lord of the rings :: essays research papers

The Fellowship of the Rings   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I read The Fellowship of the Rings for my book report. It is the first book to the Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien. The settings in this book changed many times from the hills of the Shire where the hobbits live, to the deep darkness of the mines of Moria. The book takes place in a place called Middle Earth, which is described by Tolkien as a mysterious place full of good and evil. The way Tolkien described each place is amazing and it is as if u were looking at a picture and copping it down into your head. The Shire, a peaceful place, full of little people, known as hobbits. The hobbits are friendly folk who don’t pay attention to the outside world. They live in little holes dug in the sides of hills. The hobbits have large gardens of, pipe weed, corn, and their favorite, potatoes. The hobbits are used to their everyday life, and are very content with the lack of adventure. Most do not travel farther then Bree. Bree is a small town mixed with big and little people, (men and hobbits) who live together through the hard time that trouble the old town. The Forest of Lothorien is where the elves live in peace, hidden for the evil not far off. The forest is very magical and full of beautiful trees. The trees were described to have silver bark and rich golden leaves. These were the homes of the elves that had built platforms in the center of the trees, like tree houses. In Lothorien the weather is always as if it were a warm spring day even in the dead of winter. Lothorien is unaffected by time, as if the days just repeat them selves but the people go on with their lives. The lady of the land, Galadriel, has another magical ring that the dark lord is seeking. The magic ring kept the forest protected and healthy along with everyone that lived there. Darkness, silence, emptiness describes the Mines of Moria. The mines cut through the Misty Mountains, and connect the fields of Rohan to the forest of Lothorien. The mines were abandon by the dwarfs in a war with the orcs, who worked for a wizard who wanted the same ring that the dark lord wanted. The are many passages that were crafted bye the dwarves to mines and lookouts but only one way out.

Euphemisms: Nineteen Eighty-four and Politically Correct Language Essay

Euphemisms are everywhere in today’s society. They are a daily accessory used in today’s language and are such a normalcy that one does not notice them as strange. For hundreds of years people have used language to persuade people or even nations. With the more advanced society gets so does the language and thus this persuasion gets even more convincing. Many novels show examples of euphemisms. Among those novels includes 1984 by George Orwell. Euphemisms can range from being used in politics to media campaigns to one’s own home. Also, they can be used for multiple purposes such as good or evil. Euphemisms usually distort the truth and mislead although some are motivated by kindness (â€Å"Making Murder Respectable†). â€Å"Euphemisms are coded expressions that we use when whatever we are referring to is considered inappropriate for the circumstances or when we are embarrassed or uncomfortable with the literal version. As one might expect, many euphemisms relate to sex or death† (â€Å"Euphemisms†). There have been multiple arguments that euphemisms help make people more sensitive and politically correct while others say it hinders and clouds the language, diverting people’s true meaning. Euphemisms can either be bad or good but it is important to know when and also where to draw the line in using this language. In Orwell’s novel 1984 euphemisms is so prevalent and the language used in that book is so distorted, at first, from what today’s society uses. Then, as a longer look is taken there are connections made between the language of today and the language that the government in book created. In 1984, there are two languages; Oldspeak and Newspeak. Newspeak is the language that the government wants to be the only source of communication. They have altered Oldspeak into this new language and made it very simple and small. This helps guarantee that people will not b e able to communicate any elaborate ideas that could hurt the government. Along with shortening the language they have eliminated words that have a bad connotation and replaced them with words that sound â€Å"happier† just with rules of usage to imply they are bad (Orwell). This is a prime example of euphemisms are how it can be taken to extremes. Within the book there are specific examples such as The Ministry of Truth, which is a section of the government that makes sure that no truth is actually revealed and is based upon lies (Orwell). All of the euphemisms in the book are used to control people without them being aware what is actually happening. In today’s society euphemisms are used but they do not always have an underlying goal of evil. This language technique is so commonly used that is does not seem strange or manipulative. People who believe euphemisms or politically correct language are good tend think that they provide many virtues. Two of them are that they help reduce the social acceptability of using offensive terms and that they discourage the reflexive use of words that import a negative stereotype, thereby promoting conscious thinking about how to describe others fairly on their merits (O’Neill). Although this seems like a pleasant idea eventually the words chosen to soften the subject will still mean the same thing and eventually become just as offensive. A bully who used to call a kid retarded is still going to hurt his feelings when he calls him differently abled with a harsh tone (O’Neill). Just as calling a woman big boned opposed to fat will still make her upset if seemed to be used in a negative connotation. Not only are euphemisms used in America but also around the world included China, Japan, Egypt and Russia. Oral sex is referred to as â€Å"playing the bamboo flute† in Japanese. A prostitute accosting a client on the streets of Cairo will ask â€Å"Fi hadd bitaghsal hudoumak† which literally means, â€Å"Do you have someone to wash your clothes† (Making Murder Respectable). This proves that euphemisms have been around a long time and are not something new.Orwell did mention that euphemisms can be sneaky and coercive while cloaking a decision’s unpleasant results. This is exampled in news about war when soldiers or just civilians have died and it is referred to as â€Å"collateral damage† (Making Murder Respectable). It has been argued if euphemisms are good or bad but it mostly depends on the extent of use and the situation in which is it veiling. There is no doubt that euphemisms will continue to be used in today’s society and for future generations to come. Works Citied â€Å"Euphemisms.† Euphemisms. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. â€Å"Making Murder Respectable.† The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 17 Dec. 2011. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. O’Neill, Ben. â€Å"A critique of politically correct language† The Free Library 22 September 2011. 06 November 2012 Orwell, George. 1984: a novel. New York, N.Y.: Published by Signet Classic :, 1977. Print.

A Quick Review of the United States Media Ownership Essay

This paper is an affirmation that I support the criticism of McChesney that the United States is remotely close to a democratic society in terms of the many making the core political decision. Many key decisions are the province of the corporate sector and most decision made by the government are influenced by powerful special interests with little public awareness or input. According to Wellstone, the media is no ordinary channel of communication between the government and the public (Wellstone, 2008, p. 1). He also affirmed that the media is lifeblood of democracy in America (Wellstone, 2008, p. 1). It is not denied that without the media, the free flow of important news and information relating to the democratic process will be affected. It will weaken the democratic chain of the country and eventually affect the economic, political and cultural development of the country. In connection with these, it is evident that during the 21st century, there were many instances that media mergers occurred in the political and social arena of the United States (Wellstone, 2008, p. 1). Because of that, the fast and dynamic concentration of domination over the United States, media mergers posed a troubling issue for American  system  of  representative  democracy  (Wellstone,  2008,  p.  1).  Scheisel mentioned that the news and information that SBC Communications Incorporated would take and own the Ameritech Corporation greatly shifts the equilibrium relating to power in the United States telecommunications industry (Scheisel, 2008, p. 1). As a result, some political analysts predicted that such announcement, which was motivated by the exploration for savings and financial power, would attach fuel to the already shattering engine of mergers in the communications industry (Scheisel, 2008, p. 1). Moreover, Shah added that traditionally, the media is the foundation of information anticipated to let the public recognize on how the government was operated by their chosen public officials. If there is any hint of bias and chaos in the operation of these means of communication, the democratic chain of the society will weaken. In short, the people will no longer know the exact claims and actuations of the representatives they intended to govern for their welfare. Our awareness of the issue must include the fact that media omissions, distortion, inaccuracy and bias is a little recognized by many people outside the USA, and is gradually understood more and more within the American nation (Nadir, 2005. p. 1). This is an alarming report because in the first place our primary concern should rest on the effective communication between the government and the governed. Essentially, giant telecommunication companies like the AT&T, Pacific Telesis Group, and others that works within a democratic society can greatly stir the way we live. Since we are used to listen, ponder, debate, comment and criticize the different conduct and activities of our political leaders, genuine and exact public information is vital to us. Yet, would that be possible if there will be bias in sending information out of private interests kept by these giant companies? The answer is in the negative. Ordinary citizens, that depends on proper governmental exercise of power need to know that it is merger in the media and entertainment industries that should alarm us most. We affirm that we depend on the media greatly because we need to have access to every idea, opinions, comments, criticisms and many other things that our political leaders profess in public (Wellstone, 2008, p. 1). It is also affirmed that our dependence on the media is due to the necessity of holding concentrated power, it may be public or private, to be accountable to the people in general (Wellstone, 2008, p. 1). As explained by Wellstone what we need then is a wide diversity of ownership and control of the media since it will result to proper performance of the aforementioned functions. Mizruchi discussed a very important topic in support of the claim that the democratic strength of the country can be affected on media merger including the dominion of giant corporations in the government control. It was stated that a few groups of people known as interest groups performing greater functions as heads of enormous organizations existed nowadays (Mizruchi, 2008, p. 60). These people have the power to build, and destroy communities as well as to generate great productivity and wealth (Mizruchi, 2007, p. 60). Yet, unfortunately they also exist to control the distribution of that wealth without regard for those who elected them like the stockholders or those who depended on them like the larger public (Mizruchi, 2008, p. 60). I line with that, post-capitalist society is a new system that is known as a further extension of democracy. In this system, there was a widespread dispersal of stockholders and corporations are publicly controlled (Mizruchi, 2008, p. 60). As such Misruchi found in his study of political behavior among huge companies in the US that inter-firm connections shaped by such factors as economic interdependence, common ownership were associated with the extent to which firms engaged in similar political behavior. This scenario is hoped to be maintained so that the people could be freed from bias operation of telecommunication companies. Shah shared to us that for a democratic country to succeed; people must be given the best opportunity to participate in decision-making and policy at least by means of their public opinion (Shah, 2007, p. 1). Yet, what is happening today as viewed by Shah is the increasing denial by giant telecommunication industry of true and accurate information in favor of the general public (Shah, 2007, p. 1). Most likely, if there is merger in giant telecommunication companies, the tendency is that they are not going to give accurate information if it will hurt or affect the elite owners and operators of the same (Shah, 2007, p. 1). Finally, in order to maintain the strength of our democratic processes, we must see to it that there is a wide diversity of ownership and control of the media. Governmental policies aimed to solve this problem must be formulated and implemented in such a way that it reflects that move.   References Mizruchi, M. (2008). Berle and Means Revisited: The Governance and Power of Large U. S. Corporations. United States of America: Univesity of Michigan. Nadir, R. Common Dreams. Org: News Center. (2005 April 26). Lack of Democracy in the United States. Retrieved June 19, 2008, from http://www.commondreams.org  /views05/0426-30.htm. Schiesel, S. The New York Times. . (2008, June 19). Telephone Giant: The Deal; $ 62 Billion Deal To Shift Balance in Phone Industry. Retrieved June 19, 2008, from http://query.nytimes.com./gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE2D81630F931A25756C0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all> Shah, A. (2007 April 1). Global Issues. Media in the United States. Retrieved June 19, 2008, from http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/USA.asp. Wellstone, P. RobertMcChesney.Com. (2008). Media and Democracy. Retrieved June 19, 2008, from http://www.robertmcchesney.com/wellstone.html.

Industrial Development and Western Expansion’s Effect on US Farmers Essay

True, the United States of America’s surge in industrial development and western expansion were indeed crucial factors that led to protests by farmers. This is evidenced by many different events that occurred during the time when industrialization was most in focus in the United States. This onset of industrial boom occurred some time between the 18th century and the 20th century. The fist thing that should be tackled here in order for one to understand the truth behind the initial statement of this essay is the Western United States. This refers to the westward expansion of the United States. Because of the demand for more land, the rich prairie lands of the west proved to be a lucrative source for larger areas of development. Many chose to pursue a life in the west and resided there. America’s expansion towards its west allowed more than 400 million acres of free land to be utilized for whatever purposes could be thought of by its new owners. This had numerous implications for the American citizen, most especially to the American farmer. Land became available in bulk over night. However, despite this availability, farmers and farm labor decreased by at least 30% during this stage. This decrease in production may have been due to the increase in individuals who could provide satisfaction to the market’s demand for agricultural products. Thus greater production also led to lower costs for the said products on the agricultural market. Farmers found themselves unable to compete with this change. The industrial development which had already begun at that time also contributed to this. Farmers found themselves unable to deal with industrialization. The industrialization of the agricultural industry meant new innovations, new machines. Some of these innovations included railroads which allowed the harvested agricultural products to reach the market more quickly. Other innovations such as the refrigerator allowed for preservation of the produce. Farm yields now reached more distant places but could also now be processed in factories to last longer. This meant that the farmers were up against a major competitor in the food industry, markets and globalization. Local family farms found themselves unable to keep up with the tide of new instruments. Although machines were available for them to work more efficiently such as the reaper, the steal plow, and the harvester, these were not enough for the greater capabilities of factories and national manufacturers. The marginalization of the individual farmer in the face of westward expansion and industrial development brought much distress and discontent. Protests were held and many voiced their frustration at the economical change that seemed to have happened over night. Farmer organizations such as The Grange and Farmers Alliance were established. These worked to demand regulations, protective tariffs, trade policies, conservative monetary policies and the like. It is clear from the evidence given that westward expansion and industrial development truly were factors in the protests of farmers. Whether these two issues proved to have good results in the long run is a different matter. It is sufficient to say that these caused much discontent in farmers at the time enough so that they rose in protest. References Cowan, Ruth Schwartz (1997) A Social History of American Technology, New York: Oxford University Press Hindle, B. & Lubar, S. (1986) Engines of change: the American industrial revolution, Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press Meyer, D. (1989). Midwestern industrialization and the american manufacturing belt in the ineteenth century. The Journal of Economic History, 49(4), 921-937 Shannon, F. (1950). The status of the midwestern farmer in 1900. The Mississippi Valley Historical Review, 37(3), 491-510

Audrey Hepburn and Personality Theories

Audrey Hepburn and Her Personality Theories Psy/300 Audrey Hepburn and Her Personality Theories Audrey Hepburn was born in 1929 in Brussels Belgium during a time of economic hardship and personal strife. Her life took an amazing twist from her once food deprived, fatherless, war frenzied, childhood and adolescent years by becoming a 20th century icon. She withheld perseverance for life that drove her into the Land of the Free and ironically into the luxurious world of film-making by becoming one of the most wanted actresses in Hollywood.Through her trials, tribulations, heredity and the surrounding environments this paper will explain how they contributed to molding her personality and what made her such a unique individual. Audrey had very little emotional support or family influence as a child. Her father left her, bother and mother when she was six years of age. Her mother was forced to raise two children on her own in a time of war with ample ways in which to concentrate on emoti onal ties or even fundamental ways to nurture the children. Audrey once quoted that after her father left that she was â€Å"devastated and had no one left to cuddle with. (Flonder, 1998) Being that it was such a difficult time in history Audrey and the influences around her where forced to work harder than the average person does in a life time. She was raised morally by her Mother in that they worked hard for what they needed in order to survive. Once the war was over her and her family even made geographical moves in order prosper and achieve their goals. It was also documented that during the war she was a messenger for her allies against the enemies reflecting that she was culturally influenced at an early age to fight for those that she trusted and believed in.Although there was opportunity to steal and pillage her and her, family and friends went so hungry at times that â€Å"they ate tulip bulbs in order to stay alive. † (Flonder, 1998) There are several theories in the study of psychology that suggest how a personality is formed and what creates it’s unique characteristics in which drive a person to act a particular way in certain environments and while interacting with others. In Audrey Hepburn’s case the Objective Relation Theory and the infamous Sigmund Freud theory of Psycho-dynamic best fit her characteristics and actions by what is recorded of her life history and personal quotes.Objective Relation Theorist focus on the ways in which people cope with their feelings (defenses) and adapt to reality while trying to fulfill their needs (ego-centric). (Kowalski & Weston, 2011) It also suggests that people whom develop their personality in this way by environment and life events have an extreme inability to trust relationships. It is a progressive movement toward a more mature relatedness to others. (Kowalski & Weston, 2011) The personality of Audrey Hepburn is reflected in this theory in several ways.Her two divorces might have stemmed from the desertion of her father or the result the enemies and horrors that she encountered during the war. The two divorces suggest signs of maladaptive interpersonal problems by having conflicts with others. The two divorces may also be the way that she coped with not having trust for the men in her life and a short lived childhood. She once mentioned that she had â€Å"very little youth, few friends in the usual teenage way and no security. Is it no wonder I became an interior sort of person? I think I was older in those days than I am now. (Flonder, 1998) As mentioned above the Objective Relation Theory also focuses on a person’s ego or how much one thinks of oneself. Audrey was a very giving person in the literal sense. She was said to be a fantastic mother of two boys and quoted â€Å"all that I ever really wanted to be was a mother†. (Flonder, 1998) As a way to pay it forward to those that helped feed her during the war she also gave tirelessly to child ren of other countries by becoming the Ambassador to the United Nations International Children’s Fund. Therefore, she could give to others effortlessly although she suffered from signs of ego-centrism and self- preoccupation.With the events of her past she yearned to be loved and even with great success by the worlds view as an Academy Award winner she continued to search for the truth behind true internal happiness. The Psycho-dynamic Theory concludes that people are motivated by wishes and fears which Audrey had many of and displayed openly that they both drove her in many ways. She actually changed her name to Audrey as to not face the name of her past as well as by wishing for a better life with her new identity. Audrey quoted â€Å"Edna had been through enough already. † (Flonder, 1998) This theory also places emphasis on how ne’s personality takes formation during early development and is highly affected by the role of their parents. (Burton & Davey, 2006) Audrey clearly had an early physical and loving attachment to her father to state that â€Å"she had no one to cuddle with† once he was gone. (Flonder, 1998) Without this early attachment achieved her recognition of autonomy and self conscious freedom would have been meaningless. (Kowalski & Weston 2011) At this early stage of her development with her father she was able to form such strong desires to love and care for her children beyond what her Mother could honestly provide.She also showed a strong desire to have close harmonious connections by being very socially active as well as caring for those in needs. As well, in her latter stages of life she did eventually fall in love and stay in a committed relationship up until her death in 1993. (Flonder, 1998) In all, the Psycho-dynamic Theory best describes the personality of Audrey Hepburn. Although she faced many challenges during her life in the face of adversity through the progression of her life she did overcome them i n healthy ways.And although the desertion of her father left her unable to trust and searching for love she was able to form some loving bonds with people throughout her life. To support this theory as well one of her most famous quotes is â€Å"people need to be loved, restored and redeemed. Never throw out anyone. † (Erwin & Diamond, 2006 ) Audrey Hepburn had a multifaceted personality due to the relationships that she had as child and established during adolescent but she stayed true to her morals and was striven for answers that would improve her as to overcome her past.She appeared to be kind and loving towards the people that meant the most to her in her life. Those that encounter her briefly also suggest that she was a â€Å"giving and elegant spirit† (Erwin & Diamond, 2006 ) simply working towards a better life for herself and mankind. References Kowalski, R. & Weston, D. (2011). Psychology (6th ed. ) Hoboken, NJ: Whiley. 2004 Flonder, P. Biography. The Immorta l Audrey Hepburn Aug98, Vol. 2 Issue 8, p46. 8p. 19 Larsson, P. Counseling Psychology Review, Vol. 27, No. 1, March 2012 Erwin, E. , & Diamond, J. (2006). The Audrey Hepburn Treasures . New York, New York: Simon & Schuster, inc..

Journey in the Faculty of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Journey in the Faculty of Education - Essay Example From the knowledge and experience that I had gained I provided my students with study materials, answered their queries, conducted tests to ascertain their level of understanding of the subject and finally assessed the student’s performance. In addition to my principle role as an educator I also donned the role of a counselor and I strongly believe that through counseling teachers can develop reciprocal and supportive relations with students. From my experience I have learnt that in some cases teachers are expected to intervene and solve some problems connected with the student’s personal life due to its influence on the student’s academic performance. Being a counselor also implies giving the right motivation and encouragement to students. However, at times problems can arise if a student misunderstands such an encouragement from teachers and get too personal with the teacher. At such situations, I believe that it is the concerned teacher’s responsibility to make the student understand the limits of their relationship by effectively communicating their views. This would help to provide the right motivations for the students and prevent any form of deviant behavior. Such clarifications will make the educational process more effective and at the same time enjoyable for both the student and the teacher. It is common knowledge that a teacher’s roles is to be a bridge to the community. Apart from imparting academic knowledge, building character and behavior of the students, I also strongly believe that teachers need to teach community and societal responsibilities to their students. Teachers must teach their students to stick to the rules and norms of the society and community in which they live and duly perform their responsibilities. They should also provide moral and ethical underpinnings of life to their students. This would help children grow in to socially responsible individuals and prevent

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 47

History - Essay Example In over four hundred years ago, some of the settlers and Europeans coexisted peacefully, while others fought each other. Even today, many people are still migrating to America to seek a better life. Although slave trade is outdated, there is a high rise of illegal immigrants. Immigration is relevant in today’s world; it has a great impact on the economy. People who run factories, restaurants and farms, find immigrants helpful in their businesses. Immigrants are a cheap source of labor. Therefore, this means low operating costs, high profits, and low prices for commodities produced. For some Americans, immigrants are a hurt to the economy, for instance, high school drop outs who are seeking jobs say immigrants are interfering with the job entry level to take lower wages. Other groups in the society believe immigrants provide a great source of labor, which result to high yield. Immigrants spending on necessities like food, shelter and clothing leads to an increase in domestic gross product. Immigration has resulted to an increase in population, with an estimate of 82% increase from the immigrants. The immigrants come with a positive attitude to excel; they are known to be creative, industrious and adventurous. Many of the immigrants start their businesses that contribute to revenue. In social circles, racism is experienced towards the immigrants, especially the minority groups. For instance, racism exists between the Africa Americans and the non-white Latino immigrants. Attacks and fights have also been experienced between African immigrants and Africa Americans. Because of migration, religion has great diverse in America. For instance, increase in Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Politically, most of the immigrants associate with groups that address immigration issues. The issue of shared amenities is believed to strain a state with time. For instance, if water sources are not increased, then people will