The Perils of Obedience by Stanley Milgram Essay -- Stanley Milgram T

â€Å"The Perils of Obedience† was written by Stanley Milgram in 1974. In the essay he describes his experiments on obedience to authority. I feel as though this is a great psychology essay and will be used in psychology 101 classes for generations to come. The essay describes how people are willing to do almost anything that they are told no matter how immoral the action is or how much pain it may cause.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This essay even though it was written in 1974 is still used today because of its historical importance. The experiment attempts to figure out why the Nazi’s followed Hitler. Even though what he told them to do was morally wrong and they did it anyway. If this essay can help figure out why Hitler was able to do what he was then able to do, then maybe psychologists can figure out how to prevent something like that from happening again.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Perils of Obedience† is about an experiment that was made to test the obedience of ordinary people. There are two people who come and perform in the lab, one is the subject or the teacher and the other is an actor or the learner. The teacher doesn’t know that the learner is an actor. They are there to see how far someone would go on causing someone pain just because they were told to do so the authority figure. The learner is given a list of word pairs and has to memorize them. Then he has to remember the second word of the pair when he hears the first word. If he is incorrect the â€Å"teacher† will shock him until he gets it rig...

Initiation in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay

Initiation in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn In the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, â€Å"Initiation† is the main idea, in other words the â€Å"major theme.† In an initiation narrative, the protagonist, who in this case was Huck Finn, goes through a rite of passage, a growing up process, which is multifaceted. In a moment of crisis, the protagonist is suddenly obliged to make the painful and alarming transition from childhood to adulthood; this passage is known as the initiation. The initiation is the protagonist’s first step or movement into a new beginning. It is essentially a process by which the hero gains self-knowledge and finds his own identity. In the process, he also learns about the world in which he lives and the nature of evil. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is a novel...

Behavior therapy and ADHD

ADHD is Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder which is a biopsychosocial disorder or neurobehavioral problem characterized by numerous problems including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. These problems pose a lot of difficulties in learning at school, home, at work and in relationships. About 3%-5% of children are affected by this problem out of which 30%-70% continue to show symptoms even to adulthood (Curtis, 2008).The symptoms associated with ADHD are of three types. One is having attention deficiencies in that the affected person is distracted very easily and also exhibits difficulties focusing on a given task.Secondly, the patient is prone to doing things before thinking about the consequences or the impacts they would have on themselves and the people around them. For instance, becoming too angry than the situation calls for, laughing or talking too loud, teens and adults may hurriedly make decisions that would impact the rest of their lives negatively like spendi ng money recklessly. The third type of symptom is hyperactivity in which affected children may fidget, run around at inappropriate times or squirm while adults and teens are restless and are unable to enjoy their quiet times or studying (Curtis, 2008).ADHD causes can be attributed to biological, social, experiential and strong genetic factors. The use of medication for treating this condition is not without serious side effects. By adopting behavioral approaches, the myriad of challenges faced by the affected children such as school failure, school drop out, behavioral disorders, depression, relationship and vocational problems can be significantly reduced and eventually overcome instead of relying on medications which only add more problems by causing serious side effects and whose long term outcome poses a threat to the life of the patient.Moreover, whether a child is affected by ADHD or not, such problems associated with ADHD may still be evident in psychologically healthy childr en. This paper will discuss how lack of adequately monitoring and controlling behavioral patterns at early childhood has resulted in many parents branding their children ADHD affected. It will show how behavioral strategies can be used extensively to deal with behavioral problems which may be mistakenly associated ADHD.Instead of using medications which cause more harm to the children to whom they are prescribed, the paper will justify by use of real and practical examples of other approaches which if well applied would eliminate the harms of relying on medicine. 2. 0 Why medication is not a remedy for treating ADHD Though there are several documented benefits associated with using stimulant medication for treating ADHD, it has not offered a complete remedy due to a number of reasons.It is first of all worth noting that the side effects caused by this medication impedes its administration on a prolonged basis and secondly no real benefits are accrued from medication for up to 20% of children claimed to be affected by ADHD (Rabiner, 2009). Another thing is that ADHD has primary symptoms in addition to other associated problems which cannot be alleviated by medication and therefore the need for employing other means. In addition, some children and many teenagers are strongly opposed to taking medicine which creates more problems when they are forced to take the medication.Moreover, management of children behavior can be effectively done even without the use of medication especially when the symptoms are relatively mild. This can be done through strategies such as positive reinforcement and punishment. 2. 1 Side effects of stimulant medications A stimulant is the commonly used type of medication whose action produces a calming effect on the patient. Other medications are non-stimulants and their mode of action differs from that of the stimulants. There are several side effects caused by the use of stimulants in treating ADHD.The common ones are sleep problems, de creased appetite, irritability, and anxiety in addition to few cases of headaches and stomachaches. There are also other side effects which are less common including some children developing sudden sounds or repetitive movements known as tics and change in personality in which some children appear to be without emotions (nimh. nih. gov, 2009). The US Food and Drug Administration have also warned against possible side effects which though rare may cause fatal consequences. It has pointed that the use of ADHD medication may cause psychiatric or possible cardiovascular problems.The medication-related psychiatric problems include becoming suspicious without any reason, hallucinations, hearing voices and becoming manic even among patients with no history of psychiatric complications. In addition, atomoxetine as one of ADHD medication has been found to cause increased suicidal thoughts in teenagers and children who take the medication than those who do not take it (nimh. nih. gov, 2009). Other non-medical treatment measures are therefore no doubt necessary to combat ADHD in a more safe, effective and easy way. 3. 0 Behavioral treatment for ADHDThis is also referred to as behavior management or behavior therapy whose basis of operation is pegged to the simple understanding of why children would want to behave or act in a socially acceptable manner. There are three reasons for this one being that children are inclined towards pleasing their parents by doing the right things and through this they feel good about themselves when the parents commend and applaud their positive behavior. This is because children are strongly motivated when the relationship with their parents is positive.Another reason is that children want to behave well so as to benefit from the positive consequences that rewards and privileges associated with good behavior. The last basic reason is that children would want to avoid the repercussions of acting inappropriately such as being punished. There fore, behavior therapy endeavors in enhancing the desire to embrace commendable behavior by all children whether affected with ADHD or not in order to please their parents and also to get positive consequences by behaving correctly.At the same time, inappropriate behavior is suppressed and highly discouraged by creating an environment which guarantees negative consequences after displaying undesirable behavior (Rabiner, 2009). Lack of understanding of this important concept has resulted in many parents making incorrect decisions such as taking their children to psychiatrists who may prescribe medicine for ADHD only to cause health problems to the children who are absolutely normal.Through the efforts of parents and their children, the tools of this approach can be effectively applied to do away with such predicaments and unwarranted over reliance on medicine since the practicability of the method carries no doubt. There are different tools that are essential for positive behavior ou tcome to be achieved. 3. 1 Positive Reinforcement This is based on the understanding that children would be motivated to behave positively if by doing this there is a reward or positive consequences to be gained.This therefore calls for the parent to devise means of increasing the frequency of good behavior by simply offering a reward when the child displays good behavior. The parent ought to be keen on noticing the desired behavior such as putting away toys or playing quietly and not hesitating to comment on the behavior. This approach also entails helping the child to understand what the parent wants him or her to do and ensuring that positive comments or praise is directed to the child every time the behavior occurs.The logic behind these social rewards is that the desire of the child to behave well is enhanced by realizing that the parents are keen to notice and appreciate them (Rabiner, 2009). This keeps at bay defiant or undesirable behavior for which most may be tempted to co ntemplate using medicine. Apart from social rewards, tangible rewards are a form of positive reinforcement. Parents should be enthusiastic to give tokens or privileges to children whether affected with ADHD or not every time positive behavior occurs. This enhances compliance and obedience to requests made by parents.For instance, a parent can explain to a child that each time a request is obeyed, a point is earned. The accumulated points can then be used to obtain a privilege such as access to computer time. 3. 2 Punishing appropriately Punishment is an appropriate strategy to use especially when the behavior is as a result of direct non-compliance or violation of rules. However, punishment cannot be done in solidarity and expect that it will change the long term behavior of children whether ADHD affected or not. Rather, it should always be accompanied with a managing strategy so as to precipitate the anticipated results.The logic behind punishment is that every time a certain behav ior is accompanied with consistent negative consequences, the frequency and intensity with which it will occur over time will diminish and eventually disappear. The child should be made to understand that every time the behavioral expectations are not met, negative consequences are always the result and that bad behavior has absolutely no pay-off. Many parents have failed to apply this important approach resulting in a rise in inappropriate behavior and poor performance in academics by many children.Due to this kind of reluctance on the side of the parent, many normal children have continuously displayed defiance and many have resulted into using antipsychotic medicine on these children in an effort to curb the problem. Punishment is critical in stopping negative behavior and can take many forms such as reprimands, detention, criticism, extra work, and corporal punishment (kidscoinsproductions. com, n. d). The different forms of punishment should be used interchangeably so that if o ne fails to give the expected change, a different one is employed.3. 3 Response cost techniques This refers to different forms of punishment in which the likelihood of losing what has already been earned is determined entirely by the mode of behavior or conduct of a child. Parents with children displaying inappropriate behavior can apply this practical approach to influence their behavior instead of making the conclusion that ADHD is the problem. Its effectiveness is as good as those of giving social and tangible rewards but is especially suitable when used in older children and teens.An example would be to start by giving the whole token say $5 at the start of the week instead of giving it at the end of the week after the child has behaved as expected. This allowance may be placed somewhere in a transparent vessel and a promise made to the child that as long appropriate behavior is maintained throughout the agreed time period, all the $5. 00 belongs to the child. Whenever the child violates the agreed upon set of rules, a dollar is removed from the vessel and this continues to the end of the week upon which the child gets whatever is remaining (Goldstein, 1999).This is a good way of making the child work hard to maintain appropriate behavior so as not to lose the already available reward. 3. 4 Special time Children sometimes find themselves having frustrations caused different challenges they face at school or even at home which can easily jeopardize the good relationship between them and their parents. The frustrations can also be caused by mood swings or being disappointed with friends which thus does not mean that they are having ADHD.These frustrations can create feelings of anger and trigger conflicts which only put the children-parent relationship at risk with the good times completely dwindling if the situation is not strategically contained. With the understanding of how behavior therapy works, parents can capitalize on the natural inclination of chil dren to please their parents when relationships are positive. This calls for the creation of a special time program whose entire focus is mending the badly affected feelings between parent and child.The parent can allocate at least 30 minutes everyday which is designated â€Å"special time† for the child during which the child can choose the desirable activity which must be commensurate with the purpose of the program (Rabiner, 2009). The parent ought not to give commands or ask a lot of questions during this time and the whole focus should be having quality time with the child. The parent should tune into the activity of the child in a complementary and interested manner such that the child will become more motivated to carry on with the activity.The parent should express the feelings of being pleased by for instance commenting positively on the efforts of the child. With time, the natural inclination to please the parent will find its way in and the child will now focus on doing it right and avoiding anything that would displease the parent. Through this, limit setting and discipline is done with ease. 3. 5 Non-Compliance vs. Incompetence Children whether having ADHD or not may display non-compliance to given rules or instructions and therefore there needs to be effective means of dealing with this problem as early as possible in the life of the child.The best way to overcome non-compliance is through manipulating and applying different consequences with the most effective being that of negative consequences through different forms of punishment. On the other hand, children who display incompetence for instance in understanding academic concepts in school should be helped through intensive skill building and educational training. Such children should also be allowed to make choices of what activity they feel they are capable of excelling in. This calls for the parents and teachers to be highly observant and assist the children to make the appropriate choices.This will eliminate the misplaced thoughts in such children that they are incapable of performing which is a source of depression and hopelessness which creates more defiant behavior. Instead of hastening to use medicine with the notion that ADHD has clipped in, such practical approaches are the best since they help avoid the harms associated with using drugs. 4. 0 Conclusion ADHD may be a disorder which is in existence or not but either way, lack of proper use of practical means to ensure sustainable appropriate behavior has resulted in many kids in the US being labeled ADHD-affected.The consequences of using medication to improve behavior and school performance have only created more problems than solutions which indicate that the right approaches are not yet exploited. Behavioral therapy as opposed to chemotherapy ought to be upheld and strategies like punishment properly used by parents and teachers. Assumptions that all behavioral problems emanate from a mental disorder should not be made. References Curtis, J. (2008). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What It Is and Who Is Affected. Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www. health. com/health/condition-article/0,,20251884,00. html Goldstein, S.(1999). The Facts About ADHD. Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www. samgoldstein. com/node/21 kidscoinsproductions. com. (n. d). Designing a Behavioural Modification Program. Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www. kidscoinsproductions. com/Research/Behavioural_mgt. htm nimh. nih. gov. (2009). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www. nimh. nih. gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index. shtml Rabiner, D. (2009). Behavioral Treatment for ADHD: An Overview. Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www. athealth. com/Consumer/farticles/Rabiner. html

Educational Program on Tobacco Abuse and Addiction Essay

Tobacco is a farming produce that is used for smoking through the form of a cigarette. It normally contains nicotine as well as harmane. Tobacco causes so many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and lung diseases. Generally tobacco is smoked, sucked, chewed and snuffed. They contain a very high addictive psychoactive ingredient called nicotine. Tobacco is even worse compared to other drugs. Nicotine is also a very addictive substance clearly known by man and it is very strong and acts very fast. Nicotine is a drug which has many different effects within the body and it stimulates one’s system, even if it makes one feel more relaxed. Nicotine also affects the chemicals in the brain and immediately after the puff one begins to feel high for a second and that is the reason why so many smokers look at smoking as stress relief since they are under pressure. Nevertheless, the program is designed purposely to motivate and educate teenagers and young adults between ages 23-30 the major effects one experiences after tobacco abuse. The program will address the effects of tobacco abuse and it is aimed at increasing the adult’s knowledge of the major effects of tobacco use. The adults between 23 years and 30 years will experience so many activities that will permit them to keep away from using tobacco. During the presentation, all the aforementioned adults will be able to know the effects of nicotine and alcohol cancer being one of them. On the other hand, nicotine tends to cause short-term chances of high blood pressure, heart rate, as well as the flow of the blood right from the heart. Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen that the blood carries. The long term effects of smoking causes persistent lung disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke, with cancer of the larynx, lungs, mouth, esophagus and bladder. It goes ahead and forms cancer, cervix and the kidneys. The educational program is going to address all this effects of tobacco such that all the adults will be aware and stop taking tobacco.

Ap English- the Jungle by Upton Sinclair

The wedding between Jurgis and Ona is an epitome of the various problems in Packingtown. The way the saloon keeper took advantage of the couple is representative of the dishonesty and thievery from the surrounding society. The crowd stranded outside the wedding symbolizes the helpless and hungry inhabitants of Packingtown. When the newlyweds allowed these people into the wedding they quickly transformed into an â€Å"every man for themselves† perspective. In retrospect, the disregard for others that thrived in the society by not providing a money donation to the bride and groom was prevalent. The wedding demonstrates the struggle of Packingtown’s society as well as the future it forces upon its citizens. 2. Vivid Imagery: †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"These bare places were grown up with dingy, yellow weeds, hiding innumerable tomato-cans, innumerable children played upon them, chasing one another here and there, screaming and fighting. † This excerpt describes the area in which the children would play. Sinclair uses words like, â€Å"dingy† to emphasize the situation in which the kids grew up in. â€Å"One wondered about this, as also about the swarms of flies which hung about the scene, literally blackening the air, and the strange, fetid odor which assailed ones nostrils, a ghastly odor, of all the dead things of the universe. † Here Sinclair depicts the horrible situations that people had to deal with when living in Packingtown. When Sinclair talks about the flies blackening the sky, the reader is able to make a mental image of how awful the conditions were. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"One with a swift stroke cut the throat; another with two swift strokes severed the head, which fell to the floor and vanished through a hole. Another made a slit down the body; a second opened the body wider , a third with a saw cut the breast-bone; a fourth loosened the entrails; a fifth pulled them out — and they also slid through a hole in the floor. † In this passage Sinclair gives the reader a grotesque image of the working areas in Packingtown. The crude images are very descriptive and add a sense of reality to the story. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Little by little the scene grew plain: towering, black building here and there, long rows of shops and sheds, little railways branching everywhere, bare gray cinders under foot and oceans of billowing black smoke above. While describing the steel mill’s surroundings, Sinclair uses a metaphor to emphasize the environment around the building, â€Å"†¦oceans of billowing black smoke above. † †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"†¦deafening thunder, and whistles shrieked warnings on all sides of him at once; where miniature steam-engines came rushing upon him, and sizzling, q uivering, white-hot masses of metal sped past him, and explosions of fire and flaming sparks dazzled him and scorched his face. † When describing the inner parts of the steel mills, Sinclair uses sensory words to grab the reader’s attention. Words like, â€Å"deafening†, â€Å"shrieked†, â€Å"sizzling†, â€Å"white-hot masses†, â€Å"dazzled† and â€Å"scorched,† add to the mental image portrayed when reading this passage. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"†¦by the stage, he saw the stage, he saw three giant caldrons, big enough for all the devils of hell to brew their broth in, full of something white and blinding, bubbling and splashing, roaring as if volcanoes were blowing through it—one had to shout to be heard in the place. †In this selection the author uses very descriptive language to increase the impact of the scene. â€Å"The devils of hell to brew their broth,† this statement is very intense and strong. It is showing the ways of the steel mill as a hell-like place. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"†¦there fell a pillar of white flame, dazzling as the sun, swishing like a huge tree in the forest. † This example shows how the author is able to use similes to validate the image. With his descriptive words the reader is able to picture the situation clearly. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å" Out of regions of wonder it streamed, the very river of life; and the soul leaped up at the sight of it, fled back upon it, swift and restless, back into far-off lands, where beauty and terror dwell. † This passage is very dramatic. The way Sinclair masterfully creates an image of a â€Å"river of life† and â€Å"the soul leaped up at the sight† is incredible. He is able to give the reader a front row perspective when reading the section. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"So amid deafening uproar it clattered to and fro, growing thinner and flatter and longer. The ingot seemed almost a living thing; it did not want to run this mad course, but it was in the grip of fate, it was tumbled upon, screeching and clanking and shivering in protest. † In this passage the author uses personification to describe the steel mill workplace. When uses this literary term he leaves the reader with a strong image of the steel mill. He gives the ingot a personality and emotion. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"By and by it was long and thin, a great red snake escaped from purgatory; and then, as it slid through the rollers, you would have sworn that it was alive — it writhed and squirmed, and wriggles and shudders passed out through its tail, all but flinging it off by their violence. † This last quote adds to the personification of the ingot. The personification used here is a clear example of Sinclair’s mind thinking, and creativity. The words used here that add to the imagery are, â€Å"squirmed†, â€Å"wiggled†, â€Å"flinging. † All of these words create vivid imagery for the reader. 3. Sympathy: †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Then suddenly her eyes opened one instant. One instant she looked at him there was a flash of recognition between them†¦. she faded from him, she slipped back and she was gone. † In this passage Sinclair uses emotion to pull the reader in. He gives the readers a sign of hope when Ona opens her eye, then he crushes them down when saying she is gone. The reader feels the emotion that Jurgis is feeling when dealing with the death of his wife because of Sinclair’s way of making his words into reality. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"He clutched her hands, he shook her, he caught her in his arms and pressed her to him; but she lay cold and still—she was gone—she was gone! † In this passage Sinclair emphasizes the emotion of Jurgis by repeating his last few words. His use of alliteration adds an echo to an intense scene. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"He gripped his hands and set his teeth together—he had not wept, and he would not—not a tear! It was past and over, and he was done with it—he would fling it off his shoulders, be free of it. † In this passage Jurgis just found out about the death of Antanas. Jurgis does not want to deal with reality, so he ignores the fact that his son is dead. This makes the reader feel sympathy towards Jurgis in his attempt to evade the truth. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"It should go like a black, hateful nightmare, and in the morning he would be new man. And every time that a thought assailed him—a tender memory, a trace of a tear—he rose up, cursing with rage, and pounded it down. This passage is another example of Jurgis’ persistency. His urge to avoid the situation gives the reader an upfront perspective. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"There should be no more tears and no more tenderness; he had had enough of them—they had sold him into slavery. † This passage helps the reader understand the struggles that Jurgis has had to deal with while in Packingtown. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å" So he went on, tearing up all the flowers from the garden of his soul, and setting his heel upon them. † This passage uses an emotional metaphor to enhance the reader’s point of view. Using flowers as Jurgis’ happiness, and saying that he has pulled them out and stomped on them, shows how depressed Jurgis is. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Then, too, his health came back to him, all his lost youthful vigor, his joy and power that he had mourned and forgotten! It came with a sudden rush, bewildering him, startling him; it was as if his dead childhood had come back to him, laughing and calling! † This side of Jurgis is not recognized by the reader. His emotion here is so happy and excited that it gives the reader hope that Jurgis isn’t all bad. 4. Naturalism: â€Å"They had put him behind bars, as if he had been a wild beast, a thing without sense or reason, without rights, without affections, without feelings. † The author is comparing Jurgis to a wild animal. This is ironic because in Jurgis’ job he had to kill wild animals and enclose them. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"They could tell the whole hateful story of it, set forth the inner soul of a city in which ju stice and honor, women’s bodies and men’s souls were for sale in the market-place, and human beings writhed and fought and fell upon each other like wolves in a pit. † Sinclair compares people to fighting wolves. The beastly characteristics of wolves give the reader an image of hostility between people in society. †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"He nodded to her, and she came and sat by him, and they had one more drink, and then he went upstairs into a room with her, and the wild beast rose up within him and screamed, as it has screamed in the jungle from the dawn of time. † This passage is interesting because it is comparing Jurgis to an animal in the jungle. And it is ironic because the jungle is the title of the book. 5. In chapter 21, Jurgis is struggling to find his sense of stability. There is an excerpt where Sinclair proves this by writing, â€Å"To a man whose whole life had consisted of doing one certain thing all day, until he was so exhausted that he could only lie down and sleep until the next day—and to be now his own master, working as he pleased and when he pleased, and facing a new adventure every hour! † This passage shows the reader that Jurgis is finding a new way of life and realizing that he doesn’t always have to follow what the norm is. In contrast to the way of Packingtown, Jurgis’ new way of life is free and pleasant. Another contrasting issue is how Jurgis starts the book as a strong headed man. He is working hard for his family and their needs. He is positive that America will help his family and only add to their happiness. By the end of the book Jurgis has no family. America took away the only two people in his life that he loved. He begins to lose trust in people and starts to slowly become a dark and hateful man. 6. Diction: â€Å"Just what,† answered the other, â€Å"would be the productive capacity of society if the present resources of science were utilized, we have no means of ascertaining; but we may be sure it would exceed anything that would sound reasonable to minds inured to the ferocious barbarities of Capitalism. The diction used here is describing capitalism as â€Å"ferocious barbarities. † Sinclair is straight to the point when defending his opinion of being against capitalism and for socialism. Vivid Imagery: It was a monster devouring with a thousand mouths, trampling with a thousand hoofs; it was the Great Butcher — it was the spir it of Capitalism made flesh. Upon the ocean of commerce it sailed as a pirate ship; it had hoisted the black flag and declared war upon civilization. In this passage Sinclair uses intense images to enhance his opinion on Capitalism. He only thinks of Capitalism as a bad way of life with no positives. When reading the passage the reader is able to see Capitalism as a ship, sailing on the ocean, and trying to corrupt society. Juxtaposition: The working-man was to fix his hopes upon a future life, while his pockets were picked in this one; he was brought up to frugality, humility, obedience, — in short to all the pseudo-virtues of capitalism. The destiny of civilization would be decided in one final death-struggle between the Red International and the Black, between Socialism and the Roman Catholic Church; while here at home, the stygian midnight of American evangelicalism —Sinclair puts his two opposing societies in the same paragraph to emphasize his point of view. 7. In the beginning of this book Jurgis saw the stockyards as a way to get a better life for him and his family. The stockyards were Jurgis’ backbone, the main supplier of survival. When the stockyards began to reveal the truth of society, Jurgis realized he was doomed. The stockyards developed into Jurgis’ enemy. They took over his life and began to control it. He was forced to work there in order to survive, even though it disgusted him and sometimes hurt him. In the book it says, â€Å"When Jurgis had first come to the stockyards he had been as clean as any working-man could well be. But later on, what with sickness and cold and hunger and discouragement, and the filthiness of his work, and the vermin in his home, he had given up washing in winter, and in summer only as much of him as would go into a basin. † This shows how Jurgis was dependent of the stockyards, and how the stockyards neglected his needs. 8. Upton Sinclair was trying to get sympathy for the workers in Packingtown. He wanted to show the public what conditions were like and how workers suffered. He also wanted to start a socialistic movement, where society would avoid capitalism and head for socialism. But he actually only made readers want to not eat manufactured food. His descriptive scenes showed the readers the true essence of a factory. His vivid imagery, instead of getting sympathy, started a food purity movement. This book influenced people to start the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Part 2 QA: 1. Chicago 2. Buying the house 3. Phil Conner 4. Jack Duane 5. Prostitute. QUOTES: â€Å"I will work harder† – This quote is signifying constant determination that Jurgis possesses and his fear of failure. It’s significant throughout the entire book because he is always trying to make a better life for his family and loved ones and yet he continues to fail. â€Å"I did not want—to do it,† she said, â€Å"I tried—I tried not to do it. I only did it—to save us. It was our only chance. † – This shows the pure desperation of Ona’s family and their struggle to withhold a decent life. The author uses pathos to appeal to the reader’s emotion as he emphasizes their pitiful situation. In their oppressive society liberty and humanity are diminished. â€Å"It’s the second time they’ve sent me up on a trumped charge—I’ve had hard luck and can’t pay them what they want. Why don’t you quit Chicago with me Jurgis? † – This quote shows how Jurgis is ready to disregard morals and leave his life. He wants a different and better life. He is thinking about leaving Chicago and the cruel ways of the Packingtown. â€Å"When people are starving,† the other continued, â€Å"and they have anything with a price, they ought to sell it, I say. I guess you realize it now when it’s too late. Ona could have taken care of us all, in the beginning. † – This quote shows the desperation created in capitalistic system. In order to survive, the abandonment or morality and self-respect is necessary. People need to go with the system and evade original ideas. Sinclair also brings up Ona’s death to make the reader feel sorry for the family. â€Å"You know what to do about it—vote the socialistic ticket! † – This quotes juxtaposition to a paragraph that briefly displays some of the flaws in a socialistic community. It’s basically saying that socialism is the way to go. Essay Questions: 1. When people think of a jungle, they imagine struggle, hardships, a dog eat dog society, where the fittest flourish. The predator and prey in Packingtown also exemplifies the title. The ruthless winters and unsanitary conditions of Packingtown illustrate the primitive ways of a jungle. 2. No this book is not an effective piece of persuasive writing. Throughout the book Sinclair talks about the flaws of capitalism without any solutions. When socialism is finally brought up Jurgis is already starting to have a better life and doesn’t need socialism to save him. Therefore defeating the purpose. . This book should be taught in schools. Many pros of it are that it was written by an American. Also it accurately represents America at the time. Finally the main family live in America and has to deal with the struggle most families in America, at that time, had to deal with. In retrospect, the book contrast with traditional American values and beliefs. Also it pulls a negative quilt ove r the American system, portraying it as a desperate society that is in need of a change. Finally it refutes the American dream by showing death and depression in an â€Å"American family†.

What causes gas prices to fluctuate Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What causes gas prices to fluctuate - Assignment Example f gas in many industries, there are a myriad of reasons that could be attributed to the constant changes in the price of gas, and the lack of price stability on the commodity (Diewert, Greenlees & Hulten, 2010). This research will seek to explore the fundamental reasons that drive the fluctuation of gas prices. The research will be a descriptive study that will be seeking to provide answers to various questions raised in relation to the problem of fluctuating gas prices. The study will involve collection of information concerning the current state of the problem in seeking to determine the factors that have driven the observed phenomenon of price fluctuation (Creswell, 2009). Although the research might not be able to provide conclusive answers, it will be able to present some of the key elements that could be associated with causing the price fluctuations. The study will be able to yield rich data that can be relied on by policy makers in establishing solutions to the problem. The sources of data will include economic journals and other academic materials providing explanations to causes of price changes. A survey of the industry will also provide information about the operational factors within the industry that could be causing price fluctuations. The collected data will be analyzed using STATA, which is a software that facilitates replicable analysis. Qualitative data analysis approaches will be employed to initially analyze the data collected from the various sources (Tracy, 2013). Logical analysis through inductive reasoning will be utilized in seeking to stratify the data before it can be analyzed using the STATA software. The initial analysis will be able to group the collected data into different categories in order to determine the factors that have been identified from the data collection. The stratification will be used to initially identify the factors that have caused the fluctuations in prices of gas. The factors will further be classified

The case of The Office of Fair Trading vs Abbey National Plc & Others Literature review

The case of The Office of Fair Trading vs Abbey National Plc & Others - Literature review Example The appeal starts by Lord Walker. In The appeal, the Supreme court was to give a verdict as whether the OFT should go ahead and undertake investigations to find out if the charges â€Å"the Banks†, which were the appellants, made for unauthorized overdrafts by their customers were fair. At the moment, banks provided retail banking services on grounds that customers’ accounts that lend the bank money are excluded from paying charges to the bank for services offered. Customers whose accounts had authorized overdrafts only paid charges for the money they borrow â€Å"the Banks†. Customers whose accounts had unauthorized overdrafts, however, paid interest on money borrowed besides paying fixed fees for every service they received from â€Å"the banks†. The Office of Fair Trading holds investigative powers on consumer contracts’ fairness terms. The power of the Office of Fair Trading, however, has limitations bound to it. The limitations stipulated in th e Unfair Contract Terms, in Consumer Regulations 1999. The Unfair Contract Terms, in Consumer Regulations 1999, implemented European Council Directive 93/13/EEC. The directives help protect customers and ensure a favorable business environment for fair trading. OFT has the mandate on undertaking this. The provisions regulation 6 (2) (b) give way for evaluate trading activities of a business enterprise or organization. OFT scrutinizes the activities so as to determine the level of fairness of the activities. The OFT scrutinizes contracts and customer satisfaction to determine their fairness. In the case the court of appeal did hold the point of exclusion in the case only to the contracts’ â€Å"core terms†. The court excluded ancillary terms as charges for unauthorized overdrafts on reasons that the charges were within the exclusion. The charges, according to the court, were part of the charges for banking services provided. At first instance ([2008] EWHC 875 (Comm), an d in the Court of Appeal, OFT was successful. Under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, the Office of Fair Trading wished to conduct an investigation on â€Å"the Banks’† relevant terms in their contracts with customers by imposing charges on customers whose accounts had unauthorized overdrafts. The Office of Fair Trade hold mandate to undertake the investigation, notwithstanding regulation 6 (2) (b).The decision of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal that regulation 6 (2) (b) could not deter the OFT from doing the investigation made â€Å"the banks† to file appeal. Lord Walker emphasized the lack of decision on the fairness of the system of charging current account customers with unauthorized overdrafts. The court could only decide on the investigative mandate of the OFT (para 3). Lord Mance reaffirmed the investigative roles of OFT (para 61). Determining whether charges were consisted ‘cost and revenue’ as against â₠¬Ëœthe goods or services distributed in exchange’ within the meaning of the Regulations was the main point to decide on. First, charges were ‘in exchange’ for the transactions to which they relate should the customer have inadequate funds to do so (Para 75). Secondly, regulation 6 (2) (b) no longer had a standing to the â€Å"ancillary† charges in the binding form (Paras 38-41, 47, 78, 112)1. In his reasoning, Lord Mance stated that, if in case the contracts were to serve as the package, then the charges levied would be fair. He further states that the charges