My gendered story as a FEMALE/WOMAN Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Introduction Sex of a human being plays an essential role at every stage of his life. Gender of a person shapes most of the personal, professional, social and family aspects of his life. Moreover, the environment in which a person grows also contributes towards development of beliefs and outlook related to gender. My life story is not different. My environment and the family background have played a major role in making me a feminine person that I am today. I am a twenty year old female studying in college. I used to think that I am quite an ambitious person by nature. However, when I saw the determination and drive of some of my male friends, I realized that I lack the same amount of drive to achieve my ambition. I am quite flexible by nature and have adaptability in my behavior. Moreover, my choices and emotions are very feminine. I am affectionate and caring by nature and like to look ‘girly’. I do enjoy doing ‘girly things’ like being in clique, gossipi ng, wearing make up and aiming for shapely body. We will write a custom essay sample on My gendered story as a FEMALE/WOMAN or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now I even go through phases where I feel that my world will end if I go to a party with bad hair or inappropriate dress. Many of my decisions are based upon the gender influence on me. For example, when we have guests for dinner, my brothers go out to play very casually. However, I stay back to help my mother. If someone is sick at home, I display caring behavior and worry about that person. This behavior of mine has made me realize that I am a very ‘feminine’ girl. However, I also realize that what has made me a ‘feminine’ person is not just my gender but also the environment in which I was bought up. Gender and Society Gender can be defined as â€Å"the cultural expectations and societal arrangements by which men and women have different experiences in society† (Andersen 2). It was believed that with advancement in society and modernization of the world, perception about women will change and they will get equal treatment in the society. However, even today, there are many countries in the world where women get inferior treatment and their qualities are ignored. Different researches in the field of science have proved that there is great disparity and inconsistency in what people believe and what they actually end up doing (Mack et al. 13). Most often, people’s behavior is contradictory to their beliefs (Mack et al. 13). People in Western culture think that women and men are opposite and separate (Andersen 28) and hence, cannot be treated equally. Even in a developed country like the U. S., women are yet to get equal opportunities as men in different areas of life.

An Ocean Of Modesty And Lessons From My Mother - 1324 Words

A dash of grammar, an ocean of modesty and lessons from my mother One of the greatest philosophers that contributed to the Latin literature, Seneca, once said: â€Å"Non quia difficilia sunt non audemus, sed quia non audemus, difficilia sunt†, meaning: â€Å"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult†. (Seneca) Somewhere on a bookshelf, in an apartment, in a building, in a small town, in a not so well-known country, a first memory comes to mind: this small yellow old book which silently stood there waiting for my finger tips to discover it. â€Å"Seneca s philosophical writings† was the first philosophy book that I ever read. This book has changed my life from that first†¦show more content†¦I was raised in a Christian orthodox family, with a younger sister and an older brother. In the beginning, it was just me and my older brother, followed after a few years when we had a younger sister, that we cared for. My parents build a beautiful home for us, a home that brings into my soul only beautiful memories. I remember with great love my first few simple toys, which did have a true meaning for me. Back then, I did not know what a laptop was, or a mobile phone, or Facebook. Instead I knew what it meant to jump the rope with friends in front of the house or play hide and seek. During my childhood the choices of having a good time were quite limited. The children s programs on television were only on Saturday and Sunday, each 15 min long, and during the week we had short educational shows about 30 minutes long. Because of that and for the reason that our Mom didn’t want us to get bored, she would read us a story every night. I am so grateful for all the stories she read to us, because this made me dream and develop my thinking, since I thought that all the stories were real. The passion for studying, it all started at home, from my parents who remind me every day how important it is to learn. I remember how every Sunday night; my mother would ask me to prepare for a new week of school. She made this our ritual, as we would check together

Apocalypse Now And Heart Of Darkness Essay Example For Students

Apocalypse Now And Heart Of Darkness Essay Placed in various time periods and settings, the novel Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, and the movie Apocalypse Now, produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, both create the same mysterious journey with various similarties and differences. The journeys mystery lies in the scene; it is one down a river by boat, deep in the jungle. The jungle is populated mainly with wild animals and a few natives. The reason for the expedition is to search for a sick man named Kurtz, who is followed by the natives and his men from their previous missions. In Heart of Darkness, the journey to find Kurtz, who is an ivory trader who has gone too deep into the jungles of Africa in search of ivory, while in Apocalypse Now, Kurtz is a high-ranking officer in the military who has disobeyed orders and is now fighting the Vietnam war in Cambodia with his unit in his own fashion. The protagonists in both the novel and the movie go through various changes while on their mission to find Kurtz. Marlow, who is the rookie captain of a ship, slowly begins to envision Kurtz as an immortal figure. In the movie, Willards state of mind ranges from being a demented soldier to a crazed assassin. Although they are on the same mission, Marlow and Willard face terribly different factors that affect their journey. The difference of experiences, location, technology, communication, and mindset all affect each character in different ways. Although they may have faced varying environments, in the end the result was the same, Kurtz is discovered as a sick and possibly demented individual. Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now are two strikingly similar yet subtly different stories that end in the same fashion. Since Heart of Darkness was based in the 1890s, Marlow experiences many things due to the lack of modern amenities and modern technologies. For example, a damaged steamer delays Marlows journey for almost three weeks. The delay is caused because Marlow and his crew could not get the rivets they needed to fix the steamer. A phone or radio could have helped Marlow fix his steamer earlier and gotten onto the water quicker. Three weeks might have been the difference between life and death for Mr. Kurtz. Another example of a lack of communication is the communication between stations: Is he alone there? Yes, answered the manager; he sent his assistant down the river with a note to me in these terms: Clear this poor devil out of the country, and dont bother sending another more of that sort. I had rather be alone than have the kind of men you can dispose of with me. It was more than a year ago. Conrad 100 If the communication between stations would have been better, Marlow may have known the conditions the station was in, and the area around it. Information about Kurtzs authority over the natives also could have helped save the life of a member of Marlows crew. Communication with Kurtzs station would have benefited Marlow and his mission, by saving precious time and lives. Another modern amenity Marlow could have used were detailed maps and reconnaissance. These tools would have allowed Marlow access to solving geographic issues preventing him from reaching Kurtzs station, such as a sandbank and a grassy islet. The sandbank and the grassy islet were what caused Marlow and his crew to be sitting ducks for the natives to shoot at. The necessary modern amenities may have made Marlows journey a shorter and safer one. During the times in which Apocalypse Now is based, many aspects of daily life evolved. These changes have profoundly affected civilized life, while those still out in the jungle may not have felt any of these effects at all. Willard dealt with different issues than Marlow because technology solved the many problems that Marlow faced. Willard did not have to deal with a lack of communication or reconnaissance, all of this was provided by radio, phone, and reconnaissance planes. Willard also knew about the conditions of Kurtzs location, he knew the natives followed Kurtz, and that it was going to be a gruesome scene when he arrived. Arms and the Man is one of George Bernard Shaw's successfully written plays that have become predominant and globally renowned EssayMarlow sees this, and now feels as if he must take care of Kurtz, to save an extraordinary human being. This is the exact opposite of how Willard feels in the movie. Willard is almost the exact opposite of Marlow, and he shows it from the beginning to the end of the movie. Willard begins the movie in a hotel room drunk, exploring the depths of his sorrow. Willard is experiencing with drawl from not being out in the jungle, fighting fordemocracy. Willard wishes to return to action, and soon his wish is granted. He is given a secret mission by the army to assassinate Kurtz. Willard does not seem up to the idea of being an assassin as he begins his journey, but by the end he has transformed into a full-fledged killer. Meeting Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore definitely has an effect on Willard. Kilgore shows Willard that life is difficult, and to be an American means being the best at everything. This is shown in the scene where Kilgore and his men are bombing a Vietnamese town, while playing music in the background. The music symbolizes American superiority and a feeling of invincibility. Willard and his crew are now making their way upriver, and they spot a Vietnamese fishing boat. Pulling it over for inspection, the situation drastically changes and they kill innocent people, but save a puppy. Willard is shown sitting on the opposite side of the boat observing as the event unfolds. Willard seems to notice the recklessness that life brings, and the utter disregard for life that the crew seemed to display. The only member who shows some sympathy is the Chef, who cries, but is ignored by the rest of the crew as if nothing had happened. It seems as if Willard suddenly cares less and less about the lives of others as he saw how fragile it was and how it easy it was to take it away. Willards conscience breaks when Lawrence Fishburnes character died. A child had died to fight in a war that made no sense, and now Willard is finally set on his mission to kill. As he pulls up into Kurtzs base, Willard sees the sickness and decided to rid of it. Meeting with the madman Kurtz only makes things worse, Willard is disgusted at what was going on. After he kills Kurtz, Willard seems confused on what he would do next, weather to give the order to bomb the village or let the innocent followers live. It was a major difference from Heart of Darkness, where Marlow goes back to England a more educated person, but not necessarily a mentally scarred person such as Willard. Though there are various differences and slight similarities, Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now both portray the same journey into the jungle and inescapably into each characters self. Although located in different regions of the world, in different time periods, with different factors, each character faced many different events and situations that inevitably changed their perspective. Marlow ultimately learned of the value of a life, and the effects one man can have on another. On the other hand Willard had gained a total disregard for human beings, and will probably stayed in the assassin mindset for a long period of time after the Vietnam War was over. Whether book or movie the ending was the same, the entertainment came in the subtle differences one could notice.

Overpopulation vs Overconsumption Essay Example

Overpopulation vs Overconsumption Paper In the article â€Å"Brazil: Amazon Deforestation Seen Surging†, the author Reuters discusses the cause and effect of deforestation of the South American rainforest’s. Another article entitled â€Å"Prevent Corals, Fish and Whales from Ocean Acidification† written by the Center for Biological Diversity, approaches a different yet describes similar causes. Articles like these are being posted on the Internet constantly, causing people to question the source and suction Of these problems. In order for the solution to be found, the root of these problems must be brought to light. 1 2] In recent discussions regarding humans affect on the environment, the introverts lies with whether overpopulation or overcompensation is more harm to the environment, culture and the living conditions of future generations. The stakeholders affected by these issues are humans, including the general population (nationally and internationally), the government, and future generations. Societal consensus assumed that overpopulation is the main culprit. People often identify overpopulation with food shortages, farming of marginal lands, and detrimental effects on the environment. Another view highlights overcompensation as the main culprit because it rumps the negative effects of overpopulation. In sum, the question is whether our society should be more concerned about the large population growth occurring in places such as India, or the large amount of consumption in countries such as the U. S. Finding a solution to this issue will be complicated but is vital for those effected. The solution itself poses many questions: Who is responsible for the effects that are caused by overcompensation and overpopulation? Who will to take action and help solve the problem? How do we going to prevent further detriment to the earth and humanity? Overcompensation: Overcompensation has a detrimental affect on the environment, and our culture and our economy forces this issue into light. Those that believe that this is the main cause to these issues pose a good argument; their main point is that a small fraction of the world’s population consumes the majority of the resources being produced. While it may seem like overpopulation is the issue at hand, this view shows that this may not be true, by stating different facts and beliefs that shows otherwise. We will write a custom essay sample on Overpopulation vs Overconsumption specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Overpopulation vs Overconsumption specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Overpopulation vs Overconsumption specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In a response to this controversy, a teacher in the SHiPS Teachers Network ousted a case study in which he or argues that overcompensation has more affect on humanity. The author makes it clear that he or she is biased, but gives facts that prove overcompensation is to blame. The teacher proves his or her point by stating some facts may be misconstrued. â€Å"One author recently conveyed the alarming disparity in birth rates: in three generations, a German woman would have 6 descendants, in the U. S. , 14, and in Africa, 258. The implication, of course, was that by the middle of the next century, Africans would be depleting resources 18 times more quickly and damaging the environment 18 times more severely than people in industrialized nations. † [5] This data leads one to believe that the main cause for the damage is overpopulation. But the author retorts with a strong argument to further his or her point. â€Å"Who most affects the environment? According to one estimate, a person in the U. S. Has 50 times more adverse impact than someone in Bangladesh. An American, on the average, consumes 50 times as much steel and 300 times as much plastic as someone in India. When one examines consumption rather than just population, the environmental problem Of scarcity looks very different. † The author then compares consumption to the camper’s familiar backcountry ethics saying, â€Å"leave a campsite as you found it†, his or her point is that people that consume more than they produce are doing something wrong. After reading this teachers response, one could easily come to the conclusion that overcompensation is to blame. 5] After further research, an equation was found that could calculate the impact on humanity by taking into account three simple variables. The following can sum up the equation. Impact is equal to population multiplied y affluence (per capita consumption) multiplied by the technology used to produce goods (energy, waste). Paul Earlier created this equation, his point being that per capita consumption and technology are just as significant as the number of people when it comes to the impact on humanity. With this idea, it is easy to see how all three variables play an equal part in this issue. Overpopulation: While overcompensation seems to pose the greatest and most immediate threat, overpopulation is not to be ignored or taken lightly. In the world today, We kick at places like India and China and cringe when We hear the Vast mounts of people that live there. With an exponential growth rate, and reports of overcrowding in places all over the world, it is understandable that overpopulation is on the minds of the general population. While those who believe overpopulation is to blame, they understand that both issues pose a problem to the world today. Regardless of which has a bigger affect on earth’s resources, they accept the fact that most of the earth’s resources are being consumed by the few. The main argument that they make is that overcompensation is a huge problem, and overpopulation amplifies the impact that it has. In the article ‘Where Should We Focus†, author Michael Hander delves into the controversy of overcompensation versus overpopulation. In this article, Hander first approaches the argument by stating a common goal of both parties. He focuses on the idea that because of our current rate of consumption, and the fast growth rate of the population, humanity cannot be sustained. By comparing the consumption of large economic nations, and those of third world countries, Hander contrasts the lifestyles of the average American with that of one from a developing country. â€Å"On the other hand, cost third world consumption levels are between 0. 5 and 5 percent of ours. This vast difference is not because these people recycle, use little plastic or don’t drive a turbo-charged car O it IS because they have no car, no central heat, no refrigerator, and maybe no house at all! He then explains that Americans should not think of themselves as selfish as long as they consume at a reasonable rate. He goes on to state that Americans not only believe that they are morally right in consuming a reasonable amount, but they desire this level of consumption. Hander states, â€Å"It is this lack of the most basic items, teems which most of us believe every human should be able to have, which make up most of the consumption difference between the haves and the have onto†¦ We need to allow all of the world’s citizens a reasonable lifestyle while at the same time heading toward sustainability. Hander furthers his point by saying that overpopulation is more important in the long run. Keeping his previous ideas in mind, he makes the statement that â€Å"overpopulation occurs at a lower point with a higher standard of living†. This makes sense because the third world countries will be consuming these items Americans consider basic once they develop further, raising the overall consumption of the world. In order for this to be achieved, population needs to be lowered. In the mind of Hander overpopulation control is not just as important to sustaining the earth, but more important. 13] Common Ground: While all views on this topic understand that both arguments have importance, they each seem to find their own views of higher importance. But while they lack this ability to agree on who causes the most problems, they both take responsibility for the effects that they have on humanity and everything that is concerned. In order to make it easier, breaking up the effects of these two issues is essential. The effects on culture and the environment are the same, regardless of the cause, and will be covered thoroughly. To start, the most obvious effect of these two issues is displayed in the environment. As the population continues to grow, and consumption in 3rd world countries rises, we will eventually run out of room and supplies to sustain the general population. While this is a long-term affect that is unlikely to ever have a solution, there are short-term affects that inhibit our ability as unmans to enjoy living on this beautiful earth. As discussed in the introduction, deforestation and the decreasing numbers in fish, whales, and coral are examples of extreme effects on the environment. According to Amy Hardwood in the article â€Å"Overpopulation and Extinction† we are currently in Earth’s sixth mass extinction. In her article she estimates that 30,000 species are going extinct every year. Hardwood effectively shows a direct relationship between population increase, and extinction rate. She observes that this is the first of the 6 mass extinctions on earth to be caused by one species, and to planetary or galactic processes. With obvious examples displayed before us everyday, it would be ignorant to not acknowledge the detrimental effects that overpopulation and consumption are having on the environment. 7] Interestingly, overcompensation and overpopulation affect the way we live and have far reaching cultural effects. Because we see the harm that we are causing, we find it essential to do something in order to prevent this. This may be using less energy, recycling, buying less materialistic items, etc. A much deeper effects can be related directly to these issues. In an article Ritter by Knap Shah called â€Å"Creating the Consumer’, Shah expands the idea that consumption in America hasn’t always been so abundant. To support this claim, the author highlights the mindset of Americans as early settlers or Europeans. He describes how living conservatively used to be the norm, and only the wealthy were able to live lavishly and spend excess amounts on comfort. This mindset was maintained by religion and social pressure because spending lavishly was frowned upon and considered wasteful. [2] In a Survey conducted by Hander, â€Å"only 21 percent said they would be willing o do without a car and only 13 percent would forgo their Quarter-bounders with cheese†. 13] then read, â€Å"Overcompensation won’t Save America† by David Scrota. The description of an American that Scrota gave was that of a selfish and ignorant person. He describes the American mindset with the phrase â€Å"shop till you drop†, and mentions that it is a vital flaw in most Americans. â€Å"The most recent holiday binge exemplified the impending crisis. Despite persistent unemployment, flat wages and higher prices for necessities (food, healthcare, etc. ), America nonetheless went on its usual post-Thanksgiving buying spree. This frustrated me, while at the same time motivating me to find a way to learn from his words. [1 0] When considering possible solutions, it is important to take all sides into account. While this may not seem possible due to the vast differences in opinions, it may be feasible. With this in mind it is key to look past the arguments posed by each side, and use the middle ground to find a solution. The question that needs an answer isn’t which poses a greater threat to the world, the people who live here, and the people who will live here. But, it is how humans can work together to formulate a method to slow the institution of this earth’s resources and space. In order for this to be accomplished, it is key that both sides understand the importance of the opposing view. By reading through many articles and papers written from both point of views, it should be easier to formulate a plan. As they both have proven to be threats to the world, so too should the solution incorporate both problems. Overcompensation is the short-term problem of the two, and as such this problem should be solved first. There is no easy way to prevent higher output countries like America from consuming more than their fair share. But cause these places with higher consumption are shown to have a higher gap, we can infer that they also have a higher standard of education. While this is not true in all circumstances, it is true for America, and we definitely are to blame for consuming way over the average. â€Å"With world population at 6 billion and rising, the richest 20% of humanity consumes 86% of all goods and services used, while the poorest fifth consumes just 1. 3%. [4] With this in mind, preventing overcompensation will have to Start in these higher educated, yet over consuming countries. The idea is to appeal to the nations tit higher education. With proof that material objects don’t create happiness, it is important to show that the lower consuming, and lower standards of living may be a more appealing lifestyle. â€Å"First, we need to recognize that there are more effective and satisfying ways to achieve fulfillment than by simply buying more stuff. † [9] In this article, â€Å"Toward a Solution† author Vicki Robin shows the relationship between the need for money, and unhappiness. She captivates the reader by showing that it is time spent doing what we love with people we love that makes us happy, and not mime spent earning money to buy more and more goods adjust cause stress and complications. Robin proves her point by stating, m{et surveys have shown that our happiness peaked in 1957, when families had smaller houses, 1 car (at most), 1 bathroom and 1 television (black white)–and Vicars, personal computers and cordless phones didn’t exist. † Here lies the solution. This county was brought into debt and want for material needs through social pressure and advertising. By eliminating the idea that money buys happiness, and having more things will satisfy our wants, we should be able o reduce our consumption to reasonable levels. In order to do this the country will have to work as a whole. Children of this generation, while being spoiled and materialistic, seem to have seen the effects that this material wants have had on their parents and their lifestyles. People are saving more, learning to stay out of debt and manage their money more wisely. This is just the start but with a push, a lower and a more realistic standard of living may bloom. When it comes to overpopulation, there is no easy answer to this beast of a problem. Humans reproducing at an exponential rate will eventually use up ND destroy earth, as we know it. This is inevitable. But small changes to our culture and cultures around the world may slow this growth, and increase our time and happiness here. In my opinion the solution to this is simple. It doesn’t include limiting the number of children couples can have, or killing those who don’t deserve the space they are taking up. In my mind the solution to this is to enjoy our time while we can. This plays largely into the solution given for overcompensation.