Who we really are Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Who we really are - Essay Example In the case of a country such as the United States, the exercise of locating and ascribing identities to individuals can be a complex process. A country renowned for being the 'melting pot' of cultures, languages and races, people here can draw upon a range of national, cultural and linguistic heritages. The literary works chosen for this essay deal with such complexities. By perusing these literary sources and by performing further analysis upon them, the rest of this essay will attempt to answer the topic 'Who we really are?'. The question mark in the title is taken as a rhetorical device, meaning that it implies a lack of clear-cut answer to the purported question. In other words, the thesis is that socio-cultural markers used to describe an individual's background cannot be given too much importance and should not be taken as definitive of the person; there are dangers and risks in doing so, and there are many advantages in treating identity as a fluid concept. (Evidence/Support 1) In the write-up The People In Me by Robin D. G. Kelley, the author talks about his own multicultural background and in the process makes a valid observation about Americans in general: â€Å"Although folk had trouble naming us, we were never blanks or aliens in a "black world." We were and are "polycultural," and I'm talking about all peoples in the Western world. It is not skin, hair, walk, or talk that renders black people so diverse. Rather, it is the fact that most of them are products of different "cultures" - living cultures, not dead ones. These cultures live in and through us every day, with almost no self-consciousness about hierarchy or meaning. "Polycultural" works better than "multicultural," which implies that cultures are fixed, discrete entities that exist side by side in a kind of zoological approach to culture. Such a view obscures power relations, but often reifies race and gender differences† (Kelley, 2011, p.483) (Evidence/Support 2) The above passage c learly illustrates how identities work in real-life as opposed to how governmental institutions perceive of them in their census statistics. Indeed, 'polycultural heritage' seems the more plausible characteristic of individual identity, as opposed to rigid categorizations. Similarly, in the poem Executive Order 9066 by Dwight Okita, what we see is an instance of the malleability of one's identity - in this case particularly that of national identity. Fourteen year old Ozawa, who is of Japanese descent, is nevertheless fully acculturated as an American girl. And this reflects in her food habits and other interests. (Okita, 2011, p.187) The poem does remind us of the dangers associated with stereotyping through the example of Denise O'Connor's hostile reaction to her friend Ozawa's heritage. For example, at the tender age of 14, young Ozawa must have found it extremely distressing to have been rebuked, snubbed and treated as a criminal by her closest friend Denise. Even if some member s of the Japanese American community had been spying for the benefit of a war enemy, it is totally not acceptable to include children in the suspects' list, let alone the entire community. The rounding up of Japanese Americans during the Second World War is a real event, albeit a disgraceful one in American history. Hence the poem by Dwight Okita has socio-historical significance. And the lesson we can take away is this: the government's distrust of a section of the population is a gross violation of basic rights of its citizens. And Denise's adverse reaction toward Ozawa is just one example of the unfairness of it. In this case of unwarranted distrust, the victimizers were the ones who acted and felt indignant toward the victims. With the unraveling of more information, it

Discuss the Impact that the 911 Attacks had on US Law Enforcement Research Paper

Discuss the Impact that the 911 Attacks had on US Law Enforcement - Research Paper Example This prompted many changes in the country’s law enforcement, to prevent and prepare United States for such attacks in future. This paper discusses the impacts that the September 11 attacks had on the United States law enforcement. Immediately after the attack, George Bush, the then president of the United States declared war on all forms of terrorism. This resulted to drastic measures in the law enforcement to enhance their ability of responding to real and perceived threats from terrorism and other crimes. Currently, Peterson (2005, p61) notes that police in United States have greater surveillance powers than ever before in the history of the country. The era after September 11 attacks witnessed changes in federal laws, interpretation of privacy rules and expansion of technological applications in matters related to security and law enforcement. In addition, methods and circumstances used by police to investigate the public were expanded, a development that has raised concern s that the state violates individual rights for privacy (Kegley, 2003, p13). Proponents of the changes in the law enforcement argue that police should be equipped with all powers necessary to enhance their capacity of dealing with the modern international crime and terrorism. Coupled with increasing application of technology in crime, it is imperative for law enforcers to ensure public safety under highly unpredictable situations. One of the major impacts of September 11 terrorist attack is enhancement of surveillance operations in the United States. According to Kegley (2003, pp79-82) the legal and operational measures have been enhanced to apply greater inspection to minimize threats and apprehend international criminals before they commit crimes. Abrams (2005, p29) argues that the inability of law enforcers to keep in pace with technological developments of international criminals has necessitated the need for improving on their surveillance and intelligence gathering ability. In this respect, law enforcers are increasingly incorporating private and public enterprises to access personal details of people in the country. To enhance greater access to personal information, American lawmakers and legal institutions modified civil privacy protection in response to the attack and anticipated global terrorism threats. After the September 11 attacks in the United States, Abrams(2005, pp53-57) notes that the congress made several amendments on federal laws that gave police greater search and surveillance authority in addition to greater powers of accessing private information. These legal changes initially referred as the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act became the Patriot Act later (Abrams, 2005 p73). Kegley (2003, p50) notes that the Patriot Act modified fifteen laws that mainly dealt with counter-terrorism and gathering foreign intelligence. The provisions in the Patriot Act include broadening the police search powers, consolidating police powers, expansion of domestic intelligence authority among other provisions. Broadening the police search powers provision authorized law enforcers to use enhanced surveillance techniques, search and gathering intelligence. These included allowing sneak and peek search warrants, authority to use tracking and wire tapping devices, monitoring of financial transactions, legalizing the use of investigation gag orders and authority to allow law enforcers

Effect of Massages During Pregnancy

Effect of Massages During Pregnancy Nikita S. Windham Pregnancy and Massage Research has discovered new information that maybe something can be done to help make pregnancy more tolerable that is not only safe but also effective. This solution is known as prenatal massage. Prenatal massage simply put is massage that is personalized specifically to the ever-changing bodies of pregnant women. One benefit of prenatal massage is that it can bring relief to aching muscles and joints. During pregnancy, a womans center of gravity is shifted. This new distribution of weight can put pressure on joints and cause muscles to ache. Massage can provoke the body to release endorphins, which are a natural pain reliever. (Nguyen, 2017) Along with relieving pain, the release of endorphins also contributes to calming the nervous system. The parasympathetic, or rest and digest, system is activated. This allows for better sleep and digestion, which in turn plays a part in decreased stress levels and improved mood. (Nyugen, 2017) Prenatal massage also increases blood circulation. This helps to reduce swelling (edema) and stiffness in muscles as more blood flow travels to those areas. Increased circulation also means that more oxygen and nutrients are pumped to the mother and ultimately the baby. This blood flow stimulates the lymph system, which in turn boosts immunity and toxin elimination. (Nyugen, 2017) Cautions and Contraindications Despite all the many benefits of prenatal massage, there are some instances where massage becomes inadvisable due to the potential harm that it could cause to the mother and baby. Circumstances in which massage should not be given can include sudden migraines, high blood pressure, edema from high blood pressure, preeclampsia, a history of preterm labor, and high-risk pregnancy. (Yogawiz, 2016) High-risk pregnancy can refer to certain conditions such as gestational diabetes, eclampsia, and heart conditions. Pregnant women under 15 or older than 35 and women carrying multiple babies are also considered high risk. Regardless, it is always best for the mother to consult with her doctor before attempting to receive a massage. (Cutler, 2014) Prenatal Massage Controversy There has been much controversy over what areas can and cannot be massaged during certain trimesters of pregnancy. There are specific reflexology points on the body that many have argued should not be pressed or massaged. The ankle is said to be the reflexology point that stimulates uterine contractions. Per Haller, there was a great study in 2014 in which researchers attempted to induce labor in 221 post-due date women by applying acupuncture needles. Even when poking these gals every other day for a week, none of the findings supported reflexology claims. (2015) There is also confusion over whether massage in the first trimester should avoided. It has been said that if a woman is massaged within the first trimester, it could potentially cause a miscarriage. Some sources say that there is no scientifically proven evidence that shows massage causes miscarriage. These sources say that contrary to popular belief, gentle massage can actually be soothing and comforting to both the baby and mother. (Soto, 2013) Despite all the conflicting ideas about massage during pregnancy, one thing can be agreed upon. Prenatal massage should be both beneficial and relaxing for the expectant mother. Pregnancy itself is already difficult, so this therapeutic touch can be a form of nurturing support for the soon to be mom. References Contraindications Of Pregnancy Massage. (2016). Retrieved March 14, 2017, from http://www.yogawiz.com/massage-therapy/pregnancy-massage/pregnancy-massage-contraindications.html#continued Cutler, N. (2014, March 18). High-Risk Pregnancy: Massage Caution or Contraindication? Retrieved March 14, 2017, from http://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2010/05/high-risk_pregn.html Haeller, R. (2015, November 30). Debunking Pregnancy Massage Myths. Retrieved March 14, 2017, from http://momsintow.com/news/debunking_pregnancy_massage_myths Soto, M. L. (2013, September 19). Dispelling the Myth of Avoiding First Trimester Massage. Retrieved March 14, 2017, from https://elementsmassage.com/park-ridge/blog/dispelling-the-myth-of-avoiding-first-trimester-massage Nguyen, Y. (2017, February 02). Prenatal Massage: Get Relief for Your Aches and Pains. Retrieved March 14, 2017, from https://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-massage-get-relief-your-aches-and-pains

censorhf The Banning of Huckleberry Finn Essays -- Adventures Huckleb

No Justification for the Banning of Huckleberry Finn Columnist James J. Kilpatrick wrote that Huck Finn is "a fun book for white boys to read. For black children, I have come to realize, it is a brutal slap in the face." He condemns the book because of its use of the word "nigger." Many school districts have banned this book for the same reason. Since the Civil War, racism has been a very delicate issue with the American public. Whereas some people have tried to transgress this issue, pretending that race no longer plays a significant role in our country, other people still believe that there are serious racial dilemmas in the United States. I am one these people. However, unlike some, I do not believe this problem can be solved by avoiding or sugarcoating the issue of race, as James L. Kilpatrick and several schools appear to be doing. In the novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain presents an adventure story filled with deeper meanings and controversial topics, two in particular being slavery and racism. Despite the usage of the word "nigger" and the stereotypical portrayal of African Americans, I do not think schools have any justification in banning this book from reading lists. Mark Twain wrote Huck Finn during the Reconstruction period in the south, at a time when most Americans wanted to forget all about the institution of slavery and its consequences. However, Twain set the time period of this novel prior to the Civil War when slavery was at its peak. Thus, the racist views he included in the book mirrored the attitudes of most southerners ... ...acist attitudes prevalent in South at this time. For all those school administrators who say that the language and ideology of Twain’s writing is offensive, well, maybe Twain wanted to offend people with this novel. Maybe he wanted to offend them so much that they would come to the realization that individuals should not conform to society’s standards, one of these standards being slavery. Until someone is offended, status quo doesn’t change. Maybe it’s about time that we remove the blindfold from our nation’s youth and stop trying to be politically correct. Maybe it’s about time that kids are exposed to the true horror of racism and prejudice so to detour them from repeating fatal mistakes. High school students are neither naïve nor stupid; they can handle the contents of this novel, and hopefully, learn from Twain’s messages.

Festival Season in Malaysia

Lim Chin Pei Title: Festival Season in Malaysia Malaysia is one of the countries in the world which have multi-racial. Although Malaysia has the most races of citizens in the universe, the Malaysia’s residents can live together peacefully. The ethnics of citizens in Malaysia are Malayan (Muslims), Chinese, Indian (Hindu), Iban, Kadazan and etc. Between, the three major ethnics are Malayan, Chinese and Indian in Malaysia. Because of the multi-racial of Malaysia, there are also many festive season in Malaysia. Malaysia also is the country which has the most festive season in the world.The most interested things are all of the races in Malaysia can celebrate the festival together. The main festival celebrate by the Muslims is the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. The Hari Raya Aidil Fitri are also known as Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated on the first day of the Muslim month of Syawal. The month in Muslim calender before Hari Raya Puasa is the month of Ramadhan. In the month o f Ramadhan, Muslims are not allowed to intake the foods and drinks from sunrise to sunset which is from 7am to 7pm.When the first day of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, the Malayans are go praying in mosque. After that, follow by visit the graves of family members and later parties in evening with relatives and friends. The Muslims also will serve the friends in the parties with delicacies. This tradition is known as the â€Å"open houses†. The other races also are welcome to the Muslims house celebrate the Hari Raya Puasa together to increase the racial relationships. Besides, other festivals of Malays are Awal Muharam, Hari Raya Haji etc.Chinese New Year is the main festival that celebrated by Chinese. Chinese New Year is the first festive season celebrated in every year after the 1st of January New Year. The Chinese New Year is celebrated 15 days which started from the first day of a year in Chinese Lunar calendar. Each year is denoted by one of the 12 animals as depicted by the Ch inese Zodiac. Every Chinese house will be marked in red color of lights, the â€Å"luck† and â€Å"prosperity† mark. Before the first day of Chinese New Year, the Chinese will gathering and eat dinner â€Å"Tuan Yuan Fan† with their families.In the first day of Chinese New Year, the Chinese also will have open house to let the relatives and friends visit. The friends of Chinese originated from other ethnics are also allowed to visit. An Ang Pow will be given by the elders to the youngsters who singles. In tradition, Chinese will play firecrackers, because of the dangerous of firecrackers, the firecrackers are prohibited. Other than Chinese New Year, the tradition festivals of Malaysia’s Chinese are Ching Ming, Wesak Day, Hungry Ghost Festival, The Moon Festival, Nine Emperor Gods Festivals and others.

Wildejade!!!!

In spite f these attributes belonging to an animal, as a human, I consider these attributes significant to my being. I am constantly moving, to move on in my life, hoping to overcome events and face obstacles that are inevitably coming my way. These events that will make me happy, sad and even experience pain; it is something that I expect myself to encounter – Just as a wildebeest would expect as well. What we bring ourselves is pain but it gives us pleasure. My mind and body is as strong as the antlers on the wildebeest, which protect themselves from any dangers.We will always be moving forward no matter the circumstances. One can say, â€Å"l was alone in the crowd,† but that will never be given to express the life of a wildebeest and myself. We are constantly in a crowd or in a wildebeest's case, a heard. We are never alone, or feel alone. We are protective over the ones we love and together as a group, we choose the path that is the best choice. I always have peopl e around me – my friends and especially my family. I am supported and loved all the time. My dad would probably be the leader of the herd.The leader is generally the one that helps dudes his herd into the right direction and give teachings so their child can learn more. In my life, he supports me the most, he is always behind me – helping me obtain my goals and dreams. Furthermore, he will protect me from any dangers because I am his calf. I am standing in the meadows. I could feel the sun beating down on me and the wind rushing past me as it entangles in my hair. The grass is dancing in the wind, the sky is as blue as the ocean and the air is fresh. It smells like freshly born flowers from the early spring.In the distance, a steady beat of a drum an be heard. Overlooking the meadows, I can see dark moving figures come towards me and as they slowly came forward, I could make out the image. There before me, a herd of wildebeests that makes the earth shake and the ground lift up from the crust. In Just seconds, the herd past by me in a quick motion, creating a gust of wind to run by me and I examine them carefully without fear. They were strong, with built bodies, sturdy hooves and determined faces. I look at the baby calves who are trying to catch up to the adults with all their might.They could not run slowly. In a matter of seconds all the hooves of the wild animals are all in sync. The baby calves became strong and fast and matched the rhythm of the adult wildebeests. They have that same look as the adults, fierce and driven. I watch the herd as I see them slowly fading away into the horizon, continuing to move on without hesitation. I am the baby calf. I was Just born and welcomed into this world, a world where I have the ability to learn fast and absorb my surroundings. In other words, I would Jump the gun to do anything to reach my goal.Every day, I constantly pick up information from the people and things around me. I feed on what is happen ing all around my community, Just as a wildebeest would feed on the grass that is their land. Though humans and animals seem like two very different things, they are Just as similar as cats and dogs. To conclude, the attributes of a wildebeest is alike to myself because of we persevere through the challenges, we are protective and we are fast learners. In any situation, I will not give up; I will work hard until I have reached my goal – that is a promise.