Love in Kamala Das’s Poetry Essay

Love and sex in her poetry become a paradigm for fractured realities encountered by the poetess. Essentially she speaks for a woman who is in search of love. She challenges the very idea of phallocentric tradition and asserts in poem after poem that the subaltern can speak. Post colonialism consists primarily in the contestation of power structures and social hierarchies. For Kamala Das a woman’s predicament as a daughter , a wife, or a lover reflects a victimization in relationships. Kamala Das revolts against a constructed notion of relationship. Women are not the self-sacrficial model of virtue or promiscuity. The hitherto premises of male hegemony are violently shaken by Kamala Das who can defy the conventional ideological discourse of sexism and love. She herself became a victim of a young man’s carnal hunger . In ‘The Freaks’, a remarkable lyric which was published in Summer in Calcutta contains a picture of love that is full of dirt and filth as the man ensconced in sexual intercourse turned his ‘sun-stained / Cheek to me , his mouth , a dark /Cavern, where stalacities of /Uneven teeth gleam , his right / Hand on my knee, while our minds/ Are willed to race towards love ; / But they only wander, tripping / Idly over puddles of desire† . The focus on the ‘puddles of desire’ refers to her unfulfilled sexual desire as her heart remains ‘ an empty cistern’. Kamala Das describes in ‘The Freaks’a man and a woman persona are described as capriciously and whimsically behaving in unexpected manner. The poem celebrates the mood of transitory triumph over the defeat of love : My glass , like a bride’s Nervous smile , and meet My lips. Dear , forgive This moment’s lull in Wanting you, the blur In memory. Elsewhere in the poem Kamala Das describes the ambience : The April sun , squeezed Like an orange in My glass? I sip the Fire , I drink,and drink Again, I am drunk. We get a poignant verbal drama in the expression. The graphic details of drinking and the April heat. The poem focuses on the inborn passivity of the male partner and yet it ends with the assertion : â€Å"I am freak†. This is the identity crisis of an Indian woman who fails to flaunt ‘ a grand flamboyant lust’ in spite of the dissatisfaction. Here the poetess highlight the notion of vehemence and impetuosity with which the poet appropriates and internalizes the vocabulary for mapping out the terrain for the post colonial women in social terms. She secures the first significant step toward the explosion of the myth of male supremacy propagated by patriarchy. This is in itself automatically presupposes the awareness of a shared fate of injustice. In The subjection of Women John Stuart Mill argues that the principle of servitude in marriage is a monstrous antithesis to all the principles of the modern world. For Mill the most liberating aspect is that human beings are no longer born to their place in life. Kamala Das has shown and is very loud in violently showing that to be born as a woman is to lose the capacity to transcend that place in life already determined by patriarchy. Here Kamala Das decides to empower herself as a woman. In ‘Forest Fire’ the poetess minces no word in recording her innate desire to consume all sorts of experiences in this world: Of late I have begun to feel a hunger To take in with greed , like a forest-fire that Consumes , and, with each killing gains a wilder Brighter charm,all that comes my way. A little later the fury of passions gets the most of her : My eyes lick at you like flames , my nerves Consume. This is not a refusal to acknowledge the tenets of valorization in masculine terms. We encounter in these lines paradigms of transgressions in the discourse, the female playing the male role . The readers are more directly taken into a woman’s quest for identity when the poetess can say in ‘The Looking Glass’ : Getting a man to love you is easy Only be honest about your wants as Woman. Kamala Das does not describe how man loves a woman, she is more interested in telling how a woman can get the love of a man: Stand nude before the glass with him So that he sees himself the stronger one And believes it so, and you so much more Softer , younger, lovelier†¦. Admit your Admiration. This is not urge for female hegemony but the quest for identity in a female mind. Surrendering is an image in the poetry of Kamala Das : Gift him what makes you woman The woman here knows that she will be left alone if the lover forsakes her. A lustful woman rarely succeeds. Getting a man to love is easy but afterward without the man it is a living without life. Joan Chittister writes : In the end women like other minorities who have been taught their natural limitations by the dominant culture in which they live, turn their anger against themselves†¦They know that women can not do what men can do, and they resent and scold and criticize any woman who tries to do it. They become the instruments of the system, its perfect product, its most important achievement. 156) Simultaneously, in a poem like ‘My Grandmother’s House’ published in Summer in Calcutta , there is a note of nostalgia in the depiction of the care-free days of childhood : â€Å" There is a house now far away where once / I received love †¦. That woman died†. In this poem the poetess felt â€Å" My blood turned cold like the moon†. The moon is a romantic image. But Kamala Das used it so realistically to reveal her broken heart and lost love. Bedroom door is like ‘a brooding dog’. The poetess peers through ‘ blind eyes of windows’. The polyphonic text about identities with the autobiographical voice multiply itself into myriad selves. K. R. S Iyengar characterizes some of Kamala Das’s poems as ‘confessional’. Devinder Kohli calls her poems â€Å" candid and witty piece of self-revelation’ In the confession, Kamala Das poignantly tries to straddle both worlds – the secret world of her desire and the world defined by the male chauvinists. But she is left with no option but to conform to the stereotype of the sexual –patriarchal man even when it outlines a mandate of a society that loathes any challenge coming from the females. The poetess tries to negotiate sexual difference, but the importance lies rather in the way it showcases male chauvinism in a patriarchal ideology constructing patterns of fixated behaviours exalting them as normal. Individuals in this quest of identity socialized themselves into a locus of role specificity which in the case of a female disrupts the orientations. It is the crisis of the role that sustains the split between the role the character plays in Kamala Das’ poems. ‘Spoiling the Name’ presents effectively one of Kamala Das’ central insights, as Devinder Kohli points out , the commitment of her poetic self to experience. The sighs are ‘metallic’ , limbs are curled at the ‘touch of air’ (‘A Relationship’)and ‘nudity on sheets of weeklies’( ‘Loud Posters’ ). Kamala Das mocks her ‘feminine integrity’ ( Sarkar Jaydip:84) when she finds in a shamefully helpless situation as in ‘The Freaks’ with the lover whose mouth is a dark Cavern where stalacities of Uneven teeth gleam It is not that the subversion is apparent everywhere. Women also gravitate from aspiring to be transgressive social agents to artitculating their muted histories, finally pointing up the truth that they were forced to suppress. In the poem ‘Love’ there is a ‘celebration of happiness and contentment in love â€Å" My life lies, content / in you† (Sarkar Jaydip: 86). The poetess was committed to the sensual world , true, but in her life partner she tried to achieve the shared identity . She sought a life beautifying force of love which might be equated with physical relationship. Sterility and vacant ecstasy were all that Kamala Das abhorred and herein she had her disillusionment. Love that is extra marital was not Kamala Das’ angst , rather her inner self created for herself a tiny world in which the trauma of love and marriage were distant cries, hardly heard of. In the ‘Sunshine Cat’she depicted the picture of ‘a cold and half dead woman’ who was of no use to her. The cat might be her own feminine self as well. In ‘Winter’ , the celebration of sex was a theme,but it was more a desperate attempt of her soul for groping for roots in his body(Sarkar Jaydip: 85). As a singer of feminine sensibility she protests against restraints of society , and simultaneously she shakes off the rigid gender roles , determination triggered by situational factors. In 1948, Alfred Kinsey published Sexual Behavior in the Human Male in which sexual orientation was placed on ‘a graduated continuum’ ( Kinsey: 638). Kinsey advocated a re-appraisal of the treatment meted out to queer beings by way of isolation and rehabilitation. The hypocrisy latent in marriage is due to societal pressures. In most occasions , the victims in such marriage of convenience is the wife, that Kamala herself was and who wanted to express the oppressive anguish of her own life. Thus on the one hand, the poems of Kamala Das are visualizations of her own pains, but at the same time they are the demeaning perceptions galvanizing the concomitant negativity into a motive for further exploration of female psyche. The fantastically confessional poem ‘The Old Playhouse’ reveals this agony of the mind of the poetess: It was not to gather Knowledge Of yet another man that I came to you but to Learn What I was and by learning to learn to grow †¦(K. S. Ramamurti:151) This is what we mean by ‘pathei mathos’,wisdom consisting in suffering, the poetess gradually learning to cope up with demands of the more realistic world and compromising with her dreams as the potential abilities of the human body got stunted by the sterility of the man she loved. We may safely surmise that the poems do not become an erotic world in spite of all the sexual replenishments for the starving soul of a woman. Nor the poems become an articulation of a muted feminine consciousness. Kamala Das exploded the stigma of vulnerability and gained a critical consciousness to stand up to the deforming norms of the conventional intercourses in marital life or love life,whatever it is. It was not in her capacity to reorder the chaotic world into a cosmos. At best she could suggest some therapeutic rehabilitation of a trauma-ridden woman who survives the psychological abuses, manipulation and a dreariness of emotional desert. The poems serve for such a starving soul as a rallying point. K. R. S. Iyengar rightly remarks : â€Å" Kamala Das is a fiercely feminine sensibility that dares without inhibitions to articulate that the hurts it has received in an insensitive largely man-made world. † ( Iyengar: 667) . Reading List Works cited Das Kamala , Summer in Calcutta, New Delhi: Everest Press, 1965. ———– The Old Playhouse and Other Poems. Madras: Orient Longman, 1973. ———– My Story , New Delhi, Sterling Publishers, , 1976. ————- Tonight , This Savage Rite: The Love Poems of Kamala Das & Pritish Nandy. New Delhi: Arnold- Heinemann (India) 1979. ————— Only the Soul Knows How to Sing. Kottayam: DC Books, 1996. Primary Sources . 1. Lal. P. Ed. Modern Indian Poetry in English : An Anthology and a Credo, Calcutta: Writer’s Workshop, 1969. 2. Kotoky, P. C. Indo English Poetry, Gauhati: Gauhati University, 1969. 3. James ,Vinson (ed. ) Contemporary Poets,New York: St. Martin Press,1975. 4. Abidi, S. Z . H. Studies in Indo Anglian Poetry, Bareilly: Prakash Book Depot, 1979. . Parthasarathi, R. Ed. Ten Twentieth –Century Indian Poets. New Delhi: OUP. 2nd Ed. 1980 6. Shahane, Vasant A. and Sivaram Krishna, M. (eds. ) Indian Poetry in English : A Critical Assessment . Delhi: Macmillan, 1980. 7. Rahman ,Anisur. Expressive Form in the Poetry of Kamala Das. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications, 1981. 8. Stella ,Samdahl. ‘South Asian Literature: A Linguistic Perspective’, A Meeting of Streams. (ed). M. G. Vassanji,,Toronto: TSAR,1985. 9. Chindhade ,Shirish. Five Indian English Poets , New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers, 1996. 10. De Souza , Eunice. Nine Indian Women Poets : An Anthology. Ne w Delhi: Oxford Univ. Press, 1997. 11. Mitapalli Rajeswar et. al. Kamala Das: A Critical Spectrum. New Delhi: Atlantic,2001. 12. Gokak, V. K. (ed. ) The Golden Treasury of Indo Anglian Poetry. New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi, 2004. . Secondary Sources: 1. Kohli ,Devinder. Virgin Whiteness: The Poetry of Kamala Das. Calcutta: Writers Workshop, 1968. 2. K. R. S. Iyengar, Indian Writing in English , New Delhi Allied Publishers,1962; 2nd ed. , 1973. 3. King ,Bruce . Modern Poetry in English, Delhi, Oxford University Press. 1987. 4. Joan D. Chittister, Heart of Flesh: A Feminist Spirituality for Women and Men Cambridge and Ontario : WmB. Eerdsmans Publishing Company, 1998. 5. Alfred C. Kinsey et al. Sexual Behavior in lthe Human Male. Philadelphia: W. B Saunders: Bloomington, Indian U Press, 1948 2nd Ed. ,1998. 5. Banerjee,Benoy Kumar ; Bakshi, Kaustav. Studies in Indian Poetry in English, Kolkata: Books Way, 2008 6. Ahmed, Irshad Gulam , Kamala Das : The Poetic Pilgrimage. New Delhi: Creative Books,2005. 7. Ramamurti, K. S. Ed. Twenty-Five Indian Poets In English , Kolkata: Macmillan India Ltd. , 2008. 8. Sarkar ,Jaydip (ed. ) Kamala Das and Her Poetry , Kolkata: Books Way,2009. —————————- .

Nurse Culture Assessment

Running head: CULTURAL ASSESSMENT Cultural Assessment June 14, 2008 Abstract In order to deliver nursing care to different cultures, nurses are expected to understand and provide culturally competent health care to diverse individuals. Culturally competent care is tailored to the specific needs of each client, while incorporating the individual’s beliefs and values (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2006, p. 90). By being culturally competent, nurses are able to help improve health outcomes by using cultural knowledge and specific skills in selecting interventions that are specific to each client (Stanhope & Lancaster). Therefore, nurses â€Å"should perform a cultural assessment on every client with whom they interact with† (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2006, p. 90) to help understand client’s perspectives of health and illness and discuss culturally appropriate interventions. In this paper, the author will demonstrate how nurses can utilize a cultural heritage assessment tool to help develop a cultural competent nursing care plan, which can be referred to in Appendix A and B. By culturally assessing client, nurses will be able to identify the needs of culturally diverse individuals and find out if what's important to the culture is really important to the person in terms of specific health needs. Introduction In order to deliver nursing care to different cultures, nurses are expected to understand and provide culturally competent health care to diverse individuals. Nurses must find out about people’s traditions, ways of life, and beliefs about health care so that the appropriate interventions can be planned and implemented to produce culturally positive health outcomes (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2006). By being aware of the client’s cultural beliefs and knowing about other cultures, â€Å"nurses may be less judgmental, more accepting of cultural differences, and less likely to engage in the behaviors that inhibit cultural competence† (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2006, p. 84). Most importantly, nurses must listen to the client’s perceptions of problems and work together to develop suggestions and recommendations for managing those problems. Therefore, cultural assessments tools have been developed and are available to help assist nurses integrate â€Å"professional knowledge with the client’s knowledge and practices to negotiate and promote culturally relevant care for a specific client† (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2006, p. 82). Part I: Cultural Assessment of Client A cultural nursing assessment is recognized as a â€Å"systematic way to identify the beliefs, values, meanings, and behaviors of people while considering health history, life experiences, and the social and physical environments in which people live† (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2006, p. 5). For this reason, cultural assessments are an essential component in providing quality care to diverse individuals of different cultures. For this reason, the author used the cultural heritage assessment tool to help assess the ethnic culture of Mrs. P. Referring to Appendix A, the outline shows the interview questions and answers collected by the author per Mr s. P. Reassuring the confidentiality of the client’s interview, utilization of the cultural heritage assessment tool enabled the author to gather, classify, and analyze the culture of an American Hindu Indian. Brief History of Ethnic and/or Racial Origins The client evaluated by the author was a 35 year old female named Mrs. P who lives in Poway, California. The immediate family composition consists of a wife and a husband who just recently got married. In regards to the client’s cultural background, the ethnic culture that Mrs. P identified with was an American Hindu Indian. Born and raised in Poway, California, Mrs. P’s father and the grandparents from the father and mother’s side were born in Punjab, India, while the mother was born in Utter Pradesh, India. Coming from India, the client’s parents has lived in the United States for 14 years. Living in Poway since then, Mrs. P grew up in a rural setting and lived with the parents and younger brother until recently moving out when the client got married. With Hindi as the client’s native language, Mrs. P and the brother can only speak Hindi, compared to the mother and father who can both read and speak the native language. Socioeconomic Considerations With occupation and education, the client’s dad has a master’s in business and works for Gateway computers. The client’s mom has a degree in psychology and is a housewife, and the younger brother has degree from UCSD for management science and economics and works at Boeing. As for Mrs. P, the client works as a teacher, having earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of California, Riverside, and Mr. P works as a neuro-surgeon, with a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology and in computer engineering, and masters in computer engineering. Receiving no financial assistance, the client seemed satisfied in the current socioeconomic class of upper middle class because there are no plans of changing job. Currently owning a home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a living room, dining room, loft, and patio, the living arrangements for Mrs. P appear sufficient for a future family to live in. Value Orientation According to Mrs. P, respect for elders, a good education, good family background and connections, religion, and good ethics for society, are values that are held highly within the family’s culture. Education and a highly held position in a career are very important because these values determine an individual’s status in society. Examples include doctors and engineers. Obviously, success is pertinent within the Indian culture. Indians are known for their hard work, vitality and dynamism. However, although looked as highly important, the family’s overall impression of these values do not define who a person is; these values are appreciated. Growing up, Mrs. P learned that every action requires thinking because any decision might have a negative effect on the family, and how society will react. Family reputation is very important and in the Indian culture, individuals must be careful not to do anything to put down the family name. The Indian culture is very family-oriented, which is why family comes first. In health and in sickness, the family takes care of each other. Cultural Sanctions and Restrictions According to the client, there are no cultural sanction and restrictions that the client is aware of. For the most part, Mrs. P believes that since the parents were open-minded to the fact of living in the United States, a strict Indian culture was not experienced during childhood. The parents understood what kind of environment the children were in and did not expect Mrs. P and the brother to be restricted to an Indian lifestyle. Communication As far as communication is concerned, Mrs. P informed the author that communication involves all members of the family, friends, and community. However, the Indian culture affects the way individuals communicate with family and friend by restricting certain topics when inappropriate. For example, foul language or sexual topics may be considered unacceptable to discuss in front of parents. For the most part, Mrs. P’s family does get along well, which is evident by the client’s close relationship with immediate and extended family members. With such open communication to some extent and having great family relationships, Mrs. P maintains contact with all members of the family and takes the time to visit family every few weeks. Health-related Beliefs & Practices & Nutrition Health-related beliefs and practices generally emphasize taking care of the health of all members in the family. According to Mrs. P, health-related beliefs and practices are related to nutrition. The only information that the client provided to the author was that Hindus perceive some foods as â€Å"hot† and some are â€Å"cold†, and therefore, should only be eaten during certain seasons and not in combination. There are different perceptions of â€Å"hot† and â€Å"cold† foods depending on the region of where individuals are from. From these perceptions, foods are thought to affect body functions. In the client’s case, Hindus love to cook and eat traditional dishes that are perceived as healthy. From raima, cholay, and saag, these Indian dishes are usually made by the client’s mother because Mrs. P does not usually make the traditional cultural dishes. As far as any specific dietary restrictions, eating meat is not considered good, but some individuals within the culture still eat meat. With Mrs. P, the client strives on well-balanced meals and does not follow the ideas of hot and cold foods. The only cultural diet that is followed is not eating meat. Cultural Aspects of Disease Incidence In regards to aspects of disease, the client’s culture customs and eliefs often contribute to the decision for medical care and choice of healthcare services. Supernatural forces and excess in human needs are recognized to contribute to illness and disease, regardless of station in life. For example, the client gives that example of eating too many sweets will cause round worms and that too much sexual activity can be associated with tuberculosis. Even more so, if a disease is sexually related, the occurrence of such diseases is looked upon as disrespectful if unmarried. In addition, diarrhea can be caused by a variety of improper eating habits. As a result, cultural treatments that may be used include homeopathic medicine, herbal remedies, mixing religion and medicine, and observing the individual within a natural environment. In the client’s case, a health problem that is currently affecting the family is high blood pressure. Religious Affiliation According to Mrs. P, the client’s religious preference is Hinduism, which is the same religion for Mr. P and all members of the immediate family. Religious beliefs and practices include believing in reincarnation and in many gods, and occasionally attending a temple. However, the client does not belong to a religious institution nor is an active member of any religious or ethnic organization. Yet, the client does practice the Hinduism when with the family. In the author’s opinion, the client expressed ideas for becoming more involved with participating in religious or spiritual activities. As for the neighborhood, there are diverse backgrounds of different ethnic cultures and religions within the community. Developmental Considerations The only achievements and tasks fulfilled by the client’s family include having both children graduate from college and finding successful careers. With having such high values in education and career, the author is not surprised that the parents consider graduation and a new job as very important achievements that a family member can accomplish. Even more, in the client’s sake, getting married, starting a new job, and moving into a new home were life changing fulfillments that the client has longed to achieve. As far as failures and achievements, being Indian has affected the fulfillment of achievements and perspectives of failures by placing the pressure to always be â€Å"on top of [the] game. Competition is what brings out the best in people and achieves the best results. Growing up, the client was always encouraged to excel. The expectations of families towards children were very high. With Mrs. P, the client strived to be the best because expectations were high and from the author’s point of view, the client has done very well to be at the point where the client is. Since the client’s family first sta rt, the only health and health-related events and experiences that Mrs. P has gone through is dealing with the removal of cataracts in client’s father’s eyes. Fortunately for Mrs. P, there have been no immediate deaths or births have taken place since the client has been born. Since the client’s the new marriage life, no health related events has occurred. Part II: Self Assessment Health-related Attitudes regarding this Cultural Group From the author’s self assessment about health-related attitudes regarding Indians, the author presumed that the most Indians are prone to respiratory infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, hypertension, nutritional deficits, and high risk behavior such as alcoholism and cigarette smoking. To be perfectly honest, the main assumption that the author had in regards to this cultural groups is that individuals of the Indian culture prone to strive dietary restrictions, which lead to a number of health problems. In addition, having had an Indian roommate, the author believed that individuals of this culture hold strong cultural beliefs and values because of the parents. Parents have a strong hold in the way Indian children think and behave. From family, friends, school, and community relationships to sexual activities, education, and work, Indians are expected to be smart, careful, and successful in all aspects of life. In the author’s opinion, such values and beliefs definitely influence and contribute to the health-related attitudes held by author because American Indians’ physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of life can eventually affect the health of these individuals. Evaluation of Author’s Values, Beliefs, & Practices In regards to the author’s values, beliefs, and practices, much of what has been embedded into the value and belief system of the author, including lifestyle practices, has been due to family, friends, and personal experience. From respect, obedience, and honesty, to work, education, religion, rationality and practicality, and the quality of life and health, the author strives to maintain a positive outlook in life, believes that hard work and determination will lead to a successful career, marriage, and family upbringing, and appreciates life and all the fortunate blessings that are often taken for granted like ambulation, breathing, and a healthy, loving family. Family, school, health, and religion are the most important values that the author holds. As a Catholic, the author believes that God has a plan for everything and whether life experiences are good or bad, God has a reason. Although the author does not religiously attend Church, prayer is often performed at home and at school. With school, education is an important aspect to a successful career. In the author’s opinion, knowledge is pertinent to success. Even more so, being aware of beneficial and risky lifestyle practices are necessary to maintain a healthy life. Such practices include exercise, a well-balanced diet, no smoking or drugs, and safe sexual practices. Obviously, values, beliefs, and practices may affect the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions in life. However, being only 25 years old, the author is aware that there is still so much more to learn about life. Therefore, the author remains open to new ideas and opportunities so that additional knowledge, mistakes, achievements, and failures will continue to add to the author’s life experiences. How might Author’s values, beliefs, & practices affect Delivery of Nursing Care to this Culture Group? The author’s values, beliefs, and practices may affect the delivery of nursing care to this culture group with the inability to empathize and understand complaints and concerns about health which leads to inaccurate assumptions about patient needs and creates assumptions that may impose ideas and interventions that may be unacceptable to the plan of care. Being unable to step outside the author’s box of values, beliefs, and practices may prevent the author from learning about another culture. As a result, the overall affect of delivering nursing care for this culture group is making incorrect assumptions about the needs of the clients and developing a care plan that may serve no benefit in improving the quality of life. Part III- Developing a Plan of Care After culturally assessing Mrs. P, the author identified the client’s readiness for enhanced religiosity. With a new marriage, a new house, and a new job, the client expresses concern that being away from the parents may lead to decreasing active lifestyle of practicing the beliefs and practices of the Indian culture. Even more so, the client acknowledges and expresses a desire to maintain the beliefs, values, practices that the parents have taught. Being married to a husband who does not actively practice the Indian culture, along with dealing with the expected stressors of being a new wife, taking care of a new house, and starting a new job, Mrs. P. strongly believes that maintain the values and practices of the Indian culture may be an effective coping strategy that Mrs. P is willing and ready to do. Obviously, Mrs. P. recognizes the importance of the Indian culture and is ready to enhance what had been taught to cope with the new life changes. Referring to Appendix B, the author’s goal for the client includes verbalizing the willingness to seek help to regain desired religious beliefs and practices and acknowledging the need to strengthen religious affiliations and become involved in spiritually based programs. These two goals seem appropriate for the client because if Mrs. P is willing to seek help with maintain the Indian culture and acknowledges the need for additional resources to participate in religious activities; the client can enhance religiosity within the newly accepted life transitions. Therefore, the interventions that the author has planned include determining the spiritual state/motivation for growth by ascertaining religious beliefs of family of origin and climate in which client grew up, discussing client’s spiritual commitment, beliefs and values, assisting the client to integrate values and beliefs to achieve a sense of wholeness and optimum balance in daily living by exploring connection of desire to strengthen belief patterns and customs of daily life, and encouraging participation in religious activities, worship/religious services, reading religious materials, etc and provide referral to community sources. In the author’s opinion, the overall plan of care has been adapted to the specific ethnic or cultural beliefs of Mrs. P because the plan addresses the cultural needs of the client. The interventions are client-centered and do not force any assumptions or beliefs of the author or of any other culture. The client has control of the care given. Even more so, communication, education, and religion being incorporated into the plan of care which were what the client expressed as the values and beliefs that are recognized as important. Hence, keeping what is important to the client. Conclusion To review, nurses must be able to provide culturally competent care to diverse individuals of different cultures. Culturally competent care can be accomplished by utilizing cultural assessment tools to better understand clients and other cultures in the community. Assessing the culture of an individual is an essential component in providing quality nursing care. In order to provide culturally diverse care, nurses need to take the time to learn about each client: who the client is, what the client feels and, most importantly, what the client needs. By doing so, nurses will be able to tailor a plan of care that implements interventions that are best appropriate to a client’s specific need, delivering quality nursing care, especially when of a different culture. References Doenges, M. , Moorhouse, M. , & Murr, A. (2006). Nurse’s pocket guide: Diagnoses, prioritized interventions, and rationales (10th ed. ). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis. Stanhope, M. & Lancaster, J. (2006). Foundations of nursing in the community (2nd ed). St Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc. Appendices Appendix A Cultural Assessment of Client I. Brief History of Ethnic and/or racial origins of the cultural group with which the client identifies Q1. What ethnic culture do you identify with? A1. American Indian. Q2. Can you describe a brief history of your ethnic culture? A2. Okay. Q3. Where were your parents born? Where did they grow up? A3. India – Punjab (dad) mom – U. P (Utter Pradesh) Q4. Where were your grandparents born? A4. India Q5. Mother’s parents? A5. Punjab – India Q6. Father’s parents? A6. Punjab – India Q7. How many siblings do you have? A7. 1 younger brother. He is 28 years old. I am 35 years old. Q8. What setting did you grow up in? urban or rural? A8. I’ve lived in Poway, California, all my life. I love it here. My area looks more rural than urban. There is a lot of open land and green grass. We’re near the mountains so we are pretty far from the city life. Q9. What is your native language? A9. Hindi Q10. Do you speak this language? A10. Yes, everyone in my family can. Q11. Do you read your native language? A11. No, just my parents. Q12. Was your original family name changed? A12. No. Well, I just recently got married, so I carry my husband’s name now. Q13. How old were you when you came to the US? (if applicable? ) A13. I was born in U. S. A. My parents, on the other hand, came about 14 years ago. Q14. Who lived with you growing up? A14. Parents and brother II. Values Orientation Q1. What does your culture value? A1. Respect for elders, good education, good family background and connections, and good ethics for the society. Religion is also important. Our culture strives on hard work, vitality, and dynamism. Q2. Compared to western culture, how do you value achievement, materialism, ducation, work, equality, understanding of the environment, rationality and practicality, orderliness, and the quality of life and health? (in terms from your culture, if different? ) A2. I value all these things, especially education and high status in career is important. The type of careers you do are also very important and sets your status in society (doctors and engineers looked upon highly). Growing up, I learned the reputation was highly looked upon so whatever I did, I had to think before I act. Q3. How does your family value these things? A3. My family believes these are also all important, but they do not see these things as items that define a person, but they do appreciate these things. For the most part, upholding the family name and image in society is an important aspect in our culture because family comes first. My family is very family-oriented and respect is expected within our immediate and extended relationships. III. Cultural Sanctions and Restrictions Q1. Any cultural sanctions and restrictions? A1. None that I am aware of. If there were, I certainly was not informed. I guess because my parents do not carry the Indian culture as strict as other families. They try to be very open-minded to living in the United States and understanding the kind of environment that me and my brother live in. IV. Communication Q1. How does your family communicate with each other? A1. We talk to everyone, openly and respectfully. We talk to family, friends, and the people of the community. Q2. How does culture affect the way you communicate to family and with friends? A2. Certain things might not be accepted to be talked about in front of parents such as foul language or sexual topics. Q3. Does your family get along? A3. Definitely! Family is very important, unless something is inappropriate or unacceptable, then that causes problems. But for the most part, being close to family is an essential aspect of our culture. Q4. Have you or do you maintain contact with: Q4a. Aunts, uncles, cousins? Brothers and sisters? Parents? A4a. Yes, especially since I moved out of the house. I try to remain in close contact with everyone. Q5. Did most of your aunts, uncles and cousins live near your home? A5. Yes Q6. How often did you visit family members who lived outside of your home? A6. Every few weeks V. Health-related beliefs and practices Q1. Does your culture believe in traditional health beliefs or practices? A1. Much of what we believe in is related to nutrition. What we eat affects the way we function. For example, some foods are â€Å"hot† and some are â€Å"cold†, and therefore, should only be eaten during certain seasons and not in combination. Depending on what region individuals are from, different families have a different perspective of â€Å"hot† and â€Å"cold† foods. Hindus love to cook and everyone has their own perception of healthy foods, so individuals usually cook dishes that they believe are nutritional to how one may function. Q2. Do you follow any traditional health beliefs or practices? A2. No, not really. I eat whatever my mom used to cook for me. But now that I moved out, I cook whatever I have in the fridge. I don’t really believe in the hot and cold stuff. Q3. Do you do anything to keep healthy or prevent illness? A3. Just eat right and workout. I try to eat well-balanced meals and exercise. VI. Nutrition Q1. Do you prepare foods special to your ethnic background? If yes, describe. A1. I don’t make them since I don’t know how, but my mom makes many different dishes and I enjoy eating them. rajma, cholay, saag) Q2. Are there specific dietary restrictions in your culture? A2. Eating meat is not considered good in our culture, but people still eat it. I, on the other hand, have kept that dietary restriction so I don’t eat meat. VII. Socioeconomic considerations Q1. What is your family’s occupation and education? A1. Well, my dad has masters in business and he works wit h Gateway computers. Mom is a housewife; brother works at Boeing and got a degree from UCSD for management science and economics. Q2. Do you receive financial assistance? A2. No Q3. Are there any plans of changing jobs to earn a little more income? A3. Well, I just recently got hired as a teacher and I have no plans for changing my career any time soon. Honestly, my husband makes money that is definitely sufficient for our income, and I am very fortunate to find a successful man. Q4. Do you own or rent a house? A4. Eventually, we plan to own the new house we just moved into. Q5. How are living arrangements? A5. We currently own a home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a living room, dining room, loft, and patio. I love it here. We’re the only ones living in the house right since we just moved in. So there is a lot of privacy and a lot of space. We are ready to start a family. XIII. Organizations providing cultural support Q1. Are there any organizations that provide cultural support for you or your family? A1. No, but I’m very interested in finding out every since I got married. XIV. Educational background Q1. Describe your educational background? And your husband? A1. I have a BS in Business Administration and my husband has a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology and in computer engineering, and masters in computer engineering. Q2. Describe your parent’s educational background? A2. Dad – masters in business, mom has degree in psychology XV. Religious affiliation Q1. What is your religious preference? A1. Hinduism Q2. Describe your religious background, beliefs, and practices. Does your family attend Church? A2. Believe in reincarnation and many gods, occasionally attend a temple. For the most part, since I’ve moved out and my husband is not that religious, I tend to practice Hinduism at home and when I’m with my family. My parents strive on religion and since I’ve moved out, I feel like I am not as active as I used to be. Q3. Is your boyfriend/girlfriend the same religion as you, if any? A3. Yes, husband is same religion, but he doesn’t really practice any religious or spiritual activities. Q4. Is your girlfriend/boyfriend the same ethnic background as you? A4. Yes, he is also an American Indian Q5. Do you live in a neighborhood where the neighbors are the same religion and ethnic background as yourself? A5. No, diverse backgrounds in our apartment complex Q6. Do you belong to a religious institution? A6. No, but I think it would be great if I was. Q7. Would you describe yourself as an active member? A7. No. But again, I think being newly married; I think that being religious and spiritual may be a good thing. It’s hard to find the time to participate in religious or spiritual activities, but being a new wife with a new home and job, I think it would be good for me. Q8. How often do you attend your religious institution? A8. Very rarely anymore. I used to with my parents. Q9. Do you practice your religion in your home? A9. Yes Q10. Are your friends from the same religious background as you? A10. No Q11. Are your friends from the same ethnic background as you? A11. No XVI. Cultural aspects of disease incidence Q1. What does your culture believe in when it comes to aspects of disease? A1. Disease and illness is often thought be caused by our culture’s customs and beliefs. From supernatural forces to having excess human needs, individuals can be affected regardless of education and status in life. Some examples I can give you is eating too many candies can lead to ringworm, excessive sexual activity can cause tuberculosis, and diarrhea can be caused by not eating a well-balanced diet. Q2. Any cultural treatments? A2. Some like homeopathic medicines, herbal remedies, others like to mix religion with medicine and observe the patient with the natural environment. Q3. How does your culture view the occurrence of diseases? A3. If it’s a sexual disease it can be looked upon as disrespectful if you are unmarried. Q4. Are there any health problems that could affect your family now? A4. High blood pressure XVII. Biocultural variations Q1. Are you any other culture besides Indian? A1. No. Full American Indian. XVIII. Developmental considerations Q1. Describe family achievements and tasks fulfillment since your family’s start? A1. My parents’ best achievement, as they always tell me, was having me and my brother. Other than that, my family has not had significant achievements. With a stable career and a good neighborhood, my parents have had a good life without changing their line of profession or participating in life-changing events. However, me and my brother graduated from college and have found successful careers. Even more so, I just recently got married and my parents are very proud of me to have found such a good man at the right time. Q2. How has your culture or ethnic identify affected fulfillment of achievements or failures? A2. Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to excel. The expectations of each member were high. From work to school to even household chores, my parents expected the best out of me. In our culture it is expected to always be at the top of your game. This makes you want to always strive for the best and reach for the stars. Q4. From your family’s first start, what health and health-related events and experiences have happened? A4. Well, since I got married, there haven’t been any significant health-related experiences to note. Yet, during my family’ first start, my dad recently had his cataracts taken out. Other than that, I have been blessed with a healthy family for the most part. Appendix B Plan of Care |Interventions |Rationales | |A. Nurse will determine spiritual state/motivation for growth by |A. Early religious training deeply affects children and is carried on | |ascertaining religious beliefs of family of origin and climate in which|into adulthood. Any conflict may family’s beliefs and client’s current | |client grew up. |learning may need to be addressed. | | | |B. Discuss client’s spiritual commitment, beliefs and values. |B. Enables examination of these issues and helps client learn more about| | |self and what he or she desires. | | | | |C. Nurse will assist client to integrate values and beliefs to achieve |C. Becoming aware of how these issues affect the individual’s daily life| |a sense of wholeness and optimum balance in daily living by exploring |can enhance ability to incorporate them into everything he or she does. | |connection of desire to strengthen belief patterns and customs of daily| | |life. | | | | | |D. Nurse will enhance optimum wellness by encouraging participating in |D. Encouragement allows individual to pursue what he or she wants and | |religious activities, worship/religious services, reading religious |referrals allow clients to become aware of what options are available. | |materials, etc and provide referral to community sources. | | ———————– Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness of Enhanced Religiosity related to life changes secondary to getting married, a new house, and a new job AEB by client’s desire to strengthen religious belief patterns and customs that had provided comfort in the past, request for assistance to increase participation in religious beliefs through prayer, and requests for referrals to religious affiliation. Goal 2: Patient will acknowledge need to strengthen religious affiliations and become involved in spiritually based programs of own choice Goal 1: Patient will verbalize willingness to seek help to regain desired religious beliefs and practices Interventions

Death Across Time and Cultures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Death Across Time and Cultures - Essay Example Thus, although death is regard as a typical figure or outcome for all human beings, the conceptualization of death events and cultural practices vary significantly (AÌŠhreÃŒ n, P. 154). Among different cultures such as the Chinese, Egyptian and religious cultures, death is seen as a conceived condition that involves sleep, illness or attaining a certain age of life. In contrast, among the European cultures such as the Greeks, death is seen as a total cessation of life. Cultures that views death as a transition between life and death such as the African cultures and Buddhism cultures according to Anna Indych from the ‘’Death Across Time and Cultures’’ video episode sees death as a transition from one to other form of human beings. Similarly, among the Buddhist religious culture, death is seen as a continuous interaction between the living people and the death (AÌŠhreÃŒ n, P. 152). On a broad front, as Hindu cultures’ views death as circular patterns of multiple rebirth and deaths, the Christian religious culture views death as a final end of humanly life that involves no human activities after death. In addition, different conceptions of death as described by Stanley in the view episode in relation to the art of living and grieving, significantly influence the peoples’ way of life and lifestyles. Therefore, different perception of death outcomes for different cultures and people affects their degree in which they fear death, the readiness to die as well as the nature of expression of mourning, grieving and the nature of funeral rituals conducted (AÌŠhreÃŒ n, P.

Philosophy - Boethius and Aquinas on the Problem of God's Prescience Essay

Philosophy - Boethius and Aquinas on the Problem of God's Prescience - Essay Example This only serves to pronounces the clash with freewill. The Problem of God’s Prescience The conflict hence forms the basic premise of the Problem. God as the master of all things tangible and intangible is assumed to know incomprehensible details about human life and the course it will take. As such, His knowledge about a particular event precedes the event itself, thereby exemplifying his unique ability of knowing the future. This belief in God’s ubiquitousness forms one of the core foundations of his Divinity across the board of religions, whether the one in question is Christianity, Judaism or Islam. The Bible, Torah, and the Quran all repeatedly assert His pervasiveness carefully contrasting it with His limitless power. The masses of religions preach the notion that God is to be found everywhere at all times and no thought or eventuality escapes His gaze. Superficially, this ideology is readily admissible but when theologians venture to expound their gifts of insigh t onto the subject, striving to explain the Divine Knowledge, the one immediate problem they tend to notice is the apparent conflict with freewill. This is because the concept of freewill indicates that every human is capable of altering the course of his life as he deems fit by exercising discretionary powers of judgment. If God is to possess all knowledge of all time, this discretion may not in actuality exist, since God would already know the direction a particular individual would be expected to take. If the individual’s future is already preconceived in God’s eternal knowledge, the individual’s course of action could simply be labeled predetermined, even though he in his own right may be employing the gift of freewill. This notion forms what has come to be known as the Problem of God’s Prescience. Boethius’s ideologies Boethius in his Consolation of Philosophy sought to answer the very questions that formed the crux of the Problem. Firstly, it must be elucidated that incidents are historically conceived by philosophers to be of two kinds, necessary and contingent. God’s omniscience pertains to all knowledge that exists in the world, including the murkiest of thoughts that originate in a person’s mind. Hence, any thought, if formulated by a conscious course of judgment in a person’s mind, should be deemed contingent. It is contingent because it is not necessary for a person to think a certain thought, as his freewill allows him to develop a unique mindset, but if God already knows what his mindset would be, that contingent thought could become a necessary course of action for the person to take, as not taking that course of action would render God’s knowledge flawed. If it is assumed that God already knows the thought that is about to transpire, its contingency is made redundant. This, in essence, negates freewill and converts seemingly contingent occurrences into necessary occurrences since Go d already knows of their presence. As such, Boethius’ twin-prong ideologies regarding the problem emerge. His first limb identifies that God’s omniscience and perfection go hand in hand and can never be rebutted,

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Business law - Essay Example It is an established rule that helps the courts from extra labor. Every decision by courts becomes a precedent and if appeals are made in a higher court and the original decision is altered, the overriding decision becomes a precedent and the original decision is discarded as a precedent. It is at the very base of the common law system. There are two types of precedents Binding Precedent A precedent that is mandatory to follow is a binding precedent. The lower courts are bound to follow and honor the decisions made by higher courts for a given set of circumstances. For example, Dickinson v. Dodds is a very famous case that acts as a precedent regarding those cases which raise the question of valid acceptance and proper revocation of offer. Judges are bound to treat binding precedents as rules and principles. It is to be taken into account that in what hierarchical capacity, the court is performing. A precedent of a lower court may be used for help but it is not binding on the court. Another important factor is that of whether the case in question falls within the scope of the precedent. Persuasive Precedent A precedent that covers the case in question in its scope but is not binding on the court is a persuasive precedent. ... In common law system, the precedents form a part of the law along with the statutes. This helps in ensuring uniformity and consistency of the law. When a decision is made according to stare decisis, the personal involvement of a particular judge is eliminated; law prevails. In some situations, if the circumstances of a particular case are novel and no precedent is fully applicable, then the court looks at statutes for guidance. If statutes also do not help, then the court makes a just and equitable decision based on critical assessment of the facts of the case. The principle of Stare Decisis governs the use of precedents and enables the courts to uphold general fairness (Tribe & Dorf, 1990). The words ‘Stare Decisis’ emanate from the Latin maxim: Stare decisis et non quieta movere: "to stand by decisions and not disturb the undisturbed." (Adeleye, Gabriel et al, 1999). A common man is not afraid to go to the courts because he knows that standards are maintained. They are able to make estimates of what they would gain and what they would lose as a result of a lawsuit. All like cases are treated in a same way (F. Schauer, 1987). However, the binding precedents have a drawback of being too rigid at times and there are always some areas of the law that are needed to be reformed. The legitimacy of a court following stare decisis can never be seen with skepticism. It has veritable social interests (L.J. Strang, 2006). A court is bound to provide with sufficient explanations if it does not follow a binding precedent in a particular case. Decisions hence made are impartial and free from bias. It is very unlikely that such a decision would be challenged as being unlawful. If the decisions of a

Patient Guide to WWW Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Patient Guide to WWW - Coursework Example 1. Content update  Researchers regularly share their knowledge derived from clinical trials with the community of medical experts. Hence,  patient or caretaker should consider only those  websites  where content and information is reviewed and updated on a regular basis. (Fogg, 2004). 2. Examine the source  The website’s content shouldn’t contain anecdotes and testimonials of the patients as primary health information (Szwarc, 2008) Caretaker or the patient must understand the significance of last three letters â€Å"URL† in the website. For example, websites ending with .edu or .gov are ‘educational’ and ‘government’ sites respectively with more reliable health information as compared to the one with .com (commercial) that may sometimes try to advertise and sell products assuring miraculous cure of which doctors are also unaware. 3. Verify  the information  Usually if some data is true and accurate, it will be published in more than one website. The internet user must check to see whether the facts provided by one source are published by any other website for the same diseases. The content of the website must also contain author’s basic contact information such as the name. Credible website.  For example the site  www.hhs.gov  is a government site containing matter from US Department of Health and Services. The hypertension related information such as causes, nutrition etc. conveyed by this site are accurate and trustworthy in following aspects. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The  Ã‚  amount of salt intake has direct effect on patient’s blood pressure (Gardener, 2011). The website mentioned instructs patient not to  Ã‚  have  Ã‚  more than 5-6 grams of salt per day.Same fact is also provided by the website  www.ext.colostate.edu, which is an education site  (Anderson, Young, Long and Prior, 2011) . Suspect website.   The website  www.curezone.com  Ã‚  or the link http://kiueyxyeor.collecyrie.com  may be

Hospitality Company Annual Report Analysis Essay

Hospitality Company Annual Report Analysis - Essay Example mple; Wyndham owns and operates over 15 of the biggest hospitality brands and hotel chains in the world such Howard Johnson, Days Inn, Travelodge, Ramada International and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts among others. As a whole the company has divided its business operations in three distinct segments: a) Lodging-by franchising hotels in the economy, mid-scale and upscale as well as extended stay categories of the lodging industry. The company also provides hotel management services for full-service hotels worldwide. Through their franchising agreements the company provides nightly bookings for their franchisee hotel owners through promotion of brand awareness, global sales promotions, ensuring customer service and satisfaction as well as upholding brand image. A large percentage of the revenue from this most profitable segment comes from franchise fees based on a percentage of gross revenues, royalties, as well as service and marketing fees. Another important source of income in the lodging segment is management fees that are collected under management contracts which offer their customers all the benefits of their global branding as well as all management, marketing, financial as well as booking and reservation services. The company also earns revenues from the Wyndham rewards program, when a participating customer stays at one of our hotels. b) Vacation Exchange and Rentals-The company affiliates themselves with developers and owners of vacation properties to allow owners of intervals to exchange their ownership stake for other intervals or leisure services within our network of vacation exchange business participants. This segment derives its revenues mostly from annual membership dues and exchange fees for members trading their intervals. c) Vacation Ownership- develop, market and sale and financing of VOI (vacation ownership interest) for prospective customers. This business segment provided some of the highest revenues for the company in 2010. Wyndham

The Kabsa Dish Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Kabsa Dish - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that kabsa belongs to a family of mixed rice food that is mainly consumed in Jordan and Saudi Arabia though believed to be indigenous to Yemen. In Saudi Arabia, this food is considered a national dish. Kabsa is referred to as marchbus in the Gulf countries, but the preparation is the same as in Saudi Arabia. This dish is prepared by mixing different spices, rice, meat, and vegetables. Spices commonly used in kabsa preparation are; black pepper, clove, cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, black lime, bay leaves and nutmeg. The prime taste of this food largely depends on the spices used in its preparation. Lamb, chicken, goat, camel meat or at times beef, fish, and shrimp is the main ingredient that is mixed with the spices. Almonds, pine nuts, onions, and sultanas may be added to the mixture of spices, rice, and meat as flavor supplements. The researcher tells that in Australia he still eats the dish occasionally though not as frequent as in Saudi A rabia. Whenever he sees it in a plate, it reminds him of the wonderful moments they have when eating the kabsa in Saudi Arabia. Sometimes it creates illusions in his mind. The author gets the images of how people laugh while eating the dish in Saudi Arabian hotels. Its aroma reminds him of his neighbors back in Saudi Arabia and the beautiful moments he spent with friends and relatives there. The illusions at other times involve images of the buildings in Saudi Arabia. The kabsa actually makes the author feel very much connected to Saudi Arabia.

United States; Love us or Hate us Essay Example for Free

United States; Love us or Hate us Essay Not only is the United States one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. It is also one of the most economically viable. It continuously touts its principles of freedom and democracy as an example for all the world’s nations. It is one of the most charitable countries in the world providing private funding to millions of aid organizations in third world countries. Not only that but technological research in the United States has brought advancements to every field from medicine to space travel (Garcia, 2007). So why it is so many countries hate the United States? This topic will attempt to answer this question. The September 11th, 2001 attacks acted as an eye opening experience for the American public. The perception of American superiority in the world was challenged that day create a shock which reverberated around the world. The international reactions that followed the attacks showed the American public that anti-American sentiments did not simply come from inconsequential groups of people. There were several countries in the third world that hated the United States. One of the major criticisms leveled against the United States is their stance on foreign policy issues. The first and foremost of these is their involvement in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Arab world believes that American support both financial and military to Israel is not only hypocritical it is also instrumental in the continued oppression of the Palestinian people. While Israel affords a status of a friend to the United States, their neighbors are constantly being bombarded by Israeli military might and being acknowledged as terrorists. The United States is also accused of pursuing this foreign policy time and time again not in the interests of world stability but rather for their own self interests. During the Bush administration Saddam Hussein was continuously demonized as an agent of Al Qaeda and acting against the interests of the United States. However what the government conveniently decided to forget is that the American government was responsible for putting Saddam Hussein in power in the first place. This is also true for in the case of Afghanistan and the Taliban during the height of their enmity with Russia. And now they blame the very governments they put in charge for terrorist attacks on their soil (Chomsky, 2001). A poll conducted in 2002 found that the population in 35 of 42 countries had a generally favorable view of the United States. The poll also showed that while citizens in many nations still find America favorable, they do not perceive it as favorably as they did 2 years ago (Roberts, 2002). Certain studies have shown that hatred of the United States is actually taught in educational institutions (Livshiz, 2001). However this does not excuse the fact the bias the United States has shown for years in dealing with international situations. While several countries such as China and Russia have several nuclear warheads, the United States imposes sanctions on countries like Iran for pursuing nuclear technology for energy purposes. While the United States invades Iraq for the sole purpose of spreading democracy, they also turn a blind eye to the genocide that is currently occurring in Darfur. It is inevitable that Anti-American sentiments will continue while the United States remains one of the most powerful and influential countries in the world. Until the United States accepts that it has to use this power responsibly, the world will continue to see its actions as a reason to hate them. References Chomsky, N. (2001, October 12). On Why Various Countries Hate the US. (R. Siegel, Interviewer) Garcia, V. F. (2007, May). Why does the world hate the USA? : A politically correct approach. Retrieved May 16, 2009, from Hispanic American Centre for Economic Research: http://www. hacer. org/pdf/Garcia00. pdf Livshiz, D. (2001, October 17). Viewpoint: Hatred of U. S. stems from hate in schools. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from The Michigan Daily : http://www. michigandaily. com/content/viewpoint-hatred-us-stems-hate-schools Roberts, J. (2002, December 4). They Love U. S. /They Hate U. S. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from CBS NEWS: http://www. cbsnews. com/stories/2002/12/04/world/main531762. shtml

Management Information System Thesis Essay Example for Free

Management Information System Thesis Essay

Case Study on Big Pharmas Marketing Tactics

Case Study on Big Pharmas Marketing Tactics Case Study On The Big Pharmas Marketing Tactics In The Pharmaceutical Industry Facts And Assumptions The term ‘Big Pharma is a terminology used to refer to the pharmaceutical industry. The name relates to peoples strong belief that it has played an active role in the ever increasing complicity and costs of health care. There is a crisis in the health care sector and it is believed that the Pharmaceutical Companies have abandoned science and resorted to salesmanship. No reasonable progress is currently being made in the industry due to the negative perception created by unscrupulous marketing strategies being employed (Archie 2009). Doctors should prescribe drugs to patients but are never expected to do marketing and advertising of their products and services. The other fact in the case study is that unethical business practices such as Pfizers off-label marketing practices and undue influence to medicines that should be prescribed by doctors to patient, normally lead to a likely increase in the cost of medical services due to the unfair and unleveled competition. The assumptio n among most people, which is not the truth, is that all pharmaceutical companies engage in dubious marketing tactics. The other assumption is that the Big Pharma companies sell unethical drugs. However, the truth is that the company sells ethical drugs even though the marketing strategies employed by the company are of questionable standards. Major Overriding Issues There are a number of problems in the case study.   One of the overriding issues is that Pfizer Company illegally did the marketing of Neurontin anti-seizer drug. The fact that pharmaceutical industry has decided to lay a lot of emphasis in the marketing of pills and other related drugs rather than developing new crucial ones is an issue of concern too. Drugs firms have also been accused of marketing drugs for purposes that have not been prescribed by the renowned drug and food administration department. Accusations of off-labeling illegal marketing policies and other related marketing wrongs have also emerged as a major problem in the industry. This is a very serious problem which has compromised the integrity and ethical standards of doctors and the entire pharmaceutical industry. Sub-issues And Related Issues The ‘Big Pharma companies have been accused of participating in unethical business practices. Medical students have been hired to companies even before they graduate from their medical schools.   This is a likely act of poaching talented skills in the market without following the right recruitment process and laid down procedures and policies in the industry. Furthermore, methods such as offering doctors underserved holiday packages, expensive gifts and other kickbacks, have been used to compromise the integrity of the industry as doctors who are given these favours are expected to recommend the specific companys drugs thus boosting the performance of the companys in the competition. The costs of drugs have continued to skyrocket due to lack of control of the market practices. Analysis And Evaluation Medical practitioners such as doctors, pharmaceuticals, governments and other law enforcement agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and the entire public that seek medical services are the major stakeholders in the industry. The governments stake in the case is its responsibility and duty to ensure that their subject receive the right medical services they deserve. People have a right to a healthy life and proper medical services. The government also benefit through the taxes paid by other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. The doctors stake in the industry is based on the fact that for them to grow in their career and attain self fulfillment, they have to ensure that the sick people get proper medical care. Their salaries and duration of being employed would also be determined to a greater extent by the standards they maintain in the market. Expensive medical serviced would lead to a decline in customers due to very costly services hence low income. The pharmaceutical industry, research institutes and shareholders in the company have an interest of maximizing profits and making the highest gains possible in their various investments made in the industry. Unscrupulous and corrupt means being employed by the pharmaceutical companies and some medical practitioners compromises the integrity and ethical standards of the industry. It also leads to decline in the performance of most pharmaceuticals organizations. CSR Analysis Pfizer Company has the responsibility of ensuring that it regulates the costs of medical services and products under its line of operation. Good pricing would also make more people to receive better healthcare services since they would be in a position to afford the prescribed drugs. It also has the ethical responsibility of using ethical marketing tactics that would benefit both the company and the community of persons who uses its products. Legally, the company must ensure that it follows the due marketing process, price regulation standards, marketing policies hence fully adhering to the rule of law. Such efforts would lead to fair competition in the marketing thus other pharmaceutical companies (competitors) in the industry would have an opportunity to compete on a fair platform. The government would receive the necessary taxes while doctors would live a more fulfilled life with good salaries and wages being received. Proper CSR would help in facilitating efforts to reach a solut ion to the health care problem. Evaluation The case mainly involves Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company in its use of very questionable marketing tactics. The company used very unscrupulous methods in marketing the Neurontin anti-seizer drugs and doing off label-marketing of the painkiller Bextra and other medicines in order to lure more customers into using their medicines. Rather than employing such unfair and unethical marketing tactics, the company should instead have followed the normal marketing channel of producing medicine and simply alerting the medicine practitioners through various existing hospital departments of the existence of their medicines. It is indeed the discretion of the doctors, upon their tests and knowledge, to choose which medicines to prescribe to the patients without any undue external influence. Recommendations And Implementations Various relevant laws and policies need to be put into practice. This would ensure easier market control measures meant to ensure that any unethical practices in the industry are curbed. Guidelines on how marketing by pharmaceutical companies should be carried ought to be clearly stipulated. In order to ensure ethical practices are adhered to, education and public awareness forums should be carried to the stakeholders. Doctors should also be protected against selfish companies that demand, threaten and force them into prescribing certain company drugs. Control mechanisms of the cost of healthcare also need to be put into place in order to ensure that customers are not exploited by selfish and unscrupulous medical practitioners. In addition to that, serious penalties and in some instances, nullification of trade licenses should be enforced to companies and individual persons who use unethical marketing tactics. Appendix: Stakeholder Map Work Cited Archie B.C. Business Ethics: A Brief Readings on Vital Topics, a collection of his columns. Athens Banner-Herald Publishers, 2009

The Great Gatsby - Eden Imagery :: essays research papers

In the Great Gatsby, each character is longing for one particular paradise. Only one character actually reaches utopia, and the arrival is a mixed blessing at best. The concept of paradise in The Great Gatsby is a shifting, fleeting illusion of happiness, joy, love, and perfection, a mirage that leads each character to reach deeper, look harder, strive farther. There is Myrtle Wilson’s gaudy, flashy hotel paradise in which she can pretend that she is glamorous, elite, wanted and loved. She clings fiercely enough to this ragged dream to brave the righteous anger of Tom Buchanan by voicing her jealous terror that he will return to his wife. There is a desperation to her full, spirited style of living, she wants so much to escape the grey, dead land of the Valley of Ashes that she colours her life with any brightness she can find, be it broken glass or diamonds. Nick describes land she finds herself in as a wasteland, a desert, saying "this is the Valley of Ashes -- a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens, where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air" (page 29). It is from this that Myrtle is trying to escape, this life-in-death valley that characterises the underbelly of New York's glitter and lights and finery, and this that she is dragged back to by the dawning jealous rage of a normally unassuming husband. To run away from the grey and the death, the colourful, brimming woman runs out, arms outstretched, to the car she thinks belongs to the man who promised to take her away from the Valley. But -- she began in shadows and in shadows she dies, "her life violently extinguished, knelt in the road and mingled her thick, dark blood with the dust" (page 144). There is an "ashes to ashes dust to dust" element to every action in the novel, and Myrtle is no exception. We as readers focus more on Daisy and Tom, Gatsby and Nick; Myrtle’s fall is telling the same story as Gatsby’s, as Daisy’s. In the end, her life is worth no more and no less than the great millionaire in his mansion on West Egg. Daisy and Tom are bereft of these dreams.

Funny Short Story :: essays research papers

The Scourge Of The Galaxy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The pretty researcher walked up to the shack where he supposedly lived. Wendy had heard many stories about the scourge, but she had never seen him for herself. He was a local legend, and she had decided to do her thesis on this obese male. She knocked on the cheap wood door of the shanty, and the door fell off. Wendy anxiously tried to pick the door up, but before she could pick it up, a high-pitched bark came from the dark corridor of the hut. â€Å"It’s alright, girlie. Just leave it and come inside.† She complied quickly, stepping inside. The stench was almost unbearable, a mixture of rancid sweat, rotten food and flatulence. She tried to hold back a small moan, but failed utterly, as she stepped cautiously across the floor strewn with garbage. The scourge was reclined in a La-Z-Boy, his face cloaked in shadow. He spoke again, and the girlish voice was a shock. â€Å"Have a seat, beautiful. I suppose you’re that girl from the brothel that I called for three months ago. I’d almost given up on you, baby.† Wendy quickly decided not to contradict the huge man. She figured that it’d be more interesting for her paper, if she let him think she was a prostitute. She could always run out, she reasoned. She nodded quickly, and he shifted in his recliner, sending vibrations resounding around the hovel. â€Å"Sweet thing, come closer so Herbie can see you, honey.† Wendy gulped uncomfortably and moved closer to the scourge, which was a bad idea. It was sickening, being this close. The scourge was wearing just a red sequined thong, which was protruding dangerously tight in the front, threatening to split at any moment. He had exactly four long greasy hairs on the top of his bald head, and hair grew in oddly shaped patches on his legs and chest. His nipples were pierced with safety pins, and rolls of fat hung off his body. He weighed three hundred pounds. He had a long sparsely haired goatee in the Fu Manchu style. Bits of moldy food were hanging at various places on the goatee. His eyes were beady and calculating. He had thin wet lips, which he licked constantly. He also wore a pair of shocking pink and dirty brown argyle socks pulled up to his calves. His nose was more of a pig snout than a nose, and he had exactly seven brown, crooked teeth in his mouth.

Mrs. Kr

How long are the Florida Keys? Ans:106 Miles 2. Name the ten keys highlighted at this site. Ans:Key Largo, Islamorada, Long Key, Key West, Marathon, Big Pine, Tavernier, Grassy Key, Bahia Honda, Little Torch Key 3. Which key is known as the diving capital of the world? Ans:Key Largo is known as the driving capital of the world 4. Briefly describe the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Ans: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a spectacular underwater park. There is a nature trail inside the park.In the parks visitors center you are introduced to the underwater beauty of sea life 5. Describe parasailing. Explain what determines how high a rider can go. In one sentence, explain if and why you would like to try it. Ans:Parasailing involves the use of a parachute and a boat. The elevation of the rider is controlled by the speed of the boat and the amount of cable. I wouldn’t try parasailing because I’m scared of heights 6. What are the three sections of t he Florida Keys? Ans:Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys 7. Identify the key whose name means â€Å"purple isle. † Ans:Islamorada 8.List the key known as the sport fishing capital of the world. Ans:Islamorada 9. What part of Florida is known as the backcountry? Ans:Florida Bay 10. Name the largest U. S. park east of the Rocky Mountains. When and why was this park established? Ans:Everglades National Park is the largest U. S. park east of the Rocky Mountain. It was established in 1947† to preserve the primitive conditions† of certain wetlands extending from the Florida mainland 11. List some activities available in Everglades National Park. Ans:Ranger-led walks and talks. Boat tours. Hiking, biking and canoe trails. Back country camping and fishing 2. What was Tavernier Key used for in the eighteenth century? Ans:Wrecker used it as their base during the day, but at night they searched its reef for valuable goods from ships that had urn aground and sank13. Which key is both smaller and less developed than its neighbors, and what is its best asset? Ans:Long Key is the smaller and less developed than its neighbors. Its best asset is that it offers seclusion and ready access to activities on neighboring keys. 14. Name the first and second longest bridges in the Florida Keys. Ans:The longest bridge is the 7-mile bridge; Long Key bridge is second 5. How did Marathon get its name? Ans: Helping to build the tracks for a railroad in the middle of the keys, a worker commented that the job was a marathon 16. How many bridges connect the Florida Keys? Ans:42 17. Which bridge appeared in the movie True Lies? Ans:7 mile bridge 18. What is a botel? Ans:a floating motel room with dockage for a guest’s boat 19. In addition to Marathon, which other key has a commercial airport? Ans:Key West 20. What are the tiny, white-tailed deer on Big Pine Key called? Ans:Key Deer 21. What attraction does Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary have for tourists?Ans:P eople think it is the most spectacular coral reef in the Lower Keys. People enjoy snorkeling, skin diving, fishing, and boating. 22. What two corals does the article about the sanctuary mention? Ans:elkorn coral and massive star coral 23. How did Little Torch Key get its name? Ans:It was named after the torchwood tree 24. Which key is known in Spanish as Cayo Hueso? What does the name mean, and how did the key get this name? Ans:Key West is known in Spanish as Cayo Hueso, Which means â€Å" island of bones† Spanish explorers gave the key this name because they found the skeletal remains of Indians there 25. How far is Key West from Cuba?Ans:90 miles 26. What role did Key West serve before Fidel Castro came to power? Ans:it was a stopping for travelers between the United States and Cuba 27. What are some attractions of Duval Street? Ans:Sloppy Joes, Dival Street extends into art distract 28. Briefly describe the Hemingway Days Festival. Ans:The festival is in honor of Ernest H ernigway, who once lived in Key West. It includes a Hemingway look-alike contest 29. What happens during Sunset Fest? Ans:Every night people watch the sunset while being entertained by musicians and carnival acts 30. How do the locals refer to the Florida Keys and Key West? Ans:Paradise

Corrections Paper Essay

The criminal justice system is responsible for enforcing the laws created at each level of government. A major part of enforcing the laws is detaining the people who break them. The way that an offender is punished for a crime can be different depending on age or the type of crime committed. Depending on the age of the offender they could go through the juvenile or adult corrections system. Each system has levels like parole and probation built in to help rehabilitate the offender. Another form of corrections that is used is community corrections. This form allows citizens to help with the corrections process while giving offenders a second chance. Over time each level of corrections has evolved by evaluating the trends and examining different demands on the corrections system. Consistently evolving allows the corrections system to punish and rehabilitate offenders while keeping society safe. Past, present, and future trends pertaining to the development and operation of institutiona l and community based corrections When it comes to community corrections programs that oversee outside of jail or prison, and are administered by agencies or courts with the legal authority to enforce sanctions. Community corrections include probation, which is correctional supervision within the community rather than jail or prison, and parole which is a period of conditional, supervised release from prison.   In the early colonial criminal law there was a curious mix of religion, English barbarity, and pragmatism. Most punishments were public and involved either quick, corporal tortures or more prolonged humiliation. Among the punishments designed to deter crime by inflicting pain, the colonials often used the whipping post, branding and maiming, gags, and device known as the ducking stool. The latter device was essentially a chair connected to a pulley system where â€Å"slanderers†, â€Å"makebayts†, â€Å"chyderers†, brawlers, and women of light carriage were restrained and they repeatedly plunged into a convenient body of water (jthomasniu.org/PDF/prisonhistory111.pdf) Probation and parole are integral to criminal and juvenile justice in the states. Provides a wide variety of services that are critical to the effective and efficient operation of almost every aspect of the justice system, ranging from law enforcement to sentencing to the release of offenders from confinement into the community. These community corrections agencies conduct investigations to support judicial and parole decision making operate residential and secure custodial facilities and parole free labor to local organizations through community service programs, probation and parole are best known for their role in the supervision of offenders in the community. Probation and parole agencies are part of a large, complex and interdependent array of governmental, nonprofit, and private agencies and organizations that comprise the criminal and juvenile justice systems. No aspect of the work of probation and parole can be considered in isolation, as they are affected by and have an impa ct on many other agencies. With that being said there are strategic trends they will and can use in the future. Collaboration and partnership for example the drug court and other specially â€Å"treatment courts.† Results Driven Management requires a substantial investment of agency time and resources. The agency mission, goals and measures must be articulated and agreed upon. The Re- Emergence of Rehabilitation both was founded on the principle that offenders could change and that the correctional system, and probation and parole officers in particular, had a central role in helping the officer change. With technology when it comes to sex offenders the software is available that can monitor the offender’s computer use and report to the probation or parole officer what Internet sites the offender have visited. Correctional organization and administration functions that reflect fiscal demands The organization and administration functions of jails, prisons, probation, parole, juvenile and community corrections that reflect the operational and fiscal demands are in the many programs, services, and staffs that make these forms of correction run on a daily basis (Burrell, 2003). With jails and prisons facing an increasing overpopulation problem, with less staff, and budget cuts m ore and more probation, parole, and community corrections are becoming a solution (manhattan-institute.org, 2000). Parole and  probation function through their operation programs such as their case classification system (Burrell, 2003). This system allows the parole board to classify which cases should be considered for early release and which ones should not. Once a case is determined to be eligible for parole, then probation uses the case classification system to decide if the case is high risk or low risk (manhattan-institute.org, 2000). Community corrections becomes a part of the parole and probation services once the inmate is released into the community by â€Å"operating residential and secure custodial facilities and provide free labor to local organizations through community service programs, probation and parole are best known for their role in the supervision of offenders in the community† (Burrell, 2003, p. 1). The administration in jails, prisons, parole, probation, and community corrections have many different issues to deal with daily. Corrections face overcrowding, downsi zing of staff, budget cuts, and training issues. To combat these difficult issues administrators use the many departments within the system. It starts with the central office that overseas all of corrections within the state (Peak, 2010). The central office is run by a secretary; under the secretary is the prison director. The prison director is responsible for â€Å"setting policy for all wardens to follow in terms of how the institutions should be managed and inmates treated as well as overseeing â€Å"public or media affairs coordinators, legislative liaisons, legal advisers, and internal affairs representatives† (Peak, 2010, p. 246). The public or media affairs coordinators are responsible for getting information to the public. Legislative liaisons are responsible for helping to bring new laws and needs for new laws to the attention of the state. Legal advisers make sure that no laws have been broken and take care of any impending lawsuits. Internal affairs representatives ensure that ethical behavior is maintained within the correctional system (Peak, 2010). Every jail, prison, parole, probation, and community corrections are under the watch of the central office of the state which is how these department s of corrections operate and function. Security and Technology functions with correctional environments Security is very important with the correctional department. It prevents inmates from escaping jails or prisons, and it also prevents  contraband from entering the facility. When contraband enters the facility, a crime can be committed against other inmates. A Baltimore inmate allegedly acquired a cell phone, ordered an arrangement on another inmate, and would pay the murderer $2500 (Bulman, 2009). To prevent such incidents from happening, jails and prisons are bringing new security measures into the establishments. One such technology is using body scanners, often found in the United States airports. These scanners can scan through clothes and detect any contraband trying to be smuggled into the jail or prison. â€Å"The system was tested and evaluated at Graterford, a maximum-security facility that houses about 3,100 inmates outside Philadelphia† (Bulman, 2009, para 2) and officials working within the prison believed the trial using the body scanners were successful in fin ding contraband. Prisons and jails also use hand-held devices called WANDD. This hand-held device scans inmates, or visitors, and detects non-metallic items, such as plastic or wood items. A prototype was tested in the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, and it was able to detect objects such as plastic knives, cell phones, guns, and even credit cards through various types of fabric (Bulman, 2009). Correctional staff is also using some of the latest technology available to track inmate’s movements within a prison or jail called radio frequency identification technology. A little chip is attached to some objects, most often a wristband, and correctional staff can track the movements of each inmates. It also alerts prison staff when a large amount of inmates are gathered within any area within the jail or prison. â€Å"Movement information can be stored in computers and could prove useful in investigations to determine who was present in a certain part of a building at a particular time† (Bulman, 2009, para. 18). Management and control Managing a jail or a prison is not an easy task. Anyone working within these environments must be able to manage a large number of inmates while controlling them at any given time. Correctional guards are the ones who will be in direct contact with inmates. If they become too friendly with inmates or are not paying attention, a situation can occur suddenly. Staying alert and maintaining control is imperative because inmates can read correctional guards easily. Inmates can learn the habits of their guards if the guards maintain the same routine daily. Ethical rights are one of the key factors to  managing a prison or a jail. Even though these inmates have committed a crime, they still human rights. Understanding that aspect of managing a prison may be hard for some people in charge. All individuals visiting, working, or the inmates themselves should be respected to a degree. Having this type of approach to prison or jail management is does not represent a liberal outlook on the system or a ‘soft view.’ Many people who m have worked in different prisons throughout the world, believe this approach works in prison and jail management because they view the inmates as humans (Coyle, 2009). Educational and Treatment Programs Most individuals incarcerated in Jails, prisons, and community correction centers have little or no education. These individuals often commit crimes to support themselves or their families. These individuals are arrested and sentences to incarceration for their crimes. After release, they continue lacking the education and skills to find legal employment and return to lives of crime to support themselves and family. This is a vicious cycle that has led to extreme overpopulation in correctional facilities. Juveniles commit crimes for several different reasons. Some juveniles commit crimes to support their families, some because of peer pressure, and some just to relieve boredom. Whether these adults and juveniles commit crimes because of lack of education and opportunity or from juvenile ignorance and boredom the solution remains the same, education. â€Å"Studies conducted over the last two decades almost unanimously indicate that higher education in prison programs reduces recidivism and translates into reductions in crime, savings, and long-term contributions to the safety and well-being of the communities to which formerly incarcerated people return.† (â€Å"Why Prison Education?† n.d.) (para. 1). The Institute for Higher Education Policy conducted a study in 2011. This study showed that seven in ten people incarcerated will commit further crime upon release and half of these individuals will be incarcerated again within three years (â€Å"Why Prison Education?† n.d.). The results of many studies show the solution to be a seemingly simple one, education equals increased employment, and increased employment equals reduced recidivism. Each facility, prison, jail, community corrections, and juvenile detention offers a different type of education to inmates. Prisons typically house individuals for longer  p eriods of time than other correctional facilities. Because of the lengthy stay prisons are able to offer inmates many more services. In most prisons classes are offered to teach inmates basic skills of language, reading, and math. These skills are developed upon to help the individual obtain a General Education Diploma (GED). Some prisons, such as those in California, offer incentive programs to inmates seeking education. These individuals can earn up to six weeks per year reduction in their sentence for completing educational classes. They also offer sentence reduction for learning vocational skills, such as firefighting and increase the reduction time earned if the skills are used within the facility (â€Å"Cdcr Implements Public Safety Reforms to Parole Supervision, Expanded Incentive Credits For Inmates†, 2010). Some prisons are attempting to begin pilot programs involving distance learning. They can help the inmates to obtain financial assistance to complete online college courses and earn degrees before release. Jails an d community corrections typically do not house inmates for extended periods of time. Jails are often only able to help inmates to begin the learning process or assist in learning the basic skills of language, reading, math, and GED preparation. Many jails can help inmates in beginning the programs and guiding them toward other facilities and organizations who can further assist them upon release. Community corrections often have more flexibility and can offer a more varied selection of learning opportunities to individuals. Because fewer restrictions are involved they can sometimes offer vocational training or strict and structured on-the-job training. Probation and parole individuals usually have advancing their education as part of their probation or parole contract. Most are required to attend GED classes and strongly urged to obtain a GED. Many states require probation officers to receive training concerning how to best assist their clients in furthering their education, job training, and job placement. Probation officers will often assist clients in locating emp loyment that often involves on-the-job training. Aside from education, almost all facilities offer drug or substance abuse programs. Many also offer counseling for anger management and other counseling issues or direct individuals to organizations who are able to assist with these issues. While adults in the criminal justice system are often punished as well as rehabilitated, the justice system  typically places focus on rehabilitation where juveniles are concerned. Juveniles commit crimes for a variety of reasons and most studies show education to be the solution to recidivism prevention. Juveniles are required to continue their education while in detention. Juveniles are also typically provided with addiction counseling, social skills training, and mental health counseling. The older juveniles are encouraged and often assisted with obtaining higher education. They are also provided with job training and job search skills. References Bulman, P. (2009). Using Technology to Make Prison and Jails Safer. Retrieved from http://www.nij.gov/journals/262/Pages/corrections-technology.aspx CDCR Implements Public Safety Reforms to Parole Supervision, Expanded Incentive Credits for Inmates. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/News/Press_Release_Archive/2010_Press_Releases/Jan_21.html Correctional Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/correctional-education.html Coyle, A. (2009). A Human Rights Approach to Prison Management. Retrieved from http://www.prisonstudies.org/sites/prisonstudies.org/files/resources/downloads/ handbook_2nd_ed_eng_8.pdf U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement. (1994). Literacy Behind Prison Walls. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/pubs94/94102.pdf Why Prison Education?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://prisonstudiesproject.org/why-prison-education-programs/

A Maya Village: The Folk-Urban Continuum Essay

The â€Å"folk-urban continuum† model elaborated by Robert Redfield continues to reappear from time to time in various guises. The concept of the continuum has been attacked as being simplistic, and overgeneralized, not least because many geographers have detected village-type communities within large cities. Redfield’s speculations about what he saw as the significant changes from the folk to the urban end of the continuum are based on studies conducted in the Yucatan during the early 1930s. It’s essential elements focus on the fact that as a community moves from the folk to the urban end of the continuum, there occur shifts from cultural intimacy and organization to disorganization. Along with this there is collective or community orientation to individualization; and the sacred to the secular. Folk cultures are borne by small, closely-integrated social units or by aggregates of such units which have already worked out satisfactory mutual adjustments. Redfield characterized the folk societies he had been studying as traditional, spontaneous, and uncritical where men follow similar lifestyles. These patterns remain clear throughout the generations. In sum, the folk society holds its traditions to heart and doesn’t question their way of life. These lifestyles are practically sacred. In modern civilization, on the other hand, the small social units are being broken down, giving place to masses of individuals who are much more loosely interrelated than the members of the former local groups and classes. In modern civilizations, culture is being reduced. Our own civilization is simply a blend of differences which he must choose. The concepts of folk religion and folk belief–at least when filtered through Redfield’s categories–are descriptive anthropological categories meant to aid in the attempt to understand the conditions and development of certain kinds of society. In part, Redfield’s concept of folk or peasant culture was meant to provide an alternative to the division of societies into primitive and modern categories. The concept relied on a distinction between â€Å"an isolated primitive community, which has for context only that community and its local and immediate culture,† and the peasant community and its culture, where â€Å"the context is widened to include the elements of the great traditions that are or have been in interaction with what is local and immediate.† Folk beliefs referred to a body of belief and practice forming part of a community’s local knowledge. As a result, they tended to occupy a region close to the cosmology and common sense of the group, rather than the domain occupied by a consciously accepted creed. Redfield wants to look at cultural change, in the ways that varying degrees of contact with â€Å"civilization† differentially affects â€Å"folk culture† throughout the Yucatan. The Chan Kom study was the first step in a project funded by the Carnegie Institution to look at the question of culture change. The project was to begin by studying † a community where folk culture was complete†. This is Chan Kom. Then, for comparison, the study was to go on to look at â€Å"communities where that culture is in disorganization or conversion into something else†. Eventually, this project would encompass four towns and would place them in a â€Å"folk-urban continuum†.