea to try and understand. He never learned anything about himself because he was blinded by the belief that someone else could show him how. Everyone must decide for himself or herself what they do with their life, for following only leads you down another minds path away from your own awakening.

How can we make India clean Essay

How true these words sound in the present context. There is so much pollution all around us today that normal breathing in itself is the greatest risk to our lives. Pollution has affected our lives so adversely that because of this, millions of people die annually. The way the environment is being polluted today stands testimony to the fact that we are irresponsible occupants of this Earth and by polluting the air; we are meticulously working towards our own destruction. According to the World Health Organisation, about 2.8 million people each year die due to indoor pollution (over 500,000 occur in China alone). These data should act as an eye-opener for all of us. Smoke emitting from industries, factories, vehicles and even cigarettes is a major source of air pollution. It is due to air pollution that a number of diseases have surfaced. There are several respiratory diseases, which affect us adversely. Cigarette smoking is not injurious to the health of only those who smoke cigarett es but also to those who come in contact with the smoke emitted from the cigarettes. What is worse is that most of us understand the ill-effects of pollution, yet we are so indifferent towards our own health that we do not avoid the avoidable. Stoves, LPG and other non-conventional sources of energy should be used for cooking and the bursting of firecrackers should be reduced. Therefore, if we prevent air pollution, we not only keep ourselves healthy but also our historical monuments. Another major source of pollution today is water pollution. Water pollution is the contamination of water by sewage, toxic chemicals, metals, oils, or other substances. Diseases like diarrhoea and dysentery are the ill-effects of polluted water. The wastes that are thrown in the rivers and lakes by us mainly pollute water. It is due to this that the water supplied to us in our homes is impure and consumption of which leads to man) dreaded diseases. The biomedical waste from hospitals is not processed properly and is thrown in nearby rivers. The waste materials from factories and industries are also disposed of in the same manner. Therefore, it leads: to high levels of water pollution. Not only this, people throw dry flower used for puja and other religious functions in rivers due to which water gets badly contaminated and unfit for use. In fact, due to high levels of water po llution, marine animals die an untimely death and are on the verge of extinction today. In a healthy water system, a cycle of natural processed turns wastes into useful or harmless substances. The cycle begins when organisms called aerobic bacteria use the oxygen dissolved in water to digest wastes. This digestion process releases nitrates, phosphates an other nutrients. Algae and aquatic green plants absorb these nutrients. Zooplanktons eat the algae, and fish eat the zooplankton. The fish, in turn, may be eaten by larger fish. These larger animals come in contact with other animals and in turn the process of biological contamination cycle continues. Another form of pollution that threatens our peace today is sound pollution. It is so irksome when music is played at high volumes in parties and vehicles. Today, the levels of sound pollution are so high that the Supreme Court had to intervene and pass orders recently to impose a restriction on the playing of bands and loud music between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The vehemence of music disturbs students, patients, old and other people we want some rest after a long day’s work. The sound of the bawling horns is a headache in itself. Everybody is in a hurry and therefore, the use of horns is made without much though Horns disrupt pe ace to the extent that these can be heard even in the ‘no-horn’ zones. Although noise does not poll the air, water, or land, but it can cause discomfort and hearing loss human beings and other animals. Soil pollution is also an important mode of pollution. When the ear thin layer of healthy, productive soil is destroyed where food is grown it is called soil erosion. Healthy soil depends on bacteria, fungi, and small animals to break down wastes in the soil and release nutrients. These nutrients help plants grow. Fertilisers and pesticides can limit the ability of soil organisms to process wastes. As a result, farmers who oven fertilizers and pesticides can destroy their soil’s productivity and are causing many diseases to the people. Not only this, even irrigation in dry areas without proper drainage system can lead to water logging in the fields. it can lead to famines because soil pollution will lead to a poor quality of soil, which in turn will lead to poor crops. Therefore, soil pollution is extremely dangerous. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to control the rising levels of any form of pollution. We must get our vehicles checked regularly and if the smoke emitting from them is higher than the normal lev el, it should be repaired. Use of firecrackers should be minimized and cigarette smoking should be given up. We must take a vow never to throw any waste materials in the rivers or lakes because that water comes back to us as drinking water. We must take an initiative to  prevent others also from doing so. Hospitals must collect their biomedical wastes and dispose of them in a proper manner. Some should be done with the waste materials from factories and industries. Recycling should be made a practice and children should be taught how to recycle simple things in school. This practice will make them to recycle things rather than throw them like garbage. The volume of our music systems should be kept low so that others are not disturbed. Even in parties these should be stopped after some time to avoid noise pollution and inconvenience to others. Thus, only when we decide to do our duty to keep our dear planet clean, we can succeed in controlling pollution. Only then we can make this world’s better place to live for you and for me’.

Taoism and Confucianism Research Paper Example

Taoism and Confucianism Research Paper Example Taoism and Confucianism Paper Taoism and Confucianism Paper Essay Topic: Religion Tao Te Ching The Chinese spiritual experience is a synthesis of Taoism and Confucianism. I feel it is their shared quest that humans move away from being individuals to become a part of a greater whole, whether it is Confucius society or Lao Tzus nature. However, just as they have their similarities they, like all the other religions, have their differences, theirs being the way to becoming a part of the greater whole. In their different and similar aspirations, like the Yin and the Yang, Taoism and Confucianism is a combination which balances the Chinese character. I believe the Chinese spiritual experience is when humans strive by being or doing to become a part of the greater whole. Both Taoism and Confucianism urge humankind to shed their individuality for this goal. They both contend that individualism holds the individual back as well as fragments the essence of the greater whole. When more people become a part of it, the greater whole will become stronger. As Lao Tzu asks, What happens when 10,000 people go back into the woods? I think he might have answered the woods, nature, becomes that much greater by being able to guide life in its own way. Just as Taoism and Confucianism maintain a similar direction, they differ in other aspects. One difference they come across is what the greater whole is whether it be the Taoists nature or the Confucianists society. Another opposition they have is what process one takes in becoming a part of the greater whole. Where Taoism says the way to do is to be, Confucianism disagrees saying the way to be is to do. The two religions also differ as to what actually makes the other great. Whereas Taoism says the Tao (the way) makes people great, Confucianism teaches that people make the Tao great. I believe the most significant variance between Taoism and Confucianism is what is the greater whole. Taoists believe the greater whole to be nature. However, Confucianists feel it is society. They are both correct if we looked at the hierarchy of the Chinese experience that is self, society, nature, cosmos, and the great beyond (infinity). The difference comes in how far they travel to find the greater whole. The Confucianists stop at society because they see it as synthesis of effort put forth by every human being to make life better. Taoists look to nature because they see it as our creator and being our creator we should realize our potential to become apart of it once again. How a person becomes a part of society or nature is also a point the two religions split ways. In Taoism, the way to do is to be or simply the way to be will guide us to unity with nature. Confucianism disagrees noting the way to be is to do or plainly the way to do will make us a part of society. Taoism is the guidance of the way. The way can be defined in three manners. Taoism is the way of the ultimate reality. It is where everything originated yet we can only experience. There are no words or pictures to describe it, and all we can know is it is within us, it is outside us, it is everywhere and nowhere. Taoism is the way of the universe. It is the driving power in everything which exists. It is natures orderer. It puts everything in its place without any spark of prejudice. Taoism is the way of human life. It is humans emulating water. It is humans doing by not doing. It is humans allowing nature to guide them. Confucianism follows the way of doing. Its model figure is the Chun Tzu who in our society could be likened to a moral leader. Humans strive to become the Chun Tzu (Superior Man) because they must serve others. To become a Chun Tzu, one must first follow the way of Jen by respecting themselves and maintaining a sensitivity towards all humanity. One must strive to be just to others and to be understanding of others emotions. One must also follow the Silver Rule of not doing those things they would not have others do to them. Another division between the two religions is their contrasting beliefs as to what force makes the other great. Taoists believe it is the way or the Tao that makes humans great. This is because it is the Tao by which humans are able to rejoin with nature. By rejoining nature, we are able to regain power in allowing nature to do things or things to do themselves. However, Confucianists believe it is humans that make the Tao great. This is because only through the efforts of humans can society become great. Humans make the Tao great by choosing to follow it, giving power to its force. There are opposite forces in all corners of life. There is no day without night and no good without evil. Like the Yin and the Yang, these opposing forces are halves of a greater whole. Just as these forces merge to create a vivid existence so too does Taoism and Confucianism combine to create a brilliance in the Chinese Character. Without one the other would be greatly flawed, but their joined beliefs and practices make the one as well as the infinite greater. It is not hard to see that our western society could learn a lesson from the teachings of Lao Tzu and Confucius. Nature which we have coldly ravaged and our own streets would be safer. Politicians would actually work for the society instead of the powerful few. Even art would be supported for its value in bringing people together. However, we could never hope to attain the dedication both require because of our deeply rooted individualistic attitudes. If we followed the practices of Confucianism and we believed that serving others is great honor, then our western world would be a safer one. There would be no illegal drug use or sells for we would know this is harmful to those we live to serve. There would be no crime for we would live by sharing all that we have with others eliminating the main cause of crime, the desire to have what we do not have. Life as we know it would be transformed into a peaceful world where we care for others regardless of who they are. If politics were conducted based on Confucianism, the government would be a vessel for society. Politicians would not be indentured to private causes driven by personal gain because they would believe that their purpose is to serve society. They would be the rightful protectors of all they govern. They would also uphold the principles of Li for they would understand that they have been given a chance to make society greater and to maintain its greatness. If we followed Taoism or Confucianism, we would fully support the arts of our days. We would provide the means for artist to flourish and places to share their works. There would be no art critics for the purpose of art is to bring society together. Critics are deconstructionists and they would be a hindrance in the natural expression of art. It is in the naturalism of art that the two religions find its power of unity. Run by the Chinese religions, our society would appreciate art not because peoples analysis finds it excellent but because art is a grounds of bringing people together. We look to the stars in search of our future when we only need look at ourselves to find it. Before we can reach the stars we must be one entity. I believe this is the overall lesson of the Chinese religions that to be great we must be unified. Imagine what we could become and where we could go if we have our opposite forces working together. Once this were to happen, nothing could ever work against us.

Critical analysis paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Critical analysis paper - Assignment Example n of this is an extremely dynamic system of world politics that triggers massive changes for every little disturbance in virtually all sectors (Howarth 78). Referring to world politics, the recent past has seen a handful of events that is already shaping international perspectives. The Arab Spring is a key event that spurred an entire revolution in the Arab world. The Spring saw demonstrations and protests to the authorities that eventually necessitated some of them to relinquish power. Violence escalated, and the public outcry for a change in regime and system of governance could not be ignored. Quite evidently, the discomfort occasioned to the authorities as a consequence of the Arab Spring may have been hard to ignore, but again, it is not like they had any choice. A case in point is the Libyan dictator Gaddafi, who tried to ignore the revolutionary wave and was dislodged from power in very unceremonious circumstances. In a similar vein, Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak found himself facing a revolt in what came to be known as the Egyptian revolution of 2011. He however gave in to pressure and quit power. The aggressive nature of Egyptians resurfaced in 2013 when they staged protests against the then president as a result of discontent with the administration. Elections held in 2014 were touted as the most democratic in the recent past for a nation known for political instability. The current president won with a resounding 97% of the votes cast. Definitely from this figures, one can unearth a trend of dislodging individuals who are more inclined towards tyrant behavior from power, and vesting leadership rights upon those that appear to represent their wishes and aspirations fully. A sharp contrast to the above two scenarios is seen when evaluating the US and European elections. The European and U.S elections were marred with little violence, and it was more of a peaceful transition. The prevalence of peace, however, was a consequence of free and fair elections in

Battle of San Jacinto Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Battle of San Jacinto - Essay Example The researcher states that many American immigrants had migrated to Mexican Texas with full backing by the Mexican government near the beginning of the Mexican Independence. These immigrants started to rise up against the Mexican government in 1835 when the government of Santa Anna declared dictatorship rule over the country. Gradually, Texans formed a provisional government and started a movement for independence. This movement for independence was supported by many Americans, who volunteered to help the Texans in this movement. An army was formed by the help of these volunteers. In 1836 Santa Anna entered Texas with his army to take back its territory and put it back under the control of Mexico. Two battles were fought at Alamo and Goliad. Both of these battles were won by the Mexican army and a large number of Texan army was slaughtered brutally. After these two battles general Houston led his army against the army of Santa Anna near the river of San Jacinto in Texas. General Hous ton proved to be a very sharp and far sighted leader. The number of men in the Mexican army was already more than that of the Texan army and Houston did not want to give time to Santa Anna to call for more troops. Due to this reason he decided to execute a surprise attack against the Mexicans. This was a major risk on General Houston’s part because in this plan most of his army would be exposed to the Mexicans. On the other hand a critical mistake was made by the Mexican leader Santa Anna, in his confidence gained by the last two wins; he did not pay much attention to this battle and failed to post lookouts for any surprise attacks by the Texan army. This surprise attack by the Texan army was conducted in the evening of 21st April. The Texan army moved forward without getting caught by the Mexican army because their approach was hidden by trees and the uneven ground. Havoc reigns on the enemy as the Texian cavalry attack their stunned counterparts with slashing sabers (McDona ld, McCord & Haas 2008). This thing worked in the favour of the Texans because Santa Anna had not sent any men for lookouts. The bridge on the river was cut off by the Texans so that no retreats or reinforcements were possible. This was for both the armies because now the only way out of this was the ten feet deep water. The Texan infantry was led by General Houston himself. It was a well planned attack and the Mexican army was completely surrounded by the attackers. The Texan army had two artillery weapons called the twin sisters which were given to them by the city of Cincinnati. These weapons were placed in the battle and were of great help. It was a completely silent attack and the Texan forces did not reveal themselves until they were a few yards away from the Mexican army camps and then charged. They charged while shouting different slogans of â€Å"Remember Goliad† and â€Å"Remember Alamo†. The Texan army started firing at the surprised Mexicans. The Mexican ar my was not prepared for this kind of attack by its opponents and was completely taken by surprise. Most of the Mexican army was resting or asleep after building fortifications. Some of them were gone to gather woods while some of the others were fetching water at the time of the attack. The unarmed Mexicans had no choice but to ran and a complete chaos was created in the Mexican